#one direction meme template

[hl-obsessed]

let me introduce you to our own one direction version of this iconic meme template

[corkinavoid]

DPxDC Demon Children Are Multiplying

This idea is still stuck in my head, and I might even end up writing something out of it, but for now, I just thought of something equally really, really stupid and really, really funny.

What if I combine that idea with Al Ghul Twins. I don't know how. Maybe Talia was cautious about Ra's not wanting to keep two kids for a position of Heir, or maybe she staged Danny's death, or maybe something else entirely happened. But anyway, Danny is Damian's twin.

Then, Dani is the same age as Danny in this AU. And Dan is de-aged to be the same age as both of them.

Now behold an absolute train wreck of a situation where Bruce attends a Gala hosted by Vladimir Masters. Together with Damian, of course, and maybe other batkids are there too. They all part their ways to make their rounds or whatnot. And they all keep seeing Damian wherever they go. Just everywhere.

Dick is talking to someone, and Damian walks past him, not paying him any attention. Which is not surprising, but a little rude, and, wait, wasn't he wearing a red tie? When did he change it to green one?

Tim is just going on the top floor to greet a lady he recognizes from some other event, and Damian all but storms in the opposite direction, only letting Tim catch a glimpse of his face. But when Tim turns around, he is really confused: the person running down the stairs is clearly a girl, albeit she is wearing a suit. Her long hair is up in a complicated braid. Why did he even mistake her for Damian?

But the ultimate confusion happens when Bruce is talking to Vladimir Masters, and a very familiar voice calls, "Father". Because both he and Vladimir turn to face the boy and ask, "Yes?" at the same time.

Damian is standing there, looking between Bruce and Vlad. He looks a little off somehow, but before Bruce can figure out why, the boy blinks and focuses on Vlad.

"We've been looking for you," he tells the man, and, wait, when was Damian looking for Masters? Furthermore, who is we?

But then another child comes closer. And-

That's Damian.

That's two Damians.

Wait, no, none of them are Damians.

"What is it?" Vladimir raises an eyebrow, not paying too much attention to Bruce's blanched expression.

A third child comes towards them, and this one also looks like Damian, only this one is a girl.

"Template's duplicate is here," she says, and Vlad frowns, turning to the Damian lookalike in the middle.

"Have you had another incident that I don't know of?"

Whatever answer the boy wanted to give is cut off by a n o t h e r child who looks like- no, this is real Damian, thank God, Bruce had started to wonder if the champagne was spiked with hallucinogens.

"Father-" he stops in his tracks as the three other children turn to him, and the four of them just stare at each other for a long moment. Then the one in the middle takes a sharp breath in and stage-whispers:

"Quick, do the meme!"

And all three not-Damians start pointing at each other.

Bruce is going to have an aneurysm. Judging by Vladimir's face, he is also not far from one.

Just my ramblings under the cut

I think you all know what meme I'm talking about, but I'm still gonna add it

This is so fucking hilarious to me, I'm sorry, I just can't

Danny is not missing this opportunity of a lifetime, even though Vlad specifically asked all three of them not to cause a scene. And yes, they all call Vlad "father" just for the spite of it or for shits and giggles. I'm going with Bad Fentons idea here, although I'm not sure to which degree they are bad, but anyway, Vlad is their legal guardian, and he is redeemed.

Yes, Dick took a picture. Yes, it's already in the group chat. Yes, other batkids are going wild.

Damian is greatly confused because, first, he thought there was a clone of him at the gala, but apparently, there were three of them, and second, why are they pointing at each other? Should he join them? He is under the assumption his brother is dead (he's not exactly wrong on that account), or he doesn't even know he existed.

This is as far as I got now, feel free to add anything!

[pockwashereart]

Flaming Gavle Goat Ornament Tutorial

You Will Need:

Craft felt in light brown or 'straw' color of choice, red, yellow and orange

Red ribbon in 2 widths

Thread- I used red and yellow; brown, orange or white would give different effects

scissors

Needle for hand sewing

pins or quilter's clips

polyfill stuffing or fabric scraps

a poking implement

a lighter or Fray check glue

paper and pencil

patience / approx 2 hours to waste making a meme for the holidays

To start, I drew a rectangle approx 3.25 in wide by 4 in high and sketched out a geometric goat shape. You could go a bit larger, but if you go much smaller it will be difficult to stuff. Remember that the sewing and stuffing will eat up some of your edges.

Cut out your goat template and trace it on your light brown felt. I used chalk, marker may work depending on how neatly you cut.

(I'll add a nice vectored template to this tutorial later, but I'll have to fight with the scanner first. )

Cut 2 of your goat. It doesn't matter if they're not exactly the same, as you can fudge the edges a little when you sew. If your felt has a front and back you can tell apart, you'll need to pick a "right" side of the fabric and mirror one of the goat base pieces.

I cut my ribbon decorations in advance, wrapping it around the stacked bases to check the length - remember you'll be stuffing this later so you may need to add a tiny bit more to accomodate.

Out of the wider ribbon, you'll need one for each leg, one for the tummy and one for the bridle. The thin ribbon will be to hang the ornament with and to wrap the horns- I did not pre-measure the horn wrapping because I wasn't sure how long it would need to be. Finish the cut edges of the ribbon as you like- I used a lighter to heat seal them but fray check or white glue will work. Glue will be more difficult to sew through.

Start sewing the goat bases together. I used red thread and a basic whip stitch, but you could get a couple different effects by using white or brown thread, or by sewing a blanket stitch.

Here's where I made life difficult for myself- stop when you get to the legs and wrap the ribbon in place, tucking the ends in between the layers. This secures them and hides the edges but is fiddly to pin and sew. You can also wait until you have sewn most of the way around and tack or glue the ribbons on top if you're less fussy about the ends showing.

Continue sewing around the legs and body, catching the ribbons in your stitches and repeating for the bridle ribbon. Stop at the base of the horns so you have room to stuff.

I'm working with modern plastic materials, so sadly (or not) this goat isn't terribly flammable, just meltable. If you want to be eco friendly you can stuff him with scrap fabrics. I'm using polyfill.

Use a chopstick, paintbrush handle or empty mechanical pencil to poke your stuffing into place. Smaller lumps of fluff are better and more maneuverable.

For firmer limbs stuff chopped up bits of your felt into the legs and head and follow it up with the polyfill.

My original plan for the removable flame was to do clever things with magnets, so if you want to give that a try this would be the point to toss one in before you close up the body. I was on a roll and didn't remember until I was working on the horns. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Remember you still need to put the tummy ribbon on and curse your clumsy giant fingers!! Getting everything situated and laying nicely may take a couple attempts. Once you've stabbed yourself with the pins a couple times, sew up the inner curve from the base of the horns on the neck to where the horns meet up again on the butt.

Be careful of where your thread tail goes and the direction of your stitches, it's easy to accidentally loop around the whole body or catch the horns.

There should still be a bitty opening at the base of the horns and at the butt (giggle here), if you flattened your stuffing during the last step and need to poke a teensy bit more in.

Tie your length of hanging ribbon into a loop and set aside.

This is another step where my need to hide the edges made life stupid and fiddly. Tuck the edge of a length of the thin ribbon between the layers on the bottom of the horns and wrap it around, and tack in place with a couple stitches. Loop it a couple of times until you get to the point you want to hang the ornament: I chose dead center, you may want him at a jaunty angle.

Fiddle with bendy felt, slippery ribbon and pins until your hanging ribbon's knot is sandwiched between the 2 layers of the horns and continue wrapping with the loose long piece, securing with pins or clips as needed and hopefully not making a big tangled mess of ribbon.

When you get to the end wrap it around a couple times and cut off any extra length, seal your ribbon and pin or clip into place.

Sew along remaining curves of the horn, making sure not to yank the hanging ribbon out of place and to catch the wrapping ribbon as you go. Accept there's no good way to tuck in this !$@!%%^$ slippery 1/8th BS ribbon and tack the butt end down with a few extra stitches.

Alternately, tack the hanging ribbon in place between the layers, sew the edges and then wrap and secure the horn ribbon with stitches or glue at either end. You could also skip sewing the edges of the horns together before wrapping them, but it will be more sturdy and secure with them sewn.

The fun part! fold some paper in half and draw your flames on the fold. Mine were a little over 2 in tall, and they should be a little smaller than the back of your goat at the base in order to fit in place. Cut out your fire and use it as a template for your felt.

The base layer will need to be on cut on the fold but the rest can be separate. Use as many or as few layers and colors as you like, it doesn't have to match exactly on both sides. You'll be folding this up so that you have 2 decorative sides facing out and a plain inside, so you'll be making two mirrored flames while it's still flat: one pointing up and one pointing down. Sew or glue the layers together.

I used a hidden stitch about a third of the way up from the bottom on the inside of the flame to pinch the sides together and pull it up into a V shape. This can be tucked up into the gap between the body and the horns and will hold itself in place pretty well if you have thick felt.

For more security/ shaping you could sew a loop of craft wire or an opened paperclip to the back side of the flame, or as previously mentioned do clever things with magnets.

Hang him on the tree with or without flames and enjoy!

Options for enjoying your handcrafted goat:

Pin the Flame on the Goat: Hide goat ornament on tree and give your participant (s) the flame (s), first to put them together wins.

Art Imitates Goat: Keep the flames to the side until/ if the real goat burns, and then apply to ornament. Celebrate with hot cocoa or warm winter drink of choice.

Voodoo Goat: Real Gavlebocken hasn't burned yet? Summon the flames by setting your ornament on felt fire! Celebrate with hot cocoa or warm winter drink of choice.

[reficu1]

I mentioned that I will write about mbti without stereotypes, at least I tried.To do this, I used my experience of communication and observation with socionics.

INTJ. This is a stubborn and self-sufficient researcher. I want to note that the image of a VERY smart nerd for INTJ is really a stereotype. Since INTJ have an alpha quadra (this is a value or a mission). And in this value, everyone is jolly guys. But the exception is the strict upbringing of the INTJ. Do an INTJ do something for the soul or out of curiosity, so is it useful or profitable? Or not? INTJ don't ask such questions. Yes, they are inquisitive and expand their horizons. Therefore, this type of personality can often change their hobbies and interests. Also, INTJs do not like competition, as it takes a lot of strength and energy, so they don’t need conflict for the sake of conflict and negative emotions. But they can say what they see to their face. straightness.

INTP. They avoid a lot of emotions, so they use their logic. Therefore, if they need to leave, they will simply say that they have business and INTP will leave. INTPs have a complex relationship with emotions, so they cannot sense or anticipate other people's emotions. Because of this, when INTP plans something, it may not take into account the opinions of other people, so INTP may begin to be considered "selfish". INTP is a critic and a negativist. Usually they will come up with something, even something that is not there, and will worry or hate it.

ENTJ. Straightforward and logical people. But is naive in relationships. Yes, they know their business well or how to get something quickly and easily, but do not understand the psychological impact. Over the course of a lifetime, an ENTJ can collect a large number of templates and use them for a lifetime. So if someone in the ENTJ's social circle behaves differently, it will take them by surprise. But he will try to solve the problem. ENTJ only look at the actions that are directed at them, so if you say one thing but do another, the conclusion will be from the actions.

ENTP. They love to joke immorally. Call someone an idiot. It's all ENTP style. Since people do not like to use pain blocks, and for ENTPs this is the ethics of relationships. They don't like the topic of relationships. Since this makes him plunge into the analysis of their own actions in relation to other people. ENTP see the world through a wide range of ideas and opportunities. Therefore, we live once and do everything that interests us, what if the sign "dangerous" is lying?

ENFJ. Feel the emotions of others very well. Even rather shades of human behavior. They see well the bad that is customary to hide in society. This happens unconsciously when trying to bring a person into conflict and analyze how the other person will act. Therefore, the ENFJ is like a dog in an airport looking for a criminal. ENFJ do not want to judge anyone, but will only say what is necessary to the face. ENFJ believe if you are their friend, then act like a friend, but if you make a mistake, then it is fatal.

INFP. This type is immersed in his inner world and fixated on the present time inside their fantasies. It can be noted that INFPs do not want to take money for their work, especially if it is a hobby. They can easily obstragirovatsya and believe in the best. Freedom is very important to them, but order is needed, as they can quickly relax and lose energy while lying on the couch. Routine work is slavery, so if there is no freedom in life, then there is no INFP in life. Because of this, memes about suicide appeared.

