Dear Fic In A Box Creator,
Aug. 21st, 2025 02:11 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
paleomnesisThank you so much for creating for me - I'm so eager to see what you come up with!
I read this series when I was about 12 or so and it did some very formative things to my brain. I mean, the protagonist, Tarod, is this tall, dark, and handsome man who is just so tortured about the fact that he's an insanely powerful sorcerer who can't figure out why he keeps having these strange dreams. And then Yandros, the capricious, shapeshifting lead god of Chaos shows up and is like, oh, I know why, and I'm going to reveal to you as dramatically as possible that you're my twin brother and we have this whole master plan going to defeat Order and rule once more. Also, they have five other brothers, but it's so damn clear who Yandros's favorite is and part of the joy of this series is just watching Yandros becoming increasingly frustrated over the fact that his brother keeps rejecting him because he doesn't remember him and maybe it wasn't the best plan to put your brother's “soul gem” into a ring, dude.
Tarod seems to get himself into a lot of trouble and he has an equally hard time extricating himself without help from someone else (seriously, you have to wonder if Yandros spontaneously grew gray hairs on seeing how close he came to destruction more than once). What were some of the times - either human or God - that Tarod got himself into a situation and needed Yandros's help in saving and comforting him after it was over. Or I'd also like something with just the two of them finally reconnecting after the end – they were separated for quite some time and there was a lot of angst to it. I mean, with Tarod that's a given because if he wasn't the God of Time, he'd be the God of Brooding and Moodiness, but Yandros definitely missed his brother and it was pretty telling how touchy-feely he was when Tarod finally returned to his side. And really, what did everyone think of all of it - suddenly, Chaos is back in town and you know the gossip was probably running rampant. I'm very intrigued about how things changed for your average layperson who's given options that they've never had – do some people resist and cling to the old ways (Chaos or Order) while others are more than eager to find a balance, reconciling perhaps warring members of their own family?
DNWs: No animal harm, extreme underage, body fluids (blood is fine), focus on unrequested pairings involving nominated characters (mentions of past canon relationships are fine), permanent nominated character death (transformations/resurrections are fine).
Opt In Medium Prompts:
Medium Opt-In: Art - Adaptation Concept Art
Medium Opt-In: Art - Stained Glass
Medium Opt-In: Audio - Fanmix/FST (Fan Soundtrack)
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Exhibition Catalogue
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Journal/Notebook/Sketchbook Page
Medium Opt-In: Instructions - TTRPG rules
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - A Softer World style panels
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - Map: City or Country or World
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Epistolary
Medium Opt-In: Writing - Reddit: In-Universe r/AmITheAsshole Post (Post + Replies)
One's a gruff, secretly noble guy who pretends not to give a damn, but has a history of very much giving a damn about doing the right thing,. The other's the embodiment of hope and truth, beloved by all to the point that even the villains respect him. Together they fight Nazis, most likely get turned on by each other's past heroism, and probably have their biggest quarrels over who gets to sacrifice themselves this time!
I do really love the two of them together, so I'd love to see something where they get their own happy ending. Maybe it's set after the war is over with them still fighting the remnants of the Nazi regime by tracking down the ones that fled and bringing them to justice? Or maybe it's a divergence where Victor and Rick met from the beginning or neither hooked up with Elsa and now all the emotional baggage is shared between the two of them and their differing philosophies on the Resistance? I'd also take something completely AU – co-pilots trying to cancel the apocalypse! Fighting the evil space empire (because those always exist)! Or just a simple one where maybe Victor's the client that keeps getting death threats and Rick's the one that keeps trying to save his noble ass!
DNWs: No animal harm, extreme underage, scat/watersports, no focus on unrequested pairings involving nominated characters (mentions of past canon relationships are fine), no permanent nominated character death (character transformation/resurrection is fine). If you do include Ilsa in the story, please have her either never having hooked up with them, or having had an amicable break-up (please don't kill her off or make her into a villain.)
Opt In Medium Prompts:
Medium Opt-In: Art - Costume Design
Medium Opt-In: Art - Propaganda Poster
Medium Opt-In: Audio - Fanmix/FST (Fan Soundtrack)
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Book or Movie Review
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Magazine Article
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Scrapbook
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - A Softer World style panels
Medium Opt-In: Writing – Epistolary
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In Universe Classified Documents
There's a lot of reasons why people don't think this is a good movie and to them, I say, okay, but have you seen the scene where the scientist is bound to his chair by cables that his experimental subject is psychically controlling and then at some point, the scientist is teary and red-faced and the subject is looming over him? Have I mentioned that when Jobe finally, fully transcends into VR, leaving his human body behind, Dr. Angelo goes in after him and basically gets restrained... again? (And also, you can apparently have literally mind-blowing sex in cyberspace?)
The ending leaves a lot up in the air and I'd love to see where it might go from there (let's just pretend that the second movie didn't happen, please). Angelo's employers are still out there, licking their wounds but not down for the count. And Jobe's everywhere in the world now – how does he start his master plan? Is it a slow, insidious process that involves corruption of various technologies, or a system-wide shutdown that knocks everyone off-guard. How does Dr. Angelo fit into Jobe's plans, especially given that he's probably the only person left alive who knows exactly what happened? I could see Jobe rescuing him from his former bosses only because he's the only one that can kill the doctor and he'll be damned if he lets anyone else do the job.
DNWs: No animal harm, extreme underage, scat/watersports, no focus on unrequested pairings involving nominated characters (mentions of past canon relationships are fine), no permanent nominated character death (transformations are fine). Only post-experiment Jobe for anything sexual. Also, please ignore the sequel entirely.
Opt-In Medium Prompts:
Medium Opt-In: Art - Minimalist Poster
Medium Opt-In: Audio - Fanmix/FST (Fan Soundtrack)
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Academic Publication
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Journal/Notebook/Sketchbook Page
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Mission Report
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - A Softer World style panels
Medium Opt-In: Writing - Creepypasta
Medium Opt-In: Writing - Reddit: In-Universe r/AmITheAsshole Post (Post + Replies)
I have to confess that I really love the mindfuck that Saw 3D gave us with Gordon turning out to be working with Jigsaw, because yeah, it was foreshadowed if you looked for it, but also, what the hell? Sure, Stockholm Syndrome and traumatic breakdowns and all of that, but he doesn't seem to have fallen down the serial killer rabbit hole (even if he is sewing people's eyes shut) so there is a conscious choice he's making about what he's willing to do and I'd love to see anything that addresses how he got to the point that skulking around in a black robe seemed like a legitimate career choice.
DNWs: No animal harm, extreme underage, scat/watersports, no focus on unrequested pairings involving nominated characters (I am fine with implications for John and any of his other apprentices, requited or not, and mentions of canonical relationships are fine too), no death of Gordon.
Opt In Medium Prompts:
Medium Opt-In: Audio - Fanmix/FST (Fan Soundtrack)
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Journal/Notebook/Sketchbook Page
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Scientific Documents
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Social Media
Medium Opt-In: Writing – Creepypasta
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - A Softer World style panels
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - Interactive Fiction - AO3-style Choose Your Own Adventure
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Advice Column
Look, this pairing had me at the "Brooks Brothers" scene where Shiwan Khan is just totally fanboying and being the most jovial villain, and Cranston has that expression of someone that kind of wishes he didn't give up that whole murder thing because oh my god, why won't he shut up. And then there's knives and bullets and mind-fucking and somewhere along the way, I started shipping them in an universe where Khan gets to fanboy a little bit more. Maybe it's a pre-canon one where Khan and "Ying Ko" get to take over the world. Maybe it's one where Khan wins, but decides to keep his enemy alive because what fun is world domination if there's no one to show off in front of. It could even be post-canon where Khan shows up and is totally on the side of good now, just ignore those randomly stabbed criminals, please.
