#i also think his disdain towards being generous is because of the ‘if i can’t have it no one can’ mentality

[sas-afras]

i kinda don’t get people who characterize maccready as like… secretly generous, or having a heart of gold or anything. like don’t get me wrong i don’t think he’s downright malicious or anything, but the dude is absolutely a selfish jerk once you get past the charming facade. that’s the part that’s compelling!

like, he’s nice enough and open enough with the player once you get high enough affinity with him, but his reactions to player actions still point to him being a jerk overall. the sosu just happens to be in His Circle of people he can be vulnerable with. that includes you, his son, and maybe daisy. everyone else can kick rocks, the same way it was in little lamplight

he HAD to grow up with that kind of “us vs the world, every man for himself” mentality in the capitol wasteland. doing so otherwise gets you killed or taken advantage of, which is just protracted death anyways. having grown up in a place where slavers run rampant, people are all pushing each other further down just to boost themselves up and live one more day, and it’s literally impossible to make renewable food sources because the ground is so poisoned i genuinely don’t blame him for ending up a little tight fisted. the fact that he was the mayor of little lamplight just meant that he ended up being able to accept a few people as His To Protect instead of being a total lone wolf.

the way he reacts to the players open generosity isn’t just for show, he Actually Dislikes when you give stuff away without expecting anything in return. you might need that thing and now its just gone!! that person might see you as a sucker! you give an inch and they’ll take a mile! and it makes sense for his character to be like that considering everything. i don’t get why people want to change that into him just being kind of tsundere.

i understand that having your babygirl blorbo comfort character be a canonical asshole in ways that aren’t just kinda charming can be offputting, but like…. the way he treats the sosu is a very notable exception to the rest of his life & it’s a much more interesting dynamic imo. especially if you’re playing a goody two shoes martyr. but that’s just me

[eleteo125]

"Be Mine or You Will Burn"

Rollo x GN!Reader

AN: Me and my friend are Rollo fans and they've inspired me to write this idea out 🤣

You were simply just walking around admiring the scenery of Noble Bell where you went back to the cathedral to appreciate the artistry of the stain glass. Each panel depicting how Judge Claude Frollo and his accomplishments.

Rollo, the school’s student council president has welcomed the NRC students by giving them a tour but his obvious disdain for magic users made it clear that he was rushing to get the tour done as fast as possible to get away from them. Heck you would even bet that the only reason he was able to get through the whole tour was because he only set his attention towards you barely minding the other guests. He sometimes casts a watchful eye on them but other than that he doesn’t particularly engage with them compared to you.

With those signs in display, everyone from NRC has come to the conclusion that them being invited here has an ulterior motive to it. Briefly shaking those thoughts from your mind, you admired the lights coming through the different colored windows surrounding you in a colorful halo.

My what a beautiful sight indeed.

Magic wielder or not, you’re still a student from NRC so of course Rollo has kept a close eye on you when freely strolling around the school. But he can’t help the fact that you’re devoid of any magic at all has him deeply fascinated. And to think to mingle around those…ahem.

Do not be fooled he’s only keeping watch of you because he can tell that everyone from NRC are quite attached to you especially that dragon fae. What better way to keep them in check when he has you close and in his clutches.

Walking towards you he silently stood in behind you. He held in a small chuckle as he saw you’re awestruck face looking at the beautiful work of art. “Impressed?”

Jumping a little bit in surprise, you quickly looked behind to see him “O-oh! Yes, I haven’t seen a stained glass window in person before, just through pictures.” You confessed

“Hmph of course such beauty is painstakingly crafted by hand of course you won’t see a lot of it. Craftsmanship that took people’s skill and talent with no assistance from cheap tricks everyone reveres.” He spits

“Magic?”

Rollo stayed silent at your question.

You decide to let go of the subject with his sudden silence. Instead you walked closer to the window to admire the small details. It was such detailed you can’t even imagine how long it would take to finish such a large piece.

Too lost in thought, you started to reach your hand out to the window but you’re once again surprised when you felt a strong grip around your wrist.

You were about to apologize but instead freeze up when you felt him step closer behind you. You tried to step forward to get some distance since you’re starting to get flustered at our position but realized that you don’t have much space to move in since you’re very close to the window.

“I’m sorry but those were just cleaned by the careful hands of our cleaners hands off please.” He whispered in your ear.

You shuddered at his closeness and the sensation of him speaking carefully so close to your ear. “I-I understand.” You stuttered while unconsciously leaning into his ‘embrace’.

He seems to have lost himself also since he buried his nose in your hair while his other hand rubbed your free arm.

You two stayed like that for who knows how long just basking in each other’s contact. “Why not transfer here, I can tell how ‘generous’ the headmaster is in your current school.”

“I can’t” you managed to mumble out after almost melting at the close soud of his voice yet again.

“You’re surrounding yourself with magic that is as deadly as fire.”

You leaned closer “Fire can be useful too.” You whispered

You felt his sigh in your ear and your knees almost gave up but he held you up when he sensed you were about to fall.

“Consider it.” He kissed behind your ear “Be mine or you will burn.

He carefully let you go after making sure you won’t collapse to your knees before walking put and leaving you under colorful light.

[wilsonphiggs]

I fucking hate mcsm btw (lying)

hey guys so I thought a bit too hard and I was thinking about how I would rewrite the story. one of my gripes specifically being with how they handled lukas and axel’s relationship. I went on a really long tangent on how I would’ve fixed it and I’ll paste it under the cut. (WARNING: IT’S A REALLY LONG RANT.)

so, I didn’t really like how they treated their dynamic. axel was so concerned for petra—and that’s understandable, considering she’s a friend—but they never gave a reason as to why axel SPECIFICALLY was worried so much, which caused him to lash out more. therefore, resulting in him mad at lukas for getting scared, along with the fact that he was the leader of the ocelots, yatta yatta etc. etc.

but my main point is: their mutual disdain for each other not only felt forced, but artificial. it felt so unreasonable, with axel shoving lukas around for seemingly no reason at times. not only that, but axel was just generally an asshole of a character. I get having someone joke around a little rudely if it’s all jokes and you know that—my friend group and I are like that all the time. but there’s a fine line between crude humor and outright bullying your “friends” or allies. not to mention he was just a frustrating character. “but… finders keepers!” when EVERYONE is in danger and he just refuses to give up the thing that would stop the witherstorm? a dick move.

and apologies, but lukas felt a little TOO nice at times in the first one or two episodes. yes, he’s generally a nice guy. and yes, he’s had some moments of getting frustrated or prickly. but considering that he was rivals with this group for so long, admitted that he didn’t really think highly of them for a while, AND petra herself called him arrogant? you can’t blame me for thinking that he was a bit too kind, even if he was trying to stay on good terms with everyone while the world was seemingly ending. yeah, he was awkward. and no, I don’t think he should’ve been outwardly hostile. but I don’t think he should’ve been quite as friendly as he was.

they should both have little quirks and flaws, but they should also both be lovable characters in their OWN ways. this is honestly how I would’ve written it:

it would’ve been better to make axel really stand off-ish because he doesn’t know how to really act around someone who was once “bad” in his eyes, but is now suddenly “good.” especially when the change is so sudden. distrusting, awkward, unpleasant interactions would feel much more natural rather than downright antagonizing lukas at every turn.

