#he finds peace with it. he learns temperance. but never really /finesse/.

[twothpaste]

Lucas having some of the most potent PSI around, but it being so unrefined that when used it's akin to someone using brute strength rather than finesse. Thoughts?

Yeah. Yeah. I like to think of his PSI sort of along these lines too. ( Also ah, not me noticing the words "brute strength" and considering parallels to Flint 😶‍🌫 )

iirc in a fic once I framed it like his PSI is akin to a force of nature. He's blessed by the Dragon / Mother Earth Herself, channelling this immense unwieldly power he barely understands, driven by his big awful tweenage emotions. And he scarcely had time to get used to it during his journey, let alone to do any formal "training". Kid's just a sheltered farm boy! He didn't even know psychic powers existed! I imagine he was downright terrified by his abilities when he first got 'em. PK Love in particular. And while he must've gotten the hang of them somewhat over the course of the game, I don't suppose that sense of uneasiness ever really went away. Judging by that one Tanetane line… ("The boy named Lucas learned some bad magic." 😟) His signature ability is such an explosive onslaught, capable of downing several foes in one fell swoop. He has to use it for the sake of the greater good, but bein' a kid who doesn't enjoy violence, he probably struggles to see it as anything other than a curse or burden. (And gets a bit scared whenever he catches himself feeling catharsis, or a sense of thrill, in its wake.)

[grumpyfaceurn]

so I’m... having thoughts and feelings about Charles Smith. 

- how much he’s like Arthur in that your first impression is that of a big tough guy who could probably end you, but then when you look more closely there’s so much more going on there. And like, Charles’ primary weapon seems to be his sawed off shotgun which just plays up that whole brute stength angle, but then you also have the bow and arrow which requires so much more technical skill and finesse (she said, never having fired a gun). And where Arthur has his journal that shows his character depth, Charles is always busy around camp, fixing things, crafting stuff and I honestly don’t know any more if the whittling/woodcarving is a fanon thing or not but I like it because it’s the same element of finesse and artistic expression as Arthur’s drawings. Basically they’re both strong and easily mistaken for dumb brutes but secretly very soft inside.

this got long so I’m cutting it here

- but then there’s contrasts, too. Arthur plays up the angle of just being the muscle and leaving the thinking to others (when really he spends entirely too much time thinking), and what helps him with that is that he’s got one hell of a temper when provoked. Charles, on the other hand - well, he’s certainly capable of violence but for him I think it’s more a means to an end. Like even the bareknuckle boxing is well, what he does to survive, but he doesn’t enjoy it, doesn’t revel in it the way Arthur does when his violent streak gets away with him. Charles also doesn’t put up a facade like Arthur does. I don’t think we get a definite age for him in the game but can probably assume that he’s spent the last fifteen to twenty years mostly on his own, maybe working as a hired gun here or there or whatever else work he could find, but no long lasting connection to one group like Arthur had, where he was expected to take on a certain role. So he never had to pretend to be anything he wasn’t or hide who he was - but also, people would probably take one look at Charles and have a pre-formed mental image of him much more so than they would with Arthur who, simply by being white, could fit into a broader range of expectations people would have.

- basically as teenagers, Arthur got into a situation where he was told what he should be, while Charles had to figure it out by himself.

And I’m super curious about his whole self-image and identity. Charles says that he barely remembers living with his mother's people as a kid. and then the army attacked and his parents moved away, and his mother was kidnapped when he was nine? which suggests to me, a lot of his survival skills, the tracking and bow hunting, that's stuff he picked up afterward. and I wonder if he consciously sought out these skills from native peole because that's one way he could reconnect to his memory of his mother and her whole culture that he seems so conscious of, but maybe regretful that he didn't have the chance to learn more of as a kid?

- so Charles is like Arthur, but without the temper and the ongoing self-deprecation. Does he have any flaws? Of course in a player character is easier to spot them cause you just spend so much more time with them. I think Charles has a much harder time being around people, both simple socialising and actually opening up (the one time he does it’s so painfully honest and like I love it as a piece of characterisation but also, it must have made everyone else sitting around that fire awkward as fuck)

- in  summary hi I love Charles? And I sure hope he got to find some kind of peace and settle down and live a wonderful and happy life

[bapydemonprincess]

ALL HEADCANONS FOR AMBROSE!!

