#nefarious-inventor

[venussaidso]

The Genius, Misanthropic Inventor 👩‍🔬

As I've explored a bit in my Sun Dominant Themes post, the whole disillusioned, misanthropic character type is portrayed by Sun nakshatra natives.

In the film Tomorrowland, Uttara Ashada Moon native George Clooney plays Frank Walker who is a cynical, reclusive genius that lost hope in the future/humanity. His character reminds me of the toymaker, Jeronicus Jangle, from the film Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey, whose light dimmed when his apprentice betrayed him, and he lost all his creativity and hope. Jeronicus Jangle is played by Uttara Phalguni Moon native Justin Cornwell and Uttara Phalguni ASC native Forest Whitaker.

Frank Walker is said to be a disenchanted grump who was a boy-genius inventor as a kid. His beautiful inventions were a symbol of hope or joy, much like the inventions of Jeronicus Jangle.

This reminded me of the character Powder/Jinx from the animation series Arcane, who is voiced by Uttara Phalguni Sun native Ella Purnell.

She was insecure about her creations growing up. Although I see her Swati influence as well, she also had a journey from being full of innocence & life to being extremely disillusioned and lonely.

Speaking of the inventor that Jinx is, I just remembered a favourite character of mine from my childhood! I checked, and he was indeed voiced by a Sun nakshatra native as well! From Phineas and Ferb, Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz, the evil cartoon scientist, whose prime motivation is creating obscure, nefarious inventions to conquer the "entire Tri-State Area", is voiced by the Uttara Phalguni Sun & Moon native Dan Povenmire.

He, too, has been bullied when he was a kid. Which is why he's so ridiculously "evil" and grumpy.

Even Phineas and Ferb themselves, the brothers who invent incredible things in their backyard, which bring their friends so much joy and fun, are voiced by Krittika natives!

Being respectively voiced by Krittika Moon Vincent Martella & Krittika Sun Thomas Brodie-Sangster.

In the film How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Uttara Ashada Sun native Jim Carrey plays the Grinch who, similar to Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz, and even Shrek, has been bullied into self-isolation. He is very misanthropic and he absolutely hates the Who people. Josh Ryan Evans played young Grinch, and he could have had Uttara Ashada Sun. Young Grinch is shown breaking random things down to invent something beautiful to make someone happy.

And this trait is seen in adult Grinch, ostracized and secluded, who now invents for ill-intentions to take away Christmas from the Who people.

Obviously, Sun nakshatras aren't the only nakshatras present in the evil genius/inventor archetype, I'm sure. But another example of the misanthropic archetype is the character Shrek, who is voiced by Krittika Sun Mike Myers.

As expected, he is depicted as a reclusive grump who has been disillusioned by the idea of community.

In the film The Other Woman, Krittika Moon Cameron Diaz plays a highly respected lawyer who has always been disappointed by men.

Her distant, grumpy nature is really just her disillusionment manifesting through her interactions and behavioural patterns.

Honestly, this evolution of the Sun nakshatra natives is simply another part of them forming tougher skin or putting more boundaries. But also, this plays as a theme for the native to rediscover that light they used to have and choose to remain purely authentic regardless of the darkness and ignorance that surrounds them. As I described with the symbolisms and lessons in Christmas films.

This goes back to the genius inventor, the clever alchemist. Solar natives are fantastic at self-inventing or reinventing themselves, hence, their redemption story arcs.

[reveryfics]

Hello !!

If you write for him, could I request Tony Stark x m reader ? Nothing specific, maybe something similar to the reader from your Scott Lang fic. (Loved it!)

thanks!

A Game Of Chess

Tony Stark x Male Reader

Summary: Tony isn't convinced you're anything but lucky, despite your constant reminder of your mutant powers

A/N: I couldn't think of a good mutant power, so reader is simply has telepathy/telekinesis. Plus I feel Tony would just in general be a sceptical person. Sorry it's short!

TW: Tony - Teasing

Ah, yes, another glorious evening of shattering Tony Stark's ego. You, of course, couldn't help but let out a perfectly timed, utterly condescending chuckle as you watched his meticulously crafted facade of composure crumble like a stale cookie. There he sat, the great Tony Stark, inventor, genius, playboy, philanthropist, reduced to a sputtering, red-faced mess by… you.

Honestly, it was getting a little repetitive. Ever since you graced his presence with your magnificent, undeniably mutant abilities (which he, bless his cotton socks, still insisted were mere parlor tricks), he’d been on this pathetic quest to prove you were cheating. As if you needed to cheat. You, with your telekinetic prowess and the ability to read his mind like a particularly dull picture book.

He’d challenged you to everything: cards, darts, even a ridiculously complex game of quantum Sudoku. You, of course, had demolished him at every turn. It was less a competition and more like watching a toddler try to assemble a rocket ship with mittens on.

Tonight, it was chess. He huffed, that familiar, petulant sound you'd come to associate with his impending defeat, and took a hearty swig of his overpriced whiskey. "I refuse to believe you aren't, at the very least, employing some form of… nefarious tactics," he accused, his finger wagging like a disgruntled metronome. You, in your infinite magnanimity, merely shrugged, downing your own, significantly less expensive whiskey with a theatrical flourish.

It was a delightful internal battle playing out in his mind: the logical side desperately trying to rationalize your victories as mere coincidence, while the increasingly desperate side was screaming, “Just admit he’s a mutant, you stubborn fool!” You could practically hear the gears grinding, the circuits short-circuiting.

"Why can't you just accept it?" you drawled, raising a perfectly sculpted eyebrow. He glared, a look that would have been intimidating if he weren't currently sporting a very fetching shade of beetroot red.

Another game commenced, and, predictably, within minutes, you had him checkmated. He groaned, rubbing his temples as if trying to massage some sense into his thick skull. "Okay, fine, maybe��� just maybe… you're telepathic," he conceded, his voice dripping with reluctant admiration. "So, what am I thinking right now?" he asked, a smug smirk spreading across his face, clearly thinking he’d finally caught you in a trap.

"Oh, you know, the usual. 'Here he is, defeating me in chess with his mind, and all I can think about is what he’d look like naked, preferably tangled up in my expensive Egyptian cotton sheets,'" you replied, your tone as casual as if you were discussing the weather.

His face turned a shade of crimson that would have made a tomato envious. He sputtered, his mouth opening and closing like a goldfish gasping for air. "Right, right, I concede," he mumbled, finally accepting his utter and complete defeat.

The next hour was a parade of his pathetic attempts to test your powers. He’d ask you to move objects, to guess his favorite color, to predict the next word he was going to say. Each successful demonstration only served to further fluster him.

It was particularly amusing when you’d casually mention his more… colorful thoughts. Especially when you’d pulled your chair a little closer, leaning in just enough for him to smell the whiskey on your breath, to see the mischievous glint in your eyes. "Seriously, Tony," you purred, your hand tracing a slow circle on his knee, "what would the Avengers say if they knew how desperately you wanted to… engage in some extracurricular activities with me?"

He tugged at his collar, his eyes darting around the room like a trapped ferret. "They… they wouldn’t believe you," he stammered, his voice barely a whisper.

You chuckled, your hand now sliding up his thigh, then his chest, as you stood up. "Maybe next time, Stark," you called over your shoulder as you sauntered away, leaving him in a state of delightful disarray.

Who knew his stubborn disbelief would lead to such… entertaining results? And, if you played your cards right, to something far more interesting in the future. After all, a little bit of chaos was always good for the soul, especially Tony's.

[jmoonjones]

Elain’s love of creating - cooking food, growing plants, creating headache powder - makes me imagine her as a witchy inventor chef, brewing up helpful new concoctions (or snacks) from what she grows in the garden🔬🔮🍄 

Since it’s Elain Week let’s look at what she’s been whipping up in her kitchen-laboratory, in collaboration with her lab conspirators Nuala and Cerridwen 💊🍩💾🧁🧪

I FORGOT FOXGLOVE WAS A POISON!! Im definitely not suggesting poisoning - it’s only he’s a fox who gave her gloves! It was for the word play!! 😭 I would take a bullet for Lucien, so absolutely nothing nefarious in mind!!

