#god there isn’t any brawl stars tags

[bayfuzzball7050]

El primo and Bo for the soul feat. My take on maskless Primo

I just think they’d make a cute couple

[aplushemporium]

What’s Your True Role In The Story?

the supporter

oh gentle comrade, you know what it takes to make others shine. you live your life assisting others to reach their goals, but many say you are lackluster and unnecessary. but alas, do we need the stars any less for their dim light helps the moon glow brighter! you are warm inside and out, perhaps made of sunshine one might ask? but I can see you are as weary and worn as the hero you so desperately cling to. your purpose is to serve? Is it not? it's those moments of undying loyalty that make your bones ring true with honor. "I am right beside you," you whisper, for unlike the ones who lie through their teeth you will be with your ally through joy, through heart ache, through death. it is a difficult thing to gain your trust back if one has shattered it though, you are forgiving yes? you give many chances, but alas, one can only look away from a wrong doing so long. you can't exactly turn your other cheek as once wrings a blade through your middle. you are made of a steadfast heartbeat and a tired, knowing smile. you bring solace to the aching, and comfort to the wronged. but what happens when your protagonist loses? what happens when your valiant heroes fail you? will you pick up a sword and vanquish their enemy or will you wait patiently for yet another savior to appear and save the day? one must live long enough to see their heroes die. but are you brave enough to take their place? the only strings that bind you to your oaths of subservience are your own doubts. "am I good enough?" they whisper in your ears. you answer that yourself love. for the only difference between the paladin and the stable boy are mettle. it is not the question of can you be a hero. it is simply, will you be?

the "chosen one"

back again young one? still not comfortable with your new title? yes, I can see you are one that prefers the simpler things in life but you do deserve the rank they have given you. oh little sparrow, have you just now realized you are an owl? soaring the skies with gleaming, outstretched talons. you lived your life blinded to your own abilities, but now the truth is out. you did not ask to be a hero, which pains my heart to the core. but alas, the people have given you something so true and bittersweet you cannot bear to refuse them. for they have given you their trust. they praise you, songs will be sung of you, ballads written, feasts in your honor. but "why me?" you quietly whisper to the stars. if you could speak their language you'd hear their simple reply, "because." you, out of the finest candidates were chosen to be a sacrificial lion in golden chains. your loved ones chanted your worth as it echoed from the steeples. but what was your say on the matter? I guess you had little to none, and unfortunately, neither do I. but destiny is not a burden, it is a gift, you feel weighted by the entire world, your shoulders ache from the hopes, fears, and dreams of the people who have chosen to follow you. but their adoration isn't blind my dear. you are strong, you are worthy of the armor, of the crown. when you look back you will realize that you, my young god, were truly the savior many called you. do not run from your purpose, seek it. and I do not mean the heroic of sorts, no, search for what makes you alive young hero, for here's a secret, you are just as much a hero to others as you are to yourself. if wouldn't make you a villian, to tell them no...

tagged by: @hal-in-the-family and @chibitantei​...actualy i just snagged it from them. tho brawl did tag my og blog so... ;p

[gallavictorious]

What if Mickey hooked up with Cole rather than with Byron?

I can't find anything on AO3, and not through a cursory tag search here either (though that says very little, because Tumblr), but surely there must be something, somewhere, about this? Got any pointers, guys? I just feel that there's a lot of undermined potential here.

Let's put aside for a moment the details of how they actually hook up in the first place – it does seem a little odd that Mickey would get with someone so very exuberantly gay, because yeah, our boy's still got issues, but maybe it's nearing the end of the night, he really is just looking for a swinging dick, and Cole is drunk and excited and spots Mickey hanging out and looking gruff in a corner and is just like 'oooh look at that angry closet-case i'm gonna sweep him off his feet just to prove that I can'. The how doesn't really matter, anyway: the thing is, they hook up.

Now, Cole is likely under the impression that Mickey doesn't have a lot of experience having sex with other men (because he just looked so uncomfortable and out of place at whatever club they met at) and he's determined to make this a mind-blowing experience for Mickey – not out of the goodness of his heart, see, but because it's a boost to his well-maintained ego. Cole is probably a fantastic lay, if you go for that type, and he's giving it at least 82% of his best, but... well, Mickey's there, sure, and he's hard, and he says he wants to fuck, but he is very obviously not particularly into it.

This is utterly perplexing to Cole, sex god and seducer of men. He tries to blow Mickey, and Mickey grumbles ”can we just fucking bang?”, which is insane, because there are goddamned porn stars who'd pay to be blown by Cole. So he sits back and stares very hard at Mickey, and even when drunk he's a perceptive bastard, not to mention completely unafraid to just speak his mind. ”So, who's the bitch who broke your heart?” he asks.

Obviously Mickey is not even a little bit interested in talking about this, so he tries to get the show back on the road, but Cole is having none of it, and he is absolutely relentless, and Mickey does have a tendency to actually ramble about Ian to strangers when he's upset – or maybe he's just swayed by the real curiosity and sympathy in Cole's eyes when Cole says: ”I bet he was being absolute bastard about it too.”

”Yes, actually!” And Mickey spills – not all details of their long and messy history, of course, but enough of them for Cole to get a decent picture. And Cole just nods along, devious eyebrows furrowing into his very best Mastermind Mode Mien, and when Mickey is done he stands up. ”Okay, let's go, lover.”

Off Mickey's stare he adds: ”Yeah, girlfriend, I'm gonna help you set your man straight.” Because Cole totally gets that what Mickey really wants is Ian back, and damn it if he isn't a sucker for true love. (I mean, it's not what he'd go for himself, he's far too fabulous to be tied down to any one man, but he still finds it so cute in others.)

And then everything basically goes down pretty much the same way as it did with Byron, at least from Ian's perspective, but it is 2000% more fun for Mickey, and also Cole. Like, obviously they don't arrive at the Gallagher house on a vespa but in a cab (Cole absolutely tried to make it a limo but Mickey put his foot down – it's the first time he's been in a cab anyway, so it feels plenty fancy). And Cole is nothing but a star and does everything to communicate to Ian just how into Mickey he is – both when they kiss outside the house, and when Ian comes with the promise rings: no ”you have to take him back” here, but rather Cole coming down and glaring like ”you trying to take my man, bitch?”

However, when Ian shows up with the shirt and Mickey blows him off again, Cole starts to fear that Mickey is actually taking this too far and getting too caught up in his hurt to remember that they're still aiming for a Gallavich endgame. So he invites Ian to the concert, and Ian shows up – with Byron? someone else? no matter – and Cole is all over Mickey, and then Mickey leaves to get another drink or whatever and Cole starts to very loudly brag about Mickey's superior sex skills to his friends, maybe mentioning something about how ”he's clearly been frustrated for a long time, poor darling, I don't think his last boyfriend was really giving him what he needed” and Ian just snaps and cue brawl and subsequent proposal.

Mickey might have warned Cole that Ian isn't as gentle as he looks, and there are definitively going to be insistent demands of reparation later – possibly in the form of a great many drinks and pretty shoes. Ian will be a little embarrassed and apologetic, as well as somewhat annoyed with Mickey, who is just very amused and pleased with how the whole thing turned out. Oh, and obviously he and Cole remain friends, because I think we all need that.

[anxiety-trademark]

The week in review:

Raw 11/09 NXT 11/11 NXT UK 11/12 Smackdown 11/13

Raw:

Shayna vs Lana?? God poor Lana. Preemptive “rip”

Lmfao Lana is so damn extra.

Okay but WHY is Asuka facing Nia later? And where has Asuka even been the past few weeks?

Yikes. Lana is so friggin useless in kf.

Rofl Nia mocking Dana’s voice, I cannot with her.

Did Dana and Mandy actually save Lana from #8?? They got half a point. I get why they’re reluctant to help Lana, but they’re nearly coming off as the mean, popular girls, and I know that’s not their personas. I get she fucked them over, but it was inadvertent. Buy some goodwill guys.

Are they the Gucci girls now? Honestly flashforward to current times, Charlotte fits right in with them. If you were gonna have Charlotte head a stable, Dana and Mandy are the perfect people to put with her.

“We totally saved your butts... Lana.” :/ Dana. Dana plz. With all the work you put into your craft, HOW are you still the weakest promo in the division?

“Okay listen, thank you, you’re welcome,” just let Mandy and Dana practice wrestling cuz their promos are fucking painful.

Lana No-Friends.

Why is Alexa happily destroying flowers??

Lol has no memory of seeing Nikki the week prior. Yikes. Are we still sure it’s not drugs???

“Lexi I’m not playing.” “That’s too bad, Nikki.” What she means, Nikki, is there are 2 options: play or pain. You should just play. Actually side note; wasn’t that Nikki’s whole damn character when she debuted? ‘Nikki wants to play’? ‘Play with Nikki’??

Omfg Alexa is god damn stellar. Nikki tells her to choose either Fiend/Bray or [Nikki]. Alexa thinks about it for a moment, “okay. I choose... *blows the flower petals in Nikki’s face* him!” Then fucking claps, giggles and walks away. Imagine if you had a whole damn roster that could be this entertaining.

Also Nikki is really talented in her own right. Working with Alexa did wonders as far as promos and acting go.

Survivor Series team is supposedly at ringside because Asuka is about to go one on one with Nia. I’m not seeing the correlation.

Shayna officially playing the role of henchman now, I see. That’s interesting.

Asuka does a lot of things worth praising. Her Octopus is not one of them.

It’s always nice seeing Nia bump like she does for Asuka.

Oh that kickout into an armbar by Asuka was BEAUTIFUL.

Asuka said “fuck all y’all we’re busy rn”

I hate Shayna’s hammerfists SO much.

This Survivor Series team is a fucking disaster in kf.

aaaaand there’s number 8. Jeeeeze. “You don’t belong here, you’re gonna drag us down. Just quit.” This is a bullying story done right tbh. No personal petty bs insults, no body shaming. Just straight up physically assaulting the weakest link that has zero friends. It’s a good story. I feel sympathy for sure.

Highlight: Alexa & Nikki backstage segment

---

NXT:

See I don’t mind Shotzi’s backstage promos at all. She exudes passion. I can feel her emotions. But 9 times out of 10 she ends it in a howl and I want to scream.

Weak final thought though. There was really nothing better you could end it on? Okay.

So Xia calls out Raquel and then doesn’t show. Not sure if it’s for kf or meta reasons.

I like Raquel speaking Spanish while brawling. She should incorporate that more, especially with Zelina gone. We need more Latina talent (no disrespect to Bayley or Sasha, if they wanna start speaking Spanish then good on them)

“Everybody better take their-- my name out of their mouth.” SIGH can I get a non-awkward speaker that isn’t Nia? Anyone? Anywhere? Hello??

What the hell does any of this Xia stuff mean? Fine I’ll be patient.

So is Toni a face? I thought she was a heel. Did I misinterpret the heel turn pre-covid era? That’s even worse, she’s even more the same now.

Ugh rough day when I’m here cheering for Toni. God I hate Candice.

Do you really have the right to call anyone a ‘punk rock poser’ Candice? I mean... REALLY?

It’s not that I hate Toni’s headbutt, I just hate it when people take themselves out delivering a headbutt.

Anticlimactic sequence. Toni says fuck your second rope neckbreaker to Candice, then Candice says fuck your second rope leg drop to Toni, just to follow up with a mere kick to the jaw and a pinfall attempt. Missed opportunity to really get something going.

Sad attempt at putting her feet on the ropes by Candice.

Good let Toni be a “sore loser” fuck Candice.

So the masked figure is Indi, right? Why are they keeping her masked? What’s the purpose? Yeahhh that’s really not a surprise. Anyway.

It’s a damn shame what happened in 2020, the whole world has felt it. And it’s a damn shame that you didn’t get to show out in front of 80k people. I truly feel for you. Your loss, however? In kf I can’t feel bad because you sought HER out on HER show. In a meta sense? She did you a favor taking that title. You were 5 seconds from being called Charlotte 2.0, and you deserve better. You deserve the opportunity to grow and make a name for yourself without being handed everything before the age of 25, and you’re SO much better off for it.

The downfall of “nxt’s hottest new act” was a great story. It sucks to be her, but it was a great story. Rhea’s gonna be a fucking STAR on the main roster. She will thrive. She will exceed expectations. She will make a name for herself. She had to eat that humble pie first, though. Obviously I know how this match ends already, and rightfully so. 

