#voss/vanquish

[des-no9]

"When you finish?" Vanquish had asked again, the first time lost in the way Voss looked at her. Adoration. Awe. "I'll pick you up for breakfast," he'd said, thumbing the edge of her knee, before putting on his helmet, and away-

Voss was gentle at ths time of night. Like the night let him breathe out, like the stars blinked him forget, remember, and she was always awake, sitting on that windowsil, in a strange code of love.

-------

I got posessed a few days ago to draw this scene from my cyberpunk BG3 AU and here we are. Enjoy :>

(how many easter eggs can u find)

[deadhornedgod]

Today is Des's birthday and her wonderful men congratulate her along with her friends and comrades~

[katreneebug]

I'm Okay (Trust Me) (Part 1/3)

Summary: Defeating Rapheal, and subsequently obtaining the Orphic Hammer, had gone exceptionally well. At least in comparison to how things usually go. However, as the companions move forward with their plans of parasitic liberation, Astarion can’t help but notice that their leader, and his lover, isn’t quite herself. Despite Tav’s assurances, the vampire spawn can tell that the events befalling The House of Hope still haunt her in more ways than one.

Parings: Tav x Astarion, Minor Shadowheart x Lae'zel

Warnings: Explicit content, Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Rape/Non-Con, Dubious Consent, Sexual Coercion, Slight Victim Balming, Sexual Trauma, Eventual Smut

A/N: I decided to write this after I got through the House of Hope on my first playthrough. At first I was really excited at the prospect of getting to bed an incubus in the game but after everything was done I kind of felt off about the whole thing. Especially given that the player, after deciding not to fight, is given the choice to either let Haarlep use their image to have sex with a bunch of strangers or straight up die. It hit a little too close to home in regard to my own sexual trauma and how that has affected my self-esteem, relationships, and mental health.

I want to stress that there are some aspects of the story that don't match with the gameplay. An example of this would be going beyond the party size. You can pretend that this story is based on that no-limit companion mod lol.

Link to AO3: Here

            No last-minute begging had left Rapheal’s lips when Karlach raised her axe above him. The fact that it had been the final stroke came as a surprise to Astarion and, based upon the silence that drenched the room, the others. Not too far behind her could hear Tav panting, her magic practically drained to its limits. In the peripheral of his eyes, he could see Shadowheart’s armor move up and down as she too sought to catch her breath.

            Hope, who appeared the most worn out of the bunch, stood frozen to her spot by the door. Karlach noticed her immediately and moved to check on her, weapon still sunk deep within Rapheal’s chest. Astarion took the opportunity to walk over to him, caution obvious in the way he gripped his dagger.  

            There was no final spook to be had, though. Rapheal was dead, eyes wide and mouth slightly a gape with no more theatrics left on his tongue.  Good Riddance, he thought. A smirk danced onto his lips as he decided it was okay to turn back towards his companions. Hope was no longer a statue, the erratic motions from before returned vigorously as she took in their victory.

            The memory of Cazador lying vanquished on the ground materialized in his mind. He brushed it away quickly as Tav’s eyes landed on himself. A half-smile was the most she could muster before Lae’zel garnered her attention, talks of the next step towards freeing Orpheus’ flew from the githyanki’s mouth in rapid, yet precise, order. The lines in Tav’s forehead creased as she let her friend speak. Deciding to take pity on his lover, Astarion moved to stand beside her.

            “—The Emperor will know of what we have done, we must act fast upon our return.”

            “I—”

            “Surely you can’t expect us to go straight into the undercity of Baldur’s Gate after quite literally killing a devil.” Lae’zel sharp glare snapped up to meet his eyes. “I for one am not doing anything till I’ve had time to clean up, all of this.” His hand, the one not resting centimeters away Tav’s lower back, motioned to the state of his armor. Rapheal and his friends had left the floors of the foyer dripping in all sorts of blood and guts and, while Astarion’s body was happily intact, his outfit begged to differ.

            “He’s right, we should get some rest before meeting with Voss.” Lae’zel’s head snapped to see Shadowheart approaching. “It would be foolish to confront a mind flayer and a devil on the same day.” Lae’zel didn’t reply immediately, though the answer for what they should do was clear, she was not any happier to admit it.

            “All right,” she spat. “Prepare for an early departure by dawn, I will not wait for anyone.”

            “Of course,” he hummed with a dismissive wave.

. . .

            “I’m just saying we should take some more time to discuss our next course of action.” Gale instinctively backed up as Lae’zel stalked his receding form. “It would be unwise to go in all wands blazing without considering the effect this might have.”

            “I am not leaving my Prince at the hands of a ghaik any longer.” Astarion had no interest in interfering on the wizard’s behalf. Watching the man sweat was more than amusing. “The only thing unwise would be for you to continue talking.”

            “What if freeing Orpheus leads to us losing our only protection from the absolute.” It was Wyll who stepped in between the two. No surprises there, the vampire thought. Lae’zel had burst through the doors of their room at the inn with an attitude ready to fight the next person who dared to go against her plans.

            “It will, I’ve already told you that freeing Orpheus will only result in him—”

            “Will someone please get the squid to shut up.” Astarion winced, feeling the pain of The Emperors telepathy within his mind. How lucky Halsin and Jaheira were to not feel such an annoying headache.

            “Gladly,” Lae’zel sneered.

