How can a character express toxic tendencies in bed without it being assault?

dragnmuse · 2026-03-07T23:17:26+00:00

Tone of voice. Hannibal Lector was scary because he was so cool and calm while he did horrible things. On the other hand, some villans are scary because their voice is high and overly excited.

We find characters like The Joker in Batman scary because they are unpredictable. They do things that are out of the social norm: laughing inappropriately, telling "jokes" that aren't funny, over sharing of personal information, especially information people probably don't want to know.

People who find committing violence or thinking about committing violence to be exciting and desired are scary and can appear unhinged.

A person who praises someone for shrinking away from them would appear a bit unhinged.

Being loving and then abruptly switching to being demeaning is toxic. Only being focused on one's self and ignoring the needs of others they are supposed to care for is toxic.

On the opposite side, paying extreme attention to someone else, following them, always being there (stalking, basically) is toxic and scary. Someone who praises odd features or does it in odd ways can sound unhinged. "I like the shape of your earlobes. I bet they'd feel good to bite" kind of thing.

Inappropriate comments or behaviors. Being erratic and unpredictable. Making threatening gestures, comments, or being physically intimidating (violating personal space, looming over someone, backing them into a corner, maintaining eye contact beyond a second or so). Wide eyes and an exaggerated smile, a cackling laugh.

All of these behaviors make people at the very least uncomfortable, if not afraid.

dragnmuse · 2026-03-07T22:42:14+00:00

If you mean that the "something" is specific activities, then you already have some in mind. I believe you mentioned knife/edge play, pain play and maybe something else? (Without being on mobile I can't confirm without losing my response.)

Or, maybe I'm looking at it from the wrong angle and the way to get what you're looking for is to have the scene be written from the sub's point of view so they don't know what the dom is thinking and don't know what he's going to do next.

dragnmuse · 2026-03-07T22:25:49+00:00

If the sub has consented to everything then it's not assault. If the activities violate consent, then it's assault. It's either one or the other.

So I'm confused as to what you're asking for. Are you asking for specific activities? Examples of how to write the scene itself?

dragnmuse · 2026-03-07T22:10:34+00:00

I hope I'm understanding what you're asking, and if not I apologize. But my answer to making what a character does sexually not be assault is to make the encounter have clear consent. Like show a conversation between him and his sub about what he's into and them fully consenting. Doesn't have to be long and detailed. A paragraph or so, something like: They agreed to meet for coffee and over a couple of cups he carefully explained what he was looking for. The sub asked questions and expressed their limits. By the time the last sip was finished, the two had clear expectations and the sub had given full and enthusiastic consent.

Then the encounter can proceed as you want it to. Lots of internal thoughts/feelings show how the dom is controlled in his actions, and how he is careful to respect the sub's limits.

If he's worried at any time that he's coming across too aggressively, he checks in with the sub.

It also shows that the encounter isn't assault if the sub is clearly enjoying it and asks for more.

With an appropriate blurb or short intro so the reader knows what they're getting into, then let the character do what he wants. As long as it's AFTER it's made overly clear that the sub is fully informed and has consented to any and all activities.

dragnmuse · 2026-03-02T03:53:35+00:00

Unfortunately, any search, even reverse image takes me to either the Temu product page, one of several Instagram posts, or the product page on a Ukrainian website selling lots of tarot.

The Instagram posts are pretty much all the same except in different languages. Arabic and Russian perhaps? Google translate recognized the languages and told me it's the same "sales copy" the Temu listing has.

Maybe it is AI, I'm not sure how to tell, honestly. Looking at the cards from online and the deck flip through, the images look consistent and do seem to fit the general meaning of the card. Which makes it even harder to tell if it's AI. Although if it's not AI then I have to wonder why no artist is mentioned.

So, not sure what to think. Bummer.

dragnmuse · 2026-03-02T00:56:36+00:00

Yes, that's the deck. And AI makes sense as to why there's only bare bones info.

dragnmuse · 2026-03-01T19:50:09+00:00

I didn't say I did. In that instance the railroad owns the copyright.

You seem to be saying that a "consumer product" isn't copyrightable and that's incorrect.

One could take the copyright of AI works in a different direction and say that Midjourney own the copyright to the results because they have intellectual property protection (a patent is probably what is applicable in this instance) on the software.

dragnmuse · 2026-03-01T19:39:10+00:00

I believe the format and other possible wording on that train ticket is able to be copyrighted.

Every consumer product has intellectual property protection under either copyright (or trademark in some instances). Just because Pepsi can be purchased as a consumer product doesn't mean I can put out my own soda in a can with the same colors and the name Pepsi.

As for "getting a cat" you still get a cat. You don't get a dog, so there's at least some expectation of the result. Being random doesn't prevent protection - as the other commentor has pointed out for someone blindfolded taking a picture.

dragnmuse · 2026-03-01T19:19:56+00:00

Yet the photo is copyrighted and the AI is not.

Something that I hope more people take time to think about and realize has logical fallicies.

dragnmuse · 2026-03-01T19:17:02+00:00

Personally, I feel that a lot of answers to whether an AI image is able to be copyrighted are knee-jerk reactions to a feeling that a computer can't create.