And there's so much opportunity for hurt when it comes to Lamont as the terrific stories I've gotten for that show. He's definitely cocky enough to get in over his head - maybe Khan plays upon that and figures out that the best way to make sure you can be the first one to comfort someone is if you're the one that hurts them as well. Or maybe a third party's involved - magical backlash, a mutual enemy, just a criminal that gets lucky - and suddenly Lamont realizes to his horror that the only thing worse than a supervillain that wants to take over the world is one that's chastising you for being too reckless.
DNWs: No animal harm, extreme underage, scat/watersports, focus on unrequested pairings involving nominated characters (mentions of past canon relationships are fine), permanent nominated character death (transformations/resurrections are fine). I'm perfectly fine with Lamont/Margo being mentioned if it's set during canon/post-canon, as long as it's not a focal point (past relationship or friends with benefits fine, OTP where Lamont constantly thinks of her, no.)
Opt-In Medium Prompts:
Medium Opt-In: Art - Costume Design
Medium Opt-In: Audio - Fanmix/FST (Fan Soundtrack)
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Book or Movie Review
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Journal/Notebook/Sketchbook Page
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Stage Performance Playbill Page
Medium Opt-In: Instructions - Cocktail Recipe
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - A Softer World style panels
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Advice Column
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Interview
I'm kind of a sucker for these type of dynamics – suave, professional assassin hunting a less experienced, but more creative person on the run, who then meet face to face only to realize that they're not so different after all (even the non-assassin doesn't want to admit it). And Three Days of the Condor is just so great with this! I love Joubert, all classy and calm, growing to respect and possibly even root for Turner (that last speech he gives him is just perfect). Then there's Turner, outwitting everyone until the very end, rejecting Joubert's advice, but not his gun, because there's always that car and that day and both of them know it. I'd love to have something more with the two of them – we really don't get nearly enough in the movie with them together, which is such a shame.
There's a lot of ground that could be covered after the movie – it's left deliberately ambiguous as to whether anything will be revealed or if the truth will just be buried. Does Turner get himself in a situation he can't get out of on his own (that car ride to nowhere) and Joubert ends up saving his life? Or does it all come out and—nothing happens, nothing changes, and now Turner has to reckon with that (perhaps Joubert helps him do so in more hospitable surroundings?) Or I'd love a canon divergence where Turner had taken Joubert up on his offer – maybe out of desperation, maybe because he thought he could expose a larger conspiracy, but in either case, there they are jetsetting around the world, training in the field of professional assassination. An AU would be fun too – conspiracies are so much harder to take down when the opposition can literally wave a wand and make it all go away.
DNWs: No animal harm, extreme underage, scat/watersports, no focus on unrequested pairings involving nominated characters (mentions of past canon relationships are fine), no permanent nominated character death (transformation/resurrections are fine).
Opt In Medium Prompts:
Medium Opt-In: Art - Minimalist Poster
Medium Opt-In: Audio - Fanmix/FST (Fan Soundtrack)
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Academic Publication
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Scrapbook
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Travel Literature
Medium Opt-In: Instructions - Cocktail Recipe
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - A Softer World style panels
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - Crossword Puzzle with Cryptic Clues
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - Bureaucratic Paperwork
Medium Opt-In: Writing - Epistolary
I am such a sucker for jewel thieves, specifically the kind you see in the old Cary Grant movies where everyone's witty, charming, and very well-dressed. That's why I adore this nomination so much – the thought of some silver fox jewel thief who's retired to the Riviera or the Alps until some thefts that are suspiciously close to his start popping up fills me with delight. Perhaps his copycat keeps a low profile, biding his time and posing as some nondescript assistant or tourist, or perhaps he brazenly leads a double life as a detective also, keeping tabs on the investigation and subtly steering it in the direction he wants it to. Ensure cat and mouse games, elaborate heists, rooftop chases – all those delightful things that can be accompanied by a Henry Mancini score.
So yes, anything would be wonderful with these two. I'm not particular to any time period or location – the classic ones often involve some European jet-setting in the 1950s and 60s, but if you want to set it in outer space or make it a Regency fic, I'd love it all! I do love age gaps so it would be fun to have a few decades in between the two of them, particularly because I can imagine the older thief retiring because perhaps he got injured or sent to jail for a few years and he's just too old for this until the copycat ropes him back in because he's a legend in the field. (Also, I should note that while I definitely am more than fine with them being completely unrelated per the prompt, you can go the incest route should you desire.)
DNWs: No animal harm, extreme underage (15+ fine), scat/watersports, focus on unrequested pairings involving nominated characters (mentions of past relationships are fine as well as seduction done for the sake of schemes), permanent nominated character death (transformations/resurrections are fine).
Opt-In Medium Prompts:
Medium Opt-In: Art - Adaptation Concept Art
Medium Opt-In: Art - Costume Design
Medium Opt-In: Audio - Fanmix/FST (Fan Soundtrack)
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Book or Movie Review
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Exhibition Catalogue
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Journal/Notebook/Sketchbook Page
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - A Softer World style panels
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - Interactive Fiction - AO3-style Choose Your Own Adventure
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - Map: Drawn or CC-Licensed Map + Annotations Or Map Related Notes
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Epistolary
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Interview
I really love their relationship – how Dexter is clearly terrible at setting any kind of good example and how Harrison grows to recognize this, but hey, when you're both strangers and kindred spirits, normal relationships go out the window and what's left is something twisted and beautiful. So something that explores that loneliness and alienation and clinging on to anything that makes you feel connected for the first time in your life would be great. And on that note, Harrison and Brian is equally lovely, just filled with such horrible potential – they're both deeply needy people who are just looking to reconnect with Dexter and also, they have these urges that no one else can understand. Granted, Brian's a bit more willing to act on them than Harrison, but in the end, they're lost children connected by blood looking for someone to love them and and then there's Dexter, who can't resist that same call of blood...
So yes, there's a lot of ideas to run with here. Dexter and Harrison have their own fraught relationship that can be worked through in any number of ways, including AUs (you want to set it in space! Vampires! Regency! It's all good). Or maybe Dexter doesn't kill Brian, but Brian's hurt enough about Dexter's rejection that he goes off to sulk (and murder) until one day, he reads about his brother's death and realizes that he may have lost one family member, but another remains. Maybe Brian survives and shows up just long enough to stop Harrison from pulling the trigger on Dexter and now the three of them are on the run, and Brian's just so happy they're a family again (and shows his appreciation to both of them).
DNWs: No animal harm, extreme underage (15+ fine), scat/watersports, no focus on unrequested pairings involving nominated characters (mentions of past canon relationships are fine), no permanent nominated character death (character transformation/resurrection is fine). Note: By the time this exchange is over, Dexter: Resurrection will have finished. It's fine to use or not use the events of the series, but I DNW anything that ends up separating Dexter and Harrison for good if canon goes there.
Opt-In Medium Prompts:
Medium Opt-In: Art - Minimalist Poster
Medium Opt-In: Art - Murder Tableaux
Medium Opt-In: Audio - Fanmix/FST (Fan Soundtrack)
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Book or Movie Review
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Journal/Notebook/Sketchbook Page
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - A Softer World style panels
Medium Opt In: Writing – Creepypasta
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Epistolary
Medium Opt In: Writing - In-Universe Interview
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Medical Report
Medium Opt In: Writing - In-Universe Memoir
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe True Crime Podcast Transcript
Medium Opt-In: Writing - Reddit: In-Universe r/AmITheAsshole Post (Post + Replies)
I definitely fell in love with Chesterton's works a long time ago, particularly his Father Brown stories, and while I always loved Flambeau in the stories, I never really felt the need to ship the two of them together, despite all the slashy overtones. And then I watched the series... and kept watching... and specifically rewatched the Flambeau episodes and I was hooked. It's so clear in the show that Father Brown is just as invested in Flambeau as he is in him, and it's so much fun to just see Father Brown breaking the law just so Flambeau won't get caught, while Flambeau in return just can't stay away from the good priest, especially if he needs help. The ending of the latest episode with the two of them truly had me going, “okay, so you're both willing to give up everything to save the other one” and I can just soak that kind of thing up all day.