            “There are still other issues that we need to address.” Halsin’s voice passed by Astarion from behind, he could feel the bear of a man coming closer to the group before passing the vampire all together to aid Wyll and Gale from the Lae’zel’s wrath. “Orin and Gortash are still alive, it would be best to get rid of them before going to the astral plane.

            “Agreed, we cannot allow the absolute to draw more power from the city. It’s time we faced them.” Halsin nodded an acknowledgement at Jaheira, her argument adding to the growing resistance.  

            Quickly the room devolved into a mass of bickering, Lae’zel mostly fighting alone on her side. It took Astarion a few moments to realize that there was something off about the whole scene. It stumped him briefly but the soft steps of someone else moving about in the background was the answer.

            “Not going to step in, dearest?” Tav jumped a bit as Astarion walked towards her, his back now to the group. “It’s very unlike you.”

            “It’s been a long day,” the bed bounced slightly as she dropped her pack onto it. “And I don’t feel like picking a fight with Lae’zel.” If only the rest were that smart, he thought. “She’ll see reason soon enough, anyways. We really do need to usurp Orin and Gortash while we can.”

            “I’m sure she will,” his lips curled. “Right after she breaks a couple of Gale and Wyll’s ribs, of course.”

            “Shadowheart will fix them up,” her body joined the bag as she sat down onto the covers. “Or Halsin, either way they’ll be fine.”

            “I love this newfound ‘compassion’ of yours,” he briefly glanced away, catching sight of a smaller person far from the argument occurring. Either Yenna was blissfully unaware or was doing a great job at pretending everything was okay. “I just wish you had acquired it earlier.” Then maybe they wouldn’t be stuck worrying about every little orphan who manipulated Tav’s kindness.

            “They’re adults, they can take care of themselves.” He raised an eyebrow at this. Was she really letting things go for once. “I’m tired and I want to sleep.” She wasn’t looking at him anymore, choosing to instead dig around into her bag that she never organized, even at his insistence.

            “Fair enough,” a level of trepidation lined his voice. Before he could ask if she was alright, a loud clang hit the floor behind him, silencing the bickering voices. He turned away instinctively, catching sight of Lae’zel stomping away towards the door. A dagger, no doubt previously aimed towards the other men, laid forgotten at Halsin’s feet.

            “Fine,” she spat, casting one last glance towards them before nearly kicking the door off its hinges. “Cowards, all of you.” With that, she was gone. Shadowheart moved a few steps, considering the possibility of going after her, before ultimately stopping. Even from her his spot, Astarion could see the way her jaw clenched, hands balled at her sides.

            The rest of them dispersed to their own spots in the room, silence hung in the air uncomfortably. Karlach’s, he noticed, took a moment to collect Lae’zel’s dagger. She rarely used such a small weapon in combat, opting for her painfully heavy sword and bow. The little thing glinted in the light briefly before the Tiefling went to place it neatly on Lae’zel’s bunk.

            Such a mess they were, he thought with a shake of his head.

. . .

            He tried not to stare too much at Tav. His own bed had been placed directly next to hers and it was becoming harder to ignore the way she shifted and squirmed under the covers. Sleep came easily to the girl, at least most of the time. Her experience with combat and adventuring was limited before the parasite, her body unuse to such strenuous work. She rarely complained, though. The only indicator that this was tough for her especially being how quickly she tuckered out at the end of the day.

            There was a chance that some of the chatter was keeping her up. The silence hadn’t lasted too long before Karlach, Shadowheart, and Jaheira set up some type of card game. They weren’t particularly loud, save for whenever Karlach gained the upper hand in the game. Gale had tried shushing her a couple of times before ultimately giving up. The book in his hands had eventually engrossed him enough to tune it all out.

            When moonlight began to seep through their windows, Tav snores still not filling the air, Astarion decided to forsake his own spot. Standing over her crumbled form brought back the memory of the first time he had attempted to drink her blood. The few nights before that had been increasingly painful as he watched her lie so sweetly under the stars. Over time she felt less like a person and more like a beautiful feast, all set out for him alone. It was a shock, looking back, how long he held out on partaking.

            Her reaction to noticing him looming over her this time around was much less frantic. A little bit of surprise played on her parted lips as she slowly sat up to speak. There was still a hint of innocence in her eyes whilst meeting his gaze. Scores of monsters and cultists had perished under her spells and blades and yet it didn’t jade her the way it would for other humans.

            So precious, he thought.

            “Is something wrong?” It came out as a whisper, her eyes glancing left to confirm that Wyll remained unmoving in his bunk.

            “I was actually just about to ask you that, darling.” He wasn’t as quiet as her, unafraid that the Blade of Frontiers would wake up easily. “You’ve been acting peculiarly since we got back, care to enlighten me?”

            “I told you I was tired,” she looked away. “It’s been a very long day.”

            “And yet you’ve been tossing and turning for nearly an hour.” He crossed his arms over his chest, feeling a little too much like a scolding parent than a partner.

            “I . . .” She trailed off, knees moving up to support her chest as she leaned forward. “There’s just a lot on my mind right now. Between the netherstones and Orpheus, it’s just overwhelming.”

            “Anything I can do to help,” the bed dipped as he took a seat. There was little space between the two of them now and a part of him buzzed pleasantly at the thought of pulling her into an embrace. They hadn’t been all that touchy as of late. His confession at Moonrise had practically halted most forms of intimacy between them. An outsider looking in wouldn’t have guessed how close the two of them were in comparison to the others. Feather light touches and the occasional hug made up most of the relationship now. Sometimes he would steal a kiss, a usually quick action that ended before Tav had much time to register the affection.

