#boy howdy do I just LOVE Gale

[scalefeathers]

I’m only partway through Act III but i want to talk about what seems to me to be primary theme of this game: agency. (Spoilers ahead)

On a micro level, all of the main characters have had their agency stripped from them in some way. Astarion and Karlach were enslaved against their will; Wyll was coerced into selling his soul to Mizora; Shadowheart and Lae’zel grew up in a death cult and a fascist dictatorship respectively. Even Gale has lost control of his own body and his connection to the Weave, although admittedly more through his own pride than through the actions of others.

Then you have the mindflayers, whose entire society (and biology!) is based on destroying the agency (and identity, personality, and individuality) of everyone they meet; the very first image shown in the game is a stone relief showing a multitude of thralls bowing in submission to an elder brain. And of course, even the elder brain is, ultimately, a slave to an even higher power (and boy howdy, is it not happy about that!). And of course, there’s the Emperor and Orpheus, which even based on what little I’ve seen is a whole essay in itself: a messianic figure whose very existence returns agency to those who have lost it, but whose own agency has been suborned (in part by someone who had once been enslaved more completely than any of the party members, even, and who seems willing to do anything in their power to hang onto the autonomy they’ve managed to claw back).

And the player character isn’t immune from this either. Before the game even starts you’ve already been kidnapped and imprisoned, and the very first thing that happens to you—the insertion of the tadpole—is a horrific violation of body and mind. (I can think of many instances where games take away the player’s agency during cutscenes in ways that are frustrating and immersion-breaking, but this time it actually gets you more invested in your character and in the story, I love it so much.)

It’s just such a compelling theme to base your game around, and it’s so well done on so many levels. Not only is this a game where your choices really do matter, it’s a game about having the freedom to make choices at all. It’s such an incredible feat of storytelling and game design, and I can’t wait to see how it plays out.

[chisatowo]

Some quick younger Mason and Helmet design concepts for a thing I'm planning on making at some point. They'd both be abt 12 here

[freddiesaysalright]

L8 (with cabin), D1 & D7 smut with a virgin Reader and the oldest Roger you’re comfortable writing smut with🧡🖤🧡

Boy howdy did I get carried away with this one! Smut is under the cut (since I slipped and wrote 2.4K words lmao)

L8 In the woods (w/ cabin) D1 They’ll really make anything sexy these days, won’t they? D7 How do you like my costume? It would look better on the floor.

“How do you like my costume?” you asked Roger as you stepped out of the bathroom and twirled. 

You were dressed as Dorothy Gale, but a spicier version. You were pretty sure you were ready to take the next step with Roger, and this little Halloween getaway was the perfect time to do it. He’d rented a cabin and it was so cozy. It would be your first time spending the night together.

“They’ll make anything sexy these days, won’t they?” Roger replied with a teasing grin.

You pouted. He gently strummed your lip with his finger, making you laugh.

“I’m only joking, love,” he said. “It looks great.”

“Thank you!”

“It would look better on the floor,” he said.

His tone was off-the-cuff, but it made you blush and look at the floor. You’d been avoiding intimacy with Roger because his experience intimidated you. Your experience was nonexistent. The imbalance made you feel especially vulnerable. This comment made you feel he noticed you were avoiding it, and it was bothering him.

He cocked his head to the side when he saw you get upset.

“S’the matter, love?” he asked. “I’m teasing you.”

You bit your lip. “I know, Rog, it’s just…”

“What?” he pressed.

He stepped in front of you, taking your chin and making you look at him. His eyes were so beautiful and kind. He wasn’t bothered at all. He was worried about you.

“Roger, I...there’s a reason we’ve never spent the night together,” you said. “It’s because, well, I’ve never spent the night with anyone. I’m a virgin.”

His eyes widened, but he softened quickly.

“There’s no pressure,” he assured you, stroking your cheek with his thumb. “I’m surprised. I mean, you’re twenty-five. But it doesn’t upset me or anything. I really care about you, Y/N.”

“I appreciate that,” you said. “But, we’re adults. And...and I want to have an adult relationship with you. You’ve got ten years on me, so I know you’re experience is significantly more, and my biggest concern is that I might...I might not please you.” 

You finished meekly, losing your nerve as you spoke.

“What do you want?” Roger asked kindly. “D’you want me to make love to you tonight?”

