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linka-from-captain-planet · 1 month

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Florrickology, Part 4: Florrick, Wyll, Ulder, and Character Assassination

We all know it, we all hate it. They did my beloved dirty, used her to shit all over Wyll's quest at what should be a climactic moment, and I will never forgive never forget it.

In Act 3, if Wyll rejects Mizora's offer to rescue his father from the Iron Throne in favor of keeping his pact broken, Florrick will ambush the party, inform them that "Lady Mizora" told her what he did, and seek retribution unless talked down.

This is stupid, makes no sense, assassinates Florrick's character for no good reason, and represents some of Larian's laziest NPC writing--unsurprisingly, in the midst of Wyll's personal quest, and smack dab in what's supposed to be the climax of one of the longest quests in the game.

As I said in previous posts, Florrick being willing to go to the mat for Ulder any day or time of the week is consistent with her other characterization.

Up to the point of this confrontation, the player has observed that she'll follow Ulder to literal hell and back, chase him across half a continent, and become so disappointed in her perceived failure to save him and, by extension, the entire city, that she completely gives up and quietly awaits execution, without even trying to escape (which she probably could do, as a level 11, probably Enchantment School wizard).

All her voice lines and all the things others say about her paint the picture of a loyal and true-blue friend, and a public servant of the highest caliber, "as steady as Tyr's heartbeat" and "as upstanding as the Sword Mountains." She may be sharp and shrewd, and perhaps a bit domineering and curt, but she's not cruel. She may be a bit cavalier, but she's never rash.

She's not stupid. She may be more emotional than she seems.

She has killed someone before, on the spot, for coming after Ulder. It's consistent that she would do it again, even if she had to hunt them down this time and risk being caught by the Steel Watch. In her mind, she has nothing left to lose.

What is not consistent is her being willing to kill Wyll on a flimsy accusation (that she doesn't even really believe if you read her thoughts).

Now as I've mentioned, Florrick doesn't seem to feel any particular way about Wyll; she seems to regard him simply as her friend and boss' son, just a good kid she patted on the head at parades, and when they meet again in Waukeen's Rest, as a valuable asset in rescuing Ulder and saving the city.

And I like this! It highlights that Ulder was Wyll's entire world, and it was Ulder, alone, who failed him and cast him aside. I think this is also part of why there's never any indication that Florrick and Ulder are/were romantically involved, because this would change the expectations for how she treats/feels about Wyll. But as it stands, simply being a woman in the vicinity of a child, even one in need, didn't obligate her to be a mother.

And this the feeling is mutual. In-game, there's also no indication that Wyll had or desired had any sort of personal relationship with her, as he talks about her accomplishments but not, say, seeking her out for advice or spending time with her. He mentions crushing on Stellmayne, but when asked about Florrick, he goes right to "yeah she fucks, she sniped a guy right in front of me once." He only regards her in relation to his father and the city, never himself. She's his dad's confidant and advisor, and an exemplary public servant, but nothing in particular to him.

So, it's not how Florrick feels about Wyll that makes it out of character for her to attack him, but because of how she knows Ulder feels about Wyll.

She says herself, when talked down in that confrontation, that Ulder wanted her to find Wyll and pass his birthright on if he fell, because as many mistakes as Ulder made, and as wrong as he was, and as unacceptable as his behavior was, in the end, he trusted his boy with the fate of his beloved city.

So, Florrick would never betray Ulder by attacking his son, without irrefutable evidence, especially when she'd been told explicitly to trust and help Wyll by the person she respects and reveres the most in the entire world.

As one of the most prominent NPCs in the game, appearing with a fairly significant role in all three acts, and who's been demonstrated to be an unquestionable heroic figure all along, Florrick deserved better than what she got in this blatantly lazy, formulaic scene.

And that's the answer to the question of 'why is this scene so bad?' - lazy, formulaic writing.

