What is this thing?
It's a Shadowgast rec blog! Every week, a theme is randomly chosen, then randos on the internet (including you) can choose to rec something based on that theme. All works have Shadowgast as their primary pairing.
When do recs go out?
Tuesdays, Mid-day US.
Who is behind this?
@operafloozy came up with the idea and is handling the logistics
@professor-rye created our PFP and banners
@theusualjasper helps out with the posting
Who is doing the reccing and coming up with themes?
Historically, it was the Aeor is for Lovers discord, but as of 09/24/2024, it can be you! The form is here.
What are Content Notes and why does some stuff show up in them?
The purpose of a content note is kind of like eating something with the message 'contains nuts'. It's a way of letting people avoid stuff they might be happier not reading. Having something in a content note isn't a moral judgement or saying that people should avoid it, it's just acknowledging that people have reasons to avoid certain types of content. Someone might have a content note on pregnancy to allow people who recently had a miscarriage avoid it, note somethings a WIP to not make people get their hopes up, or note trans vaginal penetration because the subject can cause dysphoria. Some stuff we require content notes on. Some stuff we don't.
If something has the note 'choose not to warn', it means either the reccer or the author chose not to add anything further. This can to be to avoid spoilers, to avoid the crippling anxiety that comes with trying to describe something correctly, or some secret third thing.
Can I steal this idea?
Yes! Please steal this idea!
If you want to create your own version, feel free to check out the post on the tools we use. If you've got any more questions, you can send an ask to Operafloozy. She's automated away most of the formatting work and has gotten the amount of time spent on maintenance down to less than ten minutes a week. Also, she really wants to see reclists make a comeback.
Someone commented on my fic to say I was recced here. I'd rather not be told about it, thanks.
No worries! Just send either Operafloozy an ask (or contact us a different way if you can find us), and we'll put your name on an opt-out list. (You can put yourself on the Opt Out list preemptively if this is a worry you have).
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This week, we have Dark Fics! Check under the cut for 13 dark fics, and don't forget to comment and kudos if you like them!
Mirror-Colored by aboxthecolourofheartache (3668, Teen)
Reccer's Content Notes: There's no Shadowgast endgame. They care for each other, but we kind of see their chance for a deeper connection crash and burn (to their own despair).
From the tags: Emotional Manipulation, Trust Issues, it wouldn't hurt if it weren't real, two emotionally wounded sharks circling
Reccer says: The angst hurts so good! I found this through the Manipulation tag, and it hit my very specific narrative kink of characters using their genuine feelings in a manipulative, calculated way.
Hard Mouth by road_rhythm (72167, Explicit)
Reccer's Content Notes: Choose Not to Warn
There's something in Caleb's dreams. It wants him to know that he's not alone. It wants him to know that he'll never be alone again. Elves don't dream, so all Essek can do is watch.
Reccer says: A classic for a reason - gripping and dark and tense, with amazing prose.
fulcrum by saturdaysky (2317, Mature)
Reccer's Content Notes: Graphic Depictions of Violence, Torture, Hurt No Comfort
Caleb does not make it free at the end of the Vergessen heist. Trent offers him a choice.
