#like he's an abuser. and in the material itself it's like cool we have a storyline about Ford getting out of an abusive relationship yay

[burningarchitecture]

Still haven't processed the book of bill tbh

[qcomicsy]

Hi, so I wanted to say that I get really uncomfortable when people sympathise with the Joker. The whole "Society made him like that" argument is getting tiring and hearing people say "Yeah he's a villain, but have you heard everything he went through?" is even more so.

And yeah, I too hope they'd give us Harley and Ivy rather than make another Joker and Harley movie again.

The thing is, I can see people empathizing (or sympathizing) with Joker. Because that's how much a good manipulator he is, that's how he gets people.

Narratively I can get behind that. Also because empathizing with a character at it's best it's different from defending/apologizing their behaviours.

I also understand people who have Joker as his favorite villain. Because that's what he is, a villain. Villains who make you hate and absolutely despise them are good villains, great even!

Because that's what they're here to do.

In case of people who defend his actions I won't fight with them, but I won't agree either.

In the end of the day people take whatever interpretation they want from the source material and that's nothing we can do about that.

And I do understand your reaction of that because it is a wild conclusion after all of he's done.

But the thing that gets me with the Joker is DC itself making him a poster card of "agent of chaos" and changing the narrative ater all he has done with other characters for that. Is making Joker almost destroy the lives of so many characters (Jason, Barbara, Bruce, Harley) and then brush off when isn't convenient. Is using Jokers violence as a tool for edge writing and refuse to work with general consequences and outcomes of it afterwards.

This is a problem that I've been having with DC as a whole, and Joker and Harley relationship is what been tickling me the most since that ridiculous 3 season of the animated show, the movies and other comics from the recent years.

They keep slowly trying to retrace Harley's origin to make it palatable because Woman's abuse in DC is only necessary if they're threaten as an object and a plot device. They were a-okay with portray Joker beating, dismissing, torturing and humiliating Barbara and Harley when it was convenient, when it was a demonstration of power, when it was funny.

The moment that the audience recognized Joker as an wife-beater, abuser, good for nothing manipulator. The moment the public stopped seen all of that rather than a demonstration of power but as acts cruelty and cowardice they backed down.

It's okay if Joker is terrible, but only if the narrative fits him.

Only if makes him a power fantasy.

The moment those stories started being portrayed as Harley's liberation and Barbara's strength they imediately changed and adapted in a way that makes their trauma brushed off and makes him cool.

And I am sick of that.

[fanbun]

I think it’s fair to see some of the Rick and Morty creators’ abusive behaviors reflected in the series and to feel unsettled by it now that more scandals have come to light. I certainly do, and I totally understand if it ruins the entire show for some. Makes it easier to boycott at least if that’s your thing.

Personally I already knew about Dan and Justin’s misogyny because I’ve heard how they talk about women, so for me this news mainly uncovers new lows of problems that were always visible. Dan even admitted that his sense of male entitlement affected how he treated the women around him when he made his public apology to the writer he harassed on Community. It would be great if Justin could showcase a similar degree of self-awareness, though I’m not holding my breath.

That sexism of theirs is most evident in early seasons of Rick and Morty before they diversified the writers’ room. Raising Gazorpazorp is the clearest example of it. There’s also notable ableist jokes in various episodes that mirror the sort of demeaning language Dan and Justin would use in the season 1 commentaries.

But, with that being said, acknowledging how an artist’s known flaws manifest in a work is different from assuming that every artist who depicts bad things does so because they are guilty of it themselves, and so I implore everyone not to generalize those who tackle difficult topics in their work.

Even if the framing of an issue is poor, it’s often unwise to take interpretations of art as a straightforward representation of the artist’s views. In general, criticisms can be made about whether a piece of art is in poor taste without jumping to conclusions about the creator with no evidence. In this case we do have some evidence to identify the point of view of a few writers, but sometimes messages are conveyed that the artists don’t intend.

Furthermore, interpretations of art may differ and depend on how much (or how little) fans are reading into the material. For example, I think Rick and Morty’s portrayal of abuse is quite multifaceted. It sometimes shows abusive behaviors for dark comedy, like the scene in the season 3 premiere where both Summer and Rick are yelling at Morty and calling him an idiot, but in the larger narrative Rick’s abuse of Morty IS taken more seriously and framed as cruel and harmful. The characterization of Rick even changes over time (likely on account of the new writers) as he shifts from being an intimidating all-powerful figure to a deeply flawed, emotionally weak person.

Now, is this change in Rick’s character positive or negative in terms of the show’s portrayal of abuse? Is it good because it knocks Rick down a peg and makes him seem less “cool” to the viewer? Or is it bad because it makes the viewer sympathize with a child abuser too much? Is having sympathy for a character who does bad things wrong? Is it perhaps encouraging us to extend our sympathy to real life abusers?

There is no right answer to those questions. It’s all opinion. And the show itself is an amalgamation of a whole team of writers’ imaginations. Not just Dan and Justin’s. So remember that and be comforted by the knowledge that you are free to interpret and appreciate art the way you see fit. If you don’t like what you see and the pain association is too strong, then you may want to drop it and find something else to enjoy. Otherwise, if it helps you or provides you with some fulfillment, treasure that feeling. It is yours.

[against-forms-recognizable]

My husband has a good friend from his college days who we've known for a long time, this guy who was born here but whose parents are from India. He was dating another friend of ours for a long time, this super smart super cool Jewish woman, but they split up. This was revealed to be due to long-standing tensions between her, him, and his family. She wanted to marry him, have kids, settle down, and he wanted the same thing, but his parents and family continually threatened to disinherit him and cut him out if he had kids or a marriage with anyone except a respectable Indian woman. This is, of course, extremely racist, culturally chauvinist, and xenophobic, not to mention abusive and controlling. It's also not very uncommon at all with immigrants.

Which is weird to me, specifically in the case of India, because they've embraced the standard Western values to a great extent. Like, the normal package of Democracy and Free Markets and Human Rights, it's very much a part of the weave of the Indian cultural fabric now. So why did those things get picked up and not the je ne sais quoi individualism which produces the abolitionist tendencies against various forms of traditional prejudice and discrimination we see in Western culture? There's a book I've mentioned on here before called Breakout From the Crystal Palace, written in the 1970s by this guy named John Carroll, which finally made me have a possible inkling as to why.

In the book, John says that modern Western philosophy has produced three distinct threads of viewpoints on selfhood and individuality; one rooted in the liberal, rational/empiricist outlook of humanism and the enlightment etc., one grounded in Marxism and class/identity, and the last being the distinctly anarchist line of commentary generated by thinkers like Nietzche, Stirner, Dostoevsky, Thoreau, Wilde, and so on. This last one is different from the first two by basing itself in critique, and specifically critiques of ideology/morality, of objectivity/rationality, and of materialism/economics. This is not anarcho-capitalism or anarcho-communism he's talking about, believing those tendencies are more properly viewed as anti-state liberalism (since ancaps embrace natural law) and anti-state marxism (since ancoms embrace Marxist materialist and class analysis), but more the anarchism of the egoists, the illegalists, the individualists, insurrectionaries, Situationists, surrealists, nihilists, and so on. It's this line of thinking that was responsible for generating post-modernism and the sexual revolution and so many of the transformative cultural dynamics in the West over the last century.

If we take that insight and apply it to the historical context of the rest of the world, the reason why individualism never caught on to such an extent outside the West becomes a little bit more clear. The process by which the set of Western values were received in places like India and China and Japan was one driven by states, and while communists and capitalists both maintain an interest in the kind of governance which leads to purposefully exporting your ideology abroad, that is definitionally something anarchists have not been involved in.

In light of this, I would probably say, people in the West afraid of the decline of Western values in the face of ongoing immigration from highly different cultures should have more confidence in the ideas of their own. (Honestly I think it's better to dissociate from cultural identities in general, but people are gonna people) Post-modernism and individualism have proven to be a nigh-unassailable fortress of ideas, and its tenets will be picked up by osmosis and synthetically work their magic on foreign cultures over time in much the same way those ideas have changed the Western cultural landscape. It's not a process that's going to resolve during our lifetimes, likely, but every culture in the world will eventually have to have its own conversations with itself about these ideas and questions, this line of thinking is not going to go anywhere or just disappear into thin air, and the other cultures of the world are not immune to it in some way that Western cultures are not, just like they weren't immune to Marxist or humanist ideas.

[the-acid-pear]

Took me three days to finish the Salt Route concept video and god i'm gonna be such a hater im gonna put this under the cut but i don't want my poor ex to hear me complain so yall must suffer on her place

LIKE, MAN. I'll start off by saying the technical stuff was okay. I really enjoyed the music (gonna try find the fight song), the animations weren't perfect but were good enough and the random drawings were nice I liked those jumpscares. There's things like the shaking textboxes and Queen's fight background changing color which were Something but it was fine.

WHAT WAS NOT FINE WAS THE FUCKING LAG. THAT WAS SO FUCKING ANNOYING WHY ON EAAARTH DID THEY ADD LAG⁉️

Anyway even if you overlook the lag, the real problem of this video is the story on its own, which is arguably the most important part.

(also there were some issue with the pacing but more on that later-)

This recreation respected the main story beats but added sooo much in between. And some of it was alright! I loved the fucking Roulx bit so much and the Swatchling dying was cool too, but... Most other additions felt like so much.

Like, the problem really lies in the fact that you cannot forget what the source material is like. Even during Snowgrave this game remains goofy! Look at Spamton NEO's fight, the dialogue is so sad and yet so funny. HE EVEN TELLS YOU TO GO PLAY MINECRAP AT SOME POINT!

You cannot ignore the sheer goofiness in Spamton tagging along with Kris because he lost his goddamn keys. The video took itself way too seriously, when there was so much comedy to play off on! Roulx at least did his part for that 🙏😔

Unfortunately the absence of goofiness translates as an over presence of edginess. And with edginess comes out of characterness. And lord did this get kind of edgy. Like, I get it, snowgrave, manipulation and whatnot, but they ramped it waaay up to the point it just made Kris seem evil for no reason!

Because we sure as hell started this route but Kris was the one to continue it. Like when they tied Spamton up. What was up with that? Or hell, THE SOLID MINUTE BEATING HE TOOK. The player didn't instruct them to do any of those, Kris did it on their own. And it's almost fucking hilarious to see, but it's played completely straight, it's Narmy as fuck !!!!

Kris wasn't the only OOC tho, Spamton was too. Sure Kris has him at the foot of the canyon doing all the murdering himself, and the Addison bit was edgy but I can excuse it bc 1) I have a soft spot I'm not all hate 2) it was in the dream, but this puppet would NOT care about killing so many. His ass did not FLINCH when giving you the thorn ring. He was soooo okay with you freezing everyone, to act like this would be any different is just untrue.

And!!! And, another thing. The heart ripping off part. I have very mixed feelings about that... I mean, i think it's meant to have some Deeper Meaning? As to justify Spamton's ending? More on that in a second btw; but like, I think Spamton was just huffing copium to justify getting his ass handed by a 13 yo. So it's like... It's the same as I said with Spamton's reaction, Kris wouldn't care more about this than they cared about Snowgrave.

UNLESS they just tried to rip their heart out bc they fucking hated Spamton and couldn't stand being around his annoying ass any second longer, in which case the beating is justified too, but that's just a possible interpretation 👍 KEHEMDHNDDB

Like, so much would've had improved if this video stuck to the stablished in Snowgrave and in the og post, going not for physical abusive but psychological one. I'm sure the post said you had to CONVINCE Spamton, that would've been way more fitting to see! And it makes Kris neutral while we are evil.

But, hey, it wasn't all bad, so let me point out some bits I REALLY liked that I haven't pointed out yet like: the boat ride pic. The little comment as they pretended to be friends about it not being genuine was so good. The Swatchling dying and Queen trying to interrupt also was sick. Roulx, cannot stress that enough... SWATCH'S LIL GOOFY ASS LETTER, SAYING TO NOT BE BLUE. Also Swatch (or a Swatchling but I think it was the bird themselves) jumpscared me hard when they went behind the door. God, and the queen fight too, that was so faithful.

But! It segways me perfectly into my last complain which is ! The pacing of this video was so over the place omfg. There's so many scenes that did NOT need to be that long. Like c'mon, we already had deviations from the original gameplay, you don't need to make fights like 5 minutes long.

Wild to see how good the op was at some very hard attacks but how bad they were at others.

OVERALL 👏 no hard feelings toward the creator I fully encourage you watching the video and agreeing or disagreeing with me but man, how I wish it had been sillier. That's my final review of the salt route concept video 👍

[kevinsreviewcatalogue]

Review: Little Shop of Horrors (1986)

Little Shop of Horrors (1986)

Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material including comic horror violence, substance abuse, language and sex references

<Originally posted at https://kevinsreviewcatalogue.blogspot.com/2023/05/review-little-shop-of-horrors-1986.html>

Score: 4 out of 5

Adapted from a 1982 off-Broadway musical comedy that was itself a parody of a 1960 Roger Corman B-movie, Little Shop of Horrors is one of the great horror-comedies from a decade that had no shortage of them, an affectionate homage to '50s sci-fi monster movies and '60s Motown with a great cast, even better songs, outstanding special effects and production design, and (in the director's cut that I watched) a gutsy ending that, together, help it overcome the rougher spots like uneven pacing. It's the kind of movie that's best experienced with a crowd, as I did courtesy of Popcorn Frights this past weekend, but it's also a movie I could happily watch at home and sing along to, especially when the monster opens its big mouth and joins in on the sing-along. And if I ever have kids, I also imagine that it'd be a movie that they'd love and would probably get them into horror, between its cool plant monster, the fact that one of the bad guys is a dentist, and the fact that, while it is rated PG-13, its great special effects don't involve the gore typical of '80s horror movies. It's a movie that still holds up nearly forty years later, a kooky and family-friendly throwback that put a big smile on my face.

