#but this really fits her overall no matter the verse

[iiguess]

which aesthetic™ colour are you?

FOREST GREEN.

You're in your own world, spinning fictions and building realities and finding the poetry in ordinary things. The people around you can tell there's something special to you, and you're well-loved by a some very good people. But even to your closest friends, you're a bit of a mystery. This always surprises you to hear, because you don't mean to put walls up-- you just get so caught up in things nobody else sees that you forget to let yourself be seen. You're complicated, and sometimes you get tangled in it. Don't worry, though, it's not off-putting; despite your accidental air of mystery, your warmth can be seen like a campfire through distant trees.

[markantonys]

wot 1x05-8 Rewatch Now That I’ve Read The Books thoughts! book spoilers ahead

i was never more attracted to mat than i was in this one scene of him looking evil and sick in his cloak with his hood up. me and rand shaking hands on being into evil men

rand is such a baby when they arrive in the big city awwww

and we get to the greatest betrayal of modern cinema: when rand and mat enter the inn room and it looks like there’s only one bed, but then the camera angle switches to reveal a second bed!!! heartbreaking

haha i love this scene with moiraine and nynaeve where moiraine’s trying to give her advice about the tower. moiraine is such a fond mom and nynaeve is having absolutely none of it.

the glorious momentary ot3 that was egwene/perrin/aram

rand says that egwene thought she was “jain farstrider herself reincarnated” is this just a shaky word order and it actually means egwene thought that she herself was (male) jain farstrider reincarnated, or do we have female jain farstrider in this verse? also, i feel like egwene (even if she was very young and perhaps not fully understanding of how the wheel works at the time) thinking that she could be jain reincarnated implies that jain has been dead for a long long time, thus sealing the nail in the coffin of the chances of noal making it to the show (not that i ever thought he would)

i like the change of it being egwene instead of rand who was obsessed with that book. it fits with egwene wanting to see the world and have adventures but rand being happy with his little farm and his everyday life!

The Cauthor Promise!!! i hope this will come up again in the future now that they know rand is tdr - i could totally see rand asking mat to fulfill that promise and kill him and mat being unnerved by this behavior. i’m also very curious how mat finding out rand is tdr will go down in the show since he’s now the only one of the ef5 who doesn’t know (although egwene, perrin, and nynaeve were too busy fearing the immediate danger to rand’s life to have yet reacted to the long-term implications of him being tdr). on the one hand, i could imagine that mat having spent so long fearing HE was tdr, and knowing that rand feared the same thing and still never considered leaving him, would make him more empathetic towards rand and more willing to repay the favor and stick by his side. on the other, wouldn’t it be a gutpunch if rand said “no matter what happens i’m here” to mat when they thought mat was tdr and then mat reacted completely the opposite way upon finding out it’s rand?

also wondering if mat’s memory loss might come into play here. maybe he forgets being afraid that he was tdr and rand supporting him through it, or maybe he forgets this promise they made to each other. i’m definitely expecting the show to milk mat’s memory loss more than the books did - mat was always complaining about holes in his memory but he never actually seemed to be missing anything important, so i think the show will make his memory loss more impactful and tragic in order to beef up his motivation to mess around with a dangerous object of the Power in order to get his memories back. what if he forgets his sisters???? 😭😭

i say this all the time but boy, will galad joining the show!whitecloaks be a hard sell. they did make a distinction between regular whitecloaks and questioners back in episode 2, and showed that regular whitecloaks are less extreme given that guy’s willingness to tell moiraine to seek out aes sedai healing, but i didn’t really pick up on that until this watch knowing from the books that that distinction exists, so to a show-only viewer it definitely was not enough to override the overall impression that all whitecloaks are like valda. and as you guys know, this deeply colored my opinion of galad in the books!

when egwene was clapping back at valda MAN i saw shades of egwene owning elaida in the dinner scene!!! i can’t wait to see what madeleine madden does in future seasons!

interesting that liandrin notes that while the aes sedai are a super powerful all-women organization, there are plenty of other areas of the world where men are in charge. take that, male readers who insist that randland is a whole matriarchy just because women have more power than men among one small segment of the population (channelers).

one of my favorite examples of “non-readers are more observant than some readers think”: after nynaeve’s story about egwene’s fever when she was young, i was thinking “ooh i wonder if nynaeve healed her with the power then without realizing it” only to go online and see readers complaining that that story was repurposed to showcase egwene’s strengths when in the books it was meant to show that nynaeve had healed her with the power without realizing it. i can’t speak to whether the show truly *intended* people to get that impression from the story, but at least one non-reader was able to make that conclusion based on the information the show had provided up to that point!

time for forsaken speculation! i was hoping to analyze all the statues and see if i could figure out who they all were, but yeah, i got nothing lmao all i know is that there are 8 total and it seems to be 4 men and 4 women. so let’s make some guesses based on those numbers!

the women: i feel pretty confident that it will be lanfear, graendal, moghedien, and semirhage. mesaana's activities would be the easiest to be absorbed by another forsaken or cut altogether, and she simply is far less memorable and iconic than the others. lanfear, graendal, and moghedien are all shown to be talented with TAR, and all of them are alive and have an Activity Gap around the time that mesaana is most relevant. i don’t really think that graendal would vibe with infiltrating the white tower (or maybe that’s just what she would want me to think!), but i could easily see either lanfear or moghedien. and seeing as both of them don’t do much during the last battle and their endgame fates are respectively TAR defeat and seanchan enslavement, it’d be easy to sub one of them in as egwene’s adversary who gets defeated in her pre-last-battle TAR battle (if that makes the show). i could also see making just the black ajah responsible for the strife in the tower and not an actual forsaken.

the men: ishamael ofc, and demandred, sammael, rahvin, and asmodean will duke it out for the final 3 spots. this is harder to say who could be easiest to cut, so let’s weigh our options.

demandred: it would be pretty easy to cut him since he’s only really relevant in AMOL, and they could just axe shara altogether and say that that continent doesn’t even exist in this verse. and then taim could be the one to wreak havoc on the battlefield and kill gawyn, which would make egwene’s killing of taim feel much more like poetic cinema. however, demandred is my favorite forsaken and i don’t want him to be cut! there’s also the real possibility that the show will go for taimandred since the books set it up so perfectly and didn’t follow through, so that would be a good way to keep demandred in the show and bulk up his role in the earlier seasons.

sammael: the most obvious solution would be to merge him and demandred since they have the same personality of being obsessed with/jealous of LTT, and demandred is the gucci to sammael’s walmart in that respect, so if one of them had to go i would want it to be sammael. another reason to cut sammael is that it’s basically just a quicker and less emotionally significant version of rahvin’s defeat. the moridin/balefire thing could happen with rahvin in caemlyn and we could just axe sammael and illian.

rahvin: i think that caemlyn being under control of a forsaken is too crucial to cut, as caemlyn is a Home Base and thus this plotline has tons of significance to a number of main characters, namely elayne, rand, and gawyn. (i do kinda think morgase will actually be killed by rahvin in the show since she doesn’t make any huge plot contributions for the rest of the series, and her actually being dead will give more weight to gawyn’s hatred of rand (i initially typed “rand’s hatred of rand” because my brain was ahead of my fingers and then was like okay that wasn’t actually what i meant but it’s true) as well as elayne’s arc of coming into her own as a leader without relying on her mom. plus the show will probably want to cut down on the number of characters wherever it can for the sake of streamlining/simplifying the story and saving money on actors.) and the forsaken who is holding caemlyn getting balefired by rand also feels pretty important, as that’s his first Real Big Balefire Use and also lays the groundwork for “not even the dark one can bring back a balefired forsaken, so we should balefire all of them,” so this would preclude that forsaken being able to crop up later on in the story and take on someone else’s activities. so i do feel that this plotline doesn’t have leeway like the other male forsaken’s do, and thus rahvin will have to stay.

asmodean: potentially controversial statement, but i think asmodean would be easy to cut. he’s important for only 1.5 books, and the only thing he does is teach rand how to use saidin, which any other male channeler could do. sammael and rahvin are busy at this time, so demandred could teach rand and then disappear mysteriously and reappear later in the series. however, it would be difficult to explain why demandred would be willing to teach rand since he’s not a lame ass coward like asmodean. the other option which i think could really work is that taim enters the story earlier and teaches rand, which would be a natural lead-in to rand giving him control of teaching the asha’man. or rand could just not have a teacher at all until he starts learning from LTT. but it IS a really fun and interesting dynamic to have rand and a forsaken working together ish, and pretty unique in the series, so it would be a shame if this was cut or if the teaching role was given to the ostensibly-not-evil taim. UPDATE: one of the statues has a little guitar, so asmodean has definitely made it into the show.

overall, i would most want sammael to be cut and am leaning towards it as the most likely, but i think demandred is also a real possibility, and asmodean would be easy to cut but they probably won’t since he has such a unique role in the story compared to the rest of the villains.

will anything ever be more romantic than rand pulling a sword he doesn’t know how to use on a full ass aes sedai and warder to protect mat?

if i hadn’t already been spoiled that rand was tdr at this point in my first watch i FULLY would’ve believed they were setting up dragon mat and warder rand. the vibes are there!!!!! rand and lan having a warder faceoff to defend their respective channelers!!!

“bless his heart he tries” rand al’thor: a summary

rand looks like such a confused, scared puppy after the exorcism, i just wanna wrap him in blankets!

i wonder if the rand-moiraine convo was filmed post-barney’s-departure in order to set up the whole “moiraine not trying too hard to grab mat through the waygate since she thinks he’d choose the shadow if he was the dragon and went to the eye” thing. i think it probably had to be, or if it wasn’t, then they unintentionally set that up perfectly!

prayer circle for Elayne Bath Scenes in future seasons. they are an integral part of her character and of my enjoyment of the story!

i love the contrast between rand (and nynaeve) hiding out for days trying to avoid moiraine and keep her from finding out mat has something weird going on vs. egwene telling her all about perrin’s eyes and the wolves as soon as she sees her. really illustrates the different levels of trust they have in moiraine specifically and sets up that growing divide in their levels of trust of aes sedai in general.

no life, no love of one’s own, nothing but the seat.................the amyrlin not being allowed to date in the show verse has fascinating and delicious implications for gawene!! not to MENTION that “a wisdom never weds” and egwene having to choose between her personal and professional desires right off the bat in 1x01 now becomes foreshadowing. i think that this change (if i’m right in interpreting that line as meaning it is Genuinely Forbidden for amyrlins to have romantic relationships?) will be another instance of adding more weight and depth to a character/relationship. i personally always enjoyed egwene and gawyn’s relationship struggles and found both sides sympathetic, but i know most of you think gawyn is just being a brat about his girlfriend having more power than him (but that’s not true okay! it’s HARD to date the wizard pope!), so if this layer were to be added, wherein gawyn is not only struggling with dating the wizard pope but also with the fact that he can only have a relationship with her if he keeps it a secret from everybody, it would bolster up his side of the conflict because that WOULD be a lot for egwene to ask of him. just as her putting her job at risk to have that secret relationship would be a lot for him to ask of her. and so it will be all the more romantic when they both decide fuck it let’s make this work!

ok here ends my homophobic moment of making a moiraine/siuan scene all about egwene/gawyn, sorry everybody (no i’m not, i fucking love gawene man)

egwene looking at the amyrlin seat!!!!!! 😭❤️

still can’t get over the PERFECT acting that is egwene’s face journey during “you’re the strongest channeler we’ve seen in a thousand years..............nynaeve al’meara” djfkgj iconic!! i love her your honor!! and nynaeve is also perfect in this scene!

really curious to see how moiraine’s exile oath will come into play later! that’s the joy of the show inventing new plotlines, we readers still have fun surprises waiting for us! although i suppose moiraine never goes anywhere close to tar valon in the books again, so it may not be relevant anyway.

haha now i can see why people fussed about the oath rod being used for this purpose and wondered what the fuck the teleportation painting is and how it works (a ter’angreal whose original intended purpose is unknown, i assume), but i just do not care about lore/magic system rules and will never mind the show bending rules or inventing new ones, for the most part. i guess the abusing of the oath rod - i.e. it being used for something besides the 3 oaths and only the 3 oaths - does become important later in the books, but christ alive i hope they cut the black ajah hunters subplot from the show.

moiraine going “at first i didn’t trust you, but now that i know you, i...............[changes the subject]” is SO iconic jkdjfgh

me @ certain readers re: the opening of waygates: SHUT UP ABOUT AVENDESORA LEAVES!!! SHUT UP ABOUT AVENDESORA LEAVES!!!

who caaaaaaaaaares if channeling can also open waygates. i literally didn’t even remember about the leaves in the books until i saw people complaining about their absence in the show recently. and waygates are barely relevant after book 2 anyway! plus, rafe did say that the leaves opening waygates is still canon in the show and will likely be shown in s2.

baby rand’s anguished little face when he realizes mat stayed behind!!!! i’ll never get over it!!!!!

and [perrin watching the ferryman voice] he’s gone

even after having read the books, i have 0 problem with mat dipping here. a) the actor left so What Else could they do, and this was a very smooth way to write him out of the last 2 episodes all things considered. they unintentionally set it up really well in earlier episodes with mat wanting to return home to his sisters, especially 3 and the convo with dana. my coworker who watched the show but hadn’t read the books was surprised when i explained this behind the scenes info to him because mat staying behind came off like a planned plot beat to him. b) it will make even more sense if they say in season 2 that mat’s still connected to the dagger and it was drawing him back to tar valon to find it. c) so what if mat isn’t the perfect “hero who says he’s not a hero but always does the right thing” already in s1? this will give him an opportunity for character development! which it sounds like they are indeed going for in s2 based on donal’s comments about mat’s s2 character arc. and d) eotw mat is a little bitchboy who absolutely would have dipped if moiraine and/or rand hadn’t kept him on a toddler leash at all times.

1x07 cold open!!!!! incredible showstopping spectacular!!!!! absolutely the best action sequence of the season and one of the best scenes overall. it sets the bar SO HIGH for aiel as warriors, and i absolutely can’t wait to see more in future seasons. imagine ayoola as aviendha fighting like that...........i am so ready to thirst 🥵

and i love what a repudiation of the Martyred Mother Of The Chosen One trope tigraine is. she is in the books too, i suppose, but actually seeing her fight onscreen and die violently of battle wounds rather than pass away beautifully and tragically in childbirth hits different than reading it.

people who complained about her not being veiled the whole time are so silly. if anything, it’s actually MORE impactful to see that rule broken here - she had her veil off, she didn’t want to fight, she was just looking for a safe place to give birth, and her attackers gave her no choice but to keep on fighting without even having time to pull her veil back up.

rand’s inner Mat Stan #1 comes out in full force!! his “he wants to fuck mat so bad it makes him look stupid” episode! the way this episode served so much cauthor when mat wasn’t even in it! man, rand’s sense of abandonment by mat hurts so good. they trauma-bonded so hard while traveling alone together for all that time and then mat LEFT and rand feels adrift!!!

rand vs. moiraine and egwene re: mat in this episode is literally “you don’t know all the facts” “which are?” “i love him” bless his HEART!!!!!! it’s giving “oh, mat kidnapped you, seanchan empress? well, i’m sure he had a good reason.”

i looooooove the change to machin shin! give me personalized psychological torment that sheds light on each character’s deepest insecurities over generic spooky talk of blood and gore any day! and of course it ends up being a really good vehicle for the reveal of rand being tdr.

egwene gifted child impostor syndrome you are so important to me!!!!!

nynaeve apeshit power blasts you are so important to me!!!!! i’ve watched the season 3 times by now and every single time i tear up both at this one and the episode 4 one.

amalisa’s tower backstory was a great addition! it tells us a bit more about how the tower works, hinting that becoming a full aes sedai is difficult and lots of women try but aren’t cut out for it, and also sets her up to have enough experience to lead the circle in the next episode, but also too little experience to keep from getting power-drunk and burning herself and the other women out.

“there is a man they must find. a boy, really.” you didn’t have to come for mat’s life like that moiraine djkfjg you’re already siccing the red ajah on him! i am SO excited to see where this plotline goes. i think it’s pretty safe to say that mat will have a traumatic experience at the hands of the reds (and we know from descriptions of that scene they’ve been showing at cons that at least part of his time at the tower is spent in a cell and suspecting that liandrin wants to kill him) and this will inform his fear of the power, which is a crucial aspect of his character, but one that i always felt was NOT sufficiently explained in the books, at all. like yeah, the power would be scary to any non-channeler, but no one else makes it a whole personality trait like mat does lmao. bonus points if moiraine sending the reds after him is learned by rand and becomes a wedge of mistrust between him and moiraine, since by the end of 1x08 he has a much more trusting and positive attitude towards her than he ever does in books 1-5.5, and it would probably be important for both character arcs that the mistrust be maintained in the show (tho i would also love if they just did not do that and had them be mentor-mentee besties for the next few seasons. a girl can dream!)

