#my main is all-hail-the-witcher

[mr-no-life]

History and Music.

HI! Wow it feels like forever since I made a new post here. I had a whole elaborate idea of reviewing my favorite things for the month of August, but life had other plans. So, Fall is finally upon us and to the general U.S that means Halloween is around the corner (even though in my mind October is the spooky season). So, now that being said, let’s discuss something a bit different, Bards and War. 

Back in June one of the albums I had reviewed (and quite liked) was The War to End all Wars by Sabaton and it got me thinking. Throughout history there has always been “the Bard '' someone to sing a song about events long past. Wherever there is a story to tell, big or small, someone is there to record it for future generations. As long as humans could speak, we have sought out ways to preserve our history. Whether you are William Shakespeare or you just happened to be in the right place at the wrong time, there have been (and always will be) people writing history. Events in history have often been a driving force for a lot of artists. Let’s look at the 60s through the 80s for instance. The political climate (and the fallout thereof) has given light to a lot of classic pieces we know and love today (Fortunate Son by Creedence Clearwater Revival comes to mind with this). The difference with this and bands like Sabaton is that those songs are made in the moment and are made in reflection of the time, but what about the events that happened before “The Modern Era”? The allure of bygone eras and the mystery shrouded  events that leave us wondering “So what actually happened?” have always been a siren call for artists and musicians. The ups and downs of human history are essentially ripe for the picking when  it comes to interpretations. Books, poems, news articles and more have always been a healthy starting spot for those who wish to draw inspiration from them. 

Now, you are probably wondering, “Why and how does a tangent about Bards and war have to do with music and sound design??” Well, the way I see it, music is just poetry with a musical arrangement. Music is a very effective and flexible storytelling mechanism. Not only is it a creative way to explain something that could be absolutely boring to some people, but you also ignite curiosity in those who wish to dive deeper. Or can make an excellent companion piece for a much bigger project. But, the point of this long-winded tangent is that a lot of music today really started out as ways to share stories of days past or to express one’s opinion on a current event that will grab someone’s attention. 

Now it would be very easy to dive into character designs of Bards from the media (I'm thinking of one Jaskier from the Witcher comes to mind) but that is not my place to talk. Instead, I am going to explain how a Power metal band from Sweden and a Black metal band from Ukraine (honestly at this point if I mention anything about Ukraine it is nothing political) have in common when it comes to sharing history. 

Let’s start with a brief explanation of the bands in question. Hailing from Sweden and with bangers like “To Hell and Back” and “Primo Victoria” you’ve by no doubt heard of Sabaton. Amassing a nice little niche of metal-heads and history nerds (of which I am both) albeit they do cover some deep topics (such as everyone’s favorite angry mustachio man) it is largely in a lively entertaining fashion. When compared to Ukrainian based Black/Death metal band 1914, shit gets HEAVY. 1914 is actually a more recent discovery and the main inspiration behind this piece. They mainly focus on the atrocities of World War 1 (hence the name) and whew boy, if their goal was to make you uncomfortable, well congrats, they did it in spades.  The Great War (released in 2019) and the 2022 follow up The War to End all Wars are not Sabaton’s first dip into WW1 history. These two albums focus primarily on bringing to light some small details that most people may not have known about a war largely forgotten about. The effectiveness is almost hard to describe because I often find myself digging deeper into these events. This leads back to what I mentioned earlier, music is an effective delivery system to have a nice summary about something, even if the event is tragic and depressing. Speaking of depression, the band 1914 is essentially (the way I like to describe it) “Sabaton but more gritty.” Tone also affects a song’s delivery as well and they nail the dark horrors of war to a T.  Hell, the  lead singer  has a bayonetted  rifle as a microphone stand  (nothing to nit pick,  just aesthetically on point). I have not  heard a  whole lot  about  them, but I have heard  bits from their latest album Where Fear and Weapons Meet and woof it’s a hard  listen to. I'm not a Black metal fan by default, but I can see where fans may like this. 

So what is the overall conclusion? Well, in short , if it were not for History, we would not have people (like Bards) to sing about them. 

This was an odd topic to try and write out, so if it seems all over the place and a bit short I apologize, next month (which is soon yikes) will be more on par with  the technical side of music. This month I wanted  to experiment  with  a little more freeform history. Maybe down the road we will revisit this topic again. Until then, I hope you enjoyed this and  I hope to see you again next time. If  you have any questions or care to  support me click the  like  HERE for  links to social media and donations.

Stay Safe 😊

#music #audio engineering #audio music #audio production #live music #design #music history #War #1914 #Bard #History

[dear-ao3]

do you have any geraskier fic recs?

i in fact do. courtesy of myself and discord:

harrier by @agoodgoddamnshot: E, 31k, complete. jaskier is a witcher who meets geralt on the path, sexy times ensue.

a twist in time: E, 14k, complete. jaskier does not meet geralt in posada when he is supposed to. (mind the tags)

a full blown case of what is known by @crushcandles: E, 11k, complete. the relationship jaskier had over the winter affects his one with geralt. pining.

i will not kiss you by @a-kind-of-merry-war: E, 22k, complete. geralt gets cursed, he can't touch anyone.

the fear of falling apart by @storm-and-starlight: T, 10k, complete. jaskier is a selkie who pines for the ocean.

leaves by @all-hail-the-witcher: G, 2k, complete. geralt and jaskier separate early for the winter. geralt presses leaves to give him in the fall.

silver and steel: E, 78k (series), wip. jaskier’s father father tries to ruin his life by assigning a mysterious cassiline to guard him but the real mystery is why they aren't fucking yet

the god of scraped knees by @andthepeople: M, 8k, complete. jaskier used to be a sorcerer, but he doesn't want to remember what it feels like anymore. 

the courting season: M, 47k, complete. geralt realizes that he is in love with jaskier one winter and he and his brothers research how to court a minor noble, however, jaskier is romantically clueless.

homo homini lupus est (man is wolf to man) by @inexplicifics: T, 7k, complete. more than a year after the dragon hunt, geralt needs rescuing and jaskier might be the only person who can manage it.

the accidental warlord and his pack by @inexplicifics: E, 342k (series), wip. jaskiers family gives him to the white wolf, the warlord of the north. but it is not what jaskier was expecting. 

an exaltation of wolves by @round--robin: E, 124k (series), complete. jaskier comes to kaer morhen and discovers that the other wolves are just as prickly and just as deserving of love as geralt. 

heart exhange by @jaskiersvalley: E, 78k, complete. geralt meets jaskier and he is so different than any other dom he's met before that he decides to push the limits (mind the tags)

lock & key: E, 9k, complete. jaskier suggests a chastity device to make himself a worthy travel companion and gives geralt the key.

julian by @vands38: E, 22k, complete. jaskier is a child prodigy burnout, geralt is a ballet dancer who has had a career altering accident, geralt sees a potential dance partner in jaskier, jaskier wants to get laid.

a horny bard and a confused witcher by @geraltrogerericduhautebellegarde: M, 1.1k (series) wip. jaskier uses every single sexual tension inducing phrase and situation he can think of, but geralt just doesn't get it.

fuck indeed by @jaskierswolf: E, 8.7k, complete. jaskier starts an onlyfans account.

mom hugs and ice cream by @avengeful-bunny: T, 2.5k, complete. geralt gets dragged to a pride parade by his brothers, while there he comes across a woman giving out free mom hugs and meets jaskier.

cast a spell for your demon by @kueble: E, 11k (series), wip. geralt is a demon, jaskier travels with him.

time to wonder, do i dare? by @norationalthoughtrequired : M, 28k, complete. geralt owns a bookshop and allows jaskier to play outside. along the way they fall in love.

i dont like most people by @softdarlingjaskier: T, 2k, complete. geralt comes back from a bath upset, jaskier tries to make him feel better. softness ensues.

next to you by @lankygeralt: E, 42k, complete. jaskier is in college and falls in love with his best friend, ciris, dad. 

incubus jaskier by @dat-carovieh: E, 12k (series), wip. jaskier is an incubus who needs sexual energy to survive.

i try so loud to love you. you cannot seem to hear. by @dat-carovieh: E, 18k, complete. jaskier is not shy about his love for geralt, but geralt denys having feelings. pining ensues.

in this realm of blood and sin by @feedingmyinsomnia: E, 24k, complete. an angsty fix it where jaskier makes bad life choices and geralt tries to fix the mess he made. (mind the warnings)

the kink club au by @feedingmyinsomnia: E, 48k (series), wip. a series of one shots (nsfw and sfw) for the geraskier kink club modern au.

may the blood freeze in my veins (let me rot within my grave) by @feedingmyinsomnia: M, 5.4k, complete. geralt gets a contract in lettenhove and meets jaskier, but the contract is causing him trouble.

there's a harshness in your voice and a softness in your hands by @damatris: T, 2.6k, complete. jaskier gets hurt trying to defend geralt.

in your arms (i feel loved) by @damatris: T, 2.8k, complete. five times jaskier hugged geralt and one time geralt hugged jaskier.

the fae went down to touissant by @professorjaskier: G, 5k, complete. a fae claims that she can play the lute better than jaskier can. a devil went down to georgia au.

im only human after all by @ghostinthelibrarywrites: M, 87k, complete. geralt is a vigilante by night and a reporter by day. jaskier is his ex and obsessed with the witcher, geralts vigilante alter ego. but when geralt is blackmailed, jaskier gets involved. 

soulmates by @officerjennie: T, 6k, complete. geralt is on a self loathing streak and jasper is not taking any of his shit. (see warnings)

fingertips by @dapandapod: G, 1k, complete. jaskier is too stressed to sleep and geralt wants to help.

hollow by @dapandapod: M, 9k, complete. jaskier loses his memory of geralt, geralt tries to let him go but they get pulled back to each other.

fair by @comfyswitcherblanketfort: G, 1.5k, complete. geralt and jaskier are in love, decades of mutual pining and accidental love confessions ensue. based on fair by the amazing devil.

sweater weather by @wherethewordsare: E, 4.6k, complete. geralt leaves his hoodie at jaskiers and that's the last push they need to get together.

you're only brave in the moonlight (stay till sunrise) by @yoursummerfrost: E, 29k, complete. jaskier falls in love with his college roommate. a slow burn.

a warm reunion after a cold winter by @elliestormfound: T, 1.2k, complete. geralt and jaskiers first hug after the winter lasted a little longer than usual.

rugby geralt au by @reallooney: T, 68k (series), wip. geralt is captain of the rugby team, jaskier is a music student. they are together, but during one spring semester geralt befalls a series of unfortunate luck, the following fall, the same happens to jaskier. or: the boys take care of each other and its very soft.

i was burning up with fever ( i didnt care how long i lived): G, 4k, complete. jaskier has the flu. geralt, lambert and eskel (mistakenly) think that he's dying.

say yes to the dress au by @all-hail-the-witcher: T, 2k (series), wip. jaskier is a bridal consultant (or randy with the personality of david emmanuel) at kleinfelds. geralt is the mysterious dress designer that rarely makes public appearances. 

#the witcher #the witcher fic rec #witcher fic rec #witcher fics #geraskier #geraskier fic #geraskier fic rec #geralt #jaskier #not a tag #from saph #dear people who are not in the bog who are recced here: we all love your work #and in case you're wondering why an ao3 blog is reccing witcher fics #my main is all-hail-the-witcher

[sweetestpopcorn]

Reread your story on the blacks and the Greens in a few days and my what a roller coaster.

One this that was consistent was alicent and Otto's BS. On point as always. Can't believe they thought daemon and Rhaenyra were worse than them. Like!!!!. The level of delusion and self importance.

Now they're making HoTD and I'm SINCERELY WORRIED what is going to be shown. Already the casting is a mess. Gorgeous alicent as most comely woman in 7k?? Matt Smith posting BS about daemon being dark and unhinged on twitter. Awful awful wigs. Can you not buy better wigs. Rhaenyra looking pasty and decades older than alicent.

