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tenebraevesper · 1 year ago

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Shadow the Hedgehog (Sonic Prime, Character Analysis - Part 1)

Welcome to the first part of my personal elaboration on the topic of why ''Prime!Shadow is peak Shadow!'', or in other words, why Prime!Shadow is one of the best written iterations of Shadow's character.

Will I try to make proper arguments for his character writing? Of course. Will I also be biased as hell just because he's my favorite character? Absolutely!

So, if you can handle both of that, we should dive in!

Before I start, I suppose I should give a brief overview of Shadow's character and how he had been handled through the years. The general consensus seems to be that Shadow was at his peak as a character from Sonic Adventure 2 to Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) (as well as Pre-Reboot!Archie Comics during Ian Flynn's run), being someone who was deeply traumatized by the death of his sister Maria Robotnik, had his memories manipulated to get revenge on humanity, only to sacrifice his own life to save the world Maria cherished, losing his memories in the process and trying to carve out his own path, only to finally solidify his role as a protector of the world, even if his methods aren't always the most peaceful ones.

So, where does the idea of edgelord Shadow come from?

Yeaaahh... let's just say that Shadow's own game, Shadow the Hedgehog (2005), didn't do him any good in the character department, because it seems that all that people remember was that one time SEGA decided to give Shadow a gun and let him deal with an alien invasion. The confusing story routes didn't help either.

In time, Shadow's character went from a complex and layered character to something akin to Vegeta (no offense Dragon Ball fans!), much to the disappointment of everyone who understood character before he underwent this transformation. Also, I'm not counting Boom!Shadow in this because Sonic Boom is a different universe and its own thing, but I won't argue against the fact that Boom!Shadow's characterization as a complete jerkass didn't do Game!Shadow any favor either. That's not even mentioning the Sonic IDW Comics, where Shadow had many mandates tied to him that even the writers found it annoying to write him (although with the most recent arc where Shadow was shown, it seems that the mandates have loosened a little).

Of course, I might be missing out on some information, but this is the general gist of the history of his character. So, when Sonic Prime revealed that Shadow would be one of the major characters, you can bet that I was nervous about how he would be written and I decided to keep a close eye on his characterization; and honestly, I went from genuinely pleased to excited when I realized that Shadow was being written as a very compelling character. Not only that, but he also appeared to have gone through subtle character development over the course of the show.

Starting from the very beginning, I'm certain that you remember how Shadow's first appearance was basically him punching Sonic at the end of Episode 01: Shattered, a very impactful first impression that left us with more questions and headaches. The following episode, Episode 02: The Yoke's On You, gives us more details in regards to why he punched Sonic, seemingly out of the blue.

Shadow's proper introduction kicks off with him searching for the Chaos Emerald... and I have to ask, when was the last time we even saw Shadow genuinely smile? Was in the Mario & Sonic at The Olympic Games franchise? I don't really remember.

In any case, being clearly happy about finding the Chaos Emerald, he speeds off, only to suddenly sense that something is wrong and is met with a giant blue pulse of energy (released during Sonic's fight with Dr. Eggman) and a vision of Sonic using the Paradox Prism energy.

''Sonic!''

This expression just screams ''Something bad is going to happen and it's Sonic's fault! I'm going to kick his ass before he does anything stupid!''

We then follow Shadow as he searches for Sonic, clocking him square in the face for something he hasn't done yet. Eh, I'd say that this one wasn't really deserved.

Even before Sonic starts explaining his relationship with Shadow, we immediately get an understanding of Shadow's character. He is serious, works alone, quite fast and powerful, prefers to fight over talking things out, is willing to do anything to protect his home and clearly has a history with Sonic. Sonic proceeds to add how Shadow is his biggest rival, a buzzkill and that he totally roller-skates.

''They're air shoes!''

Did... Did Shadow just break the 4th wall? Did he just make a joke? Dude, not even Boom!Shadow got to do that and Sonic Boom was the epitome of wall breaking!

Yeah, let's just say that my jaw dropped when I heard this, realizing that Shadow's character in Sonic Prime will be different than what we got used to see.

So, after knocking the Rings out of Sonic (I mean that literally), Shadow questions him about what he has done, with Sonic pointing out how Eggman is the bad guy, clearly confused about why Shadow is attacking him.

''You literally shook the world!'' ''That's because I'm good! And powerful apparently! Jealous?''

After a bit of teasing from Sonic, he and Shadow get into a race, during which I had noticed something. While Sonic keeps teasing Shadow (and also having fun fighting him), Shadow tells him to stop and listen for once.

''Clearly you're angry, which is normal,... but I'm supposed to be on a bit of a mission here, Shadow!'' ''What mission?'' ''None of your business.''

Sooooo, have you noticed it too? Because there is something very telling in this interaction. If you haven't, I'll let it play out until the end. Anyways, to continue, Shadow knocks Sonic into a rock, with Sonic confirming another aspect of their relationship.

''Ughh, I know, we're fighting again. Don't worry guys, I'll calm him down.''

We now know that this certainly wasn't the first time they had a fight and it won't be the last time. Sonic points out that, whatever beef they have, they aren't going to settle it this way. While Sonic is right, I will admit, I had to gush over the excellent animation and fight choreography. X3

Sonic then hears an explosion from the cave where the Paradox Prism is and tells Shadow that he needs to get to his friends, only to get punched for his troubles.

''Learn to focus!''

Now that the flashback is over, what exactly is going on between the two?

First of all, the main thing I have noticed is that both Shadow and Sonic seriously have a problem with communication. Shadow knows Sonic is about to do something stupid, and from his actions (aka choosing violence over talking) he is trying to prevent Sonic from doing whatever he was about to do. It does paint Shadow as a bit of a jerk, but Sonic isn't completely innocent here either.

An observation I had made was that Shadow probably knows that if he tried to just talk to Sonic, Sonic would either blow him off and run away or just tease him back, which was confirmed when Shadow asks him on what kind of mission he is with Sonic responding that it's none of his business. I imagine that there were previous events where Sonic was doing something stupid and Shadow tried to stop him from making things worse, and that violence was indeed the answer to Sonic's antics.

If Sonic had explained to Shadow what the deal is, I'm certain that Shadow would help him out. Perhaps Shadow could've told him about his vision, but going by Sonic's behavior, Sonic would probably not listen to him.

This brings me to my second point - this moment establishes that, if there will be character development for Shadow, it will be mainly through his interactions with Sonic and them learning to work together and listen to each other, something I'm really excited to talk about in later episodes.

The flashback continues in Episode 03: Escape From New Yoke, where Sonic does the old ''Hey, look behind you!'' trick and Shadow falls for it, hook, line and sinker. Sonic knocks him into a wall and speeds off to where his friends are fighting Eggman, leaving Shadow to recover and follow him.

I do like how Shadow just shakes his head here. Even if he doesn't say much, you can clearly see what it is going through his mind. He's angry at Sonic, but acknowledges that this is just typical for his blue rival.

in Episode 07: It Takes One to No Place, we see that Shadow manages to reach the Paradox Prism cave, just as Sonic is about to shatter it.

''Chaos Control!''

Unlike Sonic's friends and Dr. Eggman, Shadow manages to use Chaos Control, preventing him from being shattered just like the others.

''Sonic!''

Instead, he finds himself floating in The Void. I'll leave what happened to him in The Void for the next part, but what is important to note is that he cannot enter the individual Shatterspaces, but he can communicate with Sonic every time the latter gains enough speed to use the Paradox Prism Energy.

''Sonic, it's broken! It's all broken!''

Sonic is at first freaked out, thinking he's just hallucinating. I suppose that explains why Sonic keeps ignoring him in any subsequent appearances, despite Shadow trying his best to contact him and trying to explain him what to do, like telling him how he's lost in The Void and for Sonic to keep moving and to not stop (which also leads Sonic to find out how he can travel between Shatterspaces).

I suppose this can also be interpreted as ''Sonic leaves Shadow on read''. X3

Once Sonic accidentally gets out of No Place in Episode 08: There Is No Arrgh In Team, he is confronted by Shadow, who is absolutely furious. Not that Sonic notices, given how he had a really rough day himself.

''Shadow? Ugh, I don't have time to deal with whoever you are. I just wanna go home.''

''Home? Home doesn't exist anymore BECAUSE OF YOU!''

Considering what Sonic had done, yeah, this punch was definitely deserved.

As I said above, the first eight episodes are here to establish Shadow's character, his relationship/rivalry with Sonic and his own flaws (mainly the lack of communication on his part, choosing to fight Sonic instead) and it is clear that in order to overcome those flaws, he will have to work with Sonic (calm down Sonadow shippers, we didn't get there yet), something I'm excited to explore in the second part of this analysis.

#Shadow the Hedgehog (Sonic Prime, Character Analysis - Part 2)

#Sonic the Hedgehog Analyzer (Masterlist)

#Ten's Thoughts #sonic prime #sonic the hedgehog #shadow the hedgehog #sonadow prime #sonadow

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crossdressingdeath · 2 years ago

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Memoirs by Gortash, Outline for Chapter 4. - I reestablish worship of Bane in Baldur's Gate as a hidden cult. - I realise the secret worship of Bhaal is also on the resurgence and acquaint myself with the local leader, an actual Bhaalspawn. - The Bhaalspawn and I work together on a heist from the House of Wonders and, discovering common goals, forge an alliance. - In dreams, the Bhaalspawn and I are visited by Bhaal and Bane, who name us their Chosen and command us to seek out and ally with Ketheric Thorm, the Chosen of Myrkul. - Visiting Ketheric at Moonrise Towers, I learn of the mind flayer colony in the Underdark below and conceive a plan to conquer its elder brain using the Crown of Karsus. - The Bhaalspawn and I employ a diabolist's services to gain access to Mephistar and steal the Crown. - We three Chosen use the Crown to enslave the Colony's elder brain - but during that raid, the Bhaalspawn is betrayed by the Bhaalist second-in-command, Orin the Red, who usurps the Bhaalspawn's power and declares herself Bhaal's new Chosen. - Following my master plan, the new trio brainstorms our grand hoax of the Absolute. - Note: Where to put in the Astral Prism and the adventurers who took it after its theft from Vlaakith? And when to admit considering taking them as my new allies?

