#or at least a similar 'i feel like i should be doing something but no actions are available' feeling as that

[another-goblin]

How likely are the explanations for Dr. Ratio's brief sighting in Castrum Kremnos? (in no particular order)

1. From what I've heard, the next Divergent Universe is going to be about Amphoerus, and they are finally going to add Ratio to the maps, and they are going to use existing maps (like the map of Castrum Kremnos), so that's why they accidentally put him there. But there is a reason DU's and SU's maps are tiny. It's about fighting, not about running around for minutes looking for vendor Ratio standing on some hard-to-reach ledge.

So I doubt they'll use an existing map. But even if they were to use the same map, it would be 2 independent instances. Adding a character to one of them would do nothing to the other. Besides, how would content that's deep in development leak into a playable version?

2. It's an easter egg left by an individual level designer. I kind of feel that you can lose a job or get very seriously reprimanded for a joke like this. I don't think people would risk it to just mess with some desperate Ratio fans (ekhem) who would love to see him in Amphoreus.

3. It's just a bug. But was there ever a bug like this in this game? With an unrelated character randomly appearing in a place that makes too much sense? Idk, if it was Asta a-posing upside down in an empty space outside the map's boundaries, I could see it as a bug.

But the fact that it's Ratio, with his arms folded, looking directly at us, and the position is perfect, barely seen but not obvious, allowing him to look over what's going on (the way he was hanging around when we were fighting Ruan Mei's bug. In his own words, "Should you fail, I will be forced to prevent some avoidable misfortunes"). Besides, standing there would give him the time to disappear if the player decided to confront him. So it being a random bug is the least likely option in my opinion.

4. They added and removed him deliberately as a way to tell us something. But the game never engaged with the players in this fourth-wall-shattering way, so I don't think that's the case either.

5. So what's the most likely explanation, in my opinion? He was supposed to be there, then they decided to remove him but forgot.

Maybe they expected very few people to notice him, but a lot of testers did, so they decided to remove him completely. It works well with the fact that he's completely absent from all the Amphoreus promo material. Which either means he won't be there at all (in accordance with Occam's razor) or that they keep his appearance a secret to make his arrival a surprise twist. Although with all the similarities, him not appearing would be a bigger twist.

I'm still trying to be cautiously pessimistic about his future involvement in the Amphoreus story to not get too disappointed when if he doesn't appear. But there's still hope.

[utilitycaster]

Forgive me if you've already been asked something on this topic, but I was curious about your opinions re: Laudna's epilogue. Specifically, about how her lifeforce and aging is now tied to Imogen's in a 'marriage' ceremony even though they've only been dating for a few weeks in-game. It felt like an extension of the flaws baked into her entire arc that Laudna bound her soul to yet another magical woman, and in a way that would discourage any conflict between her and said mage. Laudna's epilogue with Imogen being considered a 'happy ending' really hinges on the idea that those two each other's perfect matches

So this is an interesting approach! I have to admit: I don't find the choice to age to be particularly bad, nor discouraging of conflict. I think it just means that she'll live around as long as Imogen will, as a human woman. I think if they were to break up, or if Imogen were to meet an untimely end, it just means Laudna would still live to a typical human lifespan.

But this is an interesting point that I think I touched on briefly when interacting with that weirdo last night, which is that it really feels in the end that Laudna never has her own life. Hell, Liliana manages to more satisfyingly say "huh, I've spent my entire life from probably my early 20s to my 50s either effectively on the run and alone, I fell into the hands of a very powerful wizard who treated me as a vessel, I never really unlearned my brainwashing from that, and now that it's over I think I need to go out in the world and figure out who I am as a person because my entire adulthood was lost to that" and Laudna never does. Even the ritual to make her live a typical lifespan feels very much a having your cake and eating it too - it's always been interesting that Laudna made these sort of intermittently expressed overtures towards liking her weird gross undead state and that mechanically Marisha leaned into it beyond the rules of Hollow One but then she does not get the unwilling immortality because of yet another quite literal Deus Ex Machina. It feels like just one more case of this party getting to have it both ways, for free, without ever having to choose, and the dumbest people alive shrieking at me that what I find to be a desperate saccharine dying dream of an ending is happy and that because it is "happy" any criticism must be a personal failure (and then some other rando will weakly bust through like an incontinent kool-aid man to fart out how unfortunate it is people are so uncivil and unkind and attacking people's intelligence and morals this campaign, meaning, of course, me for existing while holding an opinion and not breaking down in tears and capitulating to everyone who comes on my posts, but not the people who come on my post and call me stupid and unfeeling, because they agree with those people, because campaign 3 appeals, as I've said many times, to the posers who can dish it out and not take it, and not to like, intelligent adults.)