axel is really awkward and is a little distrustful of him because of so many factors, but maybe lukas interprets that as aloofness and detachment. lukas tries not to really disrupt conversations because he feels as though he’s intruding, but axel perhaps interprets that as arrogance and conceit. miscommunication, misinterpretation—these are much more natural ways of having animosity grow between two parties.

and hey, even better! this could allow you to have a choice ACTUALLY make a difference TELLTALE GAMES. (the company infamous for having choices in games that don’t Actually matter!)

maybe if you have axel stay behind with lukas to fortify the temple while also getting magnus, MAYBE you can see them actually visibly get along better! even if axel went off on his own to get magnus—which was him straying from the plan—maybe they agreed and decided it was for the better to get the order together again rather than just a few members. maybe you can see them having similar ideas, talking more, etc. etc.

and on the other hand, if you go with axel for magnus and choose olivia to stay, maybe axel feels a little more bitter towards lukas since olivia went off to get ellagaard. he feels bitter since he just let her go instead of convincing her to just STAY and wait for petra like the original plan was (even though he knows he would’ve broken that himself to go out for magnus, but moral highgrounds and such.)

yeah, sure. it’ll end in you getting both members of the order anyway. that won’t change. BUT, it still affects the characters! it fleshes out the characters more. makes them both have perks AND flaws! it HUMANIZES them, makes them more realistic.

and MAYBE, JUST MAYBE, if the conflict between them builds up enough, you might have to choose one side or the other at some point in the story! there could be several decisions that alter their relationship and how they function! one of your lifelong best friends who has ADMITTED that you’re one of his only friends, and you can tell he cares about everyone there (even if not entirely obvious,) or a friend that, while you once bickered a ton with in the past, is now genuinely making an effort to change and care and seems generally more agreeable now? they both love you and your friends, undoubtedly, but they’re too bitter to be around one another. there isn’t enough room for the both of them. one has to go, jesse. so, who’ll it be?

in fact, maybe there’s a scene where lukas and axel are in danger. in the ellagaard route (followed by more good decision making,) one actually saves the other from said situation and everyone lives. in the magnus route (followed by more bad decision making,) they both intentionally sabotage each other and you have to choose to save ONE. either that, or it’s as originally said, where there’s a story-changing fight and you have to choose one or the other.

this is a minor thing but I could not stop thinking about it. but oh well them’s the breaks pal /ref

[rottenpumpkin13]

SEPHIROTH HEADCANONS

[these are my headcanons, meaning the way I view him in my head and may not follow popular fanon]

↘︎ Sephiroth is a big enjoyer of puzzles of any kind. Mahjong, sudoku, jigsaw puzzles, riddles, you name it. He doesn’t see the allure of video games but will jump at the opportunity to play a multiplayer that has him competing against someone else.

↘︎ He’s generally a calm and intorverted person in his day-to-day life, but when angered he becomes scary as hell. For lack of better words, he shows signs of the in-game callous monster he is.

↘︎ He does have a sense of humor, okay?? It’s just what most people would describe as dark and dry. His kind of humor is saying the most off-hand comments with 0 expression and making people lose their shit. He is also proficient in sarcasm but has to be annoyed beyond measure to use it.

↘︎ He can drive, however friends and people who have previously been driven around by him refuse to do it again. He drives likes he’s playing Mario Kart while maintaining a scarily calm composure. He manages to do this while still abiding by the traffic laws.

↘︎ Sephiroth maintains a healthy diet and prefers not to stray from his strict regimen. Having said that, he will never turn down: a) Angeal’s cooking, b) pasta, c)sweets. 

↘︎ Due to his sheltered childhood, Sephiroth was never allowed to indulge himself in sweets and other junkfood like the other kids. So when he’s old enough to control his own diet, he includes moments of utter gluttony where he inhales candy like a madman. 

↘︎ “Sephiroth why don’t you cut your hair?” With his JENOVA cells? If he cut it shoulder-length one morning, it’d be down to his waist again by the following afternoon. After many attempts at keeping it at a reasonable size during his youth, he gave up. 

↘︎ Now he simply keeps it long because he thinks it looks cool. Vanity spares no one. He also has a habit of sitting on his hair accidentally. 

↘︎ He’s notoriously knows as being cold and unwelcoming toward people. However he does a complete 180° when he’s with his friends, and people have even reported seeing him act extroverted.

↘︎ Unintentionally a cocky bastard. 

↘︎ Sephiroth isn’t a very creative person, which is something he laments greatly. He isn’t apt at drawing, writing or anything that could allow him to express himself artistically

↘︎ Give our boy any mathematical equation though and he can solve it

↘︎ Sephiroth takes joy in fucking with troopers and other SOLDIERs. He loves saying weird and uncharacteristic things and watch the realization that he’s joking dawn on them

↘︎ Big into astronomy and loves reading books about it. And he has a disdain for astrology and thinks it’s nothing but drivel

↘︎ He abhors gossip and thinks it immature and unprofessional. But if you feed him certain tales he’ll become angrossed and not let you leave until you’ve thoroughly recounted every detail of it. 

↘︎ Claustrophobic. It may have everything to do with being given mako showers and being kept in those tight tanks for hours. He developed a certian disdain for being enclosed in tight spaces. He also can’t stand to wear multiple layers of clothing and can only handle one layer at a time. 

↘︎ Yes he likes cats. 

↘︎ People who say he’s humorless don’t know he once laughed so hard, he had to be sedated because he was on the floor unable to breathe. Context? Genesis angered a chocobo and it chased him for an hour. Angeal has it on video.

↘︎ Sephiroth can cook. How? Do you really think a SOLDIER trained to survive in the wilderness wouldn’t know how to hunt, prepare and cook his own food?

↘︎ That being said, he can only cook very basic things.

↘︎ He yells at the TV, but only when it’s a nature documentary and the prey is making unwise decisions while running away from the predator. 

↘︎ He makes overexaggerated faces while eating something he doesn’t like, but that’s as far as he’ll go complaining about food-wise

↘︎ Sephiroth’s favorite kind of gifts are the practical and functional ones like socks, blankets and sword oil. 

↘︎ Impulsively buys toys and childish knick knacks. Proceeds to keep them in a secret drawer with a lock and key. Don’t judge him. He’s making up for lost time.

[crazilust]

Astro notes (3)

Hello, I’m back with a third astro notes. Please disregard anything that doesn’t make you feel good, remember these are just personal observations <3

———————————

* Virgos really are a mess. They will do their best to keep the organized, put together persona, but the mess they’re going through behind closed doors is actually so intense. Whenever I get close to a Virgo, I’m a little shook tbh.

* Kinda unrelated to my normal content, but I really wonder how Dream (the youtuber) is handling the constant attacks to his physical appearance being a Leo and such. He kinda seems unfazed and keeps posting pics of him and videos, but idk. I’m curious how he’s handling it privately.

