#that's basically leif's journey

[randomnameless]

@zeroabyss replied to your post “Tbf to the "how can Bernie hurt and kill Nabateans...”:

At some point story segregation is inevitable if they can’t properly convey feats into gameplay. Like Dimitri super strength shoul reasonably mean his str growth and cap is so absurd no one could reach it, but that wouldn’t be fair to the others would it? But at the same time they add more and more ridiculous feats that it SHOULD be that high, like how Hopes says he had strength training. In cold Faerghus. In Armor. While SWIMMING. At that point it’s absurd.

​It'd basically be Jugdral 2.0, but given how IS completely knelt in front of the Ayra wank to make Mareeta - a major crested carrier - apparently weaker than her, even in her "ascended" aka "peak" state, I'm afraid character wank will now always triumph over story integration in gameplay.

Jugdral - FE4 and even FE5 - wise basically tells her characters with major blood are demigods and their prowesses cannot be matched by regular people, or even people with minor HB. It sucks - Leif complains about this - but it's like that

(FE5 is all about Leif realising he can be a hero by doing heroic things, rather than merely being born with the right concentration of "magic blood")

End of her journey, aka, Ascended!Mareeta and base!Galzus already mastered Eclipse (since in FE5 Astra and Luna can be combined!) and, by virtue of having the highest concentration of "magic blood", are "stronger" than Ayra, just like Shanan is.

But Ayra wanking means if Leif had a pair of tits and was a tall woman with long black hair, he would handle lances better than his major blooded sister.

Tl;Dr : in FEH : popularity >>>>> FE Jugdral's lore and mechanics.

and I fucking hate it

[youtube-fucker]

Howdy! The name's Leif. Welcome to the little master post for what I'll be sharing for the UtY Anniversary!

First off: What I'm doing. Well, it's really simple. The mod I've been making for the past half a year. What's its name? It… doesn't actually have on yet lol. Suggestions would be appreciated, the only idea I have is along the lines of "Monstrous Yellow" Anyways, what are the changes? Well time for the mod overview!

Overview: 5 humans have travelled to Mt. Ebott and gone missing, and now a sixth is on their way. However, unlike the humans before them, they… do not make it past the first room of the Ruins. Luckily (or unluckily depending on your actions), a monster by the name of Clover came by shortly after the human kicked the bucket and absorbed their SOUL! So now, you play as Clover as you… basically do the plot of UtY but as a monster now. That's it. Credit to @howolonomy for this silly little goober who has invaded my mind and will likely never leave. You have cursed me, friend. I do not mind this curse.

Mechanics: Pretty much the same as vanilla. You can FIGHT, ACT, use ITEMs, use MERCY, use MAGIC-wait, what? That's right, as a monster you can use magic (available in the ACT menu) depending on what soul you're using (more on that later)! Over the course of your journey you'll learn many new spells, some offensive and some defensive depending on how you cleared the area boss (Steamworks not included for this ending difference). You will start with one (technically two) spell in your repertoire, but quickly learn more. Another new mechanic is the SOUL SYSTEM, in which you can swap between human and monster to change a few things up. But if you can't use magic as a human, what's stopping you from just using the monster soul the whole time? Well, we're playing by Deltarune logic here: Only humans can ACT (though I may have one exception for… reasons), meaning you'll honestly be using the human soul most of the time. Don't worry though, swapping which soul you're using doesn't count as an action and go into the monster attacking phase. So swap as much as you want, there is literally no downside to it.

The human: As this is in the world of Undertale, a human soul is pretty important. So making Clover a monster requires some human to fill the void. And that's where this one comes in! What's their name? You don't get to know! They do have one, but the closest you'll get is the first letter. (If you are one of my few friends who knows their name, do not tell. For the bit.) (Wait, I can be a pronouns lawyer since this is technically my own character. The human uses they/them and they/them ONLY, no he's, no she's, none of that please. If you do not respect this, I will blow you up with my mind. One million billion times. I've already had someone use he/him for them. Do not be like that person.) If you're curious about their design, here it is:

This design was made by @hollowgears, I was perfectly fine with keeping them like vanilla Clover but just look at them. Adorable. This little fucker can and will violate the Geneva Conventions if given the chance. Love that for them. And if you want, here's the sprite.

All colors (except for the mask thing for Genocide, the outline, and the vest) were taken from the original drawing to keep it accurate. Ignore the patch on the vest in the first one, I was given a sketch and first and assumed colors and other choices. It shouldn't be there in the final product... I think. I gotta double check

Other changes: A few silly little gags due to the existence of another character to do narration, an entire new area accessable in a route it normally isn't, and an entirely new ending for Pacifist!

The actual showcase: I'll be showing off a new thing each day via prerecorded videos (obviously), and they will all be linked here. Ruins Snowdin Dunes Steamworks Neutral Genocide Hotland/New Home In addition to the videos, I'll also be answering the main prompt for the day there as well as giving a fun fact for the area if I have one (I will, in fact, have one for each day).

Questions: If you have any questions, then be warned that some stuff won't be answered. I'll answer clarifying questions like "Why did x say y?" or "How did x know y?" or "What happened during x?" as well as any Behind The Scenes stuff you may want to know and a few other stuff like how I personally view a few cutscenes (as in, how I imagine them going in-universe) or things about the human minus their name, of course (Please ask about them, I wanna talk about them. You can use whatever name for them you want, just make shit up. Only names off the table are Ut(Y)Dr Characters because that might get confusing). But other than that, keep it to yourselves and have theories. I wanna see how crazy they can be. I may also allow questions to the characters (I feel mostly Clover or the human will be asked to, but the others are up) if I'm feeling up to it. It'll be a roll of the die on if I answer it or not tbh. Just be sure to provide context on the route you want just so I can answer properly, I will be assuming New Pacifist if no context is given.

Credits: The two mentioned above (don't wanna double tag them) as well as @freemonngo for help with coding. Like the spell system for instance. I am too stupid for most coding.

Edit: I made a new thing semi-related to this, check it out!

[wordsandgears]

Midnight burger posting at midnight

In an Au where the EX “rescued” Ted (A.K.A hostage/ forced vacation as Casper puts it) along with Casper:

Casper’s whole thing with Ted is to get him out of his shell (he sees himself in Ted and hates that he can relate to the helplessness of determinism and its shackles, for he too once felt the burden of mundanity)

Ted’s adamant that someone is coming to get him and almost ejects them out into space in whatever vessel the EX was driving

(the EX is very good at holding people in place)

Every time they stop somewhere they have to wrangle him in, I picture Casper making a joke about needing to get one of those child leashes for him

That usually makes him so offended that he forgets about escaping and they can carry on with their journey

Wherever they are Ted has something to say about the state and the use of whatever planet/space object they’re on (Ted propaganda, always some sort of false)

Very unwelcome in red’s rectangle (should’ve stayed behind but is very untrustworthy)

Ted’s wild west persona would be a priest with a past more sullied than an oil spill in the ocean.

Escalating tensions with his tries of descalations of repeating laws and penal codes, not really playing along but also not not playing along.

Not as smooth as Casper and not as gung ho as Ex,

Like Casper in the before Throwing-Ava-into-deep-space times Ted would be adamantly against any “meaningless” detours that extend their time together.

