#and also along the way I've developed POTS

[halogalopaghost]

I can really judge how bad of a day I'm having based on how hard it is to get tucked in bed. Sometimes just lifting my weighted blanket to get under it is a HERCULEAN effort. Im working on coming to terms with the fact that this is not my fault.

[lillxart]

Confessions

"Alright." Taliesin placed his hands on his hips. "Out with it."

"Out with what? ^^;" Snow White stepped off of the boat and onto the shore.

"Out with...whatever you've been keeping from me all evening. I know you're hiding something."

"Whaaaaaat? ^^; OVO;; H-Hiding? Nooooo I'm not hiding anything!"

Taliesin crossed his arms and gave the hagraven dragonborn a skeptical look. He stepped forward. "Really? You take me out to a candlelit dinner at a fancy restaurant, shopping at one of my favorite stores in Alinor, and then find the perfect spot in a grotto to go out on a boat stargazing for no reason at all? Please, I know you're more mischievous than that." He laughed. "So? What's the joke? What's the punchline? Don't tell me we're going on some world-ending quest tomorrow morning and you're buttering me up to bring me along?"

"Ahaha...! ^^;" Snow White had no response. She can see why he'd think she'd be planning something. After all she's never showed him this kind of attention before. Well, she has, but not all at once on the same day...

Taliesin playfully rolled his eyes and poked her nose. "You know, you don't have to bribe me to go along with you. I've spent nearly a year dealing with your insanity. I don't see a reason why I'd flee now~ I believe I said I'd follow you to Sovangarde and back, if you'd have me. I'm not a Mer to go back on my word~"

"Taliesin..." She melted at his words. Her heart beating a mile a minute, a blush rising to her cheeks. Snow White tried, she desperately tried to keep her feelings in, but she couldn’t. It wasn’t fair, it just wasn’t fair. Why did she have to be a dragon? Why did she attain divinity through the kind of creature that, by nature, suppression of any desire was akin to madness? Dragons are meant to be primordial beings with an insatiable urge to conquer and dominate. To ignore that divine right would be…well…nearly impossible. Unfortunately, that rule also applies to strong feelings like love. Suppressing how much she loves Taliesin has brought her to a boiling point, and she can’t keep the lid on the pot anymore. “I–I love you!”

She said it. 

Oh gods…she actually; she actually said it…! 

Taliesin was stunned, or at least, Snow White thought he was. Taliesin wasn’t saying anything, his eyes still fixed on her face. “I don’t know for how long, or even when it started. I–It just…it just happened. I love you so much I don’t know what to do with myself! And it’s not just ‘oh I love this about you or, I love that about you’. It’s…It’s…everything. I love everything about you!” The witch detailed everything she loved about Taliesin. How snarky he was, how confident he was, his ironic humor, bad dancing, and love of dad jokes. His tenderness towards animals, how serious he gets about food presentation, how his eyes trail off to dessert before he’s finished dinner and how articulate and critical he is when it comes to flower arrangements that little laugh he does after he finishes off an enemy…

But it wasn’t just his good points, she loved his bad points too. She loved how he had to gain that confidence over time because of the rough childhood he had, she loved how that very snarkiness he developed was meant to be a shield against the cruelty that he faced in his life. She loved how his love of dad jokes was probably born from the period in time where he had few friends, and probably had bouts of social awkwardness. She didn’t love how he viewed himself, but what set her heart on fire were all the ways she could shower him in love to try and make up for it.

Snow White rambled on, getting more nervous by the second, her eyes became manic and her hands felt clammy. The more she tried to talk about him the more tongue tied she became. It wasn’t just one thing that she liked about him. It wasn’t a quality, a personality trait, it was just him in all of his being. Taliesin down to his very soul, she loved. Good or bad, if it was him then she adored it. Describing that was hard, but she tried her best. “So…um…” Her eyes were wide, winded from her confession. A look of terror was on her face, fully expecting a rejection. “I–I know it’s…a…lot ^^; E–Eheh! I mean, I know you don’t feel the same way about me! Wh–Why would you? I’ll just um…” Snow took a step back, turning her eyes away from him.

@dynamite124

(Here it is! :>)

[feministsouthpark]

Mrs. Tweak - Character analysis (Part 1)

I'm starting a new series, analyzing some of my favorite South Park characters, starting with the one and only... Oh no... She's only known by her husband's surname! Well, for the purposes of my text, I'll call her on the widely accepted fanon name, Helen. And it's not like South Park has shied away from using fanon names in their official material. Let's start with S2E17 Gnomes, in which she appears for the first time, along with her son and husband.

"Some things are more important than money. The people of South Park count on you to give them that first cup of coffee every day."

Her very first line serves as introduction to her values and beliefs. She is a devoted housewife, who believes in her husband. Clearly, she is a woman with a strong moral code first and foremost, and is a devoted housewife second.

Helen: Oh, hello, son. How was your day? Tweek: UUuuUunh! Helen: That's good. Who are your little friends? Tweek: What do you mean?! Kyle: We're his oral report buddies. Stan: Yeah, we have to stay up all night to write it. Helen: Well, have some coffee boys. I'll brew up another pot for later.

In her next interaction we learn about her as a mother, and she is shown caring for her son and being patient with him. But we're also met with a flaw in her parenting (of course, what else could you expect from South Park) which is that she nonchalantly offers coffee to children.

Kyle: Coffee? I don't think I like coffee. Helen: Oh, you'll like this coffee. It's fresh. And she coerces them to take it, although it's clearly out of good willed ignorance, rather than malicious intent.

Stan: 'Kay. Maybe it'll help us figure out what to do our report on. We have to present it to the entire South Park town committee tomorrow. Richard: Oh. I've got one for you. How about doing a report on how large corporations take over little family-owned businesses? Helen: Richard! Richard: No, I'm- serious, hon. These boys should learn how the corporate machine is ruining America. You see, I own a coffee shop and now a great, big, multi-million dollar company is going to move in and try to take all my business, which means I may have to shut down and sell my son Tweek into slavery. As you see, she is opposing to Richard using the children for commercial, however she is indifferent towards the way he threatens Tweek, probably because it's too common in their household. She chalks it up as Richard's weird sense of humor. She is however more strict with her son than her husband, as we see in the exchange that follows.

Kyle: We're already doing a paper on Tweek's underpants gnomes. Helen: Now, Tweek, how many times do we have to tell you? Your underpants are missing because you lose them, not because of underpants gnomes. Which line solidifies her as a grounded-in-reality type of individual. While Richard threatening Tweek wasn't that big of a deal for her, since it was a joke anyway (not that Tweek would know that, however Helen's parenting skills are lacking in the child's healthy psychological development department), but she stands up for something that she sees a problem with, because as soon as Richard says the boys should do their project in corporate takeovers again, she opposes, just like she did for the first time the idea was conceived, but this time she further explains her worries, instead of just interrupting.

"Honestly, Richard. I don't see why you have to preach to some eight-year olds."

While she is dismissive of her husband's idea of using the children, she still demonstrates great care for his side of the problem. "My goodness. That's going to be a huge coffee house, honey." Then what follows is 8 year old Kyle questioning her parenting methods. Probably based on the fact that Sheila is overprotective, and Helen is quite the opposite.

Kyle: Do you ever think maybe you shouldn't give your son coffee? Helen: Like, how do you mean? Kyle: Like look at him. He's always shaking and nervous. Tweek: Agghh! Helen: [holding a bag of Tweekers BLEND] Oh, that. He has ADD, attention deficit disorder. That's why he's so jittery all the time. The writing seems to imply that Helen is in fact wrong, and her letting Tweek drink coffee is the problem (well Richard gives it to him mostly, but she fully enables it), however Tweek does show genuine signs of ADD in the later seasons, so in retrospective canon, she might as well be right, at least partly.

Back to the episode's political topic, she has yet another exchange with Richard about her concerns: Richard: What do you think, hon? [she crosses her arms and moves away him. He follows] Hon? What's the matter? Helen: I have a big problem with this. Richard: What do you mean? Helen: We are just using those boys for our benefit. They have no idea what they're saying. Richard: But, kids are great to get people on our side. Helen: You don't just throw a child in a political commercial to sell your beliefs. I won't be a part of this anymore. [walks out the door] Richard: Honey, all's fair in love and war. And coffee. Hon? Hu-hon? As you can see, while Richard asks for her opinion, it's not out of respect. He just wants her to tell him he's doing great, he expected her to compliment and reassure him, even though she clearly stated time and time again that she disagrees on the matter. Richard ignored her thoughts and expected her to go along with everything he does, only after she leaves him, does he realize he is taking her for granted. And the episode makes it clear that the writers of the episode believe her to be right. In the end, she gives the "I've learned something today" speech. Yes, the parent who is wrong in one thing (giving her son coffee) and gets criticized by the ever so judgemental moral compass of the boys, Kyle, also gets to give a Kyle-speech of her own, which positions her to be in the right on that specific debate. South Park has low-key been creating multidimensional female anti-villains back in season 2? Well, yes, but that is party because this character wasn't conceived by Trey and Matt only. This episode is co-written by Pam Brady - a producer and creative consultant of the show - in her only full-on writing credit for the series. And I can't help but feel like her sense of womanhood helped shape Helen to be the well-rounded character she is. "These boys are absolutely right. We've been using these poor kids to pull at your heartstrings for our cause, and it's wrong. We're as low and despicable as Rob Reiner. You keep protesting and complaining, but did any of you ever even bother to taste Harbucks coffee? Harbucks coffee got to where it is by being the best. Don't you think you should at least try it?" There you have it. She is pro-corporation, and wether you agree with her or not, so are the writers (in 1998). And you better believe Trey and Matt see her as the hero of the story by the moment she is insulting Rob Reiner! She even earns a turn in her marriage, Richard listens to her at once, and tries Harbucks, and realizes he likes it. He then gets a new job running the local Harbucks, gaining more money than before. So he did not only became a better husband for her sake, but also a better breadwinner - thanks to her efforts to talk some sense into him.

