#Primary Truths

[alohapromisesforever]

First Principles: In Disquisitions of Every Kind There are Certain Primary Truths, Or First Principles, Upon Which All Subsequent Reasoning Must Depend

“In disquisitions of every kind there are certain primary truths, or first principles, upon which all subsequent reasoning must depend.” – Alexander Hamilton (1788)

[the-crooked-library]

"Louis and Armand were still in love in Dubai!!" "Louis and Armand never loved each other!!" - no. it's worse. they were on the precipice of something good, but Armand couldn't recognize that, so he ruined everything they had, right when Louis had actually come to love him. the love was there for a fleeting moment and it was ruined irreversibly, never to return, even after decades they'd spent together out of desperation and spite. it's worse and that's the point

[not-the-coffee-machine4]

Me: *tries to see what the Queen fans on TikTok have to say*

*Jim hate*

*”facts” that may or not be actually true*

*”Freddie Mercury was bisexual-“*

*Using Barbara Valentin as evidence*

*thinking things that happened in the movie actually happened irl*

*general misinformation about everyone and everything*

Me: aaaaand back to Tumblr I go

(open tags at your own risk, there’s a whole essay in there)

[orpheusilver]

reading a paper abt blackbeard and i can feel this historians frustration radiating through the screen

[vveris]

I genuinely cannot stand CK fans who don’t fw Demetri, especially in terms of Sekai Tekai/his friendship with Hawk

“What happened to prime Hawk?” “Demetri did not deserve his spot on Sekai Tekai” “mememememe”

Demetri shoved Hawk into a glass cabinet, and humiliated and tore down his ego on multiple occasions. Dem got pretty far into the All Valley too; is it so strange to think they’re equals?

Liking Hawk and not Demetri is odd as hell, they’re a package deal, their dynamic is the best part of their characters, idc.

[marzipanandminutiae]

his wife was like the Serena Joy of this whole operation; I'm not letting her off the hook(ed rug) either

the fact that there's a guy who made up a bunch of bullshit images of Generic English Colonial North America (you know, an entire 200-year span of history covering several distinct regions) that still incorrectly influence our vision of that period

and his name was Wallace Nutting

just. you can't make this stuff up

[allycat75]

Must suck for you, Boston Dumb Fuck, to realize people only adore you when your ass is tight, your lips are full and your hair is long.

How does it feel to be on this side of objectification? Not great, huh? At least you have an eye droplet sized sense of what your female costars experience on a daily basis (still will never make you a feminist, you performative asshole).

If only you had bet on yourself and worked on your craft instead of investing in this manipulation that made you unrecognizable and deformed- inside and out. I mean not the enablers you are related to, but there are good acting teachers who won't shy away from the trauma that is holding you back from being a good actor and a good man.

Since I feel bad so many people hate you right now, including yourself, here are some gummy worms (the sour kind):

[voiceofthesilly]

Downright fascinating to me that really the only boost you get from stubborn in adversary is not dying. He doesn't actually improve our fighting prowess, we were able to stab the princess before too

Hunted, on the other hand... By itself in beast it lets us dodge her fast enough. In eye of the needle, coupled with stubborn, it makes us turn into a thousand blow fucking warrior, specifically zooming around her and quickly attacking. Fellas that's the best fighter we ever are

[playstationvii]

#GTA:MagicKingdomDisney

Game Development Overview:

Title: GTA: The Magic Kingdom Platform: PlayStation 7 Developer: Rockstar Games in collaboration with DearDearestBrands Genre: Open-world Action/Adventure

Storyline:

In GTA: The Magic Kingdom, players explore a dark, reimagined version of Disney's iconic Magic Kingdom. The world is divided into themed lands, each with its own rules and factions. At its core, the story follows a criminal protagonist who is embroiled in a high-stakes battle for power and survival within the kingdom's chaotic, secretive underworld.

The protagonist (you) is a mysterious figure drawn into the Magic Kingdom's politics, where a sinister force is using the enchantment of Disney’s original lands for darker purposes. The hunt for Bambi, who is rumored to possess extraordinary powers tied to the kingdom’s survival, becomes a central pursuit, while the player navigates treacherous alliances, heists, and confrontations.

