#he's so loyal and such a family driven character and feels responsible for his family and leia's legacies

[the-force-awakens]

hi :) I saw thst you reblogged that what's your main spin poll and I wanted to ask if you wanted to elaborate what yours is I love to hear about it!! <3

 🥺 aw thank you!! I always enjoy having a chance to infodump a little bit (btw i love ur icon...daphne what an icon)

I do technically have a handful of spins that I consider my main spins because I'm constantly rotating between them (star wars, doctor who, moon knight and spidey) at any given moment, but my strongest spin is definitely in Poe Dameron from the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy!

I kind of instantly fell in love with him when my dad first took me to see The Force Awakens when it came out, which was a huge surprise for me because Poe was maybe the character I was the least intrigued by at the time (Rey and Finn had me asking far more questions, anyway) and none of the descriptions for him really jumped out to me. But after actually seeing him, I was positively in love, and then quickly downloaded accompanying novels that featured him (Before the Awakening and the TFA novelization) to read more about him, and then in April of 2016, they came out with a comic series for him and that really helped further cement my special interest in him!

It took a huge hit in 2018-most of 2020 because of all the fandom negativity (especially around Poe) but at the end of 2020, I rewatched the sequels back to back for the first time and it flared back to life without me expecting it to and I did a huge deep dive into uuuuuuuuuuuuuh every piece of expanded material he'd appeared in 😅

Basically (I'm not super sure how familiar you are with Star Wars) Poe is one of the best pilots in the Resistance, which is lead by Princess (now General) Leia Organa, and he's her right-hand man/protégé/surrogate son. Barring the Resistance's bombing fleet (which is teeny bc the Resistance is teeny and held together by duct tape) Poe is essentially in charge of its only flight wing and (as far as we know) all* of its squadrons. On top of that, he's also an active intelligence operative, and even helps oversees the reports from the Resistance's spies so like...he's kind of already helping run the Resistance even prior to officially co-running it by the third film with Leia/when he's finally named its official leader.

Poe is super important to me for a lot of reasons, but one of my favorite things about his arc is that it's not centered around romantic love/tension unlike a lot of the other dynamics in the sequel trilogy (altho Oscar did play Poe as being extremely smitten for Finn and who can blame him, and we do meet an ex girlfriend of Poe's in the third movie, I stan a bisexual king). Poe's whole arc is about his duty to the Resistance, his struggles with keeping hope because he's afraid that everything they've (and him) endured and lost will have been for nothing if they lose the fight against the First Order. If there's a love story for Poe's arc, it's his love for the Resistance and his friends, and that's so wonderful and profound in my eyes.

But also the bridge of Poe's arc, from the daring hero we see in tfa and the start of tlj, to the cautious but courageous leader we see at the end of tlj and all of tros, is Poe being forced to accept that his role in this story isn't that of a martyred hero. He's quite literally grounded (his X-Wing is destroyed) and he's pushed into the role of the leader his mentor wants him to be, and TLJ (in my eyes) is the story of someone who full heartedly believed the most he had to offer was a noble self-sacrifice realizing he actually wants to live (and that he can do far more for the Resistance/galaxy by surviving.)

I love Poe a lot because he's also very simple. He's, as Rian Johnson described him, a good guy hero. Unlike other characters, you never doubt whether he's gonna be tempted or corrupted, you know that he's going to do the right thing and remain true to the Light side, you have faith that no matter what obstacle he faces, he's gonna overcome them and come out the other side that much better for it.

The Age of Resistance comic analysis of Poe breaks it down the best, I think:

Poe's inherent humanity is what makes him a great character. He's not someone who struggles with right and wrong or good and evil. Instead, his struggle is more with his tendency to need to be the person who pulls off some last-minute, thrilling heroics in service to the greater good. Because Leia's right: you can't solve everything by jumping in an X-Wing to blow things up.

I could talk for days about Poe (I've spent the last three years doing just that) about the nuances of his character and the depths that largely go unexplored because of Lucasfilm's inexplicable disrespect and dislike of him, the fandom often reducing him to a love interest with no other personality traits, or complete bastardization wherein he resembles Hangman Top Gun more than Poe Dameron (often when people want to oversexualize him).

He has so many qualities that I adore: he's snarky and hot-headed and can throw things (metaphorically) in people's faces when he's particularly upset, he's impulsive, but also kind and compassionate and patient with people. He sees the potential for more/good in folks that most wouldn't. he truly deeply values people, and that's what makes him such an amazing leader: he inspires loyalty because of how much he believes and takes risks in the people around him. He's often the first person to give someone a second chance, or to lower his blaster, but he can also be vindictive. He's confident in his abilities as a pilot to the point he's often mistaken as arrogant, but he never puts anyone down and always lifts people up, and has a lot more insecurities than anyone would guess, and is really sensitive to rejection.

He's also kind of canonically a prince, thanks to the TROS novelization, so you know. I think that's neat and I'm so totally normal about it (when Leia passes away, she leaves her Organa legacy to Poe...the Organa Legacy would be the Royal House Organa - as well as the Resistance. So...Poe is in some ways a prince).

(*which is...three, they only have three squadrons)

[animehideout]

hi! i really like your mbti personality posts, may i request one for ISTJ?

Your MBTI, Your JJK Characters Part 7

Includes : ISTJ + ESTP

a/n: Thank you anon, @2-yveee for requesting ISTJ, also thank you @suchasecretiveninja for reading this series. I hope you like it 🫶🏻💗.

Divider credit : @cafekitsune ✨💖

ISTJ:

Choso Kamo = Husband.

Married couple goals. Both ISTJs and Choso emphasize the significance of family as a central aspect of their lives. Your strong family-oriented approach , makes your relationship unbreakable. Once you got married, you'll stay loyal to each other for life, you'd solve your relationship problems rationally without further emotional upheaval. Choso's personality aligns perfectly with what ISTJ seeks in a partner; a sense of stability and kindness. Though Choso is often calm, he isn't the distant or cold type, his presence exudes warmth and protection. You can definitely rely on each other, especially that ISTJs have a great sense of duty, commitment and responsibility and that's something that Choso really appreciates in a partner. You would be his one and only. You have a vanilla kind of relationship, despite relying on your rationality most of the time, you still have that soft side just for each other. You mainly show your love through acts of service and gift giving.

Toji Fushiguro= Ex-lover.

Although you both share common traits like being rational, practical, and having a logical mindset, you faced challenges that failed the relationship. His manipulative tendencies and deception were a major deal-breakers for you, making it difficult to continue together as a couple. As an ISTJ, you put a great emphasize on trust, but Toji broke it by his manipulative behavior, he would even attempt to manipulate you into things, but being an ISTJ, you have the upper hand to sense it. Toji might also run away from a healthy conversation and won't admit his mistakes, which is the complete opposite of you since ISTJ is able to take constructive criticism well. So clashes always occur between both of you, especially when taking decisions, he isn't open to others' opinions.

Geto Suguru = Ally.

Between ISTJ and Geto, there's a collaborative effort to establish a stable and structured environment. Geto as an INTJ, he complements your ISTJ traits, making you a well-suited pair. With both being organized, punctual, and skilled planners, there's a natural synergy and chemistry between you two. Geto, being an INTJ, would entrust you with his plans and missions, recognizing your reliability and organizational tactics. Together, you thrive on efficiency, creating a harmonious dynamic that benefits from the strengths each of you brings to the table. You would definitely be on Geto's side. You may have some romantic moments and sexual tension, but you always focus on work more than feelings, both of you believe that emotions may get into the way of you achieving greatness.

ESTP:

Yuuji Itadori = Boyfriend.

Literally couple goals. Everyone is envious of your perfect relationship. Both of you are walking green flags. As an ESTP, you're drawn to excitement, your type is literally someone who is fun, playful yet respectful and supportive. And Yuuji's generous spirit aligns with what you want. The two of you, felt the connection from the first encounter, since you smoothly match each other's energy and vibe. You are the spontaneous couple who turns any kind of gathering into a joyful experience, literally uplifting the spirit of those around you. Also, you share a lot of other values like being protective, brave and courageous for each other and for others. Yuuji would also help you with your commitment issues, proving to you that commitment is worth it when it's the right person. ESTP and Yuuji are both a free spirit driven by your guts.

Gojo Satoru = Soulmate.

Your relationship could have taken another route that includes romantic emotions, but it would have turned into a situationship given both ESTP and Gojo's commitment issues.. so you developed it into a safe bond..soulmates. Your impulsive and energetic sides brought you together and unified you. Both of you are confident af, but the difference is that ESTP is confident but humble while Gojo is confident but arrogant. You always manage to effortlessly solve problems and get what you want but no one can get to you. ESTP and Gojo enjoy flirting with each other for fun, you start showing off, and exchange physical touch. You act needy around each other even though both of you are extremely independent.

Mahito = Love Hate relationship.

This man, would flirt with you during fights, given your prudent nature, you might take it as him trying to distract you or seduce you to his side, but he actually means each word he said to you. Mahito's personality could be classified as your type except one thing;...betrayal. Mahito knows exactly how to attract an ESTP. He would give you the attention you need ( kinda attention from the wrong person ). He publicly acknowledges your skills, and praises your abilities and competences. He also got a playful banter that makes your fights exciting, full of thrill and adrenaline. He loves the way you stay composed and reply with witty comebacks instead of getting offended, you act on impulse and don't care if other's judge you or comment on your actions. You're a free soul, something that Mahito highly esteems and carves to own. But he hates you for the same reasons that made him attracted to you; your sharp senses, observant, flexible and rebellious nature. You always crash his plans, block his attempts to get closer to you and offend him with your overly blunt words.

Remember this piece of writing is for entertainment purposes only, so it's not necessarily accurate 🫶🏻✨

[techsbrowneyes]

The Bad Batch as Myers-Briggs types

Note: The only one I’m still not sure about is Hunter’s.

Also, without season three, typing Crosshair might have been more difficult; but now we get a better insight into his character and it’s clear he is very empathetic and caring.

I may not have typed the Batch correctly. This is purely for entertainment purposes :)

So let’s dive in:

Hunter: ISFP

An ISFP is a personality type characterized by Introversion (I), Sensing (S), Feeling (F), and Perceiving (P). ISFPs are often described as sensitive and gentle individuals who have a strong sense of empathy. They are typically in tune with their emotions and value authenticity and harmony in their relationships and surroundings. ISFPs are often drawn to pursuits where they can express themselves freely and engage with their senses. ISFPs are often quiet and reserved, but they can be deeply passionate about their beliefs and values, and they are fiercely loyal to those they care about.

Tech: INTP

An INTP is a personality type characterized by Introversion (I), Intuition (N), Thinking (T), and Perceiving (P). They are often analytical, inventive, and curious individuals who enjoy exploring ideas and theories. INTPs are known for their independent thinking, logical reasoning, and preference for flexibility and spontaneity in their approach to life. They tend to excel in fields that allow them to use their intellect and creativity.

