#btw i don't hate alfred as a character

[leatherbootlace]

What do you think of the Loaned Engines?

i think awdry was a coward for not using them as actual characters.

the fandom had a strange obsession with making them into absolute monsters that just felt like edginess for the sake of edginess. it’s basic, it’s boring, and it’s just not that interesting. i feel nothing seeing 98462/Alfred “Wanting To Blow Up The Railway Because He’s Evil”.

personally, i enjoy when they're no worse than gordon during the early years because then it says something about gordon and the state of the fat controller’s railway. during the locomotive crisis, engines could be rude and vulgar to one another and the fat director could do nothing about it - they needed the motive power just to stay afloat.

but once that crisis has been averted?

everyone’s on thin fucking ice except gordon. in the early days, only gordon can seriously pull the express. the railway needs him. so the moment someone gets caught with their coupling in the coaling pit, they’re gone. with the fat director in charge, he won’t tolerate bullying like that on his railway. and that fact turns the loaned engines into a pack of rabid animals trying to undermine one another to come out on top.

with takes like that you can do something with the characters that doesn't condemn them to a boring end like death. you can do something with them after they leave sodor. let them survive into preservation. give them their own bout of character growth. send them back to sodor to see how much things have and haven’t changed.

TL;DR, Everyone makes the Loaned Engines out to be the end-all be-all of villainy on Sodor when they really should just be petty bullies.

[my-current-obsession]

I see a lot of people saying that the royals (mostly Alfred, but I’ve seen a fair bit of complaining about all the others too) are statistically bad in Engage. I have to wonder, what difficulty is this based off of? On my Hard playthrough most of the royals were my best units, and Alfred in particular was amazing. Ivy and Celine were probably the weakest two - Ivy due to being a bit slow and having AWFUL dex and luck, and Celine just lacking power due to splitting her attention between strength and magic.

Is it just Maddening that they’re specifically bad for? I have not (and will not) played that mode in any FE but my impression is very much that Maddening mode is a different experience and you’re basically forced to play a certain way to win. That’s probably even more true here since fixed growths are in play, so you can’t count on RNG to give you good units. You have to find the ones that the game wants you to use, and stick with them.

For me, one of the biggest joys of FE has always been the RNG of it all - I love the random growths meaning different characters shine (and suck) each run, which encourages you to give different units a try. I love that, at least on Normal and Hard, you have enough breathing room to basically play how you want - favor the units of your choice, reclass whoever into whichever classes you fancy, etc - and doing so MIGHT make your life harder but probably won’t doom your entire run. The versatility and random nature of your units growths makes strategy & combat in this game infinitely more appealing and adds to its replayability.

Like I LOVE Persona games and Stella Glow (which gameplay wise is fairly similar to FE) but in those games the characters are what they are, and the stats on level-up are set in stone. Once you’ve done ONE run and know what works, Complacent Gaming kicks in and you repeat the exact same steps in future runs. In FE even if you use the same characters in the same classes, their performance WILL vary based on how blessed or cursed the RNG has been for them.

If Maddening IS as difficult and particular as I’m assuming, and basically every unit’s viability is determined from the moment you get them and you HAVE to play a specific way to win... is it really right to judge units based on that specific difficulty? Like, sure, so-and-so SUCKS on Maddening, but so does EVERYONE except this specific handful of units and if you use anyone else you’re just hurting yourself.

I feel like we should be judging characters based off a difficulty where everyone is at least VIABLE from the beginning, but judging how likely they are to REMAIN that way based on their growths/classes/personal skills/etc.

To put it another way, what would a tier list of a Maddening run look like? My impression is that it has two, maybe 3 categories of who you can actually use, who gets benched immediately, and MAYBE a middle category of who exists to fill a spot on the team and take a few hits/deal a smidge of damage for just a little while until someone better comes along to replace them. Meanwhile on Normal and Hard you can have a full spectrum of who on average is statistically the best through the worst, with everything in between. And considering several “unusable” units on Maddening are at least GOOD or even better on a normal or hard run, can you really call them bad? At the very least CLARIFY you mean they’re bad on Maddening specifically instead of in general.

