#tyn talks

Something I very commonly see in system spaces, especially with newer systems and singlets in said spaces, is a lack of fictive etiquette.

So what does it entail? A few simple things that are pretty easy to remember if you start with one specific detail: fictives are not their source material.

This means that reaching out to a system solely because they have a fictive of a character you like is not okay nor is it safe. The concept of sourcemates can be dangerous— you do not know the system! They could have bad intentions, you don’t even know how old they are until you ask. I’ve seen many younger systems get into relationships with adult systems on this mistake. As tempting as it can be to seek comfort in people that are ‘from’ the same place, one’s ficto-memories are just that; fictitious. Plus, anyone could lie about being a system, or having a certain alter. And trauma survivors can be fragile and easy to manipulate, so it’s something you keep in mind. ‘Sourcecalls’ are a damaging concept as a whole.

That being said, do not treat a fictive like they are their source. If you see a fictive whose source is a problematic media, or the character they are based on is problematic or evil, do not assume that they are exactly like their source. One of the nicest people I have ever met was a fictive of the main villain of a violent video game. She is very sweet, and we are lucky to know her. Again, fictives are not their source. It’s impossible to say this too much. Don’t judge a fictive on their source.

If you or someone close to you believes themself to be their source, it can be extremely unhealthy. The solution: source seperation. (Moonali is making a post on that soon.)

All in all:

Fictives are their own people. You don’t know them until you get to know them properly. Treat them with respect and do not act like you know them simply because of their source.

Basic respect is easy, and for that, there is no excuse.

Nuance:

Not all systems feel this way. We are not ones to tell systems that they’re wrong for not doing something. Our word is not god, and no one should be harassed for not agreeing with anything we say. Further, we should not be attacked unless we have said something truly damaging.

https://robog.org/afychapter-one

For the past year and a half, I and a friend (who wishes to remain anonymous) have been working together to write a middle fantasy saga filled with intrigue, romance, personal growth, and the exploration of a world of our design.  The story starts out right at the end of a fifteen year war between the kingdoms of Luminary and Dicea, set to end through the union of the respective princes Caius and Felix. However, right away things don't exactly go according to plan.

Over the past couple months, I've been doing a complete editing overhaul of the story, and while it's not perfect, it's at a point I want to share it with the world. So far I have five chapters posted, with a plan to release upcoming chapters to Patrons a week in advance to the official release--so, if you like the story, please consider supporting! (https://www.patreon.com/robogill)

While there aren't any content warnings for the first five chapters, as the story continues it includes sensitive subjects such as: Explicit Violence, Self-Harm, Suicidal Ideation, Sexual Content, Sexual Violence, Body Horror, and Drug Abuse and that list may be expanded as it goes on. For the specific chapters that include content warnings, I will again post the specific warning at the top of the chapter so no one is caught unawares.

I’ve found that when many systems hear the term, it is assumed that source separation means a fictive has to change everything about themself until you can’t even tell what their source is anymore. This is false.

All a fictive needs to be healthily source separated is to understand that they are not their source— that’s it!

No matter how similar someone is to their source, if they are able to understand and separate themselves from their source— if they can look at their source and know that they are a separate person, they are healthily source separated.

Don’t get me wrong, some fictives prefer to change everything and try to make sure they are completely unrecognizable in comparison to the media they are based on.

Both examples are okay.

What isn’t okay is when a fictive believes that they are their source material. Not only is this untrue and a delusion, but the more attached this person is to the idea, the bigger the mental breakdown when they inevitably have a crisis on the fact that they are not their source. I’ve seen it happen many times, and it is upsetting to see.

All of this is to say that source separation is really the bare minimum and it’s not a big, scary, and difficult thing.

NOTE:

NEVER, and I mean NEVER, judge a fictive based on their source or their level of separation. Everyone is out there doing their best. Fictives are people, not their source, not accessories, not characters, not objects, people.

Treat everyone with respect.

Stay safe out there lovelies, I’m cheering you on!

Moon and Merri, signing off.

(personal experience from two of our fictives below cut)

Ahh! So Frightening!--Inktober Day Five

Madam Moth, showin’ off her goods. Inktober Day Two!

Pledging helps me pay for...my life, basically, so I don’t have to worry about draining my bank account every month. Still, for the moment I’m doing well enough, so please don’t feel pressured to pledge anything. 

Here’s the link! Thanks!

Hey I’m a painter now.

DM me for commissions (I’d send you the canvas). Thinkin’ $25 down minimum (so I can pay for materials/shipping) then we can talk about price after that. Basically bigger canvas and more time means higher price. I’m down to haggle too.