[technocipher]

Some may wander onto the church's balcony, never once sparing a glance at the rolling rack of plants. "They're just plants. Who cares? Doesn't Eva grow flowers over there?" Sure, there's a scant number of plants growing there. Nothing seems to support much life over there. No signs of any vegetables from those seed packets we give her, either.

(In all likelihood, the developers probably thought that few would notice that section. Fleshing out the balcony with more plants might've been deemed a pointless gesture.)

What many don't realize, however, is that many plants are medicinal! Consider that the next time you pass by the herb pots at the grocery store. Common thyme, for example, is antibacterial! It can also be steeped as a tea for sinus infections, and that's just a small fraction of what it can do!

The central shelf on the rolling rack carries rosemary, along with a plant I could not identify. Just generic, silly nonsense, right?

Wrong! Rosemary is more than just a kitchen spice. It's a fantastic herb for the brain!

It acts as a brain stimulant!

It aids with memory!

It aids blood circulation to the brain!

It aids with treating early onset dementia/Alzheimer's!

It acts as an antidepressant!

It acts as an antiviral!

It aids concentration!

It also has anti-anxiety properties!

Where the revenants are concerned, I'd say that's quite the vital herb! With the help of scavenged alcohol and some sterile jars, bottles, and lids, there's potential for the crafting-- and trading-- of rosemary tinctures! (In the absence of proper sterilization, whatever they can use to rinse would have to do. Above all else, these chosen jars and bottles would need to be airtight enough to prevent oxidization. An oxidized tincture is not desired-- it can lose a lot of those helpful properties!)

If water is still consumed by the revenant population (and if it is, I haven't seen it mentioned)... they can take these tinctures through water. A couple drops or barely a spoonful would go a long way! Some may attempt to slip these under their tongues and get quite the burn for their trouble. At Home Base's bar, there are numerous bottles of blood bead leukocytes. These could possibly handle a small dosage... if our favorite revenants can stand to hold the first sip for ten seconds.

Now, the uppermost shelf of the rack holds some decorative plants... and some parsley, growing out of a generically-labelled tea tin. Parsley? Really?!

Parsley's got quite the high vitamin content, though. I don't know if revenants require the same intake allotment for vitamins like humans have-- I've never seen it mentioned before. But if you factor in the maintenance of the host' body, vitamins are just as important! Whether or not the BOR parasite directly benefits remains to be seen, but for now, we're covering the fun stuff.

What the heck does parsley do, anyways? Well...

It's got stupidly high amounts of Vitamin K, which is not only good for your bones, but also boosts blood production!

It's full of other key vitamins and antioxidants!

It acts as a diuretic!

It also helps to keep your eyes healthy!

In the grand scheme of things, it might not seem like that big of a deal. But it could help boost a revenant's regeneration. Code Vein flip-flops a bit on how regeneration works, especially with gameplay in mind. Could parsley increase the healing amount, or even the number of times it can be tapped into? Quite possibly! It could also be circulated to the shelters, and thus assist blood donors with recuperating quicker. The diuretic properties can also be utilized to help flush status effects quicker. And as for the eye health of revenants far and wide, wouldn't that go a long way? That's a lot less stress on them, isn't it?

Though I cannot identify the other plants on the rack, that doesn't mean that they're lacking in benefits. There are some flowers that can be eaten and be used in medicine. Calendula, for example, is an edible flower that can be used to aid the healing of wounds. Besides, it's such a bright and cheery flower-- why not keep a few blooms just to look, and let them go to seed, while you're at it? (Calendula is very easy to grow-- save those seeds!)

Another one is chrysanthemum, which is another edible flower. Its primary benefit is eye health, and I believe it's even stronger than parsley in this regard. (Do not consume the store-bought ones, as they have been treated with a myriad of extremely harmful chemicals! The best way to avoid this is by growing them yourself. Remember to buy non-neotic seeds; these are better for pollinating insects and keeps you safe, too!)

And if the parts above the soil aren't safe for consumption, remember that the roots can still be used! Roots can have loads of medicinal properties! Some can be edible, while others can be dried and infused into oils! An example.of an edible root is the humble dandelion. Though the entire plant is completely edible, its taproot is a potent liver detoxifier! Should it be roasted and brewed into tea, it tastes just like coffee!

Even if revenants aren't taking these medicines themselves, consider how much it would benefit the human population living in the shelters. If we really gotta split hairs, the medicinal benefits could carry over into blood donations. Entire categories of enhanced blood could be produced by the shelters, and distributed to the revenant-occupied shelters. In times of disease where the latter is concerned, these unique products could be life-saving. Even then, the more positive trading arrangement may improve human and revenant relations-- a massive issue omnipresent within the Gaol of the Mists. This isn't just food and decoration; it's something greater.

Just a little thing that makes life a bit more bearable.

[tripably]

Yesterday I reorganized my house plants in a way that made me really happy

Like I'm So Proud

But also So Disappointed because it's not like literally anyone will ever notice :-D I had to physically drag my partner around our living room and dining area to quiz him about what used to be where and where is it now and what has changed pots and why these changes have been excellent etc. He did good but it's like with all compliments - it doesn't quite feel the same if you have to ask for it.

So let me give you* a litte tour because I really want to talk about this some more 🥰

Now here we have most of my Pothos collection. The pale one on the far right, 'Lemon Lime' or something, used to be next to our tv and most probably didn't get enough light there, but definitely was always in the way when doing laundry. I don't have the energy to explain it in detail but we need to hang our washed clothes to dry next to our tv and though the pothos looked really pretty there it was unpractical as all hell. It's also not at the prettiest health of its life but I mean it was only just moved here, so it's not really set yet. Anyway I love that it has darker green at the edges of some leaves but is mostly a neon colour. Really pretty 🥰

The one in the middle is not doing well. It never has. I'd like to say that I don't know why but I've been neglecting it its whole life so that's probably why :-D I think it's an Epipremnum pinnatum so not a golden pothos but it's in the same family and I think of it as one anyway. It keep growing leggy stems with no leaves, and I keep cutting them off. Once I've got back to watering it appropriately, and if it still keeps doing that, I'll have to figure out the real root cause. For now, I'll try to just give it more love.

The one on top right is really pretty on the other side but I'd like it to be pretty on all sides so it was high time to turn it around to encourage more balanced growth. I'm pretty sure it's a 'Pearls and Jade'. It's a really good girl.

The one on bottom left is, to the best of my knowledge, a 'Manjula'. It's doing surprisingly well considering it also has been neglected nearly all of it's life. Perhaps I gave it good enough care in the beginning, or perhaps it has developed Stockholm syndrome. Good for him, I guess. Yes it's s he. No, I couldn't say why.

This one is a sweetheart, a 'Marble Queen'. It used to be next to my pc and got neglected severely in a really bright spot, so it lost nearly all of its leaves near the bottom of the pot. As of yesterday, it is now the first and only pothos I have that is encouraged to grow the way all vines are supposed to - upwards along a "tree trunk". We'll see what happens. She's a beauty on a good day. Don't tell the others but it's a bit of a favourite. I hope I handled it with enough care and didn't damage it when wrapping around the pole. I want to take cuttings of it to make sure it survives but I also don't want to do too much at once, so I'll have to do my best to stay patient and hopeful.

These are a bit of an odd bunch. The emerald palm (also known as zz plant) is one of my biggest successes in the sense that it can barely fit anywhere because it just keeps on growing. It's so pretty. I love it.

The cathedral cactus was a gift from an ex-colleague of mine as a cutting, and is prized for that reason specifically. I'm not the biggest fan of where it is right now, but the emerald palm is making my life difficult and my house just isn't big enough. Anyway, I love the purplish hue on the plant <3

Then in the corner we have my experimental greenhouse/closed environment. On top of the jar we have a common orchid, the substrate of which is made of bark and some green moss from my backyard. Inside the jar we have some more moss from my backyard, and the plant in there is a silver vine. It is thriving!! The orchid "bowl" on top is a new addition though, we'll see what happens from now on. The bottom of the bowl has holes so i'm thinking that while the silver vine transpires moisture through its leaves, it will help the orchid to have just enough water in the substrate to keep growing and staying alive without the risk of overwatering. But that the bowl and the orchid still work as a kind of a lid, meaning that most of the water will stay in the system, keeping humidity high and the silver vine thriving. And then every once in a while I'll need to add more water into the system, and I can do it just by watering the orchid from on top. As said, we'll see what happens. Side note: this is the longest-surviving orchid I've ever had; usually they flower for a while and then slowly start dying on me due to a mix of overwatering and neglect. This one has been in my care for months and is still alive. A modern day miracle, really.

