#which you being you will then likely excel at as well

[astrojulia]

Astro Observations from a Hidden Garden

~Gemini houses Edition

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♊︎⟶Monotony is not for Gemini Midheaven. They thrive in dynamic environments, often excelling in multiple professions or creative ventures simultaneously. Travel, sales, and teaching are particularly appealing as they align with they love for action, communication, and intellectual engagement.

♊︎⟶Independence sparked 9th house Gemini drive to explore the world and seek out new experiences. During their educational years, they were highly active, participating in various activities that expanded their perspectives and enriched their life.

♊︎⟶With such a dynamic social life, honing 11th house Gemini communication skills will help them maintain more stable and fulfilling friendships. Being clear in their intentions and maintaining open lines of dialogue with others can prevent conflicts and deepen their connections.

♊︎⟶4th house Gemini might inherit communication skills or physical traits from a family member.

♊︎⟶A love for travel, particularly by air, reflects 9th house Gemini desire to experience new places and cultures. While them enjoy efficiency, they also appreciate the charm of scenic journeys, like those by train.

♊︎⟶Artistically inclined, Gemini Midheaven bring creativity and charm to their work, which makes them highly appealing to colleagues and clients alike.

♊︎⟶While 11th house Gemini enjoy having a lot of casual friends, it's important to them to maintain regular communication with those who have been part of their life for longer. This ongoing connection is beneficial and keeps their social circle grounded.

♊︎⟶As they address and heal from past pain, 8th house Gemini discover greater inner peace. Their outgoing and communicative nature supports this process, allowing them to share their journey and deepen their understanding of themself.

♊︎⟶When faced with unfair criticism or insinuations, it's best to 12th house Gemini not to engage in conflict but instead focus on their own ideas and creativity. While their active mind generates brilliant ideas when they're alone, it's important to strike a balance between emotion and rational thought to ensure that your judgment remains clear.

♊︎⟶While a small family or even no children may be part of the 5th house Gemini future, their interactions with children or younger people often involve understanding and bridging differences in personality. They bring thoughtfulness to these relationships, valuing personal connection over material gestures.

♊︎⟶Gemini Ascendant approach life with flexibility and adaptability, embracing change and thriving in dynamic environments. While they may struggle to balance their emotional world, their compassionate nature and quick understanding of others make them engaging and relatable.

♊︎⟶8th house Gemini may have faced deep emotional wounds in the past related to deception, manipulation, or harmful comments that impacted their mental well-being. These experiences may have influenced certain defensive behaviors, such as playing mental games or using words as weapons.

♊︎⟶While 4th house Gemini enjoy socializing, they equally value alone time and may not feel compelled to establish strong roots in one location. This balance allows them to focus on personal growth and exploration.

♊︎⟶As 4th house Gemini age, their thoughts and ideas become more refined, and they may feel an increasing desire to express them through writing, public speaking, or other creative outlets. These talents often keep you mentally stimulated and engaged.

♊︎⟶In close relationships, 8th house Gemini ability to openly discuss issues and work toward solutions is a strength. They bring a practical and thoughtful approach to resolving conflicts, which fosters deeper connections with others.

♊︎⟶6th house Gemini adventurous and dynamic nature thrives in environments that challenge and stimulate them. They excel at managing a busy schedule and juggling multiple tasks, thanks to their adaptability and creative approach to problem-solving. While strict routines may not be their preference, they bring energy and innovation to their daily responsibilities.

♊︎⟶Gemini Midheaven wit, humor, and ability to connect with others make them a natural leader in group settings.

♊︎⟶4th house Gemini have a flexible attitude toward home life, valuing freedom and exploration over deep attachment to a specific place. They're open to relocating if it better suits theirs evolving needs and aspirations.

♊︎⟶To a 5th house Gemini, communication is essential in matters of the heart. They value forming intimate bonds through discovery and conversation, and their easygoing nature makes them naturally appealing in social and romantic settings.

♊︎⟶7th house Gemini craving for new experiences often extends to their love life, but honesty and open communication are key to avoiding complications. Being upfront about their desires and boundaries strengthens trust and connection with their partners.

♊︎⟶At times, 10th house Gemini may grapple with self-doubt, but their dedication and persistence ensure that they remain productive and focused on their goals. Success for them comes from embracing diversity and staying true to their dynamic, creative spirit.

♊︎⟶Naturally gifted in exchanging ideas, Gemini Rising individuals are intellectually curious and socially active. Their sharp wit and ability to learn quickly make them effective communicators, though they may occasionally come across as brusque.

♊︎⟶A thirst for knowledge and new experiences drives 4th house Gemini, whether through travel, intellectual pursuits, or hobbies that allow them to communicate and share their insights. This constant curiosity fuels their personal growth and enriches their life journey.

♊︎⟶11th house Gemini tend to juggle multiple dreams or goals at once, and it’s not uncommon for these ambitions to change frequently. While this adaptability serves them well, it can sometimes create instability in relationships if your shifting focus leads to misunderstandings.

♊︎⟶While 7th house Gemini are drawn to articulate and intelligent individuals, it’s equally important to embrace their own knowledge and creativity. Confidence in their intellectual and free-spirited nature helps them connect more authentically.

♊︎⟶6th house Gemini contagious enthusiasm and positive attitude inspire those around them. People are drawn to their zest for life and the lively spirit them bring to any situation.

♊︎⟶A love for learning drives 3rd house Gemini, especially in academic or structured settings. However, balancing multiple interests is key to avoiding overwhelm and ensuring tasks are completed efficiently.

♊︎⟶2nd house Gemini natives ability to adjust to any financial situation is one of their greatest strengths, allowing them to navigate challenges with ease and resilience.

♊︎⟶Adaptable, curious, and perceptive, Gemini Rising are quick thinkers with a love for variety and new experiences. Their restless energy drives them to seek excitement and avoid boredom, though it may lead to indecision and anxiety.

♊︎⟶8th house Gemini rational mind and resilience are powerful tools for overcoming these challenges. While the process of healing and emotional transformation may be difficult, their intelligence and self-awareness guide them toward healthier ways of relating to themself and others.

♊︎⟶In love, 7th house Gemini may lean toward rationality when faced with challenges, analyzing rather than fully feeling their emotions. Allowing yourself to experience the full spectrum of emotions enriches their relationships and personal growth.

♊︎⟶Gemini Ascendants often process their identity and experiences through a mental lens, thriving on logic and analysis. However, if emotions and desires are not acknowledged, they may struggle to achieve true self-understanding.

♊︎⟶With a sharp eye for detail, 6th house Gemini enjoy delving into complex projects and finding unique solutions. This ability makes them effective in both personal and professional endeavors.

♊︎⟶5th house Gemini analytical mind thrives on challenges, games, and mental stimulation. They enjoy hobbies that engage their intellect and creativity, bringing fun and excitement into your life.

♊︎⟶2nd house Gemini quick thinking and adaptability are assets, but focusing on one venture at a time rather than spreading yourself thin will prevent financial turbulence. Consolidating interests and streamlining efforts can enhance your financial success.

♊︎⟶11th house Gemini social life thrives on new encounters, especially when they travel, offering them ample opportunities to expand their circle.

♊︎⟶11th house Gemini aspirations and goals are likely to shift over time, and they are comfortable with this evolution. Embracing change in their personal and professional life allows them to adapt and pursue new opportunities. This flexibility is beneficial, as it keeps their mind engaged and their ambitions fresh.

♊︎⟶7th house Gemini deeply value intellectually stimulating conversations with their partner. Sharing ideas and learning from each other is essential to building fulfilling relationships. Their talent for engaging others keeps relationships lively and exciting.

♊︎⟶9th house Gemini thrive on keeping life interesting and constantly shifting directions in search of the next adventure. For them, exploration isn’t just a pastime—it’s a core motivation that keeps them energized and inspired.

♊︎⟶9th house Gemini ability to embrace change and new ideas is contagious, often inspiring those around them. However, their quick shifts in focus mean that companions must keep up with their fast-paced approach to exploring opportunities.

♊︎⟶Strong connections with family and neighbors are significant to 3rd house Gemini natives, and they prioritize staying in touch and maintaining harmony in these relationships.