Highlight: I guess the Io/Rhea Prime Target

---

NXT UK:

Kind of a bummer that there’s only ever one women’s match/segment every week on UK. I want to ponder whether it’d be different sans a pandemic, but I’m not certain it would be.

Xia Brookside is too animated in her moves, and her moves are always too slow for it to mesh well.

They compliment Xia’s “technical work” but she just comes off as someone who has learned the absolute basics and has no idea how to utilize them in a match.

Interesting to note that they seem to be building up 2 heels in Nina and Jinny, yet the champ herself is a heel. Not quite making me believe either of them have a chance at defeating her in the future.

Nice I always love a good codebreaker. Points to Xia.

That was a nice cartwheel off the turnbuckle using the ropes. One would assume the tweak to the knee was a farce.

Stupid small package. Stupid result. At least Nina got some heat back, but she should’ve won, lesbireal.

Side note: I see UK does in fact have a pc. No excuse for these women to get gassed so quickly then, get it together.

Highlight: The network exclusive video package for KLR vs Piper

---

Smackdown:

What a racy outfit. I don’t hate it, Sasha wears it well.

There’s like a million things you can do with Sasha that doesn’t involve a live promo in the middle of the ring. Explore them plz.

Carmella’s not a technical master by any means, but having her superkick and then finish with a facebuster is super weak.

What’s also weak: where the fuck did Bayley go?

What’s even weaker than that: Carmella had like the best theme music and now it’s gone. Tragic.

Lol why is Nattie stomping her feet like she’s throwing a tantrum? She’s hilarious tbh.

“If team Smackdown is going to win,” lmao let me cut you off right there. Imagine the SD women actually winning at SvS. Good joke.

Omg Chelsea is alive? We gave her a tag match in nxt with the women’s champion Charlotte Flair... Charlotte fucking Flair... and then kept her off tv for like 6 months for this? Is this her grand debut?? Is she even ready for the main roster???

Wait hold on. Back up. So Chelsea touched Adam’s shoulder and had some off camera conversation to make her way into this triple threat match? *sigh* okay.

I don’t quite remember who this team consisted of, but if I had to guess, I’d assume Liv wins this match since Ruby is already on the team.

Love Chelsea’s theme music, love that a giant picture of herself is no longer her titantron... HATE the flowy wedding dress veil that she wears on the bottom half of her outfit.

Should stick Chelsea with Nattie tbh.

What the hell was that by Liv? A fake out standing crucifix turned into a ddt? Fucking beautiful.

Nattie and Liv work together nicely ngl. Liv really does have a lot of potential, but she’s god awful on the mic. Tag team wrestling is best for her for the foreseeable future.

“This is a fatal 4way,” Cole reminds us, because Chelsea and Tamina have seemingly died.

Should’ve just made this a singles match between Liv and Nattie, jesus.

Lmfao Liv pinned Tamina. What took Chelsea out? A dropkick off the apron. A dropkick off the apron took Chelsea out for 3 minutes, and she got maybe 3 moves of offense. Yikes, what a debut.

So when does Bayley get added as captain?

Highlight: The match that totally wasn’t a singles match between Liv & Nattie

---

*Bad week in wrestling, but yet again, Raw shines the brightest because as small as their roster may be, they’re being utilized decently well.

[puroresu-musings]

NJPW DOMINION 6.9 in Osaka-Jo Hall Review (June 9th 2019)

Jon Moxley vs. Shota Umino  ***1/4

Satoshi Kojima vs. Shingo Takagi  ****

Jushin Thunder Liger & YOSHI-HASHI vs. Minoru Suzuki & Zack Sabre Jr.  ***1/4

Hiroshi Tanahashi, Juice Robinson & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Jay White, Taiji Ishimori & Chase Owens  **1/2

NEVER Openweight Title Match: Taichi (c) vs. Tomohiro Ishii  ****1/4

IWGP Tag Team Title Match: Guerrillas Of Destiny (c) vs. EVIL & SANADA  **1/4

IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title Match: Dragon Lee (c) vs. Will Ospreay  ****3/4

IWGP Intercontinental Title Match: Kota Ibushi (c) vs. Tetsuya Naito  ****1/2

IWGP Heavyweight Title Match: Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Chris Jericho  ***3/4

Photos.

Well this was another tremendous Osaka-Jo Hall show, which started incredibly strong, but ended flat with a main event that was very dissappointing. IWGP U.S. Champion Jon Moxley convincingly beat Young Lion Shota Umino in a spirited 3:52 sprint with the Double Arm DDT. This was really fun, with Umino bringing the fire, and it was exactly what it should have been. Moxley announced he wants in G1 in the post match, then carried Shota to the back. Shingo Takagi defeated Satoshi Kojima in an excellent match next. Look, I unapologetically love both of these guys, and have done for many a year, so I’m biased, and probably enjoyed this more than your average fan, but this was great. It was an all-action hard-hitter, which was Shingo’s Heavyweight teaser. After ducking a Kojima Lariat and turning it into Made In Japan, The Dragon hit a Pumping Bomber, then put the veteran away with Last Of The Dragon at the 11:14 mark. Afterwards, Takagi got on the mic anddeclared his intentions to also be in G1. Tremendous. YOSH-HASHI pinned ZSJ with a cradle in a little under 10 minutes, to end a good doubles clash to set up their inevitable RPW British Title match. Suzuki and Liger’s brawling still continues to be a great tease. Things got a bit hit and miss in the next three bouts. The Team Tana vs. Team White six man was decent, but hampered by the fact Tanahashi looked just plain bad out there today. In contrast to his great showing on Wednesday, he seemed to be hurting and a shell of his normal self. He pinned Owens at 9:48 with a really messy looking Final Cut Sling Blade. He’s an all-time Legend, but here’s hoping Tana gets back to relative normality before the G1, because if he looks like this throughout that gruelling tourney, it could be a long one for him. 

Taichi defended the NEVER title against Ishii next, which was an excellent bout, as expected. It took a while to get the crowd, as they just weren’t feeling Taichi’s bullshit stalling and slo-mo tactics at all, but once they were into it, they were super hot. This picked up when Ishii took the lead, he threw Taichi’s gimmicks out of the ring, then proceeded in flooring Taichi with two big lariats. Ishii tries the sliding version, but the champion avoids, hits two gamengiri’s and the Gedo clutch for a believable near fall. Taichi follows with the Axe Bomber, and locks on the Stretch Plumb, but Ishii makes the ropes. Taichi hits the Last Ride for another great near fall, then the Stone Pitbull battles back with his trademark head-butt and lariat, hits the Press Powerbomb, the sliding lariat, then nailed the Vertical Drop Brainbuster to win his fifth NEVER Title at the 16:11 mark. As long as we get this Taichi at the end in his big matches, as opposed to the human sloth we got in the early stages, I’ll be good. The IWGP Tag Title match was by far the weakest thing on this show. No one cared. No one in the match. No one in the crowd. I’m sure no one at home cared either. This went on for what felt like half an hour (it went 16:38, but felt much longer), featuring four guys going through the motions of a match they’ve done what feels like 200 times before, with the same old bullshit shenanigans. Dear God (or Gedo), please sort out this tag division soon. The finish came when BUSHI fended off an interfering Jado with the mist, then took him out with a tope suicida. The LIJ team tried Magic Killer, but Tonga fended them off, then got the pin on EVIL with the old school boy/handful-of-tights finish. Wonderful.

In the big surprise of the show, Katsuyori Shibata came out to introduce his new protege/best friend, KENTA to the Osaka faithful. KENTA got a big reaction, then announced he’ll also be in G1. It was great to see him, and even though he’s all kinds of banged up from his disastrous WWE, I’m sure he’ll have numerous great matches throughout. Even though many are sore that he chose to go to NJPW as opposed to the sinking ship that is NOAH, I think he’s made the right decision. There’s way more for him to do here. The IWGP Jr Title match which followed was my MOTN. This was a near 5 star classic between two of the best high-flyers in the world today. It was 20 minutes of insanity and featured numerous mind-blowing spots. It began with them countering each others Hurricarana attempts, showing the double babyface respect, but broke down into craziness after Lee sat Ospreay on the barricade, then wiped him out with a magnificent tope suicida, into the Japanese announce team. Will battled back with a beautiful Stardust Moonsault to the floor. After Lee hit a knee strike and reverse rana, he ran straight into an Ospreay Spanish Fly for two. Ospreay on the apron, and Dragon hits the running Frankensteiner over the ropes, but The Ariel Assassin lands on his feet on the floor! This was an amazing spot. Dragon runs straight into an apron powerbomb, then a Shooting Star Press for another near fall. Ospreay goes up again, but Dragon cuts him off, then hits an insane tree of woe double stomp off the top to the outisde. Lee hit a big knee strike, then tries Desnucadora, but Will again flips out. Lee turns a powerbomb into a Canadian/Mexican Destroyer, then hits the sliding Boma Ye for a great near fall. He tries another padless knee, but Ospreay dropped Lee with a hook kick, hit the Hidden Blade, the Super Oscutter, and finally Storm Breaker, to win the match and the title after 20:07 of fantastic action, and Ospreay’s second classic match of the week. He challenged Robbie Eagles to a title match in the post-match, and backstage announced he too wants to be in G1. Man, this thing is getting all kinds of stacked.

Then it was the Ibushi/Naito I.C. Title match. Look, this was an excellent match, and I hate to be one of these crazy old preachers shouting at clouds, but some of the risks these guys took were just absolutely unnecessary. I know some people love these matches, and some thought this MOTN, but I myself am very uneasy watching these things. There is an escalation to them that is harrowing, and I hope we don’t see another bout between these two for quite some time. Also, I will say that taking insanely reckless head and neck drops, on the same day as a Mitsuharu Misawa tribute show, and throwing shoot head-butts on a card with Katsuyori Shibata present, maybe isn’t in the best of taste. And to make things worse, these guys can have incredible matches without this sort of thing, as I’ve seen it several times pre-2017. This was going fine, until Ibushi teased the terrifying Deadlift German into the ring. Naito fought free and teased another Fire Thunder Driver on the apron, ala their NJC match. Ibushi thankfully escapes, then takes an absolutely horrifying German Suplex onto, and off the apron. This was crazy, as his head bent in a very worrying fashion upon hitting the edge of the apron, then he sailed head first to the floor. Ibushi somehow isn’t dead, but looks glassy-eyed, and makes it in for 19.75. Naito follows up with a reverse rana off the second rope, which Ibushi of course takes right on top of his head, but Kota somehow counters Destino into a package Tombstone... which Naito, of course, takes right on top of his head. They finally make it up to their feet, and have an intense strike battle, which Naito wins by legit head-butting Ibushi right in the face, causing his left eye to swell up something fierce. Ibushi connects with a massive lariat, but misses a Boma Ye attempt, and eats a Dragon Suplex and Destino for a great near fall. Naito tries Destino again, but Kota turns it into Go 2 Sleep, then scores another near fall with the Last Ride. Ibushi tries Kamigoye, but Naito turns it into a DDT, which of course, Kota takes right on top of his head. Naito then hit another reverse rana, his version of Misawa’s Emerald Flowsion he’s calling ‘Valentia’, and Destino (both of which Ibushi landed right on his head for) to thankfully end this thing at 22:06. Taking the belt off Ibushi means he’s free to win the G1 and not take any L’s en route to WK14, should that be the direction they’re going, and giving it back to Naito gives him something of importance to do. Of course, thats IF Ibushi makes it to G1, he looked like he could be concussed here. I’m just thankful he’s not dead.

The main event between Okada and Jericho was very good, but has to rank as the most disappointing Okada big match I’ve ver seen. The work was solid, and the story good, but something just didn’t click here. I’ve seen Okada have better bouts with Bad Luck Fale than this. It started as a compelling brawl, but the wheels started to come off when they tried to work in some of Okada’s signature counter spots. Jericho, who doesn’t physically look his age, certainly did in the ring trying to do some of these spots. Both guys worked really hard, with Okada being stiffer than usual. Jericho countered Okada’s over the barricade dive into a (sort of) Code Breaker, then they traded Tombstone attempts, before the former Y2J locked in the Walls Of Jericho, but Okada makes the ropes. The champion hits a massive dropkick, and Tombstone for a near fall. Jericho counters a Rainmaker into a Tiger Driver with a cradle for a near fall of his own. Jericho off the second, but Okada dropkicks him out of the air. Another dropkick attempt, but Jericho holds the ropes, making Okada crash and burn, then scores a near fall with the Lionsault. Chris starts laying in stiff kicks, but Okada hits John Woo to send the veteran flying, then lays in stiff stomps and kicks of his own. Jericho removes the turnbuckle pad, eats another Tombstone, but counters Rainmaker into the Walls, then transitions into the old school Liontamer. Okada escapes, runs into the exposed turnbuckles, ducks a Judas Effect and scores the win at 25:43 with a folding press cradle outta nowhere. Erm...

