#cd: character development

[bardic-tales]

Psychic Wounds and Sacred Fire : A character deep dive for Bianca Moore, a FWC / FF 7 OC

There comes a point in the trajectory of any tragic anti-hero where survival ceases to be enough. For Bianca Moore, an original character within the hybrid universe of Final Fantasy VII and Fantasy Worlds Collide (FWC), that moment arrived not when she was captured by Shinra, but when she was reshaped within the crucible of a psychic warzone known as the dreamscape, the mindscape that has always existed between Sephiroth and Bianca.

This article examines that defining trauma: not merely as a backdrop but as a transformational event that redefined Bianca’s identity, goals, and relationship to power. By situating her experience within the framework of internalized corruption, prophetic fate, and rebirth, we trace how her submission to Sephiroth’s vision became both an act of devotion and a calculated rebellion against the cosmic systems that failed her.

Possible Trigger Warnings: abduction, body horror, child loss, experimentation, gaslighting, grooming, manipulation, mental illness, obsession, religious trauma, self-harm, suicidal ideation, torture, trauma, violence

Bianca Moore’s defining crucible was not a single moment of pain, but an 18-month stretch of psychological degradation and spiritual fragmentation under Shinra’s control. Captured and experimented upon during “Project N,” she was infused with S-cells and Jenova matter. Her body was broken and reformed in Hojo’s sterile laboratory. However, it was not the physical torment that defined her, but the mindscape built around her suffering. Here, within a shared dream-world architected by Sephiroth’s fractured psyche and their shared soul-bond, Bianca faced the embodiment of her shame, loss, and buried desires which was twisted into weapons meant to either consume her or remake her. The dreamscape became her crucible. It is an unnatural womb where she was reborn.

Jenova’s corruption had, in fact, preceded the laboratory. From her second night in Gaia, Bianca was already being infected by the cosmic horror’s influence. The red string of fate binding her to Sephiroth had blackened long before Shinra’s intervention, subtly twisted by Jenova’s parasitic influence. This corruption granted the alien presence a foothold in her dreams during her vivisections and experiments, plaguing Bianca with visions that blurred past, present, and possible futures. These nightmares were not arbitrary. They were engineered, invasive hauntings designed to confuse her sense of identity and loyalty.

When the first S-cells entered her bloodstream, the psychic influence intensified, causing her visions to rupture into waking hallucinations and further unmoor her from Gaia’s reality.

The effect on Bianca was profound. She internalized the belief that her suffering was part of a larger design, that her trauma had purpose. Her loyalty to Sephiroth solidified not out of love alone, but because she interpreted their shared pain as divine alignment.

Project N didn’t just graft cells to her. It rewired her philosophy. To survive, she embraced her torment, folded it into her identity, and transformed it into resolve. This is why she later saw herself as an agent of cosmic reordering. The kilonova she seeks isn’t just destruction. It’s her warped version of liberation, purification by fire and collapse. Through the annihilation of the old world, she can finally transcend the systems that commodified her pain.

Yet, what makes this crucible so complex is Bianca’s lingering ambivalence. Even in godhood, she retains a sliver of resentment: not toward Sephiroth, but toward the systems that enabled his fall and her corruption. She blames Shinra, yes, but she also despises the divine hierarchy that allowed such suffering to persist. Her inner world is one of perpetual negotiation: between vengeance and rebirth and between submission and sovereignty. She no longer sees herself as a victim, but neither does she fully see herself as healed. The scars from Project N remain visible: some literal and others spiritual.

Bianca’s perception of this trauma remains paradoxical. She loathes the girl she once was. She was fragile, confused, and desperate to belong. She also guards that memory like a sacred wound. That younger self, tormented and discarded, is the root of her resolve. She honors it through destruction, by ensuring that the world which permitted such violence is never rebuilt in the same shape again. Her crucible taught her not just who she was but what she would never again allow herself to be. In this way, the trauma became her religion, the dreamscape her altar, and rebirth through fire her gospel.

@themaradwrites @shepardstales @megandaisy9 @watermeezer

@prehistoric-creatures @creativechaosqueen @chickensarentcheap

@inkandimpressions @arrthurpendragon @projecthypocrisy @serenofroses

@sapphirothcrescent @tolliver-j-mortaelwyver

[actual-corpse]

Alright. We all know that consumers (and capitalism and the companies, but this isn't about them right now) are ruining gaming, right?

Consumers ask for more, more MORE! From developers and its jacking up prices and file sizes and giving us mediocrity at best.

It's what ruined MLP:FiM. *too many people wanted world building. It was completely unnecessary and gave us one of the worst characters in the show. The world and cast got spread too thin and eehhhh...*

SCOPE CREEP

Consumers don't actually know what they want, and they just beg for shit that is completely unnecessary to both the story and the game itself. Creating pointless bloat and breaking shit (Cyberpunk 2077? The game Consumers rushed out comes to mind).

We have enough games on the market. We have such a large backlog that we can stand to wait a few years for a studio to polish a diamond instead of giving us a shiny turd.

It's late stage consumerism and late stage capitalism all rolled up into the nastiest mess you can conceive.

I saw a complaint about Detroit: Become Human that mentioned being disappointed in how one-note BACKGROUND ANDROIDS were.

