#rhapsody a magical adventure

[sueisen]

Designs for a commission I'm doing <3

[g4zdtechtv]

X-Play Classic - The Horror of Song 1 & 2 (w/ bonus GameSpot TV review of Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure!)

It’s one surreal symphony.

[faline-cat444]

When the mailman personally delivers the goods only the packages that can't fit in the box end up making it to the doorstep.There's still some books that must wait for after the storm passes.

[wiz-writes]

In Aesemyr: The Withering (previously named A Rhapsody in Blue) you play as a mage trying to rein in their erratic powers while embarking on a quest to discover a plot years in the making. Yet as dark clouds gather on the horizon, you quickly realise that the coming storm seems to bring with it something much worse.

Genre: fantasy, adventure, romance

Rating: 16+ for some dark themes

Last update: 22 August 2024 (87k words)

Play as a man, woman or non-binary.

Customise your appearance and shape your personality.

Follow the teachings of a specialised Way and gain access to different skill sets.

Find romance with one of the ROs; or choose to stay as friends.

Investigate the elven presence in the capital and discover how it relates to the accident that nearly cost you your life.

Unearth a secret that might shake the foundations of the kingdom you call home.

Protect yourself and those you care about, lest they suffer a bitter end.

Retain your hold on your magic; or let it corrupt you beyond repair.

Magic comes with a price.

That is an inevitability every mage has to face. But when you lose your powers in a freak accident, you are certain that the price has been paid in full.

You settle down in the peaceful countryside, far away from any conflicts or conspiracies, all the while focusing on your recovery. And for two years, your life is quiet.

However, when an untimely visit forces you on a path not of your own choosing and magic itself seems intent on corrupting you, you must once again rely on your training to keep yourself and those you care about safe.

The presence of elves in the capital brings nothing but ill tidings and as yet another storm brews in the distance, you set off on a journey to discover the truth of your accident and a plot that could bring the kingdom to its knees.

The Withering approaches, and with it, a reckoning for all the world.

DEMO

COG || KO-FI

Main romances:

Valia Kainen (F, 28)

Having met at the Academy, you've known Valia for more than a decade, so it's no surprise she now occupies the seat of the Academy's Headmistress - her rise through the ranks often attributed to both her exceptional skills and ruthlessness. Despite her cold exterior, she is mainly driven by love for her family and kingdom. While she’s no longer the girl you used to know, some things still remain the same; her dislike of you being one of them.

Lucenis Veldari (M, 32)

As the younger brother of the King, Lucenis tends to keep his distance from royal affairs. He is well-known to the general populace as a poet with a gentle soul and quiet disposition. Though there have been many rumours throughout the years about him and his mother, none have ever been proven true. He is a good friend of Valia and your twin brother.

Tevshedi “Tev” Zanue (F/M, 36)

Tev is a well-travelled mercenary and a seasoned warrior that has decided to leave their life of wandering the world behind and instead, work as Lucenis' personal bodyguard. Good humoured and loyal to a fault, their natural charisma has helped them establish various connections among both the common folk and nobility.

Cerin Melista (F/M, 25)

A part-time librarian and a soon-to-be university professor, Cerin is a person with an outgoing personality and boundless enthusiasm for the things they love, particularly history. Being a passionate collector of ancient relics, they possess a dauntless spirit, which often lands them in dangerous situations.

?? (non-binary, 30)

Several years ago, they came to study at the Academy, their affinity to psychic magic envied by many. Lyyra became their new home, the people they met their new family. They are quick to grin and joke, but their eyes always seem to be haunted by shadows both past and present.

Side romances (= you'll see them less often than the above characters):

Mara (F, 31)

A silver-masked miracle physician willing to help anyone in need in exchange for utmost secrecy. Nobody is certain of her true identity as she disappears without a trace each day.

?? (M, ??)

An elusive figure that seems to be fascinated with your magical powers.

[jadecantcreate]

as an avid stardust rhapsody and once upon a witchlight enjoyer, I was thinking about how the characters would handle/fit into the other campaign’s plot, and this little idea festered from there

might flesh this out into an au, or maybe not, but its fun to think about ! contains many significant spoilers for both campaigns in their entirety

OUAW Cast in SDR (space au)

Kremy Lecroux — in OUAW, his connection to Remy Garou plays a big role in the plot (if he wasn’t indebted to him, the krew wouldn’t have a reason to find jobs, so they would’ve never went to the witchlight carnival or the feywild). the closest thing (and its pretty close) to Garou in sdr is the Boss….so, possibly, Kremy would have been under the employment of the Boss at space station 777 and he would’ve played rex’s role and stolen those same files from the Boss’ safe — parellels: rex maxim (^), kavir (powerful magic, impossibly powerful patrons; death)

Gideon Coal — he was abducted by the saurons and forced to work on powering / building their ships. maybe he would’ve learned about the archon of destruction (dandy, who, in this au, never was the dandy we know), but only bits an pieces. gideon broke his chains and fled still, maybe by stealing an escape pod and crash landing on the nearest space station/planet, where he met Kremy. they traveled together for a long while on the Rhapsody, running scams or bounty hunting and such, before meeting the rest of the krew. — parallels: rett (engineering, personality), pyke (fire / light theme), leboosh (anger)

