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writingwithcolor · 3 years

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Fantasy West Asian/North African queen with white ancestry

@writergirl523 asked:

In my story, the main character is a white girl and her best friend, who is the queen of their nation, is non-white—specifically I picture her as Middle Eastern/North African, but this is a fantasy world so that exact location does not exist. Her father is white, but her mother’s family (the royal family) is of this descent for an unspecified number of previous generations. The primary antagonist of the first book is an ancestor of the royal family from centuries ago (who is immortal). Currently I have her described as white, as the non-white members of the royal family are implied to have married in in the last 500 years. I have thought that it might be seen as offensive to have the royal family be descended from white people as well, and that maybe I should make this character the same race as the queen. But I also thought that while the queen has a significant part in defeating her, and is arguably as much a main character as the actual MC in this book, the main character of the series and POV character is still white, and it would be offensive to have a white protagonist face off against a non-white antagonist. I am wondering which would be the better alternative and if there is anything else about this scenario I should change.

In a scenario like this, a lot will depend on your worldbuilding and your execution. We don’t have much information about these two things, so it’s difficult to give specific advice, but we will ask some general questions and point out a few potential pitfalls to keep in mind.

Worldbuilding ethnic diversity and multi-ethnic royal families

[Note: West Asian and Middle-Eastern mean the same thing, but I prefer using West Asian because it de-centers Europe and explicitly describes the region's location within Asia.]

I don’t see anything inherently problematic about having a royal family with mixed heritage. However, I’d be curious to know how you’re handling the worldbuilding surrounding it and the implications it has for the history, culture, and social dynamics of your fantasy country. Here are some questions that may be helpful to think about if you haven’t yet considered them:

- What is the ethnic breakdown of this country? Are there multiple ethnic groups? Which ones?

- Is one the dominant group, either demographically or in terms of political or economic status? If so, what’s the relationship between the majority and minority groups? What are the social implications? What are the interpersonal implications?

- How did this diversity come to be? Did one group conquer or colonize the other? Were there wars? Alliances? Trade and cultural exchange? Migrations? What are the implications for the present-day relationships between these groups?

- You’ve mentioned that there is one group which is white-coded and another which is West Asian/North African-coded. These are very broad categories. Can you make your coding more specific? Think about language, religion, and culture. Are these the same across both groups? If so, how did this come to be? If not, what impact do those differences have on your story?

- How do royal marriages work? Can members of the royal family marry anyone, regardless of social status? Or does it have to be nobility from their own country? Or royals from other countries? Does this track with the way you want your royal family to have evolved?

I’m asking this because if you want your royal line to have been mostly white for several centuries, and then become mostly brown for several centuries after that, you need to be able to justify that with every single generation of marriages. If the white royal family only married amongst their own ethnic group at first, and then suddenly switched to only marrying within the non-white group, there must be a reason for that switch. Also, keep in mind that if they only want to marry other royals, their choices are limited. In real life, royals married (and still do) other royals from other countries, which results in a lot of ethnic and cultural mixing.

If you find yourself struggling to answer these questions, one way to get started is to look at real historical examples from our world. You might want to research the history of the Mediterranean region as a starting point. Even though by modern-day North American standards we consider Greeks and Italians to be white, and Turks and Arabs to be brown (to mention just a few of the many ethnic groups in the region), such racial distinctions didn’t exist for most of the Mediterranean's history. Those peoples and many others around the Mediterranean, including Black Africans, interacted and intermarried heavily for thousands of years, especially among royalty.

I highly recommend reading through the WWC Research Guides and the worldbuilding tag if you haven’t done so yet. There is a lot of very helpful advice already available on the blog. Two recent posts, about diversity in fantasy worldbuilding and linguistic diversity, might be especially relevant to you.

- Niki

Potential pitfalls : white saviors, mixed characters, and exoticization

I agree with everything Niki said. There are a lot of questions left to be asked considering your concept and a lot of worldbuilding that will need to be done. I’d like to build off Niki’s answer.

Depending on your choices there are some potential pitfalls, such as the white saviour trope (in case you go for your white MC saving a non-white community/country, as well as writing a diverse but not inclusive story/setting. A lot depends on the make-up of your setting. Really go into those questions Niki so kindly provided. What and how many ethnicities will be there? Is there a dominant group? How do the power dynamics play out? How does this influence the royal family and their courts as well as how they in turn influence everything else? Yes, there can be (mixed with/and) white people in the royal family but as mentioned by Niki, think about what that implies and how this impacts your worldbuilding and everything else. How did things develop like this? Why did you choose this option? Also take into consideration how being mixed in this setting plays out. Being mixed with white ancestry and/or being white-passing are complex, often misunderstood and oversimplified identities and experiences so keep that in mind as well.

Be sure that if you write diversity into your worldbuilding that you do so inclusively. Don’t make the diversity and the cultures you let inspire your story just be the sauce that “exoticizes” your setting and characters. I’d like to also give the general reminder that West Asian and North African are unspecific terms, given the vast diversity in these regions. As well as with being mixed, there is no one look for any of these identities.

And yes, there are also some potential traps surrounding writing a West Asian/North African antagonist while your MC is white, but simply changing the antagonist to being white (and often other major characters as well) while going for a diverse setting can make things worse.

Asking yourself the right questions as to why you make the choices you make as well as taking the time and care to properly develop your setting, characters and plot will help in your attempt to evade said pitfalls.

It’s not to say something is wrong or right, given we only see part of your concept here, execution can make quite the difference, and we are not to give the rubberstamp of approval. It’s that if this is to be written with respect and care, this story needs a lot of research and thought as to why you make the choices you make. It’s hard for me to really do more than offer these extra thoughts and reminders without more specifics.

~ Alice

Researching North African history and ethnic diversity

Following Niki and Alice’s answers, I reiterate that worldbuilding is the most important factor here and so is historical research.

1. Alice has pointed out that making a character “West Asian or North African” looking does not really mean anything, since it's not a monolith. There are different ethnicities in both regions, each with distinct customs, features, skin tones, and even languages and religions. For example, the biggest ethnic group in North Africa are Amazigh, and to say that your character is Amazigh-looking without specifying what type of Amazigh is (Tuareg, Riffian, Kabyle...) will lead to confusion. To give you a start, the main North African ethnic groups today are Amazigh, Copts, Nubians, and Dinka. In very small numbers, you can find others, such as Arabs.

2. Research the history of North Africa. Even though the indigenous North African groups still exist till this day, there obviously has being conquests and invasions (Vandals, Arabs…), as well as a slave trade and European colonization, that had their impact and left a huge print. Even if your fictional world does not geographically/demographically resemble ours, but you want to include cultures and traditions from existent locations, history will help you not to mix things.

Other than this, the questions Niki has left above are a great start to understand your own world and how it functions.

-Asmaa

#Asks #Middle-Eastern cultures #North Africa #West Asia #middle east #middle eastern #white savior #fantasy #worldbuilding #coding #race coding #ethnic coding #culture coding

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autumnslance · 2 years

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Hi Aeryn! What advice can you give in creating a backstory before 2.0? I don’t know the story of 1.0 or the lore that well, I want to make a good story for RPing or for writing. Any pointers are welcome!

Knowing the 1.0 lore can be handy, but honestly not too necessary, especially depending on your character. Are they from somewhere outside Eorzea? Then 1.0 really doesn't matter beyond the Calamity and the lore the character learns as the player does through ARR. If from Eorzea, even then a character really only needs the broad strokes (and anything specific to their home region/culture). Everything important from 1.0 is available in current lore info, so we don't need to sweat it too much. Besides, they also retconned/reworked a few details from 1.0 when creating ARR, and in the expacs since then, too. Some of that can be blamed IC on aetheric changes with the Rejoining, I guess, but mostly a decade later it doesn't really matter. The stuff that does matter has been brought up in current stories.

Some lore, some advice (or at least what works for me), some options for resources, below the cut, cuz I got this late at night at well, it's me.

Think of it this way: How many details of local, national, or world events of the last 5 to 10 years do you actually remember in detail without looking it up? It all gets kinda hazy, don't it? Now how much history from your childhood, or before you were born? We remember some major things, a few weird or key details maybe, but overall, for many folks, most of it doesn't stick with us as much as our day to day lives, unless we make it a point to know it.

By necessity, a MMO game world is a compacted version of a setting; it shows some representations of key locations, but that's not nearly all there is (the towns are too small and missing key elements, there's not enough farmland, travel is wonky, etc), and no society, culture, etc is a monolith the way things are shorthanded in game. There's wiggle room to make stuff your own.

And it's not like the legacy game is around for anyone to fact check you by pulling up their quest logs. You can massage lore to fit how you like and what works for the character, all anyone--even 1.0 players!--are going to know or remember anymore are those broad strokes and what info can be found in a few preserved cutscene videos/screenshots, or old 1.0 maps and summaries scattered around the internet.

For Dark, as my first character, I kept her story very open and broad strokes. I knew nothing about the game or lore beyond the intro cinematic and my friends explaining how they incorporated 1.0's failure into the story to rebuild it. So she started with a simple, generic backstory that I filled the gaps in as I went. By the time I rolled C'oretta and Aeryn, I had a better grasp of the lore in general, knew how and where to go digging to see if more details about X thing existed or how Y worked, but still left some things open-ended. No character needs every second of their life, or all details of their family, friends, etc, pre-determined and set in stone before roleplay and/or fic writing starts.

I've also stayed flexible as new things are revealed with new expacs; Thavnair in EW means making some adjustments and changes to Aeryn's backstory, but I left spaces in there on purpose for this eventuality, so not hard to paper over. I made up some things about Aeryn's life in Thavnair to give myself wiggle room if things didn't quite mesh with lore once we got it. Most of the time, no one remembers the details but you, and folks really don't care about minor retcons/reworks, so long as it's not affecting their own characters.

The game itself, along with the short stories on the Lodestone, do a pretty good job of going over most of the lore one would need for RP. If wanting to delve more into the deeper world history, and more info on 1.0, a copy of Encyclopaedia Eorzea vol 1 is handy; they are reprinting those finally, and they can be pre-ordered on either the SE site or Amazon. There's also a PDF copy link floating around somewhere (it's likely in my EE tag actually).

@mirkemenagerie I will always recommend as a compilation of lore sources; game, supplementary material, and some interviews/panels with the devs. The blog info all covers 1.0 as well as 2.0, especially since for ARR the devs did go back and summarize or fill in notes of what came before.

YouTube is a good place to find videos about the original game intros and storylines, though they can be really confusing; the Echo sends the WoL back and forth in people's memories from the "present" (the game's start, before the Calamity), and to the time period of the Battle of Silvertear Skies 10 years before that--the one depicted in the initial 1.0 cinematic between the Empire and the Dragons that led to the creation of Keeper of the Lake and the assumed "death" of Midgardsormr.

The main thing in the 1.0 videos though is 1) it's the only time we ever see Actual Yda, in the Gridania flashbacks (and I'm pretty sure Lyse was a later addition/retcon); 2) Y'shtola's Limsa storyline has to do with losing an artifact to an Ascian possessing an elezen man--which comes back around in the Alexander raid storyline in HW, hence her involvement there; 3) Ul'dah's storyline is how Thancred, Minfilia(Ascilia), and F'lhaminn all met, against the backstory of F'lhaminn & friends and what happened to her lover Niellefresne, that's summarized and resolved in Shadowbringers for the main characters, and in Stormblood Alchemist for the side crew.

4) The WoL doesn't know at first they're bouncing back and forth in time/memories (and that wasn't clearly explained until Bozja's intro story and the solo duty into Cid's memory); the sound effect is different and there's no obvious visions. One moment you're with child Ascilia, the next adult Minfilia, but you don't initially know they're the same person. It's meant to be disorienting, but I don't think it was used very effectively and was merely confusing.

5) Urianger arrived later with Louoisoix as the Calamity story took over eventually, and Urianger let all sorts of wild rumors circulate about himself, and the Garleans created more, as he made himself public enemy #1 to distract the Empire from his comrades' activities. 6) Also, the Scions didn't exist yet; it was Minfilia's The Path of the Twelve, and Louisoix's Circle of Knowing. But that's all in the ARR short stories and current lore info.

Honestly, the current game's gotten pretty good at taking supplementary info from the short stories and lorebook and weaving it into the game itself, if not in MSQ then in various sidequests. I never played 1.0, I just spent time looking up old maps (as 1.0 the cities were different, and it had more regions of the world open...though it was all copy-paste-and-spun tiles...), looking through Sounsyy's lore pages, reading the Lodestone short stories, reading through the lore books, and checking on YouTube for FFXIV 1.0 cutscenes.

So don't sweat it too much; look at what's available, come up with some broad ideas to get the gist down, refine as you go and learn more, and be flexible with new lore/changes, and remember no place is a monolith and there can be exceptions to any and all rules, and your RP char will do just fine even if you don't know every detail.

#Final Fantasy XIV #Lyn Meta #Lore #Backstory #roleplay #writing #characters #Legacy #1.0 #Encyclopaedia Eorzea #Seventh Umbral Calamity #Battle of Silvertear Skies #Scions of the Seventh Dawn

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itonje · 4 years

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people of color in arthurian legend masterpost

hi! some people said it would be cool if i did this, and this is something i find interesting so. yeah! are you interested in king arthur and the knights of the round table? do you like to read about characters of color, especially in older lit? well, i hope this can be a good resource for people to get into stuff like that, especially poc/ethnic minorities who might feel uncomfortable or lonely getting into older media like arthuriana. this post is friendly to both those who prefer medieval lit and those who prefer modern stuff!

disclaimers: i am not a medievalist nor a race theorist! very much not so. i am just a 17 year old asian creature on the internet who wants to have an easy-to-reference post, if i’m not comprehensive enough please inform me. i’m going to stay closely to the matter of britain, as well, not all medieval european literature as a. this is what i’m more familiar with and b. there’s so much content and information and context to go along with it that it would really be impossible to put it all into one tumblr post. (however there’s always going to be overlap!) also, please do not treat me or any other person of color/ethnic minority as a singular all-knowing authority on anything! we’re all trying to have fun here and being made into an information machine on things, especially what is and isn’t offensive isn’t fun. with that out of the way, let’s get into it! (under cut for length!)

part i: some historical context (tw for racism and antisemitism discussion)

fair warning, i’m going to start off with some discussions of more heavier history before we talk about more fun stuff. while pre colonial racism was far more different than how it is today, there still...was racism. and it’s important to understand the social mien around nonwhite people in europe at the time these works were written.

to understand how marginalized ethnicities were written in medieval european literature, you have to understand the fact that religion, specifically catholicism, was a very important part of medieval european life. already, catholicism has violent tenets (ie, conversion as an inherent part of the church, as well as many antisemitic theologies and beliefs), but this violence worsened when an event known as the crusades happened.

the crusades were a series of religious wars started by the catholic church to ‘reclaim’ the holy land from islamic rule and to aid the byzantine empire. while i won’t go into the full history of the crusades, (some basic info here and here and here) its important to understand that they had strengthened the european view of the ’pagan’ (ie: not european christian) world as an ‘other’, a threat to christiandom that needed to be conquered and converted, for the spiritual benefit of both the convertee and the converter. these ideas of ethnoreligious superiority and conversion would permeate into the literature of the time written by european christians.

even today, the crusades are very much associated with white supremacy and modern islamophobic sentiment, with words such as ‘deus vult’ as a dogwhistle, and worship of and willingness to emulate the violence the crusaders used against the inhabitants of the holy land in tradcath spaces, so this isn’t stuff that’s all dead and in the past. crusader propaganda and the ignorance on the violence of the catholic church and the crusaders on muslim and jewish populations (as well as nonwhite christians ofc) is very harmful. arthuriana itself has a lot of links to white supremacy too-thanks to @/to-many-towered-camelot for this informative post. none of this stuff exists in a bubble.

here’s a book on catholic antisemitism, here’s a book on orientalism, here’s a book about racism in history that touches on the crusades. (to any catholic, i highly reccommend you read the first.)

with that out of the way, we can talk about the various not european groups that typically show up in arthurian literature and some historical background irt to that. the terms ‘moor’ and ‘saracen’ will typically pop up. both terms are exonyms and are very, very broad, eventually used as both a general term for muslims and as a general term for african and (western + central) asian people. they’re very vague, but when you encounter them the typical understanding you’re supposed to take away is ‘(western asian/african) foreigner’ and typically muslim/not christian as well. t

generally, african and asian lands will typically be referred to as pagan or ‘eastern/foreign’ lands, with little regard for understanding the actual religions of that area. they will also typically refer to saracens as pagans although islam is not a pagan religion. this is just a bit of a disclaimer. the term saracen itself is considered to be rather offensive-thank you to @/lesbianlanval for sending me a paper on this subject.

while i typically refer to the content on this post as having to pertain to african and asian people (ie, not european) european jewish arthurian traditions are included on this post too. but, i know more about poc and they’ll feature more prominently in this post because of that, lol.

part ii: so, are there any medieval texts involving characters of color?

i’m glad you asked! of course there are! to be clear, european medieval authors were very much aware that people of color and african + asian nations existed, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. even the vita merlini mentions sri lanka and a set of islands that might (?) be the philippines!! for the sake of brevity though, on this list i’m not going to list every single one of these small and frequent references, so i’m just going to focus on texts that primarily (or notably) feature characters of color.

first of all, it’s important to know was the influence of cultures of color and marginalized ethnicities that helped shape arthurian legend. the cultural exchange between europe and the islamic world during the crusades, as well as the long history of arab presence in southern europe, led to the influence of arabic love poetry and concepts of love on european literature, helping to form what we consider the archetypal romance. there are also arthurian traditions in hebrew, and yiddish too, adding new cultural ideas and introducing new story elements to their literature-all of these are just as crucial to the matter of britain as any other traditions!

when it comes to nonwhite presence in the works themselves, many knights of color in arthurian legend tend to be characters that, after defeated by a knight of arthur’s court join the court themselves. though some are side characters, there are others with their own romances and stories devoted to them! many of them are portrayed as capable + good as, if not better than their counterparts. (this, however, usually only comes through conversion to christianity if the knight is not christian...yeah.) though groups of color as a general monolith created by european christians tended to be orientalized in literature (see: mystical and strange ~eastern~ lands), many individual knights were written to be seen by their medieval audience as positive heroes. i’m going to try to stick to mostly individual character portrayals such as these.

with that all said though, these characters can still be taken as offensive (i would consider most to be) in their writing, so take everything with a grain of salt here. i will also include links to as many english translations of texts as i can, as well as note which ones i think are beginner friendly to those on the fence about medieval literature!

he shows up in too many texts so let’s make this into two bullet notes and start with one of, if not the most ubiquitous knight of color of the round table (at least in medieval lit),-palamedes! palamedes/palomides is a ‘’saracen knight’’ who (typically) hails from babylon or palestine and shows up in a good amount of texts. his first appearance is in the prose tristan, and he plays a major role there as a knight who fights with tristan for the hand of iseult-while he uh. loses, him and tristan later become companions + friends with a rivalry, and palamedes later goes off to hunt the questing beast, a re-occurring trend in his story.