Helping with the jailbreak cements the fact that Ted is a traitor, and a bittersweet (at lest in Ted standards) reunion makes him finally look back in his actions, though outwardly he acts the same to most

(except to Casper and Ex due to the fact that being that powerful and that old you could probably read anyone)

At the battle of time’s melody Ted is solemn yet abrasively uncooperative

There’s three ending for Ted in this Au. (1.like Canon he wonders the universe, by his own valuation) ((2.he gose with BurtBurt to simply see what’ll happen, maybe to gain some semblance of routine he once had)) (((3.and most outlandishly, he stays and raised plant babies with a sentient bush and inter dimensional robot)))

Character design

BurtBurt - I imagine she always wears a fur coat, like most people of her race she has three sets of arms, one set is always crossed and another always has a pen and paper in hand. Her hair has cartoony swirls at the ends and her skin is a very pale pink

Verge - basically double trouble from she-Ra but blue, wears the space equivalent of any weather survivalist gear. Color blind

Minski - a more human humanoid spider, looks human except for the six arms protruding out the back and eight pitch black eyes. Waits finely tailored suits.

Shell - looks like a bush, has holly berries growing on them sorta like a birthmark or defining characteristic

Ava - how I imagine manuela dominguez form the magnus archives, white lab coat, long straight thick black hair, brown skinned.

Gloria - a Mexican Justina Machado, long dark brown curly hair that reaches her back that’s always tied in a bun or ponytail, her outfits are always pristine and bright as if she just got them that day.

Casper - Jake Johnson, grey hairs

Leif - just Leif

Random thoughts

PolyBurger should be a thing - let the employees and the boss and the regular kiss while HR looks on in jovial disapproval.

[louvay]

Felt quirky today so perhaps I will post my write up on why I love Arthur x Fee.

TLDR: they’re funny together

Long version where you hear me yap at you for approximately 30 minutes: Those two basically have the most fleshed out and refreshing relationship amongst the Fe4 Gen 2 cast, rivaling even Ares x Lene and Nanna x Leif. Fee and Arthur first start off with bantering over one another regarding Fee naming her pegasus Annand and from the get go you have an understanding of what these two’s personalities are casually. Arthur has little tact even when he wants to sound nice and Fee is ironically kinda the opposite of her mom where she’s more outwardly upbeat and somewhat unserious. But even amidst the insults they fling at each other, they both show their own care towards one another with Arthur not wanting to trouble Fee with helping him reach Ulster and Fee basically giving him another chance and accepting him as his partner. Hell, throughout their whole journey from Silesse to Issach, they never asked each other what they were looking for nor what their motivations are. Simply that Fee is as kind as her mother is when it comes to helping others in need according to Ced and Arthur understands that despite her cheerful yet also sulking demeanor, Fee means well. But I am getting ahead of myself here. These two both are looking for their lost siblings and they both team up as partners to help Seliph out as despite Arthur being a bit of a loner, he still wants to repay Fee for ferrying him to Issach.

What’s interesting to think about though is what each person is thinking deep down about this whole situation considering what we know of those two in later convos and in Thracia: They both recently lost or have heard of their mothers’ passing and they both cope with it in their own ways. Fee is cheerful but part of that cheerfulness is a coping mechanism she has for trying to keep herself afloat and she doesn’t want people to only remember her for being cheerful (see: commoner father Fee’s ending if Ced is alive and she is unpaired). In Fe5, Karin mentions to Ced that ever since Erinys’ passing, Fee had to cope with her mother’s death and running Silesse all on her own which put her under a lot of stress to the point where she cries when no one or only Karin is nearby till her eyes are dry. She puts up this air of cheerfulness and resilience when deep down, she is on the edge of crumbling down and wants to become a true knight like her mother and aunt to truly have that fortitude. And Arthur, well you probably know how he copes with his loss. Not only does he put a mask of aloofness and indifference to others but he also exchanges blood for blood, family for family. House Friege took away his mother and sister by force so he’ll even things out. A cheerful Pegasus knight who says everything will be fine but she herself is unsure of it and a cold hearted mage with poor social skills who actually does care enough to wage a battle against an entire family, how odd. It basically is a miracle that those two ever became partners and yet… It makes sense.

Despite not being her loyal knight, Arthur is tactless but honest and Fee understands that he isn’t really that bad of a person and despite being a knight who idealizes chivalry, Fee is genuinely kind and doesn’t fein her altruism. But most importantly, they’re united by their paralleled pains and goals. They both are looking for their family members to have things return to the way they were even if their respective families are effectively fractured.

Moving onto Chapter 8, Arthur warns Fee to stay safe and Fee herself somewhat pokes fun at Arthur finally showing care for someone other than himself (alluding to him being a loner) to which Arthur just states faintly that she’s special to him before heading out and Fee ponders over what her partner in war has uttered. He has feelings for her??? Now Fee has to really assess her whole viewpoint of him and not in a joking matter. But Love is like War and War is as unpredictable as it is inevitable as through the course of their hardships here after, they both fall in love with one another. Perhaps Fee found Arthur to be truly chivalrous with his overprotectiveness and diligence despite his annoyance at knighthood and nobility. And perhaps Arthur just couldn’t fathom a world without Fee’s infectious energy making each day all the more brighter. Life is looking up for them both afterall as they have finally found their respective siblings… and each other too.

Finally in Endgame, we see their relationship present the climax for both of these characters’ arcs. Fee asks Arthur casually in the middle of battle what he’s doing to which he irritatingly replies that he’s fighting, pointing to the tome he’s wielding to which Fee responds with “Hello to you too!” and the banter begins but Fee perceives something that Arthur is about to state badly that tugs at her deeply: No one wants to be around her if all she does is sulk around while others fight. It is effectively her insecurity of being immature and unknightly coming back to taunt her and she isn’t going to have any of it until Arthur stops her and explains to her what exactly he is saying since his tactlessness clouds what he truly feels about her. She gives people the wrong impression that she isn’t serious when she really is or that she doesn’t need to try to do much when she is on her pegasus flying carefree in the skies when Arthur himself knows his partner always tries her hardest to be like her mother and aunt before her. He wants people to know the real Fee because he loves her and wants to be with her when the war ends and to Fee, this all is basically a fairy tale dream coming true for her considering what type of person Arthur is.

In Chapter 8, Fee has a secret event in which she chats to Annand and admits that she hopes she could find someone to marry and settle down with after the war ends. It fits alot with most endings knights have in fairytales where once all the fighting is done, they settle with their true loved ones. Rather fitting for Fee to muse about when you think about it since her mother did tell her tales of chivalry when she was little but then there’s the reality of what really happens in the end for such heavenly knights. Annand was killed remorselessly through underhanded tactics by Pamela and Daccar, dying while not knowing what would happen to Rahna. Erinys did find the love of her life but he left her and her children behind to which Fee still knows the pain of greatly in her conversations with Lewyn if he happens to be said father. Her mother died with a broken heart, her husband not being there for her in the end… will Fee be next? She doesn’t want to be abandoned by someone she loves be it family or otherwise, to have to put up pretenses of everything including herself is fine when she’s not because her heart is torn apart. Fee wants these fairytales to be true because the reality she knows of has shown itself to be unfair time and time again.

