#Or “Got any fun new adventures in this noggin of yours?”

[kenhowler2004]

Gotta give myself a giggle. I haven't had an actual dream since I was 8. My ENTIRE life since then I have dream catchers up, so many plush toys around me at night, and I recently started to listen to a calming soothing playlist of my own creation. Why? If I were to put the aspect of my dreams and nightmares on a scale: to me a dream is no different than a nightmare and I'm lucky to even have one. I dream of such vivid and horrific visuals and sensations that if my mind was put into the NiGHTS franchise Wizeman would tremble and shake at the horrors I tend to endure in the night.

[dumbfinntales]

Alright I can safely say that Remnant 2 is fantastic and an obvious step up from the first game. There are some blemishes here and there, but for the most part Remnant 2 is more than a solid experience.

The original Remnant was a fun game, but I only played through it once and didn't really bother anymore. The game had randomly generated elements, but meh. I just beat Remnant 2 and I'm raring to go and complete the game again, find new items, discover new storylines and try level up new weapons. The new areas with their own individual storylines are so fantastic and I love adventure mode where you can re-roll and replay each area.

Out of all the new areas Losomn is my favorite, no surprises there as the place is a bit Bloodborne inspired. There are also the regal Fae castles and flying abominations. The only area I don't really care for is Yaesha, returning from the first game. Those rolling little bastards are the worst, especially when they ambush you from the behind and stun you.

Bosses also feel better designed. They feel tough, have multiple phases and no longer rely on a bunch of small adds to swarm you. Now they can shine on their own. The final boss was especially cool and hectic.

I also love the addition of archetypes, or classes, in the game. They provide unique boosts and skills. I mostly played as the summoner class and once it was fully leveled up it made the game so much easier. Your health regen can restore all chip damage so you don't need to waste main healing resources and your summons take enemy aggro away. I also enjoyed the alchemist for the buffs and ranger for, well. Range. There are some interesting weapons and builds to try out in the game and I wanna give them a go.

But holy shit is this game absolutely filled with secrets. There's cryptic secrets and puzzles EVERYWHERE you go. I admit that I looked up a lot of stuff, because how do you figure this shit out? Give a specific quest item to a spiderweb to receive a new melee weapon, use it on a specific spot on the map to get a consumable item that you then use to fight a secret miniboss to unlock a new class. Or how about a class you unlock by going out of bounds in an area that makes your character vomit non stop? There's a lot, but it's cool.

Any negatives? Enemies stunlocking you is quite annoying. If an enemy has a three hit combo and if the first hit connects you're guaranteed to be hit by the rest. And I both love and don't love the random generation. It has a bunch of good perks for replayability, but sometimes it fucks itself over. Like in Losomn I got this clock tower area with a puzzle, but to solve the puzzle I had to have some other specific area. And guess did I get it on my run? No. So I was unable to complete the clock tower puzzle. There are also some stupid room/area combinations you have to re-roll for over and over to get something specific. A weapon called the rune pistol requires some RNG luck and I just happened to receive that luck. But I've heard some people re-roll the area up to 20 times to get the specific combination of areas to get the weapon. Not fun.

The rest are small nitpicks really. Your companion character at the start of the game was really fucking annoying, I genuinely wanted to put a bullet in her noggin. And I admit this annoys me simply because I've got the reflexes and the timing of a 80 year old man, but the delayed attacks that enemies have put Elden Ring to shame. I get why they hold their attacks, otherwise they'd be way too easy to avoid so they rely on you rolling too early, or panic rolling which I am guilty of.

But everything aside Remnant 2 is a bloody fantastic game. I'm honestly in awe just how much they improved upon the original to make a super fun game with replayability. Honestly? Remnant 2 is one of the best games to come out this year. Now if you'll excuse me I think I'll re-roll another run in N'erud, maybe Losomn later.

[imlostinsantacarla]

Anonymous said: Hi! What do you think the Outsiders(including Tim & Curly) ideal girl would be like personality-wise and/or looks-wise

(a/n: heya lovely! i’m just letting you know that i wasn’t comfortable writing about the ideal looks they went for as i’ve seen a lot of these types of imagines posted and most of them are blonde haired, blue eyed white girls. i really want to begin ensuring that my writing is inclusive to as many people as i can, and i also don’t think the boys would be too knit-picky on their partners looks. so, i’ve mainly focused on the “ideal” personalities instead, which btw are just my own opinions on how i view the characters, as well! - admin kat🌙❣)

DISCLAIMER: i would like to give an ENORMOUS shoutout to @the-outsiders-blogg for their help in creating this piece! they helped me come up with some initial ideas (which i used) for what each of the boys would find ideal in a partner personality wise, as well as editing this piece and helping me add some new parts in. this is especially the case for steve, whom i find the most challenging to write for! but now i feel like i have a better grip on his character. so thank you so much for all of your help hun! also you all need to follow them bc their imagines, gifs and memes are just the most spectacular! ❤

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

The Gang + The Shepard Brothers Ideal Types Personality Wise Preferences:

Darry Curtis:

° I think that it’s a no brainer that Darry would date someone who’s got a more mature outlook on life and mindset in general. He doesn’t really have time or energy to invest into a relationship with someone who’s going to throw tantrums and storm out like a child. Darry has two kid brothers and a gang of friends who are pros at that, he needs someone who can keep their cool.

° He’s also going to be looking for someone who is much more grounding and soothing since he’s stressed 25/7 from raising two kid brothers, paying the bills on time and having his buddies crash at his house almost everyday.

° I believe as well that Darry would be looking for a more stable relationship, particularly one that’s long term. Darry doesn’t have the time to invest in something short term that doesn’t go anywhere. If he’s going to be with someone, he’s going to be very serious about it.

° He needs someone who’s good at communicating. Sometimes he holds in all of his emotions until they explode out messily. He needs someone who can communicate their points of views in an adult-like fashion. Also, by you speaking about your emotions it tends to open the door a crack to allow him to open up emotionally to you also, which is initially quite challenging for Darrel to do.

° Darry will need to be with someone who isn’t too sensitive. In his eyes there’s nothing wrong with sensitivity, it’s just that his words can come out rather brashly, especially when he’s high with emotion and often he’ll say things in the heat of the moment that he truly did not mean. So in other words, he needs to be with a partner that won’t take what he says to heart and will take things with a pinch of salt.

Sodapop Curtis:

° With all of the listening and diligent advice giving that this boy hands out, he’s going to need a significant other that can also do the same for him. I mean, the poor boy is only a human, he has troubles, insecurities, fears, worries, hopes and dreams just like the rest of us. He’ll also need them to be a bit patient with him because he’ll often feel guilty when he comes to you with his issues, it makes him feel weak. So all in all, he is looking for a partner in which he can develop a strong emotional connection to.

° Sodapop is definitely an adventurous and spontaneous young man and is eager to find a partner that is up to having fun with him, at least some of the time. This could be when you sit on his lap during a drag race, attending rodeos with him, going to parties and having a blast of a time by dancing the night away, the list goes on! As long as you’re up to doing some fun things with him, he’s down to be with you.

° Introversion, ambiversion or extroversion really doesn’t matter to Sodapop. He will love his partner to their very core, warts and all! As long as you’re a good person, Sodapop doesn’t really care. He’s understanding of everybody and will ensure that you’re comfortable no matter what when you’re dating him. 

° Obviously he’s going to want to be with someone who’s both trustworthy and honest, for obvious reasons regarding his ex Sandy. There’s also going to have to be some patience coming from your part. I mean, he’s over her now, but the insecurity of someone breaking his heart again like she did is a pretty intense fear of his. But that’s okay, because you naturally help soothe that insecurity of his: When you say you only have eyes for this dreamy guy, you mean it!

Ponyboy Curtis:

° Ponyboy would definitely lean towards being with someone that is more in touch with their femininity and their sensitive qualities. This is surely due to the fact that he too is quite sensitive. He wants to share sunrises and sunsets, along with his thoughts of movies and books with his partner, since he can’t exactly share that much with anyone else in the gang.

° Ponyboy also loves creativity and sports, so he’s going to look for someone with either a passion for creativity or sports, maybe even science. He enjoys practicing your sport with him and bouncing creative ideas off of you. You two would make the perfect study partners!

° He’s also going to look for someone who’s a good listener because he has a lot of intense thoughts swirling around in his noggin most of the time. He’d be super grateful for it and shyly thank you, returning the favor tenfold. Pony believes in making sure that what he receives he puts out back to you just as handsomely.

° Ponyboy is definitely an introvert and that’s awesome! I feel that he’d be down to be in a relationship with another introvert, but he’s also going to need someone that will bring him out of his shell a little. He’s going to be with someone that he feels he can trust and fully relax around, which is why he’s able to share his interests and thoughts with you so fluently. So, regardless, his emotional connection to you needs to be strong in order for him to speak more and open up.

Johnny Cade:

° Johnny has a whole host of issues mentally and emotionally, so it’s incredibly important that he is with a significant other that displays qualities of compassion, patience and support. Having someone he can go to is an important step in him allowing his walls to slowly break down. If he’s talking to you without having to be forced to, you know that he’s comfortable around you.

° Again, Johnny is going to need someone who is an excellent listener. It may take some time for him to open up to you, but when he does he’s honest. And you best believe that he’s incredibly grateful to have you. Just like Ponyboy and Sodapop, he’ll also listen to you. He believes that a relationship is a two way street as well.

° Johnny is pretty introverted and shy, there’s no doubt about that. I personally feel that he would be with someone who’s much more independent and enjoys making the decisions in general. It’s going to take some time for him to be comfortable enough to communicate what he wants and why. But your patience comes in handy and eventually he’ll tell you he wants to go see a new movie at the drive-in, etc. Yet initially he’s going to let you make most of the decisions.

° Like Ponyboy, he’s definitely ecstatic to be around another introvert, vibing off of each other would be amazing for him. Silences wouldn’t be awkward and things would just be over all chill. But, I still believe that Johnny needs a partner who can get him to relax in any situation and bring his feisty nature out a little more, since it’s definitely there and we’ve all seen it! The gang find it endearing that Johnny speaks more when you’re around, it makes them happy to see how joyful he is, because that beating from those Soc’s had really left him jumping at the sight of his own shadow. Poor baby!

Dallas Winston:

° Dallas Winston is going to be into someone who is more care-free. Being with someone that’s constantly anxious leaves him feeling on edge and he wants to feel on top of the world, all round relaxed. Especially when it comes to respecting his boundaries. The whole idea of someone attempting to change who he is makes it difficult for him to take them seriously as a partner. He’s Dallas Winston, he’s going to do what he wants!

° Like Sodapop, Dallas is looking to be with someone who likes to have fun and bend the rules. Dally is a rule breaker himself, often going out of his way to break the law. He’s not asking for his partner to start shoplifting or pulling crazy stunts like he does, but even minor things will get his adrenaline pumping. Although, he’s not opposed to dating a goody two shoes either!

° In Dally’s eyes, he doesn’t care whether you’re a tomboy, a girly girl or somewhere in between! He picked you because he loves your style and the person that you are, despite how mushy that sounds. He’s never going to admit it though. Maybe he’ll tease you endearingly about it, but that’s about it. There’s something about you that caught Dally’s eye and he knew he just had to have you all to himself.

° Dallas often prefers girls who are confident, headstrong and know what they want, even if they cuss him out in the process. Just take Sherri Valance for an example! She was having none of his crap and her feisty nature really sparked interest in him. So there has to be something personality-wise from you that he also feels he connects to. However, he also has no issue with being with someone who’s quieter and less confident, Dallas is going to make you feel like the luckiest and most breathtaking girl in the world when you’re with him. His louder nature will coax you to relax over time and you’ll start to blossom a little in confidence. He’s not looking to change you, just to get you to relax, because he finds you swell just the way that you are!

Steve Randle:

° In Steve’s books, he prefers individuals with a more masculine energy, regardless of whether they’re male or female. He’s not opposed to being with someone with a more feminine energy to them. It’s just that he really wants to be able to share his passion for both automobiles and sports with his partner. He’s kind of a dork like that.

