jesus Pia that sounds fucking rough.. I've been following you and reading your stories from 2015, and I never knew about this. I'm so sorry you had to go through that. Sending you all the best <3

I didn't speak about it openly at the time because I had a policy of not shit-talking on my Tumblr, and I knew at the time if I mentioned what was happening specifically re: the self-harm photos, everyone would know who I was talking about, and I worried it might create backlash for this person. And while I felt manipulated and abused by her, I was genuinely worried for her mental health, and I didn't want her getting hate from people who saw what was happening to me. (Because like, I did carry some influence in that fandom, and that would have been fucking terrible).

The person who sent me most of the hate messages actually emailed me to apologise months later, which was bizarre, but... it didn't surprise me to know she was good friends with this other person. Because she always sent them under anon, I had no idea who she was until she apologised.

But yeah the reason a lot of people don't know is because I just...was only talking about it behind closed doors to cope, and trying to keep it away from anywhere other people could see it. I wasn't always successful, and I think I did mention I was having a tough time because of some of the people in the fandom, but that was the extent of what I tried to say.

Now that a lot of time has gone by, no one really knows who that person is anymore (though I think a very few people who were super active in the tags at the time might have some suspicions), and so I don't have to worry about her getting any hate, and she's a lot harder to identify. I don't even know if she's on Tumblr anymore.

I have a general policy of keeping that stuff off my blog, so I turned off anon sometimes, and I deleted (and tried to block) a lot of anon messages, I responded to very few. I have a general 'delete anything that I can't turn into something useful' policy. Sometimes messages from antis I can turn into a teaching/education moment, but if it's just repeated 'KYS' messages, there's nothing for that except the bin.

I do have a lot of screenshotted receipts though, lol. I got in the habit of screenshotting things, because I became quite paranoid at the time (esp because I didn't know how many people were sending me all the anons, so it felt for a while like it was a LOT of people vs. I think just a few very disturbed dedicated people lol), so I have a folder in my RotG writing folder literally of just...Tumblr drama, lol. It's sad to think about. I think it's one of the reasons I don't really go as deep into fandoms anymore like I used to. :( But that might change with time. :)

Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters GX Episodes 65 and 66 Subbed (Finalized)

(Check out my Subbed!GX Stream Masterpost!)

Hell Kaiser Ryou! Chimeratech Overdragon

Since his defeat to Ed in the Pro Leagues, the life in Kaiser Ryou has faded.  But at the invitation of a suspicious promoter, he participates in an underground duel--duels in which, crucially, one risks their life to treat their savage audience to a show.  As Acidic Last Machine Virus causes his Machine-Types like Cyber Dragon to rust, the Kaiser is not only cut off from summoning any Monsters, but it causes him to take damage.  With each drop in his LP, an electric current flows through his body, exciting the spectators...

Judai’s First Dream Duel!

Lost in the forest, Judai’s consciousness starts to fade from hunger, causing him to reminisce about his duels thus far--taking down Instructor Chronos’s Ancient Gear Golem with Flame Wingman during his Entrance Exam, battling the then-Blue elite Manjoume and his V-to-Z Dragon Catapult Cannon shortly after his enrollment, battling Misawa’s seventh deck with the right to represent the Academia on the line, and his first loss in the face of Kaiser Ryou’s Cyber End Dragon...

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

*crashes onto your TL months late with non-corporate coffee*

And these two are finally up and finalized! Sorry for the wait, if you were looking forward to ‘em--as I mentioned in my post on Sunday, they were pushed back a bit while I did one final lookover on 1-64′s scripts and hardsubs so I could actually call them “finalized.” I’d started to get them out of the way while waiting for some potential editing help, then just decided to finish it after scrapping the last little thing I hoped to work on (I planned to break briefly after 66 to do these re-finalizations anyway, but the timing happened to work out).  More details there.

But leaving that aside, here we have a pretty popular episode in Hell Kaiser Ryou’s debut, as he’s pushed to the brink by Mad Dog Inukai after Monkey Monkey Mountain Saruyama invites him to his first underground duel. They do a really good job of portraying Ryou as having lost his mojo post-Ed, showing a realistic view of what the big leagues in sports are like when that happens to you and you lose out on sponsorships/etc, and so when he gets cornered and Saruyama drills into him how he never once thought of winning since that duel, wanting to just stick with his respectful dueling, a spark lights up in him and... well, RIP Mad Dog. (Also, s/o to Takeshi Maeda for really selling Ryou’s shift in mindset by the end, and to his dub VA for sounding similarly good, imo.)

66 is probably less popular in comparison, treating us to our first clipshow of the series, though 66 episodes in isn’t a bad time (could be worse, VRAINS jk).  It’s endearing enough, though--kinda nice seeing SAL again; Judai’s hunger-induced visions give us Chronos, Misawa, and Manjoume making monkey noises; and the duels featured were important for Judai early on.  I also like the bit of new animation as vision!Ryou follows up with Judai about respecting his opponents; goes with what I’d noticed before about Judai adding his Fusion Undone/De-Fusion strategy to his own dueling after losing to him. (also Judai making a signpost sweatdrop from his aloofness pls)

Part of the initial delay with these were the footage fixes I wanted to work on, as well as a couple visual translations here/there which were fun to work on.  Really want to thank @paradoxi-kay for their great work as always in helping to translate the cover of the copy of Duel Magazine that Judai comes across early in 65, and starting the one on Shou’s copy that I finished up.  List of everything worked on below the cut, as usual, if you’re curious.

Enjoy, folks! I’ve gotten some work started on 67 already, and my plan is to try and work on some double releases to make up a bit of time, lol.  I’ll be posting these two on NAC in the next couple of days along with the re-finalized hardsubs and scripts/DVDRips; while I work on getting 67 and 68 done, I’ll also start some work on prepping softsub MKVs (also to go up on NAC) for everything I’ve fully finalized, since it’s been a while on that front.

Fixes/Edits! (65)

As Judai wanders in the forest early in the episode, he comes across a stack of old Duel Magazines; the front cover shows Ryou and is an issue from his winning streak days before his more recent loss to Ed.  Thanks to @paradoxi-kay​‘s great work in typesetting my translation onto the cover I blanked (which I detailed here), you’ll see it in English in the hardsub above.  The translation was first applied to the close-up of the cover that comes after #2 below, and then I took the translated cover and made it its own image that I put into the earlier shot as Judai approaches it while they’re all still tied up (detailed here).  The text reads, “Exclusive!! Kaiser Ryou Marufuji / Breaking down his Cyber Dragon deck!!! / In this issue: / -Duelists Du Jour / -Pro League Battle Data! / -Reader-Submitted Best Duels! / -Strategic Attack Decks by Type!” (Really appreciated Kay’s input on “Du Jour” because my original translation for that, “Duelists Who Are All the Rage,” wasn’t as catchy, lol.)

As Judai picks up one of the older Duel Magazines and flips it open, we see on the back cover an ad featuring the three Phantasms--it’s actually an in-show ad for Shadows of Infinity (since the episode aired around the time the pack came out in Japan); I detailed the process in blanking and translating it here (shared above).  The ad reads, "The Three Phantasms Descend!" featuring Uria and Raviel’s names on their images.

As we go to the Red dorm as Shou narrates about the Kaiser’s slump, we see a magazine page describing what happened to him since his loss to Ed; I covered my blanking/translating this in the link shared in #2.

We then see that it’s Shou reading the page from his own copy of Duel Magazine, this one more recent than Judai’s featuring Ed on the cover, though it features the same SOI/Phantasms ad on its back cover (now showing Hamon and its name as well).  Like with Judai’s issue, I used the Japanese cover and the dub’s edit as reference to just redraw Ed and Diamondguy enough to remove Ed’s name; Kay had started the translation placement and I finished it up.  For the SOI ad, like with #2, I added in the dub’s edit in pieces, tweaking it to match the original image more (since they again oddly edited the text out or redrew Uria/et al weirdly to do so).  We do now see more of the ad which shows that the trio’s names are on each of them, the English of which I added.

As Asuka snatches the magazine from Shou to work on cheering him up, to be consistent, I also worked in these cover translations to the magazine as she lifts then curls it up, using the dub’s blanked Phantasms edit as a base that I touched up a bit while adding back the Japanese cards.  Detailed more in #2′s link.  (We now also see that the ad reads on, “New! Shadow of Infinity - On Sale November 11th [2005]!”; the IRL booster pack came out in Japan on Nov. 17th, 2005, a few weeks before 65 aired.)

Asuka then lifts the curled-up magazine into view in a close-up, with the SOI/Phantasms ad visible which I also applied my translations above to as needed, using the dub’s blank edit as a base that I redrew parts of to touch up and match the Japanese image more.  Detailed more in #2′s link.

As Ryou meets Monkey Saruyama, he introduces himself by handing out his business card reading, "Saruyama Promotion - Representative Monkey Saruyama;" as detailed in #2′s link, I cleaned it up using Photoshop’s Clone Tool, then slapped the translation on using Calibri as the font.

As Ryou contemplates attacking Acid Slime with his Cyber Dragon and Mad Dog Inukai taunts him, as Mad Dog then slides in on a split-screen to “clear his doubts,” there’s a quick frame as Inukai takes over the screen where there’s a gap between his pecs and the split-screen edge.  I fixed it by just drawing in the rest of his chest in Photoshop to fill his side of the split-screen.

As Inukai starts his turn and activates his Contingency Fee Magic Card, there’s a frame where, as he’s sliding his hand with the card into the shot, the card itself slides ahead in his hand before his hand does; as a result, you can see a bit of the background just under the card before his hand catches up to the card in the next frame.  I fixed this by just duplicating the first frame here over it in Vegas.

Two here--first, after Ryou has his Proto Cyber Dragon attack Clone Slime, as Inukai begins to explain its effect, there’s a quick frame before the shot goes from a close-up to a slow zoom as he moves where his neck vanishes (new meme format go); I fixed this by just duplicating the previous frame in Vegas, while also correcting one of his looping lip-flap frames so that the scar on his chin is above the shading under his lip.  Then, as Inukai goes into Clone Slime’s effect and the shot slowly zooms out, we see Clone Slime on his Disk in Attack Mode when it’s in Defense Mode right now; fixed it by placing a proxy in Defense in AfterEffects for a frame, then re-keyframing that frame to the zoom-out in Vegas to put it in place.

After Acid Slime slips out of Inukai’s Cemetery as Clone Slime’s effect activates, Inukai moves to grab it before the two Slimes switch out, but Clone Slime’s still in Attack Mode on his Disk; fixed by placing the Defense-Mode proxy over it in AE, then moving it as he moves his Disk and applying a brief brightness increase as the light from Clone Slime being replaced with Acid Slime grazes it.

As Proto Cyber Dragon’s attack approaches Acid Slime in a quick shot, the card under it in Defense Mode is reversed (the name box should face to the left to match how it’s placed on his Disk); fixed by first applying the correctly-facing proxy in AfterEffects and moving it as the shot moves, then masking Acid Slime back in over it, along with the light coming from the attack as it starts to shine over its card.

As Ryou explains Overload Fusion’s effect, just before it starts to zoom out as he then chooses the six Monsters he’ll fuse, there are a few frames I noticed where Ryou’s whooshing hair throughout this shot suddenly stops whooshing; I fixed it by just masking in his whooshing hair from the previous frames for a few.

As Ryou taunts Inukai about how his Acidic Last Machine Virus will bother him no more, Inukai starts to slide in on a split-screen, but until his split-screen has fully slid in, there’s no border on its edge; I fixed it in Vegas by first masking out the border once it’s fully slid in, then moving it in another video layer with his split-screen for those nine frames.

As Ryou explains Chimeratech Overdragon’s multiple attacks, we see it reversed on his Disk; fixed by slapping on the correctly-facing proxy in AfterEffects, then re-keyframing it to the slow zoom in Vegas for the 94 frames it zooms out in (phew).

One error that I hoped to fix but scrapped happens as Chimeratech Overdragon’s first attack closes in on Inukai’s Multiple Slime, where we see a Defense-Mode card under it despite it being in Attack Mode the way Inukai summoned it (and since he then takes damage from the attack); couldn’t quite figure out how to light up the floor I’d redrawn under it with the ensuing explosion, and had sought a bit of help to get it right but ultimately that fell through. (Incidentally, not only did the dub not catch this as they dubified its card, but they reversed the card, at that, lol.)

Fixes/Edits! (66)

(Note: These are all flashback-related, and I detailed most of them [including a few new ones] in my post from Sunday that I linked just under the summaries; I went on to apply the fixes I’d applied in 66 to the respective episodes, so I’ll be brief here.  Reinserted fixes from a while back are in italics.)

(Episode 1 Flashback) I reinserted the fix I did to replace the blank Normal Monster on Judai’s Disk in Flame Wingman’s spot with its card as Antique Gear Golem crashes onto Chronos.  [Ep. 1 Flashback End]

(Episode 22 Flashback) As Misawa attacks with Litmus Death Swordsman to start his flashback, I reinserted the fix I did to detail the blank cards on his Disk with Diamond Dragon and Litmus Death.

As Misawa finishes explaining Wingbeat of Giant Dragon’s effect and it zooms out to Litmus Death, I reinserted my fix to his reversed card on Misawa’s Disk to flip it right-side-up.

Reinserted my fix to the repeat of #3 as Skyscraper fades.

Reinserted my fix to another repeat as Misawa explains Spirit Barrier’s effect.

R-R-Reinserted my fix to the r-r-repeat again as we see Misawa’s Disk while Judai explains Cyclone Boomerang’s effect (gotta love reused animation!) [Ep. 22 Flashback End]

(Episode 4 Flashback) As Judai prods Manjoume into choosing a card from his hand for A Hero Appears’s effect, I fixed Manjoume’s blazer looking semi-faded for a frame on his split-screen.

As Judai’s LP take a hit from V-to-Z destroying Burstlady, I fixed the four frames where the upper part of his Disk is missing the little bottom part that extends out a bit and Judai’s vanishing Disk wrist grip.

