#148 psychic damage

[paperanddice]

Taiga giants form small nomadic groups within boreal forests. Not as inured to the cold as frost giants, they stay in more comfortable environments and have drifted apart over time, developing a very different culture. Rather than subsisting on raids and slave produced materials, they hunt wild animals and carry a deep reverence for their ancestors, which has evolved into an innate and primal kind of magic. They can call forth spirits of their ancestors to create a defensive barrier, allowing them to see the invisible and through false images, as well as helping block attacks and absorb elements. While they are not as aggressively hostile as frost giants, they do not take well to smaller beings encroaching on their travels and hunting the prey they rely on, and often get into conflicts with humanoids.

Wood giants live in the deepest parts of more temporal forests, and have set themselves as guardians and tenders for these wilds. Slender and lithe for a giant, they weave between trees rapidly, and prefer ranged combat over melee whenever possible. They barrage arrows down upon intruders who damage the woods they oversee, but will also cautiously observe those who they don't see doing so. Such visitors may never realize they are being watched, as these 14 foot tall giants are shockingly stealthy, and if you pass through without disturbing the environment too much they won't interfere. Rarely do they engage with visitors at all, only doing so when pressed or when visiting the occasional elvish settlement for trade. Unlike many other giants, they are primarily herbivorous, only eating meat out of necessity.

Inspired by the Pathfinder 1e Bestiary 2. This post came out a week ago on my Patreon. If you want to get access to all my monster conversions early, as well as access to my premade adventures and other material I’m working on, consider backing me there!

Taiga Giant  Large 8th level blocker [giant]  Initiative: +11 Greatspear +13 vs. AC – 70 damage. Natural Even Hit or Miss: The target takes a -5 penalty to disengage checks (save ends). R: Thrown Boulder +11 vs. PD (one nearby or far away enemy) – 35 damage. Natural Even Miss: 15 damage. Ancestral Spirits: The taiga giant has a protective aura created by its ancestors. While this aura is active, the giant has true seeing (it ignores invisibility and illusions), can’t be confused, and it can use a quick action once per turn to gain a +2 bonus to AC and PD until the start of its next turn. Once per round, as an interrupt action, the giant can gain resist damage 16+ against one of the following damage types: acid, cold, fire, lightning, psychic, or thunder. If the giant takes full damage from the triggering attack, it loses all the benefits of ancestral spirits for the rest of the battle. Long Spear: Once per round, as an interrupt action, the giant can make a greatspear attack against a moving nearby creature it is not engaged with: on a natural even hit, the movement stops. AC 23 PD 21 MD 20 HP 266

Wood Giant  Large 5th level archer [giant]  Initiative: +11 Giant Sized Sword +9 vs. AC – 20 damage. R: Giant Longbow +10 vs. AC (one nearby or far away enemy) – 22 damage. Intercepting Arrow: When an enemy moves to engage the wood giant, the giant can make a saving throw; on a success, the giant can make a giant longbow attack before the enemy engages it. Tree Climber: The wood giant can climb trees effortlessly, but stone walls and other similar surfaces aren’t so simple. Twin Arrows: The wood giant can make two giant longbow attacks, each against a different target, with a -2 penalty to the attack rolls. AC 20 PD 19 MD 15 HP 148

[wardensantoineandevka]

Just thinking about how Cerrit dealt either about 58% or about 67% of damage Vespin takes in that fight, depending on whether he saved on Cone of Cold (or, well, chose to leave the fail standing, since Legendary Resistances):

17 from Cerrit's crossbow, halved from 34 bc nonmagical weapon

39 or 19 from Nydas's Cone of Cold

14 from Loquatius's Psychic Lance

34 from Cerrit's handaxe

9 from Nydas's Defender Scimitar

35 (out of 67) from Cerrit's handaxe

So, Vespin had either 148 or 128 hit points, and Cerrit dealt 86 points. The 67 points of Cerrit's final crit reaction alone was about 45% or about 52% of Vespin's entire hit point pool.

As Brennan said on Cerrit's second turn: "You always get your man."

[marauder-exe]

Prompt List #2

Welcome to my biggest prompt list ever

if you wanna request something from this list, just use the character and ‘ prompt 34 from prompt list #2′ thank u!

Theres like 200 so be wary

Angst

“I love you ! Is that what you wanted to hear ?”

“I love him/her, and I know that I shouldn’t.”

“Can you just shut your mouth ?”

“wHY DO YOU KEEP LYING TO ME ?”

“We both know that I should walk away, but I can’t.”

“Wait, he/she has a girlfriend/boyfriend ?"

“I lo—-” “No, please… Don’t say that. You love her/him, not me.”

"Could you just take this pain away ? It hurts, so much… Help me.”

“You’re safe here, I got you.”

“Don’t ask her out again, please… You’re killing me, every single time you ask that.”

“Look, he/she wants you, just make him/her happy.”

“If you go, I’ll know that you never loved me.”

“We never were just friends, and you know it.” “I know it, but you deserve someone better than me.”

“SHE WAS CRYING BECAUSE OF YOU!!!”

“You love me like I’m the person who actually deserves your love.” “But you are the only one who deserves it.”

“I know for a fact that you’re not “fine”.”

“You’re looking at me like.. you’re disgusted. What did I do? Just tell me what I did, please!”

“What happened between us?”

“Nothing has changed!” “Yes it has, and you know it.”

“Love isn’t supposed to hurt this badly.”

“You said you needed space. You were 5,000 miles away for a year, and you’re still unsure. I’m starting to think that an entire universe apart wouldn’t be enough space for you.”

“I remember when he/she/they used to look at me that way”

“I want you to list every lie you ever told me. Then I’ll forgive you.”

“I don’t hate you. I hate that after all of this, you’re still trying to lie to me”

“I can’t keep this secret for you anymore.”

“I’m sorry I’m not what you signed up for.”

“Why she/her/them? It could have been anybody, and you chose to betray me with her/him/them.”

“This will be the last time you lie to me.”

“You never loved me, did you?”

“You made me miserable and I still loved you.”

“Everytime something goes well, I momentarily forget how much I despise you.”

“We’re never going to have a happy ending, just remember that.”

“Don’t pretend like you’re not happy to see me like this.”

“Your mind must be a horrible place.”

“Hand me the gun and I’ll kill him myself.”

“And I thought you loved me."

" And I thought I loved you."

" Aren't you even going to cry?"

“I didn’t expect you to wait forever. I just hoped…”

“Did you always know that you were going to leave?”

“If you cry, I’ll stay, and if I stay that will just give you another reason to hate me.”

“I’m addicted and at this point I don’t think anything could make me stop.”

”If you wanna know, then ask.”

“You never asked because you knew I wouldn’t tell you what you wanted to hear.”

“We grew apart, and at this point I’m glad.”

“Find somebody else to kiss your ass.”

“When are you going to stop clawing for something that’s never going to happen?”

“What you’re doing is going to kill you one day.”

“It was easier to believe that the you I knew was dead than deal with the fact that I still have to see you every day.”

“What you’re doing is going to kill you one day.”

Fluff

51. “You’re hair is really soft after you wash it.”

52. “Ssh. Stop fussing. I’m just braiding your hair.”

53. “You smell really nice.”

54. “Would it be all right if I borrowed your sweater? It smells like you.”

55. “I might have slept with your robe when you were gone.”

56. “If you steal the blankets, I am going to put my cold feet on you.”

57. “Here, let’s share the blanket.”

58. “You’re comfy.”

59.“You are very endearing when you are half-asleep.”

60.“But I want to hear you sing.”

61.“Don’t get up - I’ll do it.”

62.“Care to give me a back scratch?”

63.“I think I love you.”

64.“Your bed head is really cute.”

65.“How about a kiss?”

66.“You made this for me?”

67.Aw, you’re blushing.”

68. Uh oh, I know that look. What do you want?”

69. “Let me help you with that.”

70. “I don’t want to forget this moment.”

71.“Are you really flirting with me right now?”

72.“I like the way your hand fits in mine.”

73.“You have something in your hair, umm… Do you want me to get it out?”

74.“It’s nice that your voice was the first thing I heard today.”

75.“This movie is really scary, but you’re into it so I’m trying not to cover my face the whole time, but- WHAT IS THAT?”

76.“Wait, don’t pull away… Not yet.”

77.“Half the time I get too embarrassed to say anything”

78.“No, it’s fine.  I can wait until you’re done talking to them.”

79.“No, like…. It’s just, I can’t believe you’re actually wearing my clothes.”

80.“You’re a big piece of inspiration for this, honestly.”

81.“I’ve been trying to get ready for like an hour and a half, because I know you’re going to look so good and I need to try and match up.”

82.“I wanted to say “I love you” for the first time without stuttering, but that failed.”

83.“My friends get so annoyed by how much I talk about how sometimes.”

84.“No, mom, don’t tell him/her I said that about him/her!”

85.“I can’t get over how a few months ago I wanted to learn your name and now you’re having breakfast with me in my sweater.”

86.“ You are so beautiful — So fucking beautiful. “

87.“And just WHERE do you think you’re putting your hands?”

88.“Wow, you look even better in the daylight.”

89.“I don’t remember ever having this many hickeys. But I don’t mind.”

90.“We could order pizza and just stay like this all day.”

91.“It was always you.”

92.I love you in every possible way.”

93.“I didn’t mean to love you so much.”

94.“Don’t you hurt a single hair on his/her/their head.”

95.“Duck, you idiot!”

96.“Hey. Pal. I’ve got a wand and I’m not afraid to use it.”

97.“Shh, you’re safe. I won’t let you go.”

98.“It’s not a double date. We’re just third and fourth wheeling.”

99.“Look, I know we don’t know each other that well, but I’m still worried about you. No one deserves to be alone.”

100.“I remember practicing how to ask you out in the mirror..”

Sarcasm

101.“Define normal.” 

102.“Do I get bonus points if I act like I care?” 

103.“Just remember if we get caught, you’re deaf and I don’t speak English.” 

104.“Don’t look for any redeeming qualities. I don’t have any.” 

105.“It’s amazing how fast the world can go from bad to total shit storm.”

106.“I love you. You enormously stubborn pain in the ass.” 

107.“And you wonder why you’re still single.”

108.“Remind me to kill you. Please.” 

109.“That’s a little melodramatic, don’t you think?”

110.“She’s crazy. And just when you think you’ve reached the bottom of her craziness, there’s a crazy underground garage.” 

111.“She may seem like lollipops and rainbows but I bet behind close doors she’s latex and whips.”

112.“If my day gets any worse, I’m asking hell if they’re having an exchange program.” 

113.“Sorry. I don’t speak skank.” 

114.“My middle finger salutes you.” 

115.“I don’t have enough middle fingers to let you know how I feel.” 

116.Somebody’s cranky.” “Somebody needs to shut up.” 

117.“Oh darling. Go buy a brain.” 

118.“Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn.” 

119.“All due respect, but that’s a bunch of crap.” 

120.“I am one of the few people in the world who can murder you and leave no forensic evidence behind.”

121.“Excuse me. I have to go make a scene.” 

122.“What did I tell you about calling her/him the devil?” “That it’s offensive to the devil?” 

123.“I heard that!” “You were supposed to!” 

124.“I need therapy after this.” 

125.“You didn’t get in trouble for lying. You got in trouble for lying badly.” 

126.“I turned out liking you a lot more that I originally planned.” 

127.“I think you’re weird.” “I think you’re boring.” 

128.“I’m afraid I’ve been thinking…” “A dangerous pastime.”

129.“Wow, there’s a big surprise. I think I’m going to have a heart attack and die from surprise.” 

130.“I’m gonna hit you so hard, it’ll make you ancestors dizzy.” 

131.“Sarcasm is the body’s natural reaction to stupidity.” 

132.“Well, excuse me, psychic wonder!” 

133.“Don’t look in her eyes, she might steal your soul.” 

134.“She’s hot, but she’s evil.” 

135.“Do I regret it? Yes. Would I do it again? Probably.” 

136.“I already know that I’m going to hell. At this point it’s really go big or go home.” 

137.“I’m not a damsel in distress. I’m a damsel doing damage.” 

138.“So stick that in your juice box and suck it.” 

139.“Never take life seriously. No one ever comes out alive anyway.” 

140.“Sometimes I question my sanity. Occasionally it replies.”

141.“Why should we date?” “Because we are attracted to each other.” “I am attracted to pie, but I do not feel the need to date pie.” 

142.“Neither one us is drunk enough for this conversation.” 

143.“You’re questioning my methods.” “I’m not questioning it, I’m saying it’s stupid.” 

144.“Wow, somebody needs a Happy Meal.” 

145.“I didn’t do it!” “Then why are you laughing?” “Because whoever did it is a freaking genius.” 

146.“Idiots. I’m surrounded by idiots.” 

147.“You couldn’t handle me even if I came with instructions.

148.“Obviously you have mistaken me for somebody who gives a shit.” 

149.“Rule number one: don’t bother sucking up. I already hate you, that’s not going to change.” 

150.“You make no sense to me.” “Welcome to my life.” 

Drama

151.“Can you stop thinking about yourself for once?”

152.“Can you stop thinking about yourself for once?” 

153.“Don’t think I forgot about what you did last time.”

154.“I know you lied to me.”

155.“I’m not even sorry.”

156.“You backstabber!” 157.“I never want to see you again.” 158.“You never mattered to me.”

159.“I knew this was a bad idea.”

160.“Rot in hell.”

161.“It was supposed to be a secret!”

