#it’s specifically time that’s meaningful/intentional

[utilitycaster]

thinking about this due to a side conversation but: I do feel there is something of an unresolved and honestly largely unexplored discussion to be had about the relationship between actual plays and the TTRPGs in which they are played. Specifically I'm thinking of the following two questions/opinions, both of which I've seen in the wild:

Should Actual Play be seen as a means to teach people TTRPGs? To what degree? What does this encompass - the system? Table etiquette? Safety tools? [My answer below but short answer: sort of but not really; same; absolutely the fuck not.]

Does "made for AP" mean anything when talking about actual play? Is it good or bad? [My answer below but short answer: sort of but not really; depends.]

Re the first: I think it is extremely obvious that actual play is a very meaningful venue by which to acclimate people to the concept of TTRPGs in the first place and to specific systems! And as a result, an actual play show can be a very useful entry point. However, I have been on the receiving end of "but they do it this way in TAZ!" before when making a ruling; unless it is explicitly the stated intent of an actual play to serve as an example of how to play this game, rules as written, I would caution against treating actual play as a how-to guide. Similarly, it's useful for a general guide of table etiquette in terms of the basics of like, showing up, knowing what metagaming is, etc...but a lot of the norms of playing are, ultimately, things you learn by doing. This also doesn't take into account that as with most things etiquette, table etiquette is situation specific. The razzing at the D20 table might not fly at yours; and as I said in this post it's really hard to tell if player agency is being violated from the outside.

As for safety tools, I am actively against the idea that actual play shows have any obligation to teach people about safety tools. Firstly, safety tools are a framework and not an end in and of themselves, and I think that misconception is already a massive problem in the discussion of safety tools. Secondly, and more importantly, I think other than saying "oh yes, Lines and Veils is out there," any deeper discussion of safety tools within the context of AP would require an AP performer to reveal their particular triggers to the audience of the internet, which I think any reasonable person can agree is both horribly invasive and literally the opposite goal of safety tools, ie, it would decrease this person's safety and probably comfort.

And generally for all of these things, do the work yourself. You and your players should read the books, discuss your feelings and expectations, and read up on relevant safety tools. Your entertainment should not be expected to do it for you.

Now, Made For AP is fascinating because I find myself, obviously, somewhat disagreeing with the "AP as Teaching Tool" (sidebar; you'll see people arguing for this say AP as Pedagogy when they really just mean 'AP teaching you how to play the game' rather than 'AP as the theory of teaching,' but that's a discussion for another day) as discussed above. Made for AP is coming at this from the opposite side: games that are designed to be digestible specifically in Actual Play are Bad and not for Real Gamers, or whatever. Now, I love gatekeeping, but like, my idea of gatekeeping is "to play a TTRPG you should read the rulebook of that TTRPG," not "you must play this TTRPG to be a real TTRPG player." Anyway, the made for AP epithet usually is simply shorthand for "I am deeply obsessed with hating Critical Role and often D&D to the point of spending more time hating it than talking about the merits of the things I allegedly like." However, if you can tease anything out of it, it's usually games with somewhat streamlined mechanics/lower crunch, and a focus on setting up character interactions (but often leaving them as open RP, which I think is good). Often, they have removed strict distance rules in combat and provided means of making the flow of a game faster. This, of course, isn't a bad thing either at the table or for AP, and indeed as a Crunch Lover it's honestly more for a specific type of table than actual play. I've listened to multiple (well, 2) pf1e SRD AP podcasts, RQG and BCBP*, and both are edited such that we don't hear the GM referencing 6 tables to get the exact value of a perception check DC. So the streamlining only matters for minimally edited actual play. This also assumes AP is solely a product and not a means for fun for the players, which is only true of like, KolloK.

Anyway: I think a lot of the discussion around actual play would greatly improve if we understood it as entertainment first, and I think writing this up made me realize a lot of people...don't.

*[yes I used all acronyms for a cheap gag. read as: Pathfinder First Edition System Reference Document (id est, the free ruleset for Pathfinder First Edition) Actual Play podcasts, Rusty Quill Gaming and Burnt Cookbook Party]

[thefabledpheasant]

Let me know your thoughts/reasoning in the tags!

[i-dreamed-i-had-a-son]

Broke (2016): BBC Sherlock is a phenomenal piece of media and anything that seems like a flaw just hasn't been fully explored yet

Woke (2020): BBC Sherlock is an incredibly flawed series run by an egotistical writer, it never deserved the hype and is actively bad on so many fronts (especially representation)

Bespoke (2024): BBC Sherlock is flawed and bogged down by increasingly poor writing, which many fans refused to see while it was airing, leading to hugely misplaced expectations (particularly for the final series), AND it has the seeds of some compelling characterizations and portrayals, some genuinely solid performances, and touches--albeit imperfectly--on complexities that are still being discussed today (particularly as it relates to the relationship between Sherlock and John). The huge cultural impact of the show has created a massive pendulum effect in its public perception, leading to most people today remembering a caricature of the show (whether positive or negative) rather than appreciating its nuanced merits and failings...that being said Season 4 sucked

[daisyachain]

The idea of a fighting partnership being broken and leaving its bereaved half fundamentally changed has come up three times now in the game. Does that qualify as a motif? Istvan and Erik’s split has moved Erik from Some Henchman among the various antagonists (von Bergow, von Aulitz, Rosenberg, Toth, Sigismund) to Evil Incarnate, Bohuta and Slavek’s is a minor yet unskippable detail, Janosh and Adder’s gets the full cinematic treatment, arguably players have an option to inflict the same on Henry if they save the silver.

[prettieinpink]

HAVING AN INTENTIONAL ROOM

Your room is the most important place in your life. You sleep, wake up, heal and experience many emotions just in your room. You have to take care of your room, so it is spiritually the ideal place to grow into the best version of yourself. 

KEEPING YOUR ROOM CLEAN 

Keeping your room free of mess is an act of mindfulness and self-discipline that supports your overall journey and connects you with your higher self. It helps with promoting clarity, and cultivating inner balance and is an everyday self-care ritual. 

Make your bed every day. You have to respect the place in which you sleep and heal.

Hang up clean clothes after the day or put any dirty clothes in your laundry hamper, avoid tossing them on the floor. 

Find a place for everything, and know where everything is. If you do not know where each thing in your room is located, you either have too much clutter or you’re disorganised. 

Tidy up your room daily, neatly putting everything away in its place. If needed, buy a few organisers. 

Don’t leave rubbish for extended periods. Treat your room like a temple, don’t disrespect it, and pick up after yourself. 

Try to avoid eating meals in your bedroom. We forget the dirty dishes over time, and it stinks and attracts unwanted bugs. 

Change bed sheets regularly. Once a week at the most, for more hygienic reasons though. 

Remove unwanted items on your bedside table. Keep it minimal and intentional with anything you want to place on it.

Regularly clean up the dust in your room, using a duster or a damp microfiber cloth on all of the surfaces. 

ENCOURAGING GROWTH IN YOUR LIFE

A room designed to encourage inner growth serves as a physical reminder of your commitment to self-improvement, personal development, and overall well-being. It creates an environment helpful to improvement, self-reflection, and positive change.

Keep specific areas of your room designated to one task in your life. For me, my desk is for productivity, my bed is for resting or relaxing and my bedroom floor is for mindful activities. 

Throw away any items that do not serve a purpose to you anymore. Avoid keeping items that bring you painful or harmful memories.

Minimise the presence of technology in your room. I suggest having zones in your room which is device-free or having a time of day in which devices are not allowed in your room. 

Create a vision board poster in your room that you can see every day, which helps to visualise and motivate you to create your dream life. 

Place meaningful quotes, affirmations, mantras or prayers as reminders of the values, mindsets or intentions you wish to cultivate in your life.

Display personal achievements. If you won any awards or certificates, place them in a way in which you can view them every day. If you have done something in your life that you think is an achievement but have no award to display, just simply create your own. Buy some balsawood and glue it together to create your own medal. 

Place items that align with the habits or routines you want to cultivate in your life so that they are easily accessible. Put a workout mat in the corner, always have your journal on your desk or have a cold water bottle ready to go when you wake up. 

3. DECORATING YOUR ROOM TO REFLECT YOU

Decorating your room in a way that reflects your true self brings a sense of authenticity and comfort. It creates a nurturing environment that allows for self-expression, reflection, and personal growth which ultimately contributes to your journey of inner development.