Wrecker: ENFP

An ENFP is a personality type characterized by Extraversion (E), Intuition (N), Feeling (F), and Perceiving (P). ENFPs are often described as enthusiastic, imaginative, and empathetic individuals. They are known for their outgoing and energetic nature, as well as their ability to connect with others on a deep emotional level. ENFPs are often driven by their values and passions, and they enjoy exploring different paths in life, seeking personal growth and meaningful experiences.

Crosshair: INFJ

An INFJ is a personality type characterized by Introversion (I), Intuition (N), Feeling (F), and Judging (J). INFJs are often described as insightful, compassionate, and idealistic individuals who possess a deep understanding of human nature. They are highly attuned to their own emotions and the emotions of others, often serving as empathetic listeners and counselors to those in need. INFJs are driven by their strong values. They tend to be creative and imaginative, with a knack for seeing possibilities and potential in people and situations.

Omega: ENFJ

An ENFJ is a personality type characterized by Extraversion (E), Intuition (N), Feeling (F), and Judging (J). ENFJs are often described as charismatic, empathetic, and inspiring individuals who are natural leaders and caregivers. They have a strong desire to help others and often take on roles that allow them to support and guide those around them. ENFJs are skilled communicators and are adept at understanding and responding to the emotions and needs of others. They are typically outgoing and enjoy being in social settings where they can connect with people and make a positive impact. ENFJs are also highly organized and goal-oriented, often striving to create a sense of harmony and unity in their lives.

Echo: ISFJ

An ISFJ is a personality type characterized by Introversion (I), Sensing (S), Feeling (F), and Judging (J). ISFJs are often described as loyal, responsible, and nurturing individuals who are deeply committed to supporting and caring for others. They are attentive to detail and highly organized, often taking on roles that involve providing practical help and assistance to those around them. ISFJs place a high value on tradition and stability, and are often dedicated to upholding social norms and preserving established systems. They are also known for their strong sense of duty and reliability, making them dependable and trustworthy friends, family members, and colleagues.

@theworstbatch

[neuroncryptid]

Farsight is a Bad Char Clone

If you disagree, I completely understand and your perspective in impeccably valid but also something in my core being tells me this is wrong. (You are still a lovely person tho <3<3<3)

Farsight is a very compelling character, even when written by Phil Kelly, but he is not really a Char clone per se. If anything, he is more of an homage to things like Big Boss. To justify my unjustified nitpicking of this I will begin by defining what a Char clone is. I will argue here that there is a core difference between them which makes it inaccurate to use the term "Char Clone" when describing Farsight: the type of broken ace they are.

Char, like Farsight, is a talented ace mecha pilot. He pilots a red suit. He goes fast, he strikes close, and he tries to have the best suit available to him. The last of these did not originally apply to Farsight as he was notable for piloting a relic of a battlesuit but with the release of Arks of Omen, it now does. Both Farsight and Char, despite their status as aces, are fundamentally broken people. This is core to the Char Clone and while it is a similarity, the type of broken they exhibit is markedly different.

Char is fundamentally unsure of who he is. Is he the son of Zeon Zum Deikun, the inheritor of spacenoid philosophy and brother Sayla Mass? Is he the soldier who takes orders with just enough protest to not simply be a loyal dog? Is he the scourge of the Zabi family, so driven to see them snuffed out that even his own life means nothing? Throughout Mobile Suit Gundam we see him morph between these three identities with the signature charisma and flair. In and out of the cockpit Char is a house of cards unsure of who he actually is and torn between responsibilities he simultaneously wants and detests.

Compare this to Farsight. He too is unsure of himself. But, it is important to understand that the type he exhibits is fundamentally different. He is a loyal soldier who feels betrayed by his empire. Still loyal, still holding to heart the central message (if misguided in his understanding of it). His lack of self understanding comes a place of not knowing his place. He is immortal in a culture which places no importance of long lasting life. He is someone who cannot face the future with idealism as he will live to see the consequences of every action. His enclaves are a place for the bloodthirsty, the misbegotten, and those scarred by war who have no place but a culture of self sacrifice.

This may sound like simply aesthetic differences but it is not. The origins of self doubt are roots which cascade out into radically different pictures. Char, by his nature is simply a facade of scheming held up by large goals, an eye for opportunity, charisma, and an inability to not self sabotage. Farsight is the disillusioned soldier making a place for those like him who have no place in kinder society, hoping to find something, anything to absolve him of his guilt.

[anghraine]

The fuller Darcy next-gen headcanon, while I'm at it:

Elizabeth Jane (Lizzy) Darcy. She's quiet, withdrawn, dutiful, and intense. Strong eldest daughter vibes. She's very handsome and expected (not by her parents so much as their wider social circle) to be charming and witty to go with it, like her mother, and is neither; she low-grade resents her while also idolizing her. Gets on well with her father and most of her aunts, but rarely confides in anyone.

Edward Darcy (named for Mr Gardiner and Lord —). He's sensible, down-to-earth, loyal, earnest, and easy-going. Very much wants to live up to his strong sense of responsibility as The Heir. Most people like him well enough without having a strong impression of his feelings or personality. Gets along well with both parents, but is slightly intimidated by his father's sterling reputation and force of presence.

Christopher Darcy (Kit, named after Darcy's father in my headcanons). He's high-spirited, clever, friendly, and very content in his own skin, more so than any of his siblings. Like Edward, he's easy-going and practical, but more energetic. He can be a bit careless and outspoken, even impertinent, while also able to pull on a touch of hauteur when annoyed. His spirits and confidence can make him exasperating at times, but also endearing to pretty much everyone around him, including both parents.

Georgiana Darcy. She has quite a bit in common with her brother Kit; she's not quite as comfortable with herself, but she's at least as fearless and impulsive (Voted Child Most Likely To Give Her Caretakers Headaches). She's quick-witted and can get carried away with her own ideas, but is also gregarious and kind, and readily befriended the family's shy charity case, her cousin Fanny Price Bella Wickham.

Honorable mention next-gen characters: Bess Wickham, the most driven, intelligent, and calculating of the Wickham children; George Wickham, her closest sibling, less ambitious but more careless; Martha Bingley, a bubbly, inquisitive, matchmaking middle Bingley child; and Sarah Gardiner, born a few months after P&P ends, thoughtful, pragmatic, and courteous.

[sansa286]

Aemond Targaryen's Top 3 Placements in Astrology

Aemond's become my favorite character on House of the Dragon, so I thought it would be fun to kind of analyze his character with atrology. I'll be covering what I think are his sun, moon and rising signs.

NOTE: I'm not a professional astrologer, I simply love learning about it. This was purely for fun. Also GIFs are not mine; credit to gameofthronesdaily, useraelin, alicentloyalist and splinterbean.

Sun sign

Leo

Don't click away. Hear me out, as someone who's met MANY leos in my life (a lot in my family), Aemond is a part the lion pride. Granted he's very much a dark reflection of the sign, but he's still a representation of that sign. I know some were thinking Scorpio is the obvious choice (and we'll be getting to his Scorpio-ness soon) but when I really looked at it, I saw more leo for the sun sign.

Sun sign basics: Your core self, your conscious self. Your initial character and ego.

Leo sun traits that align with Aemond: Desire for attention/being the center of attention, ambitious, protective, loyal, glamorous (best drip out of all his siblings), schadenfreude (if you know the scene that GIF is from, you get it), out-bursts, jealousy

Aemond is very much an underdog in the story. When he claims Vhagar, he revels in it. He has that desire to be king and views himself as more worthy than Aegon (and he is), because like most leos, he's an overachiever. Let's not also forget he was really feeling himself in Fire & Blood when he became Prince Regent. Leos are ambitious, which is one of Aemond's primary personality traits. He's fiercely loyal to his family, even defending his brother's ascension to the throne. And I added glamorous because Aemond takes the most care in his appearance on Team Green outside of Alicent (I'd argue even more than Otto.) Look at his adult outfits. He chose to decorate his missing eye with a precious gemstone. Even his hair is notably full of more luster. The most glaringly obvious trait of a leo he has is his pride. He won't let a challenge to it go unnoticed. As for schadenfreude, Aemond clearly enjoys when other aren't having the best time. The throne room scene and the entire Storm's End sequence are proof enough of that. He definitely has explosive anger several times, and jealousy is a running theme with his character, even if he doesn't act on it. (Also weird and low-key miscellaneous but I'm throwing this in here for fun: he can fight. I can't think of a time I came across a leo that didn't know how to throw hands.)

Moon sign

Cancer

(No I did not plan on Aemond having the sign ruled by the sun for his sun-sign and the sign ruled by the moon for his moon-sign on purpose.)

Moon sign basics: Your innermost self. It reveals your deepest thoughts, emotions, fears and desires.

Cancer moon traits that align with Aemond: An innate sense of responsibility (boy does he personify this), a need to nurture/support/protect, a likeness for tradition, home and family.

Even at a young age, Aemond is very responsibility-driven. He says he would marry Helaena if it were his duty to support both his house and family. He also assumes the job of helping Criston track down Aegon, and also goes to Storm's End to seal an alliance. Interestingly, cancer is connected to motherhood, and Aemond is the child closest to Alicent. He and Alicent also have their repression in common, as he's been too busy being perfect™ to pursue his own desires like Aegon, who is all desire and no responsibility. He has a preference for tradition as seen by the fact that he says that Helaena will be Aegon's queen despite the fact that Rhaenyra has been named heir for over a decade at that point. He does care deeply for his family as seen by the way he comforts his mother and Helaena (and also the hc that he's a great uncle to Jahaerys and Jahaera.) We also see him constantly in a protective defense. He assumes a defensive pose and reaches for his blade during Vaemond's decapitation in the throne room. He stands up in a threatening manner when Jace appeared to be angry with Aegon at the dinner table before he made his toast. He stands in front of Helaena, and fully sqaures up to Meleys...a freaking DRAGON, during the dragon pit coronation. It's clear that Aemond's jealousy doesn't come from having these responsibilities, he just wishes he was more rewarded to performing them efficiently... preferably with a crown. (And good for him, I say!)

Ascending/ Rising:

Scorpio

oh to be that cup...

Ascending/rising sign basics: What you present yourself as. What first impression you make. Your appearance.

Scorpio rising traits that align with Aemond: intimidating, aloof, determined, strategic

This is glaringly obvious and borderline self-explanatory. Your rising sign is how you present yourself to others, and well, Aemond couldn't be anything other than a scorpio rising in my opinion. From his first scene as an adult especially, it's obvious.

Everything from his piercing glare to his love of black leather makes him intimidating. He is not someone who's going to enter a room and be all smiles with people, especially with those he doesn't like (Team Black.) Determination is that man's middle name. And he's displayed some a knowledge of strategy a few times in the show, like with claiming Vhagar, granted his leo-ness can often make him a bit impulsive.

