#it fits really well for nms and I stand by that

[iteration-penumbra]

“What did this player dream?

This player dreamed of sunlight and trees. Of fire and water. It dreamed it created. And it dreamed it destroyed. It dreamed it hunted, and was hunted. It dreamed of shelter.

Hah, the original interface. A million years old, and it still works.”

- Julian Gough

[gingerbloof]

cough syrup (astarion x sick gn!tav)

contents: fluff, sick, stubborn tav, astarion being sweet, mentions of hunting, mentions of other companions (Shadowheart), medicine, kissing, sexual innuendo authors note: hii all, i'm still down with covid, unfortunately, but i hope this self indulgent fic will suffice for now! thank you all for the love on my past fics. i really apprecaite you all. please enjoy! word count: 1,726

You woke in the middle of the night, sweat trickling down your forehead despite your shivering. Gods, you were freezing…

The moon was full and big in the sky, and even the soft rays of moonlight made your head throb. You groan softly and sit up. As soon as you did, a horrendous sounding cough escaped your chest.

Oh, Gods… Please don’t be sick…

You swallowed thickly, your throat stinging in pain and parched. You slowly get up, careful not to wake anyone and make your way down by the river to get some water. You stumble a bit, your head pounding and your ears full. You knelt down by the bank and cupped your hands in the water. The coolness of it made you shiver even more. You brought your hands to your lips and drank down the water, your throat stinging in reply. Another ghastly cough left you, filling the silent night. You tried to muffle it as much as you could so you didn’t wake anyone.

Your head throbbed even more with each cough, every movement proving exhausting. You tried to stand, but your legs wobbled and you tipped over. Before your bottom could hit the dirt, a swift pair of arms caught you. A soft, familiar chuckle was heard from behind you, but you were too delirious to realize who it was, but as soon as a honeyed, yet snarky voice met your ears, you instantly knew who it was.

“Clumsy this evening, are we, my dear?”

“Astarion…” You hoarsely greeted him. 

There was no doubt in anyone’s mind that you two cared for each other. Astarion had even admitted it a couple weeks ago, though neither of you really knew what this was. Regardless, he had been a sweet and careful partner thus far, and you admired him more and more for that as each day passed.

He helped to shift you back onto your feet. You wobbled a bit as you regained your balance, trying your best to hide your illness. You cleared your throat nasally as you looked at him.

“I’m sorry, love. Did I wake you?” You asked, trying to keep your voice as still and well sounding as possible. “No, no,” He said, licking some blood off the back of his hand that you had barely noticed. “I just got back from hunting. Your neck is safe for tonight, my dear,” He gave you a playful wink. You chuckled softly, another cough escaping you. You tried to cut it short, but you struggled as you went into a short coughing fit. His face grew with worry as he stepped closer to you, rubbing your back gently.

“Goodness, my sweet… You sound positively dreadful,” He said, a tone of worry replacing his usual honeyed voice. “Are you ill?” He asked. You shook your head, your coughs residing for now. “N-No,” You struggled to speak, phlegm coating the back of your throat. “Just a sore throat is all.”

A chuckle left the pale elf’s lips, shaking his head. “My love, I can hear the way your lungs are struggling right now. This is no sore throat,” He stood in front of you and placed the back of his hand on your forehead, humming softly. “As I suspected. You’ve a fever… You poor thing,” He cooed, trying to place a gentle kiss on your dry lips. You pursed your lips and turned your head away. “Mm-nm, Astarion. I don’t want to get you sick…” 

He let out a soft laugh. “Darling, may I remind you… I’m a vampire,” He smirked. “I don’t fall ill unless I haven’t fed. Now, come. You are going back to bed,” He kissed your lips successfully this time, and swiftly lifted you into his arms bridal style. You let out a soft sound of surprise and instinctively wrapped your arms around his neck. 

Before you knew it you were laying back down, but not in your own bedroll. In Astarion’s. He spoke a gentle “Won’t be moment, dear,” Before he hurried off to gather some extra blankets. He came back a few moments later and wrapped you up snugly in them. He obviously loved coddling you like this, because you saw a faint smile on his face as you cooed in content at the warmness of the blankets.

He tucked some loose strands of hair behind your ear and placed a soft peck on your forehead. “Sleep, now, love. I’ll go and see if our healing friends can do anything about this come morning.” You nodded slowly, feeling the everloving embrace of not only your partner, but sleep overcome you.

You woke a few hours later in yet another coughing fit. You sat up so you could catch your breath and notice Astarion is no longer with you. You looked over to the flaps of the tent and they were tightly closed. The sun had risen and the very few rays of light that came into the tent practically blinded you as you slowly opened your eyes.

You heard the sounds of Astarion’s and Shadowheart’s voices just outside the tent, slightly bickering.

“What sort of cleric are you if you can’t heal them?” You heard Astarion scoff. You could practically picture the way he was standing; arms crossed, a slight pout on his face and very defensive. Shadowheart sighed hopelessly. “As much as I would like to heal Tav, whatever has infected them will not heal simply with magic…” She said reluctantly. “It’s not fatal, if that’s what you’re worried about. Unfortunately, however, they will have to face this the old fashioned way; by simply resting and natural remedies.” Astarion sighed, defeated. “Alright… Well, thank you for trying. Now, shoo. Or you’ll be ill next,” He said.

You heard Shadowheart’s footsteps walk away before the flaps of the tent slowly, carefully opened. As he shut them tightly, another coughing fit took over you. You were positively drenched with sweat and your entire body ached. You felt like death.

Astarion quickly turned to you and cupped your face in his cool hands, his face deep with worry. “Oh, my poor little love…” He cooed. He shifted beside you and rubbed your back as you kept coughing. Tears formed in your eyes as you struggled to take in a breath, every attempt causing you to cough even harder.

Astarion frantically searched his tent for anything to help soothe the cough, even if it was temporary. He quickly grabbed a bottle of simple cough syrup that Shadowheart had given him and poured you a cap full. He handed it to you as your coughing fit slowly started to stop. You waved your head in dismissal, shaking your head. “No, love…” You said, each word scratching and gnawing at your throat. “I’m fine.” You insisted. Astarion huffed, not budging and shoving the cap toward you again.

“Right, and I adore Gale,” He said sarcastically. This made you roll your eyes. You looked at him and he wore a stern, yet pleading expression. “Take the medicine, my love.” He said, holding the cap in front of you.

Your nose curled up in disgust as you eyed the thick red liquid. Ever since you were a child you hated medicine. Your mother had to practically hold you down and force you to take it because you hated it so much. You grumbled and shook your head at him.

He sighed, and raised a hand in defense. “Alright, if you’re so sure…” He begrudgingly gave in, taking the cap away from you. You smirk in success, a lighthearted “Hmph” leaving your lips. He smirked at you and shook his head. “Even sick, you are the cheekiest little pup, aren’t you?” He purred. You flushed through your already reddened face and looked away meekly. 

A moment passed, then his cold fingers took your chin and led your head back to face him. He smiled warmly and leaned in to you, pressing a soft kiss to your lips. You smiled into the kiss. He briefly swiped his tongue across your bottom lip, asking for access to your mouth. When you complied and parted your lips, you suddenly tasted a disgusting fluid entering your mouth. 

Cough syrup…

He kept his lips firmly against yours, forcing you to swallow. You shoved him away weakly, your face scrunching up in disgust once again. You stuck your tongue out in disgust. “Blech!!”

That sneaky bastard…

“Ughh, Astarion!” You groaned, the sickly sweet fluid coating your throat, already starting to alleviate some pain. He laughed successfully and hard, falling over onto his side, clutching his stomach. You pouted at him as he laughed. “That wasn’t funny…” You whined, crossing your arms.

He sighed happily, wiping a tear of joy from his eye. He sat up and kissed your nose sweetly. “Oh, my dear, you are too easy!” He scooted so he was next to you and propped up on his elbow on his side, giving you a devilish smirk. 

You rolled your eyes and couldn’t help but chuckle. “You asshole,” You said, curling up under your covers again. He giggled and shrugged. “I mean, it was either that, or I could’ve put it on my-” You gasped and quickly sat up, hushing him. “Astarion!” You said, shocked at the audacity of him. He laughed once again, laying you back down.

“You would’ve taken it then, wouldn’t you?” He asked, his smirk growing. You shook your head and scoffed, allowing him to lay you back down. “Shut up,” You said, nuzzling your face into his chest. He chuckled and kissed the crown of your head, wrapping his arms snugly around you.

You both stayed there for the rest of the day while your other companions went out to travel. You slept most of the day, although you were interrupted by a couple of coughing fits, thankfully not as bad now that you had taken something. All throughout the day, whether you were sleeping or not, Astarion would check in on you and check to see if your fever had broken, which it did after a few hours. He brought a damp rag to place on your forehead and would read to you while you would drift back to sleep.

He was the sweetest, most compassionate lover you had ever had… As long as you had him to take care of you, maybe being sick wasn’t such a bad thing after all.

[signanothername]

hhhhhhh i love your art so much man it's just so rrrrrrrrg words can even describe it 💥💥💥

butt like like genuinely how do you figure out poses and shit that fit who you draw so well likeee

idk me personally i just struggle with that stuff, yk always stuck with the -looking front on with hands in pockets- or the dreaded -peace sign with hand in pocket- fjdjdj

sorry for the yap sesh butttt any advice would be like so cool

also the way you portray killer and nm is like godly just 💥💥💥💥💥💥💥

HDHDHHDHD THANK YOU <333333

And oooh that’s a very valid struggle, cause the thing is, I used to struggle a lot with posing characters in a way that actually satisfied me, going for the stiff front look a lot dhdhhdhdh

But the thing is with art, is that it isn’t just lines on a page y’know? At least, I stopped treating my art as such, every time i draw an artwork i want the artwork to tell who sees it something, I treat every artwork as a story in of itself

Ok imma generally give you what I learned from my art journey so far, i’m gonna start with a more general advice and then get to how I choose poses for certain characters, and imma try to explain the best I can but I can be really bad with wording things so bear with me

Art can be difficult cause different art concepts are interconnected with each other, so sometimes you need to think of so many things just to be able to do something as simple as posing a character

Before we start tho, here are 2 tips:

-everything you know about anatomy? Throw it out the window, no i’m not joking I’m being completely serious

The reason many artists suffer with making dynamic poses is cause they think too much about anatomy, they think the anatomy should look correct and perfect, and no, anatomy is the biggest reason the pose you draw is going to be stiff, you need to forget “correct” anatomy if you want your poses to feel alive and dynamic

- practice gesture/figure art, IM ON MY KNEES I BEG YOU, cause it teaches you to let go of perfect anatomy and actually learn how to draw figures in motion (which is extremely important for fluid and dynamic poses!)