162.“No one loves me.” 163.“He/she/they is/are so petty…” 164.“You made me cry.” 165.“I don’t know who you are anymore.” 166.“How DARE you?!” 167.“I know you’re not talking to me…” 168.“I SAW you with him/her/them!”

169.“Just leave me alone.”

170.“What did you do?!” 171.“I told everyone that I didn’t want to talk but I’m actually dying for attention.”

172. “Just admit that was extra…”

173.“I forgive, but I don’t forget.” 174.“Did you see what he/she/they was/were wearing?” 175.“So what if I had sex with your ex?” 176.“There’s something I have to tell you…” 177.“I can’t do this anymore.” 178.“You weren’t there for me when I needed you the most.” 179.“I never loved you.” 180.“It’s too late.”

181.“Quit ignoring me.”

182. “Don’t you get it? It’s because I love you!”

183.“I love you. I’m sorry.”

184.“I don’t want to be friends.”

185.“Can we please pretend I never said that?”

186.“Friendzoned again.”

187.“You should’ve loved me when you had the chance.”

188.“Fuck you for toying with my emotions like that.”

189.“I was there for you when no one else was!”

190.“Alright – I can tell a ‘no’ when I hear it.”

191.“I’m sorry I acted so creepy.”

192.“Fuck. It’s like what they say – nice guys finish last…”

193.“I’m tired of keeping this secret. Even if you don’t love me back.”

194. “I knew that’d be your answer. That’s why I never told you before.”

195.“When I said I loved you, I meant it.”

196.“Is there any part of you, deep down, that might love me back?”

197.“You were the one that left all those notes for me?”

198.“You’re in a relationship with another person – you know this can’t end well.”

199.“We agreed this was just physical!”

200.“I love you. I know you don’t love me, so don’t say it back.”

Ahhh im sorry that was so long, but if you read all the way to here, your a real one.

Again i write for all Hp characters! Feel free to use these prompts as ur own

[shoyodon]

𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧!

Hi! oh my gosh It feels like my blog grew really fast? I’m really grateful to every one of you and I’m so glad that I get to do what I love while also making you guys happy! My 500 follower celebration may not be the most exciting or original but I wanted to do something different for the occasion! Im putting my WIPS on pause and opening up prompt requests! 

Send an ask with a number w/ 2 characters max and I’ll write a short fic or HC (depending on prompt) about it!  Both HAIKYUU! and BNHA characters are available!

*depending on amount of requests, I will cap the amount of requests I take on, sorry 🥺

Requests closed!!

The prompt requests will be open until tomorrow at 6pm CST so send them in! below is the prompt list, all credit for this list goes to @marauder-exe​ !

Angst

“I love you ! Is that what you wanted to hear ?”

“I love him/her, and I know that I shouldn’t.”

“Can you just shut your mouth ?”

“wHY DO YOU KEEP LYING TO ME ?”

“We both know that I should walk away, but I can’t.”

“Wait, he/she has a girlfriend/boyfriend ?"

“I lo—-” “No, please… Don’t say that. You love her/him, not me.”

"Could you just take this pain away ? It hurts, so much… Help me.”

“You’re safe here, I got you.”

“Don’t ask her out again, please… You’re killing me, every single time you ask that.”

“Look, he/she wants you, just make him/her happy.”

“If you go, I’ll know that you never loved me.”

“We never were just friends, and you know it.” “I know it, but you deserve someone better than me.”

“SHE WAS CRYING BECAUSE OF YOU!!!”

“You love me like I’m the person who actually deserves your love.” “But you are the only one who deserves it.”

“I know for a fact that you’re not “fine”.”

“You’re looking at me like.. you’re disgusted. What did I do? Just tell me what I did, please!”

“What happened between us?”

“Nothing has changed!” “Yes it has, and you know it.”

“Love isn’t supposed to hurt this badly.”

“You said you needed space. You were 5,000 miles away for a year, and you’re still unsure. I’m starting to think that an entire universe apart wouldn’t be enough space for you.”

“I remember when he/she/they used to look at me that way”

“I want you to list every lie you ever told me. Then I’ll forgive you.”

“I don’t hate you. I hate that after all of this, you’re still trying to lie to me”

“I can’t keep this secret for you anymore.”

“I’m sorry I’m not what you signed up for.”

“Why she/her/them? It could have been anybody, and you chose to betray me with her/him/them.”

“This will be the last time you lie to me.”

“You never loved me, did you?”

“You made me miserable and I still loved you.”

“Everytime something goes well, I momentarily forget how much I despise you.”

“We’re never going to have a happy ending, just remember that.”

“Don’t pretend like you’re not happy to see me like this.”

“Your mind must be a horrible place.”

“Hand me the gun and I’ll kill him myself.”

“And I thought you loved me."

" And I thought I loved you."

" Aren't you even going to cry?"

“I didn’t expect you to wait forever. I just hoped…”

“Did you always know that you were going to leave?”

“If you cry, I’ll stay, and if I stay that will just give you another reason to hate me.”

“I’m addicted and at this point I don’t think anything could make me stop.”

”If you wanna know, then ask.”

“You never asked because you knew I wouldn’t tell you what you wanted to hear.”

“We grew apart, and at this point I’m glad.”

“Find somebody else to kiss your ass.”

“When are you going to stop clawing for something that’s never going to happen?”

“What you’re doing is going to kill you one day.”

“It was easier to believe that the you I knew was dead than deal with the fact that I still have to see you every day.”

“What you’re doing is going to kill you one day.”

Fluff

51. “You’re hair is really soft after you wash it.”

52. “Ssh. Stop fussing. I’m just braiding your hair.”

53. “You smell really nice.”

54. “Would it be all right if I borrowed your sweater? It smells like you.”

55. “I might have slept with your robe when you were gone.”

56. “If you steal the blankets, I am going to put my cold feet on you.”

57. “Here, let’s share the blanket.”

58. “You’re comfy.”

59.“You are very endearing when you are half-asleep.”

60.“But I want to hear you sing.”

61.“Don’t get up - I’ll do it.”

62.“Care to give me a back scratch?”

63.“I think I love you.”

64.“Your bed head is really cute.”

65.“How about a kiss?”

66.“You made this for me?”

67.Aw, you’re blushing.”

68. Uh oh, I know that look. What do you want?”

69. “Let me help you with that.”

70. “I don’t want to forget this moment.”

71.“Are you really flirting with me right now?”

72.“I like the way your hand fits in mine.”

73.“You have something in your hair, umm… Do you want me to get it out?”

74.“It’s nice that your voice was the first thing I heard today.”

75.“This movie is really scary, but you’re into it so I’m trying not to cover my face the whole time, but- WHAT IS THAT?”

76.“Wait, don’t pull away… Not yet.”

77.“Half the time I get too embarrassed to say anything”

78.“No, it’s fine.  I can wait until you’re done talking to them.”

79.“No, like…. It’s just, I can’t believe you’re actually wearing my clothes.”

80.“You’re a big piece of inspiration for this, honestly.”

81.“I’ve been trying to get ready for like an hour and a half, because I know you’re going to look so good and I need to try and match up.”

82.“I wanted to say “I love you” for the first time without stuttering, but that failed.”

83.“My friends get so annoyed by how much I talk about how sometimes.”

84.“No, mom, don’t tell him/her I said that about him/her!”

85.“I can’t get over how a few months ago I wanted to learn your name and now you’re having breakfast with me in my sweater.”

86.“ You are so beautiful — So fucking beautiful. “

87.“And just WHERE do you think you’re putting your hands?”

88.“Wow, you look even better in the daylight.”

89.“I don’t remember ever having this many hickeys. But I don’t mind.”

90.“We could order pizza and just stay like this all day.”

91.“It was always you.”

92.I love you in every possible way.”

93.“I didn’t mean to love you so much.”

94.“Don’t you hurt a single hair on his/her/their head.”

95.“Duck, you idiot!”

96.“Hey. Pal. I’ve got a wand and I’m not afraid to use it.”

97.“Shh, you’re safe. I won’t let you go.”

98.“It’s not a double date. We’re just third and fourth wheeling.”

99.“Look, I know we don’t know each other that well, but I’m still worried about you. No one deserves to be alone.”

100.“I remember practicing how to ask you out in the mirror..”

Sarcasm

101.“Define normal.”

102.“Do I get bonus points if I act like I care?”

103.“Just remember if we get caught, you’re deaf and I don’t speak English.”

104.“Don’t look for any redeeming qualities. I don’t have any.”

105.“It’s amazing how fast the world can go from bad to total shit storm.”

106.“I love you. You enormously stubborn pain in the ass.”

107.“And you wonder why you’re still single.”

108.“Remind me to kill you. Please.”

109.“That’s a little melodramatic, don’t you think?”

110.“She’s crazy. And just when you think you’ve reached the bottom of her craziness, there’s a crazy underground garage.”

111.“She may seem like lollipops and rainbows but I bet behind close doors she’s latex and whips.”

112.“If my day gets any worse, I’m asking hell if they’re having an exchange program.”

113.“Sorry. I don’t speak skank.”

114.“My middle finger salutes you.”

115.“I don’t have enough middle fingers to let you know how I feel.”

116.Somebody’s cranky.” “Somebody needs to shut up.”

117.“Oh darling. Go buy a brain.”

118.“Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn.”

119.“All due respect, but that’s a bunch of crap.”

120.“I am one of the few people in the world who can murder you and leave no forensic evidence behind.”

121.“Excuse me. I have to go make a scene.”

122.“What did I tell you about calling her/him the devil?” “That it’s offensive to the devil?”

123.“I heard that!” “You were supposed to!”

124.“I need therapy after this.”

125.“You didn’t get in trouble for lying. You got in trouble for lying badly.”

126.“I turned out liking you a lot more that I originally planned.”

127.“I think you’re weird.” “I think you’re boring.”

128.“I’m afraid I’ve been thinking…” “A dangerous pastime.”

129.“Wow, there’s a big surprise. I think I’m going to have a heart attack and die from surprise.”

130.“I’m gonna hit you so hard, it’ll make you ancestors dizzy.”

131.“Sarcasm is the body’s natural reaction to stupidity.”

132.“Well, excuse me, psychic wonder!”

133.“Don’t look in her eyes, she might steal your soul.”

134.“She’s hot, but she’s evil.”

135.“Do I regret it? Yes. Would I do it again? Probably.”

136.“I already know that I’m going to hell. At this point it’s really go big or go home.”

137.“I’m not a damsel in distress. I’m a damsel doing damage.”

138.“So stick that in your juice box and suck it.”

139.“Never take life seriously. No one ever comes out alive anyway.”

140.“Sometimes I question my sanity. Occasionally it replies.”

141.“Why should we date?” “Because we are attracted to each other.” “I am attracted to pie, but I do not feel the need to date pie.”

142.“Neither one us is drunk enough for this conversation.”

143.“You’re questioning my methods.” “I’m not questioning it, I’m saying it’s stupid.”

144.“Wow, somebody needs a Happy Meal.”

145.“I didn’t do it!” “Then why are you laughing?” “Because whoever did it is a freaking genius.”

146.“Idiots. I’m surrounded by idiots.”

147.“You couldn’t handle me even if I came with instructions.

148.“Obviously you have mistaken me for somebody who gives a shit.”

149.“Rule number one: don’t bother sucking up. I already hate you, that’s not going to change.”

150.“You make no sense to me.” “Welcome to my life.”

Drama

151.“Can you stop thinking about yourself for once?”

152.“Can you stop thinking about yourself for once?”

153.“Don’t think I forgot about what you did last time.”

154.“I know you lied to me.”

155.“I’m not even sorry.”

156.“You backstabber!” 157.“I never want to see you again.” 158.“You never mattered to me.”

159.“I knew this was a bad idea.”

160.“Rot in hell.”

161.“It was supposed to be a secret!”

162.“No one loves me.” 163.“He/she/they is/are so petty…” 164.“You made me cry.” 165.“I don’t know who you are anymore.” 166.“How DARE you?!” 167.“I know you’re not talking to me…” 168.“I SAW you with him/her/them!”

169.“Just leave me alone.”

170.“What did you do?!” 171.“I told everyone that I didn’t want to talk but I’m actually dying for attention.”

172. “Just admit that was extra…”

173.“I forgive, but I don’t forget.” 174.“Did you see what he/she/they was/were wearing?” 175.“So what if I had sex with your ex?” 176.“There’s something I have to tell you…” 177.“I can’t do this anymore.” 178.“You weren’t there for me when I needed you the most.” 179.“I never loved you.” 180.“It’s too late.”

181.“Quit ignoring me.”

182. “Don’t you get it? It’s because I love you!”

183.“I love you. I’m sorry.”

184.“I don’t want to be friends.”

185.“Can we please pretend I never said that?”

186.“Friendzoned again.”

187.“You should’ve loved me when you had the chance.”

188.“Fuck you for toying with my emotions like that.”

189.“I was there for you when no one else was!”

190.“Alright – I can tell a ‘no’ when I hear it.”

191.“I’m sorry I acted so creepy.”

192.“Fuck. It’s like what they say – nice guys finish last…”

193.“I’m tired of keeping this secret. Even if you don’t love me back.”

194. “I knew that’d be your answer. That’s why I never told you before.”

195.“When I said I loved you, I meant it.”

196.“Is there any part of you, deep down, that might love me back?”

197.“You were the one that left all those notes for me?”

198.“You’re in a relationship with another person – you know this can’t end well.”

199.“We agreed this was just physical!”

200.“I love you. I know you don’t love me, so don’t say it back.”

