Hello the Anon who also didn't know why Grims name was Grim. Random thing about twisted did you know Kalim is supposed to be the sultan from Aladdin? Found out about this on a random YouTube comment a couple months ago and I can't let this go-
welcome back anon!!!
this one I did know! tho at the beggining I was very confused on whether Kalim was supposed to be Aladdin, Jasmine, the Sultan or a mix of these, since he's got some traits from all of them. seeing as Jamil is based of Jafar it was easier to get it, especially since on chapter 4 Jamil hypnotizes him to overthrow him just like Jafar was doing to the Sultan!
although there are some characters I'm still not sure about...
yes I'm aware the Heartslabyul students are the card soldiers, as it's pretty obvious, but they also can represent other characters I think. Trey is the Mad Hatter and Cater the White Rabbit, but I'm not sure who Ace and Deuce would be.
Ortho kinda reminds me of Pinocchio, especially on the Wish Upon a Star Event, but I'm not sure who from Hercules he's supposed to be (that might be because I've never watched the movie before lmao the greek mythology obsessed kid inside me would not let Hades get disrespected like that)
Sebek reminds me of Tick-Tock from Peter Pan lol I'm not sure who he's supposed to be either. Lilia is a bit like the three good fairies bc he takes Silver in and treats him like his own son, but I'm also not sure if he's supposed to be twisted from them or not?
and lastly, Crowley himself. is he... even based on anyone? is this common knowledge and I'm just out of the loop? I truly have no idea
So a little something I’ve never really analyzed is how much symbolism is in each overblot design!! You can find small hints and nods to events and stories in each outfit. If I had to give an example I think Riddle’s is the easiest to spot, the cards on the bottom. The cards used to symbolize Ace and Deuce are shown in the front of the dress with the cards used to symbolize Cater and Trey being in the back. Of course this could be me over-analyzing, but having Ace and Deuce being shown in front somewhat leads me to believe it was intentional to show how Riddle somewhat followed them and how they refused to follow him. Cater and Trey being in the back shows how they followed him and stood behind him even though they knew what he was doing was wrong! And there’s little things like that in every outfit if you look closely!! - 🦭
🦭 ANON HIII HOW ARE U DOING???
you're so right, all the overblot designs have little details and motifs that are very interesting to analyse and can tell you a lot about the characters themselves!
honestly, I think there isn't such a thing as over-analyzing! the artists usually put a lot of intentional little details into the designs, so there could be meaning to them! I really like your interpretation of it, I'll admit I never noticed or thought about this before, so now I'm convinced it could represent this!
my favorite design choice for the ob!designs is how many acessories are made from pure blot, like in Riddle's case: his crown, boots, gloves and the little thingy behind his neck! also, how the phantoms represent their fears/insecurities and the villains they were inspired by! in Riddle's case, it could be interpreted as his mother's influence and how he still feels like he has to follow all she thaught him and the rules bearing down on him, besides the Queen Of Hearts herself.
if you'd like to tell me more about your theories and observations about the overblot designs, feel free to! I've missed reading your thoughts on things, thank you for sharing them with me! 🫶
things they do during the ‘honeymoon phase’
♯ idia shroud, malleus draconia, vil schoenheit
summary: little things they start to do in the early stages of your relationship. (repost, likes and reblogs are appreciated </3)
cw: gn!reader, fluff, sfw, vil does your makeup
idia gets into your interests
“you know that game you like? it’s actually… alright.” idia says out of the blue, last word enunciated slowly as though he had been mulling over his word choice. he actually enjoyed the game very much, but he wasn’t going to tell you that—choosing to feign nonchalance, doing finger pushups against his desk in an attempt to look somewhat occupied.
you can’t help but beam. “you actually played it?!” you’re leaning in so, so close to him, the apples of his cheeks instantly grow rosy and he finds himself looking anywhere but your bright, hopeful eyes. he was the making you this happy? just by playing a game? (he decides this expression was one he wanted to see more often—if he could bring himself to look your way, that is.)
“w-well i didn’t get too far but from where i was, the lore seems interesting and the characters are cute, and…” he pauses, sneaking a glance at you. you’re hanging onto his every word, urging him to keep rambling on. “the graphics are cool too. i guess.” he internally facepalms. he should shut up. why did you care so much about his opinion, anyway?
“just give me your game id so i can add you–” idia’s mid-sentence when his words are cut off by a whisper of thanks and an odd, feverish sensation on his right cheek that ends faster than he can process. he short-circuits.
if his face had been flushed before, he’s certain his hair is now a similar shade, blue ends blossoming into dahlia pink as his breath hitches, heart thrumming against his chest rather suddenly.
