Yuletide 2020 Letter
Friday, 16 October 2020 16:57![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
lea_hazelHello! I am lea_hazel both here and on the AO3, and leahazel on Tumblr.
Blanket likes: I *am* interested in interactive fiction gifts, and I *am* interested in in-universe documents like history books or newspaper articles. I am *not* interested in a gift that's primarily poetry.
Seven Kingdoms: The Princess Problem
This will be the longest part of the letter because it's my biggest fandom. I've been playing 7KPP since before the Kickstarter launched, about five or six years now. You can download the most up-to-date demo of 7KPP for free here.
(MC = main character, NPC = non-player character, OC = original character, canon = anything the game establishes as true, headcanon = anything that isn't in the game but also doesn't contradict it)
I requested any character because I truly love all the characters and I think each and every one of them can be interesting. I like to see NPC/NPC interactions as much as (and sometimes more than) MC/NPC romances. I love platonic relationships, friendships, rivalries, mentorships, and family relationships.
Regarding MCs: none of the backgrounds, standard or secret, were technically nominated. You're free not to include an MC at all, for example in an AU where one of the NPCs takes on a role similar to the one the MC does in canon (or several NPCs can take on different parts of her role). If you *do* want to include an MC, whether on-page or in the background, that's also fine.
If you want to use one of *my* MCs, I will make a separate post about them, or you can check my Tumblr which has an OCs page with links to the relevant tags. Please avoid writing about Allegra or Verity, as they're the ones that have complicated backstories and ongoing fics of their own. I have about fifteen problem princesses at last count, so if you want to borrow, the library's pretty big.
Trans and nonbinary MCs are welcome, as are any nonstandard, noncanonical details that you want to include. That said, I don't really want a story that focuses on the MC's background before the Summit.
Regarding canon and alpha versions: I consider "canon" for Yuletide to be the extended demo, which goes almost to the end of week five, up to the theatrical performance. Yes, I've played the alpha versions, but I'm not fussed about whether my gift is "compliant" with canon that has not come out. If you've played the game but haven't explored every tiny little corner of it the way I have... don't worry about it. Write about the parts that you know and love.
Regarding romantic pairings: almost any pairing is valid in my eyes, regardless of how canonical or plausible it is, including slash pairings with canonically straight characters. What I don't accept is het pairings with gay characters (Anaele, Lisle) or any romantic/sexual pairings with aro/ace characters (Avalie).
Regarding non-MC OCs and headcanons: I have a lot of them, and you're not obliged to know or use any of them. I won't mind in the least if your interpretation of e.g. the King of Revaire is radically different than mine. This is especially important since I love worldbuilding a lot, and I would love to see your worldbuilding within the context of the fic.
Prompts: Pretty sure I have several in my past Yuletide letters, so you can check the tag if you like.
DNWs: graphic violence, on-page sexual violence, het involving gay characters, any ship involving aro/ace characters, an ambitious widow MC who was in love with her dead husband, a redemption arc for Jarrod that goes specifically against his canon characterization as a deconstruction of male love interests who are redeemed by love.
Beware of the Villainess
I have been following this series on Mangadex, and what I appreciate most about it is Melissa's no-nonsense attitude combined with the spicy humor. I love both Yuri and Nine equally, so I would be fine seeing Melissa shipped with either, neither, or both. I am also fine with the same kind of benignly jealous antics that appear in canon, where they compete to impress her. I would like to believe that they can all be friends, regardless. Also, feel free to include any of the other characters, as long as the focus is on one of these three.
I'm fine with any kind of AU, from canon divergence to the weirdest displacement or fusion you can think of. Humor suits this fandom, but the translation I read takes care to explain the memes the comic references, so keep that in mind.
Prompts:
DNWs: canon-atypical violence, aggressive jealousy/possessiveness on the part of either Yuri or Nine, a romance story where the losing side of the triangle is vilified.
Still Star-Crossed
I watched this when it came out and mourned when it was canceled, especially since it happened just as I was starting to really like the leading couple. That said, I'd be interested in a fic centering any of the nominated characters. I would prefer a story in the canon setting, although canon divergence is fine.
Prompts:
DNWs: on-page sexual violence (backstory is fine).
The Sims 4
I've been playing the Sims series since 2, and I always loved the way Bella Goth's weird myth evolved from the accidental deletion of her character files. You're not obligated to include any of that in your story, but if you're familiar with the earlier games in the series, it would be a fun bonus for me. I'd like to see some mother-daughter times for Bella and Cassandra, at any age. I like to think that Bella tries hard to get along with Cassandra, even though they seem to have very different temperaments.
Prompts:
DNWs: the kind of violent jealousy that appeared in earlier games in the series (even if you include Bella's TS2 backstory, where she was having an affair).
Cinders
I loved Sophia from my very first playthrough of Cinders, but it took me a little longer to get to know and love Gloria. She's a complicated character because her reaction to their upbringing has been very different from Sophia's, though no less dysfunctional. If Cinders tries hard and befriends her, she has a heartbreaking scene at the dance with Prince Basile, where she admits that she doesn't know what she wants and what she likes.
