#info is omitted for a reason

[phantommaws]

Character Biography - Alex

ABOUT

Name: Alexander Blake [surname redacted] Age: 22 Height/Build: 6'2 | 183cm. Skinny but strong. Place of Birth: Stohess District, Paradis Island. Eye Colour: Green Hair Colour: Ginger Date of Birth/Star Sign: 18/07/832 | Cancer Sexuality: Gay Personality Type: ENFJ-A

BIO

Alex is a man who carries himself with pride, which is something that can frequently be misinterpreted as arrogance by some who don't know him on a personal level. His appearance matches his attitude, as he always ensures to dress very well; Levi admires his fashion sense once he is able to allow himself to trust the newcomer. When he speaks to you, you can immediately recognise that he was born in wealth no matter how hard he tries to hide this fact - he doesn't like to be seen as a privileged rich kid. Naturally with how he was raised and schooled, he has a very rigid posture that is seen more when he is around his father, but when around Hange and the other Ambassadors and members of the Alliance, he relaxes considerably. Despite this and the fact that he gestures with his hands when conversing, Alex avoids all eye contact whenever possible like it is the plague - it makes him incredibly uncomfortable.

PSYCHOLOGY

Optimistic and a proud ambivert, Alex is both street smart and book smart, so to speak. He knows how to handle himself on the streets. His biggest achievement to-date is the fact that when he graduated from the Cadet Corps, he did so in the top ten. His favourite sound if that of the waves cresting on the beach, and his favourite smells are those of freshly baked bread and old books. His favourite place in the whole word has to be libraries and bookstores. Biggest Flaw - He is a pushover, but also behaves erratically much like his older half-sister. He is somewhat jaded in his outlook on life. Easily angered, especially by stupidity and incompetence. Biggest Strengths - His kindness and empathy for others Biggest Weaknesses - Falls prey to manipulation easily. His childhood was somewhat sheltered although very happy, and before Hange ran away at the age of 13, they did most of the work raising him as his father was always busy and his mother was mostly emotionally unavailable due to the fact that she was still mourning the death of her late husband - Hange's biological father - and her eldest daughter. He is highly educated and was intending to go to Mitras University to study medicine when old enough until his Father enrolled him in the Cadet Corps. He wanted to become a Scout, but his Father pulled some strings and had him enrolled in the Military Police instead. He is a natural born leader, but also takes a parental role in group situations. He is incredibly close to Hange and his mother, not so much for his other siblings and father.

FAMILY

Father - [REDACTED INFORMATION] Mother - Liliana Cerise [LAST NAME OMITTED] Zoë Avery Hange - Older Half Sister (8 year difference) Cyrus Elijah [LAST NAME OMITTED] - Older Brother (3 year difference) Kai Porter [LAST NAME OMITTED] - Older Brother (3 year difference) Alyssa Sophia Hange - Oldest Half Sister (15 year difference - Deceased)

Art by my good friend @incubvs

View his Spotify Playlist here:

[isaacathom]

realised tarana and calvyre have the same backstory and im leaning in. i think its very funny that theyre both middle aged divorcees. they share nothing other than that fact but its delightful

[ravenelyx]

I love you in every timeline - Prologue: In Search of Lost Time

Pairing: Sebastian Sallow x Fem!Reader

Words: 1.9k

Chapter Warnings: angst if you squint, Harry Potter characters appearance, no name appearance (not even y/n dw), some swearing, use of 2nd person for the reader (I know I know but I promise it makes sense for the story)

Summary: "He turned around, and the world seemed to stop around him. She had followed him: into another timeline, into another universe.". In which Sebastian, in his search for a cure in the Dark Arts, finds himself 100 years into the future and meets his most trusted companion's descendant (who looks far too similar to the girl he was once secretly in love with).

A/N: this is the first english fic I've written, so I'm terrified. Anyway, Trimetravel! AU with Sebastian Sallow. Some background info: Reader is not MC; Reader is a Gryffindor, MC was a Slytherin; MC was a Pureblood, Reader is a Muggle Born. Also, english is not my first language so if you find any mistakes, I deeply apologise. Not proof-read (for obvious reasons).

→ Find the rest of the fanfiction here on AO3 :)

"For we are not as faithful to the being we have most loved as we are to ourselves and sooner or later we forget her — since that is one of our characteristics — so as to start loving another." - Marcel Proust, In Search of Lost Time

If a chasm had opened under Sebastian's feet and swallowed him all the way to the depths of hell, he would have gladly accepted his demise there and then.

Unfortunately, its mercy seemed to be out of business that day — or any other day in his life, really.

Sebastian paced the corridors, a frown adorning his face; he had just come out of the Headmaster's office due to the absolute disaster that had occurred to him just a few hours prior.

After weeks of research, he had finally found something that could help him, a breakthrough with which he could finally achieve his goal. An artefact so powerful that it could break the fabric of time and space, something that could help his poor sister live a happy and healthy life again. He did not care that they were not on speaking terms at the moment: he would find a way to talk to her so that she would take this last chance. He would force her if he had to. It was his last hope, and Merlin knows he had tried everything.

If he had known about the artefact's effects earlier, he would have thought twice before using it.

"So, Mr Sallow, could you be so kind as to tell us how you came to be in our time?" the Headmaster, who had earlier introduced himself as Albus Dumbledore, had asked him.

Truth was that not having stopped dwelling with the Dark Arts in search of a cure for Anne had led him to find himself in another timeline instead. His face twitched: in terms of unlikelihood, the scales seemed pretty unbalanced.

It had been a brief conversation, really, with Sebastian omitting some details (like his friendship with an Ancient Magic wielder or the murder of his uncle, for which he bore full responsibility) and grimacing against his own will when the Headmaster had looked at him through his half-moon shaped glasses as if asking him, 'Why are you lying to me?'

He had pushed the thoughts away as quickly as they had come: it wasn't like he could read his mind... or could he?

Sebastian breathed a sigh of relief when the Headmaster had dismissed him after giving him specific instructions on how to behave until they found a way to return him to his timeline — one of which was, "Please don't inform anyone of your condition unless it's absolutely necessary." That had seemed quite reasonable to him, so he nodded.

The artefact was damaged, as expected, and unlikely to work again unless a powerful form of magic came into contact with it and repaired it: something like Ancient Magic, perhaps, or a miracle.

"I see you're still causing trouble everywhere you fare, aren't you, Mr Sallow?" the familiar voice of Phineas Nigellus Black had mocked from his portrait, effectively startling him. Sebastian had looked up and into the eyes of his old Headmaster, his mouth falling open at the sight of him. He looked old, weary, and angrier somehow — yet, in a way, he had brought Sebastian some form of comfort, almost. A sense of familiarity.

Before he could have said anything, Black had disappeared, and a woman with severe blue eyes and long robes had escorted him out of the office.

-

Sebastian looked around at his familiar surroundings, which would have been almost comforting if not for the nameless faces looking at him with curiosity: Hogwarts students tended to recognise each other effortlessly, and anyone who didn't fit into that bundle of familiarity was to be ostracised. He remembered all too well when he was the one helping the new fifth-year find her way around those same corridors, except he didn't need guidance: this was his home, after all.

But he did have a guide, and she wasn't as charming a student as he was either.

The Head of the Gryffindor House walked right next to him, a stern expression on her face made even more prominent by the shadow of her large witch hat. The woman Sebastian had come to know as Minerva McGonagall was also the Transfiguration teacher and Deputy Headmistress, at least it seemed that way, which was no doubt why she was accompanying him rather than the Head of his own House.

Sebastian decided not to ask himself any questions and do what the Headmaster told him to: attend class, fit in, and pretend to be either a transfer student or someone with a complex background — he hadn't decided which story to tell yet (and both, in a way or another, would be true).

The clacking of Professor McGonagall's shoes stopped so abruptly that he almost would have missed it if she hadn't started speaking.

"You're about to meet two of your new classmates. Prefects of the Gryffindor House." She raised her left arm in their direction, and his eyes followed it to two red and gold robes leading into warm faces.

"I am pleased to introduce you to Ms Hermione Granger—" she gestured to the girl with curly hair to her left, who wore a friendly smile all while maintaining a serious and clean look, "—and Mr Ronald Weasley." Sebastian's eyes shot to the boy to his right when he heard the familiar name, and to be honest, he might not have needed an introduction at all: the red-haired boy gave him a wry smile, his freckles standing out even more in the natural light. He would have recognised those features anywhere.

Finally, Sebastian noticed their uniforms. He didn't pay much attention to the boy's — he himself also wore a very similar one, uncomfortable and informal as it seemed to him — for his eyes were fixed on the girl's. She was wearing a grey cardigan with red and gold trim, the colours of her House, and her skirt was much shorter than he remembered, with black denier tights covering the rest of her legs. Sebastian felt himself blushing slightly and averted his eyes.