And thankfully, abandoning his loved ones in any case would be something Arthur would never be able to do. He knows the pain of isolation all too well and his overprotectiveness of Tine is akin to him repenting for never being there for her and Tailtiu when they were being horribly mistreated. And that overprotectiveness also extends to Fee too if you go back to their convo in Chp 8, be it physically or emotionally. He won’t leave his partner, whom he understands like an open tome, behind and Fee is grateful for that.

And that, my good fellows, is why I like these two partners in war. They basically can fit in with any kind of story be it in a comedic setting or a serious one because their dynamic is endearing and refreshing. Bonus points for if Fee’s father is Lewyn to which Arthur is casually bantering with his princess and/or if Arthur’s father is Azelle and Fee refuses to let him go shoulder the burden of running Velthomer alone, stating that “If we stick together then all the pain in the world won’t keep us down!”

[obscuredilfoff]

Propaganda below the cut!

Randulph Hirahara

don't vote for him. he sucks. i know i personally would never fuck him. i'm only submitting him because he is canonically a dilf. no i'm not explaining what i mean by that. i don't think you wanna know. wait is he even obscure? fuck

Barda

He was a palace guard when the shadow Lord took over Deltora and the king fled the castle. Years later, a young boy named Leif goes on a quest to drive away the shadow Lord and retake the land. For safety, a scruffy man named Barda accompanies him on the journey.

So basically, Barda is the voice of reason who is on taking care of two teenagers while on a quest to save the land (another character joins the group later).

In conclusion, he is the older man and voice of reason in the group, making him very dilfy.

[duusheen]

How would your sims text? (Ex: all lowercase, how they feel about abbreviations? And emojis? Do they send one big message or divide into smaller ones?)

JOURNEY.

he is very strict with his way of writing. his dad was a writer and Journey got his little obsession thanks to Wilde 😂 he always has the dictionary and the autocorrect on. he uses punctuation and hates abbreviations. In the family chat group he always fights Leif for his lazy way of writing, but his son at least writes fast, not like his husband who takes ages to reply to a message and that usually drives Journey crazy 🙄

SIMON

he is not a man of technology at all. that's basically the reason why he doesn't write his messages, but he sends audios. lots and lots of audio that makes his family want to strangle him while he sleeps. Journey and Leif hate the audio messages but Daphne doesn't care and she is the first to respond in the group chat. if he isn't sending audios, Simon just gives them a call and problem solved 🤷🏽‍♀️

DAPHNE

she loves to use emojis. she is the only one in the group that sends photos, most of the time of the children (and the dog?) or the food. Her messages are usually endless texts almost as annoying as Simon's long audios 😪

LEIF

everything with Leif is abbreviations. Furthermore, since his fingers work faster than his brain, he normally writes hundreds of messages one after another until he finishes what he wanted to say. if what he has to say is important, then he writes slowly and correctly, but otherwise he does not use punctuation or capital letters 😵

[ofwrxth]

BASICS

Name: Drina Freysson 

Age & Birthday: 32 years old, July 18, 1991 

Gender/Pronouns: cis woman she/her

Birthplace: White River, Colorado

Time in Hollow Cove: Just Arrived (Jan 2024)

Species: Fire Witch - Visser Pack

Role: Patrol / Supply Depot 

Positive personality traits: ambitious, bold, clever, convincing, indefatigable,   

Negative personality traits: bitter, combative, petulant, short-tempered, sly

ABOUT

Drina was born to a proud family of witches. The Freysson name had always been associated with power and magic, and aligned themselves with the Visser pack. Born the youngest of her sisters, Drina embodied many of the traits that ran through her family. From her ambitious and bold nature to her short-tempered petulance, she was used to getting what she wanted. Not because anyone gave it to her but because she, like her sisters, took what they believed was theirs. And respect was at the top of the list. 

She proved herself a capable witch and force within the Visser pack, earning respect. Despite her fiery nature, often echoing her older sister’s, their shared elemental magic sometimes led to squabbles of the younger not wanting to listen to the advice of the older. Still, she was bound to her sisters by blood and power and love. For though her words could sing and her temper could spark, she could also bring warmth and light to those she loved.

Growing up in a pack and coven like theirs, Drina had the best teachers at her disposal, even if she was an impatient student. Ever the youngest, she was ambitious in making her own path, sly in her execution and fully indefatigable when it came to pursuing things she wanted. Her magic continued to grow with her and despite the chaos that was in her blood as a Freysson, she was determined to hone it. And hone it she did. Eventually, she was able to access the upper limits of her power, though not with some incidents and singed hair along the way.

It was on this journey to honing her magic that Fenrir Skora happened upon her practicing one day, surprising her within an inch of his life. She nearly blasted him to pieces, but he only laughed. It was the start of their friendship as he wormed his way into her heart. They became inseparable, first as friends, then as warriors, learning to fight beside each other, leaning on each other’s strengths and then, eventually, they became more. Their lives were joined in their pack’s ancient ceremony as they vowed to protect each other. And they did. 

By the time the war reached them in 2020, they had a two-year-old son named Leif. They, like others in their pack, fought to protect what was most important and managed to escape capture along with others in their pack. But the next three years would prove treacherous as danger lurked at every turn. There were times they narrowly avoided capture, doing everything to protect their son.

But in January 4, 2023, everything came to a head when the safe town they were in was attacked. It's a day Revna will never forget. The day Leif was killed. It changed everything and shattered something inside Revna she's certain can never be repaired.

In the year since, she and Fenrir have grown distant in many ways and closer in others. Their loss affects them both differently, but it's manifested in the way Revna uses her magic. Her control frays and singes with the heat of her grief and her hate. She's no longer a dancing flame but a raging fire, set to burn everything down around her. She is a void, with untold depths of grief filing her. Spite has taken root in her spirit, and Fenrir is the only one who's been able to bring her back to herself.

[viklikesslimes]

TEAM MASTER SNAKEMOUT

Is this an au? Maybe yes maybe no, haven't decided, but I damm well have made art and you will love it

The og

Ahhh look at them, so smoll, so weak, let's change that

Queen vi!

Someone gave her a weird bottle of jam, wich she ate and found delicious, turns out it wasn't a gift, the mailman sent the wrong package to the wrong person, and the jam was royal jelly, wich is used to make queens

She didn't become a full on queen, but she did change and evolve into a half queen, a princess if you will

Chompys next

This one doesn't need fancy stuff to become queen, cause she's already one

Chompy lore, you killed mother chomper to get her so she's gonna be the next mother chomper, and she will become a mother chomper , slowy, but after a few months the similarities between chompy and the gigantic mother chomper becomes more apparent, specially the size

Next, is everyone's favorite wizard zombie, leif

And, cordyceps took a toll on that one

Thanks @zommoth for the concept, they're is a God compared to me so go look at their stuff

After a long time, leif began to embrace the cordyceps, and it imbraced back, they have become basically the God of mushrooms, being able to talk to all cordyceps, and their size and increased magical capabilities ensures them to intimidate anyone who dares hurt their friends, but they're slow like a slug

And finally, the last one, kabbu

The only one who didn't grow or become a leader, nevertheless he is still powerful

Just look at the sword

After the end of the journey, he quested to become the best swordsman of all time, and eventually after years of practice, blood sweat and tears, he did it

And by years of practice I mean he found a huge fricken sword with magic, and it with his sword skills, he is THE master of the blade

And, that was it!

