001. Introduction / Disclaimer

DISCLAIMER! I am not affiliated with any of the material that my muse originates from / the actors associated with the franchise.

002. A NOTE ABOUT PLOTTED THREADS

003. A NOTE ABOUT CALLOUT CULTURE

004. A NOTE ABOUT PURITY CULTURE

Essentially: If you are not mature enough to understand that fiction =/= reality, please turn around post haste.

005. A NOTE ABOUT COLLECTING TROPHIES (MAINS)

I am not here to collect dust. I am not interested in becoming mains unless I feel someone is going to actively return the effort that I put in. Let it be known: I treat mains as lowkey exclusives. I'm highly selective and always have been. That is not something I expect anyone to return, however, I do expect to be treated as your main writing partner for that specific portrayal / dynamic. That means being prioritized just as much as I would / will prioritize you. I have noticed people seem to have lost track of this, and seem to want to declare 'mains' and then treat that main just as they would any other writing partner. As someone that is very invested in what I write and who I write with, I'm not interested in anyone wasting my time, just as I wouldn't wish to waste theirs. Be respectful.

That being said, I'm sure you can imagine how I feel about exclusives.

006. MAIN WRITING PARTNERS

007. Trigger Warnings

Triggers that are canon compliant will not generally be tagged. This means that potential untagged triggers can include: physical and psychological trauma, and canon compliant violence. However, if there is anything a mutual wishes me to tag specifically, don’t hesitate to message! That being said — please be reasonable. If you are at all familiar with the franchise, you should know what to expect on this blog.

Triggers that are tagged will be tagged as "trigger /".

Cloud: Introduction

That aside, Cloud is a character that delves quite deeply into both psychological and physical trauma, and this depiction will not shy away from those things, as they are integral to his character.

Note: At present Cloud will be written within canon and now, after a complete replay through the series: his Kingdom Hearts verse!

Elaboration: Shipping

It's important to note that thus far I do firmly believe it is the remake's intention for Cloud to be falling in love with Aerith, despite his complicated relationship with Tifa. However it is doubly important to note that this is not to say I don't find Cloud's relationship with Tifa to be extremely important. It is: it's incredibly complex, there's a ton to unpack there, and I intend to explore that because it's a fascinating dynamic, is significant to Cloud's character, and affects the way he navigates interpersonal relationships and the narrative at large.

But when it comes to romantic "shipping," I can't imagine writing Cloud opposite anyone other than Aerith.

Note: This is, of course, subject to ongoing changes in the remake's narrative — as has been shown between the original and the remake thus far — as I am rather canon strict. That also being said, my stance is influenced in no small part by my interpretation of the original storyline, spanning from FFVII (1997) to Advent Children. But for now, this is where I'm at.

Muse Specific Mains

Zack: Introduction

In regards to the Remake, it is important to note that because the creators seem to have different intentions with the direction of the story than the original, this portrayal will adapt as new information is released based on such. Beyond that: any writing to be done surrounding the Remake, its timeline — or even any verse that might be OG based in which Zack lives — needs to be heavily plotted. There will, in time, be whole posts dedicated to my interpretation and adaptation of Zack into such verses.

All that aside, Zack is a character that delves quite deeply into psychological and physical trauma, loss and isolation, and death and this depiction will not be shying away from any of those themes, as they are integral to his character.

Note: At present Zack will be written within his canon; including Kingdom Hearts, though I will be expanding what that canon looks like for him.

Elaboration: Shipping

In essence, I am thrilled to write and explore the dynamic as it's presented in the canon, I just want to clarify that I don't interpret it as being some tragic romance (though, it is certainly tragic).

Note: This is, of course, subject to ongoing changes in the Remake's narrative — as has been shown between the original and the remake thus far — as I am rather canon strict. That also being said, my stance is influenced in no small part by my interpretation of the original storyline, spanning from FFVII (1997) to Advent Children. But for now, this is where I'm at.

Elaboration: Shipping Part II

But what about Aerith, you ask? In FFVII (1997), Zack made it clear that he never planned to meet Aerith's mother, and therefore was unsure about whether or not he even wanted to try to see her upon their return to Midgar. While I do think he would struggle with where they stand and would actively seek to rectify that based on both Crisis Core's events and what we've seen of him outside the church in Remake — I still think the roots were not deep enough for a romance to further bloom between the two. Especially not once Aerith and Cloud meet.

Point being, my main ship for Zack is with Tifa, under any circumstance where the verse allows it.

