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eelfuneral · 2 years ago

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I know I seem to be writing a lot about my issues with certain aspects of how the Jedi were written lately, but I will say that I do like them over all—especially when we look at individual Jedi characters. What has been prompting my flurry of dissection of the less than nice aspects of the Jedi as an organization has been seeing a number of really uncomfortable arguments in their favor. I’m going to elaborate on this, but I’m putting it below a cut and tagging it as “jedi critical” so you can avoid it if it’s not your thing. So here is a list of fandom Jedi takes that I don’t love:

1. The insistence that the Jedi having a repressive view of emotions is nothing more than a fanon myth. Star Wars canon isn’t terribly consistent: it has a number of different writers and George Lucas is famously indecisive about his beliefs regarding canon. As a result, you have a hodgepodge of differing portrayals of Jedi, but the one that people are most familiar with is the one from the sequel and prequel trilogies. While it can be argued that the Jedi are more about controlling how you react to your emotions and avoiding harming people, especially if you look beyond the films and at other canon material, the first six films don’t do a great job of portraying the Jedi in that way. When Yoda himself has multiple lines about how certain emotions (not reactions to them, but emotions by themselves) are of the Dark Side, can you really blame people for coming to this conclusion? The same goes for the idea that they don’t *really* forbid romantic love. When you have a whole subplot involving a prominent Jedi Knight having to hide a romantic relationship or face expulsion from the Order for having a romantic relationship in any capacity, then this argument doesn’t hold a lot of water. A rule stating that “romantic partner = automatic expulsion” does not line up with the idea that Jedi only ban possessive love.

2. Having any sympathy for Anakin Skywalker means you think that he’s never done anything wrong ever. I acknowledge that rabid Anakin stans who bash every other character to prop him up are very much a thing, but I don’t believe that we need to shut down every discussion of Anakin that doesn’t paint him as an ungrateful brat who needed to stop having so many damned emotions. Anakin was intentionally written as a sympathetic antihero and later a sympathetic villain. People picking up on the sadder elements of his life and the times where he maybe didn’t get everything he needed from the Jedi Order are sniffing out intentionally placed story nuggets that are designed to make his betrayal of everyone he loved in ROTS that much harder to watch. Also, acknowledging that the Order may not have been a great fit for Anakin isn’t the same as saying that it was somehow abusive or evil. No organization, real or fictional, can meet the needs of every single person. Anakin was certainly loved and cared about in the Jedi Order, but his personality and trauma arguably made him incompatible with their lifestyle.

3. The weird vitriol at the idea of Gray Jedi. Gray Jedi were very much a thing in the legends continuity and have been a fanon staple for literal decades. A lot of people aren’t fond of this concept, because they feel that it misrepresents how the force works, particularly in current canon. That’s perfectly fine, but acting like this type of Jedi was never, ever a part of canon is silly. Insisting that it’s a cardinal sin to depict a Gray Jedi in fanworks, which exist specifically to be a free-for-all that may not be canon compliant, is just mean. You didn’t have to like every fanwork or concept, but you cannot control what other people create for fun.

4. Outright denial that the clones are enslaved by the Republic. Clones are described as “property” and “equipment”. The Republic BUYS them. They do not have a choice but to go to war and don’t seem to be paid much, if at all. When a group of people are owned, bought, and sold, they are slaves by definition. I understand that the Jedi were dealt a bad hand and weren’t in a great position to do much about the situation, but I and a lot of other people would have loved to see more instances of Jedi advocating for clone citizenship and freedom. People noticing that the Jedi could have done more for the clones are not stating that they think the Jedi were 100% okay with the situation, and it is entirely possible to acknowledge the deep Jedi/clone friendships that we see in canon while acknowledging what the Republic was doing to the clones. Justifications of the clones’ enslavement mentioning that they liked being soldiers (they didn’t know anything different) or were treated well by the Jedi (Pong Krell existed, and they were still owned by the Republic) make me very uneasy. If your defense of your blorbos reads like Neo-Confederate chattel slavery apologia retrofitted to be about pretend space people, then maybe it’s time to do a little bit of self-reflection.

5. Ableism. When you throw takes like “if the Jedi philosophy regarding emotions is so hard for you, then you are a baby or a sociopath” into the tumblrsphere, they are always going to fall and hit people with disabilities that cause emotional regulation issues. The line between stating that people should not use emotions as an excuse to harm others and outright attacking people for having intense emotions in general is one that I have seen crossed, shat on, and lit on fire in defense of the Jedi.

6. Equating criticism of the Jedi to real-wold prejudice. Saying that criticizing the Jedi is the same as being antisemitic or homophobic is uncalled for. Queer and Jewish people exist in the real world, and pretend space wizards do not. Comparisons like this are insulting because they put real-world prejudice and fandom wank over space wizards on the same level. Do better.

#jedi critical #okay #really this is more fandom critical #fandom wank

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a-fox-rambles · 1 month ago

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SO... this almost killed my computer with how big the images were. lol But hell, my medicine seller OC is finally done!

I would have added more to Guan's image, but considering how big the file was, I had to nix that to make it smaller. Ah well, still works. Also, I apologize for the crap ton of watermarks. I am a paranoid son of a bitch and will not take it lying down to let people steal my shit all willy nilly.

More notes and rambling under the read more so I don't clog stuff up.

I couldn't figure out which hexagram to call him after his sword for the longest time. I found one that sounded nice but then forgot like a moron, and Guan just... kind of fit in the end.

If I were to have included his loves and hates, his love list would have been stuff like his family and his husband (the man is a loving sap), and for stuff he hated would be stuff like mononoke and feeling helpless (especially when he couldn't protect his family at times). We enjoy trauma and angst in this house. >D

So I mention a husband, who is that? ...It's the spirit inhabiting his sword, his shingi, so to speak. I just had it from the get go that those two would be an item, and it just kind of worked. Also, Guan nicknamed his husband as "Asahi". And yes, these two have a family, mostly in the form of a son and their son's family (a daughter in law and three grandkids... not canon complicit, probably, but eh, I'm here to have fun!)

For his sword, I almost went with a sort of salmonid theme because I love those goggly eyed bastards, but I stopped myself with the big brain idea of connecting his name to something that is named after a dragon but isn't one. Want a hint? The extinct creature's name translates as "Crown Dragon" in Chinese. >3c

His kimono is definitely not the most accurate, but eh, I tried with what I could. I also based it a bit off of what the protags of Pokemon Legends Arceus wears as default because that game was big on my brain when I was drawing him. >>

Next will be his other self to be drawn, as Guan does need his husband! It will just... be a hassle to design this bastard. Ho boy, wish me luck. x-x

EDIT: I'M A DIPSHIT AND FORGOT THE CREDITS- Fuck, I am a dumbass. x-x Anywho- Textures for both the BG and used on both Guan and his items are from Unsplash and Pixabay, both under a free use license. The brush I used for the sakura flower pattern on Guan's Obi comes from longestdistance on dA/Deviantart for Paint Tool Sai 2.

#fox's art tag #mononoke #medicine seller oc #fanart

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lokilaufeysonlover96 · 3 months ago

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Loki’s Lost Wife

Chapter 1

Sigyn’s Pov

Come to think of it now, I really don’t know how I ended up in this situation. In a remote cave, in Norway, with a classmate of mine.

We are both attending the Master in Viking and Medieval Norse studies at the University of Oslo.

A month ago he found this cave where, according to some testimonies, the Vikings performed their rituals to the Gods and he convinced me to follow him. He believes a lot in these legends, even more than me who am driven more by curiosity than by belief in itself and he is also very convinced that I am the reincarnation of the goddess Sigyn just because we have the same name.

“ I printed out this prayer that I found in one of the manuals. What do you say if, once we get there, we recite it? Maybe we get lucky and one of the Aesir will show up in front of us.” Ingvar hands me the sheet with the prayer on it and looks at me amused.

“ You’re not serious? They are just legends Ingvar. You don't really think that once we get there the Father of the Gods himself will appear before us!” I huff, exasperated by his fixation and also quite tired from the walk. “How much longer to get to this cave?”

“Almost there, according to this map it should be close to here.”

We both turn around to try to see the entrance, but everything around us is nothing. Trees and rocks galore, but not even a cave.

“Where did you find this map, on Wikipedia?” I tease him as I lean on a slab of rock trying to rest my muscles a bit.

Suddenly I feel the rock creak under my weight, a few seconds pass while I look at Ingvar in terror, when it breaks and I start to slide backwards into the darkness.

I close my eyes in fear, hoping that at least the impact is fast and decisive, I wouldn't want to have to suffer in agony before dying from some trauma.

“Sigyn!” I hear Ingvar's voice walking away, then the impact comes.

To my absolute surprise I find myself sitting inside the cave, I open my eyes and total disappointment. Just a huge hole in the mountain, almost completely dark.