[the-cookie-of-doom]

Just for fun, I decided to add a table of contents now that I have everything fully copied over, and. Dude. My ToC alone is 7 pages

I’ll post it below the cut to give you guys a lil sneak peak about what’s to come ;)

January 2019

Strings of Fate 9

Crimson Peak AU 21

Southern Gothic AU 21

ABO Angst (First Fic) 32

Genie/Demon Slave AU 40

Maker AU 40

Construction AU 41

A/B/O & Teen Parents 42

Nude Modeling/College AU 44

Vampire Academy AU 45

Gym AU W/Emily 47

Mitch/Peter Canon Meta 57

Panther AU 59

Stiles/Mitch/Peter Void AU 69

Drifter/Amnesia AU 70

Point Break AU 71

A/B/O Spy AU 72

Single Dad AU W/Amelia 74

Siren Highschool AU 77

Werewolf AU (Mitch Goes Missing) 79

Mob/Panther AU (Peter/Mitch) 81

Criminal Minds AU 83

February 2019 83

Reincarnation AU (Stiles/Peter/Mitch) 83

Exorcism AU 85

Dorian Gray AU 87

Mini AUs (Mitch/Derek) 91

Priest AU (Steter) 93

Siren/Selkie AU 95

Angsty Band AU 96

Babysitter AU 97

Stiles Gets Sick 98

Runaway AU 99

Teen Angst 102

Undead Mitch (Mitch/Peter) 132

Southern Transfer Student AU 133

Professor/Stripper AU 134

Eichen House AU 136

Psychic Mitch AU (Mitch/Peter) 137

ABO Escort AU 138

Faerie Ring AU 140

(Lame) Bartender AU 140

Prohibition AU 141

Time Travel AU 141

Umbrella Academy AU 142

Stripper/Hitman/Runaway AU (Katrina/Mitch/Stiles) 142

Online Relationship AU 145

Mitch/Nogitsune/Stiles AU 145

John Wick AU 148

March 2019 148

Pornstar AU 148

Drifter AU 149

Drifter/Hooker AU (Sterek) 149

Hometown AU 150

Void Stiles AU (Steter) 151

Post-Nogitsune Body Horror AU 152

Country AU 153

Diego/Klaus Meta?? 156

Mitch/Chris Casual Sex AU (Ft. Interdimensional Travel) 158

Equilibrium 158

Survivor’s Guilt 159

Summer Roadtrip AU (Stetopher, Mitch/Katrina) 169

Massage AU 170

Conspiracy Theory AU 173

That Time They (Almost) Fucked* 176 *note for readers, it’s part of the Conspiracy AU

Stardust AU 178

Mitch/John AU 179

1500s(?) AU 181

Mitch Raised Little Brother Stiles (Platonic) 182

Snowed In AU 182

Camboy AU 183

Opposite Time Travel AU 183

Family Fight (Mitch/Peter) 185

Mitch/Void AU 188

Fantasy AU w/Dragons 194

House AU (S. 6 Ep. 4) 195

House AU 2.0 Single Dad w/Sick Daughter 197

Chronicles of Nick AU 198

Game Designer/YouTuber AU 202

April 2019 202

Peter’s Anchor AU 202

Hunter Mitch AU (Mitch/Peter) 203

Eichen AU (Mitch/Peter) 209

Teen Angst But WORSE 210

MMA/UFC AU 214

Restaurant AU 215

House AU 3.0 Stiles Gets Sick 216

Neighbors AU 217

Supernatural AU 219

Magic Mike AU 220

Hunter AU (Mitch/Peter) 221

Misc. AUs 222

- Elemental AU 225

- Angel/Demon AU 225

- Doppelganger AU 225

- Sordid Catholic Happenings AU 226

- Stoner AU 226

- Yogi/Body Builder(?) AU 226

- “I don’t love you” AU 227

- Avian AU 227

- Supernatural Detectives AU 227

- Mini Cyberpunk AU 228

- Domesticated Crptid 229

- Katrina Tops AU 229

- Mitch Being Abused (& Adopted by Hurley) 229

Death AU 230

ReplicantCloud Atlas AU 231

Serial Killer/Psychologist AU 233

DID/Nogitsune AU 234

Chambers AU 236

May 2019 246

Parole AU 246

Talia Takes Peter’s Memories (Meta) 247

Forced to Mate AU 247

What You Sow (ABO) 248

Service Dog AU (Peter/Mitch) 249

Victorian ABO AU 251

Beyond Reasonable Doubt 253

Accidental Puppy Acquisition 254

Mitch/John AU 257

Night Angel AU 257

Trafficking AU 258

Demon/Witch AU (Mitch/Katrina & Stitch) 259

Post-Apoc (Original) 259

Speech Counselor AU (Mitch/Peter) 261

Medieval Cult ABO 262

HS/College AU (Spin the Bottle) 265

Single Dad w/Bailey 266

June 2019 

Roadtrip AU 272

Werewolf War AU (Mitch/Laura, Stiles/Derek) 273

Lake Siren/Monster AU (Original) 275

Neighbors AU (Mitch/Stiles, Allison/Scott) 275

Stardust AU 276

Cyberpunk Post-Apoc AU 277

Highschool ABO 278

Priest/Sinner AU 279

Crossdressing/Historical Convention AU 282

Love Sacrificed AU (Mitch/Stiles/Peter) 284

Fake Dating AU 285

Devil AU 285

YouTuber AU 286

Vintage Porn AU 289

Prohibition Porn AU 289

WW1 Prostitute AU 290

Artillery 290

Stiles Kills Someone 297

Morning After AU 298

Captured By Hunters AU (Mitch/Peter) 299

July 2019 299

Necromancer AU (Stiles/Peter) 299

Rape Recovery (Mitch/Peter) 301

Vampire AU 303

Altar Boy/Sinner AU 304

Emissary Mitch AU 306

Agent Provocateur (Original) 308

Post-Nogitsune Wandering 308

Hippie/Punk AU 309

Mom’s Roadtrip Horror Stories 311

Renaissance AU (Stiles/Peter) 312

Harem AU (Mitch/Peter/Stiles) 312

The Hobbit AU 315

Buzzfeed Unsolved AU 318

Ice Skating AU 319

Non-Serious BDSM 320

August 2019 321

Dad Fic/Child Abuse* (Mitch/Peter) 321 *note for readers, Mitch and Peter aren’t the ones doing the abuse, they adopt the kid being abused and kill their dad. 

Unstable (Stiles/Derek, Mitch/Peter) 328

Christmas AU 334

Hunted 338

GoT Inspired/Birthday Fic 340

AHS: Coven AU 342

Stiles Kills Donovan 346

Stranger Things AU 349

Allison Angst (Wings of a Butterfly) 352

God/Mortal AU (w/Reincarnation) 353

Crimson Kiss 355

Mitch Saves Peter (Unrequited Love, Peter/Stiles) 356

Jigsaw AU 358

Kid Fic (Inspired by that one PtV Song??) 359

Blood Drive 360

Summer Camp AU 361

Succubus/Cupid AU 364

Human/Sex Demon AU 365

Rescue Me (Mitch Saves Stiles from Rogue Werewolves) 366

September 2019 367

AHS: Murder House AU (Mitch Sees Dead People) 367

Disney Cast Members AU 368

Winter Soldier AU 368

Definitely Not Haunted 369

Elemental AU (inspired by a Steter fic) 369

Fever Dream 370

Halloween Pumpkin Carving (Mitch/Peter) 373

Mitch Raises Cora 373

Naughty Bits 386

Dad Mitch (Not sure which au??) 396

Kill Shot/Strip Club AU 396

Sims AU 397

Mercy 404

Ghosts Katrina & Mitch 410

Musician/Long Distance AU 413

AA Girls/Lydia 416

Marionette Meta (GoT) 417

Cold War AU 419

Unicorn AU 419

Mitch Sleeps With An Informant (Jack Ryan-esque) 420

Vampire AU (Museum Edition) 422

Snowed In AU 423

Medieval Tourney AU (Peter/Chris) 423

October 2019 429

Crown Prince AU (Mitch/Peter) 429

Peter Has A Kink For Being Picked Up 431

Creepy Boarding School AU 431

Damaged Bois 435

Dracula AU (Mitch/Katrina/Stiles) 436

The Last Time 437

Worst Fears AU (Stiles/Peter, inspired by Jae/Allistair) 440

November 2019 444

Eichen House (Political Prisoner Mitch) 444

Dragon AU 444

Transfer Student Mitch Usurps Jackson 446

Locker Room Slut Stiles 447

Petopher AU 447

Rebound 448

Princess and the Pauper AU 467

Rival College Sports Teams AU 481

Teen Dad/Lawyer AU (Mitch/Peter) 482

Childhood Best Friends AU 487

Culinary AU 489

Rival/Married Teachers AU 490

Angel/Demon AU 491

December 2019 492

Christmas Fake Dating/Wedding AU 492

Vikings AU 495

Artist/Muse AU 498

CIA Escort Agency 498

Mitch Can’t Die 499

Hooker Mitch/Act of Treason (?) 500

Long Live the King 500

Mitch Gets Wrecked (Triathlon Aftermath) 504

The Mirror’s Curse (Original) 504

Angel/Reaper AU 505

January 2020 508

Bystander Effect 508

Melting Point 509

Vampire AU "I'll bet you're hungry." 512

Vampire AU - Katrina Turns Mitch 514

Witch/Incubus Bookshop & Sanctuary AU 517

Cottagecore Wish Fulfillment (Fae Stiles) 518

Ace Mitch 520

Monster Menagerie 521

Vampire Venom Black Market 523

Florist/Tattoo Artist 524

Gentle Angst AUs 524

Counselor/Praise Kink 526

Hanahaki AU 527

There is something bitterly funny about the last idea I told my ex about, being a Hanahaki AU, only for her to break up with me a month later bc I’m aromantic...

When I realized that last night while looking at this, it really made me see hanahaki AUs in a different light lmao. Maybe there’s a reason they’ve always been one of my favorite.

If there’s an AU that sparked your interest, feel free to ask me about it! I love talking about my fics : 3

[that-weird-fandom-girl]

Prompt List And Who I Will Write For

When requesting a oneshot you can but are not required to choose a prompt off this list (which is one of @marauder-exe‘s prompt lists that im using because i physically cant produce prompts lol) and just tell me what character you want it with (i will list characters and ships that i write for at the end)

Send requests here

Angst 

1. “I love you ! Is that what you wanted to hear ?”

2. “I love him/her, and I know that I shouldn’t.”

3. “Can you just shut your mouth ?” 

4. “wHY DO YOU KEEP LYING TO ME ?” 

5.“We both know that I should walk away, but I can’t.” 

6. “Wait, he/she has a girlfriend/boyfriend ?“

7. “I lo—-” “No, please… Don’t say that. You love her/him, not me.”

8.  "Could you just take this pain away ? It hurts, so much… Help me.”

9. “You’re safe here, I got you.”

10. “Don’t ask her out again, please… You’re killing me, every single time you ask that.” 

11. “Look, he/she wants you, just make him/her happy.”

12. “If you go, I’ll know that you never loved me.” 

13. “We never were just friends, and you know it.” “I know it, but you deserve someone better than me.”

14. “SHE WAS CRYING BECAUSE OF YOU!!!” 

15. “You love me like I’m the person who actually deserves your love.” “But you are the only one who deserves it.”

16. “I know for a fact that you’re not “fine”.” 

17. “You’re looking at me like.. you’re disgusted. What did I do? Just tell me what I did, please!” 

18. “What happened between us?” 

19. “Nothing has changed!” “Yes it has, and you know it.”

20. “Love isn’t supposed to hurt this badly.”

21. “You said you needed space. You were 5,000 miles away for a year, and you’re still unsure. I’m starting to think that an entire universe apart wouldn’t be enough space for you.” 

22.“I remember when he/she/they used to look at me that way” 

23. “I want you to list every lie you ever told me. Then I’ll forgive you.”

24. “I don’t hate you. I hate that after all of this, you’re still trying to lie to me”

25. “I can’t keep this secret for you anymore.”

26.. “I’m sorry I’m not what you signed up for.” 

27.“Why she/her/them? It could have been anybody, and you chose to betray me with her/him/them.” 

28. “This will be the last time you lie to me.” 

29.“You never loved me, did you?” 

30. “You made me miserable and I still loved you.” 

31. “Everytime something goes well, I momentarily forget how much I despise you.”

32. “We’re never going to have a happy ending, just remember that.” 

33. “Don’t pretend like you’re not happy to see me like this.” 

34. “Your mind must be a horrible place.” 

35. “Hand me the gun and I’ll kill him myself.” 

36. “And I thought you loved me.” “ And I thought I loved you.” 

37. “ Aren’t you even going to cry?”

38. “I didn’t expect you to wait forever. I just hoped…”

39. “Did you always know that you were going to leave?” 

40.“If you cry, I’ll stay, and if I stay that will just give you another reason to hate me.”

41. “I’m addicted and at this point I don’t think anything could make me stop.” 

42. ”If you wanna know, then ask.” 

43.“You never asked because you knew I wouldn’t tell you what you wanted to hear.” 

44. “We grew apart, and at this point I’m glad.”

45. “Find somebody else to kiss your ass.”

46. “When are you going to stop clawing for something that’s never going to happen?” 

47. “What you’re doing is going to kill you one day.” 

48. “It was easier to believe that the you I knew was dead than deal with the fact that I still have to see you every day.” 

49. “What you’re doing is going to kill you one day.” 

50. “Why do you have tO BE SUCH A HYPOCRITE ALL THE TIME” (this is my prompt bc the numbers were being weird)

Fluff

 51. “You’re hair is really soft after you wash it.” 