A bit complex, but I fixed Judai’s briefly-still-missing-then-vanishing-again wrist grip, the shading near his Cemetery slot, Judai’s arm becoming part of his Disk, and his wrist grip suddenly consuming his whole wrist. (Detailed in that Sunday post)

Reinserted my fix to the Attack-Mode Winged Kuriboh on Judai’s Disk to put it in Defense Mode as he discards two to activate Evolutionary/Transcendent Wings.

As Judai swings his arm around telling Winged Kuriboh LV10 to “send [V-to-Z’s] energy right back” at Manjoume, I reinserted my fix to put its Defense-Mode card in the spot on his Disk colored like the Monster Zone it’s on for a few frames.

A bit complex again recycling the Judai shot in #9, but I fixed his again-vanishing Disk wrist grip and half-Disk arm, his wrist grip suddenly consuming his whole wrist again, and his yet-again-vanished wrist grip, miscolored undershirt, and his half-Disk elbow while restoring some previous detail to his Disk. (Detailed in that Sunday post)

As Judai summons Featherman–to Shou and Chronos’s surprise–and has him lunge at Manjoume for the finisher, I reinserted my fix to keep the black faraway box that is Featherman on his Disk both as those two slide in on split-screens and as they slide back out. [Ep. 4 Flashback End]

(Episode 8 Flashback) I reinserted my fix to remove Featherman from Judai’s Disk as his LP drop from Cyber Dragon destroying it.

Reinserted my fix to a repeat of #14 as Judai’s excited about Ryou’s Time Capsule.

As Judai draws for his turn, I added a Fusion card over the dark-orange rectangle briefly in his hand as he draws it.

After Judai’s first hit on him, I fixed the error as Ryou Special-Summons another Cyber Dragon as a Monster in face-down Defense Mode on his second Monster Zone (detailed in that Sunday post).

Reinserted my fix adding Cyber Twin Dragon to Ryou’s Disk over a yellow rectangle.

As the screen zooms in on Judai after Ryou declares Cyber Twin’s attack, I added Thunder Giant to Judai’s third Monster Zone, then reinserted my previous fix adding it as it zooms back out while Judai uses A Hero Appears.

Reinserted my fix adding a few quick lip flaps to Judai as he says, “Partner,” out loud.

As Judai thinks about how Evolutionary Wings would evolve his Winged Kuriboh and we then see Bubbleman on his field, I added a missing Bubbleman card to his Disk.

Right after #21, I revised my previous fix to replace the Defense-Mode Mudballman on his Disk with an Attack-Mode Bubbleman, after I accidentally put it in Defense Mode before.

As Ryou grabs Power Bond from his hand before activating it, I reinserted my fix adding Ryou’s two missing Cyber Dragons to his Disk and then one over the blank Normal Monster card in his left hand.

As Ryou slips Power Bond into his Disk, I reinserted my fix adding those two missing Cyber Dragons onto his Disk.  [Ep. 8 Flashback End]

For the Ep. 67 preview, I added my translation of the notice left on the Red dorm by Napoleon which I’ll be using in the episode proper.

Evelyn (Sally Face Fanfic)

It was a nice Saturday afternoon, as Sally Face was hanging out at Larry’s place again, playing more of Clumpy the Mutant Monkey side by side. Both of them were traversing through toxic wastelands, slaying any flies that were flying in their paths. So far, Sal had died six times whereas Larry only died four times.

“Jesus!” Sal exclaimed, “this level is definitely the hardest! How’d you even finish it?”

“Time and practice, my dude!” Larry responded, “time and –“

A fly had struck Sal, causing him to lose more points.

“Maybe keep your eyes on the screen and try not getting distracted!” his friend chuckled.

He huffed in frustration as Larry smirked and continued on without any hassle. There were now green glowing flies showing up, that were definitely much bigger than the ones they had just ploughed through.

“Oh shit! Things are going to get crazy here! Hope you’re ready for this Sal!” he chuckled.

“Oh, you bet I am!” Sal replied enthusiastically.

Just as the gargantuan insects appeared on the screen, the TV suddenly turned off to the boys’ shock. Both of them were still gripping their consoles and looked at each other in confusion and bewilderment.

Larry stood up to inspect the TV, gently tugging at the wires while pressing the power button continuously but to no avail. He even checked any of the cords to see if anything was disconnected but nope, everything was intact, and he was pissed now.

“So what happened?” Sal asked, getting up.

“I don’t know man! It just fucking turned off by itself! Shitty thing must have broken wiring or something!”

“Oh damn, sorry about that.”

“No worries, I’m still amazed that we had this TV for this long, like 13 years,” Larry mused.

“Yeah well, hopefully, there’ll be some good ones on offer for you,” Sal replied.

“Mmm, true. Anyways, let’s do something different. What do you wanna do now?”

“Wanna walk around for a bit?” Sal posited.

“Yeah, maybe we’ll go for a walk; I just need to put some more stuff up in the tree house first. Some of it was my dad’s.”

“…Right,” Sal responded quietly. He really wanted to tell Larry the true reason as to why his dad, Jim Johnson, left him and his mother long ago, especially since he managed to salvage all the pages of the journal together which provided him the entirely tragic story.

But he can’t. Jim had somehow asked Sal in the final page not to tell them for their safety. He’d been wracking his brains every night as to how it was possible but couldn’t think of a straight answer. Given recent events, there certainly weren’t any straight answers to be yielded from what had transpired, especially since Sal and his friends had managed to uncover the cult’s temple deep below the depths of Addison Apartments, where he, Larry and Todd Morrison lived.

Larry adjusted his grip on the box by pushing it slightly up with his leg. Now that he had a firm hold, he headed out the door that lead to the grounds behind the apartments. Sal followed him up the steps leading to the door and noticed a small coloured piece of paper that had fallen out. His curiosity piqued, he picked it up and upon examining it, he felt his heart melt.

It read: “To my baby sister”, in wavy, crude handwriting that was covered in glitter with a childish illustration of a little girl holding a flower. Sal sighed sadly as he realised full well who this card was made for.

“C’mon slowpoke! What are you waiting for?!” Larry joked walking a little further. Sal quickly stuffed the card in his pocket and hurried along.

As soon as they reached the treehouse, Larry set the box down and was finally joined by Sal. He turned around and said, “Okay, so I’m gonna go up into the treehouse and you just pass the box up to me. Also, don’t worry, I can take it up easily! I’ve helped Mom with –”

“Okay, just let me put this in the box,” Sal interrupted, putting the folded up card down on top of the clutter inside the box. Larry blinked as he recognised what it was.

“Thanks, bud; let’s get this stuff up there,” he uttered quietly.

There was an awkward silence as Sal nodded in response while Larry climbed up the steps to the old treehouse his father built for him. After the box was finally up there with the rest of Jim Johnson’s possessions, the two boys set off down a small path that lead to a group of trees about seven kilometres away from the apartments.

For about ten minutes, they just trudged through the trees, nonchalantly kicking rocks and making meagre small talk along the way. Eventually, they reached a small, dead stump and decided to sit on it for a while.

The uneasy silence hung in the air around them like pollen from the surrounding grass. Sal felt it would be best not to discuss the card at all so he kept his mouth shut, all the while thinking something different to break the awkward silence between them. It was then that Larry spoke up.

“Hey dude, about that card…” he began.

“You don’t have to explain if you don’t want to,” Sal assured him.

“No, I think you ought to know. I honestly forgot that I still had that thing in my closet. Didn’t even remember it until now.”

“I see. Take your time,” he replied, pretending not to know how she died. He knew too well as to what happened as he recalled that saddening line from Jim’s journal: “Tragedy prevails once again…We lost the baby. Stillborn.”

He really didn’t feel comfortable asking about Larry’s sister, but he didn’t want Larry to know that he knew as he felt it would definitely make things worse. He couldn’t exactly explain why, but he was just certain it would only make things worse. Larry was still hurting after coming to the conclusion that Jim had abandoned him and his mother Lisa, but Sal didn’t want to disrespect Jim’s wishes about the journal’s secrecy. As much as he really wanted to tell Larry why Jim really left, he felt it would only cause more confusion and hurt for his friend, who was still healing.

“I was kinda excited to be a big brother. It’d mean I’d be the boss of somebody more little than me, heh,” Larry chuckled, “plus, I was also prepared to do what it takes to look out for her. My parents were even going to call her Evelyn, but…”

Sal didn’t want to prompt him to say more, he just wanted to allow his friend to open up as much as he wanted.

“She wasn’t alive…when she was born. I didn’t understand it at the time and thought my parents lied to me about getting a new sister. Like when a parent tells their kid they mightn’t be getting a new puppy after all due to…circumstances…”

“I’m so sorry, Larry,” Sal replied, “I can’t imagine how you and Lisa felt.”

“Well, I only felt bad about it years later, when I was old enough to understand. But I was just a kid, you know? I didn’t know better. Still,” Larry sighed, “I wish that I could…take back… being angry at them.”

He leaned forward and rested his face on his hands, letting out a sorrowful, weary sigh. Weary from all the bad luck that had plagued him as a child, before and after his father had unexpectedly left.

Without saying a word, Sal quietly put his hands across Larry’s torso and gave him a reassuring hug, which Larry returned along with a smile.

“Also, it’s strange but,” Larry hesitated “…I don’t miss her because I didn’t know her well but…I still want to mourn her properly…”

“Well, I think that talking about her like this is good enough. I often want to talk about my mom sometimes but I’m also afraid of upsetting Dad. So that’s why I felt more comfortable talking to you about her, because I trust you,” Sal explained, his hand now resting on Larry’s left shoulder.

“Thanks dude, I also feel a bit better now that I’ve talked about Evelyn. And yeah, I feel you on the bit about upsetting your dad, because I feel the same way about Mom. I think our folks probably need more time getting over these two events.”

“Yeah, definitely,” Sal agreed, “and if you don’t mind me saying, I’m pretty sure that you would’ve made a great brother, dude,” Sal assured him, “because that’s how I see you sometimes.”

“Aww, thanks dude, that’s real nice of you,” Larry replied with a smile, “I also see you as a brother too myself.”

“Thanks, now let’s go home.”

“Sure thing, Sal. Let’s go.”

Sure enough, the two of them started walking back to the apartments. Both felt that a big weight had been lifted from their shoulders, especially Larry. Sal, on the other hand, only felt that his big weight only got a bit lighter. His guilt on keeping the journal a secret wasn’t as heavy but it was still there. He remembered Jim expressing his fears in the journal that telling Larry and Lisa will only lead to them “digging for answers and that would put them in great danger.”

Given all the events that happened to Sal and his friends, there’s no telling what kind of danger lied ahead, even if the cult was currently dormant. Nonetheless, Sal was still determined to keep that promise to Jim and be as supportive to Larry as he had always been.

The End

Cake & Consolations

Short story inspired by @littlemisssquiggles, hope you enjoy!

            The days came and went quickly in the cold northern latitudes of the kingdom of Atlas. The sun often set as early as 5 o’clock in the afternoon, and naturally the freezing tundra winds swept into the lower city. Atlas had low-level shield technology to keep the worst of the considerable cold out, but down in Mantle it was either dress warm or freezing to death. This risk didn’t seem to faze Oscar Pine, who strolled through the streets, indifferent to the urban decay and restlessness around him. He was looking for a familiar shop, and knew that his departure from Atlas Academy via airship would raise alarm bells and eventual reprimand, but he didn’t care. He spotted his destination and quickened his pace, now realising just how cold he was getting, and discretely slid inside beside a tall departing customer before the door shut.

             Inside, the warm orange glow of Pietro Polendina’s shop made Oscar sigh in relief. He stared about for a moment before a warm, hearty voice caught his attention.

“Good evening, Mr Pine! I’m about to close shop for the day but any time is a good time for a friend of my daughter’s,” greeted Pietro as he ‘walked’ towards Oscar and shook his hand firmly but kindly.

“Hello, Pietro, nice to see you too. Honestly, just wanted to see a friendly face,” said Oscar with a faint smile.

“Well, I’m very much obliged,” chuckled the kindly old tech genius, “it’s not so often that I get friendly callers these days, maybe my luck has changed wouldn’t you say, Maria?”

Oscar felt a hard pat on his back, and the boy gave a high yelp of shock before turning to see Maria Calavera. She threw her head back and laughed loud and long, joined by Pietro’s hearty chuckles. Oscar too finally gave a small, if hollow, laugh when the inner tension defused.

“Oh honestly, Oscar,” said Maria as she finally stopped laughing and pulled him in for a hug with one arm, “You scare far too easily. But it’s lovely to see you too.”

“Thanks, Maria,” said Oscar, his brief smile couldn’t mask his morose and lost-looking eyes. Maria immediately picked up on that, but Pietro noticed something else.

“Now hold the phone, where are your friends?”

“It’s only me. My uh… companions are coming back from a Grimm-hunting mission at one of the mines, I heard they were victorious.”

“Huh, and here I thought you and the others were thick as thieves. Both literally and figuratively,” said Maria dryly.

“Oh my!” exclaimed Pietro, now looking more serious than before “Then it begs the question: what are you doing out here all by yourself? This part of town ain’t exactly the safest of neighbourhoods, especially not at this time of day, you could get robbed or worse!”

“I won’t be missed,” said Oscar in a muted voice. Both Pietro and Maria stared at him with stunned shock and confusion. “To be honest most if not all of them don’t think I should be with them.”

 “Who said that? Was it that greasy-haired birdbrained Qrow again?” demanded Maria angrily.

 “No! It’s not that, it’s…” Oscar paused; his eyes went back and forth between the floor and the two adults.

 “Oscar, we in this household have a strict rule about telling the truth,” said Pietro sternly, as Maria also gave him a warning frown.

 “Lately I’ve been getting this feeling that I’m not actually a part of the group. I found out today that Teams RWBY and JNR were awarded their official licences after a successful mission, Qrow and Penny were there, and the General left me at the Academy like… like it was nothing.”

 His voice had fallen into a low, broken whisper.

 “Now that you mention it, Penny did mention some official business of some kind and seemed very excited about it,” mused Pietro.

  “As soon as I found out, I wanted to be there to show my support for Ruby and her friends, us bonding with them and celebrating an achievement they rightly earned, and I’m... just left out? Am I part of this team or not?! Just-just… what the HELL?!”

