#thank you cav. it really means a lot coming from you

[novenaria]

Firstly, thank you so much for answering my ask!!! you clearly put lots of thought into your answer and I really appreciate it. 

Anyway, so, I've been thinking about a hypothetical Tenth house for a while now. I was so shocked when I got into reading fics and found absolutely 0 oc House fics because I was sure there would be tonnes, but possibly my brain is the only one that works like this. Most of my tenth house thoughts are a sort of nebulous background to an Heir to the Tenth Goes to Canaan House fic, because weird self inserts bring me joy.

General vibes: 

not much (if any) of the installation is on a planet -- it's all space stations or like, Saturn's million moons 

definitely an offshoot of another house -- I think you're on to something with the Fifth/Fourth/Second -- I think I'd probably go with the Fourth, since it's the most interesting to me, and thered probably be political stuff re: the Fifth trying to annex the Fourth.

they do have big cohort ties -- the Tenth provides a big chunk of pilots and maybe communications people? 

Maybe the Fifth tried exerting their power on the Tenth first, and that's why theres so much Cohort going on -- they allied with the Second to stop it from happening. theyve always had ties to the Cohort but as it gets closer to the myriad they get more and more as a defence from the bigger houses trying to eat them 

This means that the third is the only rich/powerful house that doesnt have a smaller house to bully. I'm sure they are very normal about it. 

recruitment age definitely a few years higher than the Fourth, youd probably see recruits from the Tenth taking the kids from the Fourth under their wing 

I imagine they dress like WW2 pilots, with jodhopppers and white scarves, bc Aesthetic

Founder(s)

definitely agree with the generations thing -- it makes no sense otherwise. they come in between Cyrus and Cytherea

I have a good idea of their personalities but i havent actually figured out their names yet, TLT names are so cool I cant actually find ones that Fit 

personality wise, the cav is the chillest person you have ever met. Shes like the human embodiment of the “well, this might as well happen” meme. 

whereas her necro is the embodiment of “!!!!!!!!!!”. He is at 1000% percent at all times, knows no chill. 

their dynamic is like, cav is sitting in the living room quietly reading, while necros in the basement vibrating with excitement, halfway to creating vampires with blood magic 

when they get to Canaan house they work with Cyrus and Valancy, since I assume hes big into flesh magic, working on the “grounding in the body” part of the lyctor theorem

idk why they decided to create their own house, maybe they saw everyone else had one and were like, whelp, might as well, everyone else is doing it, which is fair. They start setting up around the same time as Anastasia starts up the ninth, they dont get to do as much shaping of their house as the others because there isnt that much time between that and ascension/leaving the system 

Necromantic specialties: 

I think the founders specialities dont necessarily need to have much to do with there the house has ended up, bc like Anastasia was probably doing stuff with souls and she ended up with the skeletons house, plus they wouldnt get much time actually in the house to shape it (like I imagine Cristabel did with the Eighth) because of ascension/leaving the system

first idea, thanergetic transferral (? wording). Basically, using thanergy to enhance objects. Think like, cool flaming swords. I also had the idea of somehow creating a theorom/ward/whatever that when touched would drain the victim of their thalergy, turning them into a dessicated husk. In my head this looks like when I vampire steps into the sunlight and burst into flames, but that probably doesnt actually happen. The thalergy would then be used to bulk the necro/their cav or shoved into another object for use later. (thought I am now realizing that this might be too close to the Second houses thing?)

second idea, using necromancy to borrow the perceptions ala the winnowing trial, but instead of people it would be animals. Animals are dead and reanimated by the necromancer -- this is where the Cohort ties come in, they probably get them from shepard worlds since I dont think the system has many animals of it's own (though possibly that's just a Ninth house thing?) Animals could then be used for reconnaissance / intimidation, or in the case of larger predators, chomp chomp (woe, t-rex upon ye) 

third idea, I dont really have any other cool gimmicky idea, but possibly they could just be like, blood magic central. They have the best, most intricate blood wards, their adepts are good with stele travel etc etc

hi! I've been doing some worldbuilding for a hypothetical Tenth House for oc og Lyctor reasons, and I was wondering if you had any thoughts on the subject? how would you go about it? Sorry if this is a weird ask :)

This is a super interesting idea to consider! I'm throwing it in the main fandom tags and if anyone has anything to contribute please jump in.

I'd never considered this until today, but some thoughts off the top of my head:

History: Since the Houses are named in the order they were founded, I think the OG founder(s) should be a second generation Lyctor & cavalier pair, born in the Houses. The reason why I suggest the OC should be part of the founder group for this Tenth House, rather than just a necromancer from there (like how the Seventh House existed when Cytherea was born; she didn't found it) is because we know that Anastasia DID found the Ninth, and the Tenth would've presumably come after.

Location: the Tenth House installation shouldn't be as far out as the Ninth, for two reasons. One, because the Ninth's whole thing is that they're from the ass backwards middle of nowhere, and them having a close neighbour would cause too many ripple effects that I'm not sure you want. Second, for logistical reasons - I think it's easier to get a House up and running in the limited time between Anastasia establishing the Ninth (or beginning to) and the Lyctors ascending and leaving the system, if they're closer to the rest of the population and have more immediate access to resources.

My suggestion would be to put the Tenth House near Juppiter (Fifth) Saturn (Fourth) or on Ceres (asteroid belt, between Juppiter and Mars/Second House.)

In the first case, the Tenth could be a off-shot of the wealthy and influential Fifth House, or alternatively a Fourth House splinter group. Both of those are gas planets, so presumably the Fourth and Fifth are also based on satellites, but there are so many satellites to go around there that you're spoiled for choice.

In the second case: Ceres is a dwarf planet with a rocky surface, which makes theoretically possible to build an installation on it. It's in the middle of the asteroid belt (so there'd be some difficulties navigating back and forth with whatever resources you need to build a liveable installation) but relatively close to the Fifth / the Second / even to Earth, which is a plus in terms of actually packing up said resources. wikipedia tells me that it's pretty stable in terms of tectonics.

What does the House DO? That would depend on what you need your OC Lyctor to do, in terms of necromantic specialty and any other stuff. If it's an off-shot of the Fifth, maybe something soul / blood / spirit related; if they schismed from the Fourth, a different interpretation of thanergetic fission? If it's in the astreroid field, maybe the House is involved in training up pilots for the Cohort, or stele travel. But I think I would reverse-engineer this part depending on what you need for your OC

[charmmycolour]

Hey I started to read your fanfic a normal live. I binged it from yesterday evening before going to bed and only got to the last 3 posted chapters this evening. I don't want to start going to comment under every chapter again,(couldn't read the next chapter and comment the one before at the same time)

so here is a little summary :

At first I was a bit sceptical. I liked how they still hadn't addressed the whole cav going rogue thing and that cavendish wanted too but dakota just dodged the question every time. It was also nice to see a version of cavendish that had their own strengths referring to their time travel missions. (That magnet was awesome.) I always thought there should have been more of cav beeing better at research or having better knowledge about the time periods. So really liked that too. The thing which kept me sceptic, was the fight against the evil scientist. And I thought brick and savannah were a little bit of (It must be heard to write them, they did not appear that often in the show. Or you just changed them a bit.)

But after Dakota got lost it started to really work for me. Despite of the slice of live approach with dakotas POV it never got boring. There was always more to learn about the characters and the story was fast paced. Just when I thought Dakota was a little too lucky, he saw that kid (technically it was the 2nd time) and you got the impression the little cuttie was scared by other cav. Before you could get annoyed, by cavendish always hitting dead ends and beeing miserable, the whole thing took a turn and he was starting to have similar problems like Dakota, not wanting to risk his carrier and all. Even manipulating Hildegard, which was just such a good chapter.

I like your interpretation of the characters. Dakota is not focused enough to find out what happened and cav is approaching it very systematically , but also gets distracted by all the respect and nice gentleman stuff. (also I personally think cav deals with his self esteem issues more aggressive than sad but it's more of a personal preference.)

I like how the to POV are reversed in mood. (If that makes sense) Vinnie was happy at first while cav was miserable. Then Vinnies Timeline started to show flaws but Cav started to enjoy his more and almost went a little to far.

So yeah I really enjoyed this. The drawings in the chapters are awesome too and I wonder how they will resolve this.

Is the wonderful parallel universe hiding a dark secret?

Does Vinnie even want to go back?

And wouldn't it be mean to drag Vinnie out of a perfect parallel universe, if it could really exist like this? Or could it get boring, if everything always worked out?

I hope this was understandable, english isn't my native language. So yeah.. I hope you can finish this and are happy with how it turns out (and get a lot of readers)

Also one last thing. I adore the little kid (cav). I just love his younger design in general and as a toodler.... so sweet.

THANK YOU!!!!!

Seriously thanks, I’m so happy you enjoyed the fic. I know some parts could use some polish, but as it’s obvious, action is not my best suit haha

Being fast-paced was important to me because there’s very little happening outside the character’s heads, so it would turn boring fast if I didn’t add new goalposts often. I have been planning the story for so long it feels unreal to be at the middle now. Anyway, thanks you a lot for reading and letting me know your thoughts!

Remember that if you wish, you have additional info on @askanl

And don’t worry, I’m not native either, so your English is perfect as far as I’m concerned!

(P.D: Toddler Cav HAD to be a cutie, come on)

[ghostmartyr]

/clears throat/ so, Immi, I hear you like the locked tomb, which is fantastic! from one person also escaping the snk series into TLT to another, what did you think of the characters and plot in HtN? are there any things you're most excited to see when Alecto comes out in 2022?

-pats lifeboat- This baby can fit so much trauma.

SPOILERS, naturally.

With another paragraph informing the curious that unspoiled is the way to go into HtN, since if you aren’t lost and confused, are you really reading Harrow the Ninth?

I read it all in one day, and that was a choice. It does mean my memory and understanding of what all went on is slightly dependent on someone else on the internet exploding over a particular set of paragraphs and explaining their significance to me, but I still enjoyed the hell out of it.

HtN disappointed me on one front in that I was hoping seeing more of Harrow 1.0 would help out any future fic endeavors. On everything else, like the first one, being told the story is such a good time that I’m willing to wait on a full comprehension of where it’s going.

I also really like second person.

What I loved most about HtN is how even without Gideon mentioned until very, very late in the book, you can feel her absence everywhere. In the wrong bubble flashbacks you’re commanded to examine the strangeness, but even in Harrow going about her day, the isolation and the wrongness of it decorate her every action. She’s alone, and she shouldn’t be, and the loss she’s unaware of bleeds into a constant echo of grief.

I don’t think I’ve ever appreciated absence as a narrative tool so much. Obviously griddlehark hours go hard once they start in HtN, but even before then, there is so much power to their connection that looking into a world where it never exists still manages to punch you in the heart with how much each one inhabits everything the other is.

The whole series is amping me up with a few thoughts on loneliness, honestly. Gideon and Harrow grow up alone on the Ninth, save for each other. It takes leaving for that to be any kind of good thing. The first book is tag team Among Us with everyone in their little clusters, slowly learning what other people are about as they all drop dead.

The second book has a different vibe and different plot things going on, but it’s similar in that the protagonist gets thrown into a world they don’t fit and have to put on a show. Only now there are even fewer people to familiarize with, with that number correlating directly to how they all killed the person closest to keeping them from being alone.

Lyctorhood is taking the person dearest to your heart and trapping them there forever while they’re stripped of everything that made them who they are.

...Also Ianthe is there.

Gideon, Mercy, and Augustine are the last Lyctors standing after 10,000 years. There were only seven, starting out. Sixteen acolytes who came to the First. The only pair who didn’t succeed in condensing themselves is separated from the pack and sent to live away from their peers on a tiny planet that no one has anything good to say about.

Alecto is John’s -- who even knows, past A Lot, and he puts her to sleep and locks her in a prison no one but he can get past.

God has seven friends. More if you want to count the people in the Cohort, but realistically, he has seven friends. Then they keep dying.

Harrow spends HtN in a spaceship with five people.

One is trying to kill her.

One ordered that one to try to kill her.

Two could not care less about the useless baby Lyctor.

One is Ianthe.

There is no real endgame. There is surviving life, and life has become a game of running as far away as possible so you don’t share your ruin upon your inevitable death.

It’s bleak and sad.

Harrow’s healthiest relationships are with dead people, and some of them she didn’t know at all in life.

Reiterating it, the most plot significant bit of the world is finding someone else in the world, swearing yourself to them, and smashing your souls together until you’ve lost the connection entirely.

My brain’s not in the best place so I can’t do more than gesture loudly at it, but a few people have mentioned that the series’ thesis is a counter to Ianthe’s statement that love is acquisitive.

Harrow tightens her hold around Gideon until Gideon would rather she just strangle her and get it over with, all things considered. It fucks them both up, and when they start working to get past it, circumstance wraps a chain around both their throats.

The necromancers who become imperfect Lyctors have all acquired their cavaliers, and besides the cav, it kills that bond.

Harrow’s rejection of that is why Gideon’s soul is still in the world of the living (and John blood).

She has spent her entire life eating pieces of Gideon to keep herself a horrid imitation of whole, and when she is finally offered that, she refuses.

Grief and how Harrow just can’t are active elements of the book, and Magnus gives her more therapy in five minutes talking about it than she has ever had in her life, but the reason why that isn’t the end of Gideon is because, unlike all the other Lyctors, Harrow turns the offer down.

With the exception of Babs and Ianthe, the relationship between cavaliers and necros about to do the Lyctor thing is cavaliers promising to burn for an eternity while their necromancer lives off the fumes.

Fuck that is Harrow’s response.

Cytherea says, in the aftermath, that they had the choice to stop.

Harrow stops.

A lifetime of doing exactly what Gideon is telling her to do with her death, and Harrow chooses to stop.

Harrow remembers Ortus’ poetry. She regularly sees her congregation off to their deaths. She keeps Gideon’s glasses. She views Palamedes, head exploded and all, as an infinitely better person than she is because of the quality of his exemplary character. She pulls Gideon the First from the incinerator on the night she plans to kill him.

Kiddo has so many fucking issues, but somewhere, she has learned to respect people for being people. That’s why she and Gideon are the heroes of the story, ultimately, and Ortus saying that they’re heroes worthy of the Ninth doesn’t fall flat. They’re actually trying.

Where that puts us for Alecto, I don’t pretend to know.

Since the first book is the temptation of an end to isolation, only to have it snatched away, the second book is the continuation of isolation with a few promising sparks of human connection that pave the way for hope...

That leaves the third book to shed the isolation and allow the connections to thrive.

With Gideon and Harrow MIA.

I know that the books kick things up into high gear in the final acts each time, but if they’re both gone for the majority of the book, no matter how much fun it is, I’m going to miss them. They’re the core leads, and I don’t want to be without them in the final part.

