#did i do it toby fox did i get it

[haemosexuality]

the reason the queen was so fixated on noelle was because she wanted to find someone with determination to be the new knight and she knew how determined noelle was to find her sister because of all her searches!!!!!!. AAAAAAA

[atwas-meme-ing]

Toby Fox: Remixes entire soundtracks from the same 5 leitmotifs. Everyone: Oh my gosh, this is so cool, this has to mean something, I have to analyze every single note and come up with 1500 theories and sing Toby's praises for all eternity!

Tom Happ: Does the EXACT SAME THING. Everyone: Oh. Cool soundtrack.

smh

[mirror-ralsei]

NOTES: trash zone deltarune references

was this on purpose or

and if the above are true, then does that mean this relates to chapter 3's TV-themed dark world?

and could the astronaut food cooler have anything to do with a future chapter?

before we go, it might be prudent to point out the TV sprite, too...

ETA: @potabo pointed out the Trashy phone call happens here also!

(screenshot credit: 1 2 3)

[just-bible-musings]

I sometimes watch and listen to New Age believers and neo-pagans and what they say. I always find it intriguing whenever they talk about 'mana' and 'energy' and what-not. These people can feel God's presence in every single molecule of creation, they simply choose to reject God and "worship the created thing instead of the Creator"- so why can't most Christians do that??? Why does literally every Christian I talk to have at least one area of life where they say "God is not here"???

And if I offended any Christians by saying this... TOUGH.

And I hope no one gets mad about me calling God wild. I don't mean it in a bad way. As someone who came from a pagan faith, the one thing that kept me crawling back to it again and again was me feeling too "wild" for the Christian faith. Like, you can have a deep and abiding love for nature and respect for your place in it, and still love God. I say again, God made us and nature. What's not to love about the home He lovingly crafted in perfect balance for us? Nature is filled with daily miracles!

And He made us in His image. When I see a child jumping in puddles on a rainy day, I see the love for life that God has imbuing that child. When I see someone climbing a sheer cliff face, I see God's strength and tenacity and determination fueling that rockclimber onwards and upwards. So if you are primal and wild, that's okay. You're not some heathen; God made you that way.

[11natrium]

So people who are subscribed to Toby Fox's Truck Freak newsletter mailing tier list got this email today:

"Dear members in the "Truck Freak" tier:

Due to a glitch in our mailing system, it appears that around 1,000 of you have been erroneously subscribed to the "Foam Shower" tier. Affected subscribers were sent a photo of Toby Fox in swim trunks covered in a large amount of foam.

We apologize and are working on a solution now."

And uh Well It's real and limited None of my friends who are also in the tier got the photos But I did and I keep on getting more

And since then, Toby has been mailing photoshops of it

What a Toby Fox thing to do

New photoshops keep coming in every 10 minutes or so, so I'll probably make update once they stop coming in

...and just as I was writing this, a new email came in.

And, welp, he sure indeed is there, too.

[dravidious]

I am SO FUCKING STUPID

So I was playing a game called Sayonara Wild Hearts, and the game opens with a cutscene basically saying "once upon a time there was a woman who got SUPER heartbroken and this story is about her" and I was like "okay". Then in the first level there's another cutscene about how the world is ruled by 3 good arcana (like from the tarot) and then some evil arcana started doing bad things I don't really remember exactly, but then the good arcana made a hero out of the shards of a broken heart, and I correctly realized "oh that's probably the woman from the opening". And then there's no more dialogue and the rest of the game is fighting the evil arcana to the beat of a bunch of love/breakup songs.

And in the second world, you meet the Howling Moons, a bunch of furries that send robot wolves after you. But before that, one of them casts a spell on the main character (named The Fool, because arcana) that makes you go through a level that I correctly realized was supposed to be a drug trip. At the end of the level, it's revealed that nothing actually happened and you didn't even move, and there are no lasting consequences. After this you just fight the furries and their robots and the drug trip level is just forgotten completely.

And I was like "wow, this level is super out of place. It doesn't even fit the furries' robot theme. It's so completely unrelated and irrelevant to the plot. I'm sure there must be a reason, but why would the creators put such a random level in this game about fighting world-dominating tarot cards? Weird."

Then later I was looking for collectable locations on the wiki and found this sentence about one of the other levels/bosses: "Twilight Cry Sky is possibly the Fool's representation of an artificial paradise, with the Stereo Lovers being two halves of a ex-lover or rather the imaginative perfect lover."

THE GAME IS NOT ABOUT WORLD-DOMINATING ARCANA

IT'S ABOUT A BREAKUP

The drug trip level was The Fool abusing drugs to cope with her sadness! The game LITERALLY TOLD ME IT WAS ABOUT HEARTBREAK! Every world starts with a level called "Heartbreak"!

