#mollymauk theories

[cryptids--hands]

Doodles from watching the first episode of Mighty Nein!! Oh gods, there's so much to binge

[crescent-moon-mollymauk]

Mollymauk Tealeaf: A Fundamentally Queer Character -- My Final College Paper

After a long semester of work, it is finally complete!! I'm proud to finally share it with you all! Shoutouts to all the wonderful people that helped me make this happen!!

[tevinter-pariah]

Shoutout to academic literature™️ for giving me those Critical Role Campaign 2 spoilers I’ve been trying to avoid for the past few years. Truly an experience I never expected and would rather not replicate again.

[burningsuitfire]

Essek and religious trauma

Saw this post from @balleater here and having been meaning to write a meta on the subject, theorizing about what we know.

Essek admits to being seriously traumatized when Caleb talks to him in the Grove.

(141) Caleb: Somewhat hypocritical coming from me, but try to be kind to yourself.  Essek: You, more than anyone, showed me that trauma doesn't define you.

The simplest conclusion is religious trauma, along with neglect and abandonment.

In the wrap-up Matt puts serious emphasis on Essek's parents and family being "very deeply steeped" in the religious culture alongside how Essek has "very much eschewed" the religious culture, that no one has ever genuinely cared about Essek beyond his influence and talent, that his family didn't understand or support his focus on dunamantic research (or his career), and draws clear lines about the negative aspects of Dynasty's theocratic authoritarianism and uncompromising cultural zealotry, at points Mercer even compares it to evangelicalism and doomsday cults.

He also gives us hints that it's a bad situation for anyone who doesn't follow the official faith, like in Eiselcross when Caleb asks questions about the mandated religion and Kryn theories on the beacons:

(124) Essek: It is an interesting idea, though I would caution to keep it close to the chest. Such conversations might be considered sacrilege in some circles of the Dynasty.

Which as word of god tells us Essek had a very bad relationship with his powerful authoritarian den family that didn't understand him or his goals, and he grew up in the Bastion (which is a temple to the Luxon), when the Dynasty laws are founded on the faith and enforced by the military:

(EGtW) The laws of the dynasty, which stem from the faith of the Luxon, are enforced by a network of trusted Aurora Watch captains and soldiers

To the point where Matt emphasized how even petty criminals in the prison were systematically "beaten and emaciated", sacrilege could have ugly consequences, even growing up.

Especially considering that all we know of his father is that he seemed to have a temper to the point of extremely self-destructive tendencies, and that he was possibly military and thus law enforcement (warriors function as both in the Dynasty).

Even in the dinner conversation when he was being outstandingly open, Essek was very careful not to tell the nein anything that could allow other Kryn to question his faith:

Marisha: So his lying about it [consecution] was just about going along with the zealotry and not- Matt: Exactly, because he didn't want people to think that there was something up.

And then there's Essek's massive trust problems, which are specifically focused on the word "trust":

(131) Caleb: We feel we can trust you more than my old teacher. (You see, when you say the word "trust". It's simultaneously like seeing a small hit to the heart... and whatever icy bit that cracked melts away for a minute. There's a moment of him hearing the word and letting it wash over him.) Essek: I'm thankful for the trust you put in me. And I hope to make this up to you.

(124) Essek: I've never really been trusted and so I did not trust. When I- when you gave me trust, it gave me a perspective that was so agonizingly striking. So easy to see that I refused to acknowledge it at first, even. (135) Essek: The more I begin to see Beauregard, yourself return with these markings- I've only just recently learned to trust. It's hard to begin to mistrust so quickly.

Where there's a theory that it might stem from the Dynasty's training for echo knights and dunamancers (when we've heard Essek tell Caleb that the training is comparable to that of scourgers), and we even see the echo knight in Zadash react very strongly to the word "trust":

(13) Mollymauk: We just need to know who we can trust and who we can't.  Thuron: You cannot trust anybody in this city. You cannot trust yourselves. Anyone who has not bound themselves. They are the enemy.

Other context and info gives us that consecution and worshipping the Luxon and following the umavi-written "system of pure faith" created from their interpretation of the beacons (as EGtW dictates the Luxon is canonically silent and unconscious) is required for people to hold Dynasty political/spiritual/military office and influence, to work for the theocratic government (comprised of the 12 noble religious den families), and that dunamancy and the Dynasty's dunamis research is only accessible to those working for the government.

And it seems like Essek hints at unattractive consequences to others discovering he's been lying about his faith (and/or the dangerous nature of his career):

(131) Essek: I just know that I've also survived this long, weaving the intricacies of deceit like I have, by knowing how best to keep myself out of the complications as best as I can.

Finally, we have Essek's relationship with punishment and pain, alongside the Dynasty's systematic religious corporal punishment:

(57) In the shadows there look to be multiple figures. Some human, some ogre-ish with more reinforced bars, drow. Emaciated, beaten. Not looking happy and healthy, but then again, what good Dungeon of Penance would?

