#i love you simber

[simba-bonfamille-lyons]

Happily Ever After... /./ [Simber]

The next five years...[takes place: 2025-2029]

/./ /./ /./

[link here]

/./ /./ /./

[ninthhousesteel]

things ruewen simber has done that i feel best reflect who she is

started a bar fight with the strongest member of their party to distract the owner from the keys being stolen from her, immediately got thrown across the room into a wall, it worked

suggested stealing robes from unconscious/dead evil clergy members in order to infiltrate an evil church, it worked

ignored a horrendously gay moment by watching a roly poly walk along a porch railing, it worked (and she named her cat after it)

figured out she wasn't in fact dyslexic because uh oh! she could suddenly read deep speech

tried to have a pretty girl hold her hand because she did not yet have darkvision and needed to walk into a pitch black cave, it didn't work and she's still upset about it

her and the aforementioned pretty girl are now in a will-they won't-they relationship that can only be described as schrodinger's romance

[the-teddy-bear-butch]

the vitriol for light mode is so valid. tell me about your poor little meow meow blorbo from dnd if you so wish

WAHOO

You know that TikTok audio from the Lego movie where the astronaut wants to build a space ship and he’s like “you’re not gonna tell me no” or whatever? Me rn :3 Apologies in advance for the long rant but!! You did technically ask for it hehe

ANYWAY, technically none of them are *my* poor little meow meow blorbos because I’m the Dungeon Master!! But I am genuinely obsessed with all of them

@haaawaiianshirt plays Delilah, an aasimar path of the beast barbarian. She was born and raised in a religious commune type situation before running away after being responsible for the death of a friend, and then being adopted by a sheriff in a small town. She later became his deputy, but they can’t outrun their past. The god this commune worshipped, Omen, is reaching out, and it seems he has some sort of plan for her that she does NOT want to be a part of. They’re also reflavored so that their path of the beast forms aren’t tail, claws, whatever, it’s cherub, seraphim, and throne form!! Which we got to work on together and I think it’s really cool. Emmie jokes I have shared custody of Delilah hehe, and I’ve probably done the most writing for her thus far

@suwunnysideup is playing Belladonna, a reborn tiefling grave cleric (with a bonus level in fighter!)!! They were raised from death by an evil cult called the Order of the Rotting Eye, which serves a rival god to Omen called Char’gothikon. Their past is intrinsically linked to Delilah’s, but both characters are still figuring out how. She’s recent been revealed to have more than one soul piloting their body, and are under the influence of something dark. They are currently trying to rescue their wife, Aasharni, from the clutches of the Order, who are demanding powerful Relics in return. She is also a werewolf, as of session two! They are the sweetest ever. They’re also 7 feet tall and we’re all really normal about it

@daughterofdrearburh is Nora Elliot, a rough around the edges “human” (werecoyote) ranger!! Her specific subclass has yet to be revealed in game, but she has abilities somehow related to other dimensions. A group called the Horizon Walkers, also servants of Omen, have made their connection to her known, and are seemingly trying to recruit her. She’s a terrible little beast and we all love her so dearly. She’s best friends with Morgan, and grew up in the same town as Delilah, but she can be a little aloof. She doesn’t like to trust people, and recently got shot by Morgan (under a vampiric charm) and lost the one bit of trust she had placed in anyone. Also she died and came back with black eyes but that went away so I’m sure it’s fine

@ninthhousesteel is playing Ruewen Simber, another normal human!! She’s a fighter, champion archetype, only she somehow has access to spare the dying and was able to use a scroll, despite “not being a spellcaster.” She was a socially awkward farm girl who didn’t even believe in monsters before joining the group and quickly having to confront that fact. She discovered a not at all cursed sword that was later revealed to in some way be connected to Char’gothikon. Also, she died in one session, but returned without the help of revivify—but with dark veiny scarring across her shoulder that appears to be spreading…

@candle-lion plays everyone’s favorite unethical evil lesbian, Doctor Morgan Lancaster. She’s a doctor who Jekyll and Hyde’d herself. She’s a “shifter” circle of the moon druid with a few levels in artificer. She was a doctor in a town called Dusty Springs, which was terrorized by vampires from a coven called the Onyx Eye Coven for many years. She has a HUGE vendetta against vampires, and is damn determined to exterminate every single one she sees. In an effort to become stronger and protect people, she made an experimental serum, which turned her into a monster. During times of stress, at will, or occasionally at random, she transforms into a “bad taxidermy wolf monster” but apparently mostly maintains control. She’s looking for a cure for herself, and recently discovered she too is somehow connected to Char’gothikon.