Main Character:

Name: Maximus Dark (or choose your own name) Backstory: A former magic thief, Maximus was exiled from the underworld for crossing a powerful figure. Now, forced to work in the Magic Kingdom's black market, he must hunt down Bambi and unlock secrets from deep within the kingdom's enchanted areas. Maximus has a personal vendetta against the kingdom’s rulers, who wronged him in his past. Throughout the game, the player will uncover the protagonist’s lost memories and long-forgotten connection to the forest kingdom that Bambi hails from.

Motivation: Maximus's primary goal is to reclaim his lost power, discover the truth behind Bambi’s existence, and stop a powerful corporation that seeks to rewrite the very essence of the Magic Kingdom. As the story unfolds, Maximus will face moral dilemmas, where every choice shapes the fate of the kingdom and his own soul.

Supporting Characters:

Bambi - The elusive and powerful figure whose very presence is tied to the survival of the kingdom. Bambi is the key to restoring balance but is hunted by those who wish to harness their power for dark purposes. They are often seen as a mystical being, guiding the protagonist toward their true destiny.

Claire Jorif Valentine – An enigmatic leader of a rebel faction, Claire operates in the shadows, challenging the corrupt rulers of the kingdom. She provides Maximus with missions, allies, and sometimes betrays him to further her hidden agenda. A powerful figure in the underworld, she seems to know more about Bambi than she lets on.

The Enchanted Guardians – These figures protect each themed land within the Magic Kingdom. They could either be allies or enemies depending on how the player approaches them. The Guardians are immortal beings who represent the natural forces of the kingdom—ranging from corrupted versions of iconic Disney characters like Captain Hook, Maleficent, or the Queen of Hearts.

Tiger Lily – A key ally who once helped Bambi and holds secrets to unlocking the magical energies in the kingdom. She is on a quest to stop the dark forces from taking over the kingdom. As a supporting character, she aids in quests related to nature and magic and can unlock special abilities for the player.

Walt - A mysterious figure who seems to control the Magic Kingdom’s darkest secrets. He appears to have been a creator of both the magic and the corruption that now threatens the lands. Maximus will need to confront him as the story builds toward the final confrontation.

Gameplay:

Open-World Exploration: The game world is split into different magical lands, such as Adventureland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and others. Each land offers unique challenges, missions, and enemies. Players can freely explore these areas and engage in side missions while unraveling the main story.

Combat: Players can engage in both ranged and hand-to-hand combat, using magical powers, enchanted weapons, and advanced technology. The combat system is dynamic, blending traditional open-world combat with the ability to wield magic and technology.

Heist Missions: As Maximus tries to gain control of the Magic Kingdom, he must undertake heists to infiltrate high-security areas and steal vital items—such as keys to unlock magical areas or magical artifacts that help in the hunt for Bambi.

Choices & Morality: The game emphasizes player choices, with the narrative changing based on decisions. Will Maximus become a hero, villain, or something in-between? The relationship with Bambi and other characters is crucial, as decisions affect both alliances and the kingdom’s fate.

Stealth and Deception: Players can also use stealth to infiltrate the kingdom’s high-security areas or employ deception to manipulate enemies. Using disguises, magic, and technology, Maximus can change the course of battles or avoid them altogether.

Motivation of Player:

The player is constantly driven by the need for power, knowledge, and redemption. They must build their empire, uncover the dark secrets of the kingdom, and forge relationships with various characters—each with their own agendas. However, the hunt for Bambi represents more than just a physical chase; it's a quest for deeper understanding, as Bambi’s powers could either save or doom the Magic Kingdom.

Key Objectives:

Locate Bambi: The primary objective is to find Bambi before the forces of darkness do. Along the way, players uncover the mysteries of the forest kingdom and its connection to the greater magical world.

Restore the Kingdom: Players must gather allies, defeat corrupt leaders, and unlock ancient powers to restore balance to the kingdom. Each land requires the completion of key quests, often involving battles, negotiations, and solving puzzles.

Uncover Maximus’s Past: As Maximus’s memories return, the player will unlock hidden abilities and unique storylines. The past is filled with betrayal and secrets that will help guide the future of the kingdom.