Hm. Gortash is claiming that the Absolute hoax came about after Orin usurped Durge? Well, that doesn't fit. Considering he mentions to Durge that the two of them planned the whole thing together, including the bit where Durge would use the Bhaalists to spread terror in the Absolute's name, methinks someone's telling lies. I wonder if it's to do with him being a Banite? I mean, he's also claiming that it was his master plan when again at the coronation he tells Durge that they came up with it together. Either he's lying to Durge about their part in it, or he's claiming full responsibility in his memoir to make himself look better. Personally I suspect the latter, and also I'm wondering if it might be at least partially because they're no longer in the picture.

Anyway, more importantly. One thing I find really interesting about this: Gortash never uses Durge's name. I mean, it's not hard at all to add in a variable to use the character's name! Even I can do that with my incredibly limited knowledge of programming; Larian definitely could've. Which means him not doing that is more than just a necessary evil of having a character the player names. And it's not that he's trying to avoid naming names in his memoir, because he's happy to refer to Ketheric and Orin by name. I won't lie, I'm now combining this with the idea that Gortash was basically the only one to refer to Durge by name and thinking about Gortash deciding that Durge's name belongs to him and the general public doesn't deserve to ever know it now that they're gone. Something like... this one piece of them he gets to keep for himself.

#bg3 #enver gortash #durgetash #a little

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larrythefloridaman · 10 months ago

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*decadently sampling Cheeze Whiz on a Ritz Cracker like its pâté* The thing about crimson and chartreuse's relationship is that they fight. Crimson says some cruel shit to her here and there, mostly revolving around folk. but, and ive discussed this before, i really dont get the sense that crimson hates her like he hates prism and cobalt. chartreuse has been a little defensive of him, because she gets how bad he has it even before he grasps the fullness of it, and she picks fights with him, sometimes- hes just a dickhead and thinks shes a fool for hanging all her hopes on folk and isnt shy about letting her know it. And like, from his perspective, I kind of get it? I dont agree, but like. lets look at the facts for a second

First off- they met a VERY short amount of time ago by the standards of Immortal Gods, and from crimson's perspective, chartreuse has been all Distant and Enlightened and Omniscient™️ for a long time and her recent behavior is distinctly unstable by comparison to that standard. chartreuse was saying she loved him in a matter of months, when they met because Folk was doing something that was hurting her and happened to flirt with her while she was reeling in confusion and anger from losing her nonlinear timesight and the chip damage of time being fucked with until her failsafe activated, and thus not really in a normal, sound, rational state of mind? She was a bit emotionally all over the place at the time, and very much kept Folk, then borderline a stranger, on impulse. Yes, ryan said in the brief time Folk was gone and chartreuse had her absolute perspective back she witnessed all of folk's life in an instant to make that decision, but thats very... one-sided, isnt it? Like, from crimson's perspective chartreuse looks like shes having some sort of breakdown and deciding to throw her everything into dating Some Guy who used the stabbing chartreuse machine even if it means she keeps getting stabbed because she became inexplicably obsessed with him

Second, Folk is bound to her. his continued existence is hurting her, Crimson knows this is costing her something just as much as Cobalt does. and Chartreuse won't tell Folk fucking anything at first, and Crimson would know this because chartreuse doesnt tell Anyone anything she doesnt absolutely have to. Not just about the fact she's maintaining his future to keep him around, slowly letting his old life turn to dust to buy him as much time as possible before she inevitably has to let him die too, effectively making their relationship a kind of entrapment, the ethical question of 'what if Folk had gotten fed up with her secrecy and refusal to be honest and open with him and broke up with her, what would she do then? If theres no way to end a relationship without ending up dead or as a dying prisoner of your bond then thats fucked up' never raised- but also just. basic information about their family. She didn't tell him Cobalt existed until he was starting to meddle in kerfuffle affairs, and she wouldn't confirm or deny if there were more of them either.

Third, Folk is a mortal therapist who holds kindness and understanding as core, open values. Now, Crimson is a deeply jaded son of a bitch who tends to distrust anything thats too overly nice and goody-two-shoes right out of the gate. and We Know Why. But theres also an element of defeatism in Crimson's understanding of their situation. This is apparent in his conversation with Folk in the winners waiting room of ncct4. This doesnt mean he intends to stop trying, but there's an air of grim acceptance, of futility to a lot of what he does because at the end of the day he doesnt really have any hope things can get better, especially through something as simple as therapy, before he starts to let himself feel otherwise. When Folk thinks he knows how to help, Prism speaks through Crimson to dismiss it as useless, and Crimson does not resist. He, fundamentally, agrees with the notion that therapy would be useless for them, even if getting it were on the table for him. Crimson does not believe that his family can get better and live (relatively) normal lives, its an impossibility in his mind. He understands why it would be wanted, but the thought is absurd. Its childish. So when Chartreuse starts distancing herself, Crimson is confused- it's hopeless, what does she think she's doing, she's just gonna get herself hurt for something that'll never last, what is she so upset for when she knew this would happen, her own nature, THEIR own nature made this inevitable. And then she abandons her godhood, and, oh God now thats an Option On The Table, Crimson tries writing her off as a fool- throwing away her lifeline, her vigilant awareness of her meddling, every safeguard shes ever had, all to save Some Random Fucking Guy she thinks can 'fix' her. 'Really, Chartreuse? I know you're having a little episode here and we're all pretty fucked in the head but isn't dating your therapist you met three months ago a little on-the-nose?' type sentiment, y'get me

And finally, I get the sense that Chartreuse is the only person in that family crimson respects and cares for without caveat, because while the whole pomp and circumstance of godhood she and cobalt put on is annoying, and again, they fight, shes got a backbone and integrity and sincerely good intentions, but she also does what she wants without making self-righteous excuses for herself or pretending she's untouchable or lording over him, and theres a sort of 'dont tell mom/cobalt' solidarity between them. but I think theres also a cocktail of fear and jealousy in there, when she starts to pull away. Like. "Dont be stupid. whats your gameplan sis. Youre making this up as you go and its gonna kick you in the ass sooner or later. This is never gonna work. You're hurting and endangering yourself for no reason. You're gonna forget what its like and right when you let your guard down you're just gonna get fucked over. Stupid. Crybaby. for the love of god don't leave me alone in that fucking house." Y'get me.

And when he's finally accepted Folk as something important to her, important enough to upend her whole life to be with him, that she's really healing and he's really good for her... he's still not being especially nice- he'd hardly sound like himself if he did, hes a little cunt reflexively- but he tells him to make their time count. He wants to be at their wedding even if he has to crash the fucking thing. Hes starting to let things be meaningful to him again. Its clear to me that, while he sincerely cant stand cobalt or their mother, he actually really does care about his sister even if he sucks ass at showing it sometimes. Its... bittersweet.

#i also think for the record that theres a lot more hope for reconciliation between cobalt and crimson than between prism and crimson #but its Not Gonna Be Easy. because they do not understand the difference between their positions in all this.#cobalt does not understand the futility of crimson trying to appease prism because he is categorically meant to be a monster to her #and crimson does not understand that cobalt being a tightass has always been his misguided way of trying to protect him and treuse #colored also by his distaste for crimson's apparent lack of regard for the responsibilities of their station #which ironically crimson actually takes more seriously as maintaining a commitment and a system than he does #hes just better at being efficient about it so that he can also have a Life at the same time #ncct spoilers

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shadykazama · 8 months ago

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Matchup exchange~

For BG3, MHA, and JJK with @rav--en / @frostfall-matches !

The results are in! And I match you with-

BG3 Astarion~

❤ [Astarion largely embodies what you like in people] He quite literally has some bite to him! Teasing and banter are second nature to our resident vampire, and no one is safe from his rather catty attitude. At every point in your journey, the two of you would be laughing and poking fun; you're at each other's necks- not so figuratively in his case. He's quickly impressed by your risk taking and eggs it on; he hasn't had this much fun in centuries! The two of you would be a chaotic force of nature, taking Faerun by storm.

❤ [You’re both independent.] He has independence for the first time in hundreds of years and is gripping it tight, even though he doesn't quite know what it means anymore; your fiercely independent attitude is just the push he needs to embrace his new life, free from Cazador. Though it may seem at first like he's dependent on you, flirting and seducing you just to secure his own safety, Astarion ultimately makes all of his own decisions. He's struggling with how to regain his independence while also being entirely dependent on the astral prism to keep him alive- but you're a good example. You show him through your actions how easy it is to impose your own will. Watching him grow and express his boundaries is a feat; he changed because of you, but not for you.

❤ [You guys bring out the best in one another… and the worst.] The two of you are playful at best and absolute menaces at worst. The fact of the matter is, you're both chaos junkies, and would endorse each other's bad behavior. Astarion would adore you for this! But I'm sure the rest of Faerun would have their grievances… A bard and a rogue are tough to beat though. Astarion wants those boots the merchant is selling? You're already doing the most to distract them with your extravagant words and music while he robs them blind~ I quiver to think what the two of you would do to someone who annoys you.

