#honorable mention flamme

[cafe-con-navi]

It’s been a while since I’ve done any Frieren musings but I’m so, so incredibly sappy and with the drop of the beautiful “children aren’t the only ones that need comfort” scene I just have the immovable headcanon in my brain that Frieren and Himmel were touchy!

Not in an odd way, and not in ways directly meaning to imply romantic intent—Frieren wouldn’t really identify that, and the last thing Himmel would ever do is take advantage of her—but I love thinking it was just second nature for them to bundle up together at a tree stump. Or for Frieren to plop her head on Himmel’s shoulder while he’s polishing his sword, or vice versa while Frieren’s sat at the bed reading a tome. Just a really cute mutual reciprocity of little gestures like that which probably helped Frieren of the present be so openly affectionate (re: headpatting everyone in her party, bundling up in blankets with Fern). let me have this ok

#honorable mention flamme #the blueprint #she headpat out of love #frieren X amount of years later is like huh i guess she was onto something #sousou no frieren #frieren #frieren beyond journey's end #himmel #hero himmel #frimmel

[somefanchick]

-Rollo's Angelic Obsession-

(This story is from Rollo's perspective during the events of the visit to Nobel Bell College. I only know information from the English server story and events so sorry if anything is terribly out of character. This fic is cannon for my female Yuu-sona, but I do just call them Yuu in the story. Yuu uses she/her pronouns. Hope you enjoy! TW: Rollo is obsessive and Delulu with a major crush on Yuu. Found the banner pictures in a post by @ raven-at-the-writing-desk, they are not mine. I got the event book 1 transcripts from the Wiki, and the book 3 transcripts from @ kanasmusings!)

It was disgusting. The headmaster of Night Raven called to inform us that his group of ten had grown to thirteen, not including the chaperone. I had requested Malleus Draconia so I could execute my plan, but to add two more students to the group was borderline infuriating. I didn’t even have the time to see how powerful these other students were, or who they were. I had no idea if they would be an issue or if it would be better to rid the world of them like the others. The only information the headmaster gave on them was that they counted as one student, and that one of them was magicless. That last note made me somewhat hopeful.

The portal lit up and all of the students stepped through. I recognized each and every one of them, so I assumed the new ones were tucked behind the others. I even recognize the chaperone. None of them were a threat. None of them were pure. They all would burn.

“I've been expecting you,” I stepped out of the shadows, vice president and aide on my left and right, “ Esteemed guests from Night Raven College, welcome to Noble Bell College.”

Mozus Trein, the chaperone, spoke in a tone much like my own, “Judging by your uniform, you must be the student the headmage mentioned.”

“That's right,” I put my handkerchief over my mouth for a moment before speaking again, “My name is Rollo Flamme. I serve as the student council president here.”

Riddle Rosehearts was the next to speak, “Oh, interesting. Our school doesn't have an independent student council, but it sounds like you all do.”

I removed the cloth from my lips, “Indeed. And while it may sound presumptuous, one could call it the face of our school. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

Idia Shroud’s voice was shrill with surprise or fear, “Ack! Immediate encounter with strangers!”

Azul Ashengrotto seemed equally annoyed and used to the outburst, “Isn't the whole point of this social to meet strangers?”

I could hear some of the freshmen mumbling to themselves, about me undoubtedly. I pressed on, “This is our vice president, and this is our aide. When they heard they could meet with such an esteemed group, they dropped everything and came running. The entirety of Noble Bell College welcomes you. Our school is small compared to yours, and you may find it lacking in some ways, but we beg your indulgence.”

Trein looked like he could almost smile, “How courteous. You have impeccable manners for someone so young.”

Deuce Spade whispered to Silver, a guard of Malleus Draconia, I kept speaking, “We couldn't allow you to keep hauling your luggage around, of course. Let me show you to your rooms. I'm afraid it's a bit of a walk. We can use it as an opportunity to get better acquainted, though.”

I began leading the group forward as Idia Shroud made another winey comment. They were infuriating, and I hadn’t even gotten a glance at the unexpected visitors. They all deserved death.

Azul Ashengrotto made his way to the front with me, “So you're a junior. I imagine it's quite an honor being student council president, considering there can only be one in the whole school. I'm sure your academic performance is also superb and will guarantee you a promising future.”

I tried not to grit my teeth, “Noble Bell simply has a smaller student body. I can hardly compare to those of you from the great Night Raven College.”

Ashengrotto coated his words in flattery, just as we had done with their headmaster, “Please, you needn't be so humble or formal. Why, you're technically my upperclassman! Everyone at my school would be overjoyed to acquaint themselves with such a fine individual.”

I hummed as if amusing the idea, “All right, as you wish. I won't stand on ceremony so much.”

Ashengrotto got involved in a side conversation with Shroud. Leaving me to do nothing but move forward and suppress the urge to strike them down where they stood.

“Ah, but where are my manners? I've gotten ahead of myself,” Ashengrotto pulled himself back to me, “Apologies for the belated introduction. I'm-”

“Introductions won't be necessary,” I waved it off, bringing my handkerchief back to my lips, “I already know who all of you are. You're Azul Ashengrotto, housewarden of Octavinelle and a merman from the Coral Sea,” I kept going, “And you're Idia Shroud, housewarden of Ignihyde and affiliated somehow with the Shroud family. And you-!” I quickly kept myself from flying off the handle at the sight of that Fae, “You are Malleus Draconia, scion of the ruling fae in Briar Valley and one of the top five mages in the world. Correct?”

I felt sick as he smiled, “Indeed, I am Malleus Draconia.”

Sebek Zigvolt butted into the conversation, “Of course the great Malleus would be known even in such a tiny burg!”

I lowered my handkerchief once more, “You are Sebek Zigvolt, and you hail from the same land as Malleus. The one next to you is Silver. And over there chatting with our vice president is Riddle Rosehearts, housewarden of Heartslabyl, Rook Hunt, vice housewarden of Pomefiore, Jamil Viper, vice housewarden of Scarabia, Ruggie Bucchi, Deuce Spade, and Epel Felmier. I thoroughly perused the documents Mr. Crowley so kindly sent, you see.”

Ashengrotto’s eyes were almost wide, “It's like privacy's a foreign concept to that man-”

Shroud gave me a dirty look, unacceptable, “That could get you sued in this day and age.”

Silver almost smiled, “You must have a very good memory, to recall so many different names.”

“It's simply because I was eager to meet such talented mages,” And that’s when I saw them, “But who have we here? You two there. Might I ask your names?”

The first unknown student was a monster. A tiny mythical beast that resembled a cat with fiery blue ears. A familiar that was almost pure magic and fur. Disgusting, “I'm the great Grim, future great mage!”

But the one standing beside him was something else. A woman. Her hair looked silky like a festival scarf. Only one of her eyes was covered by her bangs, but the other one looked like it had seen so much, yet so little. She was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. It made sense that she couldn’t use magic. She was an angel. I couldn’t help but wonder what the school had prepared for her to wear later.