BACKGROUND. CHARACTERS. Characters that are only there to fill up space. Not everything needs its own fucking story. Not everything needs its own shitting lore!

Easter eggs are awesome! I love them! I love things you really need to look for! But if we make everything an Easter egg, then there are no Easter eggs.

If YOU want to do all that shit, develop your own fucking game. Indie games fucking rule (but are an intense labor of love).

All that extra shit? That's why we have fandom. Fanfiction, OCs, headcannons. We can add the stuff that story writers couldn't. FANFICS WERE MADE BY FANS TO ADD ALL THE EXTRA SHIT THAT WE WANTED! Developers can't possibly cater to the every whim of a small few wants.

Not everything needs lore. Sometimes, the curtains are just blue.

[oliviacoppola]

BOLD WHAT APPLIES / ITALIC WHAT MIGHT.

TAGGED BY: stole this from Connie's blog

TAGGING: Anyone who wants

REPOST, DON’T REBLOG.

broken a bone // had a near death experience // been cheated on // killed someone (and succeeded) // attempted to kill someone (and obviously failed) // ordered somebody to kill someone else // been engaged // been married // had a child // adopted // been bullied // told a horrible lie // stolen something // seen a ghost // been camping // overdosed on drugs // been drunk // been to a haunted location // passed out // kissed the same gender // kissed the opposite gender // lost a limb // cheated // bullied // broken the law // invented something // punched someone in the face // been beaten up // been admitted to hospital // had sex // had sex and regretted it // done drugs // smoked // kissed someone they weren’t attracted to // bled severely // been shot // had an attempt on their life // lost someone // loved someone // had a pet // been hit by someone they loved // been tortured // held hostage // held a gun // gone without food for more than a day // gone without sleep for more than a day // had surgery // been to war // had a panic attack // gotten stitches // gotten arrested // been hired to kill someone // played with a ouija board // witnessed death // been possessed // been in a vehicular accident // had sex with a stranger // been half-naked in the cold // been stabbed // passed out from pain // cried themselves to sleep // faked a smile // prayed // spent a whole day in bed // taken anger out on themselves // had a stalker // been betrayed // been a traitor // gotten away with crime // taken their anger out on someone they love // been used // used someone // been terrified // played a cruel game on someone // been dominant // been submissive // laughed when they felt like crying // accidentally hurt someone they cared about // thrown up // had a threesome // gotten into a fist fight // gone to jail // used a fake id or faked an identity otherwise // gone to a rave // been in a house fire // left the country // told a dark joke

[m0e-ru]

annual realization where this gas station’s operations and my life owe it all to visualive i’m serious

[bardic-tales]

Being Bianca’s friend means gaining a fiercely loyal and protective ally who will stop at nothing to safeguard those she considers hers. She possesses an intoxicating charisma that can make even the darkest moments feel thrilling and unforgettable. Her connections to both celestial and infernal realms grant her insight into the unseen, allowing her to provide guidance, knowledge, or even supernatural intervention when needed. Bianca’s chaotic energy ensures that life is never dull, whether through adventure, indulgence, or the sheer unpredictability of her actions. However, the greatest benefit of her friendship is her unwavering devotion. Once she considers someone a true friend, she will fight for them with the same ferocity with which she fights for Sephiroth.

What are some benefits of being friends with your OC?

[armchair-angel]

Welcome to the Character Development Masterlist! Here, you’ll find an organized collection of insights, headcanons, backstory elements, and unique traits that define Bianca’s journey. Each category explores different facets of their personality, relationships, strengths, and inner struggles.

CD: Abilities and Powers

CD: Alignment and Morality

CD: Backstory

CD: Character Arc

CD: Character Design

CD: Dialogue and Speech

CD: Dreams and Goals

CD: Fears and Phobias

CD: Headcanons

CD: Interactions with Setting

CD: Likes and Dislikes

CD: Mental and Emotional Health

CD: Personality

CD: Plot Threads

CD: Quotes and Sayings

CD: Relationships

CD: Role in Story

CD: Secrets

CD: Strengths and Weaknesses

CD: Style and Aesthetics

CD: Symbolic Items or Artifacts

CD: Symbolism and Themes

CD: Values and Morals

CD: Voice and Perspective

CD: Abilities and Powers – Skills, talents, magical abilities, weapons

CD: Alignment and Morality – Good vs. evil scale, moral alignment, personal ethics

CD: Backstory – Origin, family history, life events, key moments

CD: Character Arc – Growth, change over time, lessons learned

CD: Character Design – Physical appearance, clothing, accessories, unique traits

CD: Dialogue and Speech – Accent, vocabulary, phrases, tone

CD: Dreams and Goals – Aspirations, motivations, long-term plans

CD: Fears and Phobias – Core fears, past traumas, hidden insecurities

CD: Headcanons – Personal quirks, habits, beliefs, preferences

CD: Interactions with Setting – World building elements, favorite places, habitats

CD: Likes and Dislikes – Favorite things, pet peeves, turn-offs

CD: Mental and Emotional Health – Disorders, trauma, coping mechanisms

CD: Personality – Traits, flaws, strengths, motivations, fears

CD: Plot Threads – Key events in the story, personal side quests, unresolved issues

