#world’s shortest international bridge

[hometoursandotherstuff]

[cleverwordsandotherstuffilike]

Zavikon Island is home to a bridge that, at only 32 feet in length, is considered the shortest international bridge in the world. It connects a Canadian island with an American island in the middle of the Saint Lawrence River.

The boundary agreement that was drafted between Canada and the United States declares that no island can be split into two territories. Two-thirds of the islands in this group, the Thousand Islands, belong to Canada, but the total area of the Canadian islands is roughly equal to the other one-third, which are considered to be American territory.

It just so happens that these two islands were joined by a bridge because the smaller island is owned by the same person who owns the house on the larger, Canadian island (at left in the accompanying photographs). They use the smaller island as a backyard.

However, the truth of this has been questioned as a tourist ploy since the 1880s, with both islands being in Canada according to some sources. The Thousand Islands chain that Zavikon is a part of is an archipelago of islands that straddle the Canada-US border. They stretch for about 50 miles from Kingston, Ontario, with the islands on the American side belonging to New York. There are nearly 1,800 islands in the archipelago and they range from larger islands with an area of over 40 square miles to tiny piles of rocks that are used by migrating birds and other waterfowl. That number of islands, 1,793, was determined by only counting those that remain above water all year, so it fluctuates from season to season with rocky outcroppings disappearing beneath the Saint Lawrence when the water level rises.

Would make a lovely summer home.

[facts-that-you-will-never-need]

The world's shortest international bridge is The El Marco cross-border bridge is 3 meters long and 1.45 meters wide

[dreamyladys]

The Lady, Giselle.

Giselle, born Uchinaga Aeri (うちながえり) on October 30, 2000, is a member of the popular K-pop girl group aespa under SM Entertainment. Known for her charismatic presence and powerful rapping skills, she has become a standout figure in the K-pop world despite being one of the newer idols on the scene.

Early Life and Background

Giselle was born in Seoul, South Korea, to a Japanese mother and a Korean father, giving her a unique cultural background. She grew up in Tokyo, Japan, and was fluent in both Japanese and Korean, which would later become a significant asset in her career. She attended Sacred Heart School in Tokyo, a prestigious all-girls institution, where she studied before pursuing her dream of becoming an idol.

Despite her relatively short trainee period of 11 months — one of the shortest in SM Entertainment's history — Giselle’s natural talent, charisma, and passion for music led her to debut as part of aespa.

Joining aespa and Debut

Giselle was introduced as the fourth and final member of aespa on October 30, 2020. aespa's concept is unique, incorporating both real-life members and virtual counterparts known as "ae," blending futuristic technology with music, making it one of the most innovative and talked-about groups in K-pop.

aespa made their official debut on November 17, 2020, with the digital single "Black Mamba." The song immediately gained attention for its catchy tune, striking visuals, and the group’s unique concept. Giselle, as the group's main rapper and sub-vocalist, quickly gained recognition for her confident stage presence and sharp rap delivery.

Musical Talent and Stage Presence

Giselle stands out as a talented rapper, with her deep, powerful voice adding a unique element to aespa's music. Her rapping style, characterized by clear pronunciation and flow, showcases her linguistic abilities and musical versatility. She has also displayed strong vocal skills in various performances and live stages, proving that she is a multi-talented artist.

Beyond her musical abilities, Giselle is known for her chic and confident personality, often displaying a cool, calm demeanor on and off stage. Her fashion-forward style and commanding aura make her a fan favorite, especially among international fans who appreciate her bilingual abilities and global appeal.

Rising Popularity and Influence

Since their debut, aespa has become one of the most popular and influential groups in K-pop, with their music and concept resonating with fans globally. Songs like "Next Level" and "Savage" have solidified their place as a top-tier group. Giselle, with her unique background and growing confidence as a performer, has garnered a dedicated fanbase of her own.

As one of the few Japanese-Korean idols in the K-pop industry, Giselle has become a bridge between Korean and Japanese fans, further increasing Aespa’s reach and influence. Her fluency in English, Japanese, and Korean also helps her connect with international fans, making her a vital member of the group as they continue to grow globally.

Conclusion

Giselle's journey from a relatively short trainee period to debuting as one of the rising stars in K-pop is a testament to her hard work, talent, and determination. With aespa's continued success and innovative approach to music and performance, Giselle's future looks incredibly bright. She’s not only a key player in the group but also a role model for aspiring artists, blending cultural backgrounds and musical talent into a thriving career.

[dhlcourier]

International Courier Services in Chennai  | DHL Courier  

In today's fast-paced world, efficient and dependable DHL International Courier Chennai  are essential for both personal and corporate purposes. Whether you're shipping crucial papers, parcels, or freight, DHL Courier Chennai is your go-to choice for hassle-free and fast delivery. With a strong global presence and a dedication to customer satisfaction, DHL guarantees that your packages arrive securely and on schedule.

Why Choose DHL Courier Chennai?

Global Network and Local Expertise

DHL Courier Chennai combines the advantages of a global network with local experience. This distinct mix enables DHL to create bespoke solutions that address the specific demands of Chennai residents and companies. Whether you're delivering within India or internationally, DHL provides seamless and effective services.

DHL Courier Chennai leads the way among the Top Ten Courier services in Chennai.

Comprehensive range of services.

DHL provides a wide range of courier services to meet various needs:

Document Delivery: Secure and prompt delivery of vital papers, ensuring they arrive in perfect shape.

Package delivery is the safe and dependable conveyance of items of any size or weight.

Freight Services: Efficient management of large and heavy shipments, making it easier for firms to move goods.

Express Services: For time-sensitive packages, DHL's express services ensure quick delivery in the shortest feasible period.

Advanced Tracking System

One of the primary benefits of hiring DHL Courier Chennai is the excellent tracking system. Customers may easily trace their goods in real time, giving them peace of mind and transparency throughout the delivery process. The tracking system provides updates at each stage of the route, from pickup to delivery.

Customizable Solutions

DHL knows that each customer has distinct needs. Whether you want regular courier services for your business or occasional deliveries for personal use, DHL provides customized solutions to meet your individual requirements. Their versatile choices include scheduled pick-ups, customized handling, and packing.

Commitment to Security and Safety

Security and safety are DHL Courier Chennai's top priority. DHL uses strong security procedures to secure your goods from loss, damage, and theft. Their competent handling and safe packaging ensures that your purchases arrive in pristine condition.

DHL International Courier Chennai - Bridging Distances with Excellence

When it comes to international shipment, DHL International Courier Chennai is a reliable and effective partner. DHL's worldwide network extends to over 220 nations and territories, ensuring that your international shipments are handled with the highest care and expertise.

Reliable Delivery Time frames

International shipments require prompt delivery. DHL International Courier Chennai provides dependable and predictable delivery times, ensuring that your packages arrive at their international destinations on time. DHL provides a solution for any demand, including next-day delivery to major cities and conventional shipping alternatives.

Competitive Pricing and Value-Added Services

Whether you need to send a paper across town or a parcel throughout the world, DHL International Courier Chennai offer dependable, speedy, and secure delivery. With their large network, efficient tracking system, and dedication to customer satisfaction, DHL Courier Chennai assures that your packages are in capable hands. Trust DHL Courier Chennai for all of your domestic and international delivery needs, and enjoy the ease of world-class courier service.