“hh… it was nothing really. i mean, i guess it was pretty easy for a pro like me.” you were doing wonders for his ego. he’s baring his teeth, flashing his wide signature smile before his lips ghost over yours apprehensively.
“i-if i played more, would you kiss me again?”
malleus ensures your safety
“you really don’t have to walk me home!” you’re flailing your arms about a little helplessly as he meets your stride with a chuckle.
“but i want to. it’s also night-time.” he reminds you, ignoring the fact that you’re in a boarding school with sufficient security, and also had his retainers trailing after you, currently hiding in the bushes in an attempt to be somewhat inconspicuous. “making sure that you get home safe eases my worries considerably.”
well, when he puts it like that… you don’t have the heart to deny him.
as your shoulders bump, malleus wonders how your hands would feel in his. were you the type to intertwine fingers when holding hands, or did simply having one hand rest on top of another suffice? were your hands smaller, or bigger? his digits brush against your own, but retract themselves just as fast.
the action doesn’t go unnoticed. even after putting a label on your relationship, he’d still be hesitant initiating any sort of skin-ship. it’s as though he expects you to cower and shy away, when all you want to do is revel in his affection. so you stop walking.
malleus, lost in his own thoughts, continues on ahead, and you bite your tongue trying not to snicker when he finally breaks out of his reverie to see you’re no longer by his side. he beckons you over, forehead wrinkling slightly as he huffs and juts his lips out into a pout. cute. “what are you doing?”
“mal, we’re dating. you can hold my hand, you know.” surveying his tentative demeanour, you add: “it’d make me feel more secure if you did.”
“oh.” his pout is replaced by a coy smile as you meet his side once again.
“if that’s how you feel,” he squeezes your hand, swinging it back and forth before raising it with childlike awe. he’s brimming with unfathomable tenderness as you lock eyes; you match his expression, teetering between bashfulness and contentment. “then we should’ve done this sooner.”
vil listens your criticisms
“–and so i just told him straight: if that’s the role i’m going to be offered, then i’ll take my leave.” vil finishes his rant as you hum in acknowledgment, eyes closed as you try your best to stay still. he’s putting some sort of powder all over your face, and you resist the urge to scrunch your nose at the ticklish sensation of brush hairs flicking across your profile. “i can imagine how you strutted out.” you giggle.
though your eyes are closed, you know he’s rolling his eyes at your remark as he holds your shoulder firmly to stop it from moving with the tremors of your laugh. “well? what would you have done?”
you’re silent for a couple beats, pursing your lips in contemplation. “i suppose i would’ve tried to compromise. i think you should’ve asked about other roles instead of leaving right away when you didn’t get what you wanted.” the room seems to still, and you feel like retracting your words when he doesn’t reply immediately. “vil?”
“you’re right.” other than rook, you were the only one brave enough to talk to him straightforwardly, lacking any semblance of falsity. “i think i needed to hear that.” vil carries on working away, spraying you with something you only recently learned (courtesy of him, of course) was ‘setting spray’. an odd, guttural noise comes from your boyfriend’s throat—you’re not sure if that’s a particularly positive or negative sign. “you can open your eyes.”
adjusting to the sudden brightness, you blink thrice before peering at yourself in the vanity mirror. “so? am i beautiful now?” you tease light-heartedly, posing as he pulls you into taking a quick selfie before pocketing his phone again.
he admires your sanguine features and his hard work, feeling a smile tug against the corners of his lips; he lets it grow wide, because he supposes there’s no need to play pretend. you always see right through him anyway. he presses a kiss to your nose, careful not to smudge the silvery highlight on it’s tip. “you’re already beautiful.”
he likes you so much it’s detestable.
HI CHERRY !!!! I'M BACK 😁 THANKS FOR THE TAG!!!
spell / abandoned mansion / ghost hunter / griffin / neck bite / fairy godmother / potion / ghost / dragon scales / druid / elf / necromancy / hand magic / unicorn / disney-style fairytale / sword / siren / silver / talking animal / crossroads pact / mermaid lagoon / cottage / pirate / normal lifespan / wizard
I've always liked things related to mermaids and ghosts so that explains most of these lol
being a vampire AND a vampire slayer sounds so cool!!
Answer these or else:
spell or curse / abandoned mansion or haunted cemetery / vampire slayer or ghost hunter / phoenix or griffin / wrist bite or neck bite / fairy godmother or evil stepmother / herbs or potion / ghost or wraith / dragon scales or werewolf claws / druid or mage / elf or hobbit / divination or necromancy / wand magic or hand magic / centaur or unicorn / dark fairytale or disney-style fairytale / sword or bow & arrow / siren or water nymph / garlic or silver / talking animal or walking tree / demon trap or crossroads pact / enchanted fairy forest or mermaid lagoon / castle or cottage / pirate or prince / immortal or normal lifespan / wizard or witcher
Tag some folks you think would be interested!!!
