#dragon dashviewing

[draconscious]

"All this talk about smashing and passing..."

"...You should really be training instead. Hmph. Some of you could certainly use it."

[draconscious]

As a frequent visitor to Ecruteak and its Gym, Clair has taken countless tumbles into the darkness trying to locate Matsuba's whereabouts. Due to her headstrong, impatient nature, this will continue to happen.

(And every time it does, Matsuba will get an earful, shoulder punch, or both. He and his mediums could at least tell her when the puzzle changes...)

[draconscious]

"...Does anybody actually attend Lance's League meetings?"

"I thought I was the only one who didn't. Now I feel a little bad. A little."

[draconscious]

When I first started this blog many moons ago, I envisioned Clair and Whitney having a very antagonistic relationship because of Whitney's (unfair) association with the Dratini-selling Game Corner and their clashing personalities.

However, as I've fleshed out Clair's character more (and gotten the honor of writing with more fantastic Whitneys--hi @doubleslapped) over the years, I've totally changed course on this position. Clair now sees most of her Gym Leader colleagues in a favorable light (sorry Pryce), and Whitney is no exception to her perception shift. She views Whitney as a close friend, confidant, and often relies on the Goldenrod Gym Leader's sunny personality to get her through a tough day (or drag her out of her shell.) Sure, Whitney can be too much for the prickly tamer sometimes, but she has long earned Clair's respect, and that's an admirable feat in itself.

Whitney deserves her flowers. That Miltank is strong.

[draconscious]

bit late to the party on this one, but...

Clair is strong like a professional athlete at the top of their game (sharp, disciplined, jacked.)

Eris/Jupiter is strong like a madcap genius frantically trying to discover/hoard everything before time runs out (manipulative, insatiable, diabolical.)

Neither of these active muses are the most skilled trainers (even though Clair's dragons can duel with the best) but they are terrifyingly strong in other ways. A shared trait between them (and all of my muses, tbh) is that they may lose, but they always dust themselves off and rise again. They never relax or take a single grain of time for granted, gazes always fixed firmly upon their goals.

They will never, ever give up.

[draconscious]

johto gym leaders 🤝 working too hard, carrying heavy societal burdens/expectations, sacrificing their own well-being for others and/or the 'greater good,' etc. etc.

[draconscious]

"Marriage? Never."

Sometimes, it's as simple as that.

[draconscious]

<- never had a Slowpoke Tail, because (1) it's an overly-expensive delicacy, and (2) her diet--especially growing up within the Clan's training routine--is heavily regimented and optimized for performance above all else. No room in the meal plan.

[draconscious]

ooc. One rule that I try to hold all of my muses to: it is so important that they do not know everything.

All of my muses have blind spots, weaknesses, and flaws, and I don't think I've ever been shy about showing them. For example, Clair is an expert dragon tamer, but her knowledge of Pokemon's dragons isn't absolute because she's a bit of a Den recluse. She's extremely strong-willed and stubborn, but her worldview is also extra narrow because of her upbringing within the Clan. Over the years of playing her, I've had a lot of fun writing Clair coming out of her shell, asking other muses for help, and discovering new dragons/Pokemon in other regions. That kind of growth wouldn't be possible if she just knew everything from square one, and each new experience adds to her complexity. Displaying a character's flaws (and how they work to improve them) is pretty cool imo, and makes for more interesting development/interaction opportunities.

Of course, over the years, I have noticed a certain reluctance to show muse flaws/failures (not just in strength, but in knowledge as well) within IC interactions, not just ooc discussions. When I write with somebody, I always try to give them an opportunity for their muse to shine and do something cool (even if it means putting my character at a disadvantage), and I love it when that attitude is reciprocated and I get to show Clair being the badass dragon tamer that she is. There's a give and take compromise to agency within interactions, and I think it all starts with muses being more transparent about their knowledge gaps and shortcomings. Let my character learn from yours, and let your character learn from mine.

As the old saying goes: you teach me and I'll teach you.

[draconscious]

Every moment spent with unpredictable, often ferocious dragons reminds Clair of just how mortal she really is.

Her time is valuable. She doesn't intend to waste a single precious second of it.

[draconscious]

What Pokemon Nature are you?

Adamant.

Unbreakable will or resolve. Refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind.

Utterly unyielding in attitude or opinion in spite of all appeals, urging, complaints, or questioning. Some called spoiled, others say just hard head.

High Attack, Low Special Attack.

Loves Spicy foods, hates Dry foods.

[draconscious]

Peeks outside, then slowly turns around and retreats back into the Den for more training.

Thank goodness that Blackthorn is so far removed from all this madness...

[draconscious]

Clair is away from the Gym as usual today, probably grinding training exercises down in the Den or taking a hike up to her mountain sanctum.

Who knows when she'll return? For now, Blackthorn's volcanic arena--the tamer's well-maintained pride and joy--lies deserted, vacant...an ideal site for pranks, if one's creative enough.

Pull shenanigans at your own risk. Who knows when she'll be back...?

[draconscious]

“If you somehow manage to uncoil them completely, the average Dragonair measures over 13 feet long. That’s over 13 feet of rare grace, elegance, and--of course--power.”

“...And despite their size, they manage to keep themselves hidden in mountains, caves, and old legends,” Clair continues reverently, folding her arms. “That’s the versatility and superiority of the Dragon type for you. Many of them may be mysterious and reclusive, but--if you should lay eyes on one--they will demand your respect.”  

[draconscious]

“Ekans Gummy Snakes? Mew Cotton Candy? Dodrio Potato Chips? Charizard Cheese Puffs? Blech...all garbage. Even Slowpoke Yogurt Cups are loaded down with extra sugars, you know.” 

“Now, Electrode Energy Drinks...well, those are for absolute emergencies only. Like whenever I have to go anywhere with Whitney.”   

[draconscious]

Picturing Lance and Clair in Kanjoh Pokemon League meetings and all I can think about is that one Office scene with Michael and Stanley...

Lance: Clair, we’re having a little- Clair: Leave me alone, dammit... Lance: We’re having a little brainstorming session- Clair: DID I STUTTER...?!

...complete with a solid minute of awkward silence.

It’s perfect.