#why do i always fall for characters that aren't even romancable (yet)

[schmaddi]

So uhm... guess who tripped and fell HARD for Coral Island's merman Semeru. Definitely not meeee~ Anyway, here's a quick sketch because I can't get him out of my head and I really need to share my obsession with sOMEONE.

(also, i know that he's currently rather grumpy, distrustful and not that outgoing, so the expression that i gave him might be a litttttle OOC for him (for now). HOWEVER. BUT. Just imagine him doing his job guarding the kingdom and stuff and keeping an eye on MC-farmer because y'know he still doesn't really trust us and all that quak, but then farmer does something dumb that he finds mildy amusing, which is why he'd have this sliiiight very tiny smile on his face. That's the kinda expression I wanted to give him. Also shoutout to @fyreiswriting because their work on Ao3 is what kept me alive these past few weeks, months? Hi fyre. Love your stories.)

[brackenferns]

the main reason I like Taryn/the Ghost (despite the fact we get microscopic crumbs in the text) is that it’s thematically compelling for them as characters.

the best romances aren't just about ~vibes~ and ~spice~ but about two unique, fully realized characters becoming part of one another's lives. each character carries their lifetime's worth of formative experiences, beliefs about the world, goals, strengths, habits, wounds, coping mechanisms, preferences, etc—so inevitably there's conflict and change and (ideally) growth. this is why we love Jude/Cardan so much!

like, for just one example: Jude always resented the Folk, even as she admired and envied them. she talks about wanting to be better, to be worse, to excel beyond them and rule over them, and ultimately to conquer her fear of them. part of why Jurdan is so great (aside from being The Power Couple) is because falling in love with Cardan forces Jude to accept that sometimes, the Folk can be good and safe and worthy of her trust. in my interpretation, this arc culminates when Cardan is turned into a snake and Jude has to rely on others (Fand, Grima Mog, the Court of Shadows, etc.) rather than just her romantic partner. she does conquer her fear of the Folk—partially through her cunning and tenacity, yes, but also partially through learning to trust her heart and find those with whom she is safe.

but that's not a lesson Taryn needs to learn. she wants to fit in with the fae; she craves their approval. in tcp, Locke's whole shitty test is based on Taryn's ability to prove that, even though she's human, she can live like the fae. and in twk, while Jude is isolated, exhausted, and (rightfully) paranoid about being betrayed, Taryn is constantly surrounded by the Folk. she seems to find belonging among them, yet she almost loses herself in the process. from a story perspective, Locke isn't that interesting of a romantic partner because he only confirms what she seems to already believe: that to belong in faerie, she will have to change and abandon certain parts of herself (represented most starkly by her betraying her sister). she will have to learn to love differently and live by different rules. and she's quite good at it, as we see—but it makes her miserable. so Locke's murder is narratively important (beyond just being Very Fun) because it represents her rejection of the life he insisted she live.

but the Ghost (for as little as we know about him) is half-human and spent part of his life in the human world. I think there is so much potential for the most delicious narrative tension to arise from their dynamic. they both, for their own reasons, straddle both the human and the faerie worlds, yet fully belong to neither. both of them make choices they regret (killing Liriope / betraying Jude) and both of them are harmed as a result (the Ghost's true name being used / Locke being straight-up emotionally abusive). there's a lot of common ground there, but also potential for great conflict considering the very different lives they live.

after the events of tqon, I get the sense that they're both kind of... recalibrating. of course, the Ghost is still part of the Court of Shadows, but the monarchs he serves are very different than Dain, and he's also been freed from the abuse of his true name. and Taryn is a widow, pregnant, the daughter of an exiled general, the sister of the new mortal queen, and seemingly a bit of a phenomenon in the social scene of Elfhame. who are they, and what is their place in this world that isn't built for them? how do they find belonging without losing themselves? what does living a good and fulfilling life even look like for each of them? how do they adapt to their environment without crossing into the territory of self-betrayal? truly just so many questions that are so fun to chew on

[galedekarios]

good day! thank you for beautiful visuals and metas of Gale, its great to find fans who care about him so! You got me thinking - for a character so romantic, so delighted to be in love Gale knew little about it with Mystra. He spoke about being her lover like it was a highest honor, losing her favor, being cut off described as fate worse than Netherese Orb itself. Gale agrees to die for her forgiveness no questions asked. All this while he realises deep down even through it was voiced later - he was her plaything, another mortal falling under her spell, no love requited ever could be there, gods don't feel it. It's very sweet and a little heartbreaking, how open and smitten he can be if romanced, how happy he becomes loving and being loved in return.

thank you for your wonderful and very sweet message, anon. 🖤 i really do appreciate it.

yes, that is everything that i find very touching about gale's romancce.

to me, gale is someone who hasn't truly known what love is yet. he has known worship and obedience, wonder and pleasure. i think, considering how young he was when mystra came into his life, it's perhaps no surprise at all that once their relationship changed, he may have thought it was love between them. it was most certainly for him. in fact, i do remember a particular line from early access that always stuck with me and truly showed the imbalance at work here:

Player: What did Mystra’s attention feel like? Gale: Love. 

and

Player: Teacher’s pet, was he? Gale: He fancied himself much more than that. He fancied himself favoured above all others. Perhaps it was not quite love, but you see, the wizard was but a very young man. It was most certainly love to him. Mystra showed him the secrets behind the veils. The gossamer veils first, draped across the Weave. The delicate veils next, draped across her body. ‘Chosen One’ she whispered, as she slipped them off completely.

and even now, in the full release version of the game, that sentiment still lingers. he wasn't just her chosen, he was her lover - and we learn throughout the game what love truly entails for gale: heart, mind, body and soul.

Gale: I'm many things to many people, but I'm never a man to throw the l-word around lightly. I said exactly what I meant: I love you. You should never, never doubt that. - Gale: We didn't just make love. We bonded, body and soul. I got lost in you.

with mystra casting him away, he not only lost his power, his status, but also one of his most central relationships with the goddess who was his teacher, mentor and love all at once, all at the same time.

but we also know that he had relationships before mystra and before the protag:

Gale: No, you are not the first. Though you are the first since my relationship with Mystra came to its ignominious end.

i think this quote is just so interesting, especially if you pair it with:

Gale: To know you love me for the man I am, and not the magic I command... None have loved me so purely before.

and:

Player: I love you. But for the man that you are. Not the god you'd pretend to be. Gale: But think what I offer. The vastness of eternity to explore, the Weave at our fingertips... You would really prefer me as I am? Node Context: Genuine, vulnerable - the player just told him they loved him in a way that no one else has

so whatever these relationships before were, it's clear that something was missing from them for gale. something that gale sorely needed.

all of these little puzzle pieces combine to a larger whole of why we find gale as he is when we meet him in the story: someone who very much is struggling to find any worth in the person that he is outside of what he can provide to be useful.

