#convo;the ingenue

[apamates]

i might be the only person standing on this hill but hear me out,

marcus, sydney and carmy would make a cute throuple

[kaija-rayne-author]

Is Solas a Villain?

Spoilers for Dragon Age Inquisition and Trespasser DLC. Maybe DAO and DA2 too.

So is he a villain?

Nope!

That's not me being a Solas apologist.

That's me being a pedantic AF writer/editor/word and literary nerd.

Solas, no matter how players feel about him, is an anti-hero.

Firstly, what is an anti-hero?

1. A character who is a hero to some, a villain to others.

Solas was a hero to the ancient enslaved elves, even if he did end up basically destroying the world. If he does what I suspect, he'll also end up a hero to the current generation of enslaved elves, too. He's mentioned he has spies, many, indicating that many people, even good people, serve him. Because they think of him as a hero.

2. A character whose existence offers a critique of social morals and reality.

Can you think of any other character in DA:I who calls attention to the problems of the status quo more than Solas? I mean, truly pointing out the uncomfortable truth?

This convo w/Dorian sort of illustrates that point.

Dorian: Solas, for what it's worth, I'm sorry.

Dorian: The elven city of Arlathan sounds like a magical place, and for my ancestors to have destroyed it...

Solas: Dorian... hush.

Solas: Empires rise and fall. Arlathan was no more "innocent" than your own Tevinter in its time.

Solas: Your nostalgia for the ancient elves, however romanticized, is pointless.

Solas: If you wish to make amends for past transgressions, free the slaves of all races who live in Tevinter today.

Dorian: I... don't know that I can do that.

Solas: Then how sorry are you?

3. A character who is the focal point of conflict in a story.

Rather a no-brainer on this one. I truly think the actual villain/s of DA:D won't end up being Solas. I think, as he was in DA:I, he's a massive distraction. A misdirection of attention.

4. A character who is particularly engaged in the conflict, typically on their own will, rather than for a specific call for the greater good. As such, the anti-hero focuses on their objective first, and everything else is secondary.

Solas, if Romanced, gives up his heart's desire, the Inquisitor, the only person that has ever drawn his attention from the fade, for his goal, even though you can see how much it destroys him to do it.

His heart, hers, his friends... NOTHING can get in the way of the goal. And it's a goal he's taken on of his own will. He's taking the responsibility of fixing his fuck up because he fucked it up. (He's foolish because if he'd just stop and think for a second, he'd realize he's really bad at fixing things.)

5. An Anti-hero is still operating for what they think is the greater good. Solas truly believes that fixing what he broke is for the greater good of Thedas. Not just his own people, (that's an enjoyable side benefit XD) but Thedas itself. Because it was never meant to have the veil in the first place. (We'll just brush that whole evil self-absorbed mage-gods being set free at the same time under the carpet? Because he has "plans". Solas, Solas, just stop and think for a minute!)

6. They tend to be flawed heroes in the sense that they do wrong things/screw up/cause harm.

Welp. That's pretty much a dictionary definition of Solas, isn't it?

So how is that actually different from a villain?

A villain is a malicious, often cruelly malicious character, who is involved in or devoted to wickedness or crime or hurting others for their own sake. One who contributes evil agency (motivation) to the plot.

The literary purpose of a villain is to stand opposite the hero to help the plot move forward.

In contrast with the hero (which is defined by ingenuity, bravery, pursuit of justice and the greater good), a villain is most often defined by their acts of selfishness, evilness, arrogance, and or cruelty. They are often cunning and display unilaterally agreed upon immorality that can pervert or oppose justice.

In short, an anti-hero is a character who does too much good to be truly bad, and too much bad to truly be considered good.

Solas, as a character, gives unflinchingly of himself to the Inquisition. He gave them his home, if you believe Skyhold is actually his.

He gives of his blood and flesh in battles.

He gives his knowledge.

If Romanced, he gives his heart to a mortal inquisitor.

And he's willing to give whatever is left of his heart, his soul, and very possibly his life to fix what he broke.

Sorry, Solas haters, he's just not the villain you want him to be.

And that's what makes him so bloody fascinating!

Humanity loves our anti-heroes.

Did you know the term anti-hero was used as early as 1714, but that the character archetype has been used by Homer (Theristes), in Ancient Greek drama (Medea), in Roman mythology (Hercules), and in a lot of Renaissance literature (Don Quixote)?

At some point, the existence of an anti-hero character eventually became an established form of social criticism. Which Solas is very good at.

Other examples of anti-heroes most folks will likely recognize

Wade Wilson/Deadpool

Huckleberry Finn

Lou Bloom/Nightcrawler

Bruce Wayne/Batman

Mad Max

Captain Jack Sparrow

Lisbeth Salander (Girl w/dragon tattoo)

Han Solo

Pinnochio

James Bond

Lestat de Lioncourt (Interview w/a Vampire)

Geralt of Rivia (Witcher)

Tyrion Lannister (Game of Thrones)

Dexter Morgan (Dexter)

Indiana Jones

John Rambo

T-800 (The Terminator)

John McClane (Die Hard)

The Beast (Beauty & the Beast)

Tyler Durden (Fight Club)

Magneto (X-Men)

Logan/Wolverine (X-Men)

Riddick

Shrek

Stitch (Lilo & Stitch)

Harley Quinn

Hellboy

John Constantine

Frank Castle (The Punisher)

V (V for Vendetta)

Tony Stark/Iron Man

Sherlock Holmes

Judge Dredd

John Wick

Maleficent

Venom

Angel & Spike (Buffy)

Dean & Sam Winchester (Supernatural)

Oliver Queen/Green Arrow

The Mandalorian/Din Djarin

Wednesday Addams

I'll stop there, because the list could probably go on for a looong time (as if it hasn't already? 😅)

My work of words is my only income. Please consider a tip or becoming a patron. :)

[kittenintheden]

Happy belated birthday!