LMAOOOO ill take the shot actually
Jkjk.... or am i?
Spell / haunted cemetery / ghost hunter / phoenix (wright) / neck bite / fairy godmother / herbs / ghost / dragon scale / mage / hobbit / necromancy / hand magic / centaur / darl fairytale / bow n arrow / water nymph / silver / walking tree / demon trap / enchanted fairy forest (they better be evil too) / cottage / prince / normal lifespan / wizard
This was cute! Did u answer? I wanna see!
Ill actually tag @tyrian-bizkits i wanna see too lol
Ilu! Thank you bby
I mean hey silver is probably a mix of not only aurora but the sword that took down Maleficent (jusding by how his coffin & candy symbol is a sword),so anything is possible, hell hes even named after the think that can weaken / kill fae
ANON YOUR MIND OMG YOU'RE A GENIUS
I've never considered involving the sword but it makes so much sense... maybe not even the sword itself, but prince phillip? seeing as he's a knight and he does got princely vibes... either way, you're so right !!
Lilia naming his son after the one thing that kills fae is just so... 😭😭😭 I know it's because of his hair but c'mon Lilia you could have thought of something better
SO TRUE, the way they both trusted each other so much... that last fight with Nine becoming Melissa's eyes... them..................
YESSS yuri's character is much more than the "sweet and innocent MC who cares about everyone", she's much more well rounded than that! in my heart, the true ending is Melissa marrying both Nine and Yuri and they live happily ever after (with Yona being their maid of honor who gets really rich)
YOU'RE SO RIGHT, especially with Ian since he's the one that had more screentime, you could see him changing after Melissa confronted him inumerous times and Melissa's own feelings on that matter. I also really liked how they straight up just threw Peacock in jail LMAO that's what he deserves!!!! and the whole stalking thing with Jake was really cool, to see Melissa and Yuri confronting him like that. Jack is so funny to me too because he didn't even go after Yuri, he was just vibing being a dumbass who causes trouble all the time lol, Melissa is a real one for protecting Yuri and putting everyone in their places, what a girlboss
HII LIYA!! just wanted to say I've just fineshed reading Beware of the Villainess and OMG??? IT'S SOOOOOOO GOOD???? THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR RECCOMENDING IT I LOVED IT <33 seriously it's so funny and captivating, Melissa is such a cool protagonist, breaking the usual stereotypes like that and writing her own story!! I also LOVED Nine and Yuri, they are so sweet, I was rooting for both of them! LITERALLY NINE AND MELISSA INVENTED ROMANCE. NO ONE WILL EVER TOP THEM EVER. how am I supposed to move on from such a heartfelt relationship................ soulmates fr fr. and the original male love insterests ARE SO FUNNY?? the art style, as you had mentioned, is beautiful as well, some of the scenes took my breath away, I just had to take an extra moment to appreciate them! again, thank you so so so so much for introducing this amazing manhwa to me, it's such a nice way to start reading this genre!
HI BEE!!!! <3 I’m so glad you enjoyed Beware the Villainess!!!!! It has such a soft spot in my heart and it’s such a genuinely great story!!!
You’re right, NO ONE did romance better than Melissa and Nine… they’re so sweet? I love how they felt like they were friends, not just lovers, like they really get along and care for each other :’0
Something I like about Beware the Villainess is how Melissa and Yuri have fully rounded characters, and are both victims trapped in unfortunate circumstances? Neither of them fall into a cliche role, and their relationship is so cute… Melissa has two hands: one for Nine and one for Yuri <3
Another thing I enjoy is that the og male love interests are portrayed as horrible people and they… are properly punished by the narrative for their actions? They’re not redeemed for some shallow reason, they’re redeemed by properly reflecting on their actions and trying to do better. It really grinds my gears when manhwa go “oh this guy was shit and treated the mc terribly and was even the cause of her death BUT he changed and they’re in love now :3c” like…? Get away from her rn!!!!! We’ve seen their relationship at the lowest, and the fact he has the capacity and ability to do horrible things to the mc means I do not want him near him tysm !
BEE IM CRYING YOU'RE LITTLE TAG NOTES ALWAYS MAKE ME WANT TO CRY AND GIGGLE
AMORINHA AMOR MEU YOUR FICS ALWAYS MAKE ME WANNA HAPPY-CRY AND GIGGLE TOO I LOVE THEM SM <333
hi guys guess who's back 😁
You can feel the sun rays behind your eyelids, the few ones that escaped the curtains grasp, trying to wake you up, as if biding you good morning.