Reccer says: It's a thoroughly blended Caleb smoothie (and Essek is having a bad time too)
Unwise by verynotokay (13521, Mature)
Reccer's Content Notes: Dubcon/Consensual Non Consent
In which Caleb and Essek are constantly doing fake-out betrayals to each other because mortal danger is sexy
Reccer says: Lots of power exchange, lots of ill-advised and severely under-negotiated kink that they're both in to
zwiefacher by VillainIHaveDoneThyMother (118171, Explicit)
Reccer's Content Notes: Choose Not to Warn, Rape/Non-con, Dubcon/Consensual Non Consent, Memory manipulation
Bren meets a drow that the martinet is keeping in his towers for the first time, without knowing they have met many times before
Reccer says: The memory manipulation and gaslighting from Bren's perspective is written beautifully, with the whole situation and Essek's view of it being so wonderfully messed up
Lacking in outcomes by mariadperiad20 (41886, Not Rated)
Reccer's Content Notes: Graphic Depictions of Violence, Rape/Non-con
Caleb wakes up to Essek terrified of him and the nein hating him
Reccer says: Essek's actions are heartbreaking and so lovely and the twist had me so shocked in the best way
You can have my absence of faith by Anonymous (87745, Explicit)
Reccer's Content Notes: Dubcon/Consensual Non Consent, Male Pregnancy
Caleb finds out about Essek's old fantasies of being forced to carry eggs by a half drider, they decide to roleplay it using polymorph
Reccer says: The mix of filth and tender domesticity really make this fic! The contrast between Caleb as the drider and as the farmer is so fun
foreign diplomacy by stygius (1087, Mature)
Reccer's Content Notes: Choose Not to Warn
The Shadowhand helps Bren kill Trent (off-screen) and comes to congratulate him when it's done.
Reccer says: it's based on a fanart by saturdaysky and a great exploration of the scene they drew! Both Essek and Bren have sexy evil vibes and I like how they feel like themselves but full of machinations
a moth-to-flame, helpless by Anonymous (3424, Explicit)
Reccer's Content Notes: Rape/Non-con, Omegaverse, Non-consentual drug use
Essek is an accomplished dunamancer and the most sought-after bachelor in the kingdom. Volstrucker Bren goes to extremes to extract his secrets.
Reccer says: Unfinished, but the first chapter is hot
Used and Forgotten Goods by LessAttitudeMoreAltitude (25012, Explicit)
Reccer's Content Notes: Rape/Non-con, Dubcon/Consensual Non Consent
An AU where Trent gets to fuck Caleb up even more. And then Essek finds him while in hiding and tries to help him (with very mixed success)
Reccer says: It hits hard. It's a fucking YIKES but the characterization really strikes the chord of "everyone trying their best" and "miscommunication for the worst"
only broken horses know how to run by atlasarcana (47821, Explicit)
Reccer's Content Notes: Graphic Depictions of Violence, Rape/Non-con
When Essek gets captured by the Empire during the war the only way to save his life is for Volstrucker Bren to claim him as his personal war prize.
Reccer says: The politics! The world-building ! The angst! The exploration of a darker version of the empire! Just a great time all around!
Dream A Little Dream of Me by canyon_wizard (11083, Explicit)
Reccer's Content Notes: Rape/Non-con, Dubcon/Consensual Non Consent, mind control
Essek bumps into someone in the street and suddenly finds he can’t trance, but only sleep, and his dreams are of a man he doesn’t know. Bren/Essek.
Reccer says: It’s soooo deliciously dark and messed up. I’ve reread it an embarrassing number of times. Definitely heed the tags but hot damn it’s good. Dark but tasty af.
a cold wind (blowing over my soul) by Lise (9719, Mature)
Reccer's Content Notes: Graphic Depictions of Violence
Essek wakes up in a universe where Bren is a teacher at Soltryce, and Essek is a captured prisoner used as a teaching aid for torture and interrogation.
Reccer says: Absolutely horrifying, very good Essek character study, with hints of what's really going on beneath the surface.
We hope you enjoyed this weeks selection, there will not be a rec list next week as we are taking a short brake.
Anyone else a fan of the dark and foreboding? The grim endings and ruthless wizards? Well, this week is for you! We’re looking for recs for Dark Fics!
There are a lot of tags that can pull up these sorts of fics, including Neutral Evil Essek Thelyss, Scourger | Volstrucker Caleb Widogast, and the ever alarming Hurt No Comfort.
Anyone else a fan of the dark and foreboding? The grim endings and ruthless wizards? Well, this week is for you! We’re looking for recs for Dark Fics!
There are a lot of tags that can pull up these sorts of fics, including Neutral Evil Essek Thelyss, Scourger | Volstrucker Caleb Widogast, and the ever alarming Hurt No Comfort.
This week, we have Older Favourites! Check under the cut for four older favs, and don't forget to comment and kudos if you like them!
