#hire sand artist

[manassandsblog]

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[aldryrththerainbowheart]

Medieval knight!Jason Todd who's a long-lost son of the Wayne earldom. He took up a crusade when he was younger but was believed to be dead. Only to reveal himself several years later during the swordsmanship tournament hosted by Wayne family. Just as Dick was lying in the sand coughing up blood next to his discarded sword, his unknown challenger took off his scarlet helmet and the entire court erupted in chaos.

That was years ago now. Since then, Sir Todd made amends with his family, but they are by no means close. Jason managed to gain a title and a fief on his own, independent of his family and he takes no small pride in that. These days he and his merry group of loyal warriors take up mercenary work and guardianship if the person has enough coin.

When the local baron hired him to be a personal guard for his daughter, Jason was sure that would be an easy job for a good amount of gold. The red knight soon found out that being your bodyguard is not as easy as he thought. You were quite the escape artist. Whenever a banquet or an audience was too boring for your liking, you simply vanished, and Jason had to search for you high and low to drag you back. It made him grind his jaw and caused his temper to flare more than once.

You were thrilled and appalled that someone spoke to you so crassly and brazenly. Other soldiers your father assigned to you treated you with the utmost respect and gave up after a few months. Not the red knight. He proved himself to be just as stubborn as you, if not more. At this point, it wasn't about money anymore. He just couldn't stand the thought of some spoiled daughter of a noble getting the better of him. Jason had no qualms about throwing you over his shoulder and carrying you back to the castle, while the plate of his armor dug uncomfortably into your stomach.

After six months of this, Jason was fed up with your nonsense and was ready to collect his gold and disappear for good. You were hiding from the baroness, some nonsense about dress fitting or a dance lesson. Jason was just returning from the training grounds when he saw you sitting on the ground near the barn, playing with a fresh litter of kittens. You knew the cat and the kittens well, and judging how other animals treated you it wasn't your first time there. You met his gaze and winked at him, placing a finger to your lips. Your first shared secret.

After that day, your personal guard Jason somehow became your partner in crime. He looked the other way sometimes or followed in a safe distance. You fascinated him, and somehow, before he even knew it, he started to fall for you. He wanted to deny it. Jason reminded himself time and time again why it was a horrible idea. However, he couldn't keep himself from falling more and more for you.

Another day, another one of your daring escapes. This time was, different, though. You took some of your belongings and your horse while leaving a letter to say your goodbyes. Jason did not care for exploring the feelings of absolute horror that grasped his heart at the thought of you disappearing from his life. He immediately set out to search for you. You couldn't escape too far and he knew where to go. He knew you better than anyone.

When he caught up with you, you were residing in a tavern in a small cozy village near the edge of your father's land. You were always annoyed and scathing whenever he came to bring you back home, but this time, you were just sad, almost tearful. Jason demanded an explanation for your unusual disappearance, and the one he received almost made him shatter the pitcher in his hand. The courting season was swiftly approaching.

He knew of your fear and unwillingness to get pawned off for alliance and title. He was also aware that your parents were adamant in marrying you off before grow out of marrigable age.

Which is why your loyal guardian made you an offer. You stay in the village for its upcoming festival, relishing in last days of freedom without responsibility, before returning home. This offer served not only you, but Jason as well. He wanted to revel in your presence before returning to your old life where he was the knight and you were the noble.

In hinsight, he should've realized that was a mistake, because in these last few days he became aware of how smitten he'd become. It was all too easy to forget his duties when you were pretending to be a simple village girl.

You peroused the stalls, gawking at everything you saw and chatting his ear off. He watched you trying to eat the commoner food with your bare hands, hilariously failing. When they arrived in the square where the dance was held, you haven't hesitated before grabbing his hand and pulling him for a dance. Jason wanted to protest, but your bright smile convinced him. He twirled you amongst the townsfolk before he noticed familiar faces heading your way. The baron's soldiers, no doubt they were looking for you.

Quicker than you could react, Jason pulled you into a darkened corner, covering your body with his, pressing your lips together. He kissed you until he knew the guards were gone. He pulled away to apologize but before he could say anything you grabbed him by the lapels of his cloak and pressed your lips together again. You kissed him with sweetness and desperation that stole breath from his lungs, and Jason had no choice but to melt into you. He wrapped his arms around you, pressing you impossibly close to him, your hands slipped from his cheeks to his hair.

He indulged little longer before letting voice of reason win, pulling away. Jason reminded you that you shouldn't be doing this, reminded you of your respective postitions. You didn't listened, instead, you uttered words Jason both wished and dreaded to hear.

You loved him.

He asked of you to never say these words to him again, and without another word he took your hand and led you back home as he tried to ignore your quiet sobs.

Despite your promises, he catches you trying to climb out over one of the garden walls during your courting ball. Jason wanted to strangle you, not that he enjoyed watching you dance with all those idiot nobles while all he wanted to do was to take you and carry you somewhere where there only be the two of you. This can't go on much longer, he has to end things tonight. Jason takes on a quest, to slay creatures in the southern forest. Surely you'll understand eventually...that the distance is good for both of you.

Months go by, and the pain the red knight felt when leaving you felt bearable. The other soldiers in his unit were curious as to why the infamous red knight left such prestigious position. Some speculated it was because the position was too peaceful and the dead son of Wayne was hungry for blood. If only they knew the true reason he left, but it was for the better. No one needs to know. One day, a messenger arrived, bearing a letter that stated there was an attack on the baron's family. The baron and his wife were badly injured and you were missing.

How was this possible?! You were supposed to be safe here! Without missing even a single second, Jason rode his horse tirelessly to the city. He will find you, and whoever took you will pay for every scratch he finds on you with their life. When he rescues you from your kidnappers, you're barely conscious. Gently, he pics up your weakened body and carefully carries you over the dead bodies lying everywhere. When he brings you back home, as he always done, he is adamant to never leave your side, no matter what takes. With heart full of determination, he asks, no, demands your hand in marriage. His name, his fief, his sword and his hearth, all of it is yours.

The baron is wise enough to give Sir Jason his blessings. After all, who's better for his daughter than a man who is able to set the world ablaze to safe her?

Art: Crown; Katerina Kirillova

Tags: @thinkingofausername, @fir3flytv, @ivysangel, @cherrrysstuff, @xxgoblin-dumplingxx, @mostly-imagines , @applejuicebegood

[theamberplumbob]

My Thoughts on Inzoi

I figured since my post about the whole Inzoi terms of service debacle blew up in a way that I never would have predicted, I should probably give a more nuanced explanation of my stance on the game and the discourse around it in general.

First off, I will just say right off the bat that I am not a fan of Inzoi, and unless some very big changes are made to the game, I am not interested in playing it.

I also want to make clear that my dislike of Inzoi is NOT motivated by any sort of love or loyalty to EA or The Sims. If there's one good thing to come out of Inzoi its breaking the monopoly that EA has over the life sim genera and giving The Sims competition. I also want to say that I despise EA for what it has done to the Sims franchise, and while I have played an absurd amount of hours in The Sims 4, I think it is objectively a bad product.

