#expanding on the previous poll

[doyoulikethissong-poll]

Duran Duran - Come Undone 1993

"Come Undone" is a song by English pop/rock band Duran Duran, released in March 1993 as the second single from their seventh studio album, Duran Duran (1993) (aka the Wedding Album). With their commercial and critical success reestablished by the previous single "Ordinary World", "Come Undone" continued to showcase more of the band's entry into the adult contemporary radio format. The single became the group's second consecutive US top-10 hit from the Wedding Album, peaking at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming their last top-40 hit on that chart. It reached number two in Canada, number eight in Italy, number nine in Ireland, and number 13 in the UK. As of October 2021, "Come Undone" is the eighth-most streamed Duran Duran song in the UK.

"Come Undone" was initially built off of a single guitar hook, which the group's guitarist at the time, Warren Cuccurullo, developed in Privacy Studios while trying to do a re-interpretation of the song "First Impression" from their 1990 album Liberty. John Jones and Cuccurullo expanded on this idea, incorporating a drum loop and bass from Jones' track "Face to Face". Their unfinished demo caught the attention of Nick Rhodes and Simon Le Bon, which they played to them through a phone call. This led to Rhodes joining them in the studio to finalize the music that afternoon. Le Bon swiftly penned lyrics for the song and added vocals the following day. The next day they brought in the English singer Tessa Niles for backing vocals and added additional overdubs.

"Come Undone" received a total of 59,9% yes votes. Previous Duran Duran polls: #21 "The Wild Boys", #133 "The Chauffeur", #257 "Ordinary World", #398 "Danse Macabre".

[bookwormstarwarsfan]

Grinder: I like playing pranks on...

Wes:

If you still didn't believe that EU writers were high all the time, just look at Hohass with MULTIPLE MINDS. Genius. And is that a fucking horse in a flight suit?!

Tyria let's go fight patriarchy! I like that they included this topic too.

Compared to other stuff, bacta allergy is not a big deal, but I like this little realistic addition to GFFA.

But I had to vote for Garik, because his story is such a good idea. Fav actor of the regime is so real, and being kidnapped by extremist to learn the truth, but being injured by them, so he can't continue to act is so wild and sad. But at least it's a happy ending for joining the Alliance.

Star Wars Legends: Poll of the Week - Favorite Wraith Backstory, part 2

In the Star Wars Legends novel X-Wing: Wraith Squadron, Wedge Antilles and Wes Janson put together a new kind of group for the New Republic Navy – a combination commando unit and starfighter squadron. To conserve resources, Wedge and Wes recruited the initial members of the squadron largely from pilots who had promising skills, but had been identified as misfits or at risk of washing out of the New Republic navy.

Wedge, Wes, and ten other pilots with a variety of skills and backstories made up the original roster of Wraith Squadron (initially known as Gray Squadron).

Of these five original Wraiths to join Wedge and Wes, whose backstory was your favorite? (We covered the other half of the original Wraith Squadron roster in last week’s poll.)

Eurrsk “Grinder” Thri’ag, a Bothan slicer who had a talent for angering his squadmates in various ways, and later turned out to have an extreme love of playing pranks but little sense of the right audience or timing.

Hohass “Runt” Ekwesh, a Thakwaash pilot who, like most of his species, had multiple personalities and regularly switched among them. He had difficulty with flight training while in his “pilot mind” personality as it was focused on finding and shooting enemies rather than on following orders, and upon first joining the Wraiths had a tendency to switch wildly among his various minds.

Tyria Sarkin, a Toprawan pilot with mild Force-sensitivity who was recruited to the squad for her previous experience in the Antarian Rangers, an elite anti-Imperial guerrilla force from her planet; she had nearly washed out due to an abusive training officer who had tampered with her flight scores and blackmailed her about it, destroying much of her self-confidence.

Ton Phanan, a doctor who was seriously injured in the Battle of Endor when the medship he was on was attacked, and chose to become a pilot so he could prevent others from being shot by Imperials instead of merely dealing with the after effects; because of his allergy to bacta, he had to rely on cybernetic implants to deal with his injuries.

Garik “Face” Loran, a former holovid actor who was famous in his youth for his good looks (thus the nickname) and his starring roles in a series of thinly-veiled Imperial propaganda holos that had been wildly successful. He later learned the truth about the Empire from an extremist anti-Imperial group who had kidnapped him, sustained severe injuries to his face, and eventually defected to the Alliance and attempted to atone for his previous work for the Empire.

Hungry for more Legends content? Follow @from-a-legends-pov and check out our upcoming Star Wars Legends fanfiction event, From a Legends Point of View, HERE. Signups open April 28 — please encourage your favorite Star Wars writers to participate!

[niuttuc]

Weird Magic: the Gathering effects: Fourth edition

Starting last year, and on three separate occasions, I've ran polling games listing weird magic the gathering card effects among which hid one fake one, to see how easy it was to figure out. It's time for another!

Like previous instances, this is intended for people who aren't experts at magic and would recognize all the cards instantly, more as entertainment for people outside the game, but I've been told it also works for plenty of actual magic players. There are certainly effects there I didn't know existed in specific before pulling this poll together.

