#trailer: the traveler and his oath

[yidou]

"Fear not."

[hoongjong]

honkai star rail character trailers: luocha (the traveler and his oath)

[whataperfectwasteoftime]

The Rift - Chapter Nine

Pairing: Marcus Moreno x Marcus Acacius x Marcus Pike x f!Reader

Rating: Chapter is T, overall fic is E (18+ only, explicit smut)

Word Count: 1.7k

Warnings: Angst, bad science, happy endings :)

Summary: The Heroics have been working day and night to develop the technology and reopen the Rift. Now that the day has finally come to send Marcus Acacius home, how will the four of you possibly be able to say goodbye?

A/N: HAPPY TRAILER DAY!!!! As a treat, here is the last chapter of this silly little time travel romp. Here we are, friends! This might be a cheesy ending, but this is a cheesy story :) There will be an epilogue to follow... eventually. Thank you everyone for supporting this silly fic!

Masterlist | Chapter Eight | Epilogue

(Pike)

Marcus wakes with a pit of dread in his stomach. He’s never been good at people leaving, and even if the reasons for Marcus Acacius to return to his time are real, concrete, and urgent… it hurts just the same. Inexplicably, it feels like his fault, even if logic tells him this thought is ridiculous.

Losing Marcus Moreno, however, he does consider to be his fault. He should have stood firm, repeating the hero’s directive that Acacius not be seen in public, but all that it took was one look at your hopeful, pleading looks, and he had caved.

If the Heroic never wanted to see any of them again, Marcus would understand.

Even worse is that his connection with you has never felt more tenuous. After everyone else leaves, would you stay? Or is it only the extraordinary circumstances of the Rift that had brought you all together, and when all the reasons to stay are erased, would that be the end?

As he lies in bed with three other bodies–all so precious and dear to him after such a short time–he wishes, nonsensically, that he had more than two arms, so he could hold all of you at once. Already, he feels everything slipping through his fingers.

Marcus isn’t awake for long before both Moreno and Acacius are stirring. He slips his fingers in between the General’s and squeezes hard, trying to communicate everything he’s feeling through their hands. The man gives him a lazy, sleepy smile. His eyes are, as always, twinkling with wit and mischief, but Marcus thinks he can see a sadness behind them this morning.

Or maybe he’s projecting.

It wouldn’t be the first time.

He gives the Heroic a smile, too, but when he looks away with the pain written all over his expression, Marcus feels the impact of it like he’s been punched.

Your eyes slowly blink open, sensing everyone else’s movements, and Marcus presses a gentle, lingering kiss to your forehead.

It will be okay, he thinks, but he’s not sure if he’s communicating telepathically with you or trying to convince himself.

Marcus Acacius dresses, for the first time in weeks, in the clothing he’d been found in. The four of you drink coffee at the kitchen table in silence, and Pike wonders if, like him, nobody else knows what to say.

“I’m having a car sent,” Moreno finally says, breaking a long silence.

“Thoughtful of you,” Marcus deadpans, unable to keep the sarcasm to himself, although he still regrets the remark the moment it leaves his lips.

You shoot him a hurt glance, and he looks away, too ashamed to be able to meet your eyes.

It’s all falling apart around him. 

(Moreno)

Marcus sits in the passenger seat while the three of you pile in the back of one of the black SUVs used for special Heroics business. He’s angry still, his powers prickling the nerves at the back of his skull as he tries to check his email on his phone. It’s easier to lean into the anger than to face the emotion that’s clawing at his chest, making him feel as though there’s a deep gash just over his heart. 

Hurt. 

It’s nonsensical, really–he’s the one pushing himself away; he’s the one who took an oath of solitude and willingly sequestered himself away, choosing loneliness over fear. Over loss. He must do this, and yet it feels like he’s tearing the hole in his heart himself. 

It was always meant to be temporary. The only reason the four of them are even together is because of the Rift. When he realizes that, he realizes this was doomed from the start. Marcus Acacius was never supposed to be here, and he was never supposed to receive that visit from Special Agent Pike. He wasn’t supposed to meet you, or drink your beer, or sit at your kitchen table eating dinner as though all of this was normal. It was never normal. Nothing in his life ever is. 

When they reach Heroics HQ, Marcus walks briskly down pristine white hallways, letting the three of them fall into place behind him. He leads them to the elevator down to the underground testing labs, where scientists in lab coats are hurrying back and forth, preparing for the final trial of the new technology. 

They’re about to rip open space and time itself. 

The lead scientist on the project team gives the four of them a spiel that Marcus hardly listens to–the blood is still rushing too loud in his ears. On a nearby desk, a metal-capped pen begins to wiggle back and forth, but no one else takes notice. 

You’re all ushered behind thick safety glass as they prepare to open the portal. Marcus watches as the contraption in the middle of the room begins to whir to life, internal mechanisms spinning rapidly until suddenly a blinding beam of light erupts from one end. The entire room crackles with energy, and he can feel all the hair on his body standing up straight. With a high-pitched, deafening sound, the beam grows in intensity until he can no longer look straight at it. Papers begin to flutter off of desks as the air around them whips around at the disturbance. The wind swirls and gusts, getting stronger and stronger. The awful noise reaches a crescendo, when finally, the space seems to be pushed to either side in a small explosion that creates a deafening crack of thunder. The machine powers down, and the blue beam disappears. In its place is… a portal. A portal to another space and time. The air around it crackles violently with energy, and the wind does not settle. He doesn’t remember the Rift being so… violent, but this opening was purposefully created without expending fatal amounts of energy into the lab, instantly killing them all.

“We can’t hold it open for long,” the lead scientist yells through the static. “It’s time.”

Marcus Acacius carefully removes his translator earpiece and places the device gently in Moreno’s palm. 

“I am grateful,” the man says in English, looking to each of you in turn, “for your help and… for your… companionship.”

You surge forward and throw your arms around the General’s neck, and he closes his eyes as he winds his arms around your waist and presses you closer for a few moments before letting you go. 

“Farewell, expert of Roma,” he teases with a little wink and a kiss on your cheek. 

Sniffling, you turn and bury your face in Pike’s chest to hide your tears. 

“Take care of her,” the Roman tells him softly, and the Agent nods. 

Then, Acacius turns to the hero.

“I am sorry,” he says simply. “You are a good man.”

Next to him, Pike scrubs at his cheek with one hand and turns slightly away, and Marcus feels himself breaking apart.

“I’m sorry too,” he says, voice rough with emotion. “I didn’t mean for it to end like this.”

Marcus Acacius gives him a slow, meaningful nod and turns back toward the new Rift. The tears that the hero had been holding back suddenly break free, and he shakes with silent sobs. He’s losing all of you at once. It isn’t until now, when he’s watching it happen, that he realizes he can’t do it anymore.

He can’t live out the rest of his life alone. 

Not anymore.

“M–” he makes a small noise in his chest that may have been the start of two different mens’ names, or could have just been a sob. Either way, the eerie crackling of the Rift swallows the sound, and it goes unheard by anyone else.

Desperately, he scrambles with a shaking hand to grasp for someone–anyone–to keep him from drifting away. He manages to clasp the Agent’s wrist, and the man turns, eyes widening at the pathetic tears rolling down Marcus’s cheeks. Wordlessly, he holds out his arm–the one not currently holding you, and the hero doesn’t need to be asked twice. He strides forward and takes his rightful place: holding and being held by you and Marcus Pike.

The Roman, not hearing the commotion behind him, is still walking slowly toward the portal. There’s caution in each step, and Marcus can understand his reluctance. Unlike the first Rift, this one is more turbulent, chaotic, and loud. He wouldn’t want to step through the violently moving air either.

Marcus Acacius reaches out, and part of his hand disappears through the swirling portal.

And he hesitates.

“Sir, the portal is becoming unstable!” One of the Heroics scientists calls out urgently. “You have to go through now.”

Acacius doesn't move. 

“I like showers,” he says suddenly in his thick accent. “I like movies. I like pizza. I like museums.” He finally turns around, a brilliant smile across his cheeks. “And I like you. More than any of that.”

He pulls his hand away, and with a deafening crack that sounds like thunder, the portal suddenly collapses on itself, and the room is suddenly eerily silent.

“I… I have seen too many things,” the Roman says, quieter. “I… can not go back.” He looks at Marcus Moreno and adds cautiously, “Will your army of heroes be… not pleased?”

Marcus has been the leader of the Heroics for too long. Once upon a time, he hadn’t been concerned with optics, with red tape, or politics. Once upon a time, he was a man who just wanted to use the gift he had been given for good. To help people. To make a fucking difference.

Once upon a time, Marcus Moreno hadn’t been afraid.

A watery smile spreads across his face.

“That doesn’t matter,” he says shakily. “It pleases you.”

You let out a loud sob and jump into the hero’s arms. The Agent laughs joyfully, brushing away a few tears as he joins in the hug, sandwiching you between them. 

Marcus Moreno extends his hand toward the man who is–was–out of his own time. “Stay,” he says simply, although the decision has already been made. “Stay with us.”

The Roman grins widely, and for the first time, Marcus notices the dimple on his cheek. He strides forward and engulfs all three of them in a tight bear hug. 

“Domum,” he murmurs.

“Yeah,” you agree tearfully. “Let’s go home. …Marcus?”

All three men say “Hmm?” at once.

You laugh. “Okay, we’re going to have to come up with some nicknames.”

[the-astral-express-archive]

Honkai: Star Rail Luocha Trailer - "The Traveler And His Oath"

Voiceover: EN | JP | CN | KR

[star-rail-updates]

Luocha Trailer - "The Traveler And His Oath"

That which has been lost, will be reclaimed.

That which is seized, must be repaid.

[sangonomiyan]

LUOCHA · OUTWORLD SOJOURNER IMAGINARY · ABUNDANCE · XIANZHOU LUOFU character trailers in order (4/?) the traveler and his oath

[comecorrectorgetcorrected]

I make playlists sometimes.

Wifey said I should share them with writeups. 

So, I’m going to start with the one I made for the Mighty Nein. I decided to go hard mode and not include any Autumn Orange (no matter how awesome they are), so these are purely picked and chosen out of music I know or was already in my purview. They are short because they are pretty carefully curated, and are also designed to be shuffled, so in no particular order.

The All-Powerful Nah

-*WARNING- spoilers for Critical Role Campaign 2 below the cut!*-

The Sun - Klingande Remix Radio Edit/ Parov Stelar, Graham Candy, Klingande ~ Quite simply, Jester. (”I’m gonna tell my mama, that I’m a traveler; I’m gonna follow the sun”)

Shackleton/ Adam Young ~ This song oozes Fjord energy so much I can’t picture the man without hearing this song in my head. Atone & Bloom / Auvic, Caroline Kim ~ Caduceus, in general the punch of You Haven’t Seen Cleric Yet that he brought to the party. (”May I muse along the way?”) Blossoms / Goopsteppa ~ The first time in the Blooming Grove.

Awake / Ok Goodnight ~ Yasha, particularly post Rumblecusp.

Doomed / Reliqa ~ Beauregard, in so many ways, in so many arcs. (”I’m about to march up to the playground, show the big kids what the runt is made of”)

Murky / Saint Mesa ~ Caleb, bottom to the top.

