#this is like... fallout ghoul i guess... in my soul

[howgalling]

i watched kingdom of heaven and my brain latched onto this man w/o hesitation

[literary-illuminati]

2024 Book Review #6 – Exordia by Seth Dickinson

This is a book I have been looking forward to for quite literally years, from someone who is easily one of my favourite working authors. I also read the short story the book was expanded out from before I even knew it was going to be a book, and so went in spoiled on the broad strokes of what turned out to be the climax of the whole thing. All to say my opinion on this is unlikely to match that of the typical reader, I guess.

Anyway, Exordia is a glorious spectacular mess that has no right to cohere anywhere near as well as it does. It’s target audience is small, but I’m certainly somewhere in it. Please ignore all the marketing it’s so bad you have to wonder if someone at Tor just has it out for the author.

Exordia is a, well, a profoundly difficult book to give any sort of plot summary for. The first act involves Anna, a 30-something survivor of the Anfal Genocide now living a rather unimpressive life in New York City, until one day in the early 2010s she sees an alien eating the turtles in Central Park. Then there’s a cat-and-mouse hunt between terrifying alien snake-centaurs for the future of free will in the galaxy, and the plot jumping to kurdistan, and six more POV characters from as many different nations, and nuclear weapons, and oh so many people dying messily. The first act is an oddly domestic and endearing piece of table setting, the second is (to borrow the idiom of the book’s own marketing) Tom Clancy meets Jeff Vandermeer or Roadside Picnic, and the third is basically impossible to describe without a multipage synopsis, but mostly concerned with ethical dilemmas and moral injuries. It’s to the book’s credit that it never bats an eye at shifting focus and scale, but it does make coming to grips with it difficult.

This is, as they say, a thematically dense book, but it’s especially interested in the fallout of imperialism. The Obama-era ‘don’t do stupid shit’ precise and sterile form of it in particular – the book’s a period piece for a reason, after all. The ethics of complicity – of being offered the choice of murdering and betraying those around you or having an alien power with vastly superior destructive powers inflict an order of magnitude more misery to you, them, and everyone in the same general vicinity to punish you for the inconvenience – is one that gets a lot of wordcount. It is not an accident that the man most willing and able to collaborate with the overwhelming powerful alien empire in hopes of bargaining some future for humanity is the National Security Council ghoul who came out of organizing surveillance information for the drone wars. It’s also not a coincidence that the main (if only by a hair) protagonist is someone with a lot of bitter memories over how the US encouraged Iraq’s kurdish population to rebel in the ‘90s and then just washed their hands and let them be massacred (the book couldn’t actually ship with a historical primer on modern kurdish history, so it’s woven into the story in chunks with varying amount of grace. But it is in fact pretty thematically key here).

Speaking of complicity, the book’s other overriding preoccupation in (in the broadest sense) Trolley Problems. Is it better to directly kill a small number of people or, through your inaction, allow a larger number to die? Does it matter is the small number is your countrymen and the larger foreigners, or vice versa? What about humans and aliens? Does it matter whether the choice is submitting to subjugation or killing innocents as a means to resist it? What about letting people around you die to learn the fundamental truth of the cosmos? Does the calculus change when you learn that immortal souls (and hell) are real? This is the bone the story is really built around chewing on.

All that probably makes the text seem incredibly didactic, or at least like a philosophical dialogue disguised as a novel. Which really isn’t the case! The book definitely has opinions, but none of the characters are clear author-avatars, and all perspectives are given enough time and weight to come across as seriously considered and not just as cardboard cutouts to jeer at. Okay, with the exception of one of the two aliens who you get the very strong sense is hamming it up as a cartoon villain just for the of it (he spends much of the book speaking entirely in all caps). There definitely are a couple points where it feels like the books turning and lecturing directly at the reader, but they’re both few and fairly short.

The characters themselves are interesting. They’re all very flawed, but more than that they’re all very...embodied, I guess? Distracted with how hot someone is, concerned with what they ate that morning or the smell of something disgusting, still not over an ex from years ago. Several of them are also sincerely religious in a way that’s very true to life to actual people but you rarely see in books. The result is that basically comes as being far more like actual humans than I’m at all used to in most fiction (of course, a lot of those very human qualities get annoying or eye-roll inducing fairly quickly. But hey, that’s life). Though that’s all mostly the case at the start of the book – the fact that the main cast are slowly turning into caricatures of themselves as they’re exposed to the alien soul manipulation technology is actually a major plot point, which I’m like fifty/fifty on being commentary on what happens to the image and legacy of people as they’re caught up in grand narratives versus just being extended setup for a joke about male leads in technothrillers being fanfic shipbait.

Part of the characters seeming very human is that some (though by no means all) of the POVs are just incredibly funny, in that objectively fucked up and tasteless way that people get when coping with overwhelming shock or trauma. It’s specifically because the jokes are so in-your-face awful that they fit, I think? It manages to avoid the usual bathetic trap a lot of works mixing in humour with drama fall into, anyway.

Speaking of alien soul manipulation technology – okay, you know how above I said that the points where the book directly lectured the reader were few and far between. This is true for lectures about politics or morality. All the freed up space in this 530 page tome is instead used for technobabble about theoretical math. Also cellular biology, cryptography, entropics, the organization of the American security state, how black holes work, and a few dozen other things. This book was edited for accuracy by either a doctoral student from every physical science and an award winning mathematician, or else just by one spectacularly confident bullshitter with several hundred hours on wikipedia. Probably both, really. I did very much enjoy this book, but that is absolutely predicated on the fact that when I knew when to let my eyes glaze over and start skimming past the proper nouns.

The book has a fairly complete narrative arc in its own right, but the ending also screams out for a sequel, and quite a lot of the weight and meaning of the book’s climax does depend on followthrough and resolution in some future sequel. Problematically, the end of the book also includes a massive increase in scale, and any sequel would require a whole new setting and most of a new cast of characters, so I’m mildly worried how long it will be before we get it (if ever).

The book is also just very...I’m not sure flabby is the right word, but it is doing many many different things, and I found some of them far more interesting than others. I’m not sure whether Dickinson just isn’t great at extended action scenes or if I am just universally bored by drawn out Tom Clancy fantasies, but either way there were several dozen pages too many of them. The extended cultural digressions about the upbringing and backstories of each of the seven POVs were meanwhile very interesting! (Mostly, I got bored of the whole Erik-Clayton-Rosamaria love triangle Madonna complex thing about a tenth of the way into the book but it just kept going.) It did however leave the book very full of extended tangents and digressions, even beyond what the technobabble did. Anna herself, ostensibly the main protagonist, is both utterly thematically loadbearing but very often feels entirely vestigial to the actual, like, plot, brought along for the ride because she’s an alien terrorist’s favourite of our whole species of incest-monkeys. The end result is, if not necessarily unfocused, then at least incredibly messy, flitting back and forth across a dozen topics that on occasion mostly just seem unified by having caught the author’s interest as they wrote.

It’s interesting to compare the book to Anna Saves It All, the short story it was based on – quite a lot changed! But that’s beyond the scope of this already overlong review. So I guess I’ll just say make sure to read the book first, if you’re going to.

[inkmonster21]

Sing for Me

8. Sponsored by the Devil

Cooper Howard × Fem!Reader / The Ghoul × Fem!Reader

She's a singer the nation adores. He's the actor everyone respects. What happens when these two get entangled in a heated affair? Passion, regret, rage, and even murder will commence. From before the bombs drop to the vast wasteland, these two souls live for one another.

Previous Chapter Series Masterlist

Tagged: @fallout-girl219 @harmfulb1tch @themadhattersqueen @one-of-thewalkingdead

AN: Not crazy about this chapter, BUT there is smut at the end so...

I sit at the bar watching the TV. A newscaster babbles on, “As all nations race to secure uranium and control the future of energy, a shortage has emerged, turning even allies into potential competitors. Will energy prices surge this winter and will it lead to an expanded war?” I chuckle softly with the shake of my head, finishing my drink. I see the familiar figure of my old friend. My old friend who sounds like he’s gotten caught up in the communist bullshit. “Sorry you couldn't make it to the party the other night, Charlie,” he looks at me with a blank face. “Guess you had one of your meetings, huh? One of your Communist meetings?” He sighs, taking the seat next to me, “Come on, man.”

“We watched people die together up north fighting against all that horseshit.” He shrugs, “Yeah, and for what?” I scoffed, “What do you mean, for what? For the American dream. We're actors. We make movies, Charlie.”

“Yeah, the American dream has me getting shot in the ass by you all day.” I roll my eyes at his excuse. “You got five acres in Tarzana. I think you're doing all right.” He shakes his head, “It doesn't matter, Coop. Vault-Tec's the fucking devil, man.” I weigh in. “Vault Tech is a shifty company. I’ll give you that. My ex-wife works there. She’s a lot of things, but the devil? Come on now.” “Do you know what "fiduciary responsibility" means?” “Fiduciary responsibility? No, I have no fucking idea. I play a cowboy for a living.”

Charlie goes on, “Okay. So, the U.S. government has outsourced the survival of the human race to Vault-Tec. Vault-Tec is a private corporation that has a fiduciary responsibility to make money for its investors. And how does it make money? By selling vaults.” “That's called capitalism, Charlie.” He continued digging, “But they can't sell vaults if these peace negotiations go through. So Vault-Tec has a fiduciary responsibility to make sure that it doesn't work out.” I can’t even wrap my head around his speech. “Yeah. How are they gonna do that?” He falls flat, “I don't know. You remember that movie we did with Johnny Morton… you were the sheriff and I was some generic Indian?” I disagree, “Come on, man, don't say that. Tall hand Mudlake could talk to horses. You played him with grace and with dignity. It was a great role for you.”

“Morton played a rancher who owned half of Missouri. And what happens when the cattle ranchers have more power than the sheriff?” “The whole town burns down.” “Right. Vault-Tec is a trillion-dollar company that owns half of everything. And after ten years of war, the U.S. government is broker than a joke. The cattle ranchers are in charge, Coop.” I wave at his words again, “Come on, man, you sound like you're in a cult.” He fires back, “And you're sitting here defending a system that's ready to set the world on fire, Cooper. Maybe you're the one in the cult.”

I look away with the roll of my eye. He slides a card on the bar. “Look. You should come to a meeting. You should learn the truth about where your ex-wife works, and what they plan on doing with their employees. For (y/n)‘s sake.” With one final smile, my friend leaves the bar. Leaving me confused and a knot rolling in my chest.

Why the fuck would (y/n) be or any danger with Vault Tech? I stare at the card and begin to dive down a hole I’d rather not be sober for. I raise my hand, gesturing to the bartender, “Bartender, can I get one more?”

~

I caved and went to attend Charlie’s meeting. It was a basic conspiracy for weak-minded individuals. She sits at the front, coffee in hand. “These soldiers that we're fighting abroad, their families, we have more in common with them than we do with the people here in power, the real enemy.” I shake my head, “That's about all the horseshit I can take.” I stand, place my hat back on my head, and make my way to the exit.

“Mr. Howard?” I stop as she addresses me. “I'm sorry, I didn't hear what you said.” I raise my eyebrows at her, “I said that um… this is about all the horseshit I can take.” She smirks, “I didn't realize that America's favorite gunslinger was so sensitive.” She earns soft laughter from her followers. “I have my principles, Miss Williams, that's all.” I try to leave once more but she begins the conversation again, “Uh-huh. And those principles of yours… how much did Vault-Tec pay to take them off your hands?”

“Well, this is America. Everybody has a sponsor, and, uh, I'm not ashamed to earn a living.” She bickers back, “Vault-Tec is the largest company in America. There's a lot of money in selling the end of the world.” I couldn’t take her words. I fire back to her, “Well, I'm sure there's a lot of money in selling a political ideology that ends in breadlines.”

As the crowd gets upset, Charlie stands and backs away with me, “Okay, uh, sorry, this was a mistake. We'll be leaving.” Miss Williams shakes her head, coming to stand. “Oh, no, I'm-I'm quite glad you brought Mr. Howard today. You see, it happens that I know your wife… or Ex-wife. And perhaps a side of her you don't.”

I walk out and she follows close on my heels, catching up by my side. “How do you know my ex-wife?” “My research company was acquired by her division. We were developing this kind of technology that's… difficult to monetize. Cold fusion. Infinite energy. Several projects were advancing. Synthetic creations. That's what I was on the verge of achieving when Vault-Tec swept in and bought up every company I'd ever worked for.” I stare at her with no hesitation, “Every one of them? So, what are you, a millionaire communist?”

“Hypocrisy is like violence in your movies. If you only let the bad guys use it, the bad guys win.” “Yeah? I, uh, I got a little showbiz secret for you. A good bad guy doesn't see themselves as the bad guy.”

She pushes more, “America has been locked in a resource war for over a decade. Vault-Tec bought the means to end that war, the same war you fought in, so they could put it on the shelf. All because it didn't fit into their business model. I want your help in getting it back.” She passes a small device into my palm. I roll the small object in my fingers, “What is it?” “It's a listening device.”

I nod, disbelief running through my mind. “A listening device. You… you want me to spy on them?” I chuckled softly, passing it back, “Good luck with the revolution.” She shakes her head, “You can keep it. As a token.” She sighs, “I'm not a communist, Mr. Howard. That's just a dirty word they use to describe people who aren't insane.” I meet her with silence. She speaks once more in a hushed voice, stepping closer, “I understand you have a fond relationship with Ms. (L/n). If I were you, I’d be keeping her at a distance from Vault Tech. They have plans for her.” I clenched my jaw, “what the hell are you on about?” She taps the small listening device before turning on her heel and returning to her meeting.

~

I sit on the couch bouncing my knee, paranoid, thinking the worst of what could happen to (y/n). They could kidnap her. Keep her trapped in one of those damn vaults. They could kill her!

To add to the stress, we were about to set Janey down and talk to her. I roll the divine in my pocket overthinking the worst. My nerves got the best of me, and I gave up, going to the pip-boy on the counter. The divide pairs within seconds. Just in time for Barb to walk out and retrieve the bulky oversized wrist technology. She straps it onto her wrist before looking at me, eyebrows raised. “Are you ready?” I nod, “Yeah. I'll be out there in just a minute.”

She nods and exits the house. I watch as she sits down with Janey. I place the listening divide in my ear, clearly hearing Barb and Janey from outside. Roosevelt whines causing me to shake my head. There was no logical reason to believe anything those conspiracy theorists had to say. “You're right, Roosevelt,” I tuck the small device into my pocket, “What are you thinking?”

Janey has to be the smartest, and most intelligent little girl in the world. I had been very honest in explaining how her mother and I just didn’t feel the same and how we were going to be living away from each other. She knew something had been off for months. She had no issue expressing her feelings and opinions on the scheduling. “As long as daddy and (y/n) can take me for ice cream every other Friday!” I smile at Janey, while Barb does not. She simply ignores it.