INFJ. The most comfortable. Usually INFJ inspires confidence in other people, as this type of personality finds its own individual approach to everyone, to share revelations. Attuned to changes in interpersonal relationships. Usually INFJ is a mirror, INFJ seem to be trying on someone else's image. Due to global thinking and emphasis on the ethical component, INFJ divide people into groups. Often they try to resolve the conflict quickly or not even start. Therefore, it is easier for them to forget or forgive the person who told them rudeness.

ENFP. Easily maintains friendly relations, especially if it brings a lot of positive and interesting events. But ENFP will not communicate with someone else, as this is a very reasonable type of personality. But on an intuitive level, the ENFP know if this person is theirs or not. Only at close range can one recognize this positive person as a rational person. Thinks ENFP very spontaneously from one thought to another.

ISTJ. They look at the world through his logic, so if you don't like their logic, you can leave. Therefore, the ISTJ is very picky about people so that other people are close to their opinion and logic. The longer the relationship with the ISTJ, then more rules may appear, but it depends on the upbringing. It can be noted that since childhood, ISTJ set its own rules. And in order to bring them back from heaven to earth, others need to throw a tantrum. An ISTJ can become bored in a relationship with a calm person.

ISFJ. They usually want to know more so that nothing bad happens. But at the same time, ESFJs are afraid of the new and the unknown. Therefore, this type is inherently suspicious. Unlike ENTJ, ISFJ draw conclusions from words, not from actions. Trying to change someone. This type of personality is not conflict, but if a quarrel have already occurred, then he will begin to lecture. It is also important for ISFJs to have a plan and understanding of their future. And ISFJs are very loyal friends, and it is difficult for them to part with a person if they have a lot of memories.

ESTJ. They are always ready to meet the problem face to face. A very tense personality type. Because of this, ESTJs can get busy and work hard, which is why they can be called a "robot" and it's normal for ESTJs to forget about their condition. If some kind of chaos is going on around them, then ESTJ is cut off and continues to work. Therefore, at work, the ESTJ do not pretend to work.

ESFJ. They spend a lot of his energy on communication. Who sees what alone and sees who, who is. Able to compare and draw conclusions from this. ESFJ switch between modes, so if they have moved home, it will be difficult to get them outside. Any changes or innovations stress the ESFJ. There is a distinctive feature of the ESFJ "If something helped me, then it will help you too" or "It's delicious, so it will be delicious for you too." And if someone wants to prove that it doesn't work that way, it will be very difficult.

ISFP. Their stereotypical positive attitude has a place to be. An emotion-driven personality type, meaning if an ISFP is in a good mood, they will go out and buy something to please themselves. ISFP will not look at their financial condition, if they have enough money for some kind of purchase, they will take it. ISFPs are masters of emotions, so they can help other people and fix their emotional state for better or worse.

ESFP. The type of people who do first, think later. And if because of this they did something bad, they do not find a place for themselves and there is no forgiveness for themselves. They try to gather everyone and chat everyone. Also, ESFP believe that they should do everything perfectly, and then get praise. Often they believe that they are doing their job better than anyone else, and more often this is self-deception. If you point out that their work is nothing, then congratulations ESFP think you're an idiot. And if ESFPs like you, it shows in the way they listen to you, then talk about themselves, even admitting their shortcomings.

ISTP. Bring in the soul, but not in words. Therefore, ISTP will not say something beautiful and poetic, but this type of person tries to do and show his feelings by this. They put their soul and feelings into their actions. ISTP see problems and do not idealize others. If you don't like something, you say it straight to your face. It can also be noted that ISTPs have a "creative" clutter that they don't notice. But in chaos, they always find everything they need, but if they get tired of this dump, they can take it apart. A very picky personality type, as convenience is important to them.

ESTP. When they want something, they always try to achieve it through participation in all events and ESTP take responsibility for the "parties". ESTP can always make logical arguments in their favor. And if ESTP don't get what they want because of some other person, then that other person may look stupid, because ESTP's arguments are ironclad. Can often tell others what to do so that the result is faster and better. But this is not out of malice, and if his actions lead to hatred towards the ESTP, it can drive them into a corner and lower their social activity.

[aspenous]

Started this at 2AM because Kuroshou won't leave the mind. You know what that means

Okay I think we all collectively agree that they're AT LEAST ex-lovers turned rivals right? But can I propose one-sided lovers before and after. Tf do I mean?

I mean a ten year old Kuroo who's too much of a wuss to confess his crush on the new neighbor and instead makes him a flower crown, which Daishou accepts because hey! Someone wants to be his friend and his new classmates are still being cautious around him. Kuroo is over the moon and talks Kenma's year off about how Daishou accepted it and whenever their together he holds his hand, shares his bento box (he ends up taking Daishou's portion of carrots because the boys face crumbles when faced with the food) and even kisses his cheek! He's just as much a volleyball nut as Kuroo is and on days when Kenma can't hang out, he finds himself in front of a clunky TV with Daishou beside him, watching–then re-watching old recorded matches. Kuroo is dead sure their going to grow old together and complain about the weather and whatever else old people do together until Daishou suddenly up and transfers to another school, leaving Kuroo stranded with no new landline or contact information in genral to reach the boy. He's left heartbroken, and when he see's Daishou again across the court, he may or may not let a bit of that childhood betrayal fuel his new rivalry.

I mean a 19-20 year old Daishou who finds out a little too late that he and Kuroo applied for the same university, and now shares a dorm; two rooms, a single bathroom, a closet sized kitchen and the concept of a living room, with him. Their rivarly had mellowed out after their 3rd year, and inbetween graduating, wasting a handfull of weekends trying to figure out what he wanted to do with his life and parting ways with Mika, Daishou couldn't find it in himself to be as petty as he used to be. Kuroo seemed to be on the same wavelength, since all they trade are snide, one off comments or underhanded compliments on a bad day.

They start to co-exist, in a weird 'two different puzzle sets that can be miss n' matched because their templates are the same' way. Kuroo is a early bird, and by the time Daishou wakes up for afternoon classes, he finds breakfast (More like brunch) left in the microwave. Daishou tends to run by the store on his way back and this turns into him handling groceries. Their texts switch from randomass memes Kuroo finds from who-knows-where to random gossip they pick up on around campus. Sometime after mid-term exams, busting their only heater and finding a DvD player for cheap, they start spending Friday nights watching camp horror movies. Sometimes it's Kuroo justifying early 70s movie direction and sometimes its Daiahou guessing correctly the entire plot after ten minutes of watching but always, without fail, it ends with Kuroo draped across Daishou's shoulder and definitely ruining his one good sweater with drool (he doesn't mind as much as he should).

After three months of this, sprinkled with minute touches, catching lingering eyes and living with eachother instead of around one another, Daishou steals one of Kuroo's hoodies; one that's well-worn and he had no reason to take if he was still just a roommate. Kuroo hums when he sees, mumbles a quick 'it suits you' that sounds near bashful before scurrying away and Daiahou is satisfied ("over the moon's more like it" Mika had snickered).

Nothing major changes between them after that. Breakfast is still made for him when he wakes, but he throws some effort into waking up early on Mondays to watch Kuroo cook (and stare at his ass in running shorts), during grocery runs he picks up Kuroos favorite snacks and keeps the cupboard stocked. Simple 'make it home safe?', 'you look good in that' and affectionate cat gifs start to get mixed into their other messages. Kuroo starts suggesting cafes/restaurants and hole-in-the-wall confectioners to visit together. It was almost cute how he'd stammered through his first rec and looked genuinely surprised when Daishou agreed. Movie nights are warmer now. More contact and staring and awkward comments that Daishou doesn't look into. It's fun, being with Kuroo, and he's willing to wait for the rooster head to get comfortable with this–them–at his own pace.

That is, until two months pass and the guy has yet to even kiss him. Daishou's a patient guy, especially when it comes to relationships, but he's still just as human and if the idiot won't initiate anything he will. During the next movie night, he throws whatever into the DvD player and lets exactly 38 minutes pass (yes he counts) before turning over, waits for Kuroo to look back and closes that treacherous distance between them. Its nothing deep, just a peck on the lips, but when he draws back he finds Kuroo red in the face and just staring at him as if Daishou had grown a second head.

Now Daishou's confused, and his mind is slowly beginning to wonder if Kuroo was some weird 'sex before marriage' puritan until his dear sweet boyfriend of nearly two months mutters "I thought you were with Mika–"

Okay that's it no more I went to sleep at 3AM, then woke up to finish the rest of this lmao. Definitely got some basic grammer smudged since I didn't check nothing. If u care they end up half-arguing, half-explaining what they were thinking this entire time and at the end of it Kuroo smooches Daishou a whole bunch like the clingy cat bf he is.

[lol-jackles]

As someone who hates Destiel and the shippers with a passion. It annoys me to admit it felt like Castiel and Dean got alot of moments in S15. Nearly up there with Sam and Dean moment. Also Sam and Castiel didn't even get a goodbye scene. Did they even have a big scene together?

While I do think the original intent of season 15 was to make it Dean and Cas focused because Jared was supposed to leave SPN after season 14, I also think you had a yellow-car confirmation bias.  Attention is naturally very selective.  You might not find a yellow car (because yellow cars are not common), but you might look out for cars in the hopes of spotting a yellow one.  That ~confession scene was given way too much credit and attention by superfans in an otherwise decent episode. But Cas's speech wasn’t for you and the superfans, it was for general audience and casual fans to remind them that Dean is still a hero because they only seen Sam acting heroically trying to protect people from the Snap.  Dean going after Billie looked more like revenge and it was at the cost of Cas’s life.  So this lesson to Dean is that it isn’t all about him.  That’s right, a speech that seems to be all about Dean is actually saying it’s not all about him. 

Cas to Dean: Everything you have ever done, the good and the bad, you have done for love. You raised your little brother for love. You fought for this whole world for love. That is who you are”.  

Audience:  Well, duh.  Also, thanks for the reminder but why?

*Dean dies two episodes later*

Audiene: Oh that’s why.  

So from my perspective, season 15 did not have much Cas and Dean moments other than Cas having a hissy huff in purgatory and Dean's awkward anxiety attack three minutes later, and the meme-making scene that is now tumblr's breaking news template because how indifferent Dean was. I'm sure those two did have more scenes together than the ones I mentioned but they're unmemorable and so apparently unimportant to the plot.

In contrast I remember what Sam and Dean were doing in season 15: the free will vs determinism question and how to escape determinism. Sam represented the former and Dean represented the latter.  Dean believes in determinism so his idea of getting free will (killing Chuck by using Jack as a bomb) was wrong. During their push and pull, Dean has to seek and give forgiveness before he ascends to heaven because (in my interpretation of Christianity), one has to learn to forgive in order to enter heaven because the Savior has died for your sins and forgiven your sins.

Lucifer returns because the devils' purpose on the show is to show God how undeserving humans are by leading them astray. Sam is constantly proving the devil wrong about humanity and lead people in the right direction, in season 15 it's stopping and talking down Dean from his kill-Chuck plan and finding another way to save the world. Sam's fatherly relationship with Jack ascends him into a benevolent God of free will, and from there Sam (and Dean) could write their own stories and complete his Hero Journey arc.

[boinin]

Understand My Ship Meme (3/?): 💀🦎 Edition

My brainrot is less intense for this ship than for my others, which is fine: there's enough people sailing 😘 But like... NagiReo is canon. The author portrays their dynamic as an inverted shoujo, with Reo as the plucky heroine. That's as close to endorsement as you'll get in a shounen sports manga.

My favourite portrayal is where Nagi shows affection primarily by words, and Reo by actions. Odd given Nagi barely speaks. Still, when he does, he's often very direct about what he wants (Reo). But purple bun's usually oblivious, interpreting things like "let's be together forever" as platonic. 💀 Outwardly, Reo seems more whipped, but emotionally it's the other way around.

They don't prominently feature in my Kunigiri fic, but I have written some fluffy goodness between them in a crack one-shot that I intend to share in time. 🤍💜

Credits: Gibbarts for the template. Manga panels are from Episode Nagi chp9 | chp5; colouring by me (Nagi | Reo)

[kybercrystals94]

Looking for a meme template on Mematic for the Summer of Bad Batch blog. Glanced at this one. The instructions to edit are absolute ✨gold✨— 👏I applaud whoever did this…you win.

Meme Credit: Mematic App

Maybe it’s having been a staff manager for years that makes me appreciate the cleverness of these directions…pithy but never fool-proof…because there’s always someone who will need further clarification.

[themanwhomadeamonster]

Arisen & Pawn character introductions!

