#phew that was a doozy

[dorianpavus]

Panel from Hell Info Roundup

We got a release teaser trailer!

CHARACTER CREATION/CUSTOMIZATION

Character creation got a revamp! More efforts were made to explain things to someone who hasn’t played D&D before, or one who hasn’t played other Larian games. Classes now also have unique animations when you select them.

Choice options now have a corresponding icon, so you can see what you’re selecting.

There are more available faces to choose from.

Dragonborn and half-orcs are playable at launch.

Warlocks are now able to call on their patron for insight and advice.

New sliders have been added for Maturity (adding wrinkles), Freckle Quantity (and intensity), and Vitiligo Pigmentation.

Horn Customization! Now you can change their color and tip color.

There are scar options.

More hair and beard options! As well as more options for hair colors (including greying) to have tri-colored hair.

Strong/buff body types added!

Piercing options have been added.

Heterochromia option has been added.

Dragonborn can customize their face, crest, chins, and jaws. Skin color options include metallic, almost duo-chrome shades. For white dragonborns, there are also pearlescent effects. Dragonborn Draconic Bloodline sorcerers will get a unique scale pattern that changes color based on your ancestry.

There is also a selection for genitals, which they did not elaborate on, but was selected as ‘default.’

You will meet a character that will allow you to reset your class and respec your abilities.

The team went back from Act 1-3 to make the game more reactive to your choices. If you’re playing something odd or unique, the game should react to it.

THE DARK URGE

They are the new Origin Character, and they are avatar-only; they can only be played by you, not recruited.

You can fully customize their race and class.

They do not know who they are; they are waking up, and the only thing they know is “the bile of their liver, the gushing of their blood, and their ruined body telling them: you’re going to kill and kill again.” They are meant to be a dark counterpoint to the story.

Has unique scenes and storylines unlike anything else we’ve seen thus far.

They have dark impulses and thoughts that tempt them; you can play as embracing it or trying to resist.

At 4:36:55, we have some gameplay of them from early on in Act 1.

KARLACH

She is an Origin Character, and you can recruit her or play as her.

Born and raised in Baldur’s Gate, was sold to slavery in the Hells, and managed to break free. She has an infernal engine for a heart.

She’s a barbarian who has a special rage animation/effect.

Curses a lot.

At 5:20:00, there’s a bit of extended gameplay and one of her romance scenes.

OTHER/MISC COMPANIONS

Many of the companions are good-aligned, including Karlach, Halsin, Minsc, and Jaheira. For evil companions, there is Minthara, who you can recruit in Act 2 depending on your choices.

Wyll has gotten a complete overhaul. Much of his dialogue has been rewritten, and he “can go in two directions” much earlier in the story. He wants to kill Karlach at the beginning of the game, and how that unfolds is up to you. 

If you kill your companions, you can hire Hirelings. There are twelve (one for each of the classes), and you can customize and respec them.

Companions will join your camp and be able to come with you along your journey; you don’t have to choose between them, but can swap them out as you see fit. If anyone leaves or isn’t able to be recruited, it will be by your own choices or the narrative.

When you’re playing as an Origin Character, you’re not a mystery to yourself. You’ll get unique scenes and information that you may not otherwise get with them as your companion. For instance, when you go to sleep, you might have nightmares about your past.

A scene relevant to Astarion’s backstory was shown at 4:25:57.

ROMANCE

They tried to show “two people genuinely struggling through a hard time and supporting one another. And you’re not going to be the same person in Act 1 as you are in Act 3. Neither is your partner. Your relationship is going to have to grow along with the game’s story.” 

At 4:46:10, they have a video where they discuss this and show scenes from the romances. 

How you treat your companions will be reflected in how they treat you. Whether they want to be in a relationship with you, whether they leave your party, or even try to kill you -- all depends on your choices. 

“Sometimes it’s actually better to have an argument, and challenge your partner about their way of thinking.”

Some characters will happily share romantic partners with polyamory; some of them won’t.

Characters may have very different romantic endings based on what happens during the game and how you treat them or what you did with them. There’s not just one scene that’s the same for all playthroughs.

You can still romance people on “evil” playthroughs, so long as you play your cards right.

Mature content warning! There is a romance scene between Astarion and Halsin that the audience helped select at 5:32:49. Wowza. Worth getting banned from TikTok? 

COMBAT

Multiplayer is up to four people, with split screen. 

There are 3 difficulty modes: explorer (or easy), default, and tactician (hard). Tactician mode gives enemies base buffs, but also hand-crafted difficulty increases to encounters. 

The “brutal AI” from tactician mode is supposed to feel like a DM that is pushing you to your limits, which manifests in ways like attacking your squishier characters, or trying to break casters’ concentration.

At 5:44:28, there’s a video showcase on the Monk class. Two minutes later, at 5:46:13, there’s some combat gameplay showing off monks and the different difficulty modes.

STORY AND CINEMATICS

At 6:00:40, there’s a video showcasing cinematics, with various clips from the game featured (lots of enemies/creatures shown). 

They estimate that running through the main story will take about 80 hours, but it can go multiple times that length if you actually take your time and explore. 

174 hours of cinematics doesn’t mean you’ll see all of them; it’s more that there’s so many permutations and reflections of the choices that you made, that you might not even see them all even if you play this game over and over again.

MISC

When you go to camp, you are now able to wear “camp clothes” rather than your armor, which can be toggled on and off. You can find various clothes in the world, and apply dyes to them. You can wear them outside of camp if you want to as well. 

Cloaks are added.

The devs prefer not to think of this being a story told to you, but rather a story they are telling with you. Though there are many themes, trust is a big one: who you can trust, why you can trust them, and why the world should trust you as well.

There’s an unboxing of the Collector’s Edition at 6:14:26.

There is a very heavy spoiler chunk of gameplay from Act 2, starting at 6:20:42, which closes out the stream!

[reallilystuff]

i think we should have more batshit insane unhinged, feral and scrappy y/ns & reader inserts. mcs with a fight or fight response. as a treat.

i am riddled with a fic idea for this and its not letting me go. help.

closeups or whatever under the read more if it formats right idk

those other two doodles i did actual AGES ago LMAOOO (back in may. not that long ago actually)

[theashemarie]

hi everyone. surprise LDR AU update! another finished entry in this series!

[sars-wulf]

I’m at the water boarding part… and then we’ll do the branding. Sasha’s really going to hate the next one.

Then we’ll end off on the toad boy part and Anne coming in.

This is going to be LONG.

[memento-morri-writes]

Hey!!! Since you said you have a lot figured out for your WIPs I'm interested in your answers!!

what natural resources does each nation have that the others don't? do they export/trade it at all? (For any WIP you wanna answer for!)

@bloodlessheirbyjacques 👀❤️‍🔥

JACQUES, I LOVE YOU!!!!!! I'll try to keep this at least somewhat brief, but be warned, you have NO idea what floodgates you have just opened. (I actually intended to make a post like this literally over a year ago, so thank you for helping me make it!!)

Get ready for:

Econ 101 - A Crash-Course in Continental Trade Policy

Before we get started, here's some things you might find helpful:

a map of the continent (see below)

an explanation of why Anvia and Oryn don't get along

under the cut because hoo boy, this is a LOT.

Anvia, the kingdom where ATQH takes place (and which Fallon rules) is primarily an agricultural society. The country's position in the middle of the continent, plus the river running through the kingdom providing fertile land, gives makes it the best-suited area for agriculture on the continent. (Side Note: It gets colder as you got west-northwest on this continent. Oryn is cold, with long winters and short summers, while Oraine is extremely hot and the land dries up quickly.)

They grow crops and raise animals not only for their own survival, but for export to the neighboring nations. Anvia also has a decent number of craftspeople living in its larger cities, who use crop byproducts (or non-food crops) and animal products to make other products, such as textiles, leather products, etc.

Thus, Anvia's main products/exports are food crops (apples, wheat, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, lettuce, cabbages, carrots, peas, hops, among other things), created food products (wine, ale, baked goods, jams, jellies, preserves) as well as animal products (largely wool, but things like eggs, cheese, and milk may also be exported), and craftsproduts (textiles and leather products, for example).

Due to the fact that most of Anvia is farmland, be it crop fields or livestock pastures, there is very little opportunity for logging. Even the areas that haven't been developed for farming are largely prairie-like areas. Also, Anvia lacks substantial access to mountains or mineral deposits for mining. So they are lacking in construction materials such as timber, stone, and metals.

Oryn, on the other hand, is ripe with construction goods. They have massive mines scattered throughout the kingdom, especially along the mountain range that borders with Anvia. (Ironkeep, the fortress to the Northeast of Westcliff, is a major stronghold built to protect Oryn's most profitable mines.) Additionally, a massive portion of the kingdom is covered in forests, so logging is another major industry.

(Side Note: Kristopher's father and the current king of Oryn, Pierre, has increased both of these industries massively. The working conditions in both tend to be hazardous, with many people being injured or killed. (Fun Fact: If you want to know how Pierre runs his kingdom, listen to Eat Your Young by Hozier.) Kristopher believes that his father is ruining Oryn, not only by ruining much of its natural land, but also by working the people so hard.)