Make a mood board or vision board of how you would want your room to look, how it supports you and how it makes you feel. Choose a colour scheme in this process as well.

Add candles or incense that you think embodies who you are, or who you want to be. For example, if I want to be a cleaner person, I would choose a candle that smells like fresh linen. 

Put up posters of things that you like, people who you look up to or anything that expresses who you are.

Add a canopy to your bed while you sleep. So cute, and I believe it helps protect you from any unwanted energy entering through you while you sleep. 

Add a rug, even if you already have carpet, to enhance the cozy ambience of the room. 

An ottoman at the end of the bed can elevate your room to look more expensive, if needed, it can also be an organiser for your extra things. 

Put life in your room, adding low-maintenance plants or flowers can liven it up. A little extra, research some plants or flowers meaning’s and pick one that resonates with you. 

Display any of your favourite jewellery, bags, clothing pieces, or make-up around your room. A nice way to appreciate what you have, without actually using them. 

[mosquitobible]

One of the biggest things that stuck out to me about Johnny and V's relationship, that has made it probably one of the most impactful and meaningful connections portrayed in any media to me specifically is the idea of two people being forced to share every single part of themselves with another person in a way that nobody could ever ever even begin to conceive. As someone who has spent their whole lives so deeply uncomfortable with themselves and their past and the mistakes they've made and has built layer over layer over layer over who they really are to the point they don't even know if they could actually recognize who they really are themselves anymore, the idea that someone could see all of it; the good, the bad, the ugly, the absolute shameful and fucked up parts of you and still choose to care for you so deeply with intention is like..... unfathomable.

Cause I wholeheartedly believe that V makes the active conscious choice to care for Johnny over and over again. It's not just some passive feeling they can't help, they are choosing to, despite it all, despite every shitty fucked up part of him because they truly believe that he is worth that and capable of being someone deserving of that kind of love like FUCKIKKSNSJSJ could you even imagine someone seeing you that way? Thinking so fucking highly of you despite every fucked up mistake you've made that they trust you with a devotion so profound because they believe you truly deserve it, having seen every part of you, parts of you that you don't even remember anymore, but they know it all and they still find you worthy of it? Worthy enough to even give up their lives for you truly believing that you are capable of doing it right this time? Like you think V would be willing to give up their life to let Johnny live if they weren't confident that he was capable of that sacrifice actually being worth something?? ughhhshdhshsh literally makes me sick.

Like what a fucking trip it would be for Johnny when he begins to really understand the level of love V has for him and realize how fucking rare something like that is. And that's not to say that nobody else has ever truly cared for Johnny in such a way but I don't doubt that there was always a part of him that adamantly believed he did not deserve that and would do what he does best by sabotaging it, but he couldn't do that with V, couldn't hide behind his ego, even when he actively tried to. He just had to sit with it until he realized maybe he could deserve that and I think that's a part of what it took to make him actually fucking change, realizing that he fucking wanted to deserved that — hungered for it for probably a long fucking time, and to get it from V of all people, someone he probably believes should be the last person in the world to see him that way??? Like yea that would have me getting my shit together real fucking quick.

[areislol]

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤsunday as your boyfriend

pairings. sunday x gn! reader

warnings. fluff

a/n. i love my little birdy chicken wing boy

wc. 3.3k

sunday as your boyfriend would be.. supportive and thoughtful.

— remembers the little things. sunday always notices small details about you: your favorite drink, the way you like your books arranged, or the specific way you fidget when stressed. he uses this knowledge to surprise you in subtle, meaningful ways.

— if you mention something offhand, like a snack you miss or a place you want to visit, he’ll remember and make it happen later when you least expect it.

— quiet reassurances. he’s not overly vocal, but his presence is grounding. during tough times, sunday doesn’t overwhelm you with words but instead offers steady eye contact and calm affirmations, letting you know he’s there for you.

— when you’re anxious or upset, he doesn’t push for explanations. instead, he’ll quietly stay by your side, creating a safe space for you to process your emotions.

— acts of service!!!! sunday’s thoughtfulness shines in how he anticipates your needs before you even voice them. whether it’s bringing you a blanket on a cold night or fixing something in your room, his actions speak volumes.

— he never makes a big deal out of it, either. he’ll just shrug and say, “it was no trouble.”

— he PRIORITIZES!!! your comfort!!! if you’re having a bad day, sunday ensures you’re as comfortable as possible, whether that’s adjusting his schedule to spend more time with you or simply making you your favorite meal. he’s the kind of person to silently swap seats with you in a crowded space if he senses you’re uncomfortable without making it obvious.

— the type to give you gentle encouragement. when you’re feeling unmotivated or down, sunday knows how to nudge you forward. his words are never pushy but always tailored to remind you of your strengths and capabilities.

— he respects your pace, understanding that sometimes, all you need is someone to believe in you until you’re ready to believe in yourself.

— he enjoys surprising you, but in ways that are never overwhelming. maybe it’s a handwritten note left on your desk or a playlist he made for you. these surprises always feel personal, as if they were crafted solely with you in mind.

— sunday is protective but subtle. he never smothers you or undermines your independence. instead, he ensures your safety and comfort in ways you might not even notice until later. for instance, he might quietly assess a situation to ensure it’s safe for you or offer to accompany you somewhere without making it seem like he’s worried.

— values your opinions and feelings. SO HEAVY ON THIS.

— sunday always makes sure you feel heard. he listens intently, never brushing aside your concerns, and often surprises you with how much he remembers from past conversations. even in disagreements, he approaches the situation calmly, prioritizing understanding over being right.

— he’s your calm in the storm, bringing stability to chaotic moments. his composed nature makes you feel like no challenge is insurmountable. sunday also respects your need for independence, stepping back when necessary but remaining a steady presence in the background.

— the small thoughtful gestures in your daily life :( if he notices you’re overworking, he’ll gently remind you to take a break or place a cup of tea by your side with a gentle kiss to your temple.

— he learns your routines and preferences, making adjustments to his own schedule to align with yours when possible.

— encourages your growth!!!!! sunday always supports your dreams and goals, often offering practical advice or quiet encouragement to help you achieve them. he never tries to overshadow or control your ambitions, instead acting as a partner who wants to see you flourish.

— QUITE LITERALLY YOUR NUMBER ONE SUPPORTER!!!! the type to hold up a huge sign that says "[NAME]'S NUMBER ONE FAN!!!!!" with headbangs, bracelets, necklaces, bags, keychains and merch of YOU plastered all over him and that darn sparkle in his eye.

— the king of respecting boundaries. he’s incredibly respectful of your personal space and emotions, never pushing you to share more than you’re ready to. sunday’s patience ensures that your relationship grows at a pace that feels comfortable for both of you.

—

you slumped into the couch, the weight of a long day pressing on your shoulders. before you could fully sink into your thoughts, Sunday appeared in the doorway, holding a tray with two steaming mugs of tea.

“chamomile, to help you relax,” he said, his voice soft as he placed the tray on the coffee table. his movements were graceful, deliberate, as if this small act of kindness carried the same weight as any major battle he faced.

you blinked up at him, surprised by the gesture. “how did you know i needed this?”

his lips quirked in a faint smile. “i pay attention.”

he settled beside you, handing you the mug. the warmth seeped into your hands, and a quiet sense of peace washed over you. sunday didn’t push you to talk or explain—he simply stayed there, his calm presence soothing you more than any words could.

sunday as your boyfriend would be subtle in his own little romantic ways.

— quiet love letters. QUIET LOVE LETTERS!!!!

— sunday isn’t one for grand declarations, but he writes letters that reveal the depth of his feelings. he leaves them in places you’ll find unexpectedly, like inside a book you’re reading or your bag before a big day. the words are poetic yet simple, and you adore them so much (which basically gives him the motivation to continue)

— enjoys giving personalized gifts. every gift he gives feels uniquely tailored to you. he remembers small details, like a song you said you liked months ago or a piece of jewelry that matches your favorite outfit, and surprises you with them.

— he once gave you a scarf he’d chosen because it reminded him of your favorite color or the warmth of your laugh.

— sunday loves to take you to quiet, beautiful places—a secluded garden, a scenic overlook, or a tranquil café. these moments aren’t extravagant but feel intimate, allowing you to share time together away from the world.

— he plans these outings based on your mood, sensing when you need to recharge or celebrate something special.

— definitely the type to make you playlists, he expresses himself through music, crafting playlists that reflect his feelings for you. each song holds a memory or emotion he associates with your time together.