Muse Specific Mains

Ignis: Introduction

That is to say, I am fully aware that the nature of Ignis' devotion to Noctis is, by and large, unhealthy: but it's a primary aspect of his character, his emotional arc, and the physical trauma he endures. I will in no way gloss over this.

NOTE: At present, Ignis will be written solely within canon, insofar as all FFXV canon has to offer. This means that Brotherhood and Kingsglaive are also up for grabs — but it also means that I am very well interested in exploring the extra verse Square Enix themselves have presented, as I think there's a lot more to unpack there than some folks give it credit for.

Elaboration: Shipping

This isn't to say I expect reciprocity from any portrayal! Not at all. I think that canon portrays something horribly messy and heartbreaking and I, for one, love it. This is simply to say that regardless of Noct's feelings, Ignis is in turn struggling with his own just beneath the surface. I only ask that you be aware of it as an aspect of this portrayal.

Elaboration: Extra Verse

Note: It is worthwhile to note, however, that even down that path, my portrayal of Ignis remains visually impaired, to some extent. Not quite blinded, but certainly impaired. Even with the crystal's healing, I can't imagine there not being some remaining injury (aside from the obvious scarring). This is a detail that I will develop with time.

Muse Specific Mains

Auron: Introduction

These themes and the implications thereof even carry into Kingdom Hearts 2 for Auron, and I won't be ignoring them there either.

Note: The only verse Auron will have beyond canon will be Kingdom Hearts.

Muse Specific Mains

Terra: Introduction

Note: At present, Terra will be written solely within canon.

ELABORATION: SHIPPING

So, I feel neither here nor there about any ship for Terra, but as I work through the novelization of BBS and continuously refamiliarize myself with the cutscenes, as I tend to do, this might change. Especially since I don't feel Square's heavy handed implications for Aqua should go ignored — there would just need to be quite a large amount of development if exploring such a dynamic were to be pursued.

Muse Specific Mains

Lavellan: Introduction

NOTE: Beyond that, there are canon elaborations where I felt concepts needed to be expanded upon rather than simply glossed over. Many of these will either be found on the character's biography page (which also includes the decisions made on my Inquisitor's path), and in the meta tag, both of which can be found above under the drop down navigation.

NOTE: At present, Lavellan will be written solely within canon.

Elaboration: Shipping

It's important to note that in Emrys' default canon, in accordance with the game, Emrys romances Dorian Pavus. This means that 9 / 10 times I will default to referencing Dorian as Emrys' partner as / when it's appropriate in other threads!

Muse Specific Mains

Solas: Introduction

Beyond that, Solas is one of my oldest muses — I've written him a lot and for a long time (years) outside of this blog. My portrayal of him is quite set in stone, so get ready for meta™, drabbles, etc.

NOTE: At present, Solas will be written solely within canon. Beyond that, if not expressed otherwise (or writing with another), Emrys Lavellan is Solas' default inquisitor.

Elaboration: Shipping

That being said, he's not entirely closed off to shipping, but the nature of a romance would be ludicrously complex, as removing Emrys from his story is difficult for me, which means that it would a) have to be in a universe where Emrys remains Inquisitor and b) means that individual would have to be understanding of the significance Emrys bears on Solas' life.

TL;DR — an absurd amount of meta/plotting behind the scenes would need to take place, and it's never going to be a happy story. As I've said, Solas is one of my oldest muses, and there has been a lot that's gone into his portrayal outside of this blog, and I would rather build his portrayal on this blog around that than disregard it entirely.

Muse Specific Mains

Fenris: Introduction

It is important to note that Fenris deals with the dark underbelly of the DA universe, meaning this portrayal will not shy away from the topic of slavery in a fantasy setting. Fenris' time in Tevinter as a slave has colored much of character, and I will not do him a disservice by ignoring that.

Note: At present, Fenris will be written solely within canon.

Elaboration: Shipping

That being said, I find the hints that canon seems to place here and there about Isabela and Fenris to be interesting. However, considering what is learned about Fenris through romancing him, I find the insinuation of Isabela / Fenris to be ultimately inconsistent with everything you learn about how Fenris navigates intimacy otherwise. For that reason, I'm not really willing to entertain the prospect.

Muse Specific Mains

Alistair: Introduction

NOTE: At present, Alistair will be written solely within canon.

