#venndaai

[anghraine]

I watched the Jackson movies recently for the 20th anniversary and it was the first time I’d seen them in years and it was amazing to suddenly see just how right you’ve always been about how terribly they mishandle Gondor :p

Aww, thank you! I appreciate the validation (and the addition of another movie Gondor hater to our number :D).

#our army is small but fierce #venndaai #respuestas #nice things people say to me #pj critical #ondonórë blogging #legendarium blogging #legendarium fanwank

[clericofmystra]

venndaai replied to this post:

Oh wow, Larissa and my Tav should be friends! They’re a half-drow whose father wasn’t able to study magic in the Underdark and put all his hopes on them, but they were always the weakest student at wizard school despite studying really hard, but the tadpole in their head seems to have finally unlocked their wizard potential and they’re not willing to give up that power for anything…

Ooh, they should be friends! I love the idea of these two people trying so hard to get magic to work and having potentially dangerous degrees of aspiration to that kind of power, and being continually frustrated in that desire until suddenly everything changed. The two of them should hang out with Gale and have hubris tea parties :P

I also like the contrast with their differing perspectives on the tadpole!

When Larissa was captured and being eye-horror'd, she assumed she must have offended Mystra somehow (though she has no idea what) and completely lost her favor for something this horrific to happen to Larissa. And then when she escapes her pod, she thinks ... maybe Mystra hasn't completely abandoned her? Possibly? But at heart she doubts it until she sees Shadowheart using cleric spells and is like ... well, there's only way to know, and tries to cast Guiding Bolt at the devil, a spell she's never had occasion to use before.

And it just blasts out and sears this side of the devil's face (mechanically: critically hits for some 30 damage lol) and she's like ... wait, so ... Mystra's still blessing me? Then is this not a punishment ... wait ... I'm so confused????? But in general she is firmly set on getting rid of the parasite and avoiding illithid abilities whenever possible, so I think Larissa-(your)Tav would have a really interesting dynamic, actually!

Very curious now about why Mystra chose Larissa!

I was imagining that it mostly comes down to the sheer intensity and scale of Larissa's awe and devotion despite her personally receiving nothing from Mystra for over a decade. But once Larissa (eventually) catches Mystra's attention, Mystra also approves of Larissa's powerful curiosity about the mysteries of the world, especially magical ones, and dedication to studying them and acquiring/preserving as much knowledge as possible + general drive and aspiration. I think Mystra judges Larissa to be someone who will always appreciate and respect the gift of magic while remaining steadfastly faithful to her, and will make a reliable agent in the world.

Larissa fwiw tries to repress her near-insatiable curiosity and the fervor of her longing for respect and magical power, thinking they're a bit unseemly, but I think a) Mystra is 100% aware of them and b) actually very much approves as long as Larissa stays within the limits of Mystra's instructions and will.

#adfkja i love your tav being like 'what a helpful tadpole' and larissa being like 'my goddess is the most divine and good and just <3' #neither of these judgments could go awry in any way :P #venndaai #t: responses #long post #ch: tav called larissa #ch: grace; power; wisdom

[veliseraptor]

got any thoughts, feelings or opinions about my blorbo Robin Stewart?

until you got me thinking about Robin Stewart the truth is that I have not thought nearly enough about Robin Stewart! probably because Queen's Play has fewer of my Favorite Moments that I was prone to reread on a regular basis for a period of a few years. but you have me wanting to reread Queen's Play so I can pay more attention to Robin this time because oh boy is there a lot going on there. jesus kiddo! you've got problems.

The Short Sad Life of Robin Stewart. pour one out for the guy.

#conversating #venndaai #not that i need another reread sldkfjsldfkj #lymond chronicles #i am sorry i do not have more interesting thoughts. but i love when people bring new characters to my attention #fun new pieces of the narrative to pay attention to! #new dysfunctional weirdos to poke at and go 'what're you doing hmm' #i'm not actually tipsy anymore. but i am tired and sometimes those end up sounding the same

[autisticandroids]

I’ve been watching Severance and I think you might enjoy it, it would go well with your angel thoughts and I would be fascinated by your takes on one particularly Naomi/Cas-ish relationship on it

i really want to but i need recommendations on piracy sites because i refuse to buy an apple tv subscription and it's only on there

#asks #venndaai

[endymiondreaming]

#imperial radch #Anaander Mianaai #credit to tumblr user venndaai for the idea of an anaander mianaai poll #this post would have been funnier if tumblr would let me tag it w anaander mianaai three separate times

[shrugsinchinese]

bone to ash by venndaai

Went insane after reading this fic tbh

#critical role #critical role fanart #essek thelyss #caleb widogast #shadowgast

[aeor-is-for-reccing]

Soulmates: A Shadowgast Rec List

This week, we have Soulmates! Check under the cut for 10 fics that feature Essek and Caleb being fated for one another, and don't forget to comment and kudos if you like them!

the shade of poison trees by MithrilWren (3791, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Essek didn't realize, when he was young, that the name on someone's arm could be shameful. Like all other topics, he learned quickly.