———

With that in mind, here are a few things i keep in mind when posing a character:

1- line of action

You hear these three damn words a lot yet no matter how much you research them you can never find a good explanation for what they mean (me after i researched this bullshit so much shbdhdhhs)

But simply put, think of the action line as the spine in a human, the more you bend it outta shape the more dynamic the pose is going to be

And it’s genuinely so important cause it can make a very simple pose such as a character standing doing nothing much more dynamic when you put line of action in mind

Even a very slight bend in the line can make the pose more natural/dynamic, because an action line dictates the movement of a character

So if you want to avoid a stiff pose? Avoid a straight action line (you gotta make that action line Queer af💅✨✨✨✨)

But here’s a mind fuckery, the tricky thing with action lines is that it’s better if you keep them in mind but not consciously think of them if that makes sense

You gotta understand them and implement them and practice them, but when you draw a character posing a certain way, thinking too much of the action line can actually make it difficult to maintain and in turn, makes your art stiff af too

Like you got to internalize this concept and to keep it in your subconscious rather than actually consciously think about it when you draw your artworks

Ok Anó, how the fuck do i do that? Start with practicing them consciously by actually drawing the action line and then the pose in art studies, and then level yourself up by practicing them by drawing characters posing a certain way WITHOUT putting an action line first, i’m sorry to say there’s no way around it, there are no short cuts

Here’s a helpful visual guide/summary of what i mean by the paragraph above cause words suck

(but sooner or later, what you learned gets burned into your muscle memory, and your hand would start doing all the work without you consciously thinking about it, then congrats!! Action lines are now part of your subconscious)

Ok but does that mean straight lines are bad/should never be used?? NO

I can never emphasize how important straight lines can be

One thing that’s beautiful in art is that there’s no such thing as “bad” or “wrong”, art is subjective, and something that’s perceived as “wrong” by one artist, can be right/ something implemented in another artist’s artstyle that makes it unique

In fact, straight action lines can be great to use depending on what you wish people to take/understand from your art (a simple example: a turn around reference sheet for a character tends to use straight lines, cause in a reference sheet you focus on clarity, and drawing with queer lines can cause that clarity to be thrown out the window)

But I especially love to use straight Action lines with Killer, I sometimes make him stiff as a fucking rock and it’s completely intentional on my part, cause i love to use stiff poses to enhance the uncomfortable/unnatural atmosphere Killer gives, or to further emphasize an already uncomfortable situation

So to summarize, if you wish your poses be more natural/dynamic and to avoid stiff poses, use queer Action lines, but straight lines are also great to use depending on what you want people to understand from your art

———

2- perspective (camera angle)

Variety is key!

What is the perspective you want to focus on? I know this seems like it doesn’t have anything to do with posing a character, but it does, (remember, art concepts are interconnected!) cause the perspective you decide to draw from can also influence the pose you decide to draw or vice versa, and help you make the pose more dynamic

Hell sometimes, perspective can do the poses justice even if they’re literally the most boring stiff poses you’ve ever drawn chchchhcch

Like are you going to draw the character from an upper perspective? Lower? Fish-eye? Third person? First person?

Is the perspective tilted? Is it normal?

What is the perspective you want and why did you choose it? What are you trying to tell the people who see your art?

Here are a few tips when it comes to perspective:

-More dynamic perspectives (upper/lower) are good for artworks that have tension in them, or have some sort of stakes going on (fights, horror, uncomfortable situations)

That of course doesn’t mean they can’t be used to simply make your artwork look cool :D

-choosing how many vanishing points there are (one,two or three points perspective) can also make your art tell a different story depending on the situation you’ve chosen them for

-and most importantly, when you draw a pose, foreshortening is going to happen to the body depending on the perspective!!

But my point is, I make sure i draw in variety, sometimes I draw the character from upper, lower, tilted or even a mix of all of them, all to enhance my poses to look more dynamic/natural

Ok Anó, got it, but what if I don’t care to include a crazy perspective and i want to draw in a normal perspective? Then how do i make my poses more dynamic?

That brings me to my next 2 points

———

3- camera shots

Same as perspective, there has to be variety!

Your art doesn’t always have to be full body, try to draw different shots, draw a headshot, draw closeup shots draw half bodies

If you go for different shots then you’ll be forced to think of different poses to fit such shots :D

———

4-bodies are like little toys, break them

One thing you can do to bring more variety to your poses is to have different body parts facing different directions, not all limbs have to face the same direction >:)

Generally the characters don’t have to face front! Try to mix it up and draw from the side or back

———

5-emotional weight and a story to tell

And this is where i’ll bring my point about treating my art as a story back

A really good way to actually put variety in your poses is to treat any sort of artwork/sketch you make as a story you’re trying to tell

Before you draw a character posing a certain way ask yourself, why is this character posing this way? What are/were they doing before that pose? Are they alone or are they reacting to something/someone?

Is there a point to them posing this way? (It’s ok if there’s no actual point to it! But the poses still would need to tell a story regardless)

Cause if you’re posing them reacting to another character (off screen for example), you pose them in a way that makes sense for their emotions of the other character right? (So if the character has negative feelings towards the other one then it makes more sense to draw them in a defensive stance or a fight or flight pose)

If you’re drawing them all alone then what are they doing alone, are they doing something important or is it their off time? If it’s their off time what are they doing for their off time? Do they like to spend it reading a book for example? What are they reading? Is it a horror novel that makes them scared? If yes then how do they deal with fear? Do they throw the book across the room or do they hide under a blanket?

Cause a pose also holds emotional weight, it shows you what emotions the character is exhibiting, it’s not just the expression of the character that tells you about their emotions, it’s their body language, and body language can be translated through poses

Let’s say they’re doing a peace sign pose for example, why are they doing it? Are they taking a picture with someone they love or are they doing it to annoy someone? Hell maybe they’re being forced to do it, and so they do it half heartedly maybe?

Get what I’m trying to say?

———

And now with all of the above in mind, time to get to the most important thing and the main point of this post

How do I choose poses for certain characters?

6- personality

who am I sketching? Cause each character is unique and each character is gonna act a certain way other characters won’t, and depending on the situation, the poses change too

Understand the character and how they act, try to analyze them and take in their quirks and behaviors, and before you draw a pose for them actually ask yourself, would this character EVER do this pose?

Like you say you fall in the peace sign trap right? Now think about a peace sign pose, but with Nightmare… it doesn’t make sense right? Cause the pose is an absolute striking contrast to Nightmare’s personality, like Nightmare would never do a peace sign till the day he dies, hell i’m sure if he’s forced to choose between death and doing a peace sign he’d choose death (it’s a lot more mercifull than the humiliation he’d feel making a peace sign hcchchch)

See what I’m getting at?

For example, I draw Nightmare with his hands behind his back a lot, but you won’t see me do the same with other characters often, not cause other characters would never put their hands behind their backs, but because it’s a quirk in Nightmare’s character, Nightmare TENDS to do that a lot, he acts so formal and royal like, and so i draw him do it a lot

But here’s the thing, if i draw other characters having their hands behind their backs like i do with Nightmare, i do it in a way that makes sense for them! An example is how i draw Nightmare and Dream with their hands behind their backs :D

But I also keep in mind Nightmare’s character, so whenever I pose him a certain way, I ask myself “would Nightmare actually stand/sit/lie down like that?” If the answer is yes, then I continue, if not then i change it to fit Nightmare

To further explain, I tend to think Nightmare is defensive in nature, so you’d see that I also pose him in a way that reflects that, with his hands crossed in front of his chest for example or generally his hands close to his body, sometimes hunched in on himself, I also think Nightmare is egotistical and self centric, but most importantly, he sees himself as an elegant King, and so I draw him crossing his legs or generally have him sit in such a formal manner or a hand on hip kinda pose etc

So when you draw a pose ask yourself if it fits the personality, mindset, and pattern of behavior for said character!

———

With all that being said, while it’s amazing to be able to do a variety of poses, I think it’s also important to keep in mind that art is supposed to be fun, take your time trying to learn, don’t overwork or frustrate yourself with learning new things, and it’s completely fine to not do poses that have meaning sometimes (do that peace sign to your heart’s content <333) it took me 10 whole years to get where i am today, and compared to many other artists my own progress is extremely slow, and it used to bother me cause I treated art like there was some sort of deadline above my head and that I should learn things in a timely manner (which is absolute bullshit), my point is, take your time with learning poses, even if it takes you years, the important thing is that you will get there eventually <33333

———

Finally, here is one art resource for poses that i think is really good/useful

Keep on creating and hope my endless ramble helps a lil chchchchchch <33333

[barrenclan]

LOL, LMAO even. I forgot that I was gonna make 2 parts to this post so I deleted all the music asks and then realized I needed another one. Anyways. 

MUSIC SUGGESTION BIG POST PT. 2:

Over the past few months I have gotten a lot of song suggestions that I haven't answered, and as I suspect I've been shadowbanned by Tumblr for posting too many asks (or some other esoteric reason; I'm working on it), I'm gonna answer them all in one fell swoop. So if you've suggested a song, it's prolly gonna be in here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nm-ZdfkRZ4c

I like the “God forbid Slugpelt” bit. Anyways, this is a Rainhaze song. 

“So white and plain, free my mind From prescriptions that you write I'm not the same”

“Are you ready to put me under 'Cause I'm ready to go back home I don't care what the doctors told me”

“Where the sun always shine and the bells never chime And the undertaker stays away (stays away)”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1f-8yWhLzw

This is a neat gritty one. I particular like the guitar in it. 

“My army never came Its water under the bridge Be careful who you tell”

“I'm running out of faith Be careful who you tell I'm running out of faith”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1cBhJLNNXU

You’re trying to trick me, no way is that a real name. Those are just sounds. 

Really, though, this is a very cute song. Works well for the old ladies. 

“I've never known someone like you Tangled in love, stuck by you from the glue Don't forget to kiss me Or else you'll have to miss me”

“Never thought I'd find you But you're here, and so I love you”

https://youtu.be/obi4KCh6eHQ

I have something to confess... Sleeping At Last is the only band I absolutely despise. I cannot stand the main singer’s voice, it drives me crazy. But these lyrics do work well for Cormorantpaw, so I’ll give it that. 

