#and a part of those traits are his impulsiveness and arrogance and ignorance

[cheemken]

Ahoy it's me again I've been doing some thinking:

So march 31st is when the philosopher's stone was made which puts a wrench in our "Regulus created by the philosopher's stone" idea but what if not? (I'm about to be deranged here but I thought of this at 4 AM so wheeeeeeee)

One of the lesser known properties of the philosopher's stone is that it can be used to create a homonculus. Now there are alchemical recipes for homunculi that do not require a philosopher's stone (instead opting for lots of blood and a live horse, among other things)

So I was thinking: Why use the philosopher's stone to make one when stuff like blood and live horses are relatively easy to get? Well based on the difficulty of cloning mammals (Dolly, cloned in 1996, took 277 fertilized eggs to get 1 surviving sheep) and that homunculi are reputedly more like miniature humans, what if the philosopher's stone based method just gives better results? What if the philosopher's stone version of a homunculus eliminates the need for hundreds of attempts, perfects the homunculus to be nearly identical to a naturally born arcanist, and makes the process faster?

Because if the horse and blood based recipe takes 9 months, and the philosopher's stone cuts that down to 4 and a half months... isn't August 15 4 and half months away from march 31st?

I should go eat breakfast afhgkhlfgakfdklfkg

Oh you are cooking👀

Wait no that's dope cause if APPLe's goal was to create life, then that'd make much more sense for him to lose his body during the transmutation bc ofc, it seems like he's playing god, rather than just try to recreate the Philosopher's Stone

Okay this really got me thinking now cause if we go w that, it would make much more sense, since the Philosopher's Stone is already discovered, and for arcanists, that's an actual thing, unlike w humans who think the Philosopher's Stone is merely a myth. And APPLe wanted to know more abt it's uses, bc he knows it's an elixir of life as well, it could grant immortality, but most of all, he knows it'll be a better material in doing transmutation, he knows it'll be a successful experiment, but a lot of people had warned him not to, as not a single arcanist has ever tried creating life with the Philosopher's Stone

And it would somewhat justify the punishment APPLe received, while yeah he was successful in creating life, the stars had punished him by making Regulus from his own flesh and blood, a spitting image of him, and even bearing the personality traits he once had that he always hated. Regulus was a mirror of him that he cannot escape, a version of him w all the traits he never liked from his own self; bc he wanted to play god right, then he shall suffer the consequences as well

But w regards to the pendant, I mean it's pretty obvious is is the Philosopher's Stone, so what role does it play now Regulus? I do wanna say that it's like,, more like smth similar like the sentimonster thing in miraculous ladybug, the pendant/Philosopher's Stone is what gives Regulus life, it's connected to her somehow, and APPLe knows that. So if anything ever happens to the pendant, then smth is also gonna happen to Regulus, that's also the thing abt his punishment

He created her w the stone, and the stone is forever connected to her. And how could he even protect her properly w his new body, he's just an apple now, his arcane skills aren't as strong as they were before, Manus almost got the stone from them as well had they not escaped in time

Speaking of Manus it'd also make sense why they'd be after it, if the Philosopher's Stone can perfect the transmutation in one go, ofc they'd wanna get their hands on it, they could just create homunculus as their mindless followers right, powerful arcanists who listens to no one but Arcana, and APPLe knows that is still very much a possibility, and it haunts his every waking thought

[witchcraftandgeekness]

TVDU x Hogwarts AU, Part 2 that nobody asked for. (Part 1 here)

Warning: this is just my opinion

I had no intention to make this part so Gryffindor-ish

Katherine Pierce

Do I even need to elaborate?

Jeremy Gilbert

Brave on the verge of being reckless. Stubborn, wants to fight for a right thing. Survives on pure Dumbass Energy.

Alaric Saltzman

I was about to sort him in Ravenclaw but gradually realized that his logical thinking is just not enough and usually he does not use it much, and mentality is very Gryffindor-oriented. He seeks justice and was putting human lives above anything else (or at least tried to). Ric is not Ravenclaw and not Hufflepuff, surely not Slytherin, so... Yup.

Matt Donovan

Wanted to sort him in Hufflepuff but then remembered all the times he picked his principles above loyalty. He will do the thing he considers right even if it will hurt him and those he cares for (ex. he left Elena alone when figured that she is perfectly happy with Stefan, made his mother leave because he is better off without her, made vampires leave the town for the safety of the citizens).

Tyler Lockwood

I changed my opinion while I was explaining why Tyler is Slytherin, because I realized that he didn't actually have Slytherin traits. Yes, he is rich, spoiled, but those are just side effect of Slytherins. He is arrogant. Will accomplish his goals even if it means loosing everything (ex. having revenge on Klaus instead of running "like a coward", or killing Hayley if it means Klaus the Great Evil won't have more power to inflict evil in this world). If his inner sense of honor is hurt, he is incapable of accepting that. He ignores some morals like Slytherin (see trying to murder pregnant Hayley) but his impulsivity and sacrifices "for a greater good" are very Gryffindor-ish.

Part 3 here

[commanderhorncleaver]

brain is dead, but have a free space--7, 9, 15, and 22 from the relationship asks for whichever pairing you feel like answering them for :D @kerra-and-company

I'm gonna do Gaius and Rytlock since I did one for Gaius and Efram here!

7. Who is more sentimental?

I'm inclined to say Rytlock. Perhaps it's my reading of him (which is obvious the most correct one) but the dude has so much power to put his foot in his mouth and continues to do things he regrets--literally the core of his conflict of IBS is him being overly sentimental because of something shitty he said about Aurene leading to him going introspecting and going "shit, kids are important". So far as this goes in his relationship with Gaius, it's very much the same thing--him not realizing he's been shitty until way too late and then being anxious and self-conscious about things while also continuing to be unable to not be shitty and fix it.

9. How are their personalities different?

We all know Rytlock. Gaius' core personality traits hinge on his tenacity and outright singlemindedness. Like Rytlock, he has a habit of focusing on the things that he wants to see, but unlike Rytlock, he pays closer attention to those around him, and pays attention to how they think and feel without being rude or shitty. At it's core, I think that's one of their biggest core differences--Gaius is a bit more empathetic, and willing to improve based upon others' perspectives of him--even if, being honest, it takes him about just as long to reach that point. Also, Rytlock is notoriously selfish and arrogant, whereas Gaius, while prideful, is less likely to act out of his personal self-interest at any given moment.

15. Who is more likely to make an impulsive decision and who is the voice of reason?

We've all seen Rytlock "Jumps into a portal to hell because my favorite sword fell in" Brimstone. This isn't to say Gaius isn't unlikely to make stupid decisions, but the fact is that he generally puts thought to them and knows it's dumb, but if it's effective/the best opportunity...

22. Who gets more easily embarrassed?

I'm inclined to say it depends on the situation. Rytlock has issues about shame, and Gaius doesn't like to be called on stupid (but inconsequential) things; for example I headcanon basically any food-based HP Gaius has done was done on a bet or dare; he's pretty much incapable of ignoring that kind of thing. Ironically, this is part of why he and Rytlock first hit it off, just being dumb soldiers together.