            They had on occasion shared a bedroll back when they were out in the wild. She’d curl up against his side, a hand resting on the part of his chest where his heart once beat. He’d count the constellations whilst listening to the change in her breathing, the obvious indicator that she had plunged into a deep sleep. There, hidden from Cazador and the absolute, a flutter would come and go underneath his ribs. Perhaps he wasn’t all that dead.

            “No, I’ll be okay.” She shook her head, hair rustling against the sides of her face. “Don’t worry about me, please.”

            “Easier said than done, my dear.” The little pout that appeared on her lips decided his next move for him. “Now, scout over.” Tav’s eyes widened, gaze snapping back up to his face. She was still for a few moments, studying his features with an intensity one might have for a major test.

            Little voices scrapped against the back of his mind as he exalted all his control in keeping a calm demeanor. Any doubt or uncertainty would have Tav pushing him away. She was always so concerned about his comfort. It was welcomed graciously most of the time but, as much as the sentiment warmed his icy body, it could also sting. He was not nearly as fragile as she seemed to think he was.

            She only puts up with you because she pities you.

            “O-Okay,” Astarion almost breathed out a sigh of relief when she complied with the request. He wasted no time in joining her under the covers, lest she change her mind at his reluctance.

            She was rigid against him, even after he comfortably adjusted against the mattress. Instead of holding him, like she used to, Tav rolled over so that her back was facing him instead. Both of her hands clenched the sheets rather than his clothes. It unnerved him even more than the silence that passed between him.

            “You know,” he whispered. “I was afraid that your droopy mood had something to do with vanquishing our old ‘friend’, Rapheal.” Acidity coated his pronunciation of the devil’s name. Tav’s body twitched when she heard it, somehow tensing even more than before.

            “I’m glad he’s dead,” disdain leaked from her mouth as she sought to relax her body. “I wish I had cut out his tongue earlier, though. I can still hear his stupid, dramatic voice in my head.”

            “Perhaps I can take your mind off of it?” The sly words fell out of Astarion’s mouth without him even having a chance to think it over. Flirtatiousness was an instinct after two centuries and getting rid of it wasn’t something easily undone. A heaviness set within his chest, an all too familiar panic that he may have gone too far. She shook in his grasp and that heaviness gave way to bitter bile. Swallowing it down with a cough, Astarion placed a hand on her shoulder. “Forgive me, I didn’t—”

            “It’s fine.” Her statement, spoken quicker than before, felt like a cut. “I’m not in the mood, anyways.”

            Not in the mood for you, at least.

            She thinks you’d break under her touch.

            Besides, why would she want you when she just had him.

            He inhaled sharply at the memory conjured up by the swirling voices. He would have kicked himself for carelessness had she not been lying next to him. Amid their quest within the House of Hope, Astarion had been able to push down their interaction with Rapheal’s favorite toy. Now, with her distant yet so close, he could no longer.

. . .

            “I beg your pardon,” the snap of Astarion’s voice rang within the chamber. The marble floor beneath his feet nearly crumbled under the stomp of his boots. A hand kept him from getting closer to the bed before them. “Would you like to repeat that little request?”

            “I said,” the incubus’ eyes looked only at Tav. “Take off your clothes.”

            “Uh, why?” Her voice bordered on cracking. It was her fingers that kept him from throwing a dagger between Haarlep’s eyes.

            “Do you or do you not want my help,” playfulness dripped from the incubus as he rolled softly against the covers of the mattress. “I at least deserve something from you, seeing as you’re asking for so much.”

            “And you’re asking for an arrow through the throat.” Astarion grumbled, fingers flexing and ready for Tav to give the orders to fight.

            “Hypothetically, what were to happen if I did take off my clothes.” His jaw clenched as the human woman spoke slowly.  

            “Well,” he drawled, lips curling in a cat like smirk. “Let’s just say it’s a surprise.”

            “A surprise from an incubus? I wonder what that could possibly be,” Astarion’s mocking voice did little to faze the other man.

            “No need to be so jealous, little spawn.” The grip on Astarion’s shoulder tightened, Tav accurately guessing how restraint was practically peeling away from him. “I have only the best of intentions in mind.”

            “Oh really—”

            “Gives a moment, if that’s okay.” Tav began to pull against him, trying to bring him back towards the group. Haarlep nodded his head which was answer enough for Tav to motion for the companions to form a huddle of sorts.

            “We’re killing him, right?” An unsureness plagued Tav’s face as she shied away from his intense gaze.

            “Honestly, taking up his offer might be the best option.” He made a point to glare at Shadowheart. She looked only at Tav though, not bothering with the pissy vampire. “As much as I want to avoid it, a fight with Rapheal is practically inevitable at this point. Especially if we go through with freeing Hope. I’d rather we save up our resources for that fight instead of wasting it on him.” She motioned towards the incubus with a jerk of her chin.

            “If it were me, I’d rather gut him.” Lae’zel chimed in before Astarion could retort. “But I am not the one he is asking for.” Her gaze fell to Tav.

            “I’m completely fine with ripping his annoying face off,” Karlach glanced back at the Rapheal look-a-like. “But yeah, it’s up to you soldier.”

            “I mean,” the human’s face contorted as pros and cons weighed back and forth within her mind. “If we go against him, who knows what other cronies he’d bring into the fight. Plus, it can make it that much harder to get back to the hammer in time.”

