#critique the game all ya want

[thedissonantverses]

“This game has too many lore inconsistencies and plot holes.”

Nah see sometimes world states change and that’s a good thing for world-building and not actually an inconsistency or a plot hole you just missed a bunch of stuff. You might be more comfortable with Origins. A lot of people still think it’s the best one for some reason.

“There’s not enough religion.”

Good. We had three games of this. We’re in an entirely new part of the world. Go play Inquisition. You, get this, lead an Inquisition. Never in my life have I thought “You know what this situation needs? More Catholicism!”

“The romances are boring/bad.”

No. The game just doesn’t treat them like the most important part of the story cause it’s not. Go play a different developer’s games for that. There’s a full scope of humanity to explore beyond romance.

“The dialogue is bad.”

Tourist. I was there for “Hawke stepped in the poopy.” I have a tattoo of “swooping is bad” covering most of my back. Well, shit if you wanna miserably side by side the bad dialogue from each game be my guest. There’s a hell of a lot of great dialogue in Veilguard too.

“The elves aren’t acting elfy enough.”

…Kay no you’re done with video games. I know the made up language is neat but you need to stop. The lore and the writers don’t treat races like monolithic cultures so why do you?

Lo siento, I meant “fuck off shem.” Grrrr I’m an elf. This is what elves do.

“Rook is a bad p-”

Oh for fuck’s sake just go play Inquisition again.

[pumpkinrootbeer]

Not to rant about thg but to rant abt thg something that has always bothered me with all the hunger games dupes in the 2010s is the way they hollowly take aspects and apply them on a blanket level onto their world. Like a big critique of the ya genre is "why is it always teenagers in these situations" when thg had this clear explicit reason as to why the age range was teenagers and what that said about this society Suzanne Collins was trying to set up. A fictional society she was pretty explicitly using as a critique of real world american culture. Like it is not subtle!

And yes obviously ya novels use primarily 12-18 yr olds in their stories is because that age rage is typically the most marketable and the hunger games isn't this like radical exception to that, but what makes it stand out to me is that she had a narrative reason for that trope that isn't just "highschool kids meddling"

Just like how so many take the idea of "oppression government" and "being grouped into different divisions of society" at completely face value and don't try to add any meaningful depth. Even the love triangle, an aspect of those books I see torn to shreds constantly, was used as a device to analyze Katniss's character and motivations AND a way to explore that even her relationships are under control of this government. It all had purpose.

[lordsardine]

.

[daemon-in-my-head]

I'm gonna say smth and I need people to read and understand what I mean.

It is perfectly fine to critique games. It doesn't matter what exactly you critique. You don't like the story? Say it. You don't like the combat? Say it. You dislike the way previous lore has been handled? Say it. You dislike the character creator? Say it. You think certain aspects of the game feel lazy or odd? Fucking say it.

Games at this point of time cost 60-70 bucks. Just the game itself. And it's often not even a physical copy, just a digital key they can revoked at any moment if they feel like it. If you want an advantage or a pretty limited skin or what have ya its gonna be 80-150 bucks. Yes that's how outrageous the prices are becoming. Let alone any future DLCs.

And again, it's 60 fucking bucks for just the base game. That's a lot of money for games. Not too long ago you'd be chased with pitchforks and torches had you said your game was that expensive. Some phones are as expensive as two AAA games, games that usually shine with a shit ton of flaws, bugs, missing content, messed up lore and generally feel like the publisher just wanted to make a quick dime. And considering how little time they take to develop, the later often holds true.

But yk what else? If you don't express your disgruntlement or your anger with these practices it's gonna keep going. Shit is only gonna get more expensive while also providing a worse playing experience. Y'all know what the big guys said about BG3. That we, the players, shouldn't expect that to be the new standard.

But hey, listen, we fucking should. It's our money and time. Our enjoyment of long established series or the first title of many. We should expect it to be fucking good and finished especially for such a great prize. We should expect to find entertainment in the things we buy exclusively for entertainment.

So please for the love of god stop attacking people for voicing their very valid and personal opinions. In fact do the opposite and join them and encourage others to do the fucking same. I'm so god damn tired of publishers doing everything only for the sake of sales rather than the art behind it. And yes of course 'the poor employees' and whatever excuses there are for these attacks. Guess fucking what buddy? You encouraging the Publishers behaviour by shutting down any and all criticism and buying whatever the fuck they slapped a name on is just telling them they get away with treating their people like less than shit.

Criticism is healthy. Criticism is required for a system to work and develop in positive ways rather than whatever tf is happening now. Voicing your opinion and critiquing aspects you find poorly handled is not hating a game. It's being disappointed that something you love and are absolutely passionate about was not treated well because some rich guy wanted yet another bonus check.

If a game is shit, call it out. If a system was handled poorly, call it out. If publisher try to limit the content and systems you're exposed to in the first 2 hours because you can still return the game in that period of time, call it the fuck out.

[sacredwrath]

P12. Whip em 101

Torture, whip, panic attack?, defiant whumpee

The whip is slick in Logan's sweaty hands. Fury boils off of him in waves. He wouldn't be surprised if he was physically steaming.

His shirt is still damp with Jesse's tears. He touches the spot, holding it to him like they're still in his arms. He wants to see Morgan cry like that, wants to see him broken like that. What kind of monster-

He hears muffled noises through the door and unlocks it.

“Oh. Just you.” Morgan lounges on the floor, somehow managing to look nonchalant despite his ragged condition. “Thought I heard someone collecting themself outside my door. Thought it might be Jesse.” He pouts

“Why the fuck would Jesse come to see you?” what do you want with them?

“I don't know, it's not like we have history or anything.” He quips

“History that should stay buried in the past.”

He shrugs. “History's history. I'll bet they want the chance to smack me around a bit, ya know, now the tables have turned.”

“That's what I'm here for. They don't want your stink anywhere near them.”

He sniffs, feigning offense. “Hey! Can't blame me for that! You're the one with the shower.”

“Shut up Adrian.”

“Hm, well, looks like you took my advice.” He nods at the whip. “You know how to use one of those?”

“Yes.” he lies

“Oh really? You practice in your bedroom before coming down here?” he smirks.

Logan ignores him, adjusting the whip in his hand

“Go on then, show me what you've got.”

How does this man make him feel like a child even now? It's part of the mind games he plays, but knowing the trick doesn't make it any less effective. He throws the whip, but he's off center and it doesn't crack, just flops lamely in his hand

“Wow… scary.” Adrian mocks. “You need more snap in your wrist.”

Logan just glares at him.

“Hey I'm only tryin to help you. Otherwise we'll just sit here all night while you fumble around with that thing. Go on, try it again. I promise, I won't laugh.” he arranges his face in an expression of attentive over seriousness

“I'm not letting you pretend you're the one in charge here I-” Morgan cuts him off

“Oh please. Spare me your little ego trip.” He rolls his eyes to the ceiling. “Thats real torture. You think there's anything you can do to me I haven't seen before? I might be the one in chains, but baby you're in my fucking world now. This is my life. I'm not pretending you scare me.”

“Weren't so brave last time I saw you.” He snaps. “How're your knees?”

He grins. “Pain’s easy. Anyone can cause pain. Torture is different. Ask Jesse about it next time you're havin a heart to heart.” he winks

Logan growls, raising the whip again.

“There we go! Now, that's almost the form you want, but your swing is too curved. It's not a hammer, your goal isn't to bash me over the head with it. Come on, try to hit me like that.”

To his immense irritation he misses completely.

“See. Think of the whip as an extension of your arm-”

Logan gasps. This fucker can't be serious!

“I'm serious! The point of a whip is to conduct and amplify force along its length into a single point. To do that, your arm needs to mimic the same motion. Think of it like your arm is uncurling from your shoulder then the whip is continuing that motion, uncurling from your hand.”

Logan gives in, trying to follow his instruction. He can feel what the man is describing. Why the hell would he give him good information?

“That's it, you've almost got it, just try to keep your arm straight up and down. Almost like a punch, not a swing.”

He tries again, feeling it crack in his hand. Finally

“There you go, champ!” Morgan claps enthusiasticly. “Now try to hit me with it.” He turns, shrugging off his shirt and presenting his bandaged back. “Just the tip mind.” he smirks

Logan misses the first strike, but his second connects. He grins at Morgan's sudden intake of breath. Before the man can speak he hits him again and Morgan drops to his knees with a cry of pain.

“What? No more smart ass critiques?”

Morgan says nothing

Logan strikes out again, but misses. The man doubles over, gasping regardless.

“Oh you think you're funny?” He hits him again. This strike falling directly across a bandage

Morgan curls in on himself making a noise that almost sounds like a whimper.

“Knock it off fucker. I know that didn't hurt you.”

He cringes, arms wrapping around himself burying his face in the floor.

“Morgan!” He snaps annoyed. It's always some new game with this man. Some new trick. What the hell is this supposed to accomplish?

Logan stalks towards him, clamping a hand on the mans shoulder and dragging him up. Soft keening noises like the sound of a wounded animal issue from his lips, though he doesn't resist.

“Morgan what the fuck?” The man trembles in his grasp. He stares off, gaze vague and unfocused, somewhere past Logan, not really seeing him.

“Hey, Morgan.” He snaps his fingers in front of the man and he flinches back, shrinking away in what can only be fear

“Please.” He whispers

This can't be real. He has to be faking to get out of a whipping, but it's unnerving

The man shrinks away from him. Tears spill over his lashes, but he clutches Logans hand like a lifeline.

"Please. I'll do anything... please... I'm sorry. I swear next time I'll listen to you. I- I- I'll- I'm sorry. Just no more, please no more."

Logan sits dumbfounded. Completely at a loss. The anger in him wants to ignore the man's pleas and do when he came here to do. After all, it's not like anyone would want to be whipped. Makes sense he's begging. He had, on some level, been wanting a reaction like this, hadn't he?

But another part of him balks at the idea

Without warning, something snaps in the man. He starts screaming.

He flails backwards so fast he trips, sprawling on all fours, eyes rolling in his head. His arms fly up to cover his face in supplication or defense Logan can't tell, beside himself in a frantic effort to get away.

His body convulses, breathing so rapidly he runs out of air, screams, turning to whimpered gasps.

"Calm down, what the fuck man." Logan tosses the whip aside, approaching him with hands up in surrender

The man cowers into the corner, lips going purple as he gasps like a fish out of water. Tear filled eyes flickering as they roll up into his head. He colapses. Body going suddenly limp in a heap on the floor.

What the actual fucking hell! Logan fumbles in his pocket for his phone. Misha. The man needs Misha. She'll know what happened, what to do. With clumsy fingers, he taps out a quick message.

Please come quick, somethings happened.

