#please read heavy satire

[modify-and-sever]

if gender is what's in my pants then my gender is YOUR MOM lol anyway yeah I heard you're nonbinary do you have a penis. are you girl agender or boy agender. are you girl nonbinary or boy nonbinary. you have multiple genders but like are you more girl or boy. ok you're neither but are you more boy or girl. no haha I get it like no gender lol but seriously do you have a penis. is it a boy penis or a girl penis. it's honestly really weird that you don't want to answer this question honestly I'm just going to assume you have a dangerous male penis and tell all my friends that you're a bad person

[that-ari-blogger]

Galinda's True Colours

One key theme in Wicked is superficiality. The world of Oz is a place where honest conversation is difficult to come by. Almost everyone is pretending to be something, or believe something, or have something, all to get what they want.

Popular approaches this theme with the subtlety of a hyperactive wrecking ball and gives a musical monologue about how this world works, and why.

Because Galinda has been portrayed as ditsy up to this point, with a bit of the self-serving schemer archetype thrown in for flavour. But here, we see just how intelligent she is. Galinda has caught on to how the world works, and understands what buttons to push.

Let me explain.

SPOILERS AHEAD (Wicked)

The first element to be brought under examination is Wicked's love for subverting expectations. By this, I mean that certain mindsets in the world have stereotypes associated with them, take idealism and cynicism for example.

From what I have observed, when a writer wants to use one of these archetypes, they will probably draw on a few common ideas. The former is usually portrayed as stary-eyed and naive, or unflinchingly positive. Cynicism meanwhile has a certain sarcasm to it. A cynic might feature a permanent scowl and a dry remark as a kneejerk reaction to anything.

In short, Cynics are usually written to be villains who are overcome by hopeful heroes, or to be heroes who are proven right by a world where hope is meaningless. Idealists on the other hand are either heroes who make the world a better place by sheer force of goodness, or naive fools who the world breaks down.

Obviously, there are exceptions to the rule, but those exceptions are mostly more developed characters in their own right, so the label of "a cynic" doesn't really fit them. Batman is an idealist (when he's written properly).

What is fascinating about Wicked is how the characters are presented. Elphaba is introduced as cynical, she fits the archetype to a tea. But after a musical number, her character swaps entirely. She keeps the sarcasm, but the hopefulness becomes a driving force that goes against the stereotype.

Galinda is... introduced as a bit of a ditz. She's got an ego, she gets what she wants all of the time, she has a well-known family. She's the generic rich kid, essentially. Fiyero gets the same treatment.

For the record, By Galinda, I mean young Glinda, and I am treating them as separate entities until they meet back up.

Anyway, when Galinda starts singing, her real worldview becomes clear. It's possible to argue that it wasn't particularly hidden to begin with, but in Popular, she bludgeons you over the head with it.

"Celebrated heads of state Or 'specially great communicators Did they have brains or knowledge? Don't make me laugh! They were popular! Please, it's all about popular! It's not about aptitude It's the way you're viewed"

As much as I despise it, Galinda is kinda right here.

In 1964, Henry Littlefield published an essay in the American Quarterly titled The Wizard of Oz: Parable on Populism in which he gave some opinions on a theoretical metaphor inherent in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz book (if you don't want to read it, TedEd has a video discussing it and its legacy). He claimed that it was an inherently political book about the time Baum wrote it.

The sparkly new world looks even better if you put on tinted glasses, and only works if you understand that the wizard's power is empty, so Littlefield proposed.

Scholars since have praised, debated, and debunked Littlefield's essay. Pointing out the fact that this is pattern recognition with hindsight, in the same way that you can look to the stars and see a goat.

Essentially, there is an argument for The Wonderful Wizard of Oz being political, and there is an argument (most famously made by its Baum himself) that it is just a children's book.

Wicked is a satire, and not a children's book, so it gets away with some heavy insinuation, but to avoid landmines and a lack of knowledge on my own part, I am going to talk exclusively about how this affects the land of Oz itself, rather than its implications for the real world. Please don't argue in the replies.

So, Galinda's hypothesis here is that the leaders of Oz do not get to where they are because of any actual skill, but rather because they were well liked by either the people, or their superiors. She gets proven right about this throughout the musical. Madam Morrible moves up in the world by presenting Elphaba to the wizard, the Wizard gained power by giving Oz a common enemy, and Galinda and Fiyero themselves gain status seemingly out of nowhere.

In Oz, it doesn't matter what you know, but who you know, and who knows you.

In the show that I watched, Galinda was played by Courtney Monsma, who knocked this number out of the park. Galinda is an incredibly cynical character, but Monsma played her with what I can only describe as "manic pixie energy", which circles back to Wicked's idea of superficiality.

Because the ditzy pantomime of Galinda present in What is this Feeling and half of Dancing Through Life is nothing compared to the madness that is Popular. This is a character who knows exactly how to toss her hair to get what she wants, who knows how to make people think she is something she isn't.

Monsma played a character who was well aware that perception would get her further in life than intelligence, and was having fun with that confidence. But she is actually clever, Galinda has picked up on this fact that everyone else has just accepted subconciously, but now she can explain it.

This song feels like a hyper fixation rant. The frantic obsession was a mere outlet for the excitement of finally being able to speak to this worldview head on to someone who she respects and knows will actually understand her. This song feels like Galinda and Elphaba are on emotional and intellectual equal footing.

This song is also part of my case for Wicked as a queer musical that only works as a story because the romance doesn't. As in, this is a story about a romance that could have been, and that romance reads as queer to me. I will get more into it next week, but for now, I will say this:

This song doesn't matter, and that's exactly why it does matter.

