#i say as a frequent dweller!!!

[marsixm]

a small but telling sign of how anti social ppl are lately are weird ass influencer videos where someone says like 'someone commented on this [totally benign comment]... they dont know the REAL story" like god damn not everything is an insult, not everyone is thinking about you that much. but then ppl post this like everyone is just supposed to Know that the thing said was rude. it sucks so bad

[pretzel-box]

Hello, I’m here now. I just wanted to say I like ur works, I think As Above So Below is my favorite series of yours so far.

And also, I wanted to make a request, cuz it was just my birthday and fuck it why not-

So like. Sebastian with an axolotl experiment reader (fem or gn), cuz Urbanshade was like “You know what would be dope? Regeneration powers” and because of all the injuries reader received, because they were big or very frequent, their body couldn’t keep up and so they are smol

(with a hint of possessive/yandere/whatever-the-fuck, maybe?)

may the tumblr deities guide this ask, that it may not be eated by the ask box, thank you for putting up with my annoying, okay bye :3

-🍪

Tags: Slight comedy, reader and wall dweller eat each other?

Words: 1k

Authors note: Happy Late Birthday! I'm sorry for the wait. I combined the ask with another one!

It was a challenge in itself to keep a close eye on you. At least, that’s what Sebastian thought as he glanced at you from the corner of his shop. He leaned against the wall, trying to focus on the file in his lower hand while his other two arms were crossed.

Earlier, you had quietly assured him that you could handle stocking the shelves and organizing the inventory on your own, despite your slightly smaller stature. You had carried heavy boxes from the back without a complaint, determined to prove you were capable.

Sebastian was surprised every time he saw you in action. Your odd regeneration skills were both a blessing and a strange curiosity he had witnessed more times than he cared to count. If it weren’t for your ability to regrow limbs, your most defining trait would be your absolute innocence. You had no sense of self-defense, no instinct to attack. The only time you’d ever react was to bite—though that was just to check if something was food.

Sebastian couldn’t help but admire your resilience, despite everything Urbanshade had put you through. But it also worried him. The world wasn’t kind to creatures like you, and without him there, it was hard to imagine how long you’d last in an actual fight.

His eyes flicked back to you as you struggled with one of the heavier boxes. For a moment, he considered stepping in, but he stopped himself. You were stubborn in your own quiet way, always wanting to prove you could handle things on your own.

Still, the smallness of your form tugged at his protective instincts. He pushed away from the wall, tossing the file onto the counter as he slithered over.

“Here, let me help,” he said, reaching out to lift the box effortlessly with his upper arms. You looked up at him, blinking in mild surprise, but didn’t protest.

“I was doing fine,” you murmured, though your voice lacked any real defiance.

Sebastian smirked. “Sure you were. But there’s no harm in having an extra set of hands—especially when I’ve got three of them.”

You gave a small smile, a soft warmth in your eyes as you watched him set the box onto the shelf. He noticed how you seemed content to let him help, not because you couldn’t handle it, but because you trusted him. That trust was something fragile, something he wasn’t sure he deserved, but he wouldn’t break it.

As you moved to the next box, Sebastian’s mind wandered. He had seen your abilities save you countless times, but each time you regenerated, it chipped away at you. Urbanshade’s relentless experiments had drained your body, and every injury, every regrowth, took more of a toll. He knew you weren’t as strong as you used to be—your small frame was proof of that.

He glanced over at you, your eyes focused on your task. "You know," he started, his tone softer than usual, "you don’t always have to push yourself so hard. I’m here. You don’t have to do everything alone."

You paused, looking up at him again, your wide eyes reflecting a quiet understanding. “I know. But… it’s important to feel useful. To do something.”

Sebastian nodded, respecting your determination. He couldn’t imagine what it was like—to feel so fragile, yet still want to help. His grip tightened on the box he was holding.

“Well, just remember, you don’t have to prove anything to me. You’ve already done more than enough.”

For a moment, there was silence between the two of you, broken only by the soft thud of boxes being set on the shelves. But in that quiet, an unspoken understanding passed between you. You didn’t need to say it, and neither did he—Sebastian would protect you, no matter how much you wanted to prove yourself.

As the last box was finally stacked, Sebastian stood back, arms folded, watching you with a faint smile. “See? Not so bad with a little help, huh?”

You looked at him, offering a rare grin. “Maybe not.”

Just as you finished stacking the last box, a faint noise echoed from the far corner of the shop. Sebastian’s eyes narrowed, his body instinctively shifting into a defensive stance.

“You hear that?” he muttered, his voice low.

You nodded, your wide eyes darting in the direction of the sound. Before either of you could react, something small and fast darted out from behind a shelf—a wall dweller, skittering across the floor in its typical, chaotic manner. Its pale skin and spindly limbs flashed in the dim light, catching both you and Sebastian off guard.

The wall dweller moved first, throwing itself on you and biting into your arm like a piece of cheese.

Before Sebastian could move to intercept it, your instincts kicked in. Without thinking, you lunged at the creature, mouth open and teeth bared. In one swift motion, you chomped down on the wall dweller’s arm as well—not to attack, but because it was your way of testing if things were food.

Sebastian’s eyes widened in shock. "Hey, wait—"

The wall dweller let out a startled yelp, wriggling in your grasp, while you blinked in confusion, still holding onto its arm with your sharp little teeth. The creature’s skin tasted strange, and you quickly realized it was, in fact, actually edible.

You immediately released it, stepping back with an apologetic look as the wall dweller scampered away, rubbing its arm and glaring at you. Sebastian couldn’t help but burst into laughter, the tension breaking as he watched the scene unfold.

“Well… that’s one way to defend yourself,” he said, shaking his head in amusement. “Not sure biting’s going to work in every situation, though. But it healed your arm.”

You stood there, blinking up at him, embarrassed but still unsure what else you could’ve done, then you glanced down on your healed limb. “It… wasn’t food,” you murmured quietly.

Sebastian snorted, wiping a tear from his eye. “Yeah, I figured. But maybe next time, let me handle the wall dwellers, alright?”

You nodded, your cheeks warming slightly. Though your instincts had failed this time, Sebastian didn’t seem mad—just amused, and maybe a little impressed.

The wall dweller, still grumbling under its breath, disappeared into a vent, but Sebastian was already back to his usual self, arms crossed and that familiar smirk playing on his lips.

“Nice try, though,” he teased. “At least you gave it something to chew on too.”

[clanwarrior-tumbly]

Hello! Would it be okay to request Dad!Sebastian and Young!Reader?

Reader is a juvenile expendable who’s doing their best to survive (and one day leave) the Hadal Blacksite. Sebastian doesn’t outright say it, but through the little things he does for you, it shows that he cares and is actually really worried about your well-being—he’s quick to brush it off or deny it when you confront him.

He’s quick to swoop you up in whatever room you’re in when you start to get sleepy, he gives you little freebies behind other Expendables’ backs and phrases it as “it’s broken anyway, I’m just throwing away scraps” but it’s in REALLY good condition, wordlessly hands you wall dweller chunk when you enter his shop, stuff like that.

He’s also really pissed off that Urbanshade would allow someone this young to risk their life, even if Reader is like, a year away from legal age.

Just protective Dad!Sebastian who denies it at first but slowly admits to caring for you

The first time Sebastian meets you is when you met your first death to the Angler--as most expendables did.

And the first thing he immediately realizes is how young you are.

From across the table, he could see you in the baggy prisoner uniform, the PDG looking awfully heavy on your back.

Before he even explains how your deaths reveal more information on the entity that killed you, how you'll eventually meet him further in the blacksite, etc....he asks how old you are.

When you nervously tell him you're 14-15 years old, he doesn't know what to say.

A teenager, a literal child...was incarcerated and subjected to Urbanshade's cruelty.

You ended up being with the wrong crowd and got in trouble with the law over a misdemeanor, and yet...you're being punished on the same level as the many older and sicker criminal scumbags.

If anyone deserved to be suffering down here, it should be them. Not you.

"Kid, do you even know what you signed up for?"

"...yes. If I find this crystal, I'll get my freedom. That's what they told me. I-I didn't know about the monsters, though."

"Yeah, they don't mention that in the description 'cause it deters people from signing up. But I can help you with that part."

And thus begins the introverted fishman unofficially adopting you as his kid.

In many ways, you remind Sebastian of his siblings, so he gets to sorta relive that through taking care of you and ensuring you don't die as frequently as the other expendables.

He never says it, but he lowkey spoils you.

He'll pawn off "faulty" equipment to you, claiming he's getting rid of "useless scrap", but they all turn out to be in perfect condition.

You could get fully charged light sources with battery packs attached in one run, discounts on medkits in the next, and even the "upgraded" gummylight (the one used in the Raveyard expedition) that stays lit for longer.

If you get tired of running from the anglers or need to close your eyes after meeting Eyefestation, he'll let you rest in his shop for some time.

Ever complained of hunger even a little? Next time you walk into his shop, he conveniently has some wall dweller chunks available.

You wonder why he's so nice to you compared to all the other monsters...but he acts like he doesn't know what you're talking about, always having some excuse.

"Look, that wall dweller flesh would've gone bad in the next few hours. Can't let the only food you guys are willing to eat go to waste."

"What? No, I totally didn't go out of my way to get the better gummylight for you. One of the idiot leaders of the rave expedition left theirs unattended."

In the end, you learn to just accept his kind gestures and nothing more, relieved that he's looking out for your well-being.

It's also his way of coping with the injustice of Urbanshade putting you through all of these horrors on your own.

If he could do something to alleviate your stress and anxiety...why not?

