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request by @spiritboardvalentine

hope you like her!!!

[ID: A chibi full-body portrait of Lydie Erlanger from Castlevania Harmony of Dissonance. Her blond pigtails are held by a large white bow. Decorative lines and flowers adorn the black parts of her dress. Her hands rest to her sides. She looks at the viewer with a smile. End ID.]

#castlevania #lydie erlanger

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GOS Arikado

#castlevania

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i don't have it in me at the moment to make a long, detailed rant about this but r/castlevania's insistence that games!Isaac is a lesser character for being a "self-harm obsessed, shallow BDSM playboy that only serves as an inciting incident" compared to N!Isaac?

first of all, i think y'all are letting anime stereotypes from the early 2000s massively color your opinion and it's really obvious you didn't bother looking at his character any deeper than that.

"BDSM playboy"? my man was sitting in the ruins of his home for 3 goddamn years letting the clothes rot off his back, in no condition to care about his appearance and with precious little materials to forge something new. you could also argue that his skimpy look is a mark of his arrogance (already well-established by his fight with Hector previously, and feeling so cocksure he sends his Devil away and even arms Hector with a sword, confident he could easily take him in a fair fight), going into battle barely clothed as a show of faith in his own skill after playing Hector like a fiddle. or even as a radical show of his devotion, the Devil Forgemasters crest embedded in his skin for the world to see; the fact that the physical marks of his position may fade away, but it goes so much deeper than that - it's seared into his very flesh, and will only die when he and his corporeal form finally leave this earth. also, it just speaks to a really shallow understanding of BDSM in general to associate "skimpy strappy outfit = kinky"

"self-harm obsessed"? first of all, where is ANYONE getting this notion from the game itself?? (considering there's a very low chance these people even know about the mangas) there is literally no scene in-game where he self-harms - further proof people are grafting a grab bag of stereotyped character traits onto him when the canon doesn't support it. if this is about his tattoos, i consider this a bit of a reach, but then i don't regularly associate tattoos with masochism.

there is of course this one, singular panel from Prelude to Revenge where we see him slitting his wrists:

but the context here makes it clear: 1) he's doing this as a morbid way to mark the passage of time and 2) most likely in response to the sheer contrast between him and Hector's respective situations - how would you feel seeing the guy who was at least partially responsible for your predicament living a happy life, while you're forced to live in the abandoned ruins of your home, constantly surrounded by all that you've lost? this is an act being shown when he's at his very lowest.

and this is the only instance we actually see - there is no other official material that implies this is something he does on the regular, although it's a popular headcanon considering the general fandom consensus that he most likely had a very rough start to life.

shitting on him for being "merely an inciting incident"? i don't even know what to say to this - do you understand how characters and stories work...? the narrative lives and dies on the push and pull of characters taking actions and other characters responding!

but it sure is curious (read: hypocritical) that this is a negative in these people's eyes when you point out the similarities between Lisa's and Rosaly's deaths.

sure, there is a bigger story about the cruelty of humanity as a whole that Lisa was executed, unprompted while Rosaly's execution was deliberately manipulated by Isaac - but that also adds to Isaac's character, the fact that both he and his younger sister were persecuted for being bonafide magic practitioners, and the sheer hypocrisy of and underhandedness of knowing that pain firsthand, and choosing to inflict it on an innocent woman anyway. it really shows how much his morals, if he ever had any, has truly eroded to the point he only cares about causing maximum damage.

i don't even want to waste my words on the ways N!Isaac is a worse character, comparatively, if you actually take into account the themes of the Devil Forgemasters' respective stories as presented in the games. but it does chap my asshole that, from this angle, both N!Isaac and N!Hector end up for the worse since now their stories are completely decoupled and it ruins the symbolism and duality that their game counterparts had.

#castlevania #anti netflixvania #“They took Xs fascinating features and just remixed it without any deeper thought just to say ”yep this sure is X (but better)“.” #Is NFCV in a nutshell

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#cromartie high school

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blooming

@simonsquest

#castlevania

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Skytown.

#metroid

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@the-crow-binary requested Mathias Cronqvist and Death. I hope you like it!