° This teenage boy is most likely going to need someone who’s able to calm his highly intense energy down. He’s in a constant state of tension, itching to let out his emotions in often brutal ways such as fighting or drag racing. He’s hyperactive and finds it a challenge in itself to soothe that high energy he’s feeling most of the time. So someone who’s more grounding and calming is a sure way to help him unwind. Obviously, you’re not looking to change him because that’s not your job! It’s just that your aura tends to level out the high emotions that pulsate throughout his entire being at full throttle.

° Yet also, it’s very important for Steve to have a partner that he can also have fun with. Much like Soda, he enjoys participating in rodeos, drag races, attending parties, etc. Doing fun activities with his significant other helps them to bond with one another and creates particularly fond memories, this is also vital because it makes him want to be around his partner more. Family and home life is genuinely a drag for Steve, which is why he spends a lot of his time at the Curtis house. To have a partner that will also do spontaneous activities with him, it helps him move beyond his broken family life, and into a space where he can really flourish as a person.

° Once again, this young man will need someone who’s good at listening to him. He’s got a lot of daddy issues, considering he fights on nearly a daily basis with his father, getting kicked out too! This obviously creates a lot of anger inside him, which is why he’s so smart mouthed and quick to jump the gun and invest in a fist brawl, instead of talking things out with someone or letting it go. He feels that he needs to be tough in order for people to not only take him seriously, but also not to step on him. His father steps on him and his emotions too much which has erected a sturdy wall that he let’s few people through. It’s like his defense mechanism.

° This boy is going to love someone who smiles brightly at him. It’s cheesy I know, but there’s nothing better on this planet than his partner being happy. When you smile, all of his worries dissolve!

Two-bit Matthews:

° It’s a no brainer that Two-bit will flock to blondes. They’re his favorite! But what really makes him a sucker for someone is their ability to laugh right along with him. Yes, even at his crummy puns and terrible jokes! The sound of your laugh is genuine music to his ears, he’d do anything and everything to hear it a thousand times a day. The only time he enjoys you crying is when you’re crying of laughter.

° This boy is a bundle of the finest chaotic energy™ known to man, so he too will need someone more grounded to keep him down on the ground. Otherwise, he’d be on Mars by now! His partner would definitely teach him that it’s perfectly okay to feel other emotions that aren’t joy and excitement, and that it’s equally just as important to face those feelings.

° He strives to be with someone who is passionate about something. Anything really! He may not be the brainiest out of the bunch, but he’ll listen to you for hours on your passions. It makes him grin silly and honestly, he likes to at least attempt to learn some things about your interests. For him, a big passion of his is Mickey Mouse! He’ll talk to you about it for hours whilst he watches the television show with you.

° Two-bit also values honesty in relationships. Yes, he’s a grade A liar, but he feels crummy when he lies to his partner or is lied to by his partner. So he always does his utmost finest to ensure that he’s being as honest as possible. This is especially the case when a joke of his upsets you in any way, shape or form. If it goes too far then he wants to know. He can be a bit scatterbrained and may forget, but he wants you to be comfortable with and around him. He won’t settle for anything less.

Tim Shepard:

° Funnily enough, I believe that he would go for someone a lot softer than him since he likes the contrast. He’s all about that opposites attract trope, even sometimes his own gang have to bat their eyelids to make sure they weren’t imagining who they were seeing with their gang leader. They don’t necessarily have to be a goody-goody, just not as harsh as he is. It makes him hopeful in the world when he can bag someone kinder than him.

° Nevertheless, Tim wants to be with someone who has a mind of their own as well as having the capability to stand up for themselves. He loves protecting them, but he also wants to breathe easy when he’s not around you, comforted silently in the fact that you can handle your own. I mean, it’s a turn on for him when his partner can run their mouth, despite looking innocent. Like hands down, it’ll probably get him in the mood asap!

° Although Tim isn’t sold on expressing many emotions, he’s aware that they’re there, bubbling under the surface. So, Tim will definitely be with someone that he feels he is able to emotionally connect with. He doesn’t even have to vocalize this, it’s just something that he knows inside of his head and can feel when he’s around the person. It means that you’ve both got a strong connection together, which he’s not really got with many people in his life, considering how brutal his home-life really is.

° He also wants to be with someone who is trustworthy and honest. Tim doesn’t have the time to waste on two-timers. Usually when he settles into a relationship, it’s for the long term.

Curly Shepard:

° It’s canon that Curly Shepard isn’t the smartest kid out there in the world, so he probably seeks out someone who sees past that and can really get him as the person that genuinely cares deeply about him and wishes to get to know him. Because Curly is actually quite fun to be around, he’s always got some sort of idea to kill the time!

° In all honesty, Curly’s going to be most attracted to an individual that will be prepared to cause at least a little bit of trouble with him. You’re usually the one who ensures that you both don’t get caught. The whole experience is such a rush that you’re both grinning widely at each other afterwards.

° He’s most likely going to go for someone more extroverted or at least someone who is an ambivert as Curly would have a challenging time when it comes down to understanding someone who’s more introverted and shy. It’s not to say he wouldn’t like them, he just will assume that they’re quiet and withdrawn because they don’t like him, even if they do. But he definitely doesn’t think that there’s anything wrong with introverts! I mean, Ponyboy Curtis is one of his good buddies, after all.

° Curly is quite spontaneous himself, enjoying it when he switches things up. He becomes bored with little effort, so he needs to keep himself busy, and what better way to do that when he can cause all sorts of trouble! You low-key do have to remind him that climbing a telephone pole again would result in another broken arm, but he does it anyway!

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

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[probablyrpgmechanicsideas]

Thank you so much for that animation post! I am playing as a character that was animated in a similar manner. As a scarecrow, would there be any way to increase an animated creature's intelligence or other abilities?

Most of the ways I could think of basically require your DM’s assistance in the matter, unfortunately :T

There is the usual “Ability Score Improvement” that can come from a class reaching about every fourth level (meaning one at level 4, 8, 12, etc., depends on the class). Of course, it’s between you and the DM if your scarecrow could adopt classes since, in a way, it is a monster.

I don’t have the 5e Dungeon Master’s Guide, but a quick google search revealed that - according TO the DMG - DMs can use an Ability Score Improvement as a substitute for “Epic Boons,” boons rewarded as advancement for characters who’ve already hit Level 20/the level cap.

Although not technically permanent, I have seen DMs and GMs across all kinds of tabletop games that have made loot/equipment that boost Intelligence or other abilities while worn.

If you and the DM have already tried all these textbook HANDbook examples, here’s a few extra ideas from Beany’s noggin : 3

Soon as I read you’re a living scarecrow, a certain Judy Garland movie popped into my head. Maybe you could bring up an idea with your DM about running a Wizards of Oz campaign. Heck, even make the campaign a dream in Scarecrow’s head like the movie was all in Dorothy’s dreams; make it a fun one-shot campaign where everyone else makes their own colorful characters with something to ask of the wizard, and in the end the only evidence the one-shot ever happened is Scarecrow’s still got his brains.

If Scarecrow is more made of metal or wood, maybe you could play it in something of an android style, where Scarecrow’s intelligence is determined a bit by his biotic/animated side and a bit by certain parts of them: a computer in his head, perhaps? Or magic runes looking suspiciously like circuitry carved into his wood? Then this opens the DM’s options up to adding fetch sidequests based on rumors that a new part PERFECT for Scarecrow’s computer has been rumored to reside in the next town over.

If Scarecrow’s life is still pretty fresh in your campaign, perhaps treat him like a newborn child a bit: I want to say Pinocchio, but I feel like the movie CHAPPIE captures this more in its earlier parts. Have Scarecrow learn by watching, where his Intelligence has a chance at going up based on witnessing someone/something cast a spell, make a check, etc. that requires a certain level of Intelligence. If the DM wants to limit this option a bit to avoid overpowering, maybe have the Scarecrow’s learning be based on the person making the INT check; if they fail the roll and don’t tell Scarecrow “That wasn’t supposed to happen,” how is Scarecrow not supposed to take an Intelligence deduction because he thinks he wasn’t taught right/success from wrong/failure?

Kinda off the CHAPPIE idea, maybe Scarecrow could gain knowledge from others not by watching, but listening. Have Scarecrow be like a curious child, with a big wide world out there that he’s ready to explore and understand to the last detail. If the party doesn’t have any big bad to take care of, maybe Scarecrow goes off to the library, finds a school, or even just sits and listens to the stories of an old woman knitting on her front porch. Scarecrow essentially relies on the kindness of strangers to hear about basic social protocols, mortal rights (can’t just say human rights here emotions, friendship, and the occasional bit of magic or strategy to boot, overall making him a more competent adventurer and even closer to a living, sapient mortal.

If the campaign’s more evil-inspired, Scarecrow could get….. a bit dark with his acquisition of knowledge. Scarecrow is animated but (maybe, based on DM’s explanation) not biotic: he can’t grow his own brains.…. but with a scythe enchanted with bits of zombie, aboleth, or mindflayer….. “Well, it’s not like the monsters, commoners, etc. were using their brains to begin with, were they?” Maybe Scarecrow could read minds/memories, hear stories, etc. to gain a bit of “experience” towards having a brain, or maybe he could just take the whole brain by force, getting a lot more knowledge for a little blood on his patchwork hands.

That’s all I can think of for now. I also had an idea that maybe the Scarecrow, having stood watch over crops for most of his inanimate life, might be “one with nature” enough that he could commune with plants or even just crops to aid in some of these ideas. But yeah, with the DM’s say-so, you can think of a lot of ways a Scarecrow would search for Intelligence by just considering the sources of knowledge around them in the world.

Happy gaming, Scarecrow!

[cero-tia]

LFRP - A’panghur Tia

Please come meet the Cero of an alternate timeline--the cat he would have been if Dalamud hadn’t fallen down and conked him on the noggin. 

Full Name: A'panghur Tia

Gender and Sex: Male and about an 82 on the 1-100 Femme/Masc scale

Pronouns: He, him, his

Ethnicity/Species: Ala Mhigan Seeker Miqo'te, of the A tribe

Birthplace and Birthdate: 5th day of the 4th Umbral moon, the month of Rhalgr

Guilty Pleasures: Curling up nearly anywhere with a good book. Dancing, especially at dawn. Oranges. Herbal sachets with scents that remind him of home. Pressing flowers from foreign lands that he sends back to his sisters in the Peaks. Using his carbuncle to help him cheat in street scuffles.

Phobias:  After a time, Panghur’s letters home stopped making it through, and he stopped receiving any. His memories of home are muddled with time, as he was only 9 when he left to come to Eorzea, but he recalls the threatening armored faces of the soldiers who were already starting to occupy Ala Mhigo. He is hyper aware of Garlean influence, appearance, names, etc in the people around him, and it puts him on edge to even think about them. Other than this totally rational leeriness about the people who subdued his own, he is unfortunately without much fear (although some would argue he hasn’t got the good sense to be afraid when he should be).

What They Would Be Famous For: Probably for saving whole cities again and again? Panghur is a Warrior of Light, and was present for at least some of the campaigns that the Scions instigated to counter the threat of primal uprisings. After the Calamity, he became a prominent figure in the adventuring circles, specifically in those pertaining to the freeing of Ala Mhigo. He was at the fall of Baelsar’s Wall, and was at the battle to see his homeland freed from oppression.

I may find more depth to his story as I experience it fresh while I am leveling him–so far it is a bit vague, and I know a great deal more about how Cero managed the post-Calamity Eorzea than I know how Pangur did. Expect updates!

What Have They / Would They Gotten Arrested For:  Inciting a riot, spray painting pro-Resistance propaganda, dumb mischief (that he always talks himself out of), espionage, being a rebel in a time of oppression. Either extremely light, slap-on-the-wrist stuff, or extremely serious, bag-over-your-head-in-the-middle-of-the-night stuff.

OC(s) You Ship Them With: No OCs yet! He’s still building connections to the RP community.

OC Most Likely To Murder them: No OCs hate him that much yet, but I would love to find him a Garlean antagonist.

Favorite Book Genre:  Panghur devours tomes of magical theory and practical application. He has a large library in his Ul'dah apartment of books he’s collected over the years. Prize among them are his hard-to-find and definitely illegal-to-own books on the forbidden Black magics.

