#really wished i was motivated/inspired to develop more of them

[echollama]

Centaurea and Shion, iteration Goodness-Knows-How-Many-I've-Not-Kept-Track-Of-Their-Versions

Also here's their nakey versions because 🙈🙈

[thequietkid-moonie]

Sweet and hopless romantic crush has no lucky in love

[ HEADCANONS ] [ Nagisa, Mob, Hitohito, Gojo, Nier, Emil ]

[ Assassination Classroom ] [ Mob Psycho 100 ] [ Komi can't communicate ] [ My Dress-Up Darling ] [ NieR Replicant ]

× Inspired on Mitsuri (from Demon Slayer)

Can you do me a favor and read this while hearing this song? I just can't stop hearing it!! 😩😩 I heard it while writing this!!

I had read some fics with Mitsuri reader before and almost NO ONE talk about this side of her (even when she is the love pilar 💀), so i decided to do it myself!!

Nagisa Shiota

Being in Class 3-E isn't easy for anyone and yet you always have a cheerful attitude that makes you highlight, once Koro-sensei came to the class and everyone started to get happier they just start to match more your energy (and you become pretty popular in the classroom)

It isn't strange for Nagisa to develop a little crush on you but as you two grow closer his feelings for you slowly grows and yet it take him a long time to notice his feelings for you (is more probably that Karma his closest friends are the ones who notice it)

As Nagisa grows closer to you he finds the pleasant surprised of you sweet and cheerful personality, something that slowly start to bright his days and help him forget about his worries and problems (sometimes because of your sweetness, other times for amusment of your personality)

Most of them doesn't really talks about their plans for the future since most of them had lost hope for being in Class 3-E (Nagisa isn't the exception, specially for his mother's plan), so it should be you who bring up the topic about you having a dream, otherwise he will never get to know unless he over hears it, in any case getting to know that your dream is to get married is something that surprise him a lot, he has never thought on something like that but you seem so motivated by it that he can't help to laugh a little, he apologize clarifying that is just amusment

It would take him a while to get used to your sweet and affectionate side because he isn't used to it, Nagisa is more used to be ignore or bothered by others, even more used to deal with the pressure his mother put on him but someone who just accept him as he is is pretty new to him, and being clingy and/or affectionate flustered him (more than it should, since is from someone he likes is even more flustering)

He finds pretty amusing and hilarious your hability to find something good and/or atractive on everyone, he can't help but laugh a little anytime you start to give compliments (or just say it to yourself) about all your classmates, Nagisa doesn't really feel jealous or insecure, or at least not at the moment is later when being alone when he start to think about it and start to feel a little down about it, since he doesn't see anything special on himself he think that you probably won't see anything special on him neither

When you do compliment him Nagisa is completely surprised by it, he doesn't expect it nor force you to say anything about him, at first he is surprised but he quickly change to be flustered and yet he says that you don't have to say anything and that it isn't a big deal because he doesn't fully believe the compliment, the more you insist with your sweet and lovely voice the more flustered he is, so at the end he just shyly accept it in hopes that you stop (that not always work). As well, even if you don't give him a compliment Karma will ask you directly what do you think about Nagisa just to tease him (because he knows about his crush)

Nagisa finds suprising your bad luck in love, for how sweet, lovingly and enthusiastic are with dating someone he doesn't see how you can have such bad past experiences, he doesn't know what to say so he just resort to comfort you by telling you how amazing you are in his eyes and wish you luck to find someone who truly loves you (since he is speaking from his heart he probably make a little obvious his feelings)

Even when he does notice and accept his feeling for you Nagisa won't do much about it, he doesn't want to force his feelings on you and he doesn't think you will see him that way anyway (specially for how sweet and popular you are), so is more probably that is his and yours friends (along with Koro-sensei) who will be pushing each other closer

Shigeo Kageyama

Mob is more used to be alone, despite his powers he isn't someone how stand out a lot, not like he wants to, Mob goes on his day with calm and naturalness

For Mob to develop romantic feelings isn't too difficult nor has to be a slow process, but when he does has a crush it affect him a lot and is pretty obvious, but in the case you two are close (or even become close) he slowly get used to his feelings and can interact with you without becoming a blushing mess

Your sweet and cheerful personality always brights his day, everytime he sees you smiling he can't help but smile too (with a little blush), sometimes he stares at you because he is mesmerize (until someone or even you take him out of his trance, making him a little embarrassed)

Whenever you two interact and you are sweet to him Mob feels special and fuzzy, he becomes a litte shy and can't just say no to you, he can handle you being really sweet with him but getting too close or even affectionate with him is more difficult for him to handle, even if is that you got closer to him he is already a nervous flustered mess, stuttering almost every word that leave his lips

Mob doesn't tent to talk much about the future or his own dreams (is probably that he doesn't exactly have one) but he is more than willing to hear you talk about your dreams, when you do tell him that your dream is to find love and to marry the person you love he immediatly tells you that is an amazing dream, he doesn't see anything bad on your wish and doesn't judge you for it, he may think on the posibility of being that person but he quickly throw away that idea for being really embarrassed for it. Is probably that he will tell Ritsu or even Reigen about your dream later when he thinks about it again, and is more like thinking out loud (he doesn't mind much their opinion, he will still think is a good dream)

Mob literally can't believe how bad luck you have in love, in his eyes you are completely amazing and beautiful so he can't understand why others won't like to be with you, let alone criticize you for your personality or wish, he doesn't know what to do to comfort you and get pretty nervous if you really seem sad for your past experiences, he tries his best to help you calm down but not even then he knows what he is doing so is probably that he end up telling you how amazing you are in his eyes (not really thinking in if his being obvious with his crush or not)

Mob finds pretty amusing your hability to always find something good and even atractive on the others, he likes hearing you rant about it and compliment people, mainly because you looks so excited over it, also he knows your compliments are genuine and he find it really endearing. He normally doesn't feel jealous nor insecure over it, is just something else he likes from your personality, however he do sometimes wonder if the people you compliment are more your type (specially towards those you seem more excited or had just compliment), wondering if he was more like that person he would have more chances with you, giving him more motivate to improve himself

Whenever you do give him a compliment, even for something small, he quickly becomes a flustered mess, even a little embarrassed and shyly telling you that it isn't a big deal (if you insist he becomes a little more flustered but at the same time make him feel special), and, as much as it flustered him receiving compliments from you, he actually loves it. If you don't give him directly compliments, or have been a while since the last time you had say something good about him is probably that Ritsu will try to help by telling you something good about Mob just so you can see the good on him (sometimes is the Body Improvement Club who talks you about him but is more when he improves on something)

Hitohito Tadano

After what happened during high school Hitohito decided to take things slowly and just be a normal student, not really wanting to highlight a lot, however that will be pretty difficult since he became best friends with the the school goddess and is crushing a pretty popular person

For Hitohito to fall in love is a slowly process, but when he does he does it hard, he loves a lot but will never force his feelings on you, that is why most of the time he just try to be near you trying to not make his feelings obvious

You two probably started being friends when he and Shouko approached to you in hopes to become your friend, explaining Shouko's dream to have 100 friends to what you answered by cheerfuly supporting her and gladly becoming her friend, saying that you have your own dream you want to achieve. Curiosity quickly pick them and is Hitohito who asked you about it without thinking (for what he will try to apologize), you quickly answered with a dreamly voice that your wish is to get married, to love someone and be loved, Hitohito was dumbfounded while Shouko decided to show you her support too, but at the end he doesn't judge you nor tell you is a bad wish

Even when he doesn't say it out loud, Hitohito is pretty flustered by your cheerful and sweet personality, you always have a sweet smile on your lips that make Hitohito feel flustered, specially when that smile is for him, even when it seem like your smile will never go away his heart just skip a beat whenever he is the one making you smile

It takes a while to notice and accept his own feelings for you so for most of the time he just support you on your wish to find a partner and heard you rant about it, even when he gets a strange feeling on his chest he just tries to ignore it, telling himself that you aren't forced to choose him or anything and he should cheerish for you like a good friend (and he still say it to himself once he accept his feelings because he will never force his feeling on you)

Hitohito is always willing to heard you rant about the attractive qualities you find in your classmates or whenever you seem specially attracted to someone (even if he doesn't understand how you do it or why), Hitohito, deep down on his heart actually wishes that it would be him for the one you talk so lovingly or gives so much compliments but it doesn't take him long for him to get embarrassed for thinking that and try to shakes the thought of his head

If you ever give him a compliment, even just a small one, he becomes a flustered mess in one second, thanking you over and over again but insisting that it isn't a big deal (actually when Najimi finds out about his crush on you she constantly tease him by asking you what you think of him or say something just to make you start talking about him)

Hitohito doesn't undestand how you could have so bad lucky in love when you are so sweet and loving, maybe a little too entusiat but in his eyes is just part of your cute personality, he understand if someone don't correspond your feeling but directly harshly rejecting you or even saying bad stuff about your personality and/or appearance is something that actually makes him mad, he finds everything about you lovely and he can't help but express his annoyance, however he focus more on comforting you and telling you that you have nothing wrong, that you are amazing the way you are! Accidentally expressing a little about his feelings and when he notice what he was saying is too late because you had heard it already, he is embarrassed and tries to explain himself, he mentally kicks himself but at least you seem to appreciate his words

