#the krook house

[gryffinthetiredart]

I got to design some CR chibis for the Artists' Guild of Exandria! In order, we have Anni Aughta (Ashton's grumpy musician roomate), Captain Xandis, Milo Krook, and Ashton Greymoore.

I'm.... more proud of some than others. But I'm trying to get out of the perfectionist mindset, so I'm posting the rushed, sloppy ones anyway. Fuck it 🤘

(also, sorry about the colour quality of some of these- my laptop's colouring doesn't translate very well to other devices)

[radama-zard]

Dungeons & Drabbles 2023

Day 11 - Scratch

----------------------

FCG & Anni - Krook House Crew - ModernHuman AU

Fuuuuck.

Okay.

So maybe she’d taken this all a bit too far.

Anni knew well that a prideful fuck, especially one liquored up to the eyeballs, was not the wisest target for her to mouth off to. Had she been thinking a little straighter, perhaps she wouldn't have said a word.

But shitty ass tequila had been flowing through her veins, liquid courage drowning out her better sense as Anni had called out the bastard on his amature castration of Sex Pistols’ Anarchy in the UK. The deteething of such an iconic banger just demanded her scatching criticism, to which the fucker had decided deserved a KNIFE TO THE THIGH in fucking response!

At least she’d gotten to pulverize his nose in return before the two of them had been tossed to the streets, without so much as a napkin to stem the bleeding! Shitty ass dive bar, she hoped it burned to god damned ashes.

So here she stood, having limped her way back home, wincing as she stood in her doorway, trying to jam her keys into the teeny ass, janky lock, when all of a sudden the door swung open, revealing the frantic, panicked form of Fresh Cut Grass.

“Heeeey, Shortstac-”

“Please tell me that’s not your blood stainin’ your jeans, Anni.”

“It’s, uhhh… Just a scratch?”

Anni shrugged, failing miserably to appear casual under her roommate’s withering gaze. His earlier panic was slowly quelling, suppressed by an ever growing sense of frustration tinged exasperation. Yeeesh, she felt a lecture coming on.

Greeeeat.

“Monty Python you ain’t,” Fresh Cut Grass replied dryly, their eyes narrowing as he wheeled himself back and outta the way, giving Anni ample space to hobble on inside around their wheelchair. “Bathroom floor. Now."

He didn't so much as blink in the face of Anni flipping them off, staring down her bleeding, swaying ass, watching as she crumpled beneath the weight of his gaze. Perhaps once upon a time, back in high school, he would have dropped it, wincing and quietly running off to tattle to Ashton and Milo to fix this, not wanting to rock the boat or upset the usually prickly woman.

That was then though.

This was now.

And Fresh Cut Grass wasn't beyond just scooping her up into their lap, hissing and biting like the feral cat she often portrayed, and wheeling her drunk ass there himself!

A fact that Anni knew all too well at this point.

Thus she sighed, harsh and heavy, before dragging her ass as directed, before flopping to the bathroom floor with a heavy thunk, though not before she’d wincingly shimmied out of her now blood soaked jeans.

Ugh, that’d be a bitch to deal with in the morning…

“Between you ‘n Ash, I feel like I oughta be an expert in flesh stitchin’ by now, ya know?” Fresh Cut Grass hummed as they came into view, setting down the trusty old tool box they’d converted into one of many home first aid kits. In this household, just one didn't really, well, suffice.

Carefully he dropped himself to the floor, scooting over on their ass, coming to a stop in front of the ever familiar face of a grouchy, boozed up Anni.

“Ain’t that bad….” She muttered, looking anywhere but him.

“I may have glasses thicker than your common sense, but I ain’t blind, Anni. I know a stab wound when I see one! Please tell me the blade was at least clean? No rust? Or any other bodily fluids you could see?”

“... No rust. Bitch was clean when I yanked it outta my thigh. Fuck if I know how clean it was going in though.”

“At least we shouldn't have to worry about tetanus… You’re still getting a shot after this though.”

“Fuck you!”