@lavenderlevetan is a petty vampire and we fucking love her. Seraphina is a half elf now vampire and she’s a fighter as well!! She has canonically killed 1000+ people over 20 years of being a vampire!! But she specifically chooses to go after bounties, and specifically those that list “wanted dead or alive.” She’s actually the nicest person ever until you (Morgan) give her a reason to be petty. She’s also the most charming of the group and her expertise in persuasion has made her mvp of multiple sessions. She was dragged into this mess while trying to find a missing person for a bounty, and thus far has yet to discover why her specifically, when it seems every other character is here for a Reason

Morgan and Seraphina hate each other and they want to kiss about it so bad. When any of us post about morphine, that’s them LMAO. Deliladonna is obviously Delilah and Belladonna. Norue are the slowest slow burn ever

And while I’m the DM and don’t have a PC, I do have a special little guy NPC that I’m a little obsessed with. Her name is Brozi and she’s a half orc way of mercy monk. She was Delilah’s best friend (and for some time, girlfriend) after the aasimar arrived in Sawtooth City and together they were the worst teenagers ever. Brozi isn’t going with the party, but she and Delilah are still very close, and their goodbye will be hard. While Delilah is gone, they get to achieve their lifelong dream of opening a bakery 🫶

In any case. Cowboy dykes. With horror. Themes of free will, losing control, found family, and learning to trust and overcome prejudice. The friendship dynamics took everyone by surprise. Belladonna and Seraphina are undead besties. Ruewen and Seraphina play go fish. Delilah and Morgan are slowly fixing each other. Nora and Morgan are also fixing each other. Morgan is super protective of Ruewen and it’s very sweet. I would die for any one of them. I’m obsessed with them a healthy amount.

This is the party 🫶

(In order left to right: Morgan, Seraphina, Belladonna, Delilah, Ruewen, Nora)

[cinamun]

*internal squealing* OMG! 🥺😫😮‍💨 I-

I cannot…Where is my inhaler. And my eyes are…leaking? Someone hand me a tissue. They are so nerdy and I love it! 🤗

OMG CIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNN! Had us all ready to lose our shits! 😵‍💫

Whole time JayJay is professing his undying love, my mind is like:

😂😂😂 Congrats to these two. Our babes have grown up. I literally flat lined at “Worldstar!”…man, what a time! Lol.

side note: Mercy, where the hell you at girl? 👀

CHAE!!!! This is us watching everything go down from that one rock in the background (I'm dude on the left)

Congrats to the beautiful couple and hold on while I put a SIMBER Alert out for Mercy 😒

[swynlake-rp]

Get ready for seasonal allergies! 

OTMS

MUN: L! Three cheers for L, who is not only super supportive and enthusiastic towards everyone’s plots and characters, but also a powerhouse when it comes to her own amazing stuff! Members shouted out her loveable Luca moments, her wonderfully messy Mim antics, and of course Pacifica’s big moments with the credit union and her engagement! 2-4-6-8 who do we appreciate! CHARACTER: BUSTER! Can we take a moment and appreciate how G completely hit the ground running with Buster, and on an AU week of all times to join this group?! That’s incredible. We’ve already seen our favorite new grumpy werewolf make some connections post-AU and we can’t wait to see where he goes next, along with the fabulous Georgette! THREAD: WOLFING REGENCY AU! Oh don’t mind me I was just lying on the floor Emma (2020)-style. THE YEARNING!! Props to A and L for an AU story that had us all hooked from start to finish. Honorable mention: Everyone’s AU things! There were too many amazing AU plots to name them all, but we loved to see it. From forbidden romance to a murder most foul, New York’s hottest club had everything.  TASK: HOW I MET HIM (JAKE)! Our members praised the framing device, the Aussie slang, and the beautiful portrait of single motherhood that A gave us with this task. Crikey, it’s feelings! 

BOARD UPDATES 

DEBATE: Feb. 28 - March 7  

VOTING: March 7 - March 9

TASKS

A PLAYLIST FOR A FRIEND! Make a playlist for someone else’s character, or a ship (that you are NOT in)! At least 10 songs, with 50 word descriptions about why you chose each song.  SPRING PAIRED THREAD! Plot a thread with your assigned partner related to spring! Some ideas to get you started: planting a garden, planning a Spring Break trip, spring cleaning, the farmer’s market, the equinox, daylight savings, the sky’s the limit! This task is mandatory for getting a new character this month.