When she spoke, it made the bell seem like nothing in comparison, “I’m Yuu. Prefect of Ramshackle Dorm. Nice to meet you Rollo.”

I loved the sound of my name on her lips, “Ah, you must be the student attendants Mr. Crowley mentioned,” I tried not to smile, “He said you couldn't use magic. I certainly wasn't expecting you to bring a familiar.”

“A familiar-?” The wretched thing spoke, “Wait, are you talkin' about me?! It's the other way around! I'm the boss, and Yuu's my hench-human!”

“I hate to say it,” She rolled her eyes at the creature as she whispered, it was almost as if she had been speaking to me alone, “But at this point I almost can’t debate that.”

“Heh, what a dependable companion you have,” My sarcasm was almost indistinguishable from my normal speech. I let my voice soften as I moved closer to the magic-less angel presented to me, I almost let a smile slip for her alone, “Yuu, I imagine it must be taxing living among mages all the time. I entreat you to forget about school while you're here and enjoy a moment of respite in Fleur City. And I hope the rest of you will enjoy the social.”

Her eyes seemed to widen. She looked shocked at my words. She must be so used to brash animals that it sounded odd to be treated properly.

“I actually-”

Malleus Draconia didn’t hear her and spoke over her. I wish I could have killed him in that very second, “I'm truly grateful for your hospitality.”

I moved my handkerchief to cover my scowl, “Think nothing of it.”

I stood by the statue of the Righteous Judge while the pests changed in a building nearby. I had made sure that there was a separate space for Yuu to change. I couldn’t let any of those monsters see the angel in her purest form. Her exposed body would be a gift from the saints above. A gift that I had to keep from being tainted though those devils that called themselves her classmates.

The brats talked loud enough for me to hear them. It was all I could do to keep from lighting the building on fire with them inside, “All this goofing around-”

Trein approached me, “Hello, Flamme.”

I put on my ‘show’ once more, “Ah, Professor Trein. What can I do for you?”

“I wanted to thank you for your generous hospitality. Clothing is an embodiment of the culture it comes from and can provide us with a glimpse into different time periods. This is a fine opportunity for my student to get a hands-on history lesson,” Trein was respectable, for a mage.

“Please, think nothing of it,” It was easier to show him hospitality, “Perhaps we should have arranged attire for you as well, though. That was a grave oversight on our part.”

“It's quite alright, I assure you. I don't need the other teachers poking fun at me for dressing like the students when I get back.”

I hummed, “Sounds like you're on friendly terms with the rest of your faculty.”

He released a dry laugh, “Hardly. They're a raucous group and a constant source of embarrassment.”

We broke into humble laughter. I watched as the brats came out, commenting on how me and their professor ‘got along’. 

The familiar came bursting out of the building, laughing, “I'm all done changin' too,” He turned towards the building his master was changing in, “Whaddaya think, Yuu? Isn't my getup way more stylin' than yours?”

“I don’t know about that,” She looked amazing.

The others on the council had scrambled to find female festival clothes for her, and I hated that they couldn’t do better. It wasn’t nearly extravagant enough. Dark blue high-heeled boots, thin black pants, a flowing black and purple asymmetric skirt, multi-blue corset with hot pink lacing, a flowy off-white shirt, bracelets and golden bangles, and a silk chiffon scarf in a lavender color that flowed off her head. She was a saint.

The familiar ran over to her, “Oh, you think you can go toe to toe with me? Don't let one set of cool threads go to your head!”

She smiled and scanned herself over, “I’m just glad it wasn’t too extravagant. Those extreme duds might look fancy, but I prefer something simple and somewhat practical. And this fits the bill.”

She was right. A simpler ensemble let her natural beauty shine though.

Sebek Zigvolt scoffed, “You're both equally unbecoming.”

Trein looked like he could almost smirk, “Goodness, don't you all make a striking ensemble.”

Rosehearts smiled as he dusted off his outfit, “The clothes have a very classical design, I note.”

I removed my gaze from Yuu and addressed the group, “I believe they're patterned after designs that are over 500 years old. Supposedly people in those days had a tradition of wearing new clothes and shoes on festival days. And the outfits grew brighter and more elaborate as the years went on. People would emulate those in prominent positions, such as nobles, royalty, merchants, knights- Which led to the outfits you're wearing now. There were simpler styles that rose to oppose this trend. Though more people gravitate towards the extravagant style in the modern age.”

Ruggie Bucchi was checking himself out, “I getcha. Everyone likes getting fancied up, even if it's once a year.”

Rook Hunt’s accent was almost insulting, “It must have been quite exciting for everyone. I can tell this festival was beloved then as it is now.”

I couldn’t help but mutter into my handkerchief, “Indeed. More's the pity.”

Zigvolt noticed my slip up, “Hm? Did you say something?”

“No, nothing at all.”

I had been tasked with visiting all the Night Raven groups between duties, and I had the misfortune of never running into Yuu. However, the Topsy-Turvy Festival was a mandatory event for all students and chaperones from the visiting schools. It was the last bit of normalcy before I burnt the magic away from this world. 

I locked my eyes on Yuu and approached the Night Raven group, “There you are, Night Raven College.”

Trein did his own kind of smile, “Hello, Flamme. Are you here to watch the festival as well?”

“Yes, this is part of my duties as the Student Council President,” I realized that it may benefit me to stay closer to the group, ‘keep your enemies close’ and whatnot, “May I take this opportunity to sit with you? I’d like to hear about your experiences, too.”

Ashengrotto put on that sleazy grin, “Yes, you’re very welcome to! Please have a seat.”

The fae questioned his classmate, “There’s not enough space, correct? What will we do?”

He smiled as if it was obvious, “Simple. We let Grim sit on Yuu’s lap instead.”

Zigbolt seemed shocked, but Trein only nodded, “Yes, that will do. I’m interested in hearing from Noble Bell College students, too, so please feel free to join us.”

“No way!” The ungrateful monster yowled, “I’m not sitting on Yuu’s lap!”

Shroud smiled creepily, “How about you sit on my lap instead?”

“That grin’s freaking me out,” Grim pushed Yuu onto the bench, “Sit on the chair properly, Yuu! Imma make space for myself.”

I took advantage of it all and sat beside Yuu, “Pardon me. I’ll be taking this seat, then.”

I tuned out the others and focused on Yuu as she watched the mages and the festival goers. There was a slight sign of joy, but she remained mostly neural. She did make a point to try and hold in some laughter at Zigbolt’s outbursts. 

“Hello, everyone! All eyes and ears on me, please!” The same Jester I had seen every time the festival came into town spoke, it seemed he was leading this year, “Come one, come all. Forget about all your work and worries for today, and let’s enjoy the festival. Welcome to the Topsy-Turvy Festival!”

“Topsy-Turvy Festival?” The familiar spoke. Ignorant as a newborn baby, “That sounds weird. Will everyone be upside-down or something?”

I covered my mouth with my handkerchief, “No, he’s just talking about the participants in general. It’s the one day people get to live their lives without titles or status. The weak can become strong, anyone can pretend to be king, so on and so forth.”