Now this dracaena I got as a stem cutting at school in like 2019 or something. It used to be where the 'Marble Queen' is now, but it had definitely outgrown the spot. It's an easy one to keep alive.

Behind it we have two more pothos. The first one, I think, is another 'Pearls and Jade', so severely neglected that it probably won't survive. I honestly completely forgot about it, as it was buried behind a pile of books on my pc table. Next to it we have a plain but beautiful 'Jade'. I got a cutting of it from my grandma in like 2017. It's been with me through quite a few periods of neglect and pests and general shit, surviving mostly because I've had the foresight to take cuttings in time 😅 It is my most prized house plant and more important than many of my other possessions. All my friends have received potted cuttings of it as housewarming gifts, so I should be fairly safe in terms of keeping it alive one way or another. Decentralized investment or some shit.

Now here we have five saint paulias, all with pink flowers. They are at the moment doing their best to recover from anthropogenic drought. They're used to it, and I think they flower almost all the time as a result of it. Flowering, after all, is often induced by the plant realizing its own mortality and jumping at the last chance to produce heirs. I got them from my mom a couple of years ago when she and my stepdad sold my childhood home and didn't have space for them at the new place. According to her, some of them are as old as me. I used to neglect the poor bastards already back when I lived home and was occasionally in charge of caring for them.

The money tree at the far end of the window sill is leggy and unstable and ridiculous and precious. <3

Here we have some more saint paulias, plus some placeholder pots for future saint paulias. These are also from my mom. I'm really happy with this area in our home right now, with the spices and dried chilis and dried mushrooms at the back and the blue-flowering fuzzy leaved beauties in front.

This here is my cuttings station. It would be a perfect place for so many plants if it weren't for the dining table that's way too close to it. We might have bought a table that's a smidge too big for the space 😅 so far I'm the only person who's ever knocked a pot down from that windowsill, but I'm not willing to have guests live through that experience at my house. So, only cuttings it is. This is also the place where problems are created and purposefully ignored. You'll see.

Off to the right of middle of the picture we have some more saint paulias forming roots so that they can be repotted. They'd grown so uncentered that I decided to just cut them out, remove some of the lowest leaves, and stick them in water. It's going extremely well; the first one was cut a few months back and would be ready for potting any day, I just need to defrost my potting soil first. The second one was cut yesterday. There's also one more saint paulia hiding, already in a pot (the white one) that I got as a leaf cutting from my partner's grandma. It has very pretty, multicolored leaves and cute pink flowers, and it's not doing well. I'm trying to first aid it into a bit of a better health before repotting it, and I haven't really thought much further than that.

There's also a bunch of pothos cuttings that I don't know what to do with - I should probably give them to someone as it's clear I don't have any room for new pots. But it's winter so I can't send them by post, and my local friends already have what they want from here. And, I always keep safety cuttings on hand in case my neglect kills one of them. At the moment, I only have the classic golden pothos as a cutting - the one furthest to right. I'll need to figure out a place for a pot once the cuttings have rooted. In the future.

At the other end we got some more money trees. One of them is an accidental cutting from the leggy one on the other windowsill. The other one is a cutting from Spain back when international travel with undocumented plants wasn't illegal within EU. I hope they don't start growing any faster, because I don't know where to fit them next.

Also, and it's not very visible in this picture, I've decided to give propagating an avocado yet another go. I don't know where to put it if it succeeds, other than in a bottom-watering pot with a tank. Let's not make that into a problem right now.

This here is another 'Pearls and Jade', I think. It's also very pretty, which is why I'm keeping both. This one's been here forever and I've tried to have it grow in a balanced way, but yesterday I decided to be done with that and embraced the one-sidedness. So I stuck in that beautiful, curly branch and some sticks to keep it upright, and we'll see where we go from here. I was told yesterday that we have a ps5 coming soon and that it might have to be placed on this very spot. I'm preparing notes for the negotiations.

And finally, the saddest little silver vine ever to live. I should have taken before-and-after pics yesterday before I cleaned it up, it was so incredibly ridiculous. Most of the vines were dead or dying, crumbling and saggy leaves everwhere, half of the branches dead st near the substrate. Now it's just small. This is the spot where the lemon lime pothos used to be btw; this dwarf of a vine should not become a problem during laundry time any time soon 😅 and I really love this pot, specifically here. I'm not expecting the plant to survive but of course I'm hoping <3

Ok thank you listening <3 If anyone actually did read through all of it, please let me know which plant or placement or picture or detail is your favourite <3 Mine is the half-broken wall clock in picture 6 👀 It's only half broken because it actually tells the time correctly if you just ignore the numbers and concentrate on the direction of the hands - like, clearly the picture was taken at 8:30 😁

[tamaradoubraomonibeke]

MP - 3D Assets Tutorials (LO3)

During the course of this time, I noted often asks me this question; "What do you want to be spending this time on?" I balanced and thought of everything I've experienced in this course and realized, I want to spend my time on learning rather than creating a typical output (obviously, I aim to create a professional output, considering LO3). However, if I don't challenge myself in this short span of time I have left as a 3rd year learning, it will be difficult to get into industry.

Thus, I've been learning spline constantly as there is adequate resources on their site.

I tried to do every tutorial that I could follow along (this was a way of practice and I never know what feature I might need to create these assets)

How to use variables to create interactive 3D content in Spline (youtube.com)

Variables: a number, amount, or situation that can change and affect something in different ways.

This is a feature used commonly in design software such as spline, figma and webflow implemented on components.

In spline, variables are used for creating interactions. This can be seen in the above photos. In the first example, the buttons beside the box move the luminous pink across the board in specific directions, whilst the second example shows a timer and moves the box vertically (this can be done manually by creating different states).

Meanwhile in figma, it quickens the development of wireframing e.g a dark and light mode can be made without manually designing a different wireframe.

Making a smooth 3D gradient depth effect with Spline (youtube.com)

I extruded the numbers and used the depth layer for the first time to smooth out and allude to the shape numbers fading out (white at the top and backdrop at the bottom of the scale). Finally, to achieve the colors around the numbers, I used a depth layer again.

How to create an interactive 3D keyboard with Spline (youtube.com)

I used the depth layer to create a reflected light on other objects (the go button reflects the orange on other keys). I also used the bevel feature to round the calculator base and improved my modelling skill(s).

Creating Interactive/Reactive Spheres in 3D (youtube.com)

Not much modelling was done and it's not perfect. However, this was the first time I created a manual interaction. The depth layer again was used as the center sphere acting as a global light. In the above video, the mini sphere bounce away from the main sphere where the mouse hovers on the main sphere.

Designing a Mini Room in 3D with Spline - Part 1 (youtube.com) (modelling)

Designing a Mini Room in 3D with Spline - Part 2 (youtube.com) (modelling)

Designing a Mini Room in 3D with Spline - Part 3 (youtube.com) (creating material assets e.g colour)

Designing a Mini Room in 3D with Spline - Part 4 (End) (youtube.com) (adding an interaction)

This was essential because I know I will be creating a room. There's a lot of elements and modelling. However, I used the basic state of objects, for example, the walls rounded and bevelled. Whilst elements such as the plant pot was modelled by me.

Finally the fourth part involved creating the interaction, where the buttons change the color of the background, floor and walls.

Making a frosted glass icon in 3D with Spline (youtube.com)

This is a cool effect that begun with flat beveled and rounded cubes as the base. At the bottom, I used a depth layer to achieve the green and yellow gradient. The second two layers used the glass effect, with the top cube being less blurry and reflective.

Designing 3D Avatars with Spline - Part 1 (youtube.com) (modelling)

Designing 3D Avatars with Spline - Part 2 (youtube.com) (materials)

Designing 3D avatars with Spline - Part 3 (youtube.com) (interaction)

Designing 3D Avatars with Spline - Part 4 (End) (youtube.com) (other styles of creating avatars)

I stopped doing the tutorial due to it becoming time consuming. I struggled with modelling the hair and creating an interaction (the head follows the cursor around). However, it was still helpful in understanding the basics.

Designing 3D Icons with Spline - Part 1 (youtube.com)

Designing 3D Icons with Spline - Part 2 (End) (youtube.com)

There are two methods, using the path tool and modelling it myself. Aside from using the path tool, I didn't do anything new but it's also essential as I may create interactive icons like this for my outcome.

Creating a mini house in 3D with Spline - YouTube

How to create 3D paths in Spline (youtube.com)

This tutorial helped in making me align objects to the path. This can be used if I plan to go down the gamification route (characters will be aligned to the path or flow as they move around).

How to create bloom and glow effects in 3D with Spline (youtube.com)

These are basic spheres that utilizes outlines and an aberration effect from in the default style pane.

