#oskia

[roundseys]

i cant believe ive had this in mind since 2018 like i only just now a week or so ago in 2023 finally made the switch over to the second one

idk how to dress her.. i really wanna keep her purple because thats my favorite color, but she’s my shadow rep and shadow is really more purple and blue so……… to be more accurate i should go with the second one

[princehendir]

Oh yeah wait. No one else is here. I can do whatever I want on the TV free from commentary.

[mllemaenad]

He's been in there twenty days! And there are darkspawn coming! What is wrong with you?

Seanna didn't kill Oskias. She didn't kill Oskias because on that day she was able to figure out a way to not do it. Thing is, you don't always get that lucky. If Beraht, or Jarvia, or someone who'll tattle to either of them is right there ... well, then your options narrow right down.

Maybe you don't want to hurt some random guy. But do you want that more than you want your sister to live? Sometimes your only options are bad ones.

Seanna has no idea what's going on with Sten. She's only less bewildered by him because she's bewildered by everything. Qunari is no less strange to her than human.

But every account indicates that the incident at the farmhouse was something going horribly wrong, not the gleeful act of a habitual murderer.

And it's been twenty days and the darkspawn are coming.

So we have a new tall friend.

[danielnelsen]

so how is there nothing on the entire internet about how beraht actually has a known first name (or even that beraht isnt his first name)?

it's not even complicated to get this dialogue, you just tell oskias to empty his bags as the first thing you say to him.

[writingthedas]

#VEILGUARD30 Day 6: Carta

Carta life had never been something Jelsi enjoyed, not because she was forced into a life of crime, but because of what it forced Rica to do.

Rica had been more of a mother than Kalah had ever tried to be, and Jelsi had no positive memories of her father.

The way Beraht spoke to her made Jelsi's blood boil. She'd told the prick off more times than she could count, which led to worse jobs on good days and beatings on bad ones.

She didn't care, Rica deserved better than what a life of crime could fund, so when she'd disclosed that she'd potentially found a sponsor, Jelsi was ecstatic even as she kept an air of forced indifference.

Things happened so fast after the job dealing with Oskias. Jelsi and Leske barely had time to think when they found Everd in a sorry state. The next thing she knew, she was putting on the warrior's armor and stepping onto the proving grounds.

Things were a blur after she was forced to unmask herself. She remembers being dog piled by guards and then waking up in some dingy cell filled with garbage and straw.

The fight out through the carta hideout had Jelsi running on pure instinct. She needed to get out, she needed to get to Rica. Maybe they could make a break for the surface, anything to keep Roca safe.

She finally comes back to her senses as they leave the shop the carta base was hidden behind and they're surrounded by guards. She's too busy trying to plan an escape route to dust town, she doesnt notice the grey warden approaching until he speaks to her directly.

He's offering her a way out. To become a warden. She speaks to Rica, asking if she'll be okay. Rica promises her that they'll be fine. Jelsi is hesitant, but she accepts Duncan's offer, and they leave for the surface.

Surely this won't end well. Surely this is all some joke the ancestors are winding up.

After all, she's just some carta thug, she's just a whore's little sister.

[brocflowers]

I was going to complain about Oskias having a stupid last name but then I remembered that I did that. I came up with that one.

[ustalav]

oskias: if i were to… maybe give you a piece, that’s a lot of coin. could you, uh, forget to mention this to beraht?

brosca: bad idea. leske?

leske: could everyone who isn’t about to die please turn around for a moment? this may be unpleasant. thank you.

oskias: y-you can’t do this. help! call the guardsmen! this is murder!

bartender: (smiles and waves) you two let me know if you need anything. ill be in the back.

[originscodex]

Initiated Conversation with Rica

(If Rica is spoken to again, alone) Rica: What is it? I'm kind of in a hurry…

(If Rica is spoken to again, with Leske in party) Rica: Back again? Don't you have some work to– Rica: Oh... Hi, Leske. Leske: Hel-LO, pretty lady.