“I love ya too, Grumpy Pants~”

Oh how she huffed and grunted, a disgruntled mess as Fresh Cut Grass worked diligently over her wound, cleaning and disinfecting the nasty gash, fingers gliding over and upon it with tender, steady care.

“It’s not too bad. The cut was pretty clean and didn't sink real deep. I think we can stay outta the ER with this one.”

“Thank fuck.”

“Still gonna have to stitch you up though. Sorry…”

“Figured that’d happen.” Anni shrugged, leaning back against the cool tiled wall. “Not the first time, and probably won't be the last. Least you don't throw up afterwards like Milo does.”

“They ain’t the best with open wounds…”

“Understatement of the shittin’ century!” She laughed, the sound weak and boarding on wheezy. “Anyway. Stitch me up so my ass can pass out. Today’s been a bitch and I want it over with before Ashton gets home and bitches at me about pickin’ fights about my weight class again. The hypocritical fuck…”

“Honestly, the two of ya are like two battered peas in a pod!”

Oh how she rolled her eyes, so disdainfully dramatic that Fresh Cut Grass couldn't help but laugh.

“Okay, okay! I’m gettin’ to it. Got something to bite on ta? The neighbors weren't all too kind the last time they heard ya hollerin’...”

One more flick of her middle finger, and Anni was tugging off her jacket, shoving the thick, well worn leather into her mouth. There was a grimace in turn from Fresh Cut Grass, yet they didn't say a word, instead choosing to focus on the task at hand.

As always, it was the first stab that stung like a bitch.

Fuck, the whole thing was straight up miserable, only made better by the gentle, sweet mummerings of their companion, his words a steady stream of assurances and praises, letting her know just how well she was doing.

Out loud she’d never admit it, but by gods did it help.

“There! All patched up!”

Anni blinked blearily, looking down to see her thigh not only stitched up, but appropriately redisinfedted and wrapped. She couldn't help but let out a breath, exhausted and tinged with deep relief, as she let herself fall forward, caught assuredly by Fresh Cut Grass’ waiting arms.

“... Thanks, Grass,” she whispered, words muffled by the sunshiny yellows of his favorite sweater.

“Don't mention it, ‘Ni! I’m just glad you're okay…”

A comfortable silence fell between them, as familiar as the exhausted embrace they shared under the flickering lights of the Krook House bathroom.

“... You’re still gonna need that tetanus shot though.”

“Fuuuuuuuck!”

[chaosgenasi]

How do you grapple with a sense of deep indebted onus? I literally pledged myself to one of the worst people I've ever met, to work for them for years, for a bunch of people I haven't seen since.

[spiritusloci]

Mr Krook, Bleak House (2023)

[hand-of-devotion]

Projects upon you all the mental image of Milo-Ashton matching "Victor Frankenstein & Frankenstein's Monster" Halloween costumes

(for bonus enjoyment please also imagine a tinier frankenstein's monster fcg and anni as elizabeth. except her costume is like 10 times more detailed than everyone elses because if she's participating she also needs to WIN)

[bleachersgirl]

mr tulkinghorn. one of the greatest character names of all time.

[californiannostalgia]

Ashton, to Milo: Your best saved the world. You saved my life.

+

FRIDA finds something shiny and special in FCG's room.

FRIDA does FCG's voice for a moment.

Welcome back, Ash and Grass. The Krook House fam says hi, assholes.

[inconmess]

Second half (1):

The conversation between the gods and their champions 🥺🥺🥺

DEANNA AND FRIDA AND THE CHAOS THEY BRING!!!!!!!!

WEREBOT WEREBOT WEREBOT!!!!!

Have I mentioned how much I love Deanna and FRIDA's interaction with the group??? IT WAS AWESOME!

AND OPAL IS ALSO HERE YAY!!!!!!!!!! I have been waiting for this for so long that it is so nice to see Opal back with them. Now only Dariax to join them.