I quite liked that Okada won with something other than the Rainmaker, but this just seemed flat to do it on such a big stage, and the crowd certainly weren’t expecting it to end it. But really this wasn’t up to scratch, especially when you compare it to the usual standard for a Dominion main event. This reeked of a political move to me, as the IWGP champion didn’t get a decisive, finisher win over the probable first AEW champion. I mean, it was something different at the least. Jericho goes crazy in the post-match and beats Okada down with a chair for what felt like an eternity. He was about to Powerbomb the champion through a table at ringside, but Tanahashi sent the cowardly heel packing. Tana then helped Okada to the back and the show just ended as the crowd erupted into boo’s. Oh dear. This was a seriously flat ending to what had been a great show up to that point. However, the finish can’t help but leave one slightly soured. The post match opens up a match between Jericho and Tanahashi (probably for Wrestle Kingdom) and a rematch against Okada (here’s hoping it’s better than this), but really the whole Jericho thing has ran out of steam for me. I didn’t much care for this programme leading into Dominion, and now it’s over, I feel somewhat justified in being so disinterested. On the whole though, this was an excellent supershow, with several great to tremendous matches and a, whilst disappointing, very good main event nonetheless. It’s now G1 season so it’s essentially wrestling christmas.

NDT

[vagrantblvrd]

The Long Way Around (1/1)

Summary: Ryan goes out of town and all his rules about who’s allowed to play in his little sandbox go right out the window.

Notes: Takes place in the Not A Good Man (But You Got Conviction). (AKA Batman AU)

(Read on AO3)

It starts with a familiar face.

Pretty blue eyes and luscious blonde locks to die for.

Flirty little smile and a sultry, “Hello, Trevor,” and “Haven’t seen you in ages,” and “You son of a bitch,” followed by a right hook that snaps his head back, ring-a-ding-ding.

And:

“You deserved that for what you put everyone through, you asshole.”

Trevor blinks up at her from his spot on the ground, ears ringing and Barbara scowling down at him, hand outstretched to help him back up. (Partners in crime once upon a time as the saying goes, and one hell of a headache for everyone else.)

She’s not wrong. (A little bit yes, though, but she’s never been part of the family squabble.)

Always was a strange girl, Barbara.

Played the part of rich socialite to a tee. Got the press fawning over her and smoothing over any ruffled feathers Sorola might leave behind.

Vicious right hook (her left wasn’t too shabby either) and one hell of a shot with that bow of hers. (Always threw the bad guys for a loop when she pulled the damn thing out, Speedy to Sorola’s Green Arrow and the trickiest of trick arrows to complement the boring regular ones.)

“You always know how to treat a guy,” Trevor says, accepts her offer of help and climbs to his feet, jaw aching.

Barbara smiles at him, disdain to it as she takes in his current abode.

Quaint, some might call it. Rustic is another good word. (Shitty, though, that’s the one Trevor’s looking for.)

Leaky ceilings and creaky floors. Windows that rattle when the wind picks up and this cough-wheeze from the refrigerator that came with the place. Shabby furniture and the thinnest walls and nosy neighbors.

“Nice place,” Barbara says, politely doesn’t make a face when something in the walls gnaws away at rotting wood. “Very...you.”

Well if that isn’t a back-handed compliment.

Trevor mimics her smile and moseys on over to the refrigerator and pulls out an ice pack. Ignores the raised eyebrow from Barbara – she knows she hits hard – and leans against the counter to watch her.

Looks prim and proper until you take a closer look, and even then she’s a damn fine actor. Pretty face that too many people underestimate, in costume and out. (As devastating fighting crime as she in in the board room.)

“To what do I owe the honor of your presence?”

Ryan’s got this policy, you see. Rules he’s set up that most – most – of the caped crowd abides by. No metas in Gotham, except for the ones who live here, but shh about them. (Surprise, surprise, Ryan’s a hypocrite.)

The Arrows aren’t metas, though, and boy do they love using those little loopholes to rile Ryan up something fierce. (Not that it matters this time around. Ryan’s off with the Justice League tackling some major threat or another, yaddah, yaddah, yaddah.)

Barbara makes a face, reaches over to flick on the lights.

“I need your help,” she says, like just saying the words causes her pain.

(Trevor and Barbara and all the trouble they used to get into way back when and the trouble he causes now. Bit of a disconnect between the two, and Trevor’s not doing much to help.)

Trevor lowers the ice pack, feels a smile coming on.

“Do you now,” Trevor muses. “How interesting.”

(Things were getting boring without Ryan around to harass, heckle, and Barbara always found the best kind of trouble.)

========

There’s an asshole.

Started out in Star City peddling weapons and other fun things. Stirring up trouble and giving the Arrows a run for their money – which, a lot because Arrows - and now he’s in Gotham somewhere doing much the same.

The Bats and the Birds don’t know about him yet, which is fine because Barbara wants to be the one to nail his balls to the wall -

“Colorfully put as always.”

- and she’s been meaning to give Trevor a piece of her mind (fist to the face) for the shit he pulled since he’s been back.

Also, she’s calling in one of those favors he owes her.

Just needs some info, a lead to follow. Anything to help her track the asshole down, let him know she’s not about to let him slip out of her grasp.

The others would help, but they’re also a little too...Battish for what Barbara’s doing right now. Not quite toeing the line between goody-good and Trevor’s kind of problematic, but this asshole is pushing her far to close to it for anyone’s peace of mind.

So.

There’s a place Trevor knows where someone’s always good for news about the asshole Barbara’s looking for.

He flashes her a little grin – not quite right anymore, but it gets the job done most days.

“Trust me, I know what I’m doing,” he says, and gives her directions to the wrong side of the tracks. (Pretty much everywhere, here in Gotham.)

She gives him a skeptical look as he tells her to park just the other side of the proverbial tracks – nice car like the one she’s driving? Yeah. Not going to want to sully it taking it anywhere near there. He tips an imaginary hat to her as he hops out of their car and strolls on into (one of) the bad parts of town with a promise to be back soon. (She’s got a memorable face, Barbara, and the people Trevor needs to talk to  will know she’s not one of theirs.)

Takes a nice big breath as he walks along, lets it sink in as he slips into character. Leans against a wall for a moment and tucks a pebble down into his shoe because it’s been a long day and his feet are killing him, brings out a limp, don’t you know. Stands up and a few feet later he slaps on a beanie because he’s been working down at the docks and his ears get cold -

” - toque! It’s a toque! How many times do I have to tell you, Collins?”, the laugh that always came with that blinding smile, hands reaching out to tug it down over his eyes before she was dancing out of reach again.

Trevor stumbles over nothing, swearing under his breath as he shakes it off and steps back into the present.

Leaves his old ghosts behind because he doesn’t have time for them now, and Barbara coming back into his life like this is a problem. Brings up memories of Before when Trevor had a better grasp on sanity and anger wasn’t so lose to the surface for him. (Oh, he’s a goddamned mess, isn’t he.)

Tucks his hands into the pockets of his jacket as he glances around.

Rundown, all the renovations and beautification projects HI is funding to make Gotham a better place, a city they can take pride in again, haven’t quite reached this far yet. No one to smooth out the cracked asphalt and patch up crumbling sidewalks. Throw a little paint on the buildings around here and replace a few lightbulbs. Plant some trees, toss in some flowers, maybe a shrub.

Window dressings for a deeper problem, and Trevor has to consciously uncurl his hands, shake out the anger and leave that behind for the moment as well because they don’t have a place for the dockworker he’s playing at being.

He stops off at an old pool hall turned seedy dive bar (not much of a switch, when it comes down to it) and good old Paulie at the bar is just the sort to run his mouth if you ply him with enough alcohol.

“Oh, that guy,” Paulie says, family roots from all the way up north going back generations.

Fishermen living on a cramped little boat for months on end to make a living and television crews begging to have them on for some show or another the public can’t get enough of.

Manufactured drama and good old drunken brawls. Old feuds and a tiff or two. Touch of family bullshit dragged into the light of day to boost ratings. Saucy innuendo tossed in here and there when viewership dips too low. And people loved Paulie when he was on, they did, but he got a little wild didn’t he, and the producers got tired of making excuses for him when his bail got set higher and higher and now he’s running around Gotham and stirring up all kinds of new trouble.

Trevor grins at Paulie and buys him a round, and then another and another. Drops a name or two, a couple of stories about the assholes in Paulie’s hometown (they’ve done this dance before, and Trevor always does his homework) and then it’s just like they’ve known each other since they were kids. No problem for Paulie to let a few things slip he shouldn’t when they’ve got that kind of history.

“Yeah?” Trevor says, waves Sharon (God love name-tags) over for another round of drinks and toasts to Paulie’s favorite team making a bid for the playoffs, poor bastards. Up against a real team and does Paulie really think they stand a chance after the season they’ve had?

“Fuck you!” Paulie crows, grin his voice and too fucking drunk for his own good and Trevor laughs, throws an arm around Paulie’s shoulders and raises his drink.

“Fuck me!” he echoes, and the two of them laugh like it’s an old joke between them.

“Yeah, yeah,” Paulie says, tugs Trevor closer because this is shit no one else needs to hear. Just a couple of friends and some good old fashioned bitching.

Gives Trevor the information he came looking for and something of a bonus besides.

Tells him the asshole is planning to set up shop over in Bludhaven soon. As bad as Gotham is, Bludhaven is worse, and an asshole like him stands to make a killing there. (Assuming he doesn’t make a misstep with the criminal element there first.)

Has some gofer working for him there running around smoothing things over before he steps foot in the city.

“I mean, come the fuck on, who the fuck wears purple and orange like that?”

Paulie looks disgusted, horrified, at the state of criminals these days. Plenty of flair to them, sure, but no kind of fashion sense at all like there used to be back in his day.

Trevor laughs so hard he spills his beer all over Paulie and stumbles over himself to apologize. Buys him another drink to make up for it and Paulie’s too far gone to notice when Trevor slips away not too long after that.

Ruminates on the Bats and the Birds and a few of their choice undercover identities they take an odd sort of liking to, go back to again and again.

Ryan’s favorite police detective with an accent Ryan always has a hard time of shaking after he slips into character. Jeremy’s own police detective when one just won’t do and the two of them certifiable menaces when working together.

Trevor’s got a costume trunk of his own. All these people whose identities he inhabits through training and long practice tucked in the back of his head ready to be called upon on a moment’s notice. (Flocks and feathers and dank little caves under a sprawling manor.)

He’s pulled back to the here and now when someone yells, leans out their window to shout at their neighbor about the racket they’re making. Music on too loud and goddammit, some of them work the early shift.

Trevor hunches down into his coat as he passes by. Keeps the slouch and slight limp going strong until he ducks down an alley and sheds it all like water in a matter of strides. Roots around in his shoe as he crouches down to retie the laces and flicks the rock into a convenient pothole, good riddance and then he’s walking again.

Tugs the beanie (toque) off and into his pocket, another step and he slips his jacket off because the brisk walk is warming him up. Lock of hair in his eyes which might mean it’s time for a haircut, so he reaches up to straighten it.

By the time he hits the end of the alley and swings a right to where a sweet little sports car parked is parked across the way he doesn’t look a thing like Paulie’s old friend from back home. (Maybe around the face, but don’t you know? They say everyone’s got a doppelganger out there, hahaha.)

Not a lot of foot traffic this part of town at this hour, and all the good little Birds (and a Bat or two) should be winging their way home to roost for the night soon.

“Well?” Barbara asks when Trevor hops in, manicured nails tap, tap, tapping out a beat on the fine leather of the steering wheel. Not very discreet, this car she’s driving, but that’s an Arrow for you. “What did you find out?”

Trevor glances at her, feels his lips twitch up into a smile because boy does he have news for her.

========

Barbara heads off to Bludhaven - “Thanks, but I can handle it from here, bird-boy,” - and Trevor sees her off with this little half-smile.

Doesn’t bother to correct her, knows she did it on purpose. (Clever one, that Barbara. Knows him a little too well even now.)

It’s tempting to follow along behind her given the asshole she’s chasing after, but, well.