 His voice rose with each passing word to an angry yell, and he started to shake from short ragged breaths. He felt a small hand tightly holding his, and another arm around his shoulder, as he went on his voice cracked further and tears fell down his cheeks.

 “I’m not a Huntsman, I get that. I’m just an out of depth farm-hand with a staff; I don't know what I was thinking.  I should never have left my home.”

 “Come on, let’s go into the lounge in the back,” said Maria gently, taking him by the hand and following Pietro through. Maria sat Oscar down on an old worn green couch with light brown cushions, and sat with him while he calmed down. When Pietro returned, he was carrying a wide platter with a bright orange cake with a white topping. Oscar’s eyes widened with amazement and a wide smile started to take shape.

 “Now, I was saving this for a special occasion, but I think we can break into it a little early. It’s a carrot cake topped with buttercream frosting; two layers,” said Pietro proudly.

 “No kidding! That’s my favourite!” said Oscar excitedly as he clapped his hands together.

 “Is it now? Then by all means, have a slice or two on me,” said Pietro beaming.

“Thank you… I-I really can’t thank you enough!” said Oscar with overflowing gratitude and newfound joy, and a new surge of joyful tears threatened to break loose. He got up and grabbed Pietro in an embrace, which Pietro gladly returned with his one available arm.

After cutting a generous slice each, the three settled around the coffee table, large mugs of tea and hot milk on either side of each plate. For a while, the adults exchanged anecdotes of cake recipes, and Oscar eagerly listened as it was finally something unrelated to their mission, until Pietro’s curiosity returned.

“So pray tell, how did you, both of you, get roped into all this?”

 Over the next several minutes, Oscar recounted how he first heard the voice of Professor Ozpin in his head, how this ancient soul told him to abandon his life on the farm and on a road to ‘greatness’ in protecting the world. He talked of his time at Haven and joining with Qrow Branwen and the young huntresses and huntsmen. He talked about how he trained with them, felt a connection to Ruby, Nora, Ren, and even Jaune despite their later difficulties. He mentioned the altercation at Haven Academy, and the Grimm attacks on their journey to Atlas. Recounting these events made him more animated and even happy at points, and Pietro listened with rapt attention. Maria added her own perspectives on the events leading up to Argus with quite a lot more flair than Oscar could muster.

 “My, my... That was quite the tale,” said Pietro, very much impressed.

 “Bah! If it weren't for me then you, your girlfriend’s team and her nincompoop uncle would be dried-up frozen corpses,” barked Maria indignantly,

 “W-What?! Maria, Ruby is not my girlfriend!” yelped Oscar worriedly.

 “Well sure, with an attitude like that she never will be,” she muttered to herself before clearing her throat, “Look, the point is that Iron-trousers didn’t bother to extend the invitation to me either, kid.”

 “That’s... actually a fair point. I’m sorry.”

 “It’s alright, I made my peace with it.”

 “Look, I get it. I’m not with them right now because I’m not a Huntsman. Without Ozpin in my head I’m nothing, I’m not a hero or somebody important.”

“Who says you’re not important?” said Pietro earnestly.

 Oscar paused, unable to come up with an answer.

 “I've traveled to all sorts of places, shook hands with all sorts of folks, from high-and-mighty statesmen to humble miners. And you know what? In all my life, I’ve never met anyone who wasn’t important. And that means you too! You risked everything to follow a group of strangers and jumped into the jaws of peril and emerged in one piece several times, and you keep sticking it out. You might not be a Huntsman right now but damn if you don't have the spirit of one, boy.”

 These words washed over Oscar, he looked back and forth and tried to process them, musing on carrot cake crumbs on his plate.

 “So everyone matters to someone, that’s your belief?” said Oscar at length, Pietro nodded, “then Ironwood would have left without me for some reason?”

 “Well, those mines are no picnic, and James takes a full escort wherever he goes. Maybe the General had his reasons and he trusted you enough to keep out of trouble. He’s probably wondering where you are right now.”

 Oscar flinched, remembering the Lamp of Knowledge. He had made sure to lock it up somewhere safe before leaving the Academy, but he still felt guilty about leaving it in some random cupboard. If Ironwood or any of the team were to find out he’d basically left his one job...

 “Here’s my two lien:” said Maria without her usual air of dry wit, “you got left behind, and that sucks, but being miserable about it isn’t going to make your situation better. You have to find another way: your own choices, actions and consequences. Do you really want to follow Ruby and her friends around like a puppy, or do you want to make the choices that feel right for you?”

 “You’re both right,” said Oscar with a calmer and clearer voice than earlier, “I have an idea about…”

“SAL-U-TATIONS!”

 Oscar rapidly turned about and stared; Penny was standing in the doorway to the lounge, all beaming smiles and waves. How that girl managed to be so loud and yet so discrete was both a mystery and triumph of Atlesian robotics.

 “Greetings, father! Greetings, Ms Calavera! I am happy to report that the graduation ceremony was a success, and my friends are officially licenced Huntsmen!”

 “Why that’s plum-terrific, darling!” said Pietro with his usual level of cordial enthusiasm as he pulled his daughter in for a hug, “Tell them I said hello would you?”

 “Of course! I’ve been sent to retrieve young Oscar,” she said a little more seriously as she turned and motioned Oscar to come with her, “Our transport is waiting outside. I believe Ruby and General Ironwood are worried for your safety, and Miss Valkyrie mentioned something about ‘he’s gonna get the grounding of a life if that boy isn’t back in five minutes!’ More or less,” she added the last part sheepishly, after emulating Nora’s voice to perfection.

 “Uh oh…” said Oscar, now quivering at the thought of a telling off from Nora and quickly rose, “I better go, but thank you so, so much for the cake, Pietro. This talk really helped.”

 “My pleasure, come by any time you like, as long as you tell your compatriots,” said Pietro as Oscar and Penny made their way from the lounge to the shop entrance, waving as they went.

 “Remember what we talked about, and good luck!” called out Maria.

THE CONSTANT

I think about Edith Fuller a lot. Edith Fuller, if you don’t remember—and there’s absolutely no reason you should, all things considered—was a wunderkind kindergartener who qualified to represent Tulsa in the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee. You know, the one for eighth graders. At 6, Edith was the youngest contestant in the history of the Bee, and as such was the darling of the media covering the event. And with good reason—as she had no idea of the relative enormity of her achievement, she carried herself with the infectious humility of a genuine 6-year-old, not a media darling. She was basically the Bad News Bears of the Spelling Bee: a scrappy little towheaded upstart that you couldn’t help but root for. She made the final round of competition but caught some brutal words early in the day, and spent the rest of the event doing insanely adorable color commentary and interviews. And then the tournament was over, and Edith went home with her family and back to being a 6-year-old. I could not wait to see her come back as a first-grader. I was so very excited to see how far she could get with another year of study under her belt, so when the next year’s finalists were announced, I immediately searched the list to find her speller number. And she wasn’t there. She hadn’t qualified. There was no joy in Mudville; first-grade Edith had struck out. I felt a slight measure of relief for whichever 8th-grader from the greater Tulsa region had pulled off the upset. Turns out it wasn’t an eighth-grader, though. It was a dapper little 3rd grader in a bow tie. Young Sal Lakmissetti had done the impossible and knocked out America’s sweetheart. I was happy for him—until I read about how it happened. One of the reasons that watching the Bee is so emotionally involving is that the tension between the spellers and their occasionally overbearing parents can be so heart-wrenchingly intense. Edith had been a respite from that—her parents seemed to have been surprised that she had developed those skills. Sal’s dad on the other hand, had gotten indignant when Sal lost to Edith in Tulsa the year before. So he hired the previous year’s tournament champion to give Sal private lessons for a year. You know, the way you do when you want your 3rd grader to trounce a 1st grader in a contest for 13-year-olds. Not for nothing, but that is basically the plot of the movie Bad Words. Sal’s dad had turned him into Chitanya Chopra. I wonder if Sal’s dad knows how to spell “autofellatio.” I wonder if Edith had been heartbroken when she lost the Tulsa bee. Turns out, the next year she wasn’t interested in participating at all. And her dad didn’t push her, because it wasn’t about him. Edith Fuller’s dad got it right, and he just let her be a second-grader and pursue whatever her enormous second-grader heart wanted. I was ecstatic she didn’t return, that she was out there getting to be a kid. The funny thing is, I’m not really obsessed with spelling per se. What I am obsessed with, however, is the raw human drama of watching painfully awkward home-schooled kids on ESPN. There’s no denying the hilarity of some of their more awkward moments. But the real reason to watch is to marvel at their bravery. I’ve heard it alleged that the #1 most commonly held phobia in American adults is a fear of public speaking. And yet year after year, some of the most sheltered kids in America gather in a hotel in DC called The Gaylord (because these kids aren’t bullied enough, I guess), and walk up to a microphone before millions and risk entire-hometown-disappointing embarrassment. Wanting to more fully understand what these kids go through, I let my family talk me into entering an adult spelling bee sponsored by the local library. After my initial disappointment that “adult spelling bee” didn’t mean it was a four-letter-words contest, I got fully enthused at the prospect of competing, and even had our friend Scott design a t-shirt for me to compete in, emblazoned with a bee illustration and the mantra that governed my participation: “Edith Fuller is my constant.” By “constant”, I was referencing what was maybe the best-ever episode of Lost, a self-contained narrative about a man searching for the love of his life across shifting time periods. The usual complications of time travel narratives were overcome by the idea that in order for him to find his true path, he had to serve as a “constant” to remind other people what their true purpose was. My true purpose in entering the bee was to try to have the kind of come-what-may attitude that made Edith shine. And that’s largely the way it went down. I breezed through the first few rounds with ease, the words got hard in a hurry, but I acquitted myself nicely. After a solid initial hour that whittled a field of about forty people down to six, I was relieved when I got thrown a softball for an umbrella-drink-loving goober like me: daiquiri. Which I promptly misspelled. I’ll never forgive myself for snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, but I’m always happy to throw that t-shirt on these days. Of course, now, a couple years removed my own bee experience, it’s more evident than ever to me that when I throw that t-shirt on, Edith Fuller is a codename. A transparent alias, at that. I’m sure you have a person in your life that serves as your constant: not necessarily your partner or best friend (though it could be), but the person you go to when you need to be reminded of who you really are. What you’re really about. Who believes in you with no agenda. I’ve been lucky to be that for a few people—I was my brother Patrick’s constant, for instance. And while Declan’s always been my wartime consigliere—there’s no one more clutch in a crisis—Delaney has always been my constant. They say having kids is like living with your heart outside your body, and that has always hit me at a cellular level. I don’t talk about it often—or ever really—as it’s not something that happened to me, or that I went through, it’s Delaney's story. But for context I need you to know that when she had a debilitating mystery affliction a couple years ago, she was put through a series of tests for terminal illnesses. Those tests came back negative, but for a little while I had to confront the possibility of losing my baby girl and it nearly fucking broke me. Thank jeebus, the folks at the Mayo Clinic were able to diagnose her malady, and it’s something she had to learn to live with, and cope with, and thrive with. And she’s done all of that, admirably, but it required her to delay college for a frustrating year. Given the ways we’ve all been sidelined lately, it’s done me good to remember the ways Delaney got through her involuntary gap year with grace. Multiple creative projects. Tending to the care of small things. Finding ways to breathe through the worst of it. And leaning on the people who love her most. And I’ve treasured her as my constant like never before, and spending time with her got me through being 2x4’ed by my avowed best friend. (There’s been some good-natured conjecture by well-meaning friends as to whether the most recent playlist was indeed a break-up mix. First of all, I don’t want to knock whatever any of you have do to get over somebody, but listening to a bunch of songs that rub your nose in the loss just isn’t my thing. There’s no denying that when I sequenced the songs, I was struck by the lyrical subtext that emerged, but they weren’t selected for that purpose. In fact, most of those songs were in the playlist before I found out what had happened. But it merits a thoughtful inquest, in any case. You poor bastards.) And I guess that’s the thing. There’s something legitimately sad about when your best-laid plans and most fervent desires don’t work out the way you envisioned, especially when it was completely out of your control. (And dear readers, as you well know, most things are out of our control.) But maybe, just maybe, if you can somehow keep your eyes open for the joy you find on the detour, and have a sense of where—or more specifically who—your true north is, you might wind up writing a better story than the one you had planned. And maybe this new story was the point of you all along. I love the thought that right now, in all likelihood, Edith is doing something that's simultaneously challenging and entirely age-appropriate. Which, in a very real way, will be her trophy for not participating. I don't think Edith's done with the Bee, but I'm also not sure I would be heartbroken if she was. And I absolutely believe that, much like Delaney, Edith has more in store for us than we could ever imagine. Even in the middle of missing my people—and especially my North Dakota hussy constant—I have to say that being reminded of who I really can be has me feeling like one of the Bad News Bears myself these days, with all the swagger of Ahmad stepping up to the plate in the Astrodome: “Back up, suckers. I feel good.”

Carnival Date Larry x fem reader

Him and Sal came up for the idea while in town together.

Lisa and you were at the apartments and she sent Larry into town to look for a part.

The two discussed the idea over lunch

"So you said you wanted my advice on something?"

"Oh yeah! So dude my 1 year anniversary with (Y/n) is coming up and I want to do something special but I've never been good at that romantic shit. I thought maybe I'd take her to a nice restaurant but that's so cliche."

"Did (Y/n) say she wanted to do anything specific? Maybe just ask her?"

"I would but I know exactly what she'll say. She'll tell me we should spend it in our pjs cuddled up in my bed watching a movie or playing games."

"Ha she really is perfect for you huh?"

"Exactly she's perfect dude! And we do that most weekends we hang out. I want to do something special for her because of how amazing she is to me. I mean do you know what shes doing today?"

"What's that man?"

"She's helping mom clean up Charlie's old apartment. I guess Mr. Addison wants to get it cleaned up for new tenants. When mom and I were in there this morning and she realized she'd need the parts from the hardware store (y/n) volunteered to help her."

"She is really nice. Plus she seems to make you a lot happier."