Set sometime during the Kennedy administration on the skid row of an unnamed city, our protagonist Seymour Krelborn is an utter dweeb who works at a struggling flower shop whose grumpy owner Mr. Mushnik pays him in room and board. He has a crush on his co-worker Audrey, who's dating a man named Orin Scrivello who's at once a handsome, upwardly-mobile dentist and also a leather-clad biker and all-around lout who abuses her. Mr. Mushnik is ready to close the shop for good due to lack of business, only for Seymour to turn things around with a mysterious carnivorous plant that he discovered at a Chinese flower shop during a solar eclipse, which he names "Audrey II" after his co-worker and crush. Business starts booming as passersby see Audrey II in the window and step into the store intrigued, turning Seymour into a local celebrity. Unfortunately, not only does Audrey II turn out to be intelligent, but he subsists on a diet of flesh and blood, and while he's initially content with just a few drops from Seymour's finger, as he grows he demands far more, forcing Seymour down an increasingly dark path to feed this mean, green mother from outer space.

The first thing you need to ask about any musical is whether or not the music is any good, and this movie delivers in spades. From the moment we meet our Greek chorus of three women who look and sound like a Motown girl group, we get a soundtrack rich with homages to classic R&B, soul, and rock & roll from the '50s and '60s. The whole cast are great singers, even those actors who I knew mainly for their non-musical comedies, but the standout was undoubtedly Audrey II himself, voiced by Levi Stubbs of the Four Tops as a smooth yet intimidating villain who felt like he was very much enjoying himself as he grew, literally and figuratively, to take over Seymour's life. The production design wisely leaned into the artifice that I've always felt was necessary to take a movie where the cast regularly bursts into song and make it work, crafting a mid-century urban slum that felt not quite real but still quite lived-in and interesting to watch on screen. Nowhere was this more apparent than with the effects for Audrey II, a masterpiece of practical puppetry where you can immediately tell where most of this film's budget went. Once Audrey II starts to grow, he looks and feels like as much a character as any of the humans around him, a massive presence where you can readily figure out why Seymour wants to keep him happy even discounting the fact that he lives in the same building as this thing. This is the kind of elaborate effect where you know that, if they made it today, they'd use CGI because it's the kind of thing you supposedly can't do practically. When it came to both the music and the visuals, I was frequently impressed by what this film was able to pull off.

That's not to say it's all flash and razzle-dazzle without any substance to back it up, though. I was often especially intrigued by Seymour, a character whose lovelorn motivations, combined with the directions that the film takes him, make him a very dark take on the archetypal nerd heroes we often see in movies. His obsession with Audrey, paired with his hatred of her abusive boyfriend Orin who he sees as somebody she's too good for, could've played out in an extremely questionable manner that inadvertently celebrated a particular type of bitter "nice guy" attitude towards women, but without going into details, this film depicts his attitude as a key part of the reason why everything goes wrong and the thing that enables him to start chipping away at his soul to appease Audrey II, while also showing why Audrey, who's spent most of her life poor, would see a loutish-yet-wealthy man like Orin as her ticket out of the ghetto even if she secretly longs for a guy like Seymour. It's here where I prefer the director's cut (which Popcorn Frights showed), as it shows Seymour suffering a real comeuppance for how he's spent the entire movie doing increasingly horrible things, even if he feels bad about them later. The theatrical ending, by contrast, ended things a bit too neatly and happily from what I've read of it. Also, the director's cut gives a great homage at the end to classic monster movies, one that ended the film on a high note and sent me home smiling.

The Bottom Line

Little Shop of Horrors is at once an entertaining monster movie and a very enjoyable musical parody thereof, one that I'd recommend to fans of musicals, fans of mid-century pop music, people who want to see some outstanding effects work (and the kind you can show your kids), or anybody who just wants to have a good time with a movie.

[beautifulmorningstar]

i never read the manga either. but, i did read a few other shoujo manga as a teen. i wasn't all that interested in the romance (with men) content for obvious reasons, but the girls around me liked that sort of thing, and i wanted very badly to understand them.

what i learned was a lot of straight women are all too eager to romanticize their own abuse. romance with way older men, romance with men in positions of power (they're her teacher, or her boss, or an extremely wealthy man that plucked her from an average, or even impoverished, life), men who verbally abuse women (including mc), men who assault them, men who don't take "no" for an answer, men who expect femininity from her, men who admonish her for being a human or individual rather than a servile decoration.

i think it's socialized, but the way that there's so much content out there made by women for women that depicts abusive, misogynistic men as charming, cool, or romantic does make me wonder just who is doing the socializing in this case. it benefits men, either way, so it's still men's fault no matter what, but i notice the most popular romantic material written for women is often written by women...and contains abusive and misogynistic material.

at the very least, the core premise of ohshc contains a couple glaring examples: haruhi is poor, and she got roped into essentially roleplaying "soft prostitution" by boys who were far wealthier than her by leveraging debt (from an accident) against her. sure, the boys are also roleplaying "soft prostitution," but that's also strange in of itself.

this is really long, sorry...😅

Anon you are so spot-on.. Like... I never say it because there's always someone who doesn't want to see it said. But you're totally correct: media by (straight) women is rife with toxic or even sick power dynamics in their relationships. I agree that this is probably a result of socialization (I would go further and say this could be an expression of their understanding of society), because I do know straight women who wholly reject this dynamic - but the ones who do often get the lesbian label wrongfully pushed onto them from dick-centric idiots, who struggle to find relationships that work for them, or have their perspectives ignored by larger society. Meanwhile the women with puddle-level depictions of heterosexuality and other relations between the sexes or within a sex class get platformed for regurgitating the same acceptable idea of male-favored dynamics. Not to mention the recurring phenomenon of actually interesting male characters vs background wallpaper / overly-unrealistic /eternally-suffering female characters that aren't the main self-insert. Why are women writers uninterested in giving their female characters the same level and detail of depth as the male ones?

Not all women-made media is like this, but soooo much of it is. There's an argument to be made about not censoring fictional works, of course - people can imagine whatever they want and enjoy whatever they want. But it would be silly not to acknowledge that a massive part of any popular media is one that supports the domineering ideology of relations between the sexes, and that this continues to socialize and influence each new set of young minds.

I wouldn't include in this, for example, female writers who have their male characters encounter actual growth and development if they started out annoying or misogynistic. But this is not usually the case (at least in my experience). Especially in romance, as you mentioned.

Many things about ohshc actually squicks me out in a way I was willing to overlook for my friends. I believe Kyouya knew from the start that Haruhi was female, and he's essentially the one who saddled her with the task of paying off her debt via the club...... The way they're always forcing her into feminine-coded dress...the whole thing reeks. :I

As lesbians though... Well, we should still throw out the forced feminization and other stupid parts, but at least the dynamics wouldn't be as painfully cringe.

[artcalledtattoo]

How Much

How much power is needed

Empty a vessel

Take all you need

Rape a vessel of energy

Bone us grabbers

You sleep well

Left out at clock out

How much is needed for Family

Thank a lower provider

The gifts are not from you

But what you take

Fake it to love ones

You did this

Money bonus love

New bank notes

Keeping it paid

As you decided

Just how much?

Is enough

My muscles growing

Because of you

My health

Better than you

And yet I have to look up

See you

In my playing field

As you decided

Just how much?

Is enough

My handlers

Living large in accounts & body

You dog you dodged

Watch those hearts of yours?

(minus) -

- Oxygen not getting to brain already seems stroked

- Clogged arteries feels like an attack to flow of things

- I use people for a bonus and don’t care if they work as two or three

- A life, they were probably fired and not left for dead

- I clock in and sit, phishing throw emails on an hourly clock

- It all manages itself

- A door knob, 2315 hours stand at a door to let workers have lunch

- Does always take two

- Manager holding hands managing together

- The bullshit

- 5:30 am clock out time like last year but not allowed to clocked out nor can one let themselves out

- Bending, your smile to my reaming, as you

- Continuing of the raping of personal time

- Tell that to spouse and kids

- Mm feels abused by all of you

- He (mm) provided bonus

- Where’s his fucking Thank You Card

- Last year no bonus or donut (K provided one, and I blessed him and thanked him, in my rung on a ladder

- Non higher ups

- Lost souls , dirt, cope, snakes & Faermance, natural parks & the demons all managerial materials

- Fuck them all, let God sort-’em out! In body the physical, the soul corrupted in bonus grappling (I Was A Warlord in Basic Training, the shit bounces back & later Art of War wince Guerrilla Marketing a community biz asso. gift by raffle, to rape pillage & destroy, woah like Trump, Putin now)n

- You have a nice ride, does you bitch suck she should be blowing me also & swallowing

- Most of US should have been digested for a better planet Earth

- We have readers digest

- Sweeter when I look into your eyes. You should have been big gulped!

- When I work and not in music or even life I’ll play tonight

- Tempo

How Much?

I just dropped a quarter

Call a friend

Fuck you, Prunts

I am your God

Should I make tonight, all feeling out of place, I never set placemats, fuck entertainment, like a slap. You go slave!

Set up to fail

But your black.............man

Lethal weapon ozone song

I’m a slave to their damned Souls

Conglomerates

&

Blackened Souls

How much?

You need from Me, alone thy self, all tied not swallowed experiencing living it’s all in an eduction, you always pulled over, not in my view but no ride on the West side, I wouldn’t know, I know a city, paid by Taxes

And a lot of sorry fucks voted in Trump, am I looking at you, and farming tax evaders; ohh you provide to community

What the fuck is your farm?

Audits could be made; all would land as crooks

Raping of America but fam got cool presents last year Christmas

I’m not fucking done yet, I spit just upon maneuvers in the managers up above •

That’s me in a symbol

Minus

Column

Let me squill about on days doubled hand holders, they so special can’t manage by themselves, two to unlock doors, fucking two with this and that, but can’t equal out workloads or manage to get US out on clock out, I’ve fucking have bitched about this before, add raping to a sign and me move at my tempo, you took so far this year 6 hours of my time, Martians, lows,

Sorry fucks, 2023, more Rated R words to come later on ya’ll, let the misses know, or jump to California or resign, your leadership in faces on a wall says to me

Takers

Rhymes with _ _ _ _ _ _

Hanging the UP, raped America of Taxes

Trump,

death raping lives in Ukraine

Putin,

Like up up above behind walls

Xi

Fucking over its own country and bouncing to start a side War with just Up Putin

Fuck all three

To Much like my Uppers

I work in a single building

Government nation and state fucted

Look at water pipes

And shut the.............

Conglomerate Business Major Player

Slow as tortious martian rhymes

I don’t know all Faces but know your types in my land on Earth 2.5 miles work and home Universe

Just too much!

I want to carve in ice a Wion Pulse playing!

Whining heart pulse but alive & breathing!

Could not post from notes and added hastags

Denied, all typings worthless, no post

So i above copied and pasted into Tumblr and now too pissed to add hashtags, like a (worknite ) must add later after birds and nicotine

[weixuldo]

Never Forgotten// ch 4

Vader x F!Reader

(A/N: omgggg idk how to feel hddjdj this chapter is the longest one so far, so i hope that’s ok :/ but i’m pretty happy w this one and i’m even more excited abt the next one!! thanks for reading <3)

You begin Lord Vader’s treatment.

F/N- First name

Warnings: detailed injuries, mentions of abuse, mention of slavery, bad grammar & punctuation lol

Wc: 2167

__________________________________________

You woke up early to finish the final details of the health plan you created for Lord Vader. You would tend to his most recent wounds from his last mission, from there apply salves to his body (well what was left of it) to subdue inflammation. The scar tissue over his burns healed by itself, but it could have healed better with medical intervention. So you would work to alleviate the aching and inflammation, especially where they rubbed on his suit. You knew he often visited his bacta tank, so he was already familiar with that treatment. Once you got further along you wanted to observe his lungs and hopefully increase the time he could breathe without his helmet.

Ready for the day, you gathered your things and put them in your bag. You opened the door. Much to your surprise, you were met with the unmistakable form of your new patient. You covered your mouth to stop yourself from squealing. He turned to face you, tilting his mask to observe your frightened state. 

“Am I that intimidating? You seemed just fine the other night.” He quipped. 

“No, no sir. I was just not expecting anyone to be on the other side of my door. Especially not… you?”

“I have upset you with my presence then.” He said as he placed his large hands onto his belt.

“Of course not sir. I am actually looking forward to getting more acquainted with you” you smiled wistfully.

“I would be careful what you wish for.” 

Your eyes widened as you tried to think of something to say. After a moment he spoke, “you won't be needing that ''. He made a gesture towards your bag.