Drowsy, your eyes open, blinking once, twice, thrice. A deep sigh leaves your lips, your chest heaving with it.
The room is warm, the body draped over you is warmer. The hot breath tingles your neck, the fluffy ears twitching slightly. There are legs tangled with yours, arms embracing you.
You move your fingers, one by one, calling feeling back to your dormant hand. Softly, you caress the mop of hair under your palm, humming as you bask into the morning tranquility, a rare calm moment in your so busy life.
It's warm and tender. You watch your lover's sleeping face, even if you had to crank your neck a bit to do so. Che'nya looks incredibily innocent like this, no trace of his usual mischievous self. His mouth is slightly open and, up close, you can see his features better, how his eyelashes lay on his skin, how his cheeks are flushed in a cute pink tone, his hair tousled.
The smile that takes over your face is fond, your eyes drinking up the sight while it lasts. A sound of contentment leaves your throat, your free hand rubbing circles and tracing little shapes on Che'nya's back.
You can feel a light purring coming from him. He nuzzles his head onto your shoulder, hiding his face from view. You adjust your head, exposing your neck to acomodate him better. Your hand doesn't leave his hair, petting it with care.
In the back of your mind, you wonder what time it may be. You make a mental list of what you have do to through the day, including what you should make for breakfast. Buttered toast with tea sounds nice and easy, so maybe you should go with that.
There's a feather light feel on your neck, lips grazing over it, close enough to touch but not quite doing it. You shiver, your hands stopping their motions as your breath hitches. "Hm, good meow-rning..." Che'nya's voice is rough from just having woken up, a raspy tone on it that mingles with his usual chipper one.
A kiss is deposited on your neck, followed by a light nibble. You sigh, a sound filled with joy. You can feel his heart beating from where his chest presses against yours, a comforting feeling. Another kiss follows the last one, his hand reaching yours and lacing your fingers together. Your heart flutters as you squeeze it, chuckling, your voice barely a whisper.
"Good morning, love." Che'nya pulls back, his head coming in front of yours and blocking the sunlight. Above you, his hair is messier than usual, his ears without their usual earrings, his eyes lidded. There's a grin on his face, as always, but it's one he reserves just for you. Not the too big one, but not a too small one, either. It's just the right amount of both loving and teasing. You slide the hand from his hair to cup his cheek, feeling him melt into your palm, his eyes closing in bliss. Your thumb caress the skin, relishing on the contact. "Did you sleep well?"
"I had the craziest dream." He mewls, his forehead coming in touch with yours. You hum, encoraging him to go on. "There was a door, but it was very tiny, and I was very big." Your hand slips from his cheek, holding onto the back of his neck. "Then I became very tiny, but everything else was really big."
"Oh? What did you do then?" Your fingers graze his neck gently, his ears twitch, goosebumps appearing on his skin. He pulls back again, his eyes fluttering open to gaze down at you. His head turns to the side, very much like a curious cat, and his grin widens.
"I'll tell you, but only if you give me something."
"How about a kiss?"
His head cocks to the other side, as if thinking it over, a pout of concentration on his lips. "Nope, won't do." He shakes his head, his hair getting more out of place, making you giggle.
"Two, then."
His eyebrows furrow, eyes closing. "No." He drags the word, dramatically. You can't resist it, so you poke the wrinkles, making him yelp.
"So demanding. Three it is."
He stares at you, giving a fleeting glance at your lips before looking up again. "I supposed it'll do for now." His hand releases the hold it had on yours and reaches your face, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear.
Che'nya leans in and presses your lips together, tenderly. It's soft and slow, lazy, even. His teeth graze your bottom lip as he's about to pull away, but you stop him. The hand on the back of his neck leads your lips to connect again and you groan, pleased.
There's a quick moment when your lips part for you to catch your breath before they are meeting once more, your hand traveling up to rum through his hair as he whimpers. Your free hand goes to his waist, holding him close to you, keeping the warmth in.
You separate but he stays close, hovering over you. His lips have an after kiss quality to them that makes satisfatction flow through you. Your hand trails from behind his ears to the back of his neck to his cheeks, mimicking his own.
"I passed through the door." He says, picking up on where you left the conversation about his dream. "But everything stayed big, and I stayed small."
"I see. That's a strange dream, but it's in accordance to your usual ones, right? It would be stranger if it wasn't."
"How odd that you try to find order in the midst of chaos." Che'nya leans down and gives you a kiss on the forehead, so full of affection you can feel it. He then rolls over to the other side of the bed and sits up, stretching his limbs. "You're right, it's still on brand for me!"
