#the cast is just generally really strong and I didn't feel like there was one weak link

[optiwashere]

That new Fallout TV show reminded me why I avoid a lot of video game fandoms lol.

Dick jokes in my Fallout? Please ignore the porn star quest line in FO2 or the variety of crude sex jokes in every single game.

Anti-war, anti-fascist, anti-nationalist, and anti-capitalist rhetoric? Well, there's surely no thinly veiled satire in the first... all of the games (other than 3, probably) that deals with the inherent absurdity of capitalism in the face of nuclear war, touching on such topics as genocide, human experimentation, isolationism, and tribalism.

[festering-obsession]

N//S//F//W Alphabet with Na'vi! Oc x Human! Reader

Tw/Cw: Mature/Eighteen and Up Audiences Only, Slightly Dubious, Pure Smut, Gender Neutral Reader but Some Mentions of AFAB Genitalia

A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex)

Hewu'itan is very reactive to your needs, but he mostly loves basking in the afterglow of sex with you. Seeing you out of breath, a slight sheen of sweat, you struggling to move, makes something awake in him. He'll help wipe the cum off you gently, prepare you a snack or water if you need as well. But most importantly, he will cuddle you to sleep.

B = Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)

He loves his arms to hands. They've taken years to be this strong and precise. He knows exactly how to kill someone in his presence. But with you, he only wants you to know absolute pressure. On you? He honestly loves your entire body as cheesy as that sounds. He particularly loves the area around your chest and neck. So sensitive, he loves to bite and nip around there.

C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically)

Not too terribly different from human semen, larger amount of it though. He loves to cum inside you, his favorite spot.

D = Dirty secret (pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)

He watched you masturbate before he kidnapped you from the base. You really should have made sure your blinds were closed, even if you didn't think there was no one there.

E = Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they’re doing?)

He's not a virgin, but also not a sex God. Hewu'itan knows his anatomy and has engaged in casual sex for pleasure purposes only before he found you. Not at all experienced with humans, but he is a quick learner.

F = Favorite position (this goes without saying)

Depends on the mood, but he loves the most intimate positions where he can look into your pleasured face. Missionary or the breeding press is always good, but he also loves lotus or anything with him pinning you to the wall.

G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.)

Serious, this is an intimate moment between the two of you, he doesn't want humor to invade that.

H = Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.)

I don't really know if he really has any to shave honestly, Na'vi really don't seem to have that much hair besides on the head. But if he does, he at least makes sure he is trimmed.

I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect)

It won't be the stereotypical romantic with the roses and candles in a dimly lit room, but his idea of romance I feel is better. The constellation perfectly lights the two of you while he fucks you atop the tree branches.

J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon)

Before he met you, he didn't do it too often. Yet in the yearning stage with you, he most definitely did to the thought of you.

K = Kink (one or more of their kinks)

Not too out there. He has a thing for breeding and praise though. He most definitely has a size kink and whatever shows that, he loves. He also marks you with teeth, so biting kink as well?

L = Location (favorite places to do the do)

He takes it wherever he can honestly. His favorite is beneath the stars and the bioluminescent vegetation casting a glow on your beautiful skin.

M = Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going)

Literally just you in general. You could ne wearing anything (or nothing), and he just goes near feral for that. However, if you do decide to play with his hair or any way tug at it, it does stimulate him and get him going.

N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)

Sharing you with anyone. Sure, some other Na'vi couples don't mind a third or even a fourth in a relationship, but he can't imagine sharing you with anyone. Your body belongs only to him during sex and beyond that.

O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.)

Due to your oxygen mask, he gives most the time. Hewu'itan doesn't mind at all though. His tongue and fingers work so well together and can fill you up better than anything you could imagine. His sharp canines also add a new and definitely pleasurable sensation.

P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.)

To you, he feels fast and rough, but to him he thinks he's going slower. It's hard to keep up with him, but Hewu'itan loves the fact he can see your fucked out face as he pounds into you.

Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.)

Although Hewu'itan does prefer long intimate sessions, he also doesn't mind quickies. If anything, the thrill of it excites him. They don't happen very often though since you're in his home most the time, but on the occasions he does take you out, he makes sure to savor it.

R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.)

He's willing to experiment if you are interested as well. Nothing too dangerous or too public (because only he's allowed to see your body during such times).

S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?)

You're own stamina will never match his. He's a hunter with excellent speed and endurance. Of course he will stop if you can't take more of it, but he push your limits on how much you can handle. He doesn't mean to but he does overestimulate you quite a bit (although I'm sure you wouldn't mind).

T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?)

I'm pretty sure the Na'vi have sex toys even thought it may not be up to "human standards". He doesn't really own any, his fist was enough. He also doesn't really see the need of getting you some either. You have his cock, mouth, and fingers, what else can you need? However, if you beg him enough, he might try it. He'll learn to like them as he sees the toys as an extension of him giving you added pleasure.

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)

Not really a teaser, but he does have his moments. Especially when you're close to climax he might pull out a haughty remark about only how he's able to make you feel like this.

V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.)

He's quiet during most of it. He wants to hear you instead. However he does growl and groan lightly close to his climax.

W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character)

Has a thing for your breast most definitely. Wants a boobjob so bad because no matter what cup size they may be, it'll never be enough to wrap around his cock. This ties into his size kink.

X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes)

Hewu'itan is tall and slim, just like his cock. Even though it may not seem so girthy, to your human body it fills you up completely. Dark blue around the base with light stripes and the tip is a lovely light blue.

Y = Yearning (How high is their sex drive?)

He had a normal libido to low libido before you, but now he feels in a constant state of horniness. He can mask it very well, but if you're feeling needy at any time he will drop what he's doing to come help you.

Z = ZZZ (… how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

Hewu'itan makes sure you are well taken care of before he thinks about it. He loves to slowly watch you succumb to sleep before he joins. He places you right on top of his chest with his arms securing you in place when he finally drifts off to sleep.

....

A/N: the blue alien dick you all have been waiting for.

[trillscienceofficer]

from Star Trek: Voyager the official magazine, June 1997

ROXANN DAWSON - B'Elanna Torres

by Ian Spelling

“You never really get used to it,” Roxann Dawson says of the makeup that transforms her into B'Elanna Torres on STAR TREK: VOYAGER. “I've gotten used to having it applied, but I don't think you ever really get used to it. Part of me likes it though. It certainly helps me slip into character and, of course, I'm not recognized at all out of the makeup, sometimes not even on the set.

“I remember that in the first few months we were doing the show, even people on the set had no idea who I was. I would walk right onto the stage without makeup and our own director of photography wouldn't recognize me. Over time, people have seen me out of makeup a little bit more often. So at least the cast and crew are beginning to know who I am now.”

Dawson smiles, which is a big no-no. At this very moment, she's sitting in a chair as a makeup artist glues on prosthetics and paints over assorted Klingon facial ridges. Every time Dawson stretches her facial muscles too much—which occurs when she smiles or laughs—she risks ruining the makeup artists work, and that would only mean more time in the chair. “I usually like to look the person I'm talking to in the eye,” Dawson explains. "But I can't turn my head, either. Use the mirror. I know it's a little weird, but if you look at me in the mirror as we speak, we can make eye contact.”

Clearly, Dawson has held more than a few conversations from this chair, which sits in the middle of a make-up trailer just a short walk from the VOYAGER sound-stages on the Paramount Pictures lot.

Hard as it may be to believe, three years have passed since Dawson first arrived here to play B'Elanna in the “Caretaker” pilot. “It is hard to believe, and it has been a great experience. I've been able to do almost everything as an actress portraying this character,” she enthuses. The other day, they had me rappelling for a scene we were shooting. That was so cool. It's one of the neat things about being an actor. You don't have to know how to do something and you don't really have to practice it. They just had me do it. Of course, I was protected, and a stuntwoman would have done anything that would have been too dangerous for me to do.”

Dawson notes, “We're also learning so much about this character. In ‘Blood Fever,’ we really explored many aspects that were very particular to B'Elanna, but not necessarily particular to Klingons or chief engineers in general. We're discovering that she's not just strong in the masculine sense, but that she can be sexual and feminine and interested in learning more about herself. I talked with Jeri Taylor at the beginning of the season because I wanted to see more of B'Elanna's Klingon side come out. I didn't want her to become too complacent. I wanted her irreverence to always be there. I wanted that war going on inside of her to be present and always a conflict that influenced her choices. I think the writers are making sure that's all there this sea- son.

“I don't want B'Elanna to be a goody two-shoes,” Dawson emphasizes. “I don't mind seeing her darker, uglier sides. That's important. It's part of who she is. It's good to see her at her worst. It's good to see her learn from her mistakes. That's what makes a character interesting. I love that, and I hope it continues.

“You never really get what you want as an actress, but with B'Elanna, I've really gotten a lot of what I had wished for. The writers keep surprising me,” she continues. “They keep coming up with different aspects of her for me to explore. I think to myself, ‘How did you know that was in my hidden agenda?’ That's a wonderful feeling for an actress on any show to have.”

Dawson also believes that the writers are doing justice to B'Elanna's relationships with the other characters aboard Voyager. When the series began, she was primarily presented as an outsider, even among her Maquis co-conspirators. Over time, B'Elanna has emerged as a respected member of the crew. Captain Janeway now shows the utmost confidence in her, and her friendship with Tom Paris seems to be blossoming into romance. “One thing people have to understand is that this is an ensemble show. There are nine regular characters to service every week,” Dawson notes. “I just feel really fortunate that, in such a short time, they've developed B'Elanna's specific relationships with just about everyone on the ship. except maybe Kes. We haven't had much to do together and I would love to have an episode exploring that relationship a little bit more.

"With all of the other characters, though, I have a specific relationship and a definite attitude, and each relationship and attitude is changing and growing. I love thee fact that the Doctor can tick me off so much at one moment, but al other moments there is an element of respect, when he does something that impresses me. For example, when I thought we were losing him and his memory, I suddenly realize that I need him, that he has grown me. I love that every once in a while, we see little windows of B'Elanna's past with Chakotay. Paris and I got very close in ‘Blood Fever’, but I was under the influence of something, I was in Klingon heat.

“I want the writers to keep surprising me. Sometimes I love not knowing exactly what's going to happen, and not figuring it out until I'm handed a script. I really don't know where they're going to go with the relationship between B'Elanna and Paris. I do hope they'll take their time and make it happen slowly. I hope it's original, a little different than what we've seen before. I hope they put in a great deal of friction. I'm sure B'Elanna is different from anyone Paris has ever been involved with before, and would love to see him realizing and dealing with that. I see that all happening, and it really pleases me.”

According to Dawson, she and Robert Duncan McNeill have sat down and discussed the best ways to make the B'Elanna-Paris relationship work for them, how to best add layers to the groundwork being provided by the shows writing staff. By way of example, when they received the “Blood Fever” teleplay, the two discussed the arc of the script and how they saw it as the launching pad for an ongoing relationship. They incorporated their conversations into their performances when the scenes were played out before the camera. 'It really comes down to the actors interpreting what's on the page,” Dawson says. “Robbie and I wanted to make sure that certain elements were there and, also, we didn't want to overstep any boundaries. We wanted to be certain we were doing it right. We do discuss things on that level, but we always have to keep in mind that we must by what the script says.”

