#still wanted a 50/50 split of features

[songoftrillium]

Project Update 09/01/24

Hello, Kinfolks. We're a little under 60 days from releasing Book 1: Cliath, and I wanted to give you all a quick update, provide a few book facts, and hope this lets you share the excitement the rest of us have been feeling!

Book Layout

As you might've seen from our previews, writing is transitioning from writing to copy editing and book layout! If you haven't yet, check it out! The first two chapters are done, and chapter 3 is well underway. Outside of my work on Hearthbound, this is my first major book project, the largest book I've written, and the insights I've gained are ones I think might help future community content partners publishing work on Storyteller's Vault.

On Bluesky, a few months ago, I commented that you should "plan to take as much time doing layout as you do for writing." Even if one writes the book inline right in the desktop publishing program, annotation will still add time. With a WtE book we want to not just provide an adventure and a crash course on the Tellurian, but to also be a roadmap for Storytellers, new and old alike. This has happened on three fronts. The first and most important is we're taking the time to properly index everything in a way that'll let you look up specific book information quickly. The second is how we streamline information through the liberal use of cross-referencing in footnotes. In early chapters, you read truncated summarization, and in the footnotes, you can find book sections that expand on the information you're looking for and let you tune out the things that may not be so important for you to know at the moment. The third and most important feature, however, is where able, we cite our sources for our information. Should a Storyteller wish to learn expanded information on topics, they have a direct book and page citation where they can find deep lore to help construct their chronicles.

Cracking the Bone: now in coloring flats stage

For those that haven't been following, we are returning to old form. The moment you open Book 1, you'll be greeted with a fully illustrated and colored 22-page comic book showcasing life in the Age of Heroes. This story is centered around Dante (he/they,) our protagonist, and his first steps towards his First Change as a Bitten Homid Philodox. Throughout the book, we'll follow his journey towards becoming a Cliath, forming his pack under Earwig and his first mission as a Zedakh in a pack of other Queer Garou. In successive books, you'll see him transition from a scared baby gay Cub to a respected Elder in the Eastern Concordat! We're all absolutely thrilled to follow them on their journey. Illustrating this comic is the highly talented @mekanikaltrifle, who has partnered with us to bring Dante's story to life. I have a single pane I'd like to show you, bearing in mind these are just a first pass!

Book Pricing Information

We've also finalized some of our possible pricing on this book. On Storyteller's Vault, Community Content is priced on a per-page basis. The average is considered to be 12 cents per page. I did some early market work by releasing Hearthbound on a pay-what-you-want model with a recommended pricing of $2.99, totaling roughly 8 cents per page. I advertised exclusively here and on other social media platforms to queer audiences to help gauge a fair price for materials explicitly marketed to that audience. Of those that decided to pay for copies of the book, readers paid an average of 5$ per copy for an average of 14 cents per page. Given the voluntary nature of the release, we on the team have agreed that we'll be charging a rate of 14 cents per page for this release, which puts us on par with pricing for similar releases with a matching pagecount. With layout underway, we're currently looking at a book length of around 200-250 pages. 50% of proceeds go to the publisher, and the remainder will be split equally among all contributors, myself included. I and another artist have pledged to donate the entirety of our shares toward preserving the Kalapuyan language.

Book 1: Cliath releases on Halloween day!

I'd like to give a shout out to @a-boros-named-seamus, @madamebadger, The Bohemian, @peltofash, @ar2456, and Durodragon for supporting me on ko-fi, through yours and the donations of other ko-fi sponsors, we've managed to hire cultural consultants to review about half of what's been written. Because we weren't able to review all of our written words, we've narrowed our focus onto some of our most sensitive subject-matter, and believe that what we have coming out will be the inclusive Werewolf: the Apocalypse Quickstart you've all been waiting for. Thank you! It means so much to us that we have our own sept of Kinfolk out there who believe in this project!

If you'd like to help sponsor this project, subscribe on ko-fi to help us pay Cultural Consultants to work with us! We have some cool perks for subscribing, including access to book and setting previews, the ability to give feedback on game content we're producing, personalized advice for your own tables, and can even get a shoutout right in the book.

[dallasgallant]

Time period post: Car culture 2 - Hot rods and racing

Not going to lie, this one was hard for me as I don’t have that much existing background knowledge on the topic. I had to do a lot more digging than usual so they’ll be some more links at the end of this. But I figure it’s an important thing to learn especially when thinking about the Curtis gang, as they are “car” Greasers, if you want to subcategorize them. Pony does mention supped up cars and it’s established several of the guys race or like to watch them— at the very least they all speed and enjoy it. While they might not be full on Hot rodders themselves it could simply be useful to flesh out the world/understanding of the corner of car culture.

Also please if you do know more about cars and car history please do add on! These are intended to be informative and helpful so all help is appreciated lol.

Hot rodding-

It started by necessity, post war lack of cars being made or perhaps not affording a brand new car you go around to shops and yards and you get parts and modify till you have a nicer working machine. Then it starts being picked up in racing and the youth and a hobby within itself.

At its core all a “Hot rod” is, is a souped up car. Modified usually for the sake of performance- primarily speed. Parts are taken out or added, the fronts lowered, the engine is bigger and so on. The culture started in the 20s-30s and a lot of the real examples of these kinds of cars are older, it’d be done with modern cars (40s-60s) but hardcore fans stuck with classics. Also mind you a lot of these unique modifications were not street legal or just barely skirting the line.

These modifications are to show off. Not just in performance but also looks. Really a lot of the time it’s hanging around showing off your work to each other and putting it to the test, major mods are still in car shows today. Mainly show than racing— as far as I’m aware. Things things need constant attention and tweaking too, not just as a way to improve the next time you race but because it’s not a standard car. All these little things add up.

The hobby of making and racing these cars really ramped up in the 40s-50s but by the mid 60s there was a craze. It was featured in a lot of media, there were industries catering now and magazines! Car craft, hot rod, etc.

Drag racing-

Now here it gets alrighty complicated as there is a split off into drag racing becoming somewhat of a legitimate sport — which let’s be real the kind any of the guys on the East side were engaging in was not “official” or completely legal. Also not to be confused with street racing fast and furious baby driver type— though it could be on a street/public street that’s not the same thing necessarily. Too many turns and hindrance and a totally other type of reckless. Really frustrating to look up as you get more of the regulated sport than the actual thing.

Their type of drag race is a street race, set out on a short, straight stretch of road side by side. Usually on the edge of town or a start of a highway or route- a long straight stretch out of the way. In movies at least there’s always a dramatic local name for it too like “Thunder road” or “dead man’s curve” something like that. It gives you a notable location besides “uh you know that one place out uh by uh.” Lol “Burn out” / “burn rubber” is essentially burning off a part of the wheel onto the road at the start- it helps with traction. Don’t ask me how. Straight forward, first to cross the finish line wins (in this case probably a land-marker or a set point than literal)

Why race? Largest sited -> Community, excitement, bets 

You do not need a hot rod to race, it’s not a requirement mind you but it’d certainly help. Added to, not all cars were extremely tricked out deconstructed art pieces, you could’ve had a lot of not visible work done on the car etc.

A good character to look to in regard to Hot rodding and racing is John Milner in American Graffiti (1973).

Club car v hot rod-

A club car is basically the main car of a Social club, as say many members don’t have a car or just it fits the most members to go riding around with. (Remember, bench seats you could fit so many more people in a car). It could be a hot rod, more likely it’s just a car.

Social club v gang-

A social club is a pretty broad term that’s just a group of people brought together by a common interest. By definition a book club is a social club, technically. Now, there were a lot of Juvenile delinquent aligned social club types- based around cars or just the general lifestyle. Sometimes there was little difference at all and it just gave a gang more legitimacy/threw police off as it made them seem more reputable.

So really the big difference between a Greaser gang and a Greaser social club is police and public scrutiny. Clubs had a - I wouldn’t say easier time but slightly more trust? However, this also isn’t to say that all social clubs are fronts for a gang as it can just be tough looking kids but chill and mostly law abiding.

Clothing too, before the internet identity was built and shown in person. How you dressed, worn literally on your sleeve. Not like the remnants of today but fully living and showing yourself and your affiliations through appearance. Having a group look, or group jackets- the conformity in a way was individuality. It’s a bit paradoxical. But club jackets, the hair, the jeans etc are a great example of this.

(Really funny aside but looking up social clubs and it’s Rockstar telling me how to join a gang in GTA)

Junkyards-

Still very much in existence but a great place to scavenge for just about anything but especially car parts. Same goes for salvage yards, wrecking yards, second hand parts shops etc. Greasers, and other car culture staples would be overflowing in shop classes and mechanic shops (stereotypically anyway) so there’s the knowledge and the access there already. Sometimes a part or two might go missing… who knows.

Really I’ve started thinking about yards like this more as I visit the country more and someone’s yards filled with rusted cars and a bunch of parts and stuff like this. Like part of it might just be someone leaving it to rot but another part is— yeah they’re pretty valuable communitively. Not just to car loving teenagers! Hell the Curtis’s have a few dead cars in their yard (and a bunch of boards ??? And supplies for some reason???) and the lot appears to have at some point been a dumping ground.

[autumnslance]

New Game+ Tutorial

"I don't remember this part of the story." "It's been so long since I played X expansion." "What happened during that raid again?" "Who was this character?" "I story skipped the MSQ/job quests so I don't know what happened and who these people are!"

There's answers to this, friends. Not only is the game's own Unending Journey (in inn rooms, or as furnishing in your FC or private rooms/homes) able to replay many cutscenes, and there's the completed quest log, but there are places online, such as Garland Tools and the FFXIV Game Script, that keep most (not all) of the quest text handy.

But if you want to relive those quests, and/or get the side dialogues and replay (or first time play!) the experiences, as of Shadowbringers 5.1 there's a feature called New Game+ to allow that.

New Game+ (or NG+) will let you replay past questlines, at your current level (which makes it go pretty fast in a lot of cases). There is No experience or rewards to gain through this feature--no using it to level alt jobs. It purely exists to allow experiencing, or re-experiencing, completed content.

Once defeating the Ultima Weapon and Lahabrea at level 50 in ARR's finale of 2.0, you can go to Vesper Bay and find the Wistful Whitebeard.

More info and images below the Keep Reading cut...

(image taken from gamesconsolewiki and their article on this feature.)

Once you've unlocked the feature by talking to him, you get a new menu option in your Duty menu (the exclamation point icon), right between Duty Recorder and Hall of the Novice.

Once you select the feature it brings up a menu of options; it usually defaults to Main Story Quests, but I also have a paused replay under "Suspend" in progress. There are also options that match other quest interfaces, like your Journal or the Unending Journey; Chronicles of a New Era for raids and trials, Side Story for quests like Hildibrand, the Scholasticate, Role Master Quests, Void Quests, and Chronicles of Light (story important side quests, like Tales of the Dragonsong War, Tales from the Shadows, Tales of Newfound Adventure). Tank, Healer, DPS, Crafting, and Gathering quests also have their own categories.

