#she'd be so cool as a detective and not just an accessory | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

chibitantei · 6 months

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Oh, this rank has... checks script ...the line.

Rank 6, or a crumb of Naoto background is spared.

In my rank 2 post, I mentioned I had some personal beef with the Shirogane estate being in Inaba, and this is one of the moments.

Naoto makes a big deal about finding the card in her mailbox, but the estate was robbed. If the estate was located in Inaba, it wouldn't make much sense for Naoto to be so surprised that the phantom thief who robbed her house knew where she is currently. That's like a negative IQ level move.

Of course, there are moments in the main game script that contradict this, such as Naoto stating she promised her grandfather she'd go home right away when you first see her at Yasogami, and at the culture festival's conclusion where she, rather excitedly, says that if she's staying at the inn, she should call her grandfather and let him know. Both of these could suggest the estate is in Inaba, but since this is about her Social Link, we're not going to debate this.

As she notes, the mysterious man must have a reason for giving Yu the card. The choices are the same again. Picking "Because I look reliable." or "Because I looked useless." prompts Naoto to laugh heartily.

The second one... well.

With that out of the way, we see the next riddle of the phantom thief has to offer, which reads:

When the banks close, the fruit tree grows. By the large seven at the third is the spot I chose.

It sounds like complete gibberish, but luckily, the game doesn't require Yu to actually solve it because that's Naoto's problem. Regardless of what you pick, Naoto finds the answer; however, the third option ("The numbers are important.") is the best one.

As Naoto so eloquently says:

When you find the item, the watch, Naoto has a whole speech ready.

The item in the previous rank, the detective badge, didn't do anything besides show the great dedication and desire Naoto had to step into a detective's shoes. This watch feels more like spy gear than it does detective, but Naoto is a private investigator, her dungeon looks like a secret agent base and.... she probably watched too much Conan as a kid. Regardless of what influenced her to make this, Naoto is pretty talented at fiddling around with machines and creating her own things.

Her liking robots and having a secret base in the trees had influences on her dungeon, with berserk form of Shadow Naoto being a robot and well, the Secret Base.

Besides the fascinating character dump, we get Naoto wishing she were a guy. And this is one of the lines that gets people to throw a fit and you know what I'm talking about.

I'm not going to talk about that. I'm going to analyze this while keeping in mind what Atlus intended for her character.

Naoto says this after Yu and friends beat her Shadow: "What I should yearn for...No, what I must strive for isn't to become a man. It's to accept myself for who I really am..."

From this admission, Naoto knew she never wanted to be a man. However, a lack of women in the detective world and strict gender roles, just to name two, made it hard for her to stand up and ignore what society sad. When you look at Naoto disguising herself as a man, she is conforming to what society expects.

Not everyone plays the silly PQ game, but in one of the strolls, Naoto has this to say:

Although she knew that trying to fit into expectations was silly, she ended up forcing herself into a box.

But what about Naoto's mom? She was a cool detective lady, right? Doesn't she count as a role model?

Yes, obviously, but she's also fucking dead and while you can find inspiration from someone's memory, nothing's better than being able to talk to your role model and lean on them for support. If Naoto wanted advice from her mom, she can't ask that because she's fucking dead. That, and we aren't given any info on Naoto's parents. Was Naoto's mom respected on her own, or was she just seen as an accessory to Naoto's dad? Naoto can look up to her grandfather as a role model (and it's obvious she does), but he can't exactly give her the same kind of advice her mom could have.

I know I must have linked this video a bajillion times by now, but I still think it's relevant, even though it was made in 2018. Since I don't live in Japan, things may have improved since this video was made, but if the game originally came out in 2008 and the year this was set in was 2011, I think the video is telling that the problems happening in 2008 were happening in 2018. Watching this is great, but ain't nobody got time for that. So I'll just say that imagine achieving so much, only to have people downplay it just because you're a woman. While Naoto's arc focused more on sexism in the workplace, it's sort of hard to just focus on that, when it's..... everywhere.

When Naoto wishes she were born a man, she doesn't really wish to be a man. Like she says in literally the next line, being a guy would allow her to pursue what she wanted (a detective) without hearing any remarks or critiques or but find a job more suited for women. It doesn't indicate that she genuinely wanted to be a guy.

Unfortunately for me, I'm not done with the worm can because there's one more thing to talk about, and that's the romance flag.

You see, Naoto is special and you need a certain phrase to trigger her romance route. Failing to select this option means you don't get to romance her, even if you do the second romance flag.

Right after Naoto says that, Yu has three choices. Can you guess which one triggers a romance flag?

If you said the second one, you're fucking WRONG BABY IT'S THE FIRST ONE!

