#She believed he was a holy healer | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

icaruspendragon · 3 months

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remember in 1x12 (faith) when dean has the conversation with the faith healer and he says, "why? why me? out of all the sick people, why save me?" and the healer answers, "well, like i said before, the lord guides me. i looked into your heart and you just... stood out from all the rest." and dean asks, "what did you see in my heart?" and the faith healer answers, "a young man with an important purpose- a job to do. and it isn't finished."

and then remember when in 2x13 (houses of the holy) when sam asks dean, "why can't you even consider the possibility?" and dean says "what, that this is an angel?" and sam says "yes. maybe we're hunting an angel here, and we should stop. maybe this is god's will." and then dean says "okay. all right. you know what? i get it. you've got faith. that's -- hey, that's good for you. i'm sure it makes things easier. i'll tell you who else had faith like that -- mom. she used to tell me when she tucked me in that angels were watching over us. in fact, that was the last thing she ever said to me." and sam says, "you never told me that." and dean responds, "what's to tell? she was wrong. there was nothing protecting her. there's no higher power. there's no god. there's just chaos and violence. and random, unpredictable evil that comes out of nowhere and rips you to shreds. so you want me to believe in this stuff? i'm gonna need to see some hard proof. you got any?"

and then remember in 4x01 (lazarus rising) when dean meets castiel and asks "who are you?" and castiel says, "i'm the one who gripped you tight and raised you from perdition." and then again dean asks, "who are you?" and castiel responds, "castiel." and dean says, "yeah i figured that much, i mean what are you?" and cas says, "i'm an angel of the lord." and dean says, "get the hell out of here. there's no such thing." and cas shows him the fearsome wrath of heaven and later dean says, "look pal i'm not buying what you're selling, so who are you really?" and cas says, "i told you." and dean says, "right. and why would an angel, rescue me from hell?" and cas tells him, "good things do happen, dean." and dean says, "not in my experience." and cas asks him, "what's the matter?" and then tells him, "you don't think you deserve to be saved." and dean asks, "why'd you do it?" and cas tells him "because god commanded it. because we have work for you."

and then remember when in 4x16 (on the head of a pin) when cas is talking to dean in the hospital and dean asks, "is it true? did i start all of this?" and cas has to say, "yes. when we discovered lilith's plan for you... we laid siege to hell, and we fought our way to get to you before you --" and dean cuts in to say "jump-started the apocalypse." and cas' gaze turns skyward as he says, "but we were too late." and dean asks, "why didn't you just leave me there, then?" and cas, with eyes still upward says, "it's not... blame that falls on you, dean. it's fate." and cas turns his gaze downward once more as he says, "and the righteous man who begins it is the only one who can finish it." and then he turns to dean, looking at him for the first time, and says, "you have to stop it." and dean asks, "lucifer? the apocalypse? what does that mean?" and cas looks away from him and says nothing so dean says, "hey. don't you go disappearing on me, you son of a bitch. what does that mean?" and cas is staring resolutely forward as he says, "i don't know." and dean exclaims "bull!" and cas once more says, "i don't." before looking at dean again and saying, "dean, they don't tell me much. i know... how our fate rests with you." and then dean, with tears in his eyes says, "well, then you guys are screwed." and then he says, "i can't do it, cas. it's too big." and then he says, "alastair was right. i'm not all here. i'm not -- i'm not strong enough." and then cas looks back and dean and dean looks away from cas for the first time since the conversation started and says, "well, i guess i'm not the man either of our dads wanted me to be." and cas looks away and dean says "find someone else. it's not me." and the tears dean has been trying so hard to hold back finally fall.

anyway. i just thought all of that was kinda interesting.

#spn #supernatural #dean winchester #castiel #destiel

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sparrowrye · 1 month

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Demi Demon || Alastor x Reader, A2 part 17

Synopsis: It’s been over a year since we were brought under Alastor’s watchful eye. We’ve unlocked our Demonic powers, discovered our own talents, and began building the Safe Haven with Charlie and co. Alastor seems increasingly interested in the power we hold as one and intends to use it properly.

Previous part

Part 17: now what?

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"Holy Hell toots, you kissed the big scary Radio Demon?" Angel came bursting through the healer's front door.

I casted wind to slam it shut behind him and made myself bigger with my wings extended. "How the hell do you know?"

"I overheard Alastor and Husker arguing," he answered, slightly taken aback at my display.

I turned away from the white and pink Demon and ran my claws along my head, the tips clicking against my horns. Vivian was at my side with a hand on my back. She, Vilcin, and Althea had just managed to coax the same revelation out of me before Angel came in.

"Is this a bad thing?" he asked.

"Yes it's a bad thing!" I spun to face him again. "I got manipulated! I fell for it. I fell for his stupid trick. And I knew what he was doing and fell for it anyways."

"How do you know it was a trick?" He held his hands up in mock surrender. "I mean, maybe he was actually serious."

"Because I saw his memory." I sat in one of the soft chairs and dropped my head in my hands. "I saw him talking to Rosie about how our connection was getting stronger. And how if it was strong enough then I could control my magic and he could feed off it."

"Oh."

There was a moment of silence. I then stood up and paced in a circle at wicked speed. "I'm so angry! At him and at myself." I let out a struggled noise and pulled at my hair. "I thought I was getting better!"

"Was that the only memory you saw?" Althea asked. My trio of friends stood near each other still, unsure of how to help me. "Perhaps that was a memory that happened awhile back. Maybe he has had a change of heart since then."

"He's the fucking Radio Demon. He's not capable of loving anyone." I knew I spoke lies as soon as it had come out. I went silent and fell into the chair again. He loved his mother and sister dearly. Maybe after so many years of living without them, he had forgotten how to love someone.

"Hey." Althea knelt beside me, a gentle hand on my leg. Her green hair was a stark contrast with the dark flooring; it naturally drew my eyes to her. "Maybe anyone can learn. Even him."

"You learned how to love Reagan," Vivian chipped in. Her lamb ears swayed as she moved to kneel on the other side of me. "You were a brutal ring fighter. But now you love and dote on all the children."

"Maybe you should look further in his memories," Althea suggested, "see if there's any other conversations. Feel what he's feeling. It's the least he can let you do."

"I don't know."

There was a long moment of silence.

"So what'd it feel like?" Angel asked.

****

"This woman doesn't know how to stay off my nerves." Alastor rubbed his aching forehead. After my disappearance into the haven, he paid Rosie another visit.

"Love isn't trifling," she answered. "I must say though, I'm not sure why she's different than your other female acquaintances. You've never not hit it off with a lady before."

"She's not your typical woman, I suppose." He leaned his chin on the back of his hand and stared off at the window. "Her attitude has always been a problem. Perhaps it comes from her experience."

"She was a caged animal for most of her life," Rosie agreed, taking a sip of the hot tea she made. Alastor had yet to touch his.

"I have done what I can to show I enjoy her company. Why does she not believe me?"

"You two didn't have the greatest of relationships at first," she pointed out, "Not to mention everything she had to deal with when it came to mind magic and her curse."

"Yet our relationship has changed significantly in the past year. It's...annoying," he lifted a single claw from the armchair, "that she rejected my advance when she herself wasn't showing signs of distaste." He paused, eyes flickering up to Rosie's briefly before looking back at the window. "Perhaps my performance was lacking."

Rosie let out a laugh, causing him to pin his ears back in a growl. "Oh goodness, Alastor, I don't think that's the case. If it makes you feel any better, it doesn't seem like she has much experience in that field either."

It did make him feel slightly better. "I'm unsure how to move forward from here."

"She likes honesty." Rosie calmed her laughing and, putting her cup down, walked over to Alastor's chair. "Perhaps it's time you let her into that green mind of yours," she gently poked the side of his head and he leaned away. "Let her see how you truly feel."

He sank further into the chair. "This is stupid."

"This is love, darling."

"Surely this isn't how things typically go."

"You two aren't very typical, nor is your situation."

He tapped his claws. "Blast this woman," he mumbled.

****

By the time my cravings came back, I wasn't ready to deal with Alastor just yet. I had spent two days in Althea's healer hut just to avoid him. On the second day the cravings hit hard and I was curled in a ball for most of the day. Our deal had ensured that I wouldn't be able to live without his blood, without him. I had been tricked again.

Veins squeezing painfully tight, I trudged up the hill to the house. I felt his presence long before I touched the door and slammed it shut.