Contact Details:

Visit : https://dhlcourier.co.in/

Phone : 91 9840717300

[theknitpotato]

This is said to be the world's shortest international bridge, connecting a homeowner in Canada to his backyard in the US.

More details/photos: https://bit.ly/3RF6FQU

[merleklein]

7 Benefits Of Lightning Protection Design Products By LEC

You need to think about preventing the strike rather than collecting it.

Did you know that a comprehensive lightning protection design system will include all three types of protection: Protection against direct lightning strikes, grounding, and surge protection solutions?

Lightning is the phenomenon that accompanies the discharge of atmospheric charges from cloud to cloud or from cloud to earth. As lightning seeks the path of the least resistance, it naturally tends to follow the shortest way between cloud and earth, such as buildings or towering projections. Positive electrical charges gather in the clouds, and negative charges gather in the ground. When the attraction between these two charges is strong enough, they come together in the form of lightning.

Lightning strikes can cause various types of damage. Large peak voltages damage transmission lines and voltage-sensitive devices. Lightning’s electrical currents often result in an energy transfer and heat. The heat energy can literally melt electrically conductive components, including transmitting antennas.

Solution

Lightning Dissipation Terminals utilize the point discharge principle to mitigate direct lightning strikes. Our patented DAS helps prevent direct lightning strikes by dissipating static electrical charge into the atmosphere through ionization. This process reduces overall facility charge concentrations, lowering probabilities for the formation of streamers. This prevents the formation of lightning paths from the cloud to other structures and points in the protected area.

Our lightning protection design products can be customized for data centres, information technology, broadcasts, communication towers, bridges, petrochemical storage facilities, and other high-risk structures.

The benefits of lightning protection design products by LEC over traditional lightning protection:

Patented technology

High-grade stainless steel construction

Lightweight and easy to install

Corrosion resistant

Low wind loading

Large selection of mounting hardware

Manufactured and installed as per national and international standards

LEC can assist you in protecting against lightning. We offer a range of qualified and code-compliant lightning protection design systems. Our applications are backed up by our five decades of research, real-world operational experience, innovative product development, and consulting services.

Our lightning protection design solutions are customized for each client. Connect with us to know more.

[baelio]

Why Baelio Stands Out for Seamless Bank-to-Bank Transfers to Nigeria?

In the realm of international transactions, the efficiency of bank-to-bank transfers holds significant importance, especially when it comes to sending funds to Nigeria. The need for seamless and secure transfers has fueled the emergence of platforms that excel in bridging the financial gaps between nations. Among these, Baelio has distinguished itself as a standout choice for individuals and businesses seeking a reliable partner for bank-to-bank transfers to Nigeria. In this blog, we will explore the key reasons why Baelio stands out in facilitating seamless and secure transactions, ensuring your money reaches its destination promptly and safely.

Navigating the Landscape of Bank-to-Bank Transfers to Nigeria: Challenges and Considerations

Sending money across borders can be a complex process, and when it comes to bank-to-bank transfers to Nigeria, several factors come into play. Traditional methods may involve high fees, extended processing times, and less-than-favorable exchange rates. Moreover, the lack of transparency in the transfer process can add to the apprehensions of individuals and businesses alike.

Baelio steps into this landscape as a solution provider, addressing the challenges associated with bank-to-bank transfers to Nigeria. The platform's commitment to seamless transactions becomes evident in its approach to mitigating these challenges and providing a user-friendly experience.

1. Speed and Efficiency: Baelio's Hallmark in Bank-to-Bank Transfers

One of the primary reasons Baelio stands out is its unwavering commitment to speed and efficiency. Bank-to-bank transfers with Baelio are characterized by swift processing times, ensuring that your funds reach their destination in the shortest possible duration. Whether you are sending money for personal reasons or engaging in business transactions, the need for timely transfers is paramount, and Baelio delivers on this front.

The platform leverages advanced technology to streamline the transfer process, cutting down on unnecessary delays. Real-time tracking features empower users to monitor the progress of their transactions, providing a level of transparency that is often lacking in traditional banking channels.

2. Competitive Exchange Rates: Maximizing the Value of Your Transfer

In the world of international transfers, exchange rates play a crucial role in determining the value of your money in the recipient's currency. Baelio understands the significance of competitive exchange rates and strives to provide users with rates that maximize the value of their transfers.

By offering rates that are often more favorable than those provided by traditional banks, Baelio ensures that users get the most out of their bank-to-bank transfers to Nigeria. This commitment to providing value contributes to the overall satisfaction of users, making Baelio a preferred choice in the competitive landscape of international money transfers.

3. Transparent Fee Structure: No Hidden Costs, No Surprises

Hidden fees and unexpected costs can be significant deterrents for individuals and businesses engaged in bank-to-bank transfers. Baelio takes pride in its transparent fee structure, ensuring that users are aware of the costs associated with their transactions from the outset. This transparency is a testament to Baelio's commitment to fostering trust and reliability in the financial transactions it facilitates.

Users can access detailed information about fees on the Baelio platform, allowing them to make informed decisions. The absence of hidden costs means that the amount you send is the amount received, enhancing the overall satisfaction and confidence of users in their financial transactions.

4. Robust Security Measures: Safeguarding Your Financial Information

Security is paramount in the world of digital transactions, and Baelio recognizes the importance of safeguarding user information. Utilizing state-of-the-art encryption protocols and multi-factor authentication, Baelio ensures that your bank-to-bank transfers to Nigeria occur in a secure environment.

Baelio's commitment to security goes beyond meeting industry standards; it represents a proactive approach to protecting users from potential cyber threats. This focus on security is particularly crucial in the context of international transfers, where the need for a trustworthy platform is paramount.

Conclusion: Baelio - A Trustworthy Partner in Bank-to-Bank Transfers to Nigeria

In the realm of seamless and secure bank-to-bank transfers to Nigeria, Baelio emerges as a reliable and innovative solution. The platform's commitment to speed, competitive exchange rates, transparent fee structures, and robust security measures sets it apart as a trustworthy partner for individuals and businesses alike.

As you navigate the landscape of international transfers, consider making Baelio your top choice for a transformative financial experience. Your bank-to-bank transfers to Nigeria deserve the assurance of efficiency, value, and security, and with Baelio, you can embark on this financial journey with confidence. Choose Baelio for a seamless and reliable experience in transferring funds to Nigeria, connecting you to your recipients with unparalleled ease.

[ship2anywhere]

Effortless Express Shipping From The USA To Australia

In today's interconnected global marketplace, efficient and reliable shipping services play a pivotal role in connecting businesses and consumers across borders. For those seeking a seamless shipping experience from the USA to Australia, express shipping is the key to ensuring prompt delivery and customer satisfaction. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of express shipping and how it simplifies the process of shipping from the USA to Australia.

Express Shipping from the US to Australia: A Swift Solution

Express Shipping to Australia Made Simple

Gone are the days of lengthy shipping durations and uncertain delivery times. Express shipping from the USA to Australia offers a swift and reliable solution for businesses and individuals alike. With advancements in logistics and transportation, the process of shipping has been streamlined to provide a hassle-free experience.