— when you’re apart, he sends you these playlists, saying, “this reminded me of you.”

— forehead kisses!!!! one of his signature gestures. sunday believes there’s something deeply personal and tender about a forehead kiss. it’s his way of grounding you, showing his affection without words.

— he often does this absentmindedly while walking past you or as you’re falling asleep beside him.

— celebrating milestones subtly instead of grand parties, sunday marks milestones with quiet dinners, heartfelt toasts, and small tokens to commemorate the occasion. he focuses on the meaning behind the moment rather than the spectacle.

— sunday loves sharing his favorite books, songs, or stories with you, not because he wants you to love them too but because they’re part of who he is. he’ll read passages aloud to you, his voice calm and soothing, and ask, “what do you think?”

— silent but loving gestures. (OUUU he always has a smile on his face whenever staring at your cute face) he’ll fix your scarf when it’s slipping or pull you closer when the wind picks up, all without saying a word. these actions speak volumes about his care and attentiveness.

— if you’re working late, he’ll leave a cup of tea and a snack by your side before retreating to give you space.

— when you’re upset, he doesn’t try to fix everything. instead, he holds you, his arms steady and warm, whispering soft reassurances like, “it’s okay, i’m here.”

— he lets you cry or vent as much as you need, never rushing you or downplaying your feelings.

— (symbolic) tokens!! sunday has a habit of giving you small items that carry meaning—like a pressed flower he picked during one of your walks or a smooth stone from a beach you visited together.

— these items become cherished keepsakes, reminding you of the memories you’ve shared.

— sunday is very affectionate, only to you though. his hugs are firm and grounding, as if he’s shielding you from the world while sharing his quiet strength. also likes tracing circles on your hand when you’re holding his or brushing a stray hair behind your ear.

— i forgot to mention but you're the ONLY person he'll let touch his wings other than his sister, to him his wings are very much apart of him and they are sensitive, so him letting you touch them says so much. (he likes the way your fingers trace the soft curve of each figure so yes, please continue)

— trust me when i say this but he makes you feel SEEN. he’ll surprise you by recounting things you’ve said long ago, proving how closely he listens. if you doubt yourself, sunday reminds you of your strengths in his understated way: “you’ve done it before. you’ll do it again.”

—

the crowd was suffocating, bodies pressing together as the cold air bit at your cheeks. you shivered, trying to navigate the bustling space without losing your balance. it was one of those winter nights where even the stars seemed to hide, and the faint warmth of streetlights offered little comfort against the chill.

without a word, sunday’s hand found yours, his grip firm but gentle. before you could ask what he was doing, he pulled you closer—so close that your shoulder brushed his side. his long coat shielded you partially from the wind, but it was the solid warmth of him that truly made the cold feel less cruel.

“stay close,” he murmured, his voice low and steady, just for you to hear. his free hand rested lightly against your back, guiding you as the two of you weaved through the crowd.

it wasn’t just practical; it was protective, almost instinctive. sunday’s tall frame blocked the harsh gusts of wind and the jostling strangers. every now and then, his golden eyes darted to you, checking to see if you were okay.

when you shivered again, he tugged you even closer, his hip brushing against yours as he adjusted his coat to drape over your shoulders. the faintest smile played at his lips. “better?”

you nodded, your cheeks warming despite the freezing temperature. “much better.”

he said nothing more, but the way he stayed so close, the way his hand never left yours, spoke volumes. in the chaos of the cold, crowded world, sunday made you feel like you were the only one who mattered.

—

sunday as your boyfriend loves spending quality time with you.

— spending quality time with sunday feels like an oasis of calm in a chaotic world.

— he doesn’t need to fill the silence with words to make you feel cherished. whether it’s lying side by side on the couch reading, or watching the night sky, he’s content just being near you. his company is enough to make you feel like time slows down, as if the world outside doesn’t matter.

— he enjoys low-key activities that allow you to connect in a way that feels effortless. maybe it’s cooking together, where he takes the lead but is always careful to make sure you’re involved in the process, whether it's chopping vegetables or stirring a sauce.

— shared hobbies!!!!!!! sunday is someone who loves learning about your interests, even if they’re completely different from his own. he sits with you as you sketch or watch your favorite movies, asking thoughtful questions and genuinely wanting to know what excites you about it. his curiosity about you makes even the simplest activities feel special.

— great at supporting you silently (if.. that makes sense), sometimes, quality time doesn’t require a lot of talking. sunday’s presence alone provides comfort. whether you’re working on a project or simply relaxing, he’s content being near you, offering a soft, reassuring smile when you look up. he’s always the first to notice if you're stressed, offering a hand to hold or a shoulder to lean on without making a fuss about it.

— loves doing the little things together as he takes joy in the mundane. running errands becomes an adventure when he’s by your side. stopping by a local café becomes a mini date, and even grocery shopping feels more like an intimate exchange. there’s a quiet magic in the way he makes ordinary moments feel like a treasure.

— you could literally be sitting in silence, reading a book while zoning out with sunday beside you. sunday? oh, he's just watching you aimlessly, eyes locked onto you HARD. he doesn't mind being in silence with you, just as long as you're around he'll be better than ever.

— whether it’s through shared silence or quiet conversation, sunday makes sure that every minute together feels treasured. he cherishes time spent with you because, for him, those moments are what truly matter.

—

you were curled up on the couch, lost in a book. the soft rustling of pages filled the quiet room, the only sound between you and sunday, who sat beside you with an unread book in his hands. but his focus wasn’t on the pages in front of him. no, his gaze was fixed on you.

he admired the way the light from the window caught in your hair, making it shine with a soft glow. the way your fingers turned each page with such care, as though the book was something sacred. every now and then, you would bite your lip in concentration, or softly hum a tune you barely noticed, and sunday found himself completely enchanted by these small, quiet moments.

his golden eyes softened as he watched you, his heart swelling with an affection that took him by surprise. there was something about the way you immersed yourself in the world of the book that made him feel both in awe and utterly in love.

you glanced up, catching him staring at you. “something on my face?” you asked, a playful smile tugging at your lips.

sunday blinked, the spell momentarily broken. his cheeks flushed, but his smile remained gentle and warm. “nothing,” he said, his voice soft. “just thinking how… beautiful you look, lost in your world.”

you tilted your head, amused by the sudden honesty in his words. “you’re staring at me like you’re watching something magical.”

he chuckled quietly, his gaze returning to you with a tenderness that spoke more than words ever could. “you are,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

the moment passed, but you couldn’t help but notice the way his hand, so subtly, found yours. it was his quiet way of showing that even in these small, peaceful moments, he was entirely devoted to you.

and in that moment, you realized that the most magical thing wasn’t the book, or the quiet room—it was the way sunday looked at you, as though you were everything he ever needed.

—

sunday as your boyfriend absolutely loves recieving and giving affection.

— sunday and his subtle affection... sigh.

— sunday loves affection, though he expresses it in the quietest of ways. he isn’t one for grand gestures, but his affection is felt in the small, tender moments he shares with you. here's how sunday enjoys giving and receiving affection:

— since sunday isn't so big on pda, gentle touches is the way to go!!! sunday's affection is often shown through touch, though he never forces it. when you’re close, his fingers might brush against yours, or he’ll softly press his palm to your back when you’re walking together. it’s subtle, but the warmth he offers in those touches is undeniable.

— can we appreciate the art of quiet presence?? the way he often shows his love by simply being there, his presence a steady comfort. when you’re upset or stressed, he won’t rush to fix things but will instead sit beside you, his body leaning just a little closer, as though the closeness itself is enough to soothe you (which, it is).

— sunday’s affection is often expressed through the little things. maybe it’s making you tea because he knows you’re tired, or handing you a blanket when he notices you shivering, all without a word. it’s never about what he does, but the thoughtfulness behind it.

— the way he listens. everybody LISTEN UP!! when you talk, sunday listens—not just to your words, but to the way you say them. he remembers the smallest details, and when he surprises you by bringing up something you mentioned months ago, you feel the love in his attentive listening.

— expressing through his eyes. sometimes, he doesn’t need to speak to show his affection. his golden eyes do the talking, always softening when he looks at you, filled with warmth and adoration. he’s not the type to openly gush about his feelings, but when he catches your eye, you can feel his love in that look.

— sunday finds affection in quiet moments. when you’re reading together, or when you’re simply sitting beside him, not needing to say anything, his hand might rest against your leg or his arm will casually brush yours. these moments of silence are when he feels the closest to you, when affection doesn’t need to be vocalized but is felt through proximity.