Sometimes, of course, Dawson also must go by what her directors say. And the actress has been directed not only by actor/directors Jonathan Frakes and LeVar Burton, but also by her VOYAGER costars McNeill and Robert Picardo. McNeill helmed “Sacred Ground”, while Picardo called the shots on “Alter Ego”. “I had about 30 seconds of screen time in ‘Sacred Ground,’ but I was impressed with what Robbie did. Actually, he's going to direct another episode,” she says. “Bob was great on his show. It amazes me, because you don't always know that an actor will be able to direct. Both of these men are obviously multi-talented, because they're not only fine actors but they managed to direct well, too."

Soon enough, Dawson will find out whether or not she can add herself to the list of multi-talented VOYAGER cast members, for she is enrolled in STAR TREK's director-in-training program, which has turned out such directors as Frakes, Burton, Patrick Stewart and STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE's Avery Brooks and Rene Auberjonois. She's watching other directors in action, sitting in on editing sessions and the like, all in preparation to direct an episode sometimes next season. “There's a great education to be had here and they treat me with such grace. I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to learn this craft,” Dawson enthuses with a smile that elicits a wince from her makeup man.

“I've always wanted to direct. I've directed for theater, but it's quite different from directing for film or TV. I honestly don't know if I'll like it or be good at it. I think the time for deciding whether I'll be a good director is right now, during the learning process. So far, I really do love it. Hopefully, I'll be good at it, too. Whatever episode they give me to do, I just want to be able to bring it to life. Each episode is so different. Sometimes you're handled something that's very action-oriented, and sometimes you'll get something that's very thought-provoking. I don't know which kind of show I would be better at, but part of me says I would be better off starting with a quieter episode. I don't know if I have a particular style that I would impose anything. That was always my goal as a stage director. I'll probably stick with that idea for my first episode."

While Roxann Dawson may go on to make her mark as a director of VOYAGER, she's well aware that, even though she'll likely enjoy a long, fruitful career beyond STAR TREK, the show, her role and the fans will always be a part of her life. "I've heard that. Am I comfortable with it? I guess I'm growing more comfortable with the idea," she acknowledges.

"If this was something that didn't deserve that kind of recognition, then I would feel uncomfortable. But I think VOYAGER does deserve that kind of recognition. I'm part of something special. So, yeah, I guess I am comfortable with the idea STAR TREK being a part of my life forever. Let me put it this way: I'm as comfortable as I could be.”

Focus: Star Trek: Voyager

It has been a long time since Roxann Dawson last looked back at the episodes of STAR TREK: VOYAGER which were either focused almost entirely on B'Elanna Torres or which featured scenes of importance as they related to the character. Thus, the conversation backtracks to October 1995, when “Persistence of Vision” first aired:

“Persistence of Vision” (The crew's deeply buried desires surface; Chakotay seduces B'Elanna): “All I remember from that one was not being able to stop laughing when we were doing the love scene between Chakotay and me. Robert Beltran and I just kept cracking each other up.”

“Resistance” (The crew encounters the Mokra; Tuvok and B'Elanna are captured): “I liked working with Tim Russ. That was the first show where I saw any potential for exploring the relationship between Tuvok and B'Elanna. I realized he could help her explore some of the imbalances in the way she views her Klingon and human sides.”

“Prototype” (B'Elanna reactivates a robot, only to have it kidnap her and try to destroy Voyager) and “Dreadnought” (B'Elanna beams inside a missile to deactivate it): “I worked with Jonathan Frakes and LeVar Burton [as directors] on those two shows. They're both great guys. It's funny, in ‘Faces’ I dealt with myself a lot. In ‘Prototype’ I dealt with a robot and in ‘Dreadnought’ I dealt with a computer that had my voice. So, I was acting with myself in three B'Elanna-heavy episodes. I begged the writers to make the next one something where I interacted with a human. “Jonathan did a great job directing ‘Prototype’. ‘Dreadnought’ surprised me because so much effort went into actually developing the computer voice. That came about through hours and hours of looping. The whole show was B'Elanna and her relationship with this computer counterpart. So, it was fascinating for me to create that relationship half in performance and half in a sound studio.”

“The Thaw” (A clown [Michael McKean] holds Harry Kim and B'Elanna hostage while Janeway tries to free them): “I didn't have a whole lot to do in that. but I thought it was a brilliant episode. It had a lot to say and certain moments were just chilling, especially the death of Fear. Michael McKean was just great.”

“The Swarm” (The Doctor's system overloads and B'Elanna tries to help him recover his programming): “That was a great opportunity to work with Bob Picardo and to explore B'Elanna's relationship with the Doctor. I liked the fact that, to B'Elanna, he had always been just a computer, and in this episode she got to see he had this... humanity.”

“Remember” (B'Elanna has bad dreams; Dawson plays two roles): “I loved having the opportunity to do that show. It was a brilliant script. I loved being able to play the two characters, and how Karenna's [sic] life influenced B'Elanna's. I felt the show had something to say. Bruce Davidson [who played Jareth, Karenna's father] was extraordinary. I've always wanted to work with him. I had known of him since I lived in New York City, and he was just brilliant.”

“Blood Fever” (B'Elanna experiences Klingon heat; she and Paris begin their relationship): “That was an extraordinary experience. It demanded a kind of courage I didn't know I had. I took risks there, and I'm glad I did. I hope people think those risks paid off.”

“Darkling” (The Doctor goes bad): That was our Jekyll and Hyde epsiode with the Doctor turning a little evil. Bob Picardo and I had some fun together when he was in his Mr. Hyde mode. He paralyzed me and he was threatening to kill me and Bob was speaking in a sleazy, very sexual way. It was so disgusting, but I think it came across very funny.”

Though Torres doesn't feature heavily in the next few episodes shot, efforts have been made to develop one aspect of her character. “What's happening is that they've been furthering the B'Elanna/Paris relationship in subsequent episodes. In ‘Displaced’ we have the B-storyline. We did a lot of head-butting in that one. And we did one show where, for the first time, I worked only one day. But the whole day was B'Elanna/Paris stuff.

[miraculouslbcnreactions]

What do you think about Sabrina? Are you like her, dislike her or neutral?

I don't have strong feelings about Sabrina beyond a general distaste for her "redemption." Sabrina was played as way too much of a willing bully for me to absolve her of her past actions without some serious apologizing on her part. Just look at these matching smirks from the Derision flashback!

[Image Description: Chloe and Sabrina smirking evilly while plotting to hurt Marinette]

That was the episode that blamed Chloe for all of Marinette's problems while showing Sabrina doing all the actual dirty work, which is very much a running theme in this show. Most of the things that Chloe gets blamed for should see at least part of the blame going to Sabrina, too, but that's not what we get in canon. Sabrina spends multiple seasons helping Chloe torment people only to be welcomed on to team Miraculous before she even reaches her "redemption" moment (see: Penalteam). Now that Sabrina has done her one good dead, she's redeemed and is a permanent holder as a reward for that single good act, I guess?

The whole thing makes me deeply uncomfortable when I compare it to the way that the show handled Chloe. I only bring that up because, when it comes to Sabrina, I can't avoid thinking or talking about the Chloe thing because you never see Sabrina without Chloe! They're a matching set! They even have similar base stories with Chloe's parents influencing her behavior via their abuse and encouragement just like Chloe influenced Sabrina (which could have been a great discussion about abuse leading to abuse if this element of their writing had been even remotely intentional). Redeeming one and not the other invites you to make the comparison and it's unfortunately a comparison that's deeply lacking on multiple fronts.

If Chloè didn't earn a redemption - and I really don't think that she did, her redemption never truly stated - then neither did Sabrina. A sob story doesn't undo the harm that you've caused. A redemption doesn't even undo the harm! You can fully "redeem" yourself and still be rejected by those you hurt because your victims don't owe you a relationship. (Side note, this is where Chloe and Sabrina fall for me. In the early seasons, you could redeem them onto the team. Now? The writers took these two way too far to the point where they feel like totally different characters and even break early canon episodes because Marinette's treatment of them doesn't match who they supposedly always were.)

If they really wanted to redeem Sabrina, then they needed to highlight what makes her story different from Chloe's. As is, it feels massively hypocritical to welcome Sabrina onto the team after all that she's done to cause harm and after how little she's done to right that harm. At best, canon Sabrina should have just gone off to a new school to get a fresh start without Chloe. At worst, she should have become someone else's minion. Either way, she should not be treated as one of the "good guys."

Outside of that mess, Sabrina is just your standard minion character who gets minimal development, so it's hard for me to have a strong opinion on her. I think she's used well in the first few seasons, but she's still one of the characters that I'd cut or at least cut back on if I had my way with canon simply because she's not really necessary for the show to work and the cast needs to be cut down significantly. It's not that I hate her or anything like that. I just don't see why Chloe needed a minion or what Sabrina adds that another character can't.

For example, you could give Sabrina a solid character arc around developing healthy friendships and letting go of Chloe's influence, but why give that to her when you could give it to Mr. I've-never-really-had-friends-before-and-I-really-should-have-a-character-arc-around-that who also happens to have grown up with Chloe as his only friend? (That's Adrien by the way. Why go with Sabrina when you've got him unless you're using Sabrina to contrast Adrien in some way?)

[utilitycaster]

Hope I can phrase this in a way that makes sense but—

What well-known actual-play cast member is your favorite for each of the core D&D class? Not necessarily a specific characters, but I’m interested in which players you think brings the most to each class.

This is a very interesting question! It's a hard one to answer for some classes and very easy for others so bear with me; also there are a couple where I could not pick just one.

I'm sticking to the PHB 12 for, as you said, core classes:

Barbarian: While Travis did give us "I would like to rage," I think Ashley and Taliesin get to share this one for me. I think they both really explore what rage means to someone and while I love a good "I'm a tank because I can take the hits and that's what I do and what I'm good at" story, I also think Yasha's messy relationship with her feelings of guilt and grief, and Ashton's chronic pain, are both incredible ways to play with the barbarian archetype.

Bard: much easier. Sam Riegel and Krystina Arielle. I'm a sucker for someone who actually sings even as I don't think you have to (and have played bard without doing so). It's both clearly a class they each love dearly and it shows, and they're incredibly musically talented performers to boot.

Cleric: Lou Wilson. Especially since I didn't like Fantasy High season 1 Fabian until the end of the season Kingston blew me away. I would love to see him explore cleric again, though it's exciting to see him as a paladin on WBN.

Druid: Emily Axford as Moonshine. Emily as a rule understands D&D classes very well anyway, but I think the culture of the crick and the ways that Moonshine must grow as a character while being a druid take it to the next level. (Also I prefer a caster-heavy druid to a shapechanger-heavy one; that's just me).