“Ingvar, I'll kill you! If we manage to get out of here I swear I'll kill you!” I shout in the direction of the slide I just made to enter this desolation.

“Are you okay? Can I go down? Is it safe?”

“Go down calmly, it's like going on a slide. As for safety I can't tell you, I'm pretty pissed off with you now.”

I hear his laughter followed by a scream, making me understand that he too has thrown himself on this rocky slide.

“That was fun!” he informs me, reaching me and getting up to examine the very famous cave. I punche him in the ribs and I glare at him.

“That was hilarious, look. You're an idiot!”

“Now stop complaining and let's go.”

I look at him confused.

“Go?! Go where? I don’t know if you realized, but it’s practically a black hole! What do you think you’ll find? An altar to Freya or to your beloved Thor?”

I’m realizing that I’ve never hated a person in my life as much as I hate him right now. Ingvar takes out two torches from his backpack, lights them and passes me one.

“What if it’s an altar to Loki instead?” he says winking at me.

“You prefer Thor while I’m curious about the mythological figure of Loki. It’s called personal preferences.” I inform him angrily, crossing my arms over my chest.

“How defensive we are, huh! It’s no coincidence that you’re Sigyn, the goddess of fidelity.”

“Oh my God! Still with this belief!” I massage my temples trying to calm my nerves that are about to explode. Faithfulness is nothing!

Ingvar begins to go deeper into the cave and I am forced to follow him so as not to be alone, after a few minutes we find ourselves in front of a wall that blocks our path, on it are painted some runes and mythological figures, for the rest there is nothing else.

“Say the prayer!” Ingvar tells me while he pushes me to the center of the cave.

“Why do I have to do it? Let’s take some pictures of the wall and try to get out of here.”

“Say the prayer!” he repeats in a tone a little too aggressive making me panic.

I open the paper in my hands and start reading.

“Greetings Loki, called Lopt, called Hveõrung.

son of Odin, and Bringer of Fortune,

Blacksmith of Words and Singer of Fire

You who bear the weight of all the tradition that should remain unsung.

You do not care to play the tunes we long to hear, nor speak the words we should say.

For you are the master of lies and the speaker of truths, and your songs were meant to reveal what we would hide from ourselves.

We are bound by the masks we wear,

slaves to the people our society tells us we should be.

May your fire set us free.” I look at the words in front of me, confused and a little afraid. “Ingvar, why did you make me read a prayer dedicated to Loki?” I turn to him and find him with a small knife in his hand.

“Now you should make an offering to honor him!” he offers me the knife as I stare at him in disbelief.

“What? Have you lost your mind?” I step back as he begins to advance on me.

“You must offer your blood Sigyn, as Loki’s faithful wife.” he continues with a strange smile.

“I AM NOT LOKI’S WIFE!” I blurt out, yelling in their faces as I stand with my back to the wall “This prank has gone on far too long Ingvar!” I continue as my eyes fill with tears.

He grabs my arm with so much pressure that it hurts and yanks me towards him. I try to free myself but to no avail, Ingvar pushes me to the ground, one hand holding my arms above my head while the other holds the knife.

“Ingvar, please let me go!” I beg him in a panic, tears now flooding my face.

He slides the knife down my blouse, starting to cut button after button. I start to shake in fear as I try to kick it away with my feet.

*If anyone up there in heaven hears me, save me please!* I start to pray silently, more and more scared by this whole surreal situation.

Ingvar smiles at me, one of those psychopathic smiles that make you shiver, as he cuts the last button.

“Let me do it for you then.” he whispers as he brings the knife closer to the palm of my hand and slowly slides it over my skin, cutting it.

A scream of pain escapes my lips as I start to sob, now completely terrified.

How the hell did we get to all this?

“You know Sigyn, in some legends it is said that Loki’s beloved wife ran away from the Palace and then disappeared. There is no further news of her in any other testimony. Loki was shocked, he searched for her for thousands of years and never found her.”

I shake my head still crying.

“It’s all just stories, Ingvar! Please let me go!” I beg.

“Let you go? Do you have any idea what reward I’ll get when Loki finally comes to get you?” he laughs completely out of his mind.

The cut on my hand starts to burn as I feel the blood dripping to the ground.

Loki’s Pov

I had screwed up, as I always do. I had pissed off the wrong people, made enemies on the wrong planet.

All of this I could handle with grace and finesse, but there had been one monumental snag I never expected.

Her.

I was sitting alone in a small, warm tavern, staring into a cup of what I hoped was mead.

I had been planet-hopping for months, hoping one of these places would promise an answer, a clue. But I had always been disappointed. Each place was just a big, big hole in the water. I was amazed at how picky I could be, even in this time of uncertainty.

I never stopped looking for her, listening to every rumor, every story, hoping for a clue, no matter how small. Then a few months ago, a traveler returned from Midgard, telling a story he had heard there. A legend, according to which, there was a girl identical to my Sigyn and he was going to look for her. So identical, that he was shocked when he found her in front of him. There was only one small and insignificant problem according to him, the girl didn't know anything about all this, she lived like a normal Midgardian.

I was very tempted to turn that great idiot into a stud cow, since all this seemed to amuse him so much.

The image of her flashed in my memory as always.

I pushed the cup away from me and, huffing, got up and headed towards the palace, intent on hiding in my rooms for the rest of the day.

As I walked through the streets to reach my rooms, the sky turned dark gray and the sun sank to the horizon.

I missed watching her tangle the sheets under her legs and rest her head on my chest.

The feeling of her naked skin on mine. Her scent—

Suddenly a powerful force took me completely by surprise, throwing me backwards. I landed on my ass, my pants soaked from the impact. I looked up in murderous rage, my eyes glowing green as I saw a figure in front of me. I pulled back my upper lip in a snarl, my mouth ready to scream all the worst curses.

“Let you go? Do you have any idea what reward I’ll get when Loki finally comes for you?” I heard the figure in front of me whisper. It took me a few seconds to realize that he wasn’t talking to me but to someone kicking and sobbing underneath him.

I slowly stood up, realizing that I was no longer in Asgard, but in a filthy, dimly lit cave, who knows what planet.

There was a girl underneath that being, her shirt torn and her arms pinned above her head, her eyes closed and crying desperately.

How the hell did I end up in this situation? Teleported for no reason to witness this.

Then I saw her open her eyes and stare into mine, confused and scared and at that moment I felt a blow right in the stomach.

“Sigyn.” her name escaped my lips as a whisper and anger took over me.

It took me a few seconds to move behind that abominable idiot without him realizing it and only an instant to stick my two daggers straight into his back.

“I hope the reward is to your liking!” I growled against his ear and struck him once again directly through his lungs and then threw him against the wall of the cave.

I looked at his horrified expression at the sight of me and smiled amusedly.

“I am Loki, the God of Mischief and Tricks!” I reply making a slight bow in his direction.

#loki laufeyson #loki odinson #loki series #fantasy #fanfic #love

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invisiblequeen · 1 year ago

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Noe Bodi Gameplay: Day 26 Part 2

When the plate was cleared and the conversation ended, Riaan (@wibblywobblytumblywumbly) started to make his way home. He was stopped by our Himbo Axel(@gloomiegalaxie-sims), who hadn't had a chance to thank him before!

Don't let the frown on Riaan's face fool you here--

He really liked Axel.

They exchanged numbers, and Riaan continued home.

When he got back, he noticed the gnomes had left him a gift.

It's not he had any plans to plant them, but he wasn't stupid enough to say that out loud. Thanks gnomes!

With all his Harvestfest tasks out of the way, Riaan turned his attention toward his water ride--mainly to spice it up.

And take it for a ride.

And test out all the add-ons at once.

Which was fun to do at first, but something in Riaan compelled him to take that water boat and ride it all the way to the northside of the island.

And look where he ended up.

Obviously no one was home, but they didn't need to be. He wasn't looking for a house.

He was looking for a cave.

Legend says every time you enter the cave, the mural on the wall adds a missing part of its painting. And if you go enough times, the mural will be complete, and through that complete mural you will find the power of the mermaid.

Riaan's no skepticist. He dove right into this.

The first time he explored the cave was...interesting.

Our boy guy was so traumatized he ran tot he waterfall to rinse himself off!

The trauma must have fucked with his sense of direction, because for a minute, he got stuck in between two rocks and walked in a circle for a full minute.

So I teleported him out of there.

He went right back for the cave.

He came out less traumatized and more hangry, until he remembered he had an apple in his inventory.

He went back into the cave three times.

Unfortunately, he had neglected his bladder for so long that as soon as he left the cave for the last time, he PEED ON HIMSELF!

That was his cue to go home.

The last shot i'll leave you with is him having a wonderful time in the bathtub next to a glorious view of paradise. Splash around all you want, hon, you deserve it.