Reccer says: I liked it!

Marked by venndaai (1979, General) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

There is a particular kind of magical tattooing process perfected by the Kryn. It is used on only two occasions: for the ritual of Consecution, and when two Consecuted vow to be with one another through all of their future lives.

Reccer says: A fantastic trope subversion (Caleb and Essek don't share any marks), that also explores what it means to choose each other.

you're familiar like my mirror years ago by bubblesandburdensfics (3057, General) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Your greatest hurt's name is on one wrist and your greatest love is on the other. Caleb has a hard time telling which is which.

Reccer says: I liked it!

I can see a glimmer by HostileGlitch (1303, General) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

In a world where soulmates share magic, generated when they touch, Essek realizes how much brushing hands with Caleb Widowgast could mean.

Reccer says: Combining Essek's hunger for touch and his hunger for magical power is next level shit, this concept is so tasty.

with flying colours by idontreallylikebutterflies (2254, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

People who are important to you - platonic and romantic - leave marks on your body. For the longest time, Essek only had one mark.

Reccer says: I love expanding soulmarks to platonic loves and friendships, and Essek's feelings on soulmarks still ring true throughout.

little thumbprints by softlyblue (6239, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes, Choose Not to Warn

In a world where soulmate marks are rare and often mistaken for birthmarks. Essek and Caleb have learned to hide theirs.

Reccer says: The story of Caleb and Essek's soulmarks was great, but I also enjoyed the little asides about other Exandrians' marks and locations.

Fortune's Fool by timbrene (5047, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

The Luxon marks Kryn with the name of their soulmate. Essek doesn't get one until he is 90.after a few more decades, isn't sure he will ever meet Bren.

Reccer says: I like the pining. Essek thinks Caleb is not his soulmate and then later, when he realizes he is there is still so much pining.

Falling Toward The Singularity by Riot_Fae (117491, Mature) Reccer's Content Notes: Graphic Depictions of Violence

Essek joins the Mighty Nein after Travelercon.

Reccer says: A very interesting and welcome take on the soulmate concept! Elegantly written and fun to read!

And In Dreams (we will meet again) by Beauteousmajesty (6138, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Soulmates begin to share memories after the first skin to skin touch. After Caleb kisses Essek's forehead, they begin to share memories

Reccer says: Beautiful writing and an interesting concept!

The following fic received two recs!

Some truths are stubborn as gravity by SkyScribbles (4742, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: Emotionally Abusive Parenting

In which you cannot lie to your soulmate. Which makes things difficult, if you are Essek Thelyss, and you were raised a liar.

Reccer 1 says: It's a different take on soulmates than I'm used to seeing

Reccer 2 says: It's a classic - I love the premise and the worldbuilding involved, and the problems that not being able lie causes Essek - and how he manages to get around them anyway. It's a must read, in my opinion.

Aeor is for Lovers is an 18+ Shadowgast Discord server. The above fanfic recommendations were pulled from our community for this weekly event. All fics, unless otherwise specified, will primarily feature Shadowgast. Have any questions about what this is? Check out the FAQ! Next week, we’ll be back with WIPS!

#shadowgast #caleb widogast #essek thelyss #critical role #cr fic recs #aeor is for lovers #fan fiction rec list #critical role fan fiction #cr fic #cr fics #soulmate au

[venndaai]

I wrote some horrible shadowgast angst. this is the fastest I have written anything in like two years. thank you Echoes of the Solstice for your terrible terrible angst fodder!

#my fic #shadowgast #critical role #my brand is relentless angst and this still felt like. a bit much. jsyk. #i'd forgotten how effective a stress relief valve writing angst can be though

[anjael]

TLHOD SECRET SANTA 2023 - MASTERPOST

From top:

1.By Cat for Naq

2. By Anj for Wyatt

3. By Saffy for Sophie

4. By Wyatt for Saffy

5. Together We Come into the Hearthplace by Naq for Anj

6. Beechnuts by manny for cat

7. Driving out the Frost by venndaai for manny

Thank you to everyone for taking part! <3

#tlhod #lhod #the left hand of darkness #tlhod secret santa 2023

[imakemywings]

Below will be fanfic recs for TOLKIEN, 80 DAYS, and THE LEFT HAND OF DARKNESS. Once again, I’ve tried to break the Tolkien recs down by character groupings but you all know what a thankless task that is. Asterisks by particular faves! (〜￣▽￣)〜

(Photo credit to Svitlana on Unsplash.)

