Specifically meaning ‘god out of the machine’, the term defines an improbable character or unconvincing event used to resolve a plot. It comes from ancient Greek drama, when a play’s climax could only be realized by then lowering with a rope onto the stage an actor who was not very believably pretending to be an Hellenic deity about to set things right, no matter how illogical or ridiculous this might seem. It can still be a lot of fun writing about this, particularly when you use the most absurd, strange, and incongruous protagonists imaginable.
A true seeker of magical beasts will go anywhere and do anything to ensure the continuance of the most rarest of these searched-for animals.
Harry Potter >
General >
Humor •
Manchester • FR13 •
Chapters [1] • Words [1,755] • Recs [0] •
Reviews [17] • Hits [1,987] • Published [28 Dec 11] • Updated [28 Dec 11] • Completed [Yes]
It was undoubtedly the weirdest story he'd ever listened to, but the fact was, he’d been transported here by mysterious means, and they clearly needed his help. What else could he do but assist the Scooby Gang against their latest Big Bad?
Television >
West Wing >
General •
Manchester • FR13 •
Chapters [1] • Words [834] • Recs [0] •
Reviews [4] • Hits [1,959] • Published [30 Dec 11] • Updated [30 Dec 11] • Completed [Yes]
Here he comes to save the day! If the guy with a red cape, protruding antennae, and underwear worn on the outside doesn’t get slaughtered first by a very annoyed vampiress, that is.
DC Universe >
General •
Manchester • FR13 •
Chapters [1] • Words [2,127] • Recs [0] •
Reviews [5] • Hits [1,383] • Published [31 Dec 11] • Updated [31 Dec 11] • Completed [Yes]
No, it isn’t Rincewind. Despite what you might think, other people on the Discworld can occasionally have a really unfortunate night due to running afoul of bizarre events.
Literature >
Sir Terry Pratchett •
Manchester • FR13 •
Chapters [1] • Words [1,660] • Recs [0] •
Reviews [3] • Hits [1,072] • Published [31 Dec 11] • Updated [31 Dec 11] • Completed [Yes]
Angelus might’ve become wary after the sudden arrival through a portal by the unknown man, if that vampire had just asked whom had dropped into the middle of his fight with Buffy trying to keep him from using the Acathla statue to send the world to hell.
Literature >
Fantasy •
Manchester • FR13 •
Chapters [1] • Words [3,123] • Recs [0] •
Reviews [4] • Hits [1,166] • Published [12 Jan 12] • Updated [12 Jan 12] • Completed [Yes]
Xander wasn’t the only person who could’ve given Buffy the kiss of life when she was drowned by the Master, all courtesy of one of those ubiquitous portals…
Television >
Surprise Crossovers •
Manchester • FR13 •
Chapters [1] • Words [1,840] •
Recs [1] •
Reviews [9] • Hits [1,373] • Published [13 Jan 12] • Updated [13 Jan 12] • Completed [Yes]
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