Efficiency at Its Core

Express shipping services prioritize speed without compromising on the safety and security of your packages. Whether you are a business owner fulfilling customer orders or an individual sending a special package, the efficiency of express shipping ensures that your shipment reaches its destination in the shortest possible time frame.

The Convenience of Express Shipping from the USA to Australia

Global Connectivity

Express shipping services bridge the geographical gap between the USA and Australia, fostering global connectivity. This seamless connection enables businesses to expand their reach and cater to an international customer base, knowing that their products will be delivered promptly.

Real-time tracking for peace of mind

One of the standout features of express shipping is the ability to track your shipment in real-time. Utilizing advanced tracking technology, you can monitor the progress of your package from the moment it leaves the USA until it reaches its destination in Australia. This transparency provides peace of mind for both businesses and individuals by letting them know exactly where their shipment is at any given time.

US Shipping to Australia: Choosing the Right Express Shipping Service

Reliability Matters

When selecting an express shipping service from the USA to Australia, reliability is paramount. Look for a service provider with a proven track record of timely deliveries and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Reading reviews and testimonials can give you valuable insights into the experiences of other customers.

Customs clearance expertise

Navigating customs procedures can be a complex aspect of international shipping. A reputable express shipping service will have expertise in customs clearance, ensuring that your package complies with all necessary regulations and experiences minimal delays during the process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, opting for express shipping from the USA to Australia is a strategic choice for businesses and individuals alike. The efficiency, convenience, and reliability of express shipping services make them the preferred option for those seeking a seamless cross-border shipping experience. Whether you are sending products to customers or personal items to loved ones, express shipping ensures that your packages arrive swiftly and securely, fostering a stronger connection between the USA and Australia in our globalized world. If you want effortless express shipping, book your shipment at https://ship2anywhere.com/ for international shipping.

[thedhananjayaparkhe]

The World’s Shortest International Bridge

Esperança, Portugal You can cross from one country to another in a single hop on this little bridge. The World’s Shortest International Bridge Top Places in Portugal Carmo Convent Ruins Lisbon, Portugal Hotel Monte Palace São Miguel, Portugal Convento de Cristo Tomar, Portugal See All Though it measures only 10.4 feet long (3.2 meters), this bridge spans two countries. Funded by the…

[phantomcouriersca]

The Power of Express Shipping: Delivering Worldwide with Speed and Efficiency

In today's interconnected world, the demand for fast and efficient shipping services has never been higher. Whether it's for personal or business purposes, the ability to ship goods across borders quickly and reliably is crucial. This is where express shipping comes into play, offering a seamless solution for delivering packages worldwide in a time-sensitive manner. With its numerous benefits and growing popularity, express shipping has revolutionized the way we send and receive goods internationally.

One of the key advantages of express shipping is its speed. Unlike traditional shipping methods that can take weeks or even months to deliver packages, express shipping ensures prompt delivery within a matter of days. This is particularly beneficial for time-sensitive shipments, such as urgent documents, perishable goods, or important business supplies. With express shipping, you can rest assured that your package will reach its destination swiftly, allowing you to meet deadlines and satisfy customer expectations.

Another significant benefit of express shipping is the reliability it offers. Established express shipping providers have a well-structured network and robust tracking systems in place, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the shipping process. This means that both the sender and recipient can easily monitor the progress of the shipment, receive real-time updates, and have peace of mind knowing where the package is at any given time. Additionally, express shipping services often come with insurance options, protecting your valuable goods against loss or damage during transit.

Express shipping also provides a level of convenience that is hard to match. Most express shipping companies offer a range of convenient options, such as door-to-door delivery, online shipment tracking, and customizable shipping solutions. This flexibility allows businesses to streamline their supply chain and optimize their operations. Moreover, express shipping services typically offer extended customer service hours, making it easier to address any concerns or inquiries related to your shipment.

The rise of e-commerce has further fueled the demand for express shipping. With the increasing popularity of online shopping, customers expect their purchases to arrive quickly, no matter where they are in the world. Express shipping enables businesses to offer expedited delivery options, giving them a competitive edge in the global marketplace. Whether it's a small online retailer or a multinational corporation, express shipping allows businesses of all sizes to reach customers in distant locations efficiently, expanding their customer base and driving growth.

Express shipping is not limited to business transactions alone. Individuals can also benefit from this service when sending gifts to loved ones abroad, relocating to a new country, or even when planning a last-minute trip and needing important documents delivered swiftly. Express shipping bridges the geographical gap, bringing people closer together and fostering global connections.

In conclusion, express shipping worlwide has become an indispensable component of our globalized world. Its speed, reliability, convenience, and ability to connect people and businesses across borders make it a vital service in today's fast-paced society. Whether you're a business owner looking to meet customer demands or an individual sending a package to a distant friend, express shipping offers a seamless solution, ensuring that your goods arrive at their destination in the shortest possible time. Embrace the power of express shipping and unlock a world of possibilities for international shipping.

[lindsaywesker]

Good morning! I hope you slept well and feel rested? Currently sitting at my desk, in my study, attired only in my blue towelling robe, enjoying my first cuppa of the day. Welcome to Too Much Information Tuesday!

IKEA a.k.a. The Swedish Divorce Maze.

The record for most female orgasms in one hour is 134.

White chocolate doesn’t actually contain any chocolate.

45% of people falsely claim to have been skydiving.

People are more likely to lie in the afternoon than in the morning.

There is a road in Rome built in 312 BC and it's still in use today.

Love is neurologically addictive.

Jacob Rees-Mogg has just tested ‘negative’ for Christianity.

The largest military tank was made by Porsche for the Nazis.

Every public tweet is recorded in the Library of Congress.

Dostoevsky wrote ‘The Gambler’ to pay off his gambling debts.

60% of the alcohol in America is drunk by 10% of the people.

Replacement eyelids can be made from foreskins.

19% of Americans think they're in the top 1% of earners.

Nigerian email scams were introduced to Nigeria by the British.

The Wikipedia page for 'Pedant' has been edited over 500 times.

In Italy, it's illegal to build a house that doesn't have a bidet.

Research suggests women make more jokes when they’re not being interrupted by men.

Male coin spiders only have sex once. After mating, they chew off their own genitals.

The FBI estimates that there are 300 people pretending to be US Navy SEALs for every genuine one.

There are mountains in Antarctica called Nipple Peak, Dick Peaks and Mount Cocks.

If Napoleon's sister Pauline got cold feet, she would warm them in the cleavage of one of her ladies-in-waiting.

Having regular orgasms can improve your decision-making skills, creativity, and even make you more social.

The chocolatey filling between the wafers in a KitKat is made out of recycled KitKats.

US rapper 50 Cent announces that he now wishes to be known in the UK as 1 Pound.

Castration prevents male pattern baldness, as long as it's done before any hair is lost.

Knowing you have the next day off is more relieving than the actual day off.

When you kiss someone, you get a spike in the neurotransmitter dopamine, making you crave more.

Ottoman emperor Murad The Cruel put 25,000 people to death for smoking.

Ironically, Truss knows all too well what a weak pound from Kwasi Kwarteng feels like!

South Korea shut down its entire space programme in 2014 when its only astronaut resigned.