My biggest problem with Inzoi, first and foremost, is it's the use of AI. Inzoi allows players to use generative AI to make custom textures, designs, and paintings within the game. You may not agree with me on this but I am fully of the opinion that real artists should have been hired and paid to create all of the textures/paintings/designs for this game. Allowing players to upload their own photos and videos is one thing, but Krafton, a multi billion dollar company, chose to not support real, professional artists so they could save what is essentially pennies to them. All this results in, frankly, ugly and uncanny looking generated designs plastered all over the furniture and decor. For this reason alone I do not support Inzoi, but there's so much more to it than that.

There's also the fact that we have no idea how their AI is trained. Krafton apparently has an "AI Ethics Committee," but we have no clue what their actual code of ethics are. While it's bad faith to assume, they could be using stolen artwork for their AI. It is also very likely that whatever images you upload into the game, as well as any use of their facial scanning feature, could also be used as material to train their AI. This could lead to all sorts of ethical and legal issues I don't even know where to begin.

Secondly, I have to say, looking at the early access footage from youtubers and everything else I've heard about the game, it feels like its only going to repeat most of TS4's mistakes. In youtuber NotMalcolm's most recent video he discusses Inzoi's overly sanitized approach to various aspects of life, most notably that you can't try for a baby unless you are already married (source). Just like TS4, Inzoi is appealing to a younger demographic and sanding down the rougher aspects of life in order to cater to them. I fear that Krafton is likely taking it a step further and not only watering down the game for the sake of potential child players, but also using them as an excuse to enforcing extremely traditional values on its players. I have no interest in playing a life sim that only allows me to play out a single, socially acceptable way of living.

It also, like TS4, feels like a Young Adult Wish Fulfillment Sim™. The gameplay looks shallow, and it feels like it exists more to make aesthetic screenshots than it does to be an actual game.

I think when people say that Inzoi is missing the "quirky weirdness" of the Sims, what they actually mean is that Inzoi is devoid of personality. One thing that stuck out to me immediately is that the animations are so stiff, robotic, and lifeless. Again, everything is made to be ~*Aesthetic*~ with no regard to an actual sense of identity or personality.

I know people will say that its only in early access, but given how close public early access is to release, I highly doubt any significant changes are going to be made to improve what will be given to us when the time comes.

On a similar note, there's the fact that Krafton has never made a game before now that hasn't been riddled with micro transactions. I personally predict that Inzoi's monetization strategy will be just as, if not more predatory than TS4's is. The fact that we are drawing so close to public early access and have not heard a single word on their method of monetization speaks volumes. I simply do not trust it.

Now, of course, I need to elaborate on the whole Terms of Service Situation. I understand fully that Krafton's terms of service is industry standard and not too dissimilar to EAs, however, this post highlights that whats really concerning about Krafton's ToS is how difficult and confusing it is for players to access and review it. I find it understandable that Krafton's proud use of AI makes people a lot more nervous as to what their data could potentially be used for, and are going to be a lot more weary of Inzoi's ToS. Though I understand that it is only speculation, many have made the assumption that Krafton may use user's personal data to train AI.

I did not expect my post on the subject to make so much traction, and I now regret how impulsively I made the post. I feel I've contributed to fear mongering, even though I feel my concerns at the time were valid and I felt like people had the right to know. I could have done more research and given more of an explanation for what my concerns were instead of basically saying "Yikes..." and leaving it at that.

I was also told through an anonymous ask that the auto accepting of the ToS on closing the game was a bug that had apparently been fixed the first day the character creation trial was available. I of course cannot verify this myself, but I will take them on good faith.

I would also like to touch on two other talking points that have been very prevalent in the Inzoi discourse:

Diversity - I think this links back to my previous point about the game's goal of being as ~*aesthetic*~ (and marketable) as possible at the detriment of everything else. The game is clearly catering to a very specific, very pale and thin standard of Korean beauty, and I think that everything that doesn't conform to that standard was sidelined as a result. I will be fair and say that the Inzoi team still has ample opportunity to fix this and add more options over time. TS4 was also severely lacking on release, but over the years has made great strides in regards to representation. However I would have hoped that Inzoi, a game planning to release in early access in 2024, would do a lot better than a game that was initially released in 2014.

Partnership with Curseforge - I've seen many people accuse critics of Inzoi's partnership with Curseforge of being hypocritical, since TS4 also has a partnership with them. Of course, one would have to ignore the massive, community wide boycott of Curseforge, and the pressure the community has put on CC creators to stop using the platform for that claim to hold any water. I also think there is a notable difference in EA choosing to partner with Curseforge before the Israel/Palestine conflict began, and Krafton actively choosing to partner with Curseforge now, during an active genocide taking place, in which Curseforge's parent company, Overwolf, actively advocates for and donates to those committing said genocide.

In conclusion, there are a lot of valid reasons to not like/be suspicious of Inzoi. Of course I can't tell you what to do or what games you play, nor can I force you to agree with me, but don't be so quick to write off or demonize those who are simply trying to raise awareness or drawing boundaries regarding Inzoi and those who choose to make content with it.

I also encourage you to consider the points I've made and maybe think twice before investing yourself in yet another game that will very likely exploit your attachment to it in the very same way that EA and the Sims has. You need to make them deserve your time and money, which is why I'm encouraging you to advocate for a better and more ethical game.

You deserve better. We all do.

[theconstitutionisgayculture]

Man, I like Daily Wire in concept but Matt Walsh needs to shut the fuck up about video games. The same guy who tried to resurrect the tired old "violent video games are harmful!" crap is now acting like he's the first person to notice that video games are pushing woke nonsense (even though there are about a hundred channels and outlets that have been talking about this for years) but his solution is to, of course, for the right to stop playing video games.

No. Just, no.

This is the same "bury our head in the sand and pretend pop culture doesn't exist" mindset that got us into this situation in the first place. You can't win a war (and there is a culture war going on, no matter how many people on both sides want to pretend otherwise) by retreating from every battlefield. You win by raising awareness of a problem and then offering a real solution.

And it's especially stupid seeing this cultural retreat mindset from someone working for DW because DW actually knows exactly how to fight this battle. They created their own media company to fight against woke Hollywood. Are all their movies and shows good? No, not at all. But they still did the right thing. They put their money where their mouth is, and created an alternative.

A much better example is Angel Studios, which is probably the only Christian movie studio I've ever seen that puts out top quality content with great acting, writing, and production values. They're raking in money and getting their content onto mainstream streaming services as well as theaters. In other words, they're taking their message to the people who need it the most. The ones who aren't already in the echo chamber. Unlike Daily Wire, which only offers its content on its own website through a subscription service to its own audience, and never advertises anywhere.