Notably, Oryn is also home to significant number of craftspeople, specializing in blacksmithing, metalworking, and jeweling. Orynian weapons and armor are said to be stronger and more durable than any others, and jewelry made by Orynian jewelers with Orynian stones is highly prized across the continent and beyond.

Oryn's main exports are lumber, stone, metal (raw, processed, and crafted into items), and jewels (raw, processed, and made into jewelry).

However, what Oryn severely lacks is fertile farmland. Not only is most of the land covered in trees, but the soil is quite rocky -- far from ideal for large-scale farming. (The hilly, mountainous terrain doesn't help.)

So, you can probably see why Oryn and Anvia need each other. They are forced to trade with one another to ensure the survival of both kingdoms. However, as I've explained in the past, the two kingdoms have a long history of tension between them -- which actually was the result of conflict over resources to begin with. However, despite this obvious codependency, neither one has been willing to suck up their pride and open direct negotiations between the two nations. (Fallon has tried several times during her rule, but has never once received a response from Pierre.)

So, this is where Oraine steps in. Oraine has a very hot environment, and aside from a few choice crops, not much of trade value grows there. (Their main exports, aside from a few "exotic delicacies", are fancy goods, such as fine clothes, art, and fancy furniture.) However, what Oraine does have is massive amounts of accessible coastline. Because of this, they have a long history of ship-building and maritime trade. Fortuitously for Oraine, Anvia and Oryn's border is mostly treacherous mountains, which makes overland travel difficult.

So, at some point in the past few centuries, some clever Orainian had an idea, and Orain graciously stepped in, offering to conduct trade between the two kingdoms -- for a fee, of course. Eager to continue their mutual cold-shoulder treatment, Anvia and Oryn were quick to accept the proposal. It was agreed upon that both Anvia and Oryn would be able to use Orainian ships to send their goods to each other, to Oraine, and beyond.

There are multiple companies (each owned by wealthy merchant families) that offer these services, both within the continent and beyond, and each is free to set their own price and negotiate their own service contracts with individuals, companies, or the nations themselves. However, they are charge a hefty tax that goes directly to the pockets of the ruler (currently Empress Adrienne) of Oraine.

Not only that, but Orainian merchants are well aware of how necessary their services are to both Anvia and Oryn. As such, their fees are often ridiculously overpriced. And Anvia and Oryn pay them, because they don't have any other choice. (Well, they could choose to talk to each other and begin their own trading initiatives instead of settling for Oraine's horrid prices, but why would they ever do that?)

To tie all this back to the messy international politics of the continent, the Empress of Oraine has her own fleet of trading ships that carry out trades on her behalf. It is these ships that the rulers of Anvia and Oryn are required to use when they wish to send something more between them for political purposes. Orainian leaders have long claimed this is to "supervise" and "prevent increased hostility", but in reality it's just another way to line the ruler's pockets.

The rulers of both kingdoms have signed contracts with the Empire, including a rate of charge for the service. The Empress continually pushes to raise said rate, with the monarchs attempt to negotiate a lower price -- or at least keep the same one they had before. But it's a precarious slope, because if they push too hard, the Empress could retract her offer altogether, which would be disastrous (at least in the short term) for the two kingdoms, until they were able to communicate in a civil manner and establish their own trade barriers. (Of course, the Empress has no intention of actually rescinding her offer -- it's far too profitable -- but the monarchs don't know that...)

And that's all, folks!! To anyone who read all 1,092 words of this, I am hugging you (if you accept), and buying you your favorite meal. Hopefully this isn't too boring of a read...

[zzz-updates]

Version 1.3 "Virtual Revenge" Update Details

Dear Proxies,

Below is the updated content and compensation for Version 1.3 "Virtual Revenge."

>> Official Hoyolab post <<

[Update Start Time]

2024/11/06 06:00:00 (UTC+8)

It will take about five hours to complete.

[Compensation Details]

● Server Update Compensation

Compensation: Polychrome ×300

Compensation Eligibility: Proxies who reach Inter-Knot Lv. 4 before 2024/11/06 06:00 (UTC+8).

Valid to claim until the end of Version 1.3.

● Issue Fix Compensation

Compensation: Polychrome ×300

Compensation Eligibility: Proxies who reach Inter-Knot Lv. 4 before 2024/11/06 06:00 (UTC+8).

Please log in to the game and claim the compensation before 2024/12/06 23:59 (UTC+8).

The dev team will issue the compensation via in-game mail after the update has been completed. The mail will expire after 30 days, so don't forget to claim the attachments.

[How to Update]

● PC

Exit the game, restart, then select update.

● Android

After entering the game, follow the in-game pop-up instructions to complete the update.

● iOS

Go to App Store and select update.

● PS5™

Open the PS5 home screen > Highlight Zenless Zone Zero > Hold down the Options button on your controller > Check for updates.

[New Content]

1. New Characters

● S-Rank Agent Tsukishiro Yanagi (Anomaly - Electric)

Tsukishiro Yanagi is an Anomaly Agent who can rapidly Shock enemies. As well as switching stances to gain combat buffs, Yanagi can also trigger the special effect Polarity Disorder, dealing massive DMG to enemies afflicted with Anomaly.

● S-Rank Agent Lighter (Stun - Fire)

Lighter is an Agent with the ability to Stun and provide Ice and Fire attribute boosts to the squad. In battle, Lighter's Morale gradually recovers over time and as any Agent in the squad consumes energy. Once it recovers to a certain point, when Lighter performs the fifth hit of Basic Attack, he enters a Morale Burst state, enhancing the power of certain abilities and his own Impact.

2. New W-Engines

● S-Rank W-Engine: Timeweaver (Anomaly)

*The limited S-Rank W-Engine Timeweaver (Anomaly) can be unlocked by Signal Searching on the Dissonant Sonata channel.

● S-Rank W-Engine: Blazing Laurel (Stun)

*The limited S-Rank W-Engine Blazing Laurel (Stun) can be unlocked by Signal Searching on a future channel.

3. New Bangboo

● A-Rank Bangboo: Baddieboo

Can be obtained via An Outstanding Partner channel.

● A-Rank Bangboo: Knightboo

Can be obtained in "The Mystery of Arpeggio Fault" event.

4. New Story

● Special Episode: Virtual Revenge

Virtual trials in a virtual city. The crisis is real... and so are you.

Availability: Permanently available after Version 1.3 goes live.

Complete Main Story "Leisurely Lull: Unexpected New Customer" (available after completing Main Story Chapter 4).

※ You can experience this content in advance via the "Advance Screening" function.

● Lighter's Agent Story: The Unsung Champion

Here's to a victory against all odds, to the unsung champion.

Availability: Permanently available after 2024/11/27 12:00 (server time)

Complete Main Story "Leisurely Lull: Unexpected New Customer" (available after completing Main Story Chapter 4).

※ You can experience this content in advance via the "Advance Screening" function.

● Agent Trust Events

New Trust Events for Tsukishiro Yanagi and Lighter

Availability: Permanently available after Version 1.3 goes live.

How to Unlock: Obtain the corresponding Agents and complete the required Stories (Please see Workbench > Partner Archive).

5. New Area

● Sān-Z STUDIO: Available once Version 1.3 goes live.

Sān-Z STUDIO is located in Lumina Square, and is designer Yi's studio.

● Display Stand: Available once Version 1.3 goes live.

The Display Stand is located in the upstairs bedroom in Random Play. Proxies can redeem items designed by Yi at Sān-Z STUDIO and display them using the Display Stand.

● HAND Headquarters: Available once Version 1.3 goes live.

HAND Headquarters is the heart of New Eridu Hollow disaster affairs and Section 6's office space.

*Some areas will be unlocked for a limited time during Special Episode "Virtual Revenge."

● Sandwich Truck: Available for a limited time during the event "When Sandwiches Come A Knockin'."

The sandwich truck is located in Lumina Square. Magical flavors with just simple ingredients. Get Lumina Square's new eats delivered right to your door!

6. New Events

● All-New Program

Log in for a total of 7 days to earn Encrypted Master Tape ×10!

Event Duration: After Version 1.3 goes live – 2024/12/17 03:59 (server time)

Requirements: Reach Inter-Knot Lv. 8, and unlock the Event feature in the Main Story Prologue - Intermission.

● Moonlight Traces

Tsukishiro Yanagi's TV Schedule is coming soon!

Tsukishiro Yanagi, you've been chosen to be the one to save Section 6! —Huh? Me?

Event Duration: After Version 1.3 goes live – 2024/12/16 03:59 (server time)

Requirements: Reach Inter-Knot Lv. 20.

● The Mystery of Arpeggio Fault

Wandering shadows, mysteries of the past.

This is the forbidden zone where dreams of the city are shattered — the Arpeggio Fault.

Event Duration: After Version 1.3 goes live – 2024/12/17 03:59 (server time)

Requirements: Complete Qualification Assessment: Edge in Hollow Zero to participate.

* "Arpeggio Fault" will be permanently available after the event ends.

● Virtual Battlefield Mayhem

They're testing the latest VR device? An Intelligent Construct is in a coma?

Is it a conspiracy or an accident? All of this awaits an expert VR explorer!