He wondered why the Slytherin prefects were unsuited to the situation: at the end of the day, he was a Slytherin, too. Sebastian didn't undergo the Sorting again — the Professors didn't seem to deem it necessary, not to mention the Hat had recognised him from his shelf, too. He didn’t forget easily.

McGonagall turned back to Sebastian and briefly adjusted his robes, her face softening slightly, "For the time being, it is best if you don't draw attention to yourself. We will find a solution," she straightened her posture and nodded at him, "Welcome to Hogwarts." She turned on her heels and walked away, leaving him with the two Gryffindors.

He studied their faces for a moment, searching for the right words to say, deciding on which story to tell, but the only thing he could muster was: "How come you're Gryffindors?"

The two students stared at him, appalled, and he mentally slapped himself. He wanted to correct his statement and explain his intention, but the girl stopped him before he could even form a coherent thought.

"You're wondering why they asked us to guide you and not the Slytherin Prefects, am I right?"

Either his question wasn't that unclear, or the girl had excellent deduction skills, and judging by the epiphany on the other boy's face when he understood the meaning of her words, it was most likely the latter.

Sebastian sighed inwardly and nodded, mentally promising not to stumble over his words again.

The boy — Ronald, Sebastian recalled — chimed in: "Because otherwise you'd have to deal with Malfoy, and he's an idio—" the girl slapped him on the arm and gave him a warning look before turning back to Sebastian.

Malfoy, Sebastian thought. A family of the Sacred Twenty-Eight. It was clear why a Weasley would want nothing to do with him.

Sebastian wondered if they still held the same values as in his day: if the Malfoys were still blood maniacs, and so was the person they spoke of, or if he wanted to distance himself from his family as Ominis did. Judging by Ronald's opinion of him, Sebastian did not think that was possible, but then again, he did not know the fellow. Maybe, Sebastian thought, things had moved on after a century: no blood wars, discrimination or superiority complexes. Perhaps this was all just a simple rivalry between two students from different Houses.

"Professor Dumbledore thought us to be best suited for this difficult situation. No other student but us knows about your... misadventure," said Hermione.

To call it a "misadventure" would be an understatement , Sebastian wanted to say. As it turned out, however, he didn't need a story to tell. He didn't know whether to feel betrayed by the Professors who had decided to disclose that information or relieved that he didn't have to go through it all alone. A beat of silence followed, in which Sebastian could only nod at the girl's words, and then it was interrupted abruptly.

"Where have you been?" called a voice from the end of the corridor, directly behind Sebastian.

He turned around, and the world seemed to stop around him.

He definitely didn't have to go through it all alone because there she was. Standing a few feet away from him, looking straight at him, was the person who had accompanied him on all his adventures.

She had followed him: into another timeline, into another universe.

He felt his lips twist into a grin, and he beamed at the sight of her. Had she been looking for him?

He frowned a little as he noticed her expression: she seemed annoyed, almost angry. Perhaps she had no intention of following him and had just ended up here for no reason? Were the two of them connected on a deeper level than he thought? Or perhaps she was just worried for him and angry he didn't look for her too?

The girl started to walk towards them, and his smile widened even more the closer she got.

She was almost there when he realised she wasn't sparing him a glance.

Instead, her eyes were focused on the red-haired boy next to him, who was staring at her in horror, looking completely terrified.

Sebastian looked back at the girl, finally noticing the red and gold tie around her neck where a green and silver one usually belonged, a crease in her eyebrows that wasn't there before, and her eyes were a different colour than he remembered.

What the hell is going on here?  he thought, staring at her wide-eyed.

"Ron, for God's sake, I've been looking all over for you! Do you intend to give me back my book before class starts, or should I pull a new one out of a hat because you can't use your own?" she threw her hands in the air disapprovingly.

Ron stuttered briefly before hesitantly pointing at the Slytherin boy next to him, "I've just had too much to do. Prefect stuff, you know."

The girl scowled at him before turning to the said boy, her eyes softening slightly. "Oh! You're the new fifth-year!"

Sebastian's eye twitched. How bloody ironic.

"I'm Sebastian Sallow," he replied feebly, body stock-still like marble.

"Nice to meet you," she smiled politely.

And then she introduced herself.

His breath caught in his throat. Sebastian could have recognised that surname anywhere, but her name fell completely deaf on his ears.

You weren't her.

--

→ Chapter 1

[moons-of-dewclan]

ALSO, a little info on the boys. with a few things omitted for plot reasons atm..

[charlieslowartsies]

FINISHED MY TOOTHLESS PLUSH!!

Materials, info and some comments under the RM!

Toothless' Pattern I purchased

Materials: 6 yards of black minky 1 yard red minky 5 yards of Poly-Fil extra loft medium quilt batting 18 oz of poly pellets (4 oz in each foot) 2 Mainstay firm bed pillows for stuffing 1 spool of purple thread for the top stitching details on his tail, hip and main wings 2.5 spools of black thread Dark green, lime green, goldenrod and light yellow embroidery floss black acrylic paint white fabric paint Velcro one very old, small and cranky sewing machine who somehow survived this ordeal several comfort shows, podcasts, and music to listen to

This was my winter break project! Granted I started bits and pieces of the process in early December, but once my two weeks off hit he really started getting worked on lol.

I know it's hard to tell from photos, but he is A BIG CHONGUS. Toothless is 5.5 feet from head to tail tip, and has a 9 foot wingspan. He weighs about 8 lbs.

He took about 60ish hours and was very complex. My budget was $200 and he came in at $202! That includes things like the bulldog clips that I bought when he was being pinned because the minky was so slippery! This cost EXcludes a sewing machine, or things like an embroidery ring which my mom had, so I was very lucky in several areas—but he still was not cheap, either by expense or by time and sweat/tears!

Of course, the minky was by far the most of the cost, coming in at $122. I’d say the batting would be next, but I waited and snagged a good deal at my local craft store and got the batting for $18. I HIGHLY recommend buying bed pillows. The original maker of the pattern used IKEA pillows I believe.

I increased his size by 20%, so I printed him at 120% and guesstimated on the minky amount. My WORST mistake was forgetting to mirror the WINGS, which meant I had to recut two of the four pieces of fabric. (I should have marked it on the pattern, which I did mark well for things like number count.) Had I not done this, I would have used a lot less minky. I bought 7 yards and only needed 5.5 before my error.

(Now I’ve got scraps and a whole yard left sitting there whispering that it wants to be made into a Krobus plushie…who seems much less of a hurdle than Toothless.)

I stuffed Toothy’s hip fins and tail fins with one layer of quilt batting. His wings however, are double layered with the batting for extra plush, warmth, and durability. His eyes are hand embroidered (my first time!) but stitched on with the machine. Toothless has poly pellets in his feet to help support his bulk, but most of his weight is in his body, hips and start of his tail so he actually sits up really well.

He was a huge labor of love for sure! The pattern was great, the instructions were…less great. But my mom helped me figure out a lot of the troubling bits. Some parts were easy to follow and others were basically "bing bong fuck ya life." Despite that, I do suggest this pattern. But this is definitely an intermediate or advanced pattern. They also sell the eyes for those that have access to an embroidery machine.

I followed the pattern closely as I desired. I did omit the back spikes on his rear legs, and I couldn’t embroider his lil nose by hand ^^; I also did not make his blue alpha fins because of expense and mistrust in my own skills...also, I kinda wanted HTTYD1 Toothless haha. I love the series as a whole but the og movie is literally one of the reasons I went to college, and it went into my thesis as well.

I want to remake his prosthetic at some point when I have time and energy, but for now I’m pleased with 99% of him, especially since this is my first plushie I’ve ever made. I do not regret any of my personal changes and I’m totally in love with him.

[zimt-deathnote]

Hey, I loved your drawing of Matt and Mello watching the Netflix adaptation of the BB case. "Naomi did all the work" so real, I loved that comment, literally L barely did anything to help her and to make it worse he let her work with the criminal himself even after she told him that she didn't feel comfortable working with him and he put her endangered. Very bad L.

It also made me wonder how little Mello reacted to that part of the story when L told it to him. The most logical option is that at that time he did not realize how negligent L had been because, well, even though he is a very smart genius, he was still a child, and his idol was telling him a very interesting case, I doubt he ever noticed or bothered to look into it.

A few years later when he starts writing his novel, he realizes that L did absolutely nothing to solve the case and thinks "L was such a dumbass."

But in case he noticed it at the time, I can't get little Mello out of my head scolding L and questioning his methods in that case.

*After L finishes the story*

Mello: ...So you let this Naomi Misora ​​work with BB, the murderer himself. And you didn't even inform her that he was the murderer.

L: Yes.

Mello: Weren't you worried about her dying? And also if you knew that BB– or "Ryuuzaki" was the culprit, why didn't you arrest him sooner?