Negative emotion coursed through me as I realized Malleus Draconia had sat on the other side of Yuu, and now he was speaking, “Ah, so ranks are put aside for today?”

I grit my teeth behind the cloth I held, “Yes, that’s right. That’s why everyone wears masks for the festival.”

Past Malleus Draconia was Ashengrotto, “I see. I think I understand the appeal now. You get to live as freely as you want today.”

“I saw lots of stalls selling masks, too. There’s a kind of romance to hiding your identity behind a mask,” I swear Shroud was smiling.

Grim spoke up and pointed at some performers, “Everyone looks like they’re having lots of fun!”

The Jester kept going as performers kept prancing, “It’s our long-awaited Topsy-Turvy Festival! But let’s not forget that it’s the ‘Kindly Bell Ringer’ who loved this festival the most!”

Yuu and the familiar spoke in unison, although Yuu’s voice was quiet – as if it was for me alone to hear, “‘The Kindly Bell Ringer’?”

Malleus Draconia spoke again, “Oh, did you not know?”

The little beast was the only one to respond, “Nope, I didn’t!”

Ashengrotto rolled his eyes, “You didn’t even bother researching about the City of Flowers, Grim?”

“I’m not interested in anything except for the food.”

Shroud smiled, “I’ll praise your straightforwardness.”

I then tuned out, I had heard this story a million times. While I did love the tale, it was hard to stand it being said from the lips of a jester and his ragdoll puppet. I but in for a moment to tell the animal what a ventriloquist was, but then I resumed just watching Yuu’s reactions out of the corner of my eye. 

The Night Raven students had turned the festival into a horror show of magical fireworks and mage tricks. It was despicable. Although it did give me a moment alone with Yuu while we said on the Night Raven bench. She was watching the fireworks with a neutral smile. Her lack of ‘joy’ made my heart beat loudly in my chest. Part of me was afraid she was going to hear it over the commotion of the festival. 

I tried to make conversation, “Mages are quite a handful, don’t you think?” She turned to me, her eyes were mesmerizing, “It must be difficult for you to keep up with noisy mages who don’t understand the severity of it all. It would be nice if magic didn’t exist so we could avoid all this fuss. Don’t you agree?”

Her eyes widened, but she just chuckled, “Yeah right. I’m used to it by now.”

I was almost speechless, I couldn’t keep the horror from my face, “You’re ‘used to it’? Oh you poor thing! I can’t blame you for becoming numb to the absurdity after spending everyday practically swimming in it. Mages will use magic to deceive people around them. They cloud the eyes of the righteous. Truely how vexing. But rest assured. This kind of world will soon vanish.”

She froze, “Excuse me? What is that supposed to mean?”

As soon as the words left her lips, her familiar called out, “Yuu! Stop standing around and spacing out over there. Behold! I’ll show you the Great Grim’s Special Golden Fire!” The monster sent out a spray of golden fireworks. 

I used the distraction to slip away. Maybe she didn’t understand right now because she had become accustomed to the horrors of magic, but one day she would. She was too pure. She was an angel. She would be saved from the dirt and grime of magic once it all burned away. 

Then she would be mine.

#disney twst #twisted wonderland #twst mc #twst #rollo flamm #twst rollo #twisted wonderland rollo #rollo x reader #twst x reader #twisted wonderland disney #twisted wonderland Yuu #twisted wonderland drabble #twisted wonderland reader #obbsession #I feel like this this seriously undermining Rollo as a character but in the same breath I am obsessed with him being obsessed with a Yuu #I stg #i need mental help

[ratcandy]

Okay so I started writing a Grey Prince Zote fic specifically because of CoGR, and I have since run out of steam and probably won’t come back to it. But I thought you’d appreciate seeing the little bit I managed to write:

Zote Tells a Story And Then He Dies, The Fic

P.O.V.: You Are Listening to Grey Prince Zote Regale You Of The Time He Told the Other Gods Of The Pantheons How He Beat The Knight, Featuring Commentary By Said Other Gods

Not far beneath Dirtmouth, a shrine was built for the object of a young beetle’s fantasy. Of course, the shrine is dedicated to myself. As it should be! I am a figure of great power, you see, and intelligence, and courage, and many other desirable traits. It was built after I conquered the mightiest beasts of Greenpath, Deepnest, the City of Tears, and the Coliseum of Fools. And fools they were indeed, to challenge me, Zote the Mighty!

(“Didn’t we lock you in a cage to shove at the first bug to complete the Trial of the Warrior?” the God Tamer asked.)

Bah! A foolish question! I merely sat within that holding place to demonstrate that I bore you no ill will – that I would not do harm to any who did not harm me, except of course in the arena above. I was precisely where I wanted to be, and could have left at any time I chose.

The fact that you had taken my trusty nail, Life-Ender, was entirely irrelevant and I will thank you to refrain from mentioning that fact.

Now, where was I? Ah, yes! The shrine! The glorious shrine dedicated to myself, built by one of the many thousands of my admirers in that dusty hamlet above Hallownest. Its attendee is humble, nearly as humble as myself. It is there that she prays, night after night, to maintain my glorious form and hear tales of my many victories.

(“Like letting me try to eat you?” the Vengefly King snorted. It was a statement that I would describe as derisive, if I did not know he was too afraid of me for derision.)

It was within the ethereal confines of that shrine that I was born, where my every want and whim were tended to with devotion and love that bordered on fervor. Better, I was able to attend to my priestess with as much adoration as she had shown me! Only one so beautiful, so lovely, so infatuating could possibly be worthy of my attention. It was a safe haven from the buffoons in the waking world.

So you can imagine my shock and outrage when that vile cur fell from the ceiling and stood before my priestess! The very same villain that plagued my travels through Hallownest and tried to swipe victory from my grasp! That aggravating, infuriating Knight! The Vessel! They had the audacity to stand before me once more!

(“I quite liked that Vessel,” the Troupe Master interrupted in his grating voice. “They were an excellent dancer.” I waited for him to finish, and he took long enough to speak again that he interrupted me when I drew breath to resume my tale.“Flammable,” he added, like that was both an afterthought and the most important part.)

I shall elect to ignore your nonsense.

Now, as I have put forth in precept forty-three, never forgive! That horrid Vessel hounded my steps throughout my journey in the decrepit kingdom, and while they never were able to best me, the mere fact that they tried was enough to draw my ire. So of course I challenged them! I formed before them from blackest Void, deigning to treat them as the equal they certainly were not. I raised my mighty shellwood nail to the heavens as I gave my battle cry for my priestess and the gods themselves to hear.

(“I heard you all the way in Deepnest,” Galien the foolhardy and most certainly dead decided to add, as if he had anything interesting to say. “It woke me from my nap.”)

Silence!

There I stood before them.