Each Expansion MSQ is broken into parts; usually 2 parts for the x.0 main expansion, and then 2 parts for the patches. They're only available after x.0 or the patch stories are complete.

Also notice the "Help" icon in the top right of the NG+ overlay; it opens a pretty comprehensive guide, divided into menu sections, about how the feature works.

ARR is split into 6 parts, and I do think 2.0 could use a rework in how they're split but for now, I'm selecting Part 6 to look for specific side dialogues that only exist in this timeframe.

Selecting Part 6 opens the description; the Crystal Braves have just been formed, to help the Scions with the turmoil still facing the realm--from refugees, to Garlemald's continuing threat, to primals and Ascians.

Once you do, the NG+ quest info shows up, usually around where ever you keep your MSQ quest marker. I hide my MSQ tracker once it's done, so NG+ fits in that same spot in the upper left for me.

It tells me to "Relive Past Adventures!", which expac and part I'm in, and which quest is my starting point in this case, "Traitor in the Midst", the start of the Ivy spy plotline in Patch 2.4.

From here it progresses as if I am back in that patch and on those quests, but without any experience or rewards. Aeryn's in her current level 90 appearance and skills, making it easy to skip past and handle level 45-50 enemies in these zones.

So long as I am in NG+, I cannot do current quests, plots, or other content; I can't complete new current level duties (duties new in NG+ itself are fine), I can't access the MB, my retainers, or the Unending Journey. I can manually Suspend my current playthrough, or performing some of these actions (like duties) will automatically suspend my NG+ playthrough. You also cannot start NG+ while doing certain things (like some quests, such as leves).

This also will not let you play through the start of other city-states, only your original starter town. Solo duties will let you choose their difficulty immediately, without having to fail them first like in normal play.

If I want to drop my NG+ save before I've finished the replay--maybe I found the info and screenshots I wanted--I can delete the save.

This is an extremely helpful feature that can be used to replay events and quests, either for the fun of it, or because you want to find specific dialogue or lore information that only exists in a specific point in game. Maybe you want to visit old friends lost along the way, or take new screenshots of your WoL as they are post-fantasia.

Maybe it's just been a few years, and you've found you've forgotten some things and want to remember how the story actually went, especially knowing what you know now.

[holy-puckslibrary]

sid to a furry friend's rescue!

florist!reader gets flustered during sid's calendar shoot

parents mentors for the day

chief crosby's got a date... and its not with florist!reader

... was in a bit of a silly goofy mood, forgive me (and be sure to read the endnotes!)

gif from @littlemessyjessi

This is the last thing Sidney Crosby imagined he'd come home to: another man settled in his chair.

His cat is curled in the intruder's lap, and said intruder's hand is curled over your knee. And Sidney's soup—homemade and hand-delivered—split in bowls between you.

"Thought you didn't need a babysitter?"

Sidney watches the gleeful expression wilt on your pretty face—color drained like his bank account succeeding the egregious bid he matched to make bail—with equal measures of self-satisfaction and self-contempt.

"I-I didn't, I just—"

"Settle down, Chief," the ranger laughs. "I knew our little lady here was feeling under the weather, so I thought I'd stop by after my patrol shift and keep her company while you were indisposed."

Sidney glares into the bright cerulean eyes of one Anthony Beauvillier, a park ranger in the Atlantic Coast Uplands region.

If memory serves, he was recently transferred from Waverley to Blue Mountain but resides in Peggy's Cove. This is a 50-minute detour.

In the opposite direction.

The Fire Chief's jaw is painfully tight, his blood scalding. If it were't for his, albeit dwindling, sense of self preservation, Sidney would've marched up those two steps—recently refurbished at his hand, might he add—to forcefully remove the park narc's grubby paw from your body.

Mercifully—for all involved parties, you do so shortly and of your own volition before joining Sid in your driveway.

Guilt smeared over your sickly features, your mouth parts, an explanation hot on your tongue, but all that comes is a grizzly cough that stings Sid's chest just hearing it. Despite his vexation, he's patient with you; he owes it to you both to wait it out. He hopes this is just one big misunderstanding somehow.

But, before you're able, the absolute last person Sidney wants to hear from pipes up.

"Resting, ma biche. You're meant to be resting," Tito attempts to coax you back onto the porch—back to his side—with an outstretched, up-turned hand.

(my doe / my darling — reminder: see end for important notes!)

Not as quick with his French as he'd like to be, he growls at the perceived insult. However, rather than running his fist through the opposition's teeth in your honor, Sidney defiles it.

The park ranger, and everyone else who happens to be out and about tonight, are treated to an unexpected eyeful of their Fire Chief's innermost feelings rushing to the surface. They pour into your mouth with reckless abandon, unconcerned with his public image or the utter lack of privacy; this kiss could be broadcast on the Nightly News for all he cares.

All that matters to Sidney Crosby is making his intentions known, and crystal fucking clear. Staking his claim is just a bonus.

"Well, it looks like my work here is done."

At your dazed expression and Sid's bewilderment, Tito stands from the rocking chair with a genuine smile fixed on his face. As he deposits evergreen Stetson atop his wind-swept hair, he pauses.

"Y'all have a nice night," he winks with a tip of the brim, bidding you farewell before slipping into his government-issued Ram.

As gravel crunches under the vehicle's wheels, gears click into place behind Sidney's burnt umber eyes, now gleaming with clarity.

"Nate and Emmy." — Statement, not a question.

"Please, don't be angry. They just wanted to help because... because I didn't believe that... y'know." You gesture to the sliver of space that still separates you, a bashful little smile pushing up your feverish cheeks.

He couldn't find it in himself to be ticked off about your best friends' not-so-harebrained scheme—which, honestly, deserved more credit than he would ever be willing to give it—if he wanted to. Not while standing so close he can smell the PEI tulips you've been elbow-deep in all month, and definitely not having tasted the whisper of herbal tea lingering on your tongue.

Smirking, he closes the gap with a gentle tug.

"Oh, I know." Voice dropping to a thick hush, his lips hovering a lick above your skin, "D'you believe it now?"

The pinkish skin crinkles around his warm eyes as you pretend to think.

"I could do with a little more... convincing," you ultimately quip. "But, only if you're up for the t—"

The remainder of your cajoling is overtaken by a fit of giggles as he corrals you up and across the porch. The front door slams shut with a satisfying air of finality. Though, not before little Ember slips in with you.

Chief Crosby was thorough by nature, and he'd be damned if he didn't dedicate the evening to dispelling any and all doubts threatening to take root. Feigned, or not.

—

gotcha! teehee 😋 sid really said sick germs?? no match for my LOVE!!! ALSO! tito anon, this ones for you bbyyyyy 💓💓💓💓

***** 'ma biche' was chosen because its typically humorous and rarely intended seriously, + can be considered majorly outdated (even by 60s sitcom standards)—and its not always romantic! ... it also sounds a lot like an english insult, hence sid's reaction lol (at least, according to my french-canadian grandmother who remains very confused by my random call for a french lesson on infrequently used terms of endearment lol) *****

as always, i would really appreciate if you reblogged my work, left a comment or dropped by my inbox w some feedback :) fandom runs on engagement, and so do writers!! thx a mil in advance!

[peanutbutterandbananasandwichs]

"like this post if you want a random spn ask"

what's a spn episode that seems underdiscussed, underrated, or even hated that you LOVE?

Ok so definitely not a hated episode but unrated/underdisscussed To ME: Mother's Little Helper (Gasp Shock Suprise Vic we had no idea you like this episode lol). So I am not out here claiming it to be the Best Episode Ever - BUT I do believe it deserves to reclaim its place in Sam Girl (gn) history. If you weren't there watching this episode on Tumblr the night it aired in the middle of the Experience that was living through S9 as it aired, I can forgive you for not understanding the IMPACT this episode had on Sam Nation in the moment. Like truly there was rejoicing in the streets, songs were sung (see Fig.1), and Sam Girl Christmas was declared (thanks @agelade) (see Fig.2)

Fig.1

Fig.2

This was the closest thing we had had to the hallowed Sam Centric Episode in what certainly felt like years - even though the timing split on this is I think actually pretty much 50/50 it in spirit is Sam centric because Sam spends the episode doing *gestures broadly* All That (see Fig 1.) and Dean spends it being mopey in a bar with Crowley (hyperbole employed for comedic effect).

Particular highlights of this episode personally for me:

Sam solo case - rare and precious thing (obviously I wouldn't want them all the time lol that's not the show but I do really enjoy seeing Sam working things more fully His Way which I think this episode showcases beautifully).

The implication that Sam Winchester is Better than You even when soulless lol - the fact that they even went so far as to point out that Sam wasn't "out of control" like these people and just committing random acts of violence, beautiful we love to see it.

Recorded exorcism on his phone HI HELLO HI - this episode has so much Sam's big beautiful brain but this is a fave moment for suuureee.

HENRY! <3

The scene of Sam setting the souls free and watching them return to their owners with this absolute sense of wonder (see Fig.3). It makes me emotional Every Single Time. (and was in fact a big inspiration for my fic Steps Toward the Water (shameless plug sorry but it really was)).

This episode features Sam looking (To ME) amongst the most beautiful he has ever looked like LOOK AT HIM (see Fig. 3, Fig. 4):

Fig.3

Fig.4

I can only assume that when Misha was directing this episode (still forget that fact and then Remember every time I think about it lmao) that he too was so overwhelmed by the Beauty of Sam that he felt compelled to capture it at its PEAK (v relatable I will give you This One Thing). In conclusion, Mother's Little Helper deserves it's status for its place in Sam Girl (gn) History, the simple joy of being given 1 (one) Sam centric episode that doesn't involve horrific torture, sexual assault (or metaphors for), or unrelenting angst (don't get me wrong I'm here for the Angst but just once its nice to seeee), and for being a particularly fine showcasing of Sam Beauty <3

[hughiecampbelle]

Sunder (Shiv Roy Oneshot)

Word Count: 1,566

Character/s: Shiv

A/N: This is a draft I tweaked a little. Still not 100%, but I wanted to post writing anyways, so here is it! Feedback is always appreciated!!💜💜💜

Succession Masterlist / REQUESTS ARE OPEN

You loved one another, despite it all. You loved one another through and through. You loved one another and the worst part of it? It still wasn’t enough. 

