#Panae The Druid

[goldenstoriesfromgoldenhearts]

Divine Intervention

A heads up before anything. This is so non-canon complicit it's not even funny, this was entirely self-indulgent and not canon to the other Rae stories I've posted. This is a simple lil fun 'what if' idea.

I haven't done the Cazador fight yet so I took so many creative liberties~ It was also sort of running on itself at the end there and I wasn't sure where to cut it so we get a fun lil Rae one-liner. I might write the fight scene but I might not. Unsure yet. Also Lliira is a Forgotten Realm's goddess, not a canonical Baldur's Gate entity but considering they use the FR gods in their pantheon, I figured it was a safe bet.

POSSIBLE SPOILERS FOR ACT 3 IN HERE ANYWAY CUZ IT IS CAZADOR FIGHT. THIS IS YOUR ONLY WARNING.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rae knew they were going to have a bad time during this fight, all of them had known going against Cazador Szarr was going to be hellish, it was why they had stocked up on holy oil, why Shadowheart had layered as many blessings on them all as she could manage, it was why Rae had gone into the ritual room already raging, a quick hard-enough-to-draw-blood bite to her cheek.

What she hadn't expected was Astarion to be taken out for the first few rounds, the ritual starting.

How they'd gotten here was a blur, she'd been front and centre, taking most of the brunt of the damage along with Panae's earth elemental form going full metal and taking what she didn't. Wyll pulling double duty to both get some hits in and help their rogue friend out.

She remembered that there had been a glowing white arrow shot by her that had hit Cazador in the shoulder and had heard Astarion shout something that she hadn't been able to hear over the blood pounding in her ears and a part of her had relaxed, he was in the fight, he was okay, she could focus now.

Only she was pretty sure, staring down at a pearly white fanged grin, that was when it had started going to shit.

Red eyed, blood thirsty spawn created a barrier around each of her friends. All of them fighting to just survive while she had been one-on-one getting her ass handed to her by Cazador himself.

As a team they'd been dealing damage but in her armour, with her rage clouding her vision and her ears. She hadn't stood a chance.

She was pretty sure one of his attacks had broken part of her armour, she could feel something sharp digging into her skin. The pain mixing with everything else, her sword had been kicked away and her height truly was working against her. Cazador was holding her up by her neck like she was a doll, something fragile he was intending to break.

“Bitch Ass Fuck” She gasped out, trying to in vain scratch at his arm, anything to get him to drop her.

It was getting hard to breathe

“Such a vulgar mouth on this one Astarion, I thought I trained you better” Cazador's voice carried over the sound of the fighting and she could tell, staring at his face, the minute he got her friends' reactions, the grin turned smug and his eyes narrowed.

“Let her go you wretch” Came Astarion's furious snarl, loud and if Cazador were anyone else, she had no doubts he would been having second thoughts. Her friend sounded about ready to go feral and murder someone. Probably Cazador.

“Now why would I go and do something like that?” Cazador asked, his eyes flicking up to the deep gnome as her rage dropped, the red fading from her eyes back to a dark pink. Squeezing tighter on her neck, Rae let out a strangled noise, black beginning to cloud the edges of her vision

“Coward” she breathed out, glaring as the vampire lord let out a low chuckle

“Not a coward darling, just smart” He said, his eyes moving away from her back to Astarion and it made her sick to her stomach the pure enjoyment he got out of whatever he was seeing.

“Coward” She said, trying her best to snarl the word out but it came out instead as a pain gasp. “Haven't. . .you heard. . .of a. . .fair fight”

“I haven't actually, what's that like?” he asked, still staring away from her and she felt annoyance flare up beside the pain. Why bother singling her out as a threat if he wasn't even going to treat her as. . .

Understanding soon flared and she, against her better judgement, tried to look over her shoulder at her friends, finding the reason for it all too soon.

Astarion was fighting like a bat out of hell, using daggers and teeth. Four spawns' bodies lay dead around him and the last three were having trouble keeping him from darting over, she watched as one tried to grapple him and promptly had an arm broken and a knife through the heart.

Cazador was playing off Astarion's desperation.

'How many times had he seen this?' she wondered, head flicking to Sebastian for just a moment 'how many times had he tried to become close with one of his fellow spawn only for Cazador to torment and kill them in front of him?'

She found her eyes drawn back to the very man holding her up and found him watching her intently, something on her face must have given her thoughts away if the sick grin, borderline manic thing that appeared on his face said anything.

Rae wanted to snarl that he was a sick twisted bastard, how dare he use her to hurt someone she loved, she'd fucking kill him for it the fucking cu-

The angry thoughts swirling around in her head were quite suddenly cut off by the feeling of. . .wet? A cold blooming pain was coming from her chest. Her head looked down and she found a sword sticking out from her, neatly slotted in between two plates of her armour.

Well that wasn't good.

The hand holding her up suddenly released and she fell to the floor with a loud heavy THUNK, her head hitting the ground adding to the pain she was suddenly aware of.

There was a scream maybe? A yell? She really couldn't be sure. There was a ringing in her ears that was muting everything, like she was raging but worse.

She tried to reach up, grabbing the sword's blade in an effort to pull it out of her when a scream ripped itself from her throat, as instead, a pale hand pushed it further down.