Any story that deals with Gloria and Sophia's relationship would be welcome, regardless of when in canon it's set, but I would mosty appreciate a story where Gloria can start to discover her own identity. Sophia, who is naturally more strong-willed, would help or hinder her based on the status of their relationship at that time. I'd even like a story where they band together against Cinders, which can happen if you get the right ending.
I'd prefer a story set during canon, pre-canon, or in one of the canonical endings, but if you have a really good AU idea that's burning in your brain, go for it.
You can include other characters from the canon if you like, or "implied" characters like Cinders' mother and father, or Sophia and Gloria's father. I'm moderately fond of the Sophia/Basile ship, but I could go either way on that, so you can include it or not based on what feels right for the story.
In canon, if Cinders reconciles with Lady Carmosa and both sisters, they can live together all four of them in harmony. I like this ending, but if you don't want Gloria and Sophia to forgive Carmosa (or Cinders!) that's also fine by me.
Prompts:
DNWs: physical or sexual abuse from Carmosa to the girls (as opposed to the emotional abuse in canon), any kind of rape or sexual assault against any character.
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance
I requested Aughra because I love weird, mystical, grumpy old ladies, and she's the weirdest and oldest, and definitely the grumpiest. I'm blanking on any specific ideas right now, but I was intrigued by the way she described the Skeksis distracting her from affairs on Thra by showing her the wider universe. This could be a very introspective psychological question or a metaphysical story about Thra's place in the universe, or maybe something else that I'm not thinking of right now. This is why I like Aughra. I feel like she's a character for every scope, from the most personal to the most cosmic.
DNWs: not looking for anything sexy to do with Aughra, so no sex or kink please.
Blanket likes: I *am* interested in interactive fiction gifts, and I *am* interested in in-universe documents like history books or newspaper articles. I am *not* interested in a gift that's primarily poetry.
Seven Kingdoms: The Princess Problem
This will be the longest part of the letter because it's my biggest fandom. I've been playing 7KPP since before the Kickstarter launched, about five or six years now. You can download the most up-to-date demo of 7KPP for free here.
(MC = main character, NPC = non-player character, OC = original character, canon = anything the game establishes as true, headcanon = anything that isn't in the game but also doesn't contradict it)
I requested any character because I truly love all the characters and I think each and every one of them can be interesting. I like to see NPC/NPC interactions as much as (and sometimes more than) MC/NPC romances. I love platonic relationships, friendships, rivalries, mentorships, and family relationships.
Regarding MCs: none of the backgrounds, standard or secret, were technically nominated. You're free not to include an MC at all, for example in an AU where one of the NPCs takes on a role similar to the one the MC does in canon (or several NPCs can take on different parts of her role). If you *do* want to include an MC, whether on-page or in the background, that's also fine.
If you want to use one of *my* MCs, I will make a separate post about them, or you can check my Tumblr which has an OCs page with links to the relevant tags. Please avoid writing about Allegra or Verity, as they're the ones that have complicated backstories and ongoing fics of their own. I have about fifteen problem princesses at last count, so if you want to borrow, the library's pretty big.
Trans and nonbinary MCs are welcome, as are any nonstandard, noncanonical details that you want to include. That said, I don't really want a story that focuses on the MC's background before the Summit.
Regarding canon and alpha versions: I consider "canon" for Yuletide to be the extended demo, which goes almost to the end of week five, up to the theatrical performance. Yes, I've played the alpha versions, but I'm not fussed about whether my gift is "compliant" with canon that has not come out. If you've played the game but haven't explored every tiny little corner of it the way I have... don't worry about it. Write about the parts that you know and love.
Regarding romantic pairings: almost any pairing is valid in my eyes, regardless of how canonical or plausible it is, including slash pairings with canonically straight characters. What I don't accept is het pairings with gay characters (Anaele, Lisle) or any romantic/sexual pairings with aro/ace characters (Avalie).
Regarding non-MC OCs and headcanons: I have a lot of them, and you're not obliged to know or use any of them. I won't mind in the least if your interpretation of e.g. the King of Revaire is radically different than mine. This is especially important since I love worldbuilding a lot, and I would love to see your worldbuilding within the context of the fic.
Prompts: Pretty sure I have several in my past Yuletide letters, so you can check the tag if you like.
DNWs: graphic violence, on-page sexual violence, het involving gay characters, any ship involving aro/ace characters, an ambitious widow MC who was in love with her dead husband, a redemption arc for Jarrod that goes specifically against his canon characterization as a deconstruction of male love interests who are redeemed by love.
Beware of the Villainess
I have been following this series on Mangadex, and what I appreciate most about it is Melissa's no-nonsense attitude combined with the spicy humor. I love both Yuri and Nine equally, so I would be fine seeing Melissa shipped with either, neither, or both. I am also fine with the same kind of benignly jealous antics that appear in canon, where they compete to impress her. I would like to believe that they can all be friends, regardless. Also, feel free to include any of the other characters, as long as the focus is on one of these three.
