#someone just has to prove they see me as an individual and won't try to modify me without permission

[lillybean730]

the ONLY people who are allowed to use nicknames for me are my mom and brother, everyone else is on probation -_- use my full name enough and i might let you shorten it...

[ironinkpen]

The dynamic in Rise between the rest of the team and Leo is. so fucking funny. Because like you've got these three extremely talented individuals who all seem like perfectly reasonable people at first glance, right, but then if you squint hard enough you realize they're actually all batshit insane (affectionate) and the clown boy standing behind them is secretly their common sense.

Clown boy will occasionally put himself and the others in danger to Prove Himself or Prove Someone Wrong (see Minotaur Maze and the movie) but like otherwise... i think people forget Leo's overwhelmingly the voice of reason in most situations?

Raph, Mikey, and Donnie are all incredibly powerful boys with very specific skill sets. They are also, as a direct result of this, the WORST decision-makers on god's green earth lmao. When presented with a problem, Raph will smash, Donnie will blow shit up, and Mikey will razzmatazz. They will all run straight toward death with the same oblivious enthusiasm of a dog about to run straight into a screen door. None of them realize this and all of them think they are Extremely Good At Problem-Solving.

And the guy cursed with the common sense to realize this is literally the LAST person anyone would expect.

When you look closely, the entirety of Rise is actually a chronicle of Leo trying to find new and creative ways to keep this team of superpowered fools alive while simultaneously white-knuckling his Cool Fun Guy persona so the others don't realize he's secretly the Boring Responsible One. Haha, you know what would be Cool and Fun, guys? Not going after the Spine Breaking Bandit lol. Getting home before the sun goes up lol. Evacuating that civilian lol. Not telling the guy dangling me off a roof "you won't, no balls" lol.

The sacred struggle of every iteration of Leonardo is thanklessly wrangling the most trigger-happy siblings in the world, and Rise Leo has not escaped it. He just does an occasional shenanigan to avoid detection and his brothers fall for it every time.

[meanbossart]

ASK COMPILATION ABOUT THE WEIRD DROW

Replying to a couple of shorter questions! Sorry that I can't get to all of you lest this blog just turns into a stream of constant asks, but I read all of your messages and to be honest there are several that I'm saving to draw something for 😭 alas there are only so many hours in a day.

Thank you for all the support and interactivity as always!

He takes fairly good care of things he considers important or useful - otherwise he's pretty messy or at least indifferent to mess. Definitely a "leaves the wet towel on the bed" guy LOL

Okay so I was bad and not used to DnD mechanics or spells the first time I played the game, so I RARELY ever cast Speak With Animals and had very little sense of their personality during his campaign - BUT THERE WAS THIS ONE TIME WHEN I DID.

THERE WAS ONE TIME WHERE I REMEMBERED.

AND IT WAS PERFECT.

He adores and most of all respects this intense little guy with his whole heart.

[MORE UNDER THE CUT]

Serious answer: he respects wild animals far too much to try and make one into a pet.

Non-serious but still true answer: He would never do that and have to deal with Astarion's incessant Drizzt Do'urden joke comparisons for the rest of his existence. That's that man's personal hell.

He's fairly adaptable! But as far as dynamics go, he does lean bottom regardless of who he's with in bed, but this doesn't necessarily translate into always being on the receptive end of things.

If he were to be with a cisgender woman who doesn't wear a strap like its a second pair of briefs, he would be more than happy to be the pitcher the majority of the time. I think the only scenario where he would be dissatisfied is a restrictive one - he couldn't be with someone who doesn't want to enjoy his whole body in earnest, or who can't flip the roles every once in a while. Also, you have to be a little gross. He has probably caught Astarion off-guard with the things he did on a whim/suggested they do more than once. All in all, as long as whoever he's with is versatile and not a prude, they could probably make it work.

He killed Minthara in her lair and all he got was a bear out of it. Good thing killing her was it's own reward!

MAN... Could just be that his story is far too concrete in my brain already, but it's hard for me to see that working. They are both far too out of touch with their emotions and quiet in their demeanor for me to envision a durable romance sparking. Also, DU drow (who has no clue how old he is himself) thinks of Shadowheart as being far too young for him.

There is a mutual understanding between them that there is a barrier that neither of them is willing to let the other get past - and because that is something they both share, they won't, and they might never try. They work so well as friends because of their similarities, but in a relationship I think that would be to their detriment.

Also, I think silver-haired Shadowheart's wants and needs for her future far diverge from DU drow's chaotic lifestyle, ultimately It's probably best for them to make their own paths.

HAHAHAHA LISTEN.... YOU'RE TALKING AS IF THOSE TWO THINGS DON'T GO TOGETHER PERFECTLY WELL BUT IN MY MIND THEY ARE ONE AND THE SAME.

The thing about DU drow is that he might be a bottom, but he's a very... Uh, engaged bottom. He can be as dominant with a dick in his ass as he can be submissive depending on how it jives with his partner- and he's gonna spew some nonsense either way LOL

Either way... I feel ya brother 😔🍑

He did it himself during a dinner Gortash invited him to. At the table. With a meat knife. He was trying to prove a really stupid point/put Gortash off of him.

I have a script for this and I still need to draw it someday! 🤦‍♂️

He doesn't think anything of it now - it's so far in the past and DU drow obviously isn't the judgemental type when it comes to sordid individuals LOL

As a person, however, Astarion likely wasn't the kind of guy that he would have gotten along with, and vice-versa. Sounds to me like he was pretty poshy and did all his misdeeds under the table - DU drow wouldn't have strong feelings about it from an ethical standpoint, but he wouldn't respect it either. Also, DU drow's is practically anarchistic in his political views - soooooo not much room there to be in love with politicians. I'm sure pre-vampirism Astarion would have less than favorable opinions about him as well so the feeling would have been mutual LOL.

ABSOLUTELY NOT HE NEEDS BOTH EYES TO CUT THROUGH FOES he will gladly put Gale on the slab to see what happens though LMAO

[the-fabled-void]

*emerges from lab, with messy hair, eyebags, and carrying a conspiracy board*

We've been thinking about Frisk's personality the wrong way! They're not either merciful or murderous, or flirty or childish. They're all of them at once. Their personality is one of possibly. They aren't one individual option, but choice itself.

They represent something we don't consider a part of their personality as a human, and that's something that makes them *so* human. Because humans aren't a set of choices, but all of those choices combined, and the drive and possibly to make any of them at any given moment.

They're not a blank slate or something you project yourself onto. They're their own character, you just help them choose.

The choices are always there, Frisk always has them. The choices are not ours, they're theirs.

The Frisk who flirts with every monster, being silly and becoming friends with them? That's Frisk.

The Frisk that's pissed off at everyone but still wants to be friends? That's Frisk.

The goody two shoes who's as nice as possible? That's Frisk.

The Frisk that does what is necessary to achieve the best ending? Frisk.

And the Frisk who kills off everyone, just to see what happens? Still Frisk.

They only allow the player to choose between a very specific set of actions. Fight, Act, Item, Mercy. And the ACTS change from monster to monster, only a few they seem really fond of staying the same.

As expected from a kid, they seem to be driven by curiosity. They want to know as much as possible about a given Monster. Conversations- there's quite the extensive set of options when calling someone. You don't have to give them any input for what to say if they choose to call anyone. Simply calling is enough.

It's implied they made quite a dirty joke if they're told to flirt with Toriel after calling her mom. Because believe it or not, kids sometimes know about weird topics without engaging in them.

Even their expression could be used as evidence: -_- is now they look- their eyes closed, they're allowing you to guide them.