They finished their quick meal still unsure of what to do leaving Larry a tiny bit frustrated.

Despite a few decent ideas between the two they weren't able to come up with anything that he felt was good enough for his girl.

When the two were checking out at the local hardware store Larry noticed a particularly colorful flyer in the window.

"Hey Mr. Wilks is that carnival flyer new?"

"Oh yeah some of those carny folk came by and hung that up just yesterday. They also gave me some to hand out if you'd like."

The colorful flyer made a brilliant idea pop into his head.

"Sure man I'll take one."

"Sweet a carnival would be fun."

"What if that's what if I took (Y/n) there for our anniversary?"

Sal nod happily seeing the brilliance in the idea also considering asking Travis.

Grabbing both the flyer and the bags the boys left the hardware store picking up some lunch for the girls before heading back go the apartments.

Two weeks had passed and if was the Saturday of Larry's and (y/n)'s year anniversary.

Larry had saved up some money for the last two weeks.

He did anything and everything to earn even a little money.

Mow lawns? Yep

Run errands for older residents? Definitely

Stand out on streets and sketch people? Every Friday.

Selling his supply of pot? You bet.

You would join him for dinner thinking that was all that was planned.

Lisa had helped him prepare a really nice meal.

Despite it being like your millionth date together he was still nervous redoing his hair at least ten times

When he opened the door to you, you were dressed so beautifully he felt his actual jaw drop.

"Woah you look fucking amazing love!"

Ash had helped you pick out an outfit of a black cami tank top, a high waisted purple plaid skirt that went slightly above your knees, knee high tights with ribbons on the knees, and of course your black converse. I

ts moments like these that made Larry realise how much of a goddess you truly are.

"I'm a lucky bastard."

You giggled with a blush before standing on your toes to kiss him on the cheek.

"You look amazing too Larry." You beamed.

Larry was dressed in a dark red button up and his ripped black jeans. I gently grabbed her hand leading her to the table that was nicely set with everything all out and warm.

With the wonderful smell and how beautiful the Johnson dinner table looked you smiled turning around and wrapping you arms around Larry.

"Oh Larry this is so nice!"

He hugged you back but let out a small chuckle.

The two of you took your seats and began eating.

"This is just dinner babe the real fun comes later tonight." He winked giving you a quick kiss on the lips in between taking bites.

You blushed letting out that adorable laugh that Larry loved.

"I figured Lar it's not one of our dates without something happening in the bedroom."

He quickly realized you had thought that he was making one of his pervy jokes.

"Wait no no no! We're going somewhere after this. And it's not a sex thing."

This made you perk your head up confused and interested.

You smiled playfully pushing his arm.

"Are we gonna go see a movie? I didnt think the theater was showing anything you'd like."

"Nope and I'm not telling you so eat." He chuckled making you fake pout your lips.

Once the food was finished he grabbed his wallet and keys as well as a black sanitys fall jacket in case you got cold.

The whole car ride he teased you about where you were going.

"Please just tell me Lar!" You pleaded with a giggle.

"Nope. Sorry love you'll just have to wait and see." He chuckled.

Soon enough he pulled into the parking lot turning to face you once he shut off the engine.

Your eyes were already huge and filled with excitement.

"You're taking me to the carnival?!"

"Yep Sal and I found the flyer in town and thought it would be perfect." He said with a nervous laugh.

He was really hoping this idea would be special enough for you.

"Larry that's so cool! Thank you!" You cheered leaning over and hugging him tightly.

He hugged you back letting out a relieved sigh, so good so far.

Once the two of you got your wristbands you decided to head to the games section first.

You both played a few of the games together having a bit of a friendly competition.

At the last booth there was a Teddy Bear with a little plastic guitar.

As soon as Larry Saw it he knew it had to be yours.

Since it was a basket ball game it didnt take Larry too long to figure out out.

Sure enough after like 6 tries the small bear was yours.

He turned around handing it to you proudly

Of course you responded by hugging him tightly and kissing him on the lips.

The first ride you both rode was a roller coaster, Larry's favorite.

He made sure to hold onto you tightly whether you needed it or not.

The next ride was the tunnel of love they had set up.

AS you can imagine Larry got quite handsy making out with you the whole time.

The last ride was of course the ferris wheel and Larry had timed it perfectly that you were on the ferris wheel at sunset.

The first thing he did was take out his phone and take a photo of the love of his life followed by a selfie of both of you.

The next thing he did as the temperature had dropped quite a bit was wrap his jacket around your shoulders.

"You always look so hot in my clothes."

He smiled leaning down and kissing you softly.

When you two pulled apart you laid your head against him and he wrapped an arm around you.

"This has been so perfect Lar thank you so much."

"Honeslty love I should be thanking you. Everything is perfect with you by my side. Ever since you and I met my lofe has been so much brighter, happier, and all around better. It's like before you came around I was wondering around in one of my drawings. Life was flat, black and white, and sometimes pretty scary. Then I met you, and all of a sudden my life was colored in and beautiful. You're like the Sunshine breaking through the grey storm clouds. I was gonna buy you something nice but my mom suggested this instead. It was what my dad gave to her on their 1st anniversary. I replaced the chain but basically when he gave it to her he said that she was his sun because his world would be incomplete without her. And I think that's so accurate for how alone I'd go back to being without you."

He held out a box with a beautiful necklace with a sun pendant.

You pulled out your own gift for him but it was in an envelope.

"I figured you would be so concerned about doing something special for me that you would forget these just went on sale."

"Holy shit! Holy shit!"

With a perked eyebrow he took the envelope opening it up carefully to reveal three Sanitys Fall tickets.

"It's for their show in a couple months. And theres a ticket for all three of us."

Lardy didn't hesitate to hug you tighter than ever before

"Holy shit I love you! I love you so much!"

You giggled hugging him back.

When you pulled apart he helped you get the necklace on and you couldn't help but admire it.

As you two were walking out to his car that night he lifted you up on his back the whole way.

On the car ride home you ended up briefly falling asleep making him admire you as much as possible without wrecking.

"I'm so gonna marry you some day love."

Salvatore Rizzo, wip

| GENERAL | BASIC INFORMATION

Male/19/Fairy

Pansexual

Guild: Nemean Claw

Magic: Fairy Magic [Fairy Dust]

FAIRY MAGIC. Fairy Magic is a racial magic which manifests as a glowing dust that is summon-able/manipulable, it is often formally referred to as 'fairy dust.' This fairy dust has both explosive and healing capabilities, depending on the user's will.

Note: While fairy wings are not necessarily apart of Fairy Magic, it has been told that a Fairy Scholar who teaches and passes along it's magic to a human may also teach them how to manifest temporary wings for combat situations. Wings are, however, for the Faeish, a natural and permanent appendage with a common sense purpose: flight/mobility.  SIDE NOTE:  Has best friend cat, Sketch. 

| PERSONALITY | CORE FUNDAMENTALS

Self-centered

Salty

Tsundere

Intelligent

Independent

Ambition-less

Sal may belong to a species rumored for their elegance and kindness,  but on the surface he certainly fails to live up to that expectation. He was not raised by his fairy kin, but instead by two greedy humans who argued and complained constantly about the hardships [and petty troubles] of life.  So it's no wonder he's the salty guy he is today, generally always finding something to be angry about or sulk over. Honestly, when he smiles it hurts, because his face muscles are legitimately unfamiliar with it.

Although Sal is selfish guy, he does have some modicum of a soft spot somewhere buried deep inside. Albeit, to reach it you have to fulfill his selfish needs first; i.e. being entertaining. That prerequisite combined with intelligence is the route which unlocks the door to his undeveloped heart. Until then, however, most will find him to be unfriendly, unreliable and generally unresponsive except to give you  a dirty look.

Beyond his social harshness, Sal is an oddly kind guy when it comes to nature and animals, or when it comes down to teaching and learning. He enjoys being out in the wilderness, watching nature exist - or reading in the city, under the night's sky on the tallest building or balcony. He has a contemplative side to him that is surprising, and though he isn't really a sad being, he isn't happy either.

"I exist because there is literally nothing else for me to do. It is my natural function and there's nothing special nor bad/sad about it. It just is. So long as that is the truth, I will survive." He has no real purpose attributed to his survival, other than is being the instinctual thing to do.  Goals and ambition are beyond him, as he cannot fathom the purpose to dreamy pursuits; they are, in his mind, unnecessary burdens. His life is simple. He wants to be entertained, be it through learning, nature, sex or anger. He has no vision of a life for himself beyond that.

| PERSONALITY | SUB DETAILS

nerd, enjoys reading/learning

solitary, prefers solitude opposed to shallow mingling; unless he’s horny

nature lover, perhaps due to his dna as a fae, he enjoys natural and undisturbed scenery / is a vegan 

plushie collector, plushies/stuffed animals are cute. who could resist them? not this guy.

artistic, sort of. he enjoys combining his interests in art and nature by modeling his plushies in the wilderness next to interesting plant-life. he turns these scenes in sketches, sometimes into comic book like cut scenes of introspection, providing as a personal form of journalism for him.

| HISTORY |  QUICK NOTES

His people, the Northern Fae, lived in the woodlands of Earthland’s deep wilderness. They were a secluded folk who kept to themselves, maintaining their survival without the help of anyone else. As such, they had dealt with the threat of magical beasts long before the calamity had occurred, as the woodlands had been comprised of monsters since the beginning of time. 

— Feeling pity for the humans of Earthland, a harmonious sect of the Northern Fae decided to send some of their faelings into the human populace, to assist them in their survival. These select few infants were placed in various known settlements of man, each wearing a Fire Agate necklace engraved with Faeish: Promise. Combined, these necklaces stood for a “promise to protect.” 

— Brought to Gabbro as an infant, left in the market place just before dawn.

— Taken in by a couple who thought they could benefit off the infant's  natural born powers.

— Said couple were a pair of bitter assholes. They taught him well in the ways of the salt.

— His magic developed early, just as his wings did. He had the fortune of flight being his escape away from home.

— Because his household was poor in trade, he started doing odd jobs as a kid, where his wings gave him the natural advantage over others trying to apply for the same tasks. He saved up for books and the like, to learn and revel in; a further distraction from his angry family life.

— Eventually he'd grow up, though, and that angry lifestyle stuck with him despite his calmer interests.

— He joined Nemean Claw out of a desire to live anywhere but home. That and it seemed like the most logical place to be, given they were the city's main income for food - it meant he would learn to survive, even if the rest of the world fell.

| PHYSICAL | GENERAL

Fairy Wings, Dragonfly-liken wings on his back; large enough to carry his weight. They are often laying at rest, hanging behind him in an overlapping manner. They are black albeit somewhat transparent, with green accents. When he is excited/happy or aroused, these emerald accents can sparkle, causing his wings to sporadically light up. The light show looks as if various fireflies are living inside them, each turning their shine on and off at different but rapid intervals.  —Showing Off/Fluttering Example - https://tenor.com/baLWW.gif —Flight Example - https://tenor.com/baLV4.gif —At Rest/Casual Example -https://66.media.tumblr.com/c25662bfcfdd95ee93ed323ddbbcb588/tumblr_pxaiqmsTpD1tugzyho4_400.gifv

Bag, Carries around a black and green messenger bag, which contains several plushies, some traditional art supplies and the occasional book or two.

Hi Pia !! I just saw your retweet about letting authors know when you like their work, and I've been thinking about sending you an ask anyway so hereby I shall do both!!! First of all I want to tell you that I'm currently rereading Game Theory. A friend of mine told me about a fantasy world he created in his head and then let me rant to him about how much I love and adore Fae Tales, which then got me back into rereading it. While rereading, I got the notification that you're editing GT. That's so cool!!! My question for you, if you want to answer, is how does it feel to go back to GT after all this time? Besides the question I just wanted to let you know that I REALLY REALLY REALLY love GT and Fae Tales in general. Thank you so so so much for writing it. Its a huge comfort to me <3 I love you!!

is how does it feel to go back to GT after all this time?

Omg anon it's SO WEIRD

It's like getting into a time capsule.

So first up, I haven't reread Game Theory in its entirety for a few years because I find it kind of painful, a few things are out of character, and I know there's a lot of stuff to change to make it better suited as an original story and introduction to the world, and so when I start rereading it I see all the work I have to do and can't just immerse.

And that's been so annoying on a personal level, because I really believe in writing stuff you love - and for a long time I did!!

Going back to it I've found that:

Baby Pia didn't use the word 'cock' as often as I use it now. Which is kind of cute. I think I was still getting comfortable with writing explicit sex, or...something?

It's still better than I remember it. Like, as a follow on from SAL it's solid. I like the dialogue, and I like the 'feel.' I have no interest in changing that and in many ways I'm trying to remove as little as possible. I'm tightening prose/sentences, and being additive. I do know there's at least one scene I will have to remove (like Gwyn masturbating) because it's OOC and I will try and make that up to people somehow.

I really want more...background in the story. Not infodumps, but like...Gwyn actually fighting a fae driven mad because it was poisoned because of Augus' actions. Or Gwyn talking with his family. Gwyn talking to the trows!!! I'm so excited to add these sorts of scenes, things that are fleshed out and hinted at more in COFT and TIP, that I can make really robust now in GT as well. Things that I think will really strengthen the story, but also make it more captivating, and perhaps also make Gwyn more...understandable as a character. He's an extremely cold character to love if you haven't read SAL first.

I actually kind of get frustrated with how long the chapters are. I remember why I made them so long, and it was because I felt so terribly ashamed of how long the story was! So I 'hid' how long it was by condensing the number of chapters down and putting things that really deserved their own chapters into the same chapter and as a result, wrote shortcuts and really squished things that deserved more time and writing. I'm not angry at past me, I was genuinely frightened that people would hate the story if they saw a really big chapter count. And it's taken me a long time to let go of that. I know some people really like long chapters, and I think when it's appropriate it works so well, especially single sex scenes, but like...oof there are some chapters where it's like 'damn Pia you really were just trying to tell this in less than 45 chapters weren't you.'

While some folks say 'I can see how much you've grown as a writer' there's still some stuff I did better then than now. I think there's something to be said for having a long break there. Although I can also see some of my weaknesses a lot more clearly, because they're things I've like mended since then, or have been actively working on.