Gale: Let me make myself indispensable. - Gale: I'm indispensable, aren't I? - Gale: My best is yours. - Gale: Please - continue to believe in me. I want to show you the wizard I am capable of being, rather than the poor excuse for a man who's kept you company thus far.

there are so many more of these, following the same vein, even in act iii.

gale is only now learning how to be loved, how to allow himself to be loved, and under that continuous reaffirmation given by the protag, he opens up to it, strains towards it, like a flower to the sun.

Gale: You truly are a soul that steels my own. From all my new-rallied heart I thank you. I stand at a precipice, but if you do not give up hope, neither shall I. I'll fight, I'll resist - as long as I can. - Gale: You give me hope, and I've not had that in some time. - Player: How are you feeling? Gale: Worried, if I'm being honest. I have so much to live for - more than I thought I'd have again, after Mystra. - Gale: It's been so long since I used it. Gale Dekarios cuts a poor figure next to the wizarding prowess of 'Gale of Waterdeep'. Player: Gale Dekarios. I think I like him more. Gale: You like so many things about me I'd have sooner discarded... Your generosity is quite wonderful. - Gale: You see me as I am, and do not find me wanting.

he still has a very long way to go, to heal, it's not a process that's completed by the time his quest is completed or the game ends - and depending on your protag, they too have things that still weigh heavy on them as well - but it's a beginning.

[bearw-me]

Sense it's may the 4th can I request the hazbin crew reacting to teen reader celebrating star wars and explaining to them what star wars is sense I think most of them wouldn't know about it.

yess i can! and sorry if these don't live up to expectations! i've watched the movies but im not totally involved in the fandom!

𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐁𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐘𝐨𝐮 — 𝐇𝐚𝐳𝐛𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬!

𐐒 ft : gender neutral! teen! reader, charlie morningstar, vaggie, alastor, nifty, angel dust, sir pentious, husk 𐐒 cw : fluff 𐐒 summary : you are showing the hazbin crew what star wars is no matter the cost + and their reactions 𐐒 note : ITS STILL may the 4th where i am! this counts!

Charlie Morningstar! Loves your enthusiasm so much she decides to watch the movies with you until she falls asleep. Makes popcorn for the two of you! I think she'd be pretty clueless though, as the princess of hell who's never been exposed to that kind of pop culture.

"Oh my goshh! Star wars!"

. . .

"What is that?"

She's got a good attitude about learning through you

Vaggie! Sits with you and Charlie, and although she has no idea what you are talking about (her being an angel and all and having no contact with Earth), everything you say to her just kind of floats through one ear and out the other.

GETS HEATED and physically mad when the storm troopers miss. every. shot. they. take.

likes she's cursing in spanish type of mad

likes bloopers (like when that one storm trooper hits his head on the door)

Alastor! Hates the television, so you'll have to explain everything to him through other means, even if that means him listening to you tell him the whole thing.

honestly, i think he'd be the most uninterested in the plot if it couldn't be explained well.

i think he'd actually like looking at the comics if you showed them to him "Well look at this fellow! Aren't they all charmingly misshapen!" when you show him aliens like Jabba, or Jar Jar.

likes the 'epic saga; between armadas and armies, jedi and sith. . . like he's smiling with his eyes narrowed and nodding as you point out everything that's happening.

Nifty! Retains NOTHING you are saying, she is just kind of staring through your soul. So when you put the movies on in the lobby she actually moves and watches while she dusts.

subconsciously retains the information and names some of her roaches after the characters.

she stops cleaning to just sit front and center in front of the tv.

LOVES the violence and fight scenes, especially when people get cut by a light saber.

asks you for pictures of the characters that she keeps crumbled into her apron (she adores darth vader)

always plops down onto a pillow in front of the tv whenever boba fett + anakin skywalker are on screen

WOULD LOVE to kill a storm trooper herself

Angel Dust! Like Charlie, I think Angel would be the best person to hear you out about star wars. I think he'd be a major geek with you, even acting out a few scenes and letting you win. He see's you like his sibling, so he enjoys your company. Why wouldn't he love doing something that you love?

loves the clothing in the movies, especially the queen of naboo's makeup. "And the hairr!"

loves the romances and sci-fi fantasy part of it

expect him to have ideas

Sir Pentious! I think out of all the people in the hotel he'd LOVE star wars. From watching the movies with you in the hotel's lobby to asking you a TON of questions! Like everything you know about star wars, he has to know too!

"I like thiss 'Sstar Warss'"

has to know everything and has his own fan theories

probably cried while he watched padme + anakin's love story. right up to the end

(he tries hard to identify with anakin)

he'll probably celebrate may 4th right along with you, t-shirt, movie cup, all his wrecked up merch in his hands just to watch the movies with you

tries to recreate all the gadgets and light saber's he see's without success. . . YET

Husk! Doesn't get it. He listens to you sure, while your sat at his bar counter and explaining everything to him about the plot and the characters. He asks a ton of questions, but it is sort of like explaining it to your dad.

He'll lean over the bar and ask you about plot holes, and when you answer back excitedly he kind of sighs to himself "Why is he getting so worked up on the plot anyway?"

like why is he forming an opinion now?

likes when you talk about it though, your enthusiasm is a little contagious

is 'subtly' watching the movies from behind you, turning away to wash some glasses when you stare over at him

[mermaidsirennikita]

ARC REVIEW: Something Extraordinary by Alexis Hall

4.25/5. Releases 12/17/24.

The Vibes: queer found family, true love, calling HER daddy

Heat Index: 7/10

The Basics:

Horley Comewithers (or, as he is known for much of this novel, Rufus) is set to marry a woman of his aunt's choosing, despite the fact that he is a) gay and b) in love with someone else. In swoops Arabella Tarleton, twin sister of the man he's pining after. Arabella will secure her own freedom through marriage, and she has a fat dowry—but she knows she's no good for anyone who wants true love. So she proposes a scheme: why not run away together and marry?

What neither Rufus nor Belle realize is that there's a lot more to love than storybook romance, and sometimes the person you're meant to be with is the one you least expected.