Past fanfic rec lists

80 Days

Anchor by insomniz - NR - 5.6k - Fogg/Passepartout - Aouda's view of their relationship, and her friendship with Passepartout.

Trains, Like Time and Tide by ArabellaMoxie G - 5.2k - Fogg/Passepartout - Eventually Passepartout realizes Fogg is sabotaging them. It's so cute <3

The Left Hand of Darkness

Cut From the Journal of Therem Harth rem ir Estraven by bratrights - G - 2.5k - Genly/Therem - A really tender look at Therem and Genly's relationship. The author does a great job capturing Therem's voice!

Dawn by venndaai - T - 2.9k - Genly/Therem - Wonderful (AU) exploration of Genly and Therem's relationship post-canon.

Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit

* Abide, Abound by elleth - T - 3.9k - Arwen/Tauriel - Wonderful characterization here and such a natural growth of the relationship.

All My Shadows Fade by amyfortuna - T - 662 - Arwen/OC - My heart breaks for this OC--a female friend of Arwen's in unrequited love with her, writing her a letter on the eve of her marriage to Aragorn.

Before the Breath of Storm by tinnurin - T - 1.3k - Excellent look into the Dwarven exiles before the battle of Azanulbizar.

* Both the Sweet and the Bitter by Northland - T - 10k - I just loved this look at Rivendell during the War of the Ring.

Come Home to Chaos (Get a Crush On a Queen) by ncfan - G - 8.5k - Arwen/Firiel of Gondor - This fic does a great job with the setting and with Arwen's attitudes. Wonderful depth given to Firiel, a character really only a name on a page in canon.

The Fruit by Mimi_Lind - G - 1.6k - I love Celeborn and Thranduil fucking with each other with a total deadpan.

Games and Fantasy by Genesis_Grey - E - 3.3k - Arwen/Eowyn - Play sexy games, win sexy prizes.

* A House of Nettles by Ias - E - 6.4k - Eowyn/Tar-Miriel - Amazing delicious sexy fic where Eowyn becomes haunted by the Witch King--former queen of Numenor Tar-Miriel. It is SO good.

Of All the Stars, the Fairest by whatiwouldnotgive - E - 7.5k - Arwen/Eowyn - This fic captures that gradual build of friendship that suddenly gives way to romance and it's beautiful. And Arwen's flirting is adorable!

Or Would They Go on Aching Still by Farasha - G - 3.5k - Aragorn/Arwen, Arwen/Tauriel - Just a heartbreaking combo of joy and grief in this fic. Fantastic look at the vanishing of the Elves from Middle-earth through Arwen's perspective.

Orlaya by yeaka - T - 1k - Arwen/Tauriel - Cute, sexy fun!

* Shadow of the Evening by RussetFiredrake - T - 2.9k - Arwen/Eowyn - Captures that lady knight/noblewoman thing SO well...both characters are so loveable here.

She had a January World by kimaracretak - T - 540 - Arwen/Tauriel - Beautiful and bittersweet, as the end of the Elves always is.

West, West Away by Arveldis - G - 3.5k - Such a sweet, tender look at saying goodbye to Middle-earth. Sam finds himself unexpectedly sharing a moment with the Elvenking on a boat West!

The Silmarillion

Sindar

Aloe Cup by welcoming_disaster - E - 2.3k - Daeron/Maglor - I love their dynamic here so much...Maglor is so desperate to save him. And not just because it involves getting his dick in there.

Après Moi, le Déluge by HerenorThereNearnorFar - T - 2k - For her children, Elwing weaves.

Beacon by polotropos - E - 2.3k - Earendil/Elwing - They are SO in love...love the touches of realism that ground this piece.

Bloodied by ohboromir - G - 1.2k - Thingol & Beleg & Mablung - We rarely see explorations of pre-Noldor Middle-earth! A nice look at the fight of the Iathrim before Feanor lands in Beleriand.

* The Carriage Held but Just Ourselves by StarSpray - T - 1.3k - Stunning look at the line of Thingol and their relationship with death.

Coastin' by swanmaiden - E - 2.3k - Earendil/Elwing - Sexy cute Starwing!