52. “Ssh. Stop fussing. I’m just braiding your hair.” 

53. “You smell really nice.” 54. “Would it be all right if I borrowed your sweater? It smells like you.” 

55. “I might have slept with your robe when you were gone.” 

56. “If you steal the blankets, I am going to put my cold feet on you.” 

57. “Here, let’s share the blanket.”

 58. “You’re comfy.” 

59.“You are very endearing when you are half-asleep.” 

60.“But I want to hear you sing.” 

61.“Don’t get up - I’ll do it.”

 62.“Care to give me a back scratch?”

 63.“I think I love you.”

 64.“Your bed head is really cute.”

 65.“How about a kiss?” 

66.“You made this for me?”

 67.Aw, you’re blushing.” 

68. Uh oh, I know that look. What do you want?” 

69. “Let me help you with that.” 

70. “I don’t want to forget this moment.” 

71.“Are you really flirting with me right now?” 

72.“I like the way your hand fits in mine.”

 73.“You have something in your hair, umm… Do you want me to get it out?” 

74.“It’s nice that your voice was the first thing I heard today.” 

75.“This movie is really scary, but you’re into it so I’m trying not to cover my face the whole time, but- WHAT IS THAT?” 

76.“Wait, don’t pull away… Not yet.” 

77.“Half the time I get too embarrassed to say anything” 

78.“No, it’s fine.  I can wait until you’re done talking to them.” 

79.“No, like…. It’s just, I can’t believe you’re actually wearing my clothes.” 

80.“You’re a big piece of inspiration for this, honestly.”

 81.“I’ve been trying to get ready for like an hour and a half, because I know you’re going to look so good and I need to try and match up.”

 82.“I wanted to say “I love you” for the first time without stuttering, but that failed.” 

83.“My friends get so annoyed by how much I talk about how sometimes.” 

84.“No, mom, don’t tell him/her I said that about him/her!” 

85.“I can’t get over how a few months ago I wanted to learn your name and now you’re having breakfast with me in my sweater.” 

86.“ You are so beautiful — So fucking beautiful. “

 87.“And just WHERE do you think you’re putting your hands?” 

88.“Wow, you look even better in the daylight.” 

89.“I don’t remember ever having this many hickeys. But I don’t mind.”

 90.“We could order pizza and just stay like this all day.”

 91.“It was always you.” 

92.I love you in every possible way.” 

93.“I didn’t mean to love you so much.”

 94.“Don’t you hurt a single hair on his/her/their head.” 

95.“Duck, you idiot!” 

96.“Hey. Pal. I’ve got a wand and I’m not afraid to use it.” 

97.“Shh, you’re safe. I won’t let you go.” 

98.“It’s not a double date. We’re just third and fourth wheeling.”

 99.“Look, I know we don’t know each other that well, but I’m still worried about you. No one deserves to be alone.”

 100.“I remember practicing how to ask you out in the mirror..” 

Sarcasm 

 101.“Define normal.” 

 102.“Do I get bonus points if I act like I care?”

 103.“Just remember if we get caught, you’re deaf and I don’t speak English.”

 104.“Don’t look for any redeeming qualities. I don’t have any.” 

 105.“It’s amazing how fast the world can go from bad to total shit storm.” 

106.“I love you. You enormously stubborn pain in the ass.”

 107.“And you wonder why you’re still single.” 

108.“Remind me to kill you. Please.” 

 109.“That’s a little melodramatic, don’t you think?”

 110.“She’s crazy. And just when you think you’ve reached the bottom of her craziness, there’s a crazy underground garage.” 

 111.“She may seem like lollipops and rainbows but I bet behind close doors she’s latex and whips.” 

112.“If my day gets any worse, I’m asking hell if they’re having an exchange program.”

 113.“Sorry. I don’t speak skank.” 

 114.“My middle finger salutes you.”

115.“I don’t have enough middle fingers to let you know how I feel.”

 116.Somebody’s cranky.” “Somebody needs to shut up.” 

 117.“Oh darling. Go buy a brain.”

 118.“Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn.”

 119.“All due respect, but that’s a bunch of crap.”

 120.“I am one of the few people in the world who can murder you and leave no forensic evidence behind.” 

121.“Excuse me. I have to go make a scene.”

 122.“What did I tell you about calling her/him the devil?” “That it’s offensive to the devil?”

 123.“I heard that!” “You were supposed to!” 

124.“I need therapy after this.” 

 125.“You didn’t get in trouble for lying. You got in trouble for lying badly.” 

 126.“I turned out liking you a lot more that I originally planned.” 

 127.“I think you’re weird.” “I think you’re boring.” 

 128.“I’m afraid I’ve been thinking…” “A dangerous pastime.” 

129.“Wow, there’s a big surprise. I think I’m going to have a heart attack and die from surprise.” 

130.“I’m gonna hit you so hard, it’ll make you ancestors dizzy.” 

 131.“Sarcasm is the body’s natural reaction to stupidity.” 

 132.“Well, excuse me, psychic wonder!” 

 133.“Don’t look in her eyes, she might steal your soul.” 

 134.“She’s hot, but she’s evil.” 

 135.“Do I regret it? Yes. Would I do it again? Probably.”

 136.“I already know that I’m going to hell. At this point it’s really go big or go home.”

 137.“I’m not a damsel in distress. I’m a damsel doing damage.” 

 138.“So stick that in your juice box and suck it.

” 139.“Never take life seriously. No one ever comes out alive anyway.”

 140.“Sometimes I question my sanity. Occasionally it replies.” 

141.“Why should we date?” “Because we are attracted to each other.” “I am attracted to pie, but I do not feel the need to date pie.” 

 142.“Neither one us is drunk enough for this conversation.” 

 143.“You’re questioning my methods.” “I’m not questioning it, I’m saying it’s stupid.” 

 144.“Wow, somebody needs a Happy Meal.” 

 145.“I didn’t do it!” “Then why are you laughing?” “Because whoever did it is a freaking genius.” 

 146.“Idiots. I’m surrounded by idiots.”

 147.“You couldn’t handle me even if I came with instructions.

 148.“Obviously you have mistaken me for somebody who gives a shit.”

 149.“Rule number one: don’t bother sucking up. I already hate you, that’s not going to change.” 

 150.“You make no sense to me.” “Welcome to my life.” 

 Drama

 151.“Can you stop thinking about yourself for once?” 

152.“Can you stop thinking about yourself for once?” 

 153.“Don’t think I forgot about what you did last time.”

 154.“I know you lied to me.” 

155.“I’m not even sorry.” 

156.“You backstabber!” 

 157.“I never want to see you again.”

 158.“You never mattered to me.” 

159.“I knew this was a bad idea.” 

160.“Rot in hell.” 

161.“It was supposed to be a secret!” 1

62.“No one loves me.” 

 163.“He/she/they is/are so petty…” 

164.“You made me cry.” 

 165.“I don’t know who you are anymore.” 

166.“How DARE you?!”

 167.“I know you’re not talking to me…” 

168.“I SAW you with him/her/them!” 

169.“Just leave me alone.” 

170.“What did you do?!” 

171.“I told everyone that I didn’t want to talk but I’m actually dying for attention.”

 172. “Just admit that was extra…”

 173.“I forgive, but I don’t forget.” 

174.“Did you see what he/she/they was/were wearing?”

 175.“So what if I had sex with your ex?” 

176.“There’s something I have to tell you…” 

177.“I can’t do this anymore.” 

178.“You weren’t there for me when I needed you the most.” 

179.“I never loved you.” 

180.“It’s too late.” 

181.“Quit ignoring me.” 

182. “Don’t you get it? It’s because I love you!” 

183.“I love you. I’m sorry.”

 184.“I don’t want to be friends.” 

185.“Can we please pretend I never said that?” 

186.“Friendzoned again.”

187.“You should’ve loved me when you had the chance.” 

188.“Fuck you for toying with my emotions like that.” 

189.“I was there for you when no one else was!” 

190.“Alright – I can tell a ‘no’ when I hear it.” 

191.“I’m sorry I acted so creepy.” 

192.“Fuck. It’s like what they say – nice guys finish last…” 

193.“I’m tired of keeping this secret. Even if you don’t love me back.” 

194. “I knew that’d be your answer. That’s why I never told you before.” 

195.“When I said I loved you, I meant it.” 

196.“Is there any part of you, deep down, that might love me back?” 

197.“You were the one that left all those notes for me?” 

198.“You’re in a relationship with another person – you know this can’t end well.” 199.“We agreed this was just physical!”

 200.“I love you. I know you don’t love me, so don’t say it back.” 

Characters/people i write for 

Marvel

Steve rogers 

Clint Barton

Scott Lang

Tony Stark

Sam Wilson 

Thor Odinson 

Loki Laufeyson 

Bucky Barnes 

Peter Quill

Peter Parker

Pietro Maximoff

Bruce Banner 

Stucky (ship)

Criminal Minds

Spencer Reid

Derek Morgan

Aaron Hotchner 

Greys Anatomy 

Alex Karev

Mark Sloan 

Andrew Deluca 

Actors

Matthew Gray Gubler

Chris Evans 

Tom Holland 

Tom Hiddleston 

Johnny Depp 

Jensen Ackles

Sebastian Stan 

Daveed Diggs

Colin O’Donoughue 

Once Upon A Time

Killian Jones 

Jefferson 

Harry Potter

Fred Weasley 

Sirius Black 

Remus Lupin 

Draco Malfoy 

James Potter

 wolfstar (ship)

Miscellaneous

Steven Hyde (That 70s Show) 

Jack Sparrow (Pirates Of The Caribbean)

Dean Winchester (Supernatural) 

[wgs311-linsey-blog]

The Interview is a 2014 American comedy movie about two journalists (played by Seth Rogen and James Franco) who want to interview North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un but are recruited by the CIA to assassinate him instead. In the above scene, Kim hears a Katy Perry song and is overcome with emotion, bursting into tears and soiling himself. This scene is not the only instance in which Kim Jong-Un is made a mockery of. Throughout the film, Kim, played by Randall Park, is portrayed as volatile and child-like. References to Kim’s low self-esteem and fragile masculinity, a common trope in depictions of Asian men, are used to turn his character into a clown. Another scene shows Kim confiding in one of the journalists that his father once criticized him and his brothers for “becoming too feminine and turning into homosexuals”. This scene is similar to what Jasbir Puar’s assertion in her article, “Monster, Terrorist, Fag”, that terrorism studies “reduce[s] complex social, historical, and political dynamics to various psychic causes rooted in childhood family dynamics” (124). In the scene following this conversation, Kim overcompensates for his damaged masculinity by drinking and partying with a group of beautiful women as Korean pop music plays in the background.

Sources:  Jasbir K. Puar, Amit Rai, “Monster, Terrorist, Fag: The War on Terror and the Production of Docile Patriots,” in Social Text 72 (Volume 21, no. 3), 117-148. Rogan, Seth and Evan Goldberg, directors. The Interview. Sony Pictures, 2014.

[past---caring]

The Dancing Plague of 1518

It was the 14th of July 1518 when Frau Troffea in Strasburg, Alsace left her home and started dancing. She kept doing so for the first day only collapsing from exhaustion briefly. By the third day her feet were drenched in blood and she was carted off to a shrine for St.Vitus in Saverne as the Imlin family’s chronicle notes. Paracelsus recorded how her illness was attributed to this saint due to his representing conditions like the falling sickness or plague.The Dancing Plague is one of the most singular and puzzling medical events of history and even now the reasons for it occurring are wildly debated. The world that Frau Troffea lived in was one in which women could birth monsters, saints and demons could intercede with humanity and magic and religion were central ways of understanding the world.A killer dance must be understood in light of this.

Soon other people were joining Troffea in the deadly dance. Within four days thirty-four people were infected in total ,the 17th century chronicle of Oseas Schad discusses that this soon jumped to two hundred and within four weeks of Troffea’s dance this number doubled to four hundred as the Imlin family’s chronicle said.

To the citizens it was evident that either the sufferers blood was overheated or spiritual figures like God,the Devil or Saints were involved. The city’s Council of Twenty One argued for the former cause to start with ,prohibiting masses for it at first as in their view it was the Galenistic overheating of blood which was the Cause.And such natural sickness,one chronicler noted,required natural curative means.Galen treatments for it should have involved cooling through cold foods or bleeding yet the actions took by the city’s government did not involve this. Instead more dancing was prescribed…

The Council of Twenty-One ordered two town guidhalls to be set aside for dancers and employed guards to watch over the sufferers as they danced. Daniel Specklin noted that people danced with the victims by the sound of fife and drum with chronicler Hieronymus Gebwiler noting “they dance day and night with those poor people”. It didn’t work.

And thus people turned to spiritual means. Gebwiler ,a Alsation Humanist argued that the Strasbourgeois had been punished by God for forgetting Christ’s suffering for them and stated that the glee of people watching one woman who danced for six day led to her passing it on through being watched. Even dancing in and of itself was a cause for the curse as the citizens had danced shamefully ,in blasphemous fashion and with the wrong people or in the wrong places. This act of rhythmic movement that seems so neutral to us today was symbolically powerful enough to cause those like Calvin to ban it gradually everywhere in Geneva between 1539-49.

