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pennyblossom-meta · 3 months

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Analysis of the romance in Death Note's Spiraling Trap game.

EDIT 02/03/2024: minor edits and fixes, added a few imgs and extra content.

A huge thank you to the folks over at agtteam who translated L - the ProLogue to Death Note: Spiraling Trap into English! Now we can all date L become FBI agents after hours.

I've been playing the game recently and one of the features I love the most is the L Communicator, which allows the main character (referred to as MC henceforth) to take a break from adventuring and listen to L talk about whatever is on his mind.

There's around one hundred different lines available as the MC develops a relationship with L and they paint him as such a sweet, attentive and thoroughly unique individual that I was surprised by how detailed it was. If you're thinking about playing, then this part is definitely worth putting effort into.

The mechanics of the dating sim are relatively simple: during the adventure, you'll pick up a number of recipes hidden among traps and tools. Then, Watari will provide the ingredients and you can give L whatever sweets he specifically craves. These recipes and cravings depend on the time of day and can be season specific.

Character analysis

As stated in-game, giving L sweets causes his appreciation for the MC to grow. However, L being L, means that he craves different sweets throughout the day. He's definitely very specific about what he likes and what he wants for his sugar fix.

However, if you give L something he isn't craving at that specific moment, he will sulk. The way he expresses his displeasure varies according to the depth of the budding relationship he has with the MC.

L: To tell you the truth, there are many other things I would have preferred. L: [F/N], I hate to say this, but I really would have preferred something else. L: F/N], you must know that I was hoping for something else, right? L: [F/N]… It’s not my favorite but, it made me really happy.

Note: Given that the books in the expanded universe (Another Note and L: Change the WorLd) came out before this game, I think some of the quotes further ahead might be a subtle nod to how L is perceived by the police forces as the "creepy murder detective". However, references about his piece of mind lead me to believe that L craves some respite from the burdens he carries on his shoulders — burdens so strong that they managed to curve his spine.

Note: I'm unsure how the system here works, as the MC also gets points for gaining L's trust in the actual adventure when they a) agree with his observations and b) find key objects hidden in unsuspecting places. It might affect the available lines through the L Communicator.

L: Today is going to be a better day… Let’s think positive. L: I wonder what kind of morning this will be. L: It seems the air outside is crisp this morning.

L: I want to finish what I need to get done before night falls. L: It’s nearly sunset. Time for children to go back home. L: If you just stare into space, night will be here before you know it.

L: It’s already evening… Time keeps passing me by. L: There’s something different about the air at night. L: Night-time, dusk… It’s the witching hour.

As a naturally introspective individual, L observes the world around him and draws conclusions. To my surprise, the game actually managed to capture how observant L is about small, unsuspecting details of daily life and give him a slightly poetic side laced with a hint of wistfulness that suits his character well.

This is a side of L in his private life that I personally wish we had been able to glimpse during the Kira investigation. Though, at the time, L was busy trying to prove that Light was, indeed, Kira. It left him little to no time to enjoy the world around him. During the brief time that L could have had a semblance of rest right before the Yotsuba arc, he was depressed that his deductions were "wrong" — though I could see him musing about some of the above, equal parts whimsy and sulking.

L: If I start to lose my touch… I guess I’ll retire. L: Another day, another mystery… L: I have a lot of thinking to do. L: I feel like doing some capoeira… L: I haven't played tennis for a while. L: The weather today is… Well, it matters not. L: I, um… No, ignore me. L: Am I reading too much into it…?

As a thinker, L has a lot of unfinished thoughts he says out loud. Some border on cliché, others are musings about things he'd like to do or that he's missing.

I wonder if some of his thoughts end up trailing off because, suddenly, he catches himself and believes they're not important? Or that he doesn't think the MC would be interested in what he has to say beyond work matters?

L: “In spring one sleeps a sleep that knows no dawn.” Though, too much sleep isn’t good for anyone. L: If you think about things persistently, noticing all the sides to them will come naturally. L: Strawberries… Despite the name, they aren’t actually berries. How berry disappointing. L: The one who has thought it through wins. It’s true for chess, and for deduction. But in the case of love… I don't know.

He's also a philosopher at heart, always thinking about the human condition. In these we can also witness his dry humour, silly puns along with a subtle desire to share his thoughts on the world and give helpful advice.

As for love, L is cautious but willing to learn. It's a topic where he's out of his depth.