Ebb and Flow by swanmaiden - E - 3.6k - Earendil/Elwing - A really loving look at their relationship in Sirion <3 I love how this fic shows the community of the city and how loved these two were.

Elwing's Strategy by lifeisyetfair - T - 525 - Gut-wrenching look at Elwing's last moments in Sirion--and why she chose to jump. Fucking amazing character explorations, especially in such a short fic!

* Elvenkings by am_fae - G - 1.5k - Gorgeous prose and a very bittersweet look at the Iathrim after the fall of Doriath.

A Fiend in Feline Shape by Aipilosse - G - 15.7k - This is such a fun fic where we get to see a lot of the Sindar post-rebirth and such thought is given to each person's characterization. Plus Ancalagon is a cat now.

High in the Halls of the Kings Who Are Gone by Arveldis - G - 880 - Finduilas & Gildor - Gildor's final walk through Nargothrond. Beautiful prose!

Home Sweet Home by SunflowerSupreme - M - 1.5k - Daeron/Maglor - This fic captures such a harsh relationship between them, yet also the loneliness that drives them together.

* Into the Heart of a Fey Thing by amethysttribble - T - 12.2k - Aredhel & Galadriel & Luthien - These three have an adventure in Doriath. Great job managing their dynamic and some Doriath world-building!

Joy is a Bird, a Fragile Thing by estuarie - G - 1k - Elrond & Elwing - This is the reunion Elrond and his mom deserve.

Less Flesh Than Stone by crackinthecup - T - 938 - A confrontation between Elwing and Maedhros in Valinor.

Like New Flowers on Ancient Hills by StarSpray - G - 2.3k - Elanor welcomes an Elvish guest into the Shire. Both characters are written so beautifully; this is such a sweet fic.

A Love in the Past Time by ncfan - G - 810 - A beautiful look at Melian and Thingol's first meeting.

Love Me and Despair by Beleriandings - T - 3.8k - Galadriel/Luthien - Luthien's POWER here and her willingness to self-destruct are beautiful, as well as Galadriel's devotion to making sure Luthien does not destroy herself.

To Love What is Mortal by solanceae - G - 2.4k - Luthien/Thuringwethil - Delicious take on this ship, with Luthien's light and goodness being exactly what draws Thuringwethil to her.

Memories, Like Grains of Sand by cuarthol - G - 1k - Elrond and Elros remember so little of Sirion :'(

The Most Beautiful by Meril - G - 634 - A look at why Melian stays in Middle-earth.

Old Enough to Know by unknownlifeform - G - 3.6k - Elrond & Gil-galad - Love Elrond struggling a bit with Elros growing apart from him after their claustrophobic childhood. He's so used to their relying only on each other.

On Carven Throne by Innin - E - 493 - Galadriel/Luthien - Gluthien throne sex, does anything else need to be said?

Only the Best by LadyBrooke- G - 500 - Daeron missed his chance to debate Feanor. I go feral for any fic or headcanon that acknowledges the similarities between these two characters and their intelligence.

Our Shared Monsters by theworldisquietheretooquiet - T - 978 - Heartbreaking yet hopeful look at the twins of the line of Thingol and the evolution of their nightmares.

Raised by Wolves by WarriorEowyn - G - 4.4k - A really excellent look at Elrond and Elros post-Amon Ereb and their identity growth and struggles.

Upon a Bed of Moss by Innin - E - 1.5k - Galadriel/Luthien - Service top Galadriel 👌

* The Salt in the Wound by swanmaiden - E - 4.1k - Curufin's wife/Luthien - This author gives these two such a bonkers dynamic, I absolutely love it. Frothing at the mouth. Luthien distracts her one of her captors with hatesex.

Scraps of Dark in a Starstrewn Night by solanceae - T - 5.2k - Luthien/Thuringwethil - Luthien is so captivating in this fic.

Silence Sharper Than a Knife by asterisq - G - 1.6k - Daeron watches a performance of The Lay of Leithian. Ow ow ow :'''''')

Songs of Sun and Shadow by Zdenka - G - 2k - Fun tie between The Hobbit and The Silmarillion where Melian recruits Finrod to help test Thranduil's magical abilities.

Such Players Only Have There Been by Anonymous - E - 5.5k - Daeron/Maglor - Their dynamic works SO well here.

* Summer Wine by welcoming_disaster - E - 3.2k - Daeron/Maglor - Honestly so hot when Maglor explains to Daeron how to tie him up.

Stardrop by welcoming_disaster - T - 750 - Daeron/Maglor - The fucking FORESHADOWING!!!!!!