Event Duration: 2024/11/11 10:00 (server time) – 2024/11/25 03:59 (server time)

Requirements: Reach Inter-Knot Lv. 15 and complete Agent Story "Mole in the Hole (I)."

● "En-Nah" Assistant Program

Even the best Bangboo coach can't be in two places at once.

Following up with alumni, taking commemorative photos, supervising training... I'm seriously overwhelmed!

Event Duration: 2024/11/16 10:00 (server time) – 2024/12/02 03:59 (server time)

Requirements: Complete Main Story Chapter 3 "The Midnight Pursuit."

● Data Bounty: Combat Simulation

During the event, Combat Simulation rewards will be doubled.

"There are many things that require your assistance, but you'll be well compensated~"

Event Duration: 2024/11/22 04:00 (server time) – 2024/11/27 03:59 (server time)

Requirements: Unlock Combat Simulation in Main Story Chapter 1: Cat's Lost & Found.

● "En-Nah" Into Your Lap

Log in for a total of 7 days to obtain Boopon ×10!

Event Duration: 2024/11/27 10:00 (server time) – 2024/12/17 03:59 (server time)

Requirements: Reach Inter-Knot Lv. 8, and unlock the Event feature in the Main Story Prologue - Intermission.

● The Champion

Lighter's TV Schedule is coming soon!

A champion may vanish when out of sight, but will never fall when under the bright lights.

Event Duration: 2024/11/27 12:00 (server time) – 2024/12/16 03:59 (server time)

Requirements: Reach Inter-Knot Lv. 20.

● Help Kai

Dear Investigator, Kai from the Association needs your help!

Others just ignore its cries for "ehn-na." You are the only one who can help it!

Event Duration: 2024/12/02 04:00 (server time) – 2024/12/16 03:59 (server time)

Requirements: Reach Inter-Knot Lv. 15.

● When Sandwiches Come A Knockin'

"Breaded Belief" pop-up food truck is here!

Magical flavors with just simple ingredients. Get Lumina Square's new eats delivered right to your door!

Event Duration: 2024/12/04 10:00 (server time) – 2024/12/16 03:59 (server time)

Requirements: Reach Inter-Knot Lv. 30 and unlock in Main Story Chapter 2 Interlude.

● Advanced Bounty: Routine Cleanup

During the event, Routine Cleanup rewards will be doubled.

"Battle is almost upon us! Rest assured, the Defense Force will show you who we truly are."

Event Duration: 2024/12/11 04:00 (server time) – 2024/12/16 03:59 (server time)

Requirements: Begin Main Story Chapter 2 - Intermission and unlock Routine Cleanup.

7. New Gameplay

● Arpeggio Fault

Wandering shadows, mysteries of the past.

This is the forbidden zone where dreams of the city are shattered — the Arpeggio Fault.

Availability: Permanently available after Version 1.3 goes live.

Requirements: Complete Qualification Assessment — Edge in Hollow Zero to participate.

● New Challenge at HIA: Simulated Battle Trial

A tower in virtual space, endless trials of combat, a hidden message at the top...

Stay alert and get ready for a next-gen test of survival!

Availability: Permanently available after Version 1.3 goes live.

Requirements: Reach Inter-Knot Lv. 36 and complete Main Story Chapter 3 "The Midnight Pursuit"

8. New Systems

● Adds "Ridu Weekly" to Compendium

Version 1.3 adds the "Ridu Weekly" feature. Complete tasks within the allotted time to claim corresponding points. After accumulating points, they can be used to obtain Inter-Knot Credit, Polychromes, Dennies, upgrade materials, etc.

More Details:

1. This feature will be available from the first Monday after the version update at 04:00 (server time). Once available, missions will refresh each Monday at 04:00 (server time).

2. After completing Errands, camera missions, invitation events, arcade games, etc., you can accumulate points to obtain Inter-Knot Credit, Polychromes, Dennies, upgrade materials, etc.

"Weekly Custom Schedule" will be closed once "Ridu Weekly" takes effect.

● Adds the title feature that allows Proxies to view and equip titles on the "Your Info" interface. After equipping a title, it will be displayed in your Inter-Knot friend list.

● Adds the badge feature that allows Proxies to view earned badges on the "Your Info" interface. You can show or hide your badges via Social Media Settings.

9. Other New Content

1. New Commissions

Adds the combat commission "Hector's Deathmatch" that can be accessed via Inter-Knot after completing Chapter 4.

2. New Content

● Adds dynamic backgrounds for Agents Tsukishiro Yanagi and Lighter. Obtain the corresponding Agent and increase your Trust Level to a certain amount to unlock.

● Adds encounters for Agents Piper, Lucy, Lighter, and Tsukishiro Yanagi in Hollow Zero.

● Adds new enemies: Autonomous Tactical Unit - Shielded Defender Omega, Thracian, and Grenadier Jaeger.

● Adds a "Favorite" function to the Agents, remodeling shop, and Bangboo deployment screens. Favorited Agents and Bangboo will be pinned in their respective lists.

● Adds a cross-level material crafting/dismantling function.

● Adds a crafting function to the Drive Disc Master Copies. Lower-level Master Copies can now be used to craft higher-level ones.

● Adds a series of combat tutorials to "Compendium > Tactics." Complete stages to claim rewards such as Polychromes.

● When Engagement is maxed out in "Compendium > Daily," a "Go" button is added to uncompleted tasks. Select "Go" to continue completing daily tasks.

● Changes "Compendium > Challenge" to "Compendium > Combat."

● Adds corresponding Agent functions to Routine Cleanup, Expert Challenge, and Notorious Hunt in Compendium. Proxies can view the Agents needed for certain material drops in Compendium and the corresponding challenge details interface.

● Adds shortcuts to "Simulated Battle Trial," "Arpeggio Fault," and "Investigator Training Course" in "Compendium > Combat."

● Adds a portal to rewards and the Store to Expert Challenge, Notorious Hunt, Hollow Zero, and Shiyu Defense in Compendium, and adjusts the interface's UI layout.

● Adds new achievements for A Ridu Journey, Agent Trust, Special Episode, Hollow Zero, Combat Achievements, Hollow Exploration Guide, and Zero Key including some hidden achievements.

● Adds the achievement "Hollow Descent Training." Proxies who already meet the unlock requirements will receive this achievement once the Version 1.3 update takes effect.

● Adds the new TV show "Bangboo Charging Station."

3. Shiyu Defense

"Critical Node"

After the Version 1.3 update goes live, the buff effects of Critical Node are as follows:

Phase I:

The Anomaly Buildup of Assist Attacks, EX Special Attacks, and Ultimates increases by 30% and DMG dealt increases by 20%.

When triggering Disorder, generate an extra 400 Decibels, and reduce the target's DEF by 20% for 20s. The Decibel gain effect can trigger once every 10s.

Phase II:

Agent impact increases by 20%. Upon Stunning an enemy, all squad members recover 20 Energy and have their ATK increased by 20% for 20s. This Energy gain effect can trigger once every 15s.

Upon Stunning an enemy, its Stun DMG Multiplier increases by 10% per second, up to a maximum of 60%.

*Phase II of Critical Node in Version 1.3 will come to a close on 2024/12/17 at 03:59 (server time)

[Adjustments and Optimizations]

1. Agents

● Optimizes certain aspects of the 3D model of Agent Hoshimi Miyabi.

● Optimizes the transparency of the hair of Agent Lucy's 3D model.

● Optimizes the visuals of the hair of Agent Lighter's 3D model.

2. Systems

● Optimizes stage order for Routine Cleanup, Expert Challenge, and Notorious Hunt in Compendium.

3. Gameplay

● Optimizes the unlock requirements for some stages in Old Capital Metro, Construction Ruins, and Abandoned Skyscraper in Hollow Zero. Stages will be unlocked once you reach the required Inter-Knot level.

● Clearing a high-difficulty stage in Old Capital Metro, Construction Ruins or Abandoned Skyscraper in Hollow Zero will grant you the first clearance reward from all the lower-difficulty stages in that area.

4. Mouse & Keyboard and Controller Optimizations

● Optimizes controls while using a controller for the following interfaces: Preset Config, Remodeling Shop, Deploy Bangboo, Mail, etc.

● Adds a new feature to quickly switch between mouse & keyboard and controller control schemes in the Compendium and Hollow Zero interfaces.

● Expands the scope of customizable keybinds while in keyboard & mouse mode.

5. Others

● Optimizes the animations of Belle and Wise in some circumstances.

● Optimizes 3D model visuals of some NPCs.

● Optimizes some animations for the Arcade NPC "Asha."

● Optimizes the rendering effects of characters' skin while under lighting.

● Optimizes the layout of Inter-Knot friends interface.

● Optimizes the sorting function on the Drive Disc dismantling and W-Engine recycling screens in the music store, gadget store, and storage screens, and adds function details. The "Select All" function has been replaced with "Quick Select," which can be used to bulk select based on specific sorting criteria.

● Optimizes the Track Settings screen in the music store.

● Optimizes the redirect function triggered when the number of W-Engines and Drive Discs has reached the Storage limit.

● Optimizes the display of the purchase button in New Eridu City Fund.

● Optimizes some English, Japanese, and Korean voice lines.