“Oh, I bring it everywhere with me. It has-“

“You won't be needing that.”

You begrudgingly sat your bag back onto your cot. 

He began to walk. 

“The emperor wishes for you to begin treatment at once. Today you will only have one hour. I have many obligations to attend. Now that I am showing you the way to my medical wing, I expect you to be on time from now on. Should you fail, I may have to reconsider this arrangement with my Master. If I tell you we are done for the day, we are done for the day. No questions. Do I make myself clear?”

Struggling to keep up with his long and powerful strides you nodded your head for him. 

“Good.” Was all he replied back.  

He led you to a secluded wing in the fortress, there were stormtroopers guarding the entrance. Lord Vader walked through as you nervously followed. You reached another door and for this one he typed in a pin. It opened and revealed a large room with all types of materials and even some droids. There was a sort of docking pad in the middle with robotic pieces surrounding it. 

You were so caught up in examining the machinery that Vader’s voice made you jump.

“You should enjoy this” he said as he pressed a button that opened a Panel in the wall. Inside was a walk-in room filled with shelves of different plant species. Your breath hitched. 

Everything you have ever used was in this small room. Shelves of plants, warmed by heat lamps, or cooled in a freezer, even some deep water plants were in pressurized tanks. Some plants you had to travel months for, right in front of you. This was a dream. 

“I-I’m allowed to use these?” You asked, gaping at the sight in front of you.

Vader nodded, “as long as you are employed as my physician, you may do with these as you please.”

You wanted to hug him. He technically wasn’t the one who gave these to you, but he was the reason the emperor sought you out. The reason you had access to…this. 

“Ok! Would you like me to explain the course of recovery I have designed?” You asked, still beaming.

“Yes.”

__________________________________________

After explaining your plans you began to check his vitals through the suit. He was seated upon a chair on the right side of the room as you hovered over him with your equipment. The beeping of the heart monitor and the steady paced breaths of your patient filling the room. His oxygen levels were low, not surprising. You looked at the box upon his chest, you weren’t much of a mechanic, but you did know what healthy vitals looked like. You were briefed on the inner workings of his suit in the file too, so you did know the box controlled the life support system. 

“May I?” You gestured at his chest.

“Go ahead.”

You gently fiddled with a knob on the box and then flipped one of the switches. Almost immediately his oxygen intake went from 67% to 85%. He gasped at the sudden change of oxygen. 

“Does that feel better?” You asked, your hand still on the box.

It took a minute for the Sith Lord to get adjusted, but once he did he confirmed. 

“Great!” You smiled. Sadly it seemed that even on full power his oxygen wouldn’t go higher than around 88%, his suit looked to be outdated. But getting his levels up to the 80’s was enough for now. You continued to check his blood pressure and heart rate.

__________________________________________

Your hand was on his chest box. 

You were the closest thing he got to physical touch in years. He felt his hardened heart begin to race. You were such an interesting woman, getting excited over plants. Ha. He began to study your face as you concentrated on his vitals.

Your brows knitted together, a few strands of loose hair falling in front of your face, your lips drawn thin, your pretty lips. Oh so prett-

“Are you ok?! Your heart rate is unnaturally high! Here let me help you” you exclaimed reaching for him.

He put up a gloved hand. “No! I am perfectly fine.” Did you really have that effect on him? Slightly embarrassed, Vader focused on slowing his heart rate. Ah, back to normal now. 

“Ok, you scared me, Vader. May I continue?”

Not even realizing you skipped his title, he agreed.

__________________________________________

Breaking the silence as you finished up what you could do with him in the suit, you asked where in Tatooine he had visited.

“Many places. A notable one being Mos Espa.” He responded

You stopped what you were doing, “Really? That’s where I’m from!”.

Is it possible? He wondered.

“They had a large slave quarter last time I was there.”

“Yes, they did. I lived there as a child. It was hard, but I had people who made it bearable”, Fondness washed over you as you thought of the Skywalkers, especially Anakin.

He had to know. 

“Have you heard of a junk dealer named Watto?”

“Hah, know him? He basically owned me. So yes to your question.”

He felt as if his heart would give out. He was conflicted. He was glad you were alive, and here, of all places. You followed your dreams. You came back to him. But he also thought of himself. He changed so much, did he even have the capability of sustaining friendships? Or even love? Also he no longer looked like the Anakin you once knew. What if you found him disgusting? Would you judge his actions? What if knowing his identity changed your view of him?

What if you left?

“Yeah, it was rough there, but I had a great community. And my best friend Anakin got me through the worst.” You continued on.

“He was a respectable boy, and I just know he was an amazing man. But I don’t think he’s around anymore.”

F/N

If only you knew. 

Your voice was so pained when you spoke of him. You truly did mourn him. He wanted nothing more than to embrace you and tell you everything’s alright. He could imagine himself calling your name, you in his arms, you finally his. You could be his empress.

His fantasy was cut short by you loudly rolling a cart up to the side of his chair. “Ok, so I’ve done all I can with you in the suit. But now I’m going to need to see your face for the next part.”

Could he face you? 

You grabbed a salve you mixed up, it was to reduce the irritation of the burns. 

“May I?” You said gesturing to his helmet.

Reluctantly, he nodded.

Your hands reached for his dark mask. He could feel them on the sides of his head. You began to gently remove the covering, curiosity bubbling inside. You were probably one of the only people allowed to see Vader’s face. You couldn’t imagine others seeing him and him allowing them to live. 

You were lifting it slowly so as not to catch him on it. You could almost start to see his skin as he grabbed your wrists. You gasped.

“We are done for today.”

You were just about to start actual treatment, “But I-“

“We are done.” He stated.

He adjusted his mask and rose from the seat. Now towering over you he could clearly see the worry and shock in your eyes. He felt a little bad for startling you so suddenly, but he could not do this today. Hell, he didn’t know if he would ever be able to. 

“This has nothing to do with you, I sense my presence is being requested elsewhere.” He tried to reassure you.

“Oh, ok. T-that’s no problem my lord.”

You looked so scared. He sighed, you used to make that same face when Watto would get violent with you.

“Um… may I stay here? I would like to make some medicines with the plants.”

Of course you could. 

“That is acceptable” he wanted to sound more comforting, but he just couldn’t. 

You thanked him and he went on his way.

__________________________________________

You were in the botanical room mixing up calendula, turmeric, and lavender oil to make an ointment that would repair connective tissues and prevent future scarring. 

You hoped you didn’t hurt Vader. Everything seemed to be alright. You talked about your home, asked for his consent before proceeding, what did you do?

He fled to his meditation chamber after he left the med bay. He needed to think. Once inside the ovoidal chamber he allowed himself to be unmasked. Breathing in the highly pressurized air he processed what just happened. 

You were here. You were really here. He had left his past years ago. Everything in that life resulted in pain or heartbreak. Though you never contributed to those feelings…

But he loved Padme.

He loved her so much, even though she could not accept him as he was. 

How could you accept him if his own wife couldn’t?

 You seemed fond of your past with him and his mother. He didn’t want to mess up those good memories for you. He thought of all of your interactions from today and the other. 

He tried to kill you. 

He tried to kill

…you. 

How could he expect you to stay?

__________________________________________

You and Vader’s visits ended the same way as your first, him leaving before you could lift his helmet. This went on for days. You knew you were in no place to tell him what to do, but if he wanted a quick recovery he was going to have to work with you. You sighed as you mustered all the courage you could. 

“Look, we both know you were injured recently and for me to help you heal, we’re going to have to get past the mask.”

He closed his eyes.

“If you’re worried about something you can tell me. This is my life, I live to help others. I am here for you, and you only. I am your physician, It would be against my morals to bring harm to you. I’ve read your file so nothing about you would surprise me.”

He wanted you to be there for him regardless of your profession. He longed to hear those words from you,

 not the botanist,

 F/N.

“You do not understand.” He said

Your features softened, almost pleading you said, “I want to understand Vader. I hate to see you in pain, I want to help you. So please. Let me.”

Let you.

That’s all he had to do. Just let you in.

In the span of a few minutes he felt his life flash before his eyes. He didn't know if he could take another loss. He had you here with him, but he wanted all of you with all of him. But if he told you who he truly was, would you leave him behind?

He couldn’t let you believe he was dead. He felt the emotion in your voice when you talked about him, “Anakin”. You had been so patient with him, asking permission, allowing for him to adjust.

Was he ready for all of that to change?

***

(a/n: eeekk!! i hope u enjoyed!! this is turning into more of a slow burn than i expected! whoops. anyways little sneak peak for the next chapter….. f/n reunites with anakin)

taglist: @dokoni-mo, @the-official-memester, @wizardofrozz, @guinea-pig16, @jar-of-moondust , @stxrrielle, @astra-1780, @katsukiswrld, @bisexual-snake, @hyojin-2579

[quindolyn]

Could you do a marauders x reader fluff?? Like a poly relationship and it’s like Valentine’s Day or sumthing love ur writing <3

Armfuls of Sunshine || Poly!Marauders

Word Count: 2365

A/N: It’s not really valentines day in the fic or any holiday like that, it’s just that swim weather is setting in for me and I want a lazy day at the lake with the boys so this is completely self indulgent. I know I haven’t been writing a lot I’ve just been a bit overwhelmed and I wish I could say that this is a sign that my life is mellowing out but I’m afraid that it is actually to the contrary. In summary, don’t get your hopes up

Warnings: hastily written, tired while written, fem reader, kisses, lake day so reader is wearing a swimsuit, mentions of Remus’ body image issues and allusions to Sirius’ past abuse from his parents

Masterlist

You closed your eyes, leaning your head back to rest against Sirius’ shoulder who sat behind you with you between his legs. Sitting by the Black Lake he was shirtless, you adorned only in a modest two piece swimsuit leaving the skin of your belly exposed so that Sirius could trace shapes along the soft skin. With your back pressed to his chest and the sun’s rays hitting your front you were surrounded by warmth, like a nice little cocoon you were tucked into. 

With your head against his shoulder you left the side of your neck open, vulnerable, allowing him to drip down wordlessly and brush his lips over the delicate skin before finding your sweet spot on the back of your neck and nipping lightly, his hands moving to grip your hips so you couldn’t squirm out of the hold he had on you.

“Siri!” You giggled, feeling Sirius grin into the side of your neck, getting just the reaction out of you that he had wanted.

“Shhh Puppy,” He whispered condescendingly in your ear, “Gotta be quiet, can’t wake up Jamie,” He nodded his head over to your right where just mere inches from you laid the slumbering boy, all messy black curls, hazel eyes, and with a physique that had you weak in the knees every time you saw him.

Currently his back was on display for you as he laid on his stomach, his hands resting beneath his forehead acting as a pillow, you admired the way the sunlight illuminated his skin and you could see the muscles subtly shift under that skin as he breathed deeply in his sleep.

Watching him, you became aware of just how hot the sun had gotten in the hour or so the three of you had been lounging out there, waiting for Remus to finish up his prefect duties so that the four of you could go cool off in the water together. 

“We should wake him up, Siri,” You voiced, lifting yourself slightly from his lap in attempts to wake up James but quickly strong hands wrapped around your waist, pulling you back down to the spot between his muscled thighs.

“Oh come on baby, you don’t wanna do that, you know how grumpy the baby gets when you wake him up from a nap,” He murmured this mockingly into your neck, hoping that the boy he spoke of wouldn’t be able to hear him but as James let out a disgruntled groan and began to fidget you knew he was waking up.

Ignoring Sirius’ snarky remark, you leaned forward once more, this time Sirius’ hands just keeping a steady hold on your hips while making no effort to pull you back.

“Hey baby,” You crooned, supporting your weight on one hand pressed firmly to the ground while the other moved to bury itself deep in James’ locks, scratching with your nails the way you know he liked on his scalp, smiling at the content grunt the boy let out at your ministrations.

Gazing down at him you let your eyes scan his back once more, frowning as you noticed the slight pink tinge beginning to taint his skin, a precursor to what could be a wicked sunburn if not properly prevented. Letting your hand slip from his scalp you ran it down his neck and down his back, he was warmer than he should’ve been, it wasn’t just ‘laying in the sun’ kinda warm it was ‘beginning to fry’ kinda hot.

“Jamie,” You muttered again, louder this time so that you might be able to get more of his attention, “Jamie, wake up.”

“Hmmm?” He hummed, turning onto his side so that he was facing you, eyes slowly blinking open, squinting as they were flooded with the harsh light of the warm sun. He scooched himself so that he was still lying on his side but so that his head was resting against the hard planes of Sirius’ thigh, nuzzling into the soft skin half covered by his swim shorts which stopped at his mid thigh.

“You’re starting to get sunburned Jamie, can’t have our pretty boy getting hurt,” You explained to him the reason for your disturbance, returning your hand to his hair as he inched up the material of Sirius’ shorts to press kisses to his leg.

You felt Sirius shiver from behind you at the contact of James’ pretty lips on some of his most sensitive skin and you found his hand, interlacing your fingers to give him a squeeze.

“But the sun feels good,” James countered between kisses pressed to Sirius’ leg, not going higher or lower, just dancing around the circumference, tracing where the bottom of the shorts would usually sit.

