#trying to think of every spoiler variation bc i don't wanna spoil any one on this moment

[sun-marie]

WAIT WAIT WAIT-

So like BIG VEILGUARD SPOILERS but I'm going back and replaying some old scenes in DATV (for silly art background purposes) and found this part from the Inquisitor:

and I remember the first time I played this being like "??? when did Solas kill one of Jamie's friends?" and it had me racking my brain through all of DAI and Trespasser, only to realize -

He means Varric. Solas killed Varric, and that's why he's like "You know this, too" to Rook. Only Rook (and the player) don't know, and so this moment where the Inquisitor is trying to connect with them is completely lost on them!!

[kittxleonixravenlee]

horses on my SSO suggestion list | who i'd add to the game | part 2

happy neigh year! here we go w round two! i'm gonna try to make this a monthly thing. as some of y'all know, there was recently a leak spoiling the new horse breeds we're gonna see released in 2025 (here) so i'm gonna try to avoid going over those since we're already scheduled to be getting them. although if i am particularly eager for one, i may break that rule. luckily the Criollo is one of them! we get them on January 15th. i look forward to being able to review them/update their section on part one of this series, but it could take a bit since i'm low on SCs after buying my Earik, Silverdeer, & Kátur, Holly. again, quick note that this is gonna contain at least one confirmed 2025 horse release, so if you don't like spoilers, skip #3. the only reason i mentioned the Criollo is bc HQ has already started promo of them publicly. i had to make this one shorter bc it's almost 3am as i type & my sleeping schedule is quite fragile. i might make a 2.5 to make up for it. much love, Kitt

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1. the Westphalian (gen 3.5)

the Westphalian was one of the very first horses to be added to SSO, but disappeared in-game after generation 1.5 ended. in fact, the Westie was in Star Stable: The Winter Rider, which came out in 2009, two years before SSO would open their doors w the game's very first server, Air Star.

one generation 2 arrived, it seemed HQ abandoned the breed entirely. i would really appreciate it if we could see a modernized model of these guys. they were completely removed in 2022 which sucks but is understandable. the community really loves European sporting breeds so i don't see any reason we can't have the Westies reintroduced in the coming years, as long as they make them somewhat unique from the Dutchie & BWB. warmbloods are one of my top favorite horses so this is pretty typical for me, but i doubt it will be an unpopular opinion, especially amongst older players!

added to list: 01.05.2025

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2. the Falabella

now if you know what this breed looks like you're probably looking to report my blog but here me out: obviously, you can't ethically ride a horse this tiny, & maybe this is unorthodox for this list, but what if they were a pet somehow? our avatars have pets, why can't our horses have little friends, too? i think it would be cute to have a big sporthorse next to the pipsqueak. everyone could do little photoshoots w their Falabellas, dress them up, maybe it'd become an extra fun thing for clubs to do; a club pet Falabellas. they could be mascots. i bet the roleplayers would really like them. i'm not one to splurge on pets at all (post of mine are free or from before HQ started charging too much for them), but ik a lot of other people would like it, & i'd love to see all the little variations.

added to list: 01.05.2025

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3. the Rocky Mountain Horse

the Rocky Mountain is a breed i've loved for a very long time (thank you, Breyer Horses). flaxens have always caught my eye. that contrast between their body & mane/tail is so striking. when i was a kid i swore i'd get every flaxen (SSO & Breyer) ever made. Rocky Mountains have this glossy fur, they look like they're modeling for hair products. i would love to see if HQ could do that texture justice, they have been doing a lot better w lighting & shading. i remember back when every bay we'd get would come out looking purple, but they have made sm progress that i think they could nail this breed. i wasn't a huge fan of the gen 3 Morgan as someone who was obsessed with the gen 2 silver black one growing up, but i did appreciate that the updated version included the silver black bc they're practically just a flaxen (controversial statement, ik).

hopefully SSO gives us one w a heart marking + dapples. for some reason i wanna name mine Applepie, maybe since these guys remind me of the South. i really wanna see a good transition to brown to blonde in the mane, almost like they've been sun-bleached. very excited that HQ is gonna be fulfilling this one for us this year!

added to list: 01.05.2025

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4. the Missouri Fox Trotter

our very own Ozarks equine, the Missouri Fox Trotter is from my home state of Missouri. this ofc contributes a lot to my decision to include them here. i have a complicated relationship w my state but i'm still very in love w it & this breed makes me feel proud (not a common feeling for Missourians). there are plenty of other reasons to add the Missouri Fox to SSO, though! A) they're a beautiful, medium-sized equine, B) they have diverse coat variations so more people are likely to find a horse they want, C) the game is in dire need of more Western-specific breeds & generally lacks a Western culture, even w the addition of Starshine Ranch.

their gaits are very fun to watch. i think HQ would enjoy making them, especially adding an extra gait (show canter). us interested in Western have been overlooked long enough, so it'd be great to see not only a brand new breed in-game, but a Western one, & one from where i was born/raised. <3

added to list: 01.05.2025