The pursuation from the group regarding the reilorans? Nice discussion

TBH I did doze off a little when it came to the end of that discussion, missed Orym regrowing Ryn's arm and the Imodna and Lieve'tel scene but I had caught those in the morning so I am not so concerned about missing anything there. I mean, I shouldn't have lay down under the covers with my laptop and gotten cozy but... my back was killing me from sitting in an awkward position man. I will last 2 more hours tho. The nap did wonders

I did really love the scene where Orym took the time to regrow Ryn's hand though. So cute 🥺🥺🥺

Also the lot of Jrusar mentions, callback to the coin and the invite to FRIDA to join them while going to Jrusar. BACK TO THE BEGINNING BABY!!!

Dorian and his mom 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

HONOURABLE MENTION OF PRISM!!!!!!!!

FRIDA GAVE ASH THEIR JACKET????????

PRETTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YES!!!!

Ashton and the Krook house folk 🥺🥺

Gold filling yes! New hammer 👀👀 I am glad Ash is having fun now

Wait wait wait wait wait waht chip! Don't leave me hanging like that!!!!!!!!!!!!

[critter-genfic-events]

Gen One Shot Recs!

There are times when you want to get sucked into a series, and then are times when you just want to read something in a single sitting. Check out eleven one shots underneath the cut - from all three of the main campaigns (and Calamity too). And if you like them, don't forget to comment and kudos!

It’s a Process by fraternite (1740,Teen) Warnings: Descriptions of injury Pairings: Caleb Widogast & The Mighty Nein

Caleb is injured after a battle, and healed, but magic can’t fix everything. The Nein help take care of him for the rest.

Reccer says: A really neat concept, I love a good exploration of the limits of healing magic. And the way each of the Nein show their care for Caleb is so sweet, excellent hurt/comfort

Deep dive by JungleJelly (11030,General) Warnings: None Pairings: Yussa Errenis & Essek Thelyss & Allura Vysoren & Caleb Widogast

A four wizards, one braincell Happy Fun Ball expedition

Reccer says: The dynamics are amazing, I love all of these idiots (and Allura)

Separate myself from me by wtgw (6399,Teen) Warnings: None Pairings: Fjord & Eadwulf Grieve

What’s a living magical weapon without a wielder? In the Blooming Grove, Eadwulf Grieve tries to come to terms with making his own choices after 17 years, and Fjord comes to recognize the uncomfortable similarities between them.

Reccer says: Eadwulf as a living weapon my beloved

More Than Glass by R_Black (2297,Teen) Warnings: Pairings:

During their first trip into the Happy Fun Ball, the Mighty Nein are trying to navigate around several rooms. When Fjord touches the weird red circle that leads to the Dragon room, Molly has a bit of a reaction.

Reccer says: It's a fun look into how Molly would have acted if he'd seen the tapestry window with the Cognouza button thing. It's really stuck with me.

path of the traveled sun by mousecookie (6008,General) Warnings: None Pairings: Essek Thelyss & Verin Thelyss

Post-canon, Verin comes to a party at Essek's invitation, curious and hoping to reconnect - and is completely unprepared for how much Essek has changed.

Reccer says: I love how much this feels like a real sibling dynamic, and the complicated feelings about having a brother that wasn't the best but has now become a better person

Syncopation by minutiae (790,General) Warnings: None Pairings: Ashton & Milo, Ashton & Dorian

After a hard battle, still bloody and bruised, Ashton heads back to the Krook house instead of staying at the Spire by Fire. Dorian follows.

Reccer says: Ashton singing in his own language, having a fun, quiet night with his friends.

Benediction by Sandtalon (4961,General) Warnings: None Pairings: Cerrit Agrupnin & Maya Agrupnin

Cerrit and Maya, after the events of Calamity

Reccer says: Exactly what I needed after Calamity - to me, this is canon

Ruidus is Flaring by minutiae (383,Teen) Warnings: Mentions of canon deaths Pairings:

"We Didn't Start the Fire" by Billy Joel, but Campaign 3

Reccer says: It's fun to sing

your heart taking root by Demenior (2732,General) Warnings: None Pairings: Fearne Calloway & Orym & Dorian Storm

Orym wakes in the night to clever fingers working the chain around his neck. “That’s from my husband,” he says without opening his eyes, “I’d like to keep it.”