Only the Velaryons are looking good. And walserys I guess. Please give me hope that I'm not the only one who thinks this. All my friends seem to think the show is correct and going to be great I'm really just😱🤔🥴

Hi there 🤗

A few days... just so you know it would be the equivalent of several books so major MAJOR kudos! 👏👏 And I am happy that I can get people to still click on my story instead of going "OH HELLLLLLLLL NO, B:TCH! So Yay :D thank you!

Concerning *REDACTED SHOW* - the only proper way to address it - I would agree with everything you said but also include the characters' descriptions as complete BS - do yourselves a favor my good people and go check out how Criscel is described and then come back to me and tell me how faithful to the source material the books will be. Not to mention his audition was playing Ser Arys Oakheart (man that Dornish storyline is finally being used🤗! Just on the wrong show but after S08 who even cares anymore😌 RIP logic).

I would add, however, that I'm sorry but no one is looking good. Walserys is looking an absolute joke and he looks nothing like he should. Friendly reminder this is how he should look:

Close enough I guess, they got a skinny dude dressed in black with long hair and a serious face.

The dragon has three heads but only one wig. Only ever one wig. Guess there was a discount for bulk buying on www.terriblewigs4u.com

As for the Velaryons sorry but no thank you. No thank you!

Where is Rhaenys's black hair?! And why aren't Corlys, Laenor, Laena, and as far as I know the twins, not looking like they should? Why are they going the extra mile to ruin the "Velaryon" princes storyline? No, I don't think anyone on that series is looking good.

Not even Harwin Strong - who honestly looks like Laenor could look and is of an average height and weight - was a good cast. Ups, guess Breakbones is where the Realm's Delight is: nowhere to be seen.

RIP Breakbones

RIP Realm's Delight

RIP Rogue Prince

All hail Alicent the comeliest woman in the Seven Kingdoms who looks 20 and has kids who also looks 20 🤗🤗🤗

Also, are contacts that expensive? Kudos to the Witcher for getting some then! Man they must have some gazillion dollars available to be able to buy those OH so expensive contacts. You know what? Good for them! Maybe Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos teamed up and are spending all their fortune to allow them to buy purple contacts! And people sh_t on these two guys 😌

All this said and the worst sin of this show will no doubt be how the characters are written - 0 surprise there, let me pretend to look shocked: 😒.

If the douchebags over at H*O - who, btw, many who are involved in REDACTED SHOW were involved in G*T and friendly reminder the main writer once said Dany was nothing like Emilia so do with that what you will - couldn't get Dany right, y'all think they will get any character of the Dance right? Nice joke there, it could have had a few hookers and some booze, but nice joke.

The only people I know in real life, who are excited for the show are people who didn't read Fire and Blood; as for those on the internet who are, personally, I don't know anyone, the people I speak and interact with here have no faith in REDACTED SHOW because they have seen enough of what is being done to know its complete bull.

As I have said I have no plans of watching this show. Nothing looks good, every day more bullsh_t comes out. I honestly don't care about this adaptation especially because we know how the following adaptation G*T - notice here how I say adaptation and not canon ;) important difference to anyone not familiar with it and that insists the books will be the same as the show ;) - ends so why should I care? And bottom line, as I have said multiple times, we vote with our money, and I am not giving the circus over there at H*O another penny - they could use a Penny though, since she was also cut from their previous show.

Do I want to be wrong? I do, from the bottom of my heart I do. Will I be? I don't believe I will, no. I have seen enough so thank you y'all but I will pass.

My advise if you aren't liking the direction of the show, just ignore it. It will not make you feel anything but upset and angry so just don't watch it, don't follow it. Don't give them clicks and attention.

To everyone who is excited, I hope it meets your expectations. Honestly, I would say I envy your optimism but I have been let down my media too many times and I prefer to have 0 expectations and to (sometimes) be pleasantly surprised.

As for you dear Anon, kudos for sticking to your guns and having your own opinion of things! It's not easy, though I trust in a few months most people who call themselves Targaryen fans will wake up. As for the Targ antis and the "neutrals" and the "intellectuals", MAN OH MAN this will be a day in the beach for them!

Much love to you -3-

#anti hotd #anti hbo #hello another terrible adaptation #they should switch the name of the characters to Renada and Daniel #And Alicent can just be called Rhaenyra #she already has her age and beauty #justice for dany #this show will be a circus #good luck everyone #popcorn answers #and sighs

[chasneedsamoustache]

A bard’s family reunion

It was already dark when Geralt, accompanied – as he had been for almost a month now – by the troubadour poet Jaskier, reached the inn that would serve as a welcome bed for the night. The pair had been on the road for long enough to be in need of a bed that was not made of branches and rocks and also, most certainly a hot bath, for they both stank.

The red-faced and ill-mannered innkeeper scowled at Geralt – almost a moment too long for the tired witcher before shrugging his shoulders and declaring there to be no room available. If it wasn't for the raucous in the adjoining room, which Geralt presumed to be the main area of the tavern, he may have argued with the man. Instead he lingered, assaulting the the innkeeper with his narrowed eyes, long enough for Jaskier – who had gotten fed up of waiting with the horses and paid a young child a penny to do the job for him – to enter.

At the sight of the bard with, as always, a lute on his back and for reasons that for once did not seem to the witcher to be about him or his mutated existence, the innkeeper suddenly lit up, snapped his fingers and proclaimed there to be a spare room as Jaskier was 'one of those lot'. Geralt took the key offered to him, caring not that the red-faced man was entirely mistaken as whatever was meant by 'that lot' could not apply to the bard who had not even heard of this town, let alone this inn.

“I have a bad feeling about this.” Jaskier whispered to Geralt once they had handed their mounts over to the stable boy. “I'm sure we're going to get ourselves into some sort of trouble.”

“As long as that trouble happens in the morning, after a good nights sleep, I am not going to begrudge a little nuisance.”

“Says you, dear witcher, when it was only upon my own entering the establishment that we were permitted a room and thus it is I who will be in trouble for falsely taking up residence in some other poor fools room!”

“Worry not until you are at least bathed and fed, Jaskier.” Geralt said wearily. “Fed being the priority right now, my stomach is an empty cavern and I fear a monster has taken residence there as it is growling rather loudly.”

The troubadour sighed and gave in, his own stomach empty, he agreed that at least they should eat before they were chucked out onto the street for being imposters.

They entered the main section of the inn, Geralt led but paused when greeted by a room packed to the rafters of merry makers, young and old and of a variety of wealth that the witcher had certainly not expected out here in the countryside. Jaskier appeared beside him, looking equally disheartened at the lack of available seating.

The crowd, bristling with excitement, seemed to be centred on a small area with a raised wooden platform that looked to be stage, although it was currently empty of whatever or rather whomever had drawn such a large gathering. Waves of excited whispers and louder giggles passed over the crowd, ignored entirely by the two men who were still scouring the room for even a small space on a crowded bench.

“Perhaps we ought to take a meal in our room.” Jaskier said, having to practically shout to be heard over the hubbub. Geralt turned to his friend with a frown that begged him to repeat himself. Despite being able to hear the bard clearly if he whispered in a hail storm, he had not being paying attention. “I say, pehaps-”

Jaskier stopped mid-sentence, his face turned pale and twitched it's way into a grimace, the likes of which Geralt had never seen on the bard before. Nose wrinkled, Jaskier turned on his heel and made for the exit, announcing that, under no circumstances, could he stay in this place a moment longer. He cried out when the witcher grabbed him by the shoulder, eager to remind him that this was the only warm bed within a days ride.

“You don't understand.” Hissed Jaskier, squirming free of the witcher's grip.

“It matters not how you have wronged-”

“This is worse, we must leave and quickly!”

“Julian!” Too late, Jaskier blanched again and fell back against Geralt in his usual dramatics – although Geralt was not entirely sure it had not been a genuine faint this time for his friend's face was ugly with sickness and fear before the fellow who had called his name, his real name.

“Julian what on earth are you being so ridiculous for?” He approached, dressed as eccentrically, perhaps more so, than the bard who had returned to an upright position. “Oh forgive me, I forgot you don't use that name in public. Jaskier, I'm so glad you've made it! Everyone will be excited, for they were determined you had not even received the numerous invitations sent to you the even more numerous places you have been sighted in recent months. Indeed I believe I have some money to collect as it was only I who placed a wager in favour of your attendance. I thought that innkeeper had given the room we had kept for you, just in case, away to some imposter! ”

“No.” Jaskier's voice was not much more than a wheeze. He looked from Geralt to the room, desperately looking for an escape, for the fellow was blocking his exit.“No.”

“I beg your pardon?” The fellow, who, had precisely the same cornflower blue eyes and chin, and, though his nose was a different shape entirely, could only be Jaskier's brother, perhaps cousin, but brother was much more likely, such was there resemblance in face and mannerism. Geralt found himself raising an eyebrow. “What on earth do you mean by no?”

“Wh-what do you mean by invitation? I received no such thing.” The witcher thought that perhaps he had, but since he squirrelled away any word from his family, which was always the very last thing Jaskier was willing to discuss, he presumed any invitation was lost in the pile of unopened letters the bard thought Geralt did not know about.

“Then this is a happy coincidence! Destiny! Wonderous are the gods who have brought you here on the day of our great reunion!”

“Reunion?” Geralt smiled unpleasantly and Jaskier glared equally as hideously at him.

“Yes friend! Do not worry, brother-mine, it matters not that as usual your manners are lacking, for this man needs no introduction. White hair, yellow eyes, two swords! He could only be Geralt of Rivia! The white wolf! The witcher! The source of all the ballads and such that have made my dear brother famous across these lands. A good friend I believe and thus a friend to us all and certainly welcome at our table for the festivities!

“To answer your question, good witcher, this week is a grand celebration, a reunion of now all of the siblings of Lettenhove, in honour of our good father's birthday, rest his soul. We have commandeered this fine tavern and indeed the town hall and will be playing every night from now until midsummer – Papa's actual birthday if you would believe it – where we shall host a mighty feast and concert!”

“And, if it's not too rude to ask, for my dear Jaskier has failed to inform me of any of his familial relations,” Another, even more hideous glare was earned for the most subtle of Geralt's sarcastic tones, known only to Jaskier for being sarcastic and taken entirely sincerely by anyone else. “How many siblings are you?”

“Fourteen, including Ju- ah Jaskier here and myself.” When Geralt coughed, choking on his own surprise, Jaskier himself stepped in.

“We do not, of course all have the same mother.” He said sneeringly, the sneer was directed at Geralt alone.

“Of course, can you imagine such a poor lady?”

“No, Papa was, as I am, quite the ladies man and a good deal of my siblings were born outside of wedlock. Once he did marry, he remained faithful, I might add, for I do not wish you to think poorly of the man.”

“No, though I do wonder if there is more of us out there.”

“By the gods, John, I hope not!” Jaskier shuddered, finally naming the man in front of him. “I shall explain, dear witcher, but first, brother-mine, I am in incredible need of a drink and whatever passes for food in a place such as this.”

“Certainly! Of course, how rude of me! Come this way!” John waved his hand, much in the same way as Jaskier did when he led Geralt, sweeping and extravagantly. The witcher wondered who learned the technique from who.

Once seated on possibly the most packed table, filled with not only platters of roast meats, steaming fish and an assortment of bread and vegetable dishes, ale tankards and dull goblets full of wine that Geralt immediately knew had corked long ago, but also with at least seven of Jaskier's siblings. Their faces a strange mixture of the bard's familiar features and some that were not nearly as familiar nor pleasant, yet suited each face well. All had the same cornflower blue eyes and all were fixed on either the witcher or his friend, who by all accounts was sulking.

Another sibling had drawn the attention of most of the crowd that filled the rest of the tavern, sitting on stage with a lute, she sung gracefully and played just as well as Jaskier himself. A few, mostly young women of varying levels of beauty, still had their eyes on the table at which Geralt now sat. Eyes on the handsome men there, Jaskier still apparently judged as the most beautiful as most now gazed longingly at him, despite the grimace on his face.