End the Corruption: Maximus must dismantle the oppressive corporation that seeks to control the kingdom's magical energy. This requires sabotaging their operations, stealing key documents, and confronting their leaders in epic battles.

The Final Confrontation: In the game's climax, the player must decide whether to join Bambi in their fight for freedom or betray them to seize ultimate power. The fate of the Magic Kingdom—and possibly the world—rests in the player’s hands.

This game blends classic open-world gameplay with dark fantasy elements and a rich narrative, providing players with the chance to explore a re-imagined Disney universe full of intrigue, magic, and moral complexity. The pursuit of Bambi adds layers of mystery and suspense, making this a truly unique entry in the GTA franchise.

To project the potential success of GTA: The Magic Kingdom in 2025, we need to consider various factors including market trends, audience engagement, and the unique elements of the game. Here's a breakdown:

Market Growth for Open-World and Action-Adventure Games:

Current Trends: The gaming industry, especially for open-world games and action-adventure genres, has shown steady growth. Titles like Grand Theft Auto V, The Witcher 3, and Cyberpunk 2077 continue to drive demand for expansive worlds with immersive stories.

Projections: The global gaming market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 9.5% from 2024 to 2028. As GTA: The Magic Kingdom combines elements of beloved franchises (GTA and Disney), it could tap into both established fanbases, providing a unique mix of nostalgia and innovation.

Audience Engagement and Sentiment:

Nostalgia Factor: The reimagining of Disney’s Magic Kingdom with dark and mature themes will likely engage both nostalgic fans of Disney and mature audiences looking for an alternative take on Disney. This could boost both initial sales and long-term engagement.

Fanbase Growth: By 2025, your fanbase could grow significantly as the game's story unfolds. Assuming solid marketing campaigns and collaborations with influencers or streamers, you might see a steady increase in followers and engagement leading up to and after the game’s release.

Projections: Positive sentiment is expected if the game's unique blending of fantasy, technology, and dystopian elements resonates with audiences. Projections for engagement could range from a 15-20% increase in social media mentions in the first year after release.

Technological Advances and Game Development:

PlayStation 7 and Future Hardware: Given the expected launch of PlayStation 7 around 2025, GTA: The Magic Kingdom could be designed to take full advantage of next-gen console power. This will allow for an even more immersive experience with advanced graphics, smoother gameplay, and expansive worlds.

Projections: With the integration of next-gen technologies (such as AI-driven NPCs and advanced virtual reality options), GTA: The Magic Kingdom could have a 30-40% higher player retention rate due to these enhanced features.

Sales Projections:

Market Demand: Based on trends for similar games (open-world, fantasy, and action-adventure), initial sales could range between 5-10 million copies within the first year.

Projections for 2025: The game could potentially reach 15-20 million copies sold by 2025, depending on post-launch expansions, updates, and downloadable content (DLC). A strong, loyal fanbase built from the early adoption of the game could help push this figure higher.

Expansion and Future Growth:

DLCs & Expansions: By 2025, the game could see its first major expansion, adding new zones, characters, and stories to keep players engaged.

Projections: Expansions or sequels could drive continued engagement. This could result in an additional 10-20% increase in sales in the second year post-launch, especially if the game incorporates user feedback and evolves based on community input.

Marketing and Brand Partnerships:

Brand Alignment: With ties to Disney, GTA: The Magic Kingdom could attract partnerships, cross-promotions, and collaborations with major brands.

Projections: These collaborations could increase visibility, leading to higher-than-expected sales and engagement. With a proper marketing push and potentially viral content, the game's overall reach could expand significantly, especially if there are partnerships with influencers or Disney-themed events.

Summary of Projections for 2025:

Sales: 15-20 million copies sold globally

Player Engagement: 30-40% higher retention with the introduction of new technology

Audience Growth: Significant increase in fanbase with positive sentiment and engagement, likely 20-25% growth year-over-year

Brand Partnerships and DLCs: Increased revenue from post-launch content and collaborations

Overall, with the unique blend of popular genres and the anticipated growth of gaming markets, GTA: The Magic Kingdom could be positioned for strong performance by 2025, with significant growth in both sales and player engagement.