Cazador was saying something, looking away from her, looking vaguely like a deeply disappointed parent. He shook his head and the sword was ripped from her as he simply moved, a blur.

She lost track of everything but the pain.

There was sounds of battle going on but she couldn't hear any of it, it was like the world had become muted.

Moving made it worse so she just lay there, her thoughts a jumbled mess, there were yells of words in voices not her own bouncing around her head but she couldn't focus enough to make them out.

Why was she so cold?

The pain was overwhelming. . .until it simply wasn't anymore.

She was floating above it, above herself, her eyes dull and lifeless, her body had lost it's colour and under her purple armour, under her was a pool of blood.

Her eyes flicked over to her right, seeing blurs of black and white, saw flashes of green magic and grey objects that flew by, fell and then were remade again.

None of it quite made sense to her.

She wanted to fly down and over to see if she could make sense of it all but a gentle hand on her shoulder stopped her, she turned to look and a beautiful woman stood there.

Long blue-black hair, pale skin, bright warm blue eyes, a yellow flowing dress adorned her figure and a name flicked through Rae's mind.

Lliira, goddess of Happiness and Freedom

She'd seen her statue on her mother's altar once, she'd been drawn to the bright colours of the piece before her mother had laughed and put it away. Saying it was not for tiny hands.

Lliira smiled at her, gently tapping her nose with a giggle

“It is not your time yet little one” The Goddess said, her voice bright and warm “You have gods chosen to fall, a follower of my friend Mystra to save and a life to live”

“Why me?” came her broken reply, her spirit heavy. She was exhausted, she just wanted rest and was now being told she couldn't? Why?

“Because a devout one of mine gave you life, pleaded when you fell and I am never one to turn down a request” Lliira answered, stepping back to reveal a young deep gnome standing there. Her blonde hair in a tight braid, her eyes just as brown as Rae remembered, her clothes simple comfortable, a loose shirt, soft-looking pants.

Rae reacted on instinct, darting into her mother's arms who embraced her and held her close. A kiss being pressed to her head. Tears falling from Rae's eyes with quiet sobs that were gently shushed.

“It's alright petal, you are okay darling, it's okay” the older gnome whispered, eyes connecting with her Goddess's before the deity smiled and vanished. “I know my love, I know”

It healed cracks she didn't know existed hearing her mother's voice again, a small part of her comforted even in such circumstances

“I missed you” came a broken whisper from Rae and she felt lips press against her head again

“I know, I missed you. As did your father, we await you for your time my love” She said before the two pulled back slightly, her mother's soft smile faltering “But it is not your time yet, you have a destiny, as do your friends. They need you”

“I'm so tired ma” Meeva'Rae said, her shoulders slumping and her mother gave her a look full of sympathy. Wiping a tear away, Rae leaned into her mother's hand and sighed.

“You have a long fight ahead of you, I will not lie but you are strong, you will get through it and then you will have a lifetime ahead to rest. I promise” Her Ma said and Rae closed her eyes for just a moment, soaking up as much of this as she could, the air full of the scent of snapdragons and violets, warmth that seemed to surround and soak into her skin

“I best get back to it then” Rae said, opening her eyes again, a determination settling in. The two sharing a smile before Rae's mother moved her hands to her shoulders, a soft purple glow beginning to come from them.

“Our Lady has promised a fraction of her power for your current most problem but you will need rest. I can only preserve your life for so long”

“Get in, get it done quick. Okay” Rae gave a firm nod before reaching up and squeezing her mother's hands “I love you, tell Pa I miss him?”

“I will my heart. On the wind and light with you”

Those were the last words she heard before gasping, she felt the cold stone floor beneath her and slowly made her way to standing. She could still feel the wound in her chest, it was smaller now but would still need attention.

The sounds of battle reached her ears and she whipped around, dead spawns' bodies littered the floor but she could see her friends. Astarion and Cazador were snarling at each other, Wyll's eyes glowed with purple as she noticed the hex energy around their vampiric foe and Panae was sending mud mephit after mud mephit into the fray.

They'd gotten a few good hits in, she could see and she grinned. Her flaming sword now glowing with a distinct white-golden hue appeared in her hand. She rushed over.

Swinging her sword up in a diagonal line along her enemy's back, she heard the hiss of pain and Cazador jumped sideways, spinning to face them all. Smoke coming off his back

“Surprise ass fuck” Rae said, twirling her sword before taking her stance next to Astarion. The looks on her group's faces were a mixture of surprise, relief and confusion. She knew she would have some explaining to do later.

“You were dead” Cazador growled and Rae just giggled and sent him a playful wink

“Had a chat with Death, they decided I was too much of a hassle.” She asked, bright and perky as she grinned at him. Her body began to glow the same white-golden hue as her sword, the light washing over her family, small wounds closing, their weapons and claws beginning to glow with divine energy. “Ready to meet death yourself asshole."