So I am fully caught up with the series, which means I am definitely into Flambeau using his thieving talents to steal shit back for the Vatican. Of course, he ropes Father Brown into it at one point, or maybe Father Brown gets entangled into it all on his own and before you know it, artifacts are getting stolen (again), people are having to save each other (again), and the police really should just sit this one out and let the professionals handle it. Or I'm also very intrigued by this idea that someone floated online where the roles are reversed – Flambeau as the priest, likely cynical and jaded from what he's seen in the war, who's constantly having a crisis of faith even as he ministers to his flock. Things only get more complicated when a thief announces his desire to steal a religious artifact, and Flambeau can't decide what's the most irritating – the fact that the local constabulary believe he must be involved because of his mysterious past, the village practically falling in love with the “Robin Hood” thief overnight, or that the thief seems hell-bent on restoring Flambeau's faith in God, even if he has to steal half a church to do it...
DNWs: No on-screen animal harm (brief references to canonical events are fine), extreme underage (15+ fine), scat/watersports, no focus on unrequested pairings involving nominated characters (mentions of past canon relationships are fine), no permanent nominated character death (character transformation/resurrection is fine).
Opt-In Medium Prompts:
Medium Opt-In: Art - Costume Design
Medium Opt-In: Audio - Fanmix/FST (Fan Soundtrack)
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Legal Documents
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Journal/Notebook/Sketchbook Page
Medium Opt-In: Instructions - Cocktail Recipe
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - Cross Stitch Pattern
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Advice Column
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Interview
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Travelogue
I really do love these two and their utter devotion to each other. I mean, Bradford's loyalty is so obvious it could be seen from space – you don't spend that many years looking for your commander, shrug off a bullet to your shoulder, and then promptly abdicate the leadership of your organization to a guy basically out of brain surgery without having deep faith and complete trust in him. But I like to think the Commander sticks around, not just because the message of “save humanity and destroy ADVENT and win the day” is so strong, but also because Bradford is believing in him, willing to sacrifice everything to save him, and how could he not live up to what Bradford thinks he is?
There is so much I would love to see about the two of them and their relationship. Maybe something where they use a more subtle conditioning on the Commander and Bradford has to break through his brainwashing to save him? Or maybe ADVENT takes Bradford because they know what he means to the Commander and now the Commander is torn between doing what Bradford would want him to do (ignore him, go kill aliens) or do what his heart wants him to do instead (kill aliens, rescue Bradford, kill more aliens for daring to take him in the first place). Or ooh, they're captured together and have to escape and it's made slightly more difficult by the fact that they both keep trying to take the bullet for the other one (you know Geist is sensing this and mentally rolling his eyes deeply before he dispatches his Templars).
DNWs: No animal harm, extreme underage, scat/watersports, no focus on unrequested pairings involving nominated characters (mentions of past canon relationships are fine), no permanent nominated character death (transformation/resurrections are fine).
Opt In Medium Prompts:
Medium Opt-In: Art - In-Universe Propaganda Poster
Medium Opt-In: Audio - Fanmix/FST (Fan Soundtrack)
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Book or Movie Review
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Journal/Notebook/Sketchbook Page
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Official Workplace Documentation
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - Mission Report
Medium Opt-In: Instructions - TTRPG rules
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - A Softer World style panels
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Advice Column
Medium Opt-In: Typographic Design - Any Nominated Typographic Design Medium
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - Web Weave
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - Web Weave - Collage Style
Medium Opt-In: Writing - Any Nominated In-Universe Medium That Fit the Canon Setting
Medium Opt-In: Writing - Recursive Fic of Any of the Recip's Works In This Fandom
Medium Opt-In: Writing - Sequel To Previous Gift To Me By The Same Author
Medium Opt-In: Writing - Symmetrina
There are some media that I've asked for all of my fandoms – I don't have specific sections for each one, but I adore each and every one of them. I'm fascinated with typography so I give full rein for anything that might work well with the chosen canon, I love the idea of symmetrinas, and I've opted into web weaves of both kinds because I've seen some truly lovely ones and I'm intrigued to see what you might come up with. And if you have a writing idea that I haven't included in my prompts, I'd love to read it – I've given suggestions for some, but this letter was already getting insanely long as it was. Also, I do opt into recursive fic of anything I've written as well as sequels to gifts I've been given by the same author – I've loved everything I've received and all my work is fair game if you want to play around with it!
The Time Master Series - Louise Cooper
Tarod/Yandros (Time Master)
WB: Laypeople’s Religious Practices After Equilibrium (Time Master)
I read this series when I was about 12 or so and it did some very formative things to my brain. I mean, the protagonist, Tarod, is this tall, dark, and handsome man who is just so tortured about the fact that he's an insanely powerful sorcerer who can't figure out why he keeps having these strange dreams. And then Yandros, the capricious, shapeshifting lead god of Chaos shows up and is like, oh, I know why, and I'm going to reveal to you as dramatically as possible that you're my twin brother and we have this whole master plan going to defeat Order and rule once more. Also, they have five other brothers, but it's so damn clear who Yandros's favorite is and part of the joy of this series is just watching Yandros becoming increasingly frustrated over the fact that his brother keeps rejecting him because he doesn't remember him and maybe it wasn't the best plan to put your brother's “soul gem” into a ring, dude.
Tarod seems to get himself into a lot of trouble and he has an equally hard time extricating himself without help from someone else (seriously, you have to wonder if Yandros spontaneously grew gray hairs on seeing how close he came to destruction more than once). What were some of the times - either human or God - that Tarod got himself into a situation and needed Yandros's help in saving and comforting him after it was over. Or I'd also like something with just the two of them finally reconnecting after the end – they were separated for quite some time and there was a lot of angst to it. I mean, with Tarod that's a given because if he wasn't the God of Time, he'd be the God of Brooding and Moodiness, but Yandros definitely missed his brother and it was pretty telling how touchy-feely he was when Tarod finally returned to his side. And really, what did everyone think of all of it - suddenly, Chaos is back in town and you know the gossip was probably running rampant. I'm very intrigued about how things changed for your average layperson who's given options that they've never had – do some people resist and cling to the old ways (Chaos or Order) while others are more than eager to find a balance, reconciling perhaps warring members of their own family?
DNWs: No animal harm, extreme underage, body fluids (blood is fine), focus on unrequested pairings involving nominated characters (mentions of past canon relationships are fine), permanent nominated character death (transformations/resurrections are fine).
Opt In Medium Prompts:
Medium Opt-In: Art - Adaptation Concept Art
Medium Opt-In: Art - Book Cover
Medium Opt-In: Art - Medieval Illumination-Style Art
The covers for these books as well as the artwork runs the gamut from more abstract to actual cover models being used, and it's fascinating to see the different interpretations. How might one adapt this series to a more visual medium – there's definitely a medieval aesthetic in the book, but it doesn't have to be that way necessarily, especially given the implications of how long the series spans.
Medium Opt-In: Art - Stained Glass
Medium Opt-In: Art - Tapestry
Medium Opt-In: Art - Tarot Card
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - Tarot Card with Interpretation
Seriously, there's some very cool imagery to work with here in regards to the symbols and trappings both orders use to promote themselves.