Invincible. Fearless. Sensual. Mysterious. Sexy. Enchanting. Important. Alarming. Vigorous. Flawless. Heroic. Enlightened. Diligent. Irresistible. Brilliant. Honorable. Ominous. Perceptive. Poggers, as the children say.Perfect. Overwhelming. Dignified. Virtuous. Not At All Flammable. Precise. Amenable. Unassailable. Triumphant. Effervescent. (“Now you’re just saying words,” the Gruz Mother mumbled, half asleep.)Tasteful. Brilliant. Visionary. Clandestine. Approachable. Masterful. Tactful. Gorgeous. Undeniable. Famous. (“Ascendant?”) Yes, ascendant! Thank you, Borb. (“Gorb.”) Whatever.Courageous. Ludicrous. Blinding. Superior. Wise. Fantastic. Flawless. (“You’ve already said that one,” murmured the Traitor Lord, too astounded by my prowess to speak any louder.) Passionate. Terrifying. Beautiful. Selfless. Enigmatic. Powerful. Reliable. Renowned.Humble. Mighty.

‘Twas I, Grey Prince Zote.

^^^And that’s all I managed, but since you inspired it, I felt like you should at least get to see what I managed before it started collecting dust with all my other WIPs that will never actually go anywhere

------------------------------------------------

YOOOOO!!!! YOOOO

Since I want this to stand mainly alone I’ll put my screaming and yelling under the funky read more thing!!!

anyway AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!! I SAW This like RIGHt before I fell asleep last night, and in my dreary tiredness I just started silently clapping and making assorted sounds of excitement and happiness before passing out

AND NOW HERE I AM reading it while Awake and I LOVE!!!! YOOO!!! Honestly to see that I inspired someone in any way shape or form is making my heart go

I’m so touched,,, I cannot believe that silly nosk zote fic managed to inspire someone,, it makes me so hAPPY THO bro I saw the word “clandestine” and just started going “yEEEAAAH!!!!!!”

Other words that made me REACT AGGRESSIVELY:

- if I ever see Zote call himself “sexy” ever again I’m going to maul someone - “Poggers, as the children say” SDHGKJSDHGKLJ SGDKJSGHK - saw a zote today......... effervescent - “Not At All Flammable” I caaan’T all I can see is him setting greenpath on fire as he says this

speaking of flammable thank you SO Much Grimm for your input

REGARDLESS I LOVE THIS!!! Even if I want to punch GPZ right in his face I will be rereading this over and over again I assure you!! Zote content!!! YEEAAH

also. i. all I can imagine is. The nosks that are in godhome. staring intently at him while he’s just. looking ANYWHERE but them sdghkJHDSKGJH, like full-on “i pretend I do not see it” 

#submission #zote #grey prince zote #things that make me go YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO #Bro I LOVE this!!! #Thank you so so much for sharing it with me!!! #hollowed bugs

[unnursvanablog]

Top 15 songs of 2020 / first half.

1. Sunmi - Tail 2. Fyr og Flamme – Øve Os På Hinanden 3. Raylee – Hero 4. Clara Klingenström – Behöver inte dig idag 5. Go_A – SHUM 6. ONF – Beautiful Beautiful 7. Cherry Bullet – Love So Sweet 8. Daði Freyr – 10 Years 9. Måneskin – ZITTI E BUONI 10. Allie X – Glam! 11. THE ROOP – Discotheque 12. IU - Celebrity 13. Kim Sung Kyu – Hush 14. Senhit - Adrenalina 15. Albina - Tick Tock

Honorable mentions:

ITZY - Mafia in the Morning

MARINA - Ancient Dreams In A Modern Land

WILLOW - t r a n s p a r e n t s o u l

#kpop #eurovision

[havocinthebluebox]

Top album 2020

Arcanes & Sortilèges de Darkenhöld

Vredesvävd de Finntroll

Through the Hollow de Molasses

Folkesange de Myrkur

Uinuos Syömein Sota de Havukruunu

Black Mass for a Mass Grave de Inquisition

Letter to You de Bruce Springsteen

Par-delà noireglaces et brumes-sinistres de Crépuscule d’Hiver

Vökudraumsins fangi de Auðn

Summerland de Dool

Les autres-mais-j’ai-été-sage-j’ai-fait-un-top-10 ainsi que les mentions honorables en vrac avec notamment : 

Human. :II: Nature. de Nightwish sera, je pense, un futur coup de cœur mais j’ai eu du mal à entrer dedans lors des premières écoutes et je ne l’ai pas autant écouté que d’autres nouveautés.

Malokarpatan avec Krupinské Ohne

Ensiferum remonte quelque peu dans mon estime avec Thalassic. Mais cela manque encore un peu trop de punch pour se hisser dans le top. Et cela me fait du mal de le dire !

Jehanne d’Abduction

Genesis XIX de Sodom. On est pas encore sur un retour à la grande époque de Agent Orange et M16 mais ça poutre de façon plutôt convenable.

Moshka et Nirvana de Cult of Fire

Beyond Any Human Conception Of Knowledge… d’Hexecutor

Ultime Éclat de Glaciation

Chante, O flamme de la liberté par Serment

Belore avec Journey Through Mountains and Valleys

Vårjevndøgn de Isengard

Funérailles de Feu - Sainte Marie des Loups

Je viens de voir l’annonce du futur album de Seth qui sera visiblement chanté entièrement en français et je suis ravie. J’ajoute donc une petite catégorie << espoirs pour 2021 >> comportant entre autres : Les Chants de Nihil, Therion, Tribulation, Accept, Helloween, Vemod et Wardruna. Rendez-vous l’année prochaine pour voir s’ils seront entrés dans le top !

@taikatalvittu​

J’ai galéré pour l’ordre du top, surtout les trois premiers, je rame toujours pour faire ce genre de choix donc c’est relatif comme ordre. Et j’ai écouté pas mal d’anciennes sorties donc ça n’a finalement pas été une mince affaire. Mais cela a été intéressant à faire comme petite rétrospective. J’y pensais mais je remettais à plus tard. Du coup merci pour la motivation !

#top #top 2020 #music #merci tumblr pour le niquage de qualité des images des pochettes

[laserdog10]

New Duds

-A mall in Vale-

Roman: Well Red, it was nice touring your little weapons shop here, but I think Neo and I should head out, Junior organized a little meet-and-greet later so we can't be late, hehe.

Ruby: You guys sure you can't stay for a bit longer?

Jaune: We got a surplus of some Dust right now, and you're not ceasing the opportunity to practically overload on that???

Neo, popping up from behind Roman: Nope! When you're basically a whole mafia that's basically the entire mentality of Robin Hood, Dust is a commodity to us. But thanks for mentioning!

Roman: Thanks hun. Oh Veronica, dear! *he called out to his daughter, who was currently using her Semblance to make illusory clones of herself ducking behind shelves holding bullets, taunting Ruby and Jaune's eldest kid, Garnet, who was in the process of trying to catch the real Veronica.*

Garnet: Okay this is not fair, and you know it!

Veronica: *pppppbbbbbblllltttttt*

Neo: I don't think she's here...

*Roman gets tugged on his sleeve, there stood the couple's child, eating a sherbet scoop*

Roman: You're getting real creative you know that?