The 2022 release date has aged my soul. I deliberately planned my GtN read to land a month before HtN came out, then suffered when that was delayed. When really that was nothing at all. I hate waiting.

(Insert note that I’m very glad they aren’t forcing Muir to rush anything out. It’s been a rough time, but also, just in general authors should have the opportunity to create the best versions of their art they can, so the extra time hurts, but it’s obviously for the best.)

What I’m most excited for is probably the cover art. The first two have been awesome, and the artist said he’d likely do print sales for all three when the third’s revealed. My wallet cries but my heart does not.

What I dare not be excited for is the potential for Gideon and Harrow meeting again and perhaps hugging. In their own bodies.

I’d take other bodies, but ideally, y’know.

Also I would love for Harrow to finally meet her popsicle girlfriend.

I doubt it would be a wholly positive experience, but by golly I want it. Maybe they could hug too. It would probably kill Harrow again, but who doesn’t expect several people to die again in the third book?

However it plays out, I’m expecting to enjoy AtN. The writing’s the sort that I’ll happily follow wherever it goes. For everything else, there’s fanfic. The only real worry I have is the whole book will be narrated by Ianthe, and while I mentally groan at that, I actually find Ianthe’s commentary delightful, so even in the worst case scenario I’m having a good time.

Thank you so much for the ask.

[obsidiancreates]

The Crossover Nobody Asked For (VenturianTale and Milo Murphy’s Law)

“Oh, this place is horrid,” Cavendish says, looking out the window as the van rolls into town. “This is barely an upgrade from garbage duty.”

“So there’s a lot of damage. Maybe they’ve just a Murphy in town and no budget,” Dakota says with a shrug.

“... I suppose that’s a possibility. But I don’t believe Milo has mentioned any family living in North Carolina. Especially not a place with a name like... ugh.”

“Come on, say it,” Dakota says, already almost laughing.

“... Butts, Little Butts,” Cavendish sighs.

Dakota laughs, slapping the steering wheel.

“Who even named this place?! And who would live here-”

“WHOA!”

Dakota slams on the breaks as someone runs right out in front of the van. 

“It went this way! Come on, Johnny!” a short man in a gray hoodie shouts behind him.

A tall man in a rather fancy outfit jogs into view. “I’m coming, sir! But I-I’ve been stabbed in the leg-”

“IT’S GETTING AWAY- oh, you!”

The short man runs up to the window of Cavendish and Dakota’s van. “Hey! Give us your vehicle!”

Cavendish is slightly taken aback. “Wh- we most certainly shall not!”

“Oh, he’s British! Johnny, come communicate with him in your British tongue!”

“What the devil-”

“Hello, there. I’m Johnny Toast. May we please use you vehicle?”

“More British, Johnny.”

“Oh, right sir, um, tea and crumpets, may we use your vehicle, um, Doctor Who, ah, my grandmother is the Queen of England.”

“... Just drive, Dakota.”

Dakota waves at the two men, and drives away. They hear the short one scream in frustration.

“This town is deplorable,” Cavendish says.

“We’ve only met two people, maybe it’s not so bad,” Dakota points out. “And we haven’t even been to any restaurants yet.”

“Given the state of some of these buildings, I advise against eating anything from here.”

“When has that ever stopped me?” 

“Mmm, true.”

They finally arrive at their destination. A shockingly normal looking house, out in the suburbs. 

“Well, perhaps this won’t be so bad after all.” Cavendish seems hopeful as the van is parked.

“Yeah, see? We just happened to run across two weirdos. Now let’s find that alien signal Mr. Block sent us here for.”

“I’ll grab the scanner, you introduce us,” Cavendish says, opening the back of the van. 

Dakota nod sand heads up to the front door. He rings the doorbell, and waits.

“GERTRUDE! SOMEONE’S AT THE DOOR!”

“I HEARD IT, I’M MAKIN’ DINNER!”

“KIDS!”

Dakota winces. Oh boy, so the people who live here are... loud, to say the least.

“WHERE’RE THE KIDS, GERTRUDE?”

“BILLY IS HIDING FROM MADDIE AND SALLY IS ON A DATE WITH SLENDER! SUE IS SOMEWHERE IN THE MALL!”

Dakota waits a moment, and then rings again.

He hears a heavy sigh. A moment later, the door swings open, and Dakota shouts and stumbles back.

A large man stands in the door, holding a shotgun. With his bald head, beard, and very angry expression, he looks like exactly the type of person you don’t want to bother in the middle of the day. 

“Who the heck ‘re you?” he demands in... some kind of... southern? accent.

“Uh...”

“Dakota, have you- oh, hello, are you the resident who lives here?”

Cavendish is either ignoring the shotgun, or hasn’t noticed it yet, somehow.

“Yeah, this is my house, so what’re you doing here?”

“Well, we’ve been sent by an agency-”

“Are you some more of them P.I.E people?  I told ya to quit comin’ to my house, you only make the problems worse!”

“P.I.E? No, we’re with an agency called P.I.G-”

“Paranormal Investigators Gourmet?! I don’t remember hirin’ you!”

“... Gourmet- no! No, we’re with the Paranormal Investigation Group-”

“How many ghost huntin’ groups are there?!” the man shouts, presumably in frustration, though a slight bit of laugh slips into his voice.

“... We deal with aliens,” Cavendish says, unsure what else to say.

“Aliens? I KNEW IT! GERTRUDE, I TOLD YA! I TOLD YA THAT THING WAS FROM THEM ALIENS!”

“GOOD JOB, HONEY, YOU DID IT!”

“YEAH! I DID IT, I DID IT!Aw, you can come right on in, provin’ me right. You’re a lot less annoyin’ than the P.I.E people, they’re always talkin’ and sayin’ I’m wrong and not to shoot the ghosts, but they shoot ghosts too so I don’t know what they’re talkin’ about-”

“He’s just talking to himself now,” Dakota whispers to Cav as they follow the man into the house.

Cavendish nods. Maybe this won’t go as well as he’d hoped... He clears his throat. “May we ask for you name, my good man?”

The man stops, and turns around. “My name! Is PAPA ACACHALLA!”

Dakota snorts.

“Why’re you laughin? That’s my name! It’s a great name! Means ‘whole dang universe’!”

“No, no, it’s just I never thought we’d find a more made-up sounding name than his,” Dakota says, pointing his thumb at Cavendish. 

“I beg your pardon?!”

“Well, what’s his name?” Acachalla demands, pointing at Cavendish with the shotgun way too casually.

Dakota pushes the barrel of the gun away. “Go ahead, Cav.”

Cav crosses his arms. “Balthazar Cavendish.”

"HA! You British people have the weirdest names! Like that Toast boy! Anyway, the alien thing is out here. Officer Maloney came to look at it, but it isn’t one of his things, and I can’t figure out how to move it! I’ve tried C4, a tractor, Freddie, a nuke-”

“A nuke?!”

“- an’ none of it even dented the thing!”

“Yeah, can we go back to nuke?” Dakota says, eyes wide.

“Too late, we’re here.”

Dakota and Cavendish blink.

Cavendish’s eye twitches “It’s a-”

“It’s a giant metal Kirby,” Dakota finishes. 

“Yeah! I don’t want it in my yard! My daughter says it feels like it’s mockin’ her from when she was a Kirby!”

“What in blazes are you- this is no alien technology! This is some kind of... bad sculpture!” Cavendish shouts.

“It dropped right out of the sky!” Acachalla protests. “Maloney said it was alien, and he would know! He’s a bird!”

“A bir- you said he was a police officer!”

“He is! And he’s a bird! Who can be a person!”

Cavendish is fuming. “Dakota, call Mr. Block and tell him we’ve been lead on a wild goose chase!”

Dakota sighs, and heads inside to make the call (for some reason, he can’t get a signal from the yard).

“There’s no wild goose around here! Not after that nuke test, anyway!”

“There’s no possible way you set off a nuke here! This house is still intact, you’re still alive, and there’s no residual radiation in the area!”

“So?”

“SO?! SO THERE WAS NO NUCLEAR EXPLOSION!”

“I don’t think you know how nukes work!”

“YOU-”

“Cav, calm down, he’s holding a gun,” Dakota says in a hissed whisper.

Cavendish takes a deep breath, and collects himself. “Clearly, Mr. Acachalla-”

“Papa Acachalla. My title is Papa.”

“I steadfastly refuse to refer to you as ‘Papa’. Mr. Acachalla, there’s been some sort of mix-up, and this is not alien in-”

The mouth of the Kirby opens, and a being steps out.

“Excuse me, but our craft was broken, and we just got the doors working,” says the being (that looks... weirdly like a... Pokemon?). 

“I KNEW IT!” Acachalla shouts. He shoots his gun up into the air, and starts ‘dancing’ (to use the term loosely). “I KNEW IT, I KNEW IT, PAPA ACACHALLA, I KNEW IT-”

Cavendish stares, dumbfounded. “You- you’re actually an alien?”

The alien nods. “Yup, I am!”

“... You sound remarkably human.”

“Thanks! So do you!”

“... Thank you?”

“Do you happen to know where we can get some materials to repair our ship?”

“Well, I suppose I might. What do you need?”

“Macaroni.”

“... What-”

“Hey, we’ve got that!” Acachalla says, stopping his little song and dance. “Just don’t tell the cops. It’s Johnny Toast brand, too, really strong stuff.”

“... Why would macaroni need to be hidden from the cops?” Cavendish asks weakly, shoulders slumped. This is ridiculous, and he feels... defeated, in a way.

“Uh, ‘cause it’s illegal?” Acachalla says with a laugh. “Duh?”

Acachalla leads the alien inside, and-

“WHY’RE YOU EATIN’ OUR MACARONI?!”

Dakota looks up from his bowl. “Uh, your wife offered me some-”

“GERTRUDE, WHAT’RE YOU THINKIN’?! THAT’S OUR GOOD MACARONI!”

A woman in a green sweater peeks out from the kitchen. “Well, he said he was hungry, and it was either this or your old boot!”

“That boot is high in protein!”

“That’s why I’m savin’ it for the kids!”

Dakota puts down his fork. “I think your macaroni went bad, actually, I don’t feel so good...”

Acachalla rolls his eyes. “Duh, you don’t! Have you ever even had macaroni before?!”

Dakota looks up. “Somethin’s weird here...” he slurs.

“Wh- what have you done to him?!” Cavendish pushes Acachalla aside and rushes to Dakota.

“It’s macaroni! It makes the world all wiggly and weird!” Acachalla says, like that’s at all true and common knowledge.

Dakota laughs a little, reaching up to grab Cavendish’s hat. “You’re way taller th’n I remember,” he says, still slurring.

“That is it! We are leaving!”

Cavendish picks Dakota up bridal-style. Dakota grins, and leans up, giving Cavendish a peck on the lips. “Wow, I can stretch really far...”

Cavendish blushes intensely. “That macaroni has clearly intoxicated my partner! You’ll be hearing from the higher-ups over this!” he says, trying to ignore what just happened.

“I think ‘m flying,” Dakota declares as Cavendish carries him back out to the van.

“Dakota, you’re delirious. Just rest until we get home.”

“I feel fine,” Dakota insists, head lolling. “You’re the one who turned into a tomato when I kissed you. From a leek to a tomato...”

“A leek? Is that because of my suit?”

“You’re a-a leek with fluffy wings.”

Cavendish buckles Dakota in. “What on Earth-”

“Like a vegetable angel.”

Cavendish blushes again. “This is terrible. you have no idea what you’re saying,” he says, trying to affirm that fact in his mind.

“You’re a tomato again. Whoa, my hand is made of fresh fries...”

“No, they’re just yellow because they’re covered in cheese.”

Dakota grins. “Smarty-pants.”

As Cavendish goes to shut the door, Dakota grabs him again and gives him another kiss. A long one. Cavendish is in shock. 

“You don’t taste like a leek,” Dakota says afterwards, apparently incredibly happy about that fact.

Cavendish, blushing more than he thought was possible, gets in the driver’s seat and starts the car. “We’re never returning here,” he mutters to himself.

Dakota waves at the house as they drive away.

[protectjager]

Doc x (Fem) Reader (Dream Collection Pt.1)

Writers note: I want to make this VERY clear, I will not be doing things like x readers often, I am merely writing this because these are actual dreams I have had about  Gustave Kateb (which is how I will be referring to him through the fic) AND I also want to say for my own personal beef. These are DREAMS that is IT, I personally think Doc as a character is ok, please do not think that I just sit around day dreaming like this I don’t please don’t assume that I do ;-;

PLEASE READ: With this series there will be a lot of loop holes, especially with this one in-particular, considering they are based off dreams I had so there will be a lot of moments that won’t make much sense. I will try and make them a little bit more logical for readers but still try and keep it as close as possible. Some stories will be incredibly short and some will be very long. 

And I will say this is not the only dream like this I have, if this gets popular enough I might, it really depends on how I feel about the series after I’ve finished it. Now enough explaining, lets get started!

Warnings: Gun wounds,blood,swearing, not as angsty as it sounds, fluff and flirting

13+, 2,074 words, 9 minute read

You sat with your back against a wall, legs stretched out in front of you while your eyes focused on the ceiling fan. Attempting to ignore the pain in BOTH of your legs, you were worried that if you looked down your adrenaline would run out and you would finally pass out. In hindsight, it was probably a bad idea to piss off the Brazilian with a very slight anger problem who was specially trained in torture tactics. Given it probably wasn't her full intention to shoot you in both your calves but you were the one who made it personal by mentioning her family, you made a note for yourself later to try and apologize to her. Well, you can’t lie and say you didn’t learn my lesson but if you could have done it without getting shot, just maybe it would feel worth it. 

You heard the sounds of loud footsteps from the hallway leading to the room you sat in so you gently turned your head to the side, focusing on just who was coming your way. Before you had the chance to take your guess, Seamus (Sledge) had poked his head through the doorway and immediately sighed loudly at the sight of you sitting on the floor with your legs bloody.

“Who did you piss off this time?” he said, leaning against the door frame with the bridge of his nose between his two fingers.

You practically lulled your head at him “Cav...”

He pulled his face down with his hand, “Again. Y/N you can’t keep pissing people off like this, especially Cav.” 

“I’m stopping you right there, you sound like my dad and my 6th grade English teacher and it's seriously making me want to punch your teeth in.” You said with a grimace, luckily Sledge and you had become good friends through Rainbow, having the same humor, he knew your jokes sounded more serious than they actually were.

“I’d say ‘I’d like to see you try’ but I feel like I’m already kicking you while you’re down.” He squatted down to your level, attempting to look you in the eye.

“ahhh, hahaha, I get it, cause my legs are shot!” You sarcastically let out a very fake chuckle and hit your thigh gently, “Dude, you should have gone into comedy, you’d be amazing!” 