For My Love Lies Patiently by xhorhaus (13596, Mature)
Reccer's Content Notes: None
"I could fall in love with you." Gods above, fall in love? Where did this come from? ... An exploration of Caleb and Essek's relationship, throughout and after the campaign, and how they came to love each other.
Reccer says: The progess of them realising they could love each other to realising that they do love each other is very sweet. This is one of my favourite rereads.
as if through a prism by wanderinghooves (30812, Mature)
Reccer's Content Notes: Graphic Depictions of Violence
Caleb and Essek exploring Aeor while avoiding proper communication until they cant anymore
Reccer says: I love Essek getting to be a nerd. The miscommunication is both tragic and believable. The whump is exquisite. The length is perfect.
Out of Season by aboxthecolourofheartache (5702, Mature)
Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes
Essek and Caleb communicate (poorly) about the nature of their relationship, and somehow this results in a roundabout bit of theatre to prove they trust each other. The collar of silence is there.
Reccer says: Excellent character and relationship study!
a body in absentia by nonwal (103604, Explicit)
Reccer's Content Notes: Choose Not to Warn
It's a canon divergence with scourger Caleb (Bren in this fic) who acts as a messanger between his superiors and the Shadowhand Essek Thelyss
Reccer says: I genuinely believe that everyone who likes shadowgast should at least give this fic a chance, characterisation and writing are both exquisite. Characters are complex and multifaceted and smut only adds to that. I liked the casual descriptions of violence Bren experiences that drove the point how horrific things are without the violence feeling gratuitous. It also made me cry at one point. It's a classic, please read it if you haven't.
This is one of our weekly communally-generated shadowgast rec lists. Every week we announce a new theme and allow anyone to submit a fic recommendation.Â
And hey, anyone includes you!
Next week, we'll be featuring Dark Fics!
Any fics coming to mind? Well, then use this form to submit!
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
✓ Live Streaming✓ Interactive Chat✓ Private Shows✓ HD Quality✓ Free Actions
Free to watch • No registration required • HD streaming
This week, we have one of our recurring themes: Older Favorites! To be an older favorite, two years should have passed since the last update (or posting date, for a one shot).
For this one, it's pretty straightforward to search. All you've got to do is use the date update filter on either the works or the bookmarks search And then, if you're like me, realize with horror the passage of time.
This week, we have one of our recurring themes: Older Favorites! To be an older favorite, two years should have passed since the last update (or posting date, for a one shot).
For this one, it's pretty straightforward to search. All you've got to do is use the date update filter on either the works or the bookmarks search And then, if you're like me, realize with horror the passage of time.
This week we have fics where a scene goes wrong! Be that sexy, devious or angsty- check under the cut for five fics that explore this! Don't forget to comment and kudos if you enjoy
we don’t know what’s out there (could be all our demons, darling) by MarsBar2019 (10102, Explicit)
Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes
Caleb checks up on Essek in the tower and gets more than an eyefull
Reccer says: Good intentions gone wrong, then turn into something else. Very hot!
just like you imagined by atlasarcana (7451, Explicit)
Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes
Echo Bren doms Essek for the first time with Caleb voyeuring; everything goes as planned, until it doesn't.
Reccer says: I like how the smut is described and how the power and social dynamics between Bren, Caleb, and Essek unfold
when headlong might save a life by stygius (5489, Teen)
Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes
Adorable morning after-gone-wrong and then pancakes-gone wrong
Reccer says: I liked it!
(the lost myth of) true love by tthelyss (3551, Explicit)
Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes
Essek gets himself stuck by accident and his rescue goes wrong (in a sexy way)
Reccer says: Hilarious and hot
[peripheral] by xtinethepirate (5489, Mature)
Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes
Spoilers for the Projekt Funball liveshow - Caleb and Essek deal with the emotional aftermath.
Reccer says: It's such a great look at the messiness of friendships and relationships and slow healing and recuperation.
This is one of our weekly communally-generated shadowgast rec lists. Every week we announce a new theme and allow anyone to submit a fic recommendation.Â
And hey, anyone includes you!