EVENTS

FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 7: DEBATE: The candidates in the emergency election will answer the burning questions submitted by Swynlake voters!

MARCH 7 - MARCH 9: VOTING:  All Swynlake residents – yes, even the Americans! – can vote in the election. 

MARCH 11 - MARCH 17: SIMBER’S GOING AWAY PARTY: Come wish Simba and Berlioz a bon voyage the day before they officially move to London! There will be music and games and barbeque!

MARCH 13 - MARCH 20: ST. PADDY’S AT PIXIES’: Celebrate the big night at Swynlake’s place to party! Don’t forget to wear green— or you’ll be glitter cannoned! Canonically on March 17. 

MARCH 20 - MARCH 27: KLEO AND EDRIC’S EQUINOX PARTY: Come celebrate the start of spring at a party hosted by Edric and Kleopatra. There will be catering from Tiana's, with a live DJ, and plenty of alcohol.

MARCH 24 - MARCH 30: PRIDE U AND SWYNLAKE SECONDARY SPRING BREAK It’s happening! Teachers and professors also get the week off, hell yeah. If you’d like to organize a trip, please reach out to the Admins. 

MARCH 27 - APRIL 3: FARMER’S MARKET OPENING: It’s back! Get your fresh fruits and veggies, support local businesses, and maybe sell your own wares. The farmer’s market will run all summer, but this is the grand opening event. Canonically March 29 

BIRTHDAYS

Characters:

Wade Ripple – March 1

Sebastian Morey – March 9

Félix Madrigal – March 10

Kenneth Carson – March 11

Randall Peterson-Boggs – March 12

Winston Deavor – March 15

Renard Dubhuir – March 17

Sophie Hadder – March 20

Edward Andalasia – March 25

Georgette Midler -- March 25

Merida DunBroch – March 26

Gamil Wahed – March 26

Kleopatra "Kleo" Schreiber – March 27

Tanya Tiwari – March 29

PLOT ROUND-UP! 

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSIONISM

Characters and Muns Involved: Jessie and Nick

Plot: Jessie and Nick attended an exhibition opening where they found out a Board member was effectively blackmailing artists into giving him their paintings. They have decided to liberate some of his collection for him.

GABRIELLA REUNITES WITH HER FAMILY

Characters and Muns Involved: Gabriella, Gil, and Bruce

Plot: Bruce used his RAS connections to help reunite Gabriella with her family. She met up with them in Peru and then joined an organization to help take Avalor back

JEFF AND SARABI’S WEDDING

Characters and Muns Involved: JEFF, Sarabi, Simba, Alana , Aquata

Plot: JEFF & Sarabi get married! Their kids shared special dances with them.

[swynlake-spill]

top 10 new year's kisses?

bold of u to assume we have ten new year's kisses.

what do i mean by that. WELL, come hither young reader, pop a squat. A New Year's Kiss cannot be JUST a kiss. It's a symbol. It's the literal first thing you are doing in the new year, and so it should SIGNIFY something. no offense to established couples but rare is ur new year's eve kiss significant in anyway tho as we go thru my list u'll see that i have exceptions. still. i wont just put any kiss on a New Year Kiss List. that's absUrD.

so without further ado, the only kisses that actually make the cut are--

Isa x Copper

This one is significant not bc of copper bc idc who that man is. very tall, congratulations! But as i previously stated, this symbolizes isa's new beginning!! she's out with the very very old (clayton, ick). she's in with hope! love! romance! possibility! We STAN a kiss like this, because it's about the girl power and the feminine energy and revitalizing ur self-esteem after a terrible no good very bad romantic tragedy! good for u isa!

Simba x Berlioz

see i dont hate couples. i have friends who are couples. i'd like to be a couple some day!

But once again, this was a kiss that was a BEGINNING! They're moving! They bought a house! They were toasting their past, which began in Pixie's, but looking forward to their future! this is a kiss that makes me believe in true love. i repeat: what will i do without u simber. DON'T LEAVE ME.

Hunter x Willow

anyone else get the feeling that this was these two's first kiss...ever???

do not mean that in a mocking way it was just THAT pure and sweet and good. i don't know if they kissed as pals, i don't know if its the start of something new... but it brought tears to my eyes.