Despite how people portray them, they're not a silent protagonist, they're not speechless. They're actually quite talkative.

It's like they recognize that you want to play the game, and that you can only do that by giving them choices. And they allow you to give them choices. But only those specific ones.

It's like they're saying "you can play, but you gotta play by my rules"

Not to mention the circumstances that have to happen for you to know their name.

Because despite all these options, the kid does have a preference. They want to be friends with everyone. Or at least, they want everyone to be as happy as they can make them. That's why, only once you manage to help them free everyone, you get to learn that they're called Frisk.

"You're not really [Player Name], are you?"

That? That's Asriel, not just acknowledging that Frisk is not his childhood friend and kindered spirit. The one he misconstrued in order to relate to them, who wasn't perfect, but still trying their best. He knows Frisk not them.

No, he's acknowledging that, despite everything, despite the choices made in their regard, Frisk is happy. Someone chose for them, but they did it by their rules. Everyone is happy, just like they wanted. And Frisk did not change as a person.

You do not learn Frisk's name if you do not appease them.

Instead, they disown your choices, and you by refusing to let you know who they are, if you don't make them happy.

If you do the opposite of what they want you to do, you only get what you've been doing reflected back at you.

By someone bearing your name but not your face.

And they? [Your name]? Chara? ? They will remind you, even if Frisk is gone, that you were the one to drive them away.

"You didn't follow the rules, you betrayed the trust I gave you. You proved yourself unworthy of control. I won't even allow you the illusion of playing through me anymore."

You thought you could do what you want with them, but now, they're rejecting you.

Despite how little control they seem to have, Frisk is the one pulling the strings.

This is their game.

[crustyfloor]

Luka is very good at keeping himself composed on stage, mostly with the help of maintaining track of his heart rate, but during Mizi's attack in ROMH he seemed to slip up, not only was the red background a tell-tale sign of Mizi's violent intentions but it was a more symbolic way of showing Luka in quite visceral fear. Even if for only a second.

I'm not convinced Luka will be as continuously calculated as he normally comes off, it all seems too fake to me. Because it is. It’s a similar case to Ivan who can't feel, isn't normal, isn't human enough so he makes a persona to blend in. So Luka, whoever he is, makes this version of himself to cope with what he has to live through, pretending like he's on top of it all to survive in this world.

So in round 7, I think something drastic will happen to make him 'snap' in a way.

It's safe to say that we don't know Luka. We don't know who he really is. We don't know his real desires. But we do know one thing--he is scared. he is afraid of the aliens. That's why he appeases them--being their trophy. He's only kept around for his purpose as an entertainer and nothing else and he's very aware of that. He knows very well that a dented trophy will be discarded; with that mindset, he's been able to get so far, and he's scared of losing. That's why he holds any little thing he can get his hands on close. And an important extension of that fear is his fear of losing power.

Till should be the more likely in this position, given he's such a rebel. But isn't that just too predictable? Keep in mind, that Till is a strong person. Even after all he's been through, even after he's been beaten into something more manageable for the aliens--He still hasn't lost his spark. Till is a raging storm. subdued but nonetheless a force to be reckoned with.

Round 6's effect on Till is greatly ambiguous for now but at this point when the time for round 7 comes, Till has been put through so much hell. Whatever Luka does to provoke him probably won't work, he and Luka are equally talented individuals and will make for an intense battle, and at the end of the day, the numbers won't lie. Exactly that is what Luka is ready for but scared of--a worthy opponent for the throne. Someone capable of stripping him of his power. (Is fear what makes Luka so dismissive?)

It would be so aggravating that this 'pest'. who is so indignant, so rebellious (in a way Luka envies.), could so easily destroy everything Luka has worked for, disregard every pain Luka has been through to get to this point, and Till doesn't value this throne as much as Luka does, and Luka doesn't want to feel the pain of death anymore. If his facade is as destructible as I think it is, that will be what ultimately brings out Luka.

This idea may be flawed. Luka is so perfect, too perfect and confident and experienced for something as little as that to break him, just think of all the training Luka went through to get to this point. I'm positive he's very aware of what playing unfairly will lead to. But isn't there always room for a wild card?

Just remember what happened to Hyun-woo.

What happened here isn't fully explained (and probably will be in round 7) but imagine Luka: "Trophy child, goody two shoes" Luka possibly killing another human. Whether by accident or not, what happened?--what and how did Luka feel in the moment for the repercussions of whatever happened to be that bad?

A Luka that is secretly greatly insecure, pliable, and defensive enough that in a spur of emotions, he can’t help but lose his cool in a way he hasn’t in a while because he’s afraid—just to try and prove he is still valuable. That is the type of character I theorize we'll come to see in round 7.

[goldenivy0]

It's NOT that simple!

For every time I see a comment saying "I hope Lucien and Elain can be extremely happy together in the future, he deserves his HEA after everything he's been through and Elain too", I also see someone answering "What do you mean? He can have his HEA even if it's not with Elain, and Elain can also have her HEA with someone she chooses for herself" (you know who they're referring to with this lol).

Well... yes... but at the same time not really?? To what extent would that be a true HEA for the two of them? Elucien's situation and E/riel's situation are two completely different things. Rejecting a mating bond with your fated mate is something completely different than ending a situationship (yes, that's what E/riel have at the moment, a situationship... and a shaky one may I add).

In SJM's world, finding your mate is the peak of fulfillment when it comes to your romantic life, she believes in soulmates and the fated mates trope is a focal point in all her works.

What I take from this: finding your mate is a blessing and having a mating bond with someone makes you have such a deep connection with that person that any other romantic relationship you might have with another (even if it's a whole marriage!) is insignificant in comparison. So yeah... imo this just further proves this notion that there's nothing greater than a mating bond in SJM's universe. Having a mating bond with someone and experiencing it with that person is the happiest of HEA there can be, according to text SJM wrote herself.

Why would you want Elain to experience just a standard HEA (with Az or anyone else) when she can have the happiest of HEA with her mate (who is a great guy btw, so don't try to compare their case with Tamlin's parents or Rhys's parents cause that's bs)? And the same applies to Lucien and Azriel. Don't tell me "Oh BuT ElAiN sAid ShE DiDn'T WaNt a MaTe" cause my dear friend, right after that Elain also said she didn't want a male and Azriel is a male. A male she was willing to kiss and whom you claim she's in love with. So I just wonder, if she apparently changed her mind about that, who are we to say that she didn't or can't also change her mind about not wanting a mate?

You're telling me that Elain shares a mating bond with Lucien but she will simply ignore that to be in a relationship with Azriel without ever asking herself "what if"? "What if I had given me and my mate a chance?". Azriel will never ask himself "what if I find my mate one day"?? You're telling me that SJM will write a book where Elain is SO in love with Azriel that she won't even look at Lucien with whom she has such a deep connection that's unlike any other?

When we compare Lucien and Azriel's situations individually, they are NOT the same. For Lucien, if Elain rejects the bond, that's permanent! There will never be someone better for him than Elain, his mate. There will never be a greater connection for him with anyone else than the one he lost with this rejection. For Azriel, if Elain ends things with him, there's still a chance he'll find his mate (people speculate he already did but that's for another day), there's still a chance he'll find this person with whom he will share a connection so deep that it makes whatever he felt for Elain seem insignificant (canon lol).