Prev | Masterpost | Next

Tag list: @whumpacabra @turn-the-tables-on-them @kiichu @whatwhump @jay--o @starsick1979

[daisyychainssj]

The day people stop saying they want morally grey characters/villains and then cry and throw up when a character is morally grey/a villain is the day I’ll know peace. Bad who was beloved and trusted by the entire island going off the deep end and lying to basically everyone and kidnapping federation workers is INTERESTING!!!! Foolish has literally said from the start that he’s not as adverse to doing things for the feds as the others he sees this as a game, they’re stuck on the island and after 6 months are no closer to leaving fuck it he’s going to just play both sides for the hell of it. Baghera is keeping important secrets about her past and empathising with federation workers, Jaiden has a very close bond with cucurucho a closer bond (in her opinion) than she has with some of the islanders. Max is becoming a code (maybe idk I can’t wait for him to continue his story) and lying to everyone about what’s really going on. Cellbit accidentally fed info to the feds for weeks. Fit is trying to find data about the islanders and is lying to literally every single person except Ramon. Mouse and Tina are helping foolish snitch on those who were breaking the rules. Like let them be fucked up it would be so boring if everyone on the server was a golden boy hero! yaaaaawn. Obviously we’re allowed to discuss their characters and share opinions and critiques but I wish people would stop freaking out any time a character makes a choice that’s not like the perfect and most morally correct one ya know. Let’s just all enjoy our cubitos being a bit fucked up but we love them anyway 🫶🏻

[alexissara]

Top 10 Comics of 2024 [They're All Sapphic]

Every year is an amazing year for sapphic stories, people are putting out consistently amazing stuff and they will keep doing it even if the world makes it harder and harder. It is a really competitive year this year for my top slot with the top 4 really all being able to be number one so take the order of this list with a grain of salt. I can’t say enough how dazzled I was by some of the stories I read this year and there was a lot of really cute stories that while they didn’t have anything that wowed me I still enjoyed that just didn’t make the cut. Unlike last years list there is no none sapphic stories here, I read some non sapphic stories but they simply didn’t make the cut. So this is a great place for anyone looking for stories about women in love with women. 

Last year I separated Manga from Webcomics and Comics but this year I didn't Read any new Manga, aka not part of an ongoing I was reading from last year that felt worthy of a top spot. So I will be including at least one of those ongoings on this list but they'll be no separate manga list. Here’s hoping 2025 I read so many great comics, Manga and webcomics there three separate lists so I can cheat and share more stories. 

If you end up enjoying this list do remember you can help me afford to make art and engage art by going over to https://www.patreon.com/AlexisSara. I have a rough draft of a novel I am working on ready for 5 dollar + tiers and I give monthly updates for every tier on the video games, ttrpgs, novels and more that i am working on.

10. If You’ll Have Me

This is a cute little modern romance by one of my favorite artists so I had to support it when I was given the chance. This is just a classic romance type story, not a ton of frills or twists to the normal romance formula except that it’s lesbains with a nice art style. A nerdy girl falls for a popular hottie with a reputation for getting around and love blooms through misunderstandings and tough feelings. It’s cute with a great art style, it’s just nice and a great book for if you just want to see a lesbian love story. 

9. LSBN 

This is a short but sweet comic, it isn’t very long, it isn’t particularly deep, some trans lesbians were working on a mech to do big battles but suddenly their hit with an order for peace. Feelings get messy as years of work go down the drain and these women find themselves going to each other and the feelings they all have about this. The art itself is really unique, it has an extremely creative vision of it’s world that is really a spectacle to look at and for sure gives value to actually owning the book rather then checking it out just briefly since it is a fast read. It’s simple, sweet and good.

8. The Marble Queen

This is a YA graphic novel which have a hard chance at making it on a list like this for me, I try to read a lot of them but I have such a hard time getting through them but here I really did get enthusiastic about this story. The biggest carry for the story is definitely the art, really striking art that truly makes this story stand out in the crowd. This is an arranged marriage gay romance where both parties fall in love with one another. It’s a very classic fantasy princesses type story in that way with you know scheming evil family and uproars and restoring order and what not. It is a fun book and the Pirate Woman in this story is very hot and I liked it, it’s just a solid classic formula type story. I have little critiques about it but ultimately I think it’s solid. 

 7. Rainbow! 

This was a turn around of the century for me where I was really not in love with the first half of this story at all but having stuck it through basically exactly where volume 1 ends the story really picks up and starts to be something great. It’s cover and stuff pitches it as a kinda sweet and fluffy romance but this is a drama romance there just isn’t a lot of drama between the romantic interests themselves. This is the story about two women who are being abused in different ways by their mothers falling in love and how they as high schoolers deal with the shifting of their lives through meeting each other and though the new lows their moms push them to. It’s a good story and it’s good to see stories about people who are dealing with this kind of abuse still finding love and figuring out their own ways out of situations. It’s idealistic in some ways but I think some hope isn’t a bad thing to give to people. This is a really sweet story story even when it gets rough and it’s worth folks time. 

 6. Eldritch Darling

One of those comics that feel like they could be on this list every year but it wasn’t on last years list so I feel extra good about giving it a slot this year. This is a very cute small panel comedy romance webcomic. The plot as it were starts with an eldritch monster girl having taken on a human guise falling in love with a woman and trying to keep it together and from there we follow how their relationship blooms, her feelings about human life and her shifting feelings on herself. The relationship shifts and changes and it’s a good story with decent progress and has been slightly expanding out it’s characters and stuff over time as it keeps going. It’s short, sweet, good times for anyone looking for just a nice read. 

 5. The Deep Dark 

A trans and cis woman romance with a ton of mess around them having secrets, toxic people in their lives and more all tied up with just a bit of the magical elements. Mags is a butch lesbian who’s got a big secret, a little monster tied to her she must feed her blood. This secret keeps her detached from everyone but small hookups with a girl who has a boyfriend and doesn’t want to come out. One day Nessa comes back to town, a trans woman and her old best friend, a person she cared so deeply about before the weight of her secret really got to her. She’s dealing with a creepy ex boyfriend and went back to her old home town to get away with him for the summer. Both are hesitant to share what’s going on with the other and both are effected by events that happened when they were a child that caused Nessa to move. The two’s connection is just really good and I like that both these women are very caught up in their own shit at first and really feel like they should be together but maybe can’t because of that. I think this is Molly Knox Ostertag’s best story so far and I am really glad she got to release it. 

4. She Loves To Cook And She Loves To Eat 4

A true masterpiece, I say this every time with She Loves To Cook and She Loves To Eat and I will keep saying it, I imagine She Loves To Cook and She Loves To Eat Volume 5 will be in next year's top 10 too. Sakaomi Yuzaki is simply a master of the craft of manga and storytelling that is beyond most people ever. The way she can capture the raw feelings captured by fatphobia, sexism, homophobia, lesbobia, aphobia, etc all while keeping a fairly soft and cozy tone is truly a testament to her craft. Volume 4 was a brilliant move forward in the story and the romance properly and it’s yet another testament that I enjoyed a fairly big slow burn when I am not a big slow burn enjoyer. The food looks brilliant, the character designs are fantastic, I can’t imagine a world where this story falls off.

3. Superwomen In Love 4 and 5

Having finished this I can say that this is one of the best Yuri Manga of all time. While She Loves To Cook and She Loves To Eat is a masterpiece that makes me think about the true mastery of one of the mediums of art I work in and love the most, this story was just fucking fun as hell for me.We have big love confessions, fusion, action, mechs, and so much more. I really can’t say enough just how much of a blast this story is. I would kill to see this adapted it’s just such a freaking blast and it’s so gay and it’s so much fun. The main couple is really masterfully done and the side characters are all great and thought out to at least some small extent. It makes for a really great cast and a really great time. It’s stupid but it’s like perfectly my kind of stupid and I love it. 

2. The Strange Case of Harleen and Harley

Two of my favorite characters of all time get a fun YA retelling that honestly might be my favorite origin story for both characters ever. Harleen’s life has gone to shit, her and Pamala broke up for a bit and she ended up dating a dude who was a bit unhinged and murdered her bullies. That made her have to move, ruining everything she had going for her the only saving grace from her families judgement, the judgement of people around her and the crushing despair of potentially losing her access to higher education is that her and Pam got back together. Harleen agrees to enter clinical trials with Pamala when she suspects they are doing animal testing and wants to find out, plus it would get Harleen some money for signing up. The shots Harleen is subjected to awaken Harley inside of Harleen and start these two off on an adventure. It fits the characters, it does the representation of plurality so much better than most media I’ve seen, it doesn’t condemn doing crimes at all which is great for a villain story, it instead lets us just see criminals as people who make choices and you can judge those choices on your own. You will though be shown the rich fuckers running these experiments and hate them and it’s great. I really love this story, it’s probably my favorite YA book, it might be my favorite superhero comic ever, it’s just great. 

1. Sunset Phoenix 

Lesbian Monsters, I did it that’s the review, shouldn’t have to sell it further than this. I will though, it’s a fantastical setting with magic but also very modern. Our Mob Boss is a Phoenix meaning she’s immortal unless you kill her with a special blade only a Phoenix can make. Someone kills another one of the Phoenix’s who run the city and the mobs and attempts to frame her spy for it which also frames her. The two have to work together to figure out who did it, prove they did it or else the best case for them is all out mob war and the worst case is their too dead to know what happens next. The story isn’t done yet but the first arc is finished meaning there is a very solid end point to hit if you pick this series up. The chemistry between Emilia and Valentine is just really strong and the action scenes are just super cool. It is one of those series that is like 10/10 everything I really have nothing negative to say about the book it just really perfectly does what it is trying to do and I like what it’s trying to do.

[exilethegame]

i've been having an itch to write an if game, do you have any tips? i feel like its a very bad idea to jump straight in head first yk?

So much of it is a "figure it out as you go" kind of thing, but here's what I've learned, personally, and how I usually go about things!

1.) Figure out the kind of story you're trying to tell. That goes with any form of media. Is it a comedy? A tragedy? Is it meant to read like an old fairytale or a YA novel? What makes writing good is incredibly subjective, so it's important to find your genre + voice as a writer and play into your strengths. You can't satisfy everyone, so aim to satisfy yourself.

2.) Figure out who the player character is. What is their history? What's their role in the story? Why are they the player character? Figure out how much variation you want for them-- what's solidified about their past, and what's open for headcanons, and what's open for choices in-game?

3.) Treat MC with as much dedication as your main characters-- don't separate them from everyone else. People want MC to feel like an active part of the story. This is a generalization, of course, but I know myself and others enjoy an MC who has agency and feels just as fleshed out as the other characters in the story. I don't want MC to feel like a "observer" but rather an active character in the narrative.

4.) Plan out your game mechanics + the affinity system ahead of time. This is something I didn't fully do, and while it wasn't earth destroying, it has made coding unnecessarily messy at times on my end. Is it a stat heavy game or choice heavy game? What are the important stats, and how often will the player be able to influence them? I find the second part of that to be the most important, as you want to pace stat increases/decreases with the length + pace of the game. For example, in The Exile, MC's personality can only change in the first three chapters. Once MC is brought to Plaithus, their personality is locked in. This goes for other variables too-- sometimes there are only "windows" when they're able to be influenced. This helps me keep track of what's what and not be overwhelmed by the amount of stats I have.