~

The sun rose on Saturday morning, kissing the land of California. I stand on the back patio with a cup of coffee just taking in the beauty. It had been a month to the day since Cooper and I started dating. Life was good. I was happy. He was here more days out of the week than not. I couldn’t think of a better day than today to tell him the news.

The sliding glass door catches my attention. Cooper walks out, coffee in hand and a smile on his face. He wraps an around around me, nuzzling into my neck. “Good morning.” It’s such a perfect paradise with him at this moment. “Good morning, love.” I lean back into him, rubbing my fingertips up his arm, tracing each speck and freckle. “I have a surprise for you.” He looks down, trying to find a hint within my soul. “What type of surprise?” I turn around in his hold, now facing him. “A good one. I think you’ll be pleased with it.” He trails a finger down the front of my chest, dipping into my robe, brushing my concealed skin. “Wouldn’t happen to be you would it?” I shake my head, moving out of his grasp before I get caught up. “Nope. Get dressed Mr. Howard because we are going on a little adventure.”

We both get ready and exit my house. I get into the driver's seat before he can argue. "So where are we going?" I smirk at him as I begin to drive to the secret location. "You'll see."

We pass the line in Bakersfield and Cooper looks at me, even more confusion in his eyes. 30 more minutes down the line we pull up to a gate. I flip the keypad and enter the entrance code. The large gate slides open and I drive up the start of a long gravel driveway. Cooper looks at the surroundings in awe. The lush land filled with vegetation, and life. "6 acres on each side. There's a big barn in the back. I figured Sugarfoot could have his own space." Cooper sits silently as we pull up to the large cabin. I park the car and turn off the engine. I exit with a smile. "Are you coming?"

Cooper gets out of the vehicle, mouth gaping as he tries to make sense of the situation. "What did… Is this…" I grab his hand, intertwining our fingers. "It's ours." I pull the keys from my pocket and dangle them in front of his face. "How did you do this?" I waved my hand at him, "It was nothing. Heather and her boyfriend are sold in California. I offered them my house at an amazing rate, and I was able to get this place up here."

I squeeze his hands with a nervous smile. "I knew this was a risk. A huge one, but I know we had talked about it before, and it was just the perfect opportunity. It just… felt right." Cooper finally breaks into a smile, he hoists me up into his arms. I laugh in surprise, "What in the world are you doing?" He smiles charmingly down at me. "Well, I'm carrying you through the threshold of our new home, sweetheart." Nothing could be better than this moment. He passes through the doorway, the warmth of the cabin enveloping us in its glow.

"What you say we… break in a few rooms? See if the acoustics are good for that angelic voice of yours. I want you to sing for me, honey. Just the way you know I like." He kisses up my neck mumbling into my skin. Room by room Cooper drew orgasm from me. Each one is stronger than the last.

He carries me from the kitchen counter to the long hallway, posting me up on the wall, fucking into me with long thrusts. I moan out loudly the sound carrying through the halls. Cooper smirks, biting his lip as he hears my echoed pants bouncing off the walls.

''That's my girl,'' Cooper rumbled out, pressing his fingers into my cheeks, forcing me to glue my eyes on him. I summoned every ounce of strength I had to begin lifting my hips away from him. I couldn't take anymore, and he knew it. The pressure eased as his girth slowly withdrew from the depths of my sensitive walls. He pushes me into the wall further, deepening his thrusts.

I mewled involuntarily to his sudden way to keep me still. ''I don't think I can-'' I managed to blurt out, despite the trembling rushing through my entire body as his strong hands held me firmly in place.

''Of course, you can, sweetheart.'' He cooed through a strained groan. The stretch of his length was just right, so satisfying that made me want to writhe and squirm on top of him, to lose myself in the rawness of the moment. The friction of our bodies, the sound of our combined breaths, the intoxicating scent of cigarettes and expensive perfume hanging heavy in the air.

''Cooper,'' I cried out from the immense fullness of his length, unable to contain the bliss as every nerve in my body was set on fire. One of his hands traced a path up the curve of my side, his touch sending electric tingles through my skin, each movement leaving a trail of warmth in its wake.

He exits my heat, earning a whine from me. He moves us to lie on the sofa. He guided me to sit on his lap, lining his length up again. He kisses up my spine. He lifted one hand from my hip, a tender touch that trailed the expanse of my body until it reached my face and cupped my cheek to tilt my head downwards, coaxing me to meet his gaze.

Cooper leaned close, his breath warm against my ear, "Show me what a good cowgirl you can be." He murmured, the boom of his voice low and primal. As soon as he spoke those words, my hips jerked into action. I leaned back against his chest, grinding down on him, rising and falling on his cock like a bitch in heat.

''That's right, sweetheart,'' Cooper strained,  breathless mumbling reverberated through the warm cabin. He slipped a hand from my hips and with ease, he directed his attention to the most sensitive bud of nerves.

His touch met the tender flesh, I gasped at the sensation, the smooth pad of his finger gliding over the bundle of my clit. Cooper groaned from behind, ''You just keep riding me like that," He helped put motion into my movement. I was a mess, sobs escaped as the pleasure ripped through me.

I surrendered myself completely to him once more, needing nothing but him. Always him. Mustering up all the strength in my legs, I bounced on him even harder than before. My walls tightened around Coooper's length, and my climax finally burst. The waves crash causing me to see stars.

With each clench, I felt him twitch from inside. I lean back as he says, "Stay inside, Cooper." He sucked in a breath, biting into the skin of my shoulder. His thrusts are relentless as he pursues his release. All it took was a few more thrusts, and his body was convulsing beneath me, his movements seeming almost otherworldly while he emptied himself inside my cunt.

He lurched forward, dragging me close to his bare chest. He slowly rolled us over, his cock slipped free. I sighed heavily, but satiated and nestled into him. "Home sweet fucking home." Cooper leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead. ''I say we broke in every fuckin inch of this place, sweetheart."

[weeewooobitsfallout]

hey! It’s my birthday! Jew, how do you thingk peole in the wasteland celebrate birthdays and shit? Like cannonicly they celebrate Christmas and Halloween but what else?

How people celebrate birthdays in the fallout universe!

I did this by faction, hope that’s ok :)

Do raiders/watelanders know their birthdays? Their parents would have to survive through childbirth and to the point where a child can grasp the concept. Even then, would they celebrate? For many, being born in the post-nuclear apocalypse feels like a curse but do they still value their souls to the point they accept their existence? What about ghouls? Do they still keep living out of fear of the unknown, yet resent growing older with each passing day? Would they still care? 

Personally, I love the concept of raiders being akin to a kindergarten class when it comes to birthdays. Someone brings in a huge box of Fancy Lad Snack Cakes and they go to town. Most likely not presents, but a bit more respect and kindness. After all, isn’t that the best gift in the wasteland? To know someone cares?

The brotherhood would probably award the participating party with half a day off to do whatever. Many probably have family members who are outside of the brotherhood’s ranks, or in Fo4, back in the capital wastes. Giving time off (as a reward) can allow for communication between loved ones, boosting morale and giving something to work for. I can just see a knight stepping out of their power armor and heading downtown to see magnolia sing. 

No one in the institute would celebrate birthdays in a sentimental manner. Many will be recognized for a good job they did since they were first created/employed, but aside from that, birthdays will be scarce.

In the railroad, parties are kinda a big thing, mostly due to decon. Dez thinks it’s all a waste of time, but also secretly enjoys some levity. Lots of pranks and shananagins and cake smashing. It’ll be fun until someone runs in interrupting about some synth or safe house lost.  Then back to business as usual.  - (Side note: I headcannon the brotherhood interrupting during glory’s birthday party :). )

Minutemen is a bit tricky tbh. As a group, they definitely can spare a bit of supplies for a higher-ups birthday. If it’s just a regular soldier, they’ll probably get a pat on the back and a few nice words from Preston, with maybe so ammo. They don’t have a lot of time to spare, as well as materials to make it happen. 

At home, (with the individual families and settlements), it’s hard to day. Depends on the person’s situation and preferences.

I think a lot of people celebrate turning a year older on new years. I’m guessing NYE is kinda a big deal. Like, we survived another year! Isn’t that great? And notjust us, but the world as we know it. Things shift, but they also stay the same. But war. War never changes. 

Thanks anon for giving me this prompt!

[until-the-brahmin-come-home]

Compiling potential Dogmeat origins from the poll, alongside my thoughts on each option:

Just a Regular Dog: I guess this is an option. Kinda boring, but hey, a dog is a dog, and I'm happy to have one. Does open up the possibility of someone (probably a ghoul) out there maintaining prewar dog breeds, which is a fun space you could play around in. Maybe they have dog shows.

Synth: We know the Institute has made synthetic animals, and his placement right in your way at Red Rocket is suspicious to me. However, the game has nothing else to say about this. I wouldn't be surprised if he was sent your way on purpose, or else is an escaped synth dog.

Time traveler: Joel Burgess said in a twitter thread that Dogmeat is caught out of time and does not belong. I also for personal worldbuilding reasons associate dogs with time in fallout. And yes, time travel is established in the fallout canon. A couple of times, even. Alternatively, he came from another dimension. @/fetidcursedswamp proposes that the Power of Love ripped a hole in space-time, allowing sole's original prewar dog to hop through (this is very cute but I feel like sole would have something to say about this identical dog lol)

Spirit of the Wasteland: proposed by @/lost-in-interwebs. Exactly what it sounds like. I am in love with this concept and will probably implement it. Also works as a parallel to the Pariah dog from fo2.

Immortality: A couple different versions. As proposed by @/thewordinvention: Dogmeat came into contact with some weird science or maybe magic, and now lives forever. This one is pretty cute. I like to imagine his presence only getting weirder as time goes on as individual dog breeds fade out. @/iwillwalk500miles proposes he's the souls of the american people/everyone who died in the blast compressed into the form of a dog which is...interesting.

Offspring of cyberdogs: proposed by @/gecko-in-a-can. You know what, I can see this one. The Old Worlds Blues ending mentions Roxie and Rex having a litter of puppies, so it is feasible for a pair of (functionally immortal) cyberdogs to have had Dogmeat.

Descendant: Of the dog that sole says is missing at the start of the game (proposed by @/thetruecrystalvixen).

Eldritch entity: proposed by @/murmeloni, @/wingwaver (specifically comparing him to how scooby-doo is an elder god), & @/fuzzydreamin (comparing him to the Mysterious Stranger - very, very cool). Y'know what, there's enough eldritch stuff in fallout that I can see this. Kinda mad I didn't think of it myself, actually.

That's god: why not? by @/lostjediis.

The Thing: by @/jackinaboxx. Admittedly I haven't seen The Thing but from what I know this would be super funny. Murder monster is friends with one (1) human.

A Good Boy: said by many; very true.

Additional note: reincarnation (mentioned by @/reefman-a). I'm glad to see other people share this idea. While it doesn't explain how he's a german shepherd, it is a fun concept - that every Dogmeat, from fo1 to fo4, is the same Dogmeat in spirit. This is another one that's true to my personal version of canon.

[lady-raziel]

tell me about the brotherhood of steel in your head please i want to know so badly

ok so there's a chapter of the brotherhood of steel that exists in the rocky mountain region that split off from the western chapters many years ago and was successful for a while but has been in a slow decline and the nail in the coffin was when caesar's legion rolled into the area and essentially killed the chapter off. most of the remaining members have either been killed or wandered off to other parts of the wasteland. those that stayed with the chapter officially, only a handful, got caught in a radiation storm that lasted for weeks, and it irradiated them so bad they, guess what, got ghoulified. but the brotherhood hates non-humans so they had to do some serious soul-searching and realized that in the beginning when the brotherhood was founded it was more about preserving technology to keep humanity from falling into the dark ages again and preventing another nuclear war. the surviving members of the rocky mountain chapter realized they could continue this mission and further the goals of helping people rebuild even as ghouls.

well then fallout new vegas happens and caesar's legion gets the axe. suddenly the rocky mountain region is up for grabs again. the rocky mountain chapter realizes that in order to have stability in the region, they need to gain control of the area so another caesar doesn't show up and the land doesn't fall to raiders again. they've also heard rumors of a place called vault 0, which was the command center for all the vaults and used to be NORAD, america's missile command bunker. all they know is vault 0 is they key to securing the remaining missiles in america's arsenal and that the place is rumored to be held by the enclave. caesar's legion tried to breach the vault but never succeeded. but the rocky mountain brotherhood realize that if they open their chapter to anyone who wants to join and make a difference, they might have a shot. so they start recruiting ghouls and wastelanders, and even a few supermutants (they build custom power armor for the super mutants, because i think that would be sick as fuck). They even get a few synths who have escaped the institute.

so with their brand new recruits they uncover the enclave and take vault 0 and basically gain control of all the remaining operational nukes and then nobody wants to fuck with them, which is actually fine because they're super chill and interested in actually helping people in the rocky mountain region. but fast forward to them wanting to reconnect with the other chapters of the brotherhood of steel which are either 1) at war with the ncr or 2) asshats. They're basically like "roger maxon didn't die for you to perpetuate the same bullshit that got us in this nuclear mess in the first place" and "not being assholes and racist actually works well in your favor, actually" and decide that with their nuclear arsenal and planes salvaged from the enclave, they're gonna take control of the rest of the brotherhood and put a stop to this nonsense.

so then they show up in Boston and basically tell Arthur Maxon that he's a little racist baby bitch and to sit the fuck down because elder Lyons actually was dope af. and he'd be super disappointed in you if he were alive and hadn't disappeared under mysterious circumstances, arthur. There's also a whole subplot in my head about how arthur got to the east coast from the west coast brotherhood that involves a lot of attempted murder and a hot air balloon but we don't have time to get into that right now.

anyways the rocky mountain brotherhood mary-sues their way into the fallout 4 plotline, defeats the institute with the help of the sole survivor, frees the synths, and makes the eastern brotherhood look like racist fools. which makes them then question everything and makes arthur maxon realize that everything he thought he stood for was a total lie.

idk there are more pieces and it's all very long and complicated and somewhat based on tidbits of lore from things i've read on the fallout wiki and very much existing in my head

but, you asked.

[jacqcrisis]

Hello! Sorry, yet another person here to absolutely fawn over your fallout au, which I finally just finished. I've really enjoyed reading through all of the tumblr posts all morning, I had a thousand qs I'd ask about the characters and story if I could but just… WHY IS NOBODY TALKING ABOUT PAT AND ACHILLES. How do they find out. Is Hermes just like "yup, guess we should go back to see Achilles" one day and Patroclus is like "Hold up what the fuck did you just say"?

Anyway I appreciate this story ended a while ago and you're probably out of charmes inspiration these days so don't worry if you have nothing to say, I am going to go and stare into space and think about Charon and Hermes smooching instead of doing my day job thanks

A) thank you so much for all your kind words, including your comments. I'm just very bad at responding to those but I am grateful and extremely happy you enjoyed my stuff!

And b) while I am burned out of Hades content, you did unfortunately activate my trap card that is talking about sad old ghouls and centuries long pining. So I'm using this as an excuse to detail how Achilles and Patroclus finally meet each other once again.