When it comes to Elucien, it's a whole mating bond that's at stake, a pull that they will both feel for the rest of eternity even if rejected, and that's why so many people wish things to go well between them, that's why people want them to find their HEA together. Just like @olenvasynyt once said, let's not treat Elucien's situation as if they were part of some tinder blind date that went sour. PLEEEASE 🙏🏼

[friendrat]

So, as I was going through the Sugar Apple Fairy Tale tag the other day, I saw this one post that kind of sickened me. I haven't been able to get it out of my head, so I wanted to type out my thoughts about it here. The op was saying how disappointed they were about the fact that there wasn't anymore "spicy" content after the first episode or two, since they viewed those episodes as Challe having masochistic tendencies.

While I can see where they got this idea, and they are certainly entitled to their opinion, it just made me so sad to see how our sex saturated culture causes people to read situations in this manner, and miss what is really happening.

Challe isn't getting some sick sexual satisfaction from being hurt or threatened in these episodes. I see what he's doing as twofold. First, and probably most importantly, he is exercising his autonomy in the only way he can. He is saying that he is his own individual and will make his own decisions right up until that autonomy is forced from him. The other motive to his actions is trying to force Anne into this box that he has put all humans into. He is uncomfortable with how she doesn't fit the "all humans are awful" narrative that he (understandably) has in his head. If he can make her say those things, he thinks he can prove that she is just as bad as the others. This, of course, doesn't work because he knows that even if he forces her to say she will shred his wing because her life depends on it, it doesn't have the same bite as whoever said that to him before because there is no malice in it, and he knows she won't follow through with it. And yes, I 100% believe that at least one of his masters has threatened to shred his wing before. Challe thinks if he hears those same words from Anne, he will be able to hate her like he hated them.

He has been enslaved for 70-80 years, and we have no idea what he's been forced to do during that time. He has to have a lot of trauma from that time, and we've only scratched the surface of it. To assume that he got some perverted satisfaction from being forced to do things under threat of pain and death ignores the very real horror of what slavery is. Again, the op of that post I saw a while back is entitled to their interpretation, but it just makes me sad that our society is so sex saturated that someone would read that into Challe's character, and miss the deeper meaning behind these interactions.

[ourbeloved1011]

Grow tf up. It's been 4 years since that show finished. Yibo even removed it from his bio. Theres nothing wrong with liking a show but insisting on some delusional rpf that's harming actual people??

Hi Anon,

Thanks for spending your precious time dropping by & bravely leaving your not-so-kind comments anonymously (or should I say nasty & harsh for telling me to grow tf up) when this is OBVIOUSLY a fan blog dedicated to Yizhan. It's like you're knocking someone's door uninvited & forcing yourself to rudely barge in.

Well, there must be a good reason on why I've been purposely not hashtag individual artists' names in my posts & include only related tags & mention 'this is just my personal thoughts, CPN' to STAY IN MY OWN LANE - in my own bubble & space. This is to avoid from being discovered by people who's trying to 'start something' & serve as my own effort to protect the artists from being harmed by my words. I really despise unnecessary conflicts right when I've made myself clear on my dashboard that this is a shipper blog.

In simpler words, if you don't like it, it's not my problem. No one asked for your opinion, anon. You've got the wrong place to begin with. However, since you've dropped me an ask, let me enlighten you at the very least.

Before I start, here's some of translated versions of Xiao zhan's personal statement after the incident (which I refuse to elaborate more):

"Everyone has their own choices and freedom of expression. No matter if you like me or you hate, it's your personal right. Passion should be the source of strength for everyone. I hope that this passion doesn't exhaust or harm anyone."

You can read the rest of his statement in my recent reblog or here: https://www.tumblr.com/ourbeloved1011/723921396167819264/xiao-zhans-previous-personal-statement?source=share

Here's my personal thoughts, again, CPN.

I couldn't agree more. It's crucial for everyone to take his words seriously and it's my wish to be what he wished for. I admire, respect & support both xiao zhan & yibo whole-heartedly. It's not fair for you to judge & say that this isn't fan love.

Bjyx is a fandom made up of different individuals. Not only bjyx, any fandom or group of people in this world will have the same concept.

Now, let's talk about generalization.

You can't simply generalize a group or fandom & labelling them as a whole harmful existence. Every fandom has their own good & toxic fans. You don't have any control over that. Surely, all kind of people exist in bjyx BUT same goes with solo fans. There's no exception.

It's like labelling the whole Wen clan as evil when you know very well that Wen Ning and Wen Qing aren't the same kind. In fact, they are Jiang clan's life savior. It's totally unfair.

"You should punish the people who bit you. Wen Qing & Wen Ning have never gotten their hands on anything bloody. Or do you want to execute a collective punishment?!" -The Untamed, Wei Wuxian-

Why do you need to be the exact same way as Jin's clan judgmental behavior? We never learn, we've been here before. I won't take any sides on which fandom need to be banned or which one is the 'real' supporter. Collective stereotype will never be the final answer.

I see two people in everyone. There's no point in proving this.

However, I do believe in one same group commonality. If you continuously act excessively, intentionally crossing all the boundary of morality & bring harm to others, you will belong to TOXIC FAN and ANTIs regardless of where you come from- either you are a bjyx fan or solo. I will not support any act of sexualizing & harassment behavior towards them. There's always a limit, visible lines & common sense to conduct & follow. Sadly, EXTREMISTs do exist everywhere.

Just like what xz been telling us, it's your personal right as long as your passion doesn't harm others. Joining bjyx is our right & passion to support them in our own way. Doesn't mean that you've the right to speak up or write anything that you see as 'the right way', you also have the right to blatantly disregard those who don't share the same view as yours. That's why the word RESPECT is there in life dictionary. Otherwise, human can't co-exist this long.

If you don't have anything good to say, you can just remain silent. If you can't accept & respect, just stay away & ignore. It's that simple.

I don't understand why people needlessly hurting others with their unnecessary hurtful choice of words that can leave permanent scars to others. I personally feel sorry for these people. I don't get it. I really want to understand- what's the real reason for you to be so mean & harsh & hateful? For example, telling people to grow tf up. Who are you to judge? I'm just chilling with myself without causing trouble to others.

In bjyx point of view, we just adore & admire the beautiful & deep connection that both of these guys have. It's rare to have someone that you can click so well instantly in life. We wish to support them against all the odd. That's all.

Ironically, people who freely generalize about other groups get upset & butthurt if someone generalizes about a group that they belong to. The thing is - everyone is an independent individual & fully responsible for their own actions.This is why it's important to mind our own business & stay in our own lane.

Back to your statement. Delusional fans. I'm not actually delusional. I'm very self-aware as a person. In fact, I started as someone who's neutral. It's for my own self-satisfaction to feed my curiosity. I've always been the kind that will find & dig further to know something better. It's my personal trait. I'm not blindly being a delusional fan without basis and accept every rumors I heard about them. I do observations, selectively choosing, analyzing & eventually come to a conclusion. So here I am.

If you claim us to be delusional, you can say whatever you want because your opinion doesn't represent or reflect us. Just a side note, I don't agree with those fans who are intentionally keep overanalyzing these two with every single thing they do each time. People may get annoyed by it. I can see where it's coming from. They are two different individuals with distinct originality & identity. Hence, I only believe in whatever solid reasons I personally chose & filtered to trust.

It's not my job to convince you that they're real & it's not your job to judge, raise doubts & throw hateful comments in what I believed in. No need to make others feel bad & depressed further with your painful remarks. This world is cruel enough to live in. We don't need to be liked but respecting us is not an option. Be kind.

Yes. Yibo removed it from his bio. So what? To be honest, I don't really care much about it. Friendly reminder. He removed not only the untamed but he removed ALL his dramas. Seriously, I don't see any issue. If anything, I would be grateful to Yibo for keeping the untamed there for so long.