* I really do love me a fire x earth sign combo. Wether it’s friendship or relationship, I find them so energetic and chaotic lmao. Now, I’m gonna be honest I do think as a friendship, it works better. I also think each person has to have a varied chart in order to work. Someone with too much earth won’t really tolerate the intensity of the fire sign, and vice versa.

* Aries are not only trend setters, most of the time they are the ones to break generational traumas, mindset or traditions. They really, truly, do not give a fuck about what’s been done in the past or “what’s the right way to do this”. Lady Gaga, I believe, is the personification of that. On a personal level, it can definitely get annoying to deal with an Aries, but once you understand that they act that way because they’re trying to better themselves and by extension the world around them, it gets easier.

* Capricorns really fascinate me. I know the stereotypes around Caps is that they’re hardworking, focused on money, overly serious etc. I think part of it is true, but I think it depends on when you do meet them. If it’s before their Saturn return, you might actually meet a version of them that is actually struggling, quite immature, bad with money and overall disorganized. Remember, Saturn is severe and harsh. He doesn’t make it easy for its natives and I think it kind of explains why in the beginning of their lives, Caps are so all over the place. They get it together at one point though, and some become the stereotypical Capricorn.

* Also, on Capricorn, I’ve noticed they don’t really like when people mention their past selves. I mean, no one does, but with Caps it seems even more severe. It’s like they’re trying their hardest to dissociate from that past self that didn’t meet their ideals. I know a lot of Capricorn that even go by different names than their younger self. Crazy.

* Each element has their strength. Fire signs, it’s their will. Air signs, their intellect. Water signs, their emotions. Earth signs, their consistency. In the same vein, that same strength can quickly turn into their worst flaw. Fire signs can get really egotistical when trying to reach their goals. Air signs have a tendency to be condescending and mock others for their emotional reactions. Water signs can use emotional manipulation tactics to get what they want. Earth signs can get often stuck in their ways, no matter how toxic or unhealthy it may be.

* Cancer in 12th makes you despise your emotions, even when you rationally know that “it’s okay to feel that way”. Most often than not, they project that hatred/disdain towards other people and can’t tolerate really emotional people.

* We have to stop thinking that only earth signs and the sign of Leo is an indicator of fame. Sure, they can be indicator, but I do believe that we disregard the many types and layers of fame. Also, the way celebrities will interact with their fanbase and how they’re remembered is important. I truly believe every sign can be famous, but it won’t manifest the same. Is it easier for some signs? Sure. But every sign, using their strength could achieve it.

* Talking about fame. If you really want to achieve it, I think it’d be interesting to use your MC, North node, Mercury, Venus and Rising sign to achieve it. By checking in with your Moon sign needs, you could then regulate the right path for you. Some people truly don’t mind using drama to create traction even if it means hate, while some people could not tolerate it. Anyways, I’ll do a whole other post about it.

———-——————-—————————-

So yea! That’s my comeback y’all. Lmao I’m sorry, life’s been rough. That last retrograde tried to take me outtttt, I swear.

Dolly.

[carpeossa]

Can we just appreciate that Erik is the kind of friend who will actively make sure his best friend (Daroga) knows every single mundane/annoying detail of his life and that when he went silent for 2 weeks because he kidnapped Christine, the Daroga had to go to his home to find out what he was up to?

Also, you know for a fact that the Persian had a feeling that Erik was up to something prior to the kidnapping.

I present to you all, my headcannon:

Daroga: *reading the mail in his parlor* “Erik, I can’t make it to the cafe on Tuesday. I have a meeting with a transcriber who needs help on some documents in Farsi. I can reschedule for Friday at 2.”

Erik: *smoking one of the Daroga’s cigarettes and sitting in his chair* “That won’t work for me, I have an appointment that day. How about the following Monday at 9?”

Daroga: *Stops reading the mail and stares at Erik* “What do you mean you have an appointment?”

Erik: *Waves cigarette as he says* “Just that. I have an appointment.”

Daroga: *points at Erik with the mail* “No, no you don’t.”

Erik: *takes a long puff then exhales, smoke billowing under the vail of his mask* “What? You think that I’m incapable of having a social life that doesn’t involve you?“

Daroga: “Yes.”

Erik: *indignantly flicks ash onto the rug* “Contrary to your asinine beliefs, I am fully capable of having competent discourse with other members of society.”

Daroga: *ignoring the ash and advancing slightly towards Erik*

“You have never in your life given a thought to other members of society. You have always held them with contempt and disdain for not valuing the simple pleasures of being able to walk freely without ridicule or scorn for wearing a mask.”

“So yes, I highly doubt you having any other friends or making any, for that matter, with the exception of me.”

Erik: *promptly standing and towering over the Persian. Throwing the cigarette into the fire*

“You don’t know me Daroga. You may think you know me, but you are sorely mistaken. You are a fool who thinks that I want you, or that I need to converse with you. I am a man fully capable of making connections with other people than you! You damnable ass!”

*Erik storms out of the room*

Erik: *yelling* “Darius! I am leaving you to your boob of an employer! I require my cloak!”

Daroga: *following Erik* “Who is this poor devil that you are harassing?!”

Erik: *turning around and leaning close into the Daroga’s face before shouting* “You will never refer to them as a devil! You will give them at least that much respect!”

*turning back to the hall and shouting* “Darius! Quick, man! Or I shall be forced to render your employer unconscious!”

Darius: *rushing with Erik’s cloak in his out stretched hands*

Erik: *Yanking it from Darius’ hands and putting it on before storming out and slamming the front door*

Darius: “Forgive me for saying this, Sir. But he seemed more impertinent than usual.”

Daroga: *waving off Darius’ apology* “The truth needs no apology, Darius.”

*sighs* “I don’t know who his new obsession is, but I know he holds them in high esteem.”

Darius: “Would that not be a good thing? He generally hates everyone.”

Daroga: “For normal people, yes. But he is not normal. And when he realizes that the person he is obsessed with is not the personification of his vision of perfection, he with become wrathful.”

Darius: “How can he be any worse than how he is with you? He’s tame towards Señora Carlota when compared with how he treats you.”

Daroga: “You’re too young to know about what he did for the Shah. Erik is the most frightening creature you will ever encounter when he is angry. And thus far, Darius, you have only seen him annoyed.”

[theanimeview]

[Analysis] The Remarried Empress: A Victim Of Circumstance

Source: The Remarried Empress, Chapter 51

By: Casea Smith | @coffeewithkrow

While the Remarried Empress has been on a well-deserved hiatus, I’ve been reading it over again. I find that re-reading is always interesting because it gives you the chance to see if you might come out with a different opinion or point of view, especially now that you have had some foresight into future events. While I’ve reconsidered my thoughts and feelings on some things in my latest re-read, one thing hasn’t changed and that’s my opinion of Rashta.

Oh, Rashta. The most hated female character in the entire webcomic. Reading the comments wherein she’s often nicknamed “Trashta,” you may be convinced she’s the most hated female character in general. I do understand the criticisms directed at her, however I find it errs toward vitriol and I simply cannot bring myself to the same boiling point when I see her to be a misunderstood victim of her circumstances

Am I saying Rashat is perfect? No.

