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psychological dominance is so fucking cool and amazing and intoxicating what the fuck. the mind is so malleable. feeling yourself being actively and intentionally reconditioned by someone else is so hot. and like, if you’re guided far enough into that fully relinquishing headspace, it’s genuinely fascinating to be able to SEE your thought patterns and instincts being rearranged and rewired in real time

you don't understand, makis (a cleric) cast dominate person on fýlakas and in the same session fýlakas (a monk) almost had to get physical with makis. both because they were being puppetted by visions and sensations outside of their control. both because they prefer to be the only force controlling the other. both because they believe saving lives is always, entirely, inherently messy, and that means being another force scarring the other's mind or body (as appropriate) then so be it!!!!

not romantic not platonic but a secret third thing (so devoted the lines blur)

i will ALWAYS clap my hands excitedly and lean forward in my seat when someone tells a character to "keep your dog on a leash" only for it to turn out they're referring to another person

the way it reframes the entire relationship dynamic between the two people being addressed. the way wilful loyalty becomes hopeless devotion. the way aggression and violence goes from honorable and rational to bestial and instinctual. the ways faith and trust intersect with codependency and reliance. the questions about power and who wields it in the relationship it opens up. the way it functions as both an insult and an expression of intimidation, of fearful submission.