Reccer says: I love this Fearne and Orym dynamic, and the love that's palpable between them

Learning to be lost by Strangestcrows (920,General) Warnings: None Pairings: Caduceus Clay & Eadwulf Grieve

After the battle with Trent at the Blooming Grove, Eadwulf is struggling. Caduceus is a guiding hand as he comes to terms with his relationship with the Raven Queen and what he's done.

Reccer says: I liked it

It Might Sting a Little by CurrieBelle (1957,General) Warnings: None Pairings:

Everyone in Vox Machina must have pierced ears so they can use the magic whisper earrings. Ergo, an ear piercing fic that turned into a Percy character study

Reccer says: I love this look at a Percy who is just starting to fit in with the rest of Vox Machina

This is one of our weekly communally-generated gen rec lists. Every week we announce a new theme and allow anyone to submit a fic recommendation. Please note that the summary and content notes are provided by the reccer, and may be different than what the author has provided. Please assume good intentions all around. <3

And hey, anyone includes you!

We'll be back in December by fics focusing on Imogen, and then character studies, and then fics focusing on Vax in the new year!

Any fics coming to mind? Well, then use this form to submit! If you're looking for some more, check out some fics written in the critter genfic bingo tag, or the older rec lists! Or you can request your own card and join in on the fun!

[utilitycaster]

I really want to hear more, at the table or perhaps 4SD in March, about Ashton's agreement with Orym and indeed their even more cynical statement, that Imogen's going to inevitably be pulled towards Predathos whether she does her exploration willingly or resists, because I do think that Ashton's insight is really valuable here.

Ashton and Imogen have always made for a fascinating contrast. Both have complicated feelings about parents and abandonment which extend to their worldview and their relationship with the gods. Both have wondered about the source of their powers, which came at a profound physical and social cost.

I think where they diverge is that Ashton started the campaign believing that this was about the best it was ever going to get for them - staying in Krook House, with a weird nascent prickly friendship with FCG, drinking heavily and taking on odd jobs to pay off astronomical debt to Jiana Hexum. Ashton was not looking for a cure for his pain, nor meaning from it, early on. As they tell Laudna after a rough time fighting the Shade Mother, "Sometimes shit's just fucked up, and the only thing you can do because you didn't do anything fucking wrong, is get the fuck back up and do the exact same thing all over again knowing that there was nothing to learn." He sat on the Hishari/Ashari connection for weeks, never truly asking Orym but waiting until the information came to him in other ways. On the other hand, Imogen started the campaign profoundly curious; she is introduced trying to get into the Starpoint Academy to research the dreams and powers she's been dealing with for years, and her initial motivation for joining the team was to gain that access.

As time has gone on, this has slowly flipped, and I think Ashton is seeing Imogen settling into an indecisive rut. In addition, I think Imogen speculating that Liliana was a good person who simply got caught and overtaken by Predathos is raising alarms for them. After all, they just acted under the presumption that their parents had been well-intentioned people who made a mistake, and not only did it nearly kill them; the vision they had while unconscious indicated that their parents had simply done it out of a sense of self-importance. In a way, this feels like Ashton's form of protection: it is going to happen. The pain is going to be there. Are you going to make something with it, or will you simply let it catch you without your involvement?

For all their similarities, Ashton and Imogen didn't interact terribly often early in the campaign, so one of their earlier meaningful conversations is a recent one: the one where Imogen connected with the All-Minds-Burn. That is the Imogen Ashton believes can save them: the one who will decide to explore the world around her and rise to challenges, not the one who withdraws and shrinks from them. One who is not beholden to a romanticized idea of her mother who has never once lived up to those ideals in reality, but who rather makes her own choices. His line is delivered with its usual 6 Charisma; but the logic is sound.