He ignored them all until his friend elbowed him gently, knowing a pretty face or two would soon improve his mood – which it did, tremendously, the bard's grin quickly returned to his face as his winks sent women swooning and blushing. Geralt himself was simply relishing in not being the centre of attention and disgust, there were far too many pleasant young men and indeed women at the table for anyone to notice him and his yellow eyes, let alone be disgusted by them. Save one girl, when Geralt met her gaze, she smiled and nodded faintly to him.

“And now, dear friend, I shall endeavour to explain my peculiar family.” Jaskier interrupted the exchange, now feeling merrier having quickly emptying two mugs of beer, a third in a hand he swung about to draw attention. “My Papa, Joshua Austin Pankratz, seventh Viscount of Lettenhove, like myself -”

“And your all of your siblings.” A woman who looked to be in her early thirties with the same soft curl as Jaskier in her auburn hair, holding a babe in one hand and a turkey leg in the other, interrupted. Geralt had the impression that this was not the first time she had had to remind Jaskier to include more than just himself.

“Yes, like myself and all of my wonderful siblings was a bard, a troubadour, a poet, a man of music and although talented with many an instrument, favoured, like myself and my siblings, the lute. Before his own father passed away, he roamed the countryside and courts, playing to much applause and gaining fame which rivals my own. He also found his way to the bed of many a woman and some of those women provided him with gifts in the form of my older brothers and sisters.” A few of the men and women in the middle of the table nodded, one, the redhead with the babe, rolled her eyes so viciously she appeared to strain them. Jaskier ignored her.

“Papa,” Jaskier continued. “Was most unhappy when he was forced to give up his life as a bard and return to the family estate in Lettenhove to settle down as the Viscount. Soon after he wed my lovely mother, may she rest peacefully.”

“If your lord father had to settle down, then why are you still wondering the countryside like a pauper?” Geralt asked and his friend sneered again, turning his head from Geralt's raised eyebrows and questioning gaze.

“Our dear brother,” Said John, chuckling as he bit into a rather large slice of spiced pork pie, which caused him to choke, spluttering astonishingly elegantly into a handkerchief until the man beside him gave him a rather firm smack on the shoulders. “Thank you Johan – where was I? Oh yes, our brother, himself now the Viscount of Lettenhove, has a rather splendid advantage that our dear departed Papa did not. Juli- oh pox, do forgive me brother, Jaskier here, has a wealth of siblings with whom he shares the responsibilities that come with his title, leaving him Viscount in name only for most of the year, whilst we all take turns in running our little corner of the world. All of us except Jennifer, who is still too young, that is.”

“How did you trick your family into such an arrangement?” Geralt directed the question to his friend.

“Oh, before Papa passed away, we all took turns in threatening to give up the title and pass it on to the next sibling until all that was left was poor little Jennifer, at the time was still inside her mother's belly. A late surprise that one, didn't know Papa still had it in him. Anyway, it was he that suggested that, although I, being the oldest son borne of marriage, would officially be the Viscount, we split the responsibility – bastard or not. Works out to less than a month a year, which in order to keep our land and our money and so on, really isn't that much hassle, even for a group of travelling poets. ”

“Quite so.” John agreed, as did a few of the others.

“Come to think of it, who's in charge if you are all here?” Jaskier asked with a strangely concerned tone.

“Oh, Jac's husband, just for the week.” John replied.

“I suppose that is fine.” Sniffed Jaskier. “So anyway, we take it turns to, you know, be the Viscount, in order of age. Johan is the oldest, sat beside John there, then Judith at the end of the table, John, who you know, Jessica, currently performing and younger only by a few months, Jemima, born of my mother but before she wed my father, who is over there with a babe. How many have you now, dear sister?”

“Fetty here is the fith.”

“Goodness, are you also trying to create enough children for an orchestra?” Jemima scowled but was distracted by patting the babe back to sleep.

“Yes Geralt, our dear father realised at some point that a few more children and he may well have his own little troupe or orchestra. The joke is that we all turned out to love the lute and the lute alone.”

“Except for Jennifer.”

“Indeed, except for Jennifer who plays,” The bard let out a sigh which was echoed by a few of more vibrantly dressed siblings. “the triangle.”

A snotty-nosed and rather mucky girl, who could be no older than eight or nine, sat on the end of the table, grinned suddenly and it was only then that Geralt saw the resemblance to Jaskier. She snuffled her nose, which was in desperate need of wiping, and held up said instrument. A piece of thin metal bent into the shape of a triangle, hanging from a string. The girl hit it with a metal stick, rather triumphantly and Geralt smiled at her for ignoring her siblings sighs and being proud of her own talents. Johan beside her patted her on the back and pulled a rag from his pocket for her to wipe her little nose on.

“So after Jemima,” Jaskier was now determined to finish his explanations. “Came myself. Then, Jacob, Jacqueline, Jasper, who is doing a terrible job of wooing that poor lady over yonder, and Jane, beside me.

“And then, my dearest darling mother sadly left this world, the pox took her. Papa was most unhappy for a long time, until he found Sasha, whom he wed after some time, much to all of our relief. Afterwards came Joel and Jeremiah and finally, our very, very late little egg, Jennifer.” Jennifer grinned again, puffing up proudly as if she had planned her own conception.

The evening continued and amidst eating and drinking and bouts of applause, Geralt heard more and more about Jaskier's family. A hundred different tales from when they were young, including the day Jennifer was born and they all stood on the battlements with their father and played their lutes in unison until they were shouted down by the nursemaid for disturbing the new baby. It did however, become a tradition that they met once a year and played together on the battlements, now joined by little Jennifer who hit her triangle enthusiastically in time with the others.

The witcher heard other stories, from all the siblings, who came and went, sometimes in large groups, back and forth from the stage. Family squabbles and disagreements, silly spats and fights – some of which were still unresolved –  as well as many adventures they had happily shared and heart warming tales of happy times.

Stories of rule as Viscount, and of when Jaskier had vanished for almost an entire year, which turned out to be entirely Geralt's fault. He was forgiven but warned not to occupy his friend's time in late spring again. He heard too, happy stories of love and siblings supporting one another and soon Geralt understood the family to, despite Jaskier's half-hearted protests, truly care for one another.

Jaskier himself, now rather drunk on beer and corked wine, seemed to be the biggest champion of all his siblings, cheering them on and arguing – sometimes a little too aggressively – with them when he was praised above them. Truly, it seemed to Geralt that he loved them dearly, each and every one. Even if the bard ended up as the butt of many a joke, now released of any pretence, he laughed along side his siblings, heartedly and with no sign of sourness.

At one point Jaskier announced that he had in fact received the invitation and had pushed Geralt to come through here, despite pretending to have no knowledge of this place, when indeed he knew it to be the only inn around and that, by the time they reached it, Geralt would be sick of sleeping outside. The witcher himself laughed most heartedly, declaring that he had been played most cunningly, which in that moment he realised he had. He even joined in with the applause when Jaskier stood up and bowed to the cheers and laughter of his siblings for tricking a witcher.

When the dawn approached, Geralt had the pleasure of carrying Jaskier to bed. He was surprised that all the siblings, even Jennifer – though she had been asleep on Johan's lap for many hours – stayed until the innkeeper told them he must prepare for the day that had already arrived. It was only when they were on the stairs and finally alone, that Geralt asked Jaskier why he had hidden his family for so long and why even when they had arrived, he had tried to run.

“I want to be Jaskier, not Julian Alfred Pankratz, when I'm with you. And I thought that if you met my family that would change.” The bard said, his speech so slurred that Geralt could only just understand what he was saying. “They're good people, a good family, but I dislike that I'm a Viscount. I'm a bard, Geralt! A bard and only a bard! I've only used my title to get you out of trouble – like that time they caught you swindling the crown because of that red haired witch.” Geralt met Jaskier's blurred gaze and his friend began to giggle. “What I'm saying is,” He dribbled when his laughter had subsided. “The person you are friends with is Jaskier, troubadour, poet, womaniser, a man whom doesn't have a family with fourteen siblings and an increasing number of nieces and nephews. A man who can stand tall on his achievements, unique and talented and not one of many and not even the best among them.”

Jaskier's voice grew quiet and Geralt shook his head at such a notion.

“Dear friend, for you are truly my friend, perhaps the only true friend I have. Not because of your musical talent, nor your proficiency at bedding women and certainly not because you are a man without a family – though I did have you down as an only child, I must admit. No, dear, dear Jaskier, you are my friend for many reasons, your courage for one. You have been to places and taken part in things more dangerous than any normal man and from what I gather, certainly any of your siblings would readily involve themselves in. You have also saved me more times and in more ways than I can count. You are loyal, a horrible wretch, hilarious and utterly unique and with qualities I cannot even put into words, for I am no poet, but all of which make you my very dear friend and that will not change whether you are lonesome Jaskier or Julian Alfred Pankratz, Viscount de Lettenhove, one of fourteen or even a hundred siblings, all of whom play the lute with the exception of Jennifer who plays the triangle. You are my friend Jaskier, and always will be.”

The bard looked at Geralt with eyes shimmering with tears and, just as Geralt though he would speak, Jaskier turned his head an vomited into a plant pot.

#Jaskier #geraskier #geralt #geralt of rivia #the witcher #witcher #the witcher fanfiction #jaskier family

[stepphase]

Cyberpunk 2077 Gameplay: 9 things to know before playing

Cyberpunk 2077 Gameplay: Of course, it is a game that arrive after eight years of anticipation and hype. Cyberpunk 2077 Gameplay have officially launch in Global. As well as, it is already a broken Steam records. In fact, its fans expect of a game from CD Projekt Red. Also, the studio of The GTA 6 and Assassin's Creed Valhalla is a massive game. With a gigantic open world that is explore in the Night City.

After all, i have spent 40 hours with this game. And i feel fraction of what Cyberpunk 2077 Gameplay have to offer. As well as, i have notice few thing which is powering through Cyberpunk 2077 weekend.

Image: CD Projekt Red

1. Loot every single thing

After all, here is a way to make money is to sell armor. In fact, a lot of enemy will drop their armor or gun after get killed. Just pick every single thing and sell them. After all, Crafting is big element of the Cyberpunk 2077 gameplay. Also, you can craft armor, weapons and much more. As well as, you can use dismantle weapon to upgrade weapons.

2. What difference backstories make

After all, when you will start the game you will get 3 option with backstories for V: Nomad, Street Kid, Corpo.

In fact, there is 2 main impacts. The first effect the open hour of the game. As well as, if you will start in a Night City, different Characters, it is depend your choosing. Of course, the Corpo is in office building. And the Street Kid is in Sleazy bar. As well as, Nomad is in the Badlands desert outside of the Night City. After all, After gameplay of an hour you will come at the sam epath with fun for hire with your pal Jackie.

Af course, the second effect is with a different dialogue option that is base on the backstory that you choose. After all, when i went for Corpo, that give V ability to politic his own way to certain sticky situations. Also, your backstory won't make difference.

3. Don't just play the main quest

After all, i have spent 5 days around to get the Cuberpunk 2077 Gameplay review. Also, i force to ignore side quests and focus on the main storyline. Of course, Don't do this.

As well as, the Cyberpunk 2077 story is strengths and its relationship between V and Johnny Silverhand. As well as, the mercenary play by the Keanu Reeves with a characters called V. Of course, the Cyberpunk 2077 is explore a Night City. Also, Gameplay itself is encourages and prompting you regularly and take break with the main quest for other stuff.

In fact, its amazing to play Side Quests then the Main Quests. Also, from reining in seven AI-powered cabs is rogue to solve mystery of slain mayor. After all, it is my favorite that the rogue cabs have personalities often legitimately funny.

As well as, the more Side Quests will give you the access of the better endings. After all, i finish the game in 37:30:26 hours with less Side Questing. In fact, it is really clear that the ending i did in Cyberpunk 2077 Gameplay and there is many possible ending. Also, i get the worst ending by the way.

Note: Do more Side Quests to get more resolute and satisfying ending for V.

4. Do gigs to get cash

As well as, in Side Quests, to help a character to complete overriding goal with "gigs". After all, their is a more mercantile: And a "fixer" will definitely ask you to go do a job for them. Just like an incapacitate enemy and sneak through hideout and place a tracker on vehicle. Or to take risk from one place to another place. After all, your'e a gun for hire.