"Alastor!" I yelled for him. He manifested in the living room a moment later.

"You called." He wore his usual wicked smile.

"I'm still angry at you but the cravings came back," I stated, immediately getting down to business. I had a hand on my chest, nails digging painfully into my skin.

"I understand, darling." He leaned his cane against the fireplace and rolled up his jacket sleeve and the one underneath it. How many layers did he need? "Do accept my apology on the matter."

"Not yet." I buried the fear that was threatening to choke me as I crossed the room.

"I understand." He nodded, offering his exposed arm. He was being uncharacteristically cooperative, but maybe he was trying to make amends. My mouth began to water at the prospect of his sweet blood.

I slowly grabbed his wrist and summoned all the anger I could to bite down harshly. He let out a grunt as my teeth pierced his skin. His black blood soothed the itching in my throat and my veins slowly stopped seizing. My anger died as my body relaxed.

He grabbed my opposite shoulder and pulled so my back was against his chest. My teeth were still in his skin as he pressed that arm harder into my mouth, effectively pinning my head against him. His other arm was around my torso so my claws couldn't reach up to do any damage. I tried yelling but my jaw remained locked in place.

"Now that you're silent, it is my turn to speak." His voice was light but firm. "I understand you are angry with me because you believe I am manipulating you. To a degree, you were correct." I bit down harder and it caused him to wince. "But I understand now that I was merely fooling myself. I greatly enjoyed dancing with you that night. I find myself wanting to be around you all the time. And it infuriates me that Lucifer has permission to look through your mind while I am not allowed to do more than touch you. Even that one is debatable."

Without warning, his presence wrapped around mine and pulled me in his mind. Memories popped up in front of me. Memories of him watching me, close or from afar. I could see myself watching the children on the shore, tending to a crying child, talking with my friends, and reading by the fire after our afternoon sessions.

He also showed his actions that I never saw. Actions like soothing a nightmare after the soul shadow incident or attempting to touch my shoulder or back, but retracting it a second later. I saw the night we danced and felt a strange mix of nervousness and comfort. He looked briefly at my lips right before we kissed.

I blinked back to the dim living room. I had long stopped drinking his blood and now spit and blood were dripping off my chin.

"I am quite infatuated by you. I have grown accustomed to your presence, and dare I say I am not sure how to live comfortably without it. You send a thrill up my spine." He used magic to send warmth up my back as a visual. "I ask that you believe me when I say I want to be closer with you."

The confession left me dumbfounded. Everything was still and the only sound came from my breath on his skin. I could feel his chest rise and fall on the backside of my head. Did he always breathe that fast?

Eventually, I tugged my arm out and he finally released me. I took my teeth out of his skin and turned to face him. He grimaced at the sight of his spit covered arm and used magic to clean it up. I did the same with my chin.

"I don't know how to feel," I admitted, his ears quirked back. "I just...I don't..." I rubbed my arm and watched one of my foot claws scratch the carpet. Poor Niffty was always fixing the holes I was putting in it.

He bowed low like the night we danced. "Then I will allow you the time and space to think." His shadow melted with him and he slipped back up to his room. The room felt colder.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author's Note:

Nooooo, but I want him to be closer not further away

#demi demon #alastor the radio demon #alastor x reader #hazbin alastor #soulmate au #soulmates #hazbin hotel #reqs open

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sun-stricken · 5 months

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Don’t have to answer if it’s not your style, but headcannons for overprotective dragon slayers to new demon slayer gray?

Random person: you’re all dragon slayers?

Slayers: yeah, why?

Random person points to gray: why’s he here?

Slayers: he’s adopted

anon you have no idea how much i love you for asking this, ive been waiting for an excuse to do this, i am a SLUT for anyone and anything being overprotective of Gray

i don’t believe in canon or timelines so use ur imagination

i like to think of Gray as person practically everybody ends up really liking, and a total cat magnet.

And dragon slayers r just big cats. So Gray already had close friendships with them

so when they realized ‘holy shit hes like us now’ their protective instincts went in overdrive

Natsu, Wendy, & Sting didnt even try to hide it; constantly trying to make sure hes comfortable and felt safe and didnt sit alone confused and scared by all these new things he has to deal with

Natsu definitely drags him onto impromptu jobs and fishing trips with Happy, in an effort to get away from people, or just so they can spend time together, the reason is unclear

i think dragon slayers as a whole are like violently touch starved, and thats what Sting focused on mostly.

he would drape himself over Gray when he felt like the other needed or wanted it but wouldnt ask

it helped Gray get more comfortable for sure

Wendy, as a healer and friend, tried to give him every piece of advice she knew, offering remedy after remedy to help ease him into his now heightened senses

Gray tried to explain to them once that his abilities are fairly different from theirs, yes he has heightened senses, but his instincts and needs were a hell of a lot different than theirs; that only spurred them on more, making them try to research everywhere they could about demon slayers

Rogue & Gajeel were more subtle with it (not by much tho), they understood when needed it quiet, when he just wanted company without the talk

If Gray was having a hard time, whether or not it was bc of his slayer magic, Rogue would offer up Frosch and sit with him, offering silence or white noise. whatever he needed

Gajeel probably thought he was subtle but he absolutely was not, like asking Gray if he wants to run errands with him when places theyre at get too sensorially intense

he tried to ask Levy about everything she knew abt demon slayers without being too obvious, when she kept sending him knowing glances he just asked (very resigned) for some books on the matter.

there was surprisingly little

But he made do and probably studied every piece of literature there was on the matter

The others probably found out and teased him even tho they did the same thing (they also probs asked him to drop a list of books for them)

Now, Laxus really was subtle

telling Gray to go home when he was visibly pushing himself

talking about his new sound canceling headphones and then conveniently leaving them near Gray

or little compliments abt how his new magic is coming along, quiet support type shit

also staring someone down to get them to shut up if they’re being too much

i feel like they turned from ‘one of our own’ protective to overprotective when they realized ppl werent as accepting of demon slayers as they were with dragon slayers

Most ppl exposure to slayer magic is limited to dragon slayers, who refer to themselves as dragons. so when a demon slayer pops up, the correlation isn’t pretty, and their actions are even worse

While Gray understands people must just scared or confused, so he doesnt blame them; he has a hoard of extremely protective dragons who think differently

Wendy had to be physically restrained by multiple people after she heard people calling Gray a monster

Natsu genuinely considered burning alive someone who refused to pay Gray after he finished up a job

Gray definitely now had scary dog privileges, the dog being every single dragon slayer he knows

Laxus zapping people who so much as look at Gray wrong, or frying whatever electronic (ik its lacrimas but work with me) device they have.

or both

Them all hyping up (in their own ways) Grays physical demon features when they start showing up

Post joint guild party at Sabertooth: some guy talking shit abt how Fairy Tail could allow a demon into their ranks, how he is gonna hurt someone. They are now guildless and only eating through a straw and a face not even a mother could love

Someone at an event giving Gray a backhanded compliment and immediately getting death stares mixed with a violent increase of magic in the air that would make the gods shudder

Remember when i said Grays a cat magnet? its not just the dragon slayers who adore him, its their exceeds too

if u asked them to list their favorite people, Gray is in the top 5 for all of them

im stealing another hc from someone and saying Gray fosters cats, and Happy may or may not of gotten jealous once or twice over the pets and scratches that were supposed to be his

If Rogue loses Frosch and Gray happens to be in town 70% they’re probs together

The incorrect quote u put is so canon in this universe btw

Gray “Honorary Dragon Slayer” Fullbuster

i have so many more but neither of us are prepared yet

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olgmskaya · 6 months

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this might be an unpopular opinion but i actually like the relationship between clara and block a lot. obviously it’s a bit rushed because the second half of changeling route is Like That, but they are very endearing to me HEAR ME OUT OKAY

for clara, physical touch has always been something with SO much weight. whoever she lays her hands on has the possibility of dying, her very first quest is accidentally killing a kid by touching him. from that moment on she’s going around with these blood-stained hands, and she knows that touching anyone could have severe consequences. some people want to touch her because they think she’s a holy healer (like the crowd in the cathedral). others wouldn’t touch her with a ten foot pole. but she could never embrace or be embraced by anyone, not even her so-called foster parents. at the end of the day, she has to lay her hands on seven people in an almost mechanical way to transform their blood…

that’s why i think the final shot of her and block isn’t meant to be creepy. obviously it’s a little jarring because we haven’t had much development from them, but for once in clara’s life, someone is touching her, and it’s not to get something from her. for once, someone is physically embracing and protecting her. she has someone who really believes in her and wants to keep her safe (even if he does idolize her WAY too much in so short of a time). i don’t know, maybe i’m reaching, but i just think that clara deserves someone who will actually listen to and respect her… block is flawed but so is every other character and i think he could be so SO much worse

#am i optimistic or delusional #Dunno.#pathologic #mine #clara #block

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nirikeehan · 3 months

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Happy DADWC! Let's have some Thalia/Cullen, with "Reunion x Defying prophecies" from your Fun Trope Combos list!