[cravingpepsimax]

ok no one asked but i did get a few likes + a rb on the post so here's my modern 30s ford

there are some important things to note about ford:

ford would've been born in the 90s

ford would still have been a friendless outcast

ford would still be intelligent and have an interest in the paranormal

there were approximately 45 million people using the internet back in 1996. the chances that the pines wouldn't have internet access at some point while ford was growing up is low. people who are lonely are more likely to use the internet frequently, since that's where they're getting a lot of their social interaction. filbrick would probably promote this, too -- he's focused on success and the internet's booming, he'd probably want his kid to be well-versed on internet stuff. hell, my parents have never been anywhere near filbrick's level, and they felt the same way, which is how i grew up with unrestricted internet access.

this is all to say that ford is -- at least in spirit -- a neet. not even your typical brand of chronically online, this guy regularly uses 4chan (specifically, i could see him liking the /sci/, /x/, and /tg/ boards).

think about it! so much internet shit comes from 4chan, it's inevitable that he'd immerse himself into it if he's online all the damn time and is interested in weird paranormal shit. i imagine stan's grown used to a lot of his 4chan weirdness atp

(to clarify -- this is pre-bill. ford just looks like that because he doesn't spend time taking care of himself. he lives in the basement. which reminds me: canon ford is literally a basement dweller isn't he LMAO)

the stancest implications are staggering, since 4chan is pretty cool with incest, if not outright pro-incest at certain points.

this also creates the hilarious feelings realization moment where stan's panicking, freaking the fuck out because oh my god he has feelings for his twin, while ford -- due to years, possibly a decade+ of 4chan use -- doesn't really gaf LMAO

[meldingintheunderdark]

Halsin, Drow and submission

Halsin has a complicated history with Lolth-Sworn drow to say the least. Three years of his youth have been stolen to satiate the selfish, dehumanizing pleasure of an influent matron and her man. Let’s not disregard Minthara who threatens the Emerald Grove alongside Priestess Gut and Dror Ragzlin in Act I. Although Minthara now serves the Absolute, she is a member of the ancient and powerful House Baenre of Menzoberranzan, thus first and foremost a Lolth-Sworn drow. Furthermore, drow cultists also obey her (e.g. the corpse outside of Waukeen's Rest, Narvass in the Shattered Sanctum and the man who attacked Nettie and him). Consequently, we know with certainty that, canonically, Halsin is exposed twice to the infamous cruelty of Lolth-Sworn drow through his captors, then Minthara and her minions.

Halsin also states that he has returned to the Underdark many times. I assume that he did so before his unfortunate capture, but also after his daring escape from Menzoberranzan. It isn’t too far-fetched to think he might have encountered more drow showing their typical Lolth-approved brand of malice. Despite his “misadventure”, as Halsin says himself, he couldn’t stay away from the Underdark’s arguably hottest residents. Why so?

Halsin: Astarion, I am astonished. To relish in intimacy again after such hardship is a wound many never recover from. Astarion: Are you charging for this sage advice, or is sticking your nose into my business just a hobby? Halsin: Jest all you will. I believe now in your honest heart.

This is a sweet albeit clumsy banter. Halsin seems to relate to Astarion’s traumas, however his gauche attempt to empathize and bond is not well received by the spawn. Although Halsin says “many”, he may be speaking from experience. After all, he is not one to be the center of attention, unless it is in a self-sacrificing way, thus I can hardly imagine him using I, especially with such a personal topic.

As aforementioned, Halsin has never left the Underdark once and for all. I suspect that he may have had difficulties to be intimate again after three uninterrupted years of torment and abuse at the hands of the drow couple. His frequent returns to the Underdark may have been a way to claim back what was stolen: his ability to express agency and exercise bodily autonomy, among other things. He is desired by drow because he is an exotic surface dweller, one of a kind. He can handle them now. They cannot hurt him anymore. He knows better. Yet, at the same time, he is objectified. He exposes himself regularly to lovers who are likely to share the same beliefs and ruthlessness as his captors. In order to deal with his traumas, he sought out drow, perhaps to his own detriment. He became a legend. Halsin coped as best he could. From my point of view, this banter isn't solely about one shared experience among survivors, it’s also about Halsin sympathizing with Astarion because he too had to go through a similar recovery process.

I would like to preface this paragraph with the following statement: I do not judge players who refuse to be exposed to the foursome and the dialogue the encounter unlocks. We all have our boundaries and our sensibilities. This being said, Halsin’s traumas are often met with horror and compassion, sometimes too much if it makes any sense. His past experiences are discussed in such a way that they become sacrosanct. Too holy to be used and abused with his consent. Meanwhile, because Halsin is a bear of a man and a deeply caring individual, he tends to be the top/dom in the relationship. His traumas are sanctified, yet simultaneously they’re overshadowed by his nurturing disposition and his glorious hairy body. As if he can solely be a top/dom. As if DU/Tav must only show empathy, kindness and care as a bottom/sub. Yet care is multifaceted.

This is the crux of this post and one of my main gripes with the fandom: Halsin shouldn't be a strict top/dom. In fact, I am persuaded submitting would help him a lot.

Halsin: To give oneself wholly, and to have a lover totally in your thrall…? A harmless game, until it becomes real.

While I believe Halsin would relish any flavor of dom, I am also inclined to think he would request scenes that happened with his captors. In other words, his partner can hardly be a gentle dom only. He would willingly explore his traumas in a risk-aware and consensual environment, with the person he has come to love, trust and rely on the most.

Oftentimes, when survivors enjoy anything remotely close to their trauma(s), such as a kink, when they ask for it and like it, when the exploration and the re-enactment of their trauma(s) are positive, then the public opinion is either worried or downright judgmental. There is not a singular way to cope and heal. BDSM is too often pathologized. It can be curative. Consensual slavery to serve a harsh master, especially a drow DU/Tav, could be healing for Halsin. He hurts himself with the twins (my post), as he oft does, however it may be completely different if he submits to his lover the very same way he has submitted to his captors. This time, his consent will be supreme.

By the way, I don’t aim to enforce a specific hierarchy, however I do believe a Bhaal-made drow/drow Tav would play a unique role. Halsin is traumatized by Lolth-sworn drow.

Sszazar: You are aware you're asking me to kill a drow? Halsin: You drow relish turning on your own, if there's something to be gained. Don't pretend otherwise.

Sometimes, because of traumas, unfair expectations are placed on certain individuals because they are associated with said traumas. It isn't rational, it just happens. So, a relationship with a drow could be more intricate than with any other race while Halsin is finally taking care of himself. Thus, curative BDSM (as in re-enacting traumatizing scenes) may be even more intense with a drow partner.

Sszazar: The mighty bear is an escaped pet, then. I wonder if there is a reward for your return.

It would be a delightful line. To be honest, the [Drow] options available during the dialogue about his past demonstrate the deeper involvement of a drow DU/Tav. This intricacy is also highly visible thanks to Halsin's lack of rage or sadness when the previous option is selected. drow DU/Tav look like his captors. He's still trauma-bound to them.

Lastly, it’s okay to favor dom Halsin over sub Halsin. It’s difficult to write about topics we know nothing about or that we simply don’t like. Nevertheless, it’s unfortunate Halsin isn't more written as a sub, let alone as a sub re-enacting voluntarily past traumas to heal and to enjoy himself. I wonder if Halsin would be more often depicted as a sub and/or bottom if he looked like the average wood elf, less manly and huge.

Bears love to be dominated too.

[ethersierra]

Nanofather Lore insanepost

Alright. We've seen my murderboard. It's incomprehensible. But for those who haven't, here it is:

It includes... a lot of everything. I couldn't begin to describe the journey I went on putting this together. Without further ado:

The Nanofather, also known as "The Weaver," "Creaky Man," and sometimes "Geltfrimpen" or briefly as "wily weaver," "dirty jeremy," "muck dweller," and "crusty man," is a recurring ominous character which appears most frequently in the opening segments of The Adventure Zone: Steeplechase. He says a lot of weird shit. And after 33 episodes, I believe I have a pretty good understanding of this shit. Take a walk with me, through this 8-part dive into what the Nanofather's deal is.

I will warn you, this is... insanely long. Turn back now.

1. The Foretelling [moments leading up to the weaver]

Back in episode 18 of Ethersea, Justin mentioned how he's the last of them who has yet to DM. Then, later in the episode, Griffin loses his train of thought and Justin prompts him with "Spin the... spin the yarn" and the riffing leads Clint to say, "weave," and Justin says, "step up to the loom... let the weaving begin at the loom."

In the next episode, as the intro song fades out, Justin interjects in a high falsetto song, singing "Weave another tapestry! McElroy Family and me," and the bit goes on for a minute or so. Later, in Ethersea 24, when trying to convince Griffin to reconsider what happened in the narrative, Justin asks him to "Check your loom, weaver!"

When Justin finally makes his Steeplechase debut, he initially struggles with starting the story. So, Griffin jumps in with,

Griffin: "Can I do what you usually do to me?" Justin: "Please." Griffin: "And be like [singing dramatically] 'The yarn-spinner takes the loom in his hands and weaves a magical tale. Take the wizard by his hands as he flies you around on his rug made of wings and a angel’s hair.'"

Every subsequent episode has the same opening. The recurrence of these instances have culminated in the persona of "The Weaver."

2. The Stew [in which the nanofather discusses various culinary topics]

The Nanofather routinely brings up the food of his world, in some way. This starts as early as episode 3, in which he says, "Perhaps a few more moments before the stew is prepared."

Other segments include advice about nano-nutmeg [12], clarifications about cilantro (called corriander in the UK)[29], and directing the addressee to search for pepperoni and green pepper in "the pyre" [19].

The other three instances of mentions of food directly address Shookles the cat. First, "Shoockles, your master calls. Where's the scum canteen? Fetch it from the shoof... my thirst is unslakable" [7]. Then, in the very next episode, says, "Please... the pollen broth. My throat became so dry... Fetch me the pollen broth, Shoockles" [8]. And most recently, he speaks rather dramatically, saying, "I believe I went… as far as I could… I don’t know if… it was far enough… I’m terrified to push it further… I believe this is the limit… Yes… no, that’s true… It’s true… The greater danger is hesitation, yes… I will add one more half-teaspoon of cumin, Shookles. Thank you, Shookles, I… should listen to your culinary acumen more" [22]. This is assumedly in reference to something he is cooking, perhaps the stew mentioned in episode 3. Perhaps all of these ingredients are being used in the stew.

Either way, these interactions tell us that the Nanofather has an interest in cooking, and that Shookles acts as an assistant to him.

3. Direct Interactions [in-character conversations]

There are several instances where the Nanofather speaks with our player characters, or appears within their world.

This first happens in episode 20, when the crew enters the lair of Geltfrimpen and hears a voice familiar to the players coming from the dragon. He says, "Excuse me for this, but I have to keep up appearances." He continues to speak with the boys throughout the scene as they fight the animatronic. He says, "I’m having trouble staying here," and within the scene, Justin describes that, "The sound seems to be coming from like... the entirety of Geltfrimpen. It’s emanating from him, not localized to any one point in the dragon’s body." Beef asks the Weaver if he could come out of the dragon, to which he responds, "Would that I could." When Montrose begins refering to him as Geltfrimpen, he says, "I am not Geltfrimpen. I am here. But I am not Geltfrimpen." Emerich asks for his name, which is met with "Would that I know," but because Beef had called him creaky man earlier, the voice says "Creaky Man will suffice for now, I suppose. A good amount of christening."

He goes on to explain his situation at their behest:

"I will do my best to tell you what I know. It takes quite a bit for me to be as here as I am. But I will try. Part of me is in Geltfrimpen. But I am many places throughout the world. Part of me is here. Part of me is imprisoned here, I think. And through this act, I am no longer... trapped here, this part of me. I’m able to be more concentrated, if that—if that is the correct word, else... elsewhere... I will not be here long, and then I will vacate Geltfrimpen for good. And I will be a little bit more myself, elsewhere."