MASTER TEAM SNAKEMOUTH

Will I do something with this? I don't know but I sure had fun, so yeah, have a good day, see ya

[talesofafangirlwithadvr]

April 2021 Picks

And we’re back with the end to another month. April! Wow! Lots more great picks to talk about this time. Lots of new ones to the list too. So, let’s dive in!

Spoiler territory ahead!

THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER

or should I say Captain America and the Winter Soldier

I just finished the finale last night, so it felt right to start off with The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. I really enjoyed it and I feel the episodes got stronger as the series went on. Each one felt like a mini-movie and I was upset it was over and had to wait another week for another one. I think the finale was my favorite. Especially the reveal of Sam as Captain America. I love his suit, his speech and the montage of everyone watching him. The last part of the episode was definitely my favorite and one I can watch on repeat. I loved seeing happy Bucky and him goofing off with the kids in Louisiana. He deserves so much happiness as he has now accepted he’s no longer who he once was. Bucky and Sam’s relationship is fantastic and I can’t wait to see it more. I know there’s a possibility of a second season and they have to be in a future MCU movie. Regarding the villain, I feel I was confused for most of the show as to what their objective was. I’m curious if this is because they had to reshoot parts during the pandemic. I also am mad with Sharon. Like what happened with her? She is definitely the true villain of the show. I also don’t love that we haven’t seen the end of Walker (but Wyatt Russell did a fantastic job). I also loved Torres and I hope he becomes the next Falcon. Definitely so different vibes from Wandavision, but just as good!

THE IRREGULARS

This is a show that more people need to be talking about! It was SO GOOD! I feel like I heard some buzz about it when it first came out, but not much after. It follows the teens featured about who live on the streets during Victorian London. The leader of their group, Bea gets approached by Dr. John Watson (that’s right...as in Sherlock and Watson) to take on a case that has more supernatural qualities. The story takes off from there. I think the group dynamic was fantastic. There wasn’t a character I didn’t like and each one brought something else important to the group (which they even bring up towards the end of the show). [I’ve watched a few cast interviews since finishing the finale and they seem like they get along really well in real life too.] There is a kind of love triangle, but it didn’t bother me and was over fast. I did like both combinations though. Lots of twists and turns along the journey. I have no idea if there will be another season, but there should be. It didn’t end on a major cliffhanger, but definitely ended in a way where it could continue nicely. Come on Netflix. 

HBO’S THE NEVERS

From one show set in Victorian times to the next. The Nevers just premiered on HBO and HBO Max earlier this month. It follows an ensemble of characters, similar to other HBO shows, ranging from characters who are called “the touched” to men in government who are against them. Being “touched” means they have a special talent or power, which can range from healing to speaking other languages, being extremely tall, or being an expectational inventor (I seriously love Penance. I just don’t know how to explain her ability). Amalia True and Penance Adair are two of the main characters and they help bring in others who are touched to a remodeled orphanage that is a safe haven for people like them. Of course there are those who are against them existing. This seems to be at least two groups as someone is abducting and experimenting on some of the touched, but we don’t know who they are...yet. I love the fusion of a historical setting with a fantasy element. I am very excited to see where the show is headed. I also love seeing so many of my favorite British actors on the screen together.      

ONCE UPON A TIME IN WONDERLAND

Time for a throw back. Fans of ABC’s Once Upon a Time might remember the short lived spin off following Alice in Wonderland (and some of Aladdin). It only lasted for one season of 13 episodes, but I remember loving it and I am so happy I can rewatch it on Disney Plus. It reminds me of why I enjoyed OUAT so much and I think this show deserved another season or more crossover with the original show. (Luckily the Knave got that opportunity.) I think it should have aired as a summer show or when OUAT was on hiatus, this way more fans would have tuned in. It is something I’ll believe forever. 

Anyway, I’ll stop ranting now... I love Alice. I think she’s a badass and a fierce warrior. If you follow some of my posts on my other blog, Lydia-yougowith-Stiles, you’ll know that I love a warrior romance and Cyrus and Alice fit that perfectly (even if they are apart for much of the series). I also love Alice’s hair and outfits. Everything about her is cool. Her relationship with the Knave is one of my favorite friendships ever. I think they balance each other out so well and how they spend most of the journey together. Back in the day, I totally shipped them, but now I definitely don’t. (Even though I don’t love Anastasia.) This is definitely worth the watch if you’ve ever heard of Once Upon a Time or not. There is very cheesy CGI especially for 2013, but once you get pass that you’ll love it. 

ZOEY’S EXTRAORDINARY PLAYLIST

It was on a longer break than I expected, and I didn’t miss it as much as I thought I would (which I know doesn’t sound good for a show), but I am still loving all the episodes this season. It feels like there are more musical numbers, which I love. Mandy Moore is killing it with the choreography. There are so many amazing moments. I also was a big fan of the newest glitch episode. Everyone is so talented and I also like that we’ve started to hear from more like Jenna and Tobin. Leif has become one of my favorites. I don’t love the new neighbor next door, but I think we’re done with his storyline. I’m not loving the Zoey love triangle, but I do like her with either Simon or Max. She seems really happy with Simon now. (FYI: I haven’t watched the most recent episode yet. The glitch one was my latest.) Can’t wait for more!    

KUNG FU

CW’s newest show this month was Kung Fu, which I just learned was a reboot. It follows Nicky who returns after 3 years to her home in San Francisco. Her family has mixed feelings as she has had no contact with them for the last 3 years. She is now a Kung Fu master and warrior, out to avenge her mentor’s death and stop a villain from acquiring mythical weapons. The show gives me Arrow vibes every time I watch it. It has similar flashbacks each episode to an earlier time in Nicky’s life. While Nicky’s mission is different, the style just gives me early seasons of Arrow vibes, which I am not complaining about. It stars Legacies’ Alyssa Chen, who I didn’t love on Legacies, but instantly fell in love with Nicky. I think she’s a bad ass character and love how she’s fighting for the underdogs on the streets of San Fran, while also taking down a bigger evil. The love triangle is heating up and I’m definitely team Henry (even though there’s some mystery there). I think he’s great and once again we have an awesome warrior romance. They balance each other so well and it’s only been like 3 episodes. Now they’ve also been sleuthing together and it’s just amazing. 

NANCY DREW

Are you sick of hearing me talk about CW’s Nancy Drew? I hope not because I’m going to fangirl again. I LOVE THIS SHOW SO MUCH! I can’t wait till Wednesday comes and I tune in a little after it starts, so then I can fast forward on my DVR. Then when the episode is over I basically start it all over again and watch select scenes that were awesome. (More specifically, they tend to be Nancy and Ace scenes because I love them and we’re entering so much angst I don’t know if my heart will be able to handle it!!!) 

I’ll say it a thousand times: THIS CAST IS EVERYTHING! Their dynamic is amazing. You can have any match ups and it’ll be a great time. There is not one person I don’t like. I was so upset that there wasn’t a new episode last week (especially because it was my birthday). I loved the last one with the Hardy Boys and that Nace reveal! OMG! I’m so sad that Grant has left again because we barely had him, but I feel he’ll eventually come back. He has to. I loved the ending when he spoke to Thom by signing to him. (My heart!) I seriously can’t say enough great things about this show. It is not your typical CW show and deserves more love and views. So happy a third season has already been confirmed!! 

