#viola dark urge

[sun-marie]

as a community, how attached is the dnd fanbase to traits of characters that have been around for *checks notes* 35 years

[theempresssupreme]

Chapter 6: I'm Not Calling You a Liar [Excerpt]

It seemed a perfect plan. Until they returned to camp and saw the bloodstaind ground.

Urgently, Astarion turned to face Viola and strangled her with his eyes. With a nervous swallow and sheepish smile, she mouthed, "I forgot." This did little to soothe him.

Grabbing her wrist, he dragged her into his tent where they spoke in stressed whispers.

"How are we going to explain that!?" he asked.

[15 Minutes Later]

"All this blood was you, Astarion?" Wyll questioned.

Astarion smiled condescendingly, "Yeees." His nose wrinkled in irritation, "Not every boar is a clean kill -- sometimes they thrash. Just be happy I removed its carcass."

"And the ritual circle?" Gale doubted.

"Gods, I didn't have time to clean everything, Gale!" Astarion huffed.

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

WAKE UP BABE, NEW FANFIC JUST DROPPED [AO3 Link]

[katyahina]

Gascoigne's beast form stuff (ask reply)

@ anon I decided to respond in this blog instead of my personal/rambles one, hope this is ok!

(Model ripped by tokami-fuko on dA ( x ))

I think this is a fair suggestion that his transformation might go even further, especially considering the fact that he not only barely has any fur, but also his skin keeps its color! Beasthood has a consistent trend of making skin that unnatural grey color:

(LOVE that they bothered to give bestial hunter's normal form unnatural skin color too despite the fact that we can't see it in game! Sometimes their attention to detail is just.. something)

Amelia is probably the biggest pointer as we are clearly shown her human skin color on her hands in a cutscene.. In fact, arguably, Gascoigne is doing a bit better than average Huntsmen, or even better than the fellow Old Hunters (look at hostile Old Hunter mob and 'true' form of Bestial Hunter). He has been losing himself to the hunt and paranoia for a while now and finally lost it, but he doesn't have that much fur, his skin color didn't alter. (He also doesn't have horns unlike Cleric Beasts, Abhorrent Beasts and even Large Huntsmen, but these are not for all beasts so we don't have to count them!)

I think that Huntsmen are transforming gradually over time, consumed by blood and aggression, and their 'final' form is Scourge Beast type, when they become completely animalistic:

I think it is valid to believe that Gascoigne could transform even further, there are enough reasons to think so! He is still too humanoid, all things considered! I will just move onto my personal interpretation now!

The thing about Cleric Beast-leaning Gascoigne is a really great topic of discussion! He already was a 'Father' (as in, religious figure) in his homeland, so, a cleric! As for Yharnam life, not only he was with the Healing Church once and quit it, but also his transformation happens extremely abruptly, that we only saw with Amelia!

(Interviews: ( x ))

The thing about Cleric Beasts is that they're so horrible because they've been holding back for so long. I can imagine Gascoigne being the same, as someone struggling to hold back so much for his family. We just happen to meet him when he finally breaks, but the guy must have had a huge will power to last as much as he did. +Also, please correct me if this was debunked, but as someone who always uses hunter summons to examine their patterns I've noticed that Gascoigne is the only one who never even once uses Blood Vials? If this is intentional, it could be a further evidence of his self-restraint: avoiding consuming the blood being aware of its addicting properties!

But here is why personally I do not headcanon that Gascoigne could transform even further! Unlike average people that are turning gradually, with strongly self-restraining people whatever form they take when they finally break IS their inner beast, it its truest form! This IS already his "cleric beast" form.... And it is not all that big and scary or impressive, because HE didn't have as much evil to hold back as average clerics in Healing Church. One person's very worst won't be the same as another person's very worst, but I also think it psychologically "helped" him to waste some aggression in the hunt - something Laurence and Amelia didn't have!

He murdered and part of the dark urges would escape through it, but he did not hunt in the same unhinged way as Ludwig either, so he is not transforming into someone as big and scary as him. He is just helping people! Not to mention Viola helping him to calm down with the music box when he was forgetting himself in the hunt. Just the right balance between what impulses to restrain and what to unleash!

My personal headcanon is that he cut the ties with the Healing Church over its corruption and wish to self-isolate and abandon the hunt (with the exception of its own walls), leaving the citizens to fend for themselves and defaming Oedon Chapel to bury the "proper" hunt as a concept. He was a honest man with a sense of justice and could not stand resorting to safety and not doing anything to help... But he still had religious principles of self-restrain and patience internalized; if not Healing Church ones, then those of the Church in whatever country he came from! It is also why whereas I believe that Cheric Beast of the Bridge was a Healing Church hunter too, since he drops Sword Hunter badge, he certainly avoided the hunt except for maybe defending Amelia, and mostly participated indirectly as the commander. (Honorable mention: Henriett that did the same, because her clothes imitate Old Hunters' set and she is a summon against Healing Church bosses, but she has Church weapons).

_____________________

Thank you very much for an ask, it was interesting to think about and it helped me to shape my interpretation of the character better! He definitely has something in common with Cleric Beasts, but I just personally like to think that as a 'hold back and snap' kind of beast rather than 'gradually transforming' kind of beast, this IS his "worst"- Still very strong and fearsome, but far from how much evil the corrupt clerics held back! He is just a good boy!