            She wants to say yes to him, the offer is rather tempting.

            “Exactly, I say we get the hammer first with as little complications as possible.” Very few times had Shadowheart’s neck looked so perfectly ready to be ripped out in Astarion’s eyes.

            “Why don’t you take her place, if the choice is so easy.” She rolled her eyes at him.

            “I don’t see why not,” her lips curled up in a bitter smirk. “I’m sure he’s all sorts of fun.”

            “Such a tempting offer,” Haarlep’s voice broke into the group. Apparently, the huddle was pointless if he could hear everything from his side of the room. “But I have my sights set on your little leader. She’s stirred up Rapheal quite a bit with how passionately she denied his deal.”

            “Pity,” the former Sharran mumbled.

            “Now if you lot are somehow able to survive this little trip, I’d be more than happy to pencil you in for a play date, half-elf.” A silent chuckle left Shadowheart’s lips as she shook her head. Astarion couldn’t tell if she’d be against such an offer in the future.

            “Fight or Fornicate, make up your mind before we’re out of choices.” Lae’zel turned back to Tav as the human seemed even more indecisive than before.

            “I . . .” Her eyes met his then, as the rest of the group waited in bated breath for an answer. They stared at each other as each passing second felt even slower than the last.

            She wants your permission.

            You’ve left her longing for too long.

            The answer to her needs is practically begging to relieve her.

            He could do so, so much more for her.

            She’s tired of waiting for you to get a grip. So tired of holding your pathetic hand.

            I’d be cruel to deny her such an experience.

            “. . . It’s up to you, my love.” Throwing the façade of acceptance on his face wasn’t too hard to do. He had done it so many times before, he had practically become a master of it at this point. “I won’t hold it against you, whatever you decide.”

            She was quiet, facing smoothing at as her decision was made within her mind. She turned back to Haarlep first, prompting the others to do the same. Astarion, though, kept most of his attention on her and not the creature he wanted to eviscerate.

            Something inside him shattered as her lithe fingers went to the hem of her shirt. The realization that she was about to disrobe in front of Haarlep and their friends hit him like a pommel strike. The voices in his head were twisting wildly within his mind and somehow, throughout the horror of it all, he found himself bitterly thankful for Tav’s choice in today’s team.

            It was no secret that all their companions had, at one point, made a pass at Tav. Her rejection of them always had a sliver of satisfaction rolling up his spine. In Karlach, Shadowheart, and Lae’zel’s case, they had taken her no rather well. It was easy enough for the later two who had begun ‘sparring’ away from the eyes of the camp sometime after their interaction with the creche. Their excuse was that they needed more space to fight and that they didn’t want to ‘accidentally’ hurt someone during the intense training.  

            Hate sex is the best sex, Tav had muttered one night as she and Astarion caught the two women glaring at each other whilst walking off into the woods. He had curled his lips at the scandalous statement, deciding silently to remember the tidbit for a possible future tryst.

            Karlach, Astarion realized, was just happy to have the embrace of a friend. Romance had been easily forgotten by the Tiefling. The same couldn’t be said for Gale and Wyll. They had assured her that it was alright before and Tav had taken it at face value. Astarion knew better though, could see it in the way their eyes followed her. When she spoke, they would glance at her lips and look away as if caught with their hand in the proverbial cookie jar. The vampire spawn sometimes basked in the longing he could see within them every time he displayed even the smallest of Tav’s reciprocated affections.

            “Could you all go guard the door,” snapping out his trance, Astarion watched as Tav put a pause on removing her clothes. “The last thing we need is Rapheal waltzing in.”

            “Of course,” Shadowheart was the first to comply. Lae’zel quirked an eyebrow for a moment before leaving as well. He could feel Karlach looking back and forth between him and Tav. Reluctantly she placed a hand on his shoulder and encouraged him to walk away with her. Though her engine had been fixed, her palm was practically scalding against the thin fabric of his disguise.

            “We’re just across the room,” he murmured. “In case you need us.”

            With a nod of Tav’s head, Astarion finally complied with Karlach’s touch. The two turned around to trail after the other members of their party. He focused on the echo of the grand faucets flowing hot water into the pool between them. Anything to keep from catching the sound of whatever surprise the incubus had in mind.

            “You okay?” Astarion growled lowly at the question. He knew that Karlach’s concern was genuine, deep down, yet he couldn’t help but feel only irritation.

            “Of course I am.” He sneered; he wasn’t the one stuck staring at Rapheal’s stupid face. He considered telling them to not talk to him, as he was in no mood. Yet the little chatter that passed between the other three was something to hold onto. Very little went by the doorway of the boudoir, just a couple of miserable waifs limping about. A wonderful reminder of what might happen to them sooner rather than later.

            “—Must we waste time freeing her.”

            “Are you suggesting we leave Hope chained to this asshole.” He didn’t want to look behind him to watch their argument.

            “The longer we stay here, the more likely we are to join her.” Shadowheart’s voice was farthest away. A little too far for his liking, more likely to see what was happening past the pool.

            It must be quite a show, maybe she’ll tell you all the gory details later.

            Or maybe Tav will, how long will it be before his name passes those luscious lips.

            She won’t want you after this.

            What’s the point of a pretty face when that’s all it is. She’ll get sick of looking at it when she realizes she could have more.

            He didn’t know how much time had passed when Shadowheart’s voice cut through the mess in his head.

            “It looks like they’ve stopped,” gods he was going to throw up. “Come on.”

