Hallowed Chalice Club

Barok & Klint van Zieks-centric content! [ Status: NOT accepting requests ]

[bailey-reaper]

Current status: NOT accepting

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Directory: list of tags, etc

Rules: rules for the blog & how to make requests

Memes: prompts for headcanons / drabbles

Masterlists: collections of drabbles, headcanons and other posts

Bailey Reaper: my main + RP blog for Barok

(If the above links do not work, please check this google document)

[bailey-reaper]

Aaaah poop. I applied to a GAA zine as a writer and got rejected. 😔 Feels bad.

[bailey-reaper]

Folks, I give you...

𝕮𝖔𝖚𝖓𝖙 𝕭𝖆𝖗𝖔𝖈𝖚𝖑𝖆

[bailey-reaper]

I believe when Klint wants to get someone’s attention (e.g. they’re engrossed in work at a desk or some such) he just slides his leggy into view and they instantly know who it is.

“What do you want, Klint?”

That’s the power of ✨Leggy✨ ™

[bailey-reaper]

So I want to preface this by saying that I know nothing about music or what certain music instruments symbolize or anything, but I want to talk about Barok's character theme.

I really like it because of several different impressions it gives.

See when I first listened to it, I thought, "Oooh spoooky theme! Fitting for the Reaper of the Bailey!" Especially with what I think is an organ playing the almost classic scary, "Dracula"-esque theme. So I thought it was just a spooky song at first.

But after listening a few more times as I got into the games, I started noticing that after the first initial "spookiness", the theme seems to change slightly. While it still has an intimidating air to it, it sounds like it's more refined and proper, if those are correct terms for it. Like this is a noble, someone deserving of respect.

And as I listened to it more, then I noticed it seems to almost sound sad the deeper you get into his theme. A bit "melancholy but still determined to go on" kind of feeling. All in all I think this theme says "There's more here than at first glance."

Or at least that's what it says to me.

I think your analysis is very apt – the fact that you aren't someone who has a musical background is just as valuable as someone who does, because the way the song resonates with you means the composer has managed to convey something that doesn't require specialist knowledge.

You might be right that someone with a background in such things will pick up other nuances, but the fact the song conveys so much to you just through its sound and pacing goes to show what a great theme it is!

Just in case you're interested: @beevean did a great analysis of the song, too! You can find that here.

[tiradraws]

inspired by this cute post

[bailey-reaper]

@tiradraws is amazing, please go check out all the awesome art! This makes me weep, look at how fluffy and cute that babu is!! 😭

[bailey-reaper]

Prosecutor van Zieks' office (concept art)

Source: Yann Le Gall (Twitter)

[bailey-reaper]

Hi, just a gentle reminder: this is a van Zieks fan blog –– which means that despite the flaws in Barok van Zieks' character, I enjoy him and I will produce content that centres on him. If that offends you, please go ahead and block me.

Absolutely no hard feelings on my part, I just don't want to see aggressive anti-Barok discourse when he's one of my favourite GAA characters and it seems impossible to have a sensible discussion about the negative aspects of him.

[bailey-reaper]

I don't know if you've answered this already, but if Iris had been raised by Barok, how do you think she'd turn out, as far as personality goes?

I can't remember answering this, anon, so I might have or I might not have...

When it comes to Iris, it's hard to know how much of her personality was shaped by Sholmes being the disaster he is and how much flows from her parents. I can't help but think that, regardless of parental figure, Iris will always have a certain strength of character about her and a curious and precocious mind.

She might well have been more reserved, given that Barok presents to me as quite a restrained figure most of the time, but probably just as prone to the occasional outburst as her uncle.

No doubt she'd have been more savvy of the unsavoury parts to living in London, too, and would have a keen eye for spotting potential threats to herself or her uncle (after all, growing up as a van Zieks is akin to having a bounty on your head). She'd probably be a highly accomplished swordsman, having been trained in such arts from a young age as a means of self-defence, and would be more than willing to use them on deserving thugs.

[bailey-reaper]

New regional Zoroark is giving me BIG Klint vibes ngl have you seen it? 👀

Yes I have seen it, I love how much like a Japanese fox / Kitsune it looks –– Klint would absolutely add one of these cuties to his canine menagerie!

More widely, I've been thinking about Klint's team and I think it'd be as follows:

Houndoom (Balmung)

Arcanine (Surt)

Granbull (Garm)

Boltund (Sköll)

Stoutland (Gullinbursti)

Lycanroc (Hati)

(He also has a Manectric and a Furfrou, but they're not for competitive purposes, and he's a renowned pedigree Rockruff breeder!)

[bailey-reaper]

I put this on the RP blog, but I think it belongs here too.

DOITFORKLINT.png!