palamedes even got his own romance named after him (which was very popular!) and details the adventures of the fathers of the knights of the round table, pre arthur, as well as later parts of the story detailing the adventures of their sons. it was included in rustichello da pisa’s compilation of arthurian romances, which i unfortunately have not seen floating around online (or...anywhere), so i can’t attest to the quality of it or anything. he appears in le morte darthur as well, slaying the questing beast but only after his conversion to christianity (...yeah.) in the texts in which he appears, palamedes is considered to be one of the top knights of the round table, alongside tristan and lancelot, fully living up to chivalric and courtly ideals and then some. i love him dearly and i’ve read the prose tristan five times just for him. (also the prose tristan in general is good, please give it a try, especially if you’re a romance fan.)

speaking of le morte d’arthur, an egyptian knight named priamus shows up in the lucius v arthur episode on lucius’ side first, later joining arthur’s after some interactions with gawaine. palamedes has brothers here as well-safir and segwarides. safir was relatively popular, and shows up in many medieval texts, mostly alongside his older brother. i wouldn’t recommend reading le morte of all things for the characters of color though-if you really want to see what it’s all about, just skip to the parts they’re mentioned with ctrl + f, haha.

the romance of moriaen is a 12th century dutch romance from the lancelot compilation, named for its main character morien. morien, who is a black moor, is the son of sir aglovale, the brother of perceval. whilst gawaine and lancelot are searching for said perceval, they encounter morien, who is in turn searching for aglovale as he had abandoned morien’s mother way back when. i wholeheartedly recommend this text for people who might feel uncomfy with medieval lit. though the translation i’ve linked can be a bit tricky, the story is short, sweet, and easy to follow, and morien and his relationships (esp with gariet, gawaine’s brother) are all wonderful.

king artus (original hebrew text here) is a northern italian jewish arthurian text written in hebrew- it retells a bit of the typical conception of arthur story, as well as some parts from the death of arthur as well. i really can’t recommend this text enough-it’s quite short, with an easy-to-read english translation, going over episodes that are pretty familiar to any average reader while adding a lot of fun details and it’s VERY interesting to me from a cultural standpoint. i find the way how they adapt the holy grail (one of the most archetypal christian motifs ever) in particular pretty amazing. this is also a very beginner friendly text!

wolfram von eschenbach’s parzival (link to volume 1 and volume 2-this translation rhymes!) is a medieval high german romance from the early 13th century, based off de troyes’ le conte du graal while greatly expanding on the original story. it concerns parzival and his quest for the grail (with a rather unique take on it-he fails at first!), and also takes like one million detours to talk about gawaine as all arthurian lit does. the prominent character of color here is a noble mixed race knight called feirefiz, parzival’s half brother by his father, who after dueling with parzival, and figures out their familial connection, joins him on his grail quest. he eventually converts to christianity (..yeah.) to see the grail and all ends happily for him. however, this text is notable to me as it contains two named women of color-belacane, feirefiz’s black african mother, and secundilla, feirefiz’s indian wife. though unfortunately, both are pretty screwed over by the text and their respective husbands. though parzival is maybe my favorite medieval text i’ve read so far i don’t necessarily know if i’d recommend this one, because it is long, and can be confusing at times. however, i do think that when it comes to the portrayal of people of color, while quite poor by today’s standards, von eschenbach was trying his best?-of course, in reason for. a 13th century medival german christian but he treats them with respect and all these characters are actually characters. if you’re really interested in grail stories (and are aware of the more uncomfortably christian aspects of the grail story), and you like gawaine and perceval, i’d say go for it.

in the turk and sir gawain, an english poem from the early 16th century, gawaine and the titular turkish man play a game of tennis ball. i’m shitting you not. this text is pretty short, funnily absurd, and with most of the hallmarks of a typical quest (various challenges culminating in some castle being freed), so it’s an easier read. it’s unclear to me, but at the end of the story the turkish man turns into sir gromer, a noble knight, who may or may not be white which uh. consider my ‘....yeah’ typical at this point, but i don’t personally read it that way for my own sanity. also he throws the sultan (??) of the isle of man (????) into a cauldron for not being a christian so when it comes to respectful representation of poc this one doesn’t make it, but it does make this list.

the revenge of ragisel, or at least the version i’ve read (the eng translation of the dutch version from the lancelot compilation), die wrake van ragisel, starts off being about the mysterious murder of a knight, but eventually, as most stories do, becomes a varying series of adventures about gawaine and co. one of gawaine’s friends (see: a knight who he combated with for a hot sec and then became friends and allies with, as you do) is a black knight named maurus! he’s not really an mc, but he features prominently and he’s pretty entertaining, as all the characters in this are. i also recommend this highly, i was laughing the whole time reading it! it’s not too long and pretty wild, you’ll have a good romp. this is a good starter text for anyone in general!

i’ve not read the roman van walewein, which, as it says on the tin, is a 12th century dutch romance concerning some deeds of gawaine (if only gawaine was a canon poc, i wouldn’t need to make this list because he’s so popular...). i’m putting it on the list for in this, gawaine goes to the far eastern land of endi (india) and romances a princess named ysabele. i can’t speak to ysabele’s character or the respectfulness of her kingdom or representation, but i know she’s a major character and her story ends pretty well, so that’s encouraging. women of color, especially fleshed out woc, are pretty rare in arthurian lit. i’ve also heard the story itself is pretty wild, and includes a fox, which sounds pretty exciting to me!

now the next two things i’m going to mention aren’t really? texts that feature characters of color or jewish characters, but are rather more notable for being translations of existing texts into certain languages. wigalois is a german 13th century romances featuring the titular character (the son of, you guessed it, gawaine!) and his deeds. the second, jaufre, is the only arthurian romance written in occitan, and is a quite long work about the adventures of the knight jaufre, based on the knight griflet. what’s notable about these two works is that wigalois has a yiddish translation, and jaufre has a tagalog translation. wigalois’ yiddish translation in particular changed the original german text into something more fitting of the arthurian romance format as well as adding elements to make it more appealing for a jewish audience. the tagalog translation of jaufre on the other hand was not medieval, only coming about in 1900, but the philippines has had a long history of romantic tradition and verse writing, so i’m curious to see if it too adds or changes elements when it comes to the arthurian story, but i can’t find a lot on the tagalog version of jaufre unfortunately-i hope i can eventually!

this list of texts is also non-exhaustive! i’m just listing a couple of notoriety, and some to start with.

part iii: papers and academic analysis

so here’s just a dump of various papers i’ve read and collected on topics such as these-this is an inexhaustive and non-comprehensive list! if you have any papers you think are good and would like to be added here, shoot me an ask. i’ll try to include a link when i can, but if it’s unavailable to you just message me. * starred are the ones i really think people, especially white people, should at least try to read.

Swank, Kris. ‘Black in Camelot: Race and Ethnicity in Arthurian Legend’ *

Harrill, Claire. ‘Saracens and racial Otherness in Middle English * Romance’

Keita, Maghan. ‘Saracens and Black Knights’

Hoffman, Donald L. ‘Assimilating Saracens: The Aliens in Malory's ‘Morte Darthur’

Goodrich, Peter H. ‘Saracens and Islamic Alterity in Malory's ‘Le Morte Darthur’

Schultz, Annie. ‘Forbidden Love: The Arabic Influence on the Courtly Love Poetry of Medieval Europe’ *

Hardman, Philipa. ‘Dear Enemies: the Motif of the Converted Saracen and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight’

Knowles, Annie. ‘Encounters of the Arabian Kind: Cultural Exchange and Identity the Tristans of Medieval France, England, and Spain’ *

Hermes, Nizar F. ‘King Arthur in the Lands of the Saracens’ *

Ayed, Wajih. ‘Somatic Figurations of the Saracen in Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte Darthur’

Herde, Christopher M. ‘A new fantasy of crusade: Sarras in the vulgate cycle.’ *

Rovang, Paul R. ‘Hebraizing Arthurian Romance: The Originality of ‘Melech Artus.’’

Rajabzdeh, Shokoofeh. ‘The Depoliticized Saracen and Muslim erasure’ *

Holbrook, Sue Ellen. ‘To the Well: Malory's Sir Palomides on Ideals of Chivalric Reputation, Male Friendship, Romantic Love, Religious Conversion—and Loyalty.’ *

Lumbley, Coral. ‘Geoffrey of Monmouth and Race’ *

Oehme, Annegret. ‘Adapting Arthur. The Transformations and Adaptations of Wirnt von Grafenberg’s Wigalois’ *

Hendrix, Erik. ‘An Unlikely Hero: The Romance of Moriaen and Racial Discursivity in the Middle Ages’ *

Darrup, Cathy C. ‘Gender, Skin Color, and the Power of Place in the Medieval Dutch Romance of Moriaen’ *

Armstrong, Dorsey. ‘Postcolonial Palomides: Malory's Saracen Knight and the Unmaking of Arthurian Community’ (note this is the only one i can’t access in its entirety)

part iv: supplemental material

here’s some other stuff i find useful to getting to know knights of color in arthurian legend, especially if papers/academic stuff/medieval literature is daunting! i’d really recommend you go through all of these if you can’t go through anything else-most are quick reads.

a magazine article on knights of color here, and this article about the yiddish translation of wigalois.

this video about characters of color in arthurian legend!

the performance of the translation of arabic in Libro del Caballero Zifar, and how it pertains to the matter of britain

a post by yours truly about women of color in parzival

this info sheet about palamedes, and this info sheet about ysabele-thanks to @/pendraegon and @/reynier for letting me use these!

this page on palamedes as well

this post with various resources on race and ethnicity in arthuriana-another thank you to @/reynier!

part v: how about modern day stories and adaptations?

there’s a lot of em out there! i’m not as familiar with modern stuff, but i will try to recommend medias i know where characters of color (including racebends!) are prominent. since i haven’t read/watched all (or truly most) of these, i can’t really speak on the quality of the representation though, so that’s your warning.

first of all, when it comes to the victorian arthurian revival, i know that william morris really liked palamedes! (don’t we all.) he features frequently in morris’ arthurian poetry, (in this beautiful book, he primarily features in ‘sir galahad, a christmas mystery’ and ‘king arthur’s tomb’. he has his own poem by morris here.)

and some other poems about palamedes, which i’d all recommend.

for movies, i know a knight in camelot (1998) stars whoopi goldberg as an original character, the green knight (2021) will star dev patel as gawaine.

some shows include camelot high, bbc merlin, disney’s once upon a time, and netflix’s cursed, all featuring both original characters of color and people of color cast as known arthurian figures.

for any music people, in ‘high noon over camelot’, an album by the mechanisms, mordred is played by ashes o’reilley, who in turn is performed by frank voss, and arthur is played by marius von raum who is perfomed by kofi young.

i’ve also heard the pendragon and the squire’s tales have palamedes as a relevant character if you’re looking for novels, as well as legendborn and the forgotten knight: a chinese warrior in king arthur’s court starring original protagonists of color!

part vi: going on from here

so, you’ve read some medieval lit, read some papers, watched some shows, and done all that. what now? well, there’s still so much out there!

if you have fanfiction, analysis, metaposts, fun content etc etc about arthurian poc, feel free to plug your content on this post! i’d be happy to boost it.

in general, if you’re a person of color or a jewish person and you’re into arthurian legend, feel free to promote your blog on this post as well! i would love to know more people active on arthurian tumblr who are nonwhite.

this is really just me asking for extra content, especially content made by poc, but that’s okay! arthurian legend is a living, breathing set of canons and i would love love love to see more fresh diversity within them right alongside the older stuff.

a very gracious thank you to the tumblr users whom i linked posts to on here, and thanks to y’all for saying you want to see this! i hope this post helped people learn some new things!

#finny.txt #arthuriana #arthurian legend #matter of britain #medieval romance #arthurian literature #arthurian mythology #<- :/#but necessary #also ITS DONE ITS DONE ITS FINALLY DONE #PLEASEREBLOG THIS WRHSFSHDFDHSFSDF #2K PLUS WORDS..

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alwaysahiccupandastrid · 3 years

Text

This Sarah Everard case is so terrifying for women. But not only am I terrified - I am furious.

⚠️ tw for mentions of r*pe, sexual assault, violence against women, murder etc. ⚠️

She was just walking, including walking by busy roads and not dark alleyways. She was dressed in winter clothes. Even if she HAD walked down a dark alleyway or been wearing something short or “revealing”, she still wasn’t doing anything wrong - she was just walking somewhere.

Her murderer - a police officer named Wayne Couzens - plotted to murder a woman to live out his perverse fantasy. He didn’t plot to kill a specific woman - he knew he would murder a woman, any woman he thought he could abduct, any woman who would be out at night on her own. Sarah was just there.

Not only did he drive miles and hours to kill a woman, not only was he a police officer… he used his badge, police belt, handcuffs and credentials to fake arrest her to get her into his car. If a police officer tells you to go with them, we’re told to not resist, to be obedient or we will be in even more trouble. Even if she HAD done what the MET have just said women should do - “question non uniformed officers!” - it wouldn’t have helped her because he was a police officer. He had the credentials. Why would she run away and resist a police officer? And if women do resist, the police commit violence against them (like at the Clapham Common vigil for Sarah).

He handcuffed her, drove her for hours, then raped and murdered her. This fucking monster strangled her with his fucking police belt. He burnt her body and disposed of her in a pond.

A police officer did this - a fucking police officer, a MET officer, the MET we’re supposed to trust. And you want women to trust them?!!

And I don’t want to hear that “don’t judge the whole profession based on one bad apple”, because guess what? This is not the first time a police officer has harmed a woman. There is misogyny rooted deep in the MET that needs to be addressed. Wayne Couzens was literally nicknamed “The Rapist” by other police officers and had offended in the past by flashing people, and that’s just what we know of - and yet not a single person did anything. The police joked about it. Several officers gave character references supportive of Couzens during the hearings for his sentencing, and female officers told the press that they did not feel as if they could report concerning behaviour by male colleagues.

It’s thought that at LEAST 15 serving or former police officers have killed women in UK since 2009, and HUNDREDS of UK police officers have convictions for crimes, including assault. There are many cases that do not go reported, and so it’s likely the numbers on both counts are actually higher. Why are they still allowed to serve? Why is our government giving them more power and freedom to arrest whoever they please? “It’s not that many” - IT SHOULD NOT BE ANY.

If you can’t see why there’s a huge problem with our police force and why we say “fuck the police”, you’re part of the problem.

And the fear and anger we feel isn’t new - this has been a problem for literally all of our lives.

At 11, I learnt to come home before dark, and if it was dark in the winter on my way home (meaning: every night in winter), I was taught to not go down any dark lanes, and if I was walking the dark lane I had to go down if I got the bus home, I was to walk as fast as I could and to not have earphones in because i wouldn’t hear attackers. Every day from September 2009 to July 2014, coming home from secondary school, I was told to either wait for my dad or grandad to pick me up or to walk down the busiest road that ran near my house and had constant cars on it. I couldn’t take the shortcut down the public footpath on my way home from sixth form college because it was too dark and isolated - I had to go around it and through the village instead, which took more time but was vaguely safer. Since university, I’ve made a point of waiting for the hourly bus that stops just round the corner from my home and on the busiest road, even though I have to wait up to an hour for it usually, because getting the bus that comes every 15 minutes means walking up the dark quiet lane.

At age 13, I learnt not to talk to even very friendly men, even not in broad daylight, even with a female friend, when some old man approached us and started complimenting us, telling us we had “nice smiles” and “I can hook you up with someone who can help you get into acting” and “here’s £10, you go down to the garage down the road and get whatever you girls want”.

At 14, I learnt not to sit in trees in the park by the gate, not even during the day when it’s sunny, when an old man entered the park, took one look at me, and said “you’ve got a nice arse”. I couldn’t prove he had said anything, and I would see him on my way to school sometimes and panic.

At 19, I learnt that I could not trust friendly men online. Apologies to any decent men I have spoken to online - there’s a few who are nice and not weird, I’m not talking about them. I learnt this when a guy I was speaking to on my old blog - who had for weeks just been generally nice and checking in on me - started to send intimate and sexual messages that started with “*hugs you*” and became “*spanks your ass*”, “takes your clothes off”, “f*cks you hard”, just to name a few (and these were the milder ones). When I asked his age, he merely said “older” than me - “more than twice as old as you”, actually. I learnt to not talk to men online, and if I did then I had to set very clear boundaries in a way that wasn’t too obvious - not say it outright but make it clear I am “unavailable”.

I have to carry a rape alarm on my keys, just in case. I could go out to bars if I wanted to, I could have at university when all my peers were - but doing it meant risking the chance of being harmed while intoxicated or on my way home. I have to send my location to my mother if I get any Ubers, if I go out to theatres or cinemas in the evening I have to text my mum to say I’ve arrived safe. I only feel safe out at night if I’m with a man that I trust like my dad or grandad - I got very lucky at Uni because not only did one girl make sure I got home safely at 1 in the morning by calling me a cab, but one boy even stayed with me on another night until my dad arrived to pick me up, because he knew leaving me intoxicated at 2:30 in the morning was dangerous. I have even phoned my grandmother while walking home in the dark because being on the phone to someone means you’re less of a target to an attacker.

Men do not have this experience - or, if they do, it’s nowhere near the fear and worry women feel every day. Women can’t even walk somewhere without being worried of being attacked - we cannot go anywhere without asking ourselves “am I safe?”. Are we wearing the “correct” clothing, so as to not give off the wrong idea? Are we walking down the well lit roads where it’s busy? Are we aware of our surroundings, of every single person nearby? Do I have my keys in my hand, ready to defend myself if I’m attacked? Women are blamed if we are attacked - not men, but women. “She was dressed slutty” “she was passed out drunk” “she was walking down a dark lane” “she was out late”.

When doing safe guarding training at my current TA job, I came across this phrase: “always think it can and will happen”. Just as a teacher or TA should not think “none of my students will be victims of abuse”, women should not for one second believe that they are safe and “it will never happen to me” - every day we have to think of how to prevent our own assault or murder, just in case.

Every time I’m walking home in the dark, I have the fleeting wonder of “what picture(s) of me will they use if I’m attacked or go missing?”. I was not really surprised when I saw that other women said the same thing. Women wonder it so often it’s almost a joke, an absent minded thought. But it’s not a joke - it’s real life for us, every single day.

Sarah Everard is not a one off case. Sabina Nessa, a 28 year old primary school teacher, was murdered on 18th September this year, her body discovered the next day by a dog walker. So far in 2021, 110 women have been murdered in the UK by men (or men are the prime suspects). Only a handful get national attention because at this point, violence and murder against women have become normalised in this country.