L: Um, Watari is… L: I wonder if Watari’s asleep? L: What could Watari be up to? L: Today is Thanksgiving Day. I am truly grateful to Watari for his diligence.

I found it interesting how L's thoughts eventually go back to Watari and what he's doing. He's the one person that L relies on and whom he interacts with the most. Other people are passing acquaintances at best, who show little interest in L beyond work.

Notice how he mentions diligence? Although it is a utilitarian consideration, it also reveals a thankfulness for the comforts of familiarity and the peace of mind that trusting someone close brings. This is a topic we'll explore better at a later stage, i.e., how trust and acts of service work as a relationship builder.

Romance

Neutral stage

One of the first things I've noticed is that, during the early stages of the relationship, L is still very formal and quite a bit dismissive — even borderline rude. As his sugar fix gets sated by the MC's keen suggestions (Watari provides the ingredients, of course), L grows gradually more fond of them and wants to include the MC in his life with an enthusiasm I can only define as endearing.

L: Aren’t you bored? You don’t have to check in on me. L: Don’t you have stuff to do?

At the beginning, L is still wary of the MC on a personal level as they have absolutely no rapport beyond a partnership of circumstance and usefulness in the name of justice. He's quick to get bored and doesn't take it very well when he's given sweets he isn't craving. A bit childish, one could say, the way he sulks when the MC errs by not reading his mind.

L: Did I enjoy it? Let me just say “no comment”. (about sweets that weren't quite to his taste)

It's also very in-character for L to feel both annoyed at someone who is randomly calling him and be suspicious of their motives.

Growing interest

L: Spending the afternoon with you isn’t so bad. L: Even though it’s late, you’re not going to bed, huh? L: You must be a night owl, [F/N]. L: I’m a little curious about you, [F/N]. L: Are you having a good time? I’m just curious. L: You’re kind of… Ah, no, forget I said anything.

He starts addressing the MC by their first name as he becomes more enamoured. It's very sweet. I was pleasantly surprised at how attentive L becomes as he gradually comes to the conclusion that this is a person who understands him.

Mind, due to game mechanics the MC gains approval by giving L sweets, but from a narrative perspective what's really happening is that L not only feels seen and understood, but also accepted. And when that happens, he starts lowering his walls and relaxing.

As a plot device, I would say these are defining moments within L's thought process here; he's curious about the MC, finds them interesting enough to want to know more them and pursues that curiosity to see what they might have in common. It seems he's both a little baffled and content about this development.

L: [F/N], what do you think of when you see a sunset? L: What are you doing this afternoon? Oh, should I not have asked? L: Are you a night owl? Oh, you don’t have to answer if you don’t want.

It should also be noted that L is very mindful of boundaries. There's a tentative, almost shy attempt to connect. He's determined to indulge in his curiosity since the MC's attentiveness towards him shows an opening for closeness he's unused to (but is happy about) and to tend to his more immediate needs (i.e., food cravings), which in turn shows a genuine concern for him. Aside from Watari, I doubt anyone ever extended L similar kindness.

And it is in this determination to get to know the MC that I also find Mello's words (AA: LABB Murder Cases) that L is actually a very active, aggressive individual with absolutely no interest in social conventions perfectly represent him this game, as he navigates a growing fondness with expectation, curiosity and caution — on his own terms, while minding that he doesn't overstep.

L: Staying up late talking to you… It makes me feel calm.

I find it particularly heartbreaking how this confession of L unknowingly makes it more transparent how burdened he is. The spine curved by burdens unseen, the addiction to mind games and sweets; all of these point to stress factors which isolate him further, increasing the loneliness and lack of affection in his life.

That L feels the need to mention the MC makes him feel calm seems telling.

L: We’re both late workers, huh? That makes me happy. L: [F/N]… You’re pretty formidable. L: It’s reassuring to have a partner like you. You’re someone I can trust. L: Your feelings have been received. (Valentine's Day) L: The fact we’ve become so close was an unexpected development on my part.

And here it is, the acknowledgement just as L enters the highest stages of approval, where he expresses admiration and happiness at the close bond he developed with the MC.