Fighter: Back to NADDPod because literally who could I say other than Jake Hurwitz, the man who only plays fighters. People who are new to D&D when they start actual play can be hit or miss imo; some pick it up and some lean harder on being showy to make up for it and it doesn't play well for me personally, but Jake is the greatest hit.

Monk: Marisha Ray; Beau is just generally a great character, and I think Marisha's own experience with martial arts informs the way she plays her; monks can be kind of repetitive in combat even with strong players and she manages to avoid this through her description.

Paladin: This is actually super hard because people don't play straight paladin a lot. This is incorrect of them, but it is an intense class. I think Luis Carazo and Zac Oyama are like...the duality of paladin (and indeed, redemption paladin). The tragedy and the comedy.

Ranger: Laura Bailey, natch; it's funny because Vex is in many ways not the archetypal ranger due to having high charisma, but she is simply my favorite and that's that on that. Sorry the mechanics were so bad; I would love to see more rangers in D&D even though Vex will be hard to dethrone. I promise Tasha's fixed them!

Rogue: I think I'm actually going Murph on this one. I like when rogues are more of the detective/spy type than the assassin/criminal type [obligatory "of course that's what you'd say you stupid paladin stan"] and inquisitive and arcane trickster are probably my two top rogue classes so Riz it is.

Sorcerer: I do consider PF1e cheating here because it's technically a different system that also imo addresses a lot of the weaknesses of sorcerer/makes it way better, but Bryn Monroe of RQG did play a great sorcerer. In D&D? Giving Emily Axford a second spot here for Saccharina. I'm going to talk about this for warlock, but I think sorcerer is a class you don't have to justify but if you don't it's a little unsatisfying. Sorcerer really shines in the Crown of Candy setting, and metamagic often doesn't live up to its reputation but Emily makes it work for her.

Warlock: Travis Willingham. I think there are classes that are kind of self-explanatory, for lack of a better term; you can play a fighter or rogue or even a bard or druid without going super deep into why the character is this class and still be an incredible character (though a good backstory never hurts). But there are others where you really need to be engaging with the class at all times to make it work, and warlock is one of them, and Fjord explores the warlock pact and what it means like few others.

Wizard: Aabria Iyengar. NO ONE gets wizard hubris as a player like Aabria. Knowledge is power and boy do wizards love knowledge. I especially like that most people in 5e play wizards as genuine adventurers because it feels very easy to play them as old guy in robes swept up in events beyond them; Aabria plays wizards who are combat ready with the humanity and backstory to make the difficult decisions sympathetic and meaningful, and I think that's how you have to play it.

Note: I want to specifically call out Liam O'Brien and Siobhan Thompson as "people I trust in basically any class or system and just didn't happen to hit a favorite here due to sky-high competition/personal preferences". They are both very close seconds for wizard.

[tempvstas]

Hello's I was wondering if I could request something. I was curious if you could do an overblot reader based on this song. (https://youtu.be/zEGbIpD6wNo), with the housewardens If you can I would be so grateful. If not that is okay, I understand. Just thought it would be cool. Thank you

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Content Warning(s): angst hehe, not really spoilers, but I mention every single overblot from in the game(in JP, not EN)

Character(s): GN!Reader, most of the TWST cast(too lazy to type out everyone's name)

Authors Notes: this song is so angsty i love it HAHAHHA, apologies for the long wait. Characters may be ooc because it's been a while. Also some parts may not make sense. Interactions can be seen as platonic or romantic.

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The Nowhere King

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It's dark.

You can feel a coldness against your skin, seeping into your bones.

The voices are muffled, where are you? You're sinking, deeper and deeper into a seemingly bottomless lake, the darkness surrounding you. A voice urges you to close your eyes, whispering for you to close your eyes and to give into the endless void closing in around you. And somehow you don't feel like resisting. You succumb, curling into yourself, feeling the tender embrace of your murky surroundings.

Unbeknownst to you, a battle rages outside of the safe haven of the cocoon you wrapped yourself in.

.....

"Dammit...no one told me they would be this strong," Leona grits his teeth as he stares up at your imposing form. Behind your current overblotted form looms a large imposing inky figure. An entity stitched together, its face covered with the distinct head of glass with leaking ink seen in all overblot forms, complemented with two large, round ears atop its head. Its white ink-stained gloves slam into the floor sending dust and pieces of the ground flying into the air. Everyone stands before you, worn out from how long the fight has dragged out.

Azul staggers to his feet, wincing slightly as he pushes up his glasses, his eyes narrowing as he stares at your form. "They've lost all sense of rationality. It appears as though our words at this point will be futile." Kalim's eyes go wide at Azul's words, panic settling into his gaze. "What do we do? We're never going to get them back." He whimpered.

From where he's stationed, Riddle peeks out from behind the fallen rubble he used as a shelter, he quickly shoots off a blast of fire in your direction. The blast does little to damage you but merely aggravates you more as the entity behind you swings its hands with reckless abandon scattering more debris everywhere. "Then we just need to blast some sense into them! Just like they did for us..." he stares around at his fellow housewardens. Behind the 7 housewardens, it's chaos. Ace, Deuce, and Grim can be seen running in your general vicinity distracting you as the housewardens formulate a plan to bring you back to your senses. Jack in wolf form charges at you with Epel atop his back, screaming obscenities that would send Vil into a coma, but he can't seem to bring himself to care at the moment

Amidst the screaming and yelling behind them, Idia shakily clears his throat catching everyone's attention. He shrinks away as 6 pairs of eyes focus in on him. "..H-how did none of us realize that they would end up like this? After all, we've all undergone this...a-and did no one notice that the Prefect was a bit off in the past few days?" Vil scoffs, shaking his head, "If you noticed, why didn't you say anything?" Idia moves to rebuke Vil but Malleus cuts in before he can say anything.

"That's enough Shroud, Schoenheit. Do you really think the Child of Man would like to see us bickering over them like this? As we all know, they are not the best at expressing themself." With his words, everyone falls silent. "So the best thing that we can do is to be for them, as they were there for us in our most dire time of need. All in favor?"

Leona huffs, pushing Malleus aside, his shoulder bumping against Malleus's as he gets up from where he was standing. "No need to tell me what to do lizard," he sneers, holding up his staff, watching you swipe repeatedly at the first and second years waging battle against you. "And it looks like to me that the herbivores out there are starting to get worn out, while we sit here all nice and pretty," he pauses, his gaze becoming unreadable, "As much as I hate the idea of working alongside Malleus, I can't help but agree with the fact that they were there for all of us, and I don't like someone being able to hold something against me...so what say you that we go out there and bring them back to their senses?" he grins, leaping down from atop the rubble and running out.

Vil sighs, before dusting himself off and standing tall, a smirk on his face, "I can't let Leona take all of the glory so it looks like I'll have to join myself." As he follows suit, the other housewardens also get to their feet, charging at you to assist their underclassmen.

.....

Hush now, hide, all you little ones Rush now, into the middle of nowhere Singing and laughter will die

You find yourself drowning, struggling to make sense of your surroundings. You feel an overwhelming sense of grief, coupled with anger. Anger at Crowley for being useless and deflecting as always when questioned about a way for you to get back home. Anger at being forced into situations that you had no control over. And most of all, anger at yourself for not being able to do anything and always feeling helpless. Never being able to fend for yourself and always having to depend on others to be able to take care of you.

It's happened time and time again, with Riddle's temper tantrum in the Heartslabyul rose maze. Leona's rampage in the Spelldrive stadium. Azul's meltdown over his contracts in the Octavinelle dorm. Jamil's outburst over winter break. Vil's spiral during the VDC competition. Idia's change of heart on the Island of Woe. Malleus forcing everyone into a slumber. It was all too much for you to bear.

Give in. The voice in your head whispers. Rest now, and let me take over.

Dreamless sleep, follows the Nowhere King When his kingdom comes, darkness is nigh

That's right, you're nobody. Insignificant. Useless. No place to truly call home, and no one to go home to. The darkness seeps in coaxing you to give in.

...

Give in.

.......

...........

Give in.

.................

........................

.............................

GIVE IN.

For a brief moment, you open your eyes and visions flash before your eyes. Your friends in danger, everyone screaming and running. Is that...your doing?

You raise your hand to your head to alleviate the pounding headache racking your brain, but your horrified to see that your hands have morphed into ink stained ones, covered and dripping with black liquid. You feel nauseous and sick to your stomach, covering your mouth to resist the urge to hurl out your guts right then and there. You stumble as you shield your face from the blinding blasts of magic flung your way.

Quiet, crawl to the in-between Silent, secretive feeling Of fearsome hatred that reaches the skies

You've always kept your emotions to yourself haven't you?

As much as you hate to admit it, there's resentment that has always bubbled beneath the surface. You don't show it but you've always been envious of your friends who have somewhere or someone to go to whilst you're stuck with nothing, no one to rely on.

.....

Isn't that right?

Why was it you of all people?

It's not fair, isn't it....?

The mask you've so carefully crafted starts to slip and crumble to pieces. You fall to your knees, gasping for air. Inky tears stain your face as the ground bites into the palms of your hands.

You will bring joy to the Nowhere King When he sees the light leaving your eyes

.....

With one final combined magical blast, the entity behind you lets out a roar of pain before collapsing. It's delicate glass face cracks and shatters, more ink spilling out. As it falls, so to do you, your body crumpling lifelessly. Thankfully before you can hit the ground, Malleus swoops in beneath you, cushioning your fall with his arms. Gently, he cradles your face checking you for injuries before setting you down, his arms supporting your body.

"We...did it?" Azul murmurs in disbelief, his breathing ragged. Everyone else doesn't seem to be faring better than he is. It seems everyone has worn out themselves in the battle.

Everyone crowds around you, concern in their gazes. Before long, your eyes flutter open, and you let out a groan of pain, trying to sit up. "WAAHHHHHHHH Y/N!!" Grim sprints up to you, leaping into your lap, his face tearing up. Still out of it, you grunt, feeling his paws make impact with your stomach and you let out a sharp exhale of pain. It's funny. You think to yourself. Grim never uses your actual name. "You had me so worried don't ever do that again okay?" Grim sniffled rubbing his face into your shirt. "Ew Grim, you're getting snot all over me," you scold him lightly but your voice is soft as you press a hand to the top of his head.

"Take it easy, you're hurt." Vil murmurs, kneeling next to you and wiping your ink-stained face gently. His tone although laced with worry is uncharacteristically soft, his slender fingers feel cool. You inadvertently find yourself leaning into his touch, shutting your eyes.

"W-what happened?" you croak out, wincing a bit. Everything aches and hurts whenever you move.

"You...overblotted..." Jamil murmurs quietly. "You weren't acting like yourself and before long...." he gestured at you, indicating the state you were in.

You inhale a shaky breath, pushing yourself up so that you can face everyone better. You feel tears pricking at your eyes, threatening to spill out. "I'm sorry everyone...I didn't mean to cause so much trouble. I lost my cool...and it ended up with you all forced to use your magic against me and wear yourselves out. All because I couldn't control my emotions..."