I am not only heartbroken for all of these women and their families - I am scared for my own safety; I am scared for the safety of my mother, my grandmother, my aunts. I am scared for the safety of my 20 year old sister, the safety of my 17 and 14 year old cousins, for the safety of my older male cousin’s two daughters who are only 4 and 1. I am scared for the safety of every single girl and woman I have worked with, the safety of every woman I have ever spoken to.

But I am also furious and filled with rage. Women should not be scared to go out or have fun, we should not have to take such precautions or measures that still won’t completely prevent our assaults or murders. I am sick and tired of the victim blaming when a woman is murdered, of the indifference of “oh another woman”, of this being how women are expected to live their lives.

I’m tired of this problem being ignored by our government, tired of no one giving a shit about us or our safety.

#sarah everard #wayne couzens #tw violence against women #tw rape discussion #tw crime #tw murder #tw assault #tw rape #tw police murder #tw police brutality

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bloodbenderz · 4 years

Note

humaniterations (dot) net/2014/10/13/an-anarchist-perspective-on-the-red-lotus/ this article from oct 2014 is very dense — truly, a lot to unpack here, but I feel like you would find this piece interesting. I would love it if you shared your thoughts on the points that stood out to you, whether you agree or disagree. you obv don’t have to respond to it tho, but I’m sending it as an ask jic you feel like penning (and sharing) a magnificent essay, as is your wont 💕

article

i know this took me forever 2 answer SORRY but i just checked off all the things on my to do list for the first time in days today so. Essay incoming ladies!

ok im SO glad u sent me this bc it’s so so good. it’s a genuinely thoughtful criticism of the politics in legend of korra (altho i think its sometimes a little mean to korra unnecessarily like there’s no reason to call her a “petulant brat” or say that she throws tantrums but i do understand their point about her being an immature and reactionary hero, which i’ll get back to) and i think the author has a good balance between acknowledging like Yeah the lok writers were american liberals and wrote their show accordingly and Also writing a thorough analysis of lok’s politics that felt relevant and interesting without throwing their hands up and saying this is all useless liberal bullshit (which i will admit that i tend to do).

this article essentially argues that the red lotus antagonists of s3 were right. And that’s not an uncommon opinion i think but this gives it serious weight. Like, everything that zaheer’s gang did was, in context, fully understandable. of course the red lotus would be invested in making sure that the physically and spiritually and politically most powerful person in the world ISNT raised by world leaders and a secret society of elites that’s completely unaccountable to the people! of course the red lotus wants to bring down tyrannical governments and allow communities to form and self govern organically! and the writers dismiss all of that out of hand by 1. consistently framing the red lotus as insane and murderous (korra never actually gives zaheer’s ideas a chance or truly considers integrating them into her own approach) 2. representing the death of the earth queen as not just something that’s not necessarily popular (what was with mako’s bootlicker grandma, i’d love to know) but as something that causes unbelievable violence and chaos in ba sing se (which, like, a lot of history and research will tell you that people in disasters tend towards prosocial behaviors). so the way the story frames each of these characters and ideologies is fascinating because like. if you wanted to write season 3 of legend of korra with zaheer as the protagonist and korra as the antagonist, you wouldn’t actually have to change the sequence of events at all, really. these writers in particular and liberal writers in general LOVE writing morally-gray-but-ultimately-sympathetic characters (like, almost EVERY SINGLE fire nation character in the first series, who were full on violent colonizers but all to a degree were rehabilitated in the eyes of the viewer) but instead of framing the red lotus as good people who are devoted to justice and freedom and sometimes behave cruelly to get where theyre trying to go, they frame them as psychopaths and murderers who have good intentions don’t really understand how to make the world a better place.

and the interesting thing about all this, about the fact that the red lotus acted in most cases exactly as it should have in context and the only reason its relegated to villain status is bc the show is written by liberals, is that the red lotus actually points out really glaring sociopolitical issues in universe! like, watching the show, u think well why the fuck HASN’T korra done anything about the earth queen oppressing her subjects? why DOESN’T korra do anything about the worse than useless republic president? why the hell are so many people living in poverty while our mains live cushy well fed lives? how come earth kingdom land only seems to belong to various monarchs and settler colonists, instead of the people who are actually indigenous to it? the show does not want to answer these questions, because american liberal capitalism literally survives on the reality of oppressive governments and worse than useless presidents and people living in poverty while the middle/upper class eats and indigenous land being stolen. if the show were to answer these questions honestly, the answer would be that the status quo in real life (and the one on the show that mirrors real life) Has To Change.

So they avoid answering these questions honestly in order for the thesis statement to be that the status quo is good. and the only way for the show to escape answering these questions is for them to individualize all these broad social problems down into Good people and Bad people. so while we have obvious bad ones like the earth queen we also have all these capitalists and monarchs and politicians who are actually very nice and lovely people who would never hurt anyone! which is just such an absurd take and it’s liberal propaganda at its best. holding a position of incredible political/economic power in an unjust society is inherently unethical and maintaining that position of power requires violence against the people you have power over. which is literally social justice 101. but there’s literally no normal, average, not-politically-powerful person on the show. so when leftist anarchism is presented and says that destroying systems that enforce extreme power differentials is the only way to bring peace and freedom to all, the show has already set us up to think, hey, fuck you, top cop lin beifong and ford motor ceo asami sato are good people and good people like them exist! and all we have to do to move forward and progress as a society is to make sure we have enough good individuals in enough powerful positions (like zuko as the fire lord ending the war, or wu as the earth king ending the monarchy)! which is of course complete fiction. liberal reform doesn’t work. but by pretending that it could work by saying that the SYSTEM isnt rotten it’s just that the people running it suck and we just need to replace those people, it automatically delegitimizes any radical movements that actually seek to change things.

and that’s the most interesting thing about this article to me is that it posits that the avatar...might actually be a negative presence in the world. the avatar is the exact same thing: it’s a position of immense political and physical power bestowed completely randomly, and depending on the moral character and various actions of who fills that position at any given time, millions of people will or won’t suffer. like kyoshi, who created the fascist dai li, like roku, who refused to remove a genocidal dictator from power, like aang, who facilitated the establishment of a settler colonial state on earth kingdom land. like korra! she’s an incredibly immature avatar and a generally reactionary lead. i’ve talked about this at length before but she never actually gets in touch with the needs of the people. she’s constantly running in elite circles, exposed only to the needs and squabbles of the upper class! how the hell is she supposed to understand the complexities of oppression and privilege when she was raised by a chess club with inordinate amounts of power and associates almost exclusively with politicians and billionaires?? from day 1 we see that she tends to see things in very black and white ways which is FINE if you’re a privileged 17 yr old girl seeing the world for the first time but NOT FINE if you’re the single most powerful person in the world! Yeah, korra thinks the world is probably mostly fine and just needs a little whipping into shape every couple years, because all she has ever known is a mostly fine world! in s1 when mako mentions that he as a homeless impoverished teenager worked for a gang (which is. Not weird. Impoverished people of every background are ALWAYS more likely to resort to socially unacceptable ways of making money) korra is like “you guys are criminals?????!!!!!” she was raised in perfect luxury by a conservative institution and just never developed beyond that. So sure, if the red lotus raised her anarchist, probably a lot would’ve been different/better, but....they didn’t. and korra ended up being a reactionary and conservative avatar who protected monarchs and colonialist politicians. The avatar as a position is completely subject to the whims of whoever is currently the avatar. and not only does that suck for everyone who is not the avatar, not only is it totally unfair to whatever kid who grows up knowing the fate of the world is squarely on their shoulders, but it as a concept is a highly individualist product of the authors’ own western liberal ideas of progress! the idea that one good leader can fix the world (or should even try) based on their own inherent superiority to everyone else is unbelievably flawed and ignores the fact that all real progress is brought about as a result of COMMUNITY work, as a result of normal people working for themselves and their neighbors!

the broader analysis of bending was really interesting to me too, but im honestly not sure i Totally agree with it. the article pretty much accepts the show’s assertion that bending is a privilege (and frankly backs it up much better than the original show did, but whatever), and i don’t think that’s NECESSARILY untrue since it is, like, a physical advantage (the author compares it to, for example, the fact that some people are born athletically gifted and others are born with extreme physical limitations), but i DO think that it discounts the in universe racialization of bending. in any sequel to atla that made sense, bending as a race making fact would have been explored ALONGSIDE the physical advantages it bestows on people. colonialism and its aftermath is generally ignored in this article which is its major weakness i think, especially in conjunction with bending. you can bring up the ideas the author did about individual vs community oriented progress in the avatar universe while safely ignoring the colonialism, but you can’t not bring up race and colonialism when you discuss bending. especially once you get to thinking about how water/earth/airbenders were imprisoned and killed specifically because bending was a physical advantage, and that physical advantage was something that would have given colonized populations a means of resistance and that the fire nation wanted to keep to itself.

i think that’s the best lens thru which to analyze bending tbh! like in the avatar universe bending is a tool that different ethnic groups tend to use in different ways. at its best, bending actually doesn’t represent social power differences (despite representing a physical power difference) because it’s used to represent/maintain community solidarity. like, take the water tribe. katara being the last waterbender, in some way, makes her the last of a part of swt CULTURE. the implication is that when there were a lot of waterbenders in the south, they dedicated their talents to building community and helping their neighbors, because this was something incredibly culturally important and important to the water tribe as a community. the swt as a COLLECTIVE values bending for what it can do for the entire tribe, which counts for basically every other talent a person can have (strength, creativity, etc). the fire nation, by contrast, distorts the community value of bending by racializing it: anyone who bends an element that isn’t fire is inherently NOT fire nation (and therefore inherently inferior) and, because of the physical power that bending confers, anyone who bends an element that isn’t fire is a threat to fire nation hegemony. and in THAT framework of bending, it’s something that intrinsically assigns worth and reifies race in a way that’s conveniently beneficial to the oppressor.

it IS worth talking about how using Element as a way to categorize people reifies nations, borders, and race in a way that is VERY characteristic of white american liberals. i tried to be conscious of that (and the way that elements/bending can act in DIFFERENT ways, depending on cultural context) but i think it’s pretty clear that the writers did intend for element to unequivocally signify nation (and, by extension, race), which is part of why they screwed up mixed families so bad in lok. when they’ve locked themselves into this idea that element=nation=race, they end up with sets of siblings like mako and bolin or kya tenzin and bumi, who all “take” after only one parent based on the element that they bend. which is just completely stupid but very indicative of how the writers actually INTENDED element/bending to be a race making process. and its both fucked up and interesting that the writers display the same framework of race analysis that the canonical antagonists of atla do.

anyway that’s a few thoughts! thank u again for sending the article i really loved it and i had a lot of fun writing this <3

#this is 2.1k words LMFAOO #asks #analysis #do i have an analysis tag?#crit #lok crit

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fire-lady-ilah · 3 years

Text

Pairing: Luzhao

Characters: Lu Ten, Zhao, Ozai

Summary: This was basically just a chance for me to write Lu Ten going feral on Ozai. After this, Ozai becomes obsessed with getting jacked. Starts with a hint of luzhao spiciness, continues with Ozai being the worst uncle ever.

Word Count: 1213

General Warnings: Smut, Ozai being a fucking creep, homophobia

The room was hot. Humid. It was the peak of summer but the windows remained closed and the curtains drawn in an attempt to keep the echoing moans muffled from the guards outside.

Not that it particularly mattered. They knew not to get involved in the Prince’s room. They knew not to get involved in any of the rooms in which the royal family slept.

The only light came from their fingertips and their lips and a single lit oil lamp on the wall. His lover’s face shone with sweat, amber irises nearly hidden behind thick, dark eyelashes. Lu Ten kissed those bruised and reddened lips again, muffling the cry caused by the snap of his hips.

Zhao’s fingertips dragged burning lines down the curves of his back, coaxing a sharp breath past his lips as they trailed down his neck, stopping to suck a mark on the soft, salty skin.

“Please, Lu.” The slight rasp from exertion drew a pleased hum from his lips. “Please just— just a little more.” Lu Ten’s teeth dragged across his shoulder and a moment later they dug into it, causing his partner to cry out at the pleasure-pain-pleasure. The nails on his back were almost definitely drawing blood.

Still, Zhao was right. They both just needed a little more. And Lu Ten was more than willing to give that bit he needed. He licked the taste of blood from his lips, watching his face as he gave just that little more that they both needed. He held on just long enough for Zhao to cover their stomachs in sticky white liquid before he came, slumping on top of him as he panted.

Not for the first time, Lu Ten was grateful for his love’s broad chest, nuzzling his face into the crux of his neck and shoulder as he panted. “Love you so much.”

The light was flickering. Lu wasn’t sure which of them was doing it— they were both out of breath, so it was anyone’s guess. He tried to push himself up to grab the washcloth from the water basin to clean them both up, but a strong arm pulled him back down. Rough lips pressed insistently against his own as a hand ran through his hair, untangling it.

“I love you too, Lu.”

The arm relaxed and he slipped from his grasp successfully. The water had cooled, but the firebending to heat it was almost effortless, and the washcloth dipped into it and wrung out cleaned the stickiness from his stomach first. He repeated the process, walking back over to Zhao to clean him off.

“You know, I can do that myself. I’m not useless, Lu.”

“I know.” He pecked his lips, a smile playing on his lips as he returned to the washbasin, dropping the cloth in carelessly. He grabbed the silk robe hanging from one of his bedposts. “I’ll be right back, I’m just going to get us some tea. Stay there.”

Lu Ten had only just stepped out of the door and closed it when he came face to face with a distinctive pair of golden eyes and an even more distinctive smirk.

He had known Uncle Ozai was the creep to end all creeps, but this was taking it to another level. The lanterns flaring throughout the corridor were almost certainly him now.

“That voice didn’t sound particularly feminine, Nephew.” His slimy voice sent an involuntary shudder down Lu Ten’s throat. “What would your father think, knowing his son so blatantlybroke the laws of our great nation? What would the Fire Lord think?”

Lu Ten wasn’t immune to the royal family’s temper. In fact, he had been accused of leaning into it far too easily, of accepting it. Perhaps it was true, he was certainly accepting the rage the blossomed in his chest now.

“Then again, it seems you can’t even manage to please a forbidden lover correctly, so I have no doubt you’d be a disgrace to any woman you touched.” Was he licking his lips? Agni knew he wouldn’t be able to restrain himself if his uncle continued this bullshit. “You know, that boy of yours would make much more interesting noises if you weren’t so docile. You need to dominate, inflict some pain. If he were under me—“

His first two knuckles cracked against Ozai’s nose and the hot wet liquid on them told him it was almost certainly broken. Good.

He could only handle so much idiocy spewing from his lips, and the thought of Ozai replacing him above Zhao, hurting his love, was enough to burn away any semblance of control he had left.

The shell shocked expression on his uncle’s face brought a smug heat into his chest, though it did nothing to quell the raging fire inside him. He was thankful, though, that he hadn’t gotten his father’s height. Both he and Ozai were the exact same height and it made it incredibly easy to wrap his fingers around his throat and recognize that slight panic in his eyes.

That was the thing about his uncle. He was all slimy words and politics. A formidable firebender when he was winning, but he had no idea how to deal with a steadily tightening and heating up hand around his throat.

“Listen, Uncle.” Sometimes Lu Ten heard the servants whisper, whisper about how he was kind, how he was different, about how he would bring the Fire Nation into an age of kindness, one day. It was times like this that guilt swelled in his chest, because his rage burned just as hot and ugly as anyone else in his family. He was just as capable as the rest to burn and take and kill. “I truly don’t feel like going to Grandfather to request formal permission to kill you— we both know he’d give it.” His words were a croon, a layer of sickly sweet softness over dripping venom. He never sounded more like the Fire Lord he would one day be than he did now. “So I’ll make you a deal. You leave, return to your adoring wife’s bed. You don’t come anywhere near me for the rest of my leave unless you absolutely must. You don’t come near Wei ever.”

His hand heated up just enough to leave a shiny pink burn when he pulled his hand away. Oh it would blister, without a doubt, but both Ozai and Lu Ten knew he could do much worse. Lu Ten, for all he smiled and laughed and loved, was second in line to the throne. He was more than capable of burning straight through the soft, weak flesh.

He grinned with far too many teeth. “As a sign of my benevolence, I shall walk you back to your rooms. They’re on my way anyway.”

The hallway was stickier and hotter than his room had ever been. He returned to his lover with two cups of tea on a tray and dried, cracking blood on his knuckles.

The tea went cold that night as he fell into Zhao’s arms once again. His lover didn’t ask about the noise outside the door, didn’t ask about his sobs. Lu Ten didn’t tell.

There were some things Zhao just didn’t need to hear.

#nsft #zhao #luzhao #lu ten #admiral zhao #my writing #angie writes #ozai #implied future zhaozai #atla #avatar the last airbender #... don’t ask #tw homophobia

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wexhappyxfew · 3 years

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Shannon! I have a question for today, it might be a little broad, but how did you come up with Natia’s character? :)

AMY!!! hello! sorry that i have *just* gotten to this as my weeks have increasingly gotten insanely busy between my job starting back up, school, college stuff, and ap exam chaos as well haha! i did this at about 11pm(?) and i'll be queuing it up for the morning for you, but outside of tumblr, i've thought a lot about this question and what i really wanted to include in this question. having almost spent 10 months spent writing and developing natia to who she is today makes a whole lot of stuff move through my brain when i go back to my developing stages for her! thank you for the question (and the broadness, never fear, i absolutely love it!)

Natia's character really came from the idea of just wanting to really push myself out of the box and *out there* to see what I could do. And I will say Landslide is one of my most *out-there* projects in terms of content - I mean we have Death as a personified character, crazy Agent Mortem, all these past connections to Natia? It's chaos haha! But, I had experimented previously with a partly Polish-OC, Hazel Parker of "The Soldier of Stars", and from that, I went, well there's no centrally focused Polish OC yet that I have seen (this was back in like June-July 2020 mind you, so there probably has been Polish OCs created since this time!!) and I had always felt that the Warsaw Uprising was inherently important! I also read up on the Polish Resistance and how they were the most effective resistance group of continental Europe during the war, with ultimately the Warsaw Uprising being their last final push that did sort of end that.

Something I've really enjoyed about creating Natia's character was putting a great focus on her flaws. Now, her strengths are just as important - she is a great soldier in the field, she's highly intelligent and can make quick decisions on the fly, she withholds a lot of strength when it comes to situations where she needs to focus, she's observant, and she keeps herself fairly humble when not bursting at the seems. She doesn't let herself get stepped over very often (unless it's Mortem) and if anything she will insert herself, and show what skills she has, but she won't go overboard. She's also passionate about her country and her people and she always has something to fight for and even when she feels all hope is lost, she withholds a tiny little sliver no matter what, even if she doesn't feel it. But her flaws I feel are a massive part of her character. She's stubborn, she won't let people help her, she has trouble expressing emotion, she numbs herself more often than not to not feel the pain that she is supposed to feel, she blames everything on herself, she gets hot-headed quite easily, and grows to the point of nearly irrational at some moments in time and even will let her emotions get the best of her in times like this. But that makes up who Natia is as a character and who she is as a person in general.

