#gale meta

[mitsuki91]

Gale Hawthorne defense

So... Here I am with this post. I am tired to see all this Gale hate basically everywhere, most of all because I don't think is deserved.

Bringing up the context: Gale was a teen who grow up in a fascist regime, forced to become the provider for his whole family at 14yo, he already knew he was desrined to the mines who killed his father, and I don't blame him a bit to dared to dream of a better word.

Now I agree that the love triangle with Katniss is basically inexistent, but let's spell out what we know Gale knew about it: he sure not know about the bread and the dandelion since he and Katniss started to hunt together shortly after, and we know Katniss and Peeta at most shared some glance from distance in school, never talked before the reaping. And we also knew that the only freedom the people have in the distric is to marry whoever they wanted.

So, from Gale's pov, his best friend was reaped and forced to play romance by the capitol to survive the games, and when she came back... She is stil forced to play romance with Peeta again and again and again. Mind you that Katniss and Peeta didn't talk for months after the games, while she still went and hunt with Gale as nothing happened. And still, Katniss didn't really talk with Gale (not even before the games) so he has no access to her inner world, only her actions.

I want to place you in his place and now you tell me that you see no chance here. Like, Katniss doesn't read as someone desperate in love with Peeta, and even if you are in her brain she basically gaslight herself at any step until the end; really is so umbelivable that Gale saw a chance for himself?!

Also, even after Gale realize that something true is going on between them, I suppose is not easy to leto go of the anger about the fact that... In his eyes, Capitol took that chance, the only choice they have as people, away from Katniss. Because this is what he sees. He sees a product from the Capitol; they took his best friend away from him and send back some sort of mutt. Of course he is angry. The fact that he doesn't know the 'real' Katniss from the start doesn't even enter in the realm of possibilities from him, and why would have? They are friends since so long. Katniss is just more introverted than him, so he did the talk most of the time, that's all. He still knows her good, and it's proved: when she volunteer, he knows the most important thing for her is that Prim was taken care of, and that's why he promise her.

Now let's cover the two major point I see in Gale's hate: first is the phrase "I know you were going to kiss me, because I am in pain" (not a precise cit but I'm going by memory, sorry). I saw someone say this was manipulation from his part 🤦🏻‍♀️ sigh.

He was spelling the truth. Sorry if it read as manipulation, but you know what real manipulation would have looked like? If he press about the fact that she kissed him so that sure means something. "But you kissed me, Katniss, so of course you have to have feelings for me".

No. Instead Gale was like a wounded animal in this, he was in pain, and he basically gave Katniss the help to let her figure out that she clearly doesn't love him. That she pities him, and of course Gale can not stand this, who would?! But he is true about this, he spoke the truth. Not with the intent to manipulate, but because he was hurt. And, as I said, in doing so he helped Katniss realize her true feelings.

Now, the second point, the elephant in the room... The bomb. Now I don't go into the whole "he created the bomb" point, like yes, he created the concept of the bomb, he is still the angry boy from the start, he hates Capitol he doesn't see capitol's citizen as people but only as enemy. I think this is a belivable thing to do because of the context he grown up with; not a justification mind you, just how nature and war works, and what fascism and war do to people.

No, the thing I saw online about Gale's hate is the last conversation with Katniss, when he didn't apologize, only said "I had only one thing for me: to protect your family. And now you'll see me only as the one who killed Prim" (again by memory not a direct cit but the meaning is this).

Again, this is a hurt Gale speaking the truth. Apologize? Why did he has to apologize? You know what an apology is for? Is when you did something to hurt someone, and here Gale did nothing if not having an idea back then that someone else implemented, and I am 100% sure behind his back.

Coin is the real mastermind here. Coin is the dr Gaul of thg: back then, a drunken Highbottom had an horrific idea for an assignment, and someone else submitted it (Crassus), and someone else made it real (dr Gaul). Highbottom spent the rest of his life high as shit trying to forget the guilt and the pain that drunk!him caused by a joke. Sure enough if he was lucid and with the money and the meaning to create the hunger games himself he would have not do it. Now, Gale maybe still would have created and maybe use the bomb, if it was strictly necessary to win the war, but sure enough not on Prim. And sure enough not in that moment, when they basically already won.

