watching Arslan Senki for the first time

and i'm gonna live-blog it so i can laugh my ass off later

[cavalrytwunks]

introductions, etc.

Hi, I’m Sam, I’m a 20-something bisexual trans guy (he/him) who occasionally gets excited about things. This is one of many side blogs; this one’s specifically for Arslan. I’m dub trash (auditory processing issues, sorry) and I follow from @tricky-pockets.

This blog is probably nsfw because I’m fuckin’ around and it’s kinda my default. Asks and submissions are highly encouraged; I’m lonely, shameless, and I need something to distract me from the creeping existential dread.

I use ‘queer’ in reference to myself and as an umbrella term for a broad and inclusive community and you can pry it from my cold dead hands. I occasionally use ‘gay’ in a broad pan-cultural sense, i.e. “we, The Gays™”. Heads-up, I started using ‘daddy’ ironically a while ago and, uh, you know how that goes. (It stops being ironic, but never stops being embarrassing). It’s okay, I’m ashamed of me too. 

I’ll tag whatever you need me to tag, no questions asked. No phobes, please. 

tl;dr:

20-something omnisexual trans guy, he/him

sideblog, nsfw, asks welcome, no phobes

I use the words ‘queer’ (for myself and a community) and ‘daddy’ (because I’m trash). Will tag anything.

[cavalrytwunks]

S2E26: Chapter I - The Tūrānian Army Invades

I type these as I watch; bonus points if you spot the scenes that made me hit caps lock.

okay folks, I am back, let's get this show on the road!

- new opening music?HELLOOOOO, Daryun in the title sequence, damn

- and uh, who is this? does Narsus have a rival? ... if he does and there's tension, I will expire

- I like that the hawk still just shows up whenever he feels like it

- oh, the lethal grace of Narsus casually stabbing someone from horseback while shooting the breeze with Elam and Alfirid

- How'd Farangis make it through a whole season of battles with no pants on

- I've noticed that Narsus sometimes goes out just to find a dimly-lit alley in which to brood, and Daryun knows that's where he'll be and doesn't even think it's weird anymore.

Narsus: As an artist, I'm too sensitive to be involved in these earthly affairs.

you can't get through breakfast without scheming, but okay I guess

- Elam is an observant and caring friend, noticing Arslan hasn't been sleeping well and trying to reassure him. We respect Elam in this house.

Arslan: I wonder what Gieve's been up to...

700 kinds of trouble and 700 kinds of laid, that's my guess

- And Gieve is hanging out in a tree for no apparent reason. Again.

- Gieve is a disaster bisexual who can't sit normally. And has a kittycat paw earring that I've been wondering about. catboy!Gieve?

- Hilmes has earrings too, but they're not cool enough to make up for his stupid mullet.

- GIEVE, GONNA TAKE ON HILMES ALONE? god, I forget that he's actually an amazing archer and has dex stacked to high heaven. Probably because I'm distracted by the sparkles:

- I still can't help but hear this swordfight as Victor Nikiforov vs. Tamaki Suou, which I need fanart of immediately.

- Gieve doesn't like the idea of dying because it's "far too permanent." God, I love you, you flighty fuck.

- Sending Gieve on the looting mission was a wise move.

- oh fuck, the fucking TEMPLE KNIGHTS?? I knew we hadn't seen the last of High Priest Crazy-eyes! I like being right.

- aaaaaaack Andragoras just Hulked out his chains

- oh shit, I don't want Andragoras back on the throne

- OH SHIT, ANDRAGORAS IS BACK ON THE THRONE

[cavalrytwunks]

Are you gonna watch and review the second season as well??

I absolutely intend to. It’s very generous of you to call it ‘reviewing’, but yes, I will watch them and yell about it! 

[cavalrytwunks]

S1E25: The Highway of Blood and Sweat

I type these as I watch; bonus points if you spot the scenes that made me hit caps lock can forgive some personal gender stuff coming through a bit; this one hit me pretty hard.

finale time. I'm ready to cry, bring it on, let's DO this

Arslan Senki: the anime for people who just want to play a campaign in a good-aligned party for once, dammit.