"An unexpected development on my part" is quite the turn of phrase. One can only wonder, but I'd make an educated guess that L didn't see this coming because:

a) no one showed feelings towards him before. In his line of work, hidden behind a screen there is no time to indulge or get attached to anyone (he would mistrust their intentions anyway) and so L keeps everyone at arms length, sharing little more than a professional side of himself and fostering utilitarian relationships that help him win "games". L ultimately carries various burdens the average civilian would never be able to understand, all due to the pressure of his job. When failing at the "game of cat and mouse" means being responsible for the likely deaths of dozens, perhaps even hundreds or thousands, the stakes are up in unimaginable ways. What started as a thrill chase can have catastrophic consequences should L fail. That in itself alienates him from society at large. It's a game that L plays well and absolutely profits from, but it is also an indicative of two major flaws: his addictive personality and how he suppresses his emotions to carry on. Coincidentally, it's the expanded universe, in particular Another Note: LA BB Murder Case and L: Change the WorLd, that give us the best insight into this. This isn't too dissimilar to the struggles policemen face in high risk jobs or technicians who have to flag and delete sensitive content from online platforms. These people end up changed from what they see — and some carry traumas for the rest of their lives. That's not to say that L doesn't feel for others. He respects people whom he considers good or morally upstanding (Soichiro Yagami), who are competent in their line of work (Naomi Misora, Mogi), worthy of a second chance (Aiber and Wedy), who speak their minds, unafraid (Aizawa) or who are reliable, loyal to him as a person and not just his cause, in whom he can place his trust and feel secure won't betray him (Watari). The MC seems to fall mostly in the last category, though the relationship is rather precocious — and there seems to be a fair amount of wishful thinking and even projecting on L's part, since communication happens over a device connecting two people remotely. He falls both for the idea of the individual and their attentiveness towards him. When L mentions that they make him feel calm, I'd argue it comes both as a surprise to him and a confession of a closeness and safety he intimately craved — though I personally view L as someone who feels lonely and wanting healthy human contact, even if his social skills might not be the best (worsened by his distrust of people as a whole). Someone who ultimately is willing to adapt to him but whom he can adapt to, as well. Someone who sees him as a person and not an unfeeling robot. It's a POV that certainly challenges certain aspects of DN: Vol 13. I would further argue that L's portrayal has evolved significantly beyond the manga, and that his subsequent humanising is partially a result of the creative liberties the English translations took, as well as a more empathetic view of the character and hidden struggles. Each medium displays a separate iteration of L, with common variables.

b) L fosters distant relationships with others as a safety measure. Aside from Watari, L's contact with other people had always been distant, work-focused, perhaps even tainted by notions of his supposed creepiness as a kinky detective "who relished bizarre murders" (L:CtW). He's useful to the police because he achieves favourable results, though L is still viewed as "a human computer, capable only of measuring mass murders in terms of cold numbers, a reclusive sociopath" (L:CtW). He isn't necessarily liked; in fact, I would argue he rubs people the wrong way most of the time — as we can see during his interactions with the Task Force, during the events of Death Note. L is tolerated, a useful asset who is both mysterious and a pain to deal with. However, he's also put on a pedestal due to his status (i.e., Relight, the children at Wammy's). For the latter, he purposely shatters their idea of L as this unbeatable, paragon of justice by defining himself as a monster (anime), a dishonest cheating human being who hates losing (manga). I do share in lux-mea-lex's perspective on L doubting his own humanity and how it fuels a certain self-hatred for distrusting everyone around him. As lux mentions, "love comes with trust" and L is an excellent detective precisely because he questions everything and everyone — but it comes at a cost: his own loneliness. To draw a parallel, L's ultimate flaw — and that which makes him great at his job — is not unlike what we see during the moments of extreme anguish that Veronica Mars goes through in her personal relationships and which draw people away from her when she oversteps boundaries to prove she's not being lied to. That mistrust comes from experience, for people burdened with having seen too much and it's not unlike a kind of paranoia acquired when one has to deal with the worst of humanity on a daily basis.

Full reciprocity

L: [F/N] you’re the light that illuminates the dark night. That’s an exaggeration of course, but… L: What I need to live is glucose… and to talk to you. Nourishment for my brain and heart. L: When we’re together, I feel like there’s no problem we can’t solve. L: The afternoons I get to spend with you are precious to me.

When the MC achieves the stage of full reciprocity with L, he's very open to showing vulnerability and lowering his emotional defenses. I found this to be particularly sweet, as L is such a secretive man with so many hidden layers that him being willing to show such honesty with that one person he holds dear is incredible character development.

Beyond the game, I would say that achieving this stage with L would be much more difficult and, naturally, would involve going beyond picking the best sweets for him.