Let me remind you of the scene where wei weixuan is forced into a situation with practicing demonic cultivation is his only option to protect himself & survive. Again, everyone is being so judgmental towards him, only to find out later- the real reason why he chose that path. My point is, don't assume something as if we know everything. Anything people put out to share is calculated. You're allowed to see things that they ONLY ALLOW you to see.

What do you mean by these shippers harming actual people? There are plenty pictures everywhere during Yuehua concert, the whole arena was mostly filled with bjyx fans led lights, yellow, green & red- all coming to support Yibo. Not only concert, they've been continuously supporting both of them in other projects and events in the past until today.

'True' fans won't bring any harm to the artist no matter how good their intention is. Boycotting isn't the answer. It brings more damaged to the artist than good.

Tell me. Who's gonna be there if it's not for them?

Credits to respective owners. I don't own anything.

Yibo. Did they really bring harm to you?

Credits to respective pic owners.

Really? What were you looking at?

Credits to respective pic owners.

Few things to ponder:

If either xiao zhan or yibo hates bjyx & don't want any fans to associate them with each other, they would've addressed this many years ago to stop. Like how they made clear stand to some of other cps & supertopics. If you ask me for proof, again, you can just find them through my reblog posts. You can easily see them right away. That is, if you really care to read & bother to know.

Let me use back your words- It's been 4 years since the show finished- but the fandom is still standing strong & able to fill in the whole arena. Just to highlight, xiao zhan & yibo have zero public interaction together since the past few years but the numbers of new bjyx fan is still continue growing until today. The irony. How is this possible? For what reason? The normal cp fandom will eventually dies down once the main actors moving to the new project in the same year. Do you ever wonder what's the reason behind this fandom to stay this long for years? Both of them don't have any same project, no collaboration together. No promotion. Literally nothing. Then how? Funny isn't it?

It still remains mystery to think of why until today, xz & yibo never clarify & make statements to clear the air that they are just close friends. They can easily shut down the fandom in one go. Doesn't it bother you to be shipped with your own close friend for years if it's not the case? Well I do.

Also, why bjyx fans were not banned from entering the venue? Why their banners & led lights were allowed to go in? This is a sign that the existence of this fandom has never been denied. Or wait. Has this bjyx fandom been acknowledged indirectly?

People may find comfort in stanning both of them. Probably, it's the only source of joy in life to some. We never know. Don't be such an asshole trying to kill it. Spread love. Not hate.

Thanks anon for giving me the opportunity to rant :)

[hextechmaturgy]

i have some more veilguard opinions to share with tumblr dot com, so BEWARE OF THE CONTENT BELOW!!!! this has spoilers about the very FINAL MISSION of the game, don't ruin the experience for yourself

sooooo

who did you guys choose to lead the second team and how much do you regret it? any thoughts about that? cause i sure have A FEW

look, anyone who knows me will tell you i love tragedy. unhappy endings sate me, i don't mind when 'good' characters die. i had it on my bingo card that varric would kick the bucket this game and was BEYOND happy when that reveal happened, i felt like i had manifested that shit and i was happy to know that my favorite character hadn't survived a seemingly fatal attack because of # fanservice

so what i'm about to say comes not from a dislike of losing companions, of not getting a happy ending for everyone, but out of frustration at how nonsensical this one loss felt. i played the mass effect games multiple times, i know how these suicide missions go! you do your companions' loyalty missions and pay attention to what they're good at individually, so when the final mission comes around and you have to choose someone to hack things, you know exactly which of your pixelated friends will be good at that sort of thing and send out to be heroes. it's a neat design choice i think, it requires that you think about your companions as people with strengths and weaknesses that make them stand out from the others

i chose davrin for the job of team leader. i had done his loyalty mission and he'd more than proved himself as a capable leader at weisshaupt. we saw him adapting to an ever worsening battle, talking strategy even when things got dire. as much as i love harding, i didn't think she could compare in this regard, and could clearly see how one option would be Good option and the other would be the Bad one that ends in the death of a companion

when davrin died as a result of his assigned role, when assan died trying to save him, i clutched my pearls. i suddenly remembered the talks i had with davrin where he expressed regret at having lived through the killing of ghilan'nain's archdemon, because wardens are supposed to die when they kill an archdemon as veteran dragon age fans will know. i realized that i had set him up for his idea of a perfect death, had given him the opportunity to go as a hero, "in death, sacrifice" and all that. i had gotten him and his baby griffon killed by not remembering his worse impulses, meanwhile harding would've flourished under the trust i would've placed on her, she'd prove she's not just a scout, that she can be an excellent leader in her own right now that she's accepted her role as a shepherd of truth for the dwarves and the stone. damn good writing, you fooled me well!

so imagine my disappointment when i looked up the outcome of making harding team leader instead and found out that it literally doesn't matter. silly me! i overthought a video game decision, why did i expect deep themes in a dragon age game amiright?

LITERALLY WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT DOESN'T MATTER. whoever you choose for that job always dies, there's no rhyme or reason to this one decision? bellara and neve will make it out of their 50/50 so long as they're loyal, but harding or davrin? they just die! because reasons!

i made me feel stupid, like i had cared too much and looked too hard into a game that is so rarely interested in leaving anything up for debate. some parts of this game are brilliantly written, i think solas is one of them, he's truly at his most trickster-y, so then... why are there so many other aspects of the game that are just there to annoy me. why is who betrayed lucanis a mystery, have you HEARD what illario sounds like. why is it that davrin or harding always die at the end. and no, i won't accept "that's how it is in real life, there's no sense in war" because this is a video game and every other companion death is avoidable if you play your cards right. what a waste!!!!!!!! DRAGON AGE: THE WASTED POTENTIAL!!!!!!

[jmdbjk]

Episode 8: Promise for Tomorrow

Beyond the Star, produced by HYBE Media Studio

You could say the Yet to Come concert in Busan was the final cap on Chapter 1 or you could say it is the bridge between 1 and 2 for the group.

It was controversial from the start. There was a lot of turmoil surrounding the planning of this concert, the reason it was planned and the actual logistics of making it happen in less than 3 months. K-Army fought hard for this event to take place responsibly and safely.

That stadium they performed in was in terrible condition just WEEKS before they were to perform. Panels were missing all around on the outside due to being blown off by a previous hurricane. We're talking MAJOR REPAIRS had to be made in a matter of FOUR WEEKS when they finally settled on this venue after going back and forth on where to hold the concert:

By the miracles that the universe keeps bestowing on BTS, the venue was ready, the city was in festival mode and over 50,000 concert-goers attended this event FOR FREE.

This concert was very emotional for all of them. It was the last moment for them as a group for a long time. I'm glad they were able to finish off the first ten years like this. It was epic.

The members talk about the unknowns, how they might present themselves in the future. They want to see if they can come back as a proper group and show it can be done and done well, even in their 30s.

Namjoon says they hope they can comeback with a balance between group and individual activities, they want to try to show how an idol group can mature and still be successful. They are all on the same page with this.

But they and Army must have faith in each other to let the time go by in order for the growth to happen and in order for them to fulfill their obligation.

Yoongi said they had something to prove with their performance at Yet to Come in Busan: that they still had it. They worked hard, reported to work early, stayed behind late to keep practicing. He feels strongly this won't change with them as time passes.

This is someone who is able to see the synergy of the individuals who make up the whole.

By this time, Hobi had already released Jack in the Box and had performed at Lollapalooza and was feeling more confident about all of it:

From the very structured days that Hobi likes to the totally free-spirited Jungkook, they have shared some very intimate moments in this episode.

Hobi says they have to learn how to rest and be on their own, do their own thing, think for themselves.

