#the dame speaks

[moonmaidensblessing]

I love Mystra as a character 100% she is an interesting character and I adore a morally questionable woman with my whole heart in fiction but I’m trying to get why ppl get so up in arms about her. The concept of a god having a relationship with a mortal is nothing new; I wrote a paper last semester comparing Gale to Odysseus from the Odyssey for the very reason they both had relationships with goddesses. It’s an age old situation in storytelling and it’s not going anywhere.

I want to posit the idea that Gale’s specific dynamic with Mystra is meant to say more about his character than her, though, since he’s a major character. His relationship with her is meant to tell us how powerful he is as a magic-wielder and his connection with it is beyond what the average magic user could ever dream of (looking at you, Rolan). He is written in a way where his hubris could easily lead him down a bad path as it had done several times for him already. He is messing with things beyond his scope, though, as he learns more and gains more power. A line I always feel people ignore is the one where he admits Mystra gave him a boundary, appropriately seeing what it was (Netherese magic that had almost killed her before), and tend to majorly focus on the fact that she asks him to sacrifice himself with that same dangerous magic. I mean, i can see a perspective that she sees Gale as potentially dangerous since he disregards her request ultimately for his own purposes. Keep in mind that he not only has the parasite, but the orb would not be kept docile forever. He became dangerous not only to himself but to anyone unfortunate enough to be too close should something happen. He poses an immense threat after crossing Mystra’s boundary (his exact words in the game) to Faerûn, the Weave itself, etc.

Does this make Gale evil? No. He had the potential to be misguided, though, in the story, and I think that’s the writers’ point was how easy it can be to fall from might and grace with a few bad choices.

To be frank, the dynamic between Gale and Mystra is already at a power imbalance. It isn’t like the other characters’ relationships with their respective gods because they do not have a romantic/sexual relationship with them. That is a curious distinction, which would lend to it being an unusual practice in the pantheon of the gods. However, not in the world of literature, I reiterate. Odysseus has intimate encounters with several goddesses in his journey, but the power dynamic is written a lot differently than how Mystra and Gale are written.

If it is not common practice for the gods to have intimate interactions with mortals, then it stands to reason that it is a discouraged practice among them. We hear a line in the game where Gale says Ao would not permit Mystra to interfere with their quest directly, and it makes me believe there are rules for the gods when it comes to behavior and actions. For some reason, Mystra is permitted to have romantic relationships with her worshippers, and I have to wonder why that is. Apparently it isn’t common for her to pick someone, either, as she only chooses the most powerful magic users, her chosen ones. And that’s where we start to run into the power imbalances.

In a way, Gale seeks the missing magic for Mystra to feel equal to her, a dynamic that would never change no matter what he did. Who is really to blame? The one who wasn’t content in his role, or the god who appointed him to that role in the first place? Was Mystra trying to influence Gale to stop him reaching beyond mortal limitations, fearing (for him or perhaps herself even) that he would go too far one day just like Karsus before him? Did she have valid reasons to fear for herself and the world of magic, or was it a selfish act borne out of fear of losing control of her realm and devotees? I don’t think people are thinking this deeply about it.

I think why it bugs me in a way that kids keep giving her the “bitchy mean girl” treatment is because it sort of cheapens the intent of the characters and what its supposed to mean to the story. I mean It’s funny but I cannot look at a single piece of fan art online that features her without 15 ppl all unironically claiming acts of violence against a video game character. I guess its ultimately harmless, and it’s good they are able to recognize the harm that is present there, but it feels like a simple, immature take just all on its own.

Oh and I definitely hate the take that Mystra groomed him. That makes me pretty sick, and it isn’t a one to one comparison at all. I sincerely doubt that was the writers intention at all, and as someone who was it makes me pretty mad to see. But I understand since most of those saying it are most likely children who don’t have a full grasp of it. Grooming is intentionally selecting a person with little to no agency, usually a child, and trying to influence them into inappropriate situations. I feel like comparing that dynamic to grooming demeans and lessens the importance of it in real life. Gale was not a child, he has agency in his life, and it’s cheapening even to the character to imply he had no control over what was happening to him. Unless I’m missing some crucial piece of lore here, I don’t think Mystra picked Gale as her chosen and romantic partner to make him find Karsus’ tome and unleash the magic that nearly killed her and destroyed all magic.