“Ok, now you’re pissing me off” He stood up and wiped his pant legs, “I’ll get Doc”

“What?! No! Why him? He’s gross and smells like an Axe deodorant factory” You said, it wasn’t that you actually hated him, it was just that your whole relationship with him was built off of giving each other the hardest time you could and you knew he would give you some form of hell for this.

Seamus looked at you with a flat face and in a very monotone voice said “I’m getting Doc” he left your view and you could hear him make his way down the concrete hallway.

Before you could let him get too far away, you knew you had to give him a ‘thank you’, “Dickweed!” you shouted outside the door. 

“Tiny bastard!’ He shouted back. That was how your ‘thank you’s’ and ‘goodbyes’ normally went.

________________________________________________________________

After a few minutes you heard another set of footsteps, but it sounded like more than just 2 people. As soon as you heard the footsteps they were right next to you, all three of them entered the room. Looking up you made contact with a pair of eyes you knew too well.

You let out an exaggerated groan “Why the hell are you here?” You said Masaru (Echo) chuckled evilly over you, plopping next to your left.

“You thought I’d miss out on getting shot?” He pulled his legs up to his chest and rested his elbows on his knees, getting a slight kick out of your situation.

“You’re so lucky I’m so hopped up on adrenaline or I’d have your ass,” You said.

You heard a cough at the door and turned your head enough to see who it was and wouldn’t you know it, Gustave (Doc) was standing right there. He merely stood in the doorway, looking down at you, studying the situation, and why you weren’t even feeling a little pain. Looking him up and down, you saw he didn’t have anything with him. No med kit, no bandages, not even a wheelchair.

“Hey, where's my wheelchair to get out of here? Or do I get the peasant treatment and get a wooden cart?” You said, finding your joke a little humorous.

“You mean what you deserve?” Seamus said with a huff, aggravated you got into this situation in the first place, making you finally realize he was in the room too. 

Gustave directed his attention to you, crouching down to his knees to look at you. “Careful, I’m the one going to be taking care of you anyway. Better be nice to me” He said with a slight smile. He rudely poked at your ankle, and when realizing you didn’t feel any pain at all, poked it again. 

You giggled to yourself and with a sly smile said, “Easy now, I haven’t shaved my legs in a bit. Don’t want to gross you out” Once you saw the blush on his face you couldn’t help but wink and smile wider. 

“Jesus Y/N, TMI much? Doc’s the only one trying to get into your pants here” Masaru said, pretending to gag.

“Speak for yourself” Seamus chimed in, cheek clicking at you. It wasn’t uncommon for you and Seamus to flirt every once in a while. How could you not? Have you seen the man? But it didn’t change the fact it was clear there was no romance between the two of you, and you both made sure the other knew of it.

Looking back at Gustave, you saw the irritation on his face, you knew he wasn’t fond of the idea of work relationships, especially in your line of work. You liked the idea that it was because it was Seamus who could make you blush and not him, but the thought quickly left your head.

‘Don’t get caught up on feelings you can’t have’ You said to yourself.

“Well, from what I can tell you will be totally fine, it hit no major tissue or veins. But I still need to take you to the infirmary to clean you up.” Doc finally said after looking over your legs. “I didn’t bring a chair with me, so I guess I’ll just have to carry you out of the training area” His lips curled into a sly smirk.

You stared at him blankly, but the blank stare quickly turned into a scowl. “You’re fucking kidding me? You planned this?! No! Hell No I’m not letting you carry me down the stairs!”

“Awe comes on Y/N! Give the guy some kind of bone” Masaru bumped your shoulder.

“You know what I think Echo? I think we should go, give these two some time alone” Seamus said with a wild smirk, knowing how pissed you were going to be at him. Echo, loving the idea of putting you through a bit more turmoil, quickly agreed.

“Don’t worry, we’ll bring you some lunch once you get into the infirmary. Be good!” Masaru hopped up from his place on the floor and both him and Seamus waved themselves out, leaving you alone with Doc.

“You’re not carrying me.” You said quickly and coldly, making sure he knew you were serious. He knew, of course. But little did you know, he thought it was adorable how when you tried to come off as threatening you would scowl more, making your nose scrunch up in such a way he couldn’t help but find make you seem cuter than you already were. He shook the idea out of his head, knowing if he didn’t get you moving soon the adrenaline would wear off and you would be in pain. 

“I’m afraid you don’t have a choice, but I will need some help.” He said, standing up and walking directly in front of you. You tilted your head at him, non-verbally questioning his intentions. It wasn’t until he reached his hands out straight at you, quickly closing and opening his hands at you, you realized what his request was and you felt a blush come to your face.

“I AM NOT DOING GRABBY HANDS FOR YOU” You shouted loudly, not caring but actually hoping someone would hear you and save you. Gustave began to laugh at your reactions “There's no escaping this~” He cooed at you, getting back at your level on the floor. “ I’d rather crawl to the infirmary!” You crossed your arms, turning your body away from him best you could. 

“Come on Y/N, we’re not moving till you do so~” Gustave got a bit closer but not enough to get into your personal space. You both stared each other down, testing to see who would break and give in to the other. You took the time to look at his face, he was handsome of course, but was there much beyond that? What you should have been asking was it worth thinking about it. After what felt like a minute you finally weighed your options. You were stubborn, but it was the fact that if you didn’t get moving things would get worse, so you finally caved. After a sigh, you turned your face to the side, reaching your arms out slowly. 

‘God this is going to be painful to my pride’

As quickly as you could you opened and closed your hands, heat rushing to your face quickly that you just had to grabby hand at your co-worker. You heard Gustave chuckle and shot him a dagger filled glare, which only made him laugh more. “Ok, ok, I wish I could say that was the end of your embarrassment, but...I don’t want to bridal carry you, it might hurt your calves, so I’ll have to carry you piggyback style.” He blushed slightly, scratching the back of his neck

“This day literally can’t any worse can it?” You threw your head back, “Fine, but you so owe me”

“I can deal with that, now come here we need to get you out of here, quickly.” He turned around and you scooted closer. “Here, put your hands on my shoulders.” He patted his left shoulder and you did so. He pulled you by your wrist forward so you could wrap your arms around his neck. “Hold on,” You tighten your arms around his neck enough for stability as he quickly but steadily stands up to catch under your knees to hold you up. After getting stable he started making his way out of the room, down the hallway, and quickly out of the training area.

“Apologize for being rude, but I must say, you’re light,” He said, but winced when you slapped him upside the head. You felt the chuckle he let out vibrate through his back, you couldn’t help but rest your head against his shoulder, it was embarrassing but the adrenaline was starting to leave and dizziness and sleep hit you just before the pain. So as tired as you were, you couldn’t ignore the small amount of warmth that Gustave gave off, feeling comforted by it. He rambled on, but before he even entered the infirmary he realized you had fallen asleep. Knowing how you desperately needed rest, he quieted down, imagining how peaceful you must have looked snuggled against his back. He smiled at the idea of you being so comforted by him you fell asleep but knew that wasn’t the case. 

Setting you down as gently as he could on the hospital bed, he made sure you were comfortable to stay like that for a while. He knew he had to wake you up before doing anything to your person, but he took a few seconds to watch you peacefully breathe, finding your sleeping face quite beautiful. Not that it wasn’t other times, but you would always turn away from him before he could take a good look. You were a very beautiful woman, there was no doubt. He shook his head, knew he was wasting too much time. He moved some hair out of your face before shaking your shoulder and watching your eyes flutter open.

“Good morning darling, sorry to wake you.”

[rwbyvein]

Lancaster: White as Snow

Lancaster: White as Snow

Jaune sat at the table in the coffee house, and Ruby sat across from him.

Jaune: So, how do you like your coffee?

Ruby: *looks about nervously*

Jaune: We're going out. You kind of have to tell me how you like your coffee.

Jaune: *leans over the table, staring her in her eyes*

Ruby: *hides in her hood*

Jaune: *leans even closer to her*

Ruby: You're really tall.

Jaune: I'm not giving up until you tell me.

Ruby: Five sugars!

Ruby: Are you happy now?

Ruby: And cream...

Jaune: *kisses her on the forehead*

Jaune: Yes. Is that why you are so sweet?

Ruby: *blushes*

Ruby: *stutters trying to say something, but gives up*

Ruby: You don't think it's... I don't know... childish?..

Jaune: I think it's adorable.

Ruby: But is it sexy?, I mean...

Jaune: *extends his arm across the table to gently grab her hand*

Jaune: Easy, Ruby. You got me, and I'm not going anywhere.

Ruby: Well, you say that now, but we'll see what happens the next time Weiss walks by...

Jaune: Is that what this is about?

Ruby: Well... you can't exactly blame me... you are always looking at her with googly eyes.

Jaune: *breathes deep*

Jaune: Was. I always was. This does not mean you are any less beautiful than she is.

Ruby: Well, she is gorgeous, and sweet... and... wears her ladystilts and... what?

Jaune: *wry smile*

Jaune: Sweet? You think she's sweeter than you? That's adorable. I think I'm getting diabetes just by being around you.

Ruby: Okay... well... she does wear ladystilts...

Jaune: *wry smile*

Jaune: If you are that worried, why don't you try it?

Ruby: *stares at him*

Ruby: I can't tell if you are serious or not.

Jaune: Well, I would love to see you in ladystilts.

Jaune: *pauses*

Jaune: But you seem to think you are second place or something.

Ruby: Well, if miss ladystilts asked you out?..

Jaune: I would say no.

Ruby: Okay, that was a quick reply. I figured you would at least think about it...

Jaune: Because I love you. Why's that so hard to understand? Me, that's a different story. I really don't get what you see in me.

Ruby: *scoffs*

Jaune: Nice Weiss impression.

Ruby: But you are so cool!

Jaune: *looks behind him*

Jaune: Me?

Ruby: You are like the coolest!

Jaune: If anyone is cool is has to be Weiss.

Ruby: *points emphatically at Jaune without having anything to say to that*

Ruby: Okay, you are loving... and... and... fearless... and... and you're just fun to be around...

Jaune: Okay, that one we have in common.

Ruby: I'm... fearless...

Jaune: Okay, not that one. Okay, yes that one... I mean... the last one...

Ruby: *bright smile*

Jaune: I am hardly fearless...

Ruby: Oh, come, you never seem to have a problem, you know, charging in like a shining knight?

Jaune: *awkward laughter*

Jaune: Yeah... still afraid every time...

Ruby: Okay, not fearless... another word...

Barista: Valiant.

Ruby and Jaune: *heads quickly turns to her*

Barista: You two are quite cute together.

Ruby and Jaune: *blush*

Barista: *puts their coffee on the table, along with sweets for Ruby*

Ruby and Jaune: *blush while looking each other in the eyes*

Ruby: So, what would you do if Weiss asked you out, huh?

Jaune: Tell her no.

Ruby: *eyes wide with shock*

Jaune: What? I'm with you now. I'm not going to hold onto the tiny shred of hope that might happen. I would much rather have you.

Ruby: Over Weiss, or the tiny shred of hope for Weiss?

Jaune: . . .

Jaune (head bowed): That is totally unfair.

Ruby (head bowed): It was...

Ruby: As an act of con... something... how about this? I will wear ladystilts for you?

Jaune: . . .

Jaune: When?

Ruby: Whenever you want?

Jaune: *coughs*

Jaune: What, seriously?

Ruby: Well, if you are telling me the truth.

Jaune: I ALWAYS tell the truth.

Ruby: Then the only thing that Weiss has that I don't is ladystilts. But, this comes with a cav-ey-something.

Jaune: *questioning look*

Ruby: You have to call me sexy when I'm in ladystilts.

Jaune: Does... ass pats count?

Ruby: *thinks for a moment*

Ruby: I think it does.

Jaune: I think we have an agreement *reaches across the table*

Ruby: *shakes his hand*

* * *

Ruby: *slowly inches up to Weiss at her desk*

Weiss: Can I help you?

Ruby: Yes, you can.

Weiss: *questioning look*

Ruby: Okay, just remember, this is largely your fault.

Weiss: It is?

Ruby: Okay, you're all sexy... and you wear ladystilts... and I got mad at Jaune... and...

Weiss: And?

Ruby: I promised him I'd wear ladystilts.

Weiss: When?

Ruby (nervously): Whenever he wants.

Weiss: *sighs*

Weiss: You did no such thing?

Ruby: I kind of did... but you know... you always look so sexy in your ladystilts... and I want to look so sexy, too.

Weiss: *sighs*

Weiss: You do know it takes a lot of practice, right?

Ruby: *nervously shakes*

Ruby: I... want to look so sexy...

Weiss: *stands up and hugs Ruby*

Weiss: I will do my best to help you with your... ladystilt... problem...

Ruby: Th... thank you...

* * *

Jaune: *knocks on the door*

Ruby: *opens the door*

Jaune: Damn sexy.

Ruby: *tries to curtsey, but nearly falls, regaining her balance at the last second*

Jaune: *holds out his hand*

Ruby: *let's him take her hand*

[littledraga]

Robots and a Roomba

Because thanks to the Cav SPG really needs their own little Roomba.

Six stepped into the old manor with a box under his arm. He would grin, but well, keyhole masks aren’t all that good for that. His mom told him that he needed to help more around the house and suggested a vacuum. In a manor of countless rooms and spaces, before doing science. But he wasn’t going to disobey Annie either.

So! He had the most wonderful idea! And had gone out to buy a Roomba for the place. Now, no one had to worry about vacuuming. Patting the box he giggled. He was a very smart man indeed!

Unboxing the Roomba and setting it up, he sent his little machine away with a pat. “Thank you, Roomba!” he giggled. “Work hard!” And with that, he was off to science!

Rabbit was polishing her crown of awesome when she heard a distressed beeping. But not one that she knew.

Polish and crown in hand, she went off to investigate. Down the hall, the beeping got louder until she found a robot disk, stuck under the hall table.

“H-h-hey, there! Whatcha-cha doin’ under der?” Pulling out the machine, she looked it over. “Oh! You’re ne-new, ain'tcha! I’m Rabbit!”

When they didn’t respond, she frowned a moment. But she quickly beamed. “Aw! Ya must be shy. It’s okay, we’re all really nice, promise!” Still nothing. Maybe they just needed to feel more welcome.

“Come on! Let’s go have some fun to-together. Do-do you like tea parties?” She asked while she carried the Roomba off for a play date.

Turns out Roombas aren’t big fans of tea, even if she let them wear her crown of awesome. But they loved cookies! Or at least the crumbs that fell out of Rabbit’s faceplate from chewing.

“See? I knew ya just needed to warm up to me” She chirped and brushed out her dress. “Come on, we can have some more fun.”

Standing up quickly, she bumped the table and sent the cutlery clattering to the floor, and covering her new friend.

The Roomba kicked on again and chased after Rabbit as crumbs tumbled from her dress. A knife and fork balancing on its top.