“I know it does,” You agreed, gazing down at one of your three beautiful boys, “But how about you lay on your back for a little bit, let your tummy get some sun and then we’ll put on more sunscreen and hopefully by that time we’re done Rem will be done and we can go in the water.”

“Hmph,” James looked up at you, he was positioned in such a way that sunlight danced through his hazel irises, making him appear even more ethereal than usual, his tan skin glowing in the mid afternoon sun. He was the picture of effortless beauty.

It was unfair how easily the boy tanned, it was something Sirius in particular was envious of but as he positioned himself so that his lips were pressed to the shell of your ear, “He’s gorgeous isn’t he?” 

“Breathtaking,” You nodded, only breaking your eyes away from James’ face when his eyes flitted back down to the thigh he used as a pillow, resuming his dusting of feather light kisses. “Just as breathtaking as you are,” Twisting your neck you were nose to nose with Sirius, pale skin stretched across his angular features shimmered beautifully in the sun, like someone had dusted glitter along his skin in his sleep making him look almost god like.

Your eyes flickered from his unnaturally ruby red lips to his grey eyes where you noticed a smear of black makeup beginning at the corner of his eye. You lifted your hand to your mouth, licking the pad of your thumb, before extending out from the corner of the boy’s eye where his eyeliner from earlier was smudged against his porcelain skin. 

Allowing his eyes to flutter closed Sirius leaned into your touch and you felt your heart swell, there had been a point during your relationship with the three men where you reaching for his face would’ve caused him to flinch and back away, and even if your hand had somehow managed to make it to his face he would’ve sat there awkwardly and rigid until you pulled away. 

But this comfort was a demonstration of the trust that had formed, not just between the two of you but all four of you, even if one member was absent at the moment.

“There we go,” You murmured, pulling your hand back to your lap, though Sirius followed it, not wanting to break contact with you until the las possible second.

“Better now?”

“Much.”

Casting your gaze back down at the near comatose form of one of your other boyfriends you frowned as James had still yet to shift so that his back wasn’t exposed to the sun.

Though Sirius pretended not to care as much as you he too noticed the pinkish tint James’ skin was starting to take on. Resting one of his hands, stronger than yours, on James' face he began rubbing small circles on his cheek, occasionally running his fingers through the other boy’s hair to keep it out of his way.

“She’s right Jamesie,” His low baritone sounded, “Don’t need you with a sunburn so roll over for us, can put your head right back in my lap, just want you to be okay.”

“But m’comfy,” The other boy protested into Sirius’ thigh, saliva spilling out onto the hard canvas of muscle.

Knowing that if James wasn’t going to listen to you or Sirius there was one person whose opinion would matter you spoke, “Can’t have Remmy worrying about you Jamie,” You implored gently, “We’re out here to help him relax,” 

You were right, with the full moon in a matter of days Remus had been high strung, constantly fidgeting, lost in his head, spacing out during class while also hyper fixating on the most minute of details. The boy was a tightly wound mess and desperately just needed a relaxing afternoon with his three favorite people. 

If he even had an inkling that one of you was anything other than completely fine he would focus all of his energy in on that, forgetting the real reason you were supposed to be out there together.

It was those words that seemed to reach James and had him turning over onto his back so that the back of his head was now cradled in his hands which were interlocked and resting upon Sirius’ thigh, his strong, muscled legs kicked out underneath him, his ankles crossed.

You allowed your eyes to run up and down James’ impressive form, thighs just as beautiful, but more defined that Sirius’ but hidden behind a pair of coral swim trunks. His abs were without a doubt the most defined out of all four of you, like his thighs this part of his physique could be attributed to countless hours on the Quidditch pitch, training him and his team ruthlessly, pushing every physical boundary. It had obviously paid off as the strong muscles of his biceps and triceps flexed as he had his arms positioned to prop his head up.

Flicking your glance behind you you noticed that Sirius was appreciating the view just as much as you were, and who could really blame you? James was gorgeous, and he was all yours just as the stunnig boy behind you was.

Once again pushing yourself out of Sirius’ lap you used your hands to stabilize your body on the ground, your palms pressed flat against the soft material of the towel that was laid out underneath you so that your face was mere inches above James. You didn’t even bother waiting for him to close his eyes before you were melding your lips with his, closing your eyes in contentment as you felt his lips fall open for yours, his tongue peeking out to trace your soft cushions.

Reaching a hand up to cup your jaw James used it to pull your face down closer towards his. You released a muffled “umph” as you were forced to drop from your hands to your forearms to support yourself comfortably and James gently took your bottom lip between his teeth, nipping gently as he deepened the kiss.

Before you could reciprocate, matching his passion, there were another pair of strong hands wrapping around your waist, pulling you away from James’ lips and out of Sirius’ lap. 

You let out a high pitched shriek at the sudden, unexpected motion and with what appeared to be minimal effort the hold on you shifted from your waist to supporting you under the bend of your knees and the small of your back.

Not being alarmed as the deep laughter that erupted from the figure was not only familiar but reassuring, you rested your head against Remus’ chest, having recognized him instantly. Inhaling deeply the scent of the thin t-shirt he’d thrown on before making his way down to the lake after finishing his prefect duties you knew that it was no doubt either Sirius’ or James’ as the three boys rarely ever wore their own shirts, always preferring each other’s.

“Hi Rem,” You smiled, gazing up at his visage from your place in his arms, you squinted because his head was positioned directly in front of the sun, making it look like there was a brilliant halo glowing around him.

“Hi baby, I missed you,” He cooed down at you, pressing a sweet and simple peck to your puckered lips before rising back up to his full height, still cradling you in his arms.

“You can put me down now Remmy,” You giggled, not satisfied with the brief kiss he’d given you, you clasped his jaw similarly to the way James had yours to bring his lips back down to yours. 

But once again, much to your chagrin, he kept the kiss short, no matter the firm hand you kept on his jaw, perhaps even shorter than the last once before pulling away and setting you down softly on the ground, taking great care to ensure you were balanced before letting go of his hold on you.

“Neither of those were real kisses,” You complained, resting your hand against his chest, your head at a near ninety degree angle to look up at the male who towered over you.

“No?” He asked teasingly.

Rising to the bait you answered, “No.”

“Don’t whine baby,” Sirius chimed in from where he laid, still lounging upon the ground, “Remmy’s had a very exhausting day (Y/N), can’t blame him if his kissing isn’t what it usually is.” 

Pushing himself up off the ground Sirius sauntered over to where you and Rem stood, making a show as he carelessly flinging his arms around Remus’ neck.

“Now come on Remus,” He ordered with a false arrogance, “Carry me to the water!” Letting his head fall back dramatically he stood there expectantly but was met only with Remus’ light laughter as he ducked out from under the smaller boy’s arms. 

“I don’t think so Pads,” Remus said as pulled off his shirt, you grinned at the seemingly unimportant action but just as Sirius trusting you to touch him made your heart soar so did this. Remus proudly and carelessly displaying all of the beautiful scars that decorated his chest made you so proud of the progress the four of you had all made together.

“Get Jamie to carry you,” Once again lifting you into his arms Remus pressed a kiss to the tip of your nose, “Already got my arms full.” 

tagging: @randomoutsiders @weasleyposts @amourtentiaa @kittykylax @superbturtlemakerathlete @oliviashea05 @gxtitobxby @pinkandblueblurbs @st0nesnglitter @miraclesoflove @priii @wholebigboxofyikes @advictedtohim @gubleryum @temporaryissue @emmaev @zzzfour @itsmentalillness

[tonnerredebrest]

Maybe max is sick but his father forces him to drive and he faints after the race in the paddock but some drivers or principals come to save him (maybe seb, Kimi or christian, toto)

*sighs*, another Max & Simi sick fic, another one! /jk

I love writing that dw

Set somewhere during Max’s first years at Red Bull. 

TW: J*s Verstappen, abuse

*****

“You will get into the car, and you will drive today!”

Jos's voice boomed in Max's cool-down room. He was practically looming over his son, using his whole body to shade him. 

“But Papa,” Max coughed out, “I can't breathe correctly!” He knew his father wouldn't care, but he had to try. 

“No excuses, Max,” his father replied. “Remember? No. Excuses,” and he left, as simple as that. 

The driver coughed again and shivered. He didn't know what was wrong with him. Since that morning, he felt sick, alternating between coughing and moments of heavy Vertigo. Sometimes he shivered too. Yeah, he was definitely sick.

Yet, he had a race that day, he couldn't miss it. His dad would make sure he wouldn't miss it. Maybe if he talked to Christian, he would be able to get to medical and be declared sick…

Max shook his head. No, that won't be possible either. Helmut Marko was looming around the paddock too. Max knew for a fact he’ll do everything to make him race, and if that meant preventing him from getting to medical, he would do that. 

Looking at his race suit, he resigned himself. He zipped up his fireproof and went to the garage. At each step, he felt the world turning around. At each step, he felt pain in his whole body. 

Getting in his car was a challenge in itself. The material of his clothes rubbed him the working way, making him oversensitive to them. The harness pressed the suit near his body, accentuating the overall uneasiness he felt. His hair was too hot under his balaclava and helmet, making him want to scratch it off. 

In a fit of lucidity, Max almost screamed that he wasn’t feeling well. Almost, because at the same time he had gone to push the radio button, his whole body shivered and he coughed. When he got his mind back on track, the moment was gone, and the start was bout to be given. 

It’s lights out, and away we go!

Max was third, and he miraculously didn’t lose his position. Yeah, a Renault had pushed him hard from behind, but he didn’t give up. The first corner had been rougher than the start. His palms were sweaty under his gloves, making the material stick and overwhelming him a bit. Max almost missed a gear change, and his finger almost slipped. He went too wide, and that Renault overtook him. 

The Red Bull driver knew the track, he drove here last year and the years before that. There was no denying he wasn’t familiar with it. Yet, Max had never raced it while being sick as a dog. He missed the apex, twice, something he had never done before. 

Behind him, it was now a McLaren bullying him into the gravel. Max groaned. He may not be at the top of his form, but that doesn’t mean he won’t go down in a fight. At the next corner, he defended like crazy, and the papaya car seemed to have understood there was no way they’ll pass. 

The first lap had been the roughest, as Max had to learn how to drive when his whole body isn’t cooperating with him. The second was a little easier, the third had been a nightmare as he took a curb and the shockwaves reverberated throughout his body. 

At some point, the race became a blur, as Max was simply trying to maintain his position. Sadly, that McLaren did overtake him with half laps to go. The Dutch driver got angry with himself and sneezed a little more on the lap following his fall to fifth place. 

The pit stop he made around the middle lap had been a grace sent from heaven, just a little moment of calm before the tempest. Gear changes were difficult, but luckily for him, his car had power steering, because he felt his arms were sore with ten laps to go.

As he went through the last lap, he felt his engine losing power. Or it might have been his foot, he didn’t know. Behind him, the other Renault was forced to make way. Max did everything he knew, but there was no way to fight when your own car is against you. As he passed the finish line in sixth place, he felt his body get numb. 

His body didn’t produce adrenaline anymore, probably Max had hit its limit, and he felt himself slowly getting off that high. He parked his car in front of the Red Bull garage, and let himself breathe. At least he beat the Ferraris, both had mechanical failures somewhere around the beginning of the race. 

Max got out of his car with much difficulty. He felt cold and hot at the same time. He couldn't help but shiver, even if it hurt to do so. His race suit felt as if it was made of spikes, and hurt his flesh. His balaclava was sticky and full of sweat. He didn't have much force left in his arms but he managed to take off his helmet too. 

Mechanics were gushing around him, tending to the car. They didn't care about Max, only one or two congratulated him for the race. They didn't notice how the Dutch driver was shivering like a leaf, or how he seemed to have difficulties walking. Max felt the world spinning too fast under his feet, and he couldn't walk straight.

In the distance, he could see his father coming for him, an angry look on his face. Max gulped down and went in the opposite direction. (Un)luckily for him, that meant he was heading to the Ferrari side of the paddock. He looked back again, and his father wasn't far. Yeah, he'll have to come up with some excuse because there is no chance he will see his dad.

Max used the wall as support, and slowly got where he wanted. He can see the two Ferrari drivers talking to each other, they are well within earshot. The Dutch driver thought he was safe, as his dad won't try anything in front of a rival team. Yet, he didn't take into account a sudden surge of dizziness. The world spun too fast, and Max felt himself fall, hitting the ground.

“Are you sure he is Ok?” a voice asked, while Max was groaning.

His head hurt like crazy as if someone had trampled it. He tried to open his eyes, but there was too much light for him.

“We should take him to the medical centre,” another voice said.

“He won't go that far, he already had trouble walking before he fainted.”

The voices got quiet, and Max could finally think again. His whole body hurt, and he still felt sick. The last thing he remembered was him going to the Ferrari garage. Why was he laying on the ground now? He tried to get up, but someone pushed him down again.

“No, stay still Max.” It was a gentle voice, soaked in a soft German accent.

“Why?” He managed to croak out.

“You fell, and hurt your head.” This time, it was another voice, sharper, heavily imprinted by a Finnish accent.

Max realised it was the Ferrari pilots, Seb and Kimi, who were watching over him. They were the only Finno-German pair on the grid, and it made sense since they were the closest to him when he blacked out.

“I... home,” the Dutch driver tried again. He wanted to lay on his bed and forget this day had ever happened.