I get it, though, why young people jump to that conclusion. Again, I’m glad that they see the surface level issue. I’m glad they can recognize danger and harm. That’s good. I’d never discourage someone, especially children, in being vigilant with those sorts of things.

And of course all this said not so much in defense of Mystra (though I love her as a character) but more in defense of the people who wrote it. This game is so well written and it’s one of the reasons why I love it so much. The fact that I CAN write an essay for class about it makes me over the moon and goes to show just how much depth and meaning is present.

[dantedoodles]

Felt like doodling phoeb

Casually rips off a part of the palace of justice

[ranminfan]

Hellfire is the only Disney villain song where the antagonist is not having a good time....

I'm trying to think of the reasons why Hellfire is one, if not, the best Disney villain song and how it's different from the others, and this is what I noticed...

Their songs is where we see the motives, goals and overall character of the villains and how they'll drive the plot of the movie.

However I don't think I've ever seen another Disney villain who's having a horrible time.

Frollo is the only one I've seen who's in pain in a sense.

He's not singing because its his number, no, he's singing because he's struggling with his inhibitions.

I mean, look at the other guys...

They're having a gay ol' time

.

Another thing I've noticed to other villain songs is that they have an audience.

I think they need to because it's usually the time where they hatch their evil plans and the audience is generally the main protagonist.

Meanwhile Frollo doesn't want anyone to know his little "trouble" with the fireplace.

He doesn't want witnesses... no one has to know, no one needs to, and he made sure of that.

Even having to burn Esmeralda's scarf so nobody can find it. He was determined to keep his motives hidden.

He's alone, restless, and vulnerable, as shown with him not wearing his usual vestments (hat and the shoulder pad thing).

The only people who knows Hellfire exists is him and us, the viewers.

Decides to make this also because I've been seeing people who've watched the new movie Wish and a lot are comparing the villain songs to the old ones.

[brown-spider]

Noir is the type to poetically monologue about a man from his youth that "had he been a dame, we would have been lovers" with such dramatic intensity you'd think he was talking about the love of his life

But then if someone asked Noir anything suggesting that he's attracted to men, he'd dismiss it like "Now don't get me wrong, that crowd is fine by me, but I'm not a homosexual. I like dames too much, haha."

And it drives the modern spider kids fucking CRAZY. They want to shake him and scream "BISEXUAL!!!" so bad but oh god he's wearing headphones, he can't hear them, oh my god 😨

[salem-sapiens]

Some more Frollo stuff I did during chemistry lesson instead of paying attention.

I'm definitely failing this class ( •ᴗ•)

[merrunzs]

the last dragonborn / the last akaviri

[aprillikesthings]

There is something deeply funny to me about the fact that, of people who pray the rosary (at least in the United States); the Catholics tend to be super conservative, and the Episcopalians/Anglicans tend to be gay.

[cfcreative]

I revel in the notion that Isobel’s “AYLIN” after the “Succor” moment really is a shorthand for “Beloved, we are on the same page but can you please not shout our business to everyone?”

I imagine if Isobel had said it that way Aylin would have continued with: “THE FASTER I MAKE THEM LEAVE THE FASTER I GET TO FEAST FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 200 YEARS. AND BY FEAST I MEAN ON YOUR—“

Isobel: Aggressively casts silence spell

[sophiethewitch1]

i genuinely love writing for damian he is such a piece of shit <3 <3

[svaints]

Regarding Rollos flat self, this what I mean. He does not have a bubble butt.

[moonmaidensblessing]

i want an elizabeth comstock who is actual nearly silent a lot of the time because she has spent so much time alone she isn't used to talking. i want elizabeth who makes booker uncomfortable or confused by her behavior because she doesn't socially know what the fuck she's doing. i want her to ask people tons of questions and annoy or anger them, take things she shouldn't because she doesn't really get stealing (that's why she has all the things; she just keeps taking them). i want her to confuse or bother other people by her naivety, confidently being wrong about things or in her social faux pas. i want liz to be a lil freak give it to me now!

and i dont want her to be an effective femme fatale. i want her to look the part, but then just be the cold ice queen instead. she seems that way but its just she seems standoffish because she doesn't know what is supposed to be said. i want her to struggle and have to invent other, creative ways to get out of her problems. i want her to be like tenenbaum or rosalind, and seem cold when she just isn't good with small talk or have a natural aptitude for it. OR hell let her have a knack for it, but let's watch that develop. idk.

