#is it a Bluff or a double Bluff or a triple Bluff?

[mantra4ia]

"Reichenbach Fall" x "A Study in Pink" — a delightful, dystopian, Alice in Wonderland tale

Sherlock Holmes: [2x3] I don't like riddles.

Jim (James) Moriarty: Learn to.

DI Lestrade: Sherlock is a great man and someday...

Moriarty: May I?

Sherlock: Please.

Moriarty: Johann Sebastian would be appalled. Bach couldn't cope with an unfinished melody.

Sherlock: Neither could you, that's why you've come.

Moriarty: We're just alike, you and I. Except you're boring.

Sherlock: Why are you doing all this, what is it for?

Moriarty: Have you worked it out yet? What's the final problem? I did tell you, but did you listen?

---

Cab Driver #71126: [1x1] No one ever thinks about the cabbie. It's like you're invisible. Proper advantage for a serial killer.

Moriarty: No charge.

Sherlock: Is this a confession?

Cabbie: I didn't kill those four people...I spoke to them. If you call the cops now I promise you one thing, I will never tell you what I said.

Sherlock: No one else will die. I believe they call that a result.

Cabbie: You won't ever understand how those people died. What kind of results do you care about?

Sherlock: If I wanted to understand...

Cabbie: Let me take you for a ride.

Moriarty: Are you ready for the story?

Sherlock: So you can kill me—

Cabbie: I don't want to kill you Mr. Holmes, I want to talk to you and then you're going to kill yourself.

Moriarty: This is the story of Sir Boast-a-lot.

Cabbie: Someone out there noticed you...got yourself a fan —

Moriarty: Sir Boast-a-lot was the bravest and cleverest knight at the round table. But soon the other knights began to grow tired of his stories of how brave he was or how many dragons he'd slain.

Sherlock: There are two types of fans. "Catch me before I kill again" Type A—

Moriarty: Hi.

Sherlock: Type B my bedroom's just a taxi ride away—

Moriarty: Suddenly I'm Mr. Sex.

Cabbie: —And that's all you're going to know in this lifetime.

Moriarty: Oh no...that wasn't the final problem.

Cabbie: One thing about being a cabbie. You always know a nice quiet spot for a murder. I'm surprised more of us don't branch out.

Moriarty: I'm a specialist, like you... consulting criminal.

Sherlock: You can't make people take their lives at gunpoint.

Cabbie: I don't need [a gun] because you'll follow me. You're the one who's going to die here.

Sherlock: No, I'm not.

Cabbie: That's what they all say.

Moriarty: It's going to start very soon, the fall.

Cabbie: You're going to love this. You're brilliant, a proper genius. The science of deduction, why can't people think...

Moriarty: Aren't ordinary people adorable —

Cabbie: ...Did I give you the good bottle or the bad bottle?

Moriarty: How hard is it to say you don't know?

Cabbie: Together we take our medicine. Take your time, get yourself together. I want your best game. It's a game of chess, one move...you're not playing the odds you're playing me. I know how people think, I know how people think [that] I think.

Sherlock: Either way, you're wasted as a cabbie.

Moriarty: Every fairy tale needs a good old-fashioned villain.

Sherlock: You're a dead man walking.

Cabbie: So are you.

Sherlock: I think I'm going to die.

Cabbie: Any breath could be my last.

Moriarty: Falling's just like flying except there's a more permanent destination.

Cabbie: I've outlived four people. That's about as much fun as you can have.

Sherlock: Bitterness is a paralytic. Love is a much more vicious motivator.

Moriarty: I will burn the heart out of you.

Cabbie: You could take a chance, 50/50, or I could shoot you in the head. Funny enough no one's ever gone for that option.

Sherlock: I'll have the gun, please.

Cabbie: Are you sure?

Sherlock: Definitely.

Cabbie: You don't want to phone a friend?

Sherlock: The gun. I know a real one when I see one.

Moriarty: You're on the side of the angels, Sherlock—

Sherlock: You want me to shake hands with you in hell and I will not disappoint you. I may be on the side of the angels but don't for one second think that I am one of them.

Moriarty: — and I owe you a fall.

Cabbie: Before you go, did you figure it out—

Sherlock: Of course, child's play.

Moriarty: You understand?

Sherlock: Obviously.

Moriarty: Off you go then.

Sherlock: You want me to tell you what you already know?

Moriarty: No, I want you to prove that you know it.

Cabbie: Which one, then, would you have picked? Just so I know if I could have beaten you.

Moriarty: Did you start to wonder if I was real?

Cabbie: Play the game. Are you clever enough to bet your life?

Moriarty: That's your weakness. You always want everything to be clever. Now shall we finish the game —

Cabbie: What's the point of being clever if you can't prove it? Still the addict. You'll do anything, anything at all, to stop being bored.

Moriarty: Staying alive, so boring...

Sherlock: You don't have long though, am I right?

---

Moriarty: I'll burn you. [2x3] You're me.

Cabbie: — which one is the good bottle?

Sherlock: Am I right?

Lestrade: ...he might even be a good one.

[idonotbitemythumbatyou]

The fun thing about ASIT is that maybe, like 10% of that shit actually happened. Maybe. But it's how Garak wants to be perceived.

"ds9 fans should have to read ASIT before talking about Garak" is a fascinating take, but it's bizarre to me. DS9 is the show. DS9 is canon. Whether or not you agree with people's interpretations, if they're coming from that show, they're based in the appropriate source. ASIT is like a fun optional bonus, but it isn't canon. If that's the only acceptable version of the character to you, sure whatever that's fine, but how strange to say that has to be true for everyone.

[late-to-the-party-81]

The Search

AN: A further drabble, one of two today, mostly composed in a field at a festival. Have a snippet of our boys just being themselves with each other - i.e. being little shits.

