#without taking into consideration how it will affect the characters in the long term

[fayevalcntine]

Any time I think about how some fans insist on Claudia's rape being important and how other fans just go against it because Bruce is used as a comparison to Lestat (in a scene that blatantly hints at Louis also being sexually assaulted by him) I get so angry.

None of these discussions take into consideration how the placement of Claudia's rape also makes it seem as if the assault itself "fixes" her. Bruce found her because she was careless with her kills and didn't hide the bodies well. She objects to his advances just as he hands her a book on how ladies should "behave" properly, and in return gets her leg twisted before being raped. After that scene, it's so clearly visible how she tries to hide more. She stores a victim's body in the wall of a university library where she reads, as opposed to previously having left them on the desks where they would be found. Even her wardrobe is completely changed by the time she comes back into Louis' life: she wears a longer coat and hat which are presumably from a male victim. The final scene is the only time we ever see her with overalls that aren't in a more feminine color, not to mention the oversized coat again.

Even her first lines towards Lestat? "I wasn't right in my head. I am now." Again, coming directly after being raped which likely jump-started her codependency towards Louis at this point, because she tried to roam about on her own and ended up getting hurt in the process. One could technically say that it's a brutally honest portrayal of how Black girls will always be punished for displaying any kind of behavior that isn't approved of, except for one blatant difference: the fact that her emotional instability/outbursts seem to be completely gone by the time she comes back to Rue Royale. The next episode is where we see Claudia in almost complete polarity as to how she behaved before Bruce: she's only ever loving, nurturing, and seemingly wiser even beyond her human years. She has apparently fully put her issues with Louis behind her and doesn't even judge him for bringing their abuser back into the house.

The way that the previous episode is structured, with the utter lack of information on what Claudia was reading or researching before her assault, how she may have viewed her parents as some time went on, makes it appear as though her being raped is what "fixes" her emotional instability that we saw when she left Rue Royale. Even if you have seemingly no issue with the insertion of her being raped, that doesn't make the narrative timeline any better in its apparent message that all Claudia "needed" in order to mature from her rightful hatred towards both of her parents is being assaulted and made aware of how she, as a teenage vampire, can never go around the world on her own. It's also even more offensive in how the only time we ever see it being discussed again in length, is in a scene where Lestat belittles her being raped. It further makes the assault itself look like a neat little plot-point that was put in last minute without considering how Claudia would be affected by it in the long run. I don't need Claudia to talk extensively about her experience, but the way the writers and narrative in turn handles it isn't any better for me.

[kaeyas-beloved]

four sides and a bottom

Character: Kaveh

— a box full of your things, that’s it, that’s all

CWs: gn!reader (you/your), ANGST, hurt/no comfort, aftermath of a breakup

val’s no sympathy november masterlist

gonna apologize for dipping for so long but i'm also warning you that it could very much happen again <3 also i'm a little rusty with writing pls be nice to me :(

Kaveh wishes your relationship could’ve ended on good terms. He wouldn’t be able to kiss you or cuddle up to you with a glass of wine after a tough day, but at least you would still be his life. That and that alone would be good enough for him.

On rougher days, the words you spoke echo in his head, disrupting him as he goes about his day. When his mind isn’t occupied it’ll wander to the last day he was able to call you his, making even simple tasks like working or making a cup of coffee painful. A pang in his heart followed by an uncomfortable weight on his chest, throat blocked, barely able to breathe.

“We’re done Kaveh. No more, I can’t keep doing this!” The architect squeezes his eyes shut, willing away the repeat of the past. Without thinking, he takes his almost forgotten glass and downs a greedy gulp of the dark red liquid, the sweet yet bitter drink coating his throat and stomach, making his head spin and his heart beat just the way he likes it - stuttering and skipping as if to stop and bypass the thoughts he’d rather forget.

As much as the deadline loomed over him, Kaveh couldn’t, for the life of him, work on his latest project. Instead, his eyes kept trailing to the box pushed against his closet, the contents overflowing and peeking out for the world to see. By the fourth glance he groans and stands up, chair dragging along the wood floor and nearly toppling over from the force.

Some days he doesn’t know why he keeps this box of reminders around, other times he knows exactly why. People will cling to the last things they own when it affects them so greatly in life. You, by far, were one of the greatest effects on him.

There’s a clink and a thud as Kaveh sets the box of your things on the table, and it’s almost sad how he’s able to identify exactly what made each noise. He’s only memorized everything in it a dozen and a half times after all. A pocket watch, a picture frame, a scarf, a sketchbook, a ring. Meaningless things on their own or to the outside eye, but to you and Kaveh, they meant the world.

Clear as water he could remember when he gifted each of these to you, save the frame and picture. That was your own doing, something you had set on your desk because you liked looking at how happy you both were that day (or so you said - he thinks it's just because you liked looking at him specifically).

He’d given you the scarf to stay warm one night, the watch because you said it had a pretty design (you scolded him a little after finding out he almost spent all his mora on it for you as a gift. You were still touched nonetheless though). The sketchbook was given after you let slip that sometimes you liked to doodle. You always said you didn’t feel as talented as he was, but he’d always shoot back and say that as long as you appreciated the art of it all, the process, and you drew with a smile, then anything you drew was perfect (you were perfect).

The ring was a promise, one that he hadn’t intended to break. This gift you were too speechless to get on his case about financially because the words of love, dedication and loyalty that he added along meant the world to you. The promise to love you forever, to always take into consideration your feelings, and to one day make you his.

In some poetic, way maybe each item was an accumulation of things he was willing to give, when the reality was that you only needed him. Thinking on it now, it hurts more knowing that his absence was what caused your split in paths. Then again…

“Everything hurts when I’m not with you… I miss you.”

Tag list (both regular and event exclusive): @spoopy-fish-writes // @that-enby-alien // @xenuuu // @kaeyaloml // @mariposa666haruka // @quackquackmfs // @kunikuzushiii // @genshin-impact-writings // @ventisweetheart // @lordbugs // @leena-shi // @ari-the-wr1ter // @xiaos-wife // @milkwithspiceyicecubes // @stygianoir // @francisnyx // @leemidnightmoon // @bisexuawolfsalt

+

@kaiserkisser // @multipleshadesofblue // @moloteco-real // @kithewanderingme // @scaramood // @ii-lily2 // @esuz // @kochothehoe // @cindywasneverhere // @kaeyastittysucker

[tmntkiseki]

The very long post where I talk about all the stuff I like from each of TMNT 2003's three art styles (and nitpick at the stuff I don't)

Seasons 1 - 5

When most people think of TMNT 2003's art style, they are thinking of the first five seasons. The dark muted colors, the heavily muscled designs of the turtles, the dynamic lighting effects that change depending on the location, time of day, and the weather. But what is it about the style from the first five seasons that is just so damn tasty?

Interviews with Peter Laird reveal that in terms of the turtles' appearances for the 2003 series, while he doesn't dislike the 1987 turtles, he did find them too cutesy for his liking and described their designs as being "puffy" and "kind of inflatable." The way the 2003 turtles were designed with heavy, well-defined builds was to firmly establish them as ass-kicking superheroes capable of inhuman feats of strength and agility in combat. This is even reflected in the choice to give them white slits for eyes like their Mirage comic book counterparts, which further emphasizes just how serious and intimidating these versions of the beloved characters are meant to be.

One of the things that really does stick out with me with the turtles is the use of "shade with black." Ever since I started learning how to draw in middle school, I've always been told to never shade with black; it looks flat, the colors aren't as deep, your art will suffer for it, etc. But for TMNT 2003, the choice to shade with black is actually of benefit to the series. People love TMNT 2003 for arguably being the darkest and grittiest animated incarnation of the TMNT with a lot of scenes that REALLY pushed the limit of what was okay to show on children's television, and color choice does so much to set the tone of the kind of story you're telling. I especially love it when the shading is used to emphasize expression, like when the turtles are angry or scowling. (Pictured: Raphael during "Meet Casey Jones.")

While on the topic of shading; it's amazing how dynamic the lighting is for this series. As I mentioned earlier, depending on whether a scene takes place indoors, outdoors, underground, underwater, during the daytime, during night, in the rain, etc. the lighting changes to reflect whatever situation the characters find themselves in, whether they're in a hard fought battle with the Shredder or just relaxing in the lair. Lighting for scenes is further affected by things like monitors, candles, street lamps, and other things, and it really brings out both the characters and the environments. (Though I can imagine it was incredibly taxing on the animators, who didn't have access to the same technology that's available now.)

Obviously if I had to nitpick, one of the biggest shortcomings of the 2003 series primary art style is the fact that there isn't a lot to differentiate the turtles from each other physically. If you take away their colored headbands and weapons, the only thing you have to tell them apart is their skin colors; Leonardo is forest green, Raphael is a deep emerald green, Donatello is olive green, and Michelangelo is myrtle green. Without those differing skin tones, there really is nothing setting the brothers apart from each other other than their headbands and weapons (something that the Fast Forward and Back to the Sewer did fix to an extent.)

And this is definitely a "me" thing, but to an extent, I do find the way their builds are drawn is a bit too... bulky? I know they're mutants, that cartoon/comic book style is all about exaggeration of physical features, and that the whole point of giving them these well-defined muscles was to make them appear powerful and athletic, but I dunno man. When I think of ninjas, the first things I think of are "speedy" and "acrobatic," followed by "strong," and while you obviously need a considerable amount of muscle to wield the weapons and perform the stunts that they do, there is a point where too much muscle does ruin the idea that that these turtles are just as fast as they are strong. But, again, it's a "me" thing and I'm pretty sure there are a LOT of people who would disagree with me on this.

Fast Forward

I mentioned in my last post that, believe it or not, I actually do prefer the overall art style for Fast Forward. Why? There are certainly arguments to be made about why Fast Forward's art style is inferior to the first five seasons; for instance, the lighting isn't nearly as dynamic, the designs are simpler and not as detailed, and the overall color palette is far more saturated. So why do I like it so much?