[hamartiannn]

Batfamily Headcanons - 2

-Bruce, Jason, and Damian like to read. If they got free time to spend they always read in the library. Sometimes they even chat about a certain book, book character, or author.

-Stephanie and Damian can draw very well. Like, they always create masterpieces. Their sketchbooks are full of other's portraits, side profiles, or ext. (They both got their talents from their mothers.)

-They all are good with music and instruments, but Jason, Tim, and Damian are the musicians. Jason is soo good with any kind of guitar, songwriting, and composing, Tim always creates masterpieces with piano, and Damian can play the violin like a professional.

-Tim and Stephanie are the photographers of the family. Sometimes, they down to the city and they took photos of streets and buildings -also, let me give you more secrets, Tim keeps photos of the crime scenes, every single one of them, and photos of his family!-

-Tim and Damian are very close, and no one knows that -even they don't, actually- but they are. Let me explain. After Damian came to Gotham he first met with Dick, yes, but then he met with Tim, in the cave. Tim was nothing like Dick, he didn't surprise about his existence. He was like "Okay, It's Bruce's problem, I got things to do which are definitely more important than dealing with him, right now." and Damian liked that attitude of his. And later Damian learned about him more and more, Dick told him that Tim feels like both a replacement and a savior. He saved Bruce from that deep pit he was in, but he was also only Jason's replacement. So he felt sorry for him but also he felt thankful to him. And with the disappearance of Bruce, for like a month, their relationship got even deeper. Now even though they fight sometimes, in the end, they can't be separated from each other.

-And as you already can understand, Damian knew Jason was alive, but he didn't tell anyone, because he thought Jason wouldn't want him to say it to anyone. If he would want, he could tell them, by himself, that he was actually alive already, right? Also, why would he talk about a man who left him all alone? So he kept quiet.

-But Damian kept learning about Jason, from Bruce, Alfred, Dick, and Barbara, because Jason's memory was lost for a time while he was in League, and even though he learned a lot about him from himself -after he started to gain his memory back- and other people in the League, he wanted to know more, and batfamily knew him as well as Jason knows about himself -btw he learned about other members from one another too-

-Now let's start to write some angst... Dick is okay with killing, only if it's Joker, and actually, after learning about Jason's death, he beat him to death. Sometimes he still wakes up from a nightmare about that day. But does he feel guilty? No. Would he do that again? Probably.

-Okay here is a biggg, biggg one. So we all know Jason is a big guy, right? But was he always like that? Hell no. Physically he was a normal kid actually, and he felt always bad about his body, cause he thought he gotta be stronger and bigger for being enough to be Robin, but he never could grow physically. Then at age 15, he got kidnapped by Joker, and there, he realized his body was, even more, weaker than he thought. And with time, his body got weaker and weaker as he could not get enough nutrition. When Bruce finally found him after about a year, all of his bones were visible under his skin. And even after Talia brought him back to life his body did not change, he was still so slim and weak. But in the League, he decided to grow, because he hated being weak, physically, and he already saw its consequences. So he trained his body for any kind of conditions and situation -cold or hot, starvation or dehydration and ext.- and finally, he got everything he want. He got taller and bigger, his body was soo durable and strong, now.

-And also, after everything he lived with Joker, Jason, sometimes still can't feel hunger and thirst. While in League sometimes Talia and others even had to check him out if he ate, and drank water.

-In daily life, they all are so clean and hygienic. Their hairs are glowing, they got the smoothest skin, and they smell perfect. But as they get in patrol... Ohh, man... They end up in the dirt and they smell really bad because of all that sweat. Luckily they are rich and got enough bathrooms.

- About hair though, Bruce, Dick, Jason, Tim, and Damian, all of them used/are using long hair. Let me explain it, while Bruce left to train himself, before becoming Batman, as he could not cut his hair too regularly, he left it like that, and used it long, Dick use it long when he was between 18-20, and he liked it, but he had to cut it as it was disturbing him sometimes, but when he missed it so much he still grows it again. Tim is using it long since 10, and sometimes it grows so much that he can make a high ponytail or a braid. Jason used it long when he was in the streets as he could not cut it too regularly, but after he met with Bruce he start to cut it regularly. But when he was kidnapped, he could not cut it over a year, so it grew. But after he returned to life he kept it, and also Damian was using it a little long so they started to use it long together. They also promised to not cut it too short unless they separated. So after Jason left, they cut their hair. But when they met again, at some point, they started to grow it again.