            Luckily the half-elf was correct. By the time the four of them had come to the other end of the room, Haarlep was already off the bed and looking starkly different from before. Instead of the near perfect imitation of Rapheal, he had shifted into a woman. An improvement, yes, but still too like the devil in looks. Tav was shimmying her shirt back on, something black and tight coverd the rest of her body. She hadn’t worn it before.

            Haarlep, noticing their return, locked eyes with him particularly. The ends of his lips twisted higher than they had before. In the blink of an eye the new feminine form shifted into something all too familiar. Instead of the Rapheal look alike, a copy of Tav now smirked at him.

            To his utter displeasure, the incubus was gone before the shock could lift. Tav didn’t waste time in collecting the contents of the safe. The portrait of Rapheal broke in half under her hands as she pried it off the wall. It was tossed unceremoniously across the floor. If only they had time to destroy more of the devil’s tacky décor.

            “Let’s go,” Tav was striding past them. Determination set within the crease of her forehead. There were questions on the tongue of each one of them. Ultimately their curiosity was left unspoken.

[nuka-rockit]

unprompted rant, but I think its such a shame that we don't get a closer explanation of the red dragon & githyanki pact/bond in bg3, or at least more of an insight into the dragons. Becoming the rider of a red dragon is such a big dream for Lae'zel. She gets these huge sparkling eyes, and her tone becomes as full of reverence as it does when she speaks of Vlaakith (at least at the beginning) when she first mentions it. It's a symbol of Kithrak Voss' authority and seniority that the first time we meet him he comes flying on one. It's some thing that Vlaakith later offers to Lae'zel in an attempt to lure her away from the Prince of the Comet and back into her service. But bg3 does not make it clear at all that Dragons in DnD, and in this case specifically red dragons, are not just gorlified "mounts" as Lae'zel calls them. Dragons are not like big flying reptilian horses - dragons in DnD are fully sentient, extremely intelligent creatures who are often capable of speaking multiple languages, with unique personalities and motivations, who can form highly complex relationships with people. Dragons are basically their own fully developed society interacting with others. red dragons specifically are among some of the most cunning dragons in the world. In fact the only reason a creature as intelligent, proud and powerful as a red dragon would even tolerate being used as a mount by anyone is that this is part of a pact made by their primary goddess Tiamat with the githyanki. red dragons not as impressed by the covenant of their goddess are recruited through promises of treasure acquired during the githyanki raids they may participate in, most of which they get to keep after they leave (red dragons are notoriously greedy, and love to accumulate large hoards of gold and other valuables).

And yes, they do leave eventually, at least most of them do. the dragon mounts of the githyanki knights are mostly younger dragons, who cherish the violence and looting. When an older dragon leaves it is replaced by a new younger one. They're not livestock raised by the githyanki to become cool flying warhorses, they're more like mercenaries who have agreed to a mutually benefitial contract.

its such a minor gripe, but I was genuinely surprised I never found even like, idk, a book some lone bookshelf in the game explaining this distinction. its such an interesting aspect of their culture and I have always loved that DnD dragons aren't just big dangerous monsters that need to be vanquished, but rather complex inhabitants of the world that can be interacted with in a variety of ways - including forming an alliance.

[pocketwei]

BG3 comm for the loveliest @des-no9 <33 thank you again so much for trusting me with vanquish & voss <3

[vikintor]

Quick fanart

Made a quick doodle of the popular twitter meme as a fanart of Voss and @des-no9 character Vanquish. Hope I got Vanquish right, I'm not that good at drawing yet.

[wuhuha]

Art + a lil comic I've drawn for @des-no9's birthday🎂🎈🎉! Hope you and your tiefling gal Vanquish + her 2 men Voss and Orpheus has a lovely evening!

Browse more of Vanquish here!

[mightymizora]

Voss' favourite part about the material plane(s) are beaches, the seaside, oceans. And from every one he visits he takes a shell, a pebble, a small souvnieer from that worlds beach or ocean. They make him happy, relaxed, and he saw his first one and swam in his first one with Orpheus when they were young and happy.

And he wants to swim in one with Orpheus again when he is free. (Vanquish can join too if she wants I guess LOL).

Ohhhh I ADORE this! I hadn’t even thought about how rare and unusual bodies of water would feel to a Gith. And the sea and beaches are so tactile and full of sensory stuff like you say. This is gorgeous!

[xasha777]

In the far reaches of the galaxy, on the planet Aquafera, the oceans shimmered with bioluminescent life forms and golden algae, creating an ethereal glow. Aquafera was known for its unique spice trade, centered around a rare and valuable substance called AquaGold. This spice, derived from the golden algae, had properties that enhanced cognitive abilities and extended lifespans, making it the most sought-after commodity in the galaxy.

Amara, a young woman with flowing golden hair and eyes that mirrored the ocean's depths, was the guardian of the AquaGold. Her people, the Nereidans, had been the custodians of the planet's riches for centuries. Their bond with the ocean was deep, and they possessed an innate ability to control the currents and communicate with the marine life.

One day, as Amara was diving to the depths to harvest the AquaGold, she sensed a disturbance in the water. She surfaced to find a massive spaceship hovering above the ocean, its metallic surface gleaming in the sunlight. The ship bore the insignia of the Spiceraiders, a notorious group of space pirates who plundered planets for valuable resources.

Amara quickly swam to the shore, where she was met by her mentor, Elder Nerida. "The Spiceraiders are here," Amara said, her voice tinged with urgency. "We must protect the AquaGold."