No one speaks a word, letting you convey your thoughts. There's a brief moment before Grim walks up to you, gently pressing a paw to your leg to get your attention. You stare down at him, surprised by the serious look on his face.

"Henchman, no one is going to blame you for feeling emotions," he pauses. "You've already done so much for everyone, there's only so much stress you can take." Grim shrugs looking at everyone around you two. "I keep telling them that they're working too hard, but they always insist on seeing things through to the end." Everyone laughs a little at Grim's wording and you can't help but crack a slight smile at his words.

"Classic prefect shishishi," Ruggie smirks, his hands resting behind his neck. You shake your head, setting Grim down on the floor as you attempt to get up. Riddle takes notice of this, leaning down and offering you his shoulder for support. Gratefully, you take it, leaning heavily against him.

"Prefect," your name hangs in the air as you stare at Riddle curiously. "I can't promise that I can offer the best support to you, but I hope you know that if you ever need someone to talk to, I will be here to listen to you...even if I can't offer the best advice." Deuce comes up besides you, supporting your other shoulder, "Ace and I will be here too, you're not alone in this," he grins, allowing you to shift your weight against him.

You feel yourself start to tear up again, your head falling over, your shoulders shaking. "Thank you..everyone. Thank you for bringing me back."

"You were there when we were at our lowest. It's only fair that we return the favor."

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[gunsatthaphan]

the asks are piling up already lol so here are some initial thoughts on the trailers from today (in order of release, BL/GLs are marked with a 🏳️‍🌈, favorites with a 🌟):

Ossan's Love Thailand 🏳️‍🌈🌟: HELP this looks so chaotic lmao. I forgot about the show for a second and thought we were in for another EarthMix office romance kjdhgd. But yeah I have a very soft spot for Earth in chaotic slapstick roles and Mix fits in there just perfect as well. I have not seen the original and was concerned as a lot of people said it's not very good but I had a very good time with this trailer and I'm excited!!! .

Leap Day 🌟: I've been curious about this project ever since that casting call for younger versions of Dew and Pond lol and the trailer did not disappoint! The story seems interesting and I know Gun will eat in this role lol. It's going on my watchlist. .

The Heart Killers 🏳️‍🌈: **edit: not gonna lie, initially I was very disappointed by this. I was excited for the Jojo show but this seemed very random to me. I couldn't follow the story and the trailer just seemed like FK and JD were given a few guns and thrown into a dark setting which just seems like a clash of NLMG and OF. If JD weren't there, I would think this is a SandRay spinoff lol. I now know about the Shakespeare adaption which does change the way I view it a little bit but I still have concerns because I still have no idea what's going on lmao. I was hoping for something simpler and calmer for FK's new project so I really hope the show will be better than the trailer. .

Friendshit Forever: Legit thought this was a GL for the first 30 seconds of the trailer lmao but turns out it's another Beauty Newbie type of toxic friendship lol. I love the vibe though!!! the cast is amazing, Pat never fails to deliver and my girl Mook is back as well!! 🥺 I'm very much into the energy and the chemistries are on point as well. Sign me up!! .

Perfect10 Liners 🏳️‍🌈: If I took my glasses off I would think this is We Are season 2 lmao like do we really need another gay ensemble. And there's SO many others as well??? There were like 30 people on that stage lmao. New really said who doesn't have a job this year? done. I don't know what else to say, it looks very generic. I didn't expect PerthChimon to be part of an ensemble for their second bl and I sure did not expect ForceBook to get their 5th gig lmao. Good for them though. I'm still gonna take a look. .

Us 🏳️‍🌈🌟: YES I LOVE THIS 😩😭 I was hoping we would get another GL and I loooove the energy of this. It's giving all the COA vibes and I'm SO glad it's not another highschool romcom. 23.5 is nice but I'm so happy this is taking it one step further. I'm here for it. Emi was born for sapphic roles you can't change my mind lmao and her chemistry with Bonnie is on point. Simple story, big emotions and a strong cast - This is right up my alley. It's going on my list for sure. .

Hide & Sis: The title still cracks me up lmao but YES this is everything lol. The PLL/PSIHY vibes are STRONG and I love it. Snap25 never fails to deliver us badass girl gangs and I'm here for it. The toxic family trope is generic for these types of shows but if it's done right it works. And I think this will. Sign me up! .

Heart That Skips a Beat 🏳️‍🌈🌟: god don't even touch me this looks so lovely 🥹 I'm always down for a good idol x mundane romance lol and EstWilliam are a good pair for sure. It was kind of obvious that they would get something together but I'm still very excited. I didn't expect the whole LYKN group to be in it but I feel like this plot fits them very well. Plus the trailer is absolutely beautiful. Thumbs up!! .

Break Up Service: This looks meh to me, I'm surprised to see Jorin lol I didn't know she was acting. The story seems fun but the trailer did not catch my attention. It's a maybe for now. .

Revamp 🏳️‍🌈: Honestly I did not expect them to give us another trailer for this lol I was set on a different project for BounPrem. But yes this looks very expensive lmao and I'm hyped we're getting another vampire show this year. I also approve of the other cast members, especially Kay since I haven't seen him in forever lol and also Santa!! I will be tuning in! .

Sweet Tooth, Good Dentist 🏳️‍🌈🌟: *starts vibrating violently* YES I FEEL NORMAL ABOUT THIS kjshdf call me crazy but this is my highlight of this lineup lmao. I got deeply attached to MarkOhm over the last few months and this is all I could ever ask for lmao. Ohm is my little squish and my boy Mark finally got his main role 😩 I'm so proud. The plot is not the most sophisticated lol but I am SEATED. GIMME. .

Dark Dice: This did not intrigue me whatsoever. Pass. .

The Ex-Morning 🏳️‍🌈: Anyone who spent any time on the internet in the last few months knew this was bound to happen lmao. I feel torn about it, K. is not off the hook but KS were my very first bl on-screen couple and I'm feeling very nostalgic about this comeback lol. I'm fond of the trend to bring back OG couples and I'm not gonna lie, yes, it looks good. The story is interesting and the fact that they play exes,,,, art imitates life lol. I think this genre suits them and hey, maybe this will become the second Cherry Magic. Let's see how it goes. .

Scarlet Heart Thailand: The trailer gave us next to no information, I'm guessing that if you saw the original you might have a better idea of what's going on but other than pretty costumes, this didn't give me much ground to make a judgement on lol. Let's see.

conclusion: All in all this lineup seems a lot more colorful than part 1 which is very exciting!! It had the typical light-to-dark structure that the first part (and all the previous ones) had as well but it's still more diverse than I was expecting. There are some disappointments and concerns but compared to part 1, this has a lot more promising projects that I will be tuning in for - Even the lakorns. I spent a lot of time on Twitter leading up to the event, so almost everything I put on my bingo card became reality lol. I noticed some changes in the production of the trailers where it seems that they are more carefully made and edited and I found myself connecting emotionally with them a lot more than in part 1. Overall I'm very happy with this lineup and I will be putting all of these shows on my watchlist with the exception of 1 or 2, which is something I couldn't say about part 1. Thumbs up!! 🧡

Let me know your thoughts!

[idkanametoputhere]

Flinches

type: angst

pronouns: they/them

hotel: trivago

tw: mentions of scars, being hurt in general, mental and physical health collapsing, etc.

slight chapter 6 spoilers

reposting it

masterlist<3 part 2

the prefect of ramshackle, a student that had a good relationship with pretty much everyone they interacted. known for being confident, self-assured, strong and above all fearless. or maybe irrational, who knows?

those are all positive characteristics that got them known as a powerful cahracter amongst all Night Raven students, even though they were incapable of using magic. so it came as a surprise to some students when someone raised their hand to high-five them and they flinched

but it wasn't weird, in fact, if someone really knew the prefect, they would've expected it

it started when they discovered that magic was a thing in this twisted universe they got teleported into. I mean, don't get them wrong, it was very cool but it was terrifying attending a school full of powerful magic users. and they couldn't even understand how magic worked, therefore in their mind, every move could be an attack against the weakest student in that school

and then they saw the horrible side of magic, overblots

the first overblot happened in the first month of them attending NRC. just as they were slowly getting used to magic, they saw how it could corrupt someone. and they felt guilty for driving the heartslabyul dormleader to the point of becoming the red rose tyrrant, as well as not stopping ace's actions

and so they helped as much as they could against the overblot. their quick way of thought and lack of fear, as well as their ability to keep everyone calm was essential to winning against riddle's overblot. he apologized and no one was too harmed

except from the prefect, whose body was not used to magic and therefore was more prone to being hurt by it. they didn't even realize it until later in the night when they took off their uniform just to see a big red mark around their neck, cause by the heavy collar of wrongdoings that riddle casts around one's neck, along with some tiny scars from the rose bushes

but it was okay, nothing a little makeup from sam's store or some proper injury treatment couldn't help with, right?

and then came the second overblot. and once again, feeling slightly guilty, the prefect helped with fighting off the overblot. the king of beast was a more difficult opponent, but the prefect wasn't scared. they had to stay calm so they could think clearly and therefore win against the monster they had helped create

and they won, and nothing was too bad. if you ignore the way one of their wrists was thinner than the other one, and redder, an almost hand-like imprint on it, almost as if someone grabbed their wrist and it started turning into dust. but it was okay, they just started wearing some gloves that reached up to higher up in their arms than their wrist, it was getting colder after all so it wasn't too weird

and of course, no one dared to speak a word of hiw the beloved prefect would sometimes wince when writing or how there had been multiple instances of them carrying something in their closed hand and drop it while holding their wrist

but the prefect was alright. yeah they were okay

the third overblot came quickly after this one and it made them wonder, how come they didn't consider this as a flaw in their plan? I mean, they had now learned that overblots were not that uncommon. how come the usually sharp prefect was not as collected as usual?

but that didn't matter, they had an overblot to stop. and they stopped it, with the only drawback being the few suction cup marks around their waist and torso and how they were constantly cold, shivering at any given point

but I mean, at least azul was okay, right?

and then there was the holiday break. it was the first holiday break that they wouldn't be spending with their parents. it was lonely to say the least. even the flaming cat-like companion of theirs could not warm their hearts

but the scarabia students did. they welcomed the prefect and their cat friend with open arms, making them feel at home. until of course it all came crashing down when jamil overblotted

and people werent there to help them. I mean, sure the octavenille trio was there but there was no one the prefect could feel comfortable with. but they had to win the overblot, they HAD to win it

and win they did, only a few permanent marks and bruises on their body being left as a reminder of how much they gave for the boys of twisted wonderland

their theory was only fuether proved during the festival. oh how they had forgotten of all the horrible things that happen in this world, they just wanted to see a friendly competition, like the ones they had back home

what they weren't expecting is to be poisoned. poisoned by the fairest queen himself, the person who they admired, poisoned by them. the bitter taste of the liquid they drank was one they'd never forget

but there they were fighting against the overblots once again, their forehead bleeding from a random piece of the stage that fell on them and their body slowly giving out due to the poison

but the overblot was defeated, the housewarden of pomefiore was back, the stage was fixed, the festival was continued and a cure for the poison was given to the prefect

but that cure could not take care of the scar on their forehead or the black veins that stared on their neck and ended on their stomach, like a spider web that permanently stained their body and blood with the horrible poison, that often gave them a lot of pain

but they had to move forward

they. had. to. move. forward.