That's also probably the answer to any 'why is this Act 3 moment and/or NPC interaction so clunky?' question. This confrontation is Like That because it's how every every NPC Confrontation is: someone is willing to kill you for variably logical reasons, unless you talk your way out of it, and the end result is only nominally different, so it was pointless from the jump. It's the illusion of drama and conflict and a plot twist, not real drama and conflict and plot twist. Of course she (andWyllcoughcough) isn't safe from the "uh oh this game isn't done but we're shipping it anyway so we better make this story beat messy, both under-and over-whelming, and confusing to match the overall tone of Act 3" curse.

So you might then move on to, "okay, well, what's the in-universe explanation for this? How can we make it make sense, considering what we know about Florrick?"

I won't give them credit for implying anything they didn't bother to imply, even though they could have gone several other routes with about 2 lines of better dialogue and a simple animation. So, I think the only true, canonical reason Florrick does this is exactly what's presented in the text. She was approached by "Lady" Mizora, a stranger, told a lie, only half-believed it, slapped a fuckass hood on over her very distinctive freakum dress, went on the hunt, and ambushed the party in front of like 50 human, 5 cat, and 3 Steel Watch witnesses even though she's a fugitive marked for execution.

That's it. There's no further context. Again, nothing implied. As you can tell by this entire series, I will read into anything, and there's simply nothing to read into here.

No indication that Mizora charmed or is controlling Florrick, a simple explanation that could have been easily been introduced with about 1 line, a special effect, and a mocap of her "snapping out of it."

No revelation that "Lady" Mizora has been posing as a patriar and pulling strings in Baldur's Gate for the last seven years, working closely with and maybe kissin haha jk... unless Florrick, making it perfectly reasonable why she'd believe Mizora over Wyll, who's been not only missing BUT cavorting with devils for those same seven years, which is ironic because Florrick had unknowingly been doing the same thing (juicy!). (more thoughts on this)

There's not even really a feeling that Florrick, who again did all that mentioned above for Ulder and her city, is simply just so heartbroken and grieving and demoralized that she's experiencing a mental breakdown and a critical lapse in judgement, grasping at anything to make it make sense or to make her feel in control again, even if she has her doubts deep down. Again, this could have easily been written in with a few lines and some body language. I feel like this is what they thought they did, but the fact is they didn't even though it would have been easy and cost basically 0 extra resources or time.

Clearly, this scene got rubber-stamped because they (painfully correctly) assumed that nobody would care about Wyll's storyline at this point, and his supporting character Florrick with it. They probably just figured that we'd all forget how wack it was when we continued the quest and got gagged by the Emporer being a gay dragon-fucker and also Balduran.

So, what would have made this scene/part of the quest better?

To be clear, better is a pretty low bar as the canonical version full-on sucks. The above suggestions are only what could have made this specific scene (Florrick Confronts Wyll About Killing His Father) better. But really, Wyll's quest, as we all know, needs an overhaul. So, below is what's overall needed to make Wyll's entire quest in Act 3 better.

maintain Florrick's characterization (this post is about Florrick after all)

give Wyll a chance to be a hero in his own story

actually utilize Mizora, who's truly been pretty pointless all this time

provide a sense of stakes--it has to matter what happens

get everything the fuck away from that fucking magic show

I had a whole alternative Act 3 storyline written to suggest, Boss Fight Mizora Avernus and all, but realized just before posting that it doesn't work because it ends with Wyll destroying his pact, and he does sort of need that to remain a warlock for the endgame (being forced to re-class at the 11th hour would be a bit of a bold move). But trust me it was cool and better than what we got.

#bg3 spoilers #bg3 #florrickology #counsellor florrick #wyll ravengard #ulder ravengard #mizora #this one gets real tags bc it's an actual critique and not a simp post about her hips this time

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heizours · 2 years

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A SECRET YOU CAN'T KEEP

summary. accidentally telling that you want to marry them one day

tags. gn! reader, grammatical mistakes may occur

cw. nothing but fluff, though lmk if there is

feat. ayato, childe, kaeya, diluc, thoma

AYATO.