Elder Nerida nodded. "We have prepared for this day. The Nereidans will stand together to defend our home."

As the Spiceraiders descended upon the ocean, Amara led her people in a defense unlike any other. The Nereidans used their control over the water to create powerful currents, pushing the invaders back and disrupting their ships. The ocean itself seemed to rise in anger, with massive waves crashing against the Spiceraiders' vessels.

In the midst of the chaos, Amara felt a presence in her mind. It was the leader of the Spiceraiders, Captain Voss, attempting to communicate. "You cannot win, Nereidan," his voice echoed in her thoughts. "Surrender the AquaGold, and we will spare your people."

Amara focused her mind, pushing back against his intrusion. "We will never surrender our home. Leave now, or face the wrath of Aquafera."

With a surge of energy, Amara summoned a massive whirlpool, drawing the Spiceraiders' ships into its vortex. The ocean roared as the invaders were pulled beneath the waves, their ships torn apart by the relentless currents.

As the battle subsided, the Nereidans emerged victorious. The Spiceraiders had been defeated, their threat to Aquafera vanquished. Amara stood on the shore, her golden hair glistening in the sunlight, a symbol of hope and strength for her people.

Elder Nerida approached her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You have done well, Amara. The AquaGold is safe, and our people are protected."

Amara smiled, looking out at the vast ocean. "The spice trade will continue, but on our terms. Aquafera will remain a beacon of light in the galaxy, a testament to the power of unity and the strength of the ocean."

And so, the legend of Amara, the golden-haired guardian of Aquafera, spread across the stars, inspiring generations to come. The planet continued to thrive, its oceans a source of wonder and its people a symbol of resilience and harmony with nature.

[brightephemera]

Correspondences below the cut.

0. The Fool: Ord Mantell

Ord Mantell is a planet of beginnings: you may know nothing of the game going in. The Fool is a beginner, a traveler, a novice, one who may not see the cliff that will plunge him into experience. The Fool’s journey will continue across the cosmos. Reversed: naivete, recklessness, foolishness.

1. The Magician: Korriban

Korriban is a planet of power disciplined (however tenuously) by will. Its ground is saturated with arcane knowledge and its abilities grasp at the sky. Fire and control: Korriban is a powerhouse. Reversed: manipulation, poor planning, wasted talents.

2. The High Priestess: Tython

Tython holds mysteries from the earliest days of the Jedi Order. It is lost and rediscovered. It houses the secrets that will be revealed in training only to the greatest devotees. Its lunar and veil imagery point to hidden mysteries. Reversed: hidden agendas, a need to listen to your inner voice.

3. The Empress - Alderaan

I could have continued with Hutta in game order but it doesn’t fit. Alderaan is a prosperous world, a monarchy, a place of lush vistas and noble generosity. Beauty, nurturing, and growing abundance are the watchwords. Reversed: creative block, dependence.

4. The Emperor: Dromund Kaas

Dromund Kaas is the claim of the Empire, a place of rigid rule and unquestioned power. A patriarchal figure rules over all, and the symbol of his influence is pictured here. Its foundations are ancient, its continued existence inflexible, its authority absolute. Reversed: domination, excessive control, inflexibility, but also self-discipline.

5. The Hierophant: Yavin IV.

Sorry, the Emperor does double duty. The ancient temple of Yavin IV was built by slaves, and is used to gather the power of the Emperor for mysteries they will never be inducted into – their service and their deaths both go through Him. The religion has an inviolate structure: conformity, institutions. Reversed: Personal beliefs, freedom, disrupting the status quo.

6. The Lovers: Nar Shaddaa and Nal Hutta.

Planets of choices, of two paths (Agent and Bounty Hunter?), and of Hutt-sanctioned passions. Here Balkar smooths problems over. Here Hutts are pacified, with gifts, with coups. Here, any time you look up from Hutta, you see Nar Shaddaa, its companion in space. Relationships, mutual interests, and choices are the rule. Reversed: self-love, disharmony, imbalance, misalignment.

7. The Chariot: Balmorra.

Strength under control: Balmorra forms the arsenal of whoever manages to possess it. It is a planet of action: the war rages across it while it stands as a fixed point, and in the end its interests win. The imagery of the dual blaster forms the matched pair of the Chariot.  Reversed: self-discipline, but also opposition and lack of direction.

8. Strength: Corellia.

Corellia stands with battered dignity against the Empire, emblem of strength, courage, and influence. And persuasion, as the Republic forces convince CorSec and other elements of the government to throw off Imperial chains. Here Baras and Thanaton’s agents are knocked out from under them, reclaiming influence for the player. Reversed: Inner strength and raw emotion, but also self-doubt and low energy.

9. The Hermit: Tatooine

Yes, the correspondence of Obi-Wan Kenobi. Tatooine is a place of reflection and guidance, most obviously portrayed in the Sith Warrior vision quest. It is the planet where the Rakata have waited alone with their thoughts for millennia, preparing for their rebirth. It is the planet where the Smuggler earns a sensor computer to guide to a treasure. The light in the pictured skeleton’s eye is guidance for those who would follow it. Reversed: Isolation, loneliness, withdrawal.

10. Wheel of Fortune: Voss.

The turn of fate could be no other. The Voss are a deeply fatalistic people, believing in their Mystics’ visions to guide their lives. The player character can undergo a ritual to glimpse their future, and some get additional warnings - all relevant. The Wheel of Fortune is the turn of the universe, a card not just of good luck but of destiny. Reversed: Bad luck, resistance to change, broken cycles.