— while sunday is reserved about his own needs, he does enjoy receiving affection in ways that aren’t over the top. a kiss on his cheek, a warm hug when he least expects it—these things make his heart flutter. he might not ask for it, but he welcomes your attention with a smile that says everything.

— THIS MAN LOVESSSS ACTS OF SERVICE!!! one of his main ways of showing love.

— when sunday wants to show you he cares, he’ll do something for you before you even ask. whether it’s fixing something around the house or making sure you’re comfortable, his actions speak louder than words.

— you don't even gotta tell him twice to grab a cup of water he's up and running. you need help with your paperwork? who knew you had a flash in your home? need your hair done and touched up? suddenly he's a hairdresser with a certificate in hairdressing/salon.

—

you sat at the table, focused on a small project, when you felt a subtle presence beside you. sunday had quietly moved closer, and now his hand brushed against yours. it was barely noticeable at first, just a light touch as if to say, i’m here.

without thinking, your fingers shifted just enough to intertwine with his, a simple gesture that made your heart flutter. he didn’t say anything, but his thumb lightly traced the back of your hand, a slow, deliberate motion that spoke volumes.

when you looked up, his golden eyes were fixed on you, soft and attentive. there was a quiet affection in the way he held your hand, his fingers never tightening or pulling away. he wasn’t in a hurry. he just wanted to be close.

“you’re quiet today,” you murmured, a gentle smile forming on your lips as you looked into his eyes.

“i gues so,” sunday said softly, his gaze never leaving yours. he squeezed your hand just a little, letting the warmth of the touch speak for him.

it had always been this way—gentle and subtle. he didn’t need to fill the space with words; the way his thumb moved over your skin, the way his fingers lingered with such care, was all the affection you needed.

note: if you would like to be added to the honkai star rail taglist pls just ask me!! dont be shy

taglist 🏷️:  @tomansimp @one-offmind @miitchiji @dainsleif-when-playable @momoewn @stygianoir @irethepotato @v4an @imetsk @fiannee @sunnyf4lls @yuri-is-silly @khoiyyu @daydreaming-paradies if im missing anyone please tell me because i have an inkling feeling i missed a few..

liking + following + reblogs are very much appreciated!!

[im-not-a-ghost]

Mistery messages

I decided to let the cards speak and see what messages wanted to come through. I have no idea what the theme will be. We may get different themes for each group or similar ones, I don't know. Let's just dive in!

Group 1

Page of pentacles, 5 of pentacles, 4 of cups, King of swords, Magician, Queen of wands, back of the deck Queen of cups

To manifest your desired reality, you need to love yourself more. There are parts of you that you have been neglecting. You need to dive deeper to uncover them. Some of you have been feeling empty and frustrated for quite a while. Spirit is saying there is a reason why that you need to study carefully. Love will not come in the shape of a man/woman coming to save the day. It needs to be birthed in yourself and radiate through you. You do not need others to be happy. Your desired reality will come in when you embody the masculine and feminine equally. You may be missing a certain person and holding on to their energy. Your guides want to tell you that there is someone else meant for you. A person that will match your vibration and be on the same level as you, unlike this page of pentacles. This person will be naturally attracted to you as you step back into your power and embody that divine feminine energy. When your assertiveness and nurturing nature are brought back, then can this person come into your life.

You also got Ancestors, Soul Work, The Explorer and Nature as the back of the deck for your oracle cards.

In the near future, you will be called to do more inner work, potentially shadow work to heal past trauma that may have been passed down to you from generation to generation. You will need to look further back into your past to understand why you feel so disconnected from things and people, why maybe you struggle so much in relationships, especially romantically. You'll have to look at ancestral patterns that may have shaped your beliefs surrounding love. Also, you're asked to spend more time in nature or studying your own nature. As in trying to discern what is truly you and what was fed to you. It feels like you don't really know yourself that much and what your needs are when it comes to love. You need to reassess those needs in order to manifest a partner that matches your expectations of love. You may feel urged to travel, possibly back to your roots. So that could mean that you go back to your childhood home for some. Or that could be metaphorical.

Group 2

King of pentacles, Emperor, Hermit, White Numen, Ace of cups, Empress, back of the deck the World

You will gain clarity about a meaningful connection in your life. Potentially one involving an Earth sign. I was specifically picking up on Taurus and Virgo vibes. But we also have Aries being represented. More specifically, you may understand better how a certain father figure or masculine figure plays a role into this connection and impacts it. This figure we're talking about is quite controlling. I feel like despite the resistance that this figure creates, there will be forward movement in this connection. I'm getting a message of renewed feelings and wanting to create something tangible together. I'm getting a message of this person by passing other's opinion and trying to give this connection a chance, even though they're not sure where it will lead. If you were in a connection with a specific person that may have significant earth placements in their chart, I feel like this person is finally clear on their intentions towards you. After a period of separation they're finally ready to come towards you. Spirit is getting my attention on the Emperor / Empress combo. Saying that this person and you are finally seeing eye to eye and aligning with each other. With the world, I get the message that this person could be living at a distance from you and trying to physically get closer to you. Also they value this connection a lot. While being away from you, this person realized how much you meant to them and they're ready to express that love. They're coming out of silence. I also get the message that this person has been watching you from afar for quite a while. They've seen you grow and evolve but most importantly they've seen how you reacted to them taking their distances and it showed them that you could be trusted. Because you've been acting very mature and gave this person space, they were able to draw the conclusions they needed to make.

For your oracle cards, you got Ascension, Power, Underworld and Patience as the back of the deck.

Because of your patience and acceptance, this connection is able to take a step further. I feel like you and this person may want to keep your connection hidden from other people to protect it from external influences. This person also feels incredibly attracted to you and their desire for you is growing as we speak. I feel like they're guided by the universe to let go of the need to control every aspect of this connection and just surrender to how they feel. This person may have been through a spiritual awakening recently. I'm getting the message that they've received valuable information at night or through their dreams. This person feels tied to you in a way they can't explain. Now that they see clearly, this person feels in a position of control over the outcome of this connection. They are more optimistic than they were before and they've gained more courage because of that. Maybe now they're less intimidated by how they feel and feel more inclined to fight for this connection and talk about it around them, though people may not aprove of it. Again, I'm specifically picking up on the energy of a father trying to deter their son from dating the person they like. And the son finally deciding to stand up for themselves and tell their dad to mind their own business.

Group 3

Queen of swords, 5 of wands, 3 of sowrds rx, The Devil, 8 of cups, White numen back of the deck King of pentacles

I feel like the theme for this group is career and work related situations. Lately, you may feel like you're struggling a bit more than usual or that people are testing your patience and limits. You may feel like you constantly have to be on your guards and fight to be able to protect yourself from people's bad intentions, judgmental behaviors and nagging. I feel like maybe people around you have been talking behing your back and you may have heard of it. Spirit is wanting you to know that it's important that you don't give in to these people's energy. Don't fall in their trap and don't play their game. Be the bigger person and move on from these situations. Try not to hold any grudges because there are better times and opportunities coming your way. It is important that you keep your destination in mind and that you stay on track with your goals. You can do it. You have everything it takes. Spirit wants to let you know that you are being supported and that your maturity and stability will be the key to get you out of this tricky situation. Also, you may have a higher authority on your side, protecting you from these people's influence. This could be a boss, a mentor, a spirit guide, a family member or another cowerker that just cannot stand injustice and will speak up for you. This may sound paradoxical but spirit is asking you not to adress this situation with these people. If you did, it could make things worse. If they see that you don't react, they'll think their attitude just doesn't work with you and they'll eventually leave you alone. You have to keep your head up high and remain focused on yourself. These people cannot hinder you, they do not define you nor your worth. You are stronger and better than them. Do not give in to the temptation of taking your revenge. Just move on and keep working towards your desired reality.

For your oracle cards, you got Power, Transmute, Manifest and Higher Perspective as the back of the deck.

Spirit is letting you know that there is a purpose to this situation and these setbacks. There's a lesson to be learned here. Use this situation as fuel to make your dreams a reality. You have to transform that negative energy into gold. You got the power to elevate and reach greater heights than these people will ever get the chance to. You are asked to see the bigger picture and read beyond the surface of what is going on. Why do you think these people are acting this way? What does it say about them? You are devinely protected in this situation. You can call onto your spirit team for extra protection and guidance if you wish. Spirit is reassuring you on the fact that these minor setbacks will not influence your fate or prevent you from getting your manifestations. On the contrary, it may help you manifesting them quicker. Use this situation as an extra boost, try to see the positive in this experience and keep going. You got this sweetheart!