[unfortunate-arrow]

𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐉𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐩𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐊𝐚𝐝𝐞 | hpma character profile

warnings: mentions of death and cancer

✧ IDENTITY ✧

Full Name: Finnian Joseph MacKade

Nicknames: Finn

Name Meanings: Finnian → Irish, “fair” ; Joseph → Hebrew, “Jehovah increases” ; MacKade → Irish, Scottish “from the wetlands.” 

Date of Birth: December 30, 1996 (at 11:55 am)

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Gender: Male ; he/him

Sexuality: Demisexual (+ heteroromantic)

Blood Status: Muggleborn(ish)

Nationality: Irish

Residence: Mullingar, County Westmeath, Ireland (1996 to ???)

✧ APPEARANCE ✧

Faceclaim: Tom Holland

Height: 5’9”

Build: Athletic and lean physique 

Hair: Brown hair that is usually gelled back and kept short

Eye Color: Brown

Scarring:

Childhood & Hogwarts: He has a small scar by his left eye as the result of hitting his head on the windowsill as a toddler.

Adulthood: He has matching scars on his legs as the result of walking through a pricker bush while trying to capture a photograph of an augrey. 

Modifications: (glasses, piercings, tattoos, etc.) None

Other Distinguishing Marks: None

Clothing Style: Plaid shirts, khakis, jeans, sweaters, fun socks, sneakers, windbreakers, trousers, very fond of the half zip style of sweaters and fleece

Accessories: His late father’s wrist watch

What’s in His Pockets: His wand ; loose change ; a loose film canister 

What’s in His School Bag: A camera and film ; textbooks ; notebooks ; parchment ; pens and pencils ; quills and ink ; a small photo album with family photos ; football/soccer cards ; old notes

✧ SPEECH & LANGUAGE ✧

Voiceclaim: Tom Holland

Accent: Irish 

Dialect: General Irish English

Languages Spoken: English

Languages Understood: English

✧ PERSONALITY ✧

MBTI Type: ISTJ — the logistician 

→ A Logistician (ISTJ) is someone with the Introverted, Observant, Thinking, and Judging personality traits. These people tend to be reserved yet willful, with a rational outlook on life. They compose their actions carefully and carry them out with methodical purpose.

Enneagram Type: 4w3 — the aristocrat

→ Enneagram Type Four wing Threes are Fours who possess many of the same traits as Type Threes. 4w3s tend to be more energetic and driven than other Fours. They seek to make an impact in the world while maintaining a deep sense of self. They are more sociable and image conscious than other Fours. 

Positive Traits: Responsible, intelligent, curious, jack-of-all-trades, observant, loyal, creative, level-headed, organized

Neutral Traits: Honest, direct, strong-willed, dutiful, calm, practical, organized, realistic, detail-oriented, logical, stubborn, reserved, private, by the book a bit too much, decisive, independent

Negative Traits: Does not like big changes, inflexible, a bit insensitive, a bit judgmental, reluctant to change, a bit tactless, can be oblivious when it comes to emotions and romances

Common Stressors: Exams, feeling resentment, finances, his brothers, missing out on getting that perfect shot

Comforting Things: Photography, golf, quidditch, reading, his brothers, his grandmother

Interests & Hobbies: Photography, golf, football/soccer, quidditch, reading

Description: Finn definitely comes off as the more serious twin, which isn’t exactly wrong. He’s a lot more guarded than his brother and knows when to set a boundary. Despite this, Finn is a good and loyal friend who adores his brother. He does have a bit of tendency to lean towards being insensitive and judgmental, so he’s always trying to work on that and make sure that he’s being fair to everyone around him. In addition, he does not like when big changes happen as he likes to be in control of what changes are made in his life as he hasn’t always had that ability. Finn’s main passion, though, is photography and that’s where he dedicates most of his time. He’s rarely ever seen without a camera and is always ready to take photographs when the moment occurs. Finn is an intelligent, creative, and responsible young man.

✧ MAGIC ✧

Wand: Finn’s wand is made of pine wood with a unicorn tail hair core and is 11 ½ inches long with an unyielding flexibility.

→ Pine wands always chose an independent, individual master who might be perceived as a loner, intriguing and perhaps mysterious. Pine wands enjoyed being used creatively, and unlike some others, would adapt unprotestingly to new methods and spells. Many wandmakers insisted that pine wands were able to detect, and perform best for, owners who were destined for long lives, including Garrick Ollivander who had never personally known the master of a pine wand to die young. The pine wand was one of those that were most sensitive to non-verbal magic.

Other Magical Abilities: None

Patronus: Brown owl

Patronus Memory: His father teaching him how to golf

Boggart: The pale and sickly form of someone that he loves

Riddikulus: The pale and sickly form becomes a mummy from an old horror movie

Amortentia:

Finn smells like leather, ink, rosewood, photography film, and soap.

Finn smells old books, peat, peppermint, and something that is related to Scotty.

Mirror of Erised: Finn sees himself in a photo gallery, surrounded by the people he cares about including his late parents.

✧ HOGWARTS ✧

House: Ravenclaw

OWL Classes:

Astronomy — Exceeds Expectations

Charms — Outstanding

Defense Against the Dark Arts — Outstanding

Flying — Outstanding

Herbology — Exceeds Expectations

History of Magic — Acceptable

Potions — Exceeds Expectations

Transfiguration — Outstanding

OWL Electives:

Arithmancy — Outstanding 

Care of Magical Creatures — Exceeds Expectations 

NEWT Classes:

Care of Magical Creatures — Acceptable

Charms — Outstanding

Defense Against the Dark Arts — Exceeds Expectations

Potions — Acceptable

Transfiguration — Exceeds Expectations

Extracurriculars: Chaser on the Ravenclaw quidditch team starting in his fourth year ; dueling club ; arts club ; magical creatures club

✧ EMPLOYMENT ✧

Affiliations: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry ; The Daily Prophet

Professions:

2015 to 2037 - Photographer for the Daily Prophet

2037 to death - Freelance photographer

✧ FAMILY ✧

Father: David Padraig MacKade [deceased, 1965-2006]

Born in 1965, David was the oldest child of Jean and Joseph MacKade. He had a good childhood and was joined by a younger sister, Jennifer, when he was three. He went on to study criminal justice in Dublin, where in 1991, he was set up on a blind date with Clare O’Brien, his future wife, by one of their mutual friends. David was wary of the blind date, even though his friend insisted that Clare was a good fit for him. He agreed, though, and it was one of the best decisions of his life. Even though they didn’t officially begin dating until 1992. They dated for a year, before marrying in late 1993. Their first year of marriage was fairly calm and full of love.  In 1994, they moved back to David’s hometown of Mullingar, where he accepted a career in the Garda as an inspector. He kept this career for five years, eventually retiring after he suffered a bullet injury to his leg. After his retirement, he found a career working as an assistant manager in a local, small-time football/soccer club.

On December 30, 1996, David welcomed his first two children, Finnian Joseph and Nathaniel Brian. A little over three years later, David welcomed his third son, Padraig Darragh who was mostly known as Paddy on April 16, 2000. Then, three years after Paddy, David welcomed his youngest son, Owen, on June 3, 2003. 

Things got complicated after Owen was born, though. Clare was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. It broke David’s heart, but he carried on the best he could, providing a solid and strong force for his young sons, who were just as (if not more) heartbroken and confused as he was. By late 2004, it had become clear that Clare’s cancer was terminal and she passed away shortly after, leaving David a widower and single father. He did his best, thanks to help from his mother and sister.  He provided a stable and loving home for his sons, even as they downsized into a smaller house.

Unfortunately, tragedy came for the MacKade family once again in the summer of 2006. David had gone running earlier that day and collapsed in the family’s living room late one night. His eldest sons were the ones that found him and called for an ambulance, but it was too late and the only information provided to David’s mother was that he had suffered a pulmonary embolism but that they couldn’t quite figure out where it had come from.

Finn had a good relationship with his father. However, many of his memories have started to fade as he was only nine when his father passed away. In addition, it’s hard to forget the image of his father’s lifeless body. Despite this, Finn does have many good memories of his father and a feeling of warmth and love whenever he thinks about his father. 

Mother: Clare MacKade née O’Brien [deceased, 1967-2004]

Born in 1967, Clare O’Brien was the oldest daughter of Owen and Mary O’Brien and grew up in County Waterford, Ireland. She had a happy and calm childhood, eventually joined by a younger sister, Fiadh, in 1973. After completing her schooling, Clare went to university in Dublin, where she studied nursing. In 1991, Clare was set up on a blind date with David MacKade by a mutual friend. Clare was much more optimistic about the date than David. She enjoyed the date quite a lot, but didn’t mind that it wasn’t until 1992 that they began dating officially. Clare and David married a year later, in 1993. The first year of their marriage was quite smooth and full of love. In 1994, Clare moved to her husband’s hometown of Mullingar. She quickly found a job as a nurse at the local hospital. She continued to work at the hospital until she needed to take sick leave and when she took maternity leave after her boys were born.

On December 30, 1996, Clare welcomed her first children, Finnian Joseph and Nathaniel Brian. A little over three years later, her third son, Padraig Darragh (mostly known as Paddy), was born on April 16, 2000. Three years after Paddy, her youngest son, Owen David, was born on June 3, 2003. 

However, shortly after Owen was born, Clare began having bad headaches and feeling quite ill. After many tests, she was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor meaning that it was cancerous. In 2004, Clare began treatment. Unfortunately, it proved ineffective as her diagnosis became terminal a few months later. Clare passed away in late 2004, a few weeks before the twins’ eighth birthday.

Finn had a good relationship with his mother. They had never had the closest relationship, but Finn loved his mother very much and misses her everyday. He doesn’t have many clear memories of his mother, though, as he was only seven when she passed away. He does have moments when he wishes that he could talk her and does have moments where he’s just angry at her for dying and at cancer for taking her.

Twin Brother: Nathaniel Brian “Nate” MacKade

Born on December 30, 1996 at 12:07 pm, Nate is the second son of David and Clare MacKade, twelve minutes younger than Finn, and a Hufflepuff. Finn has a close relationship with his brother. It’s not perfect by any means, but their relationship has always come through the other side. There may have been some contentious moments when they were children, but the older they get the less often those moments occur. It also helps that as they get older, they’re not living on top of each other for as long. Finn knows that Nate will always have his back and that he can count on Nate to keep his secrets. Finn also doesn’t bicker too much with Nate, and when they do, it doesn’t stick for too long. 

Faceclaim: Tom Holland

Brother: Padraig Darragh “Paddy” MacKade

Born on April 16, 2000, Paddy is the third son of David and Clare MacKade, approximately four years younger than Finn, and a Hufflepuff. Finn has a good relationship with his younger brother, although there is a bit of distance between them as they have never had that many interests in common. Plus, Paddy gravitates more towards Nate anyways. Despite this, Finn would do anything for his little brother. He loves his brother a lot.