This is the moment when Elphaba and Galinda connect, and share. This is Galinda trying to give back for the wand and make up for her previous behaviour to make Elphaba less of an outcast. But she has already done that.

The moment at the end of Dancing Through Life when Elphaba and Galinda share the spotlight, when Galinda makes herself look like a fool to match Elphaba, when she lets the outcast lead, and the rest of the room goes along with it. That moment is when the romance is kicked off, that is the moment when she starts making amends. That is the moment when she starts to make Elphaba less of a social pariah.

That dance renders Popular superfluous, or at least it does on paper. In reality, this song is doing a lot of heavy lifting in the foreshadowing department, even more so than What is this Feeling, in my most humble of opinions.

Popular happens because Galinda is right about so much in her world, but wrong about the most important thing. Brains and knowledge are irrelevant in Oz, perception is powerful, but empathy rules them all.

Galinda gives this big show of how amazing she is for helping people. Look at her, she's so good. But, Elphaba doesn't care about that, and Galinda does. The romance doesn't work in the end because Galinda realises too late that in the big scheme of things, superficiality is nowhere near as fulfilling as connection. That's why her romance with Fiyero breaks off, and its why her romance with Elphaba is doomed. She only realises this when both options are off the table.

The romance between Elphaba and Galinda breaks apart, but it can only do that because it was there to begin with. You can't tear down nothing.

You could read the relationship as entirely platonic, a friendship that breaks down. But art is subjective, and to me, the romance makes this story so much more compelling.

Final Thoughts

Popular is a popular song in the fanbase. It's an absolute bop, but it's also one of the simplest numbers in the entire production. The set is two beds, there is no fancy dancing, just one character sitting still and the other jumping around like she's on springs. The set doesn't change, there are no extra characters, nothing.

This song doesn't let anything distract from the character drama that is going on in centre stage, so that the audience can take in what is actually being said and done.

Next week, I am taking a look at I'm Not That Girl, and I will being going all in on the queer reading of this musical. Although, that is a heterosexual love song, right? How could that be queer? I have thoughts, so stick around if that interests you.

Previous - Next

(Images were sourced from this video)

[silver--scar]

INTRODUCING ME

🚫PLEASE HEED WHAT I WRITE BELOW🚫

The Basics

My name is Silver Scar! I use any pronouns and have many floating interests! I sometimes use tone indicators, and I love gaming, art, and talking/hearing about interests!

I AM AN ADULT!

While I do not mind chatting and having fun, making moots and friends here and there, at the end of the day, we are NOT EQUALS if you are a minor. I am a firm believer in keeping proper boundaries in place and making the internet safer for the younger people. Again, I don't mind making friends! But remember that I will not treat you like an adult if you aren't one. It's for the best, even if you hate me for it.

I do my best to be respectful and educated, but I am a bit slow. If I say something wrong, PLEASE HOLD ME ACCOUNTABLE FOR IT AND INFORM ME ON HOW TO DO BETTER! The last thing I want is for people to let it slide or immediately attack me.

My Platforms

Aside from tumblr, I also have other social handles you can visit! The main ones I have are:

Tiktok

Instagram

Twitter

https://x.com/SilverScar360?t=s_Gldynda0uxih9ZIgAWvg&s=09

Twitch

Here, and on all of these other platforms, I AM NOT A SAFE SPACE FOR THE FOLLOWING:

PEDOPHILES

ZOOPHILES

NAZIS/ZIONISTS

RACISTS

HOMO/TRANSPHOBES

PRO/COMSHIPPERS

It will result in an immediate ban. I do not care. I know it's ironic that (currently) I am a South Park fan, but even I do not like the things that occur within the show, regardless of satire or jokes, and I'm tired of people hiding behind this fact or using it as an excuse.

My Interests

I have a few things I enjoy which will all change in the future. So far, this is a few bits of what I'm into:

South Park

Red Dead Redemption 2

Minecraft

Stardew Valley

Dauntless

TheHunter: COTW

Warriors

Call of Duty (Story Mode only)

Percy Jackson and the Olympians

Slime Rancher

Hermitcraft

Bonus Bits

I love to write short stories in my spare time, but I am no means a good writer.

I have a pet dog! Her name is Missy, and she's a Pitbull/Boston Terrier mix.

I'm a heavy procrastinator, but I'm trying to change it up this year!

I love creating ideas. Even if I suck at it. Whether stories, art, AUs, concepts, I love to explore the "what ifs" in things.

I'm a rambler. I'll talk, dump a bunch of images, or spam a lot about many things big and small. But I also love hearing people ramble! Like, yes! Tell me more about why your oc did this thing or why you think this film is your roman empire! /gen

My online persona is Gumbo from Fortnite. I have stolen him and he is mine. I am literally a monster gumball machine guys, believe me. /j

Lastly, I do commissions! You can ignore this last bit, but if you ever consider supporting, you can look at the examples below!

Anyways thank you for taking the time to read this! I hope to deliver stuff you all will enjoy!

[snapdragonsimming]

Author's Note and Transcript Under the Cut

(AN: Hello! Thank you for stopping by and checking out my fledgling fundie simblr. I’m by no means new to simblr, but because this blog and story is new, I figure an introduction is due.

So: hey, I’m Talia! I had another fundie simblr a few years back (it’s now inactive for a multitude of reasons), but like a certain someone, I have risen again! My fundie sims obsession was reignited over the summer after I joined a wonderful fundie sims-themed Discord server. Somehow they convinced me to make a new blog, and a few months later, here we are! In the intervening years I continued to lurk, so if you’re an active fundie simblr, I’m probably a fan of your story.