[bailey-reaper]

Just your daily reminder...

[bailey-reaper]

Here's a map from 1894 - 1896 showing (part of) Victorian London – I've marked a few relevant in-game places (and a place that's relevant to the secret smut blog), including where I suspect Stronghart's Office would have been (based on the fact it's in a giant clock, i.e. Big Ben... probably, and that the Law Lords (the 'supreme court' of the time) were based in the House of Lords, which is part of the Houses of Parliament).

You'll need to view the image in a new tab to actually *see* the locations!

[bailey-reaper]

Whenever I see "Krimmet" (the Japanese romanization of Klimt/Klint), I can't help but think of "Krimmet the Frog." 🤣

It all makes sense...

[bailey-reaper]

hi! i was wondering if it was ok if i could request a scenario where barok finds out he actually has a fan? i know most people hate the reaper for who he is, but im sure he probably has a fan! (its ok if you dont feel like writing this though) sincerely, 🦑 anon

Headcanons (Fanfare for the Reaper)

Notes: Hiya 🦑 anon! Hope you're keeping well!

I'm sure you're right, given how varied people are there will undoubtedly be some who feel sorry for him or even admire him for what he is and the morals he holds. After all whether criminals loathe him or 'polite' society feels intimidated by him, there's no denying that the Reaper has reduced crime in the capital –– and that's impressive!

Content Warnings: none.

Every time someone approaches him, Barok is on his guard: after all, they could be an assassin looking to strike. It's not as if he can presume that a busy London Courtroom is a 'safe' space, for a sufficiently driven assassin will strike and face the consequences for their actions later.

So, when an ordinary enough individual approaches him he's not the most personable fellow; though, his upper class breeding means he can't help but at least be reasonably polite until given cause not to be, "Is there some reason for your approach?" he cocks his head slightly.

Their response is timid, almost as if they're scared, and he fully expects the words to be something cutting –– about his status as the 'Reaper' or some new supernatural rumour about him –– but their words are a surprise: "Um... Lord van Zieks, I just... wanted to come over and say how much I admire you. The skill with which you prosecute is truly a delight to witness and I wanted to thank you for your diligent efforts in the name of Londoners. I'm.. um.. I'm something of a fan of yours."

Naturally, that was not the response he expected. His eyes widen for a brief moment, "Oh... I see... thank you for the kind words."

It's nice to hear a kind word every once in a while, though he still has to keep a certain amount of levelheadedness when dealing with such things; there's a small possibility that this is some new tactic on the part of London's criminal underbelly.

For now, however, he chooses to take it at face value, "I'm glad that not everyone in London thinks of me as some monster..."

"Oh no!" they shake their head, "Not at all! There are quite a few of us, we've made a fan club dedicated to you!"

That's... surprising, and he can't quite hide his shock, "What? A fan club?"

"Yes, indeed! We come to watch you in court and then meet up to talk about the cases you've prosecuted and the awful people you've taken off London's streets! We're really very impressed by all your skill and hard work. We even have a newsletter that we distribute amongst ourselves!"

". . ." for once, the Reaper has been rendered speechless. The last thing he could have ever imagined is that there's a small glut of Londoners who hold him in high regard rather than vilifying him as a Demigod or whatever else, "... I'm not sure what to say... but, I'm .... touched."

They beam happily, clearly delighted that the news has been well-received, "I could see how badly the McGilded case affected you, and I really don't think it was fair of the Judge to hold you accountable for such a slippery and duplicitous man... I thought perhaps knowing there are those who recognise your skills and are grateful for your work might help to balance out a difficult day in court."

"... Yes," he nods, "It does... thank you."

[bailey-reaper]

Heck. You know what I'd love? A van Zieks-centric zine. That'd be so awesome!

I even made a dorky cover mock-up!

[bailey-reaper]

Hiya. Can I get Barok and his s/o cuddling on a particularly freezing night?

Headcanons (A Cure for the Cold)

Notes: Hello anon! Yes, you can indeed, I hope you enjoy your request!

S/O is gender neutral (they/them pronouns). Barok refers to them using petnames.

Content Warnings: none.

London's winters are savage, but this year seemed especially cold and that night may have been the very coldest ever. Barok and his beloved spent much of the evening in a small drawing room where the fire's warmth and a large comfortable blanket offered plenty of protection for the bitter chill.

The two cuddled and watched as a wild flurry of snow danced dizzily outside the window, as if it had no idea whether to go left or right. Something about the warmth of the fire and the feeling of Barok's arms around them, while howling wind and vivid snowfall battled outside, made them feel all the more comforted. They snuggled against his chest, "I'm glad we're not out there..."