Wakana Gojo

Gojo has been almost all his life alone, not being good to socialize and because people can find his work kinda weird, so, even if he start being you friend after getting to be Marin's friend is still pretty suprising for him to have another person to call a friend

Gojo isn't the type to fall in love immediatly, maybe a little attraction but to fall in love it has to be after a little bit of time, and when he does he does it hard. Gojo notice his feelings almost imediatly but he tries to deny it, saying to himself that is just that he is excited for having a new friend or that you will never like him that way, as well he tries to hide it but isn't really good at doing it

Gojo can't help but get flustered and all blushy whenever you are being sweet and so cheerfuly with him (unfortunately for him is almost all the time), and even when he tries to stay calm he can't because everytime your smile is dedicated or because of him his heart skip a beat, and not just that but since you could be pretty touchy and affectionate his heart almost stops all the time

Once Gojo grows comfortable with you and if you ask kindly enough (or insist excitedly and/or with puppy eyes) he will tell you everything you want to know about the dolls he does or the cosplays he is working on, when he does he can talk so naturaly that may slip a little about his dream of taking care of the store when he grows (is just that he feels so comfortable that he can't stop himself from saying it), when he notice what he had say he tries to apologize and ask you to forget it but if you show support or even call his dream cute he is between the confusion and being flustered. He wants to reciprocate and support you with your dream but when you tell him that you wish to love and be loved, to get married, he is dumbfounded, he wasn't expecting something like this at all, but at the end he support you nonetheless

He will probably think on your dream later, he find it stranger but cute at the same time! even a little funny but in a good way, also Gojo is just so into his thoughts that the idea of being the one that makes reality your dream bump into his head soon or later, it take him a moment to fully process his own idea and become a flustered mess while trying to shakes the idea out of his head (he will be so nervous about it that it would take him a while to be able to look at you directly at the eyes again)

Gojo doesn't has the heart to ask you to stop whenever you rant about what you find attractive of the people you know, if you are complimenting someone he just stand there beside you, doing his best to smile but inside he feels bad, not jealous but insecure and that insecurity will bugg him later when he is alone and will make him think that you probably will never like him that way

When you do give him a compliment Gojo quickly gets flustered and ask you to please stop, it isn't a big deal or anything! if you don't stop he will just be more and more flustered (is almost a miracle that he doesn't pass out), this is something that makes him feel embarrassed but he likes a lot when you do compliment him, he knows your compliments are sincere so it kinda make him feel special and sometimes even boost his confidence

Gojo doesn't undestand how if you are so beautiful, inside and out, you have no lucky in love, in his eyes whoever catch your attention is a lucky person but it seems like your past experiences say the contrary, he hates seeing you so sad about all of this so, even if it makes him a flustered mess Gojo will try his best to cheer you up and tell you how beautiful you are on your eyes (trying to don't be too obvious with his feelings)

Nier

Nier and Yonah are know through all the village and for his friendly and willingness to help everyone it isn't difficult to get to know him and be his friend (and he is more than happy to make new friends)

For Nier to fall in love is a little bit of a slowly process (contrary at just having a little crush) since first he wants to get to know the person, the love that he holds for you is selfless and innocent but Nier won't notice his own feelings for a long time (even so it could be pretty obvious his interest on you)

All the villagers know about Yonah but not everyone had saw her since she is almost all the time in bed for her sickness, but since you two are close is more likely Nier has no problem with you going to his house and visit her (and is even grateful for it), you are always so sweet and cheerful towards Yonah, not mentioning her sickness and always willing to play with her, seeing you two spend time together makes him fall in love more and more

Is know for everyone how caring he is with his sister and has no problem with express his determination to find a cure for Yonah's sickness, and just like he is always up to help anyone who need his helps, he want to help you if you ever need helps, so if you ever express that you have a dream he is already offering his help even without getting to heard what you wish for, and when you tell him that you wish to get married Nier is flustered and a little embarrassed but still wants to help you, although he doesn't how he will be able to help you with that (and he express it, along with how he will try to help you at the best of his habilities)

Nier is constantly influenced by your sweet personality, whenever you smile he can't help but smile too, and he doesn't get flustered unless someone point out this or when you are being too close or even affectionate with him

Nier is fascinated by how you always seem to find good things on everyone (even when you say that are qualities that make them attractive) and everytime you say it out loud he can't help but laugh amused before say something himself, either agreeing or even adding something to what you had say (he find it specially funny when you get to meet Weiss and Kaine). Nier isn't really someone who usually feels jealous, so he doesn't normally get insecure or jealous over it, only the times you seem a little too excited over someone, he feels a little uncomfortable and jealous, he tries to don't intervene but still tries to catch your attention back

Everytime you do give him compliments to him Nier becomes really flustered and with a nervous smile he tries to decline the compliments by saying that it isn't a big deal (specially if is about his strenght or how caring he is with Yonah)

As much as he likes seeing you and Yonah get along is probably that he ends up getting pretty embarrased thanks to her, when Yonah start to take a liking towards you she start to insist more on wanting to know you and she can't help but talk about Nier from time to time (is the person she loves the most in the world after all), so, even when it isn't her intention Yonah talk about what she love more of her brother, on how caring and stronge he is, and since you agree with her or even ask her more stories just make him more and more flustered and embarrassed (is probably that when Yonah start to like you too if she get to know about your dream she will ask you with all her innocence if you will like to marry his brother)

Nier doesn't understand how you can have so terrible lucky in love if you are such a lovely person! Whenever you feel bad for your past experiences he is quickly to comfort you, assuring that maybe you just haven't found the right person yet or that he thinks you are amazing the way you are, he focus on comforting you but if someone says something bad about you or directly offends you he will be more mad and will want to do something about it (maybe try to talk with Devola and Popola about it)

Emil

Since in the mansion is just Emil and the butler he is more than happy to have the opportunity to meet someone new (a little nervous at first but that doesn't stop him from start a friendship with you), it doesn't matter if you stay with him in the mansion or just visit him once on a while he is more than happy to have you around

It would take a while for him to develop feelings towards you, he is not the type to fall in love immediatly, but when he does his feelings are pretty stronge and stubborn, also it won't take him long to notice his feelings for you and as much as he thinks that it would be safer if you stay away he can't stop himself from searching your company

Since Emil can't see you he just learn to identify your footsteps (even if you don't make much sound while walking he will know you are there) and he grows to love your voice, for him your voice is just as lovely and sweet as your personality (he may say it once but he would do it pretty shy)

Emil is a really good listener, he likes hearing you talk about anything really, it could be that one day he got curious or you are the one bringing up the topic about you having a dream (or asking him for his) and he immediatly shows interested on it, when you tell him that your dream is to get married Emil can't help but laugh at it, not because he is making fun of you but because he finds it really cute, something that totally matches your personality (he will get flustered when the feeling of wanting to be the one you marry bumps in his head)

Emil can't help but smile at your sweetness, is something that bright his days and he is totally grateful and happy to have you around. It even reached the point where just by hearing your footsteps coming he is already smiling softly

Emil is easily startled by you affectionate side, you being so carefree with getting close and even hugging him always surprised him and make him flustered (specially after his transformation, but in this case he is more hesitant to returning the hugs)

Emil can't understand how you being so amazing and beautiful have so bad lucky in love, having bad past experiences with people that had even complain about your appearance, anytime you remember or talk about those experiences he quickly comforts you saying otherwise, saying how amazing you are to him (a little flustered but don't really mind if he make a little obvious his feelings for you)

It troubled him a little anytime you start complimenting others (even if you don't tell them the compliments directly), it makes him a little insecure about his chances with you and yet he doesn't has the heart to stop you (he doesn't feel with the right to say you anything about it). And whenever you compliment him is the complete opposite reaction, he immediatly gets flustered and start stuttering while trying to say thanks and saying that there is no need, Emil is used to be called a monster or even a weapon so receiving such heartwarming compliments from the person he loves is a little too much for him

Also, if the compliments are about his powers, even just one, it will help him a lot to slowly grow more comfortable with them since he sees his powers as a curse that only brings destruction, you seeing something good on them comfort him a lot

When he get his transformation he was horrified by his new appearance, he didn't wanted to anyone to see him like this and even after Nier's acceptance and comfort he was scare of your reaction, if you react well or even imediatly accept him he is already on the verge of tears (if you even compliment his new appariace it would take him a while to believe and accept it but it make things easier for him)

After his transformation, now that he finally can look at you without putting you in danger he will take a moment to appreciate how beautiful you are before actually saying it, not really giving importance if he end up embarrassed for saying it

[giriduck]

Been processing the recent Nintendo Dream Web article some more. Hot takes under the cut.

Of course Ganondorf would be sexy—just about everyone on BotW and TotK is conventionally attractive. The stated sexiness goal for Ganondorf feels really bad though—not only only because he’s the villain / antagonist of the game who also an in-universe POC, which opens a whole can of worms around fetishization, racism etc. (that many others have written about far far better than I ever could)—but it’s also jarring to hear about a design goal of maximizing sexiness in a LoZ game at all. They literally said the quiet part out loud—and that feels so weird and gross.

Thought experiment: take the excerpt below, but imagine this was about BotW Zelda.

Doesn’t that feel odd framed in that way? An interpretation would be along the lines of, “As a real departure from prior titles, we gave Princess Zelda pants in this game! The pants of a person who really takes care with their appearance: tight-fitting, to show off her curves and figure, like a real princess, whom men and women could fall in love with!” Although they never said that, it has a ring of truth to it, given this new context.