[tigerlyla-of-metinna]

My Dark Urge Viola conversing with a rescued Zevlor, recruiting him for the final battle in Act 3.

My PS5 photo edited shot.

[gendervapor14]

treating myself to some old OP episodes to alleviate the horrors and i can’t resist the urge to ramble about bell-mère’s death a little bit.

so, i will start here, with this iconic moment:

manga readers may notice something right off the bat. “hey, arlong’s not aiming for her head!” yes, in the anime, seems they switched his aim for the heart. i actually prefer this. first of all, that flintlock is huge compared to her, so head or heart, it’s gonna kill her. not a fatality issue. i’m just a huge sap, and i think there’s something more symbolic about him shooting her in the heart for defending her love - her kids. (even tho all of this could have been avoided if she just lied, and then she’d actually be able to keep loving and supporting her kids, but, uh, i digress)

this moment really captured me when i was first watching, because for the first time, one piece truly felt dark. this wasn’t just an upsetting backstory. it had some element of gore here, which i’m not sure would be as effective if he went through with a headshot. they might have censored it a bit more.

more (slightly gruesome) photos and analysis beneath the cut 👀

look at what they got away with here!! this was early one piece mind you, so i feel like things were generally a little cushier? (or maybe that’s just my nostalgia talking XD) but the harsh black and white contrast, the utter silence during this scene, the speed in which this happened! (it was a pain to pause and scrub and get good screenshots, let me add). i will say i’m not up to date with current OP shenanigans, but to me, this seems like one of the most abrupt and brutal deaths in the series. (and this doesn’t even put into account the horrid beating she got beforehand)

there are some nice parallels here between her death and rosinante’s, (most notably her last words being “i love you” to nami and nojiko, and a flintlock as the weapon of choice), but even then, i think this is a bit nastier. seven little bullets in a 10ft tall man is painful, yes, but it wasn’t gruesome, and he managed to cling onto life for a little while afterwards. this was just. bang. done. heart – gone. leaves the viewer totally reeling.

in a way i feel like it’s almost an honor for bell-mère to get such a violent death? okay hear me out i know that sounds crazy. she sacrificed herself for her kids and went out kicking and screaming (or standing solemnly, towards the end). she brought forth such a refreshing take on women in one piece. i mean, let’s not forget this scene:

she was gonna blow his brains out!! zero hesitation!! how many characters in this series, let alone women, would go through something like this? i get that different characters have different honor codes and such, but it was sooo incredibly invigorating to see a woman get her hands dirty like this.

so by that logic, it’s kind of weirdly nice to see her not be treated like a little doll? this is highly speculative though, because i’ve noticed there’s this rather annoying trend where women are used as a moral compass for villains. “oh, look how deplorable arlong is, he did that to a young pretty woman!” we see the same thing with doflamingo, for instance, in his “fight” with viola. “oh how heinous, he threw her to the ground! how disrespectful! she’s just an innocent princess!” yeah, ugh. getting off tangent here

this whole scene set a standard for me, (and hopefully other viewers), who kind of saw the series as a fun lighthearted pirate adventure. yes, there was tragedy and sadness before this arc, before this backstory, but something about this moment in particular made my perception tremble. the bar was raised! a compelling character and backstory can have a truly harrowing ending!! a delightful revelation for me, for whatever reason XD

feel free to chime in if ya got any additional comments or takes on the matter. i don’t think bell-mère gets enough love. if you do wanna chime in, just um. be nice. i’m not the sharpest knife in the drawer, okay. and multiple interpretations of these scenes are valid! i’d love to hear ‘em! <3

[idlenight-art]

WIP wednesday (but make it thursday)

Tagged by the lovely @dorkousloris (you can find their wip post here, which i recommend looking at because they're working on an animatic which is dope!!).

For my returning victims im tagging @vin-ill, @groan-taire, @grinningjackal, and @froggods <3

Now onto the wips. I have an old wip and a brand new one for your viewing pleasure.

Left we have the old wip of my Inquisitor Mirevas Lavellan having the absolute worst time while his hand tries to kill him, fun anchor times! Will i finish this one? hopefully someday. its been in the drafts for a while...

On the right is a family portrait i'm currently working on ft my dark urge Sylas, Gortash, and their little bhaalspawn brat (affectionate) Viola.

[freckledsunshin3]

Can you imagine what it would be like if the Dreamies tried to explain their exceptionally complicated family tree to the others?

i got you. this is my specialty.

tw: cursing

(family tree for reference)

*dream is sitting down at a table in the middle of a random crowded restaurant*

"do you want to hear about our family?" haechan asked loudly, the rest of the group groaning. "oh shut the fuck up." jaemin groaned, hitting his head on the wooden table. "thank you for your input! i'll take that as a yes."

getting up from his chair, haechan stood up, the table under him. "it was a dark and stormy night!" "it was a fucking tuesday morning." mark said, haechan turning his head confused. "we never went into a tuesday morning to birth you?" groaning, mark hit his head against the wood table, fighting the urge to scream. "anyways-" haechan said annoyed, glaring at the table, the resturant's attention all on them.