"Mmm, it would be incredibly unpleasant," Barok agreed, squeezing his love gently to him as the very idea sent a vague shiver down his spine. The cold did not really bother him, having lived by the coast as a child he found himself well-equipped to deal with frigid conditions. That said, he far preferred this moment of comfort to the prospect of stepping out into the night.

Eventually, the time came to go to bed and they were quietly dreading having to leave this comfortable nook –– even if it was simply to traverse the house and go to the bedroom –– "Can't we sleep in here?" they whined.

Barok chuckled, "No, come now, it's not that far to the bedroom..."

Despite their best protests, Barok was firm and the two made their way through the cold hallways while his beloved's teeth chattered incessantly in protest of the sharp change in temperature.

Thankfully, the journey was not a long one and they were soon curled up together in the heavy blankets of Barok's impressive bed. Of course, the sheets were cold but they were incredibly surprised by how warm Barok felt. It was as if his body was impervious to the cold, or his blood was made of hotter stuff than most. Either way, they gratefully snuggled to his warm frame and were welcomed into his arms.

Gradually the bed acclimatised to their body heat and the feelings of safety and comfort returned with abandon. It didn't take long for his beloved to drift off into a deep and cosy sleep. Barok stroked their hair and gently kissed their forehead, before similarly settling down to rest.

[bailey-reaper]

Could I request s/o roping Barok into some Halloween festivities/activities?

Headcanons (Halloween Hijinks)

Notes: You can indeed, anon, it's the season for it after all! For those of you who are curious about Halloween in the Victorian era, you might want to read this.

S/O is gender neutral (they/them pronouns). Barok refers to them using petnames.

Content Warnings: occult shenanigans

Of course they talk him into dressing up as a vampire for Halloween, and as much as he grumbles about it he doesn't mind doing it as it seems to delight his beloved to play these dress up games –– they similarly dress up as a vampire.

The vampiric couple present themselves at 221B Baker Street, where the door is flung open by Sholmes dressed as a devil, "Greetings my dear fellows, I see Mr. Reaper is letting his fangs out for once!" Barok's beloved giggles behind their hand while Barok glowers at the night's host.

After hanging up their coats they're led into the main suite, where various spooky decorations have been hung up: there are skulls and bats, various small twinkling green-blue lights that resemble will-o-wisps and plenty of black lace and cobwebs. It certainly looks the part of a spooky parlour.

The tea that Iris serves is blood-red, but it turns out that's merely a colourant and it's actually a pleasing blend of Darjeeling and autumnal spices. The foods on offer are similarly spooky in their decoration, with bloody-looking icing on the cakes and biscuits and sandwiches that are cut into the shapes of bats and skulls.

Once all the guests are in attendance ––including Ryūnosuke, Susato, Gina, Toby (who is dressed as a literal 'hellhound' with little bat wings on his necktie) and Gregson–– the party is declared to be firmly in session by Sholmes, who then sets about introducing the various parlour games that are on offer for the delight of the 'poor lost souls' in attendance.

The first game they play is one that Sholmes refers to as 'hot nuts', in which two of the persons present each place a nut on the grill in front of the fire and watch to see how the kernels fare as they roast. He invites the Reaper to have the first go, with him, and they both place a nut on the grill and watch as the kernels both violently fly apart which causes Sholmes to laugh, "Oh my! Why, my good fellow! It seems we are quite incompatible as friends! Still, I'm not one to place much stock in such methods of fortune telling when humans are all together more complicated than these parlour games can truly disclose."

"No," Barok replies dryly, "I think the spirits have the right of it, for once."

Everyone has a go at this: Gina and Iris are delighted when the roasting kernels suggest that their friendship will be cordial and long lasting; Ryūnosuke is un-surprised when every instance of this game that Sholmes participates in ends with the nuts pretty much exploding; and Barok is very quietly pleased when the game reveals that he and his Beloved are a wonderful match for one another.

Then there's apple bobbing, which Barok finds himself being pushed forward to participate in. He does so with a heavy sigh, and ends up being the first to catch an apple. Sholmes claps, "Well done, dear fellow, a sure-fire sign that you'll be the next to marry! Do tell me when the big day is so I can buy a suitably pretentious hat for the most gothic occasion to ever occur!"

Barok is blushing hotly, but trying to conceal it, while his beloved is similarly flustered; the idea of getting married to Barok is a rather wonderful one and the thought that perhaps this apple speaks to such an event happening someday is a very happy one indeed.

After several more games, the evening comes to a close with Iris doing some tea leaf readings: "Oooh! Mr. Reaper! There seems to be many good tidings in your future! I do hope you'll invite us to the wedding, won't you?!"

Once more Barok is flustered, he looks away and murmurs, "I'll... think about it."