In fact, this things is fun with challenging and it will take 15 or 20 minutes maximum. Of course, You will definitely need the money in Cyberpunk just to buy weapon, cars, and upgrades. Also, i find these gigs is the best way to make it.

5. Stack attributes

After all, you will get option at begin of the game is to distribute points for attributes: Body Reflex, Cool, Intelligence, and Technical Ability. As well as, you will have perks that you can unlock in attributes.

In fact, i spread the attribute points and perks senievenly. And i also have idea that skill trees in most AAA games. After all, i end up unlocking all perks eventually. In fact, you are better off choosing that how you wanna approach combat and tailor attributes point and perks.

Of course, there is a 2 ways to handle the combat: Stealth and Force but there is a subdivisions. Also, you can specialize in the meelee weapons, and fisticuffs or gunplay. Also, you can optimize sleuthing hacking abilities and stealth kill offense. After all, the cool attributes and the related perks will make enemies harder to detect you. As well as, you can hack tech to distract enemies. Also, throwing daggers.

In fact, you can adjust your style in game but do not do what i did. Just try to be balance.

Breathtaking Johnny Silverhand. Screenshot by CNET

6. Pump Body and Technical Ability to open doors

After all, there is a Body and Technical Ability to attributes both highly useful to navigate Night City. In fact, both is use to open lock doors. Also, have more benefits like getting higher Body points that will lets you hijack cars and open parked cars. In fact, there is a Technical Ability that will let you hack mainframes to get money and to crafting components.

Breathtaking Johnny Silverhand. Screenshot by CNET

7. No two playthroughs will be the same

After all, the choices is really matter in Cyberpunk 2077 Gameplay. Also, it is a true in Main Storyline. As well as, do not go in game with impression that make small and cosmetic differences. How you complete missions and react it will have a drastic effect.

After all, I have a suggestion that open section in game and you are task with getting a piece of the military tech from the gang. As well as, there is a option to meet with operative from mega corporation that tech was stolen. In fact, when I demoed game in August i didn't bother meet the operative and a result to blast my way out of gangs hideout. After all, i play this time i meet operative and result her corp's forces to shootout with gang and leaving me scurry away easily.

8. Do not use fast travel everytime

As well as, this is a similar vein. Also there is a fast travel point to the city that you will be able to use it. After all, when objective is other side of Night City. In fact, you would not have the time to dally dilly but you will often be rewarded for travelling via motorbike and car.

Of course, there is a lot of things to do in Night City. As well as, you are bound to find something if you will travel manually. After all, you will definitely find multiple cool things as i find regular stops en route to next quest location after see it. And the icon beckoning me into the HUD map.

After all, the Night City Police Department will pay you if you break it up and apprehend the perps. As well as, the Fighting crime yield solid loot that you are left disappointed with payoff.

9. You can fail Side Quests

After all, you will definitely fail Side Quests and would not get chance to re-do them.

In fact, when the first time i experience i was midway through a Quest revolving a killer that is trying to seek forgiveness from the dude he killed. Also, at the end of the Quest, one of that dialogue option is "Alright, i've seen enough". As well as, it is reverse psychology trick that i choose. "OK, fine" and the Quest just ended.

After all, this is same for challenges. As well as, one "gig" taking part in shooting contest with rifle with the top prize. As well as, there is not a single option to redo it. I Just Lost it.

Cyberpunk 2077 Gameplay

Cyberpunk 2077 gameplay: After all, Night City is like a deranged experiment in a social Darwinism. As well as, it is designed by a bored researcher who keeps one thumb permanently on the fast forward button.

In fact, that line is from William Gibson in 1984 novel Neuromancer. Of course, it help to define genre known as the Cyberpunk 2077 gameplay. As well as, the book conjures world to cutting edge trends are embarrassing cliches and desperate hustlers rise overnight and also fade without the trace.

After all, the Cyberpunk 2077 gameplay by the Witcher studio CD Projekt Red in Night City. As well as, the Cyberpunk 2077 gameplay was announced in 2012 and that is based on the tabletop series which was launched in 1988. Of course, it is a years of work that is report months of the brutal crunch time. In fact, CD Projekt Red have deliver on incredibly ambitious vision. As well as, it is a vast virtual city with complex narrative and also the roleplaying system.

As well as, it is dont by playing elements straight and safe. Of course, the Cyberpunk 2077 Gameplay is frequently satifying and also a impressive game. Also despite setting in fast moving future that is never surprising.

Trailer

https://youtu.be/BO8lX3hDU30

After all, the Cyberpunk 2077 gameplay take the place in eponymous year 2077 which is at the Night City. As well as, it is a California Megalopolis where interlocking freeways thread between the skyscrapers and the street markets. In fact, you can imagine Los Angeles with the mile high holo billboards and the pedestrain friendly urban planning. As well as, there is a de facto breakip of the America.

Also, that is failed urban utopia has become an autonomous zone that is dominated by gangs and multinational corporations. After all, on every single street level, the surface has plastered with sexed-up ads and also nihilistic graffiti. As well as, it is an ultra-rich have retreated in cavernous hotels and apartments with gilded servant class. After all, the citizens disposable and the body is malleable, ripe for the dramatic cybernetic modding which is blends with chrome.

In fact, your protagonist is mercenary named V that is hail from three possible background. As well as, 2077's is small corporate overclass and the Night City teeming slums or the nomadic group at outside the city. As well as, V is a neon hair corporate taider for insance. Also, with a short origin story mission that is be drag in bloogy interdepartment conflict. Also, V is countless freelancer drifting at Night City demimonda. In fact, join heist arrange by flinty femme fatale and naturally its job falls..

Sexed-up Billboards, Nihilistic Graffiti, and Literally Gilded Service Class

After all, V is a witness cold-blooded into the crime of the Night City’s. As well as, in ensuing chaos and coverup. Also, its ends with a piece of dangerous experiment technology. Also, they resurrect the digital ghost of the Night City legend: In fact, the metal-armed punk rocker is the terrorist Johnny Silverhand and voice by the Keanu Reeves. As well as, Johnny’s suffering frustrated outbursts and cynical quips.

After all, they also figure out that who built tech and how to stop the deadly effects. As well as, appealing to the criminals and also corporate loyalists who will stab them in the back.

Of course, this is a threat in a narrative that is big by a standard to the open-world games. After all, i finish Cyberpunk 2077 gameplay in 37:30:26 hours. As well as, that covers major Side Missions and cruising around the Night City. Also, I left a few small tasks undone.

After all, Every single neighborhood is pack with jobs just to discover, random crime to stop, and conversation to overhear. After all, when you become the more powerful, crime bosses, and local fixers then start to ask out for help. As well as, they will try to sell you a secondhand car. Also, in the opening mission, you will definitely find major endgame story branches that is depend on your loyalties.

More

After all, the Cyberpunk 2077 map's overwhelming experience. With the waypoint icons, pack and selecting a given item requires zoom in. As well as, the game does a good job of spin extends side arcs from core missions. Also, it is a calamitous first act, that given multiple leads to the main goal.

As well as, they tracked down require the cutting deals with the characters and also contacting heists to other participants. After all, these partners will ask for help with their problems. it Also, continue subplot to the main story and open doors to fresh Night City subculture. In fact, you will find more gigs but the several option section that will feel like V and Johnny Saga.

Night City future are eternally relevant

After all, the Cyberpunk 2077 tropes have survive because of the ring true. As well as, Cyberpunk 2077 depics hyper-stratified societ. Which is rewards cruelty and exploits vulnerability, also commercializes everything. This game conventions help it avoid facile event references that is still feeling contemporary.

After all, Cyberpunk 2077 falls in irritating caricature. As well as, V and Jackie develop blend for streetwise cynicism and buried hopefulness. As well as, those dialogue is overladen with spanish aside. After all, this game is straightforwardly reproduces 1980s Cyberpunk's surface of level fascinating with China and Japan. in fact, it is arming japanese gangster with katanas. And building Japanese Characters around archetypes like a honor-bound samurai.

After all, the USSR hanging with them, and the Cyberpunk 2077's gender and race worldbuilding is feel like an alt-history relic. Also, it will let you customize V's voice and body shape.

After all, the tabletop series author Mike Pondsmith have stat that the rules of detail fictional society is political. As well as, the Cyberpunk import social conflict for a dramatic effect like an long subplot about the sex workers. In fact, its vulnerable class of the real people. Also, its trying to overthrow bosses.

In fact, these conflicts do not feel fail or successful social commentary. Also, its stock neo-noir conceits which happen just to involve oppression. Also, Cyberpunk 2077 is a brand of exploitation. After all, it is a piece of fiction that does not add stories and ideas it is borrowing.

After all, CD Projekt Red has created a sprawl populate a world. where meandering freeways also outlying deserts and the rows of factory-farm also greenhouses feel beautiful craft.

Cyberpunk 2077 Gameplay is a powerful machine with million slick toggles, but they feel disconnected

After all, the Cyberpunk 2077 areas have the shortcut doors to the high-tech or high-strength players can unlock. As well as, it is not clever puzzle-box design you had find in the Dishonored or Deus Ex. Also, you can choose to kill the enemies, a thread of the missions where you have to bring the targets in alive. After all, this option affect gameplay style or character interactions.

After all, your background and stats in the Cyberpunk will produce extra dialogue choices. As well as, they rarely change how conversations unfolded. In fact, a lot of game is roleplaying choices are crude binaries or illusions. Also, the Cyberpunk 2077 is powerful machine with million slick toggles. But more of them will feel disconnected.

After all, its a silver lining for me just like a reviewer and granted because Cyberpunk 2077 pre-release for PC build was fully unpredictable bugs. As well as, its mercenery keeps reappear behind me when i knock him unconscious and also forcing me toshoot him. As well as, when i try to move their body some enemies clipped through floors and exploded.

I can destroy you just with my brain with a four different ways

After all, this game is open-ended roleplaying and few elements reminiscent of sims just like Deus Ex. As well as, purchase weapons and clothes are supplemented by the upgrade tree for games key stat. Also, dexterity, strength, and cool. After all, you can visit back to the alley technicians which is called ripper docs. As well as, they also install bionic weapons and swappable upgrades with perks.

As well as, Cyberpunk 2077 can approach a lot of areas by slip past enemies undetected. Also, you can shoot everyone. After all, there is a clever hacking minigame that provides blanket benefits and making enemies much more vulnerable or glitching out the security camera. After all, there are “quickhacks” for actions. As well as, in stealth, you can deactivating turrets or making vending machines chirp to distract the enemies. In combat, you can fry the enemy's brains by making implants malfunction.

After all, this system will help to carry the Cyberpunk's considerable length. Instead of the rewarding hyper-specialization and the game encourages versatility also mixing up firefights with the sneaky sections. As well as, Quickhacks add a touch of much-appreciated absurdity to the combat. In fact, it is satisfying to infiltrate a criminal hideout. Also, incapacitate cluster of the mooks by uploading some contagious poison brain virus. As well as, wait for their buddies to notice you, start a shootout with futuristic-looking “tech pistol”. Then knock the final gangster out with the mind powers.

Modern Cyberpunk 2077 is the broad vibe and a specific retro-future setting

After all, this saga is felt rote. In fact, it is Dungeons & Dragons codified that is Tolkienesque fantasy. As well as, Cyberpunk 2077 is distilled recognizable elements from influential fiction like Blade Runner and Neuromancer. After all, it is a loosely define cyberpunk genre that begins as a ground to space operas. Also, the post-apocalyptic is wastelands and heavily influenced by the hardboiled fiction.

As well as, it is permeated science fiction which has innovation cliches. Nowadays, “cyberpunk” has 2 contradictory meanings: tech-heavy futuristic media which is felt organically grown from the present-day to social conditions. Also, its specific set of the 1980s and 1990s influenced retro-future noir conventions.

After all, Cyberpunk 2077 sits in the timeline where the Soviet Union still exists. As well as, Japan is an economic and cultural superpower that is with chaotic warzones and big cities. In fact, this game set decades after when original tabletop release. And the CD Projekt Red tune down retro aesthetic enough just to avoid ostentatious anachronism.