L: Naomi is an efficient agent, I trusted her abilities and that she wouldn't let herself be killed that easily. And I knew he was BB from our past connection, but I had no proof that he was the killer so.

Mello: But in the end she did all the work, you didn't do anything.

L:

Mello: You gave her the credit, right?

Anyway, I love your drawings 💖💖

Oh gosh I love the idea of Mello roasting L on the spot after telling his Wara Ningyo Story haha Can someone put this conversation as a "for the better, right?" meme? 😂

I thought a bit about how that whole meeting between L and Mello came to be. And I think L never makes it a big deal when he‘s at Wammy‘s for a visit. But Mello (12 y/o) finds out that L is in the house that day and he catches him when L and Watari are already heading out. Mello has questions about Beyond, who vanished overnight a few months ago "for personal reasons" and pesters L about it, he must know what happened to him, he is L after all. L invites Mello for a piece of cake. Watari notifies Roger that "Justus“ is borrowing Mello for a while. They‘re out In the cafe, L tells Mello all about the Wara Ningyo case, without omitting any of the gruesome details.

Auro is my version of A btw.

----- My other socials Commission Info Let's have some Ko-Fi! 🍵

[andwordsarefutiledevicess]

okay, one thing i haven’t been able to stop thinking about since seeing challengers is the question of art and patrick’s family situations/upbringings. so, here’s my fat ass analysis of the topic.

we know that patrick’s family is rich, and they’re likely wealthier than art’s family because art makes the comment about the size of patrick’s house when they leave the party.

this also means that art has visited patrick’s house outside of their time in boarding school.

as many other people have pointed out, art is the only character to pronounce zweig correctly, as is spoken to in german by his coach, implying he has at least some proficiency in the language.

while art could have learned it from someone else or for other reasons, it does seem most likely that he learned it because of patrick or from patrick’s family, as that is the only established connection to germany he has in the film.

if this is true, and art understands german because patrick’s family speaks german, this means that patrick’s parents most likely emigrated from germany to the u.s., since it’s less common for native languages to be spoken after the second generation. at the very least his grandparents are likely from germany.

i did find it odd that we’re not given much of an idea as to why patrick’s family isn’t helping him financially when he struggles in the 2010s. if he’s this rich kid sent to boarding school, why isn’t he just living off some trust fund? he was clearly cut off, but the question is why.

i think the most likely reason is that they got sick of his immaturity — he wasn’t winning challenges, and was living this party boy lifestyle, and they stopped funding it. another possibility is that they became aware that he was dating men, which we know from seeing his tinder. or the combo of these factors led to him because estranged, or simply not willing to tell them about his situation.

so — patrick’s family = rich, large house, parents from germany, potentially estranged, financially cut off

now for the question of art’s family. i’ve seen plenty of people headcanon that art was raised by his grandma, but i don’t entirely buy into this.

i think if art was exclusively raised by his grandma (and his parents were unable to/not alive) this would have been too significant of a bit of character info to omit.

so, i think it’s more likely that his grandma is a recurring topic in the movie because she’s the only family member who cares truly deeply for art. while no parents or siblings are mentioned (to my memory), she is.

as said before, it’s heavily implied that patrick’s family is more wealthy than art’s. at the same time, art’s family was still able to afford to send their kid to boarding school, and there’s no reason to believe he was on scholarship. so art’s family was likely solidly upper middle class, but not rich like patrick’s.

so — art’s family = upper middle class, closest with grandma, minimal support as adult

ANYWAYS that was my massive ramble. can yall tell im procrastinating actual work?

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

AITA for omitting to a friend that I know more about her life than she thinks I know?

So, I (17F) am friends with a group of nice people in my class. Were're not like, really close friends, at least I am not emotionally very close to them as I am to my bestfriend but anyway. There was a couple in this group, a girl we're gonna call Princess and a boy we're gonna call Emo. I am friends with both of them, and they always seemed like a "couple goals" to other people. One day, Emo called me privately via text message telling they have broken up. I thought it was a prank, but no. He was so angry and I really noticed he wanted somebody to listen to him. Anyways, he spilled some hot tea about their relationship I didn't knew about. He said that she cheated on him a while ago and he forgave her after, but said the reason of this fight is because of some other reason. I'm not gonna tell the whole story, but I tought they were kinda both asses: he tought she was too promiscuous, and she seemed very emotional manipulative from the stories he told me. I was honest then: told him which parte they he was right and the parts I thought he was being an ass. Anways, something I noticed about princess is that she never told anyone about the end of their relationship. She and Emo were more distant in school and no one seemed to notice, but I did. Because I already knew. But here's the thing: I didn't told her I knew what was going on with her, because I wanted to wait her time. I wanted her to feel ready enough to open this up without feeling pressured. Some time passed, Emo was having a mental breakdown wanting her back, she didn't wanted him (which I don't blame her) and I gave him some emotional support via text so Emo wouldn't turn suicidal too. I was feeling bad for him actually, never saw that boy have such a heart to heart vent with me. And he really trusted me, he said I was a very kind person and should never change. Some time passed and Princess texted me out of the blue saying she wanted to talk. I was already suspicious about what would be. She finally told me she and Emo have broken up. Well, I wanted to be honest, so I didn't wanted to fake surprise. I said I already knew and I could feel she was very confused. I said Emo told me but that I never brought up the topic woth her because I was waiting her time, I wanted her to feel ready by herself. She gladly understood this part and where I was coming from. But she asked if Emo said anything more than just "hey, me and princess broken up" and I will admit, I panicked a bit. Honestly, I don't think it's my fault that I know everything about the cheating and their last fight: boy wanted somebody to talk and spilled everything from his heart, as a friend I listened to him. But as a friend I don't think I can expose his conversations with me to Princess because that would be gossip, so that's why I gave her this answer: "No, he just said you two broke up. Nothing more. I still don't know if I did the right thing. Part of me feels like she would feel horrible to know that I know all the things that happened to them (I mean, she didn't say to me those parts for a reason, right?) and I something I take very seriously in friendships is privacy and loyalty. I don't think is right to tell her about Emo's conversation with me, as much as I never told Emo about any chat I had with princess. They're both my friends, I have commitment to both of them.

But part of me feels like a straight up bitch about lying. I remember I went to sleep that night with my heart hammering in my chest. My mom says I am a good friend to both of them. But my best friend said she would give a different and 100% honest answer to princess if she was in my place.

Help me.

[iridescentmirrorsgenshin]

hi! i was thinking about the difference in kaveh’s reaction in a parade of providence’s ending when it is alhaitham vs the traveler telling him about his father with relation to sachin. with traveler, kaveh readily and openly admits that he still feels guilty anyway. with alhaitham, he curiously doesn’t, and I wonder if that’s conscious or unconscious. Does he know, however subconsciously, that alhaitham disagrees with him feeling guilty over his father’s death, or that alhaitham was trying to help him overcome that guilt? but he is not ready to let go of it so he specifically doesn’t mention it to not provoke a discussion and give alhaitham the chance to further show him reasons why he shouldn’t feel guilty? both to avoid being swayed and more arguing about a painful topic… (or maybe he just got distracted by alhaitham’s teasing about ‘thank you’s. or maybe the teasing was alhaitham’s olive branch and a way to go back to their usual banter because he knew the new info was still not enough and kaveh wasn’t ready yet…)

anyway, just wondering about how kaveh, while having no problem discussing delicate and private matters with alhaitham (this conversation, and then when he was homeless at the tavern) presumably because he trusts him and still feels close to him in a familiar way, is very, very careful to not mention his guilt still… could also be trauma after their final thesis argument, maybe?

hiya!! thank you so much for this ask!! HAPPY ONE YEAR TO A PARADE OF PROVIDENCE!! <333

you raise extremely valid and scrummy points, thank you for giving me an opportunity to talk about this event hehehe

i think it's deliberately ambiguous as to kaveh's thinking here, as you've said, with the traveler, kaveh openly admits that although his father's depressive slump after the interdarshan championship and him joining a research project in the desert wasn't directly connected to him, rather it was sachin's influence, kaveh still believes he was the catalyst for this chain of events, and therefore he believes he is still to blame

with alhaitham, however, this mention of guilt is omitted, and kaveh thanks alhaitham for letting him know about 'all this', which reads not only as alhaitham letting kaveh know about sachin's influence over his father, but also as a reference to their discussion about their respective philosophies - with alhaitham concluding that their issue is not who is right or wrong in their approach to life, because as is concluded within this event - 'correctness' is a subjective way of thinking; alhaitham being 'right' about egoism, or kaveh being 'right' about altruism, ultimately doesn't matter, but, to alhaitham, what does matter is sacrificing oneself for the sake of a subjective ideal - this is a fate he does not want for kaveh

the difference in context between the traveller telling kaveh about sachin versus alhaitham, is that kaveh knows that alhaitham is looking into sachin but he doesn't know why alhaitham is specifically interested as he (rightfully) knows that alhaitham isn't interested in nihilism. this contradiction in alhaitham's behaviour is such an issue for kaveh that he repeatedly questions it within the remainder of the event after discovering alhaitham's note, seemingly about sachin, but addressed to kaveh in a language only they know. when the traveller reveals the news to kaveh, this context is removed, and the connection between the discovery and alhaitham is severed. the element of personal has been omitted.