The Review:

What an exciting, unique, heartstoppingly lovely book. Do Horley and Belle suddenly fall into the kind of m/f relationship you normally see in romance novels? No. But I would call this a romance nonetheless, because, despite Belle being on the aromantic spectrum (I'm not sure if you'd call her totally incapable of experiencing romantic attraction? I'm not educated enough on the aromantic experience to be certain, but based on what I've read, grayromantic may be a way to describe her?) there's just this like... sense of two people finding each other's soulmates in a way that isn't sexual, and isn't conventional, but also goes beyond standard platonic friendship.

Because Rufus and Belle have friends. They actually have a lot of them, even if the relationships aren't always easy or straightforward... and we see several of them in the form of couples from the two previous books in this series. So I would say that it's best to read Something Fabulous and Something Spectacular first. They're great books anyway, but you pick up on some dangling emotional threads from them and get resolution.

But no, what Rufus and Belle mean to each other is such a special and intense yet soft dynamic... They're truly husband and wife by the end of this book. Their future is together. They also enjoy sleeping with other people (though sex isn't out of the question for the two of them—there's a rather beautiful thing Rufus says about the capacity in which he would enjoy sex with Belle, if it ever happened, that I found remarkable).

What I find so smart about this book, the way so many Alexis Hall books are smart, is that she does confront the way something could be "missing" from Rufus and Belle's marriage. But it's not to do with Rufus's lack of sexual attraction to Belle. That's really not seen as an issue. It's not to do with their lack of monogamy, either (they both sleep with other people, on the page and off). It's to do with Belle feeling that, because she can't experience the type of romantic feeling that she's seen idealized in books, or within the sweepingly romantic relationships she's surrounded by... She is essentially depriving Rufus of finding the thing that she believes he needs.

Belle has been a polarizing character for readers throughout this series. Not for me, personally; she's flawed but hilarious, and clearly has had a good heart from the beginning (even if her choices aren't always... the best). She gets a bit of karmic retribution in this book that I feel some of her haters will enjoy, but it's not over the top, and she's not "redeemed", because there's... no need. But being fully in her head allows us to really get into why she is the way she is, and so much of it is like... Kinda meta?

Like—what would it be to be aro or on the aro spectrum in a fucking romance novel series? What would it be like to clearly love someone and not feel like you can ever love them in the "right" way? I will say, I don't consider myself on the aro spectrum (though shit, this book has made me wonder) but I did relate to Belle in many ways. It put her experience in a very "layman's terms", approachable perspective, which could be less than what the aro community could want? I can't speak for them, again, I do not identify on the spectrum. BUT I do think that if you've literally never read up on it at all, this book probably won't confuse you.

Rufus's development is probably a little less significant than Belle's, but it's still a breath of fresh air to see someone who's like... a bit lost, a bit sad, but also so funny and so willing to fully embrace "the difficult one" for who they are. He really rolls with the punches without ever seeming like a doormat. I also feel that his relationship with Belle would have fallen into "gay best friend" in a lesser writer's hands. But he's given such agency and such determination, even as he's initially drawn into this admittedly kind of zany plot.

No, this is a true queerplatonic relationship, and I love that it's given the space to be that while also receiving a classic historical romance novel treatment (albeit with the same degree of hilarious self-aware commentary this entire series has had—at one point we get an entire 1800s version of like, the Google review system for inns, and it is INCREDIBLE). Rufus does a run for your love. There's only one bed (and like, they are naked in the bed together, but no sex). There's an anvil marriage. It's great.

The only reason why I won't rate this a little bit higher is that I would've loved a teeny bit more Rufus and Belle together on the page, but I also deeply appreciated the roles Bonny and Valentine and then Peggy and Orfeo from the two previous books played in this one. Especially Orfeo. My kingdom for Orfeo, would die for them.

The Sex:

HOT. KINKY. SUPER GAY. You get several on the page sex scenes in this one, and they're all great (and not a one involves Rufus and Belle together, and they're so good with that). You have one f/f scene involving a sort of like... baby lesbian "it's giving missionary as in God" but in a funny way girl...? An m/m scene with a would-be highwayman bookseller guy and his MASSIVE SEA SERPENT (and some role-playing! Of the "oh no, I've never touched one before, you show me how" variety).

And... A spanking scene. Which is the first time I've ever read a man call the heroine "daddy". I was VERY pleased.

This may be the most unique romance novel I've read yet, and I'm so impressed with it. Would recommend to people interested in expanding their horizons (as readers, as people, whatever) or like, just interested in a hot, literally laugh out loud book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[kaija-rayne-author]

Thoughts on upcoming Veilguard AMA.

Obligatory 'I'm not an asshole' disclaimer. Feel free to jump to the cut if you've read it.

Something came to my attention. I need to make it crystal clear that I utterly love the diversity in DAV. It's fantastic. I'm also a heavily left leaning, non-binary, queer as fuck reviewer, editor, and author.

I was on media blackout while I played it. Please be safe and take care of yourselves. Arguing with incels and white supremacists is completely pointless. They sea lion worse than an actual sea lion. Your mental health is important.

Though, every single time the anti-queer brigade comes out for a new DA game, I sit there thinking 'have you bozos ever played any DA game, like, ever?' My guess is nope.

Note. None of my writing on DA, but especially DAV, is edited. This is just my off the cuff writing. I don't have the time, energy, or heart to edit them properly.

Heard there was an AMA coming up on the 4th of December.

Given how the devs weaseled out from every actually important question in every other AMA, I don't have a lot of hope that we'll get any answers as to why DAV is so bad.

I just want to know why they scrapped Joplin. It had almost everything committed fans wanted. I want to know why every single decision they made somehow managed to make the game worse. I think there was pressure from EA. But rumour has it that BioWare has always had a lot of control over the games they make.

It's probably partially EA's fault. But I think the blame for the DAV mess belongs firmly on the devs and the people who decided to fire their (often) best writing talent.

But I'm not going to go. Because of said weasely behavior.

Maybe I just have to be done with games from huge corporations. I'm playing Greedfall now and loving it. It’s an RPG from an indie studio. It's a wee step back on graphics, they reused a couple of sets, but generally, it's a very solid RPG that feels like an RPG. They aren't staying away from sticky ideas and awful behavior by people. I find that incredibly realistic. The main/player character is a diplomat, who lies like butter wouldn't melt in her mouth.