[critterfloozy]

You know, when thinking about Bells Hells, Campaign 3, Marquet, and the conversations that tend to erupt around them - how Bells Hells doesn't seem to have many ties to Marquet, how Marquet doesn't seem like it got the same sort of exploration that Tal'dorei and Wildemount got, ect...

I keep on flashing back to the fact that Matt made the choice to stay in Jrusar for so many episodes at the beginning, to be able to explore a city more fully than we usually do. And how, at the beginning of the campaign, I'd say that Bells Hells had more emotionally important connections within Marquet than they do right now - Zhudanna and the other Krook house residents, but also Xandis, Marwa, Eshteross, Evelyn Wress (Eshteross's caretaker - remember her?), Pretty, Jiana Hexum, The Green Seekers Detective Agency, Imahara Joe, Dancer, that one cool Duskmaven priestess that showed up and was interested in Laudna and then didn't show up again...

But it's been, what - nearly fifty episodes since we've spent much time there? Most of the characters are still living, so it's not like they can't visit them or talk to them. So I end up trying to think not so much about why Bells Hells are so disconnected from Marquet, so much as why the attempt to place them in a specific city and give them those emotional connections didn't take.

[radama-zard]

Dungeons & Drabbles 2023

Day 8 - Ignorance

(Oops! Life got a taaaaaad busy there! Between having to finish a heck ton of designs and products for a market, several days of travel, restless sleep and a birthday, there wasn't really any time to write! I'm gonna do my best to get back on track now though~)

----------------------------

QueerPlatonic PolyQuad Krook House Crew - ModernHuman AU

“Get FUCKED, scum twatter!”

With a satisfied smirk, Anni watched the scowling little old lady turn with a huff, more than glad to see the back of the nasty ass hag.

“That was a little harsh, don't you think?”

“Letters, you know I love your sunshiny ass, but shut the fuck up.”

Fresh Cut Grass gave a slight huff, staring up at their beloved crusty punk of a partner, watching as she flipped off a gruff looking middle aged man, her glare almost daring him to come say something. And perhaps he would have, if it weren't for Ashton right behind her, cracking his knuckles something fierce, managing to look threatening even with Milo curled up in their lap, nose deep in a textbook thicker than their thighs.

“I just don't- I’m not saying that-” they tried, starting and stopping, failing to get his words out just right. “I know she was- That people tend to be a tad…”

“Ignorant?” Milo interjected with, not even looking up as they let the page flutter over to the next.

“Shitty?” Ashton added, reaching over to thread their fingers through Fresh Cut Grass’ bouncy locks, scratching at their scalp in a way that always had him melting in seconds.

“Deserving of a swift kick to the shins?” Anni finished with little flourish of her combat boots, skidding a foot across the grass before settling back into place, leaning heavily into Fresh Cut Grass’ side.

“Rude! I was gonna say rude!” They cried out, a familiar exasperation dripping from each and every word. Yet there was no bite to it, no true annoyance to be heard, this old song and dance so deeply familiar to them all.

After all, no one really understood them.

Too close to be friends.

But distinctly lacking in romance and lust.

And yet, the love they all shared was undeniable.

No others were allowed to touch Ashton in such a way, their flesh only connecting with most through flurries of blows. Only their crew was allowed the privilege of gentleness, of warm, heavy embraces and ever so gentle hands, as large and powerful as they were, tenderly holding, patting and stroking.

Only they were worth that pain.

Who else could draw Milo from the safety and comfort of their own home? The outside world was so bright and noisy, full of people who always threw funny looks their way. Away from their beloved projects and personal coffee blend that only Ashton, Anni and Letters knew how to make juuust right.

Yet here they were, outside on a sunny day, in the middle of a public park.

Only they were worth the mental energy.

Anni notoriously got along with just about nobody. People were a pain in the ass. They didn't like her crass sense of humor. They only ever tended to like her when she was performing. But her music, her art, was deeply personal to her, and outside of actual gigs, no one got to hear her play.

Nor did they get to see beneath the brashness. The loyal heart that lay beneath.

Only they were worth trying for.