“Shh, medical is coming to get you,” replied Seb, gently running a hand in the younger's hair.

Max moaned in pain, letting himself go away again.

~~~~~

Max felt he was floating. It was a good feeling, one he missed a lot. Under his fingers, soft sheets were rumbled, soothing his senses. Something was making his hair more. After some time, he realised it was a warm hand. Max sighed at the touch. It had been a long time since someone treated him this gently.

“Do you think he's asleep,” someone asked, so quietly Max thought he had hallucinated it.

“He didn't move for two hours,” another person said. “He's out cold.”

Max chose that moment to groan, moving a bit. The hand in his hair left, and the Dutch driver moaned at the last.

“Shh,” that first voice said again, “go to sleep, you are tired.”

Max took some time to think. Those voices were belonging to Sebastian and Kimi. He wondered why the Ferrari drivers were near him. He didn't own them anything, why would they be here?

“He's awake,” Kimi changed his mind. “Let the boy awake.”

“He fainted, he should rest more,” Seb protested, his hand going back into Max's hair.

The younger tried to open his eyes, but the lights were too bright. They were hurting his eyes, so he closed them again. Someone chuckled at the sight, but Max couldn't pinpoint who it was.

“Shh, it's OK, you are safe,” Seb whispered in his ear.

Another hand joined the German's, gently massaging his head. Max sighed and thought he could stay there just a little more if it meant the two reassuring presences would stay by his side too.

*****

[raifenlf]

Why Loki’s Sylvie Is A Mary Sue

So I am firmly in the camp that Sylvie on the Loki series was/is a Mary Sue.  The last episode made me feel better and like maybe the show was doing a thing where they were faking you out that she was a Mary Sue only to show she was actually sort of a bad guy and I liked that.  But all the recent interviews make me think the show wants to go back to her being a Mary Sue.

But I feel like when I call her out for being a Mary Sue people tell me what are you talking about, she’s not a Mary Sue, bad things happen to her, etc.  But that doesn’t actually make her not a Mary Sue.  

Also, before we start, I know some people find Mary Sue sexist.  But I personally use the term for guys and girls. I don’t use the term to belittle women.  I use the term to criticize a poorly written character.

And I know Mary Sue is often used to describe fanfic characters.  But to me, this series is kind of like a fanfic because the writers took a character who had been in canon MCU material for ten years and then created characters around that character.  So, I kind of review it like I would a fanfic.  It’s very different than if the writers had created a brand new show with all of their own new characters.

Anyway, if you are not totally familiar with the Mary Sue term, then check this out:

I know the term Mary Sue probably means different things to different people.  But I have always used these guidelines when I write my own fanfic to make sure my characters never come off as a Mary Sue.

This article really gives you a full scale of what a Mary Sue is.  If you start reading it, you’ll immediately see why Sylvie is.  But I’m going to take out the parts that most fit Sylvie just to highlight why I believe she is a Mary Sue.  I apologize for this being so long.

Mary Sue Character Traits

Personality

Erm... what personality? The typical Mary Sue doesn't have one per se, because she isn't meant to be a character; rather, she's an entity by which the author makes cool stuff happen.

I feel like that is Sylvie in a nutshell.  She doesn’t have a personality.  I feel like even though she ate screentime, I still don’t really know her at all.  The writers love to say she’s badass.  That’s not a personality.  

Sometimes when I am writing stories for fun and creating new characters, I like to take surveys as my fictional characters.  Like the kind of surveys you’d see in a magazine, like personality types, what’s your dating style, etc.  I figure if I don’t know what my character would do in any of those situations, then I need to keep working on my character.  And if I was trying to fill out a survey pretending I was Sylvie I would have no idea what to answer because she doesn’t have a personality.  She’s just “cool”.

What little personality a Mary Sue has isn't as important as how other characters react to it. No matter how shy or socially awkward Mary Sue is supposed to be, other characters will be inexplicably drawn to her

This is so Sylvie.  Loki falls in love with her...why, exactly?  He falls in love with her in the big Nexus event moment...why?  Because she had a tough childhood?  Mobius spends like two seconds with her in a car and goes from hating her to saying she’s his favorite Loki.  For. No. Particular. Reason.

She's extremely persuasive; everyone finds her opinions to be better than their own

She enchants Hunter B-15 and then immediately Hunter B-15 makes it her whole entire life mission to back Sylvie up.  

And occasionally she'll be a complete asshole...This can manifest itself in several ways...The author wants to write a badass but doesn't know how. This leads to a character who mistreats everyone around her and is never called out on her abrasive, casually abusive behavior.

Sylvie talked down to Loki and treated him like garbage for all of episode three, but it was never portrayed as a bad thing and we never got any impression Sylvie later felt bad for the way she treated Loki

The author doesn't know how to hold back the character, meaning that she will succeed at practically everything. This means that when she encounters rules or authority figures who would otherwise prevent her from doing what she wants to do, she rolls right through them (and they praise her for her "boldness" in defying regulations). If a bad guy is violent and aggressive, she can beat him by being more violent and aggressive (with all that entails). It's impossible for her to go overboard because she's protected by Protagonist-Centered Morality.

Sylvie is shown as a kid to immediately be able to grab a Tempad and run away.  And she can kick ass way better than Loki, for no known reason.  She is always able to fight back against the TVA when they attack her.  And she can kill lots of innocent TVA agents but it’s okay because TVA bad, Sylvie good.

Skills

She will always be superior to the canon characters, regardless of what canon has established they can do or whether it makes any sense.

Whose skill was needed to defeat Alioth?  Sylvie’s.  Of course.  Sylvie needed to teach Loki her skills in order for him to succeed (!).  And again, she is literally called the superior Loki.

Relatedly, there's no effort to her skills. She never actually trains or learns anything to become more powerful; she just wins the Super Power Lottery, or is a freakish natural learner, or is just Inexplicably Awesome

We’re told Sylvie literally taught herself magic.  She literally taught herself to enchant people.  That. Makes. No. Sense.  Like, I have so many questions.  Like, why would it even occur to her to teach herself that?  And how????????????  This is really lazy writing.

Canon Character Relationships

Mary Sue is often designed to hook up with another character, often as a form of Wish Fulfillment. This isn't that bad in and of itself (okay, it is kinda weird), but Mary Sue accomplishes this without any sense of realism. She just grabs her lover's attention straight away, and their relationship will never face any obstacles or tension; it's true love from the start and nothing else. The biggest giveaway is if the love interest is explicitly the author's favorite character, and she essentially "cures" him of all the angst that ails him (at the expense of his characterization).

Yeah, so...this one should be pretty obvious to anyone who watched the show.  Loki literally falls in love with Sylvie immediately, and then he suddenly turns from “villain” to “hero” just because of loving her.  And this was definitely at the expense of his characterization.  And Loki just knows he falls in love with her.  There’s not even any moments of hmm what do I feel for this person?  It’s just true love, immediately.

She will be related to a canon character in some way. This (marginally) helps explain such phenomena as her being a Copy Cat Sue and other characters accepting her so easily.

Sylvie is a Loki variant.  They use this to help explain why Loki is drawn to her and why their falling in love immediately “makes sense”.

Most characters give her more heed than they normally would. The good guys never stop praising her

Seriously, it was so over the top and OOC for Loki to gush over her.  He literally tells her she’s amazing.  They don’t even make it subtle.

Characters' previously established personalities change in reaction to her. Proud, arrogant gimps suddenly acknowledge her superiority in everything. Reckless youths will listen to all her advice. Responsible leaders will defer to her instead. Villains will obsess with her to the detriment of all else. Extremely competent characters will become stumbling buffoons who require her help to do anything. Sweet, mild-mannered characters whom the author doesn't like turn evil and insult her. They all become unnaturally focused on her in some way.

Again, Loki’s whole personality changed in reaction to her.  He became a buffoon who needed her help to enchant the Alioth because of course he couldn’t do anything without her!  Hunter B-15 goes from doing whatever the TVA said to fighting the TVA just because of Sylvie.

Story Elements

Mary Sue is without exception a single-person Spotlight-Stealing Squad. The entire story hinges on her existence; if you removed her, there would be no story. 

Sylvie undoubtedly drove the whole story this season.  It all became about HER meeting the TVA heads because of HER trauma.  Loki’s life was only saved at the beginning because the TVA was trying to capture HER.  And SHE was the one who started the whole multiverse (!).

Mary Sue is The Chosen One, even if the setting already has one. There are many ways she can accomplish this: she can be a Sailor Earth type who "shares" the position with the canon hero; she may be vaguely "destined to help the destined one fulfill their destiny" (i.e. do all the work except the final blow so that the prophecy is still technically correct); or the canon hero may be revealed to be a Fake Ultimate Hero all along. Being the Chosen One doesn't necessarily involve her being a God-Mode Sue, especially as authors become aware of the phenomenon and try to avoid it, but it does make her critically important to the world and allows her to continue stealing the spotlight without the "god mode" label.

HWR wanted Sylvie to come with Loki in the end, like she was chosen all along right alongside Loki.  Like one of the most important characters in the entire MCU is now this character who we only met a few episodes ago.

Most Sues have an unusually Dark and Troubled Past. It's often used to create a Sympathetic Sue, but any type of Sue can have one

They tell us, over and over, how hard Sylvie’s life was because she was kidnapped by the TVA in order to create sympathy for her.

She almost never does anything wrong. In the rare instance that she does, it's usually; (a) a way for the author to disclaim her being a Mary Sue by introducing a single imperfection (that has no bearing on anything anyway), and (b) designed to show her smarts by making her feel instant remorse, and she'll be Easily Forgiven anyway:

So this one hopefully will not come true, as a lot can change between now and when the show is taped. But if the show goes on the way the behind the scenes team is talking, Sylvie immediately felt remorse for betraying Loki, and Loki has already forgiven her and is desperately looking for her.  Ugh.

Alternatively, she is more than capable of doing something wrong, be it in general moral terms or something that goes against whatever code she abides by, and she maybe even frequently does so, but don't expect the other characters or the narrative to ever acknowledge or comment on it in any real capacity. If the other characters do call her out, expect them to be treated like they're the problem for daring to criticize her at all.

Mobius calls her out for killing people, but Sylvie immediately says he’s a bad person and then Mobius agrees, because, of course.

She will often suffer from Special Snowflake Syndrome; i.e., she has a trait or backstory that sets her apart from her group or race.

She is the only female Loki, thus making her the special one among all the Lokis in episode five.

Presentation

In visual media, the camera just can't stop staring at her.

The camera would follow her in fight scenes rather than Loki.

Mary Sue Tropes

Okay, so there are specific Mary Sue tropes that Sylvie is.  One of those is Copy Cat Sue, which I think was referenced before.

Copy Cat Sue

A lot of fanfic writers...start to write something because of their passion for this character, but they find something about the character that doesn't mesh well. Maybe they're the wrong gender or are otherwise not close enough to the author's expectations...In any case, rather than put them through the Possession Sue process, they just get a Clone-O-Matic™ and out pops a Copy Cat Sue...the character might be intended as a replacement for the canon character, but without whatever icky traits the author hates. They'll then rob the spotlight, prove the canon character to be unworthy of his/her position, and either relegate the character to obsolescence or, perhaps, even remove them entirely.

Sylvie is basically a clone of Loki, she is a variant.  But she absolutely robbed the spotlight of Loki’s, and they literally call her the superior Loki.  I mean, they are literally not even being subtle about this.  And there was a feeling by myself (and a lot of other viewers) that Sylvie might ultimately replace Loki in the MCU. 

Black Hole Sue

Much like a black hole, this is a Mary Sue who "sucks in" the plot and characters to her. Characters will behave outside their personalities, logic will be defied, and rules will be broken for her sake.

Sylvie really does suck up all the plot and Loki definitely behaves outside of his personality just to fit the Sylvie show.

Jerk Sue

A Mary Sue who is mean or maybe even cruel, but are still treated as an ideal person.

Once again, Sylvie is basically a jerk all of episode three, but you’ve got Loki falling over himself to call her amazing in just the next episode.

Relationship Sue

A Mary Sue who exists to be the perfect mate for a specific character...this character has everything in the plot conspiring to enforce this One True Pairing...in Fanfiction, they are the perfect beloved of a canon character.

They literally have Mobius speculate that Loki falling in love with Sylvie is so extraordinary that it causes an entire Nexus event, that’s how huge this One True Pairing is (!).  And Sylvie is the love interest of Loki, the only character who had been around before the beginning of the series

TLDR: Sylvie has all the tropes of a classic Mary Sue character.  So calling Sylvie a Mary Sue isn’t being sexist or just randomly hating on the character.  If you use common Mary Sue characteristics to examine the character, she just has too many of these characteristics to ignore.

[thevampirearchive]

☾ Vampire lore around the world ☽

[From a black vampire lover - Updated 2024 ]

CW; Contains graphic depictions of vampires, incl. mentions of blood, death and more. Proceed at your own discretion.