❤ [You make him feel safe.] Astarion has a fake persona that he puts on to protect himself. He's flirty and sultry and has a strong noble laugh, he's desirable- but it's all fake. He simply makes himself what others want to ensure they won't dispose of him. This would certainly annoy you at first, to some degree, but after the first time you see the real him, it'd become a challenge to keep bringing that part out. You, more than anyone, see his real laugh, his real smile. You see how his face crinkles and how he throws his head back when you tell a bad joke. He calls you a clown, but it has no malice behind it. He hasn't felt this safe in gods know how long.

❤ [He would take you on artsy dates.] Once you're free of the tadpole, the two of you are restricted only by the sun (assuming you don't ascend him). One of the first things he does is get a portrait done of the two of you. You're sat cozily, your space lit by candles or the luminous flora of the underdark. You would have your favorite coffee and laugh and chat all whilst an artist carefully immortalizes you on a canvas. He wouldn't mind, of course, if you painted him either. He hasn't seen his reflection for so long that he doesn't even remember what his eyes used to look like. There certainly is something profoundly intimate about seeing yourself through someone else's eyes... Besides that, he would like to read to you as well, on those days when you just don't feel like getting up. Elves don't sleep, but your presence and the soft melody of his words would lull the two of you into a tranquil state.

❤ [Astarion is not your knight in shining armor!] He knows full well how capable you are of handling yourself and will simply enjoy the show should you ever land in trouble. He may join in, if only for the chance to slice some necks and have some fun, but he's never under the impression that he's doing you a favor. For centuries he prayed someone would come to his aid, and no one did; he knows what it means to be tough enough to handle things without help, and likely harbors a similar distaste for unprovoked assistance. This doesn't mean he'll never have your back; he'll be very vocal if he's ever truly worried about something being sketchy!

MHA Hawks/Keigo Takami~

For this particular matchup, I envisioned you as a vigilante! I for one, know the hero system in MHA is very flawed and I see you doing your own thing as a more chaotic/good rogue hero.

💛 [This cat and mouse game never gets old.] You're independent, free as a bird- ironically enough, and Keigo is trapped under the thumb of the hero commission. He knows that hero society is broken and he strives to make it better despite his limitations. Perhaps that's why he never turned you in. It's not like he couldn't, but there was something about you that elicited envy in him. You were everything he wanted to be, making changes, true to yourself, free. So would ensue the long game of cat and mouse… He would find you every now and then, and the two of you would throw flirty banter back and forth until he had to inevitably leave. It would take awhile, but he'd eventually tell you the reason he never captured you. “But keep it a secret, yeah? The image of a caged bird isn't good for a hero like me.”

💛 [Your hearts are mirrored.] You and Keigo have the same love languages with physical touch and gift giving. He's constantly thinking, and you're constantly in the back of his mind. It Isn't uncommon for him to show up with something pretty or your favorite snack that he just happened to pass by. He would absolutely melt if you gave him something homemade! The effort and thought you'd have to put into something like that is proof enough that he's special to you, and he'd cherish that thought- and whatever you gave him~

💛 [He can't go crazy, but expect spontaneity.] Before you're properly together, he would be limited to when or how he could see you. Regardless of how much he liked you, there was simply no way for him to stay in contact without exposing you to the hero commission, which is the last thing he wanted. So, he got creative… Thanks to his superbly observant personality, he's able to figure out how you're locating villains/baddies; he uses this information to trick you into meeting him somewhere. Albeit, not the most honest way of getting what he wants, but he's sure he'll get brownie points for the spontaneity. He wouldn't want to hinder your work though, so after that, the two of you make up a different but still secret way of meeting.

💛 [There's nothing quite like flying.] Let him take you to the sky. Is it cliche? Sure, but it's the most free he ever feels. It's all worth it to see you smile in wonder or scream when he pretends to drop you… He wants you to feel safe with him though, so he won't do that too often. ;) This can be a common occurrence- he'd like it if it was, but he'd understand if you just don't like it. Heights aren't for everyone! But, if you do like it, he'll make sure to remember to lend you his goggles so the wind doesn't get in your eyes. He could easily buy you your own, but come on, you look so cute with his on why would he? <3

💛 [Too quick for his own good.] You don't need a hero, and he chronically kind of just does what he wants. His quickness would cause some annoyance on your end, since he doesn't wait for you to ask for help to step in. A majority of the time it's not because he thinks you need help, he just goes too fast while he's working. He didn't get where he is at his age by waiting for anyone else. It would be easy to see it as him looking down on you, thinking you're not good enough to do it on your own- but catch him once and give him a piece of your mind! As much as I'd like to say he'd think twice after that, and immediately respect your words- that's simply not Keigo. “Get it done faster and I wouldn't have to help you, how 'bout that?” Unfortunately, Keigo doesn't care if it annoys you, and has a very roundabout way of pushing you to do better. It's all for your benefit though, since he does end up seeing improvement in your work- if for no other reason than to shove it in his face that you don't need his help…

💛 [He's not clingy.] Your space and independence is important to you, and it's important to him too, especially once he's free of the hero commission. His dream was always to make a world where heroes could sit back and be lazy, but unfortunately it's just not that day yet. You'll have ample time to yourself, Keigo is a busy man! Trust, as often as he bothers you, he's giving you twice as much space just because of how busy he is.

💛 [Don't threaten him with a good time.] Dates with keigo would be intimate. As often as he's in the public eye, when he gets the chance, all he'll want is to be alone with you. The tops of buildings are easy enough for him to get to- or your house. Order in food, make some with him, sit and watch TV or show him your favorite games. He would adore any moment of silence, away from scrutiny of expectations and just enjoy your company. The best days for him are sleeping in, the two of you wrapped in his wings as he avoids the world. He'll make you breakfast, cuddle you, distract you- anything to stay longer in the safe haven that is your home.

💛 [Hold him close.] “Keigo. Call me Keigo.” You're one of the first people he tells and his heart just about drops out of his chest when the words leave his mouth. It's dangerous for anyone to know, but it's all he wanted… for you to say his name. He doesn't make a big deal out of it, laughing it off as he usually does with things like that, but just hearing you call him by his name makes it all worth the risk. After the final fight with All for One, it's you he finds at his side in the hospital and he gives you the biggest grin he can muster at the time. He'll tease you as he recovers, ask if you cried for him- acting hurt if you say no, and smug if you say yes. There's no winning with him, but truly, he's more free now than he's ever been.

JJK Satoru Gojo~

💙 [‘The bane of my existence and the object of all my desires.’] Oh boy. What a duo you two would make. More than anyone, Satoru is impossible to banter with- or more so it's impossible to get under his skin. You could, and I'd expect would, still tease and berate him, but expect it to be a challenge to get a real reaction out of him. You'd be his favorite person to mess with as well, simply for how fiery you are, and Satoru can be a real menace... He, just like you, loves reactions. In fact, besides the overarching challenge the two of you have with one another, you basically have the same sense of humor. He was robbed of his childhood, and finds it difficult to find people who can keep up with his enthusiasm and energy- so your attitude is just perfect. Someone his age that he can be silly and relaxed with!

💙 [Opposite polarities always attract.] Satoru is definitely the extrovert that runs around adopting introverts, and you were no different. Considering you're his favorite person, expect to be dragged along to just about everything he does- or at the very least be told about everything he does. If your social battery just can't handle it, he'll settle for bringing you back souvenirs in the form of little gifts or snacks from wherever he goes… though he'd much rather you just come along. He's not stupid though, he knows just how to press your buttons so that you don't blow up in an introverted rage.

💙 [Your independence is safe and secure.] Satoru is clingy, for sure, and perhaps too enthusiastic to drag you around for his own good- but you're not in any danger of him doing everything for you. As a Jujutsu sorcerer, you'll have tough jobs every now and then, and though Satoru could easily handle them for you, he lets you do it. He's a teacher after all! He's used to letting his students handle curses on their own, he'd have no trouble giving the same opportunities to you. Forewarning, if you get your ass kicked, he'll never let you live it down. <3

💙 [Rich man's privilege.] Dates will be the most over the top unnecessarily expensive things ever. He wants to experience the world; he has dreams and hopes of his own- he just has someone to share that with now. Art exhibits, thrilling theme parks, exquisite restaurants, risky adrenaline chasing, the works!! He wants to show it all to you. You want to travel? Say the word, he's got tickets and a hotel booked already. He's looking at tourist spots and picking out restaurants. He's fortunate enough to be able to give you anything you could ever want, and all he'd ask in return is to just share it with him.

💙 [Satoru Gojo is kind of an ass.] In the most respectful way possible, this guy is an unhinged childish piece of work. He knows you're bad with directions and will not correct you if you're going the wrong way just so he can waste more time being around you. He laughs at you when you trip, but will always help patch you up. He teases you with his height and his infinity technique to annoy you. More than anything, he does all of this because he refuses to be anyone else but Satoru Gojo. He won't pretend he doesn't have a mean and dumb sense of humor just to make you happy- he's just impressed you stayed with him anyways.

💙 [Screw those old geezers!] You and Satoru have more in common than either of you first thought; both of you don't like being told what to do, and go against the elder sorcerers’ demands. If you ever landed yourself in trouble because of this attitude, you can bet your bottom dollar that Satoru will be there to back you up. He does it to help of course, but if you ever ask he'll just say he did it to spite those old geezers. He abuses the fact that he's too important and powerful to really oppose. The council has started to avoid you because they know Satoru is always lurking around the corner, waiting for an opportunity to undermine them.

That's it! I hope you liked your matches! I considered Shadowheart and Minthara as potential choices for your BG3 match but decided against it. Shadowheart would match you bar for bar in sass, independence, and banter- but she wouldn't appreciate your risky streak and tends to disapprove of needless chaos. Minthara, the queen of banter imo, just seems too uptight for you!