Third Eye / Florence + The Machine ~ Look, I gotta have a little flo+. As a treat. Also, I literally cannot listen to this song without thinking of Nott/Veth singing it to Caleb, and subsequently bawling. (”I’m the same, I’m the same, I’m trying to change”)

The Grand Bizarre / Beats Antique ~ Mollymauk, oh you funky carnie you. 

Femina /  Żywiołak ~ You know how every woman in the Mighty Nein is high strength and high damage powerhouses? Yes, that.

Wonderland / Caravan Palace ~ CHAOS CREW. Particularly Jester. The swing elements just smack of a girl raised in a bordello, while the lyrics lean Beau and Veth so hard.

Gloria Regali / Tommee Profitt, Fleurie ~ It’s trailer music. It’s somber and ominous. It’s Nonagon. (”Forever may you reign”)

Selkie / Entheogenic ~ While this song is heavily sampled from the movie Song of the Sea, to me in the M9 context, it evokes Fjord’s journey to becoming an Oath of the Open Sea paladin and what that means for his growth as a person.

Space Man / Eurielle, Ryan Louder ~ S H A D O W G A S T. (”I know a place where there is only you and me and stars...”)

Sunlit Grave / Saint Mesa ~ Glory Run Road. (Jester scries on Mollymauk after finding his grave empty.)

Tuleloits / Kerli ~  Caleb casting Widogast’s Transmogrification on Veth.

Instructions for Time Travel - Recue Remix / Robot Koch, Savannah Jo Lack, Recue ~ An overall perfect overture for Caleb Widogast in general.

After the Storm / Mumford & Sons ~ Yasha, liberated from Obann but in no way at peace with her freedom, the second time since joining the Nein she’d left captivity to find tragedy where she wasn’t able to stop it... and the gentle reassurances from the remaining Nein that she was not at fault, and she deserves her freedom and chance to do better.

I FEEL THINGS A LOT AND MUSIC IS VERY FEELS. Thanks for getting this far. I hope you enjoy. I’ll gladly take suggestions for additions into consideration.

[mrpenguinpants]

hellooo this is not a request but what do u think of the new upcoming character (he'll probably get release like... at least after 2 years ig TAT) Dainsleif?

Major spoilers for Kaeya’s Character Story and Khaenri'ah Lore. 

TLDR: I like the potential Dainsleif has plus his design is really nice. He might be a catalyst or sword user with empowered auto's or he might be similar to Zhongli that uses field effects and has a delete button for his elemental burst. 

I have many theories on who Dainsleif is and that he is either some type of traveler/god/homunculus and he has the element of ash or quintessence. The opposite of dendro and nature. I'd like to believe that the lore of Khaenri'ah relates to his story and his attitude (since he's from there originally) and it's a desolate place with no archon blessings so the people themselves had to develop their own methods to survive, hence the art of alchemy Khemia. When Dainsleif get's introduced, mostly likely towards the very end, we might find out why Scaramouche said the sky and the stars was a gigantic hoax and the truth behind Kaeya. 

---

ANON. YOU. YOU GET A COOKIE. I LOVE TALKING ABOUT STORY AND CHARACTER LORE SO MUCH.

Please, if any of you wanna talk about this I’m totally on board. I love Dainsleif and I’m so upset he’ll probably be released towards end game so yeah two years at least;; 

Okay, so level with me. I’m about to bring out the whiteboard for this. I tried to format it so it was easier to digest but this is pure word vomit and I went overboard again. 

What do u think of the new upcoming character Dainsleif?

I’m very excited. I think his design is beautiful and I want those lore bomb drops. 

Firstly, I can’t wait for him to drop. I’m always a sucker for lore and he’s been dropping hints from the start since he narrates all the character’s collected miscellany. He does remind of me Dimitri from FE3H but I’m excited for more Khaenri’ah lore. 

I have some theories about where the story will go with him and  Khaenri’ah but those are some major spoilers so I left a read more tag if you’re interested. 

Tumblr won’t let me upload his splash art but just google it lol.

Which weapon will he use? 

Catalyst or Sword. He might have empowered autos like Diluc and Razor or he might apply a mark like Childe. 

I can see him being a castor since his right arm is glowing. But he might also be a sword user that uses empowered auto’s like Diluc and Razor. Since the name Dainsleif was King Högni's sword during the battle of Hjaðningavíg. According to the reliable source of wiki, whatever wound the Dainsleif sword cause could not be healed. 

I think it would be cool if his auto’s apply a stack/mark (similar to Childe’s riptide mark), and after 3 auto’s the mark is consumed and the enemy gets dealt heavy damage. Or maybe you can apply debuffs like “defense down” or maybe even a blind, based on the number to stacks you have on the mark. 

What vision will he have?

A hydro vision or a custom one (similar to a delusion). Or he doesn’t have a vision at all and uses alchemy or is secretly a “god”.

As for vision, he might be a hydro character since his splash art appears like he’s coming out of a ball of water. I’ve heard people say he might be cyro also, which wouldn’t be extremely off if visions actually correspond with their user. 

Or he might be introduced with an entirely new element (perhaps a new type of alchemy?). His star is a dark blue too so he might have the element of black mist/dust or ash/shadows as a potential power. 

In the Albedo trailer he mentions:

"But I know it well. It hails from Khaenri'ah: The Art of Khemia. Soil and chalk, the universe and earth, pure dust and the birth of life.”

Perhaps this is the vision/power that Dainsleif has? Maybe even the creator or maybe he even taught Albedo’s Master how to do Khemia. I don’t think he really encompasses the Geo vision (I will seriously write an 11 page essay on how vision’s correspond with their holder). We don’t know a lot about Dendro but I think he might be related to it. But just like Khaenri’ah, he’s reflects the opposite. Instead of “birth of life” and tree’s, he’s the “death of life” and ash. (wow doesn’t that sound deep lolol sorry I don’t really know how to explain it). The way he talks in trailers, he says “mortals” a lot but does vouch for them so it makes me wonder if he might actually be a god. 

Also his title is the “Bough Keeper”. A bough means: a main branch of a tree. This makes me believe that he can either do something similar to what Albedo showed us and can create life or he does the opposite and creates ash. Honestly, a part of me believes he might just have generic moveset’s like everyone else but let me dream lol. 

Or he might not even be a vision holder since we don’t see him holding one, but we only have this angle and art to go off on. He might even use stars haha. If anyone remembers, during the falling star event, Scaramouche says the sky and stars were a gigantic hoax. I would not be surprised if the world is actually upside down or the “sky” isn’t even a sky at all. More like a sheet over Teyvat or some kind of illusion. 

Or another theory, perhaps Dainsleif is the god of time since he says in Travail during the Traveler chapter:

“Defeat me, command me to step aside, show me that you are worthier than I to rescue her. Then, the threads of all fate will be yours to re-weave“

It would explain how he knows so much about the other characters and what happened in the past since he brings up “the war” a lot. I’m assuming it’s either the Archon War or something before that. 

Or mihoyo could shred my thesis paper and Dainsleif has nothing to do with this and he’s some random guy from Khaenri’ah with plot convivence. 

---

I just want to mention at the bottom of this, but the classical elements are water, earth, fire, air and (later) aether. I find it funny that the male MC shares the name. 

“Aether, also called quintessence, is the fifth and highest classical element. It’s a material that fills the region of the universe above the terrestrial sphere.” 

“It permeates all nature and is the substance composing the celestial bodies. The essence of a thing in its purest and most concentrated form,”

Or this is just a hint to the traveler’s power since the traveler is the only one that can use all the elements. 

Possible moveset?

He might use stars or air/anemo in his moveset. He could be a very good dps with a lot of trapping potential. Or he might be a field effect support like Albedo, but can still do a lot of damage. 

Imagine Dainsleif uses stars haha, throwing them to do damage like Ningguang’s rocks. The splash art of him shows two stars in the top left. He might have a teleport (similar to Keqing + Mona dash), or maybe he could even have some sort of telekinesis with his right arm. I’m just getting Xayah from league of legends vibes where he can throw the star, it places itself at max range, then he can recall them and the star does damage on the way back. Similar to how Keqing’s elemental skill works but instead of teleporting to the stiletto, the stiletto comes back to you when you press e again. (Sorry I play on keyboard). 

The opposite of nature is void or cosmos so that could be relating to his power as well since the only animation we get of him is in Teyvat Chapter Storyline Preview: Travail (I’m just gonna say Travail) and this black mist comes from his hand and he says: 

“"We will defy this world with a power from beyond.”

Could be interesting hehe. He might even be a field effect character like Albedo. He doesn’t really strike me as the guy that likes fighting but in the Albedo trailer he says: 

“I am content to watch most crises play out from the sidelines. But if Albedo were ever to make a single wrong move...I could not let myself ignore it.”.

Seems to be that Dainsleif is pretty powerful or at least has some type of influence. It could be interesting if he’s similar to Zhongli and has a giant delete button for his elemental burst haha. Or he has some type of imprisonment power like Mona’s burst. Or as I mentioned earlier, it would be fun having telekinesis but this is just me taking liberties haha. 

(and yes I totally understand that I’m forcing the story to support my theory BUT IGNORE IT OK.)

Black Mist/Dust and Ash/Shadows?

Uh I gave up on these summaries lol 

I touched on it briefly but I say black mist or shadows since I believe that Khaenri’ah is probably not a good place to live originally. Similar to how Mondstadt was in the past, it is probably surrounded by some type of barrier (hence the mist or even the sky) that both traps and makes sure no one get’s in or out. Khaenri’ah is quite the opposite of most regions besides the whole “no archon” business but in “Travai”, when Dainsleif brings up Khaenri’ah this shows up:

It seems like a star to me in some hidden pocket in the sky and what not. This is what I would assume Scaramouche saw (possibly, we have no idea) and therefore there are people and an entire region that’s in the sky. But why would  Khaenri’ah be above Celestia? Since you can see Celestia in Teyvat. I would like to think that Teyvat is either upside down and Khaenri’ah is actually below everything or this pocket in the sky isn’t even in Teyvat and is similar to how you reach spiral abyss. You have to go through this circle in Cape Oath and you get sucked into this worm hole thing and you make it to Musk Reef. Where we saw Scarachmouche and he tells us the sky is a hoax. 

This idea kinda supports my idea that Teyvat is either upside down or the sky isn’t real since how could Dainsleif know who all these people are (since he narrates all the 5 star character’s trailers). Either the man is just really smart and travel’s around a lot but he’s aware of who Zhongli is, an archon from 6000 years ago. This makes me believe he is either a god himself or if he is also a homunculus. Or he’s in the third category and perhaps he’s also a traveler like the main character’s.

I don’t believe he’s an archon but it would be interesting if he was a potential candidate for becoming the Khaenri’ah archon. Since I believe vision holders (human) can become archons and rise to Celestia but Dainsleif refused or he was capable of becoming an Archon

“A human with a Vision is an allogene — one with the potential to reach godhood; however, it isn't clear if having a Vision is a requirement, or simply makes a person more likely to meet the qualifications to reach Celestia.”

But going back to the state of Khaenri’ah, I’d like to think that since the art of Khemia is from Khaenri’ah that would mean that they had to learn how to make their own food and life since they didn’t have an archon to bless their lands. Barbatos had swept the snow and land away in the region of Mondstadt but Khaenri’ah doesn’t have that luxury. Naturally, I would imagine that there are some downsides of Khemia when it was first being practiced, hence the ash. But ash isn’t a bad thing, in fact you can use ash to amend soil and boost your lawn. 