LAST NOTES

Just started Shadow and Bone on Netflix and am loving it! I’m sure I’ll have an entire post dedicated to it when I’m done. (Currently going to start episode 6.) I have no background on the universe or the books (just what my sister is filling me in with as we watch). I definitely plan on reading Six of Crows after this!

So what are you enjoying? Let me know. I’m always looking for more shows to add to the list! Can never have enough. 

[cachien]

Don't mind if I do (this is really long I'm so sorry but I don't know how to simplify it)

So the story is based on my recent blue/purple Hawke playthrough, with modifications to separate it enough from the original game that there's no copyright overlap.

Gwen grew up poor with her adoptive mother and half-sister. Her father, rumored to be from her kingdom's capital city, arrived in her small town 20+ years before as a widow with baby Gwen on his shoulder. He captured the heart of a local woman, married her in a private, illegitimate ceremony, and knocked her up. When their baby was also a girl, he disappeared, leaving behind the first baby as well. Gwen's younger half-sister, Rose, is quickly discovered to be chronically ill ("mage sickness," though their village is too rural to know what that is- basically, if a mage doesn't receive proper training, their magic lashes out inside of them and keeps them sick).

Gwen learns every skill she can to keep her family fed and safe: foraging, fighting, carpentry, sewing, cooking. Whatever she needs to do. When the kingdom announces a tournament that will allow non-nobles to join the Royal Guard for the first time ever, she signs up, knowing the pay will make her family's life easier- and that the Guard is stationed in the capital city, where she might find her father.

But as she journeys north and reaches the capital city, she learns that her sheltered upbringing has left her ignorant of the world. She encounters the angry, broody, green-eyed elven man Thorne, servant of her commander and thus usually working among the staff at the garrison, who first berates her for her ignorance about the secret rings of slavery among the kingdom's elites, and later begins to educate her, as Gwen refuses to give up on helping the servants when she can.

She makes friends among her unit, including Elliana (loosely based on my elf warden, a cold and serious elf woman whose fiance died under mysterious circumstances before her recruitment), and Leif, a giant man who's like if Iron Bull had Sebastien Vael's backstory. Through these friends, Gwen learns more and more about the classism and racism that flourish in the world outside her small village.

An incident in the kitchens leads her commander, Baer, to learn about her passion to help the less fortunate. Baer is a powerful man, military advisor to the king, and the person behind the experiment of recruiting peasants into the guard. He begins giving her extra training in secret, intending to use her as a figurehead in impending revolution. (he was initially based on Duncan but takes strongly after Anders in storyline) He's a tricky figure- representative of fighting for a very good cause but going about it in a way that sows more destruction and violence. He's not meant to be purely good or purely evil but just as morally conflicting as Anders.

Fenris Thorne knows nothing about his family, having been kidnapped and sold in infancy, and has tattoos on his face to indicate his owner. Though slavery is illegal in this kingdom, guards tend to turn a blind eye when an elite is suspected to keep slaves. He was trained to fight, to be both bodyguard and mandingo to the human noble who bought him, and finally escaped in adulthood. Slave hunters cornered him and nearly beat him to death, but Baer killed them, saved his life, and employed him. His intention is to use the security of the guard to build up strength and weapons to someday kill his former master, but there's so much chaos, illness, and problems amid the other servants, whom he will do anything to help, that it's been three years now and he hasn't made a move.

Thorne grows close to Gwen, constantly scolding her for risking her reputation by spending time with the servants which is decidedly not guard-like, given that most guards are the children of nobles or knights and the guard faces a lot of prejudice. Feelings grow between them as they fight to resist them; in Gwen's training, as she faces loss and secrets and imposter syndrome, he's always there for her. When her unit is deployed, fighting a foreign war for another kingdom's resources, and one of her first friends dies and she nearly does, too, he's ready with open arms and warm food when she finally makes it to the army's camp. But then she finds her father, and he's the first person she wants to tell. She runs to him with excitement that he at first shares, until she says the name: his former master.

There's a lot of social commentary and "sins of our fathers" and themes of reparations to come throughout the story. It started out as a simple "I want to write about Hawke and Fenris, about the healing of trauma and the 'I love you even when it's hard,' the heartbreak of 'I love you but can't be with you,' and the sweetness of 'if this is how it all ends, at least you're by my side,'" because after playing through a Fenris romance this summer I remembered why he was my first favorite Dragon Age love interest.

Anyway yeah it's got a ton of brutality and blood and the themes are super heavy and then mixed into it is the dormitory-feel of the guards training together and living together, the friends-to-lovers romance of Gwen and Thorne, and the cozy backdrop of lots of fireside meals and gifts and friendship, the positive attributes of Dragon Age games and the sense of companionship underwritten with the tension of addressing socioeconomic turmoil. I'm kind of in love with this story right now and it's my longest original fiction yet and I'm barely 3/4 through the first draft<3

One of the most insane things I've done this year is get back into Dragon Age so hard that it started me on writing a new fantasy novel that started as "I want to write a FenHawke fanfic but make it publishable" and is now 91,000 words in to the most gruesome, intense, social justice-themed book I've ever attempted to write.

[fillingthescrapbook]

Dear Potential Zoey's Extraordinary Third Season

The second season finale of Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist ended a chapter on Zoey's emotional journey as a person. From a girl who was friendly but disconnected, she is now someone who is willing to take risks and leaps on faith alone. Honestly, if Zoey's journey ends here, I will be okay.

But seeing the spark of the show come back in the last two episode, I do want Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist to live on with more seasons. So here's my pitch to the musical universe for what I wish a third season would look like:

Diving Deep into Zoey's Musical Powers

We could spend the first five episodes of the season with Zoey trying to figure out how Max was able to hear a heart song. Did she pass her powers on to him? Was she able to share her powers with him because of the connection they shared? The love? What if she's not just sharing it with Max? What if Mo or Maggie can hear heart songs too?

Of course, this magical music mayhem doesn't have to take all the focus during the first arc of the season. It's something to keep Zoey occupied, like in Season 1 when Zoey and Mo were trying to discover the extents of her ability, while a bigger A-plot is happening.

Like, vis-à-vis Zoey wondering about the implications of sharing her powers with Max, we could have Simon dealing with his new position that allows him to uplift people of color in the tech industry--and the complications that arise from that. And then when Zoey and Max have differing opinions on how to help someone whose heart song is screaming for help, the show could explore the new dynamics between Leif, Tobin, and McKenzie. Maybe with Leif deciding to move to Simon's department.

We could even have an episode that centers on how Zoey sharing powers with Max affects Zoey's relationship with Mo. And maybe connect that to Maggie's decision to date again and how David deals with it.

Basically, I want the potential third season to keep moving the characters forward. No more step backs. And no more Maximo subplots. Simon getting his own department to lead at Sprqpoint is an opportunity for the show to give him new challenges without taking him out of Zoey's orbit. That was one of the challenges the show failed with Maximo: it gave Max and Mo surface-level conflicts that kept pausing Zoey's progression just so she could be present for when Max and Mo need to sing. Simon's subplots do not need to be connected to Zoey, but they do need to be connected to her world. The show is called Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist after all.