To combat it, documents by Sebastian Brant in the Munincipal Archive of Strasbourg preserve accounts of how on august 3rd dancing was banned with a fine on it of 30 shillings til St Micheals in September 29th.Only stringed insturments could be used in Masses or at Weddings as it was believed that drums and tambourines could make the condition worse and on top of these things Loose persons like prostitutes and gamblers(Leichtfertigen) were banished and a hundred pound candle was bought for a high mass and three low masses. They then turned to St.Vitus.A child maytr ,saint and holy helper representing a disease he was prayed to for conditions like epilepsy and as the crisis deepened the new dancing disease or plague. Consequently were put in carts and took away to the Saverne St Vitus shrine where they were prayed over by the priests and given pfennigs to offer to the church. Specklin notes how they fell down at images of St. Vitus , were given little crosses and red shoes with the sign of the cross on them and were blessed with holy water. Many seemed to recover. By August and September the plague started by one lone woman’s dance drew to a close , but not without many horrific deaths occurring as people moved continuously until their bodies could not take it anymore.

The medieval period was filled with cases of similar dancing themed mass delusions or illnesses. In 1247 the children of the Germanic town Erfurt danced with some dying, 200 people in Maastricht during 1278 did likewise while the summer of 1374 Rhineland provinces to Aachen, Ghent, Metz and Strasbourg danced and had delusions of a devil called Friskes making them do it ,1375 saw it in France and Holand, 1381 an outbreak of dancing occurred in Augsburg, 1428 saw it occur in Zurich and the cloisters of St. Agnes in Schaffhausen where monks danced until they died.

The mass of dancing plagues like this before and after the 1518 outbreak was therefore substantial…It’s just the 1518 version captured the public imagination and crystalized people’s reactions to it in an ever larger Renaissance world of disseminated news and knowledge. The surprisingly fact that many of the outbreaks between the 14th century and 1518 outbreak happened along the Rhine and Mosel rivers begs thinking about. Why was this area so damaged by the dancing phenomena? What causes do we now attribute to it?

Modern explanations for the event are as varied as contemporary ones. It has been argued that the condition is evidently psycho-physical as touch or contact isn’t needed to pass it on. It could not have been a wholly somatic condition but something else. The explanation used for such dancing symptoms in Italy was Tarantism. This was a dancing condition caused supposedly by the bite of a local spider in the Apulian region of Italy as deforestation during the 1400s-1600s had caused them to spread. However, their venom even when combined with the heat of the area is unlikely to have produced proper dancing. Ergot poisoning is another suggestion. Eugene Backman claims that the mold of ergot formed on damp rye stalks which would have been cultivated in the area of Strasbourg. The problem with this reasoning is that everyone should have been affected if it was throughout all the rye being eaten. Also it causes delusions, yes, but also gangrene which none of the sufferers are described as having in the records and dancing over fits is not a symptom of ergot.

John C. Waller suggests a combination of factors,both physical and psychic. It could not be a heretical cult as some historians claim as the sufferers begged for help and the church never saw them as heretics.Instead the degredation and chaos of Renassiance life in Strasbourg likely had a mental and physical impact on people. Serious famines had occurred in 1492,1502,1511 while drought occurred in summer 1516.1517 was deemed the bad year by one resident.With agricultural and thus monetary and food uncertainties many families took out high interest loans,slaughtered their livestock and begged for charity in Strasbourg. A bad pox had arrived in 1495 and syphilis was introduced by mercenary pike men returning from the Italian wars in 1517. August of that year saw many attending a holy procession ‘contra pestilentiam’ and begging the virgin,st Sebastian and s troche for mercy. The English sweating sickness arrived in Strasbourg by 1517 killing people in a mix of copious sweating,delirium and unquenchable thirst.All of this,as Waller shows, represents the fact that during the year 1518 a number of phenomena came together to make this astounding event possible..The people of Strasbourg had been beaten down for decades by circumstances out of their control which affected their health and impacted the way they approached the world mentally.

As works on the subjective experience of psychosis across different cultures has shown, like Luhrmann et al’s paper, just location and the resulting specific culture of a place can greatly impact one’s experience of auditory hallucinations and other symptoms. In places like Ghana voices have been found to be more positive and accepted by the person with them than places like the USA where they are more negative. The world of 1518 Strasbourg was one of gods and demons, plagues and monsters, heaven and hell…Whether the condition that prompted the dancing in this case or others was physical, mental or both is still unclear, but nevertheless it was something that could happen and did. Four hundred people of the city of Strasbourg took to their feet and moved until dead or bloody. Anything was possible in the Renaissance world they lived in and sometimes you just have to dance.

References:

H.C. Erik Midelfort, A History of Madness in Sixteenth-century Germany, (California: Stanford University Press, 1999), p.32-37

Louis Backman, Religious Dances in the Christian Church and in Popular Medicine, trans. E Classen, (London, 1951), p. 190-234; 22

Die Strasburger Chronik des Elsassischen Humanisten Hieronymus Gebwiler, ed. Karl Stenzel, (Berlin, 1926),p.74-75

Fragments des Anciennes Chroniques d'Alsace, ed. L Dacheux, Vol 4, (Strasbourg, 1901),p.252,

L. Dacheux, Les Chroniques trasbourgeoises de Jacques Trausch et de Jean Wencker. Les annales de Sebastien Brant. Fragments recueillis par l'abbe L. Dacheux(Strasbourg 1892),p.148

Archive Municipal, Strasbourg, R3, fol. 72 recto

John Witte and Robert M Kingdon, Sex, Marriage, and Family in John Calvin’s Geneva: Courtship, Engagement and Marriage ,vol 1,(Michigan and Cambridge: William b.Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2005),p.454,

Les Sources du droit du canton de Geneve, ed. Emile Rivoire and Victor van Berchem,4 vols(Aarau,1927-1935)

John Waller,A Time to Dance, a Time to Die: The Extraordinary Story of the Dancing Plague of 1518, (UK:Icon,2008),p.1-4,6,8-10,83,109, 111-113

LJ Donaldson , J Cavanagh and J Rankin, “The Dancing Plague: a Public Health Conundrum”, The Society of Public Health ,111,(1997),pp.201-204,p.201-203

John Waller, “In a spin: the mysterious dancing epidemic of 1518”, Endeavour, 34,3(2008), pp.117-121

J. F. C Hecker and B. G Babington, The Dancing Mania Of The Middle Ages (Honolulu, Hawaii: University Press of the Pacific, 2004),p.87,104,110

Cancellieri, Francesco, Letters of Francesco Cancellieri to the ch. Signore Dottore Koreff, Professor of Medicine of the University of Berlin, about Tarantism, the airs of Roma, and of its countryside, and the Papal palaces inside, and outside, Rome: with the description of the Pontifical Castel Gandolfo, and surrounding countryside, (Rome: Presso Francesco Bourlie,1817)

JF Russell “Tarantism”, Med Hist, 23,4, (October 1979), pp. 404–25.

[honeydewhaiku]

Excuse me while I pontificate on the topic of what my favorite PTCGO deck is.

Well, of my three decks...

Darkrai-GX: I built this deck somewhat differently than anything on the internet, so it gets bonus points for creativity. The basic idea is to use Darkrai-GX's ability to return it from the discard pile with an energy attached, not really as a zombie deck but as energy acceleration, also via Max Elixir and some Multi Switch. It's clever and when it works it often provokes a lot of emojis from the other player... it's not as consistent as my Drampa/Garbador deck, though, so not a great tournament deck. Originally built it with Umbreon-GX, but I've been playing it with Ninetales-GX instead lately. Additionally features Darkrai-EX as an attacker, Tapu Lele-GX, and Tapu Koko promo... and I also use Oranguru, though arguably Octillery is another option, and I haven’t tried it yet.

****** Pokémon Trading Card Game Deck List ******

##Pokémon - 13

* 2 Oranguru SUM 113 * 2 Darkrai-EX BKP 74 * 3 Darkrai-GX BUS 88 * 1 Tapu Koko PR-SM SM31 * 1 Tapu Lele-GX GRI 60 * 2 Alolan Vulpix GRI 21 * 2 Alolan Ninetales-GX GRI 132

##Trainer Cards - 34

* 1 Rescue Stretcher GRI 130 * 4 Ultra Ball DEX 102 * 2 Choice Band GRI 121 * 4 N DEX 96 * 2 Professor's Letter BKT 146 * 4 Professor Sycamore BKP 107 * 1 Energy Recycler GRI 123 * 2 Field Blower GRI 125 * 2 Guzma BUS 115 * 3 Max Elixir BKP 102 * 2 Fighting Fury Belt BKP 99 * 3 Altar of the Moone GRI 117 * 2 Multi Switch GRI 129 * 2 Professor Kukui SUM 128

##Energy - 13

* 3 Double Colorless Energy FCO 114 * 10 Darkness Energy  7

Total Cards - 60

Decidueye-GX: My first PTCGO deck; this one gets points for nostalgia and being the deck I’ve worked on the longest. It’s a pretty standard trope, snipe damage using Decidueye-GX, Ninetales-GX, and Tapu Koko promo. Plus the obligatory Tapu Lele-GX. I also run Drampa-GX, though I’m thinking about running Necrozma-GX instead...

****** Pokémon Trading Card Game Deck List ******

##Pokémon - 19

* 2 Drampa-GX GRI 115 * 4 Rowlet SUM 9 * 3 Dartrix SUM 10 * 4 Decidueye-GX SUM 12 * 1 Tapu Koko PR-SM SM31 * 1 Tapu Lele-GX GRI 60 * 2 Alolan Vulpix GRI 21 * 2 Alolan Ninetales-GX GRI 132

##Trainer Cards - 29

* 1 Rescue Stretcher GRI 130 * 1 Wally ROS 94 * 2 Choice Band GRI 121 * 2 Rare Candy SUM 129 * 4 Professor Sycamore BKP 107 * 4 Ultra Ball FLF 99 * 2 Brigette BKT 134 * 1 Evosoda XY 116 * 1 Special Charge STS 105 * 2 Skyla BKT 148 * 2 Field Blower GRI 125 * 2 Guzma BUS 115 * 3 N FCO 105 * 2 Float Stone BKT 137

##Energy - 12

* 4 Rainbow Energy SUM 137 * 4 Grass Energy GRI 167 * 4 Double Colorless Energy NXD 92

Total Cards - 60

Drampa/Garbodor: Probably my favorite deck to actually play, particularly in a tournament setting. This is most likely the first deck I’ll build in real life. It’s very standard, though: Drampa-GX to attack, Garbotoxin Garbodor to shut down abilities, Trashalanche Garbodor to sweep late game. Mine also features Tapu Koko promo (are you noticing a pattern here?) and Tapu Lele-GX (there it is), and Espeon-GX. Po Town is a must! It not only puts damage on evolution decks, but it damages your Garbodors just a little to power up Drampa’s attack (alternatively, I also use Rainbow Energy for this).

****** Pokémon Trading Card Game Deck List ******

##Pokémon - 15

* 3 Drampa-GX GRI 115 * 1 Eevee SUM 101 * 1 Tapu Koko PR-SM SM31 * 1 Espeon-GX SUM 61 * 1 Tapu Lele-GX GRI 60 * 4 Trubbish GRI 50 * 2 Garbodor GRI 51 * 2 Garbodor BKP 57

##Trainer Cards - 31

* 1 Rescue Stretcher GRI 130 * 1 Hala GRI 143 * 4 Choice Band GRI 121 * 1 Professor's Letter BKT 146 * 3 Po Town BUS 121 * 4 Professor Sycamore BKP 107 * 4 Ultra Ball FLF 99 * 1 Brigette BKT 134 * 1 Special Charge STS 105 * 2 Field Blower GRI 125 * 2 Guzma BUS 115 * 4 N NVI 92 * 3 Float Stone BKT 137

##Energy - 14

* 4 Rainbow Energy SUM 137 * 4 Double Colorless Energy FCO 114 * 6 Psychic Energy  5

Total Cards - 60

[glameowgaming]

Espeon GX/ M Alakazam EX

Pokémon - 17

3 - Eevee - Sun & Moon 101

3 - Espeon GX - Sun & Moon 61

1 - Espurr - Generations RC14

1 - Meowstic - Generations RC15

1 - Honedge - BREAKpoint 60

1 - Doublade - BREAKpoint 61

1 - Aegislash - BREAKpoint 62

3 - Alakazam EX - Fates Collide 25

3 - M Alakazam EX - Fates Collide 26

Trainer - 29

2 - Brigette - BREAKthrough 134

2 - Professor Sycamore - BREAKpoint 107

1 - Professor Birch’s Observations - Primal Clash 134

2 - Energy Recycler - Ancient Origins 72

2 - Judge - BREAKthrough 143

2 - Escape Rope - Primal Clash 127

1 - Evosoda - Generations 62

2 - Mega Turbo - Ancient Origins 86

3 - Alakazam Spirit Link - Fates Collide 90

1 - Energy Pouch - Fates Collide 97

2 - Level Ball - Ancient Origins 76

2 - Ultra Ball - Sun & Moon 135

1 - Enhanced Hammer - Guardians Rising 124

2 - Float Stone - BREAKthrough 137

1 - Hala - Guardians Rising 126

1 - Mallow - Guardians Rising 127

1 - Skyla - BREAKthrough 148

1 - Repeat Ball - Primal Clash 136

Energy - 14

3 - Double Colorless Energy - Sun & Moon 136

11 - Basic Energy: Psychic

This was the first foray into competitive deckbuilding after getting back into the card game I loved so much as a child. It was designed to use the movement of damage counters to knock out opponent’s Pokémon while on the bench, or multiple Pokémon at once. This required the use of Espeon’s GX move, Alakazam’s Ability, and the attacks of both M-Alakazam and Aegislash. 