Tae and Namjoon individually speak about how this level of fame and success they've achieved, especially in the last three years, is something they had trouble grappling with. That level was not what they'd anticipated. They have to ask themselves what was it they had initially wanted to do?

Then we get a big reveal: Jin's posse of friends. They are in the car going somewhere and the music track playing is Life Goes On, a callback to the opening scene of the song's MV. They are going camping. Jin shares that these guys hang out at his house even when he's not there, welcoming him home when he gets there. Jin, a gamer guy who's told us he can play video games for days and forgets to eat while doing it, made us think he was all alone ... and here has had this great group of friends this whole time. He knows his group of friends are rare to have in the world of celebrity.

And an extremely intimate moment when Jungkook visits his healthcare provider for a health visit. He's just like me, I can't watch them sticking that needle in my arm to take blood or whatever it is his healthcare provider is doing. Omega-3 supplements after midday and evening meals and vitamin D at night. And he is guilty of patient non-compliance because he's not drinking the liquid supplement they prescribed. For as healthy as he seems to be, that's a lot of prescribed supplements. And this is some very, very personal information he's sharing with us.

This episode is hard to watch, y'all. I keep having to stop and dry up my tears. Omg then Take Two starts to play after Jin gets his head shaved. One heart rip after the other... and then the credits roll while Spring Day plays.

Bottomline, this series shows the tightness, the oneness, the knowledge that these seven men have forged a bond that makes them family and will keep them together as they continue on with their lives. They've tied their identities to BTS so tightly that they will never not be known as the seven original and only members of BTS.

They all want the same thing. As Tae says, they now have to make it through their military enlistment healthy...

We were shown a much wider picture of how their lives are and were especially since 2019.

Their words, their tone of voice, the memories, the visual cues and reminders are all to help us understand what they've done, how far they've come and what they've had to overcome and how they felt about all of it.

The docu-series concept overall was to convey the members thoughts about their careers, past, present and future. I was extremely interested in hearing in their own words, what it was like being a member of BTS in those first years.

I listened to what the members had to say, I assimilated that into what I already know. It moves chronologically. If you think of it as the members of today telling their story, it plays more like a narrated movie. A movie of their lives.

We saw images that helped us understand the things they were talking about, the things they'd been feeling and thinking as they sorted through the years. Each episode focused on a period of time.

The basic things they said: they went through some hell, they tried to figure out this popularity thing, pandemic fucked with them, mental health issues were a problem, they worked through that, they finally worked through what enlistment and after could be and they are all in a good place. Through it all, they remain committed to each other and to the group.

I know some were saying the editing was choppy or events were out of order, but this docu-series was not supposed to be a chronologic retelling of the history of BTS and it wasn't just a listing of their milestones. Whoever said that didn't watch any of it.

It moves along in a way that conveys how they started, what their mindset was then and shows us how they've evolved over time. Scenes from the past help convey emotions and feelings, reflecting on the depth of memories they have from their career. The clips we see can't begin to convey how dense and rich all of those experiences are for them and don't come close to touching the number of hours they've spent on stage during their career.

Production of this documentary began long ago, as shown by all the different interviews conducted. When producing a documentary created from interviews, there is an outline of points to convey and obviously there was a camera person and probably a director/producer to prompt the interview. In other words the interviewer may have said "tell us what your favorite concert memory is" or "let's talk about how you felt when the MOTS tour was cancelled." The member talks, and then maybe the next question is "what were you feeling/thinking when you sat on your sofa for days?" and the member talks, then "when did you feel like (insert whatever)... (member talks)... etc. and let the member being interviewed say everything they want to say, or if they go off on a tangent, they'd bring them back to the topic to make sure there was enough footage/soundbites from each member. There is typically no dialogue "script" for a documentary unless it has a narrated voice-over. I have done this sort of thing in the course of my work career. Documentaries can be very flexible but are meant to be factual.

My criticisms: I saw one or two instances that should have been corrected: they labeled the UN building as Oakland. There were a few translated phrases that were a tad awkwardly structured.

Anyway, long-time fans might already know the history of BTS and know wayyyy more details about how everything went down, even more so than what was shown in this series. It's the newer fans that will benefit a lot from watching this. As we know, the amount of content to "catch up" on is ENORMOUS. Ask me, I know this. This documentary series is a very condensed history that would definitely benefit newer fans.

I hope I was able to summarize everything clearly in these blog posts.

[sexualassbutts]

I need to finally talk about Apology Tour.

I will always stand up for Blitzo cause...Fuck. Going through the entire series multiple times, fuck Stolas on so many levels. Not saying Blitzo hasn't done anything wrong, but at least he's trying to own up to his shit now.

First of all, when Stolas said "When have I ever looked down on you?" to Blitzo in the beginning, I literally screamed "EVERY DAMN EPISODE YOU'RE IN, YA BITCH."

But, I've been laughing at the fact that after Full Moon, Blitzo's immediate response was 'well that was shit. UR GAY memes will fix everything' and then wonders why Stolas isn't responding to his texts.

I'm freaking out just about as much as everyone else from the MarthaxMayberry confirmation.

Drunk Stolas and jealous Blitzo is everything we needed. As well as the Verosika acting like a bestie to Stolas.

Now, for more serious shit.

While I cannot agree with Blitzo for the shit he's done, how many people he's hurt, and how he hurt them, I can give him credit for taking accountability for the shit he's done. And the fact that he's NOT ONCE tried to say he didn't do any of it. Look at the whole thing with Verosika when he repeated what she was saying he did during their breakup and he said "You won't let that go" to her. He never once said he didn't do it. The fact he even said it along with her proves he knows exactly what he did. However, Stolas has NEVER ONCE admitted any fault of his own besides the deal between him and Blitzo. Not once. In fact, he keeps acting like everything is Blitzo's fault when it's not.

And how DARE Stolas try to throw the Striker situation in Blitzo's face. During that call he made to Blitzo, Stolas even said it was okay if Blitzo couldn't come cause he was taking Loona to an appointment that was hard to get her into and needed, because he understood, being a dad, that children are important and should come first. But it reminded me of Loo Loo Land when Blitzo was dealing with Robo Fizz and sent M & M to go watch over Stolas and Stolas said "Blitzy is my knight in shining armor, not you littler ones." During the Striker incident, Blitzo sent M & M in his place to save Stolas. And Stolas had the NERVE to throw it in Blitzo's face that he didn't come himself, knowing full well that Blitzo was doing something important for his family. Stolas is just expecting Blitzo to always be the one to be there directly for him when he cannot be at all times. But at least Blitzo cares to send SOMEONE to go save him every time.

Blitzo took a huge step forward in this episode. Not only was he feeling remorse by the end of it when he saw some of those he hurt crying because of what he did, he MADE NICE with Verosika of all people. This is huge development for him. And while I can't fault Stolas' reaction when Blitzo was trying to talk to him at the party, cause Stolas was drunk off his ass...At least Blitzo was trying. He even left the party quietly, not causing a scene, even after seeing Stolas make out with that succubus. He's realizing he's royally fucked up while Stolas is still playing ignorant and innocent when he's far from innocent.

I've been told I'm anti-Stolas at this point and I kiiiinda agree. Cause fuck him through the whole series, honestly. But if they can both grow, learn, and Stolas literally grows the fuck up and learns how to take accountability, I want Stolitz to work. They just have a lot of shit to deal with individually first.

[thiccpersonality]

The Riddled Questions

To paint a (hopefully) quick picture for you, imagine this: the Justice League enjoying a surprisingly peaceful day; The Flash playing cards with Black Canary and Green Arrow, Diana and Barda having an intense training session to bond over their warrior-like upbringings, HawkGirl and Green Lantern (John Stewart) chilling in a corner trying to act like they aren't flirting even though everyone can see it and other League members just chatting or enjoying various fun activities on the Watch Tower.