Arslan Senki: the anime for people who like big feelings, pretty men, seeing virtue prevail, and SWORDS.

okay okay enough muckin' about, here we go

-- okay, so, I guess Étoile is in-universe pretty, not just anime-boy pretty? Farangis thinks he is a lady.

Daryun, wounded: It shames me to say it, but... Hilmes yet lives. Arslan: SHUT UP, you're alive and that's all that matters

Arslan has his priorities in order.

Narsus: No woman of the Zot clan would allow herself to be killed so easily. Alfirid: Especially when she has a husband to look after. Narsus: I don't remember ever acknowledging that union.

OKAY, it took a whole season, but I'm glad that's cleared up (kind of). Apparently, they are NOT any kind of married; Alfirid just stans Narsus. And really, who can blame her?

-- oh hey look, it's a tiny scene that probably sparked a bunch of Jaswant/Daryun fics. There is something very intimate about having one's wounds tended.

Kubard: so... Silvermask coulda killed you, but didn't? Daryun: yeah, he's an arrogant fuck who won't settle for less than absolute victory, what an insolent bastard Kubard: dude, uh, your wound? Daryun: it's bound, I'm fine, it's fine. gonna go do my job. like a DECENT and honorable man. *grumble grumble scowl* fuckin' prideful jerk *scowl*

-- oh boy, Kubard's drinking with Farangis. I won't be surprised if Gieve appears out of the aether.

-- Arslan to Étoile: "So, when we met in Peshawar... that was you as you truly are?" no, Arslan, he's a knight. what do you mean, real name? -- ah, the name Étoile left behind. A dead name, if you will. -- "I'm only 14, maybe the horns will grow in." oh my god. this shouldn't be cute. Étoile is a prisoner. I feel weird about this being cute. -- of course Arslan read the religious book. and wants a prayer said for the Lusitanian dead. oh, bless him.

-- I'm glad Elam's okay

-- the gravity of Étoile's prayer at the end... wow

-- oh wait one more scene? Guiscard yellin' at Hilmes? oh holy shit, did Guiscard not know who Hilmes was? -- he didn't -- OH HEY, REMEMBER HOW I SAID the Lusitanian king was insufferable and Guiscard should get Silvermask to kill him? like 10 episodes ago? -- ahahahaaaa i like being right

-- oh jeez, we're only halfway through the episode. I have a little bit of time dilation going on, oops.

-- I live for Elam being good at first aid and teaching Étoile. We respect Elam in this house. -- Should I feel weird about Étoile's pronouns? He said explicitly that he left the name Estelle behind, and took on a gendered social role out of necessity, but he also hasn't said whether or not he's a girl? but has said VERY loudly that who he really is is a knight of Lusitania. -- Nonbinary Étoile?  "Are you a boy or a girl?"  "I'm a knight." "What's in your trousers?"  "A fuck-ass ton of weapons."

-- Listen, I have the episode paused while I have feelings about this. I know the canon probably isn't going to support nonbinary Étoile. But... let me have this. Just for a minute. I grew up with Alanna of Tortall and I wanted to be a knight. and a boy. it's. i'm. wow, i'm. i'm sorry, I might need to make another post about this later and then cry some more. Someone please just hit me with a T shot, right in the thigh like a goddamn epi-pen. I’m super not okay.

-- "Stop referring to me as a girl. It feels strange." OKAY, NONBINARY ÉTOILE HEADCANON ACCEPTED.

-- I love Farangis' explanation of Arslan - his continual striving for personal improvement. It's a good attitude for anyone, especially kings.

-- aw, it's been a while since we had some Narsus/Daryun banter

-- GIEVE! that's Gieve's voice narrating! oh, I miss him. also, I want a flashback episode that shows what Gieve's been up to this whole time.

And that's the end of the first season. I love this story so much. Thank you for following along with me, all 8 of you. I'm looking forward to Season 2.  