[lilacerull0]

eve didn't get bitten... taylor chose this career... try and come for my job...

[fideidefenswhore]

"On leaving the company I took Cromwell apart, who assured me that the King was very well disposed to listen to the matters of which we had treated, and as to the Princess, the King had lately told him that he felt himself already growing old, and doubted whether he should have any child by the Queen; for which reason he intended, in a few days, to declare the Princess heir of the kingdom..."

I've been doing research on Thomas Cromwell for my novel, set in 1537, and found this. Do you think Cromwell was lying here? And why? I know it's all conjecture but I'm curious what you think. Love your blog btw <3

you're doing background, i assume? since that quote is from 1536?

i think you can assume that angle wrt to mary, since obviously henry never did actually do that (i mean, sort of and conditionally, in 1543, behind prince edward and his heirs). there's certainly the possibility that he did say or plan this, and then just reneged (ie, cromwell was giving chapuys 'temporarily' accurate intel, just unbeknowst to him), but i don't think that's likely. likelier is that cromwell is lying (er...'misrepresenting'), or chapuys is (perhaps, willfully) misrepresenting or misinterpreting what he has told him.

as far as the 'by the [present] queen' aspect goes...well, that's interesting. despite the recent popularity of weir's claims that jane became pregnant mid-1536 and miscarried later, there is just no evidence for this, beyond a "colourful but secondhand story" printed by thomas colwell, in the elizabethan era, in which henry suggests she's with child late in 1536 at a public court event, and some gossip by a faraway source (which doesn't really corroborate the former, bcus if the latter were true, then jane would likely have had a child by october 1536, not *still* be with child in late december 1536, as the former implies). his former two wives both became pregnant within months of their respective marriages. he possibly was feeling/fearing that he was without hope of future issue, and expressing this, based on precedent, which cromwell might've used to suggest or imply to chapuys that mary's chances of being declared heiress were still strong, to maintain warmer anglo-imperial relations and balance that diplomatic tightrope, leave options of alliances open etc.

it was unusual (possibly unprecedented?), for example, for quickenings to be celebrated as jane's was in 1537--

"as it was not customary in england for public announcements to be made about the pregnancies of the royal family, physical signs and hints in conversation provided courtiers with the only evidence of the queen's secret" (retha warnicke)

so...why was it? distraction from the reprisals of the pilgrimage of grace? or was henry making a point of having it known and dated as an...overcompensation, of sorts? there were large gaps between his surviving children, henry the nyp in 1511, princess mary in 1516, fitzroy in 1519, princess elizabeth in 1533. the last long-term pregnancy of a wife resulting in a living child had, by 1537, been four years prior (and so had celebration relating to that, which might be why bonfires and free wine were provided here, as they were in 1533 to celebrate princess elizabeth's christening) and 'vigour nor virtue' lived in infamy, he was likely at pains to 'prove' it was untrue.

[bonefall]

Graystripe's Vow Redux: Ferncloud or Cloudtail?

For my redux of Graystripe's Vow just before the end of TBC, I have decided to make a major change; Graystripe stays with the Tribe to live the rest of his days in peace. The warrior who interacts with WarriorClan will be different.

It's either Ferncloud or Cloudtail, asking themselves an important question; "Is there anything I could have done differently to save Ashfur? Were there signs I could have noticed? Can I speak to him now, using the Moonstone?"

They learn that... no. There was nothing that could have been done, that he wasn't born a monster but sometimes you can't save a person, and they are blameless for what he's done. The truth is more painful than they could have imagined.

They are going to be accompanied by Bumblestripe, who is coming to terms with what he'd done. Having been an accessory to the Imposter's tyrannical regime and complicit in the murder of so many cats out of his misplaced rage at Dovewing, he escorts Graystripe to the mountain, meets his fabled older brother Stormfur, and then accompanies the elder.

So... which cat is it?

The cat that goes on this trip will be the one who confronts Ashfur in the Dark Forest later, taking what they've learned and completing the arc by confirming it.

If it's Cloudtail...

Standing up for Squilf and telling her to stay behind as he brings her message to Ashfur is very meaningful as her uncle.