Other tutorials

Designing a 3D toggle button micro-interaction with Spline (youtube.com)

Creating animation loops and blinking effects with Spline (youtube.com)

Making a Game Experience in 3D with Spline - YouTube

How to animate clones for 3D motion graphics on Spline (youtube.com)

[violetren]

Blood of the Basilisk Chapter 11

It's taken me waaaay to long to really pick up on the cinderella/pretty woman like themes of this plot but this chapter really kinda made something click in my brain. Probably all the buying of clothes.

Hardly the most important thing in the chapter though. That actually happened right up front in the form of Pyter being a Proper Little Gentleman. He politely ate from Nadani's hand and didn't get his head stuck in the lemon curd pot this time.

It's hilarious to me how much better behaved he is for Nadani. I can imagine the logic of it being along the lines of "I like her but she's choosing to be here so I have to be nice. Momma however, is momma and never going anywhere AND she folds easier anyways."

I'm curious to meet the newly hired orc runner girl and glad to hear Lou is cool and practical enough not to have any elven superiority nonsense. I grinned at her "You've been very generous and I've been very stingy" comment.

I'm glad getting new clothes was a positive if a little overwhelming an experience for Nadani, and even gladder that it became another way to show how different Kota's generosity is to former owner's possessiveness/entitlement. Especially after the small double take that came when Nadani saw Kota had gifted her a knife.

It's not the exact situation but there's something that reminds me of poetry in the gifting of the knife. Giving someone a knife to defend themself even if the person they may feel the need to defend themself against is you (not that Kota ever intends to be, or seems to be in danger of becoming someone Nadani would have to defend herself from but she can't be sure Nadani truly accepts that).

Nadani's relationship with her body is definitely a point of interest in reading so far. It's not so much that she'd ashamed of it, its that she doesn't like what other people imagine when they look at it. She doesn't want people being lecherous about her but she's aware that with a body type like hers people are inclined to look if she isn't careful about wearing modest dress. It's a specific flavour of dysphoria where it's her ability to draw what she deems negative/unwanted attention that makes her dislike her body. I think its a pretty common experience in the trans and ace corners of the queer community as well as for people who have been abused or victimised for their looks for whatever reason.

There is a pretty clear cut reason why Nadani would be feeling that way what with her past being used as a sex slave, but the writing is just so that it kinda makes me wonder if there is also an undercurrent of Gender Stuff™. They aren't always mutually exclusive. Though it may just be giving me those vibes because I'm nonbinary and Molly (author) is trans so that feeds into my reading of the situation.

Kota's reaction to Nadani's body in that modest but slim fitting bodice was certainly fun. It was also very interesting that Nadani wasn't too discomforted by it and told Kota she didn't feel objectified by her visible bout of being a gay disaster. I wonder if its just because she's started to accept deep down that Kota does respect her autonomy or if its because of the way she's been developing feelings for Kota. More likely than not its some combination of both, but its gonna be a good time exploring either way.

[40sandfabulousaf]

大家好! Pa had a stomach upset last weekend, so we pushed back our meal and I began my exploring adventure early. After exercise and a cool shower on Saturday, I walked to a popular coffee shop along the main road, a 5 - 8 minute walk either way. Our country isn't known as the 'Garden City' for nothing (Joseph Borrell comes to mind); trees and shrubs line walkways and streets, beautiful against blue skies and poofy clouds. The greenery keeps the surrounding air cool, making a walk pleasant despite our tropical climate.

At the coffee shop, the queue at the cai fan (mixed veggie rice) stall stretched far back, so I looked around to see what else there was to eat. A stall selling soy sauce chicken rice made my mouth water and I had to order from them. The meal was delicious and nutritionally balanced, with steamed chicken, steamed egg, cucumber, oyster sauce bak choy, fluffy rice and a bowl of chicken broth. After eating, I relaxed with an iced local coffee before strolling home. The experience was so pleasant that I decided to do the same on Sunday.

Breakfast food here tends to be less healthy if we dine out, except for, maybe zhou (porridge) or dumpling soup. I found this to be true at the coffee shop. Fish is only available at the cai fan stall from lunch time onwards; their breakfast dishes were oily and didn't appeal to me, thus, I chose xiao guo tang (mini wok soup). Fish and pork balls, fish cake slices, veggies, her keow (fish dumplings), lean pork and an egg were served in clear broth, kept hot by a small fire lit under the tiny pot. It was the healthiest Sunday breakfast I found at the coffee shop (yummy too!) and it was good enough.

I was determined to eat from the cai fan stall, so on Monday, the final day of the wonderful long weekend, I walked back to the coffee shop. The only fish dishes available were fried or sweet and sour (yuck); I chose the lesser of the 2 evils. Besides that, I selected fu rong dan (a tasty shredded carrot and bean sprout omelette) as well as stir fried okra to go with my zhou. Not as healthy as I would've liked the meal to be (would've been better with steamed fish), but it was nutritious and balanced, and that will have to do. It was a very hot afternoon, perfect for iced local coffee before strolling home.

It was a fabulous long weekend; I caught up on rest, danced up a sweat and did some walking on top of my daily exercise routine. I also found meals at the coffee shop which, whilst not the epitome of clean eating, were still moderately healthy. Similar dining places line the road and across the street, and I'll keep them in mind the next time I explore my country in search of easily accessible, moderately healthy food. I've had fun and hope you find the health articles helpful. 下次见!

[thebridgebeyond]

It's 8am and I'm too lazy to look, but I know somewhere I've expressed the desire to change the name 'submatriarch' to something with less confusion (the name is not related to clan social status). If I ever find it, perhaps I'll reblog--or maybe I didn't mention it on tumblr per say.

I also want to clear up another thing--a PSA of sorts because this blog needed another one:

Gender identities are not as robust in Issuhiro as it is here, and in Issuhiro, one is identified by their assigned sex normally. The caveat in all of this: There are species on Issuhiro that have more than one biological sex, and species with different physical morphs and roles.

For places like Issuhiro, gender roles are variable as they would be for different intelligent and biologically diverse species other than humans. The main way for identification focuses on how these species pick up identifiers concerning their biology. For humans, a lot of gender is largely social, and our biological sensory isn't as apt in picking out assigned sex at birth like it is for other species. We rely on social constructs, we rely on our eyes and our roles. The sapient species have many other senses that simply are finetuned enough to determine ASAB. With such a blending pot of actual sexes, along with the binary, the alphabet soup for gender here can never truly take hold in Issu. 'They/Their/Them' is commonplace cross-species.

It's not too easy to identify Sharpsnouts, for example, on look alone, nor zhuards. This brings me back to zhuards and submatriarchs-- submatriarchs are technically biologically female (if you were to test). Yet they were modified heavily to fit biologically male criteria for practical reasons.

Some *do* fall into what we can call as the more masc side of the spectrum in their social habits (because remember Issuhirian zhuards were once fully human---now we're getting into interesting situations)! However, as time got away from them in Issu, and as the human link began to skew more in favor of their zhuard side, it became clear that these masculine tendencies are a result more so of biology than social constructs. Although female zhuards have both reproductive systems of male and female--which is still a binary equally seen on Issuhiro among others-- for us humans (and other species that rely a lot on eyesight) it is impossible to sex a zhuard by look alone.

Zhuards have more indicators to identify assigned sex at birth than us humans that involves other senses not developed well enough in humans for that discovery. Submatriarchs have female indicators to other zhuards no matter how masculine they may be because it is all coming from a biological perspective, not social. The alterations of submatriarchs have not changed their original make up of being female--it was a modification, not a blank slate. Thus, submatriarchs will be considered 'She/Her'.

[fyridis]

been thinking about a thing in horizon: zero dawn that has also come up in stargate sg: 1 (which I've been rewatching lately), which is the handling of linguistic diversity in sci-fi. personally i think having more linguistic diversity in media is good on its own whether or not it necessarily "makes sense". but also, sometimes it really doesn't make any sense!

e.g. a given tribe in horizon: zero dawn might have a large number of [mostly US] Englishes represented, including Mainstream/Standardized US English, Southern American English, AAL/AAVE, New York English... without any really plausible way for such a mix to have developed given that (at least by my understanding) communities are fairly socially and regionally insular (meaning you’d expect people to roughly share a variety), and moreover, these varieties of course fall along present-day racial/ethnic lines, which seems to conflict with the sort of… i don’t know, ‘melting pot’? setting of the game where these are not divisions people view as salient anymore.

this is of course completely putting aside the thing where everyone is inexplicably speaking US Englishes in the first place. but anyway, it always stuck out to me, and i noticed again is sg:1 (where quinn uses SAM but most people from his nation…not to mention whole planet, somehow… seem to use MUSE).

this obviously isn’t a complaint because, well, what can you do without causing other problems elsewhere? and moreover normalizing dialect diversity in a setting where stereotypes simply cannot apply is obviously good, and this is also great (i would assume) for actors/voice actors, who might not be considered for roles due to perceived accent, be told to get a dialect coach, etc. but sometimes it’s also weird if you think about the worldbuilding too hard.