Player:

1. Have you heard anything else about darkspawn recently? 2. Have you had much competition lately in attracting nobles? 3. What else should I know about Beraht? 4. Mother seems worse today. (If you've spoken to Kalah) 5. Have you ever met a surfacer named Oskias? (If you've spoken to Leske) 6. Sorry. I didn't mean to bother you. Goodbye.

1. Have you heard anything else about darkspawn recently?

Rica: The soldiers who guard the Deep Roads bring mixed tales. Attacks on Orzammar have died down, but the breeding sites are bigger than ever. Rica: The shapers say it follows an historical pattern: When the darkspawn pull back, it's usually to mount an assault on the surface.

Player:

1.1. I've never seen a darkspawn. What do they look like? 1.2. How far do the Deep Roads extend? 1.3. Let's talk about something a little closer to home.

1.1. I've never seen a darkspawn. What do they look like?

Rica: Like... a dwarf who was chewed and swallowed by some great beast and spat into a pool of acid. Rica: I saw the corpse of one Prince Trian slew, and I couldn't sleep for days. (Back to other options)

1.2. How far do the Deep Roads extend?

Rica: The nobles say they once covered the entire empire. But it's been a long time since they were anything but a buffer zone against the darkspawn. (Back to other options)

1.3. Let's talk about something a little closer to home.

Rica: Whatever you like, as long as we finish in the time it takes me to fasten this sleeve. (Back to other options)

2. Have you had much competition lately in attracting nobles?

Rica: Well, there are enough of us now that they have a name for us. They call us noble-hunters. Rica: It's not like we're stalking them for food! If they didn't want what we're offering, believe me, there'd be nobody doing it.

Player:

2.1. I don't understand what Beraht wants you to do. 2.2. Why do the nobles want children so badly? 2.3. Why would a noble raise our family up if you have his kid? 2.4. Ick. That's enough about you and getting pregnant.

2.1. I don't understand what Beraht wants you to do.

Rica: A lord's son wants a girl he can show off, so Beraht gets us fine clothes, makes certain we know the right songs, the latest gossip. Rica: If we get some... attention... and bear a son, we'll be raised up to noble caste. And if I claim Beraht as an uncle, he joins the clan, too. (Back to other options)

2.2. Why do the nobles want children so badly?

Rica: There are few enough of us even without the darkspawn. With the boys lost every year in the Deep Roads, Orzammar will only keep shrinking. Rica: The noble lords all need to provide new sword arms for their house. And their wives can't do it alone. (Back to other options)

2.3. Why would a noble raise our family up if you have his kid?

Rica: After they tell everyone the ancestors cursed us because we're casteless, no noble wants that said of his son's mother. Rica: If I give birth to a noble's son, I'd become his concubine, an official member of his house as long as the child lives. Rica: My family comes with me to ensure I keep no ties to Dust Town. (Back to other options)

2.4. Ick. That's enough about you and getting pregnant.

Rica: If you want to talk about something less... icky... you'll have to think of it yourself. (Back to other options)

3. What else should I know about Beraht?

Rica: Well, you've seen more of his bad side than I have. Rica: Beraht likes to call himself a provider. He says he has the contacts to get almost everything into or out of Orzammar.

Player:

3.1. If he's so successful, why is he hustling you to some noble? 3.2. Why do the guardsmen let Beraht get away with so much? 3.3. I don't want to work for Beraht anymore.

3.1. If he's so successful, why is he hustling you to some noble?

Rica: It's a big risk, gambling that a girl will get pregnant with a son. But it's the only way into the nobility. Rica: The only thing in Orzammar Beraht wants is the one thing he can't buy.