I AM SO FUCKING BAD AT READING SYMBOLISM

[bluespacebug]

recently learned that the guy that made Slender Man: Eight Pages (aka Mark J Hadley) also composed some of the most banging Homestuck songs. not sure what to do with this information but it’s with me now…

[homestarrunner]

i cant get over how toby fox probably most likely did the music for stinkoman 20x6 level 10 under a pseudonym

how has this being a real thing in the real world and society hasn’t gone as insane as me over it

probably because i’m the only person who cares as much about Stinkoman 20x6 as I do about Undertale

- Mod Whats Her Face

[beryllineart]

Battle Against Lancer

... Oh dear... That wasn't supposed to happen...

Deltarune belongs to Toby Fox

Ok, little headcanon here, I think it would be cool if Darkners turned into the object they are in the Light World if they die in the Dark World. Hence, Lancer turning into the Jack of Spades when Susie kills him. She has no idea what just happened, and even though she didn't get any LOVE or anything, she knows that Lancer is definitely dead, and it's her fault. And the player can't do anything to stop it because they can't control or stop Susie.

Anyways, with Ralsei, his robes would cover up the object he really is when he reaches 0 hp, but it wouldn't be damaged like Lancer's card is because it's not a permanent death unless the whole team dies.

But come on, turning into the object could have a whole lore behind it, because the Angel is worshipped by the Light and feared by the Dark, right? So what if it is because light doesn't mean death, but death means light to the Darkners? Like, when a Darkner dies, they are brought to the Light and forced into that form, permanently. It makes sense in my head, ignore my ramblings.

Anyways, I'm not sure how my headcanon would work for Chapter 2 Darkners, but come on, I wasn't going to miss the chance to draw a card sliced to bits with a traumatized Susie looking on. You can tell that I cared about that page because I added a background. Also, I realize that the soul on page 2 comes from Susie when technically it should come from Kris, but I liked the way it looked (and totally didn't notice where it was spawning from when I played the game.)

Comics are hard, but I had so much fun playing around with the panels on the first two pages. My pacing might be a bit off though... Also, it's so so hard to draw the same character over and over in different poses, so sorry if Susie looks a bit different than she should, I did my best. And sorry for the ramble, but that's why I put the keep reading thing up above. If you read through my brain dump, good job! Get yourself a cookie.

[cosmic-ghost-hermit]

Hello! The art on this reading is done by me! If yall wanna go check out my art blog its called @starlitghostfawn 🖤🩵🤍

Remember take what resonates, leave all the rest behind but always be open to new experiences!

PILE 1

Crystal: Green Fluorite

Astrology: Aries ♈️, Capricorn ♑️, Pisces ♓️, Virgo ♍️

Figurine: Blossom Bunny

Song: “Memory” by Toby Fox

Pile 3, your inner child has a pixie-like energy that makes them super hyper and happy. However, they have a huge complex about success. They are surrounded by expectations that were put upon them long ago. Now you are the only one putting those expectations on them. They need some time to play. Space to do whatever they please with no pressure to perform or to do your absolute best with no mistakes. Allow mistakes to be made. Allow yourself to be human. You are so hard on yourself and think yourself in circles over the littlest mis-step. Mistakes a part of humanity and being alive. Your inner child is an earth angel that is allowed to learn messily. You will make yourself and others proud even if you take time to let them free.

💚🩷🍡🍐🧚🏿‍♀️🧝🏽💗🌸🌷🪷🐛👛👒🧠🍀🍉💕🍣🍾🎀♻️🛍️🥝🍈🌳🐙🧚🏼💶💖📗🪴🐢

PILE 2

Crystal: Rose Quartz

Astrology: Scorpio ♏️, Taurus ♉️, Cancer ♋️, Aquarius ♒️

Figurine: My Melody

Song: “Wasteland, Baby” by Hozier

Pile 2, your inner child is congratulating and celebrating with you! They have this soft, shy energy. They have asked something from you and you gave it to them! Fantastic job, friend. I think what you have been working on is loving your inner child more actively. You worked through some emotional issues recently and met your inner child where they needed you. It has made your life different but happier! Maybe you showed them a love they haven’t felt before or at least haven’t felt in a long time. I definitely see maybe you did something new with your hair that your inner child finds so fun and fulfilling. I also see you could have worked through the root of an ED and are working on your recovery! Your inner child is so grateful to you. You are learning to love each other and trust each other. Which I see you have worked very hard on. You have been doing your shadow work and healing. It is time to take a break and pour yourself your favorite drink. Appreciate yourself for all the work you have been doing.