Gricko Grimgrin — instead of stealing hootsie from the witchlight carnival, gricko stole her from space station 777 (it’s on brand for them to mistreat/borderline abuse animals). while the Boss probably didn’t care, it still ties him to Torbek and Kremy a bit. he left his planet behind to try to become a space rockstar (tm) or something like that, one thing led to another and he started traveling the cosmos with Frost, learning about and helping beasties all over — parallels: dandy (love for nature, druidic magic), chuckles (positivity, humor)

Morning Frost — maybe his hometown / homeplanet was destroyed when he was a kid by the empire for being ‘corrupted’ (with the same ailment that torbek, to some extent, carries) and he was taken in by the psionic order after that. it’d be interesting if psionic order had loose ties to the empire and he didn’t know (even more ways to involve them in the larger plot yk?). other than that he’s the same i think — parallels: kavir (personality, magic), dandy (preciseness, intelligence)

Torbek — a victim and the sole survivor of the doctor’s experiments. when the party unknowingly accepts a bounty from the Boss (the doctor one), they find torbek in one of those same tanks and they recognize him (maybe he worked in 777, like Kremy but in a much lower position, and he had been known for his resilience, hence his kidnapping and victimization). after a grueling fight (replacing the battle with the giant rhino and lion things), they elect to bring torbek along. in this au, the experiments would be, too, in enhancing humanoid bodies, but through witchlight instead of whatever the doctor had going on. witchlight could be renamed to starlight also? (to fit the ~aesthetic~) — parallels: leboosh and chuckles (corruption), dandy (naivety, corruption)

SDR Cast in OUAW (feywild au)

Pyke — instead of being a former spaceship racer (no clue what its actually called) he could be a horse racer? i mean pyke is somewhat cowboy coded and grew up being rivals with the most cowboy coded character ever, so i guess it works questionmark — parallels: gideon (fire / light themes, combat style), kremy (smoking, dubious morals)

Rett — normal dwarf and cyborg but instead of aether it’s just good ol’ magic i guess (im doing too much with witchlight). still an adventurer / bounty hunter with pyke. no rhapsody though, just…idk. legs? — parallels: gideon (temper, engineering)

Dandy — made by the hourglass coven as a weapon of destruction, but somehow slipped out of their grasp and fell to Avantris with no recollection of knowledge or her past. she was taken in by rett and the others — parallels: gricko (love of nature, druidic magic), frost (intelligence), torbek (corruption, naivety)

Chuckles — more similar to OUAW / NPC chuckles; a regular ol’ clown. still a sorcerer and bard but not a discordant. works for the witchlight carnival and accidentally crossed the portal between the carnival and Prismeer. he was irreversibly changed somehow (witchlight idk), and returned with no memory of his past life. — parallels: gricko (humor, positivity), torbek (corruption, humor)

Kavir — pretty sure nekhbet is a desert-y continent so avantris kavir would be from there. traveling under the guidance of his patron, he (and leboosh) eventually came across the rest of the party and team up. since the hags are themed around time (past, present, future), maybe there’s some connection between his patron and them? — parallels: frost (demeanor / personality), kremy (magic, death)

Leboosh — oozoid that was taught by kavir to speak and such, but maybe he was made sentient by fey magics crossed over from the feywild in his home where the veil between the realms is thin? the corruption thing happens, very similar to torbek except maybe its hourglass coven magic too? idk — parallels: torbek (corruption), gideon (temper)

[englishotomegames]

Rhapsody II: Ballad of the Little Princess (リトルプリンセス マール王国の人形姫2, Little Princess: Puppet Princess of Marl Kingdom 2)

Release dates Japanese (PS1): November 25th, 1999 English (Nintendo Switch, PS5, Steam): August 29th, 2023

"Music meets adventure in Rhapsody II: Ballad of the Little Princess! This charming sequel to Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure features the young 'Tomboy Princess' Kururu, who follows in the footsteps of her mother Cornet and sets out on her own journey to find her prince.

As the daughter of the Marl Kingdom's ruler, Kururu dreams of finding her own knight in shining armor like her mother before her. Now twelve years old, she decides to embark on her own journey to find her true love. But Kururu will soon find that the path to happily ever after is not as enchanting as the stories make it seem, and is teeming with dangerous beasts, dark plots, and other unseen obstacles. Can she find the strength of heart to see her journey to its end and learn what true love really means? Complete with more songs, a new turn-based battle system, and a story both new yet familiar, Rhapsody II is ready to make its magical debut in the West and make your heart sing!"

This is the sequel to Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure, a romantic comedy musical JRPG, released in English for the first time.

You can get the Steam version here, the PS5 version here, or the Nintendo Switch version here! The console releases contain both Rhapsody II and Rhapsody III, under the name "Rhapsody: Marl Kingdom Chronicles".

[pulchrasilva]

Genuinely obsessed with how like. Useless most of the crew are in a fight.

Like you've got drey and finn who were once infamous pirates but now can't really fight so well anymore

Queen who can give bardic inspiration but can't reeaally do damage? And like if you're thinking about it outside of the dnd mechanics its kinda hilarious to have this guy on your ship to play atmospheric music while you're getting your ass beat. I dont think they even knew queen could do that when they invited her onto the ship, he was literally just supposed to play bohemian rhapsody for them or something.