So, after everything in fallout au, Zagreus starts what I like to call the White Boy Soul Search™. He runs away from Asphodel and his father several times in order to try and find out more about himself and who made him (Persephone) all while the dynamic duo of Theseus and Asterius are tasked with bringing him back (which they succeed several times cause, listen, Zag did beat the mutant in a 1v1 but they are still an ex-Brotherhood Paladin and an ex-Unity Nightkin tag-teaming dragging an android man back to daddy).

On these travels, Zag meets up with Hermes quite often, as Hermes is secretly checking up on him under the guise of 'haha wow we crossed travels again, cuz! Crazy, amiright haha'. At one point early on, Zag laments how his power supply seems to run out so quick and he just can’t understand why but if he could fix that, then he could continue his investigation longer while leaving the guards tailing him in the dust. Hermes, upon hearing this, is all too eager to drag him off to go see the friendly neighborhood android doctor, Pat, who welcomes them in with less than enthusiastic arms. 

Now, Zag has, in the past, read most if not all of Achilles' journals he keeps around in his private rooms, and is well versed in his personal history and his long lost love he still dreams of and sees false images of in the crowds at the arena. So when Patrolcus introduces himself with that long dead lover's name, while also being a ghoul, Zag starts to get curious. While Hermes is off getting bullied by goats and a rooster, Zag starts asking questions as Pat is looking him over: what'd you do before the war, where were you stationed, what have you been doing since, anyone you miss from that time?

Pat is dodging all of these as he has always done, but just as he's wondering if he should force a sleep cycle on this new synth, Zag just comes out and asks if he knew anyone named Achilles. That's a name Pat hasn't heard in decades, one even he doesn't dare to speak aloud and, as you would expect, he drops whatever he's holding. He assumes he misheard, but when Zagreus clarifies that he knows a ghoul named Achilles who writes often of a Patroclus he knew before the bombs dropped, Pat forcibly enters him into sleep mode.

When Zag awakens, his power supply problem has been fixed and, in payment, Patrolcus demands he leave and never speak about this 'person' again as it is impossible his Achilles survived the bombs, suffered from ghoulification, and lived for as long as Pat has. By his words, it is cruel to string a old man along like that with the hope such a person could be alive only to dash it once its revealed he's speaking of the wrong person. Zag tries to argue but Pat is adamant and sends him and Hermes on their way, considering the topic null and void.

So Zag goes back to town, heads directly to Achilles, and tells him about Patroclus, expecting at least one of them to be happy to hear about the other. Achilles indeed is, in disbelief and elated beyond measure Patroclus is alive but that happiness fades. There’s a sadness to him as Zag describes Pat’s condition and reaction and, when he suggests Achilles go and see him, Achilles refuses, stating it's for the best he stays away.

It takes a while for either of them to budge. Achilles is wracked with guilt over having abandoned Pat during what could have been their final moments, and the idea of seeing him again, and seeing what would be justified anger and hatred at his actions, would be too much to bear. Patroclus, on the other hand, refuses to believe this Achilles is the one he knew, that upon seeing this person, that being faced with one final confirmation that his Achilles is dead, it’ll become all too real for his steadily declining grip on reality. They’ve both spent nearly two centuries mourning someone and neither wants to have that festered, scar reopened, to go through it all again.

Eventually, Zagreus appeals to a sense of catharsis in Achilles, that perhaps apologizing, even if it's to a closed door, will bring him some peace. So he agrees to go without Zagreus as this is something he needs to do alone, and after a boat ride and a long lonely walk with his thoughts, practicing an apology over and over again, he finds himself at the quaint isolated farm. At the sight of a man across the fields tending to his crops and his animals, Achilles nearly turns right back around, centuries of guilt and grief and hope hitting him like a freight train.

He doesn’t get to as some of the goats spot him, bleating and tottering over to the frozen ghoul in their curiosity, alerting their master to the visitor’s presence. Patroclus moves closer, not recognizing the person standing among the tall grass, about halfway to his homestead from the fence, with his hand on the pistol at his hip. He calls out as he continues to step closer, tells the ghoul he doesn’t take in wanderers and the stranger will need to move on now if he wants to avoid the deathclaw’s sunset hunting hours.

They've both changed physically, recognizable features sloughed away as their skin and soft cartilage dried and fell off throughout the years but one thing that hasn’t is the way Achilles says Patroclus’ name, choked in disbelief and a reverence that carries unaltered by the breeze. It’s Patroclus who stops in his slow approach, hand falling from the pistol and the breath knocked out of him. Achilles takes a cautious step forward, saying something but Patroclus doesn’t hear it, falling to his knees as he begins laughing.

He’s certain he’s finally lost it, that the radiation burning away at his brain has finally done its job, that this is some hallucination, and as Achilles comes to his side, touches him cautiously, his laughter turns to weeping. He falls into Achilles’ embrace, assured by the physicality of it that this is real. That’s he’s real, that he’s alive, oh God, he’s alive and has been just a few days' travel away for years...

It’s happiness. It’s guilt. It’s mourning once again, but this time not someone lost, instead years, decades, centuries wasted alone when it could have been together.

But, as a similarly crying Achilles promises, that doesn’t matter. There’s explaining to be done, apologizing to be had but they’re together now. They have time now and he’s not going anywhere this time if Patroclus doesn’t want him to.

[mythicaldemigoddess-of-deltarune]

Crossover AU: What If Chara (From Undertale) Was The Child Of Nate and Nora (From Fallout-4)

 I had just got into Fallout, well more like the Fallout 4...

I did find out today, what happens when you don’t get to the place where you are taking to the vault, on time....you have to go straight to where you need to go and not try to look around the other parts of the neighborhood.

 maybe I should try to watch a walkthrough of Fallout-4, also the one that I got was a gift from one of my family members, but I’m starting to think there was a reason why they decided to give it to me, some gamers do know NOT to touch the back that doesn’t have the picture of the video game on it...

they likely decided to give it to me because it kept freezing and crashing, so far I only had some trouble with the game a few times, I had started to play it this year of 2022 on September, I don’t think I’m a pro at it and haven’t been playing as long as most who have been playing it much longer than me.

but anyway in a Crossover AU between like Undertale and Fallout 4,

Chara is biologically female and goes by she/her and is the daughter of Nate and Nora, and being the sister of Shaun.

and depending on the timeline, if Nate or Nora has Baby Shaun, Chara will go in the other pod with the other parent either it be Nate or Nora.

 one of the hair style choices for Nora, makes me think of Chara, and maybe even Frisk and Kris.....the hair style just looks like the same type of hair style they have in both Undertale and Deltarune.

the whole thing with Chara, Shaun, Nate and Nora could of happen MANY years later after the whole Monster and Human Wars, and by then, all Monsters would be living in the underground and not know that soon enough there will be some humans who would be living in underground vaults.

 and even after 200 years have past, monsters are still living in the underground of Mount Ebbot, and it can turn out that Mount Ebott is close to that Sanctuary Town, which is the hometown of Nate, Nora and Baby Shaun. 

Frisk could still exist, but they could of either been born 200 years later and would be around the same physical age as Chara, when Chara finally wakes up from cryogenic sleep.

or Frisk could be in a cryogenic sleep as well, and has been in that sleep for 200 years...and after waking up from their cryogenic sleep, they end up going to Mount Ebott and they could of woke up before Chara and her family, like maybe around 199 years early.

and Frisk plays the part of “Chara” and becomes Asriel’s adoptive sibling instead, but it ends up the same, only instead of some angry humans attacking Asriel/Frisk, it is feral ghouls, and when they get back, Asriel gets some form of radiation sickness that doesn’t mix well with his fused soul that he is sharing with Frisk....but instead of turning into dust, the mix of radiation and magic in his body, ends up causing him to go through a type of mutation.

and because of the mutation, the Royal Scientist and the other scientists that work with him, placed him in the True Lab and in a type of quarantine by the order of the King and Queen.

like everything that happen still happens, but at the same time it happens slightly differently from how it is in the original timeline.

then during the whole 200 years later, which I guess would be 1 year later after the whole Frisk waking up from cryogenic sleep...

Chara wakes up from their cryogenic sleep and has to leave the vault with their parent, but at some point they get separated and Chara has to make the journey on her own, and even learns from Codsworth, where her Mom/Dad are going....

and instead of Nora or Nate finding the German Shepard who is called “Dogmeat”......it is Chara who finds and forms a bond with them.

maybe I should try to watch the walkthrough of Fallout 4, I still would like to play it myself, but I think watching some walkthroughs of that game might help.

I did end up spoiling myself by looking up a bit about the game, like what happens with Nate and Nora’s son Shaun for one, and apparently you can form a romance with one of your companions, well you can’t with all of them, and it is clear that will be some that you can’t romance at all.

I haven’t even got to the point where I can try to have the playable character form a romance, and it might be a while before I can get to do that.

 unlike what happens in Undertale’s original main timeline, King Asgore of the Undertale/Deltarune/Fallout AU does end up freeing everyone but when he does, he doesn’t keep the human souls but has them be placed in the true lab, and once the monsters are free, they find out things have changed a lot since they were away and trapped in the underground.

the monsters end up living in Sanctuary Town and helping it grow and a place where monsters, humans, synthetics and ghouls (the non-feral ghouls) can live together and make a new home for everyone to live in.

Mrs Holiday or as fans call her by the name “Carol Holiday”, becomes the Mayor, and monsters who specialize with plant magic, can end up helping by replacing the dead plants with freshly new plants.

 Kris could be part of those who had to go in the vaults, but it was only them and some of the human children who ended up surviving, and had to be taken in by different families that live at Sanctuary.

and the family Kris ends up living with, are the Dreemurr Family.

and Kris ends up becoming the younger sibling of Asriel Dreemurr II, who was named after his older brother, who is still being kept in the true lab and the royal scientist could still be trying to find a way to cure the eldest prince of his mutation.

this is just what if type of Crossover AU ideas, there are different Crossover AU and Timelines, so this could be seen as a possibility.

I just like the idea of a Crossover AU that has both Undertale/Deltarune and Fallout 4 in it.....                                    

and if Nate is the one who survives instead of Nora, he could end up forming a romance with Toriel (after she and Asgore divorce first...)

once again, I haven’t really got that far into the game where I can get the avatar to romance someone....and it might be a while before I can even do that.

the idea of Chara being Nate and Nora’s daughter and the older sister of Shaun, just seem like a interesting idea for a Crossover AU.

not everyone has to like this idea, it is just a Fanon idea and it wouldn’t be 100% canon...anyway I don’t think I have much to say about this Crossover AU idea....maybe in the next post, I will try to talk about a video game theory that has to do with either Undertale or Deltarune or FNAF...

anyway, see ya later and stay safe everyone...                   

[nightingaelic]

could you do Fallout New Vegas companion’s reactions to a Courier Six who is also the Lone Wanderer telling their stories from their time in DC? (bonus points for Arcade’s reaction to them hating the enclave, and if that would make him decide to keep his past hidden even longer, or if he would still tell them?)

The logistics and implications of this make my head spin. This is also super long, honestly I should just quit writing reacts and start writing fics OH WAIT

Getting the courier talking was a tough thing to do, but on nights where the moon was full and the coyotes' howls were miles away or at least behind some stout walls, on nights where they were a few beers in and they hadn't seen another living soul in a few days, that Mojave Express deliverer started to reminisce. That wasn't really the surprising part, though. No, the surprising part was what they would remember, fondly or not-so-fondly: A world apart from the desert, a continent away on another coast, and stories of life in a vault, a missing father, pure water and a Brotherhood divided.

Arcade Gannon: Arcade didn't mind these moods, at least when they first cropped up. He nodded along as the courier talked about living in their father's shadow, about feeling cornered by their own family's legacy. He hung on their words about living in the cradle of America's history, about Project Purity, all of the gritty details of modifying a GECK to bring water to a devastated wasteland.

Eventually though, the courier's memories soured, with the arrival of Enclave remnants in their life. Arcade folded into himself with every harsh word, every jolt of plasma that had disrupted his friend's world relived in horrific detail. They gestured angrily as they described their newfound purpose, their battle for power with the fractured Brotherhood of Steel at their back, and their smug satisfaction at the moments they were able to crack open Raven Rock and the Enclave's mobile base crawler and lay waste to their tormentors.

It took a few rounds of these stories before the courier noticed he shrank and grew quiet whenever they neared the end of their story about breaking into another vault to find the GECK. They stopped abruptly one night. "What's up with you?"

"Um..." Arcade scratched the back of his neck and looked away. "Nothing. Nothing, I just... have some personal experience with the Enclave, myself."

The courier sighed. "Yeah, there's a few people walking around the West Coast that have similar stories to mine. Arroyo's full of them, for one. Is it something like that?"

Arcade took a deep breath. "I feel... well, it's a lot closer to home, for me. Close enough to raise questions, so I don't talk about it much."

"Close enough to..." The courier twisted their face up in confusion for a moment, before realization set in and their eyes grew large. "You were... your... oh."

"Mmm-hm."

"Well, fuck me." The courier smiled and popped a cap off of another beer. "I've been doing all the talking, haven't I? Let's hear your story about working with the guys in power armor who ruined my life, right after dad did."

Craig Boone: Whenever the courier started up like this, Boone couldn't help but notice a familiar twinge of regret and self-doubt in their voice. It shone through most clearly when they spoke about their time with the Brotherhood of Steel, the men and women they'd fought alongside and lost during their struggle against the remnants of the Enclave. It was there, too, in their story about returning to the vault they grew up in, setting the chaos that had arisen in their wake to rest, but not being able to go back to the way things were.

Boone didn't pry. He knew that feeling well. Instead, he cracked open bottles of beer, liquor, soda, whatever they had on hand during their nights in the desert, and just listened. He'd done the same for Carla, when they were younger and new to each other and he couldn't get enough of her voice and how it flowed endlessly, easily, the way his never could. He absorbed it all now as he did then: The joy, the pain, the loss, the fear, the triumphs and falls and abandoned dreams that filled the courier up and drove them to travel west, beyond anything they had ever known.

That last part stumped Boone a bit, though. "Why didn't you stay?" he finally asked one night.

They looked surprised. "Stay? Stay where? I didn't have a home anymore."

Boone shook his head. "With the Brotherhood. Or some other settlement."

"Like Megaton?" The courier sighed. "I thought about it. Close to the vault, friendly people, easy work... I guess I just didn't want to wind up... stuck."

They flushed red and looked away from him. Boone knew why they were embarrassed, but he also knew the truth in their words.

Sometimes the courier cried after they had finished, though they did their best to hide it. Boone pretended not to notice. He was pretty sure they knew he was pretending, but he was also pretty sure that pointing it out would be worse than just letting it be an open secret between them. The silence between them endured, but something grew inside it and flourished. Some kind of deeper understanding.

Lily Bowen: The more the courier spoke, the more Lily made connections in her muddled mind. Of course they knew the basic layout of most vaults, they had grown up in one. Of course they were extra-sensitive to the Mojave heat, they had come to the desert from the cooler of the two coasts. Of course they'd been extra-wary around the super mutants or nightkin of Jacobstown, they had only known angry super mutants looking to grow their own numbers through any means necessary.