[bloomzone]

Ⳋ᧙ ⊹Embracing the Art of I don't chase I attract mindset :

"Best revenge? Smile, be happy and never let them know it hurt."

-goo hara from kara (rest in peace 🕊️)

The mindset of "I don't chase, I attract" revolves around the principles of self-confidence, self-worth, and the law of attraction. Instead of actively pursuing what we desire, this mindset encourages us to focus on personal growth and positivity, believing that by doing so, we naturally draw in the opportunities and experiences meant for us.

Here are 16 tips to adopt this mindset effectively:

by: 𖧷´ bloomzone 𝅄 ׂׅ

1.Focus on Self-Improvement: Invest in yourself by learning new skills, engaging in activities that fulfill you, and prioritizing your well-being. When you feel good about yourself, you radiate positive energy that attracts like-minded people and opportunities.

2. Set Clear Intentions: Be specific about what you want in life. Whether it's a new job, a meaningful relationship, or personal development, having clear intentions helps you stay focused and aligned with your goals.

3. Practice Positive Affirmations: Reinforce your self-worth and confidence through daily affirmations. Statements like "I am worthy of success" or "I attract positive opportunities" can help shift your mindset and energy (the white swan affirmations)

4.Visualize Your Goals: Spend time each day imagining your goals as if they've already been achieved. This practice helps create a positive mental image and aligns your actions with your desires.

5. Trust the Process: Have faith that what is meant for you will come to you in its own time. Avoid forcing outcomes or chasing after things. Trust that by staying true to yourself and your goals, the right opportunities will present themselves naturally.

6. Surround Yourself with Positivity: Keep positive influences around you, whether it's people, environments, or content. Positivity fosters a high vibrational state that attracts good things into your life.

7. Cultivate Gratitude: Regularly express gratitude for what you already have. This practice helps you focus on the positive aspects of your life and creates an abundance mindset, which attracts more good things to you.

8. Let Go of Fear and Doubt: Work on releasing fears and doubts that hold you back. Fear and doubt create resistance and block the flow of positive energy. Embrace a mindset of faith and trust in the process.

9. Engage in Mindfulness and Meditation: Incorporate mindfulness practices and meditation into your routine. These practices help you stay present, reduce stress, and maintain a positive outlook, making you more receptive to opportunities.

10. Take Inspired Action: While attracting involves less chasing, it doesn't mean being passive. Take actions that feel right and aligned with your goals, but do so from a place of inspiration rather than desperation.

11. Embrace Change and Adaptability: Be open to change and willing to adapt. Sometimes, the path to what you desire requires adjustments and flexibility. Embracing change can lead to unexpected and rewarding opportunities.

12. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Acknowledge your efforts and progress, and don't be too hard on yourself when things don't go as planned. Self-compassion fosters a positive and resilient mindset.

13. Seek Joy and Fun: Engage in activities that bring you joy and make you feel alive. Joyful experiences raise your vibrational energy and attract more positive situations and people into your life.

14. Learn to Listen to Your Intuition: Trust your inner voice and gut feelings. Your intuition can guide you toward opportunities that align with your true self and help you avoid situations that aren't right for you.

15. Develop a Growth Mindset: Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. A growth mindset helps you stay resilient and open to new possibilities, making it easier to attract what you desire.

16. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Celebrating progress keeps you motivated and reinforces the positive mindset needed to attract more success.

ıllı ⠀ : This mindset encourages u to trust in ur abilities . Remember that each step taken with mindfulness and resilience brings us closer to ur dreams.❛ ⠀ ♡ ⠀ !!

[androm3da868]

Anuradha Observations pt. 1 🕷️

Anuradha, often known as the 'risk manager' nakshatra, is frequently chosen to portray the hero in films. I'd take it a step further and say that embodying this 'hero' archetype—trying to save everyone—often begins in their childhood.

Commonly found in the legal profession, specifically attorneys, thanks to its strong pattern recognition abilities when it comes to identifying potential harm. Those with this nakshatra excel at preventing disruption by analyzing trends and developing detailed, proactive solutions.

With the ingrained pressure to 'save' those around them since childhood, Anuradha natives often take on the role of damage control or harm prevention (influenced by Saturn). This can manifest in extreme—or at times even forceful—methods (driven by Mars) when protecting loved ones from self-destructive behavior.

As children, natives may have witnessed their parents go through intense 'tower moments'—experiences marked by the misuse of power or authority in destructive ways. These early exposures can lead them to adopt the hero archetype as a form of self-protection, becoming almost obsessive about preventing similar situations in their own lives others.

The mother may have exhibited a personality that was volatile—strategic, impulsive, and at times violent—an aspect of her that only the Anuradha child seemed to witness or be affected by. In contrast, the father may have been cold, authoritative, and highly traditional, yet still commanded more respect within the family dynamic than the mother.

There’s a noticeable pattern among the men of having a complex, often intense bond with the mother. While there may be deep emotional closeness, the relationship can carry an undercurrent of power dynamics. The native might find himself in a caretaker role—feeling a strong sense of duty to provide for his mother—even if the treatment he receives is emotionally taxing. In many cases, the mother maintains a certain control or autonomy over the native, reinforcing a dynamic where love and obligation are deeply entangled.

This dynamic often extends beyond the mother-child relationship, as Anuradha natives may unconsciously recreate similar karmic patterns in their other relationships. They may attract or feel drawn to people who take advantage of their loyalty and protective nature.

Much like Jupiter-ruled nakshatra men—particularly Purva Bhadrapada—who may find themselves being taken advantage of for their material generosity without receiving genuine reciprocation, Saturn-dominant men often experience relationships through a more transactional lens.

With Saturn's influence, Anuradha's connections tends to be a strong emphasis on 'give and take'—a sense of unspoken contracts or duties that govern emotional and material exchange. This can create connections that feel more like obligations than organic bonds, where love or friendship is measured by responsibility and endurance rather than ease or reciprocity.

Often have a wide circle of friends—they instinctively understand that relationships are, at their core, transactional. To them, investment—whether emotional, energetic, or material—is a form of devotion. They don’t enter friendships lightly; there’s a quiet expectation of longevity and mutual commitment. When they make a friend, it’s with the intention that this bond will stand the test of time, bound by an unspoken agreement of loyalty and support.

One of the few nakshatras where it’s common to see ex-partners remain in the native’s life as friends. If a connection still holds value, whether emotionally, socially, or energetically, Anuradha is unlikely to cut ties. There’s a deep-rooted belief in preserving bonds, especially when the relationship continues to serve a purpose.

Furthermore, they make surprisingly good exes, as they rarely let emotions override the value of a meaningful connection. Even when a relationship ends, they have the emotional maturity and strategic awareness to maintain the bond if it's still mutually beneficial. For them, practicality often takes precedence over pride.

Because Anuradha tends to accumulate a large and loyal social circle, they can sometimes fall into the habit of ‘breadcrumbing’—offering small doses of attention or energy to many people rather than deeply investing in a few. Their desire to maintain long-term bonds can lead them to stretch themselves too thin, trying to be everything for everyone. It can eventually lead to burnout or emotional depletion.

Due to the influence of Mitra, Anuradha natives are often unconditionally loving and profoundly forgiving, offering grace and second chances even when others may not deserve it. Yet beneath that generous heart lies a deep-rooted fear of being used or taken advantage of. This inner conflict creates a quiet tension—they want to give freely, but part of them is always scanning for signs of betrayal or imbalance.

Often exerts a quiet form of control in their relationships—whether mentally, emotionally, or even physically. They tend to guide the flow of connection, setting the pace and tone, often without the other person fully realizing it.

However, when it comes to ending a relationship, they may struggle to take direct action. Instead of initiating closure, Anuradha might allow the bond to naturally decay or grow stale, subtly pushing the responsibility of ending things onto the other person. This indirect approach allows them to avoid the guilt or discomfort of finality while still maintaining a sense of internal order.

Have a network of friends that act as informants or 'spies,' subtly gathering information on the native’s behalf. Whether it’s critical business insights, social dynamics, or hidden motives, Anuradha relies on these trusted allies to keep them informed. Their relationships often double as strategic alliances, built not just on loyalty, but on the ability to exchange valuable knowledge.

The type that would come back after going 'no contact', no matter how long it's been, and act as if nothing happened if you made their life better in some way.

