#what's lonelier than thinking you've been excluded but even if you got inside

[saintbleeding]

[ID: Digital art in the style of engraving illustration. On the right, there is a lighthouse behind a small cottage, with trees beside them. In front of the cottage there is an outcropping of pointed boulders, descending to a beach. On the far left, there is a figure standing on the outcropping, one arm extended. The light from the lighthouse’s beam reflects on the clouds and the back of the figure, who seems unaffected by the pelting rain. The windows of the buildings glow orange as though there is someone home. End ID.]

oooh u wanna go read my victorian au ooooooh u wanna go read it so bad

[angelizs]

Oho im a curious anon now I gotta know if you have any more thoughts on jade and azul (or just one of them) I like hearing peoples take on characters!

ooh I like curious people, of course I have thoughts on Jade and Azul!! I'll gladly share them with you my dear anon <33 and if you'd like to say your thoughts on them as well, feel free to!

as I mentioned in my Floyd brainrot, I'm not immune to Octavinelle propaganda, they are actually my favorite dorm! they are all sooo interesting, both on their own and as part of a dynamic, be it between themselves or other characters!

time to dive deep into the waters of my Octavinelle thoughts. prepare yourself, it's a deep dive in.

the same warning as in Floyd's post: this is my own view of the characters that may not be 100% accurate and anyone can disagree!

I'll talk about them separatedly and then as a trio later on, so let's get started with the dorm leader, shall we?

AZUL

if you've seen my writing before anon, you might have noticed that I particularly like to make Azul suffer a bit, but I swear I love him!! it's just that I also love to break his carefully constructed façade and look at what's inside, what are Azul Ashengrotto's inner feelings, what are the things that stay in his mind only for him to ever see or hear, what is he hiding deep down?

oh Azul, where to start with him?

Azul is one of the most popular characters in the fandom, he's got a perfect combo going on for him: he's one of the housewardens, part of Octavinelle and he's got a tragic backstory. triple strike!

not only that but his businessman like persona and cunning schemes get a lot of attention, not to mention that he's twisted from such an iconic villain! Ursula from the Little Mermaid is certainly someone that stays in your mind even years later!

I'll begin at the beginning, and go on till I come to the end, then!

Azul's backstory is one many people can relate to, myself included, which gathers a lot of sympathy from the fandom for his woes. it's awful to be excluded as a child simply because you look different and is a bit more introverted, and I get the overachieving academically to compensate for it and feel like you can prove them wrong and that you're just as capable, just as good.

seeing him having a similar story to myself actually created a deep connection with his character, because I feel like I get it. it was awful and cruel and he didn't deserve any of it, the loneliness and the yearning to have what other's have, to be like them, to be acknowledged. (I was also a huge crybaby lol so I was picked on for that as well. Azul struggles.)

that's what makes people be so forgiving towards his wrongdoings, because they get it. they can put themselves in his shoes and feel his anguish and despair and desparation. "should I have been in his place, would I have done the same?"

but here's the thing, I think Azul needed a wake up call. maybe not done so crudely like it was in the story, but I understand the prefect's situation, what could they do? plus, it's much more interesting, narratively speaking, to have some huge drama instead of a much needed therapy session.

having everything he's been working for, during YEARS, be destroyed in front of him like that, literally turning into sand, was a breaking point to his already severely bottled up emotions. so he had a reaction that was understandable, but it doesn't make it right.

he had to get stripped away of all the things he'd stolen to be forced to face that he was more than that. he didn't need to prove his old bullys wrong and get his revenge, what he needed was to realize his own potencial. yes, he's different, but that's not a bad thing. it's wonderful, even, and it should be something to be proud of! he should be proud of who he is by his own efforts, not by stealing and tricking people into unfair contracts then hoarding their powers into his vault. Ursula herself was always very confident and proud of herself, something Azul was lacking in order to follow the Sea Witch's steps.

like the prefect has the option to tell Azul at the museum in the end of chapter 3, he's got something that's better than any magic, and he should be proud of that! he's got drive and wits and he doesn't need to live through others, he can live for himself, too.

after all, Azul's big strong point is how intelligent he is. he doesn't need powerful magic (which he does have, not only his unique magic but also his amazing potions) nor powerful muscles (which he also has. Floyd mentions that Azul as an octopus is stronger and bigger than the twins), because he has a powerful brain that's enough to make him be feared, a silver tongue that can rope anyone into one of his schemes.

my Azul appreciation was a gradual thing, since at first I didn't like him that much. I didn't dislike him either, I just didn't give him much thought at all lol like "oh he's an asshole but Ace, Deuce and Grim should have seen that one coming, come on!" and when he sent the twins to bother the prefect I also expected that, so like that's fair ig?