I kept expecting Rook to burst into song and bluebirds to fly out of their ass. Maybe big corporates just can't give me what I want in RPGs anymore. I want truly morally grey choices. I want sticky political shit. I want passionate Romances with happy endings. I want to feel when I play games like these. Which means I need games with solid writing, good characters, and excellent world building. It means the OST has to be good. Not something that had the dedication to it as if Zimmer scraped it off his boot. Greedfall has all that. Plus the morally grey choices.

I've usually purchased and played AAA games from bigger companies because I do like unique maps to explore, and I'm an admitted graphics slut.

But holding DAV on one hand and GREEDFALL on the other? Greedfall wins, hands down. And it's a 5 year old game that very likely didn't have the 250 million dollar budget DAV had. I haven't even finished it yet, and it still wins. I played Subnautica Below Zero just before this one. It's more survival sandbox, but has plenty of RPG elements to it. When Unknown Worlds made both Subnautica games, they were still indie.

Perhaps, after loving BG3 as much as I do (Larian is also Indie) I should've gotten the message to check out indie produced RPGs earlier.

Message received.

DAVs utterly disastrous showing... It's likely a result of late stage capitalism and Disney polluting everything, and people in charge thinking MARVEL actually has any relevance since Disney bought it. Among a lot of other things I'll probably never know about.

But those are excuses. If BioWare truly has as much control as rumoured... it's on them. All of it.

I tried watching Loki. I utterly adore Tom Hiddleston, and even he couldn't get me through that disaster.

I already picked up a few more indie RPGs in the Steam fall sale. Looking forward to exploring them.

Maybe BioWare is just too corporatized to produce anything truly good anymore. Corporations don't have any room for true creativity.

It doesn't really matter. DAV broke my heart and landed BioWare on my boycott list for several reasons I detailed in my review series. I'm just done with them.

[honeybeewhereartthee]

Ensemble stars x Dungeon AU 09

People have known the stories of dungeon and rift. Obviously they took wish to conquer and hunt for treasures. But sadly the dungeon from the stories they read is far different from the one they are experiencing.

Not because the monster are far cruel but rather the system have favor the monster than the humans. As there's more protocol against harming them nor can they harm them in any man made weapon.

It's such a disaster when they can't do anything when their loved one is tempted and seduce to never leave dungeon by the sirens, they could only pray those people can survive and become one of the monster and not eaten by the dungeon itself to sustain it. But such cases of survival of human that been seduce by the dungeon is quite rare. It is but a hopeless dream.

Question have been ask, yet no answers can be given.

Have the so called God have given up on them to not even give them a chance to protect those they care from being seduce? After all it been years since dungeon and rifts have emerge and the only answer have come a year ago. When the system have announce the first ever "echo" or awaken human.

A human who's name can't even remember by anyone. But have come to conclusions they most been the world beloved child. As they have the title of protagonist.

.

.

.

"that sound so dumb, they can take it away." You complained as you read over Ritsu shoulder as his reading some online forum again. This person seems to be interested in internet those days even so he doesn't understand those things when he first seen them. He thought it's a bad quality pillow.

His world is not modern one after all. It's a fantasy theme as he told you before.

"you don't exist in it." He keep telling you that like it's something to brag or note. "You don't exist here too." You smiled as you slap him in the face of that fact. "That's why mao-kun doesn't know any ritsu." You added hitting him with another nail of fact.

"it's better than being voice filter by the damn world." He have broken his character again as he still salty to the fact that his friend doesn't remember him, even after they introduce. He always been forgotten as he don't exist in this world to even have a record in the past or the future, in people memories except you.

"what can I say? The world loves me." You tried to act like what he said won't effect you as you boosted your esteem with that known fact. "Sure, whatever you say, protagonist. Who's life is sucker than a villain would have." He really don't want to lost the argument as you sigh as you can't fight a fight with a handsome guy.

"is there even a villain in this world?" You question yourself. "Me." The sheep point at himself. "I am the villain." He smiles like a charming knight and not as a villain.

"only crazy people exist in this place huh..." You thought to yourself as you ignore this self proclaimed villain.

"aren't you the sidekick." Since being a love interest is not in the option currently. Since he have that skill of his. Damn this world why does he have that? One of the good candidate of being love interest!?

"..." He thought about it. Hmm, indeed have he fallen from his rank of lord into a sidekick? Well it's better than a love interest to begin with. Such thing is troublesome. He learn such thing from the cat after all. Anyone who fall for the protagonist doesn't end up well in the head.

It's a good thing that his skill doesn't allow him to be a love interest since he can decide which is romance for himself, he is after all a person from a world of all romantic and fairytale. The protagonist doesn't have the quality to fit his condition anyway.

"btw I'm going to audition today. Hopefully I get accepted this time around." You told him as you went to prepare. Your going to try again to be in a show or something even as a small character. It still would boost your popularity.

"why bother with something like that? Aren't you an echo? Is this your personality and goal in this story?"

"stop breaking the damn wall. " You told him off as he once again went and out again with facts he shouldn't say our in the open. It been odd when he start to speak in uncharacteristic of his character. But it become a normal thing to you since you deal with him for a daily basis. You gone use to it.

"it's not that I can romance you anyway. So why bother with you, Mr sidekick?" You told him off and he visible cringe at your words. "I'll just sleep while you do your thing."

"yeah yeah." You rolled your eyes as you prepared to live. You did watch him scoop up the reddish rabbit again that was eating strawberries in the bed, who doesn't care what you two are talking about when there's sweets in front of him.

[cadybear420]

For the unpopular opinion thing:

Smut books aren't bad. It isn't wrong to want to cater to an audience looking for smut books. PB has the most vanilla smut but at least it is there. I'm sick and tired of people shitting on them as if they are "degrading" the app and shaming their audience for liking the same.

Send me unpopular or popular opinions about anything Choices and/or HSS related, and I will rate them on the aforementioned scale and elaborate if possible

My Rating of this opinion:

strongly agree | agree | neutral | disagree | strongly disagree

My Elaboration below:

Thing is, I wouldn't mind the smut focus as much if they weren't so, well, cookiecutter. Rehashed MC-LI dynamics, almost always single LI, melodramatically trying to push purely lust-based relationships as true romance.

That's not to say PB isn't capable of good smut. Something like DLS got praised highly because it embraced the campy smuttiness. I personally enjoyed Shipwrecked's slow burn and Bloodbound's story and characters (granted I wouldn't consider them that smutty). And even then they still fall back into a few tropes. And there are others like Alpha and Queen B that I have yet to read.

I guess what I'm saying is that PB should at least branch out a little more with their smut if that's what they're gonna focus on?