Introduction Growing up I always loved all things supernatural, mythology and lore, but being raised christian meant I was not allowed to consume a lot of that type of media. Shows like The Vampire Diaries, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Twilight etc were a no, but somehow I still watched Vampire Of Brookly, and gifted the book series My Sister the Vampire by Sienna Mercer. A I got older, I realized everything boiled down to my parent's love for Eddie Murphy and whether the material in question looked child appropriate. Because to them, vampires were satans foot soldiers; terrorizing, demonic and too sexual (I bet Edward Cullen would have co-signed this in a heartbeat) With the years I got better at hiding my consumption of the terrorizing, demonic and sexy vampires (as teenage girls do) and it didn't take me long to realized that I, a black woman, was never properly represented. It wasn't until I read Twilight for the first time, during Lockdown, that this overwhelming feeling became more heart wrenching because why are we (black people) nowhere to be found in this genre? So of course, I began doing research as well as creating self-insert fics with black vampires. I know that black vampires have been portrayed or featured in western media before, but it was rare to see us be the main lead, an important character, written well or written with a black vampire in mind (oppose to creating a vampire character that happens to be black) The reality is, black and brown vampires in media were always being taken advantage of, mistreated, miserable, had few to little lines, or simply not celebrated as much as none-black vampires despite being cool or even being better, at times.

As I wrote my stories I began to ask my friends if they had any lore in their respective cultures and countries surrounding vampires. I was send a delicious amount of information and furthered my research. And thus began my hunt for the life beyond the living, and here is what I learned...

Disclaimer; All research was done at 3 am, either high or sleep deprived, all sources are cited at the end. If you have more to add or corrections please add it or feel free to DM.

The West and Vampires The Vampyre by John William Polidori (1819) was the first recorded published fictional Vampire Novel, in the West. It was also the first time Vampires had been potrayed as seductive and alluring creatures, whom despite prayed on beautiful (virgin) women, were very much humanized. There was also a sesnualizaton and romantisation of them, unlike previous found material, where vampires were nothing but terroro spreading monsters. Most of the lore that inspired western writers came from Eastern Europe and Aast Asia. The word Vampire itself comes from the Ukranian word Upir - meaning re-animated corpse, and later the word became Vampir in Serbian and by the 1700's the French had adapted it as Vampire. But it's origins date back further, with its origins meaning Witch. Some of the earliest accounts can be found in the later 1500's; In the Croation region of Istria, the villager Jure Grando Alilovic (1579-1656) passed due to illness. He was said to have risen from his grave at night to terrorizing the village for 16 years. He would knock on his victims door, and after a few days, someone from that household would die.In 1672 he was finally decapitated after many attemps of threatening him away, impaling and excorsising him. Simutaniously, in Breslau Germany, a shoemaker took his own life, and out of shame his widow hid his body with the help of her sister. They told people a number of lies to keep the secret of his suicide hidden, but it was not till the ghost of the shoemaker had harrassed the townsfolk for many months - from inflicting nightmares, physical abuse, bruises and punctures, that his body was echumed, cut into pieces and tossed into the river.

By this time, the Vampires in question had for a long time been regarded as the walking dead, resembling zombies moreso then Vampires. It was not till Father Francois Richard wrote of the Greek Vampire the Vrykolakas. This was a seen as a mischivous creature who would prey on their victims in the night - eat all their food, drink their wine, pull off their cloths and proceed to crush them in their sleep. They were said to be stillborn who did not recive their final rites, those concieved or born on a holy day, those who had consumed animals killed improperly, those burried incorrectly, the sinful and those killed by other Vrykolakas. Greece had a reputation of having the most vampires, especially island's such as Santorini.

From Albania we got the lore of the Sampiro, which was a night wandering creatures with glowing eyes, wearing flowing fabrics that covered most of its body, and in a pair of high heels that caused it to sway from side to side. It is said to follow its victim around, making a sound closely resembling kissing noises as it hungers for blood. It was not known to kill its pray, but instead take a larger amount of blood before fleeing again. It would often target the same people and could only be stopped with a stake through its heart. The lore of the Sampiro had it's prejudice as Albanians were conviced that Turks were the once turning into this vampiric creature, due to their mistrust and disdain of the Turkish Ottoman Empire. Alongside the Sampiro, there was also the Lugat (also dubbed the Kukithi), who were known to also not kill their victims but drink smaller amounts of blood to satiate their sensual appetite. It was said to be a shapeshifter who would take the form of a human man, child or animal, who's bite left their victim with psycological or spiritual ailments such as mental disorders, curses or bloodthirst of their own. The way to kill the Lugat was a wolf.

You can imagine there were many more accounts that seemed to appear in journals, letters and more - it wasn't till around 1679 that the matter was taken more serious and investigated. Philip Rohr, Roman theologist, wrote the book 'The Chewing of the Dead' (translaton) where he stated to believe in Vampires existence and that they were not to be hunted through the desecration of graves but instead through the strengthening of faith in God. Many accounts came after disputing the idea of Vampires, while more accounts grew depicting them. With the spredd of more terror across many countries and regions - more living dead were seen roaming hungrilly, drinking from livestock, as well as children and virgin's. It was not til later that physicians would attempt to prove that instantaneous rigor mortis or livor mortis was at play. With shifting corpses and bodies that still contained blood after days of being burried, the creation of devices were created meant to trapped the dead. This was done in metal cages, spiked coffins, decapitation before burrial, removal of teeth, tongue and heart and even the gouging out of eyes. And in some cases, the burning of bodies. Oppositly, devices to insure that no living were accidentally buried were created as well.

Today, many historians explain that these actions were the results of hysteria, which was only further fueled by folklore, as well as the many grave robbers, cannibals, serial killers and farm animal thieves that were present during these times. The panic made it as far as the New World (what we now know as the Americas) but the issue of Withces seemed to rapidly become a bigger problem. As many large events in the world, these stories and occurrences became compelling to artists such as authors and during the 19th century the surge of vampire fiction truly began to gain popularity, specifically in the direction that we recognize today. In our modern time, most see vampires as creatures created to warm young women and children from pale beautiful strangers who seem to never age. But many still believe these creatures existed, or did exist, and that these tales were our ancestors warning us and each other. As stated before, the lore that dominates the west does not always resemble the vampires of the rest of the world. Through research, I’ve found a platter of lore from all over the world, and thus divided them by continent. It is important to note that these versions of vampires have the characteristics of all thirsting for blood, praying on vulnerable people and being overall terrifying. They, on the other hand, do not all resemble the smooth-and perfect skinned pale sunlight-fleeing creatures that we know today to be Vampires. It is therefore important to keep that in mind that not all vampires look the same across the world. I, and many others, classify them as vampires and would like to see more of them respected outside of their respective regions for some flavor.

Africa The first two recorded vampires that I could find were suprisingly two I did not think were regarded as Vampires; From Egypt we have the lion-headed goddess, Sekhmet. As the deity of war (battle and healing) she was created to destroy the enemies of her creator Ra, but she quickly became overly bloodthirsty and was said to be unstopable. It wasn't till a red liquid was created, which was a mixture of wine and human blood (also said to have been beer) that she got drunk and ended her terror. In other versions, it made her fall alseep where her slumber was said to last for 3 days, where she was divided into two goddesses in hopes to end her terror. Her hatred

Despite not being African, the Jewish/Babylonian lore of Lilith, tells the tale of a bloodthirsty woman who would sneak into the homes of people. The ancient lore has inspired popular media, and you may have seen her mention in the Tv-Show True Blood as being the First ever Vampire. The Ashanti Tribe of modern day Ghana, has the obayifo. It is said to appear as human during the day, with shifting eyes and a huge appetite. It has the ability to take flight in search of prey, targeting corpses, children and are often found close to cocoa trees. It has the power to absorbe the lives and energies of its victims - a processes that can take several days. It is often said to be a witche or controlled by one. This is one of the accounts that lean more so towards an energetic vampire more so then the classic blood consuming one. Sometimes it is also closer linked to a zombie then a vampire.

Then we have the Asanbosam, also known as the Sasabonsam - who's lore are more widespread throughout Ghana, Ivory Coast and Togo. They are depicted as human-like creatures with hooked legs, iron teeth and wings that are said to be twenty feet. The Asanbosam live in the trees of the dense forests and feed mainly on those who dare to wander into their domain. They wait silently in their trees to pounce on unsuspecting prey, and rip out their throats with their iron teeth. Other lore depict these creatures as having emaciated bodies and twisted feet, claws, horns and said to be extremely vicious.

The Betsileo tribe of Madagascar has the Ramanga; a creature that is said to work closely with ththe chief(s) or witch doctors, summoned to consumed the blood remaining from surgeries, extractions and accidents. This even included the blood remaining from fallen teeth, nail clippings etc. If they weren’t present, the blood would be preserved and given in ceremonies for when the Ramanga returned. This was not specificed why, but my assumption would be to reward/pay the Vampire for it's work or presence, and to deter it from harming anyone. In the Cape Region of Africa, there’s the lore of a young beautiful man dubbed as the impundulu. He is said to be controlled by a witch, who gained control through female witch line. The witch is said to feed him well with the blood of cattle and humans, as well as even sleep/marry him. All this is done to keep him satiated so he continues to work for her, and to avoid betrayal and rebellion. 

The Ewe people of Togo have the lore of the Adze, who takes the shape of a firefly. This creatures form is described as having a hunchback, sharp talons and jet-black skin when they are not fireflies – which is their most dangerous form, as it is then they are able to kill their victims, drink their blood and eat their heart. They favor feasting on young children, so this lore has been said to be the result of warning people from trapping fireflies.

In the southern parts of Africa the lore of the Tikoloshe, which is an energetic Vampire, is said to resemble a freakish baboon. They are said to have a violant appetite, and often assult women and suck their energy. Many believe a witchdoctor can trap and destroy them by luring them with milk.

Most energetic vampires are known to be monsters hiding amongst us, sucking out the energy of those around them to keep young and beautiful. I've added this type of vampire due to the many accounts of them, and it is facinating to imagine more then one type of vampire. The lack of blood consumption is still fascinating, as the thought of a human like creature that can survive off others essence/energy feels just as terrifying as a bloodthirsty ones

Asia

In the Philippines there is the lore of the Manananggal. She is believed to be a shapeshifting woman who sucks the blood of pregnant women’s stomachs. Like many western vampires, she hates garlic and her thirst is endless. She’s often depicted as a flying disembodied sucking nightmare at night, but beautiful by day. There is also the lore of the Aswang, which is often also a generic term for malevolent supernatural entity. She is said to be a beautiful woman who traps her victims, sucks and drains their blood with her proboscis-like tongue. There are many similar lore to her, but she is considered the deadliest.

In Cambodia, my friend told me of the female ghost Krasue; “She is a head with floating organs hanging out of her as she flies around at night looking for victims to suck the blood out off for her survival. She was cursed as a woman for her sins (or something like that) then was reborn this way.” In Malaysia there is the lore of the Bajang - a weasley-like male creature that is inoffensive at first glance. He is said to be created from the bodies of stillborn babies, and that their victims typically are babies, newborns and children. Often, they seek out families with small children, and after being accepted into the family, they feed on the children and rarely spare the parents. Their cries are said to be able to induce illnesses in children, as well as spreading diseases and madness through entire towns. There is also a similar lore but of a small statue like creature that is passed down from generation to generation, that requires blood for it to obay the word of its master. It is not possible to destroy it, but instead appeasing it with blood offerings. Killing its master simply results in it finding a new one. In Indonesia there is the tale of the Leak, a creature that feeds on unborn children and babies. They are believed to be women who have black magic abilities, and who have a strong thirst for human flesh and blood. By day she appears normal, but by nighth er intestines break free and her head floats, hunting for victims. In Japan, there are a few vampire-like mythological creatures, but those that exist are all often depicted the same; As a human-size serpent (or with an animal body) with a woman’s head. They are often found near large bodies of water, and different provinces of Japan, have varying descriptions. What is common is that these creatures are known as merciless killers. An example is the Suiko, which means ‘water tiger’, and they drags humans into rivers and lakes, only to drain them of blood and feast on their souls. They are said to do this to stay in power rather than to satiate thirst or substance. Note; In my research I've observed that many asian vampire lore come from islands of southeast Asia, where similar sightings have been retold (beautiful woman who turns into floating heads, guts hanging out as they roam villages and cities in attempt to satisfy their thirst for blood and bodies) More examples of this is Myanmar's Kephn, who resembles the Malaysian Penanggalan and Bajang.

The America's and surrounding islands

Amongst the Wyandot People, indigenouus to North America, the legend of the Hooh-Strah-Dooh is what I found many describe as a cross between a zombie and a vampire. The Hooh-Strah-Dooh is said to be an evil spirit that inhabited recently dead bodies and caused the corpse to rise and devour the living.

In the Carribeans there is the female vampire-like monsters who is often dubbed Soucouyant, Loogaroo and many other names. They are bloodsucking elder women, who are reclusive by day but by night they take off their skin and hide it away to fly across the sky as a fireball in search for victims. They leave their victims bruised black, purple and blue. They are said to suck their victims dry till they die or become like her.  To expose them or hinder, it is said to throw rice around the house or on the crossroads of the village. The creature will be distracted by the grains and want to pick every single one up, and by the time she’s done, the night will be over and she is forced to return to her skin. This is believed to be a French-West Indies lore mixed with western African lore and French lore (I could not find which ones).