“H-hey, careful,” she warned, and jumped out of the way, only for them to turn around again. Watching them, she grinned widely. “Well, if ya wa-wanna play like that.”

Plucking up her new friend, she went off to find some better knives and tape.

Sometime later, Spine was interrupted by a soft whirring noise and looked up from his guitar. “Hm? I thought I heard,” he was cut off when he heard a small clang of metal on metal.

Looking down, he saw a Roomba with a couple of knives taped to its top. Worse, they had cut his pants. “Hey, now! There’s no reason to go around cutting up people’s clothing,” he chided as the Roomba seemed to flee.

Only to start beeping as it hit the wall, cutting up the wallpaper.

The Spine sighed and knelt down to pick up the Roomba, careful not to have it cut any more of his clothes. Sure, the knives wouldn’t hurt him, but why ruin perfectly good clothes? It’s not like he had an endless supply of black shirts.

“Don’t worry, buckaroo. I’ll get you cleaned up and back on your way.” Carefully, peeling off the tape, he put the knives on the side table. “That’s better! Back at it, you go,” he praised and put the Roomba back down.

It turned once, twice, and then into his leg again, beeping that it hit something.

Grinning, he bent down to pat the machine again. “Hey, it’s alright if you want to take a little break. The manor is pretty big after all.” Sitting back down, he picked up his guitar again to practice. Though, he found himself distracted while the Roomba circled his chair. He hadn’t made any messes, not lately anyway.

“Do you like music by chance?” He asked and strummed a few notes. When the Roomba stopped in front of him, he grinned. “How about that!” He played a few songs for his new friend before he dug out an old cowboy doll he had stored away. Borrowing the hat, he placed it on the Roomba and adjusted it until it was just right.

“There ya are! Looks good on ya cowboy,” he laughed as the Roomba finally left the room.

Red fire truck in hand, Zer0 was happily playing on the floor when a new friend came to visit. Looking up, he grinned. “Hi! I’m Zer0. Are you new?”

Instead of answering, the Roomba went around the edges of the room.

Which made Zer0 laugh. “Come on! Do you wanna play with my red fire truck, with me? You can be the cowboy firefighter!” He followed the Roomba around the room with the truck. “Where’s the fire cowboy?”

After pulling him out from under his bed, Zer0 grinned. “You’re havin’ a hard time seein’ where you’re goin’, cowboy firefighter! I can fix that.”

Digging through a couple drawers, he found a marker and held it up. “Perfect! You can’t see where you’re goin’ ‘cuz you ain’t got no eyes!” Sitting down he carefully drew two mismatched eyes for the Roomba, and the biggest smile he could fit.

“Now, you can see the fire! Where should we go now?” With a chirp, the Roomba spun around again. Zer0 mimicked his new friend spinning in circles.

Out of the room, they went, until the Roomba ducked under a table that Zer0 couldn’t fit under. “Hey! You can’t put out the fire without the fire truck!”

Getting up, Zer0 scurried off to meet the Roomba on the other side. “Cowboy firefighter?” He wandered the halls looking for his new friend.

GG was sat on the end of the hall, pouting. “Someone pick me up! I’m too cute to walk down the halls!” She whined, waiting for someone to find her. The poor Roomba did first.

Seeing the Roomba roll down the hall she lit up. “Oh! Perfect!” Giggling she knocked off the hat and crawled on top of it.

Trying to keep her balance was hard, she fell on her face. “Hey! What was that for!?” She whined, sitting up to rub her nose.

Trying again, she wiggled and flailed until she found out how to sit and stay upright. “Yes! A mobile throne! Just need some cushions. Come, throne! To the living room!” She was pretty sure they were going the wrong way, but as long as they got there!

The Spine and Rabbit were in the kitchen, debating the new song set when GG rode by.

“Cowboy?” The Spine tilted his head before he popped his head out to see.

Rabbit wrinkled her nose. “No! That was Mister Stabby! I was playin’ with him earlier.” She rushed out to chase after GG. “What’d you do with his knives, GG?” She demanded.

“Knives? That was you? Rabbit, are you insane? You could have hurt someone, never mind cutting up my pants!” He scolded, only getting more angry when she waved it off.

“It was his idea! He was zoo-zoomin’ around with a knife on his head. I just helped.”

“Hey, guys! Have you seen Cowboy Firefighter? We were playing firefighter with my red fire truck and he got lost.” He held it up a little as he talked.

Narrowing his eyes, The Spine huffed and grabbed at the toy. “You mean you were playing with my red fire truck,” he corrected. “You have your own fire truck Zer0, leave mine alone.”

“He pr-pro-probably ran away because you were callin’ him the wrong name. He’s Mister Stabby!” Chirped Rabbit.

The three of them couldn’t finish a sentence before another was trying to talk over them.

Hearing the noise, Six peeked his head around the corner to see GG riding on his new Roomba. Stepping out, he put his foot out to stop it and crossed his arms over his chest.

“Do you mind, Petes? I need to get to the living room to get pillows for my mobile throne.”

Six tilted his head. “Excuse me? That’s a Roomba. It cleans the floors.” Before GG could whine he jabbed a thumb to the side. “Off.”

While she scampered off, complaining that he was being mean he looked down the hall to the three squabbling bots. He could see the marker face. He had only bought it a few hours ago! “Excuse me.” He tried, picking up the machine and powering it off.

When they ignored him he tapped his foot and huffed. “Excuse me!” He tried again, not quite yelling. That worked and they looked at him, each crying out that he turned off, Mister Stabby, Cowboy, Cowboy Firefighter. Tilting his head again he sighed.

“It’s a Roomba, little machine vacuum. It runs around and cleans the floors. It is not a toy, and it’s not sentient. The Roomba is not for playing, leave it alone.”

The three bots hung their heads and agreed.

How could three bots, each over a hundred years old, make him feel guilty? Sighing, he waved a hand. “It’s got a lot of work to do, please let it work.” Still, with the Roomba tucked under his arm, he walked off to put it on its charger. They were a handful sometimes.

A few days later, Six came up for a coffee refill, wondering why he hadn’t put one in all the labs yet. Stirring in more creamer than coffee he heard something metallic rattling along. He stopped and made sure he hadn’t picked up loose screws and dropped them in his glass again.

Nope, something was still rattling. Walking out to the hall he followed the sound. A few turns later he found it. The Roomba was scooting down the hall with three ice creams on top. There were a few bills tucked under them.

“GUYS!”

[askdystopianparadisemilo]

So do Cavendish and Dakota know about the Paradise dimension yet?

(So uh- disclaimer: This is the point where I kinda just. Look at the timeline of MML season two and go “hhhh but I want to make my own rules” and then I proceed to make my own rules. Still canonverse but slightly altered because I just. Want to do certain things with this. And I’m speaking in incredibly vague terms because I have pals who follow and read this blog who haven’t seen MML and I don’t want to spoil them on anything. Which complicates things, but I’m making it work. Just pretend all the stuff that happened with Cav and Dakota’s B-plot just. didn’t happen thanks XD)

The other Milo sighed a bit, clearly distressed, Milo following closely behind, quietly muttering apologies under his breath. That morning had been.. interesting. Kind of a disaster. Certainly not great. Clearly, Milo wasn’t feeling up to going to school. The other Milo really only had one option as to what to do with him. Thankfully, he had a way with finding a certain car. He could hear an argument as he approached.

“Okay, no, you are not “objectively required” to shut your closet door. That is not a thing, you don’t have to do that.” “Well, you’re the kind of person who really should shut it with the lack of organization in there!” “How did we come back to color coding? On and on with proper order and placement and whatever- It’s not that big of a deal!” “Look, there are two kinds of people, people who color code their closets, and people who need to shut their closets.” The two time travelers went back and forth before their argument was cut off by the other Milo.

“Um- hi Cav, hi Dakota, nice to see you two again! It’s kind of a long story, but uh, we sorta ended up finding a me from another dimension- not another timeline, want to make that clear- but, he clearly doesn’t feel up to school today. I still have to go, mom and dad are at work, and I can’t leave him alone. I was wondering if you guys could watch him for a bit?” The other Milo explained, motioning to his more timid counterpart. Milo gave a meek wave.

The immediate response was “yes, absolutely we can take care of him.” from Dakota. “Well, I mean- well, I suppose we don’t have much to do today, and we do still owe a lot to him. Alright, we should be able to watch him.” Cavendish nodded. “I’m sorta shocked you guys were so quick to just. Believe that there’s a me from another dimension now.” The other Milo gave a small chuckle. “Weeeell, multiple selves isn’t all that alien of a concept when you work in this kind of field.” Dakota chuckled. “When you work in this field and break the rules at least.” Cavendish clarified. “Look, it was only 478- or wait was it 479 times? Actually wait no, I’m pretty sure I’m thinking about the room number we had in that inn on that mission to 1976-” Dakota trailed off, trying to remember the number. Cavendish ignored him and turned to the Milos, “Don’t fuss, Milo, we’ll watch over your counterpart.” (This should be fun :D)

[aatorresp-blog]

The reason why nobody wants to play with LeBron James.

LeBron James had to escape to Miami for the first time to finally play with two other stars in Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. What stars at their best would they have left to join him in northeastern Ohio? Nobody registers for that if they have other options.

Leaving LeBron for the first time, the Cavaliers reloaded through the draft with two No. 1 picks. But they exchanged one of them (for Kevin Love), and the other (Kyrie Irving) decided he did not want to deal with the limbo either. of LeBron. Looking at another relatively empty wardrobe and knowing very well the dark prospects of filling it, LeBron ran to a team and a city that sold themselves.

So now that he's in the warm city of Los Angeles with a four-year contract, the longest since he traveled to Miami, why have we seen and heard that there are more stars who are reluctant to join forces with LeBron?

As a result, based on conversations with more than a dozen players, there are several reasons. Perhaps the most obvious, is that they become a role player with LeBron.

That's perfectly fine for someone like Chandler, a 36-year veteran who protects the hoop who took the opportunity to escape Phoenix and take his curtain with his hometown, the Lakers, next to, arguably, the most physically talented player of the world.

However, when it comes to players at their best, there has been more "no thanks". Paul George chose to stay in Oklahoma City this summer after having previously talked about how much he would love to play for the Lakers. Jimmy Butler, in his trade suit to the Timberwolves before being transferred to the 76ers, allegedly had the Knicks, Nets and Clippers on his list: three of the four teams in New York or LA with maximum salary potential.

"If you're a younger player like a Kawhi, trying to match him with LeBron James really does not make sense." Kawhi likes to have the ball in his hands, control the offense, dictate the pace with his post-ups, that's how he He plays the game, a lot of young players are developing that ability, they do not need another player. "

But LeBron may need that at this stage of his career. After Irving forced an exchange with the Boston Celtics two summers ago, James dragged the Cavs to the Finals for the fourth time in a row, but was captured by the Warriors. If he expects to compete with the Warriors again, it is clear that he needs help, especially now that he is on the Golden State side.

"If I were a free agent, I'd have to consider everything," veteran swingman Trevor Ariza said. "But my role is different from that of PG and Kawhi, they ask them to do different things than they ask of me, guys like [LeBron], why would they want to play with someone who does the same things? They would like to play somewhere else. "

The Lakers structured their salary cap to make sure they would have space next summer for a player with maximum salary, whether it comes through a free agency or an exchange. League sources say that when James became convinced that Irving could not be persuaded to stay in Cleveland, he suggested to the Cavs headquarters that he hand Irving to the Blazers for All-Star point guard Damian Lillard. The Cavs never called the Blazers, but James 'interest has led to speculation about the Lakers' exchange for Lillard.

"I love where I am," said Lillard. "I play for a big organization, I'm not looking for anything, I think we'll complement each other, but the only way that happens is if my team decides they do not want me anymore, I'm trying to build something here."

Whether because newly minted stars like Victor Oladipo and Jayson Tatum took LeBron to seven games or the Warriors swept it, the rising star class does not seem intimidated by it. They could respect it, but they do not fear it.

Leonard has flatly refused to discuss what he could do if he becomes a free agent next summer, but he does not see James as a kind of measuring stick.

"What else do I have to prove?" he asks. "He beat me in the Finals, we came back and we beat him." So you do not have anything else to try? "Just when we play it, try to win the game, that's all."

However, it is possible that other players at this point are not willing to change their stardom for the chance to win a championship with LeBron because that would also mean winning one for LeBron. As one explorer said: "Some stars look at him and say: 'Why do I want to add something to his legacy?'"

That is in fact the enigma. None of the players approached this story, both the stars and the support cast types, bothered that James' stardom "absorb all the oxygen in the room," as expressed by an Eastern Conference vice president. But there is little doubt that they would have to transform and accept less important roles than they enjoy now if they join the Lakers.

Durant also noticed that the stifling attention of the media around James does not help either.

"There's so much enthusiasm to be around LeBron from other people," Durant said. "He has so many fanboys in the media, even the rhythm writers just flattered him, I'm like, we're playing basketball here, and it's not even about basketball at certain points, so I understand why nobody would want to be in that environment because it's toxic, especially when the attention is of bulls - t attention, fluff It's not the fault of LeBron at all, it's just the fact that you have a lot of groupies in the media that they love to hang on every word. play basketball ".

What comes with that is the knowledge that if the team wins, it will be credited primarily to James; and if the team loses, it will be blamed on everyone around it.

"It's the LeBron effect," says Raptors guard Kyle Lowry. "He puts a lot of pressure on you, but it also takes away a lot of pressure, you know what you're getting, he's earned it, but he's human, if you're a strong enough personality, you can handle it."

Ariza made another suggestion: "The media should change the narrative, make the superstar a superstar." In other words, do not automatically blame the cast when a team falls short. Sometimes it's the superstar that fell short.

That kind of scrutiny is amplified by being in Los Angeles, said Spurs forward Pau Gasol, who won two championships with the Lakers.

"If you succeed with the Lakers, you will be loved forever," Gasol said. "But there is also tension, pressure and drama like nowhere else, there are dozens of media outlets that are constantly looking for a story, it depends on who you are and what you are made of, but if you succeed, it is sweet. .

LeBron is now on earth where dreams come true and a partner is waiting to blow up the NBA.

[of-invisible-ties]

I’ve been grinding the Tempest Trials for a bit, and here are a few tips I’ve come up with! I’ve placed this under a cut due to length. If this helped you, feel free to reblog!

In general 

Horse Emblem is really good here! In the previous TT, horse teams were a little screwed thanks to all the terrain and the emphasis on fliers as bonus units. In this TT, we’ve got half of the bonus units being cavaliers, and wide-open terrain for them to take advantage of. In fact, the boss is tailor-made for horse units, because he’s an armor unit, lacks Distant Counter, and can be safely kited by mage cavs. 