I’ve been playing the de la Cruz family for a while now and they have a special place in my heart- I can’t wait to share them with everyone else! Get ready for lots of God-honoring drama, mildly dubious baby names, and leopard-print modesty undershirts. Note that as the de la Cruzes are fundamentalists and this story is satire-heavy, there will be some viewpoints expressed that I very much disagree with. I’ll trigger tag certain sensitive subjects (e.g. physical violence, miscarriages) as ‘tw [thing]’ but fundie-typical bullshit will go untagged for the sake of my sanity.

Some basic housekeeping stuff to wrap up this far-too-long intro note: I have a queue full of posts ready to go, but I’m a busy student with unpleasant things like homework and AP classes, so I’m still not sure how frequently I’ll post. I’ll do my best to ensure that stays consistent, though, and if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out via my askbox or DMs!)

-

PRAISING HIM!

Every Sunday, Praising Him! features a family dedicated to spreading the Word. Today we meet the de la Cruzes, a San Sequoian family of 16.

When Alejandro and Alina (née Fletcher) de la Cruz married at nineteen, they could not have imagined what would come next! Over the past twenty-six years, the couple has made faith the centerpiece of their lives, and has continued to “Praise Him!” through the ups and downs of busy family life.

Read more about their family below!

-

Alejandro, 45, works as a programmer at United Christian Publishers, and holds a Distinguished Degree in Computer Science from Foxbury Christian University. He began his journey into higher education not at 18, like many students, but at 26, shortly after the birth of his seventhborn, Cecilia! Owing to his unique circumstances, he chose to enroll in a six-year program that enabled him to work full-time as a freelance programmer in addition to his courseload. Though money was tight at times, the Lord provided, and Alejandro welcomed five bundles of joy (including a darling set of twins!) with wife Alina while enrolled at Foxbury. Whew!

Alina, 45, has chosen to fulfill God’s design for women by staying at home with her family. Raised in a devout household, she always knew He was calling her toward marriage and motherhood, and she says the “greatest blessing” in her life was the day she gave birth to her eldest son Gabriel, ten months after her wedding day and just shy of her twentieth birthday. In addition to raising and homeschooling the seven de la Cruz children who have yet to graduate, Alina is active in her church and in Institute for Strong Christian Standards (ISCS) circles, and enjoys spending time with her four (soon to be five!) beautiful grandbabies. A true Proverbs 31 woman if we’ve ever seen one!

You may recognize Gabriel de la Cruz and his lovely wife Esther, 23, from last summer’s print edition of Praising Him! At just 25, Gabriel is a rising star in the Christian legal world, coming to the aid of innocent Simericans simply trying to practice their faith. Ten months ago, they welcomed their first little girl, Abigail, and just last week they announced the upcoming arrival of their second child! Congratulations to them.

-

Althea Brown (née de la Cruz), 24, is following in her mother’s footsteps and proud of it! The young woman, who wed husband John-David, 28, three years ago, resides in Newcrest and is a content stay-at-home-mother of two.

Jasmine Booth (née de la Cruz), 23, known to friends and family as “Jazzy,” is enjoying the bliss of new parenthood alongside her husband of two years, Jason!

The first set of de la Cruz twins, Joshua and Sofia, 21, are both unattached and living at home. Sofia is pursuing a calling in missionary work, and Joshua is hard at work saving money and praying for his future family. “If you’re reading this as a young Christian woman,” Sofia jests, “have your father write into Praising Him! and I’ll set up a date with Josh!”

Caterina de la Cruz, 20, is diligently knitting, crocheting, sewing, embroidering, and cross-stitching her way through her season of singleness! Though she prays every day for her Prince Charming (nonbelievers need not apply!), she assures Praising Him! that she’s quite content to assist her mother in running the busy de la Cruz household in the interim.

Cecilia de la Cruz, 18, the only unmarried de la Cruz not living at home, declined to comment.

The rest of the de la Cruz children, who range in age from 8 to 17, are kept busy with homeschooling, ISCS conferences, music practice, and Bible study.

If you would like to get in touch with the de la Cruz family, click here to send a message!

[disco-elysium-via-polls]

BOOK "LA FUMÉE, VOL 1. NO. 4"

The leading intellectual organ of Martinaise communism. Offers a radical Mazovian perspective on a range of contemporary issues. The cover features a stylised portrait of the late King Frissel with a pair of white antlers growing out of his head.

>INTERACT

LA FUMÉE, VOL 1. NO. 4 - The front of this quarterly journal features a large, satirical portrait of the late King Frissel. From the sides of his head, a pair of white antlers spread to the corners of the cover.

Why Frissel?

Flip through the pages, see what catches your eye.

LA FUMÉE, VOL 1. NO. 4 - Because Frissel was incompetent, foolish, and cruel. In short, the embodiment of everything the communards wished to overthrow. It's *satire*, you see.

2. Flip through the pages, see what catches your eye.

LA FUMÉE, VOL 1. NO. 4 - To your disappointment, there aren't any full-colour pictures to direct your attention, just column after column of closely set text, interrupted occasionally by little doodles in black and white...

After riffling the pages with your thumb several times, you return to the table of contents...

The magazine is divided into several sections: 'International Developments', 'Kunst und Kultur', and 'Local Concerns'. Just inside the cover there's also an editor's note.

Read the editor's note.

I want to catch up on 'International Developments'.

What is 'Kunst und Kultur'?

Let's see what they mean by 'Local Concerns'.

[Put the magazine away.]

LA FUMÉE, VOL 1. NO. 4 - "Comrade, as you know, this journal takes its name from Mazov's immortal expression 'Du cristal à la fumée.' This was his way of describing the way the rigid, crystalline structures of capitalist ideology turn to smoke under communism..."