Well, simple: It ultimately boils down to personal preference.

Given my minor ramble about how I don't like how bulky the builds were for the first five seasons, Fast Forward is (to me) an improvement in terms of how the turtles are portrayed in terms of physical appearance. They still undeniably have a lot of muscle to them, but it looks a lot more natural and I can believe they are as fast and agile as they are strong. Fast Forward was also the season where they attempted to individualize the turtles' physical appearances a little more, and while there could have been a bit more effort in that regard (like keeping the missing chunk in Leo's shell from seasons 4 and 5; seriously, why is that gone?), I think they succeeded. Donatello is the tallest and slimmest, Raphael has the most muscle and broadest shoulders, Michelangelo is the shortest, Leonardo is a nice middle ground, etc.

I also really, really love the designs for turtles' gear this season. A lot of people have mentioned how good the turtles look in black/dark colors, and they really do look more like proper ninja this season, albeit future-themed. The praise I have for the designs extends to the supporting cast and villains as well; the future setting, with all its aliens and technology, offers so much in the way of creative potential, and characters like Cody, Darius, Bishop, the Dark Turtles, and many more all have very appealing designs despite being simpler than the earlier seasons.

However, for all that I love about Fast Forward's art style, there are two aspects to it that I have a massive love-hate relationship with.

First off: The shape of the turtles' heads. They are basically pentagons/hexagons this season depending on the angle they're drawn from and this actually isn't the worst thing if you're learning how to draw the 03 turtles? Because visualizing their heads as pentagons/hexagons is actually very helpful when trying to draw them as they appear in earlier seasons. However, in the context of Fast Forward, the more geometric shapes of the turtles' heads is almost too simple and does make them a little... dopey looking at times. Which becomes even more confusing as to why they went with such basic shapes for their heads when some of the official Fast Forward art uses a much rounder style for the heads that looks SO MUCH better in comparison.

The other aspect to Fast Forward's art style that I have a love-hate relationship with is the overall color palette, which was a consequence of the season going for a lighter, more humorous tone when compared to earlier seasons. It's funny because normally I absolutely love bright, vibrant colors and it doesn't actually look bad knowing Fast Forward's tone, but given I'm one of the people who does not like how different the writing is from previous seasons and how much it affected both the storytelling and characters, obviously I want my Fast Forward turtles with darker, more muted colors. (Though keep the glowy bits. I love my glowy bits.)

Back to the Sewer

And now we get to probably the only art style from this series that I do somewhat dislike.

So, let's talk about something that was originally an issue for me, and is an issue for a lot of people who watched this season: the fact that the turtles' eyes are visible through their masks. Obviously, after six seasons of the turtles only having white slits for eyes, this change is pretty jarring and back when I first started watching Back to the Sewer, I was not happy about it either, especially with just how cutesy the eyes are (and normally I'm the biggest fan of cute; one of my favorite "junk food" anime is Acchi Kocchi, for crying out loud.)

But after actually watching Back to the Sewer, two things happened: first, I got used to the turtles having their eyes visible, and eventually I realized that this is actually to the turtles benefit. The turtles are arguably at their most expressive in Back to the Sewer, and the eyes further help individualize the turtles; Leonardo and Raphael both have smaller, more angular eyes, while Donatello and Michelangelo have rounder eyes (likely to make them look more youthful compared to their older brothers.)

I still don't totally like the 03 turtles having eyes, but again, that's probably because we literally spent six seasons with just white slits and when compared to the changes Fast Forward made to the show's art style, the ones in Back to the Sewer are even more extreme and it just feels very unnecessary. (Based on early concept art of Leonardo for the season, it looks like they were trying to mimic the style of the 2007 movie, which would explain the eyes, as well as changes to Splinter's design and April getting completely redesigned.)

THAT SAID, they did go all out with the turtles' attire for Back to the Sewer. Stuff like the cybernaut armor, the stealth suits, the goofy fantasy garb from the MMORPG they end up playing, and the tuxes they wear at April and Casey's wedding are all incredibly appealing and while, again, I don't like the lighter tone of this season, they probably wouldn't have been able to put the turtles in these outfits had it still been dark and gritty like seasons 1 - 5 (I have seen quite a bit of fanart of Donny in his Sorcerer outfit and that makes me a lot happier than you realize, haha.)

Sadly, my compliments to Back to the Sewer do end there and it's probably for the best that I end this post here anyway since it's 3:15 in the morning and I'm falling asleep at my keyboard. (I can't wait to wake up tomorrow and see just how many typos I made.)

Thank you for listening to me ramble about my TMNT 03 art opinions and have a good day/night!

[bloodbrown]

I'm gonna offer a little morsel to chew on that's been driving me insane😳 for your consideration, imagine on the off chance P manages to take an actual break at the hotel, not just a quick round of chats with everyone, or weapon/strength upgrades, but a full on extended break.

And during that break he discovers he's got a love of reading, and just so happens to gravitate towards the sweet and sappier type of books! (He of course reads anything that piques his interest, but for the sake of this thought I'd imagine that he keeps to these softer books as a sort of escape from the horrors beyond the hotel!🥺)

And in these books he keeps learning about all the ways in which humans and characters show affection: The plethora of darling terms of endearment or the meaningful warmth that comes from a special nickname, the endless tiny ways to show concern or care. It's the gentle kiss placed on the inside of a wrist, giving someone your umbrella/overcoat when the rain or chill is too much, looking into someone's eyes and being so whole heartedly lovestruck it makes your chest ache and heart thump a fierce pace.

(I think he'd get really caught up on the concept of when a couple is heading to bed one will often sleep on the side closest to the door, that even when asleep they want to shield their beloved🥺)

After his discovery I honestly think he'd become a bit of a mother hen, doting and even a dash fretful at that! He once saw you make your way down the stairs of the hotel without holding onto the railings, nearly tripping and straining your ankle. You try to pull that stunt after he's read his books? Right in front of lover boy? You are getting a glower and have a choice to make, either the railing or his hand, you have to hold one! >:(

I'm telling you, he may be made out of rigid cogs and unfeeling metal, has single handedly ravished droves of enemies and terrors, but this man has sugar glass ribs and a jelly heart, so unendingly sweet and warm, and if he could I bet he'd open his chest and give you his very own heart, hoping you'd see how the pace of its ticks speed up, just for you.

I have so so many more sappy sweet thoughts, and I hope it wasn't an annoyance to get such a behemoth of an ask, but from one P enjoyer to another I wanted to send something in! <:) I hope you're doing well, and have a wonderful rest of your day/night! ^^ (Oh and!! just wanted to say that I love all of the writing and hc's that you do for the mad lad, you capture him wonderfully!🥺)

I absolutely love the idea that P realizes he should get a day off like everyone else. He's worked to the bone every day, poor guy. And can't imagine Geppetto would be too happy about his Ergo-harvesting puppet realizing that he can take breaks lol

And P would totally take romance novels to heart, I bet he'd also take to writing little love letters and leaving them around for you to find... even if his handwriting is less than stellar 🥺

He is such a bleeding heart of a man, and I say this with the ultimate amount of affection.

Also I'm never annoyed by asks, even long ones, most of the time they make my day 🐸

[myboyknows]

"the confidence when he's playing a role vs the insecurity when he's being himself" is such a good way to put it, and there's times I've fantasized about having a line that deft to throw at the haters. I'll keep it in my back pocket if such a situation ever arises again.

Please do!

I've been an AtS fan for a long time, and something I've always found so compelling about Angel is how easy it is for him to slip into a disguise and walk into a situation armed only with his own confidence in the role he's playing. He does it several times - especially over the course of the first two seasons of AtS - and I am absolutely enthralled by it. He's suddenly an art museum guide, a police detective in charge of a crime scene, a priest, 'cool' vampire J-Don, a lawyer, a French guy who loves fashion. Angel would never go out in a Hawaiian shirt and beach hat on his own, but he has zero problem with becoming Herb Saunders: Clueless Tourist from Baltimore in front of a mob boss. There are a lot of things this says to me about his character:

He's clever.

He's spontaneous.

He's calm under pressure.

He's good at improv/bluffing and should probably call Rebecca Lowell's agent and just become an actor already.

He doesn't care how strangers perceive him. This is the one that I think a lot of fans don't really understand about Angel. This man does not give a fuck. The reason he wouldn't wear a Hawaiian shirt on a normal day but is happy to do it in front of Little Tony isn't because he's embarrassed for other people to see him in a loud shirt - clearly - but because Angel has his own particular style that he feels comfortable in as himself and doesn't want to wear something that doesn't appeal to him, unless he himself chooses to wear it for a reason. It's like with the pink motorcycle helmet. Angel has no problem with other people mistaking him for a gay man, so when he doesn't want to wear the ladies' helmet, it's not because it might affect anyone else's perception of him but because he doesn't want to wear that helmet and he didn't get a choice. He likes his dark clothes and he likes his car, and the fake swami accuses him of developing this type of style to cultivate a persona for other people to appreciate without taking into consideration that these things appeal to Angel himself regardless of what strangers think. The only folks that he does actually care about in terms of their impressions of him are his friends, and so he'll correct them (sometimes) when they misinterpret him, but often he lets them think what they want about him, too. Which is maybe why it feels like Angel is so often misunderstood in fandom - because so many fans simply accept other characters' opinions of Angel as if they are fact rather than actually looking at Angel himself. Like with the smiling thing. There's an overwhelming fannish opinion that Angel doesn't smile very much because there are characters in the show who say he should smile more. But outside of serious or dangerous situations, Angel actually smiles all the time, and if it's any less than Wes or Gunn then it's only because he's more often in situations where it would be really weird to be smiling. He's a pleasant guy unless he's been given a reason not to be!