-All of them got a lot, but A LOT, of scars on their bodies, and new ones are added every single day.

-Well, let's talk about Tim "Stoner" Drake, shall we? Now... Tim used drugs between 15-18. With all the stress that came after being Robin, he tried to find a way to relief. At first, he started with little amounts, but then he needed more and more, and his usage peak was at 18, when they thought Bruce just died, and Dick was Batman now. And as he saw Tim only as his equal, he gave Robin identity to Damian, and actually, Damian was only there for months. Obviously, it was a bad time, so he used more drugs than usual to relieve a little -but still, he was not in that bad situation with the drugs, I mean no one could tell he was actually a stoner-

-And Timothy is a smart boy, so after everything settled down a little, as he understood the danger, he talked with Roy -yes, it was Roy who he talked, because he knew he would not judge him, and he was right- Roy could not let him down, of course, he helped him a lot, and now Tim is drug-free -also, this is how Roy and Tim developed a relationship, before that, they were not caring about each other at all. Also still, no one in the batfamily knows it, cause Tim secured himself while using it. And there is no need to talk about something which now doesn't exist... Right??

-Some Stephanie headcanons?? Yes, plss!!! Now, you can deny it as much as you want... I don't care... She is Bruce's DAUGHTER. Not biological, not adopted, but emotional. Every damn time when Bruce feels down, somehow, she is here for him, first! And also it is not only for him but for everyone. She is the best girl <3

-Also, Dick can understand all of their emotions too, and he can help them. It's weird, cause when things come to his feelings, yes, no one understands him, and even he doesn't understand his feelings.

-Okay before I write that I wanna say something... Talia Al Ghul is a good mother... But... Damian was born as an assassin, so they did not want him to, simply, feel ANY kind of feeling FOR anything. I know it sounds stupid, but listen... For me, it always feels like AS TALIA ONCE TESTED/PREPARED, Damian tested/prepared too. He was like 5 when everything started, his hands and feet made burned, to help him feel NO physical pain, and the same made to the cold. Also, they made him fight until he is breathless, and sometimes they push him even harder, that he was almost dead. Lastly, they made him watch other assassins while they are killing, it was to help him not be scared of killing and death -I know, I know, it sounds sooo, soooo extra/brutal, but let's be really realistic! He is the heir of the Demon! One should not be able to hurt him both physically and mentally. AND ONCE AGAIN, I WANNA REMIND YOU THAT TALIA ONCE LIVED ALL OF THESE TOO. SHE DID ALL OF THESE TO HER OWN SON TO PROTECT HIM, FOR LATER.-

-And hey hey hey... If you think other batfamily members' training schedule was easy... You better think again! Cause they all pushed soo hard too, they had to work for hours in a day to become that good, they not only learned how to fight, but also to dodge an attack. They not only trained their bodies but also their brains, and trained themselves to use both together. They are mentally and physically soldiers.

-Lastly, I wanna add something again... Bruce is not happy or proud because he made them his soldiers, but he is happy and proud because they chose to be heroes and save lives with him.

[hidingoutbackstage]

Okay usually my petty posts are done as jokes but since I saw an example (that I'm putting below a cut bc I'm not gonna force anyone to see awful transmisogyny) I'm gonna make a legit post instead of a funny one

I am so fucking tired of people trying to claim Alfred Ashford as "gnc rep" or "trans rep" or "queer rep" because he's not. His character is a transmisogynistic caricature. His character is a villain and the fact that he dresses as a woman is shown as proof that he's villainous and insane. There is nothing positive about him, there is nothing about him that is positive representation for any group, and he isn't meant to be. The creators of the game were being transmisogynistic, intentionally, when they made him. No, I don't think they used that word in the planning room. But that does not make their intentions and biases any less real. And Code Veronica sold a LOT of copies. This character and his implications and intentions reached so many people. It might have even influenced a lot of people, as video games are known to do. It's an unfortunate reality.