Also, not sure if it's obvious but I definitely struggled the most with Astarion's. It's mostly because you can romance him in game so a lot of the things I could put were rather obvious. 😅

#matchups #matchup exchange #bg3 matchup #mha matchup #jjk matchups

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thevindicativevordan · 8 months ago

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Comics this week? (Specially Ultimates, Action comics and Absolute Batman)

Absolute Batman #1 - This was entertaining! After years of the mainline Batman book constantly trying to one up itself, it's fun to read something as simple as Batman going up against a gang again. It's an issue that is very much in conversation with Snyder's New 52 #1, with both issues musing on the nature of Gotham. Difference here is that Bruce himself is the heart of the city, he grew up amidst his own Rogues Gallery, and he's trying to do good in his public identity by rebuilding what he breaks as Batman. Also did anyone else think that the reference to the Party Animals being multiple animals across the globe is setting up the reveal that the "Illuminati" Black Mask works for is the Absolute equivalent to the Court of Owls? Very excited to see Martha is still alive, she's always been underserved compared to Thomas, and I just realized, they've flipped Batman and Superman here. Batman loses his father but still has his mom while Superman has neither of his parents in this AU. I kinda think Batman is going to be the brightest of the Trinity while Superman will be the darkest. Only thing I'm unsure of... rich Joker. We all knew this was coming, no way was Snyder not going that route, but I wish he had held off on Joker for longer.

Great first issue regardless, this delivers the summer blockbuster energy Snyder delivered with the New 52, and I'm excited to see where it goes.

Action Comics #1070 - At long last, Waid finally does a run on one of the main Superbooks and... it's boring? Ok it's only the first issue but still. Maybe reading this right after Snyder prejudiced me, but there's nothing here to draw you back. The body horror is fairly tame, Henry's style is too smooth to evoke the disgust this needs. Waid's take on the Superman/Jimmy relationship is pure Silver Age which I don't like, for a guy who hates Superdad, Waid sure does like writing Superman as paternal to everyone he meets. Supes and Jimmy should be brothers not father/son. Did appreciate Jimmy being useful and taking down the Kryptonian baddie with his signal watch, but we should've gotten more of a tease about what's going down in the Phantom Zone. Despite being on the cover, neither Xa nor Mon are actually in the issue. Good thing this is weekly and we won't have to wait long for the followup. Supergirl backup was pure setup too, nothing really to say yet about that either.

Batman & Robin #14 - Poor PKJ, his first issue of B&R is going to be completely overshadowed by Absolute Batman. Enjoyed this issue, new villain seems interesting, but Damian sounds off. I'm sure it would be even more egregious if I had been reading Williamson. Going to stick with this for now as my one mainline Batbook.

Ultimates #5 - I like the Ultimate Hawkeye, had thought he would be someone we knew from 616 but instead he's like She-Hulk, a new face for an old name. Commentary on how symbols and stories not meant for you can still end up inspiring you anyway was insightful, as seen through the prism of a Native American enjoying cowboy and Indian movies.

#weekly reviews #absolute dc #ultimate marvel

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ryttu3k · 1 year ago

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Planning out my BG3 Sascha run and whoops looks like we're doing another 'bad' run. I'm sure it'll be fine!

Using the aasimar mod for that tasty Angel of Caine dynamic 8D

Old(tm). Highest stats are INT and CHA, classed as a draconic bloodline sorcerer/wizard (bloodline is gold/fire, mostly putting levels in wizard). Can't be selected in-game but they're the grandchild of Kereska, dragon god of magic.

So yes a half-deity dragon angel with fire powers I know they're OP I know but also have you seen Sascha canonically.

Trauma in their backstory, because ofc. When they were young, they fell under the control of another aasimar, Symeon, child of Tyr, who in turn served Michael, who claimed to be the avatar of Sune. Symeon was charming and manipulative, and Sascha, then calling themself Myca, fell pretty quickly under his influence. It wasn't a great time.

Had a sweet romance with Ilias, child of Silvanus. Ilias died during the Spellplague. Myca changed their name to Sascha and. Hardened themself off somewhat.

Present day, a powerful sorcerer/wizard who regularly looks in on places like Blackstaff Academy, using illusion magic to hide their wings and stuff.

Secret! Netherese! Cultist!

Has a fascination with illithid technology. It's so visceral. Why is the damn ship crashing why can't they examine the meat crimes more :-\

Immediately takes charge with their OP charisma. General play vibes are like, pragmatic and not very sentimental, but does try to take care of their coterie.

Mostly fascinated with Gale, another powerful and ambitious mage with a connection to Netherese magic. Definitely encourages him to seek out his sorcerer side (he'll end up multiclassing Storm Sorcery) and, uh, the Crown but also with an eye to maybe? using it themself?

Wary about the Dream Visitor. Does not like having their mind fucked with. On the other hand, very open to using illithid powers, although by the time they get the astral-touched tadpole they're already too negative about the Emperor to agree.

Major decisions, act 1: We are straight-out skipping the druids/tiefling/goblin conflict! (Or, well, AFAIK you can't avoid the fight at the gate, but otherwise they're going to do that, trade with Arron, talk to whatshisname who had the run-in with the githyanki, then go "yeah this isn't my business" and leave.) Won't be recruiting Wyll, Karlach, or Halsin, and the tieflings are fucked, I'm sorry everyone ;_; Might end up entering the Goblin Camp just for more info on this True Soul/Absolute business, but staying steadfastedly Not Involved, then heading on to the Mountain Pass and the creche. Obviously that'll go poorly, although Sascha is still going to be like, yeah, the one in the Prism is shifty, sure, I'll kill them. So that'll put a dampener on any potential relationship!

Act 2: I am… actually not sure how to navigate the Shadow-Cursed Lands here, without getting the lyre from either Minthara or Nere, or attacking the convoy. Hm. Might just have to do a straight shot for Moonrise. AFAIK Minthara can be rescued here and Sascha is just "yeah fine why not". Largely skipping the Last Light, so no Jaheira, and, later, no Minsc, so final team will be Sascha, Gale, Astarion, Shadowheart, Lae'zel, and Minthara. Does the Gauntlet for Shadowheart's sake, but will encourage her not to kill their fellow aasimar, so at least someone is getting a good end XD;; Okay they don't seem to like many other aasimar so, uh, sorry Aylin. Otherwise, makes themself at home at Moonrise and wreaks havoc while they're not looking while in the process of Learning Everything. And, uh, the Shadow Curse is not getting lifted, although tbh I think that was a given since I'm pretty sure Halsin dies if you don't get involved with the Grove-Goblin conflict ;_;

Act 3: Learning about the Emperor - they fuckin' knew it -_- When they meet Raphael later, doesn't agree to the deal, but does plan to steal the hammer instead. They want that crown for their bae, okay.

Character arcs: Gale - go for the crown, babe, I'll hold your flower. Shadowheart - she's already turned from Shar, let's just complete the process. Encourages her to let her parents go. Okay maybe she will go Dark Justiciar :| Astarion - …tragically I think they'd encourage Ascension I'm so sorry Astarion bby. Sascha is just, "Get revenge! Fuckin' eat him!" Lae'zel - reject Vlaakith, free Orpheus - although that's in part to spite the Emperor tbh. Don't know what's happening with Minthara, I guess we'll find out!

Endgame: Once they have the stones, have Orpheus turn illithid. Ultimately, destroy the Netherbrain, then encourage Gale to get the crown and become a god. For the epilogue, become a god alongside him. This won't go badly at all!

On the plus side, if I'm doing God!Gale romance here, I might be able to skip one of the several Astarion runs I have planned, and just do the "they actually do make each other better this time" run?

#baldur's gate 3 #bg3 spoilers #ry plays bg3 #mx meat crimes #mx meat crimes (faerun edition)

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thessalian · 2 years ago

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Astrid vs the Goblin Camp

But first, some Visitations

Rafael: Oooh, looks like you're in a spot of bother. I could probably help with that ... for a price.

Astrid: Um ... thank you for the ... very kind offer. And ... you know, the banquet and everything, though I've got a bit of a thing about powerful magical entities and foodstuffs after the Hag And Undead Husband Incident--

Rafael: ...Sorry, how am I hearing the capital letters on that one?

Gale: She insists it's fractional pauses between words. I still can't quite manage it myself. Perhaps it's a bardic talent.

Astrid: Anyway, I'm afraid we're a little full up on deals with beings from the various hells. I mean, still not really liking The Actually A Tiefling Incident very much--

Wyll: I did apologise for that!

Astrid: Not blaming you! I mean, I was pretty suspicious too until The Exploding Hyena Incident. ...Look, sorry, but I think we'll find a way that doesn't involve an open-ended bargain with a demon, or a devil, or whichever sort of entity you are because you're clearly on that end of the spectrum. But thank you very much for the offer, and have a lovely day.

Rafael: You'll be back. ...Though now I really have to wonder--

Astrid: You'll be The Demon Dinner Party Incident.

Rafael: ...Ah.

And again...

Spooky Whispers: Find the Prism for the Absolute and--

Shadowheart: FUCK. OFF.

Spooky Whispers: *do, in fact, FUCK. OFF*

Astrid: Okay, I think I've been really good about not asking about the whatsit so far. But now I kind of have to ask. What is the whatsit?!?

Shadowheart: Honestly not sure, but most of my memories are being held as collateral until I get it to Baldur's Gate.

Astrid: Oh. So ... when I asked a little more about you...

Shadowheart: Well, yes, that was mostly the memory loss, but part of it was trust issues. But if it helps, I like night orchids, and I can't swim.

