#the tithe

And...and there's an episode that starts with a little blurb saying that it has depictions of British sign language in it and they recommend turning the captions on if you need a translation?!? And?!?!?!

The character that speaks in sign is a major, important character. (A Sister of Silence). In fact she's like, the main POV character of this anthology short. Her Custodies travel buddy for the episode (funnily enough a woman, in a short released in 2024. So suck in that everyone who completed about the fem Custodies reveal in 2026, they've always been here) is the only person that can actually speak sign, and there's a mild frustration as she is communicating very important questions and information with people who go "I cannot understand your hand motions, I'm sorry" (which makes more sense! She's in a position of authority, so it's all on them for not understanding her.), often leading to the Custodian to translate what she's asking for her. Because the mission is her mission, as a sister of silence. The custodian has an entirely different purpose here.

Feyre. Why are you like this?

TAMLIN. Why are you like this? (The answer is, ofc, SJM assassinated your character, but I digress.)

The staff at his manor has to eat. The troops need to be paid; the lands need upkeep. That's what the tithe is for, right? I mean, that at least makes more sense than the lack of information we got other than "people give Tamlin stuff lol".

(Also, sorry - going back to a previous chapter, I get that Rhys was trying to be funny with his line-writing lessons but ew, dude. Not subtle.)

Why exactly Oberon felt the need to call a meeting of the Unseelie Court to discuss an article written by what he himself had called, “A worthless rag about as useful as the mud on my shoe,” was beyond Rye’s understanding. Sure, several of the noblemen and women of the Court had been surprised by the news, even more surprised to hear Oberon confirm the words written, but none were upset. There had been a healthy round of laughter at the admission, followed by several comments about the Queen’s reign ending when the Seelie revolted against her.

Apparently that was to be the primary discussion of the day: the possibility of someone else taking the throne of Wisteria. It was a topic Rye was interested in, though for very different reasons than the rest of the Court gathered there. A new ruler could lead to trouble for Robin, if they were unsympathetic to escapees seeking refuge in Wisteria. It could also cause trouble for Lord Silverbone, though Rye was only distantly concerned over the man insomuch as his wellbeing could directly affect Robin, and anything that could sever the already uneasy treaty between the Courts, such as anything that may affect his marriage to Luna, could be trouble for everyone.

As much as Rye knew all of Wisteria was likely ready to set out for their Queen’s head, he couldn’t help but feel bad for her. The circumstances, as Rye understood it, and with very little actual explanation from Oberon, were that the Queen had been unaware of the addition to the treaty. Oberon had scribbled it in before signing his own name, and without any advisors or anyone near enough to see the small margins, she’d had the choice to either sign it, and agree to Oberon’s new terms, or throw months of negotiations to the wind, and be single-handedly blamed for another century of war. Rye had born witness to Oberon’s tricks and careful manipulations for years; he’d even been on the receiving end of it on occasion, though Oberon spared his own blood the worst of his malice. But Rye couldn’t blame the Queen for her decision, and he silently hoped her people, once their anger tapered, would understand as well.

After a meeting, in which Rye spoke as little as possible, and gave mostly noncommittal answers when he was required to, he stood, ready to retreat to his home. Perhaps visit the Wolves for a few days. He could use the reprieve from the politics of it all. Oberon put a hand on his shoulder as he stood, a smile that used to be comforting on his lips before inviting Rye to remain at the castle to join him and Titania for dinner. The question was a kindness; Rye couldn’t say no. So his practiced smile remained as he accepted the offer, but excused himself to see to Nissa before he’d meet them for dinner.

He was heading for the stables, careful to keep a Court-acceptable facade and polite smile on his lips as he passed various members of the Court and the castle servants on his way out. He only paused when he heard a voice, clearly looking for his attention.

The Tithe

January 18th - February 2nd

Your character wakes up on January 18th to a copy of The Magpie's Nest, a mysterious gossip rag with a penchant for court secrets and conspiracy theories. The last time the Magpie's Nest had shaken Midsummer, it had reported on mysterious assassinations of nobles, Seelie and Unseelie both. The faerie realm had thought then that the rag had delved into Midsummer's most harrowing secrets. However, nothing that has graced its page has ever been as cataclysmic as this.

The Unseelie Court had established an identity based on impulsive hedonism and personal freedom, and in turn, the Seelie court has prided itself on being a moral authority. Now, with the Magpie's reports, the Seelie's image of moral superiority is starting to crack. Queen Mab’s closest courtiers are finding their faith in her shaken. Her most loyal followers are shocked by what they have read, and her enemies are quickly organizing to exploit the first real crack in her armor.