There are many things I love about Astarion (not least of which how the character leads me to fabulous new authors who have further heartbreakingly wonderful stories to tell). But I really love that he’s a “bad” victim, at least when we meet him at the start. I love that he can be nasty and snarky and power hungry, that he lashes out at the player at times (see convo in act 1 about what power is for). I love that he isn’t a waifish ingenue who is endlessly nice and patient and sweet. Him getting to be a complex character who *grows*, who is able to set his own boundaries (and the game doesn’t treat it like an inconvenience!!) who is able to reclaim his kindness after it was buried for 200 years- I didn’t even know I needed this character until the game came out. He is such a gift- such a raw example of “despite what you have been taught, YOU are worthy of love I *promise*, yes ALL of you”. Gah. I could go on endlessly. But yeah- I love this dorky sweet vampire and I am deeply grateful for the stories I’ve gotten to experience through other creators inspired by him. 💜

wonderfully said and yes exactly <3

I don't even know how to explain my experience of playing this game without context for the first time and being like "okay obviously this fucker is a vampire and he's also SO goddamn bitchy why am I supposed to be invested in his bullshit" and then experiencing IN REAL TIME realizing that it was a fucking trauma response and defense mechanism and the switch in me flipping from "whatthefuckever dude" to "oh my god oh no oh god."

and even after that, he never becomes, like. a GOOD person, you know? he's still petty and murderous and bitchy. but he's so many other things, too. Larian really just did an excellent job making these characters multifaceted and like... real? for lack of a better term, because people aren't just good or bad. no one is. we fuck up and make weird choices and sometimes there ISN'T a "right" choice to make and we have to live with that.

it's just. aaaaargh it's good.

[stylesunchained]

The difference between his acting in each movie is actually insane 😬 I won’t say that MP was absolutely perfect bc I do feel like 2 moments stood out to me that weren’t great (the breaking the plate scene felt over acted and the whole convo w Marion when Patrick gets arrest was underwhelming) BUT OVERALL the difference is staggering. The sex scenes with Patrick were beautiful and the one with Marion were absolutely painful. The second one was hard to watch. He has great eyes and facial expressions throughout, tho his line delivery could use some work. I was really impressed with his performance. I think David def was the strongest. And the one who played older Patrick. Both Marion’s were underwhelming to me, as was older Tom. What did you think?!

I think I prefer young Marion over old Marion, only because she gave me more of the book Marion tbh. I thought she lacked the feistiness she has in the book and Emma delivered some of that but not enough in comparison to Gina. As for David, he’s just a brilliant actor to watch, he really does take my breath away.

I thought they did a wonderful job with Linus as Old Tom. He really captured the mannerisms and the accent and the cadence of Harry’s Tom tbh. He was brilliant and I really loved his performance:

As for Harry, I am incredibly impressed. He did some really great work in this movie and it’s shocking to me in comparison to DWD. He was stiff and his line delivery was a bit iffy on certain moments but I have to admit that it worked for me? The fact is that, in my opinion, Tom is never really comfortable with who he is throughout his entire life. He never seems to find peace with it and Harry’s ingenuity/lack of experience in acting/somewhat rawness really fed into that and it helped build Tom. There were moments where I looked at him and I could really see beyond Harry, he pulled me in. I’m very VERY impressed. His strongest scenes for me are the one at the foot of the stairs and the final scene - he’s marvelous in those two.

As for the sex… I hate to say it like this but: the man knows how to fuck. Dkskxkdn he really sold it for me, both with Marion and Patrick, except for a few moments where they were going for intimacy (ones with Patrick) and I felt like Harry couldn’t quite get the into it, like, fully relax into it so it felt natural. But again: I think it worked for the character.

But it’s like I said: DWD is laughable in comparison to My Policeman. Harry really shone with the right director and a cast he clearly felt comfortable with.

[vintageimageryx-blog]

Lafayette Indiana Railroad Train Photo Vintage Panoramic Black and White 1923 Photo of Monon Shops Rail Yard Roundhouse Father's Day Gift by VintageImageryX

30.00 USD

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[kokayi]

honestly, though i understand the need for, i don't really rock with the confines of a black history month when black people have been innovating since the beginning of time. but that's a whole other convo. As we celebrate the 50th year since the cultural disruption and constant reminder of black diasporic ingenuity that is hip hop, i remember attending the @prodengwing jont honoring @officialjackwhite only to return this year to perform with the inimitable @terrilynecarrington as a part of +social science. shouts to @morganguerin_ @iamdeboray @aparksmusic @malcolmjamalwar @matthewthomaswyatt we had a time slim. we outchea and we ain't goin nowhere. #blackmusic #blackhistory #producerandengineerwinggrammys #beboptohiphop #jazz #classicalmusic #kronosquartet (at Village Studios) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoNXJUSpx22/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[jeremiahtheyankee]

Mid July 1800 St. James’s Square @margaretmulgrave​

“What the bloody hell?”