Only Zelda in BotW got to be a character with enough screen time to have real depth, because it was a story that used her as a lens to understand both her life and the world, whereas Ganondorf in TotK was (once again) treated as a disappointingly generic villain. Ganondorf’s lack of narrative development was not only a miss with regard to him as a character, but as an opportunity for some interesting, central-to-the-story / universe, world building. Given this, the interview only makes it extra disappointing that a goal was to also make him appear heroic in his art design, but the final game (as far as I’ve played, anyway) never expanded on that very interesting concept beyond a quick line mentioned in passing.

Evil for the sake of evil and/or sexy for the sake of sexy ends up being disappointingly shallow and reductive. Add in the complexities of real-world racial inequality and trauma, and this can quickly become disrespectful to players. At the very least, if the game creators were inspired by or going to potentially code characters in a way that is evocative of cultures outside of Japan, please bring in a diverse focus group to look at the content and provide feedback. As a large and influential content creator, please do the work to catch (either conscious or unconscious) harmful and frustrating stereotypes before you commit them into your final product.

I actively avoided Breath of the Wild for five years because I was so irritated by the newer Gerudo character designs—specifically the nonsensical lack of clothes and the desert high heels. I was immediately put off by what felt like a fetishy objectification of “exotic” women.

So it is extremely irritating to realize that they consciously did the same thing with Ganondorf.

Personally, Ganondorf’s character design in all his appearances throughout the franchise has been interesting to me—particularly his clothing, jewelry, and everything mentioned in the interview that he presumably would choose to wear—because it’s precious little for us to work with with regard to building our versions of this character in our minds. Accessories and clothing are a window into a character’s preferences. But in my opinion, his art design is also the least of what makes him interesting as a character. Sure, we got glimpses of his pecs and biceps in TotK, but what about his motivation? Canonical insight for why he does the things he does? His perspective on the political / power dynamics of the ancient era? Unlike Zelda in BotW, we never “rode with Ganon” to understand this essential character to the game and franchise at all.

The biggest takeaway I am feeling from the interview is that I really wish that they had spent as much care giving him depth as they had done on his character design.

[the-sweet-madame]

ꜱᴏʀʀᴏᴡꜰᴜʟ ʀᴇɢʀᴇᴛꜱ (𝘌𝘪 𝘹 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳)

Summary: Ei neglects you, doesn't confide in you and begins to act as if you two weren't in a relationship. Getting angry, you left and Yae Miko returned with your dead body.

Warnings: Major character death, i think there's blood. Lots of angst.

Notes: HAHA HEHE GUYS IM ALIVE

Female reader! Happy reading! :)

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Love is complex, it could squeeze your heart, though whether it is in joy or sorrow, it is completely up to Celestia. Love is something that bounds you whole, encasing you into its suffocating embrace until you accept its embrace. Love could be your greatest strength, your motivation and inspiration. But it could also be your greatest weakness, a call of desperation and grief. A relationship is built with a fierce bond, when two halves meet. Whilst it requires considerable amount of work, it could develop into a beautiful thing. Full of emotions, full of trust and care. Though, most importantly, you must be each other’s pillar of strength and you must be able to rely on each other. 

The duty of an Archon requires many things, especially the ability to work on your own, to not rely on anyone. It was baffling that Ei, herself, had taken a liking to someone. It was jaw-dropping, more shocking than the fierce lightening that came crashing down to land whenever a thunderstorm had occurred, could shock you. Especially since the one to grasp her heart after defeating her tall, thick, and secure walls surrounding it, was a mere human. [Y/N] [L/N]. 

It was pleasant. [Y/N] was granted the privilege to wander into Ei’s Plane of Euthymia at any time she wished to accompany her. Usually, Ei would dislike it if her meditation was interrupted but [Y/N] is the sole exception. She’d find it enjoyable even, the presence of the human she held close to her heart was simply delightful. Especially when she’d ramble on about her little stories and things that happened to her recently. Her voice was beautiful to Ei as were her emotions that were displayed in her tone while she spoke. 

The fleeting touches, the way their hearts would race and the sweet, small smiles that were shared. Everything was pleasant.  

So, then they took the first step. They got into a relationship.  

That it is when their little enamouring fantasy began to crumble. 

Ei had begun to grieve once again, distancing herself from her lover. Her actions quietly conveyed how afraid she was. The way she quickly would avert her gaze elsewhere, making up excuses just to avoid [Y/N] and her short, cold responses. It hurt [Y/N]. She could see the sorrow in Ei’s amethyst-like eyes, the hidden secrets of the painful past. She truly did want to assist, she really did. She tried getting Ei to open up, letting her know that she could comfort her with open arms. But is only a matter of time before one starts to get exhausted.  

7 months. 

That is the amount of time it took for [Y/n] to grow tired. She loved Ei, she truly did. But she can’t help someone who doesn’t want to be helped nor did she deserve to stay within a one-sided relationship. She deserved to be happy not to be neglected.  

Hastened footsteps echoed through the Plane of Euthymia, [Y/N]’s hands in tight fists and her breathing forced to be long and steady.  

There she was. 

Those familiar galaxy-like boring into hers, but the coldness within them left her confused and sorrowful. The archon was presented in a meditating position, the air around her tense and taunting. As if it were waiting for her to start the talking about the rather touchy subject. 

Nervousness flooded through [Y/N]’s veins but she forced herself to remain calm. If she didn’t do it now then the Archons would know when she would. 

“Ei,” The Archon’s cold gaze didn’t budge by her cold and stern voice. Only silence answering her call.   

The atmosphere was suffocating but she still managed to take a long, deep breath.  

“We need to talk.”  

“The contents of the matter being?” The coldness [Y/N]’s voice had was thrown back at her tenfold from Ei. Her heart aching slightly at the Archon’s conceding tone, as if she was reminding her that she was very much superior than her. 

“Us.” [Y/N]’s stern façade began to falter slightly; it was beginning to get hard to not let her voice break.  

Ei began to reply, but [Y/N] knew her too well. 

“No, I don’t want an excuse, Ei. I want to discuss this, please.” [Y/N] cut her off before she even made a sound, causing Ei to pursue her lips.  

That is when [Y/N] realised she had sauntered closer to Ei subconsciously in her silent frustration, only half an arms’ length away from her. The atmosphere was squeezing her lungs, more intensity colliding with the air around the pair.  

“I know.” [Y/N] finally breathed out. “I know that you are still grieving over Makoto, Ei. And I know that I’ve told you that you can rely on me more than a few times.” 

The other was still, as if she was waiting for her to quickly get to the point. 

“I’m tired of waiting, Ei.” The said female’s cold gaze faltered, disbelief swirling in her amethyst-like eyes. “I am tired of coming back to the same cold eyes staring back at me, I am tired of being neglected and I am tired of keeping up this one-sided relationship.” 

Tears began to well up in [Y/N] eyes but she refused to let them fall, standing her ground firmly. If Ei never dared to reveal her vulnerability to her own lover, why should she? She was sure crescent marking were littering her palm from how tight her fists were. Many emotions flowed through her being; sadness and anger were probably the main ones crawling through all her insides without any mercy. It was so very difficult to not break but her persistence was something worth of an award. 

But what pained her more was that not even a single syllable was uttered from Ei’s mouth, it was perfectly sealed shut. If it weren’t for the different show of emotions in her eyes, [Y/N] would’ve thought that her words fell on deaf ears.  

“I can’t do this anymore,” [Y/N]’s voice was less fierce, as if she were attempting to console herself. “I’m sorry, Ei. I can only give so much help to someone who is lost in the past.” 

It was as if it were in slow motion in Ei’s eyes, the way the person who once loved her, turned their back on her for the first time. The first step she took rang in the Archon’s ears. Another person she held dear was leaving her but all she could do was stand there because deep down she knew that she was already long gone. 

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The clouds were grey, angry as rain came pouring down. That was how [Y/N] felt, her tears of frustration and sorrow disguised within the crystal-clear drops of rain. She was absolutely and utterly drenched but she couldn’t seem to care.  

She had run. She ran until it was difficult to gasp for air, her knees buckling before her. The storm didn’t cease, it only roared fiercely with the howling winds and the satisfying crackle of lightening. The damp blades of forest-green grass tickling her legs were her only comfort as she shivered, hugging herself tightly. She wasn’t aware of where she was, her mind finally starting to function within her blizzard of emotions.  

The crunching of grass behind her made her breath hitch. She had unexpected company.  

“Oh? The dear lover of the great Electro Archon out in the wild and lost? Surely, a little mouse like you holds some sort of intelligence to not roam around all alone?” A laugh was heard, no, laughter was heard. The voice of the person who had spoken was lightly amused with thinly veiled surprise. As if they had hit the jackpot. 

The said female clutched a handful of grass, a feeble attempt to shove down her fear. She silently regretted not thinking this all through. Of course, the day of her death was bound to be on the most sorrowful day of her entire life. Her mind was flooded with pure terror and regrets, drowning so deep within them that she didn’t pick up on the footsteps approached her trembling figure from behind. 

Her tearful eyes widened at gloved hands roughly turning her around by her shoulders. Another gloved hand grabbing her chin as she was met with blazingly orange eyes. Her eyes trailed downwards, the uniform was of the Fatui, the realisation striking down upon her like lightening.  