And then there's gryffon who is in theory a monster hunter but who's literally never done anything useful in a fight (sorry buddy it's true)

And then there's Old Man Earl who they were gonna just drop off on the nearest island but they never did?? And he doesn't fight either, he just makes juice with magic powers. Again, the idea of having a guy on a pirate ship who's just there to make juice is fucking hilarious

Even the crew who aren't there anymore, Ollie and Felipe, were like. They were just there to be the ship's little guys they just bonded with the captains and were immediately adopted into the crew. Like they joke about how ollie's job was to be the small boy they keep on the ship but it's literally true he was a literal child and even with the belt he couldn't realistically do that much

All in all Alphonze is probably the most useful in a fight, given that he's the literal ship and can move them to ram something or flee, and I think has control over the canons

But I love how they've just collected people for the crew and they weren't chosen for their skill or strength or any of the requirements you'd expect of a pirate crew. Theyre just there because the captains care about them, because of childhood memories or because they went on an adventure together and grew fond of each other or whatever. It's not a functional pirate crew but it's a family <3

[theomisu]

The Aetherhollow Archive is a steampunk romance soaked in a gallon of magic. It is set in Summersmead, the fictional empire from the book you - the reader - are sucked into. Four hundred years after the Chosen One failed to save their world, you find yourself in the shoes of the presumed, and freshly murdered, villain of the story - ostentatiously called Sovereign. You embark on a journey to unfold the mysteries of this new world and find a way home.

But with your killer lurking in the shadows, who can you trust? Genre: Steampunk, Fantasy, Romance, Mystery. Warnings: This story will be rated 18+ for depictions of death, violence, strong language, sexual themes, alcohol consumption, blood, etc. Play the game here -  Chapter 1, 23 October 2023

Mons Immortalium is a fantasy romance interactive story. Human MC falls into the magical land of the faeries, a mountain island that has been secluded from the rest of the world for over a millennium. Break curses, fall in love and beware of  wicked faeries. Whatever you do, never give them your true name!

Heavily inspired by novels such as A Cruel Prince and ACOTAR. MC will get a   ✨  faerie ✨soul mate✨.

Genre: Romantasy!

Warnings: ALL MARE ROs. This story will be rated 18+++++ for sexual content and themes, violence, strong language, alcohol/ drug consumption (don’t eat the faerie fruit!), blood, etc. Filthy faerie romance! Play the game here - Chapter 1, 4 August 2023

Rhapsody of Broken Dreams is  an 18+ slice of life romance story that gives you a second chance at stardom. Participate with your new rock band in the reality TV music show America's S Factor. Experience the dazzling celebrity life, navigate the fickle loyalties of fans and survive scandals and nasty rumours. Do you have what it takes to be a Superstar?

Genre: Romance!, Reality show, music contest

Warnings: This story will be rated 18+++ for sexual content, alcohol and drug consumption, violence, strong language, suicidal thoughts (not MC's). Demo coming out soon - maybe March 2024

Calamity control is a fantasy adventure romance set in a post apocalyptic Earth after a surge of power brings entire supernatural civilizations and creatures into our world. Twenty years after the Event, you become in charge of the first human-supernatural team, the first attempt at real cooperation between the two groups, and set out together to uncover the truth. Currently on hiatus.

[daughterofhecata]

Hehe. Blackout on @macrolit's 2024 Reading Bingo with over a month to spare <3

Full list under the cut!

Graphic Novel: El Marto, Frederik Richter: Made in Germany: Ein Massaker im Kongo. Eine grafische Reise zwischen Afrika und Europa. [no english title]

Historical, Dystopian, or Science Fiction: Karel Čapek: Der Krieg mit den Molchen [org. title: Válka s mloky/engl. title: War with the Newts]

Harlem Renaissance: Countee Cullen: Color

Detective, Horror, or Suspense: Kōtarō Isaka: Bullet Train [org. title: マリアビートル]

Classic Author A/B/C/D: Ray Bradbury: Fahrenheit 451

Published before 1940: Maurice Leblanc: Arsène Lupin gegen Herlock Sholmes [org. title: Arsène Lupin contre Herlock Sholmès/engl. title: Arsène Lupin vs. Herlock Sholmes (or: The Blonde Lady)]

Classic Author E/F/G/H: Neil Gaiman: Coraline

Children's Literature: [various Three Investigators books]

Novella or Short Stories: Arthur Schnitzler: Traumnovelle [engl. title: Rhapsody: A Dream Novel (or: Dream Story)]

Poetry or Play: Louise Glück: Averno

Classic Author I/J/K/L: Stephen King: Carrie

Young Adult: Cornelia Funke: Tintenwelt #2. Tintenblut. [engl. title: Inkspell]

Biography or Non-Fiction: Richard Breitman: The Architect of Genocide. Himmler and the Final Solution.

Philosophy or Literary Criticism: Jostein Gaarder: Sofies Welt [org. title: Sofies verden/engl. title: Sophie’s World]

LGBTQ Author: Chuck Palahnuik: Fight Club

Classic Author M/N/O/P: George Orwell: 1984

Published between 1940-1999: Christa Wolf: Nachdenken über Christa T. [engl. title: The Quest for Christa T.]

Classic Author Q/R/S/T: John Steinbeck: Of Mice and Men

Romance, Adventure, or Western: Akwaeke Emezi: You made a Fool of Death with your Beauty

Fan Fiction: [various works]

Essays or Satire: George Orwell: Warum ich schreibe. Die großen Essays. [essay collection, texts taken from “Essays” and “Fascism and Democracy”]

Classic Author U/V/W/X/Y/Z: Kurt Vonnegut: Slaughterhouse-Five or the Children's Crusade. A Duty Dance with Death.

