#Now playing at Platform 9 and 3 Quarters

[detectivekirby]

When you feel like "The Double" did not really conclude and then netizens are like "Well, watch episode 40.5."

[goofballondus]

404 Transcendence Error Encountered, Reality Error, It's Not What It Seems kek

I have gained so much knowledge during this "spiritual" journey, about the universe, myself – arguably the same thing according to many traditions.

I'm starting to see this “SpIriTuAl JouRneY” as something that is akin to just an understanding of "life" itself and where you as the observer fit into it.

In July I entered the deepest state of Meditation know to "man", Samadhi.

I was able to achieve it without any substances, not that I could even do so on them, the use of THC had expended itself and had – HAS, proven to be a more destructive force long term than anything I've seen so far within my journey on this earth, with the exception of other humans who are filled to the brim with ignorance. If it weren't for psilocybin, I'm unsure on how I would have escaped the neurological changes THC was doing to my mind.

There is still a small amount of doubt that there may been trace amounts of psilocybin from a recent trip at the time, so to say I did it without any substances full stop, is yet to be seen and a little dishonest I feel, but I’m not holding it against myself since the experience transcends the stigma of the minor ethical conundrum, since then I have been able to access deep states but no Samadhi again, yet!

When I 'merged' with the universe, I gained an understanding of everything, yet that understanding was not something that could be brought back with me once I returned, fragments of it yes, but not in it's whole. It was a little confusing – at the time, although since studying consciousness and understanding more of how it works at a fundamental level (Steven Greer is pretty good at explaining it, although he does pull most of his knowledge from Vedic Tradition). The only things that have been able to explain the experience for me in a satisfactory way, given the technical compendium and materialistic paradigm that almost had control of my entire head if it weren't for this journey—and still has control over around 90 percent of Western society I reckon—were the Bhagavad Gita and discoveries in quantum physics.

I've journaled about life for about a year now - and experimented & seen firsthand the results of this thing Einstein called the 'Unified Field'. It's been nicknamed the Zero Point Field as well. As of recent years, quantum physics came out with a theory called the Quantum Field Theory. At this current point in our universal timeline as a species, the QFT seems to be the most promising scientific explanation for the what is 'behind' reality. For most in the experiential sense this is just a normal factoid - especially those who meditate, are enlightened (cough, me) or have reached a certain point in their spiritual journey, etc – the main theme - everything is interconnected.

The whole human experience… It's as if, theoretically speaking of course - the world is a "play" or the world is a "place" where the individual spawns in from an "omnipresent consciousness", or "god" or bloody "spahgetti central platform 9 and 3 quarters governor!". Whatever it is, I melted into it and became one with it in Samadhi. The Vedic tradition calls it “Brahmin”, and it exists within the “Akasha” (this ‘void’). The process of the transcendence sort of goes like this, at least for me this is how it went with my most successful Transcendental Meditation. (just keep in mind, quite simplified here, but to be fair, tm is quite simple, overcomplicating it actually makes it more difficult to do lol)

First, choose a mantra to “hear” the sound of within your mind, then proceed. (helps to speak it out loud a few times in a sort of rhythmic way, then start humming it, and then you have the jist of what it feels and sounds like to move into your mind from an auditory sense.

You’re at a surface level awareness - you begin the meditation.

You start breathing, and then become aware of the awareness that can perceive the breath. (takes a bit of time and practice to wrap your head around that)

You allow your thoughts to come by and you let them do so, giving them the freedom to expand in any direction they want – BUT – after a bit, you reign that thought chain in and remind yourself, your mind, your awareness, to come back to the Mantra you’ve set as the “vehicle” to dive down.

Over time, you enter deeper and deeper states, and you’ll notice that the creativity is INFINITE, if you’re a creative person, as you enter deeper into meditation – and you allow this thought chain process to continue, this tango of moving back to the mantra after each one – can be a bit overwhelming and conflicting at times for me at least because of one funny reason: To this day when I mediate now and enter deep states, I’ll get the most amazing IDEAS and have to make a decision – do I stop the meditation to write it down – or do I continue and hope I’ll remember it. AHH IT’S the most conflicting thing lol. Most the time I remain in meditation and remember it, but it’s the times I don’t that creates this situation haha

Anyway, eventually, after enough time, of you moving back to the Mantra, there is this quiet that starts to happen within your mind.

When I entered Samadhi – the actual transition between Thought-Chain/Redirection-To-Mantra – the “quiet” and the “ascension” is difficult to recall in exact detail as of currently, but once you enter the quieter states, that’s when you’re getting close to this “source”, this “Brahmin”, this “gOd”, this thing throughout human history people have been speaking about and writing about endlessly - and trying to put into words.

I’ve found during the quiet, the Atman (term from Vedic tradition) starts to emerge – the actual self, the soul – whatever you want to call it. The Atman is essentially – you – without your ego, without your attachments, just, you. The “you” that theoretically, can inhabit – HAS inhabited, different bodies/entities/etc throughout space and time– I think it’s where the idea and concept of reincarnation comes from. It’s the Atman that transcends the physical body and physical experience. It’s the Atman that returns to this “field”, etc when you “DiE” or go to “SlEeP”.

Anyway, once the Atman begins to align itself within your awareness and comes forwards, your surface awareness (the ego) starts dissipating, dissolving – there is a point at which your Atman and the Brahmin reach this pinnacle, this apex, this melting point – they become one and boom, you’re in the deepest state of meditation. You are one with the universe, the omnipresent consciousness – god – spaghetti central – rock bottom – bikini bottom - whatever you want to call it.

From my experience, it is a place or being that only understands Love, Bliss & Altruism. This place is VOID of everything else. There is no such thing as doubt, anger, hatred, envy, any of these convoluted ‘negatives’ and even a lot of ‘positives’ within the human experience. I get the sense this Omni Present Consciousness is also formless – but due to the way quantum physics works, individuality of the observer and perception itself, it’s seen or interpreted in such a way that doesn’t break people’s minds, so they’ve anthropomorphised it throughout history. It makes sense as well, that this Brahmin, given its nurturing & loving nature wouldn’t show itself in a form that would scare the beejeezes out of you lol Steven Greer calls this OPC (Omni Present Consciousness) an intergalactic communications system – which is a fascinating way of looking at it, because, well, it is at its core. Even from a theoretical perspective, something that is Omnipresent, bypasses any conventional 3dimensional limitations.

It exists in every point in space and time. It makes sense if there are extra terrestrial civilizations out there, this is the PERFECT way for communicating beyond the “speed of light” which is indeed a 3dimensional limitation we’ve observed. The only key to this field, this OPC, gaining access to it, is achieving an elevated state of consciousness. That’s my Ted Talk, thanks for listening.

"Transcendix", "ProfoundGoofball", "UAB" or "goofballondus"

use whichever of my names you wish to use when talking to me lol

[heavensbeehall]

"Catching Fire", Chapter 19

Part 3: The Enemy

Chapter 19: Let the 75th Hunger Games Begin! Katniss swims to the Cornucopia and gets there first, but is joined by Finnick who has Haymitch's Effie!bangle and says they are allies. They retrieve Peeta and Mags before heading into the jungle as what I consider to be an adorable foursome. Katniss, however, is uneasy with this alliance. Particularly the Finnick part of it. But then Peeta hits a forcefield with his knife, and his heart stops.

Thoughts:

-- At this moment, many of the tributes are going in here with the intention of sacrificing themself, not of surviving. Yet six people will survive these Games, topping last year's record of two which is somewhat good. But I can't help thinking that more should be able to make it since these games only go for three days (spoilers?). We know now that the 10th Games lasted five days. Before that they were over quickly but it's most likely this last Hunger Games was both the shortest of the Snow era, and the last.

-- I have seen people wondering why District 1, 2, 5, 9 and 10 (particularly 1 since Cashmere is mentioned as being trafficked as Finnick was) were not included in the Alliance. Honestly I think that having 12 victors (3,4,6,7,8 and 11) with "varying" knowledge of the plan is already a lot of people and I'm surprised a Totalitarian Dictatorship didn't catch on. At the very least, that's a lot of conversations that could've been overheard. I also wonder, in the particular case of D1, if the fact that they were siblings meant either would've happily reported on the Rebels to save their sibling.

Heroes of the Rebellion! The following Victors were known to be part of the rebel alliance: Unnamed District 6 male Tribute (Morphling), Woof, Cecelia, and Seeder. (please play respectuful music for them in your own head.)

Quotes:

I can't think straight. The image of Cinna, beaten and bloody, consumes me. Where is he now? What are they doing to him? Torturing him? Killing him? Turning him into an Avox? Obviously his assault was staged to unhinge me, the same way Darius's presence in my quarters was. And it has unhinged me. All I want to do is collapse on my metal plate. But I can hardly do that after what I just witnessed. I must be strong. I owe it to Cinna, who risked everything by undermining President Snow and turning my bridal silk into mockingjay plumage. And I owe it to the rebels who, emboldened by Cinna's example, might be fighting to bring down the Capitol at this moment.

I think it's worth noting how Snow uses all the people, including Darius and Cinna, as pawns in the Game. (The whole world is an arena, afterall.) Both of these men will die off the page, with few short lines given to their ends. Darius will again be used as a pawn in an attempt to unhinge Peeta. While Cinna is said to have died while being tortured because he refused to give answers to his captors.

Someone asked me "what did Cinna give to the rebellion?" when I was mad about Gale not wanting Cinna's gloves. That kind of unhinged me, if you haven't noticed by my harping on him. He gave his life, obviously. And his talents. And while his early life was probably much easier than any district kid, I don't think that it's fair to say he had a platform because of the Capitol. He had a platform because of his abilities. It doesn't seem like all Capitol citizens get to be on TV. He had more access, I concede. I don't think that makes his sacrifice lesser though.

Anyway did you guys know Francis Lawrence considered having Lenny Kravitz being executed in the montage of executions in Mockingjay Part 1? ("The concept for the scene was that President Snow's speech would have been delivered during a series of grim executions that were broadcast live, with Cinna's execution being carried out last along with a specific message to Katniss." here)

I'm going to have to cut for length and I've only gotten through the first two paragraphs of this chapter.

[damndaehyung]

First Impressions

Daniel Choi Hogwarts Era - Year Six (2016) - Fall Included : Emily Choi, Tyler Lee, Tara Lee, Minah Delacroix, Sungjae Lee Mentioned : Lucas Zhang

September 1st. D day.

“Is there a reason you are still here?” Daniel asked as he pulled the last of his luggage out of the hire cars boot. His sometime friend and full-time rival pushed himself off the hire car’s bonnet and turned to look at him, plump lips turned up into a smirk his bright pink hair blew slightly in the wind.

“I am here to see my dearest friend off,” Joshua said, taking his sunglasses off. “You know i am going to miss you.” Daniel rolled his eyes finding that hard to believe if anything Josh seemed to be in a terrific mood since hearing the news. “I even had a going away party planned but i got the dates mixed up,” he said. Daniel snorted, oh he sure Joshua had a party planned ready to celebrate, just one Daniel wasn’t invited to.

“What a shame,” Daniel said mockingly. “Well we are here so -” he said gesturing to Joshua and the car hoping this heartbreaking goodbye would quickly come to a close.

“Andrea told me to stay with you until you are actually on the Hogwarts Express,” Joshua said pulling his sunglasses off. “Maybe I’ll sneak on with you,” he said. Daniel watched as Joshua played one of his favourite tricks, in Joshua’s place stood a replica of himself. Not a perfect one, of course, Josh’s metaphoric skills were subpar at best. “How do i look?” he said running a hand through his now silver hair.

“Better than usual,” Daniel said dryly, no matter how many times Joshua pulled this stunt it still made him feel uncomfortable. “Now stop with this identity theft, i need to find Emily and the other two,” he said pushing past Joshua.

Joshua jogged to catch up to Daniel. “Who is that? Emily? Don’t tell me you are experimenting now?”

“Eunha,” Daniel snapped. “We have western names now, Daniel, Emily…. Jennifer? I don’t know what Jinsol is going with,” he shrugged.

“Daniel Choi?” Joshua said testing it out on his tongue. “I don’t like it, i am gonna keep calling you my little Dae bae,” he said. Daniel’s nose scrunched up he didn’t particularly like either name but Dae bae was another level of cringe. “So Eunha is going to be there?” Joshua questioned. “I haven’t seen her in forever maybe i should say hi -”

“Maybe you should stay the fuck away from my 14-year-old cousin,” Daniel snapped. “Can you control your creep fascination with my family to yourself, it’s bad enough that you hooked up Jinsol and flirt with my aunt every time you see her,” he said not even bothering to hide his disgust.

“Aww Dae you forgot to include yourself, you know you are my favourite,” Joshua cooed. “Don’t be jealous,” he said wrapping an arm around Daniel’s shoulder. Daniel was quick to shrug it off, he never forgets about Joshua’s interest in him, how could he when it was so incredibly obvious, he just prefers to ignore it.

“Aren’t i lucky,” he drawled.

“The luckiest,” Joshua said. “Though you never seem to reciprocate my affections,” he pouted, at least he was self-aware. “Though i can’t expect better from a man who once had a crush Ahn Dohyun?” Joshua teased. Daniel scoffed his cheeks heating up; he didn’t have a crush on Dohyun he just respected his contribution to the Asian modelling community. So what if he under the influence said he would ride him like a broom? That didn’t mean he had a crush on him. It just meant his hormones were working.

“So you are really going to follow me to the train?” he asked as they walked into the bustling Kings Cross train station. Daniel had never been to a muggle train station before, either travelling by magic or by hired cars, it was a new experience for him, one he wasn’t particularly enjoying yet. “You really don’t have anything better to do?”

“I told you Andrea told me to make sure you get on the train, something about making sure you fulfil your contracts,” Joshua shrugged. “Plus, i get to check out the Pigfarts crowd, I’ve always been curious about Harry Potter’s old school beside you never know someone might catch my eye,” he said. Knowing Josh several somebodies would have caught his by the time they made it down the stairs.

“What is there to be curious about, its a school?” Daniel pointed out.

“I am home-schooled Daehyung, there is plenty to be curious about.” Daniel shook his head, finding that extremely hard to believe. School to some people could be interesting sure but to someone like Joshua who enjoyed his freedom to the full extent, not so much.

“Well, you can always go to a school if it is eating away at you so much, just not this one,” Daniel said. “I hear muggle schools are pretty accepting.”

“If only I wasn’t a world-famous model with obligations to fill,” Joshua sighed dramatically. “Unlike some people, i stay busy and booked so I can’t just decide to go to some boarding school,” he continued. Daniel wondered how Joshua would react if he knew the only reason he was booked at all was due to his associating with Daehyung Choi, probably a temper tantrum to rival the great Givenchy fit of 2013. “Guess I’ll just have to live vicariously through my normal best friend.”

“You have a best friend?” Daniel asked with a surprised chuckle. “Since when?”

“Funny Dae, seriously maybe after your stint as a high school student you can become a comedian,” Joshua said dryly.

“Some people can be multi-talented Joshie, I know it’s hard for you to understand,” Daniel pointed out. “But since you know so much about Hogwash maybe you can tell me something about it?”

“Hmm,” Joshua paused. “I mean i could but considering you’ve been so ungrateful of my company and insulting me i don’t know if i want to.” He trailed. “Maybe if you gave me something in return,” he said eyes gleaming with trouble. Trouble Daniel wanted no part off.

“Okay then you can go and before you say Andrea told you to make sure i get on the train my aunt will do that,” he said quickening his pace.

“Rude,” Joshua said a little puffed from struggling to keep up with Daniel. “Fine, i don’t know too much, but i am pretty sure the houses are Gryffindor, Evil, Smart and Yellow,” he said listing them off with his fingers. Daniel paused looking at Joshua trying to figure out if he was joking but to his surprise, he seemed serious.

“What?”

“The last three aren’t the actual names but it’s pretty much a summary of them,” he shrugged. “Apparently the only one that matters is Gryffindor and we both know what house you will be in,” he said with a laugh. Daniel hummed in agreement, out of the four options it seemed he was destined to be in the evil house.

“I can see my family,” Daniel said spotting the three of them ahead standing near a vending machine. “You should go before my aunt see’s you,” he said to Joshua. “She can be quite the vengeful bitch when she wants to be and you hurt Jinsol, i know i am shocked my aunt cares i thought we all agreed her first attempt to procreate was a failure but -” he shrugged.

“Fine,” Joshua rolled his eyes. “Don’t miss me too much and don’t forget to write to me every day,” Joshua mocked. Daniel stared at him blankly. “Oh come on i don’t even get a hug, I mean i am the closest thing you have to a best friend and it isn’t like anyone at Hogwits is going replace me not that they would want to, you are not exactly…” he trailed, Daniel rolled his eyes, biting back harsh words consoling himself that Joshua needed to think that, it’s the only way he’d survive. “It’s your last chance at some physical contact,” he said stepping forward-leaning up to whisper that he saw an empty bathroom stall.

“I think I’ll survive,” Daniel drawled stepping away from him. “Don’t get into too much trouble without me,” he said to Josh before running over to his family.

Daniel snuck up behind them, towering over his younger and favourite relative. “9 and 3 quarters?” Eunha questioned looking down at her train ticket lip pulling through her lip. “What does that even mean?” she continued, looking up only to find Daniel standing behind, her big bambi like eyes wide and surprised. It was enough to wipe the permanent scowl off his face. “Dae!” she exclaimed throwing her arms around him. “I mean Daniel,” she said after hearing her mum tut in disapproval. “When did you get here?” she asked.

“And here i thought he got lost,” Jinsol muttered just loud enough for Daniel to hear sounding far too disappointed than someone like her had any right to be.

“Just then,” Daniel answered Eunha ignoring Jinsol’s existence.

“Do you think it’s an Arithmancy test like we have to figure out the length and the platform and figure out where three quarters would be?” Eunha said going back to her ticket.

“Eunha,” Jinsol spoke only to be shushed by her mother coughing and sending a pointed look. “Emily,” she said sarcastically, her eyes narrowed and glaring daggers at their mother. “You are giving these people too much credit, plus what about all the muggle-borns who go to school here?”

“Maybe we should just follow them?” Daniel interjected pointing towards a family wearing the gaudiest of wizarding robes, broomsticks and cauldron on full display for the curious muggles. The apparent disregard of secrecy was in stark contrast to their previous school which sat on top of a Volcano. Maybe Hogwarts had really moved on from their old reputation, that or the tackily dressed people didn’t regard muggles as notable in which case they lived up to their old reputation to a tee.

His Aunt’s nose scrunched clearly unimpressed with the family but nodded anyway, following them would be better than standing around looking like fools. Daniel strutted forward, schooling his face into one that came across as welcoming and cute, a boxy smile on his face, just in case someone decided to look at him. He could only imagine what his aunt would be like if she knew he was rolling his eyes internally.

‘You need to impress these people Daehyung, do what you need to do, smile if they want you to, listen to them like they actually matter, you know how it is.’

“Oh, Sol i was doing you a favour, look at them, ugly style and a bit nuts. I am pretty sure i found your real father and your half-siblings,” he sneered.

“Daniel, Jessica,” His aunty glowered. “Look maybe we can -”

“Why is that girl running towards a wall?” Eunha cut her mum’s off, transfixed all of their eyes followed the family’s eldest daughter ran towards the wall at full speed. Daniel tilted his head to the side perhaps it was a weird rite of passage for British Wizarding families. Just as the girl was going to hit the wall, much to Daniel’s disappointment, she disappeared through the wall.

“So, to get to platform 9 and three quarters -” Eunha started to speak, her normal deep voice going up an octave as registered what just happened.

“We need to a run at a wall,” Daniel finished, “Because nothing says inconspicuous like running towards a wall, are the muggles here under a spell or are they just that oblivious?” he asked with a shake of his head. Hordes of teenagers, some in ugly robes, with broomsticks and owls and half of them aren’t even sparing them a glance.

“I bet a man came up with this,” Jinsol said a disgusted look on her face. “So how should we do this? I nominate Dae- Daniel to go first,” she said turning to him.

He scoffed, running a hand through his hair. “You know i would say ladies first,” he said. “But that means my dear Emily would have to go first so how about untalented los -” he started but was cut off by both Eunha and his aunt shouting at him to stop.

“Emily, my dear,” His aunt said to Eunha, placing a hand on her back. “Since your sister and cousin are squabbling as kindergarteners would-, you, as the most mature one here, go first?” she asked. Daniel craned his neck looking at his aunt incredulously. Eunha looked at her mother shocked before looking down, her hands trembling ever so slightly, a muttered okay escaping her lips.

“I’ll go,” Daniel said glaring at his smirking aunt, she knew very well that he would step in and that pissed him off. It was her fault they uprooted their lives yet she was about to send her youngest and favourite child to run into the unknown. All because she ran out of Asian families to try and gain favour from and now needed fresh European money. Eunha opened her mouth to protest but Daniel stopped her squeezing her shoulder lightly before walking up to the white weirdos.

“Uh excuse me?” He asked his accent heavy because if there was one thing he learned over his travel, people find broken English adorable. The family turned to look at him, the husband seemed weary perhaps he thought Daniel was a muggle, it makes sense a walking cliche like himself would think that “How did you? How do you get to platform nine and three quarter?” he asked widening his eyes and jutting his lip trying to look as innocent as possible. It seemed to work because the wife’s eyes softened as she looked at Daniel.

“Oh, is this your first time going to Hogwarts?” she asked. Daniel nodded cursing this woman for answering his question another dumber question. “My son Alan is just starting as well,” she said pointing to one of her spawns. Daniel plastered a fake smile on his face and nodded once again hoping that it would speed this conversation along, he didn’t want to know about her son.

“Me and my cousin transferred,” He said pointing to Eunha and the other two. “Can you show us please?” he said nodding to the wall. The woman coo-ed waving at Eunha, his aunt and Jinsol. His aunt looked at Daniel who shrugged, if they wanted to know how to get to the platform they might as well get this lesson as well. Reluctantly they came over, Daniel noted with annoyance the way the son’s eyes widened when he spotted Eunha and Jinsol. He hoped little Andy knew his place, he really did.

“Hello,” the woman said. “Benjamin say hello,” she said smacking her husband lightly across the chest. The husband grumbled out a greeting. “Oh aren’t you a beautiful family,” she said looking from Daniel to Eunha and then Jinsol finally settling on his aunt. “Oh you must be their mother, I can see where they get it from,” she gushed. His aunt plastered her what Daniel had realized is I am setting fire to you with my mind smile on and nodded.

“Your family is charming,” His aunt said.

