#Fandoms

[curiositysavesthecat]

*This poll was submitted to us and we simply posted it so people could vote and discuss their opinions on the matter. If you’d like for us to ask the internet a question for you, feel free to drop the poll of your choice in our inbox and we’ll post them anonymously (for more info, please check our pinned post).

[littlemonday]

So much of the difference in player response to the Emperor vs. Raphael comes down to aesthetics.

I’ve been seeing a lot of fan posting of Raphael lately, which is honestly fine. I enjoy seeing fan creations on all the characters. But I feel like I need to address something that is, for me, rather glaring in the fandom. Raphael is a pretty popular character, while the Emperor gets so much hate posting I’ve had to block users and entire groups on other sites because it was so over the top. These characters are functionally quite similar in the game, but the disparity in how they’re each perceived couldn’t be more different.

Both characters need to form an alliance with the main character. Both characters need the main character to defeat the brain. Both characters are willing to manipulate the main character to meet their own ends. But, one character is a conventionally attractive middle aged man, and the other is a humanoid squid monster. (How many times have we all seen posts about how upset someone was when their hot dream guardian turned out to be the squid monster?)

Not only is Raphael conventionally attractive, but he stays that way when he reveals himself as a devil.The Emperor presents himself as someone the main character would trust, but when he’s finally revealed, he bears no resemblance to the facade he was wearing - a facade that he sincerely believed was necessary to keep himself safe and to win your trust. Raphael is quite literally the handsome devil. His ascended form barely makes an appearance, but even so that form is not alien. It’s devilish, but not alien, and “alien” unlike devilish, invokes a deeply discomforting fear of the unknown.

Raphael is all opulence and performance, wearing tailored clothing and living in a grandiose house that hides the horrors of what happens there until late into act 3. While the mind flayer colonies by comparison are grotesque organisms that look like the inside of a body, and the Emperor’s home is a bare bones cellar with the last remaining keepsakes of his former life. The chains he uses to hold his victims are right out in the open.

Raphael is like an old school campy Disney villain who tries to entertain you all while openly admitting that he wants you to come to him when you’re desperate and all hope is gone. And like those old Disney villains, he just enjoys being evil. He even comes with his own villain song that he sings. He enjoys your suffering. He’s openly playing with his food. The Emperor does try to seduce you, but mostly tries to appeal to your pragmatism and empathy. However, he doesn’t have Disney villain camp to help him out here. He embodies all the body horror and fear over the player's loss of humanity by virtue of him being a mind flayer. He does have a song, but most of us miss it on our first play through and don’t hear its tragic lyrics.

Raphael, and this one is perhaps the most frustrating to me, imprisoned and tortured Hope for years! He takes advantage of people, including orphans, and gets them to sign away their souls for eternal torment in exchange for something they desperately want or need in life. While the Emperor has that one infamous cutscene in which we see him enthrall Stelmane, but it comes on the heels of the player dehumanizing and provoking him. A lot of players will refer to this as a “call out” and a “mask off” moment, which is very disingenuous framing. It’s frustrating that so few players never seem to consider the deeper role their choices may play in triggering this scene: you treat him like an inhuman monster, and you get an inhuman monster. Players will complain all the time about how the Emperor manipulates you and lies about everything, but apparently in this one scene he’s suddenly being completely honest and not manipulating you? So many never consider the possibility of confirmation bias when it comes to this character.

As I said, this cutscene is an obvious threat, but I know that just because he’s threatening you, it doesn’t mean there’s no truth to what you’re seeing. However, it also doesn’t mean that this is somehow “the truth” as so many players seem to think it is. I’ll write more on this in another post, but there’s just not enough information in the game to make definitive conclusions on their relationship. And I bring this up because I don’t see anywhere near the outrage over Hope as I see over Stelmane.

Then there’s Ansur. The Emperor killed his love, Ansur, out of self defense (we know this from Ansur himself), and for a lot of players, this was what solidified their hatred for the Emperor, and they will endlessly hate post about it. Raphael, on the other hand, never killed any of his loves. But the reason he never killed any of his loves is because he’s never loved anyone. He’s incapable of it, and anyone he has killed was, at best, a mere tool for his use.