“what is it? mat?” egwene notices that rand’s upset and, despite the fact that they all went through psychological torment an hour ago, her FIRST thought is that he’s upset because of mat leaving 🥺 matrandgwene V (with rand in the middle and sibling-spouses mat and egwene) is SUCH a good polycule actually

min.........................................................

brace yourself for a long rambling section!

min is 10000000000000% my BIGGEST regret about reading the books! she is so cool and funny and chill and respectful of other people’s privacy in the show, and my opinion of her was neutral to positive, and then the books made me despise her! and i’m fairly confident that most of the things i most hate about her in the books will not be a thing in the show (her changing herself for rand and insisting on dressing in a way she finds uncomfortable but thinks he would find sexy (and she never realizes that he already liked her the way she used to dress and behave), her possessiveness of him and unwillingness to share when elayne and avi are totally selfless and onboard, her using her viewing to bully them into letting her have a piece of their pie (to use her own gross metaphor), the way she puts way less effort into setting up the polycule than elayne and avi do yet gets to reap all the rewards while they get almost no time with rand, her utter lack of storyline, character arc, personality, interests, or goals outside of Being Rand’s Girlfriend, etc etc etc) and so i most likely would never ever have had a problem with show!min if i’d never read the books.

that being said, i still don’t have a problem with show!min - when i sit back and enjoy her scenes in a vacuum. but the second that thoughts of book!min start worming their way into my mind, i become arthur clenching fist meme djkfjg luckily, this min is so vastly different from my detested book!min that it’s pretty easy to separate the two *while i’m watching*. once i stop watching and go back to my regularly scheduled programming WOT Thoughts, book!min takes over again and i hate the character again. i’m really hoping that by the time min becomes a bigger player in the show, it’ll have been long enough since i read the books that show!min will be able to take over as my mind’s primary min - show!perrin already went right back to being my mind’s primary perrin (and many/most other characters too, but using perrin as the example since i disliked him in the books but am fond of him in the show), so hopefully the same will happen with show!min when we have her for more than 3 scenes. of course, i had significant enough show!perrin screentime before meeting his book counterpart that he was able to maintain a hold on me throughout, and i never HATED book!perrin like i hate book!min, mostly just found him annoying/boring.

going along with the min and perrin comparisons, i saw a good post once explaining how show!perrin is the person that book!perrin claims to be but isn’t i.e. genuinely thoughtful and slow to act, while book!perrin claims he is but then often blurts out other people’s secrets and flies off the handle, etc. and the narrative doesn’t really feel intentional about this disconnect between How Perrin Sees Himself and How Perrin Actually Behaves in the same way that it does for mat and nynaeve. the same is true for book!min. she claims to be a mature and worldly woman, a jaded city slicker, someone who minds her own business and never spills other people’s business around, someone far too sensible to throw her life away and become a fool for a man. but in reality, book!min is a fairly naive and inexperienced girl from a tiny backwater “city” (large town) who constantly blabs other people’s secrets and shares viewings about a person with people who aren’t that person and starts acting like a 14-year-old with her first boyfriend once she decides to pursue rand and gives up her entire life to follow him around and curl her hair and dress “sexy” for him. and the narrative never acknowledges this disconnect.

show!min, though? she hits every point on the first list in reality, not just in her own head. she is actually a mature and worldly woman from a big city (and she comes off as enough older/more mature than rand that her going “but he’s too young for me!” would actually be believable, unlike book!min who’s like 2 years older than him and way less mature), she’s a jaded and sensible customer service worker who is Done With Your Shit, and there’s no way THIS min would sacrifice every scrap of her own dignity just to get rand to sleep with her. there is also no way that rand will be her first time having sex, that was one of the most unbelievable parts of the books lmao rj’s own No Sex Until Marriage (or until you’re with the person who will end up being your life partner) cultural underpinnings came through too strongly for every single character except mat. anyway, show!min even says “people’s secrets are their business, no one else’s” when the gang goes into the bar in 1x08 to ask her what she told moiraine about rand and then actually holds her ground and succeeds in not telling them anything, and i was like wow book!min could Never!! and unless i’m misunderstanding her later scene with rand, she actually did know that he was tdr (or at least the ~Special One~ moiraine was looking for) in that first scene but DID NOT TELL moiraine and instead waited for rand to come to her on his own so she could tell him in private and let HIM decide what to do with the information. book!min could never!

and the fact that Certain Readers whined about her casting and claimed that she’s ~too old~ and ~not hot enough~ (and not white enough lbr) already tells me that the show is taking her in the right direction, i.e. they’re not just gonna go for Sexy Lamp Hero’s Girlfriend Min using the most conventionally attractive (but still Tomboyish And Not Like Other Girls, In A Sexy Way) actress they could find. and thank god for that!! kae alexander brings so much more personality to min in 3 scenes than she ever had in 14 books, and she is so HOT god! if the show can make ME thirsty for min and make certain book!min lovers complain that she isn’t hot, then you know it’s doing something right!

it’s probably the queer vibes that are turning me onto her and certain straight male book!min lovers off of her, isn’t it lmao book!min is arguably more painfully heterosexual than book!perrin (at least he has the occasional mildly homoerotic moment with rand) but show!min gives off IMMENSE queer vibes. i could definitely see the show making her date elayne and/or avi in addition to rand! (and of course elayne and avi dating each other is basically a guarantee.) i also am 90% sure i remember rafe saying something about “people with no gender” in the context of romance and queer relationships in the show (i think it was the q&a where avi’s casting was revealed) which made me wonder if we could perhaps get canon nonbinary min? although i think she’s referred to as a woman in these episodes. still, maybe she could have a lil arc where being forced to be elmindreda in the tower makes her realize Why she’s so uncomfortable with wearing dresses and being treated as female. who knows! this is just wild speculation on my part, but i so would love to see it.

okay so WHAT IS THIS RAND BABY VIEWING????? that does Not look like a randlayne or avirand baby!!! that better not be a rand/min baby!!! i find it incredibly hard to believe that the show, with its progressive attitudes, would pull THIS level of Babies Ever After, by making one of the few women who doesn’t end up having babies or ever show much interest in having babies in the books (bar a couple “oooooh i wonder if rand will knock ME up too!” comments that always felt forced and ooc to me) end up having a baby. my only hesitation is that if they were to split the polycule up into rand/min and elayne/avi, then maaaaaybe min might get the Dragon Reborn’s Babymama arc? but i do have a very hard time seeing the show go that route (esp since the 3 women viewing and the blueprint of alanna’s polycule and rafe’s comments about polyamory in the show seem to be a preeeeeetty good indicator that he’s intending to keep the polycule, though i won’t FULLY stop being nervous until i see it with my own eyes lmao) and elayne’s pregnancy is pretty important to HER arc, specifically, in large part due to the viewing making her take bigger risks (and one could also argue that her pregnancy is politically important during the succession in that it gives her the stability of having heirs already on the way), so i don’t think they could/would cut that or give it to min instead. but if not a rand/min baby, then what the fuck is that baby viewing all about???? i remember on one of my book recaps somebody speculated that it’s a Metaphorical rand/min baby, i.e. it’s the viewing that tells min she’s going to fall in love with rand, but the baby is just a symbol of their future romantic connection rather than a literal baby that they’re going to have together. i could buy that! though i think if that was indeed the intention, it could lead to a lot of false expectations from viewers that rand is gonna knock up min at some point. or maybe the baby is a metaphorical baby that has nothing to do with any of rand’s love interests? hit me with your baby viewing interpretations!

speaking of min’s viewings, it’s interesting that they seem to be much more abundant here than in the books - she has multiple quips about how she knew someone was about to come into the bar. of course, they could just be quips, but at least one of them (when she says “you’re gonna want to move” to a patron just before the gang storms in in episode 8) does seem to be a genuine glimpse of the future, as that patron has no idea about her gift, unlike moiraine and rand, so she wouldn’t be making a joke to him about it. it could also be just some small, comedic dialogue meant more for the audience, just to illustrate that Hey, She Can See The Future, rather than a real indication that she is actually having THAT many viewings. i will keep an eye on this in future seasons!

and we get to The Fight!!!!! time to pull up the diagram i made upon first watch of that scene, which i still stand by and can’t wait to add to when more characters enter the mix (my only edit is that mat is Definitely in love with perrin, not just maybe a little bit):

marcus rutherford, you did NOT have to get right up in josha’s face and stare at his mouth while saying “the only WOMAN i’ve ever loved was my wife,” but you did and we’re all grateful for it. inspired.

also rand goes to BAT for mat here, damn okay!!! he is like “egwene you’re my girlfriend but you do NOT talk shit about my boyfriend”! he just comes out with a whole ass essay about how wonderful mat is when literally nobody asked! in all seriousness, this is, of course, rand projecting about a hell of a lot of things. but also he loves mat.

on a rewatch, there were definitely signs in 1x01 that perrin had a crush on egwene, although i didn’t pick up on them at all during my first watch. and while i remember being initially disappointed and annoyed that they pulled this twist when i’d been so enjoying perrin and egwene as a rare example of a deep but purely platonic m/f relationship, i think that the fallout of the fight goes on to show that it’s really Not That Big A Deal and wasn’t intended to be. when rand and egwene are making up, they immediately brush the perrin situation aside - it wasn’t even remotely the real reason that either of them were upset during that scene. then in the next episode, perrin shows no jealousy of egwene saying she loves rand and even says that he loves him too, and the two of them have a making up moment that’s just as sweet and platonic as all their past interactions were. at most, i think perrin had a teenage crush on egwene and perhaps was initially with laila to get over her, but grew to truly love laila in a deeper way than he’d ever felt for egwene, but laila still knew about the crush and felt jealous (she does say “i know” when perrin tells her he loves her and to me it felt like she was being truthful, like she really does know that perrin really does love her and she acknowledges that but can’t help feeling jealous anyway), and so of course perrin would feel guilty about it and laila’s death compounded that guilt. tldr: perrin’s crush on egwene did exist at one point or does still exist, but it’s a small background piece of his guilt over laila’s death and on its own is almost as unimportant to him as it is to egwene and rand.

that hysterical and angry and hurt and tearful laugh josha does in this scene? boy oh boy, i can’t wait to see him take on taint-influenced rand!

what’s more iconic than nynaeve stirring up drama between the other three and then peacing out to go get some dick? queen shit! good for her!

hilarious that on first watch i was like “aww i wish it had been a slower burn” when lanaeve slept together and then i read the books and it turns out their eotw pacing makes their s1 pacing look glacial

but i’m glad they fucked and that the show did away with nynaeve’s shame surrounding sex! it broke my heart in WH when she had some thought about how she was too embarrassed to talk to HER OWN HUSBAND about sex or something like that. and the show very much can still do the arc of lan trying to push her away For Her Own Good even though they’ve already had sex - in fact, that will make lan’s guilt over ~giving into temptation~ and giving nynaeve false hope for a future together and nynaeve’s hurt and frustration over him pushing her away hit all the harder.

randgwene my beloveds 😭😭😭 “i will always stand by you, you know that. no matter what happens. no matter what comes.” 😭😭😭😭 i am going to make so many randgwene in s1 vs. later seasons gifsets someday, i just know it.

rand: do you think i’d let someone else be your warder? gawyn:

i love that we never see nynaeve with one fewer stitch of clothing, but the post-coital scene opens on her rebraiding her hair, and for her that’s an even greater indication of past intimacy (and of now putting her walls back up) than seeing her redressing.

obligatory #RandThirstposting for that shot of him getting out of bed

dragonmount is still a fun mystery for show-onlys! or i, at least, was like “rand remembers that mountain so that means he’s TDR................wait but he was a baby??? how does he remember the mountain??” the dragonmount + LTT connection (and the extent to which rand shares LTT’s memories) is still to come!

min was “a kid” when she saw tam in tar valon and had a viewing of him finding baby rand (her first ever viewing), so show!min must be somewhere in the range of 6-12 years older than rand. we love to see it!!! i am always relentlessly asking for more older woman/younger man romances in media (and like i mentioned above, even now when they’re both adults, min does look like/vibe like she’s a fair bit older than him, which i love)

tigraine’s face when tam puts his sword down and offers his hand 😭😭😭😭😭 i choke up every time!!! that actress was so absolutely fantastic without having a single line of dialogue. and i really love the change of tam being there and helping her in her final moments and perhaps giving her reassurance that her baby will be safe, rather than her having to give birth alone and die alone thinking her baby will also die alone in the snow, and tam just stumbles across them later.

and we get the 3 beautiful women viewing, which rand thinks is a joke but we know isn’t. (unless they’re splitting the polycule into 2 monogamous ships and it’ll turn out this line was just a comedic easter egg a la mat claiming he was a horse trader, which his dad actually is in the books but isn’t in the show. but that would be extremely cruel of them, not to mention they would know they were deliberately setting people up to have false expectations for a major plotpoint, so i have to believe it’s a legitimate viewing.) i really hope that min does NOT share this viewing with elayne or aviendha in the show (or rand, tho i don’t think he ever learns about it in the books anyway), or at least not until the 4 of them are already in a relationship and then she can go “haha guys i actually foresaw that this would happen!” and they can all laugh about it. but in the books, as i mentioned above, i hated how it felt like min was using this viewing to bully elayne into letting her make a move on elayne’s boyfriend when she went to caemlyn with the embassy, and in general, i felt the viewing was used as too much of a crutch for rj to get the polycule together. even worse, it wasn’t actually necessary because he already had a much better way to make it happen - one polycule member comes from a culture that practices polyamory and thus can explain the concept to the other members and get them onboard with it - baked into the story and just used the viewing instead, mostly. it would feel so much better if the 4 of them come to an arrangement on their own terms because they actually want to, and because aviendha explained to them that this type of relationship is possible, rather than just because min said fate said so.

on the other hand, min fighting fate re: falling in love with rand is the only semblance of a character arc she has, so they’ll probably keep it in the show (and hopefully do more with it and have her eventual coming to fall in love with rand against her better judgment feel natural, like aviendha’s arc, rather than her just randomly changing her mind one day and deciding to throw herself at rand with all she’s got) and i’m not sure how else they could make the audience aware that min has had this viewing if not by having her tell another character about it. hmmmmm. i guess they could have her complaining about it to unconscious rand like at the end of TGH.

maybe the third beautiful woman is actually egwene, maybe the viewing is about rand’s past and future girlfriends. here’s how min/rand can still lose-

actually now that i say it, egwene in the polycule is a fascinating idea...........i remember that the egwene/rand/elayne vibes were really strong in TGH/TDR! egwene was constantly thinking about how pretty elayne is! and when they met bain and chiad, egwene was all blushy about the thought of sharing rand with elayne in bed! and she has good chemistry with aviendha in TSR/TFOH. and she and mat would be excellent sibling-spouses. and gawyn obviously needs to get fucked by rand. it all works! i feel like the show’s strengthening of randgwene is gonna make egwene/rand/elayne into another “ship i wouldn’t have thought too much about in the books but is fire in the show” next season. i can’t wait!

nynaeve apologizing voluntarily for her own wrongdoing! her and egwene joking about sex! book!nynaeve is shaking!

I’ve Read All 14 Books And I Still Don’t Understand Why Readers Hated 1x08 So Much, And At This Point I’m Too Afraid To Ask

even when people are generously like “oh it was only because it was hindered so much by covid” i’m like i didn’t even notice any sort of quality drop?? it’s just as good as the other 7 episodes to me?? maybe it’s my show-first blinders still on too strongly (i do remember that after the episode aired it felt like there was a sharp divide between most show-onlys loving it and most readers hating it)

lews therin is SO hot!! jesus christ!! no wonder all the forsaken have been obsessed with him for 3000 years! and i love how he has his baby in the room while he’s talking politics with a coworker, you never see that with male characters. i remember seeing a long time ago an excellent post about the show’s commitment to Men As Caretakers (this, mat with his sisters, rand with mat and his dreams of being a stay-at-home dad, lan with moiraine, etc). boy it’s gonna hurt in a future scene when we see LTT realize he killed that baby!

also very interesting to me that in our one scene of him thus far, he’s anchored in his connection to his child rather than to ilyena. this and rand’s own beefed up interest in having kids compared to how he was in the books gives me hope that elayne’s pregnancy will actually affect rand’s life in some way! “guy fated to die any day now finds out that he has babies on the way whom he’ll never get to meet” is probably one of the biggest Wasted Emotional Opportunities in the books (and there are A LOT).

“i love him, perrin” “so do i” ef4 polycule is REAL yall

i love rand asking moiraine if it was hard to leave lan behind, he’s trying so hard to bond with his mom and she shuts him down so fast

ugh daniel and zoe’s chemistry is so GOOD!!! i’m definitely predicting that nynaeve blaming moiraine for rand’s “death” will end up causing strain between her and lan and being one of the things that pushes them apart again for their mutual pining slowburn phase (in addition to lan wanting to push her away For Her Own Good)

ishamael: [reveals his actual face] rand and the audience: oh no he’s hot!

love that he just starts caressing rand’s face within 1 minute of meeting him, that really is the vibe in the books. also him pouting that lews therin is stupid in this age and not even TRYING to be a worthy archenemy! i love this actor so much, he brings a sort of playfulness to ishamael that’s so fun to watch. and that’s the essence of many of the forsaken, sure they’re villains but they’re Fun villains (unlike the whitecloaks and seanchan). can’t wait to see more of him and meet some of the others next season!

IS THIS FAT LITTLE MAN ANGREAL MY BELOVED?????? he doesn’t look especially fat, and moiraine says it’s a sa’angreal, but i’m choosing to believe it’s him!!!! i actually don’t remember at all where rand got him from in the books lmao not like i just read them or anything. did he get fat little man angreal from rhuidean, or was that the choedan kal?

nynaeve being unable to listen to the wind is because of her block oooooh i’m smart and know things now

haha i feel like on first watch i, like rand, didn’t entirely realize moiraine would be included in the “anyone who goes to the eye and isn’t the dragon will die” until they have that conversation now. she just felt invincible to me! i love her fond little “oh my stupid son” look when he tries to tell her to stay behind.

okay so WHAT is the deal with the eye in the show verse???? all along i assumed that the characters are correct in saying this is the dark one’s prison and that the show got rid of shayol ghul altogether and moved the prison here, but then more recently i saw readers all saying that show!eye is actually just a seal and and not the prison itself. so is that true and people in-universe just...........don’t know that shayol ghul exists? bc iirc moiraine pretty definitively says that the eye is the dark one’s prison. how would she not know about shayol ghul??? one instance where i am now MORE confused after having read the books than i was upon first watch lmao

so, okay, it would make sense if they think the eye is the dark one’s prison and they’re sealing it up but it turns out it’s actually only a seal which ishamael tricked them into breaking, and i think they only decided to go to the eye in ep 6 when siuan had a dream saying moiraine had to bring the dragon there, so maybe ishamael planted that dream to trick them into coming to the eye and breaking the seal? but HOW WOULD MOIRAINE NOT KNOW THAT THE PRISON IS ACTUALLY AT SHAYOL GHUL????? i was really gunning for them to have gotten rid of shayol ghul completely (it always felt like a mordor knockoff to me) and made the eye the prison, because it would be such a fabulous full circle moment if rand came back here to fight TDO in the last episode of the last season.

rand’s dream life 😭😭😭 the lighting!! he is such a soft sunshine baby!! hair glowing in a conveniently placed light source!! the lord of the morning!!

and the actual baby is THE cutest baby i’ve ever seen in my entire life oh my god

and rand HOLDING the baby??? smiling at her??? +10000 psychic damage. #RandThirstposting. i think that every season should include rand holding a baby, as fanservice to me specifically. rand holding babies, shirtless rand, and elayne bath scenes are all i need out of this show.

ishamael concocting the most tempting situation for rand he can think of: oh and i’ll make sure he knows specifically that mat is around and an integral part of his life, that’ll do the trick

the real answer is probably that mat’s presence in particular is important to rand right now due to how shaken he is by mat’s abandonment. but also, rand is in love with him and wants him to be his spouse and co-parent right along with egwene. matrandgwene truthers rise!

what do you guys think this dream stuff is? like, how is ishamael doing it? is it some kind of TAR or dreamshard shit (i did not understand dreamshards in the books lmao) or is it like an actual manipulating of the pattern into showing possible futures the way the dark one and rand do in AMOL?

me on first watch: this has felt like such an equal society all along, why would they suddenly decide that only the men are in the army here and the women stay behind to protect the city? so annoying

me on this watch: wow, look at the women actually wearing armor and loading weapons! incredible! the books could never!

it IS still annoying though, i really don’t know why they decided to keep that one relic of book worldbuilding when all the stupid Women Can’t Be Soldiers stuff was eschewed everywhere else in the season.