Unfortunately, this deck was trying to do too much, and was not consistent enough. After playtesting and minimal revisions, this deck was scrapped for alternative options.

[pokemon-strategy-dex]

Necrozma

Necrozma @ Leftovers   Ability: Prism Armor   EVs: 248 HP / 148 Def / 112 Spe   Bold Nature   IVs: 0 Atk   - Moonlight   - Calm Mind   - Stored Power   - Hidden Power [Bug]

Moves: Moonlight provides a solid form of recovery for Necrozma, allowing it to last throughout the game and set-up easier. Calm Mind increases Necrozma’s special attack and special defense by 1 tier. This allows it to perform as an effective bulky set-up sweeper. Stored Power is Necrozma’s primary stab option for this set. It starts out weak with only a 20 base power, but get far more powerful as you set up calm minds, as it’s power increases by 20 base power with every stat boost. This means after two Calm Minds, Stored Power will have a base power of 100 and after three it’s at 140. So yeah, it’s pretty good. The last move can be selected from a few different options. Hidden Power Bug is my personal favorite, as it allows Necrozma to damage Dark types like Mega Sableye. Iron Defense can also be used to increase Necrozma’s defense stat by two stages, this increases the damage of Stored Power and allows Necrozma to tank pretty much any hit. 

Spread: Near max investment into HP increases Necrozma’s overall bulk immensely, allowing it to take several more hits. 112 EVs are put into speed so that Necrozma can outspeed everything up to uninvested base 90s, this includes some forms of defensive Landorus-T and stallbreaker/defensive Tapu Fini. The rest of the EVs are put into defense, along with a Bold nature, so that Necrozma can easily tank hits from opposing physical attackers, and set up Calm Minds. The ability Prism Armor allows Necrozma to only take 3/4 damage from super effective attacks, allowing it tank hits like Mega Alakazam’s Shadow Ball and Mega Metagross’s Pursuit far easier. Leftovers give Necrozma a passive form of recovery, providing it more set-up opportunities. 0 attack IVs make it so that Necrozma takes less from Foul Play and Confusion recoil. 

Team Support/Usage: Necrozma is a powerful bulky set-up sweeper that can function effectively during the late game. It does require some support to get to this point, however. This makes it a good option on bulky offense teams and balance teams. In order for Necrozma to succeed, you will need to weaken the opponents team and remove its possible counters. Especially if you don’t have HP Bug because every single dark type will wall you out. This means you will want things that can lure in dark types and things that can break down bulky psychic types. You will also want hazard setters so that you can wear down the opponents. Lastly, you will need to remove any of the opponents Toxic users, because that will always stop Necrozma from sweeping

Thanks everyone for reading! If anyone has any questions, comments, concerns, or requests, don’t hesitate to leave me an ask, and I’ll try to get back to you as soon as I can. Thanks!

[hauntrave]

Who’s Afraid Of A Haunted House?

The following blog post Who’s Afraid Of A Haunted House? is available on: https://www.hauntrave.com

Who's Afraid Of A Haunted House?

It’s that time of year again. Time for all the ghouls and demons to come out of the woodwork. Time for children to dress up in imaginative costumes and go around their neighbourhoods asking for treats. Yes, it’s that enjoyable annual holiday: Halloween. During this holiday, one popular tradition, for many, is to go to the local haunted houses. In these creepy commorancies, people delight in the chance to entertain their primal fears. Many of us get a kick out of a good scare.

Of course, these are just false haunted houses. Annual occurrences of smoke and mirror type frights. They are fun because everyone plays along. The demons are actors, the ghosts, props. These haunted houses are fun because both spook and spooked, know that no one is actually going to be hurt in the process. So then, what of real haunted houses?

Here the rules change. This time the scares are real, and the safety of the victim is placed into question. Now one comes face to face with the supernatural. That is, assuming that there is such a thing as “the supernatural.”

Most neighbourhoods in many parts of the industrial and post-industrial world, seem to harbour one, or two allegedly haunted places. According to Dennis William Hauck’s National Directory of Haunted Houses, there are over 2,000 haunted places in the United States alone. This shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise considering that the only real criteria for a haunted house is a creepy atmosphere, a fairly rich history, and a few eyewitness accounts.

So, where are some of the best places to go, to see a “real” haunting? How about two of the most haunted places on earth?:

• Whaley House – Located in San Diego, California, this is the current reigning champion for the nation’s most haunted house. The abode was partially built on an old cemetery, as well as some of San Diego’s first public gallows. The residence has stood there for the past 148 years. Placement of the house, has made it a prime scene for many gruesome acts over the past century. Because of this, vast arrays of ghostly sightings have occurred on this property. These include the ghost of a young girl who accidentally hung herself on a clothesline whilst running down a hillside. Noted thief Jim Robinson, was hung 5 years before the house was built. His place of death now resides between the parlor and music room. Visitors have reported feeling a coldness and constriction of the neck, when around the archway that separates these rooms. Along with these two ghosts, there are numerous accounts of phantom scents in some rooms, cries of nonexistent babies in other rooms, and various apparitions that have been seen in the house’s mirrors and windows.

• Borley Rectory – Not to be outdone by the States, England is also host to a number of haunted places. The most haunted of which is, allegedly, Borley Rectory, in the small town of Borley, in Essex. The rectory (lodging for priests) was built in 1863, on the site of an ancient monastery. Interestingly enough, it was built on a spot that was already known to house a ghost (a nun who was bricked up alive, in one of the monastic cellars). The rectory has since had numerous sightings of the nun, as well as many poltergeist activities, where various objects would be smashed, or displaced. Strange sounds, odors and cold spots are all known to occur there as well.

While both of these places claim to be haunted, one must ask if haunting is even a real thing, or just a psychosomatic phenomenon. Are ghosts real, or just figments of our imagination? This remains a controversial topic among the general public. A recent Harris poll (February 2003) found that a whopping 51% of people surveyed, believed in ghosts.

Of course belief in something, and the reality of it, are not always one and the same. After all, there was a time when much of the world believed that the planet was flat, and that disease was caused by the influence of the stars. While there is much debate over the validity of ghosts among the general public, there is little to no debate among the scientific community. To date, there has been no concrete evidence to suggest the validity of ghosts, or any other preternatural occurrences.

Okay then, so what are people seeing? Along with the various ghost seekers out there; there are also a handful of ghost-busters. Reading the various reports from these guys, has shown that ghostly encounters are the result of one of two things.

1. Hallucinations 2. Hoaxes

The first term is just reserved for clinically insane, right? Not really. Hallucinations are more common among the general public, than one might think. A hallucination is simply a moment where one’s brain mistakes a sight, sound, or smell, for something it isn’t. Most hallucinations occur during “dazed” moments. That is, moments when the person is in a fairly relaxed state. The two most popular times are just when one is going to, or coming out of sleep, or when doing a relaxed, fairly monotonous activity.

Hallucinations that occur when one is about to go to sleep, or when one has just come out of sleep, are called Hypnopompic Hallucinations, or “waking dreams.” The brain is not fully out of “sleep mode” when one wakes up, and thus, moments of dreaming, leak out into reality. Hallucinations can also occur during monotonous activities like cleaning. When one is placed into a daydreaming type state, apparitions have a tendency to occur. Many people report seeing something out of the corner of their eyes. This is often the result of their eye registering the sudden movement of some small thing (e.g. a fly, their eyelash, or pieces of drifting material inside the eye itself), and their brain associating it with a larger thing. Sometimes these take on the form of a person standing, or sitting. The degree of the detail in the hallucination, has a lot to do with how susceptible/imaginative the hallucinator is. The result, though, is always the same. The second the person looks away, the “apparition” disappears.

As for why so many people report the same thing; this has a lot to do with the power of suggestion. People who are aware of the stories associated with a particular place, are often predisposed to seeing the objects in question. Most of the time, the hallucination is just attributed to some portion of the stories the person may have heard (often getting molded to fit the scenario after the fact). Other times, the hallucination is vivid enough to create a new ghostly tale. This is usually the result of a person with a “fantasy prone” personality type. That is, a person who is particularly good at fantasizing. Many people like this go on to write fantasy/science fiction books, or claim to have psychic abilities. They also tend to be easily hypnotized. Cases where objects are found displaced, or moving, are often exaggerations of what actually happened. Sometimes the person might even subconsciously move stuff about in an effort to bring their fantasy to life.

Which, then, leads us into our second major type of haunting: hoaxes. Many haunted places around the globe, are staged that way to elicit the feeling of paranormal activities. Many places that have a history of being haunted, are probably getting a helping hand from owners/staff members who are trying to keep the legends alive. This can be small things like synchronized stepping sounds during a certain portion of the night, to intentionally flicking light switches on and off, creating ghostly images, and making up secondary stories.

Oftentimes, these “hoax houses” are readily ferreted out. Occasionally though, a haunted house retains its air of paranormal for much longer, and resists attempts at debunking. Take, for instance, the infamous case of the Amityville Horror. The Amityville Horror took place in Amityville, New York in 1975. The home had been the scene of the gruesome murder of the DeFeo family by family member Ronald “Butch” Jr. a year prior. The home was bought by George and Kathy Lutz, and their three kids. Not long after moving in, the Lutzes reported the demonic possession of their house, and gave a somewhat detailed account of what occurred there during their 28 day stay.

The story was turned into a book by authour Jay Anson, in 1977. This was then followed by a 1979 movie based on the book, and now a 2005 remake. All three feature the tagline: a true story. This, though, was far from the case. Ever since the initial tale was brought to the public’s attention, there have been detractors. Yet despite the noted compilation, by researchers Rick Moran & Peter Jordan, of over 100 different factual errors seen between the book’s story, and the actual facts (e.g. the supposed demonic hoof print found in the snow, could not have occurred as there was no snowfall that night), despite these facts, the legend continued.

In the end, it finally took the confession of William Weber (the DeFeo’s attorney), and the Lutzes themselves, to finally put this legend to rest. The Amityville Horror was finally debunked, but the damage was already done. All successive owners of the DeFeo’s old estate must now deal with multitudes of gawkers and paranormal investigators, who insist on touring the ill fated home.

So this Halloween, if someone dares you to spend the night at the local “real” haunted house; just remember the famous words of investigative authours Robert Baker and Joe Nickell:

“There are no haunted places, only haunted people.”

[crystalelemental]

Continuing the pretend mega evolution trainwreck I have going, let’s make a horrifically long post about just Meloetta, and the things I would like to see.

Let’s start with this: one of my ideal things is to have Meloetta be able to start in either form.  I like Relic Song changing forms, and I think that’s excellent for surprise, but I’d like a situation where Pirouette can also function without Relic Song.  Maybe just...someone who can help it become either form naturally, I dunno.  That or introduce something like Relic Dance which if known starts you out as Pirouette and allows you to shift to Aria?  I dunno, just...some way to start in either form.

The other thing is, I want new move tutors, with new song and dance moves.  These should be available to everything, but especially for Meloetta (and Oricorio, but you know).  Set the tutors in some small musical cafe like in Gen 5 and give us something interesting to do with those tutors.  Some of the moves I might like to see:

SONG MOVES

War Song (Fighting, 70BP, special; target opponent defense)

Soul Song (Psychic, 70BP, special; 20% to increase special attack)

Faerie Song (Fairy; 70BP, special; 20% chance to reduce attack)

Spirit Song (Ghost, 70BP, special; 20% chance to inflict burn)

Storm Song (Electric, 70BP, special; 20% chance to inflict paralysis)

Nature Song (Grass, 70BP, special; 20% chance to increase defense)

DANCE MOVES

Battle Dance (Fighting, 70BP, physical; 20% chance to increase attack)

Night's Dance (Dark, 70BP, physical; 20% chance to reduce defense)

Arctic Dance (Ice, 70BP, physical; 20% chance to inflict paralysis)

Shadow Dance (Ghost, 70BP, physical; cannot miss)

Warrior Dance (Fighting, buff; increases attack, sp. def. and accuracy one stage)

Fiery Dance (we know what this does)

I could be talked into adjusting the base damage, though I like the idea of these being a special/physical set that focuses on higher-than-average activation rates.  Which leads me to the mega variants.

Mega Meloetta (Aria) Psychic/Normal Ability: Melodious - Doubles effect chance of attacks, and increases power of voice moves 10% if using a different voice move each turn (stacks over time) HP: 100 Attack: 77 Defense: 97 (+20) Sp. Atk: 158 (+30) Sp. Def: 148 (+20) Speed: 120 (+30) Notable moves: Song tutor moves Mega Meloetta (Pirouette) Fighting/Normal Ability: Fevered Dance - Doubles effect chance of attacks, and increases power of dance moves 10% if using the same dance move in succession (stacks over time) HP: 100 Attack: 158 (+30) Defense: 120 (+30) Sp. Atk: 77 Sp. Def: 97 (+20) Speed: 148 (+20) Notable moves: Dance tutor moves

These are specifically designed to get them pushed above standard play.  Like...to be actually somewhat too good.  Aria form, I think, benefits the most, largely based on the Song moves I’ve proposed.  I think with 70 base power, the moves aren’t too outrageous, but still pack decent damage.  Doubled activation rates means 40%, which puts Spirit Song, Storm Song, and Arctic Song at 40% activation rates.  Their offenses are at a respectable height, and with 40% chances to boost that offensive stat with their STAB move, things can spiral quickly.

Coincidentally, this is how I feel legendary megas should go.  The Primals and Mega Rayquaza are ridiculous, but they’re honestly at the level I would want, where they went from gods to like...ultra gods.  The Latis are so disappointing in part because of the same ability in their mega form (which is the worst), but moreso because they just don’t pack a level of power that really helped them.  I feel like, if you make a mega form for a legend, it better be stupidly overpowered.