Least Favorite Book Cliche:  He doesn’t hate any books, but he just rolls his eyes at romantic bodice-busters and other hyperbolic brain rot prose. It doesn’t stop him from reading them, now and then.

Talents and/or Powers:  Panghur is a canon Warrior of Light, and his Echo manifests as a canny ability to read faces and the occasional fit of visions.

He is also a powerful Archmage, having studied at the three major schools of magic from the time he was but nine summers old. His powers of summoning and thaumaturgy are explosive and cleverly wielded, but also have the calm, controlled experience of the balance of conjury to hone them. He favors his emerald carbuncle, Emeraulde, and is not above throwing rocks when all else fails.

Panghur is also, and has always been, cocksure and precocious. As a young child he was full to the brim of magical talent, and though he has tempered his boastful confidence somewhat upon maturing, he is still very smart, and knows it, and uses it to his advantage when it comes to outsmarting Garlean patrols or haggling down a used-book vendor in the markets.

Why Someone Might Love Them:  He fights fiercely for his homeland. He loves his family and wants to make Ala Mhigo safe for them, and for everyone else’s family. He is clever and delights in making people laugh. He isn’t afraid to get down and dirty in a fight, especially if someone needs defending. He’s got a beautiful face, and the most charming freckles you ever did see over his golden desert-cat tan. If he loves you, he’ll make sure you know it every day.

Why Someone Might Hate Them:  He feels passionately about the freedom of his homeland, and can be aggressive about his feelings if he feels he’s not being listened to or taken seriously (imagine Alexander Hamilton standing on a table demanding to know ‘where the ammunition’s at’). His confidence can come off as arrogant or boastful. He likes to be at the center of the action, and can appear bossy if he gets wrapped up in what’s going on. He studies (in secret) forbidden magic. He has used his carbuncles to table top people he feels need to be taken down a peg, more than once.

How They Change:  When he began his journey to Eorzea, Panghur was a precocious child of 9, spouting off bursts of magic because he could, with little thought to finesse or control. In Limsa Lominsa, he learned how to summon, and how to make friends with dock rats and street urchins, and how to run around behind adults backs to have fun and get in trouble and explore.

In Gridania, he learned conjury, and the importance of balance, and healing, and slowing down to appreciate the small things, the quiet things, the weak and soft things. He learned how to temper his exuberance with meditation and inner-contemplation, and how to strategize.

In Ul'dah, he learned how to blow shit up. He learned a lot more about thaumaturgy than just that, but that was the big part. He learned how to sweet talk high-class movers and shakers, how to navigate the behind-the-scenes powers of the upper crust and the lowest street scum. He learned about the Resistance.

He’s rediscovering himself after waking up post-Calamity, with the world five years older and the war that much further progressed in his homeland. Now he has thrown himself into the fight to free Ala Mhigo, even as he struggles to find old friends and connections and works cheerfully to make new ones.

Why You Love Them:  I first came up with Cero years and years before I started playing FFXIV, and I had to play with his backstory a lot to fit him into the lore of the game. What I came up with was a smarter, cleverer version of Cero that had suffered a traumatic brain injury that lead to amnesia, and once I had that concept, A'panghur began simmering quietly in the back of my head.

I’m just very excited to flesh him out and see what he leads to, because he’s the part of Cero that never forgot his family, or his own strength. He’s a different personality than I often play, and I am very eager to see where his development leads!

[fyrapartnersearch]

original, percy jackson, pokemon, avatar, skyrim, fallout ;

I’m AJ! I lost a couple partners in the holiday craze, which is totally fine! Now I’m lookin’ for some RPs to head into the new year. If we had something lined up and things fell off the wagon, no sweat, just message me again and we can get the ball rolling again! :)

  For original settings: apocalyptic (zombie, disease, extinction event, whatever), supernatural (fantasy, urban, sci-fi, literally anything). For fandom universes: Percy Jackson, Pokemon, Avatar: The Last Airbender/Legend of Korra, Skyrim, and Fallout.

  Gonna run through my basic info and then onto the particulars. 💕

  ⥽ About Me ; ⥼

  • Name/Age ; AJ! 22! Finally!

  • Timezone ; CST! I don’t mind time differences, this is just so you know my general schedule.

  • Length ;  Depends on whether it’s novella or multi-paragraph. If m.para, around 3-5 minimum I guess? Novella would obviously be much longer.

  • Reply rate ; Varies depending on whether we’re doing multi-paragraph or novella. I can respond anywhere from every day to every other day or a few times a week to weekly depending on the writing style of the RP and my schedule.

  • OOC ;  I like getting to know my partners and sharing enthusiasm over our ideas and characters. Nothing hits quite like mutual investment! I like making playlists/pinboards/sending you videos or songs or memes that remind me of our characters!

  • Contact ; Strictly email for OOC and roleplay unless we’re using GDocs for the RP itself. You can find me at jackrabbitsonata@gmail.com.

  ⥽ On the lookout for ; ⥼

  • Doubling ; Not a deal-breaker!! I just prefer writing a cast of characters, so this is something that’s more of a bonus. Ideally we’ll double, but I’m down for writing just one character each. Let me know how ya feel about it!

  • Will only write MxM or FxF ; MxF’s not my cup of tea (I’m extremely picky with it, fellow gays u know how it is). If we’re writing a cast of characters then I’m fine with having an MxF side couple. And I STRICTLY write OCxOC! Canon characters won't be found anywhere near this stuff, folks!

  • 20+ ; Partner’s gotta be 20+ even if we don’t write anything explicitly adult! I’m outta my teens now and don’t have any interest in writing with them. Same goes for characters. It’s a 20+ zone for both partners and characters ‘round here, folks!

  ⥽ Yes! ; ⥼

  • Smut ;  I enjoy writing it, but it’s not a deal-breaker if you’d rather fade to black.  All characters will obviously be adults. I expect versatile characters in bed by default, that way we’ve got an even route for playing roles in bed. Admittedly this shifts a bit depending on the character I write but for the most part, yeah, I stick to verses.

  • Face claims ; Spent a huge chunk of my roleplaying years on tumblr (it was very over-the-top and flowery and weirdly formatted and grossly difficult to read, I know I know), so having a face for characters stuck with me. If you don’t have any of your own and want good resources to find a face, I’ve got some recommended sites I can throw at ya! Not a deal-breaker, though, and for certain fandoms (Pokemon, Avatar) I actually prefer not to use realistic face claims so we can just opt outta that when writing in these universes.

  • Depth & growth ; Not a fan of one-dimensional characters or characters who act the same from beginning to end! People change with experiences and the people around them, so this is to be expected. ESPECIALLY when doubling with a cast. I loooove complicated characters growing together.

  • Plotting & Worldbuilding ;  *For original settings/worlds! I’m not picky with this if we’re working with a canon setting, so if that’s what you’re looking for, we can skip this section. I run into loooads of folks who say they do this when they really don’t. We’re writing an entire world together, so there’s some degree of effort involved! I need specifics to use as a start-off point for the roleplay and a general outline for where the story’s going. RPs that are just random, spur of the moment with writing as we go on tend to burn out REALLY quickly for me. I know not a lot of people are into this, so I’m sorry about that.

  ⥽ No! ; ⥼

  • Single paragraphs ; I’m not too picky with a lot of length a lot of the time, I just don’t mesh well with people who don’t write more than that. Go ham. I like my responses meaty!

  • Limits ; Abuse, nonconsensual/sexual assault, pedophilia, incest (includes step-relations, adopted relations, and that figurative like if one character essentially raised another or they were raised as family), weird age gaps, BDSM, any kind of master/slave or dom/sub dynamics.

  As for the goods, I’ve laid ‘em all out for you here! Keep in mind that while all of these are fun on their own, I’m definitely the type of writer who’s into mixing and matching. Sci-fi apocalypse? Fantasy apocalypse? Fantasy supernatural stuff? Sci-fi fantasy? Sci-fi supernatural stuff? Supernatural apocalypse? Period settings? Literally whatever you could think of, I’ll give it a whirl. The particulars down below are just to get the ball rolling and catch some interest, some asterisks for current cravings but I’m soooooo honest when I say that I’d love to write anything down below and won’t shoot you down if you come at me with stuff. Hit me up with whatever you’d like!

    APOCALYPSE: My bread and butter! Bro. I’m all about the tense, harrowing, and especially gut-punching when it comes to how close people become to survive together in quiet moments of a world they used to know. I’m a big fan of zombies, so that’s my loose preference. I loved Black Summer on Netflix – the earlier episodes, at least, as well as The Last of Us. That’s the kind of vibe I favor with zombies/zombie-like creatures. But, ofc, an apocalypse can be anything! I love writing different takes on the genre since there’s so much to cover. Extinction event, pandemic, impact event, monsters/beasts, man-made, whatever. The more creative the apocalyptic setting, the better, so I’d love to bounce some ideas back and forth. Not too into a nuclear apocalypse setting, since that overlaps a lot with Fallout down below. I’ve also had some ideas of a futuristic/sci-fi apocalypse that I’d love to tell you all about if you’re interested!

  FANTASY***: High fantasy, low fantasy, medieval fantasy, urban fantasy, whatever. Love dragons, love magic, love weird fantasy flora, definitely love the classic prince/princess x knight or commoner schtick. You want prophecies? I’m game. You want elves? I’m game. You want steampunk? I’m game. You want none of that and wanna do something else? I’m game, baby. The possibilities are endless. I’ve had two particular ideas floatin’ around in my noggin lately: an apocalyptic-fantasy that takes place in a medieval fantasy realm wherein an ancient curse/plague erupts across the land with horrifying zombie-esque symptoms (obv with more fantasy elements than just that) that involves a quest to try and awaken a god or two OR some magic journey to the heart of it all and out and end to it, and a modern fantasy involving a run-down summer camp secluded deep in the woods. Two new counselors (our characters) start working there over the summer and things slowly unravel from there, either with faerie stuff involving replacing campers/staff (definitely aiming for the freaky horror faeries as opposed to like, beautiful or only slightly unnerving faeries) or the camp being run by a secret cult that sacrifices campers/staff.

  SUPERNATURAL/PARANORMAL***: Vampires and werewolves and demons, oh my! Can’t go wrong with horror, especially can’t go wrong with comedy-horror. I’m more of the type to prefer humans and supernatural beings together in a ragtag duo type of way as opposed to two supernatural beings, but anything’s cool in my book. Medieval/fantasy setting for a dark fairytale vibe, urban/modern supernatural beings slinking in the shadows outside of the human eye, supernatural sci-fi stuff, mysteries and danger lurking around every corner? Seriously, it’s a great genre! Any and everything is fantastic. I’ve got a loose concept of demons/the Underworld I’d like to get into revolving around a human accidentally summoning a demon or making a really poor deal with a demon and the eventual threat of the opposite effect (humans who work with angels/angels who clean up demonic stuff) since I’m struggling with the worldbuilding of it, so applying all that to a roleplay to give it a whirl sounds like a great way to work out the kinks. Plus, c’mon. Paranormal romance. End of the world. Flipping the script on angels and demons with the demons being “good” and the angels being “bad” but really there’s more nuance to that since they’re two sides of the same coin. What’s not to love there? I’m a sucker for human/demon relationships and/or human/angel relationships, what can I say!

  PERCY JACKSON*****: I haven’t ever roleplaying this verse before, so this is completely new grounds for me. I’ve seen some fun takes on it, though! Scoured older ads but haven’t reached out to anyone because the posting time’s pretty old, but a couple ideas I’ve skimmed through sound fun. HP got a period take on it, so why not put that spin on PJ with a period setting rather than in modern times? Or just a regular modern setting. Y’know, keep it classy, keep it sexy, keep it fun! I’m definitely interested in life outside of camp since they’d all be adults. Life’s supposed to suck for demigods, so let’s get into that. I’ve only read the first series but I’m game to read more or look over the Wikipedia if it suits your fancy! I’m REALLY looking for a PJ RP, seriously, message me.

  POKEMON: Man, I just… miss Pokemon, dude, what else can I say? :( I miss fun adventures and goofy scenarios and taking a more serious or realistic route with threats. I’ve got a couple of ideas from heists to evil Elite Four members to Poke-Jurassic Park, but I’d love to hear anything you’ve got in mind!