Their shared experience of growing up inside a vault reminded Lily of happier days, and she often asked questions about Vault 101 during the courier's stories. "Were you sweet on anyone inside your old home?" she asked, with a big smile befitting a proud grandma.

The courier blushed. "That's not very polite, Lily."

"Oh, I'm sorry, dearie."

"No, no it's okay." The courier smiled. "There was a boy who picked on me a lot, but I never figured out whether he did it because he hated me or liked me. His name was Butch. And there was Amata, my childhood friend. She was the daughter of the Overseer."

"Daughter of the Overseer?" Lily grinned. "I'm sure she was a lovely young woman."

The courier looked a little misty. "Yeah. She was. Probably still is."

Lily pulled a handkerchief that used to be a small tablecloth from inside her overalls and handed it over. "Maybe we can go back there together, pumpkin," she offered. "I always wanted to travel to the capital. We can visit your friends, see the sights."

"Yeah, maybe someday." The courier accepted the gift and blew their nose. "I've got some things I need to finish up here before I even think about wandering back east, though."

"Then let's make a list and do our chores," Lily said happily. "Number one?"

"Ohhhh, man." The courier smiled up at her. "I wouldn't even know where to start."

Raul Alfonso Tejada: Raul got a faint smile on his face whenever the courier started up like this, as if their memories reminded him of another place he had come from, another time. While they couldn't have more different backgrounds, pasts- hell, he had several hundred years on the courier, even if they shared the same road today- there was something in the description of the other roads they had walked that made him feel warm on a cold night.

"What's on your mind?" The courier asked him one night, when Raul's smile grew larger than usual.

"Nada, boss," he reassured them. "You're just a good reminder that I can change my mind about the future anytime I'd like. Tell me the one about that radio DJ again."

"Again?" The courier rolled their eyes. "Why? I could tell you a million stories about Underworld and all the ghouls that lived there, but all you want to hear about is Three Dog. You'd probably have more in common with the Underworld folks, honestly."

Raul nodded noncommittally. "Sí, but my favorite stories are about people who had to rise above bad situations and become someone uncommon. Anyone who's able to do that is either fighting for something great or running from something terrible. Sometimes both."

The courier shot him a skeptical look. "Three Dog's holed up in his radio station 24/7, he's not running from anything or out fighting for anything. All that stuff about 'the good fight' is a load of bull."

"Now, now, Six," Raul chastised. "Just because he looks like your average pendejo doesn't mean he isn't doing his part. You even told me his radio show is inspirational for the Capital Wasteland folks."

The courier held their hands up in the air and bobbled them, as if balancing an invisible scale. "The duality of man. Being an average pendejo, or convincing everyone around you that you aren't actually an average pendejo and can pull off miracles."

Raul laughed. "And which one are you, boss?"

"Eh, I'm still figuring it out."

Rose of Sharon Cassidy: Cass was never one for fixating on her own past, but she couldn't help but sympathize with the courier whenever they deigned to add onto their unbelievable story. It was hard enough for her to navigate her own damn life: She couldn't imagine being called upon to steer an entire area's destiny.

After another night of recalling their life inside a vault with their dad, then their unexpected loss of him right after being reunited on the surface, the courier stopped suddenly. "I'm sorry," they said.

Cass paused her swig of precious whiskey. "What?"

"I keep going on and on about my dad, and here you are not knowing what happened to yours."

"Eh." Cass took her drink and waved her hand around until the burning swallow made its way down. "S'loads of people in the wasteland without a clue what happened to their pops. I'm not special. In fact, I'd say it probably hurts a bit more, what happened with yours."

"Well, all the same." The courier sank deeper into their seat and examined their own bottle of spirits. "I feel like an open book, tonight. Anything you want to know about where I came from that I haven't already spilled?"

Cass thought for a moment. "Tribals."

"What about them?"

"Does the East Coast have them? You're not the first traveler I've met from there, but none of you have so much as mentioned any tribals out east."

"Mmm." The courier looked thoughtful. "I guess we do have them, though maybe not in the traditional sense. There's a mess of them in Point Lookout for sure, and at least one tribal group in the Capital Wasteland outright, but beyond that things are more... loose. Fewer intact families, fewer intact homes."

"Huh." Cass took another drink. "Maybe that's where my dad went."

She let the courier stew in the awkward silence for a bit before she grinned and reached out to smack them. "Just kidding. Keep going. I want to hear about that giant robot again."

Veronica Santangelo: Veronica usually sat and listened, spellbound, picturing a chapter of her order that had realized the very thing she kept trying to tell the Elders and made the ultimate sacrifice to follow their hearts anyway.

Well, maybe Elder Owyn Lyons hadn't come to the same realization as her, but he had had a change of heart that split his company and cut them off from almost everyone they had ever known. It had been five years since the High Elders had instituted radio silence toward their East Coast chapter, and so far there had been no attempts to re-establish contact.

Veronica prodded the courier for any info she could get about the Capital Wasteland Brotherhood of Steel. The courier let slip pretty early in their friendship that Elder Owyn Lyons had passed away, which wasn't unexpected. The man was 76 years old, after all. She learned on one particularly emotional night that his daughter, Elder Sarah Lyons, was also dead, something she wasn't sure even the Western Elders were aware of. That memory was clearly painful for the courier though, so Veronica didn't press for details.

"And the Enclave?" the Scribe asked one night, arms wrapped around her knees. "Are they completely gone?"

The courier grew cold. "Yes. I made sure of it."

"Right." Veronica nodded. "So the Brotherhood took over the air force base they were at. It must have been chock-full of tech and resources, if it was the Enclave's last stand."

"It was." The courier sighed and shifted in their seat. "And it woke up some of our brothers and sisters to their original mission in the Capital Wasteland. I thought maybe that selfishness had died with Liberty Prime, but... well, I didn't like it, so I left."

"Mmm, yeah." Veronica nodded again, sympathetically this time. "I know how you feel. Felt."

"Feel," the courier agreed. "I just wish there was more I could've done. Maybe there wasn't anything else, short of seizing power."

"You'd definitely get pushback for that in the Brotherhood," Veronica agreed. "But you might get that chance out here in the broader Mojave."

ED-E: At first, ED-E enjoyed the stories, trumpeting and cooing various beeps at the appropriate moments for emphasis. The one time the courier began badmouthing the Enclave, however, the eyebot waited until they had finished before playing back the first tape that Dr. Whitley had recorded before its trip.

The courier listened to the scientist's words from years ago, deflating slightly as it played out. When the tape had finished, they stood up and checked the eyebot over. "He sent you toward Navarro, huh?"

ED-E beeped affirmation, and the courier sighed. "But Navarro was already gone. I'm sorry. I guess I'm... well, me and the Brotherhood of Steel back east are responsible for your previous master's decision to send you away. Might be responsible for more, too."

ED-E beeped sadly. The courier pressed their forehead against the eyebot's metal dome in apology.

Rex: Well, surprising for most. Rex was not most. As soon as the courier got really into their recollections, Rex usually yawned and went to sleep. He stirred when he felt their hand reach down to scratch the ruff of his neck, or pat the glass dome that held his brain.

"Good dog," the courier said, through the veil of sleep. "You remind me of another pup that used to follow me around."

[deathclawforcuties]

OC Interview!

So, got tagged by @robobrainmurdermysterytheatre to do my OC from Fallout 4.

I'm supposed to tag five other people, but sadly I don't know anyone else to tag who hasn't already been tagged by others, soooo here goes.

1. What is your name?

"The Names Celestine O'Kelly-Hancock, but everyone just calls me Celeste for short. Nice to meet you, dude."

2. Do you know why are you named that?

"Which part are you asking about?"

3. Are you single or taken?

"Very much taken. Remarried, actually. My hubby is the Mayor of Goodneighbor. Maybe you've heard of him?"

4. Have any abilities or powers?

"I've a natural affinity for swimming, and growing some of the best damn rad-weed this side of....uh....what were we talking about again? Oh yeah! I can out-snipe anyone."

*somewhere off in the distance you can hear Robert screaming out "I CALL SHENANIGANS!"*

5. Stop being a Mary Sue.

"Huh? Dude, are you smoking the same shit I am? Who's Mary Sue? Pretty sure you mean Mary Jane."

6. What’s your eye color?

"My eye color? John tells me they're 'Nuka Quantum blue', but I'm pretty sure he's stoned when he says that. I think they're deep, almost grey-blue, to be honest."

7. How about your hair color?

"Currently it's purple, because SOMEBODY likes to play pranks and fuck with my soap. Deacon, I'm looking at you!"

*A maniacal cackle can be heard around the corner*

8. Have any family members?

"Well, sure I do. There's my hubby John, there's Robert who is like my little brother. I've got my fur-baby, Dogmeat, and my adopted dad, Wiseman..."

9. Oh? How about pets?

"Dogmeat, he's a dog, obviously. Then I adopted a ginger tabby I named Deacon."

*Deacon pokes his head into the picture*

"Awwww!"

"Because he, too, is an asshole."

*Human Deacon blows raspberries before slinking off*

10. That’s cool, I guess. Now tell me something you don’t like?

"Something I don't like? I can't stand bigotry of any kind; you picking on a ghoul in front of me is a great way to get shot. By me. Because fuck you, that's why. I also don't like it when someone tries to fuck with my crops. Wait until it's done growing. Fucking weed-nappers."

11. Do you have any activities/hobbies that you like to do?

“I smoke pot, I crochet stuff, and hunt raiders. Oh, and I like to bake."

*Hancock wolf whistles off from the side*

"You mean get baked!"

"Oh, ha ha babe!"

12. Have you ever hurt anyone in any way before?

"Damn, that's uh...that's kinda heavy. Yeah...um...not something I really want to talk about."

13. Ever… killed anyone before?

"Dude, this is the Commonwealth we're talking about. Everyone out this way has killed at least once in their life. I might have a higher kill count than most, I mean, I do actively hunt raiders and shit...so....yes."

14. What kind of animal are you?

“A house cat. Yeah, happy, lazy fucker that naps in the sun, sleeps a lot..."

15. Name your worst habits?

"My worst habits? I sometimes sleep too much, and I may, or may not, steal the covers."

*Hancock sticks his head in the room*

"She totally steals the blankets."

"BABE!"

16. Do you look up to anyone at all?

"My adopted Dad, Wiseman. No matter what hell comes his way, he faces it with a calm and compassionate heart leading the rest of my ghoul family through it all with grace. And John. He saved my life both literally, and figuratively. And my mom...I miss her."

17. Are you gay, straight or bisexual?

"Does...does it really matter?"

18. Do you go to school?

"The school of Hard Knocks count?"

19. Ever want to marry and have kids one day?

"Well, I remarried, so yes to that part. As far as kids go, John and I have thought about adopting, but I'm....not quite ready yet..."

20. Do you have any fangirls/fanboys?

"I don't have any strains by those names. Got some OG Kush growing right now...Just hit a blunt made from it, actually. Smoooth po-ta-to."

21. What are you most afraid of?

"Fucking rad roaches, man! I'll take a deathclaw on any day, but put me in a room full of giant bugs and I will nope the biggest nope that ever noped."

22. What do you usually wear?

*Hancock butts in*

"She usually wears my face on her lady bits! Yeah booooy!"

"OMG BABE! NO BAD!"

23. What’s one food that tempts you?

“When I get the munchies, I crave Dandy Boy apples, and gum drops. I can't get enough of them."

24. Am I annoying to you?

"Even if you were, I'm waaaay too baked to care right now."

25. Well, it’s still not over!

"Huh? What's not over? Did I just miss a whole conversation?"

26. What class are you (low/middle/high)?

"If I'm stoned, I'm HIGH class!"

*Giggling intensifies*

27. How many friends do you have?

"Tons. You looking to add to my list?"

28. What are your thoughts on pie?

"I could totally go for a slice right about now. Why? You offering?"

29. Favorite drink?

“Vim classic. Good shit."

30. What’s your favorite place?

"I've got two places I love: The Slog, and Goodneighbor. They're the only places I feel truly at home in."

31. Are you interested in anyone?

*Hancock butts in again*

"She's married to me. I don't share."

"You heard the Mayor: He doesn't share. Hey! I made a rhyme!"

32. That was a stupid question…

"Waaaaait.....did I think that out loud?"

33. Would you rather swim in a lake or the ocean?

“Both. I fear no body of water, and nothing ever bothers me when I swim, at least. Might have to do with all the Vim I drink..."

34. What’s your type?

“My type? Gotta be intelligent; if you can't carry on an intelligent conversation, you can quit right now. I like a partner whose heart is in everything they do, and who isn't judgmental, as well."

35. Any fetishes?

"I uh....um...*cough* I like role playing..."

36. Camping or outdoors?

"I adore outdoors. Being out in my garden is like a balm to my soul. Camping is meh, but sometimes when I'm on a job, it's a necessary evil."

[iamnotadamnedmonkey]

A guide to the Detroit Wastes.

The year is, most likely, unimportant. I can tell you that it has been 300 years since the merging of magic and science resulted in a golden age of mankind, unparrelled progress and expansion. This advancement resulted in people going heavy duty into genetic modification, both of the world around them, resulting in fantastical beasts abounding, and their own bodies, creating new races of men, some with very little connections to the originals.

I can also tell you that you were in stasis for centuries before that, how many exactly, I’m not sure.

It has been 200 years since mankind delved where it should not have. There are some things man is not meant to know. The Foundation, a clandestine organization charged with keeping the world safe from otherworldly menaces, had been containing disturbing creatures, places, items and events for centuries previous to the golden age.  200 years ago, something went wrong. It is unknown if this was done on purpose, or even what happened, but the skies boiled, the very air shattered, as things from other worlds broke into ours, and laid waste to it. This is commonly referred to as the Breach. The governments of the world retaliated, with nuclear weapons.

It didn’t work.

It was at this point that the Contained rose up and rebelled, escaping to become the Thousand Demons of the Waste. Many people were saved by quick retreat into Vault-Tech brand fallout shelters. Communication systems were shattered by the vast release of magical energies.  Those humans left outside have struggled to continue their lives, but it’s hard going.

Major Features of the Detroit Wastes

Vault 72- Your home, for better or worse. When I worked here, it was not just a containment site, but a research site, dedicated to extending peoples lives. One of those projects was Experiment 3172, which I believe you and intimately familiar with. It was designed to induce a stasis field, effectively securing people from the ravages of time, by keeping them from living through it. I have disengaged this field, although, with the destruction of the main computer, it would have been hard to activate again anyways.  I have taken the liberty of locking down your suite, and making it inaccessible from the outside. Save points should keep you, heh, safe. I will warn you, the generator beneath your new home is only good for another thousand years, it wasn’t meant to be used to actually power the apartment for long periods of time.