Faceclaim: Levi Miller

Brother: Owen David MacKade

Born on June 3, 2003, Owen is the fourth son of David and Clare MacKade, approximately seven years younger than Finn, and a Ravenclaw. Finn has a close relationship with his youngest brother and while it’s not perfect, it is a good one. Their age gap of approximately seven years helps to make it so that some things don’t cause arguments the way they would with a brother who was closer in age. Finn can be quite protective of his little brother, which is definitely due to their age gap. He loves Owen a lot though and he would do anything for his little brother.

Faceclaim: Noah Jupe

Grandmother: Jean Frances MacKade née Hughes [1935-2029]

Born in 1935, Jean Hughes grew up in Surrey, England as the daughter of an Irishman and an Englishwoman. She had a good childhood, although it was interrupted when her father went off to war in 1941. It was tough on Jean, who at six, didn’t understand what was happening or why her beloved father had to leave. This was compounded when her maternal cousins came to live with Jean and her mother. Her teen years were better, as her family had gone back to normal, even though things weren’t exactly normal. After she graduated in 1953, Jean went to university in London, studying music education.

It was when she was in university that Jean met her future husband, Joseph MacKade. She was quite taken with the Irishman, who was three years older than her. They kept in touch for three years, finally meaning once again in 1960. They married in 1962 in Dublin, Ireland. Jean then got a job as a music teacher in Joseph’s hometown of Mullingar, County Westmeath, Ireland. She adored her career, but was rather less satisfied with her personal life as she struggled to find common ground with many of her neighbors. This began to change in 1965, when her eldest child, David Padraig, was born. Three years later, her daughter, Jennifer was born. Things went well from then on, everything wasn’t perfect but they had enough to get by. 

Jean was thrilled to welcome Clare O’Brien into the family when her son married the woman in 1993. She loved the younger woman dearly and Jean was extremely overjoyed when she met her first grandchildren, Finnian and Nathaniel. It helped to lighten the blow of the death of her husband in 1995, as she had been slowly spiraling. The birth of her grandsons put things back into perspective for Jean, something that was strengthened by the subsequent births of her two younger grandsons, Padraig and Owen. She loved them all dearly, and this included Jennifer’s two children, who weren’t born until 2006. 

What Jean hadn’t counted on was the deaths of her son and daughter-in-law. Jean was left reeling, putting all of her focus into the four grandsons that she now had to raise. She struggled for those first few months, trying to figure out what to do with the money that David and Clare had saved and how to raise four grieving boys. Eventually, she divided her son’s savings into five new accounts, one for each of his sons and one for everyday use. From then on, Jean came out of retirement to make up the difference by working as a substitute music teacher and a waitress. She loved her grandsons and always felt like she was dropping the ball in some way with them. Jean would live until the age of 93, passing away peacefully in her sleep.

Finn generally has a good relationship with his grandmother. He loves her dearly and has always had a good relationship with her. However, some of Finn’s unconscious resentment at the world ends up being directed at his grandmother. He hates doing it, but sometimes he cannot stop and is always looking for ways to redirect those feelings. He also helps to make sure that the house is running smoothly, especially as he gets older and starts to understand things better. 

Faceclaim: Julie Andrews

Pets: 

Childhood: A labrador retriever named Lady

Adulthood: TBD

✧ ROMANCE & CHILDREN ✧

Love Interest: Scáthach Elspeth “Scotty” Rosier (@drinkyoursoupbitch)

→ Story Details TBD

Daughter: Flora Jean MacKade

Ravenclaw | Chaser | Bisexual | b. October 27, 2028

Finn has a good relationship with his daughter. They might not be the most similar in personality, but Finn feels like that’s why they click so well. He loves her very much. Finn tries to support Flora in everything that she does, especially when it comes to quidditch because he noticed that her passion for the sport was similar to his passion for photography. He loves his daughter very much. 

Faceclaim: Lara McDonnell

Son: Ian David MacKade 

Gryffindor | Keeper | Prefect | Heterosexual | b. May 18, 2030

Finn has a good relationship with his son. They are somewhat similar in personality, although Ian is really a good mix of his parents in terms of his personality. Finn is quite proud of his son and tries his best to support Ian in everything that he tries to do. Finn loves his son very much.

Faceclaim: Paddy Holland

✧ OTHER RELATIONSHIPS ✧

Best Friends: TBD

Close Friends: TBD

Friends:

Sage Carridan (@kc-and-co)

Conner Everett (@amerrymystery)

Nova Hartley (@gaygryffindorgal)

Declan Rovere (@potionboy3)

Efesto Vecellio (@nicos-oc-hell)

Acquaintances: TBD

It’s Complicated: TBD

Hogwarts Dormmates:

Jimmy Crouch (@potionboy3)

Duncan Ludwig (@usernoneexistent)

Efesto Vecellio (@nicos-oc-hell)

AVAILABLE

Rivals: TBD

Enemies: TBD

✧ HISTORY & BACKGROUND ✧

Place of Birth: Mullingar, County Westmeath, Ireland

Hometown: Mullingar, County Westmeath, Ireland 

Childhood: 

Born on December 30, 1996 at 11:55 am, Finn is the firstborn son of Clare and David MacKade. His twin brother, Nathaniel Brian MacKade joined him twelve minutes later, at 12:07 pm. Three years later, Finn gained a younger brother, Padraig Darragh, on April 16, 2000. On June 3, 2003, Finn gained a second younger brother, Owen David. Nate had a good childhood and, for seven years, it was stable. He grew up in a decently sized house in Mullingar, his father’s childhood hometown. However, things began to change when his mother was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. Everything slowly began to change as the diagnosis shocked the entire MacKade family. They held together the best they could. Nate and his brothers were shielded from some of the worst aspects, but David could only hide so much. Eventually, though, the brain tumor turned terminal and in late 2004, Clare passed away. Thankfully, it had been a peaceful passing in her sleep and in her own home. 

The death of his mother rattled the entire MacKade family and it felt like everything was changing. A few months after Clare’s passing, the family moved into a smaller home in order to save money as they were down one income. It was a tough adjustment for Finn and Nate, who went from sharing a large and spacious bedroom with two twin beds to a much smaller bedroom with bunk beds. For a few months, it strained their relationship, until David sat the boys down and explained to them that they didn’t need to love it but they had to tolerate it. His speech worked and the brothers eventually worked out a truce. Things moved smoothly from that moment on, but tragedy was looming closer and closer. One summer night in 2006, Finn and Nate found their father’s body in the living room and David MacKade was eventually declared dead. 

After the death of his father, Finn and his brothers were taken in by their grandmother which saw their third move in nearly as many years. They moved into their father’s childhood home, with Finn and Nate sharing his childhood bedroom and their younger brothers sharing their aunt’s childhood bedroom. After their grandmother noticed their struggles, she enrolled Finn and his brothers in a local counseling program. Finn struggled to connect with therapy, though, only finding a short mediation at night to be helpful.     Things also started to change when, on his eleventh birthday, Finn received a letter and a visit informing him that he and Nate were wizards and suddenly some of the strange things that had seemed to follow him everywhere began to make sense. 

Hogwarts Years:

Upon starting Hogwarts, Finn was sorted into Ravenclaw. He was both shocked and surprisingly relieved to be in a different house than his brother. Finn was at home in Ravenclaw, even though he remained kind of stand-offish throughout his time at Hogwarts. He made friends and now that they didn’t live on top of one another 24/7, his relationship with his brothers strengthened. His passion for photography also continued to grow, especially once he learned how to enchant his photos. In his fourth year, he made the Ravenclaw quidditch team, earning the position of chaser. He also met his future wife, Scotty Rosier, during his time at Hogwarts as well, even though Finn remained oblivious to the true nature of his feelings until their seventh year.

Adulthood:

After graduating from Hogwarts, Finn got a job as a photographer for the Daily Prophet. He photographed a lot of different events, though his favorite were always quidditch matches. However, he was not the biggest fan of working for the Daily Prophet. He thought that they had too many rules and were too strict about the type of photographs they accepted. Thus, at the age of 40 and with a nice financial cushion, Finn moved into freelancing. He was much happier in freelancing.

In addition, after graduating, Finn moved back to Mullingar with his twin brother in order to help support their grandmother with their younger brothers. Finn found it to be quite the challenge, but that it was the most rewarding thing in his life at that moment. He struggled with it though, and the frustrating resentment that had grown. Most of his resentment was simply at the world. 

Finn married Scotty in 2026. Their first child, Flora Jean, was born on October 27, 2028. Their second child, Ian David, was born on May 18, 2030. 

Old Age:

Due to his freelance work, Finn never officially retired but he slowed down after he reached the age of 100. He continued to take on clients, though, and focused a lot of time on his own photography. He entered contests and found that his work was being submitted into galleries. In addition, Finn also spent a lot of time with his family and doing things that he wanted to.

Death: 

Finn passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 137. He had lived a long and fulfilled life, leaving behind two children, five grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

✧ MISCELLANEOUS ✧ 

Favorite Color: Navy

Favorite Food: A grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup

Favorite Drink: Butterbeer

Favorite Weather: Snowing

Favorite Season: Autumn

Favorite Books: Bridge to Terabithia, Percy Jackson

Favorite Music: U2, the Script,

Dislikes: Bullies, being mistaken for his twin brother, arguing with his brothers, ground beef

Trivia:

Finn is rarely seen without a camera. He has multiple cameras, as well. He’s got a small one that can fit into his bag. There’s the big, fancy one that he lugs out for certain occasions such as sunsets. There’s the cheap one that he takes when the conditions could be a little treacherous for a camera.

Finn does not like cooking. It’s a chore to him. He does enjoy making sandwiches, though.

When he was younger, Finn could never settle on one career. He wanted to be everything from a pro-footballer to a firefighter to an astronaut. It wasn’t until his grandmother gave him a camera for his ninth birthday that his interest in photography grew and was cultivated. 

Finn’s paternal great-great-great-grandparents were both squibs. They took one half of his surname and one half of her surname to create the surname MacKade. 

Important Links:

Finn’s tag

More information about Finn’s children

[wcbreezeleafaublog]

Lionblaze

I am having a loooot of brainrot on my warrior cats aus. a lot of it is me agonizing over the plots, family trees, povs, and goals of the rewrite, but a lot of it is also on the characters. the silly guys!! and right now, that silly guy is Lionblaze.

decidedly not silly in canon (sucky guy ngl) but I wanna talk about the character arc he's getting from me.

(Now, I am not very far into the canon books, but years of being in the fandom, atching maps, and not giving a damn about spoilers has basically filled me in on everything.)

Depending on the au, Lionblaze is either born to Crowfeather and Leafpool with his siblings, or Ashfur and Leafpool with Jayfeather. Either way, sucky father. He is raised basically the same, and still sneaks out to meet Heatherpaw. He still trains, and still has the same powers.