“how can we sit here and do nothing” “i’m standing” ICONIC!!!!!! top 10 loial moments. actually every single line loial has is a top 10 loial moment.

moiraine cradling rand in her lap a la mary cradling jesus in the pieta statue, except she’s holding a knife to his neck, CHEF’S KISS

people really got pressed when agelmar died? i could not care less about that dude. and i’m all for cutting down on the number of military general characters lmao there’s way too many in the books (i think it should be only bashere and mat in the show, and MAYBE bryne only because he’s important to egwene’s and especially gawyn’s arcs, but NO ituralde)

people getting pressed that a circle of 5 or 6 women, two of whom are extremely strong in the power and one of whom (the one leading the circle) has received a good deal of formal training, were able to take out the entire trolloc army by themselves But having no problem whatsoever with the book version of a single man who has absolutely no clue what the fuck he is doing being able to take out the entire trolloc army by himself - misogyny, plain and simple!

even so, thankfully most people i’ve seen have agreed that it was good that the show split up the eotw final battle stuff so that non-rand characters could have something to do. and rand has many many power blasts in his future, i’m A-okay with him losing this one! especially since it felt like a symptom of rj not knowing exactly where he was going or how many books he was going to write and rand’s power levels/ability thus being repeatedly adjusted and retconned throughout the early books.

i looooooove josha’s acting while rand is channeling, you can see so clearly both the ecstasy and the taint of saidin affecting him (and it makes you believe that he really MIGHT go mad with power and break the dark one’s chains rather than strengthen them)

WHAT ABOUT WHAT SHE WANTS!!!!!!!!!! KING ICON LEGEND STAR!!!!!!!!!!!!

the way this perfectly parallels his final book confrontation with the dark one when he gives up a seemingly ideal future because it takes away the agency of the people involved 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 given what a Theme agency and lack thereof is in rand’s overall arc, i love that that seed is planted early on here.

here we have rand giving up his dream life with a wife and a baby and a cozy home because a) it’s not what egwene would want and b) he has a more important duty to the world that must come first. so if the final episode of the show doesn’t end with rand cozy in caemlyn with his wives and babies, finally getting to have that dream life for real now that his duty to the world is complete, i WILL riot!!!!!

back to the circle, which seems to be the most hated aspect of this episode. as i said above, hating that they’re able to destroy the whole army is just plain misogyny. it’s book canon that a circle of multiple channelers is extremely powerful, and amalisa has tower training, and we saw in TGS that a circle of novices led by one trained aes sedai can do serious damage (doubly so when you consider that nynaeve and egwene’s power levels seem to have been bumped up in the show so that they’re unusually powerful for any channeler rather than only unusually powerful For A Girl - and hating that is, again, misogyny - and thus amalisa basically has the power of two nuclear bombs at her disposal).

second, people in the circle can get killed against their will if the leader draws too much from them. this is obviously a change from book lore, and i absolutely love it! circles are super OP in the books yet bizarrely underused, so adding in this huge counterbalance and high risk makes it make sense that channelers don’t just whip out a massive circle all the time to solve all their problems. it will also lend a ton more credence to women being afraid to link with men and vice versa later in the series, and make the level of trust on display when they do link together that much stronger (also, the show had better get rid of “only men can lead mixed gender circles” or SO HELP ME GOD lmao). and just think of how much tenser the cleansing of saidin will be when there’s a real risk that rand might draw too much from nynaeve and kill her and she wouldn’t be able to drop out of the circle to prevent him from doing so!!! and honestly, now that i think about it, it doesn’t even make sense that this isn’t a thing in the books? if anyone can kill themselves by drawing too much, why would a circle create a magic barrier to prevent someone else drawing too much from them, when no such thing exists for somebody channeling on their own?

and finally, egwene healing nynaeve from the brink of death when egwene isn’t supposed to be good at healing with the power. this complaint, i can see now that i’ve read the books, but i still just don’t really care idk it doesn’t bother me. i know this scene was hugely affected by covid restrictions (rafe said that the plan was for egwene to heal nynaeve with herbs/cpr and her wisdom training, and they didn’t find out until the day of shooting that the actresses weren’t allowed to get close enough to make that happen) and so i cut it tons of slack for that, and also, god knows eotw is full of ideas and occurrences that ended up being dropped or contradicted altogether later in the series as rj figured stuff out while he went along, so i don’t mind at all if the show going forward just ignores that this happened haha and they could also explain retroactively that nynaeve wasn’t that badly hurt (her burning makeup IS way less drastic than amalisa’s and the other women’s who were actually killed) and thus it didn’t actually require all that much skill in power healing from egwene. there’s a very clear visual contrast between egwene’s small wisp of power here and nynaeve’s blinding power blast earlier, so little risk of people mistakenly thinking that egwene is just as strong in healing as nynaeve is. egwene’s healing here looks more equivalent to kerene’s, a green with presumably no particular skill/strength in healing.

very interested in how the hunt for the horn will go down! from what little tidbits we’ve seen from s2, it seems it’s just going to be perrin and loial while rand and mat are doing their own thing. i would love for perrin to be the one to blow the horn since he needs more to do and in the books mat doesn’t even blow it at the last battle so what does it matter, but i’m sure they’ll probably find a way for mat to be the one to blow it at falme anyway.

and rand enacts his plan to wander off and let his friends think he’s dead! every time i think of the “babygirl you don’t even know how roads work” world heritage post.

i can’t WAIT to see the others react to this in the next season!!!!! will they believe moiraine, or will they see through her careful phrasing of only ever saying “he’s gone” rather than “he’s dead”? will they think he’s dead for the entire season until they run into him at falme in the finale (at least i’m assuming that will be the structure and tear and callandor will be pushed to a later season) or will they find out within a couple episodes? will mat cross paths with rand before or after learning about his alleged death and him being TDR?

i’m especially curious about the randgwene trajectory. by the end of the season, we’ve had a switch - rand is the one accepting that he can’t have a future with egwene and letting go of that dream, while egwene has decided that she doesn’t want to leave him behind (although i think in their 1x07 convo she’s probably trying to convince herself that being with rand and being aes sedai can coexist but knows that they can’t really). egwene thinking he’s dead and going through that pain will make a Gentle Falling Out Of Love process much more difficult. on the other hand, when she finds out he’s still alive and made her think he was dead on purpose, maybe she’ll be so mad that she’s like “okay we’re broken up for good i’m over you” djkjfg i do think that by the time they reunite it’s likely they’ll go for the angle of, they’ve both changed too much and they recognize right away they don’t fit together anymore and never can, but it will be a much more emotionally complicated breakup than the book version. particularly since according to book timeline, this should be when rand is getting together with egwene’s best friend! what’s gonna happen with randlayne in the show!!!! i would love love love love for elayne to join the waste crew (so much bonding time with rand AND avi!) since the tanchico plotline is mostly about nynaeve vs. moghedien and elayne isn’t strictly needed for that, and then elayne can go to salidar later with egwene and meet up with nynaeve there for the trips to ebou dar and caemlyn, but it feels pretty unlikely that they’d pull her out of the tanchico plotline and make that just a nynaeve solo roadtrip.

also, the implications these randgwene changes have for gawene! i assume they’ll meet at the white tower, which would be the perfect opportunity to lay the groundwork for their romance (an opportunity the books just completely wasted), but egwene grieving rand at the time will complicate that. perhaps in a good way! i could see gawyn being smitten with her right away but keeping it to himself since he knows that’s not what she needs or wants right now and instead choosing to be a good and supportive friend to her. maybe they establish a nice platonic emotional connection next season that will then develop into a romance when they see each other again later on. another couple that definitely needs more time together early in the series but i’m hard pressed to think of a way to make that happen (since gawyn being left behind at the tower and not knowing where egwene and elayne are is a pretty integral part of his arc). i suppose they could dial back their LOC-era romance into only the beginnings of a spark and a flirtation and save their actual getting together for TGS era since they do spend a lot of time together in the last 3 books, and maybe gawyn defecting to egwene’s army will happen a lot earlier in the show if he’s given significant screentime every season rather than only appearing in 1 prologue scene per book (if that) from books 7-11 lmao

i was editing this post right before i went to bed last night and then i had a dream that i was watching s2 and show!gawyn sucked 😭 i don’t remember what was wrong with him but i remember being heartbroken haha manifesting that NOT to happen next season! it will certainly be interesting to now be in the position of anxiously waiting to see how my beloved book blorbos turn out onscreen rather than just tuning in and meeting my screen blorbos fresh with no prior knowledge of them.

SO glad that the girls are ta’veren in the show. “it’s more empowering for their accomplishments to be their own rather than the pattern influencing stuff” and yet somehow a good chunk of the readers who claim that are also the same ones celebrating the boys’ accomplishments at the expense of egwene’s 🤔 and the girls DO have plenty of ta’veren things happen to them in the books, they’re constantly having unlikely coincidences, people blurting out things they wouldn’t normally say around them, etc. i’m curious how ta’veren will be portrayed in the show, i feel like some of the more obvious “ta’veren is just an in-world lore excuse for Everything Happens To The Protagonists” instances could come off kinda corny in the show haha but we’ll see!

so there definitely IS a seal at the eye that cracked, but is that all the eye is? or is that one big seal on the floor just like the Final Boss seal that will progressively get more and more cracked as the small individual seals get destroyed, and the dark one really is imprisoned here at the eye? or ooooh maybe the eye IS a prison, but for the FORSAKEN rather than for the dark one, hence moiraine’s misinformation that the dark one is also imprisoned here?

the seanchan aesthetic here and in the s2 sneak previews is fantastic. i really like how colorful they are, avoiding the “villains all in black” visual cliche and instead going crazy over the top, as the seanchan should be. and the mouth coverings on the damane is a very chilling touch! and i love that they’re speaking a different language, most unrealistic part of the books was the fact that apparently the whole entire world (not only every single country in the westlands, but also seanchan and shara) speaks the same language lmao i do get it for story convenience though, it’s hard to make anything happen if your characters can’t talk to each other. i wonder if it’s the old tongue they’re speaking in the show or a new made-up language. it would kinda vibe if they still spoke the old tongue since they’re so obsessed with preserving hawkwing’s legacy! (if hawkwing was even old tongue times? fuck me if i know anything about wotworld history)

[ceph-the-ghost-writer]

Happy STS Ceph! If someone was looking for your characters, how would they describe them to people? What features would they most pick out to distinguish them from a crowd?

Isaac: His messy black curls are probably the best way to spot him. Not messy as in stylish bedhead, but as in oh, this man is on the brink and desperately needs help with self-care. (It's not until Dorian coaxes him into it that his hair starts to become noticeably healthier and eye-catching for other reasons.) Elfy describes his fashion sense best: Mexican grandpa and/or country veterinarian. That is, flannel/plaid shirts (buttoned all the way to the collar in Isaac's case), and old jeans that don't fit him well at all. Again, it's not until Isaac starts rebuilding and maintaining relationships with others that this changes. 9 out of 10 times you'll catch him with his eyes glued to the screen of his tab, doing something work-related.

Renato: If you meet a man who makes you forget every warning your common sense screams at you, you'll know you met Renato Faria Dimas. Of course the blue-green color of his eyes gets the most attention. Though he acts like this is tiresome, he goes through a lot of effort to groom his brows and hair as well as pick clothing colors to show them to their best advantage. He's a dating sim character come to life: handsome, charming, seductive, and definitely hiding more than meets the eye beneath the pretty façade. Dimples are another weapon in his arsenal he uses to devastating effect.

Dorian: Critics rave 5 stars, want to hug and/or cuddle with them on first meeting. Dorian exudes a love for life and the topics they're passionate about which is downright infectious. Their peacoat is legendary, though they do wear other hoodies and sweaters depending on the season and conditions. They've loved having their hair braided since they were very small, and continue to make an event of it as an adult, with food and movies and drinks with family and friends all day. They also really like the freckles across their face and shoulders, if you're one of the fortunate few to see those. You may have to wade through a sea of their other admirers to get to them.

Kinslayer: Isaac wasn't exaggerating when he described meeting their gaze as staring down the barrel of a rifle. Their eyes are an utter shade of black, reflecting no light whatsoever. Kinslayer has worn many faces and experienced life in all sorts of bodies, but this feature remains a common denominator no matter what they look like.

Elfy: She's the tiny woman with all the piercings, the mop of reddish-brown curls piled on her head, and who's vibrating like a rocket about to take off, unable to keep still. Can't miss her.

Ben: They just don't make 'em like this nowadays. He looks like a thug or back alley boxer from a movie set during the Great Depression because, well, that's kinda what he was. His size, the broken-one-too-many-times nose, and scarred knuckles give him a natural intimidation factor. He's quick to smile though, and the gleam in his brown eyes can turn someone's knees from a solid to a liquid even quicker. You know, if big, bi vampire guys are your thing anyway.

Motley/Noose: Its stitched together skin really makes it stand out in a crowd. Even its sunken eyes are unusual amongst necromancers, smoldering with a sullen red light rather than being the dull, lifeless gray of something that's been preserved in a jar of alcohol. Of course, it could very well be disguised as that stray dog trotting down the street. Or a white-faced barn owl in the tree outside the window. Or--goodness forbid--somebody you knew.

Breezy: One of the three weed-smoking girlfriends, now semi-retired in her 60s and versed in witchcraft. When she feels like wearing clothes, she could be in full, flowing ren faire garb or a pair of denim overalls for working in her garden. (Has a pretty nice tan, given her nudist tendencies.) She might braid her long white hair, but more often than not leaves it in loose waves over her shoulders.

[idliketobeatree]

I am begging ALL OF YOU, Good Omens fans, to listen to this song by Jesca Hoop (a lovely American singer-songwriter and guitarist), from the album "Memories are Now", released in 2017.

The Coming, huh? What a funny coincidence, right? Almost like the Second Coming?

And then it starts like this:

The song is dark and poignant, but more importantly - it is written almost like someone was plotting for a possible season 3. It's actually uncanny, how much it fits.

A quick artist background check: The narrator mirrors Hoop's struggles with religion. Raised traditional Mormon, she grew up singing hymns, and at 16 years old she lost her faith and stopped attending church. She describes the experience as freeing: she has "faith in people".

Overall, it's all too easy to imagine the narrator as Aziraphale, but we'll get back to that in a moment.

Let's focus on Jesus first. Analogically, in the song, he loses faith in himself, and refuses both Heaven and Earth to fulfill the prophecy. Jesus makes an interesting choice of alliance; he sits by the Devil. In a fit of desperation? fatigue?-- asks the advocate of Hell to help him become someone new. There's something beautiful about them being familiar, sitting arm in arm, almost friendly in the exchange. Jesus "was tempted for forty days by the Devil" (Luke 4:2), and he firmly refused then, but he goes back now: to his only salvation left.

The Devil doesn't get much characterisation, but we know he agreed to the terms. "The coming never came."

Now, back to the narrator. They're quite honest and self-aware of their role as an obeying servant to Jesus or/and God (as in Holy Trinity). In a world full of sinners it's necessary to keep people at bay, because not everyone can be saved. There's "only enough room at his table (...)/And they're coming to shut the gate/You're too little and too late". A strong implication of humans being a nuisance, a collateral damage in God's plan.

"But I don't buy it."

You see, the narrator has a strong motivation that they mention almost immediately after realising that -- good people are not getting in through the gate.

The best friend. We can assume she's someone very dear, and probably not that involved in religion. She doesn't deserve damnation, obviously. (Hello, Crowley.) Nobody does. Heaven doesn't really care about that.

The point is: they don't want to offer to save her anymore. Playing God's hand in this relationship would be an insult, condescending and belittling to her character. It's easy to be a soldier with nameless people, isn't it? Personal connections make all the difference.

There's also a little passage about not blaming your parents for "clinging to the good", which hits another personal note on the forgiving front.

The narrator is terrified of losing their sense of identity. It's a painful and slow process. Who are they, without the religion? How to fill the God-shaped hole in the heart, where it has grown large and uncomfortable, been there for ages?

The answer is: with other people.

The collective work of humanity on the matter of free will has an major impact on Earth. Our little choices contribute to the goodness as a whole, and it's not dictated nor defined by Heaven. No, it's all our doing. And we can make it a good place without religion.

Oh, and look at this. "Asking any kind of question could unravel me with one small fray"?

Pretty self-explanatory.

The song ends on an accusatory tone - at the religious figures who are mistakenly interpreting Jesus's teachings, justifying their fear-turned-hatred and "wrongdoings in his name". The narrator is scared personally, but outright - they're furious. Unable to ignore the horrifying unfairness of it all. The wars were never the intention of Jesus. He wouldn't sign another contract for massive destruction.

As a confirmation, there's a loop, a repeating of the first verses. The coming didn't came. Jesus is no longer a passive marionette on the strings of Heaven. He gives away the thorn crown - a symbol of his suffering for humanity's sins - and refuses to collaborate. He becomes an individual, maybe a different entity altogether. Needs some help from Hell, sure, but it works out in the end. No more wars. No more Heaven deciding who is worth it, and who isn't. It's just-- people, and their everyday lives.

If that isn't THE song synopsis for season 3, I don't know what is.

[im-no-jedi]

MLWTBB: First Time For Everything

aka the (continued) journey into my self insert nonsense✨

chapter summary: the eventful night is over, and Hannah and Hunter are ready to go home, but neither of them are finished confessing to each other quite yet...

notes: this is a continuation of my story, “My Life With The Bad Batch”; I highly recommend reading that first before this one! I created a few new planets for this story. I’m also not 100% versed in SW terminology, so forgive me if some things are labeled incorrectly! each chapter will be rated accordingly, as opposed to the overall fic. lastly, there is romance in this story. hope you enjoy! 💙

add. notes: this chapter was edited and proofread by my sis @jam-n-ham! thanks sis!! 😋💙

closing message: and here we are, the end of yet another long, multi-chapter fic. it was a huge deal for me when I finished MLWTBB earlier this year, and although I said I planned on continuing the series, I honestly was unsure if I would make it this far. but I did! and I have a LOT more to come! so thank you everyone who took time to read this (as well as all of my other stories!), and I hope you all look forward to the further adventures of me and TBB! 💙💙💙

Chapter 19 (Final), 3200+ words, rated T (mostly just for smooching and a smidge of suggestive things 😋)

previous chapters: Prologue - Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4 - Chapter 5 - Chapter 6 - Chapter 7 - Chapter 8 - Chapter 9 - Chapter 10 - Chapter 11 - Chapter 12 - Chapter 13 - Chapter 14 - Chapter 15 - Chapter 16 - Chapter 17 - Chapter 18

✨MLWTBB masterlist✨

______________________________________________________________

The walk back to Hannah’s apartment wasn’t going to be quick, by any means. Even if there had been no threat of danger, it was still quite a distance between the watchtower and the apartment building. It was already quite late as well, and Hannah had definitely begun feeling the effects of physically exerting herself for most of the night. But as to be expected, Hunter took the lead and held Hannah by the hand, guiding her back through the dark streets of Ord Mantell with an air of caution and care.

Unsurprisingly, the trip was quiet for the most part. Even if they didn’t both enjoy the silence so much, Hannah’s fatigue made her even less talkative than normal. They didn’t go entirely without speaking to each other though. Hannah still had some questions she wanted answered.

“So, be honest,” Hannah began. “What was the first thing that attracted you to me? Physical or not, doesn’t matter, just the first thing that, like, made your heart flutter or whatever.”

“Oh man,” Hunter replied, scratching the back of his neck. “Uhh... probably your smile, I think.”

“Aww, really?”

“Yeah, you have a cute smile. And believe it or not, as sensitive as I am to sound, I really love hearin’ you laugh.”

Almost like she wanted to prove it, Hannah broke out into a fit of laughter. She covered her mouth to soften the loudness of it, but like usual, her laugh was almost too much to muffle.

“Dare I ask what part of me you were most attracted to first?” Hunter asked once Hannah’s laughter had died down.

“Oh gosh, I mean, I was pretty smitten with you right away. Even through the armor. Your body is... fantastic.” Hannah bit her lip and ran a hand along the back of Hunter’s shoulders, causing him to shiver a bit. “But also, like... you are stupidly handsome, dude. Tattoo or not.”