Medium Opt-In: Audio - Fanmix/FST (Fan Soundtrack)
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - Fanmix with Liner Notes
There are so many cool choices to go with and I'd be thrilled to see what you come up with! As a side note, the first song that popped into my brain that I couldn't shake was Peter Gabriel's cover of My Body is a Cage because whoa, does that scream *that scene* in The Initiate.
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Exhibition Catalogue
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Religious Text
Medium Opt-In: Instructions - In-Universe Spell or Ritual Instructions
Medium Opt-In: Poetry - In-Universe Prayer
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Religious Text
Medium Opt-In: Writing - Theatre Script - Play
There's a wide swathe of time that can be covered here since they're both gods – how were they first worshiped and what were they seen as? How does that change as time progresses and the battle between Order and Chaos becomes fiercer? And what might happen once that uneasy equilibrium is reached, even after the series ends?
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Journal/Notebook/Sketchbook Page
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Excerpts from a Character's Journal/Notebooks
I'd love to see this from any perspective – the gods of Chaos themselves, one of the members of the Castle who witnessed what happened, or an average villager documenting their new life.
Medium Opt-In: Instructions - TTRPG rules
How would this be as an RPG? It really strikes me as one of those that would nicely translate over – play as a follower of one God or another, or both, with different classes – initiate, sister, noble or villager, and every now and then a Warp storm does weird shit to your party.
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - A Softer World style panels
“I'm glad that you are a part of my life. It would be so dull if I had to be a part of yours.”
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - Map: City or Country or World
Very fascinated to see any kind of depiction of the world the series takes place in.
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Epistolary
What sort of correspondence might Yandros write to his wayward brother to tempt him back to their plan, or afterwards, when all is said and done and memories are restored, what might he send to remind him when Tarod is out among the humans to come home?
Medium Opt-In: Writing - Reddit: In-Universe r/AmITheAsshole Post (Post + Replies)
Medium Opt-In: Writing - Reddit: In-Universe r/AskHistorians Post (Post + Replies)
Medium Opt-In: Writing - Reddit: In-Universe r/IAmA AMA (Post + Questions + Replies)
Okay, setting aside the whole fact that this is a completely different fantasy world, the thought of Yandros saying “I am a Chaos God, AMA,” amuses me to no end. Or everyone answering YTA to him and he just blithely ignores it because he was just trying to lure out his brother.
Casablanca (1942)
Rick Blaine/Victor Laszlo (Casablanca)
One's a gruff, secretly noble guy who pretends not to give a damn, but has a history of very much giving a damn about doing the right thing,. The other's the embodiment of hope and truth, beloved by all to the point that even the villains respect him. Together they fight Nazis, most likely get turned on by each other's past heroism, and probably have their biggest quarrels over who gets to sacrifice themselves this time!
I do really love the two of them together, so I'd love to see something where they get their own happy ending. Maybe it's set after the war is over with them still fighting the remnants of the Nazi regime by tracking down the ones that fled and bringing them to justice? Or maybe it's a divergence where Victor and Rick met from the beginning or neither hooked up with Elsa and now all the emotional baggage is shared between the two of them and their differing philosophies on the Resistance? I'd also take something completely AU – co-pilots trying to cancel the apocalypse! Fighting the evil space empire (because those always exist)! Or just a simple one where maybe Victor's the client that keeps getting death threats and Rick's the one that keeps trying to save his noble ass!
DNWs: No animal harm, extreme underage, scat/watersports, no focus on unrequested pairings involving nominated characters (mentions of past canon relationships are fine), no permanent nominated character death (character transformation/resurrection is fine). If you do include Ilsa in the story, please have her either never having hooked up with them, or having had an amicable break-up (please don't kill her off or make her into a villain.)
Opt In Medium Prompts:
Medium Opt-In: Art - Costume Design
Medium Opt-In: Art - Minimalist Poster
Medium Opt-In: Art - Playing Card
I really love just the 40s aesthetic so anything that plays into that would be amazing. I also think some really cool work could be done in creating a more minimalist poster for this film – I've seen a couple of cool examples, but I'd love something that reflects the more ensemble nature of the movie and the war that everyone's fighting.
Medium Opt-In: Art - Propaganda Poster
This just seems like a perfect fit for this – there's plenty of amazing posters out there in various archives that could serve as inspiration (apparently, more than 200,000 were produced for the U.S.) or if you already have an idea of what would work, that'd be great too!
Medium Opt-In: Audio - Fanmix/FST (Fan Soundtrack)
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - Fanmix with Liner Notes
Oh, FST comm on LJ, I miss you so – I've gotten one wonderful soundtrack for this pairing, but I'd always love another!
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Book or Movie Review
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Fan letters
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Advice Column
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Book or Movie Review
Meta within meta here – how do people tell this story from their perspective? I suspect that very few of them see themselves as the hero of the story, just people contributing their effort to the struggle. Also, the hilarity of Rick getting fanmail, perhaps because his deeds become well-known, and deeply resenting each and every single one of them while Hollywood keeps knocking at his door.
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Magazine Article
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Magazine Article
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Newspaper Article
I'd love any type of magazine/newspaper or range of dates – maybe it's something in Life about a couple of notable war heroes, or maybe it's a retrospective decades later on Medium as someone unearths a piece of history that recontextualizes a relationship.
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Scrapbook
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Interview
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Memoir
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Transcript of Podcast or Radio Show
Medium Opt-In: Writing - Reddit: In-Universe r/AskHistorians Post (Post + Replies)
These all go hand in hand – the idea that objects or writings of a sort, scraps of a life that separate might have little meaning, but put together, tell a story that's more than the sum of its parts. How is history viewed months, years, decades after the events; what changes, what does not?
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - A Softer World style panels
“Good decisions are just bad decisions you didn't get to make.”
Medium Opt-In: Writing – Epistolary
Letters written as they travel the world, punching Nazis and pining over each other because the war has to be their top priority?
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In Universe Classified Documents
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Mission Report
How would the government react to some of the things that Victor and Rick get up to? Would there be some attempt to use them once it was realized how effective they were?
The Lawnmower Man (1992)
Dr. Lawrence Angelo/Jobe Smith (The Lawnmower Man)
There's a lot of reasons why people don't think this is a good movie and to them, I say, okay, but have you seen the scene where the scientist is bound to his chair by cables that his experimental subject is psychically controlling and then at some point, the scientist is teary and red-faced and the subject is looming over him? Have I mentioned that when Jobe finally, fully transcends into VR, leaving his human body behind, Dr. Angelo goes in after him and basically gets restrained... again? (And also, you can apparently have literally mind-blowing sex in cyberspace?)
The ending leaves a lot up in the air and I'd love to see where it might go from there (let's just pretend that the second movie didn't happen, please). Angelo's employers are still out there, licking their wounds but not down for the count. And Jobe's everywhere in the world now – how does he start his master plan? Is it a slow, insidious process that involves corruption of various technologies, or a system-wide shutdown that knocks everyone off-guard. How does Dr. Angelo fit into Jobe's plans, especially given that he's probably the only person left alive who knows exactly what happened? I could see Jobe rescuing him from his former bosses only because he's the only one that can kill the doctor and he'll be damned if he lets anyone else do the job.
DNWs: No animal harm, extreme underage, scat/watersports, no focus on unrequested pairings involving nominated characters (mentions of past canon relationships are fine), no permanent nominated character death (transformations are fine). Only post-experiment Jobe for anything sexual. Also, please ignore the sequel entirely.
Opt-In Medium Prompts:
Medium Opt-In: Art - Minimalist Poster
Given that the original movie poster is so bizarre (and the international ones are a trip), I'd love to see a starker take on it.