(77) ...days of chosen sunlight in which the nightfall is dispelled and the people of Rosohna and Xhorhas bask in the sun. Even those who find pain and challenge in its presence, as it is part of the worship. (EGtW) The Kryn drow who emerged from the shadowed depths of the caverns beneath Xhorhas now endure periods of sunlight as part of their worship. Periods of days, sometimes weeks, will transpire in a state of perpetual evening, enabling the darkness-bound denizens to go about their work. Such periods briefly come to an end to usher in periods of scheduled, mass worship under the sunlight.

(99) Essek: I will take my leave for the night. Thank you for not throwing me into the water. (97) Essek: The pain is somewhat comforting because I am my own punishment. (91) Essek: I have seen those far older than you that have experienced maybe half the pain I see in your eyes. Age isn't everything. Experience is what hardens you, prepares you for the worst. (138) Beau: My essence will haunt you. Essek: And I would deserve it, like I deserve all of the things that haunt me. Jester: Aw, Essek... Essek: Don't- offer me any solace. (141) Essek: Maybe it's time I just found my way. Really began my penance. I've procrastinated long enough in dealing with my sins. I convinced myself I'd be alone for so much of my life. It's hard to say goodbye when I don't feel alone anymore, but… I understand. I understand and accept what I've done.

[magnus-sm-writes]

WIP Intro: Body

Genre: Literary Fiction/Speculative/Weird | Progress: Querying | World: Earth | POV: Second Person, Braided Narrative (weaving past/present)

The Past (2000)

The narrator wakes up in his own grave as a Newly Returned Person. As is protocol with NRPs, he's expected to continue the life of The One Before: keep his name, continue his job, and live with his wife, Fransisca. However, both the narrator and Fransisca know that he is not The One Before. When the narrator meets another rogue NRP named Van, he realizes that there's more to his new life than just pretending to be a dead man.

The Present (2001)

Van goes missing. The narrator searches for him, terrified of losing the man who has allowed him to become himself. He and Fransisca deal with his grief and guilt while searching for Van, and make an unexpected ally along the way.

Literal Logline

In a thinly-veiled trans allegory, a man learns how to love after undeath.

Inspirations

Mollymauk Tealeaf, "Moonkids" by Abbey Mei Otis, that part of Fight Club where the narrator is frantically trying to find Tyler Durden, Glass Animals' "Dreamland" album, my gender dysphoria, Kelly Link's Magic for Beginners collection, the theory of the doppelgänger, my grandmother's death

Characters

The narrator has no name that belongs to him. He hasn't quite gotten used to being alive yet, but he's getting better at it.

The One Before is the person the narrator is supposed to be. He is dead, and will stay that way.

Fransisca is the wife of The One Before. She's strangely understanding of the narrator's plight and comforts him through his grief.

Van is the first NRP the narrator meets that refuses to pretend to be a dead person. The narrator falls in love with him for that.

Setting

A world where the dead have begun to come back. Some people believe this is the real Y2K; others believe God has begun rejecting souls. Whatever the cause, NRPs are cropping up around the world. A particular hotspot is New York City.

In early 2000s New York City, the narrator's job at a shitty motel and fight to find Van brings him to some unsavory places with equally unsavory people.

Excerpt

She looked at you with pain, but no anger. You were wearing her dead husband’s face like a poor Halloween costume. If she were angry, you would understand. But she looked as if she’d been stabbed. A deep pain you didn’t know yet. You’d never known loss before, because you were the loss.

“I’m not him.” You wanted a cigarette. You wanted to run away. You wanted to hide in the cabinets. There were so many things you wanted in that moment, and you could have none of them.

Taglist

@flower-reads, @drowsy-quill

If you'd like to be added to the taglist, please let me know!

[captainkingsley]

Mollymauk isn't monogamous. And he's never hidden that fact, not from Caleb or from anyone else, especially not while getting more intimate with Caleb. He's not worried about it anyway, as after he and Caleb had gotten closer, Caleb had explained his own past. Not all of it, definitely not all of it, but enough to reassure Molly of his own comfort with the idea. Caleb, as it turns out, is also not monogamous, which Molly chalks up to the universe handing him the perfect man.

Since they'd started their little dance between each other, their relationship has been open — Molly had slept with a paid partner here and there, and Caleb had been flirted with to no concern from Mollymauk. It was simply a part of their relationship, and neither of them minded. 

So, with all of that known — why does Caleb feel as though Mollymauk is glaring daggers at him any time he spends time alone with Essek? He tries not to think too much into it, but every now and then he catches a glimpse of Molly looking through a doorway or passing by with a strange look on his face.

They're just studying. Essek is teaching him complex dunamantic theory — they need the quiet time together to focus. Molly can join them any time, he's aware of this, but he never does. Maybe the magic talk is too complex, maybe he'd get bored too fast and cause a distraction. 

Even so, why Molly doesn't simply explain himself is concerning. Caleb makes a note to himself to ask later, after Essek has gone home for the evening. 

Caleb doesn't really get a chance to ask, though. 