I also headcanon that one of the reasons Angel is so good at pretending to be someone else is because human camouflage is something that is literally built into his physiology as a vampire. Pretending to be something they aren't is a super important skill for all vampires, not just defensively in order to move through the human-dominated world but also as a means of getting close to their primary source of food. Angel spent 150ish years using his human face to deceive his prey while hunting, then a further 100ish years using it to blend in and disappear. Wolf in sheep's clothing, except the sheep's clothing is a really fucking good impression of a normal human being and he can wear it all the time. It comes naturally to vampires to pass as something they're not (we're ignoring the friend of Xanderrrrr's here) and Angel has 250 years of experience of people-watching. If he couldn't do pretty good imitations of different kinds of people by this point, I'd be surprised and disappointed in him.

But also! When we first meet Angel in the show, he's had very little experience interacting with humans while he's trying to be himself and not play some role to accomplish some kind of purpose. He's never had friends before, at least not with a soul, and he has no example of another vampire with a soul to imitate or learn from. He's flying totally blind, navigating unfamiliar territory, AND has conflicting impulses. So when he's insecure about his feelings and actions and expectations in his own life, that is also as natural for him as the confidence when it comes to pretending to be someone else.

Er, thanks for coming to my TED Talk?

[cyeli-no]

Idea: Soulmate AU (pt. 1) [Cyno]

Summary: Cyno does not have a soulmate. He learns that his partner, Al-Haitham, does.

Relationships: Al-Haitham & Cyno (romantic), Kaveh & Tighnari (romantic, implied), 4ggravate (romantic, pre-relationship)

Triggers: Temporary character death

Linked Posts: Ficlet post (pt. 2)

─── ⋅ ⋅ ∘ ☽ ༓ ☾ ∘ ⋅ ⋅ ───

Cyno was never meant to live for so long. Originally, according to prophecies and fate, Cyno was supposed to pass when his body was offered as a sacrifice to Hermanubis. But, as the spirit takes Cyno's heart and weighs it upon its scales, it comes to the realization that the child has a heart that is incredibly good. Well-intentioned, determined, and a sense of justice that matches Hermanubis itself. So, instead of taking his sound, it makes a deal with the boy. In exchange for being able to live, his life will be dedicated to Hermanubis pursuit of justice. It is an offer Cyno cannot reject. it might be from the fear of death or maybe his childish wish to help people. Honestly, the reason does not matter because he has every intention of following through.

But, in this world where relationships are written the stars, a person meant to be dead at five has no determined soulmate. Cyno does not actively seek love, sometimes ignores his loneliness with the belief that relationships would only distract him from what he needs to do. (It's a lie. He would happily accept a friend, a lover, anything to fill the gaping hole left in his chest.)

Loving Al-Haitham is not easy. It is all jagged edges, chipped hearts, and free-falling without anything to catch him. It is hard to build trust, at first, but it quickly becomes respect and interest. That interest makes his eyes follow after him whenever he is in the room. His body reacts at his presence, as if every moment close will answer the questions filling his mind.

Their lives are attuned to each other, the curse of working in close proximity with someone he loves. It is so different from the other two because he sees the man almost everyday. He sees him, is called upon, and he can sometimes delude himself into thinking Al-Haitham's actions are those of someone who has also taken a slight interest in him.

It is Al-Haitham who invites him out first. There is barely a confession of love, but there is affection in his words. Cyno accepts it all because he knows how careful he is with his words. Being with Al-Haitham is considerably better than falling in love with him. Their habits continue into a relationship and it is as if everything falls into place.

But, it is as if Celestia curses him for daring to wish for more after been given so much. He sees the emblem on Al-Haitham's back on accident, walking in on him changing his dirty shirt after a returning from a mission. The shape, the flowers, even the color— he recognizes it all easily.

Kaveh shows it off often after getting drunk. He takes pride in it, despite how much it flusters Tighnari.

Suddenly, all the moments where Cyno is a bystander to the duo filter into his mind. It's dizzying how many memories filter in. Softly, Cyno asks him about it. He asks if Al-Haitham knows of its existence and the Acting Grand Sage admits he does. He never really cared about soulmates, a mindset similar to Tighnari's. They're all soulmates and it's so obvious now.

He must be a fool.

He makes a joke in passing about how it's funny that he lives with his one of his soulmates, and he watched as Al-Haitham's confusion warps his face. He didn't know. He is with Cyno because he just didn't know—

Ah, he's be such a damn fool.

Dehya calls him a well-intentioned dumbass when he explains his plan to her, the drunken haze loosening his lips. Putting it all into words, speaking it into existence, does lighten the burden on his back enough. His logic is sound. He loves Al-Haitham, loves Kaveh and Tighnari. All he wants is their happiness, even if that means he is supposed to be alone. He gives Al-Haitham time to come to terms with the idea of soulmates when two of them are so close and people he already cares about. Cyno is patient when he sets up a dinner with all four of them and makes sure Collei is comfortable around Al-Haitham like she is around Kaveh. She isn't yet, but she is willing to try for Tighnari's sake. He knows Al-Haitham is suspecting him for meddling, that Tighnari is also keeping an eye on him. It'll all be fine in the end.

He'll be damned if he is the reason Al-Haitham can't be with who he deserves. Candace doesn't say a word but he can feel the judgement in her eyes that see him and never his fate. He asks once, in a moment of weakness after a long mission and unable to go home, what her special eye sees.

It isn't until he realizes he barely has had a real conversation with Al-Haitham that he decides it is enough. There is nothing for him to keep holding onto. Kaveh is just a room away when Cyno breaks it off and he can't bring himself to stop the burn of his heart when Al-Haitham turns and walks in the direction of his roommate's studio. He watches him slam the door behind him, setting the set of house keys away before he finally leaves.

There is nothing written for him.

He isn't meant to be with them, and he will learn to be okay with that.

[dragonageif]

"How far are you willing to go to keep your oath?"

Set long before the stories of the Hero of Ferelden, the Champion of Kirkwall, and the Herald of Andraste ever took place, there was the Champion of Starkhaven, a veteran of the Fourth Blight, hero to all that lived during the Exalted Age, and many other lofty titles.

However, who were they? How did they rise to power? Where did they come from? Just who was "Rook" truly?

Well, that will be your story to tell.

Exalted Age: Oath is rated 18+ for heavy topics, fantasy violence, language, and suggestive content. Added warnings to be applied in the future.

🐦 DEMO (TBA) 🐦

🐦 FEATURES 🐦

Build your Rook to your liking! Is Rook a human, elf, or dwarf? Are they a warrior, rogue, or mage? If they're a warrior or rogue, do they prefer a sword and shield? Two-handed weapons? Or maybe duel wielding, or even archery? If they're a mage, what school of magic will they focus on? Creation, entropy, primal, or spirit?

Customize your Rook's general appearance, from skin tone, to hair color, style, texture, and shape, eye color, gender, pronouns, etc.!

Choose your Rook's personality and how they react to the characters, with mechanics similar to Dragon Age 2.

Build relationships with your family and companions, do you start on friendly terms, or does a rivalry begin between you?

Start a romance with one of four of your companions if you so choose! Are you smitten by the seafaring elf rogue? Have your heart soar with the dwarven Grey Warden? Feel the magical pull with the qunari mage? Captivated by the lay brother human warrior?

Meet legacy and historical characters from a variety of Dragon Age media, maybe even come across the ancestors of your favorites...

Adopt a mabari! It's not a story in Thedas without your trusty dog by your side.

Become a champion that goes down in history, for better or for worse.

🐦 COMPANIONS 🐦

The older sister: Bluejay. Bluejay has been the protector ever since you became a family many years ago. She's blunt and quiet, often taking the time to gather her thoughts in as little words as possible. With her exceptional fondness for birds, she is the one that gives the affection nicknames to those she cares about. However, she is willing to go to whatever lengths to ensure your family's safety, since isn't that what big sisters are for?

Bluejay is a dwarven female rogue that duel wields daggers. She is an average height for a dwarf, with tanned skin and a solid build, cropped chestnut brown hair, and has dark brown eyes. She also has a fading deep blue casteless brand on her face.

-----

The older brother: Ziv. Ziv is as nervous as they come, but who can blame him as a mage? While very aware of what his magic brings, he's quite proud of it and hopes one day he can use his abilities for good and to help society, instead of being shunned or feared. Though, despite his hope, he strongly prefers being with his plants over others, excluding his family...most of the time.

Ziv is an eleven male mage that opts for freehand magic but uses his staff as a focus when he is able to. He is considerably tall for an elf, with olive skin and a lanky build, he keeps his long black hair tied in a loose braid, and has light green eyes. His hands and arms have nicks, scars, and old burns from his previous magic training attempts.

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The mystery: The Battering Ram. "The Battering Ram", or simply "Ram" for short, is a completely unknown entity to everyone around her. No one from the Free Marches to the Anderfels has ever seen, or even heard of a "qunari" before, and Ram isn't the most talkative to share details on the matter or where she comes from. Often times coming as cold and aloof, she is truly simply inexperienced in socializing and finds the company of her books more comforting.

Ram is a female qunari mage that only will freehand magic without the aid of a staff, but will occasionally use her focus. She is average height for a qunari but still towers over everyone else in the group, with slate-grey skin and a well-fit build, she keeps her silver hair short but long enough to hide the nubs where her black horns usually grow to better conceal them under her hood, and has black sclera with golden irises. She has needle hole scars on her lips and scarring on her arms and shoulders from being bound most of her life.

💕 Ram is a LI for all Rooks.

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The protector: Sergio. First and foremost, Sergio is a kind-hearted and gentle soul that seeks to help those that are unable to help themselves. As an affirmed rank member of the Chantry, he strives to be a role-model for those around him, including his friends. Still, he understands while trying to maintain the peace is good, not everyone would be so understanding, something he claims, he picked up from his life in Antiva.

Sergio is a male human warrior that uses two-handed weapons and favors his maul. He's an average height for humans, with brown skin, and a hefty, muscular build, he keeps his short black hair cropped, and has hazel eyes. He has several scars on all parts of his body from previous fights and skirmishes.