♊︎⟶12th house Gemini should be prepared for the possibility of theft or intellectual property being taken without their permission. Though this might not always lead to major issues, it’s wise to be aware of the potential for such situations.

♊︎⟶11th house Gemini naturally attract a wide variety of friends, though their connections may not always be long-lasting.

♊︎⟶Objectivity and a conceptual view of success enable 10th house Gemini to define their professional aspirations on their own terms. They excel in roles that involve communication, whether through writing, speaking, or publishing, and they're likely drawn to careers that keep them mentally stimulated and engaged.

♊︎⟶3rd house Gemini excel in expressing their ideas clearly and persuasively, with a natural curiosity and a flexible mind that thrives on exploring diverse topics. Their sharp wit and engaging conversational style makes them a captivating communicator.

♊︎⟶6th house Gemini ability to think outside the box and adapt to changing circumstances is one of their greatest strengths, enabling them to navigate challenges with ease and creativity.

♊︎⟶It's important 12th house Gemini to be mindful of their emotions, particularly feelings of resentment or negativity that may arise unexpectedly, often linked to something said by a family member or neighbor. These feelings may not manifest immediately but could resurface in future interactions, so being aware of them can help them address any underlying issues before they escalate.

♊︎⟶Caring deeply about their health, 6th house Gemini may occasionally find themself overly concerned with maintaining it. Striking a balance between physical and mental well-being is key, and taking time to rest and recharge helps them sustain their vitality.

♊︎⟶5th house Gemini have an appreciation for beauty and sensory experiences, often indulging in activities that allow them to relax and express themself. Their love for creative pursuits and intellectual engagement keeps they free time fulfilling.

♊︎⟶7th house Gemini are attracted to funny, curious, and intellectually driven partners who share their sense of adventure. Someone who balances their free spirit with stability and commitment can create a harmonious and enduring bond.

♊︎⟶Maintaining intellectual connections with family is important to 4th house Gemini, often facilitated through conversations or technology. However, forming deep emotional bonds within the family may be more challenging.

♊︎⟶12th house Gemini need to be careful with written communication, as remarks made in documents or notes could potentially be used against them. This includes paying close attention to contracts and fine print to avoid misunderstandings that might put them at a disadvantage.

♊︎⟶A strong intellectual foundation, potentially influenced by Gemini Midheaven upbringing or opposite-sex parent, supports their sharp communication skills and sociable nature. This background contributes to their ability to form meaningful friendships and professional connections.

♊︎⟶Short trips and exploring new places bring 3rd house Gemini joy, fueling their curiosity and sense of adventure. These experiences often inspire fresh perspectives and ideas.

♊︎⟶2nd house Gemini should avoid mixing finances with family or neighbors, as it could lead to complications. While your logical approach to money is helpful, try not to overthink or create overly complex financial plans—simplicity can be just as effective.

♊︎⟶Others admire 9th house Gemini unique outlook on life, shaped by a diverse range of experiences. While some may see their constant movement as a lack of focus, their view it as a way to stay alert, active, and fully engaged in the world.

♊︎⟶With a wealth of ideas for generating income, 2nd house Gemini approach finances with intelligence and creativity. However, there’s a tendency to let money slip away, so practicing mindfulness with spending and saving can help create stability.

♊︎⟶11th house Gemini value intellectually stimulating individuals, particularly those in fields like journalism, publishing, or other areas of communication.

♊︎⟶In relationships, 5th house Gemini seek affection and depth, appreciating partners who care for them genuinely. While them enjoy treating loved ones to material comforts, their focus remains on building meaningful connections.

♊︎⟶Fields such as teaching, writing, transportation, and tourism are particularly promising for 2nd house Gemini natives. Exploring new investments or switching careers may also bring financial growth and satisfaction.

♊︎⟶12th house Gemini secret opponents are those who may be intelligent and strategic in their actions could be present, and it’s important to approach interactions with caution to avoid triggering conflicts. Maintaining awareness and discretion can help prevent misunderstandings and keep you focused on your own path.

♊︎⟶While 3rd house Gemini excel at noticing details, larger projects or seeing the "big picture" may be more challenging. Their open-mindedness and eagerness to explore new perspectives help them balance these tendencies.

♊︎⟶Socializing is important to 11th house Gemini for mental stimulation, and their thrive in environments where they're surrounded by diverse individuals.

♊︎⟶5th house Gemini success may come through fields such as technology, finance (stocks and bonds), media, or software. Their logical and clear-thinking nature serves them well in these areas, enabling them to navigate them effectively.

♊︎⟶Gemini Midheaven possess a natural adaptability and a wide range of interests that open many doors to success. Their curiosity and multifaceted talents make it hard to commit to a single goal, but this versatility allows them to thrive in diverse fields, particularly those that require mental agility and creative problem-solving.

(CC) AstroJulia Some Rights Reserved

[traumatrios]

imagine being the burnout kid at shiz.

it seems as if everyone around you knows what they wanted to be. some desired to be sorcerers, others studied for the sole purpose to return to shiz as a professor. of course, there were others who hadn’t decided their path yet, but what separated you from them was how optimistic they had been about their future and how ill you felt when you thought of yours.

you felt you held no promise for power; so positions like governess or, quite impossibly, the wizard, were out of the picture. you hated when those around you fell behind and asked the innocent question, “how do you do this?”. you never knew how to answer that question, the thoughts in your brain were far too hectic and indistinguishable to be translated into spoken words. so you always just shrugged your shoulders and replied, “i don’t know.”

you’d always been ahead of the curve, but recently, it felt as if you were tripping over your own mistakes. eventually, you’d been following everyone instead of leading them in the race of academic excellence.

that’s exactly what was happening. what were you doing here, at shiz, if you had no drive? no goals? it was quite disappointing, but for the most part, you were just… bored.

your feet were walking in circles, a neverending cycle of assignments and classes that would eventually lead you nowhere but some silly clerk or munchkinland farmer.

well, that was until a pristine magazine landed at your doorstep with the charming portrait of prince fiyero. with his prized reputation— and admittedly good looks —you never expected him to be just as dazed snd confused as you were about what’s to come.

you had ordinary memory retention, with the exception of meet-cutes, which is why your brain can’t seem to find the scene of how you and fiyero had met. had it been a week since then? a day? merely an hour? you couldn’t remember. the only thing occupying your mind— or rather, your mouth —was how ravenous his lips had been kissing yours whilst the two of you sat atop your dorm bed as your roommate, along with the majority of shiz, had been attending an exam for the marking period.

traumatrios

[theatrekidenergy]

There’s such a weird stereotype about therians that I’ve never seen anyone talk about.

And it’s that all therians are super creative, artsy, kids who (this is the part that confuses me) are all totally unathletic and don’t typically perform well in school..

Which just isn’t accurate in my case or any of the therians I know irl for the most part? Like put the academics aside for a second, if you already think all therians are in athletic you’re totally dismissing quads (which is an entirely other stereotype set by tiktok for the most part, that also is just laced in ableism from the get go because lots of therians physically can’t do quads.)

Like in my case I’m hella academic. I’m in a nationalally recognized honors society. I have a 4.0 on a 4.0 scale. I’m ranked in the top 5 students in my entire class. I’m an advanced figure skater. I workout daily. I’m a hiker. I honestly don’t even fit the artsy role as well because I’m not that good at art.

My friend is a cat therian. He’s very artsy yes, but he’s also an incredibly intelligent and well performing student. Beside that he’s a field and ice hockey player and he’s the best player on the team. So he definitely doesn’t fit the stereotype.

My friend who’s a deer therian? She’s proves both points right. She’s athletic and academic. My friend who’s a fox therian? He proves it right again. It’s a gymnast and also academic. My friend who’s a dog therian? He’s going to fucking Harvard as we speak.

So yeah, not all therians will fit the academic and athletic bit, but I’ve seen a disproportionate amount of people saying that if you’re a therian you can’t at all. It’s really frustrating, and it feels like the same thing about how all therians must do quads that all therians must also be super artsy and not excel in STEM for some reason?????? It’s so confusing????????? Like a lot of therians I know want to work in stem because it relates to animals even (like being a vet, marine biologist, etc.)