“God, that was so long ago, long ago, long ago I was little, I was weak and perfectly naive And I grew up too quick”

“I can't let you in, I swore never again I can't afford to let myself be blindsided”

“And all I want is to trust you Show me how to lay my sword down For long enough to let you through”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAefYQe9hvc

Will Wood’s a bit hit or miss for me, but I can see this song for them. This strikes me as more Cormorantpaw singing to Pinepaw. 

“See I myself have been stepped on so many times It's started to feel like my place I've failed to fit into those nests that scrape the sky Is there room for me in your cage?”

“I've never understood what humans do and want it's quite confusing To me to try to connect Never learned how I should feel, instincts somehow stunted Just seem haunted by my stupid urge to protect”

“You might seem behind bars, but friend, this cage is inside out It's dangerous out here Socrates It's lonely out here Socrates”

[eemoo1o]

Shadow has never been stated to be 18 or 20 though, he has only ever been stated to be physically 15 /nm

(Long post ahead. Tags are also important in advance. I will admit this post spirals into a tangent on how this matter started as well as stuff about other characters, and despite all linking together under the same theme-gazebo, it kinda derails, so feel free to read at your own pace.)

I don’t know much about the games—and that may make you feel “oh then why are you..” yeah, I mean like I don’t check manuals or have played them but I watch analysis videos, avidly Google shit and revisit the wikis now and then.

Just putting that out there.

The Sonic News Network wiki page merely renders him as ageless, whereas the Sega Wiki wiki page (where I got my information from last post) stated three (kinda) ages for the character:

(Please note that the Wiki is themed in a darker grey to what the image is here. Same with the following. I turned the exposure up on each for visual clarity.)

Oh, look, they even included a canon birthdate!

Oh…

Well, I know Wikis aren’t always accurate, so to back up the apparent evidence I had, if I’m just to Google his age just to double check—

Hey! That’s the game, damnit.

Think this was my mistake in the previous reply, so I suppose I should apologise. And I do. I think my train of thought was: “He’s 18 years of age (y), with some range in other games (17-22y respectively)”, which isn’t right—but every source I could find on the character’s age came up with 18y and not 15y, so I stand by the claim that even though he’s “ageless” (immortal, basically) he’s physically 18.

It also doesn’t make much sense that he is “ageless”—perhaps due to his origins of being put into stasis like some sort of autobot, or something—when a physical age for him has been stated to be 18 (which makes sense, as Knuckles was, by technicality, the original Shadow, having been invented seven years before Shadow was, and as far as I remember is meant to be a year or two older (16 or 17) than Sonic (15)—it also makes sense because Rouge is also 18, apparently, and I’d have imagined them to be of very similar age). Technically that should just let him do an Edward Cullen and be 18 forever.

(I will note that I’ve never liked the prospect of Shadow being immortal. Or the duration it took for him to come out of stasis just to link to Dr. Robotnik somehow. Perhaps I’m just biased, but to me it feels heavily unjust—I wanted Shadow and Sonic carrying their rivalry all the way to the old folks’ home, damnit. And now that vision is ruined.)

Overall, being immortal really doesn’t suit Shadow’s character, in my opinion, and just feels like a plot point now simply discarded and forgotten. It really wasn’t necessary in the first place, and making him 18 (immortal or otherwise) would have been much easier, rather than the oh-so-enigmatic “ageless” genotype we all know and love today.

To remedy this, I like to think red-eyed Shadow is different to brown-eyed Shadow in the sense of age and therefore backstory. I made a post on it—in fact I think it’s probably the post right before this one on my blog—but currently my main focus is going to be on Prime, which is why I’m now so bitter about Shadow’s age, and Sonic character ages as a whole.

None of it really fits, and I think they all need to be updated (Sonic and Amy’s, especially). I mean, I know Amy’s was back in the day, but with how she’s depicted now as opposed to back then, even post-redesign (she went from an 8yo Sonic recolour to a 12yo what-we-know-now). I mean, I know her main, more “well regarded” character arc is learning how to mature, but with her literally being fucking 12 is just a pisstake.

Sonic’s age is less annoying as opposed to Shadow and Amy’s (respectively) because I don’t think too much into it until I notice it doesn’t suit him due to the situations he’s in. Yes, he’s young and he’s a teenager—a cocky one at that, which is one of the many good things Hardcore Sonic Fans (aka the “bronies” of this fandom, for lack of a more adequate word) praise Prime for depicting—so it’d make sense for him to be such (15yo), but to me it’s make much more sense for him to be like 16.

I’d be willing to say “maybe even 17”, but 16 just seems so perfect and on the nose. It’s such a nitpicky little detail but to me Sonic’s age wouldn’t seem so absurd if they just made him 16. It’d both make an immense difference and yet basically none at all that would force any impact on his characterisation.

Amy’s the most absurd—her age still hasn’t been updated from 12 and even though it’s an improvement from her being 8, it’s still ridiculous. If you’re (and by that, I mean the creators, not you, the anon) not going to change Sonic’s age, at least change hers. To me, she seems like she should be a year younger than Sonic at least.

Same could be said for Tails. To me he feels similar to Amy, or at least in the terms of arcs. He should be younger than Sonic, and either the same or younger than Amy, too. He’s still eight, and with how his character has evolved over the years, especially in the modern era, he needs to be just a mite older, like 12 or something.

I feel like Shadow’s age, I most have a problem with for literally being 50 (I don’t care if he’s “physically” 18 or whatever. He’s not Edward Cullen, although that too is also pretty creepy) and as for the coma thing, put it like this: if Timmy fell down the well at 8 years of age and woke up from his head-trauma-induced coma 50 years later, he isn’t automatically excused from picking fights or relationships with kids.

I added the “relationships” into it because this (the thing with the coma) seems to be the primary excuse for Sonadow shippers (I suppose with Rougeow it isn’t so bad because she’s canonically 18, probably to make her past sex appeal to humans somewhat legal, but still). I mean, I’ve seen the same being said for other ships, but not really. The primary ship seems to be for Sonadow, seeing as Amy’s age is always disregarded anyway, especially in the Sonamy side of the fandom.

Shadow was my favourite part in Prime, I’ll admit—I liked his banter with Sonic, and I liked his voice actor (oh, Ian Hanlin, how I love your vocal range so)—which is why my anger for Shadow’s age and backstory made a resurgence (it was either mid-last year or the one just before, where I went through a Sonic phase on my blog after revisiting Boom, and somewhere during that I’d said the same thing, although not to this much feedback from an anon/anons).

I also made the post about Shadow’s eyes because if noticed they were brown in Prime but didn’t really pick up on what exactly was off until I’d googled it. One could argue they’re red for TV as opposed to the games, but in Sonic X they’re red, like in the games, and in Sonic Boom they’re a more saturated colour, making them mostly dark red, borderline brown.

So, I assume as the modern era of Sonic-based media progresses/progressed, they’ve turned from brown to red. It’s subtle but I hope it says a lot. Mostly for his backstory, because god, do I hate Shadow’s backstory.

[ohmygeese]

Hi! Welcome to our new segment called "The SMP has morally gray storyline so stop treating it like everything is black or white: Rant Edition"

The reason why Tubbo was compared to Schlatt in the first place was because he didn't inform his cabinet of his decision of exiling Tommy. This is a valid reason for his cabinet to be upset but unfortunately, they took the situation as an opportunity to manipulate Tubbo to do their bidding.

Knowing the full story, Tommy had no right to call Tubbo "a monster" but looking at purely Tommy's perspective, he was pretty valid in saying so (allegedly kicking Wilbur out of NLM, putting Phil in house arrest, planning to execute Techno, and of course, his entire exile). Same goes to the times Tubbo called Tommy "selfish and a liability." Both are unfair portrayals of each character's actions but are completely understandable since their relationship has been tainted by miscommunication and "hear-says" from biased/unrealiable sources.

During the El Rapids storyline, Dream had the right to call Quackity a terrorist although we know it wasn't purely because of the fake strike and the siege of the throne but as a political tactic for his own benefit. However, Karl also had the right to call Dream a tyrant because why else would you get yourself involved in an affair of two nations of which you aren't even a part of and go as far as to speak over the king and use your godly powers as a threat. Like :D

Tommy, Tubbo, and Ranboo are the only ones who actually care about maintaning peace and justice in the server. I could not stress this enough: "The fate of the entire server rests on their hands." Quackity? On a power high. Fundy and Niki? Running away from their problems and building a new country to sastify their own desires. Phil? Protecting Techno is his #1 priority, anything else nada. Techno? On a revenge arc and owes a favor to a person who goes against the very core of his anarchic (?) ideals. These three are the only ones willing to call out bullshit eveb if it means a loss in power or comfort but, currently, they're all facing difficulties to do so. Tommy is literally overloaded with trauma and is questioning the world as he knows it. Tubbo is being manipulated by Dream and his cabinet. Ranboo has memory issues, is easily peer-pressured and is isn't really taken seriously by the wide majority. The SMP is fucked if they don't pull their shit together.

Tommy has the right to say that nobody cared about him during his exile because he has said multiple times in passing how depressed and tired he has been since living in Logstedshire. He even has mentioned Dream's manipulative tendencies multiple tomes. But even after all that, Ranboo was the only to actually recognize and do something about it (Sapnap as well but he's too pre-occupied with El Rapids). Not even his own father did.

Canonically, Phil is a terrible father and grandfather. He calls out bullshit but never makes an effort to fix them. Old man disowned his furry grandson for wanting to kill Techno but doesn't explain to him Techno's reasoning with the war crimes in the first place. Old man also did nothing to save Tommy from exile even after witnessing the shit his son is going through. (I know its not in the script and I respect that but we gotta call out bs. Hope they give Phil redemption other than being a good pal to only Techno :D)

Both Pogtopia and Techno are at fault for the government clash incident. Pogtopia has expressed multiple times of how they want to reclaim L'manberg. It was Techno's mistake to not infer that it included the government especially since the heads of the operation were the ex-president and vice president of the nation. Additionally, Techno kept saying stuff like "We'll burn the bridge when we get there," whenever he gets asked on his opinion about the revolution. And that is called miscommunication at its finest. However, this does not discredit the fact that Pogtopia did use Techno as a literal weapon without further inspecting his stance whatsoever.