It's honestly been pretty fun. It's really important to me to preserve the integrity of the original story, because that's the story that got me here, and it reached people for a reason. Even if I'd write it differently now, I want to keep the basic essence of it the same. Ideally it just feels like reading 'Game Theory with some extra scenes' and all the other stuff blends into the background naturally, and doesn't feel jarring or strange.

It makes me so happy that you love Game Theory! Honestly it's folks like yourself letting me know things like this, and letting me know that you'd love to have it as a book one day, which has kept this as a dream in my head for a decade, and while I may be the world's slowest editor, the fact that this could actually come to fruition in 2024 is wild to me. Apparently it just takes me a really long time to commit to something lmao

Mearl McGucket kills a politician/hero/someone by their def as Bad that's been making things difficult on Sally and she hadn't had time to take care of herself yet, and makes her favorite flowers grow in a heart shaped patch around the body for Valentine's day. Or just the villain guck parents doing something criminal and cute for their date on Valentine's day.

...I did something a bit different, hope you don’t mind, Anon.  Technically they’re doing criminal stuff, and it happens on Valentine’s Day, but I ended up turning this into when Ma and Pa Guck meet in this AU.  If they sound rather green or inexperienced, that’s because they are.  This happens when they’re still a bit new to the whole villain gig.

              Sallyflew through the open window on the second floor.  She landed softly, a move that had alwaysgranted she was completely silent.  Butnot tonight.  There was a small crunchunderneath her foot.

              Dammit. Sally crouched down to inspect what she had landed on.  She picked it up with a frown.  A seed?  As she looked around, she could see otherseeds scattered across the floor.  Shestood.  I know that this is a farm-heavy district, but fer a building housin’the offices of politicians, they should at least try to keep it clean.  She summoned a small, quiet breeze to allowher to hover an inch or so above the seed-covered floor.  She flew silently down the hall, looking atthe placards placed by the doors.  Come on, come on.  Where’s his office?  She turned a corner and could see a sliver oflight in the otherwise darkened hallway, leaking from underneath a closeddoor.  Bingo.  Sally made her way tothe door.  Just as she was about to reachfor the handle, she heard someone speak.

              “Now, Mr.Turner, ya should’ve figured you’d tick off farmin’ folk with this here bill,”a male voice drawled from behind the closed door.  The voice was languid and warm, likemolasses, but an undertone of venom cut through the words.  “Yer new ‘round here, so maybe ya haven’theard that folks what tick off farmers tend to go…missin’.”

              Shit! Someone’s here already! Panicking, Sally slammed the door with her shoulder, putting all herweight behind it.  The door didn’t budge.

              “Sorry towhoever’s out there, but yer goin’ to have to wait yer turn to speak with thesenator,” the voice called cheerfully.

              No! This is my score!  Sallyslammed into the door again.  Somethingtickled her left foot.  She lookeddown.  A few plant tendrils wereslithering underneath the door.  Plants? How the hell am I s’pposed to get rid of plants?  Sally took a deep breath.  Calmdown.  Just think.  These plants are clearly bein’ forced to growup here.  It’s not a hospitableenvironment, but whoever’s doin’ this has enough power to counteract that.  She pressed her ear against the door.  Thevoice from before had resumed speaking with the senator.

              “Carlisle– can I call ya Carlisle?”  There was abeat.  “Look, Carlisle, yer cityfolk.  Ya can’t possibly understand whatthe folks ‘round here need.”  

              He’s distracted.  All ya have to do is tip the scales in yerfavor.  Make the environment just badenough that the plants die off ‘fore he realizes.  Sally shook her fingers out, loosening hermuscles.  You’ve only done this successfully once, and under lil to nopressure.  But you can do this. She closed her eyes and began to summon thecarbon dioxide from the senator’s room. Molecules of nitrogen, argon, helium, and other trace gases filtered into replace the carbon dioxide being lost, keeping the pressure the same.  Whoever was on the other side of the doorcontinued to talk, not noticing that the plants were slowly suffocating.  Sally looked down again.  The plant tendrils were gone.  She pressed her hand against the door,testing the doorknob.  It opened.  A grin spread across her face.  Niceone, Sally.  She slammed the dooropen.

              “Backaway from the senator,” she snarled.  Theman currently standing before the senator spun around.  Sally felt a slight flush spread across herface.

              Oh, no. He’s cute.  The man had darkhair and a large nose that took up the majority of his face.  His clothes were worn and dirt-stained, likehe had just come from the fields.  Heseemed soft, warm like his voice.  Atleast, he would be if he wasn’t currently glaring at her.

              “Great, asuperhero!” the man said, throwing his hands into the air.  Sally let out a derisive laugh.

              “Superhero?  Yeah, right.” She strode over to the man.  “I’ma villain, mister.  Got it?”

              “Well,I’m the only active villain ‘round these parts.”

              “I camehere to settle a score with Senator Turner.”

              “Toolate, lady.  I got here first,” the mansnarled.  Sally glowered.

              He’s taller than me.  She hovered a couple inches higher.  Better.

              “Don’tcare,” she snapped.  “He’s my score.  Not some two-bit hick’s!”

              “Two-bit-!  I’ll have ya know, my name’s Hemlock.  And I don’t take kindly to city slickerscomin’ in here, haranguin’ me, and insultin’ me!”

              “Don’tcare,” Sally repeated.  She shovedHemlock to the side and floated over to the senator, who was tied to a chairwith vines.  She lowered her face untilher mouth was right next to his ear. “Howdy, Carly,” she whispered. Carlisle’s face went deathly white. “Still think I don’t have what it takes?”

              “P-please,just- just- you can do anything, just don’t hurt me,” Carlisle stammered.  Something wrapped around Sally’s torso andpulled her back, then dropped her onto the floor.

              “I toldya, he’s mine!” Hemlock said.  Sally gotto her feet.

              “No, heain’t.  Under no circumstances will yaget to make him disappear, okay?  I’ve beendreamin’ ‘bout doin’ this fer years!” Sally said firmly.  Hemlock rolled his eyes.

              “What,did he take yer dollies from ya or somethin’?”

              “Did helet the cows out of yer barn or somethin’?” Sally retorted.

              “No, heupped the taxes on all farm-related goods, and proposed legislation that wouldmake it impossible fer farmers to sell to stores.”  Hemlock glared at Carlisle.  “He’s tryin’ to destroy the livelihoods ofpeople.  That’s somethin’ he deserves todisappear for.”

              “And justwho do ya have in line to replace him?” Sally asked, crossing her arms.

              “I ain’ttellin’ ya.”

              “Hmph.”  Sally waved her hand.  A gust of wind picked Hemlock up and slammedhim into the wall, then held him there. “I don’t think I’ll let ya down ‘til ya do.”

              “Park,”Hemlock spat.  Sally looked over,surprised.

              “LuciusPark?”

              “That’sthe one.”

              “Huh.  Would’ve thought a hillbilly like yourselfwouldn’t want some big city fat cat runnin’ his district.”

              “Park’sgood people.  Not like Senator Turner.”

              “Couldn’tagree more,” Sally said.  Another gust ofwind picked up, opening a window.  Shegrabbed the back of Carlisle’s chair and began to drag him over to the openedwindow.

              “No!”Carlisle shouted desperately.  “No!  Please, sis, I’ll- I’ll-”

              “Eat yerwords?” Sally asked.  “No.  You’ll eat pavement.”  She let go of the wind holding upHemlock.  Hemlock promptly fell to thefloor.  Sally lifted Carlisle’s chair andset it on the windowsill.  “Bye,brother.”  She pushed the chair.  Carlisle fell towards the ground,screaming.  She turned.  Hemlock was staring at her, his eyes wide.

              “Ya- yajust-”

              “No, Ididn’t kill him,” Sally said dismissively. “Just scared him a bit.  Nothin’less than he deserves.”  She looked backtowards the open window.  “He’s currentlybein’ carried to the folks what hired me fer this job.  They’ll handle it from there.  But they didn’t have a plan in place fer whothey’d replace him with, so I’m glad you do.”

              “Yeah.  Park’s villain-friendly,” Hemlock said,standing up and brushing himself off.

              “I know.”

              “So,what’s yer name then, scary lady?” he asked. Sally held out her hand for him to shake.  He shook her hand.

              “Sirocco.”

              “Sirocco.  Pretty.”

              “Thanks.”

              “Yawouldn’t’ve happened to know him, would ya? He did call ya ‘sis’.”

              “Hmm.  Must’ve been a slip of the tongue,” Sallysaid dismissively.  Hemlock nodded.  He stuffed his hands into his pockets.

              “So,Sirocco.  How come I haven’t seen ya‘round here ‘fore?”

              “I mostlyoperate out of New York.”

              “Wow.  A big city villain got a job takin’ care ofan Arkansas state senator?  This had tohave been personal.”

              “And ifit was?”

              “No skinoff my nose.”

              “Ratherimpressive, given how large it is,” Sally said. Hemlock’s eyes widened.  He letout a snort of laughter.  “…That didn’tinsult ya?”

              “Nah.  I’ve heard everything ‘bout my honker.”  Hemlock grinned suddenly.  “Say, Sirocco, how’s ‘bout a date?”

              “A-pardon?” Sally asked, taken aback. Hemlock’s grin grew broader.

              “A date.  Since yer kidnappin’ senators on Valentine’sDay, I figure ya don’t have a boyfriend.”

              “Y- you’dbe right.”

              “Howabout it, then?”  Hemlock shook hissleeve.  A seed fell onto the floor.  It promptly sprouted and bloomed, revealingit to be a rose.  Hemlock picked it andheld it out.  “I know it’s a bit bold ofme, but…”

              “I likebold,” Sally replied, taking the rose from him.

              Is this stupid?  Mom and Dad would be fit to fry if ya datedsome farm villain.  Hemlock’s grayeyes twinkled with excitement.  Ya just threw yer older brother out thewindow.  Ya can’t care what Mom ‘n Dadthink anymore.  Sally shook her head,trying to hide a smile.

              “Allright, Hemlock.  It’s a date.”

              “Wait,really?”  Hemlock seemed legitimately surprised.

              “…Yes?”

              “Oh.”  Hemlock blinked.  “Oof. I weren’t expectin’ ya to say yes.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Now I’ve got to figure out where the date ‘ll be.”

              “There’sa nice Italian place in Little Rock that’s also a front fer a villainy operation,”Sally suggested.  “Villains there get a20% discount on their meals.”

              “Oh!  Sal’s.  Yeah.”  Hemlock’s grin was back,but a bit hesitant.  “I’ll see ya atSal’s tomorrow night, at 6:30.”

              “Soundsgood.”  Sally walked over to thewindow.  “Think ya can find somethin’ towear that doesn’t have dirt on it, farm boy?”

              “I’llwear somethin’ nice,” Hemlock said.  “Butyou have to, too.”  Sally grinned.

              “You gotit.”  She dove out of the window.  Winds picked up, prepared to carry herhome.  “I’ll see ya tomorrow,Hemlock.”  Hemlock rushed over to thewindow.

              “It’sMearl, actually,” he said.  Sally smiled.

              “Myname’s Sally.”

              “Prettyname fer a pretty lady.”  Sally winked athim.

              “Justwait until ya see me in a dress.”  Withthat, she flew away.

Who is Janet Barnes?

Profile piece written by Sal Yaw, March 21, 2019

Cover Photo taken by Aly Was Turn page—

The world has come to love the wonderful woman who goes by the name “Janet Barnes,” but do we truly know this woman we love? Is she who we think she is? She has been in the spotlight just over 8 years, after all. A lot could have changed since her debut in the 2011 remake of Romeo and Juliette. This article will take a closer look into her life, her family, who she’s been, where she’s going, and finally, who she is. 

We watched her first walk the red carpet at the Eascars just a few months after her first national youth acting award. Those are a couple of big firsts, especially for someone for whom those firsts fall in the same year as their first year of high school! Yes, Barnes was indeed only fifteen when she starred in Romeo and Juliette, and only fourteen when she found out she’d been cast in the piece. 

Q: So what was that like? Finding out you were cast in such a big movie at only fourteen years old? You must’ve had many other things going on in such a big year of your life!

A: For sure! There was certainly a lot going on, but most of it was just starting at a new school. My sister went through the same things when she was that age, so I guess it really wasn’t too bad. I had enough time on my hands to handle everything I needed to.

Q: On the topic of your sister, Genevieve, the two of you seem to enjoy your time in the spotlight, but you seem especially happy when you’re together. The public has been able to watch the both of you grow up, from sweet, darling young ladies to dashing, admirable women. Does she have any plans to follow in your footsteps?

A: Not if I can help it! [Laughing] As much as I’ve enjoyed my time with my career, there’s so many things you end up needing to carry alone, and I wouldn’t ever want her to deal with that.

Now, just what are these things the superstar has had to carry all by her lonesome? Most ordinary people likely wouldn’t be able to understand, so I asked some more questions on the topic, but Barnes’ answers remained vague. Instead of trying to unveil the secrets of the rich and famous, I will move on to a deeper dive into Janet Barnes’ family, of which there are four members, including herself. 

Christopher Barnes is Janet’s father. Though he is away on work trips frequently, according to familial accounts, he always makes his way to awards shows to support his daughter, and make us all envious of his relationship with his wife, on the red carpet. Speaking of his wife, Céline Barnes is Janet’s mother, and she has always been spotted by Janet’s side at events. Though Janet didn’t have much to say on the topic herself, many of her fans believe Céline to be the biggest of Janet’s supporters, thoughtfully denying themselves that title, and Céline seems to agree:

Q: When did you first learn about your daughter’s participation in the film, Romeo and Juliette, Mrs. Barnes?

A: Well, my daughter and I always joke that I may as well have been the one to sign her up for auditions! [Laughing] I’ve been with her on this journey since the very beginning; I went to every showing of the movie in our local theater for the entire week following the premiere! [Laughing, and leaning in] But in honesty, I knew about it as soon as she did; she was elated to find out she had the opportunity and just had to tell someone!