Another successful example outside of movies is Eric July's Rippaverse. He's been killing it with his comics, with every single one of his campaigns raking in over a million dollars, every cent of which is reinvested back into his business, helping it grow, creating more content, and expanding his already impressive roster of writers and artists. Mainstream writers and artists, by the way. Like Chuck Dixon, the guy who co-created Bane and wrote the seminal Tim Drake Robin comics, among many other credits, and Mike Baron, who wrote some of the best early Punisher comics. Eric had a following before he started the Rippaverse. He runs a successful YouTube channel and he's a regular contributor to The Blaze. He could have walled himself off with his fanbase, wrote comics about ancaps saving the world from the evils of government, and made some money while pandering to the people who already agreed with him. Instead, he went big. He invested his own money, runs his own distribution center, owns his own business with zero outside investors, hires the best talent he can, and offers a product that focuses on story and characters over messaging. His work isn't even "anti-woke". It's just not woke.

And that's what we need in video games. We need alternatives. We need to roll up our sleeves and wade into the deep waters and actually contribute our ideas and our talents. Offer an alternative. Hire people who know what they're doing, who care about quality content first and social engineering never. There is a huge untapped audience who would pay hand over fist for good video games free from microtransactions and woke nonsense.

But retreating is not an option. It's not brave or moral to hide in our echo chambers and scoff at anything fun. Entertainment is necessary. And maybe more importantly, it's not going anywhere. We will never live in a world where people go to work and spend time with their families at home and do nothing else. We need to engage with the world as it is. Not wait around for whatever our idea of a perfect world is to magically form so we can finally interact with it. You can't change society if you keep pretending large swaths of it don't exist.

[lilyoffandoms]

Sat on this a few days cuz I wasn’t sure how best to answer the question and I’ve been thinking of leaving the Choices app behind for good for a while now and this ask kinda opened my eyes.

@playchoices is either sticking their heads in the sand and pretending the artists they hire aren’t passing off AI-generated content as their own or they think we are too stupid to identify AI-generated/assisted content in their app. Either way, they are lying to us and are using stolen art to make a profit and that don’t sit right with me.

Given PB’s use of AI generation in the creation of their covers, I will no longer be utilizing the app, nor will I create anything for any of the newer books that utilize this technological theft. I will consider and most likely still create for the older books from before the app’s complete greedy cop-out era but it will be a case by case basis.

In addition, anyone in the Choices fandom (or any fandom for that matter) that uses AI-generators or reblogs AI-generated content will not be eligible to request or be gifted anything from me from here on out. Also, from this point forward, I will only take requests for fics & art if you are off anon to better ensure this.

[More on my stance on requests can be found here under the header, Fic & Art Requests/Commissions.]

Edit: This is not directed at anyone in particular. Yes, anon listed a few names and I have yet to look into those but what’s done is done. I can’t change the past and what I’ve done back then. This is simply talking about moving forward.

[unvolver]

Hello tis I, returned from the land of the dead. I'm here for "service top john and power bottom paul."

I think you've hit on an important part of their dynamic here and it's one I try to reflect in my own McL fanfics. An interesting through-line in John's relationships is that he would start out aggressive but then become more at-ease around the other person and thus let his guard down more, which meant the other person started driving the relationship. He did this with Stuart, he was a bit of bully towards Stu but their friends/art school classmates remember Stuart bucking John up during art classes, teaching him to play with mediums (like throwing colored sand at canvases instead of trying to produce realistic paintings). John visibly relaxed around Stu and became close to him. There's many interesting parallels with Paul, because John's type is clearly dark haired slender artistic weirdos (Stu::Paul::Yoko). John initially starts out aggressive with them only to be intrigued by them and then dive into Their Relationship as his defining characteristic. Occasionally he'll reassert himself against them in some form of bullying to keep his ego strong (he did this with all 3 of them.) Stu's life was tragically cut short so we didn't get to see the next step but with Paul and Yoko, John eventually gave up his schedule and personal desires to be managed by them. Sgt Pepper::the Dakota Days. What's interesting about Stuart is that Stu eventually left John for Astrid so John didn't have room to get into this dynamic with him. Resulted in John leaving Hamburg in disgrace after Paul Pete & George were deported. John was left to his own devices and then decided to go forward with the Beatles, probably one of the few independent decisions he made under his own power.

Anyway this plays into the service top thing because John's belief appears to be that he's only as good as the person he's serving. There's almost a court dynamic to it, or at least the overly romantic interpretation of it that was common in the 19th century, you can see this reflected in its apex, "Ivanhoe" which was still widely read and appreciated in the 1950s. It's not on reading lists anymore but Bob Dylan read it growing up and I feel confident John did too.

I feel like the "service" thing is something John did, not just in sex, but in all of his romantic relationships. John was very self aware of his flaws and how reprehensible many of his actions were. I believe that John threw himself into these "service" roles in order to redeem himself in some way and because he elevated his partners above himself. This even applies to Cynthia; John had to beg her to take him back after he slammed her head into a wall and after that he let her drive the relationship. In her book "John" Cynthia confirmed something I suspected in that her later years with John were sexless. Combining this with Cyn rejecting hiring a nanny to look after Julian and her later remark that John found her "too mumsy" to get in bed with, I wonder now if Cynthia was like a lot of mothers in that she didn't really care for sex when she had a child to look after. John let this dynamic happen. Yeah he did have a lot of partners on tap but he could have asked more from her but didn't. He let her dictate the circumstances of their home life. Yoko similarly rejected John's advances late in their marriage and one account says that she regularly barricaded herself in her office to stay away from him, instead sending him to Chinatown for happy ending massages with women who didn't speak English and didn't recognize him. John also let Yoko do it.

There's a lot of "submission" there but John himself was not that much of a submissive person, no matter what he babbled about being "soft velvet." The qualities that matter are the ones that consistently rise to the top and John was consistently someone who took control of situations and was a natural leader who directed the flow of action and ideas.

So to me that indicates John's "service top" role is much less about a desire to be directed and much more about his personal redemption and John's ideas about what love means. John put his lovers above him because he liked venerating people. It's a very religious pose influenced by Christian ideas of hierarchy. John's mental image of Paul in particular held a lot of power over John. He seemed to have built Paul up into a quasi-religious personage in his own head. "I've seen religion from Peter to Paul" etc. It seems to me that a service top John is not necessarily looking for validation (tho I think there's that too, who doesn't want to receive a pat on the head from God?) but is performing an act of worship towards a higher being.

John often seems convinced that Paul is a lot more powerful than Paul actually is. If he's topping Paul then it's because Paul has directed him to do it, not just as a slutty power bottom, but because he is allowing John to venerate him in some way. Thus John's time with Paul was creatively and sexually fulfilling, in a dynamic John felt comfortable with that still allowed him to exercise his qualities as a leader and director during daytime activities.

In contrast Yoko deliberately stymied John's creative flow. Often fought with him in the studio and over camerawork, insulted him constantly and held him at bay by dangling sex in front of him as a carrot when according to Dakota memoirs she hated PIV and only had sex with John when she was trying for another baby.