[antlerwreath]

ashari gender & expression: part 1/?

views on gender & expression

gender among the ashari, and among druids in general, is very fluid.  they don’t subscribe to a binary for many reasons; however, one of the most prominent reasons is because they feel every living being is unique.  a binary of simply man/woman or male/female essentializes that one gender exists in spite of or ‘opposite’ to another and, in their view, forces the two against one another.

within the air ashari specifically, they view gender as a concept through a motif of the wind, in the sense that...  you can’t see wind until it interacts with something, be that through fabric, hair, trees, or the ocean.  the wind exists as a whole entity, in and of itself, whether or not anyone can see it.  as such, wind alone has sovereignty over what the wind looks like or ‘is’.  only the wind can define itself.  it may blow calmly over a field of wildflowers one day, only to violently upend trees the next.  it is always moving, changing; alternatively, it may hold fast in its loyalty to one sacred place.

perhaps it favors one aspect (shorter hair that does not move as easily in a breeze; longer clothing that catches gusts freely; lips painted with colors that act as a buffer between wind and the moisture of the mouth), but maybe it doesn’t.  it’s possible that its favor changes over time, or that it remains steadfast throughout its existence. the point being that, only an individual can know or decide, and once an individual knows their truth, that is considered sacrosanct.

gender neutral child-rearing

unsurprisingly, this leads most ashari who choose to bring a child into the world through birth to raise them under neutral terms.  there is no pressure to express themselves one way or another, no expectations thrust upon them.  the child is encouraged to live as they please and, once old enough to do so (whatever age that may be), ask to be called by what they like. most children will be referred to as they/them until they show interest otherwise (typically by hearing how others are called).  

pronouns & neutral address

it is for the previous reasoning that most ashari are comfortable with initial neutral address, even if their preference lies with other pronouns or titles.  they will accept the address and correct someone, if they desire, only becoming upset if this correction is not honored.

aside from pronouns in common, pronouns pulled from the ashari language of iktilkean (or, tilke) are as follows: 

nor (he/she/it) / wha (him/her/it)

omi (they) / kol (them/their)

pana (wind) / kepana (windself)

[alittlepieceofwarcraft]

OC questions for my followers!

I’m curious.

Left to right: Panae (blood elf warlock), Arieste (nightborne priest), Màoxiān (pandaren monk), Tahiliana (Darkspear troll shaman), Ronyl (blood elf demon hunter), Teggie (gnome mage), Aleeia (draenei warrior), Mywin (night el druid).

Feel free to reply to this or message (anon or not).

1) Which of my OCs are your favourite/s? Why?

2) Which of my OCs are your least favourite/s? Why?

3) Which of my OCs need more content?

4) Would any of your OCs befriend mine? Which ones?

5) Would any of your OCs fight mine? Why?

[vietaseriale]

The Legend of Vox Machina 

sezon 1

Opis: Serial skupia się na perypetiach bardzo  zróżnicowanej grupki najemników zwanej Vox Machina. Jeśli z  czegoś słyną, to z tego, że nie warto się ich trzymać, ani korzystać z  ich usług, gdyż może to skończyć się chaosem i wielką katastrofą.  Krytyczna sytuacja w Tal’Dorei zmusza jednak tamtejszego króla do  wynajęcia grupy w celu zabicia potężnej bestii siejącej spustoszenie w  królestwie.

W skład grupy wchodzą  napalony gnom/bard Scanlana, którego marzeniem jest przelecieć  każdą osobę w królestwie. Mamy bliźniaków Vex i Vax, pół-elfy które w  walce nie mają sobie równych. Jest też barbarzyńca Grog, który od życia  pragnie jedynie walki i ogólnej rozpierduchy. Pike to kolejny gnom, a  przy okazji kleryk, wyznawczyni bogini Everlight. Z kolei Keyleth to elf  druid, czerpie siły z natury. Na koniec pozostał jeszcze wspomniany  Percy, jedyny człowiek, ponadprzeciętnie inteligentny, trzeźwo myślący  strzelec.

Walka z niebieskim smokiem jest punktem wyjścia historii, jaką opowiada Legenda Vox Machiny.  Pierwszy sezon animacji skupia się jednak na tajemniczych i  bezwzględnych Briarwoodach powiązanych z przeszłością jednego z członków  grupy – Percy’ego. Bohaterowie będą mierzyć się z mrocznymi siłami, o  których do tej pory nie mieli pojęcia.

Po zabiciu smoka król Uriel postanawia urządzić ucztę na którą zaprasza okolicznych władców. Percy rozpoznaje w jednych z nich morderców swojej rodziny.  Briarwoodowie, bo o nich mowa, przybyli do  Whitestone, którym od wieku rządził ród de Rolo. Nikt nie wiedział, że Sylas jest wampirem, a jego małżonka  Delilah, włada mroczną magią. Percy i jego siostra Cassandra byli jednymi dziedzicami, którym udało się przeżyć masakrę i byli przetrzymywani w więzieniu. Pewno dnia postanowili uciec. W trakcie ucieczki Cassandra poniosła śmierć z ręki ludzi  Briarwood. Od tego momentu Percy chciał jedynie pewnego dnia wrócić do domu i się zemścić na osobach, które zamordowały jego rodzinę.

Percy w trakcie uczty nie wytrzymuje i próbuje zabić Sylasa. Jego sylwetkę spowiła przy tym ciemna mgła. Jednak powstrzymują go ludzie króla Uriela. Sylas potrafi zauroczyć ludzi, którzy wykonują każde jego polecenia, a król stał się jego marionetką. Wtrąceni do więzienia członkowie Vox Machina zostają w nocy zakatowani przez upiory przyzwane mocą  Delilah. Dzięki światłości Pike udaje im się wyjść z życiem. Grupa postanawia wyruszyć z Percy do jego rodzinnej miejscowości.

