#rainbowbard

[pattithebard]

✨Fanfic Masterpost✨

Links and summaries to my current finished and WIP fanfics. All of the below are for Critical Role! Five Points Make a Difference Pairing: Essek Thelyss/Caleb Widogast Chapters: 4/? (WIP) Word Count: 12,238 Characters: Beauregard Lionett, Caleb Widogast, Essek Thelyss, Jester Lavorre, Fjord (Critical Role), Yasha (Critical Role), Astrid Beck, Eadwulf Grieve, Yussa Errenis, Mollymauk Tealeaf, Caduceus Clay Tags: University Rivals AU, Alternative Universe - Non-magical Summary:  Caleb has the second-highest exam score in his physics class. It’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to him. Excerpt:

“My life is over.” Caleb’s head slammed against the library desk repeatedly. Beau rolled her eyes as she adjusted her phone, tilting it to the perfect angle so that his forlorn pose was visible in the frame behind her. “God, you’re so dramatic. Smile for the camera, nerd.” “How? I can never smile again.” Caleb’s voice was muffled against the wood, which only made the situation more comical in Beau’s mind. She grinned with satisfaction as she added a caption and sent the image through Snapchat. Hopefully the rest of the gang enjoyed Caleb's pain as much as she did. 

Wizard Brunch

Pairing: Essek Thelyss/Caleb Widogast Chapters: 7/8 (Planned Ending WIP) Word Count: 25,485 Characters: Caleb Widogast, Jester Lavorre, Shaun Gilmore, Allura Vysoren, Essek Thelyss, Yussa Errenis, Marion Lavorre | Ruby of the Sea, Reanminere "Reani", Caduceus Clay Tags: Developing Relationship, Fluff, Essek's Big Vacation Summary:  Essek gets a mysterious message from a stranger asking if he wants to join him for brunch. Excerpt:

It was insane. A waste of a spell that could lead to getting killed by a stranger, although he had no idea why someone from Tal’Dorei would have it out for him. On the other hand, wasn’t this why he began traveling to begin with? To be far away from all the forces trying to kill him or draw him back into politics, to gain some perspective by looking outside himself and his narrow-minded goals? Essek pressed a thumb against his mouth as he contemplated this, scanning the paper to a scrap of fabric pinned to the bottom of the map. It was striped purple and gold, a colorful addition to the parchment, and it took Essek a moment to understand why it was there. He could use it to teleport.

Our Little Dark Age

Pairing: Essek Thelyss/Caleb Widogast Chapters: 1/1 (Complete) Word Count: 1,291 Characters: Caleb Widogast, Essek Thelyss Tags: Neutral Evil Essek, Alternate Universe, Toxic Relationship Summary:  Caleb and Essek bask in the afterglow of an assassination. Excerpt:

Essek sat on Caleb’s lap and curled around him like a cat in a sunbeam. One arm looped around his back while the other ended in long fingers that gently, with praise and encouragement, stroked the maze of tattoos adorning his skin. You would never think from their relaxed embrace that a body lay three feet away, reaching for the golden throne that the couple sat on. The fine cushions were stained with blood.  “You did so good, Caleb. You’re so good.” Essek murmured into his ear, sweet as bird song. Caleb nuzzled his cheek in reply, looking just as pleased. 

[shadowgast-recs-weekly]

College AU - a Shadowgast Reclist

This week, we have seven stories with Caleb or Essek and college/university students, or professors. Some modern with magic, some modern, and some that are only a half-step off from canon. Check them out beneath the cut, and as always - comment or kudos if you like them!

hearts are too heavy a burden to bear alone by Anonymous (9610, Mature) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Caleb Widogast is the only student to show up to Essek's study hours. Caleb...is not enrolled in the class or the program, but Essek has to be here anyway and Caleb has the book and is determined to learn.

Reccer says: Fun, lovely modern with magic

(If One Could Be Home) They'd Be Already There by DotyTakeThisDown (25820, Explicit) Reccer's Content Notes: None

When Caleb stays in the on-campus apartments, he expects to be alone for winter break. He doesn't expect to run into Essek Thelyss in the laundry room.

Reccer says: Their relationship is so sweet in this one!

Fundamental Forces Other Than Gravity by mllekurtz (40676, Explicit) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Cold, ruthless and lonely Essek Thelyss accidentally makes some friends and falls in love.

Reccer says: Absolutely in love with this one! The story is so good, you just want to read it all in one go.

Something There That Wasn't There Before by DotyTakeThisDown (12392, Explicit) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Essek stumbles on a romance novel on Caleb's shelf, along with a few truths about himself.

Reccer says: This is a sweet and relatable story of self discovery for Essek. Caleb is an amazing and supportive best friend 💜

reaching the starlight by CherryMilkshake, eldritchmochi (86552, Explicit) Reccer's Content Notes: Discussion of bulemia, mental illness

AKA the Camming AU. Caleb and Essek have separate camming streams, and decide to team up for the views. Then it gets complicated.