She was officially, royally screwed. 

“I asked you a question and I expect an answer.” He snarled, the closeness only making her anxiety spike, the other members of the group that held her in place only snickered. 

That was the opening for her, the grip they had on her had loosened out of arrogance, but she only briefly acknowledged it before the waves of fear had subsided into subtle rage. 

With the little confidence she had, she glared daggers at him and spat on him, causing him to recoil his hand to wipe his face in pure disgust. How dare he recognize just because she was Ei’s lover. She knew she wasn’t skilled enough in the field of violence as she is more skilled intellectually. Her tears had halted, a smirk tugging at her lips as she built up the confidence to speak up against him. 

“My name is [Y/N] [L/N], thank you very much.” Her voice was devoid of the clutches of fear that had once encased her only moments before. “Now, cease your irritating, cretinous babbling, you imbecile.” 

She smiled, as she kicked the Fatui off and quickly moved to the right, standing up while the Fatui that was once behind her, stumbled backwards in pure shock. It was satisfying to see the orange-eyed fatui that had questioned her, drop his jaw. Unable to process the fact of how she escaped their grasp and escaped right in front of him with such ease.  

Taking in a deep breath, she summoned her catalyst as the Fatui hastily got over their surprise, anger coursing their veins as they got into position to fight. It was impossible to outrun them.  

If it was fated for her to die on this day, may as well die fighting.  

----------------------------- 

 Disarray had begun to catch up with Ei’s stubbornness, it had been hours. The storm had only worsened with her worry. After so many years, her emotions overlapped each other like waves crashing onto waves fiercely. 

[Y/N] was right. She was also right to leave Ei. The archon knew that, but deep inside a selfish need to have her back dwelled within her. She knew [Y/N] wouldn’t be back nor would she ever meet someone like her again.  

Ei clutched her spear, regret seeping into her being faster than ever. As if a dam had been unleashed.  

But she didn’t have the time to drown within her feelings.  

The Raiden Shogun informed her of Yae’s presence, demanding to see her. 

She didn’t expect to see her worst nightmare come into living. Yae Miko’s usual neat and tidy appearance was stained with crimson, her flirtatious nature seemingly gone, replaced with austereness.   

With a limp body in her arms.  

“The foxes had brought me to her. She was found dead with Fatui traces all around her.” Yae Miko spoke, a tinge of hatred bouncing into her grim voice.  

She stepped forward, holding out the person that was once Ei’s lover. With trembling hands, Ei took her into her arms. Tears slid down her porcelain cheeks, her Amythest-like eyes looking down at [Y/N] sorrowfully yet fondly. She caressed her cold cheek before gaining the strength to speak.  

“Fatui traces,” Ei lifted her head to look back at Yae, her tone absolutely livid. “I trust that you have left them for me, no?”  

“Indeed.” 

“Thank you, Yae.” Ei said, but her voice didn’t sound thankful. More as if she was ready to give them such hell that they would beg for death. 

Ei held [Y/N] tighter. Unspoken words and promises conveyed through her actions.   

A promise to wreak havoc, an apology for what she had done and another promise to always keep her in her heart. 

[da-mous]

How did you get the motivation to make games? Or the discipline and determination to actually go all the way thru?

I am just a bad developer, but i have some nice ideas and i actually write them down so I don't forget, like a mix of tunic and minecraft, but with a actual conlang for you to learn and not a english cypher

following through is actually something I really really struggled with for years, but I'm much more productive than I used to be, and I have a few strats that help

1: Structure!! The structure that works for me is working on weekdays (even if it takes time to get going!) and strictly taking weekends off, even if it means not working when I really want to. I don't have strict hours during weekdays, but I try to start early enough in the day so that I can work for 6-8 hours before I get sleepy. I always end up filling the time I give myself! Time tends to fly after the first hour or so

My weekends off are super important, too. I think periodically forcing myself *not* to work on my projects makes me enjoy working on them that much more. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and I really feel that in how much I tend to spend my Saturdays, surprisingly, wishing I could be working!! It also helps prevent burnout and offers guilt-free time to play other games, do other hobbies, take care of household chores, etc

2: Thinking time!! It's important to give your mind time to wander, undistracted. That's when inspiration will strike and you'll do your best thinking and planning. I think that's why "shower thoughts" are a thing. Showers are good for this, but they're short! I take daily walks that are between 40 and 120 minutes during which I only listen to music with no words in it--especially music that fits the vibe of my current project! I don't actively try to force my thought process to go anywhere in particular, but it often wanders excitedly to my projects anyway (By the way, I also listen to the same music while I'm working! It's the perfect way to get in, and stay in, the right mindset)

3: Deadlines!! Even soft ones! My roguelike is coming out in 2026. The more I work by then (without overworking myself!), the better the final product will be! The desire to make something really good really drives me

4: Making something you want to play!! Playing my own game is one of the most important parts of my process. The first thing I do every day when I sit down to work is play the game. This naturally drives me toward finding areas I can improve and polish, coming up with features I want, and being motivated to implement those things. The ideal is to feel like a fan of my own work, eagerly awaiting every little update. The more I play, the more I'll tailor the game to my own tastes. This leads to me enjoying it more, so I'll be even more motivated to improve and add to it!

My current project is actually perfect for this, because it's a roguelike (highly replayable, a genre I know I can enjoy for a long time. Binding of Isaac is one of my most played games ever) platformer (one of my favorite genres in general. immediately kinetically satisfying) with a high level of randomization and variety, meaning even I can be surprised by my own game!

The strategies that work for you will likely differ from mine (especially if you have a day job or something!) but hopefully that helps :)

[cogentranting]

I went to see Wish a little while back, and it was... fine. I had a good time watching it, but probably wouldn't watch it again on my own. It's visually beautiful, it's funny, Magnifico is a good villain, the story mostly works. But it feels a little flat and hollow. And I wanted to parse out what I think the problem is. In short, I think the problem is Asha. And I think that problem is twofold.

A. Personality and Motivation

I heard a lot of complaints about Disney always doing 'adorkable' princesses now (I will note, of the post-renaissance princesses, there's a pretty even split of adorkable and not- Rapunzel, Anna, Mirabel, and Asha on the one hand; Tiana, Elsa, Moana, Raya on the other). But I don't think that's the problem in itself. The problem is, that adorkableness is Asha's only clearly defined characteristic. Rapunzel, Anna, and Mirabel all have traits beyond that. And that's clearest in terms of what the characters want. Rapunzel wants to see the floating lights and that transitions into wanting the freedom and love that Gothel has denied her. Anna wants to connect with her sister (or really anyone-- Hans, Kristoff, Olaf...) and to protect Arendelle. Mirabel wants to feel useful to and accepted by her family. Asha wants to help everyone else want things. It's entirely focused on what other characters around her want. She wants other people to have a shot at getting their wishes. In theory that means she's selfless and cares about others. And that's all well and good but it creates this void around Asha herself that makes it hard to connect with her emotionally. What does she want for herself? If the King weren't hoarding people's wishes, what would Asha wish for? What would she dream about? What does her happy ending after the King is defeated look like? It's very hard to tell. A character can be selfless and focused on helping others and still have things they want for themselves. Look no further than Asha's "I want" song This Wish. It's so vague.

B. The Relationships

The other half of the problem with Asha is that she doesn't have a central relationship. Rapunzel has a broken relationship with her 'mother' and finds love and trust and partnership through her relationship with Flynn. Tiana is driven by her relationship with her late father, and finds healing in her relationship with Naveen. Moana is in conflict with her father and finds her confidence and independence through working out her friendship/partnership with Maui. Raya can only regain the relationship with her father by working through her trust issues with Namaari and learning from Sisu. Mirabel working through her relationships with her sisters, and interacting with Bruno allows her to confront her relationship with Abuela.

Asha has a lot of relationships, but none of them is really allowed to take a central place in the story. She's got 7 friends but there's not really room or a need for growth in any of those (except Simon, but that's kept more peripheral and really exists more to demonstrate that Rosas really does have a problem that needs to be fixed). She's got a dead father who forms some kind of inspiration for Asha, but it doesn't drive her the way Tiana's father does. She has a mother who matters to the story very little. There could have been key relationships between her and Magnifico and/or Amaya (and I think you can see hints of that) but that's not developed either. Asha's grandfather is important to her in some way, but again that relationship is not allowed to come to center-- he's the closest we have but even if we allow that he's occupying a role similar to that of Raya or Moana's fathers, that's still only half the equation. Asha still wouldn't have someone to interact with and grow alongside in the way that Moana had Maui, and Raya had Namaari and Sisu. The story is missing a deuteragonist.

And I think that contributes to the first point, to Asha feeling flat. She doesn't have anyone to define herself in relation to. She has a bunch of generally positive relationships and so is only defined by a general kindness and altruism.

There's been some concept art bouncing around of a human version of Star, so it seems that an early version of the story HAD its deuteragonist, partner for Asha to run around with and interact with a learn from (and in some sense to receive what she needs on a personal level-- in the way that Rapunzel receives the love she needs from Flynn, or Moana gains confidence in her leadership by having Maui choose to follow her-- which would help Asha recover a personal motivation). But when Star changed from having a human form to being a little blobby thing, he moved from deuteragonist to cute creature sidekick. And the story lost a key component and didn't replace it.