(I’m looking forward to her book so much! 🌸)

[lanitaminaj]

nothing's gonna hurt you baby

a short n sweet about my fav blue-haired duo ᥫ᭡

it was as if the little girl appeared out of thin air; there were moments throughout the day in which jinx expected the child to disappear whenever the blue-haired woman would close her eyes, yet when the kid remained, jinx's heart couldn't help but to flutter in relief.

it was strange, ever since that night in the barons, where jinx happened to be in the right place during the wrong time, the little girl had been dangerously attached to the older zaunite.

these days, of course, it was considered dangerous to be associated with the likes of jinx. she was a nefarious criminal. public enemy number one. the princess of zaun. the young woman with a generous bounty on her plaited, cyan-blue head.

she'd found herself much more isolated now; since silco's death, she hadn't had much desire to take a step outside and breathe in the chemically polluted undercity air. she hadn't seen much of sevika either, the older woman assumed silco's role of zaun's president while jinx occupied herself with hauntings of her family's spirits and babbling to herself about nothing. her inventor's desk had been collecting dust for weeks.

in a way, it was like the little girl had saved her.

jinx had been in a corner of the arcade one evening, the same arcade in which her, her siblings, and ekko used to goof around in during their childhood years. she'd often come here some nights, when the stereos of the last drop would be too loud or the lights in her room would be too bright. when asked, jinx would claim that the dullness of the abandoned room provided just enough of a calm atmosphere to help her focus on inventing new tricks and weapons. in reality, there was some deep seeded attachment that she had on this place. that she had on her childhood.

initially, she'd thought claggor's spirit had come to haunt her again. usually, mylo would be the one to mock her, to blame her for their deaths. silco used to tell her that they were just hallucinations, that they weren't real. jinx couldn't tell these days.

while she'd been under the guise of her deceased brothers visiting her, she failed to notice the little pitter-patter of boots against the graveled ground. she missed the child-like sounds of grunts and hums, noises one would make when jumping down from elevated platforms to the ground.

jinx, however, could somehow feel her presence in the room. it was like her soul lifted, the cyan-blue hairs on her skin stuck upwards against her.

"who's there?" jinx called out, her cracked, solemn voice bouncing off the arcade's linoleum walls. she didn't bother to look up, the young woman so sure it was just one of her many hallucinations. "vi? is it you this time?"

she could hear a little hum, a sound so human and precious it knocked jinx off unexpectedly. she titled her head up, her shimmer-induced purple eyes darted dangerously around the room. a shadow danced, its movements scattered and unorganized. jinx refused to take her eyes off it, the young woman was caught in its trance. her fingers, the nails chipping from its magenta and blue nail paint, reached for her little handgun that was neglected on the dirtied floor.

once it had kissed her palm, the neurotic woman wasted no time in spraying bullets across the room. she halted, however, at the sound of frightened gasps and shrieks. they were loud, somehow more boisterous than the excruciatingly piercing booms and bangs of pow-pow's bullets. jinx panted, her chest inhaling and exhaling dramatically as the clouds of dust pulled away to reveal a shaky little creature in the corner of the arcade. at first, jinx truly thought it was poro; it was that tiny and tremulous. at a closer inspection, however, she noted that it was a girl. not just any girl, but the girl that she saved.

"oh," jinx breathed, her own tone unsure if it should convey relief or unease. "it's you."

the baby girl's eyes peaked up at her through her protective fingers, her big, doll-eyes sparked something unusual in jinx.

"don't look at me like that," jinx barked, before a sudden feeling of guilt washed over her heart. "i didn't mean it, kid. and you shouldn't be spying and stalking up on people like that. it's just not cool."

the girl merely watched her, silent as she took in jinx's presence.

"why don't you run back to home, hm?" the blue-haired woman continued. "why don't you stay out of trouble and out my way?"

the girl's amber-brown irises seemed to dim at the mention of home. she shrugged at jinx's words, before she made her way towards the woman. she stood directly under jinx's befuddled stare, before she smiled and hugged her pale leg.

jinx froze. she couldn't even muster the will to shake the child off her; the shock of someone showing her affection overrode every sense of hers. the last time she hugged anyone had been silco. the last time someone had told her they loved her had been vi.

then here came this little girl, the child too young and unaware of the public persona jinx currently had. or maybe she did know, but chose to ignore it. for whatever reason.

-

jinx managed to teach her everything she knew. she taught the child to create gadgets and gizmos of great hazard; the blue-haired woman was never the biggest fan of hand-to-hand combat. why break your bones when you could bomb 'em? jinx showed her hiding spots throughout the city, places she'd utilized back in her youth.

in turn, the baby educated jinx on subjects she never knew to exist until now. the girl taught the woman how to speak with her hands, a wordless language in which caused the girl to survive on her own for so long. jinx learned her alphabet, learned that the little girl's name was isha.

it wasn't strange; undercity children were known for their proneness to develop mentally stronger and older compared to piltover's. jinx could recall her own sister having to teach her and their brothers street-rule etiquette, how to maintain their manes, how to get themselves ready for bedtime.

they'd been sitting in jinx's secret lair one evening; isha's now baby-blue dyed head had been resting on jinx's willowy thigh as the older girl ran her fingers, her magenta and sapphire nails combed through the baby girl's locks. jinx then mindlessly braided her child's chestnut-brown mane as isha hummed a melody that jinx sung to her one day.

"i was starting to think I was cursed," jinx found herself suddenly mumbling. "seems like everyone I loved, just..."

isha merely hummed, her cheek pressed into jinx's leg more as she allowed the woman to continue speaking.

"then I met you, kid." a tooth-gapped smile blossomed onto jinx's lips. she bounced her leg in which the child was resting on, which in turn caused said child to giggle. "maybe I'm not so cursed, hm?"

isha smiled, her lips pressed together so close she was sure jinx could feel it. she rested her eyes, allowing herself to nap as she felt safe and secured with jinx.

later on that night, isha signed the same sentiments back to her caretaker.

"I love you, mama."

[is-this-a-sideblog]

Ok, here's my plot prediction for Sherlock and Daughter. Amelia is not Holmes' kid (duh). Instead, she's Moriarty's.

My theory is as follows:

Her mom met Moriarty when she was part of the travelling rodeo show. Seeing that she was a genius inventor, something incredibly useful, he seduced her and told her that he was the fabulous Sherlock Holmes. Now, he might have meant to get her pregnant as the child would be a connection he could draw upon whenever he needed something invented for nefarious means and her mother would be more compelled to help him. On is last visit, she figured out he wasn't Sherlock and wouldn't help him anymore/ at all, and he killed her.

So it's a nice little poetic irony that Moriarty's arch nemesis will end up adopting his offspring and carrying for her in a way that he would never be willing to do.

[sfehvn]

hi hello! saw you had requests open and were looking for some prompts to work on?

i hope you dont mind me sending in one :0

possessive or jealous astarion x reader maybe?

reader is divorced, has been for a while, but their ex and them are still good friends. it was a mutual, respectful separation, because the two had different life plans after being together for some time. ex is a great person with a kind heart (and js brilliant artificer or inventor maybe?) and decided to visit reader some time after the game. nothing nefarious, just some nice catching up with one of their closest friends.

just want a lil astarion jealousy here. how reader reacts is up to you. itd be fun if they just roll their eyes but indulge his possessive behavior a tad.

no need to follow everything to a T of course.

other reasons the ex could be visiting (if theyre an artificer or inventor) is because reader commissioned them for a ring or jewelry or something that lets astarion walk under the sun. fun ideas there where astarion sees the ex hand reader a ring, is almost heartbroken, but it turns out reader got the ring for him was gonna propose or something (ring lets vampires walk under the sun). some angst there wahaha

im so sorry this is so long, i had multiple ideas i wanted to offer but didnt wanna flood you.

i understand if you dont wanna work on this (these?). its still just a joy to share these. thanks!

green eyed devil

A/N: Thank you for the request! I hope you enjoy it! xx Rating: M (18+ minors DNI) Word count: 2,290 Characters: Astarion x Tav

━─━────༺༻────━─━

  In the months following the removal of your unwanted little brain passengers you and Astarion had been tirelessly in search of a cure for his vampiric condition. As much as you tried to discourage his masking, there were many mornings you woke to see your lover longingly staring at the covered windows surrounding your bed. Astarion would play it off cooly once the realization he’d been caught dawned on him, but he knew as well as you the agony that hid behind ruby-red eyes. The remorse ate him alive as the color in your own skin began to fade from your previously sunkissed appearance to reflect that of paleness. It stilled in comparison to his, but it was a constant reminder of the fact that, in his judgment, he’d doomed you to a life in the shadows.