However, when he fights with the tribe, he fights to kill. Influenced by training with Tigerstar, he cuts down many of the poor rogues, and is only shaken from this haze when Hollypaw is, unfortunately, killed. Her death, while it does not change him immediately, does play a part in his arc. For one, it frightens him away from Tigerstar. So, he never really is as bloodthirsty as he was in that battle, but he is still a fighter, and a powerful one.

Lionblaze may not do it consciously, but he still does take some of what Tigerstar taught him to heart. He is a loyal cat to his clan, and still fights for them, and still uses his powers for them. And he is very gruff with any non-ThunderClan cats, including Breezepelt. He only reluctantly accepts Breezepelt’s involvement with him and Jayfeather when he learns of the sign Jayfeather was given about Breezepelt. Though he eventually does grow closer to Breeze, it isn't until Breeze helps him cure ThunderClan’s greencough outbreak. 

Still, they grow close, enough that Lionblaze is devastated by Breezepelt’s presumed death after the tunnel collapse.  It is made worse, though, because Leafpool was also trapped in the tunnels and presumed dead. Lionblaze had been angry with her, but the fact that she died without them ever getting to talk greatly upsets him. 

And, to make things even worse, Jayfeather bitterly renounces StarClan and allows himself to be driven out of ThunderClan. Lionblaze escorts him to the mountains, but does not stay with his brother. He returns to ThunderClan, alone. 

Entering into oots, Lionblaze is at a very low point. All of this grief is not dealt with, and it sort of consumes him. He becomes an angry cat, lashing out constantly at others. Especially so when, with Squirrelflight mourning her sister, and Brambleclaw stepping down as the deputy, Lionblaze feels that responsibility falls on him to rebuild his clan. He is StarClan’s chosen cat, after all, even though he isn't even sure there can be a prophecy now that the three are fractured. 

This affects both Dovekit and Ivykit, because Lionblaze is made Ivykit’s mentor, but takes up being Dovekit’s, too, since ThunderClan has no healers. All of his anger does not help him treat Dove and Ivy well. Constantly, he lashes out at Ivypaw, and punishes her twice as hard for any little thing that affects Dovepaw at all. Take, for example, the paralysis of Briarpaw. Instead of a tree falling in the camp, Dovepaw, Blossompaw, Ivypaw, and Briarpaw are hunting with some warriors. Blossompaw creates an ill-advised competition with the others, and Ivypaw eagerly joins in, thinking she could impress Lionblaze and finally get her mentor to look at something other than Dovepaw. It doesn't go well, though. As the two apprentices race up a precariously old tree, Briarpaw follows them up to get them to come down. The tree falls, and Blossompaw is the only cat to get out with only scrapes. Briarpaw suffers paralysis, like in canon, and Ivypaw’s pelt is torn up and she suffers a mild concussion. 

Lionblaze, instead of showing care for her well-being, starts to scream at her for the danger she was putting every cat in. He puts emphasis on Dovepaw, of course, which only fuels her resentment of her sister. Upon returning to camp, he doesn't allow her to be checked up by Dovepaw, or anyone else, and gives her extensive apprentice punishments. Lucky for him, she recovers mostly fine (especially after Mothwing helps her out).

Now, Dovewing. Lionblaze didn't treat her very well, either. Constantly, he ignored her struggles and shut down her protests. At her ceremony, she very loudly expressed she did not want to be a healer. But he got louder, until she got scared and gave in. He kept her very separated from Ivypaw and the other apprentices, often pulling her away from fighting and hunting to learn about herbs or whatever else. It was only when Mothwing came to ThunderClan to help did Dovewing get a true mentor (and a namesake), and even then, the moment she realized she could, Dovewing moved to RiverClan. She felt bad, leaving Ivyfang, but she was happier in RiverClan. She was much happier with her girlfriend, mentor, and position. 

Lionblaze still kills Russetfur, though it’s accidental, and is blamed for the death of Flametail. He gets put on suspension, and becomes a sort of assistant in the nursery. Without his warrior duties, he has no distractions, and so he has to confront his grief. Especially so after he has a talk with Cinderheart, and he realizes that he’s just sad. Deeply sad. And he realizes what a horrible cat he’s been acting as. 

So, he decides he’s going to work through this. He doesn't want to be this cat, and while he may have screwed up with Dove and Ivy too badly already, he’s still going to work on himself. 

Of course, Breezepelt and Leafpool return to the clan, with Jayfeather (who’s changed his name to Galestream) and a fox Breezepelt has named Cardinal in tow. Lionblaze gets to talk with them, and he comes to realize he doesn't want to be a warrior anymore. He’s fought so much, shed so much blood already, and he doesn't want to do that anymore. 

So, he settles into the nursery full-time. Helping the queens with anything they need, and assisting the healer when necessary. 

He doesn't like to fight, even in the battle during The Last Hope, it brings him great pain to be fighting the spirits. So he won’t anymore. 

He apologizes to Dovewing and Ivyfang, who’ve now both moved away, and he recognizes that it's likely they won't ever forgive him. And he thinks that they don't have to. He would understand why they wouldn't, after all, he was terrible. 

They recognize that too, and they don't forgive him. But, they recognize he is trying, and they thank him for apologizing.

[reviewsthatburn]

I’m so happy about BITTER MEDICINE. Often I can get very stressed out by stories where the two parties are lying or misrepresenting things, usually because the reasons don’t make any sense, except as transparent excuses to further the plot. When this happens I either become distressed by the lie(s) or I’ll lose the suspension of disbelief and can’t stay in the story. At all points in BITTER MEDICINE, Elle and Luc are being as honest as they possibly can be with each other (given the constraints on them). As they grow closer they work first individually, and then mutually, to get rid of the barriers between them. In each new stage of their relationship they work to accept whatever obstacles cannot yet be removed. The story is driven by their need to fix their individual problems, gradually turning into a realization that they can help each other accomplish more than either could without help.

Full Review at Link.

[agnimybeloved]

regarding that last post... not that black butler's canon has to be uplifting or have dadbastian or a happy ending to be "good" (i'm actually partial to tragedies especially the cyclical kind and would love for the series to straight up end with despair and the collection on the contract lol) but i do think that toboso's largely fumbled the found-family/interpersonal,/introspective aspects of her story and sacrificed a lot of narrative and thematic meat there for low-brow and off-putting comedy.... which is really exactly all she does with ciel's trauma as well-- shallowly using it for the purposes of trauma porn and/or comedy/inappropriate fanservice.

ciel only seems to have reasonable responses to his trauma when its aesthetically convenient if that makes sense. i honestly could go as far as to say that she depicts his trauma fetishistically-- every instance i can recall of ciel having an extreme traumatic response (i.e. vomiting, flashbacks, psychosis) is represented with (imo but honestly.... i'd be shocked if this wasn't intentional...) sexual undertones. his episode during the green witch arc doesn't have one of these moments within the episode itself as far as i can recall, but certainly i think the preceding/inciting medical emergency that forces him and sebastian to bathe together contributes to the reoccurring sexualization of "sickness" (physical & psychological).

not to mention ciel's subsequent episode is treated as the dramatic peak of his ptsd and something that he "overcomes" through sheer force of will (and the threats of sebastian... neither of which are a proper/reasonable way to handle such an extreme trauma response) and doesn't really battle going forward in the story. of course a lot of stories take this "one dramatic moment and then its fixed" approach to representing mental illness, and it makes narrative sense for toboso to want to more or less settle that thread to gear up for the important blue cult arc, but i think toboso's handling of mental illness in general goes so far beyond suspension of disbelief and tastelessness that i think she should lowkey be brained for it. the way she intermittently writes ciel's traumatic experiences as something horrifying and wrong and to be given sympathy meanwhile relentlessly putting ciel in inappropriate fanservice situations that diminish the severity of csa & pedophilia as well as disrespect the complexities of trauma and turn them into comedy... mind boggling...

overall though i think that black butler shows a real mastery of narrative arcs while falling short in terms of character arcs. most of the time these arcs are shown in retrospect with the addition of new backstory, but it feels as if the characters in present have barely grown at all... not that every story has to be character driven and a static character type makes sense for someone like sebastian, but for all that ciel is a unique and mature thirteen year old due to the circumstances of his life, he is still a thirteen year old, and one that has experienced a significant trauma quite recently at that. not allowing him coming of age-esque character arcs considering all that sort of breaks the believability of his character imo.

but i think that coattails does a lot in staying loyal to ciel's character and experiences while also respecting his trauma and bringing the depth and flexibility of adolescence to his worldview and actions that toboso unfortunately seems disinterested in. i love that aforementioned chapter of coattails and its sentiments especially with how it reexamines ciel's actions at kelvin's manor and the worldview that lead to burning it down with the children inside... not that it was an out of character decision for ciel in the moment, but i think it established a lot more severe facts about his character and worldview than toboso is willing to address in her writing and therefore feels unresolved. coattails' remedy to that awkwardness by coming full circle is so intriguing and fulfilling in contrast... it shows how adolescence and trauma can work together to so completely convince one of hopelessness and yet how just a bit of hope can change that worldview entirely. literally just the honest love of a random dog and the mundane care of a guardian... there is a cure and it is this..... what da helllll....

[probably-haven]

I’ve been thinking about Childe a lot recently- because my friends slander him relentlessly and other than one person who kinda semi-likes him I’m the only one who actually likes his character.... and I know I’ve slandered him a fair amount myself but just- 

-

He was a child. 

A child - No ‘e’. No puns. No jokes. Not this time. 

He was only fourteen. 

-

His story described him as “frightened and hesitant” prior to his time in the abyss. All he wanted was an adventure of his own. To make an adventurer of himself, the likes of which he had heard so many times in the stories of his father. To be like him. He didn’t even go seeking the abyss or any kind of grave danger or incredible power, he was just a naïve little boy, running away from home with almost nothing in chase of a story of his own. 

And yet he was fated to fail, and everything went south almost immediately. Lost in the freezing cold forest environments of Snezhnaya, he was completely alone save for the wild animals on his trail. And by an unlucky roll of the dice - or perhaps because in that moment, his desire and drive to survive, to live, to get back to his family, was so strong that even the abyss itself took notice - the world he knew was stripped away. 

Scared and vulnerable with only a shortsword for protection, Ajax was torn from what already would have served to be traumatizing enough for the child, and thrust into something immeasurably worse. 

Described as “a bottomless crack in the earth’s surface,” “the endless possibilities of another ancient world,” and “the darkest corners of the universe;” the abyss is not a place that ordinary people are meant to survive.  Now I could go on about what the abyss may be or who the swordswoman might be or what might have happened to him, but the point is: it doesn’t matter what happened, his trauma is trauma nonetheless and its not in his control nor is it his fault how his brain decided to process it. Regardless, I think “endless possibilities” within the “darkest corners of the universe” speaks well enough for the severity.