I don't find this ending happy because it's so divorced from reality it feels like weightless nothing, in the end; that's my feeling on all the lack of consequences, actually - as one of my mutuals said, easy come, easy go. Laudna never has a story; she never lets herself out of her own cages to have a story. The only framing people can even come up with to make it happy is "she had TRAUMA and now she has an ENDING where she's left alone" and even then it's like. Personally my feeling on anyone who treats their trauma as the reason they are interesting should be made to retrace the steps of the Franklin Expedition, which will make them interesting and/or at least temporarily remove them from my vicinity. If being left alone to do nothing is happy, why aren't you guys giving me a happy ending.

I meant to be a bit more reserved in this answer, and I have a similar ask to get to as well but I think what I'm trying to express and slowly losing my mind over is that the people who like Campaign 3 and loudly defend it are increasingly quite literally not of an intellectual caliber or level of interpersonal empathy to even join in the discussion with those of us who found it lacking. It's like explaining quantum physics to toddlers. We find ourselves having to define words as basic as "conflict" and "consequence," and repeatedly, with eroding patience, explain "sometimes, I think it is interesting when bad things happen to pretend people, and it is boring when good things happen to pretend people, because they are pretend, and sometimes different people have different feelings, and that is okay! but you need to let people have different feelings. Someone saying they don't like the blue truck doesn't mean you can't like the blue truck! But you can't make them like the blue truck."

[saltyowlets]

Companion!Cullen Precursor: Romance

I know I haven't touched Companion!Cullen for a long bit, mostly cause I've been thinking about my own Cullavellan and tackling his redemption in their story but I do want to comeback to it, especially now.

So heres a small tidbit of what I eventually want to tackle: Companion!Cullen romance.

I know it's a small point of contention, whether Cullen should have had a romance or not, with all there considering his lyrium addiction and his PTSD. I am on the side that a romance is possible, but to have a satisfying and redemptive end for Cullen, it would require some leg work for that romance that we just aren't provided in game.

So, in order to mitigate this, I propose that in Companion!Cullen's romance is similar to a secret romance that is only accessible by very specific and pro mage means.

For starters, I do not think him being a romance while still being pro Circle or pro Templar is healthy, if anything, it may even be a detriment to his growth. Cullen is a man who needs to be challenged to fully change. I'm not saying that he couldn't change to be better on his own. He definitely has the ability to. However, we are looking for full redemptive Cullen in the DAI narrative. How does this work with Companion!Cullen specifically?

Approval system. Or rather, something similar to the rivalry system.

I think in order to access Cullen's redemption and subsequent romance, you have to challenge him, gain disapproval. There would be prompts that involve choosing pro mage choices, conversation prompts with Cullen that challenge and maybe accuse him of the things that happened in Kirkwall. This becomes the precursor to Cullen's deprogramming. If you keep gaining approval and do not challenge him, this only just leads to Cullen on the path of feeling justified by his pro Circle sentiments. He will still sympathize with the mages/apostates and will lament and regret how he acted but he will still remain adamant that the Templars are necessary or, at the very least, a justification.

Continuous disapproval will lead to specific scenes, depending on choices, that allow you to get Cullen to open up and discuss what happened in Kinhold and Kirkwall. There may some flirt lines but nothing that would seem like you forgive him but reach an understanding. Eventually, you gain approval with Cullen from these scenes as it becomes reflective that 1. He is changing, 2. He appreciates that you are challenging and not just excusing his actions because that is who Cullen is. He is a man who knew he did wrong and does not want to be easily forgiven.

Anyways, this is what I have so far but I'll eventually write more. Feel free to let me know what you think!

[fenrysmoonbeamswife]

But like I said, if she wasn't thinking that when she wrote it why give a justification? You don't justify something you don't think is wrong or at least questionable

I do agree she romanticizes sensitive subjects for the sake of sex but it feels like a contradiction to say that and then say she didn't think of it? I think she absolutely does think of it and just doesn't care

I don't think it's fair to say people are nitpicking when at the end of the day they are both character and writing flaws. The characters are flawed because the writing is flawed, but they are still flawed. As I said, saying they're a byproduct of her bad writing is weak because it can then be attributed to literally anything in any book like my example of Amarantha. I think people should be allowed to try find nuance or "nitpick" if you want to call it that, even if it is bad writing and regardless of author intention, because I do belive it's giving her a free pass to say pretty much the equivalent of "it's not that deep" which is essentially what I'm getting from this post overall

