#the high harper

[daybrightsims]

I have finally done it.

The Absolute is defeated (the Emperor along with it).

Lae'zel is leading her people to freedom.

Wyll is the Blade of Avernus fighting hellspawn with Karlach, whose heart can (and will, dammit) be fixed.

Gale is the wizard professor of our dreams with Tara at his side, free of the Karsite Weave.

Shadowheart is roaming Faerun, finding her true self outside of Shar, her parents released to the Moonmaiden's embrace.

Halsin is the father of all orphans in Reithwin, rebuilding from the Shadow Curse.

Jahiera is helping Baldur's Gate rebuild, along with many others (Duke Ravenguard included).

Oh, Minsc is doing Minsc things, fighting for justice with Boo (and ending up in jail).

And Calliope (my Tav), a hero of legend, has seen many corners of Faerun with her vampire spawn love of her life, Astarion.

There will never be another game like this, and I can't wait to do it again.

[ryttu3k]

Largely for reference, the conversations Jaheira's kids have with each other. Rion talks to Fig and Tate, Jord talks to Jhessem (and the plants); there's four bits of dialogue each.

Rion and Fig

"Poor dummy. Look at its arms - it just wants a hug."

"That's why it keeps losing. Dummy."

-

"Am I supposed to pretend that sword you're swinging wasn't stolen from my room?"

"Wrong. It's completely different."

"Funny. Because it looks just like the one I stole from mum when I was your age."

-

"Good. But you'll need to learn more than just the Harper forms."

"Is that why they threw you out? Because you didn't like their forms?"

"They didn't throw me out. I left. There was just… more to be learned elsewhere."

"Like the Flaming Fist?"

"No, now they threw me out."

-

"When can I move on to a real sword?"

"Oh, stop sulking. I had to teach myself in secret when I started. Mum didn't want to 'force me into the same life'."

"When did she change her mind?"

"About the third time I knocked her on her arse."

-

Rion and Tate

"Hey. You alright up here?"

"Yeah. I'll come down soon. Sorry."

"Don't need you to be sorry. Just checking that you're all right."

-

"You going to eat with us today?"

"I'm not… I'm not hungry. Really."

"Ah. Well, I could use a hand with the washing up - last time I let Fig do it, she blunted my best knife slaying 'soap-mephits'."

"Heh. All right."

-

"Would you like a book? I can have Jhessem drop one up. Maybe she'll even read it with you."

"Jhess…? Eh, no. That's all right. I'm all right."

"What if I tell her not to do the goblin voice?"

"I guess… that would be okay."

-

"You don't need to watch the door, you know. No one's getting in that we don't want to."

"They don't need to get past the door. They could just b-board it up and burn the place."

"True, I suppose. But you have something out there that you didn't, in your last house."

"…Fig."

"Fig."

Jord and Jhessem

"Bootprints on the tabletop. You haven't been poking around the top shelves again - have you, Jhessem?"

"Of course not. Her diaries are off-limits."

"And written in code too, I'm afraid."

"I know. It's not a very good code."

-

"Well, what are we reading now? More Alaundo?"

"No. I'm looking for any histories about this Absolute."

"I wouldn't bother. It's a new god - unknowable and mysterious."

"It's just another cult. And cults are common as muck."

"Huh. So sayeth the wise Jhessem."

-

"Try that hand-bill on fungal poultices. We might be tending the injured here before long."

"Perhaps you should brush up on the herb-lore yourself, Jord. Mother's vines are looking a little weedy."

"Why are the quiet ones always the cruellest?"

-

"That reminds me. I'm working on our family tree - I've already placed Rion. You're next."

"Hah. Well, I'm afraid you won't find us dangling from any of the same branches, sproutling."

"So we'll graft on another. A druid should know how to do that, shouldn't he?"

"I… suppose he should, at that."

Jord to plants

"You three have been just guzzling the water recently. Save some for the others, all right?"

"Coming along nicely there, Floki. Good, strong roots."