“Arigato,” The woman responded with a laugh. Daniel looked at her and the train tracks wondering what would happen if she just accidentally happened to fall onto the train tracks.

“The platform?” Daniel asked his patience running thin. He had enough of these people and he just wanted to get on the train already.

“Oh right, all you have to do is walk into the wall between platforms nine and ten, best do it at a bit of run since it’s your first time,” she said. “Here watch Alan,” she nodding to her son he grabbed his trolley before taking a breath and sprinting forward. Just like before the child vanished through the wall.

“Your turn now,” The woman said turning to Daniel. Daniel ground his teeth together, fist-clenching around his luggage. If this went wrong at least it would ruin Andrea’s day which would make his. Counting to three he ran forward, ignoring his senses which told him to stop he kept going, closing his eyes as he was just about to hit the wall.

When he opened them he was on a completely different platform, he turned to look at the wall and then back to the platform that was in front of him. It really worked. Stepping away from the wall he took in his surroundings, while the other platform was busy this platform was downright chaotic. Whistles blared and the air was filled with steam from the train. He walked forward, every inch was full from emotional parents saying goodbye to their little brats to teenagers running towards their friends. A few almost running into Daniel as they did so.

“Dae,” He heard Eunha call out to him, he turned around expecting to see her right behind him but unbeknownst to him, he had wandered too far away from the wall. His eyes roamed through the crowd trying to find her. “Over here,” he heard barely spotting Eunha jumping up and down, waving frantically. He nodded waving back before making his way over to her and the others.

“So this is it?” Daniel said looking at his Aunt who nodded.

“Don’t mess this up,” She said to Daniel before turning her attention to Jinsol. “Don’t do anything stupid,” she said dismissively. Daniel shook his head, he was and will never be fond of Jinsol but surely his Aunt could at least say goodbye to her properly, don’t make it too obvious she had a favourite. “Be good and write to me okay,” she said to Eunha who nodded, her eyes watering ever so slightly. “It will be fine sweetie. Dae and Sol will look after you,” she said rubbing at Eunha’s arms. “Okay, remember that you only answer to Daniel, Jessica and Emily from now on,” she said stepping back.

Daniel rolled his eyes nodding, “Come along Emmy,” he said wrapping an arm around Eunha’s arms. “You can come to i suppose,” he said to Jinsol who flipped him off before following along. The trio made their way over to the Hogwarts Express, a formidable large red train, it huffed and puffed as the conductors tried to control the onslaught of students. “Shall we?” he asked looking at both his cousins. Neither looked particularly optimistic but a shrugged sure and nervous nod meant they were on their way.

“Do you think we can get our own compartment?” Jinsol asked as they pushed through the crowded cart. A few curious eyes landed on them, Daniel had no idea how often transfer students were at Hogwarts but he got the feeling it was few and far between.

“It’s pretty close to eleven,” Eunha said checking her brand new watch, a gift from her father for her first day at Hogwarts. “I am going to guess most of them are already full,” she frowned. “We could always just stand out here?” she offered.

“Let’s just find an almost empty carriage and hope that no one wants to start small talk, I am tired after dealing with Andrea and Joshua all morning,” he said rubbing at his temple. “One telling me what pants to wear and the other trying to get into them -”

“Please shut up,” Jinsol muttered a look of disgust on her face. Daniel hummed it must be humbling to never be someone’s first choice. What a pity.

“Well that is one full,” Eunha said standing on her tippy toes to peek into one of the compartments. “Makes sense the one near the exit would be full right?” she offered. “Maybe we should try the back?” she said looking down the hallway with a frown, it was full of students, friends yelling out to each other, hugging, sharing stories of their Summer.

“It will be fine,” Jinsol said. “Let’s just keep looking,” she said. The three of them continued down the hall searching for an empty or practically empty compartment eventually finding one near the end of the train. It wasn’t empty, a girl sat alone with her cat. Daniel figured something was incredibly wrong with this girl considering she was alone but he couldn’t care less.

“Hello,” Eunha said as they entered the compartment, the girl looked like she was Eunha’s age, surprisingly enough Korean, straight dark hair and cat-like eyes. Judging by her outfit she was either a very rich muggle-born or came from an upper middle wizarding family. The girl placed her book down, her dark eyes darting from Eunha to Jinsol and then finally Daniel. “I hope you don’t mind if we sit here, it’s just everywhere else is packed,” Eunha explained.

“You are new,” The girl pointed tilting her head.

“Is it obvious?” Eunha asked smile falling. Daniel glared at the girl, hand instinctively reaching down to his pocket considering whether he should send a jinx her way for upsetting Eunha.

“Well kinda,” the girl said. “Not that you look odd or anything,” she added quickly. “We just don’t usually get many new people, other than the first years of course,” she said. “Though last year there was that French girl,” she added.

“So people will be paying attention to us?” Jinsol asked as she sat down next to the window. Daniel couldn’t help but think she sounded a little hopeful, Daniel shook his head as he placed Eunha and his own luggage into the overhead. It would be funny if it wasn’t so sad.

“Maybe,” The girl said pausing. “At least during the great feast you should be but then maybe Gossip Witch will strike with another fascinating blast,” she said with a roll of her eyes.

“Gossip Witch?” Eunha asked sitting down beside Jinsol, “What is that?”

“This anonymous blog that suddenly started posting about the elite of Hogwarts,” she said. “It’s kinda a big deal and it’s everywhere, it’s on every social media platform you can imagine even some that probably aren’t even made yet,” she said.

“Hogwarts has elites?” Daniel snorted. “What is it any descendant of the Potter’s?”

“I think they posted about Lily once,” she said, “But no it’s mostly about the French girl and the Lee’s,” she said scrunching her nose up. “But who knows maybe you will be Gossip Witch’s new fave and I will never have to hear about he must not be named ever again,” she said.

“Voldemort?” Jinsol asked.

“No worse,” The girl said with a shudder.

“There is someone worse than Voldemort,” Daniel said, he found it hard to believe that someone could be worse than a pureblood fanatic dictator but what did he know.

“You’ll see,” The girl said shrugging, “Anyway what year will you be in?”

“Oh, I think I am going to be a fourth year,” Eunha said quickly, of course, she knew that she had spent her Summer trying to be ready for Hogwarts. “And that means these two would both be six years,” she said nodding to himself and Jinsol. “I am Eun- Emily, by the way,” she said.

“Eun- Emily?” The girl questioned. “That’s a mouthful,” she laughed. “So what is your real name? Eunbi? Eunsol? Eunmi?” she asked her nose scrunching up at the last suggestion.

“Eunha,” Eunha answered. “But I am Emily now,” she said nodding. “This is my sister Jessica and my cousin Daniel, I swear they aren’t normally this anti-social,” she said apologizing for Jinsol and himself unnecessarily, also lying to the girl, he was only social when there was something to gain from it.

“You could have kept your Korean name,” The girl said. “The school is more racist about blood purity than they are about skin colour, though a guy did ask me how to say wanna hook up in Chinese once.” She said grinning viciously. Daniel raised an eyebrow wondering if the idiot guy is still alive. “Anyway, I’m Eunmi,” she said. “Also a fourth year,” she said. “And that is Meow,” she said nodding to her cat.

“Eunmi and Meow, charming,” Daniel said promptly getting an elbow to the side. “Fine, what about these houses? Do you only get to interact with your own house?” he asked.

“What about them? There is Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin,” she said. “And you can interact with whoever you want, there is no rule against, most people just tend to stick to their own houses because you spend pretty much all your day with them,” she said.

“Which is the best house?” Jinsol asked.

“Well I am in Slytherin so I am biased towards there but if you go by the blatant favouritism then Gryffindor is probably your best bet,” Eunmi explained. Daniel thought back to Joshua’s descriptions of the house, maybe he was onto something when he said Gryffindor was the only house that mattered.

“And the other two Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff?” Eunha asked. “Are they not good?”

“I mean they can be, Ravenclaw is meant to be the smart house and Hufflepuff –“ she said.

“Is yellow,” Daniel cut her off. The girl blinked owlishly opening her mouth to speak was cut off by a great clattering.

An older woman opened the door, smiling a dimpled smile. “Anything from the cart dears?” she asked looking in on them before closing the door.

Eunha jumped up, her tummy rumbling as she did. “You guys want anything?” she asked looking at Jinsol, himself and even Eunmi. Daniel shook his head but tried to hand Eunha some money, if she was going to waste her money on sweets and charity cases she might as well use his disposable income but she shook her head. “I got it,” she said sweetly stepping out of the carriage. Daniel followed her; he’d just pay before she had a chance.

“Can I get-“ Eunha started at the same time as a dark-haired boy who came from the carriage across from them started to list his order stopping when he spotted Eunha. Daniel stepped closer looming over her shoulder but apparently, his presence wasn’t as threatening as he hoped it was. At Mahoutokoro no boy dared look at Eunha for longer than a second in fear of Daniel but this boy was looking and if the smile on his face was anything to go by he liked what he saw.

“You go first,” The boy said to Eunha, who much to Daniel disgust, was blushing. Daniel had enough stepping forward to shield Eunha from this guy.

“Dae what are you doing?” Eunha whispered. Daniel ignored her smiling at the trolley lady. “Can we have two of everything please,” he said to the woman, his signature boxy smile on his face. The transaction was quick thankfully, the boy seemingly got the message and stepped back talking to one of his friends. With his arms full of snacks he hadn’t eaten since he was a child he made his way back into the carriage, Eunha trailing behind. “You didn’t have to pay,” she mumbled. “I am not a kid anymore,” she huffed. Daniel turned towards her raising an eyebrow. That was the problem, he couldn’t have any Hoghash boys thinking they had a chance with her.

“I know but you should save your money,” Daniel said to her. “So you want a Chocolate Frog or Liquorice Wand? I figure we give the beans to Jinsol and the other girl can have the rest,” he said as he tipped to food onto the empty chair beside Eunmi.

“Emily is pouting, what did you do Dan?” Jinsol said eyes narrowing. Daniel bristled at the nickname, Dan, he was not a Dan. Of course Jinsol would say something disgusting. First, she assumed upset Eunha and now she was calling him Dan.

“I did nothing,” He huffed.

“He wouldn’t stop glaring at some poor guy and wouldn’t let me pay,” Eunha pouted notable taking the chocolate frogs.

“So he paid for your food and kept some guy away?” Eunmi asked interjecting herself into a conversation she didn’t need to be in. “I don’t see the problem here,” she said, helpfully, at least someone understood what is going on.

“He is just being overprotective,” Eunha said with an eye roll. “Everyone can have some,” she said nodding the pile of snacks. Daniel watched as Jinsol and Eunmi both moved to get some snacks. Daniel leaned back in his chair, pulling out his phone and scrolling aimlessly. Apparently, some Hogwarts student had managed to modernize Hogwarts into having an internet connection. A student breaking their anti-technology spell? What was even happening at Hogwarts?

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“Did you learn anything on your walk?” Eunha asked as Daniel threw on his Hogwarts Robe. Daniel let out an annoyed huff, he didn’t appreciate been exiled from their compartment while they changed. She knew he had no interest in the female anatomy.

“Unless you are interested in some guy named Ashton been unable to keep it in his pants then no not really,” Daniel answered he had heard too much about people he had never met before loves life or lack of love life in some cases.

“I hope someone kicks this Ashton guys butt,” Eunha said with a glare. Daniel’s lip quirked up into a smile. She was adorable even when she was trying to be tough.

“Open,” A female voice said before knocking on their compartment door excessively. Daniel looked from Eunha to Eunmi figuring she’d know what is happening but she shook her head looking at the door confused. Daniel sucked in a breath opening the door.

“Can i-“ he started to say before a brunette girl pushed past him standing in the middle of the compartment, demanding attention. Daniel looked at the girl confused, her brown eyes frantic and her ponytail messy in a way that made Daniel believe that wasn’t her intention. “Are you lost?” he asked her.

“No,” The girl snapped at him. “You are the Choi Siblings, right? Daniel, Eunha and Jinsol,” she said looking at each of them. “I am sorry I didn’t get any information about you,” she said turning to Eunmi who looked at her like she had grown a second head.

“I am not new or related to them,” Eunmi said shaking her head. “I am a fourth-year from Slytherin,” she said as the girl rolled her eyes waving a hand dismissively as if she had done nothing wrong.

“Right anyway, I am Elena, the prefect Professor Headly, put in charge of making your transition into Hogwarts is as easy as possible,” she said to them. “Oh good you are all ready,” she said seeming relieved. “So much better than last years transfer student,” she muttered. “Come with me,” she said. Daniel shared a look with his cousin who seemed just as unsure of this girl as he did. “We don’t have all day people,” she tapping her foot impatiently.

Daniel moved to grab their luggage but was stopped by Elena who tutted. “No need to do that your luggage will be in your dorm once you are sorted,” she said. Daniel held his hands up stepping away, stupid crazy girl.

“Right please follow me,” she said once they were all standing. Daniel and Jinsol followed behind her, Eunha strayed behind saying her goodbyes to Eunmi. “So firstly I would like to welcome you to Hogwarts,” Elena said guiding them back to the front of the train. “I assume you all know the school rules by now, “ she started before going on off a tangent.

“And then they picked Poppy as head girl,” she said as they stepped onto the train station. “Poppy Parkinson, her mum was a death eater? And Cameron as the head boy? He is such a dudebro the only reason he ever got anything done was because of me!” she ranted. “Can you believe it?” she said turning to Daniel waiting for a response. Daniel blinked looking at Eunha clearly confused. The last thing he remembered hearing from this girl was that sneaking members of the other sex into the dorm was strictly forbidden.

“That’s awful,” Eunha said. “But you are still a prefect and that is really good,” she trying to appease the girl.

“Yeah, you are the – what house are you from?” Jinsol asked.

“Gryffindor, the best choice,” she said proudly. “All we need to do is get the quidditch cup back but thanks to Tyler Lee –“ she continued and Daniel went back to ignoring her knowing that he would contemplate drowning if he was stuck in the same house as that girl. He looked ahead eyes falling on the carriages with some hideous creature attached.

“What is that?” Daniel asked pointing ahead.

“The carriages?” Elena said raising an eyebrow.

“No,” Daniel shook his head. “The things in front of it, like a horse skeleton, “ he said, eyes wide as he took it in. The creature was terrifying, a winged skeleton-like creature with a reptile’s face. Jinsol and Eunha both frowned muttering about how they couldn’t see anything.

“Dae are you okay? Did Josh slip something in your coffee?” Eunha whispered. Daniel shook his head, looking at Elena for an explanation. Why did no one know what he was talking about, how could they not see them?

“You can see the Thestrals?” Elena asked, mouth dropping in surprise. “That means you’ve seen –“ she said bringing a hand to her mouth.

“Death,” Jinsol finished her. “Why are you acting so weird about it?” she said to Elena. A rare time Jinsol was looking out for Daniel. “I can’t believe you didn’t know that Daniel, did you ever pay attention in class?” she asked changing the subject. “Such a blonde,” she said climbing into the carriage.

“Right,” Elena said. “Please get in,” she said to Daniel and Eunha. Daniel nodded helping Eunha before sliding in beside her. “So anyway as I was saying Ravenclaw is okay, Hara is great but Sungjae, he is a nice guy but Minah is such a bad influence on him. Honestly he shouldn’t be a prefect anymore,” she ranted. And like that Daniel was back to ignoring her.

“Wow,” Eunha gasped as the castle came into view. “So that is it?” she asked looking up at the castle, eyes wide in awe. Admittedly the castle did make a formidable figure, standing out above the large lake and illuminated by the full moon. The carriage paused a pair of impressive wrought iron gates, flanked with stone columns topped with winged boards.

Elena hummed in agreement. “Yup that is Hogwarts,” she said with a soft smile and a wistful tone. He knew school spirit and pride was drummed into people but that reaction was a little much. “I am sorry it’s my last trip here,” she said, Daniel could have sworn her eyes were tearing up.

“Are you dying?” Daniel asked hoping that he didn’t come across as too eager. The carriage started up again, picking up speed on the long slopping drive up to the castle.

“No,” Elena said looking at Daniel oddly. Well, that was a letdown. “It’s my last year here,” she said pouting.

Daniel nodded before going back to ignoring her. He was pretty sure he’d never have to interact with this girl again (and for that he was so thankful) so it didn’t matter what she thought of him. He zoned out taking in the scenery around him, dense forest, sloping fields and a large lake, the closer they got to the castle the more the nerves took over. Beside him Eunha legs couldn’t stop bouncing up and down, Jinsol had started chewing on her bottom lip. Daniel himself was fiddling with the sleeves of his robes, rolling them up and then rolling them down.

“We are here,” Elena said pointing out the obvious as the carriage drew to a stop. “Come along, Professor Goldhorn is waiting,” she said hopping out of the carriage. Daniel followed suit helping Eunha and even Jinsol out of the carriage. They took a minute to soak in the grandness of the Hogwarts castle before making their way up the stone steps.

“The Choi’s I take it?” They were greeted by a stern-looking woman, her dark grey hair pulled up in a tight bun. She looked down her glasses slipping down her rather large nose. “Crowley you can go to the great hall,” she said dismissing Elena, “You three come to my office,” she said not waiting a beat before turning around her emerald robes swishing as she moved down the hall. Daniel and the others moved quickly to catch up with her. They followed her through the entrance hall, up the marble staircase and along the corridor, stopping in front of her office.

“Come in,” she said shooing them into the room. Her office was on the smaller side, at least compared to the offices of the professors at Mahoutokoro. The centrepiece of her office was the large fireplace. “Sit,” she said motioning to three chairs. “So as you know Hogwarts has a special way of sorting its student,” she said pausing for them to nod in agreement. “Now for our first year the sorting ceremony happens in the great hall during the welcoming feast but given your age, I assume you don’t want to be placed with first years,” she said. “So,” she said walking over to the desk and picking up a dirty pointed hat, it was old and tattered, patches and rips covering its entirety. “I figured we could do this in the privacy of my office,” she said as the hat began to twitch its brim opening to reveal a mouth. Daniel blinked mortified as it started singing, he slowly turned his head to look at Eunha and Jinsol who both were looking on transfixed and horrified.

You’re in safe hands (though I have none), For I’m a Thinking Cap! The hat finally finished. “Okay so we will do this by alphabetical order, Daniel Choi,” she said looking at him and picking up the hat. Daniel’s nose scrunched up as she moved to place the hat on his head. He would need to wash his again after having that thing on his head.

The hat barely touched his crown before yelling out a loud and definitive “SLYTHERIN,”, the hat was promptly taken off his head. Not quick enough if his opinion though, he hoped he’d never have to put anymore enchanted ugly headwear on again.

“Emily Choi,” Professor Goldhorn said placing the hat on top of Eunha’s head. Unlike Daniel’s sorting Emily’s seemed to go on for a few minutes. Daniel frowned wondering what the school’s policy on having a hairstylist visit, he needed a professional to fix Emily’s brown locks after having that on top of her head for so long. Daniel didn’t think he could hate that hat more than he already did but when it called out “HUFFLEPUFF!” loudly he knew if he ever got the chance that hat would be burned to smithereens. How dare they place her in the useless yellow house.

“Can the hat –“ He started to ask before Professor Goldhorn shot him a withering look, a quick the hat is never wrong escaping her painted lips leaving no room for argument.

“Now Jessica Choi,” she said to Jinsol, placing that hat on her head. Jinsol’s sorting was longer than Daniel’s but much quicker than Eunha’s. “GRYFFINDOR” it exclaimed as Daniel glared at it. It sorted the useless cousin into the best house.

“Wonderful,” Professor Goldhorn clapped, “Please make your way to The Great Hall,” she said, “It just straight down the staircase, it’s hard to miss,” she added before leaving the office with a swish, the dumb sorting hat in hand stopping in the doorway, gesturing with her head for them to leave. With a tight-lipped smile that was more of a sneer, Daniel stood up, walking past the Professor stopping at the top of the staircase waiting for Eunha.

“So none of us are in the same house,” Eunha lamented, pouting at Daniel and then Jinsol. “Do you think we will be able to interact?” she asked as Jinsol laughed.

“Oh Eun-Emily,” she said rolling her eyes at having to change names. “Do you really think they are going to forbid you from interacting with your big sister and well, him,” she said looking over Daniel, detest clear in her eyes.

“Do you really think some silly school house is gonna stop me from seeing my favourite person?” Daniel asked throwing an arm around Eunha’s shoulder. “Plus if anyone should be exiled it should be Jessica, after all, she is in the favourite house,” he said throwing a withering glance over his shoulder. “Been a favourite for once, you must be so happy Jessie,” he said in a saccharine sweet voice.

“Don’t make me push you down the stairs,” Jinsol spat.

“Oh go ahead, I’d love for you to have pay off the insurance,” He laughed. Sure he wouldn’t get a knuckle off it but it would be fun to see Jinsol scramble around to try and pay the amount his face was insured for.

“So the Great Hall?” Eunha suggested trying to stop the argument. “You know before we get told off or lost?”

Sharing one last annoyed glance with Jinsol, Daniel turned nodding. “Let’s go.”

The Great Hall like Goldhorn had said was hard to miss, especially when hoards of students piling into it. Daniel’s arm dropped down once he stepped into the hall, it was admittedly grand. It was lit by thousands and thousands of candles floating in midair over four long tables, which were quickly been filled by students. On the table laid glittering gold plates and goblets. “I guess this where we might need to separate,” Daniel said reaching out squeezing Eunha’s hand. “If anyone causes you any trouble come find me,” he whispered. Eunha nodded, turning to give a quick hug to Jinsol before the three of them made their way over to their respected tables.

Daniel walked down the Slytherin table looking for an empty spot to sit. “Daniel,” a distinctly female voice called out. Daniel whirled around looking for who called out. He frowned looking around the room searching for whoever said it, with a shrug he moved on figuring out that maybe they were talking to another Daniel, it was a pretty common name.

“Daehyung,” This time he froze, that name wasn’t common at all. “Hello,” he heard seeing a leggy girl with coloured orange hair. “Come sit with us,” she said waving her hand at him. He raised an eyebrow as he looked her over, her robe was open showing off a ruched blouse and a skirt that was definitely shorter than the school uniform code. The piece de resistance was her Cartier handbag that hung loosely off her arm. She seemed wealthy enough. Daniel nodded making his way over to her.