[previous] - [next]

#sims 4 #the sims 4 #sims4 #simblr #other people's sims #n0bodygameplays #noe bodi gameplay

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faidfluorite · 1 year ago

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mermaid swamp (remake) reviewwww

prefacing this by saying i can count the amount of rpgmaker games i've played on one hand (SADLY)... gradually changing that by going through a friend-vetted list >:3

mermaid swamp felt super confined which really lent itself to the stories super spooky atmosphere... i love lakeside horror and this definitely cranked up the notch with the bog body mermaids and swamp fume craziness. after my first playthrough i wasn't super crazy on the protagonist aside from the fact that i love women who are written as sort of unapologetically brash and headstrong, but in my playthrough (true ending) i wasn't huge on her being a history major with 0 interest in actually researching what the hell was happening in that house

and then it totally hit me that i went to college for animation with people who didn't know how to use the fill tool and a lot of stuff made sense LOL. rin feels like the kind of character that learns through doing, and a fundamental part of the her escape from the trap the main cast find themselves in is learning, through multiple horrific experiences, to put trust into her friends even when she's beginning to not trust herself.

with yuka, it's trust that she'll survive- that if they find a way out of the mansion and to a hospital yuka will pull through and their struggles won't have been for nothing.

for yuuta, it felt like trust that he could break through his episode once rin destroyed the paintings holding him hostage. there's a small order you have to follow, new house's paintings to old house's and if you rush off in a frenzy to try and lose him, he almost senses that franticness and you get a game over as he kills you at the swamp's edge. when you find a way to calm him down, he's able to rest and regain his strength to bring you all home! something you can't do if yuka or yuuta don't survive.

with seitaro... you sort of have to battle with this line of trust and intimacy throughout the entire story. without him, rin loses her motivation and some of her grounded sanity (in an ending where yuka, yuuta and rin make it to the climax without rin, she still completely loses it and throws herself into the swamp). when seitaro has an episode and tries to coax rin into staying by his side, she has to trust in who she knows he is to break through her confusion and defend herself to keep them both alive.

to give the "mermaids" peace and to find closure herself, rin has to trust her gut and bury them underground. they have to share in their suffering, accept that the only way they're leaving the mansion is if they leave irrevocably changed and that in itself is how the old man can also find closure from his families prolonged "curse"...

i have a lot more thoughts about folklore and urban legend, generational trauma and the passage of time as a means of healing old wounds but i only played the remake tonight so i would want to play the original game before writing more so i can compare the two and see how the story has been changed and developed ^_^

all in all a really fun, short game! if any of you like rpgmaker games, i would love some more reccs!

#remy reviews #:3 #mermaid swamp #<- sorry main tag #this is just for my own organization

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construingseacats · 2 years ago

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Umireread: Legend of the Golden Witch - Chapter 7: Letter and Umbrella

Sat, Oct 4 1986 - 6:00PM

The following contains spoilers for the entirety of Umineko. Please do not read if you are yet to finish it.

And so we find ourselves back in the Guesthouse. Hopefully Battler can be a little less uncomfortable to read about this time.

I can’t help but feel this is a little too self indulgent. “Wow being trapped on an island is great! No school on monday!” “I can’t wait to go to college and never have to be on this island again!”. Ryukishi’s being a funny guy for writing this into his murder mystery. You could only be more on the nose if Gohda was one day from retirement or something.

This one’s also a pretty funny line. I know it’s a little contradictory of me to say given the paragraph we just had in defence of Rosa, but still, it’s quite the picture we paint when we go from Rosa beating Maria and leaving her in the rain to “no-one understands me :(“

Oh that’s… disconcerting. That feels like a trauma reaction. Hm.

It really is fascinating how much Rosa is being shown to be a good parent (in spite of her just being a terrible one). The moment she’s cognizant of the situation once again, she’s immediately out looking for Maria to make sure she’s okay. I suppose this is kind of mandated by her being one of the first sacrifices, since we only have so much time with her to paint her complexities beyond her moment in Chapter 6.

It feels odd for me to entirely skim over the umbrella scene in the garden, but there’s not really anything I have to add. Yeah, Yasu showed up in cosplay and gave Maria the Umbrella, but there’s no particular insight I have to say here.

I’m living for all the Kinzo Study scenes. Nanjo’s just sitting at a Chessboard by himself while Krauss is pounding on the door.

Stripping the fantasy and framing this as Nanjo giving himself a pep talk before going to the family is VERY funny.

So this is the kind of thing that I was hoping to see a little more of earlier on - this is a lot more representative of what Umineko is about, but is remarkably absent in the first few chapters in favour of… mundane greetings. Having a small, harmless mystery to break up Chapter 2 would have done the start a lot of favours, I think.

Either way - I really like this as a proxy mystery to ease the reader in before we get to the big howdunnits later on. Obviously the stakes don’t matter yet since no-one’s died, but we’re able to see how alibis are collaborating, and can start to think about how to peel things back to find the truth of the matter.

Even if it was mandated by how dinner is usually served, it’s interesting to see Shannon’s persona used here instead of Kanon’s. Her natural (or artificial, I suppose) meekness gives her an advantage since it immediately disarms everyone who would point an accusatory finger at her.

You know, I hadn’t thought about it until now, but the emphasis on Natsuhi’s headaches in Episode 1? Absolutely intentional, spiteful writing by Yasu to make her suffer as much as possible. Natsuhi faces so much anguish in almost every scene, almost like the writer wants her as a character to have the worst time she possibly can. Heck, you can go as far as to say that Jessica giving Natsuhi the scorpion charm was an intentional writing decision of “and then I’m going to kill her and her husband in the first twilight - no, that’ll be too easy. I’ll keep her alive and then kill her towards the end, after she’s suffered even more.”

Another one for reading Maria as autistic. I feel so bad for her here.

Fun confirmation that literally all anyone needs to do is dress up as Beato and say they’re Beato for Maria to believe it. It’s fun how early Umineko says the truth, and it’s obviously the truth, but you’re kind of digging into “but what if the witch is real?” territory so you feel compelled to disbelieve it.

Gotta love the time-honoured tradition of Umineko just flat out telling you the answer.

It’s interesting that they pick Genji for this example, however - that kind of makes it sound ridiculous and discredits it from the get-go. If you opened with Shannon dressing up then it’d sound far more plausible.

Speaking of which, time for another Shkanon scene!

Interesting phrasing - “me either” feels like it’s following from Kanon’s dialogue, but it could still be read as Genji referring to the adults. Maybe I’m onto something with this “Shkanon scenes can be read as if one of them isn’t there” idea.

Here again - you think nothing of it, but Gohda doesn’t even see Kanon here. He addresses the women and Genji. Then Genji patting Kanon on the shoulder can quite easily just be him patting Shannon and saying the same thing.

Ah, well that immediately torpedoes what I was just saying. Genji’s just talking to himself now. Long live fantasy.

That being said, this scene is just dripping in Yasu’s penmanship. Very clear that she’s writing both of them as they talk about Beatrice and being Furniture.

The letter looks so good. The one winged eagle is just a cool design in general.

Yeah, tell that to Rosa.

Interesting detail that Maria parroting English means we know that was a mannerism of the Beato cosplayer’s dialogue. Unfortunately I don’t think this serves as an actual hint since I’m pretty sure the only person we’ve established as being big into western stuff so far is Kinzo. I suppose it helps set the tone of them being an “outsider” though.

It’s extremely funny how everyone reading this scene for the first time jumps on the fact that we just saw Kinzo throw the ring out the window. It’s such a heavy loaded bait and switch since, you know, he’s been dead for a while.

I love how the adults are all up in arms at trying to disprove it’s official Kinzo correspondence, and the moment we get “it’s from Beatrice!” they’re all “oh okay then open it who cares lmao”

I can’t help but notice there’s been a lack of ambient music for quite a lot of these last 2 chapters. I kind of wish they had something here? The rain sfx only does so much for the scene.

IMMEDIATELY COUNTERED BY FISHY AROMA, I TAKE THAT COMMENT BACK, PEAK CHOICE

I always preferred the name “Suspicion’s Fragrance” for this song. I think I remember hearing that Umineko Project calls it Suspicion’s Scent? Anyway, I digress. This is the Umineko song.

Is Maria just doing an impression of Beato here? Very funny if she’s doing an impression of someone who was already doing a fake voice.

Nanjo sweating as he goes “Yes! Kinzo is definitely alive! The ring is gone but he is definitely alive. Do not question it.”

Nanjo is honestly so nervous about the Kinzo situation. Really panicking here when they suggest they’ll all go knock on his door.

Honestly, the first time I read this scene, I was so focused on “BEATRICE IS REALLLLL” that I completely missed the scrambling from the adults. They are so funny in this situation. Literally everyone has lost their cool after being so calculated during the inheritance discussion earlier.