The reward unit, Titania, is the third red mage cavalier in the game. Her two competitors are 5*-locked, meaning that a lot of players will have her as their only option. It helps that her statline and skills are solid, and she’s really budget friendly to build. In addition, she has the triangle advantage over the TT boss, Greil, and comes with an innate Triangle Adept. It’s actually a benefit to keep it on her if Greil’s giving you trouble. 

ALWAYS pack a red unit with you, because Greil will always be waiting on the final map. Because you can skirt around him (ie. attack him and move the attacker out of his range), you’re not screwed if you lose your red unit before his map. You just have to be careful he doesn’t spook you with Armor March. 

Dancers, while helpful, aren’t a must here. I’ve done all my grinding without dancers, and it’s possible thanks to the wide-open terrain. In the previous TT, I felt screwed without dancers because of how closed off the maps were, but this one is much kinder in that regard. Just make sure you have enough movement-based assist skills (at least two in your team), and you should be okay. 

As always, passive healers are a godsend here. Anyone with the Renewal + Ardent Sacrifice combo will suffice, with Falchion-users, herons, Tiki, and Arvis being recommended. I’ve experimented with giving Renewal to tanky units (like Merric, who has good defense, and NY Takumi, who’s a decent mage-killer), and it’s worked well for me. I’ve also given Renewal + Ardent Sacrifice to Female Grima, and it’s very helpful on her because she doubles as a ranged check in addition to being a passive healer.  Honestly, if you can give it to a unit who can still tank with the loss of the HP, and aren’t in dire need of their B-skill or meeting HP threshold conditions, you should be good. 

Tactics teams work well here if you’re up for them! Because armors have bad movement and we have two armored bonus units, it’s good if you can pair them with a Guidance flier. You can also experiment with Aerobatics if you go for this. 

Building around the bonus units!

Mia: I was lucky enough to pull a +spd/-def Mia ages ago. Honestly, a standard Fury/Life and Death + Desperation build works wonders for her. Because she’s an infantry unit and depends on her special, I highly recommend pairing her with Infantry Pulse users. Her specials are explosive thanks to her decent attack and her weapon’s effect. I feel like if you do run her, you will want a dancer. Mia is very frail and will need help escaping enemy range. She synergizes best with an aggressive playstyle and other player phase units. 

Ike (Young Mercenary): He’s sadly outclassed by his Legendary self, who we all got for free. Still, he can function with a Quick Reposite set and can check daggers and archers. The sad truth is that most mages, other than some green mages, will threaten him despite his Distant Counter weapon. As for his teammates, you really want at least one mage-killer on his team. Ike has synergy in that he can handle physical threats outside of lance-users --- so giving him an axe-user and a mage-killer is a must. 

Valentine’s Titania, Soren, and Mist: Since they’re all mage cavaliers with the same weapon, I’m lumping them together so I don’t repeat myself. Basically, you want to use the Attack/Speed Bond seal we got in the previous TT. All three of them can run it well -- especially Soren, who has an innate bond skill. Because of Mist’s Swift Sparrow, you can run this TT’s Darting Blow instead (you can also run this with Titania if you want, although her low attack can make her miss getting kills). Obviously, their full power comes out with a horse team, especially with a defensive core that prefers to stick together. Most horses do prefer to be offensive due to their range, though. Being offensive means separating more often than not. If that’s your preferred playstyle, you can still use their weapons because chances are you’ll have to retreat with your assist skills anyway (which means they’ll be huddling together during the enemy phase, and their weapons and bond skills can help you during the enemy phase). I’ve seen people replace their weapons with blade tomes, so if you prefer blade tomes to their weapons, that’s a very real option. If you’d prefer not to run horse emblem, tactics are your best friend, seeing as we have three units with tactic refines (both Robins and Seth), and two tactic seals (Res and Def Tactic). 

Greil: I’d replace Fury 4 just for the TT. It’s okay to run in Arena or other modes, but the TT is based around longevity, and Fury 4 actively works against that. I’d suggest replacing it with Steady Stance (4* Silas), Sturdy Stance (4* Halloween Dorcas), or, if you lack those skills Attack+3 or Defense+3. If you plan on running Fury 4 after the TT, you may as well slap on the latter two. Steady and Sturdy Stance can be useful for other budget builds. Otherwise, Greil is good to go! Run him with any armor unit you want to get the most out of Armor March. I don’t recommend running a full armor team unless you have Armor Eirika, because armors otherwise lack innate healing outside of a fighter skill combined with Aether. Even then, armors are completely dependent on positioning and Armor March to move fast. If separated from his allies, Greil not only loses the benefits of Armor March, but also his weapon’s effect. For better efficiency, I recommend running him with a flier (preferably with Guidance), especially a flier healer or Eir. Running a tactic team can really help with speeding up the pace, especially since less turns gives you more points. 

Valentine’s Ike:  The above points I made with Greil apply to him, too. Armors are slow and getting sped up by fliers with Guidance is very helpful for them. I have no tips to give for Ike’s builds, though. He comes with a downright perfect base kit. Unless you want to run Barrier Blade+ on him, you really should just stick to what he has. 

[theonyxpath]

Figured that now would be a good time to take a look at how things are going with your favorite gaming company.

No, not them, I mean Onyx Path. Sheesh.

After all, we’re near the end of the year – at least the part before everything gets holiday crazy – and next week we start our They Came From Beneath the Sea! Kickstarter.

So let’s take advantage of the time period and have a little snapshot of where we are. We’ll do more of a “Year That Was” thing in a later blog, I think. (This one is long enough as it is – yeesh!)

2018 was a challenging year, but one where we were able to catch up – finally! – on a lot of projects and start delivering some delayed ones…as well as delivering a bunch of Kickstarter projects earlier than estimated!

If you recall from MMN blogs in the past, I started Onyx Path with a three-part plan for the sorts of projects we would take on, so let me divide my comments based on that.

1- Our Wholly Owned Games:

This category is perhaps our timeliest right now, with both books for Scion 2nd Edition and the Trinity Continuum Core and Aeon all having delivered their KS backer PDFs and in various stages of prepping for their traditional print-runs.

This is very satisfying to be able to say, because as our KS backers know, a large part of the delay in getting these two lines to this point was needing to create a system for them that wouldn’t fall apart at higher power play, and which, frankly, was designed with an eye towards the last couple of decades worth of how games are played.

And while still being a recognizable dice pool system for our fantastic fans of the first editions who kept these games alive all these years!

Just today, our old friend and long-time writer and developer Bruce Baugh posted a long and informative “review” of Storypath on his Facebook page and RPG.net, and I’m taking the liberty of posting some of his thoughts here:

I mean to say, if, on the other hand, you tell players that all active approaches are good – that every one solves some problems well and makes for entertaining drama in trying to solve ones it’s not so great for – the choice moves from “should I risk it?” to “_how_ should I risk it?”, because of course they’re taking the kind of risk and get to decide how. Presuming here that players want to have an adventurous good time, the game’s stepping up to point out the scenic attractions and give them a hand where the footing’s tricky. I love it.

Or take a situation where the character’s pursuing someone, using the Athletics skill. The Forceful character uses Might, running fast, bursting through barriers, maybe throwing things to bring down the pursued, and so on. The Finesse character uses Dexterity, perhaps engaging in impromptu (or prepared!) parkour and acrobatics. The Resilience character uses Stamina, and might look for shortcuts that involve kind of long falls, knowing they’ll be able to take the blow, shake it off, and keep going. Every option is good, every option invites the player and Storyguide to look for opportunities to engage with the setting.

Meanwhile, as those two lines move to printing, we have Scarred Lands, which seems to be living up to its name. After a decent start, we had to go back to square one and reconsider how to publish this classic White Wolf-created D20 game after the death of Stewart Wieck, who was originally my partner in publishing it.

I’m glad to say that we indeed have a plan for how to “reactivate” Scarred Lands and you can look for a Kickstarter for the 5e version of the famous Creature Collection early next year. We’re teaming up with a brand new design studio to bring you a gorgeous and exciting new version of SL‘s classic monster manual as the start of more Scarred Lands greatness.

If you’re looking for a Scarred Lands actual play, Travis Legge runs one on Twitch: They play Mondays from 2-4 PM CST at twitch.tv/plasticageplays and archive episodes on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzVwM7FjhlU&list=PLmiXCaSrrCIjmCJQQ7oLwLNahmDbdn_2J and release it in podcast form via anchor at https://anchor.fm/mythsandmatchmakers

They Came From Beneath the Sea! art by Larry Blamire

And for the fourth of our Onyx-owned projects, the aforementioned They Came From Beneath the Sea! Kickstarter emerges from the waves next week on December 18th. Here’s a link to the teaser trailer, created by film legend Larry Blamire (Thanks, Larry!) and we’ll  be revealing an Actual Play vid later this week across our social media:

Matthew and I will go into some more detail on what led up to this most unusual tabletop RPG next week!

We have some possible new game ideas percolating away right now, but I’m not in too much of a hurry to launch a new one right away, there are still great expansions and ideas to explore for the ones we already have!

#2- Creator-owned partner games:

Headed up by Cavaliers of Mars and Realms of Pugmire (which includes Pugmire, Monarchies of Mau, FetchQuest, and the upcoming Pirates of Pugmire).

These are different than a straight-up license, in that the creators are generally deeply involved with the project. Often they do a large percentage of the writing, or bring in teams they run for it. Depending on how we conceptualize the deal, they may have a lot of input on the art or just work on the concepts and let our art and layout folks do the voodoo that they do so well.

Scarred Lands was originally structured far more like this.

So, basically, I look for creative partners that have a very strong vision for the game world, and who I like and want to work with. From there, if the game line exists in the main book and some Stretch Goals, that’s cool. We made the thing and with the magic of the eternal shelf on DTRPG, that’s all it needs to be a success in my thinking.

If the line keeps gathering interest, we’ll try out more projects if the creator is cool with that. That’s the key, we don’t do anything if they aren’t OK with it.

For Cavaliers of Mars, we have just got the books selling into stores, and we’re going to see how things go. If you haven’t heard Rose talk about Cavs on the Onyx Pathcast interview that went live last Friday, it’s a great listen, and she gives advice on how to get started with Cavs as a bonus!

Here is the link to that: https://onyxpathcast.podbean.com/e/episode-29-rose-on-mars/

Roll of Good Dogs and Cats art by Shen Fei

Realms of Pugmire is the umbrella brand for Pugmire and Monarchies of Mau projects, and we still have a wide range of projects that came out of both Kickstarters. Here’s Eddy interviewed at PAX Unplugged by Gamerati: https://twitter.com/gamerati/status/1070095836233646081

I currently have two creators talking to me about teaming up for their projects, and again, I’m pretty good with our current slate here, but if the opportunity suggests itself I am open to adding more.

#3- Licensed games:

Which of course start with our WW-owned World of Darkness, Chronicles of Darkness, and Exalted gamelines, but which also include Dystopia Rising: Evolution, and Legendlore.

No doubt about it, this has been a challenging year with our White Wolf licenses. To give you an idea of the complexity, Matthew’s oversight is primarily “just” the WoD projects, and Dixie covers CofD and Exalted. Eddy covers all the rest, with Matt overseeing a bunch of our fiction projects.

The transition to Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition, and getting Mage, Wraith, and Changeling 20th projects to final stages at the same time was a huge effort, but seeing the success of the V5 Chicago By Night Kickstarter has justified it. We felt it to be important for Onyx Path to be able to show what we could do with V5 books, as we had a few pundits insist we could only do “old” Vampire.

Chicago By Night put the stake in that!

We’re moving along really well on Exalted 3rd projects as well, with Dragon-Blooded looking to release its Backer PDF several months before estimate, and Lunars looking good for having its complete text ready for an early 2019 Kickstarter. Meanwhile, there have been monthly PDF releases all year, and smaller EX3 books working their way through the production progress list.

I can’t say enough good things about the entire EX3 creative team, and I’ve just been impressed as hell with co-developers Robert Vance and Eric Minton. They work with their writing teams and with Dixie to maintain their vision for the line while incorporating the creativity of the team.

The Chronicles of Darkness game lines continue to come on line in terms getting their projects finished up in reasonable time frames, and Dixie is still working with the creative teams to emphasize their strengths, and bolster the areas that give them trouble. We’ve had some real movement VtR2, and the Night Horrors books, and then Mage2 is getting back on track as well.

As you can see in the project progress list below, we have some fantastic WW game line projects already rolling into next year, and a bunch of pitches at WW we are waiting to hear back on.

We ran the Dystopia Rising: Evolution Kickstarter this last year, and it was enough to seed several added projects as Stretch Goals to the line. I don’t think we actually reached as many of DR‘s fans as we could have, judging by the comments we’ve received after the KS was done, so it will be interesting to see how sales go once it is in stores.

We picked up this license for a few reasons. First, DR‘s top folk, Michael and Ashley, are extremely smart and creative folks who have innovated a lot in the LARP area, and we like people who can teach us stuff. Second, a new kind of zombie mythos that we, the horror “experts” hadn’t had a chance to play with.

Third: zombies meet Mad Max. Love that woohoo concept. Finally, and really most importantly, it gave us a chance to try the Storypath System in a world that was both grittier and more horrific than baseline Scion or Trinity Continuum. This was really important, and from I’ve heard it works really well for this sort of genre.

For Legendlore, well, apply what I’ve been saying about finding licenses that we can apply our aesthetics to, not visual aesthetics as we’re flexible about those, but design and thematic ones. For now, I’ll leave it at that, as the book has just appeared in the project process queue, and we’ll say a lot more about it next year.

Will we be adding more licenses this year? Well, discussions continue on several properties, so we’ll see. Basically, a license has to be either one that we feel we can create compelling worlds from, even if it is an already existing game, and that works well with our publishing model, or that pays us oodles of cash for very little work (riiiight, and if you find one of those, let me know!).

Trinity Continuum Core art by Pat McEvoy

We’re thrilled to be able to publish so many immersive worlds where players can find deep meaning in their game play. That’s a testament to the amazing writing and visuals that take us to all these places, and to an in-house team that has filled-in, rejuvenated, cajoled, encouraged, and relentlessly supported our out-of-house creative teams.

Mighty Matt and Mirthful Mike, and our trio of Dixie, Matthew, and Eddy, have pushed, prodded, pleaded, and practically puked to get our vast array of projects finished with love and care this whole year, and their efforts are paying off big time as noted above!

In fact, you can listen to the Terrific Trio every Friday on the Onyx Pathcast and often get some clues as to where the projects they are responsible for are headed, and the sorts of challenges they surmount every week.

This Friday, they flash back to the conventions we attended a couple of weeks ago and tell each other about their favorite characters!

Truly, this post has been all about our:

Many Worlds, One Path!

BLURBS!