The implications within this one paragraph are that he does not have much of a physical form, and is potentially some sort of spirit, but he can manifest part of himself at will in some places. Montrose asks if he has a home base, but he says, "I’m... scattered. More accurately, I think... shattered."

He follows with even more interesting information,

"I’ve seen you elsewhere, I was... in one of the vans, as you made the thrilling escape. I was there. I called out, but it was so loud. I have watched you from the porch of Ustaben. In the... the whittling I sat, a rocking chair... I couldn’t summon up enough voice to reach you, but I called out. I called out to anyone who would listen, honestly. But you three are the first who seem to... be looking hard enough to hear."

There have been two heists with van escapes. The first is in episode 3, when Gravel pulled up in a stolen truck/van (it is important to note that they use them interchangably). The four of them were the only ones in the vehicle. However, this escape was not very thrilling, so we are going to refer to the Gutter City heist.

Sticky Finger(s) Paul Pantry asks the three of them to steal a truck called the Clean, and notes that it is made of Hardlight. When the time comes, Emerich has attuned with the hardlight Short Doug and drives in one of the trucks with him [9].

The second thing the Nanofather mentions is an obvious reference to the Ustaben attraction, Whittle Around. In the setup episode, Whittle Around is established as having a porch where "grandpa" sits and whittles wood-- grandpa, of course, being a hardlight construct who was initially Eustace but has since been replaced [0].

The combiantion of these two implies that the Nanofather exists for moments within, or as, these constructs. His spirit seems to be able to travel between them-- to what extent this is under his control remains questionable. Perhaps he is living within the park itself, haunting it. This is given further support at the end of episode 27, when an arcade machine in the back of Poppy's Place crackles with static and we hear the Nanofather say, "act... quickly." Emerich however is unable to make further contact, and this is the last time he seems to interact with them. Montrose says that they "have a ghost in the machine"[28].

4. The World He Inhabits [what we know about the environment, the character, and allusions to mechanisms of communication]

In his first appearance, the Nanofather says to the audience (which may be moreso to the players/player characters? uncertain), "welcome travelers," establishing that we are not from the same place he is.

The world he lives in is fleshed out through each episode. Highlights include "quite a long day tending to the muck fields" [5], "I've missed the meeting with the rust council"[13], and the afformentioned scum canteen. He also says, in episode 6, "I have a new tale for you. Of a muck-dweller turned hero to his- to his people… I seem to have lost it in the last rust storm." This sets him in a sort of wasteland. He also says, or rather, sings, "I'm a neutron guy, you're my nega-girl, I'll sweep you through the ash waste as we make our way through the,"[10] before he cuts himself off.

It seems to be a world where things are rough-- he says, "to make it 37 years is quite a blessing"[13]. That implies his age is 37, or that he has survived 37 years in the conditions that he is in. Additionally, he says, "you will find it in the pyre"[19], a pyre being defined as "a combustible heap for burning a dead body as a funeral rite," implying that they either have to make their own fires or 'bury' their dead.

Notably, there seems to be a recurring theme surrounding weather and time.

"It's gotten so quiet, lately... in the nights... and in the mornings... and the cyber night, the time between the night and the mornings..."[14] "It seems the storms have come early this evening"[4] "The last rust storm"[6]

This implies that time is somewhat technologically controlled, and weather is on a cycle. The building of Steeplechase, or what we are to assume is, is like holographically augmented[31], and so are the inside skies of the park. It is plausible to say the environment wherever the Nanofather is could also be simulated.

5. Wall Breaks [speaking to the players]

These indicate communication from the nanofather directly to the players. They imply to us more about the world, but more importantly, the means of communication and lore surrounding it.

In episode 9, we open the episode hearing a different voice. They say, "Hello? …Hello, spirits?" and begin to knock. "Nanofather says the spirits can hear you through the wall. Spirits… are you there?" But they are interupted by a familiar voice-- "Kavecca!," the nanofather says. "Just another of his stories, I suppose," Kavecca amends. "Kavecca, away from that! You dabble with powers you do not understand!" This raises a lot of questions from the players, about who Kavecca is, why there is another person speaking to them, and what the fuck the 'nanofather' means. What interests me is the referral to their audience as "spirits"-- and what implications does that have? Are they between the world the players inhabit and Steeplechase? Are the players spirits? Also factoring in Blades in the Dark, which has ghosts in it, which have been altered into hardlight for Steeplechase-- maybe the hardlight kept some of that original intent. Maybe that's how the nanofather is able to inhabit hardlight.

In the following episode, we find the nanofather singing a song. What follows is pretty strange.

ohh… I’m a neutron guy… and you’re my nega-girl… I’ll sweep you through the ash waste as we make our way through the…. [click] …do you hear me, Travis? Travis: What? I’m sorry… I didn’t realize I’d left the horn on. Travis: Are you speaking, are you- talking to me? Fare thee well. [10]

First, in "I didn't realize I'd left the horn on," a horn is primarily UK slang for telephone. That could be interpretted here as a literal telephone or whatever line of communication they seem to share. Next-- he directly addresses Travis. This is the first conversation the players have with this character, and so far the only. But it isn't the only time he addresses them:

Clinton? Travis? Gribby? My three… my three favourite micro-nephews. Here to visit me. What a wonderful treat this is… Come. Let me see if I can’t find you a new tale… Griffin: Gribby! Gribby can only say his own name. Justin: Oh? Griffin: Yeah, that’s sort of his thing. Justin: Do you… how do you… I’m surprised you have insight into these three new characters… already. Travis: I’m trying harder and harder to just pretend like we are not on the call when he records that part. Griffin: It’s the only way to not be... ensorcelled by the tapestry he weaves. Clint: Not me. Not me. Did you say Clinton? Clinton… Travis: It sounded like Clinton. Clint: I wonder who that is. Justin: Clinton, Travis and Gribby are apparently, I’ve just found this out with you guys, is— did he say— Griffin: The micro nephews. [15]

This is interesting because Travis is the only one whose name is not altered, and he was specifically addressed before. What we also glean from this is that the nanofather views them as micronephews, so he has an alleged relation to them. Previously, he has called them children but it wasn't apparent until now that he was addressing them specifically.

In the intro with Kavecca, it is important to note that they are the first person to call the weaver "the nanofather." We know from his time as Geltfrimpen that the nanofather has no proper name. Nanofather is more likely to be a title, or rather, a signifier of Kavecca's relationship to him, such as being his child or grandchild. This would put Kavecca on the same family tree as Clinton, Travis, and Gribby, if they really are his "micronephews."

6. Descent Into Weirdness [tonally different moments and their implications]

Everything The Nanofather says is weird, but these are the moments that absolutely baffle me, or upon which he is commenting on the story somehow.

The first time he seems to comment on the events of Steeplechase is in Episode 16, in response to a plot twist at the end of the previous episode (in which the Barrister arrived to kick Emerich's ass but they got him stuck in a machine). He says, "Oh, that’s not right… [rustling paper] …Oh, but this doesn’t make any sense, it was… The story wasn’t like this …. Or… I-Is it changing?" He then follows this in the next episode by... just... breathe-whistling menacingly? Note that this episode takes place when they are travelling between layers, on the start of their Ephemera quest.

Episode 18 starts with, "Oh… Oh, they haven’t… even begun to fathom it… But you…. You swore, we both swore? You know they’re not ready!" I wonder who the "you"/"we" is in this. Is it us as the audience, the players, or perhaps Kavecca? Eighteen is the beginning of the time they spend in Ephemera, and at the beginning of the episode Krystal has an encounter with someone in the Gallspire. This adds on to the commentary in 16 and implies that there is something bigger at play...

Episode 20 presents us with a poem of sorts:

Ever faster, ever closer, ever never slowing down… Ever nearer, ever clearer, ever nipping at the gown... Ever spinning, ever grinning, ever hearing what they please. Ever growing, ever knowing, that they are the disease…

There is no direct indication of what this is talking about, but I think it's about Dentonic. They never slow down, they don't know when to stop dreaming! They will warp whatever they must to fit their narrative and they don't care what the casualties are.

When the Weaver makes his entrance into the world of Steeplechase, at the end of 20 and speaking through Geltfrimpen, these occurences get more frequent:

"Oh, I… I’m mostly… mostly… with them now… [chuckles] ah… ah… smaller than I… assumed…" [21] "Mostly… echoes… yet to be… I’m sorry, I know that doesn’t… answer your question…" [23] "Yes… yes, I was surprised too, Shookles. What? Oh… Oh, they didn’t hear…"[25]

25 ends with Gravel being arrested for Sticky Finger Paul Pantry's murder. 26 opens with, "…yes, but I’d assumed it was… consigned to legend! I never would’ve expected- i guess… my understanding is not… what I’d thought it was. Terrifying, in a way, but also… quite wonderful." I can't even begin to parse what he's talking about.

Then of course, there is 27: "No, no, not to the boat... Only one... one node per layer... I tried to maintain hopping... but it’s too taxing... too many...noises..." What fucking boat? And he tries to hop between layers- maybe the nodes are in the things he is inhabiting. Geltfrimpen, the arcade box, hard doug, eustace... The arcade machine and Geltfrimpen aren't made of hardlight, and these are the methods through which he has actually been able to speak (he could only see through hardlight)... maybe these are the "nodes?" I wonder what the noises refer to.

When things start looking down for the crew as they try to piece together what the fuck is happening, The Nanofather opens episode 28 with, "I’m not sure yet… I’m hopeful… Ah, Shookles… optimistic…or perhaps… perhaps optimism is just the last refuge of those… with nothing left to lose..." The Nanofather is referring to himself in this line, and the fact that he considers himself to have "nothing left to lose" implies that he has a strong connection to the events in Steeplechase, particularly to the crew-- which makes sense given their previous interactions. But what is at stake for him is unclear.

In episode 30 he says, "The thought had crossed my mind… But it can’t be long now…" I must say this is particularly ominous because I have no idea what the "thought" is or what he is waiting for. His salvation?

Finally, we have episode 31. His last appearance.

"It feels… like something… has frayed…"

In this episode, Kenchal Denton speaks to the crew a lot about cutting loose ends. And then he drops them out of a hovercraft into a desert that seems to be entirely disconnected from the electrical grid Steeplechase is on. And we don't hear from The Nanofather again.

7. Ties to Clint McElroy. [the ways in which this comes back to him.]

[post-discussion following the moment in episode 10 when the nanofather asks, "do you hear me Travis?"] Travis: Is that guy my real dad? Justin: You wish Griffin: Legally, you have to tell Travis, if the muckdweller is his real dad Justin: Not the muck dweller. The nanofather. Please- Travis: Oh, it's right there in the name! I should have seen it a mile away it's so obvious now!