And, maybe, while Zoey and Max are still figuring out the powers--they could do a glitch episode again. Like, maybe during Mitch's death anniversary, or when Maggie first takes off her wedding ring, Zoey could have a particularly heart-wrenching session with her therapist that leads to her opening up her world to Max and/or Mo, showing them heart songs in key moments of her life?

So many things can be done to explore Zoey's powers without letting it be the main focus of the show. Because an ideal third season of the show for me would explore more of...

Zoey's Extraordinary Relationships

Mo, Maggie, and now Max are Zoey's heart lines. They represent parts of her that we need to keep growing: Mo is the curiosity that gets her to step out of her comfort zone, Maggie is the safety she comes home to when the world becomes too scary, and Max is the courage that empowers her when its time to face the consequences.

Through Mo, Zoey could meet new people--and new heart songs to hear. I really want to go back to that one neighbor Zoey and Mo have who is too scared to leave the apartment. I would also love to see Mo bump into her ex-boyfriend Eddie while still figuring out the ropes of her relationship with Perry. Mo is Zoey's window to the outside world. And I really hope the show doesn't keep Mo away from Zoey again.

With Maggie, Zoey could explore and challenge her safe space. I love that Maggie wants to live life again, and I think it's important for Zoey to see Maggie making mistakes. Like maybe Maggie and Deb could meet a Mr. Wrong at the cruise they're going to. Or Maggie could want to take the next step in a new relationship only to realize that being with someone new isn't going to be the same as being with Mitch--who she loved and live with for so long. Zoey could progress into a more grounded character as she becomes more open to the problems her family faces via their heart songs.

And then Max could be Zoey's guide in exploring the relationships that Zoey already has and is continuing to navigate. Like, how does one deal with an ex you still have to work with? Especially an ex who did nothing wrong--while you're dating the guy he wasn't supposed to be worried about? What happens when Zoey's decision to include more women in the coding floor become an impediment to productivity? Especially when Leif and Tobin examine the ways they are different now that the latter is dating McKenzie, compared to when Leif was with Joan.

I also really want Joan to come back and see how much Zoey has grown. Even for just a guest appearance. And speaking of comebacks, I also want to see Abigail again. Maybe as a new hire for Simon's new department or Zoey's own team.

I want the show to live in the world they're building. Like, what happens when Zoey and Max meet Autumn again? Or what happens when Simon starts dating Tatiana, goes out for a business dinner with Zoey, and then they come across Jessica? I know San Francisco is a big city, and I know the characters introduced aren't bound to stay where they are all the time. But the show really flies when it focuses on relationships that have already been established. On characters that are already connected. On stories that are already there and are just waiting to be told.

Zoey's Extraordinary Thesis

I want a cohesive third season that has a clear beginning, middle, and end. The first season of the show introduced us to a Zoey who is apprehensive of the world but would do anything for the family she loves. Season two Zoey was a bit of a mess, but the finale allowed her to become a more grounded person. The third season should be Zoey exploring what her purpose is.

The first arc would be her figuring out her powers and its effect in her life. Why did the universe want her to hear people's heart songs? Dream Mitch says it's one way of the universe telling her she doesn't have to be scared, and that everyone has fears, vulnerabilities, and struggles. But where does Zoey take that lesson?

For the third season's first arc, maybe Zoey meets a person who doesn't want to be helped. Or maybe Zoey and Max ruins a person's life the more they try to help? The first arc could start with Zoey making a decision to lose her powers--and by its end, she could find a process that would stop people from singing their heart songs to her. And then the second arc, while exploring Zoey's relationships, could have Zoey's C-plot be her accomplishing tasks that would lead to her giving her powers up.

And then, of course, by the third and final arc of the season, Zoey would have an epiphany--of how much better her life had become because of her powers; that now she has honed her ability to help people, because of Maggie, because of Mo, and because of Max. And now she realizes that she enjoys helping those who want help. And that she would want to continue with her extraordinary playlist.

. . .

I may have given this too much thought.

[comicteaparty]

July 29th-August 4th, 2020 Reader Favorites Archive

The archive for the Reader Favorites chat that occurred from July 29th, 2020 to August 4th, 2020.  The chat focused on the following question:

Recommendation free-for-all!  Name every webcomic you think people should be checking out!

boogeymadam

Joe is Dead - https://tapas.io/series/JoeIsDead

When a pirate is found dead with a mysterious will, crewmember Cricket is sent away to do as his will asks

Heirs of the Veil - http://heirsoftheveil.fervorcraft.de/

An Urban Fantasy about a witch who is aided by the Magical Guardian (known as The Strayer) of the area in search of her missing mother

Xii: of Magic & Muses - https://xiicomic.com/

When Willow wakes from a mysterious dream with a magical amulet that can infect other girls with Magical Girl abilities, she begins to question their bizarre all girl's school

The Guide to a Healthy Relationship - http://tgtahr.spiderforest.com/

Upon discovering his now ex-childhood friend isn't dead, an emotionally immature alcoholic tries to make amends for ruining their friendship.

Wychwood - http://wychwood.sevensmith.net/

Tiara's alien ability to conjure fire is tested in a world set twenty years after the world was invaded and then rescued from a terrifying alien force.

O' Sarilho - https://sarilho.net/en/

A Scifi comic about future roman soldiers who travel into enemy territory to find a satellite... that isn't a satellite :')

Ghost Junk Sickness - https://www.ghostjunksickness.com/

An Action-Scifi about two space-facing bounty hunters with an unstable dynamic chasing a dangerous bounty known as "The Ghost"

Cunning Fire - https://www.cunningfire.com/

Young Witch Akiva Stein is recruited by a coven of Chicago witches to travel into the afterworld and create the Elixir of Life

Keyspace: A Winged Tale - https://tapas.io/series/KEYSPACE-A-Winged-Tale

A wingless girl and her feathered friends journey into an underground laboratory to look for her scientist mother.

The Sea In You - https://tapas.io/series/theseainyou `While trying to clean up the beach, Corinth meets a mermaid. In fact, she's nearly drowned by one.

Erin Ptah (BICP | Leif & Thorn)

Every webcomic I recommend would be over 100 of them, so I'm not posting all those separate links! But here's my recs page with completed comics, with some genre info and a little blurb for each: https://www.bicatperson.com/links/references/finished-comics/

And here's my ComicRocket reading list - a few of them are to-read bookmarks, but for the rest I'm deep into the archives and always ready for more: https://www.comic-rocket.com/users/SailorPtah/

Follow Erin Ptah and others on Comic Rocket to see what comics they're sharing with you!

Miranda (Into the Swell)

Ok. I didn't know Comic Rocket was a thing but that is hella handy!!

Erin Ptah (BICP | Leif & Thorn)

It is SO handy! If you want to follow lots of comics it is absolutely lifesaving.