Which brings me to my next point, even though both characters are trying to manipulate you to their own ends, only the Emperor sees you as more than a means to an end. Raphael does not. In fact, I wrote a lot of words on this very topic.

I’ve had people tell me that they like Raphael more because he’s upfront with his intentions, while the Emperor isn’t. That’s not entirely true. The Emperor tells you he wants his freedom, even tells you the power he uses to protect you is power he’s stolen, but he goes to great lengths to hide his identity, where Raphael barely goes to any lengths at all. As I said, the Emperor sincerely believes he must do this to protect himself. He likes to puff his chest out, but he’s quite aware of his own vulnerability, so he lives a life in which he’s constantly hiding and disguising himself. He’s surviving, as he puts it in the end. Raphael is essentially a prince in the Hells who wields a lot of power, and whatever vulnerabilities he might have are well protected. Whatever difference this makes is not enough to justify the gulf in how much hate the Emperor receives versus how little Raphael does.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: this is not me saying that you have to like one character or dislike another. That’s personal, and I’m not going to waste time telling people how to feel. So please don’t take away from this that I want to see more hate posting about Raphael. I don’t! Please don’t hate post about any characters, and if you absolutely must, please don’t use character tags to do so. What I am saying is that there’s a clear double standard in this fandom, and I want more players to engage with this media in a way that is both empathetic and analytical. I think both of those things together can prevent a lot of toxicity.

[fortheloveofhylia]

Time for Time's character study!

Decided to give him a mix of costume elements from is games. The green tunic (which is a little faded because it's old) as well as his Fierce Daity armour and facial markings.

So far I've been drawing a basic long sword for Time but from now on he'll have the briggons sword and the shield from Majora's Mask.

More Link's coming soon.

[allthingswhumpyandangsty]

Exploring each other's bodies is totally a normal behavior for two men who are archenemies

— quotes taken from this fic

[padfoot-lupin77]

To all the people that don’t read books/ obsess over shows and movies / make scenarios of fictional characters in their heads / have maladaptive daydreaming: what exactly goes through that head of yours? Is it, like, empty space? Is it quiet? Is there just more room for anxiety?

[rainbowskittle]

Oooh what if (when) Buck Tommy break up …

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Tommy says “I see the way Eddie sees you.” Or even “Evan I see the way you look at Eddie.” And Buck laughs it off. But then has flashbacks (we get to see too) of like a Buddie fan music video edit show all the ‘oh moments.’ And Buck goes “Oh sh t.” and Tommy smiles. “Hey it’s okay I been there too being in love with a with a best friend.. I’m not mad Evan. You are a great guy. Remember how I said I couldn’t replace you or Chris would hate me? I see the love you all have. It’s beautiful.” And Buck smiles and hugs Tommy. “I’m sorry. I .. shouldn’t led you on.” Tommy hugs back and stands up from Buck’s couch. “You good. You didn’t. But call Eddie and tell him before it’s to late. You never know with our job right?” Buck stands up from couch and agrees.

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That night he calls Eddie over for beer and Buck hasn’t drank his much but plays with label. “Buck why you so quiet? You okay? Something happen to Tommy?” “Uh no.. uh.. so Eddie.. I have something to tell you.” Eddie sets his beer down like Buck did and Buck turns on his couch and looks at him. “Tommy and I broke up.” Eddie goes to speak but Buck keeps talking. “Uh remember how you said I needed a new couch? Well I think I found it… or hope I did. You.. it’s you. I .. am in love with you Eddie. Like I’ve tried figuring out how or why.. and it just clicks. I don’t want to ruin our friendship so if you don’t feel same way I under—“ Eddie leans over pulling Buck gently by the shirt and kisses him. They both smile in the kiss. They don’t know who pulls away first but both do for air. Eddie speaks first and slowly let’s go of Buck’s shirt. “I..love you too Buck… I know I said I was happy for you and Tommy but.. honestly? I felt jealous that he was with you. I know you looked happy but wished it was me..” Buck smiles and moves close to Eddie again and kisses him. When they pull apart again and cuddle on the couch. “God it took us what six years? I wonder if they have a bet going at the firehouse.” Eddie laughs at Buck’s comment. “Oh they totally do. We did the same when Chimney and Maddie got together remember?” Buck laughs and looks up at Eddie with smile. “True.” Buck pecks Eddie’s lips and moves back down. Closes his eyes as he feels happy.