[imbricare]

Harry: Zodiac post

Obviously, Leo the Lion already resonates with Gryffindor, as does the association with fire as the sign's core element, and the sun as a ruling planet. Leo energy is described as "expressive and flamboyant" which I don't see resonating with Harry so much; it does, however, evoke the idea of stardom and celebrity status. Positive Leo personality traits manifest as courageous, kind, generous, loyal, protective, and direct honesty … all of which sum up what Harry likes best about himself and/or what others notice or praise about him. Negative traits associated with Leos also fit Harry to a T: He can be aggressive, sloppy, jealous … sometimes, he might even come across as arrogant, though never cold-hearted or greedy. 

Body parts associated with Leo are the heart and the spine, both of which I think we can easily identify with Harry. The heart is obvious: Love guides him as much as it protects him; and I think he is compassionate and emotional, and this is where his frequent impulsivity stems from. He thinks with his heart more often than with his head. 

The spine is a bit trickier, but bear with me: Apparently, the spine signifies support from behind (thinking about Ron and Hermione, literally supporting by his left side and his right side) but also represents "the basis of our individual consciousness" because it is so central to our nervous system … and it's also the first structure that forms inside the womb. Likewise, for the first years of his life, Harry has been his own support system, first and central. Having been raised in an abusive household without the love and care of his parents, he had to be his own - first and central - support system. Incidentally, I also relate his stubbornness and independent decision-making to his upbringing: We so often see him dismiss the advice of others (e.g. everyone telling him to put more energy in Occlumency lessons but he doesn't; Hermione telling him to get rid of the Half-Blood Prince's book but he doesn't; Hermione and Ron telling him to stop obsessing over Draco in their sixth year, but he doesn't; Hermione telling him to not go to the Ministry to ostensibly save Sirius, but he doesn't listen; etc.) – Even when it turns out he should have listened, we see him go down this route over and over again. I think this is a leftover trace of a protective mechanism he subconsciously had to build in his childhood: He didn't have a positive role model to emulate; he didn't have an adult he could ask for advice and guidance. All he had, all he could rely on, was to trust his own decision-making. Being left completely and utterly alone and without guidance as a child is a terrifying thing; and it's a memory that stuck, if not consciously in his mind, then definitely in his somatic nervous system.

Okay, something light after this: Apparently, among Leo's favorite things are rich desserts, which is so Harry (although, if I wanted to make this sad again, I could say this also harkens back to his childhood, i.e. a time of restricted access to food, particularly non-essentials such as sweets)

I'll quote this passage in full because it's so fitting: 

“Leo energy can cause us to upstage those around us, forgetting that each and every person is a valuable member to a team. Yet, we can direct the Leo flair for powerful leadership and let everyone have their spot in the sunshine. Used properly, Leo energy leaves others awakened and revitalized in an empowering way.”

This is 100% Harry: His presence can and does outshine others (thinking about Ron, and how often he struggled with standing in Harry's shadow); Harry's Leo energy definitely manifests itself as powerful leadership, and he does sometimes use it to shine a light on others (supporting Ron on the Quidditch team), leaving them empowered and revitalized.

Some things that Leos hate: being ignored, silver medals (instead of gold) – these two are more bothersome than truly frightening, but there's more. Leos also hate goodbyes and being alone, and this is so, so Harry. He handles being alone pretty well, having basically been & felt alone for most of his life pre-Hogwarts, and he can keep himself company fairly well; but he doesn't like it, and he will quickly start to miss his loved ones. 

Another sweet one: 

“How to Spot Them: distinctive mane of hair”

How very Harry.

Another on-point quote about Leo!Harry:

“Warm-hearted and authentic, Leos can offer great strength and heroism in the face of adversity, pouncing upon obstacles with their prowess and determination to be Number One.”

There are quite a few Leo traits that I don't see in Harry (yet) but maybe that who knows, he might yet surprise me. He's barely had the time to truly grow into himself outside of school and away from the only family home he's ever known, in which he was forced to suppress his true self and hide himself away from others.

Apparently, Leos are all about passion, drama (in the theatre sense), playfulness and big romantic gestures & affection. I don't know how Harry will fit into those things; but this is again something that I can see resonating with him:

“Sometimes their energy can be too dramatic or overbearing. But if you’re willing to adore your Leo—paws, flaws, and all—you’ll be rewarded richly with their worshipful devotion and affection.”

We don't know his birth time, so we can't exactly pinpoint his moon sign, but as a sun sign Aries, I will 100% latch onto moon sign Aries for Harry. This is where his impulsive, hot-tempered personality comes from, which also helps him face challenging situations and makes him highly passionate … correlating well with his Leo traits, I think.

[Source]

[that-one-i-think]

Partner, I am going to be fully honest and say you gotta stop apologizing unless you either genuinely view it as something you need to apologize for or the other person asks for it with good reason. Right now, it seems like you are apologizing for existing and not for any mistakes. You are good. This is the internet. People are allowed to have differing opinions. What we are doing right now is just an online discussion, not an argument or a debate, and certainly nothing hostile, so you don't have to apologize. Don't apologize for being, full stop.

Now, to get to the point you made, in my opinion, a lot of what you state is valid and stuff I agree with. It is incredibly important to make the character you are reading about enjoyable to read at the very least. The problem you ran into is the fact that you leave no room for any nuance and the fact that you contradicted yourself a bit. You pointed out that a good character needed to have good and bad traits yet made it seem like giving Garroth any of the traits you mentioned

Now for my fic that I am working on is very Garroth and Liochant centric taking place in season 3, with Garroth as my main 3rd person POV dude. A major part of my fic is the fact that Garroth is xenophobic, but it is not built out of genuine hate but fear and ignorance. He doesn't actually hate anyone from Tu'la, but war is on the horizon, his father is trapped in that country, and he is a distrusting man. It works due to those reasons, because it truly isn't hate.

I also have Garroth as rude to Liochant in my fic, but a lot of it is based on impulsivity, and he always feels guilty afterward. He acts before he thinks, and it is a reoccurring theme in MCD, like the Zane situation. He is an arrogant prick at moments, but at his core his is a good kind man. He is just scared, tired, and traumatized but he gets better.

Even with all of that, I still do agree that all of the character flaws can be a major turn-off or problem if they can not be fitting for the story. If a character is a coward but it is never explained why it is annoying, but if it is explained that they are only like that due to a past trauma then it works. My rule of thumb is that if the character flaw can't be formed out of the own characters logic then I should not use it. Garroth's flaws are due to his need to protect and his fear of the unknown, so he puts up a shield and pushes others away.

Last but not least, I do want to mention that it is incredibly easy to be blinded by flaws and not see the good. But if you open yourself up, take a breathe and look, you can find good things about yourself too. Now if you ever want to have another character discussion, my asks are open.

I do really think we need to talk about fanon vs canon in this fandom. Not because of anything really specific, but rewatching it just makes me realise how things are so different in the way we talk about it vs how they are

And I’m not saying we can’t have fun with fanon… just that sometimes canon is more interesting

[obeymeluv]

Random Spooky Thing

Something spooky I thought about. I don’t know what really got me thinking about it besides spooky season and the fact that the boys are 5,000+ years old and have probably made secret friends/lovers with a few non-RAD humans over the years.

This is pre-RAD program, post-fall. Boys are still probably at odds with their new demon instincts or have just barely settled into them.

Trigger warning for scary situation. Namely: almost being a legit sacrifice for a demon summoning. 