No, it was Coin's plan, and you know why? Yes, to weak Katniss, but I suppose it was more deep than this. Prim could have died in different ways, but like this, Coin assured to broke Gale and Katniss bond and to really isolate her. Who remains now to be close to Katniss? Haymitch? But Coin only saw that Haymitch almost 'manipulate' her to comply and be their Mockingjay, so I am sure she didn't realize their true bond and she think Haymitch is her ally. Peeta is already half gone, even if he didn't kill Katniss when she sent him to her. Johanna is almost crazy after the tortures. Finnick is dead already, as most of her team, and she basically didn't know anyone long enough to have a true bond with them (the fact that she cares is not something she spelled out loud and I am sure Coin didn't see her big empaty here).

Coin wanted Katniss isolated and broken, and Gale was the only threat she has to destroy, because before the war talking, may I remind you that Gake wanted to run away with Katniss and their family. He would have always put Katniss's safety first, even before his personal vendetta against Capitol. In doing so, in using the bomb, Coin shattered their bond in a permanent way.

So he didn't apologize. It was not his idea, it was one of his ideas used against him. Apologize meaning to own it, and he didn't own it. He was speaking the truth, like a wounded animal, because he finally saw through the real human nature, and as he did dehumanize others to win a war... Now Coin did the same to him. He saw how he was wrong. And he knew that, for Katniss, it was not enough to forgive him, now that Prim is dead.

He was not to manipulate her. How?! If he wanted to manipulate her, he will sure apologise and go by that. Once again, instead, he makes Katniss realize her true feeling, and he walked out alone even if he was the one to help her prepare for the last shot.

So yeah, basically now I'm late for work because I wrote a Gale defence post. What a life.

Let me know your thought if you have any!

[transholmes]

You all think that Gale I-have-had-a-magic-consuming-orb-that-regularly-causes-me-excrusiating-pain-lodged-in-me-for-a-year Dekarios would just lay down and give up when faced with a challenge?

If there's one trait Gale has it's perseverance in face of the impossible.

Once, just once, he wanted to lay down and give up, and even then he had to hide behind Mystra's command to be able to convince himself that he could give up, and you all see that is moment of exhaustion and despair as his entire personality?

Did we go through the same story or did you all just disconnect your brains while playing?

[terresdebrume]

You know, I feel like the falling out between Katniss and Gale is framed as a choice between him and Peeta for romantic interest and there's a part of it that is that

But at the same time I think Peeta not being in the picture romantically wouldn't have prevented it, and the two of them wouldn't have worked out in the long run even if they gave it a go

Gale thinks too much like the Capitol for that

ETA: Like. He's definitely a hero and what's left of district 12 owes their lives to him AND there's no guarantee that under Coin's government he would have turned to horrible things... But he showed a knack for it and for coming up with ideas that were ultimately very similar to the way Gamemakers think and that's too opposed to how Katniss looks at thing for them to work, Peeta or no Peeta

[baldursgateanon]

Okay love bombing is defined as:

"a manipulative tactic where an individual overwhelms someone with excessive attention, flattery, and affection in the early stages of a relationship, often with the goal of exerting control or gaining influence. It's a form of emotional abuse disguised as genuine love and is often the first step in a cycle of abuse."

Firstly, you're not in a relationship at that stage. Gale is a slow burn on the relationship front, and the PC has to flirt with him. Like literally project an image of you both kissing into his brain.

Secondly, he's not overly friendly to exert control or influence. Astarion love bombs the player character because he is underneath it all, scared, and thinks he needs to manipulate you into protecting him. He's trying to exert control over the player character.

Gale also acts with a certain level of fear. Fear that the player character will not help him feed the orb out of the "kindness of their own heart." So he tries to befriend you quickly so you will be more willing to help him. He knows that he poses a danger, one which a stranger will most likely (justifably) not want around. So yes, he tries to be of service to you, so you will want to keep him in your party and not send him to die.

It's a bit fake, yes, but calling it love bombing and manipulative is a bit of a stretch.

He is genuinely trying to connect with the player character. The number of people who refuse to help him feed his orb, who leave him in the portal, and intentionally send him away because they hate him kinda proves his point. He thinks that he's a burden to the PC, and you'll only help him if he is of use to you.

His romance does move a bit fast. However, he thinks he is dying. His only relationship has been with a goddess. He's essentially repeating the patterns Mystra used on him because that's his only reference for love.

Just like sex is Astarion's only really reference.

.

[miradelletarot]

You know another irl job that would work for Gale aside professor? Detective. I don't know, something about that really suits him. If you want to share how you would picture it then please share!

Have a good day!

I had to give this some thought honestly, and at first, I was inclined to disagree simply because of his alignment (According to the Gale Dekarios Wiki, the game says he's true neutral).