[marvelmaster616]

Giant-Sized X-men Supreme Issue 6.1: Beyond Top Secret PREVIEW!

For most of X-men Supreme’s history, there has been a recurring theme of sorts. I started this fanfiction series because I was dissatisfied with the direction of the X-men comics and wanted to give an outlet to other X-men fans. As X-men Supreme has evolved, it has often been the case that when things are looking bleak in the X-men comics, things are looking more promising in this fanfiction series. When the X-men comics were bogged down with schisms and secret kill squads, the X-men Supreme fanfiction series was focusing on more traditional X-men stories like battling Magneto in Overlord, fighting a malevolent entity in the Cambrian Explosion, and exploring Wolverine’s mysterious history in The Lotus and the Warrior. X-men Supreme has managed to do all of this and more without resorting to time travel, clones, or major retcons. Personally, I take pride in that. I feel it helps X-men Supreme stand out in a way that the X-men comics just can’t at this point. However, the current situation in the X-men comics is changing. On top of that, the X-men Supreme fanfiction series just underwent its biggest upheaval to date. The events of X-men Supreme issue 148: New Divide capped off X-men Supreme Volume 6: Liberation Decimation with some devastating decisions. Charles Xavier has effectively restructured the X-men, integrating them into General Grimshaw and President Kelly’s newly-minted Mutant Monitoring Initiative. The dream, as the X-men have known it since this fanfiction series has begun, has changed. Some, such as Cyclops and Wolverine, believe that Charles Xavier has abandoned his dream altogether in the face of fear and uncertainty. Now, the X-men are divided. Friends have abandoned one another. Relationships, including that of Cyclops and Jean Grey, have been shaken to their core. It is a difficult, tenuous time for the X-men in this fanfiction series. Conversely, things are looking far less dire in the X-men comics. Their latest extinction plot is about to end. The X-men, and the mutant race as a whole, is on the road to recovery. Old allies, like Kitty Pryde, are returning. The vision of Charles Xavier and the X-men is once again starting to guide them again. It puts X-men Supreme in an odd position because moving forward, the X-men will be divided. There will be conflict between two teams, namely the X-men and the Cyclops-led X-Force. X-men Supreme Volume 7 is going to have plenty of tension and conflict, the likes of which the X-men comics are moving away from. It may be an odd position, but it’s one I intend to explore in a compelling way. X-men Supreme Volume 7 is already in the works. I have a vision for how it will play out. I have every intention of seeing it through. Before I begin that vision, however, I’ve decided that the time is right to do another one of my point-one issues to help set the stage for this new era in X-men Supreme. Like the point one issues that Marvel has done before, these are self-contained stories that act as jumping-on points and transitions. I’ve done several to date. Some, like X-men Supreme Issue 5.1: Deception Revelation, offered important insight into ongoing stories. Others, like X-men Supreme 3.1: Sin City Shenanigans, were just fun asides. For this one, however, it’s going to be serious. Before X-men Supreme Volume 7 gets going, I’m going to revisit another plot that has been brewing since The Good, The Bad, and the Sinister. With Cyclops about to begin a new mission with X-Force, he’s in a vulnerable state. Naturally, he reaches out to his father, whom he just learned is still alive after the events of Outer Limits. Now, just before he embarks on this new mission, he gets in touch with him and learns a secret that has remained hidden for years. It is entitled X-men Supreme 6.1: Beyond Top Secret and it should get X-men fans excited about X-men Supreme Volume 7. As always, I’ve prepared a preview for this extra-sized, extra-awesome entry of X-men Supreme. “We’re just about ready, Agent Brand,” said the top engineer, “The lab area is clear and we’re ready to lower the psychic dampeners on your order.” “Is the facility sealed on every other end?” asked Agent Brand as she looked out over the research area. “We’re officially in lockdown,” said her chief security officer, “It’s already raising a few red flags at the Pentagon. I don’t think they’ll appreciate us not clearing this experiment beforehand.” “I’ll handle anyone whose feathers get ruffled. Just make sure that we don’t have a repeat of what happened on Genosha,” said General Grimshaw. “For the record, I’m still in a position to detain the X-men over that affair,” Agent Brand reminded, “Xavier better not give me a reason to execute that authority.” “I know this goes against your nature, Agent Brand. But cut the good Professor some slack. He’s putting himself in a very dangerous position. You may not respect his vision, but you have to respect the man’s bravado.” Agent Brand remained skeptical. There were way too many ways that this could backfire. She and General Grimshaw stood behind several inches of concussion proof glass on the main observation deck, which stood a good two and a half stories above the main level. It allowed them to completely monitor the activity below. Charles Xavier was almost ready and the time had come to see if he could be as valuable as they hoped. Within the main research area, Xavier stood a mere ten feet away from the alien ship. Behind him and surrounding the perimeter were two squads of masked MPs. They all had their weapons drawn in preparation for any unforeseen threats. Captain Freeman stood with them, acting as the squad leader for this bold experiment. Having never been a science buff, he maintained a strict sense of indifference to this ordeal. “Are all these guns really necessary?” questioned Professor Xavier, “I get the impression that nobody here trusts me and given recent events, I find that troubling.” “I doubt it’s just you, Xavier. It’s the alien ship that’s the real x-factor here,” said Captain Freeman, “I’m pretty sure that everyone here has seen the movie Independence Day.” “Which movie was that again?” “The one where guns came in handy when unruly aliens were in a confined space. If you’re lucky they won’t be necessary.” “I try not to rely on luck in my line of work,” said Xavier, “I just worry that expecting the worst does little to help the odds.” Captain Freeman signaled the MPs to assume a fire-ready position. Professor Xavier wasn’t going to convince him or anyone to relax their guard. Not when alien threats were involved. Given his experience with the Shi’ar, that may not be an unreasonable approach. He remained poised under these unfriendly circumstances as he waited for the go-ahead from Agent Brand. After a final check from Captain Freeman to ensure that the lab was sealed and all non-MPs were behind sealed doors, he signaled the observation deck. “Are you ready down there, Professor? Last chance for a bathroom break or second thoughts,” said Agent Brand through a speaker system. “I’m ready if you’re willing,” said Professor Xavier confidently. “Then good luck and for all our sake, don’t make me regret this,” said Agent Brand in her usual coarse tone, “Lowering the psychic dampeners in 5...4...3...2...1.” There was a slight flicker from the lights as the facility’s elaborate psychic defenses were disabled. Professor Xavier picked up on it almost immediately. He sensed the barriers preventing his mind from utilizing his telepathy weaken. It created tension throughout the lab, knowing that the world’s most powerful psychic was now unhindered. Xavier made no effort to alleviate those concerns. His sole focus was the alien ship. Now that he could use his powers, he could begin the experiment. “It’s just as I suspected. There is indeed a psychic signature emulating from this ship,” said the Professor as he cautiously approached the vessel. “Does that mean there’s something alive in there? If so, it would be good to know if it was bulletproof,” said Captain Freeman. “I’ve yet to determine if it’s the ship’s inhabitants or the ship itself,” he said, “I’ll need to probe a little harder to uncover the truth.” Under the careful watch of many, Professor Xavier placed one hand on the ship and the other on his temple. He closed his eyes and began a psychic probe. He was immediately struck by the level of psychic clutter. The damage to the ship seemed to extend to the sentience. It was as if it had been wounded on a psychic level as well as a physical level. That damage led Xavier through a system that was still intact. As he began to access it, this ship that had been dormant for over 60 year became active. “Agent Brand, we’re detecting some significant energy readings from the ship,” said a SWORD researcher that was monitoring the experiment. “We have working eyes last I checked. Tell us something a 1st grader can’t readily observe,” said Agent Brand. “Our instruments can’t make sense of it yet, but Xavier definitely flipped a switch of sorts,” said another female SWORD researcher, “You know those computer-like components that we could never get to work? Well apparently, they’re working now.” “They’re doing more than just working,” said one of the SWORD technicians in a nervous tone, “They appear to be rebooting the whole ship! And not very smoothly from the looks of it!” Excitement quickly turned to tension as the activity from the ship grew more ominous. Lights along the edges activated. They flickered at first, indicating that the systems on the ship weren’t fully intact. Along with the lights came the distinct hum of the ship’s power source. It was a source that the researchers had never been able to understand and the energy it radiated defied what their instruments could detect. While Captain Freeman and the MPs remained vigilant, Professor Xavier remained focused. He continued focusing his powers for nearly ten minutes, trying to reach whatever sentience was within this ship. Then the activity took an unexpected turn. As the lights along the rim of the craft continued to flicker, the exotic propulsion system along the bottom of the ship was activated. It didn’t appear to be by design either. Three distinct hemispheres erupted in a burst of yellow light. This caused ship to levitate slightly and sway. At this point Xavier had to halt his probe and step back. From the looks of it, the ship was malfunctioning in major way. “Oh no…this is exactly what I hoped to avoid!” the Professor dreaded. “Whatever you did, you better undo it!” warned Captain Freeman as he stood beside him apprehensively. “That’s exactly what the ship is trying to do! It appears as though the ship is more damaged than I anticipated!” “What did you expect?! We already told you this thing crashed!” “I’m not talking about the damage done by the crash.” “You mean crashing doesn’t do enough damage to alien technology?!” exclaimed the mutant soldier. “From what I sensed, this ship was badly damaged before it crashed.” Captain Freeman was getting that sinking feeling that every soldier experienced just before a battle broke out. He and Professor Xavier continued to back away from the hovering ship. The rest of the MPs nervously held their ground, gripping their guns more intently than before. Something was clearly wrong with this ship and they were right in the crossfire. Up in the observation deck, General Grimshaw and Agent Brand shared their trepidation. Many of the researchers were either watching in amazement or scrambling to make sense of the data. Professor Xavier had definitely stumbled onto something and it was clearly very volatile. “What the hell is going on down there?!” exclaimed Agent Brand, “Somebody tell me something smart or I’ll start making assumptions!” “Uh...well remember that energy we mentioned earlier?” said one of the researchers, “Well apparently, the ship had some kind of system that could stabilize it.” “Do I need to give a damn about the nuts and bolts?” she asked. “All you really need to know is that system is malfunctioning,” said another SWORD technician, “And it isn’t a result of the crash either. These systems are failing internally!” “What does that mean for us?” asked General Grimshaw, now deeply concerned about the well being of Xavier and the MPs. “We aren’t entirely sure, but if I were to make an educated guess I would say that when Xavier activated that reboot we mentioned the system crashed,” explained another senior researcher as best he could, “Based on these readings, it loosely resembles a computer that was crippled by a virus trying to boot up.” “So the ship is crippled. Big deal,” Agent Brand surmised, “So why does it look like a busted up Chevy with a blown out engine?” “That’s where the data gets more disturbing, I’m afraid,” the senior researcher continued, “Remember those compartments we couldn’t open? Well I don’t think they were meant to be opened. The damage to the system didn’t seem to originate from the crash. It came from those compartments!” “So then what the hell could be in those compartments?” pondered General Grimshaw. “I don’t know, but if Xavier is right then it may be the reason why this ship crashed!” The possibilities were too disturbing to contemplate. Luckily or unluckily, they wouldn’t have to. As they continued watching the scene unfold, they heard a series of loud clangs from inside the ship. They were so loud and forceful that they caused dents to form in the hull of the ship. Something was definitely trying to escape. X-men Supreme Volume 7 will be a different kind of X-men story for this fanfiction series. It’ll be different at a time when the X-men comics are returning to their roots. It’s an inverted dynamic of sorts, but one I’m determined to make work. It’s going to be a challenge, but I won’t let that stop me from making X-men Supreme as awesome as it can possibly be. As I confront this new challenge, it’s still very important that I continue to get feedback. So please take the time to tell me what you think of X-men Supreme. Whether it’s praise, dread, fear, or animosity, I want to hear it. Either contact me directly or post it directly in the issues. Either way is fine. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Xcelsior! Jack

[hauntrave]

Who’s Afraid Of A Haunted House?

The blog post Who’s Afraid Of A Haunted House? is republished from: https://hauntrave.com

Who's Afraid Of A Haunted House?

It’s that time of year again. Time for all the ghouls and demons to come out of the woodwork. Time for children to dress up in imaginative costumes and go around their neighbourhoods asking for treats. Yes, it’s that enjoyable annual holiday: Halloween. During this holiday, one popular tradition, for many, is to go to the local haunted houses. In these creepy commorancies, people delight in the chance to entertain their primal fears. Many of us get a kick out of a good scare.

Of course, these are just false haunted houses. Annual occurrences of smoke and mirror type frights. They are fun because everyone plays along. The demons are actors, the ghosts, props. These haunted houses are fun because both spook and spooked, know that no one is actually going to be hurt in the process. So then, what of real haunted houses?

Here the rules change. This time the scares are real, and the safety of the victim is placed into question. Now one comes face to face with the supernatural. That is, assuming that there is such a thing as “the supernatural.”

Most neighbourhoods in many parts of the industrial and post-industrial world, seem to harbour one, or two allegedly haunted places. According to Dennis William Hauck’s National Directory of Haunted Houses, there are over 2,000 haunted places in the United States alone. This shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise considering that the only real criteria for a haunted house is a creepy atmosphere, a fairly rich history, and a few eyewitness accounts.