CD: Quotes and Sayings – Notable quotes, personal mantras, life philosophies

CD: Relationships – Family, friendships, romances, rivalries, enemies

CD: Role in Story – Protagonist, antagonist, ally, role in larger plot

CD: Secrets – Hidden motives, guilty pleasures, past mistakes

CD: Strengths and Weaknesses – Physical, emotional, mental, supernatural

CD: Style and Aesthetics – Color palette, vibe, art style inspirations

CD: Symbolic Items or Artifacts – Signature weapons, accessories, heirlooms

CD: Symbolism and Themes – Representations, metaphors, recurring motifs

CD: Values and Morals – Ethical beliefs, priorities, codes of conduct

CD: Voice and Perspective – Point of view, internal monologue, narrative style

[yurimother]

Viral Yuri Manga 'The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn't a Guy at All' Released in English

On Tuesday, Yen Press released the first volume of Sumiko Arai's popular Yuri manga The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn't a Guy at All (Ki ni Natteru Hito ga Otoko Janakatta) digitally and in paperback.

The manga, which started its weekly run on X (formerly Twitter) in 2022, follows gyaru Aya Oosawa, who develops a crush on the alt clerk at the CD shop she frequents, unaware that it is her female classmate, Mitsuki Koga. Yen Press further describes the series:

Fashionable and upbeat high schooler Aya falls head over heels for an employee at a local CD shop. He’s got an air of mystery about him, always dressed well, and has impeccable taste in music. Little does she know―this supposedly male employee is actually her female classmate Mitsuki! Mitsuki generally keeps to herself, but since her seat is right next to Aya’s, she can't help but be extremely aware of the other’s crush. Revealing the truth is out of the question―but perhaps getting closer to Aya wouldn’t be so bad...

The series became incredibly popular after its release online, with fans internationally drawn in by the series' distinctive artwork, character designs, and green-color pallet. According to the English publisher, the manga was one of the most demanded series in the recent past and is set to become one of Yen Press's biggest releases of the year.

In April 2023, Kadokawa published the first volume of The Guy She Was Interested In in Japanese. The manga began serialization on Pixiv Comic the same month. The series also won Kadokawa's 2023 Next Manga Award in the web manga category. The second collected volume was released in Japanese in April and is scheduled for English release on February 18, 2025.

The series is translated into English by Ajani Oloye.

You can check out Volume One of The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn't a Guy at All in English digitally and in paperback: https://amzn.to/3YxI0kW

Edit: 10/24/24 - Corrected a character's name in the description.

[joncronshawauthor]

From Sapkowski to Netflix: The Evolution of The Witcher Saga

In the murky realm of contemporary fantasy, few franchises have stirred the cauldron of public imagination quite like “The Witcher.” What began as a series of novels by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski has morphed into a multimedia leviathan, encompassing video games, a Netflix series, and more merchandise than you can shake a silver sword at. But what’s the real magic behind this series? Let’s…

[bardic-tales]

Immortality? Honestly, it's a double-edged sword. Sure, being able to just regenerate after my body gets too damage is a handy perk, but it gets old real fast. Watching everything around you crumble while you just keep going? Yeah, that kind of gets under the skin after a few lifetimes. I don’t exactly get the luxury of moving on. Everything I’ve known keeps shifting, and the only thing constant is this damn cycle of rebirth. But hey, on the flip side, it means I’ve got all the time in the world to shape this messed-up Creation into something new with Mr. Tall and Broody. Maybe, just maybe, it’ll be worth it when it's all said and done.

Answer in the voice of your OC...

[Name], would you want to be immortal?

Check pinned post for event details.

[bardic-tales]

Stillness in Scars: A character deep dive for Bianca Moore, a FWC / FF 7 OC

When we talk about intimacy in fiction, it’s easy to default to grand romantic gestures or high-stakes confessions. But for characters forged in trauma, intimacy often arrives in smaller, quieter forms like the way they allow themselves to be touched.

The first article in this week’s Blorbo Blursday explores the physical and emotional terrain of Bianca Moore, a character whose celestial birthright and corrupted body make even the simplest acts of affection feel seismic. Cuddling, for Bianca, is not just a comfort. It’s a crucible. And in that stillness, we see the parts of her she tries hardest to hide.

Possible Trigger Warnings: Abuse, body horror, emotional trauma, medical experimentation, PTSD, self-image issues, sexual trauma, touch aversion

Bianca Moore was not made for softness. Fate didn't have softness in mind when it created her soul and split it into two halves. She was engineered for survival. From the moment of her prophetic birth, touch was something weaponized against her: a doctor’s scalpel, a cultist’s hand, and a demonic father’s claws. Her earliest associations with physical contact were laced with control, restraint, and pain. Even the touch of those she loved was often a prelude to betrayal or death. As a result, Bianca’s relationship with cuddling, or any form of prolonged touch, was one of volatility. It existed at the uneasy intersection between craving and dread, as well as vulnerability and resistance.

Yet Bianca did crave it, in the way starved things do. Her body remembered warmth even when her mind told her it was a risk. She longed for the kind of touch that didn’t demand anything, just the quiet affirmation of another heartbeat near her own. But she rarely sought it. To initiate contact was to risk exposure. Her strength came from control: of her emotions, of her space, and, ultimately, of her image. Letting someone hold her, or worse holding them back, meant surrendering that control, even momentarily. And for someone whose autonomy had been stolen more times than she could count, that was no small ask.