You’re doing it again. You don’t ask what. You already know. You had a habit of staring at her. More than that though. Searching her features for her feelings, her thoughts, everything she wasn’t saying. Couldn’t say. She passed you her cigarette and you took it, a peace offering, a poison to pick. The smoke never tasted so good. She wears her blue dress. New and tight in all the right places. You resist the urge to take your fingers and untie the back, the straps sliding off her shoulders, letting the top fall, eventually the whole thing crashing to the floor as you pull the zipper down. You resist the urge to move closer, fill the gap between you, to breathe in her smoke and mess up her lipstick. You resist the urge to touch her one last time. Instead you exhale, the smell intoxicating and familiar and homey, thanking her and passed it back to her. Your fingers don’t touch. She is too careful, too regimented, and you can do nothing but oblige. You know your mom is a total bitch. She nods. Of course she knows. Of course you know she knows. The things she said, about you, about her daughter. They were awful. They were angry. They were cowardly. No mother should ever speak to her child like that. She didn’t- but she stops. Didn’t what? The love of your life. Serious, and cold, and tough, and yet, none of these things. She is soft and sweet and not everyone can appreciate that about her. The duality. But you did. Or, rather, you appreciated it at one point not too long ago. The rest of her sentence drops, clatters on the hard stone and shatters into a million little pieces. You watch it dissipate before looking back at her, watching her, wondering what kind of excuse she could have come up with. They believed her uncaring, but god, were they wrong. She was spiky, sure, but it wasn’t meant to offend, it was meant to defend. Far more years than you’d like she spent picking herself up, kissing her own wounds, looking out for herself. Of course they thought she was cruel, she was acting how they thought she would, not how she was. Underestimated for merely existing. That would make anyone a little jaded. 

We should go back inside. You’re not sure who says this, only that you’re both surprised. Not yet, the other says, trying not to sound desperate. Okay. No fight. No insistence.You’re both relieved. What now? You know you’ve come to the end. After this, it would be over. There were papers waiting to be signed. Magically, they appeared on the kitchen island. Identical twins, a copy for each of you, your lawyers. Your families had an entire team on retainer, though you both preferred to hire outsiders. It was quieter this way. Supposedly, it was easier. Both parties agreed to make things amicable. It was, even now, sharing a cigarette, it was split 50/50. Neither of you made the first move. You checked every night, every morning, as you were coming and going, but the lines at the bottom remained unscathed. Free of ink and decision. You loved her signature. It was delicate, it was sharp, it sliced you open every time you saw it. Her full name. You never called her Shiv. A name as beautiful as hers deserved to be said in full. She didn’t seem to mind, she never corrected you. There was no need. Her father only used it in anger. You could never be angry at her, not now, not ever. She knew that. You hoped she still did. 

Her mother’s wedding wasn’t something either of you had been planning on attending. In the end, she needed someone, and you were still that person. You would have given anything to get out of that apartment, away from those papers, the emails and memos and missed calls. Your lawyer wanted to go over your assets. That could wait. You couldn’t leave her side, not now, not to face her mother alone. You weren’t in denial. You weren’t stupid. You lived in this reality, you understood the consequences to your actions. Still, that didn’t mean you couldn’t put off your responsibilities til you got back. She didn’t bring up, the deflecting, the aversion, the avoidance. Neither did you. You were in agreement: this divorce was better if neither of you made a decision. It was easier. This marriage wasn’t broken. It wasn’t fractured, there were no cracks in the foundation, there were no faults. There were no secret affairs or lying or cheating. This was not a gruesome death. There was no blood, no gore. You imagined it as quick and painless. Someone dying in their sleep. Warm, and safe, and final. Peaceful. There would be an open casket. There would be mourners. There will be a burial under a tree, you’d like to think, a weeping willow. Things faded. It wasn’t the fault of one of you. You tried to make it work. You did the best you could. That would always be how you told this story: you did your best, you and her, and when you realized it wasn’t enough, you went your separate ways. 

 You never wanted it to play out like this, though you were realistic in your expectations. Neither of you had grown up in homes that placed love on a pedestal. There were no happily ever afters. Marriage was, like all things in life, a business transaction. A deal, a commitment, between two people. Not a promise or a vow, something more surgical. Sterile. Sometimes it was used to procreate. Sometimes it was for appearances. Sometimes, though you knew none of the people involved would ever admit to it, it was a shield against loneliness. Your parents, her parents, none of their marriages ended well. You understood there was a cycle you could either break or repeat. There were no gray areas. You would have preferred not to repeat, but you couldn’t tie yourself to her, all dead weight. You couldn’t trap her into something neither of you were particularly fond of keeping alive. You still loved her. And she still loved you. But sometimes love wasn’t enough. It’s not how the fairytales go. It’s not how the movies play out. Where’s the fun in that? The happy couple walks down the aisle. They slip on the rings. They kiss. And then, the credits role. 

Viewers don’t realize there’s more to it than that. There is effort, and disagreements, and hurt, and mundanity. There are bills to be paid and careers that need tending and complicated family relationships. You and Siobhan were still considered newlyweds. If it wasn’t so hypocritical, your mother would have called it a moral and spiritual failure. You’re not making it to your first anniversary. Your marriage was in it’s infancy and already you were calling it quits. Her mother would have a lot to say once it’s finalized and you break the new,s separately, to everyone. By then, you won’t be around to protect her. You’ll go your separate ways, though you have a feeling you’ll cross paths again. You’ll be in one another’s lives. 

Do you want custody of Roman? She offers you a small smile. You know it is sincere. Still, it’s too early to joke about. Too new. Too fresh. You still wear your rings. She looks just as she did at your wedding. How could it possibly be over? It’s a thought that crosses your mind every time you look at her, every time you catch yourself saying her name. How could it not? This voice is quieter, it is defeated, but equally respected. You know they are both right. You sit in your silence, comfortable, serene, and you wait. Wait for her brothers to come looking for her, for her mother to whine to her, for someone to interrupt you two. There should be more of a fight. There should be more life. But there isn’t. You are not throwing in the towel, you are coming to terms with a great loss. That looks different for everyone. For some, there is thrown furniture and words that can’t be taken back. For others, there is a great hostility, a removing of oneself, hissing and spitting and alienation. It’s not like that for you. She will always be a part of you. She will always have a place at the table. You’ve made that clear. The feeling has been reciprocated. There is no explosive ending. It will be quiet, but not hushed. You will announce it on your own terms. You will carry on without her, at least for a little while. People will ask their questions and make their assumptions, but only you and her will ever know what really happened. In the end, it will be devastating. It will take their air from your lungs. It will be the worst thing that has ever happened to you, losing her, losing your Siobhan.

The grief will come all at once. For now though, you will sit with her and take her in and wait to be interrupted.

[ladyknight1512]

For the wip game, 2 & 3 if you don't mind. But if you do, it's ok, just choose either one. Thank you!! ~Jenn ❤️

In response to this wip game.

I answered for 2 (ranch hand TK) here.

So, for 3, the Tarlos werewolf/human fic: this was the very first Tarlos fic I ever started writing, last June. And I really liked it! But it was mostly just an idea and didn't really have any direction so I didn't make much progress with it. It would have featured alpha Carlos, with Gabriel being The Alpha, and human TK, who comes to Austin with Owen in the same way he does in the show.

This world features many different kinds of supernatural creatures, but Texas is very werewolf-heavy, so they would have formed the majority, and the 126 would have been an almost-even split between wolves and humans.

I didn't really get much further than that, but I did write a scene from it for the 'In Every Life: Tarlos AU ABCs' collection (are you sensing a theme? 😂). I do still really like this idea, but I'm not sure if or when I'll return to it, especially because I'm currently posting a fic that features Carlos as a vampire - it just feels a bit samey, even though I know the stories would be completely different. I've posted the start below.

TK has always known that New York is a city brimming with supernatural communities. It has a history of being a vampire hub, but these days it’s home to just about anyone and anything. Austin, though. Austin is a werewolf city. Texas, generally, is werewolf territory. Vampires typically don’t enjoy the weather, and most other species are happy to leave it to the wolves, for their own various reasons. TK isn’t sure yet how the humans fit in. It’s not that humans are unusual – they still form the majority of the world’s population. But most supernatural creatures stick together and leave the humans out of it. TK, with his werewolf father and human mother – a humanness he had inherited from her – has always been an exception. “Is this whole team going to be wolves?” TK asks, as they pass the sign welcoming them to Austin. In the driver’s seat, his dad shrugs. “Could be.” Then he slings a smile TK’s way. “Apart from you, of course. But not necessarily. I’m not against having a mixed team.” The 252 had been mixed, but not in the way Owen means now. Their New York crew had been wholly supernatural, apart from TK, a team that consisted mostly of werewolves and vampires, with a couple of fae and even a selkie thrown in for good measure. TK had been the only human, and there were times he’d felt a bit like the house mascot, but the teasing had been good-natured and he’d learned to let it slide. Most houses are either supernatural or human, because finding humans who both know about the supernatural and are willing to work with them in such close quarters isn’t always easy, but if there’s anyone who can make a mixed house work, TK is sure that it’s his dad. * * * They recruit from all over the country, because Owen wants the best and he usually gets what he wants, and they end up with a team for A-shift that’s an almost 50/50 split between wolves and humans. Owen, of course, is a wolf, as is his second-in-command, a large Texan named Judd. Marjan, Mateo and Nancy are also wolves, but Paul and Tim join TK on Team Human. The only real surprise is that their EMS captain, a woman named Tommy Vega, is a witch. TK’s never heard of a witch working as a first responder, but he supposes Tommy can’t be the only one because witches need to earn a living as much as anyone else does.

[deathbystero]

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐁𝐨𝐲𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 - 𝐏𝐚𝐮𝐥

𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞 - 𝐏𝐚𝐮𝐥 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐬

𝐀𝐠𝐞 (𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝟏𝟗𝟓𝟗) - 𝟏𝟖

B𝐨𝐫𝐧 - 𝟏𝟗𝟒𝟏

Paul grew up in the late 50s just off the coast of California as the middle child of a large family. He had two older brothers, both of whom were absolutely adored and spoiled by their father, and a little sister, who, in his mother's eyes, could do no wrong. His parents weren't rich by any means, but they were comfortable enough with money to afford a beautiful beachfront home that sat on an exclusive section of private property, filled with lush lawns and trees that framed a view of an endless stretch of blue water.  

Paul, unlike his siblings, wasn’t spoiled. In fact, the only attention he ever got at home was when his mother would scold him for being too loud or when his father would force him to try and sit still for longer than 10 minutes. It was rare that he ever received praise for something other than his grades, and even then his brothers were better. They were always better and Paul was always the disappointment. 

In school, Paul struggled to focus on anything that didn’t involve music. It was the only thing that he truly understood and the only thing that made him happy. It was his escape from everything else and seemingly the only thing he was good at. Most of his lunch breaks he would spend up in the music room, chattering away to his teacher until the next bell rang or admiring the intricate details of the many guitars scattered around the small, cramped space. 

He was fourteen when he first wandered into the local record store, losing himself among the colourful array of vinyls and guitars lining the walls. The owner, an elderly man who had been running the store for as long as anyone could remember, took an instant liking to the blonde boy, watching as he stared up in awe at a red gibson, eyes wide in wonder as he traced the curves of the instrument with his fingertips. 