“Ah I am so excited you are here,” The girl said smiling at him sweetly before narrowing her eyes. “Move, you are in my spot loser,” she snapped to a boy who was trying to chat to a blonde girl. “I am sorry about that,” she said turning to Daniel. “Some people don’t know their place, anyway as I was saying, I am such a huge fan – I remember last Summer I went to Tokyo to visit family and your face was everywhere,” she said. “Once Gossip Witch posted about you and your cousins, I am so sorry by the way Hufflepuff – tragic,” she said looking in down like she was mourning, “I knew I had to make sure you were integrated with the right crowd,” she said.

“There is a wrong crowd?” Daniel asked. The girl laughed in response.

“Of course there is,” she said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “Now come sit,” she said sitting on the bench. Daniel looked at the bench with an eyebrow raised, did she expect him to sit on her lap. He got the distinct feeling that Hogwarts students were weird but surely that would be pushing it. He opened his mouth to point out that there was no room, when the blonde girl next to his new friend turned to the person beside her, daggers coming from her eyes. The girl who was on the receiving end quickly stood up practically running away as the blonde slid down leaving a space. Daniel hummed well that works.

“Ladies meet Daniel Choi,” The orange-haired girl, said tapping the spot beside her. “He is that model I told you all about,” she explained.

“I thought his name was Daehyung?” The blonde girl asked, the glare now replaced with a look of curiosity.

“He changed his name obviously Aspen,” The dark-haired girl across from them answered looking up from her copy teen witch. “You know to appease your kind,” she said to Aspen with a roll of her eyes. “Do you think Giselle’s name is really Giselle?”

“If you want to survive you all better say yes Giselle’s name is Giselle,” Giselle, the orange-haired girl threatened. “Anyway yes Daniel is the model I told you about,” she said rolling her eyes. “You know – “

“The one who was on the cover of Mode and Teen Witch Japan at the same time,” The dark-haired girl said with a laugh.

“The one who has been the brand ambassador for Hex and Helix, Divine Beauty, Chanel and Louis Vuitton,” Aspen continued. “You know with the cousin?” she said. Daniel looked at her confused, what did she mean with the cousin.

“Yeah,” Giselle agreed solemnly.

“Were sorry, it’s bad enough a Gryffindor in the family but a you know,” Aspen trailed off.

“It’s okay, no one will think any less of you,” The dark-haired girl said. “You can’t control them,” she shrugged.

“Anyway, enough about that Priya,” Giselle interjected. “I am sure you don’t want to talk about it, it’s upsetting enough,” she said to Daniel patting his back in what was meant to be a comforting move but was just ignoring his personal space.

“Thank you,” Daniel said, “And uh thank you for appreciating my work,” he added, a bashful smile making its way onto his lips. He wondered if Giselle was part of his fan club or just a social climber.

“Here,” Aspen said handing him a goblet. “Don’t worry it’s not pumpkin juice,” she said winking at Daniel. Daniel sniffed at there was no obvious poisons, deciding to risk he took a sip, wine, a decent red at that, he had no idea how they got it but he was glad they did.

“Trust me you’ll need it to get through the sorting ceremony,” Priya whispered to him. “First years are so exhausting,” she said.

“Don’t forget the headmaster’s stupid speech and the school song,” Giselle said nose scrunching up in disgust. “Hoggy Hogwarts, I can’t believe I used to sing that crap,” she scoffed. “Don’t judge me,” she said to Daniel. “I was young and stupid,” she said.

“So nothing has changed then,” A boy said walking past, Daniel turned to look at who said it to see a tall boy, probably older than them, wearing a skirt.

“Don’t worry about him,” Aspen said with an annoyed scoff. “Caspian thinks he is all that because he is a seventh year and is friends with two prefects,” she said shaking her head. “Everyone knows in that the sixth years run the Slytherin house, especially since Poppy is the head girl now, like the headmaster has pretty much condemned her to the domestic life with a that Gryffindick,” she said.

“Also Aspen has never got along with Caspian because he made out with her old crush,” Priya laughed. “It was this huge thing, luckily it was pre gossip witch,” she said.

“Thankfully,” Giselle said. “Imagine if Gossip Witch was here when it happened, Aspen would have never been able to show her face again,” she said, Daniel was sure she seemed a little too gleeful at prospect.

“Oh right Gossip Witch, I heard about that but the person I talked to said they only really post about the same people,” he said.

“Oh Gossip Witch definitely has her favourites,” Priya said rolling her eyes, “Minah Delacroix and her Lee’s,” she said shaking her head. “Merlin’s beard why does Gossip Witch assume we all care about that not so love triangle.”

“Because we supposedly don’t have anything else to do,” Aspen drawled. “And we are supposed to believe Sungjae Lee is a worthy competitor against Tyler,” she laughed.

“Well you will never hear me speaking ill of Sungjae Lee,” Giselle said. “Thanks to him we have the internet,” she praised.

“So you are saying you’d choose Sungjae over Tyler?” Aspen said looking at Giselle, ignoring Daniel’s presence entirely.

“I am not saying that but I am not going to bash him, he has given me Instagram, Tik Tok and made Hoot until he can get the Twitter batch out,” she said. Daniel blinked, the only word familiar to him was Instagram and even that was a foreign land to him.

“I would,” Priya said with a shrug. “He is decent looking but not hotter than me so he will be an easy catch and is destined to become some sort of Tech billionaire,” she pointed out. “But if I am completely honest I don’t think he beats for my team if you know what I mean,” she said wiggling her eyebrows.

He is friends with Caspian and Siobhan and those two are well….” Aspen said judgement clear in her tone.

“Is there a problem with being… “ Daniel repeated mockingly. He had just assumed these people adopted him so they could have a gay best friend.

“Of course not,” Giselle said as it was the most obvious thing in the world. “You were so brave coming out so young,” she said as her friends nodded in agreement. “It just Cas and Siobhan are losers,” she said. “Hey maybe if Sungjae is interested in boys you could date him,” she said.

“Giselle!” Aspen said. “No Daniel is way too good for him, I’ll find you some more worthy of your affections,” she said.

“Yeah your next boyfriend probably,” Priya muttered under her breath.

“Either way,” she shrugged. “Hey Daniel, you should add us on Insta,” Giselle spoke before pausing. “Or you finsta, I know your company doesn’t allow you to follow anybody,” she said. Daniel nodded, he has no control over his Instagram and he wasn’t sure what a finsta was. “I know this because Joshua Jung slid into my DM’s the other week,” she said proudly.

“Oh wow,” Daniel said pretending to be awed, he didn’t think have Josh slide into any crevice was a badge of honour, it was more like a tramp stamp but she seemed excited about it. He was saved from having to say anything more thanks to a slew of 11-year-olds made their way into the hall, all wide-eyed and bushy-tailed.

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“Where do you think you are going?” Giselle asked cocking an eyebrow at Daniel, the feast had finished and Daniel just wanted to check in Eunha, make sure she wasn’t been rejected by the Hufflepuff crowd.

“I was going to check on my cousin,” He said as Giselle, Aspen and Priya gasped, all three of them shaking their heads frantically.

“No sweetie,” Priya said quickly, “You can’t go over there, one it’s social suicide and two we do actually have to head to our dorm,” she said.

“The only time you can go to the Hufflepuff table is if you want to huff and puff,” Aspen said. “But even then, I know a guy who has better options,” she added. “Just let me know what you need.”

“Come on,” Giselle said linking arms with Daniel, Priya took the other arm effectively trapping him. “So our common room is in the Dungeons, I know ew right but it’s really the best one out there,” she said.

“And trust her she has been in all of them,” Priya laughed as Giselle let out a scandalized noise. “But it’s true no other common room is more refined than ours,” she said.

“Ravenclaws common room is pretty nice as well,” Aspen said walking backwards. “It’s in the Astronomy Tower,” she said. “I am not going to tell where Gryffindors or Hufflepuffs are, you might be too tempted to try and find your cousins,” she said eyes narrowing.

“I mean i know it’s Gryffindor but surely he could speak to that cousin if he wanted,” Giselle said. “She looks like she has potential,” she said.

“Jessica?” Daniel snorted. “No, trust me, just no,” he said, the idea he would run in the same social cycle as Jinsol was horrifying to think about. “Should I know anything else about Slytherin?” he asked hoping to get some useful information out of them and not just hearing about how they had a plan to make a finsta.

“Hmm,” Giselle pretended to think.

“You are a pureblood right?” Priya asked. “We aren’t as bad about that stuff now but if you are a half-blood or muggle-born maybe don’t let people know,” she whispered.

“What are you whispering about Patil,” A tall boy asked sliding in next to her. Priya bristled next to him, an annoyed scowl on her face.

“Blowjob techniques, got any tips, Stefan?” Priya asked. “No of course not because no one would touch you with a fifty-foot broom,” she said with an eye roll. “Daniel meet Stefan, he is a six-year like us but you know not as important or attractive,” she said.

“You’re a sixth year?” he said eyeing Daniel. “Guess we will be seeing each other,” he said a smirk making its way onto his lips. “See ya later Patil,” he said with a wink before sauntering over to a bunch of other guys. Daniel knew smirks and that one was trouble, that one meant the idiot was going to pull some shit on Daniel and Daniel was just too tired for dealing with it.

“Don’t worry about him,” Giselle said once he was out of earshot. “He is just pissed Priya rejected him,” she said.

“Oh and Tyler kicked him off the quidditch team,” Aspen added with a laugh. “Apparently he missed training last season and you know what Tyler is like,” Aspen said.

“He bought on himself,” Giselle with a nod. “He was dragging the team down, I heard Tyler is going to pull guys up from the reserve side, maybe Zhang,” she said.

“Nah Zhang isn’t making the team for two more years; he is a seeker, right?” Aspen said. “Yeah Tyler isn’t letting on the pitch until he is done,” she said.

“True,” Giselle lamented. “It’s a shame though Lucas would look good on a broom,” she giggled.

“Right,” Priya said rolling her eyes. “What about Kim? She is a chaser and is actually pretty good,” she pointed out. Daniel nodded not knowing who any of these people are and why he would care.

“Yeah, but she did laugh when Sungjae hit him with the jelly legs jinx,” Aspen pointed out.

“He would stop someone from joining the team because they laughed?” Daniel asked with an eyebrow raised. “Should I be worried about this Tyler guy?” he asked. From what he heard he seemed to be in charge of the whole house.

“No,” Giselle said quickly. “You are amazing.”

“What she means is there is no reason to be worried,” Priya said rolling her eyes at her friend. “You probably won’t see him outside of class, he has his own separate room in the boy’s dorm and is very picky about who he spends time with,” she said with a bitter scoff, Daniel had a feeling someone got rejected. “Not that you aren’t worth spending time with,” she tacked on.

“But seriously don’t worry,” Aspen said. “You will have no problems as long as you stick with us,” she said, the threat was there. Daniel bit his tongue but noted to one day ruin this girls life enough that she would want to jump off that Astronomy Tower she was talking about before.

“So the password for our common room is Viper,” Giselle said to him. “It changes fortnightly though so be prepared,” she warned him.

“Why is Hogwarts against elevators,” Priya complained as they made their way down a winding staircase.

“Maybe you should hook up with Sungjae and see if he can put one in,” Aspen joked. Priya tilted her head before shrugging.

“If I did she wouldn’t be able to use it,” Priya whispered to Daniel.

“Well you would have done all the work,” He whispered back to her, Priya giggled happily. Daniel winced as he felt Giselle tighten her grip on his arm, he guessed she didn’t like been excluded from the joke.

“We are here,” she said as they stopped in front of a stone wall. “Daniel you should say the password since it’s your first time,” she said before a bunch of boys ran past shouting the password.

“I guess I’ll have to wait to pop my password cherry,” Daniel said pulling out of Giselle and Priya’s grips. He really just wanted to get into this dormitory, find his stuff and wash his hair. He could barely hide his annoyance as he had to walk down a narrow hallway, he thought he was here.

“Welcome to the common room,” Priya said once they finally got out of the hallway. “It’s nice right?” she said. Daniel nodded in agreement, it looked like it came from the pages of Witch Deco. “It used to be super ugly, you know just after the war but thankfully people with taste came in and made it more modern,” she explained.

“So the boys dormitories are over there,” Giselle said pointing to a staircase. “Normally I would say we should chat some more but we all have to be up early tomorrow to pick up our schedules,” she said with a yawn. “Do you want someone to lead you to your dorm?” she asked. “I can call one of the guys over,” she offered.

“No it’s fine,” Daniel said, “You should all go get some beauty rest,” he said to them, some needed it more than others. Giselle nodded, before leaning up kissing both his cheeks, Daniel blinked in shock as Priya and then Aspen followed suit. “Goodnight,” he said quickly moving up the stairs, desperate now to not only wash his hair but now his face.

Finding the sixth year’s room was rather easy, it was a spacious room with four four posters each hung with deep emerald curtains. To the end of the room was a single door, what he assumed was the great Tyler Lee’s room. His three dormmates stood near one bed, all eyes on him.

“Hey man,” He noted it was Stefan that was greeting him. Daniel rolled his eyes knowing that this was not going to end well, not for these other guys at least. Stefan noticed Daniel seemed less than impressed, “Hey no, we just want to welcome you to our oh so humble home,” he said bowing mockingly.

“Is it true you are a model?” One of the guys asked, a chuckle escaping his lips. “That’s pretty.. fruity you know,” he said. Daniel once again rolled his eyes.

“Can we skip this whole you all pretend to be nice and get to whatever dim-witted thing you have planned, I am a little exhausted, so –“ he said making a hurry-up gesture. The third boy, a burly idiotic looking beast stood up, Daniel’s luggage in hand.

“Hang on pretty boy,” Stefan said. “I think you have the wrong idea, you see I think we can all be great friends, right guys –“ he started to speak. Daniel was always the quickest to draw his wand so before the three of them could notice he already have Stefan flying back against the wall. The two others watched on in surprise before snapping out of their daze.

The second guy started to sending jinxes and curses his way, all of them Daniel had sent back with ease. Did they teach them how to duel at Hogwarts because honestly, a third-year student at Mahoutokoro could do better than this. The burly guy didn’t bother with magic and instead grinned dragging his things near the door, opening it and pushing his things in with a laugh before closing it. Daniel raised an eyebrow wondering what was the point of that. He didn’t get a chance to ponder about it too much as the big guy had decided to go all muggle and try to tackle Daniel, Daniel thinking quickly hit him with a stupefy unfortunately due to him fighting two people at once, the big was thrown at the door with a loud bang. Stefan and the other guy looked over nervously. Daniel didn’t waste time and hit the three of them with a levitating spell, smiling as they floated mid-air.

“What do you wa –“ Daniel heard someone say, he turned to see who he assumed was Tyler looking from him and his fellow sixth years and then back to him. “Nice,” he said chuckling clearly amused by what he was seeing. He walked over to where Stefan was hanging in the air, “Did I say anything about hazing the new guy?” he asked flicking Stefan’s forehead. “Fucking idiot,” he muttered. Without a word the three others dropped, Stefan and the burly one were lucky enough to fall on a bed, the other guy, well he was not so lucky, instead, he fell face-first onto the ground. “Go see Nurse Pomfrey first thing tomorrow,” Tyler said stepping over the guy and walking over to Daniel.

“So I am guessing your luggage was what was tossed into MY room,” he said to Daniel. Daniel nodded, “I am guessing the big idiot was the one to come up with that idea?” he said and once again Daniel nodded. “Can you speak?” he asked raising an eyebrow, “Oh do you not speak English?” he asked.

“Do I need to answer you verbally?” Daniel asked, taking in Tyler Lee properly quick to decide his face, which despite the wicked gleam in his eyes, was cute, he had big eyes and a sweet looking smile, did not match the rest of his body which was thankfully on display. They must have interrupted him mid nightly routine, he was shirtless with low hanging sweats.

“It’s rude not,” Tyler said tilting his head. “And your luggage broke my defence system,” he frowned. “So you kinda owe me,” he said.

“What?” Daniel asked dropping his wand.

“Just come on,” Tyler said pushing him towards his room. Normally Daniel would have no problem with a guy like him manhandling him but right now he was just very confused and a little scared and not in a fun way.

“Look I don’t know what is –“ he started to speak before been shushed by Tyler.

“In,” he said push him in. Daniel stumbled, eyes widening as he looked around the room. It was nice, really nice and Daniel was a little jealous. Why couldn’t he get his own room, did he have to play quidditch was that it? “Sit,” he said gesturing to a chair.

“If you want to me boss me around you could at least buy me dinner first,” Daniel muttered as he stomped over to the chair.

“Winky,” Tyler called as a house-elf appeared. “Could you get me some snacks, you pick, you know what I like,” he said to the elf. The elf let out a quick yes Mr Tyler, bowing and disappearing and then reappearing with arms full of food. “Give it to him,” he said to the house-elf who promptly dumped his haul into Daniel’s lap. “So now I can boss you around right,” Tyler said smirking at Daniel. Daniel’s eyes narrowed. Tyler rolled his eyes, “Relax, I don’t know what those girls have told you but I am a nice guy,” he said. Daniel knew for a fact if someone had to tell you they were nice they were most definitely not nice but he wanted this to be over so he kept that fact to himself.

“From what I’ve noticed they all seem to hate, love and worship you at the same time, it’s pretty impressive,” he admitted. Tyler grinned nodding proudly, seemingly happy to hear that. “Not trying to be rude because I have the distinct feeling I should feel honoured to be in your presence but I am tired and I had to wear that disgusting hat so I am not sure what creatures are currently making a home in my hair –“ he ranted stopping because he didn’t need to be sharing that with anyone. “What do you want?”

“The sorting hat, it’s so unsanitary,” Tyler agreed, “I swear they haven’t washed that thing once since I’ve been here,” he said as Daniel’s hand wander up to his head wincing as he ran his hand through his locks. He would sue this school if it caused permeant damage. “Well firstly, is that your stuff?” he said nodding to a pile of Daniel’s belonging which while neatly stacked was no longer in his suitcase. Daniel jaw clenched as Tyler laughed. “I didn’t go through your things if that is what you are thinking, though seriously sneaking contraband into school, you are so lucky they didn’t check this year,” he said.

“What?” Daniel asked before realization dawned on him. “Joshua!” he said a growl escaping his lips. Tyler quirked an eyebrow at him, as he picked up a box of chocolates from an admittedly large pile. Daniel winced as the overwhelming smell of peppermint and rose wafted through the air. “Don’t eat those,” Daniel said as Tyler looked up at him. “They are laced with a love potion, a poorly made one though since I can smell the ingredients,” he said. Tyler looked at the box curiously before waving his wand leaving the box a pile of ashes.

“Thank you,” Tyler said. “Now I am going to pretend I know and care about what a Joshua is and skip ahead, the big lug threw your luggage in here knowing that my wards would have destroyed it as soon as it crossed the threshold,” he explained. “He was stupid enough to try and get in my room, completely destroyed his wand, burnt all his hair off and left him tinkled pink, literally, with yellow boils – not pretty but for him, it might have been an improvement,” he said. “Anyway apparently your own charms and wards messed with mine, your suitcase is completely ruined but your belongings are completely fine, even stacked neatly by yours truly,” he boasted. Daniel found it hard to believe Tyler has ever stacked a thing in his life.

“Thank you?” Daniel offered.

“Yes,” Tyler said. “You have good taste by the way, in clothes I mean,” he said. “I don’t suppose you play quidditch do you?” he asked appraising Daniel.

“Thanks?” He said again. Daniel didn’t have taste when it came to clothes, he rarely ever got to choose what he wore. He was a walking billboard, more a mannequin than a human being, it used to bother him (it still does) but he hasn’t had a choice in anything that happened in his life, why should his clothes be any different.“And no not anymore, my manager banned me from playing, a bludger to a face would ruin my career apparently,” he shrugged.

“That’s just sad,” Tyler said. “You mustn’t have been very good if your manager was that worried about bludgers,” he said shaking his head.

“I was plenty good, my face is just worth more,” Daniel huffed.

“If you say so,” Tyler shrugged.

“I should go –“ he said standing up, placing the pile of snacks on the chair. “I’ll just grab my stuff,” he said to Tyler.

“I wouldn’t sleep out there,” Tyler said in a sing-song voice. “The three stooges will want revenge,” he said. “Look I never do this but I feel bad for you,” he said placing a hand on his heart clearly touched by his own kindness. Daniel tried not to show how annoyed he was about Tyler feeling bad for him. “Go shower and you can stay here tonight,” he said. Daniel raised an eyebrow, Tyler didn’t ping him but maybe he was curious.

“Uhm?” Daniel said. “Are you sure –“ he continued looking from the bed and back at Tyler. Tyler shook his head a disappointed sigh escaping his lips.

“You failed test one,” Tyler said, “You don’t question me, especially when I am going out of my way to be nice you say thank you Tyler,” he recited. Everyone who mentioned Tyler Lee to him was wrong, he wasn’t intimidating or cool he was just really strange. Tyler coughed pointing to another door. “Tomorrow you’ll have your second test, don’t fail that one – What is your name?”

“Daniel” He grumbled.

“Right well then don’t fail your second test Daniel,” he said. Daniel blinked picking up his things before walking into Tyler’s ensuite. So much for Tyler Lee not noticing him.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

The next morning came too quickly and a groggy Daniel was woken up by a house-elf sitting on his chest. “Rise and shine Daniel, we have things to do,” he heard Tyler’s voice from somewhere in the room. “Is this a one of a kind Gucci Sweater? Hmm, I need to get one,” he heard. Daniel groaned sitting up, much to Daniel’s relief and disappointment Tyler had expanded his room enough to fit the four-poster bed from the dorm in his room. “Oh good you are up, come on it’s breakfast time and time for your second test,” he said happily, already dressed for the day.

Daniel sighed standing up. “Accio lookbook,” he said as the lookbook Andrea had planned for him came flying at him, flipping to page one he quickly called for the pieces he needed. Tyler looked on, foot tapping impatiently. “Every day is a runway and I have endorsement deals I have to uphold,” he explained. “You can have the sweater if you want by the way.”

“I don’t need your charity Daniel Choi,” he said with a huff.

“Clearly,” Daniel said looking around, everything in this room was lavish. “I was saying thank you,” he added. Tyler hummed considering what he said.

“Well then I appreciate the offer but I will get my own,” He said. “Good you are ready,” he said clapping. Daniel frowned, was Tyler one of those mythical morning people?

“I am actually meant to be meeting up with Giselle and Pri-“ he started before Tyler raised a hand to stop him from continuing.

“They will understand,” Tyler said. “Now come on breakfast,” he said

. “Couldn’t you just get your house-elf to bring you breakfast in bed?” Daniel asked. “Which reminds me why do you have a house-elf? And your own room? Does Hogwarts really take quidditch that seriously?” he asked. “Also random question but what is a finsta?”