Anyways thank you for coming to my TED talk this is probably more of a rant so I appreciate you sticking around. Send over your thoughts. It’s like 5am and I woke up randomly so I don’t know if I’ll remember even writing this in a few hours when I wake up.

[jarl-deathwolf]

EXCELLENT!

Ooo that is a lot of FANTASTIC information, I pulled up a document and got to work taking notes. I'll have to spend some time sorting it out into a handy reference sheet but even as-is this will help a lot.

I'm really glad I asked because this includes a lot of details that I wouldn't even know to ask, like the acidic/neutral/alkaline distinctions between forests. Between that and the wet/dry divide, now I can look at a map of around where the characters are and sus out roughly what they're looking at. It really does take away a lot of the stress when

Better yet, it gives me options so I can pick some possible environments to suit what I need in the story. Like choosing a wet forest if I need treacherous terrain, or a Celtic Rainforest to enhance the splendor of a moment.

Best of all, this gives me a vocabulary of things that I can then look up references for, and a bank of plants and animals I can pull up to add life to a scene.

One thing I've really struggled with in this story has been giving the region its own distinct feel compared to other woodlands. Which is doubly important since the entire story revolves around people desperately trying to save it (and their culture) from being destroyed by colonization and conquest.

That section was pretty thorough, so I'll have to digest it for a while before I've got more questions there.

Anyway, getting into more specific comments, as well as the map, below:

(map by @noanieactuallydrawingalot) So this is the continent where the stories take place as a whole. I may or may not have made the Fells (Fantasy Wales) something like five times as large as its real counterpart. Here is more specifically the Fells, with the three big rivers named (I assume there are many more rivers and small lakes, these are just major ones) and the historic realms of the Fells marked out

I've tentatively named some broader regions, but I'm not confident about those just yet. Red dots denote major cities. The yellow line is where the old empire's borders were - those five Fellish realms are still fully under foreign rule, with four more ruled by Marcher Lords, which is just more tenuous foreign rule.

Let me know how I did with the geography and such! I've done a lot of free time studying and took a college course about it, but things like the effects of ocean currents and wind patterns always tripped me up. Anyway, I'm glad I ended up pretty close with Old Man Ash. I think he would be fine with the informal version - the other name he gets called in the story is Grandad, so I get the sense he cares more about people being comfortable in his presence than formality. Although keep me updated on if your inlaws have a different opinion - I'll need to contact my editor to update the PDF, so I'd rather do that just once. With what you said about broadleaves being exclusively what makes up the old growth forests, I wonder if that would mean that all Dagfolk would be based on broadleaves? 🧐 Since I'm sending pictures, here is the (now properly named) Hynafwr Onn:

(art by dinwardo over on twitter)

Before I move onto the next thing, just a quick question: I have another Dagfolk (like Grandad up there). His current placeholder name is the Great Oak, and he's considered the wisest and most powerful of the Dagfolk. A personal friend of King Arthur.

I don't suppose you'd have a suggestion for a name?

I am delighted that you bring up bards because I made the main character a Fellish bard by the name of Llywela ferch Marared. She plays a crwth and I like to have her make subtle references to Welsh songs like Sebona Fi and Yma O Hyd. I gave her uncommonly red hair to imply a connection with Annwyn.

(I realize that's not the usual spelling of Annwn, but I chose it so I wasn't directly cribbing mythology and making it harder for people to learn about those myths) I also have some commissioned art of Llywela, plus the Lady of the Lake and the Merlin analogue, for what it is worth. You mentioned faeries with the peat bogs. I don't think faeries will be making a huge appearance in this story (mostly just one knight), but I'd be glad to hear about Welsh-specific faerie lore if you've got it on hand.

You also said that cheeses were a big Welsh cultural touchstone. Are there Welsh specific varieties that you can tell me about? And what sort of dishes are they made into?

Also on that train of thought, you mentioned a plant that flavors mead - would that be the go-to alcohol of choice, or are there others floating around? Both for a lord's table and what you might find in an inn.

And thanks again for the response, this really has been a treasure trove of great information for me!

Hi hello! I'm writing a story in my original world, set in a Fantasy Wales. A King Arthur Returns type story, if that matters.

I was wondering if I could ask you some questions about Welsh ecology? And possibly also some cultural details?

Thanks ahead of time! And I understand if you decline or don't respond!

YES OH MY GOD YES HELLO

[nieceeee]

Can you do a story with ony about every time he buys her something she pays him back either in cash or getting him a gift just as expensive every time and he eventually catch’s on and asks her why to which she explains how at the end of her last relationship her ex was tryna to force her to pay him for “wasting his time” can it end in smut plz 🤭🤭😩

“ALL THE THINGS”

P/S: Most of your life your relationships have been transactional. You learned early on that nothing you get comes for free, especially with me. It was always a give and take. So when you got with Ony, you expected the same things. For every gift he got you, you made sure to double it because that's how the game goes right? Well Ony wasn't having that. He was going to get it through to you by any means necessary...

WC: 3.2k

A/N: DO NOT HATE ME! MNDI!! This took so much longer than I expected it to. But I hope you like it. It got me in my feelings a little bit ngl. Nicknames (pa, mamas, princess, babygirl) smutty, slight angst as well but there is smut and cute fluff, p in v, body worship, I think that’s all.

Life is about balance. The ebbs and flows are what makes the world go ‘round. Every action requires a reaction. It's a give and a take.

You took that literally.

Simply put, you have never known a love that wasn’t built on balance. And for as long as you could remember, every relationship you were involved in had been more of a checks and balances act that anything. It was all so…transactional.

See love has it's strings attached, no matter how the fairytales tries to spin it. It was an unwritten rule. In order to get what you wanted you had to give exactly that same thing or greater back. You needed to surpass expectations to have someone meet your own. You learned-- no, excelled at this. Now, could it have stemmed from deeper rooted insecurities of protecting yourself from being hurt. Sure.

I mean you were told at an early age from women in your life that nothing was truly free. Love, affections, kindness-- they all came with a cost. And you simply learned to play the game. Accept it with grace but never let them think they got one up on you. You remember the warning as clear as day. You kept your guard up, always matching every gesture, every gift, every ounce of attention you got from the people who mattered most. Because it had always been a give and take, and you’d be damned if you were ever the one left holding the bag.

Nonetheless this worked. It always worked. Until you met Ony.

Onyankopon came into your life like any other relationship would. He was sweet, charismatic, gentle. He was everything you could have ever asked for in a man. Patient, a rock when you needed him, and a safe space for you to just…be. When everything around you fell to chaos, he was the one thing that could lead you back into serenity. He quiet devotion to you was unmatched, making you feel seen and appreciated in every way a woman needed to be. Only was a simple gentleman who loved his lady. And he showed it even in the smallest of gestures--a hand-picked flower, a warm sweater on a cold day, a soft kiss on your forehead when you least expected it. It just felt right.

But with each gift, you felt a twinge of unease, a little tug in your chest. Those words repeating in your brain.

What was his endgame?

Ony loved you. Plain and simple. Anyone could see that. But yet you were so blinded by past hurt, you couldn’t step outside of your own head. Surely, he isn’t doing these things and expecting nothing back? No, it's just like before. So you did what you’ve always done. You matched him, made sure each gift was of equal or greater value. Yours needed to be more meaningful, more dramatic. You had to outdo him.

Every. Single. Time

It started early, a few weeks into your relationship--like when he bought you your favorite coffee from the cafe around the corner of your apartment that you loved so much. Of course you had to treat him to lunch the next day. “What’s this?” he asked when you walked in the house. He was working from home, headphones covering one of his ears. “I figured you were hungry so I wanted to bring you a treat.” you had replied. He smiled up at you, placing a gentle kiss against your temple. “Thank you baby girl.” his voice was soft with you, hands tracing gentle circles into your hips.

Further into your relationship, it continued. For you birthday, he bought you the beautiful tiffany princess cut diamond necklace that you were raving about one night as you scrolled on tiktok. “Omg, Pa look at this! It's gorgeous.” you had exclaimed. You saved it to your cart for you to buy later but he beat you to it. So what did you do? You bought him a Berluti Men’s leather jacket for his own birthday that you knew he had been eyeing for months.