On the topic of Pogtopia and Techno, in the moment where its revealed that Techno is going to betray Tommy, don't say its karma. They were both used as weapons during that era, Tommy far beyond that. He wasn't even the one to institute the government when they won, it was Wilbur. Think of it as Tommy as the handle and Techno was the blade. It fits perfectly to their dynamic during that era. Also, don't try to reason out manipulation wth.

Last point, to the people who were disappointed that Tommy never got to "learn his lesson" after he escaped from Dream, do not become parents. Just don't. You really expect a literal teenager who just escaped from an abusive relationship to think about that? Bitch, Tommy never had time to even think about his trauma and you expect him to be like "ye, i was irresponsible," in a snap? If anything, the exile just showed him that he and his discs are being used a political leverage (he even said that he's the only one Dream is scared of) so of course, Tommy is going to try to take his discs back as a way to end the bullshit he and everyone he holds dear has gone through. We don't even know if he's going to put it in an e-chest or burn it (probably the latter). Guys. Please. The child literally went through hell and back. Give him therapy before lecturing him about being "selfish." (Again, you have no right to call him that in the first place.)

Appreaciate the storyline for what it is and stop trying to fight each other over who was right and who's in the wrong like please. The only redeemable (by redeemable i mean saints amongst men y'know maybe should not have used that word to begin with but ahhhhhh) characters here is Ranboo (Edit: Also Niki haha woops, thank you for reminding me) if I'm completely honest. (I am going against everything I stand for to not include Tommy and Tubno in that sentence but I said what I said.)

/dsmp /roleplay /nm

[johnconstantius]

Hello! did you see the Welcome to California teaser? What were your thoughts? I for one, loved it, it's easily the story I am most excited for!

So I’ve got three words for you: Now We’re Talking.

This trailer has me so pumped up for S4. There’s so much Mileveney goodness here. The fact that El is counting the days she’s been apart from Mike, the same way Mike did in S2 - argh. The Mileven is strong with this one.

A few random observations below in no particular order. Obviously, because this is a trailer, any or all of these could turn out to be completely off base when the full season finally drops...

The initial trailers promised a “Group One” of Steve, Robin, Lucas, Max and Dustin (and I think Nancy). It looks like “Group Two” will be the Byers (Joyce, Jonathan, Will, El) plus Mike. And yes, I’m loving Group Two 😊.

Spring Break, woo hoo!

Although the series is filming in New Mexico, my guess now is that the state won’t be a location in the show. Based on the trailer, I assume that NM is a stand-in for SoCal, in the same way Georgia is a stand-in for Indiana in previous seasons.

I love MBB’s speech patterns as Eleven in the trailer. There’s the familiar slow, hesitant rhythm of her voice, as if she’s carefully thinking of each word before she says it - but it’s a little faster this time. The words are longer too, more multi-syllabic. Both Millie and the writers seem to be advancing the character, recognizing that she’s gotten older and been exposed to more people, so her language is improving... but she still hasn’t left 12 years in the Lab entirely behind. Early days yet, but so far I’m loving this take.

Contrary to a lot of fanfic (but not the Special series 😊), it appears that El is not one of the popular kids. She’s putting a brave face on it in her letter to Mike, but it looks like she gets picked on and is closer to the bottom of the high school food chain than the top. I’m not surprised - it emphasizes the fact that she’s lost her powers and can’t do anything about bullies, and it fits her character too. Quite simply, El is unusual, and unusual doesn’t do well in high school.

El’s letter suggests it’s been 185 days that she and Mike have been apart. That would suggest the Duffer Brothers and Netflix are dealing with the physical aging of their young cast through the time-honored tradition of ignoring it. And that makes sense. I googled some classic “high school” TV shows and movies. The actors playing the “high school freshmen” of Dawson’s Creek, Glee, Beverly Hills 90210 and the 80’s high school movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High were generally between the ages of 19 and 27. So Millie at 17, Finn at 18 and Sadie at 19 are young from a Hollywood perspective when it comes to playing high-schoolers. To me, ignoring their aging makes a lot more sense than trying to do some complicated time-travel plot or multi-year time jump in the continuity. But it’s just a trailer, maybe I’m wrong...

Finally, I have to say that somewhere along the line, Finn Wolfhard turned into a really good-looking guy. His looks are unconventional, and he’s so skinny I’m afraid a strong breeze would knock him over, but he’s got very striking features. I’d swear he and Timothee Chalamet were separated at birth. If Timothee’s contract negotiations for Dune 2 hit an impasse, here’s your new Paul Atreides 😊...

So, that was probably more than you expected, but this trailer really spoke to me and got me excited for S4 in a way I haven’t been for a long time!

[bellaslilpapercut]

The combination of how the cullens behave towards people and how little they care (as per therealvinelles metas) and fuckmeyers metas and how often they are incredibly immoral and strange, what is their motive for vegitarianism? Like, their reasons for why they do it are clear sometimes but what is their internal justification for it? What do they think their motives are?

This is an interesting question!! I think for some of the cullens it's clearer and more consistent than others:

Carlisle: was prepared to die rather than violate the "sanctity of life" right from the moment he was turned. Now, what he considers life is definitely influenced by his (and meyer's) christianity*. He had no qualms with eating animals as a human or as a vampire. He also cares about the shifters up to a point. Based on book canon, he would never kill one of the pack members and he does value the treaty more than the others Cullens (especially Edward) but I think he also sees himself as somewhat superior to them. He ran tests on Jake's blood without consent, valuing his own curiosity over Jacob's right to his own body. But that's a whole other meta lol. Anyway, I think Carlisle, like many christians*, values "human" (he's added vampires and shifters to this) life period over quality of life. He didn't let Rose die because it would have been a "waste" but he didn't consider what a curse immortality would be for her. Alive in any condition is better than dead for Carlisle and I believe that is his core motivation for continuing the diet (and for turning the 4 vampires that he did).

Jasper: I put him second because I agree with @therealvinelle that Jasper might have figured out the vegetarian diet on his own eventually even if he'd never met alice. Jaspers gift made it painful for him to feed and in Eclipse he tells Bella that he went so far as to starve himself for periods of time just to avoid the emotional pain of feeding. His self control still isn't perfect but he is the only Cullen who personally needs the diet, not for moral reasons like Carlisle, but because feeding from humans is almost traumatizing for him.

Esme: her only motivation for the diet is carlisle. Honestly during my reread Esme comes across as nice, not kind, and very nearly agoraphobic. She avoids most humans except for Bella and only works in isolation (renovating a house by herself during NM). She isn't doing the diet because she likes being around people and needs to control her urges and blend, she isn't doing the diet out of compassion (she told Edward he could eat Bella in MS if that's what he needed to do), and she has no physical or emotional need like Jasper to refrain from eating humans. She only does it because Carlisle, the man she had romanticized and adored since she was 16, "saved" her and taught her this diet. She does it for him.

Rosalie: Rosalie is also in a unique position within the Cullen clan because for her the diet is not about morals or need but control. And with her "origin story" so to speak, it makes perfect sense. The last moments of her life were senseless violence. For her, whether she would admit it or not, the diet is entirely about exerting control over her current undead life. Regaining the agency that was taken from her in her last moments of life and in the first moments of her life as a vampire. You can see it in the way she speaks of her record as well- she doesn't care that she isn't killing humans or drinking them, she cares because she has self control. She is empowered by her spotless feeding record and she feels justified in the deaths she did cause (even brushing off the two guards she killed to get to Royce).

Edward: Edward only does the diet for his own internal theater. He's wrapped up in his own unfolding drama- when he turns away from Carlisle he turns himself into a vigilante, scouring the night for sexual predators, drug abusers, pedophiles, and deviants. It's very Film Noir for him. He tells Bella that he couldn't bear to kill "good" humans which was why he went after "villains" when he did break from the diet but as we learn in MS when he fantasizes about killing literally the entire Quileute tribe, Edward doesn't care about killing "good" humans either. Edward would kill anyone as long as the reason was justified by his own theater. He'd kill Mike Newton out of "love," he'd kill deviants on the street to "prove" himself, he'd even try to kill to whole Volturi just to martyr himself and "prove" that they really were evil after all. Edward only does the vegetarian diet while it fits with his self image. With Bella, he sees himself as saintly, "like carlisle," punishing himself with thirst so that he deserves the Bella Madonna he invented in his own head. And of course, a lot of his self image and image of world is warped into a wonky Carlisle shape because he's fully obsessed with his creator. He does the diet in part for carlisle (which we see in NM when Alice "sees" edward killing hundreds of tourists in volterra and then changing his mind so that he doesn't disappoint carlisle) and in part because of his own mental theater.

Emmett, Alice, & Bella: all three do the diet because "that's what cullens do." They aren't motivated by love of carlisle, like Esme, even if they may all respect carlisle (tbh I wouldn't believe that any of them feel love for anyone though that comes down to meyers ability to show genuine love in the first place. But again that's a whole other meta lolol). They don't really care about humans at all as all three have the "slip ups happen, lol" attitude about eating humans. Alice does the diet because she "saw" it, Emmett does the diet because Carlisle turned him, Bella does the diet because she's a Cullen. If edward wanted to leave and go on a binge-eating road trip through every city in america, Bella would tag along.

Renesmee: honestly I don't remember BD well and I'm not there yet in my reread but I vaguely remember Renesmee being capable of biting humans (and Jacob) without killing them. If this is the case, I don't think Renesmee will be following the diet for very long at all because why bother reigning herself in if she can sip on a human with no real consequence of murder?

Of course, I assume Renesmee will still be "vegetarian" in meyers threatened sequel because the out of universe reason the cullens have to be vegetarians is simply, they need to be superior. They need to stand out from those other nasty vampires who are only vegetarians for sex or worse, aren't vegetarians at all! The theme of valuing existence over quality of life is really consistent throughout the saga, from Carlisle's choice to turn the cullens that he did to Bella's decision to keep Renesmee. Its a very pro-life series through and through.