But obviously having a vision would be a whole lot more useful since it’s literally god given talent/blessing so if you have a vision, you might be able to break out and go to the “above” world of Teyvat. If you have a vision you’re seen as being blessed by the gods and you might be able to ascend to Celestia itself. I believe that Khaenri’ah is secretly the abyss and doesn’t see the sun so it’s always dark and it’s hard to grow anything so the people of Khaenri’ah had to find ways to make their own food, hence alchemy. This could be why Dainsleif is so adamant about humanity and questioning the Archons and visions. 

If we are going on the theory that Dainsleif is actually a normal human, then I’d like to imagine he was one of the people that prayed for a vision or some type of blessing and finally got it. But an incident happened and he lost his faith or resolve in the Archons. He mentions it a tiny bit in the Diluc trailer but this is just me spit balling. 

Also, Kaeya’s talents also mention about an abyss and void before the change. I don’t think abyss was made to relate to the abyss order and more the actual definition of abyss but it’s still interesting. 

What is Khemia?

Well I don’t know and I don’t know how accurate google is but let’s try and go through it together. I have no idea if what I’m about to type is offensive since I do not have a history degree and I’m pretty much paraphrasing what google tells me.

---

So Khemia, is an Egyptian sacred science. When Egypt was occupied by the Arabs they added “al-” to the world “Khemia” and “al-Khemia”. Al-Khemia means “The Black Land” and is now seen as a possibly origin of the world alchemy. 

Not gonna lie, I did not know al-khemia meant the black land so idk if my hindsight is 2020 or it was just super obvious for my monkey brain. 

As for the world “Chemeia”, it was used to designate the art of metal-working, specifically changing base metals into gold and silver. The Arabs later prefixed it with “al” and the world “alchemy”. Alchemy came to signify the art of chemistry in general. However the word "Chemeia” was probably derived from the Greek word “chemi” which means “black”. This could be because: 

In the sense of "dark" or "hidden", since the Dark, Hidden or Divine Art was the only name by which this science was known to the ancients.

However, the word chemistry might have had a Chinese origin.  It may have been derived from the Hakka term KIM-MI or the Cantonese term KEM-MAI, which signifies "gone astray in search of gold" or "secret of gold". 

Assuming it’s from Egyptian origin, the ancient Egyptian word khēmia means the transmutation of earth, thereby the science of matter at the atomic to molecular scale. According to some etymologists, khēmia or “preparation of black powder” ultimately derived the name from Khem or Kēme, Egypt, the land of black earth. 

---

So if we are going with the Chinese origin, I’d like to think that this is a hint towards the story and people trying to find the “gold” or perhaps a vision. This could explain why Kaeya was sent to Mondstadt to hopefully require a vision and come back. 

What is the lore behind Khaenri’ah then?

So, why do I think the people of Khaenri’ah are looking to be saved or want a vision so badly? Well, time to go through the entire Khaenri’ah lore with you lads. 

The Khaenri’ah lore goes as this:

At least 200 years ago, the Eclipse Dynasty threw the kingdom into chaos (meaning it was the last Dynasty).

The people were cursed and transformed into monsters.

Mondstadt’s Knights and Grand Master Arundolyn went on an expedition to Khaenri’ah to fight off the monsters.

In the present,  Khaenri’ah is still struggling against the effects of the curse. Kaeya was sent to Mondstadt as their last hope and for the sake of the “ancient plot”.

1. For those not aware, China’s time periods were separated into Dynasty’s (sort of). The Chinese characters of “Eclipse Dynasty” are [古国黑日落] or "The Ancient Civilization of the Black Sunset". There is probably some type of history or connection to this since Zhongli’s voicelines are full of them but this post is long enough and I don’t know if people want to or care about hearing Chinese history but um let me know? Cause I’m really into that and I will gladly write about it.

2. We’re not completely aware if the people transformed into Hilichurls or were apart of the Abyss Order. But since the last dynasty was literally called Eclipse I would like to believe this supports my idea that Khaenri’ah isn’t someplace you can easily reach and you have to entire a fucking worm hole to get to. I’m in love with the idea that Khaenri’ah is the spiral abyss or at least part of it, that Childe fell into when he was a younger. Perhaps even the spiral abyss is where he landed since time technically doesn’t pass in spiral and it’s just a wave of enemies. I would 100% not be shocked if we have to enter the that wormhole to get to Khaenri’ah or something similar. 

3. Arundolyn was a previous Grand Master and while he did not possess a Vision, he was naturally gifted through intense training. He was formerly one of the Four Winds and had the title of “Lion of Light”. So Khaenri’ah is possible to get to and someone from Mondstadt has done it, but without a vision. The Traveler also doesn’t carry a vision so it might be interesting to see. Kaeya didn’t get his vision until he was 18? 17? When he had a falling out with Diluc. 

I would like to think that perhaps the Archon’s betrayed Khaenri’ah or someone fucked up in their pursuit to develop Khemia to it’s fullest potential or wanted to make their own vision, hence the delusion and how it transforms Childe into a foul legacy form. The Dragonspine lore could point to how Celestia has the power to seal away Khaenri’ah. This also might have been where Dainsleif lost his resolve (assuming he’s a human and just happened to get some sort of power or is really good at Khemia he saw the past or fate or whatever lol)

“Murals, Record of Serial No., and other lore bits in Dragonspine indicate that those who dwelled there attempted to fight against Celestia but lost. As punishment, the Skyfrost Nail was dropped, and the area was turned into a frozen wasteland.

Therefore, people with visions cannot enter Khaenri’ah because of the Archon’s and people that receive visions (which I still think is highly unlikely if you’re in Khaenri’ah) might be able to break out. Think of spiral abyss as some sort of “purgatory” except to enter Khaenri’ah you go down. To get out, you start AT FLOOR 12 and make your way up. Similar to Kid Icarus and how the hardest level was at the beginning and as you went up, it slowly became easier. 

4. I like the idea that Khaenri’ah is a land that either doesn’t have vision holders or the people that do have visions aren’t seen the same way as other regions. People are are actually cursed by the Gods or people that require visions leave Khaenri’ah because they now have the power to. In Travail Dainsleif says this:

"Some say a few are chosen and the rest are dregs, but I say we humans have our humanity. We will defy this world from a power from beyond”

Naturally these are his ideals and I’d like to believe that Khaenri’ah is actually split on this. Some believe in Dainsleif ideals while the other half doesn’t. If we’re going on the theory that Khaenri’ah is actually the abyss then the abyss order makes a bit more sense. 

Plus the idea that Lumine/Aether (I think the story is just going to stick with Lumine being the “villain ”) working for the abyss, it could be because their twin was separated by an unknown god. Aether was asleep and plagued by nightmares with his sister saying “it was too late”, perhaps he lost his memory since he doesn’t know what he was late for? Maybe this is what she meant since I’d assume the story has you going from place to place and the Archon’s stepping down like in Liyue and the Tsaritsa collecting all the gnosis. 

Why is the Tsaritsa collecting all the gnosis?

“She is a god with no love left for her people, nor do they have any left for her. Her followers only hope to be on her side when the day of her rebellion against the divine comes at last."

I can imagine that Tsarista or the Cyro archon is collecting all the gnosis because she believes in the Khaenri’ah attitude and is apart of the ancient plot or is trying to protect them somehow since she isn’t an evil person based on Childe’s voicelines:

“Her Royal Highness the Tsaritsa is actually a gentle soul. Too gentle, in fact, and that's why she had to harden herself. Likewise, she declared war against the whole world only because she dreams of peace. And because she made an enemy of the world, I had the chance to become acquainted with you.”

Or maybe even more interesting, she was actually a citizen of Khaenri’ah since the Tsaritsa wasn’t apart of the original seven but this is a huge stretch. Maybe she’s collecting all the gnosis to finally break the seal on Khaenri’ah? Plus the people of Sneznaya strike me as “I don’t care if you’re blessed by the gods or have a vision, if you can fight then you’re good in our books”. Plus the people of Khaenri’ah are probably pretty mad at the Archons so when the rebellion does come I’d assume the Tsaritsa wants them on her side. 

What happened to Kaeya?

Now Kaeya’s character story goes into how he met Diluc and Crepus. It’s hinted that it was on purpose since Kaeya’s father left him there specifically. 

"One afternoon near the end of summer a decade ago, my father and I passed by the Dawn Winery."

This matter-of-fact description hides a carefully constructed lie. Kaeya has never once spoken the truth about what happened that afternoon:

"This is your chance. You are our last hope."

Kaeya would never forget the look of both hope and hatred in his father's eyes as he uttered those words.

Now you can interpret this as many things, either collecting all the gnosis and obtaining a vision to hopefully come back to save Khaenri’ah could be what he meant or he want’s Kaeya to stop the Abyss Order from literally setting Teyvat on fire. You can probably sympathize with the Abyss Order if we are following the theory that they are actually the mutated monsters of Khaenri’ah citizen’s during the Eclipse dynasty but it’s also like, how about we not set the world on fire ya know?

But interestingly, the reason why Kaeya’s father left him with Diluc’s family is because they have a long history of participating in the rebellion against Decarabian 2,600 years ago and Vennessa’s rebellion against the Aristocracy. 

What will happen when Dainsleif get’s introduced?

So, I’m fully on board with the “Kaeya being the secret prince of Khaenri’ah” theory. I like the idea that Dainsleif is Kaeya’s servant or trusted advisor but I think that’s mainly rooted in the ship. Dainsleif strikes me more as someone who observes and only steps in if he has to because it might affect fate or whatever.

“I am content to watch most crises play out from the sidelines. But if Albedo were ever to make a single wrong move...I could not let myself ignore it.” 

I don’t think Dainsleif is the King of Khaenri’ah that Jean mentions in her hobbies voiceline but perhaps he was related to them somehow. Maybe the first King or the King that Jean mentions was real and Dainsleif was his friend or the God that helped him become King, then the Eclipse Dynasty happened and everything went downhill. Since I believe in Kaeya being a secret prince from  Khaenri’ah, Dainsleif would still be somewhat loyal to the Kingdom or perhaps he had lost faith after what happened and how so many people got corrupted and turned into monsters. 

I was talking about this with my friend but what if genshin pulls an fgo and “kills” Kaeya? Similar to FGO where Leonardo “died” in a car accident and when we visited a shop, there was just a hologram. What if genshin’s story kills Kaeya in a cutscene, and we can no longer use him since Kaeya was a free character, only to return as - THE 5 STAR WE WERE ALL WAITING FOR - the prince of Khaenri’ah.

When will we see Dainsleif?

According to the “Travail” the order of appearances is this: 

I believe part 1 is finished with Zhongli and dragonspine was just an add on for Albedo. But this makes me believe that Dainsleif and Khaenri’ah will be after we go to Snezhnaya. Also side note, the music for Natlan slaps hard. 

---

But yeah, I kinda went a bit off track and started talking about the story haha. I really love lore so if anyone has any questions about other characters or want’s to discuss the genshin story I am all ears^^. Also, if any of this becomes true in two years time I WILL BE BACK TO SAY I TOLD YOU SO. 

Or genshin prepares to rip this post apart and none of it is true. If you actually read my word vomit I appreciate you and you get a free cookie. If you’re wondering where I’ve been, it was writing this haha. 