Astrid: ...I will find you ALL the night orchids. And maybe teach you to swim. If you want. Might take less armour, though.

Shadowheart: *perks up*

Controller Person: *starts seriously rethinking romance choices*

And, because infiltrating a goblin stronghold is the best time for this

Gale: Okay, so draining magical artefacts isn't so much working anymore and if I don't do something about this really ill-considered gift to my last lover, I am going to explode.

Astrid: ...I'm generally willing to leave the past as your business, but I kind of want to know who your last lover was that a gift you gave her is enough to kerboom you.

Gale: Um ... Mystra ... as it happens...

Astrid: ...wut.

Gale: Also ... the explosion wouldn't just kill me. It'd take out an area about the size of Waterdeep.

Astrid: ...................How much do we need to have extracted from you?!?

Astarion: So ... Shadowheart ... you wouldn't happen to have--

Shadowheart: No! Unless that's something they made me forget, but ... almost certainly no!

Astarion: Well, there you have it. Either Astrid feels she couldn't possibly match up favourably to Gale's ex, or he explodes and takes himself out of the running.

Shadowheart: Shut up!

Astarion: Oh. Oh. You'd accept pining from afar if it meant she didn't have to feel the pain of someone she cares about dying! You, a cleric of Shar, no less!

Shadowheart: My greatclub could be sharpened to a stake, Astarion...

But finally, into the Shattered Sanctum

High Priestess Gut: So you wanted to talk?

Astrid: Ummmmmmmm ... not so much. *pulls lute; to the tune of The Sound of Silence* "Hello goblin, my new foe / You are a creepy so-and-so / Since you're making all the tieflings stressed / We've come to do the violence we do best / And your allies / Won't hear your cries for help / Not a yelp / Because I'm caaaasting Silence..."

High Priestess Gut: ............*mouthing obscenities*

Astarion: *critical-hit SHANKs her to death*

Astrid: ...Anyone else think it's kind of ironic that a spell that makes a Silence has verbal components?

And, a little further in

Minthara: Go burn down the druid grove!

Astrid: Oh, for-- how many times are we going to have to save it from you idiots?!?

Minthara: Owowowow!

Astrid: Whoops. ...Wait, what am I saying; I mean good! 'Scuse me, Astarion...

Astarion: Waitwut--

Astrid: *performs dive-bomb on lute and Thunderwaves Minthara right into the chasm, destroying the bridge in the process*

Shadowheart: ...I have to admit, that's a lot more impressive than "yeet".

Astarion: Yes, but I can't jokingly copy that one.

Astrid: *shooting at Scrying Eye* Slay now, praise later, please and thank you! There's going to be backup, and unless they have the jumping prowess of a turtle, the bridge being out won't keep them at range for long!

Astarion: Ah, yes, but two can play at that game. *leaps over chasm, grabs goblin, FEEDS*

Gale: You had to give him those boots, didn't you.

Astrid: I was very disappointed that they didn't give him bunny ears.

And, awhile later

Ragzlin: The mind flayer corpse won't talk!

Astrid: I could ask some questions, if you want...

Ragzlin: You're a bard; you can talk good. FINE.

Astrid: What ... is your name?

Ragzlin: ...What the--?

Astrid: What ... is your quest?

Ragzlin: ...I don't--

Astrid: What ... is the airspeed velocity of an unladen bugbear?

Ragzlin: Hey, waitaminit--

Astrid: *Thunderwave dive-bomb on the lute*

Ragzlin: *goes flying*

Astrid: No convenient chasms here, though. Shame.

Stabnation: *ensues*

And, during a really needed long rest...

Astrid: So ... I've talked to Wyll about the pact he really needs out of, Gale about the ... kerboom thing, and Shadowheart about her whole deal. Want to tell me about the monster hunter?

Astarion: My master in Baldur's Gate wants me back, apparently. And there's nothing we can do about it if he wants to take me, so I'm not even sure why I'm bothering to tell you this.

Astrid: Do you even look at the things I ask you to carry?

Astarion: *peers into haversack* Alchemist's fire and ... what's this?

Astrid: Holy water, or so Shadowheart tells me.

Astarion: What the f-- are you trying to kill me?!?

Astrid: No, I would have put it in your wine if I was trying to kill you with it.

Astarion: That ... is a singularly horrible mental image, but go on...

Astrid: Just because those things work against you doesn't mean you can't use those things against other vampires. And you have options he doesn't. Like, being out in the daytime.

Astarion: You are suicidally overconfident ... and yet all of that might work. Yes, I think I'll echo Shadowheart here: I fear you.

Shadowheart: I do not fear her anymore!

Astarion: Oh, nonsense you don't; you just worry that your devotion to Shar might get in the way of--

Shadowheart: *throws a half-rotted treacle tart at Astarion's head*

Astrid: ...I was wondering why you were carrying those around. Anywaaaaay... How about we get some rest because we still have to find Haslin down in the pits and we should probably rescue Volo too.

Astarion; Gale; Shadowheart; Wyll: Volo's an arse!

Astrid: Yes, but he's an arse that doesn't deserve to be rump roast for goblins, okay?!? They were cooking dwarf out there!

Astarion: Still, couldn't I just take a minor nibble?

Astrid: Gods, no. Stupid might be catching.

Gale: So you can be insulting about people when you're out of range?

Astrid: That or he has a really bad headache right now. Either way.

#Thess liveblogs Baldur's Gate 3 #Astrid the Bard #baldur's gate 3 spoilers

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pinescent-and-gingerbread · 2 months ago

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Hummmm, HELLO??? I wasn't prepared for that emotional damage!! Omfg.

First of all, the beginning was so well written and fitted the canon so well as it's Micah who comes back at camp from Guarma first. I liked those sorts of details!!

As if from a dream, a black and white Hungarian Half-breed emerged through the fog with the sunshine of your heart, Arthur Morgan, at the reins.Parts of your life flashed before your eyes in the brightest prism of colors—memories of making love under red patterned blankets, kissing alongside orange and yellow flames, dancing barefoot on soft green grass, cuddling against striped blue cotton, and prancing through fragrant fields of lavender. It all could’ve just been a figment of your imagination, but you knew it was real. You knew you were awake. You knew you were alive. And thank God, so was he.

Absolutely beautiful. I adore this metaphor of a prism and the "emerged though the fog with the sunshine of your heart". So so good. The fact that the prism litterally produce a rainbow from white light fit so well with the sunshine part. Stunning motif!!

The reunion was so heartwarming, with Arthur realizing he hadn't talked since he had stepped a foot on the continent and having his first words being Reader's name 🥹 AND THEN

[...] but her eyes weren’t on you. They were looking past your shoulder at the stranger who used to be her father. The scene unraveled like the Creation of Adam. Arthur reached out, leading with his index finger like he had since the day she was born. He cleared his throat first before speaking. “Honeybee…” But unlike the fresco, Beatrice didn’t reach back. Instead, she screamed. She screamed a terrible, gut-wrenching cry.

No.

In her young mind, someone had kidnapped her sunflower and picked his petals clean, leaving only a wilted stalk in his place. Arthur felt like a monster—like the ugliest bastard that ever lived. Before you and before Beatrice, Arthur wondered if he’d even had a heart. Now, he knew he did because it was being forcibly ripped out. His hand dropped to his side, and his face straightened into hardened lines. As his eyes lost focus, you knew he was building a fort around his heart because if he didn’t, it would shatter and never come back together again.

NO NO NO NO NO NO!!!!!!

I am not kidding Zae, call me emotional, call me weak or too sensible, but you brought actual tears to my eyes with that part. And the fact that she was one of the only thing that made him hold up while in Guarma?? fucking tracing her name on his skin?? "Thinking he’d never get to see either of you again was painful, but not being able to hold his baby girl was torture." YEAH YOU BET IT IS!!!! JUST LIKE READING IT!!! This is heartbreaking, devastating even! I knew you were talented but not such an expert in angst!! Not being able to physically take her in his arms is so painful! It breaks my heart to see him like this!

Days ago, a sea away and now only a room away, but the distance between you and Arthur still felt monumental.

Really really loved that line too. He's back, but the deep problems are still here; the comparison is flawless. The paragraph right after with the painful truths stated by Reader is so good to read too, beautifully written. Loved it (in a heartbreaking kind of way!)

And Jesus that ending. Dutch keeping on manipulating Arthur during their conversation, making him feel guilty, keeping him under his control. Argh!! Well done, because I want to slap him just as hard as I did while playing. Then the new baby announcement! In this rushed, angry kind of way, it is beautifully tragic, too. AND YOU END THIS WITH THE FIRST LETTER'S LINE??

You better be cooking a third part girl!! Else we won't ever recover I think!! Once again, bravo!! It was so intense. I don't know if I hated it or loved it, both at the same time, because it was so incredibly writing but so wrecking 😭😭 You really nailed that angst. I think it is all even more tragic and painful as I just read the first part before, and you had written so gorgeously how much Arthur meant to Beatrice, how strong their bound was; just to be shattered the moment she didn't grab his finger as she used to. It was peak scenario here.

I'm gonna need some time to recover!! Please tell me you have a little something more for them!! 😭😭

-Your Piney, comforting herself with some ice cream 😂

Aegis II

Summary: Arthur returns from Guarma Pairing: Arthur Morgan x Female!Reader Word Count: 2,006 Tags: family, girl dad Arthur, angst, mid-honor Arthur Warnings: Mostly angst, no happy ending

An: Part II to Aegis and another anon request to break your heart. Read at your own risk, I'm warning you.