Something important to keep in mind is that L seems to value acts of service, as the people who interact with him more closely have some utility value and aid his work. However, L's life revolves around his work; he lives and breathes his detective work, which is why having a partner who brings him peace would be so important.

L: The time I spend with you is as important to me as the sweets. L: Good morning. It makes me really happy to see you here. L: For your sake… I’d think of a way to get through anything. We share a bond. L: When you have time, I’d like to take you to a shop that makes the best sweets. L: When you’re free, how about we play tennis together? I will have Watari reserve a court. L: If something were to happen to me… I want you, as the person I hold dearest, to carry on the L moniker. L: When my thoughts hit a dead end late at night, I feel like I’m stuck in a maze. But, having you here makes me feel reassured.

I also found it very sweet how L takes the initiative to plan for activities to do together with the MC. And how their presence, their reassuring words make him feel at ease. It seems that a loving relationship would give L a goal in life beyond his work.

Carrying on the L moniker... this quote might be the result of L's trust in the MC growing during the events of the game, or a sentiment L nurtures due to the MC being attentive enough to understand his specific cravings. But being able to read L and having the mental dexterity to become him are different things, as the latter involves a lifestyle that few would want and a complete focus on work. Even FBI agents have lives beyond work.

L: I learned from you that sweets are the bond that brings people together. L: You give me true peace of mind. No one could ever replace you. L: The way I am now, I… I can’t think straight when you’re not around. L: Being able to share this sunset with you, I couldn’t ask for anything more. L: You understand, don’t you [F/N]? What my heart so strongly desires is something more… L: When I talk to you, I feel like my senses are sharpened. Thanks to that, my radar has become more sensitive.

What a sweet guy. I love how L focuses on the little things and just wants to spend time together with the person he holds dearest. It's almost as if he daydreams a close, loving relationship — a trait that clashes with L's logical side.

This game and the expanded universe of Death Note have convinced me that there are many more layers to L than what we can see in the main story.

As Fu Takahashi, who plays L in the 2020 Japanese version of the musical, said:

“(...) A common thing about L among these versions is that, despite his superficial image as a smart guy who hates losing, he actually feels lonely and needs affection, I imagine. Perhaps he is an orphan – his character suggests so. He tries to control his emotions, like the feelings towards his parents, or romantic feelings; that’s why he is sort of dependent on games or battles of the mind. So I want to play L while thinking about the foundations on which his personality has been formed.”

I think this quote and the game are actually very telling of L's core personality and how it moves beyond that cold, calculating persona that defines him in the manga. It's also more in line with the characterisation that we see in the anime and the books, which help humanise L.

As I mentioned elsewhere, learning how to trust and be comfortable around someone else would do L wonders. Though that person would have to accept him for who he is and help him learn how to navigate a healthy relationship.

Perhaps the true test of love, for L, would even be for him to be confronted with someone who knows who he really is and, is not only kind to him, but also sees the best in him — regardless of his flaws. I think that we've had a glimpse of it in this game and it's a breath of fresh air.

#death note #l lawliet #death note: spiralling trap #spiraling trap #romance #death note meta #watari #character analysis #l lawliet headcanons #l lawliet x reader #in a way #kira #soichiro yagami #aizawa #naomi misora #aiber #wedy #task force

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weirdmarioenemies · 10 months

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If you are a Fan of the Mushroom Kingdom, you've certainly heard the news by now, but just in case: Nintendo has recently announced that Charles Martinet is stepping down from voice work in Mario games. He will continue to work with the Mario series, now as a "Mario Ambassador", as which he will "continue to travel the world sharing the joy of Mario and interacting with [us] all".

We're not going to act like this isn't somewhat of a sad occasion. It is! We can assure that we, as Mario Fans, are saddened by the news. That being said, this is not a sad post. It is a happy post, to celebrate the joy and whimsy Charles has brought us with his voice acting for all this time!

Charles Martinet was, until very recently, one of gaming's most unsung heroes. I'm sure most of the public didn't think about him until he was snubbed for a celebrity casting in 2023's The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Even if we would't come to know his name until later on, for all of us here at weirdmarioenemies dot tumblr dot com, Charles Martinet was the voice of the most formative years of our lives, and the times we (and we're sure most of our readers) spent with his characters will stay with us forever. He is also a fairly prolific voice actor outside his roles within the Mario franchise, with credits in everything from Skyrim to JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.