[that-shamrock-vibe]

Movie Review: Mulan (2020, Spoilers)

Spoiler Warning: I am posting this review the week following the movie’s release on Disney+ worldwide, so if you haven’t yet seen the 2020 live-action Mulan do not read on until you have.

General Reaction:

I had a very hard time deciding what I thought about this movie. I firstly had time to wait to see the movie as I didn’t watch it on Disney+ on the Friday it was released but instead got to see it for free the following Sunday night. But in that time all the reviews were coming out and while some of them were positive, a lot of them were negative.

I guess my feelings can be categorised into three pillars just as the oath sworn by the imperial army...loyal, brave and true, the first pillar is loyalty as in my thoughts on the original animated Mulan and how this movie holds up.

I will say, had I not seen the original I would probably just like this live-action remake fine enough but because I have not only seen the original 1996 animated version but have a strong connection to that version with it being the first movie I ever saw in theatres but also one of my favoured soundtracks of all Disney movies growing up, it’s difficult as we are literally comparing new for old.

That being said, a lot of what made the original so good for me has been completely gutted in this version. No Mushu, Cri-Kee or even Little Brother. It would be so easy to simply have a Shar Pei or a Shih Tzu roaming around Mulan’s home because they already had a spider taking the place of Cri-Kee in that matchmaker scene but no...we get the horse who isn’t even called Khan in this movie because the main villain’s surname is instead Khan rather than Shan Yu like the original, and a phoenix that...despite all the exposition and my movie trivia knowledge of what a phoenix can do...simply just flies around almost like one of those box kites and acts more like a drone than an ancestral family protector.

Also the grandmother from the original, who I loved because Disney has a habit of doing these elderly cooky women traditionally for comedy but also with some heart, is omitted from this version and instead seemingly replaced with a younger sister for Mulan. Now it’s not like the grandmother was integral to the original story other than giving Cri-Kee to Mulan and without Cri-Kee there is no need for her but if you’re going to replace her replace her with something interesting...this sister does absolutely nothing.

As for the songs, Everyone knew right from the off that this wouldn’t be a musical and so all those great songs from that soundtrack that I said at the time was one of my favourite Disney soundtracks were obviously out...but the way in which the score incorporated the main song “Reflection” is something we’ve already heard in the trailers and used very well played out here, then also two of the other songs “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” and “A Girl Worth Fighting For”, while not scored are referenced as lines from the songs are spoken by the Imperial Army soldiers at times.

Then speaking of ditching characters, Shang who is the main male lead of the 1998 animated Mulan is here split into two different characters. The commander of the Imperial Army played by Donnie Yen and then a soldier recruit in said army who acts as Mulan’s love interest...I think. I get the fact that these were the two sides of Shang’s character in the original...with the addition of dealing with the murder of his father...but it would have made more sense maybe to have the commander be “Shang’s” father rather than literally having Shang A and Shang B.

But while other fan-favourites were omitted, one new addition stole the show for me and that was Gong Li as Xian Lung aka The Witch as she’s referred to throughout in this movie. I thought the addition of magic to this adaptation was an interesting take because the original stands out for not relying so heavily on the fairytale aspects. I mean yes we have a talking dragon and ghostly ancestors, who also aren’t in this movie but are referenced a lot and responsible for the box kite phoenix, but the movie didn’t need magic per-say...here it is almost like the secret sauce for how the major players thrive.

This brings me onto my second pillar, brave...as in this movie takes some big old swings in the dark to not only try and stand out from the original but also be mature. Going back to the magic angle, chi is a massive part of this movie and it seems to be that if you’re an important fighter, you have it man or woman.

The only issue with that being the 1998 animated version of Mulan, despite being Disney, was one of the more grounded Renaissance movies as it didn’t rely heavily on the fantasy angle other than the talking dragon and ancestors.

So when you flip that around and tell me that not only does Mulan effectively have superpowers but also there is a major antagonist in this movie who can not only shapeshift but perform matrix-style Wire-Fu action which she somehow teaches the Rouran army, then it loses what made the original version special in that it didn’t rely so heavily on those fantastical elements.

That being said, despite a major problem with other Disney Live-Action remakes like The Lion King being that they rely too heavily on the source material, this remake is practically a different movie to the original 1998 version.

However, while a lot of the beats of the first half of this movie, and even the second half are met such as the Matchmaker scene, joining the Imperial Army, the avalanche battle and the Emperor being captured, the true emotional moments of the animated movie are completely gone.

That incredibly powerful scene after Mulan and her father argue and she is next seen crying at the Great Stone Dragon statue while watching her ailing father before deciding she must take his place and cuts her hair, disguises herself and leaves home in the middle of the night in the rain...here replaced with Mulan wielding her father’s sword, next she’s in the armor, then she’s travelling to the army camp...no powerful music, no visible emotion at how she comes to the resolve of leaving her family, nothing.

Even though there are no songs sung in this movie, the scene “Reflection” is originally sung in makes the song one of my favourite Disney Princess songs because of the fact it lyrically and visibly shows Mulan’s inner torment at being the outsider within her family and longing to be able to truly express herself. Here you have any resemblance of that scene taken out and instead go straight from the Matchmaker scene to the Imperial Army drafting scene.

As for the comedy, I understand the original animated version was more of a comedy-action movie as opposed to this one which is action-drama, but I don’t think I laughed once while watching this movie.

Yes, the original had Eddie Murphy as Mushu and that’s taken out here, but it also had the likeable funny trio of soldiers in the army. Here there are 5 of them, Shang-lite included, Yao and Chien-Po I think try to be despite not spending enough time on any of them to know who is who. There’s this newish character called Cricket who is supposed to be the substitute for Cri-Kee...but is a recruit in the Imperial Army instead of an insect and I had to look up to make sure it wasn’t Ned from the Spider-Man movies because they look so similar and try to force comedy despite not being particularly funny. Even the river shower scene from the original which was rather funny due to Mulan trying to hide the fact she’s a woman from the three guys, here it’s just Mulan and Shang-lite (Chen Honghui) and is played off more as some weird and awkward romance scene.

It is truly brave of Disney to try and appeal more to China than to Western audiences who loved the original movie and the comedy etc and this brings me on to the third pillar which is True, as in Disney trying to be true to China, it’s culture and respecting Mulan as a legend of China rather than a Disney Princess.

That being said, we definitely got more Chinese culture in this version than the original. Obviously you see a lot of China in the animated movie as the Imperial Army moves around a lot like they do here, but it’s never quite as cinematic as it is here. The 2020 live-action Mulan demands the attention of the big screen because for me watching it on my laptop, you can tell a lot of the establishing shots and landscape scenes were intended to be viewed on the silver screen.

Particularly the shots of people running up and down that vast staircase leading up to the Emperor’s palace, just imagining that in theatres impresses me.

Even shots like when you see wide views with either the phoenix or the witch in bird form soaring across the sky, you can tell it was meant to be viewed first on the big screen just to get that feeling of wonder because on a smaller screen it isn’t that impressive.

However, on the subject of “True” I do not understand how in-keeping with the original Chinese legend involved Chi being utilized as some sort of superpower equivelent to Avatar: The Last Airbender whereas in the original animated Disney version, which should really be the one emphasising the fantasy element, you’re either a good fighter or, in Mulan’s case for that movie, you’re not and have to train.

I understand how legends and mythologies can include fantastical elements because that’s what makes them as such, but if Disney want to tell me that in this movie Mulan is practically Wonder Woman because that’s how she is said to be in the legend then where the hell was that in the 1998 animated version because that Mulan is classed officially as a Disney Princess despite not being royalty or marrying royalty and having this type of power would at least qualify her to stand alongside the likes of Pocahontas and Moana.

Getting off the rant and moving to a compliment for a moment, I did appreciate the movie staying true to Chinese fashion because that really puzzled me about the original movie, how every man, woman and child effectively looked like they were wearing the same robes just in a different colour with maybe some different styling depending on if they were royalty or officials in some way.

But here, the Emperor definitely looked regal, the Witch looked regal but in that nomadic styling which was true to her character, and even though all the soldiers were wearing the same uniform, they all had something different enough about it.

Characters:

Alright so I’ve gone on enough generally, now I’m going to be more specific in terms of character, but because most of these characters aren’t fleshed out enough to warrant their own section, I’m listing who I feel are my three stand-out characters and then grouping the rest.

Mulan:

Obviously the movie is about Mulan so I have to start with her, and despite all the negative stuff which to be perfectly honest with you doesn’t overly concern me in regards to how Yifei Liu has been so adamantly in support of the Hong Kong Police drama, I’m judging her solely on how she plays the character here.

She was okay.

I mean this in the best way possible but, in a similar way to last year’s The Lion King remake, Yifei Liu was practically stone-faced the entirety of this movie. Good things happened, no expression, bad things happened, no expression, sad things happened, no expression. Especially when she was pretending to be a guy in the army camp it felt like her acting choice was “If Mulan was to show expression, it may give the game up”, it was just so rigid it made it hard to like her.

Speaking of her “undercover guise”, I know the original movie was animated and therefore the animators can get away with slightly altering the look of the character to make it believable and voices can even be changed as evidenced here with Jet Li...but I did not believe for a single second that Mulan could actually pass as a guy looking like how she looked. She didn’t cut her hair, her clothes weren’t particularly masculine, barely changed her voice and aside from having that leather brace/corsit to hide her chest there was no evidence as to how an entire army camp could not tell the second they saw her...maybe with the exception of Chen but I’ll get to that when I get to him.

Also, I touched on the Chi power thing beforehand, why was she was born with it? Why was it so powerful in her from an early age? None of this was explained, they hammered home the dangers of her having such strong Chi and that was also personified beautifully with Xian Lang aka The Witch as a kind of Ghost of Christmas Future visage, but the reason the original animated version worked so well was because she was flawed, clumsy and awkward yet also caring, strong-willed and outspoken. Really all they did here was take away all of those qualities that made her...you know...human and added the Chi power thing from the start so she didn’t have to learn to fight, she didn’t have to make this massive sacrifice as you know she’s probably going to prevail and again it made her unlikeable because there was no growth or real character development.

All except for the very end when the Emperor offers her a position on the royal guard rather than as an adviser like he does originally, and she rejects it here like she did then as well...but then she is asked again maybe two days later and we don’t get an answer but she probably says yes.

It’s quite clear they’re trying to tee up a sequel by the end of this movie, but there is so much negativity both to the movie and specifically the leading actress that I really don’t see this happening.

If a sequel was to happen it would most likely be Mulan’s struggles with being a female member in the emperor’s guard or even leading the team, but we saw her do that for the second half of this movie.

Literally the halfway point in this movie after a confrontation with Xian Lang, when Mulan’s father narrates how Mulan’s lie died but she herself lived and so she then decided to appear in front of the Imperial Army as a woman despite the obvious consequences I found stupid.

In the original it’s a mistake that she’s found out, it’s towards the end of the movie and she has to fight just for acceptance. Here she pretty much states the obvious in what she knows the villains are doing, suddenly she’s leading the fecking army...despite being told that if she shows her face again she will die...no death but just a promotion.

Finally while talking about Mulan, I can’t really not talk about that fantastic Ming-Na Wen cameo at the end of the movie. It was so great, I had heard prior to seeing the movie that she was going to be in it and so my eyes were peeled throughout the movie.