That being said, yeah definitely don't shit on the people who do like the smut books. You don't have to understand why they like them, but attacking them or blaming them for PB's direction is... not it.

[theprinceandthewitch]

Me complaining abt IDV fans lack of media literacy for the 9450th time this week lmao:

What I find most annoying about people's interpretation about Alice's and Orpheus' relationship [other than the siblings interpretation to not be true. Like at all. Seriously it's not backed up by any canonical evidence] is that people are ignoring the blatant romantic undertones.

Most IDV fans tend to be anime fans, because the game will sometimes collab with different anime franchises to make new character cosmetics. This is how IDV gets it's new players. So, people are used to that cringey ahh blushing and stuttering shit you see in anime - they're used to seeing overt displays of romantic interest.

Since Orpheus and Alice do not display obvious interest when they're in each others presence people have a hard time seeing their relationship as romantic. Picking up of subtly is not not their strong suit.

To put it simply: This is a slowburn kind of romance. Alice's feelings for Orpheus have yet to develop into full blown romantic interest [IF they ever will]. While Orpheus is interested in Alice romantically - and I do think he has loved her since they were kids. So far, the writing is pretty blatant when it comes to Orpheus' feelings for Alice.

This is why I don't like people using that one letter as proof he sees her as a sibling. Identity V's story is structured with a slowburn romance in mind... the Orpheus and Eurydice parallels aren't here just for decoration. Their story is most likely going to end in tragedy because of the genre they happen to occupy. But the thing is: Orpheus and Alice getting a happy ending isn't really relevant. What is relevant is that their relationship is clearly being written with romance in mind. This letter is just another point of development in their romance, which is laced with tragedy.

That's why I'm not going to take anyone seriously when they use this as proof they're supposed to be siblings.

Even with that letter, the narrative still DOESN'T want you to see them as siblings.

I rlly don't see how we are supposed to interpret his feelings for Alice as strictly platonic when they have the Orpheus and Eurydice parallels...

Even though this was ambiguous in AoM: My personal interpretation of that scene where Orpheus calls Alice "Eurydice" is actually Orpheus calling her back to consciousness. It's not a memory of him - it's Orpheus from AoM calling out to her. I'll go even further to say that that's what they were going for, since Orpheus has always been the thing preventing her from completely falling into the "underworld."

Oh right, he also sees her as his nightingale... and his WIFE...

It's like... at this point the sibling interpretation is just copium.

[destroyallnerds]

I have such a complicated relationship with naruto for someone who's never actually finished the series

readmore, for people who don't care about the series or my ramblings

like, it has such emotion to it, even early on when we weren't expected to connect to these characters much yet

these are warring nations dependent on (mostly) child soldiers to do their bidding, and you truly do get a feel for the suffering that is inherent to such a society

which is part of what makes naruto such an intriguing character, as someone who - despite having every reason to match that despair - never falls to it, always keeping hope in the face of an increasingly egregious world

the action is incredible as well, with actual thought and strategy placed into it beyond "my beam >>> your beam" (though it does do that, more frequently later on as well, which is part of why I dropped it in the first place)

yet, for all its seeming advantages, it still suffers due to kishimoto's outright distaste for women

the number of women in the story who are neither a) incredibly subservient to the men or b) mutilated (symbolically or otherwise) is so small as to be laughable (which, as the internet is wont to do, has become the reigning meme when it comes to naruto - kishimoto hates women so much that he accidentally writes incredible warrior-based yaoi)

and, with shit like the last post I reblogged, it truly is mindboggling to me how he doesn't just

commit to it

like, obviously misogyny is terrible and should never be the reasoning behind any character choice, much less one regarding romance and sexuality

but man, you mean to tell me you drew all that and aren't gonna make those characters - who've had a long history of chasing one another down, both literally and symbolically - lovers?

not to mention, beyond the obvious "oh they're holding hands like they did when they were kids making a promise to one another," you managed to throw in something that, had you confirmed them as gay, would have been an incredible - if not a bit hamfisted - metaphor for AIDS? sharing blood, dude, are you serious?

but no, because kishimoto apparently does not like women at all beyond their use as a wife and incubator, he made them pair off in the most groanworthy pairings known to mankind

fuck, man

[sora336]

Random ahh writer things for romance except idk if imma put this in my novel or nah

***********

"...Why....Why do you still love me after everything?"

My eyes teared up as I looked up at him, I never felt any type of love before, I don't even know what love it.

Even in my past life I never knew how to feel love in the first place, and i was considered too boring or plain to have someone be even a bit interested in me.

His eyes looked at mine softly, almost as if looking at a poor stray cat.

'He pities me...he doesnt actually love me...I can tell...'

The way his eyes softened yet he wasnt blushing, he wasnt flustered, he just looked at me with pity in his eyes.

"Sora...I do love you, you are too unique for me to ignore that easily-"

"Is that what it is? I'm somehow too unique to be ignored? Everyone is unique, so stop trying to convince me that you somehow like me."

I looked away from him, but before I could do anything else, i suddenly felt the palm of his hand on my cheek.

His hand felt warm against my cheek as his thumb softly massaged my skin.

"Sora...Sweetie i-...Please believe me! I do love you!"

He pulled me into a tight hug, his arms wrapped around my body as I could feel his tears fall down his cheeks and land on my shoulder.

"Why do you always act like you aren't important to anyone...to me?"

I couldnt say anything.

I didnt have an answer at all.

All i could do was stand there in silence, I didnt bother hugging him back since i didnt want him to feel like I somehow wanted him.

He was just another character to me.

Nothing more, nothing less.

I cant see him as a real person, so why is he so focused on convincing me that he loves me?

[sugar-phoenix]

Happy (belated) Storyteller Saturday! When you’re reading, which trope do you absolutely detest? Or is there a trope you like when executed well but hate when written badly? Which trope always finds its way into your writing?

Happy belated Storyteller Saturday! Thanks for the ask, Lexi!

A trope I absolutely detest is the miscommunication trope. It really grinds my gears, especially when the characters don't seem to act realistically. Sometimes it's like "why aren't you asking for more context and just leaving it there?" and I guess you could technically list it under "they're blinded by their assumptions of what the other person is already doing and therefore don't want to ask further" but honestly it always feels bad most of the time when I read it.