● Changed the Japanese voice actor for Tsukishiro Yanagi and replaced the corresponding voice lines.

● Changed the English voice actor for Agent "Soukaku," and replaced the corresponding voice lines.

[Issue Fixes]

1. Agents

● Fixes an issue where the player sometimes cannot control their Agents as normal when the Agent enters combat.

● Fixes an issue where the special effects for Agent Caesar's Radiant Aegis effect sometimes disappear during some combat scenarios.

● Fixes an issue where Agent Caesar's model sometimes does not display correctly when moving through some environments.

● Fixes an issue where, under certain circumstances, Agent Ellen's Mindscape 06 "The Feast Begins" occasionally fails to apply the DMG buff to the last hit of "Charged Scissor Strike."

● Fixes an issue where NPC interaction error sometimes occurs in some of Agent Lucy's trust events.

● Fixes an issue where, during Agent Soldier 11's 4th hit of Basic Attack: Fire Suppression, switching Agents would cause loss of part of the DMG of her 4th hit.

2. Systems

● Fixes an issue where some item images do not display correctly in the mail system.

● Fixes an issue where the "new" label sometimes does not display correctly in Phaethon's Database.

● Fixes an issue where the animations on the Partner Archive screen sometimes do not display correctly.

● Fixes an issue where switching between some interfaces sometimes disrupts normal gameplay.

● Fixes an issue where, while playing out the main story, some trial Bangboo's levels do not increase as Inter-Knot Reputation increases.

3. Gameplay

● Fixes an issue where the environment in the arcade game "Bizarre Brigade" sometimes flashes.

● Fixes an issue where, in some trust events, the playable character sometimes switches after interacting with Inky.

4. Environments

● Fixes an issue where NPC models sometimes do not display correctly in some environments.

5. Others

● Fixes an issue where, under certain circumstances, the Frostbite effect caused by Ice Anomaly is not considered an Attribute Anomaly effect.

● Fixes visual issues affecting the animations in "Outer Ring Journey - The Speeding Savior" during the main story.

● Fixes the incorrect NPC name in the mission "Replacement Bounty Hunter."

● Fixes some text that appears on character and Bangboo models.

● Fixes typos found in some in-game text.

● Adjusts, improves, and fixes the in-game text for some languages. These changes will not affect gameplay or functions.

[ftm-radio]

I know some folks have a harder time crying when they go on T and I wonder if that's hitting me now that I've gone up to 3 pumps and I'm getting more man sauce into my system... 🤔

[marvus-xoloto]

The clown replied, "Yo killa, My precious got damn child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints in tha motherfucking snow, it was thizzity THEN that I Carried Your plush ass LOL !!"

Read here, and happy belated holidays and new year!!

Looking for what was previously chapter 2? Try here.

Support your local artists and writers with a reblog ♻️😊

[xazz]

Ok so you reblogged this:

So you have no one to blame but yourself for all the dumb questions I'm about to ask you.

1) They Were Giants

• Are you planning to continue this fic?

• What inspired you to write it? How did your original idea differ from what you ended up going with in the first chapter (if it differed at all in the first place)?

• Were there any bits that you really liked but had to cut due to pacing/them not fitting the plot?

• Is there anything you can tell us about where you could see the characters going in the future without spoiling the story (if you plan to keep on writing it, that is)?

2) The "Flocking Movement" series

• What inspired you to write this story, and how much planning did you do before writing it?

• Were you at any point surprised by the direction your story took?

• How would Lucy Prime react to Lucy 2.0 (idk what else to call them lol)? Had Lucy Prime been put in the position of Lucy 2.0, would her actions have differed in any significant way? (+ would she have been an Angel as well or is that just a Lucy 2.0 thing?)

• What does the world created by Desmond look like 100+ years in the future? Are any of the immortals still hanging around? Have more of them popped out? (big question, I know, but I am legit curious about what your answer will be)

• Had Daniel lived (while also being cured of whatever Vidic did to him) what would he have done?

• Some fun facts about Cain, Tiamat, Baldur or any of your other OCs?

• Could you see yourself ever returning to this timeline?

3) General writing questions

• Are there any new WIPs (Ac related or not) that you're really excited about right now? Can you tell us anything about them?

• Do you have any advice/words of encouragement for your fellow writers?

There's a bunch of 'would you write X again?' questions in here and. I do have prompts and requests open on @ahungeringknife. If you want more AU stuff you're more than welcome to ask so long as it's not 'more of this Au!' without any idea of what you want lol

1) They Were Giants

• Are you planning to continue this fic?

Eventually? Maybe? I have the ideas just not the desire to write it rn. Hyperfixation ran out. TWG has also mostly been written on commission.

• What inspired you to write it? How did your original idea differ from what you ended up going with in the first chapter (if it differed at all in the first place)?

I got a request for God!Altair with AltMal and I just went from there. I wrote the first chapter based on it and then I think someone paid for a second chapter so I wrote more. The first chapter is real different from the others because it was supposed to be a one shot. I had to make up Eagle to give Malik something to do lol. Again the second chapter was supposed to Be It and then someone paid for a third and I had to write more. So I tried to wrap up chapters as I go so there aren't dangling ends. Except for recently bc the last chapter or so I wrote for myself.

• Were there any bits that you really liked but had to cut due to pacing/them not fitting the plot?

No really? The parts I'd change would be drawing out the Tarazed thing a bit more. Having him and his priests all die in one chapter was very fast. I'd probably do some sort of red herring Malik thinks he's killed the priests and then building up to killing Tarazed.

• Is there anything you can tell us about where you could see the characters going in the future without spoiling the story (if you plan to keep on writing it, that is)?

Malik leaves Eagle to find out what's 'wrong' with Altair. He meets a bunch more stars and learns that they aren't the only gods. Desmond gets to come with and maybe Lucy? I hadn't planned her and then she popped up.

2) The "Flocking Movement" series

• What inspired you to write this story, and how much planning did you do before writing it?

Kinkmeme on LJ prompt was something like 'Desmond meets Ezio in Montergioni'. Or maybe it was 'Desmond meets ancestors for real'? And then I just went insane. Very little planning happened in the first story but I very meticulously planned 17th, Triad, and TT.

• Were you at any point surprised by the direction your story took?

Jacob was a surprise. So was Tommy. Fan fave Baldur and Cain were also surprises.

• How would Lucy Prime react to Lucy 2.0 (idk what else to call them lol)? Had Lucy Prime been put in the position of Lucy 2.0, would her actions have differed in any significant way? (+ would she have been an Angel as well or is that just a Lucy 2.0 thing?)

Prime would have been disgusted by L2. Not because L2 is disgusting but because of what the Proeathans did. Like the disgust is not at L2, it's what they did to her. But also big 'I've only had synth me for 2 days and if anything happened to her I'd kill all of your and then myself'. L2 was 'programmed' to want Desmond. Prime I think just liked him because they were stuck together and in a terrible situation but once out of it wouldn't have stayed with him. So stuff L2 does that revolve around her feelings for Desmond Prime wouldn't have. Idk what Prime would do if put in the situation *thinky face* She'd probably work with the Assassins properly though. They'd probably meet her when they run into... Andrew. Right Desmond's dad is Andrew in that fic XD I almost wrote William. Prime would have been an angel but not in the same way. Tommy is a watered down version of Desmond. Prime would be a watered down version of L2. L2's biggest plus is proeathan stuff doesn't register as 'human' which is why she can get past their security, Prime is a person/human so does.

• What does the world created by Desmond look like 100+ years in the future? Are any of the immortals still hanging around? Have more of them popped out? (big question, I know, but I am legit curious about what your answer will be)

I have a half finished fic for Legacy that covers that. I just didn't think it turned out very good lol. Altair and Micheal stick around the most. Micheal is very invested in being a grandpa to all of Desmond's kids. Desmond's life gives Altair some purpose and structure. Also Jacob stays in Atlantis. Once Tommy dies Jake and Altair get back together. Cain and Ezio are bother wanderers. Cain 100% starts a fucking cult about himself.

• Had Daniel lived (while also being cured of whatever Vidic did to him) what would he have done?

idk. He doesn't live. I never thought about it lol. There is no timeline where Daniel lives. Ubisoft tortured him enough in canon he gets to fucking rest.

• Some fun facts about Cain, Tiamat, Baldur or any of your other OCs?

Cain's human half is from Turkmenistan. Or that's what Cain says and I'm not about to argue with him. Baldur is trans 👏👏Just in case there was any confusion. She's mtf. She and Thor end up adopting a kid. Tiamat becomes the AI that oversees Atlantis and the Embrace when she eventually dies. She allows Desmond to do that to her so long as she maintains complete control. You never meet her but Desmond and Lucy have a daughter named Saturn and she IS A MENACE. Tiamat loves her. Kaley would have been a stronger pyromancer than John or Desmond.

• Could you see yourself ever returning to this timeline?

I think about it from time to time. But like with TWG just... hyperfixation isn't there. If people prompted for it maybe? I just have written most of what I want for the AU.

3) General writing questions

• Are there any new WIPs (Ac related or not) that you're really excited about right now? Can you tell us anything about them?