She’d kick his ass if she knew, and Bludhaven is Jeremy’s city. Trevor’s not ready to go traipsing about there with the baggage he’s still unpacking. Lot of anger left to him, still.

No, better he keeps out of it. Her fight to finish, and besides, there are plenty of faces for him to pound here in Gotham, work out his aggression the old-fashioned way.

A little bird he can heckle the hell out of and know he’ll get the same back because Alfredo is still a feisty one. Gives Trevor grief the way the others can’t just yet, too worried about pushing the wrong buttons.

Eggshells and the way they tiptoe around them, and God does Trevor hate how careful, considerate they are with him. (Worried looks and hushed conversation like he doesn’t know. Kicks up the anger, frustration all over again and it’s a vicious, vicious cycle with them. Exhausting, too.)

It’s late though, or early, given how you look at it and he’s had a busy night and feels it, exhaustion dragging at his bones.

Sheds the pieces of armor – literal and figurative – the Red Hood wears to fight the good (and not so good) fight on the streets of Gotham again and again and again. Washes his face, brushes his teeth, all the things one does, neat little routine. This and this and this, hoping it will lead to a restful night and sweet dreams, and ends up staring at the ceiling of his bedroom like someone waiting for the punchline to a bad joke like every other night before.

Sleep doesn’t come as easily to him as it once did. All those nightmares of his. Nasty things full of the toxic green of the pit and sensation of drowning and pain. Rewind a little further back and a madman’s laughter echoing in his ears and the fact that Trevor can never tell if it’s his own or the Joker’s, and try not to remember, but it never works.

Trevor laughs, dark and bitter tasting because this is his life now. Broken, jagged pieces he’s trying to fit back together best he can and all these little obstacles, setbacks littering his path. (Fun, fun times.)

A sigh, exhale of breath and he finds himself looking at the moon outside his window.

Cold and distant, uncaring about puny human problems.

Oddly reassuring, that, helps to put things in perspective. (Or maybe it’s just the fact it’ll still be there long after said puny human problems stop mattering. One or the other.)

“Goodnight moon,” he says, “see you again tomorrow.”

And the night after than and so on and so on, because that’s the way these things go, no way out but through, as it goes,  and he’s always been the stubborn sort.

[ironarchived]

HALF GODS ARE WORSHIPPED IN WINE AND FLOWERS.

REAL GODS REQUIRE BLOOD.

ACT I                   EX NIHILO.

THERE  ARE  GODS,  THEY  USED  TO  SAY,  that reign over the skies and hang the stars in the heavens,  that sung the earth into existence and plucked the sun from the constellations to shine brightest in the day,  that wept until the seas filled more of the world than land and gave their breath to the wind and their rage to the thunder and lightning.  these are our gods, they used to breathe with lips parted in sacred exaltation,  eyes turned skywards,  to the vast infinite beyond where they imagined the sky and moon and stars watched them live and die. these are our gods, they gave us the world and everything in it.

they worshipped the gods like lovers, like mothers and wives,  like blood and kin.  to the gods that guarded their hearth and home, they gave their food and the best of each season’s harvest.  for the gods of lust and hunger that gave them love and war, they spilt blood and crowned their victors in the carnage.  for the gods that brought them rain and wisdom and plenty, they danced and revelled and feasted  from dawn till dusk.  they named them father sky,  and mother earth,  and prayed to their children,  the gods of wind and storms,  the gods of the land and forest,  honoring above all,  the gods of the living and the dead.  in the south,  the daughters of summer warmed the air and kissed the clear sky with stars so they could always  find their way home;  in the north,  old man winter and grandfather frost came out of the cold to sit by their fires and bring gifts of food and laughter to their children.

all over the world,  in each age of humanity,  scattered across the eras of  history and civilization, they spoke of gods.  their veneration,  their devotion,  was absolute.  

it was life,  the very breath that filled their lungs,  the certainty that everything under the skies was here  because the gods had willed it.  the divine –– they move the heaven and the earth, rattle the skies and the oceans ––  but the one feat that mankind had never needed them for, the  act of divinity  they taught themselves, they wielded like song, and story, requiem and warcry.

this was how they immortalized themselves.  and this was how they began to  forget.

ACT II                  THE AGE OF HUMANITY.

IN  THE  BEGINNING,  MEN  AND WOMEN  knew nothing beyond the borders of the world the gods had carved for them.  they were the architects,  the authors,  the great masterminds of human design.  but centuries passed,  and as mankind grew,  evolved, advanced,  they began to discover a world that had no need of rulers and sovereigns they could not see or touch.

in egypt, the people called them pharoahs, half-king and half-god. in persia, the kings and conquerors were one and the same, men of war and bloodletting. in china, they were emperors, sons of heaven and supreme rulers of all under heaven. rome went through their philosopher-kings, dictators, and emperors, faster than they could replace them, and their republic of men rose and fell crumbling into dust. russia had her csars, derived from caesar,  ancient and biblical.  in every city-state and later country,  kings and queens with their gilt crowns and diadems reigned from on high, and their people  adored them,  worshipped them,  like their bloodlines were more than simply royal.  as if their birthrights made them divine. 

worship became a matter of fanaticism  rather than belief, a means of power and control to extend man’s dominion.  they called on the gods not for mere protection or prosperity but merciless victory in battle,  the demise of their enemies,  the triumphs of their conquests, slaughters, subjugations.  the gods listened,  helpless,  as so many of them bled.  a god is powerless,  after all,  if the people do not  truly believe.  temples and holy places burned,  and burned,  and others took their churches with them in blazes of fire or flood,  choosing to flee before they watched their people burn,  too. 

in some parts of the world, belief survived as ritual and tradition, passed from mother to daughter, father to son, like  treasure and heritage. ceremony and old folklore thrived in the tales spun by high priestesses, wise men, magicians. stories survived.  and humans cast their own heroes, too, made gods out of the ones amongst them that walked like they had the  blood of the divine  running through their veins.

their gods were rebels,  revolutionaries,  heretics.  they defied the heavens and the stars,  and they brought their own hell and their own heaven down upon the gods of old.  a reckoning born of long-awaited retribution.  for what’s a god to a non-believer  ?   what use were gods  who reigned from on high,  from their mount olympus or valhalla,  when mortal men could build their own empires,  their own legends.  new heroes and martyrs rose,  part-human and all glory,  and they were loved for it,  adored for the fallibility that made them worthy of the empathy of men.  they were loved,  they were hated,  and they lived on the lips of men and women who spun their greatest triumphs and tragedies into gold. 

eventually,  even half-gods must die.  but buried in the immortality of history,  they were never truly  dead  to begin with. 

ACT III                 HOW TO KILL A GOD.

THE  RISE  AND  FALL  OF  EMPIRES  is woven into the thread of mortal history.  according to the sacred texts,  gods existed for millennia before  the creation of men.  according to the lore of the divine,  gods will exist long after the last mortal takes their last breath.  the stories do not tell you that  gods die.  and when they truly die,  they die unmourned and unremembered.  

what are gods,  after all,  without belivers  ?  without worship,  without faith and prayer to keep them and sustain them.  for centuries,  their power and vitality had waxed and waned on the whim of humanity.  some learned to thrive in their own way,  expanding their domain into unexpected,  increasingly inventive places so long as there were disciples willing to listen.  devotion came in new forms:  new ways for mortals to sell their blood,  soul,  and bone for a price.  ideas are more difficult to kill than people,  or gods,  and the divine had lived feeding from the cornucopia for centuries;  if you believed the cynics,  religion was the greatest con humanity had ever played on themselves.  

for most of them,  modernity meant death.  many vanished altogether into obscurity and folklore,  shrouding themselves in the protection oblivion offered rather than watch themselves decay.

it was the lesson they all should have seen coming,  the price they paid for immortality.  eternity lasts,  but what god can abide living forever,  forgotten and unwanted. 

new gods,  those who could still recall the taste of humanity,  flourished best.  the game of longevity became adaptation.  humanity had new things to worship now               fame,  media,  technology,  money.  an endless,  inexhaustible list of thrills to fill the void of their life’s  pursuit for meaning.  for the new gods,  everything became about survival.  reinvention.  they refused to languish,  defiant even at the brink of annihilation,  as countless old gods had.

in an age where men could walk on the moon,  halt disease and delay death,  revel in their own brilliance and daring and laugh in the face of their own morality,  divinity has become extinct.  the modern world is no place for blind worship anymore,  at least not in gods.  but the minds and hearts of mortals remain malleable,  their desires and wants so easily sated.  you see,  humans  want  to believe.  they want,  more than anything,  to know their mortality isn’t subject to the cold indifferent nothingness of mere existence without meaning or higher purpose or profound truth.

belief is still the most powerful thing in the world.  men have waged wars,  burned empires,  destroyed everything and themselves included,  believing in something.

all gods who receive homage are cruel,  but mercy and devotion made them almost soft.  once,  they were powerful,  all-knowing,  and above all,  beloved.  now,  the divine are dead and dying.  humanity has abandoned them in pursuit of hubris and apotheosis,  but the gods have not left,  they never have.  and the ones who want to  survive,  the restless and the hungry,  they’ll burn the world down before they let themselves die forgotten.

half-gods are worshipped in wine and flowers,  they’ll let themselves be satisfied with hollow ingratitude,  brawling in the dirt of sacrilege for any scrap of mortal devotion.

real gods require blood.

INSPIRED BY THE WICKED + THE DIVINE AND AMERICAN GODS.  

VERSE INFO BELOW

PINTEREST.  BROUGHT TO YOU BY  IRONARMORED /  CLAUDIA.

PREMISE

this is a group verse inspired by  image comic’s  the wicked + the divine  by kieron gillen and jamie mckelvie,  and  american gods  by  neil gaiman.  you don’t have to have read  ( or watched ! )  either to join this verse but feel free to read their basic synopses on goodreads or wikipedia,  or catch the new episodes of american gods every week.

this is a  non-superpowered au  in the sense that the traditional ‘ superpowers ’ superhumans / metahumans have will not be considered as such.  you might translate those powers into divine abilities but obviously,  they will extend from your muse’s divine status rather than their superhuman abilities.  also, if it wasn’t clear already,  there are no superheroes in this world,  instead there are gods.

track  #DIVINEAU, and  #DIVINEOOC  to find out more,  and to stay up to date with the verse.  information about  biographies  &  plotting calls  will be posted shortly.

GENERAL CODE OF CONDUCT

all drama should be kept fictional only.  ooc drama and godmodding / metagaming are forbidden and will lead to removal from the group.  if any issues arise that can’t be sorted out privately between the relevant parties,  contact me and i’ll see what i can do to help resolve them.

this verse will contain mature content and triggering material. all triggers should be appropriately tagged;  if you need something tagged let the rper in question know.

stay as active as possible.  because there are limited positions open inactivity without explanation for more than 2 weeks may result in you being dropped from the verse.  if you’re taking a hiatus or you know you’ll be busy for a while,  let me know and i’ll keep your spot on hold until you’re back.

GAMEPLAY

the way this verse will work will be based on 3 main things:  

1.  everyone interacting with everyone.  do your absolute best to engage with everyone in the group ic and ooc.  most of the dynamics between all our muses should be pre-established so go wild with plotting / establishing dynamics / building backstory.

2.  in service of the overarching plot arcs for the verse,  there will be fortnightly plot updates.  or maybe every three weeks,  i haven’t decided yet.  more information on this later  !

3.  apart from act one,  major plot arcs will be a joint decision between all of us.  your  input and suggestions are vital  to the development of this group verse.  if you have any ideas or things you’d like to see happen  please don’t hesitate  to message / im me.