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So just an idea I had thinking of how Buddie will happen. Like I don’t want them to cheat on who they are with (even if Marisol is bleh and Tommy is cool I do like him.) I hope he sticks around and maybe gets with Josh? And we can still see his pov of helping people. Cuz that’s cool job too. Plus Josh deserves a good guy too. So hope and when (and if) Buck Tommy breakup it’s on good terms and Tommy is still around.

[anonymousqualities]

IYO: How unhinged does a story need to be for it to be tagged as Crack? 😂

I feel I don't use the tag properly lol. I use it for whenever I dont elaborate on the story's lore and the reader is just thrown into it.

But then I feel I could have just said it was plotless? Or should it be crack treated seriously..?

*takes a cigarette drag from a pretzel stick* so what is a crack fic really...🧐

[reggies-eyeliner]

peak fandom behavior is not-so-discreetly including your faves in your biomedical textbook comic for a school club

[charliedawn]

Hey! How would father!Michael Myers feel about Eddie Gluskin wanting Michael's 25 year old daughter who is also a patient in the asylum to be his wife?

How are you?

(I am fine. How about you ?)

It started the day when you were transferred from another asylum to St Louis. Female patients weren’t usually allowed, but you were made an exception because Michael wouldn’t go anywhere without his precious daughter. You had grown up surrounded by slashers and hence, not much scared you.

When Eddie Gluskin was admitted in St Louis, he wasn’t introduced to you because…well…Michael.

But one day, you happened to wake up before your father and come down for some breakfast when you accidentally met Eddie. You were both stunned. You had never met before and Eddie wasn’t even aware that there were any women around other than the nurses.

Your eyes met and once the shock over, he decided to pretend being too busy with his coffee to speak. You quickly realised it was best not to stare, so you decided to just go toast yourself some slices of bread for breakfast.

There was silence.

Eddie glanced a few times in your direction, but didn’t speak a word. Neither did you. Michael had taught you not to speak to strangers, so you didn’t. You hence didn’t speak until you were back upstairs and took a deep breath. He was…gorgeous. You decided not to speak to your father about that little episode.

He wouldn’t have understood and besides…you probably wouldn’t see him again.

…

But then, you started waking up early everyday to get breakfast and Eddie was there—like clockwork. You never spoke, but awkward silence turned to shy smiles and little glances here and there…until one day.

You were about to get back to your room when you stopped dead in your tracks and looked down at the pancakes in your plate…Surely, Michael would not mind being short of a few, right ? You took a deep breath and backtracked to sit down next to him. If he was surprised, he didn’t show it.

"…You like pancakes ?" You asked. He remained silent for a moment before looking at you. He stayed silent for a moment before he finally smiled.

"I do enjoy a good pancake. Would you care to share ?"

It was the first time you were hearing his voice. It sounded soft and a little hushed—as if he wasn’t used of using it all that much. You smiled back.

"Not at all." You then proceeded to serve him pancakes and Eddie smiled again before digging in.

"I’m Y/N Myers by the way." You introduced yourself and his pale blue eyes looked up at you.

"Eddie. Eddie Gluskin."

From that day onwards, you started spending time with Eddie.

You started watching him and tried to understand who he really was. Eddie was respectful and polite and seemed like the perfect gentleman. You didn’t know why a man like him would be admitted to a mental institution—especially since he seemed so clear-minded.

From what you had heard, he had just transferred from a place called Mount Massive asylum. He hadn’t brought it up though, so you guessed that it wasn’t a fond memory of his. You couldn’t have access to files, but you had heard nurses speak about a certain ‘Waylon Park’. Once you started your research, you were able to understand what his past was and why he was here.

But, you were not one to judge too quickly, especially being Michael’s daughter offered you perspective and that not everything was as it seemed.