Heck! Even Batman is oddly relaxed (all things considered), his head actually turned away from the monitors to indulge in his hushed conversation with Superman. Whatever they are talking about is causing the big ol' bat to smirk, and dare I say, chuckle.

However, no matter how much the heroes are enjoying the peace, crime is still crime and evil is still evil. It's at those dreaded big, bold, bright red words flashing "CODE ASYLUM" that breaks the peaceful atmosphere, Batman immediately clicking away on the monitors to show how every single Arkham Asylum patient has escaped and are causing havoc in Gotham (some even having managed to flee out of the smoggy city).

Long story short: the Justice League insisted on helping Batman, split up into groups or individually to take care of a specific criminal or villain.

Which is how we get to the present. The Question executing his mission of tracking The Riddler down and bringing him back to Arkham...the issue with this of course is the fact that a man who's whole persona is questioning life is tasked with bringing down a man who's whole identity is asking questions in the form of riddles, I mean, how else did you think this situation would turn out?

The Riddler curses as he's pushed into a corner by Question, the man scoffing and standing straight while spinning his question mark shaped cane around. "Okay, so you've got me in a corner...but riddle me this-"

The Question: *clicks his tongue and places his right hand up to his chin as if he's thinking deeply about something* "Why do you riddle?"

The Riddler pauses and stares at the mysterious-some might say questionable-man as if he's stupid: "Really? Maybe because I'm THE RIDDLER. Why the crap do you question me?"

The Question hums once again: "Because someone needs to ask the important questions, you won't find answers to the questions in question if you never ask. Why are you questioning me about questioning you?"

The Riddler huffs impatiently: "Because you questioned me about questioning you about questioning me, that's why. And why are you here anyway...where is Batman?"

The Question: "Why am I here? Hm...that is a question I often ask myself, what reason am I here for? Is asking questions all I'm meant to do? What about you? Is asking riddles all you are meant for?"

The Riddler: "Wh-huh!? How are you turning these questions back onto me!?"

The Question: "Why do you assume I'm trying to turn things onto you?"

The Riddler: "Why are you assuming I'm assuming things? Don't you think that's a bit rude?"

The Question: "Who knows? Do I think at all? Maybe...maybe not. I want to know why you assume that I'm assuming things about you when in fact I'm not assuming, I'm just stating the obvious based off of the response you gave me. Why do you assume I'm rude because of that?"

The Riddler: "Why are you assuming that I'm assuming you are inherently rude because of my statement? I have not outright said you were rude, I said your questioning sounded a bit rude not you."

The Question: "But when one says that about a person, even just their speech, does it not cause that person to automatically assume you are talking about them as a person? Just as how you assumed I was turning these questions back onto you."

The Riddler: "By you saying "does it not cause that person to assume you are talking about them" is that not you confessing to assuming and also proving you are turning these questions back onto me by questioning me back? Which is the exact assumption I made earlier, so I was right in my assumption of you assuming things of me."

The Question: "But if you don't want more questions asked of you, why do you keep responding to me with questions as well? I'm not the only one at fault here."

The Riddler's eyebrow twitches in agitation at this repeating game...but he can't help but to respond: "I'm supposed to not answer you back? Is it not polite to answer back when someone responds? And who said I don't want questions asked of me?"

The Riddler can't really see Question's face...but his voice sounds dry and sarcastic when he responds: "No one said it. I posed it as a question and not a statement, I never outright said you didn't not want to be asked questions, I was just questioning you on why you keep responding IF you don't like my questions. I didn't ask you that thinking you didn't enjoy them, it's all hypothetical."

The Riddler: "Why is it hypothetical?"

A smile is heard in The Question's voice: "Ah, now you are the one turning my questions back on me. Does that not seem hypocritical to complain about me doing it and then doing it yourself?"

The Riddler just glares at The Question for a hot minute before crossing his arms like a sulking child: "Well I'm evil and you aren't. I'm allowed to be hypocritical because there's no hope for me."

The Question tilts his head curiously: "Why is there no hope for you?"

Riddler opens his mouth to answer before closing it again, humming and squinting in thought: "Well...society seems to think so, do they not? If a group of people agree on it...then it must be true."

The Question crosses his arms: "And if a group of those same people jumped off a bridge, would you? Why do you follow society?"

The Riddler bristles at the question: "I do not! I'm evil. That isn't like normal people!"

The Question: "What defines normal to you?"

The Riddler groans and scratches his head: "Not harming people, for one. Maybe not being uncaring towards others and causing harm wherever and whenever you can!"

The Question: "But those people you sometimes hurt are the ones that see you as a freak, are they not? I'm sure those comments hurt you a great deal deep down. And "normal" people still hurt people, that is inevitable, it's if you keep doing it that matters...right?"

The Riddler quickly nods in agreement: "Yes! And I keep on hurting people, so I am not normal."

The Question nods: "Yes, so you have said. But why do you keep doing it?"

The Riddler snaps and barks out at the other man agitated: "Because I'm not normal! I told you that people have told me I'm evil because I am!"

The Question: "Ah...people...such fickle beings we are. Did you not just tell me that you didn't conform to society? But most of your reasoning for hurting people and continuing to do so is based off of societal standards of you, is it not? I have to ask: are you hurting people because you truly want to or have you been led to believe there's no hope because the "normal" people you look at won't extend that to you? No doubt you have issues, but are you truly unsaveable?"

The Riddler feels like his mind goes blank, what does this mean? Is he conformed to society already? Has he been like the others all this time in thinking he was different?

At the stunned silence of the man, The Question smiles behind his mask at wearing the other down, steps forward and gently leads the man out of his corner and back to an Arkham police van.

At the sight of The Question and The Riddler, The Flash runs up while rubbing his head: "We heard you through the comms. I have a headache from all those questions...why didn't you just fight him? Wouldn't it have been faster?"

Question hands over The Riddler and turns to the speedster: "I thought you were tired of the questions yet you ask me some?"

The mysterious man turns to look at the van driving away while placing a hand on the Flash's shoulder: "Is the easiest and quickest path always the wisest to choose? I think slow and steady has won this race my friend."

(Look...idk what random post/writing this is? I'm not expecting this to be good because I wrote this very randomly lol, with the thought of what would happen if two question asking people interacted. I started out with it being silly and somehow got...deep?...about it towards the end. And if no one could tell, Questions last question to Flash was supposed to mean he didn't want to fight an essentially confused man that day (he wouldn't mind fighting him any other time I'm sure lol), he already has too much on his mind so why not provide that hope he's so often denied by society in the form of long-winded questions...or something like that 😂.

You all please stay safe, happy, healthy and of course lovely as always. 💛)

[super-paper]

considering fantasy and reality I want to talk about how it has something to do with izuku in particular. I think izuku has complex feelings about reality since it pertains to his vulnerability Izuku is pointed out to run away from reality this might be true when all might say that izuku can be a hero He was happy that his fantasy had been validated. When Izuku got to live out his fantasy in Ua with a quirk it came as a deterrent to the people around him, especially his mother which he ignored in favor of his fantasy. I think if Izuku wants to save Tomura he has to validate his reality and fantasy instead of solely fantasy. but what do you think of how fantasy and reality play into izuku

I think escapism plays a role in Izuku's arc, but I wouldn't necessarily place it on the same level of escapism as Endeavor/AFO/Tomura/etc (where their hero/villain identities are basically all massive copes that end up having absolutely horrific consequences, both to themselves and others). Izuku does attempt to use his hero identity as a way to redefine himself and distance himself from his past, but never quite reaches the same of level of toxic delusion as our usual suspects-- rather, the Dark Hero arc is all about stopping him before he reaches that point. Izuku's friends choose "Izuku the boy" over "Izuku the protagonist, the last wielder of OFA, the next symbol of peace, etc".