Miranda (Into the Swell)

Ya. I'm now setting up a reading list for me haha

RebelVampire

Centralia 2050 - https://centralia2050.com/ About: The story follows Midori, who has no memories, Grey, the unwitting dude who winds up babysitting, and some scary conspiracies they find along the way. Why: It's a fantastically drawn sci-fi with some interesting themes about discrimination and plenty of mystery. Radio Silence - http://www.radiosilencecomic.com/ About: The story follows a band as they basically live life and deal with success, family, and the band life. Why: Lots of great and relatable characters and has a great mix of both comedy and drama in a very pleasing slice of life way. Voidchild - https://tapas.io/series/Voidchild/info About: Voidchild is the story of Mary who possesses supernatural powers and consequently becomes involved in supernatural happenings going. Why: The action is really nice, the supernatural aspects interesting, and if you like seeing people develop their skills over the course of the comic, this is a great example. Alethia - https://alethia.kstipetic.com/index.html About: Alethia is a sci-fi comic about robots where each city is plagued by its own dilemma that's up for one robot to try and solve. Why: I consider this very literally to be the best sci-fi webcomic available. It is exactly what the genre is supposed to be, beautifully drawn, and I could write you a 10 page essay about every reason you should read Alethia. Super Galaxy Deluxe Knights R - http://sgkdr.webcomic.ws/ About: This is a story about Mizuki who doesn't believe in the rules and fixes problems with good strategy and crazy magic. Why: One of the best comedy webcomics in my opinion. Great timing, great payoff, and creative fights. Also Sword Warrior. The Pale - https://tapas.io/series/The-Pale About: This is a story about a small town and what happens when murders start happening. Why: Another beautifully drawn comic, and really one of the few that fills the small town murder mystery niche few comics go for.

RebelVampire

Apricot Cookie(s)! - https://apricotcookies.net/ About: The comic is a comedy about Apricot who lives in a world where basically all school kids are magical girls and she is the only one who can't transform. Why: One of the best parody comics out there. Very smart writing, and lots to laugh and enjoy. The Carpet Merchant of Konstantiiniyya - https://reimenayee.com/the-carpet-merchant-of-konstantiniyya/ About: The story follows a humble carpet merchant who has an unfortunate encounter with a vampire. Why: This offers a double whammy with beautiful, detailed art and fantastic story-telling that pulls at the heart strings. Maiden of the Machine - https://maidenmachine.com/ About: A romance story set in a steampunk world where class divides and societal expectations are a problem. Why: Very nicely paced romance with interesting characters and an interesting world. Sombulus - http://www.sombulus.com/ About: An adventure fantasy comic about a trio of misfits who go to different places, cause havoc, but also somehow kind of fix things. Why: One of those comics where it's really about the journey and having a fun time experiencing that journey. Plus, the world and set up is interesting with just enough bait for theorists. Chirault - http://chirault.sevensmith.net/ About: A fantasy comic about Kiran, a demon hunter, and Teeko, the victim of a spell gone wrong, and how they whoops into a magical adventure that risks the entire world. Why: Chirault is beautiful with great and memorable characters, well-designed world, and just everything you could want from fantasy. Rainy Day Dreams - http://rainydaydreams.mariahcurrey.com/ About: A comic about a world of monsters where Tristin the oopsed into the world human, Mara the magic mature one, and Michael the regular ol' vampire becomes friends and navigate life. Why: A lot to offer in both fantasy and comedy, so overall just a really enjoyable, light-hearted read.

Ring Spell - https://ring-spell.com/ About: A fantasy, slice of life about witches, wizards, and something about rings. Why: Super crisp and beautiful art combined with plenty of mysteries to keep the brain thinking.

Many more I could add, but I will stop there with my walls.

mathtans

It occurs to me that I mentioned a bunch in the CTP talk but never tossed them in here. Some of them already are mentioned above, so for the others...

https://tapas.io/series/champs (Lesbians, wrestling, an interesting mix)

https://tapas.io/series/The-Cat-The-Vine-and-The-Victory/info (Real interesting world built here, engaging plot and characters, long runner.)

https://nattosoup.com/ (7" Kara, for anyone fond of watercolours and the idea that tiny people exist. Currently has a kickstarter going)

Enjoy, all the best, thanks for the memories. ^^

Comic Tea Party

And this wraps up our last #reader_favorites chat. We appreciate everyone for joining these chats and helping us explore tons of different kinds of comics. It’s been a blast not only learning about your personal tastes, but also finding out about new comics in general. Thanks for spreading the love! For this conversation, and all past #reader_favorites chats, you’ll be able to find them archived here: https://comicteaparty.com/readerfavorites

[obscuredilfoff]

Propaganda below the cut!

FitzChivalry Farseer

he's so sad and pathetic and wretched and hot and cringefail and his kids all think he's a loser and theyre right to think so. simultaneously a deadbeat absentee dad and a very present dad because of telepathy-ish magic. got that traumatised shelter dog rizz.

Barda

He was a palace guard when the shadow Lord took over Deltora and the king fled the castle. Years later, a young boy named Leif goes on a quest to drive away the shadow Lord and retake the land. For safety, a scruffy man named Barda accompanies him on the journey.

So basically, Barda is the voice of reason who is on taking care of two teenagers while on a quest to save the land (another character joins the group later). In conclusion, he is the older man and voice of reason in the group, making him very dilfy.

[four-loose-screws]

FE5 Umemura Novel Translation - Chapter 11 Part 1

If you would like to start from the beginning, read a missed part, etc., click here!

Pre-3DS FE Translations - FE Awakening Translations - FE Fates Translations - Original FE Support Conversations - Ko-fi

Manster Castle was in an uproar over the news that the liberation army led by Prince Leif of Leonster would soon arrive, and that Castle Conote had been attacked by the liberation army from Isaach.

Realizing that there would never be a better opportunity to do so, the Magi Squad, led by Ced, attacked Manster Castle. However, Ced didn’t think that any amount of chaos would be enough for them to win against the army stationed there. Therefore, their goal was to rescue the children being held captive, and take them back to their homes.

Things were worse within the Manster Army than he had anticipated. To their surprise, they were able to sneak into the castle and rescue the children very quickly.

While there, Ced also found a sword. It had been stored behind a tightly locked door, and was filled with powerful magic. “Th-This is…” His gut feeling was that it was the trump card that could take down Raydrik. The moment he grabbed it, he heard the sound of armor clinking from the doorway.

“Lord Ced, imperial soldiers have arrived! Let’s get out of here!” A soldier from the Magi Squad yelled.

“Understood! Get the children and retreat as quickly as you can! I’ll guard the rear!”

“Yes sir!” The soldier nodded and ran off.

Ced attached the sword to his belt, then exited the room.‘As a sage, I can’t use this. I’ll have to give it to someone who can fight Raydrick.’ He thought as he followed behind everyone else.

*

In the morning, Leif’s army left the fort at The Great River of Thracia, and soon found themselves near Manster Castle.

They had all stopped, and were now hiding in the forest, looking up at the castle, which was atop a hill.

It was so quiet that they felt uneasy. The Manster Army should have known they were coming. Surely there would be enough soldiers stationed atop the hill to take them on.

Leif checked out their surroundings and frowned. ‘Our best bet would be to attack from above. There must be some way we can make up for the disadvantage caused by needing to climb up the hill. If only we knew their numbers and position, we could come up with a basic strategy, but… Maybe it would be best for Dean or Karin to do some recon first, even if we’d risk being detected.’ Leif considered while biting his lip.

Suddenly, an uproar broke out atop the hill.

Though he didn’t know what had happened, he could say for sure that something was going on.

This just might be the opportunity they needed.

hythe forest.