However, Charles and Mario seems to be a match made in heaven, as he really seems to embody the spirit of Mario. Truly, they could not have cast a better talent for the character! Always jolly, kind, silly, and having so much fun, whether voicing the characters for games, appearing at events, or just making his own fun little videos!

It is almost surreal to think that we've come to the end of an era, but at the same time, it represents the beginning of a new one, for both Mr. Martinet and the franchise as a whole! We are so excited to see where both will go from here. We wish Charles all the best and hope he continues to have lots of fun doing whatever it is a Mario Ambassador does! We also wish luck to the new voices of Mario and friends, and hope they have a lot of fun with their roles! With all that being said, from all of us, thank you so much Charles Martinet. For everything.

#charles martinet #mario

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stealingyourbones · 3 months

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Hi Bones; I am here offering the full pterodactyl skeleton i collected in coral island as an offering.

When it comes to like the DPXDC crossover what's your opinion on say DC canonical crossovers being included?? Like, for example. The fact that the TMNT technically exist in the DC world due to the Batman/TMNT crossover comics so you could reasonably have all 3 universes linked in one?? Or when reading/working on the crossover do you prefer to keep to like non-crossover dc canon??

Genuinely curious as I can see it getting a bit too much to work with but then when is DC ever easy to work with?

-Proto, wishing you a very happy rest of your day/afternoon/night

Dude that would be so incredibly fun! Having a DC character reference a crossover comic by acknowledging that they’ve had dimensional hoppers before, an event from that run that occurred, or even meeting the crossover heroes would be such a fun thing to do! A decent amount of crossover comics are considered Elseworld but canon is your playground and should be used as a framework for writing, it doesn’t have to be to the T anything and messing around and having fun is mandatory while making a fic.

Referencing a comic or acknowledging a canon event in your fic is always so incredibly fun to see!

Have Batman mention meeting the Scooby Doo gang, the JL meeting the Power Rangers, show a DP character an item from that one Fortnite crossover, pizzaz it up! That sounds so incredibly fun. Whimsy abound bro I love that idea.

#bones replies #dpxdc

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rawjoy · 2 months

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so often when people find out i work with small children their response is to let me know how much they hate kids or how exhausting it must be or how they could never stand it. and while it can be exhausting, i get so tired of hearing unprovoked about peoples bitterness towards kids for being kids. i love what i do. what an honor it is to be trusted with these wonderful little people who are learning how to live for the very first time. how joyful how RICH of an experience.

and i think that many peoples anger towards children and the state of childhood stems from unpacked jealousy which has now turned into resentment… you wish you could’ve screamed and cried when you were upset as a child and still been treated with love and a guiding hand instead of anger and raised voices. you even wish you could do that now. you wish you could’ve made mistakes and been met with understanding and compassion instead of vilification. i’ve been through it and understand. but for the sake of your own heart and for the world you need to grieve that. and its especially jarring seeing those who claim to be revolutionaries espouse this kind of hate. how do you expect anyone to raise the kind of empathetic, empowered, radically hopeful world builders you hope to see in the next generation when every other adult they meet harbors some sort of obvious contempt towards them for their existence (and they can tell).

maybe when a child asks you “dumb” or incessant questions, you could try to recognize that they are still learning all of the endless complexities of the world they are going to inherit. take them seriously. be warmed by the fact that they are are curious and looking to you for answers.

maybe when there is a child screaming or crying in public, be annoyed by the noise but try to remember that this may be, in fact, the very first time they have ever felt this emotion. give them grace where you can.

when a child runs by your table at a restaurant giggling and red-faced, with their exhausted parent chasing after them, be annoyed that they almost knocked over your drink or ruined the vibe of your dinner. but try to remember the last time you felt that sort of unfettered joy or whimsy. maybe you should seek it out more often.

i’m not at all saying that you have to love being around children or that you must have children or that you can’t be annoyed and overwhelmed by loud noises in planes or grocery stores. those are all valid ways to feel and there is much to be said about the ways that our own childhood trauma impacts us. but maybe we should interrogate why we feel the way we do about children and the way we interact with them, and consider if those approaches are conducive to creating the world we hope to live in one day.