  AVATAR*****: Alright, not gonna beat around the bush, I had a killer post-Korra RP setting like a year ago that died off early on and now I’m kinda itching to put it back into action! Basically this whole thing just revolves around our own Avatar and world/conflicts. Something before Aang could be fun too? Or a couple Avatars past Korra? There’s so many routes we could take this! And so many things we could bring in! I had an Avatar marathon with my brother this weekend and I just miss this universe. I’ve never actually managed to RP it before, so I wanna remedy that!

  FALLOUT***: Played 3, watched various playthroughs of New Vegas, 4, and working on 1+2! I’m a recent fan and I’ve fallen head over heels for it! I’ve got ten prepped OCs for this universe so feel free to take your pic once we get into contact! :D I think it could be fun if we make our own setting for this, but I’m so down for piggybacking off canon settings. I love the Mojave in particular, but everything’s cool in my book. I’ve also got a couple plot ideas, so I can tell you all about ‘em when we get into things!

  SKYRIM***: Well I’m a new Fallout fan so it should come to NO surprise that I’m new to Skyrim too. I recently got into it after someone recommended it to me and I’m having a blast playing the game on the Switch! I don’t have any particular ideas but I’d love to dip into the water here and see what comes of it. I’ve got a couple character ideas already so if I manage to rope anyone into this universe I’ll be one happy camper.

[nimrodinked]

The Chill of Home, Imperfect as it Is

With the season finally bringing snow to my area, I've been thinking, more prevalently than usual, about an old title I used to play back when you had to buy it. A game about brothers in the old times, fighting in the canadian wilderness to protect their sister. It's called Sangfroid: Tales of Werewolves, a game about setup and execution where you lay traps and defenses for the night of unholy terrors ahead, and beat the ever-loving hell out of all manner of folklore creatures, from werewolves to wendigos.

I don't think I'll be talking much on the story, it's very straightforward with a twist at the end that, to my knowledge, never led to a sequel. Instead I think it'd be quite a bit more enjoyable to talk about actual gameplay, one of the many aspects I think this game shines in. It is, all in all, a fairly simple affair, having a basic attack string and a special 'rage' attack to unleash once you've caused enough damage. In addition, the player, whoever they pick as their protagonist, has a rifle with a simple aided aiming system that both makes shots forgiving, and rewards accuracy with higher damage on properly aimed headshots. That's the extent of the fighting proper, but the game is about more than brawling with wolfmen in the woods. You get a preparation time before nightfall, getting exact information on waves and pathing so you can lay traps in the way of enemies. Your tools expand as you play, starting with simple bear traps and hanging rockfalls, building up to auto-attacking sacred trees and sniper crows nests allowing you to zipline quickly across the map. It all gets quite hectic, and the game shines quite nicely, especially on hard mode, which in itself is a welcome little change.

Rather than having a static character and scaling difficulty, players choose either easy or hard mode at the beginning of the game. A rather entertaining lore twist, 'easy' mode sees you playing as Jos, the younger brother blessed with a freakishly large build and Paul Bunyon-esque endurance. He's built like a truck and hits just as hard, capable of easily tangling toe-to-toe with werewolves and tougher enemies solo, freeing up more time in preparation mode to make money with log-cutting and spend on bought traps like black powder barrels. The harder mode sees you playing Jacques, the older of the two brothers and all around adventurous mountain man, now retired to a quiet life in the countryside at his log cabin. Jacques isn't blessed with his brothers strength, meaning while he can, if cleverly executed, kill a werewolf one to one, the encounter will eave most damaged and out of stamina for the next fight. So naturally, Jacques requires players to plan more carefully and set up a plan that will ideally be executed without an axe swung at an enemy, baiting groups of rabid wolves into spike pits and bear trapping Maikan shapeshifters under hanging rocks to crush them. Jacques makes you engage the game on a smarter level, forcing you to make elaborate plans and backups, rather than just wading thigh-deep into furry growling monsters.

With the constant evolving of traps usable, the expanding list of foes and their unique abilities, upgrading your gear and balancing out having holy armaments for unholy killing and silver for Maikan slaying, not to mention the skill upgrade system that augments your traps and combat abilities, not to mention that, to add additional difficulty, the area you have to protect gets larger and more difficult to traverse, it's a canadian sledload of tools and challenges to test your mettle. Not to mention the final boss, which, without spoilers, is magically hidden from sight and requires you to use every trick up your sleeve to triumph.

Gameplay isn't the only thing that makes me love this game, in fact there's not much I really dislike about my experience going back. The voice acting is, while at times a little on the corny side, in major part believable and enjoyable. The character models are a bit odd at times, though it's mostly the underused shopkeepers that look the most like unfinished models. Jos, Jacques, and their little sister all look very nice, and even the rather hellish model of the Devil (yes he shows up, rather immediately in the story in fact) looks good enough to pass. It's a shame then that there's a few 'off' bits in the game, mainly the axe models. The axes themselves lok very nice, but they're quite upscaled, to the point that the head is larger than the character models own noggin. That, and the character portrait for Jacques. I don't know who drew it, but I'd very much like to hunt them down and ask them why they think single-fire muskets possessed ACOG sniper scopes back in the day. Silly things, nitpicks really, and I only point them out because they're generally the exception to an otherwise fantastic direction.

Topping all of this off, the music. My word, the music. Exactly the kind of high-pulse, frenetic canadian pieces you'd expect of the locale, with musical stings to alert you when enemies have caught your scent or a new wave is spawning. Coupled with softer, more somber pieces during daytime shopping and planning, it's all a great accompaniment to your brawling and scheming. So, the game's great, what's the catch, where does it get awful or fall flat? Well, nowhere so grevious, though I do have a single major issue with how things are paced. Mainly the tutorials. They're very helpful if you haven't played the game before, but for me, who only really needed a touch-up on knowledge, the agonizing slowness of every new mechanic does grate, if only a bit. That's only for repeat players mind you, it was as I recall a lovely little learning experience seeing the videos drop down and a friendly, Gabe Newell-esque man teach me the intricacies of the wall of flames.

So, Sangfroid, a game I love, and started playing again. It's got a lot of love poured into it, has a satisfying gameplay loop that'll always keep you wanting to move one day further, and, best of all, as far as I've seen, it's free on steam. It went free to play a long while ago, and seeing how they didn't add any micro-pay oddities into the formula, I think this is a case of the dev team wanting to get their labor of love out to all the people they could, a notion which, if true, would be a nice sentiment. As far as I know they've made one other game, but seeing how Sangfroid is literally a free to play gem of fun gameplay and simple but effective narrative, they're a highly ranked studio. In my eyes anyhow. So, check it out, you've nothing to lose but time, a resource I'm sure many of us find we have much more of nowadays. Thanks for reading, and wrap up warmly; the forests are a cold place.

[hollerace-blog]

The Shed

One of the salient advantages at growing up at 314 Midfield Avenue was that surprises were many and close between. My dad (and his friends) always seemed to have something in store. Add my mom’s brother, Uncle Buzz, to the mix, and adventure, usually concomitant with fun, was ever on the menu.

That spring Saturday so many years ago stands out. My brother and I awoke to the sounds of carpentry coming from the backyard. Various implements banged in a striking cadence of metal on wood.

Still pajamaed, we raced into the yard, mindless of our grandma’s call to breakfast. We scarfed down her velvety scramblers posthaste. A handful of men worked at the project. Uncle Buzz (a reputed carpenter by trade) led the tradesmen as Dad handled some plans and made measurements.

“IT’S A TOOL SHED. WELL, GONNA BE,” Mom offered. “BUZZ, YOU DON’T NEED A BEER! IT’S GOING FOR NINE!” My mother had a unique way of telling time. For years, I had no idea of actual numerical chronological increments. Our household was limited to a number of phrases that merely approximated real times in hours and minutes. We deciphered code phrases like “going for”; “a little after”; “not quite,” among others.

The concept of a tool shed did little to boost the morale of the Hollerkids, but it’s not every day a new edifice arises in your yard. So, jeaned and sneakered, we ventured out. This foray did not last long, since Buzz delivered yet another hammer blow to a gnarled, already indigo fingernail. A raft of curses ensued, accompanied by Dad ushering us out of earshot. Snagged.

Buzz came to the rescue, proffering his seemingly endless supply of silver coinage for us to go to the matinee at the Marilyn. We celebrated with Milk Duds, Junior Mints and popcorn doused in semi-buttery, mucilaginous petroleum product. A few Roadrunners, some Stooges and jutting-jawed white men shuttling fighter jets in dazzling array kept us at bay for the afternoon.

Back at home, the skeleton was complete. This seemingly massive structure spoke of more than a mere tool shed. My brother and I conferred in our bunks that night, sharing dreams about this mysterious new building.

By the time we got back from Mass the next day, our future shed was just about done. But the mystery lingered on. Over Mom’s paprikas, the subject stayed off the table. After the meal, I noticed Dad had left something behind. It was a clear piece of lucite. A small key dangled from one end. On the plastic, hand-etched in my father’s precise fashion were the words:

CLUB HOUSE AND TOOL SHED

“A CLUB HOUSE!” two boys screamed in concert. We burst out the back door and hit the shed. It was actually a two-room affair; the larger space was for the “club.” Someone had put a couple of old folding chairs and a rickety table about the room.

Somehow, the silent signal made its way to both our noggins. We owned this! No rules! No grown-ups! Nirvana! My brother and I were hootin’ and Holleran. We stomped, danced and otherwise caroused. With nobody trying to simmer us down.

Mom had to drag us out to the real world at suppertime. I made sure to secure the lock; no strangers could violate our Valhalla.

Our fortress was spare. A single, sliding window was the only outlook. To that end, we left the door open most of the time. The wall dividing the shed was made of Homasote, a dismal, gray fiberboard affair, but begging for thumbtacks.

Not to fear. One day, Tom and I retreated to our castle to see some color photos affixed to that wall. Willie Mays, Al Kaline, a crookedly grinning Larry Berra. All these borrowed from Dad’s Sport magazine. We cautiously decorated to our own tastes. A grinning, gapped Alfred E. Newman did not go over well, but remained. For some reason, adults viewed this character as a denizen of some warped Sixties Gehenna.

As school ended in June, we looked forward to quality time in The Shed, as Mom had dubbed it. One day, my brother brought up a touchpoint. “Do we have a club, or what?”

Whoa. The idea of an organized association of any sort was foreign to us. But heck, the Little Rascals had clubhouses. They even put on shows! But what about nomenclature? A cool handle meant everything. We both descended into deep thought. Which didn’t last long.

“I’ve got it!” exclaimed Tom. “The Night Crawlers!” Debate over. We both had seen the sign advertising these varmints at Ted’s Bait Box for years. The moniker was menacing enough, with no swears or other nastiness that might upset adults. Perfect.

Tom voted me president; I voted him sergeant-at-arms. Politics done.

Prospective members became a problem. Word ignited around the neighborhood. I got skinny that guys we didn’t even know—from the other side of the Avenue—were claiming to be members. Of course, Lloyd and Barry Tichey from across the street were charter Crawlers. We had to let in Linda Fortune, who lived in the three-top above the Ticheys. Her dog, Hercules, became our unofficial mascot.

We discussed others. Tom wrote the name of every vaunted associate in chalk on the fiberboard. Inky O’Doul, Johnny Sabo and Swedey Johnson, who was by popular mandate the most popular kid in Park Terrace.

I can’t accurately describe the Night Crawlers as an organization. We never had a meeting. No charter, no dues, no mission statement.

As luck would have it, things eventually went dark. One day, I returned from a sojourn to the local playground (better known as “The Field”). The door to The Shed lay open, as it often did. Only standing in that doorway was one Michael Fanelli.

I could hear him muttering something to my brother, who cowered away. Fanelli wasn’t the most hated kid in the neighborhood; he was just the least liked. He was not of any type other than rodentine. He could have been twelve or sixteen. Black clothing, engineer boots in summer. He seemed to belong to no school or family. . 