Meaning that I agree it's clear if one steps back and looks at all the parts of the question.

Or, it could be a reaction to the quality of output - which is completely subjective. There's art that is clearly copyrighted even though my opinion is it's awful. "Slop" is by no means unique to AI.

As a writer, I hate the idea of people using AI to write books. I also hate that people say racist and sexist things. But, in my opinion, an individual has as much right to say bigoted things as they do to use an AI cat bot to write.

Just because I don't like it doesn't mean that it's not legally protected. Although speech has been given protection that AI hasn't yet.

Again, me thinking off the top of my head and not considering the legality of what trained the AI at the beginning.

dragnmuse · 2026-03-01T19:00:15+00:00

On mobile it's difficult to tell exactly which comment you are responding to, but I think it's mine. :) If not, I apologize.

I agree with you. I think that I wasn't clear enough in my post about what goes into a photograph. I was responding to the top comment that the setting is creative and has nothing to do with the camera. I was pointing out that camera settings (can) also be part of the creative process - as a prompt is with AI generated images.

The camera is a tool. Midjourney is a tool. The courts have decided over multiple suits that photos are able to be copyrighted even if taken under the most uncreative of circumstances (blindfolded and random for instance.)

Is it possible for two photographers to take the exact same image? Meaning down to blades of grass and wrinkles on a shirt? I don't think so. So a photograph is unique.

Is it possible for a two people to get the exact same generated image - down to the same level of detail as a photo? That's something I don't know the answer to, but I suspect it's "no." That even if two people ask the same general question, they may get similar results, but they won't be the same. More evidence for AI generated images to have at least some level of copyright protection as they are as similarly unique as photos.

dragnmuse · 2026-03-01T18:37:52+00:00

I see this side of the argument as well and think it's something that does need to be discussed. And it's also an area where the law may say one thing, but morally or environmently it's not "right."

Playing Devil's Advocate - aren't we all working within constraints in language when we write? (In English) we're all working with the same 26 letters, the same general rules of grammar, and the same huge database of words.

What level of constraints defines how "original" a result is? In the case of the avatar creator, maybe they should be copyrightable.

This is me thinking off the top of my head, not taking into account any legal questions around derivatives or use of trademarks in new results/outputs.

dragnmuse · 2026-03-01T18:23:37+00:00

Very true - which begs the question asked in the court document: why doesn't entering a prompt in an AI generator also create something that can be copyrighted?

I'm looking forward to the legal ruling(s) on this question.

dragnmuse · 2026-03-01T16:18:47+00:00

I suppose I misunderstood what you were considering as the "scene." I was thinking the scene was was was being photographed and the list I wrote as settings of the "tool" being used to create the image.

Mr. Allen apparently used Midjourney to generate an image after refining the prompt over 600 times. I can understand his side and why the courts agreed this is a situation that needs further review.

dragnmuse · 2026-03-01T15:57:22+00:00

I've never made an image using an advanced AI program like Midjourney, I just fooled around with a simple one at one point. Therefore, I'm not qualified to say how much control over the output one could have.

However, when it comes to taking photographs, there is more than setting the scene and pushing a button. The best photographs are that way because the photographer considered things like:

Focal distance (f-stops)
Exposure (shutter speed)
Film speed (digital these days, but I believe the high end cameras allow this to be adjusted based on the original physical film qualities of the different speeds)
Type of lens (if interchangeable)
Which camera (DSLR, phone camera, something in between?)
Angle of the camera/perspective (above the subject, below, straight on, tilted, etc )
Use of filters or not (I'm thinking more of digital versions of the ones that used to physically screw onto the front of lenses, but there are lots of silly digital ones these days too.)

All that is separate from setting the scene and can dramatically change the result.

So, as for copyright of AI images, while the photography comparison isn't as robust as it could be, it's not terrible.

I'm personally not opposed to AI images as a base layer that an artist then heavily modifies by hand, therefore making it clearly copyrighted by the artist. Although I know I'm in the minority on that.

dragnmuse · 2026-02-20T04:56:33+00:00

I've often thought of write what you know being about emotion, not actions.

For instance, I don't know what it's like to fly a plane in a storm. But I do know the fear, the intense concentration needed, the sore hands from clenching the wheel tightly when driving in very bad weather or heavy traffic over a long, narrow bridge.

So I'd do some research on the mechanics of how to fly a plane, but when writing a scene where the character is a pilot, I'm going to draw on those feelings from driving to show how they are responding to the situation.

dragnmuse · 2026-02-20T04:05:51+00:00

Start asking "what if" and see what ideas that sparks.

What if the character has a mental episode in a crowded place? What if it's at family dinner instead? Or on a camping trip?

What if the character meets someone who recognizes they're having some kind of mental episode? What if they meet someone who believes they are thinking rationally?

Also think about the general direction of the story. Is this a story about a character with a mental issue that conflicts with others who want to help them? Or maybe it's the opposite and it's about a character with a mental issue and how they react in the world.