Has already been thinking of marrying you, but kept quite about it 1/2

I think moments will come where Ayato will start to think that he really wants to be with you forever, and what i mean forever is he wants to marry you.

however he doesn't want the both of you to rush the talk of marriage, so I'm seeing him as a person who'll wait for your permission or will wait for you to bring the topic itself. Everyone expects him to get married as an obligation for a heir, but he sees it as a way to show how he's ready to take this relationship to another level.

You're not even aware that instead of doing what a yashiro commissioner should be, who knows he's probably sneaking away from inazuma to find you the beautiful ring in all of Teyvat.

It was night in Inazuma, as the only sounds making were the calm swirls of the wind. As the people sleep peacefully inside their homes, well for them but not for the head of Kamisato Clan who has been endlessly reading and signing papers.

As he heard the click of a door opening, he didn’t bother looking up. Not before it was you who entered it as you were crossing your arms like a parent planning to lecture their child for staying “late” at night even if it’s just 9:00 in the evening.

“Dear, I think it’s time for you to take a rest” you said, before letting out a sigh knowing that the blue haired man has a head that can rival a hard rock. You admire that he’s doing all this work for the sake of his family but sometimes a heir also needs time for himself, don’t you think?

“Hm? Beloved, I believe you should be resting at this time. Do not worry, I’m finishing this as soon as I can" he responded back with a hint of worry but also gentleness behind it as he continues to scribble.

The atmosphere between the two of you remained quiet after that short conversation. The longer you admire the man in front of you, the longer you felt as if your falling for him again, just like how you first met him.

The idea of marriage suddenly came into your mind about how you will be able to experience this moments repeating like a vinyl playing it’s music, as soon as the two of you are tied together.

You have sometimes imagine the life you will have with him after the two of you share your vows together, you weren’t that desperate okay? But sometimes people just have a common sense if their relationship with their lover will last until marriage or not, and you were people. As you were deep in your thoughts while admiring Ayato, you weren’t aware of the sentence that came out of your mouth.

“Have you ever thought if I will still be a part of your future?” you said, as the sudden noises of scribbling stopped and the quill pen Ayato was using, dropped to the ground.

To say that he was shocked to hear that from you was unexpected but the excitement and happiness he’s starting to feel that the both of you are having mutual feelings about this made it far from better.

He paused for a moment before lifting his head to look at you, and not long stood up from his seat before making his way to you.

The sudden realization, made you panic as you raised both of your arms in defense and was stuttering any reasons why you had said that.

“Uhm-...Wait that’s n-not what you thin-” you were cut off, when he suddenly bended down meeting you eye to eye, as his arms were placed on both the sides of the chair, trapping you.

“If you will still be a part of my future? Of course I had, perhaps....you’re proposing that you want to marry me then? Well, when do you wish to proceed my dear spouse?” he said, before grabbing your hand and placing a tender kiss on your knuckles as a promise he will make it true one day. After all he can’t also lie to himself at the thought of you getting tied to someone who’s not him.

The thought of marriage had also crossed Ayato’s mind countless times, and now that you had brought it in the table before him, it seems that the ring that has been planning to be very hidden in his desk will be used faster then he assumes.

CHILDE.

Has been overthinking of marrying you, so there’s a 50/50 chance he will take your words seriously. Accident or not, he will believe it .

As we all know childe is a family man, I mean we’ve seen it all considering that he has siblings and he loves and cares for all of them but with Childe's affiliation with the fatui and as a harbinger it can be quite dangerous.

The. thought about marriage will have to be postpone for a while since first he doesn’t want you to be in danger because of him, and second he wants to make sure if you’re really willing to face many challenges in the life of a married couple.

He loves you to the moon and back, and when the time comes you let your words get ahead of yourself, expect that he’s probably sending letters to his family soon that marriage is on the way.