"it was a dark and stormy night."

*the restaurant turns dark. haechan suddenly has a cape swirling around his feet and a candle in his hands*

"chenle and jeno were sitting in their ugly, old, run-down house. three annoying children ran around, causing chaos." haechan looked around, chenle rolling his eyes. "'jisung, get your crusty butt back here!' chenle screamed, his annoying child holding a fork in the air." jisung cocked his eyebrow, confused at this extremely farfetched story.

"fast forward 20 years: chenle & jeno's second child mark had a weird and honestly annoying child. the oldest child daegal was living their best life. jisung, the youngest had gotten a wonderful, wonderful partner. moi." haechan said, putting his hand over his heart. "don't lie haechan." renjun judged, haechan's eyes narrowing. "i will steal your bunny."

"oh renjun's bunny!" haechan realizes, the other people in the restaurant listening in excitement. "little child of mark renjun has this really crazy bunny he named jaemin." the room went silent, haechan smiling happily.

"that's it."

*the restaurant lights back up, haechan twirling around, his cape disappearing suddenly*

"excuse me?" someone said, raising their hand. "yes?" haechan asked, jeno slowly moving under the table. "so, these people named 'chenle' and 'jeno' had three kids named 'daegal', 'mark', and 'jisung' and 'mark had a kid named 'renjun' who had a pet bunny named 'jaemin' and then the youngest child 'jisung' has a partner named 'haechan'?" they asked, haechan thinking about this, slowly nodding. "don't you guys make music?"

"next question." "okay haechan it's time to stop." chenle said, pulling down on haechan's arm, haechan bouncing back up, smiling. "everyone understand?" "yes." the restaurant replied, haechan clapping. "that went so well!"

"i want to leave the country." renjun said, mark nodding, putting his head on the table. "i should go back to canada."

---

VIOLA THATS HOW I THINK IT WOULD GO!!!

idek what this was but it's beautifulllllll

this is also a breakdown i found i just made my own family tree yw

[welp-back-on-my-bs]

Two people sit in cells right by each other. Something in them recognizes the other, but neither were fully sure on that.

"Haha, this is fine. We are fine. If he really was mad, we wouldn't be here. And hey- at least we are fed-" The male with long dark hair said, either trying to comfort himself or the other person, he wasn't so sure.

It had been a while since he was home...

The tired looking enby looked over at the male and sighed sofrly. "Exactly, I'm just... tired from the long journey..."

The man nodded and took off the cloak of the Obsidian uniform he wore "the abominations aren't great, but... here you go." The cloak was passed through the bars. "Where are ya from anywyas?"

The enby shook their head gentley and pushed the coat back "I dont need it, I have my cloak. And for where I'm from... technically, I am from here, but- let's just say... shit ex husband lead me to run away... and I ended up in Bennonite. "

"Yeah, but you could have two blankets~" 6 man urged, "make yourself a little sandwich of blankets~"

The enby softly giggled at the man's antics "I see why Gil likes you so much, I will be all right tough." They smiled gentley before a question popped into their head "what about you, what's your story?"

"Bennonite Huh? That's quite a ways from here..." The black haired man drapes his coat over his shoulders. "But I'm just stopping by for work, and... you know, I don't know exactly why I'm in here, but ie happens whenever I come by"

The other chuckled softly "try trekking through the mountains with next to nothing trying to get to Rohdinite." They laughed a bit at their own expense. "But, I think this is just Gil's way of making sure that we are safe... in his own way-"

"You came all this way to see him, didn't you?" The man shrugged and frowned a bit. "I suppose it's the same for me. If you haven't slept yet, you may want to lay down. I'll hold your hand if it'll help. You're not a threat to me if you're not a threat to Gil."

The enby smiled softly and shook their head "No I'm alright... I rested while traveling here..."

The man nodded and sighed a bit "it's funny though, the man won't let me attend court functions, but he can lock me. I'm a cell until he stops pouting." He raised his voice with the last few words

"I came to see you first, Gilbert! What more do you want?!" The man continued to complain at seemingly nothing.

"Well, I'm sure I can fix your problems with attending court as the minority representitive of both Obsidian and Bennonite" they gave the man a proud smile before sofening "and I'm glad you love him too... he deserves it..."

The man looked over at the brunette "too?"

"Yeah... I love him... I'm not afraid to say it. I'm sure you do as well, right?"

"Absolutely. I'm Kayden Bazen. It's nice to meet you"

"Morgan Solace. Used to be Viola Ripley- it's nice to meet you too"

He then whistles, "You got yourself a nice job both here and in Bennonite that Ex-husband sure lost out"

They gave Kayden a weak smile "heh- yeah... Silvio has been making sure things go good for me while in there..."

"Prince Silvio, right? The bad mouthed one who jangles and has his own fleet of ships?"

Morgan giggled a bit and nodded. "Yeah, Silvio may be a bit rough on the surface, but he is quite the sweetheart... I was definitely surprised when he took me in.. especially wearing an Obsidian uniform..."

After a few moments, something seemed to click in Kayden's head. "I'm sure that peice of shit ex has been taken care of in a way very different than it seems -"

"Oh yeah- Gil gave me his head after we met again-" Morgan said like it was the most natural thing in the world.