"But like the structures of capitalist ideology, we too are at risk of going 'à la fumée.' Unlike many publications which are content to spoonfeed their readers reassuring drivel, *La Fumée* is committed to telling the radical truth, even when that truth may drive away potential subscribers."

"So please, if you value our radical Mazovian perspective on contemporary politics, culture, and international affairs, please consider subscribing today.

Yours in struggle, The Editors."

(Whisper.) "Kim! I think this is a *communist* magazine."

Play it cool. Pretend everything's in order.

KIM KITSURAGI - "What do you expect? It was laying around the office of the Débardeurs' Union. They're probably *bankrolling* the thing."

LA FUMÉE, VOL 1. NO. 4 - You flip back to the front of the magazine. The table of contents unfolds before you.

2. I want to catch up on 'International Developments'.

LA FUMÉE, VOL 1. NO. 4 - This section includes a long, tedious critique of the latest round of free-trade negotiations between the EPIS nations and the Free State of Semenine.

You also skip over an article about heavy fuel oil smuggling along the Mesque-Messina border, something about bear wrestling in Samara, book riots in Yugo-Graad...

Face it, you really aren't interested in foreign affairs. You're not even sure where most of these countries are...

You flip back to the front of the magazine. The table of contents unfolds before you.

3. What is 'Kunst und Kultur'?

LA FUMÉE, VOL 1. NO. 4 - It takes a moment, but gradually it dawns on you that 'Kunst und Kultur' must mean 'Arts and Culture'...

As you leaf through this section, you come across several reviews of recent radio-plays, as well as a brief 'Artist Spotlight' featuring a local artist identified only as 'C.S.'

The main feature, though, is a long essay titled 'TipTop Tournée: A Critical Mazovian Perspective'.

Read the profile of 'C.S.'

Just a moment, what is this 'TipTop Tournée'?

Sounds dull. (Return to the table of contents.)

LA FUMÉE, VOL 1. NO. 4 - This so-called 'Artist Spotlight' is really just a brief Q&A, made all the briefer by the subject's evident hostility to her interviewer.

AUTHORITY [Easy: Success] - That certainly *sounds* like a certain *delinquent youth* who likes to harass you from her balcony.

2. Just a moment, what is this 'TipTop Tournée'?

LA FUMÉE, VOL 1. NO. 4 - The actual article is surprisingly light on details, but after skimming a page or two you gather that it has *something* to do with motor carriage racing...

2. Alright, let's see what these communists have to say about TipTop.

LA FUMÉE, VOL 1. NO. 4 - You think you're settling in for a relaxing recap of the most recent season, maybe sprinkled with some nice anecdotes about a few of the more colourful drivers...

Instead you find yourself skimming a 10,000-word feature about all the politically *problematic* aspects of TipTop Tournée.

Wait, what's wrong with TipTop?

LA FUMÉE, VOL 1. NO. 4 - Where to even start? For one, there's the crass commercialism of its sponsorships. And then there's the practically *criminal* emphasis on deadly motor crashes...

Hang on, who wrote this stuff?

What's so bad about sponsorships?

What's wrong with a good motor crash? They just keep it interesting.

LA FUMÉE, VOL 1. NO. 4 - Oddly enough, this article has *two* bylines: Nasteb Encalada-Bernal and Exilus Bücher.

CONCEPTUALIZATION [Medium: Success] - There's no way those are real names.

Wait, why aren't they real names?

CONCEPTUALIZATION - Have you ever met anyone named 'Exilus'? Come on, they're plainly pseudonyms.

2. What's so bad about sponsorships?

LA FUMÉE, VOL 1. NO. 4 - Under capitalism, the article says, every pursuit has its price. Every pleasure, even one as elemental as the joy of racing others around a track, is reduced to an advertising opportunity.

Thus the so-called *tournée* becomes a competition between increasingly meaningless brand signifiers: your discount laundry detergent racing against a pack of Astra cigarettes or even a Frittte...

Right, but then you get to see them *crash*.

LA FUMÉE, VOL 1. NO. 4 - And that, precisely, is what's problematic about it. Were it not for the promise of random, *spectacular* violence, audiences would quickly lose interest...

At the end of the day, it's the destruction of these 750,000-reál racers that you're *really* watching for.

[patrochillesvibes]

Hiiii

First of all I really LOVE your blogue it is my little refuge, I have a question so I consider my self to be a big fan of Greek mythology and the Ancient Greek world and I’ve been wanting to read the Iliad for years now but I don’t know which translation should I go with and it’s supper overwhelming so could you please recommend one where Patroclus and Achilles are dissected as lovers and not as some Good friends or worst Cousins

Thank YOUUU <3

Hello friend and patrochilles stan!

I’ll be up front and state that I don’t particularly care for The Iliad. I started reading it back in January 2023 and haven’t gotten past Book 10. And I read about 150 books a year, so it’s not for a lack of trying. It’s just not for me 🤷‍♀️

A friend recommended The War Nerd Iliad by John Dolan when they noticed my struggles. Part of me thinks it’s supposed to be satire, but I actually think it does a good job at capturing The Iliad as a form of entertainment material per the time of Homer. There’s no patrochilles 😢 But if you’re like me and you want to better understand the plot, then I recommend this “transladaption.”

I’ve been recommended the Caroline Alexander translation by several folks on here. I’ve seen a few describe it as the most pro-patrochilles yet. It’s the one I’m currently reading (please don’t take my lack of enjoyment as a bad review -that’s just me).