The worlds shortest international bridge connects Spain to Portugal and is 3.2 metres long.

If Elon Musk lost 99.9% of his net worth, he would still have about $273 million.

Greece's first national airline was named Icarus Airlines. It went bankrupt within months.

The Eiffel Tower was originally supposed to be in Barcelona, Spain, but the project was rejected for being too “expensive and strange”.

The sports bra was invented in the 1970s by sewing two jockstraps together.

Research at MIT has shown that only half of perceived friendships are mutual. Only half the people you consider friends think of you as a friend and vice versa.

Caffeine doesn't actually give you energy, it just blocks the adenosine receptors in your brain; the ones that let you know when you're tired.

Twitter is the second-most educated social media platform in America, with 42% of its users having a college education. LinkedIn is ranked first with 56%.

Genghis Khan killed so many people that the earth began to cool. 40 million people were wiped off the planet, vast areas of farmland were reclaimed by the forests and carbon levels dropped significantly.

Ernest Hemingway often told friends and family he thought the FBI was following him, but they just told him he was paranoid. Years after he died, the FBI released files showing that they had been following him and bugging his phones for the last 20 years of his life.

In 1991, a naked, bleeding boy was spotted by Milwaukee police fleeing a man's apartment. The officers returned with him, spoke to a man who said they had a "lovers' quarrel" and then left. The 14-year-old boy had been drugged and the man was Jeffrey Dahmer.

In Norse mythology, Thor was once disguised as a bride and brought to Thrym (a giant) with Loki as his bridesmaid. Thrym became suspicious after Thor ate an entire ox, eight salmon, and drank several barrels of wine.

In 2007, a Bosnian couple cheated on each other with each other. They had spent time in a chat room bonding about their marital woes. When they met in person, they found out the person they had been complaining to was their spouse. They got divorced.

Okay, that’s enough information for one day. Have a tremendous and tumultuous Tuesday! I love you all.

[viraltiger]

World's Shortest International Bridge, connects a home in Canada to its backyard in New York - See more viral images on ViralTiger.org

[felassan]

Dragon Age development insights and highlights from Bioware: Stories and Secrets from 25 Years of Game Development

Some really tasty factoids here.

Cut for length.

Dragon Age: Origins

The continent of Thedas was at one point going to be named Pelledia, a name initially floated by James Ohlen

“Qunari” was a temporary name that ended up unintentionally sticking, much like “Thedas”

Mary Kirby wrote the Landsmeet. To this day, nobody understands how it works, except possibly her. If she’s “really really drunk” she can explain how it works. There’s as many words in it as Sten’s entire conversations put together

Concept art for Thedosian art - as in in-world art - draws heavily on Renaissance-era portraiture, the Art Nouveau movement, religious styles and media like stained glass, and favorite pieces from the golden age of illustrations in the early 20th century

Andrastianism in-world (art-wise) is depicted in wildly different methods depending on who in-world made the art in question. “One religion, 3 different lenses”. There’s the Chantry take, the Orlesian take and the Fereldan take; each with its own different interpretations, different mediums and different stories

The stained glass images were drawn by Nick Thornborrow for DAI, to decorate religious spaces in that game “and beyond”

irl Viking art influenced Ferelden

Greek and Italian art influenced Orlais

The book also had other insights into and anecdotes from the development of DAO, but I’ve transcribed them recently as they’re essentially the stories DG has recently been relating on the awesome Summerfall Studios DAO playthrough Twitch streams. (On those streams he provides dev commentary while Liam Esler plays through DA. The ones with DG are currently once every two weeks. Check them out! Here’s a calendar where you can check when the next one is) Instead of repeating myself I’ll just provide the link to the first transcript. From there you can navigate to the subsequent parts. Note these streams are ongoing. At this point I will also point you to a related post which is cliff notes of the Dragon Age chapter in Jason Schreier’s book Blood Sweat and Pixels.

Dragon Age II

DAO had the longest development period in BioWare history. In contrast DA2 had the shortest

Initially DA2 was going to be an expansion to DAO. A few months in EA said “Yeah, expansions like these don’t sell very well, so let’s make it a sequel.” So it suddenly became DA2 and they had to make it even bigger, although they still only had 1.5 years of time in which to do this

Production of DA2 officially lasted only 9 months, and at the time the team was still supporting live content for DAO! They finished development that January after the design team crunched all the way through the holiday period that year. Then it went to cert 9 times

The limited time they had is why the story takes place mostly in and around 1 city, and over 7 years (so it was temporal, rather than over physical distance, because a more expansive world would have taken more irl time to make)

They had no time to review even the main plot. Mike Laidlaw pitched the idea of 3 stories taking place at different points in the PC’s life, tied together by Varric’s recollections of events. DG rolled with this and made 1 presentation on the idea. This presentation was then approved and off they went

As they were writing DG realized that there was going to be no oversight and that everything was going to be a ‘first draft’. “Because nobody had time.” He sat down with the writers and said “Look, here’s the conditions we’re working under. A lot of what we’re putting out is gonna be raw. We’re not going to get the editing we need. We’re not going to get the kind of iteration we need. So I’m going to trust you all to do your best work.”

Looking back, DG has mixed feelings on DA2. “A lot of corners were cut. The public perception was that it was smaller than DAO. That’s a sin on its own.”

Despite this he thinks DA2 has some of the best writing in the series, especially character-wise. The DA2 chars are his favorite

The pace with which production progressed may in some ways have helped. “When we do a lot of revision, we often file away [as in buff off] some of the good writing as well. Somehow DA2′s whirlwind process resulted in some really good writing”

The pace meant chars landed on the writers in various stages of completion. For example Isabela was fairly defined due to appearing in DAO. In contrast Varric at the start was just that single piece of widely-shown concept art

Varric was conceived as a storyteller not a fighter. His skills are talking and bullshitting. Hence the question became, so what does this guy do in combat? The direction was to make him as different as possible to Oghren, so not a warrior. He couldn’t be a dual-wielding rogue in order to differentiate him from Bela. But you can’t really picture this guy with a bow. “For a dwarf, it would probably be a crossbow. We didn’t have crossbows, or we only had crossbows for the darkspawn. And they were part of the models. We didn’t have a separate crossbow that was equip-able by the chars. They had to like, crop one off a darkspawn and remodel it. And that became Bianca” (quote: Mary Kirby)

“Dwarven mages are exceedingly rare.” [???]