  You held him close to your chest and the sound of your beating heart against his ear prompted a moment of weakness. “I feel like I’m destroying you.” His words were a shutter as they left his mouth. You place a small hand on his cold cheek at the sudden confession, commending him to look up at you.

  It was unspoken. You needed no words to tell you how sun-starved you had become and you vaguely recalled the last time you had gone out while it was still beaming. “Hey, I’m alright. We’re making decent progress and have more than a few promising leads. I’m not the slightest worried about it.” Even your reassuring smile and soothing words couldn’t placate the shame he felt.

  “Would you go for a walk at least? You thrive in the sun and instead you’re cooped up in this little room with me until sundown, darling.” You let out a sigh of disapproval and before you can argue the suggestion, he continues. “Do it for me. I can’t bear seeing you like this.” Astarion knew without a shred of doubt that one day you’d grow tired of skulking in the dark with him, given a cure was never found. He’d do everything he could to make sure it never happened. If it did, though, Astarion believed he’d have no reason to continue his miserable existence.

  After a few beats of silence, you finally nod. The look on his face was enough to tell you there was no use arguing the matter away. Evidently, this was important to him, so you sat and readied to do what he could not, what he wanted so desperately: to bathe in the rays of daylight. 

-

  You trudged about the city with no end in mind. Feeling the warmth of sunshine on your skin was a welcome change, and you soaked up the sensation eagerly. There was heavy remorse weighing in your chest at the thought of not being able to share this feeling with your lover all the while. You’re stopped in your tracks at the familiar face before you. “Tav! Well, you’re looking worse for wear.” The man teased. You grinned widely and wrapped your arms around him in a chaste embrace.

“I would say your words hurt, but it is a testament to your honesty, I suppose.” You quipped and stepped back to get a good look at him. It had been a lengthy amount of time since you had last seen him. You recall the last time you had been in each other’s company was when you had attended his wedding to his new wife, a lovely half-elf you had regularly messaged with. From said messages, you knew they had just welcomed a new addition to his family, and you felt great pride in the man he had become. While, yes, you had once shared a bed and a last name, it felt like a lifetime away.

  “You look well, Conrad. It seems fatherhood suits you well.” He did indeed look great, not a day older than when you had last seen him despite the years passed. Black hair that somehow always looked tousled and neat at the same time, bright green eyes with no darkness marring under them, and he’d taken to toning his physique since you’d been with him, ostensibly.

  You were both far too young when you had made the rash decision of running off and eloping together. Just as hastily as you two had agreed to spend the rest of your lives together, things had begun falling apart. Conrad wanted to settle and start creating a family as quickly as possible, while you were keen just the way you were. You were confident you never wanted children to begin with. Though your thoughts on the matter have recently changed, it is a testament that finding the right person has shown you things you weren’t even aware of about yourself before. 

  “Despite the lack of sleep, we can agree on that.” Conrad chortles gleefully, motioning you to follow him to a nearby bench. Once seated, he turns his body to face you. “You are a tough one to find, my friend. Amira told me you have been holed up in Elfsong for a while, and it was still much like digging through a needle in a haystack. The same old adventurer, hm?” He questions fondly, recalling your nature without abandon.

  “You could say that.” You shrugged casually. Your head quirks as if a thought just popped into your mind. “Why are you back in Baldur’s Gate? You should be home tending to Amira.” You think back to her last letter, detailing the struggles she had been having caring for their new babe. Conrad was a journey away.

  “I am here at her request.” He corrects with a wave of his hand. “It seems you and Astarion have troubled her heart with your story. She can’t stand the thought of two people so in love plagued by such great hardship. Ever the romantic she is.” You smile sadly as you remember your lover confined to the inn's room. He holds up a finger, beckoning your brow to crease as he dug into the pockets of his robe. A quiet ‘aha’ emerged as he seemingly located what he sought. He outstretched his hand to you, a simple silver-banded ring held between his fingertips. “It’s not the cure, of course. At the very least, your search won’t have to be restricted during daylight hours.” 

Your breath catches in your throat as you bite back tears at the kind gesture. “Conrad, I can’t believe this.” You whisper as he drops the ring into your palm. The magic-infused band feels almost as if it hums against your hand.

“Ring of the sunwalker. I must say, it was one of the most challenging feats I’ve committed to.” Conrad muses, clearly proud of his work. You had been in search of one to gift to Astarion but they were impossible to stumble upon and even more impossible to find an artificer who was skilled enough to conjure one up. You clinch the ring in your fist and pull the man into a tight hug, painfully aware of the tears that assaulted his robe.

  “Thank you, Conrad. I don’t know how to repay you or Amira for this kindness.” Your words were earnest, and you dab under your wet eyes.

  “No repayment necessary, Tav. You’re family to us. It pains us to know you’re in such a tight predicament. However, a visit once you and your other half are ready would be welcomed. Got to lay the law out and let this vampire know who he’ll have on his tail if he ever hurts you.” His teasing cadence elicited a laugh from you, bumping his shoulder playfully with your own.

  You two chat for a while longer before bidding goodbye to one another. “Just make sure that gets put to use, Tav. You look like you haven’t had a drop of sunlight in your life.” You reassure that you will with a broad smile.

  The walk back to the inn is painstakingly long given how eager you were to present Astarion with his new ring. The image of your lover once again bathed in sunlight made your heart swoon. When opening the room’s door you can hardly contain the excited smile on your lips. Astarion was unmoving on the bed, trying to slip into a meditative state when you entered the room.

  “The sun is still up, my darling—plenty of fun to be had out there.” There was feigned annoyance in his words but in reality, he was contented to have you back where he knew you were safe. There was something off, though. Astarion pushes himself onto his elbows and stares at you with narrowed eyes. The look made your breathing hitch, your smile faltering the slightest bit.

  Within a second, he’s in front of you, faces a mere inch apart. “What’s wrong?” You asked carefully, hand instinctively reaching for the ring in your pocket. You twiddle your fingers around it but hesitate to pull it out.

  “You reek.” He deadpans, inspecting your body as if searching for a physical sign you’d been laid up with another man. 

  “Well, that’s kind of rude.” You joked, but the silence that followed told you there was more to it than he’d let on.

  “You reek of another, my dear.” His words dripped with condescension, and you let out a chuckle, ready to explain away his worries.

  “Oh no, that’s just Conrad. He actually-” Before you could say anything more, you were pressed firmly between the solid oak door behind you and Astarion’s firm chest. He looks down on you, and you can’t discern if his red eyes radiate that of rage or lust. Perhaps both.

  “Your ex-husband. I leave you alone for all but a few hours, and you find your way into another man’s arms?” Accusatory words were whispered into your ear, the sensation of his soft lips tickling the sensitive skin. His fingertips firmly planted into your hip as he led you to the bed, pressing you roughly to the soft comforter you two had spent so many days wrapped up in one another atop. His greedy hands expertly flip you over. Your ass stood in attention before him, and he worked the skirt of your dress up until it pooled around your chest.

  Before you could comprehend his jealous fit, your underwear was ripped from your body, and his hard cock was buried deeply inside of you. You let out a moan at the sensation of him filling you. His hand slid up your back until it reached the back of your head, taking a fistful of your long hair into his palm as he plowed into you, hips slamming loudly against your skin throughout the otherwise quiet room—your back arches as you allowed him to take you. Your eyes rolled back, and you grasped the sheets tightly in your own hands.

  Astarion had become increasingly possessive of you since the Mindflayer incident came to a close. Still, you’d never put him in a position to react so passionately to any jealousy he may have felt. When his hand wrapped around you to make contact with your clit, you knew you were putty in this man’s hands. He rubbed slowly and firmly, his other hand still in your hair. You cried out in pleasure, everything in your mind melting away as he fucked you into the bed.

  “Bet Conrad never fucked you with such tenacity, hm, darling?” His words were confident, fastening his pace as he failed to receive an answer, a silent reminder that he expected a response from those pretty little lips.

  “N-never.” You stutter feeling winded from the intense pleasure coursing through your veins.

  “Good girl.” He grunted in response, finding a smoother pace. He knew he wouldn’t last much longer with how your drenched core gripped his cock, and his fingers continued their attention over your sensitive clit. “You’re mine. Understand?”