Source: The Remarried Empress

The makings of a fairytale became a reality for her. Though I don’t believe she truly loves Sovieshu, the Emperor, love isn’t required in order for her to have been sold on this fantasy. Keep all of this in mind as I believe her character flaws stem from this very point.

Rashta has many character flaws, she certainly puts the “Rash” in her name by making quick decisions without thinking about the consequences of her actions. She’ll impulsively lie and be deceptive for reasons that can be vexing for most. She also puts a lot of stock in what people think of her, often leaning into paranoia rather than self-reflection. Moreover, she will position herself to be pitied and doted on by the Emperor.

Petty and annoying things, assuredly. However I don’t believe that these flaws are worthy of such strong disdain, particularly in the beginning episodes of the webcomic.

Source: The Remarried Empress, Chapter 36

He actively pitted Rashta against the Empress as he would make a scene over every small thing Navier did. He painted it as though the Empress despised Rashta and was scheming to get rid of her from the start. I believe this caused Rashta to feel the need to lie about Navier’s acceptance of her to save face with the nobles, as well as paint the Empress as a villain to Sovieshu.

Source: The Remarried Empress, Chapter 17

Anything she perceives as a risk, no matter how benign it may look on the surface, is detrimental to her well-being, not just a minor concern that can be overlooked. You can find examples of this behavior in Chapters 17 and 18. Viscount Lotteshu, who used to own Rashta, threatened his way into meeting with her after making a scene at the party about her origins.

Source: The Remarried Empress, Chapter 44

Through her experiences as a slave and how she is treated thereafter, I believe this is what shapes her opinion of how nobles and royalty behave. They are either sickeningly sweet or horrendously wicked. They may dote on her one moment and the next be plotting for her downfall–and, for Rashta, it is a very steep fall. She is nearly powerless to her circumstance as she is in a constant state of potentially losing everything.

Yes, Rashta lies. Yes, she’ll do petty things to Navier. Yes, she schemes in order to keep herself in her position. However, she is tortuously navigating her way through a world she had lucked into, a world she was never prepared to enter.

Navier, in stark contrast to Rashta, was raised for the sole purpose of being an Empress. She was taught and prepared to handle issues with a level of decorum and intention behind everything she does. Meanwhile, Rashta never had such training and possibly can’t even begin to grasp these concepts as she attempts to, essentially, cosplay the role of a noble that’s been thrust upon her by current circumstances.

Source: The Remarried Empress, Chapter 35

Rashta is blinded by her suffering as she impulsively does dishonest and questionable things. Her actions and the actions of Sovieshu are all adding up, plummeting her into a downward spiral in later chapters. Though she never had tact to begin with, her means of avoiding trauma become even more careless and messy. This is a type of hell all on its own, as her attempts to run away from her pain are causing her to careen right toward it. Yet, that’s why I like her as a character, because she is an example of there being no such thing as a “perfect victim.”

Rashta may be flawed, but that doesn’t make her any less of a victim. She has no right to be absolved from any consequences, but I do believe she deserves a little more empathy from readers than what she garners now.

[faintingheroine]

15, 16, 18, 20, 21 for An Insignificant Death

25 for A Man Like That

“An Insignificant Death”

“A Man Like That”

15. Was there anything you had to research for this fic? Do you usually do a lot of research?

Not really. I don’t do much research for my MC fics, I am going solely with the canon of the show. My MC fics are just MC fics and don’t have much to do with history.

I did take a look at the libretto of “Madama Butterfly” for the quote I sampled in the Ibrahim chapter though, of course. I never had read the libretto before, though I did watch a film adaptation of the opera some months before writing this fic. I think it was a clever reference, if I say so myself.

Do I usually do a lot of research for my fics? Not really. The most research I did for a fic was I think for Chapter 2 of my Aşk-ı Memnu Christmas fic “Our Different Paths in Life”. I did research a bit about the Ottoman New Year’s celebrations.

16. What was the easiest scene to write? (For “An Insignificant Death”)

I think Hürrem’s recollections of her memories with Nigar was the easiest part because I had it in my mind for some time before.

18. How would you describe your writing style for this fic, if you can?

I wrote it in present tense. It is not a preferred writing style of mine but I think in this particular fic it worked in distinguishing what the characters are thinking currently to what they lived through while Nigar was alive.

Each chapter is in close third person.

There are a lot of dashes and asides. It is something I like in general and I think it fit well to this fic’s tone.

There are definitely some “cringe” expressions in the fic (the one that comes to mind is “touch-starved virgin of a Kalfa” in the Ibrahim chapter) but they don’t bother me. You can’t write Nigar’s story with Ibrahim without being a bit cringe.

20. What is something you wished more people noticed about this fic?

I love this fic, I think it is my best piece of creative writing. And it has been very well-received (thank you) but there are quite a bit of stuff that I think people can notice more, especially in the Ibrahim chapter.

I think it is easy to finish this fic and think “So her death wasn’t insignificant after all 🥹” and I did receive a nice comment to this effect under the fic but I intended the opposite effect to be quite honest. This fic is ambiguous as to whether Nigar in herself had ever been significant to any of these people. Ibrahim isn’t really having a revelation at the end, it is all about him, him, him, his feelings, what he wants out of life. Hatice and Hürrem are full of disdain for Nigar but they are at least thinking about her as a person, whereas Ibrahim’s preoccupation is entirely with himself except for the Madama Butterfly moment. And I think I did a good job in leaving it ambiguous whether he loved her in any capacity. He himself doesn’t know so even a foray into his innermost thoughts isn’t enough to find an answer to that.

I also like how I used the word “adoring” for both Esmanur, Nigar and Hatice in the Ibrahim chapter.

My “Madama Butterfly” reference was also not much commented on though I commented on it myself.

I also like how characteristically each chapter for each character ends. Hatice’s chapter ends with a sentence about her being haunted and uneasy. Hürrem’s chapter ends with her pondering on her schemes and is looking forward to the future rather than to the past. Ibrahim’s chapter ends with a sentence about identity, past, Theo vs Ibrahim.

21. What is something you didn’t expect people to notice or gravitate towards in this fic?

I think overall the Hatice chapter was people’s favorite which I didn’t expect. It is flattering though, it means I got her right I guess?

25. Is there anything you would now change about this fic? Why or why not? (For “A Man Like That”)

I mean the fic in general is not very good. I guess if I have to choose one thing I made Daye Hatun too knowing and in the right? In canon she is actually not that good at ascertaining what Ibrahim will do with Nigar. She is right about him eventually leaving her but for example she is wrong about Ibrahim intending to kill Nigar. So I don’t know if making her the sane one in the situation is necessarily true. As you also commented on, her sane attitude in the fic regarding her relationship with Valide also contradicts her suicide in canon.

[closetchaosstuff]

Hi! No to rant or anything.

I love your JC posts!

The canon JC tag feels ruined, and it’s makes me cringe so much seeing JC stans not understanding culture??? Like, my autistic mind can’t comprehend being in the fandom and not trying to understand where a lot of things come from in the novel???