“You like that one?” The old man asked and Paul nodded softly, turning to face him. 

“Yes, Sir.”

The old man smiled, “Can you play?” 

Paul nodded again, a small smile gracing his features. “I taught myself. My music teacher said I have potential.” 

“Ah,” The man couldn't help but smile wider at the childlike excitement in the young boy’s eyes. “Your parents must be very proud.”

Paul's smile faded slightly before he shrugged slightly, “Not really. Mom thinks it's a waste of time. Dad doesn't stick around to listen.”  He turned back to stare at the red gibson again, tracing the strings as if trying to memorise every single detail that he could. The old man watched him carefully, smiling sympathetically. For someone who seemed so bright and cheerful, so full of life and energy, the boy certainly seemed deprived of any sense of self-worth and attention. Paul was still staring up at the instrument when he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder. 

“I could get it down for you if you want? I’d be more than happy to listen to you play.” 

The blonde's eyes widened for a split second, before a shy smile crept across his lips. “Would you?” He whispered and the man laughed,  nodding his head. 

“Of course. It doesn’t get busy this time of day anyway.” He reached up and gently pulled the guitar out from its spot leaning against the wall, holding it out to Paul. 

From then on, everyday after school, Paul would spend his hours in the little record store, strumming along to the radio until his fingers were raw and bleeding and the sun was beginning to set. He would arrive home just before dinner, exhausted and content, and in his parent's eyes, it was like he'd never left. Every time he walked through the door, he smiled brightly at them, attempting to tell them about his day, however futile that attempt may have been, with the same enthusiasm he used when he played the strings of the gibson. He knew they didn’t listen, nor did they care, but he kept talking. He talked because he needed to fill this silence that was slowly eating away at his mind. He needed to know that they were aware of his existence, that they cared, that he mattered, that they wanted him around. It was their job to love him and yet they hardly ever noticed him. 

Paul stopped trying to be noticed by his family after a while. The old man at the shop had become more of a father than his own had ever been and it was impossible not to notice how different they were. His father was heavy handed with discipline and had spent most of his time berating Paul with words that no child should ever have to hear from their parent. But the man at the shop… he was kind, gentle. And he listened.  He listened without judgement, without condemnation, and  sometimes, he even smiled. And Paul loved him for it.

When he turned 16, the man offered him a job in the shop and, slowly but surely, Paul had earnt enough money to purchase the guitar that he had played every day since he was 14. He took it home, proud and beaming as he strode past his disinterested parents, past his nosy sister, and up into his room, closing the door and placing the instrument carefully on his bed. That night, he started at it for hours, the smile not disappearing from his face as he did so. It was almost like a dream, the feeling of owning something of such importance and beauty. 

Every night, he'd play. He'd play until his hands bled and his fingers blistered, until he passed out from fatigue and lack of sleep, before awakening the next morning and taking it with him to the shop. He'd never leave it at home; he didn't trust his family enough for that. He knew they despised the guitar because to them it was noisy and unnatural. Music wouldn't help their son to become a successful lawyer or teacher; if anything it was a waste of time and education. 

They had tried to convince Paul to do something with his life,  sitting him down one evening, for the first time in months, to talk to him. They told him that he had to go to college like his brothers so he too could become just as successful. They refused to have a musician in the family, especially one that was interested in rock 'n' roll. 

Paul, however, wasn’t interested in their plans for his future. No matter what anyone said to him, he refused. He knew how much music meant to him, and that he wouldn't give that up for anything in the world. He had something and he wasn't going to throw it away, not now, not after everything he'd done to get there. He refused to let them make his decisions for him, ignored their demands and went against their wishes. 

His father had shouted, his hand connecting with Paul’s cheek, and his mother had screamed at him, her words cutting deep as she demanded him to pack his things and leave. 

Paul took nothing but the guitar and fled. 

He left a note for the old man at the record shop explaining that he was leaving and thanking him for his kindness through everything. It was nowhere near enough, but the blonde had nothing else to give and hoped that the man would understand. 

Paul hitchhiked his way across California, stopping in a small beach town called Santa Carla where he worked odd jobs in record stores and played his guitar whenever he could spare the time. He didn't have a place to stay, renting here and there until, one day in the summer, he could no longer afford to pay and was kicked to the curb. 

He found himself lying in the sand, guitar by his side, the red paint worn with age, listening to the gentle wash of the waves and the hum of a concert somewhere on the boardwalk. He wondered briefly if he could still make it as a guitarist - if he actually had talent, if he had the ability to perform at all - or if that would just be another one of life’s mistakes. 

Perhaps his father had been right all along. He had been nothing more than a burden to his family, unable to fulfil any sort of goal or purpose other than staying away from their attempts to mould him into an obedient member of the family.  He had failed.  All he had ever done was fail.  What was the point at all when he was simply wasting away in a small town like this? 

Paul felt his chest tighten, panic rising in him. He was not unfamiliar to the sensation having experienced it numerous times before, the fear clawing at him as he struggled for breath. Panic attacks had become a frequent thing over the years and suddenly the crashing of the waves was too loud, the distant music pounding inside his ears and blinding him as tears welled in his eyes and he began to sob, curled up on the sand with the guitar resting awkwardly on his lap.

He cried until his head hurt and his throat ached and only then did he stop to catch his breath. He wiped his eyes roughly and sniffled once or twice, breathing deeply to try to calm himself. 

A shadow fell over him, blocking out the soft glow of the moon, and Paul jumped as a hand rested upon his shoulder. 

“You okay?” The voice was soft and low, the tone concerned and understanding. Paul opened his eyes, squinting up at the blurry face above him. 

“Do I look okay?” He snapped, wiping hastily at his eyes once more.

The figure shrugged and sat down in the sand beside him. Instinctively, the blonde hugged his guitar a little closer. 

“It’s always good to ask.” The man chuckled, and for the first time Paul could just about make out his features in the dim moonlight. He was tall, muscular and broad shouldered with dark hair that fell freely to his shoulders. 

The blonde turned away. “Why do you even care?” He muttered sullenly, looking down at his hands, scarred and bruised from endless strumming of strings and nervous picking of his skin. 

“Because I've been in your place before and it's no fun.” 

Paul tilted his head. “You have?” 

“Yeah.” The stranger nodded. “I've been thrown out on my ass more times than I can count.” 

Paul stared blankly ahead of him before laughing softly. “So you're just... wandering?” 

“No.” The stranger responded softly. “I've found a place now. And I’ve got people who care about me, people I’d consider family.”  

“Must be nice.” Paul remarked silently. 

“Yeah.” The man replied “But I can't just leave you out here on your own. You don't look like you'll last another night.”

“I'm fine.” He insisted. “Really, it's no problem.”

“Please.” The stranger implored, standing and offering a hand to Paul. “I'd really hate to find you dead on this beach tomorrow morning, knowing I could have helped you.”

Paul studied the man's hand in confusion before reluctantly accepting the gesture, being pulled to his feet, still clinging to the guitar. The stranger didn't question it, he only began walking further down the beach. Paul stumbled after him.

That night, the blonde became the fourth and final member of Max’s family.

A/N: Not sure how I feel about this, but it exists.

For the final time, this is my own take on things; none of what I have written is canon in any way, shape, or form and is simply a silly little thing I came up with over the x-mas break! Please don't come for me if you don't agree!

[ace-reviews]

Fall 2024 First Impressions Digest Part 2

Part 1 here.

Ranma 1/2: Hey, Mappa, cut out Happosai.

Puniru Is A Kawaii Slime: This show is going to be formative in nurturing the slime kinks of a bunch of young kids. Also, Puniru is the colors of the trans flag, uses a masculine pronoun (boku), and Kotaru keeps loudly insisting that she's "not a girl", but I'm sure none of that means anything. Anyway, it's a cute show but not my thing.

TsumaSho: I read a chapter or two of the manga this is adapted from a while back and completely forgot about it until checking the description of this anime to see if it could be interesting. It's not. I have very little patience for mothers being portrayed as perfect saintly beings at the best of times, and her being turned into a grade schooler gives it a layer of weird I really don't want to deal with. Ultimately, though, it's biggest problem is that it's boring. This premier dropped with two episodes and I didn't even make it through the first one.

Nina the Starry Bride: This one is also boring.

*thousand yard stare*

Magilumiere Magical Girls INC.: It's a good show. Wish the uniforms looked different.

Orb: On the Movements of the Earth: If the universe expands infinitely in all directions, then wouldn't everywhere and nowhere be the center of the universe? Either way, this is one of those shows that's so good that I have nothing to say about it. I'm not much of a medievalist but I do like a well-made, talky cartoon that portrays Catholics like horror movie villains.

Haigakura: Holy inelegant exposition, Batman! A premier opening with a history lesson immediately followed by some character explaining the protagonist's motivation to him is generally a bad sign. And it certainly doesn't bode well for this premier, which is roughly 50% characters explaining things to each other that they already know for the benefit of the audience and 50% lame slapstick. Anyway, it's bad.

Yakuza Fiancé: Raise wa Tanin ga ii: I do not like this art style and never have. That's the only negative thing I have to say about this premier, however. This is trash, but it's fun trash. We love a man voiced by Akira Ishida who can beat a man into a crate of beer bottles and then make this face:

he's like hakkai without the sister fucking

I might not stick with it all season (there are already a dozen other anime on my watchlist for this season and we're only halfway done with the premiers), but the way it delivers it's last-two-minutes-of-the-episode twist was chef's kiss.

You Are Ms. Servant: Do.... Do the people who decided on the English title not know that 'maid' is a common English word? They have to know, don't they? Maids are popular in anime and among anime fans why would they take the word 'maid' out of the title? That's so weird. I haven't even watched the episode yet and I can't concentrate on anything except how weird that is.

That aside (for now), this premier is worth checking out just for the OP & ED and their really extremely cool mix of really extremely cool visual styles. The actual episode is pretty good, too. Still, it is very weird that they translated 'meido' as 'servant' instead of, y'know, 'maid'.

A Terrified Teacher At Ghoul School!: This is another one I read a couple chapters of the manga of a little bit ago. It was cute. I mostly stopped reading it because it was on one of the official manga reading apps that's really bad (I think the Square Enix one that split one chapter into like 4 chapters and then limited you to only one 1/4 of a chapter per day).

way to be motivational, sensei

Regardless, the anime is also cute. The pacing is a bit hectic, but it's a fun time. It also makes for an interesting double feature with Kimi wa Maid-sama since Maid-sama kept making me think of Mahoromatic and this one makes me think of GTO, which are both classic anime that are better than these (though they're both fine).

[thevioletcaptain]

Hi! I don’t mean in any way to pressure you but I was wondering if you’re planning on continuing your fic “fortress”? I’d love to see it continue🥰 again no pressure I just really like your works!

Hi anon! Thanks for the message :)

Despite the hellishly long gap between updates, Fortress is not abandoned, and I do intend to finish it. It's actually pretty high up on my to-do list right now, and will be the next major thing I post once As A Friend is done.