AND SINCE WE'RE DOING MEMES I MIGHT AS WELL FILL THIS OUT TOO!! Original template by @arisenreborn

Long post so below the read more! Featuring Carwyn and Seresa :>

♛ THE ARISEN:

NAME: Carwyn AGE: 28 in DDDA, 35 in DD2 RACE: Human/ex-Pawn PRONOUNS: he/him PREFERRED VOCATION: Magick Archer FAVORED GIFTS: fancy things, adorable things FAMILY: none LOL, he let his Arisen die in BBI if that counts

POSITIVE TRAITS: headstrong, independent, cautious NEGATIVE TRAITS: a bit of a shitcunt most of the time LIKES: rabbits DISLIKES: Dragonsplague, the entire cycle even before finding out what was beyond Seneschalhood, Saurians

1. What was their life like before becoming Arisen?

Carwyn was once a Pawn to someone who loved him very much, but in a very hurtful way. He left that Arisen to die in BBI thinking it was a mercy kill but it haunted him until he started to become a Corrupted Pawn/Necrophage; he originally had brown hair and brown eyes resembling his Arisen's old flame until the stress and curse of the Isle whitened his hair and changed his eyes. Was nicknamed the Carrion Bladewitch by passersby for being a MA Pawn that hung around corpses a lot. Was barred from the world of Gransys in DD1 since his ties there had been cut, so he ended up in a world without a current Arisen at the time: DD2. Underwent a Bestowal of Spirit upon setting foot on land on Vermund. Emotions suddenly felt less cloudy, and he realised he held a great deal of grief, guilt, and resentment for his Arisen. Carrion's last direction from his Arisen was to help her which he disobeyed, leaving him even more confused and aimless.

Settled down to become a woodworker in Harve Village since the place reminded him of Cassardis. Introduced himself as Carrion, which over time became understood as Carwyn which he graciously accepted, seeing it as one more step away from his former ties.

2. How do they handle being Arisen, and the responsibilities that come with it?

When news that a Dragon had finally confronted Vermund, a spark lit in his heart - this was his chance to die on his own terms. His Bestowed soul was tied to someone he so resented, and he lived in a world that he was unfit for. The Dragon's Dogma would be a test for Carwyn to prove to himself that his life and choices were his own, and not that he wanted to die because his Arisen's soul wished him to. There were two options from here: he would die at the hand of the Dragon as a pathetic vessel of man, at least as dictated by the Dogma rather than by his own Arisen, or he bests the Dragon and proves that his will was his own, so he can die knowing that it wasn't his Arisen driving him to do so.

Based on what happened in BBI, he came to hate the Eternal Cycle. As the story of DD2 progresses, he hates it even more upon realising the Pathfinder's role

3. What are their thoughts on Pawns in general?

Being an ex-Pawn he knows their experiences both good and bad first-hand. Carwyn's in a bit of an awkward spot though because he tries to relate to Pawns but he's developed too much as a human for them to understand some of his experiences, but he also hadn't grown up like a human and lacks many key experiences in that regard too. He also notes that in this world, Pawns seem more open with trying to be expressive compared to the Pawns he encountered in Gransys. He thinks that Pawns here are more expressive because they're more accepted, but can tell that such personalities are still constructed.

Carwyn does miss being able to travel the Rift and see new things, but he doesn't miss the empty feeling in his chest that he feels now as an Arisen, and before as a Pawn.

4. What's their relationship like with their main Pawn?

Carwyn summons his own Pawn, Seresa, a Beastren gleeful like he was when he was first summoned. He only did so at the insistence of other Pawns, though he felt in him a drive and yearning to do so as well. He at first tries to dismiss her back to the Rift, but she stays put, believing her presence was important for her Arisen as it was Carwyn's reason why she was summoned in the first place. Over time, he begins to see Seresa as a little sister to protect (and she later sees him as a brother), maybe a misguided desire reflecting what he wished of himself, but undoubtedly he comes to love her no matter what.

He feels envious and bitter hearing Pawns talk greatly of their own Arisen, so hearing that Seresa say that he's been a good Arisen to her made him start to take his journey as the Arisen more seriously, if at least to keep her safe.

With the return of the Dragonsplague, Carwyn's fears of his experiences in Bitterblack Isle are resurrected, and he becomes more adamant to keep Seresa safe against the Plague's influence upon her. While Seresa knows about what the Dragonsplague is, she's not aware of Carwyn's history in the Isle though can sense that something's off with how keeps avoiding the topic.

5. Do they have any interest in being Sovran? What are their opinions on the politics of the world in general?

Not at all, he thinks the role of Sovran is beyond is scope of knowledge and ability having only lived as a human in Vermund for around 7 years. Carwyn plans to abdicate the position to Regentkin Sven if he ends up slaying the Dragon.

6. Who are their love interest(s) and/or closest friends?

He was excited to see Rook again at the Excavation Site and just as distraught to see him be swallowed by the Brine. Though he knew as a Pawn what awaited beyond the Brine, being a human gave him a newfound fear for it.

Carwyn struggled to befriend anyone particularly closely due to being unfriendly and keeping to himself. Fyoran was the only one who put up with him in Harve Village, so he reciprocates that and treats him favourably.

In Vermund, he grows close with Glenna who keeps him company to pass the time as well as Klaus who he shares experiences with from on the road. He tried to grow close to Beren out of admiration for his skill but Beren found him dishonourable.

7. What drew them to their preferred vocation? Do they have history with it?

Carwyn's Arisen was a Sorcerer, and he was later hired by an Assassin in Bitterblack Isle before that one died too. Blue + Yellow vocation = Magick Archer. When he reaches the Unmoored World, he becomes desperate to keep Seresa safe after the scare when she wouldn't wake up, so he changes his role from being a damage dealer like in DDDA to being supportive. In the Unmoored World, his abilities now feature Recovery Arrow, Fortalice, Martyr's Bolt, and Soporific Arrow.

8. Do they have any hobbies? Any way of relaxing between all that monster-slaying and traveling?

Carwyn took up woodworking and has a hobby of sculpting rabbits. He also likes petting and feeding wild rabbits in the vicinity. He'll hunt other animals, just not them.

♟︎ THE PAWN:

NAME: Seresa AGE: 22 RACE: Beastren PRONOUNS: she/her PREFERRED VOCATION: Fighter FAVORED GIFTS: beautiful things, food lol INCLINATION: simple

POSITIVE TRAITS: righteous, optimistic, curious NEGATIVE TRAITS: impulsive, single-minded, easily distracted LIKES: exploring, flowers, food DISLIKES: slimes

1. What was their life like prior to being summoned by their Arisen?

Asleep, dreaming. In Seresa's case, Carwyn is her main/first Arisen so she was one of the dreaming consciences of the Rift. She was born from Carwyn's desire to have companionship in his journey, someone who would be able to guide him the right direction. Seresa was summoned as someone with a sense of justice, an optimistic outlook, and an eagerness to explore the world to help Carwyn open up to his new world.

2. What is their opinion on the Arisen? How do they view their relationship?

Overall she thinks fondly of Carwyn! He can be frustrating at times but she doesn't have to take much effort to convince him to listen to his gut to do the right thing. She doesn't find out that Carwyn used to be a Pawn until after the Coronation ceremony since his Pawn Print had disappeared by then, and starts to be more patient with him from then on. Likewise, she begins to understand why Carwyn is so sympathetic to her and her fellow Pawns.

Seresa knows that Carwyn loves her very much and isn't ashamed to remind him that whenever he feels self-conscious about his treatment of her. She similarly sees him as a big brother who she tags along with.

3. Is there anything about the Arisen they find troublesome? Be it a small quirk or bad habit? (Or are they obviously flawless?)

Seresa finds him stubborn and abrasive but recognises that part of it is because he doesn't know how to deal with other people. She also knows that Carwyn is hiding more than just the fact that he used to be a Pawn and she thinks it would do the both of them good for him to spill it, but it seems to be a sore spot so she leaves the topic alone.

4. What is their specialization and is there any story behind how they cultivated that skill set?

Seresa often talks about wanting to eat and be comfortable, so Carwyn taught her to be a Logistician - she can make and eat as much food as she wants and he wouldn't bother her about it. It only becomes an issue when she insists that expired food can still be salvaged LOL

5. Do they have any thoughts on the politics of the world and their place in it as a Pawn - or how Pawns are treated?

She feels a little more safe socially in her status as a Pawn knowing that Carwyn is very protective of Pawns (and comes to fully trust him when he admits that he used to be a Pawn as well). But Seresa develops very mixed feelings upon entering Battahl as a Beastren Pawn, seeing scornful eyes from people who are supposed to resemble her and were subject to discrimination back in Vermund. She feels a bit of solidarity with Carwyn when even Battahli people treat him like a Pawn due to his muted behaviours.

6. Does their journey with the Arisen change them in any significant way and how?

After the Coronation ceremony when Seresa felt that great pain in her chest and head, Carwyn immediately freaks out and makes her take time off to rest despite her insistence that they have to move quickly to figure out what's going on. The sudden open display of concern and care for her, felt very out of character, and she prodded for an answer until Carwyn admitted that he used to be a Pawn, and felt too scared to grow close in case he'd turn out like his Arisen, but he didn't want to similarly neglect her in a time like this either. After he apologised for being so distant, the pieces came together for her, and she reassures him that he's not as bad as his former Arisen; they vowed to look after each other. When Seresa pleads - not asks - him not to face the Dragon to die, Carwyn realises she knew all along and is also beginning to undergo Bestowal, so he promises not to do so anymore.

From that point, Seresa begins to mature a bit more emotionally, becomes more in tune with Carwyn's rhythm, and the tips of her mane begin to adopt a white tint.

7. Is there a reason they chose their preferred vocation?

When Carwyn summoned a Pawn, he wanted someone who would protect him not just in battle but as a person. Seresa approached him as a Fighter.

8. Do they have any hobbies or preferred past-times?

Carwyn teaches her how to cook and she discovers a fluttery feeling in her chest! - he tells her that it's pride. While Seresa insists on hanging onto expired food that it may have a use for something later, she finds it disgusting that Carwyn would actually eat it without cooking it if given the chance.

[7grandmel]

Todays rip: 18/02/2024

Mad Mew Mew Becoming Uncanny

Season 6 Featured on: SiIvaGunner's Highest Quality Rips: Volume DQ

Ripped by The Green Spy

Requested by xinos! (Discord)

LORD, where to even begin with this one? I mean, a lot of times when I cover well-known rips on this blog, ones that continue to get references and tributes made within the channel itself, its typically rips from early on in the channel's life. Mii Favorite Things, Ripping Video Game Music​.​.​.​.​.​.​At Night, THE NEW TEAM 10 FORT​!​!​! [Francis Flow: Original Mix] - all of these play part in or started a sort of ecosystem of paying forward respect to rips from the channels past, with these examples being from Season 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Yet seemingly through its sheer quality and variety alone, Mad Mew Mew Becoming Uncanny has become a modern classic on the channel despite being barely a year old, referenced in several rips since and with two direct tributes made during Season 7. How the hell did this happen??

I was thinking of this rip a fair bit whilst I was writing the post on Corridors of Vine, wherein I tossed around some thoughts on just how memes grow and evolve overtime. A lot of memes have a very linear and predictable lifespan correlating to just how overexposed internet users get to them, how long it takes before the joke stops being funny from derivative edits and low-effort uses. Yet we're currently in an internet age where far more platforms with unique features and cultures are all in mainstream circulation at the same time, each one finding new bizarre ways to pump extended life into memes as they would've otherwise fallen out of style. TikTok Duets and stitches, the captioned GIFs on iFunny as saved and spread like wildfire through Discord's GIF keyboard, Twitter's quote retweeting, Redditors' thirst for upvotes making them an easy target for all of the above platforms, and of course YouTube channels like SiIvaGunner itself constantly finding new and surprising ways to edit memes in hope of ending up in users' recommended feeds. And when one of these platforms finds a new way to twist a meme, the rest are soon to follow in its footsteps.

What I'm saying is - tracing the growth of memes made in recent times is an immensely interesting experience for just how many hoops they seem to jump through. A meme like "Super Idol" was one I'd never heard of until it started appearing on SiIvaGunner, because the joke itself is so baked into the culture of TikTok: A clip of a pop song cover with an eye-catching beginning and photogenic singer, with an addictive melodic hook and a silly "twist" of an ending. This one little section of the current internet grew its own meme, raised it through the unique features and community of TikTok itself, and soon enough it was everywhere for just a short while. There's a similarly interesting story to follow with Mr Incredible Becoming Uncanny: an innocuous showcase of AI technology on Twitter grew to be adopted into the most rote-basic "thing good/thing bad" meme template possible, before finding new life on TikTok with a seemingly endless pool of new degrees of Canniness added to the original Twitter joke. By now, its as if we're in the 9th layer of irony with these edits (SiIva itself has a YouTube Short that showcases just how deep in the sauce we are) and I genuinely cannot get enough of it.