Lakay’s spellbound energy had finally gotten to you. You could only conclude that some voodoo priestess must’ve cursed this land by punishing intruders with hallucinations of their long-lost loved ones. This hex began with the silhouette of a light-haired bearded centaur materializing down the path, torturing your soul with the crushing weight of hope. With a ghastly cackle, she revealed the beast to be Micah Bell, the antithesis of your husband. The image of him instead of Arthur tugged fiercely on your heartstrings. But maybe the priestess was merciful after all because, alongside venom and rot, he carried Arthur’s name and word of life on his tongue. Hours spent waiting felt like nothing compared to the entire lifetime you thought you’d have to endure without him.

Rain clouds washed away the color of the bayou, making everything shades of brown and gray. Half delirious from a lack of sleep, you second-guessed yourself when you heard the steady clop of hooves on dirt. As if from a dream, a black and white Hungarian Half-breed emerged through the fog with the sunshine of your heart, Arthur Morgan, at the reins. Parts of your life flashed before your eyes in the brightest prism of colors—memories of making love under red patterned blankets, kissing alongside orange and yellow flames, dancing barefoot on soft green grass, cuddling against striped blue cotton, and prancing through fragrant fields of lavender. It all could’ve just been a figment of your imagination, but you knew it was real. You knew you were awake. You knew you were alive. And thank God, so was he.

Sharp curves of his ribs dug into yours as you threw yourself into his arms, and though the weight of you was heavier than he’d remembered or perhaps he’d gotten weaker, he still held you up as you fell limp against him, your mouth open in a screaming wail, a concoction of relief, heartbreak, and joy. He realized he hadn’t spoken a word since stepping back on US soil, and he choked your name out in a stunned whisper. Though your tears were soaking through his shirt, he could relax because he was home.

Every time he repeated your name, he squeezed you tighter. The closer he brought you to him, the louder you wailed as if he were wringing out every drop of anguish that had accumulated since he’d been gone.

“I’m here, beautiful. I’m here. S’okay...S’okay….”

Lost in him, you didn’t even notice the squelch of bare feet growing closer from behind. Arthur saw her before you did, and his whole body stiffened. Relief hammered at his knees, and he couldn’t stand anymore. He didn’t want to let you go, but his grip slackened as he sank slowly to the ground. You went with him, both of you lowering yourselves to meet the tiny, fragile thing standing before you. Her eyes looked to you first, and you smiled at her, holding back more sobs.

“Look, baby. Daddy’s home.”

But she didn’t move. Smile vanishing, you rose hastily to get to her. You knew that look anywhere: fear. From her eyes, this man was just a shell of her daddy. Everything about him was wrong. Wrong length of beard, wrong, dirty clothes, wrong sunburnt skin, wrong bloodshot eyes, and wrong sunken cheeks. You’d scooped her up and moved her hair out of her face, your eyebrows scrunched together in motherly concern, but her eyes weren’t on you. They were looking past your shoulder at the stranger who used to be her father.

The scene unraveled like the Creation of Adam. Arthur reached out, leading with his index finger like he had since the day she was born. He cleared his throat first before speaking.

“Honeybee…”

But unlike the fresco, Beatrice didn’t reach back. Instead, she screamed. She screamed a terrible, gut-wrenching cry.

Beatrice Morgan, Beatrice Morgan, Beatrice Morgan, Beatrice Morgan.

At night, on Guarma, when he was trying to sleep, he’d write the letters of her name on his skin. The distant memory of her laugh was the only thing that gave him enough comfort to finally drift off. Thinking he’d never get to see either of you again was painful, but not being able to hold his baby girl was torture.

You bounced and shushed her while meeting his hollow eyes. Since before you were married, you had whole conversations with a gaze. You could compliment each other, check-in, and lust after each other through your eyes. This time, it was a silent apology as you whisked her away, walking fast towards one of the shacks. Arthur tried to follow, but now word of his return was out, and he was swallowed in the embrace and cheers of the gang. Though Beatrice had run out of tears, she didn’t let you leave her side for the rest of the day, clinging to your shirt any time you moved.

Days ago, a sea away and now only a room away, but the distance between you and Arthur still felt monumental.

Under the waves of your sorrow swam dreadful truths you couldn’t bear exposing to surface light. Truth: you’d given up on the thought of ever seeing him again. Truth: you’d mourned him—was still mourning him when he washed ashore that dirt path past dual skulls impaled on sticks. Truth and bitter shame: in a sleep-deprived haze, your patience with your daughter had been ground to a fine powder. Fed up with her anguished cries, cries for her daddy, you’d told her to hush up, that crying wouldn’t bring him back, that nothing would, because he was dead, and she screamed and screamed, and screamed until she couldn’t.

Getting her to sleep was a losing game, as always. Just as she quieted down for the night, Bill burst through the cabin, his booming voice waking her once again. Bill had barely stopped his yapping when a shout—the shouting of Death himself silenced the cabin. You threw your body over your little girl, shielding her with your life before Milton could even finish his speech. This had to be hell. Scripture that Reverend Swanson had drunkenly spewed rattled your mind as a Gatling gun wreaked havoc on the shack. Bullets and splitting wood were the furnace of fire and gnashing of teeth, and the weeping was your daughter screaming from beneath you.

The gunfire ceased, and Dutch’s voice carried through camp, but you couldn’t hear a word over your violent retching.

It was almost the crack of dawn when you’d got Beatrice to settle into a restless sleep. Arthur had been waiting close by, and you left him to have a moment with her before he followed you out onto one of the docks. He didn’t get a word in. The conversation bounced back and forth, neither of you letting the other finish.

“Arthur, you have to get us out of here. We gotta leave. Beatrice, me, you, and—”

“I gotta go get John. Me and Sadie, I can’t just leave him. Abigail, and little Jack—”

“Fine, get John, but after that—”

“After that, I gotta do something for Dutch.”

The murky water rippled as a cottonmouth water snake swam by.

“For Dutch?”

No response. Someone watching from behind would’ve thought you sobbing so hard to make your body shake, but Arthur knew better. You were laughing—laughing without an ounce of amusement.

“You know, I’ve heard a lot of foolishness from you, but after last night, after everything—you gotta do some things for Dutch?”

Arthur knew, deep down, that you were right. One day, he’d get it through his thick skull that you were always right. Today wasn’t that day, though.

“You ain’t the only one I gotta take care of,” he growled, but you barked right back.

“Now that’s one thing you got right you goddamn moron! It ain’t just me you gotta take care of.” You started counting on your fingers. “You need to get your head out of your ass and start worrying about taking care of me, Beatrice, and–” You swallowed hard, dropping your head, “And your baby.”

This wasn’t how you wanted to tell him. You wanted the next baby to be celebrated, to be thought about as a gift to the world instead of a crippling burden. When you lifted your head, sorrowful, pitiful eyes stared back at you.

His memories shuffled at full speed like a deck of cards in the hands of a Blackjack dealer. A face card fell into place, Shady Bell, then the Ace, the party. Blackjack.

Beatrice fell asleep outside, exhausted from the celebrations. Tilly offered to stay with her so Arthur didn’t have to carry her up the stairs.

You were so beautiful, laid up under him; he couldn’t help himself when he spilled inside of you. It’d only been a month and a half ago, but it seemed like a lifetime.

“Darlin,’ he started, outstretching his hand, but you couldn’t even look at him.

“Kept gettin’ sick after you went missing. Thought I was just heartbroken, but…”

He waited for you to finish, but you were tired of fighting for something that didn’t seem to matter to him anymore. You weren’t going to wait for him to find the right words, and you weren’t going to wait for him to make up his mind, so you left him with a final warning.

“I suggest you figure out where your loyalties lie, Arthur, before it’s too late.”

You could hear Susan yelling at Pearson from one of the cabins and decided going to his rescue couldn’t be worse than this. After finishing one chore and moving to the next, you stopped in your tracks. Though you couldn’t see them, their voices carried, Dutch’s more so than Arthur’s.

“Arthur, do you have my back?”

“Always Dutch, but there’s more than your back to worry about. I got a family. My wife, my little girl, and—” he paused but continued shortly after, “my wife, my little girl,” he repeated, “and a baby on the way.”

Silence, then...

“My my, how a woman we love changes us.”

“I ain’t changed, Dutch.”

Then Dutch’s laugh cut through the air, making you flinch, “Oh, you have, my son. You have changed.”

“Dutch I–”

And Dutch cut him off, “Yes, Arthur, you. You and your family. What about this family? You gonna abandon the rest of us just cause we ain’t your flesh and blood?”

You didn’t wait around for his answer. Arthur and Charles left for Roanoke Ridge, and you pretended to pack for the move to the next hellhole. But you weren’t going, not anymore. You were getting out. You were saving yourself, your daughter, and your unborn baby with or without Arthur.

The gunslinger didn’t have time to process anything in the chaos of Beaver Hollow. Only when the dust had settled and Molly’s corpse was drug away did he notice your heavy absence. Before he could even ask, Tilly wielded a sword disguised as a letter.

“M’sorry, Arthur.”

Mist built up in his eyes, and he had to blink rapidly to clear it away. He couldn’t tell if the tightening in his throat was from a building cough or suffocating guilt and regret. That lovely voice in his mind’s ear that once upon a time made him feel like the luckiest man alive was now speaking the words that would surely lead him spiraling head first to his untimely demise.