I also have personal headcanons that the bros used to be Avatars in heaven, but for the trait opposite of their sin (Lucifer would be humility, Mammon would be charity/giving, Asmodeus would be love (I guess?), Satan doesn’t count because I don’t think he was in the Celestial Realm when it all happened (based on where I’m at in the game). Beel championed a good harvest/abundance. and Belphegor had the blessing of reinforcement/encouragement/inspiration/productivity)

Lucifer’s got unexpectedly long so this part will have Lucifer and Mammon only. I have to study for exams and stuff TT_TT

Lucifer:

The concept of being summoned by dark magic is very foreign and forceful. He hates it, and he hates that this is what his life is now

There was a certain beseeching vulnerability to humans when they prayed - it was soft and glowing and he misses it

This is a rough yank, like he’s nothing more than a petulant child that needs to be dragged around. Or worse, some dog. 

He spills out into the human world and it smells of smoke and brimstone and ground ingredients he’s starting to get familiar with 

Lucifer’s used to being intimidating in an angelic way, but he can feel the magic spill off of him here. He can feel his aura manifest into something dark and terrifying.

His eyes now glow in the dark; he can see a reflection of them in the humans’ eyes.

They give a very archaic, overdone address (”O’ great Lucifer...”) and he doesn’t even let them finish before he’s scoffing.

The fall may have broken his wings and shattered his reality, but he’s still fairly arrogant and ready to lash out

There’s a beautiful smell that makes his stomach ache something ungodly now that he’s a demon, and Lucifer realizes with abject horror that a wounded human is somewhere in this room

Celestial Realm or not, his eyes still have the ability to see human souls and intentions. There seems to be a lamb among these idiotic wolves

He sees that dagger rise, the muffled wail enough to pierce his ear and Lucifer snarls as he snatches that hilt in an iron grip

It’s enough to break the human’s grip and send his hands down the dagger, spilling rancid blood

“If you wish to summon me, do it with your own blood. Lay yourself before me and beg.” he says in a voice that is so grating and booming that it makes him flinch a little

His voice was never like this in the Celestial Realm and it makes him angry that it will never be angelically velvety again. Just something semi-twisted and possible of corruption

Perhaps because of the blood or the injustice, Lucifer throws out his wings and punishes the mortal for their insolence. Then the others who try to dogpile him and throw their books at him and shout words that have no meaning.

His grip now crushes things, and he forgets. Pinching is basically stabbing. A shove is basically a fracture.

You’re sobbing uncontrollably when he approaches where you’re being held and Lucifer realizes that he looks a sight. Truly frightening. He never had these murderous impulses as an angel and still surprises himself when he falls to them. They’re still so new!

“Be not afraid,” the words are comforting but fuzzy. They feel foreign on his tongue. He pets your hair. “I shall do you no harm.”

He has to remind himself that he’s so much stronger in this form, tugging and ripping at the rope while trying not to break your little limbs.  

You have this resigned trust, this hope, this faith that he will keep his word and it makes him miss humans. Makes him miss Lilith and how he’d catch her and Belphie sneaking around to watch them.

You ask him if he’s really Lucifer, like that Lucifer. He doesn’t want to admit it, but he is. Instead he says, “I am the Morning Star.” and insists on taking you home.

He will guide you home, the bringer of light.

You hug him and it’s the first burst of warmth--genuine warmth--he’s felt since the fall. “Thank you, Lucifer.”

He’s called back by a greater force--Lord Diavolo--and prefers to forget the whole thing happened. That he ate people. That they almost hurt you.

He secretly checks in on you from time to time but doesn’t have the courage to talk to you again. 

Every time he looks at you, he’s emotionally drained for the rest of the day. He’s starting to understand what Lilith felt so strongly about and it just makes that gaping wound that much deeper.

He drowns his guilt in Demonus and damns his hypocrisy. 

Mammon

He hates being summoned because it burns like when he fell

It reminds him of his body screaming in pain as he adamantly tried to hold onto his Holy Weapons during the fall. His body converted during the fall and Holy Weapons are sheer agony for demons.

The burns on his hands were deep and tender and took days to heal. He doesn’t even remember how he broke his wing, but he knows it drags and its lame. It can’t unfold as well as the other one.

Being summoned just leaves a bad taste in his mouth because he disagrees with being cast out, in general. Seems like some of those angels were morally corrupt, not them! How could what he and the others did be considered wrong?! 

Mammon hates the fact that turning into a demon really ripped the veil off his eyes. He used to be a symbol of charity and giving, bringing joy to people, and now he just sees how nasty they are on the inside. Scummy, scummy people.

“What’s your business with the GREAT Mammon, hm? I’m a busy guy, ya know.” he stuffs his hands in his pockets as he looks disinterestedly around the room.

Dull souls, the lot of ‘em. Not a nice smell in the bunch! Some shiny bits and bobs he might take for his time, though.

Sometimes he bites his own tongue to try and fight off the demonic powers that converted him. To get his brain back on track. He doesn’t WANT to be so blunt and careless, so trained on shiny things. but it’s like he can’t help it!

It burns in his soul and sometimes he can hear his old self, his old ways, fizzling out like his wings as they disintegrated not long ago

The dumb humans start ranting about sacrifice and exchange and Mammon stops them cold, louder than them. It’s mostly the ‘older brother’ voice but he forgets that a demon is just scary to humans.

“Not really interested. What else ya got?”

No one expects that. He can tell. They take the thing off your head as if that will change his mind and something about the shininess of you catches his eye. Makes him feel kind of like a puppy.

Is it your soul? Your earrings? The genuine innocence of a human? How glittery your tears look?

He knocks them aside with his wings, stomps over to you, and picks you up (chair and all). 

They start yipping about how he technically accepted the deal and how he needs to do their bidding or grant them a favor. “Hang tight, sweets,” Mammon sets your chair down before pointing out every technicality on how the deal wasn’t finished and the terms weren’t agreed upon.

Technically they just summoned him; they didn’t complete a pact ritual

“I’m takin’ that--he points to you--just because I can!” Mammon laughs at the dumb little humans. “You guys didn’t do your homework! I’m the Avatar of Greed!”   

One of them tries to sneak around behind him and stab you (like that will change anything?!) and Mammon notices. He grabs the one in front of him by the face, throws him into the one by you, and just starts swinging

He doesn’t kill them, but he DOES raid their pockets of shiny things and interesting things. 

Mammon takes the knife, the weird clasps off their ensembles, and breaks the chair to set you free. Debates on taking the screws, but tosses them over his shoulder (not good enough)

As an act of good will, you’re recruited to pillage this lame location they picked

He gets you home with a spell, some kind of homing magic, and just stands there looking at you quietly. He didn’t really look after humans like Belphie and Lilith did so he’s not sure what to do

The urge to comfort is strong but the genteel pat is corrupted by the desire to feel your earring between his fingers. Some guttural demon noise of glee comes out of him and it makes him embarrassed. He never used to make noises like that...

You unhook your earrings with a tentativeness that reminds him of the humans who left offerings at his alter, fretting over if they were good enough and wondering what they would bring.

You fold his big, tan fingers over the earrings and Mammon holds onto them for a while after he finds his way back to the Devildom. It’s his first gift as a demon.

He ignores getting yelled at and the little brothers pestering him about why he smells good, telling him that they’re hungry. and all their other little gripes. 

Mammon never goes looking for you after that, trying to fill the ache in his soul with time and money and fame (oddly?) but he thinks of you often. He keeps your earrings in a special box at the front of his magic-locked hoard room. On his bad days, he’ll go sit in that empty room of knickknacks, open the box, and stare. 