Of course, there is a periodic flashback to an earlier era and also creating a strangely hilarious setup. Where 2077 is look sort of from this real-world in 2020. After all, fictional 2020 is actually a sci-fi 1980s right down to the vinyl record and the eye mount camcorders.

Bugs

After all, if the Cyberpunk is a game for the perfection than i consider it is a serious problem. As well as, i hope CD Projekt Red will definitely fix it. As well as, it is roll out one round of pre-release bug patches. Also, it is a huge sandbox with autosave system, which is not a deal-breakers.

Of course, the Cyberpunk is hype as triumph of the next-generation gaming. Also, it is sheer size which will take advantage of the modern computer and console specs. Of course, my PC is really powerful enough for games.

Cyberpunk 2077 is released on December 10th on PC, Google Stadia, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, and Xbox Series X, Fifa 21, Capsix Robotics, GTA 6 Project America, gta 6 release date/characters/map/news/rumors, cyberpunk 2077 release date, cyberpunk 2077 warn streamers to avoid dmca strikes,

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[tricksterslav]

Hi there I don’t have any experience with the Witcher. Never played the games or read the books. I’ve watched the trailer for the Netflix series. I was wondering what you meant by the issues you have with no Slavic representation in the aesthetic and other things like that? Also I’m from the US so I’m incredibly uninformed on this topic and would enjoy being enlightened. I promise I’m not being sarcastic and if I’m coming off as rude I’m sorry

(Disclaimer - I am not an expert nor do I claim to be, I'm speaking from my own heart and the knowledge I have)

To get into the issue, you've got to understand that for most people that've read The Witcher, it's a very important book. I grew up on foreign fantasy and adventure novels and when my mom handed me a book that was Polish -it was weird. I didn't know Polish fantasy novels even existed - I was fed grim, westernized fantasy beforehand. The Witcher immediately stood out to me- it was complex, intelligent, with a lot of morals and likeable, but problematic characters. It had strong girl protagonists (including Ciri, who's canonically lesbian/bisexual), intriguing action, and it was perfect. I'm sure a lot of people feel the same about it. It's a unique piece of Polish culture, rooted deeply.

The Witcher is riddled with references to Polish history and culture, especially Slavic mythology. Monsters such as Strzyga, poroniec, wąpierz (or even the Wild Hunt, [even though it does appear also in German mythology]) hail from Slavic mythology. Superstitions (such as children being born under a bad moon) are driven from Slavic beliefs. The dryads that take Ciri in while she's exiled are creatures from Slavic mythology. It doesn't matter that Witcher takes place in a fictional world. It's a fictional world build upon slavic motifs.

Now imagine that amazing book, and the incredible game (made by polish artists) taken by a big corporation such as Netflix. They cast non-Slavic actors as the main characters, they leave out everything that makes it unique and beautiful, and turn it into a stereotypical fantasy setting- English castles, French costumes, American actors. There's nothing distinct about it now - it's not a beautiful, captivating story anymore. It's just a mainstream tale about a guy with a sword. And it's fed to a target audience - mostly people who have no knowledge of the books at all, who don't know what this book means to us.

I don't know how people can not be mad about it. If any of my information is false, be free to correct me, but I'd much rather enjoy something made properly than another mediocare Netflix show that leans heavily on special effects for any semblance of quality at all.

Slavic people don't get represented in the media- and I've talked about it before, but to take any sliver of the brand that we had - something distinct, something ours, and exclude us from it? I was very excited for the show, at first, because I didn't know how badly executed it's going to be. This is an utter disappointment, and I'm going to express my dissatisfaction.

Sorry for the long post, but I hope I've helped you understand the problem a little more.

#witcher #the witcher #the witcher discourse #discourse #answered #thanks for asking #long post #polish #poland #slavic #slavic culture #slavic folklore

[117--087]

Hey what game franchise could you imagine john and Kelly in other than halo if you could my bf said Deus Ex what do you think?

I’ve actually been sitting on this ask for a long time…but now that my idea for it is actually relevant in terms what’s going on in popular media right now, I figured it was a good a time as any to finally answer. ^_^;

There’s one franchise I think John and Kelly would be a great fit for: The Witcher series!

I’ve seen other folks talk about this before, and have thought about it for years myself. But for those that don’t know much about the Witcher Universe, “witcher” is the name used for the members of a guild of professional monster hunters that have been intensely trained since childhood and altered through dangerous alchemical & magical processes to have super-human senses and physical capabilities. Unfortunately though their mutations and reputation for being “emotionless killing machines” means they are often othered by society at large. Sounds familiar, no?…Basically they are very similar to Halo’s Spartan-IIs, but in a fantasy setting.

Some of the primary differences though are how Witchers are independent of any national or military allegiance/affiliation. Their services are available to anyone who will hire them and they journey all over the Continent (the name for the main body of land where The Witcher stories take place) looking for work. Witchers typically work alone as well. There are also no female Witchers - none have ever been able to survive the mutation procedures so they aren’t recruited in the first place (but for the purposes of this AU we’ll just go ahead and ignore this aspect of the lore).

Witchers are trained in keeps called “schools” that are scattered across the Continent. So while not a perfect analog, I like to imagine John and Kelly would hail from the Griffin School (to maintain some of the Spartan/Eagle motif). They’d still be childhood best friends. After surviving their Trial of the Grasses (the mutations) John and Kelly head out into the world to make a living killing monsters. They travel in the same direction for a while, intending to separate at some point, but after taking a few contracts they decide to break Witcher tradition and stay/slay together (lol). They have to split the coin they earn, but sharing the workload as well plus the companionship make up for it. Eventually their relationship progresses from friends/partners to lovers, but they keep that fact well under wraps to maintain the illusion that Witchers “don’t feel anything” so as to have an edge on their competition for jobs hunting down dangerous creatures.

With that as a base there are lots of elements from both the Witcher’s and Halo’s main storylines and lore that can be incorporated into this AU. I’ve just never sat down and given it any serious thought beyond the basic premise. But if anyone has any more ideas for a Witcher/Halo crossover or AU feel free to share!

#Halo #The Witcher #John 117 #Kelly 087 #AU #crossover #john x kelly #asks #anonymous

[eggoreviews]

My Top 25 Games Advent Day 12 - The Witcher III: Wild Hunt (#14)

​​"Hatred and prejudice will never be eradicated. And the witch hunts will never be about witches. To have a scapegoat — that's the key."​​

The Witcher III and I have had a very rocky relationship over the past couple of years. There was a lot of fighting and a lot of problems I ended up having with a game everyone else hailed as masterpiece. It was only recently, with some patience and a lot of convincing myself to give it another try, that I finally saw its value. And oh boy, do I value it now. So before I keep comparing my attachment to this game as a relationship like a weirdo, let’s delve into what made me change my mind about a game I was so vehemently neutral on for so very long.​​

​​When I started The Witcher, I just could not get into it. Several hours in and I was struggling with the various combat and crafting mechanics and finding I was too underlevelled to do much at all, and focusing on all this background noise meant I barely made it into Velen before I realised I was forcing myself to continue. So I stopped, for near enough two years. And then, out of nowhere, I came back and I was gone. I was sucked immediately back into Geralt’s adventures; of his thrilling quest to locate Ciri and destroy the Wild Hunt, the richly interesting side quests and characters that come with them, the challenging, often intriguing monster contracts that always came with a twist. I was absolutely taken with the world and everything that filled it and it turned out that all I needed was time away. So when I finally jumped back into completing each and every plot thread, whether as huge as dethroning the mad tyrant of the Wild Hunt or as tiny as winding a peasant’s lost frying pan, it kept me engaged and left me wanting more until the very end. I know I just recently called the first Dragon Age the Lord of the Rings of gaming, but I think that title may in fact have to go here instead, from pure story and character quality alone, not to mention the excellently crafted and detailed fantasy world they inhabit.​​

​​Speaking of characters, I would say they were the aspect of the game I most appreciated. Matching the game’s perfect tone of knowing when to balance serious dialogue and epic battles/setpieces with humourous characters and sometimes utterly wild and hilarious side quests, the characters Geralt encounters on his journey are as rich and interesting as they are real and faithful to the world they live in. Of course, the main cast of Geralt, Yennefer, Triss and Ciri are consistently brilliant characters throughout the game, growing and changing through the experience and through the choices you make as the player. Geralt’s fraught relationships in particular as he works through a rough patch with his beloved, Yennefer, and chooses whether it would be better to reconcile his relationship with Triss instead is a well-written, realised love triangle that did the unthinkable; it made me care about a romance plot. And a straight romance plot too! How??​​

​​Alongside them come the side characters; while even the lowly peasant quest givers deserve a mention here, every named side character is pretty much unforgettable. Dandelion, the hapless bard who can’t keep it in his pants, Djikstra, the hilariously slimy criminal who keeps a strenuous friendship with Geralt, Zoltan, the friendly dwarf who’s ever your helpful companion and Ves, my rebel wife who I wish got more screentime (seriously I love Ves so much). Vesemir as the father figure to everyone, the sarcastic, bitter but still in some way caring Lambert and the suitably powerful Eredin and Imlerith as central villains. All incredible, all consistent with the world and it makes it all the better.​​ ​​Onto the world itself, this is another example of a not-quite-open world that fills every single square inch of its land and sea with something to explore or conquer. Whether or not you explore the war-torn marshes of Velen, the bustling city of Novigrad or the fraught isles of Skellige, there’s no end of content to satiate you aside from the main questline. New side missions to pick up, treasures to discover, monster nests to destroy, places of power to increase Geralt’s strength in your chosen area, whether that be vanilla combat, your magical signs or your expansive alchemy capabilities. The world and what inhabits it truly compliments the richly developed gameplay mechanics that make Geralt so engaging and diverse to be, as there’s so many different ways to approach the challenges the game throws your way. And nothing quite matches the thrill of knowing you’re Geralt of Rivia, masterful witcher and slayer of giant monsters. It’s the purest form of escapism in every sense of the word and I adore absolutely every aspect of this game that makes this such a flawlessly unique fantasy experience.​​

​​On top of all this, The Witcher III contains the best minigame I’ve ever encountered in anything: Gwent. The act and quests for hunting down a full deck of Gwent cards, the tactics and amount of unbridled fun you can have just playing this card game on its own is dizzying in itself. Counting alongside this Gwent related questlines where you can do anything from playing innkeeps across the world to entering into high stakes Gwent tournaments, all to further your skill and continue to collect unique cards, is brilliant fun and endlessly satisfying. If I’m honest, it’s a damn shame I can’t get ahold of a real Northern Realms Gwent deck because I would be all over that and I would absolutely play anyone at it.​​

​​To sum up The Witcher III as a whole, I would call it the definitive fantasy role-playing experience with one of the most well-realised protagonists in all of gaming. I haven’t quite got round to playing through the expansions yet, but you bet I’m gonna and I massively recommend this to anyone who enjoys fantasy. You’ve got a real classic waiting for you in The Witcher.​​

​​Standout Moment Award: The battle of Kaer Morhen is, for lack of a better word, just epic. With the fortress as a setpiece, the foreboding Wild Hunt relentlessly marching forward towards you and having near enough every character you’ve met so far gather to help you in your fight was incredible and a great catalyst for the game’s upcoming climax. It’s totally reminiscent of LOTR’s battle of Minas Tirith for all the right reasons.​​ ​​Standout Character Award: Geralt of Rivia. I know, massively obvious choice, but as I said, Geralt is one of the most well-realised protagonists I’ve ever played as. He was so brilliant a character, I’m genuinely scared of how they’ll change him for the upcoming Witcher series. Big, big shoutout to Ciri, Dandelion, Triss, Ves and Lambert too though, who all also could’ve taken this. ​​ ​​Tomorrow: No. 13; a prank gone horrendously wrong, local cannibals dismayed. ​​

#gaming #eggoreviews #best games advent #the witcher #the witcher 3 #witcher #geralt of rivia #geralt #ciri #witcher geralt #witcher ciri #witcher yennefer #yennefer #witcher dandelion #dandelion #triss merigold #triss

[briarfox13]

I have absolutely no knowledge of Witcher lore, apart that there is white haired Witcher dude named Geralt (or Gerald?) 😂... so briefly, what roles your OC ladies take in the story? Are they important presonas? Do they contribute to the canon story anyhow? 😊

Why thank you for asking even though you’re not familiar with the series! <3 Means a lot to me 😍

Haha it’s Geralt but he’s always being called Gerald which is hilarious! 