[cavalrytwunks]

S1E24: The Decisive Battle

I type these as I watch; bonus points if you spot the scenes that made me hit caps lock.

there's 2 episodes left in the season, and I stopped watching for like 2 whole weeks on a cliffhanger. oof. that's probably a warning sign.

this is a long one. but we’re into the season finale, so I’ll let it stand

-- oh shit that's right, Étoile just figured out who Arslan is -- WHOA WITH THE SWORD THERE, ÉTOILE -- Elam took it right in the side, oh god, oh god,,,, -- ELAM BETTER BE OKAY

-- oh hey, i forgot that the title song is a fuckin' bop

-- it's veeeeeery easy to call Étoile a bastard right now. I want to not hate him. I want him and Arslan to like... make peace between their countries and become friends.

-- ELAM BETTER NOT FUCKING DIE I SWEAR I'LL START DRINKING IF ELAM DIES

-- oh, nice flashback to when I didn't know Daryun's name yet and just called him 'ponytail twunk'. like an ass.

-- Arslan's gonna ride out and fight -- oooooh that was glorious with the speech and the rising sun... wow. i . i have shivers, that was wonderful. -- aaahahaha Alfirid is messing shit up, I love tricksy fighting

-- here is your weekly reminder that cavalry is fucking terrifying

-- I like it when Narsus does the battle-commander yelling. I like it in my lizard brain.

-- blocked in? oh shit -- KUBAAAAAAAARD!!!! is here to save the DAY at exactly the right moment I LOVE HIM and his giant... sword

-- oh hey, we get to see Narsus fight Sam -- he looks like he's having fun, honestly. Remember, your genius strategist needs environmental enrichment and healthy exercise.

-- oh jeez, Hilmes does not give a hell about how many of the Lusitanian soldiers die

-- what the FUCK IS FARANGIS DOING, SHE'S GONNA DIE they’re shooting a million arrows, fuck\jaoa ;wh;iowae;hawej;i -- oh wait, she's a paladin. nvm, she got this.

-- weird to see Hilmes' scar. -- yikes yikes yikes he's rabid. and Arslan is gonna listen to him.

Arslan: You are not the only one who's been injured - all of Pars has. Cousin - will you lend me your aid in protecting her?

I'M SO PROUD OF ARSLAN, he's so good

-- hey, whoever fights to save the kingdom is the real king. I know it's been a while since anyone gave a fuck about GoT, but Stannis absolutely had the right idea about that. stannis the mannis. wooooooo hey there's the anxiety meds, heeeeeyo

-- Daryun vs. Hilmes prediction: Daryun's gonna wipe the floor with Hilmes, but Arslan won't let him actually kill Hilmes. because of who Arslan is as a person.

-- I like how much actual swordfighting there is. it's cinematic, but it's still very much about the swords.

-- excuse me what the FUCK just happened they're both coughing up blood??? did they both land one on each other at the same time? -- WHAT THE HELLLLLLLL IS THIS CREEEPY SPPOOKY MASK BULLSHI aaaaaaand Hilmes is gone. poof. what the actual entire fuck.

-- dude. Barcacion needs to just surrendeOH FUCK FUCK FUCK the ladies are jumping off the balcony oh no NO NOOOOOOOO STOP DYING, STOP IT, BARCACION oh oh no oh no, Étoile

-- ooooh, and now Arslan knows that Étoile was that girl

-- I am not too proud of a man to admit that I ended this episode in tears.

damn.

also, Elam better not be dead. I haven’t forgotten about Elam. 

oof.

[cavalrytwunks]

S1E23: The Battle for the Keep of Saint Emmanuel

I type these as I watch; bonus points if you spot the scenes that made me hit caps lock are kind to your friend who has an anxiety disorder.

so, apparently this semester took more out of me than I thought

also, I’m having a Gender Identity Crisis™ and i’m seeing a counselor tomorrow (because I’m a hot mess, but I’ve had a lot of practice being a hot mess and I know it’s a good move)

anyway, I actually wrote this one a few weeks ago and just... never posted it?