Fresh Cut Grass loved hugs and going out and meeting all kinds of people! By all means they should have been surrounded by a plethora of love!

But they had been burned before, both metaphorically and, well, physically. He had felt loss. Felt abandonment. Felt lost and alone and so so afraid.

It had been Ashton and Anni and Milo who had put him together again, who never gave up on them, who fought against a world so big and cruel, just to keep them safe.

Just to see Fresh Cut Grass smile again.

Only they were worth that fractured trust.

“Rude is fair too,” Milo agreed, finally setting their book down to peer over at their partner, throwing them an understanding smile. “Honestly, all those answers were. People are assholes when they don't understand something. I think we all know that pretty well. I for one, can't really complain about ignorant bastards getting what’s coming for them. Anni and Ashton need some kind of healthy outlet for all that pent up rage.”

“You saying I can punch a mother fucker?”

“Not unless you have bail money ready. I am not spending my afternoon trying to get your ass out of an arrest AGAIN, Anni.”

“Booooo, you whore!”

“Can't get arrested if you punch them hard enough that the fucker can't even remember their own name.”

“Ashton! You promised, no more fights this week!

“Ain’t a fight if they never punch back,” Ashton retorted with a shit eating grin. Fresh Cut Grass crossed their arms in turn, before playfully flicking the very tip of his nose.

“You know what I was meanin’! Only necessary violence allowed, like self defense or wrestlin’ street alligators!”

“... Do I even want to ask where that shit came from?”

“Street alligators? Oh! Well I was watchin’ YouTube late last night…”

“Late night conspiracy vids. Got it.”

Under the shade of an old oak tree, upon a fluffy old blanket, they four of them continued on, voices overlapping, intermingling as their bodies did aa well. Their touches casual, yet still intimate. Lingering without complaint, with familiar comfort.

Like this was all they ever needed.

Like, together, they were home.

And that was something worth the scorn, the cruel whispers and willful ignorance.

After all, nothing else quite mattered outside of them.

[melyanne]

Ashton wanted to check in on his friends at the Krook house before meeting up with the rest but the others did not think it was as important as finding the rest of the group. Let our dear earth genasi be selfish for once, let him check on Milo and Anni.

He was so close to learning about where he came from, so very close but getting back to the group was more important in his mind. Everyone seem to be worth so much more to him. He would lift heaven and earth to protect and make his newfound family happy and safe but he does not expect it in return.

Hopefully they will check on Milo next episode before leaving but I do not see it happening.

I just picture Ashton using the papers and ink given by Pri$m to write a letter to the group before leaving them to seek out answers on his own. He probably would not do so before Ludinus is dealt with however.

Ashton deserves to want things as well.

[quipxotic]

And again, more c3e121 spoilers.

I am so, so, so very glad they're spending time in Jrusar. I love that place so much. Perhaps my number one unfulfilled wish for Campaign 3, besides Ariks Eshteross not dying, is that Bell's Hells could have spent more time getting to know and be a part of the city. It's such a fascinating place and I love all the NPCs there, particularly Pretty, Milo Krook, Jiana Hexum, and Marwa.

Also, I love how much Ashton is smiling? I mean, it's a little disconcerting, but it's also nice. I like how hopeful they're sounding about their future. How they went back to Milo for both repairs to their skull and ideas for a new hammer. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this is, truly, a new direction for them after so many years of bitterness. Maybe they have finally decided to, as Dorian said, accept the gift their friends have tried repeatedly to give them.

Also, how great is it that FRIDA is here with them since FCG can't be? For them to be able to learn more about how Faithful Caregiver lived their life in Jrusar when it was just him and Ashton hanging out with the rest of Krook House. For FRIDA and Ashton to get to know and spend time with each other and be able to grieve their loss together. And to do all that while Sam is sitting at the table with them? Ugh, so good!

[nintresh]

The collective "oh" from the group when they realized nobody at the Krook House knew about FCG

[ozbian]

Oh.... All the art supplies and shiny things in Ashton's room at the Krook House