Those are just two examples of how bizarrely memes seem to be growing and evolving these days, yet even without that explanation of it all I think it's something a lot of us have sort of become...subconsciously aware of. In my eyes, it's that knowledge, the experience of having seen these memes come and go in popularity in so many different ways, that makes Mad Mew Mew Becoming Uncanny such a delight to experience. The two Frankenstein-ian memes I used as examples here, juxtaposed with the enduring icon of meme culture in Rick Astley's Never Gonna Give You Up, effectively assault your senses in a YTPMV made out of pure gold. That is, of course, to be expected from The Green Spy - a ripper who seems content in remaining anonymous yet has been putting out some of the densest YTPMVs I've ever seen on the channel as of late, such as (YTPMV) Bob​-​Omb Battlesources.

The quality of the original Mad Mew Mew certainly help the rip stick with you, yet its really the sheer pace and silliness of the visuals that make the rip unforgettable. Uncanny Mr Incredible practically bursting into the rip out of nowhere five seconds in, the edit of Tian Yiming himself being made uncanny at the end of his section, we in the audience being called out for our canniness, the tenth layer of irony being applied with an Uncanny meme being applied to the very jokes used by the SiIvaGunner team themselves, and even a brief segment paying tribute to VTuber Ina'nis Ninomae...whose birthday this rip was apparently part of as a larger event?

It's a whole bunch of sources, a concoction of shitposting from times of old and new, intent both ironic and genuine - an experience that's as memorable and catchy as it is deeply hilarious to watch. It may be due to my lack of knowledge with VTubers in general, but I hardly remembered this rip as being part of Ina'nis Ninomae's birthday, it alone stood so tall as to eclipse the event itself in legacy. Visuals, jokes, energy, quality, and catchiness - Mad Mew Mew Becoming Uncanny was the perfect storm to leave an unmistakable impression on the channel. The 100K viewcount appears relatively modest when compared to other hits on the channel, and yet, it feels as if every SiIvaGunner fan of today *has* to have heard of this rip; or if nothing else, heard it referenced someplace else. The Green Spy demonstrates time and time again the power that high quality YTPMV holds, and struck absolute gold with Mad Mew Mew Becoming Uncanny, a mess of noise that...still somehow manages to spark so many thoughts out of me.

[cassynite]

Commander as Companion Meme

@dragonologist-phd's original template is here!

Name: Sparrow

Race: Plumekith aasimar

Class: Magus--Sword Saint

Appearance: Sparrow is a woman who is easily missed--small and unassuming, with straight long brown hair and plain clothing in muted earth tones. She has a long face prone to frowning, and would be described as plain, though in certain lights glimmers of gold can be found in the undertone of her skin and in her eyes--subtle signs of her aasimar heritage. She also has strange reddish discoloration along her hairline, around her eyes, and on the tops of her ears--on closer examination, you can see tiny scars around empty follicles, as if the skin had been permanently bruised from excessive plucking. She carries herself in a hunched posture as if to make herself smaller, and avoids your gaze when she speaks.

Favored Weapon/Equipment: A longsword wielded in her left hand, and magic in her right. She focuses a lot on shielding or defensive magic to create armor, as she typically doesn't wear any, and touch elemental spells that she can direct with her sword.

Top Skills: Knowledge (Arcana), Perception, Mobility

Alignment: True Neutral

General Personality: Sparrow is a reserved and quiet individual. She rarely speaks about herself or her past and it takes a lot of trust for her to open up. She folds easily under pressure and will rarely give her actual opinions on something, though when asked she often gives practical advice that focuses on completing the task with as little resources as possible that avoid collateral damage. Despite her quiet demeanor, she can be goaded into outbursts of passion, and will consistently work herself to the bone to achieve goals or to help those she is loyal to. If her companion quests are completed with high trust she will grow to be more animated and opinionated, though she will always remain someone who reserved around those she does not feel comfortable with.

What traits/values do they admire?

Displaying empathy to others in very bad situations and avoiding unnecessary violence or harming defenseless people. Using caution and discretion when dealing with matters when able. General devotion to a cause or people and shows of loyalty. High-minded ideals, drive, and confidence or ambition. Respecting her opinions, boundaries, and decisions.

What traits/values do they disapprove of?Authoritarian decisions. Excessive violence or lack of care to the public and the defenseless. Ignoring her boundaries and requests, or going against her advice. Any and all forms of slavery, including using conscripted forces, aligning with Cheliax in any form, or the lich path in general.

Are they affiliated with any deities?

No. Sparrow is an Atheist. She can be asked about this and she'll make an especially bitter comment about gods not finding her worth their while, so she doesn't see them as worth hers. Then she'll apologize for the comment. (An atheist commander will have additional dialogue options wit her similar to conversation with Ember).

What do they think of their role in the Crusades, and of sharing the Commander’s Mythic powers? What are their reasons for joining the commander’s party?

Sparrow will react pretty negatively to being in the Crusades, and to the Commander's power. She finds it exposing to be in the epicenter of such a large movement. She first joined the Commander's party out of necessity, being stuck in a city that was burning to the ground, and stayed at the Commander/Anevia's encouragement because her skills were useful to the cause. She'll admit that she would not have joined the Crusade by choice, and definitely not as the Commander's companion, but she is already here she will help.

Who are their friends among the other party members?

Seelah: Seelah would be one of the first people Sparrow feels comfortable with, drawn to opening up a little to her friendly and casual demeanor. They end up sharing battle tips, swapping stories and jokes, with Seelah acting as a big sister. However, Sparrow gets uncomfortable and irritated at Seelah's piety, and any time Seelah tries to learn about Sparrow's past, Sparrow avoids the question. When Sparrow's past comes to light in Act 3, there's dialogue that shows Seelah feeling hurt that Sparrow never trusted her enough to share her past of her own volition.

Lann: Sparrow and Lann get along pretty well. Sparrow finds some of Lann's opinions grating, but Lann's own self-deprecating humor and easygoing manner quickly makes Sparrow comfortable enough to express them in one way or another from time to time. However, whenever Lann gets genuinely irritated Sparrow immediately backs down and shuts up, showing she's never fully comfortable with him.

Ember: Sparrow does not treat Ember like a child but rather a peer and an equal, and one who has valuable advice to give. She will often express envy at Ember's lack of resentment and her ability to approach strangers with an open heart. Ember often calls Sparrow out on her own perceived flaws in an attempt to get her to open up about herself--saying that she is a good person because she's in the Crusade even though she is frightened, and that she's doing a lot for everyone by being a steadfast friend. Ember also consistently encourages Sparrow to take off her "mask" which Sparrow will get very uncomfortable over.

Woljif: Sparrow is unfailingly kind to Woljif, often using him as a source for supplies. She will let him play games with her and even run cons by her, and will get defensive about people ribbing on Woljif's cowardice. Her lack of judgment comes from her perspective that all people are shaped by their environments rather than some intrinsic aspect of their nature--Sparrow's perspective is that Woljif probably could have become something other than a thief and a coward but it was far less likely to happen considering the fact he was persecuted his whole life for being a tiefling. She can hardly blame him for the circumstances around his childhood and the behaviors it ingrained into him, and appreciates the fact that Woljif is open about how he puts himself first, and finds him comfortable and easy to talk to. Woljif for his part can kind of tell that Sparrow's kindness comes from a somewhat patronizing stance but will ultimately ignore it because it makes Sparrow an easy mark. Later on, if his quest is completed with his human side winning out, he'll thank Sparrow for not judging him.

Sosiel: While Sparrow finds Sosiel's religion grating, as well as some of his overtures of kindness patronizing, she will end up pretty close friends with him, specifically letting him speak to her about his worries and concerns over his brother and offering him comfort and advice. Later, after her past is revealed, Sparrow will talk to Sosiel a little bit about how she lost her own brother and how she finds it difficult to understand his own conflicted emotions about Trever--to her, it wouldn't matter what kind of person her brother had become if he was alive, and she hopes he can find that same resolve within himself. If Trever survives Sparrow also becomes close to him as well and offers advice for his nightmares and panic attacks, and sympathize with him over his experience as a battle slave.

Arueshalae: Sparrow will be wary of Arueshalae's intentions and desires. However, Sparrow also believes that anyone and everyone can change with enough desire to do so, and is supportive of the idea that Arueshalae is attempting to earn redemption. Because of this she will make a concentrated effort to keep an open mind because would be unfair not to and if Arue's attempts are genuine, derision and doubt will not help--and if they are not, well, her support does not leave her so exposed as to make her more vulnerable than she already is with Arue part of their team. This willingness to give Arue a chance will eventually develop into a tentative, then firm friendship.

What about rivals?

Daeran: Sparrow and Daeran tend to have a contentious relationship--the most openly contentious out of anyone, in fact, as Daeran's comments are able to get a rise out of Sparrow in a way that very few other people can manage. Sparrow finds him immature and selfish, and Daeran delights in pushing her buttons. He finds Sparrow's self-restraint dull and her non-confrontational demeanor passive-aggressive and hypocritical. However, they actually end up agreeing on a lot of topics--gods, nobility, the accountability of individuals and the hypocrisy of so-called "righteous" people--and Sparrow finds him genuinely funny, to her irritation. If they are in the party together, nine times out of ten if Daeran makes a cutting or witty remark, the KC will notice Sparrow visibly holding back laughter and looking angry about it. There are a few camp party banters where Daeran will even approach Sparrow with kindness or what seems like open interest in her thoughts; however, Sparrow will always retreat when he does this because she interprets it as a setup to a joke where she is the punchline. There is dialogue that can trigger after Daeran's final quest which has Sparrow reaching out more or being more open with Daeran, and Daeran commenting on it. Daeran asks her if she thinks that knowing about his tragic past has suddenly made him nicer and Sparrow says no--she's just decided that his jokes are funny after all. Epilogue slide screens can show that she is one of the companions Daeran still spends time with after the events of the game.

Nenio: Sparrow finds Nenio's consistent questions invasive and thoughtless at best, and downright harmful at worst. She will refuse to engage with Nenio in her experiments and will avoid speaking with her at all if possible. Occasionally, if pressed, she will show that she takes issue with Nenio's single-minded approach to her desire for knowledge, expressing disbelief and disgust that Nenio would choose to forget everything about her life--about the people who existed in her life--all because they weren't "important." To Sparrow, knowledge without context is meaningless and Nenio's desire for it is alien to her. If the KC completes Nenio's companion quest, there is camp dialogue that can trigger where Nenio comments that Sparrow has been far more willing to help her with her experiments, and makes hypotheses based on why--settling on the fact that, having learned Nenio's nature as a husk given consciousness, Sparrow has developed a misplaced sense of sympathy toward her. Sparrow admits that she'd been wrong to judge Nenio so harshly, and hopes that she might help create memories of others that Nenio might find important enough to keep--or, at least, help Nenio realize that memories of those who care about her are important on their own. It is implied, if not directly stated, that Sparrow sees her family, particularly her brother, in Nenio.

Camellia: Camellia will be surprisingly polite to Sparrow, though her more gracious manners are clearly because of Sparrow's presentation as Lady Evaethi in Nerosyan, and her genteel manners are barbed in a similar way that they are with Daeran. Sparrow treats Camellia very warily, responding with equal politeness to Camellia's comments but declining any direct help or any information about herself. Camellia may try to push for more information, but after Sparrow's past is revealed she loses interest and the polite veneer.

Wenduag: Wenduag writes Sparrow off as weak and unworthy of her notice, taking her quiet and non-confrontational demeanor to mean she has very little will or drive of her own. She'll comment that Sparrow would be unlikely to survive on her own and would be smart to ally herself with the strongest person in the room, the same way Wenduag does; Wenduag in fact believes that is what Sparrow is doing. Sparrow will, like with most other characters she is uncomfortable with or dislikes, avoid Wenduag whenever able and refuse to rise to the bait. The few times she will come into conflict is when her true past as a slave is revealed, and Wenduag makes a comment that the position is appropriate for someone of Sparrow's demeanor.

Greybor: Sparrow finds Greybor uncomfortable to be around. She's not terribly against his profession--in her opinion killing for a job isn't somehow more evil than killing for a zealous cause--but his clear enjoyment in the art of taking another life makes her find him emotionally apathetic to the suffering of others. He can say he doesn't lose sleep over what he does because he's "a professional" all he wants--Sparrow sees it as an inability to truly see other lives as real people, which means that at the end of the day, good reputation or not, he's untrustworthy. She is respectful to him whenever he asks for anything but will otherwise avoid talking to him entirely.