-- loving the contrast between Arslan talking battle plans sitting on the same level as his advisors...and Hilmes, shouting from a balcony for bloody victory and death to heathens

-- did something happen in the manga that like... more firmly established Alfirid/Narsus?

-- ZANDEH, that's his name. -- well shit, that's one way to end a siege, I guess. Zandeh does not have the patience for it.

-- I want to see Kishward stomp some fuckers. -- fuck, Sam's pretty good at this. -- but I firmly believe that Kishward can kick every ass and that Narsus has at least 7 more contingency plans

-- Kubard has the same eyebrows as Daryun

-- uh... yeah, Étoile, you're not gonna convert anyone like this

-- I have a lot of sympathy for Zandeh's blacksmith

-- yeah, there's no way Arslan is in that tent, dummy. it's bait.

-- OHHHHHH IT'S A DARYUN/ZANDEH THROWDOWN

-- yo, Kishward fighting with 2 swords? is awesome. mostly because it's a monumentally stupid style of fighting until you're disgustingly good at it.

-- sorceror? just popped out of the ground to be creepy for a second. okay, weird guy.

-- OHOHOHOHHHHHHHH Étoile, now you know the truth! -- cliffhanger? damn it.

[cavalrytwunks]

please excuse the delay

I’m at the end of the summer semester and I’m doing exams for a few more days yet. I very much appreciate the... 8? people following this blog, and I’m going to resume normal posting as soon as I get through this week.

[cavalrytwunks]

S1E22: The Night Before the Attack

edit: oh lord, i just accidentally posted this to my main, god i need to sleep

I type these as I watch; bonus points if you spot the scenes that made me hit caps lock for everybody. bonus points for all of you. i’m sleepy.

okay kids, i spent all day studying for an anatomy exam

and i aced it, but now i'm basically braindead

so don't get your hopes up for like... Nuanced Character Insights

you've been warned

-- so, it's the night before the attack. i'm guessing we're in for some angst, maybe some "we could die tomorrow" kind of feelings-coming-to-a-head stuff. And someone should get laid.

-- Guiscard permanently looks like someone pissed in his coffee.

Guiscard: you can borrow my soldiers but you know you have to give 'em back later, right? Hilmes: i know i'm gonna WIN Guiscard: that is not what I asked you Hilmes: and i didn't ask you to try and swing your dick around, but here we are

-- oh hey, Alfirid and Elam are actually getting along -- Alfirid improvising this 'runaway lovers' story and making Elam play along? brilliant -- way to go, soldiers. LOOSE LIPS SINK SHIPS, BOYS. -- how many times do i have to beg to bring this Alfirid/Narsus Thing to a head?

-- again with this prophecy stuff? stop being coy, Andragoras, spit it out

-- oh hey, it's Kharlan Jr. again, I still don't remember his name

-- Sam isn't a turncoat, guys, he's just lawful-aligned.

-- Part of Arslan's battle preparations is "Daryun, these new guys look nervous, help me get them some more weapons training?" -- like... heading into War, and his first thought is "These are my people and I want them safe." BIG Contrast with Andragoras.

-- oh? Narsus is painting? how bad could a still-life possibly be? -- Narsus just sparkled, he... doesn't usually do that. I like it. -- oh... my god? the new volunteers were slaves? with no military training? no wonder they seemed nervous and green. -- and Arslan is feeling the weight of that -- Arslan is an idealist, but I don't think he's naive. He treats his moral responsibilities with the gravity they deserve, and sometimes that smashes my crusty old heart to bits.

-- a portrait of the Black Knight on the eve of battle? Narsus, that's the worst idea anyone has ever had. just go have "we could die tomorrow" sex with him. like normal people.

-- I haven't mentioned this before because idk how to spell jin (djinn?), but Farangis needs to maybe consult them more often. that would be spectacularly helpful. -- ... wait a minute, she consulted them about Gieve specifically. hmmm..... -- "that man has more lives than a cat" perfect, love it. Gieve's too contrary to die.

-- oof. Étoile, it's rough being a true believer.