Published between 2000-2024: Jo Nesbø: Macbeth. Blut wird mit Blut bezahlt. [org. title: Macbeth]

Gothic Fiction, Fantasy, or Magical Realism: James Oswald: The Hangman's Song. An Inspector McLean Novel.

[hunterindonesia]

Captain: LUDWIG

Full name: Rikko Von Ludwig

Height: 1,83

Age: 17

Gender: Male

Flame: Thunderbolt

Race: Human

Home planet: Earth

Occupation:

-Mechanic (formely)

-Kaiju warrior (currently)

Affiliation: Kaiju Order

Main weapon: La Garra Del Trueno

Weight: 67 kg

Relations:

-Minerva Von Ludwig (mother)

-Marco Antonhello (father)

-Lurdes Von Ludwig (grandmother)

-Rogério Von Ludwig (uncle)

-Antônia Von Ludwig (aunt)

-Gabriella Von Ludwig (cousin)

-Juan Von Ludwig (cousin)

-Jak Hammerdong (mentor)

-Hilda (crewmate)

-Mankantônio "Mack" Fontano (crewmate)

-Johnson "Joe" Jomble (crewmate)

-William "Tuzz" Tuzzlekowsky (crewmate)

-Emba Maha'Tukk (crewmate)

Personality: Rebellious, cheerful and laid-back

Likes: Peace, freedom, adventures, rock n' roll, pizza

Dislikes: Violence, prejudice, authority figures

Voiced by: Brandon Perea

Born and raised in the noisy city of Neo Orleans, Rikko is a relatively normal teenager who works in his family's workshop along with his cousin Juan and uncle Rogério. Rikko's life changes when he awakens his flame, mystical powers latent within all living beings in the Universe, now finally able to fulfill his childhood dream, Rikko sets out to take the Kaiju Approval Test, a rigorous test that has the function of recruiting new Kaiju Warriors for the Kaiju Order. He passes the test, and is designated to inherit the Rhapsody, famous ship of legendary Kaiju Warrior Jak Hammerdong, and will finally become Kaiju Warriors under Jak's tutelage along with five other younglings.

Now Rikko is the new captain of the Rhapsody, and fights bravely to protect the galaxy from magical and interdimensional threats.

[bluecube92]

My Anime Movie List *UPDATED*

Ghibli:

My Neighbor Totoro Castle in the Sky Ponyo Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind Howl’s Moving Castle The Secret World of Arrietty Kiki’s Delivery Service The Cat Returns Porco Rosso Spirited Away Pom Poko Whisper of the Heart Princess Mononoke My Neighbors the Yamadas Tales from Earthsea Grave of the Fireflies From Up On Poppy Hill The Wind Rises When Marnie Was There Only Yesterday Ocean Waves Earwig and the Witch

Pokemon:

Pokemon The First Movie Pokemon The Movie 2000 Pokemon 3 The Movie Pokemon 4Ever Pokemon Heroes Pokemon: Jirachi: Wishmaker Pokemon: Destiny Deoxys Pokemon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew Pokemon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea Pokemon: The Rise of Darkrai Pokemon: Giratina and the Sky Warrior Pokemon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life Pokemon: Zoroark: Master of Illusions Pokemon the Movie: White-Victini and Zekrom Pokemon the Movie: Black-Victini and Reshiram Pokemon: Kyurem VS. The Sword of Justice Pokemon: Genesect and the Legend Awakened Pokemon: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction Pokemon: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages Pokemon: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel Pokemon the Movie: I Choose You Pokemon the Movie: The Power of Us Pokemon: Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution Pokemon: Secrets of the Jungle

Case Closed:

The Time Bombed Skyscraper The Thirteenth Target The Last Wizard of the Century Captured In Her Eyes Countdown to Heaven Phantom of Baker Street The Crimson Love Letter Zero the Enforcer Episode "One": The Great Detective Turned Small

Other:

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time Summer Wars Yu-Gi-Oh! The Movie Yu-Gi-Oh! 3D Bonds Beyond Time Yu-Gi-Oh! The Dark Side of Dimensions Digimon The Movie Card Captor Sakura The Movie Card Captor Sakura The Movie 2: The Sealed Card Revolutionary Girl Utena The Movie Night on the Galactic Railroad Spring and Chaos Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva Lupin the Third: The Castle of Cagliostro Paprika Memories Tokyo Godfathers Patema Inverted Steamboy Oblivion Island: Haruka and the Magic Mirror Perfect Blue Wolf Children A Letter to Momo Princess Arete Akira Millenium Actress The Boy and the Beast Little Witch Academia: The Enchanted Parade Tekkonkinkreet Ghost in the Shell (1995) Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence 5 Centimeters Per Second The Garden of Words Appleseed (1988) Appleseed (2004) Appleseed Ex Machina Appleseed Alpha Miss Hokusai Your Name Cowboy Bebop The Movie In This Corner of the World The Sky Crawlers Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex: Solid State Society Mary and the Witch's Flower The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya Steins;Gate the Movie - Load Region of Deja Vu Robot Carnival Napping Princess Flavors of Youth Eden of the East: King of Eden Eden of the East: Paradise Lost Legend of the Millennium Dragon Martian Successor Nadesico: Prince of Darkness First Squad Children Who Chase Lost Voices Mirai Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters Godzilla: City on the Edge of Battle Godzilla: The Planet Eater Fireworks No Game No Life 0 Short Peace A Silent Voice Like The Clouds, Like the Wind Jungle Emperor Leo A Wind Named Amnesia The Fantastic Adventures of Unico Unico in the Island of Magic Fuse: Memoirs of the Hunter Girl Mai Mai Miracle Ni No Kuni The End of Evangelion Strait Jacket Evangelion 1.01 You Are (Not) Alone Evangelion 2.22 You Can (Not) Advance Evangelion 3.33 You Can (Not) Redo Evangelion 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time Modest Heroes Okko's Inn A Whisker Away Tiger and Bunny The Rising Children of the Sea Little Norse Prince Redline Weathering With You Origin Spirits of the Past Genius Party Genius Party Beyond Promare The Life of Budori Gusuko Ride Your Wave The Night is Short, Walk On Girl Welcome to the Space Show Project A-Ko Project A-Ko 2: Plot of the Daitokuji Financial Group Project A-Ko 3: Cinderella Rhapsody Project A-Ko 4: Final Birthday Wonderland Blood: The Last Vampire Venus Wars Maquia - When the Promised Flower Blooms Re: Cyborg 009 Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop Penguin Highway Golgo 13: The Professional Golgo 13: Queen Bee Puella Magi Madoka Magica Rebellion Lupin III The First Escaflowne The Movie Stand By Me, Doraemon Stand By Me, Doraemon 2 Expelled From Paradise Child of Kamiari Month Bubble Dirty Pair Affair On Nolandia Dirty Pair Project Eden Dirty Pair Flight 005 Conspiracy Trigun Badlands Rumble Urusei Yatsura Beautiful Dreamer The Place Promised In Our Early Days Belle K-ON! The Movie A Tree of Palme Drifting Home The Princess and the Pilot Fruits Basket Prelude Hells Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic Black Jack the Movie Josee, the Tiger, and the Fish Lupin the 3rd: The Mystery of Mamo The Deer King Inu-Oh Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba The Movie Mugen Train Jungle Emperor: The Brave Can Change The Future To Every You I've Loved Before Re:Cycle of the Penguindrum: Your Train is Your Survival Tactic Re:Cycle of the Penguindrum: I Love You Pompo: The Cinephile Lupin the 3rd Episode 0 First Contact Slayers The Motion Picture Poupelle of Chimney Town To Me, The One Who Loved You Colorful Hal

Short Movies: Little Witch Academia Kakurenbo - Hide and Seek Voices of a Distance Star

Movies I want to watch: The House of the Lost on the Cape Goodbye, Don Glees! Giovanni's Island

[sueisen]

Commission of Cornet Espoir from Rhapsody: A Magical Adventure

[its-to-the-death]

Bracket D Matchups

Round 1

Diddy Drop Rap (The Donkey Kong Country cartoon) vs Sympathy for the Devil (song by The Rolling Stones)

Ready As I'll Ever Be (Tangled the Series) vs Jester (Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return)

Brains (The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy) vs Hawk Moth theme song (Miraculous Ladybug)

The Spy and the Liar (I Expect You to Die 2) vs What's My Name (Descendants 2)

The Executioner (Umineko no naku koro ni) vs World Burn (Mean Girls the musical)

This Day Aria (My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic) vs The Devil's Song (The Cuphead Show)

Cruella de Vil (101 Dalmatians) vs One Thing (RWBY)

Black (Homestuck) vs A Story Told (The Count of Monte Cristo)

Evil Queen (Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure) vs I Am Octavio (Splatoon)

Favoured Son (Ulysses Dies at Dawn by The Mechanisms) vs Daughter of Evil/Aku no Musume (The Evillious Chronicles)

Die House (Cuphead) vs The Boys are Back in Town (To Kill You) (The Boys)

Professional Pirate (Muppet Treasure Island) vs Your Reality (Doki Doki Literature Club)

Holding Out for a Hero (Shrek 2) vs When the Going Gets Tough (Spongebob Musical)

Our Love is God (Heathers) vs Macavity the Mystery Cat (Cats)

Dentist (Little Shop of Horrors) vs Rogues Are We (Holy Musical B@man)

It Has To Be This Way (Metal Gear Rising Revengeance) vs The Torture Tango (Spies Are Forever)

Round 2

Sympathy for the Devil (song by The Rolling Stones) vs Ready As I'll Ever Be (Tangled the Series)

Brains (The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy) vs The Spy and the Liar (I Expect You to Die 2)

World Burn (Mean Girls the musical) vs This Day Aria (My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic)

Cruella de Vil (101 Dalmatians) vs A Story Told (The Count of Monte Cristo)

I Am Octavio (Splatoon) vs Daughter of Evil/Aku no Musume (The Evillious Chronicles)

The Boys are Back in Town (To Kill You) (The Boys) vs Professional Pirate (Muppet Treasure Island)

Holding Out for a Hero (Shrek 2) vs Our Love is God (Heathers)

Dentist (Little Shop of Horrors) vs The Torture Tango (Spies Are Forever)

Round 3

Ready As I'll Ever Be (Tangled the Series) vs The Spy and the Liar (I Expect You to Die 2)

This Day Aria (My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic) vs Cruella de Vil (101 Dalmatians)

I Am Octavio (Splatoon) vs Professional Pirate (Muppet Treasure Island)

Holding Out for a Hero (Shrek 2) vs The Torture Tango (Spies Are Forever)

Round 4 (Bracket Semifinals)

Ready As I'll Ever Be (Tangled the Series) vs This Day Aria (My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic)

Professional Pirate (Muppet Treasure Island) vs The Torture Tango (Spies Are Forever)

Round 5 (Bracket Finals)

This Day Aria (My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic) vs The Torture Tango (Spies Are Forever)

Winner: The Torture Tango (Spies Are Forever)!