[orchideae]

Actual small tidbits (canon and otherwise, mixed):

— Uncle Tian. It seems Uncle Tian frequents the tea house, and can commonly be found on the upper exterior level. It's also where he also seems to be seated in the ending sequence of Yelan's AQ. Beyond that, I find his phrasing to be relatively interesting as well, as he's seated there: "Well next time, if he doesn't bring a pot of piping hot soup, don't let him in!" Is he staying nearby? Now, the reason why I also find this interesting, is that it would make quite some sense for him to have some tie to the tea house considering his position as the Tianshu, or at least to frequent it. He, in that, might also be the interesting connection between it and the Qixing, leaving Ningguang mostly out of the equation for her own benefit. Uncle Tian isn't held to the same standards as her at all, since lawmaking is directly Ningguang's field. Can I just NPC Uncle Tian? He's such an intricate part of her.

— The orange cat. Yelan doesn't directly own any pets, but there's an orange cat that hangs out on one of the exterior upper levels of Yanshang both during the day and night. For a cat to stick around anywhere that consistently, there's a reason. So I imagine anyone inside of the tea house to put dishes and plates that contain leftovers outside (on top of anything that patrons leave on the tables before it's all cleared), and it's why the cat sticks around. And because of it, I see it as having developed a liking to numerous of the consistent faces in Yanshang, including Uncle Tian and Yelan herself. One of them sits out there, or the door into the tea house is left open? Likely that there may be a cat on your lap. Has Yelan named it? No, it's likely just 'cat', like imagine a simple 'Hey, cat' before she puts out some leftovers.

— Teas. Of course it serves a plethora of them, from Liyue's more known and traditional teas, to ones specifically cultivated in Qiaoying Village. These include (but not restricted to) Tianheng Bohea and Qiaoying floral tea, but also is known for its dew-dipped tea leaves (which in turn are also used for Yelan's 'signature' dish). Considering that it's noted that Yanshang has a direct and consistent 'supply line' from the village, there's never a shortage and it may even further trade/sell these onto patrons and people higher up on the chains, if they aren't wanting to come by and actively enjoy their tea there during the daytime.

— Music/records. Over time, depending on the patrons (or this may actually be more so after-hours), there will be different music played within the tea house, specifically from a gramophone she would have acquired during her time in Fontaine, along with a slow-growing collection of records. I've mulled on this for a little while, but considering her direct references to film noir (and how intricately jazz plays into that), I've given into temptation to give her a liking to jazz (and similar in sound) music. While seemingly odd for Genshin, it's not far-fetched at all if we keep in mind that Fontaine seems to have strong French influences across the board, and jazz music has its origins in both African-American and European musical traditions respectively (the rhythms and blues of the former, and the harmonics and plethora of instruments used of the latter). Any way, she's slowly obtaining records to take 'home' to Liyue with her.

A few quick random tidbits about Yanshang Teahouse:

— Teahouse/casino. While said to be 'disguised' as a teahouse, Yanshang does seem to genuinely function as one, or at least during the daytime. And it's primarily during the evening hours that it functions more actively as a casino. Now I need to note, the latter is not public knowledge. Or rather, it's more so a rumor that holds a fair bit of truth to it. But a rumor is a rumor nonetheless. This is vital, because it is because of this that it is still running. I've spoken a fair bit about this behind the scenes lately, but Yanshang functions as a casino because it draws 'less than good people' into a surrounding that has everything playing against them, and through that, Yelan is able to gather intelligence that benefits everyone, especially Ning. So if the latter for example, Ningguang were to know its full ins and outs, it would actually mean that she'd have to turn a blind eye to something that is not fully legal, which spells all kinds of trouble for the person responsible for, well, the law in Liyue Harbor?

— Gambling. Yelan has gained a reputation for her gambling skills, and is even rumored to cheat when the need calls for it (though of course, this isn't picked up on, it seems!), as is noted in her fifth character story: "If there is a draw, that could only mean one thing: Her opponents are cheating too.", and so potential opponents are advised to steer clear of playing against her through word on the streets of the harbor.

— Home? While this is not Yelan's home whatsoever, there is an upstairs area that is something akin to her 'private quarters'. It holds no personal affects that are tied to her directly, but to an extent, if one were to ever intrude/break in (past The Halbert and the Fang, somehow), you'd find the 'guise' tied to this notorious woman who owns Yanshang. But this guise is not quite her. Again, she works in personas, some much more realistically than others (the art of it, is knowing what of yourself you put into personas as to add to their authenticity's longevity). Either way, there is a comfort and peace that she finds in it, and the room is somewhat styled into a decorum that Yelan appreciates, beyond the 'keeping up appearances' aspect to it. It is hers in the end, to some degree.

— Finances. While one would be led to believe that Yelan gains a lot of financial benefits through Ningguang, Yelan's second character story might beg to differ: 'The way (Yelan) sees it, she is not so much working for Ningguang as making good on her end of the deal, or rather... she is honoring a certain pact. She plucks the fruits of intelligence from the tree of danger for Ningguang, and in return, all she asks for is danger itself and the sense of achievement.' While I'm decently certain that Yelan might occasionally stand to gain some sort of financial gain through the Qixing, it seems evident that it's not what her primary motive is. Yelan seems to not be interested in luxury by default (she lived in a hut for a long time), and more so seeks a sense of freedom, thrill and personal achievement. Now do I think that because of this, she's not well off? No, I simply think that the majority of her income may actually come from Yanshang Teahouse, and, to put it not-so-eloquently, ripping off bandits, and hopefully, specifically some Fatui in the process.

[ddwcaph-game]

What would the f6e members+B's first thought be when they first realise they have a crush on mc?

Hiii! This took me a while, but it was very fun to answer, so thank you so much for this ask! 😊 Most of them will have different thoughts/reactions depending on MC's gender and whether or not they're with MC when they realize it, but in the interest of keeping this short I only picked the one that best represents their thought process.

It's been a while so I hope you don't mind that I also included Cordelia and Cham!

Oh, wow. I, um, uhh... Why is MC so cute?

Wayne would just watch whatever MC is doing distractedly, both content to be with them right now, but also imagining all the other fun things they could do together. Once he's aware of himself again, he'd be immediately self-conscious and check if he looks presentable.

And for the first time in his life, he's flustered.

What do you think MC will like better, Rosie?

...Followed by her trying on different dresses as she talks to herself (she likes talking to herself when she's alone, as you can discover in one of her secrets).

Roselyna will only be vaguely aware of her crush, but the moment she starts being conscious of her appearance and what she's wearing around MC, that's when you know she has developed a crush.

Crap.

That would be her first thought, followed by a bunch of other expletives. She'll immediately try to think of ways to suppress it—she knows where this is going, and there's no way she's going to let her moms find out about it. Nope nope nope.

Me and MC? Why am I even thinking about... Wait, have I always felt this way all along?

JM knows he's way too focused about school, so it can't be a coincidence that he'd start feeling this way about MC, now that they're far away from home and school is the least of their worries, right?

This wasn't part of the plan. At all.

MC's better be prepared for the coming insults and their demands to "Leave me alone", because admitting her crush to the MC is the last thing B would want to do, not even to their own self.

I wonder what kind of customs are there where MC is from...

If MC tells Cordelia they're a human, she'll start being curious about them and where they grew up in. The refugee camp is a melting pot of cultures, so she'd want MC to feel right at home with them. And then she can learn a gesture or expression so she can maybe let MC know about her feelings. Well, just maybe...

I wonder if MC already has a promise tattoo or if they're already betrothed to someone...

Otherwise, she'll start wondering if MC's already interested in someone else, and her thoughts would turn to all the stories her Papa has told her about how he was able to win her Mama, despite her family. Maybe all those stories were good for something else, after all...

Oh. Ohh! What do I do? I've never felt something like this before!

And then for once in their life, she'll be quiet and have no idea what to do. Well, they know what other people usually do when they have a crush on someone, but nobody's really thought him how to. And what if she's wrong and messes things up? It's not like MC can just read her mind like she can, right?

[acradelius]

Hey could you do some fluffy moira with a make reader? Please and thank you!

"Can't Help Falling In Love With You~"

Fandom: Overwatch

Pairing: Moira O'Deorain x M!Reader

Rating: Lime🟢 (Equivalent to PG-13)

Warnings/Mentions Of: Sugar Momma/Sugar Baby Dynamics, Mention of "Morning After", Attempted Fluff

Word Count: 1,079 Words

Author's Note: Overall, I apologize if this wasn't exactly the type of fluff you were looking for. I've never really written fluff pieces before, so I'm not exactly sure if this would count. Plus, I was finding it a bit difficult to write fluff with Moira as I've never thought of her as a fluff type of person. I do hope you enjoy though!

P.S I also apologize for writing so much. Once I start, I just can't stop. 😅😅

Moira O’Deorain. 

There wasn’t an ounce of doubt that everyone knew the woman behind the name: Moira O’Deorain. Especially those who worked beside her within the numerous missions, assisting with development of new weapons and technologies, along with some “voluntarily” experimentation all under the watch of Talon. Ask how her colleagues would describe her and they would tell you many things such as brilliant, controversial, and ambitious. 

Yet, she was now something that they originally wouldn’t have come close to describing when they thought of her. 

A Sugar Momma. 

BEFORE MEETING (Y/N)... 

Overall, we all know that even the vaguest of thoughts of being a Sugar Momma wouldn’t have crossed Moira’s mind if it wasn’t for a little push in the right direction by a certain someone that was “close” to her. That certain someone, of course being Sombra, after complaining that Moira spent way too much time in the lab and not around actual people, so she must be so lonely! Thanks, Bestie!