[cavalrytwunks]

If you're bored um *trying to think of good questions* Who's your favorite character at the moment? Um what do you think about how Gieve is kinda the opposite of Victor and that they share the same voice actor. Also if you had to dye your hair, what color would you choose? (I'd probably dye it pastel blue)

(thanks for sending this :D) Favorite character at the moment: I’m tempted to say Narsus, but that’s got more to do with the fact that he’s dreamy. As it pertains to the actual narrative, I like Arslan. I’ve seen a fair few shows where the protagonist is principled but not necessarily empathetic. Arslan is consistently sincere and kind, and that makes him a wonderful antidote to shows with tortured, angry, reckless protagonists.  While I mostly agree that Gieve and Victor are polar opposites, Victor did drop a career to follow his dick halfway around the world on the basis of one ridiculous drunken proposition and I know Gieve approves of that. I’m getting used to the voice; it helps that Gieve doesn’t have Victor’s accent. I tried to dye my hair once and it was a disaster, but I think I might just go with black. I never really did the goth thing, but I always wanted to - I think I could pull it off.

[cavalrytwunks]

i’m just hanging out tonight

I’ll be online; feel free to ask me things. It’s been a rough day and I could use the distraction.

[cavalrytwunks]

S1E21: A Song of Farewell

I type these as I watch; bonus points if you spot the scenes that made me hit caps lock 

i really don't like the sound of that title, folks

-- DAMMIT, again with talking shit to Jaswant? you fuckin scumbags -- Gieve. GIEVE. Don't taunt the dumbass - you're very witty, but you're not helping. -- aw, don't let it get to you, Gieve - he's just a useless hambrains with bad sideburns.

-- oh hey, Kubard, how's it going? i like your giant...sword.

-- oooooooh shit it's Shapur's younger brother -- Gieve, you're not wrong about anything - you deserve to be here - but holy shit dude, this is gonna get ugly

-- don't kill Gieve, don't kill Gieve, don't kill Gieve, don't kill Gieve OH THANK MITHRA, IT'S FARANGIS

-- GIEVE. you're only digging yourself a hole, dude, put down the fucking shovel -- I'm conflicted. On the one hand, Gieve has obviously developed loyalty and like...some finer feelings. But dammit, he just HAD to show them in the MOST DRAMATIC WAY POSSIBLE -- GIEVE. DUDE. -- EVERYONE. Gieve is being a shit because he cares and he doesn't know how to deal with that. -- fuck, why did this have to go down in front of the whole camp. -- BANISHED. GREAT. wonderful. fantastic. i'm gonna go eat a bowl of ice cream the size of my fucking head, and then die. -- dammit -- awwwww, Kishward is trying to be sensible and patch things up, I love him

-- a CHARADE? it was a set-up? how dare you play me like that. how dare you. oh thank god. fuck.

-- hey, this show is pretty fuckin' good.

-- fuck, that's a big army

^^ hhhnnngggg oh god, why. why would you test me like this. why would you test me with Narsus wielding a switch, i am WEAK Narsus is still an outstanding strategist, I’m glad he’s on our side.

-- Zaravant, Isfan, and Tus need to have their heads knocked together. -- see? it was a trap. this is what happens when you run off on your own instead of listening to Narsus -- I bet if they get out of this, Narsus is gonna be like "well, it was for the best, they're unlikely to break rank again in the future"

-- music? I don't really understand the magicky stuff in this world. (was it Gieve helping, though?)

-- (oh my god it was ✨)

-- Farangis, did you...did you miss him? -- he says goodbye with pretty goth poetry and then sparkles at her? "Look back on this when the nights are lonely"?? oh, Gieve, that was ridiculous and beautiful and i love you forever -- can't believe I just called this guy 'Hot Bard' for like 4 episodes. like an asshole.

[cavalrytwunks]

S1E20: The True Face of a Knight

I type these as I watch; bonus points if you spot the scenes that made me hit caps lock.

starting late again because calc 3 is kicking my entire ass

seriously, are any of you math nerds?

because i'm STRUGGLING

-- The lords and their soldiers are gathering to answer Arslan's decree and drive out the Lusitanians. This is the first time I've ever seen Narsus so...tense. It's unsettling.