These are my 5 girls, art by the wonderful @drawinglinestoconstellations ! I’ve not quite finished my portraits of them yet XD Only 2 more to do

In order: 

Lillie of Temeria-Lillie is quite important as she is an ambassador from Temeria to Nilfgaard who are a large Empire attempting to take over the Northen Kingdoms (which Temeria is part of). While she’s there she falls for Emyhr, the emperor. They have a passionate affair but Liilie has to return home where she rules her family’s home-they are quite well off as a family. 

She doesn’t really contribute anything to the main canon as Emyhr does has a plot-line involving another love interest in the books. And I don’t like breaking canon lore much so I squished her in before this plotline. The rest of her story is set in an around The Witcher 2 I think and is dead by the time the Witcher 3 comes around. 

Kita von Barre-Kita is both important and not. She’s important by way of being a sorceress, that comes with a lot of power and respect. But by sorceress standards, she’s not one of the most famous ones. 

She does play a role in the canon-her partner and head of a partisan group (Vernon Roche) goes to Kaer Morhen (where Geralt is from) to fight the Wild Hunt. Kita goes with them and helps fight, killing several Wild Hunt members along the way. She was also involved in an event that takes place in the books, where a conference of sorceresses and mages come together at her school. As normal everything goes wrong but she and some other students get out. 

Heather-Heather is definitely not a very important person, she’s just a herbalist with selective mutism who lives in Toussaint (a bit like a fairytale version of France or Spain).

But she does play a part in the story of Blood and Wine, one of the DLCs. She ends up companion to Regis, who is a friend of Geralt’s. She helps Regis brew stuff and hunts for clues to the mystery Geralt’s trying to solve. And helps them solve a few problems along the way. 

Aneirin aep Morgana-She is my Nilfgaardian knight, now she is a very important person. She was a hero to the army, a legend among warriors. She is often referred to as ‘The Sun of Nilfgaard’ and hailed as the best warrior. Her father always wanted a boy and when his child was born a girl it didn’t stop him. 

She’s not important to the canon at all, I dreamt her up on the bus one day. Her story is set after the game and after Blood and Wine. The only in-game character she meets is Detlaff, you could say he’s an antagonist from Blood and Wine.

Reynard of Skellige-Reynard is a pariah really since she’s a Witcher. And they are looked down on by society for what they do. But I suppose you could consider the profession important as they do protect people from monsters. 

She was made for when I eventually play the Witcher tabletop RPG but ended up with a lot more life of her own thanks to @sovvngarde. She doesn’t have anything to do with canon apart from meeting Geralt before the events of the games

#Lillie of Temeria #Kita von Barre #Heather #Aneirin aep Morgana #Reynard of Skellige #The Witcher #The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt #wiedźmin #drawinglinestoconstellations #OCcorner #Witcher OC's #thank youuu <3

[dear-ao3]

for high school students who are taking history aps

additionally: schools been pretty wack with the online stuff this whole year so during ap season i am offering my services to Professor Saph for any questions about history APs, finals, and other tests.

i took the following history APs and passed all of them:

-AP Euro -APUSH -AP World -AP Human Geo

my other credentials are that im a history major

so for all you struggling high school kids, send me an ask to this blog or dm me on my main blog @all-hail-the-witcher if you need a Professor Saph Explanation on something and ill try my best to respond to all of them

#not a tag #from saph #i am legit serious school had sucked this whole year #and none of you are failing on my watch #apush #ap euro #ap world #ap world history #ap human geography #ap human geo #screw college board to the highest degree

[doomedandstoned]

Gandalf The Green Returns with ‘A Billion Faces’

~Doomed & Stoned Debuts~

Hailing from Leeds, England, this is GANDALF THE GREEN. The stoner-doom trio is one of a handful of younger bands comprised of members in their late-teens and early-twenties that have been impressing us lately, joining company with Montana's Wizzerd, Toronto's Horse Lung, Portland's SAOLA and Ape Cave, as well as Witchers Creed from Sweden.

Something interesting I've observed about what I'll dub the Dopesmoker generation is their affinity for large-scale compositions. Horse Lung shot for Bach-like complexity with their fugal composition Rattenkönig and have just released a pair of tracks clocking in at 18 and 28 minutes respectively on 'ἔσχατον' (2019). Likewise, Ape Cave released the massive double album, 'Language of the Earth' (2018), with Sleep producer Billy Anderson, who actually invited these kids to come in and record it after hearing their 2016 album Pillars of Evolution.

With Gandalf The Green's latest single, we find them similarly thinking on a grand scale. The near fourteen-minute epic "A Billion Faces" is the foretaste of the glory to come, as the band readies to release their full-length via APF Records this fall. Staged in three interlocking segments, the track is a real trip and holds up well to repeated listens. Execution-wise, Andrew Flint (guitar, vox), Jack Walker (drums, vox), and Danny Wrigley (bass guitar) have never sounded tighter as a unit. Compositionally, the fuzz-trippers show they can achieve balance and depth within a big-picture framework, without betraying flow or nuance. Fans of Slomatics and Conan will surely find this a joy to listen to from start to finish.

I think the band describes it best: "A 13-minute psych-infused stoner doom filth fest. All the tone. All the distortion. Titanic-sized knuckle-dragging gnarly riffs amped into pure oblivion through a Matamp rig of doom. We are excited for you to hear it." Look for "A Billion Faces" out Thursday, March 28th, as a digital download via APF Records, with artwork by Dominic Sohor Design.

Give ear...

An Interview with

    Gandalf The Green

For those new to Gandalf The Green, tell us about how you formed and your history.

It started with Andy writing a bedroom demo for 'The Right' in 2015, we'd previously been in a deathcore band together (we know, we were 16, cut us some slack) and knew we all liked slow and heavy music, so got in touch and we started rehearsing with ghetto equipment in Andy's bedroom in Huddersfield. The name came from a friend who'd just bought a Gandalf style pipe and we found the pun hilarious for a Stoner Doom band, so we used it. We released our Debut EP 'King of the Ashes' in September 2016 as a 4-piece band with two guitarists, though soon after we split with our drummer and put Jack behind the kit as a trio. After that things began moving properly. Since then, we've been gigging more, collecting more equipment, and worsening our tinnitus by turning up louder. In the last year or so we've finally started getting proper slots on festivals and local gigs, though we're still yet to play a headline show!

What music has influenced your sound, and who are your musical heroes?

Our philosophy is that we want to play stupidly low-tuned, crushingly heavy music, but not in a way that sounds too evil or miserable, then combine that with trippy, ambient cleans for a huge dynamic change. Someone once put it eloquently as 'The brutality of Mordor with the serenity of the Shire.'

From a writing perspective, our main influences are Conan, Sleep, YOB and Elephant Tree. Though with all the spacey ambient bits it's quite difficult to pin exactly where a lot of that comes from, mainly just going a bit nuts with effects and seeing what comes out.

AF: My musical idol is forever Dave Grohl, even if this band doesn't sound much like his stuff. My favourite guitar players are the ones for the bands listed, plus Tony Iommi, of course.

JW: We all listen to very varied stuff, so there’s all sorts, but for this genre my influences are, Yob, The Body, Elephant Tree, Khanate, Om, Weedeater, Windhand, BongCauldron. Musical heroes? Fenriz, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams III, Mike Scheidt.

DW: My influences change around a lot but probably The Body, Sleep, Conan, Thou and Full of Hell. As for heroes the first that comes to mind is Jordan Dreyer.

What’s been your favourite gig to play so far?

AF: I'd say Gizzardfest 2018 as it was our largest crowd, but one of my amps blew up during sound check so I was a bit miffed. Other than that, the Holy Spider Promotions show Terence Larkin booked at the Mulberry Tavern in Sheffield last year was brilliant. A tiny, sweaty venue crammed with people who were really digging the music.

JW: Yeah Gizzardfest was really cool, but for me I'd say that Sheffield gig, it was Mulberry Tavern with Khost, Oak, Ritual King, Regulus and Stonelung. When we went onstage the venue was rammed so the atmosphere was great for us, it WAS proper sweaty but that's the best way.

DW: Got to agree with Gizzardfest I was amazed by the amount of people there and the reception we got cancelled out the problems by a long shot for me.

King of the Ashes by Gandalf the Green

How do you look back on your 'King of the Ashes' EP two and a half years on?

We recorded it for £0 in Andy's bedroom with whatever mics we had on hand and did the drums with some University students. Other than 'The One Ring', it's not very representative of our sound these days though, as we were finding our feet and trying lots of writing styles, with speedier Stoner Rock tracks like 'King of the Ashes' and 'The Right', which we don't really play these days.

It's fun to see how the tracks have evolved for our live performances though, 'The One Ring' now screams with feedback, has reverb swells and washed out cleans, while 'Old Toby' has a massively slowed down outro riff and stereo panning oscillating delay at the beginning. If you enjoy the debut, definitely come check us out live to see how it's evolved.

AF: I'm still pretty happy with it and loved the super DIY bedroom recording. I felt the production quality came out great, given the circumstances. Seeing how I’ve changed my vocal style and tuned my guitar down so much lower makes comparing the new and old material interesting.

JW: I have a lot of fond memories from that time writing and recording, but since we were so new to it all it doesn't quite have as good sound quality as I'd like. It's alright, but we've grown as a band and the stuff we're writing now has a way more unique sound and is better in every way I can think of.

DW: I still listen to it a fair bit honestly. I think it still holds up, but I'm excited to start showing how we've developed over the past few years and how we come across out of a bedroom. What music are you digging right now?

AF: Right now I'm on a massive hype for the gnarliest, darkest stuff I can find, such as Grey Widow, Coltsblood, Ommadon, Bismuth, and Glasghote, and I imagine these bands are going to work into my writing style for our next release.

JW: I listen to a shit load of country, like every day, maybe even more than I listen to metal. Artists like Benjamin Tod, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams III, Jesse Stewart, Crywank, The Native Howl, etcetera. But for this genre the stuff on rotation right now is bands like Windhand, Grime, The Body, Yob, Bell Witch, Ommadon, Bismuth, Sloth Hammer, Primitive Man, Elephant Tree, Goblinsmoker, Tuskar.

DW: I've been binging on grindcore and hardcore recently, a lot of Full of Hell and Wormrot on repeat. Other than that the new Body Void EP has been blowing me away every time I listen.

You’ve recently signed with APF Records. Which bands on the label do you share an affinity with?

AF: The reason we approached APF to begin with is because we love so many bands on the roster, it's hard to pick out a few! Personally, I'd say BongCauldron, Battalions, and Under, though there really isn't a bad band on APF.

JW: BongCauldron, since they were the main influence on me (and I think the others too) when starting this band. They were one of the first bands to help me get into this kind of music, since I found them when Andy's old band supported them in Bad Apples years ago and through that found more doom/stoner bands.

DW: Yes, BongCauldron, for pretty obvious reasons. Also I've been listening to Under- Stop Being Naive a lot since seeing them at Gizzardfest they've got such a unique and crushing sound.

photo by aevjohnston

Tell us about "A Billion Faces" -- what’s it about, and how did the track come together?

AF: It was the first track I wrote after we tuned down to drop F and bought a bunch of new effects, so I was really playing with all the new toys and trying to make something with a big dynamic change from the gentle intro to when it kicks in. We've been performing it live for a while, so the song's evolved over time to include the sexy wah solo and, because Jack and Danny love noise music, we added the noise/screaming section in the outro. The original demo was only 9 minutes compared to the final 13!