11. Justice: Manaan.

The obvious reading is the trial in KOTOR, where you must find the truth to clear a man’s name under the rule of law. The theme of balance underpins this planet: it is where players of each faction meet their opposite-faction ally in the Shadow storyline. Its entire ecosystem hangs in the balance in KOTOR. And the Selkath Force users reject the duality of Light and Dark. Justice is fairness and cause and effect. Reversed: unfairness, dishonesty, lack of accountability.

12. The Hanged Man: Hoth.

Luke’s plight in ESB comes to mind. Hoth is a place of suspension, a frozen moment. To call it merely deadly is to pass over the equally apparent moments of transformation, the improbable alliance of Imp and Pub against the Hailstorm Brotherhood, the return of Temple to the Imperial fold, the escape of Horak-Mul in his new form: you. The Hanged Man is a martyr, but also someone discovering something new. Reversed: delays, resistance, stalling, indecision.

13. Death: Makeb

Makeb is a planet of cataclysmic transformation: a breaking core birthing a totally new resource. The transition breaks alliances and endangers the planet, but it is a change, not an end. Reversed: personal transformation, resistance to change, purging.

14. Temperance: Odessen

Lana said it first: Odessen is balanced in the Force, neither dark nor light, and it is here that your faction-spanning Alliance finds its home. Temperance stands with fellow virtues Strength and Justice, but where Corellia takes sides and Manaan rejects them, Odessen partakes in good measure of both sides of the equation. Reversed: imbalance, re-alignment.

15. The Devil: Belsavis

Belsavis is a prison planet, hard-bitten survival and chains that never break. Sometimes that seems wise, like with Darth Ekkage, and sometimes it’s patently unjust, like with Dagger Wing. The Devil is a card of sensuality (not pictured), addiction, and slavery. It is concerned with the material: the aspects of reality most immediate and easiest to cling to. Reversed: releasing limiting beliefs, exploring dark thoughts, detachment.

16. The Tower: Ziost.

Ziost will always be remembered as a disaster, an act of an enemy beyond defense. Ziost was destroyed in a moment that revealed the Emperor’s true scope. The Tower, too, is a thing of upheaval, chaos, and destruction. Reversed: Personal transformation, fear of change, averting disaster.

17. The Star: Ilum.

Above the stillness of a frozen lake, a star streaks over heaven’s field. (There’s a little orange one moving from top left toward middle right just upward from the main streak.) Ilum was home to Darth Malgus’s hope for a new Empire. It houses the Adegan crystals that promise new technology for those who persevere with purpose. At the same time, it houses Jedi ruins of peaceful spirituality. Reversed: lack of faith, despair, disconnection, self-trust.

18. The Moon: Quesh.

This was a hard selection, and Rishi almost took it. (Neither one has a visible moon in the sky.) But Quesh is a planet of mystery, uncertainty, and illusion: Republic Admiral Monk’s reveal as an Imperial operative, the Warrior being lured to a mine, the Bounty Hunter being lured to a merchandising deal, the Consular finding the unacknowledged Attis station, Lord Scourge being a cryptic mystery…I could go on. Here a wall hides a significant zone of the picture.  Maneuvering for advantage without tipping into outright war is a matter of sleight of hand for all involved. Reversed: release of fear, repressed emotion, inner confusion.

19. The Sun: Rakata Prime

Damned planet doesn’t have a sun in its skybox. Nevertheless! I like the glowy flowers. What better expression of raw creation than the Star Forge? But that’s old history, and the Force has recovered. Here is revealed the truth of the Revanites in the light of day. The immediate foe is vanquished and the path is clear. Warmth and vitality rule. Reversed: inner child, feeling down, overly optimistic.

20. Judgment: Taris.

Absolution and rebirth – for a battered planet and for a spoiler on the Endar Spire, long ago. Destruction has come and gone, leaving only a new beginning. Reversed: self-doubt, inner critic, ignoring the call.

21. The World: Coruscant.

Is Coruscant the bright center of the universe? It symbolizes completion, integration, accomplishment, synthesis: the culmination of the Trooper and Consular questlines. And Ord Mantell, the Fool, leads directly into it, forming a complete circuit of the Major Arcana.

Images from Star Wars: The Old Republic. Meanings from https://www.biddytarot.com/tarot-card-meanings/major-arcana/. Deck by brightephemera. Fonts Exocet and Aurebesh.

[selinurr]

“For that alone, I would have come to Makeb.” - Lord Cytharat

(OC’s POV (Male Sith Warrior))

I froze in place. Katha Nair’s suggestion was logical but the cost was too great; I will not abandon the Lord while he fought for my sake.

I am the Emperor’s Wrath and I will vanquish these mercenaries if they dare harm a hair on the Lord’s head.

The last of the mercenaries has fallen and I wipe their blood from my hands, tainting my robes without a second thought. It was inconsequential. They deserved to suffer for harming him and I will make sure of it, mark my word.

My gaze falls on the Lord, clutching at his side and I can feel an intense wave of passion and fury wash over me.

How dare these mongrels hurt the man that I love.

With a heavy heart, I watch as he declares, “Weapons ready!” He hides his pain well but the scent of his blood fills the air and adds fuel to the fire burning in my heart. They will know pain once I decimate all who have hurt the Lord.