Elaboration: Canon

Muse Specific Mains

Xiao: Introduction

That being said, it's important to keep in mind that Xiao's character revolves around dark themes. I will never cast these themes aside, but rather delve into them in order to gain a better understanding of the character's development and psychology. These themes include but are not limited to: mental and physical trauma, sins of the past, suicidal ideation, self degradation, etc.

NOTE: At present, Xiao will be written solely within canon.

Elaboration: The Traveler

However, that being said — I want to be clear that I have no qualms or hesitancy writing with Lumines. It's simply that outside of anything that might be plotted otherwise, or in the absence of a Traveler portrayal — Aether will be Xiao's canonical Traveler.

Muse Specific Mains

Childe: Introduction

That being said, it's important to keep in mind that Childe's character revolves around dark themes. I will never cast these themes aside, but rather delve into them in order to gain a better understanding of the character's development and psychology. Most prevalent being his teetering on the edge of socipathic tendencies and perceived obsessive behavior in regards to violence.

NOTE: At present, Childe will be written solely within canon.

Elaboration: The Traveler

Muse Specific Mains

Neuvillette: Introduction

Elaboration: The Traveler

Muse Specific Mains

Kamisato Ayato: Introduction

NOTE: At present, Ayato will be written solely within canon.

Elaboration: The Traveler

Muse Specific Mains

Alhaitham: Introduction

That being said, I implore you to read the below elaboration and the resulting meta as it arises, considering my interpretation of Alhaitham's character is going to be from a very specific perspective.

NOTE: At present, Alhaitham will be written solely within canon.

Elaboration: A Note About Noise-Cancelling Headphones

While this, to me, seems fairly tongue-in-cheek enough — they gave him noise-cancelling headphones that he wears as a permanent part of his design, along with palm rejection gloves. Both of these things are used to decrease stimulation; and the headphones especially are well known for being things autistic individuals use to do so, so that they might be able to better focus and not suffer overstimulation, which can interfere with daily life — and especially work. Beyond that, his design centers around focus, precision, incredible intelligence, antisocial behaviors, and what Kaveh refers to as "arrogance" so much to the extent that I would argue it indicates that this creators seemed to very much have designed him according to life experiences similar to / once attributed to Asperger's Syndrome (AS), specifically.

TL;DR — This portrayal isn't going to ignore some pretty heavy implications that Alhaitham is meant to be read as being on the autism spectrum, so I simply ask that you be aware of that. There will be a full meta about this in the future, which will be linked to below once it has been completed and posted, so stay tuned.

Note: Let it be said that while the term Asperger's Syndrome has been reclassified for numerous reasons, there are those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who continue to use the term colloquially or as simply being a part of their identity within that spectrum — particularly because it is an easy way to identify a narrower, more specific set up symptoms (ie: someone who would have previously been diagnosed with Asperger's would suffer less social delay than an ASD individual with higher needs), and I quite simply am not willing to demonize any individual that chooses to do so.

That being said: I will be using the term 'ASD' primarily in regard to Alhaitham, but in the above instance, noting what is colloquially still understood as 'Asperger's' — regardless of the demedicalization — seemed the easiest way for people to understand my meaning, especially were they to have a quick look into it.

Additionally, it needs to be stated that this will apply to any iteration of the character that I write — be it within canon or otherwise.

Elaboration: The Traveler

Elaboration: Shipping and Muse Exclusivity

That being said, it's not only for that reason — it's simply the only ship that realistically works for Alhaitham contextually within the narrative. Kaveh is quite literally the only person who is radically sympathetic enough to be able to have enough love and patience to be in a relationship with Alhaitham. Admittedly: the man is hard to love, but that's one of the things I love most about him.

Additionally, I have come to a point in writing Alhaitham where it feels only natural that aequitaes' portrayal (linked to below) of Kaveh is the only portrayal I will be shipping or writing with. Not only does this allow continuity on a broader scope, but after so much meta behind the scenes and squabbling with each other, I really can't deny that those two are stuck with each other.

That being said, whenever Kaveh is mentioned in other threads, it is in reference to aequitaes' Kaveh.

Muse Specific Mains

Dan Heng: Introduction

Elaboration: The Trailblazer

Under construction.

Muse Specific Mains

Mydei: Introduction

That being said, I implore you to understand that much of my characterization is going to be based not only within the canon, but pulling from the Greek culture and mythology that all of Amphoreus pulls from; i.e. Kremnos is Amphoreus' version of Sparta, and I'm not going to ignore that.