It was during a rare moment of downtime, more due having to hide indefinitely because of a newbie’s mistake, that Moira actually took the time to finally explore the accounts that Sombra had made for her on various websites/apps.

Not that she would necessarily admit it, but she spent HOURS upon HOURs swiping through many profiles because she’s so picky about who she’d associate herself and her work with. At least, till she stumbled across (Y/N)’s profile. When being bothered by Sombra about why Moira had swiped on (Y/N)’s profile, she mumbled something along the lines about him looking the least annoying out of ALL the people she came across. 

MEETING (Y/N)... 

Overally, Moira’s initial thoughts about the first meeting with (Y/N) were not really positive ones. She figured that she would have ended up feeling the same way about him as she felt about the people she had swiped through. Yet, for what was probably the first time in ever, she had been proven wrong and was quite impressed and pleased about how things went. 

Upon arriving Moira was surprised to see that (Y/N) was already there, occupying a corner booth away from the rest of the cafe’s commotions, two steaming cups of coffee in front of him accompanied with a small succulent plant as well. 

(Y/N) turned out as handsome as he appeared within his photos, looking even more appealing within the casual, yet first date appropriate, clothing that he had chosen to wear, occasionally fiddling the hem of the jacket. Upon finding Moira in the midst of the small crowd (Y/N) gave a charming smile followed by a softening gaze as he waved her over. 

Small talk commenced after the two introduced themselves to each other, pleasantly bouncing from topic to topic while time passed. Moira somewhat vaguely discusses her interests and career within the field of science, (Y/N) discussing his indecisive studies at the local university while trying to balance a part time job and extracurricular activities. 

Departure, until the next date that they had planned, Moira essentially had mixed feelings. She personally didn’t see this becoming a long term thing, but there was a strange little tugging feeling in her chest that made a faint smile appear upon his lips, holding the small potted succulent snug within her hands. 

AFTER THE FIRST DATE...

Overall, Moira struggles holding up the Sugar Momma position at first. She gets easily annoyed and frustrated from the strange looks from strangers, followed by the snarky mumbled remarks whenever she was with (Y/N). Yet, he makes her forget about all of that when he notices that it’s bothering her. 

He suggests they both go to a place such as the local museum, holding her hand gently as he leads the way, speaking reassuring words to Moira about how she’s doing great, and that he’s appreciative and grateful for all that she does. Spending the rest of the day letting Moira talk about anything science related, smiling at the blush upon Moira’s cheeks.

As time passes by, the relationship becomes more domestic, and closer to home than Moira and (Y/N) would’ve thought. Dates become spending time with each other taste testing failed exotic recipes, ending up being arms wrapped around each other as they whisper silly things to each other, slowly dancing away the night till (Y/N) has to depart back away from the grasps of Talon to his “normal” life. 

Study date nights consist of papers spread all along the floor, (Y/N) scribbling notes suggested from Moira as she runs her fingers gently throughout his hair or rubbing small circles on his back to help relieve any extra stress as she helps him study for a major test the next day. These usually end up into some self-care nights of using face masks and giving each other pedicures, asking Sombra for some assistance on how to use such items because neither Moira or (Y/N) really know how to use said products. 

During some break from university where (Y/N) traveled back home to visit family is when Moira really starts thinking about their relationship, finding herself missing the lingering warmth from his touch. Missing the words he would say to make things alright whenever she would get frustrated with work or others. As she continued to think about him, continuing to replay memories of him wherever she would go, she knew that she was feeling more for him than just some Sugar Momma/Sugar Baby relationship. Once again, just as in the beginning, she felt that strange tugging feeling in her chest, a smile spreading to her lips. 

It was the morning after a “special” night, (Y/N) having returned back to Moira’s hold after visiting family. Him surprisingly having woken up before Moira, brushing his fingers gently throughout her hair, thumb tracing down to brush across her cheeks. Softly kissing her head and finding her starting to awake when he pulled back. 

“You know, I’ve been thinking about us.. More often than I probably should admit.” Moira starts off despite being so groggy, returning the soft kisses (Y/N) gave to her. “While we have this specific type of relationship happening.. I can’t help but fall in love with you~” Soft chuckles emit from (Y/N), him returning her smile and gaze. “You don’t have to worry, Moira. I can’t help but fall in love with you, too.”

[allnewalldifferentwildspider]

Zuko & Katara's Relationship Dynamic

This is like the third or fourth time I've tried to write up this post so please bare with me.

Oh wow. That video. Hopefully everyone has seen it now. Not only did it articulate arguments I've been making for years, but it also brought up ideas I had never thought of or noticed before. Watching that and watching the second half of Book 3 again (because it's my favorite) made me want to redo my zutara dynamic post.

I'm going to be using the tiny bits and pieces the show gave us to see how Zuko and Katara's relationship looks and how it would look if they gave us more because...Bryke really fucking hated zutara. I mean, I guess they did.

Katara is compassionate; Zuko is empathetic

A lot of anti-zutara arguments have said that Zuko and Katara could never be together because they would constantly fight and hate each other and it end sooner than later. Not only does this actually describe maiko, but that argument would need to ignore the characters' actual character.

One of Katara's biggest character traits is how compassionate she is. She has a drive to help others and ease their pain. Whether it's getting Aang out of the iceberg or healing a Fire Nation fishing village, Katara will go out of her way to help someone in need.

Katara: No. I will never ever turn my back on people who need me.

Zuko is very emotional and passionate person. As much as he tried to hide it to appease his father, Zuko does want to open up and connect with people. Unfortunately, aside from his uncle, most of the other people he knows are like Zhao and Azula. Not the most understanding of crowds. But because of this he can pick up what people are really thinking and feeling. Think of it as a defense mechanism he developed growing up around people like Azula.

Get these two kinds of people together and you get the crystal catacombs scene. Katara lashes out at Zuko until she breaks down. When she does Zuko opens up with empathy since they have something in common. This creates the beginning of an understanding between the two. Zuko uses that to finally open up to someone who isn't his uncle and Katara listens and reaches out to help. Contrast to the first episode of Book 3 when Zuko tries to voice his thoughts and concerns to Mai and she...doesn't really care.

Something similar happens during The Southern Raiders. Zuko figures out that Katara is taking out her anger of being separated from her father by The Fire Nation onto him and even connecting her mother's death to him.

It's not the first time Zuko has done this either. He easily figured out that Sokka was planning on going to The Boiling Rock. He does it again during Sozin's Comet when he tells Katara that Aang needs to figure out what to do about Ozai by himself.

There's a noticeable pattern of behavior by the time Sozin's Comet arrives. Zuko voices his concerns about meeting his uncle again and Katara is right there to help him through it.

Zuko's empathy combined with Katara's compassion creates almost a cycle of understanding and emotional vulnerability that the two can't really get with anyone else. One notices the other having concerns or problems and goes to give comfort by words or by actions.

Zuko still has a temper but so does Katara

Even after Zuko's fever dream character change thing, even after The Day of Black Sun, he still has it in him to yell at anyone who commits even the slightest transgressions against him:

Aang: That one felt kinda hot. Zuko: Don't patronize me. You know what it's supposed to look like. Aang: Sorry, sifu hotman. Zuko: And stop calling me that!

Sokka: So all we have to do is make Zuko angry. Easy enough. *pokes him with his sword* *annoying laugh* Zuko: All right! Cut it out!

Maybe it's the firebender in him or maybe he really is just like that. Basically if you annoy him, he'll let you know. What people sometimes overlook is that while it takes Katara a bit longer, she also gets worked up when people upset her.

Toph: What's the matter? Can't handle some dirt, Madame Fussy Britches? Katara: Oh, sorry, did I splash you, mud slug?

And remember, it was Katara getting angry at Sokka that even broke the iceberg that revealed Aang.

Katara: Ugh, I'm embarrassed to be related to you! Ever since Mom died I've been doing all the work around camp while you've been off playing soldier! Sokka: Uh... Katara? Katara: I even wash all the clothes! Have you ever smelled your dirty socks? Let me tell you, NOT PLEASANT! Sokka: Katara! Settle down! Katara: No, that's it. I'm done helping you. From now on, you're on your own!

The point is that it is both Zuko and Katara that are very passionate and emotional people. One of them isn't emotionally dominating the other because they both wear their emotions on their sleeves.

This also comes in to play when they set goals for themselves. When Zuko sets a goal, he puts everything into it. Katara is the same way. The difference is that Zuko's drive sometimes gives him a one-track mind while Katara is more flexible. Like for example Zuko being so focused on finding Aang before Sozin's Comet that he ignores Toph's story about her childhood versus Katara wanting to go to the North Pole but taking time to stop and help whoever they come across.

This passion also fuels their values and how strongly they stand by their beliefs. I already put The Painted Lady quote up above but Zuko's morality is what is making him so angry at himself during The Beach. He knows what he did was wrong, but he couldn't face it yet.

Sometimes their emotions get the better of them, but it's only because they are passionate about what they're doing.

Their natural teamwork is amazing

I can't provide a lot of clues in this bit because it's more of a visual thing. Just consider how flawlessly their plans worked during their attack on The Southern Raiders. Especially when you consider that it was a stealth mission so they barely even said anything to each other during and it still went incredibly well.