Now, this may be a stretch. And it started out to me as a joke, but guys. The further I get the further I am convinced. The Nanofather is connected to, if not is, Clint McElroy the Planeswalking Janitor.

Evidence A: He calls them "children" when he goes to tell them stories. Counterpoint: Clint can't be his own son. Counter-counterpoint: Clint's full name, according to Griffin on an episode of Wonderful, is Clinton Emil McElroy Jr. Meaning, he has a father named Clint.

Evidence B: When the Nanofather refers to Travis, Clinton, and Gribby, Justin later describes them as "these new characters," in the same way he insists that Clint McElroy his father and Clint McElroy the Planeswalking Janitor are separate things [Spiritbreakers Live in San Jose].

Evidence C: The Nanofather hops between layers, in a similar way to how Clint hops between planes. And the Nanofather seems to be fractured, scattered, not his whole self. He is powerful but weak. He is able to speak to players, characters, and potentially the audience? It transcends the boundaries between the two worlds...

Evidence D: Justin is a big fan of the TAZiverse. He has shown this multiple times but the ones I remember most are of course, when he introduces "Taako from Television" in Ephemera (and other Balance things, implies it was a legend passed down, etc), and when Griffin introduced that he would be playing Indrid in Dust 2. Like of fuckin course he'd be excited to bring things together more in small ways.

Evidence E: There has been increased Clint McElroy the Planeswalking Janitor activity, the most since before Ethersea. In April, Justin played the character Clint McElroy the Planeswalking Janitor in a liveshow in San Jose (I was there hi!!!), which had initially been planned for November but was rescheduled. Both of these, though, fall under the time in which Steeplechase was active, so he was thinking about this character during that time. Additionally, the merch of the month for August is a sticker of Planeswalking Janitor Clint McElroy. And he was mentioned in Steeplechase Episode 26, when there was debate over whether something was said by Emerich or his player.

Travis: I think that was Dad. Justin: Oh. Well, I mean... yeah, I guess dad could be in it too, Trav. Is that what you’re saying? Travis: No, I’m just saying, I think Dad was making the observation— Clint: Oh my God! Is this an appearance by Clint McElroy, the planes-walking janitor? Griffin: No, no, no, no, no, no, no. Clint: Okay— Travis: No, no, not yet. Justin: No, we can’t, we can’t. Travis: Don’t force it, don’t force it.

Evidence F: I didn't expect to find this one. Honestly I think it shows that I have gone too far as a person. But... guys this one drives me crazy. So. We meet Shoockles in Episode 4, when The Nanofather introduces him as "Cat bart... he's my cat. Bart Shoockles." And guys I was like haha that's funny there is no way this is related... But then I was on Clint's Instagram trying to figure out if maybe he had a cat, since I know Justin has one. And I came across a photo he took of a white dog, which I wasn't sure was his until I got confirmation from an old post on one of the boys' Instagrams. But... in the caption of the post with his dog, he calls him Homer. Clint McElroy has a dog named Homer. Let me just, direct you to the Simpsons family tree:

Finally, Evidence G: Justin would go really far for a bit. He likes to have fun and get silly with his family and he knows Clint would get a huge laugh out of this. And he would also do anything to get a good age joke on his dad.

8. Conclusion [how it all comes together]

The moment you've been waiting for. What does it all mean?

The Nanofather seems to play no real importance to the main plot in Steeplechase at this point, but he has huge potential to. More importantly, looking at the Nanofather gives us some insight into the state of the park and where the player characters find themselves. He works as both a narrative framing device and as a part of the story. He talks to the players, the characters, and the audience, truly bringing a special flavor to Steeplechase.

With everything we've seen and heard, there is sufficient evidence to say that the Nanofather lives within the walls of the park, travelling using its energy grid. He has only been able to manifest to the characters through the electronics and hardlight creations. When they arrived in Kidadelphia in episode 32, it was apparent they were not connected to the same electrical grid, and there was no hardlight. The fact that he was completely silent in both 32 and 33 supports this theory, because there would be no way for him to communicate with them. Either that or they were too late and he died.

He has found himself in a wasteland, with weather and times that are controlled electronically. He is scattered, does not have a name-- a shell of who he once was. If the Carmine Denton Nanofather theory were correct, this would be a beautiful picture: the guy who created a way for others to escape is trapped in the destruction that his creation wrought... Regardless, I am concerned for his wellbeing since it seemed like he was in a hurry.

The interactions between the Nanofather and the heist crew imply that there could be a larger plot with him, but I don't know how close that is to happening. The Nanofather is one complicated guy, and if they want to save him I... guess they'll have to never know when to stop dreaming.

Thank you for coming along with me on this long and gruesome ride. I started this way back after episode 30 aired, I think. It's been simmering for a month, my own personal stew of sorts... For those of you who have helped contribute to my madness, thank you, and to those who have watched in horror, I'm sorry. It's been a real one.

And now, to send you off, I present to you this excerpt from Episode 10:

Justin: Our friend and employee Jupiter is kind enough to help pull together recaps of this dumb stuff, but Jupiter, showing a lot of wisdom here, does not track the story of the nanofather […] Travis: I think they realize it's been so clear cut at this point that any child could keep track of all the nanofather/muckdweller lore.

[parvulous-writings]

About the Night before // Vander x reader

Request:    Hi! What about a reaction of Vander x reader where vander goes to benzo and he sees some scratches on vanders shoulder or back from the night before with the reader? :D don’t rush things it was just a thought! :3

Requested by: ​Anonymous

Summary: Benzo visits his friend Vander one morning, and finds out what the old Hound of the Underground has been up to. 

Warnings: Mild  language

Words: 2K

Notes:  So, it’s not scratches, per se, but a very similar situation! And it turns into a very long convo 0-0 My requests are currently open! My pinned post (found here) contains both a list of characters I write for, and a masterlist! Original character list - please request for these too!    

Not my gif

A thick, green fog clouded the upper skies of the Lanes, letting nought but a little ray of light through here and there; a particularly nice morning for the Undercity. Business, of all kinds, was starting up as per the norm, one of these being the Last Drop - a frequent place for all dwellers of the Lanes. As the freehouse opened it’s doors to the general public, the first to stroll in was a very close friend of the owner - another local merchant, by the name of Benzo. Trailing behind, and nearly getting hit by the door as it started to swing shut behind Benzo, was the older man’s young ward, who had insisted he accompany him to the establishment, so that he could see the few other children around his age. Benzo, of course, complied - anything to keep the young boy out of trouble, and somewhere he knew. Well, for a little while, at least. Whilst the more youthful of the pair scuttered off to find his peers, Benzo made his way over to the bar. “Mornin’.” He grumbled, resting his arms on the cool wooden surface as he shuffled himself onto a stool. The tall man behind the bar - by the name of Vander - gave Benzo a small huff in greeting as he ran a damp cloth over the surface of the bar, trying in vain to remove some of the years old sticky patches where beverages had been spilt. "And what do you want?" The man asked, though not in any way malicious. His tone carried the amusement that most of their conversations held at one point or another. Benzo pretended to think for a moment. "How about a mate who's less of an arse than you?" the pair chuckled lightly, and Vander shook his head slowly, he knew it was all in good fun. “Just thought I’d drop by, check in, and whatnot...” Benzo continued, “Been a while since I’ve seen you... something wrong?” Vander glanced at the man across  from him, as he  moved to pour him a pint. “No, nothing’s wrong...” Vander replied honestly.  “Just been busy...”  “Kids getting into scuffles again?”  “No, not more than usual...” Vander shrugged. Benzo hummed at this.  “Right...” It was unclear whether  or not he actually believed Vander. He tapped the fingers of one hand rhythmically against the scratched surface of the bar, somewhat deep in thought. 

Vander watched him, his grey eyes flitting between his friend’s face, and his never-resting fingers. He quirked one, bushy brow, waiting patiently for Benzo to do or say something  more. But, he didn’t. Not for a few minutes at least. It was then that something caught Benzo’s eye; something only just visible over his friend’s shirt collar. A small mark, possibly even a shadow - Benzo wasn’t sure. “You got a little bit of uh... dirt, there...” Benzo scratched the area that was affected on Vander on his own skin. Vander’s brow furrowed slightly,  and he replied simply; “I han’t been anywhere that bad... And the better half ran me a bath last nigh’...” He grumbled, starting to rub his neck, initially thinking that perhaps he had missed a patch whilst washing the night before. It seemed to click for both of them at the same time. Vander’s cheeks started to turn an interesting shade of red, though thankfully this was mostly hidden by his beard. Benzo couldn’t help the chuckle that started to bubble past his lips, hanging his head and shaking it slowly. “Good night then, I take it?” The man asked, finally bringing his face up to lock eyes with Vander again, before falling into a new lapse of giggles. Vander just sighed, giving his friend a moment to get it out of his system. “Yeah, actually. Had some alone time with the other half, and-”  “I can see that.” Benzo blurted, laughing again. Vander, once more, looked unimpressed.  “... And had some conversations.” Vander tried  to continue, not that Benzo was listening this time around. It took another minute or so for his friend to settle again. “I’m glad you’re finding it so amusing.”  “How can I not?” Benzo continued to chuckle. “I’d have thought that a man, at your age, would know how to hide a bloody hickey!” Vander just sighed in response to his friend’s guffaws. He knew better than to try and speak over his friends instances of giggles - firstly because it would only anger himself and Benzo, and secondly  because he knew that moments like this could be few and far between in the Undercity. “Right...” Benzo sighed happily, “Sorry, I’m done, I’m done...”  He wiped under his eye with the back of his hand. Vander looked quite  bemused.  “I’ll take your word for it...” Vander shook his head, a light smile on his lips, only just hidden by his beard. “But yes... had some conversations, after the fact, I mean.”  “So we’re just skippin’ to the end of it all, you’re not tellin’ me any details?” Benzo asked, only half joking. Vander gave him a mildly unimpressed look.  “No, you’re not getting details.” He paused, and then continued. “So, me and the better half had a conversation...”  “Yeah, you said that.”  “... About maybe having some more kids.” 