Okazuje się, że nie wygląda już ona jak ze wspomnień młodego Percego. Drzewo Światłości obumarło, a miasto spowite jest mrokiem. Na ulicach pełno jest żołnierzy  Briarwood  oraz gigantów. Okazuje się, że w mieście działa ruch oporu, który przewodniczy przyjaciel z dzieciństwa Percego. Jednak mimo ich działań nie mają szans w walce z potężnym przeciwnikiem. Uważają, że powrót Percego daje im szansę na uwolnienie miasta. Percy dowiaduje się także, że jego siostra żyje i jest przetrzymywana w jednym z domostw generała  Briarwood.

Przy próbie jej uwolnienia Percy jeszcze bardziej zatraca się we mrocznej mgle, które spowija go, gdy zabija osoby wygrawerowane na jego broni. Jednocześnie nie chce o tym rozmawiać z jego przyjaciółmi. Bohaterom udaje się uwolnić Cassandrę, która zdradza plan wrogów. Pod korzeniami Drzewa Światłości znajduje się świątynia, dzięki której  Delilah  ma otworzyć wrota pomiędzy wymiarami i uwolnić jej pana Szeptanego. Rytuał ma się odbyć dzisiaj z uwagi na zbliżający się zachód słońca, gdzie granica między wymiarami się zaciera.

Vox Machina jednak wpada w pułapkę. Okazuje się, że Cassandra była kontrolowana przez Sylasa i ma zostać złożona w ofierze Szeptanemu. Bohaterom udaje się uwolnić z pułapki, dzięki mocom Pyke i ruszają, aby powstrzymać rytuał.

Po ciężkiej walce w końcu udaje im się pokonać Sylasa, głównie za sprawą  Keyleth, której mocy użycza Drzewo Światłości.  Delilah udaje się otworzyć wrota przez które jednak nikt nie przechodzi. Percy ją rani i wyjawia się demon, który go kontrolował. Pyke odrywa, że jeśli zabije  Delilah   demon całkowicie przejmie kontrolę nad jego ciałem. Przyjacielem próbują go powstrzymać. W końcu w walce wewnątrz Percy wygrywa walkę, a Scalan na wszelki wypadek niszczy jego przeklętą broń. Ostatecznie Cassandra zabija wiedźmę.

Do Whitestone znowu zaczyna docierać światło, a drzewo zaczyna z powrotem odżywać. Cassandra zostaje w mieście, aby jej odbudować, a Vox Machina wyrusza z powrotem do Uriel. Okazuje się, że król zwołał naradę. Dziękuję grupie, że po raz kolejny uratowała królestwo. Postanawia oddać władzę radzie  Tal'Dorei. Abdykację króla przerywa pojawienie się na niebie czterech smoków, które zmierzają w kierunku miasta.

[perlocutionary]

COMING SOON...

I wanted to give you guys an overview of all that I have planned for the new, exciting year ahead of us (so far!).

Of course I am finishing ‘Following Orders’ and ‘Morning Glory’ first, but it’s never a bad idea to look ahead, right?! If there is anything you’d want to read first, please do let me know! 

1. Stiles: Tether               one shot - smut I thought Stiles and I made a connection – I could feel it. But with the recent events happening, I started to wonder if this tether was something I wanted to be there and wasn’t to begin with, rather than some established unseeable entity I grasped onto. 

2. Dylan O’Brien: Teasing leads to …                  one shot - smut  Tyler’s teasing of my Dylan crush started three weeks ago. The actual horror of this particular story was that Tyler was waiting for me as soon as the offended male rushed through our hallways, still shirtless, pants unbuttoned, and slamming the door as he left. It can’t get worse than this, can it?

3. Stuart Twombly: No Name Yet                Multiple parts - smut "Who is he?" Sarina takes a sip of her drink without taking her eyes off the handsome young male. Needless to say, I could appreciate beauty when I encountered it.  "You know him. Or at least his reputation," I start off, waiting for the gears in Sarina's head to click into the right order, but continuing as soon as she throws me a confused glance. "Stuart Twombly. First of all, he's the guy that won that job at Google over the summer.” I mumble, rethinking about the buzz that seemed to float around campus when the end of the summer rolled around. “Secondly, he is the guy from Melissa. And that guy from Britt. Oh, remember that rumor about a threesome in which Julie and Steph were involved? Also him."  

4. Stiles Stilinski: Northern Lights                Multiple parts - loosely revolves around season 3B. “Is there any way we can find Pana? Ask her for help?” Scott questions and I hum, affirming that I am too, interested if this were a possibility. Although of course, I already knew. Deaton simply stares into my eyes, his voice seeming to echo off the walls. “Pana comes to those who are in need. It could be that she’s already here.” “We have to tell the others.” Scott motions for me to follow before he disappears from sight and the bell at the entrance chimes through the silence. As I turn, to follow my friends, Deaton’s voice stops me. “Are you here for the Nogitsune, Pana?”  “No.” I turn on my heel, looking at the Druid before wrapping my arms around my frame. “I am here for Stiles.” 