As last time, only the current text of effects is used, not necessarily the one printed on the card. Limited to cards that exist in paper, and are legal to play in at least some tournament formats. Though I did expand in previous polls to text that's part of keyword rules or that's part of the current reminder text on at least one card, and that might apply here as well.

This time some of the cards are less obscure, but I wanted to include them because they're flavorful bits of text. Without further ado...

I will give one bit of context for people who don't play the game at all: your library is what your deck of cards is called while a game is going.

EDIT: the poll is over, time to add the solution under the cut on this message! It is also available in a reblog here, if you prefer that.

First, the Correct answer, and then the rest by order of voting percentage.

Whenever this creature becomes goaded, it fights up to one target creature (35.4%)

This first answer was the correct one, as was recognized by the majority (most of which, I assume, are Magic players who recognized the rest.) It was written as something that makes flavorful sense, and inspired by both Goad and the old mechanic of Provoke using similar meanings. Provoke later evolved into Fighting.

As mentioned, I like this effect, I ended up making a custom card with that mechanic while waiting for the poll to be over, though the wording is slightly different and that won't be in this post.

--

This creature isn't a creature (17.5%)

This text doesn't appear printed on any card, but it is the current text of Weeping Angel from the Doctor Who set following a templating update of cards to avoid using their own name to refer to themselves, except for legends. Of course, within larger context. I've seen some people guess Gods from Theros as the source of this text, but since they're all legendary, they use their own names still, or a shortened version rather.

This is such a nonsensical line to be on a card that I knew it needed an inclusion here.

--

Put a +1/+2 counter on target creature. (10.7%)

In the early days of magic, stats-buffing (or stats-reducing) counters weren't relegated to mere +1/+1 and -1/-1 counters. There were some +2/+2, -0/-1, +0/+1 counters and more, and when they mixed it made tracking the size of a creature with them a nightmare, so they stopped doing that. During that time, exactly ONE card, Armor Thrull, was created that put a +1/+2 counters on a creature. Neat and also weird!

--

Redistribute any number of players’ life totals. (9.1%)

A very unique effect, Reverse the Sands is rarely worth the inclusion in any deck, but it is quite impactful. Printed in a game before commander hit big, expecting two players most of the time, it wasn't that different from other life swapping effects, but with Multiplayer becoming such a big part of the game nowadays, it's fun to have around.

--

Your devotion to each color and each combination of colors is increased by one. (7.5%)

Devotion is a mechanic found in the ancient greek mythology setting of Theros within magic, caring how deeply you commit yourself to any given colors by encouraging you to play harder-to-cast permanents of that color. In the latest return to Theros, there is one card, Altar of the Pantheon, that has a weird effect of artificially altering your devotion without any cost shenanigans.

--

If this creature would be destroyed, regenerate it. (5.8%)

Mossbridge Troll has a unique effect of just ALWAYS regenerating for free whenever it would be destroyed, be it by damage or destroy effects. In practice, it's mostly a fancy version of indestructible.

It also allows me to mention Mossbridge Troll from Shadowmoor is the creature associated with Mosswort Bridge from Lorwyn. Each of the five original Hideaway lands in Lorwyn had an associated "awakened" creature in Shadowmoor! Not the most obscure fact, but neat to know about.

--

Other creatures are Food (3.9%)

A delightfully flavorful (well, except for all the salt) piece of rules text from Ygra here. Everything is Food for the Eater of All.

--

1/1 named Legitimate Businessperson. (2.9%)

Witness Protection is a pretty normal design, but changing the name of the creature is a really neat touch that just adds a bit of flavor and makes it a card dear to many. It's funny how a small change like that can make a boring common into a card many remember for years to come. It even made its way into the "core" experience of the game through the Foundations expansion later on!

--

You draw cards from the bottom of your library rather than the top. (2.6%)

Another appearance from Doctor Who, this time with River Song, who has an ability that is pretty flavorful, but in practice doesn't do much, since the cards at the bottom of your library are just as random as the ones on the top. Or are they? It's marginally easier to set up the bottom of your deck than the top of it, and to create loops with that and cards that put stuff back onto the bottom of your deck from your graveyard.

Unfortunately, that easily devolves back into infinite extra turns, which is very flavorful for a time traveler, but generally frowned upon in more social environments.

--

Whenever another creature you control dies, investigate. (1.9%)

This one isn't that weird, but I wanted to include it for just how flavorful it is to investigate the murder of your creatures. Except of course you're likely the one to be doing the murdering for all those sweet clues. Oops?

This effect does not specify nontoken creatures, which means it's actually quite easy to make bucketloads of clues with it. Or an infinity, if you turn your clues into creatures themselves, so be wary of that because it's easy to end up in an infinite loop you can't stop, which causes the game to end in a draw, drowned in clues.

Protection from everything (1.6%)

Protection from everything has appeared on a few cards, but the most iconic (though not the most played, that'd be Teferi's Protection), is Progenitus, the first to feature it. A giant creature that's almost impossible to cast and can't be cheated into play from the graveyard, Progenitus has impressed many a player!