Was Dancing There by StarSpray - G - 382 - Elrond and Elwing dance in front of a mural of Luthien in Sirion. Incredible little ficlet.

What Remains by asterisq - T - 2.2k - Absolutely brutal look at the aftermath of the Second Kinslaying. Amazing work.

What the Shadows Hid by swanmaiden - T - 465 - Luthien/Thuringwethil - The vampire's kiss is a heritable curse! The vampire's kiss is a heritable curse!

Noldor

The Aching by searchingforserendipity - G - 612 - Love explorations of this moment where Celegorm and Curufin have to explain what they did in Nargothrond to Maedhros. This author packs an astounding amount of character into such a short fic!

Angels Would Not Condescend by crownlessliestheking - G - 1k - Featuring Feanor's blasphemous university lectures. Amazing work and fascinating character takes!

Bronwe Athan Harthad by oswinry - G - 2k - Beor/Finrod - Listen. Listen. Even if you aren't into this ship, you should give this fic a try. The emotional core of it hits so fucking hard.

Cinders and Smoke by ncfan - T - 2.6k - Such an emotional look at Galadriel exploring the ruins of the Havens at Sirion. There, she finds the Ring of Barahir.

Disastrous Expense by Aipilosse - E - 897 - Feanor/Nerdanel - Antagonistic post-canon sex. Even when Nerdanel is angry with him, she's attracted to him. These two have my brain <3

Do I Hurt to Hold? by Anonymous - E - 5.2k - Galadriel/Melian - Great look at a darker Melian and her tutorship and intimate relationship with Galadriel in Doriath. This author does really well emphasizing Melian's inhumanness.

Glade-Song by welcoming_disaster - M - 500 - Galadriel/Melian - Ooh so tasty look at Galadriel's attitude towards her unrequited love for Melian.

A Hideous Thing Inside by Beleriand Death Trip - M - 1.8k - A fittingly dark look at Maeglin after his death in Gondolin.

The Hunt by cuarthol - T - 1.4k - Amarie/Finrod - Amarie is closeted and trans in Aman, but Finrod understands. In love with the relationship shown between these two here, so much trust and love <3

Ilimbe by TheChasm - T - 15.2k - Feanor/Nerdanel - Ahh I love this look at their meeting and early relationship...the characterization suits them both so well!

It's Just a Consequence of Pain by roquen - G - 914 - Indis visits Miriel in the house of Vaire. I love the tenderness here, and Indis' genuine effort to reach out to Miriel where she is.

In The Ranks of Death You Will Find Him by TelerinJedi - T - 882 - Finrod & Turgon - They feel each other die TT_TT A beautiful look at this friendship!

Lady Makalaurë Fëanáriel Dying of Poison, Late Second Age, Artist Unknown by HewerofCaves - T - 8.6k - This fic maps Silm SO well onto a space opera AU and it is SUCH an enjoyable read.

* Less Wise by am_fae - E - 5.7k - Maglor/Thranduil - Maglor eventually finds welcome in Mirkwood, but that isn't enough for her. Just phenomenal character dynamics and beautiful prose!

Life After Death by oswinry - G - 5k - Emotionally devastating scenes from Finrod's rebirth in Aman. Fantastic work.

* Nargothrondolin Takes the Cake by sallysavestheday - G - 842 - This fic is just so fucking cute. Finrod narrates by letter to Amarie the annual family gingerbread house-building contest. Amazing job with his voice!

Not Undevoted by satiricaldraperies - M - 2k - Galadriel/Melian - Suuuuch a tasty and not entirely healthy commitment between these two here...love it.

Out of Dreams, Into the Sun by solanceae - T - 2.7k - Indis/Miriel - The shadow of the past over them now is so real.

Over the Unclear Eyes of Memory by Loriand_Lost - M - 6.2k - Anaire/Fingolfin - This fic really captures Anaire's complicated feelings about Fingolfin's return.

Prick a Finger, Cut Your Hand by welcoming_disaster - E - 2.5k - Indis/Miriel - Fantastic dynamic between these characters, and excellent dialogue!

Right There by RaisingCaiin - T - 1.3k - Beor/Finrod - Fluff! Fluff as far as the eye can see!

Sister, Sister by swanmaiden - T - 925 - Aredhel & Turgon - Breaking my HEART with this look at Aredhel and Turgon's relationship through the years.

* The Sleep of Flowers by Innin - E - 2.4k - Galadriel/Melian - Melian weaves teaching magic and sex together. A really sweet and also hot scene for them!

Statue of an Elven Woman by welcoming_disaster - M - 1.2k - Indis/Nerdanel - You need a fucking chainsaw to cut the tension here.