He was tolerated by the Dirt Kids from Tin Can Alley, mainly because he would treat for candy at United Cigars. Otherwise, no one claimed him as a friend. And I didn’t want him in my backyard.

His mouth was a slash of a sneer as he kept calling my brother “kid” in the snottiest way. I didn’t hesitate. “Clear out, Fanelli,” I said. “Hit the road.” 

“Screw you and your crappy club, kid,” said my nemesis. Nonetheless, he shambled down our driveway. I felt Tommy’s sigh of relief in Fanelli’s wake. I clutched him instinctively. He was already tough stuff but I could feel a tremble.

He said, “Fanelli said we had to let him in the club or he’d kick my ass.”I knew the interloper  was all mouth and no action. Word was that he would talk trash to guys at The Field and sidle away when anyone had a problem.

I saw no need to consult Bucky Maraglino and Rats Müller about Fanelli bothering my brother, knowing that these older guys would intervene for us. For a while, Fanelli faded.

The Shed served us well that summer. We’d hang out on drowsy days. Our grandmother would make us pitchers of iced tea, levering cubes out of trays to fill an old enameled pot that served as a cooler. Chips and other salt-laden treats were always on hand, and slabs of meat on Wonder were always available for lunch.

 Kids would come and go throughout the day. Tom and I ruled over this tiny kingdom. I just enjoyed sitting back, inhaling the still-fresh woodsy aura of the building. I felt safe, protected and independent.

 Guys supported us. Wifty Schultz, already a budding artist, dolled up a Newman poster with our club name in two-toned type! Some cool flame decals appeared for window decorations. The space became our castle, our keep. Dad would putter in the tool quarters but pretty much left us alone. 

These were heady times, for sure. The days seemed warmer, brighter. The two sturdy maples in our yard brought relief from city heat, slicing sharp sickles of sun that darted through the sparse, dusty patch where grass could find only a timid purchase. In those days of innocent clarity, nothing could stop us. We were indeed Dukes of Earl.

We were fortunate that Michael Fanelli never made a return visit to The Shed. One day, biking up to The Avenue, I peered down an alley behind stores. We used to flip baseball cards back there. I saw Fanelli kicking the wall, his black boots looking odd and scrufty in the heat.

I couldn’t resist, and approached the kid. He looked especially feral; his sneer seemed  nastier, more menacing. “They kicked me out of United,” he said. “Caught me stealing.” It was a neighborhood tradition not to nick anything from United Cigars. Old Mr. Kessler, no humanitarian himself, treated the kids with benign neglect.

Fanelli cast his eyes away from me. I was astonished to see he was crying. He said, “I guess I can’t be in your club.” I felt badly for him, for some reason..

“No. You can’t, “ I said. “Not when you threaten to beat up my brother,”

“I didn’t mean nothin’.”

I said, “You should think of that before you open your mouth.” I decided not to make fun of his tears, as much as I wanted to mock him. But I couldn’t resist a final dig. I  added, “Just stay away from our house, our club. Or I will kick your ass.”

He shied away, sniveling. I went into United and got a Tru Ade and a couple of Fireballs.  I wasn’t sure of any physical prowess over Michael Fanelli. I don’t even know if I ever saw him again.

I rode home and went right to the shed. For some reason, I gave my brother a Fireball and held him close. I said, “Nobody’s gonna bother us anymore. We’re the Night Crawlers.”

Tom and I stood there, clinging to each other, protected by The Shed.

And it was all good.

***

We had a few good summers in that shed. Soon, my brother outgrew me and became MY protector. After Mom sold the house, the new owners tore down The Shed. They also put a statue of a saucy jester in the front yard. That would have driven Dad up a wall.

Many years later, on a visit home from the Left Coast, I stopped by the Sons of Sweden. A lot of the old gang was there; drinks were hoisted; jollity ruled.  Some guy I didn’t recognize was reminiscing about the old neighborhood. “Where did you live, anyway?” said Hook Grywalski.

“Barketine Lane,.”said the guy.. This was up on the Hill, a small enclave for the monied set.

Swedey Johnson jumped in, “But you were never a Night Crawler.”

[wellpersonsblog]

Everything You Need to Know About Riding a Road Bike (And Living to Tell the Tale)

As a kid, the only things that mattered about having a bike were: 

If you had one. That was pretty important. And… 

The level of pizzaz on display. I’m talking handlebar streamers, cards in your spokes, maybe even some colorful lights around your wheels. 

But walk into a bike store as an adult and well… there’s a lot to consider! 

Before you are ready to write a check, you’ll need to decide whether you want a road bike, mountain bike, track bike, tri bike, or downhill bike (yes, there’s a difference!).

Is your bike going to be for cruising or commuting? 

Every bike has a purpose, and there are a lot of purposes. So you have to find your go-to.

For me, that’s a road bike. 

It’s comfortable to ride for an extended time (once you master changing gears, you can spin away for hours and hours), goes fast, and takes turns and handles elevation changes with ease. I’ve found that it suits my lifestyle because I can clip into my road bike and cycle to the beach or a coffee shop to work, and most places in between. 

However, road cycling is not for the faint of heart. 

The road is a scary place. Cars drive fast, people are texting and not paying attention, and if you can find a bike lane, they often have missing sections or have cars parked in them.

So, why should you learn to road bike? Well for starters, it’s fun! I love nothing more than cruising down a smooth road. 

And I’m positive that the more you know about road cycling, the better cyclist you will be — and the more fun you’ll have.

To help you with navigating the intimidating world of cycling, I’ve put together 10 tips that I have learned from trial and error, dating a bike mechanic, and becoming a regular on many group rides. 

Once you master these tips, your bike can take you anywhere you want to go, whether that’s to the bike shop, a group ride, or any other time the rubber hits the road.

Tip #1: Wear a Helmet

This should go without saying, but I’m saying it anyway — WEAR A HELMET

I don’t care if you are riding near or far — WEAR A HELMET. 

Get the right helmet. All helmets are not created equal. Like so many other things in life — you get what you pay for, and your brain is not something to skimp on. A new, proper fitting, well-made helmet is essential. Knock off helmets are available all over the internet, so if the helmet you are looking at is priced “too good to be true”  . . . it probably is. 

I only wear helmets that feature MIPS technology. MIPS: Multi-Directional Impact Protection System. This means it is designed to reduce rotational forces on impact (you know, if your head hits the road, your MIPS helmet is prepared to protect your noggin) at any angle.

Wear it right.

Always try on a helmet before you buy it.

It should fit snugly and securely, while sitting flat, on top of your head. Helmets come with sizing pads to help you adjust how snug it fits. It should be comfortable, but not wiggle (and you should not be able to fit a finger in between your helmet and your head).

If you are unsure if your helmet is sitting correctly on your head, you should be able to place only two fingers in between your eyebrows and the top of your helmet. 

Place the helmet on your head, and make sure the two side straps create a Y shape over your ears and clasp under your chin. Pull the strap tight enough to ensure you can only fit one finger in between your chin and the strap.

Keep if fresh. Helmets have a limited life span. Never wear a helmet that has been in a crash or does not properly fit your head. Once a helmet is damaged, it is no longer useful. If you crash, drop your helmet on the concrete, or change your hairstyle so significantly that your helmet no longer fits — buy a new one.

I said keep it fresh. Helmets can be fashionable. If you feel so inclined, choose a color that matches your bike and has vents for air circulation. Some helmets have attachable ear muffs to keep your ears warm while you cruise around in the winter. 

When it all comes down to it, it doesn’t matter much which helmet you choose, as long as it is new, properly fitted to your head, worn every time you ride, and replaced as needed.

Tip #2: Be Road Ready

As important as your helmet is (did I mention that is the most important thing?), it’s also important to ensure that your bicycle is ready for you to ride.

If you got your bike from a bike shop, your seat and handlebars should already be adjusted properly, which is an important first step. (If you purchase a flat-packed bike and it needs to be assembled, I suggest paying a bike shop to put it together for you. One mistake building your bike, and your whole body may pay the price.) 

After that, there are a few things you should check to make sure you are road-ready before every ride.

Check your tire pressure. Your tires lose air pressure just by sitting in your house, so you should always check your air pressure before hitting the road. Properly inflated tires will help prevent flats, create less resistance, and make your overall ride more enjoyable. You’ll find the appropriate pressure range listed on the sidewall of the tire. 

Make sure your wheels, seat, and handlebars are secure. Lift the bike off the ground and give it a little shake. If you hear anything rattling — investigate! Bottle cages loosen and quick-release wheels can be bumped loose, causing problems when you ride. 

Check your brakes. Give the brakes a squeeze and try to move your bike back and forth. Does the brake lever touch the handlebar? Time for an adjustment! When you release the brake lever, does the brake stick or release? A sticking brake can make pedaling difficult.

Always travel prepared. A proper roadside repair kit should include: tire levers, spare tube, CO2 inflator or small pump, and a bicycle-specific multi-tool (in case you need to tighten something while on the road). These can be purchased online or at any bike shop.

Tip #3: Bike Shorts and Jerseys

Let’s talk spandex. Does it make you nervous?

Bike shorts aren’t always the most flattering look; however, if you plan on riding your bike for more than 10 miles, your butt won’t care what you look like. Even the most comfortable of saddles, can create discomfort when riding for short (or long) distances. Bike shorts come with built in padding over the rear-end. This will help your body feel more comfortable as you grow your T.I.T.S (Time In The Saddle).

Jerseys are bright, colorful, and convenient. They are created using wicking material to help keep you cool. The bright colors are not only fashionable and fun, but they also aid in visibility. And they have super convenient back pockets for easy access to things like nutrition, phone, and ID.

Tip #4: Clip In! Or Not

Bicycle cleats are hardware that will attach specialized bicycle shoes directly to matching pedals, keeping your feet securely attached to your bicycle.

This concept can seem intimidating at first, but the benefits are incredible. Pedaling without cleats (in sneakers) you only have the ability to push down on your pedals.

But, once you clip-in to your pedals, the cleats allow you to not only push down, but pull back up, gaining power and momentum without as much output of energy. This gain in efficiency will allow you to go faster for a longer period of time.

There are different styles of cleats and shoes, so after doing a little research on your own, your local bike shop can help you find the cleats and shoes that will be the best fit for you.

Tip #5: Be Extra Prepared (beyond your roadside repair kit)

Before you head out on your next bicycle adventure, make sure you bring a few things with you for safety, to make your life easier, and to ensure you are prepared for all situations.

Never leave home without ID and money. You never know where your bicycle will take you, and you never know if you’ll need to purchase a snack (or a ride home).

Bring lights! If you have battery-operated lights, check them before heading out the door. If you have rechargeable lights, charge them before you leave. Often short day trips turn into evening cruises, and lights are very necessary (and in some places, a legal requirement). I always have my lights on — day or night — and set to strobe to be more visible and appear different than other road traffic.

Pack hydration and nutrition. Short trips become long trips, and long trips become all-day adventures on road bikes. They are so much fun to ride and explore — the day may get away from you! 

Tip #6: Riding Long? Fuel Throughout the Entire Ride

When you’re going on a long ride, fueling properly can be the single most important thing you do.

So how much do you need? 

A good rule of thumb is to estimate that you will burn 50 calories per mile. If you plan on riding 30 miles, that means you could burn up to (or more) than 1,500 calories. 

That sounds like a lot of food to carry, so you can start with consuming 50% of the calories you burn, and adjust as needed. It may take several rides to figure it all out, but over time you’ll learn what you body wants and needs. 

As for what to consume, I like to carry a banana, homemade gel or bar, or peanut butter wrap. These Calorie Bomb Cookies are also, well, the bomb. 

I know my body enough to know that I like a mix of salty and sweet, so I try to have a little of everything. 

Also make sure you are drinking plenty of water! Although you can get by with replenishing only 50% of your calorie burn, you will need to stay hydrated.

All road bikes will come with at least one bottle cage. If your bike is set up to hold two bottles, I suggest carrying one with water and the other with an electrolyte beverage like Tailwind. 

And remember those handy back jersey pockets? They are perfect to carry your nutrition. Toss a gel or gummy in your back pocket before hitting the road. 

