notsoaveragebear
fanfic writer | current fandoms: ASoIaF, Star Wars, Code Geass
52 posts
Latest Posts by notsoaveragebear
Visions of Kyber: Episode I - The Sparks of Hope
Chapter 1: Prologue has been posted, and just in time for Star Wars Day too!
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/65260522/chapters/167887576
how to weave subplots into your story without getting tangled in the mess
Subplots: the spicy side quests of your main narrative. They deepen your world, flesh out your characters, and keep things interesting. But if you’ve ever added one and ended up with a story that feels like it’s running in six directions at once… yeah. Let’s fix that.
1. your subplot should serve the main plot
Don’t just throw in a romance arc or a secret sibling reveal because it’s fun (though it is fun). Ask:
- Does this subplot challenge the main character’s goals?
- Does it echo or contrast the main theme?
- Does it change something by the end?
If it’s just a cute side quest with no real impact, it’s fanfic material for your own story. Cool, but maybe not plot-essential.
2. intertwine, don’t parallel
Bad: your subplot exists in a bubble, running beside the plot but never touching it.
Better: your subplot interacts with the main plot. Maybe it complicates things. Maybe it supports the MC in a moment of crisis. Maybe it explodes everything.
Example: your MC is hunting a killer, and the subplot is their failing marriage. Good subplotting means the stress of the hunt affects the marriage, and the marriage affects the hunt.
3. stagger your arcs
Your main plot might hit its midpoint twist at chapter 10. Have a subplot hit a *smaller* emotional beat around chapter 7 or 13. It keeps pacing dynamic and gives your readers something to chew on between big moments.
4. use subplots to develop side characters
Side characters are more than background noise. Give them wants. Give them stakes. Let their stories *collide* with your MC’s. That’s when the magic happens.
5. know when to shut it down
Not every subplot needs a 3-act structure and a dramatic finale. Some are small. Some fade out naturally. Some just shift the perspective enough to reframe the main plot. If you’re tying up subplot #6 with a bow in the epilogue, maybe ask yourself if it really needed to be there.
6. outline the spiderweb
It helps to map out how every subplot connects to the main story. Literally. Draw lines. Make a chaos diagram. It doesn’t have to be neat—just make sure those threads touch.
TL;DR:
Subplots are great. Subplots are juicy. But they’re not decoration—they’re infrastructure. Weave them into the story’s bones or risk writing 3 novels in one.
someone on twitter is trying to claim that use of an em-dash is an indication of AI-generated writing because it’s “relatively rare” for actual humans to use it. skill issue
A chronological history of all Sith (and sith-adjacents, such as the Inquisitorius and Knights of Ren) in the current Star Wars canon, compiled after tedious research by yours truly.
Accurate as of November 2024.
Wrote a little something while working on my longfic
If you're a writer you're supposed to write a lot of bullshit. It's part of the gig. You have to write a lot of absolute garbage in order to get to the good bits. Every once in a while you'll be like "Oh, I wish I hadn't wasted all that time writing bullshit," but that's dumb. That's exactly the same as an Olympic runner being like "Oh, I wish I hadn't wasted all that time running all those practice laps"
unfortunately, I will write this fic and I am writing this fic are two very different things
Good Luck Babe by Chappell Roan is very dorogrid coded i fear
WIP WEDNESDAY
Hey! Hope everyone’s doing alright in this Wednesday! And hopefully not killing each other…Anyway, here’s a snippet for an upcoming longfic of mine:
STAR WARS VISIONS S2 IS SO GOOD
How to show emotions
Part VII
How to show pride
standing tall
expanded posture, opening of the torso
lifted chin, head held high
big and confident smile
looking around to see if people recognize and admire what they are proud of
How to show enthusiasm
big smile and laughter
wide radiant eyes
raised eyebrows
jumping up and down or bouncing
clapping hands
big hand gestures
loud and high pitched voice
speaking quickly
How to show anxiety
not holding/breaking eye contact
fidgeting
heavy breathing
twitching in their face
often a blank stare or looking away
rigid posture
sweaty palms
bouncing their knees
rubbing palms against each other or clothing
How to show playfulness
laughing
giggling
grinning
using a playful tone
making a silly face
touching the other person teasingly
e.g. tickling, nudging, bumping into them
How to show being offended
stiffening up
hard line around the lips
frozen stare
narrowing of the eyes
Part I + Part II + Part III + Part IV + Part V + Part VI
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Fandom: God there’s like NO content anymore. I wish we could get more art and fanfics :(((
Someone: Hey, I can’t draw anything digitally, because I can’t afford a tablet, but here’s a pen on paper drawing that I spent a lot of time and hard work on. Also, I took a shot at my first fanfic and I’d really like some feedback or at least some kudos if you enjoyed it :)
Fandom: Oh... yeah sorry no... not you. We actually meant writers that are already well known and popular to produce MORE content... I mean, if a popular blog shares your work then maybe. And we don’t really like pen to paper art. We just don’t think it’s professional or even looks good :/
having a bad start doesn’t mean everything is ruined. having a bad week doesn’t mean your whole year will be bad. everything could be going wrong right now but you can still have a nice ending.