-- MOTHERFUCKER, Jaswant has saved Arslan's life like 4 times now, who the fuck are you to be talking to him like that?

-- demote Narsus?!??? NARSUS, THIS IS YOUR WORST ADVICE EVER -- oh, i guess as long as you’re still commanding the army it’s okay

-- this episode feels like a turning point - so serious -- i just felt my emotional investment intensify by 10x. if any of our party dies, I will cry.

-- Damn, Arslan even has empathy for Hilmes.

-- hearing Narsus talk about how Arslan needs to 'find his resolve' is getting to me. I can feel the pressure building on Arslan.

-- bloodbath at the Fortress, but I don't believe for a second that we've seen the last of Archpriest Crazy-eyes.

-- jesus, I almost forgot about Étoile? -- uh. maybe let's don't tell the 14-year-old to fuck soldiers, okay merchant guy? yuck -- Étoile, you gotta watch that temper if you're gonna pass keep your cover

-- oooh???? Étoile meeting Alfirid? i love this to pieces -- she's actually boning Narsus??????!?!?!

-- oh, Étoile is gonna kick this guy's ass -- COMIN' THROUGH WITH THE HIP THROW, THAT'S MY GUY! -- and now Arslan is here? this keeps getting better and better *eats popcorn* -- oh NO, GIEVE saw them running off together, ahahahahaaaaaaa there's not a chance in hell he'll be discreet about that, is there?

Arslan: are you always this brutally honest with strangers?

YES. yes he is. he's almost blown his cover like 5 times in 10 minutes and he just called you a heathen ffs

-- wha...whaaaaaaat... -- I'M SO SORRY FOR THE YELLING -- BUT I'M HAVING FEELINGS -- ABOUT ARSLAN UNKNOWINGLY CONFESSING TO ÉTOILE -- my heart -- oh my god, my HEART. that's it, i'm dead, i'm deceased. i wasn’t ready to have big feelings today.

-- oooooh, Arslan's looking steely and Narsus is looking smug. we're BACK, baby! TO VICTORY!

-- next episode "A Song of Farewell"? I don't like the sound of that. i'm soft, have mercy.

[cavalrytwunks]

S1E19: The End of Winter

I type these as I watch; bonus points if you spot the scenes that made me hit caps lock.

is it time to throw down with Hilmes yet? (Hermes? never been sure about the name. he'll always be Mask Scumbag to me)

-- well, I'm glad Guiscard recognizes that High Priest Crazy-eyes is bad news. I know I'm not supposed to like any of these guys, but I kinda feel for Guiscard.

-- Sam seems like a pretty competent advisor. -- OH i remember this guy. he's...uh. not in a great position. How’s that lawful alignment going for you, buddy?

-- oh come on, Andragoras, can you be a fucking person for once? -- a prophesy? say what now?

-- Mask Scumbag needs to chill the fuck out about cutting off heads

-- a mysterious vigilante? who the fuck? -- AAAAHAHA it's Kubard! All I remember about this guy is that he don't give a fuck and likes wine -- i ship Sam/Kubard

soldiers at Zabul: how tf do we get in there? Hilmes: we don't. hold my beer. *burns holy banner* Archpriest Crazy-eyes: AAAAAAAARRRGHHHHHH!!!!

-- is anyone gonna tell Hilmes that his mullet looks stupid, or...

-- i like Kubard's giant...sword -- i also like that Kubard is so unapologetically neutral-aligned

-- 'Arslan the Liberator' - YES!

[cavalrytwunks]

S1E18: Once Again Across the River

I type these as I watch; bonus points if you spot the scenes that made me hit caps lock respect Jaswant.

late start tonight because I was busy having feelings on main

but I'm here now

-- Maybe this is just my abysmal sense-motive score showing through, but why are we all so cynical about Rajendra crying at his dad's funeral? Gieve thinks it's fake, and Narsus thinks Rajendra's so good at performing that he can even fool himself. HE'S SAD, OKAY? LET THE MAN GRIEVE. -- Arslan's on the same page as me, at least.

