#silver deceptions

[mzradyer]

lisichka X the overlord

cecily knight and jeremy volkov from god of wrath (legacy of gods #3) by rina kent

[aidenelsa]

you wouldn’t last an hour in the asylum where they raised me

[katkalis-the-fanartist]

Kat's Fixation Character Hunger Games doodles part 1. The parts I chose to draw are highlighted blue!

[invinciblerodent]

have a couple transparent Dorians as pictured in "Dragon Age: Deception"- he's having a little drink on your dash❤️

[Artwork by Fernando Heinz Furukawa, colored by Michael Atiyeh]

Since I couldn't remove the speech bubble without redrawing a significant portion of the image, here's and alternate version with it blanked out:

[Transparent Varric]

[maddie-grove]

Idea for a historical romance novel: The Virgin Rake. Sebastian or Adrian or Julian or whoever has never boned or even fooled around much but he has a wild reputation for debauchery and licentiousness.

[evilhorse]

Too long have I hidden away in the cozy harbor of self-deceit.

[parasite-core]

Adramelek found the necronomacon and gave it to his vampire crush, learned about the Shadow Druids and found a convenient excuse to kill Kaga’s child murdering ass, and poisoned the goblins’ ale to kill off like half of them in one go.

I promise I’m really not planning to play as much of an asshole as Calio a second time 😂 He’s just going to slowly redeem himself as the story goes. The seeds are being planted in act 1 and will pay off in act 2, the big change eventually being of course refusing to kill Isobel and facing the consequences.

[zmeydeva-arch]

it's all about zoya potentially having the most soothing color palette ever associated with her ( ivory, silver, periwinkle, powder blue, lavender ) and YET she is someone who is highly combative and confrontational! she is not decorated with warning signs actually quite the opposite. she presents herself as a clear sky when she is actually the heart of a tempest

[sirfrogsworth]

Remember this joke?

Well, I am going to do something similar only with photography. This is a photo someone took for an Amazon review of their Clinique products.

Honestly, it is not a terrible photo. They did some staging. They have an interesting background. All of the labels are legible. It is properly exposed. This would be a perfectly acceptable product photo for an Etsy page.

I've been taking these advanced photography courses in preparation for whenever I am able to create a new studio in the house. And my teacher is a photography badass. I just watched a 6 hour class on how to recreate a professional Clinique ad. And at first glance it looks deceptively simple. It's just some skin care products being splashed with a little water.

Which is why I wanted you to see an average person for reference.

This is what Karl Taylor came up with.

And I don't think I've learned so much about photography in one tutorial before.

Product photography is just loads and loads of problem solving. You have to light the chrome caps with a gradient. Which requires giant diffusion scrims.

Those big white panels are literally only there for the two chrome caps.

You need a pure white background, but you can't let light spill all over the studio, so you put up giant black light blockers.

And you have to add another light just for the orange bottle on the right.

Oh, and if you want the bottles to glow, well, you have to hide a silver reflector behind them.

But you still want the edges of the bottles to be darker so they have some contrast. So you add some black tape to the sides.

And in order for the reflective labels to have bold black lettering, you have to reflect black cards into them.

Ack! Karl's beautiful bald head is showing up in the chrome caps! He must put on the naughty blanket.

And once you get every aspect of every bottle perfectly lit, you finally get to yeet some water at it all.

I don't love product photography because I have a weird obsession to help greedy corporations make their wares look more beautiful. I love it because it is a complicated and challenging new puzzle every time. Every product is a different shape and requires a different technique to make it look its best.

I don't know if I will be able to live up to Karl's standards.

This is about the level I was at in 2017 before I quit photography.

I have so much more knowledge in my brain now. I'm really hoping I can surpass that.

[heartthrobxhook]

He smiles at the nuzzling and sets his things down to pet at the dragon's muzzle. The peace wasn't long when the door started to open and Killian got to his feet. Seeing the high elf and the tail that blocked the path he gave Xen some more petting to keep him calm then crossed the lair to meet him.

"Balor. He's a healthy silver dragon, but he needs some time before he can start meeting people. We don't want to overwhelm him, he's just hours old after all." Killian said, convincingly leaving out the black dragon part. He didn't stop the high elf from entering but the pirate wasn't going to let him close to Baron after how he snapped at Xen in his human form. "He's just enjoying his first meal, wouldn't be wise getting too close. Baron knows I'm not food but you're a stranger. We need some time to teach him about friends, very smart though should only take a couple days."