But even with the strengths and flaws of her character, it makes her very much still a human being. And that was one of my main goals when creating Natia - make her human enough to make that angst HURT, but make her human enough that when you see her succeed or even the little wins here and there, you want to cheer. Because those are human moments. And I know this sort of character creation is not for everyone, but for me over the past near-year, this has been one of my favorite things about creating Natia because I've found myself able to relate to her even though I'm so vastly different from her.

I did some research on a British-Polish SOE Agent, Krystyna Skarbek otherwise known as her alias Christine Granville and I took a few liberties from this amazing woman and used it on Natia. But things such as Agent Mortem, Death/War connection and the eventual introduction of another character Solomon Campbell (who will be in Part 3), as well as the Resistance group of Part 1 and her siblings and parents, are all more of my own ideas and connections!

Something I have had a LOT of fun doing is showing that even though on the exterior Natia seems cold-hearted and dark and numb, and whatever other *cold+dark* ideas can be thought up, she is very much underneath -- not that. We can see how much evidently she cares for someone like George Luz; I mean even Joe Liebgott has pointed it out to her. She always is just trying to do her best and do what is best in the situation - no longer it is about what is good or bad anymore to her, it's about doing what's best in the situation for the time being, and I really love that aspect of her character a lot! We can see that when the war ends, she wants to live on the English coast, far away from war all alone with a dog and even a little goat in a seaside cottage. She grew so attached to the word AWOL after Joe Toye came and sat with her that night in Holland and they talked for once about something other than war. She even withheld her name, her nationality and just about everything else to keep the idea of the cold-face agent she thought she was up so the men of Easy Company don't have to know the real her. But -- was it to protect her...or to protect Easy? All these little ideas I threw in there to show that she is actually, very, compassionate in many ways, and caring and attentive and observant of the men and women she works with.

I really try to show that Natia listens when she listens to someone speak and she observes and she pays attention more than anything. And she ends up, holding information like that close to her and finding comfort in it.

My goal with Natia was to show that there can be a balance to "the bad-ass fighter" idea who fights for what she believes, but also remain human as well. We can see how much things affect her, especially the loss of friends. Of course, she doesn't show this to other people, but to use as readers, we see this and we see her occasional breakdown - and in a way, she continues living on their legacies because she listened to what they had to say. For example, Zdzich told her to not let the war overtake her, and throughout the story so far, we've see her sort of repeat this to herself in various ways. Because Zdzich meant that much to her. She's lost so much by this point in war that almost it's so sad to see that she, from what we all know of BoB, still has to go through so much, but at that point, she's fought so much, that all she can do it keep pushing on with it.

I think one of the most interesting moments from writing Natia was when the first few chapters were actually uploaded on platforms and there was someone really coming after Natia for her decisions and for this, that and the other thing (amy if i vaguely remember i think you remember who this person is as well because you clapped back at them once, and man your response was GOLD!!!). One of those things was Natia's approach with food (TW: mentions of struggling to eat with food, references of depression and struggling to eat, mental health issues relating...) and the person who commented would always be saying something about how she needs to eat, and she needs to remain strong and she needs to snap out of it with her depression and all this other stuff and to be honest, I sort of sat there for a moment like??? But there's reasons WHY she's not eating? Why she's holding back? (And of course ones I had mentioned so...) But let's move on.

Mental health was a prevalent thing in World War 2, though it was not looked upon fondly and Natia essentially does have depression as well as a border-line eating disorder. And so when the comment said that she had to snap out of it, I don't know it sort of off-put me because I have family with both those disorders and they've had treatment for it for years and you can't just snap out of it. I really tried to stress that 'the snapping-out-of-it" does not work, and the person kept firing back a bit at it, so I just moved on from it and ignored it. Natia's struggle with eating, as one can see, also comes from the heavy guilt and grief that is slowly uncovered throughout the story of what Natia has done and what has happened throughout the course of the war to her. Natia's number one thing she constantly does and has now become the focus of many character relationships with her (ie Doc Gene Roe) is the clenched fists, that she squeezes until they bleed and eventually need wrapped up by the Doc. Something she also refuses to accept she has a problem with. As we can see, acceptance is a concept she struggles with more than anything and something she will essentially have to learn to simply, accept.

That's just sort of one of the many bits of information about her character that I added, especially in society today as mental health is so important and so I just wanted to share a bit of the backlash I got from someone for it. But I guess that's life, but I'll continue to write Natia Filipska as an OC who does struggle with depression because of her life in war.

Natia's character and her story is probably one of the most complex characters and stories I've written and crafted and created and I'm just extremely happy with how she ended up coming out in the end! I'm about to go and do some writing and editing for her and it's just so exciting writing her because of all these various levels she withholds and she slowly lets uncover as the story unfolds! I just love it! OH - and we can't forget about the infamous mentions of the piano....yep that'll be coming up soon haha!! <3

THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION AMY!!! IT MEANT SO MUCH!!!! just getting to talk about Natia a little bit and her character and what my mind set was creating her - it means so much. my mindset with her is somehow always changing and shifting as she goes through her character arc throughout the story and how her developmental shifts and it's just something i really love and enjoy more than anything!!! <3 so thank you for letting me just talk about it for a little while as well as my thoughts and opinions, it means a lot :)

#character analysis #natia filipska #agent fidel #landslide #bob fic #band of brothers #band of brothers fic #OC #band of brothers OC #thank you amy!#this was very fun to put together i will say!#tw: mentions of depression/slight eating disorder #ALL QUEUED UP !!!!

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dragonturtle2 · 3 years

Text

Charting Penny's course, on the eve of the V8 finale.

I just realized that one of the lengthiest essays I ever posted online was never copied or cross posted over here to Tumblr. A huge mistake on my part. For one, as a big fan of transhumanism, I got a kind of enjoyment mapping out the distinctions Penny Poledina’s series-wide arc, even with the flaws. Two, I’m actually kind of proud of the predictions I made at the end. Not because I was correct about one of them; I remarked how I’d LIKE Rooster Teeth to do something, not that they’d actually take the shot. But some of the stuff I thought of was fun, and I do feel a bit of validation for having my thoughts line up with the actual writers; especially in lieu of how heated other people’s reactions were to something sorrowful and unexpected.

Tonight I had been responding to a critique I'd found earlier on Tumblr. They had remarked that Penny's conflict in Volumes 2, 7 and 8 were just recycling the question of whether Penny was a real girl. That doing so was just boring as heck, when the question has been answered firmly with Penny becoming the Winter Maiden. I thought the question of “what makes a person a person, and not just a simulated pattern of behaviors with the instinct to survive?” was broad enough to get a few arcs’ worth of visitation. But I thought just responding with that one lengthy sentence could come off as belittling sarcasm. So tried to offer up an my actual interpretation and clear opinion. I got this monstrosity.

Volume 1 has Penny reaching out to make friends, V2 is finally admitting her robot nature to someone and vocalizing her fears about being a real girl. Volume 3 dangles the upcoming conflict of her wanting to exercise independent action, step away from the national military organization that bankrolled and housed her, and go to Beacon with her friends. But that got cut short.

Volume 7 picks up the thread of Penny’s independent actions. Not just with the ability to disagree with or full-on disobey orders, but her own value system and initiative. Not only is she asking Winter about how to make decisions in life, she is also silently (and not-so-silently) judging whether Winter is morally right, or even truly happy with her own choices. When she takes Freya’s hand, she asks something that no one has probably said to Freya in awhile: “Are you OK?”

Volume 8 is focused on the things being taken from her. Her previous family-unit-facsimile of James, Winter and the Ace Ops have labeled her a traitor and are now hunting her. Being targeted as the Maiden makes her distance herself from her friends, so they aren’t further harmed . In doing that, she also leaves behind her previous dedication, protecting Mantle, to launch Amity Tower and assist in the bigger picture of warning the entire planet. Then in the pursuit of that goal she damages herself, pushes her body to it’s limit, and says goodbye to her father.

Volume 8 might seem to backpedal, and spend much of the season emphasizing how inhuman Penny is. That’s the point. After Freya essentially canonizes Penny as human, with her ‘blessing,’ Penny’s new identity (to herself and the audience) is arrested in the most traumatic ways possible. Her body is peeled back and cut open. Her schematics are passed around and assessed by characters and factions more than ever. The hacking is the Atlas military complex literally claiming ownership over her, exploiting the body and code they created alongside Pietro. (In contrast with the earlier consensual control and teamwork with Pietro, which even then she hardly enjoyed). How much pain can you inflict on a person until they devolve, or abandon rational thought? Little wonder Penny ends up begging the team to end her own life. She’s now taken Winter’s role from Volume 7, her self-esteem having sunken even lower. “My life doesn’t matter!“

When that ghastly moment was (temporarily) resolved with a quick revelation and Jaune’s Semblance, it was a moment of mixed feelings for me in an episode I otherwise loved. But I really came around to it afterword. They have to head to Vault for a permanent fix pretty much immediately, so it doesn’t feel like the writers used Jaune to kick the can down the road until they felt like tackling it. A very direct benefit is that by pausing Penny’s affliction, Penny gains the ability to actually have a conversation with people, to have scenes beyond just desperately wrestling her. It also spared us the repeated dialogue of “I must go to the Vault. I don’t want to! I must - I don’t! - I MUST- I DON’T!” Seriously, that routine was wearing thin.

Whether any fans predicted Jaune’s Semblance being able to help or not, I’m pleased when characters are able to quickly conceive applications of in-universe fictional powers. This is such a refreshing improvement over how CRWBY previously couldn’t bring Ruby to even ASK about the Silver Eyes that put her in a coma.

There were missteps along the way. Ruby really should have reacted more to her friend coming back to life; RT leaning on the Fourth Wall doesn’t fully remove the sting. ("It seems we will have to wait!”) We also never see any of our protagonists outside of Ruby even react to the revelation of a robotic life form. When they meet Penny again at V7′s start, apparently ALL of them, even Oscar, were so acquainted with Penny’s story that none of them had any questions for her the entire Volume. There was no sense of betrayed trust, or trauma from watching one friend be ripped apart by another. These are disappointments, but not deal breakers. Now, I want to talk about how post-Ambrosius Penny may fit in with the rest of the story. Maybe it’s stupid of me to try to get this out by 4 in the morning the day the finale drops, but I’m on a role, and I want to get my ideas out in the open before they’re tainted by hindsight. Otherwise I won’t feel like even finishing this.

I’m not going to launch into a tangent with the metaphysical mechanics on whether Penny’s new body would have ‘logically’ been conjured or not. (For the record I think it works). I just want to talk about the message the show is conveying, and what they could do with it. My base assumption is that Cinder is going to get the Winter Maiden power. It would be great way to coincide with her (GASP) actual character development this volume. But more importantly, if she doesn’t succeed in her goal, and get an upgrade to compete with our leveled-up protagonists, I can’t see how she can be an interesting or threatening villain going forward. A few ways this can end for Penny:

Pietro could give up the last bit of his life to bring her back. He’d probably need to get assistance from Abrosius, since he’s lacking in equipment; he’s a brilliant scientist, so explaining it certainly wouldn’t be an obstacle. Maybe Penny would be back to being a synthetic, maybe she remains organic. Either way, it’s a compromise with having a functional villain, while keeping around a fandom darling. Personally, I think RT needs to evoke the spirit of Volume 3, and make people cry.

Actually killing Penny would be bold and stand-out. By taking away Penny’s function of a core that can be salvaged (as explained at the start of Volume 7), and having her body get incinerated just like Pyrrha, RT can fully signal “This character is dead, and can’t be resurrected.” The heart break would be brilliant, with Penny getting to know the joys of an organic body just to be immediately ripped away from life. This would beautifully parallel with General Ironwood. James clamped down on human emotion because he thought it would give him the strength to stand against the darkness. Penny’s friends made her MORE human in a loving act of rescue, but now have to watch as she dies like any other human. Both characters would be cautionary tales regarding the Atlas Arc’s question of Trust. To leave yourself open.

Alrighty, now that I’ve gotten to feel like an intellectual by making some proclamations of doom, I want to throw out a tinfoil hat theory that actually combines the two previous versions. What’s fascinated me for years, and the show hasn’t re-visited, is the nature of Cinder’s parasite. Can Cinder talk to it? Will it begin gaining sentience? What’s relevant to Penny is what exactly this thing DOES. When it comes to it’s soul-power-absorbing function, we’ve never actually seen it’s full extent. The process with Amber was interrupted, with half the power just zipping over to Cinder after Amber expired. With Raven and Penny’s power, Cinder’s arm only got a little taste of them both, since both of their captures were unsuccessful. What if Cinder’s parasite can absorb more than raw power? Pinnochio is eventually swallowed by a monstrous beast. We were all sure it would be The Whale. But what if it’s Cinder?

I’ll be watching the finale in about 5 hours. The idea that I could be correct about something that takes everyone else off guard (Penny’s death) has an electric feeling, and I totally understand why people can get hung up on the stories they compose in their head. But I don’t want to start thinking any of MY ideas HAVE to come true for me to get joy from whatever happens to Penny or Volume 8. Regardless, reviewing character arcs that preceded wherever we are in the present is always worthwhile.

#reddit #RWBY #rwby volume 8 prediction #penny polendina #pietro polendina #cinder fall #james ironwood #Rooster Teeth

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satoshi-mochida · 4 years

Link

Rabbit & Bear Studios, a Tokyo-based studio formed by key creators of the Suikoden series, has announced Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, an ambitious new RPG planned for release in fall 2022. A Kickstarter campaign seeking $500,000 USD in funding for a PC release—with a single stretch goal to unlock PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Switch versions (or next-gen Switch, if one is available)—will run from July 27 at 9:00 a.m. PT / 12:00 p.m. ET to August 28. A trailer will also debut when the campaign launches.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is led by Suikoden I and II veteran scenario writer Yoshitaka Murayama, alongside series veterans Junko Kawano, Osamu Komuta, and Junichi Murakami. The project marks the first time these four creators have worked on a game together, as well as the first time Murayama and Kawano have collaborated in 25 years.

“The first thing we decided when our members came together was, ‘It’s about time we made a really interesting game that we ourselves want to make,'” project lead Murayama said in a press release. “We chose Kickstarter in order to make an interesting game with the players in mind, hold the rights to the planning, world, and story of the game, all while keeping the fun of the project. Please lend us your support in this new challenge of ours! We promise to create something that heeds the call of your voices.”

Speaking to Gematsu, Murayama shared more information on the game’s similarities to Suikoden and what elements of the series will carry over.

“Eiyuden Chronicle is about war, or more importantly, the intention and feelings of the 100 heroes who fight that war from a variety of perspectives and for a variety of different reasons,” Murayama told Gematsu. “And of course the drama that can only occur when a group of different people from different walks of life come together and must wage a war of life and death.”

Murayama continued, “And the many characters that participate in this war aren’t just pawns added in as ‘war fodder,’ they have a living breathing soul and begrudgingly must fight to protect the things they believe in. Additionally, there are non-combat specialists, researchers, and other ‘heroes’ on the periphery that can help win battles or lose them. Each and every one of them is a living breathing character that the player gives life to through their choices.”

Each character has their own strengths and weaknesses that can be leveraged to help the player form a balanced team.

“Some characters are good are some things and bad at others,” Murayama explained. “But if you combine them with other characters that can strengthen their weaknesses, you can end up with a really balanced team. And based on that delicate balance your team make be more apt at mining or adventuring which will affect the overall game progression loop. One of the core game loops in Eiyuden is to experience the wide variety of different characters and personalities in your 100 person army.

“With each new character your ‘fortress town’ grows in size and ability. It is a key system in the game. As you increase your teammates, some members will be blacksmiths, some chefs and whether on the battlefield or not, each character will play a role in strengthening your resolve as an army. There are guilds that you can join which will largely change the visual make-up of your fortress town and grant different abilities. The more people you recruit, the stronger the snowball effect. As you level up, new trade options appear along with enemies and thieves that randomly attack your town in an effort to impede your progress. You need to make choices whether to strengthen your walls or hasten your progress. Each choice will make every play session feel different and have its own consequences.”

According to Murayama, all of this is “just the tip of the iceberg,” meaning that fans can expect much more to come.

Here is an overview of the game, via Rabbit & Bear Studios:

■ About

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is an ode to the classic Japanese RPG genre from the PlayStation era that will feature classic Japanese RPG exploration and battles in high-resolution 2.5D graphics, pixel-based characters, a story of war and friendship, a diverse cast of 100 unique heroes to join the protagonist’s endeavor, and a fortress building system to grow their army.

The game will feature a guild system that allows players to change their fortress attributes based on the guild they join. Battles will be turn-based with parties of up to six members and feature dynamic boss battles that change camera angle and rotate depending on the environment.

■ Studio and Staff

Rabbit & Bear Studios

Founded March 26th, 2020 by Yoshitaka Murayama, Rabbit & Bear Studios asks the age old question, what do gamers really want? It’s something we must never forget as creators. To continually focus on giving the fans the experience they really want.

We have created Rabbit & Bear Studios as the first step in realizing that dream and to have the responsibility that comes with it. That’s our core philosophy and we plan to lead by our actions.

Staff

Story: Yoshitaka Murayama (Suikoden, Suikoden II, The Alliance Alive)

Character Design: Junko Kawano (Suikoden, Suikoden IV, Arca Last)

System Design and Direction: Osamu Komuta (Suikoden Tierkreis, Suikoden Tactics, Arca Last)

Art Direction and Production: Junichi Murakami (Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow, OZ)

Composers: Michiko Naruke (Wild Arms series), Motoi Sakuraba (Tales of series), and more.

■ Story

Welcome to the Continent of Allraan

“Our story begins in one corner of Allraan, a tapestry of nations with diverse cultures and values.

By dint of sword, and by way of magical objects known as “rune-lenses,” the land’s history has been shaped by the alliances and aggressions of the humans, beastmen, elves, and desert people who live there.

The Galdean Empire has edged out other nations and discovered a technology that amplifies the rune-lenses’ magic. Now, the Empire is scouring the continent for an artefact that will expand their power even further.

It is on one such expedition that Seign Kesling, a young and gifted imperial officer, and Nowa, a boy from a remote village, meet each other and become friends.

However, a twist of fate will soon drag them into the fires of war, and force them both to reexamine everything they believe to be right and true.”

■ Characters

Nowa (Default Name)

Sex: Male

Age: 17 years old

Home: A remote village in the League of Nations

Favorite Food: Anything with meat in it

“That’s who I am. A meddler. Always will be—just ask Leene. So don’t tell me to do nothing. I may not be able to help them, but I have to at least try.”