Here's the order in which I plan to post DeanCas fics/updates over the next few months -- with some vague spoiler-adjacent-but-not-really-spoilery details for anyone who wants them:

Chapters 5 & 6 - As A Friend Roughly 35k words in total, split over these final two chapters. This will see Dean & Cas return to the bunker, announce their "fake" relationship to Sam & Jack, and then [redacted because I'm not giving the whole thing away even though you already know it's gonna be a happy ending].

Chapters 8, 9, & 10 - Fortress Roughly 22k words split between these three chapters. Chapter 9 (the during chapter in which Dean is suffering) & chapter 10 (the after chapter which follows the first days of Dean living with Cas after coming home) have been ready for a while, but chapter 8 (the before chapter, which features Robin's party when they were 16 👀 a party which you might recall was mentioned by Cas during the previous before chapter) has been holding them hostage. So as soon as 8 is ready I intend to post all three at once.

Oneshot - Hearts Beating Life (Into Each Other) Roughly 25k words of canonverse fuck-or-die fic. In which Cas gets cursed on a hunt, and you'll never guess what Dean has to do to save him..... lol. It'll probably get split into two or three chapters for readability, but I plan to post it all at once. This is only one final scene away from being complete at this point, but I want to finish As A Friend & update Fortress before I share it.

Chapter 8 - Isosceles Roughly 17k words, because this fic refuses to let me be succinct. Dean & Cas discuss more almosts, the angels make contact, we find out exactly what Sam said to Dean in chapter 4, Claire [redacted] when [redacted], Mary and Dean bond over [redacted], and the search for Kelly Kline picks up steam.

Chapters 3 & 4 - Empty Heroics Roughly 20k words split between these final two chapters. In which there is bed sharing, a plan is formulated, and Nobody Dies. I realize that barely anyone even read the first two chapters of this fic, but I still really like it and want to finish it off, so it's the fifth thing on my to-do list.

Oneshot - As-Yet-Untitled Shrinking Curse Fic Roughly 10k words of canonverse established relationship PWP. In which they've been together for literally three days when Dean gets hit with a shrinking curse that won't wear off for a year, and comes up with a creative solution to ensure that they can still enjoy the physical aspects of their new relationship despite being small enough to perch on Cas' shoulder.

Chapter 1 - One More Chain Does The Maker Make Roughly 10k words, and the first of five chapters. The whole fic should come in around 50-60k words, and it's canon-divergent from 15.06. Featuring a lot of pining, and Dean working on Jesse and Cesar's ranch. I posted about it here if you want to know more!

The final 5 chapters of Fortress & final 3 chapters of Isosceles will come next -- likely to be about another 30k and 45k respectively, based on current word counts and what remains to be written.

At some point in between all of this I also plan to post some updates to The Coda Project (I've written at least half of each coda up to 1.12 Faith at this point, I just need to buckle down and finish them off in order so I can start posting them again), along with a handful of short tumblr prompt meme ficlets I've written recently -- specifically, those based on the following six trios of emojis: [🧪🧛🏻‍♀️💦], [🔮🛁🫂], [🤠🎶🌬️], [🪼👀🎨], [🥬🍅✨], and [🥶😶‍🌫️🤯], all of which ended up being significantly longer than they should have been, hence the delay in posting them.

...aaaand I realize that this is far more information than you asked for so I apologize. But thanks again for your message, and for reading. I hope you enjoy all the updates when they're posted 💚

[anzuhan]

Anzu, other than Len Hai, what Vocaloid songs does Anzu like?

this is going to be. such a long post 😭

first off. anzu wants to preface. anzu has been into vocaloid for 10 years now, and anzu really only became a len-hai fan last year in november. so really, anzu has been listening to a very very veeeery wide array of vocaloid songs.. but anzu will try to cut them all into categories...! (they winded up moreso being paragraph rambles. oops) you can also take these as recommendations if you will, it'll be a split 50/50 between songs that are known and popular and lesser known..

when anzu just got into vocaloid in 2014, anzu (only) listened to kagamine songs.. which anzu finds funny to look back on. really, there was like no miku at all until anzu also got into project diva a year later ! most of the songs were also len songs.. cough. a lot of giga, he was gaining a lot of popularity back then, like gigantic otn and plus boy.. you know them. the ponponpon len cover.. the other rin and gumi covers after kyary pamyu pamyu (tsukema tsukeru & candy candy). when anzu just got here, it was really an array of whatever was popular back then, pretty sure the yandere theme was far more popular then as for anzu is 100% sure true love restraint and yandelenka (leleleP mentioned) were also some of anzu's earliest known vocaloid songs. whatever reol has put out and self covered as well was also absolutely heard by anzu then (luvoratorrrrry!, drop pop candy, hibikase, envy cat walk and such) but also other songs she's made a cover of (like systematic love). anzu was (and still is a bit. ww) also obsessed with hachiojiP.. though its still more recent, let anzu tell you, when gimmexgimme came out and it was a collab between hachiojiP and giga, that day was absolutely memorable and exciting asf to anzu LOL

it all sort of changed a lot on anzu's views upon vocaloid songs when anzu got anzu's first pd game pd2nd on the psp... this one already featured a lot of wildly different songs than those anzu was knowing, with more tame, cuter and more chill songs to say the least. before anzu knew it.. time has passed.. and anzu still loves all those songs and finds them hardly nostalgic. strobe nights by kz is still one of anzu's go to songs every single winter.. it's incredible, and despite it does appear in pd since the start, it's slept on a lot compared to other songs from kz. it has such a warm, incredible and at times magical feeling to it, that anzu finds as though not many songs have. walking out into the cold wintry days with it playing in anzu's headphones is really a great experience every single time ❤️ besides this one, anzu really really REALLY just loves every single song that appears in pd2nd specifically so so much. they all hold a very dear place in anzu's heart forever due to being with them for a decade now as well.. here's a list ! anzu also only means the playable ones (+dlc too!) as for anzu never mingled with the livestage ones and didn't hear some of them.. (little did anzu know leleleP has been there all this time as well.. ww)

anzu really cannot begin to even name favorites out of the songs above because anzu cannot stress enough how every single one in that list sincerely means the world to anzu. even lesser known ones, even lesser liked ones such as hato, beware of the miku-miku bacteria, i really do understand, velvet arabesque, VOiCE, updating my love list and so on !!!! some of these have also had their fair share of popularity a little bit at least back then.. but no one's talking about them anymore which is sad.

MOVING ON ! likewise with the things above, anzu also is fairly attached to all of the songs on project diva f2nd (as for anzu also had this one) and every single song that was an arcade release original (even if some did get rereleases in the console pd games, anzu tends to even prefer the og arcade vers sometimes.. like solitude's end). to be completely honest, all of anzu's favorite arcade originals are all rin songs WWW😭 besides the aforementioned, francisca & gothic and lonelines are Absolutely Incredible. anzu has played francisca exex map more times than anzu has seen anzu's family probably.

before the pd part ends, anzu must add that break;down and saturation are anzu's favorite songs in the entirety of the pd series. anzu has certainly lived without len so many years, but anzu cannot live without saturation. this song is so phenomenal. anzu does not even have words to describe it. everything about it is perfect. the lyrics.. the sound.. the lower voice tuning on miku.. even the ex map for it on pd! it's everything anzu could've ever asked for. anzu could not live without it.

um.. besides this.. everything else anzu got into was really purely by fate, anzu did not have vocaloid friends and even now anzu doesnt really have any, so all songs anzu has gotten into were because anzu saw them in the recommended, or found out about them from a place or another. while still on the topic of games a bit.. anzu also got into nnd compass in 2020 ! that game fully features just vocaloid songs, and all the themes for characters in it are incredible.. though you might absolutely know of them ! these are anzu's favorites but they're all popular as well: alkali underachiever & love/hate underachiever by kairiki bear, retro mania rhapsody by polyphonic branch, kire carry on by police piccadilly, reverberation by 164, killer b by umetora, i thought i was an angel by utsuP, crazy beat by tenkomori, dance robot dance by nayutalien, yokubou gaman surukoto nakare by cosmoBSP, kick-ass literally by pinocchioP, rhythm by deco27, oshioki gimmick by junky (this is anzu's favorite!!!!), violence trigger by hachiojiP (megu was anzu's main.. ww), clockwork girl by drop (this song means a lot to anzu)...

utsuP was mentioned above so anzu will go on to talk about him now. welcome to the love hospital used to be anzu's favorite vocaloid song of all time for quite a long time, and CD-R, to this day, is still anzu's favorite vocaloid album. anzu does not really follow through with his career as much anymore though, anzu is a way larger fan of his older works.. it's good that he's finally getting a lot of recognition ! he deserves it ! but personally for anzu, prefer back then when his songs were far more raw and how can anzu say it.. uncensored? his songs back then spoke up on a lot of issues that many would not want to bring up, with a lot of usage of grotesque language. it was beautiful.. feel as though his recent works do not feature such emotions anymore, which is also good that he can be featured in more spaces at least.. but that's all.

another producer that anzu loves a lot is wotaku ! likewise with how anzu said strobe nights above was anzu's go to for winter, the other song anzu has as a go to for these times now is noel by wotaku. again, an incredibly beautiful song, perfect for these times. the lyrics are much darker these times around for this one, but nonetheless, it's still wonderful. anzu's other favorites from wotaku are lexicon, dogma, sybil, gehenna, holon, control, speakeasy, literacy, snooze and omerta. as you can tell, anzu prefers wotaku's slower songs, however the more fast paced ones like manhattan, shanti, mafia, illuminati and magisa are also great. anzu also loves a lot of their instrumentals !! they're amazing as well.

this is going to be an amazing intro, but anzu's favorite mental breakdown songs are all from mitsu_akuma. we love a king catering to menhera and jirai keis dont we. anzu's favorites from him are my ex-blocker, virgin birth, necro-fantasista, choking lovers and lunatic luv.. he's definitely not that unknown But! anzu thinks he needs more love his way

as for actually unknown vocaloPs anzu loves. PLEASE. PLEASE. PLEASE !!!!!!! go listen to LIQ. you must do it. now right now. dude's been making vocaloid works for 10 years and hes so unknown anzu is about to explode everyone. we need to make him known. NOW !!!! anzu's favorites from him are alice in the black market (this song will be with anzu. forever. it's amazing.... it sounds to anzu a lot like SMT ost which is also incredible ww), neospectram, a°crenaline, BR Method and digital rhyme hustler. if you want voca rap or rock please please please check out LIQ. on the knees and PLEADING 🥺

we can go even lower in numbers and people knowing of them. falling down on the floor. guys please.. mukouniwa lily.. 300 subs and avg of like 80 views per song. anzu is crying. please check.them out. thank you... here's anzu's favorite song from them... thank youy.... anzu really wanted to reach out to them to work with them, but literally a day later after anzu did so they deleted their twitter so... well... erm............... well......! either way back to the song. anzu loves it so much.. it feels so nostalgic even though it was released last year. it's absolutely incredible.. anzu loves it so much. the lyrics are great as well...