If DAO was a classic fantasy painting, DA2 was a screenshot from a Kurosawa film or a northern Renaissance painting. (Here Matt Rhodes was commenting on art style)

John Epler: “In any one of our games, there’s a 95% chance that if you turn the camera away from what it’s looking at, you’ll see all kinds of janky stuff. The moment we know the camera is no longer facing someone, we no longer care what happens to them. We will teleport people around. We will jump people around. We will literally have someone walk off screen and then we will shift them 1000 meters down, because we’re fixing some bug.” John also talked about this camera stuff in a recent charity Twitch stream for Gamers For Groceries. There’s a writeup of that stream here

Designing Kirkwall pushed concept artists to the limits of visual storytelling, because it has a long history that they wanted to be present. It was once the hub of Tevinter’s slave empire, so it needed to look brutal and harsh, but it also then needed to feel reclaimed, evolved, and with elements of contemporary Free Marches culture

The initial plan was for DA titles to be distinguished by subtitles not numbers, so that each experience could stand on its own rather than feel like a sequel or continuation. (My note: New PCs in each entry make sense then when you consider this and other factoids we know like how DA is the story of the world not of any one PC). Later, DA2′s name was made DA2 in a bid to more clearly connect the game to its predecessor. For DAI they returned to the original naming convention. (My note: so I’d reckon they’d be continuing the subtitle naming convention for DA4)

DA2 was initially code-named “Nug Storm”, strictly internally

The Cancelled DA2 Expansion - Exalted March

This was a precursor to DAI

It was meant to bridge the gap between DA2 and DAI

It focused on the fallout from Kirkwall’s explosion, with Cory serving as the villain

Meredith’s red lyrium statue was basically going to infest Kirkwall and it would end up [with what would end up] the red templars taking over Kirkwall and essentially being Cory’s army

To stop him Hawke would have recruited various factions, including Bela’s Felicisima Armada and the Qunari at Estwatch, forcing Hawke to split loyalties and risk relationships in the process

It was meant to bring DA2′s story to an end and end in Varric’s death. DG was very happy with this because all of DA2 is Varric’s tale. The expansion was supposed to start at the moment Cassandra’s interrogation of him ended in the present. “And we finished off the story with Varric having this heroic death.” It tied things up and would have broken many fan hearts, something BioWare writers notoriously enjoy. But between a transition to the new Frostbite engine and the scope of DAI, the decision was made to cancel EM, work any hard-to-lose concepts into DAI, and in the process save Varric’s life. DG has talked about the Varric dying thing before

Concept art for EM explored new areas previously not depicted in the DA universe, with costumes that reflected next steps for familiar chars. Varric was going to war, what would he have worn? With Anders, if he survived DA2, the plan was to present a redeemed Warden

A char that vaguely resembled Sera in DAI was first concepted for EM. This fact was mentioned near this concept art (see the female elf) and this concept art of Bethany with the blond bob

The writers sketched out plans to end it with Hawke having the option to marry their LI. This included alternate ceremonies for party members like Bethany and Sebastian if the player opted not to wed. There was even a wedding dress made for Hawke. This asset made it into DAI (Sera and Cullen’s weddings in Trespasser). The dress can also be seen in DAI during an ambient NPC wedding after completing a chain of war table missions

The destruction of a Chantry was explored in concept art as it might have happened in EM. This idea ended up carrying over to the beginning of DAI. (My note: Lol, the idea that DA2 could have had 2 Chantries being destroyed in it 😆)

World of Thedas

Sheryl Chee and Mary Kirby started with “a disgusting little dish called fluffy mackerel pudding”. In the middle of DAO’s busy dev period one of them (they can’t remember who) found a recipe online for this, scanned in from a 70s cookbook. “I don’t understand why it was fluffy. Why would you want fluffy mackerel pudding?” MK says. “We loved it so much we included it in a DAO codex.”

This led them to create more food for Thedas, full recipes included, like a Fereldan turnip and barley stew from MK and SC’s Starkhaven fish and egg pie. The fish pie became Sebastian’s favorite. “To me it made sense for it to be fish pie because a lot of the Free Marches are on the coast”, SC says, “It was something that was popular in medieval times, so I thought, let’s make a fish pie! I looked at medieval recipes and I concocted a fish pie which I fed to my partner, and he was like ‘This is not terrible’”

For WoT the whole studio was asked to contribute family recipes which might have a place in Thedas. SC adapted these to fit in one Thedosian culture or another, including a beloved banana bread that localization producer Melanie Fleming would regularly bake to keep the DA team motivated. “Melanie’s banana bread got us through Inquisition”

DAI

It says part of DAI takes place in or near the border with Nevarra [???]

This game was aimed to be bigger than DA2 and even DAO in every conceivable way

The first hour had to do a lot of heavy lifting, tying together the events of DAO and DA2 while introducing a new PC, new followers etc in the aftermath of the big attack. DG rewrote it 7 times then Lukas Kristjanson did 2 more passes

DG: “Our problem is always that our endings are so important, but we leave them to last, when we have no time. I kept pushing on DAI: ‘Can we work on the ending now? Can we work on the ending now? Can we do it early on?’ Because I knew exactly what it was going to be. But despite the fact that it kept getting scheduled, whenever the schedule started falling behind, it kept getting pushed back... so, of course, it got left til last again.”

“The reveal of the story’s real antagonist, Solas, a follower until the end, when he betrayed the player”. “Solas’ story remains a main thread in Inquisition’s long-awaited follow-up” [these aren’t DG quotes, just bits of general text]

Over the course of development they had 8 full-time writers and 4 editors working on it. Other writers joined later to help wrangle what ended up being close to 1 million words of dialogue and unspoken text. While many teams moved to a more open concept style of work for DAI, the writers remained tucked away in their own room, a choice DG says was necessary, given how much they talked. All the talking had a purpose ofc as if someone hit a bump or wall in their writing they would open the problem up to the room

As writing on a project like DAI progresses, the writers grow punchier and weirder things make it into the game. This is especially the case towards the end of a project (they get tired, burned out)

Banter and codexes require less ‘buy-in’ (DG has talked about this concept a few times on the Twitch streams) from other designers. DG liked to leave banter for last as a reward because it was fun. Banter begins as lists of topics for 2 followers to discuss. These may progress over time or be one off exchanges. One banter script can balloon to well over 10k words. “The banter was always huge because we were always like, laughing, and really at that point, our fields of fucks were rather barren, so we would just do whatever”

The bog unicorn happened pretty much by accident. It was designed by Matt Rhodes and was one of his fav things to design. They needed horse variations and he had already designed an undead variant which was a bog mummy [bog body]. irl these are preserved in a much different way to traditional mummies. When someone dies in a bog their skin turns black and raisin-like. The examples we know of tend to have bright red hair for whatever reason. It’s a very striking look and MR wanted to do a horse version of this as he thought it’d be neat. 5 mins before the review meeting for it he had a big ‘Aha!’ moment, quickly looked up a rusty old Viking sword, and photoshopped it through its skull like that was how it died. “And I was like, ‘I just made a unicorn. Alright, in it goes!’” It got approved. “So we built the thing. It fit. It told a little story”

With the irl Inquisition longsword, one of the objects they tested its cleaving ability on was a plush version of Leliana’s nug Schmooples

The concept art team explored a wide variety of visuals for the Inquisitor’s signature mark. It needed to look powerful and raw but couldn’t look like a horrific wound. In some cases, as cool as the idea looked on paper, they just weren’t technically feasible, especially as they had to be able to fit on any number of different bodies

Bug report: “Endlessly spawning mounts! At one point during development, Inquisitors could summon a new horse every time they whistled, allowing them to amass a near infinite number of eager steeds that faithfully followed them across Thedas. “You could go charging across levels and they’d all gallop behind you,” Jen Cheverie says, “It was beautiful.” Trotting into town became an epic horse siege as a tidal wave of mounts enveloped the streets. Jen called it her Army of Ponies”

The giants came from DA Week, an internal period when devs can pursue different individual creative projects that in some way benefit DA. They also had a board game from one of these that they were going to put in but they didn’t have time. It’s referenced though. It was dwarven chess

Josie’s outfit is made of gold silk and patterned velvet, with leather at her waist. She carries “an ornate ledger” and she has “an ornamented collar sitting around her neck, finished by a brilliant red ruby, like a drop of Antivan wine in a sunbeam”

Iron Bull’s armor is leather. His loose pantaloons and leather boots give him agility to charge

On DAI in particular, concept artists took special care to make sure costumes would be realistic, at least in a practical ‘this obeys the laws of physics and textiles’ sense. “While on Inquisition, we thought about cosplay from a concept art perspective. Given how incredible a lot of [cosplays] are, I now am not worried about them. In fact in some cases in the future I want to throw them curveballs like, ‘All right, you clever bastards. Let’s see if you can do this!’”