but then after his backstory?? I got my 'oh. oh!' moment, like yes now I get it!! I really like how they all go and put back the photo on it's original place and how Azul changes his dealings afterwards. yes he's still a little shit who will trick people into them, but it's not as exploitive as before? in chapter 4 he's also a great help, even though he really didn't have to get involved (the twins must have been driving him crazy because they were bored lmao)

actually in chapter 4 I was mad at him for filming it live because YOUR RISKING JAMIL'S LIFE? HE COULD GET INTO SERIOUS TROUBLE FOR THAT YOU KNOW?? and then he reveals it was a lie and I think that was the first time I didn't expect one of his schemes, which was very nice because wow he does have basic empathy!!

I also see some people thinking that his whole personality is a fake and he's still the same as he was years ago, which I don't agree with. Azul has learnt how to keep his façade, how to interact with people to get what he wants, how to keep other's at arms lenght and not let them see him vulnerable, but he's no longer the crybaby octopus that would hide in his pot at his troubles. Azul has learnt to face them head on, at least after his overblot, and he knows how to keep himself composed until the very last straw breaks. he's not clingy or whiny, he does his best to keep his image as he wants people to see him, but it isn't all a mask. sometimes the lines blurry, in which point does the businessman Octavinelle's housewarden ends and in which point does Azul Ashengrotto begins? are they not one and the same?

SO. I think he's neat. and he's my little lab rat that I like to project onto <33

also his family life is so interesting? I've read his mother divorced his father and married her divorce attorney and that's so girlboss of her. I just KNOW miss Ashengrotto is the best and super pretty too. (I imagine her to be a bit like Ursula, so very elegant and confident!) also I think she might own a restaurant too? Azul looking up to his mom and trying to be like her that's so cute

JADE

HIIIMMMM JADE LEECH WHEN HEEEEE <333 I LOVE IT WHEN. WHEN. JADE LEECH WHEN.

fun fact: Jade was the one I took the hand of at the start of the game, so he's also my first SR card! we have a special connection I love him I hope he lives his best life. he's also on my top three favorite characters, so you might get a slight whiplash from the change of tone lol

to get started with, I love how his personality is different from Floyd's, but not in a total opposite way, but in a complimentary one. while Floyd is like a passionate crime, done in the heat of the moment, Jade is a premeditated one, carefully planned down to it's details. neither is more or less dangerous, they simply are what they are.

Jade's superficial image of just a butler type character is very insteresting, but I feel people mistake it as him trying to hide his true self? I don't think that's the case, at least not in my point of view. Jade oftentimes lets his more. uh. let's say sadistic side slip through his polite mask, and it's completely on purpose. the students might be more afraid of Floyd, who's openly threatning, but they're also scared of Jade, who lets his mask slip just enough for them to peer a fraction behind it and think "oh. he's also a little fucked up, so I better behave."

he pretends he just wants to help and seems like a polite pushover who has to deal with Floyd and Azul tormenting him, oh poor thing (like Trey mistakingly thinks on Jade's cerimonial robes vignette), but the truth is that he likes it. he likes Floyd's chaos and does nothing to stop it, at most he only pretends he does. he likes Azul's deals and business, as it keeps him entertained. he likes to be more discreet and stay in the shadows, only observing and appearing inconspicuous, it makes people lower their guards more easily, makes them easy prey to lure in and close his jaws onto. he's sharp and knows how to hit all the right weak points to make people cave in.

Jade could use brute force like Floyd does to get his way, but I think the predictability of the outcome would quickly bore him. a mind game is much more fun, twisting his words and using his charm to make people walk into his carefully laid trap, only to realize it when it's too late to do anything about it. that takes creativity and skill, it's very impressive even! that's why he's sooooooooooooooo * sighs dreamingly * he knows how to use his words to the max, how to weaponize them so! it's common to see him as a big tease in fanfics and I think it's because of this, he likes the word game and he likes the thrill a smart conversation can offer.

there's this mystery aura around him because you never guess what he's thinking, with his carefully constructed expressions. it's pretty unsettling, someone that's an enigma and could be either thinking about the weather or planning on your downfall without you suspecting a thing, all with a polite little smile on his face.

there's also one thing. HE'S VERY CAPABLE. HE CAN ADAPT TO ANY SITUATION! I LOVE CAPABLE CHARACTERS. Jade can do anything he puts his mind to, doesn't matter how hard it seems. if he really wants something, he will get it with his own hands. AND AND AND HE KNOWS HOW TO COOK. I know I'd offer my SOUL to take a single bite of a mushroom casserole that he made. I just KNOW it would be heavenly, the taste of the divine melting in my tongue and making me ascend to the lands above

he knows how to take care of himself, like doing stuff like laundry? easy. washing the dishes? he's on it. moping the floor? it's shining already. something about the maturity and domesticity of Jade doing simple house chores with dedication is so charming, I love capable people !!! like yes king your bedroom is wonderfully organized !!