But soon, the game escalated. You found yourself overthinking every little thing he did. Your mind wondering what you could give him in return. And no matter how hard you tried, you always felt like you had to top his gestures, matching him with something bigger, something better.

Ony had an inkling about your behavior for a while but he left it alone. Until your two year anniversary. That night, you sat together in his apartment, you hand him a gift--a black bag with two boxes inside. He smiles at you as he opens it up. Inside were two new grillz, one silver set and one gold set for his collection. His shocked expression morphed into a small smile of appreciation. “These are fire mamas, thank you so much.” he said before sitting them to the side. You smile bright at him “You deserve it baby.” you say to him.

Before you could even think, Ony placed the bag aside, reaching for a box from the table in front of him. You raised an eyebrow. "Hold up," Ony interrupted, his voice steady but serious. "I’ve got something for you too." He hands you the blue tiffany box with a bright white bow attached to the corner. “Wait,” you said, a little too quickly. “You didn’t get me anything else, did you? Because I just—"

He hands you the box, much smaller that the one you had given him. You hesitate for a moment as he opened it, revealing a stacked rose gold diamond ring. Your heart lurched in your chest. You blinked at the gift, unsure what to say. The ring was beautiful—perfect—but your immediate thought was that you needed to do better. Your mind raced, running through possible gifts you could return with, how you could top this beautiful piece of jewelry. Your instinct to outdo him kicked in, but then you saw the look on his face. He wasn’t waiting for you to match him.

“Ony…” you started, your voice wavering slightly. “I can’t just... take this. You know I—"

“Yeah, I know,” he said softly, cutting you off, his voice low. “That’s the problem.”

You blinked, confused. “The problem?” He sighed “I’ve been watching for a while and I didn’t know if I was for sure until now.” He lets you sit the box to the side and waits until you turn back towards him. “I noticed it a while back. The way your face contorts when you see me get you something. And before I know it you’ve repaid the favor.” he explains. “I mean we are in a relationship baby. That's what we do.” You attempt to laugh it off.

He leaned forward, his gaze steady as he watched you, his dark eyes soft but intense. “You’re not getting it, are you?” he said quietly, shaking his head. “You think everything has to be a transaction. That if I give you something, you have to give me something back. But that’s not how it works with me. Not with us.” he says “Ony, I’m not…” you speak up but you’re cut off

“Even in our bedroom. It’s like I can’t even please you without you feeling as if you need to outperform me.” He says. Your chest tightens at that statement. You hadn’t realized how much this had affected your relationship. You could see it now the wear and tear it was causing him. “Like don't get me wrong baby I love when we fuck but…sometimes I just want to make love to you.” he says gently.

You looked down at the ring, your fingers nervously tracing the gold, feeling the weight of his words. Your heart skipped a beat as you tried to process them.

“I don’t want you to match me,” Ony continued, his voice gentle but firm. “I’m not giving you this because I expect something in return. I’m giving it to you because I want to. Because I love you. And I don’t need anything back. Not right now, not ever.”

You swallowed hard, his words sinking deep. A lump formed in your throat as you felt the sting of emotion build up inside you. Ony wasn’t playing the game. He was giving you something real. Something without strings attached. Yet you struggled to accept it.

“I...” You found it hard to speak, the words getting caught in your throat. “I don’t know how to accept that. I’ve always had to give something back. I’ve always had to prove...”

“You don’t need to prove anything to me,” he interrupted softly, reaching out to take your hands in his, his touch warm and grounding. “Look,” he said gently. “I don’t know who he is that made you feel like this. Or who they were that told you that this is the only way you can receive love. It’s not.” He says softly ”But you don’t understand. It not okay for you to do for me and I don’t do for you.” You attempt to explain tears burning your eyes. “You can do for me. But do for me because you love me and appreciate me. Not because you feel like you have something to prove.”

“You don’t have to keep playing that game, baby. You’re enough just as you are. I love you, and that’s not conditional. It’s not about what you give me. It’s about what we give each other. And if you can’t accept that, then we need to have a different conversation.”

Your heart ached, a flood of emotions threatening to spill over. You had spent so much of your life protecting yourself, hiding behind the walls of your own expectations, and here was Ony, asking you to tear them down. To let him love you without the conditions you had always set in place.

You took a shaky breath, feeling the warmth of his hands around yours. “I’m scared,” you whispered, your voice trembling.

“I know,” he replied, his voice tender, the understanding in his eyes never wavering. “But you don’t have to be anymore. You don’t have to do anything, or be anyone, to deserve my love. You’ve got me. No strings attached.”

And with those few words, you felt the walls inside you begin to crack. The tears you had been holding back finally spilled over as you let out a shaky breath, feeling the full weight of his words settle in your chest.

He caresses your head gently, kissing away your tears. You don’t move, allowing him to nurture you. Ony pulls you closer to him. Kissing down to your lips. After a few minutes, you pull back. “Your lips are salty.” you giggle. Laughter fills the air as tension leaves both your bodies. Ony picks the box up and opens it, the ring on full display. “Ony…” you start. “This is my vow to you. My vow to love you endlessly if you let me. To give you all of me and more. No questions asked. My promise that you have all of me.” he slips the ring onto your finger. “It's beautiful baby. Thank you.” you lean up and press a kiss against his lips. His kisses you gently, pulling your bottom lip into his mouth.

You whimper in his touch. “Ony.” you speak breathlessly. He hums before kissing you again. Heat rises in your body as his hands trail up your thighs. You whine, wiggling closer to him. Ony pulls back a bit from you. “Wha…” you startle. “I want you to allow me to love you and please you without conditions. Can you do that for me?” He asks. You look into his eyes burning with sincerity and a sense of newfound peace washes over you. “Yes” you answer and you feel yourself being lifted up. You smile as Ony carries you back into your bedroom and places you gently on the bed.

“Just let me worship you baby. Like you deserve.”

He speaks before gently removing your clothes. His eyes rake over your body, taking in the curves of every part of you. “Fuck, you're so fucking pretty.” he said, hands caressing every part of you. His fingertips trace your neck and down to your nipples, circling them gently. Your back lifts from the bed but he presses you back down carefully. “Relax mamas, let me take care of you.” he cooes, continuing his descent down your body. His feather light fingers move down your torso and to your thighs. He draws gentle shapes into your inner thighs, massaging your body to loosen you up. “Breathe deep for me mamas. In and out. Focus on your breathing.” he whispers before moving his head down to your pussy.

His nose grazes against your clit and your body jolts. Ony’s thick hands come back up and flatten you back against the mattress again. “Relax baby. Keep breathing for me.” You will your body to relax as he resumes his actions. Nose grazing against the meaty flesh, he begins to pepper soft kisses along your skin. Tantric breathing methods allow your body to release the tension you held in your muscles as Ony’s lips press against your already wet one. He makes out with your pussy, softly tugging your lips into his mouth and using his tongue to flick your clit ever so often.

“Fuck pa. Right there. Don’t stop.” you whine. Ony’s kisses are slow and deliberate. His pace is steady, tongue dragging from opening to clit, like a cat lapping at it's milk. “You so fucking sweet.” he growls into your pussy, warm breath blowing into your pussy. Your pussy clenches around nothing, causing more of your juice to pour out, landing right on his tongue. “Fuck.” You gasp for air. Your toes shape into ‘C’s as Ony explores your body. Mouth pleasuring you as his hands grip and knead at your flesh. Your juices drip down his chin as he slurps you down, soft moans release from his chest at the sight of your arousal. Ony’s dick hardens as he presses his hips into the mattress to relieve pressure while he honors your body. Your eyes roll back as your head presses back into the pillow, breathing doing little to keep shivers from racing through your body.

“Ony baby, please.” you whine, hips grinding against his face while his tongue fucks your center. Your pussy so wet, the sounds echoing through the room as she sings sweet music to him. Ony was in a trance, getting lost in your essence. The speed of his tongue increases causing sparks to sizzle underneath your skin, alerting your body of the pending release. Your moans get louder as your breathing gets heavy, Your hands reach down to grip the back of his head, hips stuttering against his face. “Ony, Fuck Pa, I’m gonna cum.” You’re borderline groveling as your body begins to convulse, saccharine secretions glaze his beard as you call out his name.