THE OLD GODS & THE NEW

the original inspirations for this verse are both  highly diverse and representative of a wide range  of folklore and mythology spanning cultures from  all over the world.  i love graeco-roman mythology as much as the next person,  however it would be very boring and cliche to have this verse populated with deities that are exclusively greek or roman.  i absolutely encourage you all  to look to other ancient mythologies when choosing your character’s god / demigod / mythological figure.  godchecker  is an excellent resource and database for deities around the world,  and  wikipedia  has lists of deities sorted by classification.

the pantheons are divided between  OLD GODS,  and  NEW GODS.  the distinction is fairly clear but i’ll allow for loose intrepretations if you’ve already considered a good reason why your character would be more suited to one allegiance over the other.  for the most part however,  new gods are only demi-gods or half-gods, or not divine at all.  they are mythological figures, and not officially part of any major pantheons;  they should be fringe gods or lesser-known ones as they are considered relatively ‘ newer ’ than the old, traditional, more well-established gods.  to use greek myth as an example,  hercules / ariadne / odysseus / achilles / circe would all be considered new gods.  again, i encourage people to look outside the usual greek-roman sources.  it might take some research and in-depth wiki-ing but honestly, everyone’s going to need to do some research on their god to fill out their character’s backstory and work out their individual details for this verse,  so don’t shy away from going for the rare or obscure. those are the most interesting !

you may syncetrize your chosen deity,  i.e.,  use an amalgamation of different interpretations of the same ‘ type ’ of god.  people who choose a greek / roman deity can use one or both versions of the god.  there are other cases throughout history where the same god has been reinterpreted in different ways and if you like,  you can work out a way through your deity’s history and your own muse’s characterisation to invent and explain the merging of your two chosen gods.  an example of this might be combining inanna, sumerian goddes of love / beauty / sexual desire / fertility,  and bastet, egyptian goddess of love / sexuality / beauty / dance

alt fcs of color are welcomed,  and in fact,  encouraged.

v. important:  the ethnicity of your character  does not necessarily  have to match the gender identity or cultural background of your chosen deity.  

before deciding on your god,  i would suggest taking a look at the blogs that have already been accepted to ensure that the one you’re interested in hasn’t already been taken.  there will inevitably be overlaps in terms of the domains of each god but ideally,  i don’t want any direct repeats,  e.g. having helios / ra / amaterasu would be pointless,  but apollo / ushas / bastet would be acceptable as they cover a wider range of functions and areas they were worshipped for.

APPLICATION

to begin with,  there will be  23 available slots  for people to apply for,  12 new gods / 11 old gods.  if there’s enough interest / demand,  i may consider opening that up.  to join,  message me with your faceclaim, your character’s deity, and whether they are an old god / new god.  i reserve the right to ask you to reconsider your deity if they share too many similarities with already accepted gods.

no duplicate characters, faceclaims, or gods.

for the moment,  this verse is  only open to mutuals  that are following me and that i’m following back.  if all goes well and i end up expanding the verse,  i may open slots for non-mutuals.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

OLD GODS I.    INANNA / ISHTAR / APHRODITE                TALIA AL GHUL  /  NADINE NASSIB NJEIM.   @alghul​ II.     GEVURAH                  KATE KANE  /  IDINA MENZEL.   @viiragini III.    THOR                 THOR ODINSON  /  CHRIS HEMSWORTH.   @tordenvaer IV.    HEKATE                WANDA MAXIMOFF  /  DEEPIKA PADUKONE.   @nexusbeing​ V.     ATABEY                 AMERICA CHAVEZ  /  HERIZEN GUARDIOLA.   @americhic​ VI.    AMATERASU                HIKARU SULU  /  JOHN CHO.   @starlightsulu VIII.  PERSEPHONE                LYDIA MARTIN  /  LANA DEL REY.   @shelazarus IX.    EREŠKIGAL / KĀLĪ / LILITH               EREŠKIGAL  /  SEGOVIA AMIL.   @erkalla

NEW GODS I.     PROMETHEUS  /  盤古                TONY STARK  /  GODFREY GAO.  @ironarmored II.    MORPHEUS                 EMMA WALKER  /  KRISTIN KREUK.  @somniferi

[bwicblog]

WEEKLY RP PROMPT 2

It's summer, and that means blockbuster season has officially hit! The latest in troll Star Wars (The Second in the Trilogy of the Story In Which A Young Troll Fights a False Empire to Restore The Old Republic) now has a date. The sequel to the prize-winning Aquatic Horrorterrors Ascend to Consume the Planet and are Valiantly Fought by Mechanical Hoofbeasts has just been released. The Fleetside Entertainer’s Guild is hard at work to entertain the masses, but there's been an error this half-sweep. The latest piece of not one, but two major rainbow-drinker franchises have just been released, and the planet is going absolutely mad.

Every theatre, minor and major, is featuring JOURNALS OF AN IMMORTAL ANCESTRAL RAINBOWDRINKER, or the latest TROLL TWILIGHT. Every news network is covering them. Social media is filled with brawls between TEAM LESTAT and TEAM EDWARD, and worse yet, every FLARPing convention is suffering from a sudden surplus of players sporting fake fangs and jade. Have your trolls been caught up in the chaos? Do they have opinions, or are they just waiting for the madness to end?

 ID: quick someone fill me in on what a lestat is.

SA: a character of significant rainbow drinker fiction.

ID: and why people are fucking fighting over it- oh.

SA: hadean did you know google can be your friend too.

SA: because it can.

SA: just as it is my friend.

SA: 😃

ID: pris i could smack your smartmouth off of you sometimes. =:P

WC: ~(He's a drinker who's not quite up to the times) WC: ~(Really quite handsome~!)

ID: it's called starting a conversation.

SA: ❤

SA: Oh, do you read the series, WC?

WC: ~(And then Edward is uh) WC: ~(Creepy ^^)

ID: is edward his mate or.

ID: his kismesis maybe?

WC: ~(I've seen the movies, but I don't have much time to read I'm afraid ono)

WC: ~(No, Edward is a different series entirely)

ID: how many rainbowdrinker series do we need. =:I

WC: ~(Though the author of Lestat's saga keeps having people culled for writing stories about it)

SA: until everyone has their unsettling fly by night romances fulfilled.

ID: hahahah woowwww.

SA: that's horrific.

WC: ~(Come to think of it I think she may have also joined the church........)

WC: ~(A sad end to a good looking drinker story (─n─) )

SA: they... joined the church...

WC: ~(Uh huh)

WC: ~(It was weird)

ID: figures.

ID: you'd think rainbowdrinkers would be considered overplayed by now.

WC: ~(And then the Edward series author is also kind of insane) WC: ~(But at least she doesn't cull people for fanfiction)

SA: Didn't her series inspire 50 shades.

WC: ~(Surprisingly they're not) WC: ~(But then again, they DO tend to be kind of pretty)

WC: ~(WE DON'T TALK ABOUT THAT)

SA: oh.

SA: okay.

WC: ~(>-< !!!!!!!)

ID: i mean. they're not all pretty.

SA: i see it is a source of agony for you. Ia pologize.

ID: some of them look like. nosferatu.

WC: ~(Have you ever seen a drinker in a movie that wasn't super hot) WC: ~(People are very biased towards the pretty)

WC: ~(Well, more recent movies) WC: ~(They used to be quite a bit scarier looking!)

ID: i think the older movies depicted them more accurately.

WC: ~(Then everyone wanted the dark and brooding trolls apparently)

WC: ~(Troll Edward also watches people while they sleep) WC: ~(Ugh)

WC: ~(I'd beat someone with a wrench for that.......)

SA: Oh like me.

ID: that's fucking sketchy as fuck.

ID: ...

SA: I assocate with this character already.

SA: I am joking

ID: pris.

SA: it is a joke.

WC: ~(Are you going to watch me while I sleep SA)

ID: oh.

ID: you're a hard one to read sometimes pris.

SA: But not always, and that's just enough for me to not be immensely unsettling 24/7.

SA: No, I will not watch you sleep, WC.

WC: ~(Well, I'll just inform ID we have company then ~u^)

WC: ~(Uh) WC: ~(The not Hadean ID) WC: ~(Man that's still so weird)

ID: ahahah i guess i fit in even wearing em's shirt now. everyone is wearing jade it seems like.

ID: yeah, well. i'm not changing my tag. =:P

WC: ~(Oh, please don't! It's quite nice!)

WC: ~(It just feels weird because ID hates being called by his name so he's just ID)

SA: what a strange thing to be bothered by.

SA: 😦

ID: oh. well, my name rocks so. call me by it all you want.

WC: ~(It just takes some getting used to)

SA: yes. if you want bonus points, make sure you call him professor hadeon.

WC: ~(Your name does rock, I agree)

WC: ~(Professor?)

SA: much like gliese is the dean of clown university.

WC: ~(Oh my god what)

ID: hahahah here we go.

SA: I have orange juice and i have never been better right now.

WC: ~(Is it orange juice or orange faygo)

SA: it's orange juice because faygo is for plebians.

WC: ~(Because you're sounding like quite the mirthful posterchild)

SA: a yellowblood associating with the cult would be a deathwish.

WC: ~(Faygo is for plebians) WC: ~(I think we're going to get along well ^^)

ID: faygo tastes like plastic and regrets so.

SA: fanta is much better.

WC: ~(It tastes like pure sugar)

WC: ~(Now Tab on the other hand)

ID: the fuck is a fanta.

WC: ~(I take it you haven't seen the commercials)

ID: i don't watch stuff.

SA: They are very catchy.

SA: isn't tab just a knockoff.

WC: ~ (https://youtu.be/F614uU3DsqM?t=14s)

WC: ~(For some reason I could only find one in a different language?)

SA: las fantas son muy divertida.

ID: so that's why you like fanta, huh pris? =:P

SA: No, that's not at all why I like fanta.

WC: ~(Hehe if you say so!) WC: ~(I don't speak whatever language that is I'm afraid)

WC: ~(Fanta is alright, but it's a bit too fruity for me)

SA: strawberry is the best.

SA: also why did you say it like that, Hadean...

ID: it was a joke pris.

SA: are you implying i am attracted to lowbloods in skanty clothes singing about sugary drinks.

SA: if so the answer is yes.

WC: ~(Oh my!)

SA: (the answer is actually no)

WC: ~(Scandalous!)

ID: pffttt.

ID: i don't drink soda. i just drink water.

SA: You could be a fanta singer in your renfaire outfit.

SA: Nothing else? just water?

WC: ~(I did see chainmail bikinis there) WC ~(So anything is possible!)

WC: ~(Chainmail bikinis.......why.........)

ID: ah yes. my dreams of being a face for a soda company will come true.

ID: i mean. water is free.

ID: and i have yet to find a soda river to drink out of.

SA: you can't just... drink river water.

SA: it could have the ecol.i s.

ID: look at me. drinking river water.

ID: and rain barrel water.

SA: I am going to strangle you.

ID: and sometimes puddles.

SA: oh, chainmail bikinis. My favorite is the leia outfit. I see that a lot at inappropriate times.

WC: ~(I wonder what the blueprints for a homebrew water purifier would look like)

WC: ~(Hmmmm)

SA: Hadean >:'(

WC: ~(Well I know what I'm doing tonight, thanks for the idea~)

ID: anytime i guess.

SA: they make tabs for it, too.

ID: when you're thirsty water is water pris.

ID: bugs in it is just. extra protein. =:P

ID: and dirt is minerals!

WC: ~(I suppose there's worse things in the world than dirty water)

WC: ~(Where do you live?)

ID: i travel. so. everywhere.

WC: ~(Oooh exciting!)

WC: ~(I travel too! But not very often. I'm busy a lot!)

WC: ~(What's your favorite place you've been so far?)

ID: uhhh. found a really pretty waterfall once. looked like it came out of a fucking painting. spent a while there, plenty of stuff to eat around there. that was probably my favorite. nice and empty.

WC: ~(Oh that sounds wonderful) WC: ~(Where was it?)

ID: i don't really do maps. so.... way far east.

SA: what is it you do, WC? SA: do you have any photos, Hadean/

WC: ~(Hmmmm) WC: ~(Time to do some exploring next time I'm out there!)

WC: ~(I work with machines)

ID: i dunno, i'd have to look around and get back to you pris. what sort of machines?

WC: ~(Building, blueprints, parts transfer) WC: ~(All that good stuff)

WC: ~(Anything, really. But my pride and joy is my ship. I built it with my own two hands)

SA: A ship?

SA: as in, for water or air or space.

WC: ~(Yep! It runs on steam with a power core backup)

WC: ~(The air)

SA: hmm.

ID: neat.

ID: as long as ti never crashes i mean.

WC: ~(I'd need a lot more material for a spaceship) WC: ~(Plus, there's the issue of working on the oxygen systems) WC: ~(I haven't figured that one out yet)

WC: ~(It's never crashed yet!)

WC: ~(That's how I get from place to place when I'm going far away)

ID: i see. i usually just ride my lusus.

WC: ~(Mine is a bit too ornery to be ridden. She'll throw you right off if she feels like it.) WC: ~(What is your lusus?)

ID: big horned hoofbeast.

WC: ~(!!!)

WC: ~(Cute!)

WC: ~( (˙❀‿❀˙))

ID: he's pretty cute, yeah.

WC: ~(Does he ever do that thing) WC: ~(Where he bumps you with his nose)

SA: do.. domestic animals do that/

WC: ~(Sure!)