When Bianca did allow herself to cuddle, it was a rare and sacred thing. After the Nibelheim Incident, Bianca was not casual with her affection. She curled herself around someone only when her walls had already fallen and when her trust had already been tested by fire. Her style of cuddling was guarded at first: tense and watchful. But if the other person remained patient, if they didn’t flinch from her scarred skin or the way her Jenova and S-cell-infused body pulsed with otherworldly energy, she softened. Her limbs would relax. Her breath would slow. And slowly, she’d tuck herself into the space where safety used to live.

With Sephiroth, her most consistent partner in vulnerability, cuddling became a language all its own. They didn’t speak much during those moments. Words felt unnecessary. If Bianca were honest, sometimes words felt even invasive. Instead, they communicated through the tension in their spines, the angle of their heads, the rhythm of their breathing. Bianca would often rest her head on his chest over his heartbeat, as if grounding herself in the proof that he was still there.

Ultimately, Bianca’s capacity for cuddling mirrored her greater arc: a slow, halting reclamation of agency over her body and emotions. She would never be someone who cuddled freely or often, but when she did, it was meaningful. It was a sign of trust hard-won and intimacy made holy.

For Bianca, cuddling wasn’t an indulgence. It was a rite of survival. And in a world that taught her to flinch from kindness, choosing to lean into someone’s arms instead was the most radical act of all.

@themaradwrites @shepardstales @megandaisy9 @watermeezer

@prehistoric-creatures @creativechaosqueen @chickensarentcheap

@inkandimpressions @arrthurpendragon @projecthypocrisy @serenofroses

@sapphirothcrescent @tolliver-j-mortaelwyver

[ranchstoryblog]

PRESS RELEASE: STORY OF SEASONS: Grand Bazaar Revealed on Nintendo Direct, Opening for Business on Nintendo Switch™ and PC Aug. 27, 2025

Marvelous USA Showcases Advancements to the Cozy Farming/Life Sim Series Including Gorgeous Graphics, Richly Voiced Story, and Expanded Gameplay; Physical Pre-order Available Soon for Nintendo Switch

TORRANCE, Calif. — March 27, 2025 — Revealed during today’s Nintendo Direct, Marvelous USA formally announced STORY OF SEASONS: Grand Bazaar, the next installment in the beloved farming/life sim series, is in development and will release for the Nintendo Switch™ system and Windows PC via Steam on Aug. 27, 2025. Originally teased on Marvelous Game Showcase broadcasts, STORY OF SEASONS: Grand Bazaar takes inspiration from the original handheld release in North America in 2010. This new interpretation expands on the content and feature set of the original, while modernizing the visuals and design, leaning into the title’s focus on the theme of “renewal” as players set out to revitalize Zephyr Town’s bazaar and return it to its world-famous glory. The title will be available soon for physical pre-order on Nintendo Switch™ through participating retailers and on the Marvelous USA Online Store.

Zephyr Town’s bazaar was once one of the grandest in the world, drawing customers and peddlers from all four corners of the globe. These days, though, the bazaar has more tumbleweeds than customers. It’s up to Zephyr Town’s newest resident to turn its fortunes around! Players will raise animals, harvest crops, craft rare delicacies, then sell wares at their very own stall in the bazaar. As the bazaar business grows, new goods and services will arrive, which players can use to improve their farm. Help return prosperity to the bazaar, settle down for a cozy life and start a family, and Zephyr Town is sure to thrive once again!

Inspired by the classic handheld title, the new STORY OF SEASONS: Grand Bazaar builds up and improves on the original in every conceivable way. The world is bigger and more alive than ever thanks to incredible new visuals, new characters, an expanded story, and full character voice work in story events—a series first. Take advantage of Zephyr Town’s unique weather, using the wind to make travel and farm tasks a breeze! The winds of change are coming to deliver a new life in STORY OF SEASONS: Grand Bazaar.

Key Features

Cozy Living Reaches New Heights: The magnificent beauty of Zephyr Town shines with gorgeous graphics while a richly voiced story carries the player on a rewarding journey of farming, friendship, and renewal.

Ring the Bell and Sell, Sell, Sell: Farm produce and goods take on additional importance as the heart of players’ business at the lively weekly bazaar. Players can customize their stall and take charge of their sales to build up buzz and power up profits.

Take the Leap and Ride the Winds: Harness the power of the wind! Use windmills to create new products to sell, and effortlessly travel across the town on the brand-new glider. Players can use the new jumping skills on their farm or when exploring the town to access new locations. Who knows what they might find!

A Beautifully Cozy Life: Enjoy a rich life amongst a colorful community of characters, from friendly townsfolk to magical Nature Sprites. Build yourself a home, grow relationships, and even find love and start a family.

Marvelous USA also revealed physical editions coming to Nintendo Switch™ with pre-orders to be available soon through participating retailers and via the Marvelous USA Online Store. The title is available in a standard physical edition for an MSRP of $49.99, and a physical Premium Edition including a copy of STORY OF SEASONS: Grand Bazaar, an adorable plush Suffolk sheep, a cloth poster, a physical art book with over 115 pages of cozy art, and an original soundtrack CD, for an MSRP of $69.99. Details on digital availability will be announced at a later date.