#rant #sorry #you don’t have to read but ive been so frustrated lately so here

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mooonzyyyy · 15 days

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moonzy is back with a yap

you all i’m gonna be very sentimental, this is a very much letter from me to dan and phil

Dearest Dan and Phil,

this is so sappy but idc i can’t meet you coz you bitches don’t come to the middle east but i forgive you because i understand why you wouldn’t, anyways as i was saying i have been watching you ever since i was 11 years old, i am now 20 you guys particularly raised me and idk truly what i would do without you

you both have come so far, i know how insane this phandom made you feel and i am so thankful you never gave up on it, it takes a huge amount of power and courage to deal with it you are so much stronger than me, i’m so proud of you <3

phil, the way you are unapologetically yourself helped me become more like myself by just trying new things (need that merch back) and just having fun, your creativity inspires me everyday (please make a little comic book story i would buy it) and i wish i was half as talented as you are <3

honestly never change phil you will always be my go to person for anything whimsy and i adore you, i can not wait to see you grow even more and i hope you jump back into your phil’s whimsy little world i will be watching <3

dan, i already made a whole separate post about you but weirdly while you were growing up i too was growing up with you, when you do anything life changing for some reason i will be doing something life changing myself, i aspire to gain the content and happiness that you have been radiating, i look up to you so much more than most people and i just can’t wait to see you blossom even more, from WAD to YWGTTN and i know there is so much more coming in the dan journey to living your truth <3 (DINOK PLEASE DINOK)

i’m proud of both of you so much and 11 year old moons heals anytime you all do anything you are fixing parts of me that you don’t have to and i just am so thankful for you and the time i discovered you, anytime life doesn’t work i can always rely on you guys, i love you both so much 🫶🏻

thank you for helping me survive and i promise both of you that i will try new thing and have the courage to exist 🥺🤍

#amazingphil #phil lester #dan howell #daniel howell #danisnotonfire #dan and phil games #MOONS YAPPING

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undefeatednils · 8 months

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TTRPGs I Desperately Wanna Play

I like TTRPGs. I've only played with three systems (D&D 5e, The Dark Eye 4th Edition Revised, and Dread), but I'd love to try out more. These are a small selection of games that I wish I could play, but I sadly lack the group(s) for that. Also, as an honorary mention, Pathfinder 2e needs to be pointed out. It's very mainstream, and I think I'd enjoy it as a player, but not as a GM.

These games are all in alphabetical order, by the way!

Blades in the Dark

Blades in the Dark is an absolute classic, from everything I've heard. Designed by John Harper and pretty old by now (2017!), I'd just love to experience a short campaign with it. The usage of "clocks" to represent progress when solving problems, the focus on intrigue in general, flashbacks! Blades in the Dark is a very specific game, but it sure looks so fun!

Cloud Empress

Designed by someone going by watt, Cloud Empress is heavily inspired by Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, the first original movie by Hayao Miyazaki (by the way, not a Ghibli movie, because it predates the studio, and its success allowed Studio Ghibli to be formed!).

Cloud Empress really feels like a world where violence is an option, but rarely worth it. Gorgeous illustrations, a fantastic injury and stress system, and a dark yet hopeful setting really give it a lot of flavor that I really, really love!

GRIM

Designed by Tumblr's own @efangamez, GRIM is a dark sci-fi horror game inspired by Quake. I loved reading about its fast-paced, coin-toss-based gameplay and its focus on players rushing around the dungeons, so I'd love to get to play it some day! Let me slay some eldritch beings!

Mausritter

Another oldie, but a goldie! Mausritter by Isaac Williams really plays with the squishyness of player characters in TTRPGs of yore and plays with it by making the players create cute little mice that go on adventures. You can go Watership Down dark, or whimsy, or somewhere inbetween. Perfect little guy energy in the form of a game.

Mothership

So... Are you looking to play a game with someone that really allows you to mirror classic films like Alien or Aliens or The Thing or Event Horizon? I think Mothership by Sean McCoy and others would be the perfect game for that. It largely uses d100s and really seems to allow for characters that fit the archetypes you can find in sci-fi horror movies and have them be both weak enough to be in danger but competent enough to have a shot at dealing with the problem at hand.

See You Space Cowboy

See You Space Cowboy (also known as CUSC) by Onslaught Six and the rest of Tidal Wave Games is really just Cowboy Bebop the TTRPG without the licensing required. Lots of jazzy slang creates the short ruleset for this fun sci-fi RPG. Its system of traits, talents, and breaks feels very intuitive, and I just wanna put on some T-Square or Yoko Kanno or Casiopea while me and a bunch of friends try to survive in a zanier version of space compared to, say, Mothership xD

Sherwood

Created by Richard Ruane, with additional design by Eric Swanson, Sherwood really looks like it can capture the feeling a lot of TTRPG campaigns want to achieve when presented with the idea of adventurers being more trouble for commonfolk than they're worth.