Once more, unbeta’d

If you would like to be added to my tag list, click here.

Moodboard by me and dividers by @firefly-graphics

Likes are loved, Reblogs are golden

Master List | SRB Master List | Stucky Geek Bingo Master list

Challenges and Bingos:

SGR Bingo Square A5  - Treasure Hunter

Stucky Geek Bingo Square O2 - Fighting over the remote

Summary: Steve’s on the hunt… within his own apartment. Will he find the object that Bucky has hidden from him?

Relationship: Steve Rogers x Bucky Barnes

WC: 650

CW: Domestic Fluff, is domestic crack a tag? it is now, Steve and Bucky being shits to each other, it’s their love language, boys kissing

Steve crept forward with all the stealth he could muster, which was quite a lot compared to most people, but much less than Bucky. The fact that he had to do this in the first place was a sign he shouldn’t be doing it, but he’d been an affectionate thorn in Bucky’s side since 1925 and just because it was almost 100 years later didn’t mean he had any intention of stopping soon.

He’d checked all of the obvious places first - Bucky was the master of the double and triple bluff after all - but no joy, so now Steve was having to think like Bucky. As he’d been in the living room anyway, he’d started there, checking the bookshelves, including the books themselves in case one was a fake book with a hiding place inside. 

It was never going to be that easy.

The prize he was searching for wasn’t in the kitchen, or the bathroom. It wasn’t in either of their studies or the bedroom. Heck, he’d even checked the linen closet in the hallway, between the stacks of Egyptian cotton sheets. Where could it be? He was driven by his stubbornness now, so determined to find the treasure that he’d almost lost interest in the reason he’d been looking for it in the first place.

A few frustrating hours later found Steve on his hands and knees, checking the floorboards, their apartment in disarray.. He knew Bucky had hidden things under loose boards in the past. Maybe it was a habit he still kept up? He was so focused on achieving his goal he didn’t hear the footsteps coming up behind him. 

”Whatcha’ doin’?”

Steve leapt into the air with a shout, whirling around to face… a grinning Bucky. A Bucky who had his hands in his pockets and was rocking back and forth on his heels with a shit-eating grin plastered to his face.

”Jeez, Buck. You scared me.”

Bucky removed his hands from his pockets and stalked forward, his gaze suddenly heavy and Steve gulped. He stopped scant inches from Steve’s body and looked him in the eye.

”Aren’t you supposed to be the world’s greatest tactician, Steve,” he drawled. “How didn’t you notice I was here? I wasn’t even trying to be quiet. Could it be that you were too distracted looking for something you shouldn’t have been, to be paying attention?”

The condescending tone made Steve feel two things at once. Firstly, it made him feel like he was still ninety-eight pounds and five foot six inches. The pout that appeared on his face was effectively an automatic reflex. Secondly, it made him feel desire. There had always been something in the way that Bucky spoke to him that made his body come alight. However, in this moment, the pout won out.

”I wasn’t gonna use it, Buck. Jus’ wanted to know where it was. For later. Unless you forgot where you put it.”

”Uh-huh?” Bucky took a step forward and Steve stepped back instinctually. His back hit the wall and his brain started to flash ‘Danger’ signs at him. His cock started to rejoice. “Are you telling the truth, Stevie? ‘Cause you know you’re not supposed to watch the next episode without me.”

Bucky was so close now, his breath hot on Steve’s cheek, his bulky body crowding Steve against the wall. Steve’s eyes fluttered shut as Bucky’s crotch brushed against his and…

His eyes shot open in realisation that all of his efforts had been in vain. He’d never have been able to find it, no matter how long he’d searched. He cocked an eyebrow and gave Bucky a withering look. “Is that a TV remote in your pocket, Buck? Or are you just pleased to see me?” he deadpanned.

The shit-eating grin was back. “Both,” said Bucky. “Both is good.” Then Bucky leaned in for a kiss and Steve forgot what he was mad about or the fact that he been going to sneak in the next episode of Bake Off on his own…

Tag list: @km-ffluv, @wheezy-stucky, @kmc1989, @kombatfather1796

@christywrites, @alexakeyloveloki, @doasyoudesireandlive, @galactusdevourerofworlds,

@crayongirl-linz, @mightstill, @nicoline1998enilocin, @starrkermarvel,

@king814318, @scram1326

[igglemouse]

Monday morning starts shitty because it starts with my shitty breakfast. Yogurt. Which is fine, really, but in the end it's just mush with flavor, isn't it?

Flavorful mush. Sorry for the language, I really am, but there just isn't much going on over here. I feel bad for inviting you into my life.

I don't want this to always be about how crappy my life is because that's not fun but...my life does suck? You'd think someone with magical abilities would have a few more adventures to talk about but as I've mentioned, I'm pretty much banned from practicing my magic thanks to my parents which leaves me almost completely alone. Almost.

I spend a morning or two in my shower contemplating my loneliness. It helps. I think.

I'm not going to just sit at home and mope all day although I guess I could. Whose stopping me?

Either way, I pull myself outside and back to the buffs, the shore of the buffs at least, and just enjoy a mildly chilly day.

My friend texts me, wondering if I want to meet up and I let her know sure but later because I do have a few things I want to get done...

Which is more collecting. Oh? You thought it would be something interesting?

So off I go...collecting metals, herbs, fruits, whatever. You never know when you might need something for a spell. I think?

I want to teach myself. I'm not allowed to be taught in the realm but no one is stopping me from teaching myself and my standards are not high. I'd be content with just a minor spell to tie my shoes, to be honest. Just anything to remind me of my heritage.

But I did not come to the bluffs just to collect rocks and plants...