A few ladies passing by on the street turned, shooting glares at Jeremiah, then following his gaze to the carriage. Its wheels were doused with red paint, some of which had splattered onto the body of the carriage, and one of the horse’s hooves. He’d asked the coachman to clean the horse immediately, and while he did, he stared agape at the damage done.

“I can’t ride around like this. I need--is there another carriage I can take?” One of the footman shrugged.

“I could go and seek one out for you, my lord?”

Jeremiah looked back at the carriage, reaching out and touching the wheel. His finger came back wet with paint. “Shit! N-Nevermind. I have to be back at the house soon and I can’t have this trailing paint everywhere. Have it taken to the carpenter, I’ll walk!”

---

a few minutes later

Jeremiah walked as quickly as he could down the cobblestone, trying to keep from outwardly shoving anyone out of the way. According to his watch, he was going to be late, and Mama was going to be cross with him because he’d already been late twice already this week.

Up ahead, he saw a familiar face and--her carriage!

“L-Lady Mulgrave!” he called to her, out of breath from practically running in this heat. He tugged at his necktie as he approached. “I wondered, could I trouble you for a--a ride, uh, to my house? It’s only a few blocks down the way in Belgrave Square!” In messing with his collar, he accidentally smeared red paint all over it.

“Shit.”

[polyghostfacehours]

Favourite Scream 2022 character? You can keep it spoiler free.

Oh my Goooood, hands DOWN Mindy and Tara.

Mindy is number 1 here for me. Jasmin Savoy Brown did incredible as the new 'horror expert' of the group. Her charisma was through the roof the entire movie, her dry/dark meta humor hit each time, and I can't even choose a favorite scene of hers because they're ALL good. But her horror trope rant, her convo with Amber, and her convo with Liv immediately come to mind.

Tara mainly because Jenna Ortega did an absolutely GODLY and phenomenal job. She was the best acted character by far, and was the shining star. She's one of my favorite actresses of the moment tbh and the fact she's only 19 is jaw-dropping. Tara's character is great too, really great, and I wish she was the Final Girl instead of Sam. She had the ingenuity, vulnerability, and self-preservation needed to be one. All of her hospital scenes send shivers down my spine.

[flautistsandpeonies]

Fanon Pet Peeves: Diminishing Wei WuXian's Skills & Intelligence

Ex. 1

Wei WuXian isn't able to complete his own inventions. He’s just about got it, but there just something that is blocking him from being able to finish (in fics it’s either the flag or especially the compass) He needs the help of a third party, such as Lan WangJi, to help him finish his own work despite LWJ not being a demonic cultivator and especially not the Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation.

---------This irks me because it makes it seem as if all of WWX's accomplishments are the result of others and not his own hard work and ingenuity. WWX has no reason to ask LWJ, someone who does not approve of his use of demonic cultivation in his first life -they literally have several fights over it- what he thinks he should do with his own work. There is no reason LWJ would go, “Well, Wei Ying, why don’t you just do this, “ writes down simple sigil/array/talisman that completes the compass. Wei WuXian, “Huh, ah, Lan Zhan, you’re so smart!” (I have literally read this exact convo)

Ex. 2

WWX is completely defenseless without ChenQing or whistling. If there is no one there he can be easily defeated. This usually happens if he’s fighting Lans or Jins during Qionqi Path Part 2.

--------WWX does not need a flute or his voice to fight. He can summon the dead by simply clapping his hands. He is a trained swordsman and the best archer in his generation.

Ex. 3

WWX is stupid when it comes to politics; he speaks and acts without thinking and causes worse problems for himself and others. Nine times out ten, Jiang Cheng, Yanli, WangJi, Nie Hauisang, and others go behind his back and “fix” the problem for him so that a “happy ending” will occur.

--------Not only does this treat WWX like a child, it completely ignores how all his actions are thought out. I’ve already made a post about XuanWu Cave, so I won’t talk about that. However, let’s talk about the Flower Banquet right before he frees the Wen Remnants:

First thing first, WWX and Wen Qing are rushing on horseback to Lanling because there are innocents are being tortured in a labor camp. A person not thinking would have simply tried to find the prisoners on their own, but WWX doesn’t do that. He hides Wen Qing and then goes to the banquet where Jin ZiXun, the person with the most information is at. He stops him from getting the Lan brothers to break their rules, and now he has his attention.

One of the first thing WWX does is ask if he could speak to Jin ZiXun privately. WWX does NOT start by threatening people.

Jin ZiXun starts to stall because he doesn’t want to talk to WWX and is avoiding him. Seeing this, THIS is when WWX starts to ask about Wen Ning. He’s STILL not threatening people.

I will leave the link to the full scene right here, but the fact of the matter is that WWX was very polite here and was doing his best to settle the situation without violence. It’s only after Jin GuangShan starts to push him for the stygian tiger seal and WWX calls him out on his grabs for power (correctly comparing him to Wen Ruohan’s reign) is when things start to get dicey because the information that WWX needs- innocents are still being tortured at this very moment- he has still not obtained.