Q: What an uplifting story! Now, as someone who has been in this inner-circle of your daughter’s longer than...well, anybody, what may have been some of the struggles along the road to this moment in her career?

A: Well...after the excitement had worn off, my Janet began to second-guess her place on the big screen. It took a lot of convincing and effort on mine, and my husband’s, parts over the years, but we finally got to a place with her where she’s confident in being Janet Barnes, and no one else. I think you can really start to see that shine through in pictures from the last 6 or so years, but she gets more comfortable every day.

Hear that, folks? Even THE Janet Barnes has struggled with her decision in careers. Now, she’s been mentioned earlier in this article, but Barnes does have another family member — her sister, Genevieve. Just nine when her older sister hit movie theaters across the country, Genevieve Barnes has grown up in the spotlight, and a shadow. 

Q: So, the big question is...what was it like growing up with Janet Barnes as your older sister?

A: Kind of irritating, actually. 

Q: [Laughing] Sorry, can you elaborate?

A: Oh, uh, yeah, I guess. I never really got the attention she did — anywhere. In public, at school, um. Anyway, yeah, it was just annoying to always be THE Janet Barnes’ younger sister instead of, you know, just Genevieve Barnes.

Q: Well then, Just Genevieve Barnes, I know I’m technically writing an article about your sister, but I have to ask now: who is Genevieve Barnes?

A: [Laughing] Well, I guess, um, I’m a seventeen year old living dumpster-fire, but I’m making it work. I also hate the color blue. [Gasping] Oh, sorry!

Q: That’s okay, I never really liked this shirt anyway; it’s just my most professional. Do you have any plans to form a spotlight of your own someday?

A:  Um...I’m not really sure right now. Maybe? It might be nice.

At this point, I sat each member of the family down and asked them some questions about Janet as a girl, before all the lights, cameras, and action. 

Q: So, Mr. Barnes. Describe your older daughter as a child in one adjective. 

A: Free-spirited, for sure.

Q: You don’t think that describes her now as well?

A: Well, uh, you didn’t say it had to be exclusively accurate to when she was a child, right?

Q: [Laughing] No, I suppose I didn’t.

Q: Mrs. Barnes. What’s your favorite memory of Janet as a child?

A: Oh, well. I may have to think on that one for a moment. [Thinking] It’s just so hard to pick one, of course. [Pause] I’ve been her biggest fan even before all of this, of course, she’s my baby girl, so I guess if I had to pick one, it would be the day she was born and blessed this family, and this world, with her beauty, and her talent, and her ambition.

Q: Genevieve, we’ve just sat down together, but I do have another couple of questions to ask you. 

A: Hm?

Q: What’s your favorite memory with your sister when she was a child? 

A: Hm...it wasn’t just one isolated event, I guess, but we always used to draw on the walls together, and sing random made-up songs while we did it, and then get yelled at by mom. Those were some of the most fun times I’ve had in my life, actually.

Q: That’s so sweet. How would you describe that sister who did those things with you?

A: Um, funny? I guess?

Q: Last interview for today, I promise, Janet. 

A: [Laughing] Oh, it’s alright, that’s what I’m here for! The Eascars aren’t until tomorrow, so I have some time yet. 

Q: Okay, well in that case, I have a couple of questions for you about your life before Romeo and Juliette. 

A: Shoot.

Q: What’s the one adjective you’d use to describe yourself then, and what is your favorite memory from the time?

A: Hmm..those are good ones. One adjective? Free-spirited, probably.

Q: That’s so funny! That’s the exact answer your father gave to that question! 

A: [Pause] Really? That is very funny! 

Q: I’ll ask you the same question I’ll ask him: don’t you think that answer would still aply to you?

A: Oh, yeah, well, of course! Of course it would! I didn’t know the answer, uh, had to be exclusively accurate to me as a little kid. In that case,

Q: No, no, no, that answer is just fine! The extra question was just my curiosity getting the better of me. What about your favorite memory?

A: Definitely teaching my sister to ride her baby bike with my dad. I think I was ten? Maybe eleven? And she was still so small, but she finally coerced my dad and I to teach her. My dad taught me how to teach her, because he’d been the one who got me to finally ride my bike, and all I remember from that moment is the smile on Gen’s face when she realized she was doing it without my help. 

So what’s next for Miss Janet Barnes? With seemingly no romantic endeavors in the works, despite the line of prospects being a globe long, and no upcoming movies, as far as we know (!), Barnes is moving on to another goal in her career: releasing her first music album. That’s right! This fall, on September 2, the world will be able to hear the singing voice and musical abilities of their sweetest of hearts! Céline Barnes says seeing her urges for her daughter to follow the lifelong dream paying off “puts a smile on [her] face, every morning.” Genevieve talks about how often Janet can be heard singing in her room and how happy she is for her sister to be able to do another one of her passions for a living. 

No, the conclusion of this article isn’t going to be a summary of the rest, and it isn’t going to be a one-paragraph, or one-line, wrap-up answering the article’s initial question. No, that’s going to be for you, the reader, to figure out. So, I’ll ask you, who is Janet Barnes? 

Marvel’s Eternals Trailer Breakdown: Who Are The New Characters of the MCU?

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Marvel’s Eternals trailer is here, and with an all-star cast and an Oscar-winning director (in the form of Chloe Zhao) it looks like an ambitious, surprisingly cerebral new addition to Marvel Cinematic Universe lore. It doesn’t reveal much, but what it does is more than enough to make us hopeful for all the cosmic surprises that MCU Phase 4 has in store for us.

Watch the Eternals trailer here if you haven’t already…then we’ll get to talking about who all these cool new characters are!

And here’s the official synopsis, courtesy of Marvel Studios:

“Marvel Studios’ Eternals welcomes an exciting new team of Super Heroes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The epic story, spanning thousands of years, features a group of immortal heroes forced out of the shadows to reunite against mankind’s oldest enemy, The Deviants. The outstanding ensemble cast includes Richard Madden as the all-powerful Ikaris, Gemma Chan as humankind-loving Sersi, Kumail Nanjiani as cosmic-powered Kingo, Lauren Ridloff as the super-fast Makkari, Brian Tyree Henry as the intelligent inventor Phastos, Salma Hayek as the wise and spiritual leader Ajak, Lia McHugh as the eternally young, old-soul Sprite, Don Lee as the powerful Gilgamesh, Barry Keoghan as aloof loner Druig, and Angelina Jolie as the fierce warrior Thena. Kit Harington plays Dane Whitman.”

So who are all these cool new characters joining the MCU? We’ve got a breakdown for you here.

Richard Madden as Ikaris

Eternals is going to give us a veritable Game of Thrones reunion with Richard Madden as Ikaris, the most famous member of the Eternals. Of course “most famous” is relative when dealing with Marvel creations this relatively obscure, but hey, it worked for Guardians of the Galaxy, it’ll work here.

It’s not yet clear exactly what everyone’s power sets will be like in this movie, but in the comics, Ikkaris had the powers of flight, energy projection, super strength, and limited teleportation. Like most of the characters in this trailer, Ikaris was created by Jack Kirby in 1976.

With him in the above photo is…

Gemma Chan as Sersi

Sersi is a powerful sorceress, and the member of the Eternals with perhaps the most love for humanity, and the trailer hints at that by seeing her walking among regular folks in different time periods. We’re also willing to bet that she’s the Eternal most likely to pop up in other MCU movies, as the character has been a card-carrying member of the Avengers in the comics.

Kumail Nanjiani as Kingo

Another Jack Kirby creation (albeit one who didn’t make his way into the pages of The Eternals comics until 1977), Kingo has a power set similar to Ikaris. In the comics, he became an action movie star, although based on the brief glimpse we get of him in this trailer, he may have opted to become a Bollywood actor instead. Check out Nanjiani’s badass Marvel-ready physique!

Lauren Ridloff as Makkari

Every good super team needs a speedster, and what’s better than a speedster? A nigh-immortal one! Like Quicksilver, Makkari (note the similarity in name to “Mercury”) has been known to be a little bit impatient thanks to the gift of speed. Fans of comics to screen adaptations will recognize Lauren as Connie from The Walking Dead.

Anyone spot any MCU Easter eggs in this reading room? One thing is for sure, that isn’t Dane Whitman’s Black Knight armor…because we saw that in a museum in Spider-Man: Far From Home!

Brian Tyree Henry as Phastos

Phastos is a relatively recent addition to Eternals lore, first appearing in 1985 where he was created by Peter Gillis and Sal Buscema. Phastos is an engineer, inventor, and weapons master…all useful skills when you’re practically immortal. Here he seems to be using his innate cosmic abilities to create something wondrous and beautiful.

Fans of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (and really, who ISN’T) will know this isn’t his first trip to the Marvel Universe, having voiced Jefferson Davis in that film.

Salma Hayek as Ajak

The voice you hear in the trailer is that of Salma Hayek as Ajak. The original comics lineup of the Eternals was pretty male-heavy, and Ajak was portrayed as a man on the page. One of the key figures of the early Kirby comics, Ajak has been worshipped as a god at various points in history.

Lia McHugh as Sprite

Sprite may look young, but they’re as ancient, wise, and wily as the rest of the team. Think of Sprite as the trickster of the team (at least if the comics are anything to go by), and their antics could cause havoc for the Eternals’ place in the MCU.

Don Lee as Gilgamesh

You’ll note the similarities of many of the Eternals’ names to mythological gods and warriors. That’s no accident, as it’s generally accepted that these characters’ adventures were interpreted into folklore and mythology over the centuries. Here, one of the oldest recorded stories in human history now has a place of sorts in the MCU. Here he’s played by Don Lee, and if you haven’t seen Train to Busan yet, you should just go ahead and fix that immediately. Thank us later…it’s one of the best horror movies of the century.

In Eternals comics, Gilgamesh was known as “The Forgotten One” for some time, but it was ultimately Sprite who convinced him to return to the fold. He adopted the name of Gilgamesh “officially” when he joined the Avengers for a time. Perhaps it’s no accident that our best look at him in this trailer comes when the team is having a discussion about who will lead Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in the wake of Tony Stark and Steve Rogers.

This version of Gilgamesh was created by (wait for it), Jack Kirby, and first appeared in the comics in 1977.

Barry Keoghan as Druig

Another Kirby creation, Druig is Ikaris’ cousin. Described as an “aloof loner” in the film’s synopsis, Druig has a checkered past in the comics, and could cause some trouble at some point.

This isn’t Barry’s first brush with a comic book-related project. At one point he was set to star in the long in-development and troubled TV adaptation of Y the Last Man, and also has a role in the upcoming The Batman.

Angelina Jolie as Thena

Warrior, scholar, and all-around badass Thena is another potential leader of the Eternals, although in the comics that has brought her into some conflict with Ikaris from time to time.

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Kit Harrington as Dane Whitman

Remember that Game of Thrones reunion we promised? Well, it’s here in the form of Kit Harrington’s Dane Whitman. But Marvel fans may recognize the name of Dane Whitman as belonging to the heroic Black Knight (another occasional member of the Avengers…hmmmm…there’s a lot of those in this trailer). We wrote more about the history of Marvel’s Black Knight here.

What else is hiding in this trailer? Well…

Is That a Celestial?

If you look very closely in the fiery part of that volcanic eruption, it seems there’s a giant figure there. Could this be one of the Celestials, one of the giant beings who travel the cosmos conducting experiments on the inhabitants of various planets? And speaking of which…

What are these two up to?

That sure appears to be a partially formed human body in the background there. Is this a hint that the existence of super powers in the MCU is a result of cosmic intervention by the Celestials?

We’ll find out when Marvel’s Eternals opens on Nov. 5.

The post Marvel’s Eternals Trailer Breakdown: Who Are The New Characters of the MCU? appeared first on Den of Geek.

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Rori I Reviews

Today it’s:

Mask Of Shadows by Linsey Miller

 Things I enjoyed:

Pretty much everything.

Sal’s background and motivations were powerful. Their actions were often questionable, which I find really important in a character who is pressed against the wall like they were. Humans make hard and often immoral decisions when they feel they must. It was also a point of character growth to go from a person who would do what they must for revenge, even risk their life for it (or take a life -_-), to somebody who had finally put their trust in others and would not prioritize their own wants.

I also really enjoyed the character’s relationship dynamics. The mentor-mentee bond between Ruby and Sal was my favourite, especially because both of them are sly and awfully dramatic. But the romantic plot was no less interesting, especially because it was constantly presenting Sal with some really complicated dilemmas.

Another exciting plus of this book was that it dealt masterfully with a main book plot, a main series plot, and a couple of subplots. They were woven into each other, a scene meant to advance one simultaneously complimenting another, and that for me is a sign of really, really good writing.

This book was just the right amount of graphic. It puts an edge to your regular fantasy story, giving it dark twists after dark twists, making sure we haven’t forgotten this is a book about assassins, and revenge, and death. Regular reminders of what the stakes were for Sal supported the action perfectly, making it even more adrenaline-inducing.

I was delighted to note that Sal, as a genderfluid character, was not actually heavily characterised by their genderqueer nature. It was personally uncomfortable to have them be misgendered, especially in a fantasy setting which could easily have accommodated an accepting society; however, I found Sal’s integrity and their peer’s support a welcome silver lining.

Most amazingly, Sal was not the only lgbt+ character on the page. If I noted correctly, Ruby showed interest in the same gender, and we had the pleasure of the love interest, Elise, admitting that “men are not the only thing” she likes.

A pansexual love interest, an Achillean mentor, a genderfluid MC? Sign me up.

(This is the point in the review to note none of the characters are defined by their identities, only enriched. It is just my extreme delight to find a story which lets lgbt+ people simply have adventures.)

Finally, the writing style was engaging, just the right amount of intense when needed, and just the right amount of easy-going when having a break from the action. Most importantly, the author knew when to take a step back, give us some exciting details about the world, then launch right back into the plot.

 Things I did not enjoy:

Too much scenery description. That is always tiring; it’s great to set the scene, but we don’t always need to know where the vines twine. Let the greenery be. ;) I admit I have a problem with too long pauses, so this is a completely personal thing. Some folks enjoy their scenery descriptions – it helps them submerge into the story. I prefer action.