Tip #7: Make Friends with Your Front Brake

Your front brake, when used properly, will slow your bike to a stop much quicker than the back brake alone. The front brake is more powerful to help stop the higher speeds of a road bike. Skidding your back tire is the least effective way to stop and will wear down your tires.

Gently compress your front brake lever to slow your bike to a stop. Don’t jerk your front brake lever too quickly, or your wheel will lock. Practice using your front brake when on a clear road and not riding with others. Learn how it feels and how quickly your front brake responds. When in an emergency situation, you want to be prepared as to how your front brake is going to respond.

Tip #8: Learn to Use Your Gears

Most road bikes have between 18 and 22 gears (that is a lot of options!). The lower the gear, the easier it will be to spin the pedals, especially uphill or into a fierce headwind. A higher gear will propel you forward faster; however, this is a harder gear to push and requires more effort. 

As you ride, adjust your gears to ensure they match your elevation and wind changes. Learning to use the correct gear at the correct time takes practice, so get to know what feels right.

Pro-Tip: Don’t work harder than you have to! Work smarter by letting the bike do the work for you. An indication of whether you’re in an appropriate gear is your cadence (how many times per minute your foot goes in a full circle). 

Generally for long distances, you want to keep your cadence a little higher, so you’re not applying a great amount of pressure on the pedals.

Tip #9: Learn the Rules of the Road

By this point, you have done an extensive amount of work to be prepared to hit the road. Are you ready to go? I am!

But first, you need to know the road rules. You should check your local laws regarding bikes, but here are some fairly common laws regarding road cycling.

Bicycles belong on the road, not on the sidewalk. Sidewalks are for pedestrians, not bicycles (drivers are not in the habit of checking the sidewalk for oncoming traffic, which means riding on the sidewalk increases your chances of being hit by a car). Bicycles, even slow-moving bicycles, can go 10 to 25 miles per hour. This is too fast to be hurling down the sidewalk next to walkers and runners. 

Bicycles ride WITH traffic. Unlike running, where you run facing oncoming cars, bicycles ride on the same side of the road as a motor vehicle. In general, all cars should give any bicycle (fast or slow) 3 feet of clearance when they pass. Although this is a law in many places (and is becoming more common), it is not always readily enforced or followed. Do not be surprised if people don’t give you ample room that you deserve. This is why you are wearing highly visible colors and flashing your strobe light. Also be ready to react quickly should you need to (this is where being familiar with your front brake comes in handy).

Bike lanes are wonderful! They give you a protected 3 feet of space for you to comfortably ride your bicycle — at any speed. However, bike lanes are often placed to the left of parked cars, meaning that anyone getting in and out of a parallel parked car, may open a door — right into you! Pay attention when riding by parked cars to not get “doored.” Keep an eye out for pedestrians crossing the street. They often do not look, and might walk straight out into traffic/bike lane.

Plan your route. Although bike lanes make excellent paths to get to where you want to go, what if your route does not include a bike lane? Embrace the adventure and seek out less-traveled back routes to your destination. Who knows what you might find along the way! A new favorite coffee house, a local vegan ice cream parlor, or even a fun arcade. Bikes give you the opportunity to soak in your surroundings!

Communicate. Communication is a big component of staying safe on the road. Use common hand signals to communicate when you’re slowing or turning. Call out to other riders and pedestrians when you’re approaching or passing (on your right, on your left) and to inform fellow riders of traffic conditions (car back, car right, car left).

Tip #10: Learn to Ride in a Group

Group riding is so much fun! Meeting fellow cyclists, having a bunch of friends who want to go exploring with you, and chasing each other through Strava segments. What could be better? If you do not know of any group rides in your town, check your local bike shop or Facebook events page. Bike shops often lead longer group rides on the weekends and shorter training rides during the week.

Riding in a group requires a bit of practice. Before you head out with a group of people, make sure you feel comfortable and confident on your bicycle. Are you comfortable riding in a straight line? When riding in a group, there may be people on your right, left, in front, and behind you. Maintaining your speed while staying in a straight line becomes even more important.

Also be sure you’re familiar with giving and reading the signals mentioned above.

Keep about one-wheel’s distance between you, and the bike in front of you. This gives you time to react in case they break quickly, hit a bump and go off course, or collide with something.

Take some time to ride alone or with a few friends to build your confidence, and then join a group ride. Rides with friends are always more fun.

Most of All, Road Biking is About Having Fun

Just like when you were a kid, whizzing down the road with your friends, biking as an adult is all about having fun. Bikes take you to places you never thought you would go, and they help you meet people you never thought you would meet. 

And for the plant-based athlete, they’ll help you create a healthy, fit, and environmentally friendly lifestyle. Win. Win. Win. 

Don’t let those skinny tires intimidate you. A little practice with the gears, brakes, and peddles, and you’ll be cruising down the road in no time. 

Now all you need is that perfect bike, a fun jersey and helmet, and to start spinning.

See you out there. 

About the Author: You may know Ester Jaffa as the Community Support Coordinator for No Meat Athlete, but did you know she’s also an avid runner and cyclist and owns more bikes than she could ride in a week? Look out for her on the streets of Fort Lauderdale, zipping between the beach, a brewery, and a group ride.

The post Everything You Need to Know About Riding a Road Bike (And Living to Tell the Tale) appeared first on No Meat Athlete.

First found here: Everything You Need to Know About Riding a Road Bike (And Living to Tell the Tale)

[pocket-tissues-animation]

Inspirations

My 5 main inspirations consist of other creators and works that I feel a connection to.

 One of my biggest inspirations is Davey Wreden. He’s a 28-year-old video game developer, most widely known for his work on the game The Stanley Parable HD Remix, and also his solo project The Beginner’s Guide (which I am particularly fond of). The Stanley Parable actually originated as a Half-Life 2 mod, but after gaining popularity a full stand-alone game was released. Davey was only 22 years old when he released the original mod; I believe his success in the field that I aspire to go into, and at such a young age, is what makes him such a big inspiration to me. Beyond his age and success- I also greatly admire the types of games he produces. Davey’s games have a lot to do with player choice and involvement (both on a physical button-clicky level and an emotional one). He tells stories that people can relate to, but also touches on aspects of the human condition in a way that most other games don’t. The thing I love about these games is that they make me feel and think (at least in the sense of introspection) more than any other games have. They are true ‘experiences’, and they represent the type of games I want to create.

 Rand and Robyn Miller are the brothers behind Cyan, Inc. and the popular Myst video game franchise. They have recently released another game called Obduction (a fantastic game) which is the spiritual successor to the Myst saga. These brothers and their games hold a very special place in my heart because they were my first introduction into the world of 3D computer games. My dad bought Real Myst (a remastered version of the original game that introduced real-time environment conditions and full 3D world rendering) sometime when I was very young, and I would occasionally plug the disk in to go and explore the island of Myst. I wasn’t old enough to understand that you could progress in the game by solving puzzles (something I learned about Myst when I was about 12), but it was the most adventurous activity a kid my age could imagine- to pull on my virtual boots and go exploring places that couldn’t exist in the real world. Even after becoming old enough and actually finishing the games- Myst is still a franchise that gets me excited to the core. The most exciting thing about these games, for me, is that you get to play as yourself. You are literally dropped into an unknown situation and have to figure out what the hell is going on and how you fit into the generated world (while using your noggin to solve fun puzzles). I’m very passionate about exploration games and I think exploration will always be at the core of any virtual experiences/games I produce in the future. For that- I have the Miller brothers to thank. Another thing to highlight is the fact that this series of games spans so many years- from the dawn of 3D gaming to the modern day- and that it provides a great reference for how game development has advanced over the years. All around, these games and the Miller brothers are an inspiration.

 Her Interactive is the game company responsible for making the Nancy Drew game series. While the primary aim of the company is to empower young woman through their logic-based mystery games; I have always found them to be extremely enjoyable and educational. I got my first Nancy Drew game as a kid after watching some of my friends play one- and from that moment on I was hooked. Today there are 33 Nancy Drew games in total (all of which I have played, and gotten my closest friends hooked on as well) with a new one in development. These games have been with me for most of my life, and I credit them for a lot of the knowledge and skills I possess today. They are an inspiration for their educational value, but also for their design. Nancy Drew games are point and click games, which is basically a set of pictures that the player interacts with and progresses through. The magic in these games is that you lose the sense that there’s a barrier in interaction. The rendered scenes are beautifully designed, and the story, gameplay, and characters are so engrossing that you can’t help but get lost in the mystery. It’s an inspiration that Her Interactive can do so much with a simple platform, and I aspire to create games that can be just as captivating. I also use their modeling as an inspiration for my own work, since everything they make (scenes and objects) is detailed and accurate.

 This is an odd one to put up, since my main study is animation, but a big inspiration for me is the music I listen to. It’s hard for me to list many of my favorites because they are constantly changing- but I love a lot of electronic based indie music. The way this is an inspiration is that a lot of my animations are based around songs, not the other way around. I get ideas from the music I listen to and then try and replicate the imagery that is produced within my mind. These could be stories, abstract scenes, anything really- but the pacing and content are all based around the music that inspired the animation. I create a lot of animations that aren’t reliant on music, but I believe that music is a vital part of what makes an animation/game successful. I can always come up with interesting ideas, but the emotion of a piece is always delivered with the music. Recently, I’ve been listening to a lot of vaporwave/electronica (mostly George Clanton the past few weeks, for reference) and its been feeding into my animations. I enjoy the nostalgic/longing vibe that the music produces, and it’s been an aim of mine lately to capture that visually.

 For my last inspiration, I’m simply going to say ‘other media’. This includes books, t.v. shows, games, movies- anything that was created by someone else. Everything I experience is an inspiration in some way, whether it’s something I want to replicate or avoid. That being said- I like to use old myths and tales for a lot of my work. It’s an easy way to get a lot of people interested and on the same page since most people know classic stories, and it also provides some basis from which to build upon (since I often have a hard time pulling ideas out of thin air). Anything that holds some essential meaning/truth within its themes- that’s the kind of content that really gets me excited and inspired.

[watcr]

Rules 🟡 About 🟡 Bio & Misc

DISCLAIMER: This is not intended by any means to be an entirely serious rp blog. This is originally based based in Grand Theft Auto 5. And was created in a custom Grand Theft Auto Online server by Markiplier and thusly portrayed by him whilst he played. If anything this is a Crack!Role Play blog that looks well put together Face claim and all but I'm really just here for rediculous interactions and wild hijinks with a clueless dad delivery man. That being said: any backstory and the creation/ videos/ acting itself belongs to Markiplier. I'm simply just writing a character that I enjoy and makes me laugh.

Please Note: This blog will still contain highly suggestive content and situations with a comedic take on them. This includes being robbed, murder, drug use, hostage situations and then some. I mean-- Stan was made in Grand Theft Auto.

RULES/ General Info:

This is a side blog to my main: mxrkedfordeath

Para/ Novella writing length

Primarily dash/mobile profile

18+ no ifs ands or special cases

Again: this is a Satirical/Crack/Meme role play blog. Expect rediculous things to be said and done

NSFW present/ Friendly

Non-Selective; as mentioned above I created this blog for fun. If any of this meme I have created interests you please feel free to send me a DM or ask and let's see what wild hijinks we can get Stan into huh?

Although the voice is provided by an internet personality that is where this ends. I am still uncomfortable with interacting with blogs that portray real life people or influencers/ internet celebrities. I'm not going to have Stan rob someone with a celebrity that is real. It's...its uncomfortable.

Considering my reason I made this blog and the nature of it, random starters or asks are welcome! If it's a weird situation, place or even different universe I will make That Water Boi lore friendly.

That being said however: please do not include oneself in a thread that you are not involved in.

Absolutely no personal blogs

OC friendly

Crossover/AU friendly

No Godmodding

No hate/ harrassment

Multimuse and Sideblog friendly

Unless featured or seen in the Stan The Water Man videos by Markiplier there will be no preestablished anything. Unless it is Kiki, or Jimmy Stan does not know you and this naive man child will greet you very horribly as he always does.

Shipping: I do allow it but dont think its going to be very serious either. When he sees you ladies? Its literally hitting the jackpot if you get more than a few words that are even close to coherent. So yes. If you wanna simp or thirst over stan that's cool just know that his skull is thicker than a military bunker wall.