WC: ~(All the time!)

WC: ~(It's how they get attention)

ID: when he wants me to scratch him or shit, yeah.

ID: or he'll just rub his head on me.

WC: ~(That's precious and I love your lusus)

WC: ~(SA, are you not around domestic animals often? :( )

SA: Oh, cats sometimes rub their heads on ankles.

SA: No, not really.

WC: ~(My Paintball does that all the time) WC: ~(He'll just rub my legs and sometimes try to trip me) WC: ~(He's adorable)

SA: I want to meet... your lusus, Hadean. Horned hoofbeast is not specific enough.

SA: I wish I could have a cat, but unfortunately.

SA: Is paintball a cat?

WC: ~(Yep~)

ID: well come by and you can meet him. bring him an apple and he'll be your friend forever.

WC: ~(ID and my other friend were covered in paint when they brought him in) WC: ~(And they had apparently been involved in a paintball war and got him out of a tree) WC: ~(So they say ;P) WC: ~(And now he's mine and I love him)

WC: ~(I can send you pictures of mine if you'd like SA)

SA: Oh, right, I'm on my way to pick up your flowers again.

SA: Please do.

SA: I love cats.

ID: sweet. do i get sushi too.

WC: ~(https://gyazo.com/e8c8dd919483d303548908110ca0d8d9)

WC: ~(Lookit!)

SA: I need six.

SA: yes, i will bring you a sushi plate.

WC: ~(If I see any kitten adoption boxes, I'll tell you!)

SA: thank you.

RS: | Oh | Are You Delivering Sushi | ? | =:P |

SA: to Hadean, yes.

SA: Oh, i left his bouqet on your patio. I apologize.

ID: i'm probably gonna clear out of this hotel room soon pris, so. we can meet up somewhere.

RS: | Oh | That's Fine | I Saw | and Put It In Water | So | RS: | They should be Healthy Enough |

SA: thank you, Pheres.

SA: Where will we meet?

ID: where ever you want pris, name the place and i'll probably find it.

SA: mmm...

SA: Let's meet near the blue section of the fair. There is lemonade I would like to try before I go.

SA: I will see you soon then?

ID: got it, lemonade at the blue circle. try not to fall asleep. =:P

SA: I am wide awake for once, thankfully.

SA: ! here is my daily exclaimation point to prove it.

ID: well damn, can't argue that logic.

ID: sushi is weird. edible, but weird.

SA: it helps if you put soy sauce on the one with just salmon and rice.

SA: hello I'm back at my hotel

DD: wait are you putting soy sauce on sushi or just rice salmon DD: because i love sushi but ive never really had a chance to try it above water and its a little hard to find it around here now that im in the desert! DD: and i guess before i mostly ate it underwater and you can imagine how trying to put a liquid condiment on anything works in that context!

DD: besides soy sauce is salty and the ocean is already all about that

ID: ....uh yeah it's sushi. why are you in the desert. that seems like the worst place for a fish.

SA: sashimi, I believe. I'm sorry you aren't able to get it where you are. Maybe if you find a city?

ID: what the fuck is sashimi.

SA: soy sauce has flabor

RS: | Fish | ! |

DD: im in a city! DD: or i guess its more like a town because i guess its pretty quaint DD: im not sure how big cities have to be but there arent even any sky scrapers here!

RS: | | I Assume | ? | =:? |

SA: no, I'm stupid. It's nigiri 🍣

DD: and the ocean has flavor too but i guess the flavor is mostly called fish excrement which sounds a lot less appealing than soy sauce

ID: what the fuck is a nigiri.

DD: though i guess i dont know what soy sauce is made of either

SA: 🍣 the little fish slices with rice on the platter I brought you

ID: ...hah. soy sauce is made out of. soy?

DD: thats called nigiri yes!

DD: soy what though?? DD: like those little cubes of fake meat i heard those are soy too

SA: a big city would be much better for fish, yes. You should try to find a port. That would be the best place.

DD: though i dont see why you would want fake meat when you can just have some nice fish

ID: so they. all have their own name? that seems confusing.

DD: i thought i was going to be in a port!!! DD: its CALLED port mina

SA: yes. Sashimi is just fish. Fresh. Nigiri is fresh fish sliced with rice.

DD: but its just desert everywhere!

ID: heyyy port port.

SA: sushi is. Sushi

SA; why do you keep calling it port port...

DD: and SA thats like saying sandwiches are sandwiches!

SA: that sounds. Horrid

DD: like sure theyre all sandwiches but its not like a fish salad sandwich is the same as a cheeseburger!

ID: mina means port or whatever.

ID: so the name means port port.

DD: wait really? DD: i thought it was like

DD: mina meenah condesce

ID: i don't know. i think i remembered right.

DD: and maybe they just didnt know how to spell

ID: i mean. why would you name a lowblood town after the condesce.

II: To honor her, presumably.

II: But perhaps it's just a coincidence.

DD: well its not really entirely a lowblood town! DD: i just met up with the nicest blueblood banker they complimented my bow! DD: and yes of course theres no need to restrict honoring our lovely sovereign to specific castes!

DD: regardless i will be one very happy travelor if i find myself some sushi as unlikely as that is! DD: i miss eel

DD: eel is the best

II: ...goodness, I just looked up that town, what on Alternia are you doing in the desert, sovereign?

DD: especially acid-fried

II: Are you lost?

ID: congrats you met the most boring of the three bluebloods there i think.

DD: ... do you think i could order some of that to go?

DD: do they deliver to deserts?

ID: assume probably not.

II: Haha! I don't think anyone delivers that far.

DD: and of course im not lost! DD: im on vacation exactly where i need to be! DD: a working vacation i guess haha because im still working but regardless its all very sanctioned and work-related

DD: just some company troubles is all

DD: and oh really?

DD: ... not even if you pay them a lot?

ID: ...what are you working on in a lowblood town.

DD: i gave myself cravings 😢

II: Oh, well. That makes sense. But it does seem potentially bad for your health.

II: I hope you don't dry out.

ID: and i mean. they can try but by the time they get to you it'd be gross probs.

DD: fancy, fancy things that i cant tell you about for reasons related to nondisclosure agreements and also the integrity of my company! DD: but mostly starship things

DD: theres a helmstraining facility out here!

DD: theyre very helpful in that regard

ID: yeahhh there sure is.

II: Oh, a helm facility? Fascinating.

SA: helmstraining facility... in port Mina.

SA: unpleasant.

II: Oh, I see now. Station 11, is that right?

DD: well no not strictly in the city but the city (town??) is the closest place to

DD: yes station 11!!!

RS: | Oh | Don't Say That | Haha | RS: | Ah | We've got People Who Work There on Here | RS: | They would be | Distressed |

DD: the closest place to station 11 with you know beds and showers and things like that

ID: don't fret about it pris.

ID: i think the station mostly keeps to itself.

DD: and oh dear why is that unpleasant? DD: much more pleasant than requiring the poor locals to travel all the way out to where *Ii usually live!!

SA: I'm not fretting but after what Gliese said about the area I am surprised there would be one there.

SA: I am only concerned about the imperial hunters.

SA: and they are preoccupied right now.

ID: it's why gliese is there pris. now hush up.

DD: um!

DD: the what now?

SA: 🤷‍♀️ nothing

II: Imperial hunters? What, like legislacerators?

DD: wow that is all very suspicious

ID: the folks he works for sometimes, chillax.

DD: but also in that kind of edgy way people our age use when they want to be cool

SA: I don't want to he cool, thank you.

DD: so i will go ahead and buy in and i assure you im very impressed!!

II: Oh, don't be unkind, DD.

II: I'd say we don't have enough information to assume that.

DD: im not being unkind! DD: ... a little bit too forward maybe! DD: my apologies i was being entirely sincere!

SA: 🙄

II: Conclusions without cause and all.

ID: pris finds stuff, it's his job.

II: I for one am intrigued.

DD: thats a very generalized job description? DD: what kinds of things do you find? DD: lost items? DD: items that are lost after you find them? DD: fears?

DD: i read the most interesting story once about a psionic

ID: whatever he gets paid to find, duh.

DD: her powers were that she could find anything! and of course the writer write the trickiest plot twist DD: she eventually defeated her greatest enemy by finding his greatest fear!

SA: people, usually.

II: ...That sounds more like an empath's ability.

DD: and oh alright thats sensical of course i was just trying to inject some DRAMA into it

SA: yes. Much more empathetic

DD: well she could find items too!

SA: empaths can also detect an emotion attached to an item

ID: op main character please nerf.

II: I don't think this person had much experience of actual psiionics, abilities don't often intersect like that.

SA: 🤷‍♀️ sounds op to me 😂

DD: well i suppose so DD: i believe the writer was jade DD: i dont suppose they get out much to see anybody when theyve got all those cavern duties and such!

DD: and what does that mean SA?

II: Overpowered.

DD: the emotions i mean!

ID: typical highbloods writing about junk they know nothing about.

ID: uh.

DD: er

II: Oh, I think SA is amused.

ID: team edward or team lestat.

DD: no i mean

DD: oh goodness this chat moves quickly

DD: what does it mean that items have emotions attached to them?

SA: yes. I'm amused.

DD: and also team edward

SA: lets go with that.

DD: definitely edward

II: ...what

DD: also also i dont think a jadeblood really qualifies for a highblood haha

II: What are we even talking about now

RS: | ! | ! | Why Edward | ? |

DD: theyre just barely halfway!

II: Who are these trolls

ID: i'm rust, everything is high. =:P

II: Lestat and Edward

ID: man ii, get with the movies.

II: I'm usually too busy to go to the cinema, alas.

DD: well hes so romantic isnt he rs??? DD: he goes so far to show his dedication to his matesprit and oh

DD: i would love to have a matesprit that loves me that much

DD: sigh

RS: | It is a Delightful Media Chain | II | ! | RS: | Or | Er | Two |

SA: watching them sleep?

DD: (i would also love to have some smoked eel but i suppose we cant always get what we want)

SA: who are we talking about.

RS: | And | Oh | Haha | RS: | Yes | He is Rather Romantic | But | RS: | Isn't Lestat Moreso | ? |

RS: | Consider | His Dedication | ! |

SA: I thought Lestat was an utter prick

DD: to protect them!! DD: and because he just cant keep himself away DD: he is enamored

II: ...that sounds frankly disturbing, is this movie supposed to be a PSA about what to avoid in quadrants?

SA: perhaps.

DD: what no of course not!!!

SA: have you heard of its sequel? Fifty shades?

SA: 😂

DD: have you never considered that a quadrant might need protection??

II: Oh, _that._ I only know it because the firm gossiped about it.

II: It sounds dreadful.

DD: and oh my goodness DD: somebody lent me that book once!

DD: i er

DD: did not expect it to be about that kind of thing!

II: Any quadrant of mine would be quite capable of protecting themselves, without me having to _stare_ at them during the day, goodness.

ID: 50 shades, some dumb little rust gets manipulated to fuck by a highblood. unhealthy as fuck from the reviews i'm reading.

II: Truly atrocious, I agree, ID.

DD: well im sure he wasnt just sitting there staring at them the whole time that sounds awfully boring

RS: | Oh | But | II | ! |

DD: thats not the way its meant to be read and really i think youre extrapolating an awful lot from that scene!

RS: | It's not about |- NEEDING -| to Watch Them throughout the Day |

RS: | It is a Testament to the Strength of His Pity | that He would Choose to Do So |

DD: its about the dedication it takes to

DD: yes!

DD: he loves them!

SA: we found someone more idealistic than me

RS: | It's Really Quite Romantic |

sA: I am so pleased

II: ...It sounds like a frank waste of time and like he doesn't trust them.

II: Which is incredibly troubling.

ID: seems fucking intrusive and creepy to me.

DD: really! DD: you lot are making an awful lot of assumptions about the nature of a relationship especially you II given you havent even read the novel!

RS: | Haha | Well | RS: | Passion often Does Seem Unsettling to the Less Romantic of Us | =:P |

II: At this point I don't think I need to.

II: I am quite romantic!

II: But I think I have rather...different ideals.

ID: i mean i guess, sure. =:P

DD: well i for one would love to have a matesprit that shows that sort of passion and dedication

II: To me, respecting my quadrants' privacy seems a lot more romantic.