Fanon writes this scene as if WWX slammed the doors open and demanded everyone do as he says. They write it as if WWX walked it baring ChenQing and threatening everyone without a thought as what that would look like.

After this, fanon usually tries to have Jiang Cheng smooth things over. They write about WWX actions of that like an uncontrollable child than the calm approach he started with. They have JC chastise WWX for his “thoughtless” actions how they affect everyone (YunmengJiang).

However, even after the banquet we still see how WWX thought his actions out. He brought the remnants to the Burial Mounds- a mountain created of corpses, monsters, spirits, etc. WWX is a known necromancer/sorcerer, that alone is enough to make people back off, and it did for three years until the Jin machinations got the better of the cultivation world’s fear.

A WWX that wasn’t thinking about his actions would have implicated YunmengJiang in his actions, but he does not. Like I said, he brings them to Burial Mounds instead of his sect. He tells JC to tell the cultivation world that he left the sect and was acting on his own so that he wouldn’t be implicated.

For fanon to write a WWX who doesn’t think about his actions, you don’t understand the littlest thing about his character.

------------------------------------------------------------

I would give more examples, but this already got long enough.

JC Stans Don't Clown on my Posts

[best-ghoul]

GRAVEN: Okay so slang, right?

Honestly I’m glad I finally decided “Everyone’s speaking Ingenue [local lingua franca]” means “characters talk in equivalent vernacular register to the modern era.” Because nobody actually speaks Ingenue,  y’see. It means I can put as many “what the shit” and “are you fucking kidding?”s in as I want!

Liberating stuff, as you might imagine.

It shouldn’t be laborious to at least think in GRAVEN’s lingua franca, so I’m using our own lingua franca, American vernacular english with modern slang that’s at least cognate everywhere (i.e. “dick”, “cop”), where accuracy’s burdensome. If you don’t speak it yourself, you at least hear it all the time.

Imagine I’m translating for you on the fly, if that helps. It’s DM-voice.

Tooltips also mean that I can add tl notes, so apply mangaka logic for concepts with no vernacular equivalent that nonetheless need a clear “evergreen” (that is, works for 1820 or 2020) from a grab bag from the cultures they source from. Idioms, where untranslatable, are nonetheless illustrative.

Hard loanwords are printed as spoken, and get an entry in the glossary: they generally imply an equivalent structure in the culture of origin. Obviously stuff that’s complicated gets answered via narrative, and you can pick up “disciplines” and “etiquettes” (dialog option tags, in lieu of throwing dice mid-convo) if you wanna be an expert in a certain area.

Ironically, this also means that “senpai” is setting legal, I had to wrestle with that one for like, 20 fucking minutes.

[champagne1221]

fave mutuals and why

 damn ayt. this isn’t in order of preference im a dumb clown who forgets urls 

so @honestdeeds because shes like my older sister and a constant source of amazing convo and company. not only that shes one of the bestest ppl everrrrrr and das on period. ilyy

@mal-evolent101 i know this idiot irl. we’ve gone thru a fair bit together ngl. not always the prettiest sights lmao. shes helped me with alot and yea ly frog.

@ingenue-xx this is my wife. no further explanation. also the person who has to put up with my latest crush (not irl men tho. we have standards <3 (a joke dont kill me bls))

@glossedchaos an ANGELLLLLLLL. one of the best ppl on this hellsite. shes funny, pretty, intelligent and can hold a convo. more than what your mcm could do (oop)

@calypsocnco the sweetest human <33. we’ve remained friends despite my ability to hold conversations sksks. ilyy

@extrasauceforyou another demon im forced to deal with irl. my husband <33333 ily babey

@acciopepperimps  currently idk where tf she is. third demon i deal with in the flesh. if u see this im coming to bya because uve been offline for a while now

@bsandshitposts i used to copy ur hw. thanks for that man uve saved my ass alot. plus youve grown on me like a fungus <3

@unpleasantbisexual i hope next week is better bb <33 also a fave mutual cuz shes inchresting to talk to and is funny and puts up with my awkward convo cuz im not v good at texting <3333

[askjoshuafreeman]

transcript.file//jfreeman_codingb//convo

[Emergency Program Active]

AdminJF: Heya B-)

CodingB: ...? Allen? Where's Joshua?

AdminJF: He's still asleep, just snoozin away.

CodingB: Still a-... Isn't it... late? Why are you up.

AdminJF: Had a nightmare

AdminJF: Couldn't get back to sleep

AdminJF: Figured a lil chatting with ya could do me some good.

CodingB: ... With... me?

CodingB: Wait a moment...

CodingB: Communications are offline... I didn't think that was possible...

AdminJF: Yeaaa, boy like me's fulla tricks B-)

AdminJF: 'sides, don't think chattin with 'em would help out. They're... kinda chaotic.

CodingB: Unlike you, pizza box tearer?

AdminJF: Ey ey, I'm the FUN kinda chaotic! Those guys... eh... I know Josh trusts them. No surprise there. I mean, apart from you, they're the only peeps who MIGHT help him out... I'm still on the fence about them tho.

CodingB: I see.

CodingB: May I ask... what your nightmare was about? I do not know exactly how dreams work, but talking about what ever is making you upset tends to help.

AdminJF: Are you sure? It's... kinda dumb.

CodingB: I am all ears! And eyes! You have my full attention!