So, where are some of the best places to go, to see a “real” haunting? How about two of the most haunted places on earth?:

• Whaley House – Located in San Diego, California, this is the current reigning champion for the nation’s most haunted house. The abode was partially built on an old cemetery, as well as some of San Diego’s first public gallows. The residence has stood there for the past 148 years. Placement of the house, has made it a prime scene for many gruesome acts over the past century. Because of this, vast arrays of ghostly sightings have occurred on this property. These include the ghost of a young girl who accidentally hung herself on a clothesline whilst running down a hillside. Noted thief Jim Robinson, was hung 5 years before the house was built. His place of death now resides between the parlor and music room. Visitors have reported feeling a coldness and constriction of the neck, when around the archway that separates these rooms. Along with these two ghosts, there are numerous accounts of phantom scents in some rooms, cries of nonexistent babies in other rooms, and various apparitions that have been seen in the house’s mirrors and windows.

• Borley Rectory – Not to be outdone by the States, England is also host to a number of haunted places. The most haunted of which is, allegedly, Borley Rectory, in the small town of Borley, in Essex. The rectory (lodging for priests) was built in 1863, on the site of an ancient monastery. Interestingly enough, it was built on a spot that was already known to house a ghost (a nun who was bricked up alive, in one of the monastic cellars). The rectory has since had numerous sightings of the nun, as well as many poltergeist activities, where various objects would be smashed, or displaced. Strange sounds, odors and cold spots are all known to occur there as well.

While both of these places claim to be haunted, one must ask if haunting is even a real thing, or just a psychosomatic phenomenon. Are ghosts real, or just figments of our imagination? This remains a controversial topic among the general public. A recent Harris poll (February 2003) found that a whopping 51% of people surveyed, believed in ghosts.

Of course belief in something, and the reality of it, are not always one and the same. After all, there was a time when much of the world believed that the planet was flat, and that disease was caused by the influence of the stars. While there is much debate over the validity of ghosts among the general public, there is little to no debate among the scientific community. To date, there has been no concrete evidence to suggest the validity of ghosts, or any other preternatural occurrences.

Okay then, so what are people seeing? Along with the various ghost seekers out there; there are also a handful of ghost-busters. Reading the various reports from these guys, has shown that ghostly encounters are the result of one of two things.

1. Hallucinations 2. Hoaxes

The first term is just reserved for clinically insane, right? Not really. Hallucinations are more common among the general public, than one might think. A hallucination is simply a moment where one’s brain mistakes a sight, sound, or smell, for something it isn’t. Most hallucinations occur during “dazed” moments. That is, moments when the person is in a fairly relaxed state. The two most popular times are just when one is going to, or coming out of sleep, or when doing a relaxed, fairly monotonous activity.

Hallucinations that occur when one is about to go to sleep, or when one has just come out of sleep, are called Hypnopompic Hallucinations, or “waking dreams.” The brain is not fully out of “sleep mode” when one wakes up, and thus, moments of dreaming, leak out into reality. Hallucinations can also occur during monotonous activities like cleaning. When one is placed into a daydreaming type state, apparitions have a tendency to occur. Many people report seeing something out of the corner of their eyes. This is often the result of their eye registering the sudden movement of some small thing (e.g. a fly, their eyelash, or pieces of drifting material inside the eye itself), and their brain associating it with a larger thing. Sometimes these take on the form of a person standing, or sitting. The degree of the detail in the hallucination, has a lot to do with how susceptible/imaginative the hallucinator is. The result, though, is always the same. The second the person looks away, the “apparition” disappears.

As for why so many people report the same thing; this has a lot to do with the power of suggestion. People who are aware of the stories associated with a particular place, are often predisposed to seeing the objects in question. Most of the time, the hallucination is just attributed to some portion of the stories the person may have heard (often getting molded to fit the scenario after the fact). Other times, the hallucination is vivid enough to create a new ghostly tale. This is usually the result of a person with a “fantasy prone” personality type. That is, a person who is particularly good at fantasizing. Many people like this go on to write fantasy/science fiction books, or claim to have psychic abilities. They also tend to be easily hypnotized. Cases where objects are found displaced, or moving, are often exaggerations of what actually happened. Sometimes the person might even subconsciously move stuff about in an effort to bring their fantasy to life.

Which, then, leads us into our second major type of haunting: hoaxes. Many haunted places around the globe, are staged that way to elicit the feeling of paranormal activities. Many places that have a history of being haunted, are probably getting a helping hand from owners/staff members who are trying to keep the legends alive. This can be small things like synchronized stepping sounds during a certain portion of the night, to intentionally flicking light switches on and off, creating ghostly images, and making up secondary stories.

Oftentimes, these “hoax houses” are readily ferreted out. Occasionally though, a haunted house retains its air of paranormal for much longer, and resists attempts at debunking. Take, for instance, the infamous case of the Amityville Horror. The Amityville Horror took place in Amityville, New York in 1975. The home had been the scene of the gruesome murder of the DeFeo family by family member Ronald “Butch” Jr. a year prior. The home was bought by George and Kathy Lutz, and their three kids. Not long after moving in, the Lutzes reported the demonic possession of their house, and gave a somewhat detailed account of what occurred there during their 28 day stay.

The story was turned into a book by authour Jay Anson, in 1977. This was then followed by a 1979 movie based on the book, and now a 2005 remake. All three feature the tagline: a true story. This, though, was far from the case. Ever since the initial tale was brought to the public’s attention, there have been detractors. Yet despite the noted compilation, by researchers Rick Moran & Peter Jordan, of over 100 different factual errors seen between the book’s story, and the actual facts (e.g. the supposed demonic hoof print found in the snow, could not have occurred as there was no snowfall that night), despite these facts, the legend continued.

In the end, it finally took the confession of William Weber (the DeFeo’s attorney), and the Lutzes themselves, to finally put this legend to rest. The Amityville Horror was finally debunked, but the damage was already done. All successive owners of the DeFeo’s old estate must now deal with multitudes of gawkers and paranormal investigators, who insist on touring the ill fated home.

So this Halloween, if someone dares you to spend the night at the local “real” haunted house; just remember the famous words of investigative authours Robert Baker and Joe Nickell:

“There are no haunted places, only haunted people.”

[hauntrave]

Who’s Afraid Of A Haunted House?

The following blog post Who’s Afraid Of A Haunted House? is republished from: https://hauntrave.com

Who's Afraid Of A Haunted House?

It’s that time of year again. Time for all the ghouls and demons to come out of the woodwork. Time for children to dress up in imaginative costumes and go around their neighbourhoods asking for treats. Yes, it’s that enjoyable annual holiday: Halloween. During this holiday, one popular tradition, for many, is to go to the local haunted houses. In these creepy commorancies, people delight in the chance to entertain their primal fears. Many of us get a kick out of a good scare.

Of course, these are just false haunted houses. Annual occurrences of smoke and mirror type frights. They are fun because everyone plays along. The demons are actors, the ghosts, props. These haunted houses are fun because both spook and spooked, know that no one is actually going to be hurt in the process. So then, what of real haunted houses?

Here the rules change. This time the scares are real, and the safety of the victim is placed into question. Now one comes face to face with the supernatural. That is, assuming that there is such a thing as “the supernatural.”

Most neighbourhoods in many parts of the industrial and post-industrial world, seem to harbour one, or two allegedly haunted places. According to Dennis William Hauck’s National Directory of Haunted Houses, there are over 2,000 haunted places in the United States alone. This shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise considering that the only real criteria for a haunted house is a creepy atmosphere, a fairly rich history, and a few eyewitness accounts.

So, where are some of the best places to go, to see a “real” haunting? How about two of the most haunted places on earth?:

• Whaley House – Located in San Diego, California, this is the current reigning champion for the nation’s most haunted house. The abode was partially built on an old cemetery, as well as some of San Diego’s first public gallows. The residence has stood there for the past 148 years. Placement of the house, has made it a prime scene for many gruesome acts over the past century. Because of this, vast arrays of ghostly sightings have occurred on this property. These include the ghost of a young girl who accidentally hung herself on a clothesline whilst running down a hillside. Noted thief Jim Robinson, was hung 5 years before the house was built. His place of death now resides between the parlor and music room. Visitors have reported feeling a coldness and constriction of the neck, when around the archway that separates these rooms. Along with these two ghosts, there are numerous accounts of phantom scents in some rooms, cries of nonexistent babies in other rooms, and various apparitions that have been seen in the house’s mirrors and windows.

• Borley Rectory – Not to be outdone by the States, England is also host to a number of haunted places. The most haunted of which is, allegedly, Borley Rectory, in the small town of Borley, in Essex. The rectory (lodging for priests) was built in 1863, on the site of an ancient monastery. Interestingly enough, it was built on a spot that was already known to house a ghost (a nun who was bricked up alive, in one of the monastic cellars). The rectory has since had numerous sightings of the nun, as well as many poltergeist activities, where various objects would be smashed, or displaced. Strange sounds, odors and cold spots are all known to occur there as well.

While both of these places claim to be haunted, one must ask if haunting is even a real thing, or just a psychosomatic phenomenon. Are ghosts real, or just figments of our imagination? This remains a controversial topic among the general public. A recent Harris poll (February 2003) found that a whopping 51% of people surveyed, believed in ghosts.

Of course belief in something, and the reality of it, are not always one and the same. After all, there was a time when much of the world believed that the planet was flat, and that disease was caused by the influence of the stars. While there is much debate over the validity of ghosts among the general public, there is little to no debate among the scientific community. To date, there has been no concrete evidence to suggest the validity of ghosts, or any other preternatural occurrences.

Okay then, so what are people seeing? Along with the various ghost seekers out there; there are also a handful of ghost-busters. Reading the various reports from these guys, has shown that ghostly encounters are the result of one of two things.

1. Hallucinations 2. Hoaxes

The first term is just reserved for clinically insane, right? Not really. Hallucinations are more common among the general public, than one might think. A hallucination is simply a moment where one’s brain mistakes a sight, sound, or smell, for something it isn’t. Most hallucinations occur during “dazed” moments. That is, moments when the person is in a fairly relaxed state. The two most popular times are just when one is going to, or coming out of sleep, or when doing a relaxed, fairly monotonous activity.

Hallucinations that occur when one is about to go to sleep, or when one has just come out of sleep, are called Hypnopompic Hallucinations, or “waking dreams.” The brain is not fully out of “sleep mode” when one wakes up, and thus, moments of dreaming, leak out into reality. Hallucinations can also occur during monotonous activities like cleaning. When one is placed into a daydreaming type state, apparitions have a tendency to occur. Many people report seeing something out of the corner of their eyes. This is often the result of their eye registering the sudden movement of some small thing (e.g. a fly, their eyelash, or pieces of drifting material inside the eye itself), and their brain associating it with a larger thing. Sometimes these take on the form of a person standing, or sitting. The degree of the detail in the hallucination, has a lot to do with how susceptible/imaginative the hallucinator is. The result, though, is always the same. The second the person looks away, the “apparition” disappears.

As for why so many people report the same thing; this has a lot to do with the power of suggestion. People who are aware of the stories associated with a particular place, are often predisposed to seeing the objects in question. Most of the time, the hallucination is just attributed to some portion of the stories the person may have heard (often getting molded to fit the scenario after the fact). Other times, the hallucination is vivid enough to create a new ghostly tale. This is usually the result of a person with a “fantasy prone” personality type. That is, a person who is particularly good at fantasizing. Many people like this go on to write fantasy/science fiction books, or claim to have psychic abilities. They also tend to be easily hypnotized. Cases where objects are found displaced, or moving, are often exaggerations of what actually happened. Sometimes the person might even subconsciously move stuff about in an effort to bring their fantasy to life.

Which, then, leads us into our second major type of haunting: hoaxes. Many haunted places around the globe, are staged that way to elicit the feeling of paranormal activities. Many places that have a history of being haunted, are probably getting a helping hand from owners/staff members who are trying to keep the legends alive. This can be small things like synchronized stepping sounds during a certain portion of the night, to intentionally flicking light switches on and off, creating ghostly images, and making up secondary stories.

Oftentimes, these “hoax houses” are readily ferreted out. Occasionally though, a haunted house retains its air of paranormal for much longer, and resists attempts at debunking. Take, for instance, the infamous case of the Amityville Horror. The Amityville Horror took place in Amityville, New York in 1975. The home had been the scene of the gruesome murder of the DeFeo family by family member Ronald “Butch” Jr. a year prior. The home was bought by George and Kathy Lutz, and their three kids. Not long after moving in, the Lutzes reported the demonic possession of their house, and gave a somewhat detailed account of what occurred there during their 28 day stay.

The story was turned into a book by authour Jay Anson, in 1977. This was then followed by a 1979 movie based on the book, and now a 2005 remake. All three feature the tagline: a true story. This, though, was far from the case. Ever since the initial tale was brought to the public’s attention, there have been detractors. Yet despite the noted compilation, by researchers Rick Moran & Peter Jordan, of over 100 different factual errors seen between the book’s story, and the actual facts (e.g. the supposed demonic hoof print found in the snow, could not have occurred as there was no snowfall that night), despite these facts, the legend continued.

In the end, it finally took the confession of William Weber (the DeFeo’s attorney), and the Lutzes themselves, to finally put this legend to rest. The Amityville Horror was finally debunked, but the damage was already done. All successive owners of the DeFeo’s old estate must now deal with multitudes of gawkers and paranormal investigators, who insist on touring the ill fated home.

So this Halloween, if someone dares you to spend the night at the local “real” haunted house; just remember the famous words of investigative authours Robert Baker and Joe Nickell:

“There are no haunted places, only haunted people.”