Silence fell between the two men. Benzo was the first to speak. “More kids?” He asked, incredulously, leaning back slightly where he sat, keeping one hand on the table to steady himself. He let out a long breath of disbelief, as if he were the one who was planning to expand the family. “Don’t you think four is enough already? Not to mention the amount of trouble they get into on their own? How  the hell are you going to deal with more kids?”  “We’ll manage.” Vander replied simply; he had faith in both his abilities, and yours. His kids had always taken a shine to you, why or how it had happened was never really clear, but the younger ones certainly seemed to listen to you more than they did most adults. Benzo just looked at him in more disbelief. He could hardly believe what he was hearing, now. “Stop gawking at me.” Vander scolded, but the man’s expression did not change.  “I’m not helping if they get into trouble...” Benzo warned.  “I wouldn’t expect you to. They’re not your problem, are they?” Vander chuckled, slinging the rag he used to clean glasses over his shoulder to keep it  out of his way. "I s'pose not... But they'll be around little man, won't they? That'll eventually make them my problem." Benzo laughed  - it was quite a common thing for Vander's kids and Benzo's ward to get into trouble together. Vander hummed in agreement. "Yeah... But I think Vi might help them... As much as she can, at least." "Aye, she's a good role model, besides all the scuffles and back alley fights... Takes after you. I remember when we were that age and you were just the same." Benzo recalled with a sly smile. "Yeah, I remember... And I also remember the reason I got into those fights." Vander looked knowingly at his old friend. ”Certain someone I knew kept getting himself into trouble... And it’s not like me to just leave someone to  fend for themselves in a situation they can’t handle, is it?” Benzo sighed quietly - he knew Vander had a point. He couldn’t remember a time where he had been in over his head, and Vander hadn’t come to give him a hand. It was certainly unlike the burly man - or his pink haired daughter, who certainly took after him when it came to fist fights - to leave someone unable to defend themselves. “Vi will take care of them, if me or the other half can’t... I know it ain’t... ideal, in a place like this, and I know it’s another mouth to feed, before you even say anything.” Vander cut Benzo off just as he was about to speak. “But, I don’t know how to explain it to you without you thinking I’m a complete and utter sap.”  “I thought that anyway. You’re just confirming my theory.” Benzo joked with a deep rumbling laugh. “To be fair on you, though... Could take your mind off of other things, eh?” Vander nodded quietly in response - he agreed entirely that whilst an addition to the family could cause certain stresses, they  could also be an absolute joy to have. “An’ on top of that,” Benzo continued, “Could help some of them calm down a bit... I think that could also help with all the scuffles...” Benzo was referencing one child in particular; and Vander knew it. Young Mylo had been bristly ever since he turned twelve. Vander was sure that it wasn’t something the young boy always meant for, but it certainly happened often, especially with the youngest of the bunch, Powder. Perhaps Benzo had a point - a new addition to the family could in fact help Mylo regulate his emotions with a little more success, or it could go in the exact opposite direction and lead to a total fallout. 

“So how you goin’ to tell ‘em?” Benzo quizzed - a valid query. “Well, I think Vi already knows... or at least has a feelin’ that that’s we’ve been discussing, behind closed doors an’ the like...” Vander moved around the bar to actually sit next to his friend, rather than remaining standing on the other side of the bar. It made him feel closer to his friend, and more at ease than before. This was a close conversation between the two of them, so why not physically be closer? “Y’know, she ain’t brainless... But I still don’t know how she feels about it all... I think she thinks the same way you did... It’s dangerous - and neither of you are wrong... It just... Might be a kind of light in the darkness, for us...” Vander’s voice was quieter now, more gentle.  “You have never sounded sappier than you do right now. And that’s saying something.”  “I know.” Then silence fell between them both once more. There was something... Odd, permeating this silence. A sense of... Almost comfort, or as comforting as the pair dared to get with one another. The two were extremely close, but they rarely would divulge into their emotions with one another, it wasn’t the done thing. There were touching moments like this, though they were very few and far between, as neither of the men really felt comfortable in doing so, it wasn’t something that they had done with most people - or in the case of Benzo, any people. It was new to them, and naturally they shied away from the feeling, and the discomfort of bearing their souls to one another. “What about the other kids?” Benzo broke the silence, unable to bear it any longer.  “Well they’ve got no idea... I don’t think Powder will be worried, she’ll probably be more excited than anything else... Claggor will be a little wary, but the same... It’s Mylo I’m worried about - ‘specially when the kid gets older. Y’know what he’s like.” Benzo nodded sagely as Vander went on, humming quietly in agreement.  “If he don’t mellow out enough for you, send him over to mine sometime, I’ll keep him busy... He can help little man, they’ll keep each other occupied, I’m sure.”  Vander gave Benzo a smile, “I owe you one,” He told the man, as both got to their feet. They knew from the dim light streaming through the window in the door it was time for them both to go their separate ways for the day, and reconvene at a later time. “You owe me more than just one, Vander.” Benzo jested, and both laughed, shaking the hand of the other, before Benzo gave a wave, going back to his shop on the other side of the Lanes. Vander moved back behind the bar, and  the day went on as normal, operating practically like clockwork, as it had done  for so many years now.

[galeorderbride]

Hey lovely!

I have a fluff / angst fic request if that’s OK.

Orin targets a companion at the Elfsong Tavern but luckily, it’s not Gale. F! Tav’s emotions are all over the place and Gale comforts her.

It’s pretty much a “What if she got you?” scenario.

Hope that’s OK 😊

Love this idea! Ask and you shall receive! I hope you like what I’ve put together for this request :)

Rating: T (Angst/fluff; Tav has a panic attack due to crowd claustrophobia + Orin’s antics)

Coupling: Gale x F!Tav

Words: 2.1k

Fic below the cut:

Orin’s Fourth Torment

Crowds are best for villains. Anonymous and clustered, both sheltered in the safety of many and isolated when targeted. Normally, the Elfsong Tavern was busy, but never crowded. Nights full of shouting regulars and barstools scraping against aged hardwood. Such a frequent occurrence that Tav grew used to the sounds after several stays in that shared room on the second floor.

Tonight was different. Tav, Gale, Karlach and Wyll returned from a long day of being harassed by Orin and her doppelgängers, drowning in stress and trying to hide their fear. All of them wanted a good, long rest. But upon arrival, Elfsong was flooded with city dwellers. Pouring all the way out the front entrance, throwing around coloured ribbons, the same ones hanging above doors and windows. A festival of some kind, a celebration important enough to attract a wider audience rather than the drunken faces that had grown familiar.

Tav would’ve just navigated the crowd and climbed the stairs to their room in any other circumstance. But after being tricked by Orin and assaulted by doppelgängers at a wine tasting, she was nothing short of anxious, impatient and irritated. Ready to cry at a moment’s notice as all the traumatic experiences of this months-long journey bubbled up from the pit of her stomach.

Gale, the saving grace to calm her soul at every turn, hooked his arm around hers. He inched close, saying in her ear, “Worry not, love. I’ve seen even bigger crowds than this at the Yawning Portal during Elient festivals. Gods, the cooking competitions are the worst for it! All we have to do is push through, it never lasts for as long as you may think.”

He was a beacon of light at the worst of times, quite literally as he illuminated the Shadow Cursed Lands on their first night together. When he confessed his love for her, they spent an evening shrouded in a poetic tapestry of stars, fresh air and intimacy. Tav locked into those thoughts, using them as a crutch to get through the bumbling crowd and up to their shared room.

“Come on soldiers!” Karlach exclaimed, “Follow me, I’ll break through the mob with these shoulders no problem. Nothin’ a little heat won't fix!”

Wyll’s brow raised in amusement before he followed her into the crowd. Gale went next, with Tav at the back, their hands entwined together to stay close. Left with standing room only, pushing through the flood of bodies who didn’t notice or care about them. The bar wasn’t all that large, Tav thought, she could see the top half of the steps from where they all stood.

Some steps in, a drunken man fell between Tav and Gale, splitting them up. Tav stumbled around for a moment, giving the man an obvious stink eye as they pushed past him with hard elbows. This frustration didn’t last long, though. In the corner of her eye was a woman, the familiar bloody, blonde braid swaying behind her as she slid the blade of a curved knife around her jaw. A malicious smile crept across her face, shifting from one part of the room to the next, like no one else noticed her but Tav. Panic and fear set in, her heartbeat loud in her ears, and time felt slow. None of her companions were close, all lost in the crowd, and Tav grew frantic.

Orin’s maniacal laugh boomed in Tav’s ears as she began to run, mumbling Gale’s name under her breath. The tavern felt miles long, impeded by the pilgrimage of party goers all trying to find the best place to enjoy the raucous music. Tav felt herself nearly float between bodies, hitching her ankle weirdly and falling backward. Vision tunnelled with panic and apprehension. Hardwood hit her back, head hitting the floor and looking up to see Karlach and Wyll hovering above.

“Hellsfire, Tav, are you alright?!” Wyll asked as he lowered his hand to her, helping her up. Upon standing, she realised she was at the steps, leading to the upper level.

“Gods, Tav, you look like you’ve seen a ghost!” Karlach pointed out.

“I’m not sure I haven’t,” Tav said, searching around the room for Orin to find nothing. Just the same crowd of party goers, blood red Bhaalspawn now nothing but a figment. Until she realised there was still a missing piece.

“Wait,” Tav continued, “Where’s Gale?”

He wasn’t standing with them, no poetic and lilted voice to lecture them on the importance of cohesion in a crowd. What frightened Tav the most was that, upon looking into the barrage of people, his glowing staff didn’t stick out. Charged with lightning magic that could be spotted from a mile away. Nothing. Tav stood on her toes, craning her neck to try and see across the entire room, but still, no Gale.

None of them saw him, Karlach using her height advantage but still came up with nothing. Tav felt the drum of her heartbeat once again, faster this time. Enough to kickstart a heart attack as the image of Orin’s violent smile fought back to the front of her mind. The last few times they saw her, she appeared in the body of her victim. Was this the final taunt from her? Taking the one Tav cared for most?

No, not today. Not ever. Tav killed the avatars of gods. Slain shadow cursed monsters a century into their torment. That Bhaalist was nothing, and Tav promised to make her death slow when she caught up to her. Chosen or not, clearly she and her companions made short work of another. With those thoughts, Tav’s anger fuelled alongside anxiety. Driven to push herself back into the crowd and search for Gale, or Orin. Wyll and Karlach called for her to stop, but she ignored them.

Shoulders bumped and rutted into Tav’s upper body, from rib cage to neck depending on height. Bobbing back and forth between people, Tav became too small for the crowd. Trying to ignore her heavy breathing and tightening chest as she gazed into the crowd, calling for Gale. Every face in front of her blurring into one, large feature melting into one another. Loud voices shouting into her ears, some chiding at her in flirtatious drunk-talk that made things all the more overwhelming. But finding Gale was at the forefront, Tav had to push away all other discomfort.

She found her strength a little, adrenaline coursing through her system as she began to push forward. Hard, fast, using the entirety of her strength to get a look at every face that crossed her path.

“Gale?!” Tav called, turning her head back and forth. Nothing in that corner.