That being said, some aspects taken from such mythos and history to make Mydei a more realistic character might be difficult to swallow. Please bear this in mind. This includes themes such as religious guilt, internalized homophobia, etc.

Threads will not have a warning tagged, but meta posts might. NOTE: At present, Mydeimos will be written solely within canon, but I will be delineating between pre-divinity and post his ascension.

Elaboration: The Trailblazer

Elaboration: Shipping and Muse Exclusivity

That being said, it's not only for that reason — it's simply the only ship that realistically works for Mydeimos contextually that the narrative seems to be hinting at; quite tragically (Greek). They are presented as two sides of the same coin, as Hoyo so often loves to do with implied canonical pairs.

Additionally, I have come to a point in writing Mydeimos where it feels only natural that aequitaes' portrayal (linked to below) of Phainon is the only portrayal I will be shipping or writing with. Not only does this allow continuity on a broader scope, but she pulled me out of the depths of Hades for this (pun intended) and we two are stuck with each other.

That being said, whenever Phainon is mentioned in other threads, it is in reference to aequitaes' Phainon.

Muse Specific Mains

Dr. Ratio: Introduction

Elaboration: The Trailblazer

Muse Specific Mains

Link: Introduction

Note: Despite this portrayal being based in the BOTW timeline / storyline. This includes the full storyline, meaning anything set during the Age of Calamity is also viable. I do want to note that I am seeking to dip into AOC as soon as I'm able, which both opens up interaction in terms of canon, and will have an effect on the portrayal as it stands.

At present, Link will be written primarily within BOTW canon, but I am also seeking to refamiliarize myself with Twilight Princess as well!

Elaboration: Shipping

Essentially: Link and Zelda are intrinsically tied to one another, throughout the franchise's history, and I've no intentions of ignoring that.

Elaboration: Ship Exclusivity

Muse Specific Mains

Astarion: Introduction

Beyond that, Astarion's tumultuous past and the nature of his character means there will be potentially triggering content such as: mild body horror, past dubious/non consent, and exploring enslavement as a theme/fear. And, naturally, potentially graphic depictions of blood!

I say all this to give fair warning: all of these things are inherent to his canonical character. They will be explored, not ignored, but they will most often not be tagged, because if I had to tag every potentially triggering thing about the nature of a morally grey, chaotic neutral vampire with a violent and manipulative past, I'd be tagging nearly every post. Anyone has the option to blacklist his character tag for this reason.

NOTE: At present, Astarion will be written within two verses: canon, and the Dragon Age universe.

Elaboration: Canon

Additionally: As we know, BG3 is in early access, which means as more of the game is released, the more we'll learn about Astarion. Meaning, as someone who is fairly canon strict with their portrayals, if new released material directly contradicts an idea I had had for the character, I will revise or completely do away with that idea. Basically, Astarion is a portrayal that is more subject to change than most. At least, at present!

Muse Specific Mains

Alexios: Introduction

Note: Alexios will be written solely within his canon for the time being; though, it is important to keep in mind that due to the circumstances of his canon, this means he is eligible for interaction beyond the events of AC: Odyssey.

Elaboration: Canon

Essentially: I find that fashioning a character after a Classical Greek hero with the heavyhanded implication that he is indeed — like the heroes he is narratively fashioned after — a demigod, and then choosing not to follow through with that, to be such a lost opportunity. It is my hope, then, to follow through with what's presented in the canon that Ubisoft decided not to. So, I do not follow the canon that Pythagoras is the Champion's father. My other divergences primarily stem from this point.

That being said, it's also important to note that my default canon is the "worst ending." It's the most thematically consistent with actual Greek tragedies — and all stories of Greek mythic heroes are tragedies. However, it is also something I'm willing to be flexible on — I understand that it can limit interaction with certain characters, and so I'm not super strict on this. But it is what I will default to when it's appropriate to do so!

TL;DR — I simply ask that assumptions not be made about this portrayal based on other portrayals, or any vague familiarity with the character, as this depiction of Alexios is going to diverge fairly heavily in certain aspects (eg: his lineage and his subsequent bloodline — though due to the recent patch, there is room for conjecture on this particular topic). For this reason I ask that, if you are truly interested in interacting with his portrayal, that you at the very least skim his divergences page.

Muse Specific Mains

Connor: Introduction

For Connor, this largely is explored through internal struggles of self identity, and navigating human relationships; including navigating manipulation, abuse, and neglect, as well as trust, empathy, and the development of familial bonds.