when alhaitham tells kaveh the news, however, kaveh questions why alhaitham is interested in sachin's research, only for alhaitham to tell him that it isn't because of philosophies at all - it's due to sachin's connection to kaveh's father. this is personal. alhaitham is the only one who knows about the source of kaveh's guilt, in comparison to the traveller and paimon, who kaveh evaded confiding in. it's revealed to kaveh here that alhaitham has personally looked into this matter for kaveh's sake - but the question left unanswered is why?

in terms of kaveh's understanding of alhaitham, this is a pretty big deal, since kaveh interprets alhaitham as constantly criticising his ideals and his philosophies (whereas, alhaitham is actually highlighting the detriment of kaveh's pursuit of his ideals). alhaitham openly stating that they have moved on from asserting 'correctness' over each other, and that this isn't the issue, actively prompts the question of what the actual issue is - coupled with this is the impact of alhaitham's actions in this event. alhaitham leaves kaveh a cryptic note about the idealist never being able to accomplish happiness for themselves if they detriment themselves for the sake of achieving happiness for others, which kaveh (rightfully) doesn't understand in relation to sachin. and then alhaitham reveals to kaveh that he looked into his father's disappearance, and kaveh is not the sole instigator as he believes himself to be.

your point about kaveh's guilt never openly being discussed is crucial here i think in terms of subtext. the source of his guilt, being his belief he lead to his father's passing, is questioned by paimon and the traveler, to which kaveh evades telling them. alhaitham is the only person who does know the reason kaveh detriments himself in his altruism, as shown in their argument in their akademiya days. alhaitham looking into sachin must tell kaveh something, but again, it isn't revealed exactly what kaveh thinks, and alhaitham never reveals the reasons why he looked into it, and what he hopes to achieve.

although i think this is more due to narrative reasons, the wounds left from their argument are definitely a factor in this evasion of mentioning kaveh's guilt - a parade of providence deliberately highlights the miscommunication between alhaitham and kaveh, and this is solely due to their past argument. kaveh not mentioning his guilt could be because he doesn't fully understand why alhaitham has looked into this incident for his sake, and alhaitham says nothing more about it because he knows it's still too early for kaveh to process - narratively, i think this is what's at play here

alhaitham teasing him is definitely a way to revert back to their normalcy, however, i also think it serves as a distraction - and it works!! kaveh is relatively cheery in comparison to how upset (as described by paimon) he is when the traveler tells him the news. narratively wise, i think it's a good place to leave it as nothing is inherently confirmed - the potentiality for kaveh and alhaitham separating is eradicated; kaveh and alhaitham continue living with each other, and kaveh is seemingly no longer intent on moving out of alhaitham's house, having thanked alhaitham for his words, rather than finding them 'infuriating'. this is an open ending and gives their narrative arcs freedom to potentially (hopefully) be developed in the future

(from the leaks, i'm going to say that the 'good' ending, or the ending that coincides with the arc that these characters are undertaking, is the ending in which it is alhaitham who tells kaveh of sachin's involvement with his father - i'll have more to say about this at another time!!)

Thank you again for your ask?? Your points were really insightful into their messy little psyches!! Everything you said rings true <333

[brainworms-all-night-long]

Nine does a little Amy character analysis and she accidentally sets him up for a small existential crisis

[1,866 words]

———

Nine believed he had a pretty good read on people.

A very useful skill to fall back on when in a situation where fighting either isn't, or would be the worse option. 

How to say the right thing or turn to the right person who was carefully picked out as the possible highest threat, how to omit information or end the conversation entirely and so on and so forth, but all those skills very pretty much useless when faced with someone who wants to talk, just for the sake of talk. 

It pulled the rug from beneath him when he first met Sonic, and now Amy is kicking him in the shins.

Well, the thing is Amy does want information, but telling her how much sugar he liked in his tea wasn't exactly something confidential or potentially life threatening if she got it out of him. There wasn't any threat at place, except maybe getting poisoned (but that was baseless paranoia, hopefully), or a mind game to win. She was just talking into the wind or humming a song he didn't know. 

He felt like a fish out of water in the small dining area of Tails' workshop just now, so he kept his own talking to a minimum in favor of just observing. 

The answer was two and a half spoon of sugar by the way.

With a chipper smile, Amy carefully placed a tray with five mugs — one that was more like a vase with a giant ear — and handpicked that was than placed in front of him. A polite thank you and you're welcome later, Nine grabbed the still warm mug with both of his hands and let thermodynamics do its thing.

After a while, he took a careful sip and let the tea's full warmth wash over him. It had just a slight off taste from what he was used to, but that might be just the artificial soap-like aftertaste missing. By the time he was done taste testing, the hedgehog has turned back around in the kitchen cutting up a strange bread-shaped thing into thick slices.

Still keeping quiet, Nine nodded along to the whatever the hedgehog was talking about. Something about their little friend group rarely getting to have breakfast together for one reason or another so this morning was a special occasion and she was determined to get everyone behind the table.

It was a sweet sentiment, Nine inferred anyway. Taking everything into account, Amy appeared as innocent and cheerful as Nine could imagine a person being, though holding a giant kitchen knife added to her underlying threatening aura that took him off guard the first time he was met with it.

Sonic's friends were... confusing. 

For all the strength she harbored, the Blunt force weapon always stashed close to her somewhere and how quick to snap she was when something didn't go her way (or Sonic was being deliberately annoying, as he was greeted with right the first day here) — the way she carried herself was light, words sweet and kindness brimming from every wrinkle to the smile on her face. And none of it was necessary or faked.

At least not in a way Nine could tell.

He tried remembering anything and everything about her shaterverse counterparts, even the first nonsencial ramblings Sonic went on back when they first met just to attempt to dig deeper. Unfortunately, most details were lost on him. Back then it was hardly of concern to him, so he didn't bother keeping the info, but now he wishes more than ever that he did, if only to satisfy his never ending need for more information.

Amy's counterparts were competent fighters alright. All three of them got along almost instantly and they constantly bit a bullet for the other. It could've been just the pressure of trying to stay alive on the battlefield but that didn't feel like a correct assessment. They were also the ones that took Sonic the first half of the way back home so their power and efforts were hardly something to scoff at. 

Nine guessed it was convenient to keep a friendly facade, since as aforementioned knowing how to talk to people was always an advantag, if only for the connections that would prove useful in the future. And this world was hardly such a dystopian landscape where brute force was needed every day just to stay alive, so perhaps having the option for both fronts was just the optimal way to function. 

But Amy or anyone else didn't need to just survive to the next day, did they.

They had everything they could ask for, and more. So the most likely option out of all of this was that Nine was just going at this from a completely wrong angle.

By the time he abandoned his lackluster train of thought, there was already a full tray of some sort of sweet pastry placed in front of him. Approximately 18 pieces, five of them were covered by jam and the rest by a noticeable layer of butter.

Nine squinted at the food, trying to identify just what could it be from looks alone but came up dry with that too. The subtle sweet aroma from them was unbelivably tantalizing, and there was a lot of them, so one slice wouldn't be missed much would it?

He hesitated to reach for it when Amy's low voice suddenly registered in his ears again.

"...Wonder if it's something that shaken him up before he got here. Maybe he's just like that, it's fine Amy you could always just ask."

Nine made a questioning hum to catch the hedgehog's attention, and she froze mid collecting all the crumbs on her cutting board.

"Oh, nothing!" She turned on her heel with palms open and close to her chest as if caught red-handed "You zoned out for a bit and I didn't know what you wanted on your sweet bread so I just defaulted to butter. Then again there's nothing difficult to either add or scrape the topping to get the one you want, so it's nothing really!" She explained frantically and Nine had trouble catching every word.

Either way he understood, but this wasnt a problem in the slightest since he couldt have a prefference for something he never had.

It came clear the main problem was she was apparently talking to him and he didn't even register that. Pretty embarrassing blunder all things considered.

"Sorry for not responding. I was just thinking about uh, unrelated things."

Amy nodded with a shy blush creepingbup her cheeks and swiped the crumbs into the basin. "Ah I get it, Tails is the same. He gets lost in that big head of his all the time and then I barely understand what he says when he gets out of it." She chuckled fondly and finally sat down.

Nine placed the mug down to the table with way more force than needed, but the hedgehog on the opposite end didn't seem to notice. The feeling suddenly squeezing his chest was far away from fondness.