The Argentinian (and Chilean) Mapuche People have a lore of the Peuchen, a shapeshifter that is often described as gigantic flying snake, who produced strange whistling sounds and has a paralyzing gaze that permits them to suck their victim's blood.

Afro Colmbians, and sometimes Ecuadorians, are said to have believed in the Tunda; a female shapeshifter, who would take on the shape of a loved one, lures her victim in and drinks his blood. They often preyed on men who wandered in the forests or are campt outside.

The Patasola or also known as the "one foot" creature, similar to the former, appears in many South American lore. The Patasola is a jungle monster who appears before male hunters or loggers in the middle of the wilderness. They are said to only appear when men think of women (including their significant other) The creature will take on a beautiful shape and seduce the men, luring him away from his group and deeper into the jungle before feeding on his blood and flesh.

Melanesia

Of the Banks Island, Venuatu, the vampire lore of the talamaur is known as being either good or evil. The evil ones would feed on the energy of the newly dead or dying. Alongside that, they are also known to enslave healthy people's souls by eating their heart. This type of vampire was said to be able to control the ghost of a dead person, and could use them to drain the vitality from the living and the recently deceased.

Nordic

In iceland, the Draugr is rooted in Icelandic Viking and Norse mythology lore - Their motivation is said to come from jealousy and/or greed. They are shapeshifters, associated with the deep forest and nature overall, where they are said to roam and deplenish livestock by either riding them or pursuing them in their hideous form. Despite their consumption of blood and flesh, they are often mostly associated with vampires because of their contagiousness – They are said to be able to spread their likeness (vampirism) through luring others and contaminating them.

Conclusion

The more I research, the more I find many similarities across cultures, continents and different time periods. As I go, I am slowly compiling a vampire reading list (literature) to read, as well as creating the bounds, laws and lore for my own story, with heavy inspirational rooots from those of the past. Even the western vampires of today seem to have strayed far from their roots of Zomie-like vampiric creatures, and I am starting to wonder if we were to have stuck with them would there have ever been the heavily white-supremicst rooted vampires of today? Would it have become a tool to press this immortality-perfection imagery on the world? or would they have found a way to still romantisized the corpse-like, terrifying vampires? Regardless, it is all very interesting and I hope to continue to discover more of these accounts and lore for my own etnertainment purpuse. Finding that there was an abundant amount of BIPOC accounts and tales of Vampires have given me so much inspiration and (sickly enough) joy knowing we do indeed exists within the genre. There is a plethora of different types of vampires, some crossing between zombie, witch and wolf, and all it took is to dig deeper.

Thank you for reading Updated 7/1-24 Sources;

The Vampire Timeline

Vampire Folklore by Region

Vampires of Albanian

The history of Vampires on Santorini

Vampires Before Dracula

Breslau Vampire

Francois Bertrand

American Antiquarian (Contains more source on Vampires)

Jure Grando - The First Recorded Vampire

Obayifo

Manananggal

East Asian Vampire Lore

Types of Vampires

Lamia - The Greek Demon (also check out Empusa and Mormolykeia)

[deadprocess]

for the smut with the trickster: he once said "that sound you make when you bleed... Do it again" or something like that and idk but I think that's so hot so maybe something with knife play if you're comfortable with it?

// You got it!

T.W: Description of violence, cursing, dubious consent, violence towards reader, blood// 

MAKE YOU BLEED (The Trickster x Ambiguous Reader) NSFW

Goosebumps raised on Ji-Woon's skin as he lazily strolled towards your crumpled form. You were only able to withstand the flurry of his blades for so long before pain overrode adrenaline and you collapsed, gasping for the air that you lacked during the chase. A soft groan came from deep within the ex-kpop idol's throat as you whimpered, feebly crawling on your belly with determination that tantalized his ever growing interest.

"It's a shame," a heavy red boot planted itself on your lower back as the killer mused to himself out loud, "If I had met you before this, you would have helped me create the most splendid album."

Ji-Woon leaned his weight forward on his knee, his right forearm coming to rest itself on top of it while he held his cheek in his left hand, watching in disturbed amusement as you tried to twist your body around in order to get his foot off. He caught your eyes shooting daggers at him when you turned your head.

"You look mad, Jagiya ("honey"). Does that not please you?" His eyes narrowed to slits as he swiftly repositioned, knocking the wind out of you by delivering a harsh kick to your side, "You should be honored! Some didn't even make it to a single track. You must not understand the graciousness of my words. I would have made an album from you."

You wheezed as he rambled. To say you couldn't have given less of a shit about his would be album would be an understatement. What mattered was here and now and the massive ache in your side.  

"Go to hell."

"Jamsiman? (Excuse me?)"

"Go. To. Hell." The hand that wrapped around your throat came with such a force you didn't even process that he moved. His yellow irises profound against the black sclera, burning with fury at your blunt rejection.

"What a shame," he repeated, "that I can't compose a masterpiece, but I will admit. Having your screams all to myself is much more of an attractive idea."

The sharp tip of a dagger came into your line of sight as the weapon prodded your temple, biting into your flesh with little resistance.

"That man that wears another's face...I wonder what sounds he creates by skinning them," your eyes bugged at the thought of the excruciating torture before the killer chuckled, "kidding. Your face is too pretty to peel off."

The dagger disappeared from your temple to dip below your chin and down the side of your throat, catching skin as you involuntarily swallowed. The flat of the blade was cool, raising flesh as it dragged against it. Ji-Woon shift to place his body closer to yours releasing a soft groan as your hips met for a moment, the hand that firmly held your neck squeezing tighter. You realized in abject horror that he was aroused by this spectacle.

Without warning the blade in his free hand pierced your upper bicep, gouging into it to create a moderately deep laceration. As blood blossomed on the ground beneath you and you wailed out at the sudden pain, the killer shook with ecstasy.

"The sound you make when you bleed...Do it again."

Your breath hiccupped as the blade prodded at your belly. Was he going to eviscerate you?

"To much clothing, Jagiya." the blade pulled the material of your shirt up before beginning to tear it, "It's hiding all that I want."

You laid there in shock as Ji-Woon tore at your shirt, exposing your chest in its entirety. Your only movement was a sudden jerk as his ice cold hand gripped chest with a playful squeeze, admiring how a small blood droplet trailed down it's curvature. The small noise that caught in your throat peaked his interest.

"The melodies of pain are truly something to behold, ya know," fingers grazed your hardening nipple before giving it a tug, "however...I'm feeling experimental today."

The cool dagger trailed from the soft flesh of your belly, leaving a thin trail of crimson before dipping into the waistband of your pants. Alarm bells rang in your head as a deep instinct told you to keep sharp objects away from that area and you almost bucked your hips in defense before Ji-Woon stopped you.

"Ah, ah. Be careful. Wouldn't want to cut anything important now would we?" his grin quickened your pulse, smooth metal flattened against your underwear clad sex. The pressure made your mouth drop open. Its been so long since someone gave you this attention. It was disgusting to let yourself feel this good but your time in this hell dulled morality.

"Please..." you didn't know what you were begging for but it didn't matter. Ji-Woon made that choice for you by unclasping your pants and forcefully shoving the piece of clothing further down your hips and thighs, grinding his own arousal down against you and eliciting a choked moan from the teasing stimuli.

Your legs shook as metal was replaced with skilled fingers that dipped below your underwear and worked your sex in a sinfully perfect way. You were going to burst with just these small ministration, proving the starvation of touch. The killer moved his hand into a fast but steady rhythm, lips kissing and sucking on whatever exposed flesh was in front of them; aiming to make you crumble before him, make you compliant with his twisted affection.

The melodies that exuded from your mouth. He wanted more. More. More.

The hand that was so deliciously close to making you cum disappeared. You almost had time to whine. Almost.

Your world turned as you were flipped onto your stomach, one hand pressing the back of your head into the ground and the other yanking your hips high into the air. The burn came next as Ji-Woon slide his cock into your entrance, girth stretching you in a way that you couldn't describe.

Your confused wail contained a mixture pain, fear, lust and pleasure. It was absolutely beautiful.

"More." his hips snapped forward, pressing his hips fully to your ass before starting a brutal pace. You milked him just right. So tight, so fucking warm, " Scream for me more, amkae (Slut)."

Your cute huffs filled the air as the killer used you for his own pleasure, gripping your hips to slam you back on his cock. He could have stayed in this moment forever, if not for an over head rumble.The entity was growing bored of the show.

With gritted teeth Ji-Woon hooked his arm around your throat bringing you body upwards to his chest, skewering you deeper on his cock. Your eyes rolling back from the rush of pleasure as your body seized, cumming hard. The tightness pushed the trickster over the edge within the next few sloppy thrusts, spilling into you and down your legs.

Your body shook as you were unceremoniously dropped, falling onto your chest with your hips in your air. Watching with amusement as cum seeped from your abused hole and your eyes fluttered.

"Drowsy?" you barely could focus on him as your mind hazed in and out of consciousness, his sharp features coming into your view as he pressed a cheeky smooch to your cheek, "Don't worry, next time will be longer. I'll bring my recorder and we'll make you a star."

That Cheshire grin was the last thing you saw before you fell into the darkness

[yostresswritinggirl]

Childe NSFW Headcanons

May not make sense 100% due to mind still clouded by sickness lmaooo

Count: 699 words

Sex is a drug to Childe that has the same ecstasy as that of a good fight, a less threatening and less deadly alternative. It makes his heart pump in excitement, his muscles strain the same way as reflex, stamina challenged to the max against an opponent.

And honestly, in his eyes, the bed too is a battlefield. There are a lot of things taken into consideration when in the bed with this man:

He likes to wrestle for dominance and his stamina is that of a lion in heat. While he lives in the sensation, he also revels in the pleasure of his partner. It's a two-way battle, and every moment in bed will not be dull when you deal with him.

Clothes are off his back everytime, no skips. Doesn't matter if you're not taking yours off, even if it's much appreciated if it wasn't on you, but he's keeping his back out on the open— yes, back.

He prides himself victorious whenever you dig your nails into his back, the sensation tingling him and the pain edging him with thrill.

With that in mind, Childe pays CLOSE attention to your fingernails before every session. If they're long and sharp, that's cool, spicy. If they're trimmed down and filed tho, hoho, it's gonna be a loooong night.

He will make it his mission, an added challenge, for you to scratch his back DEEP with those dull fingernails and he will pound you into oblivion until you manage that. If not— well oopsie, the sun is shining now.

You may despise the scars on his back but he loves the heck out of it. Able to pleasure you like that, he'll definitely go around the house shirtless just to flex for a bit over the good night you had.

Speaking of being shirtless, he keeps his gloves on for a short period of time during your woohoo. Uh, why? Because the graze of the material when he runs it over your supple skin gives you the slightest yet most delectable shiver he savours watching.

The way you writhe under his grasp just like that, intensified too with how dim the lights are and how unexpected his fleeting touches would be—

Then he'll toss it away because he wants to finally grasp your flesh fully under his touch. Good shit.

Aftercare for child is,,, dependent. This decision lies mostly on you, criterias such as: a) whether you're conscious after sex, and b) whether you're conscious that you're clean after sex.

If you're too lazy or tired for cleaning up, he's uhm he's actually staying in you. Knotting. You're sleeping with a piece of him in you, so too uh totally prevent your juices from spilling hehe.

If you wake up aroused because of your circumstance, he'll happily indulge you. But he's honestly satisfied as is, so you don't have to worry about working so early in the morning.

Frustrated sex/hate sex barely happens, or doesn't happen at all. Tartaglia excels in strength in more ways that exceed your own, a huge chance he can punt you to the ground easily. And this knowledge, although thrilling, scares the man a lot.

Frustration, stress and anger is dealt off by finding someone to fight. He will not risk hurting you beyond what is pleasurable in bed.

Because to him moments together with you should be done out of love and nothing more.

He wants you to sleep in the bed remembering good memories, to dream in a blanket of positive thoughts and no remains of such horrible fragments.

It's always either top, bottom or switch right. So I present to you: all of the above. Childe likes to be on top, and if you try to dominate, he'll gladly be bottom— power bottom. Sorry honey, it's a battlefield, man's not backing down.

And finally, hands. He likes to either have your hands joined together during sex or your hands ALWAYS on him. Your squeezes and grips can ground him and he uses it to look out for his strength a lot: he uses your grip and noises to measure whether he's going too strong or too slow and will adjust accordingly.

Scaramouche NSFW Headcanons

Didn't see this one coming, did you? owo

Count: 684 words

Scaramouche is into show and tell a lot, and even before the game itself, he's making things slow and sensual in the rare moments that he has all the time in the world tonight.

He'll slowly take off his pieces of clothing one by one while maintaining solid eye contact, making sure you watch. And after his, it is his obligation to the same to you, hand gliding over the buttons and undoing them with slow yet precise movements.

He acts like a predator seducing his prey before pouncing. Urging. Manipulating. Soon enough while your senses are overwhelmed with the tingles of his hands brushing against your skin ever so slightly, you'd already found yourself on your back on the bed, fully undressed.

No, Scaramouche does not wear his fuckin hat in bed, don't ruin the mood-

Sex is like therapy to him especially with you. He uses it to get away from the world's heavy burdens and cruel machinations by drowning himself in pleasure enough to pull him away. And with this he brings you the gentleness he only ever uses when he muses or ploys under the enemy's nose.

He will divulge himself in all the details, run his hand over your ecstatic flesh: how your blood flows through your body, the bumps appearing as he passes by it, how your pulse quickens during such moments. If you look at his eyes, he looks distracted and far away, but he'll notice you staring and you'd know he's still there.