Are they on any councils? If so, what sort of advice do they give?

Sparrow can be found in the Logistics and Leadership Councils. In Logistics she gives advice focusing on stretching supplies as far as they can go, as well as egalitarian distribution methods. The Leadership Council has her advising ways to ferret out the minds behind the propaganda campaign of the Wary to root them out of the Crusade--she does not believe that placating the masses as a whole will provide long-term benefits.

Where do they hang out in the Defender's Heart? Drezen? In the Abyss?

In Defender's Heart, she can be found near the stairwell to the basement, close to Forn Autumn Haze and Jernaugh.

In Drezen, she's outside the inn. Dialogue can indicate she takes up another room near Nenio (and is not terribly pleased with this arrangement).

In the Abyss, she's found near where the rescued aasimar stand if they are saved.

What are their idle animations?

Placing her hand on the hilt of her sheathed sword; looking around, pulling out a notebook and flipping through the pages before adding something into the margins, checking the bags on her waist.

If they’re taken to Areelu’s lab, what is their dream?

Sparrow is inside a house cluttered with blueprints for various inventions such as water filters, teleportation devices, and bridges. Sparrow is sitting next to a human man with similar features as her, watching him create a miniature model of one of the designs. He is talking animatedly about the process while she listens, smiling. She looks far more at peace and open than the KC has ever seen her.

When Sparrow sees the KC her expression collapses, then shutters. She apologizes if she caused a delay and moves to leave.

Afterward, Sparrow will reveal various amounts of context depending on her trust level; a high-trust Sparrow will inform the KC that the man was her older brother, Crow. He had basically raised her until she was eleven, when they made a trip to Alkenstar that was waylaid by slavers. Sparrow was captured and sold into slavery; Crow was murdered.

Do they advise the commander to abandon or keep their mythic powers?

For Azata, Angel, and Trickster, she will say yes, supporting the ideals of goodness and freedom (respectively) that they represent. She shows varying levels of enthusiasm with each of these paths in order.

For lawful and evil-aligned paths she will tell them to go Legend. Demon, Aeon, and Lich paths all have her urge the KC to let the power go and find themselves--the amount of vehemence she gives in her argument correlates to order, with her being most against the KC becoming a lich. Doing so immediately drops her trust to the lowest level, regardless of its level before, and if she was romanced it automatically ends. Something similar will happen if the KC becomes a Devil in Act 5.

If the KC goes Swarm, she leaves like all other companions.

How/when do they join the Commander’s party?

Sparrow is found at the beginning of the game in the tunnels underneath Kenabres--after Camellia but before the group encounter Lann and Wenduag. She will help the group fight off a group of spiders with only magic, and in the subsequent dialogue Seelah will provide her with an extra weapon.

She joins the general thrust to escape the caves and helps the efforts to assault the Gray Garrison.

Describe their companion quest:

THE TRUST COUNTER: Important to Sparrow's quests and just learning about Sparrow in general, Sparrow has a trust counter that affects her actions and reactions to you throughout the entirety of the game. The KC automatically starts off with low trust, which means she will not willingly divulge any information about herself or her opinions without being pushed (an action that will further lower her trust). Basic dialogue where you can ask her about herself has her dodging questions, and a KC that never gains her trust can't learn even basic facts about her life.

However, if she's in the party she will often make suggestions and recommendations, which the KC can dismiss, support, acknowledge but not follow, or shut down entirely (which stops these interactions). Doing so raises and lowers trust at various intervals. Many Good, Chaotic, and angel-aligned actions will also inspire trust, while Evil and Lawful decisions tend to make her lose trust; however an Evil KC can absolutely gain High Trust and happy endings with Sparrow as long as they are not a lich or devil. Completing her companion quests positively and showing her support and acceptance are the easiest ways to gain high trust with her. High trust is necessary for her best ending.

--

Sparrow's first quest can be triggered in Act 1 by speaking to her in the Defender's Heart. She will request that, if the KC has time, to go by a merchant's store in upper Kenabres where she was to meet an artificer before the attack. She will refuse to provide more information than this, but will stress the importance of it and her gratitude if the KC can find the time. (This quest is not an urgent one and can be done after the attack on the Defender's Heart.)

The KC would then need to travel with Sparrow to the location marked on the map. They will find the place destroyed and overrun with cultists. After they are killed, Sparrow finds and identifies the body of the man she was supposed to meet. She is clearly upset by this revelation--showing a surprising amount of emotion compared to what the KC would have seen in her before this point--and immediately starts searching his body; the KC can react to this but she will ignore them. After that is done she will go to the nearby shelves and start going through the books on there, trying without success to find something.

The KC can eventually get her to stop and demand an explanation; she will not give one other than the fact that she'd very desperately needed the thing she was paying for. The KC can press for more information but she won't give it; at this point they can offer to help, let her take the time to look through the store, or tell her that this is a waste of time and they should leave. The first two options add to Sparrow's trust and cause a period of two hours to pass; the third option causes a loss of trust but ends Sparrow's search and allows the party to leave. Regardless of the choice, nothing is found.

Sparrow can be spoken to again in the Defender's Heart after the quest is done; depending on how the quest ended and Sparrow's trust level at the time, Sparrow will show varying levels of disappointment at what had occurred. She will not state explicitly why she had reached out to the artificer, but higher trust will have her admit that it was an important, life-changing item, one that she will now have to find an alternate way to obtain. The KC can ask for more information, or offer to help her, which she will express gratitude for but decline; this problem is hers to deal with alone.

--

During Act 1, a special conversation will trigger either after the party meets Daeran or after the attack on the Defender's Heart, whichever comes first.

The KC will come to the Defender's Heart and find Sparrow wanting to talk to them--if Sparrow is low trust, Anevia will also be present.

If she is has high enough trust (basically can only be reached if the KC has chosen angel options before now or her companion quest was completed positively before this interaction), Sparrow informs the KC that due to recent events she has realized she needs to disclose something about herself to them. She then tells them that, while she would very much prefer to be called Sparrow, many outside of Kenabres would know her better as Lady Evaethi Arvanxi, the only daughter of Lord Gregoriath Arvanxi of Cheliax. She has lived in Mendev as an attache for the Chelish diplomatic envoy for two years. She stresses that her past is simply something she wants to leave behind her and that she would have preferred it if no one ever found out about it, but that recent events (either meeting/recruiting Daeran, who knew her in Neroysan, or the latest demon attack) has prompted her to let the KC know of this so they would not think she was untrustworthy.

If her trust threshold is not met, Sparrow is not informing this to the KC of her own volition, but because Anevia--who has known about Sparrow's identity this entire time--has strongly urged that Sparrow be open about her past to help establish trust. Sparrow is more sparse on details and reticent to elaborate on her past, stressing even more that she does not want people to think of her as the woman she was even a few months ago.

The KC can either be understanding and accepting (which greatly increases trust), ask her if she's keeping any more secrets (she will say yes, but that they're not important to the Crusade), deride her for lying to begin with (trust loss), or tell her that she's on thin ice (minor trust loss). Sparrow accepts all responses with equanimity and thanks the KC for their time.

--

In Act 2, while the camp is setting out, the KC can find Sparrow packing bags--now that Kenabres is safe, she's leaving. KC can let her go, wishing her well or ill; this will cause her to permanently leave the party and remove her as a companion. Alternatively, they can try to convince her to stay.

The KC has two options to convince her: a persuade and an intimidate option. The skill check on the persuade option is higher the lower Sparrow's trust is; if the KC has accrued the max amount of trust possible at this point, it is not even a skill check, while a very low trust relationship will force the KC to pass a relatively high check for their level. Persuading Sparrow will make her stay and raise her trust.

The intimidate check is always the same, and relatively low; it's essentially threatening to look further into Sparrow's past if she doesn't continue to make contributions to the Crusade. Sparrow will stay if it is passed, but it causes a massive trust loss.

--

In Act 3, Sparrow's second companion quest triggers after the first of the major quests is completed (either the Mythic or the Crusade quests). A new Councilroom event appears, stating that a representative from Cheliax has come to Drezen to discuss important matters with the Commander. Entering Drezen/the councilroom triggers the cutscene where a man introduces himself as Lord Gregoriath Arvanxi, third cousin to House Arvanxi's head and Lady Evaethi Arvanxi's father. He has come to Drezen to help represent Cheliax's interests in Crusade efforts, but more importantly he is here for his daughter; he informs the KC that Evaethi is not a fighter at heart and he was very concerned when he heard news that she had joined the Crusade as part of the Commander's group.

While in the conversation, Gregoriath will ask questions about how Evaethi has been, if she's been hurt. He comes across as an overly concerned father, but some things don't ring very true--he describes his daughter as flighty, impulsive, and with no sense of self-preservation or head for the politicking of her station. This all flies against what Sparrow has shown for herself, and the KC can tell Gregoriath this; if they do he will get quiet and say that is surprising. Either way he will insist on speaking with her.

The KC can reach out to Sparrow at this time and inform her about Gregoriath wanting to see her. Sparrow will thank the KC for the info and state she will reach out to meet with her father; a low perception check will let the KC know that something is very off with Sparrow. A high perception check will show that this information has terrified her for some reason. Both checks will allow the KC to inquire further about Sparrow's relationship with Gregoriath, which Sparrow will rebuff regardless of trust level. However, the KC has the option at this point to tell Sparrow that, whatever the issue is, they will be there to help her. This leads to a large trust gain and Sparrow thanks the KC but states that she will meet with her father alone, because this is something she has to do by herself. She asks the KC not expect her to accompany them until this matter is resolved.

After either a rest, or the KC leaves Drezen and returns, a cutscene will occur where a furious Gregoriath approaches the KC in the council room. He informs the KC that the woman who has identified herself as Evaethi is an imposter--whoever this woman is, she has stolen Evaethi's identity and possibly killed his daughter. The KC can inquire for more details and learn that Gregoriath confronted Sparrow about this, but Sparrow fled Drezen and is now on the run. He wants help bringing her to justice. The KC can agree to help in various ways, but refusing will cause Gregoriath to leave and Sparrow to be permanently removed as a party member.

If the KC agrees, Gregoriath will state he knows how to track her--though questioning him will not provide how--and he provides a location to go to that will intercept her path to Kenabres. When the KC travels to the location, they will find Sparrow having just arrived. She seems surprised, then resigned, and asks if the KC is going to kill her now. Gregoriath will appear at this point, and demand the KC allow him to take her back to Cheliax to be tried and punished for the murder and impersonation of Evaethi. Sparrow will say nothing in response.

The KC has three options: give Gregoriath what he wants and let Sparrow be tried, kill Gregoriath instead, or ask Sparrow for her side of the story.

Attempting to turn Sparrow over will make her go hostile, with her saying she would prefer to die than "go back." The KC will have to kill her, and Gregoriath will be very upset but will drop the matter and reward the KC if the KC points out that he still got justice, in the end. Sparrow is permanently removed as a party member, but "Cheliaxian funds" becomes a buff in Crusade management mode.

Killing Gregoriath outright will shock Sparrow, who will ask why the KC did so; the KC has various responses which will either raise or lower Sparrow's trust. Back in Drezen, depending on trust, Sparrow will reveal aspects of her past--a high-trust KC can learn basically all of her past, while a low-trust KC would only learn she was a slave.

If the KC tells Sparrow to state her case, Sparrow will be shocked, but then explain--she is not some random murderess who came across Evaethi Arvanxi; she was a slave to the house and had specifically been bought to impersonate Evaethi as needed. Evaethi was not murdered, but ran away when she had been ordered to go to Mendev and had escaped her father's overbearing presence for the first time in her life. Sparrow knew that Gregoriath would kill her and every one of Evaethi's other servants if he ever found out, and that is why she pretended to be Evaethi in Nerosyan. The KC can ask various questions here--asking why Sparrow didn't just run away reveals that Sparrow had been branded with a tracking rune, one that meant Gregoriath could always find her, and that Sparrow had come to Kenabres to try and get rid of it so she could finally disappear.

Gregoriath will attempt after several questions to intervene, admitting he did obscure how he knew Sparrow in an attempt to save face. He calls Sparrow a failure for not protecting his daughter and ungrateful for everything they did for her--she was given food, an education, and a comfortable life that let her adequately intimidate a noble. Sparrow's temper flares and she calls Gregoriath a monster who took away her name, her past, and her brother, and if she were a stronger person she would have killed him in his sleep. Gregoriath still demands Sparrow's arrest and a trial, which takes the KC back to the previous options.