•Memes, asks, and shitposting alike is pretty much this whole blog. Stan is a sweetie but hes not close to being the uh... brightest bulb in the box.

About:

Stan or Stanley Wheeler is a 39 year old delivery man and a family man. He strives to please those around him with wonderful water and his company.

Still a delivery man with his new life after a difficult divorce and loss of custody of his "Sweet baby boy Roy" he focuses on bettering his life as a means to be reunited with his son.

He is always well hydrated and firmly believes in comfort and efficiency instead of style.

(About if you stumbled into this shit show):

This is a role play blog for an original character created by Markiplier in a custom Role Playing server for Grand Theft Auto V. It's quite literally a chaotic whirlwind where the main protagonist is a 39 year old divorcee whose love for water is concerning... but not so much as the mans gullible nature and far to generous personality.

This is really only a summation because there are literal HOURS of videos of Markiplier playing Grand Theft Auto and being the voice of Stan Wheeler during his adventures in Los Santos. It features amazing improv and the ever expected rediculous chaos that ensues in Grand Theft Auto.

Bio:

Name: Stanley Wheeler

Gender/Gender Identity: Male

Age: 39

Face Claim: Chris Evans

Voice Claim: Marikplier/ Mark Fischbach

Romantic/ Sexual Preferences: Questioning/ Unsure

Nick names: Fanny pack, Water boy, Sunflower

Personality: Generous, Optimistic, Friendly, Oblivious, Awkward, Curious, Helpful, Trusting

Occupation: Courier, Delivery Man/Boy, Water Delivery Man

Favorite Color(s): Blue & Yellow

Likes: Water, Fanny Packs, Sunflowers, Biking, Work, His Son

Dislikes: Coffee & Soda, Lying, Fighting, Talking to women (watch the episodes to know)

Hobbies: Biking, Boating, Spending time with his son, Meeting new people

Quirks/ Other Traits: Has a strong....Love for water, Suffers from a yet to be diagnosed but constant seizing of bodily muscles that occasionally cause harm, A REAL Virgin 'Dad', Amazing at lockpicking, Terrible Driver

Final Note/ Disclaimer: Again, although this blog is for fun from a truly chaotic and hilarious improvised playthrough of a unique online role playing server for Grand Theft Auto V, please REMEMBER what game Markiplier created and voiced Stan in. Just because Stan is clueless doesnt mean the subject matter is. A lot of dark humor and shady if not bad situations arise in Mark's videos and I really do want people to know that although this is all in good fun the dark unfiltered comedy of Grand Theft Auto is still going to be followed in this portrayal. That means Stanely would very well (and has) ended up robbing people, kidnapping, Killing people or being an accomplice, Jokes based upon sexuality, Gender and then some. Of course before writing I will ALWAYS discuss subject matter that you would like to avoid but unless stated the aforementioned or to those whom have watched the adventures of Stanley know just how inappropriate and harsh/blunt/in your face comedy that is present.

Not only one final disclaimer as to how nsfw Stanley's life and choices end up being-- but giving credit is where it is due; Markiplier. He literally Created Stanley Wheeler and his uh... well him. And brought Stan to life via voice and gameplay. Stan never is and never was mine he's just a character.

Mun absolutely DOES NOT ≠ Muse

Stanley Wheeler-- is an idiot that makes horrible decisions and let's horrible things happen around him. I do not reflect any of the jokes or encounters featured in the gameplay series. I just so happen to enjoy comedy (albeit quite a bit can be not PC) and a good story. Literally this blog came out of a joke my best friend made at 4 am after binging Stan The Water man saying I should make a role play blog for Stanley Wheeler. And so? I did.

Important Note: Activity and response time

Updated: 04/10/2020

I made this blog for myself for fun and the same goes for the people I meet/ interact with. It will be sporadic at best. If I feel like it expect meme or shitpost worthy spamming of the Water Delivery Dad we got but never deserved.

Neither my main nor is Stan a job. Quite bluntly most times when I go inactive I'm literally just doing something else. Anything else.

That ties in to the fact that although I am non selective I am still allowed to say no. And expect reciprocated respect if I say no for ANY reason. I dont owe anyone anything and just like everyone else here this is for fun and enjoyment purposes. This is not our job, and we have nothing forcing us to do this.

But - I am fine with a poke at me and my noggin' every once in a while. I do a lot of things and I cant even remember where I put my vape or phone after 5 minutes. That means I forget. And I do. A LOT. And I can admit that.

MUN & MUSE RULE ZERO: Absolutely no Drama, Vaguing, Callouts, Harassment, Hate or insults/ criticizing on how you THINK the muse I write SHOULD BE.

I'm chill. And I legit hate social confrontation to the point I cry in front of people face to face if it is too much, too hurtful, too angering.

I don't care if someone said something shady our of character that one time or that you think an individual deserves to be directly blasted in front of numerous people.

I dont care if you think that just because I wrote a characters sexual or gender identity outside of what you like.

I dont care how many times you ask or dm me to respond or plot when I had already respectfully declined.

Of course hate and harassment is something I do care for-- because its quite literally just pure toxicity. If you do this you will be ignored and blocked or even reported depending upon when transpired.

All I ask is to be treated kindly in return as I treat everyone until I am given reason not to. That's it. Literally. I am 22 years old and have no patience for any of the aforementioned.

Quite frankly to me it's childish and quite often comedic or petty in my eyes to even have callouts and vauging exist.

I am only addressing this because of the years and various muses canon and original alike I have been harassed for interactions, sent honestly some pretty vile anons, and plenty of messages telling me "X is actually supposed to be gay." Or "no actually they dont like X", I've been called out for literally some of the most childish reasons and my being honest and blunt upset people-- or the word 'No' was not existent in their vocabulary.

And finally-- if for any reason in the RPC someone I am Mutuals/ Mains/ Friends with or just an acquaintance I like talking lore with is involved in any drama I do not want to hear it nor do I care if it does not directly involve me. In fact even then I dont want to unless said person comes to me privately and talks like an adult should rather than throwing a tantrum behind your laptop because someone said an awful word, or beliefs were disliked-- literally any reason or post of a callout. I'm not here for it.

If there is EVER a problem dont be afraid to message me PRIVATELY and talk it out like two mature adults. If I did something to upset you? Let me know I want this blog ESPECIALLY to be for the sake of laughs. Has it been a good month since my last reply? Just send me a lil' hey or just check in. Have I not replied? Its probably just me as the Mun having an awful attention span for anything that isn't hands on.

The Mun:

Look I know the novel above for one singular subject is actually very unfortunately neccessary for me.

My career and as a person have me not only practically programmed but I am openly blunt/ "real" with people.

I am not going to say something you want to hear. You might not like my saying no to a thread but my goal is to be honest and respectful to everyone.

And not only that I'm tired of not covering my ass and trying to pretend this doesn't happen to me behind the scenes or on blast for all to see.

If I plan on sending a private message apologizing for an upsetting subject I wrote of or simply discussing conflicts/ issues privately I hope to god that you who are reading this has the same common courtesy.

Regardless if my blunt sometimes told "Too much" honesty is why I disclose my absolute refusal to negative interactions I really am chill - and occasionally way too excitable or talkative.

I really do love meeting plenty of new people and writers alike in the role playing community as a whole and very much enjoy trying new plots/ ideas out unless it is unreasonable to the plot.

If you wanna just be meme traders for a fellow beloved Fandom or RPC? Ok. I'll try to find some just as good to make the meme trade a fair one.

You wanna make a thread all about how gullible a muse is? Sure!

Maybe even send a thirsty or shitpost worthy ask? 100%

Or do you just have a question about the Muse/Mun/ Or Writing? Go ahead!

I love and live for the angst and self authored stories to Headcanons or missed plot points on muses. The ways so many different types of relationships between characters form and change. But I would also smash the yes button if someone asked me how I felt if someone swung into the ask Simping on lovely Water Boy? Go for it because again; fun. Let's cackle over his style choices or his horribly abused kindess/ trust.

I'm a human guys let's not worry about anything else but the fact we're all here for the same thing: and that's fun and enjoyment as well as having an ability to flex our creative side. It doesnt matter how fantastic or bad (This mun right here) is at edits manips or coding for the theme. We all learn and grow and I just wanna have a good time and I'm sure every normal person that's not a psychopath wants to have a happy healthy safe and fun environment for roleplay/writing.

Thank you for reading this if you did. Any questions? Want Stan to be your water bottle toting and Fanny Pack Efficiency having man get stuck in a plot with your muse? Feel free to hmu send in an ask or meme etc.

I dont bite unless someone bites me with their attitude. I look forward to meeting/interacting/and memeing with everyone.

[ourunblockedgames24hposts-blog]

Flash games friends No Further a Mystery

Exactly what does this necessarily mean for me? You will almost always be in the position to Participate in your preferred games on Kongregate. However, certain internet site attributes may perhaps all of a sudden prevent Doing work and depart you which has a seriously degraded experience.

http://flashgamesfriends.win/ has the most important collection of free of charge on the internet games. Absolutely new handpicked games are extra on a daily basis! Try out motion games for adventurers, cooking games for gourmets, creation games for artsy varieties, or relatives favourites like bubble shooter, bingo, and 4-in-a-row games! Become the best fight royale hero inside our hottest IO games or impress your friends Whilst you blast down some actually competitive race tracks with our racing games. If you love a problem, physical exercise your noggin with challenging puzzle games like Mahjong, or invite some friends for just a multiplayer fighting sport.

Starting off with a small Stone Age settlement it really is your activity to build an empire and accompany it onward through the hundreds of years.

Matters are sure to get seriously powerful During this retro athletics sport. The reason why is for the reason that these athletes don’t use paddles even though they Engage in ping pong, they use their own personal bodies instead! Sign up for them for what’s sure to be a very wild Event.

While Lordz will become complicated when you die a number of instances although Absolutely everyone else is active increasing their power, maintain seeking anyway, increasing your circle of warriors then obtaining structures and castles to safeguard them.

There's a total earth to discover, loads of islands, and lots of loot to uncover. I steward remains in improvement and also the Group all-around is very Energetic and pleasant.

Gold is shrouded in mystery and legends. And, probably, All people desires about remarkable adventures. You will find them in the sport "Golden Frontier"! Seeking of a gold mine, intriguing acquaintances and special environment on the Gold Rush are awaiting you.

, which sees a small rabbit jump in the air and bounce off bells. It's not a complex sport, but you won't be capable to stop enjoying it -- observing your ickle bunny plummet from an incredible top is simply an excessive amount of to bear. He needs to go increased!

Take a look at Crossword Cove High definition for comforting seaside puzzles. Engage in a whole new puzzle daily, then continue to keep the fun heading with 90 times of previous puzzles.

You may have almost 100 individuals inside of a zone at just one time, all off in their particular Element of the woods, killing their unique poor dudes. In some cases you come upon a few, often you happen to be left by yourself for several hours at any given time, but you're frequently stumbling on the detritus of their passing, in abandoned loot, or just the eerie silence the place there once was fellas who wanted to eliminate you.

What does this indicate for me? You will almost always be in the position to play your favourite games on Kongregate. Nevertheless, specific website features may well suddenly cease Functioning and depart you which has a severely degraded experience.

Keep alive for provided that you can When you seek for guns, flamethrowers, and health and fitness kits. Just watch out for every one of the bullets and fire here that may be travelling out of one's opponents’ weapons!

Humanity's very last Secure town has fallen to an awesome invasion drive, led by Ghaul, the imposing commander on the brutal Red Legion.

This is among the most wonderful Tale you've ever been an Element of! You've got an opportunity to convert a small village into a very gorgeous Land of Magic!

[kayawagner]

Troy’s Crock Pot: Summertime World Building

World building for your campaign — whether it is for an ongoing series of adventures or just a few ideas percolating in your noggin — is always a fun exercise. Imagine a world different than ours and consider all the roleplaying possibilities.

Is this going to be a game set in a fanciful, magic-filled ancient world? Is this going to be the far-flung future where tech, blasters and intrigue rule? Is it going to be earth, but viewed with a squinty eye, with a series of alternate events that have shifted history somewhat?