Vault 5- Devoted to the research of genetics, and the breeding of stable races. There has been no contact with Vault 5 since the Breach. The Sea of Fire is DANGEROUS. Creatures that have become relatively stable in the rest of the waste mutate horribly there. Vault 5 is also the only place where any possible documentation from before the Breach exists.

Vault 99- Heavy weapons research. Last known message from them indicated that they were locking themselves in the vault, and the world could handle itself.

Vault 1-  Research dealing with other planes of existence, and time travel. My home vault. I advise against visiting, there have been some… issues. Temporal portals, spots of slow and fast time… It’s not nice.

Vault 13- Devoted to medical research. Opened itself to public use roughly 100 years ago, now serves as the center of the town known as Vaultillion, and has been turned into a temple to Teej.

Freedom City- Built on the remains of the city you know as Detroit, ex-slaves from The Pit have made this a home for any who wish to be free. The entire city acts as a Temple to David.

Mutant Town- A full town of Super Mutants. Not fun. Contains a temple to Jaeger.

Ghoul Town- Go ahead. Guess. Major temple to Luminous.

Necropolis- For all the feral ghouls who don’t fit in with Ghoul Town.

The Zoo Zoo Zoo- No one has been inside for 200 years. Well. That’s not true. Plenty of people have entered. No one has left. A temple to Velyn has been established in the old parking structure.

Weirdville- A collection of settlers and normalish people, trying to survive the apocalypse.  Contains a major temple to Old Aggie.

Creatures and Others of the Waste

Super Mutants: Over large humanoid creatures. Said to have stemmed from illegal genetic alterations pre-Breach, the majority of Super Mutants have a greenish tone to their skin. They are largely dumber than their smaller humanoid cousins, but make up for it with tremendous strength. Super Mutants that exhibit intelligence swiftly rise to leadership positions, and learn magical tricks from their patron god, Jaeger. Some rare Super Mutants are known to follow Drac, and these are friendly towards humans and the like.

Ghouls: Deceased spirits haunting their own bodies. Ghouls are souls that have refused to die, and continue living by animating dead flesh. Ghouls come in two main varieties. Feral Ghouls have lost their memories, or simply their will, and are mindless monsters, seeking only to consume flesh. Non-Feral Ghouls appear as wrecked, decomposing bodies, but can still talk and interact as humans. You can generally tell the difference from a distance because Non-Ferals will still be trying to wear good clothing, not the rags and tatters ferals do. When a Non-Feral ghoul is killed, their soul finds the nearest non-souled body to jump into. Some Ghouls have learned how to gain power in doing this, making them effectively immortal. It is believed that Feral Ghouls cannot inhabit a body by themselves, requiring outside help to do so.

Mirelurks: Giant, shelled,  lobster like humanoids, that first rose out of the Great Lakes a hundred years ago. While they seem to have some kind of internal command structure, they do not like talking with humans. Rumor has it they are a result of something leaking from the rifts the Breach caused.

Deathclaws: Originally bred as security forces, during the years post-Breach, Deathclaws have thrived in the magical fallout. Growing bigger, and more intelligent, these reptilian monsters would be the rulers of the waste… if they didn’t hate each other. Appearing in a multitude of colors, and capable of expelling a variety of dangerous energy from their mouths, the older they get, the bigger they become, the biggest one recorded being well over 200 feet tall. They are all hoarders, each of them deciding in adult hood what they will horde, everything from gold, to weapons, to some reports of Deathclaws hoarding people. They are very intelligent, to the point that the eldest of them seem capable of casting spells.

Raiders: Other humans and humanoids, who seek to get the most out of the Waste, by taking it from other people. A unique breed, they practice a form of magic that allows them to jury rig weaponry. Mostly they follow All Tok or Drak, with some few venerating Jaeger.

Brotherhood of Steel: A legion of Knight warriors, devoted to Strelnik, who seek to save and restore the technology and magic of the past. They also host a more scholarly branch knows as Scribes, who venerate Luminous.

Casers Legion: Slavers and bully boys, devoted to their leader Caesar. They seek to put the world under their thumb, and have succeeded in a good chunk of it in the southern states. They follow Lament, and think he has blessed their cause.

Gods of the Waste

Shakka Brigit, The Many Bodied One

Domain: Madness, Fire

Symbols: A silver pendant with a red ruby in the middle

Weapon: Mace

About: Shakka Brigit is not a god anyone often admits to worshipping. Anyone who wears his amulet is, in effect, a part of the god, and while they can largely work on their own, at any time, he can focus his will through them to manifest within them. It is said that to even touch his symbol is to become a part of the greater whole. When pictured, Shakka is shown with red hair, and a white robe. It is said he was tricked into the amulet by Yoric and All Toc, over a debate about who should marry Aggie. Shakka is most often shown in opposition to Jaeger, eternal foes. He is also said to be brother to Teej.

The Broken God, Machine Lord

Domain: Artifice, Darkness, Void, Anything to do with Machines or Robots.

Symbols: The broken gear, creeping ivy.

About: The Broken God is often blamed for the Breach, stories tell of it trying to enter our reality being what broke everything so wide. It is most often pictured as a mass of broken machinery, with steam escaping. There are many secret worshippers of the Broken God, hoping to appease it, and find the pieces it needs to be put back together. Many Synths, Gearforged, and sapient machines follows the Broken God, in hopes of being made human, or at least souled. All of the other gods strive against the Broken God, it has no ties to any of them.

Jaeger/ Jaeger Mann, The Hunter

Domain: Evil, Destruction, Murder

Symbols: A horned boars skull/head, a gear wrapped in red vines, a blue x.

About: The worst of the gods, he himself has claimed to be the one who caused the Breach. He is a god of everything wrong in the world. No one knowingly admits to following him, as it is the equivalent of publicly admitting to cannibalism, or worse. He is said to move beside the world, instead of in it, watching for the point to push just the right pressure to cause a second Breach, that will allow him to shatter the world. While The Shining One combats Jaeger wherever he may dwell, it is Shakka Brigit that seems to draws Jaegers true ire.

Old Aggie, Granny of the Waste

Domain: Luck, Protection, Children, and the Lost

Symbols: Traditional fertility goddess imagery, the rotund woman. Apples. Dildos, although no one knows why.

Weapon: Whip

About: Old Aggie is generally depicted in stories and drawings as an eldery woman with a ribald sense of humor. While she cares most for children, entertainers, fools, and the just plain unlucky can often times feel her gaze upon them. She is generally followed by women and kids, mainly because she sees nothing wrong with pranking her male followers. Aggie is known to be tolerant of Yoric, trading jokes with him, and watches over Teej. Shrines to Old Aggie can be found anywhere someone needs a bit of luck, and thus often turn up in the oddest places.

Poor Yoric, the Man of Infinite Jest

Domain: Charm, Travel

Symbols: A white trilby, snakes, and rolled bedding, oft seen atop travelers packs.

Weapon: Walking cane

About: Yoric is the travelers god, a happy go lucky fellow who always seems delighted to hear peoples stories. Anyone who dons all three of his symbols is seen as a Hermit of Yoric, and, as long as they offer no violence, is to be given safe passage in all lands. In the tales, he is often inserted as a foil to Jaeger and Shakka, distracting those two from their fighting in order to steal away humans they meant to kill, or otherwise leading them from their goals. Yoric is followed largely by traders, and anyone else who makes a living traveling the vast Waste. Even Deathclaws are wary of attacking a pilgrim of Yoric. While not the most worshipped, Shrines to Yoric are likely the most populous in the Waste.

Strelnik, Commandant of the Eternal Armies

Domain: War, Law

Symbols:  A shield, baton and helmet, a sword in an anvil, chickens.

Weapon: Sword

About: Strelnik is a strident, angry god. He believes in the rule of law, a place for everything, and everything in its place. He is almost always shown as shorter than the other gods, but wider. It is given to him to watch over the endless wars that plague the land, and he is very happy with it all. He is often linked romantically with Old Aggie, but despises Drak and Lament, for focusing on the wrong parts of battle. He is followed mostly by fighters, soldiers, and officers of the law. Shrines to Strelnik are rare, being set up on battlefields, or at any local law buildings. These shrines are often used for administering oaths, or proving the truth of statements.

All Tok, the Trickster

Domain: Trickery, Rune

Symbols: Ukelele, straw hat, hawiian shirt, third eye, cream pies.

Weapon: Crossbow

About: All Tok is the laughing god of the waste, always ready with a quick joke and an open palm. His sense of humor is more upper class than Yorics, being more of the type of joke that makes you think, or the prank that makes you realize you dun fucked up, than something just for the joke of it. All Tok is ALWAYS three steps ahead, and will gladly lead you off a cliff, while he snags the hidden rope to swing to safety. He’s the cool uncle of the gods, or maybe the goofy uncle, he hasn’t quite decided. While he has a history of trading pranks with Yoric, usually getting the better end of the deal, he is deadly rivals with Drac, neither of them respecting the other. He is devoted to the cause of ridding Shakka Brigit from this world. He is often followed by people who should know better, and delights in opening his followers minds, sometimes painfully wide. He is often shown with his symbols, the hat pulled over his face. It is said that none may know the true face of All Tok, as he is constantly changing it. Many people follow All Toc, all for their own reasons. There are no shrines to All Tok, as any that have tried to be built end up being destroyed, ‘accidentally.’

Drak, the Dragon King

Domain: Glory, Air, Weather, Wealth, Deathclaws

Symbols: A dragon clutching its own tail, cameras, four diagonal slashes as if from a deathclaw, butterflies.

Weapon: Long Bow

About: Drak is a humorless, dour god, who desires to always be the most respected, and powerful. He is the self-styled King of the gods, and while the others may not respect him, they do not debate it. Those who disparage him title him ‘King of the Butterflies.’ He is often portrayed as watching important events unfold, camera in hand. All Deathclaws bow their head to him, and, sometimes, to his servants. He has a running rivalry with All Tok, and is romantically connected to the Shining One, as his co-leader. People who follow Drak are known to be glory seekers, people who are out to make themselves look good, and rich. He is often pictured as a dark haired man on a throne, accompanied by both a pet deathclaw, and a horde of butterflies.

The Shining One, Beacon in the Darkness

Domain: Good, Water, Mirelurks

Symbols: A golden Halo, cephalopods

Weapon: Trident

About: She is the light in the night, the one true way. The Shining One is only ever portrayed as a mass of light. Although the patron of all things good, she is a distant deity, rarely appearing to her multitude of followers. She is the second most revered deity, with shrines to her popping up anywhere that there is water. The mirelurks claim her as their creator, but whether this means they are good is up for debate. She is a distant wife to Drak, and generally keeps out of the usual sniping of the others gods. Many people confuse her and Luminous, but the gods seem not to mind.

Lament, the Raging Bull

Domain: Strength, Nobility.

Symbols:  Bulls horns, the hand with two middle fingers touching thumb and two outer fingers extended, weights.

Weapon: Battle axe

About: Lament is seen as the bruiser of the Gods. When a god needs a mortal leaned on, or monsters removed from a holy site, they may send Lament to clear things up. It was Lament who stopped the dreaded plague of Peanut from wiping out all human life, and it was he who wrestled Great Lizard to a stalemate, trapping the beast far underground, in a vat of acid.  He is often pictured as a man with bulls horns. He is followed mostly by warriors who seek personal advancement. His shrines are few.  He is romantically involved with Serra Pho, and rivals with Drac and Strelnik.

Serra Pho, the Returning Green

Domain: Plants, Earth, Sun

Symbols: A newly sprouting tree, the sun

Weapon: Quarterstaff

About: Serra Pho is depicted as a two faced goddess, to show that nature can be bother a blessing and a curse. She is invoked as Serra in her antagonistic aspect, and as Pho in her beneficial form. She is said to be the wife of Lament, and it is he that keep her eternally pregnant, with new species of plant life to unleash upon the world. She is rarely followed directly, except by farmers and forest dwellers. Shrines to Serra Pho can be found in many woodland glades, and sometime in the oddest places where life has found a way.

Teej, God of the Gaps

Domains: Healing, Death

Symbols: A red cross

Weapon: Mace

About: Teej is supposedly one of the thousand demons of the waste, ascended to god hood by the will of the other gods. He is a healer and … well, that’s about it. Teej is known as the God of the Gaps, because he shows no interest in the modern world. When his mind touches his worshippers, it is always with the feeling that they have drawn his attention to them, but he doesn’t really seem to be paying attention.  He is most often depicted as a red haired youth, in a blue gown. His followers are everywhere, seeking to bring health and aid to the suffering… or to ease them into death, if that is the more charitable option. His shrines are mostly small and personal, in the homes of those who need him. It is claimed that he is the child of Velyn, and brother to Shaka Brigit, Luminous and Queen Madb.

Luminous, the Three In One

Domains: Knowledge, Magic, The Future

Symbols: Triangle, computers, crystal balls

Weapon: Magic

About: Portrayed as a trio of feminine shapes beneath a single voluminous cloak, one head old, one middle aged, one teen, Luminous is the fortune teller of the gods. They see all, They knows all, and they rarely says anything about it. There are few shrines to Luminous, mostly in far out of the way places, that require a great trek to get to. They rarely communicate with anyone outside of the shrines, but has been known to manifest briefly to get pretentious people on the right track. Any female in purple robes is assumed to be at least influenced by them, if not an aspect of them.

Velyn, Mother of Monsters

Domains: Chaos, Animals, Mutation, Change

Symbols: A ball of tentacles, dna spiral, playing cards.

Weapons: Warhammer, but any weapon you’ve made improvements to will work.

About: Velyn is the goddess of change. She is constantly shifting, growing, making herself better. Many claim that the many mutations of the waste have sprung from her womb, as several of the gods and Demons have. Very few worship her, but those who do purposefully expose themselves to radiation and fluxing magical energies, hoping to become closer to her. She is often seen as an antagonist to the other gods, creating beasts and things that require their intervention. There is one shrine to Velyn, no one else would dare. She is served by four Demons known as Jacks.

David, the Loving

Domains: Community, Liberation, Repose

Symbol: Sunglasses, a stick with a red tip, peace symbol

Weapon: Clubs

About: David is the most human seeming of the gods. He is a god of peace and love, and the most revered of the new pantheon. David walks amongst his flock, a black man who appears to be blind, and gives his blessing frequently. It is rare to find a human settlement that does not have a shrine to David. He tends to ignore the rest of the pantheon, having no time for their endless bickering, when he can do something to help the world.

Kohg, The Godfather

Domains: Knowledge, Technology

Symbol: A pristine unbroken gear, an open book

Weapon: automatic crossbow

About: It is said that Kohg made the Gods of the Waste so that humankind would have someone else to bother while he went about the important business of learning. He was the first god, and raised the others up, and then… walked away. He is still worshipped, but it is often unknown if worship of him is in any way effective. He often chooses his worshippers from the smartest of researchers, wizards, and the like, and demands that they follow him and help him learn how to fix things. His primary servant is the demi-god of Time, Joey.