Reccer says: Extremely, blisteringly hot, and I love how they treat both Caleb and Essek's internal conflicts

Five Points Make a Difference by RainbowBard (12238, Mature) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Caleb gets the second-highest exam score in his physics class. It's the worst thing that's ever happened to him.

Reccer says: It's a lot of fun to read!

The Upward Arc of Sun and Moon by marsastronomica (marswithghosts) (255854, Explicit) Reccer's Content Notes: Choose Not to Warn

Shadowhand Essek Thelyss is a guest lecturer at Solstryce Academy. Caleb is the Archmage of Civil Influence who likes to attend his lectures. They met three years ago, and a misunderstanding put them at odds.

Reccer says: This fic has everything! A courtly romance, a lot of coziness, a great familiar, political intrigue and more!

Aeor is for Lovers is an 18+ Shadowgast Discord server. The above fanfic recommendations were pulled from our community for this weekly event. All fics, unless otherwise specified, will primarily feature Shadowgast. Have any questions about what this is? Check out the FAQ! Next week, we’ll be back with something short - fics all under 1,500 words!

[ao3feed-shadowgast]

Wizard Brunch

by RainbowBard

It was…insane. A waste of a spell that could lead to getting killed by a stranger, although he had no idea why someone from Tal’Dorei would have it out for him.  

On the other hand…wasn’t this why he began traveling to begin with? To be far away from all the forces trying to kill him or draw him back into politics, to gain some perspective by looking outside himself and his narrow-minded goals? Essek pressed a thumb against his mouth as he contemplated this, scanning the paper to a scrap of fabric pinned to the bottom of the map. It was striped purple and gold, a colorful addition to the parchment, and it took Essek a moment to understand why it was there. He could use it to teleport.

---

Essek gets a mysterious message from a stranger asking if he wants to join him for brunch.

Words: 1258, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English

Fandoms: Critical Role (Web Series)

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: M/M

Characters: Caleb Widogast, Jester Lavorre, Shaun Gilmore, Allura Vysoren, Essek Thelyss, Yussa Errenis

Relationships: Essek Thelyss/Caleb Widogast, Essek Thelyss & Caleb Widogast, Shadowgast - Relationship

Additional Tags: Pining, Slow Burn, Post-Canon, I just want all the wizards to be friends, A little bit of shadowgast and a lot of shaun gilmore, Essek Thelyss is alone and he has anxiety about it, Canon Compliant, Fluff

source https://archiveofourown.org/works/33824152

[i-would-like-a-jelly-baby]

Yes!!! It’s called “Wizard Brunch” by RainbowBard on AO3 and it’s amazing!!!! (though sadly still unfinished and hasn’t been updated in a while but I haven’t lost faith yet 😅)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/33824152/chapters/84089131

[ID: A tweet answered by Matthew Mercer @.matthewmercer. The original tweet by Minttu Hynninen @.TheMinttu reads: “I miss Essek.” Matt’s response is “Honestly, same.” /end ID]

[ID: Another tweet in this thread answered by Matt. The responding tweet by SatiricalFeyth @.SatiricalFeyth reads: “Gilmore be over there being sad he was left out of this.” Matt’s response is “Oh, Gilmore is having rose tea nearby in the same “NPCs Matt Misses” annual gathering.” /end ID]

[pattithebard]

Pairing: Essek Thelyss/Caleb Widogast Chapters: 6/8 Word Count:  21,757 Characters: Caleb Widogast, Jester Lavorre, Shaun Gilmore, Allura Vysoren, Essek Thelyss, Yussa Errenis, Marion Lavorre, Reani, Sherri, Caduceus Clay Summary: Essek gets a mysterious message from a stranger asking if he wants to join him for brunch.

Essek felt the tingle of an incoming message crawl across his scalp and braced for Jester’s excited voice to ring through his head. Her messages had become more frequent since he decided to venture off on his own, something he was thankful for in the quiet moments between destinations. She regaled him with tales of her adventures on the high seas with Fjord and Kingsley, or at least as much as she could fit of them in twenty-five words. The words that came through were of a different accent and cadence than the one he was used to, however, and his brow raised at the warm, deep tone. Hello from Shaun Gilmore of Gilmore’s Glorious Goods! You are invited to brunch at The Hungry Fox this Sunday, 11 AM. See you there! Essek froze, black moss cupcake clutched in his fingers as he stood outside the small bakery he’d just purchased from. The bizarre message left him so stunned that all Essek could utter in response was, “Excuse me?” There was only the briefest pause before a cheery reply came through. We haven’t met, but I’ve heard about you! Come to brunch, I know you’re the curious type. A map will be sent shortly! I know you’re the curious type? What else did he know? Essek grimaced, suspicious of the intentions behind the message. He had already dodged an arrow from the darkness more than once, and every mysterious stranger sitting in the corner of a tavern could be a potential assassin. He lowered his head, muttering, “I will...consider it.”