A flustered blush broke out on Hunter’s face and he cleared his throat. “You think so, huh?”

“Oh absolutely. I’m genuinely shocked you haven’t had girls flocking to you up until now.”

Hunter looked torn. Clearly, he wasn’t used to hearing such things. “Well, lucky you, I guess.”

There was no way he could fully hide anything from Hannah anymore, and her eyes squinted a bit as she studied Hunter’s face. “You don’t believe me, do you? Or should I say, you don’t agree with me?”  

“I mean... not really,” Hunter replied with a shrug.

Hannah scoffed. “And you get on my case all the time about disliking my own appearance?”

“Hey, isn’t it a good thing that we find each other attractive? Can’t that be enough?” Hunter’s tone was borderline irritated, and it both saddened and frustrated Hannah to hear.

A moment of silence went by before Hannah said anything else. “Have you always thought that way about yourself? Or was it because... others told you that?”

Hunter kept his face turned away from her as he spoke. “Bit of both, I guess... I try to not let other’s opinions of me affect me too much, but... I dunno, it’s a bit harder hearin’ it when you’re a kid...”

Immediately, Hannah wrapped her arms around Hunter’s waist and snuggled her face into his shoulder. “I’m sorry, babe...”

Hunter said nothing and just wrapped an arm around her, keeping her close as they continued to walk.

After another short period of silence, Hannah asked if she could ask another question. Hunter didn’t mind at all; he was still happy to answer her questions.

“Alright, so...” Hannah sighed and laughed a bit. “I’m probably the most curious about this above everything else. But it’s ok if you don’t have an answer for it.”

Now Hunter was genuinely curious to know what the question was.

“Do you... do you remember... or do you know in general...” Hannah sighed again. “Sorry, lemme start over. Do you know... hmm... no...” She cleared her throat. “What... what was the moment where you... where you knew... you know?”

Hunter had been holding back a snicker and finally let it out. “I don’t... Knew what?”

Redness began to show on Hannah’s cheeks, and she bit her lip in contemplation while looking down at the ground. “You know... when you fell in love with me?”

Hunter’s face immediately softened. “Oh... umm...” He went quiet for a moment to ponder the question. “I think I do, yeah. It was a while ago, actually.”

“Yeah?” Hannah’s face lit up. “Me too.”

“Oh yeah? How long?”

Hannah chuckled a bit out of embarrassment. “Since... Volruna...”

Hunter’s eyes went wide. “Really?”

“Yeah...”

“Oh... well... me too.”

Now Hannah’s eyes went wide. “Oh my gosh, seriously?”

“Thinkin’ about it... yeah. I’ve been in love with you since Volruna.”

If Hannah’s heart could’ve burst out of her chest, it would have. She clutched Hunter’s hand to her chest and looked at him adoringly. “I’ve loved you since Volruna too...”

For a moment, they just stared at each other lovingly, with Hannah keeping Hunter’s hand close to her chest. He could feel her heartbeat and it gave him a sense of calm he’d never experienced before.

“What was the moment?” Hannah eventually asked. “The moment where... you just knew.”

Hunter took in a breath through his nose and thought for a moment. “The Prism Palace... it was at the Prism Palace.”

Hannah blinked in surprise. “Really? Oh... was it when I gave you that little...” She leaned up and gave him a quick kiss on the side of his mouth, and he chuckled.

“No, but that was nice, thanks.” Hunter gave Hannah a little squeeze, which made her giggle. “Nah, it was... it was right before that actually.”

Now Hannah was even more curious and watched Hunter intently as he spoke.

“Everything that had happened up until then was... a lot. I wasn’t even sure exactly how I felt about you. I knew I liked you and I was definitely attracted to you. But... there was somethin’ else. Something I’d never felt before. And then when we got to the Prism Palace and you spilled your heart out to me –tellin’ me about your family and all that – I figured it out. I loved you. And you choosin’ to stay so that I could leave... kriff, it broke my heart. I knew after that, I was gonna do whatever it took to keep you safe. To not lose you again.”

Unsurprisingly, Hannah had been brought to tears by his words. She had already figured out the last part a while ago. But hearing him say it out loud, hearing the inflection of pure love in his tone... she could’ve melted. His hand was still clutched between both of hers, and she brought it up to her face to nuzzle into it, placing a few gentle kisses just above his knuckles.

“Well gee, mine’s nowhere near as emotional as that,” Hannah eventually joked with a chuckle.

“That’s fine,” Hunter reassured her. “Wait, hang on, lemme try and guess it. Just tell me: was it before or after mine?”

“Before,” Hannah answered, sounding almost ashamed.

The signature thoughtful pose of Hunter clutching the base of his chin reappeared as he pondered the answer. This time, Hannah finally admitted how cute she thought it was, which prompted Hunter to teasingly tell her to not distract him.  

After another moment of thought, Hunter grimaced a bit. “Don’t tell me it was the Loth Cat toy...”

Hannah threw her head back with a hardy laugh. “Why do you hate Grumpy Pants so much? But no, that wasn’t it. You’re close though...”

Hunter’s eyes squinted and he studied her face to try and ascertain the answer from her. “Wait... the sugar sticks?”

Hannah’s lips tightly pursed together. “It was during that moment, yes.”  

A puzzled look crossed Hunter’s face, and it made Hannah giggle.

“Let me just tell you,” Hannah said, letting out a small sigh. “So, it started before we even left together. I had... made this sort of bet with Omega – more like a promise, really. Cause I had gotten a glimpse of your softer side earlier, and I was so determined to see more of it. So, I told Omega that I wasn’t planning on even coming back until I’d gotten a laugh out of you. I knew it was gonna be near impossible, buuuuut I was up for the challenge.” She started laughing as she recalled the moment. “It was so stupid. Possibly the stupidest joke I’ve ever made in my entire life. But I said it, right after we’d gotten those sugar sticks, and well...” The memory made her break out into a fit of giggles. “You let out the most genuine laugh I’ve ever heard. At my stupid little joke. And I guess it touched me enough to realize that... that it wasn’t just a fleeting thing. I had strong feelings for you, and I could finally put a word to it. I was in love with you. And I haven’t questioned that for a single second.”

The touched expression on Hunter’s face spoke volumes. He felt the same way of course, never once questioning his own feelings for her. It made him even more regretful that he’d ever tried to stifle a relationship with Hannah. There was nothing that was going to separate them from that point forward though. Not if he could help it.

Hunter didn’t ponder these thoughts for long, as the context of Hannah’s confession was too silly to ignore. He couldn’t help himself and broke out into a fit of snickers. “I wish I could be more surprised by that, but I’m not. Your sense of humor is so weird; it’s adorable. Just like you.” He pulled Hannah in closer and gave her a big smooch on the side of her face, causing her to break out into giggles again.

“We’re both just a couple of weirdos, trying to make our way through the galaxy,” Hannah joked.

“That’s for sure. With emphasis on the couple now.”

“And don’t you forget it!” Hannah pulled Hunter’s face down to kiss him on the lips, making an audible smacking noise for emphasis.

The rest of the trip was spent recalling some of their favorite memories of each other. Since Hunter was so well-known for keeping an eye on things, it wasn’t surprising that he’d noticed so many things about Hannah. Brief little things that seemed so mundane to her were treasured moments to Hunter. And to his surprise, it was the same way with Hannah towards him. He wasn’t the only one who liked to take note of other people, and all things considered, the fact that she prioritized him so highly shouldn’t have been so surprising. Neither of them liked being in the spotlight for very long, but when it came to each other, the attention was a welcome act.

By the time they made it back to Hannah’s apartment, it was well into the night. The moon was high in the sky and already starting its descent down again. And yet, it still hadn’t felt long enough, and they both regretted having to end their time together. But it wasn’t really an end. If anything, their time together was just getting started.

Unsurprisingly though, Hannah wanted to use any excuse possible to not have to go the long stair-filled journey up to her apartment. “If I have to see one more step today, I’m going to explode,” she lamented.

Lucky for her, her newly acquired lover still had enough energy for both of them and practically dragged her all the way up the stairs. “See? That wasn’t so bad,” Hunter said once they’d made it to the apartment. “Easier than the watchtower, right?”

Hannah looked at him with half-lidded eyes. “Babe, you literally had to carry me up the last flight.”

“And?” Hunter teased as he carefully set Hannah down on her feet again. “Worked out great for me.” He got a playful bop on the arm and snickered.

“So how much you wanna bet they’re still up?” Hannah asked, keeping a hand hovered over the door panel.

“All of ‘em? Nah. Tech, maybe. You know how late he likes to stay up.”

“True... usually not this late though. If any of them are still up, it’s probably Echo. Call it a bestie feeling.”

Their predictions set in place, Hannah motioned for them to be quiet and then finally opened the door. As expected, the room was dark inside except for the small bit of light coming through the open door. The curtains hanging over the back door were slightly cracked, which allowed a sliver of light to cascade into the sitting area. Snoring could easily be heard and was immediately recognized as Wrecker and Tech, who were spotted sleeping on the couch together. Another figure was nearby, sitting up awake and reading a datapad on a pile of pillows made into a makeshift seat.

“Well,” came the instantly recognizable voice of Echo. “Look who finally decided to come back.”

“Told ya,” Hannah smugly said, playfully conking Hunter in the chest.

Echo sat his datapad down and walked over to them as they came further into the room. “So, how was it?” he teasingly asked.

Hannah and Hunter both looked at each other, then back at Echo again.

“Oh, it was terrible,” Hannah blatantly replied.

“The worst,” Hunter added, acting completely serious.

“Absolutely awful.”

“Hated every second of it.”

The unamused face Echo gave them broke Hannah enough to make her sputter and start snickering. “You know what,” Echo said, his tone as unamused as his expression. “It’s probably better that I not know what you two were doing. You can just keep that information to yourselves; I’m good.”

“Oh, come oooon, Echo,” Hannah said with a fake whine. “Don’t you wanna hear in detail about all the times we--”

“Nope!” Echo quickly retorted. “No thank you!”

Hannah began snickering again while covering her mouth to not be too loud. Wrecker stirred a bit in his sleep, which prompted everyone to keep their voices down.

“Well, I’m gonna get some much-needed sleep now,” Echo said in a quieter voice. “You two do whatever you’re gonna do. Just remember there’s other people in the room now.” He was playfully poked by Hannah before going back to his pillow seat, now with the intent of snuggling up into his signature blanket burrito.

“Guess that means it’s time for us to head to bed too,” Hunter said with a sigh.

“Yeah...” Hannah also sighed, but hers morphed into a yawn. “Wish we didn’t have to though.”

“I know...” Hunter grabbed both of Hannah’s hands and held them gently. “Just remember: this wasn’t our last night together. Not by a long shot.”

A soft smile spread on Hannah’s face. She already knew it in her heart, but hearing it out loud was still reassuring.

Per the norm, the two of them took some time to just stare into each other’s eyes and hold hands in silence. If they could’ve stayed that way forever, they would have. But Hannah felt herself physically unable to stay awake for much longer and was the one to eventually break the silence.

“Goodnight, handsome,” she softly said, giving Hunter’s hands a little squeeze.

Hunter ran his thumbs across the back of Hannah’s hands and held them just a bit tighter. “Goodnight... my love.”

The smile on Hannah’s face grew, and within seconds, her lips were on his, giving him a loving and tender kiss. They held the kiss much longer than necessary and were slow to part. Their clasped hands and gazes on each other remained as Hannah slowly walked backwards into her room. The last thing Hannah did was give Hunter an adoring smile before shutting the door for the night.

Hunter let out a wistful sigh once she was gone. He looked down at his own hands, still feeling the warmth of Hannah’s touch on them. They still had her scent as well, and he brought his hands up to his face to take a deep inhale in ecstasy. Even though he was tired, it was probably going to be a bit before he could fall asleep for the night.  

Regardless, he walked over to the sitting area and plopped down on the other makeshift seat of pillows across from Echo. Maybe it was the events of the night that had gotten him so pensive, but Hunter looked between each of his sleeping brothers fondly. He was so grateful for them, and especially grateful that Hannah had welcomed them all in as her own. She truly was everything he’d dreamed of having as a partner. Reaching into one of his pockets, Hunter pulled out the good-luck charm he’d been gifted, and he mindlessly began fiddling with it as he replayed the events of the night in his mind.

Meanwhile, Hannah was having a time of her own in her room. Right after she’d shut the door, she practically collapsed against the wall and let out a long, dreamy sigh. Her hands clasped tightly to her chest and her eyes shut as she reminisced on everything that had happened. She truly felt like the luckiest woman in the whole galaxy and had never been so happy in her entire life.  

Her eyes eventually opened again, and she was met with the sight of a small figure curled up asleep in her bed, surrounded by pillows and plushies. Hannah took a moment to fondly watch her sweet little sister, almost lamenting the fact that she couldn’t gush about the night to her right away.

After changing out of her clothes and into some comfy pajamas, Hannah slowly and carefully crawled into the bed, next to Omega. She tried her best to not wake the little girl, but to no avail as Omega began to stir once Hannah tried to lay down on her pillow. Omega’s eyes slowly blinked open to the sight of Hannah smiling down at her, and immediately she rubbed the sleep from her eyes and sat up.

“You’re back!” Omega exclaimed, prompting Hannah to shush her. In a quieter tone, she began bombarding Hannah with questions. “How was it? Did you have fun? What did you do? Where did you go?” She covered her mouth and let out a small gasp. “Did he kiss you?”

The smile on Hannah’s face spread into a wide, cheesy grin. “Uhh, what do you think, sis?”

Immediately, Omega broke out into a flurry of happy squeals and practically tackled her big sister, causing her to go into her own fit of happy laughter. It was all over after that, as Hannah began going into detail about the night while Omega sat and listened intently.

They had no idea they could be heard from the other room. Even though they weren’t being that loud, Hunter could still hear them through the walls, and a delighted smile never left his face until their voices finally died down, signaling that they’d gone to bed for the night.

The last thing Hunter saw before falling asleep that night was the bouquet of fake flowers Hannah kept on her kitchen counter. From the small amount of light feeding in through the back door, he could see another small object sitting next to the vase: a small cup with a single blue-green flower in it.  

A perfect sight to end a perfect night.

TO BE CONTINUED...

[mymiraclebox]

What songs do you think would fit the Alpha Duos? Personally, the only song I've come up with is Everybody Dies by Billie Eilish for Vitaa and Shii, due to it correlating so much with the Being Duo.

Of Monsters and Men - Little Talks - Cycle Duo

I'm not particularly sure why this song makes me think of Tikki and Plagg, but it always does. Maybe its the idea of them representing pure opposite concepts but them still being so close all the same? I also think about all the holders they must have had through the years, resulting in times where they were apart or even fighting each other, but also coming back together in the end. With the last verse I picture it being when their Miraculouses are destroyed and their time on Earth is over, and then the chorus being them reuniting in the spiritual realm to explore the universe once more.

---

Pink - Just Give Me A Reason - Balance Duo

I think this song perfectly describes the divide Graay and Prrysm will feel during the plot of my AU. The two feeling so far away from each yet still so connected and not wanting anything to happen to their bond. The two being pushed so far to the edge, but still caring so much about the other that they would do anything for each other. The fact that its a romance song fits really nicely as well, because I see Graay and Prrysm having a strong romantic bond. I also think the song "What About Us?" by Pink also works with them too.

---

Cyndi Lauper - Time After Time - Being Duo

Vitaa and Shii were probably the hardest to decide on a song for them. I think this song does well as both representing their support of each other and the idea of Life and Death, as well as alluding to the fact that they and Uunice are currently isolated from all other kwamis.

---

Owl City - Fireflies - Matter Duo

I mean... Fireflies for the duo with the Firefly kwami was too perfect to pass up. xD But I do honestly think it fits them. Particularly imagining the song from Koree's point of view. It shows her silent respect for Stellar, and I think the imagery described fits Stellar as well. And overall the calm and almost melancholy feel of the song matches both of their personalities quite well.

[libertyloulogan]

LIBERTY LOU LOGAN.

aol: ladyliberty.

NICKNAMES: libby, bert, bertie, libby lou, libs AGE: 19 GENDER: female PRONOUNS: she/her JOB: CASHIER @ BLOSSOM RECORDS

PERSONALITY:

+TRAITS: clever, loyal, curious, captivating

-TRAITS: jealous, immature, dramatic, short-tempered, picky, panicky, cynical, a little abrasive, chronically upset

MOOD: Libby is honestly usually in a pretty touchy mood. She can usually be found sighing the woes of her discontent, and it’s pretty hard not to catch her rolling her eyes if she’s not particularly enjoying the conversation. Libby is so done, it hurts.

FEARS: glenda logan, being left behind, never knowing what love feels like, songs from music boxes and toy pianos, being replaced, being honest, touching dirty dishes that have been sitting in the sink, losing her temper

HOBBIES:  surfing, stealing from her friends, eavesdropping, creating new personalities, finding something to complain about, jumping to conclusions

HABITS: lying, arguing, crossing her arms over her chest, pouting, playing with her ponytail, reclusivity, overthinking, pushing people away so they can’t hurt her

ZODIAC SIGN: Libby Logan is fully a cancer. She’s hyper-emotional, temperamental, and a little spiteful. She likes to hide from people who care, and from her own feelings… but despite that she’s devoted, and extremely protective of the people  that she does let in - sometimes to an unhealthy degree! But what can Libby say? Once she decides to love someone she’d do anything for them - it doesn’t matter the price.

MBTI: ISTP

RELIGION: The Logan girls were all raised in a compulsory Catholic household - but it was always more for show than a sign of faith. Libby has never believed in god, but worship music is basically all that she grew up listening to, and she can quote bible verses in her sleep - not that she would. Ew. But still. Escaped and Recovering Catholic is probably a good way to describe it. LIVING ARRANGEMENTS: Libby felt trapped in the Logan house all her life until Glenda Logan finally kicked her to the curb. She now lives in Mackenzie Walsh's childhood bedroom Leo Walsh’s guest room… and though she’s bitter as can be, her soft spot is definitely still there when it comes to being at her new home. She's never really had a parent who cared about her - or a father who paid attention to her, like at all - but Leo Walsh is showing her what family looks like, one step at a time. Or, at least, he’s definitely letting her follow him around like a lost puppy for now. 

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

CLOTHING STYLE: Libby had always been dressed by Glenda Logan. She and Sabrina were always more like dolls than daughters, and thus, tennis skirts - knee length, obviously! - sweater sets, and white sundresses were a norm for Libby… but summer was kind of always the exception. Maddie Wilson had a huge impact on Libby Lou, and over the summers when Glenda would hardly see her - Wilco Wilson’s house was her safe haven - she could basically only be found in shorts and t-shirts, and overalls: anything that Maddie would toss her way.

She built up quite the wardrobe ( of Maddie’s clothes ) over the years that only saw the light of day during the summer, but once Glenda kicked her out - with only a backpack full of the found shorts, overalls, and etc - they basically became Libby’s every day fits… along with choice selections of Mackenzie Walsh’s T-Shirts from Middle School. Nobody tell him, though - she usually hides those under sweatshirts when she can.

USUAL EXPRESSION: Libby, no joke, is usually frowning unless given a reason not to. She hasn’t really always had resting bitch face, but a bitter bitch isn’t complete with a bitter little frown on her face… and she’s been through some shit, you know?