another one !!! is piepieP.. though, as a fair warning beforehand, they even call themselves a producer making 'dark side tokyo pop' and that is not said lightly. they're also a producer focusing on menhera and landmine themes.. and there are lyrics at times that might mention gross things. with that out of the way, anzu also loves their works...! anzu's favorites are internet angel falling in love and tokyo cringe girl (yes this is quite literally what it's called)

theres a lot more. like anzu also likes a lot of popular producers just as much as the next guy... wanopo, pinocchioP, ryo, neru, nem, 40mp, last note, utataP, machigerita, owataP, zawazawa, circusP, kira, hachi, ghost, crusherP, wowaka, samfree, kikuo, maretu, camellia, masa, oster project, powapowaP, doriko, ferry, yunosuke... list goes on forever really. but anzu thinks if anzu keeps writing, the post will be too long and it wont go through KENWMNEG so. enjoy what was said until now. this post took like 2-3h to write and look up everything

[roserysttrpggarden]

Exalted Playtest 1

Hello there users of tumblr, after a long time in development, I now present the first playtest of the Exalted (Formerly known as the avatar) class for Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition. Originally created as part of my "Homebrew Class Design for Dummies" series, the exalted is a class based on divine heros such as Hercules, Sun Wukong, Cú Chulainn and Maui. As well as the Exalted TTRPG. You are a once ordinary individual that-through one way or another has been imbued with a spark of divine power, you now wield aspects of godly power as you carve your own legacy, weather that be as a great hero, a wise mentor or even a malevolent conqueror.

Playing an Exalted

For the most part, the exalted is a standard martial class, you choose your favorite weapon and you attack with it. However, the exalted has three core characteristics that make it stand out compared to other marital classes. Those being Willpower Points. Each time the exalted takes the attack action, it gains a willpower point, for every willpower point is has accrued it gains a bonus to the damage rolls of its divine implement (The classes signature weapon) Willpower points can also be spent to utilize special abilities, known as Providences

Providence Abilities: Providence abilities are miniature spell like abilities the exalted can preform by spending their willpower points, one example is "Split Heaven and Earth" which allows the exalted to cause a small earthquake, dealing damage to creatures in a 30-foot cone or 50 foot line, as well as creating difficult terrain. Providence abilities are granted both through your subclass, as well as through your epithets

Epithets: Epithets are the other main feature of the exalted, acting like a mix of warlock invocations and channel divinities, they grant you a unique providence ability. As well as granting you a passive ability known as a boon that enhances your capabilities.

Design Goals

Overall my goals for the exalted class are both A: To provide a more in depth and customizable martial and B: To make a class with the same level of flexbility as a cleric (Ie: where a whole party can play a cleric and still fill very distinctive roles) I also wanted the class to sort of redefine how the player thinks of the attack action, similar to a bladesinger wizard or the fizbans dragonborns. Hence why a good chunk of the providence abilities replace an attack action.

That's about all I have to say on the exalted playtest, the document also includes two new conditions, as well as a conversion guide for using the class with 2024 rules. I hope you'll read through the document, give me any feedback you got and possibly use this class for your own tables. Have fun and make sure to play some D&D

[jinnxd]

🍜 CHAPTER 50 OMAKE 🍜

Kakashi pushed Mizuki along, hands far rougher than necessary with the battered man.

With one particularly harsh shove, it seemed Mizuki snapped out of the daze he’d been trapped in. Blinking rapidly and turning around to look at who was pushing him, the teacher actually looked relieved to see him.

“Kakashi-san! You witnessed that, didn’t you? Is there an ANBU squad on the way to arrest them? Those kids are delinquent brats, and their guardian is no better–she’s an insane little bitch. Like, I could have fought them off for sure, but it’s just a couple of kids and a girl, you know, so I held back. You’re gonna tell the Hokage, right? They need to be locked up, the whole lot of them.” He rambled, and Kakashi began to suspect a major concussion. Still, though, there was a clarity in his eyes when he spoke about Kiya that didn’t settle well with him.

The hospital was north of here. In a split-second decision, Kakashi guided Mizuki west. “Oh, I saw what happened, all right. They did quite a number on you.”

A little detour seemed to be in order.

“Yeah, well they fought dirty–dirty…” Mizuki paused, his face contorting in anger at whatever deranged thought his addled mind had landed on. “She’s a dirty fucking whore, you know? I kept her around because she was good for one fucking thing, and she could barely do that right. I don’t know what her problem was, man, acting like she was too good for me.”

He just let Mizuki talk, casually herding him into a back alley and allowing Mizuki to dig his own grave with every hateful word he uttered.

“Really?” He asked disinterestedly, hand tightening intentionally around his broken wrist.

Mizuki let out a pained grunt, but didn’t say anything about it. How cute–he wanted to look tough. “Yeah, funny, right? Hey… where are we going? I thought the hospital was–”

Finally reaching a deserted corner of the alley, Kakashi stopped and turned to face Mizuki, his eye flashing dangerously. “Funny indeed,” Kakashi replied, his voice cold. “It's always interesting to hear the perspective of a delusional liar.”

Mizuki flinched at the harshness in Kakashi's tone, realizing perhaps too late that he had said too much. “W-what do you mean?” he stammered, attempting to backtrack.

But Kakashi wasn't having it. With a swift motion, he slammed Mizuki against the wall behind him, eliciting a cry of pain from the man. “What I mean is that you're a disgrace,” Kakashi began in a low, dangerous tone. “You don’t deserve that headband, and you didn’t deserve her.”

“Who, Kiya?” Mizuki asked, swallowing thickly yet still putting up that transparent bravado. “You’re joking, right? What, did she spread her legs for you, too? Word of advice, man, it’s not worth it. She’s not worth it.”

Slowly, Kakashi increased the pressure of his hold around Mizuki’s wrist, giving him a fake eye-smile all the while. “Listen carefully, Mizuki-kun. You’re not going to speak about Kiya or what happened today ever again. If anyone asks, you fell down a flight of stairs. Understood?” He threatened coldly, enjoying the way the man’s features contorted in pain.

Mizuki's bravado crumbled as Kakashi's grip tightened, crying out. “Y-yes, I understand,” he stammered, beads of sweat dripping down his pallid forehead.

Kakashi leaned in closer, his eye narrowing with intensity. “Good. Then consider this a lesson.” he said, his voice dripping with menace. “Watch your mouth, or I won't be so gentle next time.”

“Yes, Kakashi-san. I-I’m sorry, sir, it won’t happen again.”

In a swift motion, Kakashi released Mizuki and patted him roughly on the shoulder. He flinched with each movement, letting out a shaky breath of relief as Kakashi yanked him out of the alleyway and back in the direction of the hospital.

[lady-pug]

in the morning (when the day is new)

Chapter II of Wouldn't It Be Nice

Summary: You sustain a head injury while on a mission but Whiskey isn’t fast enough to administer the alpha gel, so your memories of your time at Statesman don’t come back. Instead, you only remember up until the day before you were recruited and your memory ends up being reset every night. Jack makes it his mission to make you fall in love with him everyday (50 First Dates AU)

Pairing: Jack Daniels | Agent Whiskey x Reader

Word count: 3,5k

Warnings: memory loss

Notes: Yay, chapter two is up! And I’m already working on chapter three (I’ll try to have it out as quickly as I can)! I hope you, my dear reader, enjoy this chapter; I had a lot of fun writing it!

Next part | Previous part | Masterlist | Read on AO3

He stuttered, his breath hitching.

“What?”

He couldn’t seem to remember how to breathe, something as simple as inhaling was too complex of a task at that moment.

“Jack…”

He finally acknowledged Ginger, who was looking at him with something akin to pity in her eyes.

“What happened?”

She grabbed his elbow and practically had to drag him away into a corner.

“What happened, Liz?” he started rambling “Ain’t she supposed to remember by now? Haven’t you shown her that picture of her parents? Why ain’t she-”

“Jack, hey, listen” she interrupted “I don’t know what happened. She woke up, with no recollection of me, like usual. But when I showed her the picture… nothing. She only said she missed them, that’s all. She doesn’t remember you nor me!” she was frustrated, Jack could tell. It was understandable, you were her best friend after all.

“Uhm, excuse me?” you called, still sitting confusedly on the bed “Am I clear to go? Or is there anything else you’d like to do? Any other exams?"

They both turned to you, hesitantly.

“It’s just that I have a job interview today.” you explained, a hesitant although excited smile taking over your features.

“A job interview?” Ginger took a step forward “Where?”

“It’s a-” you hesitated, your smile faltering for only a split second before you recovered “a distillery. Statesman.”

Jack and Liz shared a look. 

“It’s the day we met.” Jack mumbled “Her memories were reset to the day we met.”

“What are you talking about, Whiskey?”

“At the bar out front.” he started rambling, explaining his thought process to Ginger “She, uh, she was upset, thought the interview and trials were no good to actually get her the job. I-I offered to buy her a drink ‘for luck’. But I already knew she was in.”

Ginger smiled at the fond, if not a little desperate, way Jack talked about the memory.

“Please, Elizabeth, I’m begging you” he grabbed her hands, fighting the stinging ache in his eyes “help her remember. She has to remember-” he paused for a brief second, not wanting to disclose too much of his feelings, the ones he was still coming to terms with himself “-us. Help her remember us.”

Ginger smiled sadly at him.

“I’ll do my very best to help her remember you, Jack.”

Jack was taken aback for a moment, but he should have known she could read him like an open book. Ginger was a smart woman.

“Thank you.” he smiled back.

She turned back to you.

“Do you remember anything that happened?”

You shook your head.

“I went to sleep last night, and then… I woke up here.” you looked around “Where am I exactly?”

“A hospital. You were in a car accident.” Ginger creatively came up with that as she went.

“Oh god, did anyone get hurt?” Jack couldn’t help but smile, the way you cared for others more than you did for yourself shining through even if you had lost part of your memories.

“You did, dear.” Ginger continued carefully “You hit your head pretty hard. I want to run a few more exams just to make sure you’re okay. It’s best if you stay the night.”

“But my interview-” you started to protest.

“I have a friend who works at Statesman.” not being able to stand the sight of you in distress, Jack intervened “I’ll give him a call, explain the situation and ask ‘em to reschedule.”

Your radiant smile warmed his heart.

“You’d do that for me?”

“Of course, sweetheart.”

Ginger walked back towards Jack.

“She seems to be suffering from a strange case of anterograde amnesia: she can remember things before her time at the agency, but not after. I’ll monitor her and see if she gets any better.”

“Okay.” he nodded, absentmindedly.

Walking out of the lab, Ginger stopped him before he could get too far.