KICKSTARTER:

Next up, we’re working on the Kickstarter for They Came From Beneath the Sea! (TCFBtS!), which has some very different additions to the Storypath mechanics we’ll be explaining during the KS.  They take an excellent 50’s action and investigation genre game and turn it to 11!

Check out the teaser above!

Looking to start on Dec 18th at 1pm EST but run it extra long into January!

ELECTRONIC GAMING:

As we find ways to enable our community to more easily play our games, the Onyx Dice Rolling App is now live! Our dev team has been doing updates since we launched based on the excellent use-case comments by our community, and this thing is both rolling and rocking!

ON AMAZON AND BARNES & NOBLE:

You can now read our fiction from the comfort and convenience of your Kindle (from Amazon) and Nook (from Barnes & Noble).

If you enjoy these or any other of our books, please help us by writing reviews on the site of the sales venue you bought it from. Reviews really, really help us with getting folks interested in our amazing fiction!

Our selection includes these fiction books:

OUR SALES PARTNERS:

We’re working with Studio2 to get Pugmire out into stores, as well as to individuals through their online store. You can pick up the traditionally printed main book, the Screen, and the official Pugmire dice through our friends there!

https://ift.tt/2w0aaEW

And we’ve added Prince’s Gambit to our Studio2 catalog: https://studio2publishing.com/products/prince-s-gambit-card-game

Looking for our Deluxe or Prestige Edition books? Try this link! http://www.indiepressrevolution.com/xcart/Onyx-Path-Publishing/

Here’s the link to the press release we put out about how Onyx Path is now selling through Indie Press Revolution: http://theonyxpath.com/press-release-onyx-path-limited-editions-now-available-through-indie-press-revolution/

And you can now order Pugmire: the book, the screen, and the dice! http://www.indiepressrevolution.com/xcart/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=296

DRIVETHRURPG.COM:

This week, in celebration of both Monarchies of Mau and Cavaliers of Mars being live for retailers in Studio2, we have new themed merchandise on our RedBubble store: postcards and mugs and all sorts of stuff!

CONVENTIONS

Start getting ready for our appearance at MidWinter this January in Milwaukee! So many demos, playtests, secret playtests, and Onyx Path Q&As you could plotz!

And now, the new project status updates!

DEVELOPMENT STATUS FROM FAST EDDY WEBB (projects in bold have changed status since last week):

First Draft (The first phase of a project that is about the work being done by writers, not dev prep)

C20 Novel (Jackie Cassada) (Changeling: the Dreaming 20th Anniversary Edition)

M20 The Technocracy Reloaded (Mage: the Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition)

M20 Victorian Mage (Mage: the Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition)

City of the Towered Tombs (Cavaliers of Mars)

Mummy: The Curse 2nd Edition core rulebook (Mummy: The Curse 2nd Edition)

Scion Jumpstart (Scion 2nd Edition)

Geist2e Fiction Anthology (Geist: The Sin-Eaters 2nd Edition)

Pirates of Pugmire (Realms of Pugmire)

Distant Worlds (Trinity Continuum: Aeon)

Dragon-Blooded Novella #1 (Exalted 3rd Edition)

Across the Eight Directions (Exalted 3rd Edition)

Exalted Essay Collection (Exalted)

Legendlore core book (Legendlore)

Creatures of the World Bestiary (Scion 2nd Edition)

Redlines

Deviant: The Renegades (Deviant: The Renegades)

Witch-Queen of the Shadowed Citadel (Cavaliers of Mars)

Scion Companion: Mysteries of the World (Scion 2nd Edition)

Memento Mori: the GtSE 2e Companion (Geist: The Sin-Eaters 2nd Edition)

Second Draft

Tales of Good Dogs – Pugmire Fiction Anthology (Pugmire)

Night Horrors: Nameless and Accursed (Mage: the Awakening Second Edition)

Heirs to the Shogunate (Exalted 3rd Edition)

Scion Ready Made Characters (Scion 2nd Edition)

Development

Hunter: the Vigil 2e core (Hunter: the Vigil 2nd Edition)

CofD Contagion Chronicle (Chronicles of Darkness)

Lunars: Fangs at the Gate (Exalted 3rd Edition)

WoD Ghost Hunters (World of Darkness)

Oak, Ash, and Thorn: Changeling: The Lost 2nd Companion (Changeling: The Lost 2nd)

CofD Dark Eras 2 (Chronicles of Darkness)

Manuscript Approval:

Wr20 Book of Oblivion (Wraith: The Oblivion 20th Anniversary Edition)

Trinity Continuum: Aberrant core (Trinity Continuum: Aberrant)

Editing:

Signs of Sorcery (Mage: the Awakening Second Edition)

Aeon Aexpansion (Trinity Continuum: Aeon)

Dystopia Rising: Evolution (Dystopia Rising: Evolution)

M20 Book of the Fallen (Mage: the Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition)

Adventures for Curious Cats (Monarchies of Mau)

In Media Res (Trinity Continuum: Core)

Tales of Excellent Cats (Monarchies of Mau)

V5 Chicago By Night (Vampire: The Masquerade)

Spilled Blood (Vampire: The Requiem 2nd Edition)

Night Horrors: Shunned by the Moon (Werewolf: The Forsaken 2nd Edition)

Post-Editing Development:

C20 Players’ Guide (Changeling: the Dreaming 20th Anniversary Edition)

Indexing:

ART DIRECTION FROM MIRTHFUL MIKE:

In Art Direction

Dystopia Rising: Evolution – Finals coming in.

Geist 2e

The Realm 

Ex3 Monthly Stuff

Chicago By Night – Contracting next bits.

C20 Player’s Guide – Still sketches and more sketches.

Aeon Aexpansion

They Came From Beneath the Sea! – KS prep.

EX3 Lunars – Sketches coming in, some finals already.

Signs of Sorcery

In Media Res

Marketing Stuff

In Layout

Ex3 Dragon Blooded – 2nd proof.

Ex Novel 2 (Aaron Rosenberg) 

Proofing

Scion Hero – Page XXs and then Indexing.

Scion Origin – Page XXs and then Indexing.

CtL2 Jumpstart – At WW for approval.

M20: Gods and Monsters – With Phil.

Pugmire Roll of Good Dogs and Cats

Trinity Core – Waiting for errata from Backer PDF.

Trinity Aeon – Waiting for errata from Backer PDF.

At Press

Wraith 20th – Waiting for new cover proof. Everything else good to go though.

Wraith 20 Screen – Printing.

Scion Dice – At Studio2.

Lost 2e Screen – Printing.

Scion Screen – Printing.

Changeling: The Lost 2e – Soon shipping from printer to shipper. PoD proof ordered.

Fetch Quest – Proof sent back to manufacturer, printing starting.

Exalted 3rd Novel – Prepping for release.

PtC Tormented – PoD proof ordered.

TODAY’S REASON TO CELEBRATE: 

It’s 7th Sea creator John Wick’s birthday today. I’m sure he doesn’t feel a day older than YARRR!

[divine-ruin]

The Shepherd to his flock.

Warning: Lots of swearing, sex inference, drinking, and an asshole named Declan Nicholaides (LOL).

Out on the boat, Declan had been sitting with this soon to be sons-in-law, one on either side of him as his own son Edrian was taking inventory of all their equipment before settling himself down on the sail home before the shipwheel.  Declan's brothers, Ivar and Reese, along with Cyren's father Ivers had accompanied them that day as well; it had been a day of learning and reflection for all.  Beer in hand, the elder Nicholaides leaned back on the bench that overlooked the water after they had all had a "bond dive" earlier in the day.  Still in his wetsuit, Declan downed the beer, only to stand, lean over the bench's back, and pour himself a crystal glass of bourbon.  He offered one to both Cav and Cyren, Cav taking one but Cyren only taking a bottle of the beer that was offered shortly after, his own son taking both into his hand and halfway chugging down the bottle of beer in the first gulp.

"Boys, you two are about to be family.  With that commitment comes the responsibility of being a part of the business, and Ian’s gonna need help from the both o’ yas.  I gotta apologize because the aristrocratic, fucktarded system we got in Ishgard ain't somethin' that did my family justice so we had ta come ta Limsa Lominsa.  Those two girls in your lives deserve better 'n the horseshit that I see walkin’ ‘round like they was the cock o’ the walk, very much like Abel.  So, wit’ that bein’ said, I need you boys to make me a promise," Declan stated matter of factly as he took a long puff from his cigar, only to chase the exhalation down with a swift drink of the glass in his hand.

"I need y'all to promise me that you're gonna stand by the family no matter what shit hits the fan, and I mean that, if the powers that be ever give y'all shit, you stand your ground.  You don't let my girls fall into the hands of bloodthirsty bureaucratic bullshit that'll getcha all in trouble.  One of the biggest bitches I have towards all we’ve done is that there’s so much shit goin’ on around us.  People who wanna see us fail and fall flat on our asses.  I don’t wanna repeat of the Abel bullshit.  Even with our own soldiers, some of them get so needy on my girls for fuckin’ ever’thin’, even so much as a papercut and I see how it overwhelms ‘em at times.  Cav, I know Iria tolerates it because she feels she has to but don't let that weight fall on her shoulders.  That girl is sweet as pie and doesn't know how to say 'no' to people.  You gotta tell 'em for her.  I'm relyin' on you to keep her sane, boy.  I know you'll do well because I know how much you love her," Declan pointed out.  "Som'thin' else...that loud ass comment that came down the hall the other day?  The one where I found out you 'n' Iria was expectin' twins?  Hot damn!  I was the idiot runnin' up and down the hall holler'n' 'my lad's boys c'n fuckin' swim!'  Two grandkids fer the price o' one?  Halone's cold fuckin' tits, boy.  Ya done me proud."

Laughter erupted on the boat after Declan's comment, Cav seeming to blush a little in embarrassment for how usually reserved he was, even in front of his father-in-law.

"Indeed, sir.  Both Iria and the twins.  I'll help Ian always when he needs it.  No doubt he has everything under control but I think he will also need to be willing to let me step up and help,” Cav narrowed his crimson eyes at his brother in law with a big knowing smirk.  Maybe in a couple of years, I --" Cav was immediately interrupted by Declan.

"That's somethin' you gotta stand your ground on too, son.  I really appreciate you takin’ the Nicholaides name and, because you’s a Nicholaides, ya gotta put yer foot down there, too.  Help Ian even if he’s an ass about it…or even turns into a fuckin’ titty baby.”  Declan grinned wolfishly with his cigar sticking out between his teeth as his aquamarine gaze narrowed in on his son.  Turning back to Cavero, he continued, “But I expect you 'n' Iria ‘re gonna have more children of your own.   Iria's just tryin' ta make sure that the bloodline don't die and you two have my blessin's for that," Declan stated, giving Ian another hard stare.  "That one’s not gonna have children before I die," he said pointedly at his son before Ian gave him the finger with a mean smile while steering the ship home.  “Yeah…fuck you too.  Don’t want them around your bullshit to corrupt ‘em like you’re planning with Iria and Cav’s.”

Cav shook his head, laughing heavily.  "Well, Ian knows I’ll do what’s necessary but only when asked.  I will do my best to offer aid when I feel it’s necessary, but I want to leave nothing open for interpretation because you know what assuming does," Cav joked with a smirk.

Declan and Cyren laughed.  "Yeah, don't wanna be makin' an ass outta yourself too soon.  Good call, son," Declan smiled as he clasped Cav on the back gently.  It was then he turned to Cyren.  "Now you..." he reached over to ruffle the younger man's hair.  "Had I another boy like you, I'd of been one blessed papa," he kidded as he pat Cyren on the back.

"You are about to be Mr. Ada Nicholaides," the older man joked with a deep, hearty laugh.  "But in all seriousness, you have done so much for my daughter and I cannot thank you enough.  I had no reservations when I first met you, but then again that was also the day you were born, so I know my judgments were right on the money," he said as he took another drink.  "Your parents must be real proud o' ya, Cyren.  I am honored for you to be comin' inta my fold."

Cyren grinned at that comment.  "Well, it was Ada who chose -me-, technically.  She could've had anyone in the world, but yet she chose me, and our life has been so enriched.  Unfortunately, we're going to take it a bit slow when it comes to children.  She told me about her issue, Lord Nichol --"

Declan ruffled his hair again playfully.  "Don't you fuckin' dare, boy.  It's either Declan or Dad.  Yer gonna be my son, soon.  If you can't call me by either, then you just turn around and say 'Hey old fart' like their uncle Ivar calls me.  If you boys are gonna survive in this family, these formalities gotta die, y'know?  It just makes shit...awkward," he laughed as he took another inhalation from his cigar.  Cyren's father, Lord Iversseaux Beausejour, chuckled himself and raised his beer bottle in cheers to the elder Lord Nicholaides.  "Yer daddy already knows how I feel 'bout that shit, son."

Cyren shook his head as he chuckled.  "Alright -Dad-...I'll be sure to remember that.  One thing we need to take care of though is getting Ada ready to learn to swim.  I think she's got the hang of the gist of it.  She wants to visit some beaches and I want her to be ready to swim in them if she wants," he shrugged.  Declan sighed heavily.  "Ayup, but she's gotta have the want to learn, bub.  If she doesn't, then she's gonna be missin' out on a lot.  Encourage her as much as you can, I know she'll listen to you."

As Declan looked out over the railing at the water and the stars illuminated the night sky, he turned to look at the two young men beside him.  "You both will make fine pillars for this family.  I am looking forward to the days when you both actually become my sons, not just Cav.  It was a wonderful day, but my boys ‘re gonna make a difference in this family."

(( @zhauric and Cavero, @whispering-dawn for mentions.))

[noexit-ff]

52. Part 2

Chris pulled a face at me “beer is nasty, you can keep that” he said as he placed his drink down at the side of him “you’re boring, beer is not even that bad. I mean if we really about to get it then we need to get that Hennessy out” Chris licked his lips staring at my face “we are going to finish watching this game first, you’re not getting me to leave” I scoffed drinking the beer Chris got me, I want to leave and he won’t and this game won’t stop “how much is left? Aren’t we on the third, when is it finishing?” Chris shook his head staring ahead of him, he is ignoring me now “I can see into the future and the Cavs win, there you go. Let’s just leave” Chris chuckled and passed me the popcorn “put that in your mouth” side eyeing Chris taking the popcorn from him, placing my drink at the side of me. I guess I better sit my ass down and eat this popcorn, he is not moving until the game is done. Stuffing my mouth with popcorn while pouting, Chris screamed out laughing pointing at the big screen. Looking up seeing my face, Chris pointed laughing at me. My mouth still full of popcorn I can’t even cuss him out either, grabbing a hand full of popcorn and throwing it at him. The shame, how long was they watching me self loathing and eating like that. I feel like everyone is laughing at me now, swallowing down the popcorn “I hate you, shut up” Chris cannot stop laughing “nobody told you to sit there pouting and eat a whole hand full of popcorn, you just mad I won’t leave” waving him off, he is annoying.