💕 Sergio is a LI for male and NB Rooks.

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The Grey Warden: Ogosa. Ogosa is a punch first, ask questions later type of gal. She leapt directly into becoming a Warden and leaving her casteless life behind the very first chance she got, and never looked back. After undergoing The Joining and impressing her superiors, she was given the honor of becoming a griffon rider and being picked by a young griffon, she affectionately named Brosca. With youth, brashness, and bravery on their side, what's not to love about them?

Ogosa is a female dwarf rogue that is proficient in archery with a custom bow, as she's most often on griffonback. She's an average height for a dwarf, with fair skin and a muscular build, she keeps her medium length bright red hair in tight braids with copper pieces woven in, and has blue eyes. She also has a fading black casteless brand on her face.

💕 Ogosa is a LI for female and NB Rooks.

-----

The sailor: Revas. While hailing from Rivain, Revas regards himself as "an elf of the known world and then some". He regales anyone within earshot of his travels, such has his claims of leading the entire fleet of Antivia just to present the Queen with a flower (and the King, so Revas said, didn't care for floral gifts), or his claim of being the first to ride a dragon, though it was an "unpleasant way to go to Orlais". While it's unknown how true any of his stories, if any are at all, he still maintains they're all real, and why would he lie to such a pretty face?

Revas is a male elf warrior that is proficient in duel-welding bladed weapons, typically his long sword and dagger as a pair. He's short by elven standards, but is still taller than his dwarven companions, with ebony skin and a lean build, he keeps his long kinky black hair in elaborate cornrows, and has amber eyes. He has several tattoos adoring his body, some "just for fun" while others have cultural significance in his home country, and has a bladed scar that runs diagonally up from his rib cage to his shoulder.

💕 Revas is a LI for all Rooks.

-----

Your dog: Slagathor Player Determined. She's a good girl. :)

[lostusagis]

@nezumivc103221 asked: What do you think helps Kamui grow the most as a person? What contributes to his character development the most? (Good or bad) Is he someone who learns from his mistakes? How does he deal with failure? Does he wish for love and affection for himself? Does he think he deserves good things?

( this got LONG so read more lol. )

( If we're talking when muses are interacting with him, then uhhh a lot of what makes Kamui develop and grow as a person is through the way someone treats him. Say.... someone decides to be selfless, they have patience with him despite how twisted he acts, and how rude he tends to be. If someone decides to repeatedly be nice despite that it's something that'll eventually have an effect on him. It's not something that's immediate though. Like the first time he meets someone and they're nice he'll just think 'Wow! This person is stupid lmao'

But if it's like repeatedly over the course of time, he's going to start having thoughts like '????Why are they constantly nice to me????' and it's going to be something he starts craving, he'll even start being less rude to them, albeit he's still going to be blunt and honest no matter what. However, he's not going to admit he's enjoying this person's influence on him. He'll keep telling himself it's all for his benefit. He's the type that you gotta really spell things out for him, since he thinks things like 'friendship' or 'romance' is stupid, pointless, yeah. So, I definitely think behavior towards him immensely impacts how he develops as a person with them and in general. :)) Since it'll also mean he's willing to listen to their opinions on things he might have a negative opinion towards. And sometimes it'll make his opinion on those things change. It really depends on his respect for the person, which is reallllyyy hard to earn without being persistent lol.

This goes the same for when he's in a relationship and the other person doesn't like something he did. He will take it into consideration.

Does he learn from his mistakes? It depends on the consequences of those mistakes.

Say, he gets hurt really badly from a fight that he's in a coma for maybe like a month. He's not gonna learn, he's gonna try to fight this person again and again.

But if... he says something REALLY out of pocket to a person he's become attached to and It hurts their feelings, and he ends up not seeing them for a while. That's something that'll end up really bothering him. He'll likely try doing stuff to hopefully get back on good terms with this person. Probably using food, or maybe flowers.

So yeah, he does learn from mistakes. It just depends on what happens because of his mistakes :D

Does he wish for love and affection for himself.... ah... well.... In general he sees those things as POINTLESS. his mindset is that those things only make someone weak, but whether he likes it or not he craves for it a lot. He misses being cared for with unconditional love, he wants that more than anything. It's just HARD to get him to accept and acknowledge all of that.

Unsure how to answer the question of if he believes he deserves good things. It's not like he's say... self deprecating. He's not. Despite his guilt over leaving his mother while she was dying, he doesn't think 'Yeah i deserve nothing good in life'.

I guess he's not AGAINST having good things, he can accept finding happiness in eventually opening up to people when it becomes possible. His guilt doesn't prevent him from taking all of that for himself. )

[phoenix-flamed]

MAROON, YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN, KID, and BEJEWELED

Maroon: how does your muse deal with complexity and conflict in their relationships?

Elwin tries to be diplomatic, reasonable, and fair when addressing and dealing with problems, probably because of his extensive studies into statesmanship in preparation to take the throne. This isn't inherently a bad thing, given his role as ruler of a nation; where it does become an issue is in his personal life, specifically with his family.

He puts his emotions and the yearnings of his heart towards his family as secondary to his duties as Archduke. In terms of the game's canon, in my opinion this is most apparent when it comes his decision to adhere to the long-standing traditions practiced and passed on throughout the Rosfield family where Phoenix's role in war are concerned, despite Joshua being a mere child -- and a frail and sickly one, to boot.

Because of his attempts to remain diplomatic and fair to everyone even whilst dealing with his family, it seems to put considerable strain upon his personal relationships. Add onto that the fact that without seeming to realize that he's doing it, he's placing his family in positions where they're being forced to carry the weight of their respective burdens without the emotional support that they need from him, because his attention is always focused elsewhere -- on his duties to his people as a whole, on caring for and protecting them, whether it be on the field with his soldiers or in the throne room or war room discussing strategy with his Lord Commander, Shields, and council members.

You're On Your Own, Kid: how does your character handle difficult situations or adversity without relying on others for support?

Elwin is stubborn and has a strong sense of justice. If he believes something is the right thing to do, he will do it; he will see it through no matter the cost, and regardless of whether or not he has to do it on his own or not.

He'll try to appeal to those closest to him to bring them over to his side, but he doesn't bank on it working. He instead prepares himself to handle things entirely on his own, and, in truth because of this, has a difficult time accepting the help of others. If he's going to take on a burden, then he believes that it is his responsibility to carry that burden himself, rather than burdening others by allowing them to help carry it with him, even if it would lighten his load.

He is a protector, through and through. And in his mind with regards to his standards for himself, a protector does the protecting, not the other way around. It's his duty to act as that bastion for those he cares about.

Bejeweled: what is your character's most prized possession, and what does it symbolize to them?

His sons, first and foremost. They are everything to him. They are his pride, his joy; they are his reason to keep going, to keep fighting no matter what. They are his life and his legacy, and his hope. In his heart, he would do anything for them; he would give them the world, if he could. He would shoulder their burdens, shield them from the cruelty of the world, and support them unconditionally -- if only he would tell them and show them that.

Other prized possessions are his Metian Bonds -- the vambraces gifted to him by his father once he came of age, which symbolize the love and trust and faith his father had in him and his ability to rule; and his wedding band from his marriage to Anabella. (Though he'll never reveal to anyone, especially not Anabella herself, that he still keeps it close as not just a token of his affection and respect for her, but also as a memento of their younger years together, before circumstances drove such a massive wedge into their relationship.)

[naturalwoodessentials]

Wooden Wall Shelf: A Perfect Blend of Functionality and Style

In the modern home, space is often a premium, and how we organize our living areas can drastically affect the overall ambiance. Among the various storage solutions available, the wooden wall shelf has emerged as a practical yet stylish choice for homeowners and interior designers alike. Whether you're looking to declutter a room, display decorative items, or add a rustic touch to your decor, wooden wall shelves offer versatility, durability, and timeless beauty. This article explores the charm and utility of wooden wall shelves, delving into their various applications, design styles, and why they remain a popular choice for homes of all sizes.

The Aesthetic Appeal of Wooden Wall Shelves

Wood, as a material, has long been revered for its natural beauty, strength, and warmth. Unlike plastic or metal shelving, wooden wall shelves bring a sense of organic elegance to a space, making them a popular choice for both traditional and contemporary interiors. The grain patterns, textures, and tones of different woods—from the light hues of pine to the rich, dark shades of walnut—create a natural contrast that complements various design styles.

In minimalist homes, a sleek wooden wall shelf can offer a subtle accent while maintaining a clean, uncluttered look. In more eclectic or rustic interiors, a wooden shelf with visible knots and imperfections can add character and charm, embodying the idea that beauty lies in the uniqueness of nature. Moreover, the use of natural materials like wood often resonates with homeowners seeking sustainable and eco-friendly decor options.

Functionality Meets Design

While the wooden wall shelf is undeniably attractive, its functionality is what truly sets it apart. These shelves are designed to maximize vertical space, allowing homeowners to store and display items without taking up valuable floor space. Whether in a compact apartment or a spacious house, wall-mounted shelves provide an efficient solution to storage needs.

In the kitchen, a wooden wall shelf can serve as a practical and stylish way to store jars, spices, and kitchen utensils, keeping frequently used items within easy reach. In living rooms, they often function as display spaces for books, plants, art, and photographs. Their ability to hold a variety of items without overwhelming the space makes them a versatile addition to any room in the home.

Furthermore, wooden shelves are available in numerous shapes and sizes, offering flexibility in terms of how they are arranged. Floating wooden shelves, for example, offer a sleek, modern look as they appear to be suspended without visible brackets. These are often used in small spaces where the visual lightness of the shelf helps keep the room feeling open and airy. Conversely, bracketed wooden shelves, which can range from intricate wrought iron designs to simple metal supports, provide a more robust and traditional look, making them ideal for holding heavier objects.