Atlus has a track record of high highs and low lows, this line is probably garbage and doesn't make sense. However, perhaps, maybe???, somehow????, there was a reason for "I'm glad you're a girl." to be the romance flag.

It could just be typical Atlus putting that option there to waifu-ify Naoto. However, for this next bit of analysis, I am being generous and assuming that Atlus had a reason that WASN'T waifu-ifying Naoto just because.

When you pick 2 or 3, Naoto reacts accordingly:

The third option has an 'it is what it is' vibe, and it doesn't do shit to make her feel better.

However, even if you choose the second one, Naoto still smiles sadly, much like the third option. Perhaps Naoto is sad because of society had the attitude Yu displayed in that option, she wouldn't be so miserable and is reflecting on a more optimistic world.

However, this line doesn't really solve her problem. She's known for a while that her gender doesn't matter when it comes to anything. It's just what society has a problem with it.

However, it's not what she wants to hear.

She knows Yu thinks it's silly, but to her, this is easy for him to say. He hasn't been in her shoes, doesn't know her struggles and hasn't experienced any hardships because of his gender. He can say that gender doesn't matter, but if he wanted to be a detective, nobody would complain because he's a man.

It's not as if nobody understands her and the effect gender roles have, it's just that in this particular context, this isn’t what she wanted to hear.

In the first one, it's uh.....

Yeah, there's nothing deep in here.

But if I'm being very, very generous, this is a clunky way of saying "I'm glad you're you". What makes Naoto who she is... is herself and nothing can change that. With this, Yu is able to say that there is good in being who she is, even though she can't see it yet. More importantly, he appreciates her as she is. And seeing someone other than her grandfather or Yakushiji, even her dead parents, say that to her, makes something in her mind click, that she's worth something, even though she doesn't correctly hit all the "acceptable" boxes society has laid out

okay fuck I can't anymore but tl;dr it might have be an awkward "i'm glad you're you" thing.

Anyway, Naoto realizes she was being an embarrassment again and changes the subject to asking about Yu. IIRC, she's the only IT social link who asks about Yu.

Considering how it's very obvious she had no friends growing up, this can be seen as an effort on her part to reach out and form bonds. It's difficult with the rest of the team, but with Yu, something just clicks.

#Dossier: About Naoto #time to hide this blog from search #for a bit at least

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rickie-the-storyteller · 7 months

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Happy STS! Your characters are invited to a Halloween party; costumes required. Tell me what they're dressing up as and how the night goes. 🙃

Hey, @toribookworm22! Thanks for the ask, love. (And sorry for the late response. I'm really behind on all my asks... I've been super busy lately, with settling into uni and everything. Better late than never, right?

This scenario is fascinating to me. I've personally never really celebrated Halloween (my mum wasn't a particularly big fan of the general idea of it haha), but I liked watching Halloween specials on TV and seeing characters in costume there. They'd typically choose costumes/outfits that related to who the character is as a person in some way, or link it to a particular interest they'd have or something, which I often thought was a clever touch. My characters all have very distinct personalities and interests, so it's going to be fun thinking of costumes for all of them!

Let's go!

I think I'll just do this for the main characters in Steph's Crew as usual (even though it would be cool to do this for some of my other characters in my other work... part 2 maybe?)

Stephanie:

I could see Steph going with many different options, you know...she loves clothes and fashion/aesthetics, so she'd likely want to really lean into that. Here's a couple of ideas, though:

Catwoman costume - a sleek, confident choice that mirrors her bold personality. This was honestly the first thing to come to my mind (the second being one of those tight-fitting superhero costumes, which she'd probably also like), which I think says a lot haha.

The Phantom of the Opera - where she can fully embrace the elegance and mystery of that kind of character. She'd captivate everyone with her theatrical flair and presence. Plus, it's also kind of edgy at the same, which would definitely suit her lol.

Pirate costume - Steph would love this vibe... like, she'd love to just be a fierce pirate captain and boss everyone around (like she does on a regular day anyway lol). And I think she'd really pull this look off, too.

Punk rock queen - This connects with her rebellious nature... and I think this is probably the closest to how she is generally. Like, this one is the least "costume-y" to me. She could lean into this look/aesthetic with a leather jacket, spiked bracelets, and dramatic hair and makeup. And speaking of makeup...

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) style skull makeup - I've just rewatched Coco lol. But that movie is so pretty, bro (everything about it!). I think she'd maybe take inspiration from that whole thing. Maybe put her own spin on it in some way.

Bret:

This guy was easy lol. There was always one

Classic 80s punk rocker - Complete with wild hair, torn jeans, and an abundance of accessories (like crazy hair/wigs, sunglasses, etc). He loves rock music (as well as just music generally), and rock in particular is all about rebellion, which is a big part of Bret's character. Maybe he could even dress as a real rockstar...