[lokalgamecom-blog]

Rekap Pertandingan Dota 2 Matchday 14 TBOF

Di Matchday 14 Tokopedia Battle of Friday tersaji pertandingan istimewa 12 tim terbaik dalam negeri di divisi Dota 2. Pada minggu ketujuh di gelaran liga yang diselenggarakan oleh Indonesia Esports Premier League ini, keduabelas tim akan memainkan patch baru 7.20 yang memiliki banyak perubahan. Pastinya ini akan memberi angin segar di skena kompetitif Dota 2dalam negeri. Jika belum menguasai beberapa perubahan, pastinya akan banyak tim yang kewalahan menghadapi lawan-lawannya. Buat lo yang penasaran sama hasil lengkap di Matchday 14 Dota 2 Tokopedia Battle of Friday minggu ini, simak ranggkuman berikut!

Juggernaut (1) vs The Prime (1)

 Game 1 Di game pertama, The Prime bisa menunjukkan kualitasnya dengan memainkan Magnus yang dipasangkan dengan Slark dan Monkey King. Nafari bermain sangat baik memakai Magnus yang sempat membuahkan Reverse Polarity penting untuk menjebak para Hero yang dimainkan oleh Juggernaut. Game pertama yang digelar langsung di High Grounds Cafe ini berakhir dengan kemenangan The Prime lewat permainan yang sangat rapi. Game 2 Juggernaut memperbaiki draft mereka dengan memakai kombinasi Ogre Magi dan Juggernaut yang kelihatan tampil baik. Kelthuzard dari The Prime yang kelihatan memainkan Anti-Mage enggak bisa mencari farm dan enggak mendapatkan kesempatan farming yang baik. Di antara tekanan Juggernaut yang tepat sasaran, The Prime kewalahan dengan pilihan Hero yang membuat mereka enggak bisa mencuri perlawanan. Hasil imbang harus mereka terima setelah Juggernaut bisa bermain sempurna dengan pilihan Carry dan Support yang saling mendukung.

RRQ (2) vs NXL (0)

Game 1 Memanfaatkan kehadiran Undying yang dipakai oleh Abillitymanjr, RRQ bermain agresif dari menit-menit awal. Diemenit kesepuluh saja, Pugna bisa menghancurkan Tower kedua di bottom lane sehingga Magnus dan Terrorblade dari NXL enggak bisa mendapat tempat farmingyang aman. Enggak mau membuat Terrorblade jadi beban, RRQ langsung melakukan tekanan penting dan membuat NXL harus menyerah cepat sebelum menit ke-40. Game 2 Di game kedua, NXL berusaha memainkan Phantom Lancer yang kelihatan masih seimbang di patch baru ini, sementara RRQ memilih Alchemist yang dimainkan oleh RusmaN. Perubahan gold di mekanisme deny kelihatan sangat menguntungkan Alchemist dan membuat RusmaN memimpin sangat jauh hingga pertengahan game. Dengan bantuan Lone Druid yang dimainkan oleh Yabyoo, RRQ bisa melakukan tekanan sangat cepat di menit 20. NXL enggak bisa mengejar permainan yang sangat cepat ini dan harus menyerah setelah Phantom Lancer sangat dirugikan oleh keberadaan Sand King dan Radiance dari Alchemist.

Recca (0) vs PG.Barracx (2)

Game 1 Dari segi drafting, kedua tim sama-sama melarang Hero yang berbahaya dan kelihatan mengalami perubahan penting di patch baru 7.20. PG.Barracx memilih kombinasi Faceless Void dan Phoenix sedangkan Recca Esports berusaha mencegah kehadiran kombinasi ini dengan memilih Skywrath Mage dan Doom untuk mencuri Silence. Barracx bisa memainkan momentum yang sangat baik untuk akhirnya tampil baik pada teamfight. Berkat keunggulan dan tekanan yang konstan, Barracx bisa membuat Recca Esports menyerah sebelum bisa melakukan comeback. Game 2 Di game kedua, Barracx berusaha memainkan Abaddon yang kelihatan unggul di patch 7.20 berkat rework di Curse of Avernusnya. Recca memilih Sniper dan Weaver yang kelihatan bisa menghindari gempuran Abaddon dan Hero Support dari Barracx sehingga mereka kelihatan aman menuju pertengahan game. Bisa mencuri Roshan dan menekan markas Recca, Barracx bisa mengamankan tiga poin di Matchday ke-14 berkat permainan yang rapi dari dukungan Core mereka.

EVOS (2) vs XCN (0)

Video enggak disiarkan oleh IESPL.

Capcorn (2) vs Bigetron (0)

Game 1 Capcorn kelihatan bisa memahami patch 7.20 setelah bisa mengalahkan Bigetron dengan telak. Pilihan Tinker yang dipilih oleh Capcorn membuat Bigetron enggak bisa sembarangan menangkap Tinker dengan bantuan Storm Spirit. Paham kalau Storm Spirit bisa sangat berhaya di akhir permainan, Capcorn melakukan tekanan cepat dan mengakhiri perlawanan Bigetron sebelum menit 40. Game 2 Meski bisa memilih Phantom Assassin untuk membalikkan Arc Warden, Bigetron enggak bisa sembarangan meremehkan skuat baru Dota 2 Capcorn. Mereka kelihatan bisa bermain sangat baik dan enggak mau terburu-buru melakukan tekanan di game kedua setelah Jeruzalem dari Bigetron memainkan Axe. Game berlangsung alot namun berkat split push dan permainan yang sangat sabar dari Capcorn membuat mereka bisa memastikan raihan tiga poin di Matchday 14.