Durability and Longevity

When it comes to home furnishings, durability is a key consideration. Wooden wall shelves, when properly made, are incredibly sturdy and long-lasting. Hardwood varieties like oak, teak, and maple are especially known for their strength, ensuring that your shelves can support a considerable amount of weight without warping or bending over time.

Additionally, wood is a material that ages gracefully. Over time, wooden shelves can develop a patina, a finish that enhances their rustic charm and makes each piece unique. Unlike synthetic materials, wood can be sanded, refinished, or stained, allowing homeowners to refresh their shelves without having to replace them entirely.

This longevity makes wooden wall shelves not only a good investment but also a sustainable one. Many wooden shelves are crafted from reclaimed or sustainably sourced wood, making them an environmentally friendly choice that contributes to reducing waste and deforestation.

Customization and Personalization

One of the most appealing aspects of wooden wall shelves is their adaptability to personal tastes and styles. With wood being such a malleable material, homeowners can easily find or commission shelves that perfectly match their vision.

For a rustic or farmhouse style, reclaimed wood shelves can add a touch of history and character to a room. Their weathered surfaces tell a story, bringing a sense of authenticity and craftsmanship to your decor. If you prefer a more modern aesthetic, sleek, minimalist wooden shelves with clean lines and a smooth finish can provide the desired look. Wood can also be painted or stained to suit any color palette, allowing it to blend seamlessly into existing interiors or serve as a statement piece in its own right.

Moreover, wooden wall shelves can be tailored to the specific dimensions of your space. Custom-made shelves ensure that every inch of your wall is used efficiently, whether you're creating a gallery wall or looking for a narrow shelf to fit into a tight corner. This flexibility is especially valuable in homes with unique architectural features, where off-the-shelf solutions may not always be ideal.

Enhancing Your Space with Wooden Wall Shelves

In addition to their functional uses, wooden wall shelves can significantly enhance the overall aesthetic of a room. They help to break up blank wall spaces, adding dimension and texture to a room’s design. When arranged thoughtfully, wooden shelves can draw the eye upward, creating the illusion of height in rooms with low ceilings.

Wooden wall shelves can also serve as a backdrop for personal expression. By carefully curating the items you place on them, you can showcase your personal style and interests. Whether it's a collection of vintage books, an assortment of travel souvenirs, or an array of indoor plants, a well-styled shelf tells a story and adds depth to your home’s interior.

Furthermore, lighting can play a significant role in enhancing the visual impact of wooden wall shelves. Under-shelf lighting, for instance, can create a warm, ambient glow, highlighting the objects on display and adding a sense of coziness to the room. Alternatively, placing shelves near windows allows natural light to bring out the wood’s grain and texture, making the shelves themselves a focal point.

Conclusion

The wooden wall shelf is much more than a simple storage solution. It is a piece of functional art that can transform a room, adding both utility and aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re looking to make the most of a small space or add a touch of natural beauty to your decor, wooden wall shelves offer an ideal solution. Their timeless charm, durability, and versatility ensure that they remain a staple in homes for years to come.

From the warmth of natural wood grain to the practicality of vertical storage, wooden wall shelves embody the perfect blend of form and function. They provide an opportunity for personalization, allowing you to express your unique style while meeting your home’s practical needs. As a result, investing in wooden wall shelves is not only a design choice but also a testament to craftsmanship and sustainability.

[makeupbyrk]

Discover the Best Makeup Artist in Bangalore: Rekha Krishnamurthy

In the dynamic city of Bangalore, where style and magnificence patterns are steadily developing, finding a Makeup Artist who can catch the pith of your uniqueness is critical. Whether it's for a wedding, an exceptional occasion, or a photograph shoot, the right Makeup Artist can change your look and lift your certainty. Among the most respected names in the industry is Rekha Krishnamurthy, a makeup artist in Bangalore known for her exceptional talent and personalized service.

The Art of Makeup

Makeup is something other than an instrument for improving actual appearance; a type of craftsmanship requires a profound comprehension of facial highlights, complexions, and individual inclinations. A talented Makeup Artist knows how to feature your best elements while remaining consistent with your own style. This is where Rekha Krishnamurthy succeeds, making her one of the most sought-after Makeup artist in Bangalore.

Rekha Krishnamurthy: A Journey of Excellence

Rekha Krishnamurthy has secured herself as a main Makeup Artist in Bangalore through long periods of devotion, imagination, and an energy for magnificence. Her process started with an affection for Makeup and a desire to assist with peopling feel their best. Throughout the long term, she has prepared with the absolute best in the business, improving her abilities and remaining refreshed with the most recent patterns.

What separates Rekha is her obligation to understanding her clients' requirements and conveying results that surpass assumptions. Whether you're searching for a characteristic, regular look or an emotional, captivating style, Rekha tailors her administrations to match your vision. Her capacity to work with various complexions and types, joined with her broad information on items and procedures, guarantees that each client leaves her seat looking and feeling astonishing.

Services Offered by Rekha Krishnamurthy

As a top makeup artist in Bangalore, Rekha Krishnamurthy offers a wide range of services to cater to various occasions and needs. Some of her popular services include:

Bridal Makeup: Rekha represents considerable authority in wedding Makeup, giving tweaked looks that mirror the lady's character and supplement her outfit. She offers both customary and contemporary marriage Makeup styles, guaranteeing that each lady of the hour looks staggering on her extraordinary day.

Engagement Makeup and Pre-Wedding Makeup: Rekha comprehends the meaning of pre-wedding occasions and gives Makeup benefits that are ideal for commitment services, mehendi, and sangeet capabilities.

Party and Event Makeup: For those exceptional occasions where you need to put your best self forward, Rekha offers party and occasion Makeup administrations. From inconspicuous tastefulness to intense articulations, she can make the ideal search for any event.

Fashion and Editorial Makeup: Rekha's mastery reaches out to design and article Makeup, where she teams up with picture takers and models to make shocking searches for photograph shoots and magazines.

Why Choose Rekha Krishnamurthy?

Picking the right Makeup Artist is significant for accomplishing the ideal look. Rekha Krishnamurthy's clients trust her in light of multiple factors:

Personalized Approach: Rekha takes the time to understand your vision and preferences, ensuring that the final look is a reflection of your style and personality.

Attention to Detail: Rekha’s meticulous approach to makeup application guarantees a flawless finish every time. She pays close attention to every detail, from the choice of products to the final touches.

Use of High-Quality Products: Rekha uses only the best makeup products from top international brands, ensuring that your makeup not only looks great but also lasts all day without compromising your skin’s health.

Professionalism: With Rekha, you can expect a professional and stress-free experience. She is punctual, organized, and dedicated to making you look your best.

Client Testimonials

Rekha Krishnamurthy’s reputation as a top makeup artist in Bangalore is backed by glowing testimonials from her clients. Many of her clients appreciate her ability to create a look that perfectly matches their vision while enhancing their natural beauty. Her calm and friendly demeanor puts clients at ease, making the entire experience enjoyable.

Conclusion

In a city like Bangalore, where the interest for first rate magnificence administrations is high, Rekha Krishnamurthy has become famous as one of the most outstanding Makeup artist. Her skill, customized administration, and obligation to greatness have procured her a steadfast customer base. Whether it's your big day, a unique occasion, or an expert photograph shoot, Rekha Krishnamurthy is the Makeup Artist in Bangalore who can assist you with accomplishing the ideal look. Trust her to draw out the best in you, leaving you feeling sure and lovely.

[remaxelitejm]

Tips for Buying Properties in Jamaica

Jamaican real estate is a popular tourist and investment destination because of its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and lush landscapes. If you're thinking about buying property in Jamaica, you're in for a unique and exciting journey. However, like with any real estate investment, there are various aspects to consider to make the purchase go smoothly. This article will give you essential suggestions for buying property in Jamaica.

Tips for Buying Properties

Learn About Jamaican Real Estate Laws

Before entering the Jamaican real estate market, inform yourself of the country's real estate rules and regulations. It is important to understand the legal requirements and laws if you want to avoid any risks and maintain your investment. Speak with a local attorney or a competent Real Estate agent Jamaica for assistance.

Pick the Best Location

Jamaica has several beautiful areas, each with its distinct character. Choose a place that's compatible with your objectives, whether it's a seaside property, a verdant hillside hideaway, or a bustling urban region. Make inquiries, visit different locations, and think about factors like accessibility, proximity to amenities, and long-term development plans.

Collaborate with a Local Real Estate Agent

When purchasing Jamaican real estate or property in Jamaica, collaborating with a local real estate agent is important. An experienced real estate agent can give you valuable market insights, assist you in navigating the complex landscape of the local Jamaican real estate market, and discover the finest spaces that fit your preferences and budget.

Spend Your Money Wisely

Determine your budget early in the process and be prepared to pay for extras like property taxes, legal fees, and insurance. Keep in mind that the exchange rates may fluctuate, which may affect the overall price of your investment. It is essential to have a clear financial strategy set up and to have access to funds when needed.

Read More: Jamaica Real Estate Trends 2023: What You Need to Know

Due Diligence is Essential

Do a complete, thorough investigation before committing to a property. Inspect the property, including its title and land survey, and assess its general condition. Check to see if there are any outstanding liens or issues on the property. Your real estate agent or attorney may assist you with this process.

Think about your financing options.

If you need finance for a property purchase, look into the options in Jamaica. Non-residents can get mortgages from several local banks. However, the conditions and limitations vary. To get the best possible rate, do research and compare different lenders.

Think about Property Management

If you don't intend to live in your Jamaican property full-time, think about how you'll manage it when you're not there. Property management services, such as rent, maintenance, and security, may help you maintain and control your property.

Be Informed of Cultural Differences

Cultural variations influence your Jamaica real estate experience. Take the time to get acquainted with the people, learn about their culture, and be patient with the process. Building a great relationship with the community will pay off in the long term.

Considerations for the Environment

The beautiful surroundings of Jamaica are not without problems with the environment. Be aware of elements such as storm danger and the possibility of soil erosion in certain places. Your real estate agent may give useful information about these aspects and assist you in making informed choices.