Even without this however, it is important to note that for three months of what logically would have driven anyone to or past the brink, he had one consistent point of relative safety in the form of the swordswoman, a person who while training him for destruction, was also deliberately manipulating into him “the ability to stir up endless havoc.” 

Placed in an extremely traumatic situation like this and being manipulated by one he would have been forced to see as an anchor of sorts, simultaneously holding him together and molding him into the twisted version of himself that she wanted him to be; Realistically, Childe is more a victim than anything else.

And he returned - still only a fourteen year old child - to his home. 

Now an interesting point: based on the wording of his character story, it seems as though when he came out from the abyss, his new demeanor actually unnervingly reflects his hopes when he ran away, implying that the swordswoman very well could have used his own ambition as a cruel mirror to shape him based off, or used them merely as an additional manipulation tactic. “He acted as if this world revolved around him, and as if battle existed for his sake.” Almost as though he were truly the protagonist in an adventure story of his own, just like his father before- or perhaps that’s what he was made to believe. 

Regardless, Childe quickly gained a reputation for havoc, chaos, and violence, as it followed him and he spread it wherever he went, just as he had learnt to do during his time in the abyss, constantly seeking that unpredictability, the thrill of combat. 

And this continued until he went too far, and in response to this, the father that he admired so greatly sent Ajax away into the strict military environment of the Fatui. The idea was that the highly strict environment of training for the literal military, would “hone his son’s temper.” Not dampen, or control, or reduce in any way, but “hone” - to sharpen it, to refine and perfect it. And he watched “fully-armed troops getting the stuffing beaten out of them by a mere child.“

He was only a child. 

Everything he went through in the abyss and all the changes he went through himself, only to be shipped into military by the family who could no longer handle dealing with the effects of what he experienced... 

And he was just a kid. 

-

oh but they honed his temper alright. Not only was he entered in this military training like his father had planned originally, but soon after, the young child was selected and placed within the official ranks of the Fatui themselves under the guise of being a punishment.

Told to work his way up the ranks from the bottom, the Fatui “honed” his temper and penchant for combat towards the purpose of serving the Tsaritsa, encouraging these tendencies that would only continue to grow stronger and more apparent with time as a result of their actions, which was exactly their intent. These, psychologically and neurologically, were the key years for his mental development.

And once again the young Ajax found himself the victim of another’s subtle manipulation.  Until he was Ajax no more. 

-

Childe has been under the constant task of further proving himself since enlisting in the Fatui, and once he gained the recognition of the Tsaritsa, the only next possible way of doing that was by comparing his skills to others. And thus far, he has exceed in this time and time again, so with the evidence before him his arrogant confidence in his abilities is by no means unreasonable. Nor is his tendency to express friendship and varied other things through combat, it’s only natural after besting others in battle became his main source of acknowledgement throughout his younger years. 

He’s fiercely loyal as well, to the point where - were his sense of loyalty not so shrouded in his delusion of what loyalty is meant to be - it would likely border on codependency. He also doesn’t seem to have the greatest understanding of social cues, as expected with his combat-oriented upbringing, and tends to have an unnerving aura to a lot of the things he says that he doesn’t seem aware of. 

His loyalty to the Tsaritsa rings true, and seems to be his highest priority above all others, an ideology that, once again has been drilled into him since the age of 14. However, despite this, he is disliked and avoided even by his fellow harbingers, and often kept out of their true plans in a way that clearly shows what low opinions they have of his abilities in certain areas. 

And yet, through it all, he still maintains his own set of values and seeks to make genuine connections which people, which while these efforts may be unsuccessful in most cases, and these values far in between - It still firmly shows the strength of his character which, though in fragments, managed to remain as a part of who he is in spite of his circumstance. 

-

And i get that he’s memeable and slanderable and easy for a lot of people to just hate outright, i really do but sometimes it feels like a lot of people only ever see him at surface value and a lot of people dont even know his story and even fewer still actually consider the implications of that background. He was literally a child soldier - that and even more; “endless possibilities” more.

I have nothing against Childe slander, genuinely - but eventually, when it reaches a certain extent...

It’s not bad, I’m just tired.

[rainsongmp3]

heaven as a bureaucracy is so fundamentally boring to me. angels are fundamentally inhuman, ethereal, incomprehensible being are you’re telling me that they work like a corporation?? corporations are a very human invention. it simply makes no sense for them to behave like one. also, if we’re talking about a God who has abandoned heaven, that makes the whole concept even more boring. they call God their Father, but act like he was their CEO?? no. God as an absent father is vastly more compelling. angels as a extremely fucked up celestial family is so very interesting. i want to know how daddy issues impacted a being of pure energy and light. i don’t care about how a CEO took an extended vacation. the CEO narrative is literally just ok the big boss is gone we just defer to the second in command until he comes back and we continue to function normally. the absent father narrative allows for nuanced and complex individuals. you get to examine how each angel deals with the void of a father and how this impacts their relationship with obedience, humanity, and faith.

in season 4 alone, we get zachariah, uriel, castiel, and anna who each have their own views and motivations. uriel sees God’s absence as proof that he never cared, never loved them (the angels or the humans) so he follows in lucifer’s footsteps. anna is doubtful and falls not because she has issues with The Absent Father, but because she doubts the chain of command without him. she wants love and emotion so she chooses to become human to find the things she was lacking as an angel. castiel has unwavering faith in The Absent Father throughout season 4. his doubt is in the chain of command and their purpose. but unlike anna, he doesn’t want to become human. he wants to watch over them and protect them as he believes his Father would’ve wanted. zachariah is so interesting in season 4 because he’s nothing like the other angels we’ve seen before. he doesn’t doubt. he doesn’t rebel. he arguably doesn’t even have faith. he doesn’t care that God is gone because that void leaves room for him. he puts michael into the Father/God position, but not out of faith or love. it’s out of an odd convergence of duty and lust of power.

in season 5, this becomes even more interesting because of the introduction of the archangels and cas’s continued rebellion. (i’m not going to get into how michael and lucifer are direct mirrors for sam and dean and how this correlates to the absent father parallels between God and john because that is an entirely separate deeply compelling topic.) michael is set forth as the good son, the good soldier who is entirely driven out of love and loyalty to a Father who abandoned him. he steps up to fill the void, but it’s not about power for him; it’s about duty. lucifer doesn’t experience The Absent Father, but his actions are all in direct response to his father. lucifer was the favorite. he had a real, close bond with God. according to him, he was cast out of heaven because he loved his father too much. it’s that rejection that drives him. he’s fundamentally a petulant child doing anything to get his daddy’s attention. his tantrums just involve a lot more bloodshed. gabriel, in my opinion, has the most interesting feelings about The Absent Father. gabriel loves his family very deeply and watches it be torn apart which just completely wrecks him. when lucifer falls, gabriel loses a brother who he still loves even if he hates his choices and actions. he loses a father presumably soon (for an angel) after that. (if jesus doesn’t exist in the supernatural universe at all, then it’s very possible that God leaves directly after lucifer falls. if jesus does exist, then God probably leaves very soon after jesus’s death and resurrection. but most likely, jesus exists in the supernatural universe, but he was never resurrected. this is another separate issue but it’s based on how salvation and sin is treated in the show. very compelling, but once again not what i’m supposed to be talking about.) all of this loss is so much for gabriel that he leaves. he does the exact same thing that was done to him. gabriel is an archangel. he’s powerful. he’s up there in all of this. and he leaves too. that is so interesting because it begs the question: did God do that too? gabriel runs away from responsibility and pretends that he just doesn’t like it, it’s not his style, but it’s really out of a very deep wound that never healed. he resents his Father for leaving and he resents that he’ll have to watch his brothers fight to the death and presumably pick a side. gabriel was the mediator who bailed. he runs always from his problems instead of dealing with them and ends up carrying all of his pain with him. he fills this up with sex and fun and booze and tricks and pretends to be happy. when he finally confronts his issues, he’s killed!! murdered by the brother he loves!! so maybe, abandoning your family is the only way to survive. we never get to see much of raphael’s views even though he’s a main antagonist in season 6. but we get a little of it in free to be you and me. out of all the archangels he’s the most removed from the idea of God. he truly believes that God is gone. he might be dead. he might not care. he might never come back. it doesn’t matter to raphael. God is gone so the archangels should be in charge and rule heaven and earth as they see fit. he wants the apocalypse, but not out of love or faith. for him, it’s just what should be done.

season 6 begins to move away from angels as a family and God is an absent father. it’s more political. heaven is engaged in a civil war while raphael and cas campaign for the ultimate political office. godstiel is very interesting in relation to God is an absent father. cas is put forth as a rebellious angel, yet he is also the most loyal to God’s intentions (love humans more than angels live Him). he originally wants nothing to do with power, but he eventually begrudgingly accepts it because he has faith in his beliefs and The Absent Father. then, absolute power corrupts absolutely. cas declares himself the New God. he demands the angels follow him and slaughters those who do not. he even takes it as far as to proclaim himself their Father. this character trajectory is influenced by cas’s views on fate vs free will, paranoia, and his relationship to God. this power hungry, possibly manic, walking blasphemy version of cas can’t exist without God as the absent father.

after season 6, we really lose the family dynamics feel of the angels. season 8 is espionage. season 9 is angel politics. the later seasons have heaven function as a bureaucracy with the occasional mention of the archangels as brothers. it’s also vastly more interesting for the angels as soldiers interpretation if they are also a very fucked up family. sibling order is taken literally and to the extreme. the older siblings command the younger siblings as superiors or commanders. the Father is sending his children off to fight wars in his name.

a lot of the nuance is lost in the bureaucratic heaven. it takes away from the complexity and otherworldliness that is supposedly inherent to angels.

[linkspooky]

I would like to ak you about Stain and Dabi, at the very least Stain seemed to consider Deku and Shoto "true heroes", with All Might at the example to follow. Meanwhile it seems Dabi doesn´t believe real heroes exists, not even All Might. Why do you think that´s the case?

So your question here is whether Dabi is following Stain’s will or not? Dabi’s ideals may not line up 1:1 with Stain, but I would say he’s far more loyal to Stain and his ideals than to anybody else in the manga. He may even be more loyal to Stain to the point of being disloyal to the rest of the league of villains. A comparison of ideology and methods of both Stain and Dabi underneath the cut. 

1. Stain’s Number One Fanboy

There are lots of aspects of Dabi’s reveal that were clearly inspired by and are even a continuation of what Stain did that made ripples in society. First and foremost Stain’s greatest success was that he got the actual public talking about him. 

This has always been the difference between the League of Villains, and Stain. Even when the League of Villains has points to make and try to communicate with others, they often get dismissed as villains who chose to be villains for selfish reasons. With Stain, even characters like Deku who are often too naive to grasp this can recognize  why Stain’s motivations eventually pushed him into becoming a villain. 

Stain is the one villain so far we’ve seen the heroes react to with something other than, “Well obviously they just chose to be a villain, because they’re evil, mean, nasty and selfish.”