🤍🩷💛🐭🍯🥼🌸🩰🦢💑🎟️💒🔑🧺🛁🐰🌺👙🍰👻🌼🫀💅🏻🫖🧁💝⚜️⚱️💿🍭🍌🥞🐩

PILE 3

Crystal: Angelite

Astrology: Sagittarius ♐️, Gemini ♊️, Leo ♌️, Libra ♎️

Figurine: Cinnamoroll

Song: “always, i’ll care” by Jeremy Zucker

Hello, pile 3! Your inner child's energy is like a fire-cracker. They have a very spicy energy but it feels very tame. An outside force (probably a mother or another feminine role model) definitely shoved them in a box early on. Your spicy energy goes unappreciated by you because of how some of your inner child has been hidden away. Two things I think would be important for you to know about this. First, you are free of this third party who judged you. You don’t have them hanging over your shoulder anymore. You are free to let your inner child be themselves. Second thing, your inner child’s aggression is a very useful and protective tool. Let them get angry. Let them bark at people. Not allowing that energy out is less protective than relaxing and permitting them to protect you from people or things that you know hurt you. I know you’re scared to empower them. Their discomfort is worthy of being addressed. You don’t have to keep them away to remain safe anymore. You are 100% allowed to be a little brat sometimes and there is nothing wrong with that. Anger is part of the human experience and is important to keep some control over but not a total domination. Free the little one.

🩵🤍🌊⚗️📖🔪💦🏳️❄️🦋🛜💎🔭✉️🍚🪼👗🔂🛏️🗯️🧊💍📘♿️🪥💀🕯️🥶🫂👖🐋☁️

-ghost 👻🩵

[perfectlovevn]

Perfect Love Devlog #40

I'll be going to be camping with family and friends until Wednesday, so I might just skip next week's devlog in that case. I was able to finish Ryan's extra route and I also made something for someone's birthday (cough Pandora) so that's also in the game now I guess.

I was watching a video on how undertale was coded and I got this horrible idea based off of the fun value that Toby Fox did. Well not horrible, but the idea is that you would get a random extra scene that gets rolled when you first open the game. Of course that would mean that I would have to make a bunch of scenes, but considering that I made two of the easter eggs on the menu screen the day before I released the game, well I could probably just make some scenarios for all of the character's interactions. Like I said, horrible idea.

If I have time next week, I'll either do some corrections based on Vivian's corrections or I'l try to do Valli and Gamma's route next. I still have no idea how I'm going to do the holographic look that Gamma's gonna have, but I'll just try it out. I'm really into dredge again though so I'm just going to go back to fishing.

[the-golden-comet]

Does anyone ever read a piece of fiction and start crying because of how good it is? Because I’ve done that. Several times.

The greatest part about having mutuals who write fanfiction and original works, is that I get to see some of the most creative stories that I have ever seen. Stories that align with my interests, rather than check the box for required reading (though some was good, a lot of stories I’ve been required to read were not to the outstanding quality I’ve seen on AO3 and Goodreads)

To use an analogy, I think about indie authors like indie game developers and indie artists. Some of the best works of art come from a one man team, or a smaller team. Look at Stardew Valley, made by the incredibly talented ConcernedApe (aka Eric Barone). He did EVERYTHING pre 1.4, and because of the love, time, knowledge and dedication he put into his game, Stardew Valley became one of the highest rated, highest sold games in the indie genre.

Or another example you may be familiar with: Toby Fox of Undertale. Him and Tem were a two-person team. They captivated the hearts of so many people, that their game is now a staple in the gaming industry. Fox, and his musical prowess, has created iconic tracks that have broken through to mainstream media.

Vivienne Medrano, aka VivziePop, started her journey with web comics, namely Zoophobia, and has said it best in a podcast (paraphrasing here): “Advice: just get your art out there. Get it out there for the world to see.” And she did…with Helluva Boss and Hazbin Hotel. She’s now working with Maxwell Adams, the creator of Cartoon Network’s The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy.

These were once one or two people teams. They all had a vision, a passion of what they do. A passion I see in all of these wonderful stories.

Writers, Artists, Creators of Wonderful Worlds….never stop creating. You can be more inspirational than anyone could ever imagine. Get your art out there. Get your beautiful hearts out there for the world to see. You have a gift to share, and that gift is your unique mind. 💫

[goomyloid]