Hi Duchess!! Perfect prompt for some post-Battle of Haven early Thalia/Cullen character study, I think.

Also had to add these prompts from @breninarthur and @wolfs-dawn:

For @dadrunkwriting

WC: 1289

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Now that Lady Thalia Trevelyan had returned from the dead, Cullen did not know how to speak to her.

It had been easy at first. The scrappy red-haired mage had looked to him for guidance those months in Haven. Uncertain of the moniker bestowed upon her by the masses, she had peppered him with questions — about leadership, philosophy, religion, and listened with earnest fervor to what he had to say about them. She was young, certainly, but Cullen had every confidence she could grow into the role presented to her. Had been flattered, even, to mold her for command.

Then everything came crashing down, and Cullen, acting as her commander, sent Thalia off to die.

He replayed the moves of the battle through his head as the stragglers that called themselves the Inquisition trudged through snow and mountain. The days were brutal and the nights were worse, with ice winds howling down into the narrow rocky passes, and Cullen thought he might freeze a thousand times over. Only the rage boiling in his gut keep his blood pumping, as he ran the plays again and again. In chess, there were times when one must sacrifice a piece, even an important one, but the risks so often outweighed the reward. Try as he might, he didn’t see an outcome that saved her from destruction. He would have to live with that for the rest of his days.

Maker guide her, she went willingly.

The burden of the march had eased. The train moved with lighter steps, their Herald restored to them. They had a destination, a goal to picture in their minds. Still, Cullen found it difficult to approach her. It was he who had found her, on her knees in the snow. When her lips were blue, he cradled her fragile body to his chest, trying to bring some warmth back into her. He flushed with the memory, in turns frightened, relieved, and… something else.

Tonight, the cook fires burned brighter, it seemed, after the skies had cleared. He saw her, sitting on the cot in the healer’s tent, where her condition was being monitored, nose in a book. Her hair, auburn and incredibly long, she had coiled around her head in one long plait. She seemed stronger, the color starting to come back to her oval face. For days she had been white as the snow around them, offset only by the spiked tattoo ringing one eye. An extra security measure, Cullen had learned, devised by templars at the Ostwick Circle. It made him vaguely uneasy to behold, but he often found other parts of her face more pleasing — her bright blue eyes, for instance, or her heart-shaped lips.

She looked up and spied him, and Cullen’s heart thudded. She smiled at him shyly over the rim of the book, and his feet moved toward her of their own accord.

“Forgive the intrusion,” he said as he approached.

Thalia glanced around the empty tent and back to him. “Oh, Commander, as you can see, there’s nothing to intrude upon. I’m alone.”

“Yes, but you seemed so engrossed.” Cullen motioned to the book.

Thalia cleared her throat and set it aside. “Just something Mother Giselle lent me. I guess she was conscientious enough to salvage several books from the Chantry before the evacuation of Haven. I wish I’d had that level of foresight.”

Cullen glanced at the title. The Holy Mysteries of Andraste and Her Disciples. “Ah. I read that one in templar training.”

“You did?” Thalia’s pale gaze was upon him. Her cheeks were rosy from the cold wind. “What did you think of it?”

Cullen chuckled. “A touch… fanciful, perhaps.”

“What? You don’t believe the story of Saint Sylvester slaying the dragon on New Year’s Eve?” The corner of Thalia’s mouth quirked upward. It was nice to see her smile again.

“Some of the tales are apocryphal at best, if I recall,” Cullen said. Then, he blurted, “You look good.”

Thalia blinked in surprise.

“Better, I mean,” Cullen cried, backpedaling. “Healthier. When I saw you in the snow, I feared for the worst.”

Thalia ducked her head shyly. “Thank you. I didn’t mean to scare you then; I was just… very tired.”

“No need to apologize,” Cullen said quickly, leaning on the hilt of his sword to regain some dignity. “I’m just relieved to see you on the road to recovery.”

“After rising from the grave, you mean,” Thalia quipped.

Cullen felt sheepish. “I don’t really believe—”

“No, I know,” Thalia cut in, laughing nervously. “I already gave my report. It’s very unlikely I was truly dead at any point.” She sighed, glancing at the book. “I am not so sure that’s what the masses think. That’s why Mother Giselle lent me the book. She thought stories of other religious figures might… inspire me, I suppose.”

“And do they?” Cullen asked softly. He could sense the conflict in her, but didn’t want to push her in one direction or another. Being looked to for leadership was an immense, painful thing, whatever the reason.

Thalia shrugged. “I don’t know. You’re right, they sound like fictional characters, most of them. Do you think there’s truly been a secret Chantry in Par Vollen for centuries that no one has been able to find, run by an knight-errant Chantry mother?”

“I suppose stranger things have happened,” Cullen conceded, “but no, I found the accounts of Prester Johanna far-fetched, as well.”

“As far-fetched as being the Herald of Andraste,” Thalia huffed. “Is this how I’m going to be remembered in the history books? Some mythical figure no one can believe in?”

“I think that may depend on you,” Cullen said carefully. “We have ways of crafting the narrative around you, but your own deeds and decrees, how you treat others… that’s as telling as the rest.” He smiled in spite of himself. “I think so far, most have wanted to follow you because you give them something to believe in. Your compassion and drive inspire them. Tales of defying death, or slaying dragons, that may come later, but… it’s who you are that makes the most impact.”

Thalia was looking at him curiously as he spoke. Cullen cut himself off with an embarrassed sigh. “Forgive me, sometimes I do think I like to pontificate a touch too—”

“No, no, it’s all right. I like listening to you.” Thalia chewed her bottom lip and looked down. “Thank you, Commander. That’s good food for thought.”

“Right.” Why was Cullen’s heart thumping like that? She didn’t seem to think him a fool, though he certainly felt like one. “I’ll leave you to your convalescence.”

“You could stay, if you like,” Thalia suggested brightly. “I could read to you. Saint Sylvester was just about to team up with two elven apostates to fight the dragon terrorizing Vyrantium.”

Cullen hesitated. He had maps to pour over, losses to calculate, casualties to report to Knight-Captain Rylen. As of late, however, when it became difficult to concentrate, he dug through the trunk of his that had survived the Haven onslaught. He sat on the floor of his tent and, with trembling hands, contemplated the one vial of glowing cerulean that sang to him under tunics and greaves and letters from home. He’d been so parched lately, and no amount of mountain fresh ice water could quench it.

“You’re busy,” Thalia decided, before he could answer. “I understand.”

Cullen swallowed thickly. “Sometime soon, perhaps. Once we’ve reached this castle Solas has promised us.”

“Of course.” The book was back in her lap, her eyes straying from his. “Have a good night, Commander.”

“Yes.” He stifled a sigh, turning to leave. He felt more stupid than ever. “You as well, Lady Thalia.”

#thalia trevelyan #cullen rutherford #cullen x trevelyan #dragon age drunk writing circle #they're so awkward lol #and nerdy #fics #def need the side quest where they go to par vollen to look for prester johanna tho lmao

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ecargmura · 5 months

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Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Episode 13 Review - Wallowing In Past Regrets

I’m amazed Frieren and her current party made it this far without the need of a permanent healer. Had this story been an RPG, I would definitely NOT have gone past the demons if they were bosses. However, there are instances where a healer is needed, which is where Sein comes in. I really liked his introduction with how he just randomly just starts talking about his past to Frieren who was just staring.

I really like the message this episode conveys. Sein has regrets about not following his best friend on his adventures, and believes that he cannot go on adventures now due to his age and jadedness. Fortunately, Frieren was there to tell him that dreams can happen at any age. She herself was much older than her party members when they first recruited her and time had made her forget how to defeat demons, so she felt as if it was too late for her to go. Fortunately, she did go and made history with the hero’s party. Frieren sees herself in Sein and that is why he irritates her a lot.