Handing Sparrow over leads to the same result as it would have before learning her backstory. Killing Gregoriath leads to a slightly different response from Sparrow--an automatic high trust gain and her appreciation, rather than shock and confusion. The KC will also now have a third option--declaring Sparrow an invaluable asset to the Crusades and stating they have authority as leader of the Crusades under Mendevian law, they can either conscript her service to the Crusades as a slave (which leads to massive trust loss) or they can demand Gregoriath free her (which leads to a massive trust gain). Gregoriath will not have any recourse to take Sparrow but will refuse to lift her tracking brand and will tell the KC they will regret this.

Afterward, Sparrow will be stunned and nearly catatonic. She will ask for any questions to wait until she gets some sleep. When the party enters Drezen again, a cutscene will happen in one of the rooms of the inn, where Sparrow continues to be largely unresponsive. Finally, depending on how the quest ended, she'll ask why the KC acted the way they did. They can respond in various ways, both positive and negative, that can change Sparrow's trust level accordingly; ultimately Sparrow will state that the KC's reasoning makes sense and starts to quietly cry. She'll admit that she's been under Gregoriath's power for so long she can barely comprehend that, at least in some way, she is no longer beholden to his control. While her current situation is hardly ideal, it is farther than she'd ever thought she'd get.

The KC can ask questions about her plan and what she had been thinking of when Gregoriath first came to Drezen. They can also ask her why she did not just tell them the truth. She will admit that she couldn't imagine the KC believing or supporting her--either they would write her off as a runaway slave or they would consider what Gregoriath offered to valuable to defend her. With high trust, she will tell how she tried to escape before, and told the one person she thought she could trust: Evaethi, trapped in that household the same as Sparrow was, even if for different reasons. Sparrow thought that made them sisters, but when she told Evaethi of her plan to get them both out of the Arvanxi household, Evaethi told Gregoriath. That is why Sparrow was branded to begin with. Sparrow will end the story by apologizing for thinking the KC would react the same way--she was clearly wrong. 

After this quest, more dialogue options are available for Sparrow to talk about her time as a slave with the Arvanxis; for example, the KC can learn at this point that Sparrow used to have feathers that no longer grow due to them constantly being removed over and over so she could better impersonate Evaethi. Sparrow will also talk about her childhood in Dehrukani and her relationship with her brother.

--

Sparrow's final quest occurs in Act 5, after either Iz or the Ineluctable Prison is completed. There will be a cutscene in the council room where the KC receives a message from a soldier from Kenabres. The main purpose of the meeting is to discuss the state of the city, but while speaking to the soldier he will mention that he had come across a group of Chelish soldiers traveling up to Drezen to discuss something regarding Gregoriath Arvanxi.

The KC can then bring this up to Sparrow, who will express concern that they are coming on behalf of Gregoriath (if the Act 3 quest was resolved peacefully) or they are going to look into Gregoriath's disappearance (if he was killed). Sparrow tells the KC that either way it is likely meant to be some kind of public statement that she would prefer be kept private; she asks to intercept them on the road before they make it to Drezen so they can resolve this as privately as possible.

The KC can agree or disagree; disagree causes trust loss and will have Sparrow either outright tell or hint that she will take care of this herself if the KC will not help her. Declining again fails the quest and has Sparrow leave the party. Agreeing will cause a new location to appear on the map about halfway between Kenabres and Leper's Smile.

KC and party with Sparrow go to this location; entering the area causes a cutscene to trigger where they are met a group of elves wearing Cheliaxian armor; a perception check shows the armor is ill-fitting and clearly stolen. Before the KC can do much but notice that there's something up, a trap triggers that knocks out the entire party. When everyone wakes up, the elves are gone--and so is Sparrow. The KC can follow the area, taking out monsters along the way, to find a cave. There, they find Sparrow with the elves and another figure--a scarred human man who identifies himself as Crow, Sparrow's presumed-dead brother.

The KC will learn in subsequent dialogue that Crow did not die when the slavers kidnapped Sparrow, as Sparrow had believed--instead, he had been gravely injured, and had been taken in by a group of Ekujae elves who nursed Crow back to health over the course of years. He had stayed with them, hobbled by his physical and emotional injuries, until he learned of the Fifth Crusade and heard of Sparrow's activities within it. Returning to society he unearthed Sparrow's history and connected it back to her enslavement in Cheliax, and came to the conclusion that she is now being used as a battle slave in the Crusades. He's here to rescue her, and has isolated her from the rest of the party to remove her tracking rune so they can escape.

The quest splits after this point:

If Sparrow was low trust with the KC, Sparrow will be awake and urging Crow to hurry--the KC will hear her tell her brother that the KC is dangerous and that she's afraid of what they'll do if they find the pair. It's unclear if Crow had come to rescue Sparrow completely of his own volition or if Sparrow had helped orchestrate her own escape. It's clear that, either way, Sparrow has not remained in the Crusades willingly.

Crow will accuse the KC of enslaving his sister, and no matter what the KC tells him, and despite Sparrow's pleas, he will always attack and the KC will have to kill Crow. Sparrow, distraught, will also try to attack the KC. However the KC can talk her down with a successful high Intimidation check. If the KC is a lich, they also have a unique dialogue option bypassing the intimidation check that has them threaten to raise Sparrow's brother as an undead slave if she does not fall in line.

If the KC fails to intimidate/threaten Sparrow into compliance, she will attack and must be killed. If they succeed, they can either tell her to get lost, which causes her to flee and be permanently removed from the party, or inform her that her work in the Crusades is not finished. She will remain as a companion, though her dialogue options completely change; her exchanges become quiet, deferential, and obedient. She makes it clear she will do as is bid and serve the Crusade however long the KC deems necessary.

If Sparrow is mid- or high-trust, when they enter the cave Crow will still be working to remove Sparrow's tracking rune, but Sparrow is dazed, confused, and gives dialogue indicating she thinks she's hallucinating; Crow will make a comment apologizing for having to drug her again but her reaction when she woke had been violent and he plans to explain everything once they're safe.

When Crow removes the tracking rune, the KC intervenes and like before, Crow accuses the KC of keeping Sparrow in the Crusades against her will. However, Sparrow will react with relief upon seeing the party, and that gives Crow enough pause that Sparrow can recover a little, and the KC can try to speak to Crow. The KC now has the option to attempt to convince Crow that Sparrow is a willing companion; this involves a number of persuasion checks, which can be higher or lower depending on mythic path (evil paths require higher persuasion checks to make Crow stand down).

Failure to pass two persuasion checks causes Crow to attack, though the KC has the option to spare him after defeating him. Killing him will make Sparrow leave the party automatically, heartbroken over the loss of her brother, though she will not attack the KC over it. If the KC spares him and lets him go, Sparrow will thank the KC for their mercy and apologize on his behalf even though Crow shows no remorse and will tell the KC he will save his sister one way or another. He leaves, and Sparrow mourns the lost opportunity to reconnect with her brother, stating she wishes she'd had the chance to convince him herself that she chose to remain with the Crusade. She remains as a companion.

Passing the checks will cause Crow to stand down, though he will insist he doesn't believe that Sparrow belongs in the Crusades; she has had enough violence and misery in her life, and requests to take Sparrow with him anyway so that he can help her heal. In exchange, he will offer his own services to the Crusade as an engineer. Agreeing loses Sparrow as a companion but gives a massive buff to Crusade armies; refusing keeps Sparrow as a party member. Sparrow stays silent until the end and will not argue with the KC's decision to stay or go, thanking them either way for convincing Crow of her willingness to fight for the Crusade. She then apologizes for not saying anything herself, stating she wished she'd been able to tell Crow herself, but she just couldn't figure out how to speak up, even to her own brother.

Alternatively, instead of trying to convince Crow on their own, the KC can ask Sparrow to tell Crow the truth.

If Sparrow is mid-trust, she will hesitate, fall over her words, and eventually fall silent, just telling Crow to "listen to the Commander, please." This brings the dialogue back to the persuasion checks. Quest endings for KC persuasion remain the same, though Sparrow's dialogue will now include her apologizing for not being able to convince her brother properly. She's stayed silent for so long that she doesn't know how to really talk to or stand up to someone. She thanks the KC for doing it for her and commits herself to the Crusade.

If Sparrow is high-trust, she will be open and forthright with Crow, thanking him for coming all the way here to save her and expressing joy that she's alive...but stating that she is with the Crusade because she wants to be, because it is the right thing to do, and that she believes in the Knight Commander's vision. Crow will comment that he can't believe his gentle little sister would ever willingly enter battle, and Sparrow is kind but firm when she tells him that his gentle little sister died when she was taken by slavers. Sparrow's walked a long road since then, and it's made her into a different person--one who does not love him less, but has different priorities. Depending on the KC's mythic path she will have slightly different dialogue on her vision, but will basically state that she wants to close the Worldwound by any means possible, and then live her life beyond that to the best of her ability--by either finding happiness for herself or helping others. She asks Crow to understand and support her decision.

Crow will believe her; Sparrow stays a companion. He also offers to help the cause his sister has dedicated herself to and provides his services to the Crusade. Post-quest dialogue will have Sparrow thank the KC for helping her with her brother, but more importantly, for believing in her and giving her the strength to find her voice again. She'd spent her entire life hiding behind masks, pretending to be something she's not, and she's always been terrified of showing her true thoughts and feelings. But the KC's support has shown that she has the strength to be herself, to face what makes her afraid and not break from it.

Are they romanceable? Describe their romance quest/scenes if you want!

Sparrow is romanceable to a KC of any gender. The KC can start flirting with Sparrow basically as soon as they meet her, with dialogue options that compliment her appearance and her ability with a sword; Sparrow will thank the KC but will otherwise act wary to the attention. Once the KC has established some trust with Sparrow, however, additional dialogue options will appear to compliment Sparrow's problem-solving skills as well as discuss her opinions on various matters in the Crusade, which she will respond more positively to.

Multiple flirtatious dialogue options can be picked throughout the first three acts, specifically in the post-quest dialogue in act 1 (where the KC can tell Sparrow that they would help her with anything she asked), when convincing her to stay in Act 2 (a line something along the lines of "I see you in my future" or something equally cheesy), and as reactions to a lot of Sparrow's commentary to various events if she is in the party.

Post Sparrow's Act 3 quest, Sparrow will ask the KC why they defended her, when Gregoriath had the law and his status on his side and Sparrow had lied to them. There are a multitude of options, but one is the KC telling Sparrow that they defended Sparrow for Sparrow, alone--that they care about her. Sparrow, if she's been flirted with at all past this point, will ask what the KC means by this. She sounds wary, or perhaps hopeful. The KC can either talk about how they value as a companion and a friend, or they can tell Sparrow that she means a lot to them, and that they want something more.

If Sparrow is low trust she will thank the KC for their attentions but say she does not return them. Otherwise, she will hesitate, saying she isn't sure that a relationship is wise...but that her feelings for the commander are also stronger than she'd ever expected them to be. She's willing to give this a chance if the KC wishes. If the KC agrees, Sparrow will become overcome with emotion, and the two share a kiss. The KC can, at this point, escalate the relationship to a sexual encounter.

If, at any point, Sparrow's trust dips into the low threshold, the next time the KC enters Drezen/the Nexus, Sparrow will break up with them, stating they're not the person she thought they were.

Besides the romance initiation scene in Act 3, Sparrow also has romance-specific scenes in Act 4 and 5.

In Act 4, a romance scene triggers after the Battlebliss aftermath, the next time the KC enters the Nexus. Sparrow will ask if they can spend a minute alone, and will take you to an area otherwise inaccessible on the Nexus, on a platform higher on the skull-mountain. There, she'll say that the KC deserves a minute to rest and relax after what had happened to them. She'll procure some goods that she managed to get from the Alushinyrra market and set up a small meal for them, talking to the KC the entire time--she'll be slower to speak than usual, but still insistently talking about where she got the food, how she made the table, what the wine is, and make other stilted small talk. The KC can cut the date short at any point, be gently encouraging, point out Sparrow's strange behaviors, or criticize the aspects of the date.

While some dialogue options will change her trust level, Sparrow will react in the same way as long as the date continues, growing increasingly frazzled, her sentences becoming disjointed as she doggedly tries to continue a lighthearted conversation. If the KC asks after her she will insist she is fine--is the KC fine? Are they okay? This place can be stressful, even for someone as powerful as the Knight Commander. Then, when she tries to pour the wine, it slips from her hands and falls to the stone ground, shattering and splattering both of them.