I’m actually a little curious about what’s going on in this scene. So Kinzo refused to come down to dinner, but the servants still took some food up to him, and none of the adults thought to use this opportunity to try and get a word out of him? I know we’ve already established a mood of “lmao I ain’t gonna be the one to do that” from Rudolf, but I do feel it’s kind of off that they just let Kinzo get his food delivered to him and didn’t think to try and reach out to him in the process. I feel like it’d make more sense if he had food kept in his study and/or servants prepared something for him there, but they explicitly say it’s Gohda’s cooking from downstairs.

Ah, Genji and Shannon are just chilling and eating their dinner in here. Good vibe, honestly. They picked a damn nice room to relax in.

Hey. Hey Kanon. How would you know that. I’m pretty sure all the servants were out of the Dining Room by the time the letter was revealed. You want to confess something buddy?

Good chapter. The story is really starting to pick up here. Who knew a mystery novel would be interesting once you start getting to the mystery?

#umireread #umineko #umineko spoilers

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sadnessisavegetable · 2 years ago

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I am having way too much fun building my AU of Legend of Zelda lore, specifically with the Villains.

Like…Ghirahim? He’s got a slightly terrifying platonic husband who happens to be a fallen angel and a holy blacksmith. Said husband has forged Ghirahim into a sturdier shape after Ghirahim broke.

Zant? He’s got a boyfriend bodyguard that unintentionally became the Team Boyfriend for all the villains, and said bodyguard is the most competent one there. He still doesn’t know how his bodyguard became “Our Boyfriend” instead of “Zant’s Boyfriend”.

Yuga? He shows up at inconvenient times and has a pet bird that happens to like playing in paint. The bird is definitely capable of speaking coherently due to Yuga talking to it so much. And nobody knows where Yuga is or when he’ll pop in next. It’s great!

Vaati? This boy has a tendency to be intimidated by most dogs. It comes from being Minish in his case, the poor thing. And everyone EXCEPT FOR GANONDORF babies him. And he’s been color coded so aggressively into purple in the group that it’s pretty much the only color he owns from gifts.

Astor? He’s been thrown out the window. Countless times. By so many different people. In so many different ways. He’s also been demoted really hard also because Ganondorf Did Not Vibe with him attempting to sacrifice people who served him without his Express Consent and the Express Consent of those who he attempted to sacrifice.

Kohga? Man’s happily the Mom™️ of the Yiga Clan. He’s a firm believer in eating and sleeping and talking to make things feel better after trauma. He bakes really well (something something don’t trust a skinny baker) and happens to like training newbies with a lot of potential. He just also values boundaries.

Sooga? He’s a dad now. He’s got two daughters, one of which is happily in the Yiga Clan and the other of which died but sticks around like a stubborn bleach stain. I simply have him as a girl mom dad but the type who would show up to a soccer game for his kids and quietly glare daggers at the (other) soccer moms there.

Ganondorf? THE MAN IS TRANS. I LOOKED AT HIM AND DECIDED HE NEEDED TO BE TRANS. VISCERALLY GRABBED HIM IN MY MOUTH AND SHOOK HIM AROUND LIKE A SQUEAKY TOY. So. Trans Ganondorf designs to follow soon. (And also, he’s a big softy who looks terrifying, he’s adopted a Link and a Zelda in the past.)

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frostehburr · 8 months ago

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The Most Ninja AAA Game (so far)

Aside from recent trauma I've been going through, I managed to complete Ghost of Tsushima as well as its DLC Iki Island. I know, I know, super extra late to that party but I had it on the back of the shelf and didn't think of it until last month.

The setting of the game is really old Japan, like I think the date was 1275 or something close to that. All I know is that Mongols invaded and the main character, Jin Sakai the Last Samurai of Tsushima, has to do everything he can to drive out the invaders. Which means sacrificing his honor... I think...

Yeah, I know little to nothing about the honor thing. It's apparently a big deal in the game and I assume eastern countries.

I think the idea behind the game was to have an origin story for ninjas and how iconic/legendary they became. In turn making this game about a samurai becoming the first ninja out of desperation to defeat an overwhelming force.

So you see a lot of ninja stuff as you progress through the game. Such as a grappling hook, poison darts, and of course the classic smoke bombs.

I've been playing Sucker Punch games since Sly Cooper (I missed out on Rocket for N64). It's quite nice to see the developers go from 3D Platformer to Full Open World RPG over the years. They may have gained a lot of experience with the inFamous franchise. You can see a lot of Cole in Jin's parkour movements.

Speaking of Sucker Punch's past games; there's a few references via murals in Iki Island. I caught Delsin's karma birds and a very Japanesey Cold from inFamous 2 on some rocks.

The combat is fluid and smooth as are the stealth mechanics. Variety in choices on how you take out enemies is super fun. One camp you can pop in and out of cover until everyone is dead without knowing they were being killed off. Another camp you can charge in with a flaming sword, throwing bombs and knives at people for immediate action. All play styles are thought of.

Outside of combat, the environment work is gorgeous! For a moment I was sure the developers programed real photos of Japan to place in front of you at all times but nope they really did model and textured everything that well. Certainly hit the peak of 3D software with this one.

The plants, mud, and water was all so breathtaking I spent a long while walking around the colorful landscape. Even the fire and snow was super good! I took a screen shot of this one scenery where the blacken earth from a fire met the white snow because it looked like a museum painting and I wanted to keep that image. Also there was a lot of yellow plants. I mean a LOT of yellow plants. Despite what Goombah sensei says, I'm convinced real ninjas wore yellow if they lived with so many yellow plants like what I saw.

Much like all good open world games, the majority of the fun is exploring to find cool collectables. My millennial brain obsesses over finding things! I have to have collectables in my game to really enjoy it! And Ghost of Tsushima delivers on that promise. Artifacts, fox dens, haikus, and hot springs are all over. It's all so worth seeking out and never feels like a chore. What I listed wasn't all there is, either, there's more out there.

Jin Sakai's story in both Tsushima and Iki Island were as dramatic as a hollywood film... a good hollywood film. One that would get an entire fanbase for. Maybe a tumblr sexy man. Hey, I'm certain someone has the hots for Kenji.

Anyhow... Ghost of Tsushima was a thrill to complete and I'd make another account to do it all over again. But for now, it's the shiniest platinum on the shelf and I look forward to the next experience.

oh right, there's the Legends Mode... eh, some other time, maybe never. I hate multiplayer trophies.

#100%#100% complete #platinum #platinum trophy #ghost of tsushima #iki island #ninja #opinion not a review

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missroserose · 3 years ago

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Whumptober Day 2: Caged

A falling cage in a cave? Really? This asshole's watched the Indiana Jones movies a few too many times, that's all I'm sayin'.

Sam knows that voice better than his own: it's Dean, offering his brand of coping mechanism to a shitty situation. Make fun of the situation, make it small and unimportant, and obviously the cause of the situation will be small and unimportant too.

It'd be more comforting if he didn't know for a fact that Dean was miles away in Tucson, staking out that run-down ranch home on the outskirts, coyote scat in the yard and suspicious sigils spray-painted on the siding—the people in the neighborhood had all made sad noises about gang signs and drug houses and how you couldn't trust your neighbors anymore, but he and Dean had broken in and found an altar, standing there in the middle of the living room—

How did they even know you were going to be standing there? How long did they take to set this thing up? Hell—how did they maintain the mechanisms? We're in the middle of nowhere, they must've been hauling 3-in-1 oil out here every week. Awful lot of work for a Looney Tunes trap.

It's just a voice. His own coping mechanism his brain's taken on, a byproduct of current and recent events. He pictures it as an equation, imagines writing it on graph paper in no. 2 pencil: recent trauma x current stress = hallucinations. He winds his fingers around the iron of the cage bars, tries not to focus on the looming dread that's forming around the void where monster we’re fighting should be in his brain—

I guess if this is a Looney Tunes trap, that makes you the Roadrunner, huh? Did they put out a pile of birdseed for you? Are there any giant red Xs around?