We were approached by a friend of a friend (Alex Tune, assisted by Jake Bonnett) who needed a band to record for his University coursework, it seemed mutually beneficial, and we'd get to record in the gorgeous Phipps Hall and borrow a bunch of Huddersfield Uni's Matamp equipment for free to use with ours, so we took him up on it. We live recorded the track in December 2018 and mixed and mastered the track ourselves, so again got away with paying £0 for the release. It sounded lovely in the room, but we really didn't expect the final product to sound quite as good as it did. Lyrically, the track is about parallel universes and how, if they exist, every different possible version of you exists somewhere in a big infinite tree of possible yous, experiencing the best and worst things all at once. I was wondering where I'd be if I'd taken a different turn in life and moved to a different city, and I realised that there'd be a version of me in a parallel universe where I did move there, wondering right now where he'd be if he took the turns I did. We're both thinking about each other amongst a billion different versions of ourselves, but unable to know who the other is and what their life is like.

The song comes with a cracking video. How did that come about?

A friend of the band, and vocalist/guitarist in Andy's other band, Andrew Johnston (he uses the moniker 'AEVJohnston' for music) offered to help. We thought it'd be a crime to not get video footage of us performing in such a beautiful venue, so he came along free of charge, brought his fancy lighting rig, bathed the room in green light, rented a couple of cameras from the University, and filmed us while we recorded. We edited the footage ourselves cut from various different takes we did. Again, we paid nothing for the video because we're cheap (do you see a theme?).

JW: Shout out Johnston for being a sick bloke, nice one mate it turned it really well, thank you. Sadly though, I don't think the video shows just how beautiful that room really was. Like the video is great, don't get me wrong, but actually being stood in that room with that lighting rig made it look gorgeous. Such a great atmosphere for it. Again, cheers Johnston, that was a huge help, I think the video of it really brings this release together.

What’s your plans for the rest of 2019?

We're working on our next release, of which we have over half an hour written already. Andy is busy with University, and the other two of us with real life things. Put simply, in 2019 we want to push to play more gigs and write more music. Hopefully we'll have another release done or out by the end of the year. We're aiming not to fuck about as much for it as we did for this one, because it took a long time to get going.

If your house was on fire and you could grab one thing from it before it burned down, what would that be?

AF: My Green Matamp GT1 amplifier, it's like my child.

JW: My bong, it's like my child.

DW: My cat, it's like my child.

Finally: anything to declare?

JW: Yeah, we just want to say how much we appreciate everything that's happened to us since finishing the single. We love every one of you who's checked us out or gave us a chance. Big shout out and lots of love to Andrew Field for signing us to APF, to every promoter for putting us on and every one of you for listening. It means the world to us, thank you.

AF: We also love all the sound guys who keep telling us to turn down on stage, even if you don’t love us.

☮

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#D&S Debuts #Gandalf The Green #Leeds #England #UK #Doom #Metal #Doom Metal #Stoner Rock #Music Video #APF Records #D&S Interviews #Doomed & Stoned

[captain-azoren]

Myths and Iron: Cast of Characters

Besides the Avatar and Dragon Prince stuff, I’ve been wanting to do an original story and setting. Something more Low Fantasy ala Conan the Barbarian, kind of set around the time of classical antiquity. Too bad I can’t think of a plot, but I’ve always felt that good character development and interaction were more interesting anyway.

I’ve been brainstorming a few scenes in particular though that I’d like to share, if only to just get it out of my head. Before I do so, I should give my characters a brief introduction, if only for context. Quick note, this is all being done quick and dirty and with not a lot of research, so consider these just prototypes. “Myths and Iron” is just a working title.

Leodin: A pugilist hailing from the mountainous regions to the north-west. He learned to fight with his fists after a bloody, traumatic episode in his youth led him to shun most other weaponry. Leodin learned unarmed combat from an old master from the East, including how to harness chi. 

Leodin’s fighting style can be described as resembling mixed martial arts, combining boxing, wrestling, and joint locks, as well as kung fu (specifically chachuan) kicks to round it out. In DnD, he would be a Monk, but with more of a western gladiator aesthetic. Appearance wise, I’m thinking something like Levius Cromwell;

He acts stoic and controlled, but a deep seated, righteous anger boils inside him. Leodin found himself arrested and sent to fight as a gladiator in the Empire’s capital when the story begins. He catches the eye of my next character, Ibunet

Ibunet: A mysterious and ambitious priestess from a far off territory of the Empire, Ibunet wields ancient magical powers granted to her by her patron god through a scepter she wields. 

She acts an an agent for the royal court, her spiritual power giving her great political sway. She can be quite callous and mean to others, but she had a harsh childhood living in poverty that taught her to be pragmatic. Ibunet likes to indulge herself when she can, taunting her enemies and savoring her victories. 

Ibunet mostly relies on her scepter to cast spells and curses, but also wields a dagger for desperate, close encounters. She can also cast simpler spells on her own without the scepter.

For Ibunet, I’m thinking of something like Yennefer from The Witcher, but with more of an Ancient Egyptian/Stygian aesthetic. She’d be like the Warlock of a DnD group I think. Appearance wise, what I have in mind is something a bit like Eliza from Skullgirls, but with the face and hair of Yosira from Cleopatra in Space, maybe with purple eyes;

Ibunet acts as an antagonist/rival. She is haughty and looks down on those less powerful, but is not devoid of humanity. She is partnered with the other main antagonist, Clavius;

Clavius: A young, upstart officer in the Empire’s military. He has quickly risen through the ranks thanks to his natural talent and charisma. Clavius is a skilled warrior, cunning tactician, and magic user. Clavius has a lust for power and control, and ultimately seeks to rule the Empire himself. He has found Ibunet to be a useful ally, having charmed her into following him, but the feelings she has for him are not mutual.

I’m thinking of Clavius as being this really smooth, charismatic villain that has a lot of power and is very threatening. I don’t want to say he’s like Azula, because unlike her, he really is heartless and selfish. He is tall, handsome, and powerful, dressed in regal but intimidating armor. Thinking of having a very Roman Centurion look to him.

Yu Ling: An alchemist from the East. Has kind of a creepy goth girl vibe, and uses plenty of biting sarcasm. Think Sucy from Little Witch Academia mixed with a little Uncle from Jackie Chan Adventures. Throws a lot of bottles that explode into things. Pale skin and bad posture.

Anthea: A ranger/huntress seeking justice. Has a kind of Ancient Greek/Helenistic aesthetic. Wavy red hair and light blue clothing. Evokes the image of the goddess Artemis. Might make her Clavius’ sister? She uses a magic bow that can fire different types of magic arrows.

Zarun: An old mystic and master of illusions. He has had many adventures in his life, and gained much wisdom. Zarun’s legs are weak and frail, but he rides around on a magic carpet most of the time. He’s the Uncle Iroh of the group.Plays a sitar as a conduit for some of his magic, so kind of like a Bard. 

Njeri: A warrior who was also captured and sent to the gladiator arena. She and Leodin are freed with the help of Anthea. She is based on Okoye from Black Panther.Uses a spear and shield combo like Valkyrie from For Honor. Definitely the Fighter.

Yoshimaru: Ninja, master of stealth and infiltration. Moody and keeps to himself He’s a lot like Zuko in his Blue Spirit persona. Was sent from his homeland to gather intel on the Empire. Uses a lot of ninja tools. Not that great at direct combat, but very crafty.

And that’s all the cast I have for this semi Dungeons and Dragons party. With that done, I think I’ll write some scenes with them for funsies.

#Myths and Iron #Leodin #ibunet

[lovelesstrainer]

All of them 😎

(1) Do You Sleep With Your Closet Doors Open Or Closed? Closed(2) Do You Have Freckles? Nah (3) Can You Whistle? Barely (4) Last Song You Listened To. Paradise (what about us?) - within temptation ft. Tarja(5) What Is Your Favourite Colour? Purple (6) Relationship Status. :) (7) What Is The Temperature Right Now? Idk cold(8) Did You Wake Up Cranky? Nah (9) How Many Followers? 270-some (10) Zodiac Sign. Aquarius (11) What Is Your Eye Colour? Grey (12) Take A Vitamin Daily? Nah (13) Do You Sing In The Shower? Nope (14) What Books Are You Reading? Girl with the Dragon tattoo and a few for my literature class (15) Grab The Book Nearest To You, Turn To Page 64, Give Me Line 14. "When it rained, he jyst crawled in under his ears and was as warm and snug as you could please" (16) Favourite Anime? I wanna say Tokyo ghoul (17) Last Person You Cried In Front Of? No idea (18) Do You Collect Anything? Keychains tbh(19) What Did You Have For Lunch? Nothin yet(20) Do You Dance In The Car? Yesm (21) Favourite Animal? Cat or rabbit or wolf (22) Do You Watch The Olympics? Sometimes (23) What Time Do You Usually Go To Bed? Anywhere between 10 and 2 (24) Are You Wearing Makeup Right Now? Nope(25) Do You Prefer To Swim In A Pool Or The Ocean? Ocean (26) Favourite Tumblr Blog? No ide (27) Bottled Water Or Tap Water? Don't care (28) What Makes You Happy? @xerinos :^)(29) Post A Gif Of What You’re Currently Feeling Right Now. Can't on mobile (30) Do You Study Better With Or Without Music? With (31) Dogs Or Cats? Cats(32) If You Were A Crayon What Colour Would You Be? Blue?(33) PlayStation Or Xbox. PlayStation (34) Would You Swim In The Lake Or Ocean? Ocean (35) Do You Believe In Magic? Nah (36) What Colour Shirt Are You Wearing? Grey (37) Can You Curl Your Tongue? Noe (38) Do You Save Money Or Spend It? Both(39) Is There Anything Pink Within 10 Feet Of You? Nope(40) Do You Have Any Obsessions Right Now? Nah (41) Have You Ever Caught A Butterfly? Probably (42) Are You Easily Influenced By Other People? Nah(43) Do You Have Strange Dreams? YES(44) Do You Like Going On Airplanes? Sure but after like 6 or 7 hours I start feeling sick (45) Name One Movie That Made You Cry. Your Name is the first thatcame to mins. (46) Peanuts Or Sunflower Seeds? Peanuts(47) If I Handed You A Concert Ticket Right Now, Who Would You Want The Performer To Be? Uhhh probably just like Iced Earth or Sonata Arctica(48) Are You A Picky Eater? Meh (49) Are You A Heavy Sleeper? Nope(50) Do You Fear Thunder / Lightning? Nah (51) Do You Like To Read / Write? Meh (52) Do You Like Your Music Loud? Yes (53) Would You Rather Carve Pumpkins Or Wrap Presents? Neither. They both suck (54) Put Your Music On Shuffle, What Is The First Song That Came Up? Hail The Apocalypse - Avatar (55) What Season Are You In Right Now? (Weather) winter (56) What Are You Craving Right Now? Anything. I'm hungry (57) Post A Screenshot Of Your Tumblr Feed. Nah(58) What Is Your Gender? Female (59) Coffee Or Tea? Tea(60) Do You Have Any Homework Right Now? If So, What Is It About? Nah but I have to study for my Swedish final/ nej, men jag måsta studerar för min svensk slutprov :^) (61) What Is Your Sexuality? Bi(62) Do You Make Your Bed In The Morning? LOL NO(63) Favourite Pokemon? Milotic(64) Favourite Social Media? Snapchat ig(65) What’s Your Opinion On Instagram Stories? Meh(66) Do You Get Homesick? Meh sometimes (67) Are You A Virgin? Nope(68) What Shampoo And Conditioner Are You Using Right Now? Some like $40 colour 0rotection stuff (69) If You Were Far From Home And Needed To Sleep For The Night, Would You Choose To Rent A Crappy Motel Room For $60 Or Sleep In Your Car For Free? Car wtf(70) Are Both Of Your Blood Parents Still In Your Life? Nope (71)  Whats The Next Movie You Want To See In Theaters? No idea (72) Do You Miss Your Ex? Nope (73) What Is Your Favourite Quote Right Now? No idea(74)  What Eye Colour Do You Find Sexiest? Blue? Idk (75) Did You Like Swinging As A Child? Do You Still Get Excited When You See A Swing Set? Nope and nope(76) What Was The Last Thing You Ate? UHHHJHH instant noodles I think (77) What Games Do You Have On Your Phone? Nothing (78) Would You Give A Homeless Person CPR If They Were Dying? Why Or Why Not? Wow uhh idk probably not because I'd panic (79) Been On The Computer For 5 Hours Straight? Ofc(80) Stalked Someone On A Social Network? Ofc lmao (81) Do You Like Meeting New People? N O (82) Do You Wear Rings? If You Do, Take A Picture Of Them. Nope (83) Do You Sleep With Your Bedroom Door Open Or Closed? Kinda open buy mostly closed (84) What Are Three Things You Did Today? Nothing yet (85) What Do You Wear To Bed? T-shirt and sweats (86) List All Of Your Different Beauty Products You Have Right Now. UHHJJ spf moisturizer, jeju volcanic lava cleanser/scrub, honey and brown sugar exfoliate stuff, naked 2 UD, tarte liquid eyeliner, mabelline mascara, UD foundation, Laura Mercier loose powderThat's the main stuff (87) Are You A Day Or Night Person? Night (88) List All Of Your Video Games On Your Phone, Console Etc. LMAO Overreach, league of legends, assassin's creed (1/2/brotherhood/revelations/3/4/unity/syndicate/origins), bloodborne, witcher 3, horizon zero dawn, nier automata, finalfantasy (7/8/10/10-2/13/13-2/lightning returns/14/15), dark souls (2/3), resident evil 4, skyrim, destiny(1/2), devil may cry (1/2/3/dmc), bioshock 2, borderlands (1/2), darksiders (1/2) That's all I can think of atm (89) Tell Me About A Dream That You Had And When It Happened. Something something cannibal cultists. The other night (90) Favourite Soda Drink? Coke (91) What Sounds Are Your Favourite? ???? (92) Do You Wear Jeans Or Sweats More? Jeans (93) How Do You Look Right Now? Terrible (94) Name Something That Relaxes You. Kitty (95) What Tattoo Do You Want? I got a few in mind (96) Favourite YouTuber? Boris ig