"Those leaves are a little darker than I'd like, Felicis. Bad soil? Hm. Don't tell mother…"

"Oh, come on, Ferdinand, I just trimmed you."

-

Rion and Jord are definitely trying their best to be big siblings! Rion is very gentle with Tate (who, from that last dialogue, seems to have experienced some trauma before being adopted by Jaheira - there's a letter that suggests his biological parents were amongst the first taken by the cult), Jhessem is a character, Jord and his plants are adorable, and Rion and Fig are very much cut from the same cloth.

[bookcalanthedaily]

war is an old woman's game.

[medra-gonbites]

The Contemplations and Conclusions of Minsc of Rashemen

A steam of consciousness wherein Minsc processes his arrival in the gang and reflects on his new (and old) companions and mission. 

SFW - Stream of consciousness, Comedy

 Word Count: 2173

Minsc let his eyes scurry around the room. They landed on Jaheira’s corner, next to his. The incense sticks were still fuming passively, fogging the area slightly with the musky scent of cedar.

“I am glad that Jaheira found us again. To think Minsc of Rashemen fell for the trick of a doppelganger! It should have been clear as soon as he saw none of Jaheira’s druidic wisdom behind the traitor’s eyes. Also the very much less wrinkles on the face… Minsc feels ashamed for having failed his Wychlaran!”

His furrowed brow scanned the rest of the room, before turning upside down.

“But, it is a relief that Jaheira met such a group of courageous companions too!”

Minsc pondered a moment. He had not been in their company for so long. In truth he did not know them at all yet, but he had already noticed a lot of things around camp, enough, he thought, to appreciate their respective characters.

Read the rest on AO3 or below the cut!

I have been writing relatively dark stuff recently and while it has been cathartic I wanted to try my hand at something a little bit happier!

Minsc is a hilarious and a very wise orator. He is extremely funny, and although he appears dumb because he uses the wrong words sometimes and fails to understand some nuances, his sentences all make perfect sense and his emotional intelligence is top notch, both when  it comes to himself and when it comes to others.

I got inspired to do a stream of consciousness with Minsc (and Boo as a ghost conversationalist in a way), where he processes his arrival in the gang and reflects on his new (and old) companions. 

image source: my screenshot

Minsc was sitting on the floor of the Elfsong Tavern, mindlessly tapping a rhythm on the stretched skin of the bongos pressed under his arm. After the madness of the last days the ranger was quite relieved to find himself alone; well, safe for Boo, tucked away in the collar of his shirt, napping against his collarbone. 

His new companions knew of his need for respite and had gotten themselves busy today with errands and quests around the city. Shadowheart, Lae’zel, Gale and Astarion had gone to a mansion by the Upper City gate, investigating the paranormal activities reported there. Wyll, Karlach, Halsin and their leader Tav had gone to check a lead on the kidnapping of a little girl, suspecting the mischief of a hag. Jaheira had gone home to visit her children and tighten some loose ends with them, primarily to keep them safe and out of the city. 

Minsc had remained at the Tavern, to reflect on his new entourage, his new mission and his new purpose. He was playing his bongo as he gathered his thoughts. The information was swirling in his head together with the illithid parasite. It was difficult to clear his mind, but he was not sure if this restlessness was caused by the intruder in his brain or simply the overload of news he had to compose with.

A sudden fatigue overtook him. He sighed deeply, resting his hand on the drums, halting the music. He felt Boo stirring by his neck. The rodent emerged with a squeal and climbed onto Minsc's shoulder.

“Ah Boo! I trust you had a good nap? Minsc is still very confused with everything that happened to us as of late. Care to join my contemplations. Maybe you can help make sense of all this?”

The small creature squeaked in response.

“Yes, it is a lot! Minsc cannot believe Minsc was the Stone Lord all along. If only somebody had told him.” Boo peeped in contestation, “You are right my friend; you did tell. Excuse Minsc for not listening.”

Minsc let his eyes scurry around the room. They landed on Jaheira’s corner, next to his. The incense sticks were still fuming passively, fogging the area slightly with the musky scent of cedar.