To us, the audience Shigaraki makes more sense as a character. We know exactly why Shigaraki does what he does because we see him as a human. However, Shigaraki is not human to hero society. 

Someone like Stain is more palatable, because his ideals are a warped version of Hero Society’s own. Rather than being someone who rejects the idea of heroes entirely, Stain merely says, I want the number one hero to be like All Might, pure and selfless. Every hero should be like All Might. Stain only rejects a certain type of hero, not all heroes in general, and not the way Heroes are given too much license and power in this society. 

Stain notices the flaws within hero society, however rather than addressing it as a societal issue, he believes if he kills a few posers then the real heroes will step up. Stain takes what is a societal issue, and wants people to take individual responsibility for it. Which is why he ends up taking it out on completely innocent people too. There are family legacy heroes who are just in it for the job, and the glory (cough, cough, Endeavor) but Tensei was not really one of them. It’s not really Tensei’s fault that all of hero society is corrupt,  at least not particularly more than anybody else is, he’s just a well meaning guy doing his job. 

This is why Stain’s actions can blur the line between justice, and personal revenge. Stain thinks that it’s okay to kill people in service of a cause, but in this case isn’t he just beating up someone who was otherwise a good guy because he wanted to someone else to take the blame for the ills of society? 

It’s true Stain will go as far as to spare, or even save those he deems as worthy, but at the same time it’s only ever on his personal value of worthiness. He also, only saved Deku from a nomu after his battle was already lost. When they were getting in the way of him killing Tenya, he was only a little bit relucant to try to kill both of them because they were in the way of his mission at the moment. 

So anyway those are all of Stain’s bad points. Stain emphasizes the exact same kind of survival of the fittest and individualism that only saves some people in hero society and damns all the rest in the first place. Stain’s good points, he actually did mean what he said. Stain genuinely believed his actions were going to make the world a better place. 

Stain called Endeavor a fake, he also insists on personal responsibility that he has to do something to be the one to fix society he can’t just pretend to be ignorant of it. Stain as we know was a hero student, but couldn’t stay a student when he began noticing all of society’s flaws. In a manga where most characters are ignnorant, the fact that Stain is one of the first characters to point out something might be wrong here, and then had to act on at least his personal sense of justice does mean something. 

Stain’s wors also managed to reach people and stif them up that there is “something wrong here.” They got a response out of people. Which as we’ve been seeing this arc is hard to do. The fact that villains are only evil because they choose to be is just so ingrained in things that it’s hard to shake off. 

So I’m going to list three ways Dabi primarily took after Stain. 

Televised Broadcast

Insistence on Personal Responsibility

Heroes Must be Pure

The reason Stain reached so many people is primarily because of the broadcast. It’s how we see it reached even Dabi himself who was apparently either just a minor crimminal, or living in hiding until that point. Dabi realizes that nothing is going to happen, no concrete change will happen, even if he’s right, unless he gets the public on his side.

This is also why even though Shigaraki has some points to make, almost no heroes listen to him. Shigaraki one does not know how to make his point in an understandable way, and two does not know how to play the game of public opinion. 

Dabi always mentions casting public doubt on heroes, and making a stir in thenews. As long as they get a foot in the discussion, they’ve won somehow. 

Stain reached so many people because his news coverage was a spectacle, and it sparked mass debate. Dabi has been aspiring for a long time to cause the same kind of spectacle and stirring. That’s why he intentionally lets Endeavor gets victories to build him up, that’s why he burns people and leaves them to be found to increase his own notoriety. He was creating a narrative to sell to the public, one that would be easily digestible. Taking inspiration from Stain, he wants to make another news blitz to throw everything into question. He wants to be just like Stain, seen as someone driven to villainry by their intense ideals, and their desire for a betterworld. 

In fact Dabi is even a lot smarter than Stain in some aspects. Stain attracted the wrong crowd. For the most part after the news story died down, the most people that came to the league were those not really invested in his ideals. However, here comes Dabi who knows exactly how to frame himself. Just look at the difference between the way he addresses other people, and the way he addresses Shoto and Endeavor. 

Dabi’s playing his cards as best as he can to create a narrative that will get talked about, because the greatest impact that Stain left behind is that he got the masses attention for a litlte white. 

Number two - Individual Responsibility

Just like Stain, Dabi takes everything on his shoulders, for good or ill. He’s a staunch individualist. In some aspects that means Dabi can’t ever leave well enough alone. There are some injustices he can’t forgive, so he goes out of his way to punish them. 

Part of what is happening really is just consequences for Endeavor’s actions. Something that both the rest of society, would have just let him get away with. Dabi, Stain as individuals, can’t swallow any kind of injustice, and can’t be quiet about the things they notice as wrong or hypocritical in their society. 

Hypocrite or not, I believe Dabi is moved by some kind of ideals, some idea of justice. One that easily overlaps with personal revenge, in the case of Stain, that can very easily branch out and beat up perfectly innocent people who have nothing to do with it besides the fact that Dabi is in a bad mood and wants to feel like he’s punishing an individual for the ills of society. 

For good or ill, Dabi does repeat Stain’s habit of purging as well. Like I said because of the overemphasis of personal resposnability, the belief that an individual has to overcome society all on their own (pulling themselves up by their bootstraps), if someone fails to meet Dabi and Stain’s sliding scale of standards, whoever they are, they may just decide it’s appropriate to murder them. 

This behavior also lashes out and hits people who were almost completely unrelated. Tensei gets hit by Stain’s purge. Dabi’s plan to invite Hawks into the league (probably to dig up dirt on him) ends up hitting Twice as well. 

However, there is also a strong sense of personal responsibility that should be noted. Dabi is like one of the only league members to express remorse over killing people. Not just live on television, but also to himself in the aftermath of the pro hero arc. 

There’s also a tragic element for this as well. Dabi’s decision that he has to do everything on his own, means he can’t open himself up to cooperation. He can’t accept the friendship, the sympathy, or the sense of community for the leaguethat’s been offered to him multiple times. Of course, it’s sadder for Twice because he’s dead. But at the same time Dabi can’t trust anyone, can’t work with anyone, it’s extremely unhealthy and self destructive behavior in the end. 

#Heroes must be Pure

Here is where Dabi and Stain differ a little bit. It’s also where Dabi differs from his brother Shoto. Both Stain, and Shoto were inspired to beieve that real heroes exist because they witnessed All Might. Shoto beliees even if his father is corrupt, he can become a hero like All Might which is the utlimate way to reject his father. 

For both Stain and Shoto, they can believe that good heroes exist because they have All Might as an example. As far as we know, Dabi doesn’t even seem to mention All Might. 

So for Dabi, we still have the idea that heroes need to behave a certain way, heroes need to be pure. He points out that Endeavor is a bad pillar because he’s not ideologically pure, he’s not a hero who saves others like All Might. He also believes like stain that if he culls the bad heroes, then the good heroes will rise up from that destruction.

However, I think Dabi himself may have trouble believing the idea that good heroes even exist. 

Dabi shares the same purity / stain motif with Stain himself. 

Once things are stained they’re impure. Impure things need to be cleansed. He can’t forgive the dirty past of either Endeavor or Hawks. He can’t let someone who has already dirtied their hands pretend to be a hero. 

However, I think Dabi goes a step beyond Stain in that Stain thought if he picked off a certain amount of heroes within the society then the good heroes will do better. Dabi must believe that there is no way for a hero to remain ideologically pure in this society. So, his attacks are levvied at the society that’s incapable of producing good heroes. 

Stain had a tendency to attack individuals while demanding ideological purity from them, Dabi has the same habits but he goes one step further and suggests that society is ignorant, that society needs to question whether these heroes it uplifts really are good people. 

Which is also what I think leads to what you said that Dabi treats Deku and Shoto differently than Stain would. Dabi can’t believe in real heroes, so he sees the kids aspirations to be a hero as proof of their ignorance. 

I would say he doesn’t think Deku or Shoto could be a true hero because one, he doesn’t see them as individuals, he looks down on them as kids. Two, he believes they blindly follow the false heroes. He even mentions directly he doesn’t really see Shoto’s individual will, or his desire to become a hero to save his mom. He just thinks Shoto is the perfect puppet Endeavor raised him to be. Dabi is unable to separate himself from Endeavor’s abuse of him, and therefore he’s also unable to separate the idea of Shoto from Endeavor. 

So yeah, that’s the best way I can explain it with “the vague approximation of Dabi” that canon has given us right now. Basically Dabi is pretty loyal to Stain actually, he follows Stain’s ideals to the letter,he copies his strategy, he even has the same flaws, individual emphasis, black and white thinking, blurry line between “sacrifice for a better society” and “vigiltante justice because I think I’m right.” 

The main differences come from either Dabi just seeing the UA kids as either kids who don’t know better, or blind followers in the system. (This makes sense if you realize Dabi is someone who was raised by a hero since childhood, not someone who just became a zealot like Stain). And Stain has All Might for his idea of a “pure hero” whereas Dabi either believes no good heroes exist period. Or no good heroes can exist in the current society. I hope that answered your question, nonny!

[satellitesunset]

for character birth charts: what do u think kurt’s chart is? like i 100% believe he’s a Gemini sun but the rest idk and i always think about it

ty for sending the ask <3

send an ask with a character, I'll give you their zodiac chart

canonically Kurt is a Gemini, and as far as sun signs go, I don't think it's the most fitting for him. I could see his rising sign being an air sign though.

I'll mostly focus on the big 3 + venus.

(headcanon) birthday: August 23, 1993

sun sign: virgo

I personally think Kurt is the embodiment of a virgo in many ways, he comes across as closed off, judgmental, with tendencies to want things to be done in a certain way he thinks it's right.

Detailed oriented, he's anxious, an overthinker, skeptical at times, someone who brushes off compliments but seeks reassurance and being appreciated, and in any situation, he's quick to think of all the way everything could go wrong and fears underperforming which leads him to attempt to control all areas in his life.

tend to be picky, may seem self-centered, but in fact, he's merely conscious, can be very health-conscious, and must be cautious not to fall into hypochondria.

However beneath all the perfectionism, he's someone who's loyal, hardworking, honest, helpful, protective over his loved ones, the type of friend you could count on in a messy situation, and once he feels comfortable, the cold exterior melts to a cynical sense of humor and a good heart.

moon sign: scorpio

for those unfamiliar with zodiacs, your moon signs is your inner self, emotions, moods

I think that Kurt having this particular water sign as his moon sign makes sense

having a scoripo moon, means he seeks out emotional intensity, his life is dramatic, filled with ups and downs, burning with deep passion and desire. His emotions usually go to extreme highs and lows, almost consuming.

scorpio moons tend to hold their feelings rather than outwardly express them, very secretive, and it may be hard for him to showcase his feelings in words.

trust is a fragile thing, but once earned, it's long-lasting, once he's close to someone, he finds it hard to let them go. Doing things halfway or having meaningless relationships simply isn't fulfilling.

known to radiant strength, even in the absence of experience, lunar scorpio seem to "just know" things,

rising sign: taurus

The rising sign represents, the mask one wears when meeting new people, the first personality traits people exhibit naturally or in uncomfortable situations.

