#vassals

“F: I was gonna say, Goblin Emperor does this in a very balanced way, because even though you are in Maia’s head, you’re seeing all his good parts in a way that would make you think, “Yes! I would feel the same way if I was Csevet or if I was one of the other retainers in his life, because he’s so good and nice.” Well, I, it’s… also I suppose it depends on whether you can identify with Maia or not, and he is a very sympathetic character, but I remember when I was reading it, it was one of the few books that I deeply, deeply enjoyed despite not really identifying with the main character. At all. Because I’m not that kind of person.

M: Hmm.

F: So when I was reading it as a fealty narrative, you could appreciate someone like the—the loyalty of someone like Csevet—but at the same time, because I don’t… because I identify more with Csevet than with Maia, I enjoyed the vassal side of that relationship more. And there’s some books that do that more overtly—I’m gonna mention Megan Whalen Turner’s Queen’s Thief series, again—where The King of Attolia is essentially the same journey, it’s a fealty journey of a… quite literal, a vassal, discovering the worthiness of his king and going through this transformation from unwilling subject to adoring, really believing in his king and being prepared to die for him, and that’s, you’re in the point of view of the vassal there so it’s even more overt. But for me I think it depends on, well, the story that’s being told, [sound of agreement from M] who’s telling the story, and which character I am the most, feeling the most linked to as it’s told.

[17:43]

M: That makes sense. I think there’s also a couple of different liege narratives that I, I see, and maybe you’ll think of… can think of some more. But there’s the liege growing into their power, and then there’s the, the powerful liege, but the—they’re gathering vassals or they’re figuring out something plot-like, right?—

F: Mm.

M: So it’s a little bit different because I think—and I haven’t read it, but from what you were saying to me, in Megan Whalen Turner’s books it sounded like the liege is kind of established?

F: Yes, by the third book he’s, that character, the liege character, is still going through struggles and journeys but from the point of view of the vassal, that’s not… that’s not particularly important. Like, being reminded of the liege’s vulnerability and human nature is, but, yes, he’s established as the king, we know that he’s a very impressive person in his own way. The fun is the journey of this person who doesn’t know him, who is coming to know him.”

Fellas, fellas, is it gay to tell the homies you "promise to be their man" and then share a kiss? 🤔

A member of the Tower, but most certainly in a remote fashion, this talented woman was thrust into the responsibilities of being guardian for a whole world without any semblance of mentorship or guidance! I, the enterprising individual that I am, filled with boundless empathy and a want to see others grow...took it upon myself to assist in my own very special way. This is Aya, a woman who found herself as a magical girl defending the realms of Neo Tokyo from all kinds of trouble! Make sure to say some nice things about her! Despite appearances, she's really quite happy. Just...has a tendency to forget to sleep. It's all the gaming, you see.

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