Sein as a character is very interesting. He’s a very corrupt priest like how Heiter was in the past, but even more so as he drinks, smokes and gambles. Heiter only drank. I do wonder why priests of this universe easily fall victim into bad habits. Sein is rather jaded and is someone with regrets, but also very loyal when it comes to his family, his only brother who is much older than him. He’s also a very talented healer and could heal the poison that Stark had been inflicted with, despite his brother saying it was impossible to cure. Sein is what I believe to be a rather contradictory character as his words and actions don’t match. If he doesn’t want to go on adventures, why is he reminiscing about his best friend? He’s not prepared? Why is he so gosh darn good at healing? It’s like he prepared himself with all the necessary stuff at his disposal, but refuses to take a step forward. Despite his corruptness and jaded personality, he actually clicks very well with Frieren, Fern and Stark; he’s like that missing piece to finally balance out the party; unfortunately, he’s only a temporary party member.

I do like how Sein’s brother is the opposite of Sein. While Sein wallows in past regrets, his brother does not; despite being a talented priest that Heiter even acknowledges, he refused an opportunity to go to the holy city as he liked staying in the village. He hasn’t regretted his choices since then. While Sein is a bit corrupt and has bad habits, his brother is a very kind individual, despite him being a bit harsh towards Stark in the beginning. I just love how the contrast between them is written.

Now, it makes me wonder if Sein’s friend, Gorilla, is alive. I know that if Sein learns about Gorilla’s whereabouts, he’ll leave the party. It makes me wonder who this Gorilla guy is. Is he alive? Is he dead? Did he get married and have kids? I do hope there will be a day that Frieren and her party meet him.

I really like the comedy in this episode; the episode itself is calm and relaxing, but there are so many funny moments. I especially liked the part where Frieren tried to use her age to be the “mature older lady” that Sein liked but failed when executing her hidden technique: a flying kiss. It had NO effect on Sein whatsoever as Frieren looks way too much of a kid for him to find her appealing; the fact that Stark and Fern found it scandalous while it had a HUGE effect on Himmel was so hilarious. Everyone viewed the kiss so differently. I also liked how Stark lost his clothes by gambling; it was cute that Fern didn’t get mad at Stark for gambling, but is mad at Sein for making Stark do it. Fern believing Heiter, another corrupt priest, could do not wrong was also funny; she loved Heiter like a father that he’s the pinnacle and standard of an upstanding priest in her eyes while Frieren and Stark are like “meh”.

Also, one concerning matter is the financial situation of this world. Like how Stark’s favorite Jumbo Berry Special became smaller in the passing years due to inflation, Sein’s village seems to be suffering from the same issue with the tiny bathtub and sickle. His brother says that it’s due to poverty, but is it really? Is there a bigger, underlying issue with the world’s economy?

I do wonder how long Sein will be staying with Frieren and her party. If he does leave, will there be a day he’ll come back or will they look for another priest? I can’t wait to see what more Sein will bring to the story. I really like the dynamics he has with everyone in the party already. What are your thoughts about this episode?

#frieren beyond journey's end #sousou no frieren #frieren #fern #stark #sein #sein's brother #himmel #heiter #eisen #gorilla #review #anime #anime review #ecargmura #arum journal

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getvalentined · 8 months

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Having a long chat with a couple friends about the dichotomy between two major deaths in FF7, both of which are technically assisted suicides, and what they mean for the characters involved.

Aerith allowed herself to be killed in the City of the Ancients in order to petition the Planet to activate Holy directly, because being half human rendered her incapable of speaking to the Planet directly. She didn't do anything wrong and she's given her all to do this any other way, but the flaw is in her blood. She can't change it. Her powers are very limited, she can't activate Holy on her own and she can't ask Gaia to do it for her because Gaia can't hear her—so in the City of the Ancients, she realizes that the only way she can save everyone is to die.

Particularly relevant to this discussion is that her first choice appears to be Cloud, who raises his sword over his head to strike her down because of Sephiroth's control over him, but is able to hold back. He's able to stop himself, to back off, to refuse to be responsible for her death. Sephiroth was going to let him do it, and when he manages to hold off, that's when Sephiroth literally jumps in to do it himself. Aerith was going to let Cloud kill her, and when he didn't, she let Sephiroth do it instead.

Important to remember here is that Aerith is a healer. Inherently. We know this from how she works in battle and the fact that she's able to grow flowers in the tainted soil of Midgar. She almost certainly could have saved herself, but she chose not to—even though she didn't want to die, she had always intended to come back, but finally realized that wasn't an option if she wanted to save everyone else.

Aerith's death was inherently and undeniably selfless, and that's the real tragedy of it: she wanted desperately to rely on others, but she couldn't. No matter how much they loved her, the only way that she could keep them safe was through her own death, regardless of how much she wanted to stay.

Aerith's death was an assisted suicide born from selflessness.

In contrast, Angeal demands assistance in his own suicide in order to rid the world of monsters, in order to support his own personal beliefs on what constitutes "suffering" and what honor really is. Angeal dies because he can't bear to live as he is any longer, he can't stand that the facade of an honorable and selfless hero that he spent his entire life building up was torn down—and not even by his own actions, not even because he slipped up, but because of what he is. It's in his blood. He can't change it.

Angeal appears to have chosen Zack to kill him because he thought he could get Zack on his "side," he could convince him that this was the only way. He believed he could convince him that this was the right thing to do. He couldn't, and Zack did everything he could to hold back, desperate to not be the one responsible for his death, but Angeal gave him no choice. Angeal forced him, not through some psychic control or mental manipulation, but by all but literally backing him into a wall and making it a matter of Zack losing his life or taking Angeal's.

Important to remember here is that Hollander states Angeal has full control over the diffusion of his cells, he can push and pull, he can distribute and reunite; if he can pull his cells back into himself, this means that Angeal could "turn off" his own degradation. He almost certainly could have saved himself, but he chose not to—in the end, Angeal appears to succumb not only to his injuries, but to a sudden and accelerated manifestation of degradation. He made sure that he was going to die, because that was the only way to stop being a monster.

Angeal's death was inherently and undeniably selfish, and that's the real tragedy of it: no matter how loved he was, no matter how hard the people around him tried to save him, the only way he could retain his flawed sense of honor and thereby his feelings of self-worth were through his death.

The concept of agency between these two characters and their respective deaths is super interesting to me. In Aerith's selfless death, Cloud was able to retain his agency, he was able to stop himself; in Angeal's selfish death, Zack was denied the right to his own, and was forced to help Angeal reach his goal. I don't think this is necessarily indicative of the difference between Cloud and Zack as characters so much as the difference in circumstances: Cloud had his friends with him and so succeeded in staying his hand, whereas Zack was entirely his own and thus he failed. It really drives home the core theme of FF7 being the importance of the people you love and the people that love you.

I don't really have a way to end this, it's mostly navel-gazing and ruminating, but it's so...interesting. It's such a dichotomy, such a juxtaposition. Aerith's death was selfless, and through it she saved the world by being where she was needed, by asking for help from the Planet itself; Angeal's death was selfish, and through it he condemned the world to Sephiroth's eventual wrath, by not being where he was needed, by refusing to trust the people who loved him to love him regardless of what he was. Tragic in every sense of the word.

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good-beans · 1 year

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Finally putting down my Milgram fantasy au thoughts!

Haruka: Son of nobility, his parents were too busy with their own business and self-image to care for him. The family used to have hunting dogs and a beautiful decorative fish pond on the grounds, but the animals have gone missing (along with the Duchess’ prized necklace). Haruka’s little sister is the darling of the household/town, and he grows more strung tight and jealous. (I was really tempted to make him aquatic but it defeated the drowning metaphor lol).

Yuno: So my original idea was a sorceress offering potions that help to fall in love, find wealth, make dates go perfectly, (and ones to handle some consequences of said dates.) She’s got the classic aesthetic of lives in an isolated icy tower in lavish clothing, seemingly helpful and social but it’s clear there’s far more to her than she’s letting on. However, now I'm super biased by @dearmahiru's vampire Yuno thoughts and I may be running with that in the future...

Fuuta: I mean this all started from the knight au in his mv. Specifically he joins/leads a band of knights who haven’t sworn loyalty to a single lord, believing their own sense of justice will prevail. While he can’t use magic himself, he can still wield his fire sword with ease. He catches word of a witch in a nearby village and charges in.