You struggle to catch your breath as Ony finally comes up for hair, lickign you from his lips. “You ready for me baby?” he asks, dick hardened beneath his boxers. “I-...” you breaths still trying to level themselves out, “Are you sure you don't need me to help you baby?” you manage to push out between breaths. “No mamas. Just let me praise you like the muse you are.” his deep praises caress the deepest parts of your heart, mending unspoken wounds with each word. He steps forward, pulling his dick from his boxers and gently slapping your swollen clit with his tip. “You’re my princess, yeah?” he asks softly looking down at the gold mine between your legs. “Y-yes.” you respond to him. “Remember that. Always.” he slips his tip through your entrance. “Onyyyy, fuck baby.” you body clenches, attempting to pull him in deeper. “Tell me you deserve it baby.” his eyes meet yours, brown irises burning with intensity. “I deserve iitttt…” your words drag as he sheaths himself all the way inside you.

“You deserve it all baby girl. You’re so fucking precious to me.” the sweet words contrast with the thickness of his voice as his hips jut forward, strokes deepening and increasing in speed. Only’s hands trail your body, one hand coming up to gentle press against your throat as the other locks your wrists above your head. His body leans closer, strokes shallowing as his hips grind into yours, words of praise whispered against your skin as he caters to every need that your body requests. Both bodies move in tandem as breaths deepen and arousals heighten. You feel your body teetering on the edge of another climax. Only can tell by the way your pussy grips him desperately, craving him.

“Ony, I’m..I’m c-close.” you cry out, body begging for him. “It's okay. Give it to me princess.” he commands. “Bless me with your essence baby. Release it all for me.”

You don't register the sounds being released are yours until your body starts to shake in his arms. Tears fall from the corners of your eyes slipping down your face and around your ears. Bed wet with your tears and your release as your aura explodes from inside of you. Ony’s breaths choppy as he requests, “Can I pour into you princess?” he whispers brokenly into your ear. Words don’t come so you feverishly nod your head in agreement. His growl follows his nut as you feel your pussy warm from his release coating your gummy walls. You both sit, holding each other as you come down from your high.

After a moment, Ony raises up. “All good or one more?” He asks using his thumb to swipe the tears from your eyes. “All good Pa. Thank you.” You let out. Ony rises up and goes into the bathroom. Your eyes flutter open and closed as you let yourself calm down. He returns with a warm towel and works on cleaning you up. He replaces your clothes with a warm t shirt of his and gets fresh blankets for the bed.

You sit and allow it. It feels good being on this side. Your heart feels light as you watch him move around the room getting everything comfortable for you. “Better?” He asks. “Better.” You repeat as a response. “Good. Now take your pretty ass down while I go get you something to eat.”

Ony didn’t ask for anything in return. He gave freely, unconditionally. And maybe, for the first time in your life, you realized you could do the same. He came back in the room with your food and slipped underneath the covers with you, pulling your body in his warmth. You pulled him into an embrace, wrapping your arms around him tightly, as if trying to hold onto the love he was offering you.

“I love you,” you whispered, your voice muffled against his chest.

“I love you too,” Ony murmured, holding you even tighter, as if he never wanted to let go.

In that moment, everything changed. You didn’t need to play the game anymore. You didn’t need to prove anything. You just needed to accept what was right in front of you: a love that was simple, pure, and free from the weight of expectations.

And for the first time in your life, it was enough.

[smileposting]

what are your feelings on inspekta being both a sympathetic character and a (now former) fascist?

WELL. first of all, i think it's Probably worth noting that even while GGG's representation of the conditions that can give rise to fascism are Uncannily accurate at times (as outlined in this very excellent post by elkian) it is Also a story in which the central message is "maybe talk to your friends instead of conspiracy-posting when you start to feel bad about yourself, dipshit," and therefore its representation of fascism/fascist thought As A Whole is very... how do i say this without sounding disparaging. "saturday morning cartoon"-esque. i think this is pretty apparent in how the worst that the bizzyboys' reign of terror ever gets is banning The Concept Of Art and not, like. genocide. the only Actual fatal threat (the rift) is saved for the very end, and inspekta/hector is talked down before it can actually cause any fatalities -- otherwise, inspekta and the bizzyboys would be very different antagonists that would require the narrative to treat them much more harshly, and this would result in a very different game overall (although not one i would be opposed to playing.)

second of all, i wanna talk more about the idea of GGG being less of a game about taking down a single power-hungry fascist and more an examination of the conditions that can eventually lead to fascism if left unchecked. for just one example, we can see that even before inspekta came into power (or at least, before he started his corruption arc) and even in a world where every god is genuinely kind and just and deserving of their position, it was generally The Norm to not really call them out To Their Face - any displeasure a character voices with a god's (apparent) decision is directed to each other and the godpoke, not to the god themselves, even when that god is perfectly open to visitors and/or feedback. and this is bad because despite the gods no longer being Physically human, they are still just as fallible - they have a tendency to jump to conclusions, they let their devotion to their interests or one another cloud their judgement, they struggle with showing vulnerability (which, ironically, makes them more vulnerable than they would be otherwise.) not only does the grove benefit from regular contact with the gods to make sure that their needs are being met -- it benefits the gods, too, by way of keeping them from getting lost in their own heads and losing touch with their own humanity.

i think it's also worth noting that the bizzyboys are not the only characters we see buying into fascist rhetoric, or at least stuff that benefits fascism in the long run. you could argue that anyone who bought into inspekta's framing of king in the first place also counts, given that to do so would probably Also require one to believe that the gods are infallible. it's also worth noting that a Lot of the more notable supporting characters who fall into this are also doing so out of a profound sense of alienation; saul can't remember the last time he talked to any of his friends and he thinks nobody takes him seriously, pollina's students don't sound like they're being taught much of anything about milldread's history and therefore they have very little to actually connect them to milldread, nobody likes rick brick and he has no interiority to speak of By Design, etc etc. all of these characters, however, are also treated with a fair amount of empathy - ol' bloom turns out to be Correct in believing that saul doesn't have what it takes to kill him and once the issue of the harvest is solved, he's welcomed back with open arms, pollina's students are like 8, and even rick brick's story ends with him beginning to realize that maybe it's okay if a story only appeals to its author and nobody else.

tl;dr: if ggg was even Slightly less cartoony than it actually is, this aspect of inspekta would come across as pretty jarring, but given the aspects of fascism that GGG chooses to focus on and how it treats smaller antagonists, i can't really imagine inspekta's story ending any other way. if i Did have any actual concerns, i'd say maybe it's that the bizzyboys being from the drain + the drain having such a negative connotation can get kinda dicey? something about the idea of fascism being an Evil Foreign Entity and not something that can just as easily start at home doesn’t sit quite right with me. but ofc a lot of emphasis is placed on the bizzyboys' humanity and potential to do good if not for inspekta's own Complexes getting the better of him (and even inspekta's own genuine capacity for leadership before that happened) so that's probably more of a potential bone to pick with fanwork, given how little exploration drain actually Gets in canon.

also i hope this doesn't Need to be said but just to be clear: i'm not trying to like, call out limbolane or Inspekta Himself, just examining what this aspect of his character was trying to Accomplish + how it relates to the game's themes and such. with that said i am very much still a novice when it comes to political analysis of media so if anybody more well-read than me wants to chime in, Please feel free to do so lol.

[bestanimal]

Round 2 - Chordata - Reptilia

(Sources - 1, 2, 3, 4)

Reptilia is a class of tetrapods that includes Rhynchocephalia (an order that dates back to the Middle Triassic, but is today only represented by one species: the Tuatara), Squamata (lizards and snakes), Testudines (turtles), and Archosauria (crocodilians and birds).