You laugh from his sudden burst of energy. "Feeling awake now?"
"After that? Of course I am! Although I could use an extra boost, just to make sure~"
You sit up as well, coming face to face with him. You give him a quick peck before getting up and ready to start the day, grin firmly in place as he follows you, asking for another kiss.
The sun enters the room and it's warm. You feel warm, down to the tip of your toes. Che'nya also feels warm, by the smile on his face. It's a warm moment, and it's yours.
Masterlist
Oho im a curious anon now I gotta know if you have any more thoughts on jade and azul (or just one of them) I like hearing peoples take on characters!
ooh I like curious people, of course I have thoughts on Jade and Azul!! I'll gladly share them with you my dear anon <33 and if you'd like to say your thoughts on them as well, feel free to!
as I mentioned in my Floyd brainrot, I'm not immune to Octavinelle propaganda, they are actually my favorite dorm! they are all sooo interesting, both on their own and as part of a dynamic, be it between themselves or other characters!
time to dive deep into the waters of my Octavinelle thoughts. prepare yourself, it's a deep dive in.
the same warning as in Floyd's post: this is my own view of the characters that may not be 100% accurate and anyone can disagree!
I'll talk about them separatedly and then as a trio later on, so let's get started with the dorm leader, shall we?
AZUL
if you've seen my writing before anon, you might have noticed that I particularly like to make Azul suffer a bit, but I swear I love him!! it's just that I also love to break his carefully constructed façade and look at what's inside, what are Azul Ashengrotto's inner feelings, what are the things that stay in his mind only for him to ever see or hear, what is he hiding deep down?
oh Azul, where to start with him?
Azul is one of the most popular characters in the fandom, he's got a perfect combo going on for him: he's one of the housewardens, part of Octavinelle and he's got a tragic backstory. triple strike!
not only that but his businessman like persona and cunning schemes get a lot of attention, not to mention that he's twisted from such an iconic villain! Ursula from the Little Mermaid is certainly someone that stays in your mind even years later!
I'll begin at the beginning, and go on till I come to the end, then!
Azul's backstory is one many people can relate to, myself included, which gathers a lot of sympathy from the fandom for his woes. it's awful to be excluded as a child simply because you look different and is a bit more introverted, and I get the overachieving academically to compensate for it and feel like you can prove them wrong and that you're just as capable, just as good.
seeing him having a similar story to myself actually created a deep connection with his character, because I feel like I get it. it was awful and cruel and he didn't deserve any of it, the loneliness and the yearning to have what other's have, to be like them, to be acknowledged. (I was also a huge crybaby lol so I was picked on for that as well. Azul struggles.)
that's what makes people be so forgiving towards his wrongdoings, because they get it. they can put themselves in his shoes and feel his anguish and despair and desparation. "should I have been in his place, would I have done the same?"
but here's the thing, I think Azul needed a wake up call. maybe not done so crudely like it was in the story, but I understand the prefect's situation, what could they do? plus, it's much more interesting, narratively speaking, to have some huge drama instead of a much needed therapy session.
having everything he's been working for, during YEARS, be destroyed in front of him like that, literally turning into sand, was a breaking point to his already severely bottled up emotions. so he had a reaction that was understandable, but it doesn't make it right.
he had to get stripped away of all the things he'd stolen to be forced to face that he was more than that. he didn't need to prove his old bullys wrong and get his revenge, what he needed was to realize his own potencial. yes, he's different, but that's not a bad thing. it's wonderful, even, and it should be something to be proud of! he should be proud of who he is by his own efforts, not by stealing and tricking people into unfair contracts then hoarding their powers into his vault. Ursula herself was always very confident and proud of herself, something Azul was lacking in order to follow the Sea Witch's steps.
like the prefect has the option to tell Azul at the museum in the end of chapter 3, he's got something that's better than any magic, and he should be proud of that! he's got drive and wits and he doesn't need to live through others, he can live for himself, too.
after all, Azul's big strong point is how intelligent he is. he doesn't need powerful magic (which he does have, not only his unique magic but also his amazing potions) nor powerful muscles (which he also has. Floyd mentions that Azul as an octopus is stronger and bigger than the twins), because he has a powerful brain that's enough to make him be feared, a silver tongue that can rope anyone into one of his schemes.
my Azul appreciation was a gradual thing, since at first I didn't like him that much. I didn't dislike him either, I just didn't give him much thought at all lol like "oh he's an asshole but Ace, Deuce and Grim should have seen that one coming, come on!" and when he sent the twins to bother the prefect I also expected that, so like that's fair ig?
but then after his backstory?? I got my 'oh. oh!' moment, like yes now I get it!! I really like how they all go and put back the photo on it's original place and how Azul changes his dealings afterwards. yes he's still a little shit who will trick people into them, but it's not as exploitive as before? in chapter 4 he's also a great help, even though he really didn't have to get involved (the twins must have been driving him crazy because they were bored lmao)
actually in chapter 4 I was mad at him for filming it live because YOUR RISKING JAMIL'S LIFE? HE COULD GET INTO SERIOUS TROUBLE FOR THAT YOU KNOW?? and then he reveals it was a lie and I think that was the first time I didn't expect one of his schemes, which was very nice because wow he does have basic empathy!!