PLEASE explain your thoughts on kriselle in full detail

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS 100% UNPROMPTED ASK! I SHALL EXPLAIN

i hate toby fox. why did he do this to us. he really put it better than anyone else. not really romantic not really platonic but…. something else… some secret more sinister more heartfelt more absurd third thing

i wonder at what point should i clarify that i dont even really seek out kriselle in a romantic context… DONT GET ME WRONG i have zero issues with the ship whatsoever and all of the krisellers out there are living their best (most painful) lives and i SEE THE APPEAL. BUT when i rotate them in my brain i dont need them to kiss or anything like that i just need them to sit down and sadly hold hands and stay like that forever and ever. in case you couldnt gauge that from my art so far

tldr i dont think i ship them in the traditional sense at least …. the things that i usually fixate on for any romantic ship are not there with these two. there are no romantic feelings there In my mind. and all at the same time i start screaming and throwing up and killing myself (all positive) whenever i see them even in the same image together. hngh

ive tried explaining this to people before and they usually suggest something along the lines of a QPR and even that doesnt feel right to me. truly the best way i can put it is… that red string of fate man… which i almost hesitate on saying too because i dont actually know if noelle is Quite an important enough character to the story to warrant a connection like that. WHICH IS A CRAZY THING TO SAY. I KNOW. DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT GETTING ME WRONG i think dess and her connections to gaster and her usage as a stepping stone into the weird route are all VERY important… but in my brain its just not kris/knight/asriel/every other mysterious main focus of the story Important. i didnt mean to get into deltarune theorizing here i hope nobody’s blood is boiling rn

so yeah in the end. toby fox once again put it best. they are friends, but they are also something else.

back to the actual pairing though… sometimes i think im going overboard and overestimating how close kris and noelle were as children because noelle will go and say things like “i wonder if we were ever really friends at all.” which is kind of a fair statement considering the circumstances. sure they played together and all and tagged along with their siblings to do stuff together but when dess went missing… it all kind of stopped. kris is just a kid, they dont know what to do or even how to process it, much like noelle. asriel is probably dealing with his own feelings, he just lost his friend and likely old enough to understand the weight of what happened. while noelle and kris cant say much to each other at all.

im always back and forth on speaking headcanons for kris but the one that i always seem to come back to is selective mutism… to me kris had a lot of trouble communicating well as a child and could only grow comfortable around certain people, asriel and noelle being clear examples because they’re both so patient with them. maybe because of this noelle felt like they could understand each other without really needing words, and just physical interaction was enough to achieve some form of closeness… or maybe that was all just on her end, she thinks when kris goes to play the piano. but if that’s the case, why does it feel like a concert just for her…?

jesus dont even get me start on them as teenagers either. noelle has lost her sister, and now kris has lost their brother… but not in the same way. they look at each other and wonder if they’re the same now. or, maybe thats too cruel. maybe its not the same thing at all. asriel’s coming back soon, after all. it will all be over soon, kris won’t have to feel this way for much longer, right? so then, why does kris look so miserable, sitting in the corner over there? all noelle feels like she can do is sit next to them quietly. to be there, and to somehow, vaguely, messily help each other. the misfit kids that dont really know how to talk to each other and yet understand each other regardless

thats why the dark world feels like such a dream to her. these crazy city lights, fantastical creatures, susie’s there, and she actually might have the means to defend herself and stand her ground, whether it be verbally or… otherwise

and most of all, much like with kris offering an adventurous haven to susie in ch1, the same is extended to noelle. by kris’s side, no less. it feels like theyre doing things together again, and its fun, and nostalgic… she wants to bring dess. and i think its okay to assume kris wants to bring asriel, too. recreating the make-believe world they lost so long ago… is it really possible?

no… how can it really be possible, when this isnt kris? something is wrong. its almost perfect, except kris… it’s them, but it’s not. she sees their face, their expressions, their laughs, their worries. and yet the voice that comes from them… isnt them. and it scares her! even if nothing particularly bad happened as a result. and if something bad DID happen, well…

she just wants what they had before back. is it really so impossible? can they reconcile after all these years? does kris want to? is kris capable of doing so? maybe they just need to hug again. will it feel like a real hug? the person she thought she understood is acting in ways she doesnt understand. they’re telling her to do weird things. they cycle through actions as if they just want to know what happens. and they cant even play piano anymore.

[colourstreakgryffin]

I don't know if you take based character readers or if you know anything about Deltarune/Undertale or Toby Fox content but I wanted to request Andrealphus, Stella (alternative can be Blitz if you don't write for her) and Mammon with a Spamton reader? Thank you! I love your writing!

Haha! Ooh! I’ve never written for Andrealphus OR for Stella OR for Mammon, it’s new and I like it! I will absolutely do them all, we love our mean bitchy villains! Thank you so much! I have never tried Undertale/Deltarune based characters before but I have Google to help! I apologise for taking so long, here is first time try~!

Andrealphus

Andrealphus doesn’t remember why he even hired you. You’re a lunatic, you’re maddening. Spouting nonsense, speaking in Broken English, giving him weird items he has no use of. What did he want from you again?