Paul was many things to John but he didn't hold himself back creatively and I am one of those people who believes he did not hold himself back sexually either. I think John had a lot of sexual access to Paul and that this is one of the reasons why they lasted as long as they did. Defining himself by his relationship with Paul was John's road to redemption in his mind and luckily for him Paul loves being worshipped.

hello nonnie! you have given me a lot of fodder to work with here:

thank you complimenting my work and how i depict lenmac again, i think people either overplay or downplay john dominance or agression. it’s not black or white with him, he’s a multifaceted individual. i agree 100% with the idea of john being more aggressive at the start of his relationships and only allowing the other “control” as he became closer to them.

also the religious element to it! i was not raised christian and my only exposure were my classmates growing up as a buddhist. i’ve always been intrigued by (christian) religious symbolism and imagery. john’s idol worship of paul and their codependency really does give off that vibe, and the aforementioned court dynamic.

again, the parallels between their sexual relationship and songwriting partnership. maybe not parallels but directly intertwined. not much to say other than i agree here.

more thoughts in my answer to the paul ask!

[viviennevermillion]

Honeymoon Headcanons

notes: this is part of our #marry a harbinger event! if you fulfill the requirements we'd be happy if you participate! have these headcanons about going on a nice honeymoon vacation with columbina and pantalone

contains: character x gn!reader

characters included: pantalone, columbina

warnings: columbina is unhinged. not towards you but she is most definitely unhinged.

Pantalone:

He is so happy to be married to you

He will spoil you so much. He'll let you pick the destination for your honeymoon and then he'll buy a mansion specifically for the occasion. Everything for you.

He doesn't rent it, he buys it. Along with a whole patch of empty beach. So on the anniversaries of your wedding, the two of you can come back to your honeymoon estate and spend some time there.

He even hires staff and butlers specifically for your honeymoon. They'll have a bunch of fancy lights and candles and rose petals prepared for when you arrive.

You're tired after the long trip so Pantalone picks you up and carries you bridal style through the door.

"What would you like to eat, my love?", he puts you down on the luxurious, comfortable sofa and kisses your forehead.

Doesn't matter if anything you want doesn't even exist in the country you're currently in, Pantalone will have it shipped to you as soon as possible.

He had the staff prepare a warm bath for the two of you with all sorts of expensive products. He holds you close to him for the whole evening and gives you so many loving kisses.

"I love you so much... I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you", he whispers and nuzzles your neck when he falls asleep in your arms that night. Your bedroom has the softest bed you have ever been in and the staff has put multiple pillows and blankets in it so when you fall asleep, all you feel around you is either soft bedsheets or Pantalone's hugs. His hair smells so nice after the bath and he looks so peaceful, sleeping in your arms with a smile on his face.

He wakes up before you and has the staff prepare breakfast for you. He knows all your favorite foods and he will spoil you. The breakfast is always bigger than necessary for two people so sometimes you scold him about throwing away this much food.

He likes to take strolls at the beach with you. Dressed in swimming trousers and a loose, short-sleeved shirt that is nevertheless unnecessarily expensive (think of like,,,, a million dollar hawaii shirt), he walks through the sand with you at sunset

Not really the swimming type. Will do it if you insist though. But complains all the time about how cold the water is.

He'd offer to hire professional sandcastle artists to build whatever you want for you but is just as happy if you refuse and want to build one yourself. He doesn't help you though, he doesn't want to stick his fingers into the dirt.

Takes you on a romantic boat trip one night. He'll admire your face from the side as you stare out onto the ocean.

Chuckles when you point at the dolphins swimming by. "I could buy us a dolphin to take home", he offers. "No. Like,,, I don't even... just don't", you refuse and ruffle his hair.

He has hired a band for live music. They can do everything from ballroom dance music to tavern songs to romantic ballads to musical numbers.

Would ask you for a dance and just ends up kissing you in the middle of it, paying no mind to the music anymore. He hugs you tightly and buries his face in your neck, whispering about how much you mean to him.

Goes inside the ship and comes back a couple of minutes later with a bouquet of red roses to give to you.

He wraps his arms around you after you have put the bouquet aside and gives you a gentle kiss.

"You know....in a way I understand the electro archon. Eternity sounds wonderful as long as I get to spend it with you", he leans his head against yours as the fireworks or lanterns he ordered for you go off in the distance.

Columbina:

That vacation will not be as peaceful and idyllic as Pantalone's but that is something you signed up for when you married this woman.

First off, you're gonna be the one planning that honeymoon getaway because the sheer action of deciding on a place and booking it would make Columbina lose her shit and would probably end with 5 dead palace guards and arson

She gives you a thankful kiss and a tight, loving hug when you tell her you'll take care of it.

She wears her wedding dress outside of the wedding. She's like "why did I annoy Regrator so much to buy me this dress if I'm only gonna wear it once?" and also loves how pretty the dress is and how it reminds her of your special day so sometimes she'll just show up in places wearing her wedding gown. Including your workplace. Thankfully if you're allied with the Fatui and married to Columbina you likely work in or close to the palace and everyone there is used to Columbinas antics.

So yeah one day she shows up in your office in her wedding dress and she made you a little chestnut man out of sticks and chestnuts and drew a face on it and she puts it down on your desk and is like "I made a friend for you" but there is always this definitely unhinged vibe about her that feels like she's one minute from agitated singing and crying if you don't like her gift.

She also brought you a whole pie that she baked herself (with Arlecchinos help as disaster control) and she puts kisses all over your face and tells you she loves you so much.

These are the moments where she inquires about your progress in organizing the vacation. You decided to postpone it a little because the Tsaritsa had some tasks for the two of you.

You had talked to her about your ideas for the honeymoon and she is super excited for it so if you tell her the one you decided on wouldn't work because it was sold out or something she'd cry into your arms and you'd pat her head and tell her you'll find something new for sure and that you'll have a wonderful time as long as you're together.

Most of the honeymoon will consist of the two of you being unapologetically tourists and exploring the whole place you're at, taking photos wherever and however you please.

If you're at a beach Columbina tells you she has a surprise for you and leads you to a more secluded part of the beach where she buried another tourist in the sand with only the head sticking out and she's like "I made a new friend" and the man is like "please can I leave I don't know who you are...."

You get her some nice colorful cocktails and she loves these so much.

Would definitely love to swim with you and clings to you in the water, wrapping her arms around your waist and snuggling you.

Would sleep in your arms on the sun lounger and occasionally trail kisses down your neck

She loves sharing ice cream with you and linking her fingers with you while holding your hand.

The place you're staying at isn't anything fancy, a little cottage near the ocean that has everything you need

You'll definitely do a spa day with her with massages and a hot spring bath and she adores this.

Put flowers in her hair pls, it will make her tear up out of happiness. She tells you she loves you and snuggles you.

[sixthwater]

Hi everyone! I'm fully now, and here with another pick a card! It's show this time though hehe. I figured it'd be nice to here some encouraging nice words in these unsettling times, so without further ado. . .