The Joker - This could also be an interesting backup... a fitting choice for his rebellious and unpredictable nature. This also links to his character in the actual story, since Batman is actually a movie he suggests for a date with Elise lol. And speaking of...

Elise:

I have a couple of ideas for this girl, too. All sort of fitting the same vibe.

Belle from "Beauty and the Beast" - aka one of the few Disney Princesses that I somewhat resonated with growing up lol. I feel like El would be the same way. She and Belle have quite a lot in common! She has the wrong hair colour, though... so she'd need a wig, as well as a gorgeous golden ball gown (NOT the one from the 2017 live-action remake lol), and a book to maybe have as a prop or something.

Sherlock Holmes - another character known for their intellect and sharp attention to detail. She'd probably find him very cool and interesting lol. Plus, I think she's made a very good detective (which we kind of see in book 2, actually... kind of).

Hermione Granger - another brainy bookworm! Someone else she'd probably vibe with. These two girls have a ton in common, too (all the way down to falling in love with a boy that's suuuuper different from them personality-wise lol).

An enchanting forest nymph with delicate wings and a flower crown - she's really into fantasy. Especially fantasy creatures. And nymphs are fascinating due to what they symbolise/what they are associated with. They're female spirits of the natural world and are seen as the crafters of nature's wild beauty, from the growing of trees, flowers and shrubs, to the nurture of wild animals and birds, and the formation of grottos, springs, brooks etc. As such, they are often associated with the beautiful but fragile nature of the world in most stories.

Sooo... book characters, basically. Any kind of smart or powerful book character ever.

Dylan:

This guy should be fun!

Superhero outfit! Like, The Flash, for example - This could reflect his athleticism and enthusiasm.

Some famous sports legend - Complete with a sports jersey and a fake championship trophy. I know almost nothing about sports, so I couldn't give any specific examples... but maybe a footballer/basketball player? Since those are his two favourite sports.

A dashing, debonair classic movie star from the golden age of Hollywood - He has the class, style and flair to pull off this look. I'd also suggest this for Ben (Stephanie's boyfriend), but he technically doesn't count as an official member of the crew (he's sort of there as an honourary member, purely due to his involvement with Steph, as well as his history with Alice and her family, but he doesn't do much with them due to being busy with his own stuff. And not going to school with them in book 1)

The Mad Hatter from "Alice in Wonderland" - Suits his energetic, playful and slightly eccentric nature. Also matches with Alice

Thor - Greek god of thunder! As well as a strong and heroic choice that matches his athletic and supportive nature. I loved the Thor Ragnarok Marvel movie lol.

Alice:

Last but not least...

Alice from "Alice in Wonderland" - That way she'd never have to pretend to have a different name.

A fairy godmother - to compliment Mary's Cinderella! The twins often do this sort of stuff together.

A detective - Lowkey, she'd probably be more likely to go as Sherlock Holmes than Elise... she's very big on mysteries. Ally would make a fantastic, quick-witted and sassy detective. Complete with the iconic trench coat and magnifying glass, of course.

Wednesday Addams - Ok... but this one is perfect for her lol. Alice is just meant to be Wednesday. I mean, Wednesday is already her favourite Addams Family character... and she definitely has the wit and energy for it. She shares Wednesday's dark humour and a touch of vulnerability that makes her as popular as she is. Although, she'd probably struggle with maintaining that cold, stern, deadpan demeanour.

As for how the night would go down... well, how about this:

___

(Stephanie and Ben pull up to the party venue. Steph is all dressed up in her Catwoman suit inspired by the movie starring Halle Berry)

Stephanie: You sure you don't want to come? Not even for a little bit?

Ben: I really shouldn't, babe. I've got work tomorrow.

Stephanie: Just pop in and say hi to the gang real quick. It won't hurt.

Ben: Honey, I'm busy. I really can't stay long, you know that.

Stephanie: (sighs) I know...

Ben: Try and have a good time without me, yeah?

Stephanie: Alright...probably shouldn't be too hard.

Ben: (chuckles) Really?

Stephanie: Yeah. (shrugs) I mean, you're not THAT fun.

Ben: (laughs) Hey!

(The two hug and kiss, and then Stephanie leaves the car and goes inside to meet up with her other friends, who are all dressed up in their costumes)

Stephanie: Well, don't you all look like the cat's meow?

Elise (dressed as Belle): Hey, sweetie! (gives Steph a hug)

Dylan (as The Flash): You look really good, Steph.

Stephanie: Aw, really?

Dylan: (smiles) Yeah, you do. I love your costume.

Stephanie: Thanks, bro.

Alice (dressed as Wednesday Addams): That's funny.