Unfortunately, it's both clunky to actually use and not immune to everything. While EVERYTHING does mean everything, Protection has a relatively narrow definition in the game rules, and Magic is a game where very specific rules matter. Getting rid of a Progenitus is difficult, but far from impossible. Any effect that blankets destroys or exiles all creatures will remove it just as easily as everything else.

Venture into the dungeon. (1%)

Venture into the Dungeon was one of the main mechanics for the first D&D set Magic has done, Adventures in the Forgotten Realms. They revisited it later on in the second with a slight variation. While flavorful, the mechanic involved a lot of extra baggage involving having three extra Dungeon cards to pick from each with several abilities and to plan a trip through them and... It ended up seeing just a little bit of play, and not being the designers' best work, even if it had a LOT of flavor.

Thank you for participating and reading through all this! See you in the fifth edition if I ever put it together!

[madebysoupy]

SO.......... I've been thinking about an original Zelda story lately

The Legend of Zelda - Fractured Realm

I haven't talked about it at all yet, but these yhree have been on my mind consistently enough for me to have to draw them

More info under the cut!!

The (hypothetical) game takes place in the downfall timeline, some time after Adventure of Link. Enough time has passed for villages to have expanded and new ones to be built!

But one day the ground shakes, parts of the earth disappear, new parts taking their place - like someone mixed together three different jigsaw puzzles and is forcing them together into one picture.

Now it's up to Link to find the source of the sudden merge of worlds and realities and restore order to Hyrule - with the help of his fairy companion and Zelda's guidance.

Some more about the characters!

Link

18 years old

Has a cleft lip!

Loser from Old Saria Town - a fisher village, yet he can't fish

His boss tried to find some use for him, but all he's seemingly good for is catching crawfish - and colds

The towns people look down on him

He lives with his aunt, the only person who supports him

His parents died on sea, he's afraid of the sea because of it

He ties flies! Not to use as bait though, just for fun and for the pretty art!

Very shy, still has to find his courage

Scared of Zelda tbh

Honorary lad name is Kalimba

Zelda

In her 60s probably?? Maybe older

She knows a lot more than she's telling anyone

The whole story may or may not be all calculated by her already

Very hard to impress

Direct descendant of Zelda I! Either daughter or granddaughter, couldn't decide yet

She takes her role very seriously

Doesn't dress too fancy - people respect her so much she could probably be in her pajamas and they'd still listen to her

She's mastered the art of communication through looks and glares

Intimidating aura

Doubts Link heavily at first

Puzzle

Little fairy companion!!! What? The name sounds familiar?? Must be a coincidence...

He's been working together with Zelda for a little while before teaming up with Link

Gets half of his knowledge from Zelda

In the (hypothetical) game his sound effects would be flute or recorder notes

Cheerful little thing - thoroughly enjoys zipping around

As is tradition for fairy companions, he nests in Link's hair or hat

Not a shred of doubt in his desision to pick Link - he has full faith in him

May or may not be the spirit of a previous hero........

That's all I'll share today!! I'm open to questions if y'all have any :]

I don't have a title for this yet, so I'm open to suggestions as well 👉👈 THANK YOU FOR VOTING ON THE POLL EVERYONE!! :]]

Thanks for reading this far!! I hope you enjoyed! :]]]

[rpgsandbox]

The 10 Most Anticipated TTRPGs For 2025!

EN World’s annual vote on the most anticipated titles of the coming year, and yes, some games have appeared on this list in previous years.

10) Starfinder 2E (Paizo Publishing) The Starfinder Playtest Rulebook brings Starfinder into a new age of compatibility, as Starfinder switches to using the same rules engine that powers the popular Second Edition of the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game. Inside this playtest for the new edition, you’ll find six new classes, 10 ancestries, new skills, new feats, futuristic equipment including augmentations and upgrades, new science-fantasy spells, and more!

9) Alien - Evolved Edition (Free League) Expanded and updated core rules and a new cinematic scenario for the award-winning RPG from Free League and 20th Century Studios. Based upon feedback from thousands of players over five years of adventures, the Evolved Edition of the Core Rulebook delivers an updated and streamlined version of the ALIEN RPG fans know and love, along with additional new artwork, new content, and a variety of new tools for players and Game Mothers alike, all fully compatible with previous releases and game material.

8) 13th Age 2nd Edition (Pelgrane Press) A New Edition of the Award-Winning Heroic Fantasy Game! The coolest and most fun parts of traditional d20-rolling fantasy gaming plus story-focused rules, now with updated class and kin powers, fearsome new abilities for your favorite monsters, and revamped icon connection mechanics!

13th Age 2E has been in this chart three years running! In both 2023 and 2024 it came 3rd in the poll!

7) Coriolis: The Great Dark (Free League) Free League's original sci-fi RPG returns. Join expeditions to faraway stars and delve deep into ancient ruins.

6) Dolmenwood (Necrotic Gnome) Dolmenwood is a fantasy adventure game set in a lavishly detailed world inspired by the fairy tales and eerie folklore of the British Isles. Like traditional fairy tales, Dolmenwood blends the dark and whimsical, the wondrous and weird.

This is Dolmenwood's second appearance in this chart, coming in at #5 last year!