(Left → Right / Pile 1 → Pile 3)

Decks Used: Book of Shadows Vol. 2 Tarot, Astrological, Woodland Wardens, Seed & Sickle, believe in your own magic

Disclaimer | Pinned | Paid Readings

Pile One

Cards: VII of Swords, The Hermit Rx, The High Priestess, Leo, The Hare and Oak Rx, The Snake and Fern, Datura, Clover, Rose, Throne

This energy is beautiful. Having the Seven of Swords pop up might be a little concerning, but in some cases it doesn’t fall in the pile of it’s traditional meaning. In this case, it can definitely be holding your cards close to your chest or pulling/sneaking away from a situation with information. In this case I’d considering it re-evaluation since the imagery looks like sorting or filing through various file cabinets to see what went wrong or what’s missing, and that’s the overall energy here. Aah Trampoline by Kero Kero Bonito is playing and I think it fits your energy. You might be frustrated by your current circumstances, or you might feel like everything is against you, but actually the fact that you aren’t rushing ahead or pulling any shortcuts is benefiting you. It’s a great thing that you’re taking a pause and ‘wiping the slate clean’ on whatever you’re doing, which most likely is somewhat creative or something you’re trying to bring to life. It could lightly be related to a physical make-over but we have Leo here along with a bunch of other cards related to artistic endeavors so. Instead of throwing a fit and just tossing things in the trash or publishing what you can, you pause and self-reflect. What went wrong, how can you fix it, did you possibly miss something? You try to connect with yourself in order to solve this, and you’re willing to start with a blank state. Due to this, you’re going to have blessings come in and be highly rewarded. I don’t see this issue lasting very long, maybe a month at the longest, but for your patience and understanding you’re going to be given everything you’ve hoped for. It’s also helpful that you’re working hard at what you want anyway. You know you’re good at what you do, and you know your limits. You have a pretty healthy ego which will help you in this process. This is pretty straight forward so keep doing what you’re doing <3

. . .

Pile Two

Cards: Knight of Swords, King of Swords Rx, Death, Capricorn, The Spider and Passionflower, The Beaver and Birch Rx, Cornflower, Cherry, Buttercup, Sun

Setting boundaries. You’re becoming more comfortable in your power and becoming more unapologetic with who you are. Nerves by Icon for Hire seemed to be strong here. You’re starting a new chapter in your life but it’s not drastic or anything, it’s just drawing a few more lines in the sand, not letting people walk over you as much or take advantage of your kindness like they did before. There’s a possibility that someone ended contact or a situation made you realize how much your moods are affected by others, and you decided to do something about it after a period of grieving or isolation. Capricorn is about independence or self-reliance, and the woman within the King of Swords is a CEO. You are in the baby stages right now of trying to figure out how to move around by yourself or just moving differently — to bring back the same energy as before but by yourself. There’s a bit of stubborn energy, but it’s not bad. Feel free to tap into a bunch of different things until you figure it out. For this pile I don’t believe it’ll be the standard ‘cozy games to play on a rainy day’ options, but I believe in your perseverance. It could be hobbies that you thought you’d never enjoy or ones that seem boring to you honestly, it might just catch your interest this time around. All in all, your rebirth is just in time for spring…if you’re in the northern hemisphere at least.

. . .

Pile Three

Cards: Queen of Pentacles, III of Wands, King of Pentacles, Neptune, The Skunk and Magnolia, The Frog and Lotus Rx, Buttercup, Pimpernel Rx, Henbane Rx, Expectations

Keeping Your Head Up by Birdy. Your energy is funny honestly. Self-care. Relaxation. Unbothered. Not completely, but you’re not about to stress yourself out over it, the answer will come to you over time. Even in the three of wands, the person is cozied up near the fire seemingly after a bath with some candles. You are ensuring that you are safe and cared for, if not externally then internally. If you are going out, its low key and only with really close loved ones. The majority of your time is doing a lot of indulgent activities to make yourself feel good, because some of it is self-reflective and processing some emotions on the low. You’re becoming more comfortable with yourself and less worried about society and what it expects of you. The trivial things. I feel like it might be a few specific people instead of society as a whole, but regardless. It’s a very balanced and relaxed feeling; there’s active energy here and you’re aware of the work that needs to be done, but you also understand that you can’t constantly be doing shadow work and be on the grind in the physical. Running on an empty tank gets you nowhere. This is such a healthy mindset and you’re being applauded for it. It kind of reminds me of those jokes where you study for an hour and then reward yourself with three hours of television. You might be someone who overworks themselves on the regular or is very hard on themselves so you’ve finally come into an era of figuring out a balance. Taking control over your own energy. Good for you.

[ice-cweam-sod4]

Dulcisregnum Dorm Trivia:

I listen to ONE Kyary Pamyu Pamyu song and this is where I am 30 minutes later (trivia under the cut)

When it comes to the atmosphere naturally th dorm has a “candyland” feel to it

Since the dorm is made of sweets (mostly some some limitations and magic added) littering is heavily frowned upon.

If a student ends up eating the candy, there are many special magical side effects (think Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) that will encourage them to NEVER pull that shit again (Dorm leader’s words, best to not fool around and find out).

Things like water appear thanks to general magic.

The dorm smells like a literal Dairy Queen and the air actually tastes sweet.

Unlike other dorms Dulcisregnum requires magic to change the tracks, meaning the entire dorm can switch looks/climate for the sake of track variety ::3.

Since Vincent is the most magically skilled in the dorm she is the one who is in charge of changing the dorm layout while Temperence makes sure Vincent doesn’t fuck up and accidentally magically kick all the students out of the dorm….again 

 so far, the dorm has taken on around five different looks; The default track that mimics sugar rush, an ice cream mountain themed track, a chocolate waterfall themed track, a rainbow taffy themed track that goes through cotton candy clouds and a konpeito track that makes the dorm look like it's set in outer space. (More can always be added)

Out of all the dorms Dulcisregnum is the second most dangerous not only due to the track changes but also the general nature of the candy landscape (double stripe branches in the candy cane forest causing students to fall and get hurt, taffy swamps that nearly calcify unlucky ones who fall in and the dreaded nesquik sand).

^Crowley claims no one has died in Dulcisregnum but that doesn’t explain why the laffy taffy vines have a mind of their own.

After races the dorm members can relax at a relaxing all-purpose cafe in the castle grounds (other dorm students are welcome but Temperence doesn’t advertise it as much).

The dorm has a hidden factory where all the karts are built, if you get on Temp’s good side, he could show you around and possibly let you build your own kart.

There are 25 karts for the first years (they naturally take turns) and 50 karts for the second years. The third years all get their own specialized kart.

The races that are held in a general event are divided into seven categories: 1st year race, 2nd year race, 3rd year race, duo team races,item mania,battles and vehicular sports.

The first 3 races are pretty much self explanatory, duo team races have students pair up from whatever year to race as a team on special karts made for two people.

^Item mania is when the entire track is LITTERED with item sugar cubes ready to either help you or deter other racers.

^Battles are basically when all racers are sorted into two teams and either have to collect the most amount of gum drops on the course or survive with a limited amount of candles on the back of their kart before the timer ends (think Mario kart wii battles).