HEALTH

TW: eating habits, addictions

SLEEPING HABITS: Libby’s had a lot of weird dreams since she got kicked out of the Logan house... Like, weird enough that she doesn’t exactly get rest. She spends most of the night watching TV on the couch instead - something she never got to do back at the Logan house - and is usually found asleep in the early mornings to the tune of QVC shows. She’ll usually move herself back to her room before sunrise… if she manages to get up in time. But her hours on the couch is the only consistent rest she really gets.

EATING HABITS: Libby be snackin’. She never really got to eat freely at home - Glenda Logan loved pre-portioned meals - and her siblings would sneak as much as they could to the youngest Logan.  Now that she lives at Leo’s house, though… she’s truly discovered the joy of processed foods. 

EXERCISE HABITS: Libby’s default is being in a constant state of motion. She’s got serious ADD, and has been on a constant prescription of Ritalin since she was, like, 12 years old… During the summers, she was on a skateboard nearly constantly - a skateboard that became her right hand man over the last year - and she’s always one of the first out on the beach when she hears the surf is going to be good.

Libby doesn’t really exercise to exercise - she does it because sitting still for too long makes her feel like she’s going to run wild.

EMOTIONAL STABILITY: It’s not good! Libby Lou grew up feeling unwanted; she was an afterthought unless Glenda saw something wrong… and then Libby was the focus of her whole world as the woman picked her apart from the seams. She got locked in her bedroom on more than one occasion. She got screamed at for even the slightest of infractions - laughing too loud, pulling her skirt up a little too high on her waist. She was dressed like a doll - unallowed to choose her own clothes, or hairstyles, or make up.

She found reprieve in her twin - they at least could fight against the chaos together… when Libby was strong enough to fight, at least. But after losing Luca? Libby gave up the fight altogether, and gave into her mother’s every whim. Why shouldn’t she try to be everything her mother ever wanted? Glenda always called her a Classic Beauty unless she was telling her that nobody could ever love someone like her. She always told her that she envied the likes of Ingrid Bergman and Audrey Hepburn - then in the same breath would lash out on her daughter like a jealous child. It all boiled up in Libby’s psyche. It all turned into a girl who didn’t know who she was; who didn’t know how to be herself if she tried. Libby knew she had the looks to get what she wanted - but she never felt beautiful. Libby knew men would fall for her - but Glenda’s voice always crept into her head to remind her of just how undeserving she was of love before she let herself get too far, or feel too much.

Growing up,  Libby always took cues from Classic Stars - or at least what she thought they might be like… It’s not like Glenda let them watch very many movies or TV shows. But, she’d flash coy smiles when someone held the door open for her; she used to bat her eyelashes when she asked for favors. Touch someone’s elbow, and whisper in their ears when she needed a ride home. Everyone knew that she wasn’t interested in anything more than some light flirting - she wasn’t a bombshell or anything. She was the girl next door. Stuff like that always took so much out of her: made her feel like an imposter in her own body… But it’s the only way she knew how to be liked. Acting like someone she didn’t know was the only way she knew how to keep her head above water… It also left a lot of pent up rage that Libby didn’t exactly know what to do with. 

Now that Libby has been kicked out of her house, she doesn’t feel like pretending anymore. She doesn’t feel like being the Classic Beauty - and she doesn’t feel like being the girl next door anymore. Libby wants to push the whole world away… She wants to know who the hell she is inside, but she doesn’t know how to do it around a town who has always known her as something she isn’t.  Who should she be now? The QVC addict? The Bitter Brat Who Lives In Leo Walsh’s House? Libby isn’t sure, and she doesn’t know how to go about figuring out. She’s just living on the hinge of breaking down until she does. 

SOCIABILITY: Libby used to be the girl who planned birthday parties and social  gatherings - everyone knew her, because she was always skipping through Harvey’s house refilling drinks with a smile on her face. High School was Classic Libby Prime Time. She was nice, and sweet, and bubbly ( fake, fake, fake, of course! )  - but it’s been a while since Libby actually smiled… or willingly went to a party. Nowadays, it’s usually Harvey Hargrove himself who is dragging her to social events, and having to convince her to leave the confines of Leo Walsh’s home - and she usually finds a place to hide from the general public. Her friends never really knew her anyway, right? The person that they all knew in High School was someone Libby didn’t know anymore - the girl they had known for the last year was spiraling, and breaking down. Useless.

What is there to miss?

ADDICTIONS: Libby loves her Ritalin, but it’s sort of an open secret that she can’t function without it. She’s been taking it since she was 12! She has a prescription! And nobody sees her pop and extra one in the bathroom halfway through the day anyway, so it’s no  big deal. She wouldn’t, like, kill anyone to keep the secret – the Candy Girl probably doesn’t even think it’s important enough to hold over her head - but she’s definitely embarrassed whenever the subject comes up.

FAVORITES

WEATHER: Libby loves the summer. It was always when Maddie came to town, and when Harvey was relaxed enough to spend the day on the boardwalk with her when she begged hard enough. There were always Mystic Cherry shows to linger at - god, would she miss the magic of hearing Mackenzie Walsh’s songs written just for her - and bonfires on the beach. It was always the season of changing up her style with Maddie’s wardrobe - a reprieve from the beiges and browns that Glenda always wrapped her in - and best of all? The sand was warm. Summer is everything to Libby, and it always has been... she’s someone different when the sun comes out overhead. This summer seems to be the exception though. Unfortunately.

COLOR: Cue back to the years of beiges and browns, and you have a girl who doesn’t really know what her favorite color is. Libby thinks she might love yellow, or pink - but sometimes she thinks she loves the way that green makes her skin look, and decides that’s her favorite. Sometimes she spends hours in the dead of night looking at the blue hue of Mackenzie Walsh’s walls, and it reminds her of the sky, and she decides ‘that’s it, that’s my favorite color now,’ but then some pretty shade of red rolls along, and she changes her mind again. Long story short… Libby sort of likes it all? When someone finally lets her loose in a mall she's going to come out looking like a carpet in a roller rink.

MUSIC: Libby grew up listening to worship music - you know, with the occasional reprieve of new wave and hip-hop at Harvey’s house, and pop music galore at Maddie’s. Now she basically listens to late 60′s rock all day with Leo Walsh…? But Libby isn’t sure that she’d call any of those her favorite. Spending time at Blossom Records has, at least, given her the option to start listening to new things: so far? Pat Benetar, Blondie, and Heart are basically always on repeat at Blossom when Libby is behind the counter - and she’ll deny turning it on! But it’s totally growing on her.

MOVIES: Libby only really got to watch movies made before 1963 when she lived with her parents. Maddie and her always spent more time outside and dancing in the living room to worry about watching things on repeat - and Harvey basically hated movies! Living with Leo Walsh, though, has led to Libby being exposed to a multitude of new films, and the one thing they’ve discovered? She hates most of them! Unless she’s totally alone... In which case, she’s watched Star Wars, like, ten times? That’s mainly to understand what Mac likes so much about it though. 

FAMILY

LOU LOGAN, FATHER,  47, FINANCIAL ADVISOR TO H.AH. GROUP: Libby and Lou have never really had much of a relationship with each other, despite her being named after him. Glenda always kept a wall up between them - forced the unattachment that she felt with her own husband on her daughter too. She could count the times he’s stood up for her on one hand - she isn’t sure that he’s ever going to speak to her again now that she’s been kicked out - but she also isn’t sure it’s going to hurt him as bad as it might hurt if it were Sabrina. Does she love her father? She isn’t sure. Does he love her? Yes. Libby would probably answer, ‘Maybe,’ if someone asked her opinion on the matter though.

GLENDA LOGAN, MOTHER, 46, LIBRARIAN: Glenda Logan always felt more like playing god than being a mother. She liked her pretty little doll children, and she liked them seen, and not heard… Libby tried to be what Glenda wanted, but maybe that was always why she was her mother’s least favorite. Maybe Glenda liked the fight in Sabrina. Glenda hated everything Savannah wanted to be, but at least she paid attention to her. Libby grew up pretending, and being broken down by her mother, and now that Glenda has tossed her out of her grip… Libby almost feels lost, in a way. She doesn’t really know how to dress herself. She doesn’t really know what she likes. She doesn’t know how to cook, or do her own hair, and Libby knows it’s all Glenda’s doing. Since Glenda kicked her out, their few interactions have been contentious. Glenda drives past the Walsh house to honk in the middle of the night, and Libby has been breaking into the Logan house in the dead of night to steal back her belongings. Glenda has begun to notice - their first screaming match over the theft happened in town square - and it’s only getting worse. Who knows where it’ll all end?

SABRINA LOGAN, SISTER: Glenda always neglected Libby, but Sabrina was always there to fill in the holes in her sister’s hearts as best as she could. When Libby came home with bruises and scrapes, Sabrina was always the one ready with bandaids while Glenda screamed. When Libby had nightmares, or panic attacks - or was sent home without dinner - she could always count on Sabrina to pull her into her bedroom and take care of her, whether that was holding her through the night, or feeding her snacks that were stolen from the kitchen. Libby depended on Sabrina her entire life like a child would depend on a mother, and Sabrina let her… But now that they’re both grown and have gone through the worst? Now that they’re working through the trauma that Glenda sewed into their Doll Children seams? Things are… fractured. Libby is scared of putting her sister through even more disappointment, even if that in itself is disappointing. She doesn’t know how to take care of her sister the way that Sabrina has always taken care of her, and it makes her feel awful, so. For now, Libby has gone down the road of ‘avoid, avoid, avoid!’

LEO WALSH, FATHER-FIGURE, 46: Leo and Libby never interacted that much before Libby and Mackenzie’s Summer of ‘98 - they didn’t interact  very much during past the days Libby would hang out in Blossom waiting on Mac, or short little ‘heys!’ in the Mystic Cherry crowds - but when he found her on the curb the night that her mother threw her out? Too distraught to even breathe? He knew he couldn’t leave the kid on the street. She’s been living at his house since February, and though things are still insanely awkward between Mac and Libby - Leo and Libby have settled into a some semblance of a routine. Libby still feels out of place when she eats dinner with him on the couch - sometimes she still feels like she has to ask him to use the washing machine, or if she can turn her music up a little loud ( Leo has obviously never said no to either request ) - but there’s this feeling in her chest that she wouldn’t rather be anywhere else. Leo Walsh put a roof over her head, and clothes on her back: he asks her how her day is going, and wants to help her plan for her future. He hugs her when the pink rim around her eyes gives away the silent tears that she had been shedding in her bedroom. It’s everything that Libby ever wanted in a parent - someone who actually cares and pays attention to her. She’s afraid it might mean never making up with Mac or Sabrina... But for right now? Libby isn’t sure she can give it up for anything.

PET(S): Libby has literally never had a pet seeing as Glenda Logan was vehemently against affection. But she thinks she would probably be a cat person. A dog would show her way too much affection, and she’d basically lose her mind if anything happened to it. Better to stick to things with claws and teeth.

[lunargrapejuice]

Yep I am doing well! I finally got some time to rest that’s why I’m here!

I was about to wish for Yae Miko but I didn’t get her, I got Keqing instead so at least I am guaranteed for the next characters. And no I am not wishing for Scaramouche. I decided to actually save up for Alhaitham, and that brings me to a question if you can answer it… I am actually FINALLY planning for my permanent team and I just don’t know if these characters would work together so I was wondering, is a team of Diluc, Alhaitham, Yae Miko and Zhongli/Yelan/Kazuha (I cant choose between the three) great? These are the characters that are on my mind right now.. what do you think? (Diluc is my DPS)

-🍇

good! i'm glad you're resting and doing well🥰💖

i'm also saving for al haitham! i need dendro daddy on my team heh though i'm not sure who i'll put with him yet either besides my main geo daddy<3 scara looks great but i have my anemo charcters that i'm already super attached to and have really built so idk that i'd use him much

that team sounds awesome! i don't really use dendro characters yet and haven't gotten much done in sumeru to need them so i'm not well versed on their reactions with other elements (seriously why are the only dendro rn bow useres omg) but that team does sound awesome especially for heavy reactions between all the elements you'll have!

for yelan i think she'd been a good fit for heavy reactions since she'll do really well with electro and dendro (the little bit i do know about dendro) and even pyro (i always forget about vaporize haha) but other than elementally i'm not sure since i don't have her and haven't played as her aside from the test run

i personally really love having kazuha on my team, he makes it easy to crowd control and setting up others for their elemental burst attacks since you can get all the enemies in one place and then do your thing. plus his autumn whirlwind can deal extra dmg with pyro/electro which i loveee. he also does super awesome damage(in my experience) so he can be a really great support dps to your diluc!

i'm very biased when saying putting zhongli on your team is the best hehe. his shield is op as fuck and depending on how you build him he can do good damage (i like my set up for dmg and support, i can share it with you if you'd like!), though in my expierence he does best dps wise with another geo character in the party but either way i love the support he provides and he's so pretty to look at

overall tho i think your team would be really solid & do an awesome job together no matter who you go with for the fourth!🥰💖

[libbylogan]

ELIZABETH LOU LOGAN. 

       aol: libbyloud.

NICKNAMES: libby, libby lou, libs AGE: 21 DOB: july 3rd, 1979 GENDER: female PRONOUNS: she/her JOB: Lifeguard @ Orchard Shore Beach, and Sometimes-Cashier @ Blossom Records 

PERSONALITY:

+TRAITS: clever, loyal, curious, captivating

-TRAITS: jealous, immature, dramatic, short-tempered, picky, panicky, cynical, a little abrasive, chronically upset

MOOD: Libby is honestly usually in a pretty touchy mood. She can usually be found sighing the woes of her discontent, and it’s pretty hard not to catch her rolling her eyes if she’s not particularly enjoying the conversation. Libby is so done, it hurts.

FEARS: glenda logan, being left behind, never knowing what love feels like, songs from music boxes and toy pianos, being replaced, going down for Lux’s murder, being hated by her sisters, being honest, touching dirty dishes that have been sitting in the sink, losing her temper 

HOBBIES: skateboarding, surfing, stealing from her friends, eavesdropping, creating new personalities, finding something to complain about, jumping to conclusions

HABITS: lying, arguing, crossing her arms over her chest, pouting, playing with her ponytail, reclusivity, overthinking, pushing people away so they can’t hurt her 

ZODIAC SIGN: Libby Logan is fully a cancer. She’s hyper-emotion, temperamental, and a little spiteful. She likes to hide from people who care, and from her own feelings… but despite that she’s devoted, and extremely protective of the people  that she does let in - sometimes to an unhealthy degree! But what can Libby say? Once she decides to love someone she’d do anything for them - it doesn’t matter the price. 

MBTI: ISTP

ORIENTATION: Libby is repressed. Like - repressed, repressed. Does she like women? Yeah. Does she know that? No. But it really makes all of the various female enemies make sense, doesn’t it? RELIGION: The Logan girls were all raised in a compulsory Catholic household - but it was always more for show than a sign of faith. Libby has never believed in god, but worship music is basically all that she grew up listening to, and she can quote bible verses in her sleep - not that she would. Ew. But still. Escaped and Recovering Catholic is probably a good way to describe it. LIVING ARRANGEMENTS: Libby felt trapped in the Logan house all her life until Glenda Logan finally kicked her to the curb. She now lives in Mackenzie Walsh's childhood bedroom Leo Walsh’s guest room… and though she’s bitter as can be, her soft spot is definitely still there when it comes to being at her new home. She's never really had a parent who cared about her - or a father who paid attention to her, like at all - but Leo Walsh is showing her what family looks like, one step at a time. She doesn’t know it yet? But he’s basically going to save her life. 

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

CLOTHING STYLE: Libby had always been dressed by Glenda Logan. She and Sabrina were always more like dolls than daughters, and thus, tennis skirts - knee length, obviously! - sweater sets, and white sundresses were a norm for Libby… but summer was kind of always the exception. Maddie Wilson had a huge impact on Libby Lou, and over the summers when Glenda would hardly see her - Wilco Wilson’s house was her safe haven - she could basically only be found in shorts and t-shirts, and overalls: anything that Maddie would toss her way. 

She built up quite the wardrobe ( of Maddie’s clothes ) over the years that only saw the light of day during the summer, but once Glenda kicked her out - with only a backpack full of the found shorts, overalls, and etc - they basically became Libby’s every day fits… along with choice selections of Mackenzie Walsh’s T-Shirts from Middle School. Nobody tell him, though - she usually hides those under sweatshirts when she can. 

USUAL EXPRESSION: Libby, no joke, is usually frowning unless given a reason not to. She hasn’t really always had resting bitch face, but a bitter bitch isn’t complete with a bitter little frown on her face… and she’s been through some shit, you know? 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Glenda and Sabrina always did Libby’s hair, and make-up - and since neither of them even want to look at her anymore - or just for right now in Sabrina’s case - her hair is very much always in a messy bun or a ponytail. It’s not polished, and she hates it… but she’s not exactly going to ask Leo Walsh to help her, and she doesn’t really know who else to turn to in her time of need. 

Libby is also Mad Anxious… it used to manifest itself in an unending sort of sadness, but after a year of being scared and angry? Libby is sort of just acting like a total brat lately. The exception to the rule only seems to be with Leo Walsh - being short with him just seems wrong to her. 

Above all, the most distinguishing characteristic for Libby Logan is that she’s never really had a clear sense of self, and it’s starting to spill out over every aspect of her life. If you look back over the years, she’s been so many people; she’s gone through so many different stages, just trying to hang on. Libby doesn’t really know who she is, and nobody else really does either. 

HEALTH

TW: eating habits, addictions

SLEEPING HABITS: Just like the rest of the Gang, Libby hasn’t exactly been getting very many nights of good sleep lately. It was bad enough trying to sleep in Mackenzie Walsh’s bedroom after totally breaking both of their hearts  - but once she got past that? She realized that the nightmares of being threatened, and watching Sabrina getting stabbed, and… every other fucked up thing she had been through in the last year, were way too frequent to count on anything consistent. 

She spends most of the night watching TV on the couch instead - something she never got to do back at the Logan house - and is usually found asleep in the early mornings to the tune of QVC shows. She’ll usually move herself back to her room before sunrise… if she manages to get up in time. But her hours on the couch is the only consistent rest she really gets. 

EATING HABITS: Libby be snackin’. She never really got to eat freely at home - Glenda Logan loved pre-portioned meals - but now that she lives at Leo’s house… she’s truly discovered the joy of Doritos, Dunkaroos, and Oreos. Favorite drinks? Strawberry Milkshakes, Strawberry Milk, Shirley Temples, and Vodka, vodka, vodka. 

EXERCISE HABITS: Libby’s default is being in a constant state of motion. She’s got serious ADD ( it’s the 90’s so we’re rolling with it ), and has been on a constant prescription of Adderall since she was, like, 12 years old… During the summers, she was on a skateboard nearly constantly - a skateboard that became her right hand man over the last year - and she’s always one of the first out on the beach when she hears the surf is going to be good. 

Libby doesn’t really exercise to exercise - she does it because sitting still for too long makes her feel like she’s going to run wild. 