“I don’t eat in bed, and yes Hogwarts does take quidditch seriously,” Tyler answered as they walked through the boys dorm. “But that isn’t why I have my own room,” he said. “Hang on,” he said stopping at the door pulling his wand out muttering spell, Daniel watched as the potted plants on the floor came up over their three slipping roommates and tipped onto them. “Okay let’s go,” Tyler said.

“So,” Tyler said as they ended up in the great hall. “We will be having breakfast at the Ravenclaw table,” he said.

“I thought going to other tables was strictly forbidden,” Daniel said as Tyler turned to him looking at him as if he said something so incredibly dumb.

“Who told you that? Wait don’t answer,” Tyler said shaking his head.

“So you can go to other tables? great I need to go see my cousin,” he said trying to make his way over to the Hufflepuff table.

“What are you doing?” Tyler asked grabbing him and pulling him back. “Oh is your cousin in Hufflepuff?” he asked, Daniel nodded. “Oh no, Daniel, I am so sorry, why didn’t you tell me that no wonder you failed the first test, don’t worry I will strike it from your record, “ he said patting Daniel’s back. “But no you can’t go to that table, ever, anyway test time,” he said, dragging Daniel to three people dressed in blue.

“Hello, ladies and trolls how are we this morning?” Tyler asked. Daniel frowned wondering what this test was until he noticed, the troll in this equation, a boy with mostly black hair with blue streaks through his bangs, cat-like eyes and what seemed to be permanently pouted lips looked at Tyler with a scowl, his lips barely moving but Daniel noticed the incarnation he was muttering. Daniel muttered his own defence protecting Tyler from whatever the boy was trying to do. The boy blinked looking surprised and then finally settling on Daniel, Daniel smirked cocking an eyebrow challenging this guy to try again.

“Daniel,” Tyler said looking between Daniel and the guy. “Ignore him, this is my lovely little sister, Tara,” he said pointing to a girl, Daniel nodded he could see the family resemblance.

“Hello,” he said with a wave. Tara muttered her own hello before looking at her brother. Tyler was staring at Daniel intently which was odd. “Your brother’s really nice?” he offered trying to get Tyler to look somewhere else. He nodded seemingly happy with his praise. Maybe he wanted to prove he was a nice person. “And this is my girlfriend Min-“

“I am not your girlfriend!” The girl snapped.

“Minah,” Tyler sighed. “Don’t be rude to my friend, say hello,” he said. “She is just keeping it on the down-low,” Tyler informed Daniel. “We are actually en-“ he started before an apple was thrown at his head, luckily he managed to duck.

“Hello Minah, girlfriend not girlfriend of Tyler,” Daniel said. “Wait Minah, oh this is the love triangle, I got told about,” Daniel said. “You must be the internet guy,” he said pointing to the guy. “Sunghae,” he said nodding. “Can you make an elevator?” he asked.

“Don’t talk to him,” Tyler said pulling Daniel away, Daniel pouted he wanted an answer. Once they were away from the table. “So what do you think?”

“Well Sunghae was better at spells than Stefan and his friends but I blocked it,” he said. Tyler tilted his head. “That’s what we are talking about right?” he asked as Tyler shook his head.

“What did Sungjae try and do?” he asked, “No, never mind, what do you think of Tara and Minah? Do you think they are pretty?” he asked.

Daniel blinked, maybe he wanted to make his sister and girlfriend models?. “Yeah I guess?” Daniel offered. “I mean objectively of course, wait are you trying to set me up with your sister, oh no, sorry but that isn’t –“

“No!” Tyler snapped. “Wait why are you saying no, do you think you are too good for my sister?” he asked his eyes narrowing.

“You’re confused, I am saying I am a little too gay for your sister,” Daniel deadpanned as Tyler froze, he had to bit back a laugh as Tyler seemed to malfunction. “Is that a problem?” he asked.

“No,” Tyler said quickly, “It’s good,” Tyler nodded curtly. “Right,” he muttered. He was about to say something when a girl in a Gryffindor uniform leapt on him.

“Tyler, come have breakfast with me, I haven’t seen you all Summer,” she said, not sparing Daniel a second glance as she dragged Tyler away. Well, that was fun.

“Daniel,” He turned to see Giselle, Priya and Aspen racing towards him. “Why didn’t you wait for us in the common room?” Giselle asked with a pout. “You look cute,” she said fixing his Gucci felt cap and pulling on his tie. “Priya can charm this, it’s not the right colour,” she frowned. “Also fix his cap, make it green instead of red, we don’t want people to get confused and think he is a Gryffindork,” she said tutting.

Priya stepped forward, speaking her spells and waving her wand. “Much better,” she said. “So we were told Tyler Lee stole you away,” she said.

“And we knew they were lying,” Aspen said, Daniel glanced over at her, nose scrunching up the sight of bare skin. Crop tops were apparently a part of the Hogwarts uniform. Charming.

“Right,” Daniel rolled his eyes. “So food then and schedules, right? I am starved,” he said patting his stomach. Giselle nodded once again linking arms with him.

“So what classes did you pick?” Giselle asked as they walked back over to the Slytherin table, Daniel smirked as once glance from her once again cleared the table. She sat down pulling down beside her as Priya and Aspen sat across from them. “I hope we are in the same classes,” she said pulling out her phone. “Ugh this stupid app isn’t working,” she frowned.

“Oh, so we got our schedules by phones?” Daniel asked.

“Not really, they bought this app in last year but they can never get it working so we all end up getting it the old fashioned way,” Aspen said. “Leave the muggle tech to muggle-borns, the professors can’t do anything,” she said rolling her eyes.

“Daniel, time for a first-day selfie,” Giselle said sliding closer and taking a photo. “Oh we look so good,” she hummed as she turned her attention back to her phone. “Remember to add us to your finsta today,” she said. “I want to be able to tag you,” she said.

“Why is Sungjae Lee staring at you?” Priya asked.

“Giselle is very pretty why wouldn’t he?” Daniel asked looking at the picture of Giselle’s shoulder. “Maybe the internet god appreciates people enjoying his work,” he said as Giselle looked up beaming at him. It would seem a little bit of praise goes a long way with her.

“He is looking at you,” Aspen said.

“Oh,” Daniel said looking up to find Sungjae looking at him curiously. Daniel winked at him smirking as Sungjae suddenly looked away. Cute. “Why wouldn’t he?” Daniel asked turning back to his ‘friends’. “I am very pretty right?” he asked as the three nodded furiously.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

“So we took your results from your old school,” Professor McKeon said looking down at Daniel’s results. “Exchanging them match our OWL levels, I have to say I am surprised, you have so many O’s,’ Daniel had no idea what O’s were but he nodded. “You are cleared for Charms, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, Potions, Ancient Runes, Divination and Muggle Studies,” he said tilting his head as he read the last class out, handing Daniel his schedule.

So what classes are you in?” Giselle said bouncing over to him. “Are you taking Astronomy?” she asked as Daniel shook his head watching as she deflated. “Give me your schedule so we can check,” she said as Priya and Aspen crowded around as well.

“Can I look at it first,” Daniel laughed, he had a class – well now, he was looking further when his schedule was promptly ripped out of his hands. Daniel looked up ready to tell Giselle off only to find Tyler looking over his schedule humming and hawing as he did so. Daniel looked at him annoyed as the girls watched with wide eyes.

“Switch Muggle Studies and Divination for Care of Magical Creatures and Arithmancy,” he said handing back to Daniel. Daniel blinked looking at the girls for some help but they were to busy staring at Tyler. He coughed trying to get them back to a normal state.

“Yeah you should totally change it, Daniel,” Aspen said. “Who even does Muggle studies these days?” she asked. Daniel glared at her, if she kept this up by the end of the year she would be at the bottom of the lake. Beside her, Giselle and Priya nodded.

“Hmm,” Tyler said looking at the trio with an eyebrow raised. “Ladies I believe potions is about to start,” he said to them. They nodded giggling as they scampered away, Daniel raised an eyebrow, Tyler was dismissing them and they were completely fine with it, even thankful.

“So the powderpuff girls?” Tyler said looking at them as they hurried down to the Dungeon.

“The what?” Daniel asked. “Is that what they call themselves?” he said scrunching his nose up, he could believe it. It was probably Aspen’s idea. “What does that mean?”

“It’s a muggle cartoon,” Tyler said. “I call them that and if I said they should call themselves that they would without questioning it,” he grinned. “So classes – don’t worry I’ll do it for you,” he said rolling his eyes.

“Uh you can’t,” Daniel said. “I have to take Muggle Studies, my manager said I need to be more aware of the muggle world since I work in it,” he shrugged. Tyler Lee didn’t need to know about the Bazar incident. No one did.

“Nope,” He said popping his p. “I’ll teach about the muggle world, don’t worry,” he said waving a hand dismissively.

“And why would I listen to you?” Daniel asked.

“Because –“ Tyler shrugged. “Plus it’s what friends do right? Help each other,” he said.

“We are friends?” Daniel asked. “Because you seemed kinda freaked out before,” he added.

“I don’t spend this much time with people I am not friends with and I am going to ignore how ungrateful you seem right now because I guess I didn’t handle your news that best,” he said. “You should have told me earlier instead of just springing it on me,” he said.

“I’ve known you for about what? 8 hours, when exactly would I have had time to have a heart to heart, or should I have just slipped into a conversation?” he asked.

“8 hours is a long time,” Tyler said. “And it doesn’t matter right, we are friends, you aren’t attracted to me, right? Like it’s not going to get weird?”

“Right, I am not attracted to you,” Daniel said simply, it wasn’t entirely the truth, Tyler was a good looking guy but it did seem the quickest way to end this conversation.

“Good, wait, why aren’t you attracted to me?” he asked suddenly baffled by the prospect. “I mean I saved your life last night – shirtless might I add,” he said.

“Do you want me to find you attractive?” Daniel asked.

“No, I mean – you should be though, I am hot,” he huffed.

“You’re cute and i am not sure I am into guys who try to pimp me out to their little sisters so,” Daniel shrugged.

“I did not try and pimp you out to my sister,” Tyler exclaimed. “And stop lying, I am the most attractive guy in the school but i appreciate your commitment to pretending you are not attracted to me for the sake of our budding friendship,” Tyler nodded.

“Someone is lying to themselves and it isn’t me,” Daniel said with a laugh. “And can I have my schedule back, I have classes to attend as well you know unless you got some more tests for me, which by the way what was the other test and did I pass?” he asked.

“You did but you cheated,” He huffed. “I’ll have to think of another one,” he said. “And no I need to go fix it, go to the Dungeon’s I’ll see you in potions,” he said.

“I saved you from that Sungjae though so that has to count as well,” Daniel pointed out. “Why was he trying to hit you with a jinx anyway?” he asked. “And I don’t need to change classes,” he said. “So how about give me my schedule and you go to potions,”

“I’ll let you keep Divination if you let me change Muggle Studies?” Tyler offered. “And because he is jealous of me and in love with my girlfriend,”.

“Fine and really? Priya said that Sungjae plays for my team,” Daniel said.

“You don’t play quddi- Oh you mean – no, or maybe, do you think he does?” Tyler asked.

“Well he was starring at me during breakfast, I should have eaten a banana to see if he liked the visual,” Daniel said.

“Hmm,” he said tilting his head. “If that’s true – I mean he is aiming higher than he should but –“ he said, gears turning in his head. “We’ll talk about it after class, once you sign the roommate agreement, it’s just standard rules and an NDA nothing to worry about,” he said to Daniel. “You should go to potions, if you see any guy try and sit next to Minah stun them,” he instructed before walking through the crowd that seemed to part as soon as he appeared.

Daniel hummed pulling out his phone, messaging Josh to let him know he was wrong. Daniel had made a new friend now, atleast he thought he had.

[endlessdoom]

The Troopers’ Playground

9 maps-set.

By Matthias Worch.

1996.

https://doomwiki.org/wiki/The_Troopers%27_Playground

MAP01: Welcome

Solid introduction that quickly establishes the visual design and difficulty we will expect in this WAD. Also introduces the one soldier/demon that will makes us clench our butts. 3/5

MAP02: Intrusion

A bit more traditional and with a novice design, but with a good layout and entertaining gameplay. 3/5

MAP03: Simply Dead...

Difficult and a bit tricky, but it has an interesting layout that offers a good flow throughout the duration of the map. 3/5

MAP04: Going Down

Focused on close quarters combat, this is an intense map with a multitude of traps but with a good layout that offers decent movement through fairly acceptable visuals. Fun and varied. 3/5

MAP05: Underground Temple

Green marble in a subway structure. A medium sized map with a good punch and a few surprises as well as a varied and entertaining layout. 3/5

MAP06: Deep Down Below

With a style that resembles that of the drains, this is a map short in size but with a slightly more intense duration thanks to its successful puzzles and combat glued. Entertaining and simple map. 3/5

MAP07: Three-O-Matic

A constant challenge in a slightly more expansive map with a traditional style. So far, the overall look of the maps tends to be a bit soft, but the gameplay stays hot and with good variation. 3/5

MAP08: Star Control

We enter a tech-base with a somewhat confusing but manageable layout. A basic style and a decent gameplay. Nothing out of the ordinary and a few interesting encounters. 3/5

MAP09: Deliverence?

An interesting proposal for an IoS. Speed and accuracy is all that counts here. Romero is on a moving platform in which we will have to depend a lot on the splash dmg, as well as the speed we have due to the rapid increase of enemies. Overall, it's a new way to take on an IoS and it's quite entertaining even if the map is a bit basic. 3/5

End

Overall:

» The Trooper’s Playground (1996)

By Matthias Worch

Back, back, back in the day, things used to be be- oh wait, no, wrong thread. Ehem. Back in 1996, Mattias Worch released a 9 map WAD with quite the interesting line-up of new content and short yet punchy maps, predating Erik Alm’s Scythe for quite some time, yet, unlike the former, this one is not a full megawad but still one that delivers quite the quality material with some well-done layouts and new tricks that probably blew some minds away back in the 90s. As an interesting tidbit I read on the Doomwiki, this WAD originally came with a .bat using the New WAD Tool, making it a sort of relic of yesteryear that showcased the technical wonders of yesteryear, which despite being somewhat annoying by modern standards (or even for those times) brought with it a unique charisma that we will probably never see again. Now, many years later, The Trooper's Playground was re-released in 2016 with a new version that simplified things, allowing modern source-ports to run it. So, I played this little adventure that ended up being quite rewarding thanks to a few simple but entertaining factors.

Starting with the nostalgia factor and visuals, The Trooper's Playground clearly has it coursing through its veins. It has a classic and traditional 90s style, with maps that represent the highest peak that mappers reached during 1996. Each map starts off simple and then expands to reveal interesting layouts with some pretty hot encounters. As for the visuals of this WAD, we can't expect much but it doesn't mean that what we have here is a bad example. This WAD looks pretty good considering the year ahead. It manages to retain its feel and maintains a subtle but quite acceptable look that is even pleasing despite the incredible standards we have today. In other words: It doesn't look bad but it's not extravagant either. What it does manage to establish itself in a more critical way is the type of design that its levels have and the variety of layouts that we will find. With 9 maps in total, each one of them manages to create a clear little adventure that goes hand in hand with variety and fun.

 The Trooper's Playground is an adventure that, despite having an average length of 1 hour 30 minutes, manages to pack quite a punch, especially in UV. It achieves a fairly acceptable challenge that strikes a good balance between trial-and-error and player skill. Its layouts manage to create dynamic encounters that offer an entertaining variety that evokes a good sense of modern gameplay, so to speak. As we progress through the WAD we will find other interesting encounters that manage to stand out by combining puzzle elements as well as interesting little tricks that increase the difficulty but always try to maintain a balance between the enemies that are thrown at us. Each map has an average of 140 demons, starting quite heavy even with the first map, but despite that, manages to establish quite well the type of challenge that seeks to achieve: that of a traditional combat with an average duration where everything is established based on intelligent encounters, well-planned positioning and careful selection of items. The latter can be a bit short at times, but it's quite manageable. I should also mention that the final map features an IoS, which, yes, we know perfectly well that they are done to death, but the author manages to create a different example that reacts with an avant-garde and entertaining form of combat, although a bit difficult for blind players. In a somewhat amusing or simply quirky way, I can describe my overall opinion of this WAD as a ''quickie''. It's not necessarily the longest, nor the best, but it's an enjoyable one that manages to offer enough intensity to give us a good hour of satisfaction, especially for those who love the old and old, stuck in times they probably didn't even live. Like me. Fuck. Anyway, this WAD? Good. My opinion? Play it. The reason? Apart from being part of the ''pre-Cacowards'', it's just plain fun and a good example of a fantastic creation from the 90s.

[titusmoody]

It’s the end of the first quarter of 2021. Here’s a brief review of the things I watched/played/read.

Games

Donut County- pretty charming, very easy, fairly satisfying to play. I’d recommend Untitled Goose Game over this, though.

Heaven’s Vault- If you only have room in your life for one space archaeology game, play Outer Wilds instead. However, you get to translate alien writings yourself (in a simplified game way) in this one, so I’d recommend both. 

Donkey Kong Country 3 103%- so many fun level mechanics in this one. The difficulty of finding and completing everything in the game was spot-on for me.

Donkey Kong Country 2 102%- Each level mechanic in this one is explored and used in far more interesting ways than DKC3, though I honestly had more fun with 3 this time around. This one is the “dark, edgy” one aesthetically which is extremely dumb. Also, there was a lot of guesswork involved in finding some of the hidden stuff, which I didn’t enjoy.

The Room 4- I like escape room games. This one was good. It continued 3′s trend of trying to shake up the format a little, which is fine (better here than in 3, I think) but I wouldn’t have minded if all 4 stayed exactly the same, just with new puzzles.

Spider-Man: Miles Morales- Everything about it was competent. Not only was each gameplay activity fine-tuned to feel good, but the structure of the game also kept kept you experiencing a good variety of each activity. PS5 graphics are good, too. Nothing about it really got me excited to play it, it was just a good after work unwinding thing.

Cyberpunk 2077- Exactly the opposite of Spider-Man in terms of quality consistency. There are aspects of this game that are amazing, horrible, and every step in between. However, I’ve thought about it quite a bit and will probably continue to think about it for both good and bad reasons.

Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair- Donkey Kong Country has better level design and controls. Well, the best levels of this were every bit as good as the best DKC levels, and maybe I’m just so familiar with DKC levels that I zone out a little during the boring bits, but had to pay attention to every moment of this game. Still, I didn’t have as much of an overall good time as the DKC games I played earlier.

Hue- Good 2D puzzle-platformer. I’m no longer surprised by these, but I still appreciate them, much in the same way as I like playing escape room games. I was under the impression for a few years that because I understood the potential of puzzle platformers, it meant I wouldn’t want to play any more of them, but that’s simply not true. I had a good time with Hue.

Shows

Gravity Falls- It’s fine. Pretty entertaining. I wish there were more low-stakes kinds of episodes, just to get more familiar with different sides of the characters. It would have made the characters and setting feel more rounded.

Cowboy Bepop- I didn’t get the hype for this show when I first watched it at 21, and now I can say that it’s simply not my kind of show. I have much more appreciation for it now than I did the first time, but it doesn’t hit me emotionally the same way that it seems to hit so many people. 

Seinfeld- It’s Seinfeld. There was precisely one episode that I had never seen before, plus confirmation that I didn’t dream the episode that’s told in backwards chunks like Memento and is set in India.

Paranoia Agent- While it was disappointing that this ended up being a more simple morality tale than every Satoshi Kon movie I’ve seen, I still enjoyed watching this a lot.

Aggretsuko- I liked the mundane, every-day storylines like a modern, more empathetic Seinfeld. Unfortunately as the show went on, there were more and more wacky situations that no one actually gets into. I might watch the upcoming season if I hear that it’s less ridiculous.

Over the Garden Wall- This was really cool and I’m glad it exists. It’s ten episodes long, which is perfect for it. I thought it was at its weakest during the more lighthearted or humorous moments--precisely the opposite of Gravity Falls. The word “classy” comes to mind to describe this show. 

Beastars- Really good when it isn’t falling into anime plot and dialog cliches. A lot of this first season is dedicated to introducing characters and the setting, which I thought was very well done. I’m curious to see what Season 2 is like.

Movies

Scott Pilgrim vs the World- It’s a fun movie to watch. It definitely makes many of the characters’ flaws seem like more fun than it probably should, but I’m more bothered by the criticism I hear that boils down to “it’s a bad movie because the characters are bad people” which I suspect is an impression you only get if you lack both empathy and media comprehension.

Big- Kinda bad. It has iconic moments that are only possible with its weird premise, but it’s just not a premise that supports an entire good movie. 

Phantom of the Opera- Way better and way worse than I remember. Has the precise right amount of horses.

Knives Out- Not really a movie I needed to watch a second time, but it sure is good.

District 9- I didn’t remember most of this movie and unfortunately I zoned out for most of this rewatch, so I still feel like I don’t know what it’s about.

From up on Poppy Hill- Not one of the top tier Ghibli movies, but still really good in a down-to-earth way that I like from Ghibli. 

Enter the Dragon- I knew to expect everything to be turned up to 11, which is good because it really is a lot. I liked it, though.

Shutter Island- I have never actually liked this kind of twist-reliant movie. I thought I would for many years, but I was always disappointed. At least now I am aware that it’s not what I’m into.

Soul- The premise is much too convoluted, but it does have an excellent moment near the end.

Onward- I liked this one a lot. Why don’t more people talk about this one? It’s definitely better than Coco, which itself was really good.

A Silent Voice- The kind of movie that reminds me that sometimes Japanese storytelling is more to my taste than Hollywood style, in that scenes can be more emotionally ambiguous. 

Tangled- Good in exactly the same way as Frozen and Moana. I can’t really complain, but this isn’t the same situation as puzzle platformers or escape rooms. In this case, I do get a little sick of being completely unsurprised. This movie was made first, so it’s only by chance that this is the one that I saw last.

Monsters University- A good movie, but it really doesn’t have to be about the same characters as Monsters Inc. 

Monty Python and the Holy Grail- Still funny

The Departed- Good if you want an enjoyable crime thriller to watch, bad if you want a Scorcese movie.

Titanic- Getting very drunk and watching this with Brittany might be the best time I had in the past three months. Maybe I won’t think too hard about why a movie about the overdue, violent death of a social order resonates with me right now.

Prince of Egypt- Impressive and grand, but I didn’t really care about the characters or story.