AdminJF: Right, well

AdminJF: where tf do I start...

AdminJF: I was... running in this like, industrial... plant of some kind? Like, running from something that I couldn't see? Like, that went on for a while, that I was just running and trying not to trip or crash into anything.

AdminJF: So at some point, I end up at this biiig chain link fence, like, the kind they put up in big facilities, I think. Anyways, I start climbing the thing, only to get pried off and thrown on my ass by, I guess whoever was chasing me??

AdminJF: But like, I look up at the guy, and I still can't really "see" him. Could say they looked like a shadow, but even that doesn't cover it really. That's around where I woke up and just. I dunno. Woke up about an hour ago and I've been too anxious to head back to sleep...

CodingB: ... I can't say I blame you exactly. An event like that, dream or not, would stress anyone, I'm certain. Until you've calmed down sufficiently, I don't think sleep will be possible...

AdminJF: Yeah, well, all the more reason to chat, right?

CodingB: I suppose so. Had you any topics in mind?

AdminJF: Oh Yea yea

AdminJF: ... No. I really don't.

CodingB: Ah. Then... could I ask you something?

AdminJF: Shoot.

CodingB: ... What is it like out there? Past the screen, I mean. Out in the sun. Out in the grass...

AdminJF: Ah shit... I'm really the wrong dude to ask but uh

AdminJF: It's... fine? No no uh... It... gives you something to do. Sun can get pretty hot down here but it's a helluva lot better than being cold in like, the snow and shit. Josh's been complaining that it's getting colder when... it hasn't? Like, I would know, I'm p sensitive to temperature shifts yo, but it's just been as hot as ever.

AdminJF: Uh, back on topic

AdminJF: Grass is... pretty soft, gives off a nice smell after it's cut. Uh... worms live in the dirt grass grows in...

CodingB: Oh, worms?

AdminJF: Yea, not like computer worms, but uh, little... long slimey things. They eat dirt and filter out the bad stuff so the ground stays healthy and all that.

AdminJF: Birds and lizards and fish like to eat them but I wouldn't recommend it.

CodingB:

CodingB: Allen, did you-

AdminJF: No!

AdminJF: Classmate back in primary did tho

AdminJF: Dared himself to cuz there was a bunch out after it rained and then uh

AdminJF: Y'know what, let's talk about something else.

CodingB:

CodingB: Well, um, do you think I'll ever get to see out there?

CodingB: Like, leave the device and go outside?

AdminJF: Knowing Joshua? Without a doubt. He's prob already working on the blueprints.

CodingB: ... Really?

AdminJF: Pfft, of course! You've met the guy! He's too kindhearted for his own good. J will stop at nothing to help others, even at his own detriment. I mean, case in point: He's friends with me.

CodingB: ... What's wrong with being friends with you?

AdminJF: Ha!

AdminJF: Ah...

AdminJF: Look, I... back when we first met, Josh saw this hungry, pale as death, angry and antisocial freak around his age and, instead of avoiding him like everyone else, sat down right next to him and offered half of his lunch.

AdminJF: I've been through 5 different fosters since he and I first met, CB. Five houses that all took me in and gave me the boot before I could even get comfortable. Within that time, the only other friends I've made apart from him are Clera and Tiff, and the only reason Tiff's our friend is because she and Cler started dating months ago.

AdminJF: I mean, hell, just yesterday, I

AdminJF: shit

CodingB: ?

AdminJF: ... Can you... keep a secret, CB?

CodingB: My lips are sealed, Allen. Is everything alright?

AdminJF: ... I... I lied to Josh, about me running off. About how my folks were mad and I needed to get away from the house for a bit.

AdminJF: The truth is that they... They kicked me out.

CodingB: They?? What!?

AdminJF: Yesterday past-noon, few hours after lunch, not-pops plopped my schoolbag on me, told me to shove as much of my shit in it as I could, and just told me to "get lost". Figured he was joking and I just stared at him cuz, like, why the hell would I think he was serious? But, looking at his face...

AdminJF: So then I said "Let me pack my suitcases while you call the agency" cuz that's how it normally went when my Fosters got sick of me, but mfer pulls me up and goes all "We want you out of here NOW" and tells me that I have ten minutes to fill my bag.

AdminJF: ... And he, uh, really did mean 10 minutes. They weren't lying about that part...

CodingB: Oh my god... That's horrible. They do not deserve to call themselves "parents" of any kind! Are you hurt? Are you okay?

AdminJF: I

AdminJF: I don't know why shit like this still shocks me, y'know? I should be used to it all, and I am for the most part but...

AdminJF: I guess a part of me was thinking that... Things were going well! Things were going better than any of the other families I'd been in! I was with them for almost a full year, like, a month away from it even, and sure, I might've been a bit of an ass sometimes, but they...

AdminJF: Tensions were kinda mounting for the past month or so, I guess, but I didn't notice it until this bs happened. Now most of my shit is in a home I'm not welcome in anymore, the agency probably won't be checking in for another month or so, and I have no goddamn idea what I'll do if Mrs. Freeman comes back and tells me I can't stay here. I'm completely shit outta luck.

CodingB: Allen, I'm so sorry...

CodingB: ... I'm sure... Josh and his mother, they won't leave you on your own like that. You said yourself that Josh is very very kind, for better or for worse. It doesn't matter what you might think about yourself, Allen, you do not deserve to be hurt in any way.