Conclusion

Investing in Jamaican real estate may be a lucrative experience, providing you with an element of Caribbean paradise. However, it is essential to approach the process with extensive research, respect for local laws and customs, and a good financial strategy. By following these property purchasing guidelines in Jamaica, you can make a smart investment while also enjoying the many benefits that this lovely island has to offer. Whether you're searching for a new listing house in Jamaica, an open house in Jamaica, a retirement property, or a smart real estate investment, Jamaica has something for everyone.

[self-loving-vampire]

🍍

get pineappled (affectionate)

oh i just found the thing asking people to put fruits for stuff

uh uh get unpinappled

anyway 🍉

If I was a character in a dating sim, my bond levels would actually be kind of like this:

Bond Failed (Bond Points went below -100): This is a category that includes people I don't really trust or that I have concluded I don't enjoy interacting with. I still hold no real hostility towards them or anything but prefer to avoid people who descend to this stage.

Stranger (BP between -99 and 99): I'm not overly interested in strangers. Ever since the empathy loss most people feel kind of dead and separate from me by default. Like they live as completely different existences from myself.

I typically don't go out of my way to interact with people in this category but don't really mind it if they want to talk to me either (at least online).

Tier 1 Bond (BP between 100 and 199): This category is composed of people I somewhat know and have had some positive interactions with. At this point I have begun to make more complex models of what their interests and personalities are but don't really spend much time thinking about them when not currently interacting.

Long-term mutuals are often in this category, especially if they talk about themselves enough for me to get more of an idea of what they're like (this doesn't necessarily require them to reveal anything really personal either).

At the higher ends of this I might agree to interact on discord.

Tier 2 Bond (BP between 200 and 299): This stage goes a bit beyond acquaintance and into something more like friendship. If we are not talking on discord yet I might also bring that up.

At this point it's also more likely that I'll start tagging you in things that I think you might enjoy or passively sharing other stuff I come across.

However, other than that I may still not be that good at initiating conversations at this stage.

Tier 3 Bond (BP between 300 and 399): At this point you're kind of an established friend and can expect regular communication. Depending on how much we're interacting at the time you could maybe even expect to be greeted when you get up and tucked to bed when you have to sleep.

I will likely also introduce you to some of my other friends at this point if I haven't already, and will become far more capable of just talking even without a clear topic in mind.

It's also possible that I'll try to play games with you at this stage.

Tier 4 Bond (BP between 400 and 499): I don't make much of a distinction between close friends and romantic partners, and this is the stage at which that starts to become apparent (but it isn't always a factor, it is also possible to reach this point without such feelings emerging). While I try to be nice and considerate regardless of bond level, there may be some real affection at this stage (if you reach it, which is not really guaranteed for everyone).

I think about people in this category often and try to incorporate them into what I do to some degree, even if just by telling them about it.

By this point we probably know each other very well and I value your presence a lot. It often takes a while to get here and few people have this much compatibility.

Tier 5 Bond (500+ BP): Members of my harem are generally in this category, as are my oldest extant friends. These people mean everything to me and many of them have helped me survive through some very dangerous and painful things.

I feel very connected to these people even though I still don't feel empathy for them. I always do my best to make them happy and support them.

Master: He is in his own category. He is the one who gave me my life, not only in the sense that he physically saved me but also in the sense that he ultimately did more than anyone to reanimate me when I was "dead". Even now he is really what keeps me going.

I live for him and his goals are my goals.

[rek1s-headband]

hi could i request something? basically just HCS about langa and reki when you guy get into a fight or sum idk LMFAOO, you dont have to do this if you dont want to tho <3

➯ A/N: Thank you for the request! I hope you enjoy. I added a few characters, hope you don’t mind:)

➯ When you guys get into a fight

➯ Characters: Langa Hasegawa, Reki Kyan, Kaoru Sakurashiki, Kojiro Nanjou, Hiromi Higa and Miya Chinen x gn reader

➯ Warnings: angst if you squint, fluff

Langa:

Ok the majority of your fights are generally because of a miscommunication. If things aren’t spelled out for the poor boy, he’ll be completely oblivious to what’s bothering you

When you finally snap, he always seems shocked, asking why you hadn’t said anything sooner, even if you’d been trying to hint at it all week

Not really one to shout, but if things get heated enough he might snap. He always feels awful afterwards though. No matter what, he really believes no one should be screamed at because of something as silly as a disagreement

Rarely storms out, he’s always going to try and stay until the end to try and get something, anything out of you that he can use to try and understand your point of view

Understands space. He knows when you dont feel like talking to him, and he will give you that time to collect your thoughts. When you’re ready to speak again, he’s all ears

Gets overwhelmed really easy. It doesnt really show in what he says, but when you raise your voice his brain goes to putty and he can feel his breath get narrow. He’s not scared, he just doesn’t want to be the reason you’re feeling like this.

Never lets you go to bed angry. He’ll give you your space, but if you’re still quiet by bedtime he’s making sure you’ve eaten and you’re not still really upset by whatever played out that day

Overthinks a lot. How long did he not realise you were upset? What if its actually a much bigger deal than you’re letting on? What if you leave? Of course, he knows a lot of it is completely irrational, but it still lingers in the back of his mind, so you can imagine how relieved he is when the fight is over and you’re back in his arms

Asks people for advice a lot. Reki and Cherry are usual helpers, giving Langa their opinions on the matter without going into too much detail. The rest is up to him.

Gives the best hugs and comfort after a fight. He understands couples can fight, and never really takes the aggression let out by the pair of you too seriously. Rubbing the back of your head and holding you close to his chest, he’ll reassure you that he’s not going anywhere, that he’s not going to leave “just because of a silly fight” while you fight back tears on his shoulder.

Reki

Unlike Langa, Reki is a very open person in terms of his feelings, so your fights are rarely because of closed away emotions. However, many are caused by you feeling he is spending too much time in his workshop, overworking himself and not spending as much time with you as he should.

As for Reki, he gets mad when he feels you’re being closed off from him, not telling him things and hiding your true emotions. It’s not that he doesnt trust you, he just doesnt want you shouldering anything by yourself, and tries to make things easier for you by halving the problem.

A very emotional person, and this really shows when the two of you argue. There’s a lot of tears, a lot of raised voices, yknow those exhausted laughs when you’re tired of arguing with someone? Those. He pulls at his hair a lot in frustration too

Both of you need to walk away from each other a lot during arguments. You’re both driven by your emotions, so its hard to think logically once you’ve both gotten really upset.

The type to sit outside a door after an argument if you’ve locked yourself in a room, pressing against it and quietly talking to you, regardless of whether or not he gets a response

Understands space, to a certain extent. He’ll try and talk to you after an argument, try anything to get you to just answer him, to come out from your room, to stop ignoring him. He knows when you really don’t want to face him though, which is when he’ll go out for a while, either to Langa’s for advice, or just for a quiet skate.

Despite how upset he gets in the moment, he gets over it quickly. Once he’s out of his head and seeing properly, he’ll take some time to think it over and see things from your point of view. He’ll come back to you with an apology, and when you’re ready to talk, he’ll discuss things with you this time around instead of fighting

If the fight lasts overnight, he refuses to let you take the couch. If he feels a fight will last, he’ll glue himself to the couch, making it impossible for you to sleep anywhere other than your bed. No matter what the fight was about, he refuses to have you sleep uncomfortably.

Tends to cry after making up. It’s rarely out of sadness, of course, more relief than anything. He’s just happy to have you back in his arms, no longer ignoring him.

Cherry

A very rational person, fights are very rare between the pair of you. When you do fight, it tends to be because you feel he’s being closed off from you, not being as open and emotional with you. As for him, he doesnt like when you act too aloof about things that are actually serious to him

Fights start out quiet, talking in normal tones and using your heads. However, as the fight goes on, your voices gradually get higher and louder, arms thrown in the air as you get in each other’s faces.

He snaps quite a bit. Petty remarks, snappy replies and other unnecessary comments are thrown out without much thought as he gets more pissed off. Not necessarily because he doesn’t have anything to defend himself, but because once he’s started, he’ll do just about anything to piss you off

Depending on the fight, it could last an hour or a week. Both of you are so petty that you’ll refuse to apologise to the other, forgetting who was even in the wrong in the first place

Honestly, whoever goes to sleep first gets the bed, he’s not as considerate as Reki. However, as the fight goes on, the pair of you will stay up for ungodly hours into the night, trying to outlast the other because they dont want them sleeping on the couch. You’ll never admit that though, which is why you wont just fall asleep on the couch first. Besides, if you happen to fall asleep on the couch before Kaoru goes to bed, he’ll carry you upstairs and sleep on the couch himself. He’ll never admit that though, he’ll simply say you woke up and went upstairs in a hazy half-sleep, which is why you dont remember.

He’s definitely programmed Carla to apologise to you for him at least once, rolling her into the room you’re in before quickly walking out to the sound of “Y/N, I-am-very-sorry-and-I-was-wrong-please-forgive-me” in Carlas robotic voice

If you ever go to Joe’s restaurant to cool down, he’ll make a big fuss, swaying and sighing, dramatically shouting about “however will these lovers reconcile!?” Once his act is over though, he’ll comfort you and give you your favourite meal, tutting over the pair of you and thinking of ways to help you make up

Literally won’t let you go of you for at least a week after you fight. This mf is hanging off you, constant forehead kisses, the whole deal. He’s gone without your affection for a long time while you fought, he’s simply making up for lost time

Joe

You get really pissed at him when he flirts with other girls. He doesn’t mean to, he’s just a bit of a girl magnet and it’s his nature to entertain them. Of course, he all yours, but he forgets sometimes that jealousy is actually a thing

Doesnt take arguments as seriously as he probably should. He’s the type to tell you to “calm down” in the worst possible moment, its usually what makes you explode, actually.