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan- A good but not great (by TNG standards) concept for an episode that was made extremely enjoyable by the added budget and longer runtime of a movie.

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock- Not as good, but still watchable.

Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home- The kind of ridiculous concept you’d only make when you’ve already had three successful movies and are confident that you’ll be able to make at least another couple. The gang go back to the 1980s (present day to the original audience) and save the whales. It’s apparently exactly the right movie to watch if this is the third consecutive Star Trek movie you’re watching.

Mamma Mia- A lot of fun, but has weird problems that seem like they would’ve been easy to solve at the script level. Maybe if the conflicts had been introduced early on instead of dragging the whole pace of the movie down for much of the last 20 minutes, I would’ve enjoyed the whole thing.

Books

The Well of Ascension- The second book of a trilogy. Very competent. Introduces a whole lot of minor conflicts that really keep the momentum going and give the characters short-term goals that contribute to the overall plot and their arcs. 

The Hero of Ages- The final book in the same trilogy. Equally competent. I wish there had been more long-term payoffs, which is the trade-off you make by stuffing the books full of those short-term conflicts. Spoilers ahead, but not ones that I think ruin the experience of reading. It’s very odd that of three of the central characters, one dies, one becomes a god and then dies, and one becomes God. 

Check Please- About as pleasant as it gets. Full of the type of minor character that sitcoms end up running into the ground because they’re too one-note (Creed from The Office, for instance) but in a series with a pre-planned length, there’s no chance for it to get stale. Plus, I really liked both of the lead characters.

Milkman- Good book about “The Troubles” in Ireland. Very odd collection of characters, but the narrator had an extremely enjoyable voice to read. 

And Then There Were None- Classic mystery story for a reason. Feels more like a Hitchcock movie than Sherlock Holmes. I read it in one day both because the prose was easy and I wanted to know what happened next. Not much substance to it, unfortunately.

Homegoing- Extremely ambitous book where each chapter is narrated by the descendant of a previous chapter, alternating between two branches of the same family. I liked it quite a bit, though because I only finished it yesterday I don’t have much reflection done yet so my opinion has yet to solidify.

[toufiq14]

How To Create A YouTube Channel To Grow Your Product And Make Money Or Make Money Online

It may seem harder to learn how to build a YouTube channel than to start with other social networks. But it doesn’t have to be this way. And also, YouTube is a popular social media platform in all worlds. About three-quarters of Americans use a social media site, compared to 69% who use other Social media. And more than half of those users visit YouTube every day.

In fact, YouTube is the second most visited website in the world after Google — the parent company of YouTube. With so much access, YouTube is an opportunity your business cannot ignore.

How to create a YouTube channel

Step 1: Create a Google Account

If you’re signed in to Gmail, Google Maps, Google Play, or any other Google service, you already have a Google Account. In this case, you can skip to the next step.

Don’t worry about the name and email address associated with your existing Google Account being appropriate for your product. Your existing Google Account information will not be publicly linked to your YouTube account. An account is just the key to getting you in the door.

Step 2: Create a YouTube Product Account

Your Google Account automatically gives you your YouTube account. However, to create a YouTube account for your business, you will want to set up a product account.

With your YouTube account, you will be the only person in control of your channel. Your channel will have the same name as your Google Account, which means you can’t use a brand name. That’s not right.

When you create a YouTube Product Account, you can customize your channel for your product and give access to team members. Here’s how to do it right.

(“How I Run 9 Different Profitable YouTube Channels and Make 6 Figures From Them” Click Me and see the super Secrete)

3. Enter your product name and click Create.

Your Product Account gives you access to YouTube statistics, which gives you a better understanding of who views your videos and what kind of content they respond to the most. Learn more in our post on how to use YouTube for marketing.

Step 4: Enter your product ID

As with any social channel, when you start a YouTube channel, it is important to introduce a strong brand identity.

Step 5: Upload your first video

Congratulations! You have now created a YouTube channel. The first time is to add quality content.

* Sign in to your YouTube account.

* Click the Create Video or Post button at the top of your screen. It looks like a small video camera.

* Create a video or post button

* Click Upload Video.

* Select the video you would like to upload to your computer.

* While your video is uploading, add a title of up to 100 characters and a description of up to 5,000 characters. Make sure you enter the correct keywords in your video description, but avoid entering keywords.

* Click Publish.

Not sure what to include in your YouTube videos? Check out our YouTube marketing guide for lots of great ideas for content creation. And Join the YouTube Partner Program to unlock more features

Once you have reached more than 1,000 subscribers and received more than 4,000 hours of public viewing in the last 12 months, you can apply to join the YouTube Partner Program.

[hopetofantasy]

Culture, parallels & meta - S1 E5

Zaterdag 11:27

C is for culture: “My parents are gone for the entire autumn break” - Autumn/fall break is set in the last week of October and the start of November. This free week only applies to kindergarten, primary school, secondary school and university college. Universities start their lessons one week later, so they never have this vacation. 

°

Zaterdag 14:12

C is for culture: “’Girl’ is apparently really good.” - The Belgian movie ‘Girl’ is the feature debut of director Lukas Dhondt, which immediately gained international acclaim: winning prizes at 'Cannes festival' and put on the long list for Oscar entries. The drama was inspired by Nora Monsecour, a Belgian trans female dancer and her struggle in pursuing a career as a ballerina born in the wrong body. Praised by critics, criticized by some, it surely made an impact in LGBT+ film world. In some countries, the movie is available on 'Netflix'. 

Where’s Wally? Ah, we forgot Lotte, didn’t we? Jens’ cute kid sister!

Perfect parallels: Robbe happily playing Fortnite with Jens in S1 and him playing the same game worrying about Sander in S3. 

Blink-and-y’ll-miss-it: Jens has a guitar, an amp and a djembé in his room.

°

Zondag 10:45

C is for culture: “That’s summertime. It’s wintertime today.” - During last Saturday night in October, the clock jumps an hour back from our summertime (GMT + 2) to our wintertime (GMT + 1). So 3 o’clock at night becomes 2 o’clock, making it an hour earlier. It stays that way until the last Saturday of March, where the clock an hour jumps forward again. 

°

Maandag 14:23

C is for culture: 

“Our first time”: The average age to loose one’s virginity in Belgium is around 18. A quarter of the ‘first time cases’ even happen between the bracket 21-25y. Reasons? The youth of today are more informed than previous generations (parental talks, sexual education, television) and decide to wait, have too busy lives or are shown more explicit images on television, which has a direct effect on body insecurities.

“Can I borrow the pill?” “I use the ring, you don’t want that”: At least 9 out of 10 young Belgian women use a form of anti-conception to protect themselves, with the pill on number 1. The IUD and vaginal ring are the second most popular. Since the 1st of April 2020, anyone under the age of 25 can purchase the pill - with a doctor’s note - for free. And the morning after? Is now free for anyone!

Blink-and-y’ll-miss-it: The monstrosity that’s called Jens-Jana’s baby 😂

°

Woensdag 13:51

C is for culture: Even though the situation with the doctor was hilarious, this isn’t usually the response you’ll get. In most cases, the doctor will do a questionnaire and check your body. Afterwards, they’ll educate you on the different options of birth control and help you decide which one you suits you best. 

Actual sexual education starts in primary school at the age of 10 and goes on until the age of 14 in Biology lessons. Some schools might start some principles earlier, teaching about 'where babies come from’, consent or (same sex) relationships. 

That’s character: Amber is already complaining about her stomach - the air build-up - because she doesn’t eat enough. Other hints towards her problem with food will be shown later on: feeling dizzy, joining ramadan on a whim, running like crazy, following diets, claiming a gluten allergy (S2), needing to buy a certain type of food and calling s’mores disgusting for having too much calories (S3).

°

Donderdag 14:09

C is for culture: This clip was published on the 1st of November, ‘All Saints Day’. This public holiday commemorates those who passed away and it’s part of the tradition to visit their graves/tombs and place flowers on it. Memories might be shared by visiting other family members afterwards.

Blink-and-y’ll-miss-it: According to the dates on his tombstone, Jana’s father Tom was just 36 years old when he passed away. Jana was 7.

°

Donderdag 15:52

C is for culture: “I saw on Smartschool...”. - 'Smartschool' is a digital platform, where students can see messages, tasks, tests and documents about their courses. Parents can monitor their child’s grades and important communication surrounding their behavior or changes made to the curriculum.

Blink-and-y’ll-miss-it: Jana’s mom is drinking warm 'Lipton' tea. 

°

Vrijdag 18:12

Perfect parallel: Zoë’s reluctant “[Sex] with that fuckboy? No, thank you!” in S1 and Zoë later having a actual (sexual) relationship with Senne in S2. 

Where is Wally? Another of Jens’ sisters forgotten! (We didn’t see her, though).

Blink-and-y’ll-miss-it: Amber refers to a dress from 'Morgan De Toi', a French clothing brand which originally sold lingerie. One dress costs around 70 euros. 

Bonus: Senne is actually a total polite cutie pie here?

[poisonheadcrabsalesman]

okay for real, top 10 video game monster designd

okay so this will be a mix of games i have played/seen and also range in age and quality. This also got long oh my god im sorry, i pulled up my xbox achievements to refresh and I got nostalgic. There are better designs out there but this was on my brain.

1. Gravemind/ The Flood - scared the shit out of me and they’re super gross and vaguely unknowable. Also the gross level I showed you from Halo 3 was the bane of my existence. The thing speaks in trochaic heptameter and says raw ass lines like “I AM A MONUMENT TO ALL YOUR SINS”

2. Jeff from HL:A no spoilers but enemies like that stress me out and he is well executed and designed. A gross dude. I have not played but have watched 2 full playthroughs.

3. All the funky lil dudes from Voodoo Vince for the original Xbox. Fucked up weird ass game that has a charming art style and a lot of platforming. The Imps, bubba gators, and Gingerdeadmen stick out.

4. The sleepytime robots from Battle for Bikini Bottom, stealth based stress plus loud warning noise. My brother and I hated the Rock Bottom level but this game and its music are ingrained in our DNA now.

5. Cacodemon. good round design and I love the evolution over the years. Glory killing the bastards as I figure out Doom Eternal is rewarding.

6. Elites/ Sangheili - yes another halo enemy. But the design is cool and different from regular space marine shooters. The entire culture and structure of the covenant is interesting and way too much lore is involved but the Elites were always so cool to me, compared to the Brutes/Jiralhanae, which are just a bunch of angry gorilla men. And I mean the Arbiter is right there y’all. They also have energy swords.

7. Striders! I’m remembering all the weird biotech synth enemies from Half Life but Striders are terrifying. Flesh and Machine and horrible calls signalling open fire. The tripod war of the worlds thing going on. The Combine scared me playing the games when they first came out because they were so mysterious and unexplained, were they still people or machine and the alien-ness was scary. I’m not scared of Hunters anymore because you can murder them with their own flechettes pretty easily once you get it down.

8. Fallout - Deathclaws. Okay yeah big scary dino, mutated chameleon thing, but these things are fast and tough and the fucking quarry in New Vegas? Leaving Goodsprings and trying to apply Elder Scrolls “I can probably outrun this” logic DOES NOT WORK. They are a great monster, they lumber, they roar, and they will get you. You see one before it sees you and you might have a head start.

9. I might be one of 3 people on this site to play them but Shadow of Mordor/ Shadow of War is fun. Yes it is basically a lotr fanfic game, but the nemesis system is fucking amazing I do not care what people said. Yes its a batman/ass creed clone. SO? I have fun killing orcs! WELL DESIGNED, LOVINGLY GENERATED ORCS. They have personalities and a history with the player character and a set of revolving traits. Also Carnan is fun. Caragors and Graugs, fuck ghuls, but fun design is a lotr homage playground. I wish something else was coming from this studio. If you’re out there Tumhorn Life Drinker I’m not dying again you bastard.

and finally

10. Okay so lore time for this blog. Poison Headcrab zombies are the worst. Great design, scary as fuck, fucked up noises, and really dangerous in close quarters. Headcrabs in general are great designs, i see u facehugger 2.0. Also enemy that jumps at face? awful! more please! anyways, Poison headcrab zombies.

There’s a couple in Ravenholm and a few in abandoned houses on the coast and in the hospital. I hate the noises they make. I used to replay the Orange Box up to Ravenholm and stop back when i was a kid. During my replay this year, my brother was helping me finally do the lambda cache achievement. Whenever we heard one of the zombies call we’d reenact that scene from spongebob where he’d turn around and yell ‘It sounds like someone’s trying to SELL ME SOMETHING!” and so we called them salesmen. “Uh oh, there’s a salesman up ahead, did you hear that?” This whole blog is a terrible inside joke of a spongebob reference used during a half life 2 play-through. You are now cursed with knowledge! Thanks for putting up with me!

[a-moment-of-creation]

Flower Full Moon Card Pull

I posted here and in my witchy group on facebook about doing a card pull this morning down at the Garden of the Gods. I was unable to get photos of the moon because it had set by 5:40 AM. On both platforms there several people who liked my posts, however, you didn’t leave a comment. I have pulled a card for you as well as the people who asked. All the actual asks will be first, they will all be numbered and if you  you are tagged and would like to know which card is yours just reply. So let’s get started!!

The first two cards were pulled at 6:45 and are what the deities wanted conveyed to us all.

CARD 1: New Moon in Taurus - Prosperity lies ahead This card suggests you can have what you want - even material things - just believe in yourself. If you’re struggling with something don’t give up just yet. Attune to the Moon: Get or give a massage - healthy body, healthy mind. Additional meanings: Take some time out to pamper yourself. Start adding to a savings account no matter how small.

CARD 2: Cardinal Moon - Be bold and make the first move Take matters into your own hands, you’ll need to be powerful & self-starting, determined & organized. Attune to the Moon: I am taking charge of my destiny. Other Meanings: Ask Ganesha, the Hindu Elephant god, for help. Come into your power; the time for action is now!

Now onto the cards that were requested:

CARD 3: Full Moon in Scorpio - It’s time to release negativity (Kate) In regard to what you asked about, Worrying yourself is pointless! This card also can indicate that you should let go of any grudges you might be holding onto. Attune to the Moon: Emote! It’s all better out than in. Other meanings: It’s time to move from living fearfully to living joyfully. The end of an argument.

CARD 4: North Node - Step out of your comfort zone (Tracy) In regards to what you asked about, I’m taking a huge leap and guessing she’s struggling with being happy and fulfilled. I say this because this card is all about doing the thing that scares you(within reason). There’s a good chance if she takes the leap she’ll as why she waited. Attune to the Moon: I know I’m headed in the right direction. Other Meanings: You need to face a fear and get over it. Time to stop obsessing over someone or something. Stand on your own two feet,

CARD 5: New Moon in Virgo - A time to give rather than take (Karen) In regards to what you asked about, this card suggest that your helth is on the way up. It recommends you restart with a clever and organized plan. Attune to the Moon: Recommit to healthy morning and evening routines.(In your case I would suggest if you’ve been given exercises to help healing to recommit to doing them.) Other Meanings: Gradual improvements are coming. The person you’re asking about is reliable. 

CARD 6: Full Moon Eclipse - Conclusions are within reach (Laura)  First, when I did this pull two cards shouted at me. Here’s what shouts out to me for you, If you’re letting go of someone or something, know that it’s the right time as hard as it might be. It also forgiveness could be the key to resolving the situation positively. Attune to the Moon: That which is meant for me will not pass me by. Other Meanings: It’s time for you to get back on track. Forgiveness will set you free of karma.

CARD 7: Waxing Crescent Moon - Have faith in your dreams (Laura) Relating to your question there is every reason to to be hopeful for a very positive outcome. Attune to the Moon: I am focused on what I want. (I’d venture that focusing on healing could be the right path for you) Other Meanings: Don’t look back - stay focused on moving forward. Dig a little deeper to find more courage.

CARD 8: Third Quarter Moon - Adjustments are required (Angela) You did not ask for a card specifically so I hope it speaks to you. A change of course is forecast now that recent events have been understood and acted upon. Something in your life may be reminding you of what you want and what it’s time to let go of. Attune to the Moon: I am reevaluating the situation. Other Meanings: Your life may be out of balance and this may be causing your issues; it may be time to hatch a whole new plan. Something new is around the corner.

CARD 9: New Moon in Cancer - You and your loved ones are safe (Amanda) You didn’t ask for anything specific and I know you can read about the finer points but I’m getting that you may be thinking about moving forward with something in your personal life and you can do it. Your insecurity may be what’s holding you back. Attune to the Moon: Make sure you put family first. Other Meanings: Spending time near water will bring you peace and answers. A new cycle is starting for your child or children.

CARD 10: South Node - Don’t let your past hold you back (Melissa) Again you didn’t specifically ask for a card and so I hope this speaks to you. It suggests that someone(you, even) needs to be released, that there’s some kind of addiction going on or an unhealthy attachment that needs to be sorted out. Attune to the Moon: I release the past. Other Meanings: Just beacuse you can do something doesn’t mean you should.

CARD 11: New Moon in Virgo - A time to give rather than take (Tabitha) Again you weren’t asking with a specific concept so I hope this speaks to you. If a situation is blocked it could be that you’re over-analyzing things or being too critical. Attune to the Moon: Recommit to health morning and evening routines. Other Meanings: Be of service to others, and love and money will follow. Pay attention to detail if you want success (without being pedantic!)

CARD 12: Full Moon in Cancer - A personal issue reached resolution (Me) This card suggests that a domestic matter or private issue will soon come to a head, and that it’s a great time to move house. Attune to the Moon: It’s best to move towards you want in a sideways manner. Other Meanings: Meditate to soothe heightened emotions. Have you had enough family time lately?

CARD 13: New Moon in Aries - It’s time to take action ( @timetravelerfromhell​ A flame is lit! A wonderful new start beckons and you’re on the right track. The caution? Don’t go too fast and forget your manners. Treat people well as you charge towards your goals - you’ll create much better karma for yourself. Attune to the Moon: Don’t even think about giving up. Other Meanings: Avoid being brash right now. You need a 12-month plan.

CARD 14: South Node - Don’t let your past hold you back ( @morestarsplease​ You’re being challenged to make some changes, even if staying where you are feels easier and safer. It’s possible programming from past lives could be impacting you now and stopping you from achieving all you might. Attune to the Moon: I release the past. Other Meanings: A relationship is karmic and has played out across many lifetimes.

CARD 15: Supermoon - Emotions are running high @solargoat​ This card is about being larger than life, being special and bursting with energy that you can tune into and work with. You can expect plenty of good things and a positive outcome when this card comes up, but you may find there’s a lot of emotion to deal with too. Attune to the Moon: Success is close. I must trust! Other meanings: Don’t ignore the obvious. Speak to the Goddess - ask her for assistance.

CARD 16: Full Moon - Surrender to the Divine @lavender-he-witch​ Life is coming to a head, a point, a conclusion, or a turning point; there may be some kind of change, and possibly even some sort of emotional explosion. Attune to the Moon: I am getting the answers I need. Other Meanings: A wish you made may be about to come true. You may need to forgive someone to release negative energy.

CARD 17:  Full Moon in Sagittarius - Look at the bigger picture (Bobby) Now is the time to count your blessings, even if you don’t yet have exactly what you want. Try to keep an open mind about what’s for the best: the Universe could surprise you. Attune to the Moon: Take time out for a mini-break or adventure. Other Meanings: This situation may have come around because you’ve been distracted. Find a balance between speaking your mind and saying too much.

I hope these pulls are welcomed and speak to you! Let the power of the Full Moon bless you and fill you!

[aion-rsa]

Best Meryl Streep Musical Performances (Including The Prom!)

https://ift.tt/2JMbiJl

Who would have thought 30 years ago Meryl Streep would become the musical diva of our age? Maybe those who watched her bashfully (and beautifully) sing “You Don’t Know Me” in 1990’s Postcards from the Edge. But largely she was associated with the serious dramas of the ‘70s and ‘80s that won her two Oscars (and saw her nominated for three more) by the time she was 35: Kramer vs. Kramer, The Deer Hunter, Sophie’s Choice. Sober-eyed tearjerkers all.

But an amazing thing happened in the 21st century, didn’t it? Streep, the First Lady of the Academy Awards stage, reinvented herself as the prima donna of the musical-comedy. Sometimes that includes performances so rich that they sing even without any lyrics, such as the imperious Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada. But often they come with music and verse too, be it ham-fisted kitsch like Mamma Mia! or something as ambitious as playing the Witch in an adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods.

And today she’s back on the musical big screen—or at least the one in your living room—via Ryan Murphy and Netflix’s The Prom. It’s an all-out musical extravaganza where Streep transcends into her best self: a reigning diva of Broadway. So join us as we use the occasion to count down her greatest cinematic solos.

10. “Changing Lives” in The Prom

For whatever faults The Prom might contain, the Netflix film’s vicious satire of celebrity vanity and performative social action is not one of them. And rarely is that better felt than in Meryl and James Corden’s first big number “Changing Lives.” As a pair of tone-deaf Narcissuses, Streep’s Dee Dee Allen and Corden’s Barry Glickman put on a hell of a show, singing from the lights of 44th St. to the glitzy interiors of Sardis about how being a Broadway star is basically the same thing as Eleanor and Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Is it a great song? Not necessarily. Is it great to hear Streep exclaim she only wants to hear a review if it’s a rave or mixed-to-positive while downing champagne? Absolutely.

9. “Super Trouper” in Mamma Mia!

We know everyone has thoughts about Mammia Mia! and where its qualities (or sometimes lack thereof) lie. But Meryl Streep’s performance as Donna is inarguably one of its great strengths. Her matriarch of an idyllic little Greek island seems a far cry from the apparent free spirit and hellraiser she once was. Yet in “Super Trouper,” her young daughter (Amanda Seyfried) gets a glimpse of the dynamo Donna once was (and secretly still is) as she takes the disco stage alongside Julie Walters and Christine Baranski.

The trio still make the ‘70s excess of their outfits work, crooning about last nights in Glasgow and reawakening that magic for the next generation. Even Donna’s tuneless exes in the back get swept back in time. It’s sweet, and one of several Mamma Mia numbers to appear here.

8. “Goodbye to My Mama” in A Prairie Home Companion

One of the best films mentioned on this list, A Prairie Home Companion was director Robert Altman’s final film—and the movie appears aware of this. Nowhere is that more tangible in this heart-wringing ballad written in the tradition of early 20th century Country and Western music by Garrison Keillor. An ode to a childhood long gone, and both an aspiration and understated fear about seeing a lost mother again on the other side, the song is an elegy realized in soulful duet by Streep and Lily Tomlin. It harkens the Angel of Death backstage, but in isolation it’s still plenty heartbreaking.