* Strength Like a Tower by potatoesanddreams - G - 794 - This fic almost made me cry over a building. Fantastic look at how Elves connect to their environment.

Stone Toys by welcoming_disaster - E - 3.3k - Indis/Nerdanel - The power dynamics here are so hot.

* Sweet Violets and Golden Cowslip by StarSpray - T - 1.6k - Absolutely amazing post-Sirion dynamics. Lalwen survives past the Third Kinslaying and has to confront what the Noldor have become.

This Now, This Us by crownlessliestheking - G - 1.3k - Indis/Miriel - Their dialogue is so fun here.

Thy Brothers' Keeper by sallysavestheday - G - 970 - Tasty Finwean family drama...Finarfin wearies of playing the peacekeeper.

Torn in Two by Alantie - G - 1.5k - Celebrian & Finrod - Celebrian meets her uncle Finrod in Aman. I really loved their bonding experiences here <3

Ainur

Bite Thy Wings and Let Thee Crawl by am_fae - E - 4.7k - I am literally not joking that this fetish porn fic has one of the best portrayals of Melkor and his careless boundless cruelty that I've ever read. RIP Maglor.

* More Ferven Flight by crownlessliestheking - E - 9k - Ingwe/Manwe - Some of the most beautiful porn I've ever read and a delicious blending of sex and worship from Ingwe's perspective. The author does an excellent job with the strangeness and overwhelmingness of being with a Vala.

One Acquainted with the Night by Grundy - G - 2k - The other Ainur don't really understand Melian's grief.

Scripts and Tongues by am_fae - M - 977 - Cirdan/Gandalf - Let Gandalf sext!

Webs and Weavings by Loriand_Lost - E - 5.1k - Ungoliant/Vaire - This fic does such a marvelous job of capturing the other-ness of Ungoliant.

Men

Brushstrokes by theworldisquietheretooquiet - T - 2.1k - Finduilas/Nienor - This one is so cuuuuute.

The Nameless Black of a Name by Ias - M - 8.1k - Finduilas/Nienor - They find purpose and home together in the wake of their tragedies. Love here how Finduilas can feel the darkness on Nienor's fate, similar to how characters comment on Turin's in canon.

Nothing Beside Remains by swanmaiden - T - 842 - Tar-Miriel/Uinen - This author writes such deliciously twisted femslash and this is no exception. Uinen's unwillingness to let go of Tar-Miriel's body makes sense when a body for her is nothing more than a decoration.

The Sea-King's Wife by swanmaiden - E - 300 - Tar-Miriel/Uinen - Uinen should be queen of tentacle porn.

The Tapestry by Zdenka - T - 1.2k - Theodwyn & Miriel - From one seamstress to another, through the ages.

Threads of Gold by Zdenka - T - 2.7k - Finduilas/Nienor - These two finding healing together is the best part of this ship TT_TT

Through These Old Grounds of Memory by Cinaed - T - 2.8k - Finduilas/Nienor - This fic captures their feelings so well. And here, they get a happy ending!

Where the Lilies Grow by Elleth - T - 1.7k - Finduilas/Nienor - Nienor's inexperience in romance does not stop her XD You can definitely tell she's Hurin's daughter here!

#fanfic recs #the silmarillion #lotr #the hobbit #80 days #the left hand of darkness #da section excised because tumblr doesn't want to let me put that many links in i guess #wtf

[anghraine]

venndaai replied to this post:

Did you ever play the lair of the shadow broker dlc? It’s such a good time as a liaramancer

Yes! We did it towards the end. It was really cool, and kind of hard to envision having anything like the same resonance without the previous Liara romance and sad gay pining. Good in its own right, but I really like how it lends the romance this whole dramatic arc.

venndaai said:

Mshep does not exist for me, and I love fshep so much because you never get female characters who are hyped up in that specific way really

Exactly! I keep forgetting that Mshep is even an option because the framing feels so distinct to her.

And so much of her arc (at least as we've played) is about diplomatic solutions and drawing people together that I feel like her charisma and heroism could be really gendered in a very aggravating way, but it's not. She's treated as this ultra-badass galactic superstar for things like reconciling ancient enemies or addressing legitimate grievances, and (in our version) just happens to be extremely personable as well. But there's no treatment of it as specifically ~womanly heroism, it's just heroism.

So the litany of "Shepard is so great and has done such amazing things, what an icon" does feel really different and unique for a female character, even now.