Essek goes to leave that night, pulling his cloak on and heading through the halls of the Xhorhouse, intent on getting home to rest and be away from the energy and chaos the Nein bring. Just before the main entrance, however, he sees Mollymauk. His usual coat is gone, and he's left in a tight-fitting top that exposes his scarred arms and hips, his pants covered in a strange pattern of multicolored astrological patterns that glimmer in the dim torchlight. 

"Mollymauk." Essek greets, nodding once as he moves to pass by him. 

Mollymauk puts a hand on the wall, effectively blocking Essek from exiting. A half second later, Essek is staring at him with a furrowed brow, a questioning look, and he's about to open his mouth when—

"You like Caleb, don't you?" Molly says. Essek's face turns a darker shade of purple.

"He's a good student." Essek says, lifting his chin. Molly stares down at him, shifting just an inch closer. 

"You know what I mean, smart boy." Molly says. 

"I'm afraid I do not." Essek replies, keeping his voice level. His expression returns to its normal cold demeanor, making Molly feel a surge of frustration. 

"All I'm going to say is that I love Caleb with all my heart, and if you so much as make him uncomfortable, or try to use him for your own gain…"

He watches as Essek's face pales slightly. 

"...I will kill you."

"You'd put another layer of tension on the war, Mollymauk Tealeaf, killing the Shadowhand." Essek says. 

"War be damned, I'll do anything for Caleb." Molly says, his voice dropping lower as he leans closer to Essek. A hand swiftly drops onto the elf's shoulder, pushing him an inch lower to the ground. Essek shrugs off the hand after a moment. 

"You have interesting priorities." He says. 

"I care about the people closest to me before anything else.  I don't owe the rest of the world shit, but I owe Caleb — and the rest of the Nein — everything. I love him. And I've crawled out of a grave once before, so don't think you could kill me and be done with it."

Essek's eyes widen. Molly grins. 

"I would pull myself out of the ground a second time just to hunt you down if you hurt my Caleb. Got it?" 

“I…” Essek’s voice is now quieter. His eyes scan Mollymauk over, taking in the scars, the tone of his lean muscle, the fangs that peek out of his mouth as he smiles at him. “I understand. Do not worry, I have no plans to ‘use’ Caleb in any way. Nor will I intrude on your relationship.”

"Glad we're on the same page. You're a good boy." Molly says, and taps his hand against Essek's cheek. “And listen. You’re pretty. Stick around long enough, be nice, and maybe Caleb and I will let you between us for a bit. How’s that sound?”

“What?” Essek says, his voice an octave higher. Mollymauk laughs.

“Think about it.” He says, and steps away from Essek. 

Leaving Essek to head home with many, many questions.

[mareastrorum]

personally I will never forgive Roux for putting the words "degenerate freak" into Molly's mouth. He Would Not Fucking Say That (derogatorily).

There was a blessed couple of months that I legitimately forgot she had added that to The Nine Eyes of Lucien, but then the Internet occurred and reminded me, and I seethed about it for a while all over again. Given that this might be a niche area of information for some, time for exposition!

Degenerate is not a very consistently defined term, but the connotation is consistent among all definitions: biological degradation. Every use of the term refers to the idea that some level of regression, failure, or corruption has occurred on a biological level.

Social degeneracy is a social theory that arose alongside social theories of evolution. In short, while some groups of humans evolved, others devolved. Meaning some humans became inferior at the same time that others grew in superiority. Degeneracy is an inherently racist theory because evolution as a biological theory doesn’t include regression or similar occurrences as inherently inferior or bad. It’s just not what evolution is bout. The imposition of a moral tint is what social degeneracy is about.

Art history and music history buffs know a lot about social degeneracy theory because it rose to prominence in the Nazi party and was brought into common discourse through targeted criticism of art and music. Ironically (or is it?), the outcry against degenerate art was initially popularized by a Zionist who included some particularly vitriolic criticism of Oscar Wilde, an infamous poet who was ostracized and imprisoned for homosexuality. However, anti-semites soon decided it was a good way to alienate Jews and any other undesirables. Honestly, there’s nothing inherently anti-Semitic about the degenerate art theory, it’s just particularly useful for fascists and xenophobes to be able to claim that something they dislike is a red flag for racial corruption. Nazis used it for modern art and new hybrid forms of music, especially those popular among Jews and Blacks, and it was done with complete understanding of the word and the social pressure it would exert.

“Degenerate” is a loaded term and should not be used lightly. It has always been tied to an idea of biological degradation, and there is no reason to use it outside of that context. To do so is either intentionally invoking those ideas or demonstrates profound ignorance and laziness.

In the context of Critical Role, it has been used exactly once. Ashly Burke used it in the context of her character catching what many believed to be a “degenerate’s disease.” That phrasing was meant to convey the idea that there was a powerful social stigma associated with the disease and that those who suffered from it also faced discrimination. This was a great use of the term because it succinctly communicated the type of bullshit people endured in that setting for simply getting sick.

In TNEOL, Madeleine Roux decided that Mollymauk Tealeaf, a CR fandom darling among non-cis queers for being the first genderfluid PC, would call Lucien a “degenerate freak.”