  You nod numbly as stars flood your vision, crying out with the orgasm that electrified your body. “Say it. Say you’re mine.” His words came from gritted teeth, and you obliged, the words falling from your mouth causing him to reach his completion, his seed filling you full. As he shifts to lay beside you, he looks at you with darkened eyes. “Why were you with him?” There was no hiding the distaste in his voice.

  “Before you so rudely, but pleasurably, interrupted me, I was going to explain that to you.” You hummed teasingly, sitting up beside him. Your dress rested around your knees as you did so and you reached for the ring in your pocket. You offered it out to him and you didn’t have to speak a word for him to know what possibilities the simple-looking ring possessed. 

  He slipped it onto his finger and stood from the bed. He walked to the covered window and pushed the curtains aside. There he stood in all his glory, the sun's rays illuminated against his pale skin. He tilted his head back and closed his eyes, letting out the faintest cry of satisfaction at the warmth he had so longed to feel again. You move to stand behind him, your arms wrapped around his waist. Your forehead rests against his back, and a content smile plays on your mouth. “You thrive in the sun, too.” You pointed out softly.

  “Perhaps I owe that artificer a thank you. His scent on you tells me he touched you one too many times, though. That said, I will not like it. And I will not like him.” You knew Astarion would never accept Conrad as a friend due to his possessiveness, but you knew he was thankful. That was a step in the right direction at the least.

[ask-psychiclab]

[Ah- more of you and you have no idea who you're really talking to... No worries. That can be fixed~]

Let's see.. there's no need to go over my name again... I'm a gallade, but assuming you have eyes that see you already know that too... I'll keep my age vague and say mid-30s, and I suppose we can cover my occupation in a moment.. PhD in robotics with a tendency to dabble in biochemistry. No need to get overly personal on an interest check, I feel, so don't worry about introducing yourselves.

As for engaging in the divine act of creation - that refers to my work, of course! I'm something of a freelance scientist, inventor, innovator, artist.. call it what you will, if you need me to make something for deeds nefarious, innocent or otherwise there really isn't much I can't do with adequate time and resources~

[ @ask-pokecats, @shaymincafe ]

[sweettjrose]

Mickey & Friends Steven Universe Gem AU - Part 2

Part 1

The Villains:

While Carnelian (Mortimer) and Aventurine (Gladstone) may cause annoyance for our heroes from time to time, they are not the biggest threats on Homeworld. There are many villains with all sorts of secrets and nefarious plans who are willing to do anything to get what they want, even if it means shattering a gem or two.

Jasper (Pete, Gem on Nose) + Jasper (Trudy, Gem on Stomach)

It is normally very rare for Jaspers to fuse, as they are very formidable on their own. However, in cases of dealing with large organic life-forms or other major threats, two very special Jaspers (Pete & Trudy) fuse to become a massive Jasper, powerful enough to take anything down, something they absolutely love doing. The problem is, such situations are super rare, meaning that they barely ever need to fuse. Not able to handle being apart for so long and also just loving the power, the two Jaspers have been secretly fusing when they think no one is around. However, one day, while they were secretly fusing, they ended up getting caught by Obsidian, which should've been the end, but luckily for them, he didn't report them. Instead, offering to keep their secret a secret for a couple of favors.

Brucite (Portis, Gem on Forehead)

Brucite is a rather smart gem who works as an inventor/scientist for the Diamond Authority, developing all sorts of tools and equipment to literally "build" the Gem Empire. However, he can't help but feel like his talents are wasted. He honestly is more interested in making weapons, or even better yet, experimenting on other gems to find ways to improve and change gemkind forever. However, since he was assigned to make tools, he is forced to make tools. But that doesn't mean he hasn't caught the eye of a certain Obsidian.

Emerald (Dr. Vulter, Gem on Eye)

Emerald is the very successful commander of a massive fleet of spaceships, often leading them to deal with threats across space. He cares very deeply about his role and position, and rules over his subordinates with a respectful but still iron fist. As a result, his team has never failed a single mission in their hundreds of thousands of years of service, but whether they will keep that record depends on how well they deal with a rising group of rebels.

Gold/Pyrite? (Flintheart Glomgold, Gem on Back of Left Hand)

The role of a Gold is to lead the development of lavish monuments to the Diamonds, usually guiding gems like Lapis Lazuli, Aventurine, Desert Glass, and others to do so. However, thanks to another Gold (Scrooge McDuck), rumors have been going around that this Gold (Flintheart) is actually just Pyrite pretending to be Gold. But Pyrite... er Gold (Flintheart) assures that he is real gold and is actually more of real gold than Gold (Scrooge McDuck) will ever be.

This has caused some form of rivalry between the two as they both wish to impress the Diamonds and thus get more important jobs. However, this Gold (Flintheart, yeah, I know it's confusing) is finding that the best way to get over the other is relying on more "unfair" tactics, regardless of the cost. But given that the other Gold (Scrooge McDuck) is looking at a new Lapis Lazuli (Donald) to take over the one that "mysteriously" disappeared. He may have to come up with a new plan fast, maybe something involving that Labradorite (Daisy) that has been catching attention.

Green Zircon (Sylvester, Gem on Back of Right Hand)

Zircon is a genius lawyer who has a near-perfect record in winning his cases. Part of this is that he doesn't just rely on Gem law, but also Gem's emotions, pulling all sorts of tricks to get authority figures to always take his side over the others. Some may say this is dirty, but others admire it, including a certain Obsidian. It's pretty much a given that if you are on the other side of him on a case, you've already lost... or have you?

Ruby (Miklos, Gem on Back of Left Ear)

No longer part of the lower-ranking survey team, Miklos is finding all sorts of success with his new troop, who actually appreciate his more "crude" sense of humor. However, he can't help but still feel a bit of resentment towards his original group and how alone they made him feel. So when he notices Kunzite's (Minnie) weakening faith in the Diamond Authority, as well as the likely unauthorized investigation from the other Ruby (Mickey), he realizes there may be a way not only to get back at them, but also to give his status a bump or two.

Pearl (Scuttle, Gem on Left Foot)

A Pearl that has been gifted to the new entity known as Obsidian to be his main pearl. This Pearl isn't exactly the brightest, sometimes even goofing up the most simple of tasks. But as long as he feels useful and doesn't get into too much trouble, he's happy. Many have wondered, though, why Obsidian hasn't traded him in for a more "competent" one. However, outside of finding his antics amusing, there is a benefit to a Pearl who is oblivious and less likely to question things.

Black Pearl (The Phantom Blot, Unmasked, Gem on Nose)

Black Pearl was once owned by a Hematite who served the Diamonds as one of their many colonization strategists. This Hematite was rather successful, but not due to their own skills or prowess, but rather something else. You see, while the Hematite spent most of the day lounging around, their Pearl was the one who was actually holding everything together, even being the one to come up with the plans he would promote. But since he was just a lowly pearl, he was never allowed to actually take credit for his work, resulting in the Hematite getting all of the glory.

This started to come to a head as they were given an unreasonable task in an unreasonable time, which all other Hematites have failed to accomplish, and yet Pearl did it. Resulting in one of the greatest successes for the Gem Empire. But as before, while their boss was rewarded with massive amounts of praise, balls, and parades, all he could do was watch. That is when Pearl realized that the only way he was ever going to get the respect he deserved was if he changed his status... which was impossible, especially for a pearl.

However, he soon learned about a new experimental gem that was being formed on a nearby colony. One that would certainly be one of the most powerful and influential gems, outside of the diamonds. That is when he hatched a scheme. Using his skills and resources, he faked evidence that Hematite planned to usurp the Diamonds. Leaking it to the proper authorities. Then, just as Hematite started to realize he was getting arrested, Pearl convinced him to run away using a "convenient" spaceship he "found", as the authorities were approaching. But before Hematite could make it to the ship, it "accidentally" launched with the pearl inside, exploding as a weapon shot at it.

For everyone around, it seemed like that was the end as Hematite was punished for his "crimes" and the explosion supposedly destroyed his Pearl. But Pearl was not destroyed; instead, using an escape pod in the last minute, heading right towards the colony with the experimental gem. As he made it to the colony, he located where the gem was planted at the same exact time it started to emerge. Unwilling to let this chance go by, he dashes through the earthquakes and other carnage, latching tightly onto the rising gem as they fuse to become...