There are other smaller problems too-- some of the songs feel off (and none of them are great), the friends are sometimes annoying, Amaya's characterization doesn't quite work right, some of the easter eggs don't work etc.-- and I do think the thematic core of the movie has issues (but that's another post in itself, and I don't think the issue is what other people have claimed it is). But I think it would all come together reasonably well if Asha herself had come to life a little bit better. And that is a shame because I think her character design is good and I think Ariana DeBose does a good job playing her.

[tubbytarchia]

HEY HI HELLO THERE JUST STOPPED BY TO SAY I LOVE AND ABSOLUTELY ADORE YOUR ART AND I LIVE FOR IT, YOUR COLORS WORK SO WELL TOGETHER IN WAYS THAT MAKE THEM SO SATISFYING TO LOOK AT, YOU SEEM LIKE SUCH A NICE AND WONDERFUL PERSON, not to mention your style is fabulous, I am in love with the way you draw people, they look so huggable and I love them, and I am loving your dragon lifers so far, its a unique take on dragons that I’ve never seen before and I am LOVING IT!!! You genuinely inspire me so much and I really look up to your drawings, without a doubt the best parts of my day are just laying around scrolling through your blog and taking in all your beautiful art, I’ve always felt a lot more motivated to finish my art every time I stop to take a gander at yours. I’m really sorry for rambling!!! It just that I love to gush about your art and there are just so many things that I adore about it!!! I hope you have a wonderful day or night, and I’m wishing you and your loved ones a happy new year!!!!!🎊🎆 🎉

THANK YOU SO MUCH AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU TOO!!!! WAAAA

Absolutely no need to ever apologize for voicing selfless thoughts and support towards me 😭😭 This is what gets me through each day, I should be thanking you more than anything 🥺

That is such a cute way to describe my style and it makes me so happy that you feel that way about it... I'm so glad to have been able to develop a style that I'm finally happy with and others like too! And it's the absolute highest tier praise to me if my work can help someone else in any way. The fact that it's my work that you look at for inspiration, the way I have been looking at works of so many artists for the same reason throughout my life and never feeling like I could make it to that level... I might not be achieving much in life right now but seeing my art get this far makes me so happy. This matters to me so much...

anyway THANK YOU KIND ANON I LOVE YOU

[randomidiocyncrazies]

Hot take but I actually don't like Isami's "hot-blooded super robot protag" makeover in the finale. (Elaboration below)

For one, I think his character design is now way less charming because 'Hero Isami' kinda just slapped generic protagonist design traits together and called it a day (and i know this is just personal taste, so no shade to those who prefer his new look). Also, while I like the symbolic reason for him looking like a super robot protagonist when he decides to fight back against the remaining Death Drives/embrace the kind of narrative he's in, I'm not super enthused by how they've executed it? I don't feel like he's really embraced it so much as 'had to embrace it', like how he kinda had to go along with the rest of the story thus far. His new look is very much a 'super robot protag' look imo, but I personally think the transistion from him running away to embracing the 'super robot protag' label is a little superficial in terms of the character's emotional development.

We're told that Isami accepts Bravern, and we do see them get closer, but we don't actually get any meaningful depth about Isami's definition of heroism prior to Bravern—we understand Smith's idea and drive to be a hero, we understand Lulu's motivations, but we don't really get that for Isami. The finale gave us "I never wanted to be a hero" to contrast with Smith's "I've always wanted to be a hero", but we don't really get why Isami wasn't interested, nor what he thought a hero was before Bravern. I know they wanted to set up a situation where Isami is inspired to become a hero because of Bravern, but the slightly ham-fisted way they say Isami trusts Bravern/is inspired by him etc didn't feel very compelling to me because they focused on Smith's character in the first 8 episodes and Isami's character didn't get that exploration.

For the impact of Isami finally embracing being a 'super robot hero' in the finale, we should see a change in either his understanding of heroism itself, or his understanding of himself in relation to the concept of heroism. I mean, i guess his talk with Smith kinda touches on it, but without exploration of how he was before Bravern re: heroism, the impact of him choosing to embody the typical 'super robot hero' approach (shown by literally changing his character design to fit the vibe) falls a bit flat for me.

And like! The idea that Isami needed to actively embrace the super robot story he found himself in to get his happy ending is a really neat one! He's been steamrolled into it for pretty much the entire show, so him seizing control over his story is inspiring—and I think a little more clarity on what heroism means/meant to Isami would elevate the character writing. Right now he's kinda just this guy who gets bullied by the story, and tbh the change between his despair + begging for his life to taking up the hero mantle willingly in the finale feels kinda like he's reacting in whatever way the plot needed him to. In general there were times where I felt Isami's reactions seemed abrupt for what was established between him and other chracters; it's not a huge deal, but it did stick out to me.

(As much as I loved the the love confession scene in ep 11, I was confused at Isami's emotional intimacy with Bravern; not because I don't ship it, but because Isami seemed quite bothered by Bravern's overeagerness before this point. They grew closer after ep 9, but the intimacy at the beach wasn't convincing on Isami's side for me because there was barely build-up. In general, Isami's acceptance/buy-in to Bravern's definition of heroism was mostly glossed over imo.)

Don't get me wrong, it's still a very fun show! I enjoyed the wild homoerotic ride and most of the humor (LOVED the little meta jokes), and the story's themes are really compelling in theory. Bang Brave and unleash your courage in a stylish explosion! I just wish they gave us a little more time to sit in Isami's head.

[kingmagnificoofrosas]

Hi. So I’ve been enjoying your blog for a few days now and I just want to say ‘thank you’ for giving King Magnifico fans the safe space they deserve. Thank you for giving King Magnifico the safe space he deserves.

I tried to find other blogs that defend him the way you do but I couldn’t. I agree with you 100% on Magnifico and honestly think he was the only good part of the movie.

You’ve inspired me to create an OC of my own to ship with him. I’m remaining anonymous and don’t want to tell you about them because I don’t want to offend you, due to your faith. But I will dedicate the OC side blog to you once it’s open.

Without you, I would’ve felt like a silly 37 yr old caring so much about a Disney character. Especially while I’m going through a hard time. Now I will preserve my endangered mental health by spending time on developing my character and my Magnifico fan blog.

Please keep it up. You’ve given me a Magnifico safe space and have inspired others to celebrate their love of this character.

Oh my goodness!!! *emotional noises*

I'm so immensly moved I'm struggling to find the right words. Thank you doesn't even feel enough! I feel beyond happy and honored that I've managed to help, inspire, motivate and comfort people. That's what I want to do and if I manage to, it fills my heart with so much gratitude and joy!

But really, without you guys, I wouldn't be standing where I'm standing with my blog at this point.

I loved Magnifico from the moment I first saw him on screen and as soon as I understood enough of his story, it was more than clear to me, that I had to not only create a safe space for fans who - just like me - realized that he isn't a villain but also a place where I can fight against the very toxic stance against traumatized people and mental disorders.

And no! Never feel bad or silly for loving something because of your age! Age doesn't matter. I'm in my late 20s and one of my friends is already 30 so 🤷🏻‍♀️ Who's to tell us we cannot love certain things anymore just because we aren't kids/teenagers anymore? People who spread such information aren't better than all those other bullies and they're obviously wrong. You can be a 100 years old and still love plushies and dolls, or Legos, or disney - it's not just for kids!

Also, while I'm more than pleased to see that more and more people start siding with Magnifico and becoming vocal that he's not a villain but a traumatized protagonist, I'm also greatly concerned by people still shaming, ridiculing, belittling and villainizing trauma.

The fact that Disney itself has pushed those toxic stigmas is beyond me! Just like one of my greatest fellow defenders stated : When did bullying a traumatized person into uncontrollable rage become acceptable? When did it become acceptable to villainize traumatized people? Since when does the message "true love breaks every curse" matter no more?

When did people lose so much compassion and became ok with pushing hate and unforgiveness?

Standing up for trauma and defending those people is not justifying wrong actions! It's calling awareness! Compassion and love! It's explaining and drawing a big difference!

There are so many toxic statements I hear people make toward traumatized people and people with mental disorders. And I think it's one of the cruelest, most disgusting and heartless things!

Magnifico has become a symbol for so many and a beacon to rise awareness to trauma and the toxic stance of disney and some people out there.

Btw, Japan has even created a hashtag that celebrates Magnifico. The japanese have been stressing from the start that Magnifico isn't a villain. The japanese amazing! ✨️

So, I thank you for being a part of this incredible supportive, growing defender squad! I'll keep doing my best to fight for what's right and keep this blog growing ✨️

I wish you all the best from the bottom of my heart! ❤️ And again, thank you so very much!

[herotome]

i'd like to know more about what you mentioned in the tags then, about taking inspiration from outside media! i remember when i first played the demo it hit just right cause i'd just watched the boys and i was hungry for more hero cynicism lol

Aw hell yeah!!

Okay so actually - I take very little inspiration from modern hero media, if any. I did grow up watching Justice League (2001-2004), Static Shock, and Batman the Animated Series and take some tonal inspiration from my memories of them (in which heroes generally try their best and it isn't always enough, villains tend to have sympathetic motives, also Mr Freeze is there and he's my big favorite), but that's about it.