The way he looked at you and his consideration made you want him all the more.

“I - I don’t want to wait until tonight,” you stammered. “I’ve been thinking about it for a while and I want you, Roger. I want you so bad.”

He smiled warmly at you. “I’ll give you anything you want, love. But there are a few things you can do for me.”

“What are they?” you asked nervously.

“I need us to have constant communication, alright?” he said. “I’ll check in with you a lot, but if at any point you change your mind or want something else, promise you’ll tell me.”

“I promise,” you assured him.

“Don’t get frustrated,” he said. “I’m gonna go really slow because you’re nervous.”

“I’m not,” you tried to protest.

“Darling, you’re shaking,” he chuckled. “But I’m gonna do everything I can to make you relaxed and comfortable. So, I want you to start.”

“What?”

“Kiss me,” he said. “I want you to feel like you’re in control.”

You stood up on your toes and kissed him. This, you knew you could do. You had made out with Roger countless times and his kisses always made you pretty desperate. Usually, after he left your house, you’d spend some significant time with your vibrator to get what you needed.

“Take this stupid cosutme off,” you breathed into him.

Chuckling, he reached around and unzipped it, letting it fall to the floor, where he kicked it away. You had not yet donned your stockings or red heels, so you were left only in your bra and panties. Roger ran his hands up your sides and you closed your eyes to the warm feeling. You reached back and unhooked your bra, tossing it away as well.

“Beautiful tits, love,” he said as he admired them.

“Touch them, please,” you said. “However you want. I’m never really able to do it myself.”

Roger shrugged his jacket off and unbuttoned his shirt before he stepped toward you again. You gazed at the little peek of his chest before looked back up at him.

“Would you like to do the honors?” he asked.

You nodded and eagerly pushed his shirt off his shoulders. Before you could do anything, he bent down to massage your breasts, taking one nipple in his mouth and swirling his tongue around you.

“Oh!” you gasped. “Roger!”

“You like that?” he asked.

You nodded, gripping his shoulders tightly as the pleasure built. You let out high, breathy whimpers as he kneaded them and he smirked when you squeaked at the gentle nips.

He stopped when he saw you were getting overwhelmed and looked at you.

“Alright?” he asked.

“Mhm,” you said with a nod. “I want more.”

“Alright, love,” he said. “I’ve got an idea. Lie back on the bed for me and show me how you touch yourself.”

“Panties on?” you questioned.

“However you want,” he replied.

You got comfortable, lying on your back and relaxed against the pillows. It felt a bit odd to do this with Roger watching you, but he was making you so comfortable it was hard to feel awkward.

“I usually start by thinking about you,” you told him.

He groaned and you saw his hand twitch toward his crotch, but he held back. He wanted to last for you.

“Then I just rub my clit through my underwear,” you said. “Like this.”

You brought your middle finger to your damp panties and began rubbing soft circles on your throbbing clit. 

Roger crawled up on the bed and lay between your legs, his shoulders lining up with your knees. You let out a small whine as you added some pressure. Then Roger reached forward and moved your hand out of the way, replacing your finger with his own, rubbing right where you needed him. You hips jumped off the bed.

“There?” he said with a smug look on his face.

You could only nod as you moaned. You felt your pussy clench as you got wetter. His touch was maddening. You could hardly keep still and he was just barely touching your clit.

“Fuck, I wanna taste you,” he groaned. “Want me to use my mouth?”

“P-please!” you whined. “But take them off.”

He knew what you meant and he slowly tugged your panties down your legs. You shivered as you were completely exposed to him but he shuffled up the bed to get closer and you couldn’t miss the excitement on his face.

“I can’t believe I’m the first to touch you,” he sighed. “To taste you. Fuck, Y/N, you’re beautiful.”

He pressed a kiss to your thigh, trailing up toward your center. When he skipped it, you huffed in frustration.

“I told you, love, we’ve gotta go slow,” he reminded you.

“You’re teasing me,” you protested. “That’s not the same.”

“Alright, if you want me to go on, I will.”

You loved the way Roger’s lips felt against yours. But they way they felt on your pussy trumped every kiss. Your back arched again and you cried out Roger’s name as he sucked your clit. His tongue explored your folds, making up and down strokes before rolling delicately over your clit. Your body trembled as you felt the buildup inside you. You already felt like a dam ready to break.