Embodies the energy of the reversed Tower card in tarot—where the true struggle lies not in the chaos of change, but in resisting it. While outwardly structured and strategic, Anuradha often clings to crumbling foundations, trying to preserve what no longer serves them out of loyalty, fear, or obligation.

Their instinct is to maintain control, to manage the damage, but in doing so, they may delay the very transformation their soul is calling for. The lesson lies in learning to surrender to necessary endings, rather than clinging to familiar ruins. This may show up in having a hard time letting go of sentimental objects, where they’ll allow things to either become rotten, damaged, and near impossible to reconstruct.

Could be into taxidermy or wet specimen as a hobby.

Ruled by Mitra, the deity of friendship and harmony across all realms, this compassionate nature may lead them toward veganism or vegetarianism, driven by a desire to minimize harm.

Likely to have a strong affinity for animals, often surrounding themselves with pets throughout their lives as a natural extension of their nurturing spirit.

Natives are also noted for striking features—green or hazel eyes are not uncommon.

Prone to developing mysterious or hard-to-diagnose illnesses—often ones that subtly drain their energy, stamina, or vitality over time. True to Saturn’s slow and disciplined rhythm, the journey to diagnosis and healing is rarely straightforward. It can take years of trial, error, and deep self-reflection before finding the right treatment or approach. Yet through this, Anuradha often gains profound insight, resilience, and empathy—transforming suffering into wisdom.

Tend to internalize their emotions, often appearing calm, composed, and even emotionally distant. While Mars rules their energy and drive, Saturn filters it through restraint and contemplation. They are slow to react, rarely impulsive, and often choose thought over expression.

However, when pushed to their limit, their anger can emerge as sharp, cold, and cutting—revealing the inner turmoil they've worked so hard to contain. This shift can be startling to others, as it exposes a depth of feeling that Anuradha rarely shows.

One of the greatest powers of Saturn-ruled nakshatras, like Anuradha, lies in their ability to never take anything for granted. They understand the value of time, effort, and experience—often through hardship—and channel that awareness into building lasting abundance. What they lack in impulsive luck, they make up for with steady, disciplined devotion.

Anuradha, having learned deep life lessons—both from their own pain and from observing the mistakes of others—they become highly determined to eliminate unnecessary risk or shocking transformations. Survival becomes a strategy, and their growth is often rooted in self-mastery.

[jeonstellate]

my future in your eyes

mingyu still holds onto you, even after all this time.

๑彡 kim mingyu x gender neutral!reader

๑彡 divorced!au/ex-husband!au, post-break up!au, exes-to-lovers!au — fluff

๑彡 paragraph format — 1.1K words

masterlist

[gif’s full credit belongs solely to its owner]

๑彡 title is taken from zack tabudlo’s as you are.

๑彡 if anyone's interested, here's a link to a prequel of sorts: forever by my side :]

Kim Mingyu is a man of confidence.

Not that he uses his confidence to swindle strangers, as the dictionary suggests the title means. Rather, he exudes confidence — regardless of what he does.

There is always an air confidence around him. He can be in clothes that don’t fit the event’s theme and he’ll still seem perfectly dressed. He can be barely conversant in another language and he’ll still sound like he knows what he’s saying. He can just be standing there, doing nothing, and he’ll still appear like he’s doing something right.

Some people mistake his confidence for arrogance. Most find it admirable. But, in truth, Mingyu hardly cares.

Especially if his so-called confidence vanishes whenever you are in the vicinity and within his line of sight. Just like now.

He sees you in a table with Seokmin. Your back is towards him but he recognizes you, anyway. Despite the distance, he has no problem witnessing how animatedly you talk with your common friend.

It’s almost like he is back in college: you and Seokmin in one row, him and Minghao a few rows back. He can almost hear Minghao state matter-of-factly, "You’re staring," like he often does back then.

Really, all that’s different is Minghao’s currently preoccupied being the groom to comment on his staring. (There are definitely more things that are different now, but he doesn’t want to even begin thinking about them.)

Seokmin catches his stare. Not soon after, specifically before Mingyu can even look away, he sees him leave the table. Seokmin throws him a familiar meaningful look before disappearing into the dance floor.

Truth be told, Mingyu’s confidence comes naturally. It isn’t something that he purposely channels. It’s just always there . . . unless you are involved. Then, suddenly, he has to painstakingly gather the confidence to be near you.

"Is this seat taken?" He tries his hardest to mask his awestruck look with one of kind politeness as he waits your response.

He almost forgot how to breathe when your eyes lock into his. "You may sit if you wish," you offer him a small, polite smile. "I don’t think he’ll be back anytime soon."

"Thanks." He effortlessly returns your gesture before situating himself on the chair your common friend abandoned. "How are you enjoying the party?"

"Really well, actually. I didn’t expect to recognize a lot of people from college." Your eyes don’t leave his as you answer. He tries not to stare back too intently, to look within your eyes to see something . . . anything. "And you?"

Mingyu waits for a beat, gathering enough confidence to say what he wants to. "Better now that you’re here." With me.

He lets out a barely audible embarrassed laugh. He has half a mind to take it back, but quickly changes his mind when he sees you biting your lower lip — an obvious attempt to stop yourself from laughing.

A ghost of a smile plays on his lips. There’s pride in knowing he’s still able to make you laugh, despite it being your first meeting in literal years.

You look down in a presumable attempt to calm yourself down. He doesn’t take his eyes off of you, though, as he refuses to lose you from his sight. As such, he immediately notices the sudden shift in your expression.

"You’re still wearing it." Mingyu follows your line of sight — and ends up looking at the source of your comment. His hand on the table, specifically the band of gold adorning his ring finger. "Our ring."

Our wedding ring.

You and Mingyu married soon after graduating from college. It had been a blissful marriage, one that filled a home with nothing but love and support.

Your divorce was on the basis of irreconcilable differences. It was a mutual decision, for the interest of your career paths diverging too far. There was never a bad blood.

"Ye— yeah." Mingyu stutters involuntarily. He clears his throat before continuing, "It’s a great conversational piece."

Although the divorce has been finalized years ago, Mingyu still plays the faithful and loving husband role in front of strangers. He uses the ring on his finger to his advantage: may that be to wordlessly signal that he’s already taken or to gain the favor of a potential sponsor.

Likewise, even if he knows the ring might be a disadvantage, he refuses to take it off — nor to purposely hide it from sight. The same way he never tells a stranger that he is no longer tied to someone else.

"Does it work?" You ask in wonder.

"We are conversing now, aren’t we?"

You chuckle, "Touché."

Mingyu wants to tell you that he hasn’t taken the ring off since you slipped it on his finger during your wedding. Not even after your divorce has been finalized all those years ago.

He wants to tell you his ring finger is thinner near his palm because of his adamant refusal to take his wedding ring off once in a while. Not willing to separate from the only physical reminder of your marriage, not even for a second.

He wants to tell you the ring is more than a conversational piece. He wants to tell you it’s his lifeline, something he can’t bear to lose. But he doesn’t.

Instead, Mingyu uses all the confidence he has gathered to ask you a simple question. "Dance with me?"

He offers you the hand adorned by his wedding ring. He tries not to show the uncertainty he feels by masking it behind a smile.

He almost lets out a relieved sigh when you place your hand on top of his. But he stops breathing momentarily when he catches sight of the sole jewelry adorning your hand.

"You’re still wearing it," Mingyu echoes your comment breathlessly. "Our ring."

He snaps his eyes back to your face, just in time to witness your smile widen. "Yeah," you say. "It’s a great talisman to ward off potential suitors."

He leads you to the dance floor, silently marveling at how your hand still fits perfectly with his. "Does it work?"

"It’s very effective," you assure him. "Although I don’t think it works well against ex-husbands."

Another slow song starts playing right when you reach the dance floor. You and Mingyu unconsciously claim your respective hand placements during your first dance — and for any waltz you danced after.

Then, suddenly, it’s like you traveled back in time.

Mingyu pulls you closer, a ghost of a smirk is at the edge of his lips. "I think it works well attracting ex-husbands."

[utilitycaster]

I can't find the tags where someone said this so apologies for not crediting but they were to the effect of "EXU Divergence is very good and we don't need to compare it to Campaign 3 to point that out" and the thing is, I agree. Speaking only for myself I think my intent is, admittedly, to some extent less about pointing out how good EXU Divergence is and rather using the contrast to back up the point that Bells Hells were often self-absorbed, utterly uninterested and even scornful of any meaningful collective action until maybe the epilogues, and indecisive in a way that felt as though it should have been lethal but somehow wasn't; and that a story where every choice has a terrible clarity and potentially dire consequences is instantly compelling whereas no amount of screen time can save a story where this isn't true.