Why use that phrase here? What possible reason does Molly, who shares a soul and body with Lucien, have for invoking the idea of biological degradation here? There is no in-character explanation for it except ignorance, and let’s be real, Molly isn’t going to hear someone else call him a “degenerate freak” and then use it against someone else without the joy of learning what it means so that he can make sure it hurts. Especially given that Molly also experienced racist bullshit in the short time he was on screen. I’ll admit, I’m assuming that Molly has a minimum amount of brain cells to be used for the purpose of artful insults, but I feel comfortable in that assumption because it was one of the past times he enjoyed indulging on the stream.

Alternatively, Madeleine Roux just wanted to call Lucien a degenerate freak and Molly was a convenient mouthpiece.

Up until that point in the novel, I was not sure how much input any of the CR cast had on the book. After reading that line, I felt safe in the conclusion that they had absolutely no input whatsoever. I cannot find it in myself to believe that Taliesin or Matt would have agreed that was something Molly would say. It is possible, but I simply cannot believe that it would actually be true.

I’m so grateful that I don’t listen to audio books, because that means I never had to listen to that phrase spoken with Molly’s voice. It doesn’t exist in my head because I can’t even imagine what it would sound like. Thank fuck for the written word.

Roux can go fuck herself.

[critter-genfic-events]

This week, we've got nineteen gen fics featuring your favorite purple tiefling! Whether that's Molly, Lucien, or Kingsley, they're covered here, under the cut. As ever, if you liked them, please leave them a comment or kudos!

it takes two by wastrelwoods (3023,Teen) Warnings: None Pairings: Beauregard Lionett & Mollymauk Tealeaf

Beau and Molly get trapped in a cave-in. Vitriolic bonding ensues.

Reccer says: This fic just absolutely encapsulates everything I love about Molly and Beau.

there’s a ghost in my lungs by QueenWithABeeThrone (289247, Teen) Warnings: Heavy Angst, implying/reference to brainwashing and torture, Hurt/Comfort, mind control aftermath. Pairings: Mollymauk Tealeaf/Caleb Widogast, Beauregard & Fjord & Jester& Nott & Mollymauk Tealeaf & Caleb Widogast & Yasha, Beauregard/Yasha, Fjord/Jester

it is a Mollymauk!Winter Soldier AU

Reccer says: I will never not recommend this fic

Carry It Until We Die by starkraving (64513,Teen) Warnings: Hurt/comfort, angst, temporary Character Death, Whump, canon, divergence Pairings: Mollymauk Tealeaf & The Mighty Nein

Mollymauk resurrection au. Molly comes back to yell at his Level 20 friends.

Reccer says: I liked it!

A Reversal of Fate by FeralScribe (40580, Teen) Warnings: Pairings: Mollymauk Tealeaf & Caleb Widogast

It is a role reversal between Molly and Caleb. So now Molly is the shy traumatized one and Caleb is the carnival amnesiac.

Reccer says: I liked it!

Hook, Line, Sinker by steelneena (5141, Teen) Warnings: Minor Character Death Pairings:

The Nein's arrival in Balenpost from Lucien's POV.

Reccer says: This fic has wonderful characterization, takes a crack theory and runs with it, and is just an al-together delicious read.

what the promised land would promise me by grayintogreen (3169, Teen) Warnings: None Pairings:

The Tombtakers' side of the intuit charge trap.

Reccer says: I liked it!

He Did the Goat Dance Very Well by Operafloozy (13529, Teen) Warnings: None Pairings:

Five tales Kingsley hears about Lucien and Molly, and one time he tells his own.

Reccer says: I love a good Kingsley coming into his own story and coping with what other people say about his previous lives and how he takes that and runs with it. This is a more humorous take on that concept than most.

steady lodged between beast and god by Junkyard_Rose (6737, Mature) Warnings: general suicidal ideation Pairings:

Lucien survives the fall of Cognouza; Essek is left with custody.

Reccer says: A well-characterized "Lucien lives" fic that really gets into the trauma of surviving your swan song. Both Lucien and Essek are wonderfully written.

Autotomous, We by InsanitySilver (53978, Teen) Warnings: None Pairings:

Years of high seas adventures pass, but for every ounce of freedom Kingsley Tealeaf gains, the nightmares grow in kind. With the help of the clerics, he sinks into his own mind to root out the source of the corruption, but, in that claustrophobic dream world, he finds unfortunate company—some more … palatable than others.

Reccer says: This fic has a wonderfully unique set piece, a lovely original backstory for Lucien, and vivid descriptions. It's an excellent tale of self-acceptance.

in the dream we are always posthumous by hanap (4219, Teen) Warnings: None Pairings: Lucien & Kingsley Tealeaf & Mollymauk Tealeaf, The Mighty Nein & Kingsley Tealeaf

Kingsley reconciles with the people he was and the person he is now.

Reccer says: This is such a poignant exploration of identity through Kingsley and the Threeleafs. Gorgeously written and structured, it has stuck so vividly in my memory.