[nocturnalcharm]

Taking Care of You (Dame Aylin x Fem!Tav x Isobel)

𐙚 prompt: (Act 2 Spoilers*) After Dame Aylin kills Lorroakan, Isobel and Tav take care of her. 𐙚 cw: poly relationship?, normal bg3 violence, 𐙚 a/n: smut will be in part 2! i haven’t had a lot of time to write so i wanted to get something out there! thank u for ur patience

18+ blog!! you are responsible for your own media consumption. if any of the above makes you uncomfortable, do not proceed.

“Aylin!” You rushed back to camp, headed straight for Isobel and Aylin.

While they were resting, you and some others went out to explore Baldur’s Gate while you had the chance. You wanted to do some shopping, stocking up on potions and such, when you found a big store called ‘Sorcerous Sundries’.

“What’s wrong, dear?” Aylin immediately looked worried.

You could tell by her voice how anxious she was due to your tone and frazzled nature. You didn’t want her or Isobel to get too upset by what you had to say, so you tried to calm down before continuing. “I was at this store, and there was this wizard named Lorroakan. Um... Do you know him?”

“What happened? Did he hurt you?” She rushed over to you, grabbing your hands, giving your body a onceover, checking you for injuries.

“No. He, um.. He said he knows you.” They both could tell that there was more than you were letting on.

“Sweetheart.” Isobel said, seriously. “What do you mean?”

“He wants to.. trap you.” You turn to Aylin. “Trap the Nightsong. And use your powers to keep himself immortal.. We need to stay clear of his shop.”

“Stay away? Dame Aylin will do more than stay away!” She turns, grabbing her glaive. Her wings spread, perked up at the thought of a fight.

“We will kill him!” Isobel's voice growls.

“No!” Aylin interjects. “No. I will kill him. You two will stay here. I will not have either of you getting injured.”

“No, please, let’s just ignore him! I didn’t tell you this so you would go kill him. I told you so we could be sure to stay away from him.” You cried out. “He is crazy! If he knows where you are, or if you fight him and lose—”

Aylin grabs your shoulders. Her eyes meet yours. “I will not fail. You two will stay here, and I will go with the others.”

You look over at Isobel, trying to decipher what she thinks. She looks defeated, knowing that Aylin won’t stand down.

“But what if—” You try again.

“Love, I will not fail.”

You paused, waiting to see if she’d change her mind, but to no avail. “Fine. Just.. please be safe.”

“Please.” Isobel emphasizes, handing her helmet over.

Aylin kisses you, then Isobel, before sliding her helmet on and disappearing from camp.

***

Hours later, the party still hadn’t returned. The sky went from a baby blue, to a dark midnight, only worrying you and Isobel more.

“I hate this.” Isobel rants, pacing around the camp. “It’s been hours and we don’t know if she’s okay. If any of them are okay!”

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.” You picked at your fingers, nervously.

“Don't blame yourself, Sweetheart. You’re not the evil, psychotic wizard after the one we love.” She tries to joke, attempting to lighten the mood.

Just as she does, you hear rustling in the woods behind you. “Aylin!” You call out, hopeful.

“Yes.” She finally comes into view from the campfire at your feet. You and Isobel rush over to her, embracing her in a tight hug.

“Are you okay? Are you injured?” It was your turn to check her for wounds. “You’re bleeding.”

“No, my love. It’s not my blood. It’s his.” Her voice was… off.

“Is he dead?” Isobel asks, wearily.

Aylin nods. She walks over to a log, sitting on it, staring at the campfire in a daze.

“Are you okay?” You question, and she stays silent.

“Sweetheart?” Isobel places a hand on her shoulder, and again, she is quiet, unmoving.

You and Isobel look at each other, brows furrowed in anxiety. “Don’t worry.” She finally speaks up again. “We’ll take care of you.”

She walks over to your tent, grabbing a healing potion and making her drink it until it was gone. You also stroll to the tent, grabbing some water and fruit to help her settle her stomach, that was probably in knots.

