buddleu

[buddleu]

[buddleu]

[buddleu]

quick question, how we feeling about hong Lu's new id after the trailer? I am personally so fucking hyped

Oh there's a lot I am feeling. Not just about Hong Lu's new id, but I am feeling things about them regardless.

I don't usually do full analysis on walpurgy trailers, but I want to at the very least plop down some observations I noted.

One - THERE IS A NEW TRACK IN THE SECOND HALF??? I can tell it's not originally from Ruina. They added. A wholeass new track. For the Church of Broken Gears fight. Fucking Incredible Honestly.

Two - Nothing too interesting going on with the Full Stop Heathcliff voice lines we got. It's mostly reiteration of the ammo-preserving ideas we got from Ruina's Full Stop Office reception, but we do get a little bit of lore through the full name of one of the ammo we see being used - Atelier Logic-made high velocity pulverisation round.

Three - Gameplay trailer for Full Stop Heathcliff. Three-coin Skill 1. One-coin Skill 2. One-coin Skill 3. Special Skill 3/Skill 4 that uses a cinematic as fuck animation of a unique bullet, my guess is that this Skill is used for either the last Ammo or through some other unique conditional. Evade that causes a followup attack from Full Stop Hong Lu. Retreat mechanic similar to Devyat IDs, but in this case upon running out of Ammo. Upon return, Heathcliff uses another Skill 1 - I'm guessing this is to showcase that this retreat is a Reload mechanic.

Four - Full Stop Hong Lu voice lines. So can we talk about the middle line? "I don't think the Head wants people to die anti-climactically. But what is an anticlimatic death anyway? We can put all kinds of meaningful labels on deaths, but it's still death at the end of the day." Hey. Hey Hong Lu. What the fuck are you talking about? This is terrifying because this could have two equally as likely explanations. This could be a Baoyuism, a musing about Daiyu's death being meaningless. OR. This could be a Daiyuism, a musing on the nature of death not unlike that of the flower burial scene. And the fact that both fit scares me.

Five - Gameplay trailer for Full Stop Hong Lu. Two-or-three-coin Skill 1. Four-or-five-coin Skill 2. Maybe four-coin Skill 3. Hard to tell if every gunshot is one coin or not. Then, we get something that I fucking called - Full Stop Hong Lu has an alternate Skillset for when he runs out of Ammo. Three-coin Skill 1. Three-coin Skill 2. Three-coin Skill 3. Next up, clashable Counter with two coins and what seems like a Reload. Then, a similar followup attack, in this case Full Stop Heathcliff shooting as a followup to Hong Lu's attack. And another followup attack mechanic, except in this case while Heathcliff has retreated - he can snipe enemies from afar.

Six - Quick note on Magic Bullet Outis E.G.O animation: I don't think what we're seeing is one continuous cinematic of one E.G.O use. I think this E.G.O will display different animations and have different effects depending on the amount of uses, aka depending on the amount of Magic Bullet Ammo. Similar to how Magic Bullet Outis ID's Skill 3 changes depending on the amount of Magic Bullet Ammo.

Seven - Magic Bullet Outis E.G.O Voice lines. Cause holy shit there's a lot of them.

Awakening:

"It really is as you say; this is a magic bullet that will never miss." - This is obviously a reflection of how the bullet is given through a deal with the devil... which then makes me think. Was Outis's role in the war also a deal with the devil? Was there someone in her life who willingly gave her the position of commander?

"There's no going back when I've already come this far by firing the bullet. Even if this road I walk is an inevitable path to inferno." - A reflection of Outis's own feelings. She feels like after what she's done, she can't turn back and change, even if she knows that continuing down this path will spell her doom. It's an insecurity we see be partially unearthed in Canto 7.

"The despairing heart is burnt black, never to fade away. Only its shearing cold floods within." - Perhaps a hint to her deeper feelings. Despair is what led her to taking the deal, and in the process she had to burn her heart and leave it with nothing but cold within.

"Though it was despair that I sought, the bullet's trajectory... is predetermined!" - Something something this flow cannot be stopped. Outis feeling like no matter her motivations she can't change what she's doing because she's in far too deep.