Calling “cut-sleeve” a slur to justify saying that JC isn’t homophobic; because look here WWX said a gay slur in chapter 2 (the “slur” was cut-sleeve)

Sorry if it’s sound ranty, I didn’t mean it! My brain just wants to get it out or else it will explode 🤯😔

Thank you! And feel free to rant, most of my posts are adhd fueled rants anyways😅

I sometimes really don't understand how jc stans think. Like maybe they don't understand whether the word cut-sleeve is a slur or not, but can you not look at the rest of the context? WWX is never aggressive or disgusted towards gay people. He's reincarnated in the body of someone who was gay but never exhibits any disdain for that fact. JC on the other hand is aggressive and clearly shows disgust towards LWJ and WWX hugging(it wasn't shameless PDA or whatever the stans say) when he was the one stalking and interrupting their private moment in the first place. He is also disgusted by MXY because he was gay. Homophobia is not just about the slurs, it is about the general attitude of a person.

I am not saying that using a slur is okay or that cut-sleeve is a slur in the first place, but sometimes people genuinely do not know if the word is a slur(in the real world, it can happen if the language the slur is in is different from a person's native language). It is often their attitude that will tell you if they're homophobic or not.

[zukkacore]

This is gonna start off as kinda goofy silly but bear with me but the thing abt Togami and Mukuro is that in my mind the way the friend groups split up during the lost two nondespair years is that Junko can basically get along w/ anyone bc that’s her secret sauce so while she makes it her business to drift in an out of any social circle in my heart I do think her home base is converging with the other gay bitches whose personality is generally having disdain for the other gay bitches and setting themselves apart because of it i.e. Celeste and Togami. They are the fag, the goth girl, and the Cookie Monster pj girl walking the mile in PE.

Naturally Mukuro tags along passively and quietly w Junko where ever she goes & Togami is happy to ignore her at first and generally dismiss her as Junko’s weird sullen sister. & yes canonically Mukuro’s alienation from her classmates is part of why she feels driven to sink the cost and stay loyal to her sister despite her trepidation toward The Plan, but also like.

In the funnier version of events in my head I do think Togami and Mukuro could form a silent tenuous allyship because they’re literally just always around each other, in a way of being extremely tight lipped and privately grateful there’s at least one person here not trying to impose on my business or try to get me to be vulnerable. This guy gets the vision. Best friend I ever had.

The thing is that they’re a neat dichotomy because her trauma tanked her self esteem and view of her own personhood and his gave him a god complex and she and Junko struggled w poverty in their childhood while he is a billionaire heir and hence you would think they would not work as friends but once we and they realize that’s an awful nice dichotomy you got there, its like. It would be a shame if something were to lie outside of it.

And the thing that lies outside of it is that they were the weaker dog (“make two dogs fight, punish the weaker dog”) & have tried desperately to do something to overcome that. He sort of did, or at least he thinks he overcome being the weaker dog bc he “won” meanwhile whatever Mukuro has not stopped seeing herself as the weaker dog, no matter what she did to escape or distinguish herself didn’t matter in the end bc she’s still following orders. The thing abt them is that what lies outside the dichotomy is that they’re sunkest in the sunk cost fallacy. I invested the most, I endured the most, and it cost me the most and therefore I am special. He can’t opt out of this system of being pit against other dogs & she can’t turn against her sister bc he could be the top inheritor in a system of exploitation or be the person being exploited and she is about to aid in the end of the world or be ended along with everyone else. Which side do you want to be on? Theres a banquet and anyone who is not at the table in on the menu. Idk I just relate to that Goya painting of Saturn devouring his children for some reason.

There is something oddly sweet abt DR:S in which she in disguise badgers him into throwing a party at his private beach inviting all their classmates. & when he tries to back out of it in his typical way (fine you can throw a party but I would never go because I have better things to do obviously bc I’m just sooo busy and important) she insists he has to be there too. She’d never be so vocal and bold but in her attempt to perform Junko who is vocal and bold and unabashed abt what she wants she is forced to reveal now what SHE wants. He caves so easily, too. It’s technically not canon but it’s so revealing. What if we were all just friends hanging out on a beach. No fame no obligations no end of the world. This is the life I long for.

[data-is-my-favorite-android]

you know, I just keep thinking about The Balance Of Timeline and how… tense it was in a way that went beyond the fact that they were investigating the destruction of these outposts. Its whole atmosphere was dark and cold. Not outright hostile, like the Mirror universe, but the crew’s attitude toward Pike ranges from cool distance/indifference to passive hostility (with Ortegas’ outburst on the Bridge being the outlier). The only person who seemed glad to see Pike was La’An.

What the hell happened in that future? Ortegas is much more aggressive and judging from her hostility toward Spock and her comment of something along the lines of “if Spock and I can agree on something…” there’s clearly some bad blood there. And she seems to vehemently dislike the Romulans in a really pointed way.

Spock is more aloof toward Pike than normal and seems to actively avoid interacting with him when he can, and when he has to he is rigidly professional—though he still calls him “Chris” in one instance (after their mind meld confirming that this was the Pike of the past), so clearly things weren’t always this way. And while I think any Spock would initially posit that maybe Pike had lost his grip on reality, TBO Timeline Spock seemed, idk, more harsh than usual about it? Less willing to trust Pike? And he was pretty quick to assert (firmly) that he should take command of the Enterprise if Pike was compromised. Honestly it seemed like he generally disliked Pike and was only present for him when his duties as a first officer demanded him to be, and only as far as professional courtesy required.

La’An, of course, seemed much happier and clearly has a very close relationship with Pike; whether the nature of that relationship is more familial or romantic, I can’t decide. But the very fact that that ambiguity exists is… disconcerting. And all the crew members keep mentioning that the Farragut was La’An’s ship in a way that makes it sound more significant than “hey, our buddy’s on that ship!” and aim their comments at Pike specifically.

Admiral Pike lingers on the kitchenware in Captain Pike’s Prime Timeline Enterprise and mentions that it brings back memories. Maybe that’s because he’s an admiral now and doesn’t have his own ship anymore, but maybe… maybe something happened long before that to cause his Captain’s Quarters Dinners to cease being given, a side effect of essentially a breakdown in the family.

Of course, the obvious answers is the lack of Una’s presence. Her absence is Pike’s first clue that something is really really different, and it continues to be pointed out here and there through the episode. (Incidentally I found it interesting that Spock refers to her Illyrian heritage rather obliquely as “her deception” in his talk with Pike and says he thought Pike knew about it by then… but that intentionally vague terminology makes me wonder if there’s something else she’s deceiving them about??) But her absence seems to be only one part (if a pretty major part) of a larger series of changes that have brought them to this point. Admiral Pike strongly suggests that it’s Pike’s attempts to cheat fate that brings them to that darker future (and cites the Klingon monks on Boreth as his corroborators), but Una’s fate seems to also play a major role in getting them to that point where the friendliness is gone and the Bridge crew treat Pike with cold obedience.

Ultimately there’s just this absolute lack of warmth, friendship, or trust on that Bridge. What the hell happened? And what did Pike do to earn the disdain of those who once celebrated him? There’s just so much subtext going on there, it’s fascinating.