and then there was idea's overblot. it was a shame really, the sob story of him losing his beloved brother and how he was to blame. almost made the prefect sad, you know if they weren't fighting for their life that is

but they fought and won and got the third-year back, and ortho took care of them. but he couldn't take care of the large burn marks that made it difficult for the prefect to move

but everything was fine

no

no

NO

NOTHING was fine

the prefect looked at themself at the mirror one night after taking a shower, but they only saw a monster. full of scars, discolored body parts, marks. things that no one could heal

and the scars were not only physical

I wonder, how many times did the prefect wake up with horrible nightmares, a sick feeling to their stomach? or how many days did they collapse the moment they got back to ramshackle? and how many times did they talk to their friends through gritting teeth, the pain being overwhelming from them?

but no one noticed. hell, the prefect could bet that no one cared. but then it happened

someone tried to high five them and they flinched. they tried to play it off, but ended up running away in guilt and embarassment. but it was enough

oh it was enough

enough for the people who considered the prefect their friend to understand how fucked up they were. enough to make them understand hiw they had to try and help them

but the damage had already been done and it was irreversible.

original A/N: OMG I LOVE THIS I HAVENT WRITTEN SMTH THIS LONG IN A WHILE BUT I LOVE IT

new A/N: I'm reposting this cause it flopped last time but aanywho haha tumblr tou are so cool and good and nice and lovely please show my writing to ppl it took me 2 days to write this

[krirebr]

i love ur writing! Can u cast ur friends as readers in any of ur series? And what series from another writer do u want to be in?

Ok, I've been thinking about this all day and I think I'm finally ready to answer. It was really hard!! Partly because I am incredibly lucky to have so many friends on here that I just love to bits. They definitely out-number my fics, let alone my series. I don't have enough!!! Yeah, screw it. I'm just doing fics in general.

And the other big thing that made this hard is that most of my readers are deeply flawed, while all of my friends are beautiful and perfect. And I mean that sincerely! I love you all to bits.

But here we go. My picks and reasoning below.

Ok, first off, I'm of course putting @biteofcherry in Everybody Wants to Rule the World because she'd never forgive me if I didn't. 😂 She'd be so happy as Vampire Steve's treasured pet.

For @stargazingfangirl18, I'm going with with Jealous Ex Ransom. For my funny, feisty, occasionally troll-y friend, of course I have to go with a Ransom that is very troll and very obsessed.

I'm putting @brandycranby in I Know I Should Know Better, not so much because she's like that reader, but because she deserves that Curtis.

Ok, @bigtreefest is going in Killing Moon. Sneak is smart, wily, capable and so so devoted and I think that's a great match for Essie. And she and this Mace would get along so well.

@jaqui-has-a-conspiracy-theory has got to go into A Merry Little Christmas. My sweetest Jake for one of my sweetest friends.

For @ronearoundblindly, I think Giving Me a Thrill. Strong and brave and deserves to be absolutely ruined by Johnny.

I gotta put @intrepidacious in Heads Will Roll. That reader is so determined and just very kick-ass. Plus, Curtis and Jake!!

@buckymorelikefuckme is going into Head Over Heels. Poppy would absolutely have the soft love and soft ruin Cole's been searching for.

For @foxgloveprincess it's Psycho Killer. I just feel like Rach would be the most fun vampire. She and Ransom would absolutely take the world by storm.

I debated whether or not to give anyone More Than This because angst but I think @darsynia would bring a level of emotional intelligence and thoughtfulness that would have Ransom whipped into shape in no time and saved everyone a lot of pain.

And finally, I'm putting @thezombieprostitute in my Trapped AU. WAIT! Hold on, zombie, before you freak out! It's because I think if anyone could finally take down Andy, it's you. You're so strong and fierce that you'd leave that house in ashes behind you. And I'd genuinely be so excited to watch you do it!! He wouldn't stand a chance.

Oh my god, I honestly think this may have been the hardest ask I've ever gotten.

ETA: Oh, gosh, I forgot to pick a friend's series to put myself in! Once again, very hard! Ok, I just have to go off of gut instinct here and say @stargazingfangirl18's DA!Curtis stories. He is just so and you get all the motorcycle club intrigue without all the drama associated with, say, DA!Andy. Yes. **decisive nod**

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

Speaking of twst events, what are your Top 3 Favourite game events so far? I'm genuinely curious. :'DD

Are there any events you didn't like?

[Referencing this post!]

Mmmm… I think most events are at least okayish? In general, I tend to prefer stories with high stakes or the ones that have some meaningful impact on character development, which are few and far between when it comes to TWST 😅 so their events aren’t typically my thing! You’ll notice that my favorite events in TWST actually do have story and/or character relevance.

That being said!! My favorite events would have to be:

Glorious Masquerade — This is, in my opinion, TWST’s strongest story and best overall event. It stands out against the others by having actual stakes and fully committing to it, as well as does wonders for the SSR trio’s involvement and interests in taking down the Big Bad. This is particularly true of Idia and Malleus. Said Big Bad, Rollo, is also very compelling in his own right.

Wish Upon a Star — Historically, this was the first time we saw the student’s rooms! The story itself introduced us to Star Rogue, which was pivotal to the Shrouds’ childhood (and later becomes relevant again in book 6). It was sweet to see Deuce try so hard to get Idia to come out of his shell, and even sweeter to see how far Idia is willing to push himself for his brother.

Fairy Gala: What If (NOT the first Fairy Gala; this is an important distinction!) — The edge this has over the original is that it is connected to Ortho’s growth as an individual post-book 6. He is able to discover his own take on what “evolution” is. Silver also gets a cool spotlight which demonstrates the pacifist teachings he was imparted with, serving as the bridge between fae and humans. Very pretty clothes and makeup too!!

I also liked:

Happy Beans Day I and II — This was a nice event that gave the whole cast their time to shine without feeling too bloated. It was also fun to see the different strategies and tactics each student employed; it helps show off their characters and problem solving abilities!

Ghost Marriage — I really liked that TWST parodied the fairy tale love stories and romantic events (that Disney and even mobile games in general are typically associated with). Hilarious how each of the guys tried and failed because they’re just silly high school students with no idea how to actually get a date 😂 I’m also biased for any outfit that involves formal wear.

White Rabbit Festival (Queendom of Roses hometown event) — The Alice in Wonderland aesthetic of Clock Town captured my heart 😌 It was also nice to see Deuce prove that he has turned over a new leaf to the townspeople.

The events I didn’t care for are:

Endless Halloween Night — I have very strong beef with the ending and the reasoning given for it 💀 It feels like everyone got gaslit into forgiveness… I also hated how no one held Malleus fully accountable after all the stress they were put through. Easily my most disliked event.

Tamashina Mina (Sunset Savanna hometown event) — Underwhelming ending in spite of the hype building for it. No meaningful payoff for the foreshadowing of Cheka’s guards.

Tsumsted Wonderland I and II — Nothing really happens (other than I guess the Tsums being cute)?? And it doesn’t really make an impact on anything.

Lost in the Book with Stitch — Same issue(s) as the Tsumsted events, except somehow even worse because everyone magically forgets everything they did with Stitch :/ so the experience means nothing in the long term…

Honorable mentions for my dislikes:

All Master Chef/Culinary Crucibles — I hate having to sit around and wait for ingredients and the fact that you can’t cook multiple dishes in one go. The lack of story also makes these events just not worth it for me.

Sam’s New Year Sale(s) and TWST Anniversary — Do these event count as a story event???? They’re just kinda celebratory short interactions, if anything.

[devilsrecreation]

Even more Outlander Incorrect Quotes (feat oc’s and the main cast)

Jasiri: She was poetry, but he couldn't read

Janja: His name was Jared hes nineteen

Kiburi: When his parents built a very strange machine

Reirei: Watch that scene dig in the dancing queen

The skinks: aaaay macarena

Mzingo: Horrible job everyone

Kion: Bunga has no survival or self-preservation instincts. I think he was born without them.

Beshte: That can’t be true-

Kion: Watch this: Hey Bunga! Race you down!

Bunga: *jumps off of Pride Rock*

Some Villain: We have your son.

Reirei: What? All my kids are right here

Villain: Then who just asked for warm milk and made us cut the crusts off his sandwich?

Reirei: Oh my god you have Goigoi

Reirei: If you want to know what females want, talk to a female

Cheezi: Oh yeah! Good idea!

Chungu: But where can we find one?

Reirei: I’M A FEMALE. I’M REFINED AND ELEGANT LIKE A DELICATE FLOWER, YOU IDIOTS!

Janja: I’m an idiot

Reirei:

Kiburi:

Mzingo:

Ushari:

Janja:

Kiburi: If you’re waiting for us to disagree, this is going to be a long day.

Janja: Bridge the generation gap by combining old and new slang into one! 
Chungu: Tubular AF! 
Cheezi: Mood to the max! 
Nne, annoyed: Groovy, I hate it. 
Tano, just as annoyed: If she breathes, she’s a square.

Goigoi: You really put aside everything and came all this way for me? How did you even get here so fast?
Chungu: Several traffic violations.
Cheezi: Three counts of resisting arrest.
Tamka: Roughly thirteen cans of energy drinks.
Nduli: Also, that’s not our car.

Kenge: We need more help. Maybe I should call my friends.
Njano: ... Your what?
Kenge: My friends.
Kifo: Is he saying “friends”?
Sumu: I think they're being sarcastic.
Shupavu: No, no, no, this is delirium, he’s cracked from being awake all night. Hey, Kenge! All of your friends are right here.
Kenge: I have other friends! You asked me to make new friends, I made new friends! It was a task. I complete tasks.

Kiburi, trying to convince Kenge to hang with the group: You know... I thought it'd be good to have someone come along who's really strong.
Nduli: And loud!
Tamka: And grumpy!
Neema: [And oblivious to reality!]
Kenge:

Chungu: Aibu doesn’t have a crush on me!

Janja: Yeah, she does

Cheezi: Yeah, she does!

Kifo: Yes, she does

Aibu: Yes I do

The squad is trying to con some random guy
Ushari: Shupavu, why are you pretending I'm this guy's family?
Shupavu: We need money!
Ushari: You're scamming him?
Shupavu: I was thinking more like flat-out stealing from him?
Ushari: What?! No way!
Shupavu: Why not? We already stole Njano!
Njano: Hey guys
Ushari: No, we didn't. Njano can think and talk for themself, they can do whatever they want!
Njano: I wanna steal

Reirei: Can one of you pass the salt?