Just in case, spoilers for Gale's storyline are ahead.

Mira's Maunderings: I DISAGREE with him being true neutral because his in-game interactions point to him being a more neutral good character alignment. Depending on how you play him, however, you could possibly sway him, but he needs A LOT of convincing (Persuasion checks) to do stuff that isn't inherently *good*. If we are talking about God!Gale though, he is most certainly true neutral because he simply doesn't interfere. He merely exists, and as long as one has the drive and ambition to do what they set their hearts out to do, he supports it regardless of whether or not they are good or evil (yet he still does not get involved because that's not what he does or wants to do.)

One could argue that is desperate times, he is willing to do something morally grey, but that's where the neutrality comes in. But that's a whole long ass topic I really don't wanna dive into rn (b/c I'm lazy and tired, and honestly, it's been discussed by others before and far more eloquently than I could ever convey).

So, *IF* we are to throw the canon alignment out the window and go by the assumption that he's neutral good, I think him being a detective would be a solid choice. Why? Because deep down, he's a good person, and just wants to see people happy and safe. Knowing he could play a part in that goal would fill him with satisfaction and even validation. I see the "morally grey" neutrality coming into play when it comes to matters of lawfulness.

Let's say, in a situation where there was a victim who endured a horrific crime (I'm talking some dark shit that i won't outline...use your imaginations,) and the criminal was caught (and it was known beyond a shadow of a doubt that this person was, indeed, the criminal,) Gale would be inclined to 'turn the other cheek' if it meant justice for that person would be served better outside of the legal system. A little tweak of paperwork here and there and make it look like a freak accident or literally anything else. Perhaps enough to raise an eyebrow of suspicion from his colleagues, but not enough for them to care otherwise because at the end of the day, justice was served. (This is only one example, but hopefully you see what I am going for here).

If he were lawful neutral the extent of his lawful nature wouldn't necessarily be good. it could be, but it could also be evil. If he were lawful good, that criminal would be caught and sent to face justice "the correct" way, and be hauled off to jail for the legal system to deal with as the laws of the land intended. Whether or not true justice for the victim(s) actually gets served wouldn't be up to him to decide.

If we look at Gale as true neutral (as is canon,) I really think this could have the capacity to take him down the road of "dirty cop" material. (arguably, so could lawful neutral, but i'm going with his canon stuff rn so go with me on this journey if you would.)

A true neutral detective Gale would likely be someone who is so disenfranchised with his profession, and would probably quit if it didn't afford him some liberties that a badge comes with. Maybe he was good once, and truly believed in the system at large. Over time, just becomes jaded, perhaps overworked, and under appreciated for his efforts. But, he'd have a pension, and stability. It's sensible, albeit a little dangerous at times. Still, it's not a pleasant lifestyle. Perhaps he's alone, just barely above paycheck to paycheck. Maybe he's suffered from permanent compassion fatigue among other things. He becomes more aloof.

I think if an opportunity opened up to him for him to get in on something a bit nefarious, or he accidentally got swept up in a case that now he simply knows too much, he might hate it at first. Hate himself for what he's become, but logically, he knows there's no way out of it that doesn't end his life with a period. (if you know what I mean). Then again, he could decide to take a position of power because he thinks he can do better and get corrupted in the process.

Imho, this is kinda how we end up with God!Gale because he is so done with gods and their ways. How they meddle with people and use them as play things.

His superiors and the local government play bureaucratic games instead of focusing on actually helping people, or making their jobs better. He grows tired of it, just as in-game Gale grows tired of the Gods, and decides to take matters into his own hands thinking he can do better. In the end, he would be no better than them (if not arguably worse).

idk, i went on a huge alignment tangent, and i fear i didn't totally answer your question, but this is what my brain did to me since you sent this, Anon so...suffer with me lmao.

Thanks for this ask though! This was a fun consideration, and of course if anyone has anything to add please share your thoughts! I'd love to hear them!

[galebrainrott]

I think it's sweet how we meet Gale when he's reaching a hand out and asking for help. Gale, who's warded off his entire tower and isolated himself for an entire year.

And we grab his hand and help him.

Someone smarter than me, please write a meta about that.

Ps I love his award winning handshake

[brainrotbutobsessed]

Listen, I love Gale as much as the next person, but I fundamentally disagree with the idea that he "seduced a goddess". Heartbreaking as it is, that man was just told, "We are sleeping together now," and was like "yes, ma'am".

A man who compliments your musk and asks all the other companions, "Does Tav like me?" "Am I hot?" did not RIZZ a goddess into a relationship. I'm sorry that is just the reality.