When the League of Nations recruits warriors to assist in a joint expedition with the Galdean Empire, our protagonist answers the call and leaves his remote village to test his skills. On the mission, he finds an ancient rune-lens, unaware that the discovery will spark a war between the League and the Empire. After the conflict begins, he joins a unit in the League’s border guard.

The protagonist is the “leap before you look” type. He doesn’t always weigh the pros and cons before springing to action, and while his constant need to involve himself in other people’s problems sometimes creates headaches for his companions, they like him for it and know his heart is in the right place. After all, if they ever got into trouble, he’d be the first person there.

Seign Kesling

Sex: Male

Age: 18 years old

Home: A noble house in the Galdean Empire

Favorite Food: Poached eggs

“I can dream all I want, but it won’t change a thing. The world is not that kind. So if the only way to achieve my ideals is to betray them first, then I will do that—unflinchingly. You have my word.”

The second-born son to House Kesling, a powerful imperial family. His older brother died on the battlefield. Seign is exceptionally gifted; after achieving outstanding grades at military academy, he was placed in command of a company of his peers and sent on the expedition to find the ancient rune-lens. During the mission, he meets the protagonist. The two warm to each other as they overcome adversity, and they learn of one another’s ambitions.

Seign’s strategic mind allows him to analyze things from a broad perspective and make sound decisions. People often confuse his clear mind for a cold heart, but he is guided by strong ideals and a deep passion to fulfill them.

After his brother’s death during a border rebellion, Seign began to think long and hard about what it means to fight.

Marisa

Sex: Female

Age: 16 years old

Profession: One of the Guardians who watches over the forest

Favorite Food: Herbed chicken

“You just leave the forest to me. I know where the water springs, where the rabbits burrow—and most importantly, where your enemies will try to hide.”

A young member of the Guardians, a clan that hallows and protects the forest. Since Marisa was very little, her family has instilled their ways and traditions in her. She has a warm, affable smile—except on the battlefield, where she wears the countenance of a warrior.

Although the Guardians live as one with the forest, they have respect for the outside world’s culture and technology, and they are not against integrating the parts of it that make sense to them. Marisa is particularly forward-thinking in this regard, and loves new things—especially cute things.

Over the generations, the Guardians have developed a unique method of wielding the rune-lenses. For that reason, both the Empire and the protagonist try to win them over to their camp. Whom the Guardians choose will prove to be a major turning point in history.

Melridge

Sex: Male

Age: 27 years old

Profession: A scholar of natural history

Favorite Food: Duck soup

“You should lay down arms and surrender. That’s the quickest way to end this… No? Very well. Then I suppose I’ll provide you with the next best thing: a winning strategy.”

A young scholar who specializes in natural history. He yearns to know of every last thing in the world, and exactly how it got there. He also happens to be a genius tactician, and will be a valuable asset to the protagonist.

That said, he views warfare as the most pointless of all human endeavors, and any personal contributions to it as a complete waste of time.

Garr

Sex: Male

Age: 32 years old

Profession: Warrior in a clan of mercenaries

Favorite Food: Pancakes slathered with whipped cream

“Only a soft-brained leader runs headlong into danger. Anyone who knows what’s good for him will tell you you’ve lost it, kid. But not me. If blaze-of-glory’s your thing, count me in. We all die in the end. Might as well make it interesting.”

A veteran beastman warrior. He and his clan make their living as mercenaries, and their vast experience and sheer brutality put them in high demand. War is all Garr has known, and to him life is one battlefield after the other until you die.

When a conflict breaks out, every army wants as many beastmen as they can afford. Because mercenary contracts are made with individuals and not the entire clan, it is not uncommon for Garr and his fellow beastmen to face each other as enemies in the field.

Lian

Sex: Female

Age: 16 years old

Home: A martial arts dojo

Favorite Food: Super-spicy ramen

“Uhh, maybe I’m dumbing this down a little, but—like—if a bunch of arrogant swine strut into YOUR home and started acting like they owned the place, what would YOU do? ‘Cause there’s your answer.”

After the Empire’s forces invade League lands, Lian is infuriated and runs away from home…without even the slightest semblance of a plan. She decides the first thing to do is hoof it to the biggest town she can find, and luckily that’s where she meets the protagonist and his companions.

Lian was born in a dojo, and her father wasted no time in teaching her. She was doing roundhouse kicks before she even learned to walk properly.

Mio

Sex: Female

Age: 27 years old

Home: The Far East

Favorite Food: Bamboo-wrapped sasa dumplings

“The road you walk is one, and yet its endpoints are myriad. You can still choose where the road takes you.”

A swordswoman who is journeying to perfect the way of the blade. She has a stoic personality and rarely speaks, unless it’s to challenge someone she views as a worthy opponent.

When she does open her mouth to say something, it’s straight to the point and usually dripping with wisdom, so the people around her have taken to calling her “sensei.” However, even the greatest of senseis do have the occasional brain fart…

■ World

The Waterstead of Quinja

The Seaside Cavern

Watch a gameplay teaser video below. View the first screenshots and artwork at the gallery.

youtube

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thelastspeecher · 4 years

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Spirit Touched - Chapter 6: Refugee

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 AO3

Uhhh I actually updated on AO3 like two weeks ago, I just procrastinated putting it up here on Tumblr for some reason. But here it is. Angst, Zuko doing serious soul searching, and Toph continuing to just be the best Toph she can be. Enjoy.

Again, this fic is inspired by @muffinlance‘s fic Salvage and fanart that @agent-jaselin did of it.

——————————————————————————————

Water sloshed over the rim of the bucket Zuko was carrying. The tribesman Zuko was following stopped to look back at him.

“Nuktuk, if this is too difficult for you, you can go back to your tent and play,” the tribesman said. Zuko scowled. The troops at Chameleon Bay had accepted him with open arms, though they didn’t know his proper age, and as such, tended to talk down to him and refuse to let him help with chores.

“No, I’ve got it,” he insisted. The tribesman shrugged.

“All right, if you say so.” There was a commotion off in the distance. “Huh. I wonder what’s-” Tuluk came running over. “Tuluk, is something going on?”

“Yes. The Chief is handling it, but Nuktuk needs to go back to his tent for now,” Tuluk said.

“What’s happening?” Zuko asked.

“We have a visitor,” Tuluk replied. Zuko frowned.

“What kind of visitor?”

“You’ll find out once things calm down.”

“But-”

“No buts.” Tuluk handed Zuko’s bucket of water to the tribesman, then took Zuko’s hand and led him away. Zuko looked over his shoulder. He couldn’t see much in the chaos, but caught a glimpse of red.

-----

Zuko didn’t find out what had happened until much later, when Toklo came to his tent to bring him to dinner.

“Something happened earlier. What?” Zuko asked immediately.

“It was crazy, little bro. A Fire Nation soldier walked into camp and asked to join our side.”

“Who?”

“That’s the craziest part! General Iroh! The Dragon of the West!” Toklo shook his head. “Can you believe it?”

“Yes. Uncle said he would meet up with me again,” Zuko said matter-of-factly. Toklo facepalmed.

“That’s right! He’s your uncle! Okay, it’s a bit less crazy now. But how did he know where we were?” He paused. “What do you mean, he said he would meet up with you?”

“When Hakoda and Kustaa took me to see a healer, Uncle spotted us. He asked to come aboard the Akhlut. The Chief turned him down, but at told Uncle where we were headed, so that he could meet us,” Zuko rattled off.

“Why didn’t you tell me before?” Toklo demanded.

“I was sick.”

“Fair enough.” Toklo took Zuko’s hand. “Time for dinner!”

“No, I want to see Uncle first,” Zuko said, yanking his hand free of Toklo’s hold.

“I don’t think-” Toklo started. Before he could finish the sentence, Zuko bolted out of the tent. “Hey!”

Zuko made a beeline for the largest tent, which served as a command center. Uncle might not be there, but Hakoda or Bato should be, and they would take him to Uncle. Right? The moment he ducked inside the tent, Zuko’s eyes landed on Uncle.

“Uncle!” Zuko shrieked happily. He ran over to the retired general. Uncle scooped him into a tight embrace.

“Nephew, it is so good to see you again.” Uncle held Zuko at arm’s distance. “You look much healthier now.” Zuko beamed. Uncle set him back on the ground. “This was not the best move to make, however.”

“What?”

“Chief Hakoda informed me before of your cover as a Water Tribe war child. The way you just behaved, while very heartwarming, was not in character for Nuktuk.”

“I don’t care.”

“You should, nephew. Keeping up appearances is very important, particularly in your situation,” Uncle said patiently.

“Luckily, I’m the only other person in the tent,” Hakoda spoke up. Zuko looked over, realizing he was there for the first time.

“Where is Uncle going to stay?” Zuko asked.

“Eventually, with you,” Uncle replied. “Chief Hakoda and I were just discussing our plans.”

“The story we’ll be telling is that General Iroh, devastated by the loss of his nephew, had his eyes opened to the reality of the war. As such, he has arrived at the camp to switch sides and offer his help.”

“Like the best of lies, it contains some truth,” Uncle said, nodding. “I won’t be allowed to be around you until Chief Hakoda’s men trust me. So I am very glad you sought me out on your own.”

“Toklo told me you were here.”

“Toklo would be…?”

“My friend.”

“Ah.” Uncle’s face creased with a broad, warm smile. “What a wonderful thing you hear you say. You should go find this friend of yours and have dinner with him.”

“But-” Zuko started.

“Don’t worry,” Hakoda said. “General Iroh will be here for a while.”

-----

“You’re very articulate for your age, Nuktuk,” gushed one of the Southern tribesmen that Zuko had yet to know by name. Zuko smiled politely. He bowed.

“Thank you,” he said. The tribesman chuckled and ruffled his hair.

“Keep up your firebending practice, kiddo. Who knows, maybe you’ll be the first Water Tribe firebending Master.” Zuko’s smile became more forced. He didn’t mean to be caught firebending, but Uncle had begun to teach him firebending again, and someone had witnessed one of the lessons. Since then, tribesmen approached him near constantly, curious about the firebending Water Tribe toddler.

“You should probably get back to work, Kenai,” Panuk said. Ah, the man’s name was Kenai. “Otherwise, you’ll get your ass beat for slacking.”

“Watch your language around the kid!” Kenai said in shock. Panuk laughed. He gave Zuko an affectionate noogie.

“The kid spent months on a ship. He knows just about every swear under the sun,” Panuk said. Kenai shook his head disapprovingly.

“Geez. Well, see you later, Nuktuk. And you too, Panuk.” Kenai walked away, whistling. Zuko smirked at Panuk.

“You’re an afterthought,” he teased. Panuk laughed.

“Only because Kenai’s a big brother. He can’t resist cute little kids.”

“That explains why he felt the need to talk to me,” Zuko said thoughtfully. “I thought word had spread about me.”

“Oh, it definitely has. There’s no one who doesn’t know who you are.” Panuk poked Zuko playfully. Zuko slapped the hand away, laughing. “Wait…you guys have a kid here?” a voice said. The hairs on the back of Zuko’s neck rose. That voice… He turned his head ever so slightly. His eyes widened. It was him.

“Huh, I guess someone doesn’t know who you are,” Panuk remarked, looking as well. He frowned. “He must be new.”

“Sokka,” Zuko ground out. Panuk’s head whipped around to stare at Zuko.

“That’s the Chief’s son?” he asked. Zuko nodded, his jaw clenched. “I see it now. They look pretty similar.”

“Why is he here?” Zuko snarled.

“Probably because, like I said, he’s the Chief’s son,” Panuk drawled. “I wonder if the Avatar’s with him.”

“That’s Nuktuk,” Hakoda informed Sokka. They were far enough away that there was no chance Sokka could recognize Zuko, but Zuko’s heart still pounded in his chest. His fingers twitched. He couldn’t decide whether he wanted to run at Sokka or away from him. “We found him in a destroyed village on our way out of the South Pole. He’s been with us ever since.”

“Really? He’s just a kid! How old is he, two?”

“Four,” Hakoda said calmly. Panuk reached for Zuko’s hand.

“I think it’s time to take you somewhere else, little warrior.” The moment his hand touched Zuko’s, he let out a soft yelp of pain. “What was that about?” Zuko looked up at Panuk.

“What?”

“You burned me, squirt.”

“Oh. Whoops.” Zuko resumed glaring at Sokka, who was still arguing with Hakoda.

“Wh- you’d take a four-year-old on your ship, but not your own son? Who, I’ll remind you, was a lot older than four when you left?”

“Sokka…” Hakoda’s voice was weary. “You don’t want to be in that kid’s boots. He’s seen things no child should ever see.”

“Oh, you think I haven’t? I traveled with the Avatar!” Sokka’s shouts were beginning to attract attention. Zuko could feel the control he��d worked so hard to cultivate slipping; droplets of flame fell off his fingers, lighting the grass on fire.

-----

Iroh, while relaxing in the tent he shared with Zuko, heard bickering outside. Curious, he exited the tent. He took in the scene. Panuk and Zuko stood nearby, Zuko staring at something and Panuk stomping on smoking grass. Small flames were dancing around Zuko’s fingers, his good eye squinting in a glare to match his bad one. It didn’t take a genius to figure out the cause of Zuko’s irritation. Some distance away, but growing closer, were the people he had heard bickering: Chief Hakoda and Sokka, the Water Tribe boy that had accompanied the Avatar.

The Water Tribe boy who, in his first encounter with Zuko, had hit him in the head with a boomerang.

“It’s wonderful to see a familiar face,” Iroh said warmly, walking over to Sokka and Hakoda. Behind him, he could hear Panuk finally ushering Zuko away, out of sight of the chief’s son. Sokka stared at him.

“Hang on, you’re that one guy!” he said, eloquently. Iroh smiled.

“Yes, I am.”

“What are you doing at a Water Tribe camp?”

“After what happened at the North Pole, I could no longer stand by and allow my nation’s war to continue,” Iroh said simply. Sokka crossed his arms.

“Really,” he said flatly. “After everything the Fire Nation’s done, killing a fish was what made you realize they were evil?” Something in his voice quivered a bit, like he didn’t believe the loss of the Moon Spirit was as minimal as he was trying to make it sound. Iroh bowed his head slightly.

“Yes. I spent some time traveling the Earth Kingdom and eventually came to join this encampment, with the blessing of none other than your father,” Iroh said. His words were technically true, but left out important details. The kind of lying Iroh preferred to do.

“You trusted him, Dad?” Sokka asked. Chief Hakoda nodded. “Why?”

“People I trust spoke for him,” Chief Hakoda said simply.

“Like who?”

“Master Pakku of the Northern Water Tribe, for one.”

“Wait.” Sokka stared at Iroh. “You know Master Sourpuss?” Iroh chuckled. Sourpuss was certainly an apt description for his old friend.

“Yes. I have for some time.”

“How?”

“That’s a rather long story, and not important,” Iroh said smoothly. “Let me guess, you, your friends, and the Avatar have arrived at Ba Sing Se?”

“Yeah…”

“Would you be so kind as to allow me to walk with you? I would like to hear the wonderful stories of your adventures.” Sokka looked uncertain, but after a moment, nodded.

“Sure. But you better not be sending information back to the Fire Lord!” Sokka snapped. Hakoda rolled his eyes. Iroh merely smiled and nodded.

“Of course.”

-----

Bato found Zuko wandering around the camp, peering into tents with a confused expression.

“Are you looking for something, little warrior?” he asked. Zuko looked up at him, brow furrowed.

“Where’s Uncle?”

“He went with Sokka and Aang to Ba Sing Se,” Bato replied. Zuko crossed his arms.

“Stupid Avatar. He’s my uncle,” Zuko muttered. Bato covered his mouth, poorly smothering a snicker at the firebender’s immature behavior. Zuko stomped his foot. “Don’t laugh!”

“Relax. Come on, it’s time for your nap, anyways.” Bato took Zuko’s hand and led him back to the tent Zuko shared with Iroh. Toklo was already there, looking for Zuko.

“Where’d you run off to, little brother?” Toklo teased.

“I was looking for Uncle,” Zuko mumbled. He let out a small yawn.

“When Iroh gets back, I’ll send him your way,” Bato promised. Zuko nodded. Toklo led him into the tent for his nap.

Zuko was still napping when chaos erupted at the encampment. Bato and Hakoda were in the midst of going over battle plans, only for Katara to burst in the head tent. The excitement Hakoda felt at seeing his daughter was quickly subdued when Sokka came in close behind, carrying the unnervingly still body of the Avatar.

“What…happened?” Hakoda croaked, staring at Aang.

“Lightning,” huffed a short girl, who, judging by her milky eyes, was blind. Katara laid Aang on the ground and held glowing water over his body. Her forehead was drenched in sweat, her hands shaking. Sokka didn’t seem to be doing much better. “The Fire Princess struck Aang with lightning.” A man in extravagant, expensive clothes poked his head into the tent curiously.

“What should I do?” he asked. The short girl huffed again.

“Could someone entertain the Earth King?” she asked, turning her sightless eyes in the direction of Hakoda and Bato.

“…Earth King?” Hakoda and Bato said simultaneously.

“Kids, what happened?” Hakoda repeated.

“I told you, lightning.”

“I need more information than that.”

“After I’ve stabilized Aang, we can talk, Dad, but right now, I need to focus,” Katara snapped. Hakoda bit back an instinct to scold her for her tone. She was under an immense amount of stress; it was more than understandable she’d be on edge. Sokka got up from where he was crouching at Aang’s side.

“I can explain. It’s better if we leave the tent while Katara heals Aang. Toph, stay here.” The blind girl, apparently named Toph, nodded. Sokka, Hakoda, and Bato left the tent.

“What in the world is that thing?” Bato asked, staring at the strange creature before them.

“It’s a bear,” Sokka answered.

“Platypus-bear?”

“No, just a bear. Weird, I know.” Sokka sighed. “He’s the Earth King’s best friend or something like that, so the bear came with us when Ba Sing Se fell.”

“Ba Sing Se fell?” Hakoda asked in an undertone. Sokka’s head drooped.

“Yeah. Princess Azula staged a coup. We got out with the Earth King and his bear, but during the fight, Aang was struck by lightning.”

“What about Iroh?” Bato pried. Sokka slumped further.

“He was taken prisoner. We had the one good firebender in the world on our side, and we let him get caught.”

“I’m sure Iroh isn’t the only good firebender,” Hakoda said, resting a hand on Sokka’s shoulder. His gaze fell on Zuko and Iroh’s tent, where the toddler was, presumably, still fast asleep.

“I don’t know, Dad. It really seems like he is.” Sokka rubbed his eyes, drawing Hakoda’s attention to just how tired his son seemed. Hakoda yearned to just tell Sokka to go to bed. But if Ba Sing Se had truly fallen, they had no time to waste. They needed to abandon the encampment and set sail immediately. Hakoda squeezed Sokka’s shoulder.