Obsidian (The Phantom Blot, Masked, Gem on Left Palm and Upper Back)

Obsidian is technically a fusion between two gems, but since Black Pearl fused with the other gem before it had a chance to fully form, it is unclear how much of the other gem is a part of Obsidian. However, Obsidian is certainly much bigger and much more powerful than Black Pearl ever was, finally giving him the power he needs. Eventually, the other gems come by to retrieve Obsidian, completely unaware of the change, given that they didn't know what to expect in the first place, and the Upper Back gem being carefully hidden by an intentionally placed veil.

Obsidian was brought to the diamonds and was assigned as their head advisor in all matters, as he was supposed to be able to provide wisdom and foresight, unlike any other gem before. Luckily for him, his previous work as a colonization strategist proved to be very useful. Usually seen in his Palaquin, Obsidian was able to use his prior skills and his newly growing powers to assist the Diamonds and other powerful gems with ease. As he proved himself to be more useful, his palaces and servants started to grow. Obsidian eventually couldn't help but get addicted to the increasing amount of power, and even started to demand that more and more gems, like a few ruby soldiers, should be added to his service.

But even as powerful as he currently was, he was aware that no matter what he did. No matter how smart he was or how strong he was. He would never ever be allowed to be on the level of the Diamonds. However, since he initially "started" as a lowly Pearl and yet rose to where he is now, he is positive that if there is any gem who could one day overtake the Diamond Authority and rule over all of gemkind, it would be him. All he has to do is make strategic moves, obtain loyal allies, and keep his secrets hidden. Something that became a bit more of a challenge when a certain Sandstone accidentally entered the wrong place at the wrong time.

~

Obsidian believes he fixed the "Sandstone" problem by accusing him of stealing from him. However little does he know that thanks to a little Ruby, this one action may have completely derailed everything, forcing him to rely on the villainous allies and backup plans he's formed to ensure that he will never ever be found out.

[dailycharacteroption]

Snarecrafter (Pathfinder Second Edition Archetype)

In past editions of D&D, traps were almost exclusively antagonistic forces drawn straight out of Indiana Jones, King Solomon’s Mine, and other such works. However, show someone cool toys and they’re going to want to play with them. While certainly it was possible to pay for or build traps, most of those were immobile save for the simplest and most portable ones, and certainly there were no specific rules for engineering your own in the field.

Then came along the trapper archetype for rangers, which replaced the class’s meager spellcasting for having the knowledge for a small arsenal of traps that they either carry with them and set up beforehand, or else engineer from surrounding materials. Rigging a log to fall on and pin a passerby, setting up a classic ankle snare, or even carving several runes of fire on a stone so that when it flips over it detonates violently, and so on.

This system, while requiring a bit of set up, was popular enough to spawn several other archetypes for other classes that use the same trap rules.

So naturally, when 2e came around, there was clearly a desire to continue this little subsystem without limiting it to a certain class or handful of classes, which is how snares, the portable version of traps, became a thing in Second Edition.

However, while such snares are available to all, there are still inevitably those that choose to specialize in them, which is where the snarecrafter archetype comes into play, being masters of building and quickly deploying such traps.

Now, there is a legacy version of this archetype, but the Remastered version didn’t just reprint it with slightly different wording, for there were a few feats drawn from the ranger class that were removed because their abilities were consolidated into the dedication (and in one case, were even already a thing in the original dedication). So this version promises to be cleaner.

So let’s see what the snarecrafter has to offer, shall we?

The base dedication of the archetype grants training in crafting snares (using local materials with survival if they are a ranger), and letting them build a daily supply of snares each day, which only increases with their mastery (as does their known snares). What’s more, they can deploy these traps within seconds.

For a bit of cinematic fun, some of these trapmakers have a knack for setting up traps in position beforehand in such a way that foes are standing right over when they trigger them.

With a precisely-aimed shot, they can trigger snares remotely, either destroying those of their foes (and possibly taking said foes with them), or triggering their own without the foes having to trip them themselves.

Normally most snares only cover a limited area, but some crafters manage to make especially large ones to catch many foes at once.

They also tend to have a knack for assembling new snares nearly instantaneously.

Others still maximize their efficiency to craft even more snares each day.

If you love the idea of setting up traps for foes to blunder into, this archetype might be for you. Obviously, this works best in fights where the enemy comes to you, which might not always be possible, but when it is, it can be quite deadly. Being able to use survival instead of crafting if you’re a ranger is a nice nod to the archetype that gave rise to this mechanic in the first place, but it really is open to everyone, particularly characters with skilled hands and cunning minds.

Traps are cerebral tools, requiring the user to put a lot of effort into figuring out where to put them so that they have maximum value. However, different classes will use them in different ways. A ranger has different priorities than a rogue or an inventor, for example.

Nefarious Prince Yelen is eager to follow in the footsteps of his father, the current dark lord. As such, he plays to his strengths, utilizing all manner of tricks and traps on his enemies. However, in his arrogance, it may be possible to ensnare him in his own mechanisms.

The dwarven inventor Ostig is a notorious recluse, preferring to be left alone to do his work. As such, visiting him is a danger in and of itself, as his home itself is rigged with all manner of traps to keep money-grubbing relatives, tax collectors, and salesmen away.

While infiltrating a bandit camp near volcanic tar pits, the party is accosted by a steam mephit that does not understand the delicate nature of the situation. Their altercation accidentally sets off the bandit’s supply of snares, creating a dangerous hazard of springing traps that rouses the whole camp, threatening both sides with hazards gone awry.

[yanderes-galore]

I recently replayed Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart and you already have a concept for Ratchet. So, i thought it would be nice if you wrote one for Rivet as well. Just some general thoughts on how she would act around a resistance member like herself.

Watched some cutscenes and did some personality research on her, hope I have something good :)

Yandere! Rivet Concept

(FT. Rebel! Darling)

Pairing: Romantic/Platonic

Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Obsession, Stalking, Overprotective behavior, Fear of loss, Trust issues, Clingy behavior, Manipulation, Delusional behavior, Kidnapping, Dubious companionship/relationship.

Rivet would naturally be friendly towards another resistance member.

In fact, her obsession is most likely going to be part of the Resistance, so this may not change her behavior much.

While Rivet has trust issues, rebels against Nefarious are those she feels a certain kinship for.

After all, you're both fighting for the same cause...

Freedom.

Many rebels know of Rivet.

She's the only Lombax in this universe and always sacrifices her comfort in order to help those in need.

She never seems to back down despite her many defeats.

She's a good person even if she's hesitant when it comes to making friends.

When she trusts someone, she's loyal until they hurt her.

Although she's quite used to working alone.

When she first meets you, she's hesitant.

Due to her trust issues her obsession would have to prove themselves to gain her trust.

When you do and prove to her you are a rebel...

Rivet is quite the protective Lombax.

She's naturally caring, albeit awkward, and offers you and services she can spare.

She's quite the inventor, after all.

She makes you gear, weapons, anything you need to aid you

In return, you become companions and often help one another out.

She slowly but surely grows close to you, keeping you out of danger as much as she can...

She's not used to any of this... companionship doesn't happen often with her.

Rivet doesn't have many friends, let alone family.

This is due to the fact her home is under a tyrant's rule and the fact her entire race is locked away in another dimension.

So those she does consider close are under her protection.

She can get quite overprotective, unfortunately.

Around her obsession, Rivet may not know she's being suffocating.

It's all small things like her lingering around you or calling you on the radio system.

Honestly, with how smart Rivet is, I would not doubt her putting a tracker on you to make sure you stay out of dangerous sectors.

She's another who would justify her behavior as just being "worried".

Invasive? Sure... but better than dead!

Rivet in the end would just want her obsession safe.

If her obsession confronted her about being clingy or not trusting you, she may not understand and get defensive.

She's just... really close to you...!

She doesn't want you getting hurt.

In terms of her overall type, definitely a clingy protective yandere.

Maybe even with some oblivious behavior due to how socially awkward she is.

She gets overly excited when with her obsession, just happy to see you're okay.

She may even be a bit manipulative if she feels she could lose you.

Overall I'd imagine she's tame.

She wouldn't kidnap you necessarily.

But she may isolate you if she feels you'll be safer that way.

Murder? Not her thing.

If she snapped and you were in danger, maybe, but that's a spur of the moment thing.

For that to happen she'd need to be under a ton of stress and a life or death situation.

Rivet can also struggle with cheering people up.

So imagine you're having a breakdown, perhaps due to feeling isolated, only for Rivet to awkwardly attempt to make you feel better.