“You should try and get some rest. I don’t know how long it’s going to take for her to regain her memories.”

“Of course.” he nodded, a bit disorientated when thinking about what he should do now “Let me know if anything changes, will you?”

She nodded and he started walking away, his mind clouded and his heart heavy. 

The moonlight was shining down on your skin. He barely registered the uncomfortable feeling of sand seeping in between his sprawled fingers, all he could focus on was the steady rise and fall of your chest laying next to him.

“I can feel you staring, cowboy.”

Jumping in surprise, he looked at how your now open eyes were staring at him from under hooded eyelids, a small smile playing on your lips.

“What are you thinking about?”

He shrugged.

“Just can’t wrap my head ‘round how dazzling you look, sweetheart.”

You snorted, dissolving into a fit of giggles.

“You’re so corny, Jack.”

“What? S’true!”

Your laughter was radiant enough to light up an entire room, he thought. Maybe he was corny afterall.

Still laying on the sand, you squirmed on your back and wormed your way next to him, perpendicular to his legs, and settled with your head on his lap. He admired your face, eyes closed again, a peaceful look taking over your features.

“What would you be doing if you weren’t an agent?”

The question startled him slightly. What would he be doing if he wasn’t an agent? He took a moment to ponder. Remembering the life he could have had if only those addicts hadn’t decided to rob the very same store his wife was at was too painful. You were one of the few people he felt comfortable enough to talk about her and his baby boy nowadays. He wished you two could have met, he had a feeling you’d have been great friends.

“I think I’d like to be a teacher.”

Your eyes snapped open, a mischievous smile.

“Mr. Daniels, huh?” you smirked “What subject would you teach?”

“Math.” you giggled in disbelief “I mean it! I can solve some killer algebra equations.” you laughed even more, some tears visibly gathering in the corner of your eyes “But if I’m being honest, I’d rather it be kindergarten.”

Your face softened. Smiling at him you nodded your chin for him to continue.

“I love kids. Especially that age, when they’re discovering the world. The faces they make when they find something new and exciting. I’d love to be able to help in that process.”

The look on your face, the pure adoration he could see in your eyes, was enough to bring heat to his face.

“What about you?” he changed the subject “Got any ideas?”

You smiled shyly, averting your eyes.

“With the answer you just gave, mine is going to sound very lame.”

“S’not. I promise.”

Looking back at him, you grin turned mischievous once again.

“When I was a kid I wanted to be a vet, or a biologist, just so I could work at an aquarium.”

“An aquarium?” he asked in amusement.

“Yeah. I really wanted to work with walrus and otters. They are really cute!”

Jack laughed, amused with your thought process as a kid.

“Walrus? Cute?”

“Have you ever seen a walrus?”

“I have” he answered “and all they remind me of is Champ.”

You burst out laughing, nodding your head in agreement. He laughed so hard at your own laughter he almost cried. Once you calmed down, you sat up and turned to look at him, a new glint in your eyes.

“Do you ever think about getting back out there?”

“Out there?” he was confused.

“To dating.”

Thinking about it for a moment, he contemplated his answer.

“Maybe. If the right woman comes along.”

The look in your eyes held something mysterious, something he couldn’t quite place his finger on.

Just as he was about to ask you the same thing, something stopped him. A beeping of some kind.

“What’s that?” 

“What’s what?” you replied, but your voice sounded very far away.

“That!” he turned back to you, but you weren’t there “Sweetheart?”

He jolted awake, abruptly pulled from the depths of his consciousness. Sighing, he gripped the bridge of his nose, fighting off the tears that were slowly welling up in his eyes, their stinging a painful reminder of what was going on in his life at the moment. What wouldn’t he give to go back to sleep, back to that dream? It was a nice dream, most of it a fond memory he kept close to his heart. It was late at night after a rough mission in Hawaii a few months back, none of you were in condition to jump on a plane and go back to Kentucky, so Champ extended your stay in the hotel by the beach for one more night. Restless from the adrenaline that was still pumping in your veins, you both decided to take a midnight dive in the ocean, which led to a quiet moment watching the stars and talking about life. He wished he could go back to then, when things were easier.

A beeping noise startled him, almost making him jump out of his skin. It was the same sound he heard at the end of his dream. Stumbling around his room, he finally found his phone, which had a bunch of messages from Ginger. Dialing her number, he suppressed a yawn, jumping into professional mode.

“Whiskey.”

“Jack, you might want to come down here, as soon as possible.” Ginger’s voice sounded slightly strained. 

“What happened?” he was dressed and out the door in the blink of an eye.

“Just… get down here.” and with that she hung up.

Almost bumping into several other agents minding their business, Jack quickly got down to Ginger’s lab. The woman in question was waiting for him outside the door.

“Ginger, what happened?”

“I think it’s better if you see it for yourself.”

She led him inside, where he found you, still sitting on the same bed, now wearing a hospital gown.

“Hey!” you greeted them. You eyed him, a confused look crossing your face before you addressed Ginger “Who is this?”

Jack turned to Ginger, confused, but she was already looking at him with a sad smile.

“We met yesterday, remember?”

Shaking your head, you squinted your eyes as if making an effort to try and remember.

“Hmm, no. I think I’d remember meeting you.” 

“What do you remember from yesterday?” Ginger spoke up.

“I went to bed last night and then… then I woke up here” you looked around and Jack felt like he was having a deja vu “Where am I exactly?”

“She woke up and she didn’t remember me, nor where she was.” Ginger turned to him, speaking under her breath.

“Can I go now? I have a job interview today!” you spoke, excitedly.

“Her memories were reset overnight?” Jack spoke, his stomach churning with worry.

“Seems like it.”

“But how?”

The woman before him sighed, and for a brief moment she looked like she had aged ten years in just a day. Walking out of your earshot, outside of the lab, she started explaining.

“Whatever happened seems to have affected her brain’s ability to turn short term memories into long term ones. Sleep seems to be the trigger for the reseting.”

“Is there anything you can do?”

“I can keep her here for a few more days, run a few more tests.”

“Yeah, more tests sound good.” he nodded, slightly disoriented by all the new information Ginger had just dumped on him.

“But Jack.” he hummed in acknowledgment “I don’t think you should keep coming to see her.”

His head snapped back towards her, eyes wide and furious.

“Why not?!” he asked, probably more harshly than he intended.

“I can see this is taking a toll on you. Seeing her like this I mean.”

“But I can’t not see her! That ain’t right! She- Liz, I-I can’t not know, I-” he stumbled over his words, worry and anger at the whole situation threatening to overflow him “She’s one of my best friends. I need to know she’s okay.”

Ginger sighed heavily, having noticed the redness and the glossy shine that had overtaken the man’s eyes.

“You love her, don’t you?” she spoke softly, almost whispering.

His rambling came to a halt, eyes widening as if she had slapped him in the face. He looked away for a moment and gulped, like even thinking about those words physically hurt him.

“Yeah,” he looked back at Ginger “I do love her.” 

“Then let me do my job.”

“I just-” he choked on a sob he was trying to supress “I can’t lose her. Not like this. Not again.”

“You won’t.”

“How can you know that?!” he snapped, practically shouting at her.

Her eyes hardened.

“Because I’m the one looking after her. And I’m really good at what I do.”

He deflated.

“I-I’m sorry, Liz. I’m sorry.”

She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, her eyes softening.

“It’s alright, Jack. I know how much she means to you.” she said “That’s why you should stay away for a while. I’ll keep you updated.”

“You can’t just expect me to sit around and do nothing, Ging.”

“I don’t. Can you go to her quarters, bring me anything you think might be useful in bringing her memories back?” she asked. “Trinkets, clothes, pictures, anything.”

“Yeah, I can do that.”

“Do you ever think about getting back out there?”

“Out there?” he was confused.

“To dating.”

Thinking about it for a moment, he contemplated his answer.

“Maybe. If the right woman comes along.”

The look in your eyes held something mysterious, something he couldn’t quite place his finger on.

“And has she?”

“Has who what?”

There was something cheeky, almost bold in your smile.

“The right woman.” your smile only grew, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world “Has she come along?”

His eyes widened, almost the size of dinner plates. You were trying to kill him, he was sure. How could he answer that, without making things awkward for the both of you? He could always lie to save face, but he knew you could read him like an open book and would see right through his lies. Clearing his throat, he thought for a minute or so, before deciding to be honest.

“I guess she might have.”

Your grin turned into a soft smile. Placing a hand on his knee, you turned your body fully in his direction.

“Yeah?”

The glimmer in your eyes cast by the moon did something to him. He couldn’t hold himself back any longer. With a crooked index finger under your chin, he tilted your head up, your faces only millimeters from each other. 

“I think she is closer than I imagine.”

And then he was kissing you. Closing the gap, he placed his chapped lips on your soft ones in a sweet, almost chaste kiss. It felt a lot better than he ever expected, it even felt kinda… magical. As you pulled back he realized you were smiling at him, your hand running down his cheek and cupping his jaw.

“I certainly hope so.” you said with a dreamy expression before climbing into his lap, knees on either side of his hips. You dived in for another kiss, your hands sliding from his jaw to the base of his neck, gripping his hair. The kiss was a lot more passionate this time. His own hands moved accordingly, the one gripping your chin sliding up to cup your jaw and the other resting on your hip.

“I just want to stay here and kiss you.” you whispered against his lips, barely pulling away “Again. And again, and again” between each sentence you pressed a peck to his lips “And again. And again, until you’ve decided you’ve had enough of me.”

“Not gonna happen, sweetheart.” he said, before kissing you again.

There was a soft beam of sunlight streaming through the drapes as his eyes opened against his will. That bit of the dream was new, nowhere near part of his memories. He should have kissed you, like in the dream, he now knows he should have. Instead he had cracked some half-assed joke and walked back to his hotel room. Retreating like a coward, he scolded himself for hours later as he laid awake in his bed. A part of him longed to go back to that night and make things right.

A glance at his phone let him know Champ was requesting an all-agents meeting first thing that morning, which made him sigh. It was going to be a long day.

The past three days had been torture for Jack. Ginger ran all the tests she could think of and yet you didn’t seem to be making any improvement. Everynight your memories were reset back to the day you met. He was getting more frustrated by the hour but there was nothing he could do.

Dragging his feet into the conference room, he noticed all other agents were already there, Champ at the head of the table, Ginger standing silently next to him.

“Good. Now that everyone’s here we can start.” Champagne said “Ginger, if you will.”

Ginger took a step forward.

“As you may know, Agent Cider has been compromised in action.” Jack swallowed harshly, still not totally rid of the guilt “After taking too long to administer the alpha gel, her memories of her time as a Statesman agent haven’t returned. What’s worse, since then her brain has suffered some kind of extensive damage to the point where her memories are reset every night. Meaning she believes she’s always going through the same day.”

A hand quickly shot up in the air.