Another thing: I liked Ruby too much and I didn’t approve of what happened. I am bitter. :/

 There is no certain explanation why this book is not ranking higher. Perhaps it is a matter of personal taste; perhaps it’s a grudge against the ease with which lgbt+ characters are incorporated, or not defined by their identities. Perhaps it’s the fact that a publisher made the ridiculous, always disastrous choice to name-drop another author.

In any case, I hope marketing does a better job, because the author has done an impeccable one.

 As always, stay readin’,

Ro-ri

Strong Indigenous Women T-Shirt

I want to talk about the importance of voting many plans and felt the fear that admits the excitement is warm and for the correction officer that obstacles and misinformation and folks making it harder for you to cast a Strong Indigenous Women T-Shirt ballot sounds don’t want us to vote Warren Vance Summit affect the frame as well if the answer is because when we felt things change when we don’t get better when we vote reenter the need for all people to be treated with dignity and respect in our country to Internet regarding what I want to make sure you are prepared if you text without 30330 will help you come up with their print and a doddering thing to read in your community access tax and encourage your family and friends where things are not a night of inspiration from around country I see a little later tonight and caravan headed over to my dear friend it’s not raining and three in the snow commencing and to be joining continued to therapy and smoking dancing for life is three from having to screen the preamble of the Constitution for the first 15 words. COOL GUY THOSE PICTURES OF YOU MIDDLE SCHOOLS AND THIS IS MY LIFE WHICH I ACTUALLY ADMIRE YOU MY GRANDMOTHER’S ON FACEBOOK SO I TRY AND HAS MY SWEET BOY PLATFORM I GOT GIVE HER A LITTLE BIT OF SOMETHING. Things that they are important but now in the trunk here the more educated voters are starting to trend more democratic and less educated voters started tracking more Republican and that is that something that is very much accelerated in the past four years or so basically to put it simply education is far more predictive no voting that used to be and I don’t necessarily a good thing at all so speaking of voting I set a goal for all of our patrons one dollar and above anyone and the reason I did this is because if I post like a straw poll or something people just to fuck with it I want real numbers so I posted a poll on patriot on there’s a link in the description you can only vote on it if you’re a patron so it is little as one dollar you can vote in our poll the poll is one up until about midway through our next episode and then we will announce the winner now I I put a little thing in here that says I want you to vote is if you’re eligible so it doesn’t matter if if if you’re not legally eligible to vote in the US

Source: Strong Indigenous Women T-Shirt

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Duty can write that character out a Strong Indigenous Women T-Shirt show I think you’re gonna kill them oftenand again have somebody asked eyes step up a nightmare for Kevin Spacey starts going up to have million dollars maybe just that I’m sorry card to the entire castand crew run house a gardening or you will meet is also not a paper has a Gore Vidal film that Netflix it’s already in post production they finished shooting it that’s how many millionsand that’s can I will do one more live twitter To allow the 120 over yeahand I’m thinking around 135 is a 138 opening weekendand stickand what I said last week would you like 139 is a listing of the was 130 you know I have going over what I said before this about 140 things to 140and I think that on I think is that the length of the movie it only matters that even if even if critics come out tomorrow or whatever it is an endand given a 45 is true it is the avengers of DC that can be generated with a want to see this movieand rightfully soand it will do pretty well yeah Ashley mother we got to 138’s I believe that we got a 140 how much is Batmanand a gang in a make around 29 gambling Hirsch auto rights when you do you think if I set the over under at 135 you say to my houseand 35 itemand essay are you catching 137 not the case you I arrived at United changing as that is on a good doing has been 39and that she’s like the back of the horse track that is required to move it back to thank the entire crew for such a great hard workingand everybody up here on the table for coming up with various characters thank you to PD think is not shared his mind was Mortyand Sal got together in South for Maurice Ashley love I am really Mark Alice we’ll see you guys tomorrow for another episode collided movie time nine everybody Mark Alice here thanks for watching this episode of collider movie talk you watch more than click here or you click right here for more great from collider Kansas chronic water video do so right now Sharon is made with your friends or watch. Sacramento cultivation company I think by the at the end of the year will be one of the largest cultivation companies in california with over 1000 lights on some doing thatand then i’m launching my own line called swish within the next 4 to 5 weeksand. With our voices in our votes let us now write the next chapter of the American story one of hope of love of justice if we do so we might just save our country and our souls good evening Congresswoman Dan Holland I’m grateful to be you hear on indigenous land the promise in this country is older than our Constitution over 500 years ago thousands of Indian tribes were vibrant democratic societies with rich cultures and traditions and communities that have sustained them for millennia on land they loved and respected my people the Pueblo Indians migrated to the Rio Grande Valley in the late 1200s to escape drought we were led to the great River and its tributaries are reestablished in agricultural tradition that continues to this day my people survive fence areas of slavery genocide and brittle assimilation policies that throughout our past tribal nations have fought for and help to build this country there are those like my Laguna grandparents who work in our country’s railroad and nose like my mother and Navy veteran See Other related products: My Courage Always Rises With Every Attempt To Intimidate Me Flowers T-Shirt

Old Year - New Year

2017 was an awful year; I cannot be happier it is over. Except, I am not sure if 2018 will be better. My tactic is to shut down as many things around me as possible and in certain times concentrate on nothing else but reading and stitching. I know it is ridiculous and childish but hey, whatever works for one’s sanity.

Anyhow, stitching. I finished fewer pieces (15) in 2017 than in the previous year (22), and some of them were tiny ones (Christmas ornies). However, two long overdue WIPs got completed (Bois le Duc by Long Dog Samplers and Jolly Old St. Nick by Bucilla, my oldest WIP of at least 18-20 years!), which makes me very happy. I am also pretty consistent and committed to reduce my active WIPs to a number that is more comfortable for me (about 4-5), in spite of the fact that I could not keep my tentative goals of finishing Christmas by Renato Parolin and the Zodiac Signs by the end of the year. On the other hand, I unexpectedly had two more pieces at the end of the year, which I finished: Pluto by SpaceNavid and Winter Woods by Mill Hill. My favorite finish in 2017 is definitely Plymouth Sampler by The Sampler Company.

Now up to 2018. 

I am not sure how much time I will have in the first few months; I got a big design job and it will consume most of my time, at least the first half of the year for sure, not to speak of my other recurring clients. But embroidery will always be my sanity preserving activity so I am assuming there will be some stitching for sure. 

The first big change came on December 30-31 and January 1st. I was stitching on Castles in the Air by Long Dog (and I even joined a facebook SAL group) when I realized at one point that I had made a major mistake that could not be fudged. I had to rip out at least half of what I had done on it. At that point I stopped, stepped back, contemplated a bit, and had an executive decision. For a while I was seriously questioning my floss/fabric choice of that piece, mainly the floss color. I remember it took me forever to choose a color way back when, but last week, stopped by the major miscounting, I decided I was going to fix my growing uncomfortable feeling about this WIP. So I ripped out not just the mistake but all the stitches and was out for a mission to find a floss color that made me happy and excited about this stitch. I spent about 2 days experimenting with different flosses; there were several outcries of  "F...udge!" (except they weren't 'Fudge' 😄) and several more frog visits until I finally settled down happily and thrilled looking at a very deep and saturated royal blue/royal purple variegated DMC floss (4240).

On New Years Day I did not have a New Year - New Start piece as the last thing I wanted to do is to increase the number of my active WIPs; instead, I pulled out my NYNS piece from last year, Mother of God by Thea Gouverneur, which almost looked like a new start as I had hardly stitched on it since I started (had lots of struggle finding the right fabric, and in the end I settled with 18 count easy guide Aida as it is a full coverage piece). I was enjoying stitching on it so much that I might just swap it with the Long Dog piece in my reducing WIPs effort, meaning, I am aiming to finish it before Castles. We’ll see. The pictures are not the best and they don’t show how beautifully sparkly it is because of the tons of Petite Treasure Braids...

  I also FFO-d a very old finish at last. I had the frame for a while and now here it is, Momenti di Vita by Renato Parolin in its final glory:

I guess that’s all folks. I am trying to pick up my readings again, and I feel I am making slow but sturdy progress. We’ll see.

John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Talking some actual football

Somehow, someway, fall camp is here.

No, starting practice does not guarantee there will be football this fall but it does at least keep the dream alive. After what has been one of the strangest off-seasons of all time, it’s nice to have a little taste of normalcy. The season still hangs in the balance but for now we can at least imagine what this Auburn team could like look this season.

Usually with these depth chart projections, I try to give a snapshot of where I think things might stand right now. Without spring practice though it seems kind of silly to use that criteria. Instead, I am going to give my best shot at predicting the depth chart we will see come game 1. Also, unlike the cowardly coaching staffs around the country, I will not resort to the easy out of using `OR`s to keep everyone on the roster happy. Call your shot or shut off your laptop. That’s what my dad would always say.

Let’s go.

John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback

#10 Bo Nix | 6’2” | 213 lbs | Sophomore

#14 Grant Loy | 6’5” | 230 lbs | Senior

#24 Cord Sandberg | 6’3” | 222 lbs | Sophomore

#15 Chayil Garnett | 6’1” | 216 lbs | Freshman

One of the biggest questions facing this Auburn football team in 2020 is whether or not Bo Nix has taken the next step. As a true freshman, Nix was thrown into the fire against one of the toughest schedules in America. He performed admirably but far from spectacularly. There were incredible moments where you could see the All-American potential and frustrating lows that had fans wondering if he was the right quarterback for the job.

He completed less than 50% of his passes in 3 of Auburn’s biggest games last fall. That can’t happen this season. He averaged 6.7 yards per attempt, one of the worst for quarterbacks under Gus Malzahn since Jeremy Johnson. That must improve this fall. He had only 3 games where he threw multiple TDs. He needs to double that number in 2020.

But there is also plenty of positives to build on. When Auburn needed him most, he often rose to the occasion. Nix seemed at his best when the Tigers upped the pace of play and took his handcuffs off. Even in losses against LSU and UGA, Auburn stormed back in large part due to Nix carving apart elite secondaries. It’s up to Chad Morris to find a way to harness all of Nix’s raw talent and elevate his play from “good for a true freshman” to “one of the best in the SEC”.

Running Back (4)

#21 Mark Antony-Richards | 6’1” | 208 lbs | rFreshman

#4 Tank Bigsby | 6’0” | 204 lbs | Freshman

#3 D.J. Williams | 5’10” | 216 lbs | Sophomore

#8 Shaun Shivers | 5’7” | 179 lbs | Junior

#22 Harold Joiner | 6’4” | 215 lbs | rSophomore

I am still clinging on to my early summer prediction of Mark-Antony Richards being Auburn’s RB1 in 2020 but my confidence has faded dramatically. Why? Well it has nothing to do with Richards who I still believe is immensely talented. It has more to do with Tank Bigsby. It’s hard to ignore the buzz building around the true freshman who has apparently impressed coaches and teammates alike with his attitude and work ethic since arriving on the Plains. I won’t be upset in the least if my Richards prediction is wrong because it likely means Bigsby has lived up to the hype.

However, entering fall camp, D.J. Williams is absolutely the man to beat. Having him at #3 doesn’t mean I think he’s bad. It means I think that highly of the ability of the two freshman listed ahead of him but it wouldn’t be a stunner if the rising sophomore held onto the top spot. He showed flashes in 2019 of his big play ability but he also failed to snatch the #1 spot from Boobee Whitlow when given the chance. I will add that if DJ Williams is Auburn’s 3rd best running back this fall that’s a testament to how quickly Carnell Williams has elevated the talent in that room.

Shaun Shivers and Harold Joiner are the veterans of the group and the biggest wildcards. Shivers will always be an Iron Bowl legend but I still don’t see him as an every down back. I am still not sure if Harold Joiner even is a running back. The Tigers seemed more apt to use him as a pass catcher than a ball carrier in 2019. We will see if that changes this fall. I’m ok with him making me look really dumb though with a breakout season.

Tight End (3)

#87 Brandon Frazier | 6’7” | 270 lbs | Freshman

#47 John Samuel Shenker | 6’3” | 241 lbs | Junior

#86 Luke Deal | 6’6” | 247 lbs | rFreshman

#85 Tyler Fromm | 6’5” | 237 lbs | rFreshman

#89 JJ Pegues | 6’2” | 300 lbs | Freshman

That’s right, calling my shot here folks. The tight end position is about to become MUCH more involved in Auburn’s passing attack and I think the man leading the charge will be a true freshman. Brandon Frazier was Chad Morris’s #1 TE target last cycle. He landed his pledge while head coach at Arkansas and then landed him again when named offensive coordinator at Auburn. You don’t work that hard for a kid to sit him on the bench. He’s a big man at 6’7” 270 lbs but is a legit vertical threat and has the ability to make plays after the catch. He might not start the season as the #1 guy but I wouldn’t be shocked if he’s a starter by season end.

Pegues is the biggest wildcard of the bunch. 6’2” 300 lbs is not something you usually see at tight end but you also rarely see 6’2” 300 lb kids with Pegues’s athletic ability. He more fits the mold of Malzahn’s preferred athlete at the 3-back and Gus seemed almost giddy about this kid on signing day. I expect the Tigers to draw up some specific packages to get him involved but not sure he sees regular time at tight end out the gate.

Wide Receiver (9/Split End)

#18 Seth Williams | 6’3” | 211 lbs | Junior

#9 Ze’Vian Capers | 6’4” | 194 lbs | Freshman

#81 J.J. Evans | 6’3” | 210 lbs | Freshman

The 9 spot has been a gateway to the NFL under Chad Morris. DeAndre Hopkins, Martavis Bryant, Mike Williams and Courtland Sutton all starred at this position for Morris. All four were NFL draft picks with Hopkins and Williams both going in the 1st. Might Seth be next?

The Tuscaloosa native emerged as Auburn’s most potent offensive weapon in 2019. Despite missing some time with a shoulder injury the rising junior caught 59 passes for 830 yards and 8 touchdowns. Williams excelled at winning 1 on 1 matchups and should get even more opportunities to eat under Chad Morris. What might matter most is whether or not Auburn can establish a #2 threat to take some of the pressure off Williams and give him more space to work in 2020.