He picks up the little things, careful not to break them with his nails or strength. “You’re one silly human, aren’t you?” he smiles at the twinkling jewelry.   

[cartoonfangirl1218]

Give them what they want ch. 3

Dina and her's relationship ended just as she had predicted. There was screaming, there was crying, she was a "selfish, lying, heartless bitch" blah blah blah nothing new.

So to end up in bed with a new girl a week later was just as sign of how "heartbroken" Dina was, Jordan was glad that she turned the limo she gave her into a python.

"I loved you for you looks and for you, yeah right." Jordan snorted

"What?" Calix mumbled next to her. His bare chest warmly pressing into her side.

Oh yes, Calix who was in bed next to her. There was an explanation from that. This wasn't some petty, "If that's how she wants to play it. Here is a quick rebound thing." She and Circe's son, Calix were just friends.

Friends with major benefits.

"Nothing, go to sleep." Jordan murmured, brushing her hands through his hair.

She figured that since any romantic relationships were going to go down to hell, she might as well give up. But her few friendships that did survive, the terms of friendship could change.

Calix and her had been friends since they were 4 and 5 respectively when their parents were going around Auradon singing and performing. He was one of the few people she trusted who wasn't "family." They fought, they had adventures, and they kissed more times either could count. Sure, some of them was for acting, but some was just for fun, in the moment type. He even lost his virginity to her. Even better, he had no interests in her wishes. He knew well enough by now, that she would send a sandstorm at him and use all manners of misinterpretations. Most ending badly.

Aziz and others had teased that they should just get married already because of the "clear, sexual tension" but that would be a disaster. No matter how much sexual tension, they couldn't see each other beyond a friendly fling and even then, they would try to kill each other for being so annoying.

Calix was many things. Charming, chivalrous, hot bare chested, bare back, clever, witty but also equally arrogant, annoying sense of humor, impulsive pervert who's quarter siren powers made him think he was hot stuff. Which was true...but still.

So because and in spite of all those traits, he was a perfect candidate for being a friend wth benefits. They sorta already did that but randomly. They never made it official or had a talk. But now they were.

It was actually fun. Since it was winter break, Circe allowed Calix to guest room at Agrabah so she could see him all the time. They, plus Aziz and other local teens would hang around for the day at the beach or bazaar. During the night, she would be with Calix. They would talk before, and after and during about all manner of subjects. Simply as friends. Like they hadn't slept with each other just hours before. She almost wished she did this earlier. Being with him was so comfortable and easy and she didn't worry about him trying to use her.

He would insult her first. He was always making comments about her and her ego. No need to try to impress her. And she would do likewise. It was a friendship, what else was there to do but snipe at each other?

It had all been fun and games until lart week.

She almost didn't noticed, but as she was choosing her outfit for the day she was starting to wonder what she should wear to impress Calix. Moreover what Calix was wearing right now. She hoped it was something cute for their date at the beach.

Full stop.

Date at the beach! She couldn't believe she thought that. They were just hanging out at the beach. They always hung out at the beach, it wasn't a date.

From then on she noticed how her thoughts started to get more preoccupied with Calix and how amazing he was, how funny he was, how utterly adorable is dimples were whenever he smirked.

Yes, she was falling in love. Dammit! She had a freakin friend with benefits who had no interests in her wishes, and their relationship was going perfectly well because of the vital FRIENDS part and she was falling in love with him!

"Stop being such a girl, Jordan" she thought to herself, "You do not love him. You just lust for him. Yes, it's just lust. All the sex and lack of romance is confusing you."

After all, he was still Calix. If she loved him, she should have realized ages ago. They've been friends with benefits before and these feelings never came up. She had to review everything she had said to Aziz on why it was bad to have a relationship with him.

1. They would kill each other.

Well she could kill him which gave her such an advantage. And end in jail for the next 20 odd years.

He was still arrogant, and teased her and flirted with every other girl in the world because they were just friends. They didn't think each other that way. She had even encouraged him a few times.

"But he is also sweet when he wants to be. And you know him so well. Isn't knowing each other the first step." A tiny teasing pro-Calix voice told her.

No. She was not going to ruin a perfectly good friendship. She could see all his good points for now. But once she went back to Auradon she would realize how incredible stupid it was and laugh.

Thr following days had been a combination of fun and torture. Fun at their usual inside jokes and antics and clubbing. Torture that her pro-Calix voice kept interpreting things as a romantic act and her need to blurt out that she wanted to date him and be next to him and cuddle with him and be loved.

One perfect Wednesday afternoon before dinner, Calix met her at the bathhouse.

"Jordan can we talk?" He asked

Jordan perked and almost sighed with relief. Maybe..just maybe he realized it too. Maybe he was having lust/love confusions and they could talk. Or maybe he actually did love her and she could go do it and have dates and be with someone who totally cared for he and knew all her habits...

"I have a date." Calix said

A date. The doom of friends with benefits. A date signaled the end of the benefits until single because they seriously wanted to pursue someone else.

"Who's the lady?" Jordan plastered a fake smile.

"Morrían, Morgaine Le Fey's daughter." Calix beamed

"Oooo so ultimate sourcer couple." Jordan replied. She ignored the rest of what he was saying. He found a date. She would be all alone tonight. Once again.

During dinner she tried to stay in the conversation but all she had to listen was to Aziz and Calix converse about Morrían's hotness and cleverness and how lucky he was that Calix's got a date with her.

She should have expected it. They were friends with benefits. She had been telling herself that he would never see her beyond a friend. She had been telling herself that she just was being desperate and needy.

Once she got to her lap, she flung herself on her bed.

Why wasn't Calix satisfied with their arrangement? If she could see how great he was beyond the sex, couldn't he?

What did Morrían have that she didn't? She was hot. She thought she was witty.

Or maybe...A familiar thought came up. There was nothing great about her beyond wishes, and apparently sex.

There was some great character flaw that everyone could see but her. Something so fundamentally unlovable and horrible that even her friend wouldn't fall mistakenly in love with her like she had for him?

What was wrong with her?

[sociopath-analysis]

Sociopath Profile: Agent South Dakota

Recovery Two Face (left) and full armor (right) From the web-series Red vs. Blue (2003- present[valid as of late early February 2020]) Voiced by Shana Merlin First appearance: “Recovery One: Part Two”

South, in spite of her sympathetic qualities, shows many sociopathic traits. And some of those end up negating her sympathetic qualities to some degree.

[SPOILERS BELOW]

First off, on her mission with North in the beginning of Season 9, she shows herself to be rather impulsive. She repeatedly ignores her brother’s orders and continues to do her own thing even though it ends up endangering the mission. In general, she’s very hot-headed which is a stark contrast to her brother, North.

There’s also the fact that she takes pleasure in hurting her enemies. During that mission, she incapacitates enemies in rather brutal ways that leave them in agony rather than professionally dispatching them. This is an extension of her impulsiveness since she just can’t help but cause people pain when she can kinda get away with it.

She often antagonizes the other Freelancers due to them all having AIs before her, even North. It’s a bit of a childish grievance since Wash was perfectly fine waiting. And when Epsilon drives Wash insane, she blames him for having the AI program shut down for something completely out of his control. This arrogant behavior continues in the AI basics course since she thinks it’s BS that she’s there when she doesn’t even have an AI but Tex gets to skip.