“Stay here with your sister. Bato, spread the word that we need to leave now. I’ll take care of Nuktuk.” Bato’s eyes widened.

“The kid is not going to be happy.”

“That’s why I’ll be breaking the news to him.” Hakoda squeezed Sokka’s shoulder one more time and set off for Zuko and Iroh’s tent.

-----

The tent didn’t burn down. But only barely. Zuko’s initial, destructive meltdown upon hearing what had happened to Iroh exhausted him so much that he passed out soon after. It was easy enough to smuggle the sleeping toddler aboard the Akhlut without Hakoda’s children or his children’s friends noticing. Keeping up the secrecy was far more difficult.

“Why won’t you let them see you?” Hakoda asked. Weary from stress, his voice came out harsher than he intended. Zuko flinched slightly. “I’m sorry, Zuko, I didn’t mean to say it that way. But you know they won’t recognize you, right?”

“They might,” Zuko mumbled. “I can’t risk it. I’ll be humiliated.”

“…Fine. But you’ll have to ask Toklo or Panuk to help you move around the ship without being seen. I’m busy.” The Akhlut, though beloved, would need to be abandoned. There were too many Fire Navy ships now. As such, they had plans to take a Fire Nation ship themselves. Hakoda had been working on those very plans when Zuko entered his cabin, wanting attention.

Of course he wants attention, his life has been upheaved and he’s lost his uncle again. Hakoda pinched the bridge of his nose and took a calming breath. He could hear Kya’s voice, scolding him for not explaining why he was saying “no” to a toddler. Young children will cooperate more if they have an explanation. Zuko is no exception. Explain things to him.

“Once we’ve captured a new ship, I might be able to spend some more time with you. At the very least, you won’t have to hide. I imagine we can find you your own room.” Hakoda forced a smile. “Would you like that?”

“Maybe,” Zuko mumbled. He cocked his head curiously. “We’re capturing a ship?”

“You aren’t. But the rest of us are. The Fire Nation is sending their Navy to Ba Sing Se, to prevent any early uprisings. The Akhlut stands out. It’s best if we blend in.” Zuko nodded slowly. “I understand if you feel uncomfortable with this, but it’s our only option.” Zuko nodded again.

“Can I…stay in here?” he asked. Hakoda stifled a sigh.

He’s a lonely child. He’s always been. Hakoda nodded.

“If you stay quiet, yes.” Zuko beamed. He walked over to Hakoda and climbed onto the chief’s lap. As Hakoda worked on the plans, Zuko occasionally piped up with a comment about Fire Navy ships. The intermittent inputs became further and further apart. When it had been some time since Zuko last spoke, Hakoda looked down at his lap.

The former Fire Nation Prince had fallen asleep, lulled by the late hour, gentle swaying of the boat, and Hakoda’s body heat.

-----

They were having another awkwardly silent meal when Toph finally said something she’d had on her mind the minute they all boarded a metal ship, allowing her to “see” again.

“What’s the deal with the kid?” she asked. Hakoda casually set his chopsticks down. To someone who could see, no doubt he appeared untroubled. But to someone who could see, he was nervous. The chief’s heartrate had sped up immediately.

“There are a lot of children on board,” Hakoda said calmly. “Namely, the three of you and Aang.”

“No, there’s someone here even younger than us,” Toph said. “They’re running around on the deck right now.” Katara rose from her seat, presumably to glance out the window that opened onto the deck.

“Toph’s right,” Katara said.

“No need to sound so surprised,” Toph grumbled, pretending to be offended.

“I wasn’t-” Katara huffed. She sat back down. “That looked like a little boy, younger than some of the kids were when we left the village.” Hakoda sighed.

“I was hoping to keep him hidden from you.”

“Why?” Katara asked.

“You shouldn’t be distracted from your current mission.”

Lie.

“Not to mention, he’s rather shy.”

Truth.

“What’s his name?” Toph asked.

“Nuktuk.”

Lie.

“We found him in a mostly destroyed village as we were leaving the South Pole.”

Lie.

“Wait, that’s the kid that I saw in camp that one day,” Sokka said suddenly.

“Yes.”

Truth.

“How old is he?” Katara asked.

“Four,” Hakoda replied. Toph’s eyes widened slightly. That hadn’t felt like a full lie nor a full truth. She settled her expression to be neutral again. “Please don’t seek him out. I know you might want to spend time with him, particularly you, Katara, but like I said, he’s shy. And he’s going through some things.”

“Like what?” Toph asked. She picked up her chopsticks.

“Well, he lost his uncle during the fall of Ba Sing Se. He’s been very upset about it.”

“Poor thing,” Katara murmured. Toph picked at her food idly.

Truth.

-----

The ocean was boring for a blind earthbender. Toph didn’t spend any time on deck if she could avoid it. Not when sudden gusts of wind might try to blow her away. Their only airbender was out of commission, so it wouldn’t be easy to bring her back.

At the casual reminder of Aang’s state, Toph felt a twinge of sadness. She shook it off, refocusing on her mission. There was a toddler on this ship using a fake name and a fake backstory. Sure, it wasn’t as fun to investigate as the mysteries of Ba Sing Se, but it was better than staring at water she couldn’t see.

Toph made her way belowdeck, past the mess hall and infirmary, finally coming to a stop outside of a small cabin. Inside the room, sitting cross-legged on the floor, was “Nuktuk”. She opened the door. The boy sprang to his feet instantly. A wave of heat washed over Toph. She cocked her head curiously, recognizing the sensation as that of fire.

“That’s why the chief doesn’t want anyone to know about you,” she said calmly. “You’re a firebender.” The boy’s heartrate doubled.

“How- you- but you’re blind!” he finally squeaked. Toph entered the room and closed the door behind her.

“Yeah, but I can still probably see better than you, Sparky.” The boy let out another squeak of protest at the nickname. “Who are you, really?”

“I’m- I’m Nuktuk.”

Lie.

“Who are you?” the boy asked. Toph sat on the floor, her feet flush against the metal so she could keep track of the kid’s heartbeat.

“You know what? I’ll tell you the truth if you tell me the truth,” she said. “That seems like a fair trade to me.” The boy wavered. After a moment, he sat across from her. The heat faded, presumably because he had put out whatever flames he’d created.

“How’d you know I lied?” he asked quietly.

“That’s for me to know, not you.”

“Hmph.”

“What’s your real name?” Toph asked again.

“…I can’t tell you.”

“Can’t or don’t want to?”

“The- the second one.”

Truth.

“I’ll tell you the truth now. I’m Toph. Why don’t you want to tell me your real name?”

“Then you’ll know who I am. And that’s embarrassing. Also…you wouldn’t like me.”

Truth.

“All right. Since you told the truth again, here’s another from me. I knew you lied because I’m an earthbender.” The boy huffed quietly, like he didn’t believe her. “Why wouldn’t I like you if I knew who you were? I already figured out that you were a firebender, and I’m not exactly trying to attack you or anything.” The boy stayed silent, but fidgeted slightly. The temperature in the room rose.

All right, touchy subject. Moving on.

“The Chief said you lost your uncle when Ba Sing Se fell.”

“…Yeah.”

“Was he in the city or something? How’d you know you lost him?”

“People- people saw it happen. And they told other people. And the other people told me.”

“Who? The only people that I know of who were able to escape to the camp were the people on Appa. Appa is-”

“I know who Appa is,” the boy groused.

Truth.

“Well, like I said, only the people on Appa made it to the camp. And none of us would have known some random firebender’s uncle.” Something clicked into place. “Unless…” The boy’s heartrate, which had slowed somewhat, picked up again. “Was your uncle Iroh?”

“No!” the boy blurted out immediately.

Lie.

“Iroh said he had a nephew,” Toph said, thinking out loud. The boy’s heart sped even faster. “I never met his nephew, but Katara and Sokka and Aang did. Apparently, he chased them around the world for a long time, before he disappeared without a trace. The only problem is, they said he was sixteen. How old are you?”

“Four.”

Again, that weird “not a full lie, not a full truth” thing. But the boy seemed to think it was more of a lie than the Chief did. Not to mention, Toph hadn’t met a lot of children, but she felt like someone who was actually four wouldn’t be more eloquent than Sokka.

“…Zuko?” Toph asked quietly. The boy sprung to his feet, his heart beating so fast, Toph was surprised he didn’t keel over then and there.

“How- you-” he spluttered.

“So you are Zuko,” Toph said. The boy – Zuko – stayed standing. “Spirits, what happened to you, if you’re-” Toph made a vague gesture in Zuko’s direction. “-this?”

“You answered it,” Zuko said. He sat down again. “Spirits.” A scowl shone through his irritated tone.

“Spirits turned you into a little kid?”

“Yes.”

“Huh. That stinks,” Toph said casually. Zuko let out a soft snort.

“It does.” He fidgeted. “You- you can’t tell anyone about it, okay? I’ll die if that Water Tribe boy finds out what I’ve been reduced to.”

Truth. Man, he is really embarrassed by this.

“Why are you so embarrassed?” Toph asked. “I mean, you didn’t do it. The spirits did it.”

“It’s still- it’s-” Zuko was spluttering again. “You’re what, ten?”

“Twelve.”

“Does the Water Tribe boy treat you like a kid, even though you’re younger than him?”

“No.” Toph grinned viciously. “He knows I’d kick his ass.”

“I don’t have that luxury. He might be a non-bender, but I’m…” Zuko cleared his throat. “I don’t have access to my full abilities currently, and I’m much smaller than usual. Both the Water Tribe children would harass me for it, but the boy would never let me live it down.”

“I getcha.” Toph got up. “No worries, Sparky, your secret’s safe with me.”

“…Really?” Zuko asked. Toph nodded.

“I get it. I’ve been treated like shit for things I can’t control. I’m not about doing that to others.”

“I’ve heard you teasing your teammates,” Zuko said doubtfully.

“Yeah, over things they can control, like their terrible jokes. You can’t control what the spirits did to you. You don’t deserve to be messed with for it. Especially since you seem like a nice enough kid.”

Zuko spluttered again.

Toph grinned.

“Good luck turning back into a teenager.” Toph headed for the door. Just as she opened it, Zuko mumbled something, quiet enough that she barely heard.

“Thanks.”

-----

Running footsteps sounded in the hall. Curious, Zuko cracked open the door to his room and peered out. His eyes widened.

The Avatar was awake.

And judging by his clumsiness, either disoriented from how long he spent asleep or drunk. After the Avatar had stumbled out of Zuko’s view, he closed the door again.

-----

The door to Zuko’s room slowly creaked open. Zuko jumped to his feet, abandoning the Pai Sho board he was practicing with. The intruder blinked at Zuko owlishly.

“…This isn’t my room.”

“No. It’s mine,” Zuko said firmly. The intruder stepped inside. A shiver ran down Zuko’s spine. It was the Avatar. The Avatar approached Zuko and crouched down, smiling warmly at him.

“I didn’t know there was a kid on this ship.”

“I’m not a kid,” Zuko retorted. The Avatar chuckled. The serious, uncertain demeanor he’d had when entering seemed to have lessened.

Good. It’s weird if he’s not annoyingly upbeat.

“I’m Aang. What’s your name?”

“…Nuktuk.”

“Nuktuk. That’s a really tough name! I bet you’ll be a great Water Tribe warrior someday!” the Avatar said cheerfully. “Why are you on the ship?”

“I…” Zuko looked away. The Avatar let out a soft gasp. Zuko bit back a curse. The shadows in the room must have obscured his scar, only for it to become obvious when he’d turned his head. Surely, the Avatar would figure out who he was.

“Nuktuk, how did you get that scar?” the Avatar asked gently. Zuko looked at him, surprised.

He…doesn’t recognize me?

“A…” Zuko fumbled for a response, then remembered his cover story. “A bad man.”

“A bad man,” the Avatar repeated. Zuko nodded. “Is the bad man why you’re on the ship?” Zuko nodded again. “Is your family on the ship?”

“No. The bad man hurt them.” Zuko shrugged. “I’m alone.” The Avatar sat back, horror etched on his face. Zuko worked furiously to control his own facial expression. But rather than horrified, he felt indignant.

Really? The Avatar’s own people were killed. Is he actually still moved by the tragedies of war, even after witnessing so many? Despite his best attempts to doubt the Avatar’s sincerity, Zuko knew the answer to that question.

The Avatar was deeply affected by every reminder of what war wrought.

“Nuktuk, I’m sorry,” the Avatar said softly. Zuko blinked, startled. “It’s- it’s my fault the bad man hurt you and your family, leaving you all alone. I’m the Avatar. My responsibility is to prevent innocent people from being hurt, especially innocent little kids like you.” The Avatar got to his feet, determination shining in his weary gray eyes. “Don’t worry, I’m going to bring that bad man, and all the other bad men, to justice.”

“Y-you are?” Zuko squeaked.

Is a literal twelve-year-old going to confront my father? The Avatar nodded.

“I am.” The Avatar managed a small smile. “And just so you know…” The Avatar trailed off. He cleared his throat. “I was the only one left, too. We’ve got that in common. And if we’ve got something in common, then we aren’t really alone.” He ruffled Zuko’s hair. “Good night, Nuktuk.” The Avatar left, closing the door gently behind him.

When Panuk checked on Zuko later, to make sure he’d actually gone to bed, the former prince was still staring silently at the door.

-----

The Avatar’s allies were saying their goodbyes to the crew during the night. It was the best way to avoid detection.

For some reason, Zuko had been brought on deck for the farewell, though he had to be woken up. He stood next to Bato, still bleary from sleep, hiding the scarred side of his face behind the crewman’s leg. Even if they saw his scar, it wasn’t likely he’d be recognized, but he didn’t want to risk it.

Toph punched Toklo and Panuk’s shoulders; she had gotten along well with them. The only other thing she did before boarding the Avatar’s sky bison was look in Zuko’s direction. She nodded silently. Zuko returned the gesture, then held himself still as the Water Tribe girl – Katara – walked over to him. She crouched down to his eye-height and gently stroked his hair.

“It was nice to finally meet you, Nuktuk,” she said sweetly. Zuko looked away, part of him reeling with how tender her voice could be.

Of course, the only other times she’s spoken with me, we weren’t exactly on good terms.

“Don’t worry, we’re going to get the Avatar and help him take down the Fire Lord. You’ll be reunited with your uncle before you know it.”

“…Thanks,” Zuko mumbled into Bato’s leg. Katara’s eyes softened further.

“Katara, come on, stop fussing over the baby,” Sokka shouted from the Avatar’s sky bison. He had made his goodbyes first. Katara stood to her full height and embraced her father.

“Be careful, sweetie,” Hakoda said.

“I’ll do my best.” Katara broke off the hug. “We’ll see you on the Day of Black Sun.” Zuko’s eyes widened.

The solar eclipse? They know about that?

“Yes. Remember what I told you.”

“Take care of each other,” Katara intoned solemnly. Hakoda smiled and stroked Katara’s cheek.

“That’s right.”

-----

Zuko watched the sky bison fly away, an uncomfortable churning in his gut. Without the constant fear of being discovered by the Water Tribe children in the back of his mind, the enormity of his situation came crashing down upon him.

Things had improved for a while, but now? Now, he was back to square one. No, even worse than square one. Uncle wasn’t captured before. There was at least one holdout in the entire Earth Kingdom before. Zuko could pretend the Avatar was continuing his streak of avoiding real harm before.

None of those were true now.

Zuko slowly sat down on the deck, staring at the metal silently.

“Are you all right?” Hakoda asked. Zuko shrugged. “It’s a yes or no answer.” The boy remained silent. Hakoda sighed. “Well, in that case, why don’t you-”

“We know about the solar eclipse,” Zuko blurted out. The crew, which had begun to resume regular duties after the bison’s departure, froze. Hakoda crouched next to Zuko.

“By ‘we’, you mean…”

“The Fire Nation.” Someone swore softly. “Of course the Fire Nation knows about the solar eclipse! Firebenders have a vested interest in their ability to firebend!”

“Zuko.” Zuko looked up at Hakoda. “Thank you for telling me this.”

“You’re welcome,” Zuko mumbled. Hakoda got to his feet.

“We’ll need to send a bird immediately to our allies. If the Fire Nation knows about the eclipse, they’ll have prepared for it.” Hakoda looked at Zuko. “Right?” Zuko nodded.

“This is going to mess up our plans,” Bato said. Hakoda grinned.

“No, it’s going to make them better.”

“We don’t know what the Fire Nation’s preparations will be like,” Tuluk argued.

“We don’t.” Hakoda looked at Zuko again. “But we’ve got someone on board who does.”

“I don’t know if the kid’s willing to turn against his people,” Aake rumbled. Zuko crossed his arms.

“The kid is right here,” he snapped. Aake raised an eyebrow.

“Are you willing to turn against your people?” he asked. The churning in Zuko’s stomach amplified.

My people. Yue had told him not to turn his back on his people. But if he told the crew how the Fire Nation prepared for the eclipse, he would be doing just that. Although…would I? His people weren’t just the Fire Nation anymore. He’d been helped by all the nations. Even the Avatar had promised to bring justice to those who had hurt him.

Zuko touched his scar.

He thought of the 41st Division, the soldiers sent to their deaths as canon fodder. Surely, ending the war wouldn’t help just the Water Tribes and Earth Kingdom. The people of the Fire Nation were suffering, too.

Zuko’s hand fell from his face. The churning in his stomach quieted. He looked up at Hakoda, his eyes meeting the Chief’s squarely.

“I’m not turning against my people,” he said. “I’m doing my part to end a war that has hurt us all. I’ll tell you everything I know.” A proud smile slowly spread across Hakoda’s face.

“Thank you, son.”

…Son?

“You can tell me in the morning. For now, you should go back to sleep,” Hakoda said. Zuko nodded as tiredness abruptly hit him over the head. He allowed Kustaa to lead him to the infirmary, where his furs were waiting.

The full moon shining down brightened. Just a bit.

#Zuko #Uncle Iroh #Hakoda #Bato #Toph #Sokka #Katara #Aang #ATLA #Spirit Touched #btw no fucking clue when the final chapter goes up. it's been slow going for writing #.....sigh. the curse of the fic writer.#I haven't been as inspired as I was for the previous chapters #(also I've been feeling guilty about my GF WIPs and that's been making my writing slower too)#my writing #my stuff #fanfiction #speecher speaks

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popculturebuffet · 4 years

Text

Darkwing Duck Reviews: Tiff of the Titans

Uh-Oh, Gizmoduck Comes to town! In the first of a series of reviews building up to Just Us Justice Ducks, the dopey, arrogant, anti-charasmatic, national embarrassment heads to St. Canard to guard a super weapon from F.O.W.L. Naturally, he ends up being more of a problem for our hero than the actual bad guys. Also a look at Tad Stone’s claims the series isn’t in the same universe as Ducktales. Full review and recap commissioned by @weirdkev27 under the cut

This review, much like Death, Taxes and Thanos, was inevitable. I’d been planning to watch and review the first appearances of each of the justice ducks and fearsome five as my next step in watching Darkwing duck anyway, and while I’ve already got one member’s appearance in the wings anyway, I’ll get to that tomorrow or Saturday just in time for Halloween, hint hint, Kev pushed this one into the queue with a commission and I was happy to take the side trip to see just what the Darkwing version of Gizmoduck and Steelbeak, two of my favorites in the reboot, were like originally. So welcome folks to the build to the greatest superhero team made up of ducks of all time, let’s get quackin.