AND HIS TERRARIUM HOBBY? IT'S SO CUTE. the way he looks at his little plants with so much love makes me wish someone looked at me like that too. imagine his concentrated face as he waters his plants and talks with them about his day??? SO ENDEARING. it's the usual stoic character showing his softer and loving side for me. (yes I am well aware he likes his terrariums so much because he likes the feeling of being the God of a little world of his own creation, living by his mercy. I still think it's very cute.)

another thing I love so much is his Mountain Lovers club. like I can genuinely see he cares about it, not to create a false sense of security because "oh look at silly Jade with his silly mountain excursions" but because he truly likes to explore the land's nature. Jade is very curious (as seen in the vignette where he asks Ruggie to teach him new recipes using herbs from the mountains and in several other instances) and there's a whole new world for him to explore, with so much flora and fauna he's never seen before. who wouldn't want to explore it and see all it has to offer?

also the way he's always promoting his club and everyone just thinks it's weird. JADE I'LL JOIN THE MOUNTAIN LOVERS CLUB SIGN ME UP! RIGHT NOW! yes he'd make me climb mountains and laugh as he sees me struggling after I'm five steps in but it will be all worth it.

THERE'S THIS ONE SCENE IN CHAPTER 4 WHICH HE SAYS WHAT HE'D DO SHOULD SOMEONE BETRAY HIM AND HE'S JUST SAYING SOME HORRIFIC NIGHTMARE INDUCING STUFF WITH A CUTE LITTLE SMILE? LIKE? I LOVE HIM SO MUCH KKSKDJSFKKSKSK (I'm pretty sure he was only joking. or maybe that's what he wants me to think. either way it was so funny)

HIS UNIQUE MAGIC IS SO COOL TOO. like. the first time it appeared I just thought "wait this is so shitty you can't do much with it all" BUT. THAT'S THE APPEAL. IT FITS HIM SO WELL!! Jade wouldn't like a UM that gives him easy answers whenever he pleases. no, having to carefully plan when or if he'll ever use it on someone, how to approach them and make them look into his eye without being suspicious, trying to fill the gaps of the info he does get, it's much more exhilarating than having the answers handed on a silver plater!!

ALSO HIS SMILE!!!!!!!!! IT MAKES ME GO FERAL!!!!!! not the fake ass one he's always got, the REAL ones, the ones when you can see his pointy teeth he usually keeps hidden and his eyes crinkled and there's pure joy on his face (like his union birthday groovy card!). they clean my very soul and give me the strenght to live another day

so. as you can see. I'm very normal about him. I like him a normal sane amount.

DYNAMICS

as they are already so captivating on their own, as a part of a dynamic they always have something to offer and can work well with any setting: comic, serious, dramatic, soft, anything really. it's also why it's so fascinanting to write them!

some particularly interesting dynamics I think they have with other characters are:

Azul and JamilI - IT'S SO FUNNY. AZUL ACTS LIKE A MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRL WITH A CRUSH AND JAMIL REJECTS HIM EVERYTIME HELPPP. also I think Azul genuinely wants to befriend Jamil as he feels they are similar and could get along well? but Jamil knows all about Azul's schemes and is way too smart to get caught in one of them, no matter how much Azul nags at him

Azul and Idia - THE BOARD GAMES CLUB MY BELOVEDS! on Azul's school uniform vignette their relationship is explored more in depth and it's. so very funny. Idia, despite not having an ounce of the social skills' Azul has trained himself to have, manages to get under his skin so easily. he says a taunt that gets in Azul's mind for DAYS

Azul and Riddle - they are besties. I make the rules and I'm saying they are. as the top of their grade and second year (responsible) housewardens, the two of them have a lot in common and are often paired together, such as in the very beggining of the game, in the prologue as they chase after Grim in the first twistune, and many cards have buddy level and duo magic between them! (like their dorm uniform ones!) a study session with these two would be SO productive

Jade and Ruggie - it might sound a bit unusual but hear me out! they are both my favorites. wait I have more reasons! Jade and Ruggie are very similar, both are vice housewardens (or a pseudo vice housewarden in Ruggie's case, since he might as well be one with how he does stuff in Leona's place), both are very capable and responsible, both are mischievous, both can cook and like to discover new recipes, both are cunning and can be deceitful and there's one scene in the game's 2 year anniversary animated short in which they are shopping at Sam's together, so they are also besties.