[ghostflowerdreams]

Checklist of Isekai Anime I've Watched

Last month, I'd fallen down the isekai rabbit hole. I've now reached a point where I'm having a hard time keeping track of what I've already seen and what I haven't yet watched. I've also been mixing up one anime for another, or worse I've completely forgotten what happened in it after some time has pass.

I originally wasn't going to put this in any particular order, but decided to list down the ones that I enjoyed watching the most to the least. For me, the least doesn't necessarily mean that it was bad. Just that it was not as memorable, or had a few things about it that bothered me enough to get in the way of my enjoyment of it.

The Saint's Magic Power Is Omnipotent

7th Time Loop [1]

The Weakest Tamer Began a Journey to Pick Up Trash

The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic

I'm the Villainess, So I'm Taming the Final Boss

The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady

Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits

Chillin' in Another World with Level 2 Super Cheat Powers

Reincarnated as a Sword

Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill

By The Grace of The Gods

In the Land of Leadale

Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered but Overly Cautious

Ascendance of a Bookworm

Handyman Saitou in Another World

My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!

My Unique Skill Makes Me OP Even at Level 1

The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen

Restaurant to Another World

Fluffy Paradise

Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy

Villainess Level 99: I May Be the Hidden Boss, but I'm Not the Demon Lord

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion

I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World and Became Unrivaled in The Real World, Too

The Reincarnation of the Strongest Exorcist in Another World

Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games Is Tough for Mobs

The Great Cleric

How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom

I'm in Love with the Villainess

Doctor Elise

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime

So I'm a Spider, So What?

Farming Life in Another World

Reborn as a Vending Machine, Now I Wander the Dungeon

Parallel World Pharmacy

The Faraway Paladin

Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash

My Instant Death Ability Is So Overpowered, No One in This Other World Stands a Chance Against Me

As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World

Skeleton Knight in Another World

The New Gate

Wise Man's Grandchild

The Greatest Demon Lord Is Reborn as a Typical Nobody

Am I Actually the Strongest?

Kemono Michi: Rise Up

My Isekai Life: I Gained a Second Character Class and Became the Strongest Sage in the World

I've Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level

Didn't I Say to Make My Abilities Average in the Next Life?!

The Aristocrat's Otherworldly Adventure: Serving Gods Who Go Too Far

Log Horizon

Uncle from Another World

Black Summoner

Demon Lord, Retry!

The Dungeon of Black Company

Sweet Reincarnation

The Banished Former Hero Lives as He Pleases

The World's Finest Assassin Gets Reincarnated as an Aristocrat

I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince, so I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability

Arifureta: From Commonplace to World's Strongest

The Rising of the Shield Hero

Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody

The Executioner and Her Way of Life

I Shall Survive Using Potions!

She Professed Herself Pupil of the Wise Man

Notes:

[1] I didn't know at the time, but 7th Time Loop isn't an isekai. It's more of a fantasy with time looping in the protagonist's own world, rather of being isekai'd to a totally new environment. I stilled enjoyed it, and would have overlooked it if I didn't check out all the Villainess tagged anime.

After Thoughts: I seem to like the slice-of-life, light-hearted, and wholesome types of isekai a lot more than I thought I would. They're so enjoyable, but a part of that is probably because I was more in the mood for them. For example, the last isekai I've watched was Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash. I put it low on my list, not because it was bad, but I just wasn't in the mood for it. I was actually pleasantly surprise that it went through the realistic, grimdark and serious route instead of the usual way.

Other reasons (besides not being in the mood for it) that I may put an anime low on my list is because there were things in it that I didn't like. For example, The Rising of the Shield Hero does an excellent job at provoking the audience reaction of outrage to the shield hero's poor treatment, but I just don't like how it handles a couple of things.

One of those points is slavery, which I didn't realize was such a common occurrence in isekai. The protagonist comes from the 21-century Earth, so they know slavery is wrong. Despite this, they never do anything about it, or even try to fight against it, or worse they actually contribute to it. Of course, they're not under any moral obligation to do something, but it's disappointing when it's set up as an afterthought or used as a gimmick to support the protagonist.

I get it. It would be difficult to stop slavery because it's a systemic issue that would require the dismantling of laws and regulations by those in power. But it makes me wonder why do so many isekai authors even include it at? If slavery can't be treated with the gravity it deserves given its historical role in destroying millions of human lives, then don't add it into the story. More so, if it has no bearing on the actual main plot, or when it doesn't make much sense to see in lighthearted and wholesome-centric isekai animes.

I also don't care for loli-like and shota-like protagonists. It's adorable when the anime is actually sweet and pure, but not when they're sexualized, or put into fanservice situations and whatnot. What comes to mind is Lloyd from I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince, so I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability. It's not a typical isekai because the protagonist is reborn in the same world again, but his character design in the anime weirds me out. Worse is when Ren shows up.