I think I would like any trope if they were written well honestly (even miscommunication). Like, I used to think that I hated reading tragedy. Cause you know, tragedy's sad. You get an unfulfilled ending. But recently I played a game that was a tragedy and now that game is my biggest hyperfixation and the tragedy is actually a good part about it. I can rationalize the tragedy. And it's funny because before then, sometimes when I thought about new plot ideas sometimes my brain would go "what if you then killed off the main character" or some other tragic event that made it so that the main character never reached their goal in the story. And I would sit there like "yeah that seems awesome to write but why do you keep wanting to write a tragedy? Why do you wanna write a tragedy so badly when you wouldn't even read one?" And now I think I do like tragedies, but only when they're written well. Only when they're written in correctly, and the rest of the story isn't depressing and dark and clearly shows a cynicism for general life. In fact the video game I'm talking about is all about the concept of hope and having hope, despite the tragedy that takes place.

Actually this game series also takes another trope I don't really like, time travel, and writes it in a way that I can appreciate it (which was extremely extremely confusing) but I really enjoyed it. Time travel doesn't bother me as much as miscommunication does, but I hate it when it's written wrong. I just really get and understand the writer for this game series, lol. Another trope that I don't like but would like if it was written correctly is love triangles. I think there's a way to write it correctly. I think most of the time it is not written correctly (and I'm mainly talking about one character faced with two options, not one character loves another who loves another who loves the first character) and that's why people dislike it so much (yet also consume it like crazy). I think there's a way to write a love triangle that doesn't feel like it's somehow cheating, or any of the unsavory things that this trope kind of feels like, which probably causes others to dislike it.

As for a trope that always finds its way into my writing. For some reason, ever since even my first romance story (that was extremely poorly written by 12 year old me) I've always tried to write "enemies to lovers" but ended up with "male love interest likes the female protagonist but the female protagonist is trying to hate the male love interest." Kind of like a Cardan-Jude (from The Cruel Prince) situation, except the male love interest is much warmer towards the female protagonist and sometimes isn't even trying to hide the fact that he likes her. This probably reveals something about me but we won't talk about that. I also tend to like to plot or think about a lot of Yin-Yang esque stories. Stories about the two characters in the romance being from opposite sides of two opposing magic systems, like light magic vs dark magic. I haven't even successfully written one but it was a trope that stuck up a lot when I was younger because I've always liked the idea of Yin-Yang and I really liked the idea of two people falling in love being from opposite sides yet they're so symmetrically different that they complement each other. Very beautiful in concept but extremely hard to execute in reality, especially when you're faced with trying to develop two magic systems and balancing them out.

Oop, one last one, I almost always write about my characters being related to animals in some way, whether that's them being animals, being half animal (like satyrs), being able to talk to or command animals, or having animal traits or being animal shifters. I love animals and it shows in my writing I think. Vast majority of what I write has some animal or animal traits in the characters or setting or magic system.

[unproduciblesmackdown]

also found this person's summary of summer stock illuminating:

"Summer Stock Musical 🍒I know this is a bit different from what I usually post but I could not write about it! Summary: Set in the 1950s, inspired by the movie with the same name. It's about a girl named Jane and her family's farm. Jane and her father struggle to meet the work demands of their farm's summer harvest. As their employees and nearby farms are entirely bought out by the Windgates. They are the last family-owned farm standing, all hope seems lost. Until Jane's sister, Gloria gets the female lead role in her theater company. In an attempt to impress the director, Joe, Gloria suggests that she has a place for them to use. Since the group keeps bouncing from place to place, Gloria takes them from the city and to her family's farm in the country. Jane, shocked by the unexpected visit by her sister and company in tow, she's very against them using the barn for their new production. But after a music number, a deep conversation with her sister, and a failed marriage proposal by Windgates' son which reveals Windgates' true intentions. Jane agrees, as long as they help with this summer's harvest. As the barn is converted to a theater for their new show, funny antics, drama and inspiration pursue. As Jane accepts theater and her dreams back into her life, she ends up falling in love with Joe and becomes lead lady as her sister ends up becoming producer. In a last-ditch effort, they use their new show to save the farm by hosting a grand opening night for everyone in show business to come see. Even though Margaret Windgate throws multiple roadblocks in their way, these sisters and company aren't determined to give up so easily. It's an amazing musical and I haven't had this much fun at a show in a while! It's genuine and has amazing characters and dialogue. It's like a breath of fresh air. I love everything about this musical! It's so funny! I love the sisters' bond. The choreography was stunning. I love the use of old music and songs. Honestly, I didn't know it was inspired by a movie. There's just so much I want to say about it. Honestly, I really hope to see it again, and somehow it can become mainstream. It's such a feel-good musical! ♾️/ 5⭐️"

put together w/various other pieces of info (list of initial songs/scenes, highlights video, a review's details) confirming that orville does propose to jane and they just get that out of the way so soon that it's presumably the wingates' introduction, that "always" sequence being early & the first listed to take place at the wingate house. which is just funny & then potentially does free both orville & jane up to like, just clearly not be engaged, whether or not they Ostensibly are....then intrigued about how orville ends up at the barn to have an adorable meetcute probably via piano with phil; maybe he's just supposed to be convincing jane to accept the proposal & in actually not being that into that task is able to wander around & get musical with it

also shoutout to mentioning gloria further, the details of her plotline remain relatively elusive (so does pop falbury's but i kinda just figure he's more of this steadfast supportive parent out here) and i was wondering if she isn't even in that lead role that jane ends up with, here it seems that she Is, but is also clarifying that she ends up in the producer role really, and i'm gonna presume that's her discovering better what she likes to do rather than like, just that she has to get out of the way for jane, same as how idk if there's as much glorville as there is orvphil apparently lol, Again simply no info i've found yet, but i am gonna imagine that if there is it's also more "open-ended" as in like, no supposed touchstones of Official romance, but. and like Why Not figure that these two people who are both discovering their passion for behind-the-scenes theatrical goings on might just be like oh hey, on the same wavelength, working together, getting along. i imagine that the show gives both orville and gloria arcs in their own rights rather than being people basically in jane's way, and everything seeming to suggest that gloria and jane's relationship is great is like yeah thank god, crucial shift thank you

[acourtofthought]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

I love the comment you left, it was perfectly stated.

And your post.

It's not really about what a character wants at the start of their journey in a fantasy novel but learning why what they thought they wanted meant avoiding their destiny, the thing that was always going to make them happiest in the end and that would help them save the world.

These aren't contemporary romances, there's more to a characters story than finding love while in college , fake dating to improve your image with the media, or falling for an NFL player as the coaches daughter.