Muu: A princess, way higher ranked than Haruka but knows his family. She’s studying in a foreign kingdom to gain more knowledge of the world as she’s next in line for the throne, but her treatment there isn’t quite what she expected. There’s nature magic in her bloodline though she hasn’t quite mastered it. Violent and animal/insect tendencies can arise in moments of strong emotion.

Shidou: A healer who’s known for his helpful magic and beautiful garden of medicinal plants. After the death of his family, he secretly seeks out dark tomes and spells to begin learning necromancy. The craft isn’t exact, and a few lives must be sacrificed to the cause. Only the really observant notice that his usually carefully-tended garden has started to wilt.

Mahiru: She’s a faerie in the woods near a major city. She’s heard all about human society, and became so captivated by stories of true love and fairy tale romance that she left her forest for the first time in her long life to try and live with them. Her knack with nature allowed her to pick up a florist job easily, but there are plenty of things she still doesn’t quite understand – different human culture and boundaries she misses in her focus on love.

Kazui: Bard who travels the kingdom with his performances. He left his wife at home for extended periods of time during these trips, and accidentally falls for someone new on the road. It also allows danger to move closer to his wife while he's far and unable to protect her.

Amane: Aspiring priestess who rarely leaves the temple in her childhood. She's some kind of chosen one/holy vessel being trained to channel or communicate with her deity. She feels immense pressure from the monks and priests around her. Mirroring her t2 change, she ends up channeling a demon instead of the god she was hoping for.

Mikoto: A witch who has a pretty normal job in the city, but he also advertises his clairvoyance and spirit medium talents. With the strange happenings in his house (things not where he left them, blacking out, concerning bloodstains), he assumes he’s just being haunted by the ghosts he reaches out to, and doesn’t know the truth about his other alter(s)

Kotoko: An ex-knight druid. She calls herself an assassin, though she’s not associated with any kind of guild or group. She's in tune with animals, speaking with wolves and other beasts to rally them to her cause. (There’s nice aesthetic contrast between her animal wildness/raw power compared to the civilized justice systems she left behind.)

#milgram #milgram project #haruka sakurai #yuno kashiki #fuuta kajiyama #muu kusunoki #shidou kirisaki #mahiru shiina #kazui mukuhara #amane momose #mikoto kayano #kotoko yuzuriha #rose posts #i hope you dont mind the tag i just really loved that idea 👀

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asimplearchivist · 3 months

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(This has been sitting in my drafts long enough…my fear of mischaracterizing Astarion is lesser than the agitation of seeing this beast among my WIPs. @fangswbenefits I’m affectionately blaming you for giving me pale elf brain rot🫣)

Okay guys this may be a very niche concept that will appeal to maybe like two people total but it hasn’t left my mind since I mentioned the idea to a buddy of mine who convinced me to play bg3…(Cullen and Astarion have a lot of similarities, which I would love to elaborate on later, but…) hear me out—it could be a very interesting dynamic to play with in a crossover.

Headcanons under the cut:

I’m not usually one for crossovers unless they’re in self-contained within a fandom (like Pokémon or Dragon Age, for example—there’s a phenomenal fic called The Half-Life of Element Zero by @unhealthynpcobsession which is a DAI/MEA crossover and safely one of the only “cross-fandom” crossovers I genuinely enjoy and adore bc the story and concepts are contextually sound and professionally orchestrated), but I feel like the sheer numbers of DAI fanfiction that explore the concept of the Breach opening up portals into other worlds (namely our modern Earth, thus the Modern Girl in Thedas trope, my beloved) could include adjacent worlds. I believe I have seen Skyrim before, so why not Baldur’s Gate 3? (Now keep in mind I know next to nothing about BG3 bc I am newly introduced to its lore and everything but) I think one could easily get away with having Astarion somehow slip through the Breach, along with the Sole Survivor at the Conclave.

(Holy shit why did this turn out so fucking long?)

The Survivor wakes—chained, cold, and aching—in the cells beneath the chantry, interrogated by Cassandra and Leliana, and denies her involvement with the Temple’s destruction. Forced to cooperate with the Survivor due to their dire need for the Mark and its potential use related to the Rifts, Cassandra casts a scowl at Leliana. “I will escort the prisoner if you will deal with the pale elf.”

Leliana only responds mildly, “I will continue to deal with him as I have been for the last three days—as well as nurse the migraine that he has caused.”

The Survivor doesn’t meet this esteemed “pale elf” until the battle at the Temple, and she only sees him from afar—he accompanied Leliana’s men to deal with the array of Shades and Wraiths that speckled the cratered grounds while the rest picked away at gargantuan Pride. She notices he is masterfully skilled with his weapons, perhaps even peculiarly so—she also notices that he has far greater strength, agility, and stamina than the average elf, easily surpassing the abilities of his peers.

She doesn’t see him again until well after the dust has settled—the Breach has been patched, Haven is able to reassess themselves, and the new Inquisition begins to construct their foundation. The newly named Herald of Andraste attempts to escape it all, fleeing into the grounds beyond Haven’s gates under the guise of fulfilling favors and errands for the various supervisors in the village, and stumbles across an abandoned cabin in the forest—at least she thought it was abandoned, at first.

She’s rummaging through the things there, finds the passed healer’s notes, but the lightest creak of displaced wood behind her tips her off to the presence of another. She whirls, hand already flying to her weapon, and backs up against the table, sending things clattering to the floor. The pale elf stands there, smirking at her startle.

“Act all the victim when you intrude on my space,” he croons, tilting his head and tutting at her, “my, how manners seem hard to come by around here.”

“You’re that—” She stops, hesitates, starts again. “Sister Leliana mentioned you. You’re the only other one who survived the blast.”

“That is comparatively the least of my problems and only the beginning of my present predicament, yes.” His eyes—as brilliant a crimson as the blood that still crusts the wounds that litter her bruised, battered, borderline broken body—scan her form from top to bottom, pause on her bandaged hand, and return to meet her uneasy gaze with a considerate one of his own. “Although I’m afraid I can confidently say that I ended up with the better of the lots drawn between the two of us.” His expression relaxes, just a little, a thready furrow forming between his silverite brows. “Does that hurt?”

She clenches her fist and clenches her teeth. “It’s dismissible.”

“Considering I heard tell that it is in the process of consuming you, I would disagree—but, I digress!” He flashes her a toothy smirk. “I am just grateful that there are no longer demons spewing out of that torn arsehole in the sky.”

She stares at him for a long moment, uncertain what to say in response. She’s exhausted, sore, and reeling from the last week of utter unfortunate bullshit that had befallen her.

“You’re…rather tall, for an elf,” she finally says lamely.

His brows arch into his forehead in clear surprise before he tips his head back and laughs. It exposes his teeth, and…no, those were not fangs. It must have been a trick of the firelight.

“It does seem that my kindred, however distantly related they are, do not possess as generous of traits as I,” he chuckles, shaking his head. “All so thin and lithe and…well, diminutive…it’s truly a marvel how they’re able to get anything done without breaking their hollow little bones. It’s little wonder that they seem so afraid of everyone else around here.”

She frowns, echoing, “‘Distantly related’?” with some dubiousness.

“Oh, your lovely spymaster didn’t tell you? I’m shocked.” The stranger gestures to himself with his arms extended to either side. “You have my sincerest apologies, my dear, I haven’t even introduced myself—I complain of lack of manners, yet fail to offer them in due turn.” He dips at the waist briefly, eyes glittering through his frosty lashes. “My name is Astarion, and…to put it simply, I am not supposed to be here.”

“I imagine anyone is fortunate to have walked away from all that destruction unscathed,” she responds mildly, narrowing her eyes.

“How cute,” he simpers, straightening and bracing his hands on his hips. “I fail to possess sufficient enough knowledge of magic in order to explain how in the hells this happened, exactly, but I originate from a place called Faerûn—not your delightfully archaic ‘Thedas’.”

He goes on to ramble about his companions, at least two of whom would have been far better suited to hypothesize how to rectify this particular ‘magical’ predicament. He tells her about their unusual circumstances of being thrust together, forced to cooperate and work towards fixing their looming health issues and the threat that faces their world.

She studies him for a long moment after he finishes. “…It sounds as if you and I are trapped in similar problems,” she sighs, rubbing her face. “As incredible as this all sounds, I sincerely doubt such a story could be easily invented on the spot…so you have my sympathies. Do you think that you’ll be able to return home?”