I love Ming-Na Wen and I do think she is one of very few to hit a Disney trifecta with being a Disney Princess, an MCU hero of sorts and a Star Wars character, though having recently finally seen The Mandalorian I have to say her part was exaggerated a bit considering the one episode she’s in.

It never dawned on me until it was brought up that I even needed Ming-Na to appear in this movie but having seen her I have to say I would be disappointed if she didn;t. Originally I would have suggested she maybe play Mulan’s mother as a type of passing on the torch, but the very fact that her one line and duty in the movie is to introduce Mulan to the emperor it does seem to have the same effect.

Xian Lang:

As I say, the Witch was my favourite character in this movie. Everything about her from when I first saw her in the trailers just worked for me. Her look was stunning, Gong-Li’s acting was on point, her story despite being a secondary antagonist based on the villain’s pet bird from the original movie was very compelling. The parallels between Mulan and Xian Lang were fascinating to see particularly with Xian Lang being a potential future cautionary tale for Mulan.

The first major scene when we see her use her powers was my favourite scene in the movie. I love a great power-set piece and we got to see a lot of the different fascets of Xian Lang’s power. From that gorgeous blend of coloured powders to act as a smokescreen for her shapeshifting, the weapon manifestation, using her sleeves as whips. It all worked so well and Mulan wasn’t even in the scene.

That being said, my next favourite scene is that confrontation between her and Mulan where Xian Lang is trying to get Mulan to admit who she is but she’s insistent on stating she’s her male name, so Xian Lang says “then you will die a lie” and knocks her into a rock which Mulan’s father then narrates “Mulan’s lie did die but Mulan lived”, it’s such powerful stuff and I wish the rest of the movie was as clever as that.

The Emperor:

The only other character I can really single out is Jet Li’s Emperor of China. I’m not a massive Jet Li fan, but I have seen him in a couple other movies and to my knowledge always in non-English speaking roles. However, I have also seen him in interviews so know the voice he has...this wasn’t it.

It was really distracting all the way through this movie because he looked regal, everything around him looked regal and powerful, but then he spoke and I was sat there pondering “Why is that not his voice?”. I mean I know how Hollywood likes to dub voices if the actors they hire don’t fit the roles vocally but do physically, but doing this not only to Jet Li who is one of the more famous Asian actors in Hollywood but any Asian actor in an entirely Asian cast does seem like a huge step backwards in representation particularly after Aladdin.

It reminded me a lot of Ray Park who is one of my favourite underrated actors. In some roles you see him and hear his voice like Toad in the first X-Men movie, however famously you only see him physically as Darth Maul in the Star Wars movies but have his voice dubbed by other actors.

All that aside, the actual character was a lot more fleshed out than in the original movie. I mean all you really need to know about him is that he’s the Emperor of China but here, because he’s Jet Li apparently in body only, he also has some kick-ass martial arts scenes.

Although, similar to the TV series Arrow, I do not understand how magic allows people to catch arrows fired at them, yet somehow Jet Li does and to be fair redirects it in a rather bad-ass way with Mulan doing a flip kick sending it straight into the chest of the main villain guy.

Hua Family:

As for Mulan’s family, I thought they were okay. Again I got more emotional from the original movie and I did miss the grandmother this time around and do not understand how the younger sister was a worthy substitute, but the actual parents were at least acted well.

It was great seeing Constance Wu in a dramatic role after seeing her in Freaky Friday, Tzi Ma was a surprisingly central role this time around as Mulan’s father with a lot more drama put on his character, in the original version you know Fa Zhou is injured from war so when he’s drafted again you can guess he may not survive. Here, Constance Wu states “Be brave for he won’t return this time”.

Imperial Army:

I didn’t like any of these guys, we spend little time getting to know any of them as individuals, maybe with the exception of Donnie Yen’s general character. Having said that, Chen either had to know that Mulan was a girl or simply be attracted to Mulan as a boy. But there were so many looks and so many times where you could tell that he knew but maybe wanted to protect her so didn’t let on.

Rourans:

I didn’t like the Huns in the original movie but at least they had individuality about them, the Rourans had nothing. Jason Scott Lee was obviously the Shan Yu of this movie but he did not have the intimidation factor that he had and really didn’t have a lot else to him.

The one plus about the Rourans is they seemed to take lessons from the Dothraki in Game of Thrones in how to not only ride into battle but battle while riding. It was very cool visually.

Recommendation:

By the time this review posts if you haven’t seen the movie yet you may not be inclined to and I don’t know if this review is really a promotion for it, but when someone asked me for my recommendation I did say it’s worth at least one viewing.

However, I would not pay the excess fee for it. I watched it for free and I feel $30 or however much it is here in the U.K. would feel a bit of a rip off despite the fact Disney+ allows for multiple users and so multiple viewings.

Overall I rate the movie a 6/10, it’s visually gorgeous, Gong-Li is the best thing about the movie and it is interesting to see what is different between versions. I just wouldn’t rank it up there as one of the best Disney Live-Action remakes, too much doesn’t make sense.

So that’s my review of Disney’s Live-Action Mulan, what did you guys think? Post your comments and check out more Disney Movie Reviews as well as other Movie Reviews and posts.

[kandrsdarkangelsbookblog]

⚔️ RELEASE BLITZ - Falls Ende: Secundus ⚔️

Title: Falls Ende - Secundus

Author: Paul W. Feenstra

Series: Falls Ende

Release Date: October 1st, 2019

Genre: Historical/Medieval Fiction

🗡 Links 🗡

Ebook: mybook.to/SecundusEbook

Paperback: mybook.to/SecundusPaperback

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2kOnwnY

🗡 Synopsis 🗡

“Do not be fooled by their freedom, for they are bound to gold and silver as any man.”

Falls Ende – Secundus, the second novel in the Falls Ende series, is a gripping, page-turning window into our storied past. This riveting sequel to Falls Ende – Primus, is Paul W. Feenstra’s next installment of his fast-paced medieval saga that will leave you breathless.

When Mellester Manor, a small peaceful hamlet in southern England, is overcome by a catastrophic disaster, Odo and Charlotte’s life is in absolute turmoil. With Sir Gweir, Lord of Mellester Manor, away in Ireland fighting alongside King Henry II, Mellester is left undefended and unprotected. The surprise arrival of Templar Knights isn’t a mere coincidence; they want the old, wooden box that once belonged to Odo’s father. It’s the perfect time for the Church to lay claim to what they believe is theirs.

Can an ordinary herdsman stand up to a rapacious bishop and the unquestioned dominance of the Church? And can Odo and Charlotte find what they seek by risking everything to journey across the ocean to the small, coastal province of Frisia?

Emotional, twisty and dynamic, Falls Ende – Secundus is a discriminating novel that resonates with the best of Bernard Cornwall, Ken Follett.

Best read in sequence.

🗡 Trailer 🗡

https://youtu.be/fvJK1g7k5wM

🗡 In the Series 🗡

♣ Read with #KindleUnlimited ♣

Falls Ende – The Oath (99c) - mybook.to/FallsEndeBook1

Falls Ende – Courser - mybook.to/FallsEndeBook2

Falls Ende – The King - mybook.to/FallsEndeBook3

Get the first half of the series in hardback or paperback: mybook.to/FallsEndePrimus

🗡 Author Bio 🗡

Paul W. Feenstra is a historical fiction novelist. He has authored five novels, 'Boundary', 'The Breath of God', 'For Want of a Shilling' and the dramatic 'Falls Ende series, 'Falls Ende-Primus' and its sequel, 'Falls Ende-Secundus'.

Meticulously researched, Paul's novels are masterfully written and similar in style to Ken Follett and Bernard Cornwell. "History is about the untold story, and writing historical fiction is a wonderful way to present the past in a compelling and entertaining way."

Born in Wellington, New Zealand, in 1959, to Dutch immigrants, Paul still commutes frequently to Los Angeles, California, where he worked as a multiple 'Emmy' nominated entertainment industry professional. For over 25 years he called the USA home and was fortunate to travel extensively throughout the country. His two grown children still reside in Los Angeles.

Sought after as a public speaker by various learning institutions, professional member networks, and countless organisations, Paul has toured the length of New Zealand lecturing about his unique experiences in the Hollywood film and television industry. Recognised for his contribution in helping his country, Paul was honoured by the New Zealand government and invited to join the prestigious, 'World Class New Zealand,' network.

In his spare time, he enjoys photography and wrestling bears.

🗡 Author Links 🗡

Amazon: https://author.to/PaulWFeenstra

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15799688.Paul_W_Feenstra

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[tonystarkbingo]

Week 7 Roundup!  Does anyone else look forward to these not only for the awesome content, but also for that glorious cowboy RDJ pic?  Either way, check out all the awesome stuff that was shared with us this week!

Title: Invincible Summer Collaborator: monobuu Link: AO3 Square Filled: K1 - Fantasy World Ship: WinterIron Rating: Gen Major Tags: arranged marriage, misunderstandings, fluff Summary: Tony, a member of the desert-born Iron Tribe, is given away to the White Wolf of the North, the Winter Warlord, as part of a treaty to save his people. Now he must go to the cold northern territories to join his future mate when all he's ever known is the heat of the desert sun. Word Count: 5586

Title: Stark Confections Blueberry Donettes Collaborator: monobuu Link: Tumblr Square Filled: A1 - image of Stark Storefront Ship: none Rating: Gen Major Tags: art, fluff Summary: What if instead of making weapons, the Starks made snacks?

Title: Art for Such Sweet Revenge by ali_aliska Collaborator: feignedsobriquet Link: Tumblr Square Filled: A1 -  diner / restaurant Ship: WinterIron Rating: Gen Major Tags: art Summary: Tony and Bucky sitting in a diner

Title: Coming Home Contributor: Areiton Square Filled: K4 Presumed Dead Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/18130361 Pairing: Tony Stark/Peter Parker Warning: presumed dead, grief/mourning, adult Peter Parker Summary: “They want to plan the funeral,” he says, after a while, and Harley smiles. It’s not a happy smile. It’s the kind of smile he learned from Tony, the kind that is all sharp teeth and threat and it makes Peter shiver. “Tony left plans for that,” he says. “Let them have their spectacle.” Word Count: 2,647

Title: You Got This Collaborator: Trammel Link: AO3 Square Filled: R1 - Denial  Ship: none Rating: Gen Major Tags: Endgame trailer spoilers, angst, time travel, Iron Dad Summary: "Dad, it's me," she said. Then he realized she had Pepper's hair - with stripes of green and purple in it - and his eyes. Oh shit. "You're not real," he said to the hallucination.  Word Count: 1047

Title: Polar Opposites Collaborator: mistrstank Link: AO3 Square Filled: R3 - Ransom Note Ship: WinterIron Rating: Gen Major Tags: shapeshifters AU, Steve is a troll, fluff and crack Summary: In which Bucky's shift is the best thing Tony has ever seen, no one knows what Tony's shift is and there are explosions. Word Count: 1270

Title: Faith, Against All Logic Collaborator: lbibliophile-mcu Link: Tumblr Square Filled: K5 - Robots Ship: none Rating: Gen Major Tags: poetry, Tony’s bots