There's 2 Destiny AU ideas I have that I'm just *vibrates* about. But there's no 'story' only vibes and setting atm. As for new WIPs? Not really? And always my constant original fantasy WIP.

• Do you have any advice/words of encouragement for your fellow writers?

The mind editor is the thief of joy. Do not let the editor in your head ruin your fucking art.

If you don't feel like your writer's block is going away and you've rested and gone fallow here's the trick they don't tell you; sit down and write through it. It will probably be painful. You probably won't like it. But if your fields are fallow and you feel like they've rested long enough sometimes you have to till the dirt yourself by hand.

In a positive way; no one cares. No one really cares if you make a continuity error, or if you don't have the exact facts right on something, if your headcanon changes mid story. In the 14ish years I've been writing fanfic no one has ever said to me 'um actually you're not right about minor X fact'. I've had people who can't read or understand hyperbole but no one is standing around fact checking you on what you're writing. It's fine. No one cares. If you can't find the exact stat you want fuck it make it up. No one cares enough to check. I say that as a writer and a reader. I'm not out here fact checking someone. Even if I know the information is wrong. Who cares? It's a fanfic.

m/f f/f is just as good and valid as m/m and you should write more of it

[leggywillow]

Chapters: 10/? Fandom: Dragon Age - All Media Types, Dragon Age (Video Games) Rating: Mature Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Relationships: Carver Hawke/Female Surana Characters: Female Surana, Female Hawke, Carver Hawke, Male Trevelyan, Anders, Nathaniel Howe, Original Grey Warden Character(s), Ruvena, Hugh, Fade Spirit(s), Avernus Additional Tags: Warden Carver Hawke, Grey Warden Secrets, Mage-Templar Dynamics, The Taint, Established Relationship, Kirkwall, Canon-Typical Violence, Dragon Age II Quest - The Last Straw, Minor Anders/Female Hawke, Pregnancy Series: Part 3 of The Mistakes of Men and Monsters Summary: After (supposedly) killing Corypheus alongside her partner Carver Hawke, Warden Adara Surana is determined to cure the Taint that dooms them to an early grave. When Anders blows up the Kirkwall Chantry, however, her plans are thrown into chaos. Carver rushes to Kirkwall to help his sister, Champion Vivial Hawke, and Adara chases after him.

Templar Dacre Trevelyan is lost and grieving. He’s determined to drag Anders to Starkhaven to face justice, and he’s willing to go through Hawke—and anyone else—to do it. He crosses paths with Adara Surana instead. It’s kind of a disaster.

This is Part 3 of Warden Surana’s story, to cover DA2 endgame events and the immediate aftermath. POVs from Adara Surana, Dacre Trevelyan, and Carver Hawke.

[sunwarmed-ash]

🌹🥰

“C-Connor! Don't be ridiculous!”

“Ridiculous would be making you come back with a warrant. But something tells me you'll just pay the damn fee. I know you remember how to pay.” 

[be-a-cute-scientist]

.

[skywitchmaja]

top 5 taylor swift songs?

in no particular order (and more based on my own personal attachments than any sort of objective metric)

love story

seven

blank space

mine

getaway car

[freckledsweetpea]

and then one of the brokers I do marketing for called me at 2:50pm (my work day ends at 4:30) and asked for 30 edited books printed and bound by midday tomorrow (I wfh on Tuesdays and didn't feel like going in) so I stayed late and will be clocking overtime for it.

work has been so busy that I haven't really been remotely caring to put together outfits so here finally my workload is coming back down to earth.

[cloudcountry]

SUMMARY: people say suffering is what it means to be a shroud. you could not think more different.

WARNINGS: mentions of blood & self mutilation.

COMMENTS: PHEW THIS ONE WAS A DOOZY!!! idia stop being my muse pls 🙏🙏 i keep writing 2k - 3k word fics in one sitting because of you

“Don’t you wish the world treated him better?”

You blink, entranced by the swirls of green. The voice beckons you closer.

How was that door open...? It should have been closed, right...?

“Don’t you wish you three could live up on the surface, like everyone else?”

More voices have joined.

“Don’t you want that for him and his brother?”

It sounds beautiful, like a symphony.

“This is what it means to be a Shroud.”

You step closer, muscles relaxing as you slip under their spell. The voices are right. They deserved better. They should have been able to live where they pleased, to escape this island and their fate.

The voices giggle—they know they’re right.

They’ve reached you.

Black consumes your vision, blocking out the glowing green. You shut your eyes. Your world grows darker. There's a seizing in your chest and a fluttering in your heart as something pours into your body, staining you.

“This is what it means to be a Shroud.”

“Set us free, and we’ll set all of you free.”

—

The hallways are blaring red, but all Idia sees is the floor swimming in his vision. Ortho is by his side as he punches access code after access code into the door panels, running like he’s never run before. He has a stitch in his side but he keeps going, your face flashing in his mind.

He lost Ortho once. He’s not losing someone again.

It’s like the stairs last forever, winding deeper and deeper into the Earth. Idia doesn’t stop running once, even though he feels like he’s going to fall over and throw up. He’s almost one-hundred percent certain Ortho has carried him at some point but his mind is too messy and his vision is too muddled to care.

Time seems to slow as he reaches the bottom. He raises his head as his ears ring, and the second he lays eyes on you it’s like his vision is clear again. Ink pours out of you and the black markings on your face are all too familiar. Blue fire spits out from behind you and your shrieks are heartbreaking, like you’re wailing for something you want so badly but could never have. Wings sprout from your back, broken and crooked, feathers twisted and clumped. Your hands are worn and bloody from stretching at the walls, and that’s when Idia realizes—

You want to be free.

Guilt crashes over him and it's a critical hit. Of course. He should have been sure this is what you wanted. He should have known you’d get sick of life here, even though you said you loved him time and time again, even though you held him on all those nights that he couldn’t sleep because the thoughts were too much, even though you bonded with Ortho and stepped back for him, letting him set boundaries even though that meant not doing things you wanted to do, like holding his hand or kissing his forehead or playing with his hair.

He should have known this wasn’t the life you wanted.

The ring on his finger feels like nothing more than a heavy stone now.

—

It took years for Idia to open up to you about his family situation. In fact, he seemed to be braced for the possibility that you’d leave him in a heartbeat after hearing it. Your heart ached for him when he explained his past and his inevitable future in a soft, low voice, rushing through the whole thing as if it was the scariest thing he’s ever done.

You placed your hand on his knee once he stopped, letting his words trail off into the night.

“I understand you.” you’d said, looking him straight in the eyes. They seemed to glow in the darkness of his room, flickering like a fire about to be put out.

Idia curled in on himself that night, dragging a clump of his hair over his shoulder and twisting it into knots. You’d reached over and gently grabbed his hands, stopping him from tangling his precious hair. You’d gently smoothed out the fiery strands before kneeling in front of him, looking up at him as if paying him reverence.

“I want to stay with you.” you’d said softly, cradling his shaking, fragile hands in yours.

In that moment, it felt like his very heart was beating between your intertwined hands.

Soft sniffles filled the room that night, and you kissed each tear away. More kept coming, more and more and more, his eyes blotchy and red as he tried to keep quiet. You kept quiet too, whispering how much you cared about him and how if he would let you, you’d stay with him forever because you loved him and he deserved someone by his side. You kissed each tear well into the night, fighting his overwhelming sorrow with your love.

—

Your memories are patchy. It’s like you don’t remember who you are, or where you are. In the dark expanse of your mind, you remember two things.

Idia Shroud and Ortho Shroud.

Your throat feels heavy as your heart starts to palpate—what happened? Where is the green glow? Where are all the comforting voices that whispered your new future to you?

Where were the people you were fighting for?

“Vitals stable.” a faraway voice calls, a sharp clatter piercing through your quiet, inky haze, “Commencing full body scan for blot.”

Blot...

Your eyelids pry themselves open. All the energy has been sapped from your body, your limbs heavy and useless. The strings holding them up have been cut, and it's scary that you can’t remember how you were strung up in the first place.

“Mx, we ask that you please stay still.” the man above you is in a white coat, his hands holding a clipboard and a pen.

You nod passively. Something about him seems familiar enough.

His voice drones on statistics about your well being as your eyes slip shut again, and arms of sludge reach out from your mind and pull you back under the ink, into a deep sleep.

—

Idia is chewing on his fingernails again.

He wishes you were here to scold him for it and paint a new coat over them so he wouldn’t chew on them anymore, being too sentimental to mess up your hard work and too repulsed by the taste, even though he would only ever tell you the latter and—

You were still asleep.

Your vitals are stable, You are fine.

You are fine but there are still black scars all over your body.

Your vitals are stable but the marks will stay there forever.

You almost died and it’s his fault.

You want freedom and he took that away when he said “I do.”

He kissed you and he sucked the soul right out of your body, keeping it clutched in his hands because he’s selfish and stupid and why in the world did you even fall in love with him in the first place?

He has nothing to offer you.

Nothing but this.

Suffering and loneliness and contempt and headaches and cold nights and machines that fill your whole day, leaving no room for the whimsical leisure you enjoyed before. There are no more board games, no more trips to the school store, no more fresh air and nighttime walks, no more watching movies and eating gummy worms, no more talking to anyone who isn’t him.