Tofi x Moon

tbqh i dont rly know what's up with these two ppl but they intrigue me. i am WATCHING. the sexual tension... the crackling energy between the two... the sense of history... it was giving mr. and mrs. smith before they have crazy hot wild sex. and moon didn't kiss back but they did leave together...?? i will be tuning in.

Ollie x Pacifica

for similar reasons as above, this was their FIRST KISS AS AN ENGAGED COUPLE! well ok probably not but lets all SAY it was the first kiss, more or less. they are also starting out on a brand new chapter. this was the kiss to end all kisses! the kiss that will haunt me all the way to valentine's day! ollie and pacifica WON THE FIRST KISS CONTEST!

[labellerose-acheron]

simber ofc

If you were church, I'd get on my knees Confess my love, I'd know where to be My sanctuary, you're holy to me If you were church, I'd get on my knees I'd get on my knees I'd get on my knees I'd get on my knees

And take the pain Make it billboard big then swallow it for me Time-capsule for the future Trust me, that's what I will be Oh, the things that you do in the name of what you love You were doomed but just enough

adding an extra challenge to this bc otherwise u won't be shocked bc whenever i find new songs i DM you like -- omg this is a x song. SO -- im doing songs that AREN'T on playlists already. which means they're gonna be by the skin of their teeth but you KNOW WHAT this song is very horny and therefore has simber vibes

[fantasy-fields-bitty-center]

I'd like a matchup please–not picky in any way. I have a perseverance soul and I can be very cuddly, but I’m okay with little contact. I have ADHD, Depression, and anxiety. I struggle with self esteem + anything social. I am a night owl and a realist who loves stars and sweets, with a dark sense of humor. Don't mind blood, hate loud noises. In online school, so I’ll be home often. No current bitties, but I have experience with many pets. Not the best memory, but can follow recipes. An introvert.

This is going to be looong since you didn’t specify any types- so here we go!

In no order:

Doll(Tale paps Neko): Doll bitties always know just what to say to help their owners feel better and are super clingy and don’t mind helping you remember anything you need to! They're cats so they like night just as much as actual cats! They are super cuddly with their owners but can easily and always take no for an answer if you don’t want cuddles! They also don’t mind doing most of the talking in public if you want them to!

-

Ornate(Outer paps Lamia): These bitties love stars and the night! They don’t mind being home more often as long as they arent alone to often and can get bored a little easily too and totally get being a little forgetful!

-

Blue Racer(Tale sans lamia): These bitties are super laid back and are perfect for new owners/being the only bitty! They are pretty lazy and don’t mind staying home most of the time either and don’t mind if you arent the best cook, they'll eat just about anything anyway!

-

Argos(Tale sans Hellhound(Demon)): These bitties love cuddles and do perfectly well as the only bitty around, they like being the protector and wouldn't ever mind helping you remember things or with things like cooking or chores, and they never feel ignored when guarding so when you get busy or hyperfixate on something they will just stand guard and wont mind! But they are a bigger bitty!

-

Mexwing(Swap gaster butterfly): These bitties are very cuddly and always small! And with their ability to just flutter around you can just open a window on a nice day and let them play outside, and with their flight you can easily keep things for them out of the way!

-

Silkie(Tale sans chicken harpy): These bitties are super social and do best in groups of 3 or more but they are very easy to care for even if you get more than one! They are pretty cuddly and they don’t mind being dyed so you can easily make them super colorful!

-

Simber(Fankid type: Normal sans x Normal Grillby): These bitties are laid back and pretty blunt, meaning you never have to worry about not knowing what they mean! They love to cook and bake and would love to help in the kitchen! They can easily remember recipes perfectly by heart!

-

Eevee(Pokebitty): Eevee bitties are super affectionate and love to spend time with their owners doing anything and everything! They also wouldn't mind entertaining themselves for awhile if you're busy! They do need at least one other bitty around but a pair of Eevee's will divide and concur! And the things they will be trying to concur will be your self esteem issues and anything else! Even if they can only help for a little while they count it as a win!

-

1.0 Moon(Fnaf bitty): These bitties can easily help you remember things and help with scheduling if you want them to!

They arent super strict about their schedules and don’t mind keeping it loose, they can also help you clean, they can get overstimulated by loud noises but having a Sun bitty around can help them and the Sun! They will also both help you the best they can! They also don’t mind entertaining themselves while you're busy of course!