Corrosion:

"A bullet was fired, a magic bullet that will never miss." - Interesting how in these she completely dissociates herself from the bullet firing. Perhaps it's a reflection of how she deals with the crimes she's committed. Detaching herself from them, seeing them as just something that happened

"No justice, no malice. Only a finger that pulls the trigger." - Not just personal dissociation, but a dissociation from any emotions. Trying to say there is No real motivation for the bullet, it's just something that happens regardless. There's no malicious intent, but no righteous justice either. Just calculated violence.

"I'll be left alone in this inferno at the end of the road." - Girl you are so abandonment issues. This could be a reflection of both how she's worried about whether anyone is waiting for her to come back, but also an insecurity about whether anyone will accept her for knowing what she's done.

"Though I may lack the will to move forward... ...the bullet's forward-momentum cannot be stopped." - Reflection of how Outis, despite not wanting to continue down this path, feels like she has no choice. This flow cannot be stopped. Unable to change, she continues on.

To me, the awakening is a reflection of Outis when it all began. When she took the deal at the start of the war. The corrosion on the other hand is a reflection of Outis how she is now. One who is distant from the past, and yet unable to move on from it.

[buddleu]

Assorted Limbus doodles from the last year or so. View my m&m minis

[buddleu]

[buddleu]

personal new year activity this time around: syncing up a video of my favorite guy's death so that he jumps right when it hits 12

[buddleu]

fan of how this fuckass side strand stays even with his hair slicked back

[buddleu]

Out of every single Hong Lu E.G.O corrosion, I find Effervescent Corrosion’s to be the most interesting of the bunch. That’s not to say that the others are not interesting in their own right – they all are, incredibly so – but I have a lot of thoughts on Hong Lu’s Effervescent Corrosion corrosion. I’m focusing on the visual design in this post.

I’ll get straight to the point – I believe that the figure inside the clam might represent Lin Daiyu. Now, this is only a theory, and it might be embarrassingly wrong in ways I have not realized just yet. Feel free to criticize this theory as you wish. *This post relies heavily on the Two-In-One or Daiyu-Baoyu theory, so if you don’t know what that is, you should read this post first or else you might get very confused. if you don't want to read the entire thing, or just need a refresher, I believe this paragraph from the post summarizes it well: “At some point, Baoyu either dies or is brought to near death, likely through the same circumstances as in DOTRC - being beaten by his Father. To save him, his memories and consciousness would be transferred to his eye, a process not dissimilar to the one Xichun brings up in Canto 7, and implanted into Daiyu's body, causing them to become a vessel for Baoyu. This would be how Hong Lu as he is now is created.”

(I also have other observations I want to point out as well, which I will do so here.)

Like most of Hong Lu’s other E.G.Os, Effervescent Corrosion’s corrosion appearance shares a theme of restriction/loss of control, to a separate degree than most of the other sinners and different from the literal loss of control that comes with E.G.O corrosion. The figure inside the clam appears to be an appendage of the clam itself, moving with the upper shell, but it doesn’t look like it's controlled by the rest of the clam. The arms sway and move as though the figure is merely along for the ride.

Something I find very notable about the figure is how different their hair is compared to the normal version of the E.G.O and Hong Lu himself. Now, this may be a stretch, but it sticks out like a sore thumb to me. I haven't observed that type of difference in any other E.G.O corrosion in any sinner. Most of the changes are due to natural causes or changes in the vessel itself that necessitate the hair to change (like all Bygone Days, or Blind Obsession Ish) and even the ones that do change are not as extreme as this one is. Additionally, Rodion has her normal hair sprite in her corrosion for this E.G.O, so it's not a requirement or pattern for the hair to change in this E.G.O corrosion.

However, the hair is purple-tinted like Hong Lu’s normally is, unlike his Kurokumo identity, of which is also very suspicious in a similar manner.

A figure is not present in either the abnormality itself or in Rodion’s corrosion, so there was a deliberate choice to include it specifically for Hong Lu.

Another thing I'd like to note is the resemblance to an eye. I'm sure most people already know how the pearl is tinted green to look like his jade. There's more than that, though. The shape of the clam, especially when it clamps down, looks a lot like an eye.

You have the jade pupil, and the eyelid.

With it being an eye, and the filth dripping out, it kind of reminds me of tears.

I personally believe that, assuming the theory I pulled from at the start of this post is true, there’s a non-zero chance of the clam (and by extension, the pearl) representing Jia Baoyu and the figure inside representing Lin Daiyu. If this is correct, it would show how he is effectively puppeting Lin Daiyu’s body, at least to a degree.