2 geese that nested on the office building and had chicks were named Ganders and Arishonk (it wasn’t known who was the mom or the dad). Other possible names were Carver Honke, Bethany Honke, Urdnot Pecks, Quackwall, Cassandra Pentagoose, the Iron Bill, Shepbird, Garroose, Admiral Quackett, Scout Honking, HChick-47 and Darth Malgoose

Bug report: “The surprising adventures of Ser Noodles!” DAI was the first time the series had a mount feature, meaning this had a lot of bugs. A lot of the teams’ favorite bugs were to do with the mounts. There was a period of time where the Inquisitor’s horse seemed to lose all bone and muscle in its legs. They had a week or so where all quadruped legs were broken. It was a bit noticeable in things like nugs and other small beasties but the horse was insanely obvious. “The first time we summoned the horse [for this] and started running around, the entire QA exploration room just exploded with laughter.” Its legs flapped around like cooked fettucine, leading testers to lovingly nickname it Ser Noodles. At galloping speeds the legs almost looked like helicopter blades, especially when footage was set to classic pieces such as Wagner’s Flight of the Valkyries

For DAI the artists were asked questions like “What would Morrigan wear to a formal ball? Can Cassandra pull off a jaunty hat?”

On DAI storyboarding became the norm. John Epler: “Cinematic design for the longest time was the Wild West. It was ‘here’s a bunch of content, now do it however you want’, which resulted in some successes and some failures.” Storyboarding gave designers a consistent visual blueprint based on ideas from designers, writers and concept artists

Quote from a storyboard by Nick Thornborrow (the Inquisitor going into the party at the end of basegame sequence): “Until Corypheus revealed himself they could not see the single hand behind the chaos. A magister and a darkspawn combined. The ultimate evil. So evil. Eviler than puppy-killers and egg farts combined.”

A general note on concept art:

In the early stages of any project, before the concept artists are aware of any writing, they like to just draw what they think cool story moments could be. It’s not unusual for the team to then be inspired by these and fold them into the game as the project progresses

– From Bioware: Stories and Secrets from 25 Years of Game Development

[astudyinimagination]

So... I was inspired to write a Sherbeth fake-dating-for-Christmas fic and @wellmanneredthief and @lost-without-my-detective were my enablers. :D I don’t know how often I’m going to be able to post and this is going to be way more ramble-y and fluffy than I usually do but here it goes.

Also playing a bit fast and loose with SH22 canon; if you know the show, you’ll know it when you see it. ;)

And sorry for the horribly unoriginal title. If I come up with a better one, I will change it!

Holmes for the Holidays

1. White the Fading Forests Grow

“I still don’t understand why we’re doing this, Inspector.”

Beth Lestrade sighed but didn’t look away from the road, gripping the steering wheel of her rental as she turned north onto U.S.-31 from the South Bend International Airport. “Watson, what’s not to understand? My family wants me to be set up with some nice guy, so I’m giving them that. For this Christmas, anyway.”

She felt rather than saw Sherlock’s look of amusement. “And next Christmas?”

“I will cross that bridge when I come to it. Live in the moment!”

“Yes, please do.”

“Relax.” Beth signaled and moved left to pass a semi truck. “This isn’t as bad as New London.”

“Yes, but it’s on the ground. I would have thought this city was big enough to warrant air traffic.”

“Nope, that’s just the big cities and their urban sprawls, and South Bend is still too small and too far outside of Chicago. You’ve just spent too much time in New London, that’s all. Relax.”

“I will when we’re clear of the urban traffic.”

She risked a quick glance at Sherlock Holmes — he was clutching his armrests. “It’s the side of the road throwing you off, isn’t it.”

“...it might be.”

“Okay, it’s okay. We’ll be in the countryside soon, all right?”

“But, Inspector,” Watson piped from the backseat, “the most direct route is to take this freeway straight up to South Haven.”

“Yes, the most direct route, but not the prettiest. I’m taking you guys the scenic route, just as soon as I can hit a Michigan road I know. And then Sherlock can relax, too.”

“Too kind.” His tone was bone-dry.

“Relaaaax. Traffic is thinning out already and also we’re in Michigan now.”

“I’m still not sure why we didn’t use a Michigan airport,” said Watson. “There are two closer to your parents than South Bend is.”

“Mm, a little bit closer but not as direct. The flight to South Bend was the shortest and most direct, and now we have a little time to kill to enjoy the scenery.”

“I must say, the scenery is already quite pretty.”

Beth smiled. The scenery was pretty. Most of the land surrounding U.S.-31 in Southwest Michigan was either farmland or woodland, and it was all liberally coated with snow. The snow wasn’t necessarily a given for seven days before Christmas, and Beth was grateful for it.

“Okay,” she said aloud after a few minutes, “here we go.” She turned off the freeway and headed northeast. “We’re hooking up with M-139, and that’ll take us basically all the way to St. Joe, turn on to M-63, and then take that north until it meets with the Blue Star Highway and that rides us all the way up to South Haven.” She glanced at Sherlock. “You’ll get to see the lake along the way.”

He arched an eyebrow. “Saint Joe?”

She sighed. “That river we just passed? The Saint Joseph River. Look, a lot of Catholics settled in this area.”

“Irish, Germans, and Poles, from what I’ve read, followed by African and Latin Americans.”

She raised both eyebrows at him. “You researched the area?”

He shrugged. “I was curious.”

She shook her head. “Just look out your window and let me know if you spot any deer.”

“Is that a danger?” Watson sounded concerned.

“Eh, a little bit. Not as much now as in the fall, but I do remember I almost wrecked on time on a little gaggle of does on a country road.”

“Perhaps the freeway would have been safer,” Sherlock muttered.

Beth sighed. “Just wait till we get to the lake. I promise you it’ll be worth it.”

❄️❄️❄️

Less than an hour and no deer later, Holmes had to admit that Lake Michigan was worth the detour. Beth’s own hometown was also on the shoreline, but he could understand her impatience to show off her Great Lake. The water was green-grey beneath a pale grey sky, and the waves were choppy enough that for a moment, he felt disoriented, thinking that he should have been able to smell salt in the air. But there was no salt in this particular inland body of water, no tang to the air above it, just the bite of winter.

