• They claim they have secret information and use that to lure you in
• They might either lovebomb you at first or make you (feel like you have to) prove your worth
• The leader(s) of the group might not feel super approachable, at least not without fear of saying the wrong thing
• They seem to create or point out a divide in fandom you’d never noticed before. Likely this divide isn’t actually there in wider fandom, or the need for it is wholly unnecessary.
• They create an us vs them (outsiders) situation. Their group has the most knowledge and expertise, if others critique them it’s simply cause they must’ve heard false rumors. They are always the ones who are “misunderstood”.
• Questioning statements from leaders/people with high regard in the group, is not without risk. You can get dogpiled, your intelligence put into question and gaslit about your own words and feelings.
• You see discussions happen and get more heated, and at the end of that discussion the person on the receiving end of the things mentioned above ^ starts apologizing profusely and/or believes they are indeed stupid. However, if this person does keep defending their stance, they might get bullied or kicked out of the server/group chat
• Too much emphasis on Being Right/having the correct take or theory – it may seem it has a higher priority than empathy and tactful communication
• You need to have an opinion (their opinion), because silence equals condoning or agreeing with the “other side”
• Everything is a moral issue. When everything is made out to be a high-stakes issue or reflective of everyone as a person, it's easier for the leader(s) to manipulate you.
• You find yourself excusing people’s behavior because you agree with their point. The way they bring their argument forward and the tone they use, become subordinate to finding out the truthTM There is such a thing as The TruthTM in every theory, discussion or analysis
• There is a lot of conspiratorial thinking – maybe actors are trying to send us secret messages, maybe there is a Whole Lot You Don’t Know But We Do, Trust Us, maybe this or that person in fandom has tried to attack us and are planning a bigger attack,…
• You barely/don’t have fandom friends outside of this group and if you do, you tend to intentionally (whether subconsciously or not) hide your experience from them. They wouldn’t understand the way they talk, they wouldn’t understand the way it works etc
• They want to know a lot of your personal information. - might only happen once you get into higher ranks
• You might get (more and more) specific “tasks”, it starts becoming a part-time job instead of a hobby/fun space to hang out with friends

• Periodically check in with your values, if they might be changing & how you feel about that.
• Keep an eye on the way people (and yourself) are being treated. Is it kind? Is it fair? Do you feel on edge all the time when you’re having conversations? Is your body more tense when you’re in this online space or when certain people are around? Be honest with yourself here.
• Ask yourself: Is this space becoming my only coping mechanism? Am I spending too much time here? There’s no shame in spending a lot of time on things you enjoy, but do check in with yourself sometimes whether you are actually still having fun and if you are taking things too seriously or parasocialising a lot.

1. Mind Control
2. Shapeshifting
3. Tentacles
4. Dream Sex
5. Breeding
6. Plant Magic
7. Possessiveness
8. Predator/Prey
9. Blood & Healing
10. Worship

1. Women (Indis, Miriel, Nerdanel, Aredhel, Galadriel, Findis, Lalwen, Nienor, Finduilas, Melian, Luthien). I just think they are neat and we should build things around them more.
2. Overlooked (Gwindor, Cirdan, any character that stayed in Aman - so Finarfin, Mahtan, etc. - sneaking TROP character Adar in here)
3. Unpopular because they are antagonists of the Feanorians (the Valar, Thingol, Maeglin, Turgon, etc.)

⸙ Prompt: Spin the bottle | Caranthir x Finrod ⸙ Synopsis: Caranthir hates party games. Finrod may be able to change his mind. ⸙ Warnings: Cousins kissing (in case you weren't aware) ⸙ Quadrupe drabble