Medium Opt-In: Audio - Fanmix/FST (Fan Soundtrack)
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - Fanmix with Liner Notes
You can't go wrong with any genre here! Techno seems like a nice fit, of course, but I'm willing to be persuaded that say, bubblegum pop is the way to go.
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Academic Publication
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Interview
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Textbook
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Textbook
How would the events of the movie go down in the books (provided there's still people around to write it down)? History's written by the victors – what would Jobe's version of it be like?
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Journal/Notebook/Sketchbook Page
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Excerpts from a Character's Journal/Notebook
I imagine the progression here would be pretty insane. I mean, watching the movie made me go “boy, that escalated quickly.”
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Mission Report
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Official Workplace Documentation
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Scientific Documents
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - In-Universe Spreadsheet
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Bureaucratic Paperwork
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Classified Documents
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Legal Documents
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Medical Report
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Mission Report
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Official Workplace Documentation
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Scientific Documents
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Technical Code or Design Specifications
Okay, this is a whole lot of tags to say that I imagine there's so much paperwork regarding Angelo's experiments. Sure, most of it is heavily classified, but
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - A Softer World style panels
“Everyone says you bring out the worst in me like that's a bad thing.”
Medium Opt-In: Writing - Creepypasta
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Internet Forum Posts
Maybe Jobe doesn't win so comprehensively at the end, but is literally a ghost in the machine. How does it look to the outside world? Do people get picked off one by one, leaving a virtual dead space?
Medium Opt-In: Writing - Reddit: In-Universe r/AmITheAsshole Post (Post + Replies)
I feel like the answer here is probably a resounding yes for Dr. Angelo and an “I'm not going to say you are because you can kill me with your mind, but uh, ESH probably is the way to go” for Jobe.
Saw (Movies)
Lawrence Gordon & Mark Hoffman & Amanda Young (Saw)
Lawrence Gordon/John Kramer (Saw)
I have to confess that I really love the mindfuck that Saw 3D gave us with Gordon turning out to be working with Jigsaw, because yeah, it was foreshadowed if you looked for it, but also, what the hell? Sure, Stockholm Syndrome and traumatic breakdowns and all of that, but he doesn't seem to have fallen down the serial killer rabbit hole (even if he is sewing people's eyes shut) so there is a conscious choice he's making about what he's willing to do and I'd love to see anything that addresses how he got to the point that skulking around in a black robe seemed like a legitimate career choice.
I do ship him Kramer because that scene where he's nursing him back to health is a whole lot of very twisted hurt/comfort and that's fun, but really I love him paired with anyone in Jigsaw's orbit. I would also adore gen for this, just Gordon hanging out with anyone and bonding over what led them down the path towards intricate plots, schemes, and Chekhov's bear traps. If Amanda and/or Jill end up living, that'd be great too because I really am fond of them and think they deserved better than dying thanks to Hoffman. Also, feel free to go as off-kilter as you'd like – I have nominated a few tags that are definitely WTF here and if you want to have Jigsaw deciding that the only way to stop everyone from murdering each other is to host a fic exchange, I think everyone ends up being more homicidal by the end.
DNWs: No animal harm, extreme underage, scat/watersports, no focus on unrequested pairings involving nominated characters (I am fine with implications for John and any of his other apprentices, requited or not, and mentions of canonical relationships are fine too), no death of Gordon.
Opt In Medium Prompts:
Medium Opt-In: Audio - Fanmix/FST (Fan Soundtrack)
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - Fanmix with Liner Notes
Legitimately intrigued to see what might be featured here – I can think of a number of murder songs off the top of my head, which probably isn't a good thing...
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Journal/Notebook/Sketchbook Page
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Scrapbook
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Excerpts from a Character's Journal/Notebook
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Memoir
I'd love to know what any of their journals or sketchbooks might show – I imagine the styles would be quite different depending on who it is. How does Lawrence's evolve? What do Mark and Amanda actually agree on? Does John just constantly predict all the twists and write them up so he can say “I told you so?”
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Scientific Documents
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - In-Universe Spreadsheet - Expense Report
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Complaint Form
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Legal Documents
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Medical Report
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Official Workplace Documentation
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Psychological Evaluation Report
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Scientific Documents
Every job has its paperwork. just as every job has the co-workers that you get along with and the ones you can't stand. It's just that with this particular profession, human resources doesn't immediately dismiss bloody murder as a possibility.
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Social Media
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Gifset & Writing) - In-Universe Social Media
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - In-Universe AO3 Based Fanfic Exchange & Related Posts/Messages
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Instant Messaging
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Internet Forum Posts
Oh, you just know the social media war between them would be fierce. Mark and Amanda just shooting snide texts back and forth between each other, flaming on message boards, while some other anonymous asshole just seems to somehow have infinite fucking modding privileges and keeps deleting everything.
Medium Opt-In: Writing – Creepypasta
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Social Media
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe True Crime Podcast Transcript
Medium Opt-In: Writing - Reddit: In-Universe r/Legaladvice Post (Post + Replies)
The films do a great job of showing how the Jigsaw murders affect not just the people involved in them, but those that hear and whisper about them. I'd love to see your own take on that.
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - A Softer World style panels
“Come on officer.. You never tried to stab someone for correcting your grammar?”
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - Interactive Fiction - AO3-style Choose Your Own Adventure
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - Interactive Fiction - Choice-Based IF Not Hosted On AO3
There's so many choices that can be made, so many paths taken, and like most CYOA, I suspect most lead to an unhappy end.
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Advice Column
Medium Opt-In: Writing - Reddit: In-Universe r/AmITheAsshole Post (Post + Replies)
Medium Opt-In: Writing - Reddit: In-Universe r/Legaladvice Post (Post + Replies)
Oh, pity the person that has to give advice to anyone here, especially because you know that the mods are playing whack a mole with the new commenters that keep popping up.
The Shadow (1994)
Lamont Cranston | The Shadow/Shiwan Khan (The Shadow 1994)
Look, this pairing had me at the "Brooks Brothers" scene where Shiwan Khan is just totally fanboying and being the most jovial villain, and Cranston has that expression of someone that kind of wishes he didn't give up that whole murder thing because oh my god, why won't he shut up. And then there's knives and bullets and mind-fucking and somewhere along the way, I started shipping them in an universe where Khan gets to fanboy a little bit more. Maybe it's a pre-canon one where Khan and "Ying Ko" get to take over the world. Maybe it's one where Khan wins, but decides to keep his enemy alive because what fun is world domination if there's no one to show off in front of. It could even be post-canon where Khan shows up and is totally on the side of good now, just ignore those randomly stabbed criminals, please.
And there's so much opportunity for hurt when it comes to Lamont as the terrific stories I've gotten for that show. He's definitely cocky enough to get in over his head - maybe Khan plays upon that and figures out that the best way to make sure you can be the first one to comfort someone is if you're the one that hurts them as well. Or maybe a third party's involved - magical backlash, a mutual enemy, just a criminal that gets lucky - and suddenly Lamont realizes to his horror that the only thing worse than a supervillain that wants to take over the world is one that's chastising you for being too reckless.
DNWs: No animal harm, extreme underage, scat/watersports, focus on unrequested pairings involving nominated characters (mentions of past canon relationships are fine), permanent nominated character death (transformations/resurrections are fine). I'm perfectly fine with Lamont/Margo being mentioned if it's set during canon/post-canon, as long as it's not a focal point (past relationship or friends with benefits fine, OTP where Lamont constantly thinks of her, no.)