A lot of people have been raving about Emily Wilson’s translation. I’ve skimmed it. The language is very pretty. If you want a translation that’s more “poem” like, then this translation is a solid choice. It’s very pro-patrochilles.

The classic translation, which is unfortunately not pro-patrochilles, is Lattimore. The passages that I’ve skimmed (looking for patrochilles) really pull you into 1250 BCS. It does a good job at embracing elements of drama.  

Not a translation but a masterpiece of an adaptation is The Age of Bronze. Very explicitly pro-patrochilles.

This Reddit Post does a nice analysis of the different translations and what they offer. Highly recommend taking a look.

I have seen a similar ask going around and it has some really excellent patrochilles resources. And some more here. Check those out for sure.

Final note that I just gotta add in cause I’m a bitch like that: Don’t put Homer on a pedestal. I think it’s cool that you’re exploring mythology, but don’t think you gotta suck Homer’s dick. He has a lot of value from the perspective of historians and related fields, but that’s about it. Case in point: No one can decide who he is; No one can decide who wrote the Iliad; There is evidence to suggest that he didn’t actually create the plot of the Iliad, he was just the one who wrote it down and had copies survive; and His work is full of anachronisms. So from a fan perspective (which I think more people need to acknowledge that they're just simple fans and not academics), my takeaway from all this is that he’s just the first to put his headcanons down on paper. And just because he was the first, it doesn’t mean that his headcanons are more legit than yours or mine or Shakespear or Miller. Enjoy Homer in the same way you enjoy random hc posts on Tumblr or fics on AO3. Don’t give him the canon treatment. Respect him, but do it with a heavy dose of salt like at least a teaspoon.

Thank you for the ask!

[exilethegame]

One question that i had about the worldbuilding is, does every country have some type of cultural music? Like, China has Peeking Opera, European countries have Opera, Brazil has Bossa nova. That type of things, and if it does, what type of music would be cultural to Plaithus? Sorry if the ask got confusing.

My general answer is yes, everywhere in the world has distinct music, but I don't quite know the specifics of it myself. I can describe a general idea of how I've imagined it sounds/is performed, but when it comes to the cultural pieces that surround the music and names and things, I'm at a loss!

Plaithus would be into stringed classical instruments, pianos and pipe organs, and choirs. If I were to compare their music to that of the real world, I would compare it to baroque-- both choral and classical. Similar to the baroque era, the music is about capturing grandeur and extravagance.

Orchestras are a pretty popular thing to go out and see if you have the means to see it-- otherwise, choirs tend to be pretty accessible to listen to. All of that sort of music is displayed as a performance, and once that's meant to be enjoyed as an experience as opposed to a feat of skill or superiority. Rich Plaithians may be snotty, but they do have a genuine fondness for art.

In the lower income areas, folk music is a pretty big thing. Music can be found played in the streets or in taverns. Original songwriters + bards are also a pretty common sight, and I imagine a guitar or lyre is probably a common instrument of choice among them.

MC was likely the subject of a lot of songs-- both before and after their exile. The lyrics in a lot of songs are often poltiical and satirical, usually mocking and making fun of the Council.

Vygrand actually has a playlist on spotify that you can find here-- I would say it's pretty accurate to how I imagine their cultural music. Calm, quiet, often made to sound pleasant and be played in the background of dinners and important meetings. The oud + pandura are popular instruments, as are metallic-like percussions.

Music isn't meant to make a point. It's not really meant to make you feel anything either. It's just background, and unlike Plaithus, it is always a display of power and position. A noble family would always have live music playing-- to not would imply they'd be unable to afford it, and if they were unable to afford it... well, then that implies a whole plethora of other things.

Music isn't taught to high-ranking sorcerers. It's viewed as an activity best suited for the weak since they'll never have a chance to make a name for themselves with magic. (Might as well try to earn some notoriety by performing for your betters, hm?)

Vrithkan music varies a lot-- however the instruments themselves that are used are pretty much the same everywhere. Drums and hand-carved wind instruments are pretty common to hear. Based on where you are in Vrithka, the music can be heavy and made for dancing or soothing and meant for relaxing. Some even incorporate animal calls and screams/yelling into their music. In general, music is very much scene as a celebratory thing-- it's not safe to make a loud of noise whenever you please, so if you're willing to risk it, it's likely for a good cause/reason.

Music in Vrithka is almost always collaborative. It's a mix of partying and dancing and singing and is often just improv. However-- I also think ballads are a thing in the sense that they tell stories through song. A fair share of Vrithkans can't read, so the art of storytelling is very culturally important to some clans and groups of people.

[greywindys]

Oh please recommend other shows. You have good taste in media hehe

Yeah, of course! I love giving recs. I'm a little biased because most of what I watch is on HBO, but I'm going to try to include as many streaming services as possible. I already posted about the anime I watch, so there won't be an animation recommendations here, because those shows are all that I'm watching. I also watch a lot of reality shows and documentaries, but I'm just going to stick to fiction for now since that's what I assume you're asking about. Please google and heed warnings if you decode to look into any of them further, as many of them are TV MA. A lot of what I like isn't exactly wholesome, but I always read up on critiques as much as I do praise. Anyhow, here are some shows:

True Detective - Season on specifically. This is one of my most re-watched seasons ever. I'm obsessed with the tone, the story, the imagery, the characters, the soundtrack. Well-written and creepy (not a common combination in the realm of horror). This is an anthology series, so there are different characters and settings each season. None of the follow-up seasons have measured up, but the new season is taking place in Alaska, and has a great cast, so I'll be watching.