Andrealphus doesn’t remember but he won’t deny that you’re amusing to listen to rant on and contradict yourself and behave like some perfect salesperson. At least, he knows you wouldn’t dare try scam him. He won’t hesitate to eviscerate you on the spot

Andrealphus may find you a bit nonsensical but he has found a use in YOU in general. Not just your ridiculous personality and cute but pathetic little scamming shop. But that you’re actually more witty and a bit kinder than you act, he exploits that by having you as a give to and give back servant

Andrealphus gives you a room in his palace and sustenances whilst you go out and scam the useless poor citizens of Hell for him. Bring him money, bring him back pricey possessions with your violent and nonsensical deals. Bring him back anything that’ll be useful to him and he’ll keep you

Andrealphus views you as his mad little puppet, his scammer, his perfect demon. A pink, yellow winged little marionette that does his bidding in favour for a great life but also for those thrills. He can tell you aren’t that unhappy with your unhinged state

Andrealphus does actually ‘like’ you. Yes. It’s all for what you can give him with your sales work but other than that. You’re adorable and when you actually express a occasional sensical comment to him, he’s pleased and content but don’t think he’s attached to you

He is. He absolutely is, he’s just trying to not admit it. He enjoys tea parties with you

“Marionette. What have you brought for me today~? A big bag, I see. Let’s go through it, sit in my lap now. I want to see everything you’ve scammed for me”

Stella

Unlike his brother, Stella does openly express she doesn’t really have as much use for you. You’re one of Stolas’ pathetic little servants. Her husband may see value in you but she doesn’t… that’s what she thought for quite some time until she realised there’s something there with your skillset

Stella cannot stand your personality. You’re a bumbling babbling baboon that talks the heaviest shit she’s ever heard, she can’t even understand you half of the time and it pisses her off

Though, you’re basically a thief. Your sales’pitches ends with you setting off with useful items or fat loads of money. Stella doesn’t need either but she can get what she wants from you, things like equipment to set up her parties, weapons for her hired hit to kill her opponents, or even just to get her dirty work done

Just then. That’s when Stella begun sweet-talking you, manipulating you. Offering you money and better treatment than Stolas gives you if you work for her solely, so you take it and Stella’s pleased with her efforts. She has a special little muppet to do as she wants when she wants

Stella likes, despite your stupidly insane mindset and gruff cruel attitude annoying her, how you screw others over and it makes her laugh so she sets up booths of your shop at places like his parties or around her land or even directly at Stolas

Stella grows to ‘like’ you more and more you serve her, she does get mad at all failures but really. She clearly has a soft spot for you and your inability to spelling words correctly. You have traits that annoy her but she is possessive over you

No Stolass is taking you away from her. She needs somebody to have tea parties with

“Did you get it? That’s good, darling little muppet. Your princess is quite pleased. Now, I order you to come with me to arrange our ‘Not Divorced’ Party”

Mammon

Mammon’s the King of Greed, the Sin of Greed. There is nothing he loves more than easily exploitable yet reliable figures to work for him so that’s where he ends up finding about you through his minions. Running a small but successful scam of a shop to the civilians of Greed with those cut-throat exchanges of yours

Mammon ‘hires’ you on the spot. You’re simply perfect for him, he can take most of the money and items you manage to gather, yet, also make you fabulously known and beloved by crowds all around the Rings

Like for the Goetias above, Mammon forms a take yet give relationship with you. He takes a big chunk of your profits through your malicious nonsense scams called sales but he also gives you a spot to make you even more wealthy. He has a favourite toy immediately

You’re mentally unwell yet with a good heart in a weird way, you make no sense and write like you’re having a stroke and yet. Mammon’s attached to it, somebody who thinks and behaves like him so you become the ‘child he didn’t want’, almost shoving Fizzarolli to the side

Mammon does think you’re like a little doll. A pretty doll with nice eyes and a sharp tongue that gets you the deals you want, you’re a natural salesperson with the ability to say you’re not in it for money but he knows you almost always are. It’s why he likes you

Mammon has you high up on his pillar of ‘good toys’. One of his most usual tools and ‘employees’ that he can manipulate so easily. He doesn’t even find you impossible to bond with, he gets you and it’s a reason he pulls strings around you more to benefit off you yet benefit you

He’d rather die than state he does somewhat care about you. It’s all about the wealth but still

“Ah. Had a tired day? I know you did but I need you to give me all your profits today, pretty Doll. Remember. You’re doing so well for me and for you~”

[nukedimplosion]

Why I believe Spade King will be redeemed

The Spade King is a... controversial character to say the least. From what I've seen, opinions of him range from a complete monster to an abusive douche with little leeway.

So, making a post about how this villain will be redeemed in future chapters may seem like a slap in the face. Let it be known that none of this is to upset real survivors of abuse, but instead it is to highlight the many indicators I feel show that Spade King is not beyond redemption.

I personally have had this theory since around when chapter 2 came out, and time has only solidified it, but this is the first time I actually got the confidence to post it.

That being said, let's get into the evidence.

THE FOUNTAIN

In the 6th anniversary stream for Undertale, Fangamer played through an edited version of Deltarune with Toby Fox making comments about development, the characters etc.