7. “The Winner Takes It All” in Mamma Mia!

We said there’d be more ABBA. And here it is with “The Winner Takes It All,” Streep’s single actual solo. In this moment director Phyllida Lloyd knows exactly where to put the camera, capturing the postcard beauty of a Greek isle at sunset as Meryl sings her heart out, and smashes Pierce Brosnan’s for good measure. Appealingly melodramatic, and with perfect high notes for Streep’s range, the scene puts this Oscar winner in the movie equivalent of a romance novel cover. And who doesn’t want to open that?!

6. “It’s Not About Me” in The Prom

Again rarely does The Prom’s satire land better than in its opening number… but Streep’s big solo “It’s Not About Me” is that rare exception. Strutting into an Indiana PTA meeting in a red mink and extravagant mood, Streep’s Dee Dee introduces herself by belting that she’s here after reading three quarters of an article to ask, “You bigoted monsters, just who do you think you are?” And it’s all downhill from there for her argument, and uphill for our entertainment.

Hijacking a vulnerable teenager’s platform to whine about a New York Post notice and to demand soft lighting and a rainbow coalition of colorful streamers for her Insta-ready moment, Streep is given permission by The Prom to make everything about her. More, please.

5. “Stay with Me” in Into the Woods

Attempting to sing Sondheim is a challenge few take up lightly. With his typically complex lyrics, myriad key changes, and sharp musical bridges, Sondheim has thwarted many a movie star who’s tried. Streep is not one of them. As the villainous and somewhat misunderstood Witch of Into the Woods, Streep dominates the film as an antagonistic force who sees all the other fairy tale archetypes for the schmucks they are.

But that does not include her adopted daughter Rapunzel (Mackenzie Mauzy). As the daughter the Witch never had, Rapunzel is kept secluded away in the woods, but it’s for her own protection. Written years before Tangled, a mother’s fanged psychological warfare and pleas to “stay with me” from the danger in the world is as haunting as it is toxic. And it’s Streep’s best moment in Disney and Rob Marshall’s ambitious, yet bloated, movie adaptation.

4. “Dancing Queen” in Mamma Mia!

Yes, it’s that song and that scene: ABBA’s most overplayed earworm brought to treacly life with maximum cheese, including slow-motion shots of Meryl Streep jumping on a bed and skipping along a Greek coastline. Look over there! Why is that old fisherman playing a piano in the water?! And over here! Where did the hundreds of locals on this tiny, largely uninhabited island come from?!

Read more

Movies

Best Movie Musicals of the 21st Century

By David Crow

Movies

Hamilton Cast Reflect on Backlash and Criticism of Musical

By David Crow

It doesn’t matter! You know from the first time you heard Streep and company belt this that you sang along. You probably still do, joining in at the parade of empowered women, from ages two to 92, who’ve been liberated by the joy of their youth, now or remembered. As they dance badly across the world’s grooviest pier, it plays as loud; as camp; and as a goddamn delight.

3. “My Minnesota Home” in A Prairie Home Companion

Meryl Streep and Lily Tomlin’s other major duet in A Prairie Home Companion, “My Minnesota Home” reworks Stephen Foster’s “My Old Kentucky Home” to give it a Lake Wobegon tenor. It is also the sweetest showcase for Streep and Tomlin’s chemistry, both as singers and human beings. The give and take between the pair, and then Streep’s rousing vibrato during the final chorus, has the air of genuine inspiration and real pleasure. Here are two performers finding harmony together on the stage and before our eyes. It’s big hearted and irresistible.

2. “I’m Checking Out” in Postcards from the Edge

Meryl’s first major musical moment came during the grand finale of director Mike Nichols and screenwriter Carrie Fisher’s wonderful little dramedy. Loosely and nakedly based on Fisher’s own relationship with her movie star mother Debbie Reynolds, Postcards from the Edge is a revealing and sometimes blunt exercise in getting things off a writer’s chest. And one thing Fisher really wanted to clear the air about was her mother’s desire to push her toward musical performance. While Fisher resisted in her own life, she allows the fictional Suzanne Vale (Streep) to give in to mother Doris Mann (Shirley MacLaine).

Read more

Movies

Best 11 Classic Movie Musicals

By David Crow

Movies

Hamilton: The Real History of the Burr-Hamilton Duel

By David Crow

In doing so, she also gives into herself and sings this full-hearted rendition of “I’m Checking Out.” A country hymn to the bitterness of living in the heartbreak hotel, the song allows Suzanne (and hopefully Carrie) to bury some pain, and for Streep to reveal her formidable stage and screen presence in front of a microphone. It is probably the rawest and most intelligent performance on this list.

1. “Mamma Mia” in Mamma Mia!

Among Meryl Streep’s many songs in Mamma Mia!—including a few we did not put on this list, believe it or not—it’s her rendition of the movie’s title song that works best. Imbuing the tune with an infectious playfulness, and leaning into the impatience that pours from ABBA’s lyrics, Streep pounces around the screen like a cat who’s just spotted a bird… or at least three turkeys in the shapes of her exes (Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Stellan Skarsgård).

Read more

Culture

How Disney Saved Musicals for a New Generation

By David Crow

Movies

Hamilton: Thomas Jefferson Controversy Explained

By David Crow

As she creeps and creaks around their goathouse (don’t ask), debating whether to sneak another peak, the film finally makes sharp use of a movie’s ability to edit together imagery: We cut between Streep, the exiled suitors, Donna’s daughter and friends, and even an honest to Zeus Greek chorus of extras sticking their heads into the frame to chastise Streep. Not that she can resist her curiosity, nor do we resist watching it. In fact, we want to egg it on as Streep rolls around in overalls and crosses herself before embracing the next crescendo.

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[jeanvaljean24601]

How to watch？

（1）How to watch the Kerwin Frost Telethon Supershow live from anywhere

The very first annual Kerwin Frost Telethon Supershow takes place this weekend live from Los Angeles on a screen near you. Full of music performances, appearances by pop culture influencers, and even a live celebrity auction, the 12-hour event is dedicated to fundraising for the Know Your Rights Camp. Kerwin Frost is aiming to raise $5 million dollars during the benefit which will go towards the liberation and well-being of black and brown communities in several ways, including through youth daycamps, a legal defense fund, and also a pandemic relief fund. Among the performers and guest stars include Anderson.Paak, Asap Ferg, A-trak, Beck, DMC (of Run DMC), Jaden Smith, Kehlani, Lil Nas X, Lil Yachty, Mac Demarco, Major Lazer, Miguel, Yo Gabba Gabba, and more.

The first annual Kerwin Frost Telethon Supershow is being broadcast live via YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok Live, which means you have a variety of options to watch the benefit this Sunday via either on your phone, your smart TV, your tablet, or your computer. You can find direct links to watch on these platforms via the Kerwin Frost Telethon Supershow website once the show begins. Then again, if you're having trouble watching the benefit, you may need to look into a VPN service. Certain sites can be blocked due to your location but a VPN lets you change your location virtually so you can access more content like the Kerwin Frost Telethon Supershow. Our favorite is ExpressVPN, but there are plenty of cheap VPN services to choose from.

（2）How to Watch the NBA Restart Online

After COVID-19 cut basketball — and everything else — short, the NBA has been working on a way to finish out season the season safely. Tonight is the debut of NBA Restart, which will let the top 22 teams in the league finish out the regular season and send 16 of them into this year's playoffs. Each game will be held in an NBA bubble, meaning the teams will play with no fans in the arenas and players will be regularly tested before and between games.  Tonight's tipoffs include the Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans at 6:30/5:30c followed by the Los Angeles Lakers playing the LA Clippers at 9/8c. If you're quarantined in a home with cable you can catch the games on TNT, ESPN, ABC and NBA TV, all of which will be broadcasting nearly 50 games over the course of the next three weeks as the league finishes out regular season.  

（3）How to watch the Tour de Pologne 2020 live stream online

Coming hot on the heels of last Saturday's Strade Bianche in Italy, the return of top class cycling from the coronavirus hiatus continues with the 77th edition of this iconic race across Poland. Read on for full details on how to get a live stream of the Tour de Pologne 2020 with our guide below. The riders took off from the Silesian Stadium in Chorzów on Wednesday, with the five-stage event set to be concluded on Sunday in Kraków. All 19 UCI WorldTour teams have fielded a squad for this week's race, which covers a gruelling total distance of 911.4km, with the event featuring ProSeries wild cards and Polish national team riders.

（4）How to watch the UEFA Champions League soccer tournament on CBS All Access

CBS will broadcast every UEFA Champions League match on the  CBS All Access streaming service. You can sign up for a month-long free trial of the app  here. CBS All Access costs $5.99 a month with limited commercials, or $9.99 a month for the commercial free plan. With that said, the commercial free plan still includes ads during live broadcasts. In addition to  CBS All Access, three of the remaining four round of 16 games will also be broadcast on the CBS Sports Network. After that, games stretching from the quarter finals through the final are expected to be exclusive to CBS All Access.If you have a supported cable or satellite package, you can watch CBS Sports Network's selection of games on TV.  CBS Sports Network is also available through select live TV streaming services, including  FuboTV and Hulu+ Live TV. You can access all of these services on most mobile devices, media players, and connected TVs, including Amazon Fire TV, Apple, Android, Chromecast, PS4, Xbox One, Roku, Samsung smart TVs, and more.  The UEFA Champions League restart begins August 7 at 3 p.m. ET with Juventus vs. Lyon and Manchester City vs. Real Madrid. You can view a  schedule of upcoming games here. Since CBS also has the rights for next year's season, it's likely that future Champions League games will also be streamed through  CBS All Access. The group stages of the 2020-21 Champions League will begin on October 20.  

（5）How to watch UFC 252: Heavyweight legend Daniel Cormier says this title match will be his last

UFC heavyweight titans Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier will face off in their third championship match during the main event of  UFC 252, streaming live from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on August 15. Cormier knocked out Miocic in the first round of their first meeting to claim the heavyweight title at UFC 226 in 2018, but Miocic returned the favor with a fourth round knockout to reclaim the title at UFC 241 in August 2019. The grizzly fight left Miocic's eye in need of surgery after the match, keeping him out of the octagon for a full year.Cormier, now 41-years-old, has said the  UFC 252 main event against Miocic will be the last fight of his career. The UFC legend enters UFC 252 with a career record of 22-2 in the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions, with his only losses coming to Miocic and Jon Jones android tv box. Cormier has spent lots of time in the commentary booth for several UFC events through the past year and will likely return to that role after UFC 252.UFC fan favorite Sean O'Malley will fight Marlon Vera in a co-main event match. The fight was originally scheduled for UFC 239 but O'Malley was suspended for six months by the USADA in 2018 after two positive tests for a banned substance. After serving the suspension, O'Malley has scored knockouts and performance of the night honors in both of his fights. Vera lost his last fight against Song Yadong in a five round decision.UFC 252 will begin with early prelims at 7 p.m. ET, while the main card is scheduled to start at 10 p.m. ET. The main event will be available on the ESPN+ streaming service, but will require an additional pay-per-view fee of $64.99 along with the cost of an ESPN+ subscription. Fans will not be in attendance for UFC 252 or any of the other events due to the coronavirus pandemic. UFC has implemented at least 18 different safety precautions for staff, including advanced medical screenings, temperature checks, and social distancing guidelines.

[koeii]

Nationwide festivals in Japan

New Year (正月, Shōgatsu

Date: January 1–3 (related celebrations take place throughout January)

Other Names: Oshōgatsu (O is an honorific prefix)

Information: New Year observances are the most elaborate of Japan's annual events. Before the New Year, homes are cleaned, debts are paid off, and osechi (food in lacquered trays for the New Year) is prepared or bought. Osechi foods are traditional foods which are chosen for their lucky colors, shapes, or lucky-sounding names in hopes of obtaining good luck in various areas of life during the new year. Homes are decorated and the holidays are celebrated by family gatherings, visits to temples or shrines, and formal calls on relatives and friends. The first day of the year (ganjitsu) is usually spent with members of the family.

People try to stay awake and eat toshikoshisoba, noodles to be eaten at midnight. People also visit Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Traditionally three are visited. This is called sansha-mairi. In the Imperial Palace at dawn on the 1st, the Emperor performs the rite of shihōhai (worship of the four-quarters), in which he offers prayers for the well-being of the nation. On January 2 the public is allowed to enter the inner palace grounds; the only other day this is possible is the Emperor's birthday (February 23). On the 2nd and 3rd days acquaintances visit one another to extend greetings (nenshi) and sip otoso (a spiced rice wine). Some games played at New Year's are karuta (a card game), hanetsuki (similar to badminton), tako age (kiteflying), and komamawashi (spinning tops). These games are played to bring more luck for the year. Exchanging New Year's greeting cards (similar to Christmas Cards) is another important Japanese custom. Also special allowances are given to children, which are called otoshidama. They also decorate their entrances with kagami mochi (two mochi rice balls placed one on top of the other, with a tangerine on top), and kadomatsu (pine tree decorations).

A later New Year's celebration, Koshōgatsu, literally means "Small New Year" and starts with the first full moon of the year (around January 15). The main events of Koshōgatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest.

Doll Festival (雛祭り, Hina-matsuri

Date: March 3

Other Names: Sangatsu Sekku (3rd month Festival), Momo Sekku (Peach Festival), Joshi no Sekku (Girls' Festival)

Information: This is the day when families pray for the happiness and prosperity of their girls and to help ensure that they grow up healthy and beautiful. The celebration takes place both inside the home and at the seashore. Both parts are meant to ward off evil spirits from girls. Young girls put on their best kimonos and visit their friends' homes. Tiered platforms for hina ningyō (hina dolls; a set of dolls representing the emperor, empress, attendants, and musicians in ancient court dress) are set up in the home, and the family celebrates with a special meal of hishimochi (diamond-shaped rice cakes) and shirozake (rice malt with sake).

Hanami (花見)[ Hanami party along the Sakai River in Beppu, Oita

Date: April

Other Names: Hanami (flower viewing), Cherry Blossom Festival

Information: Various flower festivals are held at Shinto shrines during the month of April. Excursions and picnics for enjoying flowers, particularly cherry blossoms are also common, as well as many drinking parties often to be seen in and around auspicious parks and buildings. In some areas the peach blossom, the traditional flower of Japan (the Cherry being a symbol from the Edo period symbolising the Samurai culture), is viewed as well though this flowers earlier than the Cherry. In some places flower viewing parties are held on traditionally fixed dates. This is one of the most popular events during spring. The subject of flower viewing has long held an important place in literature, dance and the fine arts. Ikebana (flower arrangement) is also a popular part of Japanese culture and is still practiced by many people today. Some main things people do during this event are: games, folk songs, folk dance, flower displays, rides, parades, concerts, kimono shows, booths with food and other things, beauty pageant, and religious ceremonies. Families go out during weekends to see the cherry blossoms, and participate in the many festivals and activities.

Hanamatsuri (花祭り)

Date: April 8

Other Names: Flower Festival Information: Hanamatsuri celebrates the birth of the Buddha. On this day, all temples hold 降誕会 (Gōtan-e), 仏生会 (Busshō-e), 浴仏会 (Yokubutsu-e), 龍華会 (Ryūge-e) and 花会式 (Hana-eshiki). Japanese people pour ama-cha (a beverage prepared from a variety of hydrangea) on small Buddha statues decorated with flowers, as if bathing a newborn baby. The tradition of bathing the Buddha originated in China and was introduced to Japan where it was first held in Nara in 606.[9] Lion dancing is also a major tradition practiced during Buddha's Birthday and has become associated with the festival in Japan.[10]

Tanabata (七夕)

Date: July 7 / August 5–8 (Sendai)

Other Names: The Star Festival Information: It originated from a Chinese folk legend concerning two stars-the Weaver Star (Vega) and the Cowherd Star (Altair)-who were said to be lovers who could meet only once a year on the 7th night of the 7th month provided it didn't rain and flood the Milky Way. It was named Tanabata after a weaving maiden from a Japanese legend, named Orihime who was believed to make clothes for the gods. People often write wishes and romantic aspirations on long, narrow strips of colored paper and hang them on bamboo branches along with other small ornaments.

Japanese Floating Lantern Festival (灯籠流し), Tōrō nagashi

Date: July 19

Information: One traditional custom to mark the end of the Bon Festival. Small paper lanterns containing a burning flame are either set afloat to a river, lake or sea or they are let go and float away into the night. Their light is intended to guide the way for deceased family members' spirits. Usually the person who lets the lantern go will write a message on the side.

Bon Festival (盆, bon)

Date: August 13–16

Information: A Buddhist observance honoring the spirits of ancestors. Usually a "spirit altar" (shōryōdana) is set up in front of the Butsudan (buddhist altar) to welcome the ancestors' souls. A priest may be asked to come and read a sutra (tanagyō). Among the traditional preparations for the ancestors' return are the cleaning of grave sites. The welcoming fire (mukaebi) built on the 13th and the send-off fire (okuribi) built on the 15th and 16th are intended to guide the ancestor's spirits back to their permanent dwelling place.

Momijigari (紅葉狩)

Date: October-

Information: The Japanese tradition of going to visit scenic areas where leaves have turned red in the Autumn. The tradition is said to have originated in the Heian era as a cultured pursuit.

Pocky no Hi (ポッキーの日)

Date: November 11

Information: The Japanese tradition of buying and eating Pocky sticks.[11]

"7-5-3" Festival (七五三, )

Shichi-Go-San

Date: November 15

Information: Three- and seven-year-old girls and five-year-old boys are taken to the local shrine to pray for their safe and healthy future. This festival started because of the belief that children of certain ages were especially prone to bad luck and hence in need of divine protection. Children are usually dressed in traditional clothing for the occasion and after visiting the shrine many people buy chitose-ame ("thousand-year candy") sold at the shrine.

Preparation for the New Year and Year-end fair

Date: late December

Other Names: Year-end (年の瀬, toshi no se), Year-end Fair (年の市, Toshi no Ichi)

Information: Preparations for seeing in the new year were originally undertaken to greet the toshigami, or deity of the incoming year. These begin on December 13, when the house was given a thorough cleaning; the date is usually nearer the end of the month now. The house is then decorated in the traditional fashion: A sacred rope of straw (shimenawa) with dangling white paper strips (shide) is hung over the front door to prevent evil spirits from entering and to show the presence of the toshigami. It is also customary to place kadomatsu, an arrangement of tree sprigs, beside the entrance way. A special altar, known as toshidana ("year shelf"), is piled high with kagamimochi (flat, round rice cakes), sake (rice wine), persimmons, and other foods in honor of the toshigami. A fair is traditionally held in late December at shrines, temples or in local neighborhoods. This is in preparation for the new year holidays. Decorations and sundry goods are sold at the fair. Originally these year-end fairs provided opportunities for farmers, fisherfolk and mountain dwellers to exchange goods and buy clothes and other necessities for the coming year.

Ōmisoka (大晦日,)

Date: December 31

Information: People do the general house cleaning (Ōsōji) to welcome coming year and not to keep having impure influences. Many people visit Buddhist temples to hear the temple bells rung 108 times at midnight (joya no kane). This is to announce the passing of the old year and the coming of the new. The reason they are rung 108 times is because of the Buddhist belief that human beings are plagued by 108 earthly desires or passions (bonnō). With each ring one desire is dispelled. It is also a custom to eat toshikoshi-soba in the hope that one's family fortunes will extend like the long noodles.

[minerva26love]

Just Say His Name Part 1

So this happened to me now for a third time, you think i would have learned my lesson. I wrote a whole lot of this story and the draft didnt save so now i must write this all over again. I may make this 3 parts im not sure yet. If you enjoyed my story please like and reblog!!!  This is based off of an old english myth!

Warning: Some language, Smut will be coming soon, some mention of Domestic Violence but very small. If alot of people like this story i will keep writing! I wanted to see how this one turned out. 

The vibrations of the train were making my eyes close even more. It has been a long ride and i have almost made it to London. Its about a two and a half hour long train ride. It was just me and Rory my cat on this journey. I am coming from Paris, i went to school there and lived with my family. A couple of days ago my parents got an letter saying that they had an urgent  meeting with some Aurors downtown. After said meeting they were told they needed to go on a trip with more Aurors out of the country. I was of course not able to attend. My mother was talking to my Aunt on the phone, my cousin Lilly attends Hogwarts. They were very excited and offered for me to stay with them while they were away. This is unfortunately a two year mission. Going in my bag i looked back at my ticket to remind myself where i am going so i dont miss my stop. Kings Cross Station Platform 9 and 3 Quarters. I sigh as i lean my head on the window. 

“Kings Cross Station next! ETA 5 minutes.” The train conductor yells as he goes through the train cars. I take a glance at Rory who is sleeping next to me. 

“Well Rory it looks like we arent in Paris anymore.” It is our third year LIlly and i, I am very excited about the next two years but also very excited. The train comes to a halt and the Whistle blows. I gather everything and  Rory. The train conductor puts my luggage on my cart and tips his hat. He leaves me alone and surrounded by people. Lots of people hurrying to catch their trains, whistles blowing and lots of carts. Frantically,i start looking for Lilly or my Aunt. 

“(Y,N)!” Sighing in relief i turn around to see my Aunt, Uncle and Lilly standing with a sign that says Welcome to London. I push my cart towards them and run to give them all a hug. “Its so nice to see you dear!” My Uncle takes my cart and they lead me to the car. 

“Its so nice to see you all too!”We all get to the car and start driving to their house. “Thank you again for taking me in, mum and dad really appreciate it.” 

“Of course! We are all very excited!”

“My friends are also very excited to meet you. They are the ones i take to you on the phone about,”

“Ah, yes Peter, Sirius, Remus and oh yeah how could i forget James.” Her parents laugh. Lilly blushes. The Car takes a turn on the next street. In the Yard you see 4 boys and a girl hanging out in the yard. I was assuming they were waiting for Lilly to get home. The car turned into long driveway and we all exited the car. A kind of tall boy with glass ran to Lilly and gave her a hug, 

“Lilly pop how are you my darling?” Her face turns red with embarrassment. 

“Ah, you must be James.” He smiles and shakes my hand. The rest of the group caught up with James, they all hugged Lilly.