☾ - sleep headcanon

Ambrose is definitely an insomniac, and that doesn’t just magically change cause he has a boyfriend :( But when he does finally sleep, he feels much safer now in Eddie’s arms than when he was alone for years and years.

★ - sad headcanon

There were times when Ambrose has almost reached a point of wanting to see if becoming a reaper might just be better than being stuck here struggling as a human the rest of his life. :( It’s a good thing he found that book when he did cause who knows..

☆ - happy headcanon

Despite hating being a human himself, Ambrose enjoys people-watching and observing human life in general. (Much like how a demon would likely be) it kind of strangely soothes him to see the world revolve around him.

☠ - angry/violent headcanon

Ambrose is usually too uncaring to get TOO riled up, but when challenged to a fight by reapers Grelle or Knox, Ambrose may sometimes do the opposite and get TOO riled up, to the point of needing to be dragged away and calmed down before he gets himSELF hurt.

✿ - Sex headcanon

At the point of meeting and getting together with Eddie, Ambrose is VERY experienced sexually, even for his age. He knows a few rather kinky moves that he knows he can’t quite do with Eddie yet. And some hobbies with rope binding and handcuffs, as well as sometimes liking to be dominated and hurt in various ways (like with knives or a whip) by said dominator. >:) So yes, you could say raven boy is a switch, if you will. ;)

■ -  Bedroom/house/living quarters headcanon

Ambrose may have seemed like he was good at keeping things tidy at home with his family, but once he got his own place, he really started slacking off to the point of almost uncaring... :( The only place that does stay clean is his bedroom mostly, out of pride for not wanting to get all his possessions dirty! However, thankfully, Eddie helps him clean house when the two are living together now!

♡ - romantic headcanon

Ambrose is entirely an amateur when it comes to romance compared to his sexual finesse. He’s so used to only keeping things strictly business that it’s hard! But there is some romantic notions that do shine through, such as reciting poetry to Eddie and taking them on long walks, being more patient and gentle with the sweet demon, and instantly and instinctively gravitating towards whispering sweet nothings, complimenting them, and giving them ALL THE PET NAMES HE KNOWS. 🖤🖤🖤

♥ - family headcanon

Obviously with most of Ambrose’s family he seems completely cold and uninterested most times, however... somehow... Hannah of all people, is a favorite to go to when he needs to escape and talk about how he feels, DESPITE the fact that she was the one to take his demon powers..

☮ - friendship headcanon

Before Eddie, Ambrose’s only friends were either cats or... surprisingly.. RONALD KNOX. The older male picked on him a lot as a child and never really relented, however at some point, Ambrose grew strong and bold enough to FIGHT BACK, and the two started getting into all out BRAWLS. Just with fists! Of course, at first this lead to Sebastian wishing to intervene, but low and behold the demon mother discovered something baffling. These fights actually helped Ambrose feel BETTER. He would actually start grinning as he and Ronald threw blows, and the reaper himself wasn’t REALLY actually giving it HIS ALL in the fight. Not really. Sebastian would know, after all. So it became clear that the two had found.. something akin to a friendship, Sebastian supposed. 

♦ - quirks/hobbies headcanon

Reading ALL THE BOOKS, observing, writing in journals and trying occasionally sketch things too. Playing the piano (at his own place its a keyboard but still), and just getting lost in his own mind..

☯ - likes/dislikes headcanon

Likes peace and quiet, rainy days or snow days, losing himself in music that ranges from classical to heavy metal. Dislikes crowds and lots of people talking over each other, having to wait in lines, when people stare at him. (He WILL STARE BACK)

▼ - childhood headcanon

Ambrose was very reclusive as a child. He would stay in his room on hours on end, avoiding everyone and everything, sometimes even ignoring the need to eat. :( If he was forced to come out he would cause a ruckus in most cases and have a tantrum, or go silent and refuse to answer anything. It was definitely difficult for his short tempered mum, but Agni had the patience of a saint, of course, and if it hadn’t been for Agni being there all those times, things would’ve certainly become disastrous. 