"Buddy, you got a whole lot of good going on for you. I'm glad I met you, Morgan. Hey listen, are you at all close to crying?"

"I'm glad I met you too... and thanks... you got some good things going for you too, especially two princes~" they teased the man with a slight smirk, "but, yeah... a little... why do you ask...?"

Kayden tilted his head, looking confused. He the lower his voice, keeping that for later. "I bet if you manage some tears, I bet that you'll see a nice, fluffy mattress sooner than you thought."

They giggled a bit and tried to shake it off "I'll be fine- I can wait..."

"Yeah, but... have you not cried in front of Gil? The softness in his comes out, trust me."

Morgan looked down, "I... I haven't if I'm being honest... I'm scared to..." They softly chuckled, tears starting to fall. They tried to wipe them away.

Kayden gives them two thumbs up before cupping their hands and shouting "HEY GIL! THEY'RE CRYING AND I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO! RODRIC! SOMEONE? DO I RUB THEIR BACK?"

Clattering could be heard from upstairs, along with rushed sounds and yells.

Morgan was balled up, still crying.

Gilbert fell down the stairs before getting up and brushing himself off. He went over to the two of their cells.

Kayden puts his hands up, shrugging and gestures to Morgan "Gil! They're crying! Said something about loveing you, then tears!"

Gilbert chuckled siftly before going into Morgan's cell and sitting by them "may I hold you butterfly...?"

Morgan nodded and curled into Gilberts arms quietly, sobbing into them.

"You know... I love you too, Gil. You can't hold us here forever. They'll cry some more. Atleast let Morgan out for a bit? I'm sure they have learned their lesson."

Gilbert sighs and chuckles a bit "Honestly, you're such a cute cunning raven. But fine, I can let go of Morgan keeping that little attempted assassination from me this time..." He handed Kayden his cane before scooping up Morgan. He walked over to the other cell and unlocked it. "Come now, my little raven"

[barkspawn]

As promised, @marmorafarms, a little silly... something about Seb's ass.

I don't know if I should shake my head or be proud, but nonetheless, viola!

This is the first wedding Amelia had ever been to. She wasn't necessarily close to Alex or Hailey, but the whole town was here and it gave her an excuse to wear her favorite dress. A tea-length, dark purple dress with lace adorning the haltered collar. It was the only dress she owned that showed off the intricate tattoos adorning her back and arms in their entirety. They were by no means sleeves, but she hoped they would be eventually. Sam, Penny, and Abigail sat beside her, the empty seat on her other side intended for Sebastian. She was excited to see him, their first date a few nights ago having gone very well. 

A few minutes later, she spotted Seb talking to his mom. She caught his eye and he gave a small smile that sent her heart racing for a moment. 

"Ugh, you guys are sickeningly adorable," Abigail groaned, rolling her eyes. 

Amelia laughed, "I have no idea if that's a compliment or an insult."

She turned her eyes back to Sebastian, who had shifted to make room for Maru to join the conversation. He wore a dark suit, the jacket unbuttoned. It seemed to be tailored perfectly for him. 

Was this a gift from his mom? Yoba, he wears it well.

Finally, he excused himself from the conversation and made his way to the aisle, everyone shifting back so he could pass. Amelia shifted her legs so he could pass, using the opportunity to check him out a bit, his oversized hoodie not blocking his form. 

He was insanely attractive, slender in form and just the right amount of muscle thanks to helping his mother with work. She couldn't resist sneaking a look at his ass as he passed, her eyes widening and her mouth falling open for just a moment before she snapped out of it. 

He has a great ass, she thought, positive her face was tinted crimson, literally perfect. How the hell have I never looked before?

Seb sat down, tentatively slipping his hand into hers as he looked her over, "hey, Ames.. you look amazing."

She smiled, so many things running through her mind. She wondered briefly if he'd be freaked out if she gave him a brief kiss, but he leaned in, urging her to close the distance for a too-brief kiss hello. 

Abigail groaned louder now, Sam laughing aloud. 

"I'm guessing your date went well then?" Sam prodded as he stopped laughing. 

"Nah, totally weird and not into each other at all," Seb responded, completely deadpan as he moved his arm from holding her hand to around her shoulders. 

"Oh, that's obviously true. It's so awkward how you guys are avoiding each other."

Amelia laughed, looking up at Sebastian as she leaned into him, her voice soft, "you look incredible, too," she smiled, her tone a little teasing, "it fits you perfectly, emphasizing all the right places."

She saw his eyebrows raise as he blushed a bit. It was a little forward of Amelia, but it's not like they didn't make out for an hour after their date. She figured that a little flirting would be fine. 

Sam barked out a laugh, obviously hearing her. Seb leaned down, whispering in her ear, "Behave."

It sent a chill down her spine and shocks through her stomach. 

Oh. 

He smirked before rolling his eyes at Sam, who nudged Amelia, "it's the butt, isn't it?"

"Sam," Sebastian protested, his smile faltering as Amelia stared at Sam in shock.

"Dude, c'mon. We all know that you've got a donk," Abigail jokes, even Penny laughing this time. 

Sebastian's face was beyond crimson, likely matching Amelia's. 