Another example is I Shall Survive Using Potions. It has an interesting premise, but I dislike the protagonist. It's just so off-putting when all the character designs look the same because of the chibi-style. Plus, knowing that a 22-year-old office lady was 'reborn' into a child body, and plans to find herself a husband in that form (or that she isn't phrase by teen boys or men asking to marry her/pretend to be their fiancé) is disturbing. The entire time watching, I was also wondering when will she use her potion power to age herself up to be physically older. Seriously, the thought cross her mind to disguise herself by changing her hair and eye color, but not her body's age?? She even pointed out that it was such an annoying hindrance for when she wanted to start her own business. Oh, and it's not like it's impossible because she unintentionally de-aged one of her companions too.

Anyway, I don't mind harem elements because some do it well by developing their characters and making their story be more than just pandering. Even if it's not a harem, a lot of the anime I've seen has a lot of female supporting characters surrounding the protagonists. It's not always a bad thing, but most of the time it's not done very well. They tend to feel more like ornaments to complete a chartacter-type checklist (or just to fawn over the protagonist) than genuine companions.

Other times, the anime was confusing, too boring or took me a while to finally get into it. For example, So I'm a Spider, So What? It took me a bit to get into because I wasn't interested in the going on of her classmates. Every time they appeared I was like, no, go back to spider girl because I wanted to follow her journey the entire way, not these people who I have no interest or real attachment to.

Hmm, I'm not going to remember all the reasons I listed an anime low on my list, the few I do is because they were the ones I recently watched. Of course, over time this list may change because some anime have only one season so far, and could have something in it later on that could make me like it less.

[princess-polls]

1A

Nefertari Vivi (One Piece) VS Sally Acorn (Sonic the Hedgehog)

Kida Nedakh (Atlantis: The Lost Empire) VS Koriand'r/Starfire (DC Comics)

Yue (Avatar: The Last Airbender) VS Blair Willows (Barbie: Princess Charm School)

Princess Daisy (Mario Games) VS Entrapta (She-Ra and the Princesses of Power 2018)

Princess Parfait (Cucumber Quest) VS Kilala Reno (Kilala Princess)

Caeda (Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon) VS Garnet til Alexandros (Final Fantasy IX)

Anya/Anastasia (Anastasia) VS Princess Calla (Adventures of the Gummi Bears)

Cinderella (Cinderella) VS Elyon Escanor (W.I.T.C.H.)

2A

Villian (A Certain Magical Index) VS Princess Charlotte (Princess Principal)

Apple White (Ever After High) VS Timerra (Fire Emblem Engage)

Elodie (Long Live the Queen) VS Olive Oyl (Princess Maker 2)

Merurulince Rede Arls (Atelier Meruru) VS Cornet Espoir (Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure)

Tiana (The Princess and the Frog) VS Baobhan Sith (Fate Grand Order)

Merida (Brave) VS Glimmer (She-Ra and the Princesses of Power 2018)

Diana Prince/Wonder Woman (DC Comics) VS Twilight Sparkle (My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic)

Fiona (Shrek) VS Mia Thermopolis (The Princess Diaries)

1B

Princess Peach (Mario Games) VS Anna (Frozen)

Rapunzel (Tangled) VS Princess Serenity/Usagi Tsukino (Sailor Moon)

Snow White (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs) VS Nausicaä (Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind)

Anneliese (Barbie: Princess and the Pauper) VS Vanellope von Schweetz (Wreck-It Ralph)

Aurora (Sleeping Beauty) VS Relena Peacecraft (Gundam Wing)

Blaze the Cat (Sonic the Hedgehog) VS Anthy Himemiya (Revoluntionary Girl Utena)

Stella (Winx Club) VS Annika (Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus)

Aurora Syalis Goodereste (Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle) VS Marie-Ange (Doki Doki Precure)

2B

Princess Pride (Mega Man Battle Network) VS Melinoe (Hades II)

Rayfa Padma Khura'in (Ace Attorney) VS Princess Mary (Yu-Gi-Oh!)

Miranda Vanderbilt (Monster Prom) VS Kumatora (Mother 3)

Riku Rebecca (One Piece) VS Audrey (Descendants)

Pocahontas (Pocahontas) VS Raya (Raya and the Last Dragon)

Princess Rosalinda Maria Montoya Fiore/Rosie Gonzalez (Princess Protection Program) VS Talia (Lolirock)

Mei Chang (Fullmetal Alchemist) VS Cure Princess/Hime Shirayuki (Happiness Charge Precure)

Gwendolyn (Cursed Princess Club) VS Princess Unikitty (The Lego Movie)

[dndfantasygirl]

Little Red Rogue (Chapter 9: Just My Imagination)

Rating: Mature Word count: 1.2k Pairing: Astarion x Female Tav (named) Warnings: violence, strong language, innuendo

Summary: Ruby convinces the party to take a day of respite before entering the Shadow-Cursed Lands.

*Link to AO3 Post

*Link to Previous Chapter

Every night on my knees I pray Dear Lord, hear my plea Don't ever let another take her love from me Or I would surely die, hmm

(Her love is) Heavenly, when her arms enfold me I hear a tender rhapsody But in reality, she doesn't even know me

Once again Runnin' away with me, oh Tell you it was just my imagination Runnin' away with me

~Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me), The Temptations

-----------------------------------

As the flickering flames cast dancing shadows on the walls of the corridor, the party found solace in each other's company. The respite they had decided upon was proving to be a well-deserved break from the perils they faced in the Grymforge and the looming dangers of the Shadow-Cursed Lands ahead.

Despite initial reluctance, Ruby's infectious enthusiasm for celebration won over even the most stoic members of the group.

