mccnstricken

[mccnstricken]

Hey!! To everyone I owe stuff to: know I am getting to it as my writing drive slowly returns to me! I have a few drafts to get to, but in the meantime I might post some experimental starter calls !

#lunar phase ➼ ooc #i have a character i hanve't written in some time that id be interested in taking out #but i acknowledge that hes a bit of an uncomfortable character for most people #but besides Him i actually might get neuvillette back up

[mccnstricken]

It is not as if the violinist himself went without his name being uttered in infamy either. His talent did more than just precede, and his reputation was much akin to how his current life settles before him; one foot in the grave. Years ago, he would have much more gleefully taken the stage-- his eyes would have been full of wonder for the world around him, love bounding itself tightly between notes. Years ago, when his life was in a more stable place, he would have been traveling from place to place out of desire and comfort. 

But it is not years ago. Now he travels out of a necessity, a burning need to keep moving. To stay in one place is to be trapped, and to be trapped is just as good as being a bird in a cage. The false sense of security that came with the illusion of freedom had a much sweeter taste, even if the aftertaste bitterly bit like bile in the throat. Stages that welcome him are but a fleeting success, something that he takes when the chance arises but never stays around very long for them to stick. Years ago, years ago... Years ago, he did not have the company that he currently keeps. 

It whispers to him as the worse-for-wear Kreiburg approaches. 'Doesn't he look familiar?'

The feeling of familiarity etches itself dreadfully within his mind, although the violinist cannot seem to fully make out just why. The undetermined amount of time in the manor was all but a blur, most of his time was spent a drunkard or completely "asleep." 

"Ah, why... It seems a dove has come perched itself amongst the pigeons." Antonio hums as he half bows his head to greet the approaching composer. "I must thank you." The smile on his face holds itself a little too firmly, the lines of genuine and ingenuine blurring. There's an all-too-dead look in his eyes, entirely unmatched by the tone of voice he offers. "I do hope the atmosphere is not much of a shock."

Frederick's expression is cold, and it's all he can do to hide the trembling in his arms as he faces the musician standing before him.

It's not like it makes much difference, at this stage. Frederick's already tarnished reputation has been falling further and further to pieces, lately - even now, he can see the way that people look at him; their whispered words and judgemental gazes difficult to miss. He wishes he could say it doesn't bother him, but even now, after everything... he can still feel a hot shame creeping through him when he allows himself to dwell on the way people think of him.

But it doesn't matter. He's sure that now, watching him talk with Antonio, people must be curious, making up stories in their heads and imagining all kinds of wild theories as to what they think of each other. Yet... only Frederick knows the truth. And the taste of death that this man has brought him, time after time, is one he'll never forget.

"Mr. Paganini. I must say... your performance tonight was excellent, as always."

@mccnstricken ( starter for antonio! )

#wisheswagered #[ SO SORRY FOR THE DELAY ON MY PART. life has kept me busy! ] #[ im playing around with your idea by also considering The Devil. id like to think that #Antonio is unaware to the horrors but aware to them in the same way one remembers a dreadful nightmare #if this makes any sense ] #[ basically!! im working w this i think its fun! ] #[ both musicians beaten down in different ways. managing to meet once more through the thing they hate most: audience ] #ic ➼ antonio

[mccnstricken]

sorry for being dead. the holidays and two jobs have shot me dead.

#I will try to get back to things when i have the time!! #i am. unfortunately buried in work. but i have a couple of asks to get to and then replies! #lunar phase ➼ ooc

[mccnstricken]

“The illustrious traveler that's been roaming Teyvat.” 

Thoma perked up at the mention of the Traveler. He had been aware that the Traveler had met all sorts of people before even setting foot on Inazuma, and he was sure they had met many more even after they left, but it's not every day you meet someone from _somewhere else_ who has met them. "The Traveler? That's great!" Waving his hand, Thoma began to usher Venti to follow as he began to walk. "If it's people you're looking for, you might do better somewhere more populated. The route to the city is on the way to where I need to head anyway."