“Beth, it’s magnificent,” he murmured. “I’ve never seen anything like it.” Although it did remind him achingly of the English Channel, and his little cottage on the South Downs.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her beaming. “Isn’t it great? Technically, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron are a single body of water, and as such, they’re the biggest body of freshwater in the world, and on its own, it’s still the fifth-biggest.”

“It’s very impressive, Inspector.” Watson had a camera out, and was snapping pictures. “I imagine it’s calmer during the summer?”

“It depends. While you guys are here, though, you should definitely see a Great Lakes sunset if the sun shows. It’s beautiful.” Beth’s eyes were distant, her smile dreamy, and the wind off the lake whipping her hair around her, and Holmes realized he had never seen her looking quite like this. What are we doing, performing this little charade? It had seemed an innocent-enough idea at the time...

“Yes, well…” He cleared his throat and turned away from the view. “I imagine your parents are wondering what became of us.”

Beth waved a dismissive hand. “I told them I was gonna do a little sight-seeing with you guys. It’ll be fine.”

They both blinked the next moment as a light flashed, and Watson smiled innocently at them, his camera pointed in their direction. “Sorry.”

❄️❄️❄️

The drive northwest to the lakeside had been mostly fields, quiet and white, the very image of “a picture print by Currier and Ives.” The drive north along the lake was more wooded and less peaceful, the road often running close to the shoreline. “A hundred years ago, the lake was further back,” Beth explained, “but erosion has always been a problem and, early 21st century, it was helped along by climate change. A lot of homes were lost — their foundations crumbled right out from underneath them.”

“That’s horrifying.” Watson sounded aghast.

Beth nodded. “No matter how far we advance, we can never manage to control nature.”

“And that’s probably just as well,” Sherlock said quietly.

Soon enough, they were entering South Haven, and Beth was always hit with a wave of nostalgia as she returned to her hometown. She had eventually adjusted to living and working in New London, but at heart she was still a small town girl, and she was pretty sure she would come home when she retired.

“What a charming little town,” Watson remarked.

Beth smiled. “It is pretty, isn’t it?”

“Festive,” was Sherlock’s comment. “Not as overdone as some parts of New London I could name.”

“I actually like the huge displays.”

“Of course you do. You put up an artificial tree in my sitting room in the middle of November — of course you like the ostentatious light shows.”

“Oh, c’mon, you like the tree, you know you do.” She glanced over at him, and he was trying not to smile. “Ha.”

“Your parents aren’t in town, Inspector?” Watson asked as they drove further from the downtown area.

“Nope, they’re on the other side of the highway, in the country. Just a few more minutes.”

❄️❄️❄️

The Lestrades’ home ended up being a few miles east of the highway, sitting a respectable distance from the road: a renovated old farmhouse, pale yellow with white trim and surrounded by trees. Old… but Holmes had a notion that the house had been built decades after he’d been born. At least the place looked homely. An enormous Christmas wreath graced the front door, and smaller ones decorated the windows.

This scheme is insane.

But it was far too late to back out now. As Beth parked the car, a woman in her fifties emerged from the house, her hair dark, her skin pale olive… but those brilliant blue eyes were Beth’s.

Beth grinned and sprang out of the car, hurrying towards the woman. “Mom!”

Definitely no backing out now.

[i-call-me-clarence]

So @ao3commentoftheday suggested people make rec lists during these trying times and I decided to go ahead and jump on the band wagon. Here is a list of 13 Johnlock fics, sorted from shortest to longest. There’s H/C, PWP, Case Fics, PRETEND RELATIONSHIPS, and some pretty dank AU’s. 

Okay then, onto the tropes!

(fics listed below)

Caught by Salambo06 (AO3) ( @salambo06fics)

Author’s Summary: A hotel room. They’re here for a case, hadn’t planned to spend the night and ended up sharing a room. No, sharing a bed. Suddenly John is very much aware of his own hand closed around his hard cock and the ragged breathing next to him. Closing his eyes for the briefest second, John dares to turn his head just enough to confirm what he already knows.

Sherlock, on his side, watching him.

Rating: Explicit

Word Count: 1,859

Tags/Warnings: bed sharing, wet dreams, POV John, Masturbation, Frottage, First Time, First Kiss

A PWP that’s scorching hot. ‘Nough said. (BUTOMG it is REALLY hot, beware reading in public yo)

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Paranoia by Ewebie (AO3) ( @ewebie​)

Author’s Summary: is a description of the rules of the drinking game Paranoia and also too long to put here! But suffice it to say that this fic involves drinking games at the Yard.

Rating: Mature

Word Count: 3,789

Tags/Warnings: Tumblr Prompt, Drinking Games, Silly... no smut but building fun and allusions to upcoming rrrwarr

I love fics where the team at the Yard and the boys all get drunk together. Throw in a drinking game and I’m already hooked. This fic was really funny and cheered me up when I was sick with the flu a while back (perfect time to read it again!)

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Coldness/Heat by agirlsname (AO3) ( @agrlsname)

Author’s Summary: The inn is booked up on New Year's Eve. The train home is cancelled because of the snow. The only option is to sleep in the non-heated guest room of a client, and John and Sherlock are freezing.

You know where this is going.

Rating: Explicit

Word Count: 3,790

Tags/Warnings: Fluff and Smut, Plot What Plot/Porn Without Plot, Bedsharing, Sharing Body Heat, Frottage New Year's Eve, Cuddling & Snuggling, Friends to Lovers

THERE IS ONLY ONE BED! AND THEY ARE SO COLD! WHATEVER ARE OUR BOYS TO DO?!?!?! Turn it up to 11 in this amazing PWP, that’s what.

---- Stranded by BeautifulFiction (AO3) ( @the-pen-pot ) 

Author’s Summary: ‘Do you think we’re less than that – best friends? Or more?’

John’s head pulled back, and the look he received suggested John was seriously wondering how someone so intelligent could be so stupid. ‘Well, definitely not less.’

 When stranded on a derelict barge at high tide, John and Sherlock reconsider their friendship.

Rating: Teen

Word Count: 5,798

Tags/Warnings: case fic, cuddling for warmth, first kiss

I really liked this fic. It really drew me in with it’s imagery, I could see the scenes as easily as I could see John and Sherlock getting together in this way.

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Azure On Grey by shiplocks_of_love (AO3) ( @shiplocks-of-love )

Author’s Summary: When Sherlock’s transport betrays him and conventional healthcare fails to help, John comes up with an unorthodox solution…

Rating: Teen

Word Count: 8,986

Tags/Warnings: Hurt/Comfort, Medical issues, Kidney Stones, Embarrassing Situations, brief mention of past substance abuse, unorthodox medical treatments, Amusement Parks, Intimacy, hints of romance, Pining John, friends to almost lovers

This fic is a wonderful H/C that features a sick Sherlock who can be exceptionally fragile at times, and a caring Watson. Makes me wish I’d had a John around when I had kidney stones :’(

---- Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder by cypress_tree (AO3) ( @cypress-tree​)

Author’s Summary: John helps Sherlock with an experiment: for an entire month, they are not allowed to touch each other and must remain at least one metre apart at all times. Meanwhile, I conduct my own experiment: how much UST can I shove into a single fic?

Rating: Explicit

Word Count: 10,669

Tags/Warnings: Unresolved Sexual Tension, it's for an experiment John, Resolved Sexual Tension, smut

Sexy, silly, amazing.