Janja: *throws Ushari across the table*

Tamka and Nduli are sitting in jail

Tamka: Duh, who do you wanna call?

Nduli: I’d call Kiburi, but I’d feel safer in jail

Janja: *to Jasiri* Do you wanna stay for dinner?

Shenzi: WOULD YOU LIKE TO STAY FOREVER?

Janja/Njano: Come on, I wasn’t that drunk last night

Mzingo/Ushari: You were flirting with Jasiri/Shupavu

Janja/Njano: So what, she’s my girlfriend!

Mzingo/Ushari: You asked her if she was single and then cried when she said no

Ushari: Let me show you a picture from last night that really upset me 
Janja: Okay, but in my defense, the skinks bet me 50 cents I couldn’t drink all that shampoo. 
Ushari: That’s not what I wanted to- you drank SHAMPOO?!

Jasiri: I told Janja his ears flush when he lies

Madoa: Why?
Jasiri: Look.
Jasiri: *gesturing to herself and the leaders* Hey Janja! Do you love us?
Janja, covering their ears: No.
Madoa:

Sumu: Kenge and I were crossing the street, and this dude drove by and honked at us 
Ushari: *Sighing* What did Kenge do? 
Sumu: He chased him to the next red light, then reached into his window and... 
Kenge: Who wants a steering wheel?

Ucheshi: Makuu and I don’t use pet names

Kiburi: Oh yeah? Then what do bees make?

Ucheshi: Honey?

Makuu: Yes?

Ucheshi:

Kiburi: Don’t lie to me ever again

[regarding-stories]

The dark abyss that is Andor

There were several things that led to Andor.

On the one hand, Disney screwed up its Star Wars intellectual property by handing it to complete hacks for Episode VII to IX, leading a potential cash cow to attract less and less viewers over the course of three increasingly bad installments. Seriously, The Last Jedi is one of the worst disappointments I've actually watched, and not only was I thinking "This can't get worse..." every five minutes only to be proven, "Yes, it can!!", it completely killed my appetite to see IX (and I would have left the cinema at that one's sheer stupidity). With VII, I saw it once with some initial excitement in a cinema when it released and a strange feeling afterwards, and I never revisited it. VIII I saw on two separate long-distance flights because I couldn't stomach the thing in one sitting. IX I didn't see at all, but devoured YouTube videos ripping it apart. Clearly, Disney had a Star Wars problem.

The other thing is the reboot that was The Mandalorian, especially season 1. The Mandalorian had a penchant for not very strong logic in its writing that you still accepted because you had so much damn fun and loved the characters. Given the fact that it clearly pulled lots of viewers into Disney+ that were loving its vibe that was true to the core of Star Wars, Disney management saw the fact that theaters and theme parks were closed due to COVID on the one hand and that big Star Wars movies were at risk of actually losing money on the other hand, and they did what executives are wont to do - they decided that if it worked once, it will work again and declared they will pump out TEN Star Wars series in the near future.

Meanwhile they cancelled also their ongoing series of "A Star Wars Story" movies that started with what could be called "Episode III.5" - Rogue One. Rogue One was plagued with production problems, so much so that seeming key scenes from the trailer weren't in the movie. "I rebel!", anyone?? Still, it turned out to be something new - a new kind of Star Wars story. It took the idea of a war movie (or its modern equivalent, Band of Brothers) and put it into the Star Wars cinematic universe. It did without an actual Jedi (kinda-sorta) and it showed a strong performance of Diego Luna as the morally gray Cassian Andor. And... (spoiler alert) ... it killed its whole cast in its finale.

I know people that say Rogue One is their favorite Star Wars movie. (But other people dislike it.) I hold it in high esteem. The way the resistance is portrayed also seemed to be somewhat subversive - both to its previous image on screen and to what is portrayable on screen for mainstream audiences in general. It became clear that unlike in the original three Star Wars movies resisting an empire is, on the ground, a dirty business and not just about big battles or commando raids. (Which then happen anyway. Because Star Wars.)

Then followed the lackluster Solo and the third installment Yoda was never made as Star Wars increasingly lost its ability to draw crowds into seats.

And thus it came to Andor

Now what do you do with a character that (spoiler alert? really?) dies. You make a bloody prequel. Which is funny. Andor is a prequel to Rogue One which is a prequel to A New Hope. Prequels, like sequels, carry the risk of rehashing the original material without adding anything to it (Solo ...) and being trapped by the inevitability of what has to happen next, curtailing its writing (Kenobi ...). But Andor season 1 betrays none of that. (Talk about being addicted to prequels, Disney...) It is a strong piece of cinematic art in its own right.

And yes, I'm saying art. About a Star Wars series. That's how I feel about it. Andor not only has strong execution, it has depth. It was a show that made me pause it and think about what just happened on screen. It's a show that gets deeper if you know about history, unlike most shows that actually reveal their shallowness to the knowing eye. (Looking at you, The Man in the High Castle. Boy, I hated that tripe.)

But even before we get into that, let me say how I impressed I was with its set and costume design. Whereas the Book of Boba Fett gave us cyberpunks on floating scooters, Andor poured a lot of heart into how everybody looked in their various environments, creating a more rich and varied Star Wars society by portraying various strata thereof, from the life of imperial senator Mon Mothma to the middle class living literally in her shade somewhere on the middle levels of planet-city Coruscant to the mining town labor class that we find Cassian in. It flawlessly cuts between different well-thought out locations, including, of all things, a holiday resort.

This is paired with some very strong performances by similarly strong actors. I mean, we all knew Stellan Skarsgard would deliver, sure. But Denise Gough absolutely kills it, acting-wise. Her delivery as a villain is perfect, the way she manages to always look so sour and annoyed already is quite something, how she normalizes evil into a technocrat career. Every flinch of her face conveys books of information to me as the fascinated viewer. She is at the heart of this series, and worth the price of admission alone.

And let's not forget Andy Serkis' heart-rending performance. Really, we're being spoiled. People are seriously acting, not just standing in front of a camera wearing costumes! In Star Wars!!

And yet, if it was only that, it still wouldn't have impacted me as deeply as it had. There's one more layer to this, and it's the massive bottom of the iceberg that is Andor. I haven't forgotten, even though I'm writing this a year after watching it.

(And definitely spoilers from here on onwards.)

Life under fascism

The second half of season 1 however can put deep horror into any thinking person's mind. It radically departs from previous portrayals of the evil Empire. It's not relying on cheap gimmicks like Episode VII where we see a village razed by the First Order. (So evil. So cliche, too. Also murdering Max von Sydow. Tsk, tsk. They had to get him off stage before any good acting happens...) Andor creeps under our skin and then reaps havoc.

(This part of this entry will become increasingly dark. You might not want to read on. Because fiction is one thing, and comparing it to historical reality is another. This is an actual trigger warning. Proceed with care.)

The first half of the season is standard fare, almost. Cassian gets himself in trouble and there is really no redeeming quality about it. He also gets everybody else into trouble. The Empire in its heavy-handed hurry to eradicate resistance actually creates it in the first place. And still... the lack of compunction about torture, about going victim by victim, vanishing people into its torture cells, breaking them... this is merely an overture. No hero is born here, but evil wears its mask imperfectly.

Cassian escapes his small world to eventually live the good life on a resort world, getting laid, pretending to be someone else. Instead of being caught as the fugitive and murderer and partisan he actually is by now, he simply gets caught up in the arrest of somebody else. The way the Empire "perpetrates justice" not only gets him arrested while having done no wrong (in that cover identity), he also gets sentenced by a court that doesn't even pretend to actually care about due process in any way. There's a machine of oppression, and instead of competently catching him, Cassian becomes caught up randomly in one of its many gears.

And while this may seem random, it's brilliant. It's one of the many reasons why resistance exists. Because the Empire's overreach is everywhere, grinding up people just living their lives while trying to perfect its control. The corruption of the desire for power leaks through in its banality.

What follows is Cassian's imprisonment, and this segment is brutal and horrifying on a deep level. The more you know, the worse it gets. Cassian is transported to a prison facility where he's forced into repetitive labor to make equipment for the Empire. There's a set of steps every labor team has to execute, and the team with the lowest quota gets punished with electric shocks. Day after day.

This is "Vernichtung durch Arbeit." ("Destruction through labor.") This is what the Nazis did to their political opponents. Before there was a Holocaust, there were concentration camps. And prisoners were made to work - the cynic motto across the gate of Auschwitz was "Arbeit macht frei." ("Labor sets you free.") People would gradually be ground down until they gave out in one way or another, fell sick, die of exhaustion, broke psychologically. The series never tells us its "inspiration," it just goes through similar motions. With the veneer of a super-clean techno prison over it.

Not only that, the very scene reminded me of what I read in a book about the Holocaust. Towards the end of the war the engines for the new secret weapon jet planes or rockets were manufactured by prison labor. Crews of malnourished prisoners would each execute a few pretrained steps and crank out more jet engines in slave labor than was previously done in the Reich's armament factories. This was the culmination of the Nazi system where all labor-intensive things like the bunkers of the Atlantic Wall or the underground factories of Dora-Mittelbau were erected by and on the back of slaves that were themselves gradually killed in the process.

Without ever breathing a word of what is portraying, Andor portrays the same. Skillfully, horribly so.

The devil is in the details

Some way into this horror, everybody gets their sentence doubled. The counter simply goes up. No explanation. Total helplessness in the face of total control. The deep gut feeling of "No one gets out here alive" or "It will never end" begins to descend. That number was a sort of life line for people to brave another day. And it lies!

As unbelievable as it may seem, people did get released from concentration camps, especially those on "lighter charges" like "antisocial behavior." But nobody really knew how long they had to stay or if they were to be released. Often, initially told they had to do 3 to 6 months depending on their conduct, and yet most people never left alive. A quick read in a book behind me says that 8 million people were sucked into the system, 7 million died, 200,000 left by being released by the system itself. The idea you might be released one day added false hope that in itself could create further psychological torture if it was dashed over and over again.

Then there is the "divide and conquer" approach to prisoner management. Work crews are led by other prisoners, rebellion and resistance is quelled within the ranks. This Andor merely hints at, but the Nazi oppression system skillfully created hierarchies to make sure a comparatively small detachment of guards could handle a large mass of inmates which could overwhelm them if acting together.

But it doesn't stop here, not in Andor, either. Eventually we learn that the Empire starts to eliminate the prison population. Rumors start to spread that an entire floor of the super prison was eliminated by electrocution. Just like the real Nazis the space Nazis start to construct yet another death machine to eliminate opposition.

And this leads to that sub-plots final chapter, the prison revolt. There are a few historical mass escapes, even from Nazi death camps. There's also the heroism of the two uprisings of Warsaw (including the ghetto uprising). Left with nothing to lose, left with nothing but death ahead, the prisoners overwhelm the guards.