The figure is behind the pearl, like how Lin Daiyu would be “behind” the jade, identity smothered by Jia Baoyu’s. Of course, it's not completely concealed, like how Lin Daiyu is likely not completely gone.

…or maybe I’m overanalyzing it, and the figure is just supposed to represent Hong Lu/Jia Baoyu, unkempt as more of a “true” self, the self behind the jade, the façade, behind the behaviors ingrained into him since his youth and behind his defense mechanisms that keep everyone “out,” but force himself “in.” However, I have written enough of this post for me to feel that it’s not worth it to scrap everything. Rodion also does a similar thing, and yet, she doesn’t have a figure in her corrosion either.

Additionally:

It appears to me that the guandao the figure is holding is different from the one in the normal version of the E.G.O. You could say that it may just be a more worn-down, longer-used version, but the shaft of the guandao is, still, a lot different.

There also seems to actually be three guandaos in this corrosion, but the significance or meaning of it is utterly and completely lost on me. I still want to point it out, though.

To list: the one the figure is holding (blue), one behind the clam that cannot be seen properly in the sprites (light red), and one that is pierced through the clam (dark purple). Hong Lu’s non-corrosion weapon does not seem to match up with any of them

I can't find any sprite where I can tell what's going on with the back one. I thought that the clam could be holding onto it, but it moves exactly with the upper shell, making me think that it may also be stabbed into the clam.

The top of the weapon circled in dark purple and its shaft move differently, but the positioning of each implies that it was stabbed through and then likely snapped in half by the force of the clam opening.

There’s probably more that could be said, especially in the way of symbolism, but I should end it here. This took way too long to get out and I hope nobody was bothered by the wait.

[buddleu]

Hi 👋 I've seen your theories on limbus company and I'd like to have your opinion on the chapter 8 ? Did you watch the live ? Any theories so far ?

Hi! First, thank you for the ask and sorry I took a long time to answer !

I did watch the live and it was super interesting but of course what I was the most interested in was the preview image for Canto VIII. And so of course I have some things to say regarding this image:

Firstly, regarding the original title, I’ve already seen many people mention the direct translation of the Korean title, which would literally give something like: “There is no other choice but to look.”

If we were to adapt it to make the sentence sound more natural in English, it would be: “I have no choice but to look.”

수밖에 없는 is a grammatical structure often used to express the lack of choice or alternatives.

We can’t help but draw a parallel between this phrase and Hong Lu’s situation: Hong Lu has no choice but to observe and accept his situation and what happens to him. It emphasizes his lack of choice and personal will, as well as his inability to act upon it.

The use of a verb related to the sense of the view is always amusing when talking about Hong Lu.

Now, looking at the English title: “The Surrendered Witnessing”, I think it can be interpreted this way:

Hong Lu is the surrendered one: he is the one who has yielded, abandoned, and submitted.

Thus, he now merely observes and accepts what happens around him, as well as what happens to him/what he is asked to do, etc.

Strangely or not, I can’t help but think, when reading these two titles, of a very important Taoist concept for the character Jia Baoyu: “wu wei” (无为).

In Taoist philosophy, wu wei is often translated as “non-action” or “effortless action”. This does not mean total inaction but rather a way of acting in harmony with the natural flow of things, without forcing or resisting. It’s the idea of letting things unfold naturally.

However, if this concept has been corrupted by the influence of Hong Lu’s family and, in a way, by the tone of Limbus Company’s world, we can quickly see how this concept could have been distorted and used to shape a docile Hong Lu who relies on this idea of non-action to accept and justify what happens to him and what he has likely endured for a long time.

Perhaps this is even the famous concept Faust mentioned, which Hong Lu relies on to avoid breaking down and distorting. After all, if one considers it normal to act and respond according to the influence of one’s surroundings (for Hong Lu, his family) and to accept this as self-evident in a way, then it is probably easier to live with such a situation. But if this foundation is questioned, then everything Hong Lu has accepted and endured is also called into question, inevitably leading to the question: “Then why did I endure all of this if not for that reason?”

Of course, Hong Lu’s character makes it easier for him to accept this vision, and his upbringing and naivety undoubtedly play a role.

As for the Chinese phrase on the right 不思观望: it could be translated as “Do not hesitate or wait and see,” or, to elaborate, “Avoid overthinking and hesitating.”