Jade and Cater - HEAR ME OUT! first things first, Cater is also so interesting and I feel he has so much potential. in Jade's birthday interview, he answers he would like to have Cater as a brother, which might sound a bit unexpected at first but soon becomes clear as to why! they are similar in the way they both hide their feelings and put a mask on for the public to see, even if their motives are different. Cater also has a cunning side that he shows on the beans day event, in which they form a partnership that was so interesting! I wish they had more interactions, as they both can see straight through each other's masks and play a complicated mind game with each other while also having some fun!

Jade and Vil - I haven't seen the vignette they share but the card is very pretty so I do think their dynamic has a lot of potencial! I think Vil, like me, would appreciate someone who's responsible and can take care of themselves, so someone as capable and (seemibly) reasonable like Jade would be a good break from Rook's and Epel's harsher personalities. I think Jade admires Vil as well, especially due to his poison making skills, and would like to learn from him.

Floyd and Riddle - yes Floyd likes to torment Riddle and oftentimes picks on him to the point he's very stressed, they both get under each other's skin (like when Riddle says Floyd is like his brother because he knew it would irritate him enough to make him leave him alone, in the anthology I think?) and it's such an interesting antagonistic relationship. they are not enemies that hate each other or anything, so it's very amusing to see them quarrel.

Floyd and Ace - the basketball buddies! it's shown that they actually get along pretty well when Floyd is not on one of his bad moods, as they bond over their love of fashion (especifically shoes) and of the sport. they also like to goof around in club pratice and cause Jamil headaches, and Floyd has said in his birthday interview he thinks Ace is entertaining enough to chose him as a brother.

Floyd and Kalim - both are very honest, energetic and excitable, easily surrendering to their whims to do as they please. I feel like Kalim doesn't see any malice in Floyd's words, and while that can be dangerous if he doesn't notice the signs of a bad mood, it could also be very entertaining to Floyd and make him want to spend time getting into shenanigans with him. (and, again, causing Jamil a headache.)

between the three of them, as a trio, they work very well too! Jade enables Floyd chaotic behaviour for his amusement and because, according to him, if Floyd is happy then so is he. Jade helps Azul as his right hand man, covering any blind spots in his steel armor and leading him into battle flawlessly, doing as is asked of him with enough leeway for some of his own entertainment. Floyd gets on Azul's nerves with his carelessness and mood swings, but remains loyal at his side. Floyd likes to go along with some of Jade's plots, staying close to him to the point that where one is, the other is expected to be as well. Azul cares immensely for the twins, his first ever friends, the ones that extended their hands to him and didn't doubt he could do it. they all work together well as an unit, years of familiarity driving them to almost read each other's minds, know how they work from inside out. that's the thing with childhood friends, they know your most embarrassing stories and your deepest fears, your most shameful moments and your best hidden desires, and they care about each other as if they were family. (though they refuse to admit it even under gunpoint).

I hope you know I'm not trying to say any of the octatrio are evil masterminds hiding and waiting to enact a fish world domination or any of that. at the end of the day, they are all highschool students with veeeeery dubious morals that just want to have their fun (even if most times it's not harmless at all). Floyd might squeeze someone until you hear something crack and procced to have touble to do his homework. Jade might manipule Azul's clients to perfection and make them sign shady contracts and then calls his mom to tell her about his day and yes, he's been eating his vegetables and making sure Floyd eats his as well. Azul might run a successful business at the school and earn a lot of money, only to geek out about strategy games at his club with one of the most introverted people of the whole school.

none of them are "soft and misunderstood bois who never did anything wrong uwu" but they also aren't "all of that's evil in the world incarnate into three devious merman who will strip you of all your dignity and leave you crying on the floor"

they are very complex and well written characters filled with more layers than an onion, and I could stay here all day peeling them off one by one. that's the allure of Octavinelle, their siren's song is strongly due to how they look at first glance showing to be wrong once you look deeper, this break of expectations fishing your attention and keeping it on them, wanting to watch just how will they surprise you next.

ALSO there's something I haven't discussed at all in this: their designs. I feel like there's a lot I could talk about that but it doesn't enter exactly in this personality focused analysis so I left it out. do let me know if you'd like me to tell my opinions on their designs or maybe on specific cards as well!

TL;DR: there's no way to sum up everything other than I'm insane about Octavinelle and have many thoughts about them

Extra: Jade's fact sheet, that I've rebloged once before as I think it's very interesting, Azul's fact sheet, Raven's Jade brainrot that I also agree on most parts, Jade laugh compilation that is one of my favorite videos in youtube and will add 10 years to your lifespan