In reality she'd probably make something worse, especially if she's locking you in her base of operations.

Rivet is definitely someone who means well with her obsession, but is completely oblivious to the harm she causes you...

Sure, she may want to protect you and keep you away from harm...

But are trackers, stalking, and isolation the way to do it?

Rivet may feel guilty when convinced that what she's doing isn't right.

She doesn't mean to make you upset.

Although... Rivet may also seem delusional at times to try and justify her actions.

While it may seem like what she's doing is wrong... Isn't it justified due to the situation with Nefarious?

While she may struggle to admit it... Rivet is scared to lose you.

One way or another, you feel like the family she's never had.

She tries to reason with you and plead with you to understand when she isolates you in her base.

She holds you close, fur against your skin and cold metal arm lightly brushing against your arm.

She feels sorry... but everything she does is for you.

Just... Just trust her, please...

She knows it's a lot to ask, but she never wants to let go.

She wants things to continue as they were...

She doesn't want you to hate her.

You helped each other out, you supported her as a rebel, you mean so much to her because she's so lonely.

Such thoughts make her worried.

If she loses you... What is she supposed to do?

The best course of action would be to prevent any harm from happening... To be your hero and defend you...

Yet in the end she's simply locking you away, isolating you, just because she doesn't trust you to fend for yourself... and is scared she'll lose the only family she has.

[docgold13]

Profiles in Villainy  

The Phantom Blot

The master criminal known as The Phantom Blot is a vain and diabolical cad whose desire for money and power is only surpassed by his need to immortalize his name in ‘the annals of crime.’  The Blot’s lust for power and fame have led to countless nefarious schemes that range from simple theft to attempts to conquer the entire world.  

Shrewd and cunning, there is no crime too outrageous nor bold for The Phantom Blot.  He is a master of disguise and a brilliant inventor; he can hypnotize with a mere glare and can escape any prison or bindings…  a frightening fink to be certain!

The Phantom Blot’s villains endeavors have led to numerous confrontations with Mickey Mouse.  Oh, how The Blot hates Mickey!  He has set dozens of traps and orchestrated all manner of plots in his effort to be rid of Micky Mouse.  Through luck and guile Micky has managed to evade these schemes and thwart the Blot’s plans.  

Although a thoroughly deplorable scoundrel, The Phantom Blot does have a soft spot for his beloved daughter, The Phantom Brat.  The Brat has followed in her father’s footsteps of villainy and aspires to be an even greater menace than her dad.  

Aside from Micky Mouse, The Blot has also matched wits with Donald Duck, Minnie Mouse, SuperGoof and Scrooge McDuck.  While he prefers to work alone or use witless henchmen, The Blot has been known to team up with fellow villains, specifically the Beagle Boys and Mad Madam Mim.  Although The Blot would never join forces with Magica DeSpell; for some reason the Blot hates magic and has taken steps to rid the world of all magic, witchcraft and sorcery.   

The Phantom Blot has also run afoul of the Ducktales crew and his plans of world conquest have been foiled by Donald Duck’s nephews and niece, Huey, Huey, Dewey, Louie and Webby.  

Actors Frank Welker, John O’Hurley and Giancarlo Esposito have each voiced the sinister Phantom Blot.  The villain first appeared in a 1939 comic strip entitled Micky Mouse Outwits the Phantom Blot.  His first animated appearance was in an episode of the original run of Ducktales called ‘All Ducks on Deck,’ originally airing on December 30th, 1987.

[camcat1320]

Technological Advancements

Book 4: Air, the Missing Element (a fanfic)

The Mechanist would make a return working under King Kuei. Since this man is a wacky inventor no longer having to make weapons for war, he would focus on other things such as creating the camera, moving pictures, and the phonograph.

Now I had to do a deep dive into how these things were made, all the way down to the source material. For me being born in the 90's it's hard to imagine anything NOT being made of plastic. It's also hard to imagine these things being done before the widespread use of electricity.

Old time film for photos and movies were made of cellulose nitrate which is derived from wood pulp. With it being highly flammable, it works with The Mechanist's character. I can imagine him having a little accident during the invention process. I then could use it as foreshadow and use the flammable film in my plot later.

Film also has grains of silver suspended in gelatin. Basically, old film was like pointillism using minerals, that's why they are so grainy- it's literally grains of silver. It is just fitting that the Earth Kingdom would produce something that involves the use of minerals.

And the nonflammable, nonelectric light source for projection would be those glowing crystals as seen in Ba Sing Se. Since the crystals glow green, he could cancel out the green light with red and blue lenses (or just purple) in order to get a black and white film.

Phonograph records were also made prior to electricity and plastics. Old records were made of shellac which is derived from a specific type of beetle found in Thailand and India. So it's entirely plausible to have it be placed in the ATLA universe without the need for electricity.

But how do all these inventions work without electricity driving the motor? Hand cranks of course!

I also plan for Sokka to invent the analog clock. Sokka and his new friend Kai will also invent electricity and the radio together.

Unfortunately, these seemingly harmless inventions can be used for nefarious reasons.

"That which inspires us to our greatest good is also the cause of our greatest evil."

-Viktor, Arcane: League of Legends

[the-fourchette]

Is Mel really a manipulator ? – part 6

Episode 7 : Piltover is threatened

The (not so) short analysis

Scene 1

Jayce feels guilty because he fired Heimerdinger. Mel visits him in the forge and calms him.

Mel received a letter informing that Piltover is seen as vulnerable by foreign regions because of the recent attacks

There is an other letter from Noxus. She connects the dots and knows that her mother is up to something nefarious with hextech and Piltover.

Scene 2

Anticipating the upcoming crisis, Mel, makes the decision to visit Jayce and Viktor in their laboratory and asks both inventors to weaponise hextech

For someone who's labelled as THE manipulator, it's weird that she didn't take the opportunity to isolate and brainwash Jayce, her lover and fellow councilor, to weaponize it....(Earlier in this episode she visited Jayce when he was all alone in his forge)

Genuine question : Mel deliberately comes to their lab to ask both inventors, but people insist that she ignores Viktor, why ? (Am I missing something ?)

But you know who's ignoring their lab partners ? Jayce, when he postponed the revelation of their new inventions, and Viktor when he was experimenting with the hexcore and shimmer behind Jayce's back....So let's be fair and correct with the "ignoring" thing, thank you.

Anyway, her face and tone shows that she's mentally bracing herself for their reaction so she cautiously explains the situation

She wants to weaponize hextech only as a countermeasure because they were attacked twice.

They also know that someone has a gemstone that they can weaponize

Piltover is also threatened by other regions, Noxus included (and this especially for that, that Mel asks for hextech weapons, she knows her mother)

Viktor is vehemently against the proposition because he exploits hextech to help people (righfully so)

So Viktor shouts at her

Mel stays calm, and poised (Some says that she's looking down on him but isn't she standing while he's sitting ? Besides she has the right to feel upset, someone screamed at her).

Jayce intervenes

Mel answers Jayce and focuses on him because she had been shouted out at by Viktor and he won't hear her.

She also focuses on him because he's more prone to listen.

Mel doesn't want to make weapons to play pow-pow/boom-boom with them

She doesn't want to sell them

She doesn't even want to use them

But Mel is scared for her city and doesn't want even more death.

So she wants Piltover to look threatening to deter other regions from attacking them

Mel is traumatized, she saw a cut head, rolling on the floor when she was a child

Mel comes from a nation of war so she'd rather anticipate because she's pragmatic.

Mel and Viktor both wants to avoid the deaths of innocent people but their reasonings are different

Jayce is conflicted and contemplates the idea because he's smart and he knows that both are rights

Mel seemed to have manipulated influenced Jayce's opinion because Jayce is a grown man who wants to avoid death too

Despite her calm and composure, Mel is upset and scared but she's emotionally guarded.

We are talking about someone who keeps everything to herself. (Remember her reaction to Viktor's health state or her brother's death or when she jolts awake from her nightmare, she doesn't wake Jayce up. Her reactions are too dim, too controlled to be normal and healthy)

Then she leaves the laboratory to let them think about her request

Then Viktor subtly threatens Jayce to blow them both up to manipulate his decision teach him a lesson : "there is always a choice". And he better not accept Mel's "ridiculous" (his words) request

Jayce was visibly panicked and petrified by Viktor's action

Conclusion : Yes it was funny until here, now I'm pissed, ngl

Both used "manipulation" but apparently, only Mel's is nefarious because she's not an emotional (fictional) human being, controlled by fear and fueled by the desire to avoid bloodshed for her city. What was she supposed to do anyway ? Nothing ? standing there like a NPC ? I don't think passivity is the best solution (she's even called out for it later in the show).