When facing the Spade King, Fangamer talked about how they hoped Spade King had been a good dad 'before the other mouth grew in'.

Toby Fox then says this;

'I mean, I think that fountain definitely changed his behaviour. For sure.'

This quote is stated around the 3 hour mark of the livestream video below.

So what does this mean? You may want to argue that Toby was not be literal when he made this statement, and that the fountain was a simple temptation instead of something that directly effected his behaviour. But then there's the queen...

The queen seems to have also experienced this fountain brought phenomena despite only wanting to use it to serve the Lightners instead of oppose.

She threatens and attempts to kill the Lightners. She establishes a regime significantly more strict then the last. She won't stop going on about the Knight. These are all things the King does as well.

It seems that the fountain abstracts the behaviour of their respective rulers for the sake of the Knight.

Okay, so the fountain impacts the King's behaviour, great. Doesn't change the fact that he threatened his son, and refuses to apologise or acknowledge his wrong doing now the fountain is closed.

Well, that leads me onto the next part...

HIS SON

Let's immediately establish one thing; the Chaos King does care for his son. While how genuine that care is is debated by the fandom, I would like to make the case that he was a good dad and does want Lancer to be happy.

First of all is the quote about the fountain that Toby made in the anniversary stream, which was a reply to a comment about how Fangamer hoped that he was a good dad.

Replying then seems to indicate that the fountain did impact his ability to be a good father.

More importantly is his dialogue in jail.

Here, he asked directly if his son is happy, in hesitant, even reserved manner. This is in direct contrast to how he mocks the Lightners with his boisterous grin or cruel frown.

Remember when he was yelling that he'll 'KILL ALL OF YOU' while his subjects dragged him away? An insurrection led by his son, who he called a traitor? Despite this, he seems to hold no ill will towards his son or his fellow darkners (we'll get to that). This behaviour I believe was caused by the fountain, thus the attitude change.

And yes, I do acknowledge that he has lied for sympathy before (his act before Ralsei healed him in chapter 1), but this is different. There is no reason to lie at this point; there's no way they would believe him.

He also admits that if he HAD let his son go, Lancer would have just... bounced. He then calls his son a bouncy little pumpkin. This line is notably similar to a line right after Susie casts pacify on him, calling her a 'sweet little pumpkin', again hinting that he was a good dad before the fountain and his love towards Lancer isn't a lie.

'But' you may argue, 'Lancer was afraid! He knew his son was scared of him but kept threatening anyways!'

Which is a valid point, and is obviously horrible.

BUT combined with the fountain being an impact for his decisions, I think it is also a valid idea that there's more to it than 'The Spade King is abusive'.

Both the Queen and King are callous when it comes to the opinion and wellbeing of others. Queen spends the entirety of Chapter 2 attempting to force Noelle to do as she says, even threatening to kill her classmates (and crush) for the sake of her goal.

What King does is similar, making Lancer watch as his friends get killed because he didn't do as he said. It's cruel, yes, but this is another case where you can argue the fountain may have led to this mutual behaviour.

(You may argue that the Queen has the excuse of being a computer who isn't completely in tune with peoples emotions. This argument doesn't really make sense because she actively uses Noelle's emotions against her in a way that shows she understands how upset it makes her.)

I do believe that Spade King knew his son was upset and still went along with it. This post isn't some elongated argument for Spade King's sainthood.

But I do have to say, him being aware and still going along with it may explain why he's hesitant to talk about Lancer in his jail cell. He knows he messed up and is feeling guilty post-fountain, he's just too prideful to up and say it to the face of the enemy. What he did is not a show of Spade King's abusive inhernet nature but an example of the fountain clouding his full judgement at that moment.

Also, you may argue that Spade King was neglectful of his son, leaving him to Rouxls Kaard to be cared for. I do believe that there has been a bit of exaggeration on this point. Yes, he does put his son in the care of his employees perhaps more than he should, but he's also straight up a King. He's a busy guy.

'Oh, but he doesn't feed him, the poor boy is starving!'

Honestly, my big question is why he's cooking in the first place. He's a King, he has subjects literally fanning his son and he can't afford one chef? It seems like this is more a downtime thing he does with his son for the sake of family bonding (may explain where the food based nickname of 'sweet little pumpkin' came from) and he knows his son will be fed by his employees when he's busy.

Again, too dependent, but I don't see any signs of such an intense neglect to call him a bad dad.

Of course, this is more in the assumption category. It is possible the neglect is more active and that the King is just a douche, but I feel that we are being purposely mislead here.

Now, onto the final point.

HIS SUBJECTS

Let's talk about why Spade King did what he did.

Spade King hates Lightners, that much is obvious. He calls them scum, says that 'their existence goes against our own' and feels absolutely no guilt towards trying to kill them post-fountain.