When it comes to entertainment for the racing events Temp usually hires pop groups or artists from the Glace Duchy to give said artist more notoriety since the events are live streamed.

Currently the dorms magicam account (co-managed by Vincent and Terrence) has over 500K followers.

Thanks to said live streams Temp has been able to get sponsors to help fund the racing events (did you REALLY think CROWLEY was giving this dorm any money?).

Thanks to said sponsors Temp has been working hard to form a racing team out of NRC that can allow students from the dorm to showcase their skills among actual racers at actual events.

dividers created by @/cafekitsune

[sivavakkiyar]

the funny thing is that I mostly only read good DE reads on here, it’s just when I venture out into the broader internet that I realize how oddly people engage with it.

I have to admit I also learned this lesson from a lot of the games I loved that DE is ‘in the tradition’ of—-the KOTOR games, etc, especially Planescape Torment, that stuff. A lot of those are ‘more clear’ and they still got wild interpretations to make them ‘more ambiguous’ because that’s what the current framework will do to render them more ‘artistic’ (maybe the Czerka corporation was *right* to send its hired workers to die and eradicate the Sand People!)—-you can’t really win w/ art, sorry

[manassandsblog]

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[symphonic-scream]

Okay

Phantom Pirates au time

This would be a Persona 5 (Royal) Pirate au, and I'd love to make it a full fic but I've got my plate full for now, however, as always, I'm super down to chat and post about it here

So, without further adieu, it's pirate time

So it all starts with a boy, and a ship. No one knows the kid, where he comes from, or how he managed to acquire such a fine vessel. Most guess that he must be about 12, smudged with soot and sporting a bright yellow scarf

He dreams of a life on the high seas, of adventure and doing what's right to the end. However, no child could manage a ship the size of the Velvet Room all on his own, and finding a crew that matches ones ideals would be a hard task.

...or would it?

-

A young man is sentenced to death, sitting in a damp, solitary cell awaiting his trudge to the gallows. Falsely accused, no fair trial in sight. He stares up at the stars through the bars at night, and wishes that he could be given another chance

Two foreigners fall under the thumb of a business they hadn't intended to be sucked into. In order to save their own skins, they hand over their only daughter to be bought or sold, to be done with however her buyers please. She cries silently at night, dreaming of escape and loving for herself

The streets are a dangerous place for a youth. His father owed a debt, one his mother payed for with her life. Left on his own, an injury rotting away one foot, he stole to pay for a shabby peg, his meals. Treated like a rat scurrying under the feet of the townspeople. He prays for a chance to make them all pay, to bring hope to those like him

Each is given a chance, an offer from a small boy; Join his crew, help his cause, and a life of glory will await them on the other side.

And how could they say no?

Within a month, an infamous sex trafficker finds his fort burning up around him, cowering in the shadows of three figures; one with a false leg, the image of a skull painted over his face; a woman in a red leather corset, fire spreading with each snap of her fingers; and a man in a long, dark coat, the burning flames of rebellion in his eyes

Suguru Kamoshida burns that day, but the evidence of his crimes does not. That is the day that whispers start to spread, about a new pirate crew, one to be feared;

The Phantom Thieves of Hearts

-

In a port a few months later, they pick up a new member. A young artist, who reveals all in his work, being hunted after revealing the sins of a baron in a public portrait. Cornered by guards in what he believes are his final moments, the young man accepts his fate. However, his time has not yet come. A figure in a tall dark coat comes to his aid, and he makes a deal with a young boy with a yellow scarf

-

Left to die, bleeding out on the sand of a small island, a young woman cries for her sister. She'd gone blindly down the same path that had gotten her father killed, and had been named a military deserter for maintaining her morals. Shes found there, on the brink of death, a wound from a musket draining her life away in her gut. A young boy patches her up, and accepts her vow to repay them for her life, fighting by their side

-

Stowed away below the deck of the Velvet Room, they stumble upon a girl. Small, frail, terrified. Her death is sought after by many, as she carries the last proof of the crimes her mother died trying to bring to the light. Making a deal with the youngest Phantom comes easily to her, an urge for vengeance fresh in her heart.

-

A young royal, heart and soul locked away in her father's palace, promised to a man whose eyes boil with sludge and sin. Both ignore the calling card sent their way, and their fortunes burn around them in the dead of night, the blood of their hired guns soaking the marble floors. Smoke fills the locked tower, the door flung open. The heiress is escorted back to a ship she's only dreamed of, and given a choice. For her, it is an easy decision to make. She shakes the hand of the young boy with the deadliest of pirates at his back

-

Twin performers, hair as red as the dawn, favoured throughout the lands for their talent. However, their troupe leader owes money he does not have, and the elder erases the debt with her own blood, spilled unwillingly one cold night. Framed for her own sister's murder, the younger is forced to flee. Starving in a port not known for its generosity, she finds a young boy staring down at her with the bluest of eyes. When he offers her a chance to make things right, she takes his hand

-

Their Monikers, spread through carefully painted portraits posted after shabby wanted posters made their debut, spread fear among those that do wrong.

Joker, a man who is as deadly as he is mysterious, always heading the Phantom charge in the dead of night

Skull, who man's their canons with a deadly force, just as loud and bombastic as the artillery he fires

Panther, a beauty with flames that dance from her fingertips, flint sewed into a pair of rose gloves

Fox, as handsome as he is beautiful, hidden in the shadows, master of disguise

Queen, her shots always deadly accurate, blood red eyes haunting survivors until their final breath

Oracle, a mastermind in her own right, planning each heist and raid as easily as planning what to eat for dinner

Noir, a deadly force that spills blood with glee, fighting with elegance, grace, and rage

And Violet, quick with a blade, her hand always steady as she drives it through another victim's chest

They are the Phantom Thieves, pirates of the Velvet Room.

--

Anyways yeah so there it is. What do y'all think? Thoughts? Ideas? Questions? Please I wanna talk about this

[fantasyfantasygames]

Glasswork

Glasswork, The Refractory, 2007

Glasswork has a fair amount of standard fantasy RPG to it - elves, feudalism, rangers, priests, dragons, magic, swords, magic swords. Scratch the surface and things start diverging quickly.

The world is post-post-apocalyptic. The apocalypse in question is implied to be nuclear, but the game skips past overused radiation/mutation tropes. Instead, it posits that the heat from the explosives not only pulverized stone and fused the sand into glass, but pressed all the magic of the world into that glass. Much of that was used raw, and used up in the process. It was over a century before people figured out how to house the glass in special metals so that the magic didn't escape after use.

Your characters seek out that glass - maybe to use it themselves, maybe to deliver it to a nobleman who hired them, maybe to keep it from their enemies. There's a neat quest-tracking system that pushes your characters in interesting directions, demanding that they choose between various conflicting goals.

The magic system is one of my favorites, and the game's greatest strength. It's tied strongly into the quest system mentioned above, and a crafting system that's honestly mostly a pacing mechanism but still useful just as a pacing mechanism. You pick a kind of glass that you found, melt it, mix in some carefully chosen ingredients, and expose it to light at dawn/dusk/midnight/etc. to imbue it with power. You then set it in metal and, using the metal to cut yourself (lightly), bond it to your own blood. Every spell you have is thus the result of your character's work. You can have any number of items, but there are only so many you can really wear or use at once, so you have a limited number of them available at once.