When A Character Is in love they…
can't stop thinking about the other person.
smile for no reason.
feel nervous and excited around their crush.
go out of their way to do nice things for the person.
get lost in daydreams.
blush at the mention of their crush's name.
feel a warm, fluttery feeling in their chest.
constantly check their phone for messages.
have trouble focusing on anything else.
write or doodle the person's name absentmindedly.
feel a surge of happiness when they see their crush.
replay their interactions over and over in their mind.
"Fire and Blood is biased propaganda by the maesters so nothing in the real Dance of the Dragons actually happened like in the books, you can't critique the show for showing things as they really were!"
I'm so tired of this take...
GRRM wrote the original ASOIAF series as an anti-monarchy and anti-war story. He's an author who makes a point to flesh out characters and motivations, he understands that there isn't truly a good vs bad narrative to any large-scale, real-world conflict like war, and he understands the sociopolitical factors involved. His series highlights that it's the most vulnerable people in society who suffer when those in power play their game of thrones and make consequential decisions based on their own personal motivations without thought to the consequences to those that will have to the pay the price for them. That's GRRM's entire point with the original series: war destroys everything, it is never really justified, and through war the powerful set in motion terrible events that the most vulnerable are most like to suffer.
So the idea that all of a sudden with the prequel book Fire and Blood GRRM pivoted to write a biased textbook that purposefully misconstrues a conflict where the real story behind the pages is that one side of a dynastic civil war was led by a faultless, pure woman whose divine right to rule was stolen from her, and she's justified in plunging the realm into war to reclaim her throne because the other side was uniquely misogynist against her and was made up of selfish flawed people who just wanted to steal her power from her because she was a woman...
Sure, Fire and Blood may be a history book with unreliable narrators and sources that are trying to recount long-lost histories of the realm and possibly failing to capture the totality of what actually occurred. But I can absolutely guarantee you that the intended real history of the Dance of the Dragons as it took place in the world of ASOIAF was not some black and white, good vs bad tale of morality where one side was right and the other side was wrong like the show and some fans are insisting.
The actual Dance of Dragons as it exists in the ASOIAF timeline and universe, keeping in line with GRRM's original intention and message of the ASOIAF books, is 100% a story of a flawed, ultra-powerful family that fractured into two ideologically different factions that led to a pointless civil war in which neither side was justified in their attempts to seize power from the other. The result was that the family killed themselves until the only survivors were the traumatized children left over from either faction. In this pursuit of absolute power within one family thousands were subjected to the abject horrors of war: pillaging, famine, torture, sexual violence, being burned alive, and so much more. Neither side was faultless. Neither side had "the right" or justification to enact this conflict. Neither side bore sole responsibility for the conflict. Neither side was good or bad while the other was the opposite.