When I started taking an interest in game design, I took deep inspiration from games with stories and mechanics that really resonated with me:

Mystic Messenger: I took heavy inspiration from how the love interests talk to each other, and how they all participate in every route. And the banter!! This game genuinely made me feel a personal connection to all its characters, and a lot of the player's dialogue choices were pretty damn funny for an otome game. (I have since learned that many, many indie otome games are similarly charming and I wrote a whole big list of recommendations, but didn't know they existed back in 2016-or-so.)

Undertale: Its sense of humor and meta commentary blew my mind. You could just do so much and have the game remember and react to your actions/choices, such as taking too much candy and making the whole bowl spill to the floor, or having the Mad Dummy rant about how you treated the dummy from the beginning of the game. Undertale is probably responsible for my deep interest in variable-tracking, and having characters respond to different things. (Dammit, Undertale, it's been so much work... but it's worth it I guess.....)

Disco Elysium: I played this a short while after MM and UT, and it just solidified my idea of what "my favorite game" would look like. Because I'm trying to make Herotome into my favorite game, that's my secret cap, etc etc. Anyway... Disco Elysium is fucking crazy. It's full of heart and camaraderie and also you can loudly beg for money and punch a literal child in the face and sing karaoke really badly and joking that if you find three racists you will be granted three wishes like??? It's unhinged. I haven't even mentioned the stellar atmosphere, plot, and how you have a bunch of voices in your head suggesting various courses of action and how you play as a recovering addict and you can go right back into your addiction with smoking alcohol and drugs... Describing it like this, it feels like an impossible game, that there's no way a game like this exists, but goddamn it do. And I take inspiration from a small.. SMALL aspect of it, because if I tried to fully emulate Disco Elysium I would probably die. It's just so much. And it's beautiful. Anyway DE inspired me to be more unhinged.

Dragon Age Origins: I'm listing this last because I actually played it well, well before I started game development, but it was such an impactful game for me that I'd never forgotten its scenes, characters, and how it made me feel. The CHARACTER BANTER... The sheer wealth of choices, and the emotions involved!!! There was such a general sense of world building and gravitas and then you find this mystical holy urn that's been important to a major religion and one of the characters quips "Nice vase. I should get one for my house." like??? Gah. I guess it inspired me not to take my own game too seriously, but the characters are also very,veryvery charming while also being quite diverse - everyone has a unique sense of humor and a unique background. The player can ALSO have a unique sense of humor and a unique background, which is super cool. I am absolutely not doing separate Origins for Herotome because that's way too much work-- but the diversity of the love interests did inspire me a great deal. Oh-- and the APPROVAL SYSTEM. I loved how you could get characters in the negative and have really, really interesting dialogue from antagonistic interactions, so DA:O really taught me early on that I didn't have to shy away from such things.

Perhaps most importantly: I like these games a whole lot, they are probably my favorite games. I want to like Herotome in the same way, or at least a very similar way.

A quote I try to think about a lot is "I'm surprised at the success of the show, I'm... I'm not surprised by people liking it that watch it, because... even though that makes me sound like a dick, like, that [sounds like] I knew people would like it, that's not quite what I mean-- I just mean, when you write something, you have to... if it's gonna be good, you have to be, like, its first fan, you have to be like... I don't care if I'm the only person who ever watches this, I love this. So when a second person says 'this is awesome!' You're like, stoked, but you're not shocked[...]"

... Okay I don't think about that entire stuttering quote (it's from Dan Harmon, regardless of how one might feel about him as a person he is an undeniably successful writer); but I do try to internalize "I don't care if I'm the only person who likes this" as often as I can.

I also make an effort to trust in the universe and that Herotome will reach "its people" and resonate with them in the same way my favorite games resonated with me...

... Anyway.

Outside of game design, I also try to pick out enjoyable aspects from everything I watch and read. If a book has a particularly well-written scene, I'll jot down some notes about why I liked it even if I didn't enjoy the book overall. Same with VNs and other games. While watching movies/shows I'll try to remember how they make me feel, and remember scenes that are particularly powerful and why they affected me. Yeah it's a lot of English homework, but it's how I work and indirectly feed Herotome and keep it alive in my day-to-day. I even have a playlist of random youtube videos I might reference while working on the game. Oh, and video essays -- I watch video essays religiously and make mental notes... let's plays, too, are a great way to experience how a game is designed and saving some time--

Uh, point being, you don't have to go hardcore categorizing and note-taking like I do. I just truly believe that every piece of media has something to share that can be molded and used to your own devices... even if it's "what not to do," in situations where I really, really don't like something. I'll just make a mental note to do the opposite thing. (eg, when Mystic Messenger let you choose your PFP and then randomly showed you the default MC kissing the love interest - so much whiplash, so awful, still one of my favorite games but whyyyyyy)

I actually did a meme about characters-who-inspired-my-characters a while back too, so there's that... same logic. Many many games and stories and characters inspired me, very few of them directly concern superheroes.

Thank you for the ask!!!

[wondereads]

Review of The Absinthe Underground by Jamie Pacton

Summary

Sybil and Esme are best friends, roommates, and maybe a little bit more. They are also poster thieves, though Esme only reluctantly plays lookout. One night, they are caught by Maeve, the owner of the Absinthe Underground, the premier nightclub in the 1920s-inspired city of Severon, and she offers them a deal; the funds to do anything they want with their lives in exchange for stealing the jewels of the Moonshadow Queen, Mab. And who could resist such an offer?

Plot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Unfortunately, the plot of this book, while it boasts an intriguing presence and beautiful setting, is very rushed and never really takes the time to build tension. Throughout the book, Sybil and Esme must steal three items to then help them steal Mab's jewels. There's a lot of potential for each of these heists to be a clever, hair-raising scenes, but each of them lasts maybe five pages each. While Sybil is portrayed as a daredevil poster thief, she definitely doesn't have the skill set for these high security heists, and Esme absolutely doesn't. They get through these situations far too easily, and it causes the tension to fall flat.

The worlds of Severon and Fae are very aesthetically pleasing, and there's nothing really major excluded in terms of worldbuilding. However, there are some questions I just generally wish were answered, like some things concerning Sybil's family and what the actual power of the jewels is; if there is anything.

Characters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

The characters are definitely the saving grace of this story. Esme and Sybil have greatly distinctive personalities and pretty decent development. Esme in particular learns to stand up for herself, and their relationship, even just platonically, grows a lot. Despite the lack of plot tension, there is good romantic tension, and the romance is very cute. It was probably the most enjoyable part of the book for me.

There is also a good side romance and some good side characters, but I will say that there are some side characters that really aren't well developed. Their personalities are flat, and their motivations seem to be curated just for the main characters to have aid in their quest.

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

I'd say the writing for this book is pretty average for a YA novel. The descriptions of Severon really hit that 1920s, art noveau aesthetic, and, like I mentioned, there are quite a few scenes with some good romantic tension. Unfortunately, there is a general issue with telling instead of showing, especially concerning the main characters' thought process. There are many times when the characters explicitly explain why they think something or their reasoning for doing something instead of trusting the reader to draw their own conclusions.

Also, as I discussed in the plot section, the pacing is way too fast in this book. I don't often say this about a book, but it needs an extra 100 pages or so. The story would benefit so much from being taken more slowly, getting more spread out, especially the individual heists.

Overall 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Unfortunately, I was a little disappointed by this book. It has a great premise, the aesthetics really come through, and it's got a cute sapphic romance. The execution falls short with just the lack of space for the story. Things happen far too quickly when there are many scenes that really need space to breathe. It affects the tension and doesn't give much room for the side characters to show their personalities. The writing tends to tell instead of show, which may contribute to the rushed nature of this book. This book could have been quite good, but it ends up being somewhat mediocre.

The Author

Jamie Pacton: American, also wrote The Vermilion Emporium and The Life and (Medieval) Times of Kit Sweetly

The Reviewer

Hi, I'm Rose, this is my blog, Wondereads, and I review, discuss, and recommend books! You can check out my pinned post for more info :)

[nightofsky101]

Top 20 Animes of 2022

Sorry I skipped last year. Trust me I was watching I just didn’t feel motivated to make another list. However this time I am, but little longer. That’s right it’s 20 now. Plus I added my reasons too. Enjoy.

1. Dance Dance Danseur

Captivating characters, beautiful animation and intriguing story. I really fell in love with this one I went far as to read the manga translation AFTER episode one and continued while the anime was airing. I love how Jumpei over came the toxic masculinity to pursue ballet. His love for ballet really is inspiring. You can see the joy in his eyes. Plus I love Jumpei and Natsuki’s chemistry there’s more of them in the manga. I really do wish the manga would get serialized here in the USA and for Mappa to do another season.

2. Sasaki and Miyano

Cute sweet wholesome BL love story I LOVE MY BABIES. If I had to pick a favorite couple of the year it would be Sasaki and Miyano. AAAHHH I couldn’t stop smiling watching this anime it’s good for the soul. Even if you’re not into BL this is the most safest to watch. The anime version of Heartstoppers.

3. My Dress Up Darling

Cute fun wholesome and sweet romance blooming in front of you. Marine is such a joy no doubt my best girl. Goujo’s passion for hinadoll is inspiring. The animation is so pretty especially when they smile. This really did made me proud to be an anime fan. I can’t wait for more of Marine and Goujo.

4. Blue Lock

Out of the ordinary sports anime with some wild and intense animation. Forget about friendship and team work. It’s all about being an egoist survival of the best striker. I really love the characters. BTW I was watching this before the World Cup started and during it really was life imitating anime. Until Japan lost to Croatia. Root for them next World Cup. I can’t wait for more I probably will reading the manga.