Sparrow stares at the broken glass and starts to laugh, but very quickly the laughter turns to sobbing apologies. She had just been trying to make a nice distraction for the KC and she screwed it up, she ruined it all, she made things worse. The KC can show discomfort at the extreme emotion, walk away from her (which will drop her trust immediately to low and trigger a breakup), or attempt to soothe her. Eventually, she will calm down a little and apologize again. With some prodding, she'll admit that the KC's abduction to be a slave in Battlebliss had affected her badly. She feels that she failed by not being able to protect them, and has failed again with her breakdown. The dialogue will also make it clear, though Sparrow will not state this outright, that the KC's abduction reminded her of her own enslavement. She'll also admit that she expects the KC to leave them at some point--if not because of this awful display, then something else in the future.

The KC can comfort her here in various ways, telling her that she couldn't have done anything to prevent the capture, that it all turned out all right in the end, and that the gesture of trying to provide comfort was appreciated even if it didn't turn out okay. The KC will also have the opportunity to ruminate on how being captured affected them (or didn't affect them). They can also tell Sparrow that even if she did make a mistake, mistakes wouldn't make them leave her. Sparrow will clearly be comforted by whatever the KC says, and makes one last apology--that she made an attempt to help the KC about her. They end up spending further time alone together before the scene ending.

In Act 5, a final romance scene will trigger if Sparrow earned her high-trust ending--she come to the KC's chambers, excited and more visibly joyous than she's ever been before. The KC can ask if it's regarding her brother and she will briefly mention that, yes, she's ecstatic he's here and alive--they've been talking a lot, and Crow has been reminding her of things about her past that she's long forgotten, like he's giving a piece of her childhood back to her. But that's not why she's here--she'll point to her forehead, and the KC will see that the discolored scars and empty follicle holes on her face have started to fill--there is the beginning of new feather growth all around her face. Sparrow is ecstatic, having believed her feathers would never grow back, but the KC's power must have healed her enough that they finally started to grow again.

She thanks the KC for their kindness, their support, and most importantly, their affection. Sparrow tells them that she doesn't know for sure if they feel the same way, or if they ever could, but that she wants them to know that she loves them, and will stay by their side as long as they will have her. She has found purpose, strength, and healing with them--she's regained her feathers. When she first entered Kenabres, she only wanted escape, with no idea of what a future could even look like. She couldn't ever imagine being happy. But now, with the KC, the future is bright and clear. The KC can reciprocate her confession here, and they share a kiss and then time alone.

Poly Option: If Sparrow is romanced alongside other characters, during the jealousy confrontation scene in Act V Sparrow will sincerely tell the player that she's never cared if the KC finds love an affection with other people; however, it's clear their other partners want a committed relationship. She encourages them to settle with who will make them happiest and lets them know she will always consider them a friend even if they choose another. Choosing another person will show Sparrow be saddened but wishing the best for the KC . Jealousy camp banter will also reflect her wishing the KC's chosen partner well.

Consequently, if only Sparrow and Daeran are romanced, there is no Act V jealousy scene. Instead, when both of their final quests and relevant romance scenes are completed, Sparrow and Daeran will both show up in the KC's chambers to hash things out. They both make it clear that while they've never cared much about the KC sleeping with the other person, it seems that their entanglement will not be short-term and they should probably figure out where to go from here.

The options available for the KC are only successful in specific final romances and endings they achieved with both characters--if criteria isn't met Sparrow and/or Daeran will reject the option and make the KC choose another. The first option, successful in all endings, is for the KC to choose one of the two of them to continue their relationship with, stating they do not want to continue with the other in a permanent relationship. Depending on the endings achieved, their reactions will be different (Sparrow will be more vocally upset in her High Trust ending than her Mid Trust Ending; similarly, Daeran will be genuinely heartbroken if his True Love ending was unlocked but will be unbothered if the KC achieved the passion ending).

If Daeran is in a passion situation and/or Sparrow achieved her mid-trust ending, the KC can successfully tell them they don't really have terribly deep feelings for one or both of them (whichever has the relevant ending) and will ask that it remain casual with that specified person. Sparrow and Daeran will agree to this amicably enough as long as these conditions are met; both romance ending slides would remain the same in this case.

If Sparrow's High Trust ending AND Daeran's True Love ending were achieved, the KC can tell them that they had hoped to continue their relationship as-is with both of them, and that they feel very deeply/love them both. Is that possible, or will they force them to choose? Sparrow will tell the KC she is confident in their love and knows that the heart can love multiple people at once--if Daeran is fine with it, so is she. Daeran will be flippant--as long as he knows he's first in the KC's heart, he supposes he can be first among equals. Besides, there's worse people to be in a relationship-by-proxy with. At this point they'll affirm that they both will continue their relationship with the KC; Daeran will, at this point, hint drop he wouldn't be against a threesome or arrangement in that direction, though Sparrow interprets the comment as a joke. Both Sparrow and Daeran's romance ending slides alter to reflect this arrangement.

What would their ending slides be like?

Low-trust ending (Sparrow forcibly conscripted): Sparrow remained by the KC's side after the events of the Crusade come to a close. Whether that was by choice or by force, Sparrow would never say; she had a lot of experience being a silent and dutiful servant, and she fell back into old habits under the KC's command. One day, Sparrow tried to disappear once more, and was killed for her efforts.

Mid-trust ending: Sparrow left the Crusade with everything she thought she could have wanted--she was free, her brother was alive, and they were returning to Garund together to try and make a home. But Sparrow's new life was just as quiet and stifled as it was when she carried the weight of another's name: she could not connect to her resurrected brother, or her neighbors, or to anything else. She took to long walks into the dangerous wilds around their home, and to drinking late at night; when her brother found her one day, she asked him, "Do you even know who I am? Do I know who I am?" Soon after, she left her home for the second time, and she never returned.

High-trust ending: Triumphant from the success of the Crusade and in her newfound freedom, Sparrow set off to fulfill the plans she started to make while in the Knight-Commander's company. Though her brother asked her to return home with him, she gently refused. She had a life that she wanted to live, and that meant she needed to actually live it rather than run and hide away. She promised as they parted that she would visit him as often as she could, and kept to her word. [If KC non-evil aligned] Sparrow became a knight errant, traveling the lands to help the people who did not have voices for themselves, breaking shackles, fighting monsters, and doing whatever she could to lift people out out of the circumstances that have trapped them. [If KC is evil-aligned] Sparrow traveled the world to experience everything it had to offer, searching for new sights, experiences, and people. She learned a dozen new skills and wherever she went, she was sure to use her real name, because she was no longer afraid of being herself. [If KC remained in Drezen] No matter where she traveled, Sparrow always found time to visit her dearest friend in Drezen, to reminisce and speak to the Knight Commander of her latest exploits. One day, she'd always joke, she would come to stay; eventually, she does. [If KC chose to leave Drezen] The former Knight Commander could also be found with Sparrow from time to time, joining her on her adventures. The two remained steadfast friends their entire lives.

Romance [mid-trust ending--replaces non-romanced ending]: No matter where the KC went, Sparrow was not far behind--she gained the nickname [Player name]'s Shadow, one that she never stated any preference for or against. She grew quieter over the years, though her smile was no less warm for the person she chose as her life's partner. If she found dissatisfaction in their relationship or her own sense of stifling confinement--well, at least she has the Knight Commander. That has to be enough.

Romance [high trust ending--replaces the KC mention in non-romanced segment]: No matter Sparrow's plans or ambitions, one thing always remains the same--wherever the Knight Commander went, so did she, and [his/her] ambitions were also Sparrow's. Sparrow found true joy, happiness, and peace in love for the Commander, and vowed to never leave her beloved's side. [poly ending] Another common sight with Sparrow was, of course, the Commander's other love, Count Daeran Arendae. Though many speculated about possible jealousy or resentment, to all appearances Sparrow became close friends with the Count, bound by their shared devotion to the Commander. Over time, Sparrow was just as likely to be seen in the Count's company as she was to be in the Commander's--and of course, all three together was the most common sight of all.

Aeon ending: In a world without the Worldwound, relations between Cheliax and Mendev were not nearly so close, and Lord Gregoriath Arvanxi never had to send his child to Nerosyan. Sparrow remained Eva, the slave and body double, until an uprising in Westcrown had Sparrow abandon her post and take her chances in the fight against the diabolic royalty of the country. It was a chance that did her no favors, in the end; she died in one of the ensuing fights. [Memories preserved] Fellow rebels honored Sparrow's memory after she fell, as she was a keen-eyed strategist and stalwart fighter. Many would recall that she took inspiration from an old leader she served under, one who sacrificed everything for the greater good, though no one knew who she could have been referring to.

Any other fun facts?

As stated previously, good actions and good-aligned KCs have an easier time gaining Sparrow's trust. However, it's not impossible for an evil-aligned KC to gain Sparrow's trust, affection, and her happiest ending. In fact, evil KCs will actually have a unique high-trust interaction with her, which can trigger in Act V after the necessary trust has been accrued. Sparrow will bring up the fact that the KC seems to care about her well-being and extends kindness and understanding to her but does not show that same courtesy to the rest of the world (this dialogue is different and more intimate if the KC is romancing her). She expresses conflicting emotions about her feelings (either platonic or romantic) toward the KC as an individual and her dislike and discomfort at their actions of leading the Crusade.

The KC can persuade her of their regard in various ways, including stating that she has earned kindness and care while the world at large has not, that she is an exception to a typical rule because of the KC's feelings, or that what the world sees as disregard or callousness is misrepresented. All of these require a persuasion check, though how difficult it is depends on the option (as Sparrow is more likely to believe logical arguments--that the KC's worldview is more complicated than she's seeing--rather than emotional--that she's just that special to the KC). If passed, Sparrow will express relief at understanding the KC's perspective and will reaffirm she believes in the KC. This will lock her relationship as high-trust. If Sparrow's in a romance, this conversation can lead to sex.

Alternatively, the KC can crush Sparrow's hopes and dreams and state she has been misinterpreting the KC's actions toward her as regard or care for her thoughts and feelings, and that they in fact do not care. (This causes a massive trust loss.) Doing this, or failing the persuasion check, will leave Sparrow shaken and upset, believing her worst fears have been confirmed. This will end the conversation and lock Sparrow out of her best ending and can even push her into her low-trust ending.

Provide some dialogue/bark examples!

Conversation start: "At your service."/ "Yes?"

Conversation End: "I won't keep you." / "Until we next set out."

Selection: "I am here." / "We must move on."

Assigned a task: "If you so say." / "Will do."

Skill Check Success: "There." / "Anything else?"

Skill Check Failure: "My skills were not sufficient for this." / "I will do better next time."

Perception check: "We need a closer look at this."

Combat Start: "Stay behind me." / "You go no farther."

Critical Hit: "This will be quick."

Low Health: "I can carry on."

Knocked Unconscious: "...I'm sorry..."

Refusing to equip something: "This will not be useful to me." / "I would need more time with this to utilize effectively."

Provide some examples of companion banters!

Sparrow: I understand your desire for profit...but considering the nonexistent price you paid for stock, I cannot expend more than one hundred gold for it. If you cannot lower your price I will have to take my business elsewhere. Woljif: Fine, fine! A hundred! You and Daeran oughta start an aasimar gang together. This is robbery!

--

Nenio: Aasimar girl, let me examine your wound before you heal. I hypothesize that your celestial heritage provides other avian features besides feather growth and would like to measure your bone density. Sparrow: And compare it to what? Do you plan to break everyone's bones for a control group? Don't answer that. The answer is no--leave me alone.

--

Regill: Your practicality speaks well for your abilities as a soldier. Should you wish, I am sure you would pass induction into the Order. A purchase could be made from your current owner and you could earn your way out of your chains. Sparrow: [with barely suppressed rage] What an interesting option for my future, Paralictor. If you'll excuse me.

--

Arueshalae: You are so wary with everyone, and yet you would trust a demon. I am grateful but...why? Sparrow: I...trust has nothing to do with it. We are shaped by where we come from, but we are also more than those places. If you truly wish to change, my condemnation will not help you nor protect me from betrayal if you are lying.

--

Wenduag: So you've lived your life in under the boot of a master...it makes sense. The way you bend under the slightest pressure--it just proves that the weak are only meant to serve the strong. Sparrow: Speak of this again in my presence and you will see how weak I am.

--

Seelah: --and you just need to meet more people! C'mon, it'll just be a few of the soldiers, some good drink, and a hearty meal. Say you'll come? Sparrow: I would not be much company but...if you insist. Thank you.

--

Ember: Sparrow, why do you hide all the time? We're friends, but you're always wearing your mask. Your real face is very pretty, you should show it more! Sparrow: Masks are not just for hiding...they also guard. The smarter move is to stay protected. If I were braver like you, maybe I would try. But I am not.