Magic is mostly elemental effects, with the elements in question being weather, "light" (radiation), metal, and "blood" (the body in general). Weather and light clash with each other, as do metal and blood, so you can't use those at the same time. You have to specialize, which means you'll want to work together. In D&D4e terms, weather is really good for Controller effects, light does Striker, metal does Defender, and blood is Leader, but each of them has a range of unique side effects. A simple glowing amulet might only smell faintly of ozone, but a metal wand that fires burning rays might not only damage your target but melt the ground around them, or burn your hand, or blind people who don't shield their eyes. Every spell-item feels very unique, but you're in control of how it's unique and can swap it out.

Stat names are a little twee - Hardness, Clarity, Sharpness, etc. It feels like a PbtA game that maybe went a little too hard on matching flavor and setting. You get specialties in each one that are sort of like skills, and can be named more reasonably. Stats are dice ratings (d4 to d12) and specialties are flat bonuses (+1 to +3). The standard target number is 4, or (average dice roll) + specialty if you're rolling against someone else. If you're up against someone with d8+2, your target number is now 6. You don't actually suffer injury - instead, the damage that would be done is all bound up in your glass, and once you're out of the hit points it provides you, the magic explodes and then you're injured, probably very badly.

The setting is mostly points-of-light, but with strong connections between places. Cities send each other messages using weather magic. Navigation is easier because of metal control - you can make a compass quickly and also spot large underground deposits that help guide you along. Each of the city-states has a very distinct feel, often focused around an alignment or clash between the citizenry, the leaders, and their magic. Major antagonists include other city-states, as well as dragons (no "types", all unique individuals) and their mortal armies.

The book's artistic direction is unique as far as I know. Some pages have a layout that puts the text into the shape of a mountain, a dragon, a giant, a vase. It's fairly well-done. There were no pages where I couldn't recognize the shape immediately. It does sometimes make the text harder to read, like when it breaks words across the teeth of the dragon. There's no other art except the cover, which is a (probably stock) photo of a gem set in the hilt of a sword.

Glasswork was PWYW on DriveThru for a while. I think The Refractory went under at some point (the game never got a supplement), but since you could always get the PDF for free I wouldn't feel bad about grabbing a copy if you see it for download.

[kamidukki]

AKNK 1st Anniversary SSR Cards SNEAK PEEK Translation – 3rd Floor Butlers

Warning: SPOILERS. Exactly what it says in the title. This post contains part of SSR cards available for free reading, be it TRANSLATION of the dialogues or PICTURES of the butlers when they were children/in the past.

Just in case, please remember that the free reading trial in AKNK isn’t always continuous. They can jump from one scene to another, sometimes seamlessly, with the background as the only indicator of change.

Nac's full translation can be read here. In exchange, I put Ammon in this post.

*FB = flashback

M = Master/us players

AMMON

Muu: Owe…?

Ammon: But well… I owe Boschi-san a lot of things.

M: The person who saved you?

Ammon: That’s right. Boschi-san is the person who saved me.

Ammon: Ah, right… I haven’t told you about this, Master.

That time when Boschi-san and I first met…

M: I’m curious what kind of meeting it was.

-??? years ago-

FB

Boschi: Good grief, sleeping in a place like this… I was looking for you.

Boschi: Talk later. You’re hungry, right.

Ammon: Eh…? W-who…

Here, a sandwich. Eat.

Ammon: Sand…wich…?

I don’t want it…

I’m not… hungry or anything…

/sounds of gurgling stomach

Boschi: Ha… Just like Berrien-san said.

Not the honest type, aren’t you.

Geez…

Here, open your mouth.

Ammon: Ch… S-stop it…!

It's got poison or something in it anyway, right?

I said I didn’t want it!

Who wants to eat a meal prepared by you lots…!

-end of free trial-

Lucas: I don’t want to frighten you too much but, I used to hunt angels a lot in the past.

LUCAS

Right now, I’m using a scythe as a weapon, however…

Even with it, I’m still learning a bit of martial arts and swordsmanship.

If you like, Master, I can even teach you the art of self-defense, you know?

Muu: Eh…! That’s unexpected somehow…

Lucas-san… even though you’re a doctor, you’re able to do martial arts?

M: Since when did you learn it?

Let’s see…

Lucas: Fu fu…

The first time I got to learn is when… I was 10.

M: Since that early…

Lucas: I may have talked about this to you before.

The younger me is a child who was always thirsting for knowledge. (*)

FB

/sounds trashing

Older kids: Hah… Hh… the hell, what a stubborn jerk you are!

Child Lucas: Kh…!

You’re younger than us so listen to what we say!

If you dare to disobey us again… you’ll get more than this.

/sounds of footsteps walking away

Child Lucas: Ha… Hh…

It’s no good…

What am I supposed to do… even though I already know how in my head…

It’s useless if my body doesn’t move.

Knowledge alone is not enough when it comes to fighting…

LAMLI

-end of free trial-

M: Is that so?

Lamli: The truth is… I was working in a circus a long time ago.

Lamli: Y-yes… This this the first time I told you though, Master.

Well, it’s not a big deal of a story~

M: I’d like to hear more.

Hmm~ If that’s so, then…

Lamli: Eh? Y-you do?

Understood. I’ll tell you.

At that time, I was just turned 10…

I lived with my mother when I was young. My father… he wasn’t there for as long as I can remember.

Whenever I asked about him to my mother, she always turned sour.

“That guy, he’s a scum who abandoned us,” she would say.

My mother worked at a night-shift job, during midnight till morning.

Once she came home drunk… and I happened to hear her talk to herself like this.

“I didn’t even want a child…”

M: Lamli…/No way…

Child Lamli: W-wait a moment, mom.

FB

Joining a circus trope… I don’t have any artistic talent…

It doesn't matter, errand boy or whatever, just ask them to hire you.

Lamli’s mother: That’s fine. If you’re at least get hired, it’s enough.

Do you understand?

Until you get hired, don’t dare come back home!

Child Lamli: No way… Why so sudden, such thing…

Lamli’s mother: What? Are you talking back to me, your parent?

Do you even understand how much hard work I’m doing just to feed you?

It was a lot of work just to raise you up to this point, you know.

Get a grip and work for yourself.

If you don’t like that, get out of here.

Child Lamli: W-wait! Anything but that…

… I get it…

I’ll ask to get hired in the circus troupe… any job.

-end of free trial-

[NOTE]

* = Lucas talks about his past in his initial story.

[headcanons-n-shit]

good evening i have been allowed to Spin(tm) and that should never happen so here we go

Modern-ish au

Hancock is a weeb, yes, but he's a weeb with capital, business sense, and contacts, and thus he runs one of the most respectful little Doman goods shops you can find outside of Little Doma. Yes he's spent many a late night making sure his shit is authentic, yes he has to charge pretty big markups to barely make ends meet, yes his customers are mostly shitty students or the anime-obsessed, yes sometimes he wonders if this is even worth it or if he should just go back to trading stocks in Ul'dah.