Reptiles have four limbs (two of which evolved into wings in birds and some of which were lost in snakes and some lizards). Most species lay eggs, though some squamates give live birth. Reptile eggs are surrounded by membranes for protection and transport, which adapt them to reproduction on dry land. Rhynchocephalians, squamates, and turtles have a three-chambered heart, while archosaurs have a four-chambered heart. Non-avian reptiles all exhibit some form of cold-bloodedness, and have limited physiological means of keeping a constant body temperature, often relying on external sources of heat. Many reptiles have lungs that are ventilated almost exclusively by the axial musculature: the same musculature that is used during locomotion. Because of this, most squamates are forced to hold their breath while running. Crocodilians, birds, monitor lizards, and iguanas have a muscular diaphragm that is analogous to the mammalian diaphragm, freeing space for the lungs to expand. How turtles and tortoises breathe has been the subject of much study, with varied results indicating they have found a variety of solutions to this problem. Reptilian skin is covered in a horny epidermis, making it watertight and enabling reptiles to live on dry land, in contrast to amphibians. This skin can be protected by scales, scutes, or feathers (which are modified scales). Reptiles shed their skin through a process called ecdysis which occurs continuously throughout their lifetime. Meanwhile birds moult their feathers, usually once or twice a year and not all at once. Reptiles usually have excellent vision, allowing them to detect shapes and motions at long distances. Birds, crocodiles and turtles have three types of photoreceptor, which give them sharp color vision and enables them to see ultraviolet light. Rhynchocephalians and many squamates also have a photosensory organ on the top of their heads called the parietal eye, which cannot form images, but is sensitive to changes in light and dark and can detect movement. Some snakes have extra sets of sensory organs in the form of heat-sensitive pits. Most reptiles possess a nictitating membrane, a translucent third eyelid which is drawn over the eye from the inner corner. In crocodilians, it protects the eyeball surface while allowing for vision underwater. However, many squamates lack eyelids, which are instead replaced by a transparent scale. This is called the brille, and it protects the eyes from dust and dirt. Living reptiles range in size from the Jaragua Dwarf Gecko (Sphaerodactylus ariasae) which can grow up to 17 mm (0.7 in) to the Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) which can reach over 6 m (19.7 ft) in length and weigh over 1,000 kg (2,200 lb).

The earliest known proto-reptiles originated from the Carboniferous period, with the earliest known eureptile ("true reptile") being Hylonomus from the Late Carboniferous. As stated above, Rhynchocephalians first appeared in the Middle Triassic. Megachirella, a stem-squamate, lived in the Middle Triassic as well, though more modern squamates, like Cryptovaranoides, are not seen until the Late Triassic. Turtles are not seen until the Late Jurassic, though stem-group turtles are found from the Middle Jurassic. Pseudosuchians date back to the Early Triassic and dinosaurs to the Late Triassic. However, crocodilians (the last remaining group of pseudosuchians) and birds (the last remaining group of dinosaurs) are both more recent, originating in the Cretaceous.

Propaganda under the cut:

For centuries, reptiles and amphibians were treated as the same class of animals, with the words even used interchangeably. It wasn’t until the beginning of the 19th century that it was understood that reptiles and amphibians were very different groups of animal. However, reptiles and amphibians are still studied under the same branch: Herpetology.

Since herbivorous reptiles do not have chewing teeth like mammals, many species swallow rocks and pebbles (called gastroliths or “gizzard stones” in birds) to aid in digestion: The rocks are washed around in the stomach, helping to grind up plant matter. Saltwater Crocodiles also use gastroliths as ballast, stabilizing them in the water or helping them to dive.

Some reptiles are capable of reproducing via parthenogenesis, in which the embryo develops directly from an egg without need for fertilization. The New Mexico Whiptail (Aspidoscelis neomexicanus) is most famous for this, being an all-female species. Other all-female or almost all-female species include the Mourning Gecko (Lepidodactylus lugubris), Indo-pacific Gecko (Hemidactylus garnotii), some other Whiptails (Cnemidophorus), Caucasian Rock Lizards (Darevskia), and the Brahminy Blindsnake (Indotyphlops braminus). While not the primary means of reproduction, parthenogenesis has also been observed occurring in Komodo Dragons (Varanus komodoensis), Argus Monitors (Varanus panoptes), boas, pythons, filesnakes, gartersnakes, pit vipers, Domestic Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo domesticus), Domestic Chickens (Gallus domesticus), Domestic Pigeons (Columba livia domestica), a California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus), and one American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus). This most often happens in human care when the reptile does not have access to a male, but it has been observed occurring in the wild as well.

While most birds are well-known for being caring parents, some non-avian reptiles also parent their young. Crocodilians make large nests for their eggs, guard the nests, and then carry the babies in their mouths to the water once they hatch. Male Gharials (Gavialis gangeticus) will guard the nests of communal hatching sites, even taking interest in the juveniles and carrying them around on their back. Pythons incubate their eggs by coiling around them, “shivering” to generate heat. Many rattlesnakes, which give live birth, will stay with their young until their first shed.

Meanwhile, Megapodes are a family of birds that build large mounds to incubate their eggs and then leave them, taking the sea turtle approach. Their chicks eventually dig themselves out of the mounds and are able to run, pursue prey and, in some species, fly on the day they hatch. The Maleo (Macrocephalon maleo) is a megapode which buries its eggs in volcanic soil or sandy beaches, allowing the sun or geothermal energy to incubate its eggs.

Some birds, particularly corvids and parrots, are intelligent to the level of young humans, being able to use tools, solve puzzles, do math, plan for the future, and make decisions as a group.

There’s like a million other things I could say here, but I’d hopefully like to save some for if this class makes it to the next round!

[utilitycaster]

I don't know if you are doing controversial opinions still, but I've needed to get this one off my chest for a while. I think Dani is an excellent lore keeper for CR, but her intense involvement in CR twitter actively hinders some 4SD conversations, especially around relationships and shipping.

I am (I am still about half an hour out from my home train stop) and. yes but I would not put this entirely on her. Like, off the top of my head, the idea of "Did she know?" being someone other than Liliana or making a big deal of Relvin not specifically saying "I love you" is, and I say this as someone who not only watched the entirety of the original Gossip Girl but read the TV Without Pity summaries religiously and who is under no illusion that Critical Role is highbrow, Gossip Girl Level analysis, and those should not have made it to 4SD.

However, I also have felt that in general, even with the cast cutting down DRAMATICALLY on their responsiveness on Twitter (which is a good thing to be clear) CR needs much, much stronger vetting of their questions. Almost every panel has some question that boils down to "if the circumstances were wildly different would my ship have happened"; there was that one person that basically asked Liam to reveal his mental health diagnoses; I find that a lot of the fireside chats fail to separate out "things only this person can answer" and "questions you could probably find on a corgi/DMing/Burning Man subreddit in five seconds". And I am fairly confident that is a lot of stuff well outside Dani's purview. Obviously 4SD would benefit by treating Black Heart Purple Heart Twitter as the bucket of brain-melting solvent fumes it is, but there's a larger conversation to be had of like, how does one exist as a crew member and a fan of the show with one's own preferences while also serving the entire fandom, not just the ones who don't know how to act and therefore cross the most boundaries.

[amazingspider-z]

In which it turns out that subverting a curse to your own ends may lead to some long lasting side effects.

Or:

AU where all the months Okarun spent using Turbo Granny's powers bled over to his own aura, and turned him into a yokai/hanyou in his own right even after the termination of the deal.

His new form still resembles his original cursed form, since that's the pattern his aura is used to following, with some changes/reversing of color schemes to better match his own aura instead of being 'cloaked' by Turbo Granny's, and even before the realization that he had his own developing well of power, the longer he spent as a vessel the more bleed over effects he carried onto his human form (i.e. hair that not only is similar in texture to his yokai form, but also in length, and some other fun extras like pointy ears/teeth/nails and an-in Momo's opinion entirely unnecessary growth spurt)

And speaking of Momo-if Okarun gets some bleedover effects, so should she, because she deserves it so: facial markings (that are matchy-matchy with Okarun's because no they aren't subconsciously mirroring, why do you ask) that glow and get bigger with active use.

Finally, shout outs to @wazzappp, particularly for the psychic markings idea, and chaotic_quibits excellent fic Gazing into the Abyss, which also has the idea of Okarun turning into a yokai as a result of his possession, and which definitely inspired some of the bleedover traits Okarun exhibits when he's human

[yanderes-galore]

Yandere Baelon i Targaryen concept

Well... He's certainly going to be a handful if his lore says anything....