As one of his moments of relaxation, just like Childe he doesn't get violent or abusive during it. But it's not entirely impossible either, for he has moments where the frustration comes with him and he just needs a better, more brash distraction. Hot, steamy woohoo comes around when his idiot workmates do him under like the usual fuck-ups they are, lol.

Scaramouche... finds the most pleasure in overstimulation, from both sides. Short darling does not like to choose sides but he is very easy to flip over and top especially when he's still coming down from a high—

So while you top him and pound him while he's still sensitive, he's a writhing, begging mess. He's sputtering because of overstimulation, and you can do this over and over again until you know he's satisfied. How do you know he's done?

Ah, well, he flips you over and topping you for one last time with such a violent pace and a dangerous glint in his eyes. You dare make him putty, he'll do it ten times worse to you.

Scara likes bite marks on the first phase, the foreplay, or the slow and sensual phase. He doesn't like going to your neck, biting while on the peak of the sex, because it's both distracting and hard to crane so damn low like that.

The way he bites is like this: he'll first softly nuzzle his lips to your neck (his go-to spot for chomping), plant a lingering kiss, give a tentative lick then bite down. He will suck on it depending on how long he wants that hickey to stay, but there will always be ONE that stays for days. Sorry, citizen, standard procedure.

Another thing, Scaramouche is awfully quiet during sex. He doesn't hold back his noises but he ends up paying attention to yours more, aaaand he barely talks, whether it be sweet nothings or bitey remarks.

When you ask him about this the first time, the Harbinger would be pleasantly surprised because he himself didn't notice. But he could only offer a shrug and brush away the talk with a blush, stating something along the lines of 'pillow talk shouldn't be done in broad daylight.'

And so you made a hypothesis: he could be silent because he usually can't shut up like what the others said, right? Whether he quiets down from exhaustion or from guilt, you'll never find out.

After sex, he rests by leaning his ear on your chest, burying his face between your breasts. The sound is a nice lullaby enough to send him to sleep peacefully.

We all have our own interpretation of NSFW headcanons and this is just a personal thought upon breaking down their character deeper in a more psychological way lololol. May or may not be experienced on lewd stuff kek-

[spockandawe]

Well, this is interesting! So, in that post yesterday, there was one line that really baffled me, a thing about people brushing off a character as an asshole “because he shows literally zero growth.” I kind of set that aside because it was such a weird non-sequitur, and guessed that it was just someone’s sentences not quite keeping up with their train of thought, which has happened to me many times. Apparently I was wrong! I already spent long enough on that one post, I’m tired of talking about that, but this is new and interesting. 

Okay. I kind of wanted to see if I could talk about this purely in terms of abstracts and not characters, but I don’t think it’ll work. It would be frustrating to write and confusing to read. It’s about Jiang Cheng. Right up front: This isn’t about whether or not he’s an abuser. Frankly, I don’t think it’s relevant. This also isn’t about telling people they should like him. I don't care whether anyone else likes him or not. But I do like him, and I am always fascinated by dissecting the reasons that people disagree with me. And the process of Telling Stories is my oldest hyperfixation I remember, which will become relevant in a minute.

I thought I had a good grasp on this one, you know? Jiang Cheng makes it pretty obvious why people would dislike Jiang Cheng. But then the posts I keep stumbling over were making weird points, culminating in that “literally zero growth” line.

So! What happened is that someone wrote up a post about how Jiang Cheng’s character arc isn’t an arc, it’s stagnation. It’s a pretty interesting read, and I broadly agree with the larger point! The points where I would quibble are like... the idea that it’s absolute stagnation, as opposed to very subtle shifts that still make a material difference. But still, cool! The post was also offered up as a reason why OP was uninterested in writing any more Jiang Cheng meta, which I totally get. I’m not tired of him yet, but I definitely understand why someone who isn’t a fan of his would get tired about writing about a character with a very static arc. Okay!

Now, internet forensics are hard. I desperately wish I had more information about this evolution, because I find this stuff fascinating, but I have no good way to find things said in untagged posts, reblogs, or private/external venues. But as far as I can tell, that “literally zero growth” wasn’t just a slip of the tongue, it’s become fashionable for people to say that Jiang Cheng is an abusive asshole (that it’s fucked up to like) because he doesn’t have a character arc.

Asshole? Yes. Abusive? This post still isn’t about that. This is about it being fucked up to like this character because he did bad things and had a static character arc.

At first, that point of view was still deeply confusing to me. But I think I figured out the idea at the core of it, and now I��m only baffled. I’m not super interested in confirming this directly, because the people making the most noise about this have not inspired confidence in their ability to hold a civil conversation and I’m a socially anxious binch, but I think the idea is: ‘This character did Bad Things, and then did not improve himself.’

Which is alarmingly adjacent to that old favorite standard of ‘This piece of fiction is glorifying Bad Thing.’ I haven’t seen anyone accusing mxtx of something something jiang cheng, only the people who read/watched/heard the story and became invested in the Jiang Cheng character, but things kind of add up, you know?

Like I said, I don’t want to arbitrate anyone’s right to like/dislike Jiang Cheng. That’s such a fucking waste of time. But this is fascinating to me, because it’s like..... so obviously new and sudden, with such a clear originating point. I can’t speak to the Chinese fans, obviously, but exiledrebels started translating in... what, 2017? And only now, in 2021, do people start putting forth Jiang Cheng’s flat character arc as a “reason” that he’s bad? I’m not going to argue if he pings you in the abuse place, I’m not a dick. I’m not going to argue if you just dislike his vibes. I’m just over here on my blog and in the tag enjoying myself, feel free to detour around me. But oh my god, it’s so silly to try to tell other people that they shouldn’t like him because he has a static character arc.

I want to talk about stories. I don’t know how much I’ll be able to say, because it’s impossible to make broad, sweeping statements, because there are stories about change, there are stories about lack of change, there are all kinds of media that can be used to tell stories, and standards for how stories are told and what they emphasize vary across cultures and over time. But I think that what I can say is that telling a story requires... compromise. It requires streamlining. Trying to capture all the detail of life would slow down most stories to an unbearable degree. Consider organically telling someone ‘I made a peanut butter and jelly sandwich’ versus the computer science exercise of having students describe, step by step, how to make one (spread peanut butter? but you never said you opened the lid)

Hell, I’ve got an example in mdzs itself. The largely-faceless masses of the common people. If someone asks you to think about it critically like, yes, obviously these are people, living their own lives, with their own desires, sometimes suffering and dying in the wake of the novel plot. But does the story give weight to those deaths? Or does it just gloss by? Yes, it references their suffering occasionally, but it is not the focus, and it would slow the story unbearably to give equal weight to each dead person mentioned. 

Does Wei Wuxian’s massacre get given the same slow, careful consideration as Su She’s, or Jin Guangyao’s? No, because taking the time to weigh our protagonist with ‘well, this one was a mother, and her youngest son had just started walking, but now he’s going to grow up without remembering her face. that one only became an adult a few months ago, he still hasn’t been on many night-hunts yet, but he finds it so rewarding to protect the common people. oh, and this one had just gotten engaged, but don’t worry, his fiancee won’t mourn him, because she died here as well.’ And continuing on that way to some large number under 3000? No! Unless your goal is to make the reader feel bad for cheering for a morally grey hero, that would be a bad authorial decision! The book doesn’t ignore the issue, it comes up, Wei Wuxian gets called out about all the deaths he’s responsible for, but that’s not the same as them being given equal emotional weight to one (1) secondary character, and I don’t love this new thing where people are pretending that’s equivalent.

When Wei Wuxian brutally kills every person at the Wen supervisory office, are you like ‘holy shit... so many grieving families D:’ or are you somewhere between vindicated satisfaction and an ‘ooh, yikes’ wince? Odds are good you’re somewhere in the satisfaction/wince camp, because that’s what the story sets you up to feel, because the story has to emphasize its priorities (priorities vary, but ‘plot’ and ‘protagonist’ are common ones, especially for a casual novel read like this)

Now, characters. If you want to write a story with a sweeping, epic scale, or if you want to tightly constrain the number of people your story is about, I guess it’s possible to give everyone involved a meaningful character arc. Now.... is it always necessary? Is it always possible? Does it always make sense? No, of course not. If you want to do that, you have to devote real estate to it, and depending on the story you want to tell, it could very possibly be a distraction from your main point, like the idea of mxtx tenderly eulogizing every single character who dies even incidentally. Lan Qiren doesn’t get a loving examination of his feelings re: his nephews and wei wuxian and political turnover in the cultivation world because it’s not relevant, and also, because his position is pretty static until right near the end of the story. Lan Xichen is arguably one of the most static characters within the book, he seems like the same nice young between Gusu and the present, right up until... just before the end of the story.

You may see where I’m heading with this.

Like, just imagine trying to demand that every important character needs to go through a major life change before the end of your book or else it didn’t count. This just in, Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg go through multiple novels without experiencing radical shifts in who they are, stop liking them immediately. I do get that the idea is that Jiang Cheng was a ~bad person~ who didn’t change, but asdgfsd I thought we were over the handwringing over people being allowed to like ““bad”” fictional characters. The man isn’t even a canonical serial killer, he’s not my most problematic fave even within this novel.

And here is where it’s a little more relevant that I would quibble with that original post about Jiang Cheng’s arc. He’s consistently a mean girl, but he goes from stressed, sharp-edged teenager, to grief-stricken, almost-destroyed teen, to grim, cold young adult (and then detours into grim, cold, and grief-stricken until grief dulls with time). He does become an attentive uncle tho. He..... doesn’t experience a radical change in his sense of self, which... it’s...... not all that strange for an adult. And bam, then he DOES experience a radical change, but the needs of the plot dictate that it’s right near the end. And he’s not the focus of the story, baby, wangxian is. He has the last few lines of the story, which nicely communicate his changes to me, but also asdfafas we’re out of story. He was never the main character, it’s not surprising we don’t linger! The extras aren’t beholden to the needs of plot, but they’re also about whatever mxtx wanted to write, and I guess she didn’t feel like writing about Jiang Cheng ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

But also. Taking a step backward. Stable characters can fill a perfectly logical place in a story. Like, look at Leia Organa. I’m not saying she has no arc, but I am saying that she’s a solid point of reference as Luke is becoming a jedi and Han is adjusting his perspective. I wouldn’t call her stagnant, the vibes are wrong, but she also isn’t miserable in her sadness swamp, the way Jiang Cheng is.

Or, hell, look at tgcf. The stagnant, frozen nature of the big bad is a central feature of the story. The bwx of now is the bwx of 800 years ago is the bwx of 1500+ years ago. This is not the place for a meta on how that was bad for those around him and for him himself, but I have Thoughts about how being defeated at the end is both a thing that hurts him and relieves him. Mei Nianqing is a sympathetic character who’s also pretty darn static. Does Ling Wen have a character arc, or do we just learn more about who she already is and what her priorities always were? I’m going to cut myself off here, but a character’s delta between the beginning of a story and the end of a story is a reasonable way to judge how interesting writing character meta is, and is a very silly metric to judge their worth, and even if I guessed at what the basic logic is, for this character, I am still baffled that it’s being put forth as a real talking point.

(also, has it jumped ship to any other characters yet? have people started applying it in other fandoms as well? please let me know if this is the case, I am wildly curious)

(no, but really, if anyone is arguing that bwx is gross specifically because he had centuries to self-reflect and didn’t fix himself, i am desperate to know)

And finally. The thing I thought was most self-evident. Did I post about this sometime recently? If a non-central character experiences a life-altering paradigm shift right near the end of the story (without it being lingered over, because non-central character), oh my god. As a fic writer? IT’S FREE REAL ESTATE. This is the most fertile possible ground. If I want to write post-canon canon-compliant material, adsgasfasd that’s where I’m going to be looking. Okay, yeah, the main couple is happy, that’s good. Who isn’t happy, and what can I do about that? Happy families are all alike, while every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way, etc.

It’s not everyone’s favorite playground, but come on, these are not uncommon feelings. And frankly, it’s starting to feel a little disingenuous when people act like fan authors pick out the most blameless angel from the cast and lavish good things upon them. I’m not the only one who goes looking for a good dumpster fire and says I Live Here Now. If I write post-canon tgcf fic, it’s very likely to focus on beef and/or leaf. I have written more than one au focusing on tianlang-jun.

And, hilariously. If the problem with Jiang Cheng. Is that he is a toxic man fictional character who failed to grow on his own, and is either unsafe or unhealthy to be around. If the problem is that he did not experience a character arc. If these people would be totally fine with other people liking him, if he improved himself as a person. And then, if authors want to put in the (free! time-consuming!) work of writing that character development themselves. You would think that they would be lauded for putting the character through healthier sorts of personal growth than he experienced in canon. Instead, I am still here writing this because first, I was bothered by these authors being named as “freaks” who are obsessed with their ‘uwu precious tsundere baby’ with a “love language of violence,” and then I was graciously informed that people hate Jiang Cheng because he experiences no character growth.