The ring on his finger burns.

—

You don’t know how long it's been since you went to sleep.

You wake up to a room with dark walls and metallic shelves above your head. The bed (cot?) is firm underneath your body, which is adorned by a gray uniform. There’s a desk right across from you with a tablet and a chair. You can’t see anything it’s hooked up to. The one constant among all of these things seems to be the triangular details, criss-crossing and curving and connecting with each other.

They make your vision spin, so you look away.

You stay in bed.

For some reason your face and neck sting, as does your back. You trace the parts of your face that burn, finding that the areas are almost symmetrical on both sides.

What happened?

“...Idia?” you whisper, your left hand resting over your smoothly beating heart.

The door opens.

Your heart lurches into your throat when you see a dark uniform, fiery blue hair that swings well past his elbows, and eyes that are sunken in. His skin is as pale as ever, his lips chapped and bitten by worry, his nails stubbed and torn, but—

He came.

But it’s him.

He came when you called.

“...Idia—!” you gasp, choking on your words as you lurch forward and cough, black ink splattering all over your gray shirt.

“Easy!” he yelps, rushing to your side. You feel his cold hand press against your back and you lean into the touch, starved for it.

“What happened?” you ask between smaller coughs, following his hand and he lays you back down.

Idia bites his lip. He does not answer.

Instead, he turns his back to you and moves over to the desk grabbing the tablet. He still doesn’t look at you as he taps a few bottoms. He gnaws on his lower lip before twisting the chair to face you and sitting down.

“How much do you remember?” he counters your question with another question, eyes heavier than usual.

“I remember green.” you whisper, the intriguing whispers poking into the corners of your mind again, “I remember voices...they said sweet things to me.”

Idia winces as if that’s the last thing he wants to hear.

“You overblotted.” he says, so blunt it surprises both of you, “You went...deeper than you should have, and you overblotted.”

You touch your face. The burning sensation wiggles as if it’s been recognized, and is pleased. It’s like there's something under your skin, something alive and yearning,that was waiting for him to say it.

“Oh.” you whisper, and in turn, the voices begin to beckon you again.

“This is what it means to be a Shroud. Don’t you wish you three could live up on the surface, like everyone else? It’s not fair, is it? He deserves better. His brother deserves better. You all do. We can help you, we can make that happen, you just have to help us—”

“They were phantoms.” you breathe, tracing the lines on your face over and over and over and over and over—

You don't notice when he gets up and reaches for you. Idia grabs your hand when it looks like you’re pressing too hard, your nails digging into your skin. You stop immediately, looking up at him with glossy eyes and trembling lips.

“Idia...is this what it means to be a Shroud?” you ask, forming each word carefully.

The phantoms said as much.

But he says nothing.

“I don’t blame you if you decided this isn’t what you want, you know.” he says, tone flat and disinterested, like you’re someone he doesn’t even know.

“What do you mean?”

“Your phantom looked like it wanted to be free.” he says, tablet still in his hand.

He pulls up the footage of your rage and shows it to you—your crooked, clumped wings and your bloody, inky hands and your screams as you cry for freedom, freedom—

He misunderstands.

“Not for me!” you seize his wrist, squeezing it so hard you fear it’ll break but this important, “For you! Freedom for you! It’s always you and it always will be you! I wanted you to be free and Ortho to be free. I wanted all of us to be free—!”

You start coughing again, this time even harder. Ink splatters on your bed and this time Idia is on you, he’s truly with you, cradling you against his chest as the ink stains his uniform as well. It pours out of you like a dead, polluted river, and yet in a twisted way it’s a symbol of how much you care.

You vaguely feel his nose pressing against your head in the haze, whispering what sounds like swears and pleads but none of it reaches your ears over the sound of your coughing. By the time you’re done, both of you are thoroughly painted with the remnants of blot.

The voices are gone.

“I’m so glad you’re okay.” he whispers it into your head like it's a confession, meant for your ears and your ears only, “I thought you...wanted to leave here. Leave me.”

His arms are around you like a vice grip.

You’re grateful you’re alive to see him be selfish.

“Idia...my love.” you say, equally as soft, “How many times do I have to tell you that I want to be with you?”

“It’s hard to believe!” he protests, voice cracking.

He pulls away from you, just enough to look over your face. His eyes are watery and he’s so vulnerable—you really scared him. His thumb traces down the parts of your face that burned, the parts of your face you know will be scarred for life now.

“Good thing I’m still here then.” you smile weakly, cupping his face, “I’ll remind you every single day.”

His ring no longer burns.

His left hand rests over your left, and your rings clink together as they connect.

You’re okay. You still want him. You’re alive.

“You’re crazy.” Idia groans, stepping forward and falling into your arms, “You are absolutely crazy. Any normal person would be running for their life right now, calling me a freak and hyperventilating. A normal person would never want to come back—”

His slumps over you like a big cat, arms encircling you in warmth once again. It’s his way of hiding his expression when he’s getting a bit too into his feelings—you know this by now.

“Goodness. It’s a good thing I’m madly in love with you then.” you laugh, hands splayed out on his shoulder blades as he hugs you again, “You know what they say about love making you do crazy things.”

“Please don’t ever do that again—oh Great Seven.” he squeezes you even tighter and you let him, putty in his hands.

“I’m not planning on it. I promise.”  you reassure him, “I don't want to leave you—”

“It’s not about leaving me, you could have died!” he protests, cradling the back of your head, “I’d be fine if you just left! If you were somewhere else...somewhere safe!”

“You would not be okay with that. Don’t pretend to be.” you chastise him quietly, and you know you’ve won when he goes quiet, “You want to keep me here, and you want me to stay. I want the same thing. You don’t have to pretend I’m a sacrifice that can be made. I didn’t fall in love with you because you’re noble or a goody-goody.”

He doesn’t say anything for a few moments. Then—

“I love you so much.” he mumbles.

It’s a rare confession, one that has never lost his sweetness even after years together.

Now this, this is what it means to be a Shroud.

It means staying with each other no matter what.

It couldn't be farther from loneliness.

“I love you too.” you murmur back, and his thumbs trace your blot scars as he presses a single, barely noticeable kiss to your forehead.

[daisynik7]

Double the Fun

Pairing: Eren Jaeger x f!reader x Reiner Braun

Rating: Explicit – MINORS DO NOT INTERACT!

Word Count: ~3.9k

cw: next-door neighbors Eren and Reiner, modern day au, all characters are mid-twenties, explicit language, p*rn no plot, smut – threesome, vaginal sex, anal sex, anal play, spit play, nipple play, cunnilingus, face-riding, blowjob, hand job (M/M), double-penetration, multiple orgasms from the reader, sex toy use (anal plug), cream pies (in both holes), Reiner is a bit of a perv and sniffs panties (just like how he sniffed Historia’s letter in the finale LOL), pet names (baby, sweetheart, sweetie), slight degradation (use of slut, cock slut, whore, and cock sleeve to address the reader), slight breeding kink, sex without a condom (assuming reader is on some form of birth control)

Summary: You’ve been having a bit of a dry spell recently with how busy you’ve been at work. When you finally manage to snag a date with one of your online dating matches, you’re unfortunately stood up, leaving you in a worse mood than before. Lucky for you, your two hot neighbors are more than willing to cheer you up.  

Author’s Notes: Phew! This one is a doozy! Please make sure you read the content warnings before reading. This is filthy and shameless; I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it! I LOVE Eren and Reiner together, idk, they just always scratch this everlasting itch I have. I’m still getting used to writing threesomes, so I hope this is okay! Also, this is my first foray into butt stuff and I may have awoken something inside me, LOL. MDNI divider by the loveliest @/cafekitsune. Thank you for reading! 

Taglist: @batafuraikisu @neverlandlostchild @bloompompom @dprkento @a-listaire @man-knees @slvt-for-smut @antique-remains @aiyaaayei

part 4 of to all the boys who live next door anthology series

“Are you sure you don’t want me to sit, like, two tables away? What if this guy is sketch?” 

You can spot the obvious concern in Pieck’s voice through the speaker of your phone, which is currently face-up on top of your vanity as you get ready. You finish the last steps of your makeup, inspecting yourself in the mirror, satisfied. “Don’t worry, I’ve got pepper spray in my purse in case he tries anything funny,” you assure your best friend. It’s been a while since you last went on a proper date. Pieck’s always been a worry-wart about you meeting strangers from your online dating apps, constantly reminding you to stay vigilant. Tonight is no different. 

“You should at least let your hot neighbors know that you’re going out, so they can keep an eye out for you,” she suggests, throwing that in casually. Ever since you moved in a few months ago, she’s been rooting for you to hook up with either of the two men next door, Eren Jaeger and Reiner Braun. She’s met them plenty of times in passing and would much rather you date one of them instead of the countless of mysterious men on your current roster. 

There’s no denying that they’re attractive. Eren with his long, dark hair, striking eyes, and toned physique. Reiner with his sharp jawline, broad shoulders, and well-groomed goatee. They also happen to be incredibly friendly towards you, always greeting you in the hallway with a genuine smile, asking how your day went or what you’ll be up to. They’ve invited you for dinner on several occasions, which has always been pleasant, sometimes leaning towards the flirtatious side. You’re sure they’re just nice guys, cordial neighbors looking out for one another. There’s nothing more to it than that, even if a small part of you wants there to be. 