Title: A WEAB caused this Collaborator: SyoshoHiataki Link: AO3 Square Filled: A3 - Free Space Ship: WinterIron Rating: Mature Major Tags: parental Tony and Bucky, somewhat not Steve friendly Summary: Tony Stark hated stupid but genius villains. Now, he and the infamous Winter Soldier were stuck in an alternate world with different Heroes running around. Needless to say, he and Bucky were going to prove that you don't need a Quirk to be a Hero. After all, he was one. Word Count: 1896

Title: Monaco Race Collaborator: ironstrange-is-the-endgame Link: AO3 Square Filled: S2 - image of Tony in his racing suit Ship: none Rating: Gen Major Tags: art Summary: digital watercolour

Title: That's what you get for waking up in Vegas Collaborator: cutebutpsyco Link: AO3 Square Filled: A1 -  MIT Years Ship: IronHusbands Rating: Gen Major Tags: Vegas wedding, underage drinking Summary: Tony tried to looking for an answer to that specific question, but there were none that he could provide. He ran a hand in his hair and then went back staring at the empty wall in front of him. “I don’t know, but I’m out of cash and my fake ID isn’t any longer in my wallet, and I think we couldn’t find the key of the room last night.” Word Count: 2567

Collaborator: trashcanakin Link: Tumblr Square Filled: S1 - shapeshifters Ship: WinterIron Rating: Gen Major Tags: art, shapeshifters Summary: Fanart to go with mistrstank’s fic “Polar Opposites”

Title: Lullaby In Binary Collaborator: Iron_Eirlyssa (Eirlyssa) Link: AO3 Square Filled: R2 -  Tony in the workshop Ship: Tony & Dum-E Rating: Gen Major Tags: protective Dum-E Summary: DUM-E will take care of his creator, even when said creator is being stubborn about it. Word Count: 875

Title: Best Bot Dum-E: Bedtime Enthusiast Collaborator: rebelmeg Link: AO3 Square Filled: T1 - humor Ship: Tony & Dum-E Rating: Gen Major Tags: fluff and humor, bot fic Summary: Dum-e is a very good helper bot. Steve witnesses him being helpful in an unexpected way. Tony will probably have a few small bruises... Word Count: 1068

Title: New Signature On The Network Collaborator: Lacrimula_Falsa Link: AO3 Square Filled: A5 - image of JARVIS Ship: Tony Stark and his bots Rating: Teen Major Tags: angst, character death, bots Summary: Dum-E meets Vision for the first time. Word Count: 715

Title: Let it Lie Collaborator: yuuki_Illene Link: AO3 Square Filled: R2 - Dark Alleys Ship: Tony Stark & Bucky Barnes Rating: Not rated Major Tags: angst, recovery, hurt/comfort Summary: It begins with Tony in an alleyway and getting mugged. But what has already been stolen is best left in the dark. “Dude, chill,” he gasps out as quickly as possible, slapping the mugger’s muscular arm with his normal hand. “And if you’re going to say money or your life like some kind of cheap mugger I’m gonna be real disappointed.” Word Count: 3313

Title: The Doom Of All Men... Is To Be Flirted With Collaborator: katling Link: AO3 Square Filled: K1 - doom Ship: Pepperony Rating: Teen Major Tags: Team Iron Man, not Team Cap friendly Summary: Look, Tony likes being flirted with as much as the next person but he has standards, you know. Word Count: 805

Title: I Don't Mind You Comin' Here Collaborator: chase_acow Link: AO3 Square Filled: R4 - slime Ship: IronFalcon Rating: Explicit Major Tags: shower sex, explicit sexual content Summary: There was a lot Tony would do for the man he loved, but slime of questionable provenance would make him hesitate a bit. Word Count:

Title: Sins Of The Father Collaborator: katling Link: AO3 Square Filled: S4 - Hank Pym Ship: none Rating: Teen Major Tags: redemption, not Team Cap friendly Summary: When Hank Pym requests a meeting, Tony isn't expecting much in the way of good things. He's pleasantly surprised. Word Count: 1529   

Title: Fixed Point Collaborator: notsopowerfulowl (theowlgalaxy) Link: AO3 Square Filled: S5 - hugs Ship: Pepperony Rating: Teen Major Tags: hurt/comfort, insomnia, PTSD, implied/referenced abuse Summary: Sometimes it takes soft words and gentle touches to bring Tony back from a nightmare. Word Count: 937

Title: Earth's Best Defender Collaborator: mariana_oconnor Link: AO3 Square Filled: S4 -  art format: stained glass Ship: none Rating: Gen Major Tags: art Summary: My first fill for the Tony Stark Bingo. Some of the details were lost when I scanned it into the computer, but it looks okay. Done in watercolour first, then the lines added with ink.

Title: R5- Seeing Red Collaborator: thudworm Link: AO3 Square Filled: R5 - seeing red Ship: none Rating: Teen Major Tags: post-Endgame, no spoilers. Howard Stark’s A+ Parenting Summary: Inspired by this post on tumblr: there’s tons of fics w howard appearing in the future and steve or tony telling howard how badly he fucked up but consider: rhodey taking one look at that piece of shit and fucking DECKING him in front of god and everybody Word Count: 1005   

Title: Not a damsel in distress Collaborator: alexisriversong Link: AO3 Square Filled: K2 -  Damsels (and others) in distress Ship: WinterIron Rating: Teen Major Tags: hurt Tony Summary: Tony gets kidnapped, Bucky wants to save him but Tony is already saving himself. Word Count: 924

Title: Let me Sum Up Collaborator: tisfan Link: AO3 Square Filled: S3 - Tony as the Sorcerer Supreme Ship: WinterIron Rating: Teen Major Tags: time travel, sorcerers, Tony needs a hug Summary: Tony has a big problem-- and several medium sized ones, and a dozen little ones… but mostly… what the hell is he supposed to say? Word Count: 939

Title: Playing Human - Chapter One Collaborator: rainbowshoes Link: AO3 Square Filled: K3 - Myths and Legends Ship: ThunderIron Rating: Mature Major Tags: Dark Tony, Extremis Tony Summary: loosely based on the concept from American Gods (which i've neither seen nor read) that our gods are created from the things we "worship" the most - and Tony Stark is the god of modern technology Word Count: 2223

Title: Playing Human - Chapter Two Collaborator: rainbowshoes Link: AO3 Square Filled: T4: Good Guys Gone Bad Ship: ThunderIron Rating: Mature Major Tags: Dark Tony, Extremis Tony Summary: loosely based on the concept from American Gods (which i've neither seen nor read) that our gods are created from the things we "worship" the most - and Tony Stark is the god of modern technology Word Count: 2223 

Title: Try, Try Again Collaborator: 27dragons Link: AO3 Square Filled: R4 - Time Travel Ship: IronStrange Rating: Teen Major Tags: time travel, marriage proposal Summary: It’s a very important date, and Stephen is determined that everything will be perfect. Everything. Word Count: 2371

Title: take me like a victorian dame Collaborator: yuuki_Illene Link: AO3 Square Filled: A1 -  KINK: mirrors Ship: WinterIron Rating: Explicit Major Tags: explicit sexual content, dorks in love, fluff and crack Summary: It starts an engagement announcement in an elaborate dress before they start going down at it in an elevator. Word Count: 2781

Title: Sacrifice Collaborator: martianwahtney Link: AO3 Square Filled: K4 -  Conflicting Obligations / Oaths Ship: none Rating: Gen Major Tags: Soul Stone, Endgame spoilers Summary: Tony Stark visits Vormir alone. The Soul Stone demands a sacrifice. Tony insists he's sacrificed enough. The Stone puts him up for evaluation. Word Count: 1168

Title: Done This Before Collaborator: Tuessday Square: S4 "Kink: Collars" Rating: Explicit Warnings: NAWA, but be aware of age gap, kidnapping and the aftermath of violence/captivity, BDSM, bad BDSM (leave it as read this is fiction and not a good guide for how to), bondage, consensual violence, characters being bad at communicating things they probably really should. Pairing: Peter Parker/Tony Stark Summary: Peter hadn't ever really thought about it. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/18228557 Word Count: 4414

Title: rouge Collaborator: scarynoodles Link: AO3 Square Filled: S1 Ship: Stony Rating: Explicit Major Tags: angst, pining, explicit sexual content Summary: His eyes are the most striking thing about him. He likes to think it’s his goatee, or even the reactor when he still had it, but no, it’s his eyes. Those dark, warm, expressive eyes the color of whiskey when the sunlight hits them just right. Steve is in love with those eyes, he loves seeing them bright and happy because then they sparkle even in the darkest of places. It hurts him whenever they’re dull, depressed, hidden by flashing red shades the color of anger and aggression. Word Count: 1667

Title: Baby, I Wasn’t Expecting You Collaborator: FreyaS Link: AO3 Square Filled: S1 -  silver haired Tony Ship: WinterIron Rating: Teen Major Tags: pining, identity porn, happy ending Summary: Bucky walked into the bar with his last twenty and a scowl that could have peeled rust off of iron, slapping the bill on the bartop with his prosthetic hand. “Gimme the strongest thing this’ll buy,” he snapped. The bartender took one look at Bucky before he unscrewed the serving tip off of a bottle of rum and handed him the half-full bottle. Bucky grinned, all teeth, and poured himself a generous serving into a glass and knocked back the drink with his good hand. “Whoa there, might want to slow down,” a voice said from his left. He turned sharply and almost lost his breath as he met the gaze of the most beautiful man he’d seen in a while. He was clearly older. Silver threaded through his hair and was peppered in his well-groomed goatee, but he wore his age well. His whiskey brown eyes were crinkled into a smile and his soft pink lips were quirked up as he sipped from a glass full of a clear but sparkling liquid with a lime wedge on the rim. (Or Bucky meets the man of his dreams and proceeds to get cockblocked by babies, his family, and Tony himself, before he finally gets his happily ever after.) Word Count: 10,163

Title: Trust Collaborator: katling  Link: AO3 Square Filled: S5 -  MIT Years Ship: none Rating: Teen Major Tags: Shifter AU Summary: Rhodey finally finds out that Tony is a shifter and what his form is. It doesn't happen in quite the way Tony wanted but it all works out okay. Word Count: 1772

[asoulofatlantis]

Kuro no Kiseki 2 -Crimson SiN- Long Trailer analysis part 3

Damn that Trailer is long... so once again: SPOILER ALERT UNDER THE CUT!

I said this before, but changing eyecolor is usually not a too good sign. I mean, this is like the spirit unification color, but I doubt that Quatre can use that. But god knows what kind of experiments they did on him back in the day. I would hope we finally get more about his past revealed.

Okay, but attacking Calvard itself with Helicopters hardly is something they would do just to get Van, right? So... why the hell is attacking the City here? What kind of company has the money to use... OH! Oh boy... We only have to options here. Its either Marduk or that other mistery company that builds and sells those questionable weapons.

Look at that lineup! We have the Spriggans, Judith, Elaine (alive and kicking I may add), Rene AND Shizuna, as well as Renne. Holla. You know its bad when your team has added people like those to their line of defense ^^’

We know that those Kids work with the Oathbreaker, so that can’t be good. And look at the background. What are they summoning? Is that whatever the Oathbreaker has become after entering that hellish gate? Aidios knows what they are planning. But... oh boy! Do you know how many enemies we will have in this game? If the CID and the Bracer are after us... and Marduk is after us... and the crimson Grendel is after us... and then we have those two monsters with their master and... HELP!