“I am glad that Jaheira found us again. To think Minsc of Rashemen fell for the trick of a doppelganger! It should have been clear as soon as he saw none of Jaheira’s druidic wisdom behind the traitor’s eyes. Also the very much less wrinkles on the face… Minsc feels ashamed for having failed his Wychlaran!”

His furrowed brow scanned the rest of the room, before turning upside down.

“But, it is a relief that Jaheira met such a group of courageous companions too!”

Minsc pondered a moment. He had not been in their company for so long. In truth he did not know them at all yet, but he had already noticed a lot of things around camp, enough, he thought, to appreciate their respective characters. 

His gaze went to Shadowheart’s bed, across from him. The sheets were neatly folded and the clothes on the duvet laid there, unwrinkled.

“What do you think of Shadowheart, Boo?”

The hamster creaked.

“I too wonder why her eyebrows are not the same colour as her hair… But nevermind her hairy condition, she seems a trustworthy cleric.” Boo scritched, “Ex-sharran, if I heard right.” Minsc corrected him, “I hope she takes care of Minsc when Minsc is injured. Kiss the booboos better”.

The rodent, displeased with the statement, nipped the shoulder of a blushing Minsc.

“Ouch! Not you, Boo!” Boo, squeaked in protestation, “No, no! Minsc wishes not to romance. Shadowheart is a fine lady, with very pretty eyes, but Minsc is betrothed to justice and the kicking of butts!”

Passing Shadowheart bed, Minsc caught sight of Wyll’s bunk. One of his rapier stood against the foot of the bed and his lounging outfit was emerging from under a pillow, shredded in place.

“The Blade of Frontiers! Brave man that Wyll, isn’t he Boo?” Boo gritted his teeth together in response, “That is true. I do not know why the flare for the theatrics and the naming. But people did call Minsc the Stone Lord for years it seems, so who is he to judge? I hope that Wyll can escape his patron’s wicked paperwork soon! Do you think his forehead would go back to normal?” 

Minsc reached out to his own brow, touching the skin at the edge of his skull. As usual, it was smooth and hairless, keeping his head light and his vision unobstructed. Boosquawked at Minsc.

“Oh no, not at all! Minsc finds him dashing with the horns! Like a powerful ram, ready to charge into battle! But Minsc is concerned: It looks heavy on the boy’s head. Also a problem if he is ever in need of a hat… Maybe it is a problem Karlach has  also.”

Minsc thought of the fiery tiefling barbarian for a moment and at the glowing red fire that swole in her chest when she felt anger rise within her.

“Fierce berserker, like us Boo! Karlach is one of the warmest warriors I have ever met and blessed with the biggest heart of them all.” Faced with his companions’ squeaking noise, Minsc clarifies, “Yes, Minsc knows she does not have a heart: I am doing a figure of the poetics: a superbole if you will. Let us hope that she finds a cure before it is all said and done. If she ever needs a heart, Minsc would gladly donate his”.

The giant lifted a hand and placed it to the right side of his chest. Boo raised his head towards the ranger, wiggling his nose at him.

“But you gave your liver to your dying cousin! Are you sure I cannot?” The nose wiggled once more, “Hm… Confusing how some organs you can give and some you cannot; Medicine is a strange science. Perhaps Gale could explain.”

Minsc winces at the idea, before waving it off dismissively. Last time he had attempted to have a conversation with the mage, he had found himself feeling simple and small, and neither feeling was representative of what Minsc was in reality.

“On second thoughts, Minsc is not keen on receiving another lecture. Do you know what he called Minsc yesterday, Boo?” The hamster let out an inquisitive screech, “A coverslut! Lies! Nobody is more virtuous than Minsc!” Boo squawked a reply, “Why, yes, Minsc was wearing a stained undershirt, but it’s no excuse to insult!” 

Boo squealed louder, Minsc opened his eyes wide as if struck by an epiphany.

“Aaaah! Is that so! Well, I should apologize then… I made peace with the idea that the wizard and Minsc will always struggle to understand each other. Although his sadness is easy to get. He misses his goddess very much and cannot find his value without her. I too was once lost without Jaheira… Maybe we can convince one of your brothers to befriend Gale, so that he can find his value and trust in the eyes of a furry friend like Minsc did?”