“Fuck,” you sighed. “Oh, fuck, Roger, that’s good!”

He wrapped his arms around your trembling thighs. He worked you with his mouth until you burst, gushing into his mouth with an orgasm that had his name falling from your mouth over and over again as you caught your breath.

“Very good, love,” he praised, kissing up your stomach, letting you recover as he lay down beside you. 

“It wasn’t too soon?” you wondered.

“I wanted you to cum,” he said. “It loosens you up.”

You nodded and saw that his cock was straining against his pants. You started to reach for it, but he grabbed your wrist.

“No, not tonight,” he said. “Tonight’s for you.”

“I want you to feel good too,” you argued.

“I will, believe me,” he assured you. “This is your night. Now, have you ever fingered yourself?”

You scrunched up your nose. “Sometimes. I can’t ever make it feel very good, though, so I usually only get off from clit stimulation.”

“It’s a tough angle, yeah,” Roger agreed. “Stay right there, okay? I’m gonna make it feel good.”

“Roger,” you said.

“Yes?”

“Will you take your pants off at least?” you requested. 

He smiled, unbuttoned and unzipped his jeans, and shimmied out of them. You could see his hard cock tenting his boxers. Oddly, it didn’t make you nervous. You were still pretty blissed out from that orgasm.

“Eyes here, love,” Roger said, tilting your head so you met his gaze. 

He still lay beside you, his hand trailing gently down to your spread legs. He reached your core and toyed with your clit for a moment to warm you up. You whimpered and bucked into his hand. Then he sank his middle finger in and you gasped. His fingers were longer and thicker than yours, so even one felt more satisfying. His thumb found your clit and he started rubbing. Already, you clenched around him. Your head fell back and Roger scooted closer so he could kiss your neck.

“Want me to add another, darling?” he asked huskily.

Apprehensively, you nodded. You’d never been able to get two of your own fingers inside you without it being uncomfortable, but you’d never been this aroused in your life. Slowly, he pushed his ring finger in. Your legs stiffened as you felt the stretch. You held your breath.

“Breathe for me,” Roger reminded you.

You exhaled, and as you did, he was able to get the second finger completely inside. He just held them there a moment, thumb still working your clit to keep you wet and open.

“Relax,” he cooed. “Spread your legs a little wider for me. That’s it.”

When you did open your legs further, it helped. It felt amazing now. You clenched around his fingers and your felt him jerk beside you. You opened your mouth to offer again to help him out, but then - he curled his fingers. They hit your g-spot and he pressed down on it, making you scream.

“Oh shit!” you cried. “Oh fuck, Roger! Fuck!”

He began pumping in and out of you and you knew you were not going to last long the second time. It was completely overwhelming how lost in pleasure you were.

“Wait, Roger!” you said.

Immediately he stopped, and you whined.

“What is it?” he asked.

“I want to cum on your cock,” you said. “I’m ready.”

“Love, you’re still really tight -”

“Please!” you begged, grasping his arm and trying to pull him on top of you. “Please, Rog. Want you so bad.”

“Alright, love, one second,” he agreed.

Gently, he pulled his fingers out. That stung a little. Then he slipped his boxers off. His cock was thick and hard, the top leaking already. You gulped.

“Just so you know,” he  began. “I’ve got the biggest cock in the world. You’ll be ruined for all other men from here on out.”

“Shut up!” you laughed, hitting him playfully on the arm.

He cupped your cheek in his hand, becoming serious.

“Are you sure, love?” he asked once more.

“Yes, Roger,” you replied. “Please.”

He kissed you, lining himself up at your entrance. Then, he pushed in. As the tip breached you, you hissed at the sharp pain. It made you squirm beneath him. He pressed on.

“Fuck,” he grunted. “You’re so tight, love. Feel so good around me, holy shit.”

“Roger,” you moaned. “It hurts.”

“Do you want me to stop?”

“No,” you told him. “Please don’t stop.”

“Stay with me, Y/N, it won’t hurt for long,” he assured you.

He slowly got most of the way in and you winced. He adjusted his angle and his tip hit your g-spot, which made you moan. He gave you a moment to adjust. He was breathing heavily above you, jaw clenched as he held himself back from fucking you senseless.

“Am I bleeding?” you wondered.

“No, darling,” he said stiffly. “And you shouldn’t.”

“Sorry, Rog, I just need another moment,” you said, swallowing a lump in your throat.