--

Daeran: I used to see you, you know, shadowing the corners of banquets in Nerosyan. You would never speak a word--my set thought you were either too stupid for speech or had been rendered unable due to some tragic accident. And yet the truth is so much more boring...you just like to act like you have nothing to say. Sparrow: [if Act 3 quest is not complete] I found Mendev's elite had no worthwhile topics of conversation. I am sure you understand, Count. [If act 3 quest is complete] You are an intelligent man. Surely you understand why I did not wish to draw attention to myself while I playacted a noblewoman.

Sparrow: --and if you ever bothered to take a moment to actually look at the--wait. You're goading me again, aren't you. Daeran: Don't stop now! You were just about to convince me, I'm sure. And your face when you bother to have an expression is actually quite fetching.

[themattress]

Hey look, I found and filled out an old school controversy meme template!

Favorite Character: Rei Hino and Minako Aino. Rei was my favorite ever since I was a kid because she had a fun personality and badass fire powers, but as I grew up and gained access to things like Codename Sailor V, I really began to develop a deep fondness and appreciation for Minako as well. I can't possibly choose between them; they're both great.

Despised Character: The Sailor Starlights, primarily the anime versions (the manga versions just seem kind of pointless to me). It's the final season of the show and yet so much time is being hogged by these newcomers, who are unlikable jackasses on top of that. Truthfully, I'd have much rather kept Chibiusa around, at least she's someone I know and care about.

Most Overrated Character: The anime's Haruka Tenoh and Michiru Kaioh. Now don't get me wrong, I love them too and I 100% get why they're so special to so many fans. But I feel that often blinds people to their less than stellar writing in the second half of S and throughout Sailor Stars. The writers took their status as "Darker and Edgier Sailor Senshi" way too far, to the point where they started coming off as unlikable strawmen of Magical Girl genre haters.

Most Underrated Character: Unazuki Furuhata. Why didn't she show up in Crystal!?

Favorite Couple: Usagi/Mamoru, primarily manga/Crystal and Junichi Sato-directed!anime.

Despised Couple: Usagi/Seiya. Toxic, inauthentic, just all-around bad. Burn it with fire.

Favorite Season: The original Sailor Moon. I don't even know how to describe it other than lightning that never quite struck twice. I think the franchise owes much of its success to it.

Despised Season: Sailor Stars. First we have an arc that butchers Queen Nehelenia, then Chibiusa is insultingly written out offscreen, then Mamoru dies without anyone knowing so that we can have the Breakup Plot 2.0, then a boy band that can transform into female Sailor Senshi start hogging the spotlight with one of them getting into a toxic relationship with Usagi, the villains are more incompetent than ever and still doing the same Monster of the Week formula with the monsters being utterly nonsensical in their origin (not to mention not in the manga at all), and we end with a six-part finale that tries so hard to cram in as much emotion and devastation as possible without doing it half as well as the original season's two-part finale. And this is the last season of the show! It's just such an insulting way for the show to go out, with its good points few and far between. Most of the staff from prior seasons weren't on this one and its director was actively sick of the franchise, and it really does feel like it.

Favorite Villain: Technically my favorite villains are the Dark Kingdom from the anime's original season, but across the whole franchise I have to go with the Black Moon Clan.

Despised Villain: Queen Nehelenia from Sailor Stars. An offensive, contradictory rewrite of what was previously among the anime's best villains. Let's pretend she never happened, 'K?

Favorite Episode: Episode 24 of the original season. The show taking an unrepentant villain and still allowing him to rediscover his humanity and find a measure of redemption by sacrificing his life for another blew me away when I first saw it as a kid. This episode and all the ones leading up to it marked the point where a really good show became a great one.

Despised Episode: Episode 22 of Sailor Stars. The Sailor Starlights reach the absolute pinnacle of unlikability in their hypocritical attitude toward discovering the Senshi's identities, and then Sailor Aluminum Seiren is killed off in a cruel, mean-spirited way that we end up with no emotional catharsis over later. At this point, it just didn't feel like Sailor Moon to me.

[seven-circlllxs]

˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗Countdown To Valentine's Day Challenge˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗

(Meme template from @hymemena!)

5. Surprise a writing partner with a starter in which your muse gives their muse a Valentine's Day gift!

_- Lucifer -_

Lucifer had a habit of nosing around. It wasn't his fault that he was a naturally curious being, that blame fell solidly on His Father's Almighty shoulders, and it was one of the few gifts that Lucifer appreciated keeping from the beginning. Nosing around in Alastor's space wasn't a terribly good idea, he was well aware of that, but when someone was as elusive as the Radio Demon, you couldn't help but fan that little spark of curiosity into an overblown flame of need-to-know.

His footsteps were feather-light and perfectly spaced as he made his way through the newly reconstructed broadcast tower, his attention stolen by something that he had noticed was absent from the demon's appearance ever since the battle with the Exterminators.

.. He supposed it might be a good thing if the two strongest patrons of the hotel actually got along. For Charlie's sake.

Yep. Definitely the only reason he was doing this. Just for Charlie.

His claws grasped at the broken microphone stand, and the microphone's eye twitched towards him weakly. He could feel the straining energy that lingered in the two halves of the staff, and he readjusted his grip, settling the top and bottom properly against one another.

He squeezed his hands tight over the seam, a hazy golden glow flowing from his chest and through his arms, thin tendrils of light curling out and away from his palms, around the staff, inlaying it with glittering golden embellishments.

Lucifer loosened his grip, inspecting the healed microphone, admiring the golden apple (or was it a radio dial, that'd make more sense-) where all of the twisting turning carvings stemmed from, and smiling when the microphone squawked with feedback.

"Perfect. Now, why don't you point me in the direction of your broadcaster, huh?" He gestured down the hallway with the recovered mic, following its' little Morse beeps left and right and down the halls and into the lobby and-!

"Alastor!" The King of Hell called, tucking the microphone behind his back after shushing it gently. He strode across the main foyer to stand before the Radio Demon, bouncing on his heels with excitement.

"I've gotten you a little something-, well, gotten is a strong word, but-!" He revealed the microphone with a grand spin, tilting the speaker end towards its' proper owner

"I, uh.. Figured it might be nice to have the little guy back in working order, yeah?"

He hoped that this would go over well. His track record with giving gifts to people wasn't the best..

[ @ritzy-cervidae ]

[leffee]

20, 26, and 100 for French Pepzi

20. Who handles the spiders? Who screams directions in the background?

Pepper handles them. Mitzi and Captain are not exactly afraid, they're more so disgusted by spiders, as in don't want to touch them or have anything to do with them. I wouldn't say they scream the directions, they more so stay behind Pepper and let her deal with them while cringing a bit.

26. Who gets jealous most often? How does their S/O deal with that?

I have to give this one to Pepper, she's the one most jealous because she's the one who also most frets this relationship is too good to be true. So when she sees something that might appear as someone else trying to "steal" her partners she panics and gets that jealousy boost though it's mostly just her being scared. Mitzi and Captain Cuddles can see it sometimes, they know, so they assure her that someone stealing them away simply won't happen, they love her and well, each other and that's it. They also sometimes ask "Do either of us look like we could cheat on you?" and well, they don't, they really really don't, so it does help a little too.

100. Make a meme of this ship.

I saw this template right after answering that number above and immediately thought of that

[fierykitten2]

The ship meme with the Proto Beasts and Neo Swords (there’s something funny about Bolt repeatedly breaking the scales (the PDA thing was intentionally off the scale btw)). Their genders are listed as “none” because I took “genderless”/“gender unknown” too seriously. I left the clothes part blank because they haven’t been seen wearing clothes yet (bc none of them are in UNITE) but I think Wake, Leaves, Fire and Boulder would be on the Borrows Clothes side and Bolt and Crown would be on the Lends Clothes side (here’s me not believing in “opposites attract”). Wake strikes me as the kind of Pokémon that couldn’t cook while Fire and Bolt would probably try (even though they can’t read the recipes) only to accidentally char it immediately with their powers. I think Boulder has a surprisingly wide skill set (that said it’s a Psychic-type robot, I’d be amazed if it couldn’t do a large amount of the things it can do) and could definitely cook really well. I also believe that Leaves and Boulder would just order takeaways most of the time though. Speaking of Leaves and Boulder, I’m sure they’d both steal a car. I also think Fire would steal a car, despite not being able to drive (which is probably why I put it slightly further away from the “can’t drive lol” part). Also Wake and Leaves are supposed to be listed as just as extroverted as each other (I think if either of them was more extroverted it would be Leaves) it’s just I accidentally put Leaves slightly further away from the end. Also bold (accidentally wrote bolt lol) of you to assume Bolt would intentionally be overprotective of Crown (yeah I know I probably should’ve put it up the other end but it doesn’t strike me as being “chill”). You may notice that Bolt and Crown are the only ones who don’t have any Xs in exactly the same place, that’s because I headcanon that while they’re both the fun-hating (well, less fun-hating in Crown’s case and more mundane-loving) grandfather figures (gender neutral), they’ve got characteristics that actually distinguish themselves from each other (eg Bolt’s sleep schedule and Crown’s preference for taking charge despite the mutual agreement that Leaves is the leader of the Neo Swords). Honestly, how much my headcanons distinguish the Neo Swords to their Proto Beast counterparts seems to depend on how much I prefer the Neo Sword - I vastly prefer Crown to Bolt so the two of them are quite different to each other and take the “grandfather figure” (gender neutral) in different directions, I prefer Leaves to Wake but they’re my top two favourite Pokémon so they’re pretty similar but have some notable differences and I love Fire and Boulder equally so they’re virtually the same Pokémon just from different time periods and with different types (with the result of Boulder being smarter than Fire)

The “also” on the explanation for Crown’s experience (strangely for me) wasn’t adding on to the “bc Psychic” part, it was just phrased that way because I did Bolt’s explanation first

Feel free to ignore the colours getting deeper for the text as you go down, that’s just something Procreate does when you type stuff

link to the template:

[polyshipweek]

Expanded Prompts: Day 5–6

April 20 & 21

Dancing: Whether it's a high society ballroom, a living room rave, or the macarena at a dive bar, put your polycule in their dancing shoes. This could be a fun place for worldbuilding — if this is an AU where polyamory is the norm, do social dances look different? Maybe they're all in a musical group or a theatre troupe. Maybe it's a sports AU — ice dancing or synchronized swimming or even dressage. Or maybe you just wanna illustrate a dance party. Don't be afraid to cut loose!

Queerplatonic Partners: A queerplatonic relationship is one that's neither strictly romantic nor strictly platonic, and the exact shape of this kind of relationship is as unique as the people in it. Explore QPPs within your polyship — characters working out the kind of relationship they want, meeting their new partner's Person, building commitment outside of traditional models, how they feel about the assumptions people might make, what queerplatonic partnership means to them — all the little parts of crafting a life together of their own design.

Epistolary/Chatfic/Social Media: For this prompt, we wanna see the receipts! Build a story out of the messages sent between your polycule, be they old-fashioned post or sliding into each other's DMs. Does direct communication make things easier or even more complicated? You decide!

Visual Prompt — Ship Dynamics Meme: Noszle has captured some great archetypes for OT3s and OT4s in cartoon form. Draw your polycule as a Cinnamon Roll Protection Squad, Three Musketeers, 2 Smart + 1 Chaotic, or Dysfunctional Family — or tell us a story that shows off these dynamics. More than four? Go ahead and add 'em in!

Identity Porn: A classic of superhero and spy stories, this trope plays with the complications and consequences of living as multiple personas. Maybe your polycule already has secret identities, or maybe you give them some — whether as caped crusaders, international pop stars, or just regular people with online handles. Have fun with the tension and those juicy reveals!

Mythology AU: For this prompt, give your polycule some mythic proportions. Whether Tam Lin or Tu'er Shen, dryads or dragons or djinn, take inspiration from mythology and folklore for a story or artwork that casts your characters as the legendary beings and heroes of old. [One important note: Please remember to create with respect if you are drawing from cultures not your own!]

Drabble(s): This one's all about precise word count! A Traditional Drabble ™️ is a story of exactly 100 words. For this event, we'll also take double drabbles, triple drabbles, and so on — so long as it's short and a multiple of 100 words!

Visual Prompt — Big Comfy Couch: Another great Draw the Squad from @/fishsticxz-art, this one featuring seven characters hanging out on one very large couch! We love the range of moods and dynamics in this crew — show us how it would map to your polycule. Remember to tag op if you use this template!

Masterpost & Guidelines