* I didn't want to get too wordy there but I mean the US's specific brands of christianity like evangelicalism and mormonism. In the US, christians value "sanctity of life" over quality of life in every way. (Ergo why it's easier to pass abortion bans than universal healthcare here.) I don't think meyer really paid much attention to historical accuracy when she wrote Carlisle (if she thought london had sewers in the 17th century, I doubt she would know the nuanced differences between modern and early protestantism) so I think his own religious beliefs are more reflective of modern US christianity than 17th century britain's christianity. *

[digitaldoeslmk]

I was keeping my interpretation to the scenes that you had brought up tbh, but since we're going over all of the monkey MK scenes, let's get to it >:3 /lh /nm

in Pitiful Creatures, he's fighting against the Curse and it's the first times we see him transform and it shows how painful and dissonant it is for him. those power shockwaves are for foreshadowing, to imply that MK's power level as it were, is much greater than we first assumed!

when he confronts Azure and the others, yes the shockwaves are enough to blow everyone a step back, but even in close proximity he doesn't hurt Mei! he did crack the ground and he's visibly much more powerful than we've ever seen from him, but even in an unplanned burst of power, he never hurt his friends.

now to the Azure confrontation. there's a number of things that happened until then.

first, the talk with Macaque, that he gets to choose his path and what matters to him, and how to do what he wants to do. in MK's case, it was to retrieve Wukong's bamboo slip and retreat to free him and formulate a plan; facing Azure head-on or ignoring him were not options. this is MK learning that he needs to think outside the box, and sometimes he needs to take the unexpected path to get to where he needs to be to help people.

second, there's also a portion where the group trains with Wukong, and him and Mei get the power-up armors, implying they are tapping further into their magical weapons in a controlled way. it's fair to mention that when Mei gained control over the Samadhi Fire, she also gained a new outfit, so we already have precedence of control = new fit! (plus more figurine looks to sell, but anyway)

and thirdly, the quick convo with Wukong. "You can't keep running from this part of your power just because it scares you." Fear is a theme that's been handled with MK a few times, and how to go about facing it and overcoming it. Yes, there's the arachnophobia thing, but there's also his fear of abandonment, of messing up, of not being enough, of not meeting people's expectations. all that good stuff. but he's still shaken over the Curse's words, which again, is one more unreliable narrator here! it twists your fears and mistakes against yourself, and is the only one to ever bring up the harbinger of chaos thing; we can't take anything it says for granted, just like with Azure.

MK has so far, been talked at by several unreliable narrators who either twist the truth for their own gain (Azure and Curse), or purposefully hide information despite him Clearly Asking For It (Macaque). MK's fear here are rooted in him not knowing things, but specifically what is up with him and what's his purpose, where he comes from, how did he happen, etc. and his monkey form is the very tangible materialization of those fears.

cut to Azure trying to kill Wukong. not defeat, not suppress, he's out for blood. and when MK stands in his way, that means MK is going down with him, if Azure has his way. "I should never have trusted the Monkey King", but MK does. MK has so many many reasons to doubt Wukong, who he is and what he stands for, if he's even in the right for standing by him. But this is the choice he makes cus the other option is letting Azure kill him and be Emperor, and that's not an option.

everybody brings up the "Well alright then" line which, understandable, it's iconic, go king give us everything (utter destruction), BUT! I get real hung up on that sigh before he says it. it feels like a sort of resignation. he wanted to talk Azure down, he wanted their plan to not need this, he wanted to avoid this. but Azure forced his hand. forced this thing he doesn't fully understand out of him, because neither wants to back down and something has to give. he tried everything he could, everything that once worked for him, but none of it was enough. so now he has to really go into this.

the way i see it, he's decided that it's time to go gloves off and kind of made his peace internally about it. he can't be afraid to put Azure down after all that he's done, all that he ALMOST did. and if this is what it takes to win, then well alright then, let's do this.

as for Wukong's line, i sincerely doubt MK would have heard it, it was more like a teasing line cus "ahaha wouldn't it be fucked up if MK really did wreck-- oh no". and the FFM getting sliced like a potato... yeah the writers didn't have to, but my own theory is that, they need more locations for lego sets next season. they'll either fix it up all fancy for a new set, or give us some new locations which, sucks majorly but, it's the reality of a show made to sell toys =.=

as for the episode title... we can just as easily point to Azure tearing up the mecha, or the fact that he's barely holding his body together, or that it literally ends with Azure slicing and tearing the world apart cus he can't handle the JE power.

I'm sorry do you know how crazy Wukong and MK are. MK after listening to Azure's skewed history, that had MK saying "But Monkey King is a hero he wouldn't just..." "You saw it with your own eyes! His betrayal, his brutality, he took the only friends I had from me!". And even after MK was becoming slowly more and more convinced that Wukong was the "bad guy", he still lost his shit after Azure wouldn't give Monkey King back to him. Like, he did not care. He just wanted his mentor back. There was no waiting, MK just immediately destroyed everything around him. Like I'm telling you MK is going to destroy the world for Wukong or because of Wukong. It's so over.

[zonie-az]

Anxiety and brain being stupid so

Dyslexia Arizona cause I got it and I love my boy so he gets it too.

Ari hates writing and reading laws it just so hard and a there so many words and it all in times new Roman and fuck that.

Ari doesn't like green. The color hurts he does better with reds and oranges. Turquoise is okay so blue but like Forest green and all hurtssssss. (Not the same colors as me but these fit his color scheme)

He loves his cactus of course but also sometimes they do hurt at times when his head is being extra mean.

He can not always spell his name. That why he always likes Ari he can spell that Arizona just has to many letters and no pattern to grab on to.

Ari can also not spell new Mexico. Which hurts more then his name cause it his boyfriends name he should be able to spell it.

He will usually write and use newie two es and an ie are good great letter mixed.

He sometimes will write NM but usually doesn't cause sometimes he put MN or MM or NN he has to repeat in his head new Mexico as he writes it.

Speaking of which when any state does it's acronym he has no idea who it is.

His acronym is amazing AZ first letter and then last letter amazing great love it.

Also half of not more the states he has no idea who is who.

Please don't give him a map. He don't want it.

NM is so kind to him. He sometimes sit and read things to Ari to try and help.

Newie always wears colors that he knows does well for Ari's brain.

Sometimes Ari will have bad light sensitivity day and NM will pin up the black out curtains putting down head pads to keep him warm if it winter. And take away Ari's phone and just use a radio with tape over the screen so Ari can sit in as much darkness as he can. But also not be just sitting there bored.

NM will come in when he can and snuggle with Ari. Tho it's hard getting in the room and around.

NM will knock and talk though the door then Ari covers his head as NM opens the door and steps in. Then after closing it just stands there till Ari comes and grabs him guiding him to the bed. Cause NM can't see anything. Ari can tho. So Ari has to guides NM there. NM will end up poking Ari or knock something over cause he can't see but he wants to give Ari a kiss or hold his hand.

Ari hates hates hates writing anything please don't make him write in front of people. He can't spell and people will make fun of him. Also don't you dare make him read Infront of anyone. He will cry.

NM is the only exception. Tho reading in front of him still hurts Ari he feels so much shame.

He will be working and ask NM how to spell something. NM has learned best thing to do is not even look up from whatever and just say the spelling not to fast and then let it move on.

Ari has so much shame with spelling thing wrong he spends forever checking his work 100 times and even then it's almost guaranteed he mess stuff up.

He tries to play the not trying/caring card all the time with others. But he cares and try so hard.

Bad brain days can lead to lot of tears also if he has to keep working sometimes head bangs on the table.

3 bangs to be exact.

Always 3

One for the shock out of it. one of the pressure release. One cause he can't stop it and also pain needs to hit before he back.

NM hates them. He hates when Ari bangs his head. He tries to get Ari not to but Ari needs it. Sometimes it's really all he can do to get the overwhelm and pressure feeling out. NM doesn't understand. And Ari knows he never will. Ari does it without warning NM sometimes cause he knows NM will try and stop him. Which scares the shit out of Newie. And NM always tried to stop but the 3 bangs are fast and over before NM can really stop it.

Ari starts working again cause NM always is like okay we don't that upsets Ari cause he did his bangs he okay for a bit he needs to get this done.

NM wants to pull everything away. It's hurting his boyfriend but let's Ari work more. He watching careful then when he sees pain again starting to build he takes it all away.

NM tried to get Ari to take break but sometimes that make it worse cause it drags everything out and Ari just wants it done and over with.

Ari talks about his brain like it not him. His brain is someone else sometimes. His brain is throwing a bit. His brain is being mean. His brain won't let him.

NM is very confused but knows it not different personalities or anything. It just having the disconnect from what you want and are trying to do and what is able to be done. To know what he trying to say but can't get it out.

NM is always trying to be patient with Ari. Sometimes it's hard. Ari can tell when NM is getting frustrated. Usually when Ari is having a bad day and his hurting himself trying to push things. Or when Ari is trying to explain something but can't and NM needs to know. Or when Ari can't/won't do stuff around other states.

Spell check has no idea what he trying to say. He keeps a little notebook that has words he needs to spell all the time plus little pictures next to them if need be. he can read better then spell but reading is hard. Also never read all the words. He hates when his brain deletes words like "not" or *other then* and things that make a big difference.

Ari knows on computer and changing the front and separate into more paragraphs. Helps but he also can be self destructive and be mean about how he should be able to do it on his own like everyone else. And not do that.

NM also doesn't understand that and will change things for him sometimes cause he can't let Ari put himself though he'll cause he feels like he stupid for not being able to do how others do.

Writing in cursive can go burn.

No cursive. He can decode cursive most the time.

So he has to get a paper and pen and write out whatever in cursive them read what he wrote. He hates it.

Just Ari having dyslexia.

Am going to try and sleep now it 1am.

[lunarreaper-ut]

Will cross ever be on better terms or rather... More trusting/less on edge with nightmare later (i dont only mean as king and guard but as persons too?) I mean sure nm is still a king and cross a royal guard (of dream) but that doesn't mean they on good terms. I just wish their relationship will kinda develope too... Oh yeah does cross even know how highly nm thinks of him as a guard and how much killer doesn't like that fact? 🤭

What exactly did dream think of killer first and after more time? I mean he surely, didn't like the idea if having an serial killer as his Brothers guard and didn't trust him one bit but i just wanna now more about his thoughttrain...

(Which also reminds me on the question /how & why dream accept killer as his Brothers guard? How did killer gain his trust or at least his approval, leading dream to even apologizing to him?/ u said it was an big event so will this be answered later as an story??? OwO )

My last question(s), in one of my last asks u sad that "at times killer might even gets physicaly get in the way of nm's work, just so nm puts it aside for at least a few minutes" ... So my question is: how does he do that?? Is he laying down across nm's desk like a cat, or just turning him around with the chair and shoving him somewhere else, or taking nm's pen throwing it somewhere or hides it quickly o make him stop, or maybe idk more subtle ways... Like looking at nm with puppy eyes?