Usually when I see people claiming this I just shrug it off because whatever, stupid people on the internet are gonna be stupid, just block and move on. Except today in the tag, I saw a post by a radfem using this character's existence and portrayal as an example of why trans women are awful and other things I don't wanna say because, again, I don't wanna just put transmisogyny on my mutuals' dashes. The user (@radicaljinx btw if you feel like blocking) used a video game character's horrific portrayal as justification for real life hate, and as an example as if Alfred Ashford is a real person capable of real acts and not a video game character.

The bullshit you say online effects people. Every single person I see talk about Alfred's actions in a positive light has been tme. Every single one of those people I have never seen them discuss transmisogyny. I have seen some discuss transphobia, and even misandry (we don't have time to get into it that's another post), but ofc never transmisogyny. Why? Because it doesn't occur or matter to them. Because they're contributing to it. Because transmisogyny doesn't effect them, and they are desperate for "gnc rep" so why should they care?

(I really really wanna emphasize that I am putting the radfem post on this post as proof that I'm not making up my example, so seriously, if that upsets you or you just don't want to see it, I'd advise against clicking the read more. And like I said, the username is @radicaljinx if you wanna block. Don't engage or harass, just block and move on)

[yanderefairyangel]

I really hate how people claim Engage’s characters are empty and have nothing to them when that isn’t true at all. I’ll admit I once thought the same but then I actually spent time getting to know some of the characters and there’s more to them than people give them credit for. Standout examples for me being: Yunaka, Alfred, Hortensia, Pandreo, and Saphir.

Saammme like people keep complaining how 3H did support better, but they all forget Engage return to the same formula as games like Awakening or Fates !!

Sure the Engage cast doesn't dump all their trauma and past 99% of the time, but that's really a matter of patience. The supports in Engage are written with just as much care and while in Awakening of Fates there some character that were really a miss (cough cough Azama cough) I don't think I really dislike any of the Engage character, even those I find annoying are somehow endearing, that's saying how high quality those goofs are!! Fortunately, I saw many people that were not too sold on the story praising the characters!!

And they are supports that are just stellar !! Hortensia and Veyle have genius support in general, I don't think I can dislike any of them and the weakest support they can have is average. I can say the same for Alfred. I love Yunaka/Seadall's support convos so much !! But you are so right, you just need to try and give them a chance and then you have stuff like Framme and Diamant's support, or Alear and Chloé, or Etie and Alfred..

What are you favorite support btw ? :3

[childofaura]

Sorry If I'm going to complains too much but I wanted to her your opinion on Ivy

For me She was wasted

When I looked at Engage at First I expected characters over the top and there are many of them and you know I couldn't complain

Damiant was a pretty normal dude but I was okay with It because I imagined him the only sane one in the friend grup of royals

Then Ivy came and eeeeeeh her First introduction came as an enemy and I wasn't impressed in fact I was more charmed by her retainers

Then I continue the game and complete It (yay) and I look at all my units and Ivy didn't left an impression on me, She wasn't neither a favorite and neither One I hated. Like I said earlier I expected "wacky" character like Chloe, Alfred, Timerra, Panette, Rosado, etc but you know there where normal characters Who I liked because both of these had me charmed and got me wanting to know more about them but Ivy? Nah I basically I got her whole characters by Just playing the story

I mean what can you Say about her? Princess of an enemy Kingdom Who Is actually sweet and gentle and shy and her only quirk Is that she's scared of Ghosts?😴😴

And you know I was in peace okay a bit sad but wathever THEN WE GOT THE DLC

I'm not going to spoil but I Just want to Say I wanted THAT Ivy, you could had keep the same story a sweet princess but with this Ivy It would have worked Better bc lmao She sounds like she's joking when She says something nice and It would have worked Better for her character

Rip Ivy and what you could have been

Btw this Is Just my opinion you don't have to agree have a great day

Hi anon, no need to apologize. I always love hearing people’s opinions (so long as no one is rude or mean, and you aren’t being either one so don’t worry) and I’ve heard some pretty interesting or really well-composed thoughts come into my inbox.