• 不: not —> mark of negation

• 思: consider / think of / long for / miss / think

• 观望: wait and see, watch something from the sidelines (waiting without taking action)

It seems to respond to the title and directly contradict it.

It appears to encourage taking action and not waiting, emphasizing avoiding overthinking or remaining in passive observation.

Is this the influence of Lin Daiyu?

Regardless, it seems to be adresed to Hong Lu and to invite him to break from this mechanism of « non-action » and to move forward / take action.

Then, if we look a little at this teaser image itself, we can see Hong Lu’s house, his mansion, still in these red colors but appearing much larger and more imposing than I would have thought based on what we could see in his EGO. But what we see in Hong Lu’s EGO might just be an interior part of the mansion.

The mansion indeed seems “closed” and surrounded by walls protecting it from the outside.

Finally, this turquoise luminous mist surrounding the mansion is quite interesting because, first, it obviously evokes the idea that this place is a lost illusion, created through an illusory fog.

The fact that its color is close to that of Hong Lu makes me wonder if this illusion is maintained somehow through Hong Lu’s existence or presence.

Potpourri of small ideas and theories (The first 4 are more affirmative than the others):

1. A theory I’ve had for a long time: Hong Lu actually ran away from his home in our world, and his family is looking for him.

2. Recovering the golden bough won’t be the hardest thing and might even be given to us by Hong Lu’s family in exchange for his return.

3. The golden bough will be located at the center of the mansion in a place called the Prospect Garden —> a place where Jia Baoyu spent part of his childhood/adolescence with his maids and cousins.

4. Hong Lu’s EGO phrase will change to: “Let’s go visit the Paradise of Truth” (the new name for The Land of Illusions during Jia Baoyu’s second visit at the end of the novel).

5. Hong Lu is (linked) to an abnormality (maybe Yin and Yang).

6. Does Hong Lu have a connection with the Moonstone?

7. Does Hong Lu bear the Mark of Cain? (Yes, I want to know which other sinner(s) have this f*cking mark. Sonia hinted at it!)

8. The fairy-like abnormality will appear / be relevant for this Canto to make a parallel between the fairies from Dream of the Red Chamber and the ones from Limbus Company. They also share a color palette similar to the one of Hong Lu’s left eye.

Thank you for the ask!

[buddleu]

not sure if already mentioned: all Hong Lu id's that are unconnected to his family have bleed as their mechanic.

It's a weak connection but... bleed linked not going out of one's way to be meticious, with some exceptions?

Hmmm, I don't think that's really the case. We know from the Peccatula and the Sin Roses that Bleed is associated with Lust, which checks out considering a vast majority of IDs that can cause Bleed have Lust Skills.

With Hong Lu specifically, I think it's more so that every single Backstreets ID we've seen of him just so happens to come from a Syndicate or Office that is associated with Bleed. Tingtang Gang enemies inflict Bleed. Hook Office are one of the first to focus on Bleed in Ruina. Kurokumo Clan inflict Bleed with almost all of their cards in Ruina as well.

I'd consider the status effect to have more thematic meaning if we see it be used where it doesn't seem to belong. Like if we get a Backstreets Hong Lu ID that belongs to a Syndicate not focused on Bleed, and yet he still inflicts it.

[buddleu]

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[buddleu]

I might be doing "Humans see patterns where there are not" but-

EVEN HONG LU'S SINNER ART VISUALLY IMPLIES TWO-IN-ONE THEORY With how there are 2 colors intermixing in two gates, which are joined by a third gate from which Hong Lu emerges.

Funnily enough, it wouldnt't be the only thing about that particular promo art that could point to Two-in-One.

Look at the water around Hong Lu. There's flowers and petals, a clear reference to Daiyu, no? But then look specifically to the right.

Flowers surrounding a reflection of the moon. Moonlight reflecting in the water is a motif that is directly associated with Baoyu in DOTRC.

So the Promo Art already had both Daiyu and Baoyu motifs in it.

But as it turns out, it might not be the only thing pointing to it if you're correct. The two gates joined by the third, the two intermixing colors... Like at this point I can't even be shocked that there's somehow Still more. And yet. How is there Still More.

[buddleu]

Limbus: The many faces of Yi Sang

+ Dante

[buddleu]

leaked canto 8 scene

[buddleu]

個人的な解釈です

[buddleu]

Samjo