You could see it again during their mock battle with The Melon Lord. Sokka must have noticed because he paired them together to deliver some "liquidy-hot offence." And they pulled it off, again, without having to say anything.

They've only been a team for a few weeks(?), days(?) but they act as if they've been doing it for years.

They trust each other's judgment

Piggybacking of the previous point, Zuko and Katara have only been a team for a while but there seems to be a level of understanding in terms of judgement. They both know that whatever the other chooses is going to be a well-thought out decision. Maybe it's because they see each other as the mature members of the group even though Sokka is the same age as Zuko? I don't know.

Aang disappears right before they embark on their fight against the Fire Lord, and out of nowhere, Katara puts Zuko in charge.

Zuko: Get out of the bison's mouth, Sokka. We have a real problem here. Aang is nowhere to be found and the comet is only two days away. Katara: What should we do Zuko? Zuko: I don't know. Why are you all looking at me? Katara: Well, you are kind of the expert on tracking Aang.

and that wasn't the first time in that episode that she went along with one of Zuko's decisions

Katara: Aang, don't walk away from this. *She begins to walk towards him as a hand touches her shoulder to stop her from doing so.* Zuko: Let him go. He needs time to sort it out by himself.

As a lot of people have pointed out during the entirety of The Southern Raiders, Zuko never gives a suggestion on what he thinks Katara should do. Aside from making it a stealth mission, he follows her lead the entire way.

Katara teases Zuko (and he lets her)

The fun one. This one has two parts: pre and post The Southern Raiders.

Before The Southern Raiders, Katara was tolerating Zuko. She was still angry with him about the betrayal at Ba Sing Se. Getting little jabs at him was the only thing that was really helping her from loosing her cool around him.

Katara: I'm sorry. I'm just laughing at the irony. You know... how it would have been nice for us if you lost your firebending a long time ago? Zuko: Well it's not lost. It's just weaker for some reason. Katara: Maybe you're just not as good as you think you are. Toph: Ouch.

He just finished yelling at Aang and Sokka but all he does is glare at Katara. She does it again, but to be fair, he kind of set himself up for it.

Zuko: It's a sacred form that happens to be thousands of years old! Katara: Oh yeah? What's your little form called? Zuko: ...The Dancing Dragon.

Then comes post The Southern Raiders and...yeah, she's still picking on him and he still lets her. Granted it's a lot more playful this time around.

Zuko: They make me totally stiff and humorless. Katara: Actually, I think that actor's pretty spot on. Zuko: How could you say that? Actor Uncle: Let's forget about the Avatar and get massages. Actor Zuko: How could you say that?! (Cut back to Katara wearing a satisfied grin on her face and she looks to an expressionless Zuko as he slouches in his seat.)

I love pointing it out every time. She teases him and he does nothing about it.

Katara: Er, no. I was looking for cooking pots in the attic and I found this. Look at baby Zuko! Isn't he cute? Oh lighten up, I was just teasing.

And she admits it!

-

So what can we take away from this? From what little time they were given together (thanks, Bryke) it seems that Zuko and Katara really understand each other on an intimate emotional level. They can sense when the other is distressed and offer comfort. They're both passionate in and out of combat, for better or for worse. They're comfortable with each other as if they've known each other for years even though it's such a short time. Katara also likes to add a little bit of playfulness in there with Zuko letting her have her fun, again, showing how comfortable they are with each other.

I do think their relationship could have gone to romantic sooner than later if you would have given it a bit more time. Like first half of a hypothetical Book 4.

To me, at least.

[batwhimpix]

An Interview with Former Takarazuka Top Star Asumi Rio: The Laidback Personality Behind the Handsome Face

(Translated by me 8/19/2021)

While still a member of the Takarazuka Revue, Asumi Rio was known for her sensitive acting which digs deep into the heart of each role, her crystal-clear vocals, and her captivating stage presence. As the top star of Flower Troupe, she gained an immense level of popularity. Now, it has been one year since her retirement from the company. She has expanded her repertoire from stage to screen, and continues to showcase new sides to her talent. In her first name-bearing variety program, the Hulu Original "Asumi Rio's Atelier," Asumi-san learns new tips and techniques to "step up" both her lifestyle and her design sense. Totally different from her intense onstage aura, this program offers a chance to get to know Asumi-san's soft and relaxed offstage persona.

It's been a year and a half since you left the Takarazuka Revue. How would you describe that period of time for you, Asumi-san?

When I was in the Revue, because I had managed to enter the world of Takarazuka, which was my absolute favorite place, I felt strongly that I didn't want to have any regrets. So I was very motivated to work as hard as I could to polish my craft. I was completely lost in it, but within that, I always had my fans cheering me on, and the guidance of so many around me. In the last year and a half, I've realized all over again just how precious a thing that was.

Until I left, my only experience was on the stage, so stepping into the world on screen for the first time, a lot of totally new forms of expression were expected from me, and I felt a lot of anxiety. Parting from Takarazuka and living as just one individual human, every day is full of challenges. But that said, every day now is also rich with new experiences and new possibilities, so I've come to face that with a lot of gratitude.

While you were in Takarazuka, there was a very clear image, that of a perfect "otokoyaku," to aspire to. Now that you don't have that anymore, what kind of actress are you aiming to become?

There are a lot of qualities I have now precisely because I was an otokoyaku, and I think it's probably okay for me to just embrace that. As top [abbrev. "top star", the starring otokoyaku actress in each troupe], I was in a position where I had to lead the troupe, watch over and guide all the other actresses, and shape each production as the lead actress. I think I've picked up a lot of grit through that experience, and even as a woman, I think having a bit of a masculine edge in your lifestyle and how you deal with things can be a positive, right?

Even when I was playing otokoyaku roles, moreso than aiming for a particular ideal, I came at each role separately, like, this time I'm playing this kind of man, next time I'm playing this kind of man. It was like a gradual broadening of my horizons. Now I'm simply adding female roles to that roster, so it's kind of like the scope of roles available to me has doubled. When it comes to my outward appearance, as my hair grows out and I transition toward a more feminine look, I've been having all kinds of new discoveries, like, "Oh, this kind of styling makes me feel like this." Within my drama roles as well, I like those discoveries like, if I do it like this, won't it be interesting, or if I do this, I can get viewers to say, "Oh!" I want to keep digging to find those little moments where I can really surprise people within each role.

Since your retirement from Takarazuka, what overall on-set experience sticks out the most in your memory?

I think that has to be the first show I had the opportunity to take part in, "Ochoyan" [NHK serialized telenovella]. Until I was on that set, I always thought that the stage was the most incredible place in the world. I would never find anywhere else where every member is so unified in their vision, where everyone has so much pride in their troupe and so much love for the production they're building together, as in Takarazuka. Even now, I still think Takarazuka is a very special place, and my love for it hasn't changed.

But on the set of "Ochoyan," like Takarazuka, there were so many staff working to create this thing, who truly loved the work and brought all kinds of skills to the table to bring it to life. Among the cast as well, the atmosphere during recording, where all of us in the Tsurugame Family Theater [the name of the theater company employing main character Takei Chiyo as well as Asumi-san's character Takamine Ruriko] really did feel like a family, wasn't that different from Takarazuka at all. On the contrary, because our time together was limited just to the recording of this show, it felt like everyone valued that time all the more. Being on a set like that was a huge experience for me.

In Takarazuka, you had a very hectic schedule. As soon as one production closed you were already thinking about the next. I'm sure your lifestyle has changed in a big way since then. What kind of feelings do you have about that?

I retired and moved here to Tokyo right around the start of the pandemic. During the lockdown, when I was in my house all day, I realized how long the day really is. Suddenly it was up to me to decide how to spend all this time in the day. I could use it to rest or, if I had some area I was struggling with, I could use it for training too. I had a renewed realization that depending on my own feelings, I could choose to change myself in any number of ways.

These days, how do you find yourself spending the majority of your time?

These days, I'm doing a lot of types of work I'm totally new to, and working on sets with people I've only just met, so I'm still in a place where I spend a lot of time nervous. When I'm on a set I haven't gotten used to yet, my antenna is going in all different directions, so after I get home I try to relax as much as possible. In order to fully refresh myself and go into work the next day in high spirits and ready to face whatever comes, I've been making a conscious effort to be kind to myself.

What activities allow you to refresh your batteries the most?

Zoning out, and eating delicious food.

On "Asumi Rio's Atelier," you gave steaming rice in a donabe [TN: earthenware pot traditionally used to steam rice, supposedly more delicious than steaming in a rice cooker] a try for the first time, but what kinds of things do you eat most often?

As long as it tastes good, I'll happily eat anything. I like vegetables, meat, fish, and I love carbs, too. Ideally, I want to eat a good balance of a lot of different things.

Speaking of that program, how were the topics for each episode decided? Were you able to make requests?

For "Atelier" we had the general framework that I would be trying different activities I was interested in from the onset, so basically they asked me, "What kind of things are you interested in? What do you want to try?" And then...Yeah, first I had about 30, then we added about 30 more, so in total about 60, ideas that we pitched. The program staff wanted to include as many of my requests as they could, so actually, within each episode there are probably three or four different ones. In addition to that, there's an interview in each episode that relates back to that episode's theme. I enjoyed the chance to reflect on my Takarazuka era and memories from my childhood.