It really just fits outside of the world of ASOIAF to think that Fire and Blood's account of the Dance of the Dragons was uniquely biased against a single woman and her side of the conflict wherein this woman and her supporters were actually good people that had bad things done to them and all accounts in the book relating to them are inaccurate, yet most accounts of everyone else in the story were more or less true and accurate to how events played out. Like are you actually serious that this is how you think this story and history played out in this world of ASOIAF? That ultimately the story of the Dance of the Dragons is not anti-monarchy and anti-war in line with the original ASOIAF series but actually it's the story of a uniquely good woman in this terrible world who had a rightful claim to the throne and whose power was taken from her solely because of misogyny so she was justified in going to war to take it back? Like that's your analysis and interpretation on this conflict?
The way that the show is presenting this story is so unbelievably and ridiculously reductionist and simplified to the point where you begin to question why someone wanted to try to adapt the material at all... but then of course you remember that 1) Game of Thrones made a lot of money for a lot of people 2) its later seasons of mediocre, oversimplified writing continued to be rewarded with huge budgets, profits, and awards nominations despite the obvious downgrade of quality 3) so many modern writers believe the general audience needs to be spoonfed ideas and that they can't handle complexity, so it's more important that they shape an existing story into something that is a palatable, profitable hero vs villain tale that everyone can casually enjoy (and ideally appeals to modern sensibilities) than they try to create a compelling, thought-provoking, interesting and faithful adaptation of the source material.
Shalio sighed with relief and began to approach her. “My lady,” he said, stopping right in front of her. “How are you feeling?” Hayam stared at him for a while. “I’m…I just…” She lowered her head and closed her eyes. “I just miss him already…” A tear began to roll down her face. Shalio instinctively reached his hand out to try and wipe it away, before stopping himself. I can’t, he thought as he lowered his hand back to his side. No matter how hard I want to.
yet another ‘characters posing for a camera™’ case
this time with siblings of the previous generation
Ways to reveal backstory
The first thing to know about backstory is that it is revealed when it is needed, not before to set up when it’ll be needed, but the moment it is necessary. I talk more about this advice here, but that’s the gist. So assuming the following moments require necessary backstory, here’s some places and ways to reveal backstory,
1. As related to a place
Settings have the ability to carry a whole lot of history. People can forget or move on but a stain on a blanket will always be a stain, a bedroom—however changed—will always be part of a house (unless you want to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory it). Taking your characters to the scene of their histories, allowing them access to the setting where they first experienced something is an easy way to share what that place means to them.
2. As related to a person
While friends of course hold a lot of history together, this works best if it’s a person your character hasn’t seen in a spell. Where maybe the last time they interacted was the backstory you want to share. Or otherwise their long-term friend does something out of the ordinary that reminds them of “the event”
3. As related to a conflict or emotions
A fight may remind your character of another, or even just a feeling—“the last time he had experienced (something) was (backstory).”
4. In conversation
While your character may not spill all the details of their backstory to anyone who asks, someone asking them a pointed question, “so, where’d you grow up?” or “why haven’t you mentioned your parents at all?” would inspire them to think about the event, making an easy share to the readers as well.
Important to note that how they respond to this question verbally tells a whole lot about how they feel about their past. What goes unsaid is far more important than what they actually say (check out Subtext here)
Anything I missed?
First five ASOIAF portraits are done!
F!Aegon
Theon Greyjoy
Quentyn Martell
Sansa Stark
Shireen Baratheon
So this is just a hypothetical question of mine, buuuuuuuut…
Is it normal for one of your OTPs to consist of a canon character and the OC that you specifically created to explore a different side to said canon character despite the canon material having so far never shown any hint of that side existing and to avenge said canon character after his/her death?
Again, it’s a hypothetical question.
Britannian History Lessons
I have no idea who translated these. They were extras with the season one DVDs.