The Wire: Anything by David Simon, really, I think I've watched enough of his shows to say this confidently. The Wire is probably his most famous, and for a good reason. I love his work for how realistic and well-researched it is. He has no qualms about depicting unflinching realities, even if it's not a crowd-pleasing. It's about the story. This is also one of my favorite series ever.

Severance: I went into this show blind and was blown away! Definitely not what I was expecting from and Apple TV+ show. The concept is new and well-executed. It builds tension and intrigue very well. Hopefully, it can keep control of its pacing (I felt like it moved a little fast, but that's still probably slow for some people lmao).

The White Lotus: Another anthology series, but I think it paired really well with Succession (I watched them around the same time). If you're a fan of scathing satire, I'd check this out. Both season also go completely bonkers at the end in ways you don't see coming.

The Boys: Very entertaining. Maybe not the best from a writing standpoint. It can also get a little preachy (I don't mind messages, but I prefer when they aren't delivered in such a heavy handed manner), BUT I'm never bored. There are certain story lines that they execute very well, too. I also think this is what it would actually be like if superheroes were real. I love you, MHA, but The Boys is the superhero media that I think stays truest to our real world.

Silicon Valley: I started watching this on a whim and was pleasantly surprised. Some may complain that it get repetitive, but I enjoyed the dynamics between the characters as well as learning more about the world of compute programming/tech. It's also brings some levity to the otherwise cynical and/depressing tone of shows I usually watch.

Derry Girls: Another comedy, but also one with a lot of heart. As a Catholic school alumna, I connected with this show's depiction of teen girl friendship. I'm sad it's over.

Other mini-series and shows: Watchmen, The Outside, Sharp Objects, Game of Thrones/House of the Dragon, American Vandal

Shows I'm currently making my way through...slowly lmao: The Last of Us, Barry, Yellow Jackets, Beef

[inkyquince]

inky is having their chai and thinking:

i think people give dark romance SUCH a bad rep, especially these days. i dont care about dark romance having toxic couples at all (please look around here, why would i care) but it legitmately depends on how the story is marketed.

The reason why i hated the toxicity of the boring ass couple in the notebook is because its marketed as... Yknow. A wholesome love story with sap. That's why i hate Noah and what's her face. Man legit threatens suicide if she doesn't go out with him. But its marketed as this whirlwind, somewhat heavy but all together feel good love story. Cause of that, I hate The Notebook. I watched it at 13 and my god, until years later, i didnt really realise that SOMEONE THREATENING TO KILL THEMSELF IF YOU DIDNT GO OUT WITH THEM WOUDL BE TERRIFING IRL. also if that happens to you, legit just call them out on their bluff by telling them you're phoning them an ambulance, save the messages from the conversation and call emergency services. reality check to the extreme.

Anyway, i hate that book for real, but the reason i kinda love the toxic relationships in like.. .Bridgerton novels (not the rape scene between daphne and simon, that was just... deeply uncomfortable AND i still hate miscommunication as a plot device), but ITS NOT MARKETTED... AS A WHOLESOME LOVE STORY. its messy period drama with romance, its a period piece of gossip girl (the old one. not the trash fire reboot, im glad its cancelled). I love mess. I love awful people. "Their relationship is toxic" AND THATS THE POINT. One of the later books has her husband/suitor tie her up in the bathroom and leave her there. It's not marketed as these stories of love. Like Pride and Prejudice is a satire but yknow, they only get together after Elizabeth has kicked him in the knee for insulting her family and he grows. That's cute as hell man.

But so many dark romance books dont market themselves as wholesome love stories, they're nasty, and as someone who watched Anna Karenina WAY WAY WAY too young and adored everything about it to the point I READ THE BOOK... AT LIKE 12... (dont read old russian literature unless you're willing to really stick by it and also cry), I love the mess that comes from a relationship that isn't perfect and is played up to be fucking nasty.

But why do people put dark romance... and nicholas sparks puke inducing cheese romance on the same level of responsibility?

Twilight and The Notebook and Sleepless in Seattle were marketed as these true love stories, where the conflicts are mostly external... Instead of Edward being a weirdo creep asshole, Noah threatening suicide if whats-her-face didnt go on a date and manhandling her and MEG RYAN BEING A PRIVACY BREAKING WEIRDO STALKER BITCH WITH WEIRD PARASOCIAL OBSESSION WITH MISTER HANDS (i forgot their character names) and they should all get flak for marketing themselves as such. I love conflict in a romance, but sometimes that conflict is.... illegal and gross and worthy of a thousand break ups and car keying.

But dark romance makes sure to market itself as... Dark romance.

Why are stupid people on tiktok surprised that its not wholesome.

btw colleen hoover should get run over jesus christ

[twinkodium]

one of my favourite things about your tags (other than how unhinged they are) is your emoji use!! i absolutely love seeing all your different emojis. i usually use emojis for satire or like mocking someone and i have always have a good giggle reading your tags (in between frothing over oscar 😌🤭) anyways please keep the tags coming and thank you for opening my eyes to the wonder that is oscar piastri, i salute you for your service 🫡

OHMYGOD ANON!!! I'm a heavy emoji user not just in the tags, but in general too. As my tone over text could come off as annoyed or whatever, even my sarcasm is hard to understand and I simply don't want to hurt anyone hence attaching loads of emojis 🙈😂

And obviously I can't hold back if it's about my favs, I'm pretty emotional on main, I need all of you to understand how I am so need the emojis to describe my feelings even more 🤭

THANK YOU! When I first started babbling in the tags I felt so bad for the OPs reading through my unhinged thoughs and I've never imagined that any of you will read them and being so supportive of keep them coming 🙈

OHHHH I was the one who made you like Oscar? 👀 DAMN, everyone should support that man, isn't he amazing and such a gift? 🥺

[yoel-o-fellow]

Hello Yoel! I am very glad you’re enjoying my Gally-focused fanfic so far, it truly makes me happy :D Although you say that I am somewhat nailing the few characters so far, please call me right out if something flies too far out of what you’d enjoy for you canon. While I’d love to explore the Boor universe for myself, I’d hate to overstep on your amazing story and make you uncomfortable

Cheers~ :DD

Oh, don't worry about overstepping boundaries! Almost nothing perturbs me and you're pretty assiduous in your guesswork. I admire fanfiction writers who strive to be as accurate to the OG content as possible, even with what little material they have to work with. And writers who satirize the material also hold a special place in my heart.