---- Chaperones by MissDavis (AO3) ( @missdaviswrites​)

Author’s Summary: Right. Of course. Everyone assumed they were a couple and no one would question it. John put his elbows up on the table so he could rest his head in his hands. "You want to pretend to be a couple so we can chaperone a trip to Disney World with Rosie's class and you won't have to share a room with a stranger?"

"Exactly." Sherlock beamed at him. "Don't worry about the cost. The Birmingham case last month paid more than enough to cover expenses for all three of us."

Rating: Teen

Word Count: 34,115

Tags/Warnings: Fake/Pretend Relationship, Sharing a Room, Sharing a Bed. Disney World, Parentlock, Friends to Lovers, Fluff, First Kiss

I’ll just use what I wrote when I bookmarked this lovely fic: I’ve never been more compelled by Disney related things than when I was reading this fic. I’ll never go to Disney World, but I’ll sure as hell read this fic again omg was it good

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The Darkness Within, So Close by shiplocks_of_love (AO3) ( @shiplocks-of-love​ ) ((I hope @ing you twice doesn’t cause any issues! Sorry in advance. Tumblr confuses me))

Author’s Summary: Alec Hardy and Ellie Miller deal with a new string of murders in Broadchurch. Help comes from an unlikely place as Sherlock Holmes and John Watson travel to West Dorset. But when the new crimes open old wounds and unearth the ghost of Moriarty, it becomes clear the game is not over yet.

Rating: Teen

Word Count: 42,312

Tags/Warnings: casefic, Sherlock x Broadchurch crossover fic, Underage Death, Murder, MAJOR spoilers for Broadchurch S1 and S2 and for Sherlock S3, post S3 Sherlock, post S2 Broadchurch, you are MOST welcome to put johnlock glasses on but this is pre-slash okay?, Light Angst, Implied/Referenced Drug Use, Implied/Referenced Domestic Violence

I haven’t actually finished this fic yet, but the characterizations for the characters of both universes are spot on. When Alec Hardy started shouting at the beginning, David Tennant appeared in my room and started reading the fic aloud to me. True story. Also this fic is part of a series, so, like, that’s amazing.

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The Norwood Love Builders by flawedamythyst (AO3) ( Tumblr: https://flawedamythyst.tumblr.com/) ((couldn’t @  you for some reason. Prob, again, because Tumblr makes my brain hurt))

Author’s Summary: Sherlock and John go undercover to solve the murder of Joanna Oldacre, but things are complicated by the many feelings John has been repressing in the wake of Sherlock's faked death and return.

Rating: Teen

Word Count: 47,798

Tags/Warnings: case fic, fake/pretend relationship, couples retreat, bed sharing, therapy (for a case...that’s a weird tag but I read this in fic so often so), pining John, UST, First Kiss, getting together

Amazing fic by an amazing writer. I have a weakness for ‘pretend relationship for a case’, especially when it’s filled with pining and ust. So in other words this fic is perfect. 

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Bridging the Ravine by SilentAuror (AO3) ( @silentauroriamthereal​)

Author’s Summary: Sherlock and John go undercover at Ravine Valley, a therapy centre for same-sex male couples in an investigation into a possible human trafficking ring. As they pose as a couple and fake their way through the therapy sessions for the sake of the case, it quickly becomes difficult to avoid discussing their very real issues. Set roughly nine months after series 4.

Rating: Explicit

Word Count: 58,887

Tags/Warnings: post-series 4, Romance, Awkwardness galore, fake couple trope, Therapy, sex trafficking ring, First Times, Massages, wet t-shirt contest, Group Therapy, loss of child (past), Bed-sharing

Pretend relationship for a case, and it’s a really good case too! Plus it’s at a couples therapy retreat, I mean, come on!! And the OC’s, don’t even get me started on them, because I won’t be able to stop singing their praises. This fic was sent by the gods through the blood sweat and tears of the extremely talented SilentAuror. You should honestly just go and binge all of their stuff. What else are you gonna do during quarantine? OH! And guess what??? THERE’S A SEQUEL! 

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Sensory Science by sussexbound(SamanthaLenore) (AO3) ( @sussexbound​)

Author’s Summary: John Watson has been invalided home from Afghanistan and is struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD and insomnia, when an old friend from med school recommends something that might help: An ASMR YouTube Channel run by a friend.

One session in and John is hooked, not only by the way the ASMR seems to calm him after nightmares, and help him sleep, but also by the mysterious man who runs it.

Rating: Explicit

Word Count: 80,017

Tags/Warnings: Friends to Lovers, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, PTSD John, ASMR, first meeting AU, problem drinking, Nightmares, Suicidal Thoughts, Internalized Homophobia, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Anxiety, Depression, Homophobic Language, Masturbation, Orgasm Delay/Denial, Prostate Massage, Prostate Orgasm, Phone Sex, Mutual Masturbation, Frottage, Coming Untouched, Aborted Blowjobs, Rimming

Amazing fic that really draws you in. Even if ASMR isn’t necessarily your thing, this is still a fantastic read. I mean, it’s by sussexbound, so what else would you expect?

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Rewind by All_I_Need (AO3) ( @the-reading-lemon​)

Author’s Summary: About a month before John's wedding, he and Sherlock embark on one last case together: a murder at a remote hotel in the middle of nowhere. A lot can happen in a week. And a lot doesn't. But what if ...?

Rating: Explicit

Word Count: 87,594

Tags/Warnings: Pining, Angst, John is an oblivious idiot, all the feels, Rewind - Freeform, what if, Sharing a Bed, Dancing Lessons, literally everyone sees more than John does, Fake/Pretend Relationship

THIS FIC! This fic!! Let me tell you a thing about this fic: it’s amazing! I haven’t finished it completely, but the unique ‘rewind’ effect is something I hadn’t ever seen before. Interesting concept, pretend relationship for a case, hot, hot smut, AND THERE WAS ONLY ONE BED. What more could you want in a fic, honestly?

---- Out There by DiscordantWords (AO3) ( @discordantwords​)

Author’s Summary: FBI Special Agent John Watson, medical doctor and army veteran, is assigned to assist eccentric genius Sherlock Holmes with paranormal investigations on the X-Files project.

Rating: Teen

Word Count: 131,695

Tags/Warnings: Alternate Universe - Different First Meeting, Alternate Universe - Fusion, Alternate Universe - X-Files Fusion, Slow Burn, UST, No seriously a lot of UST, This is the X files they basically wrote the book on UST, casefic, Case Fic, Government Conspiracy, Aliens, UFOs, Mutants, Pining Sherlock, Pining John, First Kiss, Coma

The X-files/Sherlock crossover I always needed in my life. I think at least a few other Johnlockers out there (ha! Fic title) have watched X-files and thought ‘holy cow this is so John and Sherlock, I need the AU or else I’ll die’. Well look no further! No need to die! Read and watch as all your X-files/Sherlock wishes come true :D

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And that concludes this rec list! There will prob be a part 2 coming out as I’ve got hundreds of fics saved on this pairing. Also stay tuned for fic rec lists for some of my other fav ships! Spirk, Garashir, Hannigram, Bunny/Raffles, and more!!