We open, here in Duckburg, where the Eggmen are breaking in. Sadly they do not have the master plan, but they are here to steel the Comarant, a super powerful land, sea and air device the military is storing there. They instead find Gizmoduck! Who makes a good first impression, being a hoaky superman parody in iron man’s costume in this continuity, but it’s a nice way to contrast to Darkwing’s batman parody with a touch of Sandman.. the pulp one not the neil gaiman one. Sadly he doesn’t have a cool gas mask but the Darkwing Duck costume is iconic without it.

Point is the eggmen are easily repelled, though they do get away by blasting Gizmo with a tank. The General in charge is thankful for Gizmoduck’s help, but notes the Comarant will be heading to St. Canard soon for a demonstration at the big air show, and asks that Giz go over and protect it, maybe even work with Darkwing to protect it. Though Gizmo shoots that down, and not only insults Darkwing but says he’s not sure if he’s good or bad. While the latter comment did sour me on the guy.. research bears out Darkwing has been framed once or twice, and my own experience with the pilot saw him you know breaking out of jail and basically clamming superheroes are above the law, so I COULD get why someone wouldn’t trust him, even if Giz’s attitude about it still isn’t great. So fenton quick changes behind a sign and heads off to see his old buddy Launchpad. A quick aside before we get going this episode doesn’t so much torch Tad Stone’s retroactive claim this isn’t the same universe as Ducktales, as burn it to ashes, take a whiz on those ashes and send each separate ash on a seperate probe to the farthest reaches of space. This episode not only has a cameo by Scrooge on a billboard.. but it’s one for DUCKBURG. Where Gizmoduck is said to be from. He also knows launchpad well, and vice versa, and outright mentions McDuck Manor. the episode couldn’t be saying “this is the same universe as ducktales’ harder if Scrooge himself showed up and started ranting about a Sea Monster eating his ice cream. I do like and respect Tad Stones, but I will never like or respect this claim of his and even if HE had that idea in his head during production of the show, it’s very clear everyone else including Disney who greenlit the Darkwing Duck comics explicitly connecting the two universes, felt it was a shared universe, and there’s really no reason they can’t coexist.

If it’s because “Well launchpad wouldn’t leave scrooge”.. besides the fact Scrooge tried to fire him MULTIPLE times, it’s not farfetched Scrooge would put him in charge of a hangar both because he trusts him.. and to get rid of him since he doesn’t like Launchpad very much. Plus Donald has to come back from his tour of duty sometime and likely could easily do Launchpad’s job as pilot, as he did in the source material. My point is there’s tons of ways to write the man out easily, and he could just as easily be doing both jobs like in the reboot. This feels like a weird, unnecessary retcon no one wanted and everyone just politely ignores, like the creators of Doug saying he and Patti didn’t end up together after High School. Which even then makes more sense than this claim, since at least there I get the creators not thinking a high school romance would last forever. That’s fair.. it’s just not something fans really wanted to hear after spending two separate series and a movie getting them together. It would be like if Girl Meets World had revealed Cory and Topanga had divorced. Yes it’d be possible since they’d broken up twice over the course of the series, but no one wanted that, why would you do that. I’m getting off topic, the point is a few breakups aside Doug and Patti clearly married eventually, and Darkwing Duck and Ducktales are in the same universe. Sometimes you just have to ignore Word of God for your own sanity.

Back at the actual episode we cut to Steelbeak’s Bowling Alley Hideout... and I do love a job that allows me to say things like that. But in a really fantastic bit Steelbeak is bowling his minions over as punishment for failure.. even though they have a valid reason but eh he’s the bad guy and he has to get his bowling average up for FOWL’s bowling team somehow. Their insurance covers evil punishment related accidents anyways, they’ll be fine.

But yeah let’s talk about Steelbeak for a second. I honestly hadn’t seen any of the original version so I was curious.. and he’s really damn awesome. Rob Paulsen always does a great job though and is always a pleasure, but he really does a good job here and with the contrast in him: He’d seem like a dumb thug, what with his gangster accent and general cockiness and swagger.. but he backs it up with great combat and even greater planning. He’s a schemer, a fighter and damn if he isn’t fun to watch. It also makes me love the reboot version even more. While I already loved him for being played by Jason Mantzokus, being enjoyably dim, while also still enough of a threat to be freaking cool, it’s even cooler knowing he’s still fundamentally the same character. Much like Drake he’s simply been tweaked a bit. For drake it was softening the edges since Ducktales isn’t as broad a show, and neither will the darkwing reboot i’m betting, so his ego and selfishness is sanded down considerably. For Steelbeak it’s giving him an actual origin: Instead of starting at the top of FOWL, he’s starting as a very competent but very wet behind the ears and full of himself agent, working his way up to becoming justifably full of himself like the original show. He has the same swagger and badassery, he’s just not a master planner yet and he’ll get there. Like many of the reboot characters, he’s simply an already great character given some extra depth and rounding out. I love both and can’t wait to see him again next ep and hopefully he’ll show up in the Darkwing reboot so they can go for round 2.

So with that out of the way, Darkwing naturally interrupts, and cleans house with his gas gun, forcing Steelbeak and his crew to literally go underground into the sewers. This successfully fools drake, and Steelbeak bemoans how both Darkwing and Gizmoduck have been thwarting his plans.. until he gets a great idea; pit them against each other so he can pilfer the comerant while their too busy fighting. It’s a classic supervillain tactic, and one that works perfectly because one of them’s an egotist and a dick and the other is also that but with more style and likeability. Back at Drake’s place, Gosalyn and Honker are watching a horror movie they clearly aren’t supposed to till Drake and launchpad come back in via their easy chairs flipping them in from Darkwing Tower which is just.. really cool. I like it. I also like that much like the Shakespeare bust in Wayne Manor, Darkwing has his own neat statue to provide acess to his lair... a tiny bronze statue of Basil from the Great Mouse Detective.. I REALLY need to fucking watch that film but it’s a nice nod. But yeah Launchpad brought them back because he feels drake could use a break while Drake refuses to stop because crime never stops and he doesn’t have time for it and your usual self destructive bollocks. It’s interrupted by a knock at the door?

It’s Fenton! Whose stopped in to see his old buddy launchpad, who is happy to see his old friend and the two catch up, though Drake dosen’t like the interuption because Classic Drake is kind of a grumpus. Fenton naturally is here because Gizmoduck is but says he’s doing a job for the military.. which makes no sense but given Drake doesn’t know what he does and Launchpad dares to be stupid, if not nearly as stupid as his reboot version, no one questions it. When Fenton says he needs to find a hotel Launchpad, being Launchpad, invites him to stay and while Fenton watches the movie with the kids, Drake wants him gone because you know he has a secret identity to keep and a case to work on and they don’t know if they can trust him with it. It’s fair.. but since this is Drake he almost handles it with the subtly of a howitzer. But before he can try to literally throw Fenton out on his ass, a news report comes on about an attack at a local theater and both head off to take care of it.. we also get a nice moment where both react to it with the same words at the same time. Fenton.. is actually really likeable. He’s a bit awkward, more in that he sort of barges in and makes himself comfy.. but it’s very easy to see from this and the one Ducktales episode of his i’ve seen where the utterly marvelous reboot version gets some traits from: his nervousness, his pluckness, his lack of thinking things through ocasionally when he’s not overthinking them. Fenton is charming. The issue is once he switches on the costume he goes from utterly charming to punchable REALLL quick. I’ll explain my problems with his alter ego in a sec.

At the theater Steelbeak fakes it to look like Darkwing’s doing the bombing, if half haphazardly and leaves Darkwing with the bomb so when Gizmo shows up he thinks he’s responsible. Darkwing naturally says it wasn’t him, but Gizmo dosen’t buy it and asks if he’s so good how come he wears a mask... says the guy in a helmeted visor’s whose only defense when that’s pointed out is it came with the suit. Which yes is a joke.. but it fails to land and instead of being funny just makes Gizmo look like a hypocritical dick whose assuming someone is evil based on flimsy evidence, and what’s very obviously a setup. it makes him come off as the biggest dumbass alive instead of this world’s superman and that is annoying. More ranting about him in a minute. We do end up getting an incredibly funny bit where the two end up arguing over who gets to defuse a bomb, with both wrestling over it till Gizmoduck takes care of it and both fall into the theater. Gizmoduck tries to arrest Darkwing who ignores him and runs off. The next day the Mallard family, including Honker naturally, watches Gizmoduck get a parade, a key to the city and other good stuff on the news while Drake sulks before turning it off. And yeah i’ve waited long enough let’s talk about this version of Gizmoduck and why he does not work. I get in theory he’s supposed to be “The Cape”, minus the cape: The big cheese that everyone looks up to and loves to Darkwing’s dark avenger of the night, a parody of that whose also really dumb. The issue is two fold. The first is .. the classic archtypical cape type chracter has been parodied to hell and back by 2020. He’s been a monster, an asshole and as with here an idiot. And even for then a superman parody, if not in apperance or powers but in treatment, whose really dumb wasn’t very new.

And you CAN parody a big silver age type hero: Justice League International did so well without being too overt, having most of the team either annoyed or actively hostile to Shazam/Captain Marvel. But it was done well there because well.. billy’s a very corny very earnest and likeable kid in an adult’s body. To us he’s charming and loveable. But to a bunch of actual adults he’d be offputting at best and annoying at worst. While some have been annoyed at how he was handled, I a fan of both JLI and Shazam liked it and thought it was an interesting take. Another REALLY good and REALLY hilarious take on this is from fellow superhero action comedy Danny Phantom, one of my favorites and one I need to revisit. One episode had Danny split himself in two so he could crimefight and have fun with his friends resulting in one self whose a burnt out slacker, and another whose an over the top crimefighter who says things like “you Felonious fiend!” And “This looks like a job for the vacuum cleaner!”. It’s a damn good episode. My point is it’s been better done before and since.

What doesn’t help is the episode tries to paint it as equal, since Darkwing’s problem in part is Gizmoduck stealing his thunder.. but it doesn’t work. Darkwing is a fully fleshed out character we know and love who despite his huge ego and rampant jackassery, is a decent person whose fought hard for St. Canard, loves his daughter and most damingly... is entertainingly sickish. Gizmoduck’s dickery just makes him come off less likeable and incredibly dense, while Darkwing’s is part of his charm and, along with his ego, has backfired enough to balance it out. Gizmo just doesn’t get comeuppance for his behavior, and instead gets rewarded with a parade, a key to the city, cheerleaders and Gosalyn looking up to him just for having powers in his gadgets. And really his methods aren’t that different from dark wing: While Darkwing is secretive, a loner and uses gadgets.. Gizmoduck’s suit is basically one BIG gadget, and he refuses to see. And I get that’s probably the joke but it just. doesn’t. LAND. It just makes him insufferable. And as far as I can tell in the original show he wasn’t: he was an awkward dork we root for like in the reboot, not a gloryhogging jackass whose squandered his good will long before he gets Darkwing isn’t evil and tries working with him to the point I don’t care by the time that happens: He’s already been so obnoxious it dosen’t make up for it. Maybe later appearances are better but he’s just a chore to watch in costume here. And that’s WITHOUT comparing him to the 2017 version, one of my favorites there, one of the best animated superheroes i’ve seen in a long time, and a toughly likeable character who struggles due to his superhero identity but took it up for exactly the right reasons and wants to help people. Darkwing Gizmoduck thinks he’s the cape and an inspiration when a good guy when he’s worse than the guy he hates at times. Reboot Gizmo is an honest, decent guy who simply wants to help people and use the gizmotech as a way to do that, to help change the world for the better and save the helpless, and only clashes with Darkwing due to his ego and lack of understanding that Gizmoduck and him really aren’t that different. Finally if THIS is why Tad Stones wants them to be different universes, because this Fenton is different from the Ducktales one in personality.. then that’s on HIM. That’s on him for writing this version poorly or letting him get written so poorly and not on the fans who had no reason not to connect a dot. God this character was disappointing and hopefully when I watch more of him at work in Ducktales, he isn’t this obnoxious, nor will he hopefully be in his sequel episodes. Thankfully moving on Darkwing gets to work, because you know he has experience, and finds Steelbeak trying to pilfer the cormorant but Captain Clueless interrupts and tries to arrest him. The two then finally fight and while it’s sadly short, it’s a fun clash and I genuinely hope the reboot has it’s own fight with them, as given how damn good they are at fight scenes, it’s bound to be even more awesome. But Steelbeak gets away, and uses the comarant’s secret weapon.. a giant fake egg that drops a giant pile of yolk to drown them. Gizmo finally realizes he’s been fighting the wrong guy but our hero's are now running out of time. Darkwing , being the actually capable one here, has Gizmo uses his propeller to beat the eggs and the two head off.. though after a funny bit where Gizmo breaks the Ratcatcher’s sidecar Darkwing lets him use his spare tier, which is huge and likely intended for the main vehicle. Good stuff. The two get after Steelbeak and while Gizmo makes me pray for death but death won’t come we get a fun battle with Steelbeak including Steelbeak using his beak to bite down and destroy the gas gun. It’s a damn fun bit I must say. But eventually the good guys win, disable the comarant and Darkwing beats Steelbeak. The day is save, FOWL is foiled, our heroes are on shaky but better terms, and Drake and Fenton depart on good if equally shaky terms, before arguing about which of them is better. And we’re out. Final Thoughts: This.. was a disappointingly mixed bag. Gizmoduck REALLY drug down what was otherwise a good episode with a great concept: Bringing in a hero whose stronger and more popular than Darkwing.. but mostly uses it to make Darkwing look good, which he didn’t need, and make Gizmoduck look REALLY bad, intentionally or otherwise. Steelbeak is a delight and his plan, and the egg trap, are really good, and as mentioned there are enough good set pieces to prevent this from being a terrible episode.. but as an old friend says for me time and time again...

youtube

#darkwing duck #drake mallard #gizmoduck #fenton crackshell #fenton crackshell cabrera #launchpad mcquack #steelbeak #gosalyn mallard #honker #tiff of the titans #tad stone

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weaselbeaselpants · 4 years

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That Krispy Cat: A Warning, part 3

The last of the images cause I don’t want this bitch on my computer anymore.

Knowing tumblr I kept the images hidden JUUUUST in case no one reads the fine print and can’t tell I’m being critical of this and gets me in trouble.

VVV ((Just in case you thought the JewishGriffon piece assured everyone that Crispy couldn’t POSSIBLY hate people of color, some of her earliest Nazi art had her character Klaus beating up Amigo Bear. She also made Amigo into a liberal strawman. )) VVV

((Dialogue to one of her TROLLARIOUS pictures that featured Amigo:

Amigo Bear: *muttering* "Your leader was a !@#$% little #@%^!@$^*!, you fascist feather duster..." General Klaus: "Fräulein, Ich vant you to cover your ears und shut your eyes as tight as you can." Crispy: "How come, General?" General Klaus: "Klaus ist about to say und do very bad sings zhat he does not vant his little Edelweiß to see or hear." Crispy: "Alrighty!" General Klaus: "WHO SAID ZHAT ABOUT DER FÜHRER? WER DIE FICK GESAGT? WHO'S ZUH SCHLEIMIG LITTLE COMMUNIST-SCHEISS SCHWANZLUTSCHER DOWN ZHERE, WHO JUST SIGNED HIS OWN DEATH VARRANT? NIEMAND?! GOTTVERDAMMT STALIN SAID IT! HERVORRAGEND! VHICH VUN OF YOU VANTS TO BE ZUH FIRST TO FIND OUT ZUH HARD VAY VHY MEIN FEINDE CALLED MIR DER BUTCHER BIRD?" ))

^^^ ((BUTOPHERARTISGOODSOYOUCAN’TCOMPLAIN

also the disc. for this pic before it was deleted had a ‘joke’ about cooking Jews in ovens. Oh and yes, that IS Hitler she’s giving that ugly ass cupcake too.))

^^^ (( - Thanks dA I never would have known I had a notifications unless eclipse blah -

This is one of her rants about how #Triggered she is that Starlight be compared to the Nazis when she runs a communist cult. Because A) that’s the real problem here and B) I too get upset when people say my OC is based on Jeffrey Dahmer when he’s so CLEARLY based on Ed Gein, Bwwwaaaah D> D> D> !)) ^^^

VVV ((Ugly art of her friend’s awful OCs.)) ^^^

VVV ((Crispy showing off why no one wants to be a patriot in our country.)) VVV

((FYI, Crisp, that attitude will make the Hamilton fans stronger so just keep that SJW-flinging coming you little SJW.

WHAT?! Social Justice is a broad term and as Crispy’s plainly demonstrated, you can circle it around and make a majority-class sound like the real underprivledged if you have enough fancy frou frou know-how and furries. Also, if a Social Justice Warrior constitutes someone who takes their cause soooo seriously that they’re annoying/petting/cruel/stupid about it....idk I think Crispy qualified.))

^^^ ((Crispy and her friend muse about what other races occupy the world of MLP in her headcanon. This, more than any other dA disc. and picture shows you her brand of “Segregationist-Nationalism is OKAY” thinking, cuz the art of these different races isn’t super offensive or cruel and neither are the characters. BUT if you scratch under the surface you’ll find that Crispy really likes these different people staying in their place and not in “someone else’s” country.

THEN, this same kind of thinking is used to convince you any mix of cultures is just cultural appropriation, again acting like she and her Nazi-stans are the only ones standing up to actual bigotry.)) VVV

^^^ ((Crispy makes the world a worse place by bringing up actual decent points; like how Americans dress Thanksgiving up as progressive and for the natives when we all know that’s not true...all to better her worldview.

fyi, GET OUT whenever you see a selfproclaimed Nazi fawn over Native Americans, because: Nazi Germany had a deep fascination with American Indians and used their struggles about their land being taken away from them to justify their eugenic genocide.)) ^^^

^^^ (( Crispy laughing it up on Furaffinity how she couldn’t be banned from her Furaffinity and then mysteriously never using her site there wowie.)) ^^^

^^^ (( Crispy complaining about SOPA cause her freedom of speech and blahblahblah.