Veronica: *smiles*

Roman: Welp, that's our time for now, see you two dorks later! *he saluted, the three walked, cane and umbrella spinning as the ex-criminals walked out of the store*

Ruby: It was nice seeing you two again!

Jaune: Weird how Remnant's Most Wanted became the one's who saved it, right?

Ruby: Yeah.

*slight pause*

Garnet: You forgot to give him that thing mo-...

Ruby: *slams her hands on the counter* OHMIGOSH THANK YOU FOR REMINDING ME! *runs into the workshop, sprints back out* ROMAN!!!!!

Roman: *Stops and spins around, cane clacking in place on the floor* Woah woah, where's the fire, Red? Your kid blow up something back there? *Neo and Veronica stifle a laugh*

Ruby, panting: No, but I almost forgot something, and I've been meaning to give it to you ever since, y'know, you and Neo are good guys now.

Roman: Anti-hero's a bit more proper.

Ruby: Anyway, me and Jaune managed to cobble this little baby right here just for you! *she say happily, pulling a jet-black hat with a blood red stripe around it, said stripe had three red-tipped black feathers of varying sizes on the left side of it, the brim a sharp pointed V shape* I know your main weapon of choice is Melodic Cudgel, but uh...consider it a gift, in honor if us bringing down Salem, and to your reformation to the good guys!

Roman: Hmmm... *The orange haired lad looked at the new hat inquisitively, looking at it from all possible angles, he took of his usual bowler hat and handed it to Neo, and took the new one in his hand. He shuffled it around a tad in his hand for a moment, before finally he flipped it onto his head. Once there, two red-orange threads shot out and burrowed into the collar of his white suit, then what appeared to be a red-orange scarf made of flames billowed out behind him, the two strands flowing elegantly behind him. Suddenly the lights in the mall went out, before a spotlight from above shown over Roman, a funky hip-hop tune playing over the speakers, Roman grunting and "unce-ing" to the beat of the rhythm. He did several kicks and odd hand motions, spinning and whooping, turning his head and nodding, giving a few more kicks and hand gestures. Finally he broke into a moon walk, gracefully gliding along the ground to turn back around to his wife, kid, and friends, pointing up, gave one last kick and finally pointing to his group, tilting the hat forward*

Roman: Yeah! *four geysers of sparks erupted from behind him, disappearing as quickly as they appeared*

Ruby, imitating his pose: Woah, yeah!!! *she claps excitedly at her and her husband's handiwork, Neo just roles her eyes but smiles at their weirdness*

Roman: I'll take that. *he nods to Ruby and walks off, spinning the hat on his finger*

Neo: Someone was eager, and a little over the top.

Ruby: Aw come on, you saw how much he liked it!

Neo: Alright, I'll give you points for the design, but what exactly does the hat do?

Ruby: You'll find out. *winks*

Neo: Weirdo. *fists bumps Ruby* See you around!

Ruby: Bye! *gets hugged by Veronica* Hope your dad likes his gift, bye sweety.

Veronica: *does a two fingered salute and jogs off after her parents*

*Meanwhile, Jaune and Garnet stand there wide-eyed at the...spectacle that just transpired before them*

Garnet: Dad, what in the fresh hell did we just witness.....?

Jaune: At worst? A public stunt. At best? Two friends doing what they best.

Garnet: Like how Aunt Neo gave you those five tubs of ice cream when mom was pregnant with Blossom?

Jaune: Something like that, yeah.

-Later, in a rural part of town-

Roman, still spinning the hat: "You'll find out," huh?

Neo: And I thought she couldn't get cryptic. What do think she did, put a gun on the top of it?

Roman: Knowing her, it's more than likely.

*The two shared a laugh, but were interrupted by the chattering screech of a Deathstalker barreling towards the trio. Roman grabbed the two women, and jumped out of the way in time, the Grimm crashing into a tree*

Roman: *dons the hat* Hope you gave me something good, Red! *he said as the oversized scorpion turned to face the gentleman*

*It reared its stinger back, but in that same moment, Roman felt a odd warmth running down the length of his arms, and as if instinctively he rose them up, his hands clenched tightly. The Deathstalker brought down its stinger, but not before a rapid-fire volley of fireballs shot from Roman's sleeves, battering the tail in a impressive display of hellfire. After the smoke cleared, all that was left was pitiful melted mess that sloughed off onto the ground*

Roman: Oh Red, you have out done yourself! Uh oh... *he exclaimed as the Deathstalker swung its claws at him, but he jumped up and over the Grimm, letting loose another volley of fireballs on its back. The thing went to grab him as he landed, but Neo and Veronica pinned their umbrella's hidden blades into the arms of the arachnid beast, Roman waling up and butting the barrel of Melodic Cudgel to its face, saying the phrase*

Roman: Bullseye.

*BANG*

Roman: I've gotta admit, Red makes a mean Dust infused weapon, and with Fire Dust of all things! And seeing she didn't give you a name, I'll call it "Flamme de Gloire."

Neo: *internally* (Okay she gets MAJOR bonus points for creativity!) Shall we had home?

Roman: Couldn't agree more, darling. *They hooked arms and leaned in to kiss, and both continued on, Veronica doing a retching motion from her parents kissing, then giggling to herself, following in tow with them.*

#rwby #ruby rose #jaune arc #roman torchwick #neo politan #rwby lancaster #rwby gelato #rwby oc #my oc #garnet rose-arc #veronica torchwick #devil may cry 5 reference #and for those of you who have never played/seen the dance from dmc 5 #look it up #you will not be disappointed #also #rosewick brotp

[karingudino]

Turning Tables: Napa’s Press Restaurant Names New Wine Director

Wine Spectator Better of Award of Excellence winner Press Restaurant in St. Helena, Calif., has a brand new wine director. After stints at famend locations together with Grand Award winners Gary Danko and the French Laundry, Vincent Morrow will now oversee the listing on the Napa restaurant, which claims the biggest choice of Napa Valley wines on the planet.

“I really feel extra humbled than anything,” Morrow advised Wine Spectator. “[Napa] continues to be very a lot a farming group … and I actually tread rigorously with taking on the wine listing.”

Whereas he’s trying ahead to contributing to this system, Morrow stresses that he’ll keep true to the imaginative and prescient of the restaurant’s founder, late vintner Leslie Rudd, in addition to his daughter and present proprietor, Samantha Rudd. “It’s at all times been what Leslie had in thoughts: Put these three issues—the meals, the individuals, the wine—on a pedestal.”

To that finish, he’ll be conserving the wine listing Napa-exclusive. Morrow says that is the “magic” that units Press aside from different world-class wine eating places. He thinks of the listing as a museum honoring Napa’s winemaking historical past. “It’s very timeless in a way, and never many eating places get the chance to be timeless.”

Honoring the legacy of Press’ founder and the wine historical past of Napa are high priorities for wine director Vincent Morrow. (Courtesy of Press Restaurant)

Naturally, this implies providing many Cabernet Sauvignons, highlighting the older wines and pioneering producers that helped type the inspiration of what the valley is at the moment. “I feel anybody can create a Napa wine listing that has all of the extremely allotted issues so long as you have the funds for, however to actually construct the story into it and tastefully search for older vintages and nice producers, I feel that’s extra of a problem, and that’s what’s thrilling for me.”