SA:I find most of twilights actions to e infantilizing their lover

SA: they cannot possibly help themselves and so forth

RS: | Well | I Mean | RS: | Matespritship is All About Pity | In Reality | to Have Someone fully Manifest the Depths of Those Emotions might be a Bit Overwhelming | RS: | But | In a Story | There is Something Very Touching about the Idea that Someone would be so Over-whelmed by the Pitiableness of their Partner |

DD: have you ever read a pity romance novel sa???

RS: | That They would do Anything for Them |

DD: the point is the pity

RS: | Even Stay Awake all Day | to Watch Them While They Sleep | RS: | Or While They Work | RS: | Admittedly | The Watching Them while He was Meant to be Away was a Bit Excessive |

II: ...if they would do anything for them, why not _show_ them performing some daring act. It sounds like proposing that a law is sound because of its intensity, and not actually trying to prove it based on evidence of its effectiveness.

SA: pitying someone is different form thinking of them as an invalid

RS: | But | He was Feeling Lovelorn | Wasn't That Right | DD | ? |

DD: its not a reflection of the respective relationship members capabilities but rather the depths of the pity they feel for one another

RS: | Oh | He Does | ! |

DD: well they do that too ii!!

II: What happened to showing pity through gifts or affection. My goodness.

SA: if someone treated me that way I would remove them

DD: you all strike me as rather unromantic sorts i am afraid

II: Nonsense!

DD: aside from rs of course

SA: he constantly interferes in her business and then acts like she can't be helped when another individual "enters his turf"

II: On one of my dates, the lovely girl I was accompanied by presented me with a very charming wildlife specimen.

II: It was incredibly sweet!

RS: | Ah | But | Prisma | RS: | What Makes It so Romantic is the Fact She Regularly Offers up the Opportunity for Him to Do So |

RS: | It is a Reciprocated Pity |

DD: alternative interpretation! DD: he helps them when they are struggling and goes out of his way to prove his loyalty in the face of pushy competitors!

RS: | Otherwise | Why | It would Just be Alarming |

DD: and yes also what rs said!

II: But it was of her own volition and not some sort of...I don't even know what to call this, from what I hear about it, some sort of bizarrely compelled dysfunction?

DD: whatever do you mean??

SA: but she wanted nothing to do with him multiple times...

DD: of course the relationship was of both participatnts volitions DD: and sa really if somebody wants nothing to do with another person who is if you recall warning her away then would she really continue returning to him?

DD: this is what i mean by unromantic! DD: its as though you have never flirted before

II: ...this sounds like remarkably inconsistent behavior. Perhaps she is unwell.

DD: what??

DD: its playing hard to get

SA: it sounds like someone who has been entrapped and is completely dependent on their lover

II: That sounds ridiculous.

SA: due to abuse

DD: and showing that despite what you may say at times you are deeply invested in a relationship

DD: what

SA: 😡

II: If you want to be with someone, why would you dance around the issue?

DD: in what way is she entrapped and dependent???????????

II: And pretend otherwise?

DD: because you dont want to look desperate!!

II: It is not desperate to want to be with someone...?

SA: she told him to leave and he came back and got her repeatedly

SA: some people aren't playing hard to get they want to e left alone

II: Indeed, SA is right.

DD: yes and then he left and told her not to follow and she went after him anyways and its called being there for each other

SA: but hard to get is a convenient excuse to keep pursuing them beyond their comfort

II: ...that sounds like ignoring consent, to me.

DD: they save each other many times in this way!!

DD: and you still didnt answer about your entrapment comment!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SA: if a friend followed me when I told them not to follow I would be upset because it would have jeopardized them

RS: | Oh | Some People Are just Keen to be Left Alone | And That is an Important Thing to Know | But | RS: | You |- DON'T -| want to Look Desperate |

SA: and I clearly was handling it

RS: | That is a Valid Way to Feel | Prisma | But | Oh | Consider | If | Hmm |

II: Certainly, there are times when a moirail or ashen leaf might know better for their partners, but even then, such things ought to be discussed consensually.

RS: | | Someone Says Not to Follow Them | And Then | You Do Not | RS: | And You Discover They have been Greviously Injured | in a Way that Could've been Prevented If Only You had Followed Them |

RS: | Also | They Are Your Matesprit |

II: And particularly in a red(?) relationship, as I assume this to be, it is extremely uncouth to interfere with your partner so.

II: ...that is called life. You can't always be with your matesprit, that would make the relationship hugely uncomfortable. You have to trust them.

ID: okay from what i'm reading this edward is really possessive.

RS: | Mm | ! | But Wouldn't You Wonder | If They had been Saying Do Not Follow Them | RS: | Simply to Look More Pitiable to You | ? |

RS: | Flushed Romance is Mirror to Pale Romance |

RS: | And That is a Classic Trope |

DD: also additionally i think you are greatly overexaggerating her desire to be left alone! DD: she never tells him to leave multiple times she is like maybe kind of miffed one time and then is always very happy to have him present! DD: you are all talking so much about how clearly she wants to be left alone and hates him and are ignoring the fact that its written from her point of view when it is made very clear that she is deeply in love and adores having him around and thinks about him all the time

ID: does the bellae character have other quads?

RS: | She Eventually Becomes Pitch with the Dayshifter |

II: ...if someone told me to not follow them, I would assume they were thinking clearly and not like a cheaply written romance novel.

RS: | After a Long Period of Attempted Red Courtship | in Which She is Torn Between Him and Edward |

ID: and how does. edward react to the blossoming black relationship?

DD: yes except he followed her because his psionic clademember warned him she was in danger not beause he was just randomly following her!!!!

DD: and then he saved her life!!

DD: because he loves her!!

RS: | Oh | He doesn't Care | Why Would He | ? | It's not His Quadrant | RS: | I mean | Eventually | Jakobe does Become Matesprits with Her Descendent Instead | In an Unexpected Twist | RS: | And They are All Three Fully Aware This is what Will Happen |

DD: also for people that are very concerned with the potential lack of consent in this relationship you are doing an awful lot of ignoring of bellaes feelings and all the times she makes it very clear she loves and appreciates edward!

SA: no because I like to believe the people I surround myself with would be willing to tell me the truth of their situation and not trying to pity flirt with me

II: ...did she ASK the psiionic clademember to keep an eye on her.

RS: | So Being Jealous would be Silly |

ID: ...what.

RS: | II | You should Read the Book | ! |

RS: | The Books |

II: ...seconding the what.

RS: | Or | Well | No | That would Take Ages | And I Am Sure You are Very Busy |

RS: | Watch the Films | ! | =:B |

SA: what to what

II: I'm sorry, still a bit hung up over the _descendant_ part. Is Bellae rust?

ID: darn. my lack of speakers would make a movie hard. what a shame.

II: Otherwise how would she have had a descendant around so quickly...

ID: is she? man i'm sick of the simpering rust tropes.

RS: | Bellae is Jade | It is Hard to Realise at Some Points | Given That She Hates the Sunlight |

RS: | But That is How She is Able to be Turned into a Rainbowdrinker in the Last Book |

RS: | You can't Turn a Rust into a Drinker |

RS: | That would be Silly | =:B |

ID: haaah.

II: I didn't know that, Pheres.

II: But how ridiculous.

II: That sounds _full_ of plot holes, if nothing else.

DD: well thats an easy criticism to levy at any work of popular media and honestly at this point it feels like you are just attacking this particular work by making wild assumptions about how and why things in it happened without having read the book

DD: and its kind of hurtful!

DD: and i fell like ive gotten into a mess in terms of first impressions 😦

DD: i dont remember the last time ive felt this unfriendly!

SA: my head hurts.

DD: that is unfortunate have you considered taking any painkillers??

ID: go nap pris.

RS: | Oh | II | I am Afraid We are not Writers | =:( | RS: | So | Ah | It would be Better For You to See For Yourself |

RS: | Or | Read the Summaries Online | ! |

II: ...DD, how experienced are you with chatrooms?

RS: | It is Much Less Alarming than You are Reading It As |

DD: additionally i have heard that certain herbal sinus cleanses and some magnetic treatments work wonders

ID: if you need one. you're at the hotel and all.

DD: and i am not very experienced with chatroom unfortunately ii! DD: why????? that is a very foreboding statement!

II: Ah, well. This sort of thing isn't uncommon. You will often find people who disagree with you, I'm afraid. It isn't personal, usually.

SA: I have to get my things to the station

SA: no, I get headaches for other reasons, DD

SA: anyways

ID: yeah in chatrooms there's no consequences for speaking your mind so. get used to arguments dd.

II: I didn't mean any offense against you. I simply don't like the sound of these narratives.

DD: well then you should maybe read them like rs said i think you have gotten a very misrepresented idea of what the story actually entails!

DD: but oh my goodness im not sure if having bad relationships with people is necessarily the same thing as no consequences!

DD: i would much rather be on good terms with people DD: i suppose i just became quite flustered in this particular case because i have really admired the twilight series for quite a while

II: Bad relationships? I don't think any less of you.

DD: ive always thought it would be very nice to have a matesprit like edward!

II: You just like something different.

DD: and oh in that case i am very happy to hear that

SA: I do primarily because I don't like being called edgy and suspicious

SA: otherwise I don't care

ID: yeah arguments on the chatroom mean little if you don't let them.

DD: in my experience disagreement particularly of the degree of vehemence i achieved breeds dislike so i am glad it did not in this case DD: and in that case sa you have my sincerest apologies!!

DD: i did not mean to be hurtful and simply intended to make a friendly joke but i see now that it was ill aimed and i will refrain from calling you those things in the future!

II: Vehemence? I don't think anyone here felt truly vehement.

RS: | It could be Worse | DD | RS: | You could have Wished for a Matesprit like Jakobe | =:B |

DD: hahaha that is true!

ID: what's wrong with jakobe.

SA: thank you

ID: other than his. flushness for descendants?

DD: well for one thing his propensity for property destruction

DD: and that

DD: also that

DD: well

SA: so everything

DD: i mean it wasnt quite like that

SA: 😄

DD: but really he was being awfully pushy in light of bellaes clear dedication and love to edward!

DD: hes not a particularly awful sort but really he had no right to be placing bellae into that position

ID: i thought someone said she was undecided between them. or was that earlier.

RS: | He is a Skinshifter | Who Lives Out in the Woods | and was Especially Keen to Court Her Quadrant | RS: | Despite Her Clear Affection for Edward | I mean | It is Understandable | in a Certain Light | that She was Tempted Enough to be Curious | ? |

DD: especially while she was mourning the supposed death of her last quadrant!

DD: she was not thinking straight!!

ID: all i'm getting out of this is that this girl wanted to pail mythical creatures. =:I

RS: | Who wouldn't Be | ? | But It is Unkind to Encourage Someone to Pursue That Curiousity | ! |

RS: | Hahaha | Oh | Heavens |

RS: | This is a Perfectly Suitable Book for All Ages | RS: | There is No Fornication | Hadean |

ID: oh okay.

RS: | For Heaven's Sake | It is About |- ROMANCE -| =:P |

DD: well yes id that is part of the allure isnt it?? DD: though with um maybe less coarse language DD: they only kissed in the books!

DD: and yes they ARE romance novels

ID: hey.

ID: 50 shades is supposed to be about romance isn't it.

RS: | Hahaha |- NO -|

RS: | That is a Vicious Lie |

DD: i was under the impression it was meant to be about pailing!

RS: | Exactly | ! |

SA: kink 101 at clown university

II: ...I'm very glad - what

RS: | | | Um |

DD: at least DD: it was DD: after i realized what it was actually about

RS: | Oh My |

DD: 😦

II: I'm sorry, _what_ .

RS: | I would Like to Unenroll From that Class |

DD: um!!!

ID: pris i swear you need to stop bringing that up at the weirdest times.

SA: it applied to fifty shades

II: ...as an honorary church member I suddenly feel rather uncomfortable.

SA: believe me I pick and choose when I say it.

DD: is there a not weird time to bring up something like that???

RS: | I | I don't Think It Does | ? |

DD: because that just seems weird overall!!!

RS: | I do Wonder |

SA: the entirety of fifty shades is poorly constructed relationships around a poor execution of a fetish...

ID: ...ket's switch to the other drinker. lestat.

ID: he looks like a tool.

RS: | Oh | He doesn't | ! |

DD: im afraid i dont know about that one!

DD: oh!

DD: oh goodness

DD: no he looks really very dashing

DD: his hair is lovely ❤

ID: the google images all have him looking like he's trying too hard to seem mysterious and dashing.

RS has attached LESTATISNOBLE.jpeg to the chat!

RS: | Look at That |

RS: | He's not |- TRYING -|

DD: ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

ID: his nose is crooked.