I also see some people thinking that his whole personality is a fake and he's still the same as he was years ago, which I don't agree with. Azul has learnt how to keep his façade, how to interact with people to get what he wants, how to keep other's at arms lenght and not let them see him vulnerable, but he's no longer the crybaby octopus that would hide in his pot at his troubles. Azul has learnt to face them head on, at least after his overblot, and he knows how to keep himself composed until the very last straw breaks. he's not clingy or whiny, he does his best to keep his image as he wants people to see him, but it isn't all a mask. sometimes the lines blurry, in which point does the businessman Octavinelle's housewarden ends and in which point does Azul Ashengrotto begins? are they not one and the same?
SO. I think he's neat. and he's my little lab rat that I like to project onto <33
also his family life is so interesting? I've read his mother divorced his father and married her divorce attorney and that's so girlboss of her. I just KNOW miss Ashengrotto is the best and super pretty too. (I imagine her to be a bit like Ursula, so very elegant and confident!) also I think she might own a restaurant too? Azul looking up to his mom and trying to be like her that's so cute
JADE
HIIIMMMM JADE LEECH WHEN HEEEEE <333 I LOVE IT WHEN. WHEN. JADE LEECH WHEN.
fun fact: Jade was the one I took the hand of at the start of the game, so he's also my first SR card! we have a special connection I love him I hope he lives his best life. he's also on my top three favorite characters, so you might get a slight whiplash from the change of tone lol
to get started with, I love how his personality is different from Floyd's, but not in a total opposite way, but in a complimentary one. while Floyd is like a passionate crime, done in the heat of the moment, Jade is a premeditated one, carefully planned down to it's details. neither is more or less dangerous, they simply are what they are.
Jade's superficial image of just a butler type character is very insteresting, but I feel people mistake it as him trying to hide his true self? I don't think that's the case, at least not in my point of view. Jade oftentimes lets his more. uh. let's say sadistic side slip through his polite mask, and it's completely on purpose. the students might be more afraid of Floyd, who's openly threatning, but they're also scared of Jade, who lets his mask slip just enough for them to peer a fraction behind it and think "oh. he's also a little fucked up, so I better behave."
he pretends he just wants to help and seems like a polite pushover who has to deal with Floyd and Azul tormenting him, oh poor thing (like Trey mistakingly thinks on Jade's cerimonial robes vignette), but the truth is that he likes it. he likes Floyd's chaos and does nothing to stop it, at most he only pretends he does. he likes Azul's deals and business, as it keeps him entertained. he likes to be more discreet and stay in the shadows, only observing and appearing inconspicuous, it makes people lower their guards more easily, makes them easy prey to lure in and close his jaws onto. he's sharp and knows how to hit all the right weak points to make people cave in.
Jade could use brute force like Floyd does to get his way, but I think the predictability of the outcome would quickly bore him. a mind game is much more fun, twisting his words and using his charm to make people walk into his carefully laid trap, only to realize it when it's too late to do anything about it. that takes creativity and skill, it's very impressive even! that's why he's sooooooooooooooo * sighs dreamingly * he knows how to use his words to the max, how to weaponize them so! it's common to see him as a big tease in fanfics and I think it's because of this, he likes the word game and he likes the thrill a smart conversation can offer.
there's this mystery aura around him because you never guess what he's thinking, with his carefully constructed expressions. it's pretty unsettling, someone that's an enigma and could be either thinking about the weather or planning on your downfall without you suspecting a thing, all with a polite little smile on his face.
there's also one thing. HE'S VERY CAPABLE. HE CAN ADAPT TO ANY SITUATION! I LOVE CAPABLE CHARACTERS. Jade can do anything he puts his mind to, doesn't matter how hard it seems. if he really wants something, he will get it with his own hands. AND AND AND HE KNOWS HOW TO COOK. I know I'd offer my SOUL to take a single bite of a mushroom casserole that he made. I just KNOW it would be heavenly, the taste of the divine melting in my tongue and making me ascend to the lands above
he knows how to take care of himself, like doing stuff like laundry? easy. washing the dishes? he's on it. moping the floor? it's shining already. something about the maturity and domesticity of Jade doing simple house chores with dedication is so charming, I love capable people !!! like yes king your bedroom is wonderfully organized !!