Boo yipped in disagreement and Minsc raised a hand before him.

“Yes, he does already have a cat but… Alright, alright! I did not know you were in such quarrels with your family… The intricacies of hamster politics is lost on Minsc. But it reminds me of Lae’zel’s struggle with her people.” Boo let out a panicked screech, “Yes I compare; you two are more similar than you think! She is fierce, and bloodthirsty and eager for battle just like Boo is! Besides, she promised she would not eat you…” 

Minsc hesitated a moment, wanting to ask something to his rodent companion but not daring to. He finally built up the courage to do so and with a cautionary tone he began.

“Say… Lae’zel also told that Boo did not look like any other giant space hamster she had seen and that… Maybe!.. You might be just a regular hamster. Is that true?”

Outraged by the question, Boo bit hard into the flesh of Minsc's neck. 

“Aïyaaah!” the ranger screamed, bringing a hand to the bite to rub the pain away, “You have spent too much time with Astarion! I know you enjoy his panache, but Minsc can do without the teeth.”

As he massaged the area of the bite, Minsc was reminded of the puncture holes on the side of the vampire’s neck and of the scars he had seen on the vampire’s back when the latter had changed into his armor that very morning.

“To think of the horrors that he must have seen and borne. But he still smiles and laughs. Mostly when he is covered in bits and innards, but still. Minsc has respect for Astarion. Let’s pray he will make the right choice when he must… But I do not doubt that he will.”

Boo walked down Minsc's arm to lay in his open palm. 

“Indeed my friend! I cannot wait to go kick this Cazador’s vampire butt!”

The Rachemi looks at his familiar with tenderness. Like most rangers, Minsc had a privileged relationship with his familiar, that went beyond those of a pet and his master. Boo was his friend, his mentor, his leader. He felt the same appreciation toward Tav, the alpha of this pack.

“Ah Boo! I think we can both agree that Tav is as mighty as their name is stupid! What great mind to be able to command fine heroes such as all of us.” Boo licked his paw which he wiped on his face, “Yes, that is true; they are a bit weird sometimes. Like when they stare in the void for hours. Or drop their gear on the floor. Or run in circles around camp - like the dog, hum.. Scratch?- to talk to everyone. That is odd. But aren’t we all?”

Minsc looked around him, to the cozy floor and comfortable bedding surrounding him.

“They sure do know how to talk their way into a soft bed. Not to forget the sting of their sword and the fly of their fist.”

What a heart-warming group of adventurers, Minsc thought. None braver, no one tougher, no one stronger than them. The ill-matched but mighty bunch they formed together in camaraderie and…

Boo let out a shrill shriek pulling Minsc back to reality.

“Who?” He asked, a puzzled expression bending the purple sphere on his forehead and eye.

Boo creaked.

“Halsin? Minsc does not recall anyone by this n…” Minsc trailed off, catching a glimpse of Halsin’s gear next to Jaheira’s, “Ah yes! The feeble elf who smells of mud.” 

The ranger tried to shake the bitterness in his tone under the critical eye of Boo.

“Yes, well he is a druid. Of that we already have one, so that makes him rhododendron.” Boo’s glare was intense and Minsc felt urged to continue in a more praising manner, “But he seems like a gentle soul, and has been caring for the owlbear cub very well.”

Looking riveted at his hamster companion, Minsc could not help but feel hints of doubt and powerlessness tugged in his stomach. With fear in his eyes the gentle giant brought his hand to his face to level the creature with his eyes, and starring in the little black beads on the rodent’s face he inquired:

“Will you leave me for him, Boo?”

Boo jumped on Minsc's nose and climbed up to settle on top of his head. He squeaked triumphantly.

“Good! For a moment, Minsc was afraid you had found a stronger nature lover to adventure with!”