Once again I was drawn to the castle of Chevalier but this time I had gathered the courage to enter, or rather, something had invited me inside. After all, the gate to the wide double was left open, daring curious visitors like myself.

The doors were unlocked, in fact, a gentle nudge welcomed me into its walls and a few more steps had me deep into what I could assume was a foyer of sorts.

If this is a place long abandoned then I must wonder why its candles are lit and why its floors are clean and yet if someone lives here why would they leave the doors unlocked? Either way, the warm glow of candlelight is appreciated although it's clear to me that someone lives here. Perhaps they are not here right now? On vacation?

My curiosity pushes me forward, deeper and deeper into the castle, moving as softly as possible because with every passing second I realize that I am trespassing. Some flittering thought through my mind, a warning really, nagging at me to turn around, to go home, there is nothing to be found here but trouble and danger and yet I push on.

Into a room, down a ladder, and into a larger chamber. The castle is cleaned here too. Not a speck of dust or a smudge of dirt. Whoever lives here or maintains this place must have an entire team of maids.

I'm eager to learn more and I am just as eager, for whatever reason, to meet the owner of this place...

But as I take another step into this peculiar estate another warning flashes through my head. Except this time the voice doesn't belong to me, that I am sure, and its message is clear.

"Leave."

Message sent, message received. I'm out of here.

So it was back home for me which meant back to my jewelry. There is a such thing as too much adventure after all.

For today I'm working on a bracelet and hoping to sell it because I do need the simoleons. I really, REALLY, need the simoleons.

Eventually I finish a rather poorly made bracelet and before I can despair about my pitiful situation my friend stops by.

Triple V, is what I call her, and that stands for Valerie Van Villet.

Valerie and I have a lot of common as we've grown up together and she's basically my best friend but our shared destiny is because her parents also practiced the dark arts which of course means she's also been expelled from the realm.

Usually, we don't talk about magic, but the topic of the castle has popped up since I could not help but mention my little exploration trip.

"What do you think's there?" I ask her because she knows a lot more about this stuff than I do. She has taught herself well, she's no master, of course, but she knows a few spells. All self-taught.

"Definitely a vampire," she is sure, as if it was is as obvious as 1+1=2. "Nosferatu, as they are called."

"Here?" My question is because it is well known that vampires are close to extinct. That's another story for another day. Maybe. "In such a castle-"

"It's Cyril," she says again, her confidence clear. "I-I'd stay away from him. I believe there's some pact amongst the magic council to leave him be for what he did in the great war but...last I've heard is he's been resting...if he fully wakes-"

"Vee, that place is maintained. No dust, no spiders, if Cyril is-"

"Likely some cleaning service that's hired for the place. I'm sure Cyril has someone take care of the place..."

Well, I'm sure she's right. She has more connections with this kind of stuff than I. She's also right that it wouldn't be a good idea to run into him there. Vampires are said to wake up with a terrible thirst after all. My family has a long and quite troubled history with their kind as well...

"There is power in their blood, you know," Vee finishes my thoughts. She does this a lot. I sometimes wonder if she's plucking them from my mind.

"Yes, I know..." and that word lingers. My mother, she had used the power of blood, a dark art for certain, to gain more power. Human blood, while powerful, paled in comparison to that of vampires at least when it comes to certain rituals.

"Do you ever think that using dark magic makes you evil?" She asks, this is a question I can tell she has thought some time about and one that I need to consider a bit more before answering and so my reply is simple.

"Dunno," okay, really simple.

"Yeah," she takes a deep breath. "All our lives we've been told our parents were horrible people but-"

"Vee, my mother hunted vampires to extinction and regularly sacrificed the blood of innocents, vampire or no, for her rituals," I clarify, a little firmly.

"Yes but-"

"My father manipulated physics just to rule over the Realm and he killed other spellcasters, anyone who questioned him."

"My father wasn't so bad..." was her response, a correct response. Her dad was caught up in it, guilt by association really because he had no idea that teaching my mother blood magic would make her insane or maybe it was her lack of sanity that sought out such a magic? Chicken or egg thing, I guess.

"Either way, they are the dark arts for a reason, aren't they?"

"Yea..."

It was good that Vee left shortly after because I worry about her sometimes. I worry about what she might be teaching herself, especially with the sort of questions she likes to ask.

It's likely nothing though, she's a good friend and a good person and a curious soul. So much of our families legacy has been denied to us as well, I don't blame her for wanting to claim at least pinch of it...

Episode List - Next

[justicegundam82]

2E to 1E Conversion: Sahkil, Chakanaj

This creature comes from the adventure module titled "Night of the Grey Death", which mostly deals with the threat of the Grey Gardeners in Galt. Again, I tried to portray them as appropriate for their CR, and I mostly tried to use equivalent abilities to convert certain abilities that the Chakanaj have in 2E. However, I still think I'm a bit iffy on the spell-like abilities. Please feel free to criticize and offer alternatives, if you think there is room for improvement.

EDIT: Corrected the saving throw DCs for fear and horrific doubles, and corrected feats. Thanks to @thecreaturecodex for pointing out errata and giving suggestions.

SAHKIL, CHAKANAJ

Image (c) Paizo, from "Night of the Grey Death", artist unknown.

This creature is a repulsive chunk of quivering flesh imitating the form of some small article of clothing. It is featureless except for an excessive number of scuttling insectile legs in the lower part of its body.   