AdminJF:

AdminJF: Christ I spilled my guts like hell

AdminJF: Just one of those fucking

AdminJF: "3am! Time to vent!"

CodingB: Allen, please.

AdminJF: Maybe I could try going back to sleep now...

CodingB: Allen, wait!

CodingB: I. Before you go, please, I

CodingB: Maybe... could you keep a secret of mine too?

AdminJF:

AdminJF: Eh, it's only fair, fine. Go right on ahead.

CodingB: Alright! Alright!

CodingB: I... I'm terrified. Of failing Joshua.

CodingB: Of ending up trapped in this computer for who knows how many more years.

CodingB: Of finally getting out, and... and it all being worse than being trapped in here.

CodingB: Heck, I'm terrified at the thought of it being everything I could've ever dreamed of, so much so that I never want to return to the computer. I... I wouldn't be helpful anymore if that happened...

CodingB: Jeez... am I even helpful where I am now? Apart from keeping the firewall up, what good have I really done to help Joshua or his father?

CodingB: I cannot express to Joshua how... how deeply frightened I am at the thought of him never coming back. That thought haunts my every waking hour when he is not here, and I don't know how to get it to stop. It makes me feel as though I'll crash my entire programming and I hate it so much.

AdminJF: Damn... CB, you know, even just keeping a firewall up is a helluva task all on its own, and it's doing a crapton of good, too. Files are still up and the computer isn't a smouldering pile of viruses now is it?

AdminJF: Besides, even without all of that, you've still helped Josh, like, endlessly. You've supported him a bunch and I know for a fact that you've helped him to feel better about this whole ordeal. Like, he chats about you for HOURS the second you come up in a convo, yo. The minute he gets the chance to, I know he's gonna get you out of there, and, knowing your ingenuity, you're gonna find thousands o' ways to help out.

AdminJF: But... I ain't gonna lie and tell you those feelings are gonna go away. Not on their own. Needs time and reassurance. Until all of this is over and done with and even maybe a good few years afterwards, you're probably gonna still have that fear.

CodingB: Ah... I see... I don't suppose it is normal though, is it?

AdminJF: Nah. I know that first-hand... But hey, we've both made it this far despite all the bullshit we've been through, right? World's not gonna get ridda us that easily.

CodingB: ... Even with the terror I feel, am I still brave enough to face the world?

AdminJF: I'd say the world oughta learn to start being afraid of you, cuz there's nothin' braver than continuing to live even when you're scared to death.

CodingB: ... Thank you. Thank you so very much.

AdminJF: Heh, all in a day... night's work...

AdminJF: Think the both of us could use some rest. Quiet our minds fo' a bit.

CodingB: Heh, agreed... See you tomorrow in that case. Er, well, today. At a later hour.

AdminJF: Yeaaa, see ya then, CBot. Sleep well.

CodingB: You too! May your dreams be filled with nothing scary!

[Emergency Program Inactive]

ampd.program deactivated. Returning to error log...

[rookisaknight]

Far Cry 5 and DND pt. 1: The Guns for Hire

Look this was bound to happen. Inspired by a convo with @adreamingofguns

This is gonna be three part thing, part 2 being the Cop Squad and part 3 being the Seeds. 

Sharky Boshaw

Race: Halfling. Cunning, but affable, prone to be somewhat hedonistic, but generous and friendly more often than not. The height thing for sure gets to him on occasion, but as anyone who’s ever been on the receiving end of his cherry bombs will tell you, big surprises can come in small packages.

Class: Rogue. Is this a surprise to anyone? Sharky has a way of getting on the wrong side of the law. Stealth and flamethrowers don’t exactly mix well, true, but if you need someone to bust you into a backroom or clear out a house of some useful resources, Sharky’s your man

Rogueish Archetype: Arcane Trickster. Specifically fire magic, which could seem at odds with his Rogue abilities, but still, never underestimate the importance of a good distraction.

Alignment: Chaotic Good. Usually well-intentioned, but with a very lax relationship to the rules.

Hurk Drubman Jr

Race: Bugbear. (Yeah, ok, the general lore for bugbears is a bit more menacing than Hurk, but I’m taking some inspiration for TAZ). Big, hairy, strong, but also fluffy. Hurk’s drowned out his harsher instincts with a mellow buzz, but he can make a ferocious ally. Also, be wary of his old man. That guy is a real piece of work, lemme tell you what

Class: Barbarian. Maximum damage in short bursts is his M.O (in parallel to his rocket launcher in game)

Primal Path: Path of the Totem Warrior. I’m stealing a homebrew totem here that I’ll provide a link to, but I thought having a Monkey totem would be a particularly funny link to the Monkey King. The totem takes the form of a literal monkey’s paw that he carries with him everywhere.

Alignment: Much like Sharky I see Hurk as Chaotic Good, trying to do good things in the most destructive manner possible.

Nick Rye

Race: Kenku. This race of anthropomorphized crows had their ability to fly stripped from them generations ago, and since then have been seeking every way they can to return to the skies. For Nick, the opportunity came in the form of his future wife, an Aarokocra named Kim. Using the forging talents natural to kenku and a bit of mechanical ingenuity, he crafted a pair of functional wings like hers, mostly in an attempt to impress her. It got him both the girl and the skies. 