Viktor, on the other hand, is right to manipulate Jayce, (not that people called this by the way), by scaring him to death with a ticking bomb because only, he, a Zaunite man, has the right to be scared and emotional over the use of the invention that Mel is partly responsible for its existence.

Why nobody labels Viktor as a DeAtHly MaNiPuLaToR ?

With him, people are suddenly capable to understand his emotions, goals, fears...

I swear I even saw comments mocking Jayce because Viktor scared the hell out of him (why do nobody respects Jayce ? 🤣. It's so odd now people don't have pity for Jayce, only when Mel manipulates him, seriously ? do you even care about him as an individual ? Anyway, I won't talk about Jayce's lapdog-ification from some people but it's insane).

However, people draw the line when Mel, scared for her city and traumatised by war, asks for defense. OMG, how dare a politician uses her power to protect her town ?

Coddling men, vilifying women, I'm starting to see the pattern, ew 🤢

PS : Do not be mistaken, I'm not hating on Viktor, his method is terrible but I am aware that he's distressed, sick and pained. What I hate are the DOUBLE STANDARDS in this fandom

(Edit : Viktor may not have voluntarily let the bomb tick, maybe he was unsure what to do, hence his hesitation. It's open to interpretation but the "there is a choice" line is a big hint that he knew what he was doing, imo, so I'll go with that (and I'm not the only one who think so). Anyway, it's a reflection of the reality, too many people assumed the worst of Mel, the woman, and pratically everyone assumed the best of the man, Viktor. People couldn't even catch that he might have done it on purpose. At least some of you now know how uncomfortable it is to see a character demonized when people didn't even really pay attention to said character and tried to understand their motives. They are fictional, but these takes reeks of mysogyny and racism, it's harmful to real people.)

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

Full analysis

Scene 1 

1.

Mel visits Jayce to calm his worries and guilt over his decision to banish Heimerdinger from the Council. She knew from the start how bad he felt and tries to lighten his mood with some (corny) banter.  She’s bubbly, teasing and more relaxed there. You can tell she’s happy to be herself, she can freely talk to someone about anything (other than Elora). Their relationship seems settled, they move around each other naturally.

"Try not to lose your nuts" she says as she's holding a nut. Pfff, soooo corny 🤣. And Jayce is completely smitten (boy was so dizzy, he had to shake his head afterwards 🤣)

Scene 2 

2.

Elora brings the bad news that Piltover is seen as vulnerable and weak, the attacks on hexagtes and Piltover are apparently widespread. She also brings a letter bearing the Noxian crest which adds to Mel's concerns. She knows Noxus and especially her mother, she connects the dots and knows that something nefarious is about to happen. Basically, they can be attacked within their city or from other regions.

3.

In the next part, Mel, the politician, comes back and this time her stance clashes directly with Jayce and Viktor’s original goal : helping people with hextech, not weaponising it !

4.

Anticipating the upcoming crisis, Mel makes the decision to visit the laboratory to ASK BOTH inventors to weaponize hextech.

Mel, the official manipulator of the show could have make the choice to isolate Jayce and manipulate him into weaponizing hextech. But she choses to visit them both

Her face and tone (see screenshots above) shows that she's mentally bracing herself for their reaction so she cautiously explains the situation

She wants to weaponize hextech only as a countermeasure because they were attacked twice. They also know that someone has a gemstone that they can weaponize, and they are threatened by other regions (Not sure that Jayce and Viktor know about the last detail)

So, we’ve got Viktor who’s vehemently against that (rightfully so), and he screams at her his refusal. So she knows, no arguments will convince him otherwise and she does not waste her time to try it.  

I mean why would she try to convince a guy who's literally in fury and makes this face at her, she knows it’s a dead battle. (Please, take a look at Viktor in the second picture, he's s mad, there is nothing she could have done😂).

By the way, if she answered or screamed back at him, she would have been labelled as heartless or hysteric (girl cound never win)

5.

Then Jayce starts to talk and Mel focuses on him. She tries to convince him, because he’s both the inventor of this technology, and the councilor. He’s literally the one who can lawfully make a decision, besides he seems more prone to listen. Let’s not forget that she acts out of worries and panic, not malice, war is one of the most triggering and traumatic events to Mel’s life. She's even slightly begging Jayce.

Oh by the way, Jayce is also "ignoring" Viktor...   

6.

Now, after Mel leaves them, Viktor is still defusing Jinx's bomb, but before cutting the last wire, the bomb starts ticking. Viktor voluntarily (open to interpretation) takes his time before cutting it off it to scare an undecisioned and conflicted Jayce. He's somehow teaching Jayce a lesson : "there is always a choice". Jayce is scared as hell when he hears the bomb ticking

7.

I'm sorry but Viktor's way of convincing Jayce is terrible. People talks about Mel's "manipulation" but never focus on Viktor's harsher, almost lethal method right after: risking his friend's life. Jayce was petrified and beyond scared, the way he holds his head and sighs after, wow, I felt so sorry for him 😆

(And please don't talk about codepedency and toxic friendship, it's such a lame excuse😂. Let's not glorify jeopardizing someone's life please, thank you).

Do not be mistaken, I'm not hating on Viktor, I don't like his radical method but I am aware that he's distressed, sick and pained. What I hate are the blatant double standards in this fandom.

Conclusion :

So is Mel manipulating here? Let's see the definition again : “Manipulation : to control or play upon by artful, unfair, or insidious means especially to one's own advantage”  

Is she controling or playing by unfair and insidious means ? No, she's literally asking the opinion of both inventors. And she clearly explains her request, she's not lying.

Is it for her own advantage ? It's is for the protection and the advantage of everyone in Piltover, they were already attacked twice, deaths occured.

Is it artful ? Yes, there is something artful about the way she conveys her request, “your people”, “the decision is yours” are lines to make them realize the weight of the stakes and how they can help change the course of the events. Yes there's a hint of manipulation but it's not blatant manipulation.

I would tend to say she’s influencing, she tries to influence his decision regarding a threatening and a dangerous situation. She’s transparent about her intentions and this is for the safety of everyone (Viktor included).

Basically,  Mel knows there are facing a dilemma and a danger :  

She knows that Piltover is not in safe anymore, someone in Zaun has a gemstone, and they already discussed in the previous episode that it can be weaponized if it’s in the wrong hands (she took into account what was said). They already had two deadly attacks. Prior to that she never suggest this idea, only hextech for business and progress 

Elora informs her that Piltover is seen as vulnerable, they are prone to attacks from overseas not just from Zaun  

She receives the letter from her mom, she connects the dots and sense even more the danger as she knows her mom’s ruthlessness

She insists that it’s for countermeasure and should only be used as a last recourse  

-> Althought I hate the idea of creating weapons, her request doesn't seem that far fetched, right ?

She wants Piltover to look threatening to deter other regions from attacking them. Whether we like it or not, a defenseless country is a very vulnerable one, it is bound to be coveted by greedy governors.

This doesn’t mean that Viktor’s wish is not respectable too, on the contrary, they are both right and have noble intentions.   

She’s acting urgently, according to a threat and she takes the lead before a crisis occurs, once again. She has no personal interest, she doesn’t enjoy the weaponization but it is for the greater good, and she knows as a Noxian, the harsh reality of wars.  She acts according to the reality, not idealism.

Looking at it, both Viktor and Mel want to avoid the death of innocent people, they just have the perfect opposite way of thinking : idealism for Viktor, pragmatism for Mel.

If one can understand Viktor's anger, they can definitely understand Mel's fear and request.

Anyway, don’t forget that if Hextech exists and even dare I say, if Jayce and Viktor are not rotting in a jail, this is thanks to her, and her conviction in their project ! Do you think Mel was not risking her position, credibility and money by backing them up and investing in hextech ? A science that involves magic, something previously banished for centuries in their city before her.  I think she has the right to have a say in their project, it’s also hers, especially in this dire situation. Thank you very much ! 

Come to think of it, Mel never once entertained the idea to be credited on the hextech project. As a councilor and sponsor, she never expressed the desire to be the face of it, despite being used to public speeches and handling the business part of the invention. Weird for someone who's labelled as selfish and money/power driven by the fandom. To me it's a proof that Hextech is partly a genuine selfless project for her. She made it work for her city and for the sake of leading and empowering a town throught peaceful means.