The sun in Liyue slowly rises, and soon the townspeople were also beginning to start their own days. Some are opening their stalls, some are doing their daily errands and some are still in a deep peaceful slumber.

You and Childe were part of those population who are still sleeping in their beds.

It was rare for Childe to wake up very late in the morning, considering that he’s busy most of the time because of the work the Tsaritsa gives him. But it seems that today was an exception and he will make sure he is going to savor this early morning with you.

You were the first to wake up, and you find yourself sleeping in his chest. You looked up to see the ginger’s sleeping face, the slow rising up and down of his chest adding more to the ethereal beauty you are witnessing.

‘How can someone look this good while sleeping?’

Not that you were complaining about it, it just adds to the favoritism that you’re the only person who can see the mighty and bloodlust harbinger this calm and peaceful for once in a while.

You lift your hand, as it’s finger slowly approached his cheek that traced to his jawline and back again to cup his cheek, in which Childe subconsciously leaned onto the palm of your hand.

Letting out a quiet laugh at how cute he was acting, you weren’t even sure what’s happening in your mind right now. But before you can even have the chance to think about what you’re about to say, it had already went past your mouth.

“I will not complain if I’m going to marry you one day, if it means I’m going to see this face every day in the morning” you whispered.

Unknown to you, Childe being quite mischievous and playful as he is was actually pretending to be asleep the whole time, the moment you had woke up.

When you had subconsciously said those words right in front of him, he almost jumped out of the bed out of happiness, his heart started beating faster than normal and all he can think about was to propose to you then and there .

And before you can even have the chance to take back what you said, he snapped his eyes open.

“Really?? Are you for real? Do you mean that?” he asked, as his face came closer to you searching for any answer if it was a joke or it was real.

“I- y- yOU WERE AWAKE THE WHOLE TIME?” you yelled at his face, eyes wide like saucers and your cheeks dusted with light pink as he bombarded you question after question.

“Do you mean it?” he asked again, not planning to drop the situation.

Feeling embarrassed and flustered in your current state, you hesitantly let out a nod as you looked at anywhere but him. Childe who was staring at your reaction can’t help but also let out a blush as he lift your chin with two of his fingers before placing a soft kiss on the top of your nose.

“I’m glad were on the same page” he replied before hugging you in his arms.

If looks could shine brighter than the sun, well Childe’s mood that day could even rival the sun for days or even weeks. He even keep humming good tunes that it left his fatui agents scared yet suspicious at the same time.

KAEYA.

Would get shock because he isn’t expecting for someone to even consider marrying him.

Kaeya in his life had never thought of getting married, let it be even someone like you willing to be in a relationship with a person like him. If ever the thought of marriage comes across his mind, he wants the person to be you and you only.

He had been alone the most of his life, and you were that blessing the archons had given him so he certainly won't let go as amazing as you. Don't worry about your family's approval, I know damn well that they will love him so much and will be greatful for having him as their son in-law or a grandson in-law.

He's going to be lowkey desperate with the preparation of the proposal to the actual marriage especially with you in the line because he wants that day to be special.

Truth to be told, Kaeya wasn’t planning to continue hiding any longer.

But when he saw you having a conversation with Diluc that he can practically hear from far away, maybe eavesdropping a little on the conversation won't cause any harm.

It's not like he doesn't trust you wholeheartedly but Kaeya being Kaeya, he just wanted to see how do you talk about him when you're with other people especially with his dear brother.

"I don't see Kaeya as that type of person, but if it's with you then there's nothing you should be worried about [Name]" Diluc replied while his arms crossed, which was clearly heard by Kaeya.

The Cavalry Captain on the other hand was beyond confused by what he said especially when he had heard that you were being worried about something, something that includes about him.

'They won't- no they won't leave me or something like that, right?'

The more he thought about that, the more he's planning to just make his appearance known to the both of you but before any of that can happen, you spoked which caught again his attention.

"Well it's not like we've been together for a long time now, but sometimes I just can't help but think of what the future holds for him and I" you replied.