BOOM ID (2) vs Alter Ego (0)

Game 1 Pertandingan ini menjadi panas dan dipenuhi drama setelah kepergian Mikoto dari Alter Ego ke BOOM ID. BOOM ID berhasil mencuri permainan dengan memilih Grimstroke yang baru masuk draft dan memasangkannya dengan Phantom Assassin, Dragon Knight dan Winter Wyvern. Di sisi lain, Alter Ego kelihatan memainkan Puck yang kini mendapatkan abillity rework dari Dream Coilnya. Berkat permainan Soul Bind yang rapi dari Jhocam, BOOM ID memaksa Alter Ego tertekan dan harus menelan kekalahan di game pertama ini. Game 2 Di game kedua, BOOM ID memainkan Dazzle dan Phoenix dengan dibantu pilihan Core Ember Spirit. Di sisi lain, Feuru dan kawan-kawan memilih Phantom Lancer dan Tiny yang dilengkapi oleh Phantom Assassin. Meski sempat unggul, BOOM ID bisa mencuri teamfight penting berkat permainan Phoenix yang dijaga dengan baik oleh Tusk dari Jhocam. Sebelum menit 30, Alter Ego kehilangan dua barrack dan membuat mereka harus menunggu base. Enggak butuh waktu lama untuk akhirnya BOOM ID memenangkan pertandinga sebelum menit 40. Nampaknya Alter Ego masih harus menyesuaikan permainan setelah masuknya Miggel.z yang menjadi pemain luar negeri asal Filipina di tim tersebut. *** Seru banget kan rangkaian pertandingan di Matchday 14 Tokopedia Battle of Friday pada divisi Dota 2 kemarin? Pastikan kalau lo dukung terus tim favorit lo karena empat tim teratas akan masuk di babak final pada akhir musim nanti! Terus ikutin kanal Kincir.com untuk berita terbaru seputar IESPL dan Tokopedia Battle of Friday, ya! Read the full article

[icecreamjeruk]

Toleransi Kita dan Sedikit Sejarah Natal

Sebagai seorang yang hidup di tengah masyarakat yang memiliki beragam warna tentu saya merasa kepo tentang apa yang biasa saya lihat. Saya tidak bermaksud mengolok atau apapun itu, saya menshare ini sebagai media penambah wawasan. Ketertarikan saya pada sejarah membuat saya selalu ingin tahu ini itu. Saya sendiri berpikiran semakin tau tentang sejarah sesuatu semakin saya paham tentang bagaimana seharusnya bertoleransi sesama atau antar sesama. Jadi yang tertarik silahkan baca :)

Beberapa Fakta Tentang Natal

1. Alkitab tidak memberi tahu tanggal kelahiran Yesus atau menyuruh kita memperingati hari kelahirannya. Cyclopedia karya McClintock dan Strong menyatakan, ”Perayaan Natal bukan suatu ketetapan ilahi, juga tidak berasal dari PB [Perjanjian Baru].” Malah, dengan menyelidiki sejarah Natal, kita akan mengetahui bahwa Natal berasal dari ritual kekafiran. Alkitab memperlihatkan bahwa kita menyakiti hati Allah jika kita menyembah Dia dengan cara yang tidak Ia sukai.—Keluaran 32:5-7.

2. Sejarah berbagai kebiasaan Natal Merayakan hari kelahiran Yesus: ”Orang Kristen masa awal tidak merayakan kelahiran [Yesus] karena mereka menganggap perayaan kelahiran sebagai kebiasaan kafir.”—The World Book Encyclopedia.

3. Tanggal 25 Desember: Tidak ada bukti yang menunjukkan bahwa Yesus lahir pada tanggal ini. Para bapak gereja kemungkinan besar memilih tanggal ini agar bertepatan dengan perayaan kafir yang diadakan pada periode titik balik matahari di musim dingin.

4. Bertukar hadiah dan berpesta: The Encyclopedia Americana mengatakan, ”Saturnalia, sebuah pesta Romawi yang dirayakan pada pertengahan Desember, menjadi pola untuk banyak kebiasaan Natal yang meriah. Misalnya, dari perayaan ini muncullah pesta pora, pemberian hadiah, dan penyalaan lilin.” Encyclopædia Britannica menyatakan bahwa ”segala pekerjaan dan bisnis dihentikan” selama Saturnalia.

5. Lampu-lampu Natal: Menurut The Encyclopedia of Religion, masyarakat Eropa menghiasi rumah mereka ”dengan lampu-lampu dan berbagai jenis tumbuhan hijau abadi” untuk merayakan titik balik matahari di musim dingin dan untuk melawan roh jahat.

6. Tanaman mistletoe dan holly: Kedua tanaman ini biasa digunakan dalam dekorasi Natal. ”Kaum Druid khususnya memercayai bahwa mistletoe memiliki kekuatan gaib. Holly, yang termasuk tumbuhan hijau abadi, disembah sebagai jaminan kembalinya matahari.”—The Encyclopedia Americana.