"He gets so lost in it, in fact, that he forgets to eat or sleep most of the time. So there's a high chance he might end up waking after noon again and I made all those extra slices for nothing." She grumbled and smeared a piece of the bread with honey before taking an annoyed bite. "Of course I could go wake him up but, the last thing you want to deal with is cranky tired Tails."

Nine did everything in his limited power to stay just as neutral as he was until now. So he took another sip of the tea and avoided looking at her or listen beyond the surface level to what she was saying.

"You surprised me though! I'm usually the first one awake for a long time when staying over. Sonic usually follows but he's out the door before you know it." 

It was fine, it wasn't a character observation, just a surface level behavior comparison with a limited frame of reference. Like it would be with any other person.

After a while of silently staring into his half-empty mug, it must've gotten weird as Amy's ears wilted a bit.

"Oh um, you don't want any?" She motioned towards the tray in front of him sadly.

"I do, just... I'll finish my drink first."

Somewhat of a save. Rember Nine, just act like a normal person would, it's not that hard.

"Ah, all alright then! Although... it's usually better when you combine the tea with the food as you go, but you do you!"

Well alright, apparently it is. Whatever. 

Nine took a few defeated sips while retreating back into his head.

He can't keep it up if just the mere mention of Tails' name anywhere near him sends him into a spiral, but what can be done about it.

Exposure therapy perhaps but, that made him interanly grimace. Say that it's bothering him and set that boundary and make it clear? Perhaps. Plausible. The issue is that he literally lives in the guy's house, so most likely not as effective as he'd like. He fought with himself to not audibly groan while he finally placed down an empty mug.

This time it was a sudden gust of wind dragged him out of his head while Amy almost jumped from her chair.

"Mornin' fellas!" 

The next thing Nine saw was the grinning face of none other than Sonic the hedgehog right next to him, and that grin was utterly infectious, melting most of his worries away. As is normal.

"Morning Sonic." Nine mumbled while Amy sprung to her feet with an outstretched hand reaching for the other hedgehog. 

"Sonic wait before you go-!" 

"Going where? I'm sitting right here." 

He nonchalantly motioned to himself sitting lazily on a chair next to Nine, and Amy's hand dropped.

"Ah alright then. Well! Breakfast!" She didn't give up completely though and ended up pointing at the table instead.

Sonic made a noise of affirmation that was probably something along the lines of 'don't have to tell me twice' and snatched a jam-covered slice closest to him.

With a mouthful he addressed Nine with a gentle nudge to his elbow "You're up early bud, hopefully slept better than yesterday." 

"Why does everyone commemorate me on waking up, come on." He groaned, though there was some humor to it. He rather not remember yesterday's debacle, but rhe sunshine attitudes of everyone around has already rubbed off on him unfortunately.

"Hey sorry on that, I'm used to living with a Big Brain that has a freestyle sleeping schedule that never meets the sun." 

Sonic wasn't even done eating the first slice before he took another one and Nine clenched his jaw.

"Right! Also though now it actually feels a bit mean since I mentioned the same thing." Amy chimed in, it was obvious they were on the same wavelength of who the conversation was about and Nine decided to keep it in just for a while longer. 

He needs to eat something first, so he can think and act reliably later. 

He'll figure something out eventually, he always does.

[shunin-gumis]

Designs of Happiness - Track A05

L4mps Main Story Translation

Title: Missing Brother's Memorial

Characters: Toi, Daniel, Ryui

Summary: Toi promises to take on any request from the protagonist if they decide to help him find his brother. Seeing as the protagonist doesn't have the heart to leave him alone, they agree to lend a hand.

JP Proofreading: aca @463ce6 on twt EN Proofreading: jes @arcanecrayonn on twt

Location: Fortune-Teller’s Parlor “Angel Eye”

Momiji: … Fate?

Toi: Yes.

Daniel: Like I said, shady… 

Toi: If I may confirm, the two of you came here because you had a request for me, right? 

Momiji: That’s right.

Toi: And I happen to have a request for you too… Don’t you think that fate is in play here?

Momiji: I… I suppose so?

Toi: If you would help me search for my brother, I’ll take on any request of yours. That’s a promise.

Momiji: Um… Were you also able to foresee that we came here with a goal in mind?

Toi: Yes, although I’m not quite sure of the reason yet.

Momiji: I didn’t know fortune-telling could find out all that… Or maybe he’s on a different level altogether since he’s from a prestigious family of diviners… 

Toi: I’m begging you… Please, help me.

Momiji: Toi-kun looks so earnest right now… I just can’t leave a kid like this alone.

Momiji: Daniel-san.

Daniel: Blah, don’t look at me like that. Do whatever you want. It’s not like I can stop you when you set your mind to somethin’ anyways. 

Momiji: Thank you for understanding.

Momiji: Toi-kun, let’s find your brother, together!

Toi: R-Really!?

Toi: …! Thank you so much! I’m so happy… ! I can’t tell you how grateful I am right now…!

Toi: Mashiro, I managed to convey my request properly!

Mashiro: It seems that those from beyond the veil have sent you their blessings! I am truly happy for you!

Daniel: So, tell us what this Ryui fella looks like, some clues on what he’s like and the sort.

Toi: Of course! I made a special episode that showcases all the best sides of the coolest, most handsomest, most PERFECT big brother in the whole wide world! I’m sure you’ll understand his charms in no time!

Momiji: Er, a special episode…?

Toi: *dreamy sigh* They’re all top tier scenes, with their own CGs*. First up is–

Memorial start:

Toi: Ani-sama… He’s not here yet… Did I get our meeting place right…?

Ryui: Oh, you’re already here? There was somethin’ I had to take care of, sorry for making you wait… 

Toi: It’s okay! I didn’t have to wait long, don’t worry!

Ryui: If you say so… Toi, about those clothes you’re wearing… 

Toi: Yes? Is there anything wrong?

Ryui: They look real good on you. You’re so cute that even literal angels wouldn’t stand a chance. But you’re always cute, haha.

~~~

Daniel: Aw geez, spare me… 

Momiji: Seems like they’re already at MAX affection level…  ~~~

Ryui: Oi Toi, you keep wanderin’ around again… I told you to stick close to me.

Toi: I’m sorry… I couldn’t help but follow the sweet scent coming from the Castella bakery… 

Ryui: Geez, you’re so clumsy… Can’t take my eyes off you for even a second.

Ryui: Here, give me your hand. I’ll make sure you won’t get lost again.

~~~ Momiji: Oh, the classic “You’re so clumsy” trope comes into play… 

Daniel: I mean, phones exist for a reason y’know… 

Momiji: Honestly, I was expecting info like his height, what he wears, what kind of places he frequents… Not whatever this is… 

Mashiro: Toi, I believe you are omitting a crucial piece of information that you must disclose.

Toi: Ah, you’re right! I need to remedy that…  ~~~

Toi: Ani-sama… Can I come closer to you?

Ryui: … Sure.

Toi: ….. 

Toi: I’m gonna intertwine our fingers… 

Ryui: *sharp inhale* ...! You… 

Toi: Ah, he gripped it back tightly… I want to touch him some more…!

Ryui: W-What’s up with you today… You’re not usually this bold– Hey! Where do you think you’re touching!? Fuck… Just do whatever you want…!

Ryui: ... You're fine if I touch you back right?

~~~

Daniel: Those are some crazy rose-tinted glasses he’s got on! I’ve got a huge itch to punch something right about now, where’s a sandbag when you need one!? ~~~

Ryui: Ah… I've been meaning to ask, you been seeing any good dreams lately?

Ryui: I’m always worried about you, y’know. You’re the most precious thing in this world to me.

Ryui: If the good dreams ain’t coming to you, I’ll accompany you all night long.

Ryui: … You know what that means, right?

~~~

Momiji: Daniel-san looks like his soul’s left his body… 

Toi: My Ani-sama was super duper cool just then! Right, Mashiro?

Mashiro: Indeed, it has been safely documented within the CG Gallery of our hearts. There is not a shadow of a doubt: he is, without question, the finest big brother in the world. 

Toi: Right~? I think so too!

Momiji: Yeah, I can tell he’s a, um, very kind brother. Yeah. 

Toi: And then there was… Ah! I can’t believe it’s already this late!

Momiji: Is something wrong?

Toi: The truth is… There is someone else besides you who’s necessary to lead me to my brother.

Toi: All of us have to gather together at a certain spot by 11 pm.

Momiji: There’s only one hour left until then…!

Momiji: Then we’ve got to hurry! Do you know where we have to go?

Toi: I do. It’s within HAMA, so it shouldn’t take too long to get there.

Toi: I’m sorry for being all over the place… The two of you can go ahead and wait outside the parlor, I’ll come out soon after I change my clothes.

Daniel: Huh, so there’s more people involved in this fate mumbo-jumbo.

Momiji: Yeah… It’s got me feeling a little excited though!