#venndaai #respuestas #anghraine's gaming #the adventures of space redacted

[clericofmystra]

venndaai replied to this post:

Lmao I SUPPORT YOUR CLERIC

Thank you!!! I'm sure Larissa would appreciate the support, hahaha. I think the other priests saw her as a bit weird and standoffish but very devoted, so okay, and ... she is very devoted. Very, very devoted.

(If she and your Tav were friends, they'd be a fantastic bad decisions duo, lol.)

#t: the sacred text posts #venndaai #t: responses #ch: tav called larissa #t: headcanon

[critter-genfic-events]

This week, we're focusing on Yasha! Nine (nein) fics focusing on before she met the nein, her dealing with the events of campaign 2, and her managing to settle down afterwards. Check them out under the cut, and as always, don't forget to comment or kudos if you like them!

warm, unalone (come settle down) by Meridas (20811,Teen) Warnings: None Pairings: Molly & Yasha

Yasha and Molly, as queerplatonic partners, move to Zadash together.

Reccer says: It's so incredibly soft and such a wonderful take on these two. I adore the Circus Kids as QPPs and this series is in large part responsible for that. It's tender in all parts, the atmosphere feels as soft as a well-worn T-shirt.

heart of winter by venndaai (2779,Teen) Warnings: implied cannibalism, blood Pairings: Yasha & Molly

Yasha makes her own deal with Isharnai. Molly comes back wrong.

Reccer says: It's dark and bleak, but in a good way. An interesting look at the possible dark sides of resurrection magic and the things a desperate person will do to save their friends.

Loving Again by wanderstar (1312,General) Warnings: None Pairings: Kingsley & Yasha, Molly & Yasha

Yasha once thought she'd never find love again. Luckily the world, and her friends, are able to prove that wrong.

Reccer says: I liked it

remember me as something bigger than i was by grayintogreen (1882,General) Warnings: Pairings: Kingsley Tealeaf & Yasha Nydoorin

Kingsley is ready to hear Molly's story from Yasha.

Reccer says: I love the way that this allows Yasha to grieve for Molly but also accept Kingsley as someone else. It's a soft and sweet tribute.

the mariner's hollo! by Beans_McGee (4341,Teen) Warnings: None Pairings: Mollymauk Tealeaf & Yasha Nydoorin

Yasha and M.T., before the Mighty Nein

Reccer says: I need so many stories about Yasha and Molly being friends, and this does both characters justice

patching up by Windward_wings (1664,Teen) Warnings: Discussions of past manipulation and abuse, unhealthy coping mechanisms Pairings: Caleb & Yasha

After the Nein's night at the Rexxentrum fighting pit, Caleb goes to find Yasha.

Reccer says: I love this take on their friendship - both are awkward, but also talking about their shared experiences with being manipulated

Inventory by Operafloozy (3862,Teen) Warnings: None Pairings: Essek & Yasha

It’s the day before Essek heads out to an expedition in the Savalirwood with Calliope and Reani. Yasha helps him sort out a few things.

Reccer says: It's nice Xhorhassian bonding over cultural differences and also funny and sweet

speak of life and i will learn to cherish it by Ink_Beneath_Her_Fingernails (830,Not Rated) Warnings: None Pairings: Caleb & Yasha

Yasha listens to Caleb speak Celestial and feels things.

Reccer says: The idea that both Yasha and Caleb are speaking their second language (or might be, in Yasha's case) is rarely touched upon, and this is a sweet little bonding moment between the two of them

with the sun (i will rise) by lostinwriting23 (3765,General) Warnings: None Pairings: Background Beauyasha

Beau's been gone for a while. The solstice has happened and Yasha's not been able to reach any of the people she loves.

Reccer says: I love Orphantaker fics and this glimpse of an older Yasha worrying about her wife and kids is so compelling

This is one of our weekly communally-generated gen rec lists. Every week we announce a new theme and allow anyone to submit a fic recommendation. Please note that the summary and content notes are provided by the reccer, and may be different than what the author has provided. Please assume good intentions all around. <3

And hey, anyone includes you!

Next week, we'll be featuring fics that mention clothing! A lot of the characters in Critical Role have a special item of clothing or relation to clothing, so there's a lot to explore there!

Then, it'll be Time Skips, Pranks, and then Ashton

Any fics coming to mind?  Well, then use this form to submit!

If you're looking for some more, check out some fics written in the critter genfic bingo tag, or the older rec lists! Or you can request your own card and join in on the fun!