5.) Plan out your cast, and make sure everyone has a purpose to the story. If you can't defend the presence of a character in your story, you might need to rethink their presence, or otherwise change the character. This doesn't mean they need to have a giant, crazy character arc connected to the main story, but rather that they bring something to the table that other characters don't. That being said, it probably is a good idea to make sure every main character in the story has some sort of personal story arc. It can be small, but it's nice to see how characters change over the course of a narrative, otherwise they might feel "static."

6.) Know why you're making your story. Is it for yourself? Is it for fun? Is it to make money? Is it to make art? Will it be public or private? If you're making the game public, prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for critique and external opinions. I think we, as creators, sometimes underestimate (especially in IF and on Tumblr) just how crazy things can get with reader/author interactions.

And, my final piece of advice...

7.) Learn to set boundaries and say no with a full chest. Your game is your game at the end of the day, no one else's. Do what makes you feel happy and fulfilled and write the kind of story you want to read. And, of course, be easy on yourself. Writing takes time and effort, and sometimes you'll hit hurdles. The most important thing is to be patient with yourself and learn to keep on going forward, even when the going gets tough. As I always like to say, writing slowly is better than not writing at all!

Best of luck if you decide to make the jump and write a game!

[weisscoldglare]

Heya, been a while since I put in an ask with ya but I was curious if you've ever had any weird takes on ships (With RWBY in particular) that might have some angles that could be fresh.

For context, I'm currently writing a fic that has elements of @pilot-boi's "Mirror Man" and @davidellisartworkstuff's "Tarnished Spartan" (If I'm wrong on who originally had those ideas then I apologize in advance) And am currently thinking of if I want to include some less mainstream ships. One that I'm actively considering is Raging Bull which is YangxAdam, though the only reason I'm considering it in the first place is because I was thinking of going with a Monochrome ship to occupy Blake and Weiss, and later RoseGarden for Ruby, leaving Yang alone.

Ofc if you don't have any opinion on it that's fine, I'm just curious because I've loved a lot of your work for a good while now, so I figured I'd ask you directly. Thank you in advance for any insight!

Honestly, people would have to re-write or erase the basis of Adam, even in a modern interpretation to get him in proximity with Yang unless she too is being destructive. From different fic's I have read, Adam is never written true to his personality or pushed into a more unhinged version of his disaster era (v4-v6). Its as if Azula was only characterized as her final moments in the show ATLA.

we know what she was before and how she got there. She's therefore pitiable.

So no I don't see Adam as an end game with Yang in any sense of the way, but more a learning experience of toxic co-dependence like Ren and Nana from well Nana.

Oh but, If I had to choose a ship for Yang that isn't within the team or JNPR or Winter for whatever reason. I really like the chemistry and possible dynamic that could come from her and Neptune. He is a soft boy, a man who is emotional but receptive to critique. He's not very smart but clever. He has legitimate fears, has a best friend who is also a ball of sunshine but skips town on him. Often. Yang is a rough-and-tumble girl, maternal but also instinctive. She is so fucking smart but pretends it's no big deal, her fears are also legitimate of course but are fought back through sheer tenacity. Brave in the face of danger as a self-sacrificing manner. This part would be different from Neptune, he has a high sense of self-preservation and they could both definitely simmer each other down. There is also the play on water and fire symbolism.

Sun is unfortunately too similar to Yang but also too different in all the aspects that matter. I imagine he is someone she strives to be like. He is severely independent. So much so he skips out on his team and people he clearly has an interest in. She is, well, she is not. So the spell of being similar would waft away and you have Yang feeling abandoned every time Sun randomly takes off. Her spirals would be unhealthy unless she somehow was comforted or in therapy over the dependency.

Hope that answers your question

[thedissonantverses]

ur so real for tuning out dumb people because so much criticism is bad faith or people are not as up to date on their DA worldbuilding as they think they are cause shit has been getting retconned since *Origins*

My favorite dumb DAVG discourse is people complaining about how Minrathous/Treviso can’t defend itself from a dragon but somehow Rook + 2 companions can.

And I’m like, my dude, did you play with your eyes close and miss the fact that Rook has the magical MacGuffin the dragons/gilly are after? There is literally a cutscene dedicated to this and about 90% of the story plot revolves around the lyrium dagger lol. Yet people somehow complain about DAVG being dumbed down when they miss the most basic spelled out plot related consequences lol.

how did this fandom get so media illiterate??? Is it the Solasmancers??? Because they seem to be the source of a lot of disinformation.

I think mine is “Why is Rook so nice” lmfao. Also can’t actually blame Solasmancers here!! (Hehehe I mean I’m one so I don’t know what that says about anything) sorry this turned into a bit of an essay but I think it’s important to say.

As much as it’s annoying watch people sanitize Solas in order to make him more palatable as a romance option then complain about the how the lore was sanitized or they game dumbed down, they’re not the only problem hahaha. Though a lot of that is a good example of why you don’t analyze a character via romance first (unless it’s genre appropriate to do so) and a disconnect between how the writers wrote him and what they wanted. (The writers also didn’t write him romance first and that’s a good thing.)

You’re seeing the result of an intentional anti-intellectual streak across the world, parasocialism running rampant, No Child Left Behind in the U.S., COVID, and just generally people relying on shallow and negative critique that doesn’t further your understanding of the material. It’s the Cinemasins style of critique where people are overly negative and don’t realize or don’t care they’re just giving ammo to bigots. It’s happening everywhere I’m afraid.

A good trick for recognizing propaganda(or just grifter bullshit) is asking yourself “oh hey why am I so angry for no reason?” We’re all vulnerable to it I’m afraid. That ability to disconnect from anger is crucial at times right now.

It seems worse from Solasmancers because those are the larger accounts but I’ve seen it from eeeeeeeeeeverybody. Across every fandom. It’s easy to get angry and react rather than slow down and look at the bigger picture ya know? I think there’s a lot of fear in the air and people are hiding behind their video game anger to cope (points at my 44,000 word fanfiction)

One thing that caught my attention is when people equivocate their hatred of Veilguard as moral or intellectual superiority. They’re essentially accusing people who love the game of having “bad politics” when nominally we’re on the same side. That’s a huge red flag and it’s something I’m trying to be mindful of while I figure out what to do about it.

[simplegenius042]

Music Monday, WIP Wednesday & OC Speech Mannerisms

Tagged by @inafieldofdaisies @socially-awkward-skeleton @imogenkol and @noodlecupcakes

Tagging @direwombat @voidika @cassietrn @adelaidedrubman @aceghosts @josephseedismyfather @icecutioner @derelictheretic @shallow-gravy @strangefable @statichvm @cloudofbutterflies92 @carlosoliveiraa @wrathfulrook @raresvtm @starsandskies @ladyoriza @la-grosse-patate @minilev @thewanderer-000 @omen-speaker @justasmolbard @alypink @shellibisshe @josephslittledeputy @skoll-sun-eater @g0dspeeed @afarcryfrommymain @strafethesesinners @turbo-virgins @softtidesworld @florbelles and @yokobai + anyone who wants to join.

Music for The UnTitledverse WIP, aka another for my Walking Fate series, a WIP for The Silver Chronicles and OC speech mannerisms for A Radioactive Calamity Of Love, Bombs & Gore. Listen and read under the cut, plus the template near the end below:

Yeah, so I can't stop talking about Walking Fate. This particular WIP in the series is referred to as A Dark Era as it takes place near season three, or A New Frontier as we know it. Not only is the song chosen because of the themes of that game (and the central relationship between Javi and David), but its in addition to the growing decay (considering this is in The Walking Dead, does this count as a pun?) of Clementine's hope for Malcrum and Malcrum's loss of himself. I'd like to say that each "season" is about a certain aspect/form of a relationship. Season 1 is about the formation of relationships, familial and romantic (with hints of loss). Season 2 is about reignited relationships, the strengths and weaknesses in them, true and false relationships and lastly the loss them. Season 3 is the decay of relationships. Season 4 is forming new connections, and the finale is being able to let go. Listen to the song below:

"'Cause baby, now we've got bad blood You know it used to be mad love So take a look at what you've done 'Cause baby, now we've got bad blood, hey!"

"I can't take it back, look where I'm at We was O-G like D.O.C., remember that? (Remember that?) My T-L-C was quite O-D, I-D my facts Now P-O-V of you and me, similar Iraq I don't hate you, but I hate to critique, overrate you These beats of a dark heart, use basslines to replace you Take time and erase you, love don't hear no more No, I don't fear no more, better yet, respect ain't quite sincere no more."

"Oh, it's so sad to think about the good times You and I

'Cause baby, now we've got bad blood You know it used to be mad love So take a look at what you've done 'Cause baby, now we've got bad blood, hey!

Now we've got problems And I don't think we can solve 'em You made a really deep cut And baby, now we've got bad blood, hey!"

"Remember when you tried to write me off? Remember when you thought I'd take a loss? Don't you remember? You thought that I would need ya Follow procedure, remember? Oh, wait, you got amnesia It was my season for battle wounds Battle scars, body bumped, bruised Stabbed in the back; brimstone, fire jumping through Still, all my life, I got money and power And you gotta to live with the bad blood now."

"Oh, it's so sad to think about the good times You and I

'Cause baby, now we've got bad blood You know it used to be mad love So take a look at what you've done 'Cause baby, now we've got bad blood, hey!

Now we've got problems And I don't think we can solve 'em You made a really deep cut And baby, now we've got bad blood, hey!

Band-Aids don't fix bullet holes You say sorry just for show If you live like that, you live with ghosts." "You forgive, you forget, but you never let it go." "Band-Aids don't fix bullet holes You say sorry just for show If you live like that, you live with ghosts." "If you love like that, blood runs cold."

"'Cause baby, now we've got bad blood You know it used to be mad love So take a look at what you've done 'Cause baby, now we've got bad blood, hey!

Now we've got problems And I don't think we can solve 'em (Don't think we can solve 'em) You made a really deep cut And baby, now we've got bad blood, hey!

'Cause baby, now we've got bad blood You know it used to be mad love So take a look at what you've done (Look what you've done) 'Cause baby, now we've got bad blood, hey!

Now we've got problems And I don't think we can solve 'em You made a really deep cut And baby, now we've got bad blood, hey!"