Daniel: Really? Can’t bring myself to believe in this stuff, leads to nothing but trouble anyways.

Toi: Thank you for waiting!

Momiji: Hey Toi-kun… Oh?

Momiji: Toi-kun… did you perhaps attend Ev3ns’ Hospitality Live before?

Toi: Eh?

Daniel: What, so you knew him after all?

Momiji: I wouldn’t say we’re acquainted, I only saw him in passing.

Momiji: He really stood out amongst the fans while I was making the rounds, that’s why I remember him.

Toi: I did go to the Ev3ns Live, yes… Wait, does that mean…?

Toi: You’re an employee at Chii-sama’s company!?

Momiji: Yeah, I am.

Toi: R-R-Really!? Oh my! I can’t believe I’m in the presence of someone who works closely with Chii-sama!!

Momiji: Wow… He brightened up considerably hearing that.

Toi: Chii-sama is a one-in-a-million talent that’s rare to find! His dance technique is the best and he really knows how to sell his fanservice! 

Toi: Chii-sama was born to be an idol! I’ve been a fan of his since the beginning!

Mashiro: Now, now, Toi. I must stop you there. It would be most unwise for the Master of the House* to discover your plans.

Mashiro: You must depart from here quietly.

Toi: Ah… You’re right, sorry.

Momiji: It’s fine with us, don’t worry.

Daniel: Haa… Can’t believe you’re making me do overtime… It’s ok if I come in late tomorrow right? Like, 8 hours later.

Momiji: Nope.

Toi: Mashiro, I’m leaving the parlor in your hands.

Mashiro: Rest assured!

Momiji: So, Toi-kun really is a fan of Chihiro-kun… He even attended Ev3ns’ Live.

Momiji: Somehow this feels like a night for fateful encounters. The place we’re headed is within the 18th Ward… 

Momiji: I can’t help but think this next meeting will lead to the formation of the Night Team… Yeah, I’m sure of it.

Momiji: After all, tonight is–

Daniel: Oi! Stop spacing out over there, we’re moving!

Momiji: Coming!

Momiji: My heart can’t help but pound in excitement!

Notes:

CG is known as "Computer Graphic" in the Visual Novel community, including Otome games, which are specially illustrated scenes that involve the love interest and sometimes the protagonist in unique poses and background art. This is important to note because Toi is a huge fan of Otome games.

Master of the House refers to Toi and Ryui's grandfather, who is the true authority of the family despite Toi being the current head.

The title might be a play on a popular Japanese dating-sim series "Tokimeki Memorial", of which the otome game series is named "Tokimeki Memorial Girl's Side" The scenes from Toi's "CG Gallery" are very similar to how they play out in the original games.

<- Previous | Next ->

Masterlist

[ibrithir-was-here]

One good, though obscure, Dracula game (board game) is Fury Of Dracula. (Only the latest edition! The first three ones had omitted the Harkers and had issues). In it, Dracula is revived a year later, with several undead minions and powers of hell. You can play as him and his army or as Van Helsing, Mina, Jack, and Arthur. For intro, they use a letter (unopened) from Mina to Quincey, in case she dies. Here's part of it.

As the dreams continued, I awoke one night to find myself standing in the hall with Mr. Morris’s old knife in one hand. (...) I packed my things, kissed you and Jonathan good-bye, and departed that morning to visit Arthur—Lord Godalming—in the country. Doctor Seward and Van Helsing arrived soon after, and we hunters of the Vampire were thus reunited. Only Jonathan remained, staying with you, my son, to keep you safe.

Apparently, Mina was compelled via link to try to slay infant Quincey in his sleep so he won't grow up to become a threat. Jonathan stays back protecting him from any undead and gathering info, so he's not a player character, but for once it's for a good reason. And notice how Mina calls only Arthur by name, indicating her closeness to him, or how she calls Dracula 'the Vampire'. That writer, in a very rare feat, understood the assignment.

Oh dang! That does sound intense/tragic :(

Very glad they've kept the camaraderie and Harker love though!

[nalyra-dreaming]

Do you think it'll turn out that Louis was planning on leaving Paris with Claudia and Madeleine, and it's been edited from the narrative so Armand can have plausible deniability about causing the trial? I understand that for Armand, the fact that there's space in Louis' heart for anyone but him could be reason enough to want Claudia dead, and the trial is a convenient way to get rid of her, be free of the coven, and make Lestat the fall guy all in one go. But fans who don't have book context seem pretty confused about why he'd want Claudia dead when she's already 'out of the way', and Louis seems somewhat resentful towards her anyway. For dramatic purposes, I think it'd be a good idea for them to ultimately clarify his motive, and I can't help but feel that there's some info being omitted that would indicate his true motives beyond doubt.

Mhhh no. I don’t think Louis had any intention of leaving with them here… I don’t think he wanted to get between them in any way.

And I don’t think he wanted more of Madeleine in his life… the stranger.

But we’ll see. He did in the book! But then he broke up with Armand to do that, and (supposedly) that has not happened here.

[bluesturngold]

Sub-Genres Included in Each Genre (Below the Cut)

Action includes Platformers, Shooters, Fighting, Beat 'Em Ups, Stealth, Survival, Rhythm, Battle Royale

Action-Adventure includes Survival Horror and Metroidvanias

Adventure includes Text Adventures, Graphic Adventures, Visual Novels, Interactive Movies, FMV Games, Real-Time 3D Adventure Games

Puzzle includes Breakout Clones, Logical Games, Trial-and-Error Games, Exploration Games, Hidden Object Games, Reveal the Picture Games, Tile-Matching Games, Puzzle Platformers

Role-Playing includes Action RPGs, MMORPGs, Roguelikes, Tactical, Sandbox RPGs, First-Person Party-Based RPGs, Monster Tamer Games

Simulation includes Construction and Management Simulation, Life Simulation, Vehicle Simulation

Strategy includes 4X Games, Artillery Games, Auto Battler/Auto Chess, Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) Games, Real-Time Strategy (RTS), Real-Time Tactics (RTT), Tower Defense, Turn-Based Strategy (TBS), Turn-Based Tactics (TBT), Wargames, Grand Strategy Wargames

Sports includes Racing, Competitive Games (i.e. Rocket League), Sports-Based Fighting Games

[I read the sub-genre info but no genre listed here includes my favorite games.] The above sub-genre information does not fully encompass all of the smaller or more niche sub-genres that could reasonably fit into the core genres. I encourage you to think deeply about the gameplay mechanics and artistic influences of the games you enjoy the most to determine if they may be close enough to one of the listed core genres such that you can decide it's representative enough to say your tastes fall in that genre, or fall into two or more of the listed genres. Ultimately, it is up to your own analysis of your preferences to find a core genre you feel adequately encompasses your tastes and decide whether or not you need to click this 'other' option.

(Core Genres and Sub-Genres are lifted from the list of core genres on Wikipedia. If you need additional assistance picking a core genre you feel is your favorite, the hyperlinked Wikipedia article has a lot of good information explaining these sub-genres and what sorts of games fall under them. None of this is my opinion.)

(This post was inspired by a favorite video game genre poll that listed several action, adventure, and RPG sub-genres but omitted mainstay genres like puzzle games, sports games, or strategy games.)

[autumnwhistles]

Introducing Last Life SMP: The Unofficial Musical

“There is an old, old tale to be told

Of green like the spruce, of crimson and gold.”

[Full song list and links under the cut]

NOTE: AUDITIONS ARE OPEN UNTIL NOV 20TH!!!! If you're interested, please check out the #auditions and #info tags for more information.

Those are the first lines sung (...kind of) in a musical adaption of the Last Life SMP I’ve decided to talk myself to write, for... some reason. Please note this is not an actual play and never will be (rights and crediting issues, for one thing, the CCs deserve to take credit for the storyline they’ve made), but I will record, put it together, and upload songs to Youtube in a playlist. Most of the plot is from Last Life itself, and is stated in the songs, so it should be easy enough to follow. There will also be the relevant plot in the description of each song.

My aim is to tell a coherent story through songs (which, because I can’t hold myself back, I’ve planned 45 of...), meaning that I can’t just jump perspectives continuously and chronicle events. This means that some of the CC’s characters are going to have a bigger role than others, though I do want to honour everyone involved, so I’d appreciate any ideas on doing this (especially for Tango and Skizz). However, so far:

It mainly follows Martyn (especially due to his lore, he had the easiest storyline to adapt into a narrative setting, and to me at least was the main character of that season), partially following Scott as the winner as well. They do foil each other quite well this season, which is a bonus – though I am going to be stretching this for the sake of Cohesion^TM.

Important events and important exposition are given to us by the Chorus, keeping the storyline in tact while shifting focuses (Joel going Red, for example). The Chorus are actually Watchers observing the events, which is hinted in the opening song (they sing a lot of references to Martyn’s Last Life teaser, for instance).