She moved to another corner, and cried out again, voice cracking with tears. “Gale?!”

Nothing.

“Gale?!” Tav screamed this time, carrying over the heads of the crowd.

Still nothing.

The entire tavern must’ve been covered, and Tav began to let the worst sink in. Her back hit the wall, close to the front doors. Tears fell down her face, following the nauseating sound of Orin’s laugh echoing in her ears. She was there, permeating the room with touchless torture.

Tav let her body slide down the wall, weakening in the fluctuation between rage and terror. Stuck in the little, empty corner of misery as the endless song of Orin slammed into her ears. Her face fell into her palms, wet tears staining skin, salty and humiliating. Images of what might happen to Gale under Orin’s capture spiralled in their mind. Forms of bleak, guttural violence that would deeply harm but never kill. Leverage, a way to lure Tav further into her clutches. Visions of blood and viscera, and the faded nightmare of his agonising screams, so vivid that Orin had to be putting that in her head.

In her state of dread, a hand wrapped around her wrist. Large and tight, Tav jumped out of panic and poised to strike the assailant. Fist up and ready to smack the arsehole who decided to grab her in a dumb, drunken stupor. Until she heard that voice.

“Tav, my dear, it’s me! Are you alright?”

Gale’s face appeared before her, big, brown eyes wide open with concern. Tav was frozen in place, questioning if she’d passed out and was hallucinating him in a hazy dream. Tears staining her face, the feeling of his grip on her wrist, the details of his expression. Orin’s laugh had ceased. This had to be real, he had to be there in front of her.

“G-Gale? Is that really you?” Tav asked, voice shaking with suspicion and social exhaustion.

“Yes, why wouldn’t it be me? I’m sorry we got separated, my love. When that man fell between us, I was pushed toward the kitchen. I couldn’t find you in the crowd so I went around the outside and came in through here,” Gale explained.

Tav didn’t speak, she just jumped into a full hug. Arms wrapped around Gale as they both sat on the floor, in the midst of a wild crowd. Cracking beer bottles and shouting voices. Words weren’t enough, Tav needed to be in his embrace. To remind herself that her one shelter from the horrid world was still with her. Gale could see she was struggling, locked in fear for his safety. His heart swelled with worry, wondering what happened for one of the strongest people he’d met to fall to the ground and cry.

“Come, love. Let’s go outside and take some air. Get some quiet,” he said, lifting her up and leading them outside of the tavern.

Moonlight softened the blow of chaos within the bar. Passersby still swayed in joyous excitement, chatting and running about. But compared to the inside of Elfsong, this was complete silence. Crickets chirped in the background, and Gale moved her to an empty bench just beside the entrance. He held her close, arm wrapped around her waist and free hand playing with the loose hairs around her neck.

“Tell me what happened, Tav. You’re safe with me, I promise,” he said, planting a small kiss on her cheek. Tav’s eyes closed, forcing back more tears filled with a mix of relief and upset.

Tav explained Orin appearing in the crowd, taunting her as she lost sight of their companions. Calling out for Gale, almost passing out from panic as Orin’s laugh vibrated through her. Gale listened intently, increasing horror in his eyes as he let Tav admit how afraid she was that he’d been taken somewhere horrible. The entire time, they held hands, Gale squeezing on and off to remind her he was still there, alive and well.

“I’m sorry,” Tav said, sniffling as a few tears lined her eyelids again, “I thought she’d taken you away. And I felt so powerless to do anything. If she had grabbed you, I wouldn’t even know where you’d be! And the awful things that would happen…gods, why am I even saying that?!”

Gale pulled her closer, rocking her back and forth as he peppered little kisses at the top of her head. “Shh, it’s alright, Tav. I’m here. None of that happened, I’m safe with you. And even if she had tried to take me away, I trust with my entire heart that you’d have rescued me in time. With the same zeal and ferociousness I’ve seen you be since the beginning of this journey.”

Fear began to settle into calm, Gale’s comfortable embrace like a warm drink on a cold, wintery day. Seated on that bench, hidden from the coarse noise of the inner tavern. Eventually, they’d have to go back in, but not now. For the moment, they could just enjoy each other’s presence. Taste the early night air and smell the salty brine from the nearby dockyard. Gale thought to himself that this was almost like Waterdeep. Near enough to memories of sitting outside the Yawning Portal and taking in the breeze, preparing to return home. One day, he hoped to bring Tav with him there. To experience all the beauty of his home city, danger free. To be as boring and overly affectionate as every other couple.

Gale lifted Tav’s chin up with his index finger, hovering his lips against hers with baited breath. They kissed softly, cuddled up together. Welcoming each other back to that safe space where, for a moment, no one could hurt them. Fingers locked together, the taste of spearmint lining the tip of Tav’s tongue. All the panic fading away, replaced by the desire to fall asleep in his arms.

He left the kiss to say, “You’ll have to try a lot harder to get rid of me. Not even a Bhaalspawn could pull me away from you.”

Tav chuckled, rubbing their nose against his flirtatiously. “I’d like to see her try.”

[spicyboelives]

Personally wouldn't mind some loredumping!

SAY LESS LETS GO

I need to make a well organized schematic about his personal stats n powerscale- but I can give u some general knowledge for the time being!

Hes a minor scribe/artist among Namors court at Talokan, like Namor hes a mutant and practices martial forms with Namora & Attuma to hone his powers.

He also has minor mystic abilities that were previously neglected (due to a plethora of trouble in his past) but with the encouragement of Namor he can now use them with significant skill.

He can breath on land, and makes frequent trips to the surface world to report information to Talokan & to understand surface dwellers in general.

However his identity on land is largely influenced by outdated media- so his English and Spanish are riddled with 80s and 90s slang.

[lxrd-ren]

Life Series Team-Ups I Really Wanna See:

- Tango + Joel

I could see them egging each other on if say they have beef with someone else (probably Scott knowing Joel), like two mad dogs without their leashes except they take turns being the mad dog, until they're both red that is :) They probably wouldn't make it until the end but it would still be fun watching their shenanigans. Plus, with the building skills from both, they could probably make a pretty sick base. Not to mention they cover each others blind spots what with Tango's redstone skills and Joel's pvp being quite good.

- Etho + Scar

The pair of them are wildcards so them teaming up would be the ultimate chaos combo. They also balance each other out sort of with Ethos chaos being more controlled and Scars chaos being more erratic and varying degrees of severity. Scar would get Etho to cause chaos more frequently and Etho would get Scar to A) Think it out properly and not just burn everything on a whim and B) Take precautions to not lead it back to them. Although there is a possibility they will betray each other, aslong as they don't base in or near a tree that is Ethos they should be a-ok for the most part 👍. I feel like this team-up is more unlikely than some of the others on this list but I'd still love to see it happen.

- Cleo + Jimmy

Girlboss meets wet cat, the ultimate combo. Although to be fair Jimmy was causing proper damage left and right in Secret Life so together they could probably be quite the duo. Although they will just make a lot of enemies very quickly so they gotta make allies and get geared up sharpish if they don't wanna be eliminated first; lookin at you canary >_> I don't see pvp being their strong suit so their best bet would be to rely on defence like armour and traps. Also a duo that talks a lotta shit; thing is, only one of them can get away with it. Jimmy would probably also be too scared to betray Cleo so fingers crossed there's no repeat of Last Life.

- Skizz + Scott + Grian

The get-shit-done trio. I could definitely see this trio lasting until the end with all their tendencies to make and uphold alliance's. Grian would likely be the planner, Scott provide the resources, and Skizz as #1 hype man. Also have a feeling that Scar would be at the top of their kill list. And again with two builders they could get a really cool base going. Not sure what their team name could be but Scott would likely be the one to come up with it. Aslong as they have loyalty to each other, which I've no doubt they will have, they could be a great team.

- Bdubs + Martyn

What with their willingness to go along with crazy plans and bits, this duo could get up to some shenanigans and a half lemme tell ya. I could also see them lasting a while. Bdubs would likely be a base-dweller with building the actual base and defences whilst Martyn gets the needed resources to get ahead of the other teams. Also quick to establish alliances and enemies. I feel like they'd settle on a mountain. Also a Martyn betrayal would go crazy against the ever loyal Bdubs.

- Impulse + Pearl

This duo is mainly because of how Scott's teammates usually go on to win either the current season or the next season and neither Gem nor Impulse has won it yet, paired with how Pearl has tried and sadly failed the past two seasons to get her teammates to win, she could very well break her curse if she pairs up with the most-likely to win in terms of Scott statistics. If they put their heads together they could make a really defence-able base, like Pearl's tower in Double Life, so they don't need to worry about head-to-head combat. Not to mention they're both great with a bow. I imagine Pearl could snipe some kills from up high whilst Impulse triggers redstone traps and the like. Their team name could be Pulse. This duo would definitely get far but I don't see both of them being in the final three; with any luck Impulse is the one in the final three again.

- Scar + Lizzie

I feel like they would talk a lotta shit but then that would lead to them being underestimated so it's all that more unexpected when they show they can wack a lotta shit too. Likely won't last until the end though. Plus it would be quite fitting what with them two being the loners of secret life to join up in the next season. I know this pairing is more unlikely given how Lizzie has only been in two seasons but still. Also I could totally see their base being a castle of sorts with Lizzie as the queen and Scar as her advisor. They'd also both get into and out of situations by swindling and sweet-talking. Speaking of, them first teaming up would likely be Scar trying to swindle Lizzie and then teaming up with her perhaps as a sorry and then it just kinda sticks; think Mean Gills kinda start.

- Ren + Gem

First off, their names rythme so instantly they're a great duo. Admittedly since Gem has only been in one season I can't really predict what her dynamic would be with, well, the majority of the members but I'm thinking tamed dog + rabid deer kinda thing. Their base would likely involve nature and they're probably gonna be either allied or enemies with Scott, no in-between.

- Etho + Mumbo

Ah yes, the duo that collectively knows niche and important things about the game, majority of it being about redstone and mob farms, but have no clue when it comes to basic things; like crafting fishing rods (cough cough Etho). I don't think they'd make it until the end but they'd get quite far I imagine. Probably would be allied with Grian in some way or another. I think they'd also both agree to keep an eye on Cleo but only because they're both intimidated of her. Like in Last Life I think Mumbo would be the stay-at-home husband whilst Etho socialises and gets resources. Plus I could see them getting stuff like end crystals and other things. I feel like Etho would come up with plans and Mumbo would go along with it no questions asked. But considering their curses, Mumbo probably will succumb to a lava or fire death. They may also get a teammate I'm not sure who though if Grian is already in an alliance. Perhaps Bdubs; I mean that's basically what happened in both Limited and Secret Life. Again like Lizzie, this duo is less likely given how Mumbo has also only been in two seasons but we can pray🙏.