-

Regius(Soft au JTK lamia): These bitties can be a little skittish and get spooked by loud noises(even something like a sneeze) but are very cuddly and despite being a Jeff the killer type they hate fighting and would much rather talk it out!

-

Ben(Normal Ben Drowned bitty): These bitties, of course, love video games! And are known for getting very easily distracted by their games, so can easily keep themselves busy for hours on end! They aren't very loud but arent as spooked by loud noises either,

-

Virid(Izuku Midoriya lamia): These bitties are note takers, and can easily help you take notes on anything you want! From recipes to things for school to hype fixations and more! They are also very hardworking and will do their best to help you in any way they can!

-

[justkeepdancing-nemo]

my ships and their 🔥 VIBE 🔥

bc taeyang said its the one and only theme song and it rly does feel like ur old school r&b love track lets get it

helle: “you’re my one and only mission” 

loud bell: “ Before you my world was in disconnection” 

loud: “Look at the stars / moon shining so bright.” 

simber: “ I'm the music, you're my top line”

namtae: “Got me binge-watching you with that attraction”

romo: “ Your smile is fine art / You wake up my soul” 

bffs: “Holding hands causing an electrocution” 

matcha: “you’re the han river, i’m the nam san.” 

prancing horse: “I can't express it in words / Girl, you gotta know you got that vibe.” 

pippemy: “I'm the stage, you're the spotlight” 

phinnip: “nothing is impossible, lights camera action” 

soft: “ Falling on a dark sky like twilight”

ramity: “this gonna be the one and only anthem”

juno: “I'm trapped inside your space, you're my matrix” 

moon princess: “You don't know I want your love (Know, I want your love)”

snow quartz: “Can feel my sixth sense, it's a stimulation” 

snooze: “I’m the movie, you’re the highlight.” 

bow: “You're the city, I'm the skyline” 

[theoakleafpancake]

Okay, so this isn’t an RA post, but I need to talk about this.

The Unwanteds.

I’ve reached the fourth book now, and boy has it been an emotional rollercoaster. But I just wanna talk about Alex and Simber.

Well, maybe it is kinda an RA post, cause the two of them remind me just a little bit of Will and Halt.

But seriously. Alex…I feel so bad for this kid. He’s been through so much crap.

And then there’s freaking Simber, who acts like this cold statue (I mean he kinda is a sand statue but whatever), but he would do absolutely ANYTHING for this thirteen year old kid. Simber’s just like that gruff father who doesn’t like to show emotion or admit he’s wrong, and the only one he does do that to us Alex.

I love it.

Also, I could talk about how one of my favorite characters is a blackboard, but that’s a whole other post.

But Alex and Simber have an amazing father/son relationship and it basically carries most of the story and I’m living for it

[kouros-herc]

Romantic Trope Aesthetic: starring

 Simber as ‘Happily Married’ / ‘Supportive Husbands’

“If you’re lost and you look, you will find me, time after time. If you fall, I will catch you, time after time.”

@simba-bonfamille-lyons @ber-bonfamille-lyons 

Everyone knows that in Disney, everyone always gets a happy ending, right? And usually that happy ending is a wedding to a prince, happily ever after implied. And anyone who knows me well knows I am a SUCKER for a happy ending.

But what these cool cats bring is the fact that there’s an entire life after the ‘happily ever after’ moment, and the truth is that life isn’t always happy. People go through hard times and bad times and so do relationships. But these two are there for each other anyway, giving each other the love they deserve and helping each other through the hard times. I will always be rooting for them as will their son Hercules

[simba-bonfamille-lyons]

First Time - Hozier

And the first time that you kissed me I drank dry the river Lethe The Liffey would have been softer on my stomach all the same But you spoke some quick new music That went so far to soothe this soul As it was And ever shall be Unearth without a name

Some part of me must have died The first time that you called me 'baby' And some part of me came alive The first time that you called me 'baby'

[ninthhousesteel]

FOR THE DND ASKS EVERY # ENDING IN 2 !!!