Which isn't really not justified. Darkners were made to keep Lightners happy, only to be abandoned by them. The Chaos King has to watch as the kingdom, HIS kingdom, rotted without meaning. He had to raise his son with the understanding that he would never be 'truely happy' because the so called only source of happiness for Darkners left them to the wayside.

So, when the Knight came, is it really that surprising he would try to create a 'new purpose' as he said? Yes, perhaps world domination is a bit insane (maybe he's dramatic like that, maybe it was the fountain, he does hate Lightners so it's likely both) but the core of his ideals, that darkners can be something beyond what they are to Lightners is not only justified but correct.

In the scene where the gang are walking to the castle in Chapter 1, Lancer acknowledges how happy he is to be here, feeling like he's doing 'something important'. Ralsei replies that this is because he is serving the Lightners and that is the purpose of the Darkners.

Susie is notably uncomfortable, and dismisses Ralsei's point as 'weird purpose' talk and simply says that Lancer is just happy because he ate a weird berry. This is the first sign that the plot beat of Darkners only gaining happiness from Lightners is not just going to be an accepted status quo by the main cast and that there is likely to be more contention about the subject in the future.

(I would also like to mention that Ralsei in this scene asks if the Spade King is happy, in which Lancer very hesitantly says he's not sure.)

Then, in chapter 2, Ralsei is shown to be confused about friendship. He starts to understand that friendship is more than just being nice all the time and that he should be more 'Ralsei-like', meaning more like himself.

The problem is that he doesn't know what that is. He's spent all this time forming himself into the perfect companion but he doesn't know how to be himself. This is a result of his purpose, his wish to be the perfect Darkner for his friends. Now, his purpose seems more cloudy. Should he continue being the perfect little angel for his friends or should he become someone who is more genuine on their own terms, like what his friends seem to want?

While Ralsei is still doing everything he can for the Lighteners, he is slowly becoming his own individual, which is what the King wanted for all Darkners.

Then there's the general themes of control. Be it Kris, the secret bosses or the Spade King, all of these people wish to be more than the binds that control them. While the Spade King is acting on behalf of the Knight, he does so to free his people from the influence of the Lightners, to make purpose on their own terms and be their own people.

Just like how Kris wishes to be free from, you, the player, also making their own purpose and be their own person. May I remind you that the Darkners are media and toys, fun things meant to be enjoyed. They are in universe equivalents of video game characters, made to entertain Lightners, just like Kris, Ralsei and Susie are made to entertain us. The only difference is that the latter is closer to the forth wall.

So yes, while his world domination thing was wack, I believe the Spade King is righteous in his core values.

So why doesn't any other character seem to agree?

Ralsei completely believes that Darkners can only gain happiness from Lightners, Queen does everything she does for the sake of Lightners, hell, the town that the Darkners live in isn't named after the Prince or anything but you, a Lightner. They even call you boss!

At this point, the only character who cares for Darkners having a purpose outside of Lightners is locked in a jail cell.

Now, it is possible that Toby Fox introduces another character who has Spade King's beliefs but is less nasty about it, but that's lame. It's also possible that Ralsei has an epiphany and realise that Darkners deserve better and that becomes the result of his arc. Better, and I can see him going in that direction, but I still think it's less satisfactory.

In any route in which you don't get all recruits, the King is the only person who acknowledges this and is actively upset about it. Even the Queen is hesitant yet still ultimately okay with leaving her subjects behind because the Lightners are onboard.

The goofy cutscene where he asks for cashews? Gone. He simply remarks on how you left them behind like Lightners left the Card Kingdom darkners behind and tells you to 'Begone'. The first line is said with a smile, knowing that he's been proven right but after that, the smile leaves and he's just... cold. He seems genuinely upset about what happened to the Darkners you left behind, portrayed with a '...' in his second line and the loss of his smile. He is not trying to trick you, you simply disgust him at this point. He cares for Darkners in a way that no character has shown yet (aside from Nubert (the goat))

This is why the title of this post is why Spade King is GOING to be redeemed and not me saying he SHOULD be. The difference in levity between an interaction with the Spade King post full recruits and not full recruits indicates that by getting recruits, the King is more willing to acknowledge you and, perhaps with time, your points and intentions. If Spade King was supposed to be this abusive bastard, having characters such as the Queen be on positive terms with him seems strange. You can argue nuance all you want, but the Queen, a character who we're supposed to like, being friends with a character we're supposed to end up hating seems like a strange writing decision no matter how you slice it. Especially if he's a straight up child abuser.

(yes I know she might not know but are you really expecting an epic drama where Queen finds out he's an abusive scumbag and calls him out? Having a morally positive character be friends with an abuser can work but in this situation, it is objectively a weird choice and I will argue on that)

He asks for cashews in this chapter and suckles out a giant hamster water container. Maybe the second serves to make him look pathetic, but then the Queen apparently has the same thing but bigger. The cashew bit is played off as endearing more then anything.