CHAKANAJ                       CR 14

XP 38’400

NE Tiny Outsider (evil, extraplanar, sahkil)

Init +9; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision, true seeing; Perception +24

DEFENSE

AC 29, touch 22, flat-footed 19 (+9 Dex, +1 dodge, +7 natural, +2 size)

hp 200 (16d10 + 112)

Fort +12, Ref +19, Will +16

Damage Reduction 10/good; Immune death effects, disease, fear, poison; Resist cold 10, electricity 10, sonic 10

Spell Resistance 25

OFFENSE

Speed 10 ft., fly 40 ft. (good)

Melee 2 leg slashes +27 (1d3+9 / x3 plus unholy strike)

Special Attacks augmented critical, look of fear (30 ft., DC 25), sneak attack +4d6, unholy strike

Spell-Like Abilities (CL 16th, concentration +23)

     Constant – true seeing

     At will – dancing lights, detect thoughts (DC 18), greater teleport (self plus 50 lbs. of objects only) magic circle against good, major image, speak with dead, suggestion (DC 19)

     3 / day – blink, fear (DC 22), greater invisibility, wall of ectoplasm

     1 / day – deeper darkness, horrific doubles (DC 22), summon (level 6, 1 chakanaj, 35%), veil

STATISTICS

Str 10, Dex 29, Con 24, Int 14, Wis 23, Cha 23

Base Atk +16; CMB +14; CMD 33 (cannot be tripped)

Feats Combat Expertise, Combat Reflexes, Dodge, Greater Feint, Improved Feint, Mobility, Slashing Grace (B), Weapon Finesse, Weapon Focus (leg slash)

Skills Acrobatics +26, Bluff +25, Disguise +24 (+32 when bonded), Fly +32, Intimidate +24, Knowledge (arcana) +12, Knowledge (planes) +16, Knowledge (religion) +20, Perception +24, Sense Motive +24, Stealth +30; Racial Modifiers +8 Disguise when bonded

Languages Abyssal, Celestial, Infernal, Necril; telepathy 100 ft.

Special Qualities bond with host, ear for secrets, easy to call, emotional focus, skip between, spirit touch

ECOLOGY

Environment any (Ethereal Plane)

Organization solitary, pair or plot (3-5)

Treasure standard

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Augmented Critical (Ex): A chakanaj’s legs are incredibly sharp and easily penetrate a victim’s vital organs. A chakanaj’s leg slash attack inflicts triple damage on a confirmed critical hit.

Bond With Host (Ex): A chakanaj can physically link itself with a willing host that must be at least one size category larger than itself. Bonding with a host is a full round action that provokes an attack of opportunity, and the chakanaj must physically enter the host’s space in order to use this ability. Once a chakanaj is bonded, it covers a suitable surface on the host, such as the face or back, and alters its own appearence in order to look like some harmless piece of vestiary or equipment, usually a hood, a mask or a scarf. The chakanaj occupies the same space as its host and moves with its host. Once bonded, a chakanaj gets a +8 racial bonus to all Disguise checks to appear as an article of clothing.

While bonded with a chakanaj, the host’s senses and movement are not impaired in any way. The host gains a +2 circumstance bonus to his AC as the sahkil moves to intercept and deflect enemy attacks. The sahkil also establishes a constant shield other effect with the bonded creature. Attacks that target the chakanaj target the host instead, but use the higher AC or saving throw values between the chakanaj and the host. Area effects apply to both the chakanaj and the host, as normal for an area of effect. A bonded chakanaj cannot attack or move on its own, but moves along with the host and can use its spell-like abilities as normal.

If the host is hit by a melee attack or grappled, the chakanaj can make a single leg slash attack against the attacker. This counts as the chakanaj’s attack of opportunity for that round, and automatically reveals the chakanaj’s true nature to the attacker.

A chakanaj can detach itself from a host as a move action. If it does so, it is placed in a square adjacent to the former host and can act independently right away.   

Ear For Secrets (Ex): A chakanaj knows when a creature within 30 feet lies unless that creature succeeds on a Bluff check opposed by the chakanaj’s Sense Motive check. This ability does not allow the chakanaj to know the truth, only that a lie was told.

Look of Fear (Su): A creature affected by a chakanaj’s gaze is gripped by an irrational dread that his secrets are about to be revealed. The target becomes shaken and acts as if under the effects of a paranoia spell for 1d6 rounds.

Unholy Strike (Su): A chakanaj’s natural attacks are considered evil-aligned and inflict 2d6 points of extra damage to non-evil targets struck by them, like a magical weapon with the unholy quality.

Among the most subtle members of a fiendish race that pride themselves on their subtlety, a chakanaj’s diminutive size belies its power and cruelty. These sahkil represent the fear of secrets being revealed – an unfaithful spouse, a corrupt minister embezzling funds, a fugitive trying to conceal an heinous crime, chakanaj flock to these like flies upon honey and take advantage of their target’s shame to manipulate them. They are not interested in secrets that are merely embarassing or amusing. Only secrets that can potentially ruin lives and sow chaos are within a chakanaj’s purview.   

A chakanaj takes a slow and torturous approach to its prey. It starts out ferreting out secrets and tormenting its prospective victim by leaving hints that someone knows the truth about them. They do so knowing that most victims will act on their fear of exposure, to the point of committing more despicable actions in order to avoid being found out. This gives the chakanaj more leverage against its victim, starting a vicious cycle that more often than not leaves a victim broken and insane, if it leaves them alive at all.

While they prefer manipulation to violence, chakanaj are fast and sneaky combatants. Despite their lack of physical power, they instinctively know where to aim to bypass physical protections and strike at an opponent’s vitals. Their greatest asset, however, is their ability to link themselves to a willing creature and disguise themselves as an article of clothing or similar harmless items. This not only lets them see and hear anything their host does, but it lets them rest their sharp legs against the host’s face or skin, a subtle threat of violence to keep a host in line.

A chakanaj is usually about 2 ft. wide and weighs about 5 lbs.