5. Demon Slayer Season 2

I laughed cried and screamed. This season was full of emotions plus I felt like I was watching a movie. I love Tanjiro’s growth this season, Uzui was a badass he really is so cool. Nezuko was amazing. Daki and Gyutaro got me heartbroken. Zenitsu and Inosuke were unstoppable everyone really had a fantastic moment.

6. My Hero Academia Season 6

A whole lot better than season 5. A few nip picks here, but it didn’t bother me too much. I really did enjoy this first half. The voice acting was phenomenal and I was just so happy to see my favorite parts of the manga finally animated. Deku is a beast, Bakugou got me screaming, Shouto I want to hug him. I super excited for the next arc.

7. Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie

Cute and funny anime to watch. The moments with Shikimori, Izumi and their friends made me love this anime more. Who said a girl can’t be cute and handsome. BTW Hachimitsu is my spirit animal I love her.

8. Raven of the Inner Palace

The magic in this anime was pretty. The characters were fascinating, I love the Chines setting. Shouxue bring peace to the dead was uplifting. Plus I love Shouxue development she deserves the friends she has made.

9. Urusei Yatsura

The return of the original waifu Lum. I only watch a few episodes of the original anime they were pretty funny and the remake so far is fun to watch. I can see why Lum is so lovable.

10. Love Live Superstar Season 2

Between this one and Nijigasaki I like Superstar’s story more. Plus the series has broken some Love Live traditions. Liella really is a group you should be watching. Magaret and Lanzhu from Nijigasaki are queens. Love Live keeps on innovating new barriers.

11. Attack on Titan Final Part 3

Had me on the edge of my seat. Eren is a freaking beast I couldn’t believe this season it was shock after shock. I can’t imagine how this is going to end. I can’t handle anymore deaths.

12. Kaguya sama Love is War Season 3

Cute and super funny season. Ishigami had me proud like a mama. Miyuki and Chika’s rap was the best. Kaguya finally admitting to herself she loves Miyuki was so sweet.

13. Tokyo Mew Mew New

Another well done remake. I did watch a few episodes of the original anime when I was a kid. So this was kind of nostalgic to me. The girls are so cute I can’t wait to see more of the remake.

14. Mob Psycho 100 Final

A great ending to Mob. After 3 season it really was a joy and emotional journey to watch Mob Psycho 100. I will miss the crazy animation and deep story so much. Thank you Mob for everything a classic that will always be remembered.

15. More than a married couple, but not lovers

To me this was the vanilla version of Domestic Girlfriends. No step sisters, just a love triangle between a guy, his childhood friend and his marriage partner. So many funny and sweet moments. I do ship Jirou and Akari more.

16. Chainsaw Man

Wild and crazy anime to watch. It felt like I was watching a fever dream. I will be honest it didn’t get me hyped as the manga fans expected. But it was great to watch. It’s only the beginning though I do hope it gets another season.

17. Spy x Family

Funny cute and little suspenseful. It did felt like the Loid and Anya show though I do wish we got to see more of Yor’s assassin work too. The heart warming family moments really did touch my hear. Again family doesn’t always have to mean by blood.

18. Yakuza’s Guide to Babysitting

Another cute and wholesome anime. Kirishima acted more like a big brother to Yaeka who knew a killer yakuza could have a heart. Family doesn’t always have to mean blood.

19. I’m the Villainess, So I’m Taming the Final Boss

Another otome isekai, but it did felt rushed I wished it was more slowed paced. I love Aileen and Claude’s relationship they are so cute. At least they had a happy ending.

20. Shine Post

Such an underrated idol anime. Probably because Love Live was airing around the same time. Love seeing each girl’s reason for being an idol and how much they want to achieve their dream. BTW Rio has the best voice.

HAPPY NEW YEAR SEE YOU IN 2023 !!!!!

[lets-curse-each-other]

"Money doesn't stink", or analysis of Mei Mei

Mei Mei's second name is "paradox". Almost every scene with her is a mixture of socially accused features and humanly approved virtues. We're getting acquainted with her during the Goodwill Event with Kyoto and our character perception changes within a few seconds:

she praises Maki - positive attitude:

she is actually corrupted - negative attitude:

The "simplicity" of Mei's aims and reasons could seem so petty 'cause they don't inspire, don't raise moral or aren't dramatic after all. She loves money, she works for it and does extra tasks only if she's well paid - nothing more. Similar situation was with Nobara:

I didn't like living in the middle of nowhere so I came to the city! This was the only way for me to move to Tokyo.

In ch. 5 Itadori represents the readers; he awaits to hear about tragic circumstances and grand higher purposes and gets ordinary wishes, human desires. "I'm not a hero, I'm a jujutsu sorcerer", remember? Gege is perhaps mocking (with respect of course) at the great anime titles (you know these guys, Naruto, Bleach, etc.) where the majority of characters are pompous in their achieving goals, usually these goals have dark and tear-jerking bases. It's not very human actually. I don't attempt to say that people in reality can't possess noble motives, however usually (USUALLY!) we're striving for common, necessary (or not), nice trinkets, not for "I WILL SAVE ALL THE PEOPLE BECAUSE I'M THE AMBASSADOR OF THE GOOD". Let's be honest, as well as we, Mei is just a human who is happy as fuck when sees her bank account has been replenished.

Nevertheless, she later helps the students with promotion by her (!) initiative. Mei doesn't take advantage from it, she's just admitted their skills without any prejudices and does them a favor. It could be the action of kindness or pragmatism because it's better for the sorcerers to accomplish missions according to their abilities and not stay on the plateau. Perhaps there was a possibility that Mei felt some kind of solidarity to Maki because their sorcery paths were alike, in a way. However, let's not forget her dogma: service potential is life itself for me. So for her courtesy she probably would expect from Maki reciprocal benefits.

She, surprisingly, isn't arrogant. Mei easily accepts others' suggestions (like with Utahime in Gojo's flashbacks), positively reacts to different plans and ideas, admits achievements and pays compliments:

"The Shibuya Incident" also shows Mei's contradictory character. We're getting used to her practical interests (even in her own family) and view on life as the goldmine of possibilities to get profit from everything and everybody, that observing such sincere empathy of her is really beyond our understanding. It's suspicious and confusing. Nice of Gege to not focus on one bright trait but to extend the personality further. That method helps readers always be a little bit shocked when there's this kind of a sharp transition: from "interested only in money venal person" to "caring, attentive and trustworthy fellow".

As far as concerned her past, Mei is likely from some minor jujutsu clan if taking into account the info from databook that the enrollment method was family lineage and Ui Ui's words about her "using family for employment". Howbeit, she inherited the cursed technique too weak to use alone, that forced her to train her physical abilities and develope skills of enhancing the body with cursed energy. Unfortunately (or luckily), she faced obstacles again: her body had a limit. She found strength to get back to basics, to her worthless at first sight inherited technique. Ironically, the thing that was useless at the beginning helped her to become a grade 1 sorcerer. It is necessary to admit how her highlight, main attack, reflects her life mottos in the best way. Are you ready to imperil yourself for me? Could i gain benefits from your sacrifice? Is your life able to help me in my aims?

Here there is a gist of her sympathy to Maki during the Goodwill Event. She realized how much effort, stubbornness Maki put into her achieving such excellent results without cursed techniques, not talking about mockeries and disrespect that the girl has to endure. In this aspect they are similar.

While on the subject of family and the Goodwill Event, I've been rereading ch. 40 (Mei's first appearance) several times and only now, as an afflatus, i realize that she could mean the connections between relatives/family traditions and its members. For her these formal bounds don't make sense at all. Everything should have its value, everything has a price. The idea is hard-nosed and unsentimental, but, you know, i like it in some way. I think you're familiar with a situation when you're obliged to do something for people just because these people are called your relatives. Mei's credo denies it. No profit, hence no efforts. Fair.

The battle between her and Kenjaku remained behind the scenes. And next time we see Mei (ch.133), her "betrayal" is obvious. I'm using quotation marks because, honestly, she acted logically, didn't change her businesslike habits. Mei Mei and her brother somehow could escape from Kenjaku, survived, and she immediately calculated the situation, grasped the outcomes of the Shibuya Incident and its winner and took the steps. Mei left the battlefield and her comrades fighting, but she and Ui Ui stayed alive. Therewith, her predicting the final, Mei saw no point in endeavors that would put her and her brother on the line.

Despite this, Mei does not avoid tragic consequences, in chapter 190 it is said that Ui Ui (most likely by the order of the elder sister) helps sorcerers in the colonies. I like how Noritoshi describes this type of relationship between Mei and the jujutsu society:

Risk diversification is the process of investing across a range of industries and categories. This ensures that even if some assets perform poorly, other areas can completely or in part cover the loss (source).

Diversification of risk is, therefore, a tactic to balance between maximising returns and minimising risks (source).

The siblings don't be in a hurry to jump into the deep end, despite the fact how tensed the situation is. They keep the distance, carefully help from comfortable positions, contribute gradually and cautiously. They will venture only when the game is worth the candle. Having such controversial characters on the side of good adds this very side more human features and realness. So I'm looking forward to see these guys' next actions.