#castlevania #mathias cronqvist #death (castlevania)

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Mathias' actions can't be really justified when you analyse. Lost your wife? I understand the pain when they pass away. Go to revenge against the God and use everyone in your plan? That is how you could lose the trust.

Literally, Mathais went to Leon after he defeated Walter only to tell to Leon that they are no different. But is difference between a person that died from illness and a person that died because of your selfish plans.

Even after he changed his name to Dracula, he puts his ambitons over the others. Lisa begged to not harm humans, but after she died Dracula ordered his demons to kill all humans, no mater if they are innocent or not. He goes so far even want to destroy Alucard's human side and forcing him to join him.

In games, Dracula meant to be like Satan on Earth, to be feared by all and Belmonts to defeat his evil forces. And what Netfix does? Turn Dracula intro a meow meow man that deserve better and Belmonts intro a bunch of hunter that are nothing special.

#castlevania #anti netflixvania

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Lisa Fahrenheit

#castlevania #lisa (castlevania)

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Heartbreaking: This person is making great points but they're being a huge fucking asshole about it so you can't reblog any of it

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Simon opens up to Selena about his absent father, and his concerns about being a parent.

Sleepless nights were commonplace now, Simon laments as he lays awake staring at the ceiling. His only comfort is the fact that his wife sleeps soundly by his side, unbothered, and unaffected. What a blessing that is.

Selena often falls asleep curled up against him, her head upon his bare chest. Simon’s arm is wrapped around her shoulders, ever-protective, even in the comfort of their bed.

The only trouble is that Selena is a very light sleeper. The smallest movement can wake her, yet she insists on sleeping in his arms. And while Simon has grown to appreciate sharing the bed with her, stillness has been difficult lately. When he can’t sleep—rather, avoids staying asleep for long periods, lest the nightmares plague him—he feels compelled to get up, move around, busy his hands. Anything but lay down and stare at the ceiling.

But Selena’s comfort is paramount, especially now that she carries their second child. Thus, Simon does what he can to stay completely still, fighting restlessness as it gnaws at him. Fighting the spiralling thoughts that enter his mind only in the quiet of night.

This evening, however, Selena wakes up unprompted. She lifts her head, blinking sleep from her eyes, before craning her head up to look at him.

“Did I disturb you?” Simon inquires, his warm voice a whisper.

Selena shakes her head, sliding a hand upon his chest. “I had a strange dream, I think.”

“Oh?” Simon adjusts his body, at last, as he draws her closer to him. “What did you dream of?”

Selena laughs a little in reply, minding her volume. “I cannot remember the details.”

Simon huffs a small laugh, leaning his head down to kiss the crown of her head. Selena hums agreeably in reply, nuzzling against him.

“Are you unable to sleep again?” Selena inquires instead, still hushed.

“It seems so.” Simon replies simply, shirking the question.

“Am I crushing you?” Selena asks suddenly, raising her head again.

Simon stifles a laugh—such a warm and rare sound. “No, rest assured.”

“Is there something on your mind?” Selena asks instead, her eyes closing as she settles against him again. She relishes the feeling of his firm warmth against her, his powerful arms wrapping around her, hands smoothing over her shoulder.

Simon hums something soft as he thinks of how best to reply.

He chooses honesty: “my parents.”

Selena blinks. This answer takes her by surprise. Simon has mentioned to her that he doesn’t remember much about his parents—no faces to put names to. What is it he could be thinking about? Selena is eager to learn more, but, she feels it may be a sensitive subject.

Instead, her fingertips run idly along a prominent scar on Simon’s chest. A minute, comforting gesture.

“Would you like to talk about it?” She finally asks.

Simon hesitates for a moment. Selena’s gesture stills. Perhaps it was wrong to ask.

With a soft sigh, Simon tries in a whisper: “my father deflected when I was a child.”

Selena processes this information. She had assumed Simon’s father died. Does he yet live? She chooses to keep quiet as Simon continues.

“I do not have the precise details, but…” Selena feels Simon turning his head to the side, grasping at his thoughts, trying to articulate himself. “I reflect on that fact, at times.”