Also, who the hell ratted on Una in the first place? Will changing her fate change others, possibly including Pike’s, despite what his future self said?

(And, you know, since Pike has seen the future, couldn’t he just make different choices and not trigger the Romulan war/get Spock killed? I mean, probably not, since the writers decided to railroad that shit and declare the more Pike tries to have his cake and eat it too, the more Spock suffers later on so don’t even bother 🙃🙃🙃 but still, come on! As poignant and meaningful as his willingness to sacrifice himself for his space son is, is that really where they’re going to drop that plot thread?)

Anyway I’m tired and racing toward incoherence, so I’ll stop here, but truly, there is definitely some interesting moody shit happening in TBO Timeline, and I wish we knew more…

[amplifyme]

S3 Snow is done! :DDD

Vincent waking cold and traumatized with fearful eyes. Everything going over Father’s head with Stephen and Brooke at first. The scripts for Diana never disappoint: so fascinating to see her figure out the mystery step by step, putting her hands on everything, and immediately flashing back to Vincent. Snow and Gabriel’s dynamic is intriguing: it’s spelled out explicitly that Snow has more power in this moment, but the scene keeps whatever fear or concern Gabriel has close to his chest. The addition of Gabriel’s “Do you?” after Snow’s “politicians don’t come with a warranty” was an excellent choice. Gabriel making Snow salivate over the tape, the ring reveal, the son mention, Snow’s deflection, and Gabriel finally revealing how shaken he is… exquisite.

Diana’s apartment and the rose bush and Mark (I don’t see him sticking around for long-- probably will want someone uncomplicated before too long.) Diana can feel the life in the plant but Mark doesn’t think so. Mark’s “spelunking again?” has a resentful edge… iiiiiiiiiiiinteresting; and Diana’s let down reaction (with herself, the situation never being different, that it won’t be) after he walks off… gooooooooood stuff. Father and Mary’s concern. PASCAL READING GREAT EXPECTATIONS-- WINSLOW AND DEVIN MENTION (and, wait, Charles, Devin’s friend… WAIT. As an aside, wasn’t Nan naming the second baby Charles? And is that why, to honor Devin’s memory in a roundabout way, Vincent-style?) Pascal giving Catherine’s presence back to Vincent in a way as he joins him in consolation of his grief and in general support. I’m obsessed with the way Diana waves  goodbye. Also, her sensing something from Snow in the scene and in the script… yes. Love Gabriel’s theme so much. Snow sneaking in, bargaining with Gabriel (and Gabriel showing more unease/anxiety at his presence); Gabriel loving the beautiful statue and Snow irreverently smacking it with disdain and Gabriel smiling. Snow venting his frustrations by shooting up the statue. DIANA SAT AT CATHERINE’S DESK. Joe there to surprise Diana and he’s not. happy. Welcome to the job, Joe-- you gotta have a lot of dark experiences to sit behind that desk (also, it’s shadowy in there.) Diana doesn’t have friends in this world and rejects Joe’s “I don’t believe that” with a lighthearted “ah! Good for you!” (how very Ms. Marple of her.)

Father’s “You had a dream”... FATHER, HE HAS PRESCIENT DREAMS. Father’s doing that Cathy thing again where the obvious is a comfort but leads him blindly into trouble. “You can’t buy her life back with your own blood” demands Father, “You won’t find her again by embracing death.” And Vincent’s “Are you so sure, Father?’ before walking off. I think both are right: you can lose yourself in the embrace of Death like Father fears (and Narcissa warned last season); but Cathy’s bond, or an aspect of it, lingers back despite her death, and it seems to be leading Vincent. Both are crucial to keep in the balance.

It doesn’t seem like a coincidence that death/Snow follows Vincent down into the tunnels at the same time the goddess of the hunt/Diana does-- three sides of a triangle all angling towards each other with their own end goals. Father trusting Vincent’s vision after all, “just in case.” (As another aside, I think this is why Vincent survived so long with Father without it eroding too quickly at his edges: though Father fears, he also trusts, to an extent, those prescient aspects of his son, even if he wars internally with his own stubborn mindset. On the other hand, Cathy believed in their bond and their love… but all the way? Not with her ex, not with various degrees of danger, not with fill-in-the-blank. Maybe the difference is: Father and Cathy don’t want to believe, but Father’s cautious nature will enact what Vincent warns because he has self-preservation while Cathy doesn’t take Vincent’s warnings seriously enough because she believes in her own impressions or decisions more.) Diana knocking through the tunnels like Snow. ZACH! Diana hears that tapping but doesn’t emote her reaction (hallelujah for the scripts.)  Stephen diiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiied, Brooke runs off into the tunnels, and we all learned why hypervigilance is needed on the job. Snow learning their names. Vincent hearing the screams and sending out a roar of challenge while also being in very poor shape. Diana finding the blasted through tunnel entrance (which… that’s disastrous in general for the community, gonna take a lot to repair) and finding the Vincent rock chunk (“Vincent. Where are you?”) as yet another piece of Vincent’s life is shot to pieces. Snow’s “Gabrielisms” as he mouths “I see you” and wets his lips… excellent touch.

Pascal blaming himself for Sam’s death and William trying to help and JAMIE, and Father’s sound wisdom and realizing he had, yet again, failed to stop the death of his son (The Outsiders, eyyyyy), and that there’s nothing he can do. I can’t help but think how Father’s willingness to give into Vincent’s sacrificial nature brings out the distrust and abandonment of the Other, which is probably why Buster trusts Catherine and Diana in Nan’s S4 the most: both women are willing to sacrifice themselves to save him from his own inane or useless sacrifices. (It’s like Nan touched on in “Bimbo”-- Father and Vincent are very self-sacrificial when it comes to the community-- and for Vincent, in Father’s case-- but that can’t/isn’t/won’t be healthy for ALL of Vincent in the long run. Also: the Biblical allegory of Father being God the Father and letting Vincent/His Son sacrifice himself for humanity definitely contributes to the Buster trust issues.)

Snow and Vincent’s conversation, names and faces, and Vincent’s growl in answer. Gabriel the name, “your child”, the ring as a peace offering/trap… Buster’s not going to be appeased/tricked. I like how the Other and Vincent intertwined in this moment: Buster won’t let Snow escape alive, but Vincent doesn’t directly kill him. Vincent taking the ring and dropping Snow’s body on the tower and yelling out Gabriel’s name. Here we go! 

As an aside, were there some theories before little Jacob was named that the showrunners would honor Great Expectations and call him Philip or Pip or something like that? I can at least see it being lobbed by someone at some point.

Ah, Snow. Another banger of a script from George R.R. Martin. He sure does know how to raise the stakes - and one's blood pressure.

Let's talk about it down here...

The dialogue in this one is so crisp. Love the conversation between Gabe and Snow at the zoo. "Creature features. Maybe I should make popcorn." *chef's kiss* This exchange delights me into laughter every time I watch it, simply for McHattie's delivery of his line here:

S: Not the stupid statue! He's not human.

G: So few of us are these days.

PASCAL READING GREAT EXPECTATIONS-- WINSLOW AND DEVIN MENTION (and, wait, Charles, Devin’s friend… WAIT. As an aside, wasn’t Nan naming the second baby Charles? And is that why, to honor Devin’s memory in a roundabout way, Vincent-style?)