If it's any consolation, it's impossible to be 100% true to the original content - canon writers always have alternative ideas for their characters - so if you have a fanfic idea, just run with it, cause the important thing is for you to write what you yourself would find engaging to read.

I've read some OCxCanon Ruggaboor fanfics, and some Ruggaboor fanfics with pretty heavy subjects, like murder, rape, and suicide. I've even read some pretty OOC stuff as well, but they still never fail to entertain me. The only thing I'm not a fan of is when people heavily reference my original ideas for their own projects without giving me proper credit, but, oy vey, what is a poor, unknown artist to do? Lolol

[the-desolated-quill]

Guys, if you haven’t already, I urge you to read Shade, the Changing Man.

I know I’m like several years late to the party. It’s one of those comics I’ve wanted to read for a while, but never got around to it. Also DC have never released the whole series on paperback, which is insane to me, but fortunately I’ve found this website that lets you read the comics for free. I’m about ten issues in and I’m HOOKED!

It’s sort of a cross between Doctor Who and Doom Patrol, but I should warn you it’s not a light read. It’s very surreal and absurd, and it deals with very heavy subject matters like racism, misogyny, implied rape, suicide, etc. It’s part of the Vertigo imprint, along with Hellblazer, The Sandman, and Preacher, so no surprise there. It essentially uses dark satirical humour to shine a light on the uglier qualities of American culture, and what struck me as I was reading it was how incredibly relevant it still is today, thirty two years since its first publication. Like you could do a film or TV adaptation set in the modern day, and change very little of the story. In fact I would LOVE to see someone have a crack at a Shade adaptation some day.

I’m going to keep reading and see what happens next. Please give this comic a go if you’re interested 😁

[stranger-nightmare]

I'm stuck between shipping you with Eddie and Jonathan!

Could you ship me with a ST character please? I thought I sent a request but now I think I wrote it out and never sent it like I tend to do lol

I'm tall, auburn hair, blue eyes, a bit on the thick/curvy side, 20s. Woman, she/her.

I love music. I'm never NOT listening to music. I love rock, heavy metal, Gothic metal, new wave synth pop from the 80s, psychedelic rock, folk (especially 60s/70s protest songs cuz why not), grunge, nu metal... the list goes on.

I love movies. Horror movies, thrillers, fantasy, sci-fi, etc. You name it. I'm a big fan of your darker cult classics like The Crow, Sweeney Todd, Lost Boys, etc. I also love comedy like Monty Python, Wayne's World, and satires like Scary Movie, Hot Shots, Robin Hood Men In Tights, etc.

I wear mostly band tees, flannels, ripped jeans, Converse, Vans or whimsigoth dresses with Doc Martens and textured tights. I usually have tons of accessories on.

I like to rollerskate, cosplay and go to renfaires in my free time. I'm an elf when I go to the faire, usually wearing a flowy dress, corset, flower and amythyst crown and elf ears.

I love to write fanfics or original fantasy. I read a LOT. Those genres plus horror, mystery, etc.

I love all things witchy, Halloween-y, etc.

I love animals and nature and tend to be outside if the weather holds up for it.

I'm sarcastic, awkward and introverted (when I'm not online lmao) but I'd do anything to help people and am fiercely loyal to my friends.

Thanks for your time!

ahh honestly I’d take either / both, thank youuu!! <3

ooh I’d definitely ship you with Eddie!! <3

- hope

NOT ACCEPTING ANY MORE SHIP REQUESTS !!

[translatedlit]

Book 8 of 2023: Standing Heavy by GauZ’ (translated by Frank Wynne) While I’m pleased to read a book from Côte d’Ivoire and enjoyed the exploration of African immigration in France, I just didn’t enjoy the narrative style or satirical nature. Worth reading to explore African literature

[giudizio-au]

This blog was made for me to talk about my Fantasy AU (FAU, fau, giudizio universale). Welcome! I am an amateur writer.

Before following/viewing, please keep in mind:

This is a MeloGhia, or the ship for Melone and Ghiaccio, AU. In the bigger story they are generally insignificant but it was written to focus on them. I will of course be posting about the general story here because this blog is for everything, but meloghia is unavoidable.

This started off from a meloghiaweek prompt for “the frog prince.” The roles do not correlate perfectly.

This is not a completely serious AU. It is partially intended to be satirical and cheesy (ex: Ghiaccio sings to birds, since he’s a prince)

Any inspiration I took with the religious themes was purely because of the artistic value and are not supposed to be an opinion, statement or personal belief of mine. It is not intended to directly correlate with Christianity or any religion, even while having some heavy or exact references (ex: “giudizio universale”)

This is still being written! There are plot holes. There are knots to be worked out.

Thank you! I will tag posts with #giudizioau. I think that works.

Now. Here, again, I am posting about my AU. This can be art, updates, or just thoughts about it.