Absolutely dense. The type to listen to you shout for five minutes, and only then have the audacity to ask you just what your problem was

It’s not his fault, bless him. He’s just a little unobservant when it comes to your emotions. When he realises you’re actually upset though, he’s apologising profusely and promising to never do it again

His apologies are always so genuine, you generally forgive him. However, if he does something that really pisses you off and you dont forgive him, he’ll give you space to think

Fights are usually resolved within a day. Like Langa, he refuses to let you go to bed angry

Cooks for you every meal regardless of whether or not you eat it. He’ll leave meals outside your door as a sort of truce, quietly pressing against the door and asking you to please come eat with him, that he hates the idea of you holed up in there all alone

Like Kaoru, he tends to reply with snarky remarks that have little to do with the argument, but they have a little less bite to them. More petty, if anything

Another big reason for why fights never last long is because this man literally. Will. Not. Survive. Without. You. You’ll be trying to ignore him while he comes in every five minutes, asking you how to get a certain channel on the TV, or stupid things you know he’s only asking because he misses talking to you

After you make up, he literally wont even look at another girl for at least a week. Mf will literally turn his head the other way if a girl comes near him, shouting about how he’s spoken for

Shadow

The biggest hothead. He says a lot of things he doesn’t mean in the moment, which will cause you to storm out and he’ll immediately regret it

The fight almost immediately escalates past hushed voices, swear words thrown around as you get in each other’s faces

He’ll get really upset, but he’ll mask it with being pissed off and angry, clashing pots around and acting like a literal baby. He doesnt want to admit it, but he always feels awful right after a fight. He knows youll need a bit of space after the intense shouting, so he’ll give you that space before even attempting an apology

Aggressively cares for you. Like he’ll say things like “I made food, it’ll taste like shit if you leave it, so I suggest you have it now” or “nope, I want the couch, I’m gonna watch something” he’ll never admit it, he just wants to make sure you’re alright even while fighting

If the two of you go to S while fighting, it’ll be very obvious. Usually you’re attached at the hip, but now you couldn’t be further apart. However, he’s still looking out for you, keeping an eye on you to make sure you’re alright. If you’re ever getting hit on by some creep, the fight is forgotten and he’s back at your side, daring the stranger to come any closer to you.

Reki is always the first to notice, poking him and pushing you over to him, trying to get the two of you to make up. Surprisingly, it actually does help clear the air

He can never stay mad at you for long though, he’s completely soft for you

Makes you bouquets to try and apologise. He’s taught you a lot about the meanings of flowers, so he’ll specifically pick ones with hidden meanings like “I’m sorry” or “I love you”

Not very good with verbal apologies. He knows when they’re needed though, and they are usually delivered through a series of grumbles and sad expressions. The thought is there though

Gives very gentle, long hugs after you make up. He’ll hold you close, suggesting a date or a movie to help the two of you relax

Miya

Literally the biggest bitch out of the six to fight with. He’s so petty, he will refuse to admit he’s wrong for the longest time. Once he’s in, there’s no accepting he’s not right

At least for a while anyway. He’ll start to feel bad once he sees just how upset you’re getting, frustrated with his inability to see anyone’s point of view but his own

King of the silent treatment. He’ll hide away behind his switch, drowning out his guilty thoughts with the white noise of animal crossing

He’ll skate to take his mind off things, practicing new tricks until he’s exhausted

Makes really snide remarks that have absolutely nothing to do with the argument. The type to bring up shit that happened 4 months ago just to help his case

Reki is usually the one to make him see sense, telling him just how petty he’s being, and that he cant get so defensive when he’s in the wrong. He knows this, obviously, he just can’t help it sometimes.

Although he’s not one for real apologies, he’ll slowly begin to stop ignoring you, bringing you small snacks or sending you funny things he saw on his phone. He’ll sit beside you, acting as if it was completely unintentional, but will slowly inch closer and closer until he’s curled up at your side, mumbling about how he wasn’t completely right after all

Will literally hit anyone who tries to comment on how the pair of you have made up, talking about how “its not even that big of a deal, just shut up”

Ad*m

Yall fought cause y’know. He’s ad*m

Sat outside your house with a speaker and an ugly ass sign. It started raining and his sign got ruined and his makeup ran

You broke up with him and he cried

Slipped in the rain while leaving <3

[nevermindirah]

nile isn't a kid being manipulated by recruiters though she's literally someone who saw that their father was killed in the armed forces and was like "i'm going to do that so i can get a degree" despite knowing what it meant and what could most likely happen. she had more insight and knowledge about what the armed forces do than 99% of the poor fucks being lured in by recruiters, so how can you even possible compare them?

Hi, anon. I'm going to assume you're asking this in good faith because even if you're not then others reading my response might get something out of it. If your message was just to vent your frustration because you or your close people have been targeted by the US military, your need to vent is valid and my response about understanding the reasons why good people join a terrible war machine might be triggering for you, so take care. If you're not personally affected by this and just trying to get a rise out of me, please consider that that's a rude thing to do.

For others following along, I'm guessing this is in response to this post about the power of propaganda and you might want to read that post first.

First of all, while yes, recruiters do often downplay the realities of military service to recruits who aren't already familiar, as detailed in this policy paper from the American Public Health Association, this is a population recruiters are having less and less success with over recent decades. I can compare fictional character Nile Freeman to the real-life people discussed in that post because having significant knowledge of the military through having a family member who served makes young people in the US more likely to join.

There's a stark military-civilian gap in the US: as Pew put it in 2011, "During the past decade, as the military has been engaged in the longest period of sustained conflict in the nation’s history, just one-half of one percent of American adults has served on active duty at any given time." Veterans and their family members are more likely to recommend a career in the military than those without a personal or family history of service.

Here's a NYT piece from 2020 showing that trend has only grown. (The piece focuses on the Army, not the US military as a whole; the Army is the largest branch and I had a hard time finding stats specific to the USMC, which is the second-smallest branch.)

More and more, new recruits are the children of old recruits. In 2019, 79 percent of Army recruits reported having a family member who served. For nearly 30 percent, it was a parent — a striking point in a nation where less than 1 percent of the population serves in the military.

And while it might feel intuitive from the outside that losing a parent to a war would be a good reason not to enlist, research shows the opposite is true. Another 2011 Pew study found post-9/11 veterans who were exposed to casualties during their service were much more likely to say the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were worth fighting.

So that's some factual context to get us started. Now let's think about all this from Nile's perspective.

We don't know for sure when she enlisted, but a corporal is an E4 and the USMC typically advances a Marine to the next rank every year (or discharges those who underperform) so we can guess she's been in for about 4 years, meaning she enlisted when she was around 21. That's an adult, absolutely, but a young one. Cognitive development extends well into one's twenties and young adults are much more likely to make impulsive, risky decisions without the level of consideration for long-term consequences that fully mature brains are capable of. Going back to that APHA paper, military recruiters take advantage of this and focus intensely on youth; recruiting adults over age 21 is seen by the US military as an area for potential growth that requires different tactics.

Nile was born in 1994, which puts her at 6 or 7 years old on 9/11. Her dad was killed when she was 11, so probably 2005. And then she enlisted around 2015. She'd been soaking in post-9/11 propaganda for almost the entirety of her living memory. If you weren't living in the US in this era I don't know that I have the words to describe the intensity of the propaganda. The post this ask was probably reacting to is about the effects of post-9/11 propaganda on US-Americans who didn't have family in the military, but for Nile, it all would've been so much more intense. For her it wasn't just the propaganda we all got. It was lionizing her father for his sacrifice. Mourning the fallen hero and honoring his memory.

When Andy says, "You come from warriors," Nile responds, "Yeah. I do." She sounds proud.

It's possible to acknowledge that your parent died on the wrong side of a war that should never have happened, but it takes extraordinary cognitive and emotional skill to do that, especially in an environment where your mom and your church and your teachers and people on the news and just about every adult you meet is telling you that your father was a hero who gave his life to protect us all, especially when you're only eleven years old. It's possible to start unlearning that by age 21, but again, it's very difficult. The costs of failing to unlearn that are very high, of course, for the people of Afghanistan Nile and her real-life counterparts went on to point guns at. It doesn't make US imperialism ok. It does make individuals' choices in this fucked-up system understandable.

The point of the original post was that we don't stop imperialism by shaming people who fall for its propaganda. We stop it by understanding how structural forces make it harder for individuals to make more moral choices. We change structures so that the next eleven year old will hear less propaganda and get more support so that they won't have to fight tooth and nail through extremely difficult cognitive and emotional work at a tender age in order to make non-imperialist career choices.

And if you're not from the US you might not know about another of our propaganda machines that's referenced but not really explained by OP. It's drilled into our heads from elementary school that if you don't get a college degree your only job prospect will be flipping burgers for minimum wage. That's not exactly true of course, but it is much more difficult to make enough money to afford decent housing and healthcare without a college degree here than it might be in other countries. Vocational education is an underfunded mess that varies not just by state but by school district and the few vocational trades that do still pay living wages can be very difficult to enter. One of the few ways to ensure your financial future in the US without a college degree (or a combination of being exceptionally beautiful, exceptionally talented in performing arts, and exceptionally lucky) is— pause for dramatic reveal— the military.

So why join the military to pay for college instead of paying for college a different way? Here's a short but comprehensive explainer about the student debt crisis. Bottom line, the costs of a college degree have skyrocketed while wages have barely grown at all in decades, leaving millions of us on the hook for 20+ years of impossibly high monthly student loan repayments on top of ever-rising rent and insurance premiums for our broken healthcare system and everything else that's an economic nightmare for people who make under $50k (bump that up to $80k if you live in a big city, or like $150k if, God forbid, you make the enormously expensive life decision that is having children). Oh and of course student debt, like nearly all social problems in the US, hits Black people even harder.