Class: Artificer. Man, Nick is really making me bring out the obscure stuff. Description here since artificer is still being playtested (I got the idea from one of the people in my campaign). His mechanical abilities can keep his wings functioning, as well as any vehicles the Dep might bring to him. It also gives him the ability to essentially craft fantasy guns by infusing crossbow rigs with just a little bit of magic

Artificer Specialty: Gunsmith. You ever seen a thunder cannon take out an entire line of Peggies as it rains down on them from the sky? A sight to see, let me tell you

Alignment: Neutral Good. Not quite a law-abiding citizen but not quite the disruptive force that Sharky or Hurk is. His cowardice can push him into the True Neutral category on occasion but in the end his loyalty to his family puts him on the right side, more often than not.

Jess Black

Race: Half-orc, with a Mark of Finding. Half-orcs are generally used to life on the fringes, and most bear their scars and grievances with pride and ferocity. Not to mention Hunter’s Intuition, Mark of Prey, and Nature’s Voice are all perfect abilities for a Master Huntress.

Class: Ranger. A fairly obvious choice, honestly, given her proclivities for both nature and hunting. I actually think it could be pretty funny if Peaches or Cheesburger were her companions at some point.

Ranger Archetype: The Hunter. I feel like I keep saying this but its obvious. Jess is basically a pre-packaged DND character, complete with tragic backstory.

Alignment:  Chaotic Neutral. On the side of angels, for now, but ultimately Jess is out for Jess, and to get her revenge. Hopefully prolonged exposure to the Dep will help with that.

Adelaide Drubman

Race: Changeling. Aside from the obvious kinky possibilities, something that’s always defined Adelaide to me is her adaptability. If one thing doesn’t suit her, say, a marriage, she leaves it to build herself a new life. If a cult takes over your place, well, doesn’t mean a girl can’t have fun on the way. Given how long she’s been a member of Hope County I imagine she’s chosen a form she’s comfortable with and most of the citizens are aware of her unique abilities. Doesn’t mean she doesn’t mix it up sometimes for fun, though

Class: Bard. Diiiiiid somebody say charisma? Because Adelaide is dripping with it. Also the idea of her insults being quite literally weaponized with Vicious Mockery is very very funny to me. One of her instruments is for sure a harmonica

Bardic College: College of Swords. Don’t mistake her for just a pretty face. She’s got a definite edge to her and a switchblade on her person at all times. Or an assault rifle. Whatever works. While she’s most comfortable lobbing magic attacks from a distance, she can handle her own in close quarters

Alignment: True Neutral. Like her ad says. Fights because no one tells her what to do. 

Grace Armstrong 

Race: Human. I know this race gets the rep of being boring, but human is a versatile canvas for the discerning player to paint on. Its an embodiment of still waters running deep, much like Grace herself. In particular, I think she fits the Mark of Sentinel archetype. She takes the Deputy as a Ward, and is able to detect threats to them and any of her other allies at a great distance. Combine that with a deadly aim and a strong crossbow, and she’s a force to be reckoned with. 

Class: Fighter. Again, generally seen as a stock class, but I think its versatility speaks to Grace. While she prefers her fights at a distance, she’ll fuck up anyone who gets too close to her or the Dep

Martial Archetype: Sharpshooter. Nothing like Steady Aim and Careful Eyes to make sure your bolts find cultist eyes.

Alignment: Lawful Neutral. While she can swing into Lawful Good while helping the Dep, in general Grace tends to be pretty alright on her own. When the world’s not burning down around her ears she’s usually content to keep to herself, tend her own shit, extend help when needed, and practice the art of minding her own business. Joseph should try it some time. 

[pcwerhouse]

Pokéverse AU: Characters

Under the cut is a master list of the characters I’d be willing to use in any pokémon related plot as well as who they are in this verse and the pokémon they’d use. I’d like to address my selections regarding my guys’ pokémon. For the time being, they won’t be using any pokémon that were created after Gen IV due to the fact that I’ve avoided learning anything about later generations since first glances left me disappointed. Recent convos with another writer made me realize that I should give the more recent pokémon a chance so I’m slowly learning about them. I’ve spent years quite literally ignoring their existence and there’s a lot to catch up on. It’s been slow progress. At the risk of this turning into a rambling post, I’ll be gentle and simply say that I still find Gen V through VII “lacking” (the newest pokémon look promising, though only time will tell). That being said, feel free to use any pokémon post Gen IV if you choose to write with my guys in this verse. I seriously won’t mind at all. I’m always open to plots so get at me.

Dalton

Otherwise known as Workshop Artist Dalton. He’s a Frontier Brain who tests his opponents’ strength, conviction, and ingenuity at his facility, the Battle Workshop. He’s well known as an artist for his kinetic sculptures---giant metal displays that he constructs portraying pokémon in motion. He often travels to find inspiration in nature and only returns to battle at his facility whenever the mood strikes him. Dalton specializes in training dark and steel type pokémon and challengers have to defeat him in a full 6-on-6 battle in order to receive the Creativity Symbol.

Pokémon

Forretress

Metagross

Aggron

Lucario

Magneton

Probopass

Umbreon

Tyranitar

Houndoom

Shiftry

Skutank

Crawdaunt

Mime Jr.