[baldursgateanon]

Okay, I feel like you're forgetting about Mizora.

I see your point.

The reason I didn't include Mizora is because some people downplay her role as a villain to Wyll as well. You can sleep with her, and even Larian makes jokes about Wyll being attracted to her. However, I think racism towards Wyll is a big factor here.

The only female villains I have seen no one woobify or defend are Shar, Vlaakith, and the hag. An evil goddess, a not conventionally attractive woman, and an old woman. Also, all three of these female characters abuse other women (or both sexes). So does Orin.

It's only the two female characters who have abused men who are woobified and defended against.

Sure, Mystra is not as bad as the other characters, but she's still a self-serving diety who uses mortals for her own means.

One of the themes of the game is how mortals are nothing but pawns to higher powers. Even characters like Gortash, Ketheric, and Orin are just puppets for the Gods to play with.

.

[chainsawmascara]

Gale: the sorcerer so autistic he hyperfixated his way out of metamagic

a while ago, as i was playing gale's origin, i was talking about his "i cast my first spell whilst still a babe." line with my friends @lairofsentinel, @shibepetter and @voliialpha, bouncing ideas off of each other. i also made this post about it.

when halsin asks you to share a story about you, origin gale has the possibility to answer as follows:

Gale: I cast my first spell whilst still a babe. My mother took an awful fright when I conjured up a score of rabbits in the pantry. Halsin: Ha! Talented from the very beginning, then? Almost surprised you didn't cast magic in the womb.

now we have this new bit of information from one elminster's possible epilogue letters, revealing that gale cast fireball, a third level spell, at eight years old:

Elminster: You could have been no more than eight summers’ old, clutching your mother’s apron, eyebrows singed off by the fireball you’d unleashed into your neighbour’s rose bush. You were crying because the flowers were so beautiful, and you did mean to destroy them. How kind, how eager, how brilliant you were. And yet so naive. 

adding to this gale's background reveal dialogue, where he says that he could not only "control the weave, but compose it, much like a musician or a poet", i'm more and more inclined to think that gale is a sorcerer with a wizard's education.

he would be a very rare type of sorcerer. sorcerers usually have different sources from where they draw their powers from. for gale's case, it seems to be from the weave itself.

this is just a theory of course, but i do enjoy playing around with the idea. of him chosing to study, to not simply be content with his natural gifts and talents, but improving his craft to the best of his considerable abilities.

[gale-force-storm]

Thinking about the fact that, to pull Gale from the stone and get him in the game at all, you have to decide to try to touch an extremely dangerous looking swirling mass of unstable magic. Something that is, objectively, a terrible idea

Like, the options it gives you are to either touch the sigil or leave, and if you leave you just... don't get Gale in the party

You have to take the risk. You have to let your curiosity override your common sense. You have to look at this unstable, possibly dangerous malfunctioning magic sigil and go "...Ok, but what if I poke it?"

In short, to get Gale in your party, you have to do exactly what he would in that situation, and indulge in a moment of reckless curiosity. And I just think that's delightful

[galedekarios]

while i did a gifset to showcase an armour set, i was also intrigued by just how different the animation is for the wizard class vs gale's unique animation:

wizard class animation

gale's unique animation

it's amazing to see not only just how quickly gale performs the somatic component of the spell, but also his efficiency of movement compared to the standard wizard animation.

there's a world of difference here, the difference between a wizard vs a prodigy, an archwizard and chosen.

[dr-demi-bee]

Gale's act 1 romance is just so good. The more I think about Gale the more I like it. It shows off so many parts of his character - how integral magic is to him, his love of teaching, his smugness, his appreciation for your friendship... But also his vulnerability. Before you picture something more - he looks pleased. Happy to share a moment with you as friends. (During the party he even expresses hoping that he can consider you a true friend. A self-professed rarity for him.)

At the same time he's making this face though, he moves closer to you. Whether he would acknowledge it or not, Gale clearly does seek out that intimacy.

His earnest surprise after pulls at my heart strings. He genuinely wanted to find a safe way to connect. He had no expectations of you returning his feelings (hence, embarrassment - at being perceived, or at not considering your feelings, perhaps.).

Followed by a resigned shoulder slump and a face of desperate yearning... 🥺 It's almost the same pouty face he gives you when he confesses he loves you.