AND HIS TERRARIUM HOBBY? IT'S SO CUTE. the way he looks at his little plants with so much love makes me wish someone looked at me like that too. imagine his concentrated face as he waters his plants and talks with them about his day??? SO ENDEARING. it's the usual stoic character showing his softer and loving side for me. (yes I am well aware he likes his terrariums so much because he likes the feeling of being the God of a little world of his own creation, living by his mercy. I still think it's very cute.)
another thing I love so much is his Mountain Lovers club. like I can genuinely see he cares about it, not to create a false sense of security because "oh look at silly Jade with his silly mountain excursions" but because he truly likes to explore the land's nature. Jade is very curious (as seen in the vignette where he asks Ruggie to teach him new recipes using herbs from the mountains and in several other instances) and there's a whole new world for him to explore, with so much flora and fauna he's never seen before. who wouldn't want to explore it and see all it has to offer?
also the way he's always promoting his club and everyone just thinks it's weird. JADE I'LL JOIN THE MOUNTAIN LOVERS CLUB SIGN ME UP! RIGHT NOW! yes he'd make me climb mountains and laugh as he sees me struggling after I'm five steps in but it will be all worth it.
THERE'S THIS ONE SCENE IN CHAPTER 4 WHICH HE SAYS WHAT HE'D DO SHOULD SOMEONE BETRAY HIM AND HE'S JUST SAYING SOME HORRIFIC NIGHTMARE INDUCING STUFF WITH A CUTE LITTLE SMILE? LIKE? I LOVE HIM SO MUCH KKSKDJSFKKSKSK (I'm pretty sure he was only joking. or maybe that's what he wants me to think. either way it was so funny)
HIS UNIQUE MAGIC IS SO COOL TOO. like. the first time it appeared I just thought "wait this is so shitty you can't do much with it all" BUT. THAT'S THE APPEAL. IT FITS HIM SO WELL!! Jade wouldn't like a UM that gives him easy answers whenever he pleases. no, having to carefully plan when or if he'll ever use it on someone, how to approach them and make them look into his eye without being suspicious, trying to fill the gaps of the info he does get, it's much more exhilarating than having the answers handed on a silver plater!!
ALSO HIS SMILE!!!!!!!!! IT MAKES ME GO FERAL!!!!!! not the fake ass one he's always got, the REAL ones, the ones when you can see his pointy teeth he usually keeps hidden and his eyes crinkled and there's pure joy on his face (like his union birthday groovy card!). they clean my very soul and give me the strenght to live another day
so. as you can see. I'm very normal about him. I like him a normal sane amount.
DYNAMICS
as they are already so captivating on their own, as a part of a dynamic they always have something to offer and can work well with any setting: comic, serious, dramatic, soft, anything really. it's also why it's so fascinanting to write them!
some particularly interesting dynamics I think they have with other characters are:
Azul and JamilI - IT'S SO FUNNY. AZUL ACTS LIKE A MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRL WITH A CRUSH AND JAMIL REJECTS HIM EVERYTIME HELPPP. also I think Azul genuinely wants to befriend Jamil as he feels they are similar and could get along well? but Jamil knows all about Azul's schemes and is way too smart to get caught in one of them, no matter how much Azul nags at him
Azul and Idia - THE BOARD GAMES CLUB MY BELOVEDS! on Azul's school uniform vignette their relationship is explored more in depth and it's. so very funny. Idia, despite not having an ounce of the social skills' Azul has trained himself to have, manages to get under his skin so easily. he says a taunt that gets in Azul's mind for DAYS
Azul and Riddle - they are besties. I make the rules and I'm saying they are. as the top of their grade and second year (responsible) housewardens, the two of them have a lot in common and are often paired together, such as in the very beggining of the game, in the prologue as they chase after Grim in the first twistune, and many cards have buddy level and duo magic between them! (like their dorm uniform ones!) a study session with these two would be SO productive
Jade and Ruggie - it might sound a bit unusual but hear me out! they are both my favorites. wait I have more reasons! Jade and Ruggie are very similar, both are vice housewardens (or a pseudo vice housewarden in Ruggie's case, since he might as well be one with how he does stuff in Leona's place), both are very capable and responsible, both are mischievous, both can cook and like to discover new recipes, both are cunning and can be deceitful and there's one scene in the game's 2 year anniversary animated short in which they are shopping at Sam's together, so they are also besties.