Boo flattened against the curve of Minsc’s skull. Laying on the smooth dome, the animal quickly dozed off into slumber. Reassured and relaxing, Minsc resumed his percussion on the drum.  He found it easier to clear his head now, after organizing and voicing his thoughts. 

The man was grateful to be allowed such times for introspection and meditation. It did him good to be able to form a bond with his new friends even without them present. 

In the coming days they would descend into the Temple of Bhaal and face the horrors of Orin and her followers. It was not the first time he was confronted by a spawn of Bhaal. He hoped it would be his last though: but no matter the 3rd or 10th time. He would get rid of this evil one way or the other. He needed to trust his company. He needed to trust himself again. 

After that it was the brain. After that it would be the Guild. After that there would be another evil to tame no doubt and innocent to protect once more. Regardless of when, Minsc was ready to be there.

[thelikesoffinn]

Hold up which kitties did you adopt? Was it wyll? Say it was wyll...🥺

It was Wyll, babes! Wyll and Jaheira, actually.

Now, mind you: Those are not their real names, it's just the ID names the shelter uses for customer service, haha. So as soon as they enter me hoose they will be called something different.

But generally, yeah, Jaheira and Wyll shall be joining my household next week!

[thecagedbard]

[mikewheelerscloset]

if heartbreak high doesn't get a s3 I will riot btw

[truly-sincerely]

Even More Comprehensive BG3 Timeline

(Now with citations!) Years in (paren) are confirmed, all other lines are approximations. For my own sanity this timeline is based on available in-game information and not the Forgotten Realms at large.

1450s

Enver Flymm born

Gale Dekarios born (1457)

Enver Flymm sold to Raphael by his parents, renamed Gortash

Gortash learns about Crown of Karsus while a prisoner of Raphael

Karlach Cliffgate born

1460s

Gortash escapes the House of Hope

Gale Dekarios summons Tara the Tressym (1467)

Wyll Ravengard born (1468)

1470s

Lae’zel of K’liir born (1470)

Gortash in his Heapside Reavers period

Gortash rebrands as a black market arms dealer

Orin the Red born to Helena and Sarevok Anchev

Durge begins their serial killing spree in Baldur’s Gate (1477)

The Emperor dominates Duke Belynne Stelmane (1479)

1480s

Elminster resurrects Mystra (1480)

Gortash trades Karlach to Zariel for infernal machines & iron (1482)

Baldur’s Gate’s Beloved Ranger statue goes missing (1482)

Duke Abdel Adrian murdered during Returning Day speech (1482) - Bhaal resurrected - Ulder Ravengard replaces Adrian as Marshall and as Duke

Orin kills her mother Helena in self-defense

Gortash recruits Franc Peartree to distribute infernal iron weapons

Gortash establishes a cult of Bane in Baldur’s Gate

Gortash approaches Durge about an alliance

Gortash moves against the Zhentarim & Knights of the Shield

Ulder Ravengard named Grand Duke

Wyll Ravengard pact with Mizora, leaves Baldur’s Gate (1485)

Dead Three made aware of the Crown of Karsus (most likely informed by Gortash)* - Gortash becomes Bane’s Chosen - Durge becomes Bhaal’s chosen - Gortash & Durge are instructed to recruit Ketheric

Gortash tells Durge about Crown of Karsus (via correspondence)

Hall/House of Wonders test mission* - Durge gets Bhaalist memorabilia - Gortash gets a bunch of Gondian designs - Durge & Gortash get companionship

1490s

The Chosen visit Ketheric at Moonrise, learn about Illithid colony

Gortash & Durge visit the House of Hope (for intel on Mephistar?)