7. Pohon Natal: ”Penyembahan pohon, yang lazim di kalangan orang kafir Eropa, masih dijalankan setelah mereka masuk Kristen.” Misalnya, itu terlihat dari kebiasaan ”menempatkan pohon Yule pada pintu masuk atau di dalam rumah selama hari raya pertengahan musim dingin”.—Encyclopædia Britannica.

Lalu sering kali setiap natal kita mendengar dan membaca di medsos perang dingin argumen hanya karena ucapan natal. Kenapa hal ini menjadi masalah? Memang benar di dalam Islam kami dilarang untuk mengucapkan natal dengan dalil yang isinya :

ْ “Barangsiapa yang menyerupai suatu kaum, maka dia termasuk bagian dari mereka.” (HR. Ahmad dan Abu Dawud)

8. Dalam Al Qur'an, Allah swt menjelaskan bahwa, “Maka Maryam mengandungnya, lalu ia mengasingkan diri dengan kandungannya itu ke tempat yang jauh. Maka rasa sakit akan melahirkan anak memaksa ia (bersandar) pada pangkal pohon kurma, dia berkata: ‘Aduhai, alangkah baiknya aku mati sebelum ini, dan aku menjadi barang yang tidak berarti, lagi dilupakan.’ Maka Jibril menyerunya dari tempat yang rendah: “Janganlah kamu bersedih hati, sesungguhnya Tuhanmu telah menjadikan anak sungai di bawahmu. Dan goyanglah pangkal pohon kurma itu ke arahmu, niscaya pohon itu akan menggugurkan buah kurma yang masak kepadamu.” (QS. Maryam: 22-25).

Kutipan ayat di atas menunjukkan bahwa Maryam mengandung Nabi ‘Isa ‘alahis salam pada saat kurma sedang berbuah. Dan musim saat kurma berbuah adalah musim panas. Jadi selama ini natal yang diidetikkan dengan musim dingin (winter), adalah suatu hal yang keliru.

Ada batasan dalam agama baik itu agama Islam, agama Nasrani seperti kita tidak boleh membangun sesuatu di atas tanah orang. Kenapa tidak kita mudahkan untuk saling memahami? Saya menulis ini bukan karena ilmu saya banyak atau untuk menghakimi apapun. Saya menulis karena saya prihatin tiap tahun selalu ada "perang dingin di bulan Desember.”

Juga point yang saya tuliskan diatas menjelaskan bahwa natal bukan perintah Tuhan tapi hanya tradisi yang dibuat oleh orang orang sepeninggal Nabi Isa as / Yesus dalam Nasrani. Yang perlu dicatat juga bahwa penjelasan ini didapat dari orang orang Nasrani itu sendiri.

Jadi kiranya umat Islam memang tidak mengucapkan natal karena natal adalah tradisi yang dibuat orang orang sepeninggal nabi Isa as / Yesus beratus tahun sepeninggalnya. Kami tidak bisa mengakui hal tersebut. Dengan kata lain ini masalah kebenaran. Jika tenyata Injil yang paling paling asli di dalamnya menuliskan perintah natal dan nabi Isa as/Yesus melakukan natal bisa jadi umat Islam akan mengucapkan natal tanpa khawatir tapi kenyataannya tidak.

Jadi untuk kaum intoleran yang tidak paham juga yang menyudutkan Islam nggak toleransi, untuk umat Islam yang mencela natal, bisakah kita saling berbaikan dan sama sama toleransi. Ketika manusia melewati batas batasnya dan emosi yang sama sama memanas maka “perang dingin” akan selalu terjadi. Untuk sesama muslim yang memberikan selamat natal dan ada juga yang tidak, ayolah itu pemahaman masing masing jadi jangan saling perang antar sesama muslim.

Kata toleransi tidak dibuat untuk saling menghakimi antar agama tapi untuk saling menghormati dan menghargai.

لَكُمْ دِينُكُمْ وَلِيَ دِينِ

“Bagimu agamamu, bagiku agamaku.” (QS. Al-Kafirun: 6)

Selasa, 26 Desember 2017

12.46

Bengkulu.

[goldenstoriesfromgoldenhearts]

A Moment Among The Flowers (Chapter 1)

On a rare quiet day after arriving in Baldur's Gate proper, Rae was wandering around the city. Plans needed laid out, their group needed to figure out a to do list, a priority list even. Meeva'Rae had left that to Wyll and Panae, trusting them both to make the right choices while quietly requesting that they did not leave Cazador too late.

She had pointedly ignored the look of pity from Wyll, focusing instead on Panae's understanding and promises they'd get it done as soon as they could manage to find some more holy oil and more divine spells. This had earned the druid a quick hug before the deep gnome had hurried from the inn they'd taken to bunking down in.

She let her feet guide her everywhere, following sights and sounds, smells all exciting and new. She wanted to get a proper look at the city around them, the city that the final stand would take place in. Wanted to truly see what they were fighting for. The small food stands, the hidden away corners and shops, the shared family homes, the children running through the streets laughing. The inns and taverns, bars and brothel houses. All teaming with life.

Life they needed to protect.