5) Terry Pratchett's Discworld: Adventures in Ankh-Morpork (Modiphius) Adventures in Ankh-Morpork, the Discworld tabletop roleplaying game, catapults you onto the streets of the Big Wahoonie, and once you've dusted yourself off you can adventure to your heart's content. With imagination and some shiny math rocks at your fingertips, your story on the Disc awaits. Based on the popular Discworld fantasy series by Sir Terry Pratchett, Adventures in Ankh-Morpork is an officially licensed tabletop roleplaying game set in its most recognisable city, complete with Sir Terry's iconic wit, humour, and humanistic satire.

4) Draw Steel (MCDM) A Fantasy RPG where your character starts, at level 1, already a hero. Maybe even locally famous! You might meet in a tavern, or start in the middle of the action! Whether you’re a group of local heroes sent to investigate mysterious goings-on in the nearby haunted wood, or famous mercenaries plotting and scheming in the big city, the MCDM RPG makes building adventures and fighting monsters fun. Basically, any adventure or story you’re running in your current Fantasy RPG, you can do that in this game. Just, in a more straightforward and fun way, unburdened by sacred cows from the 1970s.

3) Daggerheart (Darrington Press) Daggerheart is a fantasy tabletop roleplaying game of brave heroics and vibrant worlds that are built together with your gaming group. Create a shared story with your adventuring party, and shape your world through rich, long-term campaign play.

2) Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere (Brotherwise Games) The Cosmere® RPG is a "living" RPG that will grow as Brandon Sanderson writes new novels and expands his universe. This original system is designed to tell standalone stories in the Stormlight™ or Mistborn® Settings -- or sweeping Worldhopper™ campaigns that move between different worlds and realms!

1) Legend in the Mist (Son of Oak) A rustic fantasy tabletop RPG based on the acclaimed City of Mist. Spin a fireside tale of unlikely villagers setting out on a quest into a greater unknown world, rife with peril and mystery, in the vein of The Lord of the Rings, The Wheel of Time, Princess Mononoke, and many other classic fantasy stories, or create your own legendary realms with the game’s open-ended system.

[curiousitycollective]

Actually based on some responses to the previous post we made, poll time:

[dryococelas01]

Some tough potential narratives of how these could come to be - this doesnt have to be a narrative you think would happen, its just me thinking about how the ship would happen. If you have your own narrative, please comment/reblog it! :

Danny Hebert/Gregor the Snail:

Danny is the Head of hiring at the dockworkers union. His first encounter with Gregor occured when one of the workers approaches him for some off the record advice about some work his son has got. His son had been approached by a local cape to serve as a runner for neccesary day to day goods, and the worker was a tad concerned about potential legal issues.

Danny wanted more information, and managed to arrange a meeting with Gregor. Sparks didn't fly initially, there was no love at first sight, it was business like. Danny saw an opportunity: its better to have good relations with the local capes if possible, and if all it cost was to ask one of the workers to purchase some extra goods every week that's a pretty good deal.

They met a few times more, one on one, to hammer out the details. Over time they found each other to be acceptable company, becoming close friends, and began talking about what they'd lost. Gregor his past, Danny his wife. They offered each other advice with the people in his life, gregor helping Danny try rebuilding his relationship with Taylor, Danny giving advice with Labyrinths problems.

When this friendship developed into something more is difficult to say. But it did.

They do not have a fiery relationship. There's no whirlwind romance. Just two older men enjoying each others company.

They haven't quite explained it to Taylor yet.

Danny Hebert/Marquis:

They first met when Annette was still alive.

Annette and Danny, both being very busy people, had to drop Taylor off at a daycare on some days. Its there they met Mr Lavere and his daughter, who was older than Taylor.

They got to talking and eventually became friends. Pretty close, enough to invite them over to eat. Mr Lavere never invited them to his, however, which they did find suspicious.

The suspicions were explained, when Danny discovered several members of the union doing small jobs for Marquis and his gang and eventually met Marquis himself. Mr Lavere was surprisingly recognisable.

It harmed their relationship some, but they talked and Danny and Annette consciously separated their good friend Mr lavere and Marquis in their minds. Didn't bear thinking about.

When the Brigade came for Marquis they did not find him. He was at the Heberts with Amy.

They did however, inform the public of Marquis identity.

This brought untoward attention towards the Heberts, who were known friends of Mr Lavere, a man who was otherwise not incredibly sociable.

The stress of this caused issues with both of their jobs and in their personal lives, not helped by Danny remaining in contact with Marquis. This eventually resulted in a mutual but amicable divorce. They still remain in contact and are relatively friendly to one another, but the stress of the situation kinda ruined their ability to have a romantic relationship with one another.

Danny and Mr Lavere remained in contact, and became closer friends. Meanwhile, Marquis was expanding his influence. Being so busy, and with his identity public meaning he couldn't give Amy to a daycare, he often left Amy in Danny's charge. Amy was therefore slowly raised as a sortof secret sister for Taylor, with Danny acting as a second father.

A comment to Marquis by little Amy calling Danny her dad made Marquis think about all their past interactions and realise that his feelings had developed into something other than friendship.