YIPPEE THANK YOU NOAH

2. before they met their party what was their main goal?

ruewen was a farmer so it would probably be just tending to the farm and making sure everything was running smoothly

12. have they ever been in love?

not yet but she might be falling for someone 👀

22. what is a promise they've broken

keeping her brother safe </3

32. do they seek control or do they want less of it?

she doesn't seek out control for power but she would like to have some sort of control over where her life is headed

42. what are three words they would use to describe themself?

uncertain, inexperienced, cursed

52. from whom do they seek validation?

prior to meeting the party it was from herself, but now she wants to prove to the world that she is capable

62. outside of otherworldly forces, what do they believe in?

FUNNY STORY ruewen didn't even believe in the supernatural before getting tangled in the plot of this campaign LMFAO but now i think she doesn't know who or what to believe in

[oh-phineas]

songs to steal a train to: a district 3 playlist (alternate title: i really, really like trains)

1. Sleep on the Floor by the Lumineers 2. King of the Road (She and Him cover) 3. Hard Travelin’ by Mandolin Orange 4. On the Road Again by Willie Nelson 5. I’ve Been Everywhere by Johnny Cash 6. Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen 7. Atlantic City by The Band 8. Married in a Gold Rush by Vampire Weekend 9. Truckin’ by The Grateful Dead 10. Like a Rolling Stone by Bob Dylan 11. California by Joni Mitchell 12. Carolina In My Mind by James Taylor

1. Sleep on the Floor by the Lumineers

If the sun don't shine on me today And if the subways flood and bridges break Will you lay yourself down and dig your grave Or will you rail against your dying day

This felt like a good place to start! It literally starts with telling someone to go pack lol. And it’s all about leaving behind expectations for you and pursuing adventure, using a sort of apocalypse motif. Felt very fitting.

2. King of the Road (She and Him Cover)

I know every engineer on every train All of the children and all of their names Every handout in every town Every lock that ain't locked when no one's around

Now THAT’S what I call a train song!!! Hell yeah!! I love the nostalgia for this song and its sort of nursery rhyme quality. It sounds like the kind of thing you play on the harmonica while you ride the rails. Good stuff.

3. Hard Travelin’ by Mandolin Orange

Well that whiskey'll never hold you like a good girl can When the nights get lonely it can be your only friend Hard traveling down the road I'm feeling bad boys, I'm feeling low I'm feeling bad boys, I'm feeling low

Can you tell I’m listening to one artist and one artist only during this AU lol. But yeah I think this song is all about how lonely life on the road can be, and ya know I thiiink our lil gang of rebels will be okay (looking at you, Selene/Sol and Kitsune/Siren 😉And we all know this is classic Simber). But it’s just a vibe and I bet some people ARE lonely in the legion!!!

4. On the Road Again by Willie Nelson

We're the best of friends Insisting that the world keep turning our way And our way Is on the road again I just can't wait to get on the road again

Alright this isn’t really PLOT relevant but you can’t have a road trip playlist without this song. Like King of the Road, it’s a real harmonica on the railroad type song. And it’s got a hopeful quality that I think is important!

5. I’ve Been Everywhere by Johnny Cash

I was totin' my pack along the dusty Winnemucca road, When along came a semi with a high an' canvas-covered load. "If you're goin' to Winnemucca, Mack, with me you can ride." And so I climbed into the cab and then I settled down inside. He asked me if I'd seen a road with so much dust and sand. And I said, "Listen, I've traveled every road in this here land!"

This song is just silly and fun. I hope everyone sings along on the ride to Enchantra. Love the vibe of just people giving each other rides across the country to seek adventure. 

6. Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen

The highways jammed with broken heroes On a last chance power drive Everybody's out on the run tonight But there's no place left to hide Together, Wendy, we can live with the sadness I'll love you with all the madness in my soul Oh, someday girl, I don't know when We're gonna get to that place Where we really want to go, and we'll walk in the sun But till then, tramps like us Baby, we were born to run

This is incredibly self-indulgent and doesn’t really fit the vibe of the playlist. But COME ON!!! This song awakens something in my SOUL. Especially this last part. Love u Bruce Springsteen xoxo

7. Atlantic City by The Band

Well, I got a job and I put my money away But I got the kind of debts that no honest man can pay So I drew out what I had from the Central Trust And I bought us two tickets on that Coast City bus

This also is more about vibes than plot relevance. Society has rejected you. You have no money. Your relationship is kind of failing, but you really need to not be all alone. So what do you do? FLEE THE STATE! I’m not saying Enchantra = Atlantic City but... idk maybe I am

8. Married in a Gold Rush by Vampire Weekend

Something's happening in the country And the government's to blame We got married in a gold rush And the rush has never felt the same

Shared a moment in a café Shared a kiss in pouring rain We got married in a gold rush And the sight of gold will always bring me pain

I feel like this song can be for disillusioned Victors. This society raised you up and rewarded you with riches, but you’re left with all this pain and trauma. And you don’t know what to do with that, so you run away. Everything you were promised isn’t really what you hoped for. Everything that glitters... isn’t gold!