And they are attacking my babies! How dare they? BTW.. this is less an analyses and more me commenting on the trailer, but I am trying I swear! That giant thing behind them was some sort of enormous questionable weapon by the way. Not sure if it was a real weapon of some sort, or if this is some scary magic from hell. But it definitely looks too dangerous for my liking. It really seems the stakes are even higher in Kuro 2 then they were in Kuro 1 and if you ask me, they were high enough in Kuro 1 already!

Why does my Renne need protection? What is that monster with his stupid cult remnants doing? And how the hell are we supposed to protect freaking everyone in this mess? Seriously. Even with possible Time-Shenegais, it almost seems impossible to be able to stand against all the forces that work against us and protect all the people we care about. And we have yet again the mention of a distorted world. The question is, when the distortion began. Because if it began with Agnes turning back time, then that would be the point to which we have to return to and then we would not be allowed to save Van and Elaine. Its more likely tho, that the Crimson Grendel itself is the distortion. (Coming back to the time-travel theory, because if he is the cause of the distortion, then likely because he traveled through time and thus his timetravel needs to be stopped, to stop the distortion. But that might be harder to accomplish. Anyway... as of now, there seems to be no sense in another Version of Van coming back, if saving Elaine is not the reason and killing himself is an option. And why should a corrupted Van come back? Does he think destroying the world and killing everyone frees them all from future pain or what?) Point is, whatever is the cause of the distortion has to be undone. No matter what that means for *gulp* the possible death of some characters, that can not be prevented that way.

Boy... this is going to be painful. Very painful. It seems like Su- uh I mean Swin, is actually under the control of someone else or something. He would never leave Nadia behind otherwise - there is the theory that Nadias brother is still alive and the guy under the hood from the other trailer but... how many dead people can you bring back before it gets ridiculous? ^^’ In any case, if Nadias brother is alive, that would free Swin from his oath to protect Nadia. However... the boy loves that girl, he would not leave her behind so easily just because he could. So I am sure that someone is controlling him or manipulating him or forcing him or something along the lines of that. Wouldn’t even be surprised if it is a certain Oathbreaker.

Its probably bad timing, seeing how Swin collapses in this scene and how the text is foreshadowing something BAD, but I can tell you Swin and Nadia look gorgeously cute in those school uniforms. Absolutely Adorable, I tell you XD Back to the text... let me tell you, I was right on the money, when I said we would suffer. Boy will we suffer. I better buy new tissues before watching the lets play ^^’ (I am not, by any means, prepared to see anyone break those two apart.)

I am all in for bitchslapping Cao tho XD Seriously tho, what did this bastard do this time, that Aaron feels the need to bitchslap him? He must have done something really bad, for Aaron to lose his cool like that infront of someone like him.

Okay, we continue this in part 4.

[aion-rsa]

Marvel’s What If…? Episode 4 Ending Explored: The Ramifications of Doctor Strange’s Choice

https://ift.tt/3ta4kjC

With the last couple episodes of Marvel’s What If…?, I was able to speculate on the tangent realities. What would a reformed Thanos mean for Earth? Where do the loyalties lie in the war against Loki’s rule over Midgard? The show asks, “What if?” and I asked, “What’s next?”

Well…episode 4 makes that a little difficult. There is no world to expand upon. There is no future. Dr. Strange, driven by an obsession to save Christine Palmer’s life, goes way overboard and abuses time travel and magic to the point that reality collapses upon itself and all that remains is a guilt-ridden sorcerer left with nothing but consequences.

Still, the events of the episode do suggest a deeper look.

The Nexus Event

Much like Hope Van Dyne joining SHIELD in the last episode, the nexus event isn’t ever shown. What separates this world from regular continuity is actually what makes it feel so tragic and even mean spirited. The universe is doomed because Stephen Strange was a better person before his origin. He was able to keep his ego in check enough to end up in a relationship with Christine. He was better and, in the end, everyone suffers. That’s messed up.

In the movie, Strange learns a cosmic lesson about humility and comes out of it stronger. We see him get messed up from that car crash after texting while driving, we see what a dick he is, and we decide, “Hey, he got what was coming to him.” The lesson to be learned here is that, what, “Shit happens?” That pointless tragedy has to happen in order to push the narrative of the universe?

I have to wonder how the “absolute point” concept works in regards to various continuities. I imagine that if the movie version of Dr. Strange tried to go back in time and stop his accident, he’d get his hands run over by a steamroller or he’d accidentally punch a brick wall several hundred times or whatever. Reality is hellbent on making him Dr. Strange. So could the Dr. Strange from this episode set up that situation? If he somehow had the foresight to make his younger self a jerk so that he never gets too close with Christine and goes on to only lose his livelihood, would that actually work?

Animated Deconstruction

Hey, remember the Marvel Animated Cinematic Universe? Those straight-to-DVD movies that came out before the MCU was a hit? There were two Ultimate Avengers movies, a really boring Iron Man feature, a movie about the Avengers’ kids fighting Ultron, and so on? Back in 2007, there was a Dr. Strange movie. It didn’t work.

The people behind it couldn’t figure out how to make magic interesting, so all the sorcerer characters mainly fight with swords that they could summon out of thin air. At one point halfway into the movie, they mention that Dr. Strange has an innate power to absorb magic. By the end, when realizing that Dormammu is too powerful as he’s made of pure magic, Strange just remembers his ability and sucks Dormammu into his own body.

It does the job. It’s just that simple There are somehow no side-effects and the movie abruptly ends. What the hell?

I like that this animated Dr. Strange story also features him absorbing demonic and magic entities, only it’s very, very apparent that this is not healthy and not good for Strange or the world. It’s like they’re calling out that dumb ending that only I remember!

Christine Palmer

Rachel McAdams reprises her role as Christine Palmer and this episode is not kind to her. No matter how many times Strange tries, she somehow dies, like she’s the homeless man from Groundhog Day. I understand Strange’s insistence of trying new solutions to keep her from getting the Final Destination treatment, but seriously. At one point she just straight-up keels over. Seeing her get randomly shot or hit by a car is unnecessary when “just falling over and dying for reasons” is something the universe can throw at her. You’re not going to dodge that like it’s a falling piano.

What’s really messed up about this is that this Dr. Strange was able to defeat Dormammu and what’s-his-name with the weird eye makeup. The events of the movie transpired like normal. That means that Christine wasn’t even important to the events of the Dr. Strange movie. Strange’s astral form could have picked another surgeon at random and would have achieved the same results.

Read more

TV

What If…? Episode 4 Review: Doctor Strange Loses His Heart

By Rosie Knight

TV

What If…? Episode 3 Review: The Avengers Initiative Is DOA

By Kirsten Howard

Jesus. The fridging was bad enough, but now the episode is calling her worthless. Maybe melting this universe was for the better.

Speaking of worthless: way to go, Mordo! You ended up being totally right about everything and you’re not even doing anything to stop Strange. You trying to wipe out all the sorcerers is like me using my Nintendo Ring Fit. I talk a mean game about how hard I’m going to work out, but I know I’m just going to sit on the couch and watch Critic reruns.

Uatu the Watcher

Our host for What If…? gets a juicier role this time around. He’s spent several episodes hiding in the background, narrating the stories while only noticed by the viewer. In this episode, as the corrupt Dr. Strange was in the middle of eating demon souls, he was briefly aware that Uatu was in the room, discussing his refusal to intervene.

This comes off like Uatu’s #1 power move from the comics: showing up and not doing anything for the sake of letting everyone know that this is a big deal. If you’re a superhero and you see a giant bald man in a toga just standing around minding his own, it means that something historically important is going on. Of course, that negates the purpose of Uatu’s vow. Just by standing there, he’s interfering by tipping everyone off about the severity of the situation.

Later on, when reality started to collapse, Strange called out to Uatu for help. Not only was Strange able to see him, but he had already studied his existence and understood who he was dealing with. Uatu refused to help and called him out for fucking up on such a major level. This whole continuity was destroyed because a man tried to play God and Uatu used it to support his argument to never get involved.

Yet it looks like that might be something he’ll be doing soon enough. One of the What If…? trailers had a very quick but memorable shot of various alternate heroes posing together like the iconic Avengers circle sequence. At the very least we see Black Panther (Killmonger?), Gamora (dressed as Thanos), and the T’Challa version of Star-Lord working together in the ruins of New York City. Signs point to a big What If…? crossover for the finale.

Signs point to Uatu the Watcher putting it together, choosing life over oath.

cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "106e33c0-3911-473c-b599-b1426db57530", }).render("0270c398a82f44f49c23c16122516796"); });

The same promotional materials show that we haven’t seen the last of this Dr. Strange. Whether that’s a good thing or not for the multiverse, we’ll find out soon enough.

The post Marvel’s What If…? Episode 4 Ending Explored: The Ramifications of Doctor Strange’s Choice appeared first on Den of Geek.

from Den of Geek https://ift.tt/3gUlFIh

[patewabrain]

Oath Keeper’s Chilling Exchange About Nancy Pelosi Keeps Him Behind Bars in Capitol Siege Case

Oath Keepers approach the U.S. Capitol in “stack” formation, prosecutors say in this indictment of nine members. The arrow points to Florida chapter leader Kelly Meggs. An Oath Keepers leader’s chilling correspondence with another person who allegedly fantasized about House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s “head rolling down the front steps” persuaded a federal judge on Friday that he should be kept behind bars pending trial. Chafing at his incarceration, the militia group’s Florida leader Kelly Meggs urged a federal judge to reverse a previous decision denying his pre-trial release . In a dense, 3-page order, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta  offered many reasons why his prior ruling should not be disturbed. But the most eye-opening rationale appeared on the third page. “During the detention hearing of co-defendant Kenneth Harrelson , the government produced evidence that, once inside the Capitol building, defendant and others walked to the north side of the Capitol toward the Senate chamber, only to be turned away by police officers. […] Defendant and others then walked to the south side of the Capitol toward the House chamber. […] He apparently was searching for at least one member of Congress in particular—House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.” (citations omitted) According to the ruling, an unidentified third party sent a message that he “[w]as hoping to see Nancy’s head rolling down the front steps” to Meggs, who was quoted replying: “We looked forward her.” The judge noted: “The word ‘forward’ is almost certainly a typo, and what defendant meant to convey is that he and others ‘looked for’ Speaker Pelosi. This new evidence only confirms the court’s original assessment of defendant’s dangerousness, and that his release would endanger the community.” Prosecutors also alleged that the Oath Keeper leader and his wife Connie Meggs joked about destroying evidence in an exchange in which she cracked about the clothing and gear that he wore to the Capitol: “should have had your gear on hero LOL.” Her husband jocularly responded:“I lost it all in a boating accident.” Kelly Meggs produced the gear to the government in arguing that his detention order was based on a misunderstanding. But Judge Mehta found that implausible, finding it more likely that Meggs hid the evidence and produced it when he though it could benefit him. Defendant’s production of the clothing and gear he wore on January 6 does not alter the court’s conclusion that no combination of conditions would ensure the safety of the community. For one, although defendant suggests that the FBI was negligent in failing to locate the evidence during the search, and that it was “at the residence” all along, […] defendant does not represent where within his residence the clothing and gear were located. The court shares the government’s skepticism that law enforcement just overlooked this key evidence. As the government details, there were 19 law enforcement officers present, and they “were specifically looking for the clothing and items that Kelly and Connie Meggs were wearing on January 6.” […] The officers searched 22 rooms, “a garage, a shed, a travel trailer, and three additional vehicles.” […] It is unlikely that they just missed the Oath Keeper clothing and tactical gear they were actively seeking. The more probable scenario is that the evidence was initially hidden and then produced only when doing so was deemed beneficial to defendant. The court’s concern about defendant’s potential secreting of evidence therefore has not abated. (Citations omitted) Mehta also cited Meggs’s use of encrypted communications in noted that it would be difficult for the government to detect him, if he were released. (Screenshot from Oath Keepers indictment) The post Oath Keeper’s Chilling Exchange About Nancy Pelosi Keeps Him Behind Bars in Capitol Siege Case first appeared on Law & Crime . Oath Keeper’s Chilling Exchange About Nancy Pelosi Keeps Him Behind Bars in Capitol Siege Case published first on http://realempcol.tumblr.com/rss

[pokeasleepingsmaug]

Masterlist

I’ve finally compiled a masterlist of basically every fic I’ve ever written. Beneath the cut, because it’s sort of long.