"But what's wrong with hoping we will get married someday, no?" you continued.

Kaeya.exe has stopped working.

Pardon? Did he hear that right? Or maybe he’s still a little tipsy from drinking wine earlier that he’s starting to hear things? Maybe Diluc was slightly right about limiting his hobby of drinking-

Nevertheless Kaeya returned to his usual composure before appearing behind you, a sly smirk appearing in his face but deep down his heart was beating fast and he was feeling mixed emotions about it, that he’s silently hoping you won’t noticed that his usual smirk was slowly falling apart with a genuine smile instead.

“Have you really fallen that hard, that you’re considering to marry me?” a smooth yet teasing voice appeared in the conversation you were having with Diluc, and archons forbid that the cunning blue haired man will forget this topic, or else he will always bring it up again and again, any chance he gets.

Reader.exe has stopped working 2.0

“huh- wai- kAEYA? hold on...if you were here the whole time then does that mean..” your words slowly trailed off, as you were still grasping the sudden situation.

‘oh god, what was i thinking? he probably thinks i’m assuming that we’re going to get married when we’re not even sure yet if this relationship will last long- aha the ground is looking very pretty to dive in right now-”

A pair of icy cold yet warm hands cupped your cheeks, snapping you out of your thoughts. Your head was raised and there you were, face to face with Kaeya who’s wearing the most serious expression you have ever seen.

“Well then sweetheart, if were going to get married then it’s you. If it’s not you, it’s not anyone” he spoked. There was a slight tint of blush appearing on his cheeks as he wrapped his arms around you, burying you in his chest to hide how flustered he is right now.

Well, it looks like he’s about to start the search for a ring now. A ring that’s only second to you.

Meanwhile Diluc, third wheeling the moment-

DILUC.

Has already been thinking of marrying you, but kept quite about it 2/2

When the relationship continues to progress and last for a long time to the point where the both of you are comfortable with each other, that's when he will realized that he wants to marry you. He would marry you because you're the person whom he can run to, the person whom he can share his past before he met you and the person who can see how vulnerable he can also be, hidden in the public eye.

I think he would prefer to be in a relationship with someone who will also be the same person he will marry in the future. He visions that in the future, he hopes that the person he will spend the rest of his life with is you.

He's probably thought about the exact date when's the wedding going to happen but kept quiet about it, he's maybe hesitating but he's got the spirit.

For once it was a casual day at the winery, and by casual it’s one of those rare day offs that Diluc takes from work and as bartender in the tavern. He sits there in one of the separate armchairs in the winery’s living room with a book in his hands that he has been reading for the past minutes.

Meanwhile, you were in the kitchen preparing for today’s lunch, you also gave the maids the opportunity to take a break from their work, as you’re going to handle the chores in the winery for the time being.

Diluc had already finished the book he was reading and he was starting to feel a little lonely without your presence near him, so without hesitation he stood up and made his way to where you are.

You, however failed to noticed the red haired man approaching you as you were too engrossed on making sure that you don’t burn the food you were cooking. A pair of arms were wrapped around your waist, startling you by pure accident.

Turning your head around, you found Diluc hugging you from behind with his chin placed on his shoulder as he looked at you before placing a peck on your cheek.

“What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be reading something?” you chuckled at his bold actions.

“Hm? I just finished doing that and I just want to be near you, that’s all” he mumbled, not long after he started swaying the both of your bodies slowly from side to side.

“Who knew that Master Diluc could also get this clingy?” you teasingly said so.

“You love it though” he replied as he swiftly turned you around and continued dancing with you, completely taking your attention away from the food you were cooking.

You wrap your hands around his neck, as he continued to hug you tighter, eyes closing and both of your foreheads continued to lean in to each other.

This are one of the moments that are barely displayed by the both of you in public, not that you both minded it.