9. Truckin’ by The Grateful Dead

Sometimes the light's all shinin' on me Other times, I can barely see Lately, it occurs to me What a long, strange trip it's been

I love this song for a road trip. It’s got everything: long, rambling guitar solos and lyrics about being on the run from the law and a very long story about various towns. I think being in the Legion can feel like that, after many years. Being on the run in general. A loooong strange trip.

10. Like a Rolling Stone by Bob Dylan

How does it feel, how does it feel? To be on your own, with no direction home A complete unknown, like a rolling stone

This song to me is for all the rich kids/Capitol kids/Career district kids who defected. And might feel a little in over their heads. They feel idealistic about joining the cause, but they have no idea what real hardship is like. How DOES it feel???!

11. California by Joni Mitchell

Oh it gets so lonely When you're walking And the streets are full of strangers All the news of home you read Just gives you the blues

I just thought after Bob’s angry rant it might be nice to have a sweet chill song about homesickness. Because that’s for real. But Enchantra might also be California. The promise of a new life and a new home. And I just love Joni’s voice in this.

12. Carolina In My Mind by James Taylor

Dark and silent late last night I think I might have heard the highway calling Geese in flight and dogs that bite Other signs that might be omens say I'm going, going I'm goin' to Carolina in my mind

Ending on a mellow note. Maybe you didn’t make it to Enchantra. But you’re still dreaming of a better life. That things can be different. This one’s for all the people the Legion lost. And for hope! This song makes me emo sjkfaalsfh

That’s all! Hope you enjoyed ur ride

[ber-bonfamille-lyons]

Summertime: K-Pop for Simber 

so its been a WHILE since i made a playlist for simber in part bc i simply listen to a lot of kpop now and normally i like to have my playlists like...have a Vibe or Sound that reflects my characters or their tastes and kpop is not ber. But then I was like....well i love simber and i think i should make a kpop specific one and also the more artists ive listened to the more im like actually ber could vibe with a lot of them because they’re some of the best made most interesting versions of pop out there in my opinion. to be fair this playlist is not that-- though all the k-rock is INDEED that aka ber would like that song and have it on his playlists-- but anyway i just wanted to capture the k-simber vibes bc i love these songs so i did that. 

this description was bad! the tl;dr or methodology was basically: k-rock with a splash of summery, sexy kpop! and this playlist is excellent in my opinion.

Random Notes: 

If we want to talk about Simber’s individual voices-- Simba is basically all the SHINee songs (I’ve always said Simba would be Shawol and I’m so right it’s just true) and Berlioz is Day6. These are the two most prominent artists that define the K-Simber Sound. Sorry I Keep Saying K-Simber. 

Koko Bop-Body Rhythm

These songs are about sex. That’s all i just thought we’d acknowledge it, and I like the way they talk to each other with the tropical elements. also i legitimately think koko bop is one of the best songs ever written so...im right. 

Countless- Healer

‘Countless’ is a song primarily about loss. The narrator compares that immeasurable loss to counting stars in the sky, which represent the reasons they love that person and need them. It’s very Simba, very aching, the harmonies are gorgeous. It pairs so well with the next song ‘Healer’ which is...well, what it sounds like-- about healing through love with someone! Which is very Ber. 

Dimple-I Smile 

Another really nice pairing. Dimple is so silly and sexy and I love it. What I like about these songs together is Dimple is talking about someone ELSE’S smile-- aka Simba talking to Berlioz about his smile, which you know, he “hides.” So it’s very flirty and is about kind of trying to make that person smile because you wanna see their dimples teehee. And then I Smile is the opposite, talking about YOUR smile and why you smile, what makes you smile-- and of course it’s that other person. You’ll hear the melancholy in the song which is bc there’s this tinge of like...mental health and stuff running through it: “ Today, I smile / Even though it hurts, I smile /  When i'm with you” 

also Finale SHOULD be your OTP’s song. If you don’t put Finale on your OTP’s playlist... what r u doing 

also i will probs add stuff to this playlist thank u 

[wondereads]

Personal Recommendation (11/29/20)

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann

Why am I recommending this book?