Gortash & Durge raid Mephistar - They get the Crown of Karsus - They get the book on the accelerated grand design

Gortash captures the Emperor

Gortash & Durge return to Moonrise - Their identities are kept secret from Ketheric’s people - Durge impresses the Moonrise Gnolls, but not Steelclaw - Ketheric yells at Durge in the throne room for an unknown reason

Durge proposes their plan to the Elder Brain who accepts

Raid on the illithid colony (1491) - Durge puts the Crown on the Elder Brain - Orin gets Durge alone during the raid & stabs them in the head - Orin tadpoles Durge, making them the first True Soul - Orin declares herself the Chosen of Bhaal

1492

Durge is found by Kressa Bonedaughter

Minsc captured by Absolutists at a recruitment rally in the Undercity

Gortash gets weird and intense with unethical experiments - Some futzing to get the tadpoles to consistently remain in stasis - This is when the name ‘True Souls’ gets coined - Extremely questionable fun with brains - Getting the Absolute’s voice sorted out - Tadpoling his parents - Poorly conceived experiments on children & their parents

Gortash has Iron Throne converted to hold hostages

Gortash presents prototype Steel Watcher to the city council

Jaheira tracks cult to shadow-cursed land, meets Isobel

Minthara Baenre is 'recruited' by Orin and Ketheric

The Descent, Elturel fall into Avernus happens

Duke Vanthampur revealed as a diabolist, killed by adventurers

Guild Bursar Uktar launders money for Gortash’s Campaign funds

Isobel is resurrected by the Dead Three

The Elder Brain sends the Chosen dreams about the Astral Prism

Gortash researches the Prism, finds out that Vlaakith has it

Gortash tasks Ketheric with sending a team to get the Astral Prism - They send a nautiloid piloted by the Emperor and other illithid - The Elder Brain lets the Emperor slip its leash - Magthew Budj arranges for Durge to be on the nautiloid as well

Gortash deploys Steel Watch in Lower/Outer City

At this point Elturel is no longer in Avernus

First Druid Halsin captured by goblins

Nautiloid picks up Shadowheart & the Prism from Astral Plane

Nautiloid picks up Lae’zel

Nautiloid goes to Baldur’s Gate, picks up Gale & Astarion

Nautiloid goes to Avernus, picks up Karlach & Wyll

Nautiloid crashes, (20 Eleasis, 1492)

Some helpful links:

A page from Sarevok’s book: Sarevok - (Murder tribunal)

Accelerated Grand Design: Gortash - (Gortash's Office)

An Offer: Gortash - (Peartree basement)

Aquatic Labor: Gortash - (Flymm’s Cargo Basement)

Baldur’s Gate Temple of Bhaal: Yanthus - (Gortash’s Office)

Balthazar’s Notes: Balthazar - (Necrotic laboratory)

Clasped Book: Balthazar - (Balthazar’s chambers)

Devil’s Fee Observer’s Report**: Himberloo - (Nine-Fingers’ office)

Elder Brain Domination: Ketheric/Yanthus - (Ketheric’s Room)

Enhanced Weapons - Sales Ledger: Peartree - (Peartree basement)

Experiment on Cruor: Orin - (Temple of Bhaal)

How To Build a Watcher: deceased Gondian - (Steel Watch foundry) 

Journal of Enver Gortash: Gortash - (Gortash’s Office)

Magical Histories: Volume 2: The Spellplague: unknown - (Sorcerous Sundries)

Memoir Notes with Recent Addenda: Gortash - (Gortash’s office)

Missive from Gortash: Gortash - (Ketheric’s room)

Missive from Ketheric: Ketheric - (Moonrise, 2nd floor)

Mistress of Souls’ Research Log: Kressa - (Mind flayer barracks)

My Gratitude: Gortash - To Peartree (Peartree basement)

Next Steps: Gortash - (Gortash’s office)

Prayer for Forgiveness: Durge - (Necrotic laboratory)

Scrapbook of Letters: Gortash/Durge - (Flymm’s Cobblers)

Special Operations - Infernal Arms: Uktar - 

Studies of the Elder Brains: Gortash/Yanthus - (Gortash’s Office)

Suspended Ceremorphosis: Gortash/Yanthus - (Tadpoling center)

Test Mission with Gortash: Durge - (Temple of Bhaal)

The Astral Prism Heist: Gortash - (Gortash’s office)

The Dukes of Baldur’s Gate: unknown - (Baldur’s Mouth/Peartree’s house)

The Grand Design: Gortash/Yanthus - (Mind flayer colony)