"But that isn't to say places like here, in Ritou, or Konda Village are worth skipping over either. I'd recommend coming to visit them when you can." As they walk, he waves his hand once or twice more to passersby people— all of whom greet Thoma back in return with their own smiles or bows. “Really, most places in Narukami are a safe bet in terms of travel.” And for outside? Well, Thoma mostly has his hands within the main Isle. Most of his work resides between the commission, with the other commissions being in Narukami alongside. While he does venture out to the other islands of Inazuma, he's most comfortable with Narukami.

And since they would be walking for a good while... “Say... I can even tell you a bit of what the Traveler has done from my experience. But in exchange, I would love to hear tales from a Monstadter bard.” A part of him still quietly hung onto homesickness. “Then we'll stay occupied on the way there. Does that sound like a fair deal to you?”

That was somewhat disappointing to the bard. While he he was enjoying the travels, a good drink would be nice especially since he hadn't had the chance to have anything local from Inazuma in...well, it had been a very long time since he last met the Raiden Shogun. Still, he wasn't going to complain about that, not when a place to stay was more important.

"Wonderful, glad to know that it won't be too much trouble on your part!" The Sakoku Decree...he had overheard some information about it from traders in the Angel's Share before. It warmed his heart to know that his friend had made such an impact on a fellow archon... even one that didn't particularly like him. "I see, I thank you for the advice. I'll be sure to look around and take in as much of the culture as I can."

"Ah, an excellent question...well, as you can probably guess, I am a bard by trade...and I'm also good friends with the illustrious traveler that's been roaming Teyvat with their mysterious guide and a sword in hand... though, rather than waiting for them to come back to Mondstadt to share their tale with me over a bottle of wine, I decided to take the initiative and hear of their exploits from the ones that they aided, and if what I heard in Liyue was any indication, they did rather big things in Inazuma as well."

He still had a song to draft about that, but with the differences in culture, he did want to run it by Yun Jin to make it more in tune with the style of music preferred there.

#ic ➼ thoma #coronated-prima-donna

[mccnstricken]

been very very busy lately

#lunar phase ➼ ooc #i actually have just been working a ton BUT i did get ayato today #very saddened to learn he has no synergy w his sister. i wanted to do an ayato+ayaka+thoma team #... idk what im going to do with him #i will cease my silliness soon though to draft stuff

[mccnstricken]

“ Look at you now! ” [ robbie to antonio ]

4-Word Sentence Prompts

A loud crack! sharply echoes the area as the violinist's body goes from being folded backward in half to suddenly upright, head rolling on the neck much like a loose peg in a doll might. It weakly lifts itself upwards just enough to speak, arms limp in front of his body. Grin as tight as ever, tendrils of hair wave about in place of his hands. 

"That's cool isn't it, kid?" Antonio's mouth doesn't move along with his words, but the voice is his. Kind of. "I'm all flexible. I can move in ways that most of you can't." The edges of his grin twitch in amusement, and he bends his arm in the opposite direction with another snap! (to further exemplify himself).

It seems like someone wanted 'his' turn just to show off to the kid...

"Doesn't hurt at me all, just makes our job playing the game easier." 'Antonio' assures, fixing his arm (which pops back into place). His hands flex silently at his legs, as if trying to grab at the air.

#ic ➼ antonio #invitation ➼ answers #skytired #[ did a dice throw; you've got the devil today ] #[ robbie enjoy your time with (not)-tonio] #[ also!! nice to meet you! ] #[ this is a bit on the shorter side-- though i plan on giving you something longer for the other ask you sent in! ]

[mccnstricken]

“What the hell am I supposed to say to that?” | naib to andrew!

general sentences, vol 2

Apprehensively, the grave keeper recoils— the bluntness of the mercenary still managing to cut his (fragile) ego with its edges. The shovel stays tightly within his grip, used as a sense of security. He's about to make one hell of a mountain out of a molehill, but it isn't as if he wasn't already doing so in the first place. It's just a fit. Andrew's far more bark than he will ever bite. (So long as he isn't provoked into feeling the need to.)

"All I want is for you to stop pitying me in games! I can save my own skin! I don't need you or anyone else acting like they know my job better than me!" If he fails, that is nobody else's fault than his own. To him, it was as simple as that. He's not worth saving, especially if he fails to save in return. Equivalent exchange, yes? "Worry about yourself or someone— or something! I-I don't know! It's not a crime for me to want to be left alone, is it?"