I hope this doesn't sound rude or anything because I don't mean it to, I do get what you're saying and I'm not saying you're wrong just how I see it. I do think we all probably drive ourselves insane trying to discuss these books critically when SJM probably put about a raindrop sized amount of genuine thought into them so we're just going around in circles but I think the nitpicking or whatever from some readers is the reason she has been called out and been asked to step up. It's the reason so many more people than before don't just blindly follow what she writes/spoon feeds them. It was for me anyway and plenty of others. I just think saying oh it's not that deep she was just trying to be horny and handled it badly is true but I think it does give her a free pass. Because I've absolutely seen her stans say something similar

can i say something . can i be brave . a lot of y’all are trying to find endogenic reasons for characters in acotar doing things when the reason they did them was not because they are abusive / morally bad characters but because sjm wanted to make the books horny. did rhysand have to paint feyre and waltz her around the parties under the mountain basically naked? did he have to distract the hewn city by making feyre a pet and touching on her in front of everyone? no. sjm wrote it to be horny. did azriel need to be a cringecore emo fuck (affectionate) talmbout sad shower jerks and the cauldron giving him elain? no. sjm wrote it to lay the tension for being horny later. did cassian have to do anything he did in acosf? no. sjm wanted to be HORNY. all these things are shitty not great things for the characters to be doing, but the characters aren’t doing them because they’re inherently problematic; they’re doing them because the author wants to be horny, and they become problematic as a byproduct. there are plenty of actions and plots and decisions to be rightfully critical of in these books — trust me i want to 1v1 the inner circle in a pit — but some of the takes i’ve seen on this hellsite are trying to apply nuance to things done purely for the sake of being horny and it’s driving me crazy

[the-meme-monarch]

fun fact about me at least is that it is easier to draw a whole scenes one after another than it is to draw a close shots of characters just standing there over and over

[asinglesock]

sometimes the horrible feeling in your stomach is anxiety but sometimes the horrible feeling in your stomach is because you are hungry. and sometimes you are both anxious and hungry. if you eat you might still be anxious but you will no longer be hungry.

[c0exiist]

“Your father had a point. The way Badem tried to make us feel bad whenever he had to get his vaccines…Ugh, my heart…It was only later that I realized he was milking us for treats. Smart pup that’s for sure.” Going back on the topic of Nazli getting a pet, the vet then said, “If you do end up with a cat of your own, I hope they have just as much of a personality that’s at least similar to Badem’s in their own way. It’s always entertaining and normally they’re the types to alleviate stress when you least expect it…even if on some days they can be a handful.” 

After learning about Nazli’s current endeavour, Catriona nodded in understanding as she explained how she felt about the whole thing. “That’s a lovely way of putting it.” mused Cat with a chuckle. “If it’s any consolation, I feel like you’re on the right track given that all business owners tend to go through it in the beginning and then you simply get used to it. It’s all a matter of finding that routine that works for you, as well as the clientele that you serve and a business model that you can maintain in the long run.” Her features relaxed as she reflected on her own business and she could definitely resonate with it being both rewarding and frustrating. “And you will figure it out, so long as you don’t give up.” 

Hearing about Nazli’s travels was definitely interesting as she had never been to such places before. Hearing the passion in her voice meant that it was truly worth it and gaining an understanding of why she did it made Catriona realize the importance of putting yourself first. “Well for starters I’m jealous that you were able to do all that. It definitely sounded freeing…” Her gaze then softened as she understood the need to escape the junction and start new, “I don’t blame you for wanting time away. I feel like people should experience at least something new out of the norm in their day to day life. There’s so much more out there than all this…” 

She knew her response to the kind of clientele would be an amusing one and so she gestured a hand towards their surroundings and stated the obvious, “This is Devil’s Junction after all, you just never know who you might encounter.” Nodding, Catriona huffed a sigh and said, “Busy is starting to sound more like an understatement.” Biting the insides of her cheek, she knew her background would eventually come up at any given conversation and so, she gave her usual response like clockwork, “Not exactly…My family worked at the stables and so I grew up around horses…Life had other plans for me and I went into nursing, but I don’t know. I wasn’t happy.” She couldn’t bring herself to acknowledge the fact that she was a qualifying olympian, let alone the accident. It was something she kept buried deep. Forcing out a smile, she shrugged and said, “So the middle ground was to be a veterinarian, my passion is for the animals just like how yours is in the arts with your creativity. I also do what I can to give back to the community...I guess I simply feel compelled to make a difference and overall, a positive impact."

Nazli’s lips curled into a soft smile at the mention of Badem. “He really was. My dad always said he had too much personality for one dog.” The ache of loss never really went away—it just settled, became something quieter, easier to carry. She was grateful Catriona didn’t linger on the topic, though. Some people tiptoed around grief like it was fragile, others treated it like a wound they needed to prod at. This? This felt natural.

At the shift in conversation, Nazli let out a small laugh. “Jewelry, yes. Business, absolutely not.” She leaned against the counter, thoughtful. “I was always creative, but I never really thought about turning it into a business until… well, until I had to.” She said it lightly, but there was a quiet truth beneath it. “It’s been an adjustment. Rewarding, frustrating—kind of like training a stubborn puppy, actually.” She grinned. “But I’m figuring it out.”