“(Y/N), this is James, Peter, Sirius, Alice and Remus.” I wave

“Its so nice to meet all of you, Lilly has told me so much about you all. More about James than anyone.” James high fives Sirius meanwhile Lilly punches me on the arm. “Ow, asshole.” My Uncle gets my bags as we walk up the driveway. Her house was lovely, all brick house with a wrap around porch. Inside was just as grand as the outside. When walking inside there is a formal sitting area and formal dinning room. I followed everyone to the main living room area. It was a very  large space and the kitchen was in it as well. “Lilly what is that amazing smell?” 

“That my dear is my famous Chocolate Chip Cookies. Im reheating them for you all. Lilly why dont you go show (Y,N) her new room. The reset of you may go outside and play Quidditch-” 

“Yes!” Sirius and James cheered. 

“Without breaking anything please.” The group left to go to the backyard, Remus was the last to leave, he looked at me softly before heading out back. After he left i had the weirdest feeling i have never felt before. I barely knew this boy yet i longed for him to come back. I was drawn to him. I shook it off and headed upstairs to my new room. The room was nice, it had light blue walls, and a fluffy white rug in the middle of the room. I had a bed, desk, and bookshelf. I hugged Lilly. She was surprised at first then hugged me back. She understood that this was really hard for me not being with my parents. I was still waiting for an owl to come to let me know they made it ok. My cat Rory seemed to bed doing ok as well. Sleeping in a tall cat tree right by the window so he can watch the cars drive by. We went back downstairs and walked to the back porch. Lilly ran up to the group excited to play.

“Come on Remus how many times have you read that book?” Sirius yelled

“This happens to be my favorite book, and at least i can read better than you.” Remus smirked

“At least i can read better.” Sirius mocked. 

I was never a fan of sports and i have never played Quidditch. I was standing near a table and chairs on the porch where Remus was sitting. I took a glance without him noticing at the book he was reading. 

“To love or have loved, that is enough. Ask nothing further.-” i quoted 

“ There is no other pearl to be found in the dark folds of life.”  Remus finished the quote. “Thats right.” He smiles up at me. He gestures me to sit down. When i sit by him i feel heavy, Im so drawn to him. “Im assuming you read, and you have great taste in books.” I smile and push a piece of hair behind my ear but it falls again. This time Remus puts it behind my ear and it stays in place. All i think when i look at him is just how bad i want to jump him. “(Y/N)? You ok?” I zone back in. 

“Yeah sorry, what were you saying.” He laughed and continued.

“Whats your favorite book.?” I bit my lip to think, I have never really had an absolute favorite. 

“Well your holding one of them and Pride and Prejudice.” 

“Thats not a bad book either. What else do you like to do for fun?” I bit my lip again, i have no idea who this boy is and yet im so nervous around him. “Did you notice that you bit your lip when you are thinking.” I blush in embarrassment. Before i was going to say something he interrupted. “I think its adorable.” Im sure my face was super red now.

“Hey (Y,N) Do you want to- why is your face so read?” Remus chuckles as he leans back and continues his book. I look towards him, he winks at me then continues to read. 

“Its just hot out here. I am not a huge fan of sports but i will for sure watch,” Lilly shrugged and went to go play. The picked teams, they were now up in the air playing. Sirius had the ball the passed it to James. James threw it in the hoop but the ball landed near one of Lilly’s moms flower pots. The pot went into many different pieces. Everyone in the air and on ground were silent. 

“Please Merlin she didnt hear.”

“James and Sirius!” My Aunt yells. 

“We will go clean it up.” Everyone laughs, 

“Is there a time when they dont break something?” 

“Almost every time they break something dear, however this time it was just a flower pot and not our window.” My Aunt explained as she put the cookies on the table. “Last time they broke my window and James’s parents payed for a new one. Ive never seen James so terrified, Remus had the pleasure of watching that one unfold.” Remus chuckled and shook his head.

“What did Sirius’s parents say.” She paused as she placed a pitcher of Lemonade on the table. “Ok we dont talk about his parents, got it.” 

“Mrs. Evans is not of fan of his parents. Sirius hasnt been back home since the summer going into his second year. James’s family took him in.” I looked over at Sirius with a sad look. He was pushing James to the ground laughing. He looked so happy though. Coming from a horrible household you think he would be an asshole. “I know what your thinking, he is upset about his family but at the same time he found a better family here. Hes a nice boy.” Remus looked back up at her. She got the hint, winked and went inside. 

“That was an interesting look you gave her.” He smirked

“I just dont think hes your type.” I raised my eyebrow at him. This boy dont even know me. But whats weird is that hes right. 

“Oh really well whats my type?” 

“You date nice boys, well you started dating a type like Sirius but it didnt go well. Now you arent really looking right now nervous how the next boy will be.” He was right but it brought back memories i didnt need. I stood up, went inside and slammed the porch door. Aunt tried to stop me but i was already half way up the stairs. I think Remus means well but what he doesnt know is my last relationship ended with me in the hospital and being a werewolf for the rest of my life.

@thenaturaldisaster@th3maraud3rsmap @rougerazors @rainandhotchocolate

[mashitandsmashit]

America’s Got Talent: Season 14 - Finals

Well now I feel like a jerk! I ranked Emanne and Benicio as my Bottom 2 in my “Rooting For” list last week (though to be fair, between them, VoS and DYC, the factors that ranked them in the order they were in were practically nonexistent, because it was too close to even think), but I had no idea that BOTH of them had birthdays this week (and that Emanne’s was tomorrow). I mean no disrespect to the birthday boy and girl...

And again, I must emphasize that I have nothing against any of the acts that made it this far (barring some not-so-great performances from some of them). But when there are several acts that deserved to be here more than several of the acts that ARE here (oh, how naive we were to believe that Marcin EVER had a chance), and almost every act just feels like part of a big mushy sap monster, it was hard to feel much excitement going into tonight...But I kept the most open mind I could...

Let’s do what the judges aren’t willing to do and compare everyone based on their pros, cons and overall experience...by doing a Top 10 list!

...Oh yeah, and...Whoop-dee-doo, Finals and stuff...Let’s just get to it...

10: Detroit Youth Choir. It’s their audition all over again, but with more Nazi salutes! ...I’m sorry, I couldn’t help myself...But seriously, they either didn’t have time to prepare a new song, or something happened keeping them from performing what they were ORIGINALLY gonna do...Either way, Macklemore is gonna be there tomorrow, so does that mean they’re gonna perform it a THIRD time!? Two nights in a row!? I guess I’m biased since this is the act that single-handedly ruined the Finals for me (just ONE guitarist in their place would have made all the difference in the world), but I really did honestly see a lot of potential in this act, and it’s kind of a shame that they fizzled out after they peaked at the Quarter-Finals...

9: Tyler Butler-Figueroa. It might be my anger at the Cowellization infesting these Finals why I’m putting Simon’s Golden Buzzer this low on the list after being overall positive to him throughout the game, but this one felt like a mess to me! The violin was scratchy and hard to listen to, it sounded like he couldn’t keep up with the backing-track, and there were no unique dances or staging to really help the entertainment value...At the end of the day, this kid really IS one of the acts that didn’t deserve to make it this far over other certain acts, despite how much I’ve enjoyed him overall...Brian King Joseph is coming back tomorrow; Maybe he’ll teach the kid a few lessons and help him hone his skills, because I know Tyler WILL be a great dancing violinist someday...He’s just not there yet...

8: Benicio Bryant. Well, the Benicio Bros are still by his side, even after he looked and sounded more lost than ever tonight! It’s a shame, because I still found his song to be fairly catchy...I mean, he’s no Robert Finley, but I see a lot of potential in him as well! He just needs to get over his stage fright is all...And maybe cut down on the Mr. Rogers sweaters...I WANTED to say Cosby, but I was worried about what that would imply about him...

7: Emanne Beasha. No real step up from before...She seemed a little shaky as well, but it didn’t bring the performance down as badly as Benicio...Uhhh, Happy Birthday to both of them?

6: Kodi Lee. Once again, this wasn’t his best! Is everyone just in denial or something!? I still stick by my opinion that he was at his best during his first two performances! But what do I know!? I’m just some schmuck writing countdown lists on a website that’s getting sold (yeah, heads up Frank, we might have to jump platforms again). Nothing I say is gonna stop Kodi from taking the win tomorrow night...

5: Ndlovu Youth Choir. I knew it was only a matter of time before they performed this song, and it was as fun and upbeat as I could have asked for! That being said, this didn’t have anything to offer that they didn’t give us before...THAT being said, they are definitely still the superior Youth Choir, regardless of which one gets more votes tomorrow...

4: Ryan Niemiller. Not the funniest material we’ve heard from him either, but I still love his energy and presence! I guess I’m committing a hate crime by not voting for him, but technically EVERYONE tonight qualifies for that...

3: Voices of Service. Maybe it’s because I came into tonight with a more open mind than last week, but whereas I quickly forgot about these folks before, tonight they were hands down my favorite singers! I guess I could go on about the same old stuff regarding their harmonies as well as their individual talents (I don’t even remember hearing much from the skinny guy before, but he might actually be the best singer of the bunch next to the lady!) It’s clear why they made it this far to begin with, but at least they have the talent to back up those cheap ‘n easy votes...

2: Light Balance Kids. THIS is the kind of creative, fun, well-choreographed, well-made performance I’ve been waiting for from these kids throughout the entire live shows! It had the same charm as their Judge Cuts performance, but with even more nicely-done effects! Kinda wish they put more focus on being this hip 90s-style youth group throughout the season...But either way, this should TOTALLY be the new “Let’s all go to the snack bar!” that plays before the movie...The goofy presentation with the food monsters would fit PERFECTLY with “It Chapter Two″! You’ll float too!

1: V.Unbeatable. They REALLY ramped up the crazy flips THIS time! Not much else to say...It’s good to know that they’re as popular as they are, but will it be enough to give them the win that they most definitely deserve...? Well, if nothing more they will DEFINITELY be in the Top 3 tomorrow...

You can tell Howie was trying to carefully dance around saying that this was the the “Best Finals Ever”, because he was contractually obligated to say it like he is every year, but I can definitely see why Simon would say that! These finals were everything he could have dreamed of! Oh, so many tear-jerking Cinderella stories...It’s enough to make a TV producer moan in ecstasy!

But when factoring in what actually MATTERS, tonight was about as lackluster as a line-up like this could have suggested...Only a few REALLY rose to the standards of the Finals...

My Votes: Appropriately enough, the two acts I was rooting for were also the best performers hands down tonight! For that, I used all three voting methods to give them as many votes as I could...

Result Predictions: There’s a case to be made for everyone tonight, but I do have a few observations...First of all, Ndlovu will probably be near the bottom in the votes, because they never had the support that the other Youth Choir had throughout the season...And I think the reason for that is the old factor of DYC being a group of dozens of kids, who each have numerous family members to vote for them along with all of the people giving them the sympathy vote...Ndlovu doesn’t have this luxury, not only because there are less of them, but also because the majority of their relatives are clearly still in South Africa, where they can’t vote for this show...This is why Ndlovu ended up in the Judges’ Choice TWICE, whereas DYC keeps getting easy passes in each round...

I’d like to think that LBK will get enough of that variety vote (that ESPECIALLY seems common in the Finals) to end up in the Top 3 like all acts of their nature tend to land...But they haven’t been as popular as the original Light Balance, and they might not have begged for nearly as many sympathy votes as say, Tyler or VoS...Chances are, the variety votes might end up concentrated on V.Unbeatable...

Which brings us to our main candidates for the Grand Prize: V.Unbeatable and Kodi Lee...It seems practically guaranteed that they will both be in the Top 3...I say Top 3, because there is a side of me that predicts that there may be an act coming between them for the Runner-Up spot! Whenever there are these two acts, one of them a cool variety act and the other some singer that’s been held up on a pedestal throughout the game, and they are BOTH being considered as candidates for the win...it’s usually not the both of them in the Top 2...Usually one of them gets a shock elimination in Third (and more often than not, it’s the cool variety act), and some dark-horse might end up as the Runner-Up...Who that might be is hard to call, but I’m actually considering Benicio being that act standing side-by-side next to Kodi at the end, because again, the Benicio Bros are ever dedicated, to the same degree that Angelica Hale’s fanbase was...

So I’m gonna go ahead and do what Frank usually does by predicting what I think the final rank will be...I’ll keep it pessimistic just to avoid being let down TOO much tomorrow...

10: Ndlovu Youth Choir

9: Emanne Beasha

8: Ryan Niemiller

7: Voices of Service

6: Light Balance Kids

5: Tyler Butler-Figueroa

4: Detroit Youth Choir

3: V.Unbeatable

2: Benicio Bryant

1: Kodi Lee

As for which guest performers will perform with who, I already made my guesses for Tyler and DYC, but I hear that Chris Jericho will perform with Ryan, and I’m willing to bet that Cher will be Kodi’s partner...I'll leave everyone else to surprise me, as opposed to what the final results will be...

(Sigh) Now let’s get this season over with...

[zombiescantfly]

Words About Games: Unreal Tournament (Epic Megagames, 1999)

In 2291, in an attempt to control violence among deep-space miners, the New Earth Government legalized no-holds-barred fighting.

291 years earlier, I heard that for the first time.  Unreal Tournament begins with a narrated flythrough explaining two very simple things:  there is a Tournament, and you are going to win it.  After the lonely melancholy of Unreal, that's a pretty abrupt pivot.  Why, after getting through most of the 90s with platformers, pinball, and fighting games, did Epic Megagames barrel in headfirst to the multiplayer arena shooter market, a playground run exclusively by industry already-giant id Software?

Because they wanted to.

As I mentioned in the Unreal essay, that game's multiplayer was a fun shell filled with horrible, horrible problems.  Epic set to fixing it, but realized that beyond some quick and dirty surface-level patches, there wasn't a lot they could do within the same scope.  So they broke away from a simple expansion pack and landed on creating a full separate release by the name of Unreal Tournament.

Unreal Tournament, UT99 from now on, was released on November 23, 1999, to an almost absurd level of praise.  Quake 3 Arena, id’s latest offering in the Quake franchise and first multiplayer-only title, would come out just over a week later on December 2, pitching the two games into a deathmatch of their own which still rages to this day almost 20 years later.

Let's talk about Quake a bit.  Shooters, up until around the time the first Quake came out and probably still after that, were commonly referred to as ‘Doom clones’ because, well, many were.  Any unambitious dev could buy an engine license, whip up some sprites on a lunchbreak, and ship a game.  There's a parallel to be drawn between that era and the current ongoing avalanche of Unity and Unreal asset flips, but you can turn to others for opinions on all that.

Quake was, famously, id Software’s followup to Doom 2, and an early frontrunner of fully-3d shooters.  It was so popular and noteworthy that it even caused the term Doom Clone to fall away in favor of Quake Clone.  Quake expanded the popularity of online play, and saw the creation of the some of the first AI bots made exclusively for deathmatch.  Quake 2 came along not too far after and pulled in even more interest.  If you remember from my Unreal essay, that was when it grabbed my own interest, and I became a frequent over-the-shoulder spectator of many a Quake 2 deathmatch.

But then, UT99.  When I first played Unreal Tournament, I was blown away.  By the bots.  Meaning that they killed me a lot.  I was very bad at it.  I didn't even strafe back then, just ran forward and turned with the mouse.  But I learned.

UT99 is actually quite an accommodating game.  Bots have 9 skill levels ranging from drooling idiot to a fittingly-named godlike, and I remember bumping them up a level at a time over the years.  UT’s bots were one of its largest selling points back then, and the cornerstone of the Tournament part of its name.

The titular Tournament in Unreal Tournament is a series of botmatches of increasing difficulty over the game’s five primary gamemodes: Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, Domination, and Assault.  A final series of three 1v1 matches caps off the Tournament, the third of which pits you against the Big Bad Reigning Champ, a robot named Xan Kriegor.  

There were a handful of firsts in that short bit, so let's take a look.

As stated, Quake 2 was the de facto king of online shooters at the time.  But Quake 2, for all its fame, only had three gamemodes available: deathmatch, team deathmatch, and capture the flag.  Unreal had dabbled with alternative styles of deathmatch and team deathmatch, but all of them were, more or less, the same gamemode, save one.  In a unique take on King of the Hill, the first player to score a kill got a permanent damage boost until they were killed, at which point that buff was transferred to their killer.  Killing the King awarded more points, matches were first to X points, you get the idea.  RtNP added Cloak Match, a take on this KotH concept where instead of a damage boost, players fought for permanent partial invisibility and infinite jump boots.

Unreal Tournament was a little more ambitious than just reflavoring deathmatch, however.  Domination used its own unique rotation of maps centered around controlling three points.  Your team scores one point per every couple of seconds, per point held.  Touching a point is enough to flip control of it to your side, and the result is a fun, frantic match with enough additional focus to guide it away from just another deathmatch.  Map control becomes something more than just controlling various weapon spawns, and demands you keep your attention between the three points.  Random respawns instead of near your team’s current territory and the instant capture of points meant the game never ground down to just being spawncamped, and helped reduce the prevalence of one-sided victories.  Domination was great, the extra effort put in to creating its own category of maps was great, and games today still use the gamemode.  That said, Destiny 2 really needs to make capture instant and not have you sit around for 5 seconds in a tiny room, like come on.

Domination may have been new for the time, and DM, TDM, and CTF made their own waves that I'll get into later, but Assault is what really caught people's attention.  Assault was an attack and defense mode where one team was tasked with completing a series of varied objectives, while the defenders tried to stop them.  The most similar thing we get in games now is pushing a cart down a predetermined path in TF2 or Overwatch.  Payload gamemodes in those games are similar in the sense that one team must progress down a path to get to a specific location, and I suppose it might come across as a streamlining of the idea, but Assault is just more interesting.  

UT99 shipped with seven Assault maps, and each one presented a different scenario.  Assault was not just replacing the objective on an existing map, the same as Domination had its own maps.  Each one had a little story it presented, from the attempted hijacking of a supersonic train, assaulting an ancient fortress on an alien planet, sabotaging an underwater research facility, stealing a Navy battleship, escaping a medieval castle, destroying an experimental battle tank, and even a recreation of the D-Day landing.  Assault maps varied in how linear they were, with maps like Guardia, HiSpeed, and Overlord being fairly straightforward, to the more open-ended OceanFloor and Rook.  It was, by design, an asymmetrical experience, but that design went so far as to change in-level as the attackers pushed further and further in.  On HiSpeed, for example, the attackers start in a helicopter hovering over the rear of the train, and drop down largely uncontested.  There's a full car where they can grab weapons and powerups, and then they reach where the defenders have spawned.  

As objectives are met and various places in the map are reached by the attackers, spawn points start to change.  On the same map, attackers spawn with a serviceable loadout of shock rifles and pulse guns (we'll get to the weapons later), both good options for the mixed-distance encounter they'll be facing as they move towards the next car.  The defenders, however, spawn with access to flak cannons and rippers, which in the close quarters of the car’s interior are absolutely brutal.  Once the attackers push far enough in to it, though, that car becomes their spawn point and the defenders are moved further back, thus giving the attackers access to those weapons for the next part of the map.  

The same sort of design echoes throughout all seven Assault maps, and it creates a varied and frantic experience that was new at the time and still hasn't really been copied.  The feeling of actually taking part in an event in the game’s world added so much to even the relatively sparse setting, and it remains a great example of an excellent piece of very quiet but highly effective worldbuilding.

The other gamemodes were again, team and free-for-all deathmatch, and as standard as that was at the time, UT99 made some weighty impressions on the genre.  At the time of Quake 2’s release, it was common practice to just repurpose singleplayer campaign levels as the multiplayer maps.  Quake 2 would get its own suite of maps designed explicitly for multiplayer later in its life, and Unreal shipped with 14 multiplayer-only maps, with a further 9 added later as free updates.  UT99 shipped with multiple dozens of maps, each one presenting a different take on design and execution.  You have a standard collection of flat-ish arenas, some truly impressive vertical design, maps with stage hazards, big maps, small maps, maps with areas of low gravity, and maps with secret passages leading to hidden weapon spawns.  A handful of Unreal’s maps were even remade for UT99, and two in particular became series mainstays - Deck 16 and Curse.  Both are still thought of as iconic maps, and for very good reason.  They're well-balanced and play to the strengths of the game they're in while also, going back to Unreal’s bit here, feeling like they're a real space.

Because while UT99 may be a multiplayer-only fragfest with no real story, it has lore.  

The opening narration is just a small bit of fluff, but it sets up a whole lot that the various designers had a ton of fun expanding on.  Official weapon descriptions in the manual talk about the (in-game) real-world applications of each, and even set some up as not even being explicitly for combat.  The Translocator, a personal teleporter by way of launching tiny disks, is a repurposed tool given to miners to help escape cave-ins.  The GES Biorifle is a vacuum cleaner for toxic sludge instead of dust.  The Impact Hammer is a jackhammer but sideways.  The in-universe justification for those few weapons doesn't mean anything to the gameplay, but given that the Tournament was set up by Liandri Mining Corporation, it adds a bit of fun sense-making to the whole thing.

Maps, too, are part of that lore package.  Each map throughout the Tournament ladder has a short description, and it's almost always about what this particular arena’s place in the world is.  Most boil down to “this is a site built for the Tournament” or “Liandri bought this and made it a Tournament arena,” but it's about the tiny details hidden in the lines.  Deck 16 is a toxic sludge refinery, but it's also a single deck of the spaceship Gaetano, rented out to Liandri whenever it's in drydock.  Curse is an ancient temple that was an archaeological site until Liandri bought it after funding ran out.  Arcane Temple is a Nali worship site on Na Pali left abandoned after the Skaarj invaded.  Oblivion is a Liandri passenger ship that tricks Tournament entrants by being their first arena.  Hyperblast, the final stage of the Tournament, is Xan Kriegor’s personal spaceship made specifically to be an arena.  

The whole thing paints the Liandri Mining Corporation as this quirky half-malicious corporate giant, as big and influential as any sci-fi megacorp but out of an innocent love for their decidedly not-innocent game.  It's a world where humanity spent seven days on the brink of destruction at the hands of the Skaarj, where the Corporation Wars tore entire planets apart, and where despite that everyone can get over it, crack some beers, and watch people blow each other away on live television, kept safe by technology that respawns them within seconds.

Character backgrounds, too, drop hints in their two to three sentence lengths.  The bots you fight against or with all have tiny snippets of who they are, making reference to revolts, arrests, rebellions, other worlds, secret government experiments, and revenge.  