Player:

3.1.1. This is leaving a bad taste in my mouth.

Rica: Then will you let me finish getting dressed, or are you determined to talk right through my appointment? (Back to other options)

3.2. Why do the guardsmen let Beraht get away with so much?

Rica: He's been careful. He arms his men with cast-offs, nothing that would insult the Warrior Caste. Rica: And he feeds the guardsmen's vices: gambling, women, fresh figs from the surface–whatever they want. (Back to other options)

3.3. I don't want to work for Beraht anymore.

Rica: I hate what he makes you do. Believe me, I did not intend for my little sister to become a thug. / I can't stand what he makes you do. I never thought my little brother would keep us fed by beating old men for their debts. Rica: But there are no other choices. Mother can't work, and there's not enough coin to be made sweeping streets to live even in this pit. Rica: You'll have to do what he asks, and just... hope it's nothing unforgivable. Some day, one of us will find a better way. (Back to other options)

4. Mother seems worse today. (If you've spoken to Kalah)

Rica: She comes and goes. I think the moss-wine's finally rotted her brains.

Player: 

4.1. Do you ever remember her being different? 4.2. Her brain's been pickled my whole life. 4.3. Watch out for her. I don't want her to hurt herself.

4.1. Do you ever remember her being different?

Rica: When your father was still here. You were a baby, and I remember they used to talk about what it would be like if they could bind a marriage. Rica: Mother used to smile, then. She used to wear a necklace he made her of polished slate.

Player:

4.1.1. Why did he leave? She never talks about it. 4.1.2. And now she sleeps every night in a pool of her own vomit.

4.1.1. Why did he leave? She never talks about it.

Rica: I think he went to the surface. I remember them fighting about it. He wanted to try his luck among the humans. She didn't want to risk it. Rica: The next day, he moved out, and the wine moved in. Rica: But this is too bleak to talk about now. Can't you think of anything else? (Back to other options)

4.1.2. And now she sleeps every night in a pool of her own vomit.

Rica: And you wonder why I keep telling you to find a way out of this gutter? Rica: So get moving, unless you know how to do a double-cross lace on the back of this thing. (Back to other options)

4.2. Her brain's been pickled my whole life.

Rica: I think you were still in spit-rags when your father left. Before that, she was happy. Rica: Mother used to smile, then. She used to wear a necklace he made her of polished slate. (Same options as 14.1)

4.3. Watch out for her. I don't want her to hurt herself.

Rica: You can't protect someone from herself, little sister. / She's hurting no matter what we do, brother. Rica: And you wonder why I keep telling you to find a way out of this gutter? Rica: So get moving, unless you know how to do a double-cross lace on the back of this thing. (Back to other options)

5. Have you ever met a surfacer named Oskias? (If you've spoken to Leske)

Rica: I don't think so. Beraht doesn't like us spending time with anyone from the surface. Rica: It's bad luck if you're trying to get pregnant. Too much air, too far from the Stone. The baby won't take. Rica: You could try Tapsters, though. Beraht never lets us go there because too many traders come in.

Player:

5.1. Thanks. I'll go and check that out now.

Rica: Just... don't tell me what Beraht wants you to do to the poor sot. Rica: Atrast tunsha, Leske. Leske: We, uh, don't have to go so soon, you know. We could stay, maybe braid your hair, or– Rica: Atrast tunsha, Leske.

(End)

6. Sorry. I didn't mean to bother you. Goodbye.

(Alone) Rica: Off with you, then. Leske's probably waiting outside. (With Leske) Rica: Get Leske out of here before he starts drooling, then. I'm still half-dressed!

(End)

[donellajane]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: LIVE Show OSKIA London Renaissance Cleansing Gel.

[shopofthemoment]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: new Oskia 𑁍 Renaissance Mask 𑁍 Luxury Travel Size 𑁍 15 ml 𑁍 Sealed in Box.

[vigilskeep]

@mango-mage if you leave the house to speak to leske at the start of the origin, then go back inside and ask rica if she’s ever met oskias. “i don’t think so. beraht doesn’t like us spending time with anyone from the surface. it’s bad luck if you’re trying to get pregnant. too much air, too far from the stone. the baby won’t take.”

rica saying spending time near surfacers is supposed to be bad for getting pregnant is cool worldbuilding but also a little funny. it’s not on the surface that they have the infertility problem is it

[softsharpdaydreams]

Support

This was written for Whumpmas in July, it's a little late, but I still got it done!

A night of festivities turns bitter for the King's advisor, Cassius.