[queerholmcs]

okay. you know the drill. i do need to elaborate on some of these, moreso than is allowed within the character limit of the polls; see the read more at the bottom of the post. yes it gets a bit long, i'm sorry, i'm not normal about this show, we've established this.

stop making me watch this. this is indecent. this is not suitable for public television. please get a room.

they all know sherlock and they know that he's insane. where they go wrong is in assuming that john must then be the sane one of the pair of them. (save mycroft; see number five.)

'here, use mine' as the obvious opener. but then we also get the bit where john returns to baker street and sherlock's like 'oh haha yeah i called you across town to ask you to send a text' and john gives him the most exasperated, reluctant look before giving sherlock his phone (heart). because at this point, there is no other option. (i won't say more. essays have already been written on the matter.)

the way a point is made to demonstrate sherlock's deliberate ignorance of molly's attempts at flirting. and john's painfully awkward attempts to hit on mycroft's PA. contrasted with their every moment on screen together. 'we can't giggle, it's a crime scene!' SHUT UP.

where do i start with this one. (mycroft is my favourite. i'm not sorry.) he puts so much effort into this stupid little trick and john completely holds his own against him. he's also the only one to see that john is also not sane and that as much as sherlock is going to be some sort of influence on john, john is going to do the same to sherlock. 'might we expect a happy announcement by the end of the week?' → 'i can see from your left hand that's not going to happen' → 'time to choose a side.' hello??????? thank goodness mark gatiss mycroft holmes is here to spell things out for us.

it all starts when john says 'i looked you up on the internet last night' (weird move, it has to be said) and then doesn't immediately praise sherlock's blog. but then he also doesn't tell sherlock to piss off for deducing him and airing his family secrets like that? and from that point on, every remotely clever thing sherlock says, he looks to john for his response. ('do you know you do that out loud?' 'sorry, i'll shut up.' 'no, it's... fine.') i maintain that he only points out anderson and donovan's little affair to show off for john.

look. do i even have to say anything here. we establish that everyone sherlock interacts with thinks he's gay. we establish that john and sherlock are both unattached and that girlfriends definitely aren't sherlock's area and that it's fine to have a boyfriend, by the way, john thinks this is fine, just if you wondered, he's also unattached and it's fine if girls aren't your cup of tea and have we mentioned they're both unattached? and they have what is about the most intimate eye contact ever for far too long while doing so.

chance or chess? play the game. engage with the story. read between the lines. is it a bluff? or a double bluff? or a triple bluff? play the game. (mention the game one more time. i dare you. shut up.)

this is in both the physical and the metaphorical sense. they have no concept of personal space, either of them, and it is a bit awkward for everyone else in the room who's forced to watch them make bedroom eyes at each other. on the metaphorical side—john is the first to say 'actually, it's not obvious, so get on with it and share your thoughts with the class, would you?' and '...bit not good, yeah. maybe be slightly more sensitive to people's emotions, there.' and 'you're so full of it. you absolutely do guess, admit it, i can tell when you're lying.' lestrade watches them interact for all of ten minutes and then declares that, though he's known sherlock for five years, he still doesn't know sherlock nearly as well as john does.

who is he? well, he's with sherlock. it's sherlock holmes and doctor watson. they're a set. (do not separate!) they go together, they are defined by each other, they balance each other far too perfectly to ever be removed again. welcome to The Dynamic. you'll never know peace again. (or is that just me?)

[dozing-marshmallow]

Hi !! Since i heard you do requests and i thought it would be silly

Could you do Ezekiel x Yandere reader but its a similar dynamic to what they did with Sierra and Cody? Reader being an uber obssesed fan and Zeke just trying to play the game (and getting far this time like he deserves)

(Whether they win or last until the top 4 is your choice!)

Sorry I took long to get this done my love, I was really stuck on figuring out how to write this ^^” I hope you enjoy it nonetheless!

EZEKIEL X YANDERE! CONTESTANT! READER ONE SHOT

Everyone agreed you and Sierra would get along so well. And you know what? You did.

Although you guys’ competition was fuelled by your undying love for your specific sweethearts, the classic players were more comforted by your lack of interest in them.

Unlike Cody, Ezekiel was all welcoming of this affection. About time people realised how cool he is!

Because of you, he had the chance to show off how much diligence he earned over the time since his first elimination. He wasn’t booted off first this time!

Nigara Bawls was your favourite episode. You got a marriage out of it! A true marriage, not a painfully void marriage like Sierra had to mislead Cody into consenting to.

Seriously, have some decorum, Sierra.

Of course, you never said it to her gleeful face,“Eeee! Who needs a double date  when you can have a double wedding!?”

If only it was a triple wedding... With Heather gone, Alejandro’s facade was torn down. You should’ve seen it! All frown, no smile.

Who knew Sierra and you had something in common with him.

It was the fourteenth elimination, where it was you, Alejandro, Sierra, Ezekiel and Cody left in the game.

As usual, you had your individual rounds in the bathroom to pick your vote.

You hated the image, but against Sierra, you were an underdog. She was the one with the knowledge and strength.

However, she had the intellect of a rock. No way Cody would all of a sudden stop his voting for Sierra streak at a time you needed it and it didn’t matter who Alejandro put forward, though it would be pretty hilarious if he had voted for Sierra.

Four against one... She’s finished.

So, you waited. It came down to Ezekiel and her without the vomit bag of peanuts.

Just throw it to Zeeke, Chris. We don’t need to keep Sierra hoping.

Oh, but he did- He threw the final bag right in her direction, pushing an obnoxious squeal from her chest.

Your world shattered.

“No... My Zeeke...is going home?”

“‘Fraid so!” The host grinned at your ghostly face.

“No no no...” There has to be a mistake. You get up from your seat and bolt to the host and fought to see the votes yourself,“Let me see! Let me see! Let me see!”