His loud and bold personality is fitting for that confrontation

WarriorClan is a bunch of kittypets trying to mimic the life he was brought into. He'd get a kick out of this.

As Ashfur's mentor in this redux, it's a unique dynamic to explore, wondering how he failed him.

Can have a mentorly talk with Bumblestripe about mistakes, moving on from them, and taking responsibility.

If it's Ferncloud...

Going to visit the Forest territories is also a trip to visit the graves of a lot of people she lost. Brindleface, One-eye, Elderberry, Hollykit, Larchkit...

Dustpelt is dead, she has no mate left at home unlike Cloudtail.

She has a buff as a teacher-type. She could educate WarriorClan on glyphs, history, and some traditions before she leaves.

In this redux, Ashfur was a kitten when their mom died. She raised him with their sister Elderberry. She feels responsible as his family for his actions.

Can speak with Bumblestripe about family, how loss affects you, but how that never excused how he was treated... and it doesn't excuse how he treated others.

[sollucets]

I kinda want to ask you to write all touch prompts for akk and aye but because that is unreasonable and way too greedy, how about 26, 27 and maybe 33? thank you so so much! And congratulations on your followers!!!!

you know, i'd write them all too if i had the fuckin Time [sobs] thank you very much nonny

26 (kissing the top of their head) + 27 (pulling them closer) + 33 (tasting their smile) from this list for my lil event; right around 1k of height difference & nickname shenanigans and talking around another bigger issue!!!! set in the summer after ourskyy, rated t for 'tall'

💜

“Hand me that plate, Shortstop.” 

Akk does, but not without making sure to splash Aye with the water running off of it. “We’ve been over this." They have, although it's been a while since Aye had first tried it in the tent. "That’s your name.” 

With a little yelp, Aye snatches the plate from his hand and sets to drying it with slightly more force than strictly necessary. The water drops stand out against the gray material of his t-shirt. “Why can’t we switch?” 

“Do you not have eyes?” Akk takes another bowl out of Aye’s mom’s sink and starts washing it with a little grin. “Grow a bit taller and we can talk.”

He expects Aye to fire back with a water attack of his own, or an insult, so when neither comes he turns to look at his boyfriend in faint surprise. Aye is giving the plate an undeservedly contemplative look, lips pursed. It’s very cute. Akk splashes him again. 

“Akk,” snaps Aye, his nose going all scrunched the way it does when he’s actually annoyed. 

“Aye,” Akk answers, grin reaching all the way up to his eyes. 

Aye stares for a long second, then softens all at once, mouth curving up in turn. He still elbows Akk in retribution before picking up his next dish, though. “So if I was taller than you, we could switch? I could be your Bigfoot.”

“If you were taller than me, I would’ve come up with a different nickname in the first place.”

“But I wouldn’t have,” Aye says decisively. “You’d have been Shortstop to me.”

Akk shoots him a sidelong look, dubious. “It's annoying, so yes, probably. In a hypothetical parallel universe where you’re taller. Why are you suddenly so obsessed with this? Don’t you call me enough things already?” 

“Do you not like it, darling?” asks Aye, all coy and playful, and it devolves from there. He doesn’t bring up the height thing again that day. 

But apparently he didn’t actually forget, because in the time following that initial conversation Aye starts taking every possible opportunity to be taller than Akk. 

It starts small, like Aye insisting Akk sit on the ground while he’s on the couch so he can reach his hair to dry it, calling him Shortstop in a tone of such overdone honeyed affection that all he can do is laugh. Or like Aye crawling into Akk’s lap so he has a height advantage when they kiss, and Akk making sure he doesn't get a chance to use any nickname at all.

Then it escalates, as things frequently do with them. Aye sits on top of the couch backrest at Akk’s house instead of on it, buys a pair of shoes with these ridiculous heel boosts, sits on Akk's desk while Akk writes his admission essays. At one point, very memorably, he gets on a table at a party they’d attended with Kan and refuses to come down until Akk has to drag him. 