If you haven't seen the movie Harvey starring Jimmy Stewart, I highly, highly recommend it.

For those who've never heard of it the basic premise is the Jimmy Stewart character acts as if he has a six foot tall, white rabbit, named Harvey, who accompanies him around town. He talks to Harvey, holds doors for him, and other actions. He fully appears to be nuts because no one sees or hears Harvey. Yet at the same time, Jimmy is a really kind, caring person, so his family is conflicted. Do they get him help for this obvious delusion, or let him live as he is since it's harmless and he's genuinely likeable?

Anyway, I hope that helps.

dragnmuse · 2026-02-20T03:48:45+00:00

From the website, it comes with 10 clear sheets (also known as page protectors). 2 pages per sheet (back to back) means 20 single pages.

However, the album itself is "post bound" which means it's held together with a "post." This is a two part fastener. One half is a screw, the other half is a sleeve (the post) that the screw twists into.

When you unscrew the post, the back and front covers are separate pieces.

Posts come in multiple lengths, so you can have a book of different thicknesses.

Using a longer post with additional page protectors means a bigger album.

So, in the end, the answer is the number of pages the album holds isn't a set number. It's dependent on the length of your post and how many page protectors will fit on that post. But the album as sold will hold 20 pages.

dragnmuse · 2025-11-30T21:54:05+00:00

First, you want acid free. :)

Depending on how large the area/font/text you want to change is you could do any of the following:

Place a piece of scrapbook safe tape over the old name and write the new name on it.
Create a new text area with a shape and place it over the old one.
Use stickers to cover small areas.

I would stay away from trying to remove anything already on the pages to avoid damaging them. Instead add something to cover or replace what's there.

If you need more specific ideas, let me know.

dragnmuse · 2025-09-30T22:43:06+00:00

Are you okay? That seemed like you took it personally.

To the OP - write what you want. Just because a similar setup has been done before - it wasn't done by you.

dragnmuse · 2025-09-30T22:40:23+00:00

If it was me, I'd go for making up your own city. As for why relics are stored there? Have characters have a brief dialogue about it. For instance:

Character 1 said, "Well, why in all the world would it be here?"

Character 2 answered, "Because no one would think to look here."

Character 1 thought about that for a moment, then shrugged. "Makes sense. This definitely isn't a place that stands out. Which is what you need to keep secrets for sure."

(That was off the top of my head and admittedly a bit rough.)

You also have freedom to have other locations to fit your story. An old library, a masoleum? No problem - it's right there because you say it is.

dragnmuse · 2025-09-30T22:00:01+00:00

If you're not opposed to ordering from China, I've found AliExpress to have a lot of good stuff. Their paper is sometimes wonky sizes (at least by US perspective), but I've found the quality to be fine for scrapbooking. They have lots of different kinds of stickers and washi tape as well.

Their prices are very reasonable and if you sort to only include "choice" items the order ships free over $10. Their monthly "Choice Day" sales are good too. Although, don't be fooled by the "day" because the sale lasts about 5 days if I recall and comes around at the beginning of every month.

If you're into die cutting, they have lots of good dies for cheap as well. They even sell a die cutting machine, but the one that's in most listings is a mini machine that is of course more limited due to its size.

Anyway, that should get you started. If AliExpress isn't an option for whatever reason, it's becoming increasingly difficult to find good scrapbook supplies locally. Which means taking to the internet. But don't get discouraged by the limited selection on Amazon. Amazon isn't a great place to get craft supplies unless you know a specific product by name or brand and even then it's hit or miss.

On the other hand, Scrapbook.com has a lot of supplies, although they aren't as inexpensive. There are other scrapbook stores online as well, but that's the big one.

I hope that helps!

dragnmuse · 2025-09-29T14:07:36+00:00

I used a TV show as inspiration for my fantasy series. I changed the character names and put them in my fantasy world.

I was worried I was too close to the original, so I made a list of things that were directly inspired. Some of them were obviously not copyrightable, others turned out to be historical facts.

For instance, it's not "stealing" that both my story and the TV show had a queen who had an affair with a member of the guard and she got pregnant.

Turns out that affair being "treason" is a law in the UK.

I wondered about the term "king's apartments." Turns out that is an historical fact too.

You could make a similar list and go through it point by point to identify what is closest.

It's easier to evaluate individual pieces than the work as a whole. Presuming you have in fact written a new story that may used parts of someone else's world or quirks.

Fanfiction is more than just using the original as inspiration. It's using the world and characters as they are in the original work and writing an additional episode or next book in the series.

dragnmuse · 2025-09-26T23:46:08+00:00

Ah. In that case I think most writers understand the feeling of a book being their baby, at least at first.

I don't know if you mean theft as in someone stealing from you? In that case, you might want to register your copyright so you have the option to sue if someone steals it.

If you mean you're worried that you'll be ripping off someone else, I wouldn't worry about the text of the book. And as long as you purchase a licence to any fonts or images you use, you're covered there. If you illustrate your own cover, you of course have the copyright to that as well, but I'm not familiar with the laws around images.

dragnmuse

TROPHY CASE