To Chris' dismay, you had managed to grab a hold of the passports off him and confined your utter disgust. Ezekiel really was set for going home tonight, and it wasn't a bluff.

Three out of five passports for Ezekiel.

Two out of five passports for Sierra.

Looks like both of you went ahead and stabbed each other tonight. You refuse to be the one to have your heart strings drain out.

Though, acting so, you could.

You take a breath.

“So, it is true...” the prefatory of your pretend defeat, putting on a gloomy look to Ezekiel whom was as stunned as you,“I...have to bid you farewell now, my love.”

“What the frick?” your persona had fooled him too,“You really taking what these votes said? No one would ever vote the Zeeke off, it was rigged yo! Rigged!"

"I'll avenge you. I'll win for the both of us!" that wasn't a lie.

Seemingly forced into one path, Ezekiel stands up and trudges with reluctance towards the open exit of the plane, eyes reading for you to help as you slid the straps of the parachute around his shoulders.

There was no need to tighten them.

You turn to your "soul sister", clipping your hands with Ezekiel’s,“Sierra... We’ve had quite a time with our beloveds since the very beginning and we both know this is going to take a drastic turn in our competitions. Could you do us the mercy of sparing us a gesture of departure? Consolidate this as the final time we’ll be like this?”

“Omg, of course!” the superfan didn’t think twice.

She jumped up and came straight over. What she didn't expect was your fingers, twisting around her wrist.

"Huuuh?"

You drag her to the open passage of the plane,“I wasn’t lying. This is the final time we’ll be like this. Sorry Sierra.” she was barely standing on ground now,“But this show isn’t big enough for the both of us.”

Sierra realised far too late the trap she fell in, her braid violently flying from the air resistance,“(Y/N)! I thought we were friends!” Her face pressed in betrayal like she was innocent, yet was squeezing onto a rope of your hand, the only thing that was saving her from falling to death,“Cody! Cody! Cody! Help! Help! Help!” she screamed pathetically, for her lover that felt anything but.

You take a quick glance at him- he made no effort to even move from his seat.

What a lonely girl. She was still flailing.

“Let go already, Sierra!” God, she could hang there all day! This had to end now.

So, you bite her hand.

Sierra yowls and unintentionally lets go, and she fell.

Down and down and down. Her chicken like body got smaller and smaller, but her screams got louder and louder. It was ill, even for you, especially when Chris took too long to throw down the parachute, accepting the change of eliminated contestant without intervening.

Finally, that whiny headache had taken flight. Were you ever real friends? Or did you just get lost in the game?

Whatever. The final five still became final four tonight. And that meant you and Ezekiel.

You turn back to the remaining on flight faces,

Why so horrified, no one liked her, no one was brave enough! You did everyone a favour.

You place your hand on Ezekiel’s face, one of the few that wasn't distraught, smiling,"You're safe, baby."

[vol-au-vending-machine]

Hoffman's character arc is soooo funny to me man goes from "I must play cat and mouse and double bluff triple bluff triple word combo my way out of this one" to "Fuck it, I can just kill everyone"

[quaintnecromancer]

"Are you alright?" @imprisonedbybrokenmemories

Lost in Wonderland | @imprisonedbybrokenmemories

The displaced and disoriented necromancer looked around for the source of the voice, unsure if what he was hearing was real or just a figment of his imagination. So much of this place looked and sounded like it couldn’t possibly exist! It was completely different from the eerie forest he called home, yet had a similar feeling of being slightly detached from the rest of the world. Add to that the fact that he’d hit his head as he fell down that rabbit hole (what the fuck kind of rabbit could dig a burrow large enough for a human to fall through?!), and was currently trying to magically recover from a concussion. Surly did not even begin to describe the Witch King’s mood.

“Who goes there?” he demanded through gritted teeth, back firmly pressed against the gnarled tree he’d been leaning on. “Reveal yourself before I start hurling curses at anything that moves!” Tough talk, coming from someone who was currently seeing double…or was it triple? Either way, he was hoping the bluff would either draw this person out of hiding or send them running. No, the young man clad in well-fitting black robes was not alright in the slightest.

[cithaerons]

i think lana is maybe like a true genius like a genuine intellectual heavyweight deep down but her whole persona is like an elaborate double or triple-bluff

[tiktaalic]

that line in On Labor where dean is like enough of what i want makes me crazy bc it’s so real if dean is ever pressed earnestly to be vulnerable about what he wants he would say that bc he’s mistaking imposing his will on others as a defense and coping mechanism for doing things he does not want to do as “doing what he wants” when it’s like no this is bc you are actively doing things you DONT WANT so WHAT DO YOU. WANT. onion man

He’s doing reverse psychology at all times on himself and sometimes it’s a bluff sometimes it’s a double bluff sometimes it’s a triple bluff. I love it when Dean says very simple sentences about himself but there’s like a 70/30 chance he’s lying through his teeth. But if someone says dean you’re lying through your teeth? He shuts down and walks out the room. Can’t say what he wants so he says what he doesn’t want or says what he does want with a jocular slant and then if someone picks at that statement at all he gets upset. You might be thinking doesn’t this make it impossible for him to ever get what he wants. YES but he’s devised a Scenario in his head where if someone REALLY loved him they would be able to intuit the exact specific sequence of verbal gymnastics he’s receptive to and execute it flawlessly with no missteps.

[skewbforty]

Person: Lemme ask you a question... What's more? 21 or 64?

Any other rational human: 64

Me (thinking): Oh god is this a trick question? Is it so that by using some crazy math mumbo jumbo it's actually 21? But what if it's a double bluff? Or maybe they want me to think it's a double bluff whereas actually a triple bluff... Or a quadruple one?? No by that point it would be too unlikely. But that doesn't keep it from possible being a double bluff. OH GOD PEOPLE ARE LOOKING AT ME BECAUSE THEY'RE BAFFLED BY MY INABILITY TO ANSWER A SIMPLE QUESTION. BUT I STILL HAVE THIS CONUNDRUM. WHAT DO I DO? PANIC.