Although as if your mind had controlled you on their own, you wondered how would it feel for this scenario to happen again if you were a married couple? You were too occupied with your thoughts that you began to speak, as if you're wanting for Diluc to hear it.

“Is it selfish of me to think that I have the chance to be your Mx. Ragnvindr?” you mumbled while your eyes remained closed, completely unaware of what had you just said.

Both of your eyes snapped open as Diluc stared at you with an evident shock on his face. You tried to create a reason to escape the situation you were in, but all you did was close and open your mouth like a fish, however you don’t even know how glad Diluc is to know that the ring he had purchased from Fontaine that was meant for you won’t go to another person’s finger.

“If you have the chance to be my spouse? Love, you don’t have to worry for that spot is yours to be claimed in the first place” he placed a hand on your cheek for assurance.

The romantic moment was interrupted when the both of you smelled something burning nearby. But if Diluc was being honest he could careless about it, he thinks he’s already full from the thought that you’re willing to get married to him.

Consent stage? done. Proposal? plan in progress.

THOMA.

The topic won’t stay out of his head for the following days, weeks or even months to the point he will be distracted.

Thoma knows what marriage is but the topic doesn’t always disturb him or his work. In fact he won’t be surprised anymore if the elderly will ask him again and again the same question “when are you getting married?” or “are you planning to settle down soon?”

It's not that he doesn’t want to but I think he’s that type of person who believes that the right time will come for him to get married and that also includes waiting for the same person whom he would see walking in the aisle.

50/50 chance that he will ask you instead when would you want for the both of you to be married, half of that is being a joke but if you’re bold enough to say you want it to be now, he’s going to crash.

Accompanying Thoma during his daily errands was always an adventure for the both of you. Not only that the both of you can finish it early before the day ends but it also gives the both of you to spend time with each other despite the busy schedule.

Currently the both of you were stopping by at the Komore Teahouse to rest and grab some tea, which means you can also see Taroumaru as well. It’s been a while since you last saw the ninja dog and because you love and adore animals especially dogs, it really means something to you.

Entering the teahouse, you didn’t waste a moment of grabbing the dog in your arms as Taroumaru didn’t make any complains about it. In fact the feeling is mutual between you and the animal.

Meanwhile Thoma watched the scene happening in front of his eyes, as he let out a laugh at how adorable the reunion looked in his perspective.

“Hey what about me? Didn’t you missed me?” he teased the said dog, opening his arms just in case.

Taroumaru jumped out of your arms before tackling Thoma to the ground which actually took him by surprise, and this time it was your turn to laugh as it was indeed an unexpected action from the dog.

‘he’s kind, helpful, very good at housekeeping, willing to protect you at any cost and loves animals. what else does this man have that others don’t?’

The thought made you genuinely smile as you question the archons how can you deserve such a man like him in your life. What more if he becomes your husband?

You shook your head at the thought but the longer you continued to stare at the them, the more the topic continues to bug you. What you thought was a whisper, had caught his attention in return.

“I wonder if we will plan to adopt a dog after we get married, sounds like the typical little family. Don’t you think?” you suddenly said.

He was frozen in his position after hearing those words from you, as a blush slowly began to rise on his face. At the sudden realization you slapped your mouth and jumped from the panic that you’re starting to feel, as he might thought you’re too busy in your own world that you had let out such things like that out of the blue.

You were too busy stuttering out unnecessary reasons that you hadn’t noticed Thoma was now facing you, with a serious yet determined look on his face.

“A-are you trying to tell me that you want to marry me one day? No no- it’s not that I’m disturbed by it. In fact it just gives me another reason why I should work hard, because that hard work will be needed for building our future” he genuinely replied as he took the both of your hands in his and placed a kiss on your forehead.

“I will be waiting for you to walk the aisle, my soon to be spouse” he continued as you placed your head on his chest to hide your flustered and blushing state, a quiet laugh passing by his lips to also hide the fact how excited he is for that day to come.

Did Taroumaru just witnessed an upcoming wedding? Yes, yes he did.

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