Crown of Cinderz by AkizaDragonBane (148365, Teen) Warnings: Slow Burn, Inspired by Tumblr, Alternate Universe, royal au, Fluff and Angst, Eventual Smut, Violence, Blood and Gore, Implied/Referenced Torture, Childhood Trauma, Attempted Murder, Attempted Kidnapping Pairings: Mollymauk Tealeaf/Caleb Widogast, Ashton Greymoore/Mollymauk Tealeaf

Mysteriously appearing when Lucien Nonagon starts hunting his two brothers. It also happens Mollymauk is seeking refuge for him and his toddler brother. Coming to the throne of the most fearsome ruler in Wildmount. Will Caleb Widowgast take the risk and take them in is the real question?

Reccer says: I liked it!

Wine-Dark Sea by fruitzbat (161010, Mature) Warnings: This piece is pretty heavily focused on post-traumatic, post-apocalyptic and post-genocidal themes. Most of the POV characters are struggling with some form of PTSD. Pairings: Kingsley/Original Character, Fjord/Jester.

Kingsley has just freed himself from something extraordinarily traumatic and is trying to rebuild something after it -- the question is more *what*.

Reccer says: This is a sequel to another iconic Kingsley-centric fic that may have already made the list; unlike the first, this is slower in pace and focuses a lot more on the characterization. I love the way that, while it does have some focus on his relationship to a supporting character, it's entirely about exploring Kingsley (as a character)'s relationship to the notion of free choice. His character arc in this is really well done. The themes are quite heavy, but are explored very thoughtfully and with the weight that they deserve.

The Fathoms Below by Lady_King (6423, Teen) Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Pairings: Fjord & Jester Lavorre & Kingsley Tealeaf

while shipping a priority item, the crew of the Nein Heroez attract some attention from the deep...

Reccer says: An extremely well-written fight scene and aftermath that feels like it could slot perfectly into canon.

It’ll Be Over Soon by NKMLN (27,898, Mature) Warnings: Pairings: Fjord/Jester, Fjord & King, Jester & King, Caduceus & King, King & Molly & Lucien

When a trip to check on Bwualli goes wrong, Kingsley finds himself marooned in the Shattered Teeth, far from the reach of the gods. World history ensues.

Reccer says: This fic is my baby. I worked really hard on writing a good horror fic, only to be informed that i had not written a horror fic and had, in fact, written a tragedy. I put a lot of love into this. I hope you enjoy.

looking glass by Anubis_2701 (26721, Mature) Warnings: Pairings: Lucien & Mollymauk Tealeaf, The Mighty Nein & Mollymauk Tealeaf, Cree & Lucien, Lucien & The Mighty Nein

Lucien and Molly are twins. with a different back story

Reccer says: I liked it!

The Fool and The Soldier by mare_astrorum (123354, Mature) Warnings: Pairings: The Mighty Nein & Mollymauk Tealeaf

Mollymauk Tealeaf survived the Mighty Nein's encounter with the Iron Shepherds on Glory Run Road, but a short time later, a spirit began hunting him, claiming that he stole his body. This Campaign 2 AU begins with Episode 26 and continues on from there.

Reccer says: I liked it!

Let Your Bloated Brain Balloon and Float Away by R_Black (5074, Teen) Warnings: Major Character Death Pairings: Lucien & Mollymauk Tealeaf

After Lucien dies for the second time, he gets to chat a bit with the special sliver of his soul that broke off after his first death.

Reccer says: I adored the descriptions and worldbuilding of this version of the afterlife, and both Lucien and Molly's characterizations felt true to form and uniquely distinct in the best way possible.

And then two recs each for these two fics!

the same twist in your heart as mine by hanap (6000,Teen) Warnings: None Pairings: Kingsley Tealeaf & Aldreda Tavelle Seriblo, Lucien & Aldreda Tavelle Seriblo, Kingsley Tealeaf & Essek Thelyss, Kingsley Tealeaf & Caleb Widogast, Essek Thelyss/Caleb Widogast

In which Kingsley discovers that the last occupant of his body had a younger sister.

Reccer 1 says: I think the most compelling thing to come out of the Nine Eyes of Lucien was that Lucien had a sister living in Rexxentrum the entire time. I like this fic's characterization of Kingsley, and the soft and heartbreaking reunion. Reccer 2 says: One of the thoughts that loomed largest in my mind after finishing Nine Eyes was "What would happen if King learned about Aldreda?" and this fic is *such* an interesting, emotion-filled exploration of that. Things did not play out how I expected they would in the best of ways, which is all I'll say on that. Never enough Kingsley fic in the world and getting into his head and how he would handle things was so fascinating and enjoyable here. Also, Essek and Kingsley's friendship is to die for and an excellent side to this fic!

Crowned Teeth (Or, An Offering Revoked) by fruitzbat (130,570, Teen) Warnings: Graphic Depictions of Violence Pairings: Kingsley Tealeaf/Original Character

After a standard trip towards the Bay of Gifts goes horribly wrong, Kingsley finds himself trapped and vowing to himself to hold those responsible to the light -- betrayed, isolated, and far from home, Kingsley must carve out his own destiny and forge a legacy he can say is worthy of those who came before him.