New FC5 WIP, and it's a bit like a crossover. Actually, more like a Bloodborne AU type deal with Far Cry 5. To note, this no way in which relates to or is connected to my own Bloodborne WIP. Anyway, so the deal with this FC5/Bloodborne WIP AU is, Hope County has a bit of a werewolf problem. It's supposedly a plague that irreversibly changes people into bloodthirsty beasts and these creatures usually come out a few nights in the year. Or maybe they come out every night, I'm unsure. For this reason, Hope County has a curfew installed and contracted a local monastery to send out special hunters to hunt these beasts down and keep the populace safe. In this WIP, the monastery and hunters are lead by Paul Yellowjack, who is the first hunter (he takes on a combination of roles from the actual Bloodborne game; most tellingly, Gehrman), with Silva (my deputy OC in any regular FC5 fic) leading the hunts as his first student (taking on the role as Lady Maria in a way; and unlike Gehrman, Paul is not attracted to her (if that is the correct interpretation, because Bloodborne is a game that is really up to interpretation), however, just like Gehrman, Paul has a bit of an obsession with her, just more paternal and codependent... the moon may or may not be involved in this). In this AU, hunters don't really interact with people outside of the hunts for the people's safety and because their profession doesn't really scream long life expectancy. Some FC5 characters, like Jess, Grace, Sharky and maybe the Whitetail Militia have become Hunters. Some OCs who were Eden's Gate or Resistance (Nadi, Alexander and Gavin specifically) are also Hunters. Eden's Gate takes on more-or-less the same role as it does in the game, they're just (a) better at hiding their crimes because everyone's preoccupied with the werewolves and (b) using the fact there are werewolves as a sign the Collapse is coming closer, and honestly, it manages to get them more converts. In the early years, Eden's Gate and Paul's Monastery (of Hunters) did trades; Eden's Gate transferred Paul more hunter converts, and Paul in turn would give resources and lands (of the recently deceased) over to them. However, after Vicar Laurence turned into a Cleric Beast, Paul's Hunters and Eden's Gate align with each other to combat the scourge plague and find out how to both eradicate the beasts in hiding and completely destroy the source of it so they stop growing in number. Joseph and his family still have their goal of bringing forth the Collapse, however the Scourge Plague needs to get gone so law enforcement can actually patrol the nights again, so their willing to wait and work with Paul some more, especially since this new alliance has opened up a new chore Paul will do for Joseph's family; clearing out the beasts that use the bunkers the Project wants as a den. But Paul expects this alliance to go both ways, meaning Joseph has to be ready to give somethings up to the Hunters... or even someone. Here's a bit of a snippet of the prologue, where these proceedings go down. A bit choppy and personally not my best but I'll fix it up when I got the time:

Paul offered the glass to Joseph, but he declined with a wave of his hand.

The older man tried to offer it to Jacob and John. While John looked at the glass with disdain when turning it away, Jacob took a moment to consider the tempting offer before deciding against it.

The night days before may have been a dreadfully long one, but Jacob had no intention on compromising his values now. Especially not with both his little brothers present.

Paul didn't push against their refusals, instead taking the glass drinks for himself, downing both before slumping into his seat, exhaustion heavy on features. And yet he hadn't lost his composure that night. No wonder he was a more favorable leader than Laurence was... or had been.

Jacob tried not to think about the masses screams... and the loud inhuman shrieks that bellowed from the flames.

Paul sat up, hand brushing through his light brown hair. Soon his exhaustion was replaced with his usual cheerful facade, an optimism that Jacob was unsure was more for the older man or his people.

"As I was saying," Paul stated, catching the brothers attention, "While the public and some of the newer recruits are under the impression that the most recent hunt was merely bad luck. A tragedy, of course, but a one-time fluke... I am in agreement with your assessment of this event, Father Joseph."

Joseph blinked in response, and tilted his head quizzically. Jacob himself was suspicious of Paul's words. While the Monastery and Project had never butted heads, especially during trades, there was an unspoken judgement of the other's practices and beliefs.

"You've finally accepted these monsters to be a sign of the coming end?" John poked, hoping to receive clarification from what he to was hearing.

"Don't misunderstand, I'm not saying this scourge is a sign of this "Collapse" you yap about," Paul responded, the clarification disappointing Joseph and making John frown with narrow eyes, "What I am saying is... the scourge is only going to get worse. The hours of the night longer on each hunt. The beasts stronger. Vicar Laurence... succumbing to this plague is evident of this. What I offer is an accord... that I believe will benefit both our groups greatly."

John's eyes lightened up with intrigue and Joseph's with attentiveness and curiosity. Jacob... didn't know what to make of this though. Not without more information.

"You want more trade?" Jacob prompted, hoping the Hunter's Chief would spill more.

He didn't have to wait long for Paul to immediately reply, like he had been waiting on the question, "Well, not exactly. What I'm offering is a partnership... an alliance. For your brave men and women to join in on the hunts; to put an end to the scourge together."

Jacob paused at Paul's words. Realization hit that Paul didn't merely want to trade numbers; he wanted help in putting down the beast threat for good.

John was grinning ear to ear, taking a step forward to bring Paul's attention on the youngest of the brothers, "You're asking for more than just a trade then?"

Paul gave a half nod and clasped his hands together, "After the Night of Flames, we lost several of our best and oldest hunters to Lau- the beast's rampage, some included being family. Not only that, resources are getting lower as the hunts becomes more frequent and the nights longer, and incense can only ward off beasts for so long. Safe havens such as this monastery are being viewed as unreliable due to Laurence's affliction. Worse yet, the people have just lost their source of hope on the darkest night to date, and gentlemen; while I'm spectacular at giving advice and assurances over radio, I am no good a leader as I am a savvy tactician. Frankly boys... I need your help."

Jacob saw the exhaustion etched in Paul's face return, and for the first time since he's made contact with him, the eldest Seed could see the age weighing down on Paul's struggling shoulders. One man who has given it his all against an adversary far beyond his human limits, and doesn't put his pride above the safety of his people, unafraid of reaching out for help. Jacob could admire that, even if Paul was an opposing force to Joseph's vision.

Unless...

"And what do you offer in return?" Jacob inquired, giving Paul an expectant gaze. While Paul was not someone he could ever hope to influence, he was aware of the Hunter Chief's observations in behavioral patterns and societal expectations that allowed him to create a psychological profile on his target. Not too dissimilar from Jacob himself, "After all, you've already promised us your tools and protection, if we're forming an alliance that puts our people further into danger with the beasts, I expect you have some kind of compensation to give us, right?

As Jacob suspected, he wasn't disappointed with Paul's answer.

"Well, I'm quite aware you boys and your posse desire a shelter from your God's doomsday; and while I'm not superstitious, irony not lost on me, I am quite vengeful against these beasts," Paul spits out, the bloodthirsty wrath tinged in the very roots of his words, "They've made dens out of abandoned silos that keep them out of the sun. Impenetrable to raids and stubborn against our explosives. If we were to get rid of those beasts, that leaves a whole empty construction up for grabs. We hunters have no use for such things, not even as storage; but perhaps, with a bit of repairs and expansion here and there, it can provide your Project everything you want."

Jacob allowed a small smirk to slip past his stoic mask. He gazed to his brothers, and saw both Joseph and John were both as satisfied and elated with Paul's answers as he was.

Joseph took a moment to consider his answer to Paul's offer. While Jacob himself thought the opportunity wasn't something they should sit on, ultimately it was Joseph's final word as the Father that determined the outcome to this meeting.

Joseph glanced to Jacob and John, and received encouraging nods from both.

With one final contemplative thought over the deal, Joseph spoke once more, "These demons only desire to afflict destruction upon us all; including the sinners. They are vile in their service to their own blood lust. If any of us are to reach New Eden after the Collapse, this plague must be purged from its very roots. You have Eden's Gate' word; your hunter's call for help will not go unanswered."

Paul clapped his hands together as he chirpily stated, "Great! We'll go over the details at your place."

Joseph wasn't bothered by Paul's response. John though seemed to want to refute but refrained from ruining the mood. And Jacob was satisfied with the results and benefits the Project would be receiving. As the brothers prepared to make their way to the office door, Paul spoke up.

"Oh, uh, one last thing," Paul held their attention, curiosity piqued, "I request a favor. As you're aware of, my vicar is, well... dead."

Jacob heard Paul mutter out a half-ass "may he rest in pieces" before the older man continued, "And with that position open, there haven't been any candidates too eager to take on the role to calm and take responsibility over our masses. Frankly, I don't want our next Vicar to be too similar to Laurence. Trust and faith in the Hunter's are being called to question and I'd like a fresh young face to ease their worries."

Jacob narrowed his eyes at Paul, his instincts alerted towards the older man's odd request.

"What I'm trying to say Father Joseph is if you have someone you have complete trust and faith in, with proficient experience in easing the doubts of people sharing not unfounded concerns, young enough that they can differentiate themselves from Laurence, but adept enough to take on the role of my people's Vicar without much training. Anyone come to mind?"

Jacob raised a brow at Paul's description. Amongst the Project, he couldn't think much faithful within the family's, nor the herald's inner circle that could fit that description. If Paul was wanting one of them, Jacob still hit a blank wall, considering neither he nor John shared all the qualities Paul desired. The ideal vicar Paul desired didn't fit them anyway, with exception to Joseph and their newest so-called-

He paused, brows slightly furrowed. He glanced to Joseph, and saw that his brother reached the same conclusion but far from skeptical of Paul as he should be.

"I have someone in mind," Joseph answered Paul. Jacob watched as the Chief Hunter leaned back on his chair, a relaxed smile resting on his face, uttering a proud, or perhaps smug, "I knew you would."

And finally OC speech mannerisms for Marissa "Ress" Bishop, Ortega "Ore" Brantley and their father, Arcane Urias from my Fallout series A Radioactive Calamity Of Love, Bombs & Gore.

MARISSA "RESS" BISHOP (FO3, FONV & FO4)

NO. OF SPOKEN LANGUAGES: 1 / 2 / 3+ (I believe she's learned a lot of languages, especially when being raised by the Bishop family, considering many of their business partners would have been of different ethnicity. The one's she's strongly mastered are English, Chinese, Japanese and French)

TONE OF VOICE: high / average / deep

ACCENT: yes / no

DEMEANOR: confident / shy / approachable / hostile / other (off-putting)

POSTURE: slumped / straight / stiff / relaxed

HABITS: head tilting / swaying / fidgeting / stuttering / gestures / worrying lip / arm crossing / strokes chin / er, um, or other interjections / plays with hair or clothing / hands at hips / inconsistent eye contact / maintains eye contact / frequent pausing / stands close / stands at a distance

— COMPLEXITY

VOCABULARY: ⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚪️

EMOTION: ⚫️⚫️⚫️⚪️⚪️

SENTENCE STRUCTURE: ⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚪️

— PROFANITY

FREQUENCY: ⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚪️

CREATIVITY (in regards to profanity): ⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️

BOLD ALL THAT APPLY: arse. ass. asshole. bastard. bitch. bloody. bugger. bollocks. chicken shit. crap. cunt. dick. frick. fuck. horseshit. motherfucker. piss. prick. screw. shit. shitass. son of a bitch. twat. wanker. pussy.

— THIS OR THAT

straightforward or cryptic? / finding the right word or using the first word that comes to mind? / masculinity / neutrality / or femininity / formalities or with abrasiveness? / praise or equivocation? / frankness or lies? / excessive or minimal hand gestures? / name-calling (affectionate) or magnanimity?/ friendly or blunt?

— IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

DO PEOPLE HAVE A HARD TIME HEARING OR UNDERSTANDING YOUR CHARACTER? - almost always / frequently / rarely / never

DOES YOUR CHARACTER’S POINT COME ACROSS EASILY WHEN THEY SPEAK? - almost always / frequently/ sometimes / rarely / never

WOULD YOUR CHARACTER INITIATE CONVERSATIONS? - almost always / frequently / sometimes / never

WOULD YOUR CHARACTER BE THE ONE TO END CONVERSATIONS? - almost always / frequently / sometimes/ rarely / never.

WOULD YOUR CHARACTER USE ‘WHOM’ IN A SENTENCE? - yes / no / only ironically

YOUR CHARACTER WANTS TO MAKE A COUNTERPOINT. WHAT WORD DO THEY USE? - but / though / although / however / perhaps / mayhaps.

HOW DOES YOUR CHARACTER END CONVERSATIONS? - walk away / ask if that’s everything / say that’s everything / gives a proper goodbye (if she likes you well enough) / tell their company they’re done here / remain quiet / they don’t.

WHAT SOCIAL CLASS WOULD OTHERS ASSUME YOUR CHARACTER BELONGS TO, HEARING THEM SPEAK? - upper / middle / lower.

IN WHAT WAYS DOES THE WAY YOUR CHARACTER SPEAK STAND OUT TO OTHERS? - accent / vocabulary / tone / level / politeness / brusqueness / it doesn’t.

ORTEGA "ORE" BRANTLEY (FALLOUT (1997), FO2, FO3, FONV)

NO. OF SPOKEN LANGUAGES: 1 / 2 / 3+ (he's likely picked up a few here and there)

TONE OF VOICE: high / average / deep

ACCENT: yes / no

DEMEANOR: confident / shy / approachable / hostile / other (awkward)

POSTURE: slumped / straight / stiff / relaxed

HABITS: head tilting / swaying / fidgeting / stuttering / gestures / worrying lip / arm crossing / strokes chin / er, um, or other interjections / plays with hair or clothing / hands at hips / inconsistent eye contact / maintains eye contact / frequent pausing / stands close / stands at a distance

— COMPLEXITY

VOCABULARY: ⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚪️

EMOTION: ⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚪️

SENTENCE STRUCTURE: ⚫️⚫️⚫️⚪️⚪️

— PROFANITY

FREQUENCY: ⚫️⚫️⚫️⚪️⚪️

CREATIVITY (in regards to profanity): ⚫️⚫️⚫️⚪️⚪️

BOLD ALL THAT APPLY: arse. ass. asshole. bastard. bitch. bloody. bugger. bollocks. chicken shit. crap. cunt. dick. frick. fuck. horseshit. motherfucker. piss. prick. screw. shit. shitass. son of a bitch. twat. wanker. pussy.

— THIS OR THAT

straightforward or cryptic? / finding the right word or using the first word that comes to mind? / masculinity / neutrality / or femininity / formalities or with abrasiveness? / praise or equivocation? / frankness or lies? / excessive or minimal hand gestures? / name-calling (affectionate) or magnanimity?/ friendly or blunt?

— IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

DO PEOPLE HAVE A HARD TIME HEARING OR UNDERSTANDING YOUR CHARACTER? - almost always / frequently / rarely / never

DOES YOUR CHARACTER’S POINT COME ACROSS EASILY WHEN THEY SPEAK? - almost always / frequently/ sometimes / rarely / never

WOULD YOUR CHARACTER INITIATE CONVERSATIONS? - almost always / frequently / sometimes / never

WOULD YOUR CHARACTER BE THE ONE TO END CONVERSATIONS? - almost always / frequently / sometimes/ rarely / never.

WOULD YOUR CHARACTER USE ‘WHOM’ IN A SENTENCE? - yes / no / only ironically

YOUR CHARACTER WANTS TO MAKE A COUNTERPOINT. WHAT WORD DO THEY USE? - but / though / although / however / perhaps / mayhaps.

HOW DOES YOUR CHARACTER END CONVERSATIONS? - walk away / ask if that’s everything / say that’s everything / gives a proper goodbye / tell their company they’re done here / remain quiet / they don’t.

WHAT SOCIAL CLASS WOULD OTHERS ASSUME YOUR CHARACTER BELONGS TO, HEARING THEM SPEAK? - upper / middle / lower.

IN WHAT WAYS DOES THE WAY YOUR CHARACTER SPEAK STAND OUT TO OTHERS? - accent / vocabulary / tone / level / politeness / brusqueness / it doesn’t.

ARCANE URIAS (FALLOUT (1997), FO2, FO3, FO4, FO76)

NO. OF SPOKEN LANGUAGES: 1 / 2 (English and his own) / 3+

TONE OF VOICE: high / average / deep

ACCENT: yes / no

DEMEANOR: confident / shy / approachable / hostile / other

POSTURE: slumped / straight / stiff / relaxed

HABITS: head tilting / swaying / fidgeting / stuttering / gestures / worrying lip / arm crossing / strokes chin / er, um, or other interjections / plays with hair or clothing / hands at hips / inconsistent eye contact / maintains eye contact / frequent pausing / stands (too) close / stands at a distance

— COMPLEXITY

VOCABULARY: ⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️

EMOTION: ⚪️⚪️⚪️⚪️⚪️

SENTENCE STRUCTURE: ⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️

— PROFANITY

FREQUENCY: ⚪️⚪️⚪️⚪️⚪️

CREATIVITY (in regards to profanity): ⚪️⚪️⚪️⚪️⚪️

BOLD ALL THAT APPLY: arse. ass. asshole. bastard. bitch. bloody. bugger. bollocks. chicken shit. crap. cunt. dick. frick. fuck. horseshit. motherfucker. piss. prick. screw. shit. shitass. son of a bitch. twat. wanker. pussy.

— THIS OR THAT

straightforward or cryptic? / finding the right word or using the first word that comes to mind? / masculinity / neutrality / or femininity / formalities or with abrasiveness? / praise or equivocation? / frankness or lies? / excessive or minimal hand gestures? / name-calling (affectionate) or magnanimity?/ friendly or blunt?

— IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

DO PEOPLE HAVE A HARD TIME HEARING OR UNDERSTANDING YOUR CHARACTER? - almost always / frequently / rarely / never

DOES YOUR CHARACTER’S POINT COME ACROSS EASILY WHEN THEY SPEAK? - almost always / frequently/ sometimes / rarely / never

WOULD YOUR CHARACTER INITIATE CONVERSATIONS? - almost always / frequently / sometimes / never

WOULD YOUR CHARACTER BE THE ONE TO END CONVERSATIONS? - almost always / frequently / sometimes/ rarely / never.

WOULD YOUR CHARACTER USE ‘WHOM’ IN A SENTENCE? - yes / no / only ironically

YOUR CHARACTER WANTS TO MAKE A COUNTERPOINT. WHAT WORD DO THEY USE? - but / though / although / however / perhaps / mayhaps.

HOW DOES YOUR CHARACTER END CONVERSATIONS? - walk away / ask if that’s everything / say that’s everything / gives a proper goodbye / tell their company they’re done here / remain quiet / they don’t.

WHAT SOCIAL CLASS WOULD OTHERS ASSUME YOUR CHARACTER BELONGS TO, HEARING THEM SPEAK? - upper / middle / lower.

IN WHAT WAYS DOES THE WAY YOUR CHARACTER SPEAK STAND OUT TO OTHERS? - accent / vocabulary / tone / level / politeness / brusqueness / it doesn’t.

[jazeswhbhaven]

hello...

❤December😈

It's been one heck of a year lovelies, including this being the anniversary of me starting this blog! If those of you that are still here from before, my old blog was shadow banned and no answer from the help team until 6 months later which lead to the creation of jazeswhbhaven!!!

I want to thank every single moot/follower/lurker/dedicated anons for sticking around with me and being patient with those requests (that I'm still working on 💀🥺) also for all interactions and love!

I may not answer all of you all the time, but I see the comments and tags. This fandom has been a pleasant experience and I'm glad I stuck around and made this blog 🖤 I hope next year I continue to entertain ya'll.

Housekeeping rules~

As per usual, every month I gotta do this just because there's new folks that come by!

🌲No minors following or interacting please, all blogs without content or indication that you're a real person over the age of 18 will be blocked 🌲Venting/critiques about WHB and surrounding topics are allowed in my inbox, I get folks need someone to talk to. However be fair warned about my own opinions that may not align with yours. 🌲Absolutely no indirect trash talk of another user in my inbox as a means to "call them out". I'm not a mediator. 🌲An exception to above is if said user is a minor, or is causing problems that I need to be aware of so I can properly handle the situation/and or block. 🌲Requests are open, but slow. I'll let you know if the topic you send is something I don't write. 🌲As long as you don't bring any of the following nonsense(not limited to these examples): racism/colorism, homophobia, transphobia, p3do, harassment...I'm a very chill person.

Overall: Be nice, enjoy our devil bois, and all will be g u c c i.

What's happening for the rest of December?

The event so far is kicking off pretty well on my reacts! I've posted my Astra character sheet already too. Here's a tentative list of what to expect~

🌲Zagan L-card React/Summary 🌲The new Lucifer card Summary 🌲Satan Torture Rewrite Fic

🌲Wrapping up Requests

I definitely want to make sure I get all outstanding requests answered and finished by the end of year so I start January with a clean slate! I really want to keep on that promise to be more organized with my requests to keep wait times reasonable. Once again thank you all for your patience <3

Next stuff for next year?????

EYE, I am not making too many promises, but I do have some fancy new things I'd like to implement for this blog! I know that I did an audio react earlier this year, and during a survey ya'll were receptive to having a hybrid of those mixed in with my written reacts. I will do my best to do more of those as they take a bit longer to create/edit.

I really like my fankid, Cain and I also love the requests that come in for me to write about him! I will possibly dish out more Cain content and his siblings next year, (i know ya'll dig Astra too (i hope) I will not neglect her since ya know SHE BE MY MC FOR WHB) Errrr if there's anything else I don't even know. oh, so ya'll may or may not see later in the year (we'll see how everything goes for this game and fandom) but I plan on going to a local convention (we're talkin' like late august/september so quite a while away) and cosplaying Amy~ I like his outfit alot actually and seems the best suited for the weather that's here in the south. I may also do Abyssos uniform MC (I have purple hair) too~

Well that's all lovelies, I again thank you for all your interactions and content you bring to the fandom~ Continue to be amazing (❁´◡`❁)

-your lovely admin, Jaze (*/ω＼*)

[rolameny]

@catchaspark Number 17 was 2005's Karl Urban's Doom, a movie adaptation of the games. There's a sequence where he goes first person shooter in a clear homage to the gameplay. It's such a weird film, because it tries to staple an emotional core to Doomguy that doesn't really take. The body of Doomguy is rejecting the transplant. There were so many Star Trek AOS movie fics that made Bones the Doomguy from this Doom movie, remember those? What a time.

Really fun movie to watch with a rowdy group. I love bullshit.