[pattithebard]

Complicated Wall Complicated + My Happy Ending by Avril Lavigne vs. Wonderwall by Oasis

[whimsysalesman]

Okay so I tried to put this in the replies but its WAY too long. Here is a nonexhaustive list of my favorite post-canon M9 fics.

We Are Not Alone In the Dark With Our Demons by CanaryCry

https://archiveofourown.org/works/32107675/chapters/79543315

Caleb, Beau, and Yasha buy a duplex together in Rexxentrum. Caleb gets offered a job at Soltrice in the middle of trying to figure out how to function like a healthy person and continue dealing with the fallout of the Trent Ikithon Situation. Incredible writing and characterization, currently unfinished and the author is very busy with school rn but WELL worth waiting for updates if you dont mind reading unfinished fic. (98k, in progress)

amongst the things left unforgiven by nonwal

https://archiveofourown.org/works/30618173/chapters/75534737

An Essek/Caleb/Astrid/Eodwulf postcanon masterpiece. Essek is visited by the ex-scourgers in his towers in Rosohna, and continues to meet with them as Shadowhand, then as a friend, then as a partner. Plot happens, they convince him to quit being an idiot who's just waiting to be executed for treason, they all collectively convince Caleb to quit being an idiot who's denying himself things that would bring him joy as penance. Its an absolute and utter delight. (64k, complete)

In A Class of Their Own Making by Dragonslaeyr

https://archiveofourown.org/series/2552788

A series wherein Essek and Caleb are both professors at the University of Nicodranas, teaching Dunamancy and Transmutation respectively. The story comes in the form of syllabi, student chat logs, emails, and lecture recordings. there are two fics, and they're absolutely brilliant. Make sure you can view the work skin because it just doesn't work right without it. (9.4k, series)

Wizard Brunch by RainbowBard

https://archiveofourown.org/works/33824152/chapters/84089131

Essek and Gilmore are friends now, and its awesome. Allura is there, Caleb and Essek have an Aeor excursion, Gilmore keeps threatening to drag Yussa out of his tower for brunch one of these days, what more could you want, really? Currently still a work in progress, but the author is hoping to finish it soon. (22k, in progress)

As If Through a Prism by Wanderinghooves

https://archiveofourown.org/works/34614643/chapters/86169052

Essek and Caleb's adventures in Aeor, with a heaping helping of Wizard Physics as they work together on dunamantic equations. They're both idiots who are bad at talking about feelings, whoch sucks because they do get whumped on in this fic, but its okay because they figure it out eventually! There's a playlist to go with this fic, and i very much recommended listening to it as you read. Each chapter has a song and it really amps up the feelings button-pushing. (30k, complete)

Just a Little Ol' Little Bit by Bonnie (PirateFox)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/34866352

Another Professor Widowgast fic, this time its everyone being confused about how much game he appears to have. So many ridiculously hot partners! All of them are Essek, of course, but nobody *else* knows that and its very funny. Short, sweet, and a great quick read. (2.5k, complete)

The Language of Shiny Things by Meep002

https://archiveofourown.org/series/2613184

A series of Polynein/Essek stories centered around drow jewlery culture and the Nein realizing that they kinda-soeta-maybe-accidentally proposed to Essek right before the Somnovum fight. And everyone's okay with this. Like, *really* okay with this. The last in the series is just Essek on a tour of Caleb's tower that involves very little viewing of the actual tower, if you catch my drift (its smut). The first two fics in the series are entirely sfw, though, so don't worry if that's not your cup of tea. (46k, series)

Lay Your Bones by Lady Orpheus

https://archiveofourown.org/works/35146066/chapters/87561781

If you take nothing else from these recs, let the on you read be this fic. Verin is tasked with going after his brother for his crimes, to try to save some of Den Thelyss's rep in Rosohna. Turns out, though, that Essek is a father now, with friends that will stop at nothing to bring him home. And Verin's not too keen on stopping them. (54k, complete)

Take a Breath And Turn the Pages by Greyintogreen

https://archiveofourown.org/works/32200177

A short and sweet kidfic about Fjord amd Jester's growing family. Its adorable! (1.4k, complete)

Winds of Change by Highly_Illogical

https://archiveofourown.org/series/2486920

A series of loosly connected fics about Caleb's tenure as Professor of Transmutation at Soltrice Academy. It's even (in part) based on the author's real teaching experiences. 4 short fics, all great reads, all currently complete though there is potential for me in the series. (13k, series)

If you want more, I have plenty! My tastes tend to skew Shadowgast and h/c but I tried to find a variety in my bookmarks. Hope you enjoy!

I'm in need of some fanfic recommendations!!

Looking for something set after C2, doesn't need to be epic, just want to know their day to day life after everything happened! How does fjord settle into being a captain and does Jester find her place? Does the Blooming Grove get better and is that a slow process?? Cad and his family! Veth and hers, and her possibly finding a balance! Caleb being a professor and Essek visiting him for the first time! Beau and Yasha and their adventures!!

I just need to know more!!!

[pattithebard]

📍