Demons of the Waste

(A small sampling of the 1000 Demons)

Peanut: An invisible demon, capable of living only in statues. While it is in this world, it animates inanimate, humanoid shaped objects. When observed, it cannot move, but when it is not watched, it can move at phenomenal speed., seeking to grab any nearby humans, and break their necks. Several times, influence of other Demons has cause it to be able to animate more than one body at a time, resulting in plagues of statues upon the land, which usually requires the direct intervention of Lament to stop.

Tonin: Called the Daughter of Darkness, Tonin is a female Demon capable of clouding mens minds, and forcing them to her will. She seeks the death of all that lives, claiming that only that will bring her mother back to life. She is most often foiled by Serra Pho.

The Jacks: Three male and one female Demon, bound to the service of Velyn, who created them. They each seek to breed with humankind, creating offspring that appear human until they reach puberty, when they begin to show the traits of their sires, and run off to join them. Joh is a goatlike humanoid, a seducer of virgins, and defiler of maidens. Jos is a human with squid features, who procreates through forcing his attentions on the unknowing. Joc is most likely some form of werewolf, who spreads his seed amongst those who will accept him. Jod, or Jackie, is a female with spider features, who breeds by inserting her eggs in criminals and defilers. Their packs of children roam the wastes, doing the Jacks bidding, and whatever Velyn demands of them.

Queen Madb: Queen, not of the demons, but of an otherworldly race of fae, she is an unnaturally tall, horribly thin, gray skinned female. She is often seen garbed in a raiment of sparkling light, wielding a spear made of cold iron. Her and her people are found in the dark places, where men fear to tread.

The Piper: The human who holds a pipe carved from the bone of a Demon, there have been many Pipers over the years, but always there will be another. The mystic pipe allows him to control animals and children, and the Piper uses this to his advantage.

The Great Lizard: The dreaded king of the Demons, a vast reptilian figure, capable of coming back from any wound dealt it, it is only the combined might of the gods that can wrestle it back into the acid pit that constrains it, when it breaks free.

The Doctor: If you see a man wearing a beak shaped mask, run.

There are a multitude of other Demons in the waste. I ask if you do run into any others, you document them. I should note that not all Demons are mobile, some are items, or too big to move. But, you should be able to know them when you find them.

With much love,

J. Tamlin, Level 5

(An IC guide my players found in their home. Feel free to make suggestions! Yoric has already granted them Fast Travel to certain places they’ve been before... Yay pip boys!) (Also also, feel free to comment! I like to know what people think) (Last also: Yes, it’s Bright family focused, duh.)

[kinsie]

Overly Belated Game Impressions from PAX Aus 2018

Every year I go to PAX Aus with some close friends to check out the Incredible Future of Games that everyone else already checked out six months ago. This is usually coupled with checking out some wonderfully well-preserved old games and hardware, along with some typically wonderfully weird indie stuff I've never heard about before. Every year, I've written up a little review of things I've played (or watched get played) on an old private forum some friends maintain, but this year, I've figured, fuck it, I might as well post it publicly, right?

Not Indie Games

Super Smash Bros Ultimate sure is a Smash game. That's not a bad thing, but since this was the same demo build from E3 (so before the Castlevania reveals) there wasn't a huge amount of surprises - just a damn good fightfest. Amusingly, the demo booths were split into two groups - For Fun (items on, Switch Pro Controller) and For Glory (items off, the new Gamecube controllers). New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe has a nonsensical name and spawned an even more nonsensical meme. The demo had six levels to play - three from the base game, three from the Luigi expansion - with both the new and old characters to play. It doesn't look like anyone other than Toadette can get the meme crown, meaning players using that character won't have to jostle for powerups in multiplayer. I didn't play Pokemon Let's Go Eevee because the queue was like 90 minutes long, but my friend braved it and gave it a resounding "ehhhh" with a hand gesture resembling a teetering see-saw. Apparently the co-op stuff wasn’t available in the demo, either, which concerned my friend since that was specifically what he was interested in.

V-Rally 4 looks nice aesthetically, but the gameplay seems pretty "eh". The name seems to be about the most interesting part. Dragonball FighterZ for Switch seems like a pretty decent port. I don’t know much about the source material or original game, but it ran fast and I didn't notice any obvious hitching or whatever.

Luigi's Mansion for Nintendo 3DS is... a 3DS port of the Gamecube launch title. It ran at a solid 30fps... a whole lot better than I recall Luigi's Mansion 2/Dark Moon running, but I was also using a vanilla 3DS for that game while the demo units at PAX were New models.

Indie Stuff

The Xbox Adaptive Controller was present as part of a demo setup for a version of One More Line. I wasn't expecting to have to push the Big Novelty Button as hard as I did, I thought it'd be a lighter touch for some reason. Although I know the button kinda isn't the point of the thing...

Supertrucks Offroad is a PC adaption of a mobile take on old top-down racing games. There's promise here, but the current handling and physics leave a lot to be desired. Hopefully it continues to develop and evolve.

Infinity Heroes is a card game with some simplified mechanics and animated versions of all the card graphics. Has potential, but still plenty of rough edges and pre-alpha grit to sand out.

Metal Wolf Chaos XD sure is a port of an Xbox game. It feels pretty well done, all things considered - the framerate is great, the controls are responsive, and the English subtitles are sometimes even connected to what's being said by the characters!

Ghoul Britannia: Land of Hope and Gorey is a point-and-click adventure game that, unexpectedly, uses a Fallout-esque isometric perspective instead of the usual side-on.

Table of Tales is a VR tabletop RPG where you control an entire party of Scoundrels by moving pieces around a constantly-changing board and playing ability cards. Since it was a VR game, there was a long sign-up queue to play, so the developers set up a little booth where Arbitrix, the game's DM (and, incidentally, a mechanical talking bird), would cheerfully explain the game for you. He said my goatee was perfect for a pirate adventure. It was probably intended as a compliment.

Supermarket Shriek is very similar to a game I prototyped years ago, except it's got a Supermarket Sweep theme and shrieking goats. Also, it's actually getting finished and has more than one level, which is another differentiator. Use the shoulder triggers to make the characters inside a shopping trolley scream their lungs out, propelling the trolley and allowing you to steer it through silly retail-themed obstacle courses.

You probably think, based on the squat protagonist and camera angle, that Tunic is a riff on Zelda: A Link to the Past. Surprise! It's actually a riff on Zelda: Ocarina of Time! The combat is very similar, with a dodge/roll button and Z-targeting (although I guess it's more RT-targeting now) that jumps to the next enemy upon beating your current one. I can't say enough nice things about the graphics... One thing that's interesting is that the entire game is in a fictional language. This includes stuff like the pause menu!

Dash Blitz is a pretty amateurish attempt at a Smash-esque platform fighter. The "feel" just isn't there, sadly.

Nom Nom Apocalypse is a top-down dual-stick roguelite about fighting off food monsters. It looks pretty interesting, but sadly I didn’t get to go back and give it a hands-on look.

Henry Mosse and the Wormhole Conspiracy is a good old-fashioned point and click adventure. The graphics are wonderfully drawn in a cartoon style, but they suffer from really puppet-y animation like an old Flash cartoon, and it breaks my heart.

No Moss Studios bought along Beam Team, a couch co-op game about fighting a giant donut that I didn’t get to try, as well as a collection of weird little Patreon-funded oddities like Sprout Up, a simple little mobile game about weaving through vines, and My Magpie, a bird-aiding simulator of sorts. 

Little Reaper is a platformer with a fun movement twist in that you can throw your scythe - which travels in an arc like a hammer in Mario - and teleport to where it lands. I'll have to give this a closer look.

Mars Underground is an Earthbound-esque RPG-style adventure game with a Groundhog Day-style conceit of being stuck in a time-loop. I can't really say it struck me, to be honest.

Scout's Honor is a co-op party game where four players team up to set-up a camp-site in a limited amount of time while dealing with hazards and such. It looks kinda cute, reminds me of Overcooked a bit.

Ice Caves of Europa is a rather odd-controlling game where you pilot a hover-drone controlled by an artificial intelligence. This one probably takes a bit more time to wrap your head around than a convention center allows.

Introspect looks really cool - a Shadow of the Colossus-style boss rush with an emphasis on movement tricks and agility. I didn't get to play it while I was there, but the developers were handing out download codes for the show floor build. It seems pretty fun, although it still needs a good deal of polish.

Soundfall is a dual-stick rhythm-shooter where you have to get to the end of a course before the song ends, with rewards for shooting and slashing to the beat ala Crypt of the NecroDancer. One to watch. 

Ticket to Earth is a tactical strategy RPG ala Fire Emblem with a tile-matching mechanic that makes how you move to your enemies even more important by limiting your movement and charging your special abilities. The comic artwork is nice, although the talking heads only seem to have one or two facial expressions.

Nova Flow is a first-person speedrunner that reminds me of a blend of Mirror's Edge's DLC maps and that one paint game that got incorporated into Portal 2. One of the demo levels was apparently one of the hardest levels in the game, and the developer was quite impressed at my getting within inches of completing it before the demo timer ran out...

Dawnblade seems to be an attempt at doing the whole Diablo thing on a phone, with the player hacking their way through short, pre-made maps. Visually, it looks like any of a million other games riffing off of Warcraft 3, and it seems to have some weird mobile game trappings like a stamina system to limit the amount of time you can play in a period of time.

Little Bit Lost is a survival game where you've been shrunk down to the point where ants tower over you and are powerful monsters. This one felt real early. It has promise, but needs a lot of polish to truly deliver on it.

Rogue Singularity is a 3D platformer with procgen levels. The feel didn't gel with me, and I can't really say I liked it all that much. It didn't help that the Switch port I played seemed to lack anti-aliasing entirely, giving the entire scene an unpleasant jagged look.

Ashen looks utterly fascinating - an open-world Souls-esque action RPG with Journey-style "passive" co-op where you can occasionally meet other, anonymous players out in the world and either help them or leave them to their fate. It looks really pretty.

Speaking Simulator is a hilarious puzzler where you have to manually operate a human mouth in order to say Entirely Normal Phrases in order to convince people that you are absolutely a human and not a murder robot in disguise.

Untitled Goose Game had a massive queue that I was absolutely not going to fuck with. :(

yeop

[fyrapartnersearch]

Hello I am here and so are you, so we have one thing in common already

✿Short and Sweet✿

I am looking for an 18+ long-term partner whose primary pairings are M/M. I don’t want anyone who takes things too seriously, RPing is a relaxing pastime and if I’m stressing about replying constantly/meeting word counts I’m going to hate it. That being said I do like doing paragraph replies with anywhere from 300-1000 words, depending on how long my replies are I can reply every day or every week (it really just depends on my motivation/mood/schedule)

Please skim over my interests and the like at the bottom to see how compatible we are. Since I’m looking for a long-term partner, I’d like for us to have several things in common. Please don’t contact me if only one or two of our interest match up. <3

✧Settings✧

Sci-fi/Space Opera

Post-apocalypse

Medieval/Fantasy

Modern Day (No generic High School/ Domestic stuff)

Historical

War

Fandom: Warhammer 40k, Star Trek, Star Wars, Mass Effect, Voltron:LD, Fallout, Elder Scrolls, Dragon Age, W.o.W., SnK, Tokyo Ghoul,  (I only do OcxOc in fandom settings. I will not play, or play against canon characters)

✧Kinks/Other✧

Likes

Size Differences

Power Bottoms

Gentle Giants

Fem Boys/Crossdressing (both as a sexual and non-sexual thing, really just depends on how it’s presented)

Monster boys/Men

Robots

Aliens

Toxic relationships

M/S Relationships

Bondage

Dislikes

Standard dislikes (Toiletplay, Bestiality, Pedophilia Etc.)

Incest

Mpreg

✧Contact✧

Email: Dunkmastersassquatch@gmail.com

Skype: Dunkmastersassquatch (Kaptain Krunch)

  ✿Long and Detailed✿

I am looking for a totally rad person who is 18 years of age or older and who places value in long-term partnerships/friendships. I like to get to know my partners and would like to be able to speak casually with them about our ideas or whatever. If you are also looking for someone who just wants to kick back and have some fun making our characters miserable then please continue below to see how well our interests line up!

✪ About Me✪

Age: 20

Times Zone: Central Time

Occupation: Severely depressed college student

Hello, I write and also draw and also am looking for an RP partner who shares many of my interests so we can write together for many, many years and over many RPs.

I’m pretty laid back about most things. I just ask that you communicate with me about things instead of just assuming and that you are fairly literate. (Text speech/ Lingo is a-okay as long as it’s OOC or fits the RP)

I’d like for us to be friends as well as partners because it helps motivate me to write/draw/ feel the good vibes ™. So please, please talk with me about your interests/ fandoms/day as well as any plot ideas or twists you may have because I will certainly jabber on about mine. BTW Feel free to say no to my ideas if you’re not interested, I’ll be disappointed, but I’ll get over it. (I will assume the same goes for you)

✪ About My Roleplaying ✪

Comfort level word count: 300-500

Tense: Third Person, Present (will do past if it’s super important to you)

Frequency: Depends, but if I’m at my comfort level I’ll probably be able to respond multiple times a day. Anything above that will of course take me longer.

I would prefer to RP over skype or some other IM system ( I could be convinced to get a Discord, but the thing is my internet is super slow and downloading it would take an hour, I’m not exaggerating it’s that bad, and I just really don’t feel like doing that right now)  however, E-mail is also okay.

Skype: Dunkmastersassquatch

Email: Dunkmastersassquatch@gmail.com

Grammar and what not is kind of important I guess, but not as important as content. I’m not sure if this ad is really an accurate example of my writing potential as I’m just kind of spewing out whatever. That being said if you’re okay with the level this ad is written at, then you’ll probably be okay with my actual writing. If you’re not okay with it then, eh, take a chance?

As for my characters, I play Doms, Subs, and Switches and don’t really have a preference for one over another. Keep in mind that sometimes my subs are whiney, uke boys and sometimes they will twist your nips and call you a cuck. AKA my character’s personalities are not dependent on their position in bed, HOWEVER sometimes their personality will, coincidentally, line up with the stereotype of their position.

✪ Pre-existing Ideas/Interest✪

Just to show you kind of how my mind works. Feel free to ask for one of these (and add to them <3) or not. The summaries don’t indicate which character I want to play (because I’m mostly good with playing either) so let me know if you have a preference towards a character.

✧General✧

Sci-fi/Space Opera:

1. I have this alien race that are essentially gender neutral, like there’s no way to tell their gender unless you get in their pants. They pretty much consider even KNOWING what gender they are as extremely intimate and somewhat taboo. So they take forever to choose a mate and when they do it’s for life. I’d be pretty down for doing something with that.

2. A near-homeless man finds an old broken down robot behind one of his favorite restaurants. It’s an old, outdated model, but he thinks he can fix it up with just a little time.

Post-apocalypse:

The world is broken, it’s times like this when people need to come together to rebuild what was lost. Like that’s going to happen, every semi-competent faction is vying for control of more land, more money. Its times like THIS when smart people, really smart people can get ahead. That’s just what the tactician is doing. He’s a smart guy who’s never lost a battle and he’s up for grabs to any faction that’s willing to shell out the cash. However, smart guys like that tend to make enemies and the faction he’s working for insists he have a bodyguard.