The Origin of Britannia Part 1
Lelouch: So here’s the first session. Suzaku: You haven’t changed, Lelouch. I don’t think people will understand what this session is for. Lelouch: I don’t need those who don’t understand. You can only learn if you’re prepared to learn! Suzaku: I’m not sure about those Zero-influenced lines… Oh, but you were always easily influenced as a child. You used to imitate superheroes. Lelouch: Stop talking about something so long ago! Suzaku: But aren’t we talking about history today? We have to talk about long ago. Lelouch: Urgh… being a smart aleck? I’m leaving. Suzaku: Sorry, so sorry. I’m ready to learn, Professor Lelouch. Lelouch: Good. Then tell me. Do you know when Britannia was formed? Suzaku: Of course. This year is 2017 of the Imperial Calendar, so it was 2017 years ago. Lelouch: Wrong. Suzaku: What? But the Imperial Calendar — “a.t.b.” means “Ascension Throne Britannia,” meaning “the year Britannia assumed the throne,” right? Lelouch: It seems you did your homework. I’m impressed. Suzaku: It’s common knowledge. Besides, I was tested during the Honorary Britannian appointment. Lelouch: Then, the grounds of the ascension? Suzaku: Um… I think it was triggered when Julius Caesar tried to invade… Lelouch: That’s right. And one of the Celtic tribal kings who resisted is said to be the ancestor of the Britannian Royal Family. He gained freedom from Rome and was coronated — although it was more like becoming a chieftan — that year is the first year of the Imperial Calendar. Now, what’s the name of this king? Suzaku: Um……… I give up. Lelouch: Hey, Suzaku! You don’t have this simple information!? It’s on the next test! Suzaku: Well, I was busy, so… Lelouch: Then look it up by the next time we meet. Got it?
The Origin of Britannia Part 2
Lelouch: So Suzaku, I’m assuming you did your homework. Suzaku: Of course, Lelouch. Here. Lelouch: Alwin I, eh? Yes, you’re correct. You pass! Suzaku: But people won’t understand what we’re talking about just from this! Lelouch: I, Lelouch, order you. If you want to know, buy the first volume of the DVD! Suzaku: You’re so easily influenced. Anyway… Alwin I is known to be the ancestor of the Britannian Royal Family. He gained freedom from Rome and became the first chieftan, and that year is the year Britannia was formed. I’m right, aren’t I? Lelouch: For now, yes. Then can you tell me who was the Emperor of Rome at the time? Suzaku: … I give up. Lelouch: It was Augustus. Remember that. Now, this Alwin I is only a figure from a legend and there is no proof that he existed. The history of the Empire, the “Britannia Chronology,” indicates that he really existed, but this chronology was created when the Holy Empire of Britannia was founded. So when they founded the empire is when they stuck on the legacy of the Royal Family’s blood as an afterthought to assure their ascension. It’s common in kingship and imperialism. Suzaku: So when am I supposed to recognize when Britannia was founded? Lelouch: I guess you can regard Britannia’s beginnings to be when the descendents of the Tudor family line who went to the New World ended and the Duke of Britannia started the imperial regime. The Imperial Calendar was established then too. It extended back in history and set the first year as a thousand and a couple hundred years ago. Suzaku: I see. Lelouch: Now, do you know when that year was? And who was the emperor who was coronated? Suzaku: Imperial Calendar 1813. The Emperor was Ricardo van Britannia I. Lelouch: Correct. It looks like you studied hard. Suzaku: Yeah. Cecile helped me too. Lelouch: Cecile? Who’s that? Suzaku: My superior of the department I’m in. Lelouch: A woman, eh? You’re good at debauching as always. Suzaku: Debauch… that’s not true! Lelouch: You were always good at getting older women to like you. Suzaku: I’m not doing it on purpose! Besides, why are you bringing up the past like that? Lelouch: Huh? You said it first. That we’re discussing “history.” Suzaku: Urgh…
The Virgin Queen Elizabeth