[waitineedaname]

I think a decade ago I saw someone (maybe elanorpam?) write Karkat as a mutant red blood sea dweller in an AU? And I think it would be perfect for Luo Binghe. He would have the physical fortitude of a sea dweller while still being ostracized for being a mutant. (Also if you want to share quadrant talk I am all ears :))

YES i don't know that au but that's kind of exactly what i was imagining, a Luo Binghe as a mutant sea dweller. exactly what you're saying about the physical fortitude and being ostracized, plus him basically being a fuchsia and not realizing would be a good analogue for him not knowing he's a heavenly demon

as for quadrants, here's a terrible chart i made in google drawings

bingqiu is redrom! when they were at the peak of their Problems Era, there was probably some quadrant confusion, but by the end of the story they are firmly in redrom zone

liushen is flushed for lqg and pale for sqq. poor liu qingge, getting palezoned. i think sqq is probably clueless that lqg might have flushed feelings for him

bingliu are Toxic Kismeses, which makes them the perfect candidates for your textbook ashen relationship with sqq as their third. they would probably kill each other if not for their mutual affection for sqq, and his platonic meddling in their relationship makes sure their pitch flirting remains nonlethal. they still frequently beat the shit out of each other, but it's in a flirty/horny way instead of a "I want you legitimately dead" way

cumplane are a much more functional pitch relationship. they drive each other nuts but it's in a way that's more like enrichment for them. sometimes you need to bug the bestie until he kisses you to make you shut up. I think they could probably swing pale if the situation called for it. anyone who has followed me since my homestuck days should know I love pitchpale relationships, and I think that's what cumplane is. they're kind of solkat if you think about it. anyway,

moshang is definitely mutually redrom, but they were NOT on the same page about this. mbj smacking sqh around made sqh think he was pitch flirting. sqh trying to appease mbj made mbj think he was pale flirting. it was a whole mess. they probably quadrant smear on occasion, but they are usually redrom!

[honest-moth-of-silver-grove]

I don't know if this is a hot take but I don't think sypha would be beefing with the mermaid girl. I would like to think that she takes a older sister role considering their age gap and find each other fascinating because sypha is interested in learning about the mer girls people's magic and the mer girl finds syphas magic comforting as it reminds her of home and family. But that might be my wishful thinking wanting sypha to be a girls girl who sees how weird everyone else acts around the girl and want to help her.

A/N: This is about my character ‘The Landwalker’, part of a Yandere! Alucard series. Click on the link above to be shown all relevant posts.

This is a fascinating take, Anon. And while I absolutely agree that Sypha would want nothing more to be a friend/mentor to our Landwalker friend, I think she’d have to be very persistent if she were ever to cultivate any sort of relationship here. The Landwalker is suspicious of humans- all humans. Even if Sypha’s magic does remind her of her people, I don’t think she’d be willing to let on, at least, not without some collateral. Sypha would need to show some ‘submission’ (i.e. vulnerability) to The Landwalker that Sypha hasn’t shown anyone else. 

Another little secret of Siren Society is that they trade/deal in secrets. Intimate knowledge that no one else knows, is a well-valued form of currency when you live deep down in the dark, cold, unforgiving waters. I won’t go as far as to say the idea of blackmail comes naturally to them, but I will admit they’re a moderately cut-throat species, having adapted and fought hard to earn their spot among the great hidden powers of the seas. 

If Sypha does show The Landwalker a weakness of hers, or if she shares a secret she’s particularly sensitive about, The Landwalker will come to welcome Sypha’s company. The Landwalker especially enjoys listening to Sypha explain things about the land-dwellers' worlds, as Sypha does not typically have that superior air to her voice that Alucard tends to have when The Landwalker begrudgingly asks him to explain yet another human custom. 

The Landwalker also delights in the way Sypha’s magic can sometimes resemble some of the aquatic life from her home. Sypha’s blue flame especially, reminds The Landwalker of several translucent jelly-like creatures she encountered frequently back home. 

And yes, like the image above, The Landwalker loves, loves, loves to observe (i.e. judge) all the people within the village. Sypha and her are prone to gossip. And there is absolutely nothing, I mean nothing, that gets past the two of them. 

A/N 2.0: And yes, yes I did choose an image from the legendary Aquamarine (2006) for this answer, specifically!

[yanderes-galore]

Is is alright is I ask for a romantic eridan concept, with a fem human darling please?

Of course! I love to write for the brat, lol :) AU where at least Feferi and Eridan are alive for plot reasons I guess ^^;

Not proofread fully, it is what it is.

Yandere! Eridan Ampora ♒️ with Fem! Human! Darling

Pairing: Matesprit ❤️

Possible Trigger Warnings: Female Darling, Obsession, Implied rebounding, Manipulation, Troll/Human pairing, Jealousy, Slight internal conflict, Dubious relationship/Matespritship, Possessive behavior, Brief mention of troll reproduction (it isn't NSFW at all, trust me), Stalking, Biting mention, Brief violence mention.

Eridan would be pathetic with just about any partner.

He'd be the same as he would with a troll darling wants he gets into it.

At first, however, Eridan has little interest in a human.

While his friends, like Feferi, are interested in them he doesn't get into them at first.

He just... doesn't get it?

Feferi may actually be the one to introduce you to him.

Eridan notices she's been chatting up this female human recently and is a bit bothered by it.

When he asks, Feferi takes this as interest.

As a result the fuchsiablood gushes about you and how you two are friends.

"wwhat do you evven like about this specific human?"

"O)( come on, -Eridan! Look at )(er, isn't s)(e just t)(e cutest 38D? You s)(oald c)(at wit)( )(er... and be nice!"

Reluctantly, Eridan listens to her and gives it a shot.

He begins to talk to you through the chat client because Feferi urged him to.

He'd normally not bother because humans are land dwellers and just won't understand him.

Although it appears you and Feferi understand each other....

Eridan would be a troll that would take time before he feels comfortable with a human obsession.

An example of a troll who'd have the same issue is Karkat.

He tries to be considerate and understand you to appease Feferi, who he's having relationship trouble with.

By the time Eridan meets you in person he's grown invested in you and your journey.

He's impressed you reach God-Tier, he's actually a bit envious.

You've actually been a way he's been recovering from his falling out with Feferi.

He never would've thought it possible but he's actually considering a quadrant with a human.

He actually finds himself excited at the idea of meeting this female human.

When you eventually get to the meteor he even gets a bit upset that he's not the first troll you come to greet.

Of course you go to see Feferi first.

Although, while both flushed and pale quadrants didn't work with Feferi, she still introduces you to him.

Perhaps in an attempt to heal his broken bloodpumper or something.

"T)(is is -Eridan! )(e's been rat)(er attac)(ed to your w)(ole journey! You s)(oald talk to )(im! I'm s)(ore )(e's been looking forward to meeting you 38)"

"d-don't say that...! um... hey-"

He mentally face palms when he stutters in front of you.

At first, Eridan would try to keep up his usual personality.

He's dramatic and sometimes acts like he's better than you.

He tunes it down when he realizes he's losing your interest, however.

The two trolls you talk to the most are actually Feferi and Eridan.

Eridan understands that you've met her first... yet he wishes you'd spend more time with him-

Naturally, your conversations tend to dip into more personal territory.

Eridan asks about you and what exactly makes female humans different from males.

This is due to the fact reproduction with trolls doesn't really take the gender into account.

You also ask about this "quadrant" thing he brings up frequently.

It's expected with Eridan that he often vents about relationship issues.

You try to listen to him bur sometimes you need a break.

Feferi tends to give advice on how to deal with him.

Eridan struggles with how to admit he's into you.

He isn't sure what to say?

He's rebounding from Feferi and wants to fill his quadrants....

Yet he's unsure how to tell a human he wants you in his flushed quadrant.

He guesses it would be similar to a human "boyfriend" while you'd be his human "girlfriend" but he's a bit nervous.

Eridan can be a bit of a creep when he scopes out how to tell you.

Some may notice him following you around and watching you.

Others notice him silently seething when you talk to other trolls.

He's even tried to suggest dueling to win you over.

He's... a bit bloodthirsty.

It takes a lot out of him to finally tell you what he wants with you.

"look, i knoww you're a human but i'vve been thinking.... did you possibly wwant to be my matesprit? y'knoww... my red lovve? don't laugh it's taken me forevver to ask you because you're a human!"

If you reject him then he'll just be a pain.

He'll pester you, he'll get aggressive with trying to show you he loves you.

He's clingy and pleads with you to give him a chance.

He'll stop being so stuck up! Please just give him a chance!

He's desperate....

If you say yes then you still get barely any time alone.

Eridan's ecstatic that you said yes to being his Matesprit.

Any other human he finds to be not his type.

When it comes to you? He slams into you to have your attention.

Feferi is happy that Eridan has found someone, even if it is her cute human friend, although he seems to be very clingy as usual.

Any past feelings for Feferi is mostly forgotten as Eridan prefers to look for you.

At first he was reluctant to like a human, one not even part of the bloodcaste or aquatic in nature.

Now he doesn't care, someone likes him.

Even if you rejected him he'd somehow force you into it.

In private he's affectionate.

In public he acts like he doesn't want you to shower him in affection, still trying to keep up his ego.

Private? Hugs, kissing, nipping, nuzzling, you name it.

He'd do anything for you.

Eridan admittedly wants to explore you in any way he can, as intimate as that sounds....

For being a prince, if you say just the right thing he's bratty putty in your hands.

He acts like he's tough but in reality he's just happy you're paying attention to him, one way or another (even with a bit of force).

Eridan would be one to decorate you in his sign and color like some Highbloods.

It's a way to show you're his and gives him an ego boost.

He's possessive and other than violence displaying his color on your keeps you as his in his mind.

Feferi begins to feel bad when she sees you covered in Eridan's symbol.

He's taken this Matesprit thing a bit too far... like he fears to lose you.

You're God-Tier unlike him so you can keep him in his place if he decides to try and kill another troll for you, like Feferi.

Although, like some pathetic yanderes, you may just feel bad?

Eridan has so many issues when it comes to relationships.

After losing Feferi you one way or another gave him a chance.

Now you have a clingy troll who refuses to let you go.

Overall, Eridan would be hesitant to engage with a human obsession due to his ego...

Although once he catches flushed feelings... he just can't get enough of you despite his ego.

"i'd do anything for you, you're mine and i'm yours! i'd kill for you, i'd conquer for you... you're my matesprit and i'd do it all just for you. i lovve you... don't you dare reject me!"