-- oh good, we ARE adopting Jaswant! Arslan is so sincere, and so good at finding common ground. we love Jaswant, and we love Arslan.

-- Gadhevi, are you about to make a bad decisiOH MY GOD the HAWK. his eyeball. holy fuck -- ...Rajendra? ...buddy? didn't you swear to your father that you wouldn't...? -- o.o

-- god, i have no idea how to feel about Rajendra. and I never have, tbh. i cannot get a bead on this guy. -- NEVERMIND, he's a slimy fuckihng oathbreaker. sabotaging an ally? fuck all the way off -- haHA!, Jaswant heard it all! perfect. -- so, nobody but Arslan trusts Jaswant yet? eh, give it time.

-- Rajendra being like "we're found out! it's a trap!" is some grade-A hypocrisy. Fucking oathbreaker. -- FUCK, that dagger almost got Arslan. nice save, Jaswant. WE RESPECT JASWANT IN THIS HOUSE.

Arslan: I won't kill you, but I will keep you captive in Pars. Two years. Rajendra: That can't be all... (Enter Narsus, looking like an owl who's spotted a particularly insolent fieldmouse) Rajendra: ...i'm fucked

-- I wanna know how they're going to enforce this non-aggression treaty. Rajendra's an oathbreaker - can they count on capturing him again?

-- apparently, i have a really strong gut reaction to oathbreakers. I’m really glad we have Daryun, who is the opposite of that trash.

[cavalrytwunks]

S1E17: The Duel Before the Gods

I type these as I watch; bonus points if you spot the scenes that made me hit caps lock stan Daryun. 

This one’s long. But like. a lot of shit just went down. so I’m not apologizing for it.

LET'S GET READY TO RRRRUUUUUUUMBLLLE

I'm so hyped to watch Daryun kick seven kinds of ass

Daryun: dude, I only answer to Arslan. how have you not picked up on that yet, it's my whole thing. Rajendra: Arslan, please. I love my kingdom and want to protect it. Please help me. Daryun: oh goddammit -sigh- i'll get my sword

-- idk about everyone else, but I could watch Daryun sharpen his sword all night

-- like, I get righteous shivers whenever Daryun swears fealty, someone explain to me what the hell those feelings are

-- "we have no choice but to unchain [scary guy's name?]" uh... excuse me?

-- eep! he's got red eyes!

-- Arslan has more composure and grace than most of the adults.

-- Tonight, in a DUEL before the GODS, two champions face off to decide the future of Sindhura! Only one can triumph! In the red corner, we have the infamous Black Knight of Pars - the one, the only, DAAARYUUUUUUN! And in the blue corner... JUST A PILE OF ANGER AND MUSCLES the size of a FUCKING BARN

-- jesus, is this guy human? Daryun isn't scared. Can I say one more time that I love the way Daryun completely ignores shit-talking?

-- FIRST BLOOD TO DARYUN

-- fuck, jesus christ, what the fuck? Captain Toenails landed one on Daryun? oh god oh fuck oh god oh fuck

-- OH, SO HE'S IMMUNE TO PAIN, GREAT. GREAT.

-- ...holy shit, Arslan -- i'm backing it up to capture this moment, holy shit

Arslan: If Daryun is killed because he took up your fight, I swear upon the gods of Pars, I will take your head and the head of that monster and hang them from your castle gates!

-- holy shit, Arslan

-- King K is really unimpressed with Gadhevi, huh?

-- kill it with fire? -- shit, Daryun doesn't even have a sword -- and he just fijnished that monster with the SECOND sword that he actually DID have this whole time? -- Daryun took that dirty beating as a tactical move? -- OH MY GOD

-- (i love when shows acknowledge and execute the distinction between a strategist and a tactician)

-- oof, yeah Arslan, I need a minute too. my heart is racing. deadass thought i was gonna faint like a dainty court lady

-- and it's time for Prince Poopypants to throw a tantrum. fun. cursing the gods and everything. -- and threatening the king. High treason. great. good move, guy. you dumbass. -- what. a. clusterfuck.