The True Life of ‘Lord’ Gortash: a skeleton - (Wyrm’s Rock Prison)

The Ultimate State: Gortash - (Gortash’s office/Flymm’s Cobblers)

*an in-game contradiction between Gortash and Durge. See: ‘Test Mission with Gortash’ and ‘Memoir Notes with Recent Addenda’. I’ve placed it after, but there’s also a legitimate argument to be made that Gortash and Durge met and became allies much earlier, possibly around the same time as Gortash’s betrayal of Karlach

Additionally, the House of Wonders (church/workshop) and the Hall of Wonders (museum) are two different buildings in the Upper City. Durge writes that the Hall is their target, while Gortash writes that the House is their target. It is my opinion that they hit both locations.

**no link cuz the bg3.wiki doesn’t have it??

[jeeaark]

I was always befuddled how such a mindflayer can be so hard to trust while ultimately having simultaneous goals as the team. Then I finally saw their stats in the other timeline.

It all makes sense now.

I am forever bemused by this this lower-than-the-average-squid-charisma disaster of a mindflayer.

I can only surmise that when the Emperor said Stelmane was the face of their business-partnership, it was not only meant literally but charismatically as well. Squid buddy's got the brains, none of the suave. If Emps tried rebuilding the Knights of the Shield without another business buddy, it might've been a tad difficult if morals were concerned huah.

[scre6m]

HEARTBREAK HIGH Season 2, Episode 7 "The Grapes of Voss"

[rewrite-canon]

everyone is sideyeing amerie for being a mess but if i had fumbled malakai i would be tweaking tf out too

[them-bo-dacious]

this may be controversial but it is my opinion 🫣

[ryttu3k]

Okay no entirely cute headcanon time.

a) Astarion was alive and in Baldur's Gate during the Bhaalspawn crisis, even if he wasn't. Paying a lot of attention.

b) He knows at least enough popular culture to fanboy over Drizzt Do'Urdan.

I posit: Astarion knows exactly who Jaheira and Minsc are and is barely restraining his fanboying when he meets them (mostly because Karlach got in first and more loudly) and later when they're not listening he and Karlach just jump up and down like excited kids meeting their favourite movie stars.

Astarion: 😭

Astarion: 🥺

[post 1, post 2]

[bookcalanthedaily]

did someone say domestic mama jaheira? no? i don't care. have it anyway.

[violadesdragons]

[ioveiy]

can i just talk about the tiny plot throughout s2 of Woodsy keeping an eye on Harper & teaching her to drive??? it was just… SO needed and the storyline was handled appropriately and was fucking realistic but wholesome. Harper is so young to not have an adult to care for her, and as independent & brave as she is, it’s still something she needs and CRAVES.

the ENTIRE scene of Woodsy & Harper after Harper attacked Ant on the field during the game… just *chef’s kiss*

“You’re standing there telling me you’re all well and good but that girl I just saw on the field was carrying some pretty major rage.”

Harper, literally about to cry: “So?”

“So… I’m trying to help that girl, and she won’t let me.”

and for Harper to breakdown the way she did to Woodsy, an adult who, yes had checked in with her prior to this instance, but not exactly someone she had a close rapport with, simply an adult that was THERE and ASKING. “You really wanna help me? Give me some money so I can get some proper clothes to wear to this trial so I don’t look like a bag-of-shit victim. Or give me a car so I don’t have to catch two buses to get to my lawyer’s office. Or give me lawyers who don’t call me unsympathetic. Or get me a place to stay so I don’t have to occupy space at Amerie’s house. How does that sound?” (Also the FUCKING reality of these statements too just made Harper’s entire rant that much more raw).

and Woodsy just deciding in that moment that once Harper’s calmed down she’s gonna be like “alright kid I’m your principal so I can’t give you things but I WILL teach you things.” just wonderful

and then Woodsy’s excitement in the finale when Harper told her she got her license?? literally goes to hug her as if she’s her own child then dialing back because, yeah, still the principal & that’s not appropriate. realistic and human and written perfectly.