Vergil: Introduction

Note: As I am working my way back through the franchise (I now have DMC 1 - 5 under my belt, plus some of the available books + manga), certain interpretations are subject to change. That being said, I should also note that this portrayal is not reboot compliant.

Elaboration: V vs. Vergil

That being said, I am likely going to write an entire meta about this in the near future (me being me), which I will properly link to when it's posted. Until then, for those familiar with the Kingdom Hearts series, you can sort of equate the V : Vergil as being similar to Roxas : Sora. One is borne of the other, retains some memories, — though Visions of V makes it clear that the reasons for this are primarily because of the "nightmares" (familiars) that he hosts — but is not, in all actuality the same person, despite the connection.

While the demarcation between the two is sometimes unclear because of the connection between them — ie: V having Vergil’s memories (read: trauma) due to hosting the manifestations of the nightmares, it seems evident V =/= Vergil. This is further evidenced by the fact that when V (and the familiars) talks about Vergil, there is a sense of dissociation, and he is spoken of in the 3rd person, as if he’s a different entity entirely.

Beyond that, when Vergil is not spoken of as if V and Vergil are separate entities, it is primarily when Vergil is spoken of by Dante or Nero (in game), interpreting the connection between the two or, rightfully, being confused by it. Alternatively, this will happen with Griffon (in the manga) in much the same way. It is worthwhile to point out, however, that when Griffon does so, it is often in jest; as it is also Griffon who differentiates between V and Vergil quite clearly (see: 1 & 2). It is doubly worthwhile to note that the moments V himself speaks as if he is Vergil is overwhelmingly primarily when he’s having flashbacks of the nightmares he subsumed, or is hallucinating because of them.

TL;DR — While there is obviously a deeply rooted connection between V and Vergil, they are not the same character, and I won't be writing Vergil as if they are.

V: Introduction

Note: As I am working my way back through the franchise (I now have DMC 1 - 5 under my belt, plus some of the available books + manga), certain interpretations are subject to change. That being said, I should also note that this portrayal is not reboot compliant.

Elaboration: V vs. Vergil

That being said, I am likely going to write an entire meta about this in the near future (me being me), which I will properly link to when it's posted. Until then, for those familiar with the Kingdom Hearts series, you can sort of equate the V : Vergil as being similar to Roxas : Sora. One is borne of the other, retains some memories, — though Visions of V makes it clear that the reasons for this are primarily because of the "nightmares" (familiars) that he hosts — but is not, in all actuality the same person, despite the connection.

While the demarcation between the two is sometimes unclear because of the connection between them — ie: V having Vergil’s memories (read: trauma) due to hosting the manifestations of the nightmares, it seems evident V =/= Vergil. This is further evidenced by the fact that when V (and the familiars) talks about Vergil, there is a sense of dissociation, and he is spoken of in the 3rd person, as if he’s a different entity entirely.

Beyond that, when Vergil is not spoken of is if V and Vergil are separate entities, it is primarily when Vergil is spoken of by Dante or Nero (in game), interpreting the connection between the two or, rightfully, being confused by it. Alternatively, this will happen with Griffon (in the manga) in much the same way. It is worthwhile to point out, however, that when Griffon does so, it is often in jest; as it is also Griffon who differentiates between V and Vergil quite clearly. It is doubly worthwhile to note that the moments V himself speaks as if he is Vergil is overwhelmingly primarily when he’s having flashbacks of the nightmares he subsumed, or is hallucinating because of them.

TL;DR — While there is obviously a deeply rooted connection between V and Vergil, they are not the same character, and I won't be writing V as if they are.

Castiel: Introduction

However, this doesn't mean I am not open to writing anything post – season 5 canon! It would simply take a bit of extra plotting. I have officially seen up to season 10, and once the show has finished airing, plan on doing a full rewatch and finishing it in its entirety.

Dean: Introduction

However, this doesn't mean I am not open to writing anything post – season 5 canon! It would simply take a bit of extra plotting. I have officially seen up to season 10, and once the show has finished airing, plan on doing a full rewatch and finishing it in its entirety.

Note: At present, Dean will be written solely within canon.

Austin: Introduction

That being said, at present, Austin is more of a writing exercise than a muse I intend to throw around — I have no intention to write him outside of his genre, and therefore I've no intention to write him in verses outside of his canon. However, if anyone is interested in him, please feel free to message me! He's not completely closed off from interaction, either.

Muse Specific Mains

Marcus: Introduction