“Sister Leliana introduced me to that lovely gentleman who dresses like a vagrant. Supposedly, he’s the resident authority on this…‘Fade magic’, as it were?” he surmises.

“So I’ve heard,” she responds.

“Yes, well, our conversation was cut rather short at the time due to him being rather persistent in keeping his eye on that little souvenir.”

She flexes her hand and glances away. She’s been doing her damnedest not to dwell on the burning in her palm, thank you very much, and she didn’t particularly want to discuss it, either.

“Nevertheless,” he continues lightly, although his tone tempers into something more neutral, “he promised that he would look into the issue.”

“That’s…that’s good,” she replies quietly. “I hope he finds a way to send you back.”

The pale elf tilts his head at her then, eyes contemplative when she looks back up. He offers her a thin-lipped smile—this one actually reaches his eyes, softening his angular features. “As much as I am grateful not to be in your position, I do apologize. It would seem that the weight of your new moniker is not one to be taken lightly.”

“It is what it is,” she grits out. “They will believe what they wish regardless of my input.”

“That doesn’t make it any easier.” He leans in, holding her stare. “…I think it best to remain nearby, for the time being. Sole survivors of a devastating explosion still under scrutiny by those newly in power ought to stick together, yes?”

She relaxes, just slightly. “As long as you’re not the one who caused all of this.”

His expression sobers enough that it jars her. “I am the least inclined to cause spontaneous combustion among my compatriots,” he tells her, attempting humor, but there’s something in his eyes that contrasts his words entirely—a lingering fear, apprehension, borderline horror, if she has to place a name on it. “But no. I did not. And I think I have a few choice words—and daggers—on reserve for whoever did cause all of this devastation. I never asked to be thrown into the middle of this refuse burn.”

“Neither did I.” She offers him a bow in return and gives him her name. “I would say it’s been pleasant to make your acquaintance, but…I think we both are allowed to say that we would rather not have met at all.”

“Agreed.” He stoops to pick up the papers Adan had sent her to find and hands them to her. “I trust I will see you again soon?”

“You do intend to stay?” she asks, brow furrowing as she tucks them into her pocket.

“I’ve nowhere else to go,” he begins, “and fleeing from an investigation would provide rather damning evidence for the prosecution, even if misused. For now I’ll lend my particular set of skills and…services to this delightful little collection of vagabonds. I think you need all the help you can get, given that poor, overworked general of yours is relying on farmers and pilgrims to become your armed force.”

“I don’t speak on behalf of the others,” she says, “but I thank you. You’re greatly appreciated.”

“It’s my pleasure,” he purrs. “Now…do go get some rest, my dear. You look positively horrible for someone who has slept for nearly six days.”

His nonchalant sincerity startles a laugh out of her—the first in what felt like an age. He seems pleased to have done so. She departs the cabin feeling slightly less isolated than before.

#astarion ancunin #astarion #dragon age #dai #baldur's gate 3 #bg3 #headcanons #mine #reader insert #astarion/reader #astarion ancunin/reader #astarion x reader #astarion ancunin x reader #dragon age inquisition #fisara’s scrawlings #fisara’s codices

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calabria-mediterranea · 3 months

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The Story Of Natuzza Evolo: Calabrian Mystic

Natuzza was a Calabrian mystic who acted as a medium and healer, showed evidence of stigmata, and could “bi-locate” — be in two different places at once. She is also connected with “hemography,” which is when blood stains miraculously transform into symbols, shapes, and even words, particularly Christian ones like crosses.

Natuzza was born in 1924 in Paravati, a tiny hamlet near Mileto in Calabria. Her given name is Fortunata, from which the diminutive “Natuzza” comes. Natuzza’s father had left for Argentina a few months before she was born, and he never returned, leaving Natuzza’s mother alone to care for her newborn as well as her other children.

Natuzza never learned to read or write and helped support her mother and siblings by working for local families. She allegedly began having her first visions as a small child — Jesus, it is said, appeared to her as a boy who played with her and one of her brothers — but her brushes with the dead didn’t become popular knowledge around town until she began experiencing them as a young teen at work.

And it wasn’t just apparitions with Natuzza, even as a child. At her First Holy Communion, her mouth reportedly filled with blood when the wafer symbolizing the body of Christ was placed inside. At her Confirmation, a large stain of blood in the form of a cross formed on the back of her shirt.

Because of Natuzza’s experiences with the paranormal, as a young woman she was closed in an asylum with a diagnosis of "hysterical syndrome" for a few months by the local priest and was not permitted to enter a convent to become a nun.

Natuzza became known for the appearance on her body of blood-coloured images and words around the time of Easter and these caused her great psychological and physical pain. Some of the words were found to be Hebrew and Aramaic which was strange because she could not read or write, even in her native Italian. For decades devout Catholics from Calabria, then the rest of Italy and other parts of the world, began coming to her to ask for advice and prayers and to ask her for information about the souls of their relatives.

In addition to seeing Jesus, Natuzza also claimed to have also seen and communicated with the Virgin Mary, angels, and the dead, particularly souls in purgatory, throughout her life.

Natuzza was also considered a healer, credited with being able to look at a person and tell them what was ailing them, physically — using formal, medical terminology — as well as suggest treatments. She could also see the future and sometimes spoke in languages she didn’t know (remember, again, she was illiterate). In fact, some of her blood stains even transformed into phrases in foreign languages.

However, Natuzza never accepted money for what she did or was accused of participating in anything fraudulent based on her abilities, which, in the eyes and hearts of many, lend credence to her and her followers’ claims.

"It's a question of removing the suggestive religious context from the event. It doesn't allow rational reading since it cloaks it in mythology and unprovable hypotheses," says the Italian Committee for the Checking of Pseudoscientific Claims, or CICAP.

The group believes the so-called stigmata cases are really examples of Gardner-Diamond syndrome, "a skin condition that, although rare, is well documented in medical literature." The syndrome gives rise to a series of periodic, painful and bleeding bruises of unclear origin, combined with psychiatric disorders such as self-harm.

Although she’s relatively unknown internationally, Italians have been fascinated by Natuzza for generations as she has been a popular subject of books and various Italian television programs.

After Natuzza passed away on All Saints’ Day in 2009, about 30,000 people traveled from all over Italy and beyond for her funeral in rural Calabria. One-hundred priests and six Italian bishops were also in attendance.

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sirfrogsworth · 1 year

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I was bored in the hospital last night and for some reason I decided to debate some Matt Walsh transphobe jerks in a Twitter thread. Like here and here and here. I was holding my own but then the discussions turned into a "Study Off" as I like to call them. They post a link to a study saying medical transitions or puberty blockers are the worst. And then I have to counter with a newer better study that says they have decent positive outcomes. Then they say that study is bad. Then I have to find a different study. And it is just a tiring form of debate that never goes anywhere.

One study they referenced was a Swedish study that assessed how transgender surgeries from as far back as the 70s turned out. I was all, "You know they improved the surgeries a tiny bit from the frickin' 70s, right?" But also, it is really hard to gauge how effective transitioning can be when you can't factor out societal attitudes.

"They transitioned and for some reason they are still depressed! Clearly it doesn't work!"

Meanwhile, every red state in the country is basically trying to outlaw being trans.

The depression is a real mystery.

I never know how to pivot from a Study Off. I want to tell them I have friends and many many followers that have gone through medical transitions or done the puberty blockers and affirming care and it basically saved their lives. But the response to that will be "anecdotal evidence." Though I might have enough trans followers for a decent sample size.

But my point is, they don't ever talk to trans people to see how they feel about all this. When I ask, these people never actually know any trans people. They might debate a few online, but they don't *know* or befriend actual trans people.

I don't think you can truly understand the reality of something unless you talk to the people affected. I mean, *really* talk to them... without a character limit and barrier of anonymity.

I asked this guy if he knew any trans people or had any trans friends.

How can you judge something as "horrific" if you never actually talk to the people you are making wild speculations about?

He just created something in his head of what a trans person is and has no interest in seeking the reality of a trans existence. Apparently all trans people have been duped into a medical money making scheme. So none of them have the agency or self awareness to want transition?

I bet he purposely avoids getting to know any trans people because he doesn't want to lose this idea of them he has manufactured in his mind.

Manipulated and taken advantage of for profit, eh?

What do they think being transgender is? Organized religion?