"What do you—" He catches his tongue in the start, taking in a rough breath and sighing out melodramatically. At first glance, someone might think that he is attempting an emotional regulation skill. At second glance, they'd learn very fast that he's not. He stamps the end of his shovel down, leaning downwards in an attempt to meet Naib's eye better. "Do you think I'm not worth responding to or something? Is— Is that it? Am I not worth any decency of respect to you?"

#ic ➼ andrew #a moment’s thought ➼ answers #oletuslured #[ coming out of the trenches with this ] #[ going off of the more general rescuer consensus of 'people who dont leave anyone behind' mentality and andrews hypocrisy ] #[ which i realize im not entirely sure if you play naib like that so if you want this redone i Can redo it ]

[mccnstricken]

“ Don't lie to me. ” - Mike to Joker

4-Word Sentence Prompts

"Lie to you?"

Play the innocent, play the unsuspecting. In every instance where his own face is used against him, Joker finds himself relying on it in moments like this to save his skin. His brows knit further upwards, eyes staring wide— in such a way that makes him disgusted with himself. A grown man using tears as a weapon? That's just pathetic. But it's exactly what he needs to be right now: pathetic.

Just moments ago, Joker had been sitting alone in the dining hall. It makes him wonder if it was a chance meeting or if he had been followed, but he has no time to think further about it. What he needs to focus on is the current situation at hand: a confrontation that he had never truly been prepared to have. An encounter that had been waiting to happen, brewing silently with every second the two men co-exist within the walls of the manor. 

He blinks, to fake the look of trying to bat away any tears. "I know we never got along in the past, Mike, but... what makes you think I would lie to you?" He stays seated in his chair, looking up at the acrobat. It helps his illusion, it makes him small. 

Mike always liked family. Let's play with that angle. "For all the years we've known each other... you'd approach me like this after all this time? If you have something to say to me, you could at least have it in you to tell it to me straight..."

#ic ➼ joker #curtain call ➼ answers #quarter moon ➼ ask box #celestiialnotes #[ hi shiba!!! ] #[ i was going to send something in but i got. shy. i actually have a post to show you regarding these two though that i made the other day #[ if you need this rewritten lmk! im going w a total restart angle in case that wasn't clear ]

[mccnstricken]

4-Word Sentence Prompts

An assortment of prompts and/or starters using only four words. Adjust as necessary to fit pronoun and/or descriptor. Reblog, please do not repost or add.

“ I don't need you. ”

“ Celebrate while you can. ”

“ It was too much. ”

“ I'm so, so sorry. ”

“ Let me love you. ”

“ Where have you been? ”

“ Why am I here? ”

“ I would love to. ”

“ I tried but failed. ”

“ You'll never forgive me. ”

“ I want to confess. ”

“ I will protect you. ”

“ You don't deserve me. ”

“ I don't deserve you. ”

“ You are safe here. ”

“ You choose your fate. ”

“ I have lost control. ”

“ I don't recognize myself. ”

“ You are to blame. ”

“ You lack the skills. ”

“ Be still, don't move. ”

“ Yet again you lie. ”

“ You are so beautiful. ”

“ Take it off. Now. ”

“ Look at you now. ”

“ Shoot before it escapes! ”

“ You can't do this! ”

“ Please don't leave me. ”

“ Please leave me along. ”

“ Worship me or die. ”

“ Bow before me, peasant. ”

“ Did you make this? ”

“ I can't believe this! ”

“ You are my villain. ”

“ You are my hero. ”

“ I don't take sides. ”

“ Run, don't look back. ”

“ My life is perfect. ”

“ Don't lie to me. ”

“ When is it over? ”

“ What is this madness? ”

“ Cut loose, have fun! ”

“ I hate you all. ”

“ I love you, dear. ”

“ You drive me crazy. ”

#new moon ➼ ask prompts

[mccnstricken]

Joker from this expression meme! this prompt came from twitter.

i know he's a grown man and also a murderer but. he's my baby little baby boy and i wanna comfort him :c

#new face ➼ joker #full moon ➼ visage

[mccnstricken]

my muses and their things in canon that make me do a little giggle. ... and then there's joker (grimaces)

very amused with the fact that as of current idv lore standards, andrew had to shove a insanely drugged+drunk and possessed (and still alive) antonio into a coffin. which then means there is a 99.9% chance that he was crying and screaming the entire time he did it