It points to a sense of entitlement since she thinks that she should be higher up on the leader-board and that she should be getting an AI. Her later antagonism towards Wash and North are for two rather petty reasons. Wash for getting driven insane by Epsilon leading to the discontinuation of AI implantation and North for siding with Tex over her. Both rather selfish when it gets down to it because the former is something Wash couldn’t control and the latter is seen as North not thinking she’s as good as Tex.

While it seems that she does have a genuine connection to North, many of her actions possibly prove that it is either false or it didn’t matter to her in the long run of getting stronger and being better than everyone else. This is evidenced by the fact that she allowed him to die just so she could get Delta. And she dismisses all the AIs as just computer programs even though there is evidence that they genuinely have feelings (the Alpha being a prime example).

While she can feign mourning for her brother when Wash comes around, the fact that she’s responsible for his death in the first places makes this seem to ring hollow. (While there may have been genuine remorse, she still continued on her path not long after that.) There’s also the fact that she was willing to shoot Wash in the back just to save her own skin. She nearly did the same to Delta when the Meta had her cornered. And as Delta said, she would most likely backstab them again if given the chance. Leading him, of all individuals, to suggest killing her so that didn’t happen. Wash, being backstabbed by her before, doesn’t even hesitate and rightly so.

Female Sociopath List

RvB Sociopath List

[scribe-the-write-thing]

Introducing

A more formal introduction of the central POV trio -- Cecil, Jessamine, and Theodor.

Jessamine / Jesse Clarke

“Flee or fight, freedom only ever being earned - it had been always the way of her youth.”

Jessamine was born in Cuba into an instantly turbulent lifestyle. Her mother was an escaped half-Cuban, half-Senegalese slave -- hiding and seeking refuge wherever she could, securing safety wherever she could. Her father, a Spanish smuggler by trade. Jess was the result of their affair; her father was killed shortly before she was born, and at the age of two, Jess was left behind in Tortuga by her mother. Here, she was raised by the merchants and thieves and spent as much time on the run as her parents had before her. From the law, and from slavers, Jess spent her childhood thieving, cheating and hiding -- everything to be expected of a bastard orphan of Tortuga. Though life on land, however exhilarating, was never enough; Jess frequently yearned for the sea and to explore. At the age of eleven, she stowed herself away on a passing merchant ship.

This new part of her life, however, was soon to be intercepted. Mid-journey, the ship was raided by pirates, led by Emmerson Clarke; the Leviathan, the slave who led a revolt to take over the same ship he now commanded. The Captain, upon discovering the young stowaway, kept her living; taking her under his wing (despite her initial resistance). It was Emmerson who trained Jess in the ways of fighting, honed her navigational skills and taught her properly of the sea. Her bitterness towards her captor melted away into affection, and Jess soon began to see him as a father figure -- easily turning a blind eye to his faults and violence. Emmerson cultivated her hatred of the navy, effectively turning her into a weapon, fashioning a reflection of himself in her. Even now, Jess still idolises him and models herself for her Captain and “father”.

This was also, however, to come to an abrupt end, when Jess was around sixteen -- within a scuffle with the navy, Emmerson killed an Admiral, leading said Admiral’s lieutenant, a Beckett Reynolds, to begin his own pursuit to end the pirate’s life. A pursuit that was, in the end, successful. In a way. Reynold’s succeeded in killing or capturing (and later executing) the entirety of Emmerson’s crew; aside from the captain himself and Jess. Emmerson was, however, mortally wounded -- and it was Jess who performed the mercy kill necessary to prevent her mentor dying by navy hands. After burying his body at sea, Jess returned to Tortuga. Here, she would remain until she was eighteen, when she met a sailor, abandoned drunk by his crew; Theodor Erkens.

A return: The Leviathan’s bastard

It was Theodor that pulled Jess back into a world of sailing; something she had thought to leave behind, but together, their yearning for adventure became something too strong to be ignored. So, together, they boarded the next privateer vessel they saw -- with Jess taking on a male alter-ego to disguise herself.

As time went on, Jess heard the whispers of mutiny on the ship, and took full advantage, positioning herself as leader. Upon the mutiny proving to be a success, Jess took on the role of Captain on the newly stolen ship. Out of her male alter-ego, she fashioned herself as Jesse Clarke -- the blood son of Emmerson; a role that she had even occasionally played when he was alive. She was known to the republic and pirates that allied themselves with Emmerson, and found her place among them eventually, after a while of still establishing herself.

A ship at harbor is safest, but that’s not where ships belong.

Jess lives for freedom -- holding it as her highest priority. She believes that her own personal freedom, and to that extent, the freedom of others, is something worth fighting and dying for. She holds a casual attitude towards the law, regarding it as unfair and oppressive in the state that it currently is, and holds only disdain for those who seek to enforce it over her. She is extremely prideful, stubborn occasionally to a fault; once she has made her stance on an issue, she will rarely be moved, even she’s in the wrong. Headstrong, impulsive and short-tempered, Jess’ blood runs hot; with intense passion in everything she does, with no patience for those that get in her way, regardless of intention.

Theodor Erkens

“A bastard boy born with nothing but a penchant for trouble and a yearning for more.”

The illegitimate son of a roving sailor and a local farmer's daughter, Theodor was born in a quiet seaside village in the Netherlands. Quite soon after his birth, his father left on one of his many expeditions - choosing never to return from this one. His mother, bitter at being abandoned with a young child, effectively allowed Theodor to find his own path in life, largely keeping herself aloof and uninvolved, especially as be became more rebellious and uncontrollable. Along with his gang of like-minded companions, Theodor quickly became known as the villages most notorious troublemaker - a loose cannon that always seemed to be up to something.                                            

Impulsive, headstrong and yearning for adventure beyond the quiet village, as well as hoping to follow in his father's footsteps; at age sixteen Theodor lied his way onto a passing merchant ship, claiming to have a talent for navigation. This was half true, he had researched to have a simple understanding - but all the same, it resulted with frequent arguments with the crew over his lies, after which Theodor decided to board a different ship at the next port.                              

This, however, was also ill-fated - as usual, Theodor had little or no regard for the rules, a trait that led to him frequently butting heads with his commanders aboard the ship, as well as his abrasive nature leading to fights with other crew members. In the end - the crew left him behind at Tortuga after a particularly explosive fight. It was in Tortuga that he would meet Jessamine.       

Beginnings of piracy: Beware the kraken.

It would be a lie to say that the two immediately became friends, despite what Theodor may like to say. Whether it be pure charm, persistence, or dumb luck, the two eventually formed a deep bond together - something that then blossomed into a relationship. However, neither were content with remaining in Tortuga for the rest of their lives - both craved adventure, and Theodor saw it for them in a passing privateer vessel.                                

Together, they signed up and sailed; though it quickly became apparent that distaste for the captain of the ship was growing with each day of his cruelty and arrogance. With Theodor's support, Jess staged a mutiny among the crew - taking the ship and becoming captain herself. Theodor, ever loyal, took on the role of her second-in-command, her Quartermaster. Now, they were pirates - like his father before him, and adventure was surely ahead no matter what happened. 

Here for a good life, not a long one.

Theodor lives for the danger of the position in life he occupies - whether it be the thrill of the unpredictable seas, or the adrenaline that comes with being hunted by the navy. Adventure is at the core of everything he does - the thrill of not knowing what lies around the corner. As a result, he can appear to somehow be simultaneously intensely passionate and carefree at the same time. Theodor lives for attention in one way or another; call it roguish charm or call it obnoxious arrogance, Theodor finds unique ways to make himself known, maintain conversations and be the centre of attention in most situations.