Trigger warnings for alcohol use, drugging, non-consensual touch and implied non-con.

It was a warm July, the month of King Alphonse's birthday, and festivities were in full swing. Cassius had been a member of Alphonse's court for over a decade, and while they could handle most of the challenges that came with being one of the King's closest advisors, they found the pageantry of the social events always bordered on overwhelming.

This evening they couldn't tell if it was the alcohol or if it was the glitz and extravagance of the party-goers, but Cassius had found themselves beginning to feel...off. So they had  stolen away to their favourite place on nights like these.

The north side terrace looked across the palace gardens and then out across the city and the great lake behind it. Sometimes, on clear nights, the lights of Pearlwell, their home, could be seen on the horizon.

Usually they would lean against the balustrade, breathe in the scent of flowers and grass and watch the people scurrying along the city streets, tiny at such a distance. But this evening their body didn't feel like their own, and they didn't want to risk falling, so they contented themselves with leaning against the wall, searching the horizon for those familiar lights and drinking the glass of wine they had brought out with them.

They were grateful for the privacy of the terrace, the thought of showing any weakness in front of the court haunted them. There was a particular group of nobles who were so quick to prey on any perceived failings and missteps and turn them into career destroying rumours. Cassius had put a lot of energy and time in cultivating their position, and they refused to let their image be tainted because they had too much to drink.

Although they were certain this was only their second glass. They had been favouring the non-alcoholic drinks and their mind felt clear. It was just their body that felt slow and disconnected. They flexed their hand, unnerved by how stiff their fingers felt.

They looked down at their glass, it was half full, maybe they had drunk more than they thought. What else could it be? They didn't feel ill, there wasn't the grogginess or aches that came with illness. Maybe the clarity of the cool air after the stuffy ballroom was creating a false sense of sobriety.

They just needed a minute, either the alcohol would cloud their thoughts or they would start to feel in control of their limbs again, either way they would be okay. They wiggled their toes to encourage blood flow and tried to ignore the panic when they realised they couldn't move them.

There was a rational answer for this. They just needed to calm down. They had drunk too much. Yes, drinking didn't usually paralyse them...maybe it was stress? Or whatever Lord Everret had been smoking had found its way into their system?

They took another drink, their arms didn't feel like their own, and they knew it wasn't Everret's drugs or the alcohol that was doing this too them.

They needed to go to the doctor. But it was on the other side of the castle, and they weren't sure they could get that far. They could go back to their rooms. They were a lot closer, or maybe they could go and find their knight-

The sound of the terrace doors opening cut through their thoughts. Of all the nights for their privacy to be interrupted, it had to be this one. They were joined by Prince Silas, he was King Alphonse's best friend, handsome, charming and, in Cassius' opinion, a nuisance. He and Cassius had never really seen eye to eye, he was too willing to coast on his title and the glory of his mother's achievements. He probably thought Cassius was a stuck-up asshole. To make matters worse they never seemed to be able to agree on anything, Cassius had a suspicion Silas took whatever opinion opposed theirs just to get under their skin.

When he saw Cassius he stopped and smiled, a smile they had seen others swoon other, "Hello... I'm sorry for disturbing you."

"You're not disturbing me," they lied, stars, even their mouth felt like it wasn't their own. He nodded and made his way towards them, leaning against the balustrade opposite and blocking their view of the city.

He gave them a warm smile once he had settled, "Did the party get too much?" They didn't answer, he had to have known they wouldn't respond. The whole time Cassius had known him, they had always been extremely guarded with their emotions, and nothing had happened to change that. To his credit, he took their silence in his stride and did not push it further, "It's a beautiful night, we don't get nights like this in Oskia," He turned, looking out across the city, "Is it true you can see Pearlwell from here?"

"Yes, on some nights," they scanned the horizon one more time, "Not... tonight though." They had to stop talking, they were starting to slur their words.

He turned back to them, "That's a shame." The look he gave them told them he had noticed the way their words were starting to bleed together. It was a look that made them feel vulnerable.