[tfdtreasurer]

I think transfem eridan is an interesting interpretation of eridan because (though not frequently stated in the comic) she spent time crafting her identity around a dead male figure (dualscar) and the cruelty of alternia. This created toxicity, instability, and ignorant bigotry in eridan. I also think her whole deal with magic can be symbolic of a repressed sense of self or even femininity as many girl characters in Homestuck use magic. She denies magic saying it's fake and calling her magic wand a "science" wand furthering the sentiment of her repressed femininity.

Thank you anon for seeing the vision because that is indeed a good jist of it. Now, if you don't mind I'll use the points you brought up as a platform to get into them in detail.

Eridan indeed crafts a lot of her facade around Orphaner Dualscar. It's unclear if she ever had a journal of his like Vriska did Mindfang, but it's clear she was aware of his lore (for fun headcanoning: judging from Aranea's shared penchant for storytelling with Mindfang and Cronus's side music thing, I would figure Dualscar's tales were encoded musically, possibly in sea shanties or a lyrical epic). It should also be noted that in the only visual depiction of Dualscar, while Eridan shares the striped pants, jewelry, and cape, it's her scarf that is the twist on the formula. Now, in the heart of headcanon this is all but proof that it's a gift from patterned fabric loving Kanaya, and that she gets adam's apple dysphoria. But that's just headcanon. 🚬🍷

Where Dualscar and the unfathomable cruelty of Alternia intersect for Eridan is with the inherited duty of Orphaner. I think I fully agree with how Alternia made her toxic and unstable, but I will disagree on the part that Eridan is ignorantly bigoted. In my mind, the more accurate way to put it is complicity defeatist. Alternia didn't brainwash Eridan, it just broke her into accepting it because how familiar she became with the mechanisms and forces that made it unstoppable. She's not ignorant of her world's cruel nature, and any sample of her bigotry is performance rather than belief. This is still harmful overall, don't get it twisted, but it's no different than other characters hemospectrum hangups, from Karkat to Equius. Now this will be a helluva tangent, but I do promise it goes somewhere on the reading of transfem HC Eridan, while providing a lot of interpretation of canon Eridan. Because the most underappreciated detail of Alternia as a setting is that it is kind of in a cold war with itself.

"As a self-governing body, the land dwelling portion of [HIC's] empire was formidable. But her force of sea dwellers was equally formidable, and the two were kept in check not only with the threat of psychic annihilation, but their mutual hatred and distrust."

It's another thing that makes Eridan's claims of wanting to kill all land dwellers ironic and an empty threat, because in cold war fashion, any attempt to make a move on land dwellers would be met by their Mutually Assured Destruction. Yet, despite neither side being able to make a move, it's still a cold war. Even for die hard hemocasteists like Equius, sea dwellers are seen as mortal enemies that it's alright to kill in spite of normal hemospectrum conventions. This is why I previously mentioned Eridan as experiencing a form of siege mentality. I will always disagree that Eridan is a supremacist because I think the most accurate diagnosis of her genuine issues is that she's the rawest simplest form of xenophobe. Trusting of members of her own group, trusting the "other" only in that their hostility is earnest and reliable, embodying the rampant paranoia that characterized both Cold War superpowers. Plus, although her efforts are still noncommittal and performative, Eridan does make a show of seeking out doomsday devices (read: WMDs), blatantly imitating the Cold War's arms race.

So why do I bring up the Cold War? Because it relates and reinforces another thing that Eridan is associated with. (Jack) Noir. Eridan borrows a lot visually and ideologically from film noir, a genre that thrived and established itself in that post-war start of the cold war America. Eridan's best and most striking panels (IMO) are pages 3328 and 3331. You may know what I'm talking about before even looking them up they're so visually iconic. They take their cues from noir chiaroscuro lighting. Stark shadows and light, backlit silhouette, the classic trope of lighting through Venetian blinds/bannisters being evoked by Eridan's striped clothing in the one. (And being fair to all perspectives, even anti-Eridaners: take a pause from comparing Eridan to Draco Malfoy, because nobody likes HP anymore and maybe start comparing her to Sin City's Kevin. I've been called a lot of things for liking Eridan before but you could be the first to call me a cannibal) Visual language can only suggest so much though. Eridan still fits noir philosophy in spades. Nihilism, cynicism, godlessness and sin. Having nobody you can trust, angels that may be demons, black and white melodrama. Falling prey to a society that will chew you up and spit you out, make you the terrible person it wants you to be. And at the end of the day: tragic endings, friends killing friends. Eridan is cynical and defeatist. She lived in a world that despised her, put in the role to keep it that way, and gave up trying to change it. You can see in her associations that she likes her land dweller friends, but her approach is like how she sees magic. It would be nice if it were real, she'd like that, but it isn't.

Okay okay, the Cold War, film noir, what the fuck does any of this have to do with transfem Eridan? The paranoia. The constant lingering doubt of who can be trusted with a secret. The hiding of true selves and identity. Sympathies for the "other side" having to be suppressed or hidden, disguised. Lest you be accused. Or, if those sympathies have evolved into identity, caught and outed. How all the suppression of the self takes its psychological toll. So yeah, it has a depressing amount to do with her.

Paranoia arc over. We've already gone over magic as a symbol for the ideal versus the "real." Homestuck is even less shy as using it as a symbol for the innocence of childhood, as seen mainly with Tavros clinging to his childish innocence. So, it's certainly no stretch that it can represent repressed gender, in a way a combination of those two. The ideal being the innocence of a childhood raised the way we may have wanted, versus the reality of the one we receive and in which innocence is lost and dysphoria is present. Again, Eridan's approach to magic is wishing it's real, but being resigned to its unobtainability. Wishing magic was real. Wishing that she could trust her friends. Wishing that she had a choice in who she is. But knowing that magic is fake. Knowing that land dwellers hate sea dwellers. Knowing that her destiny is taking up the mantle of the Orphaner.

Homestuck is a whole mess of character parallelism and foils, and Eridan does indeed parallel with a lot of girls, especially when it comes to magic. To start with the obvious: There are almost too many Rose-Eridan parallels to count. But just to demonstrate from their intros alone: One is a dabbler in Freudian psychoanalysis and the other is Mrs. I-have-a-psychological-complex and am definitely a Freudian mess of I kill mother and father figures for a living. And don't get me started on the W fridge. She shares a little parallel with Jade, a Witch, by embodying the harpoon gun side of the riflekind. For fellow trolls, Eridan is often less parallel and more foil especially for Kanaya and Feferi, but that's a whole other story. Though considerably less "magic," Meenah somehow shares more character design DNA with Eridan than Feferi.

All cherry picked alpha kid parallels do come with the asterisk that they all share DNA with the dead trolls but Roxy is notable because so many of her parallels with her dancestor end up doubling up with Eridan too, the most significant being the love of wizards. Since noir featured so heavily in this post, I'd also be remiss to not point out that Jane is associated with hard boiled fiction, which is earlier than the later noir but they're fairly similar genres, sharing a lot of tropes and themes. Also because I think Jane's skeptical, cynical hard boiled detective connections are an often overlooked part of her character that people should appreciate more. She's more than just baking, people.

With the transfem reading, the entire deal with there cherubs becomes a whole other thing. But, the jist really speaks for itself. Magic, wandkind, childhood innocence, femininity. Living reality, riflekind, emotional stuntedness, masculinity. I'm going to avoid saying anything definitive about the author because it's just not my place, I don't know them personally, and tbh I trust them about as far as I can throw them. However, to put it frankly, the cherubs could be seen as the smoking gun of "having hangups with how an upbringing killed the feminine aspect, villainizing the masculine and idealizing the feminine through the symbol of magic and just don't pay attention to how the author self insert dies accepting that magic isn't real." Like, FUCK, that's goddamned motherfucking gender, baby. But look, is that projection? Hell yeah that's projection but as a reading of the fiction it's not that much a stretch.

I want to also end off with the symbolism that could've been if the retcons were done differently and in a way that allowed the dead trolls to live (y'know, the way it probably should've been). Karkat could've fulfilled his thing of being the second coming of gnostic Jesus by enlightening his team to see their respective truths, and for Eridan it would be seeing that she can Hope and accept magic. An egg being allowed to incubate and hatch, rather than destroyed. A more productive form of bottom surgery. Transition from prince to princess.

[weepingfoxfury]

The man on the radio has gone! Again! But where? Yet again, I shall have to leave a note for the lost postman and cast runes, read tea leaves and seek out the both frequent and infrequent garden dwelling fortune telling fijamatoobi bird. The stand in lady on the radio is keeping schtum as to the man on the radio's whereabouts ... to the point she will say neither way whether she will be back on the morrow either?! Weatherwise there's hints of sunshine, bit of a breeze, and this hooman is back into the three jumper wearing bracket. The traffic lady gave lacklustre reports on the roads, felt she was more interested in looking out of her tiny weeny window to see if she could see any man on the radio signs or portents.

Today's groaner: What did the man say when he woke up in the morning and found he'd turned into a cat? ... "Don't ask meow how it happened" ;-D badoom tish ... here all week!!

Late garden bloomers ... and these ones are having a well deserved lie down. The stem that's meant to support them is so long and so unable to support it's own weight that it has sagged across the fennel, hydrangea and honeysuckle and other plants whose names I cannot remember.

A weird old night's sleep for myself and Biggest Dog. One minute heavily asleep the next minute completely awake ... feel like I haven't been to bed at all. Put the radio on around 7am, started listening to the lady talking through the newspaper headlines ... and the next thing I knew another 20 minutes had shuttled past and the on the half hour news was already halfway through. Beginning to wonder if I've whooshled through a few garden portals along with the lost postman and other garden dwellers.

Monday, Monday, Monday ... coffee pot ahoy! ... a few of Biggest Dog's morning bouncy bouncy inducing tablets and I might just figure out which way is up ...

[posletsvet]

i know we don’t really talk or interact with each other anymore but i want you to know that i still think very fondly of you and i hope you’re doing well <3

(also a side note: even though the paintings and comments are about over a year old now, all the comments that you left on my old jjk paintings always really meant a lot and are some of the comments that have stuck with me the most. no one else has complimented my art like you have 🥹🥹)

ELI 🥰 You wouldn't even imagine how happy I am to see your handle appear in my notes again!! I'm not as dedicated a tumblr dweller as I used to be, and I don't frequent the lands of this website that often these days, but when I do it's sooo heart-warming to see my mutuals' posts out and about on my dash :')

I hold only the fondest of memories of you, too, and maybe I say these words too often for them to ring true anymore, but the way you remember the little silly me and what comments I made on your art really means the world to me!! Your paintings have stayed with me all this time, too, and I will hold them dear to me for a long long time. You say that it's been over a year now, but it's never truly over as long as we remember, is it? 🥹