Sam tightens his grip, feels the rough texture of the metal. "Primitively forged," he mutters to himself, or tries to; his lips form the words, but the air only comes out in a whisper, his voice caught somewhere in his throat. "Basic industrial skill? Or advanced scavenging and repurposing?" He wishes he had a Dictaphone, or a notepad—anything more than a darkened smartphone with the screen cracked where he landed on it, anything to focus on, to keep him from noticing the way the cadence of the voice in his head is changing, taking on that all-too-familiar lilt, the childish I-know-something-you-don't-know musicality—

Oh, nooo, that's right, the roadrunner never falls for the birdseed, does he? Poor Sammy, outwitted by a dim bulb of a coyote—guess your brother was wrong, you aren't actually the smart one. Sure, you talk a good game, but it's all just regurgitated trivia from books, isn't it? Little Sammy, so desperate for his father's love, for his brother's attention, he'll do anything to keep from being left behind again—

Sam's jaw tightens. It's almost better, the despair that Lucifer's voice touches off in his mind; it's permission, in a way, to sink into hopelessness. Dean's voice is false hope, cheer, determination; when Lucifer comes out, the game is up, and there's nothing to be done except to grit his teeth and endure—

—except—maddeningly—something's touching off a series of connections in his brain. Dimwit coyote. Coyote scat in the yard, altar in the living room. Coyote, a trickster legend, just the sort of deity to drop a cage on a nosy hunter in a cave somewhere—and they're in the desert Southwest, dust-dry and disjunct, ghost towns and gold mines, the sort of environment that breeds isolation, superstition, dysfunction—and religion—

Such an isolated childhood you had, Sammy—guess it's no wonder you prayed all the time, what else could you do? Shame you didn't have any creativity, it was all about Dad, the least likely deity to answer your prayers...now these folks, they've stumbled on an actual god to pray to, something that'll actually show up and cause some mayhem. Bummer for Dean, though, if he's in the blast radius—

Sam pulls out his phone, glossy black screen dark, cracks spiderwebbing across it, and prays. Holds the power button, waits to see if the screen lights up. Holds his breath, wishes for some sort of sound, even the drip, drip of a stalagmite somewhere to mark the passing of time, but the silence is oppressive, his finger on the button for nearly an eternity—

The screen lights up. Sam lets out his breath with a whoosh, lets the phone boot, the interface cheerful, colorful, badly cracked. Not enough signal for a call, but maybe for a text—he swipes, taps, curses as he cuts his finger, bright red left backlit against the screen. Typing is out of the question; the keyboard is the midst of the web, a chunk in the center gone permanently dark—but there, off to the side, if he can just tap the microphone icon, activate the text-to-speech—

Funny thing, trauma, the voice observes. It shuts down the brain's speech centers, did you know that? Literally bypasses them. I guess that'd explain the low-rent Helen Keller thing you've got going on. A little hum, the verbal equivalent of a smug smile. If only you could let me speak through you—

Sam moves his mouth into the shape of a D sound, takes a breath. Just one. Just one sound, one word, and more will follow—he forces his diaphragm up, pushing breath out through his throat, a raspy whisper—Deeee—and he just has to hold back the laughter, keep the guffaws that are pervading his mind from bubbling up into his voice—

#whumptober2022 #supernatural #sam winchester #mute!sam #my writing

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unholyplumpprincess · 3 years ago

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hi !! im not sure you ship lobahound but the lack of interactions has me dying on my deathbed after fusehound / valklobalore took the spotlight , would you potentially do some lobahound hcs for how they met? is there any tension between them ? was there a random meeting within the games during a match on opposite teams? or their on the same team and try to learn each others playstyles during their first game together ? i hope this is ok for ur prompts ~ ! :]

Absolutely!!! I agree with you too, I really hope they get some interactions back! Esp bc of how the book worded their friendship too like. Why they just Stopped interacting in game is so confusing!!!

I actually LOVE prompts that are just questions for a certain ship! Makes it super fun :D

Also, for your future eyes too, here's a full fic I have for them to keep you going: Link here!

Warnings: Sfw, mentions of both their trauma, Hound flirts by murder in the arena iuwerfhiweruh

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• How did they meet? The technical answer would be in a match, just like all legends meet the new legends. Of course, it's when she fucks up Skull Town and makes her grand entrance. But even then, that's only seeing each other.

Bloodhound seeks her out first, always curious of new legends. Loba is polite, if a bit flirtatious. She introduces herself with a shake of their hand and says it's a pleasure to meet them, another wolf among the field it seemed. Or rather, a pup. She'd said it with a smile on her painted lips, reaching up to tap her sharp nail on the tip of their respirator like a pup's nose.

Hound cannot find it within them to correct her. She isn't the first to call them that nickname, but she is the first they allow to get away with it.

• Is there any tension between them? Not particularly! They get along rather well right away in the beginning. Both are, however, guarded people. Loba comes across honest and earnest, but a bit hidden. While Hound avoids discussions of their past, preferring to stay behind their walls.

As their relationship grows, they would become closer in talking of their pasts. Where Loba talks of losing her parents, Hound talks of their own loss of their own. They bond at first that way, over their childhoods being stolen from them. It's the first talk steering them into opening up to each other more.

• Was there a random meeting within the games during a match on opposite squads? Of course! It's bound to happen. Squads vs Squads after all. But, Hound has a unique way of flirting. Ie being taking down the object of their affections in the ring. Loba happens to be their friend (and stirring feelings in them) and well. She's sometimes a bit too cocky. She probably made a joke about how they couldn't catch her in the past, and they make do on that.

The first time it happens, after they've gotten closer but not quite into dating territory, Hound had chased her down. In King's Canyon down into a treasure bunker where her bracelet could not serve her well. They'd managed to pin her to the floor, hatchet to her throat, leaning down and close and crooning, "It seems I am the better wolf today, lítill úlfur."

• When they're on the same squad, how do they try to learn each other during their first match together? Hound analyzes all legends- this includes Loba. So even before their partnership in the arena, Hound has a good idea of her fighting style. She likes things to be up close and personal, preferring the enemy to know who took them down. While Hound prefers stealth, preferring a good sniper unless someone gave chase.

They do not expect Loba to have any thoughts on them. But it is Loba who actually strategizes with them on their first squad fight. She'd get close, give them something to look at, coax them out into the open. And then Hound with their talented fingers- her words, not theirs- would pop their pretty little heads.

They become a force to be reckoned with.

#lobahound #loba andrade #bloodhound #bloodhound x loba #apex legends #princess talks #headcanons #sfw #imagines

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ragsweas · 4 years ago

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Hobbit Fic Rec List!

MODERN AU!

Hello! I always wanted to share a gigantic list of awesome works in Hobbit fanfic, but realized they are too many. So let's start small. A few modern AU that everybody has to read!

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How to fall in love in 100 days by Kytanna

As their lives intertwine, Thorin, Bilbo, and their nephews learn the meaning of finding a family, love and the hard path towards healing. All, over the course of a hundred days.

A lovely piece with all the cuteness and fluff.

Softer Strokes by autisticalistair

Thorin is a well-known artist living a secluded life in the Swiss Alps. Bilbo is a former history professor living in a trauma rehabilitation centre after a devastating accident that took his parents lives. Through a mutual friend, Bilbo finds himself in Switzerland, and Thorin finds himself with company for the next few months, and neither of them are prepared for what that will bring.

I'll never say 'I love you' by JustReadingMaybeWriting

Bilbo is a veterinary student who one night saves the life a handsome but wounded man. Bilbo should have called an ambulance. If he had called an ambulance, he wouldn't be in this weird mess. He certainly wouldn't be falling in love with the man he saved, who can't seem to leave him alone.

This one's a bit dark, but I love it.

painted blind by nasri

The last time Bilbo stepped foot in Aberdeen it was with a broken heart and a bachelor’s degree. All things considered, this time isn’t so different.

Plan B by Drenagon

Plan B: an alternative strategy; a contingency plan, devised for an outcome other than the expected plan.

Or, sending an unqualified temp to act as Thorin Oakenshield's PA because no one qualified can put up with him.

(He'd say they can't meet his standards. Of course he would.)

Meet Bilbo Baggins. He just became Plan B.

One Modern!AU I always wanted to read and this is just it! It's amazing!! And the whole COmpany is there!!

A Land Far Away by Prollyaghost (Callmerin)

"If we were in a different time or place, this story may have begun with ‘once upon a time’, or even ‘In a hole in the ground, there lived…’ But as it so happens, we are in this time and place, in the outskirts of London, where there are no ‘once upon a times’ and the only holes in grounds lead to sewage tunnels. There does happen to be, however, a man who has dedicated a great deal of his life studying these ‘once upon a time’s. He is an English teacher, enjoys afternoon teas with homemade raisin scones, and he most certainly does not believe in fairy-tales.

His name is Bilbo Baggins, and that last bit about him is about to change."

Bilbo Baggins, an English teacher who has never been outside of England, suddenly finds himself thrust into an adventure when a strange man named Thorin Oakenshield requires his help to fulfil his father’s dying wish. Turns out studying the niche topic of the ancient, fictional society of dwarves was more useful than his parents could have imagined. Plunged into a forgotten land, Thorin and Bilbo must find the mythical Arkenstone, before the legends of the past come back to haunt modern society.

Okay, this one's a WIP, but damn the premise is super interesting and honestly can't wait for the next update!

Nothing Gold Can Stay by perkynurples

Bilbo Baggins led a rather peaceful life, thank you very much, until an old acquaintance decided to turn it upside down, and he found himself agreeing to take a job that’s… let’s say not exactly up his alley, and might eventually cost him a little more than his treasured cozy lifestyle. Who would have thought tutoring a slightly menacing monarch’s more than slightly overbearing nephew could prove to be such an adventure?

This is one of the fics that does not need an introduction. No matter how many times you read this, it isn't enough. And we all love Fili and Kili here.