It's clear that one love interest has been set up to encourage her growth, showing a belief in what she has to offer (not just naming it then doing nothing with the information she provided) and giving her credit for what she's accomplished. Whose hidden powers are a perfect compliment to someone who needs sunshine and whose visions are sometimes clouded by mist and shadow (light will shine through that).

The other love interest thinks she shouldn't handle the Trove though believed her sister could, gave himself credit for saving her while giving no credit to her for saving him, and has avoided her rather than offering to help train her powers when she said she'd try to reacquaint herself with them.

As a reader, we're allowed to know better than Elain because the author is telling us with her words who is going to be healthier for her.

Elain is not, nor will she ever be real so we're not disrespecting her for thinking she's making bad choices just as we saw and thought Nesta was making bad choices. And Elain even as a fictional character can't know what's best for Elain because she's not a fully developed character yet.

We as living, breathing people with years of reading experience can see that she's simply another confused heroine trying to find her way, something the author reminded us of when she announced that she's still dealing with her trauma. And nobody would suggest somebody make major decisions while struggling with trauma.

Sarah set up Azriel's behavior to mirror that of Tamlin in regards to Feyre. She pulled him back before things got too far but the lack of respect for another males bond, the speaking for the FMC, the trying to hold the FMC back from doing anything dangerous, the willingness to create political unrest due to feelings of entitlement, the refusal to have a real conversation and choosing instead to focus on the physical?

It's not difficult to see that Az was closely bordering the cautionary tale we saw in ACOMAF.

So yes, all things considered, we're allowed to see that Lucien has been set up as the better male for Elain. That her choice doesn't matter because right now she doesn't know what she truly wants considering no FMC ever does at the start of her journey. That nearly every fantasy book starts with the main character ending up wanting something very different than what they initially believed.

It's fine to hope for a different outcome but literally shaming Elucien's, claiming a moral high ground because they are anticipating what typically occurs in most books, is very odd behavior.

I read this post by @acourtofthought talking about the selective feminism of elriels who say they are better because they want “what Elain wants”.

This is such a toxic thing to do in fandom, and it is funny how it doesn’t even make sense for them.

I commented that the whole “Elain wants Azriel” is a very bad argument for elriel. In a full fledged, compelling story, what a protagonist think they want at the start isnt what ends up happening…

Feyre wanted freedom to paint while caring for her dad at the start of ACOTAR.

Feyre wanted to marry Tamlin at the start of ACOMAF.

Nesta wanted to continue drinking alone and having sex with strangers at the beginning of ACOSF.

Elain wants to kiss Azriel in the beginning of her story.

As you can see the pattern is against it. This is not just an SJM pattern, its a literary pattern.

The story needs to teach the main characters something, they get a HEA but not in the way they planned. Why would Elain’s story start with her wanting Az and end with her getting Az? thats just a secondary plot line. Where is her lesson? Her character growth? Her struggle to face what she has to?

Elriels really try to shame fans of Elucien with supposed moral high ground. If we are talking morality, then instead of focusing on what Elain wants as a character, we should be focusing on which characters actually treats her with respect as an individual with thoughts, wishes, desires and flaws. In which case, that is Lucien.

He has not tried to push this bond on her, has respected her space, has empathized with her struggle, he understands she doesn’t want a bond, he’s the only character to give her credit for her actions. He canonically thought about her wellbeing and her health. I can go on but you get the gist.

In the other hand Azriel has canonically gone against her wish to help, treating her like everyone else treats her, he admitted to only thinking about fantasies he has with her and not much else, he has diminished her as “the third” sister in his conversation with Rhysand discussing her. Again I can go on.

We are all tired of this ship war, and everyone is entitled to ship whoever they want, but one thing I hate is the moral high ground they want to push and gaslight people into believing. When I was an actual new fan I remember doubting my beliefs because of these false elriel takes. So if you are a new elucien fan trying to simply exist without people criticizing your morality I wanna let you know you are good, you are not a bad person, let’s have fun shipping the most adorable characters in this series together!!

[yanderes-galore]

im so glad to see your request are open i love your works!! Cay i request yandere Jerome Mcelroy ( simply the Chef lol ) with reader please? there are barely anything about him!

Yeah, I get it. I think it's because when people write South Park fanfics it usually revolves around The Boys and Chef has a controversy (but it's South Park, when does someone not?) I'll see what I have for Chef ^^ In the concept I'm going to refer to him as Chef, just letting you know.

Yandere! Jerome McElroy ("Chef") Concept

Pairing: Romantic

Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Mentions of intimacy, Trust issues, Persistent behavior, Dubious relationship, Fear of cheating, Toxic behavior, Manipulation.

Chef is a character that's often talked to for advice by The Boys.

He's also more of a romantic type.

Or at least... skilled in the intimate side of romance.

While Chef is a character that would most likely be a romantic yandere... he has potential to be a platonic yandere.

As a platonic yandere he'd act somewhat of a parental figure.

As a romantic yandere he'd be flirtatious yet respectful of his darling's boundaries.

This concept will revolve around his romantic yandere tendencies.

As much as Chef wants to be intimate with his darling he is willing to wait for it.

Chef is passionate about cooking and singing, traits he'd use to win his darling over when he falls for you.

He's also level-headed, for Chef that means he hesitates with kidnapping and murder as he knows it just isn't the right thing to do.

He's more toxic in the way of he makes you feel bad for wanting to leave him.

Even if it holds the potential to have you to himself.

Chef has been shown to not be commited so him finding a darling and wanting to stay with them is a strange feeling for him.

His past intimate relationships might actually turn you off to him which makes having his darling harder.

Chef tries to be a good guy to his darling.

Yanderes tend to be dedicated to their darlings but with Chef's past that's hard.

You're hesitant to accept his advances as doing so may have the risk of him cheating on you.

To avoid heartbreak you most likely turn him down all the time.

While Chef is patient, he gets upset at the idea of his darling not trusting him.

As a result... Chef may try to stave off the intimacy in his life.

It sounds impossible for him... but yanderes are willing to do just about anything they can for their darling.

Chef isn't sure why he likes you so much.

However... he can't deny the feelings he does hold for you.

Even when you see him try to be more dedicated you still may not be with him.

Chef then tries harder, singing love songs for you and cooking your favorite dishes.

It's sweet behavior but you still stand your ground.

"Chef... I can't be with you like this. You'll break my heart."

Chef probably calls you affectionate names like "sugar" or "sweetheart". It feels in character for him.