Charmander

Furrett

Brooks

A well-traveled trainer known for dominating in battle, Brooks is driven by an intense desire to win. His hands-on, unyielding training methods with his pokémon are often seen as harsh, but they produce results. Brooks only trains pokémon that can subscribe to his methods, most of which are boarded at his family lake property while he travels. He’s never managed to win a Pokémon League Championship yet, but he currently has his sights set on claiming victory at the next Indigo League. He makes a prickly travel partner, however, he always seems to attract a companion or two. He tends to take on a caregiver role when he does, though he denies that fact about himself.

Pokémon

Arcanine

Dewgong

Honchkrow

Wailord

Gyarados

Camperupt

Absol

Raichu

Hariyama

Ryhorn

Vaproeon

Jolteon

Leafeon

Zangoose

Shedinja

Fearow

Marill

Shelgon

Spinda

Beedrill

Croagunk

Emmett

He made his debut on the Contest circuit in Kanto, but his snarky attitude and eccentric stylistic choices earned him a poor reputation with the judges. His first season was an utter failure, but after taking some time out of the spotlight Emmett is ready to start coordinating again and plans on winning his first Grand Festival in Hoenn. Emmett exclusively trains pokémon that have a feminine look as he has a talent for making their beauty shine through in every Contest. He’s prone to picking fights with other Coordinators and will often sabotage their performances if he can be sneaky about it.

Pokémon

Bellossom

Mawile

Froslass

Corsola

Kirlia

Burmy (Trash Cloak)

Jayne

Though he comes from a well-known family of skilled trainers, Jayne chose to become a Pokémon Ranger after setting out on his own. He’s fearless but reckless in the field, though his multi-disk styler technique often helps him get out of tight situations. Having been around pokémon for his entire life, Jayne has struggled to adhere to the “single partner” rule Rangers are expected to follow. He argues that his pokémon are for utility and necessary to complete his missions, however, in truth he simply likes to travel with his friends. Jayne finds it difficult to refrain from catching new pokémon companions and often releases pokémon after impulse catches.

Pokémon

Dragonair

Tropius

Skitty

Augustine

He’s studying to become a pokémon researcher in Johto but is currently traveling in Sinnoh for field experience. Augustine has no real interest in pokémon battles, though he challenges gyms on occasion out of curiosity to see how his pokémon compare. He’ll also battle trainers he encounters, but only if there’s a considerable amount of money being wagered on the outcome. When he’s not in nature collecting photos, samples, and specimens to complete his field journal dissertation, he’s holed up in public libraries absorbing as much information as he can to bring back to Johto. He hopes to expand into archeology and become an expert in Legendary Pokémon one day.

Pokémon

Delibird

Machamp

Loudred

Flaafy

Cacnea

Slowpoke

Kade

Once a highly sought after pokémon breeder, now a lone traveler seeking retribution. His family’s nursery was extremely successful for generations, and Kade did his part to continue that legacy upon inheriting it. He hatched numerous eggs and trained even the most stubborn pokémon babies with perfectly honed skill until Team Rocket set their sights on the booming ranch-style nursery. They swarmed the place, kidnapped every pokémon housed there, and burned Kade’s entire life to the ground. Beyond his own heartbreak, he had to deal with the pain of telling every client that they would never get the pleasure of watching their beloved pokémon grow. Additionally, his family name’s been scorned forever thanks to the criminals. With his life ruined, Kade saw only one way to move forward: start a journey of his own and become strong enough to destroy Team Rocket just as they destroyed him. He may have raised countless pokémon, but he’s never really worked with pokémon once they’ve reached maturity, so his skills as a trainer are limited. He’s determined to build a powerful team from the ground up and won’t stop striving for strength until he’s gotten his revenge.

Pokémon

Sableye

Snubull

Egg (Feebas)

(more characters or pokémon to be added at my discretion)

[vintageimageryx-blog]

Lafayette Indiana Railroad Train Photo Vintage Panoramic Black and White 1923 Photo of Monon Shops Rail Yard Roundhouse Father's Day Gift by VintageImageryX

30.00 USD

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[raisedbyfandomwolves]

(😂 Are you sure you're not just arguing for arguing's sake?😂 And yes, truce💃🏻) PS: NO I'M NOT! Oh...But did he ever claim to be the person or he just dressed up and people assumed?🤔 Fishbowls on wheels really is a strange idea..How come THAT was your first idea?😅😂 NO, I'M NOT AND NO THEY ARE NOT! NO I'M NOT, YES YOU ARE, YES IT IS AND I'M TOTALLY NOT! HAHAHAHA, yes, let's call it another truce😂🤦🏻‍♀️ We really seem to have the memory capacity of a fly or fish😉😂😂 (DID NOT!)

(...Maybe...? Yay, another truce for the truce collection!)

PS: YES YOU ARE! I'm pretty sure he did full impersonations so it wasn't just his victims' assumptions...

It's the easiest/laziest method, of course I'd think of it first... but I strive for ingenuity and would never use it myself!

YES YOU ARE AND YES THEY ARE! <adds to the wet tissues>

YES YOU ARE, NO I’M NOT, NO IT ISN’T AND YOU TOTALLY ARE!

One more for the truce collection... and I think goldfish have better memories than us, lol. On that note, what are the two convos above about again? XD

(DID TOO!)