Yandere! Baelon Targaryen Concept

(Son of Jaehaerys I)

Pairing: Romantic

Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling/AFAB, Obsession, Manipulation, Touchy behavior, Courting, Possessive behavior, SFW breeding kink (AFAB Section), Violence, Murder, Aemon enables him a bit, Mature themes, Brief mention of Targcest, Pregnancy mention (AFAB Section), Blood, Murder, Some angst, Forced relationship.

Baelon The Brave... The brother of Aemon and rider of Vhagar.

He's always been brave and fierce, following his older brother's every move.

Actually, he and his brother were often considered inseparable.

He followed Aemon's footsteps and often trained beside him.

Baelon is described as being loud, brave/bold, and... lustful.

Yes, such a trait isn't uncommon in Targaryens, but...

He seems to enjoy it quite a bit.

Despite such a tendency, he was nowhere near promiscuous.

In his lore it seems like he was quite loyal to his wife.

Actually, I don't doubt he was, considering he never bedded another after her. Or even remarried.

Baelon is demanding... yet loyal, similar to his brother.

Yet Aemon was never as demanding as Baelon.

I imagine Baelon is more flirtatious than Aemon is.

He courts his obsession, yes, but also doesn't mind making certain comments.

Which ends up with Aemon knocking him on the back of the head.

I can see you being a friend of Aemon and Baelon, similar to Aemon's concept.

You're from another house loyal to Targaryen rule and often come for diplomatic meetings due to your father.

Which leads you to be close to the two princes.

That, or if you really want to go the full Targaryen way, maybe you're also a Targaryen.

Baelon would be obsessed with whether you were betrothed or not.

He no doubt knew you since childhood, so him being betrothed to you by his parents makes him ecstatic.

Even if you aren't into it.

If you aren't betrothed, Baelon will probably get Aemon to help him court you.

He's an excellent fighter... a dragon rider... What else could you want?

He even becomes Hand of The King later in his life.

Baelon may make flirtatious or lewd comments... but only ever acts on them when you're betrothed.

Oh, and he'll find a way to get you two betrothed.

Aemon will no doubt help him, as his older brother no doubt believes you two have a good bond.

Even if you're betrothed to another... Baelon is a Targaryen.

He's persistent... He'll find a way to have your parents cut off the engagement.

Maybe Aemon manages to convince your parents a marriage with Baelon would benefit them more?

Aemon is much more diplomatic than Baelon is.

He'll help his younger brother get the partner he wants with words before Baelon does anything hasty.

Yet words might not be enough for Baelon.

Baelon may still get rid of your betrothed with his sword.

That, or feed them to Vhagar, if he really doesn't like them.

Baelon would hunt down anyone who felt they had a chance with you.

He still would even after you're betrothed.

Targaryens are known for dealing with issues using Fire and Blood.

It's their saying for a reason, and Baelon's always been a fierce warrior.

It's said when his brother Aemon was killed, he rode Vhagar and burned countless men to avenge him.

In that case, I can see him deciding to burn those he doesn't like around you in secret.

Or if he really wishes... He'll dirty his blade in their blood.

Once betrothed to Baelon, he will try his best to get you used to him.

He promises to protect you and care for you.

He promises pleasures much better than any lover you could ever have.

No one will touch his beloved... not with Vhagar by his side.

Vhagar herself is rather neutral towards you.

She isn't really protective... but listens to her rider's orders (She might feel differently if you were Visenya's obsession)

Baelon is oddly patient when it comes to the months before your wedding.

He can tell you're worried but encourages you.

He's the second heir to the throne... being with a Targaryen is something most other Houses yearn for.

Most betrothals are just out of duty and are unhappy...

But to Baelon, marrying you is out of love.

While to you, it's a reluctant duty.

You know you care about Baelon, but the idea of being his spouse is daunting.

Nevertheless, Baelon always calls you brave for it.

Like you ever had a choice.

Your stress only grows as the date ticks down.

Baelon is doing his best to ease you, holding you close and whispering how he'll be the perfect husband for you.

But you no doubt have seen what he's capable of.

Baelon, like any Targaryen, is ruthless.

He's possessive like the dragon he rides.

You don't doubt by the time you're properly married... He isn't leaving your side.

In fact, with his nature, you may be spending most of your time in his chambers.

Sure, maybe you should consider yourself lucky...

Baelon loves you and would never take another partner that isn't you.

Yet part of you wish he would so you could have some alone time.

By the time you're married and he presses his lips to yours...

Your fate is sealed.

Baelon promises to be gentle, to worship you as his spouse as he does his duty as his father's Hand.

You only dread the thought... You wish you were married to another House...

Maybe then things would feel less daunting... maybe then no one would die because of his possessive tendencies.

AFAB Section (Slightly Mature)

As expected of Baelon's nature, he wastes no time in consummating the marriage.

As he said before, he's gentle, often praising you.

He tells you he wants many heirs from you.

He's similar to his father in that sense, always wanting children and being rather demanding.

You and your husband are often together when he isn't on duty.

Like most Targaryens, he no doubt has a thing for making heirs with his obsession.

He was always described as lustful, after all.

Baelon is very attentive to you when you carry his heirs.

If we're going based on canon... I imagine you'd give birth to at least Viserys and Daemon.

Baelon always wants to give you heirs.

It's like a strange form of bonding for him.

Yet he'll relent when you say you aren't into it.

He cares about you, after all.

While he's someone who enjoys heirs...

He doesn't want you in any pain.

It's sort of scary how similar he is to his father.

Although, he has admitted he wants a daughter too....

Baelon dedicates himself to protecting you and your sons.

Even if you miscarry due to pregnancy complications, Baelon is right by your side to reassure you.

"It's okay, love... We'll try again another time."

Baelon is overly affectionate, his grip tight as he sleeps beside you.

You're always smothered by him... always kept isolated...

Right up until one of you perishes.

Either one of you would free you from your isolation.

Yet part of you wants to stay with your sons....

Either way, Baelon is a possessive man...

You are his queen, even if he isn't king yet...

You will always be right by his side, even if he has to drag you, right up until you die.

[certified-eureka-posts]

About this blog!!

Hi! This is a sideblog for me to dump posts that remind me of Eureka: Investigative Urban Fantasy, an excellent system for tabletop mystery games developed by @anim-ttrpgs. Below the cut is information about Eureka, its creators, myself, and what to expect out of this blog.

What is Eureka?

Eureka: Investigative Urban Fantasy is an indie tabletop roleplaying game by the very talented team at @anim-ttrpgs, focused on providing mechanical support for stories where characters investigate mysteries, as well as allowing for the presence of supernatural phenomena and characters. In my opinion, it is the most elegant, cohesive, and interesting TTRPG system that I have ever read or played in terms of its mechanics, storytelling capabilities, and even its perspectives on society as a whole. This blog is, more or less, "propaganda" convincing people to give the game a shot – I'm not affiliated with its creators in any way other than being acquainted with them through their work and online communities, but I love the game and its community, and I'd love to see it succeed, so I want to share an idea of what it is and why I like it.

What makes Eureka such a great system?

A whole lot! Its systems are deeply elegant, creating a game where players can piece together mysteries alongside their investigators in a grounded world that still leaves space for supernatural intrigue. Combat is swift and strategic, but deadly if you go in without a plan. Investigations can be complex, but even the stickiest of situations don't require railroading to keep players on track. Mundane and supernatural characters alike have access to unique abilities, quirks, and skills that make each character feel distinct in mechanics as much as in flavor. The game interacts with the real world by way of fiction in a way that's refreshing and endlessly fascinating.

Systems like Eureka! moments (which allow investigators to retroactively learn information from a previously failed roll) and the streamlined character creation system allow the game to run smoothly and efficiently without getting overly bogged down, and mechanics like the Composure meter (representing an investigator's energy level and state of mind) and the Success/Partial Success/Failure resolution mechanic create an interesting element of risk where player choices matter a lot.

On top of all that, Eureka includes rules for supernatural characters that beautifully integrate the themes, traits, and abilities of classic folkloric or media monsters, making for intriguing secrets, hard choices, and a lot of variety in the gameplay of different investigators. (Most of this is already true of mundane non-supernatural characters, but it's carried through into the lens of vampires and other monsters very elegantly.)