Wait... Did he ever try that move on nightmare at all? If yes, When? Was it effective???

Ah that's a good question

Cross and Nightmare rarely interact with each other, so their opinions of each other are that of people who have only seen what the other wants to show. Cross is a bit too caught up in his worries for Dream to see Nightmare's true nature.

Cross has been complimented on his skills directly by Nightmare, and it certainly shocked him. The interaction was odd to him, because of how nonchalant Nightmare was. When Nightmare saw his confusion, he'd said: "Why wouldn't I praise your skill? Only a fool would ignore your capabilities."

Cross isn't aware that it bothered Killer.

He's wary of Nightmare still, and honestly it's not like we can blame him. Nightmare hasn't done anything particularly big to show that he's changed at all. Besides, Cross never knew Nightmare before the incident. He'd only heard stories, and then his first meeting wasn't... the greatest either...

It will take a bit for Cross to feel more at ease with Nightmare. For now, he doesn't see him as a direct threat, and respects him as a King. That doesn't stop him from questioning a lot of Nightmare's decisions (silently), but it's progress.

What does Dream think of Killer?

At first, Dream thought Killer was a despicable person. He couldn't understand the need to cause harm to another, and he had even more trouble processing it after speaking with Killer at his trial. How could someone who had killed so many innocent people seem so... unbothered?

He believed that Killer was wholly and truly insane. When Nightmare told Dream he was taking Killer on as his Royal Guard, he practically threw a fit. (as much as a thousand year old King could do at least). He refused initially, saying they had already sentenced him to death.

That is until of course, Nightmare pointed out the fact that they didn't, Dream did. Nightmare didn't say much as to why he was taking Killer in, and he wouldn't listen to reason. For once, since Nightmare's return, the two Kings had disagreed.

Dream was hesitant to push against Nightmare too much, and he wanted to trust his brother's judgement, but he just couldn't. Unfortunately for Dream, he also couldn't prevent Nightmare from assigning Killer as his Royal Guard. The Kings had equal power in their Kingdom, regardless of who supported them.

There are many things that require both Kings to be in agreement, but a King choosing their Royal Guard was not one of them. Nightmare was exercising his right as King by choosing Killer, even if Dream was sure it was a terrible choice.

After Killer became a Royal Guard, Dream was... well he tried to be polite. Killer was annoying, he was rude, unmannered, and he didn't care for his job. Dream was frustrated nearly every time he saw Killer. Eventually Dream couldn't stand it anymore and talked with Nightmare. He said he didn't need to have a Royal Guard if he really didn't want to, and he would understand.

When Killer remained as Nightmare's Royal Guard, Dream was confused, and a little frustrated again. It seemed after that, however, that Killer was becoming more tolerable. Dream had begun to get used to Killer's jokes, but honestly? His manners were much better. Dream was still wary about him.

It was the night that Killer lost his arm that Dream's entire point of view changed. He hadn't thought Killer would do something so selfless, and when he'd heard about what happened he hardly believed it.

He only truly believed it when he actually saw Killer after the fact. The entire castle could practically hear the scolding Killer got from Nightmare, and when Nightmare put Killer on leave. Dream was... conflicted to say the least.

Killer was still trying to insist on doing his duty, even when he was meant to be recovering. He was frequently asking Cross to train with him so he could get back to his duties, trying to speak with the guards who wouldn't let him see Nightmare, and he even asked Dream if there was anything to be done.

It was probably the first time Dream realized Killer actually cared about his job. When Killer returned to work as a Guard, with a new arm- made from Nightmare's own magic even!- Dream apologized to him.

How does Killer physically get in the way of Nightmare's work?

Oh he'll do anything he thinks won't get him in trouble. Taking papers Nightmare is working on, "misplacing" his files, getting in the way of his writing, all sorts of things. He doesn't try to move Nightmare though, since he's sure that will get him in trouble. He might lay on the desk if he's feeling particularly lazy that day, and he will indeed try his best for "puppy eyes". Which is a bit hard without eyelights, but it comes across.

If getting in the way doesn't work, he'll resort to his secret weapon. "Please, Your Majesty? For me?"

Killer started doing that after he lost his arm, and 9 times out of 10 it works. He says it in the gentlest voice he can manage, and he has to make sure Nightmare is looking him in the eyes, or it's effectiveness goes down.

[signanothername]

honestly, both outcomes where either of the twins die are really interesting to me, yet NM dying and Dream inherenting all his stuff sounds better, somewhat. I mean, imagine Dream starts to heal and grow and the years pass by and he starts to fit into the true immortal role, perhaps even by his maturity starting to act like Nightmare in certain scenarios?

Fr fr same here, really love exploring these possibilities

And that’s exactly what I’m saying, and listen this may be a bit morbid to say, but I wholeheartedly believe that Dream can never truly start his healing journey (and eventually actually heal) until Nightmare’s dead

Cause in a sense, Nightmare is a walking living reminder of both the twins’ trauma and what became of them, and Dream can never truly rest until he stops worrying about the negativity and positivity imbalance that Nightmare’s causing, and once Nightmare’s gone, the balance of emotions is back on its track, and there’s definitely no bigger threat that can mess with that balance afterwards, and by extension, finally giving Dream the actual time to rest/relax, even if a little, considering Dream would definitely feel a bit anxious about the idea of “relaxing” (Dream will forever be a workaholic in my heart, plus his duty as a positivity guardian as well as the fact he’s incapable to stop being a people pleaser will forever haunt him)

But i can absolutely see him finally truly understand and view life in a more healthy manner, find his relationship with life in a way that’s actually meaningful to him, aside worrying about his duty as a guardian, I can see him actually and genuinely feeling what it is like to actually live and not just survive

And by god Anon you’re a fucking genius cause I can absolutely see Dream retaining some of Nightmare’s habits/quirks over time without truly realizing it, only for someone to else to point it out, and for Dream to find it heartwarming yet heartbreaking at the same time

The thing is, Dream becomes both the positivity and negativity guardian once Nightmare’s gone, and I can’t stop thinking about the spiritual implications of that, cause wouldn’t it technically mean Dream would feel his brother’s spirit throughout the negativity of the multiverse? Can Nightmare’s own negativity/positivity get extinguished really? When his memory and impact on positivity and negativity can never be truly changed? When Nightmare used to be a guardian himself? When Dream now has the other black apple half within himself?

Ok ok I’m stopping shhdhdh have another sketch cause Anon you have a big brain with the Dream starts acting like Nightmare idea

Dream doing the formal arms behind back Nightmare stand

Part 1 (technically)

Part 3 (kinda)

Part 4

[juleswritesthis]

Roswell NM 3x11 Thoughts (I have a lot of thoughts!!!)

Contrary to popular opinion I really liked this episode. Yes, the science was so made up it was funny, yes certain character choices are hilariously silly, yes there was a lot of scenes filled with exposition dump, yes characters disappearing for episodes not to be mentioned as if they don’t exist is jarring & annoying, and omg yes, the Wyatt arc (if you can call it that) fell flat and was a complete waste of valuable screen time. So yes, I agree with most everyone’s assessment. That said still a very enjoyable and entertaining episode setting up the final concluding 2 hours of the season. Let’s get into it.

Jones is highly entertaining, overly good looking, and sometimes hilarious villain. Nathan shines bringing charm and depth to the role. Its important to note that Jones hasn’t caused any lasting damage to the group. Sure, he has tried to kill various members, he’s responsible for putting Maria in a coma & has kidnapped half the cast basically, kept our heroes busy all season. But when it comes to killing or destruction it’s really been focused on the dregs or racist folks of the town, the poor scientist in Santa Fe (I think it was Santa Fe) & the lady at the university last week. No one of any real consequence to our heroes. Now I have no idea if Maria’s vision arc has concluded because it hasn’t been mentioned in forever, but I’m assuming that there will be a major death by season end. Noah killed Rosa and the 2 other girls, abused Isobel for 10 years and destroyed the lives of all the mains. For Jones to be a real big bad there’s got to be some long-lasting consequences to one or more of our mains. Though I’m going into the final 2 episodes with excitement there is some concern. I don’t think any of the mains will perish but I do worry about Sanders and even Heath. (I’m really worried about Sanders y’all especially after that promo!!!)

Jones negotiation with Liz was bizarre. Why negotiate at all? Wouldn’t he just threaten to kill or maim people…what the heck is Liz’s bargaining chip against an all-powerful, evil dictator? If she doesn’t do what he wants he can just start killing folks she loves. It really is that easy. I get the whole creativity inspiration thing but fear for those you love is a great motivator. I was so amused that after hours of discussion Liz pulls out the big guns… free the sheriff. Was that her wild card? Really Liz? She may be a kick-ass scientist with a boatload of courage and sass, but I wouldn’t have her negotiating any of my needs anytime soon.

Isobel and Rosa scenes continue to delight. I think it’s clear Rosa won’t be in Season 4 much. As much as I will miss her, I’m glad that she will find some peace and joy at art school, she deserves it. Unlike Wyatt who does not deserve any tranquility because his redemption (if you can call it that) was not earned. Instead, his memories were wiped along with it any true feelings of guilt and remorse. How can we believe he has truly changed? What happens if his memories return? So silly and completely wasteful screen time (no offense to the actor who is quite good and likable).

The Dallas and Max scenes were wonderful. Don’t get me wrong I prefer the show not tell method. And Dallas conveniently having the entire Oasis history in a memory from his father then regurgitating those memories to Max (and the audience) was not the best way to convey the story. However, the actor who plays Dallas is ridiculously charismatic and I could listen to him recite the phone book (do those still exist?) and be entertained. Plus, for one moment I truly believe that Dallas had gotten through to the constantly self-sacrificing, martyr that is Max Evans. But as the promo for finale proves with Max asking Michael (why Michael?) to kill him, the words didn’t stick. Oh Max…

Speaking of, I truly feel so bad for Max. He’s had it rough. In a span of couple weeks, he’s been told he is a clone of an evil dictator, he isn’t the Savior but in fact a weapon to bring down the real Savior who also isn’t really a savior but a genocidal maniac (Michael’s words not mine) who slaughtered half his planet. Not to mention the “there has to be 3” doesn’t include him, as he isn’t part of the triad. And that because he is a clone, he doesn’t actually have biological parents or siblings or anything, well Michael, by DNA sort of, maybe? Oh, and he is the only thing tethering the evil, psycho dictator to life. I mean…

My hope for Season 4 is that Max gets to process everything he has learned about his existence. He hasn’t expressed how he feels the entire season and he deserves to. I hope the writers don’t have him get over it by season’s end with one scene or worse just sweep it under the rug. Like being a clone of an evil psycho, to be used as a weapon, without any real connection to Isobel and Michael? That’s got to have some lasting effects…please writers let me see it on my screen.