[draculasstrawhat]

If you want my logic, which proved correct?

7 is obviously poisoned - I’ve seen Raiders of the Lost Ark.

6 is *also* obviously poisoned - OP has probably also seen Raiders of the Lost Ark.

3 is a mug’s game. Typical double bluff. Might be a triple bluff, but not worth the risk.

4 and 8 run on the same logic as 7, though less obviously. They were possibly safe.

5 and 2 are in the same danger zone as 6, although again, less obviously as they are not next to 7. They are both probably safe, but of the two, 2 is the safer bet (my partner chose 2.)

1 is your safest option. Did you even look at it? Not only is it unobtrusive, who, when asked to chose a number between 1 and 8, picks 1?

Only a real monster would poison 1.

I poisoned some of these chalices

Drink from one anyways for fun

[starseedfxofficial]

RSI & Triple Top: The Hidden Strategies Traders Are Missing If you've ever felt like trading is like trying to put together IKEA furniture without the manual, you're not alone. Between head-spinning indicators and charts that look like Picasso's doodles, it can be tough to see where it's all heading. Today, we're diving into a powerful yet often misunderstood duo in the trading world: the RSI and the infamous triple top pattern. Consider this your inside scoop—a cheat code that takes your trading game from novice IKEA-fumbling to master-level ninja tactics. Buckle up, and let's get into the nitty-gritty of advanced RSI strategies and how to beat the triple top at its own game. The RSI: More Than Just a "Buy or Sell" Button The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is like the mood ring of the Forex market—it tells you when things are getting a little too "hyped up" or "down in the dumps." But most traders simply use it like a light switch: overbought, oversold, flip the trade. That’s where we’re different, because today, we’re going beyond the usual buy-low-sell-high approach and diving into some little-known, yet highly effective ways to wield RSI like a pro. Most traders look at RSI hitting 70 and immediately think, "Time to sell!" But, plot twist—sometimes the RSI going above 70 can mean the trend is about to keep on trucking. Imagine thinking you're exiting a roller coaster only to realize you're just at the beginning of a loop-de-loop. Advanced traders use the RSI to confirm divergence—a sneaky but powerful move. When price action says one thing, and RSI disagrees, that’s when the magic happens. Insider Tip: Use the RSI on multiple time frames. The daily RSI might be overbought, but the hourly might tell you there's a little more juice left in the rally. Think of this like your favorite TV series: just because the season finale is coming doesn’t mean this particular episode doesn’t have one last twist. Triple Top Patterns: The Brick Wall You Didn't See Coming Ah, the triple top—every trader’s favorite three strikes you’re out pattern. You’ve probably heard that when the price hits a resistance level three times, it’s ready to tank. Sounds easy enough, right? But here's the catch: like an experienced poker player, the triple top can bluff. Sometimes it breaks out instead of tanking, leaving traders out in the cold faster than realizing the "Sale!" sign was a hoax. So how do you avoid the heartbreak of a fake-out? Here’s an elite trick: don’t just look at the triple top—pair it with the RSI. If the RSI is dropping while the price hits that third top, then yeah, it’s probably game over for the bulls. But if the RSI stubbornly refuses to roll over, consider that breakout potential. Remember—RSI divergence is like a poker tell—the market may be telling you one thing, but the RSI tells you if it’s bluffing. Advanced Tactic: Place a conditional order above the third top to catch a breakout while keeping your stop loss tight. This way, you’re positioned for a breakout without risking your whole bankroll if things head south. Myth-Busting the Triple Top & RSI Combo Here’s where it gets fun—busting some myths! Myth one: "Triple tops mean an automatic reversal." Yeah, not always. If it were that simple, everyone would be sipping mojitos on a private beach. Reality? Sometimes, triple tops are fake-outs, and RSI is the secret to spotting them. Myth two: "RSI above 70 means overbought, always sell." Again—if only it were that easy. High RSI can mean strength, not exhaustion. Let me put it this way: RSI and triple tops are like a classic movie villain duo—if you learn their tricks, you can predict their next move. Most traders play by the rules, but if you learn to watch for divergence and time your entries, you’re setting yourself apart from the herd. Underground Trends & Ninja Tactics Here’s the lowdown on a more underground use of the RSI. The "RSI double-check" is a technique used by seasoned traders, but rarely talked about. After identifying a triple top, wait for the RSI to confirm twice—first on the breakout and then again during a retest of that resistance level. It’s a methodical approach, like checking if the door is locked twice before going on a vacation. It’s not glamorous, but it can save you from major regret. Another ninja tactic is to use "RSI hidden divergence." When the price makes a lower high, but the RSI makes a higher high, it can signal a bearish reversal even if the triple top is telling everyone else the opposite. It’s like being part of an underground club where the market gives you secret hand signals. The Real-World Application Picture this: Earlier this year, the EUR/USD hit a triple top around the 1.1000 level. Most traders jumped out—classic textbook behavior. But those who watched RSI noticed that it remained steady, even increasing slightly, hinting that there was more fuel in the tank. When EUR/USD broke out, it took everyone by surprise—except those who paired the triple top with an RSI confirmation. The breakout surged another 150 pips before retracing. As Bruce Kovner, a Forex trading legend, once said, "You have to be willing to bet against the consensus and be right." Combining the RSI and triple top helps you do exactly that. When everyone else is piling in, you’re already ten steps ahead, calculating if the RSI is aligning with the triple top's story—or exposing its bluff. Why Most Traders Get It Wrong (And How You Can Avoid It) Most traders make the mistake of following the RSI and triple top signals in isolation. They miss out on the bigger picture. The real trick lies in combining these tools in a multi-timeframe analysis to validate your decision. Ask yourself: Is the RSI diverging on the weekly but aligning on the daily? That’s a huge opportunity that many will overlook. When I first started trading, I remember looking at a triple top on GBP/USD and thinking, "I’ve got this, it’s going down." I shorted it, feeling like the king of the markets… until it faked me out and broke to new highs. If only I’d checked the RSI, which had never crossed into oversold territory. Lesson learned: the market is not your friend, but the RSI might be—if you listen closely. How to Predict Market Moves with Precision To truly harness the power of RSI and triple tops, you need to train yourself to be patient. The market loves to trick traders who are too eager. Before you jump into a trade based on a triple top, make sure the RSI isn’t just confirming your bias. Look for divergence—or even better, use RSI as a "lie detector." When the price says one thing, and the RSI says another, it’s time to stop and think. Start by zooming out and looking at the trend on a higher timeframe. If the trend is strong and RSI divergence isn’t present, think twice before assuming a triple top reversal. Sometimes, what looks like a ceiling is just a temporary speed bump in a rally. The Forgotten Strategy That Outsmarted the Pros One strategy that pros use—but seldom discuss—is to place limit orders during triple top formations. This involves setting a buy limit just above the triple top resistance, while everyone else waits for confirmation. Yes, it's risky, but it pays off handsomely when the breakout occurs because your entry is optimal. Add to that an RSI confirmation—particularly when there’s a divergence—and you’ve got a strategy that can leave the pros in your dust. Apply What You've Learned So there you have it—using the RSI and triple top to master the Forex market isn’t just about playing by the usual rules. It's about using lesser-known strategies, advanced ninja tactics, and a bit of old-school bluff-spotting to stay ahead. Make the RSI your sidekick, and remember—just because everyone else is seeing a wall at the triple top doesn’t mean you can’t scale it. Next time you see a triple top, take a deep breath, and remember: you’re equipped with more than just a hammer. You’ve got a trading Swiss Army knife with an RSI blade ready to cut through the noise. Good luck, and may your trades be as smooth as the jokes that didn’t land in this article—at least you’ve learned something either way. —————– Image Credits: Cover image at the top is AI-generated Read the full article