EMOTIONAL STABILITY: It’s not good! Libby Lou grew up feeling unwanted; she was an afterthought unless Glenda saw something wrong… and then Libby was the focus of her whole world as the woman picked her apart from the seams. She got locked in her bedroom on more than one occasion. She got screamed at for even the slightest of infractions - laughing too loud, pulling her skirt up a little too high on her waist. She was dressed like a doll - unallowed to choose her own clothes, or hairstyles, or make up. 

She found reprieve in her twin - they at least could fight against the chaos together… when Libby was strong enough to fight, at least. But after losing Savannah? Libby gave up the fight altogether, and gave into her mother’s every whim. Why shouldn’t she try to be everything her mother ever wanted? Glenda always called her a Classic Beauty unless she was telling her that nobody could ever love someone like her. She always told her that she envied the likes of Ingrid Bergman and Audrey Hepburn - then in the same breath would lash out on her daughter like a jealous child. It all boiled up in Libby’s psyche. It all turned into a girl who didn’t know who she was; who didn’t know how to be herself if she tried. Libby knew she had the looks to get what she wanted - but she never felt beautiful. Libby knew men would fall for her - but Glenda’s voice always crept into her head to remind her of just how undeserving she was of love before she let herself get too far, or feel too much. 

Growing up,  Libby always took cues from Classic Stars - or at least what she thought they might be like… It’s not like Glenda let them watch very many movies or TV shows. But, she’d flash coy smiles when someone held the door open for her; she used to bat her eyelashes when she asked for favors. Touch someone’s elbow, and whisper in their ears when she needed a ride home. Everyone knew that she wasn’t interested in anything more than some light flirting - she wasn’t a bombshell or anything. She was the girl next door. Stuff like that always took so much out of her: made her feel like an imposter in her own body… But it’s the only way she knew how to be liked. Acting like someone she didn’t know was the only way she knew how to keep her head above water… It obviously, also, left a lot of pent up rage that Libby didn’t exactly know what to do with. Lux Lewis was the first person that Libby actually let loose on, and she ended up breaking her own hand on the other girl’s face - go figure that it all happened because Lux was calling Libby out on her own imposter syndrome. 

Breaking Lux’s face was the start of it all, and Candy’s first reign only led to a total spiral.  It all left Libby looking like a total nutjob as she struggled to hold onto her Classic personality while going through the trauma of a lifetime. The cracks started to show as she traded her usual Glenda-Chosen uniform for sweatshirts and messy ponytails. She started to become sad instead of sweet: reclusive instead of the helpful party planner that she usually was. 

Now that Libby has been kicked out of her house, she doesn’t feel like pretending anymore. She doesn’t feel like being the Classic Beauty - and she doesn’t feel like being the girl next door anymore. Libby wants to push the whole world away… She wants to know who the hell she is inside, but she doesn’t know how to do it around a town who knew her as the sweet girl, then the failure, then the total nutcase, and now… the recluse? The QVC addict? The Bitter Brat Who Lives In Leo Walsh’s House? Whatever. She has time to figure it out. Long story short: Libby’s done spiraling, and she’s done with her addiction to her imposter syndrome - she thinks - but she’s leveled out on a plateau of being mad at the world, and mad at herself for feeling so much now that she can’t seem to push it all down anymore. 

SOCIABILITY: Libby used to be the girl who planned birthday parties and social  gatherings - everyone knew her, because she was always skipping through Harvey’s house refilling drinks with a smile on her face. High School was Classic Libby Prime Time. She was nice, and sweet, and bubbly ( fake, fake, fake, of course! )  - but it’s been a while since Libby actually smiled… or willingly went to a party. Nowadays, it’s usually Harvey Hargrove himself who is dragging her to social events, and having to convince her to leave the confines of Leo Walsh’s home - and she usually finds a place to hide from the general public. Her friends never really knew her anyway, right? The person that they all knew in High School was someone Libby didn’t know anymore - the girl they had known for the last year was spiraling, and breaking down. Useless. 

What is there to miss? 

ADDICTIONS: Libby loves her Adderall, but it’s sort of an open secret that she can’t function without it. She’s been taking it since she was 12! She has a prescription! And nobody sees her pop and extra one in the bathroom halfway through the day anyway, so it’s no  big deal. She wouldn’t, like, kill anyone to keep the secret – the Candy Girl probably doesn’t even think it’s important enough to hold over her head - but she’s definitely embarrassed whenever the subject comes up. 

FAVORITES

WEATHER: Libby loves the summer. It was always when Maddie came to town, and when Harvey was relaxed enough to spend the day on the boardwalk with her when she begged hard enough. There were always Mystic Cherry shows to linger at - god, would she miss the magic of hearing Mackenzie Walsh’s songs written just for her - and bonfires on the beach. It was always the season of changing up her style with Maddie’s wardrobe - a reprieve from the beiges and browns that Glenda always wrapped her in - and best of all? The sand was warm. Summer is everything to Libby, and it always has been... she’s someone different when the sun comes out overhead. This summer seems to be the exception though. Unfortunately. 

COLOR: Cue back to the years of beiges and browns, and you have a girl who doesn’t really know what her favorite color is. Libby thinks she might love yellow, or pink - but sometimes she thinks she loves the way that green makes her skin look, and decides that’s her favorite. Sometimes she spends hours in the dead of night looking at the blue hue of Mackenzie Walsh’s walls, and it reminds her of the sky, and she decides ‘that’s it, that’s my favorite color now,’ but then some pretty shade of red rolls along, and she changes her mind again. Long story short… Libby sort of likes it all? When someone finally lets her loose in a mall she's going to come out looking like a carpet in a roller rink.

MUSIC: Libby grew up listening to worship music - you know, with the occasional reprieve of rap and hip-hop at Harvey’s house, and pop music galore at Maddie’s. Now she basically listens to 70’s rock all day with Leo Walsh…? But Libby isn’t sure that she’d call any of those her favorite. Spending time at Blossom Records has, at least, given her the option to start listening to new things: so far? 80’s Pop Ballads are her favorite. Pat Benetar is basically always on repeat at Blossom when Libby is behind the counter - and she’ll deny turning it on! But it’s totally growing on her.

MOVIES: Libby only really got to watch movies made before 1963 when she lived with her parents. Maddie and her always spent more time outside and dancing in the living room to worry about watching things on repeat - and Harvey basically hated movies! Living with Leo Walsh, though, has led to Libby being exposed to a multitude of new films, and the one thing they’ve discovered? She hates most of them! Dirty Dancing, though…? Heathers? Pretty in Pink? They’re not Mac and Leo’s favorite thing to watch when they could be watching, like, Ninja Turtles or Blade Runner, but Libby seems to like them despite the fact that she’s basically, like, always looking at the screen like it personally wronged her.

SPORT: Libby picked up a skateboard for the first time in elementary school. Sabrina and Savannah were both at home sick - Libby had tried to fake a cough too, but she had never been a very good liar. As expected, Glenda was late picking her up from school that day. Usually, Libby would have stayed put on the grass near the pick up line, waiting until Glenda bothered to remember her, but she decided to explore for once. She wandered her way toward the black top where the older kids were always skateboarding; watched for a while on the black top, admiring from afar with her knees pressed against her chest.  Some fifth grader in a helmet took pity on Lonely Little Libby Logan and offered her his knee and elbow pads, ‘do you want to try?’ She did. It felt like flying. Glenda was vehemently against Libby skateboarding, but the one good thing Lou Logan ever did for her - not that he ever did anything bad. He usually just… existed - was purchase her first skateboard. ‘At least it’s something to do after school,’ He said in front of Little Libby! ‘At least it’ll get her out of your hair,’ She heard when she pressed her ear against the door that night. 

Whatever. It was everything to Libby. She didn’t care if she was in a skirt, or not - she didn’t care about the bruises and scrapes, even if it always led to Glenda throwing a fit and threatening to snap her board in half. She just started keeping it at Harvey’s place instead, and getting used to the idea of being locked in her bedroom for a while. As long as she got to keep flying across the blacktop, she would be alright. 

Libby, now, spends most of her time at the skatepark, actually - like a safe haven when she wants to get out of Leo and Mac’s hair. She doesn’t talk to many people - her ‘skate friends’ don’t really make her talk - they just tap their boards for her, and praise her when it’s necessary. It’s peaceful. It’s what Libby needs. She loves it. 

FAMILY

LOU LOGAN, FATHER,  47, FINANCIAL ADVISOR TO HARVARD HARGROVE II: Libby and Lou have never really had much of a relationship with each other, despite her being named after him. Glenda always kept a wall up between them - forced the unattachment that she felt with her own husband on her daughter too. She could count the times he’s stood up for her on one hand - she isn’t sure that he’s ever going to speak to her again now that she’s been kicked out - but she also isn’t sure it’s going to hurt him as bad as it might hurt if it were Sabrina. Does she love her father? She isn’t sure. Does he love her? Yes. Libby would probably answer, ‘Maybe,’ if someone asked her opinion on the matter though.

GLENDA LOGAN, MOTHER, 46, LIBRARIAN: Glenda Logan always felt more like playing god than being a mother. She liked her pretty little doll children, and she liked them seen, and not heard… Libby tried to be what Glenda wanted, but maybe that was always why she was her mother’s least favorite. Maybe Glenda liked the fight in Sabrina. Glenda hated everything Savannah wanted to be, but at least she paid attention to her. Libby grew up pretending, and being broken down by her mother, and now that Glenda has tossed her out of her grip… Libby almost feels lost, in a way. She doesn’t really know how to dress herself. She doesn’t really know what she likes. She doesn’t know how to cook, or do her own hair, and Libby knows it’s all Glenda’s doing. Since Glenda kicked her out, their few interactions have been contentious. Glenda drives past the Walsh house to honk in the middle of the night, and Libby has been breaking into the Logan house in the dead of night to steal back her belongings. Glenda has begun to notice - their first screaming match over the theft happened in town square - and it’s only getting worse. Who knows where it’ll all end?

SABRINA LOGAN, SISTER, 23: Glenda always neglected Libby, but Sabrina was always there to fill in the holes in her sister’s hearts as best as she could. When Libby came home with bruises and scrapes, Sabrina was always the one ready with bandaids while Glenda screamed. When Libby had nightmares, or panic attacks - or was sent home without dinner - she could always count on Sabrina to pull her into her bedroom and take care of her, whether that was holding her through the night, or feeding her snacks that were stolen from the kitchen. Libby depended on Sabrina her entire life like a child would depend on a mother, and Sabrina let her… But now that they’re both grown and have gone through the worst? Now that they’re working through the trauma that Glenda sewed into their Doll Children seams? Things are… fractured. Libby is scared of putting her sister through even more disappointment, even if that in itself is disappointing. She doesn’t know how to take care of her sister the way that Sabrina has always taken care of her, and it makes her feel awful, so. For now, Libby has gone down the road of ‘avoid, avoid, avoid!’ 

SAVANNAH LOGAN, TWIN, 21: Speaking of, ‘avoid, avoid, avoid!’ that’s kind of how LIbby had been treating all feelings of her twin since Savannah escaped Cherry. It was Glenda who erased all traces of Savannah from her life - punished her for feeling incomplete, and locked her away when she dared to utter her twin’s name - but it was Libby who gave into the urge to forget… or at least to try to. It’s not like it ever worked. Libby always felt like part of her was missing: she always felt lonely, no matter who was at her side. Now that Savannah is back, Libby thinks she should be feeling something like relief, but instead she’s afraid of falling apart. It’s been so long since she’s had Savannah by her side, but the dependence that’s already dancing in her chest is threatening to smash her heart open again - and Libby doesn’t know if she can handle letting Sav back in just to see her walk away again.

LEO WALSH, FATHER-FIGURE, 46: Leo and Libby never interacted that much before Libby and Mackenzie’s Summer of ‘98 - they didn’t interact  very much during past the days Libby would hang out in Blossom waiting on Mac, or short little ‘heys!’ in the Mystic Cherry crowds - but when he found her on the curb the night that her mother threw her out? Too distraught to even breathe? He knew he couldn’t leave the kid on the street. She’s been living at his house since February, and though things are still insanely awkward between Mac and Libby - Leo and Libby have settled into a some semblance of a routine. Libby still feels out of place when she eats dinner with him on the couch - sometimes she still feels like she has to ask him to use the washing machine, or if she can turn her music up a little loud ( Leo has obviously never said no to either request ) - but there’s this feeling in her chest that she wouldn’t rather be anywhere else. Leo Walsh put a roof over her head, and clothes on her back: he asks her how her day is going, and wants to help her plan for her future. He hugs her when the pink rim around her eyes gives away the silent tears that she had been shedding in her bedroom. It’s everything that Libby ever wanted in a parent - someone who actually cares and pays attention to her. She’s afraid it might mean never making up with Mac or Sabrina... But for right now? Libby isn’t sure she can give it up for anything. 

PET(S): Libby has literally never had a pet seeing as Glenda Logan was vehemently against affection. But she thinks she would probably be a cat person. A dog would show her way too much affection, and she’d basically lose her mind if anything happened to it. Better to stick to things with claws and teeth.

FAMILY’S FINANCIAL STATUS: The Logan’s aren’t as rich as the Archer’s or the Hargrove’s but they’re still certainly part of the flaky upper crust of the Cherry pie. Glenda Logan is a librarian, but Lou Logan has been the financial advisor to Harvard Hargrove II since the mid 80s. They live in a big house - the girls’ wouldn’t have had to want for anything if their mother wasn’t such a psychopath - they’re a brand name family! Of course, there’s always been risk, what with Lou advising money for a drug king pin… but the man is quiet enough that his nagging wife, nor his daughters, have ever suspected much of anything from the man. Who would expect that Lou Logan was meeting with gang members and drug dealers during his business lunches, after all? 

If you’ve made it this far, thank you for reading, and also I just want to say that Libby is going to be a little bit different... I think she’s always been like JUST out of reach of everyone. She’s a friend, but nobody really hangs out with her 1-on-1 on purpose except those she’s VERY close to - but even they sometimes struggle to say that they completely know her, though. She’s a little elusive. The girl-next-door enigma who has been through hell, and came out the other side bitter and abrasive. Libby is going to be kind of a brat from now on! She’s going to be very ready to roll her eyes, and run away from pain, and call people out - I know it’s sort of a weird transition from where Libby WAS, but I hope that like we can all sort of plan new connections for Libby 2.0 because I really do see this as a reboot for me and for this character. okay love youuuuu 

[princepipper]

in one of your replies about abby and Gabe you said that his parents failed to help him when he was mentally ill and i'm confused because i thought his dad was really strict in canon? like telling him to take his meds and having curfew, and that he went to the hospital too, isn't that helping?

Ah! I double checked my replies and I think I found what you're talking about, the section in this ask that reads, "...Gabriel would be the first one to not only notice, but do what his parents failed to, and help her right away."

So yeah to clarify, in both my verse and canon, it isn't that Gabe's parents didn't help him at all. We see on One's blog that Gabe has a strained relationship with his dad, mainly caused by the stress of having to raise and care for a teenager so unstable. But despite the harsh words, his dad does bring up the matter of taking medications on time, worrying about Gabriel's whereabouts, asking if he needs to talk to his doctor again... I wouldn't say that his dad is always nice or understanding to Gabe, but he absolutely is trying to help his son, even if it's not the perfect method.

I'm about to ramble, forgive me for how long this is, it's going somewhere I promise!!

I have my thoughts on Daniel Kell, canon-wise I mean. In One's verse, we know that his dad commits suicide when One is a kid, sparking the drastic difference in the life paths that he and Gabe follow. Daniel is described as a busy working man, and the stress of his job paired with his own mental health is what killed him in that verse. But for Gabe, his dad does not die, and we get some context as to what he's like as a parent here and there. Gabe says his father works as a businessman of sorts, and doesn't know anything else- that tells me right away that they are not close, as most children at that age would know the deeper details of their parents' lives and vice versa.

In another scene, Gabe's cellphone rings from incoming texts: his dad starts with all caps, demanding to know where Gabe is and that he needs to come home. But it is immediately followed up by regular texts calmly apologizing for yelling and asking Gabe to call him. Gabe doesn't do that and instead expresses exasperation at the idea. This is further insight to the dynamic of their relationship: Daniel, while harsh, understands that yelling at his son will likely cause more issues, and tries to remain calm (somewhat). Gabe doesn't like to talk to his father and prefers to stay away from situations dealing with him. It's a very strained relationship, there's no trust between them, and it's clearly stressful. And then of course, when Gabe does come home we have the interaction where his dad refuses to listen to him, scolding him for being out past curfew and even mocking him slightly for implying he has real friends instead of hallucinations.

Lastly, after Gabe gets beat up, he says that he lies to his father about the bruises on his face and claims he fell. His dad apparently laughed at him for that, and Gabe brushes that off and states that "It's ok, I laughed too!"- again, worrying behaviour, his dad shouldn't find his son's injuries to be amusing, even if it was due to clumsiness. And Gabe laughing with him is downplaying his own feelings, trying to fit in a mould of sorts for the sake of his father.

Overall, in canon, Gabriel Kell isn't exactly abused by his father, but definitely lives in a less-than-satisfactory environment. The lack of trust is one thing, but I think it's safe to say that Gabe is scared of his dad in a way, though not explicitly stated. Gabe likes to act tough and rebellious, but that's about all it is- an act. From watching his language, and the fact that he's been sheltered (which is not entirely due to his dad, but also his social skills...), Gabriel Kell is really not in much better a household dynamic than One is with his alcoholic mother. I think in general, both of the parents are neglectful in certain ways, and to get to the core of my point here...

...Owl once clarified that when One and Gabe started to show signs of being unwell as kids, their parents ignored them, until it became a larger, disruptive issue.

*wheezes* OKAY, now, my verse is a little different again, based on these ideas but not exactly mirroring them.

In my AU Daniel Kell is still a strict parent who had a lot of trouble raising Gabe, having to care for him alone after he divorced Ivy. The father-son relationship is rough, but the change really comes as Gabe gets older, maturing a bit, and him and his dad are able to better understand each other and get along. Part of this is actually because of Pipper- she's a big impact on Gabe after all, and her friendship with him is always surprising to his dad, teaching him that his son is not a total mess after all. Not only that but Pipper's kindness and patience with Gabe through all the hardships in their time together helped Gabe grow up to be more confident, happy with himself and more sociable in general. He's not a totally different person than in canon, but those changes are pretty significant, y'know?

And so anon, finally I will wrap it up by saying that all of these little factors are what make my version of Gabriel a good dad towards Abby. Because he knows what it's like to feel lost in your own head, to feel alone, to not have parents who you can talk to or who will listen. He doesn't want that for Abby, and even if she never experiences any mental problems, he vows from the get-go that he will be there if she does. He will not repeat the cycle of ignorance, and he will always be there for Abby, because he knows she needs him!!!

[septembercfawkes]

How Each of the 5 Major Plot Points Turn a Story

I recently had an epiphany on structure that I wanted to share. When I first realized this, it felt pretty significant (at least to me), but as more time has gone on, I've realized, in some sense, it's actually kind of obvious--I just hadn't seen it from this perspective before 😆 I'm willing to bet a lot of others haven't either, so it's definitely something I want to share. But where to start? I think I'll start with a problem I ran into: midpoints.