Reccer 1 says: This fic is absolutely amazing on every level, taking a sentence worth of a setting and expanding it into a beautiful bunch of worldbuilding. The original characters are amazing, the lore is air-tight, and it reads very much like a canon novel I could pick up in a bookstore. There is romance towards the end, but I consider it more of a "story with kissing" as opposed to "kissing with story" and the relationships between King and his crew are all developed well. This is also the first fic in a trilogy and all of them are worth a read. Reccer 2 says: This has some of the best worldbuilding I’ve ever seen in a fic. The world of piracy and sailing Kingsley inhabits is painstakingly described and true to life, and the portrayal of Kingsley’s state of mind, his friends and his enemies here is on point. I highly recommend this whole series for anyone who likes to wonder what Kingsley’s time on the seas and eventual journey to become Plank King might have entailed.

If you liked this rec list, follow along for more! We'll be posting a new list with a new theme each Monday. Want to make your own recs? Check out the rules, and then use the form to submit!

Next week, we'll be reccing fic featuring any of the campaign's pets! This includes familiars, noncanonical pets, Trinket and any flame spirit monkey children that pop up from time to time.

If you're looking for some more, there's some good stuff in the critter genfic bingo tag! Or you can request your own card and join in on the fun!

[punkrockgenasiashton]

I am tempted to throw all of these at you for Critical Role, but I restrained myself.

🧡: What is a popular (serious) theory you disagree with?

💚: What does everyone else get wrong about your favorite character?

🖤: Which character is not as morally good as everyone else seems to think?

Popular (serious) theory I disagree with: This one is tough because I am a million and twelve episodes behind so most theories I know about have already been proven or disproven. So less theory and more opinion I saw back during the Laudna Resurrection Arc: Yes, Percy has always been that bitchy. No, Matt wasnt playing him out of character. Yes, Suntree Victim Or Not, Percy was completely correct in his assessment that a complete stranger to him with a connection to Delilah was too dangerous to bring back without precautions. Thing everyone gets wrong about my favorite character: Vax is a happy person who finds himself in tragic situations, not a sad little emo boy.

Which character is not as morally good as everyone else seems to think? In this essay I will discuss the sanctification of people who die young with Mollymauk Tealeaf as a primary source of reference.

[sunshineandalittleflour]

Writing Patterns

Rules: List the first line of your last 10 fics and see if there’s a pattern!

WHOOPS sorry @onetwistedmiracle this took me a billion years (9 days) to do, the passage of time is simply not real to me. See twisted's post here and read her stuff, it's good. I will follow her lead and also pic ten fics that I wrote by myself, just to try and keep things easier lol

I'm bad at tagging people because this account is a side blog and I really only talk to twisted on it (is this an invitation to talk to me? Maybe! But please don't be offended if it takes me 9 days to reply), but if you want to examine your own writing style, consider this a lazy tag.

The last ten fics I wrote were for Critical Role and Star Wars (I miss you Check! Please, eventually I work work more on mine and twisted's collab fic and see you again)

1: You could be the one that I love, And now I'm standin' here, hopin' it gets to you

Molly had the feeling that so long as Caleb Widogast’s hand was on the small of his back, he could do anything.

Part 9 in my Molly/Caleb/Essek threesome fic, spicy but they're IN LOVE. I do love to start with a character thought/name.

2: I'm in new territory, somehow, it kinda feels like home

“What?” Padme said, her voice feeling hollow in her own chest.

A rare gen fic for me, I usually write explicit, but this was a fun prequel AU because I love to turn tragedies into opportunities. I also love to start with dialogue, just get RIGHT into things. It's also a short sentence, idk why.

3: Oh, if it's real, if it's sweet

“I’ve made a mistake,” Anakin said, and Luke sighed.

Another teen rating, can you believe I built my AO3 page on writing porn? More dialogue, I just think it's funny. And a short sentence!

4: Wherever you are, we are seeing the same stars

The day after Anakin left, Shmi almost sold C-3PO.

Surprise, it's dialogue AND a short sentence. Am I a two-trick pony? Maybe! Check out this kick flip!

5: Feeling like a face in the crowd

What Molly liked most about Essek and Caleb’s house—besides the fact that they lived in it and he, like, loved them—was just how many nooks and crannies it had.

This is the longest starting sentence thus far, maybe the longest starting sentence ever for one of my fics LOL I usually leave the run-ons for a third of the way through. And it's not dialogue! Shocker! This is also part 8 of my threesome purple wizard series, so the foundation has been laid and I could get a little weird with it?

6: All we got is us now

Ahsoka hadn’t spent a lot of time with Leia Organa.

We're back on the short train with a character driven statement. This is also part 5 of my pretty places series, so, again, there could be something to the already established aspect of it, or nothing at all!

7: Look how you made me

“Jester has questions,” Fjord said with a sigh.

Dialogue, but this time it's not from the POV character. I'm not doing a very good job analyzing things, but I am having a good time.