She was going to do it to honor both Devin's friend Charles and Catherine's father, who was also named Charles. I love that scene with Vincent and Pascal. Quiet but so impactful.

It doesn’t seem like a coincidence that death/Snow follows Vincent down into the tunnels at the same time the goddess of the hunt/Diana does-- three sides of a triangle all angling towards each other with their own end goals.

Trust me, nothing in GRRM's writing is a coincidence. I love that you've picked up on the Diana/Huntress connection. Another aspect she has in common with Vincent.

Diana knocking through the tunnels like Snow.

And knocking down another wall in her search for Vincent, as he knocked them down to get to Cathy. Interesting subtext, huh?

Snow learning their names.

And Vincent knowing their faces.

I can’t help but think how Father’s willingness to give into Vincent’s sacrificial nature brings out the distrust and abandonment of the Other, which is probably why Buster trusts Catherine and Diana in Nan’s S4 the most: both women are willing to sacrifice themselves to save him from his own inane or useless sacrifices.

Nice catch!

I like how the Other and Vincent intertwined in this moment: Buster won’t let Snow escape alive, but Vincent doesn’t directly kill him. Vincent taking the ring and dropping Snow’s body on the tower and yelling out Gabriel’s name.

Game on, baby!

Yeah, there's a definite integration going on with Vincent & Buster this season. Lots of little hints dropped here and there.

As an aside, were there some theories before little Jacob was named that the showrunners would honor Great Expectations and call him Philip or Pip or something like that? I can at least see it being lobbed by someone at some point.

Not as far as I know; I've never heard or read anything along those lines. As far as I know the child was always going to be named after Father.

Not a whole lot more to say about this. You've covered all the bases really well and I'm delighted that you're picking up on all the little things most folks might not have.

Beggar's Comet is another wild ride. It's an Elliott-heavy episode but it also moves both V and D's story forward in important ways. And then there's A Time to Heal, which is superb from start to finish - my favorite of S3. It's the pilot episode all over again, but flipped. Or as Nan liked to jokingly describe it: the episode where two people watch each other sleep. 🤣

P.S. I've managed to upload Maxine Mayer's This Massive Darkness and AWTN 1 under my pseud, The Dream Weavers Helper, on my AO3 page. AWTN 2 is next. I'm planning on getting all of Nan's stuff there eventually. But there's tons of transcription boo-boos to fix. A labor of love, for sure.

[hopeshoodie]

Can’t remember if you’ve posted anything about the characters smoking weed, and their reactions. I have goldfish memory, so if you have, just link me to the ask. I’m especially curious for Marisol and Lucas as those two are my loves.

So I definitely did but also it's been t w o years so here's my updated thoughts

From the rich people I've been around, there's a lot of stigma towards """"dirty"""" drugs that you have to smoke. Is that general distaste for the smell or racism? Yes. That's not to say rich people don't like drugs, everyone likes drugs regardless of class. But like specifically weed, I think Lucas would be disdainful.

Like he lowkey buys into the prejudice that smoking blunts/using bongs is for the lower classes (because in-game we see him being a wine snob but trying to hide it). I don't think he'd do dabs or vapes because again it's declasse in his opinion. So if Lucas is going to get THC, he's getting it through edibles. I don't think he's much of a drugs guy outside of partying, and even then he sticks to edibles or MDMA.

I think I've said before but I totally see Marisol smoking weed once in uni (and tbh she probably didn't even smoke it, just puffed on a blunt and coughed a bunch) and then telling everyone that it made her anxiety worse. Maybe it actually did or didn't worsen her anxiety, I could see it being true but I can also see her being so socially anxious (she likes feeling superior/cool normally and not knowing how to smoke weed in a room of people who do is awkward). But now whenever someone brings up weed she goes on a monologue about how it can make anxiety worse, instead of just being like "it's not for me". I kinda think she strays away from most drugs, but MAYBE if a close friend gave her shrooms she'd enjoy it.

Those two aside, I feel like Lottie, Bobby, Rocco, and Henrik smoke regularly/have their own plugs. Hope, Jo, Kassam, Noah, Arjun, and (maybe?) Gary will smoke socially if someone else is providing. I kinda see Rahim, Carl, and Priya as anti-smoking.

[saphflare]

I saw your tags on that Dream neg post and I just wanted to honestly ask if you’ve ever branched out into Dtblr or anything. Because OP very badly misrepresents Dream in that post. He himself acknowledged he was baby raging and clarified a million times no one should be sending hate and very clearly explained why he disagreed with the decision. As well Dream was trying not to be super negative but explained he gets very fixated on things and can’t let them go like he wishes he could which is of course apart of adhd. I don’t want to make you like Dream. But food for though

Yes I have seen a bit of Dtblr and honestly I think y'all are pretty chill for the few I've seen. Or at the very least, more pleasant than twitter could ever hope to be lol. And to clarify, I have no problem with people liking the ccs that are of the Dream Team. As for Dream, well.

It's just that after looking at various controversies that have popped up, looking at the way he handles his audience and his general attitude, just...

Yeah I can't like him, anymore. No matter how many times he could try to give his meager apologies to fix problems that he continuously contribute to. No matter whatever reasons that could be made. I have just found myself feeling increasingly disdainful towards Dream. I don't like him, maybe part of it's irrational. Perhaps I have been exposed to the more negative depictions of his persona, which have influenced my perception of him. Yeah maybe.

But mostly I just don't like some of the decisions (or lack of) that have contributed to the environment he has fostered in his fanbase. I don't like how he keeps giving excuses, and next time it happens again, nothing changed. And it keeps happening.

All of it just leaves a bad taste whenever I think about it. I feel exhausted interacting with anything related to him.

But, look if it's any consolation, I don't think Dream is the worst person to ever exist. Maybe a low bar on my part, but yeah I understand he is a flawed human being and yes he is allowed to feel angry and feel things. I used to actually like him and his content, he brought a little joy in my life like my other favorite ccs. And not all the things he has done are horrible, some of it has been good and uplifting to others. He is friends with many of the other members of the Dream SMP, they would know him better having spent time with him. And I trust their judgment.

Well I would hope so at least.

And as for the post you refer to, sorry but I can't find it in myself to disagree with them, for the most part. Outside of MCC discourse, I can tolerate the man if he stumbles into my dash, he is doing his thing. After all I barely, if ever, interact with DT content and their fanbase. But just... he brings an ugly side to what is supposed to be a fun event and I can't help but feel a lot of issues relating to Dream (and to some extension Sapnap), not just his fanbase, keep getting deflected or ignored when they need to be address.

I dunno maybe I'm wrong, but that's just what I ended up at after many, many months of doubt and consideration. And just, yeah.

===

(I also would like to clarify this is not an invitation to argue or debate with me, not in the mood to do so, not now or ever. So please leave this as it is, but I do hope you have a decent day at least!)

[daeva-agas]

I am playing Sakuya route in SLBP (mostly for the reward) and I wonder, where Nobunaga hatred toward ninjas comes from? This is like the 3rd game where he shows his disdain towards them. Can you explain why? Because I'm curious.