My Dear Arthur…

#also loved how you wrote “get it through his thick skull”#like yes he's just that stubborn #he really is 😂#incredible moots writing #fic rec #I have no heart left and yet it was so incredible #we suffer and ask for more #zaefic #pen pals #arthur morgan x reader #arthur morgan fanfiction #arthur morgan x female reader #arthur morgan angst

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egg-emperor · 2 years ago

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watched some of the sonic prime show earlier with some friends and i was very sad when the overgrowth episodes rolled around and there wasn't a eggman there, i genuinely thought there was a eggman cutting down the trees when i saw the stumps, i hope theres more singular eggman in the show's future because the council really aren't enough eggman compared to our eggman imagine the potential of more than just the egg council, different eggman for different shard worlds

yeah it's strange and sad that he doesn't have any alternate versions in nearly all the places, it would've been great to see him involved there, whether he was one of the threats to nature as usual or maybe an alternate where he works with nature instead of destroy. they had options with potential and didn't take them. and I would've loved to finally see animated pirate Eggman because he looks so beautiful as one in comic art but he was nowhere to be seen there too whyyy we we're fuckin robbed :')

it makes it feel like they just really don't wanna use regular Eggman or even any other alternate versions at all outside of the Council even more, for some reason. why are they the only variants we've seen and why are they all together in NYC? I hope there's still a chance that another alternate will appear in a future alternate world we haven't seen yet but since they reuse the same characters each time that are actually Sonic's friends then that doesn't seem too likely.

and I especially hope regular Eggman gets to do more but I'm not sure if he still exists after the prism shattering so I guess we won't see him until they fix all that, unless it turns out he wasn't affected in the same way like Sonic and Shadow. or if the Council somehow are him split up but that just seems really weird because yeah they don't feel Eggman to me either but get away with it as they're alternate universes but it would be random if they were actually supposed to be him.

Idk why they they don't seem to want to use regular Eggman and seem to want to keep their Eggmen to a minimum in general when more is always merrier. but regular Eggman should've stayed a part of the Council like he appeared to be in the concept art or he should at least get involved with them later if they're still in the picture for a while, and there absolutely should've been even more variants across the other worlds too and it'll be sad if they don't explore that even once.

#asks #dr eggman #eggman #dr robotnik #dr. eggman #sonic prime #my post

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party-time · 2 years ago

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Don't feel like drawing lately, but i did watched Sonic Prime yesterday and my mind won't stop thinking about it.

So i'm gonna just ramble about it under the cut, so warning for spoilers of Sonic Prime ahead.

For starters, there's stuff that other people have already said about the series that pretty much i totally agree with, so don't expect me to talk about most of the things we saw on the eps.

What i'm actually really thinking about is the whole situation with the shards and that cliffhanger they left in the final ep, none of which are going to be predictions but tather just things that are roaming in my mind.

Like what about the Chaos Emeralds?

So far the only chaos emerald we saw during the series is the green one, that is currently in Shadow's possesion, we know that because he used chaos control he wasn't affected by the Paradox Prism shattering. So it makes me think that the other emeralds might as well weren't affected by the situation at all, but if that's true and the prime universe dosen't exists then they could also be scattered between the shatterspaces; or at least that's ONE of the many posibilities.

They could have ALSO been affected by the Paradox Prism, because the only emerald we have seen so far has been used by Shadow and is still on his possesion, so could have been that the reason why it didn't affect him is because the emerald was being USED; unlike the others who's location are still unknown.

In any case, if the chaos emeralds can still be used, then there is a posibility that the Master Emerald could also still be around somewhere. Because we only see Knuckles on the series, never Angel Island or the Master Emerald itself, is not even mentioned by Knux; the only time we see mention of the Master Emerald is when Sonic remembers about the first time he meet Knuckles.

If the Master Emerald is around just like the chaos emeralds, then who's guarding them? Much better: WHERE are them?

No one seems to remember or know about them, yet there you have Shadow, the only one who seems to have realised and remember how usefull the emeralds are. So far the worlds Sonic has been and we saw they all circulate around the shards, and 0 trace of emeralds, something that makes me think that either: They're on the void, but far away from each other oooor they're on entirely different worlds. Maybe those worlds focus more on the Chaos Emeralds due to not having shards.

We saw a world where there is NO ONE, thanks to Nine, so maybe there are more little worlds like that and might be the location of the emeralds. Maybe those places are just mini fragments of what little is left of the prime universe, all protected by the energy of the emeralds who wheren't affected at all by the Paradox Prism. Heck even the Master Emerald could STILL be on Angel Island, but separated and far away from all the others.

(And talking about the Master Emerald, dosen't anyone see a bit of parallels with Sonic shattering the Paradox Prism to stop Eggman from taking it, with how Knuckles had to shatter the Master Emerald in SA2 to ALSO stop Eggman from taking it?)

I also feel in the obligation to point out:

The rings

The first episodes —and any episode that show's the prime universe pre-Paradox Prism incident— we are shown that rings are a part of the prime universe, in a way they make us undertand that the rings work the same way they do in the games, but when the whole situation with the shatterspaces begin we never see even one ring again.

Even Sonic is caught off guard by this, but then forgets about it inmediately.

If the rings DO work the same as in the games, then maybe now that they're gone everybody is basically either in absolute danger of dying or inmortal; because with the amount of times Sonic got his ass beat in other worlds, is impressive he only has a few contusions here and there sometimes.

In New Yolk City everyone is still alive, in terrible conditions, but alive even if they are robotized or something. In the other worlds most mobians that we see are also still alive, so it might be safe to asume that without the rings everyone is basically inmortal.

(And before anyone says anything, the whole "the series has to be kidfriendly" is a terrible excuse and with the batantly amount of stuff we have seen from the series, it won't surprise me if a character died.)

And i am also pointing this, because i haven't seen anyone do it so far: but Eggman got fucking divided, and not in the same specific way the rest of the main cast did. All of Eggman's versions are in ONE shatterspace, we don't see any other Eggman's in the other worlds; yet we see more than one version of Amy, Knux, Rouge, Tails and Big.

On more specific terms he got his OWN world, one where he's not alone and has a family —that ironicaly they are all him, so he did and didn't got a family—, yeah Sonic's friends are there too BUT they also have worlds that center around each one of them, but so far they didn't contain any Eggman's in them.

Something tells me Eggman while did want to reform everything, he also MIGHT have wanted to have a family, people like him; and let's remember he's the only one left of his family, so that could have also played it's part on the whole thing.

Just something i realised while watching, it's curious to me that New Yolk had different Eggman's and the other worlds didn't.

That's all.

#not an ask #no art #mod party #Sonic Prime #tw: spoilers #sonic the hedgehog #STH #Also Mangey is my son- nobody touch him/Jk

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camaraderieofharmony · 2 years ago

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THE CAMARADERIE OF HARMONY

a rain world oc askblog run by @delfinxxia , @frindoka , and @stormystarlight

CoH is our silly little askblog run by three silly little friends who are just having fun ^_^ this will be a fairly casual thing that we'll do in our free time so it might be pretty regular, might not be. we'll see!! revolving around five iterators and their companions, CoH centers mostly on found family, belonging, and healing. it's going to be both silly and serious. just how serious, well we'll have to wait and see for that too!

there's a couple rules for the blog:

absolutely no asks that are hateful or nsfw in any way. we won't be answering these for very obvious reasons

no magic asks, either! ex, a character is a different species/gender/etc. for a certain amount of asks/posts

we are probably not doing rp asks/asks directly from other ocs atm, sorry

and we'll add more here later if needed, but honestly this is all i can think of atm

other than that: ask anything!

the character lineup is right here, and below the cut, a bit more info on each of them!

higher quality image here

THE ITERATORS

Eighty Blank Pages / Pages (he/she): friendly and compassionate, yet a bit nervous! he's usually in a good mood, and it's very difficult to make her angry. she has boundless love for the others, and his can is the one they all often visit to! (owned by delfinxxia)

Howl in Broad Daylight / Howl (xe/xim/he): cool-mannered and calm, if a bit too passive and reserved sometimes. xe can seem detached from everything, but xis passion for the things he cares about is strong. xe's a little awkward sometimes, but doing xis best. (owned by delfinxxia)

Gaze at Ceaseless Light / Gaze (they/them): quiet, intelligent, and asocial. an iterator of few words. they are the oldest of the group and the obligate "mom friend," often being the voice of reason and the only one keeping the group out of trouble. they have a very hard time being emotionally vulnerable with others. (owned by StormyStarlight)

Second Silence / Silence (she/her): can be very cocky and blunt, but is playful and talkative with her friends. not afraid to speak her mind and takes no crap. loves to lightheartedly bully her friends and cause problems on purpose. (owned by StormyStarlight)

Song of Joyous Sparrow / Sparrow (she/it): a “childish” iterator with plenty of wonder for the world, sparrow has a fondness for all creatures— particularly dangerous ones. (except for vultures, which she deems to be too scary.) she has a fascination with the ecosystem and how all the creatures in it adapt and survive. she’s very excitable, easily entertained, and doesn’t really see solving the great problem as her one and only goal. (owned by frindoka)

THE SLUGCATS

The Reader and The Writer / Enigma and Sky (both he/him): a father-son duo. the reader is a very relaxed, down-to-earth slugcat, but on the other hand, the writer is incredibly excitable and bouncy. both of them have lived happily under the care of pages for about two years! (owned by delfinxxia)

The Protector / Dusk (she/her): a fierce and protective slugcat with such intense caring. she seems mean, but really means well. she's lived in pages's city for almost as long as the reader and writer. (owned by delfinxxia)

The Peacemaker / Prism (she/her): a young, bioengineered slugcat-lizard hybrid, of yellow, white, and cyan blood specifically. she's a cheerful, energetic bundle of joy and friend to (almost) all! (owned by delfinxxia)

The Engineer / Glass (he/him): an even-tempered and stoic slugcat who wandered into gaze's can roughly eight years ago and has stuck around ever since. he is very skilled in tool crafting and does not enjoy the company of other slugcats or creatures. (owned by StormyStarlight)