“No problem,” he said, leaning down to kiss you neck again. But you could see his arms shaking.

You took in the feeling just a minute longer. You felt full. You clenched involuntarily.

“Oh, fucking Christ,” he groaned, hips jerking again as he relished the feeling of that.

“Oh!” you cried when that thrust felt...really good. “Rog, do it again.”

“You ready for me to move?”

“Please!”

He began a slow, even pace, carefully watching you for any signs of further discomfort. Your soft gasps turned into deep moans as the pain faded and pleasure took its place. He was so deep inside you, you could practically feel him in your stomach. His thrusts were short but evenly timed, giving you the right sensation and building you slowly back up toward your release. You wanted to tell him how good it felt, but the only thing you could manage to say was his name.

“C-close!” you managed at last.

His hand jumped to your clit, and together, you hurtled toward the edge. Your walls fluttered around him as you finally finished. Your orgasm triggered his and he finished inside. He stopped all stimulation and looked hard at you.

“Are you alright?” he asked. “Was it good for you?”

“Yes,” you panted. “Amazing, Rog.”

“I’m gonna pull out,” he warned. “It might not feel nice.”

He wasn’t lying. He eased himself out of you and you yelped, fisting the sheets beneath you until he was all the way out. Then you relaxed again. You had tears in your eyes. Not because of the pain, but you were feeling incredibly vulnerable.

“What are you thinking, love?” he wondered.

“Roger, I love you so much,” you said. “Thank you for giving this to me. I don’t know anyone with a good first time experience and you made mine really special.”

“I love you too, darling,” he replied, gathering you in his arms and kissing your forehead. “I think we have many more special memories to make.”

[recentanimenews]

Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online: 4th Squad Jam: Finish

By Keiichi Sigsawa and Kouhaku Kuroboshi, based on the series created by Reki Kawahara. Released in Japan by Dengeki Bunko. Released in North America by Yen On. Translated by Stephen Paul.

OK, this turned out better than I had expected. I probably should have trusted in the author more. Keiichi Sigsawa is a man who knows what his strengths are, and in the case of Gun Gale Online, that is “cool action sequences that you want to see filed”, not “Karen has to find a way to get out of a marriage she doesn’t want”. As such, the actual plotline that brought us to this epic 3-part story is dealt with perfunctorily in the final chapter, and if it has a bit of a “sad trombone” feel to it, that’s fine. What folks are really here about is the gunfights, though, and boy howdy do we get a lot of that here. Not only is this the third part of an epic gun battle, but the book is also one of the longest in the series. It’s giving you excellent value for money. As for who comes off looking cool? Honestly, pretty much everyone.

We pick up right where we left off, with the huge battle between SHINC and Llenn being interrupted by Fire’s minions, all of whom are there to make sure that Llenn loses. (Llenn, throughout this book, points out she is under no obligation to marry this guy even if he does beat her in the game. No one listens to her.) As SHINC begins to lose members one by one, LPFM gains two back, as Shirley and Clarence come riding to the rescue – literally. We then move onto a train, then across a frozen lake – which of course starts to crack – and even deal with DEATH FROM ABOVE before we get into the final battle, which takes place inaside a massive deserted shopping mall – and only pistols are allowed. Can LPFM and what remains of SHINC hold out against two teams of the enemy? And can Karen finally tell Fire she’s just not interested?

The worldbuilding in this little universe is really good. Even if it does mean that we sometimes get pages at a time going into the history of guns and rifles. We have a seriously broad definition of “pistol” once we hit the mall, and most of the enemy takes full advantage of that. I also really liked the concept of the robot horse, and how it relates to Shirley’s real-life skills. (Shirley in general is terrific in this book, getting actual character development, and a wonderful final scene which shows off that this is a GAME, and she’s not actually a revenge-filled sociopath. And I admit I did find the ending a bit amusing – Fire, having decided that Karen is the woman he wants to marry to the point of setting this all up so he can “defeat” her, is scared off because Llenn is simply too damn terrifying – and Karen says that Karen and Llenn are both “her”. Oh no, strong women, flee!

There is a Vol. 10 out in Japan, which we should get in the fall, but after that we’re caught up with Karen’s story. There *is* more Sword Art Online Alternative to license, though. (hint, hint) In any case, fans of action movies will love this.

By: Sean Gaffney