Gieve: can we never leave anywhere peacefully?

-- buddy, you have been chased out of so many bedrooms by irate husbands, you have no room to be complaining

-- Jaswant?! Saving Arslan because he's honorable?! OH I LOVE HIM, can we keep him?

Daryun: CUT THE SHIT, RIGHT NOW. Anyone who's got a problem with that can fight me next ARE WE CLEAR? YOU WANNA GO? No, I didn't think so. Daryun: ...get your shit together.

-- aaawwwgh, fuck, a sad parallel between Daryun and Jaswant (the losses of Vahriz and Mahendra). We need to adopt Jaswant.

[cavalrytwunks]

S1E16: Elegy for the Setting Sun

I type these as I watch; bonus points if you spot the scenes that made me hit caps lock read the whole thing, god these are getting longer every episode, i’m so sorry.

you know what time it is, friends - time for Sammy to ramble about anime to stave off the creeping existential horror!

oh, like you've never been there, come on now

-- oh jesus, no intro, just *smack* WAR ELEPHANTS

Narsus: Of all the ways this coulda gone, this is the scenario that requires the most creativity.

-- you can't intimidate this man. it's impossible. -- from anyone else, this would look like inspiring, stupid bravado. From Narsus, it displays a terrifying degree of calm mastery. -- i'm in trouble, folks. one minute into this episode and i'm already pitching a tent about in awe of Narsus as a strategist

-- oh damn, did they change the theme music again or something? this slaps

-- oh dear, Arslan is looking a bit ragged. but also...a bit...steely? determined? like he's ready to dig his heels in hard

-- Gadhevi's guy is like "I can't imagine a situation where we would face defeat". you can't say that shit, dude, it's like saying "well, at least things can't get any worse". sorry, i don't make the rules.

-- dude, Jaswant needs a fucking hug

-- i like how often we do exposition/foreshadowing via a brief Narsus/Daryun exchange about protecting Arslan

-- drugged war elephants??!!?! fuck

-- oooooh, come on Rajendra, keep it together dude. fuck. fuuuuuuuck.

-- FUCK YEAH CAVALRY

-- i live for Gieve casually stabbing people from horseback while doing an "I wasn't even supposed to be here, I just wanted to get laid" bit

-- oh my god, they seriously did the "put dummies on the walls" trick

-- ATTENTION, come get your bets in! How many elephants is Daryun about to take out?

-- they're not retreating, Gadhevi, you dingus, listen to Jaswant.

-- little bit of a parallel between Jaswant here and Daryun in the battle against Lusitania

-- AAAHAHAHAHAHA OH MY GOD, Gadhevi's driver like "we're fucked! we're dead! it's the Black Knight!" as he sits on top of an enormous 'roided out war elephant

-- STOP YELLING AT JASWANT, HE'S DOING HIS BEST

-- oh boy, love me a good trial-by-combat. can they have champions? you should get Daryun

-- oh, lol, yep, it's Daryun

-- well, guys, are you allies or are you ain't? FUCK 'IM UP, DARYUN! 

-- oh shit, if we can have a champion, so can they o.o

[cavalrytwunks]

How do you feel about Edward Elric having the same dub voice actor as Silvermask. And Arslan having the same voice as Alphonse? (Not sure if you've ever watched it, but a lot of people watch Arslan after Fullmetal Alchemist after they find out its adapted by the same person)

I’m very glad you asked, anon I watched the hell outta Brotherhood, but never saw FMA - as far as I’m aware, it was a different voice actor that I’m not familiar with. So I don’t have strong feelings about Arslan having the same voice as Alphonse.

But HOLY SHIT, I will NEVER get used to hearing Vic Mignona in every damn dub. One of the first anime series I ever got Weird™ about was Ouran, so I imprinted on Vic Mignona as Tamaki Suou. It was weird enough to hear him as Ed, but my head is spinning trying to square that voice with an antagonist.

I think some dumb part of my brain is honestly expecting him to whip off the mask and like... start throwing out flowery compliments amidst a rain of rose petals.