But also: I think, as many have, and EXU Divergence underscores this, that the attitude the PCs had towards the gods in Campaign 3 not only fails to be backed up by C3 itself but also fails to be backed up literally anywhere else. It's not a subversion; it's an aberration. The ending of Campaign 3 and the beginning of Divergence serve as fairly obvious parallels; the gods becoming mortal and unable to speak to followers (who, in the case of clerics, do still have all their powers, as we see with Lieve'tel and Deanna) vs. the gods departing the material plane. We see how this does not end the fight between Prime and Betrayer nor does it stop their followers from trying to take over (and indeed, we know that the lower Rifenmist peninsula does still ultimately fall, in the long term, to the Strife Emperor loyalist Iron Authority). We also see very directly what faith means to people who cannot under any circumstances be defined as the privileged few; for all I have no taste for trauma Olympics, it is difficult to look at Garen, under tyranny and forced labor for a century, powerless but for a hammer and sheer force of will, express a sense of hope and faith and argue that Bells Hells are simply following the logical path of someone who has suffered. We see the gods expressly state that mortals must care for each other, something which Deanna echoes in one of the strongest scenes in the Campaign 3 finale. We see a gift given without expectation of devotion nor worship nor even understanding, just in gratitude of someone fulfilling a tenet to its utmost. Which is refreshing after a campaign where multiple characters resented gods simply for not favoring them, without ever putting in effort towards this relationship.

I've seen the phrase "in a vacuum" pop up a few times in terms of defense of Campaign 3 in terms of "in a vacuum, I am happy with it", and while I happen to think it fails on many levels even within that airless confine, the fact is, this all is unavoidably part of one canonical overarching narrative. To look at how the gods are portrayed in every single other work - yes, even Downfall, and frankly, even Campaign 3 itself - and to come to the conclusion that Bells Hells acted with the desire for a better and more just world, and not simply a world that favored them more, is, frankly, to ignore every word that did not come from the lips of three or four ignorant people over the course of a decades-long story.

EXU Divergence is very good. I think it would be very good even if it were not coming out during our current political situation, or if it had come out following a radically different and better-executed Campaign 3; that is to say, it would succeed in a vacuum. But I don't think that's a valuable way to assess fictional works, and I think it's a disservice not to consider the canonical Exandria-set Critical Role works in conversation with each other. You can praise Divergence on its own terms, and indeed, you should, but it helps to show specifically how it succeeds (in terms of consequence, in terms of characterization, in terms of worldbuilding consistency) by pointing to how something else has failed.

[isa-ghost]

I genuinely intend to remain reinforcing that Phil Does Not Want To Do Lore On The Realm because I don't want the community's pushing to send him to the point of never doing anything like it again (I've seen this lowkey happen before in other fandoms).

BUT...

I see such a clear pipeline from trPhil's "no fuck you go away I'm burying previous trauma and pain in logging obsessively" to some sort of "fine, I admit I'm miserable because I lost family and friends AGAIN, and I will begrudgingly try soothing it with letting people in my bubble again" type surrender moment brought on by trSneeg because he's so persuasive and makes excellent points with pure logic and reason and the idea makes me salivate.

Obviously it's all 100% ooc jokes and even if it WAS intentional rp, we have no guarantee that trPhil is "main" (specifically q) Phil, but technically trPhil HAS vaguely opened up to trSneeg about the grief and scars he has in the wake of losing his children. trSneeg knows trPhil is bitter and still grieving. He can see that logging, no matter what trPhil insists, is Not helping him actually heal. It's just barely letting him cope.

It's the same old tricks rpPhil has always turned to to deal with baggage, immersing himself as much as he can in physical labor of some kind. His projects back home in Hardcore, the "trains in his basement" in DSMP after he had to kill his own son, all the building and looting and protesting he did on QSMP any time the kids were taken away from him.

And I think we've seen more than enough evidence to show that trSneeg could 100% keep his cool through all the stubborn and heated refusal trPhil would meet with his attempts to convince him to just be willing to socialize and invest in people again. Not even to join Yellow, just let himself have meaningful connections again, rather than sticking to tolerating his and trFit's presences (most of the time). Even though trPhil's evasive behavior has been reinforced (probably tenfold) after The Keepers assaulted him and destroyed his wings AGAIN, I think with the tenacity and confidence trSneeg exudes, he could slowly eventually coax trPhil into opening up again. Even if just a tiny bit.

Especially because he sees why trPhil is so adamant on sticking to his guns rn, he knows it's not JUST the factions and snails. He'd see it even if trPhil hadn't straight up told him multiple times already. Right away, trSneeg would make it very clear that trPhil would have no obligations to anyone or anything, that socializing doesn't mean he HAS to save people from the peril they face or take a side in the interpersonal conflicts they have or help them all figure out what the deal is with the eyes or the Keepers or anything else.

He doesn't have to put up with a snail that reminds him of his lost kids, he doesn't have to choose a side like it's Purgatory again, he doesn't have to get involved with the horrors people are going through like he often did with the islanders, he doesn't have to help solve/understand whatever is going on in The Realm like he did with The Federation and The Codes and everything else fucked up and strange on Quesadilla Island. If having friends is all he wants, he can have that.

And even if trSneeg STILL couldn't sway trPhil with All That, that would mean we'd get a gut-wrenching storyline about how after so many years of loving and losing again and again throughout his immortal life, rpPhil knows that pain is a part of love whether you want it to be or not, you can't have one without the other. He can't make connections here without signing up for the stress and pain that comes with it because that's what it means to care about people.

It's not just the most recent time putting him off from it all, it's an entire cycle he's been forced to suffer in for as long as he can remember, because that's what being immortal entails. He wants the cycle to end already. He can't stand being fully alone right now whether he admits it or not thanks to QI. His determination to isolate himself as much as he can while he's in The Realm is to slowly reacclimate himself to being alone so he can tolerate it in his home world again. When the loneliness gets unbearable, that's when he has no qualms with being pestered by people or goes to see what everyone else is up to. As that happens less over time, he'll go home again now that complete isolation doesn't hurt anymore (or more accurately: now that he's reconvinced himself it doesn't).

All of this is to say, trSneeg is 100% the guy that would break the ice under trPhil and get his story rolling, whether that means he embraces the pain of loving and caring again, or reinforces how hellbent he is on trying to escape it.

[highblkfemsociety]

Finishing Strong: A Guide to Ending the Year with Intention

Hello Beautiful,

As we enter the final quarter of the year, it’s time to reassess, realign, and step into our power. For the high-achieving woman, Q4 is the perfect opportunity to manifest abundance, success, and peace. The last stretch of the year can be incredibly transformative if you take the time to focus on intentional growth and clarity. This guide will help you make the most of it.

Vision Boarding: Your Visual Blueprint for Success

A vision board is more than just a collection of inspiring images— it’s a visual roadmap to your goals. As the year draws to a close, this tool can help you stay aligned with your deepest desires and prevent distractions from trends that may not serve your higher purpose.

Why Vision Boarding Works:

Clarifies intentions: Visualizing your goals helps solidify them in your mind.

Amplifies focus: It’s easier to stay on track when you can see success every day.

Boosts motivation: A visual reminder reignites passion when the journey gets tough.

Tracks progress: As you achieve goals, you can reflect on how far you’ve come.

Encourages self-reflection: It’s a tool for assessing what truly matters to you, even as life shifts.

How to Create an Inspiring Vision Board:

Set your intentions: Before you begin, ask yourself what you truly want to manifest in the final months of the year. Be specific. Is it financial abundance? Career growth? Deeper self-love?

Gather visuals: Find images, quotes, and affirmations that align with your intentions. These can come from magazines, online, or even personal photographs that symbolize your goals.

Display with purpose: Place your vision board somewhere you’ll see it daily. It could be your workspace, bedroom, or even your phone wallpaper—wherever it can regularly inspire you.

Review regularly: As the quarter progresses, check in with your board. Adjust it as needed, whether adding new goals or removing old ones.

Vision boarding is not just about aesthetics; it’s a way to stay grounded in your purpose and connected to your inner desires. This practice empowers you to remain authentic and committed to meaningful objectives, ensuring you don’t stray from your path as the year winds down.