He approached Danny the next day.

Gregor the Snail/Eidolon:

To be frank, I've got nothing here.

This is a hell of a crack ship.

Please if you've got anything, comment or reblog.

[sincerelyrki]

MINI SKIRT

↳ nineteen : FUCKING PEA GIRL?

warnings : profanity. mentions of suicide

a/n : i posted the masterlist for my next smau :) i saw the poll results and decided to go with it and start posting it after im finish this one =^•^= double update because i work all day tmr and won’t be able to write a chapter 𖠌

previous | masterlist | next

SYNOPSIS ⮕ You know Jake Sim and you love Prada, it was already a perfect combination. You just happened to always be in the same place as him, at the same time. And that place just happened to be the Prada store. It’s not your fault that your Prada collection expands as your interactions grow. Especially not considering that Jake couldn’t stop himself from fawning over you (and your mini skirts).

taglist is OPEN ! send an ask or comment to be added xoxo [message to be removed]

taglist one (1) : @vousty @iheartjayke @kgneptun @woninluv @memooooca @rosas-in-the-garden @thea-herondale @letters2won @certified-ni-ki-lover @wonpoem @eunbiland @hae-luvr @t00miee @bbangricz @tytrackfebreze @cafeyuns @aerivrs @seunnimg @enhytan @enhaz1 @jiawji @miumiuestmoi @sophi-ee @cha0thicpisces @manooffline @glassesyunjin @rinahch @jaklvbucb @rikizm @ilyjxdz @mnxnii @n1k1mura @hhoonsbaby @xiaoderrrr @artstaeh @nikisuar @who-tf-soddhi @jakeslvt @hohohobo @natsukee @fakeuwus @ramenoil @aeminju @lanapaz @seunghancore @heartswonn @jakeyverse @l1lyanah @sunpov @yoitsr @jessicadacollest @h4918ymc @jeongintwt @oldjws @herebyaccident0 @kyrojackson @haechansbbg | bold = can’t tag

[megop]

MegOP Week 2025 and MegOP Exchange 2025 Voting Polls for Dates and Prompts Coming Soon! Also LOOKING FOR MODS

Hey everyone, since there are a lot of new people in the MegOP fandom due to TF One, we're posting a little explanation/reminder for how our events are organized.

The dates, prompts, and other aspects of events are decided via poll by the user base. The top result(s) from this interest check/vote are then used to finalize the dates, prompts, rules, etc for the final events.

Sometime soon, expect to see a multi-part interest poll for the following things:

MegOP Week dates

MegOP Week prompts

MegOP Exchange dates/time frame and

But before we put out these polls, we want to make sure that we (re)expand to sites other than Tumblr, which means we're...

💜💜Looking For Mods ♥♥

We would also like to have some mods apply to help make running this blog and other upcoming events easier! If you're active on and familiar with the functions of Tumblr, Twitter/X, and Bluesky, we could use your help! As of right now, we're mainly/solely active on Tumblr with an inactive Twitter and no social media presence elsewhere, but it'd be nice to reactivate the Twitter account and potentially add a presence on a different/better social media website.

No prior modding experience is required, just generally have the following traits:

Active on Tumblr/Twitter/Bluesky and proficient enough with searching/tagging to share and maintain a collection of MegOP stuff

Able to log in on a consistent basis to maintain a queue/reblogs/shares/etc and keep up with new MegOP themed stuff being made

Age 18+ for legal/ethical reasons, since this blog and events organized by it is NSFW-inclusive

Basic familiarity with Google Suite (mainly Forms and Sheets) since that's how events are organized, as well as with the site(s) you want to blog and moderate for

Good writer/communicator who's comfortable with answering questions and generally having positive/polite interactions with others in fandom

I (@lord-squiggletits) don't have any experience recruiting mods; when I was given moderation of this blog, I pretty much just asked if I could do it and a previous mod gave it to me because no one else asked. 😅 Hopefully trying to create a more formalized process will run smoothly! I hope to hear from anyone interested!

MegOP Moderator Application!!!

[reitisen]

Touhou 20 Theory Poll list

Alright, this is a list of Touhou theories that I have found floating around for people to waste their time on debating until the demo releases. It won't include the most likely and studied theories, as people are already linking them to screenshots, but the most out-of-the-ordinary theories that come out of the blue.

[doyoulikethissong-poll]

Prince and the Revolution - Raspberry Beret 1985

"Raspberry Beret" is a song written by American musician Prince and was the lead single from Prince & the Revolution's 1985 album Around the World in a Day. The Revolution is a band formed in 1979 by Prince, serving as his live band and later as his studio band. Their sound incorporated rock, pop, R&B, funk, new wave and psychedelic elements. Along with Prince's other projects, the Revolution helped create the Minneapolis sound. By the time of their 1986 breakup, the Revolution had backed Prince on two studio albums, two soundtracks and two videos. Around the World in a Day is the seventh studio album by Prince, and the second release on which the Revolution is billed.