Milly: What are you two doing? Suzaku: Oh, hello. I’m learing Britannian history from Lelouch. Milly: I see. But if it’s history, you should ask me. You know that my character’s description is “has a great knowledge in history and will cooly observe the changing world with Zero’s presence.” Lelouch: That description is way old. There’s no hint of it anywhere. Milly: Oh, Lelouch. You are so cheeky. Don’t you agree? Suzaku: Uh, um… I can’t say much there (sweat). Milly: Oh well. Even without that in my description, I’m good at history. The Ashford family has nobility in its line, after all. Lelouch: Formerly, you mean. Milly: Oh, shush. Whose fault do you think that is? Lelouch: Urgh… (sweating heavily). Well, anyway. It’s a good opportunity to ask the president if you have any questions, Suzaku. Suzaku: Let’s see… then can you tell me about the era of absolute monarchism — about the Elizabeth I from the Tudor dynasty? She’s called the Virgin Queen, but isn’t it weird that she has a chld? Milly: That names comes from the fact that she was single for her whole life. There’s her famous line, “I have already joined myself in marriage to a husband — my country.” Suzaku: But she has a kid. Was it Henry IX? Milly: Yes. Bluntly speaking, it was an illegitimate child. Elizabeth I didn’t marry, but she had many lovers. The Earl of Leicester, Earl of Essex and the Duke of Britannia are among the possible fathers. She switched between lovers all of her life. I’m a little jealous. Lelouch: So she was an Amazon. Like someone we know. Milly: What was that, Lelouch? What are you trying to say? Suzaku: I think he meant that you are similar to Elizabeth I. Lelouch: Hey, Suzaku, shut up! You idiot! Milly: I see. By the way, Vice President, did you finish the documents I asked for? Lelouch: No, I’ve been busy lately… I’ll have it done by tomorrow’s deadline. Milly: I changed my mind. I want it now. Lelouch: That’s high-handed, President! Milly: Call me Queen!
Sakuradite and the Age of Exploration
Suzaku: Unh… Shirley: What’s wrong, Suzaku? Are you constipated? Suzaku: Yeah, I feel so bloated… Hey, what are you making me say, Shirley? Shirley: Hee hee. I’ve been hanging around the President too long. But I’m surprised that you could kid around like that. Suzaku: Lelouch trains me well, doesn’t he? Shirley: You guys are really close… I’m so jealous. So, why were you groaning? Suzaku: This. “In (a)’s ‘Description of the World,’ he describes a country known as Jipang, meaning Japan, and that it is a golden island. But it is foolish to think that this country was rich in gold; rather, it was rich in (b). At the time in Europe, research that was inspired by © led to the discovery of an energy source but there was not enough of it, and this hindered the progress. (a)’s 'Discovery of the World’ moved the people to explore the world and eventually led to the discovery of the former United States, currently the conquered territory of Britannia.” Shirley: Let’s see… “Fill in the blanks. If you can.” What is this? Why does this worksheet sound so condescending? Suzaku: Lelouch made it. All of his worksheets are like this. Shirley: Oh, Lulu… (laugh) So the answer to “a” is “Marco Polo,” b is “Sakuradite,” and c is “alchemy.” Suzaku: Wow, you’re good in history! Shirley: No, I’m ot. But I’m good with minerals and geosciences. My father is a geologist. He works in the bureau and he goes around investigating geological conditions. Suzaku: I see… Shirley: But this worksheet really shows Lulu’s personality. Suzaku: Yeah, but I wish… it would show a little more love. Shirley: What are you talking about? It shows a ton of love! Lulu would never do this for anyone he didn’t care for. I’m really jealous now. Suzaku: Why don’t you tell him that you like him? Shirley: Well… huh!? How do you know that I… Suzaku: It’s actually quite obvious. I think the only one who doesn’t know is Lelouch. Shirley: I’ll tell him myself eventually! So please don’t tell him. Promise? Suzaku: Of course. Shirley: Thanks!