This means that Watchers and Listeners are technically canon (especially since we’re following Martyn’s lore), but the names aren’t going to be stated so things can be interpreted differently for people who don’t keep track of/aren’t fans of that. 

Memories of 3rd Life are also canon, as they are in the series.

This follows the headcanon (and out-of-universe truth) that 3rd Life took place in Spring and Last Life in Autumn, so if there are references to that in songs (which they are), that’s why.

Also, though I’ve tried to keep everything as faithful to the events of Last Life as possible (except one confrontation/song that doesn’t happen, to resolve various things), but I do tweak some minor chronological aspects (eg when alliances were established) and omit some things  again for cohesion, and also to help establish information early on.

Progress-wise first song is nearly finished, though I do still need to record it. I have pretty concrete ideas for others, and some I don’t really know yet, but hopefully they’ll be coming out at a steady, if slow, pace. I am somewhat a novice at music production (as in recording and putting tracks together) though, so help with that would be appreciated.

*if you’re not convinced, watch the start of his session 8 until 1:57, he canonically hallucinates his friends and this is due to a sinister entity only he can hear speaking to him and commanding him to follow it even somewhat despite his will, manipulated by promises of bringing back these dead friends. And all this is in his episodes. Main character behaviour, guys. Main character behaviour.

Full song list:

Part 1:

1. Overture/Middle of Nowhere: We’re introduced to the Last Life world by the Chorus as players spawn in. Martyn seems to hear something, but brushes it off.

2. Corners of the World: Through Martyn’s perspective we’re introduced to players and their alliances. He meets Scott and Pearl and chats to them for a while, before heading with them to spawn.

3. “Tales: Record 13″/”The Boogeyman”: At spawn, Grian narrates his experience with BDubs’ Boogeyman curse, and all around the map the players express what they’ve heard about the Boogeyman curse themselves.

4. “A(ha)lliances”: The Southlands ally, making a-ha jokes, and Pearl and Scott solidify their alliance via Pearl gifting Scott a life.

5. “The Table Song 1″: Now some time into the series, the Chorus updates us on the alliances that have formed: the Fairy Fort, Team BEST, Magical Mountain, Scott and Pearl, and the Southlands. It also chronicles the journey of the Enchanting Table, now in Magical Mountain, and the Southlands’ trip to enchant which ends with Scar’s Boogeyman kill.

6. “Our Will Be Done (Precursor 1)”: Martyn hears a mysterious voice speaking to him for the first time, telling him to give Ren some Nether Wart. He does so.

7. “Debts (potentially an instrumental)”: Martyn extinguishes Ren’s burning tower and Ren tells him of his alliance and pledge to Lizzie, reminding him of his time in 3rd Life.

8. “In Spring We Met”: After returning to the Southlands, Martyn thinks about the conflicting loyalties he feels between the Southlands and the remaining ties he feels to Ren, despite it being a new life. As he falls asleep, the voice whispers to him about betraying the Southlands and forming an alliance with Ren to suit its own goals.

9. “Green, Crimson, Gold”: Joel is now Red after an unlucky session, and news of a Red name spreads throughout the server.

10. “The Table Song 2″*: The journey of the Enchanting Table is further chronicled, coming into Scott and Pearl’s possession, who then sell it to Lizzie for a life each, putting Scott up to the same number of lives as Martyn, 4.

11. “Their Dubious Game”: Scott wonders about how trustworthy the rules of the game actually are, prompted by the forced isolation of Red names this time due to their nature contradicting his experiences in 3rd Life with Jimmy, while Martyn, breaching the border with the Southlands, hesitantly wonders the same thing. 

12. “Northern Lament”: Below Magical Mountain, Joel fumes at being distrusted by everyone and isolated purely due to his Red name. Above, Scar muses about being isolated and distrusted for the opposite reason, because of how many lives he has.

13. “A(ha)alliances (Reprise)”: Time passes, and Martyn grows closer to the Southlands. However, he’s still meeting up with Ren who offers to introduce him to Lizzie and the rest of the Fairy Fort, potentially considering a betrayal. The Voice prompts him to accept this, as they can be useful in its plan.

14. “unnamed Wither theme (Instrumental)”: Grian informs the Southlands that Scott and Pearl are in possession of a Wither Skull, expressing his desire to retrieve it. Martyn, Impulse and Mumbo go, Martyn however intending to eventually destroy it because of how unprepared everyone is for a Wither fight.

15. Unnamed Song: After they’re found out by Scott and Impulse and Mumbo flee, Scott informs Martyn that Grian also has a Wither Skull, Martyn immediately gives the skull back, and the two talk about their distrust of Grian and his desire to bring complete chaos to the server. However, that night (post-song) the Voice informs him that its goal is to watch the server burn.

16. “The Table Song 3″: The Chorus further chronicles the Enchanting Table’s journey, now in the Fairy Fort, where two members – Ren and BigB – are chosen as the Boogeyman. Team BEST visits and Bdubs gives a life to Lizzie in exchange, giving enchanting to everyone free of charge. Ren manages to kill a member of Team BEST, Skizz, but BigB has not gotten a kill yet, and the session is nearly over. He catches sight of his closest ally Cleo by the side of Ren’s pit trap.

17. “Green, Crimson, Gold (Reprise)”: Cleo, now Yellow, arrives at Scott and Pearl’s base informing them of BigB’s Boogeyman kill on her, wanting to cut TIES. Scott and Pearl accept (song intro). Meanwhile, Joel is getting desperate for allies, now hunting for Yellows to convert to Red with him. Hearing about Grian’s wither skull, he goes to the Nether, where Grian and Mumbo are building a Ghost farm, and shoots Grian off the edge, turning him Red. BDubs, fighting in the Nether, falls and turns Red too. When heading to Scott and Pearl’s base, a Yellow Cleo is killed by Joel’s trap. 

18. “Friends”: The Southlands are informed of Grian’s death, and, now Red, Grian is to be exiled from the Southlands. He desperately tries to kill Mumbo as Impulse and Jimmy arrive, asking if they can still be friends, while Scott and Pearl mourn the loss of a friendship with Cleo, and Martyn is introduced to the rest of the Shadow Alliance under the gaze of the Moon, giving Ren a life.

Part 2:

1. “Walls”: Grian has been exiled from the Southlands, the stone wall he built separating them. In the Snow Fort, Etho and BDubs build a wall to keep them separate until he can gain a life again. Cleo, wanting vengeance on BigB, meets Scott on the other side of his wall, Scott giving her some sugarcane. Post-song, Grian, Joel and Cleo express their desire to gain lives back from Scar. 

2. “Their Will”: Martyn relays the aims of the Voice, which he now interprets as the Moon, to the rest of the Shadow Alliance, who agree with it.

3. “Die For Me”: In a Shadow Alliance meeting, Martyn asks if there’s anything recent he should know about the Fairy Fort. They tell him the Fairy Fort has burned down at the hands of Cleo, relaying the tale as a flashback (with mainly Cleo singing). 

4. “Promises”/“Coal Mine”: Martyn chases Jimmy, who’s stolen his life in the Southlands life-passing ritual, spurred on by the Voice. He lies to Jimmy, telling him they can run away from the Southlands together if he gives him back his life. Jimmy expresses his worry about potentially being the first out again in the process, as this has happened before and he is very vulnerable as a Yellow, and agrees. Martyn runs back with his life straight after.

5. “The Table Song 4”: Since there are only three of them now, the three remaining Southlanders spend the day together, including sneaking around Team BEST’s snow fort looking for the Enchanting Table and finding a secret entrance. They are caught but let go due to some lies of Martyn’s about their aim, telling them he was simply looking for Ender Pearls.

6. “Unnamed Wither Theme (Song: Precursor)”: During the day, the Southlanders meet Scott, Martyn bringing up the danger of Grian’s Wither Skull as he’s now Red, and they decide to look for it. As Martyn is called away to a Shadow Alliance Meeting, Impulse manages to find it, and entrusts it to Scott. Scott gives it to the Fairy Fort for safekeeping.

7. Unnamed Song: Cleo, now Yellow again, visits Scott and officially joins their alliance. Scott expresses his desire to simply protect his allies and simply live a quiet life in these games, though violence is necessary as a means to this end as he knows the chaos that will ensue.

8. “Tales: The Wizard On The Mountain”: a Yellow Grian rejoins the Southlands, telling them (especially Martyn, as he did not know when this happened due to his absences) how he got a life back from Scar, who’s now Yellow himself. (And yes Grian gets songs where he’s relaying events to others instead of ones of them happening to him because he’s a Watcher hehe, he’s not involved in the action songs he watches)

9. “The Trial of Timmy”: The Southlands hold a trial for Jimmy about whether he should be exiled or stay in. They will anonymously vote their verdict in a book, Grian campaigning for Jimmy to leave, while the others, minus Martyn, campaign for him to stay. When it is time for them to vote, Martyn votes him in.