Oh no, it's that thing again.

Remind me what are the other ones. Is it Ninja Love? Nightshade? Non-otome games?

Anyway, this is a huge rant and IDK, could clog up people's dash so I will put it behind a cut.

I probably shouldn't say these about Japanese people writing about their own history and legends, but I hate this stupid "Nobunaga hates ninjas" trope, so my very grumpy answer is:

BECAUSE STUFFY CORPORATE SUITS ARE SO TERRIFIED OF CHANGE AND CAN'T BE ASSED TO TRY NEW THINGS. IF BULLSHIT TROPES STILL MAKE MONEY, THEN BY GOD THEY WILL KEEP MAKING IT UNTIL JESUS RETURNS.

And I'm giving the benefit of the doubt that they're doing this because "it's a trope that people seems to like", and not because they're just running off "I saw it in an anime/manga/novel/movie once" and never bother to Yahoo search it or open a book about it.

(I'm not all that mad anymore, but like, I will still go AAAAAAAAAAA every time it comes up)

"Nobunaga hates ninja" is a long-standing trope that's been around for decades in Japan. The oldest one I was able to find is this movie series called "Shinobi no Mono". Maybe there's something older, I don't know.

It's a historical fact that the Oda did invade Iga. However, there is so many context for it. Among many other things... one record says it's actually the people of Iga who sicced Nobunaga ON THE PROVINCE THEMSELVES.

It ended up being transformed into a "Nobunaga hates ninja" plotline because the above historical fact is being combined with the long-standing legend that "Iga is a place where ninjas live".

Also, in the 60s and 70s there’s this like... movement where people are really disgruntled at the government, and so because they can’t flat out write works about how much they hate the Japanese government of the time, they just write stuff about peasant heroes or vigilantes fighting against evil samurai lords as a way to vent their frustrations. Nobunaga being one of the easiest character to caricaturise because it’s not like the “evil stuff” they make him do is entirely wrong. The facts are just taken out of context and twisted for the sake of fiction. Evil/demonic/horrible Nobunaga as a trope in general seems to be relatively new from this era too, since Edo and Meiji works seems to present Nobunaga is an admirable heroic figure.

(well, they wrote about him doing kinda mean things, but it’s presented in a way that makes it sound like the writers think it’s “something that just happens” and not a big deal/not an entirely negative thing)

In real life there is no such thing as "sekrit ninjer village uwu", so honestly, if the above account is true, then it's possible that there's in-fighting among the people of Iga. It's what happens with the Saika people. Suzuki (Saika) Magoichi surrendered to Nobunaga and then some time later makes a request for the Oda army to come in and destroy this one guy he really hates.

If the story about the Iga folks inviting Nobunaga in themselves is actually false, I’ve not seen any other explanation for it yet, but I still think Nobunaga invading Iga is just business as usual. At the time of the Iga invasion, the surrounding provinces are already conquered, leaving Iga as this one tiny hole in the middle of what is technically "Oda territory". Maybe Nobunaga thinks this hostile province could cause problems in the surrounding regions, so he wants them gone. It's no different than, say, Nobunaga fighting a war against the Takeda and conquering them.

It's not even Nobunaga in command of the army (as far as reliable records go), so any depiction of Nobunaga personally leading his army into Iga is garbage. He sent one of his sons and a few generals to go off and fight, while he himself only comes in for inspection after everything's cleaned up.

The standard reasoning in bullshit Sengoku trope/fiction is that Nobu just doesn't trust woo woo shit, and only wants to do things the "legit" way (with soldiers and stuff). Ninja is considered woo woo because of their “secret arts”, and because they’re usually depicted as having no lords/masters but themselves, I guess he is wary of them rebelling against him or something.

Funny thing is, even if you actually buy into the ninjas thing, supposedly even the “guidebook of ninjas”, the Bansenshukai, says that the Oda has ninjas, so “Nobunaga hates ninjas” is just silly all around. Bansenshukai is this book supposedly detailing ninja clans and secret techniques and whatever, written in the 1600s, by one of the Fujibayashi descendants (IDK Sakuya’s grandkids I guess) 

[neometalmadness]

[[ Some ramblings about Neo under the readmore; i typed all this out before I wen’t to sleep so some of this might not make any sense lol BUT HOPEFULLY IT DOES

Been thinking about what I kinda wanna do with Neo recently after a bit of chatter about my characterisation of him.

So most of y'all probably know of Gamma's story in SA1. I basically am thinking of an approach similar to that, with Gamma's self reflection into himself & what he was made to be, & changing it and thusly sacrificing himself (perhaps without the sacrificing himself for Neo in the literal sense But Hey I’m Not Saying No He Sure Can Die!)

To preface this with some context. Neo isn't programmed to follow Eggman's orders at all, being entirely sentient, & all choices he makes are purely his own.

Although some of his anger seems to be directed at his creator, most of it is very much internalised & towards himself. Because whilst he almost succeeded, he still failed. He really does hold onto that feeling of failure, hence all his aggression & general disdain for other people (which certainly existed before, but before, he simply wouldn't have given such things the time of day).

During his peak, he definitely thought he would finally begin to make progress in any of Eggman's plans. And whilst Eggman definitely has the willpower to keep trying, when he was just a Metal Sonic, he was there to just take orders & to not question, even with the limited thought for himself.

This is the first time he'd experienced such failure by his own hands, when he truly believed success was not far away. I mean he even says it a few times during the final battle & the ending of Sonic Heroes;

"Sonic, I was created for the sole purpose of destroying you, but I can never seem to defeat you! That is why I transformed my own body with my own hands.”

“But that was the past. Now you're nothing but a speck of dust to me.”

“See me as I am, no longer afraid of anything.”

“Gyaaaaaaah! WHY?! I HAD IT ALL!! I am the ultimate overlord, Metal Sonic! I AM THE REAL SONIC!“

And then this is what he says riiiight at the end of the game;

“It's no use. But why can't I defeat you?“

So. yeah?

I think I also kinda wanna explore the idea of like... I do want Neo to make friends (I've already said before but Neo will very affectionately refer to his friends as "connections" or "allies", lol), but like... Many of his friends will not be machines like he is. If the chance to rise up and become all powerful again, to overrule an army & potentially a world full of robots, would he take his friends feelings into accounts? Would he spare them at all?

I guess the point I'm making now that Neo has chosen to become independent & his connection to Eggman is extremely loose, a lot of his moralities have come into question... And, if & when these are resolved, would he still choose to work alongside his creator, over his own connections he has made? Or even go ahead with any of his own plans? The grief of failure still weighs him down, but the grief of losing someone that has gone out of their way to be alongside him is something else.

It's just some shit I'd like to explore. Idk just rambling. I do kinda want Neo to become a sort of Chaotic Neutral type in some verses with peeps. But also like... I do kinda wanna explore The Other Side and make him Worse but GAJSHAJSB that's not the topic of discussion here rn

But anyway yeah to conclude I love Neo Metal Sonic that’s all i gotta say. if you read all this thank you soldier here’s this funny picture