Developed by Marvelous and published in the Americas by Marvelous USA, STORY OF SEASONS: Grand Bazaar will launch for the Nintendo Switch™ system and Windows PC via Steam on Aug. 27, 2025. The title will be published in Asia by Marvelous Inc., and in Europe by Marvelous Europe. This title is rated “E for Everyone” by the ESRB.

For more information about STORY OF SEASONS: Grand Bazaar, visit the official site at https://www.storyofseasons.com/grandbazaar/, and follow the series on X and Bluesky.

Information about Marvelous USA’s products can be found at www.marvelous-usa.com. Fans can also check out the latest videos from the Marvelous family of titles on YouTube and get updates by following on Facebook, X, Instagram, and Bluesky.

[bardic-tales]

Bianca is obsessed with Sephiroth. She sees him as the one constant in her life amid chaos and suffering. Her devotion is all-consuming, driving her to forsake morality, humanity, and even personal identity to remain by his side. She fixates on proving her worth to him, ensuring that no force can separate them. This obsession extends to their shared vision of destruction and rebirth, where she actively seeks to shape reality itself to align with their desires. Her need to be indispensable to Sephiroth fuels her histrionic tendencies, making her crave his attention and validation at any cost.

Does your character have any obsessions?

[asarigg]

Inside the Character's Mind: Part 4

KOUJAKU'S NATURALNESS

In contrast with all these worries Aoba has, there’s… this Koujaku:

While Aoba worries when he hears that Koujaku had refused everyone’s chocolates because he wanted to give him his chocolates and make it seem like something casual and move on to the next topic, so he wouldn’t die out of embarrassment, Koujaku is eager to receive those chocolates. He refuses the other’s chocolates not only because it would be dishonest to everyone involved, but also because in the end the only chocolates he cares about now are Aoba’s.

Aoba tries to lie and avoid the topic, but Koujaku had already noticed the box in his bag. When Aoba asks if he doesn’t find it weird, for a moment Koujaku doesn’t even know what he’s talking about. Same here:

Koujaku doesn’t care at all whether he’s with a woman or a man, obviously he’s bi, but that doesn’t exempt him from worrying or having issues about it. But he doesn’t. He just doesn’t have these kinds of concerns, he doesn’t care what other people think of his relationships. If it were up to him, he’d shout out loud that he’s dating the love of his life, but out of respect for Aoba he doesn’t.

The closest thing to anything like that is that he didn’t want to admit that he was in love with Aoba because they were friends, like I’ve mentioned before. He couldn’t tell him the truth or risk the friendship they already had. He didn’t want his rejection and he didn’t want to be a burden. Koujaku openly kisses him on the street, making sure not to be seen only to respect Aoba’s wishes, he takes every opportunity to hug him, and even when Benishigure asks them if they’re on a date he answers yes without hesitation, to which Benishigure responds by jokingly wishing them a happy marriage. I find it funny they have opposite reactions especially when Koujaku is the “straightest” of the cast and is always perceived as super masculine in and out of the game as I mentioned. You can appreciate through their relationship’s development that Koujaku gets over that initial awkwardness and has his sexuality pretty normalized now, whereas Aoba takes longer because his nature is more shy and reserved, but it still changes as Koujaku reassures him, helping him coming to terms with his gender and sexuality issues.

In the end Koujaku always reassures him, making sure he feels loved.

Fun fact: In one of Koujaku’s earlier designs he also wears leg warmers. Since they often do things together, like Koujaku accompanying Aoba to buy the CDs he likes, it would be cool if they shared that as well. Also, I’ve always thought that Koujaku’s more casual clothes are probably not worn that much since he always wears a kimono, so Aoba would steal his wardrobe. Imagine if the leg warmers were a gift from Koujaku?

CHILDHOOD. SLY AND KOUJAKU. THE AVOIDANT BEHAVIOR: part 1

This section might be my favorite, although it's so long (ton shit of pics) I'll be dividing it, please wait for the next parts 🤧💞

We also know that Aoba’s insecurities come from his fear of abandonment, because as he himself says, he fears losing Koujaku because when he lost him once it was extremely painful for him.

When Koujaku came into his life, it had a major positive impact. Koujaku being with him meant that the other kids wouldn’t bother him anymore, that he wouldn’t have to feel so alone and abandoned after his parents left and having a grandmother who couldn’t always be with him. For several years those were some of the fondest memories for both of them, so much so that Aoba started to see Koujaku as his hero (which, oddly enough, is also something that when Aoba tells him about it, Koujaku is surprised), and those memories prevented Koujaku from suicide.

And the impact when Koujaku left was equally negative. He was back in the misery of being an abandoned child, and knowing what awaited him after having experienced some of the happiest years of his life made the shock even greater. So much so that it would cause Sly to resurface until he finally took control of the body. Whenever Sly appears, it’s because Aoba needs help, to use his powers or because he has to fight something that Aoba alone cannot, including mental distress that weakens Aoba. And it’s no different here.