The sound of "Raspberry Beret" expanded upon previous Prince arrangements, incorporating stringed instruments, Middle Eastern finger cymbals, and a harmonica in the extended version. The song was also more in the pop vein than before, though the 12-inch single and video of the song feature a funky intro. The song hit number one in Cash Box and reached number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 (behind "A View to a Kill" by Duran Duran), but only reached number 25 on the UK Singles Chart. Following Prince's death, "Raspberry Beret" re-charted on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 33. The music video was directed primarily by Prince, with animation created by Colossal Pictures co-founder Drew Takahashi.

"Raspberry Beret" received a total of 72,9% yes votes! Previous Prince polls: #69 "The Greatest Romance Ever Sold".

[violetparakeetchuggerofkerosene]

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law late Tuesday, vowing to eliminate “anti-state” forces as he struggles against an opposition that controls the country’s parliament and that he accuses of sympathizing with communist North Korea.

Hours later, parliament voted to lift the declaration, with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik declaring that the martial law was “invalid” and that lawmakers “will protect democracy with the people.”

Police and military personnel were seen leaving the Assembly’s grounds after Woo called for their withdrawal. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the liberal Democratic Party, which holds the majority in the 300-seat parliament, said the party’s lawmakers will remain in the Assembly’s main hall until Yoon formally lifts his order.

---

The president’s surprising move harkened back to an era of authoritarian leaders that the country has not seen since the 1980s, and it was immediately denounced by the opposition and the leader of Yoon’s own conservative party.

Following Yoon’s announcement, South Korea’s military proclaimed that parliament and other political gatherings that could cause “social confusion” would be suspended, according to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency.

The military also said that the country’s striking doctors should return to work within 48 hours, Yonhap said. Thousands of doctors have been striking for months over government plans to expand the number of students at medical schools. The military said anyone who violates the decree could be arrested without a warrant.

Under South Korean law, martial law can be lifted with a majority vote in the parliament.

Soon after the declaration, the parliament speaker called on his YouTube channel for all lawmakers to gather at the National Assembly. He urged military and law enforcement personnel to “remain calm and hold their positions.

All 190 lawmakers who participated in the vote supported the lifting of martial law. Television footage showed soldiers who had been stationed at parliament leaving the site after the vote.

---

Yoon — whose approval rating has dipped in recent months — has struggled to push his agenda against an opposition-controlled parliament since taking office in 2022.

Yoon’s party has been locked in an impasse with the liberal opposition over next year’s budget bill. The opposition has also attempted to pass motions to impeach three top prosecutors, including the chief of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, in what the conservatives have called a vendetta against their criminal investigations of Lee, who has been seen as the favorite for the next presidential election in 2027 in opinion polls.

---

Yoon’s move was the first declaration of martial law since the country’s democratization in 1987. The country’s last previous martial law was in October 1979, following the assassination of former military dictator Park Chung-hee.

[neversetyoufree]

This one has been haunting me for a while now.

To expand on this, I keep waffling about my own thoughts on the subject, as it's still unclear to what degree Noé doesn't remember his pre-adoption childhood. It seems like there's some kind of amnesia going on, as he only knows about the circumstances of his adoption from what his grandparents told him, but we also don't know for sure that he was a blank slate. It's entirely possible that he already knew his name when his grandparents found him, even if he can't remember being found or anything before that by the time he relays that story to the de Sades later in childhood.

But on the other hand, if he really didn't remember anything when his grandparents found him, then they would have had to name him. And on the other other hand, his name is just so incredibly on the nose. Naming the sole (or almost sole) Archiviste survivor "Noé" seems like the kind of shit Teacher would pull, even if that option makes less logical sense in the long run (given there's no mention of a previous name).

Anyway this poll is mostly an excuse just to pull y'all into Wondering Hell with me, but I do also want to hear your thoughts.

[warabidakihime]

Rules and Roses Chapter 4

★ characters: kibutsuji muzan x reader x akaza

★ plot summary: Kibutsuji Muzan has finally decided to expand his empire, and the way he intends to do so is by running for the highest political position. With you, his darling wife, at his side, he believes he can achieve and have everything the world has to offer. He is, after all, the Phoenix of Phario.

★ fic playlist: sometimes, same day, as time stops, wolf’s song (this is also the vision board for the fic). 

★ content warnings : implied violence and abuse, profanities, toxic relationships, smut.

★ Previous Chapter

a/n:

hello!

just want to hop on here and say thank you to everyone who has been giving their likes and reblogs. huge thank you to those who are taking the time and effort to read my story as well. i've been wanting to continue this story for so long but i'm just so busy with work, but i'm glad i am able to find the time to write and update as regularly as i can.

hopefully someday i can hear your thoughts through your comments though haha i would really love to hear what you think about Rules and Roses and the way i write the characters as it is my first time. tbh, i am extra curious to know if i'm giving muzan's character justice HAHA but yeah, it never hurts to leave comments so feel free to send them my way.

i also would like to give those people who have not read the manga a heads up, that in this chapter and in the succeeding ones, there will be minor to moderate manga spoilers, so ready with caution.

also, moving forward, things will steadily pick up, so get ready HAHA!

enjoy reading everyone!

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The sun had barely risen over Areswood, its golden hues taking its time enveloping the sky, but Muzan and Douma were already up and busy at Obelisk Kibutsuji, going over their next course of action for their campaigns for the next few months.