I'm fine with any kind of AU, from canon divergence to the weirdest displacement or fusion you can think of. Humor suits this fandom, but the translation I read takes care to explain the memes the comic references, so keep that in mind.
Prompts:
- For Melissa/Yuri, it would be cool to see how Melissa's blunt, devil-may-care attitude deals with the social response to two noblewomen in a relationship.
- For either Melissa/Yuri or Melissa/Nine, where Nine and Yuri manage to overcome their differences, bond and become friends, for Melissa's sake.
- Pre-relationship, Nine and Yuri commiserating over how oblivious to romantic attention Melissa is.
- Madcap shenanigans are always fun.
DNWs: canon-atypical violence, aggressive jealousy/possessiveness on the part of either Yuri or Nine, a romance story where the losing side of the triangle is vilified.
Still Star-Crossed
I watched this when it came out and mourned when it was canceled, especially since it happened just as I was starting to really like the leading couple. That said, I'd be interested in a fic centering any of the nominated characters. I would prefer a story in the canon setting, although canon divergence is fine.
Prompts:
- Rosaline/Benvolio where they're married (or about to be married) and have to deal with Verona's ulcer-inducing politics with mutual sarcasm.
- Something from Isabella's and Escalus's growing up together, and what their sibling relationship and respective upbringings were like.
- Similarly, Rosaline and Juliet's relationship, growing up.
- A friendship between Rosaline and Isabella would also be nice, especially given the complication of Rosaline's past relationship.
DNWs: on-page sexual violence (backstory is fine).
The Sims 4
I've been playing the Sims series since 2, and I always loved the way Bella Goth's weird myth evolved from the accidental deletion of her character files. You're not obligated to include any of that in your story, but if you're familiar with the earlier games in the series, it would be a fun bonus for me. I'd like to see some mother-daughter times for Bella and Cassandra, at any age. I like to think that Bella tries hard to get along with Cassandra, even though they seem to have very different temperaments.
Prompts:
- Child Cassandra and fun mom Bella exploring the nooks and crannies of the big old Goth house together on a rainy afternoon.
- Bella attempts to give teen Cassandra love advice.
- A sibling jealousy talk, right before Alexander is due to be born.
- If anyone remembers the Roth family, how about the Goths dealing with a visit from their weird distant cousins?
- Expert mode: a weird meta-fic where the characters deal with being "upgraded" to a new version of the game, and the weirdness of the changes that follow.
DNWs: the kind of violent jealousy that appeared in earlier games in the series (even if you include Bella's TS2 backstory, where she was having an affair).
Cinders
I loved Sophia from my very first playthrough of Cinders, but it took me a little longer to get to know and love Gloria. She's a complicated character because her reaction to their upbringing has been very different from Sophia's, though no less dysfunctional. If Cinders tries hard and befriends her, she has a heartbreaking scene at the dance with Prince Basile, where she admits that she doesn't know what she wants and what she likes.
Any story that deals with Gloria and Sophia's relationship would be welcome, regardless of when in canon it's set, but I would mosty appreciate a story where Gloria can start to discover her own identity. Sophia, who is naturally more strong-willed, would help or hinder her based on the status of their relationship at that time. I'd even like a story where they band together against Cinders, which can happen if you get the right ending.
I'd prefer a story set during canon, pre-canon, or in one of the canonical endings, but if you have a really good AU idea that's burning in your brain, go for it.
You can include other characters from the canon if you like, or "implied" characters like Cinders' mother and father, or Sophia and Gloria's father. I'm moderately fond of the Sophia/Basile ship, but I could go either way on that, so you can include it or not based on what feels right for the story.
In canon, if Cinders reconciles with Lady Carmosa and both sisters, they can live together all four of them in harmony. I like this ending, but if you don't want Gloria and Sophia to forgive Carmosa (or Cinders!) that's also fine by me.
Prompts:
- Sophia bemusedly follows Gloria's fumbling attempts to find a hobby, or develop some kind of leisure life when she's not working.
- Gloria reluctantly agrees to read one of the lurid novels that she berates Sophia for enjoying, and is horrified to discover that it's quite good.
- Sophia secretly authors a lurid novel with a heroine obviously based on Cinders, and Gloria catches her red-handed.
- One or the other of the sisters finding their way to the fairy's forest and accidentally striking a deal.
DNWs: physical or sexual abuse from Carmosa to the girls (as opposed to the emotional abuse in canon), any kind of rape or sexual assault against any character.
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance
I requested Aughra because I love weird, mystical, grumpy old ladies, and she's the weirdest and oldest, and definitely the grumpiest. I'm blanking on any specific ideas right now, but I was intrigued by the way she described the Skeksis distracting her from affairs on Thra by showing her the wider universe. This could be a very introspective psychological question or a metaphysical story about Thra's place in the universe, or maybe something else that I'm not thinking of right now. This is why I like Aughra. I feel like she's a character for every scope, from the most personal to the most cosmic.
DNWs: not looking for anything sexy to do with Aughra, so no sex or kink please.