Jade and Cater - HEAR ME OUT! first things first, Cater is also so interesting and I feel he has so much potential. in Jade's birthday interview, he answers he would like to have Cater as a brother, which might sound a bit unexpected at first but soon becomes clear as to why! they are similar in the way they both hide their feelings and put a mask on for the public to see, even if their motives are different. Cater also has a cunning side that he shows on the beans day event, in which they form a partnership that was so interesting! I wish they had more interactions, as they both can see straight through each other's masks and play a complicated mind game with each other while also having some fun!
Jade and Vil - I haven't seen the vignette they share but the card is very pretty so I do think their dynamic has a lot of potencial! I think Vil, like me, would appreciate someone who's responsible and can take care of themselves, so someone as capable and (seemibly) reasonable like Jade would be a good break from Rook's and Epel's harsher personalities. I think Jade admires Vil as well, especially due to his poison making skills, and would like to learn from him.
Floyd and Riddle - yes Floyd likes to torment Riddle and oftentimes picks on him to the point he's very stressed, they both get under each other's skin (like when Riddle says Floyd is like his brother because he knew it would irritate him enough to make him leave him alone, in the anthology I think?) and it's such an interesting antagonistic relationship. they are not enemies that hate each other or anything, so it's very amusing to see them quarrel.
Floyd and Ace - the basketball buddies! it's shown that they actually get along pretty well when Floyd is not on one of his bad moods, as they bond over their love of fashion (especifically shoes) and of the sport. they also like to goof around in club pratice and cause Jamil headaches, and Floyd has said in his birthday interview he thinks Ace is entertaining enough to chose him as a brother.
Floyd and Kalim - both are very honest, energetic and excitable, easily surrendering to their whims to do as they please. I feel like Kalim doesn't see any malice in Floyd's words, and while that can be dangerous if he doesn't notice the signs of a bad mood, it could also be very entertaining to Floyd and make him want to spend time getting into shenanigans with him. (and, again, causing Jamil a headache.)
between the three of them, as a trio, they work very well too! Jade enables Floyd chaotic behaviour for his amusement and because, according to him, if Floyd is happy then so is he. Jade helps Azul as his right hand man, covering any blind spots in his steel armor and leading him into battle flawlessly, doing as is asked of him with enough leeway for some of his own entertainment. Floyd gets on Azul's nerves with his carelessness and mood swings, but remains loyal at his side. Floyd likes to go along with some of Jade's plots, staying close to him to the point that where one is, the other is expected to be as well. Azul cares immensely for the twins, his first ever friends, the ones that extended their hands to him and didn't doubt he could do it. they all work together well as an unit, years of familiarity driving them to almost read each other's minds, know how they work from inside out. that's the thing with childhood friends, they know your most embarrassing stories and your deepest fears, your most shameful moments and your best hidden desires, and they care about each other as if they were family. (though they refuse to admit it even under gunpoint).
I hope you know I'm not trying to say any of the octatrio are evil masterminds hiding and waiting to enact a fish world domination or any of that. at the end of the day, they are all highschool students with veeeeery dubious morals that just want to have their fun (even if most times it's not harmless at all). Floyd might squeeze someone until you hear something crack and procced to have touble to do his homework. Jade might manipule Azul's clients to perfection and make them sign shady contracts and then calls his mom to tell her about his day and yes, he's been eating his vegetables and making sure Floyd eats his as well. Azul might run a successful business at the school and earn a lot of money, only to geek out about strategy games at his club with one of the most introverted people of the whole school.
none of them are "soft and misunderstood bois who never did anything wrong uwu" but they also aren't "all of that's evil in the world incarnate into three devious merman who will strip you of all your dignity and leave you crying on the floor"
they are very complex and well written characters filled with more layers than an onion, and I could stay here all day peeling them off one by one. that's the allure of Octavinelle, their siren's song is strongly due to how they look at first glance showing to be wrong once you look deeper, this break of expectations fishing your attention and keeping it on them, wanting to watch just how will they surprise you next.
ALSO there's something I haven't discussed at all in this: their designs. I feel like there's a lot I could talk about that but it doesn't enter exactly in this personality focused analysis so I left it out. do let me know if you'd like me to tell my opinions on their designs or maybe on specific cards as well!
TL;DR: there's no way to sum up everything other than I'm insane about Octavinelle and have many thoughts about them
Extra: Jade's fact sheet, that I've rebloged once before as I think it's very interesting, Azul's fact sheet, Raven's Jade brainrot that I also agree on most parts, Jade laugh compilation that is one of my favorite videos in youtube and will add 10 years to your lifespan
"Oh, you can’t help that, we’re all mad here. I'm mad. You’re mad. You must be or you wouldn't have come here."
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