Akk doesn’t mind as much as he’s pretending he does, which is something he’s found works for them with these things. It makes Aye happy to see him annoyed, so if he gets what he wants and the behavior isn’t actually that annoying, it’s a win for both of them. And it is funny, honestly, and frequently ends with Aye hanging off of him somehow. 

Still, though, after nearly two months of their summer together being intermittently marked by Aye’s new favorite running joke, something starts to nibble at the corner of Akk’s mind. It’s late summer now, and they’re running up closer to the thing they’ve barely managed to talk about: Aye’s impending departure, and his own entry into a northern university. And— well. He can’t manage that, but he might be able to manage this.

So the next time Aye makes a point of standing two stairs up in his own home to talk to Akk, he turns and looks up at him and asks, point-blank, “Does it bother you that I’m taller?” 

Aye blinks once, twice, then laughs a little. After a second, he seems to realize that Akk is honestly asking and tilts his head with an expression of mild bemusement. “No, baby. I like it, you give great hugs and have great legs. Why?”

Akk makes a sputtering noise and tries not to get derailed thinking about Aye’s feelings about his legs, which he did already know about for— various reasons. Instead, he pointedly jerks his chin at Aye, noticeably needing to tilt his head up to do so. 

“I'm just messing with you,” Aye says, reaching a hand out with a little smile. “I thought you knew.” 

“I do,” says Akk, and lets Aye take his hand and pull him one step up the stairs. It doesn’t equalize their heights; Aye’s still just a little taller like this. “But... it’s been going on a long time.”

“Yeah, I guess it has,” says Aye a little thoughtfully. “I just like seeing—” 

“—My angry face. I know.” 

Aye outright giggles at that, gently intertwining his fingers with Akk’s. “If you know, then why are you worrying about it?” 

Akk can feel his resolve failing already. He sighs. 

“I guess,” says Aye thoughtfully after a moment, “I do also like it when we… switch.” He wiggles his eyebrows and continues talking over Akk’s incoherent noise in response. “So it’s fun for me, to try and turn the little nickname thing on its head. Not that you’re cooperating.” 

“You wouldn’t like it if I cooperated,” Akk says, half-sure, and tries mostly unsuccessfully to glare up at Aye. 

“Oh, but I do,” Aye says, tugging him even closer by their twined hands and putting his other one on the back of Akk’s neck, pushing his head down enough to press a kiss to the top of it. “Just not right away. I like getting you to admit things."

There's an odd-- hesitation there, a long moment of silence. Akk looks back up, their faces close enough to kiss properly now, and sees Aye looking away from him, eyes big and preoccupied. 

“What?” Akk prompts, and when he doesn’t get an answer, adds, “Bigfoot?” 

Aye’s gaze snaps back to him, suddenly focused and intent and sparkling, and he grins. “Yeah,” he says, slowly like he’s savoring the confirmation, “That’s nice.” 

Akk leans up a little further and kisses that smile, gently and then less so when the fingers on the back of his neck tighten and pull him closer. He leans into it with a sigh and tries not to think about other things Aye might like him to admit, and instead thinks about how — it is nice, sometimes, to be the smaller one. 

[colourfullanguages]

some days i feel like i was born to do great things, accomplish big stuff and other days i feel like i was just a big fish in a small pond and unfortunately here on out i'll just be a small fish in a big pond and other days i feel like i want to choose a normal life but the normal life was not meant for me because i was born to be outstanding but there are days when doing great things feel scary and i don't have the courage to pursue it so i feel i should just default to an ordinary path

[tmae3114]

one time when I was about five, I finished our assigned reading book in one night when it was meant to last a week, so I asked the teacher if I could have the next book, please, and she told me "no, because that would put you ahead of the rest of the class, and that's not fair to them"

twenty years later, I am still wrestling with the mindset that any success on my part must inherently be to the detriment of others

so. yknow. be careful what you say to children

[fortune-maiden]

I’m in the middle of a Princess Tutu rewatch so I’m bringing back the Princess Tutu AU

Instead of Xie Lian being the one whose heart shatters, I propose a new candidate:

Jun Wu

something something the story of the Prince of Wuyong and the White Clothed Calamity he once sealed away

And the dawning realization that restoring the prince’s heart will mean reawakening the calamity

Because they’re the same person…