“Like ‘Groundhog Day’?” asked Lemonade, a junior agent who usually compensated for lack of knowledge and experience with enthusiasm.

“Something like that, yes. Except she isn’t aware she has already gone through that day.” Ginger resumed her explanation “The day her memories are stuck on is the day of her Statesman interview and trials.”

“Why are you telling us all of this?” Vermouth asked in that arrogant tone both you and Jack both detested.

“We are going to send her back home.”

Jack stood up so fast his chair almost scraped against the carpet.

“What? Why?” he almost yelled, barely managing to contain his fury and confusion “You can’t just give up on her!”

“Sit down, Agent Whiskey.” Champ’s stern voice left no room for argument, so Jack complied.

“We aren’t giving up on her. According to her, and to the records we managed to recover, she is supposed to come here in the afternoon to be interviewed. Instead of the physical trials soon-to-be agents are usually put through I’ll run exams to see her daily improvement. I’ll also send word to our sister branch in England and see if they can help us.”

“Where do we come in?” Tequila intervened.

“Whatever agent that is on base is to conduct Cider’s interview, everyday until she gets better.” Champ's booming voice explained “Y’all went through that interview already, you should know which questions to ask. Then you are to take her to Ginger’s lab so she can do her sciency shit. And by whoever’s on base I mean whoever’s here” he emphasized, looking sharply at Vermouth, who was rolling his eyes “except for Whiskey.”

Jack’s eyes widened.

“Why?”

“Because Ginger and I believe you’re already too involved and it’s not good for you. Take a step back and rest for a while, son.”

Whiskey went to protest, but Champ’s hardened yet kind eyes stopped him.

“Cider’s first interview is today.” the boss said after a moment “Y’all are dismissed.”

Sighing, Jack opened the door that led to the bar that was kept in the grounds of the distillery. He sat down at the bar signaling the bartender, an old friend of his.

“Whiskey, neat.”

The bartender narrowed her eyes.

“Are you sure, chief? It’s barely dusk.”

“Just keep ‘em coming.” 

She only shrugged, it wasn’t her problem really, so long as he didn’t start a ruckus or something.

With a long, defeated sigh, Jack laid his head on his arms on top of the counter, hiding his face from the world. His day had been shitty to say the least. First he got the news that Ginger was going to let you go, your memories having yet to return. Then he was notified he wouldn’t be able to see you anymore, that literally every other agent was going to interact with you and help except for your own partner. Except for him. He felt useless. Useless and helpless.

Once the bartender placed his glass in front of him with a soft thud, he raised his head, ready to down the entire drink in one gulp in order to drown his sorrows when something caught his eye across the bar. Nursing a drink and looking just as defeated as he felt, but at the same time just as beautiful as that first time (if not more) was someone he was beginning to lose hope in seeing anytime soon.

You.

[moongothic]

Honestly the more I think about it, the more I'm convinced OPLA's [random Background Extra at Roger's execution everyone thought was pre-t Crocodile] isn't actually Crocodile.

And just so we're clear; we don't need that Background Extra to be pre-t Crocodile for Crocodile to be trans and/or Luffy's other dad. One Piece already has a fuck ton of material to provide for us to push the Crocodad Agenda and this Extra from OPLA would not and frankly does not tip the scale of Crocodad's plausibility in either direction (as I'm going to attempt to explain). I know a lot of us got kind of attached to the idea that the Extra could be Croc because it added fuel to the fire for the fandom (hell, it is what made me fall down the Crocodad Rabbithole to begin with), and so the fact that I'm now going to try to dismiss it might feel a little bad. I just want you to understand that we don't need that Extra to be Crocodile. We have better evidence for Crocodad elsewhere.

Anyways, yeah, the more I think about the less I think that lady is pre-transition Crocodile (-> going to be she/her'ing her). To be fair, there isn't really much to provide as evidence for either case, since she was just A Background Extra who we saw for a split second. It's just that I don't think it's a "50/50 it could go either way", but more like a "92/8 probably not, though not impossible" Also quick reminder I have not watched OPLA, all I know about this Extra is from screencaps so if I'm missing any helpful context then yeah that's why.

My key reasoning is pretty boring though. It's just that she does not look like Crocodile. As in, she does not have enough of Crocodile's key features (in his character design overall) that help us recognize Crocodile as Crocodile. Yes, we have no idea how he looked during Roger's execution. Yes, he probably did not have his iconic scar nor hook during this time. That's not what I'm talking about. There's more to Crocodile's character design than those two things.

When we saw Crocodile at Roger's execution in Chapter 0, we specifically saw him from behind. We don't know how his face looked nor do we know what he might've been wearing. All we do know is that: He was wearing a furlined (or a full fur) coat. He had his cigars. He wore his hair slicked back, and he had at least one earring.

And all this Background Extra has going for her is the earring(s). Even her hair, which, sure, IS slicked back, is still quite different from how Crocodile wears his hair, as it seems much longer with braids and seeming to be tied back. And yes I know pre-t Crocodile might had long hair, it's not like we can really see or tell in the panel.

But there's two things I want you to think about here.

1) Oda generally speaking does not change character designs that much through out the series, as the characters get older etc. Like generally speaking, each character has certain traits and features that help us recognize the characters, and while Oda may change some features about the characters, he'll also always go out of his way to ensure they also retain other features, so that they remain recognizable to the readers. Here's a few examples to drive my point

Moria's body changes a lot as he gets older but his facial features remain essentially the same as does his haircut (and his alt fashion style)

Sabo's haircut changes completely as does his face a little bit, but his fashion sense has not changed one bit

Her ⌛️ phase aside (because Oda is a horny bastard), baby Charlotte Linlin has the same big nose, large eyes and huge smile as she does as Big Mom+the rotund body shape in general (and even ⌛️ Linlin, who is otherwise unrecognizable, has Big Mom's iconic pirate hat)

Baby Doflamingo wearing his stupid little glasses even as a kid- we don't know what he looks like without them, but the sunglasses make him weirdly more recognizable that way

Really, I could go on, but the point remains; Oda does not drastically change character designs often, and even when he does, they're still recognizable because they retain certain features. And so the fact that the Background Extra doesn't really have "enough" of those features makes it hard for me to buy that's Crocodile. Because...

2) ...If OPLA did want to include pre-t Crocodile as an easter egg, why make it this vague? Genuinely, they could've given the Extra something slightly more recognizable to us, like given her either a cigar or a furlined coat (maybe not both), and honestly there'd still be a really good level of deniability if Netflix wanted to be cheeky about it. Like OPLA wouldn't have to worry about them confirming Crocodile being trans before Oda, because we don't know how Crocodile looked during this time. Even with the coat or a cigar we'd still have no way to prove or debunk whether or not the Extra really was pre-t Croc (as long as nobody in staff went and blurted it out).

But as the Extra is right now, her resemblance to Crocodile is so non-existant that it feels frankly pointless to me if that really was him, it's too deniable. Where as, imagine if she had a furlined coat on. We'd be having a much more heated discussion about whether or not that really was Crocodile, because then the resemblance would be immidiately much more noticable, but still just vague enough to be deniable -> much more heated debate.

And I know, I know, people can change drastically how they present themselves when transing their gender, so it could be realistic if pre-t Crocodile looked nothing like post-t Croc. But this is a silly comic with a funny rubber boy as the protagonist. This is fucking One Piece, man, you can't get much more unrealistic than OP And again, like. How many characters in OP have dressed nearly the exact same and presented themselves in the exact same style their whole lives? It's not realistic, but that's what OP is like, so frankly it would be much more on-brand for the series if pre-t Crocodile presented himself the exact same as he does now. Because that is how Oda normally does it.

But again. Regardless, there's plenty of material in the manga for trans Crocodile truthers to cling onto. This Extra does not add anything substantial by any stretch of imagination. She just does not matter.

[weaponwiki]

Rainbow Six Siege players, interested in Arknights?

Arknights is having it's Rainbow Six Siege collab in approximately 3 months. If you're interested in getting to know the game, and later when the collab happens, you'll be able to get a few familiar faces playable.

What is Arknights? Arknights is a free-to-play tactical tower defense game with character collecting features.

"Easy to understand, hard to master", as a tower defense game with high difficulty content, different game modes, and many characters to collect, Arknights offers an unique gameplay experience where you make use of your various operators to make the decisions to win. The game is available in Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese (Taiwan server) Japanese, Korean, English (Global server). The event that introduces the Siege operators has passed in the CN server, but JP, KR and Eng servers will be having the collaboration event at the same time (approx. 8-9/24), and presumably on the TW server a few months later of that.

Collab? Siege operators featured in Arknights are Ash, Tachanka, Frost, Blitz, Ela, Fuze, Iana and Doc. You can get Tachanka and Fuze by playing the event (Operation Originium Dust for Tachanka and Operation Lucent Arrowhead for Fuze). Other characters are split in headhunting banners, where you have to roll for the opportunity to acquire them, separated as Ash+Frost+Blitz and Ela+Iana+Doc.

Ash and Ela are 6-stars, highest rarity in the game while the others are 5-stars, second highest rarity in the game. The acquisition probability for these characters is 2% for the 6-stars and 8% for the 5-stars. If you fail to get a 6-star after rolling 50 times, the 2% chance will go up by 2% every time you do not get a 6-star (51st roll will have a 4% and your 52nd roll will have 6% chance and so forth.) The chance to acquire the characters is 50%, however if you reach 120 rolls you will automatically acquire Ash/Ela and once per banner, if you get one of the two 5-stars, the next 5-star will automatically be the other 5-star (e.g., you get Frost, then the next 5-star is guaranteed to be Blitz).

Why now? Arknights is estimated to have the collab in a few months (which should have in-game content for Siege as well). Arknights does require some time investment to get to a point where you can play through all of the content that the collab will provide. With six of the playable Siege operators being gacha-exclusive, this will give you ample time to save up. (If you do not save up, you can still acquire the characters, but this will take up a lot of your time compared to starting earlier and saving up.)

How difficult? Arknights has many different types of gameplay, but you don't need to play all of them straight away. The game starts relatively easy, explaining the gameplay principles and later adding various gimmicks to overcome. If you are struggling with a specific stage, Arknights has an active community providing guides and tips.

Platform? Arknights is a mobile game available through Apple Store and Google Play but it's also available for pc through Google Play, or with an emulator like BlueStacks. The gameplay is as easy as on a mobile device or on PC.

Anything else? The event will feature costumes for Ash, Tachanka, Ela, Iana and Doc. These are purely cosmetic items (new illustration and a different character model and different effect animations). But if you want those as well, it's reccomended to start saving for those.

Ending note, while Arknights offers an unique and fun gameplay experience as well as good music and story, if you are prone to lootbox/gacha spending issues in relation to in-game purchases, I would not reccomend the game. While Arknights is seen as a "better than average" gacha, it is still a game that lives on micro-transactions. You can enjoy the story, soundtracks and gameplay content through many content creators found online.