I won’t be eating popcorn for a while now, I am watching these assholes because the camera seems to come to us a lot and like clockwork it did again. Turning my head away “can the game just end now” I said to myself because clearly I ain’t speaking to Chris, this is all over dick and I don’t care “you mad son? Are you still mad?” Chris said as he cooed out hugging me “get off, don’t touch me. I don’t even want you too kiss me, just give me the dick and I am done” pushing at his chest, Chris finds this hilarious but I don’t “are you done?” Chris said not moving away from me “no, I have just started” he thinks it’s a joke when it’s not, he moved away from me “you mad over dick, you crazy” fixing my hair, his annoying ass messing up my hair. Leaning forward with him, snaking my hand just under his arm “what did you call me?” I grabbed his crotch, Chris closed his legs on my hand “yoooo, we in public stop it” he is saying it like I care “you called me crazy, this is what crazy does” pulling my hand away “ok, I love you and you’re not crazy. You’re just passionate about dick, just let’s watch this last part and we can go” Chris placed his arm around me “I promise” he pressed a kiss to the side of my face “hey Rihanna” I know that voice, looking up at Drake “Aubrey, hi” his team were quick to move him along “Jewish motherfucker” Chris said mumbled out “stop it” resting my head on his shoulder.

Honestly, I am not even mad because I know once I get home I am getting sex. Chris pulled me along as we left “y’all can go, we ain’t picking up Junior” Chris said to Rich and Frank “we going home” Frank grinned at us both “well Rihanna molested you at the game, we all saw” placing my free hand over my face “she ain’t ashamed, she is just acting it” Chris said, hitting his shoulder “ignore him, he will get his. Revenge will be sweet” Chris keeps on laughing like I won’t get my revenge on him for laughing at me and then taking his time “yeah, yeah. Does Jen know she is keeping Junior? Or shall I drive there and save my son” Chris let my hand go unlocking the car door “she knows, you drive there I won’t forgive you. I swear to god Chris, I will divorce for the lack of sex” Chris pulled open the car door “and I get it, just get your ass in the car. I opened the door for you” side eyeing him walking over to the car “lack of sex, acting like I don’t dick you down on the regular. You just addicted that to this dick, it’s ok” he is so full of himself.

A big sigh left my lips “what’s wrong big mouth? You all pouty and shit” looking out of the car window “I don’t feel like having sex now” Chris snorted laughing “don’t give me that, you just got a face on with me because I wouldn’t leave. I wanted to watch the game and so did the people at the side of us, all they heard from your mouth was dick, dick, dick, sex” glaring at him “then you molested me, you know I am sensitive about that shit” I gasped, hitting his arm “stop it, it’s not a joke” he is so silly making a joke of it “well you make me laugh, you make me happy. Today I have had fun, thank you” I cooed out “it’s ok, I never changed on you. You just changed on me for no reason, all those times you left me there horny. You missed out and I had to pleasure myself” I said like it was the saddest story of my life “how did you do that? Was it a bit like this” he tiptoed his fingers up my knee to my mid-thigh, looking up at him “a little higher” Chris bit his bottom lip with a mischievous grin on his face, the grin I like to see because he is about to bless my walls.

I squeezed my legs together “hands on the wheel sir, and eyes on the road” I said raising my eyebrows, Chris moved his hand and looked back on the road. We fell into silence with Chris glancing over at me “you owe me head in the car” he said, I shifted my position in my seat, crossing my legs. Letting the Lakers jersey ride up even more “do you know you have the worlds best legs, I’d happily let you choke me with your thighs” with a smirk to my face I cleared my throat “get a grip, you deserve to suffer like I have. Good, I am glad a little skin is getting you hot” Chris swallowed hard “you wouldn’t do that, I think I am going to go all night. We doing that” I can’t wait to get back to the house, looking over at Chris “you keep staring at me like that and not looking at the road, both of us ain’t making it back home” Chris refocused back on the road “we should just pull over, I need to bust a nut” look at him, he is a mess.

Looking over at Chris’ lap “seems like your dick came out to play” he is turned on so easily, a little leg and that was it “would you like it if I help you with that?” placing my hand on his thigh “well I would yes, you owe me” I am contemplating on whether I should and let him suffer so he can fuck me so hard, I gently massaged his upper leg “or I could leave you backed up, I want you to feel so good inside of me so I think I may need to leave you like this” Chris shook his head “that is evil as fuck, don’t do me like that” he’s funny, now he wants me. I was going to let him suffer but then I am just asking for him to get me back, he always does that. Unzipping his jeans and popping open the button, licking my top lip pushing his boxers back “nice to know you always keep up with the grooming here” I began to stroke him “you know, I am actually hungry. I want food, shall we have food?” I spoke about food while I stroked his member with the most slow and painful handjob “I think I want some steak” Chris breathed out “or you could cook for me before we have sex?” I moved my hand back before licking my palms and went back to his member, gliding my hand down his member and slowly back up.

His eyes are fixed straight ahead, Chris clenched his jaw as I stroked him more “are you ignoring me?” tightening my grip around his member, my thumb swiped the head of his dick on the stoke up, Chris gasped “with your hand around my dick, I don’t know what you are saying” squinting my eyes at him “then I might need to stop” moving my hand back, the car jerked to the left “what are you doing!?” he spat, he is such a mess “stop it, don’t leave me hanging” I love having the power “there is a special word you say when you want something?” Chris is now pouting his lips “please?” he said hoping for the best.

That is all he had to say, looking ahead of us at the highway “don’t kill us both” I said moving in the seat, my body over the middle panel. Pushing his hoodie back a little and wrapped my mouth around his member “oh yes” I sucked my my way up slowly to the underbelly of his dick, flicked my tongue across his length, he gasped, feeling his hand on the back of my head. Sucking on his tip as I stroked his member, pushing my head down his member and sucked hard, my hand on his balls. His length hitting the back of my throat but my gag reflex has seemed to have disappeared, I was not gagging today. Moving my head back a little and stroked his member “shit Robyn” this is what I want, I want to have the power while he squirms “come on baby” not stopping my hand movement and placing my mouth over his member, I won’t be missing a single drop when he cums.

Once inside the home Chris slammed the door shut and attacked my lips, we have barely got inside and he is already attacking my lips. He pressed me up against the door, moaning against his lips “god you’re so fucking sexy” he groaned out saying, moving his head to my neck and attacking my neck with kisses, rubbing himself against me. Panting out, I am a mess already and we have not done anything, his touch alone gets me. Chris moved his head back and I opened my eyes to look at his “I have missed your body, oh god” he kissed my lips roughly, smiling against his lips “come on, let me carry you Mrs Brown. We making love today, no rough sex” my eyes widened and before I could say anything he swept me off of my feet and carried me “I just need my wedding dress on and it will feel like my wedding night” placing my arms around his neck.

I bit down on my bottom lip as Chris placed me down in the bedroom, now he said make love I am feeling ever so shy. Chris started swaying around me “I wanna make love, yeah” he started singing “I wanna make love to you baby, that's all I wanna do. oh girl, I can't get enough” Chris stepped closer to me “of loving you baby” now I feel emotional “I love you so much Chris, no matter what I never regretted loving you” Chris wrapped his arms around me “and I owe you so much of me, for riding it out. For making me a father, husband and most of all for listening to me and for holding me down through it all. It never got unnoticed, it’s noticed and it’s in my heart” my heart skipped a beat but before I could respond his tongue ran across the seam of my mouth, his hands moved to my ass. I pushed myself into his body, causing him to groan out. Our tongues duelled, fighting for dominance as our hands explored each other's bodies. Chris held my face in his hands, pulling me away from him to stare into my eyes. I couldn’t help but look down, Chris looking into my eyes is like he is looking into my soul and I can never deal when he does stare into my eyes “I’ve only made love to one person and that is you, always has been. I thank you so much” Chris pressed kisses against my face.

Chris grabbed both of my wrists and held them behind my back. Feeling him brush one of his fingers over my panties, it’s been a while since he has touched me there, he kissed just below my ear “let me” one finger slipped under my panties, I was more than ready for him. He plunged one finger into me, earning a gasp in his grip. I am slick and tight, ready for everything that is planned. He released my wrists, my hands immediately coming to rest on his shoulders. My panties swiftly being dragged down my legs and he lifted me up and placed me down in the centre of the bed. I know he is not wasting any time, I am wanting him so bad. He parted my thighs, he looked up at me and then down at me before swiping his tongue over my spot “oh yes!!” I writhed against the bed sheets, grabbing a fistful of Chris’ hair wanting him to delve deeper with his tongue. But Chris had other plans, he kissed the inside of my thigh before nibbling slightly, I can feel a smirk against my skin.

He captured my lips in a passionate kiss, I matched his passion with every fibre of me. He was all consuming, I am his. Feeling his member delve inside me, he thrust deep into me, my hands moved to cup his face as his lips assaulted mine. His long and powerful strokes were making my body tremble already, Chris being ever so careful and slow with his strokes which is driving me crazy. I tried to match him stroke for stroke, I wrapped one leg around his hip, my nails dug into his shoulders as my hands slipped from his face. The room is filled with sounds of our love making, moaning and panting. Opening my eyes and Chris is just staring down at me, a low moan left my lips as he continued his long and slow strokes. Chris staring down at me with such lust is turning me on so much, tightening around his member. My body feels like it’s on fire right now, Chris lowered his head catching my lips with his. I moaned out against his lips, it’s been so long since I have had his dick inside of me.

I screamed and cursed as my body trembled, Chris was still relentlessly driving into me. My breathing became ragged, I opened my legs further letting him drive deeper and that was all it took. Chris’ muscles tensed “oh shit!” he hissed out as he spilled himself deep inside of me, his thrusts coming to a complete stop as he tried to catch his breath. Chris staring down at me like this is such a turn on for me, it’s so full of lust. Reaching my hand up, my thumb just grazing over his lips. He pressed a kiss to my thumb “it feels like our wedding night but it didn’t go like this” touching his cheek smiling “that felt so good, intense” Chris pulled out of me “turn that ass around now, breezy is back” licking my lips laughing to myself, he is something else.

Chris spread my legs wider, and arched my ass up a little more “perfect, that perfect booty” running his hands around my ass and then he gripped my cheeks, squeezing it hard. I moaned softly into the sheets when he spread my ass and then let go “stop playing” I said shaking my ass in the air, I spoke to soon as I felt the tip of his dick tease my opening “you better keep still for this one” he told me, I clenched my eyes closed when he stroked inside of me, stretching my walls to accommodate his size. He Pulled out and then back into me again before gripping the back of my neck tightly, he pushed my face into the bed, plunging into me, long and hard “oh my god, fuck me!” I spat, this feels so good. I threw my head back screaming loudly.

Holding the bed sheet around my body, I have honestly missed seeing Chris walk around naked with his dick slanging everywhere. Shuffling back against the headboard, Chris stood at the side of the bed “blunt break” he said as he lit the blunt “see how life could be like without a child, babies ruin a lot” he’s got a point, we can be ourselves more. Chris crawled over to me on the bed, he rested his head on my lap and blew the smoke out “but it’s different without him, I miss him. He’s so cheeky, he knows it too” taking the blunt from Chris “you right though, he does know when he is doing something wrong. He looks at you like yeah I am doing that and what. He is the next best thing besides you” letting the bed sheet go from around my chest “but your boobs come before that” looking down at Chris blowing the smoke in his face “mhmmm I heard a little something, I heard you invited my family for Christmas?” Chris thought I didn’t know, placing the blunt between my lips “I did, I just want to have a big Christmas full of family and love. I don’t get that much, I was acting stupid about the whole Barbados thing. I wish Lionel was my dad, he’s such a dope guy. He understands, when the whole thing happened and I spoke to him, I thought oh no. I hurt his granddaughter, but he didn’t say a word. He just said to me you have a lot going on and who am I to add to that, I never got that male figure to tell me where I am going wrong so I wish he was” that is so sweet for him to say that “after this with Ethan I just want to move on, people that have hurt me I forgive. I don’t want to hold on to it anymore, I held onto something that happened to me because I had too, I didn’t have nobody to tell me it was ok to cry and that it was ok, men get abused too” touching the side of his face “but I am, I am going to forgive. That includes my dad, I don’t want to hold on to it anymore but that does not mean I have to be in his life” nodding my head, placing the blunt between his lips “I get it, you’re freeing your heart and you should Chris. You deserve to be free from the pain that was caused by your past, I love you Chris and today, tonight has been the best. Thank you” I don’t deserve him.

[iheartmoosiq]

I HEART MOOSIQ interview : HANDSOME GHOST

We’ve been in love with Los Angeles based indie duo Handsome Ghost for the past several years (revisit some of our past features, here). The pair has liquefied our hearts to no end with their music, which they sometimes describe as “indie-prom”, likely due to the bittersweet nostalgia and dreamy romanticism that oozes from its luscious folds. We’re thrilled that Handsome Ghost is currently on tour for their debut album, Welcome Back. IHM chatted with the dashing duo ahead of their show this Saturday, June 2, at Café Du Nord in San Francisco. Check out our interview below. Don’t miss out on Handsome Ghost’s tour! We’re also GIVING AWAY A PAIR OF TICKETS for their SF show on Twitter! Just head over to Twitter, here, and retweet for a chance at winning, winner announced Friday morning!

I Heart Moosiq: First off, I gotta ask, Handsome Ghost… How’d you come up with a brilliant name that matches the beautifully haunting sound of your music?

Handsome Ghost: Well, thank you. The band name came about back when I was using really heavy effects on my vocals. Ghostly vocals, if you will. The handsome part started as a joke and ended up sticking. I named the band when I was pretty confident that Handsome Ghost would never actually be a "real" band...but I'm happy with the name, I feel like it fits.

IHM: Tim, I read somewhere that growing up Postal Service was a big influence on you.  If you could pick one song to describe you or as your anthem, which song would it be?

Handsome Ghost: Yeah, absolutely. Both The Postal Service and Death Cab For Cutie, basically Ben Gibbard's songwriting, were huge influences for me as I was starting to learn how to make music. The first Postal Service song I heard was "The District Sleeps Alone Tonight" and I remember being completely blown away. The build throughout the song, the fact that it doesn't follow a traditional strong structure. And at that point those sounds and tones were so innovative, not to mention how perfect the lyrics are. That whole album really moved me, but I'll pick that song because it's the one that introduced me to the band. 

IHM: Eddie, I read that you were really into Taking Back Sunday. So same question to you - If you could pick one song to describe you or as your anthem, which song would it be?

Handsome Ghost: I still listen to a bunch of those songs from my pop-punk days. I have a playlist for when I'm driving on tour with everyone else asleep. Just the hits (they're all hits). I'd probably say "Cute Without The E"... So emotional. So so emotional. 