Freedom of Speech is important. Unfortunately what people like Crispy don’t understand or care for is there’s no freedom of consequence. )) vvv

VVV ((LOL Joseph Mengele was such a stinkah let’s tell blithe jokes about him. At least WE AREN’T LIKE HIM!!!)) VVVV

VVV ((Early onset eugenic BS from her Spyro stuff that would be easy to miss if you didn’t know what this woman was talking about)) VVV

((Crispy admitting she thinks gays are pointless cuz they don’t reproduce but apparently loves them anyway. Also big shock Crispy’s seen Hetalia.)) VVV

VVV ((Crispy probably wanting Weeaboos to attack her cuz aren’t Japan’s animations so laaaaaaazy?!!?!? GUUdd think’ I’m a naziaboo! Germany’s never made any shitty animation evah. You know what, I lied. She doesn’t deserve Hetalia. She just doesn’t.)) VVVV

VVV ((Crispy dragging Brazil down with her as the apparent “Best South American Country”. Yikes.)) VVV

VVV ((More “it’s trolling ergo it’s not harmful” shit. Bulgarians probably do deserve their own Care Bears, but they certainly don’t want yours Crispy.)) VVV

VVV ((Disc. for her Richard Spencer bear art)) VVV

------

I know, I know...this isn’t what you wanted to read today, guys. I know it’s offensive and I’m sorry if it made you ill. I also know I’m putting my own blog under fire by showing these images here but I think that should say something about dA’s bad policies that this art gets a filter slapped on it and nothing more when the artist is blatantly pro-fascist.

Crispy resonates with me so much - and no it’s not cause I DARED to be “triggered”.

It’s because, for one, she was talented. I MEAN I HAVE EYES! That’s some nicely drawn digital stuff I’m not gonna deny. She had some cool rewrites and sequel ideas that, had it come from someone else I would have eaten up and faved to hell and back onceupona2012. But I didn’t, where a ton of MLP and furry fans did because they undervalued their own talents and would say “well it’s pretty who cares about the message?”

Unlike so many commercial+published artists, it’s REALLY hard to separate the art from the artist here because the artist is so connected and a part of her art and storytelling. If you fav her art, even if you didn’t like her, that was telling Crispy she’d won. It’s so defeating to have other artists say their gonna ignore their gut for the sake of prettypretty-Don-Bluth style art. And yes, that stigma DOES affect my view on 2D purists btw.

Crispy was so holier than thou’, and that attitude also was appealing to dA folks, not to mention her knowledge of art history by the time she dropped off the radar. Crispy was the kind of person who’d make long, detailed, justified rants against the design and color choices in Hazbin Hotel and then a bunch of antis would eat her redesigns up only to learn the awful truth later and embarrass themselves cuz they were so taken up by the craft they didn’t know they were reblogging a fucking Nazi.

Not to underplay Viv’s wrongdoings of course, but I’m sorry; the two aren’t comparable on the problematic artist meter. THAT’S HOW BAD CRISPY WAS.

If this somehow was just a faze and she’s come to her senses or doesn’t really think this shite she preaches...I don’t care. She said some vile shit and fuck no I’m not forgiving her. It’s like KenDraw or Shadman. You’ve changed your life around and realized you’ve done/drawn nasty shit that’s done real harm? Cool....I’m still not talking or ever promoting you, ya dingbat. You ain’t no Roman Polanski or Doug Tennaple. You’re a singular internet artist and any support of the project has to go to you - and you suck!

ThisCrispyKat was a wakeup call that showed me these people not only still exist but will be allowed to get away with it. I was very touchy bout this kind of thing back in the day. Fuck, I STILL AM TOUCHY. The rabbit holes I found thanks to Crispy opened up to reveal communities where people think my hair color’s going extinct. People would detail how much they wanted to rape me - a natural blonde - and kill my friends and family for not looking like me. That they want to jerk off in my naturally curly hair and see me in glowy German princess gowns preparing them dinner.

Crispy and other Nazistans would look at me; a blond-haired blue eyed Polish/German American woman and think I need to be “fixed” because I DARE to repeat propaganda that the Nazis were bad. They’d call me a traitor for thinking that celebrating the Nazi party ISN’T German pride.

HOW DARE YOU TELL ME THAT’S GERMAN PRIDE! I’LL SHOW YOU GERMAN PRIDE YOU EGOSTROKING-LIMPDICKED ATTENTION WHORES.

People like Crispy make it 1000x harder to actually show interest in German things. Because I AM interested in German shit btw.

Like for real: it’s a country I’d love to visit one day (at least the black forest, which is where my mom’s fam comes from). I love German art and German fairytales slap. I really do want to explore my heritage through art and stuff.

But guess what? Much as Crispy would argue to the contrary I DO know my WWII history and beyond and FUCK YOU if you honestly think jerking it to cuddly Nazi-furs is empowering or just “showing your interest in history”. Take your own advice and read a god-damn book.

TL;DR: I DO NOT have to be proud of Nazis to enjoy German culture and if you think otherwise, FUCK YOU. It’s a slap in the face to everyone even if you are ‘just trolling’ and it in no way values actual German’s feeling on the matter. It’s annoying how people undervalue real people just for the sake of fan art.

The Nazis were evil. They were racist, eugenic-genocidal idiots who killed over six million Jewish people, Romani, Slavs, Jehovahs Witnesses, disabled people, Poles, homosexuals and prisoners of war. They would have killed my dad’s side of the family if they were in Poland at the time. They made bullshit tanks that killed the people making them and didn’t work on the battlefield. Their leader was a fat, farting one-testicaled bastard who preferred animals to people.

They ruined everything for everyone and then took the easy way out, leaving the Germans that were left in the hands of the also-genocidal Soviets and Americans. Germany is still paying their war debts and now, 70-80 years later everyone else wants to laugh off this dark period of history with memes and forget what they did, and as such, are forgetting the victims of the genocide.

I have 0 tolerance for Nazi things for the sake of HUMANITY, let alone the individual groups they target. I don’t have to have German ancestry or know a single Jewish person to tell you any of this. It’s fucking history.

Eat shit.

#tw: nazi #tw: neonazi #tw: swastika #tw: antisemitism #cultural appropriation #kimba the white lion #thiscrispykat #altright #classic spyro #My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic #balto #animals of farthing wood

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gogo-karasuno · 4 years

Text

Sets and Spikes

Rating: General

Characters: Atsumu Miya, Koume Amatani (OC)

Pairing: Atsumu Miya/Koume Amatani (kind of)

Summary: Atsumu Miya kisses like he sets.

Notes: Written in second person POV. It technically could read like a reader insert with more of a backstory and fleshed out personality. Han-chan is derived from Hantai (Opposite). It should read like a shortened “Little Opposite”

- -

Atsumu kisses like he sets. You find this out the first Tuesday of your personal training camp.

He catches you as you are leaving the Inarizaki gyms. His brown eyes are dancing with a mirth as you wordlessly question him. Stopping for him will be a bad call. Boys with carefree attitudes while oozing confidence are always dangerous. But, you feel like not stopping would be an even worse call. A setter that gives you what you need feels so rare in your life. Offending the only one to match your so far would damn you.

“Where you rushin’ off to?” he asks while falling into your step. He made the decision for you. “After you finish yer personal practice you prance off.”

You are fourteen years old but have nearly nine centimetres over the national average height for women. Among your teammates you are their “Little Captain” and “Our Little Joan”. The next shortest person still has five centimetres on you. That feeling means nothing when you match up against him. There is nearly sixteen centimetres between you and right now you can feel it.

“I don’t prance,” you mumble under your breath. There is a rush of heat to your cheeks.

You tell yourself it has nothing to do with how he is still handsome with his three-quarters-ugly personality. Nor does it have to do with the confidence and openness only the volleyball court draws out of you.

“Nah. There’s this little graceful bounce.” You watch him try to imitate how he thinks you move. It makes you bite back laughter and smiles; he looks ridiculous. “Matches yer jumps for spikes when ya just appear.”

“Broad jumps add power with decreased shoulder strain.” Deflection to volleyball is safe. Your social skills are at their highest when one of your passions are involved. Sometimes you think that is why you seem to only make volleyball friends. "I'm just quick and nimble when I play. Always have been."

“And that little hop before you receive?”

His observations make you self-conscious. He spends some of his time analyzing your form. It makes sense because he is a setter. Just from your own observation you know his destiny is to become the number one in his division. Him being unobservant would be like being the number five ace without an arsenal of spikes. Or, being an opposite that never learns to be everything beyond a wing spike. You both have idiosyncrises befitting your status.

“A split step.” You chance a glance up to see him looking on with intrigue. “It keeps me ready to move while I analyze the opponents. Probably been muscle memory since fourth year in elementary school.”

He stretches his long body toward the sky while still matching your steps. “This may be the most you’ve said off the court, Han-chan.”

The face you make at his odd choice in nickname sends him into a fit of laughter.

“You’ve still not told me where yer goin’ this fine Tuesday evening.”

Telling him anything will end in bad news. You know this before you even open your mouth. Even with all of your perceived faults regarding attention span and mercurial interests in subjects you still excel at your academically challenging school. In volleyball, you play with observations as much as intuition. Thinking (and overthinking when things get too quiet) while weighing and acting upon split-second decisions are among your strongest skills. Everything points to a tricky end if you tell the fox sly boy anything.

“A local garden.”

You do not, however, tell him why you are going there. Two days into this camp means your brain is overloading with mental notes you need to write down. This is an arrangement made by your assistant coach (“Please do this. Your talents, drive, and passion will take you so much further than this team can go. Learn from this school.”) for you and you alone. However, you are the captain with a team that depends upon you on, and off, the court. These notes need to be taken down for them. Selfishness with knowledge is an unforgivable offense to you.

Atsumu moves even closer to you then twists down to see your face. “Aren’t ya supposed to have someone with ya, then? Everyone made a big stink about ya get lost real easy.” He laughs. “Sounded like ya could get lost in a straight hallway. Means we’re supposed to watch out for ya.”

Your face burns even brighter than before. With so little distance between you the smell of his cologne mostly overpowers the sweat of a day’s hard played games. It obstructs your thoughts in a way not even your “space cadet” or (uncharitably termed) “lackadaisical” personality does. He is both too close and too far from you at once.

“I’ve got my phone. “ You stare directly into his eyes. Eye contact is difficult sometimes but so is he. “Why are ya suddenly so carin’? Thought I was supposed to be annoyin’?”

“You were before me and ‘Samu found out ya can play on our level. Turns out Five isn’t so bad.”

There goes another of his offhanded compliments that move with the same speed as his insults. Halfway through Monday had you ready to blow up when he kept yelling at the spikers in-game. They were not your problem per say but who treats their teammates like that? Then came his flurry of insults when he was tossing for you one on one. He claims you jump too quickly so you have to strike back. His sets tosses are too slow and too low. You are not fragile. He should give you something that makes you work.

Atsumu seemed to drag out all of your personality including your unexpected, blistering temper.

"We can't have ya gettin lost here. So, I'll be yer guide."

---

Two hours later he has your back to a wisteria tree holding on to the very last of its blooms. One of his large, calloused hands rest near your head while the other grips your hip. How you are here blurs together like the purples, pinks, muddied whites, and decaying brown petals beneath your feet. You think it involved something about a small public garden followed by a fountain and still blooming trees.

Leaning back he burns kisses from the corner of your mouth and up jaw to lean in closer to the shell of your ear. “Yer hesitatin’,” he whispers with a tone you are too dizzy to follow. “Show me that court confidence yer famous for.”

You have no idea how to tell him that he kisses like he tosses for you. This easy, self-assured way that demands you to recognize that he is the best. He pins you down like he pins the weakest receiver to angle for the perfect toss. Nor how he seems to move through your walls the way he opens the way for his spikers. There is unyielding determination while he drags his lips down the side of your throat while his hand trails up the opposite side of your body. He gives the best and demands to have it reciprocated.

One of your hands twists up to tangle in dyed blond hair. You yank his burning lips back up to your own. If he kisses like he sets then you will kiss like you spike. Leaping displays of power that allow you to be everywhere at once. A plunging, coursing confidence that no matter what you do things will work out. People accuse you of leaping before you look. They miss that you always glance so you know where to take the best chances. Pausing kills the act.

Atsumu pulls back to look down at you with mischief alight in his eyes. His lazy smirk. Something in you impresses him. “Knew ya had it in ya to kiss like that.”

You kiss him again to shut him up.

#gogo writes #hq ocs #hq fanfiction #atsumu miya x oc #atsumu miya #koume amatani #haikyuu ocs #second person pov #atsumu miya x reader #it feels okay to tag it that just because of how things could read #we'll see how that #haikyuu fanfic #haikyuu fanfics #hq fanfics #haikyuu!! ocs #hq oc

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scripttorture · 5 years

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I have a situation in which torture is faked but has to appear real to others. What I need is how can the victim appear to look more hurt than they really are, both mentally and physically. The actual "torture" is not at all witnessed by eye so they can do whatever they actually want in there but it does have to sound real through the door.

Well that is possible but how convincing it is could vary a lot and it wouldn’t necessarily protect someone from torture.

Before I go any further I think it’s important to say that stories where any traumatic event or atrocity are faked need to be handled carefully: far too many survivors are dismissed as ‘faking it’ or ‘lying’. Try not to add to that.

And if you haven’t already take a quick look at this page which is there to help people who are getting started.

Torturers are competitive and incredibly undisciplined. So the ‘fact’ that this character has already been tortured by someone else wouldn’t stop another torturer from abusing this character as well.

Torturers often continue their abuse when there is no obvious ‘point’. They often target victims in front of other torturers as a way of showing off to each other.

So if the idea behind this charade is to protect the ‘victim’ character I’d suggest coming up with something else as well. Because otherwise the most likely thing is that the faked torture is convincing but other torturers decide to have a go later anyway.

I think that putting together a convincing (to the torturers) charade, should be possible especially if you put together a well thought through, fictional National Style.

National Style is a term Rejali uses to describe the most common tortures practiced in a region. Because we do see broad patterns that break down more or less by country.

If you put together a ‘National Style’ for your fictional world that is mostly based on ‘clean’ tortures then what you want should be relatively straight forward.

Clean torture is another term I borrowed from Rejali and other people in the field can use different terms. It means the types of torture which don’t (usually) leave obvious external marks or scars.

So for instance a punch in the face, which might leave a black eye or a split lip, probably wouldn’t be classed as a clean torture. But a slap to a fatty area of the body, which might redden but is unlikely to bruise or cut, is more likely to be ‘clean’.

Most torture nowadays is clean. Rejali puts forward a very convincing argument that this is because of increased investigation and torture trials: essentially Rejali thinks it’s torturers trying to hide the evidence.

In a fictional scenario like this one that can be played against the torturers. Because they would not expect to find any lasting marks or scars.

The easiest torture to ‘fake’ in these circumstances would be using a Taser or stun gun. These rarely leave any form of mark even on victims who are tortured to death. It makes torture by Taser one of the hardest forms to prove.

But it also means that if your false-torturer goes into a cell with a Taser, there’s a loud thump, like a body hitting the floor and screams- Well then that’s pretty much all the ‘evidence’ the other torturers would expect.

Some victims do piss or shit themselves during electrical torture. But I think the lack of this could be ‘explained’ with a loud charade of the ‘guard’ forcing the ‘victim’ to clean it up.

A clean form of falaka would also fit with this idea. Falaka is beating the soles of the feet and depending on the implement used it can be lethal, maiming, scarring or clean. Nowadays the clean form is generally done using soft, rounded implements like hosepipes.

The outward signs of this would be a temporary redness and a slight swelling in the feet. The swelling could be mimicked by soaking the feet in water. I’m not sure how the redness could be ‘faked’ but it can vanish very quickly, sometimes within minutes.

‘Pepper’ is another one that would be very easy to act. This is putting irritants, such as chilli and pepper, into a mucous membrane, like the mouth, nose, eyes, genitals and anus. There’s actually a pretty good account of faking this in Hafner’s I was Never Here and This Never Happened, she describes pretending to be abused in this way in order to avoid the real thing in her school.

Some common clean tortures that I don’t think could be ‘faked’ are sleep deprivation and starvation. Essentially because studies that talk about the way people look after they haven’t eaten for a long period or haven’t had enough sleep show that we can tell.

We can’t necessarily consciously say ‘oh yes that person didn’t get enough sleep’, but there is a visual difference. Which means that people looking at this fake-victim would be able to tell something was ‘off’ compared to real victims, even if they couldn’t identify exactly what was different.

I also don’t think that stress positions would be easy to fake. Because while the swelling they cause goes down quickly and the ulcers heal over this takes hours or days. What makes stress positions isn’t a total lack of visible signs but the fact that these signs can be symptoms of other things, such as disease or malnutrition.

This is probably a good time to state that while I think what I’ve described could fool a guard or a torturer I do not think it could fool a doctor, trauma specialist or a lawyer who’d dealt with torture cases before.

Torturers are notoriously terrible at conducting investigations or paying attention to evidence. So I don’t think that it would be particularly difficult to fool them. Dangerous, yes, but not difficult.

From the point of view of the ‘victim’ they’d need to act as if they were exhausted and in a lot of pain, with the exhaustion perhaps as the key point. Falaka makes walking difficult and painful. Electrical torture can cause lasting muscular pain and temporary difficulty with coordination and fine motor control as a result.

As for psychological symptoms, it’s hard to estimate what torturers see and what they recognise.

Victims describe anxiety, depression and hypervigilance around torturers and guards. But they also describe defiance, resistance (non-violent and violent) and even baiting behaviour.

Victims describe a range of behaviours and responses. Torturers on the other hand describe their victims as if everyone responds in a consistent and controlled way.

The evidence overwhelmingly shows that the torturers are wrong but it is difficult to say whether they are deliberately misrepresenting what happened or if this behaviour is a result of memory problems or if they’re just plain delusional.

What I’m driving at here is that because we don’t know enough about torturers it’s difficult to say how accurate and convincing this ‘victim’ character’s acting would need to be.

Especially since there’s considerable variety in how people respond to and express pain.

In general acting incredibly tired and as if it is difficult to do everyday activities would go a long way. Acting scared would pander to what torturers seem to want and expect but would not represent all victims.

Catatonia, hallucinations, psychosis and movie-style-amnesia are all (barring very unusual circumstances or solitary confinement particularly) incredibly unlikely.

Wrapping up, I’d suggest thinking carefully about how you present this plot line and any real torture survivors in the story. Because a lot of torture apologia today works by saying that some victims don’t count. That they’re liars or that the abuse they suffered is somehow not ‘bad enough’ to count.

I don’t think the scenario that you’ve presented is apologia but I do think you should be aware of how and when it brushes up against similar ideas. You might find this post on clean torture useful, and I think this post on the definition of torture could also be beneficial.

I hope that helps. :)

Availableon Wordpress.

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#writing advice #tw torture #clean torture #writing torture #faking torture #attitudes to clean tortures #attitudes towards torture survivors #writing torturers #writing victims #behaviour of torturers #electrical torture #tasers #pepper #falaka

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