[frannyzooey]

Kelli. I have been DEEP in baby life, and reading anything other than articles about every minute detail of human development hasn't really been on the table, much less anything even vaguely smutty. BUT. I happened to open up my dash and see Devour the other day. I actually managed to read the whole thing, which I haven't been motivated to do in a few months. (Don't look at the 250+ drafts I have saved as "to read". Shhhhh...)

I was a little unsure about some of the tags, but *gods*. As always, you and Ezra have me totally enraptured by the most INSANE things that I would NEVER think to look for on my own. I debated sending this as just a message, and you can totally ignore it or reply with a message, instead of a post. I just needed to let you know you woke me up a bit. I should've known one of your Ezras would be the jolt of spiritual caffeine I needed. 💜💜💜

Also, that reference to Din was just fucking brilliant. 🩶💚

First of all Tess -- baby life?! ❤ I am so fucking excited for you! Babies are 100% one of my biggest weaknesses and it makes me so happy to think of you being immersed in that love! Congrats!!

Second of all -- I can't even tell you how much this ask means to me. On so many levels: thinking of you still taking the time for your hobbies after children, having faith enough in my writing that you would read it even if you were unsure about the warnings, knowing that it woke you up a bit (??!!) -- I wish I could come and kiss you on the mouth right now.

Tbh, you and I are in the same boat because I never knew a concept like that existed! I was vaguely aware of it but I never knew it had a name and certainly had never read anything with warnings like that, so I was really nervous writing it? @hier--soir was the best help (as I had seen concept posts on her blog before, so I reached out to her for advice) and without her help, I'm not sure I could have done it. ❤

Ezra makes fools of us ALL and I am so, so, so fucking thankful that you took a chance on this one, and so very glad that you liked it. There is more where that came from (in terms of canon Ezra) in 2024, my lovely 🥰

That reference to Din was purely inspired by the brilliant brain of @wannab-urs, whom the gift was for - she wrote some amazing parallels between them on her blog, and said she was looking for more of that pairing....which, given by the amount of people saying they liked that part, she is not alone! ❤

Thank you thank you THANK YOU for taking the time to send me this ask, for being such a kind human being and for reading. Happy New Year, my love!

[windslar]

i'm thinking of starting to tell sim stories on tumblr. what are some things you wish you'd known before starting that would have made your life easier as a creator? ps i am absolutely obsessed with you.

That's so sweet! Thank you, anon. Sorry if this got really long and out of hand, but apparently I'm quite passionate about this topic. Oop.

To be honest, I didn't think of myself as much of a sim storyteller. There are definitely simblrs out there telling elaborate stories with developed characters. Personally, my style is more gameplay-focused and then adding context. 95% of the time, I take random screenshots and build a story based on that. The only real planning involved is that I try to follow the rules of the legacy challenge I'm playing. That being said, I use it more as a guide for storytelling rather than a checklist of tasks I have to complete.

I've attempted focusing more on storytelling with Lightflower. I have a google doc plotting the scenes and dialogue, and linking to pose packs I want to use, but I've been on a slump with that particular save. Don't get me wrong, I love those sims but the idea of opening that save and posing them and coming up with dialogue is like pulling teeth for me (at this point, anyway). Motivation to play a save is huge. This is a hobby, and the last thing I want is for this to feel like work.

All that to say I wish I'd known NOT to put too much pressure on myself. I think, in the beginning, we all get inspired by other simblrs and we want to create great stories and original edits that get a ton of likes and reblogs. So we consciously or subconsciously emulate what's popular. It's one thing to be inspired and motivated by others, but it's another thing to feel like you have to measure up to popular simblrs with an established audience. With anything in life, if you compare yourself to others, it's not going to be an enjoyable experience.

So my advice is to just do what you like, post what you enjoy, and share your excitement about your sims. Some days, I like to post slice of life screenshots of sims just living their lives on live mode. Other days, I like to pose my sims and add some more story elements to my gameplay. I don't limit myself to one thing or one style because I know I'd get bored with my save. This approach works for me, and it might be different for you. There's no one way to play this game.

I also don't limit myself to the game's narrow "personality" system. I like to explore why my sims have certain traits and how it motivates them to do certain things; it's stuff like that that makes sims more fleshed out and more memorable for people following your story or gameplay. If you sprinkle in some context or elaborate a little on your sims' personalities beyond "so-and-so has these three traits", it allows you to be more attached to your sims and less likely to burn out.

Oh, and maybe this is just me being a chronic queue-er who posts 99% of the screenshots I take, but stop second-guessing yourself because you think your post isn't good enough. I see it occasionally on the dash -- people being overly self-critical about their creations and choosing not to post or deciding to delete it because it didn't get the numbers they wanted. We all start from somewhere and we're all learning new things as we go. SHARE your stories and edits and WIPs. If you show you're enthused about something, it carries through in your work and you'll find that others will start caring about the stuff that you post.

[dropout-if]

hi izzy!! i’m not sure if you’re still doing the emoji asks hehe but can i ask for 🖍️🌈🌪️🌠☄️ for all the ros please?? thank you <3

Hi Nikka~ I'm still doing them yep🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️ I was looking forward to someone asking a few of those ty💕

🖍️ CRAYON - what advice would you give to them?

Generally, I'd tell everyone to see a therapist (I'm very tough-love-approach when it comes to giving advice so picture me saying all this menacingly).

Jade/Jean- it's okay to not be perfect, it's okay to not be needed.

Uma- your pain is valid but so is everyone else's. You should communicate more openly.

Statler- take a break. You deserve it.

Wanda- you think everything is dandy, but ignoring your problems doesn't make them disappear.

Kai- eat your veggies. Please. Take better care of yourself.

Travis- sometimes it's better to talk things out instead of bottling it all up.

🌈 RAINBOW - what advice would they give to their younger self?

Jade/Jean- “Don't be afraid to take risks and follow your dreams. Trust yourself more and remember that setbacks are just opportunities to grow stronger. And don't forget to cherish the moments with loved ones along the way.”

Uma- “Explore your creativity fearlessly. Don't worry too much about what others think. Embrace your uniqueness and let your heart guide you. Your journey is your own, and it's worth every twist and turn.”

Statler- (they're the kind of person who gives advice but doesn't really apply it to themself) “Don't be afraid to express your feelings and show vulnerability. People value your compassion and support.”

Wanda- “Don't be so trusting of people who promise you the world. Be safe. Love yourself. Take chances, have fun, and don't be afraid to express yourself. Follow your passions and let your infectious energy inspire those around you.”

Kai- “Be more confident. Care less about what people think. It's okay to be different and march to your own beat. Embrace your curiosity and dive deep into your interests.”

Travis- “Trust in your intelligence and your ability to achieve your goals. Focus on your long-term vision and don't get too caught up in petty conflicts. Your determination will lead you to success.”

🌪️ TORNADO - what is the biggest change you've ever made to them? how have they changed from their original version?

Jade/Jean- I think J has always been J in a way. They were the first character I created for dropout and I've always had their character very clear. There's one thing that's spoilery to say but I did change their main conflict.

Uma- wasn't a tattoo artist originally, just a struggling artist trying to get through life. Uma wouldn't really want a life in which they didn't work through art, so tattooing was a very fitting solution (I was also cleaning one of my tattoos when I thought of it lol).

Statler- has probably changed the most? They used to be very stuck up and unkind they were honestly a little annoying to write? Their high school version retains some of those qualities but I like this self-sacrificing version of Statler much more.

Wanda- Gabi's dad was an important character in Wanda's plot but to my own daddy issues I completely erased him from existence lol.

Kai- wasn't originally into the whole sleeping around thing lol. They completely rejected people, even the idea of friendship. Kai atm is much more approachable, they want to be around people (but not too much).

Travis- there used to be no grievances between Travis and MC. He was the third best friend but as I developed his backstory... things changed. It's made his entire disposition towards MC generally more angry.

🌠 SHOOTING STAR - if they could make any wish with no repercussions, what wish would they make?

Jade/Jean- unparalleled success and recognition. Also enough motivation to finish their book.

Uma- inspiration to finally create a painting worthy of being in an art gallery.

Statler- world peace + the ability to heal and bring happiness to those they care about.

Wanda- to change the past.

Kai- to travel the entire world for the rest of their life.

Travis- complete control over his own destiny and the ability to shape the future.

☄️ COMET - what do people assume about them? are they right?

Jade/Jean- J is always confident and has their life together. It is accurate to an extent. While J exudes confidence, they also struggle with their own insecurities, moods, and past regrets.

Uma- people often see Uma as carefree/careless and aloof. Uma is indeed a little serious toward strangers, but this is not the case with their friends. They also have a deep emotional complexity beneath their carefree exterior.

Statler- their life is perfect, as Statler themself is perfect. People also assume Statler is always the dependable and caring friend. They are most definitely not perfect, nor they have had the perfect life. Statler's caring nature is genuine, but they also grapple with their own challenges, including Noir.

Wanda- people tend to think Wanda is careless and naive due to her bubbly/vibrant personality. Wanda generally portrays a positive disposition, but she faces her own struggles as a single mother and has her own set of concerns.

Kai- a carefree fuckgirl/boy who doesn't seem to care about anything or anyone but themself. In reality, Kai's adventurous spirit hides deeper emotions, and their relationships have more depth than meets the eye.

Travis- people assume Travis is cold and unforgiving. Though they are partly right (he is somewhat spiteful) Travis' thought process is a little more complicated than that.