Opt-In Medium Prompts:
Medium Opt-In: Art - Costume Design
Medium Opt-In: Art - Tarot Card
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - Tarot Card with Interpretation
The aesthetic of this movie is so gorgeous, especially the fashion. I will also say that I do opt in for genderswap with this fandom, should you wish to explore what a female Lamont or Shiwan would wear.
Medium Opt-In: Audio - Fanmix/FST (Fan Soundtrack)
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - Fanmix with Liner Notes
This film had an amazingly good soundtrack that I've managed to hang onto ever since it came out, but I'd love to see it explored more – torch songs, perhaps, or some good old-fashioned swing/big band would be great, but if you want to go another route, I'd love to see it!
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Book or Movie Review
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Exhibition Catalogue
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Fan letters
Medium Opt-In: Writing - Action Figure Packaging Bio
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Book or Movie Review
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Fan letters
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Transcript of Podcast or Radio Show
Medium Opt-In: Writing - Reddit: In-Universe r/AskHistorians Post (Post + Replies)
How would the events of this film be seen years later? Do people believe that The Shadow really existed or are there skeptics? I could see either happening – The Shadow being something passed down through time or something seen as a quaint relic of an earlier time. Are superheroes common knowledge? (Note: I'm fine if you want to go crossover here as I'm familiar with both DC and Marvel heroes as well as classic newspaper ones such as The Phantom.)
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Journal/Notebook/Sketchbook Page
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Scrapbook
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Excerpts from a Character's Journal/Notebook
Honestly, it would be fascinating to see any portion of the characters' lives documented – pre-canon, during canon, or post-canon (or all three). What do they choose to make note of and what do they choose to omit?
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Stage Performance Playbill Page
Medium Opt-In: Poetry - Theatre Libretto – Musical
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Screenplay
I have so much glee imagining the events of the film as a musical – I mean, people had to trip out when they realized there was suddenly a hotel, plus there's a masked vigilante running around. That has to translate to at least a good off-Broadway show. Or a good old picture – who would they get to play The Shadow and what would they get right and wrong about his identity?
Medium Opt-In: Instructions - Cocktail Recipe
Medium Opt-In: Instructions - Mocktail Recipe
I'd love something – alcoholic or not- that reflects the world of this movie, especially if it has one of those truly bizarre names that make bartenders go “What?”
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - A Softer World style panels
“There should be a word for a threat that is also a promise. Because that is what I want you to hold me down and do.”
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Advice Column
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Epistolary
This can only end in hilarity if Shiwan's the one writing in.
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Interview
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Memoir
How would Lamont reflect upon his life, especially if he's retired years later? Or would Shiwan just be the worst person to interview imaginable but also the best for the same reason?
Three Days of the Condor (1975)
G. Joubert/Joseph Turner (Three Days of the Condor)
I'm kind of a sucker for these type of dynamics – suave, professional assassin hunting a less experienced, but more creative person on the run, who then meet face to face only to realize that they're not so different after all (even the non-assassin doesn't want to admit it). And Three Days of the Condor is just so great with this! I love Joubert, all classy and calm, growing to respect and possibly even root for Turner (that last speech he gives him is just perfect). Then there's Turner, outwitting everyone until the very end, rejecting Joubert's advice, but not his gun, because there's always that car and that day and both of them know it. I'd love to have something more with the two of them – we really don't get nearly enough in the movie with them together, which is such a shame.
There's a lot of ground that could be covered after the movie – it's left deliberately ambiguous as to whether anything will be revealed or if the truth will just be buried. Does Turner get himself in a situation he can't get out of on his own (that car ride to nowhere) and Joubert ends up saving his life? Or does it all come out and—nothing happens, nothing changes, and now Turner has to reckon with that (perhaps Joubert helps him do so in more hospitable surroundings?) Or I'd love a canon divergence where Turner had taken Joubert up on his offer – maybe out of desperation, maybe because he thought he could expose a larger conspiracy, but in either case, there they are jetsetting around the world, training in the field of professional assassination. An AU would be fun too – conspiracies are so much harder to take down when the opposition can literally wave a wand and make it all go away.
DNWs: No animal harm, extreme underage, scat/watersports, no focus on unrequested pairings involving nominated characters (mentions of past canon relationships are fine), no permanent nominated character death (transformation/resurrections are fine).
Opt In Medium Prompts:
Medium Opt-In: Art - Minimalist Poster
There's already been one done for this film, as far as I can see, but that doesn't mean there can't be more!
Medium Opt-In: Audio - Fanmix/FST (Fan Soundtrack)
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - Fanmix with Liner Notes
I would love to see your take on this, perhaps something from that time, or not? I'm more interested in how you might think the music would fit these characters, so I'm not that concerned about any anachronism.
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Academic Publication
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Book or Movie Review
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Interview
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Transcript of Podcast or Radio Show
Medium Opt-In: Writing - Reddit: In-Universe r/AskHistorians Post (Post + Replies)
I'd really love to see how the events of this movie are viewed years later – is the truth ever fully known or just some aspect of it? Perhaps none of it ever makes it public and what remains is just hints and conspiracy theories.
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Scrapbook
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Journal/Notebook/Sketchbook Page
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Excerpts from a Character's Journal/Notebook
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Memoir
I'm not entirely sure Joubert would ever publish a memoir, let alone any journal, given the crimes he would have to admit to, but perhaps he has an unfinished manuscript lying around, or maybe it's Turner that gets his own story out (or also left unpublished, because certain people need to make sure it never sees the light of day).
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Travel Literature
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - Map: Drawn or CC-Licensed Map + Annotations Or Map Related Notes
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Travelogue
There's a tantalizing possibility left at the end of the film, which involves Turner going to Europe. I'd love to see how things change as he travels, perhaps notes on a map or a log of where he's been?
Medium Opt-In: Instructions - Cocktail Recipe
Medium Opt-In: Instructions - Mocktail Recipe
Medium Opt-In: Instructions – Recipe
Hey, there's a lot of cool things that can be done. This was a time, after all, when people drank heavily and ate plenty of quiche, fondue, and cheese balls (and apparently cooked with Dr. Pepper?)
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - A Softer World style panels
“I love the way your face lights up when someone says 'It might be dangerous.'”
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - Crossword Puzzle with Cryptic Clues
It just amuses me to think of this traditional method of spies hiding in plain sight and I'd love to see what kind of brainteasers someone might come up with.
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - Bureaucratic Paperwork
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Mission Report
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In Universe Classified Documents
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Mission Report
I'm sure the CIA produces plenty of unnecessary paperwork that's never supposed to see the light of day, but I also am sure that at least some of it would be because there'd be notes written on it going, “so, I think Joubert might have a thing for this guy, should we check into it?”
Medium Opt-In: Writing - Epistolary
I'd love to see Joubert corresponding with Turner, perhaps sending him jovial letters and postcards and trying to tempt him to pack it all up and come to Europe.
Original Work
Retired Jewel Thief Suspected of Recent Thefts/Charming Copycat Burglar (M/M) (OW)
I am such a sucker for jewel thieves, specifically the kind you see in the old Cary Grant movies where everyone's witty, charming, and very well-dressed. That's why I adore this nomination so much – the thought of some silver fox jewel thief who's retired to the Riviera or the Alps until some thefts that are suspiciously close to his start popping up fills me with delight. Perhaps his copycat keeps a low profile, biding his time and posing as some nondescript assistant or tourist, or perhaps he brazenly leads a double life as a detective also, keeping tabs on the investigation and subtly steering it in the direction he wants it to. Ensure cat and mouse games, elaborate heists, rooftop chases – all those delightful things that can be accompanied by a Henry Mancini score.