Cecil Harlow

“At home there was no such thing as praise, only acknowledgement that some chore had been done -- and then only moving swiftly on.”

Cecil was born in England, just outside of London -- the youngest of twelve (living) siblings. Life at home focused on vigorous, focused routine; complete the tasks for the day without complaint, stick to the plan, continue, and repeat. Everyone in the family had their role and their place, and there was little room for argument. Affection was sparse, everyone far too busy with their work to make time for such a thing.

For Cecil, it seemed, his life was already planned out for him -- to continue with his family for the foreseeable future, working as his parents had and remaining in the town that had been his family's home for generations. Some part of Cecil, however, yearned for something more than this; a life away from the rigid order.

So, upon seeing his chance -- he took it, hitching a ride to the coastline and smuggling himself aboard a ship. An impulsive act, and the first of its kind that he had ever made for himself. Wherever the ship ended up; he swore that he would take the chance for adventure there. It was only when the ship docked in Tortuga that he began to have his doubts.

A new beginning: a stowaway

Tortuga was far from anything Cecil had ever experienced before -- crowded, loud and with bar fights and street brawls seemingly around every corner. A far cry from the usual order of his town, from the structure of his home. He heard tales of pirates, talk of murderers and thieves and other dangers that made this impulsive adventure appear more and more dangerous by the second.

Looking for a place to hide, Cecil spotted what he believed to be traders or merchants loading up their ship with supplies, and took another chance to stow away to possible safety; hoping for better luck this time. Anything, after all, would be better than remaining out in the open in the middle of Tortuga.

It was not until the ship actually set sail that he discovered the true nature of the supposed merchants; they were pirates, infamous ones at that, and Cecil decidedly stayed hidden for even longer than revealing himself and risking murder. So he remained, hidden in the corner of the storage room, stealing food when he could, until he was eventually discovered by Theodor, after some snooping around.

Didn't want to be here, stayed anyway.

Cecil is new to life at seas; and new to a life outside of the law. He remains used to conventional thinking, of operating within the bounds of legality; and as such, the more dirty deeds that come with life aboard the Felicite are a rather jarring experience. Cecil prefers to keep to himself, quiet and rather timid, especially around other louder and more confident figures, and takes a while to trust anyone enough to truly open up. Though, due to his upbringing, he is a hard worker, with a dislike for laziness and those who attempt to shrug off their duties -- he finds himself more at ease when he finds ways to help around the crew, busying himself with any work that he believes needs to be done as a way of distracting from how anxious he feels.

[jamesnelsonart]

Batman: White Knight Review

Folks, I can’t always let you know when a comic is bad. I don’t have the energy. A lot of bad comics are created every day, and to catalogue the reasons why Action comics issue 724342 didn’t appeal to me would be an exercise in futility and pain. No, when I see a bad comic usually the most it’s guilty of is being boring or not making a lot of sense and maybe the art isn’t put together very well. So I just ignore said media if I don’t like it. Maybe I’ll joke about it a bit with friends, but why spend my life on such things? You already know where this shit is going-- I’m about to break my code here. Every now and then, I discover something uniquely bad. It’s bad in a way I never could have even considered. It’s bad in a way that demands my attention, and I simply have to think about it, and then share my pain with others. That comic book is Batman: White Knight, and boy does it blow.

It’s honestly hard to tell where to begin with this review because if you think about any bad part of this book for more than one minute you’ll immediately be reminded of another bad part that relates to the first bad part, and so on and so on. It’s an interconnected network of bad. A true spider web of shit, full of parts all intersecting into an intricately dumb design. A painstakingly-made pyramid of poop, with each brick being laid as the foundation for something even worse than what came before it. I suppose I should start with the premise and work my way down from there.

What if, and hear me out here, what if the Joker became a good guy? And Batman… get this… was a bad guy??????? That’s the whole gist of Batman: White Knight. The white knight in the title is Joker, because he is a very pale dude from that chemical bath he took in his origin story. So that’s the premise. You understand the title. Now usually in superhero comics a shake-up like this might last for about a year before a return to the status quo, but White Knight takes place in an alternate universe, so write/artist Sean Gordon Murphy has the opportunity to make some big changes that will stick since there’s no worry about it impacting the main DC universe. Characters have the potential to die for good or change permanently here, and with the idea of the Joker becoming good you could get a pretty wild story here with some twists and turns. So why the fuck does nothing happen in this story!? Oh sure, this is a comic so actions do indeed occur. Events take place across a series of panels as they do in all sequential storytelling… But damn, this comic is a whole lot of nothing! It positions itself as a big shakeup, Batman as you’ve never seen him before! Only, it isn’t. This story is the safest fucking thing I’ve read disguised as an edgy, you-didn’t-see-that-coming, no-one-is-safe story. In some ways it’s funny, kind of like that Joker. But the only joke here is that I wasted my time reading this shit.

The story starts with Batman pursuing the Joker in his Batmobile, causing tons of property damage and hurting some innocent bystanders. Nightwing and Barbara are with Batman and are upset that they can’t reel in his dangerous impulses. Batman chases the Joker into a pharmaceutical factory where the Joker does his Joker speech. You know the one. The speech every writer ever feels that they have to write for the Joker, as if it adds something to his character. The Joker speech basically has the Joker go on about how he and Batman are polar opposites blah blah blah and how the Joker, in his own twisted way, has some affection for Batman and then Batman will be like NO and punch him or something. Hey, subtext works a lot better when it, y’know, remains subtext and not outright actual text. So Batman gets real riled up here and force-feeds the Joker a ton of pills while someone films him doing this and posts it on the internet. This combination of pills makes the Joker not be psychotic anymore (this is dumb as hell, but the rest of the comic is way dumber so you’d be surprised how the lowered standards allowed me to just roll with this) So this Batman is a pretty rude guy, being down with needless violence, and about as smart as a sack or bricks, but it’s an alternate universe, right? Characters are supposed to be different. Yeah… about that-- when doing an alternate universe it helps to have your universe be well-defined. This is especially important if it’s already similar to the main DC universe. The reader is left unsure as to what has or hasn’t happened in the past. Did the Joker ever commit any mass murder in this timeline? We don’t really know. The Joker has had a lot of incarnations so it’s kind of important to know how evil he is if he’s gonna become a good guy. If he’s committed numerous atrocities then I can understand a lot of peoples’ skepticism to him being good guy. Or was he some guy throwing pies at peoples’ faces and defacing property? Already none of this shit makes any sense if you stop to think about it but I have to keep going or this review will never get around to bashing the important stuff, like everything else about this book.