Amidst the crackling of the fire and the soft whispers of the night, the party exchanged tales of their adventures, reliving past triumphs and defeats with equal fervor. The bitter chill of the wasteland outside seemed to fade away in the warmth of their shared laughter and companionship.

In a moment of impromptu creativity, Ruby, with her innate elven magic, conjured up a folk song from her childhood memories. The tune hung in the air like a wistful echo of times long gone, stirring emotions and memories within each of her companions.

With a nostalgic smile playing on her lips, the dhampir's foot tapped against the cold stone ground. Then, she began to dance.

As Ruby's laughter filled the air, the warmth of her joy seemed to penetrate even the darkest corners of the corridor. Astarion found himself intrigued by her playful antics, raising a brow in amusement as he observed her twirling around the fire.

Uncertain of what to make of Ruby's dance, Astarion watched as she seized Gale's hands, then Shadowheart's, and continued on, determined to ensnare each member of their eclectic band in her whirlwind of merriment.

When Ruby approached Lae'zel with the intention of roping her into the dance, the githyanki's characteristic scowl was enough to dissuade any further attempts, prompting Ruby to move on to her next target: Astarion himself.

With a coy smile, the vampire spawn initially declined her invitation, content to watch from the sidelines. However, Ruby's playful insistence proved too charming to resist, and before he knew it, he found himself being pulled off the log where he had been lounging.

To his surprise, he found himself willingly swept into the rhythm of the dhampir's dance, her infectious energy coaxing him out of his usual reserve. As she spun him around, he couldn't help but marvel at the way she effortlessly drew their companions into the festivities, each one clapping along to the beat of the music.

With the circle formed and hands joined, the party members eagerly followed Ruby's lead, their anticipation palpable as they prepared to execute her favorite folk dance. As they began to spin in unison, the corridor seemed to come alive with the rhythm of their movements, the sound of clapping hands echoing off the stone walls.

Once they were back to their starting point they turned to the person behind them. Gale was paired with Shadowheart. Wyll with Karlach. Ruby with Astarion.

As the dance unfolded, each movement became a seamless exchange of energy and rhythm, a symphony of motion orchestrated by Ruby's infectious enthusiasm. They linked hands, their steps synchronizing as they kicked beside opposing legs, a playful rhythm that mirrored the flickering flames around them.

With each graceful movement, they effortlessly transitioned from one step to the next, their bodies moving in harmony as they spun and twirled, their laughter mingling with the crackling of the fire. Astarion found himself entranced by the sight of Ruby's violet eyes, sparkling with mirth, and the endearing way her nose crinkled with each delighted giggle.

In that fleeting moment, as they moved together in perfect tandem, Astarion felt a sense of peace wash over him. The weight of their burdens—the looming threats of Cazador, the parasite, the specter of mind flayers, and the machinations of the Absolute—all faded into the background, overshadowed by the simple joy of being present in the moment.

For once, the relentless march of time seemed to slow, allowing Astarion to savor the precious moment shared with Ruby. In her embrace, surrounded by the warmth of their companionship and the flickering light of the fire, he allowed himself to dream of a world where worries and fears held no sway, where the only thing that mattered was the gentle sway of their dance and the unspoken bond that bound them together.

What was he doing? Daydreaming like some love-sick teenager? He didn't have the time or luxury to fantasize about such things. Furthermore, it was embarrassing.

Clearing his throat in an attempt to mask the sudden vulnerability he felt, Astarion distanced himself from Ruby, the absence of her warmth leaving an ache in his gut that he stubbornly refused to acknowledge. He shifted his focus to more practical matters, feigning indifference as he noted the significant height difference between them, a fact that had often escaped his notice in their day-to-day interactions.

Without the customary elevation provided by her heeled boots, Ruby stood a few inches shorter than usual, her bare feet grounding her in a vulnerability that Astarion found disconcerting. Yet, as he gazed into her eyes, he couldn't help but be drawn in by the intensity of her gaze, the fondness and understanding reflected in the depths of her violet irises.

As Astarion wrestled with his conflicting emotions, a tumultuous storm raged within him, threatening to unravel the carefully constructed walls he had erected around his heart. A part of him longed to return Ruby's gentle smile, to bask in the warmth of her innocence and optimism, but another part of him recoiled at the thought, deeming such sentiments foolish and impractical.

He reminded himself sternly of the harsh realities of their world, of the darkness that lurked in every shadow and the weight of the sins he bore upon his soul. Ruby's child-like innocence, her unwavering optimism, seemed almost offensive in its purity, a stark contrast to the twisted depths of his own depravity.

He couldn't help but marvel at the contradiction that was Ruby—someone who had undoubtedly witnessed horrors beyond comprehension, yet still retained an aura of innocence that bordered on naivety. It frustrated him to no end, this incongruity between her outward demeanor and the darkness that lurked beneath the surface.

And yet, despite his reservations, Astarion couldn't deny the strange fondness that had taken root within him, a begrudging admiration for Ruby's resilience in the face of adversity. Her unwavering optimism, her child-like wonder, had a way of worming its way into his heart, even as he fought tooth and nail to keep it at bay.

But admitting such sentiments was out of the question. To acknowledge his growing fondness for Ruby's innocence would be to expose a vulnerability he couldn't afford to reveal.

And so, Astarion witnessed the subtle shadow of sadness cast over Ruby's violet eyes as he reluctantly turned away, retreating to the solitude of his tent. He couldn't bear to linger in her presence any longer, knowing that his conflicted emotions threatened to unravel the fragile facade he had carefully maintained.