[thealfanator]

The Steel that Warmed Us in the Night-Time ~ Chapter One

A glint shined in the darkness, winking at the tiny needle of light that peered into the gloomy large cave.  Dust and gloom danced around all areas of the chasm as large, heavy feet shuffled around the rocky floor.  Grunts and moans sounded as the mysterious creatures moved with daunting intent as they carefully protected the shiny gemstone that sat at the back of the rocky alcove.  Smells of char-grilled skin and set blood reeked and bounced inside the coffin-like interior, scrambling up any nostril that inhaled; jabbing the senses with pitchforks.  The giant silhouettes that only slightly managed to stand out against the minute volume of light were so rigid and gigantic that they would send fright up anyone’s spine.  They were like giants that seemed as if they were the size of towers.  One man’s struggled voice splat out in the corner of the cave, tiny and restless.  Blood dripped out of his mouth rashly as he tried to grab the precious glittering item that lie a few metres ahead of him.  Unfortunately, the spike that had impaled him did not allow him to move, stuck against the nail that jolted through his guts.  He continued to struggle, ignoring the fact that the more he moved, the more significantly the blood would gush out of his open wounds. For a moment, the enormous pool of blood, created by him and the many rotted corpses around him, shimmered more than the artefact; like passive competition.  One of the shuffling giants heard his useless splattering and slowly grumbled towards the faint noise that he emitted.  A few seconds passed until the man aggressively had his skull crushed against the weight of the creature’s toe.  More passed, until the giant grunted a sigh of satisfaction and turned back to join the rest of his narrow-minded comrades.  They continued to shuffle in the dimly lit cave, ripping limbs from the corpses that decorated the cave then eating them with large amounts of pleasure.  The grunts and moans continued as the glistening joyous gemstone winked at the crack of sunlight that danced at the other end of the chasm…

It was a sunny day at Kaer Morhen.  The Sun blistered the concrete that made up the structured walls around the castle.  Leaves and vines tried to protect them by frolicking against the mild wind.  The air was calm, cheerful and complementing well with the strategical odour that was emitted by the witchers that occupied the plots of lands.  At one of many of the balconies that stuck out of the main part of the castle - stood Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter and master swordsman. Despite his title, Geralt does not hail from the city of Rivia.  After being left with the witchers by his mother, Visenna, he grew up in their keep of Kaer Morhen in the realm of Kaedwen.  He stood, hands on the warming stone banister, proudly upon the vast landscape of the Witcher castle.  The scar of his face enjoyed the sunshine as he gazed upon the lush green fields in the distance.  As he watched the scenery, blurs and gossips could be heard from down below.  Ink blots of moving figures dotted the stone and grass on the ground, talking and going about their business.  It was peaceful.

“Come on, my love.  Cirilla cannot wait all day.”  Yennefer brushed up behind him, her raven-black hair stunning the sunlight. She was the youngest member of the Brotherhood of Sorcerers yet is also the love of the Witcher and a mother figure to Ciri.  She cuddled against him despite the hot temperature.  Her smile emitted into Geralt’s contented eyes, penetrating all defensive aspects of his personality.  His heart seemed to melt inside as he gazed back onto her alluring face.

“I thought she could stand to wait a little longer.” Geralt brought about a smile.  They exchanged complements for an unusually long amount of time before swiftly heading into the cool shade within the building.  After Geralt had returned, after a few hours, Yennefer suggested a potential opportunity.

“A contract came up.” She introduced.  Geralt seemed annoyed at first, wanting a break from monster hunting – mostly due to the short amount of time since his last contract, hunting down a poor phantom on the Isle of Frologhe, just a mile off from Novigrad.  “Don’t sigh like that!” she laughed, “I don’t think it’s that bad.  Have you heard of the very… monotonous King: Yeoman Janshai? Apparently, he needs a witcher to deal with a challenging yet peculiar job.  Thoughts?”  Geralt reluctantly agreed and decided to head out with Yennefer on horseback to a daunting castle to the north of Skellige after admitting their departure to Cirilla and the rest of witchers that occupied their home.

           The ride to the castle was short and swift.  Geralt gazed at the frosty towers and pillars that built up the building. The area was in the north of the Skellige Isles, resulting in the chilly air.  The concrete blocks seemed to almost shiver as a way of keeping warm. Yennefer and Geralt dismounted their steeds and tied them to a nearby fence in a fancy stall.  The Witcher said his farewells to Roach and followed the sorceress across the bridge and into the castle.  As they entered, torches hung from the interior infrastructure, occupying the immediate atmosphere with a pleasing warmth.  Their orange light lit the otherwise darkened areas with ease and kept the mood of nearby soldiers content while they stood on guard with heavy steel and weapons.  Several men were positioned around various corners of the well-built castle, perceptive for any unexpected movements or invasions – although their eyes seemed more tired than eager.  Geralt and Yennefer came to a large open hall, red carpets smothering the cobblestones and wooden tables and chairs stood balancing metallic cups and plates. The room felt increasingly lonely than the others although the quantity of guards had multiplied.  Geralt thought perhaps it was the long and bare echo that bounced footsteps and the occasional coughs.  He looked around like an eagle, mapping out the room.  Door… behind them.  Windows… Possible escape route if the conversation gets too dull. Gigantic, important-looking throne… in the centre, being engaged by a particularly impertinent man who couldn’t help to show off his gleaming, shiny crown upon his head.

“Come, Witcher.” He began, “I have a request you won’t want to turn down…” He left the information cryptic, which agitated Geralt somewhat.  He preferred to get straight to the point, getting muddy and bloody in the fields fighting a noon wraith; but no… snobby conversations with rich kings it is… He looked at Yennefer who seemed entirely undisrupted by the arrogance that persuaded the hall, almost waltzing towards the man with an uncaring nature about her. “Straight to the point then…” the man, who was later identified to be Janshai, the king Yen was talking about earlier, greeted the pair, “There are ten amulets that I used to have in my company. Ten amulets which were… relatively expensive pieces of merchandise.  Now, only one remains.”  He unveiled the shiny artefact from his neck.  Pieces of expensive emeralds and rubies danced along the untouched gold of the necklace.  Even Geralt could see that, no doubt, it was expensive and fragile.  “I need you to find the other nine, scattered across the various lands and bring them to me, with haste!  Don’t worry, you will be payed a hefty sum of cash towards the completion of the contract.”  Geralt needed information, not motivation, and as he was given a tiny piece of parchment with all of the suspected locations of the amulets, he asked questions.

“Who stole them?” he poked.

“Who can say?  I am unsure who or what stole them.  It came in the blackest of moons to steal them under the noses of my men.”  Geralt looked around.  There were plenty of guards stationed.  It seemed unlikely that anyone could steal even a steel cup from this place without becoming plummeted to the ground by their heavy bodies. More questions were rallied before Geralt and Yennefer left the castle, sighing under the unanswered problems and missing gaps in their knowledge.

“How would someone manage to steal items as cherished as those without being caught?” Yennefer thought aloud.

“Exactly what I was thinking.” The Witcher agreed.  After some discussion, they decided to look at the list of locations in which some of the amulets might be.  Velen.  Novigrad. Skellige.  All of the usual places but one which stood out from the page… Toussaint.  Geralt thought to himself that this might not be some usual contract, and that this might be more complex than he originally thought…

           The both of them travelled to the nearest location on the list: Novigrad. As they reached the cobblestone bridge which was half crumbled into the river, they dismounted their horses and headed into the bustled town centre.  People rushed around their usual lives, the red rooftops gleamed in positive expression around the city, reflecting the cheery Sun to complement the general mood.  Alleyways that let people down to shops and marketplaces spun off the main square like spindly legs of spiders.  The wind squeezed through the tiniest gaps between the compact bodies that shuffled around the city.  Bells rung furiously, men shouted – proudly selling their goods profusely; everything on display.  Fish, fruit, vegetables… everything was there, ejecting their sweet aroma over everybody nearby.  Geralt stopped and consulted Yennefer.

“Janshai said we’re looking for a couple of shady thieves in blue leather clothing.” He began.  “A rag of some caught clothing was found snagged on a torch sconce on the night of the incident, said that’s our best guess…” He rambled on swiftly with the item in his hand, without recognising that Yennefer had a more pressing issue on her mind.

“I think Ciri should come along.  Three heads are better than two.” She exclaimed.

“Absolutely not,” Geralt stabbed, “We just got her back from the Wild Hunt; do you really think I’m going to let her out of Kaer Morhen’s walls again?”  He sighed. “As much as I know you admire her, Yen, we cannot let her come along…” he trailed off.  He found a bench a few metres away from him and sat on it, swinging his head in his hands.

“I understand.  You’re right.” She joined him.  The Sun seemed evermore hot now, producing sweat on the forehead of various people, including Geralt.

“It’s just… too dangerous.”

“Very well.” Yennefer agreed, “Come on, we have to trail that first lead.”  After a few moments of rest, they swiftly got up and headed towards the market stalls in hope for a lead about a missing amulet.  From behind a large barrel in the dimmed light of an alleyway, Ciri peeked around the object, then quickly retreating back down Novigrad’s city corridors after eavesdropping the conversation.  Whilst making sure she evaded their sights, Cirilla dodged the witcher and sorceress whilst heading to the other half of the market stalls, asking about some thieves in blue clothing that may have passed through.  Geralt, oblivious to Cirilla’s presence, blindly started asking the local sellers about their current evidence and information.  The hustle and bustle of Novigrad continued.  People bounced off each other manically whilst the tall stretching houses danced in the now dwindling Sun.  Somewhere in this ocean was a very expensive amulet, and the Witcher was positive they were going to find it.

Thank you for all of the positive feedback on the fanfiction that I write.  I’m only just starting out and thus exposing a very small area of my blog at the moment, however I believe that Season 1 was successful despite it being so short.  As a result, I plan for Season 2 to be more than twice the length of Season 1.  The chapters are longer and there are more of them!  This is Chapter 1 and I hope you enjoy  :) 

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