IHM: How did you guys first decide to do an Acoustic album and secondly how did you guys narrow it down to those 6 tracks?

Handsome Ghost: Welcome Back took so long to get to where it ended up, but I feel like songs can sometimes be living things. I love how the songs are arranged on the album, but we wanted to offer kinda a companion piece to the album. Maybe hearing the songs differently gives them a new meaning? We chose each of the six songs for different reasons. Some were arranged so differently compared to how Tim originally wrote them ("Shallow City" and "Here's To Endings"), some were really important songs that we felt deserved a little emphasis. "Soft" we had done for the record but it didn't quite fit. But we love the song and lyrically really fit the story of the album. 

IHM: This is your first full-length album, but I’m surprised to hear you already put out two EPs over the last several years. Do you look back on those EPs and wish you would have done something differently with the sound or lyrics? Or even something as simple as the process of making those EPs. I think what I’m asking is have you guys refined the developmental process or each EP / Album / Song it’s own journey?

Handsome Ghost: I definitely look back and wish I had done some things differently on those two EPs, sure. I'm proud of them both, and I think they represent where I was at those moments in time, but I feel like we're better now than we were back then. At the same time, I think there's an innocence or a naivety there, especially on that first EP, that is pretty special. I don't listen to my own music (because it feels very awkward) but I know there are some little things on that first EP that I'd probably change now that give it a little charm, if that makes sense. But we're always trying to get better, and if we're lucky enough to make another album, I'll probably feel the same way about Welcome Back. 

IHM: If I was a performer I think my favorite song to perform would be one that the audience sings back or the one that blew up. Which song is your favorite to perform that people don’t know so well yet?

Handsome Ghost: Hah yes! It's always cool to hear people singing along. Sometimes you hear someone singing and it's like "daaaaaaammmmnnn....!" I really love playing "Creatures." It's the last song on the album, and one that I think you kinda have to pay attention to. Playing it live is fun and it's also nice to kinda force people to listen to it. hahah. Hopefully it makes people revisit it on the album.  

IHM: I see that you guys have performed at some East Coast Festivals like Firefly. Is there any festival or location that you would consider a dream place to play?

Handsome Ghost: As a young man I saw a video of Dave Matthews Band playing at Red Rocks. That's a venue that I would just be happy to see some day. So beautiful.

IHM: Handsome Ghost is from Boston. Here we’re big Warrior fans. We’re actually surprised how far the Celtics have come in the playoffs. Do Celtics fans feel like if they had Kyrie and Gordon Hayward this year that they would be title favorites?

Handsome Ghost: Okay, I have a lot to say about this but I will try my best to keep it brief. I absolutely adore this Celtics team as it's currently constituted. They just play so hard, they're so fun to root for. Even with all the injuries, here they are giving the Cavs (Lebron is my nemesis) a run for their money. That said: Even with a healthy Kyrie and Gordon, I think the Warriors are still the favorites. Even if you play perfect basketball, if the Warriors shoot well they're going to win. They're just dream crushers, what can you say. If it ends up being Celtics/Warriors this year I still think my boys are going to make GS work really hard for it.

IHM: We’re looking forward to your show at Café Du Nord and years of meeting your Celtics in The Finals.

Handsome Ghost: Thanks! Excited for San Francisco. Such a beautiful city.

Thanks for chatting with us, Handsome Ghost! So sorry the Warriors and Celtics won’t be meeting in The Finals after all, maybe next year! 

Listen to debut album Welcome Back:

For the rest of Handsome Ghost’s Welcome Back tour dates, click here.

Handsome Ghost: Website / Facebook / Soundcloud / YouTube / Twitter

[martinlawless]

National Masters Circuit Race Championship 2021. Age Category 45-49 Race.

British Cycling, National A Race E1234 Leicester Cycle Circuit Sunday 4 July 2021

The National Masters Circuit Race Championships… a chance to win a proper National jersey for the year as recognition by British Cycling. There are separate category races in 5-year bands from 30+. Men and Women.

This year is my last in the 45-49 year band. Everyone’s UCI birthday is 1st Jan, so I’ll be 50 next year on the final bong from Big Ben. I did this race two years ago and really enjoyed the event and scene. So I made it a priority to sign up to this one early on and focus in on it.

The race would be on the Leicester Cycle Circuit. I’d never been there before. Turns out to be a very good 1km loop. Tarmac quality excellent and good safe run-offs onto grass (take note Colchester). It’s not technical, really. Though racing makes things technical. A simple circuit means more speed. More speed means more reaction times required on challenges and opportunities that appear in the bunch. And, as ever, the wind and weather makes a virtual hill - turning a stretch into a danger zone that can challenge riders and generate a split. The course is dumbbell shaped, with the northern loop being tighter than the southern one. The northern one rises a bit too.

I set off in the car in very good time. I didn’t have anything to hold back for and get there to see teammate Chris in his 40-44 category race. His field is smaller than ours. Maybe 25 riders. It’s a tough race. Chris goes heroic and into the first break of four from the gun. Hauled in and blitzed, he finds it hard to stick at the back recovering while fresh breaks occur. It’s a reminder to me that in my 75 mins race there will be several attacks. If I find myself in a break, it has to be decisive - or I’m bailing out back to the bunch. I’ll burn up easily otherwise.

I’ve got my crit wheels on. New second-hand Dura-Ace C35 tubular wheels. Ramped up to 110psi just to feel extra bad-ass. Super quick and nippy. I sign in. Pin up. I nearly forget to put on the transponder, which would be a disaster. There’s a good chance of a heavy shower, but it’s warm. So race suit only. Becoming less racy with every wash. Factor 50 suncream. I love my Koo eyewear, but for close-quarters crit stuff, I prefer my “100%” wraparounds that give me brilliant peripheral vision and eyes in the back of my head. I feel like a bit of a doofus Daft Punk wannabe. But - hey, safety first. I do a regular back garden workout. I always add in stretching around the neck and shoulders in simulation of the constant need to look around you in a tight race. I should do pilates and yoga as I get older too.

I have a good little chat with James from Cinnamon-Contour. He’s bandaged up like Roglic having had a crash in the sprint at Hillingdon in one of the rehearsal races last week. I’m impressed he’s back. I also bump into Chris from Verulam. I’m confident he’ll do well. The course suits his atomic finishing sprint power. He finished 3rd in one of the rehearsal races. Other than that, I don’t really know anyone - jut a few of the usual faces and backsides. It’s a good thing: it means the race is bringing in people from all regions - not just the south and east. I hear all sorts of accents. I’m concerned by how fit looking some of these old boys appear!

Our race is the most popular. I’m unsure why, but I have a theory it’s because mid-life crisis is peaking as people get to 50. One last chance to pretend to be Sam Bennett, Cav or Caleb.

This is a proper British Cycling event. The briefing is more stringent than the usual ��rock-up with a banana and go” race. This adds nicely to the drama ahead. It feels significant. Points go down to 15th place. The top-third will score today. I am in a bit of a downward points spiral from my current 2nd Cat licence. The points started late this season - early races were zero-points post-COVID. And now I can’t see where I’ll get them from. I simply can’t find the time or BC events. To be honest though: a gentle relegation into 3rd Category doesn’t bother me at all. I’ll have more options to race.

There’s always something to forget or nearly forget. It’s a gel at the start this time. But I remember in time on the start line. I will have another halfway I reckon. I put my finger on my Wahoo to ensure I don’t forget to start the all-important Strava. We have two neutralised laps behind the car to get used to the bends and we’re released.

It’s a steady start. I expect we are all mostly unfamiliar with the course and each other and just want to walk into this one. Eventually, there’s a break and the peloton cranks up.

In a rather unconventional prep, I’d ridden a Hilly TT the Sunday before, a Zwift crit Monday, a tired chaingang Tuesday. Then did the Fred Whitton loop in the Lake District on Thursday with three friends. I’m unsure 110 miles featuring the toughest ascents in England, three sleeps before a short high energy effort, is in any training manual. After the Fred, I did not turn a pedal. I was unsure where my legs would be. In the first few laps I’m relieved to feel they are fine. A sports massage helped. In fact, I feel good. The Fred had raised my pain threshold it felt. When asked to dig deep, it was no problem.

I’m pleased to be lolling around the top third or so in the bunch. The first break gets a third of a lap gap. But the bunch aren’t really bothered. All the same, there’s always a rider or two getting frustrated about the lack of coherence in hauling them in. The laws of physics prevail, and the first break fizzles out eventually.

I can hear Chris cheer me on each lap which is motivating. I concentrate on my line, holding it, seizing gaps where possible and generally keeping my nose clean. As expected, I don’t feel I can be in a small break. I just need to watch out for a big split. I can feel this isn’t going to happen though after a while.

The wind is a bit tasty. As much as it’s valuable to look at those big flags you get at events for the direction, you can’t beat throwing a bit of grass up in the air before a race for the truth.

It gets tight at times. This Leicester doesn’t feel that wide. I go onto the grass on one lap to avoid a clash. In these situations you don’t panic, just glide back on and everything is all right. I get a good backside push on another lap. No problem. ‘On your left’, ‘On your right’. All the good calls you want in a race. No daft riding here which was appreciated.

A second break is brought in. Then on 37 minutes, the decisive break from Ian, who everyone seemed to fear, was made. He would take another rider with him and the bunch would let him go pretty easily.

The last laps approach and the race dynamic changes. The bunch gets top heavy as people prepare for the sprint. The last few laps are very twitchy. We are wide across the lane and very tight as everyone jostles for the sprint. I find myself in the middle of the bunch at times and hate it: locked in shoulder to shoulder. There’s few oohs and aaahs as riders barge each other. I see one rider barged and he has to unclip to save himself. He skips along the road on foot at 30mph+ and re-clips without losing too much momentum. It’s impressive control regained. I can see Verulam Chris inching forward. I want to keep on his wheel but the way through is blocked. It’s always remarkable how you might have a few laps to make a simple move up a few bike lengths - yet it’s just not doable. Stuck.

Into the final lap and final bend, it’s high speed but I’ve got something extra in the tank to give. I am forced wide if I’m to apply any sprint. This puts me out of the draught, and I lose momentum, but I gain a clean run. My sprint is OK. I can hold a decent effort for 10 seconds, albeit I won’t be strong enough to gain ground. The front of the tight sprint pulls away while I come in just off the back of it but ahead of the string of others behind.

I replay the last moments over and over. It’s hard to see what else I could have done except to maybe find more confidence in my endurance to move up and hold a premium position early on. I eventually scan the data. I’m 21st and ahead of me are many names I know to be strong. I’m happy with that.

I return to the car park and change. I have a good post-race chat with Chris. He has crazy high power and he’ll smash a race soon, with a bit of luck, choosing the right break. I decide to have a peep at the Cat 3-4 race going on after ours. As I rock up, there’s a crash at the most basic point of the course. Four riders down. Three get back up gingerly, one a lot slower. I’m thankful our race ended safe and well. Take out the neutralised laps and our race is well over 27mph average. Dynamic and speedchess-like reactions required at all times.

Tired of sugary things, I crave salt, so stop off at the nearby McDonalds on the way back. The most biblical thunderstorm kicks off in the drive-thru. I wonder what would have happened to our race in such conditions. As I carefully navigate the motorway with Lance Armstrong’s ‘The Move’ on Spotify, I wonder if they black flag circuit races for lightning as we all go around a big open field sat on quite metallic things.

I think about next year’s Masters and take a look at the results for this year’s 50-54 category. I’m slightly disappointed to see names of strong riders I know struggle to reach the points. It’s a useful reminder that it never gets easier - we just get older.

Strava link: https://www.strava.com/activities/5574763935

[saveyourheart13]

So with your latest ask thingy. How about Contact, Chessboard and Wild Card!? (Provided you don't mind doing multiple that is)

Oh, Cav, you know I will never mind having more than one thing to answer! I did a different OC for each one, though, so I hope you didn’t expect them all to be for the same person :P

Neomi Violet:

Contact: How does your OC(s) feel about touch/physical contact? Are they affectionate? If so, how do they display affection to others?

Let’s talk about Neomi for this one, since I’vebeen thinking a lot about her lately lol. She’s pretty affectionate and totallyfine with physical contact; a lot of the times she’ll initiate casual toucheswith people she knows, and she gives so many hugs. Neomi is one of thosesuper bubbly and casually affectionate people, like hand on the arm or randomlyhooking her arm through another friend’s arm, the like

Violet Trick (shhh don’t question my names):

Chessboard: Who is the most logical? Or the schemer/planner?

Mmm probably Trick! She’s all about subterfugeand infiltration, and she prefers to execute things according to plans (thoughshe’s also very good at adapting on the fly!). Very much about precision cuts,you feel?

Seren Morntide:

Wild Card: Talk about any OC! Anything you want!

Let me talk about my girl Seren! Because I’vebeen playing her recently, and I have a lot of feelings about her (and I shouldreally take the time to write out in more detail some of her backstory stuff). Butyeah, Seren ‘Mariner’ Morntide (or Vrisseren, when her parents are being like that), Human and about 23 years old.Can do a good fight, especially with a glaive (her weapon of choice), alsoextremely gay for her girlfriend.

Seren was actually raised by a family of Dragonborn– her birth parents left her in Starfall Harbor (which is a town and I have adumb idea about why it’s named that lol; thanks DM for giving me that freedom)when she was like a year and a half old, so she doesn’t remember them at alland doesn’t consider those people to be her parents or family. Her family are herparents (Fendalynn and Vrakkiis) who raised her and her older brother (Wulrinn),as far as she’s concerned. Her first language is Draconic because of this,though she also learned Common from a fairly young age; she actually has aslight accent as a result of this (but I haven’t nailed that down quite yet forRP stuff lol). The Morntides own and run a shipping and trade company based intheir town (Morntide Shipments), so she’s kinda helped with that and beeninterested in the actual shipping aspect of it from pretty early on

Uhhh what else… Seren’s an ocean girl, sheloves swimming (and is pretty fucking good at it) and she was a sailor for along time, with her brother. He’s captain of The Dawnstar, and she was kinda the unofficial (and later official)first mate/navigator when she was old enough. OH, she’s also very bad with people, sometimes (as inmechanically she has a -1 Charisma mod lol) and she tends to come off as a bitrougher than she means to, and generally just says things that come to mindinstead of trying to be overly diplomatic about it (she calls the constable ofthe town she and the rest of the party are currently in ‘Constable Stick-Up-His-Ass’pretty consistently, so I mean). Also pretty fighty, and could probably take alot of people in said fights. That being said, she’s very soft when it comes to her girlfriend, Luminae.

Also I just remembered that Luminae is gonnaoutlive Seren by a ton, because she’s an Elf and Seren is a Human, and now I rememberedall the sappy angst ideas I had for that :^)

Thank you so much for asking, Cav!