I keep seeing conservative Christians call trans people delusional and living in a fantasy all while they believe in a magic man that walked on water. They see people speaking in tongues and think that is normal. They watch faith healers scam people and praise the Holy Ghost. They are told if they tithe all their money they will be rewarded with prosperity instead of just incurring more debt. They see their megachurch preacher owning 20 supercars and a private jet and don't question the money they gave. They see Rhianna in a red outfit at the Superbowl and are convinced she is in league with Satan. They think being queer can create disastrous storms.

Maybe they aren't the ones who should be policing delusion.

They are the ones that have been duped into a money making scheme. Matt Walsh and the like are profiting off this hatred and everyone that buys into that hatred, they are the ones being manipulated. They are being told they are "saving children" from mutilation and castration and you can learn more after buying the Matt Walsh movie and his book of the movie. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and buy merch too.

It's all to save the kids! (Until they become 18 and then they are adult trans and thus, the enemy.)

"How can we help the least amount of kids that don't actually want or need our help?"

#trigger warning #transphobia

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nostalgiachan · 21 days

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Wa-hey, two 100 OC Challenge posts tonight (because I totally forgot I was missing entries 61-64 lol). And rather than wait until I caught up on all the old uncolored images, I decided I'd just do all pics going forward in color.

Anyway, we've reached the sixteen (!!!) characters of the RPG I wanted to make in college, Silmerein. I never made the game, but the story stayed near and dear to my heart, so I decided I'd give the characters a little mock-up dialogue box. Since the game heavily (albeit accidentally) cribbed from Grandia II, I decided to lean into that with these redesigns. As always, new images up top, old below, and detailed character info (and essentially the story of the game) below the cut.

#65: Talin Stockman Idea: The Hero Story: Silmerein

#66: Lima Rayel Idea: The Healer Waifu Story: Silmerein

#67: Abarashil Faed Idea: The Slutty Elf Thief Intended to Make Gamer Bros Uncomfortable Story: Silmerein

#68: Amestris the Phoenix Idea: The Desert Queen Story: Silmerein

I wrote up a summary of the intended story of this RPG a few years ago for a friend, so I'll reprint that here and cover just up to the end of Amestris's story: I birthed a whole concept for an RPG based around a single idea: what if your kawaii waifu healer was actually the villain?

Story starts a few centuries after the invasion of the avatar of a SUPREME EVIL GOD from a foreign land. Most of the continent the majority of the game takes place on is ravaged, but a lone woman blessed with divine power manages to beat back the demon hordes, fight the avatar for a week straight, and then strike him down with a MIGHTY BLOW, forever encasing the two of them in stone.

A religion forms around the woman, Silmerein, a holy city is built around the monument, civilization rebuilds. Not everybody's down with the religion, of course, but it becomes one of the major institutions of the continent.

Shortly before our story starts, the continent gets hit with a variety of plagues.

To most, they don't seem related - people in the heartland slowly losing function in their arms, the desert people going blind, various other maladies. On top of this, there's been an uptick in mysterious monsters being spotted in the wilderness.

Our starter hero, one Talin Stockman is one such plague victim. But his is a little different from the other victims in his hometown. As it turns out, his entire left arm has become monstrously deformed, and occasionally has a nasty habit of trying to strangle him in his sleep.

But he keeps it under wraps and works diligently at his family's general store, until it's visited by a young cleric of Silmerein, Lima Rayel.

Sometime that night, the village - and more specifically, Talin - is attacked by one of the mysterious monsters, and Lima comes to his rescue. She has a theory as to what's going on: she believes that the plagues are actually being caused by the essence of the avatar of Rodimir (aforementioned evil foreign god) escaping its prison and leaking out into the world. She thinks that it may be searching for hosts to concentrate and gestate within in order to return to power. And Talin happens to be one of those hosts, what with his monster-attracting arm. So, she tells him her plan: travel to the plague-affected lands, find the hosts, and bring them to Silmerein so they can be purified at the monument.

So she and Talin set off to ADVENTURE. Their first target actually winds up coming to them: the elf thief Abarashil Faed. The wood elves mostly avoided contracting any plague, and that was because Faed hadn't been anywhere near their city in a few years, having already been exiled for murder (we'll get to that later).

So like the pieces of Valmar [from Grandia II], each host tended to have a specific part that was affected, and in Faed's case, it was his tongue. So he'd be prone to fits of uncontrollable chattering in languages he couldn't understand, which is very not helpful when you're trying to ambush people and steal their shit. Also, in actual combat, each host would get a super mode where they turned into a massive monster related to what part of their body was infected. I think Talin turned into a giant wolf, but Faed definitely turned into a snake. It functioned kind of like Milennia's rage mode.

Anyway, I think most of Faed's plot was he steals our party's wagon (because Talin's a merchant so he planned on selling shit between towns) and accidentally kidnaps Lima, they find out he's infected, you get your first boss fight against his corrupted snake mode, and then he joins the party because he'd really like to not do the uncontrollable talking thing anymore.

Next, your team headed to the desert city of Esteed, which is currently super locked down against foreigners, doubly so against people from Silmerein.

Shortly before the plague hit the city, their queen, Melpomene the Raven, went on a mission to Silmerein and never returned. Esteed never had a good relationship with Silmerein to begin with because they already had their own chief religion before the end times happened, and they really didn't appreciate missionaries constantly trying to convert them. But now they thought the Silmereinians were the cause of the plague.

Somehow, you get inside, though, just in time to see the inaugural parade for the new queen, Amestris the Phoenix. Lima's got a sense for hosts, and she's convinced Amestris is the next one, so they try to figure out a way to talk to her and tell her what's up, but no dice. They were lucky enough just to get into the city to begin with.

So instead, Faed breaks into her palace at night, tries to talk to her in her room, has a one-on-one fight, and just manages to convince her to listen. She says, "fine, I'll listen, but you have to do something for me first. Our city's been under constant siege by these horrible monsters. You ensure my people are safe, I'll go with you."

So your trio heads into the desert and fights some critters. You go back to the palace with proof, Amestris is like "Alright, cool, we'll head out tomorrow," and then fate decides that's the perfect time for Amestris's definitely infected eye to summon another horde.

So now everyone's convinced that this was an orchestrated attack, your squad gets tossed in the dungeon, and Amestris prepares drastic measures once the fighting stops. The next day, she's going to enact an ancient ritual to summon the gods and end this bullshit once and for all, and said ritual involves her burning to death on a massive funeral pyre while the city prays in unison.

So Lima's like "Okay, no, we gotta stop that, we don't know what'll happen if she dies with the host part still in her." You get out of the dungeon, fight your way to the city's coliseum and Lima manages to stop Amestris before she burns, but Amestris's eye goes out of control, like Talin's arm and Faed's tongue did, and she turns into a giant fucked-up phoenix and you fight her atop the pyre. You kick her ass, take her back to the palace, and tell her what's up.

So she's like, "Alright, well, that didn't work and I guess you guys really do know what's going on, so I kinda have no choice but to go. Maybe I can figure out what happened to my sister."

And the story continues in the next batch of character art!

#my art #100 oc challenge #original characters #silmerein

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athenswrites · 7 months

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10 Songs Tag

Rules: Use your WIP playlist and put it on shuffle. Write the first 10 songs that come up and quote your favorite lyrics from each song and/or the lyrics that fit your WIP best (they might be the same lyrics), then tag 10 people.

@druidx tagged me in this and I'll tag... @delusionisaplace @wordswrittenbynight @nemaliwrites @missaddledmiss @lili-loves-whump @pga-books @downtoithaca @jubatuslucifer @from-the-depths-into-your-soul @fluffy-with-the-red-clouds and whoever else wants to play!

I'm going to do this one for Not Your Typical Fairytale (a post-post-zombie apocalypse thriller-ish wip). get ready for a WILD fucking ride

1. The House of the Rising Sun -- The Animals

Oh, Mother, tell your children/Not to do what I have done/Spend your lives in sin and misery/In the House of the Rising Sun

2. Dead Mom -- Beetlejuice

Hey mom, dead mom/I need a little help here/I'm probably talking to myself here

3. DARKSIDE -- Neoni

There's no heroes or villains in this place

4. The Snake -- Eric Church

Rattlesnake said to the copperhead/"You know we were the original sin/And I bet my rattle against your copper/The bitch takes the apple again."