You step back from your reflection, checking yourself out once one more. “I’ll be fine, Pieck.”

“What if I can’t reach you? There should be at least one other person who’s aware of your whereabouts, right?” This is what binging too many true crime documentaries does. Still, you’re grateful for your friend’s concern, knowing it’s all out of love. You can tell she’s actually distressed about this, so you end up agreeing, mostly to appease her. She wishes you well before hanging up as you slip into heels by the door. 

You tug at the hem of your skimpy black dress, hand motionless on the doorknob. It’s your first date in over a month. Work has been so busy that you haven’t had time for romance or sex. The variety of sex toys tucked away in your drawer has been your only solace these past few weeks. To say you’re ready for some real action is an understatement. You’re also incredibly nervous, afraid you’ve lost your groove. That’s why you’ve taken extra measures to fully prepare yourself for anything tonight. 

With a deep breathe, you step out into the hallway, following Pieck’s advice. You knock on your neighbor’s door and Eren is the first to answer. His expression brightens when he realizes it’s you. “Hi,” he greets you, flashing that charming smile of his. He scans you up and down, taking in your appearance. “Wow.”

“Is that a good wow or a bad wow?” you grin, twirling for him. 

He swallows hard, checking you out once more. “Definitely a good wow.”

It’s that extra boost of confidence you need for this date, so you’re appreciative of him. “Thank you, Eren. You’re always so sweet.” 

He crosses his arms over his chest, smirking. “So, hot date tonight?”

You decide to be honest with him. “Yeah. It’s been a minute, so I’m a little nervous.”

“Don’t be. Any guy would be lucky to date you.” His eyes twinkle at you kindly.

You imagine Pieck screaming at you from twenty miles away, begging you to date Eren instead of going out with this random swipe right. Eren is simply a sweet guy paying his neighbor a compliment. There’s nothing more to it than that. Before you get the chance to thank him, Reiner’s deeper voice calls out from inside the apartment. “Who is it?”

Without taking his eyes off you, Eren answers with your name. Soon, the blonde joins him, jaw dropping when he notices you. “Fuck.”

Eren elbows him in the chest, to which Reiner mutters a strained apology. “Sorry. You just look amazing.”

The flattery is almost too much, cheeks warm with embarrassment, stomach fluttering. “Thank you.” Reiner is usually the more forward of the two, blurting out whatever is on his mind, though you’re not complaining. 

Grinning, Reiner asks, “So, who’s the lucky guy?”

“Someone I met online. My friend said I should let my wonderful neighbors know my whereabouts tonight, in case I end up missing,” you explain casually. 

“How morbid,” Eren chuckles. “We’ll keep an eye out for you later so that your friend doesn’t have to worry.”

“I would appreciate that.”

Reiner raises a brow at you. “Unless you’re planning on sleeping with him. We probably won’t see you if it does go well.” He hunches forward when Eren lands another blow to his chest, shutting his roommate up. 

You giggle, agreeing with him. “No, you’re totally right. I’m going to stay optimistic and say that if I don’t come home tonight, that’s a good thing.”

“We’ll hope for the best, then,” Eren replies, beaming. 

You turn to leave, waving farewell to them. Reiner yells out, “Have fun tonight! But not too much fun!”

~~~

You return to your apartment complex less than two hours later, heels clicking loudly on the tiled steps, feet heavy with disappointment. After taking a twenty-minute taxi ride to the restaurant you agreed to meet him at, you proceeded to wait an entire hour only to realize that you’ve been stood up. No text, no reply, no call. You’ve been made a fool, completely humiliated, the night and the rest of your weekend absolutely ruined by this asshole’s no-show.  

It takes you a while to dig through your purse for your keys, patience already worn thin. Frustrated, you groan out loud, staring up at the ceiling. “Why me?”

In the worst timing ever, the door to your left swings open. Eren pops his head out, saying your name curiously.

Reluctantly, you turn to face him. “Hey.”  

He comes out, dressed casually in sweats, hair wrapped in a messy bun with the few stray strands draping the back of his neck. “That was quick.”

With an unconvincing smile, trying to hide the shame that currently consumes you, you admit, “I got stood up.”

His demeanor changes instantly. The concern on his face is endearing, and when he drifts towards you, he reaches out, then drops his arm, unsure how best to console you without crossing any lines. “No way.”

You nod, sighing. “It’s true.”

“Fuck, I’m so sorry.” He steps closer to you, hesitantly placing his hand on your shoulder, testing the waters. 

You smile at him, enjoying this simple touch of comfort. “It’s fine. It is what it is.”

The two of you linger like this, Eren gazing into your eyes, holding you. His palm is hot on the fabric of your dress, and for a split second, you wonder how pleasant it’d be on your bare skin. And maybe it’s your wishful thinking or your desperation for human contact after being rejected tonight, but you can feel the heat of a spark between you now. Before you let your fantasies drive you to do something unprecedented, you search your bag again, finally retrieving your keys. He lets you go, watching you shove them into the keyhole, unlocking the door. “Are you okay?”

In all honestly, you’re not, but there’s nothing him or anyone else can do about it, right? “I’ll be okay. Sucks that I got all dressed up for this, though. What a waste.”

He doesn’t respond right away, choosing his words carefully. “Well,” he starts, the faintest blush tinged on his cheeks. “It doesn’t have to be.” 

You stare at him, heart beating faster, making sure you’re understanding him correctly. “Really?”

He clears his throat, licking his lips. “Yeah. Maybe we can get some use out of it.”

“We?”

As if on cue, Reiner emerges from inside their apartment, having heard everything. “Fuck that shitty asshole. You’ll have way more fun with us.” He stands next to his roommate, grinning at you.

This time, you do listen to Pieck’s voice in your head, yelling at you to go for it. To let these two alluring neighbors of yours take care of you the way you deserve. Already feeling better, you give them a coy smile, opening the door to let them in. “Okay, then. Come on in.”

~~~

It’s the first time they’ve ever been inside your apartment, though you save the formal tour for later. As soon as the three of you are inside, door shut, shoes off, they’re both kissing you fiercely. Eren faces you, slipping his tongue into your mouth, hot and heavy. He caresses your sides, squeezing the curves of your body through your dress. Reiner is behind you, grip just below Eren’s, firm on your hips. His lips brush delicately on the nape of your neck, groin pressed to your backside, the bulge protruding from his pants growing harder and harder between your ass cheeks. You moan into the kiss, pussy throbbing in your lingerie, eager to be touched by either man, by both of them. Why did you even bother trying to hook up with strangers online when the perfect matches were beside you all along?

Reiner chuckles, breath hot on your ear, voice low and rugged. “You’re really horny, aren’t you? All dolled up and ready to be fucked, huh?” There he goes again, blunt and straightforward and so fucking sexy, exactly what you need tonight. 

And here is Eren, soft and gentle, committed to kissing you, whispering sweet nothings any chance he gets. “You’re beautiful. Such a gorgeous girl. So pretty for us.” Also exactly what you need. 

You lead them into your bedroom, Eren flipping on the light switch, keeping his lips on you while Reiner strips out of his clothes, starting with his pants. Eren does the same, hoisting his shirt off, revealing his impressive figure. You attempt to slip out of your dress, but Reiner stops you. “Keep it on,” he rasps, down to his underwear now, boner more obvious, poking out from his briefs.  

Eren pinches your butt, snapping the tight fabric to your skin. “We’re not letting this go to waste, remember?”

You nod mindlessly, brain hazy with lust, too eager to be fucked. “Fuck me,” you beg, spit smeared all over your lips. 

They both laugh softly, walking you towards the bed. “So impatient, so needy,” Eren coos, positioning himself in front of you, toying with the hem of the skirt.

Reiner sits up against the headboard, propping you up on his lap, your back pressed to his muscular chest. “What’s the rush, baby?” he teases, licking a stripe behind your ear. “We’re going to take care of you. Right, Eren?”

Eren bites his lip as he works your dress up past your thighs until it’s bunched up at your hips, exposing your soaked thong on your wet cunt. “Oh fuck yeah,” he huffs, salivating. “Gonna make you feel so good. Make you come so fucking much.”

You spread your legs wider for him, a pathetic whine escaping your throat, more and more desperate by the second. He hooks his finger on the crotch of your panties, smirking at the string of arousal that stretches between the fabric and you. “So fucking wet, holy shit.” 

He tugs it all the way off your legs, tossing it over to Reiner, who brings it up to his nose, taking a big whiff. “Such a slut for wearing these on a first date. Our naughty girl.” He lets your lingerie fall from his grasp onto the floor, sliding to the plush of your thighs, keeping your legs spread apart. 

Eren dives in, spreading his wide tongue flat on your clit, moving it side-to-side, stimulating you into your first orgasm. Your knees twitch from the sensation, the pleasure rippling through you like waves of ecstasy. You turn your head towards Reiner’s, opening your mouth, pleading him for a kiss. He obliges, sticking his tongue inside you, slurping up your saliva, hungry for it. “You’re so fucking nasty,” he growls, reaching for the drawer beside the bed. “Bet you have toys hiding in here. Why don’t we have some more fun and play with them?” You whimper wantonly, keen on the idea of Reiner using whatever he wants on you to make you come again. 