Catriona’s next question caught her off guard, but in a good way. Most people just asked if she was happy to be back, not about where she’d been. “Yeah, I spent a lot of time in Istanbul and Cappadocia. And then a little bit of everywhere—Spain, Italy, Morocco, the UAE. It was… freeing.” Her gaze softened as she thought about it. “I think I needed that time away, just to reconnect with a part of myself outside of all this.” She gestured vaguely, encompassing the town, the weight of legacy that came with both. “I loved it. There’s something about walking through a new city, knowing no one, speaking just enough of the language to get by—it makes you pay attention to the little things.”

She tilted her head slightly at Catriona’s answer about her clients, an amused glint in her eyes. “Pet owners from all walks of life, huh? That’s a very polished answer.” She grinned, but she didn’t press. Everyone had their own way of choosing their words, and besides, she liked the sound of what Catriona did. “You’re busy, then. That’s impressive. Stables, too? I don’t think I’ve been out to Champion’s Gate since I was a kid.” She paused, considering. “What got you into all this? The vet work, the shelters… is it something you always wanted?”

[hyah-through-hyrule]

My crops would be so watered if I could just love a main/popular character for once

[clownkillsyou]

i think one time i did see someone say mrs wimbleton could be doc in mcla and i think thats rlly funny

[leatherbookmark]

hopping around different blogs is fun.

a post on blog 1: i find it a little weird that -- don't get me wrong, the barbie movie looks great with all the doll-like details, i bet the actors had great fun and i'd like to see it myself, but -- people are getting excited about marketing of this movie. they're acting as though mattel's 3985* deals with 837* different companies are something new, exciting and creative instead of... 3985 deals with 837 companies spanning many different areas! this movie is a commercial for a doll! isn't this kinda weird?

*numbers made up

a post on blog 2: i don't think any sane adult doesn't realize that this is a toy commercial! it's rather obvious.

a post on blog 3: boo hoo 'the barbie movie is capitalist propaganda' i don't give a SHIT marx won't fuck you. did you do this for transformers too? do you think only stupid girls who like pink need the reminder?

like, oooooh! things are happening!

[cherrysnax]

@ anon sorry I accidentally deleted ur ask!! to answer ur question though, I think it’s a bad idea because.. i fear rejection i guess and I suppose what I fear more is the opposite

[burningcomputerpersona]

hm.

[itsalwaysdark]

no sims 5 . guys im gonna

[dravidious]

You're more amazing than a full minute

Werewolves need help but everyone else trying to help them is STUPID and WRONG so I did it better. You're welcome

Also an artifact that I just had the idea for and kinda sorta supports werewolves if you squint so I gave it Innistrad flavor and threw it in the batch. So there, unique support cards that aid werewolves in their transforming endevors without defaulting to the laziest possible-

"Why not just give werewolves flash?"

FUCKING FINE

You want flash so bad you can spend 3 mana on it

[medicinemane]

Jesus fucking christ I get tired of sitting here and hearing my dad loudly ripping ass from the other room

Like listen, I get it, I get that you can't control your guts. Like fuck, for a while... as in like months, I was having trouble even leaving the house... still no clue what was even up which makes me feel like my theory about not eating enough is in the lead given... haven't found any allergies I can identify

So I get it and have sympathy (and fear inheriting my dad's guts), but... it's just so fucking gross man

And it's also like... maybe I'm eating, maybe I'm watching a show... whatever it is the mood's kinda ruined by this just... it almost literally couldn't be louder or grosser

I get you can't control your guts but... do something... anything... see a doctor or... anything

It's just nasty. He's not a bad person, but my dad's just a nasty dude

[skrunksthatwunk]

i think ive figured out part of why i feel like im awful at comforting people. ive been told im good at it and i feel that way sometimes but it often feels like im absolutely deadpan dog shit with nothing to say and ive realized it's because these are two separate phenomena.

im good at talking about feelings ppl have, because that's easy to validate and understand and comfort through. there's details that i can analyze like a text and a sort of narrative i can hold onto. it gives me footholds to try and help someone with. i can see the path of emotions they're experiencing and walk them through it, almost, giving them a shoulder to lean on

but im bad at responding to "hey x bad thing just happened to me" because i don't know what to say other than "uhhhh yikes. damn that sucks um im sorry" because there's nothing emotional for me to work with. it's like a smooth cliffside, there's just nothing i can do but stare at it and go damn that sure is a big cliff. i know there's emotions in there below it but i can't quite reach them.

not that the latter way's a bad way to express problems/vent/etc bc i do that a lot as well. sometimes it's not the time/place to get raw about something, i get it. it's more an assessment of my skill levels with both ig