Selena notes how his heartbeat quickens. Simon has always been one to shirk his concerns. She understood, early on in their relationship—they both hesitated to become attached, and open up—but now, all of these years later, after all they’ve been through, and the love they share… Selena wishes he wouldn’t feel the need to.

But the gears turn in her mind. His father must have been the Belmont descendant, for him to deflect. And for him to deflect, and neglect his duties as a Belmont… that must mean that Simon was raised by his grandfather. And Selena doesn’t have the most favorable opinion of him.

Selena smoothes her hand over Simon’s chest as she props herself on her arm, getting a better look at his face. He’s looking away, and there’s a tightness in his jaw.

“I am so sorry. I didn’t know.” Selena whispers in apology, genuine. Simon shakes his head, closing his eyes.

“I never told you. No need to apologize.”

Selena stays as she is, trying to read Simon’s face in the darkness of night. She doesn’t know what to say next. What would be appropriate to say, or ask?

She tries: “does his absence hurt you?”

Simon’s brow furrows as he opens his eyes.

“No,” he starts, hesitating. “Not anymore, but…”

Selena’s heart breaks for him. She envisions him, so young, shouldering the weight of his lineage, with no support from his parents. How cruel.

“It makes me reflect on my parenthood.” Simon admits in a whisper at last.

Selena blinks. “In what way?”

She can see how Simon’s mouth has twitched into a frown, he’s still looking away from her. There’s an incredibly long pause as Simon tries to put his concerns into words.

“I haven’t a point of reference,” Simon tries, so awkward. “I don’t feel as though I’m doing any of this right.”

There it is. Selena is grateful to know what’s plaguing his mind. She’s eager to reassure him.

Selena softens. “You’re a wonderful father, Simon. Mathieu loves you.”

She can plainly see that Simon is struggling to take her words as truth. He resists: “it is you who has raised him. I am hardly present.”

“That isn’t true,” Selena retorts, her voice still hushed. “He respects you, and misses you, and is always eager for your return home.”

Selena has propped herself a bit higher, now, choosing to brush her fingers upon Simon’s cheek, gently moving the red hair from his face.

He finally looks at her, and turns his head to face her again.

“He is kind and just. He has your heart of fire.” Selena underlines, rubbing her thumb upon Simon’s jawline. This earns her a hint of a smile, and her heart swells at the sight of him trying to take her words to heart.

But there’s something that stops him from doing that.

Looking down at Selena again, Simon hesitates before finally sharing: “he’s a Belmont.”

Smiles fade. She knows exactly what Simon means by that. Their boy must shoulder the same fate that Simon has. Perhaps not directly fighting Dracula—Simon prays with all of his heart that he’s put an end to that. But his children. Their children. All strung along in this awful lineage of bloodshed and fighting. Mankind’s evil deeds will never cease. And the Belmonts must always be primed and prepared to protect the people.

Mathieu will endure the same training Simon has.

And their second child yet unborn, too, will have to shoulder this fate.

“Forgive me,” Simon apologies, raising a hand to cradle Selena’s cheek as she ruminates the implications. His calloused thumb rubs on her cheekbone.

Neither of them can change the fate that God has willed for them and their descendants. This they know. There isn’t any point in wasting energy on it.

But it is so sad. And weighs so heavy on Simon especially: the progenitor of this perpetual curse. Selena, and their children, are unfortunate casualties in it.

“There is a difference between you and your father.” Selena tries, leaning into his touch. Simon’s brow raises, eyes searching hers.

“You will never abandon your children.” Selena underlines.

Simon softens. Selena’s right. He would never.

“You’re a good man, Simon,” Selena emphasizes. “You’re a good father.”

As if to illustrate her point, Selena closes the distance between them, claiming Simon’s lips in her own. He hums a soft sound, returning the gesture.

When they part, Selena moves to cradle his cheek in her hand. Simon relaxes into her touch, moving his hand to hold hers, kissing into her palm.

Such a sacred, soft moment, so private between the two of them.

“You need your rest.” Simon reminds in a whisper, gentle. Selena concedes, settling into the bed again, but choosing to lay on her back beside Simon, rather than upon him.

Noting the change, Simon moves to lay on his side, facing her. He watches her with a soft gaze, admiring her beautiful face in a mess of her golden hair.