He finds exactly what he’s looking for: your precious anal plug, tapered on one end, heart-shaped gem on the other. When he pulls it out, he barks out a laugh, almost like he can’t believe his luck. “You really are a whore,” he whispers in your ear, sinister and wicked, about to have too much fun with this. “Did you prep yourself to be fucked in the ass? Be honest.” Even Eren pauses, peering up at you, curious. 

“Yes,” you mewl, squirming with arousal, body tingling all over.

Eren’s chuckle reverberates against your clit, releasing you from his mouth to lap at your wet slit. “Good girl,” he muffles, collecting your cum on his tongue. “So perfect for us.”

The dynamic between them spurs you on, Eren playing the good guy, Reiner playing bad. Both of them work together with a common goal in mind: to cheer up their pretty neighbor from what would have been a bummer of a night. But already, you’re thankful that you were stood up; you’re certain now that this is the much better alternative. 

“Eren, switch spots with me,” Reiner demands. “And you,” he says, giving you a quick peck on the cheek. “On your stomach.”

You both obey him without protest. Eren leans against the headboard with a dazed look in his eyes, licking his shiny, cum-coated lips. He smiles as you gaze up at him, wrapping your fingers around his shaft, stroking him. You open wide, tapping the tip of his dick on your tongue before sinking down on him until you’re too the hilt, swallowing him into the back of your throat. He cups yours cheeks, caressing you gently. “So fucking pretty with my cock in your mouth. My gorgeous girl.” You accept the praise shamelessly, relishing the distinct taste of him.

From behind, Reiner worships you, squeezing your ass cheeks, spreading them apart to ogle at your fluttering hole. Without warning, he hocks a frothy wad of spit directly onto it, teasing his thumb on the rim. “Fuck, baby,” he utters as you moan on Eren’s cock. “I’m gonna put it in now, okay?”

You nod, taking Eren deeper, your nose pressed to his groin, drool leaking from the sides of your mouth, bracing yourself. The plug is slick with lube as Reiner pushes it in carefully until the heart-shaped jewel is flush to your hole. He swears under his breath, marveling at the sight before him, cock pulsating in his fist. You stay like this for a while, adjusting to the toy inside you. It really did help that you prepared for this earlier. 

“So sexy,” Eren murmurs from above you, staring on your backside. “You take it so good, sweetheart.”

“Like an obedient slut,” Reiner adds, using his thumb to push the plug the slightest bit deeper. He lifts your hips to position himself below you so that you’re straddling his face. “Can you come again, baby?”

“Of course she can. She’s our good girl,” Eren purrs, petting your head softly as you continue to blow him. 

Reiner eats you out sloppily, different from Eren, who’s intentional with his every move. It sends you into another frenzy, pushing you closer and closer over the edge, especially when he begins playing with the plug, pumping it in and out of you slowly. You’re overstimulated with Eren’s hot cock throbbing in your mouth, clit swollen on Reiner’s tongue, and asshole puckered around the smooth glass of the plug. You reach your climax easily, gushing all over Reiner’s face, riding out your orgasm until you’ve completely soaked him in your juices. He drinks it all up, messy and greedy for every drop of you he can scour. He really is as insatiable as you imagined he’d be. 

You release Eren to catch your breath, to which he tips your chin up to face him. “You’re incredible,” he says, the familiar twinkle in his eyes making your heart race. You paw at his chest, crawling up to meet him for a kiss. 

Reiner quickly joins the two of you, not wanting to be left out, rubbing his hard cock between your ass cheeks. You kiss the both of them at the same time, all of your saliva mingling together into a hot, wet mess that you’re currently intoxicated by. After a moment, Eren pulls back. “Does our pretty girl want to get fucked now?”

“Show us how big of a cock slut you are,” Reiner grunts, circling the jeweled end of the plug, teasing your hole. 

Eren helps remove the dress off you completely, hoisting it off your body. He stretches his arm towards the drawer. “Are the condoms in here too?”

You shake your head briskly, bringing his attention back to you. “I want it raw. Want you to fill me up.” 

They both moan, clearly fond of your request, kissing you feverishly. Eren nudges your breast into his mouth, latching onto your nipple. Reiner sucks the skin all along your neck, leaving his love marks, growling, “You want us to breed you, huh? Want all this cum inside these tight little holes of yours. Oh fuck.” His voice is rough and husky, gradually losing his composure. 

Eren’s remains tender, his breath soft on your bosom. “We’re going to breed you so good, sweetheart.” He shimmies down the bed, lying flat on his back, peering up at you with adoration. You straddle him, rubbing yourself on his shaft, needy for friction on your aching clit.

Reiner’s embraces you from behind, groping your chest, focusing on his roommate’s dick and your wet cunt gliding along it. He reaches between you and Eren, fisting his friend’s cock with fast strokes. “Look how hard he is for you. He’s going to fuck you so good. Make you cream all over the sheets.” Your pussy is sopping with arousal from the dirty talk alone, but watching Reiner touch Eren has you dizzy. 

“Fuck, Reiner,” Eren moans, throat bobbing as he swallows hard. “That’s so fucking hot.” He lets his roommate jerk him off while you continue to grind yourself on him. Soon, he replaces Reiner’s fist with his own, cockhead glistening with precum. “Are you ready, sweetheart?”

Reiner moves to your swollen bud, tapping it with his thick fingers. “Oh yeah, she’s fucking ready. Come on, cock sleeve. Put it in.”

Without wasting another second, you line yourself up with him. Eren slides in smoothly, his entire length in you, pussy stretched around him perfectly. You whimper from the fullness, his cock to the hilt and the plug nestled in your backside. Reiner places his hand on your posterior, urging you to lean down so that your chest-to-chest with Eren, who kisses you passionately, remaining still inside you. “Eren,” you whimper his name, drooling into his mouth. He smiles against you, delighted at how fucked out you are for him.

Reiner adjusts his stance, hovering over you by planting one foot on the bed to prop his knee up, giving him enough leverage. He focuses on the plug, tugging it out just barely only to push it back in, repeating this several times, causing you to cry out in pleasure. Finally, he removes it completely, staring wide-eyed at your gaping hole, oh-so-inviting for his fat cock. “Look at that,” he croons, circling your rim with his finger, sensitive to his touch.

You want so badly to be stuffed full by both of them. In a trembling voice, you whine, “Please, Reiner.”

Laughing, he delivers a harsh smack to your ass, skin immediately stinging from it. He dribbles more of his spit onto you, teasing the tip of his dick on the rim. “Not yet, slut.” You can’t see him, too immersed in kissing Eren right now, but you can practically hear the wicked grin on his face, watching you squirm below him as he torments you.

Eren intervenes, annoyed with his friend’s behavior. “Come on, Reiner. Give her what she wants. She deserves it.” He nuzzles his nose to yours. “She’s been a very, very good girl.”

Eventually, Reiner relents. “You’re right. She’s a good girl. And good girls deserve to get fucked in both holes.” 

You shiver at his perverse words, bracing yourself. At last, he guides himself inside you, filling you to the brim. It’s better than any fantasy you could dream of, the sensation so intense, tears begin welling in your eyes.

They start thrusting simultaneously, Eren pummeling your cunt from below, Reiner pounding your ass from behind. It’s messy and raunchy, their hands slippery all over your body from lube, slick, and sweat. The air surrounding you is laden with lust and desire. The collective moans from all three of you echo off the walls of your small bedroom, along with the squeaks of your mattress creaking under the weight of your vigorous lovemaking. 

Reiner is rendered speechless now, totally concentrated on pumping his cock in and out of your fluttering hole, the only sound from his mouth being his ragged breaths. Eren slips one hand between you, his digits pressed to your puffy clit as he fucks up into your pussy. The other fondles your tit, thumb flicking your nipple until it’s perky. He continues to praise you, constantly musing about what a good girl you are, how perfect you are for them. 

At this point, you’ve lost track of how many times you’ve come. You’re in a perpetual state of ecstasy, surrounded by the two hottest men in your life who are voracious for your orgasms. The sour memory from earlier has completely faded and all you can think about is the sweet bliss you’re currently indulging in. 

Eren is the first to come, no longer able to endure it. His even thrusts turn erratic. “Fuck, I’m coming. I’m coming inside you sweetheart, oh fuck.”

You kiss him languidly, drinking up his moans as he floods your cunt with his load. Soon, Reiner swears loudly, announcing his own climax. “Fuck, gonna breed this slutty hole.” His cock swells, spurting his warm seed inside you.

You relax on top of Eren, who’s equally as spent as you. Reiner pulls out slowly, fixated on his own cum dripping out of you. “Fuck. Let’s see the other one, baby.” You lift off Eren, who almost seems reluctant to let you go. Both of them watch with hazy expressions as his creamy load spills out of you and onto his lap. 

The room is musty with the scent of sex, the sheets messy and stained beneath you. Despite that, you’re on cloud nine, soaring high from having the nastiest ménage á trois with your next-door neighbors.

Maybe you should try getting stood up more often.