He’ll even be highlighting different grapes which have been a part of Napa’s historical past earlier than Cabernet turned the dominant selection—grapes like Charbono, Riesling, Petite Sirah and Zinfandel. Morrow says he might develop the 1,800-label listing to over 2,000, however his first precedence is organizing the cellar and dealing by way of some stock that’s constructed up through the pandemic.

Delicacies will even play a job in Morrow’s shaping of this system. Towards the start of its greater than 15 years in enterprise, Press was primarily a chop home with massive steaks and hearty sides. However extra lately, the main target has been championing seasonal Napa produce because the centerpiece of chef-partner Philip Tessier’s dishes. “So we’d have scallops from Hokkaido in Japan [on the menu] proper now, however it’s not in regards to the scallops, it’s in regards to the fennel and the satsuma mandarins which are in season inside Napa,” Morrow mentioned. “That’s what we’re making an attempt to showcase; the scallops simply occur to be a terrific complement for it.” This creates extra alternatives for friends to discover wines past Cabernet.

On the identical time, there are many red-meat choices for experiencing the traditional pairing, like A5 Wagyu and New York strip aged for 35 days. “Then you’ll be able to actually dig deep into a few of these wineries with tales from the ’60s and ’70s and ’80s, and who was making the wine on the time,” Morrow mentioned. “That’s the enjoyable half.”—Julie Harans

BLVD Chicago Crew Launches Italian-Croatian Spot with Chef Joe Flamm

In Chicago’s Fulton Market, Rose Mary is chef Joe Flamm’s first restaurant opening. (Courtesy of Rose Mary)

Chef Joe Flamm and the house owners of Award of Excellence winner BLVD Chicago are bringing a brand new restaurant to the Windy Metropolis: Rose Mary. That is Flamm’s first restaurant, and his newest enterprise since successful Bravo’s Prime Chef in 2018 and leaving Better of Award of Excellence winner Spiaggia. “Rose Mary is the fruits of every little thing I’ve achieved with my profession,” Flamm advised Wine Spectator by way of electronic mail.

Opening April 20 in Chicago’s Fulton Market, Rose Mary is impressed by Flamm’s Italian background and his journeys alongside Croatia’s Adriatic coast together with his spouse, Hillary, who’s from Croatia. The wine listing follows swimsuit and is filled with Croatian, Italian and Slovenian picks. Overseen by wine director Sarah Traynor, it totals about 150 labels, however there are plans to develop this system towards its 300-selection capability. The main focus is on smaller and lesser-known wineries working towards sustainable, natural and biodynamic methods, which is ready to provide Rose Mary’s wine program extra of a “wine-bar really feel” than the extra traditional picks at Spiaggia and BLVD.

Flamm’s menu fuses Italian and Croatian influences to supply what he refers to as “Adriatic consuming meals.” Dishes embody rosewater fritule (a Croatian fritter), pork ribs pampanella, pinzimonio salad and branzino paprikás. There might be a number of pastas and risottos, in addition to seafood and meat grilled over Rose Mary’s 8-foot charcoal fireplace. Pastry chef Hillary Grossman will craft the sweeter fare, and friends can get pleasure from these dishes in Rose Mary’s eating room or on its patio. “It’s the meals you discover at energetic eating places and taverns on the facet of the highway in nations alongside the Adriatic,” Flamm mentioned. “Someplace that’s informal and enjoyable, with meals that’s vibrant, daring, tremendous flavorful.”

Rose Mary is after all named for the herb rosemary, which grows alongside each the Italian and Croatian coastlines. It’s additionally a tribute to Flamm’s grandmother Mary Rose and his different grandmother Mary, who impressed the chef’s early ardour for Italian cooking.

The house takes aesthetic cues from the Croatian coast, that includes whitewashed brick partitions with accents of purple clay and blue tile, and vegetation that allude to the Adriatic’s flora. “[Rose Mary is] a wedding of who I’m, what I’ve realized, and the particular person I’ve constructed a life and a household with,” Flamm mentioned.—Collin Dreizen

Wolfgang Puck Debuts Two Eating places at New Los Angeles Lodge

Merois is at present solely open to friends and residents of the Pendry West Hollywood, in addition to its social-club members, however the restaurant will open to the general public in a matter of weeks. (Christian Horan for Pendry West Hollywood)

On April 2, chef Wolfgang Puck premiered two eating places on the new Pendry West Hollywood luxurious resort in Los Angeles: Merois and Ospero. The venues be part of Puck’s noteworthy portfolio that features Spago’s Grand Award–winning location in Beverly Hills, his first restaurant, and its Best of Award of Excellence–winning location in Las Vegas. The openings had been slated for earlier this year, however delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Ospero is a French- and Italian-influenced eatery, whereas Merois combines Asian flavors with California components and French methods in a fine-dining, rooftop ambiance. “Los Angeles, extra particularly Sundown Boulevard, is the place it began, and Wolfgang wished to carry us again,” mentioned the eating places’ common supervisor (and Puck’s son), Byron Puck. “And we’re doing it with a model that has comparable creativity, mindset, design and general outlook on hospitality.”

Byron oversees the eating places’ wine lists with the Wolfgang Puck Advantageous Eating Group beverage workforce. At Ospero, he says the wine program displays the menu’s “fusion between a French bistro and an Italian trattoria.” The 100-selection listing is loaded with Champagne and Burgundy, with extra picks from Spain’s Rioja and France’s Châteauneuf-du-Pâpe. There’s additionally Barolo, Barbaresco and Tuscan labels, from high Italian wineries like Ornellaia and Tenuta San Guido.

The extra informal idea, Ospero has a sun-filled house with floor-to-ceiling home windows and café-style seating, plus a couple of high-top tables. The menu options pizzas from a wood-fired oven and dishes like rigatoni with spicy turkey Bolognese, ricotta gnocchi, roasted branzino, prosciutto panini and burrata with heirloom tomatoes. Mark Andelbradt is the manager chef at each eating places, following his main function at Spago Las Vegas.

Merois’ 450-label choice is equally eclectic, however extra suited to the menu’s vary of Asian flavors. “I are likely to go very heavy on the high-acid white wines,” Byron mentioned. This consists of white Burgundies, Rieslings and different German and Austrian wines.

Andelbradt attracts on Japanese and Southeast Asian influences, for a menu that features dishes like Peking duck, seared Maine scallops, grilled octopus and vegan sushi. For now, Merois is simply accessible to Pendry’s friends and residents, and to members of The Britely social membership. It’s anticipated to open to the general public in a couple of month.

“We need to present a enjoyable expertise with out the expense of style, taste and presentation,” Byron says of each eating places. “We need to create an setting for individuals to come back collectively once more and revel in themselves whereas additionally sustaining a sure degree of excellence.”—C.D.