From this stage of their childhood we see a certain connection between the two that seems to go a little bit further, to a spiritual plane. Koujaku came into Aoba’s life at an ideal time, after his parents left, and no matter where Aoba was, Koujaku would always end up finding him. As if it was fate or a miracle, he remembers him and the beautiful moments they lived together when he wanted to commit suicide, giving him some hope to continue living and that maybe not everything in his live had gone wrong. After years of being alone following the death of his mother he finally manages to return to the island. No matter how much they try to hide that something is bothering them, even if they don’t know the reason, they always know something’s wrong, even when other people who are also close to them don’t realize it. There’s something special there, they always make the way they interact and share their feelings through other means than words sound in a somewhat spiritual way, using a lot of subtext. Because that’s how it was meant to be.

As I mentioned earlier Koujaku kind of believes in souls, asking Aoba about it in the Drama CD. Not only that, but after dreaming about his mother several times recently, he believed that maybe it could be his mother’s spirit trying to tell him something, to go to her grave.

But I think the most interesting part of all this is in the bad ending. The bad ending is a reflection of how far obsession can go and the consequences of not letting the people who love you help you. Not letting yourself be loved, pushing them away and locking yourself in, perpetuating the cycle you've been stuck in all your life, from which you can’t get out alone.

[meo-eiru]

What's ur inspo for art? ur art style is so cute... any art advice?? Jajsjdkkaka, I understand if u wanna gatekeep 👁👁

I meant to answer this several days ago but couldn't find it in the sea of asks welp

Anyway as I mentioned before we don't gatekeep art related stuff in this household, artists help other artists.

Honestly it's hard to name an inspo but I do have artists I look up to a lot (this might be a bit long)

Kanisuke, you guys might be familiar with her, she's the artist of the upcoming yandere inside game Yandere Town. I know it's not out yet but I'm actually obsessed with this game and have even translated all the character intros (they are a bit old atp so there might be some mistakes) and actually if you see a Yandere Town related post high chance it's from me. Not only her art but I love her writing style as well.

Hakuri-sensei, their manga Sachi iro no One Room is definitely one of my biggest inspirations. I love the relationship between Sachi and her "captor" and it's the only manga I actually cried my eyes out while reading.

Tayu-sensei, all of their work for Yuugen Romantica (one of my fav drama cd series) are breathtaking and they've also developed even more since then, their current works are just so stunning and I love studying the way they draw hair

Shirahama-sensei, she👏is👏a👏queen👏 honestly I don't have much to say, go read Witch Hat Atelier it's an artistic masterpiece and a giant love letter to art itself

Furumi-sensei, another queen! She's the artist of my favorite Fate Grand Order character Ashiya Douman. I've even bough her art books before, honestly she is just so talented. I don't know what she was drinking when she came up with Douman but I need some of it

Usagi Routo-sense, another fgo artist AND JUST LOOK AT HOW INCREDIBLE THEY ARE AT USING COLORS LIKE??? HOW??? Their art is like cocain for my eyes I could look at them for hours

AU, one more fgo artist and oh my god guys this person right here is one of my biggest inspirations just look at their drawings. I'm not kidding I actually spent hours just inspecting how they shade outfits. I'd sacrifice my soul just to get a chance to watch them draw live

☝︎ FAN, an Ashiya Douman fanartist and god guys the comics they draw!!! They are the cause of some of my current biggest fetishes ngl

Oyo-sensei, an fgo artist and is also the main artist of 18trip. They have such a clean art style that's very pleasing to the eye. I especially love the reference sheets they draw.

Shibatora-sensei, she is the artist of my FAVORITE drama cd series Shinai naru Thanatos and my overall favorite yandere character from any fiction Seo Eito. Honestly if you know me irl probably the first thing you'd mention about me would be my chronic Shinai naru Thanatos addiction because based on what everyone says I start speaking about it within 2 weeks of meeting someone new.

ORKA, the artist of A Stepmother's Marchen. Anyone who knows that manhwa probably knows why she's on this list, her art has so much soul and passion in it, literally every single panel looks like a painting and it makes me want to cry just looking at it

82 Pigeon, an incredible incredible Korean artist, I think they also give art lessons? I really tried to get them but couldn't figure out how. They also have a youtube channel and I learn a lot just by watching their speedpaints

[fantomette22]

Do you approve my geologist friend?

(would love to hear what you think it is too <3)

Crow... you have no idea of what you just unleash.... I went CRAZY over this thank you for activating my neurones! XD

I thought I talk about it before but no, it was about the Doll & Maria's pendant with Katy. It allow me to think about it even more thank you!

Short answer: I guess it's probably a weird opal gem stone yeah.

Long answer: whatever I am going to explain below XD

But first little disclaimer: I can't be certain and completely sure what were the devs intentions about it. Which gems did they really wanted to put in it and if they even had a clear idea in mind to begin with. If they did, it's also possible they didn't represent the right gem correctly. And I could never blame them for that! They aren't geologist or mineralogist. They aren't geographers or historians. They are not architects either, they are video games developers! And besides that, they still try their best to be faithful to their inspirations and create such vivid and beautiful worlds! Beautiful locations and buildings, realistic weapons, armors, clothing (with bits of fantasy), realistic battle and moveset as well etc. They already do a crazy job for all of this so we can't blame devs in general for unrealistic map (I like trying to understand the video game map geography/geology) or minor details that aren't 100 percent realistic. Or in this case the accurate depiction of a minuscule gemstone. This is a fantastic video game who's a mixt of Dracula, brotherhood of the Wolf and Lovecraftian cosmic horror stories (& fishes). Not a documentary on the 19th century. But anyway.