@clothonono I'm desperately rustling through so many Batman comics to get to something else. Okay. Okay. We're reading two comics against each other:

I reread all of Fullmetal Alchemist for the first time this year since its final chapter released. (Which I read scanlated in someone's Photobucket album.) I was so nervous about this reread and whether or not it would hold up. It holds up. It's so good. Still the best thing Arakawa's ever done -- moves at such a brisk pace, really thoughtful about the materials it's using, funny and vivid throughout. Hey what does it mean to be born into a country that literally kills people for power? Hey what levers are there actually to pull? What compromises would you make, and what would you refuse to let yourself see till it was too late? Hey: your hands ARE covered in blood. What do you do with them, hotshot?

We're reading FMA against Squire by Nadia Shammas and Sara Alfageeh, a new YA graphic novel with similar questions. I'd call it an alt-history Middle Eastern Alanna book: young girl from oppressed minority wants to join the empire's army to gain prestige for her people, goes through struggles, learns to see the empire for what it is. It's beautiful, and it's pretty long for an original GN, but it still just doesn't have the runway to fully explore what it's talking about. It's so tricky, comics just aren't that dense a medium. FMA needs every one of its 20+ volumes for the points it makes. The ending kind of whiffs for me, because it says "well, this figure of authority is wrong. how do we fix this? let's leave the army and tell on her to a higher authority." as though the point up till now hasn't been that structurally it's all rotten. The personal story is fighting the structural point. I dunno. I feel bad critiquing this because it is very fun, and I would have gone ape shitt for "Tortall but we're normal about Arabs" as a kid. Kids should read this. I would give this to a tween without question.

[dayntee]

[Pillars of Eternity: Deadfire] For the Best

Oh hey, I did a writing. It's over on AO3 if you prefer, or below under the break.

If you're into Pillars of Eternity, Aloth Corfiser/F!Watcher angst (or just disaster wizards in general, I hear they're all the rage), or somehow followed my PoE 1 & 2 streams from over FIVE years ago, this is for you!

(But honestly it's mostly for me. And to have something I felt confident writing while I wrap up my Veilguard run.)

This has spoilers for pretty much ALL THE THINGS (companion quests, final game events, Aloth's romance conclusion, etc), but seeing as how Deadfire is several years old, I don't think anyone looking for this type of fiction will care. Still, you've been warned!

PG-13ish for mild sexual references.

In any event... thanks for reading and joining me at the end of this particular journey. Other works in Idralia's journey can be found here:

Part 1 - What Might Have Been | AO3 Link

Part 2 - Frigid Nightmares | AO3 Link

Part 3 - Worst Kept Secrets | AO3 Link

Part 4 - Consequences | AO3 Link

I've seen the distance in your eyes over these past few days. I know someday soon, you'll find this note on your journeys, long after you've departed, and understand why I never asked you to stay. Truth be told, I knew it was futile. You'll say goodbye in your own way. Consider this mine.

I'll never truly know the reason why you left, of course. I've pondered the possibilities. You were always about the now, and that was fine. At least for a time, you were mine, and that's all I could have asked.

Were I a narcissistic individual, I would guess it is because you wish no harm would ever come of me, and your journey ahead will undoubtedly be perilous. The more pragmatic part of me says it's because it's something you simply have a need to do on your own. Regardless, know you'll have my heart on all your travels. You'll always be in my thoughts.

I write these words for me more than you. I know you'll never give me the closure I wished for, so… this is what I'll get. I just want to be clear about what my intentions would have been.

By your side, I'd have traveled to the ends of Eora. By your side, you would have had my bow, my companionship, and my love. By your side, I'd have slain gods, no matter the frauds they may have been. I'd have hunted every last member  of the Leaden Key at your request.

I never needed a cottage to settle in. I'd have never needed a marriage, or children to follow. All I'd have ever needed was you. Your worried brow, your sardonic commentary, and the rare, soft affection you only ever showed me behind closed doors. All of that was enough.

That is what I find most tragic, Aloth. I don't believe you find yourself to be enough. You feel you still have things to prove. Just… know you never needed to prove them to me. You were always more than whatever "enough" means. And should you ever wish to be found, leave me a sign. I'll be off on my own adventures through Eora - I'm not built to stay put, and I've had quite enough of the Deadfire than I ever cared for. You're the smartest I've ever known. You'll figure out what to leave for me, wherever you are.

All my love,

Idralia

----

He hadn't realized the tears were falling until they hit the page. It was the right decision, he had told himself. Leaving her behind was the only option.

'But ye dinnae even ask!' he heard Iselmyr's voice chiding him, fully furious with his dropped guard in this emotional state. 'Ye did what ye though' was best for ye, nae fer ye both.'

'I don't need your critique-' he started to mentally respond, but she didn't let him continue.

'Well, ye're ginna git it! The lass 'as been pinin' fer ya since afore Caed Nua was ere on the horizon, or were ye so dafty ye ne're knew?' If the disassociated voice of his past psyche could huff and glare him down, then it was certainly doing it now.

And Iselmyr was right. He never gave Idralia a chance to tell him what she wanted. He'd made his boundaries, and she assumed there was no further discussion to be had. She respected his wishes, and she let things just be. Aloth hadn't even considered what lay for her after the encounter with Eothas.

'Ye though she wonnit survive,' Iselmyr practically screeched, and he felt a breath shudder in his chest, his hand coming up to his mouth to choke back the unexpected sob.

That sat with him for moments too long. There had never been a time he'd doubted the capabilities of the Watcher, his Watcher, and he had now done so subconsciously. He'd been selfish. It was easier to leave because he'd always assumed that after everything… she just wouldn't be there anymore.

And now, it was likely too late. It was months later—he'd left the ship as soon as it had docked after their final encounter, slipping out in the early morn when he knew she would be sleeping the deepest. And certainly ('OBVIOUSLY' Iselmyr sneered again) she had known he would leave, given that this note had fluttered out from between a few pages of one of his grimoires.

In fact, he was certain she had outplayed him, for it had been tucked a few dozen pages in front of where he had dog-eared his progress that night, resulting in having missed its presence for weeks. Not until it had tumbled to the floor as he packed up from his latest multi-day operation had he noticed it. He wasn't sure whether she meant it as a cruel jest or a legitimate punishment.

'Ye'd be in fer so much more if I-'

"ENOUGH," he shouted, before stifling himself immediately. He was in the small inn room he'd procured, and the walls were thin. While his work here was done, he didn't need to draw the additional attention.

"Enough…" he muttered, eyes skimming over the contents of the letter once more. Quietly, for perhaps the first time in their long entanglement together, Iselmyr was gentle with him. 'She said yer enough. Tha should be enough.' After that thought trickled through, she fell silent, clearly intending to leave him to stew in his mistakes, quite unhelpfully.

----

Several weeks earlier…

When Idralia awoke in her cabin, she wasn't surprised that her bed was notably colder than anticipated. She wasn't surprised to find a lack of weight against her side, or the absence of parchment and leather that made up the scent she recognized as her wizard. A slow, sad smile came to her lips, and she felt the tears gathering already.

No amount of anticipation of his departure was ever going to prepare her for it.

They had done this song and dance years before at Caed Nua, though this round was always going to be far more bittersweet. Despite the fact they'd never been more than just friends at the time, he had to have known back then how much she yearned for him. She was, after all, absolute garbage when it came to verbal subtlety.

She sat up in bed, her sheets twisting around her undressed form, a cold breeze trickling in from an open port where Cantelope was enjoying the fresh air. She laughed mirthlessly, the tears gently rolling down her cheeks, and her antelope companion turned to her with a head tilt. As he trotted over, she welcomed his gentle bunts, petting his head and side in return. She leaned down to press her forehead into his muzzle.

"He thought it a kindness," she whispered to him, and Cantelope bleated quietly in return. She closed her eyes, thinking back over the previous night—their final night, she now realized—and how present, passionate, and yet careful he had been in their lovemaking. Their patterns had always been varied; there were days where she had pulled him urgently from his studies with need, taking command as the captain she was. And yet, there were others where he had interrupted her training or a debrief with a longing and purposeful touch or glance, only to display the same power and control he might show on the battlefield once they were behind closed doors.

Last night, though, had been different. She had expected a normal night's rest, where upon they'd wake in the morning in each other's arms before exploring the port and perhaps a little shopping. Instead, he had entered her cabin with no words and a sweet kiss, escorted her slowly to her bunk, and lavished affection in his every touch, stroke, and embrace. He had taken his time, and she had relished the welcome surprise without realizing what he'd been doing.

"That was his goodbye," she choked out with a sob, and her companion cuddled in closer. Her morning routine was replaced with tears she knew had to come and, in a way, were an all too welcome catharsis to the hollowness in her heart.

It was at least an hour later than she normally would present on deck as captain when she finally emerged from her cabin. Eder was waiting for her, the look on his face rapidly twisting from a goofy grin to a knitted brow of worry in the span of seconds it took him to register the sorrow in her eyes. She'd eschewed her eyepatch, for one, which usually meant she had something important to say and wanted to make eye contact. The more worrisome detail was the angry, red puff around her eyes and the two fingers pressed against her temple, suppressing a headache.

Eder wanted to ask but didn't know where to start, so he simply strode forward and put a hand on her shoulder. Despite the efforts she made attempting to steel herself, this broke her once more. Tears welled up and Idralia threw her arms around her dearest friend, knowing that he, too, would soon leave.

He caught her awkwardly, but settled into giving her a big, stabilizing hug. He knew the only thing that could break the Watcher's heart this thoroughly. If he was being honest, the truth of it simply pissed him off. But being angry was not going to comfort his friend, so he instead held her for as long as she needed, letting her tears and snot and spit soak into his jerkin. It certainly wasn't the grossest thing he'd ever had to clear out of his clothes, and it wasn't half as distressing as the pain he heard in her voice as she sobbed.

A curious crewmate or two passed by the scene, and he would shake his head the moment he saw concern raise. Now was not a good time. The captain just needed a good cry. Or two. Maybe three.

And most certainly, after this, despite the fact it was barely past the eighth bell of the day, they were likely to head straight to the closest tavern once she was ready.

-----

The events that followed were a whirlwind, made more rapid by the disorienting heaviness of her broken heart. Everyone that remained began to take their leave, given that their mission was complete.

Tekehu, Maia, and Pallegina hadn't remained after the turbulent last-minute decisions Idralia had made, all having taken their leave shortly after the disaster in Neketaka. The Captain's staunch determination in avoiding compromise of her beliefs conflicted against her frustrations with the political bickering of the Deadfire's factions had ultimately resulted in chaos. Neketaka was steeped in civil war due to her actions, and Idralia's reluctant agreement to allow the Vailian Trading Company to exert their power came too late to salvage her friendship with Pallegina. The Principi had long since been left in ill terms. Despite having never spoken a lie, it was impressive to have broken so much trust with so few words.

It… was supposed to be for the best.