This is all because you got those recruits. Without them, he doesn't even talk to you. Therefore, it can be concluded that Spade King does have a chance. After all, if all of him was completely against you and believed you would be bound to abandon them, he would not be talking to you in any route. It's only when you prove it directly that he stops.

Toby Fox uses the recruit dialogue to endear you to him, which I presume is to set up a redemption if you continue to go down the recruit everyone path. By proving him wrong in future chapters, I presume he will talk more about himself and his ideals and perhaps listen to the Fun Gang and his son in turn.

CONCLUSION

My prediction is that over the course of the chapters, players will see more and more endearing aspects of the Chaos King, with things such as his theoretical neglect and love for Lancer being properly clarified and elaborated on, but only if you keep all recruits. He will still be sceptical, perhaps even leading to him going against you when the Knight returns, but he will ultimately fight by your side if you have successfully convinced him through your treatment of the Darkners that Lightners aren't bad after all.

Hopefully by the ending point, Ralsei would have had enough of an extential crisis to hear the Spade King out on his whole 'Darkners deserve to be happy without the Lightners' deal. Susie would absolutely be on board with her friends finding happiness without needing Lightners (I can see her arguing with Ralsei about it in a future chapter).

I can see him sacrificing himself, but I don't want Lancer to deal with that.

The final point I would like to mention is his place in the narrative. A lot of people have argued that all he is meant to be in an objective evil to prove that Ralsei was wrong about fighting never being the answer and that a redemption would ruin that, and yes, that is his role is chapter 1.

But if that was his only purpose, bringing him back as the only person to actively acknowledge the consequences of your lack of recruits seems pointless. Giving him moments of endearment and clarifying he loves his son is unnecessary. You, again, can argue it's for the sake of nuance but I think at this point I have clarified that there is a lot more to it than that.

Besides, what would be more satisfying to see than the most stubborn character of your journey, the only one you could not convince in the chapter he appeared in, joining your side as a result of you sparing every darkner you can?

In a game with only one ending, making routes like full mercy seem worth it is kind of important if you want players to bother caring about those mechanics. The few dialogue changes we do get really don't cut it.

But witnessing the development of a character who you started off hating but then becomes your ally due to your decisions and comes to help you in your darkest hour?

That would be worth it.

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Thanks for reading this theory! It's been a while since I've written a theory like that. Do say your opinions, I know this is a desisive topic but I am still happy to hear people's perspectives!

[everysongineverykey]

i feel like we didn't give the mansion basement enough of a look because what the fuck. what the fuck. just purely from a game design standpoint the tonal whiplash of going from the fast-paced brightly colored noisy antics of the mansion to the dingy, dark, abandoned halls all alone- even your friends suddenly disappear from your side- is fucking insane.

it's comparable to the true lab in undertale, except at least the true lab had some closure at the end. the amalgamates were revealed to simply be well-meaning lost souls who didn't really want to hurt you, they were just hungry. alphys took everyone home. sure, there's the freaky flowey phone call, but that's undercut soon enough by the uplifting and jazzy beginning of the asriel fight and seeing all your friends again. in deltarune's basement, you get no resolution. spamton gives you a supremely off-putting fight in a strange setting, he collapses to the floor, and you walk out still feeling like that was just... wrong. even susie acknowledges it. there are no ordinary encounters in the basement. you don't even have enemy npcs to keep you company. the only people who live in the basement are the strange plug monsters and... that weird face in the dark. that place has been completely forsaken by the rest of cyber world. swatch talks around it, clearly not enthusiastic to go too in-depth. when you check the dark spots in the room with the machine, the flavor text reads "there's nothing interesting". nothing interesting? that doesn't mean nothing at all! there might be tons of deleted data and drawings in there, and we have no. idea. what any of it looks like. the empty, dusty chests that no one knows the previous contents of. what did they used to hold? the teacup rides, oddly well-maintained and shiny, clearly out of place among the rest of the decrepit place. it's like they and the plug guards are the only things in the basement anyone takes care to repair and maintain anymore.

coincidentally, they're also the main lines of defense against someone sneaking in to get to the machine. the only ones, in fact. shouldn't an artifact like that have, i dunno, sentient, mobile guards? but they don't. the machine is extremely powerful, and they know spamton wants it, but they don't do all that much to protect it. it's so fucking weird. the basement is so wrong on a fundamental level that's so out of place with typical toby fox fare that it really makes you realize that the next chapters aren't going to be all sunshine and rainbows. it sets the TONE. i feel like that was confirmed by some of what we saw in the spamton sweepstakes- the basement is bad, but the worst is surely yet to come.