Next week, we'll be featuring older favourite fics! This is for fics over two years old and one of our recurring themes
Any fics coming to mind? Well, then use this form to submit!
Let’s face it, there’s always a risk when engaging in BDSM, and us Hurt/Comfort fans do love a Scene Gone Wrong. Whether it’s from a lack of clear communication or things no one could have predicted, it’s all game!
There are a lot of tags you can search to try to find fics like this, from BDSM to Emotional Hurt/Comfort (or both).Â
Let’s face it, there’s always a risk when engaging in BDSM, and us Hurt/Comfort fans do love a Scene Gone Wrong. Whether it’s from a lack of clear communication or things no one could have predicted, it’s all game!
There are a lot of tags you can search to try to find fics like this, from BDSM to Emotional Hurt/Comfort (or both).Â
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
✓ Live Streaming✓ Interactive Chat✓ Private Shows✓ HD Quality✓ Free Actions
Free to watch • No registration required • HD streaming
This week, we have four fics thatinckude the wizards killing for each other, and don't forget to comment and kudos if you like them.
bow shock by SaltCore (4615, Mature)
Reccer's Content Notes: Graphic Depictions of Violence
Essek saves Caleb from a midnight assassination attempt.
Reccer says: one of my favorite shadowgast fics!!! beautifully descriptive and well-written prose, visceral descriptions of magic and Essek’s rage. And plenty of soft caretaking afterwards, with our favorite wizards who are incapable of talking about their emotions.
The Night Where Dark Stars Rise by Onyx Shinigami (3509, Mature)
Reccer's Content Notes: Implied/Referenced torture
Sometimes people forget Essek is an absolute bad ass who will top at nothing to achieve his goals. So. What if his goal is to protect Caleb?
Reccer says: The way Essek views the would be assassin in a cold, clinical way. Stark contrast to the passion he has to ensure no harm comes to Caleb. It is dark, but details are left up to the readers imagination.
Simple Math by SaltCore (4310, Mature)
Reccer's Content Notes: None
Essek uses powerful magic to save Caleb. he is not sorry
Reccer says: I liked it!
Love is a Serrated Knife by Inanerial (8879, Mature)
Reccer's Content Notes: Choose Not to Warn
Essek goes full on Shadowhand to save a Feebleminded Caleb.
Reccer says: I'm a sucker for good Caleb whump, but this has some great Essek whump too. The author's depiction of what the Feeblemind spell does is also really well done.
This is one of our weekly communally-generated shadowgast rec lists. Every week we announce a new theme and allow anyone to submit a fic recommendation.Â
And hey, anyone includes you!
Next week, we'll be featuring scenes gone wrong
Any fics coming to mind? Well, then use this form to submit!
What’s more romantic than killing someone for you? Nothing! This week we’re looking for fics focusing on Killing for Each Other.Â
This is another one of those themes that could be searched for in a lot of different ways with varied results. The Graphic Depictions of Violence warning is probably the broadest search, but you could also try Neutral Evil Essek Thelyss as well as Protective Caleb Widogast or Protective Essek Thelyss.
What’s more romantic than killing someone for you? Nothing! This week we’re looking for fics focusing on Killing for Each Other.Â
This is another one of those themes that could be searched for in a lot of different ways with varied results. The Graphic Depictions of Violence warning is probably the broadest search, but you could also try Neutral Evil Essek Thelyss as well as Protective Caleb Widogast or Protective Essek Thelyss.
This week we have shadowgast fics that also feature Nott/Veth! Check under the cut for four fics that feature our favourite minotaur lover- and don't forget to kudos and comment if you enjoy!
weathering storms over the coastline with you by Dragonslaeyr (31492, Teen)
Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes
Essek joins the summer camp. Some days, he even enjoys it.
Reccer says: It's fun!
Concerning Pipeweed by HeeblingHermit (8931, Teen)
Reccer's Content Notes: Drug Use
Veth and Essek get fucking high babeey
Reccer says: I liked it!
and have you changed your life? by neinofthem (jeyneofpoole) (6261, Mature)
Reccer's Content Notes: Graphic Depictions of Violence
Essek shows up on Veth's door injured and asking for her help.