#lunar phase ➼ ooc #i mean joker referencing the Lizzie Borden nursery rhyme was fun #joker in general. is a bit funny to me #im not Entirely sure if he self-eliminated himself Before or After Mike's performance. either way... #i hope he and mike had a weird half-heart to heart since joker did leave somewhat of an impression on him given #how mike was moved enough by him to go 'actually the circus did suck' #... should i have an idv lore tag? #idk. #anyways #new face ➼ joker

[mccnstricken]

very amused with the fact that as of current idv lore standards, andrew had to shove a insanely drugged+drunk and possessed (and still alive) antonio into a coffin. which then means there is a 99.9% chance that he was crying and screaming the entire time he did it

#lunar phase ➼ ooc #evening bell ➼ andrew #seductive tune ➼ antonio #tw drugs #tw alchoholism #i think thats how ill do my tw from now on #go performer game 3! give us everything!

[mccnstricken]

Thoma cannot help but crack a larger smile in amusement, taking the immediate clock of the purpose of his visit lightly. "That obvious, huh?" Because it truly must have been. If it were miraculously not for his general appearance, it must have been the prior crowd of curious folks gathering around-- he can't blame someone for getting to the root of the "problem" (or lack of) within seconds. All in all, he retains the image of a good sport.

"Well then, Miss Navia," He extends his hand for a more proper way to introduce himself, bowing his head into his nod, "It's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance. I'll be sure to keep both your name and your advice tucked away in the peripheral view of my memory." Not so completely out of sight that he may forget nor so dead center that he is forced to think only of it, but set aside just enough so that it lingers and recalls swiftly. Pocketed, to simply say.

"The young lady I work for would be far more aware of those laws than me. I'll have to ask her to fill me in more in depth when I return to the hotel..." His thoughts drift aloud, "I'm sure she has told me them in passing... She's been pretty excited about this trip."

Quickly, as he draws his hand away once hands shake, he then waves his hand-- to brush away the thought, so as to not get sidetracked within them. "But never mind that, Lady Ayaka isn't here currently." And neither the eldest. "It's just me, myself, and I in front of you."

"If you don't mind me inquiring, you mentioned this uh..." Thoma peers over curiously, pausing in an attempt to think to annunciate words foreign to his tongue properly. He speaks slowly, tilting his head. "Spinda di Rosula? Just what is that?" A company of sorts, he can only presume. Is it hers? Contextual clues signal to him that surely it must, but the want for clarification settles regardless. "Just how will they be assisting?" It's an honest inquiry at the end of the day-- attentive gaze waiting patiently.

(continued.) ━━ ˟ ⊰ ♡ | @mccnstricken

"Oh? You're sparing some hospitality my way despite the imposition on your travel venture's itinerary?" The Soaring Yellow Rose grins upon the pleasant revelation of her opposite's more personable reception of her otherwise more forward manner of greeting, balled fists settling on the dips of her hips. "I take it you're here on vacation?"

Assumption gathers at one glance at the man's more Inazuman-styled attire. Fashion preference or something that catered more to the stranger's cultural ties, it mattered not. He docked onto Fontaine's land and brought attention to himself like a fish out of water. Naturally, there was a strong inclination to befriend this ripple in the waters of what was otherwise a typical day in the land of Hydro. After all, what fun was there to be had in stagnant tides?

"Well. Who am I to deny such a friendly invitation? I'd be more than happy to accompany you as you settle down." Her head dips in acceptance toward his offer, making strides to seat herself across from him. A hum passes curved lips, precautionary warning being the first thing that occupies her thoughts in the presence of a foreigner to start their conversation properly. This, too, was Navia's innate sense of duty kicking in.

"Let me start off by saying to mind the more obscure laws that Fontaine harbors, lest you wish to get caught up in a sticky situation." Her mind drifts off to the instance spread of the Traveler's own misfortune the very moment they set foot onto Fontaine borders. While she was not there personally to witness it, word in this city of dramatics spread quickly ━ even the most minuscule ordeal all but required to be woven into some sort of spectacle for everyone to judge as they deem fit.