From my perspective, Izuku's role is that of someone who instead straddles that border between fantasy/reality-- he helps ground characters who have lost sight of reality and are using their own fantasies/delusions to harm themselves and others (Endeavor, sorta-Bakugo, Gentle, Tomura, etc), but he also helps reignite a passion for fantasy/dreams in characters who have become completely jaded by reality (Toshi, Shouto, Nagant, Kota, also/inevitably Tomura, etc).

Also, I won't downplay the effects that Izuku's constant injuries have on Inko, but it's a murky area for a lot of reasons. imho, Izuku's situation with reckless self-harm reads a lot more like Touya's-- both boys hurt themselves over and over in an effort to prove that they have value due to growing up in an environment that made them both constantly doubt their worth as individuals. Framing anything surrounding those injuries as "trying to escape from reality because they're ignoring the effect it has on their family" doesn't really sit well with me, but I'm not really articulate enough to explain why.

YES ENJI PLEASE DO EXPLAIN WHAT YOU MEAN BY "US" *explodes him with my mind*

Izuku is someone who needed someone to stand up for him and express any sort of faith in his value as a individual when he was a child, but no one ever did (side note/fun fact: quirks are referred to as "individuality" in the original text-- and while "quirks" might sound more catchy to english speaking audiences, calling them a person's "individuality" drives mha's themes home a lot harder)-- Izuku is now attempting to become the hero he needed as a child: a hero who can't ignore the tears of other children.

With Izuku, people constantly telling him to "stop dreaming and face reality" was equally harmful and absolutely decimated his self worth-- Izuku wanting someone to tell him that "he can be a hero" was less about "validating his fantasies" and more about him longing for someone to finally express faith in his worth as an individual, period. Just the same, Tomura wishing that his family would have told him that "he can be a hero" is less about actually becoming a hero and more about him just wishing that his family would've, like, actually stuck up for him and supported his emotional needs for once.

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

At any rate, I think MHA's three part structure sort of lends to the idea that both fantasy and reality are both extremely important and ultimately need to strike a good balance with one another:

Act 1 is about "the fantasy": we see things primarily from Izuku's perspective, and he's a young kid who is finally getting to live out his dream. The harsh realities of his surrounding world aren't immediately apparent to him or the reader, who get swept up in how colorful and fun pro-heroism seems on the surface-- but the "cracks" are definitely there, and when Izuku does stumble across those cracks, he typically feels unsettled by them:

Act 2 is about "reality": the focus shifts onto the people who have fallen between those "cracks" in their society and Izuku's reaction to them (Eri, Gentle and La Brava, the LOV)-- this eventually cumulates in Tomura's violent "rejection" of the fantasy their society is built on through his dismissal of the heroes as glorified cosplayers and through his "destruction of the stage" they stand on (ironically so, since Tomura's one of the biggest examples of using "fantasy as a coping mechanism" in the entire series lmao)

Act 3 is about finding balance: fantasy can be lead to escapism and reality can be cruel, but neither fantasy or reality is inherently bad. Fantasy can be what gets people through the day and inspires them to become their best possible selves. Reality needs to be met head on, but facing reality doesn't mean giving up on your dreams or just passively accepting things for the way they are. Izuku needs to be brought back to reality during the dark hero arc. Tomura needs to be reminded that he did have a dream and that what defined him as an individual wasn't pain/destruction-- his origin was that he initially associated heroism with being kind to bullied kids, and that he wanted to be a hero specifically so those kids could feel included (*Tenko Shimura would have been child Izuku's hero truthism intensifies*):

Overall, Izuku gets saved from both "needlessly cruel reality" and "fantasy as delusion/escapism" over the course of the manga, and that now puts him in a position where he's better able to save Tomura (who is currently a victim of the most toxic aspects of both fantasy and reality). Shouto and Ochako both stepped off the stage and fought Touya/Himiko as themselves, because they wouldn't have been able to save them as "mere heroes"-- but it's a little more complicated for Izuku, because Tomura needs both Izuku AND Deku (if that makes sense?), so their final clash is gonna be one hell of a balancing act. Too much ~reality~ is gonna upset the Tenko part of Tomura, too much fantasy is gonna piss off the Tomura side of Tenko.

[destiny-in-the-universe]

Renegades: Lore Dump [RC9GN Infection AU]

Well, since I'm stuck in brainrot mode- let's get right onto business, shall we?

This is in an infection AU for RC9GN and honestly, things are not going to go well for anyone. No one is safe in this.

This is mostly for me to infodump on headcanons, play-around with lore, and more! So buckle up, you're in for a wild ride.

Renegade Lore Thoughts

~ This is does take place before season 2; I'd say this is about halfway, maybe somewhat later, in season one-

~ due to the nature of this specific AU, there are going to be some differences from "OG" infection tropes. The infected get around mostly based on scent, and have more primal instincts. They do have a few weaknesses; one of which is sight (unless the victim is animal-based)

~ depending on the individual, the stank can revert back to normal but this is considerably rare

~ mutations of the infection do exist and can prove fatal depending on severity

~ infections either happen through contact (bites, clawing, etc) or simply from exposure to the stank- prolonged exposure to an infected can also cause side effects, but won't necessarily infect someone

~ paranoia is often present in the monsters and will lash out if they feel threatened

~ it's not very certain what can actually kill them as destanking isn't exactly a failsafe option anymore

~ Norrisville has flat out become something akin to a wasteland; there's a lot of destroyed buildings- people have attempted to flee, a foul magic is clearly present; it clearly can't be stopped, no one is coming to save them

~ Parallel dynamics sort of exist between the two main groups

~ immunity does exist in this, but it's considerably rare-

(author's cut: this au is still in development- not all of the lore is completely set in stone, and more will come; just- not yet)

Character Headcanons

(i'm going to start from our girls first-)

~ Debbie took charge as the leader of the group; she's a bit more practical, keeping a no-nonsense attitude. She maintains the idea that the Ninja isn't coming for them, and the only way they can survive is simply to fight- no matter what happens

~ Theresa directly parallels Debbie. She has high hope things will eventually change. Unlike their pragmatic leader, Theresa is a bit stubborn in the hopes that the Ninja will protect them when the time comes but even she has her doubts

~ Heidi is trying to hold out as best she can. She doesn't know what to think of any of it- seeing her classmates turn into those creatures? She can deal with that, but this? it's like nothing she's ever seen. She just needs to hope Howard is still out there. Alive

~ Theresa is there for moral support- she has some basic understanding of treating injuries, but so far they haven't had to deal with that

~ They're currently trapped in the school; Debbie is convinced it'll be safer, at least for the time being

~ Theresa won't admit it, but she's deeply concerned for Randy- she doesn't recall seeing him during evacuation, and well- if there's a slight bit of a puppy crush on him, there absolutely is not. What do you mean? /lh

And now onto the boys!