I'd love to see the tabletop gaming scene as a whole take notes from Eureka's handling of a lot of different problems, and I'm constantly excited to see what their team comes up with next. If you ever want to run a mystery story in a tabletop game (especially if systems like D&D 5e have disappointed you on that front), I would seriously recommend Eureka as the game to use for that purpose, and if you're interested in the hobby at all, I would recommend reading Eureka as a way to get valuable insight into the thought process that goes into game design in the tabletop space.

What can I expect to see on this blog?

This blog is for basically any post I see that makes me think of Eureka. Most of the time, that includes references to the monsters and phenomena referenced in the rules about supernatural characters – posts about vampires, werewolves, witches, and alien shapeshifters, for example, are often right at home here. In particular, posts about these kinds of supernatural beings being normal people and living normal lives tend to remind me of Eureka. Other things that are reminiscent of Eureka include noir and neo-noir aesthetics, which the game owes a lot to, and popular detective media, which is ultimately its core inspiration.

Who runs this blog?

I'm Nora, my main blog is @mc-cookies, and I am just a fan of Eureka. I'm not directly affiliated with the creators (hell, they don't remotely have the budget to make me advertise for them), but they and the rest of the community are super nice people who have a lot of insight about the process of making and playing tabletop games.

Who makes Eureka, and how do I support them?

Eureka is an amazing game, and independent tabletop designers across the board do a ton of work to make art that I enjoy a lot, but unfortunately it's not the most welcoming market to be in. Wizards of the Coast, and by extension Hasbro, has what is effectively a monopoly on the TTRPG hobby in the form of D&D, and it's hard for new creators to break into the space because of that. Eureka is made by ANIM TTRPGs, a very small group of designers taking on a very large project. While they're gearing up for the full release of Eureka and preparing their next projects, any support is helpful to them.

To read Eureka, visit their itch.io page to download a fully playable beta version on a pay-what-you-can basis! Even free downloads can support the game by bumping Eureka on itch's algorithm and getting it recommended to more people.

To support ANIM more, consider subscribing to their Patreon, which will grant you access to more frequent updates of the Eureka beta, as well as concept art, previews of their future projects, and a community discord server.

To give on a one-time basis, use ANIM's ko-fi page to donate to them more directly. Right now they're also taking donations to add custom characters into the rulebook as possible random encounters, and ko-fi is the place to go for that!

If you just want to interact with the team at ANIM and learn more about the work that they're doing, give them a follow here on tumblr at @anim-ttrpgs – their blog has similar content to this one, as well as regularly posting excerpts of the rules, answering people's questions, and discussing the broader tabletop gaming hobby.

And last but certainly not least, ANIM also runs a TTRPG Book Club server on Discord, which is excellent for finding RPGs to read and play and people to read and play them with, and is a great place to interact with other people who are interested in indie TTRPGs (including ANIM's staff and other fans of their work).

What's the deal with your avatar?

That is a "snoop", a stylized human figure serving as the mascot of Eureka! Designed by @theblackwarden, these little guys appear throughout the rulebook to graphically represent various mechanics, and they're very fun designs. This one, in particular, represents the "anime wolfgirl", which is a humanoid form that wolfman (aka "loup-garou" or "Hollywood werewolf") investigators can take, reserving only their ears, tails, and claws.

I have more questions!

My ask box is open! Have fun checking out the other posts around this blog :)

[rae-butter]

Something that's really important to establish in characters is how they deal with pain, both physical and emotional. How do they deal with physical pain? Do they ask for help, or are they stubborn? What is their pain threshold?

What about emotional pain? What emotional aches are they familiar with (i.e. a character who deals with anxiety a lot might not react well to depression, a character who's been through a lot of grief might not bode well with betrayal)? Do they close themselves off, or are they inconsolable? Are they angry or grieving? Do they bottle it up, and for how long (for example, my best record for bottling something is a year)?

I'll juxtapose two characters for you here:

Elle Smith (my Encrypted Systems series)

deals with physical pain by shutting it off, doesn't even react most of the time due to her training an as an agent. good at taking care of injuries on the fly

due to childhood trauma she can't handle needles

when it comes to emotional pain, anger, anxiety, and guilt are her besties and depression and grief are things she's not familiar with and doesn't cope well with.

Hatsune Miku (Project Misery fanfic, my HC for her character)

she copes well with physical pain, pushes through it well enough, not good at taking care of it the way she should tho

when it comes to emotional pain, she...has very warped beliefs, but she does an excellent job of bottling it, being the happy idol everyone expects her to be while doing it with a broken heart

however, like with physical pain, she's not good at processing or acknowledging her emotions, meaning the emotional pain just tends to sit and build until she reaches her threshold (which is admittedly high).

[wrongroup]

This post is inspired by the horrible part 3 leaks. In Miguel’s words Cobra Kai is a show about being a badass while maintaining balance. But if you take into account what is actually shown and not only said in the show it is in fact only about the former. 

So Miguel(representing Cobra Kai) started out as a skinny nerd kid, he idolized Johnny and soaked up all Johnny was teaching to him including alcoholism and anger festering mindset. And that worked for him really well. Yes, he lost a girlfriend but he won the All Valley and immediately got a new girlfriend. And from his perspective his and Sam's fallout was not his but Robby's fault anyway. It may seem that he was having doubts about this way of life but it was mostly about Kreese's Cobra Kai not Johnny's Cobra Kai. And then Johnny's change of mind influenced Miguel but still only in showing mercy part not in striking first and hard part. And then the moment Miguel decides to do the right thing he is instantly punished by almost dying. But since he is a cobra, not even such a severe injury can stop him from achieving anything he wants. His magical recovery unfortunately ate up all of his character development for some reason.

On the other hand Robby(representing Miyagi-do) started at a much lower point with drugs and stealing. And then he actually spent the first two seasons learning and becoming a better person. For the first time in his life he had a proper environment to do so. And he excelled at that, showing that he always had the potential. In season 1 he lost even though he's done everything right but he had Daniel on his side and persevered in season 2. Only to be severely punished after making huge but then only one mistake. And since then Robby can’t catch a break not even becoming Cobra Kai for some time can help him. And then in part 2 he wins against Kwon in a very Cobra Kai way by "making it hurt" which I also didn't enjoy.

But Hawk(representing Cobra Kai) when put in a similar situation as Miguel (when he had Robby pinned under him during a school fight) breaks his childhood best friend's arm. Not even his rival's best friend’s. Then he suddenly switches sides without changing his mindset much, gets the girl, wins the AV and is perfectly fine. Forgiveness is great but wasn't it a bit abrupt? Hawk still acts like a bully from time to time after the switch to Miyagi-do and it is never acknowledged. Also his win against Robby even though he represented Miyagi-do at that time is due to Hawk being more of a cobra than him. Isn't it interesting? To clarify things I don't hate the character in fact I'm actually fascinated with his journey in the show but sometimes his plotline doesn't make much sense to me.

These parallels and the fact that it is only Cobra Kai that wins all the official tournaments don’t sit right with me. I may be concentrating on the wrong things but the part 3 leaks put me in such a foul mood. If it really turns out that the character's original affiliation is the main factor in them actually being successful in the end I’m gonna be so sad.

[depressedhatakekakashi]

Kakashi: *shows countless times in canon he cares about his students and wants to train them, but a lot of that training is outright skipped for ‘more interesting storyline’

Weirdo’s: nah, Kakashi didn’t teach any of his student’s anything and didn’t care about them at all.

[hanzajesthanza]

when sapkowski is all “i don’t believe in absolute evil” like he didn’t write like vilgefortz and leo bonhart and birkart grellenort likeeee okkkk but those guys were preeeetty evil though

[nobodysdaydreams]

Giving a complicated tragic childhood backstory to your favorite character is all fun and games, until you realize you need to account for how old all the other adult characters would have been at the time and realize that scenes that would work perfectly if one character was twenty three and the other was fourteen stop working when you need other characters who are played by adult actors clearly younger than they are to be in college at the same time so your story beats line up thematically.