"So you guys often look at each other's asses, huh?" Amelia chimed in, clearly catching Shane, who sat in the row in front of them, off guard, his laugh louder than he intended. 

"Totally," Sam nodded, "especially when it's hard to miss."

Abigail smacked Sam playfully, finally coming down from laughing, "Sam stop embarrassing him in front of his girlfriend."

Sebastian and Amelia shared a look before Sebastian looked back at his friends, "it's not embarrassing. She knows how you guys are by now."

He didn't correct them… that's a good sign. 

She nestled herself into his side, watching the ceremony without taking in a single word.

── ⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅ ──

As they walked out of the aisle, Sebastian's hands rested gently on Amelia's waist. It both gave her butterflies and fear that it'd tickle and ruin the sweet moment. Once out, he slipped his hand into hers, earning a curious look from his mother and sister. He guided Amelia through to the saloon for cocktail hour. As he led her inside, she snuck another peek over his back and rear, unable to stop her small smile, careful not to stare so openly. Somehow, the fact just shocked her. She had just imagined him to be a little lanky, which she didn't mind, but he just continued to surprise her. They stopped by the back wall as she leaned against it. Sebastian stayed in front of her, close enough so they could hear one another over the crowd. 

"I forgot to mention earlier, your tattoos are beautiful. I knew you had some on your arms, but I didn't know how extensive."

She beamed up at him, offering thanks. After a moment, he raised his hand, ghosting his fingertips over one of the vines that came up over her shoulder and disappeared beneath her dress over her collarbone. His touch left goosebumps in its wake, her breathing slightly staggered before she playfully swat his hand away. 

"And you told me to behave," she teased, met with slightly surprised eyes that faded to something more playful. 

"I was just admiring the artwork," he leaned in, whispering, "but it turns out I'm learning new things as well."

She blushed, pushing him playfully as he laughed, his own voice sounding a little breathless. 

Their attention was drawn to the main part of the bar, Emily calling out that it was time to move to the beach for the reception. 

Everyone started to make their way out the door, Sebastian and Amelia trailing behind. As they passed the arcade machines, Sebastian took her by the hand and pulled her into the hallway back to the extra storage. 

She gasped, nearly falling over in her heels as he pulled her, "Seb, what are you-"

She hummed as her back met the wall at the exact moment his lips met hers. His lips moved against hers hungrily, pulling back after a second, his voice like gravel, "do you want to be late for the reception or should I stop?"

She cut him off now, pulling him down to her by his lapel. He'd stepped closer to her, leaving her pinned against the wall as she snaked her arms under his jacket in an attempt to draw him impossibly closer. Her tongue slowly met his lower lip before his tongue met hers, a small, quiet moan escaping her involuntarily. She felt herself blush, but his grasp around her tightened in reaction. 

It took all of her willpower to behave, knowing the kiss was just that: a kiss. They were in the saloon for Yoba's sake. 

Her tongue danced alongside his, memorizing the taste and feel of him. 

A thought occurred to her that almost made her smile, cutting their kiss short, which she wasn't intending to do yet. 

She moved her hands slowly, one of them slipping down to grab his ass. 

Oh, definitely a fan. 

He hummed in surprise, but pressed his hips forward against hers before pulling back, their chests rising and falling as they caught their breath. She could tell that it was a desperate attempt to behave before they took it too far. He laughed, breathless as he shifted, trying to find an opportunity to adjust himself without being awkward. 

"I thought we agreed that you'd behave," he teased. She smirked and stepped forward, pressing a chaste kiss to the corner of his lips. 

"He says after pulling me aside to make out after everyone left for the reception."

He shrugged, one shoulder raising as he donned an innocent smile, "I couldn't help it. You just look that hot today." 

She laughed quietly, blushing before poking fun at him, "thank you. I'll keep that in mind," she gestured to his hips, "would you like a moment?"

After a mumbled 'yes' She laughed and turned toward the door, Seb quickly doing what he needed to and catching up behind  her, "hey, one more thing."

She turned, looking up at him. Her playful look faded as she saw his expression was sincere, "what is it?"

"Was.. was Sam right?" He asked, seemingly a little nervous. 

"Sam says a lot of things… what about?" She reached up, straightening his tie as she spoke.

"About you being my girlfriend."

She blushed, biting her lower lip before meeting his eyes, "would you like me to be?" 

He nodded without hesitation, a smile growing.

"Then yes, Sam was absolutely correct," she couldn't stop her smile, punctuating the thought with a loving kiss that was much more tame than the previous. 

As they walked to the beach, she playfully slipped her hand into his back pocket, earning her a laugh. 

"I can't help it… he was right about that too."

[zoneofsmites]

26, 29 and 30 of the Durge asks for Sylas?

26 - How does your Dark Urge feel about Bhaal?

Bhaal is his father, his creator, the only thing he can love. The only thing he fears.

The god of murder made him. Not in a mundane way were he simply laid with a mortal. No Bhaal actively made him to be is as he is, from his own flesh. Sylas owes quite literally everything to him.

It is only fitting that he gives everything in return.

(Sylas says he loves his father but truly it is deeply sated fear he cannot escape)

29 - What advice would you give to your Dark Urge?

Please stop seeing love as worship. I am going to fucking throttle you if you cannot be normal about your relationships with others, fucking hell (affectionate).