Goodnight Hospitality Opens Restaurant Aspect of March Lounge

March’s caviar service consists of accompaniments like spiced egg yolk, cauliflower crème and rose labneh. (Julie Soefer Images)

Late final 12 months, Goodnight Hospitality debuted the lounge portion of its Houston fine-dining idea, March, serving a prix-fixe wine-and-food expertise forward of the total opening. Now the group behind Award of Excellence winner Rosie Cannonball has unveiled the remainder of the restaurant, that includes a regionally targeted menu and a sturdy wine listing.

Within the art-filled eating room, friends can choose both a six- or nine-course tasting menu with an evolving geographic theme. Chef-partner Felipe Riccio’s first menu explores Maghreb, the northwest area of Africa, with dishes like tuna ventresca, a “fifth-quarter tagine” using lesser-used cuts of meat and a dessert of heirloom turmeric and honey.

The 1,400-selection wine listing was constructed by Goodnight Hospitality companion June Rodil in collaboration with March’s common supervisor and beverage director, Mark Sayre. This system exhibits spectacular depth, with intensive verticals of grower Champagne, Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and purple Burgundy. These picks are rounded out by famous picks from South Africa, Germany and Italy.

Each menus can be found with normal or premier wine pairings, priced at $65 and $125, respectively, for the six-course menu, and $85 and $185 for the nine-course possibility.—Taylor McBride

Sustain with the newest restaurant information from our award winners: Subscribe to our free Private Guide to Dining e-newsletter, and comply with us on Twitter at @WSRestoAwards and on Instagram at @wsrestaurantawards.

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source https://fikiss.net/turning-tables-napas-press-restaurant-names-new-wine-director/ Turning Tables: Napa’s Press Restaurant Names New Wine Director published first on https://fikiss.net/ from Karin Gudino https://karingudino.blogspot.com/2021/04/turning-tables-napas-press-restaurant.html

[zukadiary]

Grand Hotel / Carousel Rondo ~ Moon Troupe 2017

A completely incidental photo that I just happened to take of my television that definitely has nothing to do with my marriage intentions.

SIGH, I am truly upset, frustrated, distressed by how much I love this Tsukigumi. It’s never the right time to sustain relationships with three entire troupes (unless you are QUITE rich), but the very outset of your fave’s top stardom is maybe the worst possible time. Yet here I am, and here they are, in their charming well-balanced glory, with their much-too-talented matriarch, and I am deep in love. I was REALLY hoping All for One would be a one-time thing. 

Grand Hotel was probably objectively some of the best Takarazuka I’ve ever watched. As a Takarazuka fan of course I love when Takarazuka hits you over the head with all their Takarazuka, but it’s also thrilling to see them attempt something so NOT THAT every once in a while. The influence of foreign directors usually makes for a very interesting product. This had a lot of Broadway in it.

It’s so hard to choose, but this could be peak Chapi? Elizaveta may not quite be the intended lynchpin of the story, but Chapi sure was the show stealer. The only thing unbelievable is her supposed age, but her poise, her acting, her lower speaking voice, all were flawless. She’s EN POINTE in a scene and I had a physical reaction to the sight of that in my entire body... but there’s another where she ascends suddenly from behind a couch clad in black lace that may have taken even more of my breath away. There are many things to enjoy about Grand Hotel but it’s honestly worth the price of a Blu-ray for Chapi alone. 

Tamakichi, someone who I fully doubted with all my doubt, has my heart and my rapt attention. I’m glad I saw this after All for One; the Baron feels like an evolution, so it’s all the more impressive when you consider it was actually the Grand Theater debut of a ken-9. She smoldered quietly and irresistibly in a very old Hollywood way, and because she’s young and earnest it’s miraculously believable when her jewel heist turns into OMG I SUDDENLY LOVE YOU. Again I would not call her chemistry with Chapi sizzling and romantic, but it’s so them, especially with Chapi’s maturity and experience so highlighted in her character. I am so excited to continue watching Tamakichi evolve, and simultaneously angry that she’s left me no choice. 

Miya friggin Rurika, here the polar opposite of my problematic confessional fantasy, gave an absolutely unreal performance. Otto is a challenging and not at all glamorous character, but she ate up the opportunity, and it was electrifying to watch. Miya is unquestionably a top star. At this point I'm so enamored with this troupe that I cringe at the thought of spoiling its perfect formula, but if she wants it, she absolutely deserves to fly off somewhere for a top career, even if it’s an abbreviated one. 

Umi was a great Flaemmchen, and based on the digest I’m glad she made it to the full recorded version; I just don’t think it’s the best character choice for Wakaba. Umi made me like Flamm quite a bit more than I did before; the one I saw in last year’s (non-Takarazuka) production was grating. 

Raffaela was my only disappointment, although I’m a bit biased a) because she’d been my favorite Grand Hotel character so I was paying extra close attention, and b) I’d previously seen her played and SLAYED by Juri Sakiho, who set a very very high bar. Ari really tried, but I hate that this was straight rank casting... Raffaela just isn’t a good fit for her, and may never be, even when she’s further honed her acting chops (and that’s fine, casting is a thing). Aasa on the digest was definitely my preference; she threw Chapi some very poignant looks, but I think she could have gone deeper too. Unfortunately a lot of Raffaela’s characterization, including the best song, was cut for time, so perhaps this made meeting my expectations a bit difficult. She came across as a bit weird and creepy, which, to be fair, she is, but she should also be heartbreaking and sympathetic.

Honorable mentions to Toshi for dialing the 男らしさ up to 10000000 and to Mitsuru for being utterly gross.

We got Carousel Rondo on NHK months ago and I’d resisted in DISINTEREST, can you imagine... but as a result it was quite fun to watch the pair of shows fresh together. Carousel Rondo had a bizarre energy but I really liked it. It’s supposed to be a celebration of the anniversary of Mon Paris... anyone know if most/some of the scenes were pulled from Mon Paris? That would make a lot more sense. 

Again, we have Chapi leading and slaying, Tamakichi’s youth betraying her a bit in a way I now find UTTERLY ADORABLE, and Miya ready to take over the world (as I hadn’t until recently watched her in three whole years, I was struck by how fluid and beautiful her dancing has gotten; you couldn’t tell when she was drowning in 75 pounds of denim). The kuroenbi was extremely simple but gorgeous.

Another thing that (reluctantly) struck me was how genius the Aasa-Reiko switch was, now watching almost the same troupe but with the two of them reversed. I suppose I can’t even mourn the loss of Reiko if this rude inconsiderate Tsukigumi isn’t going to let me avert my gaze. 

I waffled about buying this but I’m so glad I did. I know there were copyright issues so I have no idea if they’ll be reprinting or if this is a sellout risk, but if you’re on the fence, go for it; A+ highly recommend.

#takarazuka #reviews #grand hotel

[gabssama]

Ubisoft continue sa campagne de jeu orientée pleinement multi online avec une nouvelle licence fièrement intitulée For Honor. Après une version alpha assez convaincante, Ubisoft nous gâte d’une bêta à deux semaines de la sortie de son bébé. J’y ai passé quelques heures sur PS4, il est temps de vous rendre mon verdict.