Midpoints happen in the middle of the story (usually around the 50% mark, give or take). It's a moment when new, significant information--or at least a shift in context--enters and turns the story in a different direction. To put more simply (or in some ways, vaguely), it's when the protagonist gets a sense of what's "really going on" in the plot.

For example, in the movie Interstellar, the midpoint happens when the characters learn that there is no Plan A--everyone on Earth is destined to die.

In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the midpoint happens when Harry overhears the professors in the Three Broomsticks and learns Sirius Black is the reason his parents are dead.

The midpoint moves the protagonist from reaction to action. It enables them to go on the attack--at least a more informed, aggressive attack than before.

This is what I was first taught midpoints were, and I was introduced to them in Story Engineering by Larry Brooks.

But as time went on, I ran into a different definition.

In Blake Snyder's Save the Cat!, he says that midpoints are events--a "false win" or a "false lose."

It's near the middle, and it's when the protagonist seems to win or lose what he or she wants.

For example, in Mulan, the midpoint happens when Mulan retrieves the arrow on the post, proving herself worthy of staying in the army with the men (a seeming victory).

In Stranger Things Season One, the midpoint is recovering Will's body (a seeming defeat).

So which is it? Is a midpoint new information? Or is it an event?

Personally, the more time goes on, the more I think both definitions are right. So these days, I prefer to combine them together:

The midpoint is a significant event and/or revelation that is either a seeming victory or a seeming defeat for the protagonist. It often provides a broader understanding of what's actually happening in the plot, enabling the protagonist to become more proactive in their goals.

The midpoint almost always happens right in the middle of the story.

And it pivots the story into the second half.

(Of course, this is not to say some rules can't be broken.)

Okay, now I'm going to talk about something else, and come back to this.

I've talked about the next section a few times, so if you are already familiar with it, feel free to skim the next few paragraphs.

In a well-structured story, nearly everything makes this shape--whether it's a scene, sequence, act, or whole story. And it can even fit, in smaller pieces, inside a scene. It's essentially like a nesting doll or a fractal.

The climactic moment is sometimes called a turning point because it "turns" the direction of the story.

This moment can only be one of two things (well, or both of them): a revelation, or an action.

Why? Because these are the only ways to turn a story!

This is most obvious in the overall plot level because that is what we are most familiar with. THEE climactic moment will either be a revelation or an action and often it's both.

Whatever it is, and in whatever it is (scene, sequence, act, or whole plot), that's the turning point.

I do want to add one thing: it doesn't necessarily have to be the protagonist who has the revelation or takes the action to create a turning point. It just needs to be someone significant, so that it turns the story. For example, a turning point may be the audience or an important side character having a revelation. Or it may be someone else (likely the antagonist) taking an action.

In the structure of a whole story, there are usually several major turning points:

1. The Inciting Incident (sometimes called the "Catalyst" or "Call to Adventure")

This is when something new enters the story and disrupts the established normal. The inciting incident will either be a problem or an opportunity. In The Hunger Games, Prim having her name drawn out at the reaping is the inciting incident--it's what turns the story in a new direction, leading us into the main conflict. Without that problem, the books wouldn't exist. In Harry Potter, the inciting incident is Hagrid telling Harry, "Yer a wizard" and inviting him to Hogwarts. Without that opportunity, the books wouldn't exist.

2. Plot Point 1 (sometimes called "Break into Two" or "Crossing the Threshold")

I hesitate to use the term "Plot Point 1" because I've found it to be rather ambiguous, as some people consider it to be (or at least include) the inciting incident, while others consider it to be the moment the protagonist chooses to move forward irrevocably, to address the new problem or opportunity. This is usually a transitional segment that takes us from the beginning of the story to the middle of the story. (Today, this is what I mean by "Plot Point 1.")

In Interstellar, this is when Cooper blasts off into space. That can't be undone, and it takes us into the main conflict of the story, the middle.

In Mulan, Mulan cuts her hair, takes the armor and horse, and goes to the camp in her father's place. Once she arrives as "Ping," her decision can't be undone (at least not without big ramifications, such as dishonoring her whole family). This takes us to the main conflict, the middle of the story.

The inciting incident and Plot Point 1 put the protagonist into a reactionary state. They are reacting to new obstacles.

3. Midpoint

I already talked a lot about midpoints, but just to keep things even, I'll repeat.

The midpoint is a significant event and/or revelation that is either a seeming victory or a seeming defeat for the protagonist. It often provides a broader understanding of what's actually happening in the plot, enabling the protagonist to become more proactive in their goals.

The midpoint almost always happens right in the middle of the story.

And it pivots the story into the second half.

You can see examples above.

4. Plot Point 2

At the end of the middle, a few things usually happen:

The protagonist faces the antagonistic force and experiences a defeat. This leads to what's called an "all is lost" moment--where it feels like (as you probably guessed) everything is lost, like there is no way the protagonist can succeed.

Soon after this, though, the protagonist gains something empowering that allows them to move forward toward the climax.

Some writers call the "all is lost" moment Plot Point 2, while others call the moment of empowerment Plot Point 2. What matters is that you understand that these things happen. This can get a little more complicated (for example, instead of experiencing a defeat, the protagonist may get what he wants and experience a hollow victory), but I'm gonna stop here for today.

Like Plot Point 1, this is a transitional segment that turns the story toward the climax--it moves us from the middle of the story to the end of the story.

In Mulan, Mulan is discovered to be a woman and dishonored. She thinks of going home, when she learns that the Huns are still alive. This propels her to the climax.

In Spider-verse, Miles watches his uncle die and gets tied up. After his dad visits, he gains a clear understanding of perseverance and faith, busts free, and heads to the climax.

5. Climax

The climax is the biggest, most pivotal turning point. It will either hinge on a revelation or an action and often it's both.

It might be a revelation that leads to an action. Or it might be an action that leads to a revelation.

For example, the protagonist may have an epiphany (a revelation, and often a thematic one) that informs him how to defeat the antagonist, so the protagonist takes that action. Alternatively, the protagonist takes an action to defeat the antagonist, and the result leads to a realization. If the latter happens, often the revelation will be further explained after the danger has passed.

For example, in Interstellar, Cooper realizes that love is indeed part of a higher dimension, and through it, he can communicate to his daughter Murph. He then takes the required action to reach her across spacetime and save the human race (and therefore defeat the antagonistic force).

In Harry Potter, Harry takes action against Quirrel. This leads to a revelation: Quirrel can't touch him. Later, Dumbledore explains Lily's sacrifice left Harry a magical protection: love.

(Love doesn't have to be the realization, of course, I just happened to pick two examples that share that in common 😆)

Now, this is all generally speaking, and it will be different if you are working with negative character arcs, but talking about all the variations is beyond the scope of this article, today.

Let's start tying these topics together:

So, generally, there have been two different definitions of the midpoint. Significant information. Or significant event.

Well:

Information = Revelation

Event = Action

Revelation is just another word for "new information," while "event" is just another word for action. Right?

Guess what? The midpoint and the climax are similar in this way. They turn on revelation or action or even both.

What about the other major turning points?

Every story structure I've looked at, emphasizes that at Plot Point 1 (or "Crossing the Threshold" or "Break into Two"), the protagonist chooses to move forward--that means taking action. The protagonist doesn't just want to move forward, he has to do something. So Plot Point 1 turns on action.

Let's look at Plot Point 2. After the "all is lost" lull, the protagonist almost always learns ("gains") something. This may be plot-focused--such as Mulan learning the Huns are still alive. Or it may be thematic, such as Miles Morales now understanding and embracing perseverance and faith. But it's essentially new information, a new understanding. So Plot Point 2 turns on revelation.

Okay, I know what some of you are thinking. You're thinking of stories that maybe don't fit this. You are thinking of stories where Plot Point 1 hinges on revelation and Plot Point 2 hinges on action. Like many writing subjects, this can become a chicken vs. egg conundrum. After all, when we act, we learn new things. And when we learn new things, we act.

A protagonist may learn something new that leads him to take action for Plot Point 1.

And the "all is lost" moment usually follows a big event (read: action), so we may have an action that comes before the revelation of Plot Point 2.

It's also not impossible to have two actions in a row, or two revelations in a row.

But Plot Point 1 and Plot Point 2 are transitional segments. They turn us to the middle and to the end, respectively. And that turn is usually an action and a revelation, respectively.

Of course, I'm not going to go as far as saying that no stories exist that break these rules. But most stories turn in these ways.

It's also worth noting that sometimes you have moments that blur the lines a little--for example, a character may take a big action that reveals something significant simultaneously.

Recall how earlier I said not all turning points are focused on the protagonist. For example, a turning point in a scene, may be an antagonist taking an action. A revelation may be a side character learning something. In a well-structured story, there will be lots of turning points of action and revelation. And of course, you can slice and dice stories in different ways (which is why learning structure can be so confusing sometimes).

But when it comes to these four major turning points, they usually focus on the protagonist.

At Plot Point 1, the protagonist takes a forward action.

At the midpoint, the protagonist takes a significant action or learns something significant.

At Plot Point 2, the protagonist gains valuable information.

At the climax, the protagonist has a realization and/or takes an action that thwarts the antagonistic force.

Now we have the inciting incident. The inciting incident is a little different than the other major turning points because it's what kicks off the story. It's the first turn that starts the story--it's disrupting an established normal, not changing up the main conflict.

Unlike the other four major turning points, the inciting incident sort of . . . How do I want to say this? It sort of comes from outside the protagonist more? In the other major turning points, it's the protagonist who is acting and gaining information on the journey.

The inciting incident hinges more on an outside source. I mean, it has to, because it disrupts the protagonist's life. The protagonist hasn't hit the main conflict yet.

For example, Effie in The Hunger Games and Gandalf in The Hobbit, are the ones bringing the inciting incidents to Katniss and Bilbo, respectively. In Legally Blonde, Warner is the one breaking up with Elle.

This isn't a perfect concept, but it is a generality. Perhaps the idea I'm trying to convey is that the inciting incident is something that happens to the protagonist. (Usually, there are exceptions.)

Notice that the inciting incident can also hinge on an action or a revelation.

Peter Parker getting bit by a radioactive spider is an action. It's the spider's action--an outsider's action--against Peter.

Harry being told he's a wizard from Hagrid is a revelation. It's information that Harry didn't even know to consider--completely unexpected.

So let's map out the five major turns:

Inciting Incident: Disrupting Action or Revelation

Plot Point 1: Primarily Turns on Action

Midpoint: Turns on Action and/or Revelation

Plot Point 2: Primarily Turns on Revelation

Climax: Turns on Action and/or Revelation

Now you will have a clearer understanding of how to handle the five major turning points in your own stories.

And should you have a protagonist who does not want to take action at Plot Point 1, as is sometimes the case--well, I have something to help with that.

That pretty much sums up my epiphany . . . or should I say, revelation? 😉

[sniper-childe]

Hello! I’d like to share some of my notes if I were to Beta-read the most recent Archon Quest. I will be going through what worked, what could be taken out, and what could’ve been better. Note that I’m looking at this through an editor’s lens so I’m going to try NOT to change the plot we were given no matter what my opinions are about it BUT some of the said opinions may slip out.

Also, a bit of a disclaimer: I know that Genshin isn’t an actual literary work but miHoYo is known for its writers’ great storytelling and I’ve always loved their work so it really came as a surprise as to what happened to the mess that is Inazuma Act 3. So yeah.

Contains:

1. What was foreshadowed about the characters and why the payoff of their portrayals felt cheap.

a. About Kokomi and the rebellion.

b. About the Fatui, the James Bond villain wannabe.

c. About Ei and the Raiden Shogun.

2. How Chapter 2, Act 3 could have been the turning point that would have us, as the Traveler, cement our perceptions of the Archons and Gods of Celestia OR what I think the death of Signora was supposed to be but was undermined by this one tidbit.

BONUS: I wrote this before Kokomi’s story quest was released but decided to wait for it before posting. And guess what? I think Kokomi’s Story Quest works better as an Archon Quest. At least, some parts of it.

miHoYo teased us this intelligent leader of the resistance that is well-versed in the Art of War. The end of Ch2: Act 2 showed us a powerful Kokomi. So why was she sidelined all throughout the act?

I actually like the idea of the resistance asking the Fatui for aid. But miHoYo chickened out and made it so that they did it unknowingly. To which I say: how? If Kokomi was so smart she should’ve known better. I figured it was the Fatui within a single sentence, so why didn’t Kokomi?

They should’ve stuck with the concept of the underdogs – or in Kokomi’s words, the little fish – of war in an act of desperation. They could’ve shown a calculated Kokomi “making a deal with the devil” and will do anything to win the fight against the Shogunate.

In her Character Teaser, she was willing to burn the enemies’ supplies – to starve the enemy. She can be ruthless, that’s why Kokomi actively giving Delusions to her foot soldiers would have made much more sense to cause the Fatui to be involved rather than the whole “the Fatui orchestrated everything” schtick.

Which brings me to my next point: when did the Fatui turn into a James Bond villain? I hate that trope so much. It’s like the Deus Ex Machina of villainy. It’s lazy. And it doesn’t even fit the Fatui’s modus operandi.

In the prologue, the Abyss Order corrupted Dvalin and the Fatui was just there waiting to steal Barbatos’ gnosis while the Knights are distracted. Morax decided to retire one day so the Fatui swept right in and offered a test of Liyue in exchange for his gnosis.

The last two locations had their own story to tell while the Fatui was just in the background like the opportunistic antagonist that they are.

It also would have been a stronger plotline to have the already set lore – like the tenuous relationship between Watatsumi and Narukami – be the driving force of the Inazuman Civil War.

The prologue and chapter 1 also delivered what we are told we’re going to get in the Story Preview. That’s why they are satisfying. However, with chapter 2, the way it ended turned out to be more about the Fatui rather than “what do mortals see of the eternity chased after by their god.”

Sure, we got the consequences of the war in the World Quests and some of it in the second act. But making the Fatui the Big Bad in the end takes value away from the actions of the characters that are supposed to be the main feature of this chapter.

How much of the Eternity the Raiden Shogun is pursuing is directly from Ei? How much of it is its own understanding of eternity, coupled with Ei’s memories, and its own response? How much of it is the Fatui’s influence?

I have to say though, I’m fine with the puppet actually. Believe it or not. I have had kinda figured that out with the weird shifting of emotions in and out of the puppet. And the dead glowing eyes. So kudos to the design and animation team for that foreshadowing.

It was also said that the current Electro Archon lost someone dear to her and, while I didn’t think it was a twin, I did figure that the current Electro Archon wasn’t the real Electro Archon. So the whole Baal and Beelzebul backstory didn’t really surprise me. So I guess that was foreshadowed too? But my friends didn’t feel the same way so I don’t know. I’m not touching that.

But I do agree that all of the new lore got info-dumped to us by Yae rather than have us find out about them. To be honest, I would have wanted the backstory of Ei to be in her story quest rather than it be in the Archon Quest. A World Quest could work too.

I just feel like the 2.1 Archon Quest ended up cramming so many themes and subplots when it should’ve been focusing on what was promised: the darkness that is brought by their god.

They already had set up the Visions are people’s motivations/ambitions and that taking them away also takes away their agency.

Then they could’ve played with the idea of the people of Watatsumi looking up to Kokomi as their pseudo-god in-place of Orobashi and so with her actively giving Delusions could fit well in the said theme.

They could’ve made Ei and Kokomi character foils of each other and have the final showdown be about them.

And then it’ll all, of course, end up with the people of Inazuma learning how to work without their “gods” or something like that, which is the overarching theme of the whole series if you think about it.

But as I said, my opinions about the plot shouldn’t matter and I’m only here to make what was already written better.

So let’s talk about something that the puppet has done which didn’t make any sense on the surface level but could’ve been clever if it was done right. Killing La Signora.

Okay. So there is a pivotal moment at the end of the first arc of a three-act story where the main character experiences something that will leave them no choice but to move forward. This usually is a physical thing like Alice falling down the rabbit hole. But it can also be a mental or emotional situation.

Over at Honkai, the first arc ended with the death of a beloved mentor and a shattered world (both external and internal). The characters had no choice but to step up and “to stay alive, bravely” (yes, I won’t stop using this line ever). It was so very well done and even after so many years it still hurt no matter how many times you reread/rewatch the scene.

This reread value is what shows how much a twist is well written.

And that is what miHoYo is known for. So I had high expectations with the plot twist (technically this pivotal moment is called a plot twist because it twists the feel and/or pace of the story). Chapter 2 is the perfect spot to end the first act of a seven-chaptered story. So I’m really preparing myself for the inevitable twist.

But then we ended up with Signora’s death.

Okay. So. They could have used that to show us, as the traveler, how Archons and Celestial beings are unfeeling and not to be trusted. We were told this repeatedly by Dainsleiff and by the Abyss Twin. But it is only textbook writing 101 to show NOT tell.

And Signora’s death could have been this portrayal. Although, to be honest, it would have been more impactful if the one who died is a friend of the Traveler.

Them seeing someone die at the hands of an Archon could have their idea of gods shift. Because there is no turning back once you see the proof right in front of your eyes.

But instead, the puppet did it. So what was the point of Signora’s death if not just a power demonstration? We already knew that the Raiden Shogun is powerful. So why did Signora have to die?

Sure, one can argue that the puppet was enacting the Ei’s will so maybe there was a point. But! In Ei’s story quest, we were told that the puppet would have no hesitation when it comes to killing whereas Ei can show mercy.

Which begs, again, the question: how much of the Raiden Shogun’s actions is a reflection of Ei’s will, and how much of it is a logic response of an artificial intelligence from Ei’s memories?

Honestly? I don’t like that they killed off Signora. It doesn’t feel right. I would’ve taken Beidou’s death over Signora’s no matter how much I love Beidou. There was just no build-up to it and it feels weak. I… didn’t feel anything besides confusion. The anger only came later because of the wasted potential.

But overall, I do think they could’ve made it work if it were actually Ei doing the killing.

--

So I just did Kokomi’s Story Quest and man. The soldiers wanting to continue the war is what they really should have made the motivations of the actual war rather than have it as a post-war response and then have Kokomi fix their mess.

Seriously. While it was really interesting to see the usual trauma response of soldiers who had only known war their whole life, they wasted this idea, man.

Before doing the Archon Quest I had thought that the Watatsumi had a hand on the Vision Hunt Decree. Because if I were a tactician, I would have made something to anger the people of my enemies and have them have their internal issues. And while the Shogunate is weak, that’s when I will strike and claim Inazuma for my people and my god.

Then Orobashi will rise once more.

Yep.

Obviously, I really wanted Kokomi to be a more active character in the Archon Quest.

Anyways. If you reached the end, thank you for reading this ~1.5k words of musings. Tell me what you think. Or don’t. You do you.

[the-darklings]

“ you’re my person. you’ll always be the one i go to. ” Jean + Clara/V 🥺

prompt: “you’re my person. you’ll always be the one i go to.”

pairing: jean x v (coa verse)

wc: 2.3k+ (aka I don't have an off button when it's them regardless of setting/verse)

notes: so while I'm obsessed with jeara in npfh verse, something about exploring them in coa where jean is almost a rogue figure in v's life and is near entirely removed from the overall dramas of her life is just so... (makes a vague, distressed sound). guess i'm just a sucker for "no matter what, life keeps drawing us back together" energy, also I just love their antagonistic, sexually charged banter : )

It’s the soft cocking of a gun behind you that alerts you to someone’s presence at your back.