The important thing to take away from this is that all of this was put in but none of it had to be.  It doesn't affect the game and it's not even immediately noticeable unless you let every map and character description load before entering a Tournament match.  Just going to map select for a practice session/instant action game doesn't show the same descriptions, so you have to go through the singleplayer ladder.  It's work put in that shows a genuine and earnest excitement for the world the devs had created, and I still get a smile thinking about it.  Unreal Tournament is such a weird celebration of every gritty science fiction trope, but turns them all on their heads to create a world for this game that feels exactly as expansive as it isn't.  Because Unreal Tournament doesn't have anything to do with the lore it hides in all these corners, it's just a multiplayer shooter with no story beyond “kill better than the other guys.”  And boy do they ever make that part feel great.

For better or worse, Wolfenstein 3D cemented FPS weapon progression.  Ever since and with only a few minor alterations here and there, the loadout progression is melee weapon, bad pistol, automatic weapon, shotgun (though those sometimes switch position), a better version of one or both of those, some kind of explosive option, sniper rifle (that was a later addition), and then a superweapon of some kind.  From Doom to Quake to our old nemesis Half-Life to our slightly newer nemesis Halo to Call of Duty, you get those weapons in roughly that order.

So let's talk about Unreal again for a second.  I didn't mention that game's weapons because I wanted to bring the whole discussion in at once, but it does require me to go back in time a year and talk about where the series landed on its own weapons.  The first thing to know about Unreal is that it was not immune to the Holy Progression of Gun, but it did make some incredibly noticeable changes.  Unreal saw a videogame gun, famous for being a thing you can left click on men with, and asked “what if you could also right click on men?”

I'm moving a rough sort of progression, so be aware that this is only the general order you get these guns in.  In Unreal, the first weapon you pick up is the Dispersion Pistol, a projectile-firing semi-auto gun that doesn't do a whole lot of damage.  One fun thing about it is that its projectiles cast a real-time light on the environment so you can use it as a way to peek into dark areas before going in them with your vulnerable body.  But another thing about the Dispersion Pistol is its alt fire, where you hold down the right mouse button to charge up a shot which then acts essentially as a rocket launcher shot - it deals better damage, it deals splash damage, and it can gib enemies.  In-universe, the Dispersion Pistol is a Skaarj weapon, and you can also find hidden upgrades for it that boost the damage of both firemodes at the cost of taking more ammo per shot.  Luckily, as your holdout weapon, the Dispersion Pistol recharges its ammo passively.  

The second weapon you get is the automag, a basic hitscan pistol.  Primary fire shoots a fairly accurate shot, alt fire has you hold the gun sideways to increase the fire rate at the cost of accuracy.  It's dumb and I love it to this day.

Third up, the Tarydium Stinger, a projectile-based minigun with an alt fire that acts as a projectile shotgun.  Here's where the lines start to get a bit blurred, but we're not totally out of the usual progression just yet.  

After the Stinger you get the ASMD Shock Rifle, a famously curious gun that, as its primary fire, shoots a hitscan beam, and shoots a fast-moving projectile orb as its alt fire, trading perfect precision and speed for a little bit of splash damage.  The thing about it is that if you shoot the orb with the beam you get a giant explosion that does an absolute ton of damage.

Moving from that piece of sweet hardware brings us to the GES Biorifle, a rapid-fire goop-throwing mine layer with a charged shot as its alt fire.  

Then, the Eightball Launcher, a rocket launcher that has not two but four firemodes.  Click primary fire to shoot a rocket, fast moving and with splash damage.  Hold primary fire to charge up to six rockets that fire in a spread pattern, or click alt fire while charging to shoot them in a spiral formation.  Also, you can get a mild lock-on effect by holding your mouse cursor over an enemy for about half a second.  Alt fire is the same as primary but with grenades - click alt fire once to lob one, hold to charge up to six.  The grenades bounce around for a set period of time, and also blow up on contact with an enemy.  

Then possibly the series’ most famous weapon, the Flak Cannon.  Primary fire is a projectile-based shotgun that fires individual shards that bounce around the environment for a bit, allowing you to fire around corners or even up at the ceiling to bank a shot over cover.  Alt fire is another grenade launcher, though this one fires its shells at a shallower angle, a higher velocity, has a smaller up-front splash radius, and still creates little bits of flak that bounce around for a short time.  This gun is my and many other people’s favorite gun in videogames.

The Razorjack is a strange gun that fires disks that bounce around the environment at scarily high velocities, and even have the ability to decapitate enemies if you hit their head, a useful feature in the Skaarj-infested levels where you first find it.  Alt fire is a tricky system that lets you influence the path the disk takes, though its high velocity, bad turning radius, and small size makes “influence” a more appropriate word than “guide.”

Next is the Rifle, a high-powered hitscan primary fire with an alt fire that zooms in.  Headshotting enemies decapitates them but other than that it's just a sniper rifle, let's move on.

Finally, Unreal has the Minigun, a hitscan bullet-spewing beast that shows up near the end of the game, leaving you with just barely too little time to get to use it as much as you want and also to realize that hey, it's just a minigun.  Primary fire shoots with a short spool-up time, alt fire shoots faster but less accurately.  Unfortunately this does not make you hold the Minigun sideways like the Automag.

So that was Unreal’s loadout, and it made some big waves at the time.  Physics-based projectiles?  Well sure, Quake had the bouncy grenade launcher, but the Flak Cannon and Razorjack made being aware of and using the environment second nature to players.  The ASMD’s ability to produce a BFG shot on demand if you could combo properly was amazing.  And the upgradeable nature of the Dispersion pistol made what was usually a loadout slot reserved for being sad about having to use a legitimate late-game complement to your arsenal.

So it stands to reason that Unreal Tournament barely changed it.

UT99’s arsenal did change a little bit, but not too drastically.  Most changes were to damage or fire rate, and every weapon got a new model.  Some weapons were slightly renamed, like the Automag becoming the Enforcer or the ASMD receiving its full title of ASMD Shock Rifle, the Eightball Launcher was just called the Rocket Launcher, the Rifle became the Sniper Rifle, and the Razorjack was renamed the Ripper.

The next level of changes was tweaking some alt fires.  The biggest change here was the new Ripper losing its guided blade in favor of an alt fire that shot an explosive disk.  Unlike the primary fire, it didn't bounce, and while it had only about half the splash radius of the Rocket Launcher proper, its fire rate and projectile speed were both much faster.  Other than that, the only change to another gun was the Sniper Rifle getting a thematically appropriate overlay when you zoomed in, instead of Unreal’s Rifle not displaying anything.  Additionally, because it seems to fit here more than the next bit, if you manage to find another Enforcer lying on the ground, you can pick it up and dual wield.  It's pretty rad.

Larger changes came in the removal of both the Stinger and the Dispersion Pistol, and the addition of the Impact Hammer, Pulse Gun, and the series’ first superweapon, the Redeemer.

I'm personally a bit conflicted about trading the Stinger out for the Minigun.  On one hand, UT99’s Minigun is a great piece of visual design - massive, chunky, and bold, with the added flair of seeing your arm holding onto a forward grip to really sell the vibe of that one scene in Predator.  On the other hand, there's something to be said about a projectile weapon over a hitscan one, especially since so many high-powered hitscan weapons exist in the game already.  But at the same time, UT99 does have an answer to the automatic projectile weapon, the Pulse Gun.

The Pulse Gun should be instantly familiar to anyone with a passing understanding of id Software’s early titles.  Primary fire is just the Pulse Rifle from Doom, and alt fire is the Thunderbolt from Quake.  But put together, married in this suitcase-sized brick of green polygons?  A thing of beauty.  

Let me at least address the Impact Hammer before moving on: it's a melee weapon you can charge up.  It'll kill someone pretty good if you charge it up and manage to make contact.  It has a pretty fun and inspired visual design but ultimately the only reason it's there is because you can run out of ammo with the Enforcer you spawn with.  The end.

Alright, the Redeemer.  The Redeemer is a man-portal nuclear warhead launcher, kind of like the Fat Man from Fallout 3 except way, way cooler.  Primary fire launches a relatively slow-moving projectile that, on contact with anything, explodes in a shockwave that does enough damage to instantly gib anyone without 199 health and a Shield Belt powerup.  It goes through walls, too.  It's a very good superweapon.  Making it better is its alt fire, where you take personal control of the missile as it travels, allowing you to guide it around the map with a surprising degree of maneuverability.  The BFG may have a classic flair, but the Redeemer took the idea of a superweapon to a whole other level.

So how did all of these weapons actually play together?  How did an arsenal designed for and balanced around a singleplayer game with fixed enemy spawns translate to a multiplayer arena?  Quite well, in fact.  Epic didn't design the game in a vacuum, and as Quake 2 was the reigning champ at the time, they didn't have to look far to see what worked and what could be changed for the better.

UT99 plays fast, hard, and unrelenting.  People load into a map and immediately start running around picking up weapons and letting the lead fly.  Now, it's time for my bias to show a bit.  I only ever watched Quake 2 multiplayer, but I have in fact played Quake 3 and Quake Live, as well as a handful of hours of Quake Champions which I know isn't really comparable but it uses the same weapons so I'm still mentioning it.  UT is my series, I have a preference for it, and this next bit is all my own opinion and observation.

Quake only has three weapons.  

Quake is a game where movement is fast, projectiles are fast, and time to kill is fast.  It's a fast game.  But it's so fast that only three weapons end up mattering - the rocket launcher, railgun, and thunderbolt.  They're the three highest-damage weapons in the game and they make up pretty much the entirety of its arsenal.  Quake matches inevitably all play out as taking potshots at each other with rockets as everyone strafejumps around like crazy, switching to the railgun if someone manages to be in the open for more than half a second, and swapping to the thunderbolt if you manage to get close enough that another character model takes up more than a handful of pixels on your screen.  

Quake is a very fast and chaotic game, and I'm not saying that this kind of play isn't skillful, it's just so fast that actual duels never really happen, and people just kind of end up taking damage from one end of the map when they're on the other.  Quake’s other weapons just may as well not exist, because if you find yourself using your starting shotgun, the nailgun, or any other weapon you want to be close for, you're likely doing so in range of someone's Thunderbolt and that's not a race you're going to win.

It's a difficult point to make, so let me move back to UT and why I prefer it.  UT is a small but noticeable bit slower than Quake in a way that I feel greatly benefits it.  Overall, it comes down to bringing the action in a little closer, really making the fights seem more personal, and really giving players more of a chance to dance around each other rather than hopping around the level on their own accord until they find each other by chance.  Projectiles are both slightly slower and much more visible than in Quake, so trying to slam a rocket into someone's face from three hundred meters isn't really going to happen.  So, from further away, you'll want to use a hitscan weapon, but since your target will be smaller they'll be harder to hit.  Unless you want to zoom in with the Sniper Rifle, but then you lose a bit of awareness of your immediate surroundings.  Close up, the Flak Cannon is king, but its range is short enough to matter.  The Pulse Gun’s alt fire is just the Thunderbolt, and it'll tear someone apart pretty handily, to say nothing of putting the Minigun into overdrive with its own alt fire.  Even flipping your Enforcer sideways will get bullets into someone quickly, and with fancy enough footwork you can save yourself from a gruesome fate with the starting gun.  Or, if you're trying to keep someone away, quickly laying down a gooey minefield with the Biorifle works just as well as filling a hallway with a dozen bouncing Ripper blades.

Every gun in UT99 can kill someone, and not just in theory.  The game balances each of its weapons almost perfectly, and nothing ever feels totally useless or has an obvious better version (I am not counting the Impact Hammer or Enforcer in this statement).  Jumping over or dodging away from rockets to close with the Pulse Gun’s alt fire is just as reasonable as forcing someone to switch away from their Flak Cannon by retreating backwards as your Biorifle makes it impossible for them to safely advance.  Lobbing a Flak alt fire over that minefield is alway an option though, so be ready to get out of the way, and maybe pull out your Shock Rifle to push them backwards.  A fully stocked Minigun can keep an approach locked off, but a quick sniper bullet right to the face will put an end to it.  

Alright, admittedly the Biorifle is historically a bit ignored, and the Ripper didn't even show up in subsequent games, but both still had a purpose.  I, personally, am a staunch defender of the Biorifle’s utility as an area denial tool, and the ability to charge its alt fire will instantly kill someone no matter their health and shield level, if you can hit them.  It's certainly better in team gamemodes like Assault or CTF, though.  But just shooting at people with the weapons does not an arena shooter make.  For there to be the proper levels of frantic action, movement needs to have a strong focus.  

As in Quake, you'll want to get familiar with your spacebar.  Strafe jumping isn't a thing as far as constantly upping your own speed, but it sure does make you harder to hit, and getting decent at dodging rockets always helps.  Double tap a movement key to do a quick dodge in that direction, useful not just for avoiding projectiles but for snaking down corridors.  On an elevator?  Jump just before it reaches the top to get a massive boost and go flying.  The Impact Hammer isn't ideal as a weapon, but a quick blast downward makes a decent stand-in for a rocket jump, if at the cost of significantly more self-damage.  Capping it all off is the Translocator, the aforementioned teleporting-disk-thrower.  Primary fire to shoot a disk in a pretty generous arc, alt fire to teleport to it.  Disks emit light and can be destroyed, if you teleport while carrying a flag you drop it, and yes, you do fall faster than the disk travels upward.  Truth be told, I usually play with the Translocator turned off, but that's mainly because the bots, as good as they are at the rest of the game, are less than stellar at putting those disks where they want, often leading to a cluster of them bouncing their shot off a wall just inches under the ledge they want up to, and not taking any action until they get it.  I think it has to do with the accuracy modifiers based on bot skill level, but I'm not sure.

The bots are great in every other respect, though.  Sure, they'll never actually replace a human player, but they're more than good enough for a few hundred hours of offline play.  All the tricks the Skaarj demonstrated in Unreal are on display again, and tuned up to use every weapon.  Bots jump and dodge, retreat if they're low on health, make decisions about what weapon to use based on their proximity to you as well as their own inventories, switch between firemodes when it makes sense, and plenty else.  Upping the bot difficulty doesn't just make them do more damage or give them more health (it doesn't even do that in the first place), it makes them smarter.  Or ‘smarter’ if you really care - it changes their reaction times and how accurate they are, how aggressively they'll act, and even how good they are at using the weapons beyond just aiming.  A low-level bot might not get close enough to hit you with the Pulse Gun’s alt fire, or will use a Rocket Launcher in close quarters with all the risks of splash damage and self-death that entails.  Higher difficulty bots will bank Flak shots off walls and bounce grenades around corners, lay fields of Biorifle goop, or be deadly-accurate with a sniper rifle from above.  

The bots are what really put UT99 firmly on the ‘classic’ shelf, because its contemporaries just didn't offer the same thing.  Again, Quake 2 had bots, but they served the purpose of being moving targets and not much else.  Driving UT’s bots was a dead-simple, if tedious to implement, system.  If you'll indulge me, I'm gonna pull back the hood and reveal the not-at-all-secret ways Unreal Tournament made all of its bots so good at playing each map.

All over a map, there are invisible waypoints hand-placed by the designer.  The goal is to make a rough trail of waypoints to each part of the map.  Bots see each waypoint and have the ability to travel in a wide radius around each.  Weapons, ammo, health, armor, and special powerups all act as special waypoints that a bot will see and travel to if they don't already have what that pickup is.  Players and other bots are considered waypoints as well, and when all that comes together, a bot will very intuitively move around the level.  Placing a waypoint higher in the air will make a bot jump to reach it, so having them move over obstacles is simple.  Like I said,  it only requires a loose sort of web across the level, as the world geometry itself is also something a bot sees.  Going around a corner or a box in the middle of a room is no issue provided the waypoints are good enough.

So now that you know how the sausage is made, what does that mean for the game?  Well, quite a lot.  Bot support is built into every single one of the maps UT99 shipped with, which is no small feat considering the base game came with 53 maps across four gamemodes (deathmatch and team deathmatch use the same maps), with a further 30 maps added for every gamemode but Assault over the course of four free downloadable bonus packs.

Every single one of those is playable, to this day, offline with a complement of bots just as ready to rock as they were almost twenty years ago.  And that's not event counting the thousands of user-made maps still available for download, but we'll talk about modding in a bit.  Because right now, it's time to talk about another excellent thing present on each map - the music.

Returning from Unreal are indisputable gods of music Alexander Brandon and Michiel van den Bos, who trade the previous game's subdued alien score for a soundtrack full of some of the boppin’est, crunchiest, hypest EDM tracks of the late 90s.  (Can you tell I don't know anything about music?)

Run, GoDown, and Organic provide the upbeat bleeps and bloops to murder by; Save Me, Razorback, and Superfist let you rock out with your shock (rifle) out; while Forgone Destruction, Skyward Fire, and The Course chill things out a bit so you can focus on getting sick headshots.  The quality of the music in Unreal Tournament is impossible to overstate, just as it was in Unreal.  Brandon and van den Bos are unrelentingly good at their jobs, and the mishmash of styles all grinds together across UT99’s broad palette of maps like butter full of shrapnel.  It's good, is what I'm saying.  The music's really good.  Listen to it.  Please.  

Stage music is something I personally miss from shooters, if you'll indulge another tangent.  I love hearing the gameworld as interpreted by the composers, it adds so much to the whole package, and we just don't really get it anymore.  The rise of the modern military shooter in 2007 with the runaway success of Call of Duty 4 kind of slammed the door on stage music with a tactical-lite focus on identifying footsteps and directional fire, but even Halo’s deathmatches were filled with a blank silence.  Or Halo 2, I suppose, since Halo 1 didn't have online play, except for the PC version, which did.  No stage music though, that's the main takeaway.  

UT99 had a truly odd mix of contemporaries, from the last days of Quake 2 and the imminent release of Quake 3 a week after UT itself came out, to Half-Life creating a mod scene in its multiplayer, to Halo a year or so later.  The turn of the century would bring with it the generally-accepted death of the arena shooter, but they all went out kicking, and the few hundred people still populating UT99 servers to this day are a testament to its tight, clean design and no-frills focus on gameplay.

Unless, of course, they're playing a mod.

Truth be told, I never actually played much UT99 online.  I was very bad, you see, and when I got better my horrible social anxiety had progressed to the point where the idea of even playing a game with faceless strangers was terrifying.  I was 8.  But anyway, modding!  You may have, in your travels as someone who presumably plays videogames - an assumption I'm making because you're reading this - heard of the Unreal Engine.  In a hidden bit of Trivia, Unreal was the first game on the Unreal Engine, and Unreal Tournament also used it.  Wild!

Along with the game itself, both releases also shipped with the Unreal Editor, or UnrealEd.  UnrealEd is the exact development tool the fine folks at Epic Megagames used to make those games, and they just casually handed them to the players.  The result echoes throughout the game industry to this day, and while Epic was hardly the only developer supporting mods, they were the first to do so on that kind of level.  As a result, there are thousands if not tens of thousands of user-made maps scattered around the web, along with new gamemodes, fan-made expansions for Unreal, new character models, weapons, and mutators.

Ah, mutators.  

Mutators can be thought of as ‘mini-mods,’ if you want.  There's a list of them you can select before each game that all change, or mutate (see?), the gameplay a bit.  Superjump, low gravity, replacing each weapon spawn on a map with another, big head mode, stuff like that.  Mutators are a fun addition that can mix up a usual match, but don't bring with them the sweeping changes of a full mod or total conversion.  They were a way to illustrate how flexible the development options were, and a nifty thing for players to have available to them.  

So, Unreal Tournament had lots of ways to keep the game fresh, either built-in or crafted by other players.  Turn a small map into Explosion Hell with the Rocket Arena mutator, or download a player-made weapon pack filled with weird goodies.  Wondering how Quake’s iconic maps play in UT?  Somebody's made them.  Hell, someone's even made a bunch of UT2004 maps for UT99, complete with de-made character and weapon models.  A lasting legacy of creativity is what UT99 brought above all else, and the fact that so much of what it did can remain as the primary example of how to do something right says more than I can about its impact on videogames as a whole.  

Unreal Tournament is a fast, brutal game balancing all of its various systems on the edge of a spinning razor blade, and it does so with a mastery that I feel was not seen among its peers of the time.  From the weapons, the movement, the maps, and the gamemodes, Unreal Tournament presents you the player with so many options, but it never feels like a generic crowd-pleasing paste has been slathered over everything.  The game's core is simple and well defined, and everything else builds on that.  It has a certain tightly-realized identity that I feel is missing from a lot of games that try to have the same sort of arcady arena vibe - Halo was probably its closest rival as far as small genre shifts go, and looking at Destiny 2 as the latest version of that is a weird mix of procedurally generated weapons, hero abilities, flat maps, and very few projectile weapons.  Skill has been taken out of some areas and added to others, but the design feels looser, less actualized.  Call of Duty is fast, but still has that small desire to be somewhat tactical, so there are recoil patterns and weapon attachments, the rich-get-richer killstreaks, and a progression system that murders any attempt at balancing their arsenal.  Quake Live, from what I understand, has a healthy enough playerbase, but my preference has already been stated.  Quake Champions tries to marry its classic gameplay with that of Overwatch, and the reactions have been mixed.  Team Fortress 2 has been bogged down with more and more weapons that blur the lines between classes, and the official map rotation - already small on launch - has barely been added to in twelve years.  

This isn't a “games are different now and that's bad” sort of thing, my point is just that UT99 had a much cleaner mission statement, if you will, than what we get now.  The industry's gotten bigger, and budgets followed.  Expectations of sales rose, leading developers to want to bring in as many players as they could.  Games can't really be niche anymore.

Or maybe that was true five years ago, but now the indie scene’s getting huge, and you can find a revival of your favorite genre just about anywhere.  Most aren't super well polished, but isn't that what made games like Unreal, Quake, and Half-Life into what we remember?  They all had more ambition than was perhaps warranted, and each made their huge impacts despite a healthy amount of blemishes.  Endless polish makes for a good player experience, but maybe not as much of a memorable one.  

Unreal Tournament all but made me into an FPS fan, and I think it's great that we all have so many types to choose from now.  Public tastes have shifted and evolutions of the genre happened.  I've enjoyed my fair share of Calls of Duty and Battlefields, I plugged hundreds of hours into TF2 throughout highschool, I've ridden the Overwatch hype train, and I love poking holes in walls and getting sneaky kills in Rainbow Six: Siege.  But Unreal Tournament is my oldest bastion, and one I return to every now and then when the whim takes me.  It occupies my top slot, though admittedly in an endless 1v1 with Unreal Tournament 2004.

But there was another Unreal Tournament between the two, one that came and went with mild fanfare while paving the way for what I feel is, hands down, the best game ever crafted by human hands.  Check back at the end of the month for a short look at the odd little Unreal Tournament 2003.