Reccer says: The Essek and Veth dynamic is super well done. I love how annoyed and concerned she is with Essek and his typical wizard antics.
The following fic received two recs!
Visiting Hours by Lise (10260, Teen)
Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes, Depictions of injury
Essek appears on Veth's doorstep with Caleb, both in dire condition. Why would he come to her of all people??
Reccer 1 says: Really fun characterization of Essek and Veths relationship! I really enjoyed this :))
Reccer 2 says: I liked it!
This is one of our weekly communally-generated shadowgast rec lists. Every week we announce a new theme and allow anyone to submit a fic recommendation.Â
And hey, anyone includes you!
Next week, we'll be featuring some darker and more emotional fics with 'killing for each other'
Any fics coming to mind? Well, then use this form to submit!
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
✓ Live Streaming✓ Interactive Chat✓ Private Shows✓ HD Quality✓ Free Actions
Free to watch • No registration required • HD streaming
This week we have the 15th edition of one of our recurring themes, hidden recs! Check under the cut for ten fics with fewer than 150 kudos, and don't forget to kudos and comment if you enjoy!
While Molly was sleeping by Anonymous (23000, Teen)
Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes
Redo of While you were sleeping
Reccer says: I hate that its unfinished but I love the concept and adaptation of the original movie very much
New fires, old ordeals by Toneofjoy (83000, Mature)
Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes
Another set in the rock climbing au, but mostly bells hells plus shadowgast
Reccer says: As always, very well written and a great exploration of the human condition
Pink by JPlash (870, Mature)
Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes
post-fjorester wedding ficlet based on fanart
Reccer says: the descriptions of the scenery are absolutely beautiful, and its such a sweet heartwarming read :)
Deeper Words by Bearperson (69000, Mature)
Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes
Essek and Caleb trapped in Aeor, meeting as strangers, unable to communicate in a common language
Reccer says: I always appreciate when fics heavy in Zemnian are written by a Zemnian, as this is. Really good story of strangers to lovers to ??? (It’d WIP but has regular updates)
An Indulgent Night by Coorie_Doon (2602, General)
Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes
The night before setting off to Aeor Caleb and Essek reminis by the campfire
Reccer says: I liked it!
Continuities by Vvenus (41211, Mature)
Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes
Blind date leads to courting, sweet and angsty both.
Reccer says: Such an interesting dynamic, and with the two of them being autistic as well. Curious how it develops since there's already been ups and downs
Us rather hear your hell by Angrysaltlamp (60000, Explicit)
Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes
Like the show School Spirits, very dark (CW suicide) TM9 inhabit the blooming grove as ghosts
Reccer says: Such an interesting idea, and well written depiction of really dark topics
i'll follow you into the dark by ArtificialHaunting (8100, Explicit)
Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes
After getting into their first real fight Caleb and Essek find themselves in a bad situation with no one to rely on but each other.
Reccer says: I liked it!
golden hour by tthelyss (eyeofthe) (3804, Explicit)
Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes
Caleb and Essek eat sandwiches and also explore eachother's bodies
Reccer says: Its so sweet and domestic!
Resonant Echoes by Lise (20000, Teen)
Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes
Timeloop where Essek gets killed… a lot
Reccer says: Intriguing concept, well written, lots of whump
This is one of our weekly communally-generated shadowgast rec lists. Every week we announce a new theme and allow anyone to submit a fic recommendation.Â
And hey, anyone includes you!
Next week, we'll be featuring fics that also feature Nott/Veth!
Any fics coming to mind? Well, then use this form to submit!
This week, we have one of our recurring themes - fics you think are underappreciated (and have fewer than 150 kudos)
We know that this isn’t the sort of thing that a lot of people look at, so we suggest this search to help out. Or - go through your favorite author’s fics, and see if they have some that count. You can also rec your own!
In any case, if you’ve got any underappreciated recs - put them here!