Muzan stood at the center of his spacious office. A large map of Phario's electoral districts sprawled across the narra table in front of him, dotted with colorful pins representing key areas of support. 

Douma, on the other hand, leaned over the map, his eyes narrowing as he assessed their next move. 

"We need to double down our efforts in the southern districts," Douma said, twirling his fan languidly. "The latest polls show we're losing ground there, but it is the opposition's home turf, so I'm not surprised," he added with a hint of mirth.

Muzan nodded, rubbing his temple as he processed the information. He'd been up since dawn, reviewing speeches and strategies. The weight of the campaign was beginning to show in the faint lines on his face and the dark circles under his ruby eyes.

Unlike Douma, Muzan couldn't afford to make light of the situation. Keeping a straight and serious face, he continued to rack his brain for strategies. After a few minutes, Muzan finally spoke, catching everyone's attention.

"Let's schedule a town hall meeting in Azudellin. We need to connect with the voters there and show them we're listening to their concerns."

"Today?" Douma asked.

"Yes, why? Do we have other agendas for today?"

Douma quickly checked his calendar on his phone.

"We have an interview with the Areswood Times in an hour, then a fundraiser lunch at noon, followed by debate prep, and a gala dinner with key donors tonight."

Muzan sighed, his frustration evident in his voice. "We can't afford to delay this. Azudellin is slipping away from us."

Douma, feeling a bit depleted himself, shrugged. "The earliest we can fit it in is next week. It might be too late by then, but who knows? Maybe a miracle will happen."

In the midst of a very important meeting, a knock separated everyone from their own thoughts. One of Muzan's executive assistants, Nakime, walked in with a stack of freshly printed leaflets, oblivious to the tension in the room.

"Sir Kibutsuji, Sir Hashibira, these just came in. The design team finalized the new posters and pamphlets for the campaign trail."

Muzan barely glanced at the leaflets, his mind racing. 

"Thank you; just leave them on the table."

Nakime quickly left after obeying his orders, clearly sensing the gravity of the moment.

With mindless eyes, Muzan continued to rack his brain for any backup plan or anything that could be of significant help to the predicament they currently have. Letting out a resigned sigh, Muzan finally opened his eyes and turned to everyone. 

"We'll have to make do with what we have," he said, turning to Douma, who's listening intently. "At our interview with Areswood Times today, maybe we could give Azudellin a special shout-out—say something that can please their ears. This is your specialty, so I leave this to you." 

Douma nodded, a peculiar smile present on his face. "I'll handle it. I'll make sure our message is loud and clear in the interview today."

Muzan merely nodded at his running mate before turning to the rest of his party. 

"Let's deploy a few of you to Azudellin today; get some boots on the ground. We'll organize smaller meet-and-greets throughout the week to keep our presence felt until we can hold the town hall altogether. Take this chance to highlight your own platforms and campaigns as well, but don't oversell yourselves and turn off the locals. Understand? We can't afford any missteps."

A chorus of 'yes, sir.' and 'understood' rang in the room after listening to Muzan's orders. As usual, his commanding voice and his overall demeanor exuded charisma and extreme strictness, which made everybody in the room yield to him so easily.

Muzan scanned the room, making sure everyone's conviction matched his own. Technically, his party has been dominating almost all polls across the entire country, and it's safe to say that he is the number one candidate to win the elections, but he didn't want to remain complacent.

He doesn't want to attribute his victories to silly things like fate or destiny. He did that before and miserably paid the price; after learning his lesson, he vowed to never rely on foolish things ever again and will do everything in his power to ensure his indisputable victory.

Taking a deep breath, Muzan felt assured again. 

"Alright. This meeting is adjourned. Thank you, everyone."

*

"Oh, really? That's good to hear, darling. I'm happy for you," Muzan said softly, followed by a fond chuckle as you continued to share what happened during your hair appointment.

You were at the salon, enjoying your usual 'pamper time.' While you were getting your hair done, an A-list celebrity approached you. Initially, she only intended to have a small chat, as you are technically an A-list celebrity yourself. However, as your conversation continued, Ume confided in you that she recently got engaged but hasn't announced it to the public yet.

She personally requested you to be her wedding planner, and of course, you gladly accepted.

"Ahh! I'm so excited. I'm still preoccupied with Ms. Rivera's wedding, but so many ideas for Ms. Ume's wedding are already flooding my mind," you told your husband gleefully.

Muzan chuckled again, his eyes turning into crescent moons as a smile spread across his face, a total contrast to the serious expressions he had earlier.

Muzan prided himself on being level headed even in the most dire situations, but all that bravado would always melt away whenever he was with you. He couldn't help it. Your energy has always been contagious, and when it came to you, he was nothing but a man hopelessly in love with his wife.

Douma, seated in the backseat with Muzan, looked at his running mate with pure intrigue, watching him transform into a lovesick puppy while talking to you.

"Ah, yes, the meeting went great, my love. There were a few bumps here and there, but we managed," Muzan said to you. Knowing you, he anticipated your worry and was proven right when he heard the concern in your voice.