Speaking of show not telling, Michael’s new powers. I not a fan of Michael telling us a story of how he used his mind control powers accidently when he was 18. Can we please see these scenes so we can feel the true emotional impact?

As for these powers, strap in, this is a doozy (and might be controversial). I, like Michael, feel that taking someone’s free will, no matter who they are is not a good power to have; it’s not fun, it’s not cool. Michael is right that’s some dark shit and a power that needs to be used very sparingly and with a ton of responsibility.

I loved the scene between Sanders and Michael, but I have a couple issues with some of the dialogue. Sanders is the only living person (other than Jones) that knew and loved Nora. Thus, he can speak about her with authority. He is also the only person who is any kind of real parent figure in Michael’s. Thus, him saying Michael has no darkness can be believed. He knows Michael and he knows Nora. However, Sanders doesn’t know what its like to have powers, especially an immense power such as mind control. Though I appreciate Sanders’ perspective (and agree with him about the purity of Michael’s soul) I wasn’t a big fan of him brushing away Michael’s fears about having mind control powers and not wanting to use them. Yes, it’s important for Michael to recognize just because he has Jones’ power doesn’t mean he is or will ever become Jones. It’s not the powers that make a person. But the line about Nora not fearing her powers was not helpful. Nora’s powers were telekinesis, engineering (if genius is a power) and possibly miraculous crop growth. None of these powers take away a person’s ability to control their actions (well telekinesis to a certain point but in nowhere near actual mind control). So of course, Nora didn’t fear her powers.

I wish someone had validated Michael’s fears instead of brushing them away with a few words of you have no darkness or in Isobel’s case you aren’t like Jones/Noah. A person does not have to be evil or bad to misuse a power like mind control & for that misuse to have dire consequences. Can you imagine being able to make people do what you want them to do at any time? Even if your intent is to do good, it doesn’t mean it’s something that should be done or won’t have major consequences. Sort of like the ends justify means conversation between Jones and Liz. What is the line, do you recognize it and what’s to stop a person from inches towards the line and what happens if you cross it?

So, my wish for next season is for Michael like Max is given time to process what he has learned about himself and his powers. My wish is for Michael is to continue to struggle with when, how and if he should use the mind control power. That way even when faced with a racist sheriff that is holding a gun to his friends, he is careful, asks for consent and never takes advantage of this tremendous power. In addition, I do think it would be very interesting to continue to explore these powers and how they maybe could change a person? Take Max’s power to give and take away life force. He killed Noah and used that life force (and his own) to bring Rosa to back to life. Seems like a good exchange but ethically and morally having a person decide who lives or dies? And how would this all fit into religion with Dallas being a priest? These could make for some great conversations and strong character development. Fingers crossed we see some of it and not just get told in passing.

The music in the episode was amazing. The beginning with Nothing Else Matters and Jones is a tux… I mean… Also, the ending with the fight sequence, building the suspense, only for the reveal to be that Jones had wanted them all to come so he could trap Liz, Dallas, and Max along with Isobel and Michael (for extra leverage) in his mind. I’m confused about why everyone was sitting but Michael was standing? Is he able to move or is he able to resist his father’s mind control? I’m really looking forward to next week and for Team Human to come to the rescue (maybe).

Favorite lines of the episode:

Sanders to Michael: “You are just a pair of sad puppy dog eyes and a cowboy hat”

Jones to Team Alien & Liz: “Well, everyone seems a little tense” (LOL I love Jones!)

Dallas (or Isobel) writing on the wall to Jones: “KNOCK, KNOCK”

[gisellelx]

Why would Bella have been interested in studying biology in college? It makes no sense at all for her character. Just because she was ✨ gifted ✨ at biology for knowing the same mitosis lab every 10th grader in the country does? And HOW did she get into Dartmouth with no advanced classes and no extracurriculars?! Did the Cullens have to Aunt Becky her into Dartmouth? Is there a photoshopped picture of Bella playing water polo somewhere out there?

Forgive the time on this one. I actually forgot that I have bootleg pdfs of all the books--I downloaded them a decade ago and then they’ve just been on various backups ever since. I wanted to verify what Bella had ever said about her major before grandstanding on this. But now, let me grandstand on this a bit. :)

I think SM absolutely wants us to believe that the Cullens Aunt-Beckied Bella into Dartmouth. However. In normal circumstances, I’m relying on good research when I talk about what might have happened in a given Twilight situation. In this situation, however, I’m drawing on several years’ experience on the admissions staff of an honors college at a major elite university you’ve heard of. 

We absolutely would have admitted Bella Swan.

Bella absolutely got into Dartmouth on her own, once Edward submitted her materials and here’s why. Two words. Pell Grant. Universities want them. They’re not huge, but it helps fend off the “Oh you’re just for the elite students” charge. Let’s look at Bella for a minute. She’s a first-generation student (ooh), with parents of lower middle class incomes (ahhh), her father is in law enforcement (great, respectable middle-income job that is going to appeal to the kinds of people who accuse higher ed of being "elite"), who is coming from a county with an under-average college matriculation rate and low test scores. 

These are exactly the kinds of things an elite college is looking for. They want to balance out the “My daddy went to Princeton and my mommy went to Harvard” enrollment. They need to be able to go “Look, here’s a talented student who comes from nothing and we were able to make it work for her” in order to make themselves look and feel good. They need the rags-to-riches story, and if it can get a 1400+ on the SAT...bring it on.

There is nothing in the saga to suggest that Bella isn’t an excellent student. In fact everything suggests exactly the opposite--she comes into junior year Bio having already taken Bio AP at a bigger school district. She seems to be a vigorous reader, which means she’s probably not a bad writer. And she’s an introvert, so she probably spends a great deal of time studying. While it’s true we don’t get an indication that she has an extensive extracurricular life, extracurriculars are the domain of the well-off students, and admissions experts know this. Newton’s Outfitters would suffice. We/they know that our working-class, first-gen students are likely to be working as their extracurricular, so a steady job stands in for band or Science Olympiad, or what have you. 

So...yeah. Presuming her test scores are where we would expect them to be for someone who considers Wuthering Heights to be pleasure reading...she absolutely got into Dartmouth on her own. She’s exactly the kind of student elite universities are looking for--not too much trouble (and ngl, white! She'll fit in! Admissions committees are totally racist AF!) who is just kind of poor but not really through no fault of her own. So yeah, she’s getting an admit offer. 

As to science--I had to go searching here because I’m not sure if you’re referring specifically to my personal AU. But I have to assume you are, based on what’s in canon. In canon, we don’t get any indication that Bella is bad at science. She just prefers Victorian lit. In One Day the Sun Will Rise, she chooses neuropsych precisely because of what happened in TW & NM. She has an aptitude for it, if an underdeveloped one (but seriously, every undergrad has underdeveloped aptitudes for lots of things) but she has only ever imagined herself as an English teacher. Edward, and his death, force her to re-imagine that--English lit is painful because it reminds her of him, and neuro is intriguing because it offers insight into his gift. So something very different than what she has envisioned makes a lot of sense in that canon divergent AU. She doesn't suck at science, obviously; she just hasn't dreamed of a need to cultivate it. And Edward gives her a reason to cultivate it.

I think in canon, had pregnancy not been forced upon her by SM, she absolutely majors in 19th century lit, has a wonderful time at Dartmouth, eventually gets turned, and does other degrees later. But I don’t think it is implausible to think she got into Dartmouth on her own, nor that she would pursue a science degree if Edward were out of the picture. 

[thestarwrites]

In A Different Time, A Different Place (all right, all might AU) ch. 2

“What have I told you about leaving patrol Toshinori!” The man looked at his work study student.

Toshinori frowned, sitting on his folded knees on the floor in front of him, “I’m sorry sir I- I just had to do something important!”

“A GIRL is not more important than what you are supposed to be doing,” the young blonde looked shocked, “Of course I know you’ve been going out of your way to see that girl from Ketsubutsu. I’m not stupid.”

“Sir- I- “

“There are no excuses. If you want to fool around in your free time THATS one thing. But I know Nana and myself did not fight this hard for you to chase a girl.”

“I know, sir. I’m sorry, it won’t happen again.”

Nana walked into the room, humming softly, “And how do we know you’ll keep your word, young Toshinori?”

He turned around and blushed gently, “Well because... I asked her for her phone number... so I can... talk to her when I’m not on patrol...”

Nana just laughed softly while Gran Torino scowled, “Give me five hundred push-ups and then go home.”

“

Toshinori’s eyes widened and he groaned- assuming the position and taking his punishment.

———————

[unknown] 7:30pm - hey! It’s Toshinori! You know, the guy from this afternoon.

The girl grinned down at the phone, she really didn’t think he would remember her. Programming his number into her cell, she responded.

[keri :3] 7:32pm - yes, I told you, I know who you are- did you get in a lot of trouble?

[future#1] 7:35 - Yeah... I sure did. But hey! It’s okay cause now I can talk to you when I’m not on patrol! So problem solved :D !!

[ Keri :3] 7:35 - haha well I’m glad.

[future#1] 7:40 - What are you doing rn?

[keri :3] 7:42- Nm. Watching tv.

[future#1] 7:50- Would you come out to get ice cream with me? I could pick you up?

[keri :3] 7:50- I’d love that :)

[future#1] 7:50- WOW! I’m so lucky! Okay- text me your address and I’ll come by! I can’t wait.

[keri :3] 7:51 - Me either Future #1

—————

Standing outside in the warm summer air she smiled, the sun still in the sky. Suddenly the blonde landed beside her, “Hey.”

She gasped and turned before laughing, “Hey! Sorry- I was expecting a car!” She laughed again, “I should have known better...”

He scratched his neck, the man was dressed in cargo pants and a white T-shirt that barely fit him, as well as a red zip up hoodie, “Well- so- uh- we can walk to the shop? Or... you know...”

She looked up at him, “Oh my gosh are you saying we could fly.”

“I- well I mean if you wanted!” He blushed.