Supernatural:

1. It’s an equal exchange, the vampire bites you and gets fed and the represents they release gives you the high of your life. It’s only good business to do it in a hotel room or something so you’re not tripping on the streets, but what happens when your vampiric dealer doesn’t want to leave. (I have a bit more to this world so just ask if you’re interested)

2. He’s always been a bit of a loner, a ghost to society. When he moves into his new apartment he doesn’t really see it as much of a change, until he lays down to sleep and feels hands running through his hair.

Medieval Historical/Medieval Fantasy:

1. (Medieval Fantasy) This was the big expedition, this cave was going to have all the riches of his dreams. The cave-in however, that wasn’t to be expected. These cave were abandoned right? So why can he feel something watching him.

2. (Medieval Fantasy) After 10,000 an evil necromancer awakens from the curse that paladin put on him, he’s ecstatic to find out his Orc bodyguard was cursed too. Now they can continues their plans for world conquest and also get some revenge.

3. (Medieval Historical) He’s a highwayman all he wants is your money or your life. One day an unsuspecting priest comes along and tries to bargain for his life with the word of God. It’s didn’t work, but something in his eyes kept him from killing the priest.

4. (Medieval Fantasy) Someone’s plotting to kill the king and all bets are on the shady court magician. There’s no proof though, so the king assigns personal servants to all within his court as a “gift” (to spy) Maybe the court magician isn’t as evil as everyone says….or maybe he’ll have his new servant face down in the gutter by tomorrow.

Modern Day:

1. He’s been crushing on the cute boy in his precalculus class since the semester started. He finally gets the never to ask him out, only to later find out that his love interest is a furry. What’s a furry?

2. He had no clue his dorm mate was a mass murderer, what even more surprising is that he’s in love with him. (Killing Stalking sort of thing)

3. Crime Bosses weren’t supposed to fall in love, especially not with someone in law enforcement, even if that “law enforcement” is a mall cop.

Historical:

I don’t really have any prompts of my own I just put this here to let you know I’m into this too. Do refrain from using real people from history, I’m not into that. (Including real events/facts is A+ tho.)

Superheroes (actually mostly villains) and stuff:

1. He’s the number one fan of the number one bad guy in the world. Sure he wants to see the world burn, but if the posters on this nerd’s wall say anything it’s that he wants to watch it burn too.

2. The boss isn’t the smartest guy around, but that’s why he’s here. His henchman and unofficial bodyguard, he’s content to let his boss run about with his foolish plans even if the ones in his own head are 10x better.

✧Fandom✧

I will only do OCxOC in fandom settings. I will not play or play against canon characters. It’s just not my thing, sorry. v-v

Warhammer 40k:

*While I’m not a super lore whore I will try to keep pretty close to it. This means that, yes, I expect any Space Marine characters to be impotent. But I mean hey have you SEEN the size of their fingers, I mean, tsk, come on…COME ON…*

1. A Tzeentch/Slaaneshi psyker finds an ancient deamonic staff of domination (it’s prolly Slaaneshi too, let’s be honest) which forces its user’s will on one other person. Being a whimpey little psyker he decides to use it on a chaos lord of Khorne, who is pretty upset about the whole thing, to say the least. (this is actually based off two of my O.C.s we can keep as close to their story, or as far from is as you’d like.)

2. Love can bloom…or it can violently explode within the chamber of an ancient Eldar long rifle. While exploring some ancient ruins one day, a lone rogue trader finds a discarded rifle on the floor. Upon picking it up he finds that it…speaks to him? It’s really got a tongue on it too, but hey it’s too awesome of a weapon to give up.  (Yes this is a relationship between a man and the soul of an ancient Eldar that resides in a gun….)

Star Trek:

1. The son of a prominent Romulan commander abandons his duties and becomes a notorious smuggler. Now he’s on the run from the Tal’ Shiar (who are trying to drag him home), a Ferengi trader (whom he may or may not have sold faulty weapons to) and a Klingon bounty hunter (who he’s tempted to be captured by.)

2. Comfort women were a common sight within the quarters of Cardassian soldiers during the occupation. However, this Gul would rather seduce a known Bajoran resistance fighter. After all the greater the challenge, the greater the reward.

 Star Wars:

1. An admiral is supposed to be reliable, smart, and efficient he is, after all, in command of an entire fleet of ships. This admiral, as CT-7465 has found out, is a little too young and laid back for the job. (Clone Wars Era)

2. They were supposed to stay together, best friends fighting side by side against the Sith, until he became a Sith. (Pre Prequels.)

Voltron:LD:

1. A Galra commander is dragged along by one of his friends to one of those ridiculous slave auctions. He expected to sit there bored as his friend lusted over all his new “options”. For the most part he was right, but why does that boy keep catching his eye? (A sort of sweet Galra bby)

2. A Galra commander is fed up with spending his nights alone, he needs someone to share his bed and he wants them to be perfect. So he picks up one of those slave order catalogues and starts filling in all his specifications. When his slave finally arrives, he’s not quite what was ordered. (An abusive Galra bby)

3. (Alt. Universe) The Human Empire dominates the galaxy under Emperor Shiro Takashi and a recently promoted chancellor now has the kind of money he needs to fulfil one of his most devious fantasies: owning a Galra pet.

 Fallout:

I don’t really have any plots for this either, but I would absolutely love to do something in this universe!

 Elder Scrolls:

He’s a nord:  strong, hearty, well endowed, and he’s got Talos to thank for it. Now these elves come in and tell him Talos is no God, well that’s just not right. But the Thalmor agent that’s threatening his arrest is really, really handsome.

Dragon Age:

1. The Inquisitor is just a normal guy who happens to have a glowing hand. Completely normal right? And normal people don’t really find the company of extravagant Teventer mages and buff Qunari spies to be all that appealing (no matter how handsome they may be.) No, he needs someone simpler, someone who can remind him he’s still just a normal guy. (I don’t really consider the inquisitor to be a canon character b/c they’re kinda player based.)

2. Seheron belongs to no one but the ones who live here, he wishes the Qunari and the Teventers would learn that and leave his home alone. He’s getting sick of only feeling safe when the fog covers him. (Fog Warrior/Qunari Soldier)

W.o.W.:

Does it count as necrophilia if they’re Undead?

Blood elves are pompous stuck ups and orcs are barbaric savages, so why are they fighting on the same side?

   Tokyo Ghoul: *Trigger Warning for suicidal thoughts*

A recent high-school graduate learns he’s contracted a terminal disease. His parents are too poor to afford treatment, in fact they’re too poor to support him or his four siblings. Since he’s going to die anyways, he might as well spare them the cost for the few months he has left. But he doesn’t like the idea of anyone else having to clean up his dead body. Maybe he can at least be useful in killing himself, ghouls eat people, right?

✧Tropes✧

Monsters: I love QT monster boys (slime boys, nagas etc.), but I also love big bara giants. My thing is either: their head and torso are humanoid and everything else can be whatever OR they have to be a full blown, all out monster (they have to have sentience though, I’m not into bestiality stuff.)

Size Difference (ranges from slight difference to HOLY HELL YOU ARE MASSIVE WTF I ONLY COME UP TO YOUR STOMACH): I love big bara boys who fall in love with small tiny babes. The big bara can be all super macho or whatever I’m into that too, but what I really, really like is when they’re a squishy romantic who is completely devoted to their bby. Like they are willing to do anything their tiny love says at a moment’s notice. Bonus if the tiny boy is an absolute argumentative spitfire.

Age Differences: I don’t care how big the age gap is so long as the youngest is 18 or older.

Hey, Listen: This seems like a good place to put one of those “if you’ve read this far” things, not that I expect everyone to. However, if you have read all this then put the words “coco for cocoa puffs” somewhere in your message to me. <3

Toxic Relationships: Physically or mentally abusive (or both). Things can either work out in the end with the abusive cunt changing their ways, or not. I’m good with either.

Angst: I’m completely okay with letting characters straight up die. If that’s not something you’re into just say so and we can keep it fairly happy. However, if it’s something you’re willing to do HIGHFIVE!

Hopeless romance: In complete contrast to Toxic relationships I’m also into 100% fluffy and supportive relationships (so long as they both go through some hell. Can’t keep things too happy)

One-Sided: I love when characters think they are in a hopelessly one-sided love (but in fact aren’t). What would make it even better is if they are casually having sex with each other (because their friends with benefits/ one of them thinks the other is imagining someone else/ whatever) while both of them are secretly in love with each other, but neither of them knows it. Love is confusing.

Yandere/Ice King: Self explanatory

Unlikely Lovers: This could be characters who hate each other, but are hopelessly attracted to each other, people on opposing sides (Good Guy/Bad Guy) who fall in love, or characters who hate each other at first due to prejudices (ex. Orc/Elf) but are forced to work together and fall in love along the way.

✪ About 18+ Content: ✪

✧Violence/Cursing✧

I am okay with gore and death and the eternal void so long as it’s fitting/ pre-planned/ we’ve been writing together for a while and you know what you want to do won’t upset me.

I’ve avoided doing it (I think) in this ad out of respect for other’s preferences, but I my cuss level is that of someone who has recently stubbed their pinkie toe against the corner of the bed. So, if you want to contact me please be okay with that, it’s understand able if you yourself don’t want to cuss, but don’t try and force that standard on me. (This goes for pretty much everything else involving ideals/morals)

✧Sexual Situations✧

Obviously, you have to be 18+, even though I kinda said that at the very beginning I want to say it again. If you’re not 18+ and I find out you’re not I will immediately drop you and also likely report you as underage to which ever site you came to me from. You are endangering people when you pull that kind of stuff. So, if you’re under 18 (even if you’re 17 and your birthday is just two months away or the age of consent in your country is below 18) don’t contact me.

Anywhoo, I love smut, but I don’t want it to overtake the RP. I am pretty kink friendly, but I do have limits (which I’m about to list) if there’s something you’re having doubts about just ask, please don’t assume what I’m okay/not okay with.

Kinks I enjoy:

<3 <3 BDSM: Collars, bondage, S&M

<3 Violence: Biting, Scratching, Light asphyxiation

<3 <3 <3Power Bottoms: AKA I love when the smaller guy gets it in the bum, but he’s got complete control of how his top moves (demanding that he slow down/speed up that sort of thing)

Kinks that I think are pooie:

Pooie

Watersports

Necrophilia

Pedophilia

Bestiality

Incest

Mpreg

[inkmonster21]

Sing for Me

6. Divorced for You

Cooper Howard × Fem!Reader / The Ghoul × Fem!Reader

She's a singer the nation adores. He's the actor everyone respects. What happens when these two get entangled in a heated affair? Passion, regret, rage, and even murder will commence.

From before the bombs drop to the vast wasteland, these two souls live for one another.

Previous Chapter

Series Masterlist

Tagged: @fallout-girl219 @harmfulb1tch @themadhattersqueen

Louis locks the door behind him before he takes my coat and purse. Johnny was already rolling a joint at my kitchen table. Louis mumbles a farewell as he disappears down the dark hall. Johnny lights up, offering the joint to me. I shrug, inhaling the bad habit. "That was a beautiful song you sang. It was real... raw. Might say it’s about someone special." He drags on.

The undying smile on my face grew even wider. "It was, but ya know how things go sometimes." Johnny takes the joint back, "So... The Cowboy?" I huff out a laugh, closing my eyes and nodding my head. "The cowboy," I confirm.

He nudges my arm, "Why didn't you say something? I could've put on a real show." "Because I didn't even plan on getting involved with him again." He ashes the joint in the tray. "Looks like the universe has other plans for you, my friend." I shrug begging the dopey smile to bugger off my face. "I don't know. I'm not going to get my hopes up. He's married." Johnny shook his head, eyes wide. "Not after tonight. I saw her face as I walked out. She was fucking pissed." I could feel myself gloating in victory.

~

The party winds down hour by hour. Guest leaving with smiles and stories to tell of the party at Cooper Howard’s house where they had the pleasure of seeing the angel herself sing. The door closes and the house is finally at peace. Barb walks through, lip sucked in, anger clear on her face. Peace, ha, Looks like I spoke too soon.

“Where’d you disappear to?” Her words falter as she struggles to hold her composure. “When?” She glares at my answer, “You know when.” Barb's words were soaked in sarcastic anger. Now or never I guess. I sigh, gesturing for her to sit down. “Sit down, Barb. We need to talk.” She shakes her head, “I’m not going to sit down! I can not believe you. You’re still sleeping with her, Coop! She’s ruined us!” “She hasn’t ruined us, Barb. You did. All the hours at work, the secrets you won’t tell me, the intimacy was long gone before I even met her. We were struggling long before she came into my life. You can’t deny that.” No tears, no frown, Barb grows a wicked smile on her face. “So that’s it then? You’re going to throw away everything we have? For her? She’s a fucking WHORE!” I toss my empty glass on the marble bar, the glass clinking loudly. “I love her, Barb.” She scoffs, “Oh? You- you love her? Well, how fucking sweet, Cooper. Who am I, as your wife, to stand in the way of that?” Barb stomps up the stairs and slams the bedroom door shut.

I couldn't help but begin to think of the ways I was going to tell (Y/n). A proper date would serve her right after all I have put her through. Yet the thought of surprising her amid the night churns my insides. I could slip into her room, undetected, silent. I could take the time to praise her smooth skin, count the freckles on her body, and memorize the scars in various places. I would whisper those precious three words into her ear a million times. By the time the morning sun rose and I was still there she would begin to question it. It would be then I could deem her mine, really mine. I can imagine the smile on her face. Would I get married again? Shit, if she asked me to, I'd pump a baby in her belly.

I nesed myself in the guest bedroom with a tired smile. It was settled, I'd be calling my lawyer in the morning.

~

It had been two days since Cooper told me he loved me. Yet, no calls, no visits, no contact whatsoever. Maybe it had been a drunken act of passion. I knew I was right to not get my hopes up. It was only something he did in the heat of the moment. I push my feelings down as I prep for the shoot. I put the astronaut helmet on my hip as I pose with an open glass of Nuka Cola. I stretch my lips wide in a picture-perfect smile, getting ready for the take.

“Ready I’m 3… 2…”

“YOU SKANK!” I look left toward the voice. Barb Howard rushed towards me, fury in her eyes. I stare at her out of shock, completely frozen in place. She doesn’t slow as she nears my frame. A foot away, Barb winds her wrist back. A harsh slap echoed through the set. The burn on my cheek stuns me into shock. I stare at her with wide eyes.

“I hope you’re happy. You two deserve each other.” She seethed with venom, yelling out, “fucking home wrecker!” I hold my reddened cheek as security grabs Barb.

The director stands, “Get her out of here!” She’s hauled off within seconds, the entire set is a chaotic scene. Louis grabs my shoulders, towing me out of my shocked state. “Are you alright? What the fuck was that?”