10. “Our Will Be Done (Precursor 2)”: The Voice is angry at Martyn, asking him why he’s still attached to the Southlands when he wishes to join the Shadow, appearing to him and telling him a demonstration is in order... “Lights extinguish/Begin the Slaughter/Our Will Be Done!”

11. “Unnamed Wither Theme (Instrumental 2)”: Grian manages to gather the three Wither Skulls he needs with the help of Impulse, who wants to stay loyal to his allies and feels regret for taking it with Scott. Martyn, though not active, does not try to stop him, and distracts Team BEST while the other two take it. 

12. “Red, Crimson, Gold (Reprise 2)”: As Grian is distracted by this aim, the other members of the South fall to boogeymen, of which there are six of this session, due to the Voice’s promise. Impulse falls to Yellow at Scott’s hands, and Mumbo and Jimmy both become Red, along with many other players on the server, including Lizzie and once more, Joel.

13. “Friends (Reprise)”: Returning to the Southlands after their mission, Grian, Martyn and Impulse find the South blown up by Mumbo: mourning the loss of the alliance, they mournfully burn the walls in commemoration. Grian and Martyn muse on each other’s untrustworthiness, Impulse remaining loyal to both, as the allyship between Scott, Pearl and Cleo strengthens. Far away, Etho, with Bdubs once again on the other side of the wall, discovers the missing Wither Skull, suspecting the Southlands.

14. Unnamed Song: Martyn and Grian, now the last two Southland members after Impulse is shot by Mumbo in the Nether and becomes Red, mentally comment about their distrust of the other person and about there being something off about them, Martyn due to the Voice’s seeming hatred of Grian and Grian’s apparent apathy to everything apart from causing bloodshed, Grian because he senses something around Martyn (Watcher powers heh) and his relative absence from the Southlands when they were still around, though he does express a wish to protect their last remaining threads of alliance. They express none of this aloud. 

15. “When Will You Learn?, Parts 1 and 2”: Heading back to the Southlands, Grian and Martyn meet Jimmy and Mumbo, who attack them. Grian kills them both, to Martyn’s shock, and shocked himself, tries to defend these actions. All of a sudden, the Voice appears again and a Boogeyman curse strikes Martyn. Prompted by the Voice (seeming to have a specific hatred of Grian) and by vengeance for Mumbo and Jimmy, Martyn immediately moves to kill Grian. He succeeds, but the kill is attributed to Joel, who has sniped him. Exhausted, Martyn managed to kill Tango. When called to another Shadow meeting, he returns to his empty Southlands tower instead.

16. “Unnamed Wither Song (Proper)”: The Wither is raised by Grian and Impulse in Team BEST’s base. Etho wants to run, but Bdubs attacks it, giving him the courage to attack too – however, Bdubs loses a life to it, turning Red once more. The remaining Greens and Yellows flock to fight it as the Reds join in, trying to kill the other players. The Wither is defeated by Etho; Impulse falls to Scott’s hand, dying permanently; Bdubs takes Lizzie’s final life as he was promised a life in exchange for killing a Red; he is shot by Grian as he runs to Etho to inform him of this.

17. Unnamed Song: In the aftermath, Etho mourns BDubs’ death, while Ren mourns his failure to protect his Shadow Queen, even if she was Red.

18. Unnamed Song (and the only one not following ‘canon’ events): With Impulse’s death as a catalyst, Martyn seeks out a Red Grian, proposing a temporary truce for him to explain what's going on. They confront each other about their various actions against the Southlands, and their apparent detachment from it, and talk about their suspicions that the other person knows more than they seem about the nature of the games – as the Voice tries to stop Martyn from inquiring further. Grian says he experiences this alongside his friends as a decision when prompted by Martyn stating he never cared in the first place. He wonders if Martyn would understand the situation due to his position; however, he does not know what Grian is talking about and distrusts him. Angry, Grian leaves, calling Martyn nothing but a follower. Angry, the voices swell around Martyn and he falls asleep.

19. “Our Will Be Done”: Waking up all alone, Martyn hallucinates his friends, before they are revealed as fake, the Voice in their places. He snaps at it, finally asking why they’re doing this. Why are they speaking to him? Why are they hell-bent on killing Grian? What did he mean? Why does he have to follow it when he wants to do the opposite of what they tell him? Who are they – why should he do anything they say? However, they pacify him, promising that if he does what they say, they will bring Impulse, Mumbo and Jimmy back. Martyn concedes.

20. “Scott’s Elegy”: Scott, cursed as the Boogeyman once more makes a decision to surrender himself to the curse instead, as he doesn’t want to kill any more allies with so few lives left in the game.

21. Unnamed Sad Martyn Song: Martyn thinks on Scott’s decision, thinking about what he’d once wanted, everything that’s now impossible as he’s pushed around by the Voices with not enough willpower to say no: he wishes to make choices but cannot, and thinks about Grian’s words. 

22. “Our Will Be Done (Reprise)”: In a meeting of the Greens and Yellows, the Voice tells Martyn to place an End Crystal in the centre as a test for Scott: if he blows it up, he passes, if he doesn’t, he fails. Scott chooses not to, and as Scott turns Red, the voices talking to Martyn become loud and angry, commanding him to kill Scott for disobeying them, yet again promising him the Southlands back if he does. While walking around, Martyn loses his first life to a trap at Grian’s hands.

23. “Boogie Boogie On The Dance Floor”: The Chorus informs us that it is the last day. Pearl is chosen as the Boogeyman, rigging a TNT trap on a disco floor, turning Ren’s red. The others quickly fall to the Reds, including Cleo.

24. “Martyn’s Stand”: Now left as the last Yellow, Martyn decides he is tired of hiding, deciding make a last stand against everyone. At first humming the start of “In Spring We Met” as a comfort, he heads to a mountain and pouring lava down the sides as a beacon for the Reds. However, though he puts up a good fight, he doesn’t manage to take any of them down before dying himself, marking the server entirely Red. 

25. “Battle Royale”: With the Reds having turned on each other, the four survivors – Pearl, Scott, Ren and Martyn – agree to a Battle Royale to decide the victor. Pearl dies early on, prompting Scott to grieve and resolve to win this fight, no matter what it takes. Martyn eventually falls to his own End Crystal. Only Scott and Ren are left, and they fight to the voices of dead players telling them to play the game. After a long fight, Scott manages to kill Ren, partially due to a zombie which he interprets as the world maybe doing something after all for his defiance. He is crowned the winner. However, the Voice does not like this, the Chorus supporting this, and Scott is stricken dead with heavenly lightning.

26. “Plainly Spoken [Epilogue]”: All is silence, and yet Martyn opens his eyes once more, to the Voice and the Chorus, now joined as they are the same entity, informing him how disappointed they are in him, and that he is heading closer and closer to the light. As he asks questions, he is cut off, and they say he will forget all that has happened with them as he and everyone else moves into the next game. Up above, the land is now in the state it was at the start of “Middle of Nowhere”, and they are revealed to be those that run the death loop. 

*This may be later excluded due to not adding much at the moment.

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

WIBTA for writing fanfics shipping two characters from a TTRPG campaign?

submitted: 1/25/24

this feels like a complete non-issue, but oh my god am i anxious. please dont be mean. everyone in the story (including characters) are adults. many unimportant details omitted bc the gm is on tumblr and if he saw this i think i would turn into dirt.

im in an online campaign and we've been playing for a couple months. my character has become my Actual Son and i love thinking about him all the time. the other night, me and two other players were chatting in a channel on the discord about our characters. it was simple things like how our characters view each other, and it was all in good fun.

we were analyzing one of the characters because their player (O) made a playlist based off their life, and the other player (B) joked about my character and playlist character being involved romantically. it was silly and the O said anyone was welcome to try romancing their character, we made a silly ship name and joked that B was the first official shipper. i replied and said i might be one too and we kept joking about it.

however, my brain has been rotating these two characters in my head for hours now and i want to write my own personal headcanons/shipping fics for them. they've both interacted a lot and have quite a bit of lore they've experienced together in the campaign and its angsty and i cannot stop thinking about it.

i have a password protected writing blog on tumblr where i would be posting them for private archival and otherwise i wouldnt tell anyone about it unless our characters actually started behaving romantically.

reasons i think i could be the asshole: im worried this will affect my roleplaying with this character, im also worried i misunderstood how much of the conversation was joking, im also not sure where the whole group stands on characterXcharacter romance and worry about making people uncomfortable

reasons i dont think im the asshole: the writing will be kept privately for my own enjoyment, my ttrpg character has grown into more than just my tabletop character and i've been fleshing out a life story for him, the law of 'do whatever you want forever'

so, would i be the asshole for writing ship fics between these two characters?

What are these acronyms?