He gets there in the end but I need him to get there faster <- said by person who made him like this.

30 - What are your Dark Urge’s intentions/goals after the end of the game?

I have also answered this question here! However. I can keep going on about this topic forever. Like I said in the other post - the delulu land w/ melon is extensive. (and is something that might... change depending on that epilogue update????)

The ending of the game splits the party up. Karlach is accompanied to the Hells by Donnie, Gale and Shadowheart - they're the ground team. Astarion flees before Karlach goes supernuclear - Wyll follows (wyllstarion my beloved). Sylas stays because of the egg - and Viola. They become the research team with the help of Dammon and later Dame Aylin and Isobel.

I'm not going into it too deep, because this is bordering on extreme self-indulgent delusion. But research team is eventually planning a soul heist to be able to ressurect Enver Gortash. (can't resurrect someone if their soul is unwilling or unable to return - Bane is not going to let Enver's soul be snatched away. Hence, heist.)

tysm for the ask <3

Questions are from here.

[bunnidarling]

About Averyll:

1: Where in the Faerûn is your Tav from? Averyll grew up in the country between Candlekeep and Baulder’s Gate. His mum and dad have an inn off of the Coast Way

2: What is your character's alignment? Chaotic Good

3: Race and subclass? Half-Elf Bard

4: If your Tav was a companion, where would they be found? Maybe just wandering along the risen road somewhere between the abandoned inn and Wakeens Rest.

5: Dark Urge or no? Nope

6: What companion are you platonically close with? Karlach is his ride or die BFF but he’s friendly with all of the companions. 

7: Romantically close with? Astarion and Halsin

8: Who are they suspicious of? The Dream Visitor 

9: Is your Tav from Baldur's Gate? Why are they travelling there? He spent a lot of time there as he traveled up and down the Sword Coast practicing bardic arts. 

10: Are they proficient in playing any instruments? Yes- viola

11: Weapon of choice? Rapier / Shortbow

12: What is their orientation? Like sexual orientation? Gay. Gay and slutty. 

13: What are their thoughts on killing? Is it a necessary evil or do they enjoy it? He doesn’t enjoy killing mindlessly, but can’t help getting swept up in the bloodlust during a good battle. 

14: What hobbies does your Tav have? He enjoys writing stories and drawing. 

15: What NPC's do they like? Which one's do they dislike? NPC’s they like: Dammon, Alfira, Isobel and Dame Aylen, Madame Lucretius NPC’s they dislike: Cazador, Gortash, Lorroakan, Roland, Auntie Ethel

16: Do they have a favorite creature in the Faerûn? They’ve become quite fond of owlbears and cave bears lately. 

17: Do they enjoy life as an adventurer? He does! Both his parents were adventures, so he came by it honestly. He hadn’t gone on too many adventures beyond the cities along the Sword Coast before the abduction. 

18: What would your Tav be doing if they weren't kidnapped on the Nautiloid? Probably continue their travels up and down the swordcoast. Had they not been kidnapped they likely may have found up in some kind of adventure. It would find them eventually. 

19: How do you think they'll meet their end? Dang. Hard to say! Probably shooting their mouth off to the wrong person at the wrong time, but that charisma is just too. Damn. high! So I’d like to imagine they’d die cuddled up with their loved ones safe and warm in bed. 

20: Would they destroy the elder brain or control it? Destroy!

21: What is your Tav's favorite spell? Faerie Fire/Cure Wounds

22: What languages is your character fluent in? Common and Elvish 

23: What do they do after the absolute crisis? Its a really hard choice for him because of how much he loves Karlach, but seeing Astarion run off smoking nearly broke his heart. He chased after him, sending Wyll in his stead. He and Astarion are currently adventuring through the underdark to find a cure for Astarion’s sun sensitivity. 

24: Does your character believe in the afterlife? Not really. 

25: What arcana major best represents your Tav? The Fool

26: What animal best represents your Tav? The swallow

27: What was their life like before the events of BG3? Pretty interesting. Averyll was still close with his parents, but had left the nest as it were. He was in the process of finding himself as he journeyed from country to city singing his stories.

28: Is your character the de facto leader of the party? Or do they consider someone else to be the leader? He’s the leader and he’s pretty bewildered as to -why-. He’s the youngest and the least experienced and everyone relies on his decisions. It's a little overwhelming but he’s doing his best. 

29: Does your Tav want to utilize the tadpole powers or not? Hell yeah gimme them worms

30: What's your favorite thing about your Tav? He’s a good kid. He has his flaws, of course, but has a big heart. He wants to do right by the people he cares about and try to leave the world better than he found it. If he can make someone laugh or smile with his songs or quips it makes his day. I also love how he seems incredibly innocent and is VERY much not.

[sun-marie]

I finally found the perfect epilogue hair + fit for my beloveds, Zephyr and Viola ✨

[theempresssupreme]

Under Her Spell [Chapter 2 Excerpt]

Pairing: Astarion x Viola (Bard Durge)

Summary: Astarion is enchanted by a bard's song.