So yes, anything would be wonderful with these two. I'm not particular to any time period or location – the classic ones often involve some European jet-setting in the 1950s and 60s, but if you want to set it in outer space or make it a Regency fic, I'd love it all! I do love age gaps so it would be fun to have a few decades in between the two of them, particularly because I can imagine the older thief retiring because perhaps he got injured or sent to jail for a few years and he's just too old for this until the copycat ropes him back in because he's a legend in the field. (Also, I should note that while I definitely am more than fine with them being completely unrelated per the prompt, you can go the incest route should you desire.)
DNWs: No animal harm, extreme underage (15+ fine), scat/watersports, focus on unrequested pairings involving nominated characters (mentions of past relationships are fine as well as seduction done for the sake of schemes), permanent nominated character death (transformations/resurrections are fine).
Opt-In Medium Prompts:
Medium Opt-In: Art - Adaptation Concept Art
Medium Opt-In: Art - Book Cover
If you have a terrific idea for how this might be adapted to a visual medium, I'd love to see it – old-school movies, a modern update, anime or webcomic? Just anything that strikes your fancy.
Medium Opt-In: Art - Costume Design
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - Printable Dress-up Paper Doll
The fashion in these films is always one of the highlights.
Medium Opt-In: Audio - Fanmix/FST (Fan Soundtrack)
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - Fanmix with Liner Notes
Any sort of music would be fabulous here. Jazz, classical, pop – any and all genres are appreciated! Are we crossing continents on our heists or getting a deep dive into a certain region?
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Book or Movie Review
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Fan letters
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Advice Column
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Book or Movie Review
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Fan letters
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Transcript of Podcast or Radio Show
Medium Opt-In: Writing - Reddit: In-Universe r/AskHistorians Post (Post + Replies)
If you want to get very meta, how would our thief's life be portrayed? Would that be something that sparked the copycat's interest and are they one of those people that writes in to complain about how inaccurate it is?
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Exhibition Catalogue
Otherwise known as “the list of things that are totally going to get stolen when the lights go out.”
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Journal/Notebook/Sketchbook Page
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Scrapbook
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Excerpts from a Character's Journal/Notebook
What might they decide to collect – clippings of the greatest heists? Notifications of upcoming auctions and the movement of certain wealthy travelers? Admiring thoughts about each other's cleverness?
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - A Softer World style panels
“Life is never so bleak that you can't turn things around with a crime spree.”
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - Interactive Fiction - AO3-style Choose Your Own Adventure
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - Interactive Fiction - Choice-Based IF Not Hosted On AO3
So back in 2009, I stumbled across some really cool interactive fiction that used Google Maps to tell its story. While it is sadly is no longer fully available, The 21 Steps by Charles Cumming did make me fall in love with the idea of interactive online fiction, so if you choose to do a CYOA/choice-based fic, I'd adore it!
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - Map: Drawn or CC-Licensed Map + Annotations Or Map Related Notes
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Travelogue
Do they chase each other across multiple countries, or set up snares only to have the other wriggle out of them? After all, the pursuit makes the capture so much more satisfying for them.
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Epistolary
Do our two thieves meet through cryptic correspondence, the sort where it starts as a taunt and ends as a tease?
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Interview
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Memoir
Perhaps that's what kicks this all off – the retired thief letting everyone know that his glory days are over to which the copycat says, “like hell they are.”
Dexter (TV)
Dexter Morgan/Harrison Morgan (Dexter)
Dexter Morgan/Harrison Morgan/Brian Moser (Dexter TV)
Harrison Morgan/Brian Moser (Dexter TV)
I really love their relationship – how Dexter is clearly terrible at setting any kind of good example and how Harrison grows to recognize this, but hey, when you're both strangers and kindred spirits, normal relationships go out the window and what's left is something twisted and beautiful. So something that explores that loneliness and alienation and clinging on to anything that makes you feel connected for the first time in your life would be great. And on that note, Harrison and Brian is equally lovely, just filled with such horrible potential – they're both deeply needy people who are just looking to reconnect with Dexter and also, they have these urges that no one else can understand. Granted, Brian's a bit more willing to act on them than Harrison, but in the end, they're lost children connected by blood looking for someone to love them and and then there's Dexter, who can't resist that same call of blood...
So yes, there's a lot of ideas to run with here. Dexter and Harrison have their own fraught relationship that can be worked through in any number of ways, including AUs (you want to set it in space! Vampires! Regency! It's all good). Or maybe Dexter doesn't kill Brian, but Brian's hurt enough about Dexter's rejection that he goes off to sulk (and murder) until one day, he reads about his brother's death and realizes that he may have lost one family member, but another remains. Maybe Brian survives and shows up just long enough to stop Harrison from pulling the trigger on Dexter and now the three of them are on the run, and Brian's just so happy they're a family again (and shows his appreciation to both of them).
DNWs: No animal harm, extreme underage (15+ fine), scat/watersports, no focus on unrequested pairings involving nominated characters (mentions of past canon relationships are fine), no permanent nominated character death (character transformation/resurrection is fine). Note: By the time this exchange is over, Dexter: Resurrection will have finished. It's fine to use or not use the events of the series, but I DNW anything that ends up separating Dexter and Harrison for good if canon goes there.
Opt-In Medium Prompts:
Medium Opt-In: Art - Minimalist Poster
A lot of very cool things can be done (and have been) so I'd love to see a new take on it.
Medium Opt-In: Art - Murder Tableaux
I mean, how could I not ask for this?
Medium Opt-In: Audio - Fanmix/FST (Fan Soundtrack)
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - Fanmix with Liner Notes
There are so many songs about blood. I just thought someone might want to know.
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Book or Movie Review
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Book or Movie Review
I just can only imagine that if the show was this bizarre, how much stranger would fiction be? Would it be an HBO series? A trashy book to buy at the airport?
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Journal/Notebook/Sketchbook Page
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Scrapbook
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Excerpts from a Character's Journal/Notebook
You know that despite the fact that they shouldn't be keeping any evidence of their crimes, they're all creatures of habit, wanting to cling to the only things that stay consistent in their lives.
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - A Softer World style panels
“I want people to tell their children terrifying stories about the things we did for love.”
Medium Opt In: Writing – Creepypasta
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Internet Forum Posts
In this instance, I wonder how the Dark Passenger would translate, especially if it was Dexter after the finale of New Blood (in this case, character death is fine).
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Epistolary
The worst part of this is I'm sure none of them ever sent any of the letters.
Medium Opt In: Writing - In-Universe Interview
Maybe the truth comes out and one of them is put away for some crime, or maybe it's something else entirely that gradually turns sinister as it turns out there are more than a few people that don't want the truth to come out...
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Medical Report
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Psychological Evaluation Report
One can only imagine just how utterly out there these things get.
Medium Opt In: Writing - In-Universe Memoir
You know if it's Dexter writing it, it's going to be as pretentious and wordy as possible and if it's Harrison, it's going to have way too much veiled subtext. Brian just cheerfully writes about his favorite murders.
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe True Crime Podcast Transcript
It is canonical after all and there had to be more than one podcaster trying to get a scoop.
Medium Opt-In: Writing - Reddit: In-Universe r/AmITheAsshole Post (Post + Replies)
Medium Opt-In: Writing - Reddit: In-Universe r/Legaladvice Post (Post + Replies)
Medium Opt-In: Writing - Reddit: In-Universe r/Relationships Post (Post + Replies)
There's no way this turns out well for anyone, least of all the commenters.