Of the onboard companions, Xoti was the first to leave, though no one had initially realized it. Given the haunted looks and grim smiles she cast in the flickering light of the ship's hull, the realization had dawned on most once they felt her dark presence absent. She disappeared in the night, and while Idralia couldn't say she was indifferent, she knew that the burdens Xoti carried were ones she was never going to be able to help reconcile.

Vatnir, quite suspiciously, disappeared shortly afterward. Whether drawn by the aura of death that now hung around Xoti or his own spiritual calling, Idralia wasn't sure—nor was she inclined to find out.

That is… probably for the best.

Konstanten and Fassina were the next to depart, eager to return to Neketaka and recoup losses within their connections there… or at the very least, take advantage of the upheaval for their own benefit. Still, they left hand-in-hand, and despite herself, Idralia genuinely wished them well on their journey together, sending them off with a hefty sum of gold as deserved dues for their lives ahead.

That is definitely for the best.

Rekke and Ydwin departed sometime after that, a few weeks of listless sailing to their benefit. Ydwin eventually took her quiet leave, intent on continuing her animancy research. With the Wheel broken, she claimed there was much new territory to explore, and she'd quite run the well dry in what she could learn aboard The Defiant. The gift she left behind, though - a perfectly tailored Aedyrn coat, cut and trimmed to match Aloth's usual robes - was bittersweet.

'Apologies, Captain. But it seemed a shame to not leave you with this despite…' the cypher let the thought trail in Idralia's mind, and the Watcher responded with a sad smile.

"It's beautiful. Reminders of fond times are a wonderful gift, even when they're painful. Thank you,"

She swore she saw the ghost of a smile on Ydwin's face as she disembarked the ship.

As for Rekke, he stayed on as long as he could, attempting to hone his Aedyran more thoroughly before preparing to explore the rest of Eora. There was, after all, much for a distant Storm folk to explore in a world that was largely unaware of his peoples' existence.

"The kindness you have given unto me will never be forgotten. This will be known," he assured, setting a strong hand on the Captain's shoulder with a broad smile, mimicking an affection Eder often used with her.

"Neither will the stories and friendship you've given me," she returned the gesture, and they nodded to one another in a final goodbye.

I wish the best for them both.

As the crew dwindled down, only Serafen and Eder remained among her closest companions. Serafin was perfectly happy to be aboard a ship he knew and under a captain he trusted, and Eder…

"When are you getting off my ship?" she asked partially in jest of him one night, leaning over the same railing where he rested, pipe lit and in hand.

He shifted uncomfortably. "I didn't wanna go until you didn't need me no more," he muttered, and Idralia smiled sadly at him, brow knit somewhere between appreciation and a little bit of annoyance.

"I'll always need my dearest friends, Eder. But that doesn't mean you have to be stuck here with me. You've got family," she thought about how he'd leapt into action upon discovering Bearn's existence, and how hard he'd fought to ensure his safety. "He's still waiting for you in Hasongo, right? And I'm sure you two could do a lot of good. Together,"

Eder sighed, and knitted his brows together with his own sad smile.

"It kills me to leave ya without him here," he admitted, and she reached out to put a hand reassuringly on his arm.

"It… was his choice. And I have to press on," she shrugged. "And hey, it's not like it's the first time, right?"

He shook his head at her poor attempt at a joke and took a few puffs of his whiteleaf. "He's an ass who don't know what he lost," he murmured bitterly, the pipe rocking back and forth between his lips. He exhaled deeply, blowing a ring or two in the crisp night air.

"Live well, ya hear? Live well to spite 'im," he turned a serious face to her and she smiled helplessly at him again.

"You know me, friend. I'll try, and probably piss off two or three nations while I do it,"

At that, he finally let loose a hearty guffaw and clapped her on the back.

"Ye've always been a good one, Watcher,"

She smiled and sat quietly with him for a while longer, enjoying the night. They'd set course for Hasongo in the morning.

It is, truly, for the best—for him.

----

After the course of several weeks and a fond, boisterous farewell to her favorite Dyrwoodan bumpkin, she boarded The Defiant for what she quietly knew would be her final journey aboard.

"Where to, Cap'n?" Serafen asked as her foot step aboard, and she closed her one visible eye to take a deep breath.

"Set sale for Aedyr, Serafen," the orlan sputtered in surprise at the command, the journey being almost impossibly long from their current location.

"Are… are you sure, Cap'n? That's… quite a ways from the Archipelago. We're gonna need to refresh crew and rations a few times-"

"I know you can handle it," she smiled down at him gently before, without a further word, removed her hat and placed it upon his head. "Captain,"

He pushed the slightly-too-big tricorn up to look at her from under it. "What are you on about?"

She strode over to the stairs leading up to the stern and sat on them, resting an all-too-heavy head in her hands, elbows propped against her knees.

"I've spent a good bit of my life before all my adventures in the Deadfire, and I'll be honest if I'm not sick of it now," she laughed mirthlessly. "I've done enough damage to last a lifetime. Technically every lifetime. I need to go home."

Serafen waved a hand at a crewmate to get them casting off before he walked over to sit next to her. As the rest of the crew got to work departing, he scrunched his eyebrows together as he tried to recall his Captain's history. It wasn't his strongest suit.

"I thought you were from the Deadfire," he settled, mostly certain.

"You're right. I am," she reached up and pulled the eyepatch off, blinking several times while her vision equalized. "But… my home's not a place," she shrugged helplessly and a warm, understanding smile passed over her friend's face.

"You think he went back to Aedyr?" she shrugged at the question. She had no idea, really—at the end of the day, if Aloth didn't want to be found…

"It's as good a place as any to start looking,"

"Then I'll get you to Aedyr,"

The Defiant is in the best hands it can be.

----

A couple more weeks passed on the trip from the Archipelago to Aedyr. She'd given Serafen the biggest hug, lifting him off his feet and causing his cheeks to flush in front of the crew.

"I'm not sorry," she whispered to him before planting a warm kiss on his cheek and setting him back on deck.

"Great, they're not gonna let that one go for weeks,"

"A good thing you'll have weeks to let them get it out of their systems," she winked, hoisting her modest bag over her shoulder. She took little with her beyond her gear, leaving behind the majority of their treasure to the crew, ample funds to Serafen for the journey back to the Deadfire and more, and anything that would ultimately just weigh her down. She'd kept enough to keep her traveling for some time, knowing she'd have to work, track, hunt, or do an odd job or two eventually.

Nothing I'm not used to.

"You… take care of yourself, Ca-" he caught himself. "Take care, Idralia,"

"Don't sink my ship, Serafen," he shook his head and rolled his eyes as she turned her back, walking down the gangplank and into the small town dock she'd requested they moor. She didn't want to start in a big city—she knew there was little point in doing so. Cantelope, her steadfast antelope companion, leaned in and nuzzled Serafen before giving him a lick on his other cheek and cantering after his master.

"Ugh, ya damn beast…" he wiped the saliva from his fur before the stink sank in. "Give him a kick in the pants for me when you find him!" he shouted after, and she raised a hand in acknowledgement before disappearing into the crowd.

"And good luck," he murmured, trying not to get choked up about all his Captain had given him.

----

Several more weeks passed as she tried to grow accustomed to Aedyr. It was a nation with which she was unfamiliar, despite her wood elf lineage. She wasn't even terribly good at blending in visually, as she walked, talked, and presented like the pirate she once was.

She was used to ruffling feathers.

She had traveled through much of the countryside, trying to listen in on her own leads on the Leaden Key, knowing that where she found them… she would eventually find him. Eventually, that brought her to a moderately-sized city, filled with judgmental eyes she ignored and hushed whispers about a Deadfire stranger brazenly walking the streets.

Thankfully, her tales of being the Herald of Berath hadn't seemed to reach these shores, though the news of the tumultuous turn of events in Deadfire politics, the increased presence of the Vailian Empire brought through its grasp for power, and the rapid expansion of breakthroughs in animancy, engineering, and all forms of wizardly research were hot topics. It was just as well to her—she hadn't liked being the fabled Watcher, and had liked even less being seen as a messenger of the gods.

As it grew late, she found the first inn she could that offered stabling for Cantelope, ensuring her companion would be well-treated and spoiled for the evening. A bit of gold to grease the stablehand's palm and a reassurance that treating her friend unkindly would not end well was often more than enough to secure such accommodations.

A room and a meal were next on her list, and a weathered elf woman looked up to address her over the bar. "Greetings, ma'am," she gave a nod, "Have you got a room for one available?"

The woman looked at her curiously, as if studying her features for a moment, before pulling a sheet of paper out of her pocket and squinting at it. "Dear, did you check in an antelope to our stable?" she asked, and Idralia cocked an eyebrow at the question. That was only moments ago, how did-

"Aye, just a few moments prior. Is… that an issue here?" she asked, genuinely concerned.

"No! No, not at all. I was just instructed to give you this when you checked in. And the room's paid for," the woman leaned down under the counter and pulled up a single bottle of Aedyrn mead, along with a wax sealed envelope. She laid a key atop the missive, indicating she was in the room labeled… A.

Her heart leapt to her throat. That cheeky- "O-oh. Thanks much," she managed out, taking the items, bowing her head, and quickly making her way through to her accommodations.

She fumbled with the items, particularly the key, as she approached the properly labeled compartment door, her hands shaking and heart racing. Finally, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, steadying herself to properly fit key to keyhole, and did not exhale until after she swung the door open.

The room was unoccupied, but not empty. A pack here, a stack of parchment there, and a pile of excess grimoires towered on a side table. He wasn't here in this moment, but the signs of his presence… Even without him here, she could feel it.

She dropped her pack inside the door, closing it quietly behind her. After the soft click, she closed her eyes again and simply inhaled. The smell of parchment and leather was unmistakable. It was simply his.

She set the bottle of mead down next to the stack of grimoires, smirking sideways at it, and opened the sealed letter.

I am an idiot. The least I owe you is a drink. The most I owe you is everything else. Be back soon.

It wasn't signed, but it didn't need to be. The hurt and pain and hollowness in her heart slowly began to fill. Of course, a part of her was still angry with him for leaving the way he did, but it paled in comparison to the yearning for his voice, his touch, his kiss-

She sat on the bed, his note held to her heart, and as patiently as ever—she waited.

----

He returned far later than he had planned, realizing he'd been caught up in his research at the library for more than several hours. The advances in animancy had caught his attention as much as they had any other scholars, and he sighed in spite of himself. His eyes were tired, and he only realized how hungry he was now that he wasn't deeply engrossed in texts.

However tired he may have been, the warm smile of the tavern keeper behind the counter and knowing look she gave him snapped him awake as readily as a splash of cold water. He gave a quick nod to the proprietor before quickly making his way to his room, waving his hand to unlock the door via the arcane as he'd left the sole key behind. As he registered the click, he took a steadying breath—in all truthfulness, he didn't know whether she'd want to kiss him or kill him, and she was quite in her right to do either.

He nudged the door open slowly, the hour late, and breathed out quietly in a form of relief as he realized she had dozed off on the bed in the time he'd been gone.