Question d’honneur de principe

For Honor c’est avant tout un jeu axé multi online en PvP. A l’instar de quasiment tous les jeux du même type, une partie comporte deux équipes s’affrontant jusqu’à la mort. La dernière équipe debout étant victorieuse. Ici pas de FPS ni d’armes à feu, l’ambiance sent bon la testostérone avec 3 factions jouables à la troisième personne : Chevaliers, Vikings ou Samouraï. Chacun propose une arme plus ou moins différente avec ses propres facultés : polyvalent, contre-attaque, défense, etc. En plus, vous aurez le droit à 4 perks (actif ou passif) déblocables en cours de partie en fonction de votre score/skill qui vous permettront de faire basculer la victoire dans votre camp… ou pas.

Une équipe type de 4 joueurs

Côté gameplay, For Honor mise sur la tactique plus que sur l’action. Quand vous enclenchez un combat avec un opposant, vous devez le verrouiller afin de faire apparaître une sorte de réticule en forme de bouclier dont le contour en surbrillance se divise en trois parties. Vous devez garder un œil sur ce réticule pour savoir où votre adversaire attaquera afin de vous défendre et parer son attaque. Pour plus de réalisme et de stratégie, une barre d’endurance a été ajoutée en plus de la barre de vie. Quand celle-ci est vide, votre soldat est épuisé, il ne peut plus rien faire, ni attaquer, ni défendre, ni courir. Alors surveillez bien cette barre au risque de vous faire découper en petits morceaux. En résumé, voici les actions possibles lors d’une phase de combat :

Sélection de la direction d’attaque/défense avec le joystick droit : haut, gauche et droite.

Coup léger/coup puissant avec R1/R2

Esquive à gauche ou à droite au bon moment avec Croix

Brise garde (saisie) avec Carré

La table est dressée, les couverts sont resplendissants, mais qu’est-ce qu’on mange ? Au menu de cette bêta allégée d’un mode solo : 3 petits modes. Très simplement nommés Duel(1vs1), Rixe(2vs2) et Dominion(4vs4). Si les noms des deux premiers sont explicites le troisième est plus complexe. Je ne m’attarderai que sur ce dernier, étant donné le peu d’intérêt des deux autres si ce n’est apprivoiser ce gameplay peu commode.

L’interface de matchmaking

Une guerre d’un magnifique territoire

Aux premiers abords, il s’agit d’un banal mode Domination que l’on rencontre dans la plupart des jeux multi. 3 points A, B et C à capturer pour marquer des points. Excepté ici que le point B situé logiquement en plein milieu de la map, est disputé par une petite horde de soldats à qui il faut prêter main forte. Cela renforce le côté bataille médiévale et l’immersion dans un décor rempli de détails de nuit comme de jour. Ici les points comptent mais il est possible de renverser la situation assez facilement. Lorsqu’une équipe arrive à 1000 points, l’équipe adverse est en Déroute, ce qui signifie que les joueurs ne peuvent pas réapparaître. Le dernier debout peut donc éventuellement tuer un ou deux membres ennemis et reprendre un point, faisant ainsi baisser le score adverse en-dessous de la barre des 1000 points. La partie s’arrête lorsqu’une des deux équipes est décimée.

Ubisoft a tout de même pensé à inclure les résurrections alliées bien que peu de joueurs s’en soient servies lors de mes nombreuses parties de For Honor. Il faut dire que le temps de ressusciter un allié est long… trop long même tout comme le temps de réapparition. Ces deux points cassent le rythme du jeu et démotivent à reprendre part à l’action. Puisque j’aborde les points noirs, la caméra manque de dynamisme en combat et peut rendre tout simplement dingue. Surtout, et ça arrive souvent, lorsque vous faites face à plusieurs adversaires simultanément… Le ragequit n’est jamais loin dans For Honor tant cette situation procure un sentiment d’injustice. Eh oui, car il est impossible (ou en tout cas j’ai pas réussi), de bloquer une attaque d’un adversaire non verrouillé.

Vue du point A sur le point B

Une expérience en demi-teinte

Exit les erreurs de serveurs à répétition, les impossibilités de grouper avec des amis (un comble quand même) ou encore les matchmaking infinis que l’on ne peut pas annuler autrement qu’en quittant le jeu, l’expérience d’une partie reste globalement bonne. Le gameplay tactique prend de l’ampleur rapidement et vous devrez vite choisir entre affronter avec force et honneur votre opposant ou décamper pour récupérer de la vie ou pour chercher un soutien allié. Les combats en tant que tels sont la vraie force de For Honor, chaque coup porté fait mal et vous sentez bien toute la puissance et la violence du combat. Porter un coup est tout aussi jouissif qu’en parer ou en esquiver un. Mention spéciale pour les petites interactions avec les éléments du décor comme pousser un adversaire du haut de la falaise ou dans les flammes d’une joli feu mortel.

Comme je le disais un peu plus haut, le rythme d’une partie est, pour moi, trop irrégulier pour être bon. Soit vous êtes un PGM et mourrait presque jamais, soit vous êtes un joueur classique et chaque mort vous fera perdre des dizaines de secondes entre le temps minimum de réapparition et le temps pour rejoindre le champ de bataille… Après, j’ai pas joué avec des amis pour diverses raisons techniques et logistiques, c’est sans doute plus compliqué d’agir solo. Cependant, si je prends Splatoon en comparaison, un jeu qui n’a rien à voir mais pour lequel les parties peuvent être tout aussi stratégiques, pas besoin d’être avec un groupe d’amis pour s’éclater. Ajoutez à cela, la taille étroite des maps et le sentiment de répétition croit rapidement. Malgré un total de 9 personnages (c’est maigre quand même) disposant de 12 pouvoirs déblocables permettant de diversifier un peu le gameplay, For Honor souffre dans la durée.

Faut avouer que c’est beau

Conclusion

Cette bêta de For Honor a été une déception pour ma part et pourtant je ne l’attends pas du tout. J’y ai joué sans aucune appréhension ou attente particulière. Je trouve que le concept de Faction n’est pas poussé assez loin malgré un gameplay un peu lourd mais plutôt pas mal. Pourquoi ne pas mettre un mode de jeu où les 3 factions se battent pour leur territoire et leurs ressources ? Cela n’a pas de sens qu’un Samouraï fasse équipe avec un Viking (no offense) alors que la vidéo d’introduction les présente en guerre depuis des années… Par ailleurs, quid du mode solo et/coop ? Et surtout d’autres modes multi car là c’est beaucoup trop léger. J’espère vivement qu’Ubisoft proposera du contenu supplémentaire à la sortie du jeu. Dans tous les cas, For Honor ça sera sans moi, j’attends maintenant la bêta de Ghost Recon Wildlands en laquelle j’ai beaucoup d’espoir.

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[CRITIQUE] #ForHonor : Mon avis après quelques heures sur la bêta Ubisoft continue sa campagne de jeu orientée pleinement multi online avec une nouvelle licence fièrement intitulée For Honor.

#avis #for honor #test #ubisoft