What to do When Your Cat is an Asshole by lily_winterwood

“You have a cat?” asks the face on the screen. “Yes. His name’s Smaug, he’s orange, and he’s an asshole. Aren’t you, Smaug?” Surly Food Provider glowers at me, which, of course, I am immune to. “Aren’t you a little asshole?” I don’t see why he needs to call me that. My butthole is perfectly licked, and it smells wonderful.

The AU where Smaug is Thorin's asshole cat. Written for the Bagginshield Unexpected Anniversary.

This one's small, and hilarious and even better if you imagine Benedryl Cucumbersnatch narrating the whole thing

No Ordinary Love by badskippy

Bilbo and Ori have been best friends since they were ten years old and tragedy brought them together. Now, a new job, a sudden rainstorm, a chance meeting and budding romance with a burly, handsome stranger will not only alter their lives, but set in motion events that will change everyone around them, and reveal how lies, deceit and assumptions can leave deeper scars than the ones that can be seen.

WIP, unfinished, but damn was this an interesting tale. For anybody who loves angst, go give it a read!

Remember Me by thehistorygeek

Bilbo Baggins and Thorin Oakenshield are destined to suffer. In every life they live, in every age, in every era, they meet, and this meeting brings back all the memories of the lives that have come before. But every meeting serves also as a death sentence, for once they have met, one of them is doomed to die soon after, usually tragically and prematurely. They remember nothing of their past lives until they meet, and once they have there is nothing that can be done to stop their fate.

For anyone obsessed with Reincarnation and/or History, this is it.

A Remover of Obstacles by MistakenMagic

"Dis often chided her older brother for being a misanthropist. She did it so often it had become a term of endearment. It was true that Thorin struggled with people; he struggled to form and maintain relationships. Dr. Grey had diagnosed him with this and Thorin hadn’t the heart to tell him this wasn’t a symptom of his PTSD, it was a symptom of his personality. He exercised a sense of apathy with almost everyone he met… But Bilbo was different. Thorin actually found himself wanting to know more about him."

Another fic that DOES NOT need an introduction. I have read it thrice and every time the emotions are still the same. Trigger Warnings, but damn this is all worth it.

An Unexpected Meeting by what_am_i_even_doing_tho

This is the chronicling of the modern day shenanigans of Bilbo Baggins, who is an absolute gay disaster, and Thorin Oakenshield, who is unashamedly enamored. Aka, the modern Bagginshield AU that no one ever asked for but they're getting anyway.

green and gilded by nasri

The next time he visits his parents there are flowers left in the grass, pressed back against the gravestone. They are yellow and white daffodils, plain and wilting.

“Who’s been to see you?” He asks, taking a single photo of the flowers with their drooping stems and curled petals and the wet winter grass that surrounds them. His mother would call it kind, his father might say it's curious, and Bilbo takes another petal to tuck into his pocket.

You know those stories that you read once and then they never leave your head? And somehow your whole life begins to revolve around that one story? Yeah, this is it. Spoilers in tag and I would suggest you read before advancing cause many people do not like it, but even if you are not in that group, just give it a read. This story deserves all the reads.

Bran' New Suit by pibroch (littleblackdog)

Andrew's description had been sufficient to recognize him— a riot of honey brown curls, short in stature, a well-favoured face with expressive features— but it hadn't quite been enough to prepare Tom for the sharp, almost painful tug in his gut at the sight of the man. They had never met before, to the best of Tom's recollection, but there was something eerily and inexplicably familiar about him all the same.

One of the first Modern AU I read and dauym...you won't get it until the end but then...it's fun.

Under New Management by frostyjack

Fili's life is pretty good -- he's doing well at university, he gets on well with his uncle and guardian Thorin, and he's never likely to know what it's like to be poor or unwanted. Then Thorin takes in a foster child -- Kili Oakenshield, a long-lost relative whose past is a total mystery. Suddenly, Fili's life gets a whole lot more complicated. But maybe it gets better, too.

Lots of trigger warning for this one, but when the end comes, you'll know it's all been worth it.

One-Sided Conversations by northerntrash

"Thank you for listening," Thorin said, getting to his feet. "I hope to be able to return the favour, one day."

The man on the bed didn't respond, but since he'd been in a coma for longer than Thorin had known him, that wasn't entirely surprising.

(Not Quite) Prince Charming by manic_intent

The problem, Bilbo would later tell Gandalf in aggrieved irritation, was not so much the unannounced visitors, oh no, but the fact that due to the lateness of the hour and sheer merciless fate, it came to be that at the respectable age of forty, Bilbo was being introduced to a real, live king while wearing striped pyjamas and fluffy slippers.

The Making of a Story by northerntrash

When Bilbo finds a case of old family photographs, he becomes determined to find the original owners: what he does not expect is to become quite so involved in their lives, or that those photographs should prove quite so important.

Misunderstandings and other obstacles for love by ylc

This series dammit! It's amazing, and the dynamics you would ask from a Modern AU.

Candle Glow and Mistletoe by euseevius

Bilbo and Thorin have been married for six months now. The thing is, Thorin’s family doesn’t know this. And because pretending to be just friends for the three weeks you’re going to spend at the family cabin is so much easier than telling the truth, that is what they will do.

(Of course Bilbo has his own ideas of how believable it is for a grown man to bring a friend to spend Christmas with his family. That’s why they make a bet out of it.)

For days you need to just laugh at these two idiots.

The Lost Kingdom of Erebor by Twisted_Barbie

AU. The Lost Kingdom of Erebor is shrouded in myth, likened to the heavens and compared to Atlantis. Until an archaeological discovery unearths that which was lost and awakens the Mad King from his cursed eternal rest.

Not a happy ending, and mysterious and you need to give it a read. Just, do it. It will all be worth it.

Of Palaces and Ruins by livelongandgetiton

Slow burn. Bilbo Baggins is a half-baked archaeologist who has put his dreams of adventure on hold to teach secondary school. Thorin is the grandson of a politically powerful figure in the historically rich and deeply isolationist country of Erebor. When he flees conflict and corruption in Erebor to settle in London, he finds his hands full with two young boys. Gandalf meddles, and Bilbo signs on as a personal tutor for the boys in hopes of getting a foot in the door to archaeological work in Erebor. He soon discovers that Thorin is a tough nut to crack. As Bilbo takes care of the boys he and Thorin grow closer, and secrets about not just the brooding stranger, but the mysterious country and politics of Erebor begin to unravel. It turns out that Bilbo isn't leaving adventure behind, after all.

WIP, updating. JUST READ IT!!!

Write Me Down Easy by lucyraebrown

Bilbo Baggins, a simple man with a wish for something more than his life teaching high school English, is obsessed with a famous author by the pen-name Oakenshield. Although he knows the future is dim for his chances of finding out about the man behind his favorite book, it's reassuring to know someone has the same thoughts about the world.

WIP, updating. It's mostly fuff and happiness, so yesss...feed your inner Bagginshield!

Show Me My Silver Lining by BiSquared

Three years after the hostile takeover of his grandfather's record label by one DJ Smaug, lead singer Thorin Oakenshield is ready to give up on his dreams, even if his band isn't ready to give up on him. If Thorin can convince talent scout Bilbo Baggins to sign them, they might just have a fighting chance. Of course, this is the night when Thorin gets stage fright.

The music industry AU no one asked for.

Love-In-Idleness by perkynurples

Taking Bilbo Baggins, a successful movie actor who is only just getting used to the perks and intricacies of becoming A Face People Want To See, and putting him together with Thorin Oakenshield, with his very traditional (read: slightly backwards) ideas about what constitutes Real Art and Real Talent, might very well be viewed as just some clothead’s idea of a joke. But there are jokes, and then there are carefully calculated risks the size of controversial reproductions of classic Shakespearean plays - for Bilbo, it is the chance of a lifetime to prove himself to all those who have ever deemed him too one-dimensional to even attempt stage, while Thorin has the opportunity to get out of the rut that’s been hindering his career for so long now, and shine in a role worthy of his talent once again. That is if the two learn how to share the same space for more than ten minutes without wanting to tear each other’s hair out. The course of true love never did run smooth, after all…

Did I read this in one go? Yes I did. Did I fall in love with Bagginshiled all over again? Yes I did.

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And that's the list folks! I hope you guys have fun reading all of these nice fics! (And all the bagginshield angst/fuff)

#the hobbit #hobbit #fanfiction #fanfic #thilbo #thorins company #thorin oakenshield #bilbo baggins #modern #fanfic recommendation #hope you all have fun!

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themattress · 4 years ago

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My Top 30 Favorite Video Games

Inspired by @ultraericthered’s Top 30 Favorite Anime post.

Although I’m doing mine in countdown form, ‘cause it’s more fun that way!

30. Super Mario Bros. - Arguably the first “blockbuster” game to be released, not only does Super Mario Bros. still hold up over 35 years later but it’s a gift that keeps on giving with how many different incarnations, remixes, fan games using its assets, etc. that we have now.

29. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - OBJECTION! While I cherish the entire original Phoenix Wright trilogy of the Ace Attorney franchise, I’ll always be the most partial to the original outing. The sheer audacity and hilarity of the concept, which is grounded by endearing characters and compelling mysteries, shines brilliantly in this little, easily accessible game.

28. Trigger Happy Havoc: Danganronpa - While similar in many ways to Ace Attorney, Danganronpa boasts a variety of more actual gameplay than mere point-and-click text scrolling. But what really makes this stand out, beyond gameplay or even the strength of its concept, story and characters, is the atmosphere it creates. For good and for ill, traversing the pristine, neon-lit hallways of the abandoned Hopes Peak Academy looking for clues as I’m forced to play by Monokuma’s twisted rules is an experience that will stay with me forever.

27. Star Fox 64 - Beyond all the entertainment this game provides through memes, it’s really just a fun, reasonably simple but just moderately complicated enough game that’s accessible to any player even if they usually don’t go for aerial shooters. It’s also one of the earliest console games that I ever played, so of course it’s going to hold a special place in my heart.

26. Batman: Arkham City - It’s an impressive feat when an open world game can still feel so claustrophobic in all the right ways, and that’s what Arkham City accomplishes. This game is essentially The Dark Knight to Arkham Asylum’s Batman Begins, escalating the action, suspense and sheer Batman-ness, providing unlimited opportunities to enjoy yourself playing as Gotham’s defender and facing down the greatest Rogues Gallery in comic book history.

25. Red Dead Redemption - Look, I know that Red Dead Redemption 2 is technically the superior game. But its complicated story, sprawling cast of characters, and vast canvas of a world can be pretty daunting, whereas I feel like the original Red Dead Redemption struck a much better balance. Allowing open world freedom within the confines of the straight-forward story of John Marston’s redemption really makes you feel like you’re in an old Western film, and the way that choices you make as a player impact the way that film ultimately turns out is one of the strongest arguments for video games being worthy of consideration as true art.

24. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - So, ten years ago an open world adventure video game series releases its fifth entry...and to this day, we’ve had no sixth, in favor of expansions and updated re-releases of said fifth entry. But that’s not a sign of laziness; it’s a sign the developers know they hit such a peak in quality that they have no need to rush anything further out the gate, as Skyrim is a gift that keeps on giving. Addictive in how unlimited in possibilities it is, with each playthrough never being the same as the one before, Skyrim is a gaming masterpiece that I don’t think I’m going to get bored with playing anytime soon.

23. Super Paper Mario - This may be an unpopular opinion, but I vastly prefer this game’s action-platform-RPG hybrid gameplay style to the prior installments’ traditional turn-based RPG style, which feels more at home in stuff like Super Mario RPG and the Mario & Luigi series. But gameplay aside, I think this has the strongest story of any Mario game, trading in the usual “save the kingdom/princess” fare for saving all of reality, with legitimate emotion and drama and even character development. It’s one of the Wii’s shining gems, to be sure.

22. Epic Mickey - This game’s graphics are by and large unremarkable, its gameplay is fraught with issues (that camera is unforgivable), and it’s nowhere close to the best on its system or genre. But Epic Mickey is a case study in where the effort put into crafting the game’s world and story, not to mention the obvious love and respect for the material being worked with, pays off. Any Disney fan will love this game for its story, which puts Mickey front and center as an actual character rather than a mascot and dives deep into his history as he meets his “half-brother” Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, and its mystical, unique atmosphere - what the graphics can’t deliver, the fucking music more than makes up for. All of the game’s flaws mean nothing compared to the sheer heart on display, and I treasure it greatly as a result.

21. Batman: Arkham Asylum - I already mentioned that Arkham City is the superior game, but as was the case with Red Dead Redemption and its sequel, personal preference strikes again. The simpler story and narrower confines of Arkham Asylum just appeal to me slightly more, and I feel like the borderline horror atmosphere this game has could never fully be replicated by all of its sequels and spin-offs. Also, you can play as the Joker in this. WIN.

20. Metal Gear Solid - And on the subject of Arkham Asylum, it owes much to this game, which created the template of a lone badass hero having to use stealth and weaponry to liberate a government-owned island from the lunatic terrorists that have taken over. Hideo Kojima famously never wanted this game to have any sequels, and I can definitely see his point, as it’s a complete and wholly satisfying experience in of itself and I don’t feel like it’s ever been topped. At the very least, it’s certainly the most enjoyable of the series to me.

19. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask - Also, speaking of “borderline horror atmosphere”, we have the freakiest game that the Legend of Zelda series ever put out. What was supposed to just be a gaiden to Ocarina of Time mutated into this beautiful monstrosity that’s become just as iconic. Nobody who plays this game is ever going to forget that fucking moon and all the constant jumping back and forth in time across three days as you try to prevent the apocalypse of Termina. It’s the kind of gaming trauma that’s well worth experiencing.

18. Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories - Like Majora’s Mask, this game is a case study where you can take a bunch of recycled assets and gameplay, and then make something unique from it if you have a well-crafted story with a dark and disturbing atmosphere. It’s hard to experience or appreciate the transition between Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts II without playing this midquel, which takes the narrative and characters to deeper levels without being pretentious about it and sets the stage for the proper console sequel perfectly. And if you can’t get into it being on Gameboy Advance, then just play the PS2 remake (which is arguably the superior version anyway) and you’re good! Just...don’t mind the cards, OK?

17. Sonic CD - And now we have another game about jumping back and forth through time to prevent an apocalypse! See the common threads at play here by this point? Sonic the Hedgehog is at his best in 2D gameplay, and I personally enjoy this the best out of all the 2D games in the series. As obscure as the Sega CD was as a system, it was powerful enough to take the blue blur’s speed to its maximum level, set alongside beautiful graphics and a kick-ass soundtrack (well, two different kick-ass soundtracks; and I actually prefer the US one).

16. Pokemon Black & White - While there were advancements made to story and graphics and gameplay features in the third and fourth generations of the Pokemon series, nothing felt as truly ground-breaking as the second generation games until the fifth gen with its Black & White games. This was arguably the game series’ peak in quality on all fronts, but its specifically the story that lands it on this list, as its well-written and paced, subverts many formulaic elements from the previous games, is set in one of the most unique regions in the Pokemon world, and has a timeless message that has only grown more relevant with age.

15. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - The whole series could really go here, but fortunately the most recent entry is the perfect embodiment of said series, with every playable character there’s ever been and then some. The sheer variety is unmatched by any other fighting game out there, and its story mode, “World of Light”, is quite possibly the greatest video game crossover in history given how many characters are featured as both fighters and spirits.

14. Super Mario 64 - I’m pretty sure this game used to be higher in my favor, but replaying it on the Nintendo Switch recently has made me aware of how, as the first game on the Nintendo 64 and the first 3D platformer, it’s poorly aged in several areas. However, I must stress that it is still a very good game. The fun of going to the various worlds within paintings in Peach’s Castle hasn’t changed, nor has how smoothly and seamlessly Mario managed to make the jump from 2D to 3D. Just like Super Mario Bros., the number of games that owe something to this one is too great to count, and that’s an achievement that remains timeless.

13. Dark Chronicle - Also known as Dark Cloud 2. I hadn’t heard a damn thing about this game before renting it on a whim many years ago, and I was caught off guard by just how good it was. It’s got a simple but effective story and likable characters, a timeless atmosphere, beautifully cel-shaded graphics, dungeon-crawling gameplay, action-RPG combat gameplay, literal world-building gameplay, and even a fishing minigame! This game can actually stand besides the Zelda series without shame; it’s truly an underrated gem.

12. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess - Oh, speaking of Zelda, this game goes full Lord of the Rings-style epic fantasy with it and it is glorious. Between the near perfect gameplay, beautiful 3D graphics, and one of the best stories in the series (with one of the best characters: Midna), Twilight Princess’ most prevalent complaint from critics all the way up to its own developers is that it wasn’t even MORE expansive and awesome given how long it was hyped, and if that’s the biggest issue with the game then I’d say it’s in pretty good shape.

11. Super Mario Galaxy - Super Mario 64 may be held back a little by how its aged, but no such thing is holding back Super Mario Galaxy. Super Mario Odyssey might be as good or possibly even better, but I just don’t hold the same feelings of amazement and respect toward it that I do for this game. From the blitzkrieg-style attack on the Mushroom Kingdom by Bowser to the discovery of Rosalina’s space station, this game had me hooked from the first few minutes, especially with it blaring that awesome orchestral score the whole way through. To this day, I maintain that this is Mario’s greatest 3D adventure. It’s simply magnificent.