ᒥ🌌ᒧ—        He bares his teeth, smiling to Killian. Xeniarth stands and moves close to the human, he noses him gently. He leaves Balor to play with the swine parts, the little one would be distracted for awhile. "Cold Breath is better than Acid," He begins. "I shall speak with Vastun on making you some resistance potions."

Speaking of the Elven man, the door to the lair opened slow. It was quite a feat that the slim, skinny wizard could open such a massive door. Balor's head raises up from the bone he is chewing, two eyes landing on the humanoid stanger entering. Before the little one could move, Xeniarth sets his tail down to block his path to the Elven man. "I wished to see the young one, I caught word it has hatched." Vastun says tentatively, looking to Killian then to Xeniarth.

Xeniarth doesn't roar at his friend this time, but his gaze is sharp and fixated on him. He would have to move slow if he wished to see Balor.

[alixero]

I had a character concept form in my head after hearing a line in one of those video essays on youtube (less a build and more just a general vibe/concept)

An aged Eldritch Fighter, recently gone grey but wrinkles have yet to truely take hold of hid features. However he doesn't carry a weapon and his demeanor is almost akin to that of a Monk, being very calm and diffusing in tense situations.

When threatened by some random thug with a sword who makes some comment about how his blade makes him a Big Man compared to an 'decrepit old coot', the Fighters response is only

"Any child can pick up a sword, a Man knows when to put it down."

He then summons his pact weapon from the aether and defends himself unlethally before dismissing it and being on his way.

[julymusings]

PORTRAIT

jason hates taking photos. it's a shame you find him so beautiful.

Jason Todd isn’t one to take pictures. Standing there with a fake smile, posing for a deceptively happy vignette of an unhappy reality feels awkward. He never knows what to do with his hands. He doesn’t like the way his face translates through the lens; the green of his eyes glows just this side of too spectral, his broad, stocky frame towers over that of his siblings, and the scars on his face bring memories of a darker time, an intentional carelessness for his life he used to carry. He leans away when others huddle together to smile. Pretends to notice something behind him when caught in the background of the lens.

Enter you. Only capable of looking at him with hearts in your eyes. Serving on a silver platter what he used to starve and scavenge for in dimly lit bars on the lips of women who only saw him as something to sink their teeth into and then spit out, never sticking around for longer than one night. Jason feasted at first, he’ll admit, stuffing himself to sickness on your unconditional adoration until it was almost too much to bear.

You take pictures of him and gush over them, telling him how pretty he is. How he belongs in a museum. He never believed you, never bothering to actually look at the pictures you take. But pretty soon he’s everywhere; you set him as your lock screen and screensaver, and print photos to frame on your bedside table. When your storage is maxed out, you steal Jason’s phone to flood his camera roll, and he finds that he keeps going back to stare at the photos you take. Selfies where you kiss his cheek and his mouth curves upward just enough to transform him from brooding to disarming; portraits where he looks, not at the camera, but just beyond and his eyes crinkle, the tips of his sharp canines peeking out over his bottom lip. He looks…different. Better. He starts to believe the things you tell him; his beauty is ancient. Michelangelo himself carved the contours of his body. The Trojans and the Greeks fought for a decade over him.

But what is it about this camera, he wonders, that makes his appearance digestible? Is it the way you frame him front and center, the backlighting sun rays extending in all directions behind him, encircling him with a holiness he doesn’t deserve? The scenery against which you capture him, busy nighttime streets under city lights, just dark enough to smooth out his rough edges? 

Or maybe it’s just you. Seeing himself from your point of view. Seeing himself as yours. His hooked nose, crooked from being broken one too many times, belongs to you for the early mornings when you trace down the bridge, around his lips, and up his jaw, drawing a portrait with your fingertips. His unruly hair, with streaks of white that make him stick out like a sore thumb, exists only for you to run your fingers through when he lays his head in your lap. His scars are for you to kiss on those difficult days until he can bear to look in the mirror again. He wants nothing more than to be a museum of all things you.