So yeah I'm just gonna give my 2 cents about it and maybe make you learn cool stuff thanks to my studies in geology 👍

And even if it's not completely accurate the beautiful world of HEADCANONS is here!!! XD More seriously this post may be very useful for fanfic references for exemple! That would make a cool discussions between characters or even allowed to describe more little objects like those!

Now let's begin!

The Doll Tear Stone

"Silver-shining tear stone. Use to change into a droplet blood gem that fortifies any weapon. A doll sheds neither blood nor tears and thus its nature remains unknown. Whoever thinks this is precious must be troubled by severe naivete."

"A blood gem that fortifies weapons and adds various properties. Droplet blood gems are special gems that adapt to various weapons and shapes. Created from a shining silver doll tear, this blood gem is a quiet but unfaltering friend that continually restores HP, the life essence of a hunter. Perhaps the doll's creator had wished for just such a friend, albeit in vain."

(Also can we appreciate how OP this gem is when it's your first playthrough?! Really a must have. Really worth it to go find the small hair ornament, and not just for lore.)

So it indeed look like an opal a bit. But there are other alternatives I considered as well! The first being the moonstone (or belmonite). They both are very similars, but they have different chemical formula. Also the moonstone is less rare and less expensive! It especially state in the description that the doll tear isn't precious at all. An opal is very precious and expensive in comparison.

opal SiO2 n H2O

moonstone/belmonite (Na K)AlSi3O8 ---

I can't show many references in this but on the internet you might find various colours of both moonstones and opals! With some less or more transparent.

Another moonstone for exemple.

But the doll tears also have the particularity of refracting light and shining of differents colours too. (Or diffraction into a rainbow for crystal). Opal and moonstone both have this particularity as well (even if it shows more in opal for exemple). Those phenomenons are called adularescence (moonstone), opalescent (in opal), or iridescence (bubble, fuel, cd, some fossils).

I didn't really thought about the rocks meaning too. Everything alike to "stone healing properties" are similars to an horoscope /zodiac/astrology for me. But stones meaning as in flowers meaning is very interesting! And I'm not going to dev to much but i guess they all fit well!

Moonstone: Feminity, divine wisdom, moon, calm balance, protection, spiritual healing"

DID SOMEONE SAY HEALING?! what a coincidence 🤭 But I mean almost all stones have protection meaning XD But hey it fit well with Bloodborne themes, The moon presence, the fact that it's not precious etc

Now I also need to mention other not precious stones (very common) and crystals as well, even if they don't show rainbow colours:

Quartz is well quartz but many expensive minerals can be found among it. they are formed via hydrothermal fluids.

Calcite is still very basic it's the crystal version of limestone.

Halite is salt. And guess what's in the composition of tears... SODIUM CHLORIDE/ NACL! :D ... 💀 so I thought that maybe you know... is the doll tear could be made from that....

Me now: hm do you think the tear stone is salty? 🤔

Me from almost 3 years ago: WTF is wrong with you?!?!?!

(I swear it's a true identification method for calcite to lick it but hear me out! you break the stone first to have access to a part who was never expose to air! We were all shock our teachers did this...anyway)

It's not very clear what the Doll is even made off but if indeed her face is made of porcelain well I could consider kaolinite then. Porcelain is made from it so.

In the end like the description said "it's nature remain unknown" and because it might have an organic origins as well I guess it's just it's own thing, but it resemble something that already exists. Maybe something about the old blood or bc of some eldritch mysteries. Mixed with unknowns material to become a crystal that could exist. (So new minerals just drop?? let's go)

I'm not gonna pass too much time on that (or it's never gonna be over XD) but you see the bloodstone and blood gem stones found in the game? Well there's tons of those in bb universe but in real life it's not possible.( I mean blood clot are a thing but the ones in game seems like a weird mixt being that and a real mineral structure). I hypothesis or headcanons that it's produce because of something in the old blood. Something in the great ones. But can a parasite or microorganisms really do that hm 🤔? Something that made the blood crystalize in some conditions. That amalgamate some minerals or impurity that are in too much concentration...

Quicksilver bullet can be made of blood too and we know they are made from mercury most likely (and not silver but maybe silver too)....

So yeah it's my theory to explain the weird bb biology. Because even if they had BYRGENWERTH NO ONE IS EVER GOING TO EXPLAIN TO US HOW THIS WORLD WORK SCIENTIFICALLY (and magic) SPEAKING!!!!! AND WHAT DID THEY LEARN IN ALL THOSE RESEARCHES!!!!

Why do I have such crazy ideas you ask? Well if I want my headcanons/fic to be coherent I need to think of many things to make everything stick together. Like for exemple I need to theorise things about this ^so that one day Laurence can explain to the gang WHY A GIANT MUTATED DOG IS ON FIRE AND VOMIT LAVA SOMEHOW MAKE SENSE!!!!!