They raised their glass to drain the last of their wine, his eyes followed the glass to their lips, and he smiled.

It was time for them to go.

They pushed away from the wall beginning to make their way back to the door, but as soon as their back left the wall they knew they had made a mistake, their legs refused to move, and they fell forward, the glass slipping from their hands and smashing by their feet. It felt like they were falling in slow motion.

Moving quickly, Silas caught them before they could hit the ground, their feet dragged through the broken glass as he pulled them up and held them uncomfortably close to his chest.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice laced with worry.

"I can't move my legs," they managed to force out through unresponsive lips. They pushed away from Silas, trying to keep an arm's length distance between the two of them, while still being very much dependent on him for support. He didn't move, he didn't speak. They looked up at him, he was just...watching them. "What are you doing?"

He chuckled, "I'm holding you, so you don't fall over, love."

"No-no, go get someone," their sentence ended a mumbled mess. They had to get away, they were too vulnerable. They never wanted anyone to see them like this. Especially not Silas.

They pushed away from him one more time, hoping that by some miracle they would be able to drag themselves back inside. But their arms gave out, and they collapsed into his chest. Silas sighed, sounding almost content, and he wrapped his arms around them, holding them almost tenderly. They tried to say something, but their voice came out as unintelligible sounds.

"I can't leave you in this state, my love," he began to run his fingers gently through their hair, "You've just had too much to drink, I'll take you back to your rooms and you'll feel fine tomorrow, if not a little sore."

They wanted to scream. They wanted to fight. Everything about this was wrong. Their body, Silas, the way he was holding them.

"Or maybe..." he spoke quietly, there was an edge to his voice now, "I'll take you back to the party, let everyone see you in this state. I wonder what Alphonse would think..." They had been trying to contain their fear, it was the enemy of rational thinking, but it was overwhelming them now. There was nothing to ground themselves on, all they could feel was Silas' fingers in their hair, his arm around their body. Panic was gripping them now. They struggled to pull air into their lungs as they felt their chest tighten, and they couldn't hold back the tears that stung their eyes.

He pulled back to look down on them, studying their face, the tears tracking down their face. "No, I won't do that to you, my love, I know how much you value your reputation," with one arm still looped around their body he wiped away the tears on their cheeks and the drool gathering at the corner of their mouth, they watched him helplessly, "all you need is some rest." He scooped them up, carrying them like a bride. They looked up at the stars and thought about Pearlwell as he carried them inside, their home, so very far away.

[mllemaenad]

Leske, dear, we are the poor. Also, unlike Oskias, we are committing to this nonsense.

[daisyridleystyle]

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker | 2019

Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm with Dual-Action Cleansing Cloth - $60 Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Pure Retinol Express Smoothing Eye Mask - $17.50 Environ Cleansing Lotion 200 ml - $86.99 Jillian Dempsey Gold Sculpting Bar - $195 St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse - $18-42 Vita Liberata Body Blur Instant HD Skin Finish in Dark Latte - $45 OSKIA Adaptive Tan Mist, 100ml - $79 Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops - $145

Flora Moody did a post about the skincare products used for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker on her Instagram. I suggest checking it out for her own personal commentary about the products she used to get Rey’s flawless skin look. 

Flora Moody also mentioned in her posts about facials from Skin Matters in Notting Hill:

“Also for the most incredible facials and advice on your skin, may I recommmend Skinmatters in Nottinghill, London. Joanne is legit..the guru of skincare.”

Confirmed by Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker makeup artist Flora Moody

[youllbejudgedeitherway]

I am so incredibly blessed, look at what goodies i was sent 🥺💕 #RoccaBox #RoccaBabe #SubscriptionBox #Surprise #Skincare #SelfCare #SelfLove #Beauty #BeautyBox #Vegan #Koko #Grüum #Oskia #Ameliorate #Blessed (at Wilton, Wiltshire) https://www.instagram.com/p/CZWudAesLIv/?utm_medium=tumblr

[brocflowers]

With great embarrassment I will admit: I've been stuck on Oskias' dialogue for like 3 months now.