But also the old Doman ladies who can't make the half-hour each way trip to Little Doma every week are absolutely charmed that he, an ijin, speaks perfect Doman, and he carries all the snacks they like, and he always wants to hear about their grandchildren or about the recent drama from mahjong night, and he always manages to get their festival foods and ingredients in on time (even if he has to pull extra hours and every time his suppliers cut it a little close). He's learning the Steppe tongue, slowly, from the Xaela pair that come in ever wednesday to make sure their children remember the taste of home, and he's finally figured out how to greet the odd veena in the language of the Skatay (although the finer sounds of Golmorian still escape him).

Even if it means he lives in a tiny little flat, even if it means near-sleepless nights spent looking for spare gil in the books to pay rent and pinching his pursestrings on his own groceries, this place gives him something Ul'dah never did:

a community.

A community that just so happens to include one Ash'a Amari.

Ash'a is a miqote, a Bozjan expat who spent his twenties and early thirties running refugees past Imperial lines to ships waiting to take them away to the relative safety of Eorzea, and Eorzean supplies to Bozjan resistance fighters on the front lines, until a single missed iud ended that career (and nearly ended his life).

Nowadays he's wheelchair-bound, working as a tattoo artist out of the tiny spot in the mall bc despite yugiri putting in a good word for him that's about the most the Thieves' Guild is willing to shell out for him. And that's alright. His legs might not work, but his hands are as steady as ever, and if the client is willing he hires some of the local kids to do art for him, and he does all of the thieves' ink for free, and if there's a little literal magic to his work, well. He's never had any complaints.

(and maybe, every now and then, once the lights are out and the shutters are closed, one of the thieves will slip in through the back door, and the bed where customers lay in the daytime will become an impromptu operating table, and Ash'a steady hands will save lives once again, and in the morning there will be oddly gruff faces cleaning The Waking Sands from top to bottom, but a bit of gil changes hands and no one questions a thing)

And the tension of the story doesn't come from the fact that the Thieves' Guild is currently having a problem with Imperial Assassins (not like Ash'a can do anything about it, really), or even that every time the store dips into the red Hancock nearly has a fucking heart attack trying to figure out how to make ends meet.

Nah, the plot comes from where it absolutely should in these kinds of stories:

nosey Doman grandmamas.

bc dearest Hinata, bless her heart, has been on Hancocks case for so. long. now. About how "having a lady around would make things so much easier on you, wouldn't it?" Extolling the virtues of her own (single) daughters, her friends' (single) daughters, the (single) daughters she knows adjacently from Little Doma. And Hancock, bless his heart, doesn't have it in him to tell this well-meaning woman that he is very, very gay.

And thankfully! He doesn't have to! bc Ash'a pops his head into the store one day around noon bc "the microwave in my back room broke and there's no way im eating these noodles cold, can I please use yours", and Hancock accepts eagerly bc he will take literally any out from yet another matchmaking session, and suddenly Hinata is connecting dots (she's not connecting shit).

The next time mahjong night comes around, she insists that Hancock should bring that "nice miqote lad from next door he's so fond of"

And it spins(tm) from there.

[robertgolfcartrentaltips]

Things to do in Jensen Beach

Introduction

Jensen Beach, a hidden gem on Florida's Treasure Coast, attracts visitors with its relaxed charm and wide range of outdoor activities. Whether you're an experienced explorer or a family in search of tranquility, this coastal haven has something for all. To discover the delightful downtown area especially, think about renting a golf cart and meandering through the streets bordered by pastel cottages and local stores.

Beaches and Water Sports

No trip to Florida is truly complete without lolling in the sun on the beautiful beaches. Jensen Beach offers a variety of stunning shorelines, each with its charm. Walton Rocks Beach, a local gem, provides gentle waves ideal for families with young children and includes a special dog park so your furry mate can enjoy the beach too. For a more hidden retreat, visit Waveland Beach to relax under swinging palm trees and listen to the soothing sound of the ocean.

The real enchantment of Jensen Beach lies in its waterways. The Indian River Lagoon, a protected estuary overflowing with marine life, is a paradise for water lovers. Rent a kayak or paddleboard for a peaceful adventure through the mangrove forests. You may find playful dolphins, graceful manatees, and a variety of bird species. For an exciting experience, consider hiring a fishing boat to challenge your fishing abilities against the diverse marine life. The Indian River Lagoon is famous for its plentiful game fish, making it a must-visit destination for fishing enthusiasts.

Explore at Your Own Pace

The beaches are quite long in length, and I know you don’t want to walk all the way from your hotel to the beach. While exploring Jensen Beach, consider renting a golf cart for a unique and convenient way to navigate the town. Imagine cruising through the streets in a 4-seater golf cart in Jensen Beach, enjoying the fresh air and soaking in the sights at your own pace. This is particularly advantageous for families with young children or those who may find walking long distances challenging. Rental golf carts offer the freedom to explore hidden gems, charming shops, and tucked-away restaurants, all within the comfort of your electric vehicle.

Nature Trails and Parks

Jensen Beach is a haven for outdoor lovers. Discover the picturesque paths of Savannas Preserve State Park, a vast 5,000-acre sanctuary filled with a rich collection of plants and animals. Trek or cycle through the vibrant scenery, watching for gopher tortoises, sandhill cranes, and various bird species. To add a special touch, take a guided airboat tour through the mangroves. This exciting adventure offers a close look at the fragile ecosystem and provides insights into its significance.

A Touch of History and Culture

Jensen Beach offers more than sun, sand, and surf. Immerse yourself in the region's rich history with a visit to the Mansion at Tuckahoe, a meticulously restored historic landmark. Explore the beautifully preserved rooms and learn about the area's captivating past. For a touch of whimsy, head to the Artist Cottages, a charming enclave where local artists showcase their talents. Browse through vibrant paintings, handcrafted jewelry, and unique souvenirs, taking home a piece of Jensen Beach's creative spirit.

Sunset and Vibrant Nightlife

As the sun dips below the horizon, Jensen Beach transforms into a haven for relaxation. Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at a waterfront restaurant, taking in the breathtaking views of the Indian River Lagoon. Downtown Jensen Beach comes alive in the evenings, with its charming boutiques and art galleries staying open late for relaxed browsing. Catch some live music at a local bar or enjoy a delightful performance of Music at the Mansion series, held at the historic Mansion at Tuckahoe.

Conclusion

Jensen Beach offers an unforgettable escape, catering to every traveller's desires. From action-packed water adventures to serene beach days and cultural exploration, this charming coastal town promises an experience that will leave you yearning for more. Don’t forget to go for a 4-person golf cart rental near you in Port St. Lucie to save your money on Uber or walking all day long on the roads. With wheels secured, you'll be cruising towards unforgettable memories in Jensen Beach in no time!