Journaling for Clarity: Unlocking Your True Potential

Along with vision boarding, journaling is an essential practice for self-discovery and personal growth. It allows you to access your innermost thoughts, uncover desires, and identify areas where you need to pivot or push harder.

The Benefits of Journaling for Clarity:

Fosters self-awareness: Writing helps you process emotions and ideas, leading to deeper understanding.

Refines your objectives: Journaling can reveal what’s most important to you, helping to prioritize goals.

Uncovers hidden strengths: Often, we don’t recognize our capabilities until we reflect on them through writing.

Helps you strategize: By identifying potential obstacles, you can develop plans to overcome them.

Enhances focus and motivation: Regular journaling keeps your objectives clear, making it easier to stay disciplined.

Journaling Prompts for a Powerful Q4:

What do I want to achieve by the end of this year?

What obstacles have held me back in the past, and how can I overcome them?

What are my strengths, and how can I leverage them to reach my goals?

How do I want to feel when I look back on this year in December?

What am I grateful for right now, and how can I use that energy to propel me forward?

When you make journaling a part of your daily routine, you create space for clarity and creativity. This practice is especially powerful for manifesting success and growth because it fosters a mindset of continuous self-improvement and reflection.

Mindset Shifts: The Power of Affirmations and Mental Resets

The final quarter is not just about working toward your goals but also about transforming your mindset to support your journey. Affirmations and mental resets are two key strategies for doing this.

Why Mindset Matters:

Success isn’t just about hard work; it’s about believing you are worthy of the results. Affirmations are a daily tool to remind yourself of your power and potential. Whether you say them in front of a mirror or write them in your journal, affirmations help shift limiting beliefs into empowering ones.

Examples of Affirmations for a Powerful Q4:

I am deserving of all the abundance that is coming my way.

I am capable of achieving everything I set my mind to.

I am worthy of success, love, and happiness.

I trust the process and know that everything is unfolding for my highest good.

I release any doubts and embrace my power fully.

Daily mental resets can also help you stay grounded when challenges arise. These can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths, practicing meditation, or taking a short walk to clear your mind. By intentionally resetting, you can approach tasks with renewed energy and focus.

As the year draws to a close, the fourth quarter provides an opportunity for reflection, growth, and manifestation. Whether through vision boarding, journaling, or affirmations, reclaim your power and finish the year with intention.

How are you planning to end the year with intention? Share your goals and insights below!

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[brujamala-aka-gigi]

₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ mini pac ｡⋆｡ ﾟ

random tarot messages

150 word readings <3

these are bite sized tarot messages with no specific questions being answered, just leaving things to chance and hopefully getting you a piece of knowledge from the cards.

pngs by @florietas

dividers by @aquazero and @cafekitsune

pile one pile two pile three

pile four pile five pile six

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‧͙˚ *༓ scroll down for the readings ⋆ִ ‧͙⁺˚

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〰 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 〰

˚ ༘`✦ ˑ ִֶ pile number one 𓂃⊹

page of wands

It's a good moment to reevaluate the source of your opinions and ideas, as soon you will feel a streak of creative energy and it'd be good to build stronger ideas before you begin to place them in reality or to manifest them onto it. Also an amazing moment to look for connections between the mundane and the divine, not waiting for explicit answers but instead, you should expect the way in which you ask questions to allow for more profound relationships with knowledge. Ideally, you’d channel your creativity in a way that enhances your freedom and expands your possibilities instead of imposing complex dogmatic beliefs to yourself.

˚ ༘`✦ ˑ ִֶ pile number two 𓂃⊹

the empress

Allow yourself to get in touch with the things that come naturally to you instead of forcing yourself to align with actions that are too detrimental for them to bring any actual value or positive impact in your life. I wouldn't take this card into the “divine feminine” approach to things, as it seems more like a calling to nurture your inner world and your personal environments by being in tune with what is genuine to you, and to the way in which you bring value for yourself. I think you are underestimating the valuable qualities you possess and how your energy can be channeled and empowered by just paying more attention to what you deem as “low effort” but can be “high effort” to others. Don't shy away from being confident in your virtues. 

˚ ༘`✦ ˑ ִֶ pile number three 𓂃⊹

five of wands 

Avoiding conflict at all costs is not ideal, but engaging in conflictive situations guided by your ego is no good either. Sadly, you will be provided with said tense situations so it's better that you take the time to think about how you process feelings of anger, stress and insecurity. You need to be as aware of your own feelings as much as you are capable of deciphering how others might deal with them, especially if their approach to them is outwardly aggressive. There's nothing completely wrong with impulsiveness and emotional reactions, they can lead to meaningful emotional or existential developments; only if there's time, energy and will to do so. Learn how to know when to face obstacles like these and when they're not exactly obstacles, but more of an annoying temporary situation. 

˚ ༘`✦ ˑ ִֶ pile number four 𓂃⊹

the wheel of fortune

Although it is impossible to have full control over one’s perceived destiny or the chaotic nature of the universe, good fortune relies on the ability to humble our needs for control. As much as it’s healthy to navigate difficult and stressful situations without allowing our emotions to have a negative impact, it is also necessary that we don’t become overly confident and arrogant when things seem to be working in our favor. There’s plenty of our surroundings that we are unable to control and many things within ourselves that are just as difficult to deal with, therefore, it is in our best interest to develop tools and structures that can function as guidance towards a consciousness state that allows us to navigate the ups and downs of life without neglecting the feelings we deal with as a consequence.

˚ ༘`✦ ˑ ִֶ pile number five 𓂃⊹

the moon

You need to allow yourself to distrust and question others. Although it's “common sense” to have good intentions, to be kind, to be respectful and so on, at this point in time we cannot truly have faith that everyone shows a tendency towards having a bare minimum of empathy or at least good intentions. It is easy to follow your intuition or your gut feelings when danger is easily perceived, but trusting your intuition is harder when there are deceptions or illusions that make it so we are almost gaslighting ourselves about how awful we are for not trusting in something or someone because there isn't anything negative in sight. Key word: IN SIGHT. If something doesn’t make enough sense to your peace of mind, it's most likely not worth making it fit into your life. 

˚ ༘`✦ ˑ ִֶ pile number six 𓂃⊹

page of swords

This card serves as a reminder to keep nurturing your curiosity, specifically by putting an emphasis on the knowledge you can acquire by being more open to hearing about others' experiences. I don’t think you are particularly interested in finding a sense of belonging by allowing people to impose their beliefs onto you, but I do see that maybe you are in need of company to further develop and deepen your relationship with knowledge. You don’t need to hurry up and become desperate to know everything about anything, you also don’t need to limit yourself and your possibilities to traditional ways of learning. At this moment, embracing the unconventional and unexpected teachings, everyday life observations and your own personal thoughts and opinions, will give you the motivation to strengthen your relationship with the more intellectual parts of yourself.

if you enjoyed this post, feel free to check the rest of my account <3 ppssst keep an eye on this blog, there's going to be some ask games and im giving away some free readings soon ;)

masterpost ✶ pac readings ✶ ko-fi page ✶

⋆bookings for personal readings are open ཐིཋྀ ˚₊‧⁺

[justjudethoughts]

Not to accuse Lockwood of being extremely malicious and petty, but I really want to know if he did this on purpose. Originally, I didn't think he possibly could have meant that to hit Lucy the way it does — but as I kept thinking, it got more and more curious.

1) Right after saying he has someone to thank, he deliberately makes eye contact with Lucy. You don't do that unless you are intending to thank THAT person, or because you are exchanging knowing glances about the coming statement. But Lockwood knows Lucy wouldn't be giddy to praise Holly. Which means, at the very least, he looks over at Lucy knowing she probably won't like what he will say next. Maybe he isn't intending to make Lucy believe he is preparing to thank her, maybe he just wants to see her reaction to Holly being praised. But either way, the eye contact bodes very badly for his intentions.

2) He knows how well Lucy did the night before. He also knows she was specifically fighting alongside him, for the first time in ages. And, as he admits later, he is intentionally holding her at a distance. I wonder if this is one of his tactics.

3) Lucy says she knows the connected the night before, but that she doubts Lockwood's ability to sustain a meaningful relationship. She obviously doesn't know this at the moment, but Lockwood is severing bits of the relationship on purpose. I wonder if he was a little freaked out by how well they clicked the night before, and this was "damage control."

Anyway, this all seems a big malicious of Lockwood, but golly, the eye contact line is just odd