YES I HAVE AN HC FOR THIS AND FIRE BLOOD MAGIC!!!! Of course it's fantasy, it's sci-fie not everything have an answer. But I cannot just say "it's magic shut up" x)

Hm let's have a lil pause before looking in the Doll's and Maria's pendant now.

Mini geology class interlude or how stones, minerals & gems are made:

About crystallization:

"Crystallization is a process that leads to solids with highly organized atoms or molecules, = a crystal. The ordered nature of a crystalline solid can be contrasted with amorphous solids in which atoms or molecules lack regular organization."

There's tons of things that can be crystal for ex water when you freeze it or salt: If you put salt in the water, it dissolve. If you heat the water and evaporate it, salt crystals are going to appear. For minerals, the longer it's exposed to heat and pression (underground) the bigger the crystals are going to be!

For exemple when lava burst out and grew colder and solid, crystals aren't visible or non existent bc the processes is very fast. That's the pitch black stone with tons of holes in it, basalt. But when the magma take thousand or millions of year to cool down the crystals are way bigger! Then erosion allowed us to discover them (like granite, gabbro or peridotite).

Of course these is for magmatic stones but the process is similar yet different for the gem we talked about, Quartz and even metals like gold who are made from Silice & found in sedimentary stones.

They are formed via hydrothermal fluids:

To put it very simply: the water get trap in the earth, get charged in lot of minerals on it's way + heat, get stuck at one place, evaporate and left behind all the minerals who become solid and amalgamate together, it crystallize and boom. You got lil crystals if not giant ore deposit.

For the geodes it's a similar processus; the water get trapped, dissolve minerals then it cristalize in the space it have;

So for Opal it's basically like this:

the best Opals are found Australia bc of the arid climate. Moonstones are made from granite mainly so it's found in lots more places.

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End of the mini geologic lesson.

So...do you realise how much warmth the Doll might have feel from the hair ornament to create such a beautiful crystal?! Wow it's incredible. (I am so sorry this is a joke ok ?! 😂😭 But am I wrong?!)

Ok now let's get back to business. After thinking about the tear it sparks new ideas about Maria and the Doll's pendant. I couldn't identified them before but I might be into something.

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Maria's pendant

Alright what about Maria's shiny, greenish pendants?

Well it's complicated. It's very shiny compared to the little others. It seems green too. Maria's and the Doll's one seems to alternate between silver and green depending the light or concept art or clothing descriptions. It's a mess... But at least it's based on real gem right? (If they are depicted correctly of course it can still be a mistake as well) but let's say Maria's a green one and the doll's is silver.

Well a green opal doesn't look like this 🤔 Even worst for a green moonstone.

An emerald don't look like this either they had clear marking and I don't see Maria just walking around j-hunting with a HUGE emerald that would belong to a queen or king and that cost more than the entire grand cathedral XD

I got a crazy idea at some point... maybe not about the big pendant after reconsidering it but at least the little one on her attire. What if... ok hear me out,

WHAT IF IT'S A BLOODSTONE?!

No not the one in the game! Those!

Also called heliotrope. It's a variety of chalcedony (same formula as quartz SIO2)+ red jasper spots or hematite (iron)

But they are some who are almost entirely green LOOK.

And that would fit with al the themes and stuff!?

But it's still very dark and not really shiny and while doing research I found Chrysoprase or green jasper.

The same stone can very different how it's polished too. So did the devs had a precise idea for smt or just made a pretty gemstone and didn't thought about making it too accurate to smt real? We'll never know... I know it doesn' look quite the same but I am proposing a few ideas here and I hope it could help and spark inspiration for someone! So instead of just giant it's a big green gemstone we can be more precise within fiction and let our creativity grow!

The doll's pendant

The doll pendant now. Well while doing the research for the tear stone I thought that the moonstone would fit so well for the doll pendant! Until I remembered that it basically act like a mirror 💀(and we can see the alpha ver of the hunter dream). So it can only be made from something metallic right?

So if you want to be poetic sure Moonstone will be nice. BUT I remembered thinking about another idea a huge while ago and I think it could be it! Perhaps this pendant is artificially made and is indeed a kind of mirror!

Ok hear me out x2. Gehrman made the Doll and her outfits right? Well he probably made the pendant by himself too.

So if you didn't knew mirrors are made from glass with a layer of silver pr aluminium. Then a layer of cooper or lead. In the 1800s they were made from tin and MERCURY! (mercury again our beloved).

Gehrman made weapons. Out of iron and other metallic minerals right? BRO MADE A SCYTE OUT OF SIDERITE hello!!! He made the doll clothes too isn't he? Pretty sure it would have been easy for him to make a little shiny metallic pendant who's almost like a mirror...(maybe I am not crazy in my hc that he might have made the hair ornament too let's goooo). Problem solve!

And that's it, hope you guys like those ides and this little lesson ^^

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Also have my post about basalt in Nightmare frontier and the fishing hamlet x)

[bardic-tales]

For Bianca, she would spend a quiet morning spent snuggled up in her favorite sweater, sipping a cup of tea while reading her favorite book. She would then take a nice walk. When she goes back home, she will back a batch of cookies and share then. As the day winds down, she would settle down with Sephiroth with her head against his shoulder before a fireplace. They wouldn't talk but simply 'be' in each other's company. She would close the day with writing and documenting what happened that day.

what would a cozy day look like for your oc?