"I see... well, if there's anything I can do to help you guys, you know I'd be more than willing," you said from the other line.

Muzan smiled softly, clearly touched by your investment in his endeavors as much as he was in yours.

"Well, if you're free next week, you can tag along to our town hall at Azudellin," he proposed.

You smiled, having left the salon and decided to go to the mall for some much-needed retail therapy. Akaza wasn't with you today, as he had something to take care of, so Gyokko, one of your security guards, was accompanying you today.

"I don't have anything planned next week. I don't mind joining—wait, can I also do my own charity event there? I haven't done one in a while, and don't you think this is the perfect time? It could help your campaign."

Muzan immediately smiled at this. "You're more than welcome, darling. I'll have my people assist you with your preparations. Just let me know what help you need."

"Aww, you don't have to! But thank you. Let's talk more about this at home later. Maybe we could tailor this with your own community outreach initiatives. I believe you have a couple, right? We can make it a joint one, hitting two birds with one stone."

Muzan was listening intently when Douma reached out to let him know they had reached their destination. Muzan gave him a curt nod before returning to you.

"That's right. Alright, let's talk about it later, Y/N. I need to go; Douma and I are here at the studio already. Take care on your way home, okay? Call me if you need anything."

You nodded with a happy smile on your face. "Okay. See you later, my love. And good luck today. I love you," you said with passion.

Muzan replied just as passionately, "I love you too. Mhm, yes. Goodbye. See you later."

After ending the call, he turned to Douma; his whole demeanor had already changed. "Let's go."

Douma complied, climbing out of the car after him.

As they walked inside the building and toward their dressing room, escorted by a handful of media staff, the vice presidential candidate subtly nudged his running mate.

"It seems like that phone call improved your mood, Pres ."

Muzan smirked, his strides toward the TV studio exuding confidence and pride. "My first lady is quite the wonder woman."

Douma chuckled softly, amused by Muzan's demeanor. "It seems like she has quite an effect on you."

"She does," Muzan replied, his tone unapologetically confident. "She's not just my wife; she's a force to be reckoned with and my equal."

Douma raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Muzan's unabashed praise. "You sound almost unbeatable when she's on your side."

Muzan merely nodded, the cocky smile on his face still present. "Indomitable."

Douma chuckled softly. "You've really got it bad, haven't you?"

Muzan shot him a sidelong glance, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Do you not feel the same about Shinobu?"

Douma chuckled again. "Hey now, don't underestimate me. My wife is a force of nature herself."

The proud CEO of Obelisk Kibutsuji and Phario's leading presidential candidate simply offered his running mate a rather shallow chuckle as a response and a nod to convey that he agrees with him.

Finally, they reached the TV studio, and the two of them noticed that it was a full house.

"Are you ready?" Douma asked Muzan.

Muzan's gaze swept across the room, his presence commanding attention.

With a confident smirk, he declared,

"To make history? I was born ready.'"

He made his way to the stage, greeted by applause and camera flashes, projecting an aura of assured victory as he took his seat on the couch.

*

The day was finally coming to a close. After spending the entire day at the mall shopping, you were exhausted and hungry.

Initially considering Italian cuisine, it suddenly occurred to you that the downtown burger joint you and Akaza had visited a couple of days ago was nearby.

Opting for convenience and familiarity, you decided to head there and also decided to order takeout for both Akaza and Muzan, as well as Kokushibo and the maids and guards.

Surely, both had returned home by now or were on their way. Muzan's jam-packed schedule guaranteed he would appreciate indulging in fast food after such a long day, and Akaza would undoubtedly welcome the gesture.

And it wouldn't hurt to treat your house staff every now and then. It is something you do every now and then, as it's one of your ways of showing appreciation for the services they provide you.

For Muzan, you chose to order the same as yourself, knowing he preferred healthier options but trusting he would enjoy something you approved.

You already ordered Gyokko to prepare the car, so when your orders are ready, you can just hop in and make a beeline home. As you waited at the counter, you hummed to yourself, glancing around the familiar surroundings of the burger joint.

Once again, a sense of déjà vu struck you, from when you entered earlier and throughout your stay. It's honestly starting to worry you.

"It's nice to see you around here again, my dear."

You turned to the voice—a kindly old lady. "Excuse me?" you asked politely.

The old lady smiled warmly. "It's been quite a while since your last visit."

"Oh, I've been busy these past few days," you replied with a smile. "I really enjoyed my first time here last week."

Confusion crossed the old lady's face at your response.

"Aren't you one of our regulars?"

You frowned, puzzled. "I'm not sure I understand..."

"You've been coming here for years , haven't you? Or am I mistaken?"

Your unease grew visible. "I'm sorry, but I think you have me confused with someone else."

Before you could finish, the old lady turned and retrieved a photo from the wall behind her, returning to you with a smile.

"This is you and your fiancé, right?"

She handed you the photo.

In it, Akaza had his arms around your waist, both of you beaming happily.

Your eyes widen in sheer shock.

"What..."

Turning the photo over, you saw a note scribbled on it:

Hakuji Soyama x L/N Y/N - Just got engaged! (03/03/2015)

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