Selena takes the opportunity to hold his hand, and guide it onto her enlarged abdomen. She holds it there, turning her head to look at him.

Simon softens at the gesture with eyes downcast as his thumb rubs the spot, so gently.

Simon will do all he can for their children.

Selena believes in him. And that’s more than enough.

#castlevania

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how do you mistranslate ricardo

#castlevania #eric lecarde

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#dai gyakuten saiban #barok van zieks #iris watson

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Elisabetha Cronqvist

#castlevania #elisabetha cronqvist

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🗡💐SARA TRANTOUL💐🗡

“Castlevania: Lament Of Innocence” (2005)

#castlevania #sara trantoul

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That or Leon would be a religious zealot and be the villain.

This comes from a place of Drac being my fave character, lol. The fun thing is the player is not supposed to agree with Mathias, it's framed as he being selfish and frankly, full of shit. Leon calls him on his bluff. He's not convincing anyone and Mathias is transparently aware of it, the voice acting does a good job of communicating it. Leon is obviously portrayed to be on the right. It's not ambiguous at all.

Mathias is only convincing if you're Ellis and write edgy atheist reddit ass shit, I guess.

NFCV wants to be deep and nuanced and morally grey, but in reality it's only cynical and mean and accidentally justifies heinous crimes by ironically flattening cruel villains into sad 🥺 beans.

I resent how the show is praised for "turning Dracula into a tridimensional antagonist". My dude and my pal, Dracula waging war on mankind out of deep-seated grief for Lisa was not something Adi Shankar came up with: it was taken from SoTN, in 1997. It ain't new. What the show did was giving more moments of vulnerability with Dracula - which again, on paper, it's awesome! But it went too far in the opposite direction. Dracula in S2 is a broken man unworthy of respect, who lets Carmilla walk over him, who is all :( that Hector won't be friends with him, who only wants to kill himself awww don't you feel bad for him already.

NFCV has this very funny trick. For example, it's very noticeable that Lenore stops showing sexual attraction to Hector in S4, because she's meant to be cute and sympathetic and good deep down, and having her hitting on the guy who is constrained by the cursed ring she put on him would make her look bad (and incidentally, now she looks like she only has sexual interest in people who are 100% weak, vulnerable and depending on her. mhh 🤔). Isaac talks a lot, and I mean a lot, in S4 about himself and his growth and his agency and how huge his meat is, but he never mentions his unjustified killing spree done because he was on a power trip, because that would make his lack of remorse look bad. And in a similar vein, S2 doesn't show one single time the results of Hector and Isaac sending Night Creatures on towns like S1 did. Because that would make Dracula look bad :) that would remind us that he's killing innocents :) that the issue is not just that his plan will eventually lead to the starvation of vampires and an empty world: he is, right now, decimating people who do not deserve his wrath.

Because then we would be less sad when he cries that he's killing his boy, you know?

And, of course, we're still debating whether Lisa knew what her hubby was up to during her death. He sure doesn't mention it :) because their reunion would be less cute if we remembered that my man went against her wishes and nearly killed their son :) convenient :)

The games are not cowards. They give you villains with sympathetic motives and go "cool motive, still murder". I feel bad for Dracula who has to live centuries with the grief of losing his beloved ones, but he's still a dangerous monster to be stopped. I feel bad for Isaac who lost everything he held dear and got his brain scrambled by the Curse of his own master (and I honestly love how PtR frames Hector as Isaac's villain), but he's still a bastard who killed an innocent woman out of petty revenge and delighted in Hector's pain and humiliation. I feel bad for Brauner who lost his mind because he lost his daughters in the world, but that didn't give him the right to steal two other girls and vampirize them to play pretend.

You are allowed to recognize their understandable motives without the narrative going all "aren't they so traaaaaaagic 🥺🥺🥺 ignore their war crimes pls 🥺"

#anti netflixvania

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the fact that any video game ever gets made is a fucking miracle, let alone good ones.

#video games are an artform and tbh deserve just as much recognition as movies #but my god the amount of effort that goes into video games are wild #<- prev tag and so true #random stuff