With Zach Farrar transferring out and Matthew Hill moving to defense, I expect a pair of true freshman to see most of the work behind Williams at the 9. Capers has drawn some early comparisons to Williams and seems the likeliest of the freshman class to become the next dominant outside WR for the Tigers.

Evans was a big play receiver in high school and would give the Tigers some more speed at this spot ala Darius Slayton/Sammie Coates. He’s a big kid too at 6’3” 210 lbs so he’s got the frame to beat press coverage on the outside. I am excited about this freshman crop of wideouts and interested to see who can start to emerge as the next man up behind Seth.

Wide Receiver (5/Big Slot)

#11 Shedrick Jackson | 6’0” | 201 lbs | Junior

#17 Elijah Canion | 6’4” | 213lbs | Freshman

With Sal Cannella departure and Chad Morris’s arrival, I expect to see some changes at this WR spot moving forward. Under Malzahn, the 5 was initially the tight end before merging into some sort of tight end/wide receiver hybrid featuring bigger framed athletes who excelled as blockers. That could still be the case under Morris but he’s also used this position as the grooming ground for the next 9 man so don’t be surprised if someone like Ze’Vian Capers gets some work here this fall.

However, it’s pretty obvious Shedrick Jackson will be the man heading into the season. I am still high on Jackson’s potential and am hopeful the Tigers find more ways to use this kid to stretch defenses vertically. He excelled in high school at taking the top off of defenses. He’s shown he will put in the work as a blocker now it’s time to reward him with some deep balls.

Keep an eye on Canion. He was the lowest rated wideout of the bunch but might be the freakiest athlete. I also expect Auburn to cross train wide receivers more under Morris so don’t be surprised if you see Jackson and Canion get some action at the 9 as well.

Wide Receiver (3/Slot)

#12 Eli Stove | 6’0” | 191 lbs | Senior

#6 Ja’Varrius Johnson | 5’9” | 160 lbs | rFreshman

#23 Caylin Newton | 5’11” | 201 lbs | Junior

Ok so I am cheating a bit on this one. By adding a fourth WR on the depth chart, I can avoid the traffic jam at the 2 and list both Stove and Schwartz as starters.

Eli Stove had his most productive season last fall and will look to build on it with a strong senior campaign. To do that, Chad Morris needs to find a way to get him, Williams and Schwartz all on the field at the same time more often. Last season, Auburn’s three best WRs did not play double digit snaps together. That needs to change in 2020.

Johnson is a breakout player to watch. He’s got a similar skillset to Ryan Davis with possibly more explosiveness. 160 is pretty damn light though for SEC football but it doesn’t matter if no one can get their hands on you.

You know Newton is going to attempt at least one pass on some sort of trick play this fall. I am interested to see if he can find a way onto the field. My guess is his snaps will be limited this season but he will have a chance to see more regular playing time in 2021.

Wide Receiver (2/Flanker)

#1 Anthony Schwartz | 6’0” | 179 lbs | Junior

#5 Kobe Hudson | 6’1” | 196 lbs | Freshman

Malcolm Johnson Jr | 6’1” | 185 lbs | Freshman

The player that was likely the most excited to see Chad Morris arrive on the Plains was probably Anthony Schwartz. Injuries have slowed things but it’s also felt like Malzahn isn’t quite sure how to harness all of Schwartz’s speed. I expect Morris to use him like he did Sammie Watkins back in 2011. Lots of designed concepts to get the ball in his hands in a variety of ways from speed sweeps to deep shots to quick hitting concepts over the middle. For Auburn’s offense to reach its full potential the Tigers must find a way to truly establish Schwartz as one of the scariest offensive weapons in the SEC.

Behind him are two freshman. I have high hopes for Kobe Hudson but I suspect he’s a year away from being heavily involved in the offense. Malcolm Johnson Jr is supposed to be playing his senior year of high school this fall instead he will be playing an SEC only schedule. That’s a large jump for any kid.

Left Tackle

#68 Austin Troxell | 6’6” | 312 lbs | Junior

#65 Alec Jackson | 6’5” | 315 lbs | Junior

#77 Kilian Zierer | 6’7” | 294 lbs | Junior

#72 Prince Michael Sammons | 6’7” | 313 lbs | Senior

The biggest question mark at the position with the most question marks heading into fall camp is the left tackle position. Despite Auburn’s struggles to recruit highly rated prep offensive tackles, they have found a way to pretty consistently have an NFL calibre player at this key position each season. That doesn’t look so certain heading into the 2020 campaign.

There is no question Austin Troxell has SEC level talent. But three major knee injuries in six years is hard to ignore. If he’s truly 100% and can stay healthy all fall, I would expect him to be Auburn’s starting left tackle and to have a strong season. However, he will be facing some fierce competition this fall camp.

Kilian Zierer was my pick to be Auburn’s starting left tackle back in the fall but he too is recovering from a serious knee injury. Malzahn says he’s “almost” back to 100% which is good but given his little experience at the position along with most of his time on Auburn’s campus to date focused on rehab, I doubt he’s Auburn’s day 1 starter. He might emerge later in the fall.

That means former defensive lineman turned tackle, Alec Jackson, has a tremendous opportunity in the coming weeks to make a move up the depth chart. It also wouldn’t be unprecedented considering Auburn’s most recent starting left tackle. He worked at the position all last season so hopefully he enters camp more focused on elevating his game than learning the position. It will be fascinating to see how things play out at left tackle.

Left Guard

#71 Brandon Council | 6’4” | 325 lbs | Junior

#56 Tashawn Manning | 6’3” | 324 lbs | Junior

#62 Kameron Stutts | 6’4” | 325 lbs | rSophomore

It’s still early but there’s been a lot of positive buzz surrounding former Akron standout Brandon Council. The graduate transfer has two years of eligibility remaining and is likely the most versatile piece on Auburn’s offense line. He’s reportedly worked at guard to start his Auburn career but he’s played both center and tackle previously in his career. That flexibility makes it likely he starts somewhere on the offensive line. If Troxell and Zierer struggle to get their legs underneath them and Jackson proves not ready, don’t be surprised to see Council bump outside.

Behind him are two intriguing players. Tashawn Manning, like Alec Jackson, arrived on campus as a defensive lineman but has now transitioned to the offensive side of the ball. When Auburn’s 2nd team offensive line entered the games last fall, Manning manned the left guard position. The competition is stiff in the interior of Auburn’s offensive line but I expect Manning to be very involved. If he doesn’t earn a starting spot chances are good he will be the first guard off the bench after an injury.

There’s also Kameron Stutts who wasn’t a highly regarded recruit coming out of high school but a kid who I really feel like has a chance to develop into a solid player on Auburn’s offensive line. I would be surprised if he earns a starting gig this fall but we’ll see if he can make some noise in the coming weeks.

Center

#52 Nick Brahms | 6’3” | 299 lbs | Junior

#79 Kamaar Bell | 6’2” | 325 lbs | rFreshman

#57 Avery Jernigan | 6’3” | 306 lbs | Freshman

The one position that seems certain starting camp is the center position. After playing merry go round with Kaleb Kim the past two seasons, Brahms finds himself the lone returning starter and the likely leader of Auburn’s front five. He struggled as a freshman due in large part to so much strength lost after a gruesome leg injury but improved as a sophomore. Now it’s about taking the next step from “good enough to start” to “being one of the best centers in the league”.

Behind him are two kids that will likely be battling out to be Brahm’s incumbent in two years. Kamaar Bell was the last player to make it to campus in 2019 and took a redshirt without seeing any action. Now with a year of strength training under his belt, Bell looks poised to emerge as Auburn’s backup center this fall. He’s a powerful kid who will add some bulk to the interior of Auburn’s offensive line.

But Bell will face some stiff competition from one of the more underrated members of Auburn’s 2020 signing class. Avery Jernigan ain’t flashy but he loves hitting folks and has the skillset to be a really good player for the Tigers in the very near future. I am really intrigued to watch this position battle unfold over the coming years between Bell and Jernigan.

Right Guard

#58 Keiondre Jones | 6’3” | 335 lbs | rFreshman

#50 Jalil Irvin | 6’2” | 310 lbs | Sophomore

#54 Tate Johnson | 6’3” | 309 lbs | Freshman

Before a concussion sidelined him for the fall, Keiondre Jones was turning heads as a true freshman. That buzz returned during bowl practice and I think he’s the frontrunner to take over Mike Horton’s old spot.

But he’s far from a lock. Jalil Irvin was Auburn’s backup right guard last fall and probably enters the fall as the #1 guy. I thought Irvin’s future would be at center for the Tigers but Auburn slid him over to guard last spring and the results have been positive. Depending on what happens at right tackle these two could also see competition from Brodarious Hamm if Jack Bicknell decides to bump him back inside.

Right Tackle

#59 Brodarious Hamm | 6’5” | 330 lbs | Junior

#65 Brenden Coffey | 6’5” | 279 lbs | Junior

#76 Jeremiah Wright | 6’5” | 340 lbs | Freshman

Despite never having started for the Tigers, Brodarious Hamm is the name that keeps coming up when folks talk about offensive lineman with the highest ceilings. Hamm started his career at guard but slid outside last season and looks poised to be Jack Driscoll’s replacement this fall.

The biggest wildcard at offensive tackle this fall has to be Brenden Coffey. The JUCO signee looked destined to be a Tiger over the summer before Zierer’s commitment seemed to end any chance of it happening. Then when Jonathan Buskey’s academic status became uncertain, Auburn pushed for and eventually landed the big man. Coffey is a tremendous athlete who could also slide inside if needed. If he shows out this fall, it would give Auburn the flexibility to move Hamm back inside. I suspect though he starts his career off as the #2 guy

Looking at Auburn’s offensive skill players, it’s easy to see the incredible potential of this offense. But examining the offensive line quickly makes it hard to get too high on this offensive attack until the abundance of questions are answered up front. I think there’s talent on this OL but all of it is unproven. With no spring, a new offensive line coach and just a few weeks from kickoff, building and developing this new offensive line is this offense’s biggest challenge to reaching its ceiling.

Tomorrow, we will take a look at the defensive side of the ball where a number of super stars are gone but a ton of proven talent remains.

War Eagle!

from College and Magnolia - All Posts https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2020/8/20/21267024/2020-depth-chart-offense-fall-camp-edition

When you look at how well a story is doing, what do you tend to look the most at? Like kudos, comments, hits, etc?

For me personally I tend to look mainly at kudos and comments. After that, I look at public bookmarks and the number of regular commenters (i.e. people who feel inspired enough to comment on most of the chapters, instead of just one), and new commenters - i.e. usernames I don’t recognise. In this I might also include bookmark comments (even though they’re not for authors). And then after that, I look at overall engagement - like is that excitement or engagement filtering over to Tumblr, are people sending me asks about the story, do they seem interested, overall, in the world and sharing that with others (the major drop off on all of these in The Ice Plague is the reason why I got very depressed about it at the end last year - but last year was the worst I’d done overall, in every metric, ever - even including the first year I made a single AO3 account so, lol, welp).

I never look at hits, I don’t actually care about hits very much, though I know other authors look at them acutely. A lot of hits are from bots etc. and aren’t going to necessarily be a person actually pressing kudos, or opening the comment form. I’ve never really cared about hits.

But it’s complicated. Like if I’m in a small fandom, then 20 kudos means a lot. If I’m in a huge huge fandom with a massive reader base, then 100 kudos means I’m probably not actually getting a lot of interest in my story or I’m writing unpopular tropes and tags. If I’ve written a multi-chaptered story that’s been going for over 6 months and it has less than 250 kudos, then that’s not doing as well as a single chapter story that has 100 kudos in a single day (see: The Ice Plague 3 vs. Passiflora), despite the discrepancy in kudos.

I mean all kudos definitely mean a lot! Every kudos is important, but there’s ways of reading the nature of those metrics which imho, for me, kind of guides what to focus on and where to put my focus (to a point, I still completely shoot off into the wilderness to do lengthy fics in dead fandoms like The Beast that Chose Its Own Bridle). 

I’m also often looking at the kudos-to-public-bookmark ratio. A ratio of 4/1 (4 kudos for every 1 public bookmark) is very good for my fiction. Stuck on the Puzzle is one of the best ever, with a ratio of 3/1, and The Ice Plague 3 is one of the worst, with a ratio of 8/1 (that’s not super uncommon for the last book of a series, but by comparison, Into Shadows We Fall (the last part of a series) has a ratio of 5.8/1). Public bookmarks let you know how many registered AO3 users are happy to let other people know that they read your story (this is less common with straight up kink and porn and PWP) if they use a public bookmark system.

And then factoring into that, I have to look at how many kudos are from guests, because obviously guests can’t bookmark your fic publically or privately, nor can they subscribe to your works or your author name. But guest kudos are a really great metric for indicating how many long-time readers, or readers who are searching for your work via tags or fandom, or hearing about you by word of mouth etc. are out there.

I don’t actually pay a huge amount of attention to these metrics overall, honestly. It’s why it came as such a shock to realise that 2020 was the worst year for me in terms of AO3 performance literally ever. I had a suspicion things weren’t great, but I thought I was like, being paranoid or over-inflating my fears due to insecurities, and it turned out not only was I wrong and things were bad, but they were worse than I ever could have imagined across both of my accounts, for various reasons.

If I’d been paying more attention, perhaps it wouldn’t have hit me like a ton of bricks.

I usually pay attention to metrics most on the first few days a story releases and then I sort of...stop paying as much attention and just go through phases where I check out the kudos/bookmarks etc. on a lot of stories at the same time.

That being said, some stories will surprise you. Like Falling Falling Stars is not doing great on kudos or even bookmarks (comparatively speaking, for the length of time it’s been going, the amount of chapters it has, and the tags it uses), but it’s probably one of the best stories I’ve ever had since SAL for engagement. Like the people who do give that story a chance tend to be among the most engaged readers I’ve ever met, and that’s been really humbling and incredible.

So the rules don’t always apply in every situation. I probably would’ve quit writing if it wasn’t for FFS, lol, and the few folks who are incredibly loyal to The Ice Plague.