[moralchampion]

"It's either a double bluff or a triple bluff" lmao

[utopianadaosophy]

Certainly! Let’s create a fun and unique game by combining Fischer Random Scrabble with rock-paper-scissors. Here are the rules for “Scrabble RPS”:

Scrabble RPS Rules

Objective

The goal of Scrabble RPS is to outwit your opponent by forming words while strategically playing rock-paper-scissors.

Components

Scrabble Tiles: Use a standard set of Scrabble tiles.

Rock-Paper-Scissors Tokens: Each player has three tokens representing rock, paper, and scissors.

Setup

Tile Pool: Place all Scrabble tiles face-down in a pool.

Starting Hand: Each player draws 7 tiles from the pool.

RPS Tokens: Players receive their rock, paper, and scissors tokens.

Gameplay

Word Formation:

On your turn, form a word using your tiles and place it on the board (similar to regular Scrabble).

You can rearrange existing words or build new ones.

Score points based on the value of the letters used.

Rock-Paper-Scissors (RPS):

After forming a word, challenge your opponent to an RPS duel.

Both players reveal one of their RPS tokens simultaneously:

Rock beats scissors.

Scissors beat paper.

Paper beats rock.

The winner of the RPS duel gains a bonus:

Rock: Steal one tile from your opponent’s word.

Paper: Swap one of your tiles with your opponent’s.

Scissors: Block your opponent from challenging you next turn.

Tile Exchange:

If you win the RPS duel, execute the corresponding action.

Return the used RPS token to your opponent.

End of Turn:

Draw tiles to replenish your hand to 7 tiles.

Pass the turn to your opponent.

Winning

The game ends when:

A player forms a word worth a certain point threshold (e.g., 100 points).

A player successfully challenges their opponent’s entire word using RPS tactics.

Strategy Tips

Word Choice: Form words that maximize points while considering RPS challenges.

RPS Bluff: Sometimes play a weak word to bait your opponent into an RPS duel.

Tile Management: Use RPS bonuses strategically to disrupt your opponent’s word.

Remember, in Scrabble RPS, it’s not just about vocabulary—it’s about cunning and strategy! 

///

Fischer Random RPS Scrabble Board Design

Board Layout:

The game board consists of a grid, just like traditional Scrabble.

However, instead of fixed premium squares (double/triple word/letter scores), these squares are randomly shuffled at the start of each game.

Tile Placement:

Players start with a random set of 7 letter tiles.

They place their tiles on the board to form words.

Tiles can be rearranged freely during the game.

Rock-Paper-Scissors Challenges:

After forming a word, players challenge each other to an RPS duel.

Each player secretly selects a token (rock, paper, or scissors).

Reveal simultaneously:

Rock beats scissors.

Scissors beat paper.

Paper beats rock.

The winner gains a bonus (explained below).

RPS Bonuses:

Rock: Steal one tile from your opponent’s word.

Paper: Swap one of your tiles with your opponent’s.

Scissors: Block your opponent from challenging you next turn.

Word Scoring:

Score points based on the value of the letters used in your word.

Premium squares (if landed on) multiply the word score.

Tile Exchange:

If you win the RPS duel, execute the corresponding action.

Return the used RPS token to your opponent.

Turn Sequence:

Form a word.

Challenge your opponent to RPS.

Draw new tiles.

Pass the turn.

Winning:

Reach a certain point threshold (e.g., 100 points).

Successfully challenge your opponent’s entire word using RPS tactics.