8: A message in a bottle is all I can do, Standin' here, hopin' it gets to you

Caleb Widoghast and Essek Thelyss lived very different lives from Mollymauk Tealeaf.

Character driven thought! Writing is hard, okay, and you gotta start somewhere. Definitive statements and dialogue are nice jumping off points.

9: I'm reaching for you

The first time Molly had sex with Caleb and Essek, he called himself an Uber right after.

This one is earlier on in the threesome series; timeline-wise it's like...the second story? 1.5 technically, since it happens mid first story? But I wrote it fifth, so. Establishment theory does or doesn't gain traction here, I don't think I know what I'm saying anymore.

10: 'Cause you could be the one that I love, I could be the one that you dream of

“What’re you thinking about?” Caleb asked, drawing his thumb across Molly’s temple, winding a purple curl between his fingers.

And we're back on our dialogue train! Dialogue starters, my beloved.

I don't know that we (I) learned anything, but it was fun to wander back through my most recent fics. Hopefully this will inspire me to write more fanfiction, but right now I am DEEP in the trenches of my own dungeons and dragons character, so. It's gonna be a minute.

XOXO

[elegy-of-ashen-starfall]

Andddd Myco again for technically a two-parter here, a reserve and a question. I’d like to reserve Mollymauk Tealeaf from Critical Role’s second campaign, for the first part, on today as well, 12/30… and, if, in theory, I have two reserves in and submit, along with apps for them, a third and separate application— so long as no one else had reserved the third character prior, would that be permitted + the third app processed as well? Sorry for the long-windedness, and thanks for your consideration! 👻

hey again myco! i've got mollymauk added for you!

as for the apps - we did have to make an exception for a couple excited few who sent in three apps, but the typical cap is two apps active in the inbox at once! that said, since the exception is already made for a couple people, we will allow it! this will not be the norm, though.

MOLLYMAUK TEALEAF has been reserved for you through January 6th.

💫 mod sirius.

[crescent-moon-mollymauk]

Small Molly Project Update

Having to ask myself if saying “he was more than just queer as in gay, he was queer as in fuck you” would be too vulgar.

The answer is yes but I love that these are real things I have to ask myself.

[feuerwizard]

Caleb relished the gentle pressure of Molly's arms encircling him from behind, their warm breath ghosting across his neck as they spoke. He leaned back into the embrace slightly, allowing himself this small moment of comfort and closeness amidst his post-lecture weariness. "Danke, Mollymauk. For all of it." His gratitude was heartfelt and genuine. Having Molly here to come home to, to take care of things and organize his scattered notes, meant more to Caleb than he could properly express.

"I am glad you are making good use of the silks," Caleb said, turning his head to catch Molly's ruby eyes. "Perhaps you could show me what you've been practicing later, ja?" His lips quirked into a small, playful smile. He always enjoyed watching Molly's mesmerizing aerial performances, the way they moved with such strength and fluidity. Feeling Molly's tail curl snugly around his ankle, Caleb gave an affectionate squeeze to their clasped hands before reluctantly extricating himself from their embrace. "Dinner smells good. Let me just hang up my coat and wash up properly."

He shrugged out of his heavy coat and scarf, moving to hang them by the door. Then he lathered his hands more thoroughly and splashing some water on his face. The day's grime trickled away down the drain. Seating himself at their small kitchen table, Caleb watched Molly dish up the savory stew, admiring the way his shirt draped loosely across their graceful shoulders and exposed chest. "My day was long," Caleb began, accepting the steaming bowl Molly handed him. "But uneventful, for the most part. Just a lot of theory and history to cover in my lectures..."

Molly grinned brighter at Caleb's compliment. Their tail began to sway lazily back and forth, showing they were content that their partner was home now. "Oh. I suppose I did miss a few. Well, I guess that's why it's been so breezy." The tiefling bleped out their tongue a bit as they moved with him towards the sink. They set their cup down on the counter so they could opt into wrapping their arms around his chest as they lower their head to press a few soft kisses against the crook of Caleb's shoulder, peppering them up and along his neck while he washed his hands.

"My day was good...I got all of the shopping done for the week, including all of your list of material components. I cleaned the house after we had the rest of the Nein over...and I organized your notes for your lessons for the rest of the week so it flows better for you and you're not stumbling because you're nervous." Molly had been with Caleb long enough, now, to know what were good quality components and how he tended to ramble if he couldn't find his notes.

"I was even able to get a work out in. I really must continue to thank you for allowing me to install my silks, firefly..." Molly uttered softly, their tail now coiling around their partner's ankle as they stand there for a moment. "You can tell me all about your day over dinner...go take a seat and I'll get it all dished out." They kiss his shoulder once more as they allow their hands to drag along his chest until they back far enough away from him to begin plating up dinner.

[horseshoe-lilacs]

Ok. Ok. Ok. This entirely relies on whether or not Matt strictly adheres to the spell rules of the scry spell- and I don't think he does- but hear me out.

First of all, Laura scryed on Molly, not Lucian, but can be explained away as semantics.