She was nearly as he remembered, except her hair had begun to grow out again. Perhaps not being on the seas anymore had encouraged her to let her locks run rampant. Her once shortly cropped hair was growing haphazardly, and it was clear she hadn't had a trim in some time as it was wildly uneven. He smiled as he moved into the room, reaching out to brush a few stray strands from her sleeping face, but pausing mid motion as he noticed a note lying beside her. It was the one he had left for her, but with an addendum.

You _are_ an idiot, and I am tired. I'll yell at you tomorrow.

He smiled, probably more than one should knowing he was bound to get an earful. He settled in for the evening, darkening the room and moving quietly and deliberately as to not disturb her sleep. He tried to close his eyes, but he couldn't help himself. Rolling to one side, he pulled her close. She slept as deeply as she ever did when they were safely aboard The Defiant together, and though she did not wake in that moment, he felt her settle in against his chest.

He breathed her in—sweat and sun and something green he could never quite put his finger on. She was here. She was real. She was more than enough. She was… home. And whatever he was for her, he silently vowed he'd continue to be, for as long as she'd have him.

As he drifted to sleep himself, he looked forward to the fury she owed him.

[kateweathermachine2]

Thoughts on God Games

Don’t mind this post being on Wisdom when Vengeance already came out school is a lot okay-

So in a previous post, I mentioned how I was a little disappointed by the end of God Games. It came down to a combination of my expectations for the Zeus “round” versus the reality and some (well thought out) posts I read in my frazzled I-survived-the-wisdom-saga-livestream state critiquing Zeus’s character in Epic. I’m not going to go into more details than that for now.

While I was grappling with how I felt about God Games and how that impacted my thoughts on the Wisdom Saga and Epic as a whole, I started thinking about what I would have done differently, or what I would’ve liked to have seen done differently, in God Games. And this exercise turned out to be pretty fun and helped me with my thoughts and feelings about the actual God Games. So I decided to share some of my thoughts with you!!

So for my thought-scenario, I wanted to change God Games, but not drastically. I didn’t want to change any gods in the games or even alter how it ends. I just wanted to figure out how to tweak it just right. And I think I figured out the key: more time!

God Games is long by Epic song standards- at 5:19, it’s the longest song in the musical so far! And there’s one small word in the published song that’s distinctly different from the drafts Jay’s posted- Zeus’s “and me” versus “or me”. I have a small theory that there was originally going to be more to the song, that Zeus was going to be the final round instead of Hera. But that part likely got scrapped due to how long the song was/could’ve gotten. But hEY, THAT’S JUST A THEORY; A MUSICAL TH- I’m sorry I’ll go see myself out

So for my little re-imagine, the primary thing I’m doing is leaning *into* the length of the song! Make it longer! Honestly I was expecting more of an 8 minute song here and I’m impressed by Jorge’s ability to condense it all but still make it easily follow-able.

First change we’re making- turn that “or” back into “and”! There’s no choose whom to convince situation here, Zeus is clearly the final round.

Moving swiftly forward to Apollo and Hephaestus! Both of these verses are great on their own, but for this I’m thinking we extend them by just a couple extra lines.

Perhaps Apollo doesn’t need more convincing, but he says an extra quip towards Athena to sort of pay homage to the Odyssey, where he’s also watching over Odysseus (I think, I’m not a Greek mythology or Homer expert). Something like…

Apollo: “You’re not the only one who’s watched over him” ;)

Athena: “… Thank you.”

Apollo: “Release him!”

Or something similar. Hephaestus, now, I don’t have any specific ideas on how to make his verse longer, but I’d just add a couple other back-and-forth lines before he says to release Odysseus.

Aphrodite and Ares were perfect. They were great, I love them. Athena could potentially have an extra line towards Aphrodite about how, even though he missed his mother’s passing, if he’s released he won’t waste another second to get home to the rest of his family he loves. Not entirely sure how to condense that into a witty verse, but there ya go 😅

Hera!!! Hera’s… is perfect. I can’t see any good way to stretch it out, and I love how succinct it is. So leave that verse 100% as-is.

Now for the big one- Zeus! In this version of God Games, Zeus is the final round, so Athena hasn’t won yet. The verse even starts with Zeus instead of Athena. I’d pay homage to the original Odyssey again here, and have Zeus ask Athena why she desires to go against the fates, which is what ultimately landed Odysseus on Calypso’s island in the first place (by spiting Poseidon’s son and the cattle incident, even though it wasn’t Odysseus who killed the cow in the first place) (once again, not an expert, I’ve read this part of the Odyssey only once, so I could be forgetting/misremembering some details).

Athena may reply with something like “he’s paid his fair due, he deserves to go back home”, and also challenges(?) fate as to leaving Odysseus on Calypso’s island for such a long time. Athena’s and Zeus’s lines in this part are longer than most of the other gods’ lines in their verses.

Alternatively, instead of saying “fate” is what led Odysseus to the island, it’s Zeus’s divine punishment to Odysseus for the mistakes he’s made on the voyage home, and for the cyclops and cow and all the crew who died. In this case, Athena is (in)directly challenging Zeus’s authority on the matter. Maybe there’s another couple lines back and forth here, but it winds up to Athena directly calling Zeus out for Odysseus’s pain and demanding that Zeus release him as he’s suffered enough. And *thiiis* is what sets Zeus off.

I imagine his lines here are pretty similar to the ones he actually sings, but tweaked (obviously) to fit this new situation. Something like

“You dare to defy me?! To make me feel shame?! Your foolish pride is what will make you LOSE MY GAME”

I’m not entirely sure on the pride line, I know there’s something in Greek Mythos about pride/hubris being a solely *human* thing, something that the gods just don’t have problems with? But on the other hand, to Zeus this is Athena rising above her place and defying his authority, something he needs to put out right *now*. What would it be if not some sort of pride? (Obviously it stems more from Athena’s friendship with/care for Odysseus but that’s not gonna factor into Zeus’s perspective)

And from here on, the rest of the song goes as it was. Thunder bringer, the flashback, Athena standing her ground, and her making her final plea to Zeus.

And those were my thoughts on how I would expand God Games and fit a whole round with Zeus in it! I had a lot of fun coming up with this reimagining, and it’s actually helped me enjoy the God Games we got more too! I’m always blown away by how musically Epic(TM) the songs are every time I listen to them and the voice acting is absolutely phenomenal. Maybe God Games didn’t go the way I originally expected it to go but it’s a great piece of work, and I like seeing the depths of character Jorge’s able to convey in each song- even with Zeus!

And the biggest moral of the story for me is to not browse tumblr until my brain breaks the morning after a saga livestream. Good lessons, good lessons.

If you’ve made it this far I hope you enjoyed my God Game ramblings and could see a little bit of my vision with expanding the length of the song!

Also no Athena’s not dead, it’s not denial, it’s called foreshadowing with Calypso’s line and the fact that Athena doesn’t even get *close* to death in the Odyssey- I know Epic’s a loose adaptation but there’s no way Jay would deviate *that* much and kill her off, if Athena’s actually dead I’m gonna flip out probably I’m going to be *so* upset—

[antimony-medusa]

Okay so inspired by nothing in particular (it's inspired by reading the notes on the ace swag final poll, fun stuff in there), I have been thinking about being Cringe. Cause like, you enter a fandom, and usually, you find out shortly that somebody else hates that fandom. There is no fandom niche enough that it's not Weird to somebody, and there's no fandom mainstream enough that it's not Annoying to somebody else. And given the fact that some people do hatred recreationally, there's often going to be somebody mad enough about your fandom that they're going to go on diatribes about how your fandom is bad and actually harmful and destroying the fabric of civilization, etc. They're gonna pull out anything negative and blow it up until it's the size of the skyline and attack you for liking this negative thing.

Fun times, we've all seen it.

And the thing is, there's an impulse to have this happen and immediately find somebody else to point to and say, yeah, well, I might be weird, but at least I'm not THAT guy. I might read YA, but at least I'm not a Furry— those guys are sexual deviants! I might be into actual play podcasts, but at least I'm not into mcyt— those guys are all harmful and my guy is fine. I might be into danmei, but at least I'm not into bandom— rpf is so gross. I might be a furry, but at least I'm not into mainstream romance novels— senseless drivel aimed at middle class white women. Y'know. Immediately find someone to punch down on.

And boy do I understand why you want to do that, when people are pointing at you, but I don't actually think that it's helpful.

Cause like, every fandom has a logical train of thought and reasonable human impulses behind it. You might not share those impulses— I'm not a furry I don't think, I don't really get true crime— but that doesn't mean I can't have it explained to me by a very patient person in in the writer's workshop common room and go "oh, yeah, kinda pretending to be an animal, but you're gay about it, yeah, makes sense", or "oh yeah, morbid curiosity from the safety of your headphones, it's like a horror movie but real" and nod. Like there isn't a fandom or group out there that doesn't look weird from the outside, and there isn't a fandom or group that can't be explained if someone has thought about the human psyche enough.

And that isn't to say that there isn't sometimes salient critiques for what fandoms are doing or not doing— to grab the two examples above, I have heard people talking about issues with true crime reinforcing the current fucked up justice system, or bigotry at furry cons. But a) most of the time, there is already somebody inside that community that's fighting against those issues, and you just threw them under the bus with the problem they're trying to fix b) you don't usually know the nuances of the actual conversation and problems, you saw a couple callout posts. You saying "Yeah I'm a board game nerd but at least I don't play competitive trading card cames, those guys are doing nothing but feeding the capitalist machine" is not usually helpful towards fixing the ctg scene. It's just a cheap way to score points.

Like, I assure you that the YA scene is aware of the calcification of the genre into a tighter and tighter romantic form and their dependence on going big on tik-tok to sell enough to keep publishing. They know.

You specifically saying that your fandom is better cause it's not [problems you heard about other fandom having] is not actually going to make the person who's hating on you stop hating. They already decided that you're the person they're better than and that they're punching down on, you passing the punching down on to another fandom just makes more people sad on the internet, and potentially starts yet another chain of someone punching down at someone else. The wheel grinds on, everybody gets punched.

I guess this is just kinda turning into a "why hate on the internet, what good does that do" post, which is broader than I meant it to be. But like, there's a difference between thoughtful critique of problems (complicated to do fairly but very necessary) and finding someone new to curbstomp to make yourself feel better/morally superior (look, I'm writing this on a mcyt blog, we've all seen this happen, it does not increase the joy in the world).

Like in MCYT, we all decide to punch down on [other server we hate], or RPF, or people who write kidfic, or people who write e-rated fic/art, or people doing the popular trope of the moment, and sure, it lets you feel morally superior for the moment, at the cost of slapping the guy next to you. Haven't we had enough slapping the guy next to you? There but for the grace of god (got a fun idea/watched the wrong stream/ended up in the wrong brainstorming circle/got fixated on the wrong funny guy) goes I. You're not better than another group just because you saw a couple more callout posts (usually from people inside the community trying to fix things) about them.

We are all Cringe. There is nobody who's not Cringe. Don't say that you're not Cringe because someone else is more Cringe. Stop that.