I'll admit a lot of signs could work with this one, since I'm a bit of a perfectionist I had to find a date in August, that could allow me to have a scorpio moon, so Taurus was the one that worked (possible signs: Gemini, Sagittarius, Libra)

People with Taurus rising tend to be strong, persistent, slow to change, determined, practical, stubborn, non-aggressive, patient, loyal, hardworking.

can be led or coaxed, but never pushed or driven. With a want to build and make things grow, but hates being rushed.

Venus Sign: Cancer

Venus represents love and relationships, how you give and feel love in both romances and friendships.

another tricky one, but I think this one works well. (possible options Capricorn, Libra, Pisces,)

Cancer Venus natives crave a committed and predictable relationship. Needs stability, love, and comfort, can be sensitive people.

will show love by taking care of the surrounding people. maybe a little moody fears that he will be left. Once hurt, they will retreat into their shell, and it may be hard to get them to come out again. hide vulnerabilities behind his dignities.

he love sentimental gestures and affection, quite attached to family and their homes. Rejection is a big fear of his. expect sincerity, honesty, and loyalty.

may not be aware of his own charm, they are quite attractive, and others can't help being drawn into them.

Other Aspects:

mercury: (represents expression and communication): leo

mars: (represents the primal energy, the assertive, driving force behind your actions.): libra

jupiter: (represents expansion, fortune.): libra

saturn: (represents effort, limitations, fears, and responsibility): aquarius

uranus: (represents change): capricorn

neptune: (represents dreams, imagination): capricorn

pluto: (represents transformations): scorpio

if anyone wants to read in-depth reports, with details that I didn't mention. here's a drive with all the details

[royaltealovingkookiness]

Since you believe Azula deserves a redemption arc, do you also think Ozai needs a happy ending? They both did the same horrors (Azula's were worse, depending on the point of view) for the same reasons. They both are probably deeply traumatized and never had love in their lives. Do you think that's moral to let either rot in prison without ever giving them any chance?

I know this is probably not meant as a real question, but I’ll answer it anyways, because I am pretty particular about what I believe makes a good redemption arc.

Redemption is not something that anyone “deserves” through past trauma. No matter how someone was hurt, it doesn’t justify hurting others. Also, anyone can be redeemed whether their shitty behaviour comes from being a victim of abuse or just being an average joe with some misguided preconceptions, but it is something they decide to seek for themselves (1) by admitting they were wrong (2) stop doing the shitty things they were doing (3) starting to do the right things regardless of personal consequences and this includes atoning for the wrongs they’ve done.

This is something that anyone at any point can do, regardless of how deep their sins are. It doesn’t mean that the character will be forgiven by their victims or even feel redeemed in the eyes of outsiders, but anyone at any stage can decide to be better. Look at Iroh; he will never be able to undo the harm he caused with the siege of Ba Sing Se, but also nobody can claim that him becoming a better person than he was and seeking ways to atone hasn’t made a difference for the better. But regardless, it is pretty understandable if for families that suffered loss because of him, his deeds will be unforgivable and I think Iroh himself accepts that. Redemption doesn’t erase the past. 

Within the context of a story, there are elements that can set up a redemption arc to make us, the audience feel like it should happen, because we see the character as capable of the reflection and change that’s needed for that very crucial step 1 of admitting that they are wrong. I think that’s the hardest, because human nature is to rationalize our behaviour - nobody wants to be the villain of their own story. 

If you look at Zuko’s arc for example, S1 is peppered with instances where we feel his inner goodness that is in constant conflict with his actions and the expectations he is under. As his motivations being revealed, it’s clear that he is acting from a very human desire of being loved and being part of a family. 

The character also needs conflict / failures that challenges their views as a catalyst for change, which Zuko had plenty of opportunities of as he became a fugitive in Earth Kingdom, facing the real damage the war has done. 

So if you look in this light Ozai and Azula - now leaving aside the not insignificant fact that one of them is an adult and the other is a minor, who under modern standards is not fully legally responsible for her actions or the fact that the deaths and destruction caused by Ozai vastly outweighs anything Azula has ever done  - you can see in the context of the story:

Ozai has no glimpses of goodness inside him, we never really see him doubt or reflect, or care about anyone; his only motivation seems to be self-aggrandization and more power, willing to sacrifice his own family on the alter of his ambition. You say he never had love in his life - I don’t think that’s true. Zuko and Azula both love Ozai, but he doesn’t want their love, only their obedience. 

Azula on the other hand shows glimpses of caring for Zuko, for Ty Lee, she has moments of nagging conscience (her mother’s voice) and is driven by mostly wanting her father’s approval. 

As she almost always succeeds until the very end and her success earns her the approval she seeks, she has not much conflict between her preconceptions and reality and as such, less opportunities to reflect and change. 

Book 3 leaves us at the first very real failure of Azula, the type of life-changing event that breaks or makes a character. Azula has a lot going for her; she’s smart, resourceful, loyal, she has tenacity, she holds herself to a very high standard; the biggest roadblock for her to overcome is her own pride, but this is something that’s perfectly possible with the right push. It’s something Zuko himself overcame too.  

So I think, the story set up a much more believable foundation for a redemption for Azula - should she decide to become better -  than for Ozai, who never showed any sign of self-awareness. 

Still, even with Ozai being a two-dimensional evil villain, the narrative acknowledges that the path towards betterment is always open. 

Zuko says this to Ozai:  “ Banishing me was the best thing you could have done for my life. It put me on the right path. Perhaps your time in here could do the same for you.”

Ozai going to prison is a consequence of all his actions. But the narrative acknowledges that even someone rotting in prison can decide to be better. We never get any inkling that Ozai would, but it is ultimately up to him. 

I think Azula though has had enough “seeds” to start a compelling redemption arc, coupled with Zuko’s own redemption that could have manifested the type of opportunities that were missing from Azula’s life to serve as catalyst for change. 

[themannequins]

i wish i were a girl again, half savage and hardy, and free; and laughing at injuries, not maddening under them.

MIROSLAVA VAN DER BELLEN ESSEN, a twenty four year old grisha in the little palace. she is a tidemaker and are known in the little palace as the mannequin. they are known to be methodical and repressed and vaguely resemble milena tscharntke.

character inspiration: emma woodhouse ( emma ), sansa stark ( got ), daphne bridgerton ( bridgerton ), anastasia ( anastasia ) 

ABOUT AND LIFE 

if you want to die here is my baby’s full bio but i couldn’t shut the fuck up while writing it so here’s the summary but i can’t shut up ever so i added new things here ANYWAYS

here’s my baby miroslava (ex van der bellen) now essen. she’s a control freak, people pleaser, the nicest girl you’ve ever met and she’s always just fine. she’s made sure to build her personality around what others might like and she has been pretending for so long she doesn’t even know she’s pretending anymore and she has no fucking clue who she is, but she doesn’t even know that :) 

tw: death, misogyny, gaslighting and sleepwalking ( just in case )

born in fjerdan to the noble family van der bellen, miroslava was the youngest and only daughter of freyja and kuznetsov. her mother, died during child birth and her father resented miro for that and he always made sure she knew just how much he blamed her for it.

for the moment miro was born she was promised to the son of another noble. she grew up with the idea that her purpose in life was to marry. she was molded by different tutors and governesses to be the “perfect wife” whose only purpose would be to please and obey her husband because according to her father those should be a woman’s priorities. the idea that she as incomplete unless she marries was rooted into her and is still with her till this day.

she was never allowed to join in whatever activity her father and brother were doing because it wasn’t “lady like” but that wasn’t just it, her father simply couldn’t stare the sight of the child who had taken his wife away from him. had it not been for anastas, her older brother, miro’s life would’ve been incredibly dull.  her whole world. had it not being for him miro wouldn’t have known what love truly was. anastas used to sneak miro out of the house so that she could hang out with him and his friends, who in time became her friends as well.

fjerdan testers, non grisha who made sure there were no grisha hidden in their country, were scheduled to come to the van der bellen manor to test miro. to try and protect his sister and out of fear she might be grisha, anastas gave her a small cut on her forearm, just like her mother had given him when he was younger. accidentally, he slowered his sister’s heart in that moment so that she wouldn’t be afraid, and they both discovered anastas was grisha. miro was terrefied, not because her brother was one of the monsters she had heard so much about, but because she knew the real monster, their father, would should him no mercy if he ever found out.

their father began to suspect and one night he asked miro about anastas. she denied everything but he convinced her he wanted to “help” miro believed him, and told him. that same night drüskelle came in and took anastas and miro understood she had been deceived by her father. she kicked and scream but her father held her in place as he patted her head, the same way one would pet a loyal dog. she never saw anastas again, her father fobbid her from ever speaking his name. miro believes her brother to be dead, and she knows she was responsible for yet another death. 

only five months after anastas was gone, miro’s powers first appeared, she was a tidemaker. her father found out at the same time she did and she was driven to the house drüskelle officer. she was locked and left to wait, for what? she will never know because when she thought all hope was lost a servant kid her age appeared in the room and helped her out of the house and into a carriage that was meant to go near the border of ravka. it was a long shot, but it was all she had.

she ran and made it to ravka. three nuns from a near by convent found her and she spend a few months there were she grew quiet until she barely spoke a word to anyone but in time she realized she needed to go back to her old sweet and polite ways because that seemed the way to get people to like you. after a few monts she was adopted by edmund essen.

at first, it was hard for her to adapt to life in the essen manor because she felt that if she allowed herself to love her new siblings she was betraying anastas (all over again) but in time they found a way into her heart, as dysfunctional as they are, she loves them. 

she adores her father, edmund essen, yes she’s a daddy’s girl AND WHAT ABOUT IT THE MAN IS COOL AS SHIT and her old father was the absolute worst. when edmund fell ill a few months ago she left the little palace to look after him.

miro sleepwalks. anastas always looked after her whenever she did, and even though she has her siblings who look after her now, everytime she awakes as well as feeling disoriented she feels incredibly sad because she’s reminded her brother anastas isn’t there. she has dark circles under her eyes always because she sometimes avoids sleep altogether in fear that she will sleepwalk but she always asks her sister lucrezia to tailor her so that she can look as if nothing happened every day. 

bosses around every single person but she does it in a way that it doesn’t feel like she’s bossing you around but that she’s helping you, but it’s different when it comes to her siblings. miro bosses every single one of them in without being sublte about it, she’s not afraid to raise their voice at them when things aren’t done the way she likes them. this earned her the nickname of general among the essen siblings. 

very popular around the little palace, not queen bitch popular vibes but nice girl popular vibes.