It uses a nice, elegant 2d6 system, its four attributes also serve as a resource for your outlaw, and it really seems fit to tell fun folk tales filled with magic, rebellion, and merriment!

The Electrum Archive

Developed by @emielboven, I just adore pretty much everything about The Electrum Archive. It combines an incredibly flavorful desert world setting with mechanics that are easy to grasp for folks who mostly play 5e, and three very cool classes (I adore the Warlock and the whole magic system which involves knowing the true names of magical spirits and a bit of negotiation between the Warlock player and the GM). I backed the game's second volume via Kickstarter because I was so blown away even by the free rules. I adore it!

Wanderhome

Wanderhome, by Jay Dragon, is another classic. And it barely has any "conventional" mechanics, mostly relying on conversations guided by the, many, many playbooks that exist for it. It really seems like such a beautiful game, an exercise in empathy, and I'd love to read the rulebook more and sit down with folks to "play" Wanderhome, sharing tasty drinks and snacks in the sun.

Also, as an honorary mention, Pathfinder 2e needs to be pointed out. It's very mainstream, and I think I'd enjoy it as a player, but not as a GM.

Also sorry to the two folks I tagged, both are just very prolific people who are also (semi-)active on Tumblr, so yeah...

And again, I didn't get to play any of these. But maybe I will sooner rather than later? Hopefully?

#nils talking #ttrpg

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cilil · 2 months

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rare pair bingo

AN: For @sauron-kraut, my beloved🖤

⸙ Prompt: Naked sub/clothed dom | Ar-Pharazôn x Mairon ⸙ Synopsis: Ar-Pharazôn is fascinated by his Maiarin prisoner. ⸙ Warnings: Captor/captive, nudity, non-consensual bondage & touching ⸙ Quadruple drabble

"Prisoners don't deserve clothes."

Mairon lowered his head as if to accept the king's words, though in truth it was to hide his anger before his soft, pink lips could accidentally twist into an ugly, feral snarl. Conveniently, this also meant he no longer had to see Ar-Pharazôn's revolting face, sneering at him with disdain and lust in equal measure darkening his mien.

Of course he had known where this was going the second he had been stripped of what had remained of his robes. The King of Númenórë wished to see his prize, the true glory of the Maia he presumed to have conquered, and limited as all Incarnates were, he thought that bare flesh was as intimate as it could get.

He would not even survive being in the presence of his ëala, Mairon thought, the splendid and terrible naked flame that it was without its pretty skin. What a fool he was.

Ar-Pharazôn couldn't keep his hands to himself, but that too he had expected. Like a moth mindlessly fluttering around a deadly flame, he buried his right hand in the Maia's hair, enjoying the deceptive softness before grasping and tugging on it, forcing him to face him. The left then seized his chin, and his thumb brushed over his lips.

"You wear a lovely face," Ar-Pharazôn said, though his arrogance banished any semblance of admiration and reverence from his tone. "Is it yours or are you wearing someone else's skin?"

"You think any Incarnate could have ever possessed a body like mine?" Mairon retorted, his voice perfectly smooth and silky even as the mere thought of flirting made him nauseous.

"You think highly of yourself for one being born into a servant race, Maia," Ar-Pharazôn hissed. His grip tightened.

Any dread Mairon might have felt was eclipsed by blinding rage. How dare this mortal, a creature barely above the kelvar of Yavanna in his eyes, reduce the Maiar to mere servants; and not just any Maia, but him, the Admirable, Melkor's most powerful and favourite —

"Come." His thoughts were interrupted by Ar-Pharazôn taking hold of the chains binding his hands; or so he thought at least. Mairon could easily break them if needed.

"You shall decorate my chambers tonight," the king declared, "for I wish to look upon you a little longer."

Mairon could only hope that ogling him was all he was going to do.

Thanks for reading! ♡

taglist: @angbangbaby @a-world-of-whimsy-5 @blauerregen @edensrose @elanna-elrondiel @i-did-not-mean-to @melkors-defense-attorney @saintstars @sauron-kraut @singleteapot @urwendii

#tpcrarepairbingo #mairon #sauron #ar pharazon #ar pharazôn #ar pharazon x mairon #mairazon #silm fanfic #silmarillion fanfiction #minors dni #cílil writes #my writing

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ishipallthings · 11 months

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Cap-IM Rec Week 2023 (Mon)

Absolute Faves Monday, July 17 for @cap-ironman Rec Week!