VIKINGS

Ivar the Boneless

Ivar x OCs

The Game: A drinking game in gets out of hand. Ivar x Thora, an OC shieldmaiden from another kingdom. Multi-part, complete. Trigger warnings: Blood and bondage. NSFW.

Part One. Part Two. Part Three. Part Four. Part Five.

Feed You the Sky: Ivar is king, and seeks to conquer the neighboring kingdom. Things go as planned, until the king’s daughter returns from quelling rebellion in her father’s lands. Longfic, complete. Chapter One. Chapter Two. Chapter Three. Chapter Four. Chapter Five. Chapter Six. Chapter Seven. Chapter Eight. Chapter Nine. Chapter Ten. Chapter Eleven. Chapter Twelve. Chapter Thirteen. Chapter Fourteen. Chapter Fifteen. Chapter Sixteen. Chapter Seventeen. Chapter Eighteen.

How to Conquer: A Feed You the Sky oneshot that takes place a few years after the end of the longfic.

First Sight: Ivar and Kára reminiscing about their first meeting, many many years after the story ends.

Ivar x Reader

April Fools: The reader gets caught in a prank war between Ivar and Sigurd.

Worship: Ivar and the reader reconnect after a battle, on the field of victory. TW: blood, death, it’s sort of gross. NSFW

An Army of Ivarssons: Ivar and the reader argue about her pregnancy. TW: serious angst, arguing, talk about abortions.

Blurred Lines: A modern AU in which Ivar uses the title song to seduce the reader while she drives him home from college for Easter break. NSFW.

Spring Blessing: In which the reader and Ivar use a fertility charm. NSFW.

Homecoming: A modern military AU in which Ivar comes back home after a month-long field exercise. NSFW.

Bad Soldier: Modern military AU. Starts out filthy, transitions into tragic. NSFW. TW: violence, explosions, grievous bodily harm, loss of limbs, head injury. Not for the faint of heart, really. Longfic, in progress. Chapter One. Chapter Two. Chapter Three. Chapter Four. Chapter Five.

Hot EMT: Modern au in which Ivar, an EMT, helps the reader after she sprains her ankle at a party.

Bad Girlfriend: Modern au based on the song of the same name. Ivar and his girlfriend have an interesting relationship. TW: barfights.

The Kelpie’s Bride: AU in which Ivar is a kelpie and drags the reader to his home in the lake. TW: kidnapping under enchantment.

Condition: Ivar offers to set a new slave free if she can fulfill his conditions.

Slow Hands: Ivar and his wife play a game.NSFW. TW: knife play, blood.

Penance: Ivar apologizes to the reader. Bite-sized fic.

Captured: Ivar and the reader, a shield maiden, are captured. TW: mild dub con, sex as punishment, hate sex, love hate relationship

NSFW Asks.

Non-romantic Drabbles

Ruthless: Ivar thinking about his lot in life.

Hangover: The reader wakes up hungover next to Ivar and they try to piece their night together. Short and silly.

Drill: Modern AU LT Lothbrok doing rifle drills. Flash fiction.

Ubbe

Ubbe x OC

To Lie Down With Wolves: collab fic written by @underthenorthstar and I. Ubbe takes a Saxon prisoner on a raid. Imogene soon discovers what happens when a lamb is claimed by a wolf. TW: blood, violence, gore, death. NSFW, eventually probably. Longfic, in progress. Chapter One. Chapter Two. Chapter Three. Chapter Four. Chapter Five. Chapter Six. Chapter Seven. Chapter Eight. Chapter Nine.

Ubbe x Reader

An Offering: The reader comforts Ubbe, upset that he has to share his wife with Hvitserk.NSFW. Trigger warnings: Orgy.  Part One. Part Two.

Silly Promises: The reader cares for Ubbe after he’s wounded in battle.

Stop the Sun: The reader and Ubbe spend one last night together before he leaves for England with his brothers. NSFW.

Caught: Hvitserk catches Ubbe and the reader playfighting. Flash fiction.

Mutterings: The reader overhears Ubbe talking in his sleep. Flash fiction.

Slow Hands: Modern AU in which the reader works at a rescue horse farm and Ubbe is the new farrier. Slow burn. Almost complete. Part One. Part Two. Part Three.

Sigra Mig: Ubbe and the reader reunite after a battle. NSFW. TW: roughness, death.

The Arrow: Ubbe and the reader are drinking and making arrows. Bite-sized fic

Prize: The reader flirts with Ubbe’s brothers during an archery competition to make him jealous. Bite-sized fic.

Risk Games: Ubbe and the reader escape from the feast for a few minutes. NSFW.

Trickery: The reader loses a bet to Ubbe, and he comes to collect.

NSFW Alphabet: A-E. F-P.

Q-Z

Non-romantic Drabbles

Wolf: Ubbe thinks about his brothers. Post season 4b, so speculative based on the trailer. Bite-sized fic.

Hvitserk

Hvitserk x Reader

The Raider’s Wife: In which the reader is a princess, and and her father marries her off to Hvitserk to make an alliance with the Vikings. Maybe ongoing, when I have time. NSFW. Part One. Part Two. Part Three. Part Four. Part Five.

Not Alone: Hvitserk comforts his wife after she attempts to take her life due to the loss of their stillborn child. TW: child loss, stillbirth, suicidal thoughts.

Later: Hvitserk is teasing his lover. Bite-sized fic.

Hungry: Hvitserk is hungry, as always. Bite-sized fic.

Some NSFW Alphabet stuff.

An NSFW Ask, answered.

Bjorn Ironside

Bjorn x OC

Ironside and the Spell-weaver: A healer and sorcereress traveling with the Great Army finds herself taking care of the prince. TW: Blood, violence, animal sacrifice, ritualistic drug usage and magic. Chapter One. Chapter Two. Chapter Three. Chapter Four.

Bjorn x Thorunn

Lightning: Bjorn thinks about Thorunn. Bite-sized fic. TW: death of a child, angst.

Bjorn x Reader

Bloody: Bjorn comes to the reader after a battle. NSFW. Bite-sized fic.

Aslaug: Sons series. Short drabbles from Aslaug’s point of view following the birth of each of her sons. Firstborn (Ubbe). Midwinter (Hvitserk). Ourboros (Sigurd).  Birth of the Boneless (Ivar).

Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye

Sigurd x Reader

Competition: Fic where the reader is with Sigurd, and Ivar interrupts. NSFW.

Endless Blue Skies: Modern au where Sigurd and the reader go skydiving.

Song: The reader’s reaction to Sigurd’s death. Bite-sized fic.

Ragnar x Reader

Flip: Ragnar is being dramatic. Bite-sized fic.

Harald Finehair x Reader

Claim: Harald takes what’s his. NSFW. Bite-sized fic.

NSFW Alphabet: also includes some Mad Sweeney here, this was an ask I answered.

Halfdan x Reader

Spotless: Halfdan is pleased with how clean his sword is. Bite-sized fic.

Deserve You: Halfdan doesn’t know what he’s done to deserve you. Bite-sized fic.

Thorunn

Shame: Thorunn and her scar. Bite-sized fic.

Voices of the Gods: Floki convinces Thorunn to stay in Kattegat.

Margrethe

Sing to Me: The reader comforts Margrethe. F/F

AMERICAN GODS

Mad Sweeney

NSFW Alphabets/NSFW Prompts/Asks Answered, etc. All NSFW.

NSFW Alphabet

Rough Dominance

Teasing, etc

Promises and Praise

Wild

Little Witch: Part One. Part Two.

THE LAST KINGDOM

Erik x Aethelflaed

Surrender: Erik is so attracted to the Princess of Wessex, he thinks she must be a sorceress.

Sihtric One-shots

Endure: The story of Elflaed, a Saxon slave, and her son, Sihtric. Begins the day Elflaed is captured by the Danes, and ends when Sihtric swears his oath to Uhtred.

Hidden Daggers: The first time Sihtric meets Eahlswith, she looks at him with eyes that understand all his suffering, and she laughs at all the weapons he carries.

SUPERNATURAL

Dean Winchester x Reader

Strong Enough: Dean and the reader reminisce in the Impala after a hunt. NSFW. TW: trauma, injury, implied parental emotional abuse.

[glaciumfrost]

Not quite? Reason: Void Archive, aka that Golden Cube thing that you might have seen Otto carrying around. Or the reason for his golden weapons. It can make duplicates of the other Divine Keys, but isn't actually a weapon in and of itself. Void: Cosmic Juggernaut, a Train that can either travel to, look at, other dimensions. Maybe both. Su uses it in the lore, but we've yet to actually see it up close, though some speculate the train in the Reburn 2 trailer to be Cosmic Juggernaut. Thunder: Seven Thunders of Retribution, aka the weapon that's currently on banner as of the making of this post. It's a form changing weapon that has 7 different forms as its name suggest. We know of the sword/katana form, as that's what we use/see in gameplay. It also has a lipstick, slingshot, and sniper rifle/railgun form. The first is revealed in the weapon description for 7 Thunders('s Pri Arm), while the later two are first revealed to us thanks to Raven. Yes, the rifle Raven uses is the 7 Thunder. Wind: Unnamed Satellite, it was intended to be a weapon, lorewise, but certain character(s) had plans. Ice: Unnamed, possibly the Cyropods the PE used. Was originally a weapon, but was turned into something not meant for harm due to both its great power, and events in the PE. Flames: Judgement of Shamash, it has three forms, all of which are usable weapons in the game. Twin Pistols, Greatsword/Claymore/2 Handed/Whatever it's called. And the 0th Release Might of An-Utu. Sentience: Fenghuang Down. Not technically a weapon per se, but the game counts it as one, so...?

Earth: Star of Eden, aka the orb thing that Welt(s) likes to use. We have two different versions of this in the game. Twins of Eden pistols, and the Star of Eden cannon. Dominance: The Xuan Yuan Sword, Grips of Taixuan, and other such weapons.

Binding: Oath of Judah.

Corruption: Jizo Mitama, a weapon that has a rather nebulous state of canon in the lore. No one is sure if it actually exists in canon.

All of the divine keys are weapons right?