Let's talk about the knowledge save modifiers on the scry spell.

I've been told that the number "Molly" had to beat was 18. He had to roll higher than it. And he did, the spell didn't work.

Now his knowledge save modifier would have either been a +5 or a -5.

For a +5 to his roll, the caster would have second hand knowledge of the person. Jester never met Lucian and has no clue at his personality. She knows his looks- equivalent to second hand knowledge and description- but nothing else

For a -5 to his roll, the caster would be familiar with the target. Obviously Jester knows Molly very well.

She also didn't use a picture, his coat, or his remains in the spell so the other modifiers are out.

According to his level 5 character sheet on critrole stats, Molly was proficient on wisdom saves and thus had a +6. If it's Molly in there, he would have had to roll at least a 17 tonight. Thats 17+6(prof.)-5(knowledge mod.). He would have hit 18 and the spell wouldn't have worked. Thats a 15% chance of making the save.

Doable, especially if he leveled up to level 8 in that time. He took a feat instead of increasing his stats at level 4, so I can't speculate what direction he was going with stat increases. Doable, but not probable.

Lucian however would have just had to roll a 7 or higher. That’s 7+6+5=18. Thats a 65% chance of making the save.

The first time Matt rolled the first time Jester scryed, Matt didn't seem at all surprised. He had a perfectly dead face, and usually (not to be weird) his eyebrows tend to quirk up when he gets a very good or a very bad roll. The scry had an 85% chance of succeeding if he was Molly or a 35% chance if he was Lucian. No reaction could have meant Molly rolled like a 13, but it could be just because he was focused being stone faced for the drama of the reveal.

In character, "Molly" was walking with confidence and purpose, which tells me two different things. He could be using his persona to fake it till he made it, just like he did in the Gentleman's lair, or he could be Lucian- fully into what he's doing.

I'm still completely on the Molly is Molly And Has No Way To Contact His Friends He Has No Reason To Believe Survived The Encounter train. It pains me to say this but the data rn is inconclusive. I want one more scry, to watch Matt's face and watch the roll again. He can't be stone faced forever, especially when this isn't the Big Revealing Roll like the first scry was.

Also, Artagan said he wasn't sure why the spell failed, that sometimes distance plays a part. He seemed genuinely confused. Why wouldn't he say that "Molly" probably noticed the spell and didn't want to be seen?

Now, when the creature is scryed upon they can fail the save on purpose to be seen. A moot point, because "Molly" would have no idea who was scrying on him so why would he let it happen?

I'm just saying that its more likely that "Molly" would fail the save for the next scry if he's Molly, so I guess I'll just have to update Thursday. All depends on the dice. The smoking gun for me would be if Matt comments about how he's rolling 'really well' or 'really bad'.

Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk

[elany]

celebrating the return of M9 with some old art

[captainkingsley]

shadowidomauk but a Cyrano au ( except nobody dies and they end up as a poly trio instead because I control the narrative )

Molly and Essek both are in love with Caleb. Caleb spends most of his time focusing on his schooling. Essek is afraid Caleb will reject him and so he never says anything to him, meanwhile Molly catches Caleb's eye while he's performing one of his circus acts and Caleb attempts to pursue him.

The problem is that Caleb communicates mainly via letters, and Molly's... Not great at reading. Or writing flowery words. So he goes to Essek, and they hatch a plan that Molly will just spill all his feelings and Essek will write them, and they collaborate on the letters from 'Molly'. Essek definitely puts his own feelings in there, as well — which makes the letters that much more enticing to Caleb.

Molly eventually finds out about that, but rather than getting upset, he takes a long look at his situation with Essek and realizes that somewhere along the way, he's accidently fallen for him, too. It doesn't help that he's been hearing Caleb's affection read out loud by Essek, and oh no, he's in way too deep, now. And Essek realizes too that hearing Molly continually pour his heart out has made him experience some conflicting things.

Eventually, they come clean to Caleb, who...

Knew the whole time. Because he's Caleb, he's smart, he's able to pick apart which parts of the letters were from Molly, and which were from Essek. And his own letters, in turn, were worded just the right way to weave words of affection for both of them.

Molly's parts of the letters talk about how incredibly smart Caleb is, about how he does things Molly only wishes he could do — he hadn't had much schooling, see, and magic fascinates him. Essek, meanwhile, emphasizes Caleb's knack for understanding any concept, and how he wants to hear his theories and ideas about how the universe works. Sometimes the two perspectives show up in one letter, but neither would notice while writing together because they both felt it. There's also the mutual attraction that gets distracting, too.

And then they realize the wording of Caleb's letters, after he reads his newest, unsent one — how he compliments Mollymauk on his curiosity and his love of life, his desire to just feel alive. And Essek's intelligence, his way with words and the magic he's able to weave. How he talks about Essek's fascination with the stars alongside Molly's love of the moon, and they realize that all the star and moon metaphors scattered throughout the letters were about both of them.

See, Caleb's the sun to Molly and Essek's moon and stars, and they work perfectly alongside each other— so it's only fitting that the three of them wind up together like this.