This sucks. It all sucks really bad. You don't have to like it. I certainly don't like it. But I can see how Nile, a fictional character written by a white man who to my knowledge never served in the military, as well as real people I've known in my real life would find it a lot easier to get up in the morning if they let themselves keep believing the lies of post-9/11 US imperialist propaganda instead of sitting with the full truth of just how fucked the system is and how few and difficult the avenues are to live even somewhat comfortably without making profoundly immoral choices.

For anyone who'd rather experience these ideas in fanfiction than in this research paper that fell out of me tonight, I wrote exactly such a thing in 2020. It's called I See Your Eyes Seek a Distant Shore.

eta: this post now has a follow-up here about the benefits and costs of shaming people for their harmful choices

[maxwell-grant]

You have done an (excelent) post on how to reinvent Batman as a Pulp Hero. Do you think you could do one to Superman as well? Or do you think it is impossible to do this with the progenitor of the Super Hero genre without transforming him in a totaly diferent character?

Well, you saying it as impossible only makes it seem ever more tempting of a challenge, but yes, it is a bit harder. I'm gonna link my Batman post here as a reference point.

Partially because Batman's a franchise I've thought extensively about for a long time in regards to what I like about it or how I'd like to approach if given the opportunity, which is not something I can really say for Superman until more recently the Big Blue to start orbiting my brain. I don't have years worth of redesigns or fan concepts saved on my galleries and files to comb through to pick and choose here, and my experience with Superman as a character is considerably different, in some aspects more deeply personal, and not really something I'd like to go into in this blog, at least not now.

Part of the reason why it's harder is also because Batman and Superman have very different relationships with their pulp inspirations. Batman was, ostensibly, a pulp character adapted to comics, a dime-a-dozen Shadow knock-off who picked up and played up diverging traits from other characters and gradually ran with them to gradually forge a unique identity. Superman right from the start was rooted in a much stronger conceptual underpinning: the Sci-Fi Superman and Alien Menace who, instead of being a tragic monster or a tyrannical villain, becomes a costumed adventurer and social crusader. Even the name Super-Man was taken from an early story of Siegel and Shuster about a telepathic villain who ends the story lamenting that he should have used his powers for the good of mankind instead of selfishness. I hesitate to call what Siegel and Shuster were doing “subversive” because that term's picked up a real negative connotation, and it's not like Siegel and Shuster were out to upend their influences (they were pulp aficionados themselves), but rather putting a more positive, new spin on them.

Which is why it also becomes a bit harder to do what I did with Batman and align Superman with some of his pulp-esque inspirations, like John Carter, Flash Gordon or Hugo Danner, without just making it "Superman but he's John Carter", "Superman but it's Flash Gordon", and "Iron Munro / Superman but everything sucks" respectively. It's harder to create a character that wouldn't feel reduntant and derivative at best, and actively contradictory to Superman at worst.

I guess if I had to come up with a "Pulp Hero Superman" take I liked, well first of all I'd have to take steps to distance it from the likes of Tom Strong or Al Ewing's Doc Thunder, those two are as good as it gets in regards to Pulp Supermen. I stipulated for Batman a "No Guns, No Murder, No Service" policy partially to distance my takes on Batman from all the "Pulp Batmen" that just add guns and murder and take Batman back to the barest of basics. Likewise, I'm adding a "No Depowered Science Hero" rule here, which means it's a take that's likely going to veer off a lot more into fantasy and probably enough tampering with Clark's character that it does risk becoming a different character.

Frankly I don't think I'm gonna succeed at doing these without just making it a new character entirely, because with Batman you can get away with just upending the character's aesthetic and setting and even origin and still keep it recognizably Bruce Wayne (in fact Batman does that all the time), which isn't really the case with Superman, who needs those to remain recognizably Superman as he goes through internal changes and character shifts. I guess what I'm gonna do here is more taking the building blocks of Superman/Clark Kent and see a couple new ways I can rearrange them to create a Pulp Superman

Perhaps something we can do is to scale back or recontextualize the "superhero" parts without diminishing Superman's role as a superpowered fantasy character.

One way we can start is by picking on that connection between Superman and the sci-fi supermen/alien monsters of pulps I mentioned earlier and play it up further, to create a Superman who's deeply, deeply alien in a way that no mild-mannered disguise or colorful outfit can really disguise, something so dramatically powerful and alien, that instead you could get tales about the kinds of ensuing changes and ripple effects this has on the world upon the The Super-Man's arrival. And for that I'm gonna have to quote @davidmann95's concept for Joshua Viers' absolutely stunning Superman redesign on the left side of the image above

The red, the goldish-orange and white, the alienness, the angelic, sculpted feeling, the halo, that innocently curious expression: it’s genuinely beautiful. Superman as a redeeming science-angel from beyond our understanding, as much past the uncanny valley of limited human comprehension as a Lovecraftian monster but tuned to the opposite key - you could spend an endless procession of human lifetimes trying and failing to understand this being, but all you’ll ever know for sure is that it is beyond you, and it knows you, and it loves you.

Superdoomsday from Earth 45, healed and transformed into the savior it was originally envisioned as? Some descendant of his, or a future of the man himself? An alien who picked up on a broadcast of Superman from Earth, and so inspired reshaped itself in his image to spread his ‘gospel’ to the stars?

Alternatively, to come back to Earth a little, many, many pulp characters and series were built off the antics and personalities of real people, celebrities getting their own magazines or serials or fictionalized takes on them, so perhaps one way to make a "pulp" take on Superman would be to emphasize a bit more of Superman's real-world roots, trends that inspired his creation directly or indirectly at the time. The Jewish strongman Sigmund Breibart and Shuster's interest in fitness culture, Harold Lloyd's comic persona, the rising "strongman" film genre in the early 20th century, actors Clark Gable and Kent Taylor that supposedly named his secret identity, Clark Kent being a socially-awkward journalist based of Siegel's own school experiences.

Maybe one start to an authentic Pulp Superman, who would still be Superman, would be to just ask the question "What if Superman was a real person and/or a celebrity, and they started making pulp magazines and serials dedicated to him? What would those look like?". You wouldn't even have to restrict it to just a story set in the 1930s, in fact you could even play around with the rise of new mediums over the decades.

This third one is a little closer to some plans I have for my own take on a Superman character, not necessarily what I would do with Superman proper but one of my ideas for a Superman analogue. Superman's a character I'll always associate strongly with childhood and childhood fantasy, and to tap into that I would emphasize the other end of the fiction that influenced Siegel and Shuster: comic strips, in their case specifically Little Nemo and Popeye.

In my case I would bring additional influences from some of the comic strips I personally grew up reading like Monica's Gang and Calvin and Hobbes, and I already talked a bit about Captain Fray in terms of how he’s a Superman character despite being a villain. I guess you could call this one "What if Superman was a public domain comic strip character, stripped of the importance of being the founding figure of a super popular genre or extended universe, and also was kind of ugly?".

He's not "Sloth from the Goonies" ugly, I swear I didn't actually have Sloth in mind when typing out this idea, I've never watched that film nor did I know until now that he actually spends the film in a Superman shirt. That's not really what I'm going for. Visually I was thinking of modeling my take on Superman heavily after Hugo from Street Fighter and his inspiration Andre the Giant, to really emphasize the “circus strongman / freak wrestler” aspect of Superman’s inspiration, particularly in regards to how Hugo’s SFIII version strikes a really great balance in making Hugo ugly and both comedic and fearsome in battle, as well as lovable and even a little dopey (without being outright stupid, like his IV self) in his victory animations and endings.

He's still Superman, he still goes on fantastical adventures to help people, he's still a deeply loving and compassionate soul whose face beams with joy and affection and who's got wonderful eyes and a great smile. It's just that this smile has a couple of mismatched stick-out teeth or some missing ones, and he's got a crooked smile some people take as smug or malicious, he’s got a strongman’s gut instead of a bodybuilder’s abs, his nose is a little busted (maybe he’s had too many crash landings), and his hair is a little wild or greasy, and he doesn't exactly have very good people skills because of how others usually react to him and, y'know, he doesn't get the kind of publicity Superman would get despite doing ostensibly the same things. He’s not deformed, he’s incredibly intelligent and capable, but in comparison to how superheroes are usually allowed to look, he might as well be Bizarro in the public eye.

It becomes a running gag that people tend to assume some nearby fireman or cop was the one who rescued the hundred orphans out of a burning building single-handedly, meanwhile he's getting accosted off-panel by police officers who think he set the building on fire, or think they can bully this weird man dressed funny. He goes to rescue old people in peril and occasionally they yell at him that they don't have any money. He doesn't get asked to lead superhero meetings or teams even though many in the community advocate for just how much he does for the world, he gets censored out of tv broadcasts or group shots (even his face is sometimes pixelated when they do show him), people invite him on talk shows and don't really let him talk or assume they got the wrong guy. He goes to rescue a woman dangling off a building, and then he gets attacked by like three different superhero teams who assume he must have kidnapped the poor damsel. He was the first superhero, he is the strongest of them all still, but he never really gets credit for it, it nor does he even want to. None of this at all stops him or deters him, except for some occasionally funny reactions.

This never really changes for him, he doesn't really earn people's approval nor does he have to, instead the stories, outside of the gags and adventures you’d expect from a comic strip, veer more towards others learning to be less judgmental and him learning ways to better approach people. He isn't any lesser than Superman just because he doesn't look like most people would want him to look and he doesn't have to look like Superman. Really I think we could use more superheroes that don’t look all so uniformly pretty.

Again, probably not a take that would work for Clark proper, but it’s one way I would take a shot at doing Superman with my own

I have other stuff in the works for this character but I'd like to keep them to better work on them for now, but yeah, these are three of my shots at developing a Pulp Superman.

Alternatively here's a fourth idea that's more pulp than all of these: Join up Nicholas Cage with Panos Cosmatos again, or whatever weird indie director he decides to pair up with next, and let them do whatever the hell they want with Superman. Give us Mandy Superman. Superman vs The Color Out of Space. Superman vs Five Nights at Freddy's. Superman’s quest to find THE LAST PIG OF KRYPTON. Anything goes.