The Rebellion of Washington
Lelouch: ~~ ♪ C.C.: You’re in an awfully good mood. Humming, eh? Lelouch: !! Oh, I didn’t know you were there, C.C. C.C.: Why are you so flustered? … Huh? What’s that? Lelouch: It’s none of your buisness. C.C.: Let’s see… “Write the reason why the Rebellion of Washington in the Colonies ended in failure in 1770 a.t.b. in 1,200 words.” Is this homework? But it’s odd that you’re making the worksheet… Lelouch: It’s for Suzaku. Just go away! C.C.: The Rebellion of Washington… that was a long time ago. It’s easy. It’s because Ben betrayed the Continental Congress. Lelouch: Ben? C.C.: Oh, sorry, I mean Benjamin Franklin. Lelouch: Why can’t you just call him the Earl of Franklin? Yes, it’s true that Franklin went to France to ask Louis XVI to support their independence and failed. But that’s not the main reason they lost, is it? C.C.: Well, Louis was willing to help. But when Ben went to France, he met the Duke of Britannia. And he was offered a title and some land in the Colonies, and fell for it. Ben is the type who prefers research to war… he was a kind man. No, too kind. If Ben had asked Louis for support, Louis would’ve given them an army and the Continental Army wouldn’t have lost in Yorktown. And George — I mean, Washington — wouldn’t have died and America wouldn’t have become territorialized. Lelouch: The Duke of Britannia was involved!? That’s not in any of the history materials! C.C.: But it’s the truth. Lelouch: … You talk as if you saw it happen. Could you have possibly…!? C.C.: I’m C.C. I know everything. For example, I can name the song you were just humming. Lelouch: !!!!! C.C.: Was it from 8 years ago? The special effects fighting show that aired on Sunday mornings in Japan. Lelouch: Okay! I got it! Shut up! Sheesh, you’re such a… C.C.: You’re still naive, Lelouch. You can’t beat me in a thousand years. Lelouch: Do you mean figuratively? C.C.: Hee hee. Who knows?
The Humiliation at Edinburgh Lelouch: Good. Good. Damn. Good. Suzaku: Lelouch, can you stop correcting my worksheet out loud? Lelouch: No. Suzaku: Why not!? Lelouch: It’s fun watching your reaction when you get something wrong. Suzaku: Lelouch, you’re a sadist. Lelouch: Okay, 85%. You did pretty good. Suzaku: Because I have a good teacher. Lelouch: Hmph. Flattery won’t get you anything! Suzaku: I’m not flattering you. I really think so. Thanks, Lelouch. Lelouch: … Anyway, today’s session… Suzaku: Um, we’re at the end of the 1700s, when the citizens were starting a revolution. Lelouch: That’s right. Ahem. At the end of the 1700s, all of Europe was facing rebellions that were triggered by the French Revolution. That was when Napoleon started gaining power, was crowned, and had a hold on almost all of Europe. He looked to expand to the British Isles, won the Battle of Trafalgar and held naval supremacy. He then took his 120,000 men and landed on British soil and thereafter advanced to London. The queen at that time, Elizabeth III, was chased to Edinburgh where she was captured by the citizens who supported Napoleon. She was forced to abolish the monarchy in a.t.b. 1807, which is known as the… Suzaku: “Humiliation at Edinburgh.” Lelouch: Right. And the one who saved the queen is Ricardo van Britannia, the man who eventually founded the Britannia Empire. Suzaku: So his existence was important to history. Lelouch: Not so fast. That’s why you’re so naive. You forgot an important person. He will later be featured in many novels, plays and movies: Ricardo’s right-hand man and best friend, and the strongest knight. He was the head of the Knights of the Round, the “Knight of One” — Sir Richart Hector. Suzaku: Oh! I think I’ve heard of him! I think I saw the movie, too. Lelouch: Then there’s no problem. Without Richart, the escape from Edinburgh to the New World wouldn’t have happened. Suzaku: I see… Lelouch: Then next we’ll talk about the founding of the Britannia Empire. Make sure to study! Suzaku: Yes, Professor Lelouch.