The Mediator / Accord (she/her): biogenetically engineered to have the antennae of a yellow lizard for the purpose of sending signals to other creatures. her genome was written by gaze as a gift for silence. she is measured, calm, and perhaps overly cautious. (owned by StormyStarlight)

The Siblings / Night, Luminous, and Rosy (any pronouns, and both she/her for latter): a trio of siblings under the care of sparrow. night is more of a cautious slugcat with a tendency to be a worrywart, often keeping their other siblings away from trouble. luminous is quick-witted and curious; she loves to explore and enjoys the thrill of adventure. rosy is similarly curious, but in a much more childlike, cautionless and fun fashion. (owned by frindoka, StormyStarlight, and delfinxxia respectively)

The Astronomer / Paradox (she/it): paradox is a shy slugcat who doesn’t like interaction with most other creatures, instead preferring to read stories from scattered pearls. she’s often found curled up in her own little corner instead of exploring. owned by frindoka)

The Collector / Chime (they/them): chime is a wildly adventurous and brave slugcat— though their bravery can often come across as stupidity, due to their tendency to rush headfirst into things. they enjoy collecting various items and have a fondness for bells. (owned by frindoka)

#rainworld askblog #askblog #ask blog #oc askblog #rain world #iterator #slugcat

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thegoodomensdumpster · 5 years ago

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(1) I'm fat and I fucking love the crumbs, it's such a bummer that they won't be around anymore. Besides, stereotype or not, some fat people (like myself) are messy and gross and some aren't and that's okay. I liked seeing myself represented in Aziraphale here, and it sucks that it's now being cencored. I'm fat and I'm messy and the fact that people want to hide that that's a thing makes me feel more ashamed about who I am than I wouldn have been if it was just left alone.

(2) I'm sick of the trope that fat people have to always be pristine and constantly ON AIR just to be given the same respect that a thin person would have, even if they themselves were also messy. I loved your crummy Aziraphale, he made me feel like I was still worth something and capable of great things and worthy of a dedicated love. He made a lot of people feel like that. Art shouldn't be cencored. This asks breaks my heart a little, because... I’m not the authority on validating people of course, but in case anyone needs to read that: OF COURSE you are worthy of love and respect and just being a human if you are messy, if you are fat, if you are messy and fat, or if you happen to fit a stereotype that mainstream media have rendered harmful. Because you are people, not fictional characters, and you exist beyond these stereotypes boundaries. You are complex, and alive, and your existence matters.

More under the cut for discussion on character design, stereotypes, tumblrfoolery, and my own incapacity to know what to do. The most important bit is above, but if you guys want to take part into a bigger conversation with me, either by replying to this post or MPing me, I’m welcoming you with open arms. It got a bit long, but hopefully it isn’t too confused.

(Also, quick side note: I’m not deleting any of the crumb jokes previously made, so if you miss them, you can still find them in the archive of this blog under the crumb omens hashtag.)

My opinion on character design is actually this one: there is no inherently harmful trait for a certain type of people, it is all a question of context and quantity. In the case of a character that is fat and messy, if it just happens that, among other fat people, one of them is messy, then it’s not a stereotype, and it’s not harmful. However, in our current media landscape, those two attributes happen to be associated way too often, enough that it leads to essentialisation of fat people ( aka: if you’re fat, you’re necessary messy, lazy, etc... these reductive associations are almost systematic ).

In the context of my blog and my work at large, if you’re familiar with it, I think it’s safe to say that I, personally, don’t use the fat and messy character as a stereotype, because I also depict other fat characters as non messy characters. Thats for my context. That’s also probably why, when I made all the crumb jokes, I didn’t even think about this stereotype.

But the thing is, I don’t post my fanarts in a vacuum. Especially on Tumblr where posts tend to have a life of their own when they get reblogged. They get cut from their context, hence only showing the tip of the iceberg, which is what I consider to be a harmful stereotype. And even within their context, it might still come as insensitive and hurt people who have been badly affected by this stereotype. And this has nothing to do with my original intentions.

This would lead to the consideration of how much of a private / public venture exactly a blog is, and to what extent should we take mainstream depictions into account when we design characters ourselves, and how much can we expect people to take things into the context of the OP’s work, or the OP’s blog, or the website it was posted on... This is something I’m scratching my head over, I’m not sure I have an answer to that. I’m not even sure there is an answer to that. But what I know is that this specific blog, though it still is MY blog, also has a following big enough that I cannot fully consider it as private ( although, I never consider any internet space to be really private ...).

However, I one hundred percent agree that there is a huge issue in, as a reaction to these harmful strereotypes, not allowing minorities and oppressed group as appearing any less than perfect. This is a terrible response, a terrible pressure, and it’s as much dehumanizing as only seeing people through the prism of stereotypes. And I know I can not satisfy everyone when I make a choice, but I do try to make the choices that hurt the less, or at least the ones that won’t hurt the group of people I care about (and by that I mean: I would not hesitate to make fatshamers feel ill at ease, but I do not want to hurt fat people over fatphobia).

So, yeah, it does feel like I fell into another trap that ends up guilt tripping people. But I don’t know how to react, I don’t where to stand, because I don’t know which reaction would bring the less suffering. It seems that there is no perfect answer, and fat people might get hurt either way. I just know that, since I’ve been made aware of the kind of hurt the crumb jokes could do, I’m feeling uncomfortable myself continuing them. So, this is not strictly censorship. Because, at least right now, I don’t feel like I want to continue them either. Maybe my mind will change, I don’t know, but I have the feeling that maybe my issue is mostly based on the media (aka: a tumblr post) rather than the joke itself. Because if, for instance, I had one messy fat character in a comic book where you can see other fat characters in all their diversity and complexity, then it wouldn’t feel like I’m tapping into a stereotype, and therefore I doubt it would make a lot of fat people ill at ease. Because that one messy fat character could hardly be cut from the context of its book. But with a tumblr post that can escape its context or directly be surrounded in a tumblr search on my blog by other similar post declining the same messy joke with the same fat character... I don’t know.

I just, really, really don’t know.

I feel saddened by the hurt I’m doing to people either way, and I’ve received several messages of fat people telling me they liked the crumb jokes. But I cannot know if people who were actually hurt are just silent on this issue or if I’m just ... anticipating a hurt that wasn’t there to begin with ( because the original message that made me aware of this issue wasn’t actually written by someone who personnally felt ill at ease at that joke, it was just pointing it out as fatphobic, which I agreed to be an issue as well ).

So, yeah. If you have any insight on this issue, absolutely feel free to contact me. This is an important conversation to have, or at least it is to me, and it touches on many important topics so it’s ... potentially long and convoluted and confusing. But I want to learn, I want to do better, and I want to help people feel good about themselves. This is possibly my number one goal as an artist.

#yiha blogs #long post #crumb omens #fatphobia #Anonymous #ask #my stuff

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leqclerc · 4 years ago

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At first I was kinda upset that Charles has a contract with ferrari until 2024, because I think he is wasting time in a car below his abilities but now I think thay this could turn out well for him.

He will try the ferrari car under the new regulations, and he will be able to have the full picture before he decides what to do. Maybe new teams will be joining next year, so he will have more options in case ferrari doesn't work out. He won't be joining another team blindly and hoping for the best. I just hope that strong teams will have a seat for him and he won't struggle to find a team, if that's eventually what he decides he wants to do.

Nah, I totally get it. Ferrari was always his dream. He’s the first FDA graduate to successfully make into their team. He’s young, and he’s incredibly talented. It absolutely makes sense for them to offer him a contract extension after just one season - and for him to happily sign it. Obviously I think he was expecting the 2020 and future cars to be at a 2019 level or even better, no one could’ve predicted their 2020 performance dip would be that significant, but even so I don’t think there’s anywhere else he wants to be right now. He’s set himself a goal - helping them get back to the top and challenge for the title - and I think that’s motivating him. There’s not much to improvement when you’re already at the top, but having that clear goal in mind, watching a team improve and become seriously competitive again and knowing you contributed to their success in a significant way...That’s personally satisfying.

It’s easy to forget now - especially with all the hype around Max/Red Bull as the closest challenger to Mercedes - that Ferrari went toe to toe with Mercedes in the first half of 2018. Seb is still the only non-Mercedes driver to lead in the championship standings since 2014. That’s not insignificant. It’s easy to view Ferrari through the prism of their recent shortcomings, but the fact is they were really close at one point, not that long ago. Mercedes didn’t reach the pinnacle overnight either. Between 2010-2013 they had a dog of a car and were little more than a midfield team. People were calling Lewis’s McLaren -> Mercedes move “career suicide.” It wasn’t until 2014, when the new hybrid regs came into effect, that they started dominating - and even then, they had the speed but were often hampered by reliability issues that took years to iron out. If Ferrari seriously puts their head down now and nails the 2022 regs then we could be in for a treat. They’ve already got an immensely talented driver - now they just need to give him a quick and reliable car. And, y’know, tightening up their strategy might help 🙈 So I’m not expecting him to suddenly start winning overnight, the car’s not there just yet, but I wouldn’t count them out and say the extension was a mistake. They’re making steps in the right direction. They had a 2.4 second pit stop in yesterday’s race. Compared to their wheel gun-related struggles last season, that’s already huge.

And also, yes - by 2024 the situation on the grid could be completely different. The regulation changes are going to shift things around for sure, but then there’s also the possibility of teams leaving/re-branding, new teams coming in, etc. At the end of the day there’s always three or four teams that are strong and could be worth signing with. It’s just too early to make predictions yet. Maybe next year we’ll get a slightly clearer picture of this “new era” and how the rest of Charles’s Ferrari days will pan out.

#replies #anonymous #charles leclerc #ferrari #discussions and predictions #long post

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