~ They don't exactly have a leader per se but Howard is just snappy and stressed- he has attempted to give some small semblance of orders; even then, he doesn't want to be put into that position of "team leader"

~ Julian has a role similar to Theresa's. Unlike Theresa however, he's still a bit of a scaredy-cat (though to be fair- nothing he's dealt with before compares to the increase in monsters, and ones that apparently cannot transform back)

~ The boys have been holding fairly okay at a cabin in the middle of buck-fuck nowhere, but it's still not the best

~ Randy feels responsible for everything- not that he's entirely aware of that (yet); he is trying to ignore the Nomicon because he doesn't feel worthy of the title of Ninja anymore

~ Renegades is still an apocalyptic horror-based genre- Randy's injuries from the attack will never fully heal, which... well, we'll get to that later. He did take quite a nasty hit when he fell into literal rubble

~ Howard is absolutely terrified, but due to the fact he's trying to pull through for the Ninja - seeing his best friend prone and unmoving was not the sight he ever wished to see - he's acting like everything is fine. If snapping angrily at anyone counts as 'fine'

~ Julian hasn't quite figured out Randy's the Ninja- (due to plot reasons, he wasn’t there when Howard managed to get Randy in taking off his mask)

~ All of the boys are neurodivergent-

~ Randy’s not going to be having a fun time in this- left ambiguously ominous for now

I unfortunately couldn’t find the original artist- but this is honestly a little thing I made for the AU! If only I had the ability to draw lol- I’m hoping to make concept designs of the characters’ outfits later on down the line but for now, I’m leaving things like this!

Until next time!

~ Mod Danny (👻)

[five-of-cr]

here's the thing about matthias: he isn't the honorable, reformed hero some of the fandom seems to see him as.

yes, he was raised by a tight-knit family of comrade soldiers and decides to betray them in the end. of course that took incredible strength. i don't deny that. but we also need to recognize that the drüskelle are not just some rogue cult. they are a core part of the fjerdan government, who is trying to wipe out the grisha because they are seen as dangerous. that's literally just genocide. however indoctrinated someone is, this is something that is evil from every angle, even if the character can't or won't see it.

and look, i love a good redemption arc, but matthias is such a passive actor in his. he falls in love with nina against his will. she changes his attitudes toward grisha because she's beautiful and kind so all grisha can't be bad, right? this a classic example of the trope of separating the "good ones" from the rest, where you cherry-pick specific individuals to point to as exceptions to a group's nature, which is still implied to be evil. you have to do a lot more than fall in love to truly unearth and address the roots of bigotry.

tbh, this is my biggest critique of the books as a whole. i loathe the "love conquers all" trope that pairs together a character from the oppressed group and one from the oppressors, letting the one show the other through the power of love that being bigoted is not nice. it puts all the responsibility on the former to prove their humanity, and gives all the credit to the latter's ability to be persuaded to recognize it. and then it inevitably leads to forgiveness, because the character has "earned" it by changing their views, once again making the victim seem like the villain if they don't absolve the oppressor of their past "mistakes". also, it's incredibly unrealistic for someone to fall in love with a person who actively hates them and considers them sub-human. in real life, people have to work on their bigotry before that happens, not use the relationship as a plot device for character development.

i think the idea of writing a character like matthias is neat. i think portraying someone's struggle to throw off the suffocating, hateful dogma they've been fed all their life is a story we need more of. i think personal growth of this variety should be celebrated, because otherwise people would never change. but i don't think the people, fictional or real, get to do this without facing profound consequences. it is not enough to feel sorry. it is not enough to apologize. it is definitely not enough to fall in love. and i think writing that lets people off the hook like this grossly oversimplifies power and oppression, and ends up being a feel-good way to romanticize people who cause a lot of harm.

a last note: my opinion is 100% influenced by my being bipoc. matthias is a classic aryan supremacist, even if being aryan isn't the thing he's being supremacist about. my gut reaction to that type of character is always going to be mistrust, both because people in real life have given me reason to be mistrustful and because characters like these are often written in a way that makes you sympathize with oppressors. i don't think matthias earns that trust, and i don't see why i owe him my affection as a reader.

[sillyandquiteawkward]

ME AGAIN ! GUY WHO LIKES YOUR OCS ! (apparently this didn't send before but thankfully I saved it beforehand !)

Okay So I really really like Bailey and his siblings because they're literally SO bad coping mechanisms core. Like damn therapy wasn't kidding that Child Abuse really Can leave you altered for the rest of your life !

Ignatius is Fawn, due to having had to have adapted into a role of a peacekeeper for people in the house not to fucking bite each other, but also because I can really see him trying to sympathize with everyone around him in an attempt to make himself more approachable, more demure, smaller even, so that no one is mean to him. He wants things to be "normal" Soooo Bad he can't stand the fact people won't just talk to each other despite it feeling like the most logical option [<- Bro cannot accept the circumstances of a much more complicated relationship between his siblings than he originally fathomed !]

Bailey is Flight to me, because much like Octavia points out in that one comic you made innnnn 2022 (? I TINK !), instead of actually solving the issues that bother him head on and face the consequences of doing so, he'd rather walk around them a billion different ways and pretend to be busy and avoidant and Cool because dealing with actual conflict is SCARY !!!!!!! Call this guy "Mask of my own face" by Lemon Demon the way he has never once in his life felt the full extent of his emotions due to an underlying self imposed expectation to be this untouchable being who's always right and never actually has to have a heart to heart with anyone <3. I just think its interesting how you write Bailey to be this all-logic-no-play person, while also giving him the feeling that all of this is an act waiting to fall apart, and that he does not in fact Know A Damn Thing. He's the world's dumbest smart man I wish I could throw him in a well <- loving

And Octavia, of course, is Fight, but not JUST because she's exceedingly aggressive in order to cover up her own insecurities and fear of not being her an actual individual ! There's so much more to her and I'm FASCINATED frankly. She lives in a shadow of someone who has never had much regard for her accomplishments, and now she wants SO BAD to prove that "NO, YOU WERE WRONG, I AM SO GOOD AT THIS AND SO SUCCESSFUL" that she ends up losing her personality along the way. She's so focused on the achievements she has gotten, the fights she has won, the struggle SHE ALONE overcame, that she forgets that she's like... a person. Octavia has been on self defense mode for so long that she's forgotten HOW to take off all that armour, and now she's just stuck under hundreds of pounds of metal waiting for that one final thing that's going to make her happy. I just need to work a little harder ! I just need to do this better ! I just need a little more time to work on this and then I can rest ! I am good ! I am good ! She shouts. And then, when she FINALLY gets that score, that perfect track record, she's like "Great ! This proves me my worth and that I am in fact Good !...Now what". It's never enough and it has never been enough but fucking dammit she will prove it to herself to her mom and to her shitass lazy siblings that NO I AM GOOD. I JUST NEED TO KEEP MOVING FORWARD. IM DOING GOOD BECAUSE I WORK HARD. She's normal ♡ [I love her so bad but PLEASE give her mood stabilizers]

Hoohhg this ended up longer than I imagined but anyway. Tldr, Im Bailey I'm Iggy and Im Octavia the MENTAL ILLNESS siblings <3

(Long essay anon here again sorry) I HAVE SO MANY THOUGHTS ABOUT YOUR OCS CONSTANLTY IM SO SORRY. They came into my house (brain) one day and they haven't left so now I'm conducting experiments on them. They're so cool and I really want you to know that they are. 50 ttrillion dollars for yiu

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i literally love this soooo much please always feel free to have thoughts about my ocs ANYTIME! your thoughts about the bayleys are SO RIGHT. the mental illness siblings realness 😔 hehehehehe i think its really interesting that they ended up showing off the fight/flight/fawn responses. its not something i entirely planned for them, but its accurate. i especially enjoy the thoughts on bayley's flight response, it really is interesting how hes a master at avoiding things.

some doodles on your thoughts and what i thought would be silly in response. <3 bc i live for this stuff and it makes my day to read things like this, let alone on my own characters (sobbing crying <3<3)