#critical role #critter genfic rec lists #the mighty nein #gen fic #Yasha Nydoorin #Caleb Widogast #Mollymauk Tealeaf #Kingsley Tealeaf #essek thelyss

[thatswhatsushesaid]

hi hi hope youre doing well!! i was wondering if you had any good recs for fics that explore jin guangyao and su minshans relationship? platonic or romantic idm i just wanna read more fics about their dynamic!! no worries if not, you just seem like youd know some good fics for them lol (compliment)

anon you have come to the right clown with this request, let me throw some stuff at you:

a painting missing strokes, a song missing notes by occasional_boy_reporter is a cql post-canon xiyao fix-it fic that includes probably my favourite brand of suyao, which is one-sided, unrequited, but nevertheless not something minshan makes jgy's problem to manage. he might be eaten up with envy on the inside, but his ride-or-die loyalty to jgy overcomes everything. anyway, i am sad to say the fic is incomplete, but it is still such a beautiful read, and sms's role in it really can't be overstated! i also really like how the writer handles lxc and sms's dynamic!

favor by venndaai is a hunger games AU which primarily focuses on a romance between meng yao and lan xichen in the games, but also features background nieyao and very minor background nielan--which, if you know anything about me and my preferences, is so high up there on my list of NOTPs as to be in the stratosphere, so for me to not only read and finish this fic, but turn around and recommend it to other people as often as i do.... idk if it says something, exactly, other than i think it's REALLY FUCKING GOOD! minshan's role in this one is very minor in contrast to what you'll see above, but it is nevertheless an extremely important role that, imo, closely mirrors sms and jgy's canon dynamic in spirit, if not in function. just be prepared for things to go very dark. i cried at the end.

sainted, untainted by gloriousmonsters is a suyao oneshot that veers very closely towards dubcon territory, though the kink in question is one that they do negotiate in advance. things just... happen... in the thick of it, and they struggle, but the whole scene from start to finish remains consensual. what i love about it isn't even the sex, though that is very steamy and intimate dgmw. it's that everything about this scene, from start to finish, is also an examination of trust and vulnerability, and i think if there's anyone in the canon material jgy would be willing to give up his dearly bought power and control to--other than lan xichen--it's going to be su she.

those are the ones that immediately leap out at me! beyond that, here's a shameless plug for my post-canon xiyao fix-it WIP glorious, which only has one chapter up atm, but it is all jgy and sms. their dynamic is going to be as important as the romantic xiyao in subsequent chapters so 👉👉 watch this space etc.

#asks answered #mdzs fic recs #jin guangyao #su she #su minshan #suyao

[bloody-wonder]

23 Books in 2023

thanks for the tag @mrs-storm-andrews 📚✨

the rules are to name any 23 books you read in 2023. i was thinking about naming the best ones but it just so happens that i read exactly 23 books since doing my mid-year tag so here they are in reverse chronological order

loved it | was disappointed by it

Die Wunder des Lebens by Stefan Zweig

En l'absence des hommes by Philippe Besson

The Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisin

Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

The Uncensored Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Nimona by N.D. Stevenson

Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher

A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers

Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris

The Ninth Rain by Jen Williams

The Obelisk Gate by N.K. Jemisin

Die spät bezahlte Schuld by Stefan Zweig

Witch King by Martha Wells

The Mountains of Mourning by Lois McMaster Bujold

Family by M.C.A. Hogarth

Persuasion by Jane Austen

Dreamstorm by M.C.A. Hogarth

Die Reise in die Vergangenheit by Stefan Zweig

The King of Crows by Libba Bray

Vergessene Träume by Stefan Zweig

Dreamhearth by M.C.A. Hogarth

Before the Devil Breaks You by Libba Bray

The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by K.J. Charles

tagging @counterwiddershins @fugitoidkry @magpiefngrl @oliviermiraarmstrongs @pinkasrenzo @sugarbabywenkexing @fandomreferencepending @pemberlaey @hello-jumping-in-puddles @thehalcyonharbinger @beeblackburn @weirdsociology @veliseraptor @theodoradove @sixappleseeds @doh-rae-me @venndaai

📚goodreads📚

#book tag #looks like i loved everything i read in july except for the three classics i just had no opinion on either way #and the dreamhealers novella i already ranted about #and then august was a bumpy ride #the highs were high but the lows were Low #i didn't assign a color to sorcery of thorns but it's not bc i don't have an opinion on it #i have lots of opinions #most of them bad #however comma #have you heard of our lord and savior silas the demon butler

[quinn-of-aebradore]

CR Non-Endgame Ships Round 1

Lucien/Essek art by @lorn-art

Fjordwulf art by @venndaai

Rules, paraments and voting links here

#critical role #cr non endgame poll #luciessek #fjordwulf #lucien nonagon #essek thelyss #eadwulf grieve #fjord