I read The Unwanteds back in fourth grade, and I recently got the urge to read it again. I remembered a lot of it, but there were some things that took me by surprise.

Plot 1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10

In the gray land of Quill, creativity is an offence punishable by death. When children turn thirteen, they are sorted as Wanteds, Necessaries, and Unwanteds. Wanteds attend university and eventually gain high-ranking positions, Necessaries perform menial labor, and Unwanteds are gotten rid of by being thrown into a lake of boiling oil. Yeah, I was a bit surprised about this being included in a children’s book. Twins Alex and Aaron are separated when Aaron becomes a Wanted and Alex is sentenced to death as an Unwanted. However, when Alex goes to face his fate, he and the other children are saved by Mr. Today who shelters Unwanteds in the magical land of Artime.

The story is sort of predictable, but it’s also unique. The premise and worldbuilding is separate from other fantasy/dystopia books, but it is still meant for children, so it’s fairly easy to predict what will happen next. In my opinion, the book is too short, even if it is the first in a series. I wish there was more time to develop Artime, especially since the magic system is unlike any other readers are familiar with. In Artime, there are no wands or incantations. Magic comes from art, whether it’s painted doors you can actually walk through or clay that shifts and hardens at the artist’s command.

However, I do think that, although the ending wraps up rather nicely, it leaves just enough unanswered to lead to the next book. The other islands and the Quill-Artime relationship are the big ones.

Characters 1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10

Alex is a very easy character to relate to, at least for me. There were certain scenes where I really felt for him, especially when he is held back from training while all his friends get to move on. Also, I think his relationship with Aaron is done really well; their codependency and sudden separation contributes to a lot of the plot development as well. Aaron is not the sort of person I would spend time with in real life. He’s self-centered, arrogant, and he’s willing to put hundreds of lives in danger to further his own ends. However, I am interested in him because it’s obvious he still cares for Alex, and he apparently has some hidden creativity.

Out of the side characters, Samheed is my favorite. I think his character development and his relationship with Alex was very compelling. Even though he’s rude and mean towards Alex, I still ended up liking him because he was given reasonable motivations and a complex personality. Unfortunately, I didn’t like the female characters as much. Meghan was a bit bland, and I really felt like she was just there to round out their group. As for Lani, I get that she’s younger than the rest of them and she was just trying to get Alex’s attention, but I was so angry with how she treated him. Also, she never actually apologized for it. However, she does get bonus points for completely obliterating Justine.

An honorable mention for my favorite minor character, Simber. I just really love his concept and character design, and he has a lot of personality for only being present in a couple scenes.

Writing Style 1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10

The Unwanteds is definitely one of the easier books I’ve reviewed. Lisa McMann does a good job with character voices and descriptions, but it is a bit to simplistic for someone my age. I’ll read the whole series because I want to learn about Artimean magic and the other islands, but I think I’ll always be a little unsatisfied. However, this book is perfect for late grade school age kids. The language is easy for them to understand while still being a book with quality plot and characters.

Meaning 1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10

This book is all about embracing your talents, even if they differ from other people’s, and using creativity to find solutions. That’s especially important today since a lot of emphasis is put on STEM while choosing to go into the arts is often referred to as a waste of time. I’ve seen some people say, “The sciences are how we survive, but the arts are how we live,” and I wholeheartedly agree. Also, I think some real world issues, such as prejudice and the condemnation of minorities were addressed tastefully in a way elementary schoolers can understand. Finally, Alex’s conflict between his biological family (Aaron) and his found family (Artime) is very interesting, but I don’t think there’s quite a resolution to that once yet.

Overall 1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10

The Unwanteds, despite opening with a bunch of thirteen year olds about to be thrown into boiling oil, is a fun book that’s good for light reading. It’s really best for ages ten to thirteen, but it’s also lighthearted fantasy adults can read when they’re in the mood for something unique but not depressing. The plot and character development is rather good, although I wish more time had been devoted to it. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy fantasy and dystopian societies or need something cheerful to read.

The Author

Lisa McMann: 52 years old, American, author of the Wake and Visions trilogies as well as the spinoff series Unwanteds Quests

The Reviewer

My name is Wonderose; I try to post a review every two weeks, and I take recommendations. Check out my about me post for more!