The Formation of Britannia Nunnally: Oh, I didn’t know you were here. Suzaku: Yeah. Lelouch was teaching me. Nunnally: When you’re done, would you like to have dinner with us? They’re preparing it now. Suzaku: Thanks, I’d love to. Lelouch: Then Suzaku, we’ll move on to the formation of Britannia. Did you study for this? Suzaku: Leave it to me. So Elizabeth III and the aristocrats who followed her went to the New World and set up a capital on the East Coast. They started conquering America, but Elizabeth III died without leaving an heir. Lelouch: Yeah. And normally they would choose one from among the relatives, but Elizabeth appointed her lover, Ricardo van Britannia I, as the heir on her deathbed. And that is how the Holy Empire of Britannia came to be. Suzaku: It’s an unbelievable story. She’s known as the “Queen who lived an eventful life for love,” right? She might’ve been nice as a lady, but I’m doubtful about her as a ruler. Lelouch: Woah! Stop, Suzaku! Suzaku: Huh? Nunnally: I see… you don’t like Elizabeth III? You don’t think she had what it took to be a ruler? Suzaku: Huh? What’s going on? Why do I feel so cornered? Nunnally: I see… Excuse me, I must go. Suzaku: What happened? Did I say something? Lelouch: Nunnally is a fan of Elizabeth III. When she was younger, she read a highly innacurate story that depicted her as a tragic queen. Suzaku: Oh, I see. I’m sorry. I didn’t know. Lelouch: Well, it’s not anything new that you can’t read the atmosphere. I’m glad you didn’t bring up the theory that she assassinated Napoleon, because the damage would’ve been even more severe. Suzaku: You mean, the theory that Napoleon died on his way back to France after the loss at Waterloo because of poison in his food put in by Elizabeth’s men? Lelouch: Yeah. “I will never forget this humiliation.” It’s a famous quote from her last testament. Nunnally: Lelouch! Suzaku! Dinner is ready. Lelouch: !! Oh, thanks, Nunnally. That was quick. Nunnally: I helped a little, that’s why. Suzaku: Thanks. I thought you’d be mad. Nunnally: Of course not. It was I who invited you. “I will never forget.” Suzaku:/Lelouch: …!!! Nunnally: Please, eat up!
Arrival of the Black Ships Lelouch: So the democratic revolutions continued and the aristocrats from all over Europe, especially France, advocated the release of slaves and the war that started in the southern states became the Civil War. Any questions? Suzaku: None, I get it. Oh? I hear a knock. Come in! Kallen: Oh, Suzaku, Lelouch. What are you two doing? Suzaku: I’m having Lelouch teach me history. Lelouch: That’s right. So if you don’t need anything, you’re in the way. Get out. Suzaku: You don’t have to kick her out. I don’t mind. Come on, let’s continue. Lelouch: Sheesh, you’re too nice. Fine, let’s continue. Britannia worked on stabilizing the country while also looking at foreign opportunities, especially in the Pacific. And finally in 1853 they crossed the Pacific and arrived in Japan. Japan had an isolationist policy and realized that they’d fallen behind the rest of the world. “The denkisen awakens the Pacific slumber; just four cups and we cannot fall asleep.” Are you familiar with this? Suzaku: Of course. I’m Japanese. Lelouch: Oh yeah. Well, it’s obvious but this is a haiku describing the black ships of Britannia arriving at Japan. Suzaku:/Kallen: …! Lelouch: What’s wrong? Suzaku: Oh… just continue, Lelouch. Lelouch: …? Fine. So the denkisen refers to the Britannian ships with outer rings that were operated with electric motors. It must be a phonetic equivalent. They should’ve written it with the kanji for “electric boats,” but since Japan didn’t have the technology for electricity, they used different kanji… Suzaku:/Kallen: … Lelouch: Okay, if you gusy have something you want to say, just say it! Kallen: You’re wrong, Lelouch. That’s not a haiku but a parodied tanka. Lelouch: …!! It’s something similar! Kallen: No, it’s not. And the denkisen actually refers to the expensive tea that was loaded on the boat. Green tea has a lot of caffeine, so the four cups making people not fall asleep is referring to the fact that a commotion was made with just four ships. Lelouch: What!? Is that true, Suzaku!? Suzaku: Umm. Sorry, Lelouch. Kallen is right. Lelouch: Urgh! Kallen: I’m sorry, Lelouch. You were enjoying your rolse as a professor, but I guess I ruined your day. Lelouch: Shut up, you. Perry ship!!