5. Unholy -- Sam Smith and Kim Petras

Dirty, dirty boy, you know everyone is talking on the scene/I heard them whispering 'bout the places that you've been/And how you don't know how to keep your business clean

6. Who's Ready for Tomorrow -- RAT BOY & IBDY

I think I need a hero (oh)/I don't have no ego (oh)/'Cause I'm spinning out now

7. The Devil Went Down to Georgia -- Zac Brown Band

The Devil went down to Georgia/And he was looking for a soul to steal/He was in a bind, he was way behind, he was willing to make a deal

8. Rasputin -- Boney M.

For the Queen, he was no wheeler-dealer/Though she'd heard the things he'd done/She believed he was a holy healer/Who would heal her son.

9. Survive -- Jorge Rivera-Herrans

You have hurt me enough/Six hundred lives I'll take/Six hundred lives I'll break/And when I kill you, then my deed is over

10. Hell's Coming with Me -- Poor Man's Poison

He wiped the blood from his face/As he slowly came to his knees/He said I'll be back when you least expect it/And hell's coming with me

Also just for shits and giggles, 1, 5, 7, 8, and 10 are all about the same person (and 9 is someone else referring to that person). @thetruearchmagos here's a little glimpse into NYTF's soundtrack that plays in my head

#tag game #writeblr tag game #writeblr #writing #song lyrics #wip #nytf #athens answers

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deathofawish · 4 months

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The Faiths - Death of a Wish

Paradiso is a dreamworld where the lost find themselves trapped together. It is ruled over by The Sanctum, an oppressive theocratic order led by The Faiths.

Father: Father extols the virtues of pain and self-sacrifice to his followers, believing all are born unclean and deserving of perdition. He is capable of Cleansing people, helping them eradicate unwanted sides of themselves. A cadre of Holy Knights serve as the Sanctum’s Paramilitary Force, and obey his command.

Sister: Long ago, Sister Maria guided all who entered the Dream towards “Purification”, the same self-abandonment and self-suppression that she accepted to become herself. She no longer does that.

Cardinal: The ringleader of the Colosseo, Cardinal revels in the bloodlust and spectacle undergirding much of the Sanctum’s teachings, manifesting in the gladiatorial bloodsports that make up his “services”.

Priest: Priest is a healer capable of erasing the Corruption that ate away at all who were ensnared within the Dream, but at a great cost. Outwardly kind and apologetic, echoes of the harm he inflicted live on in the hearts of those lives he touched.

Christian’s path in Death of a Wish will bring him into confrontation with the Four Faiths.

Death of a Wish is coming soon. You can wishlist it now on Steam.

#indiedev #gamedev #action-rpg #indie game #death of a wish #lucah born of a dream #soulslike #born of a dream #christian death of a wish #action-adventure

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jmpscr · 4 months

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Well, I have a hedcanon about the BP!Wei Ren...

as we know, Wei Ren himself, at will, decided to switch from a battle monk to a wandering weaponsmith (that is, he did not even want to settle in his homeland) and from this I got this headcanon...

I think his parents had high expectations about him and constantly compared Wei Ren with his brother (it seems to me that this is inherent in the bp universe too , but this is just thoughts about his brother, although everything may be), maybe his brother became one of the best healers in the homeland (BP universe), and his parents themselves are one of the strongest monks. And maybe his family wanted their youngest son to be successful too. However, not all expectations become real. maybe Wei Ren never sincerely believed in religion and therefore his "holy potential" is quite weak and did not even allow him to complete his studies as battle monk. however, for all the time of training, he still received some basic skills in fighting demons (hand-to-hand combat, possession of Bo (a long combat stick staff) (by the way, he flashes with it in animatics lol), basic skills of exorcism the weakest demons) But his real talent was in making weapons. I think no one taught him much about this, yes, most likely he, like everyone else, studied the history of weapons used by monks. so he made some small weapons in secret from everyone, but he always did not mind if someone, even from the teachers, called him to help with fixing something. he was very interested in creating and improving weapons, I think he could spend hours in the bazaars looking for the right parts or materials, because he is passionate about his hobby. I think he got approval from other students and teachers, and everyone told him that his talent really wasn't to be a battle monk. he was quietly released and he left... but it doesn't happen so smoothly, does it? his parents were certainly not happy that he did not complete his studies, Wei Ren tried to explain to them that this wasn't his dream and not his vocation, but they did not even listen to him, they only said that they didn't want to see him anymore, that he was a disgrace to the family. the only one who supported him was grandma (I hope she is in BP, since she is in HH, so..) she secretly helped him pack some things, walked his out of his hometown, gave admonition to "follow your heart" and said goodbye…

Wei Ren spent some months like this, traveling from city to city, from country to country. He helped people, accumulated knowledge, sometimes fought demons, but most importantly continued to do his favorite thing – making weapons. and then he just met A.E.D , they became friends and D. invited Wei Ren to join his group.

I almost burst into tears myself while I was writing this

#battle priest #hedonehigh #wei ren #darqx #headcanon #text #text post #HHHIS MY BABY BOY I LOVE HIM SO MUCH #i'm sorry

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ecargmura · 5 months

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Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Episode 15 Review - Sein's A Healer, But...

Wow, is December a month of romance or something? Last week’s episode had some Stark x Fern moments and a huge Frieren x Himmel moment and now today’s episode has a huge Stark x Fern moment. What’s hilarious is that while the Stark and Fern moment may be the highlight, it’s actually not the focus of the episode. In fact, this episode mainly focuses on the male party members with Sein focusing on the first half and Stark on the second.

Sein’s love for MILFs is hilarious, but the first half of the episode mainly focuses on his capabilities. He’s a priest, which means he’s a healer, but how does he fare in combat? Surprisingly, Sein’s very capable with offensive magic too. He’s not just a healer as holy magic has its offensive skills too. I like that! Sein fighting the Chaos Flower may be reckless on his part, but it does make sense as he hasn’t built trust with Frieren yet. However, this was a lesson on Sein’s part as even if he hasn’t gotten to know Frieren yet, he still needs to trust in her capabilities. He definitely deserved that head pat from Frieren onee-san. Also, the Chaos Flower is really gross-looking; it kind of reminds me of that monster plant from Jumanji in a way.

I like how Stark was mainly used as a sort of mouthpiece for the world building aspect of this half of the episode. The usefulness of priests hadn’t been in the spotlight much, so it was nice that Frieren explains everything to him without shaming his lack of knowledge. It’s cool knowing the types of magic and why Frieren never sought to learn the Goddess’ Magic—it’s too intricate and she doesn’t believe in the Goddess. This does worry me, however. If Sein is only a temporary party member, how will Frieren’s party deal with curses in the future?

The second half of the episode focuses on Stark. A Lord notices Stark and has a request for him; he wants him to fill in for his late son for the upcoming soiree just to build up morale for the military. Surprisingly, his late son looks identical to Stark. Because the party lacks money, they decide to accept the request, begrudgingly on Stark’s end. It was cool knowing that Stark has distant relatives as Orden was once from the same village. Though, it’s sad learning that the entire village was wiped out, meaning Stolz, Stark’s brother is most likely dead.

I do like how this portion is like a mirror of Stark’s past with his father and brother. Lord Orden is a kinder version of his father and Stark could see Mut, Orden’s second son, in himself. I believe it’s like a closure in a way. While Orden did seem to grow attached to Stark throughout the three months of having him stay at the manor, Orden and Stark are still strangers at the end of the day. Orden will never be Stark’s father and Stark will never be Wirt, Orden’s late eldest son. Though, it was sweet that Orden was considering adopting Stark.

The highlight of the episode was definitely the ballroom dancing scene with Stark and Fern. The animator for that segment, Myoun, stated that everything was animated by hand without the use of CG. They got the help of a dance school for the movement! That’s amazing. I especially loved the way the skirt of Fern’s ballgown twirled. Frieren’s animation team never skimps with fabric animation. My favorite part of that scene is the moment Stark, who’s normally passive, takes the initiative and leads the dance after seeing how nervous Fern was. I was also gushing at how beautiful both of them looked in that scene. Stark looks great with his hair brushed back and Fern is so pretty with her hair styled in a bun. The music was beautiful. It was so romantic; it also gave me the same vibes as the dance scene from Anastasia where she sang Once Upon A December.

Overall, this was a very good episode that gives insight to the male party members. It feels like a matter of time until they reach Auberst. What will happen before they get there? What will happen once they reach there? What are your thoughts on this episode?

#frieren beyond journey's end #sousou no frieren #frieren #fern #stark #sein #lord orden #review #anime #anime review #ecargmura #arum journal

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