Stephanie: What's funny?

Alice: The fact that you called him "bro" when he was clearly trying to make a move on you.

Stephanie and Dylan: What?!

Alice: Oh, come on, Dylan. I know what you're like with women. I mean, seriously... "You look really good?" "I love your costume?" That's code for, "You're looking like a hot tasty snack today, babe."

(Stephanie laughs out loud and continues laughing as she walks away with Elise. Dylan looks mortified)

Dylan: Why are you being like this, Ally?

Alice: It's the costume, Dylan. Being Wednesday just does something to me, I don't know.

Dylan: Well, whatever it is, I hope you're back to normal tomorrow...

(Stephanie and Elise head over to Bret and Mary)

Stephanie: Look at you two! Loving the punk vibe, Bret. Where did you get all this stuff from?

Bret (dressed as an 80s punk rocker): What are you talking about? This is regular Tuesday evening attire for me.

Mary (dressed as Cinderella): Yep. Same here.

Stephanie: (laughs) Ok, but seriously. Where did you get this stuff?

Bret: Does it really matter where I got it?

Elise: His uncle Gordon let him borrow some of this stuff.

Bret: EL!

Elise: What?! Oh, come on, there's no reason to be like that, babe. I think it's cool that you're making an effort to fix things with him.

Stephanie: Yeah, me too. What got you to change your mind about him?

Bret: (sighs) He and Aunt Rach have agreed to give their relationship another shot. Only God knows why. But I figured, he's going to have more and more of a presence in my life, so I may as well make the best of it, right?

(A new song comes on)

Elise: Ooh, I love this song! Somebody come dance with me!

(Mary goes with Elise to the dance floor, and they start bouncing around and singing along to "Tik Tok" by Ke$ha. Bret and Stephanie watch)

Stephanie: So... you fancy a dance on the wild side or what?

Bret: (shrugs) Sure! No slow dances, though.

Stephanie: Oh, why not? Nothing's going to happen, you know.

Bret: Oh, it's not that. I just don't have the patience for swaying on the spot for ages, you know?

Stephanie: Right... yeah.

Bret: Plus, El is literally right there. So...

Stephanie: Yeah. You're right. Come on, let's go!

(Sooner or later, the whole crew is having fun together on the dance floor)

#rickie-the-storyteller #steph's crew #halloween #costumes #character costumes #halloween party #writerblr #asks

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dcviated · 1 year

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today is malkuth's BIRTHDAY :: open

@sercphs sent: A certain Patron of History would find a small dark-brown wooden box on her desk when returning, a simple design with the symbol of her floor carved into the top. Contained inside is a small cord bracelet that has been hand-made, the only stand-out feature being a small glass ornament with the symbol of her floor contained with in. Etched into the top of the inside of the box is a short message: "Happy Birthday, Malkuth. ⠀⠀⠀⠀- Daemon"

Malkuth has still got plenty of blood on her. it's been cleaned off her face at the least, but her clothes would take a bit of work or magic to get restored. That was fine! But there was a box she needed to get to first! It'd been on her mind the whole time they were finishing up the reception. A strange group of guys in knight armor and ribbons and stuff. They talked like something out of a movie!

Anyway. They're books now. And Malkuth has gifts to inspect. Like the box ah ah AHHH!

"Oh it really is so cool looking. Look at this wood and the markings ehehehe." Just the box itself was something she'd be keeping around, regardless of what was inside. Of course she'd open it without much more pause. Patience? With her? That's a difficult thing to expect from the Patron so imbued and cursed with guileless passion. Pop!

"Wow. Such a pretty bracelet." In contrast to her attitude, she's gentle with how she handles the ornamented cord. A gentle slip to get it onto her wrist and it's tied in place with a small bit of effort. Held this way and that. There's warm light on her floor and it aids in the simple appreciation of the accessory and bringing out the cut of the ornament. "Hehe. Hmmm. Daemon?!"

She calls out, spinning around from her desk expecting to find the other peeking or spying. But no such luck. Nothing to be detected. No other voices to be heard. That's rather disappointing...

"Hmmm..... hmmm!!"

Guess she'll have to track them down herself! And thank them directly and properly! So with a wave to her assistants the Patron departs for the stairs, a wish to see them bringing her through the fold and fabric of time and bringing her to the familiar eerieness of the floor of Dimensional Science. Still bloody. And very enthusiastic. And loud.

"DAEMON WHERE ARE YOU! I HAVE TO THANK YOU PROPERLY!!!"

Her target is spotted, and with a flash in her eyes she takes off running!!!

#sercphs #sercphs :: daemon #inbox :: answered ic #muse :: malkuth #birthdays :: malkuth 2023 #I cant believe daemon is dead!!!!

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