Aylin downs the health potion in one go, followed by the water, then takes a few bites from an apple. While she eats, you and Isobel rub her back gently, and stroke her hair, just wanting her to know you two are here for her. She normally didn’t act like this after a fight; It was odd. She didn’t seem to have any physical injuries at all, so the only conclusion was that the fight hurt her mentally.

You were unsure of how to comfort her, as that was never a strong suit of yours. You let Isobel take the lead, and you followed her actions. Isobel could tell you feel guilty, as if this was your fault, but it wasn’t. And that’s not what mattered right now. This was about Aylin, and you couldn’t let your self-pitying get in the way of taking care of the one you love.

“Why don’t we go to the lake? The water is warm, it’ll ease your muscles and help you relax. You can clean up, get that blood off of you” Isobel offered.

“That sounds nice.” Aylin finally spoke up.

You quickly grabbed three sets of camp clothes, and a few other things you thought you might need, and headed out to the lake. It was secluded, with only one entrance to the water. Other than that, the edges were covered with tall trees, dripped in vines and moss, and berry bushes. You knew you wouldn’t be bothered by others.

Once you arrived, Isobel started to help Aylin undress, removing her armor for her. She handed the pieces off to you, and you gently set them down on a tree stump a few feet away.

Once she was bare, you and Isobel also undressed. With one of you on each side, you took her hands and walked with her into the lake. As you sunk deeper into the water, you could feel Aylin’s body ease in the tepid water.

After minutes of silence, just filled with the sound of water and rustling trees, you finally asked Aylin if she wanted to talk about what happened.

“No. I’m fine. I just feel… different. I should be happy, killing a man who wanted to imprison the Nightsong yet again, but I’m not happy. At least, I don’t think I am. I feel numb.”

“You might be in shock.” Isobel suggests.

“I’m sure that’s what it is. After a bit of time, this feeling will go away and I’ll be back to normal.”

You rubbed her arms, in a comforting way, but also in an attempt to rid her body of Lorroakan’s blood. Isobel left the lake, only to return with an empty bottle. She filled it with water and poured it down the back of Aylin’s head, to wash away the red stains that were in her blonde hair.

Aylin had a slight smile across her face now, since she was safe with the women she loved; Her smile looked quite genuine. “I’m ready to head back, now.”

Once you were all back to the tent, dried off and cozy, you offered to give Aylin a massage to relax her even further, and she accepted. While you kneaded her aching limbs, Aylin let soft moans slip through her lips. Piquing your interest, you massaged her body deeper, wanting to draw out the moans even more.

Aylin laughed slightly, “You’re doing that on purpose, now. Aren't you?”

You smiled, “I just like to hear you. It lets me know you’re enjoying yourself.”

“I can enjoy myself in other ways, too.” She winked.

[ranminfan]

Going crazy over Frollo's expressions in the scene where the soldier interrupts Hellfire.

like they animated his face and everything but in all the videos I've seen it's all blurry or non-exist at all because of the poor quality .

This is on our smart TV on disney plus, and ohmahgash his expressions are agshfjkf

[ishouldgay]

I honestly don’t usually like threesomes where one is a couple that is like… super deep in love and probably would never share themselves with a third because while I think threesomes are hot like everyone else I hate out of character smut more.

However!

Shadowheart x Aylin x Isobel has not left my mind.

Between the whole religious/cult trauma being amplified by 300% (Isobel is 100 because she’s a favorited cleric while Aylin counts as 200 because she’s, you know, the actual daughter of Selûne) and the fact that over all they seem each others type (The idea that Aylin has a thing for half elf clerics of Selûne is hilarious to me too) it works out.

I need like. At least ten fics about them. Please. At least one of them is just Shadowheart being lovingly railed by Aylin while Isobel watches because she deserves it.

[spooky-activity]

Has anyone else encountered the bug where if you’ve recruited Jaheria when you trigger this cutscene at Moonrise, she disapproves so hard she comes up to you and leaves forever?

It is the same if, for whatever reason, Aylin or Isobel are alone in this scene. It’s just MUCH funnier to me that a bug made her homophobic

[eemoo1o-animoo]

“Other people are far more invested in him than I ever will be”

That feels like a diss.

Would “Dame of Alois Trancy (and Claude)” be shortened to just Dame Trancy? 🤨

Dame of Trancy kid of slap if we're being honest. (I cannot accept it for Claude other people are far more invested in him than I ever will be lol)