*

Ced and the Magi Squad had collected the captured children, left the castle, and reached town.

More enemies appeared than they expected.

Ced stopped and turned around to face them.

Enough soldiers to fill the entire road were coming at them.

His face twisted into a small frown. He chanted and unleashed a gust of wind at them.

Though he had used a very powerful spell, the attack did little damage to them, as they were spread out across the wide road. It appeared that it had only slowed them down.

Ced turned towards them but looked behind him. He saw the backs of the children and members of the Magi Squad that were running away.

He wanted to do whatever it would take to get the children out of Manster and back home to their towns and villages. To do that, the Magi Squad needed to get out of the city with them as soon as possible. If they didn’t hurry, then Leif’s army would arrive, and the entire area would become a battlefield, making it extremely difficult to escape.

Ced noticed another group of soldiers come running from another road and head towards the Magi Squad.

“Dammit. Now what?” He clicked his tongue while continuing to assault the soldiers in front of him with magic.

“Shall I take over the role of getting the children to safety?” He suddenly heard a voice come from a narrow side road.

There stood a red-haired young man wearing a white priest’s robe.

“And you are…?” Ced looked at the man with suspicion in his eyes. He ceased his attack.

“I am a bishop of the Bragi Church. I’m on a journey and staying in this town for the time being.” The man said quietly and bowed his head.

The soldiers unsheathed their swords and continued coming closer.

Ced looked from the man back to the soldiers, then shot out another gust of wind.

It was a direct hit. The soldiers fell to the ground.

But in their shadows was yet another group of soldiers.

‘I’m not gonna make it in time!’ He thought as he chanted.

Suddenly, the soldiers were hit by a flash of light and flew backwards.

He whirled around in shock.

The one who had cast the light magic was the man.

“I think I can be of help to you.” A thin smile spread across his face, and he looked at Ced.

Ced unleashed another gust of wind, halting the soldiers’ progress again, before running up to the man. “I’ll take you up on your offer. Please safely take the children to their parents.”

The man nodded, still smiling.

“And take this.” Ced removed the sword from his belt and handed it to him. “I want you to give this to Prince Leif of Leonster, who is currently marching towards the castle. He probably won’t be able to defeat Raydrik without it.”

“You want me to give this to… Prince Leif?” He looked at the sword and was silent for a moment.

Ced raised an eyebrow and stared at him.

“Understood.” He said and took the sword.

“Please, make sure Prince Leif gets it.”

“Yes.” The man answered simply, then turned around and ran off.

Ced faced the soldiers and started chanting once more.

*

Once they reached the base of the hill, Leif heard Eda’s voice come from the sky.

“I see children! They’re coming down the hill!”

The moment she said that, the running children came into his field of vision.

“It’s the Magi Squad! They’re escaping with the children who were being held at the castle!” Lara cheered.

Assuming that the uproar happening at the castle was caused by a rebellion started by the Magi Squad, she was undoubtedly right.

“Head for the castle while ensuring that the children have an escape route!” Leif ordered. He started up the hill and took a deep breath.

Their presence surprised the people fighting the imperial cavaliers and protecting the children.

Leif saw a red-haired young man wearing a robe among them. There was no mistaking who it was. ‘Why is Saias fighting the imperial army?’ Leif found it hard to believe.

But now wasn’t the time to be worrying about something like that.

*

Leif rushed up the hill.

He and the children ran past each other.

Now, Saias was nearing him.

Saias cast a light magic spell at a cavalier that was right behind him.

The light hit the cavalier and he fell off his horse.

However, at the same time, another cavalier galloped around Saias and aimed at his his back.

“Look out!” Leif jumped and swung his sword at the cavalier.

The cavalier groaned. Blood gushed from his abdomen, and he died.

“Thanks, you saved me there.” Saias turned around and smiled calmly.

“Don’t mention it.” Leif answered, though he was on guard.

“I have no intention of fighting you now, so please let down your guard.”

“I don’t think my trust is something that you can win over with mere words.”

Saias frowned. “Probably not.”

“Why have you decided to rebel against the empire?” Leif asked.

Saias’ expression suddenly hardened. “I am a bishop of the Bragi Church. Therefore, I do not approve of the child hunts. I don’t think a world where many of the people suffer is a good one. However, I also don’t think that Emperor Arvis’ ideals are wrong.”

“You don’t think his ideals are wrong?” Leif’s expression became grim at Saias’ words.

“But many of those among the ruling class are very stupid, and the tenacity and power of Loptyr is greater than the emperor imagined it would be.”

Leif didn’t say anything, instead glaring at him.

“The empire has drifted away completely from Emperor Arvis’ ideals.” Saias said as he handed Leif a sword.

“What’s this?”

“The sage that leads the Magi Squad entrusted it to me. He wanted me to give it to you. He believed it to be the Bragi Sword.”

“The Bragi Sword?”

“Yes. It is the only sword that can counter the magical power contained within the Loptyr Sword that Raydrik possesses. Without it, you probably won’t be able to defeat him.”

Leif took the sword, didn’t take his eyes off Saias.

“I must return the children to their parents, so please excuse me.” Saias said and continued down the hill.

“Please, wait!” Leif called out to him.

Halfway down the hill, Saias stopped and turned around.

“Would you like to fight with us?” Leif asked.

Saias smiled and shook his head. “I have a role that I must play, in a place that is not likely to cross your path. Therefore, I cannot go with you. Please excuse me.” He said before running off behind the children.

[furubaycrossing]

What's vikings valhalla about?

it’s basically a historical drama about the Vikings and the English but honestly there was a lot going on and i’m rlly bad at summarizing things properly so here’s some info from the wikipedia page :

Set over a hundred years after the events of Vikings (another show that I fully intend to watch now since I’m all in with this Viking stuff), as tensions between the Vikings and the English royals reach a bloody breaking point and as the Vikings themselves clash over their conflicting Christian and Pagan beliefs. Leif Erikson, Freydís Eiríksdóttir and Harald Hardrada begin an epic journey that will take them across oceans and through battlefields, from the Kattegat to England and beyond, as they fight for survival and glory. The series shows the end of the Viking Age, marked by the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066.

it was super interesting and I really enjoyed it !!! 10/10 would recommend 👌🏻

[questionablespecies]

Minor Spoilers

I like Freydis and I like Liv, I do, I really like their characters, but it's kinda funny at how the... "romance" aspect that the show put in there for them {Freydis with Harald & Leif with Liv} basically takes a backseat to whatever Harald and Leif got going on. Maybe it's because those two spend the most time together and have the most developed bonding that we get to see throughout the show, and then you got Freydis on her self discovery journey, only thinking about her friends and her brother's safe return, and then there's Liv - who was really close to all of the Greenlander men. So, when all of them die except her and Leif - their relationship still feels like a friendship, a really close one, but one that also seemed to bloom out of a tighter bond of necessity since it became "it's just you and me now." I don't know if the romance would've ever happened if the other friends didn't get picked off, ya know? And then I didn't even really expect a romance from Harald and Freydis just because Harald in the beginning seemed like such a playboy, like a sincere one sure, but I truly thought him and Freydis was a hit it and quit it situation. Him mentioning to Leif that his sister is interesting seemed to be used as a ploy to get some kinda rise outta Leif rather than him being genuinely interested in pursuing more of her.