∇ -. old age/aging headcanon

Knowing now that he will be able to turn into a demon at the end of his natural lifespan, Ambrose learns to really calm down and find peace, being okay with aging now. 

♒ - cooking/food headcanon

Ambrose just CAN’T COOK. XD before Eddie while living on his own, he’d usually order out, go to a bar and not really eat just DRINK, or just not eat at all. :(

☼ - appearance headcanon

As he ages, Ambrose loves just letting his hair keep growing! He loves having long hair and he honestly doesn’t mind putting it up or having it played with as well. He always wears the same kinda attire. Snazzy long black coats or short dress jackets, sometimes black turtlenecks, sometimes black button up shirts. He likes simple black dress shoes and black pants, though sometimes when trying to actually impress (ahem with his physique 👀 ) he’ll wear TIGHTER black pants.~

ൠ - random headcanon

Despite enjoying the company of all of the family’s cats, one puny little black beauty caught Ambrose’s eyes the most. Sebastian explained she was very malnourished and it was a brief time of understanding where both mum and son worked together to revive the poor thing’s health. This little beauty became Ambrose’s “Lenore”.. and she lived a very long time, happily, though sometimes a bit lonely as her boy would go out and leave her... and one day she simply passed on. It was a very very dark day, and Ambrose never really took in another cat again after that. Not wanting the same thing to ever happen again. He always mourns his lovely lost Lenore. 🖤

[snarkywrites]

Debating Style: Mercury Signs

Aries Mercury/Mercury in the 1st: Your words are not measured. The heat of the moment consumes your thoughts and although you can project that you are confident in your argument, it’s all really fueled by what you feel. An Aries Mercury that has not evolved will come off as childish and stubborn, refusing to admit defeat. However, when the Aries has mastered their control and thoughts, he is quite the challenge. Ruthless in their delivery and instilling fear in their opponent.

Taurus Mercury/Mercury in the 2nd: The stubborn bull can get very indignant. She can argue and debate for hours, ready to challenge whatever she deems as wrong. However, she can get caught up in her own thoughts, not settling for reason and opting for belligerence instead. Taurus can be very tenacious, which can make other people quite irritable. An evolved Taurus Mercury will accept that they are wrong and see things from both sides with a clearer mind.

Gemini Mercury/Mercury in the 3rd: Everything in your mind is synchronized. Fluid thoughts produce words that are sharp like daggers. Blessed with the ability to pick apart any argument, you usually never turn down a good debate. The more complicated the subject, the more willing to accept the challenge. On the negative side, you can also exaggerate things a bit if you feel that you are losing control, but somehow you find a way to steer things back to your advantage.

Cancer Mercury/Mercury in the 4th: The master observer, you’ve acquired your debating skills through your parents, learning every step of the way from them. You analyze things and pick them apart at your own pace. Your thoughts might border onto the traditional side. Everything you do is measured, diligently and patiently. Those with this placement are usually highly intelligent and well read; when they are in the heat of debate, expect to face someone who appears cool, calm and collected but having an emotional tug of war starring their heart and mind.

Leo Mercury/Mercury in the 5th:  Charming and witty, this placement makes the native likable. They might see things from a more entertaining light, opting for a more relaxed approach than their predecessors. This placement can turn the person their opponent into a friend with their charisma. Their trusting aura makes everyone feel more relaxed. Words that are sweet like honey, making even the most stubborn debater malleable.

Virgo Mercury/Mercury in the 6th: Mercury is exalted in Virgo. This placement can be callous when they are debating. Mercury only wants the facts, there is no tolerance for lies or hidden truths. Deceit will be caught, and nonsense is rarely tolerated. If you are going up against the Virgo Mercury, prepare yourself because if they find a flaw in your argument, they will expose you with finesse and will verbally obliterate you.

Libra Mercury/Mercury in the 7th: Libra is patient and loves compromise, but they are willing to dig deep for the truth and answers. The field of law and justice is representative of the sign, giving them the oomph needed to meticulously win arguments. The Libra is the natural diplomat, the ultimate lawyer, he will rarely loose his cool, his temper is controlled and his tone is measured. Their voices will even sound melodic to the opponent, as this sign takes their argument apart. There will be no aggression and they may even put forth a peaceful front while they eviscerate an argument.