This new report will drop on January 18th, 12:00 AM, PST on https://themagpiesnest-tff.tumblr.com/

Additional Information:

Please tag all event posts under “TFFevent”

It has been over a week since news of Queen Mab’s deceit spread through court. Anvali Castle, once the center of activity, has fallen silent. The queen has not been seen at court since the news broke, locking herself in her chambers and accepting few visitors. There has been a noticeable thinning of nobility at court, many of the uppercrust suddenly having convenient excuses for why they must depart from their chambers at the castle, and back to their own manors. It is said the Seelie Queen has even ordered nearly all her ladies-in-waiting away. Only her most beloved lady and friend, Viscountess Cora Winter is dutifully by the reclusive Queen’s side. 

Is this the end of the mighty Bloom monarchy? Four thousand years is an awfully long time for one family to reign. Will the law and order the Seelie have clung to for so long buckle beneath the weight of this heavy secret? What do you think, birdies? 

Let’s play a little game, shall we? 

If you still believe in the good Queen Mab, leave the word “Order” in my ask box.

If you’re ready to riot in the streets, leave the word “Chaos” in my ask box.

I eagerly await your thoughts.

Yours,

Recent Purchases

With the NYCC sales and a bunch of preorders coming in, I’ve gotta lot of stuff to work through. 

Top Cow

Witchblade: Origins Vol 3 (the first two are on Comixology Unlimited) The Darkness: Compendium Vol 1 Cyber Force Vol 1: Awakening The Tithe Vol 3: Samaritan 

Image

Isola Vol 1 My Heroes Have Always Been Junkies The Wicked + The Divine Vol 7: Mothering Invention Descender Vol 6: The Machine War Seven to Eternity Vol 2: Ballad of Betrayal

DC

Batman: White Knight Wonder Woman: Earth One: Vol 2 Bombshells United: Vol 2: War Bonds Deathstroke Vol 5: Fall of Slade Super Sons Vol 3: Parent Trap Justice League: No Justice

Marvel

Here’s some of what I’ve read over the past couple of months:

Freak Show, Desperado Publishing: written by Bruce Jones (who also wrote my favorite comic Scarecrow: Year One) and illustrated by the legendary Bernie Wrightson, Freak Show tells the story of a travelling sideshow group who takes in abused societal outcasts and becomes one big happy, loving family of misfits. Of course, this is a horror story, so everything goes horribly, gruesomely wrong and culminates in one of the most disturbing endings to a comic book that I’ve ever read. 

Postal, Image Comics: this series takes place in a small town called Eden, where life is quiet and idyllic and the residents live among one-another in peace and harmony. That’s because nearly everyone in Eden has a criminal record, and any offending behavior is dealt with swiftly--and gravely. One of the series’ writers describes Postal as “a Norman Rockwell painting, if there was any blood on it”. 

My Friend Dahmer, Abrams ComicArts: writer Derf Backderf shares his memories of classmate Jeffrey Dahmer, who would later become known as one of the most infamous serial killers in American history. My Friend Dahmer has been accused of “humanizing” or displaying sympathy towards a man who committed horrific crimes at the expense of numerous victims, but Derf presents a careful balance of depicting Dahmer’s sad, dysfunctional teenage years while never once excusing his atrocities. 

Gotham by Gaslight, DC Comics: I read this one in preparation for the upcoming animated film, which I’m now very excited to see! Elseworlds tales are pretty hit or miss, but Gaslight spins an interesting steampunk take on the Jack the Ripper murders by having Batman investigate them--with nods to familiar villains along the way, of course. 

The Tithe, Image Comics: growing up in Houston, home of Joel Osteen’s mega-church, I’ve been aware of televangelism and the practice’s devoted following since a young age. The Tithe explores those who seek to profit from--and take advantage of--their religious audience, and poses the question of whether or not vigilantism is acceptable when it’s directed towards men who manipulate the faith of others for their own financial gain.

House of Penance, Dark Horse Comics: this miniseries tells the (fictionalized) story of the construction of the famous Winchester House that a gun heiress constructed in an attempt to evade ghosts. The elaborate layout changes within a matter of page turns, but it is all for naught--no matter how many daily alterations are made, it’s never enough to keep the shadows and blood away for long.