Jason Todd isn’t one to take pictures. But when you ask so nicely, showering him with compliments and promises of thank-you-kisses later on, how can he say no?

why are we as a society still striving for more definition and higher quality photos for anything other than, like, x-ray imaging and space exploration. I don't want 8k ultra-max hd in my phone that highlights every hair and pore and eye bag i want grainy and dark and fuzzy because it makes me look hotter and that's a fact. rant over

anyway he's so pretty i wanna take candids of him and kiss his face and squeeze his huge ti-*GUNSHOTS*

this is gonna be my last post for the next few weeks because i have finals. see you on the other side🫡 (born to be a farmer on a remote island, forced to study STEM) i'll be on requests as soon as i'm back trust

[jolieeason]

It's Monday, What Are You Reading---July 17th, 2023

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a place to meet up and share what you have been, and are about to be reading over the week. It’s a great post to organize yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment and add to your groaning TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started on J Kaye’s blog and then was hosted by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at The Book…

[joncronshawauthor]

Outwitting Your Enemies: A Guide to Being a Fantasy Rogue

Being a rogue in a fantasy novel can be a thrilling adventure, but it’s not just about the clothes you wear or the weapons you carry. It’s about the attitude and approach you bring to the game. Here are seven ways to embody the rogue spirit if ever find yourself in a fantasy world. 1. Master the art of deception. Rogues are known for their cunning and their ability to deceive others. So, if…

[novlr]

How to Write Betrayal

Betrayal is a powerful plot element that is represented in countless stories. The gravity of betrayal brings a profound depth to character dynamics, plots, and themes alike, making it an indispensable tool for writers to explore emotions, conflicts, and the complexities of human nature. Let’s explore some quick tips on how to write betrayal!

Behaviour

Secretive actions

Dishonesty

Becoming emotionally distant

A sudden change in routine

Pushing people away

Nervous or fidgety movement

Frequent lying or making up stories

Unexpected aggression or irritability

Unjustified mood swings or emotional outbursts

Increasingly defensive

Interactions

Disturbed interpersonal relationships

Frequent misunderstandings or fights

Withholding information

Avoiding personal discussions

Insincerity in conversations

Frequently cancelling or missing plans

A sudden shift in relationship dynamics

Quick to deflect or place blame

Frequent subject changes

Gradual emotional detachment

Body Language

Avoiding direct eye contact

Defensive stance and crossed arms

Covering mouth or touching face

Shuffling or restless movements

Forcing smiles or laughter

Constantly looking around or at the ground

Stiff, tense posture

Heavy breathing or frequent sighing

Avoiding touch or skin contact

Exaggerated gestures

Attitude

A lack of concern or empathy

Increasingly personal and hurtful arguments

Erratic or unpredictable reactions

Self-centeredness

Insincerity

Dismissive or negative attitude

Callous disregard for other's feelings

A negative or pessimistic outlook

Inability to handle criticism

Withdrawal from relationships

Positive Story Outcomes

In the wake of a betrayal, a story can manifest various positive outcomes that add depth to the plot and its characters. Relationships can be strengthened, showing their resilience. Characters may discover newfound self-reliance and learn valuable lessons about trust and forgiveness, leading to an increase in empathy and understanding, personal growth, and the reinforcement of personal values. These experiences can encourage a clearer understanding of personal boundaries, prompt self-reflection, introspection, and the development of healthier coping mechanisms. Ultimately, these positive outcomes can bring about improved communication and honesty, forming the silver lining in the cloud of betrayal.

Negative Story Outcomes

The aftershocks of betrayal can reverberate throughout your story. This might include an irreparable fracture of trust and damage to relationships. Betrayal can trigger psychological trauma, leading to an increase in suspicion and insecurity. Feelings of inadequacy or self-blame may surface, and characters can experience a heightened sense of isolation. The fear of forming new relationships or trusting others can become overwhelming. There may also be an escalation of conflict or violence and the reinforcement of negative behaviours or patterns. Damaged self-esteem or self-worth may be another repercussion, and this can encourage destructive coping mechanisms.

Helpful Synonyms

Treachery

Deception

Double-crossing

Duplicity

Backstabbing

Two-faced

Disloyalty

Unfaithfulness

Infidelity

Falseness

Perfidy

Treason

Fraud

Deceit

Slander

Misrepresentation

Falsification

Chicanery

Double-dealing