DD: it adds character!

RS: | Yes | Isn't It Dashing | ? | It is a Careful Character Flaw | ! |

ID: oh okay so he wasn't recently hit in the face.

II: Mm. He is all right, I suppose.

RS: | It Shows He is Capable of Violence | Yet | Also Capable of Weakness | RS: | Of Being Made Vulnerable by a Greater Foe | ! |

RS: | Also Known As | Deeply Pitiable | =:P |

DD: +^+

ID: hahah he gets wrecked by the other rainbowdrinkers?

DD: oh dear! DD: im certain he doesnt but really even if he does DD: i would find tending to his wounds very agreeable ❤

ID: i like the other rainbowdrinker better of the two.

RS: | Haha | He Does gets Wrecked | If You would Like to Use those Terms | RS: | He is Almost Murdered by His Matesprit at One Point |

RS: | And Fights Frequently with the Rest |

RS: | But It is the Way of Rainbowdrinkers |

RS: | Unfortunately | ! |

ID: i mean if you say so, i bow to your mastery of rainbowdrinkers. =:P

RS: | Haha | I don't Know If I'd call It Mastery | RS: | I've only Ever Read Those Two Series | ! | RS: | Clearly | DD is the True Master of Rainbowdrinkers | Given His | Her | ? | Wide Range of Knowledge | =:B |

DD: !!!

DD: i mean!!

DD: i wouldnt say that DD: i am just very fond of romance novels haha

DD: and the supernatural ones are just

DD: they are even better!!

ID: why are they better?

DD: because they add twist to the dynamics! DD: they tend to be more tragic and dramatic and romantic

ID: i don't get the appeal of a quad that'll eat you.

II: I admit I feel similarly.

RS: | Well | How is a Quadrant Who Could Drink Your Blood | really Any Different from a Normal Quadrant | ? |

II: Ah, by _quite a lot?_

DD: well thats the point isnt it! DD: that they are so dedicated to you the thought would never cross their mind DD: or if it does it is an example of their great love for you that they dedicate their strength and fortitude towards overcoming such desires so that they might be with you because their love is so much more to them!

DD: and yes really its not as though the average troll could not simply kill you as well

II: I wouldn't want a potential quadrant to view me as a meal, thank you.

RS: | Anyone could Cull You | If You let Them in Near Enough | RS: | You just have to Ensure There is Enough Incentive Not To | RS: | Or Else | That They Care About You Sufficiently | that They would Never Dream of It | ! |

DD: and drink your blood i suppose if they were so inclined though i think that would be

DD: weird

RS: | And | Unhygeniec | =:) |

II: Just a _tad_.

ID: i mean most trolls don't have to cull to survive.

ID: like. literally survive off of eating trolls.

RS: | Yes | Most Trolls just Cull for Fun | which is Rather Worse | If You Ask Me |

II: I cull for my job! But usually I am culling trolls who are dangers to others, or who are causing different types of harm by going against Imperial law.

II: I would not cull wantonly; terrible discipline.

ID: that sounds... fun ii.

II: Well, I am a legislacerator!

II: It is my purpose.

ID: huh. neat.

DD: oh my goodness this conversation took a little bit of a dark turn DD: i apologize i was absent because i was looking for more pictures of lestat DD: i wish my hair was that long it looks looooovely DD: but unfortunately both my hair and my horns have recently found themselves quite short!! DD: im afraid my countenance will never recover DD: but! regardless! i do think i rather agree with rs!

II: A dark turn? Not really.

ID: long hair is the best hair, it's true.

II: Long hair is very lovely! I unfortunately would find it inconvenient, though.

II: Too potentially dangerous for my job.

DD: its also rather cumbersome underwater and our lovely sovereigns ability to manage such wondrous locks as hers is impressive as well as beautiful!

ID: braids help everything.

DD: unfortunately i have recently burned off the majority of mine and it is now styled into quite a short cut!

II: A braid is still an opportunity for an enemy to grab it, though, unfortunately, or for it to get caught.

ID: yeah, you gotta not have too sensitive a scalp. Also braid spikes.

II: Braid spikes?

ID: spikes you braid in to the hair.

II: How fascinating!

II: I have never seen such a thing.

II: It sounds potentially useful, but also possibly injurious to the user.

ID: i mean. i make mine with psi when i do it. but i'm sureee they exist in a metal form. maybe.

II: Hm!

II: Still an intriguing concept.

RS: | Oh | Yes | They Do | ! | I've Worn Those on Occasion | rs: | They're Woven into Your Hair | So | Ah | Only Hazardous if You have a Habit of Handling It | Haha |

II: I see!

ID: see, i knew i wasn't crazy.

II: I wouldn't think you were. You seem quite mentally sound.

ID: jury's still out on that one. =:P

II: Haha, well, surely it isn't my place to judge.

II: Perhaps someone who knows you better could give sufficient testament.

ID: uhhh...

SA: oh is no one going to say anything

ID: my sanity is just that inspiring pris.

SA: if only

[dapaywinduh-blog]

Wrestlemania 33 Predictions

I've been gone for a bit, but I'm back now. I'll pick up the Raw Time Machine again very soon, but since it is coming up this Sunday, I thought I'd give my picks for Wrestlemania. Subtitled "The Ultimate Thrill-Ride!!!", because Vince apparently hates the "Granddaddy of Them All" nickname, this year's show comes to us from somewhere in Florida and will last like 12 hours. I gotta be honest, I'm kinda checked out this year. WWE programming has not been as compelling to me as other things, like Lucha Underground. But I can't say I won't be watching this Sunday. It is Wrestlemania, dammit! The TWO GODDAMNED HOUR LONG PRE-SHOW! - Andre the Giant Battle Royal - This concept has never been the star creator they make it out to be. It is really just an excuse to get lower midcarders on the show and give them something to do. Cesaro won the inaugural match, then Big Show, and last year it was Baron Corbin. This year is full of tag guys and jobbers and Braun Strowman, making it pretty obvious who will win. He is my pick, but I would prefer Dolph Ziggler to win, because Jesus, he is still in the company after the way they've treated him. At least throw him a bone. - Neville vs Austin Aries for the Cruiserweight Title - Neville has reinvented himself recently, and his bitter hardass villain persona really works. Austin Aries is a real life douchebag who acts like a jerk and gets cheered. He will probably win here so a face gets a win, but I don't see a benefit to him going forward. Neville has the better upside. WRASSLEMANIAAAAAA!!! - Alexa Bliss vs Becky Lynch vs Naomi vs Mickie James vs Natalya vs Carmella for the SmackDown Women's Title - Another "get them all on the show" match. SmackDown's Women's Division benefits from some great wrestlers (Lynch, Nattie, Mickie) as well as supreme hotties (Alexa, Mickie, Naomi). I can't imagine this will be a show-stealer, but it will probably be fun for five to seven minutes. Lynch, Bliss, Naomi, or even Mickie are believable as winners for this, but I'm going to predict Naomi, since she had to drop the title immediately after she won it recently due to an injury. She got a great response when she won, and I think WWE would like to recreate that, especially since I think Naomi is from Florida. - Gallows & Anderson vs Cesaro & Sheamus vs Enzo & Big Cass for the Raw Tag Titles - Another multi-man match. This type of booking smacks of indecision. They can't decide who should be in the match, so fuck it, put everyone in. Wrestlemania 15, anyone? Honestly, any of these three teams could win and be fine going forward, but I'm going to pick Gallows & Anderson to retain. Enzo & Cass will do their entrance promo and continue to never win the big one, and I guess Sheamus will Brogue Kick someone. I guess it will be fine, but it is criminal to me that these teams get a featured match, while American Alpha and the revitalized Usos have to languish in the Battle Royal. - Dean Ambrose vs Baron Corbin for the Intercontinental Title - Dean has a weird thing, where he spends the better part of the year in the main event picture, until Mania roles around and he gets relegated to the midcard. Here he is defending the IC belt against Vince's boy Baron Corbin. Baron has come into his own, but he still suffers at times from the "big stiff hoss" disease. I bet he wins here, probably with some chicanery. - John Cena & Nikki Bella vs Miz & Maryse - I fervently believe that Miz is the best heel in the company right now, and while I think he ultimately deserves better, a featured match against Cena is nothing to sneeze at. The involvement of the ladies here is unnecessary, but I get why - they gotta promote Total Divas/Bellas. Miz is great and Maryse is gorgeous, but there is no way they win over SuperCena and Juggs McTwinsy. - Chris Jericho vs Kevin Owens for the US Title - Like Neville, Y2J has reinvented himself, this time into an arrogant prigg who puts his enemies on "The List of Jericho". His best buddy run with Owens, and the subsequent break up, is easily the best storyline WWE has done this year, and I think it is criminal that this match is for a midcard belt and not the Universal Title. Goldberg/Lesnar didn't need the belt to be the main event. It is Punk losing his title to make Rock/Cena 2 a title match all over again. Anyway, I figure Owens wins here. Jericho is leaving soon to do his rock star bit, and Owens getting the rub from Y2J is more useful than Jericho winning for a brief happy moment. - Bayley vs Sasha Banks vs Charlotte Flair vs Nia Jax for the Raw Women's Title - Another multi-person match? Damn you, D'Lo! First off, Nia has no business being in this match. She had the potential in NXT to be a Bull Nakano-style monster, but the WWE's insistence on focusing on her "pretty eyes" and having her squash better wrestlers for no reason isn't doing her any favors. Sasha has appeared to be teasing a heel turn by helping Bayley for a while now, so I predict that Charlotte wins the belt when Sasha costs Bayley the win, thereby transitioning Bayley and Sasha into a feud, to recreate their chemistry from NXT. Charlotte will go on to feud with newly-face Dana Brooke and they will have terrible matches. - Holy crap, is this still going??? - Shane McMahon vs AJ Styles - AJ deserves so much better, but at least he isn't in the Andre Battle Royal. Shane will jump off something high after selling like death for AJ's offense, and if Styles - the best wrestler in the world - does not beat a 50+ year old non-wrestler, then we will riot. - Seth Rollins vs Triple H in an Unsanctioned Match - I have never understood the idea of an "Unsanctioned Match". So the company feels like having this match is unsafe and a bad idea, but they still put it on the biggest show of the year and assign a WWE ref to count three? Why? Nonsense aside, I'm glad Rollins gets a Mania match after missing out last year and almost missing this year too. The Unsanctioned bullshit is just a fancy way to say No DQ, so expect Samoa Joe to show up and help Hunter. I'd love to see Finn Balor return to even the odds and help Rollins pull out a victory, but I suspect Seth falls to the numbers game and a blatant sledgehammer shot to the knee and Triple H gets the win. - Undertaker vs Roman Reigns - I think this is going to be terrible. Taker should have retired after his Mania 30 loss to Lesnar in a terrible match with a shocking finish. He can barely walk anymore, and while Roman is a much better wrestler than folks give him credit for, his best matches are with guys who can work really well, like Lesnar and AJ Styles. Taker won't give him anything to work with, and Roman will likely not know how to work around him. I hope I'm wrong, and Taker has one last barn-burner in him, but I'm not optimistic. Undertaker wins here because Roman isn't stupid. - Bray Wyatt vs Randy Orton for the WWE Title - Randy Orton's defection to the Wyatt Family has been a surprising success, and he and Bray have surprising chemistry. I think this may be the sleeper match of the night, and I would be shocked if Randy doesn't win. Not saying he is a dead lock, but Bray pulling out a retention will likely only happen if Luke Harper or Erick Rowan come back into the fold and cost Orton the title, and I suspect that is unlikely. - Goldberg vs Brock Lesnar for the Universal Title - Oh my god we made it! So, after their horrible abortion of a match at Wrestlemania 20, Lesnar and Goldberg have another shot. This time, though, neither are working a regular schedule and both are thirteen years older. Leading up to this match, Goldberg has been well protected through the WCW-style ten second squash matches, while Lesnar hasn't done much of anything except lose badly at Survivor Series. Word is that this won't be a long match, likely since Goldberg can't wrestle and Vince remembers what happened last time. I predict ten minutes of entrances, eight minutes of garbage brawling with chairs and gimmicks, a couple spears, a few thousand F-5's, and a victory by Lesnar to send Goldberg off into the sunset. Lesnar will move ahead to feud with Rollins or Owens or maybe Balor, and Goldberg will go into the Hall of Fame next year. So there you have it. Seven-plus hours of Wrestlemania looms before us. Brace yourselves...