And this happened in real life, too. It's probably based on the historical case of the death camp inmates that were forced to run the gas chambers and crematoria themselves. This is part of the Holocaust itself, the Nazis had finally dropped all pretenses and resorting to kill people in an industrial manner. And these people knew that eventually their whole detachment would be killed. They knew too much, were witnesses to this massive crime against them and humanity itself. They were also among those destined for death. Like in an antechamber of hell itself they were merely bidding time. So they managed one of the few mass escapes on record.

While Andor doesn't stray as far down the road as actual history does, it knows how to cite history for those who know. It's not made up of whole cloth. It actually is referencing the real history of the most inhumane version of fascism, but it does not put the fact in your face. But if you know, its chamber of horrors becomes so much deeper.

And that's why

This is what makes Andor an absolute masterpiece. It recreates the conditions without blindly copying the source. It adapts, but you can feel how deeply inhumane the circumstances are that it depicts. It gives you the bloody creeps, and even if you don't know how much it is rooted in darkness, you will still feel it. It shows. It tells. But it never spoils the source material.

This is art. This is the deep craft. The banality of evil, the careless, uncaring attitude of evil towards those it deems unworthy and not human. It's all on display. It switches us into the place of Cassian and of Andy Serkis' character as it draws us in as audience. We don't see what happens on other floors. We don't have the information advantage. We can only imagine. We are subjected to the fact that we can only imagine it. And so we share a bit in the plight of these characters. Sometimes not showing a thing is the highest accomplishment of movie making.

And this is why I'm pissed that a series that was planned for five seasons was already cut to play out in two. Because we need more of this and less of more Jedi doing backflips. Just like Loki plays on a completely different level than the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Andor leaves all of Star Wars in its dust. If Rogue One was the attempt to tell a different kind of story in the same universe, Andor is the attempt at a different level of depth.

And this, more than Rogue One, makes it clear why they fight.

Watch it if you can.

And sorry if I horrified you.

[mirai-e-jump]

Dengeki Tokusatsu Tsushin Vol.7 (Spring/2002) "FACE UP 2002" (Free Talk Segments) ft. Kamen Rider Ryuki Cast Members (translations below)

Publication: January 3, 2002 (before broadcast start)

"FACE UP 2002" Part 1: Takamasa Suga (page 5)

Suga: The location we filmed at today was so cold. The wind near the ocean is so strong…man! I was shivering. I want to apologize to the staff for the times I wasn't able to speak, or when I kept giving NG (no good) takes. Furthermore, today was already the beginning of Spring, so I already feel out of it. "Wow! Are you serious?" is what I kept saying (laughs).

Suga: I was actually riding the bike that was used during filming. That one's really slow. No matter what I do, it won't go any faster. But, I guess it'll be in my care for a year.

Suga: Draft Master?* I didn't understand it. If you can pour beer, then you're already good at it (laughs). I actually attended one of their course's at Kirin's headquarters. Learning things like, the temperature of a glass at which the best bubbles are produced, or something like that. During the audition, Director Tasaki asked me, "So what is a Draft Master? At that moment I thought, "Now's my chance!" So I said, "Either way, I like beer!" He responded with, "Well then, next time I'll ask you to pour me a beer, haha!," (laughs). Later I though, "I really screwed up." But, I really do like alcohol. Whether it's sake, shochu, wine, or whisky, I can get into just about anything. (*beer pouring course provided by the Kirin Brewery Co.)

Suga: As for food, I don't like green beans, celery, and other things that share a similar taste. My favorite food is sushi! Eel especially. Oh, and soba. I really like Japanese foods in general. My parents own a sushi restaurant, but I actually hated it. The raw stuff they made wasn't good at all. I would always eat dinner at the counter, and the last thing they would serve me is toro (tuna), or something else I hated, so I couldn't leave until I ate it (laughs). I would eat it while crying, and say, "Are you for real?…Dad…" (laughs). I overcame raw foods when I was in junior high, and now I don't have anything I don't like.

Suga: For the past few years, I've really gotten into Kabuki. The fact that I wore a kimono when I went to Washington DC for the stage production of "THE SAMURAI" was an incredible feeling. I was playing the role of a ninja at that time. If you say "ninja", you're considered a superhero over there. It made me think that Japanese classics are something I can proudly share with the world. At that time, I also had the opportunity to meet the sister of a Kabuki and Noh actor, and their movements were completely different from mine. They have to decide on what to decide on. Even the way they stand, the way they walk, and the way they step are all different. I think these kinds of things must have there roots in Kabuki, right? That's why I go to see Kabuki plays.

Suga: Wearing a kimono makes me feel refreshed, or rather, it's almost calming…It's like it's in my DNA. I'm not sure what I'm saying, but it just makes me feel better. I like that feeling of being relaxed. "Fasten your obi" makes you feel tense, doesn't it? I think that's where the expression "Tighten up" comes from.

Suga: The costumes of the stage actors are also incredibly gorgeous. It's like, a ten flower pattern, or a variety of patterns…the four seasons are represented by these patterns. If you look closely you'll say, "Ah, cherry blossoms. It's Spring." Kabuki has been around for about 300 years. And they've hardly change the model at all. When I think, "People 300 years ago must have watched the same kind of thing," I shiver…it makes me feel something. Kamen Rider has a long history, but I can feel the spirit of those who have been doing it within the previous century. I thought there was a connection between "Rider" and "Transformation." Kabuki actors wear makeup…you paint it white with black shading for villains, a single layer of red for good actors, and so on. In a sense, this is a transformation. I would watch it and think, "Transformation, there must be some similarities between the two."

Suga: Ryuki is a work that will surely be interesting enough for even your mother to watch, so please watch it without getting bored or dropping it. Finally, make sure to watch how Shinji Kido will grow, don't forget that there's a 24 year old guy named Takamasa Suga, and most importantly, don't forget to pay attention. I mean it! (laughs).

"FACE UP 2002" Part 2: Satoshi Matsuda (page 7)

Matsuda: The filming is rather interesting. However, all three directors are extremely talented. When the director changed, I felt as if there were alot of scenes that seemed incomplete. When I first heard about the change, it made me think that we're still not ready for this. However, I'm looking forward to this change up, since I've already learned how to play.

Matsuda: When Suga-kun and I talk together, we mainly talk about serious things. The scenes between the two of us will be the best part of the show, and by the time Summer rolls around, both of us will have improved in many ways, as we've decided to grow together, even if it's just the two of us. Even on the location bus, we're always rehearsing our lines.

Matsuda: Dinner on location is served rather early, isn't it? I eat at 6, or 7 at the latest, but I'm still hungry by the time I get home. If I get up around 11 to eat again, and work late into the night, I end up eating five meals a day. Recently though, I've had a personal obsession with the pasta series sold at convenience stores. It's a very popular trend to buy a certain dish the night before, cook it in the morning, then eat. It's delicious. I like the peperoncino ones the most.

Matsuda: For favorite foods, I've actually been incredibly unbalanced lately, as I've been eating alot of steak. I like meat. There's a steak restaurant in my neighborhood that's famous for its quality. I end up eating alot of food there. I'm also thin but gluttonous. If I eat a big meal, I gain weight, however, I also tend to lose weight quickly. I'm actually proud of this, as I have no food likes or dislikes. I love natto, I like bell peppers, I like anything really. I've also eaten frogs and other luxury foods. It tastes more like chicken meat than actual chicken. It's still shaped like a frog though.

Matsuda: Cooking is a pain in the ass. Like boiling pasta in the morning, you know? Although, sometimes on Sunday nights, I do think to myself, "Maybe I'll try to make that~." For me, pork kimchi, pasta in general, and paella are the only things I can make. Paella happened by chance. In the past, some of my friends decided, "Let's eat paella together," so I looked it up in a book and worked really hard to make it. When I served it, everyone said, "It's delicious!," and it made me so happy, that I ended up making it over and over again. As I've fed it to multiple people, it's become a perfected paella (laughs). Before I knew it, I could make paella without looking at a recipe, however I still can't make curry (laughs).

Matsuda: I'm finicky. I've always been that way, even when it comes to toys. It doesn't matter what it is. I feel that lure fishing, which is mainly a hobby for elementary school children, has reached a point where perhaps I should outgrow it. I don't have it anymore, but I was most happy when I caught fish using a lure I made myself out of balsa wood. I used it until it started falling apart. There are lures on the market that can catch more than 100 fish, but the paint peels easily…on the other hand though, the peeling paint seems to actually attract a lot of fish, doesn't it? And the minnow lures are shaped just like the small fish.

Matsuda: There's this book that I thought looked interesting at the bookstore. It's a book that I can read in my spare time, as it's something like a cross between a children's book and a regular book. I think it's incredibly easy to understand. It's a book with a strong message, and its appearance is like the title, so the impact is also strong. The concept of this book is to have a better world view, or atleast that what I think…sometimes I buy books like this. Books that are like, "What does it mean to be human?," and such.

Matsuda: The gap between the characters played by Suga-kun and myself in Ryuki is very clear, and will be very easy to watch, which is why opinions are already divided. There will be those who will only like Ryuki, Knight, Shinji or Ren. In that sense, I see Suga-kun as my rival, but we are working together everyday to produce the best work we can. Please look forward to watching and supporting us, as we try our best with filming on location.

"FACE UP 2002" Part 3: Ayano Sugiyama (page 9)

Sugiyama: My favorite foods are vegetables and fruits. I especially like hot vegetables. I recently conquered natto, but instead of just eating it plain, I eat it with kimchi and grated daikon. Since I discovered this way of eating it, I enjoy it so much, that I eat it every day.

Sugiyama: I can also cook by myself! On days when I can stay home until after 10 a.m., I'll make my own miso soup. I like Japanese food, but in the winter, the only thing growing are all the stumps, and the piles of straw in the shape of houses. I always thought people lived in them (laughs). I'd like to live in them~ (laughs). The other day I made chikuzenni. I'll always have it with kinpira gobo. I've also been cooking for my mother more recently, and she'll say, "I'm so happy, it's delicious, I'm really enjoying this!"

Sugiyama: Today we filmed episodes 5 and 6. Finally, Yui-chan was attacked. At first, I wasn't sure about my role as Yui, but everyone said, "We'll help you," to which I responded with a, "Yay!" I had kept thinking, "What am I going to do! oh man…", but when I finally saw their vision of Yui-chan, what did I think? Isn't she kind of strong willed?…It was totally different from what I was expecting, and there are some parts of her where I thought "huh?," but overall I'm really happy. Today, Knight, or rather Ren, saved me. I'm attacked by the third Rider. It's strange, isn't it? Because in this series, they're all fighting against each other…

Sugiyama: When I was small, I loved "Changeman," with ChangeGriffon being my favorite. What I'm really into right now…is Disney, I love it. That's why I've been collecting alot of Disney merchandise lately. Not only is it my favorite, I need all the support I can get right now, so it's the only thing on my mind.