You can read spoiler free character roles here: https://giudizio-au.tumblr.com/post/687775360055656448/ghiaccio

And view a map of the Southern Woods here: https://giudizio-au.tumblr.com/post/689684320464535552/last-thing-i-made-a-map-lol-i-felt-inspired-by

[fleurrdelunee]

TICCI-TOBY ❝ IN THIS UNSTABLE WORLD ❞

CREEPYPASTA, TICCI-TOBY X EDEN L. WOLFHAGEN. INCOMPLETE.

#GENRE : heavy angst, comedy relief, no happy ending, toxic relationships, and the monumental question of "what if creepypastas were actually real?" but with a twist. and oh! heavy self-indulgence.

#SYNOPSIS : It's 2023 and with the final sweep of the pandemic ending, Eden has graduated and is completely out of it. To cope with her coming of age, she sweeps back into her phase of coping through fanfiction and old fandoms that seem to have died with her childhood. It's all fun and games until the news that she sees on television matches the Creepypasta daydreams Eden used to have as a kid.

#WARNINGS : regular realistic creepypasta horror stuff, okay? this book is very satire because it's self-indulgent. but this is creepypasta and it's horror, and i love horror to be realistic. i will do my best to individually warn every chapter of this book, but i'm human. i will forget some things and i'm deeply apologetic as an author for that. as my reader, it is up to you to read. no judgment or pressure here if you do or not. and don't forget this series and book will include: lots of swearing or other use of extreme language, usual creep stuff: murder, death, gore, blood, and other triggering themes that are associated with the fandom. individual chapter warnings will be listed respectively. honestly, this is crack taken seriously.

As Eden spins dilly-dally in her chair, a sucker hanging from her lips, she can't help but grin. "You love me, right, Johnny?" A loud snort rings through her headset speakers, the creaking sound of Johnny's chair echoing with his laugh. "What do you have in mind?" Eden can tell he's interested. "I have a homebrew." "Even better." Eden can imagine his stupid grin, though, she isn't done. "You know SCPs?" "Don't tell me." "I'm not finished." Copying and pasting a few links, she sends Google documents filled to the brim with niche ideas and ironic storytelling. "Creepypasta. . . De, if you don't mind me asking, isn't this shit like. . . dead?" Eden laughs knowingly. "Yeah, just like my childhood." And then it all clicks together.

#AUTHOR'S NOTE : hi, welcome to the most self-indulgent fic you'll ever read from me. in this unstable world is heavily based on the theory of the multiverse and that one love live song that i had on repeat when coming up with this fic idea. but! belle - creepypasta is dead and all of its creators are controversial as hell. i know and i'm aware. considering this idea has been at the back of my mind for two years - and i have the time to write it? at least when i'm writing this, i do. . . have said time, anyways, please stick around. i know it's an original character insert, however. . . on my knees begging, i mean, please do. with the two years i had to conjure ideas, after this book (if you make it through, and please, do for this fic. it will explain the context for future books) will have a creepypasta reader insert series. as i said, on my knees begging.

for context, i off and on wrote an eyeless jack x reader, and now i'm merging it as part of this series. the current candidates are: eyeless jack, jeff the killer, ticci-toby with masky most likely (sorry :c no hoody), and then it ends off with ben drowned. these are the characters i have personally spent years reading x readers on so. . . and i really just want to do these silly little ideas. but it has to start off here with this book, in this unstable world.

warnings for this book, please read. regular realistic creepypasta horror stuff, okay? this book is very satire because it's self-indulgent. but this is creepypasta and it's horror, and i love horror to be realistic. this fic will have inaccurate portrayals of certain themes, despite all of my research. i'm deeply apologetic for that. i can't say that it is accurate, as i do not experience these themes in real life. therefore, i don't have a say if they are depicted correctly or not. i'm not here to promote or romanticize toxic/unhealthy relationships and behavior - or whatever could be portrayed in this book. this is for entertainment purposes only. i will do my best to individually warn every chapter of this book, but i'm human. i will forget some things and i'm sorry as an author for that. as my reader, it is up to you to read. no judgment or pressure here if you do or not. and don't forget this series and insert will include: lots of swearing or other use of extreme language, usual creep stuff: murder, death, gore, blood, and other triggering themes that are associated with the fandom. individual chapter warnings will be listed respectively. honestly, this is crack taken seriously.

and i will be your author, you may call me, belle. you might be with me for a long time. if this series will go on and if this fandom is hopefully - as alive as i wish it to be. so, let's get to know each other and keep this horror community alive. i do want to give many authors so much credit and inspo for giving me the confidence to write this. i can't list them all. so i will thank all of you instead.

please enjoy this fic as much as i am going to enjoy writing it.

your author,

belle.

PROLOGUE : 000. THE RUNNER-UP.

ONE : 001. GODS! GIVE ME A D20.

TWO : 002. IN THE ROOM WHERE IT HAPPENS.

THREE : 003. TO BE A LEGEND.

FOUR : 004. EDEN ISN'T VERY GOOD AT SEEING SIGNS.

FIVE : 005. SO... HE ISN'T JUST A DND FINAL BOSS?

SIX : 006. WHY DID EDEN LEARN TO DRIVE? TO GET TO THE ASTRAL PLANE.

INTERLUDE : 001. WHAT THEY SAY ABOVE.

SEVEN : 007. DO NOT TURN THIS INTO A LESSON.

EIGHT : 008. NO THANK YOU, OPERATOR!

NINE : 009. NOT DEAD YET.

TEN : 010. HOW TO HOLD A KILLER HOSTAGE FOR DUMMIES.

＃LINKS.

masterlist. request. archive ver.

as of 3/26/2023, requests are closed.

＃TAGLIST.

none.

# TAGZ.