Scorpio Mercury/Mercury in the 9th: You are the detective at work. Nothing gets past the Scorpio because they do not trust anything. The Scorpio Mercury is usually well read because they have to find things out for themselves. These people will read through everything they can get their hands on and store it in their powerful minds. Like the Virgo Mercury, the Scorpio will be relentless. She has no patience for nonsense or deceit. She can read your thoughts, your mannerisms and she can see through you. The Scorpio is several steps ahead, so beware.

Sagittarius Mercury/Mercury in the 9th: This is the philosopher’s placement. They like to read everything in sight, always hungering for more. Knowledge fuels them and the more books they have added to their collection, the better. These people enjoy debating and are always up for a challenge. Sagittarius, you can come off aggressive and can lack discretion when you are arguing, especially if you are passionate about something. It is hard to get you to change your mind sometimes because you can stand very firm behind your principles even if there is the doubt in your mind that they are wrong.

Capricorn Mercury/Mercury in the 10th: You represent the authority. The Capricorn is the businessman and they will channel that when they are giving their delivery in a debate. This sign does not seek validation, just demands respect. If they are faced with someone that does not have tact, they will immediately check out because they have zero tolerance for buffoonery. Capricorn excels in expressing their thoughts in a clear and cohesive manner. You will be revered and feared.

Aquarius Mercury/Mercury in the 11th: Aquarius likes to observe and see how things play out. It might be hard for you to express your thoughts in a cohesive way since Aquarius is the rebel when it comes to thinking. Others might be confused by what you have to say, but they might be intrigued. You will shift an argument to a new direction, surprising your opponent and puzzling them. This can either work in your advantage or expose your ignorance. The Aquarius will be a tough opponent if they can get their fact straight and arguments air tight.

Pisces Mercury/Mercury in the 12th: The dreamer gets caught up in their own mind. They might give you the altered version of the facts, or they might plainly lie. The Pisces might paint a beautiful picture to the world, giving everyone a floral argument with sprinkles of embellishments and useless information. Pisces will give their argument confidently, however, they will then falter if someone ruled by Mercury or Mars dissects them. But they can hold their own, especially if they have planets in accommodating houses. Much like Libra, the evolved Pisces will be cool and in control as long as they can restrain their dreamy side.

[thatguyovertherewiththetaco]

i also think it's interesting how - unlike pk rockin' - pk love never fails to deal damage. lucas is Intense As Hell and Does Not Miss.since i like to write about grownup lucas - i think a lot about how he'd come to terms with it over timegradually embracing psi as a part of his being & a means of self expressionhe finds peace with it. he learns temperance. but never really /finesse/.it's always this tremendous raw force - just like the emotions that feed it.

Really love this idea and these tags

Lucas having some of the most potent PSI around, but it being so unrefined that when used it's akin to someone using brute strength rather than finesse. Thoughts?

Yeah. Yeah. I like to think of his PSI sort of along these lines too. ( Also ah, not me noticing the words "brute strength" and considering parallels to Flint 😶‍🌫 )

iirc in a fic once I framed it like his PSI is akin to a force of nature. He's blessed by the Dragon / Mother Earth Herself, channelling this immense unwieldly power he barely understands, driven by his big awful tweenage emotions. And he scarcely had time to get used to it during his journey, let alone to do any formal "training". Kid's just a sheltered farm boy! He didn't even know psychic powers existed! I imagine he was downright terrified by his abilities when he first got 'em. PK Love in particular. And while he must've gotten the hang of them somewhat over the course of the game, I don't suppose that sense of uneasiness ever really went away. Judging by that one Tanetane line… ("The boy named Lucas learned some bad magic." 😟) His signature ability is such an explosive onslaught, capable of downing several foes in one fell swoop. He has to use it for the sake of the greater good, but bein' a kid who doesn't enjoy violence, he probably struggles to see it as anything other than a curse or burden. (And gets a bit scared whenever he catches himself feeling catharsis, or a sense of thrill, in its wake.)