The more you shared, the closer you got…until one day, Eddie was the one preparing breakfast and before you could protest, he had invited you to sit down and get a taste. You sat down and started eating with a grin on your face and Eddie seemed happy that you’d eat his food.

"Good, darling. Really good." He cooed and you smiled—completely oblivious…until your vision started faltering and you realised that Eddie had surely drugged you. In a matter of seconds, you were asleep. He then picked you up bridal style and smirked as he proceeded to carry you to his bedroom.

"Sleep soundly, my darling. Sweet dreams."

———————————————————————

After your ‘disappearance’, Michael was desperate and he knocked at every door, searched every dark spot in the entire asylum. He could not find you anywhere and finally called your name over and over again. He usually never used his voice, but this was an emergency. Finally…he got news.

Eddie came to him with a letter.

…

An invitation to your wedding.

"…"

Michael looked up at him in shock. He couldn’t believe it and before anyone could stop him, he had taken Eddie by the throat and threw him against a wall.

"You took her ?!"

He then proceeded to wrap his hand around Eddie’s throat and squeezed. But, Eddie wasn’t afraid. Eddie took a moment before standing back up and claiming:

"We are in love…"

Michael remained silent for a moment before bashing Eddie’s head against the wall.

"WHERE IS MY DAUGHTER ?!"

Suddenly, nurses and doctors and guards came in to stop the fight and some of them had to tackle down Michael to make him stop turning Eddie’s head into mush. Michael’s knuckles had turned red by the time he was dragged out of the room.

Fortunately, you were found in Eddie’s room…in a closet. He had tied you up and drugged you. Fortunately, no harm was done to you and you were brought back to Michael safe and sound.

But you could not help yourself to ask why.

Why had he done this ?

So, you went to his cell.

"…Eddie ?" There was no movement for a couple of minutes before Eddie slowly turned his head towards you and smiled.

"Darling."

You sighed before asking him.

"Why ? Why did you do this ? I thought we were friends."

Eddie clicked his tongue.

"Please, darling. Do not insult me. You knew what I wanted. I am a patient, just as much as you. I would assume you already knew about me and the reasons that brought me here, no ?"

You shuddered at the look he gave you.

"…You knew I liked you. You could have waited." You told him with a sad smile and Eddie laughed.

"Oh my sweet sweet darling." He suddenly grabbed your arm and pulled you closer. "I have WAITED my entire existence to find my perfect wife. And now that I have finally found you…my ALMOST perfect wife…You expect me to wait some more ?"

He smirked and your heart paced rapidly in your chest. He released you and you took a few steps back.

"A-Almost ?" You asked and he chuckled.

"Yes. Almost. You will be my wife. But first, we have got to get rid of your FATHER, darling."

Your eyes widened in shock and you shook your head. He tilted his head and his smirk softened as his eyes bored into yours.

"Don’t you worry, my love. I will be the one taking care of everything for you…We will soon be together. As it was intended. You and I. Me and my sweet wife…Just wait for me, as I have waited for you."

[liliotl]

who can relate

[innerenigma]

•Normalize Fanart for Fanfics Again You Fools•

It's not cringe anymore (it SHOULDN'T be cringe anymore), just do it. You're doing something you enjoy, who cares what anybody else says! So spread the words my fellow internet brethren.

Spread the Word :)

[curiositysavesthecat]

*This poll was submitted to us and we simply posted it so people could vote and discuss their opinions on the matter. If you’d like for us to ask the internet a question for you, feel free to drop the poll of your choice in our inbox and we’ll post them anonymously (for more info, please check our pinned post).

[hughjidiot]

Something I found on Twitter that really puts things in perspective as a creator.

[fortheloveofhylia]

Four and Sky were tied in my poll so you guys get a little treat and get both today!

Decided to simplify their outfits as I'm not quite dedicated enough to draw so much!

Also Skyward Sword is one of my favourite Zelda games that I have played and I don't think it gets enough love. (Except the dragons. They are dumb!)

[allthingswhumpyandangsty]

writers whenever they’re starting a new fic: I have these ✨ vibes ✨ now I’ll have to build an entire plot and write an entire fic about those vibes

[kanerallels]

"Not everything is about your blorbos" to you maybe. To me every other song and probably that car commercial is about them