I nod, “Yeah, yeah. I’m okay.” A small smile crept onto my face. It shouldn’t. I was just slapped in the face by the wife of the man I’ve been sleeping with for almost two years now, but I couldn’t help it. I had won him. Cooper Howard was all mine.

They shot the commercial 6 times, each time better than the last. The director claps, "Wonderful, (y/n)! Thank you everyone. That's a wrap!"

I practically skip over to the makeup tent, having the makeup wiped, the hair brushed down, and the accessories taken away, the smile never leaving my face. Louis grabs my cheek, his eyes examining the red mark. "You're going to edit that for the ad, correct?" The hum of the assistant was all he needed.

He stares at me in the mirror, "Do I want to know?" My cheek reddened with a blush. "Cooper and I talked at the party." He raised his brows, a knowing smirk, "just talked?" I bite my lip unable to hold it back, "He said he loved me." Louis slapped my arm with a gasp.

I couldn't get home quick enough. I was waiting on the phone all night. Friends in and out, but I was only concentrating on staring at my phone on the wall. Maybe if I could telepathically send him a message, he would call. Sadly, it got late, the sun had set and the stars of the California sky lit up the night. Johnny, Louis and I sat outside by the pool. I swish my glass of wine, singing along to the radio softly.

"Holy shit." Louis laughs and sits up staring at the gate. I perk up, following his gaze, my smile growing. I bite my lip.

Cooper waves a hand from the other side of the fence. Louis pats Johnny's shoulder, "I think that's our cue, John." Johnny stands, tossing his arm over Louis. "Need some company?" I watch the two walk inside making doe eyes for each other.

I open the gate with haste, but trying to contain my excitement. I didn’t want to come off as too desperate. I was still mad at him for treating me the way he did on set.

Cooper stands at attention, in all his glory. "What are you doing here?" His eyes sparkle as he takes a step onto my property. He snakes an arm around my waist, bringing us close. He kisses my forehead. "I wanted to see my girl. I heard you had a shoot today for Nuka. I wanted to surprise you, but I didn't want to distract you." He tucks a strand away behind my ear, before running a finger down my cheek, down the same cheek his wife slapped. "You would've been the least distracting thing there." I roll my eyes continuing, "Barb showed up. She slapped me and screamed that I was a home wrecker." Cooper's hold on my waist tightened, his eyes mapping out my face, staring at the faded mark. His eyes darken as he traces the remembrance of his wife’s fingertips. “She’s never going to lay another hand on you again. I’ll have a damn restraining order put on her before she ever thinks about acting like that again.”

I shrug, separating myself from him. Making my way down the path to the pool. I grab my wine glass, finishing the remaining drink. “It’s not like I didn’t deserve it. I did sleep with her husband.” Cooper snags his arms around my frame once more from behind, he dips his head down, lining my neck with kisses. “Ex-husband,” he whispered into my ear, nibbling at my lobe. The words perk my interest. The sick smile spreads across my face, “so you really told her?” “I told her I loved you and then Monday morning I called my lawyer. He’s drafting up a separation document now.”

Cooper stays present on my neck, pampering me with kisses. His hands snaked over my chest brushing my breast, pulling a light moan. I wanted him more than ever. I could finally have him, but here we are just toying around.

“I just have one question for you, sweetheart.” He gropes my breast, pushing into me from behind. “It’s been worrying me for days.” I ring my fingers through his hair, leaning back to look at him through hooded eyes. Cooper stares down at me, he grabs my chin in his hand, "Did you fuck him?" His eyes don't leave mine. I can feel each breath fanning over my cheeks. “Did you?”

I shake my head, "No." we never did, truthfully. We made out but never once did we even get close to having sex.

Cooper spins me around and wraps his arms around me, caging me in. He leans in kissing me, staggering us both backwards onto the sofa inside the pool house. As we hit the plush cushions he breaks the kiss to look down and steady himself. He looks at me with his mesmerizing eyes, “I've been a fucking mess without you, sweetheart. I want you so badly.”

“Nothing stopping you,” I say in a whisper hovering against his lips. Trying to pull him in, aching for his touch. He smirks, kissing me again. He kisses down my neck, suckling on the cleavage of my chest, before planting himself on his knees. He flicks the button of my pants. “Mind if I take these off?” I shake my head lifting my lower body. He peels them from my legs, rubbing his hands up and down my skin.

He starts rubbing through my panties. Soft circles to match the soft wet kisses all over my inner thighs. His touch is euphoric. He runs his tongue over the fabric, “You'll never want another man after what I'm going to do to you. I can promise you that sweetheart.” he mumbles against my thighs, and rub circles over my clothed clit. I rested my head against the pillows, gripping onto the back of the arm of the couch.

"You're mine, (Y/n)." He slides my panties off in one swift motion. I beg for him with the thrust of my hips. "Please," He smirks up at me, running one digit between my soaking lips. "I need to hear you say it, honey." I would do anything for him, I breathe out with ease, "I'm yours, Cooper. I always have been."

He cupped my whole cunt with his hand, making my hips buck up into his touch and a low moan left my throat. “And you always will be.” He whispered and gave my thigh one last kiss. His lips wrapped around my clit and I moaned, bucking my hips against his mouth. He smirked against me and put one hand over my hips to hold me still as he did wonders against my cunt. His tongue swirling as if I were his last meal, ripping moans from my throat.

“Oh, fuck” I moaned, pulling at his hair “Coop– God” He hummed and groaned against my pussy sending jolts of pleasure through my body. He teased my pussy with his finger, slowly entering and stretching me out, hooking up and rubbing right at that spot he knows so well. I cover my mouth trying to hold back my cries. He drowned me in pleasure. I had missed every inch of him.

“Fuck, right there– Shit” The knot inside tightens, my pussy clenching around his fingers. “Cum for me, honey,” He said and quickened his movements, pulling louder moans from my lips. “Fuck!” I groaned loudly as I came against his lips, my orgasm ripping through me like a truck. I close my eyes in bliss, my fingers tightening in Cooper's hair. He helped me ride my orgasm. He slipped his fingers out, licking them clean. He drew up my body, pressing a kiss to my lips, I moan out tasting myself. His chin glistened with my cum.

Cooper holds me close, his hand resting on my cheek, "(y/n), I have one more question for you.” I look into his eyes, “yes?” He flashes that famous smile, “could I take you to dinner tomorrow night?” I pull him in, pressing my lips to his in a deep kiss. “Of course you can.”

~

I woke with an ache in my back, the guest bedroom wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Especially, when I came home around 3 from (y/n)‘s. I stretch before standing to my feet. I open the door, feeling the unexpected weight lifted off my shoulders. As my feet hit the ground the front door opened just indicating how late I had been sleeping. “Daddy!” Janey tackled me with joyful laughter as I exited the kitchen with a cup of coffee. “There you are!” The pure innocence in her eyes brings a smile to my face. Barb walks towards the kitchen one single file in hand.

“Janey, go upstairs and pack your school bag. Then you can come down and help me make some lunch. Then, after dinner, your dad's going to take you out for some ice cream.” Janey rushes off at the request of her mother.

By the time Janey’s feet hit the stairs, Barb was standing before me and presented a manilla file. “This is a separation agreement Vault Tech has drafted. They were so gracious to offer their lawyers on my behalf. They spoke with your lawyer and negotiated on what you drafted up with them. The proposal is more than fair.” The harshness I expected wasn’t there. The same cold shoulder she had been treating me with was gone. Instead, she was calm as she explained a decent visitation schedule for Janey, a financial plan, and a plan to divide up assets as well. “You understand I will get the house. Janey needs to keep her stability. She’s used to you going off and traveling.”

The sudden change in her behavior has me chilled to the bone. “Why are you so calm?” She tilts her head at my question, looking at me as if I’m the crazy one. “You wanted this, Cooper.” It’s true, I did. “I know, I just… you’re taking it… strangely well.” She shrugs, “Vault Tech was persistent in getting it done quickly and as easily as possible. Less stress to deal with.” Of course, they were. Something is just too easy about this… “I figured on Thursday we could sit Janey down and tell her.” I stare at her with wide eyes as she flips through the pages of the agreement.

[mixterglacia]

That Goodneighbor Soul: Fallout 4

Hancock wasn’t a nanny. He didn’t fuss over folks. He wasn’t one to hover over you. He had important mayoral things to worry about! Not to mention a healthy (he stressed -healthy-) chem habit to feed. So, no. He wasn’t worried.

That’s what he was telling himself anyways. How true it may have been was a subjective thing. There was only one person in Goodneighbor you could trust to give you the truth in matters like this.

Daisy.

Said ghoul was all smirks when Hancock breezed into her shop for the second time that day, (Fourteenth that week but who’s counting? Daisy. Daisy’s counting.) asking about a can of purified water. He tried to not be bothered by it, but damn it she just looked at you and you couldn’t help but spill the beans about whatever she so desired to talk about.

“What’s with the face Daisy?” He said, trying to keep it casual.

“Hmm?” Her eyes narrowed, subtly challenging him. She was good.

“You keep smirkin’.” He mused while he fished the caps out of one of his pockets.

“I’m known to do that.” Too. Good.

Hancock also noticed that she’d neglected to set his purchase out on the counter like normal. He took the bait, though not without a touch of hemming and hawing. “ You onto something I’m not?” He fished a smoke out of his jacket to give himself a distraction. It took him a moment to realize that he’d left his lighter up with his boys.

“He’s one lucky fella.” Daisy didn’t bat an eyelash. Not that she had any, but still. Instead, she slid a lighter over to him. To some it was a friendly gesture. He called it a bribe.

“You feel like clarifying who Mr. Lucky is?” He mumbled around the cigarette as he lit it, politely blowing the smoke away from the quick witted dame.

“Logan.”

“Paddy, now.” He corrected before he really had time to stop himself. “He, uh, wants to go by Paddy now.”

“Just like good old times, huh?” How long was she bent on stringing him along like this?

Hancock decided to nod instead of voicing his frustration. “I guess so, yeah.” But how do you mean, lucky?” A little nudge (IE: shove) back towards the tracks couldn’t hurt...much.

Daisy idly played with one of the caps on her counter. “Got you and Nick to worry over him.”

“I don’t worry.” It was too quick and he knew his fate was sealed.

“That would be why he’s so lucky, sugar.” That smirk was back in place. “Made -you- worry.”

“Almost dying isn’t something a guy takes lightly, Daisy.”

She tuts at him. “Who says we’re taking this lightly? I’m fretting over my favorite customer too. KL-E-0′s been pacing,” She says this second point quietly, knowing the well tuned audios of her easy to offend neighbor. “Charlie’s even been in a tizzy over all this.” The ghoul leans on her hands, eyes pinning him to the spot. “He’s got Goodneighbor in his soul.”

“What do you mean?”

The look on her face was hard to figure out. “He might have a body from that Vault, but his soul is Goodneighbor through and through.” A tinge of wistfulness creeps into her voice. “He doesn’t have to be here, but still he comes to us. Even after you chased his shadows out the door, still he comes.” 

He forgot how well spoken she could be if she wanted to. Woman could have written books if she wanted to. Or if more of the Commonwealth could actually read. 

“I pointed this out to him, Hancock. You know what he tells me?”

He makes a noise to encourage her to continue. 

“Guy said, ‘Miss Daisy, Nobody but Val’ knows this, but I sought Goodneighbor out. I’d been studying my map and there was this small patch of darkness on the road from Diamond City to Bunker Hill that I’d never found. I know it sounds silly, but I just felt this pull to go find what was there. I was wandering in circles for a few days before I found it, but when I saw the neon, there was a little part of me that just knew this place meant something.’ “ She paused to let it sink in.

“...Pad’ said that much in one go?”

The lady laughed, her shoulders shaking with it. “More or less.” She admits, once her composure is regained.

“Fuck, that must’ve been why he was so pissed off with Finn! He was out of it from all the running around, then here comes this dickweed trying to pull a fast one on h-”

The other ghoul cleared her throat.

“Sorry.” Mumbled Hancock.

“S’okay, sugar. He had one last bit to add.” She had the mayor right where she wanted him now. “Said: ‘Now I know it’s where I was needed.’ then I’d said something about passing this along to you, and he got all flustered. So I didn’t, at least, not til you really needed to hear it.” She smiled. “What I’m getting at here, Mayor, is he -needs- that worry of yours. He takes it and turns it into more good for the town.” Her expression became a little more serious. “How long has it been since we lost Kent?”

That one threw him for a loop. “I- uhm,- I think it’s been about a month?”

“You know that’s been chewing away at him.” It wasn’t a question.

“Yeah...” He started gently. “He and I buried him.”

“Might be time to go visit the grave.” She didn’t give him the opportunity to get a word in. “He needs to grieve, Johnny. It doesn’t have to be a big deal. Let him go at it how he needs.”  Her face softens. “I want you to take that worry you’ve been feeling over him and use it to make our boy shine again.” 

Hancock rubbed at his arm. “Damn Daisy...how long have you been waiting to tell me this?”

“There’s no waiting about this. I told you right when you needed a good kick in the pants.” She rasped, then leaned down, lightly setting the can of water in front of him. “Tell him he needs to visit me first when he can start getting around on his own again. Oh-” A familiar tin slides across the counter. “These are for him, berry’s his-”

“Favorite.” Hancock felt his insides twist a little. A faint smile ghosts across his face. “He was down to everything but orange. These’ll make him one happy ghoul Daisy.”

“I know.” She’d settled back into that smirk of hers. “Now get outta here you scoundrel.”

So there he was. Perched on a chair by the bed where they were having Paddy recover. He’d already made the peace offering of Mentats (Nick rolled his optics at this.) and retold bits of what Daisy had said. He’d decided to leave Kent out of it for now.

Then Nick had glanced over, waiting for a reaction too. He’d been a little baffled by one of the phrases she’d used in her description of the new ghoul. “Pardon my askin’...what’s Daisy mean with the whole Goodneighbor soul bit?”

“I dunno, probably exactly what she said? He’s from the vault but was meant for here?” Hancock hated playing the middle man. This’d be easier if Daisy had tagged along.

“Hope you’ll forgive me, but Pad’s too...” The synth paused, thinking something over. “he’s too, uh-well, -good- to be all ‘Goodneighbor’ at heart.”

The man in question cracked open one eye to glance at the tall fellow. “Doubt that’s her meaning.”

The two of them had long since accepted that Paddy usually could hear them, even if he seemed to be sleeping, or in another room, though it still caught them off guard. 

“Go on then.” Nick prompts. “Share with the class.”

“One, never been an angel, if that wasn’t clear. Two, she means this is my home.” He tried to sit up a bit, pain knitting his brow. “She didn’t need to make me sound like a hepcat.”

Hancock glanced at Nick, unsure of what that term meant. The synth mouthed, ‘I’ll tell you later.’

“What about Sanctuary?” The detective questioned. 

“Stopped being home after the bombs.”

[hep-kat] 

noun, Older Slang.

1.a performer or admirer of jazz, especially swing.

2.a person who is hep; hipster.