I agree that Ivy felt like wasted potential. And I most certainly agree that Zelkov and Kagetsu have more charm to them, lol. But now you’ve got me curious about DLC Ivy, so I’ll have to make some time this week to watch it (I’m not dropping any more money on this game). But I also feel like Ivy needed something more to her character. The reason why I was so enamored with Hortensia was because she was just OVERFLOWING with personality. She comes off as spoiled, bratty, and somewhat malicious when you first encounter her as an enemy, but later on you can see there’s a genuine love for her family and friends and a desire to fix her broken family. And then once you recruit her, you find out she’s surprisingly and incredibly mature to a certain extent, you can especially see it in her supports with Fogado (and that FogadoxHortensia comic WILL be coming, mark my words!!!). I don’t necessarily think a character always needs to have some kind of goofy or wacky trait (though it helps sometimes), but golly the game needed to write some of its characters with just a bit more personality.

[buttterknifeee]

I posted 192 times in 2021

134 posts created (70%)

58 posts reblogged (30%)

For every post I created, I reblogged 0.4 posts.

I added 373 tags in 2021

#tim drake - 50 posts

#batman - 48 posts

#dc comics - 41 posts

#batfam - 41 posts

#dick grayson - 41 posts

#robin - 38 posts

#dc headcanon - 32 posts

#dc universe - 28 posts

#headcanon - 27 posts

#bat man - 27 posts

Longest Tag: 70 characters

#literally writing this because i want relatable asian rep in dc so bad

My Top Posts in 2021

#5

HC that tim and damians sibling relationship is more like death threats to deciding what to eat for dinner in the span of one conversation.

"I hate you so much i hope you die in your sleep"

"Well at least when I'm dead i don't have to see your ugly face"

"ugh I'm kinda hungry tho"

"hey theres this pizza place that just opened up"

"sounds good we should go"

333 notes • Posted 2021-06-04 05:53:31 GMT

#4

When u make fake batfam social media screenshots normalize everyone else having popular/verified accounts and stuff and jason posting from a different burner account each week. (because he’s, yk, legally dead)

He has like 500 accounts that are like “user 34829759838″ with no pfp. And all the batkids interact with all of his accounts like its normal and everyone outside the family are confused af

446 notes • Posted 2021-04-19 06:45:10 GMT

#3

dc give dick grayson a helmet challenge man has been through too many head related injuries/deaths

501 notes • Posted 2021-05-03 05:20:46 GMT

#2

Happy birthday to that tim guy I've had a hyperfixtation on for the past 4 months. I hope they finally make you an adult and give you a mullet again.

Yes this is my art no reposts or u will suffer

871 notes • Posted 2021-07-19 15:22:30 GMT

#1

I roast you based on which batboy you have a crush on

this is all joke btw pls dont murder me in my sleep

Bruce:

you’re either a millenial or you’re into dilfs

you think you’re the therapist friend

you think you’d be the “cool mom” when you get kids

But you’re the wine aunt

or you said you liked bruce unironically but now you actually like him

Dick

touch starved

you’ve never met a “nice guy” who was actually nice and you want that in a relationship

you’re sad right now i can feel it

I dont think you like reading

Jason

you see your first mistake was having a crush on someone with a j name-

please lower your voice 

To sum it up people who crush on jason remind me of this ex friend named Sophia who gave me trauma

no i will not elaborate

You like to focus on the fact that people say jason likes poetry not the part where he kills people often

Tim

you’ve never met a guy who is equal/ greater than you in terms of intelligence and wasnt a dick about it

hopeless romantic but has never had a boyfriend

you probably also like timothee chalamet or other white boys of the month

You might need to see a therapist idk

Damian

How are your grades?

you probably are a daminette enthusiast because you project onto marinette LMAO 

Why do you fall for guys who don’t care about you

get off of minecraft and get your life together

enfp

Duke

Im cutting you guys some slack bc there’s NO duke content ever

youre either a middle child or lonely tho

Alfred

god fears you

1623 notes • Posted 2021-04-11 07:35:15 GMT

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