There was something...magical about her. Astarion had met bards before, mostly in taverns, but none who played like this. Her melodies enchanted. He felt the air change -- moods became lighter, the wind whistled playfully, and fireflies danced in the breeze. He wondered if this was what it felt like to be lured away -- seduced and beguiled. For a moment, a brief moment, he thought that if this was how his victims felt in their last night of life, perhaps they knew peace -- or at least, more peace than he'd thought. And for just a second, he hoped that he'd bewitched them like she was bewitching him. But quickly, he shook the thought away. It was, after all, him who was seducing her, he assured himself.

✨️ Link to full work on AO3 ✨️

[kazz-brekker]

Mid-Year Book Freakout 2023

Tagged by @libraryleopard, thanks Lulu!

1. Best book you’ve read so far this year

Ah, that’s tough, I’ve read a lot of good books this year. I really loved The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty, it was so fun and well-researched and the 12th century Indian ocean setting full of pirates and demons was so cool. Plus, I was reading it at a really stressful point in the semester and it was a great distraction.

2. Best sequel you’ve read so far this year

A Fire Endless by Rebecca Ross was an amazingggg conclusion to the Elements of Cadence duology, definitely cemented the series as all-time favorite. Bards! Scottish folklore! Sneaky faeries! Couples that are deeply devoted to working together as a team! Some light murder!

3. New release you haven’t read yet

My copy of Painted Devils by Margaret Owen is currently sitting next to my bed judging me for not having read it yet…

4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year

Definitely A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid, I loved their first two books and a spooky dark academia novel inspired by Welsh mythology is right up my alley.

5. Biggest disappointment

Probably Hide by Kiersten White, I was hoping for a plain old thriller and didn’t really enjoy when the supernatural elements kicked in. Also, I felt a little suspect about the general premise, but anyone in my vicinity when I was reading Solomon’s Crown by Natasha Siegel had to listen to me complain about it and how inaccurate it was to real history.

6. Biggest surprise

I checked out Wake the Bones by Elizabeth Kilcoyne mostly on a whim, but it turned out to be a wonderfully creepy and atmospheric Southern Gothic story I ended up totally glued to the book even while traveling for college graduation.

7. Favorite new author (debut or new to you)

GennaRose Nethercott’s debut, Thistlefoot, absolutely knocked me over the head with emotions about complicated families and Jewish history and the Baba Yaga myth, and I also got to see her perform part of it as a puppet show, so I’m excited to see what she writes next.

8. Newest fictional crush/newest favorite character

Listen…demon Darlington in Hell Bent trying to control his murderous urges but also knowing that he’s fundamentally changed himself in order to survive hell and will never be the good person he once was…I am not immune to the drama…

9. Book that made you cry

Not generally a big crier but oof, Tess of the Road made me really emotional with the careful way that it explored trauma and sexual assault and learning to heal and move on.

10. Book that made you happy

A Lady of a Duke by Alexis Hall made me smile SO hard at the ending, especially the declarations of love and the epilogue was pitch-perfect. Just a really great Regency romance starring a trans heroine and Viola and Gracewood coming together and falling in love was lovely.

For people to tag…hmmm, off the top off my head, @hauntedmoors @wizardysseus @allcountersarehipheight and any other bookish mutuals I’m forgetting off the top of my head

[socialhumanhealing]

Not Seen on TV

Bill Viola, Ascension

The video initially makes me think of Jesus as the man in the video is in a Christ-pose, and although he descends, he rises in ascension. The dark waters are intriguing and mysterious. The water is unknown; it could be the ocean, a lake, a pool or tank. It shows a man plummeting into the dark water, blue lights highlighting his figure as he descends into the deep. My first thought was that he would just sink into the depths. Then he ascends, rising ever so slowly to the surface. There are many possibilities video art can communicate with absolutely no narrative. It begs to know the point of what is happening yet is subjective to the viewer.

My idea of the issues it wants me to think about is that we all fall at some point, we sink in life’s circumstances, but we can rise again. We can come back to the surface, up to the top where we breathe again. He sinks so slowly, so slow it looks painful. The rise to the top also looks slow, a lot like how it is in life. The return to our normal life can be painfully slow, like after a loss or an illness. We can come back though. This applies to all walks of life, so I don’t see this as a cultural stance, but urging me to see life in a new way. The way this appeals to my senses is how gently the water carries him down and back up, the bubbles ebbing and flowing peacefully the way a poem is read. This video challenges me to watch TV in a way that I fully consider what is being viewed and expressed before I decide to interpret what I’m seeing. It shows me the wisdom of waiting.

[ronniextorres]

(LINDSEY MORGAN, CIS FEMALE, SHE/HER) Oh, is that VERONICA “RONNIE” TORRES I heard the THIRTY-ONE year old is RESOURCEFUL. But don’t let that pretty face fool you, they are also CLEVER. Makes sense seeing how they are GETAWAY DRIVER in THE SOCIETY gang. penned by ally.