"Pardon my manners! You gave me your name and I'm sitting here lecturing you. My name is Navia. Know that the importance of such a name is nothing to mind at this time, however, a time may come to pass when it'll be of value to you. If such an occasion arises, I ask that you spare no hesitation in weaponizing our relations if only in the act of greater good! Ah- rest assured, if such a situation rears its ugly little head, Spina di Rosula will be there to assist you!"

#ic ➼ thoma #prodigiousvisions #[ im glad you like him so far! ] #[ he is definitely out of my usual type cast so its a bit awkward writing a like. .... genuinely nice guy ] #[ but i really like him so far from what little ive gotten around to do with him! ] #[ plus honestly. since this a rp blog and youre not penning one of them #i get to have a bit of creative liberties w the kamisato siblings instead of like. relying on a person in a server just to place a characte #somewhere. its nice this way ] #[ though i do love my aloof / asshole / general pieces of shit muses i gravitate to ... i will not lie ] #[ but!! right back at you btw!! this reply alone already has be incredibly excited to see your navia more! :D ] #[i was going to put this one on the side to get to my drafts first but i was so cheesed with navia i couldnt help but reply right as i saw]

[mccnstricken]

before i end up insanely busy tomorrow, i'd like to say that if anyone at any time wants to plot anything out w specific muses you're free to DM me! i'm more free next week in comparison to usual, so i'll spend time making a more consistent document layout for all of my muses (and shorten down some of them) that will be easier for ppl to read up on!

#lunar phase ➼ ooc #joker and antonio in specific are culprits of being Way Too Long #but i cannot help it i love writing mini novels for backstory #anything i owe will either be gotten to Tonight or sometime... in the upcoming week #i work 11 hours tomorrow so. wish me luck

[mccnstricken]

Luckily for the bard, the retainer just happened to be finished with an errand and had been currently getting ready to return to the Estate. Turning his full attention to the new arrival, Thoma greeted him with an inviting smile and raised a hand.

"Ah! Well, first things first, welcome to Ritou! As for a tavern..."

Thoma had never been much of a drinker, despite his Monstadter roots. In both not being one to actively seek out drinking and additionally not being one to hold his liquor well. (A poor, poor lightweight.) The most one could find him drinking would be in social events, where sake is requested at the table-- where it would be impolite to not partake in at least one glass. If an imported wine came his way, then a drink here and there out of nostalgic desire (and every time, without fail, he is reminded that dandelion wine is not worth the immediate intoxication that follows).

But he could do something about the needing a place to stay part.

"Well, I can get you a place to stay no problem. There used to be a designated area for anyone who came to import goods to stay the night at, but with the fall of the Sakoku Decree there are a few larger ones cropping up within the city." He answered after a moment to think. "If you are coming to take a look around Inazuma, then you might want to favor the city for convenience. Ritou has a focus on imported goods from other regions, while the main city has a lot more Inazuman traditions for you to experience."

"Might I know what you're looking to do during your stay here exactly? Might make the decision a lot easier and more catered to your preferences!"

@mccnstricken liked for a starter!

The thought of leaving Mondstandt hadn't really occurred to the bard before, though, the more he thought about the traveler and their exploits, the more curious he was about the stories that were being told about his friend. After making his way through Liyue and getting on a boat to Ritou, he arrived at the port and sighed softly as he took in the air. Inazuma was a nation that was...very different from his own home...that said, he was curious about the drinks that he could get here, and as he looked around for someone able to talk to, he eventually did run into someone.

"Ah, pardon me. I was hoping that you could perhaps lead me in the direction of an inn or a tavern, maybe? I'm in bit of a need of a place to stay while traveling through Inazuma."

#ic ➼ thoma #coronated-prima-donna #[ youre alright no worries! ] #[ you and me both! thoma is still pretty new to me haha ] #[ sidenote: i usually write in present tense so if i jumble up tenses i apologize! trying to match with your past tense #but habits are sure hard to break ]

[mccnstricken]

thoma & taroumaru ♡

#protector from afar ➼ thoma #full moon ➼ visage

[mccnstricken]

alright! we should be good to go now on desktop

in the midst of updating my theme, so excuse any broken links/empty links !

#lunar phase ➼ ooc #[ sorry for all the ooc posts. i dont like to get heavy handed w those but (shrug) itll happen ]