Instead of a weight settling, insistent on dragging her down, it all just made her stand straighter, the snarling anger in her chest swirling, determined. They WOULD save these people, she refused to accept anything less. They'd taken down a chosen of a god, had already had many matches of wit and words against Orin, started to spread whispers against Gortash among the criminal underground thanks to her and Astarion's keen eyes and ears for symbols and whispered code words.

In that regard Baldur's Gate was just like the Underdark's communities, there were always scratched in symbols in places you'd least expect them, thieves' can't etched behind or into bar tops or back tables. . .

Her head flashed back to being in a forest camp, sitting with Astarion while he impatiently at first talked her through it, borrowing some ink and paper to get the symbols and words, such as they really weren't, down. He'd become more and more patient with her as time went on, possibly due to her picking it up relatively quick or maybe he'd been growing to like her even then.

After the tiefling party ,she would had explained it away as the former but they had relaxed back into an easy friendship and she didn't take his snapping to heart anymore. The more she learned about him, the more she just wanted to protect him. Even if she had not been madly in love with him, he still would have been one of her people. She protected her people. She had died for her people. She probably would do so again.

Speaking of such a white-haired elf. She caught a glimpse of white hair through a gate and turned in that direction, without her clanky armour, she was quiet, stealthy even. She slipped through the gate silently and carefully and spotted him further down the path. Sitting on a stone bench.

She closed the gate behind her and started to walk over, seeing a garden blooming on either side of her, full of so many different types of flowers. The air was sweet and floral and a smile soon found its way onto her lips.

While she had loved the shadow cursed lands under that infernal spell, she had always loved gloomy places, above ground flowers were soon becoming her favourite things. There were so many different types, all with meanings! Which she found fascinating.

“We had wondered where you managed to slip off to this morning” Rae said quietly, catching Astarion's attention before she past in front of him and joined him on his bench

“Yes well the rabble does tend to get quite loud in the morning, our dear Karlach especially” He said with an exaggerated eye roll and she giggled, hitting him gently with the back of her hand

“Karlach is a delight and you cannot resist her puppy energy, do not give me that Star” she said and he merely playfully 'hmph'd at her causing her to just giggle more. Soon the two just sat in silence, Rae's attention soon being drawn to a nearby patch of flowers. The shape reminded her of the corpse roses that she had found for a particular poison that Panae had agreed to help her make. But they looked different? There was no pale petals with dark veins, no grey stems. What were they called? She wondered.

“What's caught your attention my dear?” came the voice that startled her back to reality and she turned to look and found Astarion looking at her with an amused expression. She coughed, feeling her face heating up and just silently pointed the flowers out. His gaze followed her finger and his amusement turned into understanding “I see you have spotted the Roses”

“So. . .Rose is a flower type?” She asked, tilting her head slightly and he nodded “Okay, do you know any of the others?”

“Of course” he answered and leaned forward slightly, using a finger to point out all of the flowers in the garden near them, one by one, listing names and explaining what colours they came in as she gave him her full attention. Her eyes locked on the flower he was describing before flicking to the next.

Completely missing his occasional glance at her and the small smile that appeared on his face for a brief moment.

After making their way through all the flowers nearby, he stood and gestured for her to follow before setting down the path. Rae, to no one's surprise followed and he started up again. Talking about every flower they past.

They got halfway down the path before a familiar scent tickled her nose and she followed it to their right. Crouching down and sniffing. The patch in front of her was full of vibrant purple blooms, bunched together in clusters, the centres bursting like some of the fire works she'd seen years ago at a travelling show, their lovely but again familiar fragrance heavy in the air around them.

“These smell like you” She announced, looking at Astarion as he stared at her, mouth parted stunned, fangs slightly revealed for just a moment before he recovered with a chuckle.

“Of course darling, Bergamots help cover the scent of undead”

“That would make sense” She said quietly, staring back at the flowers for a moment before she stood back up “It's much better than that awful scent mixture the Gur man we met had on, that wasn't for hiding undead so much as for hiding him however”

“He could have used some sprucing up, maybe some orange zest?” Astarion suggested and she giggled, nodding in agreement before they set off down the path again.

“What would your favourite flower be?” She asked him and he tapped at his chin as he thought

“I am unsure” he admitted after a moment, glancing down at her “There was a flower I quite liked the look of before I was turned, I was dealing with a Shou woman, human, the details of our discussion were quite boring if I remember right but she had a gorgeous flower design on a headpiece she was wearing. A lotus I believe, doesn't quite take top spot but beautiful none the less. And you my dear?”

Rae seemed surprised to have the question turned on her, the deep gnome floundering for a moment

“I don't know either, I liked the Sussur blooms that we found in the Underdark, they were pretty but I don't know if I would call them my favourite?” She answered slowly, taking her time to think about her words

“And above ground?” he prompted and she pressed her lips together thinking

“I think I liked the Camellia? That you showed me? The light pinks ones I think were my favourite” she answered

“They do suit you” He said with a flash of a grin and she blushed, coughing slightly “A beautiful flower for a beautiful woman”

“You are laying it on quite thick there” She said, poking him gently in the leg before setting back down the path. Hearing him laugh, a deep loud thing as he followed. They both knew of her feelings for him and while she trusted him with them. He never could stop himself from giving honeyed words, she was never sure he meant them.

“Well they can't all be winners now can they?”