Very excited for Rec Week, hope you guys have fun too!

Today I'm reccing some of my favorite fics I've read or re-read this year :)

Remember to show some love for your hard-working creators!

Paint the Town Blue by ohjustpeachy @omg-just-peachy

Ten years since he’d seen or spoken to Tony Stark, ten years since they’d broken up to go away to school. And now this email. It could be his only chance to see Tony again.

with a kiss by svgurl410

When Steve is put under a curse, Tony tries his best to find his true love to save him.

tell me why by xWinterDreamsx @xwinterdreams-blog

Telling Steve how much he loves him doesn't go in any way Tony expects.

Never Worlds Apart by KandiSheek @kandisheek

It's been six years since he's seen Tony when he walks into his favorite diner and sees him sitting in their old booth, as if nothing ever happened. Steve can't believe the nerve of Tony to just show up out of the blue after the way he ended things. Turns out Tony has a reason for wanting to make amends. And Steve doesn't appreciate only finding out about it after Tony has already almost died.

Only Paintings in the Building by BladeoftheNebula @bladeofthenebula27, ironycap (art) Neverever @captainneverever (art)

Steve causes himself a whole heap of trouble when he starts to paint pictures of Tony.

Every Now and Then I Fall Apart by Sineala @sineala (616)

When Tony gets hit by a truth spell, the consequences aren't what anyone expected. They're sure not what Tony expected. He wishes he could stop telling his teammates about all the medical problems he tries to hide. As long as he doesn't open his mouth and reveal his secret feelings for Steve, or all his secret inadequacies as a human being, though, everything's going to be fine. And Tony's good at keeping secrets... or so he thinks. But maybe Steve knows him better than he knows himself. And just because Tony believes something, that doesn't make it the truth.

An Avengers Powerpoint Party by gogglor @gogglor

The Avengers threw a Powerpoint Party. These are their slides.

A Wish Your Heart Makes by Carsonian @carsonian

The absolute last thing Steve's expecting is Tony Stark, and so it's fairly in character for the man to be standing on the other side of the door. "Hi." Tony looks impatient, greeting barely out before he's walking past Steve and into the apartment.

i was put together wrong by suchmadnesss @suchmadnesss

Even in his anger, in his misjudgment, or even in the barest glimpses of inadvertent cruelty, everything Tony did was with passion. No matter what, he was always graceful, grandiose, effusive. Incandescent. Tony grows in front of the cameras and keeps a world of expectations balanced on the tightrope of his shoulders, but nothing ever seems to be enough. The hubris is a fallacy and the smirk Steve had always known to be a front isn’t whimsy, as he’d expected; instead, it’s bred. As he follows a couple of his steps, Steve feels as Tony does, which is to say: intensely. Every happiness is a marvel, every pain is acute. The higher they fly, the harder they fall. (In which the stones beckon Steve into a glimpse of Tony's past, and it proves to be his unraveling.)

you’ve got to close your eyes and see by Thahire @thahiree

Morgan manages to bring Tony back eleven years after Thanos’ defeat, long after everyone’s learned to live without him. Everyone’s overjoyed once they get over their shock, but Tony finds it hard to adjust, now that Pepper’s moved on and Morgan’s not a little kid anymore. Somehow, the one constant is Steve.

Ship to Shore by msermesth @msermesth

The Avengers beat Thanos. Everyone is safe. (If you don’t count those five days they thought Natasha was dead.) All that’s left is to return the stones, a feat that Tony is sure will end his new friends-with-benefits relationship with Steve.

nobody saves me, baby (the way you do) by Capstiddies, meidui

“You’re a firefighter.” “You’re—half naked.” - Steve fights fires and rescues kittens for a living these days because of course he does; of course that man doesn’t know how to properly retire. So now Steve has his firefighting career and Tony has a new complication in his long, winding relationship with Steve after parting ways without so much as a handshake.

Hope you guys enjoy the recs, and stay tuned for more! Please mind the tags before reading. Check out my tag for previous years’ rec lists :)

#stevetony #stony #superhusbands #steve x tony #capimrecweek #marvel #fic rec #my rec lists #have fun!!

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