It’s a split second, a whirlwind of gripping your own weapon, but it’s all too slow. Far too slow, John and Cassian and the Elder would have reprimanded you. Disappointing after years of work and training you’ve done. Sloppy at best, life-threatening at worst.

For priding yourself on speed as your greatest physical weapon, you simply react too slow. It’s not because your instincts are dull anymore — no, if anything, after the dessert you’re an even sharper version of yourself.

But there’s is a singular hole in your instinctive wall. One person who — unfailingly, and irritatingly — seems to slip behind every single one of your guards. More of a snake than you are. More deadly, more deceptively charming and coy.

"Well, well — look who the cat dragged in."

Jean’s voice is still silk. With the gentle roll of his accent, the ice in his eyes shifts and morphs — cracking at the sight of you; always, a match and a fuse — when you level your pistol on his face. Unflinching. A slight, indulgent twitch of his mouth greets your clinical action. He appears so infuriatingly unconcerned to have a fully loaded weapon trailed on him you have to bite back a snarl. Arrogant bastard.

But you’ve seen what his mouth is capable of. He would no doubt make an innuendo if you brought up the said mouth but he’s stopped entire gunfights with his wit and tongue alone in the past. Has stood beside you plenty of times, trying to weasel you both out of serious trouble.

You have a habit of running into each other every time the other needs backup the most. Neither of you would ever admit to needing one another but you’ve served each other’s self-interests plenty of times.

"What are you doing here?" you demand.

The Frenchman doesn’t move, dragging his stare over your body with curious, probing intensity. It’s near lazy, bordering on sexual perusal and instinctively your skin warms under the examination. Prick.

"Lovely to see you too, chérie,” he greets, his voice honey yet always just tantalisingly teasing the idea of more. He’s learned to present himself as the devil’s biggest temptation long ago; a temptation very few resist. His arm finally lowers with those words, followed by a click of safety coming back on but you’re not so quick to follow his lead. “You look positively alive," he adds, a touch sardonic.

Your lips twitch. "Sorry to disappoint."

Last time he saw a mess, not an assassin.

His broad frame is clad in a stitch-to-stitch perfect tailored suit. Dark and sleek. Not dark enough to be outright black but an odd, shimmering material that indeed reminds you of a devil in disguise. Prowling around and passing around favours and information but at a price — always a price, and never one you want to pay in the long run.

"Hm, yes,” he hums thoughtfully, a melody of rumbling deepness that is his voice settling in your gut as he draws closer. Strolling forward without a care in the world, as if you don’t have your pistol still raised. Still aimed at him. Your finger on the trigger. As if there isn’t a pinch to your features; a warning, venomous gleam in your eyes. “While you disappearing is no novelty. You disappearing for seven months to a point even I can't locate you certainly is."

With the sheer vastness of his web of information, you can only imagine how profoundly irritating he found it. Jean doesn’t like losing. Doesn’t like not being in control, in the know. Never has. Others dance to his tune. Losing is a language he doesn’t speak. If there is no way to get his way, he makes one. He cares little for the collateral damage left behind. His ruthlessness alone has always put you at odds though he’s always been quick to point out how hypocritical you are for your wry comments. How every enemy of yours has oftentimes been left spluttering on their own blood, robbed of life or a future.

You burn everything, chérie, he told you once, years ago now, to destroy so thoroughly is a curious talent for one so invested in life and greenery to have.

"I'm touched by the concern," you say eventually, your expression still sour and your mouth curved downwards.

Jean’s face creases at that, an eyebrow quirking, and lips stretching further back. That stupid little dimple in his left cheek appears again, and it’s a rare sight — one to always makes you wonder if this is genuine amusement or just another mask he wears.

"Actually I needed you to kill someone for me, vipère,” he rebukes, dismissive of your notations of sentimentality. A small sound whistles past his teeth, his eyes narrowing down on you when he halts in front of you, his chest bumping into the muzzle of the gun. The pearly white of his dress shirt cuts for a bleak contrast to your sleek, black pistol. “Your sneaky ways have proven to be... most useful."

His voice lowers, dripping towards a lulling, beguiling thing. He slants his head lower, near blending into the shadows of the room where you were searching for more information about your current mark just moments prior.

"Yeah, right," you huff, unimpressed.

"Does it surprise you?” he wonders curiously, his cologne tickling your nose when he slants even closer, still towering over you. And you know his cologne — so damn well, you know it in your marrow — know how it smells when it’s faded and muted. When you nudge your nose against the juncture of his throat, burying yourself in him. Greedy or not, you always stole his warmth. And for some reason he always permitted it. Perhaps he found some begrudging amusement in moments of lingering contact and intimacy between you. For a man who might as well be carved from ice, he knows exactly how to make you burn. “The idea that I think you're my person? A trustworthy contact? You'll always be the one I go to."

Your arm lowers at long last, making you peer up at him from under your lashes. Consider him. Jean’s mouth rests slightly agape, his breaths slowing, slowing, slowing — matching yours, you realise suddenly, ignoring the pinprick of desire at the base of your neck. His proximity chips at your guard and you lean closer too. Alone in this dark room, alone in this world, two solitary figures occasionally passing by each other. In these rare instances of proximity, it’s easy to forget your loneliness. Easy to pretend you’re one and the same.

Your fingers slither up his chest and towards his neck. To kiss him you would have to stretch your limbs and muscles. This you know intimately. If only because you know exactly how his body fits against yours. And what an odd thought it is — to know that where there is fear and unease with others, there’s only need to be closer with him. Every cell in your body seems to hum at the mental image; eager to agree, eager to indulge. The idea of sampling more of him, tangling yourself further in the spider’s web is too tempting. Too enticing. Jean inclines into you. Your escape, hideaway, so dissimilar to how the dessert felt. Like a gilded cage. A makebelieve. With him though it feels…

Your breaths mingle, intertwining, neither of you breaking the eye contact first. He doesn’t allow you a single inhale without devouring every micro quiver of your lips.

"Nice try,” you exhale knowingly before your mouths can touch, leaning back with a saccharine grin. Your fingertips tease over the heated skin of his neck despite the broken spell. It thrills you, the tension of strong tendons you feel there, pulled tauter by your prodding. “Now why are you really here?"

For a single instance, you think Jean will continue his pretence, his unending fictitious act. Mock you further with yet another agreeable mask he shows everyone else. But a flicker, and then his charm melts into something more cunning, crueller, yet somehow — impossibly — even hungrier and darker than before. He’s still too close, too physically there; next to you, in you, like a splinter you can’t get out. Or want to.

Unravelling of a facade packaged in a span of a second, a heartbeat.

"I need him alive, V."

His voice drips from honey to dark velvet. Teasing, seductive promise. Jean’s fingers drag against the curve of your jaw as he speaks, his touch inveigling but you’ve danced this dance before. He should know better than to expect easy prey by now.

"And I need him dead,” you snip back, cupping his cheek in return, scraping your fingers against the dark stubble against his jaw with an innocent tilt of your head. Sometimes you hate it — the way he’s able to rip out something darker in you, more chillingly untamed. Jean is a paradox, a tempest blowing against the ruleset. So often being beside him makes you recklessly want to do the same. “So if you're after something, I suggest you work quicker, Jean."

There’s a split second in which you think he might flip on you the way he’s done on so many others. A warm, inviting smile — all charisma and magnetism, toothy and wide — seconds before he plants a bullet in your body. You’ve seen him do it so many times in the past your head spins. In part from wondering if he will give you one last kiss before he pulls the trigger, or if he really believes you will not take him down with you if he attempts it.

"If I get the information I need by sunrise, have dinner with me tomorrow."

His thumb nudges against the curve of your bottom lip. Rough yet gentle, sensuous yet treacherous. He’s so used to getting his way you want to refuse him out of principle alone if nothing else. It’s rather enjoyable — in a dark, cruel way — to deny him, to see how many masks he can flip through until only his own face remains. You've yet to see such a day.

"There's a distinct lack of a question mark in that statement," you note coolly.

The tension between you sits like a physical weight. Overbearing and thick; you glimpse all the things he’s doing to you inside his mind already. His fingers digging into your hips, hoisting you into his strong arms. A hiss of searing breath against your ear, teeth against your neck, animalistic, skin against skin. Sweat and filth and passion. You’ve healed during your stay at the dessert. He can see it in you. A part of you has transformed, shed your old, torn skin — he’s certainly coaxed and encouraged this change in you prior. It had become a particular interest of his once John departed.

Bury your past, vipère, it doesn’t serve you anymore.

Glaciers of his gaze thaw and spark into a sapphire flame the longer you gaze at one another, hungry and wanting. Jean’s angular, virile features tighten with restraint but he doesn’t crack, a faint grin still lingering in place.

"I'm not going to grovel at your feet, vipère,” he says, his words ringing deeper and sultry, near gravelly. A knife’s edge, really, razor-sharp against your fragile pulse. His fingers trace the contours of your parted mouth, and you sense his breath when he nudges close. The scent of tobacco and red wine still lingers on his own lips muddying your honed senses. “It's not in my nature to do so. If I want something, I go for it."

And for some reason it’s him — him you lean into, him you don’t shun or snarl at when he touches you. So intimately. Painting you with his hands anew — bloody hands of a murderous man, a liar and a cheat.

Your lashes flutter. "And here I thought you liked games."

"Only the ones I win,” he breathes hotly, his teeth gleaming, a wolf’s jaws open for devouring. His large palm slips to cup your face, bracing against your cheek, steadying you. Your mouths are almost touching, almost kissing, almost biting. “And you... are... most certainly a game I'm happy to play every time, ma vipère.”

The last part — wanton and just a touch possessive, throaty with a heavier accent — scrapes against the shell of your ear. Hot, wet exhales of oxygen skitter against the curve of your neck and it leaves you shuddering against him. Jean grins into your skin at the small victory, his mouth flitting over your beating pulse in reward. Once, twice. He’s not touching you further, and you grind your jaw to prevent yourself from touching him in return.

Always the game of who will give in first.

When he realises you’re not about to hand him his victory as he no doubt hoped you would, he pulls back, a flash of teeth visible in the darkness. Lights from the street outside illuminate his handsome features when he moves back. His eyes drink in your form, from head to toe, his thumb swiping over his own mouth slowly. It coils your stomach when you realise it’s the same hand he touched your mouth with.

An indirect kiss to taste you. Despite your controlled expression, you feel that distant kiss as if he were smearing your mouth with his until your edges blurred with his.

“Dinner will be at 8 pm sharp. Don't be late,” he instructs, low and smooth, his voice still scratchy with hunger. He pivots to go but pauses midturn, glancing at you over his shoulder while his hand slips into his slacks. “Oh, and do wear red. You always look so fetching in that colour. And it looks ever-so pretty on my bedroom floor."

[sz-amare]

10. Creating Realistic Characters with Depth

For many people, characters are one of the most influential aspects of an anime. The same goes for me. There are many types of characters: the protagonist, the main cast, side characters, antagonists, villains, etc. Each contributes to the story in their own way. Making flat, bland, or boring characters can make them forgettable, and therefore, can cheapen the quality of the anime. It can also make it painfully difficult to continue watching the series. Here I will give several pointers on what I believe makes an excellent character and give examples from the One Piece-verse.

1.     Flaws

When it comes to creating characters, I have noticed a general rule to make them great and likable. The audience needs to relate to them. The way you do that is by giving your character flaws. When I say flaws, I don’t mean random negatives about their characters, like when a shōnen protagonist can’t solve a simple math problem to save their lives. I mean flaws that can make them feel weak, directly or indirectly.

When I look at Luffy, many flaws end up making him a better character. The most fascinating one to me is Luffy’s childish nature. He is an extremely idealistic kid who dreams more than anyone. He, at first, doesn’t care nor understand the consequences of his actions. Luffy is also kind-hearted and always pushes his principles before his dream. He tends to scream a lot and wears all of his emotions on his face. Luffy is also a terrible liar. If I described this type of personality to anyone, they would undoubtedly think of a child.

This childish behavior is one of Luffy’s characteristics that make him flawed. There are also several times when acting like a child, particularly not thinking of the consequences of his actions, cost him severely. We have the time Luffy almost attacked the Drum Island civilians after they shot Vivi in the arm, meaning Nami wouldn’t get a doctor for her illness. The time Luffy punched the Celestial Dragon, resulting in him almost losing all of his crewmates (although in this case, I think most people would have punched Charlos. He deserved it).

And the most recent one where he attacked Kaido after “killing” his crewmates, which he ended up losing the fight with a single blow and ended up in prison. Luffy makes dumb mistakes. It plays perfectly with his character, but he is ultimately flawed.

Now I personally don’t relate to Luffy in the way that he is childish (I am the maturest), but seeing Luffy suffer from the consequences of his flaws and understanding that Luffy isn’t perfect is enough to understand that he is a human with struggles, similar to myself.

 2.     Personality, Psychology, and Philosophy

I think personality, psychology, and philosophy (PPP) are some of the most significant ways of distinguishing characters and are the source of a particular character’s general fascination. Every person in the real world has their own unique PPP. When you are in the world of anime, not only is everything overly exaggerated, but it is also unrealistic in all sorts of ways. With these two weapons, you can explore all types of themes, topics, and ideas. So when creating characters in an anime, understand that there are no limits to unique characters. Two characters can be very similar, but there should always be something to contrast.

Not only is PPP used to contrast characters, but it can make them feel more realistic if you can manage to connect all three along with their overall character. Let us look back at Luffy. First, we have Luffy’s personality. Luffy constantly yells, loves to mess around and laughs, loves food, is very dumb, is a terrible liar, always shouts out his dreams, loves to imitate his friends, and is a kind-hearted person.

Closely related to his personality, his psychology is that of a child’s perspective. Finally, we have his philosophies. Luffy believes that everyone should chase their own dreams and freedom, no matter how difficult it is to get there. He also believes that dreams should be achieved with the help of close friends. Luffy also believes that everyone is equal, seeing no one below or above anyone else. Once again, these views and ideals are somewhat childish.

Now that we have all the three major pieces of Luffy, we can fully understand his character’s greatness. All three of his PPP are connected with his childish nature. This makes his character seem cohesive, consistent, and more realistic. All of Luffy’s traits align with his character. Everything about Luffy is connected in a way that would make sense, like a real human being.

 3.     Contrasting, Paralleling, and Mirroring

This is one of my favorite techniques in creating characters. You can contrast, parallel, and mirror (CPM) many things in the series: themes, the plot itself, certain philosophies/ideals, characters, the list goes on. This one applies more to side characters, antagonists, and villains than the protagonist, but it can happen.

Now let us think of the antagonists and villains in One Piece that relate to Luffy and his beliefs and somehow align with one of the rules of CPM. Let’s start with my favorite, Charlotte Katakuri. Katakuri is similar to Luffy in terms of his devil fruit. But Katakuri is far superior in every way: his devil fruit is better and awakened, his haki is better, and he has more experience. Here we can see that Katakuri parallels Luffy a bit, but he completely contrasts in his ideologies and motivation.

Next we have Donquixote Doflamingo. Doflamingo believes that he is the ultimate king. He truly believes he is better than everyone, classifying everyone into three basic categories: kings, humans, and lesser beings. But even in this classification, Doflamingo believes he is on top of the kings as well: he thinks he’s a god. Therefore he believes he has the right to toy with the world, as symbolized by him making puppet gestures and physically controlling people, especially because he was mistreated after Doflamingo and his family left Mariejois. Doflamingo’s beliefs all contradict Luffy’s. First off, Luffy believes everyone is equal, no one above and no one below. This contradicts Doflamingo’s god complex. Luffy also believes that everyone should chase their own freedom, which Doflamingo believes he has the right to take away.

We also have Black Beard or Marshal D. Teach. Black Beard mirrors Luffy in a lot of ways when considering their ideologies. Black Beard, like Luffy, believes in the power of dreams and ideals. When we first see Teach, we see him acting like a child, arguing with Luffy about the food and drinks, and Luffy does the same. I think this is Oda showing us that Black Beard is practically and precisely like Luffy. Both of their dreams are to become the Pirate King. The only difference is their approach. As I mentioned earlier, Luffy wants to achieve his dream with the bonds he made with his friends. He doesn’t care if his crewmates are useless or not; a friend is a friend in Luffy’s eyes. On the other hand, Black Beard wouldn’t mind using money to hire strong “allies.” He even hires some of the most dangerous prison inmates. Black Beard is also crueler and is willing to do whatever it takes to reach his goal. If you pay attention, you might notice that Black Beard became a Yonko in a flash, simply because he obtained one of the most powerful devil fruits out there. However, we always hear Luffy saying that there are no shortcuts to become the Pirate King. In one perspective, they look almost identical. When you shift that view, you realize how much they contrast from each other.

Finally, we have Akainu. Akainu is the exact opposite of Luffy. Luffy believes in absolute freedom, while Akainu believes in absolute justice and control. Akainu would kill his own when they showed fear or opposed what Akainu believed was “right.” There isn’t much to talk about Akainu, mainly because we haven’t seen much of him. But from what we have seen so far, it is clear that Akainu and Luffy are complete opposites.

All these different villains are excellent and make clear antagonistic forces against the protagonist simply by contrasting some of Luffy’s ideals. But remember, you can also use CPM with themes on other types of characters. Take one of the reoccurring or significant themes in your story and create a character that uses CPM on that theme.

 4.     Connecting Character Ideas to the Story

This is something I love to do when creating my characters. Basically, I grab an interesting theme or an aspect in a character I want to explore and find a way to connect it to my story. There are many cases when I think of a fascinating character, but it wouldn’t make sense if I randomly added them to my story. So I just connect an event that could likely happen in my story to the reason why my character is the way she is.

One time, I was listening to a song, and the interpretation I got out of it was fascinating to me. It had something to do with abuse, insanity, and OCD. I really wanted to add a character that explored the ideas of abuse, insanity, and OCD to my story, and luckily for me, it was pretty easy to add it into my story.

Now my character (let’s call her Miku for now) doesn’t seem out of place because I connected her character into the story by creating a backstory that was plausible in the world I had created. She suddenly became one of my favorite characters I had created.

5.     Consistency

I think one of the most essential things in a lot of characters is that they remain consistent. Of course, you can pull a 180 and make an Eren Yeager, but if you don’t want to change your character that drastically, make sure they are consistent.

 Once you have created your character, make sure you fully understand their flaws and PPP and make sure whatever type of significant actions they take, it perfectly fits their character.

There were many times in the past when I was able to accurately predict Luffy’s actions and words. I thought I was some sort of genius at first, but I realized soon after that many others could do the same. It was when Luffy rejected his grand fleet where Luffy’s consistency became clear. After fully understanding that Luffy wants to become the Pirate King, simply because he wants to chase the ultimate freedom, why would he accept the grand fleet?

He doesn’t want to become anyone important, and he wants everyone there to chase their own freedom. This is consistent with Luffy’s philosophy of freedom and his childish psychology.

In conclusion

Following any of these principles can help to add intrigue and quality to your character. A regular human is complex and deep, no matter who they are. By following these suggestions, you can create characters with the complexity and depth of real human beings. Make your characters like Pinocchio. Make them strive to be a real boy or girl.