Father Brown (2013)
Father Brown/M. Hercule Flambeau (Father Brown)
I definitely fell in love with Chesterton's works a long time ago, particularly his Father Brown stories, and while I always loved Flambeau in the stories, I never really felt the need to ship the two of them together, despite all the slashy overtones. And then I watched the series... and kept watching... and specifically rewatched the Flambeau episodes and I was hooked. It's so clear in the show that Father Brown is just as invested in Flambeau as he is in him, and it's so much fun to just see Father Brown breaking the law just so Flambeau won't get caught, while Flambeau in return just can't stay away from the good priest, especially if he needs help. The ending of the latest episode with the two of them truly had me going, “okay, so you're both willing to give up everything to save the other one” and I can just soak that kind of thing up all day.
So I am fully caught up with the series, which means I am definitely into Flambeau using his thieving talents to steal shit back for the Vatican. Of course, he ropes Father Brown into it at one point, or maybe Father Brown gets entangled into it all on his own and before you know it, artifacts are getting stolen (again), people are having to save each other (again), and the police really should just sit this one out and let the professionals handle it. Or I'm also very intrigued by this idea that someone floated online where the roles are reversed – Flambeau as the priest, likely cynical and jaded from what he's seen in the war, who's constantly having a crisis of faith even as he ministers to his flock. Things only get more complicated when a thief announces his desire to steal a religious artifact, and Flambeau can't decide what's the most irritating – the fact that the local constabulary believe he must be involved because of his mysterious past, the village practically falling in love with the “Robin Hood” thief overnight, or that the thief seems hell-bent on restoring Flambeau's faith in God, even if he has to steal half a church to do it...
DNWs: No on-screen animal harm (brief references to canonical events are fine), extreme underage (15+ fine), scat/watersports, no focus on unrequested pairings involving nominated characters (mentions of past canon relationships are fine), no permanent nominated character death (character transformation/resurrection is fine).
Opt-In Medium Prompts:
Medium Opt-In: Art - Costume Design
Medium Opt-In: Art - Stained Glass
Again, there's so gorgeous imagery in this show, whether it's the costuming (Flambeau's disguises vary in aesthetic appeal, but they're always so fun), or the scenery.
Medium Opt-In: Audio - Fanmix/FST (Fan Soundtrack)
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - Fanmix with Liner Notes
Truly, I would love anything for this, whether it's historically accurate or chock full of K-pop (no, seriously.)
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Legal Documents
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Book or Movie Review
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Exhibition Catalogue
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Magazine Article
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Book or Movie Review
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Magazine Article
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Transcript of Podcast or Radio Show
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe True Crime Podcast Transcript
Medium Opt-In: Writing - Reddit: In-Universe r/AskHistorians Post (Post + Replies)
I imagine the historians would have a field day with Father Brown and Flambeau. Seriously, that's thesis material right there (says the person who had a field day researching the very homoerotic Oxford Movement).
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Journal/Notebook/Sketchbook Page
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Scrapbook
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Excerpts from a Character's Journal/Notebook
Does Flambeau collect the greatest hits of his thefts (and also secretly follow all of Father Brown's crime-solving endeavors?) Does Father Brown?
Medium Opt-In: Instructions - Cocktail Recipe
Medium Opt-In: Instructions - Mocktail Recipe
Medium Opt-In: Instructions – Recipe
This show really makes me hungry in all the best ways.
.
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - A Softer World style panels
“You make me want to pretend to be a better man.”
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - Cross Stitch Pattern
I legit have no real idea beyond "this would be awesome," but this just struck me as being so fabulously apropos for the show that I couldn't resist.
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Advice Column
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Epistolary
Oh, you know Flambeau is just constantly sending cheeky little letters to Father Brown, who probably cherishes each and every one of them. And an advice column just seems hilarious either way – Father Brown gets one for the local newsletter or somehow Flambeau gets a second gig as an agony columnist.
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Interview
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Memoir
When everyone's settled down and not technically wanted by the law, what sort of stories are told?
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Travelogue
I imagine Flambeau's is quite extensive (and also suspiciously coincides with a number of high-profile thefts).
XCOM (2012 Reboot Series)
John "Central" Bradford/Male Commander (XCOM 2012 Reboot Series)
I really do love these two and their utter devotion to each other. I mean, Bradford's loyalty is so obvious it could be seen from space – you don't spend that many years looking for your commander, shrug off a bullet to your shoulder, and then promptly abdicate the leadership of your organization to a guy basically out of brain surgery without having deep faith and complete trust in him. But I like to think the Commander sticks around, not just because the message of “save humanity and destroy ADVENT and win the day” is so strong, but also because Bradford is believing in him, willing to sacrifice everything to save him, and how could he not live up to what Bradford thinks he is?
There is so much I would love to see about the two of them and their relationship. Maybe something where they use a more subtle conditioning on the Commander and Bradford has to break through his brainwashing to save him? Or maybe ADVENT takes Bradford because they know what he means to the Commander and now the Commander is torn between doing what Bradford would want him to do (ignore him, go kill aliens) or do what his heart wants him to do instead (kill aliens, rescue Bradford, kill more aliens for daring to take him in the first place). Or ooh, they're captured together and have to escape and it's made slightly more difficult by the fact that they both keep trying to take the bullet for the other one (you know Geist is sensing this and mentally rolling his eyes deeply before he dispatches his Templars).
DNWs: No animal harm, extreme underage, scat/watersports, no focus on unrequested pairings involving nominated characters (mentions of past canon relationships are fine), no permanent nominated character death (transformation/resurrections are fine).
Opt In Medium Prompts:
Medium Opt-In: Art - In-Universe Propaganda Poster
Right, so these posters are canon, and yet we have no bonded posters featuring the Commander and Bradford making out over an alien? Sacrilege!
Medium Opt-In: Audio - Fanmix/FST (Fan Soundtrack)
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - Fanmix with Liner Notes
What kind of music does the Resistance listen to? I imagine that Bradford and the Commander have much different tastes than their younger recruits.
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Book or Movie Review
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Exhibition Catalogue
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Fan letters
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Book or Movie Review
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Fan letters
How would XCOM be seen after ADVENT is defeated, particularly once the truth became known? What would be mostly truthful, what would be exaggerated, and what would be out and out lies? How does the story change as the years progress?
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Journal/Notebook/Sketchbook Page
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Epistolary
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Excerpts from a Character's Journal/Notebook
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Interview
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Memoir
Bradford's stories would be 95% about the Commander and 5% telling utter bullshit, while the Commander's is basically bemused over the whole thing probably. And I can only imagine what sort of stories everyone else concocts. (Also, the thought of Bradford writing letters to the Commander that he never sent over the years he was missing makes my heart hurt.)
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Official Workplace Documentation
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - In-Universe Scientific Documents
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In Universe Classified Documents
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Complaint Form
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Medical Report
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Official Workplace Documentation
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Psychological Evaluation Report
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Scientific Documents
The Commander's return brought with it quite a bit of evaluations and reports before he would be released, contrary to that really quick cutscene where you get to be in charge because Bradford waves his hand and says it's okay.
Medium Opt-In: Illustrated Text (Art & Writing) - Mission Report
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Mission Report
Oh, no, most of them would involve “and then someone shot at one of the fuel tanks and now everything's on fire.”
Medium Opt-In: Instructions - TTRPG rules
Sure, it's a video game, but how would it be as an RPG? Apparently, there's been enough interest for people to try to find something similar to it, but no real one has gotten off the ground.
Medium Opt-In: Unique Rules - A Softer World style panels
“I know that I don't deserve you, but that's okay. Life's not fair.”
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Advice Column
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe Internet Forum Posts
Medium Opt-In: Writing - In-Universe RPF
Medium Opt-In: Writing - Reddit: In-Universe r/IAmA AMA (Post + Questions + Replies)
They really should have seen it coming when they started recruiting all those specialists, but how were they to know that they'd set up such a thriving intranet with such posts as “Stop Eating My Food, You Dick!” and “Which One of Them Tops: Poll!”