STATS;

Full Name: Veronica Isobel Torres  (call her Veronica & see what happens) Nicknames: Ronnie, Vee, Torres Age: thirty- one DOB: May 9th Sign: taurus Preferred pronouns: she/her Languages: Spanish, English Birthplace: Mexico City, Mexico Current location: New York City Sexuality: bisexual gang: the society  rank: getaway driver cover: manager and mechanic at a luxury car dealership theme song: desperado by rhianna

APPEARANCE; 

face claim: lindsey morgan hair color: dark brown, almost black eye color: dark brown height:  5’ 5 build: thin and curvy in all the right places  tattoos: yes, tba

FAMILY;

Parents: Mateo Torres (father, deceased),  Maria Torres nee Cruz Siblings: TBA older sister Extended Family: Tia Noemí, Tio Alfred (Estranged), TBA Cousins Pets: TBA

PERSONALITY;

(+) ; resourceful, intelligent, determined  & reliable (-) ; blunt, stubborn, imbalanced, & jealous element: earth hogwarts house: ravenclaw  aesthetics: the smell of gasoline, crossing the finish line with a moment to spare,  the thrill of adrenaline coursing through her veins, going zero to sixty in 3.5, grease stained cut off tees, a corona with lime, well worn leather jackets and short denim skirts Character Inspiration;  letty ortiz (fast and the furious), raven reyes (the 100), mikaela banes (transformers), jane ryan (new york minute), viola (she’s the man), santanico pandemonium (from dusk til dawn) luisa (encanto)

biography. 

TW: parent death, car accident, street racing  

Whoever said diamonds were a girl’s best friend, had never built a Plymouth Cuda from the ground up– now that’s the kind of best friend that was ride or die. Born the second daughter to the town mechanic in Mexico City, Veronica Torres had grease between her finger nails before she’d even heard of nail polish, much to her former beauty queen mother’s dismay.

While her mother had urged her to be more like her perfect older sister (wanted connection), to take up dance and learn to make the family recipes, Ronnie found herself sneaking off to help daddy at his Auto Repair Shop whenever she got the chance, learning how to take cars apart and put them back together. She was sharp and a fast learner, becoming the son Mateo never had. By the time Ronnie was in middle school, she could build a carburetor from scratch and drive a stick shift even if it wasn't legal for her to drive yet.  

When Ronnie was fifteen, the days of helping her father in the garage and the world as she knew it came crashing down on her, hard and fast and all at once. Her parents was killed in a car accident, or so that’s what she was told anyway. It never sat right with Ronnie that the very thing that her father made his livelihood from was also the very thing that took his life.

And so, Ronnie and her sister went to live with their father’s sister in New York. Tia Noemí had married an American man in a whirlwind romance which Ronnie’s father had never approved of. The marriage only lasted ten years before Alfred Sr. cheated on her aunt and left her for another woman. But Noemí had built a life in America and her children were going to good schools, so she opted to stay.

Life in New York City was different. Unlike her sister, Ronnie had trouble fitting in. She was the weird, new kid who liked to tinker with car parts in her spare time and could barely speak English. Even with her cousins showing her the ropes, all of whom she thought of like siblings, it was only a matter of time before Ronnie fell in with the wrong crowd and eventually became involved with the street racing scene. It was fast and exciting and the perfect distraction from all her unresolved pain. She could keep up with all the guys and earn a little cash on the side, no stranger to the occasional heist for parts or car break in.

For a while, Ronnie had finally felt like she had belonged, living life in the fast lane, narrowly avoiding the law and a fate similar to her father, but living life in the fast lane always did have its consequences. At eighteen, she had fallen for a member of her street racing crew. They had dated for years, racing and falling more and more in love with one another until the day he revealed himself as an undercover cop (wanted connection).

It may not have all been a sham, since Ronnie only got off with a hefty fine instead of any jail time. Her aunt helped her pay it off in exchange for a promise that Ronnie would let go of this life of racing and petty crime. This was the price for the truth she had withheld from her nieces. Noemi couldn’t be sure, but she also believed that her parents death was no accident. She revealed that Mateo had owed some very bad people a lot of money and that he was also involved in the underground world of street racing. Noemi didn’t want that life for her niece.

Though Ronnie couldn’t completely stay away from her cars, she got a job as mechanic and sales person at Luxury Motors Car Dealership to ease the itch. Little did Ronnie know that the dealership was actually Society affiliated and her gateway back into the world her aunt forbade her from.

Now, at thirty-one Ronnie was broken her aunt's promise and is a getaway driver for the Society. She has driven for them for around eight years now and also helps with boosting cars and selling car parts for them.

HEADCANNONS;

Ronnie can change a flat tire in 5 minutes flat. As a kid, her dad used to time her with a stopwatch, and she worked hard to beat her previous record each and every time.

She once built her own Plymouth Cuda from the ground up with spare parts from the shop (and her father's guidance). It took her a little over a year, and the car was named Bianca.

Her favorite type of music is classic rock and latin rock. She likes to listen to it while she tinkers and can sometimes be caught singing along. There’s something about old school Santana that never fails to get her going.

She wears a thin gold chain that belonged to her father which she never takes it off. It’s the one item she kept from him after her parents death. She also has a leather jacket that belonged to her mother. Ronnie was surprised her mother even had one, but took it as a sign and kept it.

Speaking of signs, Ronnie believes in them and can be very superstitious. Before every race or heist she has to tap the dash board 3 times and kiss her necklace. She also will never race/own/use a brown car. It’s the same color of the car that hit her parents. 

WANTED CONNECTIONS || SPOTIFY || PINTEREST