On the topic of your Takarazuka era, in your first interview for us, you said, "I wasn't necessarily aiming to become top star." But within the system of Takarazuka, to climb all the way to top star, you must have been aware of something within yourself that made you want to aim higher?

Let's see...Ever since I was an underclassman, I had a strong drive to improve as an otokoyaku. I wanted people to find my performance interesting, and I wanted to be seen as a necessary part of the production. I wanted to act a lot, and I wanted to sing a lot of songs that I love. I wanted to bathe in the spotlight, and I was happy when I got to wear more gorgeous costumes. If I really think back on those feelings now, first in the shinjinkouen junior performances featuring only actresses who have been with the company seven years or less, and then in performances at the smaller Bow Hall theater next to the Takarazuka Grand Theater, inevitably I started aiming for the lead roles that would allow me to stand on stage for the longest every time.

Somewhere along that road, when I was told I was being transferred from the troupe I was first inducted into, Moon Troupe, to Flower Troupe, this feeling that I had wanted to be the Moon Troupe's successor welled to the surface. And since that's the same as saying, "I wanted to be the top star of Moon Troupe," that was the first time I became aware of that goal. Every troupe in Takarazuka has its own character, though, so after my transfer, I was desperate to hurry up and become an otokoyaku befitting Flower Troupe first...

So as you worked to further your artistic development, there at the zenith was top star.

If you were to ask my underclassman self, the Top-sans are unbelievably incredible performers, and the more shinjinkouens you experience, the more closely you come to understanding just how incredible they are. Then as you spend more years with the company and find yourself in a position where you're working directly under the Top-san, you realize how much work they're really doing, and...The more you know, the more you lose the ability to say something like "I want to be the top star" carelessly.

And yet, you bore the heavy responsibility of a top star for five-and-a-half years. It's hard to imagine from your usual laidback attitude, but when it comes to your art, you're incredibly diligent and strong-willed. That gap is captivating.

When it comes to theater, I'm very picky. I mean, I'm way too stubborn for one thing. Especially in productions where I'm playing the lead role, I always have really strong feelings about how I want to perform things, and I'm not in a position where I can hesitate to convey that. It's important to listen to the opinions of various other people too, but when it comes down to it, if I have a clear idea of the direction I want things to proceed and direct things with that in mind, it makes things easier for everyone else, so I always tried to communicate my thoughts clearly and directly. If I'm delivering consistently good work, there's a persuasive power to that. Not only do the underclassmen naturally follow along, but the staff listen and respond to my requests as well.

But when you're making this kind of production, you do have to be pretty strict. But then, the real me is more of a people pleaser. I want everyone to like me, or more like, I don't want to be disliked. I didn't want the younger underclassmen to feel like I was unapproachable or like they couldn't talk to me because I was the top star. I wanted them to think of me like family. So outside matters relating to work, I tried to give off as relaxed a vibe as possible. Definitely, I think there was quite a gap between "on" and "off" for me.

Are there a lot of differences between "Asumi Rio the otokoyaku" and "Asumi Rio the actress?" How about between your stage name persona and your private self under your birth name?

I've lived under my stage name for so much longer than my birth name that I feel like, at this point, the parts of myself that belong to my real name are few and far between. I do have the feeling that, in some respect, I've grown up together with my stage name. In essence, while I was in Takarazuka, I didn't worry too much about creating a separate persona. Thanks to the kindness of my fans and the environment I was in, I felt like I could leave my otokoyaku persona on the stage and stay pretty close to my natural self everywhere else. I guess the only thing is, when I'm alone in my house, I revert to goblin mode. (laughs wryly) Like I'll have trouble getting myself to go take a bath, or I really should clean but my back hurts, etc., etc.

By contrast, now that I've graduated from being an otokoyaku, a lot of the things I'm doing as an actress are total firsts for me, so I think I feel more discomfort with my presentation now than I did then. There are times when I get really nervous, and then I get disappointed in myself for feeling that way. Like, until just a little while ago, I was in a position where I was responsible for keeping everyone's morale up. I would get up on that stage like, "It's alright, just leave it to me," so what am I all anxious for now? I often think about how much I still have to learn, and how badly I want to hurry up and learn it so I can show the results of my efforts.

Is there a particular ideal you're currently pursuing? What kind of actress do you want to become, and what kind of woman?

Since leaving Takarazuka, I've had a lot more opportunity to meet all kinds of new people. On every set I've been on, each of the actresses I meet has their own unique aura, and seeing their acting up close, I'm blown away by each of them. Among the staff as well, there are so many different kinds of professionals of all ages, and I often find myself inspired by their work ethic and lifestyle. I'd like to continue to enrich my life by learning from the amazing people I meet and experiencing many new things, and work to become a more fully rounded human being.

*Bracketed notes not marked "TN" (Translator's Note) were present in the original article.

[solarsavoy]

Fandom Saturday, Chrono Cross part 2

So, in light of me replaying Chrono Cross tomorrow with @tuulikannel, I thought I'd do another one. This one is filled with spoilers! But don't worry, they aren't story related and are okay to read/spoil, I promise. Nope. Today, we're focusing on one of the best aspects of Chrono Cross, its replayability.

Chrono Trigger and Chrono Cross were one of the first games, not the first mind you, that offered a New Game +. With Chrono Cross, you get two items when you restart the game. First, a nifty little trinket that lets you fast forward and slow down everything but the cut scenes. (Although, those can be skipped entirely, so it's okay.) Really helps speed things along, heheh. And the second item is the same item you need in order to fight the final boss of the game. Read that again and know everything that implies. That's right.

You can now beat the game whenever you want.

You keep your items, your elements, and your levels when you restart, and now you can face the final boss whenever you want. But here's the kicker, depending on when you beat the game in the storyline, you get different endings now.

And if you beat the game before doing anything else (that isn't required anyway, there's a few things that are required first, similar to but not the same as a "this is how you play the game" bit) you gain access to the development room where you get to talk to some of the "staff" that created the game. They explain the battle mechanics and the language mechanics (something I really think you'll appreciate, tuuli) and the music and other things that went into making the game. Some really cool stuff.

I'm really worried the remastered version won't have it, but from what I've read, everything should still be there and I sincerely hope it is.

There are a few other bonuses to playing through a second time as well. The most important thing you get to obtain is double the rare items. Every game has an "ultimate weapon" or "ultimate metal" that's needed to make said weapon. Chrono Cross is no different. However, you get up to 40+ playable characters with almost as many unique weapons and only so much of the rare metal. Well, not anymore with the second playthrough. 😀

Then there's another item that's quite unique, but I have to explain a certain character first. Still not a spoiler, I promise. At some point, a doppelganger joins your party. It can change into any creature it's fought before, but you get them later in the game so you can't get some of the earlier monsters and bosses. Or can you? And that's the special item. Anyone wearing the Forget-me-not-pot will remember any creatures they've defeated before so your doppelganger can transform into them once equipping said pot. And trust me, whether or not you use the character, knowing all the enemies is useful.

And the last bit with the New Game +, obtaining all the characters.

Now, at some points, you can make a choice to do one thing over another. Wanna break in through the front gate or sneak up the back? Save the girl or not? While not affecting the overall storyline, they do come with alterations to smaller arcs along with the consequences of gaining some characters over others. The choices could be as small as choosing whether A joins or not because if A joins, you get B later but C won't join anymore because he has beef with A. And you can't get B unless A is on your team. But... there's a way to get all of them.

When you replay the game, try making different choices. If done correctly, you need at least three playthroughs, but also only three playthroughs. And actually, if you make sure to do every choice differently every time, there's only one character you won't have by the end of the first two playthroughs because it was a three-way choice. Once you've obtained each character one way or another (this trick can also be done before you have all of them though) there's a place you go and a thing you look at and it pulls "your memories from other lifetimes" to gather your friends from alternate universes. (AKA accessing prior saves and collecting the characters you chose in other playthroughs. Maybe it's just me, but I feel like the depth behind that idea is just super cool.) I think you can only do it once in a single playthrough, but you can do it once every single playthrough.

And that's it!

I mean, there are a lot of cool things about this game, and while there aren't any hidden dungeons and ultimate bosses to track down and destroy, there's still a lot of things to be done. But my favorite thing about this game is how thought provoking it can be at times. If you ever play it and watch the opening, wait until you get to the opening screen and then just wait. After a while, the opening screen will disappear and you'll get to see something else. And despite how it looks, it contains no spoilers whatsoever. It's all about how you choose your own destiny and "what fate will you ultimately decide on?"

Just like before, highly recommend the game. Oh yeah, and you don't need to play Chrono Trigger first. 😏 You'll miss the references, but it doesn't really affect anything. If you've read Assassin Skills Required, it's essentially like reading that and meeting Stag and Deshi before reading their original story, Krystar. The storylines are completely unique from each other and while the references add another level of depth, it's perfectly fine to read one separately from the other. Although, I do hope everyone reads both someday. 😇

Thanks for reading and have a great day everyone!