He calls you all sorts of sweet names yet he can't seem to sweeten you up.

At this point all he wants is one date.

Just one... so he can see how it'll work out.

Chef would try not to get angry with you or lose his temper.

He understands where your worry comes from...

He just wishes you'd trust him.

Chef doesn't really show jealousy but he would be passive-aggressive towards any date you tell him about.

Chef believes he can treat you well.

If you'd just let him.

Chef isn't too violent but he'd verbally fight with someone.

Chef may also be a persistent yandere.

He's caring and patient... although he doesn't stop looking for that date.

There's a point where you may just break and accept the date.

Which is a mistake as now it lets Chef into your life.

He's not too manipulative or possessive... but it's still there.

Chef is touchy and overly affectionate with his darling.

He's always been one for intimacy... so if you aren't someone who enjoys it then he may not be the partner for you.

Chef isn't too controlling yet he does make you second guess yourself and your decisions at times.

Chef promises and promises he'd never cheat on you.

He's a changed man!

Even if he isn't thinking of marriage or children (if you can have them)...

He knows he can't wait for you to meet his parents once he finally has you.

[outeremissary]

4 & 5 for Dungeon Meshi? (I'm assuming you've been asked PF related questions)

DUNGEON MESHI IN THE INBOX?! This is THRILLING

From this prompt list.

4. what is your favorite CANON ship?

So a funny thing about Dungeon Meshi is that there are uhhh. Zero canon ships I think. Unless you count Chilchuck the middle aged halfling getting left by his wife or any of the several very one-sided crushes scattered among the side characters. I think that there is actually no romance that happens onscreen, the only mentioned romance is in one guy's backstory and was his brother marrying his crush. So I guess I don't have a favorite canon ship??? I'm just going to show you the most divorced halfling in fiction instead.

I think his adult children have also stopped talking to him but it's too late at night for me to fact check that one

5. who is your favorite character (and maybe why?)

Oh it is ALWAYS so hard because there are so many fantastic characters in this series and I'm going to do two anyway because I can't help myself. But seriously there's not a single bad one, everyone is so delightful down to the most minor side characters. but anyway!!!

First of all, Mithrun!

Mithrun is the captain of the squad of elvish scouts sent to the island, and is a relatively late arriving character (the Canaries arriving is a foreshadowed sign of the central conflict escalating to something serious). Mithrun is a terrible, lethal warrior with singular drive who strikes fear into most characters who meet him- he uses taunts so cruel they cause one of the main villains to despair, he's quick to suggest assassination as a solution to problems, and his creative use of teleportation has grisly, torturous effects on foes. He's also severely disabled. Without significant support, he struggles to function in daily life due to an inability to translate his body's needs into actions tending them. His life is managed with a combination of strict routine managing basic tasks and aid from comrades who ensure that he eats, sleeps, and carries out other essential physical behaviors. In social situations he's also blunt and generally opaque in his behavior, usually cutting straight to the point and often excluding others from his reasoning. Despite that, he's someone who has a certain charisma: his comrades consider him an inspirational leader and feel strong affection and loyalty towards him, and he's willing to take risks and extend trust towards others. He also still possesses a certain cunning that makes him very fun to watch. This has all been a lot of exposition to try to explain things, hahh...

Here's his cover by the way. All the covers are composed to be comedic and often aren't based in any real event, but you can see that teleportation at work!

Anyway, I'm fond of Mithrun because I enjoy seeing a character who's very, very ND-coded who's good at a job that isn't "inventor" or "knowledge guy," which I think is a niche that a lot of characters like that tend to fall into. He's badass, he's cool, and even though he's straightforward he's never naive. He's incredibly competent and strategic. He's also got a very dramatic, tragic backstory that's deeply intertwined with the plot and gives him a lot of really fun interactions with major villains- those are also the scenes that tend to draw a lot of high emotion out of him, and I love high emotion and drama! And yet despite the development of his condition being a central point of his tragic backstory, there's still never any lingering on "curing" or "fixing" him, which is... really nice, honestly. He has close, supportive friends and a life he's content with, and in some extra comics suggests that he doesn't like the person he used to be, even if to other people that was the time when he was full of potential. Both the persistence through significant trauma and the rejection of the telling of his life story as a pure tragedy are things I really enjoy.

But yeah another thing I love about Mithrun is that he's canonically just a little nasty and is drawn with these perpetually fucking chapped lips. He's jsut like me fr

Also you are being spared so many Mithrun Images by the late hour but I do happen to have this just at hand on my phone. I know this doesn't mean fucking anything without context but I want to look at this image so now we all have to look at it together. It's so so late

ANYWAY. There's also a SORCERER in Dungeon Meshi! This one. This little cunt. A fun fact about me is that there's a folder on my computer devoted entirely to images of this guy, whose name is either Thistle or Sissel depending on which translation you're reading. According to the guidebook, which is currently in my hand, Sissel is official so we'll just go with that for the rest of the post.

I fucking love Sissel. I love Sissel so bad. There's something so wrong with this little (4'3"/130 cm) guy. Look at that image. You already know why I love Sissel. It's because he's got a rancid, unstable little megalomaniac personality and he thinks he knows better than everyone about everything.

Just look at him. My little guy. I love a bitch who meant well once but has become lost in his darkest obsessions.

But like, more coherently, I also really enjoy Sissel as a villain who starts out as this legendary figure of fear- the "Mad Sorcerer" who's presumed to be immortal and all powerful- who's then gradually revealed to be deeply, deeply pathetic. He's so lost in his obsessive protection of those he loves that he hurts them and then throws a fit when they won't forgive him. His power lies in being a master of monsters, but he's so aggressively uninterested in the creatures at his command that they're constantly dying on him and the main character turns them on him just by knowing basic ecology. He has literally infinite power at his fingertips and he's so aggressively unimaginative that he can't do anything wit hit except react to what he thinks are threats. He's built up as a final boss character and Mithrun nearly kills him in less than a minute. He whines about someone cleaning his room. My pathetic meow meow. My cringe and fail sorcerer. I fucking love this guy. He spends a whole chapter carried around as a backpack and used as a human shield. The main character forces him to eat a homecooked meal. He's so!!! Lame!!!!

Anyway it would be a literal crime for me to end a Dungeon Meshi post without any mention of women. Look at my meme boy. Look at the monster wife.

I spent. More time than I intended. Looking for the page where she tore off her shirt. This isn't nsfw this is fine this is fine

Anyway very sexy of Falin to not only haunt the narrative but come back wrong as that.