“My Lord... That’s not a mercenary,” says the Imperial Soldier in recognition. I bow my head to him in respect and he lowers his weapon, mirroring my actions.

“Mighty Wrath - You came for us. I did not expect it,” says Lord Cytharat. My heart pounded against my chest as he lets out a sigh of relief and a small smile. He is a beautiful man.

When we kissed, I savored the moment, reluctant to part with him. He smiles gently and I can’t help but smile along with him. 

“For that alone, I would have come to Makeb.”

Even though we have known each other briefly, the moment he became aware of my presence on Makeb, he swore his life to me. From that moment on, I vowed to do everything in my power to protect this man at all cost. Even if it means sacrificing myself..

“We have to get him out of here... he’s worse off than he looks,” says the Imperial Soldier. I glance at his wound in worry but a thought comes to mind. My mission at Voss has taught me much and I was always quick to learn. Overseer Tremel sensed that I had greatness in my heart and through my adventures, his evaluation of me has been nothing but truth.

I kneel before my beloved and bring my hands together. The soft chants of Voss fill my mind and a soothing gold aura surrounds me. When I gave Vana-Xo permission to siphon my strength to heal her fellow Voss, the feeling was foreign and intrusive but I did what had to be done to progress.

Now, as I feel my beloved’s pain become my own, I inhale sharply as I feel his wound mend slowly but surely.

“Mighty Wrath... You did not have to take my suffering as your own. Your presence itself grants me strength to endure and survive so that we will become one.. ” he says softly. 

I stand up and dust myself with a smile that I only showed to him. Taking his side cautiously and wrapping an arm around his waist, I haul him to his feet as we proceed back to Katha’s base of operations.

“When we get off this unstable planet, let us explore our passionate feelings and become one,” I say, an unnoticeable blush appearing on my cheeks.

“My life is yours, Mighty Wrath. I am honored for your attention and for giving me a chance at my redemption,” he says with a chuckle.

[des-no9]

Voss had forgotten much of the simple joys of the material; of the movement of life, its purpose. Sleeping next to someone that mattered. Sharing food. Watching a sun set, rise. The feel of a season on your skin.

Blasphemies to current githyanki. Wonders when he was young, free. When they still walked under Mother Gith, laughed, loved.

He wondered sometimes how many more years he had left on the material now that he wanted more-

-with her.

[deadhornedgod]

For @des-no9 Her beautiful woman surrounded by her men

Don't be sad. You are beautiful

[writer59january13]

Thee Apple Hove Bing an Herbivore...

Sans maintaining a strict carb on diet

    (for Peat Sake) iz like really coal man, cuz carnivores consume meat,

    which genetically modified organisms

    engender incredible non edible size foal, these agribusiness farmed animals shot up

    with synthetic hormones

    spurring heightened development

    accidentally, inadvertently, and unleashing

    King Kong monstrous outrageous gnoll,

whereat each footfall taken

    by scary creature resembling

    a humanoid hyena

results in said frankenfood digging,

    one after another humungous hole

resulting in dirt pile

    cresting, kickstarting, and

    rivaling a mini

    spring mount tin knoll

necessitating massive

    manhunt to cap cha

    lurching, pounding, and thudding

beast whereat entire

    motley crue all harkened

    from places named Lowell,

nonetheless heil lee calf full

    to arm themselves with more'n one

    tranquilized tipped pole

anachronistic cautionary expedition generating     masterfully baiting monster

    with immense gritty buttered roll,

whose gargantuan ramp

    aging spree across

world wide web found endangered population

    tuff lee from their

    picturesque enclave i.e. Floss on the Mill as zee unbridled

    quasi jabberwocky took a selfie gloss silly attired (trumpeting

    "FAKE" ska don face mask)     likening pulling up moss as coiffed "hair...hm..." all the while

    gabbling, instagramming,

    snapchatting, and toss     sing fearsome Frankenstein

    with especial bent toward

    those sharing surname Voss

in tandem to flagrant

    disregard to paradigm

housing hefty prime statutes of grammatically

    correct syntactical rhetoric, plus rhyme ming showcasing a novel

    discovered talent to enrich pantheon

    until the end of time.

since times of auld where linkedin note able people

    (some long haired others bald)

plaintively, suddenly, and called urgently to be importantly installed

to brainstorm figuring a solution

    to vanquish, nightmarish,

    and hellish abominable madness!

[des-no9]

Vanquish likes to keep a diary. And here is the first of some excerpts she writes after her pivotal moments with Voss, Lae'zel and Orpheus from the series 'The Forgotten Prince, his Closest Blade, and the Breaker of Chains'

I sit where you left me. Imprints in the stone and the grass where you fucked me so hard I thought the ground would break and we’d fall. No-one to catch us but the sea below.

[des-no9]

Consumed with the thoughts of how Vanquish is maybe the first istik Voss wants to keep wants to admire wants to adore and love. While still simmering beneath his skin the desire to devour her, take her and rip her apart like he has done with every other istik before. Nothing. No-one.

Now, she's someone. Almost everything.

The thing is, she knows this duality underneath his skin, and it just makes her want him more, love him more. Like she dances with danger everytime they touch.

When they kiss, maybe it'll be her last, his teeth around her throat to rip.

An wild beast he keeps caged underneath his skin, just for her. Comes out to play sometimes, muzzled. Leashed. Ever inching closer to that line, clawing to cross.

But when he looks at her asleep, hears her laughter, at her strange tongue stumbling over githyanki words, the beast sated.