[inklings-challenge]

Genre Thoughts: Adventure

Chesterton famously said, "An inconvenience is an adventure wrongly considered," which suggests that adventure as a genre is less about the story elements and more about the attitude one takes toward them. Lots of genres can incorporate adventure, because adventure is largely defined by the tone. An adventure puts the characters in danger, but it gives the characters a chance to go exciting places and do exciting things, and generally takes an optimistic tone--this adventure is a good, exciting thing, and the characters are privileged to experience it.

Not that every adventure has enthusiastic and optimistic characters. Reluctant heroes are a staple of the adventure genre--someone who is pulled out of their comfortable life and into a realm of intrigue and danger. But the audience knows that the adventure, as inconvenient as it is, is a welcome escape from the safe routine of daily life, and will give the main character a chance to prove their mettle and become a hero.

Which makes adventure an ideal genre for promoting courage. Adventure lets the audience see that staying in their safe routine isn't always the best way to find happiness, that the problems in life can be opportunities, rather than inconveniences, if we take the right view of them, and have courage in facing them. As Christians, our life is an adventure that offers a lot of dangers and pitfalls, but also lots of opportunities for heroism.

As I said, almost any genre can incorporate adventure, but for Inklings Challenge purposes, we need to incorporate some type of fantasy or science fiction element. To differentiate it from the adventures that could be written by other teams--with their alternate universes or other planets--it could be best to try to keep the action largely focused on past, present, future, or an alternate Earth. Which still offers lots of opportunities for imagination. This is where writers can play with alternate history, steampunk, cyberpunk, dieselpunk (all sorts of -punks), fascinating future Earths, or even just someone in our ordinary world getting caught up, say, in a mad scientist's plot or involved in the political intrigues of elves. Your characters can go on Indiana-Jones-style quests, or Jules-Verne travel adventures, or anything else your imagination can think of!

Some types of adventure stories:

Mysteries

Spy stories

Thrillers

Quests

Treasure hunts

Superhero stories

Alternate history

Steampunk, cyberpunk, other "-punk" type universes

Dystopian/post-apocalyptic fiction

Writing Prompts

A person living in an underwater colony on a future Earth goes on a quest to find lost technology that could save their home from destruction.

Someone gets a package with a invisibility cloak and uses it to go on the run from nefarious criminals who'd do anything to get their hands on it.

On a post-apocalyptic Earth, the leader of a peaceful settlement must decide whether to trust the stranger and accompany him on a quest to find a food cache that could get the village through the winter.

In a steampunk world, a dead inventor's notebook leads his son on a quest to find a rare element that could revolutionize airship technology.

A woman is mistaken for a lost elven princess and must evade those who would assassinate her.

[choiceofgames]

"The Superlatives: Aetherfall." Lead a superpowered team of "Superlatives" to defend 19th-century Victorian London! Battle a Martian warship, clockwork monsters, and nefarious inventors.

https://www.choiceofgames.com/superlatives/

The prestigious Society for the Advancement of Individuals of Superlative Talent and the Protection of the Queen has invited you to become their newest member! But on the very day the Society plans to initiate you, unknown Villains destroy the Society headquarters and kidnap your colleagues. As the sole remaining full member of the Superlative Society, you must initiate new recruits to investigate the abduction.

Meet your team: Nimble—faster than lightning; Wailer—a "banshee" with sharp blades and sonic shriek attacks; Arturek—the gruff Martian warrior; Tua—a Venusian who commands the power of plants; and Black Orchid—a strangely familiar new recruit. Your efforts are bolstered by your faithful clockwork assistant, Gatsby, and your always-butting-in rival, Hallow.

Will your gain your team’s trust and convince them to work together, or will they fall apart under the pressure? Will you cut a deal with London’s Villains or even turn the Society into Villains yourself? Will you trust the mysterious Dusk and Mr. Ink, who offer you help, or will you uncover their many secrets?

"The Superlatives: Aetherfall" is an interactive fantasy novel by Alice Ripley, where your choices control the story. It's entirely text-based—260,000 words and hundreds of choices long, without graphics or sound effects—and fueled by the vast, unstoppable power of your imagination.

[bringthekaos]

I don't know if you wanna answer this but I wanna hear your thoughts on this.

We can all agree that Mel Medarda is an amazing character on her own and people shit on her for petty reasons like her getting in the way of a ship and making things up about her. What I wanna know is your thoughts on her.

What I see, I think the relationship between her and Jayce could be tragic on its own cause, to me, it's like Meg and Hercules from Disney. Meg went after Hercules under orders of Hades in exchange for her freedom, only to fall in love with Hercules for real and feels regret for betraying him like so.

While Meg and Mel are different in circumstances, I get the tragedy between them in a way.

Mel probably brought Jayce to a seat at the council and her bed to benefit her in the long run only to slowly care about him over the course of the season.

And that could be what could hurt them. Mel realizes too late she cares about him but can't fully give her love cause of politics (and if s2 goes, war and/or her death) and if Jayce found out that her being intimate with him was just to get him to be her yes man it would shatter Jayce terribly.

From the posts I've seen here, Jayce goes from being a bright and optimistic inventor to a selfish and cold man.

His decaying friendship is already what'd pushing him towards that path. But if he knew Mel's original intentions from say... Swain or herself then it would destroy him.

Sorry for rambling

You can always ramble in my inbox 🥰

I try to be diplomatic in my discussions of Mel, cuz I don’t want anyone to think I don’t like her or that I’m trying to write her off, as a JayVik shipper. I’m critical of Mel, but I’m also critical of Jayce and Viktor. They’re all flawed people, and that’s what makes them great characters. So with that little disclaimer in mind, my thoughts.

The Meg/Hercules comparison is actually so fitting. I think it was all politics for her in the beginning—“we need something to put Piltover on the map. What of today’s trial?”—she was thinking purely as a politician and a businesswoman, and she saw Jayce and his ideas as a good investment. And to cultivate that investment for maximum profit, she also had to play him a little. I don’t think she would see it as manipulation, like the audience tends to, she just read him like an open book; he craved validation and praise, and what’s the harm in stroking his ego?

(And other things)

But just like Meg, I think she started falling for him. His naïveté and softness that started out as a tool for controlling him began to needle at her. She started easing off the gas and trying to protect him as time went on, started taking what was best for him into consideration, for example:

Elora: “I’ve had word from our friends overseas.”

Mel: “It’s too soon. Jayce isn’t ready.”

And I think by the time they slept together, she was falling pretty good. She could see how malleable he was, and how it was turning out to not be such a great thing. Cuz that’s a Pandora’s box—if you can control him, so can others. And then you could lose him, and to someone with far more nefarious motives.

And if Jayce finds out that she was “manipulating” him (or believes that she was) to get him to build weapons that would eventually be shipped out to Noxus so that they might steamroll their enemies? Yeah, I think it would taint their entire relationship. Even if she tried to explain, tried to make him see that maybe it started out that way, but you changed me, you changed my mind. You made me see that the path I was treading was one that lead straight to becoming my mother… I’m not sure he would believe her. It’s the same thing that happened with Daenerys and Jorah Mormont in Game of Thrones—he started out spying on her in a selfish attempt to gain favor in King’s Landing. But he fell for her in the process, ceased his spying, and joined her for good. But when she found out, it soured all the good he did, painted all of it in blood. Cuz you can’t take any of that stuff back, even when you change your ways. You can’t un-betray someone, you can’t un-manipulate them.

And yeah, him losing Viktor and Mel at the same time? It could definitely send him spiraling, send him down a rabbit hole of “I’m the only person I can trust, apparently. Why bother with other people, all they do is betray and leave me.” And while I honestly have a hard time seeing how this sweet cinnamon roll of a Jayce that Arcane has given us could ever go that route… I think we saw it a little bit, in that final scene—the eye roll and “I don’t give a shit what any of you think of me anymore.”

Really I just think Mel is a complex, flawed person who has one of the more weighty instances of character growth in the show. She starts out cold and detached—just playing the game, like she’s been doing for years—and for several reasons, not just her relationship with Jayce, she starts to really think about her actions and their consequences. And I sincerely hope she’s not killed in the explosion, cuz I’d really like to see the conclusion of that arc.