Occupation of Japan
Lelouch: So this is the last session. Suzaku: You’re as abrupt as usual. But isn’t this a bad place to end this? Lelouch: What are you talking about? This is just as I planned. I can’t talk about the a.t.b. 1900s because it’s related to the main plot. I’ve been told not to say anything. Suzaku: Really? But this is the last DVD volume, isn’t it? Lelouch: Urgh! It’s the end but not the end! Anyway, here’s the last session! We’re going to skip to a.t.b. 2010!! Suzaku: You don’t have to yell. Oh, 2010 is the year we first met. Lelouch: Yeah. At that time Japan took advantage of how the Chinese Federation and Britannia were on hostile terms and stayed neutral. They used the sakuradite card, manipulated the distribution, and created a three-way standoff between the Chinese Federation, the EU, and Britannia to enjoy economic prosperity. Suzaku: And no one thought that Britannia would break the balance using military force. Lelouch: That’s right. The common assumption in international relations at the time was that it was taboo to attack Japan. Because once a fire started, all the other factions would follow suit and a full-scale war would break out. But the one who broke the rule… Suzaku: … Was Charles zi Britannia. The 98th emperor of the Holy Empire of Britannia. And your father. Lelouch: That man’s preparations were complete. As a blindside he sent all of the Knights of the Round to Africa and Inda, and the flagship ship, the Great Britannia, to the Indian Ocean; and while others were looking away from the Pacific he seized Japan quickly. The situation was practically decided in the first 24 hours, and by the time the Chinese Federation and EU tried to act, it was too late. And what happened after that… is not necessary to say, I guess. Suzaku: Yeah, you’re right. Lelouch: Now starting tomorrow, I’ll talk about the history of other countries. Don’t forget to study. Suzaku: Huh!? But you said this is the last session. Lelouch: It’s over as in what’s going to be in the DVD booklets. Your class will continue. We’re starting with the Chinese Federation. Suzaku: Why the Chinese Federation? Lelouch: “It’s not the end of the story” is a hint. Suzaku: Sigh… I guess there’s much more… Lelouch: Are you unhappy with that!? After all that I went through to teach you!? Suzaku: No, I’m very grateful, Professor. Lelouch: Very well. Then that’s the end of today’s session!
THE DANCE OF DRAGONS for the Game of Thrones: Season 5 blu-ray
Last year I had the opportunity to work on an animated featurette for Game of Thrones!
The Dance of Dragons is a 20 minutes animation based on G.R.R. Martin’s novella The Princess and the Queen, which takes place 200 years before the events in Game of Thrones. It tells the story of the struggle in which Targaryen turned against Targaryen, resulting in civil war and destroying most of their dragons in the process.
In addition to being in the blu-ray, it was shown at a few events in the run-up to the season 6 premiere. Pretty much a dream project, thanks to the people at Buddha Jones + LAssociates - particularly the producer Adam Vadnais.
(Tumblr // Twitter // Instagram)
(Just a note: I was in charge of drawing the characters + dragons; the colours and background were handled by other people for the finished product. So it looks fairly different to these frames.)
only one bed
morning after dialogue
"Please, don't make this awkward."
"Did you know that you snore quite a lot?"
"We don't have to talk about it."
"You stole my blanket and fought me for it."
"I need to use the bathroom, could you let me go please?"
"See? That was alright, wasn't it?"
"Never thought you would be a cuddler."
"You're seriously like an octopus."
"How did you sleep? I slept surprisingly well."
"I can't feel my arm anymore, you were laying on it all night."
"You are like a furnace, I felt like I needed to get my clothes off."
"Has anyone ever told you that you talk in your sleep?"
"I couldn't leave, you were lying basically on top of me."
"When did you decide that I was the pillow?"
"Can we delay getting up for a few minutes more, please?"
More: bed sharing scenarios + only one bed dialogue
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budgie✨ on X: "#作画カロリーの高い作品を上げようぜ https://t.co/wx8rTJa0x0" / X
pov: you're waking up and it's june 1st
(happy pride month yall!)