Keri’s eyes practically sparked, “Yeah! Yeah I wanna try!”

He laughed softly at her enthusiasm before leaning down, “Hold onto my neck, miss.” He felt her nervousness again as her forehead glowed- but he felt something else, something more.

Safe in his arms bridal style, she looked up at him, “You’re amazing.”

This must be her quirk- he thought, grinning wider. He felt like he could do anything, that he could spit fire, that he could defeat any challenge. With her in his arms, he could conquer All for One. Looking back down he smiled, “You are.” And he launched into the air.

Keri gasped and squeezed onto him, “O-oh!! Oh my gosh!!” She started laughing, “We’re flying!!!!”

He laughed and held her closer, for once he felt like a seventeen year old, not like the whole world rested on his shoulders. After a few minutes of gliding around, he landed on the outskirts of the beach, “What did you think?”

She giggled and bounced, shivering a little, “That... that was so exhilarating! I- I can’t stop shaking!”

He unzipped his sweatshirt and laughed, wrapping it around her, “Here- let’s get you to stop trembling...” he blushed and smiled, “You know... you make me feel like that every time I see you... talk to you...”

“Toshinori...” she blushed hard and looked up at him, “Not fair- you’re too handsome and charming to resist.” She gave a mock-pout.

Laughing again he leaned his forehead on hers, letting out a breath, “Somehow I feel like I’ve known you my whole life.”

Reaching up, too-big red sleeves sagging down her arms, she stroked his cheeks, “Well, maybe we were lovers in another life?” She giggled.

“l-lovers, huh?” He let out a shaky breath, “S-so should we get that ice cream?”

“Only if you... kiss me first.”

“You want me to kiss you?” He guffawed.

“Well... yeah,” she bit her lip, “I mean you don’t have to- but since you asked me on a date... I figured it was worth a shot to ask.”

He laughed, “Honestly? You could ask for the sun and I’d strive to give it to you, beautiful...” he tilted her chin and softly kissed her on the lips.

[imaginariumrpc]

okay so the lovely @imbicilite​ / @whitrph​ and i were talking and it gave me the idea and we thought it was a great idea to spread it around so here’s how it goes: when talking with someone about pretty much anything tbh, but especially for something that could potentially be triggering, communicate with color codes based on city traffic lights ! GREEN means it’s good to talk about these things and you’re not feeling triggered by the topic, YELLOW means to slow down or stop talking about the topic at for now while RED means to stop the conversation about the topic immediately until green again where the conversation can divert into another topic or they feel safe to talk about it again !! this is EXTREMELY important, because it’s a way to alert others that you’re going to be talking about something that could possibly upset someone because of the subject matter, especially for those who may get triggered by a certain topic - even without you realizing it because squicks and triggers can honestly be anything, it could be different words or phrases or certain topics - and can cause severe anxiety in those affected, even panic attacks or flashbacks, and because we want to be considerate and respectful towards one another, it’s important that we use these to help our friends and fellow rpers know that we’re going to be posting or talking about something they might not want to see or talk about, and it’s of utmost importance to make them feel safe, it’s best to use this to be a more supportive friend and a member of the rpc!!

on a sidenote, i’m also here to tell you about tone indicators !! keep in mind that i didn’t come up with nor invent the concept of tone tags itself, but it was being spread around for a while now and i’d figured i’d talk about it !! essentially, tone indicators are used to indicate if the person is joking, being serious, etc., neurodivergent people often have trouble conveying and understanding emotion and tone through written text, using tone indicators is really helpful for neurodivergent people to make it easier for them to read/convey, it is also very helpful for people with anxiety. i encourage anyone who reads this to also type the meaning of the tone tag ( i.e: i love you !! /p for platonic ), so it is more accessible for neurodivergent and disabled people, like those who use screen readers.

“why should we use tone tags?” one might ask, but as an autistic, disabled and otherwise neurodivergent person myself, sometimes i don’t always get my friends and fellow mutual’s tones by their message but when they use tone indicators, it helps me understand and, not to mention that it can be really helpful and avoid misunderstandings. i would also like to note that NOT ALL neurodivergent people want you to use tone indicators on them, so if they don’t want you to use tone tags on them, please respect their wishes.

“i don’t like tone tags!” one might add, well, okay... but don’t make fun of the people that use them, it’s not a big deal, and if you’re a neurotypical who insists on not using tone tags when a neurodivergent person clearly asked you to, get your head out of your ass.

“using /j at the end of a joke ruins it!!” one might bitch, and okay but... it might be ruined for you, but it still makes me laugh, personally, so please try and get used to it, and not to mention, what’s more important: making sure you’re clear with your tone so that there’s no misunderstandings or throwing a fit just because the joke’s ruined for you?

additionally, some other things to keep in mind !! please do not mock the use of tone tags, you may not need them but some people do, not everyone can tell when something is a joke, when someone’s either being platonic, romantic or sexual in intentions, etc.,, especially when there’s no visual cues or tones of voice to help us, just be nice about it, it’s... really not hard, man. if you don’t use a tone tag and someone reads the tone of your statement incorrectly, do not get upset with them or laugh at them for not getting it - that is perpetuating ableism and/or sanism, whether you intentionally intend it or not. just kindly clarify and next time, keep in mind that tone tags are very helpful for neurodivergent, disabled and people with anxiety disorders. using a tone tag isn’t an excuse to be mean either, you can’t just say something mean or not cool and then put /j ( “joking” ) after it to get away with it, don’t be an ass. if you’re saying something that could be anxiety inducing for others, i would highly recommend putting the tone tags at not only the end but also the beginning of that post. do not intentionally use tone tags incorrectly “as a joke”, to confuse people, etc., the entire point of tone tags is to clarify, not confuse people, if you intentionally use them incorrectly, you’re an ass. keep in mind that no one has to use all the tone tags, use what you’d like, respect others who use what they would like, use them however feels rights to you. for me personally, sometimes i use multiple, sometimes only one, or sometimes none at all, just do what feels right, depending on who i’m talking to and how long i’ve known this person or group of people i’m speaking to, it’ll be fine, and if someone asks for clarification on what you mean, that’s okay, kindly clarify for them. additionally, please be patient if people don’t know what tone tags are, someone might not even be aware of what they are and that’s not their fault, just patiently explain it to them or link them to a source !! education always helps !! please don’t use “/srs or serious” as a joke, some neurodivergent and/or disabled people don’t need you to use three tone tags, and in my case, i’m presuming you’re neurotypical if you’re doing that when conversing with me, but what i’m trying to say is it looks like you’re babying us neurodivergents / disabled folx, so try to use only two tags ( that is, if that person is okay with it !! ), because some people don’t need you to use three tags.

please note that the following aren’t every single example out there and there are different terminologies in different languages, but they are important, a few examples of these are: 

“/j = joking / used when saying something in a joking manner, “so im pretty much the president of oreos /j”, 

“/hj = half joking / used when saying something that’s kind of a joke but kind of serious / “well,,,,, im usually right /hj” / 

“/s or /sarc / refers to the opposite of what you really want to say / “i just [clenches fists] love...... being sad..... /s”, 

“/srs / used when saying something you really mean / “i really appreciate you /srs””, 

“/nsrs = not serious / used when saying something not too seriously / “you’re the worst /nsrs”, 

“/lh = lighthearted = used when something’s said lightheartedly / “hEY LEAVE ME OUT OF THIS /lh” / i’d say something like this when me and my friends would get into a silly argument and they’re trying to ask my opinion on a topic”, 

“/ij = referring to something that’s only understood by people with special knowledge about something, typically only a small group of friends or a group of people would be aware of, those outside of the group would most likely be confused by it or not find it funny in the same way people within in the group would / “aAAAAAAAAA MY NUGGIES!!!!! /ij””, 

“/ref = a reference to media, usually movies, tv, music, etc., “yOU SHALL NOT PAAAAAAAASSSSSSS /ref”, 

“/t = teasing, use when teasing someone or provoking someone, often playfully, “aiight sure mx idk wtf im doin /t”, 

“nm = not mad, to indicate you’re not actually mad or upset about something / “ow... i felt that /nm”, 

“lu = a little upset / used when about about something or someone, but not too upset / “oh... that sucks /lu”, 

“/nbh = “nobody here” = often used when talking about something vague to ensure your friends it’s not indirectly to or about them / “sometimes i just wanna..... tell someone to shut the fuck up /nbh”, 

“/nay = not at you / used when saying something but not meaning it at the person you’re responding to / “god i can’t stand lame people /nay”, 

“/ay = “at you”, make the person aware you’re addressing them”, 

“/g or /gen = used when saying or asking something for real / “i’m proud of you /g” or “have you watched the news?? /gen”, 

“/th = threat, used when giving a genuine threat / “if you don’t stop, i’ll block you /th”, 

“/p = platonic, a friendship type of love, used when saying something with platonic intentions / “i love you /p”, 

“/r = romantic intentions, typically of partners when saying something with romantic intentions / “i love you /r””, 

“/a = alterous, an attraction best described as wanting emotional closeness without necessarily being at all or entirely platonic and/or romantic, used when saying with alterous intentions / “i love you /a””

“/m = metaphor / used when saying something metaphorically / “god you’re a shining star /m””

“/li = literal / used when saying something literally / “i hate pears /li””

“/rh = rhetorical / a question asked in order to create a dramatic effect or to make a point rather than to get an answer / used when saying or asking something rhetorically / “who cares? /rh””

“/hyp = hyperbole, exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally ; “i have a million things to do today”

“/sx = sexual intent, used when meaning something in a sexual way”, 

“/nsx = nonsexual intent, used when meaning something in a not sexual way”, 

“/pos = positive / used when saying something and meaning it in a positive way / “omg im gonna cry /pos”, implied they’re crying for a happy reason”, 

“/neg = negative / used when saying something and meaning it in a negative way / “omg im gonna cry /neg”, implied they’re crying for an upsetting reason”, and 

“/neu = neutral / used to show that what you’re saying is neutral or that you feel indifferent about it / “yeah i don’t care man do what you want /neu”, you don’t care about something but not in a mean or a negative way, you’re just indifferent”.

on a final note, HERE is a list of tone tags both in english and in other languages ( namely italian, spanish, portuguese, french, polish, german, lithuanian, serbian, dutch, indonesian, romanian, bulgarian, russian, hebrew, japanese, mandarin and korean !! ) and HERE are the list of sources about the content of tone tags !! i wish everyone reading this a lovely day !!