10. Final Fantasy X - Ha! See what I did there? This game has caught flak for some of the awkwardness that comes from being the first fully 3D entry in the series, but I think that’s tantamount to nitpicking when compared to all it does right. To me, this was the last really good installment of the main Final Fantasy series, with a story and world so brilliantly developed that the game earned the immediate breakthrough success and acclaim that it found in its native Japan. 20 years later and, as the HD remaster has shown, it still holds up as one of the most engaging JRPG experiences I’ve ever had the pleasure of having.

9. Banjo-Kazooie - At the time, this was basically Rare’s copycat version of Super Mario 64, although considered about as good. Now, however, there’s a difference: the aging issues I mentioned for Super Mario 64 don’t apply for Banjo-Kazooie. Whether replaying it on the Nintendo 64 or on whichever Xbox you’ve got, this game is still just as fun, imaginative and hilarious now as it was back then. It’s quite possibly the greatest 3D platformer ever made.

8. Pokemon Crystal - The definitive edition of the Gold & Silver games of Pokemon’s second generation, taking what was already a phenomenal advancement and improvement to the first generation and making it even better with additional features such as the ability to play as a girl for the first time and a more clearly defined storyline centered around the legendary Pokemon featured on the game’s box art. Pokemon had been written off as just a passing fad up until this point. This was when its staying power as a video game juggernaut was proven.

7. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Talk about a win right out of the gate for the Nintendo Switch! This game returns the Legend of Zelda series to its roots while also applying all that has been made possible in video games since the original game’s release, and the result is an enthralling, addictive, open world masterpiece that has set a new standard of quality for both the Zelda series and for many modern video games in general.

6. Kingdom Hearts II - The Final Mix edition to be precise, although in this day and age that’s basically the only edition people are playing anyway. This game is the apotheosis of Kingdom Hearts as both a video game series and as a concept; filled to the brim with Disney magic and Square Enix RPG expertise and paired with some of the most refined action-based gameplay there is. And when it comes to bringing the original Kingdom Hearts trilogy’s story to a close, does this game ever stick the landing. The series could have ended right here and I would have been completely satisfied (and its reputation would be a lot better off, too!)

5. Pokemon Yellow - While I maintain that this game, the definitive edition of the original first generation Pokemon games, still holds up as fun to play even now, I’ll admit that it’s pure bias that it ranks so high. It was the first proper video game I ever played, there was no way I was leaving it off the top 5! Its blissful nostalgic atmosphere is always such a delight to return to.

4. Banjo-Tooie - Remember when I said Banjo-Kazooie was “quite possibly the greatest 3D platformer ever made”? The “quite possibly” is because its in stiff competition with its own sequel! And personally, I’m in Banjo-Tooie’s corner; something about how inter-connected its worlds are and the addition of so many things to do all while maintaining your full moveset from the original game is just beautiful to me. Both it and its predecessor are like obstacle courses that I never tire of running through, which is the hallmark of brilliant game design.

3. Kingdom Hearts - Another case where the sequel may be the superior game, but my own personal preference leans toward the original. And in this case, it’s a highly personal preference: this game and my memories of playing it for the first time are so very dear to me. The characters and worlds of Disney put into an epic crossover RPG was like a dream come true for me and no matter how far the series it spawned has deteriorated, nothing can detract from the magic of this game. It’s got a certain, indescribable feel and atmosphere that’s never truly been replicated, and that feel and atmosphere still holds up whenever I revisit it. The gameplay may not be the best, particularly when compared to Kingdom Hearts II’s, but the charm of the story and the characters and the world and the very concept more than makes up for that. As far as I’m concerned, it’s one of Disney and Square’s greatest masterpieces.

2. Final Fantasy VII - I was aware of the hype this game got and was totally ready to call it overrated, but damn it, it got me! I don’t know what it is about this game with its blocky early 3D graphics, poor sound quality to its excellent soundtrack, and frequently mistranslated script that proved to be so gripping and enjoyable to play through, but man did it ever Limit Break its way into my heart. This is considered a JRPG classic for a damn good reason.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - Do I really need to explain this one? It’s famous for being frequently cited as one of the greatest video games ever made, and like Final Fantasy VII, its hype is well-deserved and totally justified. Whether you’re playing it on the Nintendo 64, the Gamecube, the Wii, the 3DS, and hopefully the Nintendo Switch in the future, there is a magic quality to this game that permeates through every step you take in its fully 3D world. It’s a triumph that has stood the test of time, cementing the Zelda series as truly legendary.

#Video Games #Opinion #Analysis

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lumilasi · 4 years ago

Photo

So I figured for an introduction ref, full body + some examples of his power use would be enough. I can’t stress enough how much I love his outfit, and its so weird considering I normally aren’t a huge fan of green lmao. I think I’ll focus on Joaquin next, as I have no ideas for Minerva’s look yet.

More info below:

Full name: Kaspian Kravchenko

Nickname: Kas, The bogeyman/Shadowcrawler/that snake boy bastard

Sexuality: Aro/Ace

Height: 178 cm

Notable family: A little brother named Sebastian (mostly known as Bass)

Role(s):

Event manager for his unofficial adoptive mother.

One third of a vigilante group formed by him, Minerva and Irina. They usually deal with personality cults/criminals who worship Minerva’s dad’s old persona; the trio basically works to dismantle them and keep them away from her dad as he’s not interested/letting him deal with these people could probably be a bad idea.

Personality summary: Cunning, intelligent, tends to be rather polite especially towards women, sarcastic and dry sense of humor, a tad sadistic, has a strict moral code despite his fearsome reputation as “The Shadowcrawler”. Protective over people he’s close with. A surprisingly good listener and considerate when the time requires it. Basically really good at reading people, and good at herding others and getting them to do what they need to. Doesn’t like opening up about his own internal demons easily. Calm and collected majority of the time, but can get pretty dangerously irrational when its about his little brother’s safety.

Aspect details: BASICS: In his world, some people have abilities that theme around an emotion/mental state that they call “aspects.” His is one of the rarer ones and more fearsome ones as well, no pun intended. Each aspect type tends to have different ways of manifesting itself depending on the individual, hence they might be using different terms despite technically basing on the same kind of emotion/mental state. A person can usually only wield one aspect at a time.

GENERAL: All “Fear” aspect users can excrete a shadowy substance from their body that allows them to morph parts of their body, usually basing on the most common fears among humans, such as developing long deadly claws, spidery legs, venomous fangs, or even demon-like wings. They can also use this shadowy form to teleport through reflective surfaces. Also inhuman speed and strength is naturally included, though this stuff is common with plenty of Aspects.

Kaspian-specific is his ability to dig into people’s psyche and bring out their worst fears or traumas, something he finds quite fun to do. He does have some personal rules about using this though, and doesn’t wield it all the time and against every enemy like some people like to claim. He doesn’t bother correcting them about this though, considering his terrifying reputation is useful.

FUN FACTS

Kaspian can sing and whistle quite well, and has kind of a dry, somewhat nasal voice. He often likes to hum a song or whistle as another form of taunting/terrorizing his opponents

Kaspian was infamous as a teen, known as a criminal named “Shadowcrawler,” though nowadays this persona is more of an urban legend, the same way his rescuer, Vincent A.K.A his unofficial adoptive dad is.

In fact, Vincent busted him out of Juvenile after overhearing a conversation between his wife and daughter, where Minerva wanted a sibling. His wife happened to be reading an article about Kaspian being caught at the time, so Vincent, being the weirdo he is, decided that yes, this kid will be my daughter’s new brother!

Kaspian was pretty baffled about the whole thing at first naturally, but was more than relieved to have a second chance.

He often helps Minerva to paint her nails and allows her to do so with his. In general the two tend to keep a lot of “girls night out” days.

Minerva often rants to him about random stuff, and he is pretty patient listener and tends to offer surprisingly good insight/advice at times.

His brother is actually part of the task-force responsible in handling improper aspect usage, and is assigned as a bodyguard for one of their more valuable members. (Joaquin, whose aspect is really rare)

They often end up running into one another, because coincidentally the people Kaspian and his group deal with are often the same people that want to get their hands on Joaquin.

Kas does keep a close eye on Bass, because he’s concerned about his little brother refusing to use his own aspect (also fear based) which can lead to some serious consequences.

Overall, the only person who can make him lose his usual cool and even panic is his little sibling.

His tinted glasses actually belonged to Minerva’s dad originally, but the man gave them to him. They did have to change the lenses as Kaspian actually needs prescription glasses, unlike Vincent to whom they were simply a stylistic choice.

Kaspian wears non-tinted normal glasses on his day-to-day life

Both Kravchenko brothers have albinism, which is why they are pale and has light colored eyelashes. They also burns in the sun very easily because of it, so neither is fond of beach days or summer.

the scales are a side-effect of his aspect. Often times your aspect tends to manifest on your body physically somehow. Scales are fairly common for fear-based aspect users, but the amount Kaspian has is rarer.

#Lumi's art scribbles #my oc #my original characters #my ocs are my babies #my character #Kaspian #I still love this design a lot #that coat tho #the aspect gang #Lumi's chaotic creations

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