Then, genuine thrill - elation - at the very idea of it! Gale has a firm grip on what he shares with us here - he's still an archmage level wizard (even nerfed), and that's a skill he would have. (It's probably why we don't ever accidentally connect tadpoles with Gale). He chooses after his initial surprise to share a feeling of not just joy but a joy with pride and optimism. He turns *towards* you - communicating not just elation but desire in his expression.

But he immediately follows this with an 'oh shit, stop thinking about it' look and a long shake of the head to clear the thought(s) away 😭 (Because trepidation here isn't about kissing you - it's about the orb.)

But he's quick to reassure you - not just because he knows you wouldn't be able to hide your thoughts from him (not an option - even picturing nothing carries a feeling with it) . "But it is a pleasant image, to be sure." And then he hits you with a confirmation of his desire and approval. "Most pleasant, in fact. Most welcome."

He hadn't considered it a possibility, but gods be damned, you've given him the first burst of hope and confidence he's had in a while. The first time in months he's felt wanted. His posture straightens with the confidence boost. He turns fully to you and clearly wants to bask in the moment - to connect with you.

But then the Weave evaporates. Whatever the reason may be, Gale didn't do it. He didn't expect it. Clearly. He posture collapses and he whimpers like it physically hurt.

The narration makes it clear how jarring the connection ending feels to us (cold and lonesome) - how must it feel for poor Gale? He hasn't had such a strong connection with someone in ages. Who knows how long since it was with another mortal (if ever)? We know from later stages of his romance and from communication with Gale that physical touch is an integral part of his expression of love and connection. And with the orb he can't have it. The loss of intimacy and connection here hurts.

"How easily things slip away from us." How easily they are lost. Anyway go hug your wizard.

[baldursgateanon]

Canon Gale, a power hungry slutty little man who takes responsibility for his own actions instead of blaming his goddess or mentor for them, can and would kick the shit out of wimpy victim Fandom Gale anytime of the week

Two things can be true, Gale can be a victim of a self-serving goddess, AND a man who is always hungry for more who makes a mistake that he's trying to atone for.

He didn't deserve to be told to die, or to be ghosted by Mystra.

People often forget that he didn't know the orb was the Karsite Weave until she tells him in Act 3. He thought he was returning the lost part of the weave to her. And also, he wasn't trying the take her place. He wanted to be her equal.

Yes, he was foolish to want to be equal to a goddess, and he was stupid to think that he could handle any magic without consequences because he's Mystra's chosen.

His biggest crime is his ego and low wisdom stat.

I agree that people woobify him and turn him into nothing but a nerd who sits in his tower and reads, and would cry if you say boo to him.

But people also villianise him as well, when that's not the case.

Both Mystra and Gale are complex, as was their relationship.

.

[metamatronic]

I really like the "Champions get Resurrected" idea! I hope to see more of it in the future!

how to piss of the Bird™ (any % speedrun)

(this was my practice pass on how to draw Rito, so forgive the inconsistencies, loll)

[dreamingofthewild]

*sigh* are people really still out there saying Gale wasn't abused or groomed? We all know that if Gale and Wyll were women and Mizora and Mystra men, there would be no issue.

If anyone is interested in learning more, here are some meta posts about Gale's relationship with Mystra and how Mystra has a pattern of seducing her chosen so they're more compliant. And that Elminster is just another one of her puppets.

So one thing I notice on Twitter is how some people act about the bg3 characters whose abuses were perpetuated by women.

Gale specifically for this reason (but I will touch on others)bbecause I see him dismissed super often as "can't get over his ex".

I don't have the screenshots rn but once I grab them, I'll edit them in or reblog with the pics labeled.

But Gale's case obviously be has the line of Mystra being like "she was my muse, my teacher, and then my lover" and sure to some that's a red flag in itself (when it comes to adults I don't really give a fuck about teacher/student) but if you view it from not only Gale's own words "ive been connected with the weave for as long as i can remember"

And that doesn't distract from his genuine love of magic of course. And it also doesn't mean that he's actually been in connection with mystra for an amount of time.

However, if you ascend Gale, and he becomes a god, you get a bunch of new little things. Tara reminiscing of course, but you get a letter from Elminster, detailing that Mystra had Elminster scope out Gale when he was eight!

And sure is that pretty cool that he's a prodigy that got the attention of the goddess of magic at that age? Yes. Mystra is, however, known in forgotten Realms lore to seek young young boys who are in tune with magic to make into her chosen. And from context clues, her chosen can be anything from Elminster and Volo, dedicated wizards who try to keep things in check, etc etc. or they're somewhat of playthings to her.

Gale always seems so proud that he got to bed a goddess, and on the surface, hell yeah, that's cool.