So the Joker’s mental stability is restored (which somehow also changes his bleached-white skin and green hair back to normal, those pills must have been wild) and he becomes a super-genius and decides to fight Batman’s brutality, and by extension the Gotham Police Department’s brutality. He’s done telling jokes now, he’s now the Woker(ok he never gets called that, but it would’ve been funny if that happened). And with his genius intellect unrestricted by his unstable personality he is now free to… sue the city. Damn, that’s exciting. I feel I should stop here and say there’s a reason the Joker is a fairly static character, and that’s because he works perfectly fine as a clown with a Batman obsession who does crimes and has some good zingers. Those are the interesting things about him, so when you remove all of those traits you’re left with a pretty boring character. What is the Joker without any of his personality or Joker-ness? Just some guy. And that guy is the protagonist of the story now… great. The other characters don’t fare much better. They all act extremely stupid, wildly out-of-character, or perform actions that conflict with prior information the reader has been given about them. Batman does no detective work, largely having the plot fed to him by other characters and falling into every trap imaginable. He can only ever react to situations. Harvey Bullock is deriding Batman for brutalizing the Joker and seems very anti-police brutality, yet later is arresting a black activist, blatantly escalating a situation where there was no violence. Barbara Gordon is hanging out chatting with Mr. Freeze (who appears to be a nicer guy in this continuity) and spills the beans about her secret identity, then is shocked to realize that she’s been wearing her Batgirl costume, thus revealing her name! Why is she so dumb!? Why on earth would she want to talk to Mr. Freeze in her civilian identity, huh? They were in the Bat Cave when this happened, so suit or not, it’d be pretty obvious that the girl in the Bat Cave is Batgirl. What the fuck? See what I mean when I say it’s hard to know where to start and end with bashing this shit? I mean this was like a 2-panel thing. Everything leads into everything else because nothing was thought through or considered while writing this comic so events happen just because they have to in order to move events along, character motivation or personality be dammed. And what happens is… not much if you really analyze the sequence of events in the story. Joker gets better, sues the city, participates in a march against Police corruption/brutality and decides to run for mayor. Batman gets mad about this. Joker then discovers a slush fund that is used to repair all the damage Batman does to the city and exposes it to the public. As a mayoral candidate, Joker proposes using this slush fund to instead heavily arm the police. Doesn’t this kind of contradict his anti-police brutality sentiments by offering the department numerous tanks to drive around in? Ah, fuck it. I doubt any part of this is thought through or any narrative dissonance considered so I’ll just keep going. And that’s… all the Joker does. Well, he does do one more thing. He decides to start dating Harley Quinn. And if I’m gonna talk about the characters, I mean REALLY talk about the characters, I’m gonna have to talk about Harley Quinn. Or rather, the Harley Quinn…s. Plural.

I should preface this by saying it’s pretty clear Sean Gordon Murphy is a fan of Batman the Animated Series. It is good, so who can blame him? What gets weird is he inserts a ton of TAS-centric stuff into White Knight in a way that feels arrogant. He knows what is best for Batman, no one else. So why do I feel this way about his writing here? Because the Joker goes home and is greeted by a Harley Quinn who is like “Wow, can’t wait to have tons of sex and kill a ton of people with you again! My favorite hobbies are not wearing a lot of clothes, staying evil, and being an unpopular New 52 redesign!” Then the revelation comes, the OLD Harley Quinn shows up in her TAS jester outfit and derides the new one as a big tiddy bimbo (not joking about that, her dialogue is actually deriding her for having large breasts and not being a good role model lmao) and says that she will resume her relationship with the Joker now, because he respects women (you really gonna do Poison Ivy like that? Smh). As we all know, when you think an abusive partner has changed, you should definitely restart your relationship with them. This has never, ever backfired in the history of the universe. But back to the point-- in fairness the New 52 Harley did suck, but I don’t know why this whole thing is even in the story. Haha, I’m joking! I know why! It’s because Sean Gordon Murphy probably realized that he needed an antagonist to make some action happen because the story was clearly going nowhere! So the new, unpopular Harley goes off and swears she will return the Joker to his bad self, calling herself “Neo Joker”.  So how does someone with no resources or notable skills become the antagonist? Well don’t worry, the entire cast is very, very stupid and their agency is null and void, so if something needs to happen for this story to move along, it just happens.

Earlier in the story for the Joker to discover the slush fund he had to get the rest of the Batman rogues gallery to do it for him by stealing documents on it out of some building. How does he get every criminal in Gotham to do this for him? By inviting them all over and serving them drinks with bits of Clayface mixed in. You see, Joker used the Mad Hatter’s mind control tech on Clayface so it stands to reason that if you ate some of Clayface’s clay then the mind control would work on you by extension! It only sounds stupid because it IS stupid. I also gotta ask why the entire rogues gallery would accept drinks from the Joker… he’s kind of known for not playing well with others and, uh, frequently poisoning people. But again, these characters need to be dumb for the plot to happen. So Neo Joker discovers the control module thingy because the Joker just left it around (I assume the mind-controlled villains were just shitting their pants in the days leading up to this since they were all stored in a warehouse) so now she gets a villain army. And then she gets a giant freeze gun to use on Gotham City because in this universe Mr. Freeze’s dad was an ex-Nazi who came to America and built that and left it underground. No maintenance required after sitting around for decades, this baby’s ready to blast! So while all that was happening Batman went to jail, Joker let him out to help him with dealing with Neo Joker, and Alfred died. That might sound like things that happened, but let me be clear: nothing happened. Nothing happens this whole comic. Things appear to happen, but that is not the case, that is camouflage. Sure, Alfred dies, but Mr. Freeze starts helping Bruce, so one old man is replaced with another. Actually this is an upgrade, Mr. Freeze knows way more science shit so this new model is great! Batman is finally jailed for flaunting the law but then Joker releases him and reveals that he found out that Batman had been paying for the property damage fund, not the taxpayers! So Batman was a good guy all along! He was just being a brutal dick because Alfred was dying so it’s all in the past now. So if Batman was good all along then what was the fucking point of this comic? The premise is good Joker vs. evil Batman, until it isn’t. What was the point of ANY of the first part of this dumb ass book? But the reader isn’t supposed to think about that. To distract from the fact that there was apparently no conflict at all the Neo Joker starts making threats with her big freeze gun and villain army. So Good Batman and Good Joker gotta team up with the militarized police force to take her down! Yeehaw! But. There is a catch. The Joker’s mixture of meds is wearing off and he will revert soon! The classic ticking clock scenario—as bad as everything is, this should at least inject some tension into the story, right? Wrong. Joker reverts while he’s in the Batmobile with Batman, and then he’s like “I still wanna defeat Neo Joker for stealing my shtick.” So don’t worry, he’s still on your side, Batman. I’m kind of impressed that Sean Gordon Murphy took such an easy opportunity to add some stakes to this bland comic and was like NAHHH, FUCK THAT, I LIKE MY COMICS BAD. So the police ram the villain army with their tanks and uhhh not all of Batman’s villains have super powers you know… some are just regular-ass people. The Penguin gets fucking hit head-on with one of the tanks, how the hell did HE not die? Plus they’re all mind-controlled in the first place so that raises ethical questions as to how they’re being treated since they’re not willfully being evil right now but BATMAN IS GOOD OKAY? HE PAID FOR THE PROPERTY DAMAGE FUND SO IF HE SPLITS SOME FUCKIN SKULLS THAT’S JUST WHAT HE’S GOTTA DO YOU LITTLE BIIIIIIIIIITCH. DUE PROCESS… IS FOR CUCKS. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO DIE at this point in the comic I guess. Yawn… so at this point I think they all win or whatever. The freeze ray is stopped or something. Look, this part is kind of a blur. All you gotta know is Harley marries the Joker before he totally, totally reverts for real this time and gets sent back to Arkham. Then the dumbest thing Sean Gordon Murphy has ever written happens. And I read this book, so know that I do not say that lightly.