Sugiyama: When we're on location, it's very early in the morning. I feel amazing though. A special skill of mine, is that I can fall asleep in 30 seconds. I;m able to fall asleep very quickly. When they say we're traveling by location bus, I have to get my favorite schedule book ready. The pattern in it changes depending on the month. I have alot of plans right now, so I always keep a schedule book on me at all times. Sometimes, I'll also write in my diary. My most favorite one has "The Little Mermaid" on it. I'd like to become a mermaid~. When I was a kid, I watched The Little Mermaid so many times on video and would always cry. I also loved "Beauty and the Beast," which also made me cry. I'm guess I'm abit of a crybaby (zzz…). Recently, I was in the makeup room talking with everyone while waiting, when suddenly, without realizing it, everyone became quiet and I feel asleep. I was already a good sleeper, but now even more so. I've been sleeping even better thanks to Ryuki (laughs).

Sugiyama: Ryuki has a bitter feeling, including the battles between the riders. Because of the strong interactions between people, I think it might be alittle difficult for smaller children to understand, but, I think adults and even high schoolers will enjoy it. Furthermore, it's very bizarre. I haven't revealed everything, about Ren-kun and Yui…but, it will slowly be revealed.

Sugiyama: I really like to move my body. I like to go out to take walks and do other things. I'll usually walk around the neighborhood at a brisk pace for about 40 minutes. I'll walk past 3 train stations to have dinner and say, "I've met my goal~!" I tend to walk on the roads of the local rice fields. The atmosphere of rice field is completely different depending on the season. In the Spring, the fields are covered with lotus roots, and in the Summer, it's flooded and rice planting begins. In the Fall, the rice ears stick out and dragonflies are everywhere.

Sugiyama: Ryuki and Knight's Suga-san and Matsuda-san are both cool, but I'd like everyone to also focus on Yui-chan as well. Furthermore, if you see me on location or at a fan meeting, please don't hesitate to call me "Yui-chan." I love children too, so taking pictures is totally OK, in fact, I'd be more than happy.

[crimsonhydrangeavn]

How would the cast react if MC had any visible scars? And how would they respond if MC goes out of their way to keep those scars hidden due to insecurities surrounding it?

(TW: Self Harm and Toxic Relationships) I think this is a pretty interesting question that can play out in several ways. Of course, depending on when and how the scars came about the characters would have different reactions, but i tried to give a general idea of how I think the characters would react generally. That being said, I just want to reiterate that I don't agree with all of the characters reactions below, but considering this is an erotic horror visual novel, there will be heavy and triggering topics discussed in and out of the game.

Just to make it clear, this is a work of fiction and I do not personally support or condone abuse, self harm, or toxic relationships when it comes to real people in the real world.

---

Garret would be incredibly understanding and empathic. (Spoiler: He has a few of his own that he purposely hides away from view.) He'd understand why you'd want to hide it from the world, but he would make sure that you knew he didn't think any less of you or viewed them as ugly since they were apart of the person he adored so passionately. Of course he'd ask where/how you got them. Depending on the answer, he'd offer to "take care of" the people who inflicted them on you, or the people who indirectly caused you to inflict them upon yourself. He'd also want to coddle you press loving kisses upon your scars if you allowed him.

Marcelo would be a little taken aback at the scars, not knowing how to react at first before quickly collecting himself and hesitantly asking you about them. He's not exactly well versed in how to handle these kinds of things, but he would do his best to try and understand what happened and support you through it. Of course he would express concern and constantly reassure you that the scars don't matter to him and he still loves you no matter what. Overall he would just be a little hesitant about the subject because he doesn't want to say or do the wrong thing to make you feel worse about yourself or indirectly hurt you. He loves you and he's trying his best to be there for you.

Camilla would understand where you're coming from and become fiercely protective over you. If anyone ever said anything about them, or asked why you were covering up, she would immediately step in and tell them to mind their own business before roasting the person, taking the attention and heat off of you. After the fact they would check in on you and make sure you were alright and talk shit about that person until you would eventually have to tell them to stop. She would, but she would hold a grudge against them until the end of time.

Much like Marcelo, Rita wouldn't quite know how to handle the situation. She'd carefully ask how you got them and ask what she could do to help you. Of course she'd reassure you that she loves you just the same and that the scars don't detract from who you are as a person. She'd honestly take your lead regarding how you wanted to move forward, whether it'd be keeping them hidden or trying to become more confident about showing them off. She'd support you either way and, just like Camilla, would defend you and harbor grudges against anyone who made your insecurities flair up.

As for Teagan, it would depend on when you got the scars, if was before/during your relationship they wouldn't really have a reaction since they were aware of them and their origin stories. However if they appeared after your break up BECAUSE of your breakup, it would... Well, cause them to experience some very toxic and incredibly mixed feelings. On one hand they feel incredibly guilty that they hurt you so badily that you felt the need to hurt yourself in such an extreme way... and on the other hand they're almost happy that they had such a strong effect on you. Obviously they don't want it to continue and would never voice that any part of them was happy you hurt yourself... but every time they would see the scars, it would make their heart beat a little faster and their love for you grow even stronger. Internally they know how messed up that would be, however ultimately they wouldn't care since they would simply make sure that they never gave you a reason to hurt yourself again.

[serotoninisheldinkiwis]

spoilers for transformers earthspark (up to ep5) after the cut!!!

so I started watching earthspark and i have EMOTIONS abt it but mainly i'm looking much too far into the interactions between Bumblebee and Optimus and humming in thought

okay so! i'm gonna start off with the characters- Robbie and Mo are very good siblings- even with their faults, which just makes them look like even more accurate siblings- and I like them both a lot! Dot and Alex- we haven't seen them as much, but both of them are really fun! Alex's interactions with Bumblebee are absolutely hilarious as much as they're fandomish, and Dot doing her best to hold her family together- as weird as it's getting- is (impressively) working! All around strong human cast, at least for me! (Schloder is a tentative maybe. don't know enough about him yet but he's kinda a clown)

Twitch and Thrash!!!!! i!!! love them!!!! twitch is lowkey more my favorite (her personality and colors and vibes beseech me) but thrash is also a decently respectable transformer! they're both trying their best and making mistakes and working to fix them. it very much reads as two young people not knowing anything about the world and working it all out, and in general i love that! it has led to a teensy bit of annoyance (HELLO WHEN BOTH YOUR MOM AND YOUR WAR VETERAN MENTOR SAY MAYBE SWINDLE ISNT TRUSTWORTHY MAYBE THAT MEANS SOME TRUST?) but i also know that them experiencing that broken trust leads to the greater understanding of the Difference between the decepticon (only one as far as i know) that's redeemed vs the many others that haven't been

bumblebee!! i'm very much intrigued in this version- he seems older, which his design kinda helps to convey! the more almond-shaped eyes, the all around boxier shape- even with the more rounded shapes that he does have- he just reads as more of a young adult than a teen in this version, which i'm up for!!

but then with bumblebee there's also (what i'm guessing) is a s t r a i n e d relationship with optimus- which is (afaik) the first time we've seen bumblebee and optimus with a strained/not close relationship

i mean. bumblebee's very first episode he was in consisted of:

called out of hiding after who knows how long

being assigned to teach two literal newsparks how to be Cybertronian

him having to adjust to civilian life in the timespan of a day

him having to adjust to being a *celebrity*

him having to adjust to living *with people*

him having to save the life of a kid he was trusted with

and ALL of that was without a support system! bumblebee tried reaching out to Optimus, multiple times! the first time he tried to get help from Megatron- admittedly, he just never got a shot to use that advice, so that gets a pass- but the second time when Elita was on the call? she gave him vague advice, and then hung up on him when he started venting about it. like he hadn't been thrown into a completely alien (to him) situation and was, understandably, struggling. (i also think it's weird that megatron and elita didn't tell optimus that bumblebee called? like you'd think they let him know about the scout HE put on a mission struggling a bit with it

and then episode 5!! bumblebee called optimus! 28 times! 2 8 t i m e s!!! with information that could endanger the kids! and optimus waved it away with 'i was in orientation' LIKE BRO? if your highly capable Scout that's fought in a W a r is calling you that many times, i feel like you quietly step away from orientation and call back to find out what's going on???? why would you just ignore that??? what optimus has essentially done is throw bee into the deep end and toss a booklet of how to build a diy life preserver and i personally am VERY INTERESTED to see where the show takes it. bc i absolutely feel like their relationship is NOT where it normally is in transformers media (which is interesting! a fun change of pace)

either way, you also have the fact that bumblebee says that the Maltos is the first time he's felt part of a team in a long time. how long has he been in hiding? if not too long... how long has he not felt to be part of Optimus' team? how long has it been?

[wewerebornsextuplets]

@flowerakatsuka I actually LOVE getting excuses to talk about this kind of stuff so ill be happy to elaborate!! under the cut in case this gets too long (which it probably will)

so full disclosure, there was a pretty long gap between when proto-kiru (then called yoshimi) was initially Designed and when i started to flesh her out as an actual oc. i actually wasn't into ososan at the time and it was more a challenge of "how would I design an ososan oc Now now that im not 15 anymore", and i didn't pick her up again until february of this year when my BTAS hyperfixation started to fizzle out. the first drafts for keiko (then named hibari, which i changed since it was a bit too similar to one of my long-time ocs hikari) were drawn the same day i picked up yoshimi again. so she was both a day-one character and Not at the same time!

please ignore the poor lighting on these pictures.

i had a pretty strong Idea for what i wanted from keiko in terms of appearance at the start and a basic concept for her (a bit more bookish + "nerdy" than other ososan girls we've seen thus far), but I had a pretty hard time applying it to the design sensibilities of ososan. her first outfit was basically just uehara-san's outfit, and i struggled with rendering her curlier hair in the ososan style which made it look more goopy and awkward. i also wasn't quite sure what to do with her face yet.

still, i translated what i thought would be my final sketches for her and (then) yoshimi to digital, and from here I started to develop their designs at roughly the same time, sort of balancing them out and trying to make sure they look good together. i was proud of them for maybe 3 days before I decided i hated how they looked.

granted, there were a LOT of reasons for this; for one, I was color picking yanas skin tone for kiru, which didn't work well at ALL because he's way paler than it looks. but more than that I wasn't really referencing features that actual ososan characters had? so they looked more like strange fun house mirror imitations of ososan characters than anything else

see what i mean? they don't look right at all. but if you look closely you can sort of see me figuring out keikos hair!

a lot of the refining process when it came to getting to where we are now was just... referencing actual ososan characters. trying to make them feel more believable and like they could actually exist alongside the current ensemble. it was honestly more about them looking right in the style than anything else, since i like to stay pretty canon compliant in terms of design when it comes to fandom ocs-- I find that the limitations make me more creative!

for keiko specifically my main inspirations were nyaa and osoko, though i referenced dobusu's hair pretty frequently as well since they have roughly the same hair texture. she was honestly a lot harder than kiru to balance out in this sense, since i had to make sure she didn't look Too generic compared to the other pretty girls in the canon cast (i.e totoko, homura, etc). her more eccentric fashion sense is also an attempt to remedy this because plot twist! she's a weirdo!

ippei however I had down from day one. he's always looked the same and always will. my perfect creation <3