Gale continued to have her attention even as he went to Blackstaff Academy, and Mystra eventually did take him on as an apprentice directly to her, later making him her chosen, and sleeping with him.

The reason it bothers me that people dismiss all of Gale's stuff to just "he can't get over his ex" is because that's is like almost textbook grooming? She was in his life from a young age, shaping and moulding him up as he grew up to be her perfect chosen, rewarding him by sleeping with him, and so on. And then of course casting him away when he has his folly with the netherese orb (and to be fair, it very well could have looked like to her that he was trying to seize the power himself and yes the orb does siphon off weave. That is a problem for the mistress of the weave yes).

But she also tells gale to KILL HIMSELF for her forgiveness.

Gale is much more than "unable to be over his ex" this woman was in his life since he was a kid. She's almost all he has ever known. If course it's going to be difficult for him to 1. Say no to her. 2. Get over the fact that he's lost someone that he spent his literal entire life dedicated to. Honestly if asked, I don't even think Gale would acknowledge or really see that what he went through was, in fact, abuse until it was spelled out in front of him. (Which does happen somewhat with the player character pleading to him that killing himself for mystra's forgiveness is actually horrific and that he should in fact be angry for how he was treated)

Similarly, and this one has been discussed a lot, Wyll and Mizora. Wyll was 17 and actively trying to help his people. 17, in a vulnerable state, willing to do anything to help and prove himself. Mizora very clearly took advantage of him, and regards him as a "pet", refers to him being "leashed", and so on. Personally, I do dislike the sexualization of their relationship, because it very much is also grooming (although a different type. Rather than manipulating and shaping his life from the ground up, she takes advantage of a vulnerable and desperate state to manipulate and contract Wyll into doing her bidding. I won't go too deep I to this one because it has been discussed to hell and back. But I did wanna touch on Wyll's situation as well.

Also, Halsin as well, though that has also been discussed in many retrospectives by a very good friend of mine. (If I get permission to, I'll link the retrospectives here.) Halsin's trauma often get dismissed due to his polyamory, open sexual nature, and his own somewhat diminishing/dismissal of it, which honestly I love the representation of, cause for a while I did that with my own trauma. Halsin was a sex slave to a house of Lolth-Sworn drow, a matriarchal society, where the men are generally used as fodder or for breeding, though male Lolth-Sworn drow can be wizards and rise in the ranks if wizardry, but are limited everywhere else. (Minthara mentions that the third male, and every subsequent male child after third are killed for being"useless"). Halsin often referred to them as "hosts" rather than being captors, (though he does touch on that if the Player Character threatens to sell him back into slavery). Again, everything I'd have to say here for Halsin has entirely been discussed top to bottom by a friend, so I'll have to ask them if I can link to their posts.

Anyway, long story short, I dislike it a lot when Gale, Wyll, and Halsin's traumas and abuses get diminished, even if/when the character themself doesn't see or acknowledge the abuse in the same lens that we, the players, do.

[brainrotbutobsessed]

A list of canonical (to me) things Gale did while pining for Tav:

- Trying to subtly set up dinner seating to encourage them to sit next to him. i.e., Notices Tav prefers logs to stools, so he ensures he sits next to a log every time. (Annoyed when this doesn't work/Someone else takes the seat).

- Pretends not to hear the first few times he's called so Tav says his name again (He's conflicted about this habit, as he doesn't want to come across as rude)

- Be seen around camp reading books on topics he knows Tav cares about. "Oh yes, I've been meaning to brush up on druidic/battle/bardic practices! No time like the present."

- Staring (This is all but stated in-game), my heart says specifically with his chin resting in his hand, watching Tav from across the camp. A book open in his lap for plausible deniability.

- Mentioning (more than he already does) how much Tav would like Waterdeep. "Oh you like plays/food/magic? Well in Waterdeep..." He's determined to get them to at least visit, and keeps a secret list of where he'd take them in town.

- Noting what meals Tav enjoys and stockpiling those ingredients "for just the right occasion."

- Minor magical improvements to camp. Raising the ambient temperature slightly, improving the smell of camp. Spells that are too small to brag about doing, but he wants credit for doing. Others don't tend to notice. (Another source of annoyance for him)

-Bragging to other companions if he and Tav have a pleasant moment or exchange. "You know I told a very humorous tale earlier, Tav seemed to enjoy it quite a bit. Would you perhaps like to hear it?"

~~~

Check out @tee-dohrnii 's breathtakingly adorable drawing of one of these post