Or maybe it is something else — a new game you’ve purchased that you want to apply to a landscape filled with mystery and unknown lands ripe for exploration?

For many of us, the stumbling block is “the map.” Every fantasy world needs a map, right? Drawing one to your satisfaction, however, might be an iffy proposition.

If you are looking for some options, consider these:

In bookstores now

So the current — that is June 2018 issue — of National Geographic has this double-page spread of “Future Earth.” Basically, a map of what the continents will look like once they’ve drifted back together again sometime 200 million years from now.

The map shows the next supercontinent, Pangaea Proxima. Looks like a great place to set adventures. (New Zealand appears relatively unchanged, however, which is good news for hobbits, I suppose.)

Some of it is pretty cool. I’m particularly taken with the projection that my former home in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina — swampy lowlands of note — will boast the highest point on earth once the North American and African plates collide creating the newest mountain range. And the Atlantic Ocean will become a big lake.

If you are into real estate speculation with a particularly long view, I’d start buying up parts of Antarctica.

Now, keep in mind, it might not be the most pleasant landscape. Earth’s climate gets wonky whenever the continents drift together, essentially creating a single world-ocean. In fact, looking at this map, almost the entire world will be in the equatorial zone. Hot, sticky jungles and fierce deserts. Find some fresh water and settle in as best you can.

Setting all that aside, though, this map is ready to be carved up into feudal kingdoms, or if you are of a sci-fi bent, one-world government districts. And if your players are truly adventurous, you might consider exploring the area that isn’t on this map — that big blue ocean. I wonder what big fishes are out there?

Give ’em the boot

This trick is an oldy, but a goody. Turn that atlas page on it is side. Abracadabra, alakazam, it’s a continent-sized “world” map worthy of setting your fantasy world.

I’m particularly fond of the boot of Italy and Sicily as a playground for world building. The north coast of Africa can serve as the exploration touchstone of your “new world” across that narrow sea while the length of Italy can be your “old world.” Just change the scale and set the equator somewhere and you are good to go. Just remember, that’s a continent-sized landmass you’re staring at, not one of the great nations of Europe.

The beauty of this is you’ve got mountains, rivers and coastlines perfectly and sensibly arranged, leaving you with the fun part of making up nations, histories and adventuring locales. And because there is an ocean, you’ve got pirates. Every setting needs pirates. (Well, maybe not every setting, but most of them …)

Beware the barbarian invaders of the north islands (Corsica and Sardinia), I’m sure they are a proud, fierce people with swift boats who love to raid the mainland. Or maybe the twin islands are a land of dwarves and elves being exploited by the mainland? Or maybe giants and dragons live there and they generally eat any visitors? It’s up to you.

The other bonus of using a map like this? Place names. Maybe not all of them, and not in the exact location as their real world counterpart. But if you’re at a loss for finding a suitable name for a point on your map, well, you can do worse than the range of names on this map. In the four corners you’ve got Hammamet, Epipal, Levice and Copyright Rand McNally and Co., Surely, at least one of those is serviceable. And, there’s a ton more in between.

Ice, ice baby

I would be remiss if I didn’t suggest a map by Martin Vargic (JaySimons on DeviantArt.com), a Slovak artist who does jaw-dropping cartography.

My recommendation? The World – Ice Age, a global map showing expanded coastlines from about 14,000 BCE. For my money, it’s worth it to see northern Europe, the British Isles connected by Doggerland to the mainland, and the hop-skip-and-jump from Iceland, Greenland and North America.

Run this without mile-high glaciers (or do, if adventures beyond “The Wall” are your thing) and this has all sorts of amazing potential. New kingdoms, new ambitions, new religions. Maybe the Nordic sagas are the predominant faith? Or the beliefs of the North American eastern tribes? So many possibilities, so many adventures.

Another great locale on this map? The Sahara dotted by fertile lands and fresh-water lakes. Imagine the possibilities of such a landscape as the hub of African peoples, cultures from so many rich traditions and ages mingling and co-existing.

Other “new lands” your players will be eager to explore? How about the land bridges? There are lands connecting Australia to southeast Asia, Russia to Alaska and Japan to the Korean peninsula. And though there are gaps, the Caribbean Islands are much closer to Florida, Yucatan peninsula, Cuba and the Bahamas, which have beefier coastlines.

The beauty of maps like these for exploration games is that “things aren’t as they ‘should’ be” — but close enough to our present reality to be recognizable and still contain a sense of mystery.

And a map like this works for any type of game — not just one set in an ice age. A world of the near-future or even far-future works equally well, especially if you form new nations and new superpowers from what the map provides. Queensland, using the area around “Lake Carpentaria” as a base, could be the world’s new superpower. You never know.

Credits: “Future Earth,” National Geographic magazine, June 6, 2018 issue. “Italy,” Reader’s Digest Wide World Atlas, fourth printing, July 1984. The World-Ice Age, JaySimons, DeviantArt.com and Halcyonmaps.com.

  Troy’s Crock Pot: Summertime World Building published first on https://supergalaxyrom.tumblr.com

[eyedoteye-blog]

On Guides,

I've been thinking about.. my childhood lately; about what I would say to him, if I could reach back in time. I've been thinking about what he would say to me. How would he see me? Would he be proud? Confused? ..Upset? What would he think about the things I had to say? What do I have to say? And what of my role in the future, as a parent to my child? And what of my role in the present, as a parent to myself? The parent is not only a gaurdian, but a guide to the child, to greater fields, to greater heights. ..but who guides me..? And so I thought about that for a while.

What are guides, and how do they differ from role-models and inspirations?

Guides are those you trust to offer good direction. And they often can be role-models, and they often can be inspirations, or at least, sources of. But unlike, role-models, and inspirations, guides are not so essential to the core of your identity. Guides exist within a segment of time; guides are temporary. They are those who help you build your path in the present moment, and they last only until it is natural for your paths to diverge. They are the architects whom advise you on segments of your journey, but not the journey itself. And yet, through walking the guide-built path you may find yourself in a similar direction as the guides, but that is not the focus of the guide, that is just a possible effect.

Why are guides important?

Guides bring forth an awareness to our journey that is temporaly more significant to us in the present. Often, it is difficult for us assess the situations that are thrust upon us, and how we must navigate them in order to truly further our goals. And we are naturally inclined to compare, but often to weak frames of reference. The painter has little use in the rigurous analysis of their path in relation to the path of their friend, the accountant, or to the path of their idol, a historical and/or private figure (both of which have very little insight to give); yet we do these things anyways. And it causes a great split: between our identity, what we think we should be doing, and what we are doing. It is paramount to keep those things aligned. And we can begin through the recognition of our guides in this present moment. Who do we look to? Not just the figures we think about now and again, and are inspired by their tenacity or vision, but who are we looking at right now for insight?

And so, who are my guides?

This was actually a pretty fun mental model to explore. As I was exploring this idea. I came to realize, I was actually very unclear as to who my current guides are. And it took me a bit of time to really get that list together, but now that I have, I certainly feel a greater sense of awareness; and that feels good!

Note: before we continue, there are some kinda spoilery notes about The Witness coming up, so please consider tuning out if you haven't yet gotten the chance to play this amazing game.

Jonathan Blow

It was March 26, 2016 at roughly 12:48pm PDT that Mr.Blow first planted a magic seed into my noggin. Now this all occured, during a particularly difficult period in my life. And I thought, from the little bits of The Witness hype I overheard, that maybe, maybe, the puzzles in this game can help me regrow some clarity, in my otherwise decayed status. I did not realize at the time, that The Witness was a game that secretly brought the player forth into states of mindfulness. Almost exactly what I needed in a game at that moment. And most peculiarly, this was also a time when in a completely different effort I had picked up a book on The Buddha's first teachings; completely coincidental, yet, so incredibly serendipitous. It really kind of added an extra layer to the whole experience. And I remember reading something from Jonathan at one point, when he said something to the affect of, "Don't let pundits define for you, what a game should be". And as I played The Witness, and as I discovered the..kind of amazing moments that are in the game, that idea of letting go of popular preconceptions, pulled itself out of the ether of my memories, directly into the center of my being, and resonated.

FrankeSmileShow

I have been following Francis Coloumbe's work since I was twelve. Seeing him transform and grow, has been an amazing and incredibly encouraging experience. When I first experienced Frankie, it was through Sluggy's Adventure, a game so rudimentary in design and art-direction, that looking back now, I'm sure even he kind of chuckles at how rough his start was; and not in a way the he's ashamed, but in a way that he is proud. Because now? Frankie is this.. part machine, part sanctuary of game and art, energy. The pace and consistency at which he produces these incredible pieces of art, animation, and prototypes is aboslutley astounding. And it's not just that he unstoppably churns at his passions, it's that he does it with the most humble and casual of demeanors. yeah, idk arts just happen

William Chyr

William first entered my cognizance during my batch at the Recurse Center, where after taking up a peer's offer for a massage in exchange for cool-facts, she informed me of her baloonman-turned-game-developer-friend. Now of course, the whole situation was strange enough that I was sufficently intriguied. And that's when I discovered, this game that has been on my radar for a while, Manifold Garden, was being developed by this very same man. And I was astounded that I had any connection at all to the developer of such an interesting and wonderous title. More importantly, I discovered his stream. William is a man whom, through doubts both self and familial, and stress both creative and temporal, continually manages to find the drive and raw willpower to continue ever onward, climbing up that mountain of passion. And all the while, he carries with him a most sinscere cordiality. William is phenomenal. It is sooo~ refreshing to see someone actively not only encouraging, but embodying positive health within the creative stratosphere -- a place often plagued by the romanticization of poor health and balance. It was William Chyr that got me thinking more actively about my diet, and I'm pretty sure it was he whom really helped seed my fervor for health in creativity.

Lavhorre

Probably the most recent and temporarly fluid of influences, Brittany Salzone brings with her this most playful yet focused attitude to her process. Through her stream I grew the courage to try my hand at illustration. But not just illustration, but the attitude and attenion I bring to it. It was here that I began taking higher education in a creative field more seriously, and it was here that I began to first question the shame I had been carrying for so long about my creative passion. And with my questions came a liberation; a freedom. The strangest circumstances bring forth the most incredible of reflections. I am very thankful to Lavhorre for enabling me in that way.

And I'm very thankful to all of the guides in this list, for enabling, and continuing to enable, my path.

Log#003

Good gosh, so much has occured since my last log two weeks ago. Both in my personal and academic lives. There was some period of some great turmoil, that I think really brought forth the preceding explorations. I suppose there is always a flower to bloom in the darkness. And so due to those complications, I think I'm going to unguiltily give myself an extra week to complete my #thatgamefeel challenge. I think that wil be a more useful measure, to me, of where I currently am.

However, not all news is bleak! I feel it's rather important to remain disciplined in growth, despite the adversities and challenges in life. So I've planted a couple new roots within my being.

I've been deligently goiny through a demystifying mindfulness course from coursera. I've even gotten accepted for a teensy-tiny scholarshiparuno! The course has been really amazing so far. There is a lot of writing involved, and that's pretty tiring, so I've really been getting a chance to excercise that discipline.

I've also begun illustrating, and have even started venturing into digital painting. It's really fun and the act, in itself, is really encouraging.

Good gosh, cold showers! After getting over the initial inhibitions, they are actually super amazing! Lately I've been starting the shower warm, and then slowly transitioning into cold. That way I get to experience the best of both worlds, it starts as relieving and then it leaves me with a great feeeling of refreshment.

Oh, also! I've completely reorganized my room. It is now a low bed and standing desk room. I've always believed that the room is a reflection of the mind and vice-versa; so I'm really happy with this new setup.

On the SphereKoan front, there has been some developments. Notably, I am currently transitioning and updating my workflow to better utilize YouCompleteMe. It's a little tricky because I'm compiling windows programs, but I'm developing the linux subsystem. I've also been making good progress on piecing together the architecture. I've been pulling pieces of my old projects together and reworking it to an infrastructure better suited for 3D-interactive projects. Aside from the technical boring stuff, I've also attached one of my behind-the-scenes, rougher design notes below:

Click To Enhance

I'm i.i, and okay bye