Near the start of the comic when Batman force-feeds Joker the pills it’s stated that this was all part of Joker’s master plan to get Batman to feed him pills that he just somehow knew would cure him and this would trigger Joker’s ultimate plan of… revealing the misallocation of taxpayer dollars? And he came up with this when he was still a bad guy, right? Huh? Well guess what, fuckos? It’s time for a fucking twist. Turns out the original Harley Quinn, who is Good and Pure and Keeps Her Clothes on except when I, Sean Gordon Murphy, draw her and the Joker fucking, is the one who planted the pills at that scene, as she reveals to Batman. Mind. Blown. No, really, my mind is blown as to why Sean thought this would add anything to his comic aside from more questions regarding the logistics of how she did that. How did she know which factory Batman would chase the Joker into at the start? How did she know Batman would force-feed the pills to the Joker? You’re not really a master planner if your plan relies on a ton of variables way out of your control. Then Batman is then like “wow that’s cool that you did that. this is why I always liked you more than the rest of my rogues gallery because I know you can do good things.” Yeah that’s right FUCK YOU Two-Face. Burned-ass bitch. You think YOU were the friend-turned-enemy who Batman hopes will one day turn good again? Wrong. It’s Harley. It’s ALWAYS been Harley. Then Batman reveals his secret identity to Commissioner Gordon and says he’s gonna be a cop in a blatant sequel hook. The threat of a sequel to this is scarier than any cliffhanger. Brr!

Ughhh, and you KNOW there’s gonna be a sequel, too. This can’t just end here. When I said I had to review this comic it was because most of the reviews say shit like “a bold new direction with a much-beloved property… DC, please don’t revoke my blog’s access.” This book demands a thrashing. It deserves to get laughed at, but everywhere I looked online people weren’t laughing. There was praise! Now look, Sean can draw a pretty picture so he has that going for him. And he’s also willing to kiss up to ComicsGate, a hate group populated by unskilled whiners, so that they’ll waste their money buying his bad book with pseudo-progressive politics. But I’m not here to insult Sean Gordon Murphy. This is a review, and I pledge to keep it focused on the comic. It would be unprofessional and rude to call Sean a gutless coward, or a worm, or a hack writer who just throws references around to create the illusion of lore, or a guy who condescends to trans writers and artist who get harassed daily about how they should just befriend their harassers, or a guy who thinks his inability to stick to a narrative theme makes his work deeper, or a guy who shits on indie creators in interviews because he works on Batman and they do not. No, that would all be mean to say, so you won’t hear me saying it.

I will give the comic this much, though. If you enjoyed All-Star Batman and Robin for how absolutely wacky it was, this book might be right up your alley. It fulfills that same feeling of viewing every panel and going “What the fuck? WHAT THE FUCK???” So if you like bad books, this book is for you.

[hsj-scenarios]

Jump! in horror movies: Starting with Hey! Say! 7

Yamada Ryosuke: Evil Dead (2013)

Movie synopsis: Mia, a drug addict, is determined to kick the habit. To that end, she asks her brother, David, his girlfriend, Natalie and their friends Olivia and Eric to accompany her to their family’s remote forest cabin to help her through withdrawal. Eric finds a mysterious Book of the Dead at the cabin and reads aloud from it, awakening an ancient demon. All hell breaks loose when the malevolent entity possesses Mia.

For Yamada I quite frankly had an ABUNDANCE of horror picks for him, from Hannibal, Tate Langdon and Kit Walker, etc ..

But I decided to go with Evil Dead, instead of making him the villain I went for the hero (sorta) Since Yamada is a friends and family guy who holds deeply the moments he spends with loved ones and is loyal to family moments specially, I wouldn’t doubt he’d stop everything he’s doing to take time for his sibling in need and spend time with her.

However, Yamada is very well known for being a scaredy-cat when it comes to ghosts and such but let’s keep in perspective that this is his sister life on the line (even if she’s turned into a terrifying demon). A few of Yamada’s traits as a Taurus are devotion and responsibility, mix those with seeing his sibling in threatening danger and he’s capable of putting up a great fight and leaving behind his fears; not only for his sibling’s sake but for everyone else accompanying him in the cabin. Again, friends and family are the most important things in his life.

Whether or not Yamada gets killed off it would surely be for the sake and safety of his sibling’s life, if not he would not rest until the demonic entity is no longer haunting his sibling, he already lost most of his friends to the demon, he wouldn’t bare to lose his sibling.

So for Yamada, I think he’d make a great hero for this kind of horror flick!

Chinen Yuri: Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

Movie Synopsis: In 1944 Spain young Ofelia and her ailing mother arrive at the post of her mother’s new husband, a sadistic army officer who is trying to quell a guerrilla uprising. While exploring an ancient maze, Ofelia encounters the faun Pan, who tells her that she is a legendary lost princess and must complete three dangerous tasks in order to claim immortality.

Pan’s Labyrinth seemed like the perfect flick for Chinen and I mostly picked it because in some ways he reminds me of Ofelia (the protagonist).

The scene that really screams Chinen to me is the one where Ofelia finds herself in the presence of the ‘Pale Man’, a skinny and terrifying child-eating monster with his eyes placed inside his hands. After Ofelia was warned not to consume anything on the table, she eats two grapes, awakening the Pale Man who then ate two of the fairies protecting Ofelia.

A few of Chinen’s weaknesses are being impatient and saying anything no matter how insensitive, much like a child. Being constrained isn’t something he likes either, now freedom and being outdoors is something he much rather do, much like our character Ofelia.

He’s curious and very much energetic, I believe Chinen would easily accept the Faun’s three tasks in return for immortality, but he’d do them his way despite the warnings.

However, the faun asks for the blood of an innocent in order to open the portal to the underworld and although Chinen may desire the gifts the faun offers he in no way would trade his baby brother’s blood, he wouldn’t have the heart to harm a child for his own pleasures, therefore he would prefer disobeying the faun’s orders.

But in return to the faun’s requests Chinen would offer his own blood due to a wound shot, and for that he passes the the final test, which was to spill his own blood rather than that of a child’s.

So despite Chinen having ‘bratty’ or ‘childlike’ behavior, he would still put himself first instead of harming an innocent one.

(Ps. This movie is much more detail than what I’m giving you and even though I called Chinen bratty and childlike I do not think of him in that way seriously, it’s just for the movie purpose)

Okamoto Keito: Silent Hill (2006)

Movie Synopsis: Rose Da Silva and her husband Christopher are deeply disturbed by their adopted daughter Sharon’s constant sleepwalking and nightmares about Silent Hill, a town that was abandoned 30 years ago due to a massive coal seam fire. Against Christopher’s wishes, Rose takes Sharon on a trip to Silent Hill to find answers. Her erratic behaviour concerns police officer Cybil Bennett. Rose flees from Cybil, but when a girl steps out into the road, Rose crashes and blacks out. Waking up some time later, Rose finds herself in the foggy dimension of Silent Hill and realizes that Sharon is missing.Exploring the town for Sharon, Rose pursues the same girl she encountered prior to the crash, but the town transitions into a nightmarish dimension inhabited by inhuman monsters, including the fearsome Pyramid Head.

For Keito I decided to pick Silent Hill, oddly enough! For those who know of the films and original games perhaps may think this is a very odd movie pick, perhaps by the disturbing darkness this film has and Keito’s ‘soft’ or ‘shy’ personality.

However, as timid and quiet as Keito seems to be in front of the cameras I do believe he possesses determination, courage and confidence. He may also have some aggressive tendencies if rubbed the wrong way (No, I do not mean this in an abusive way whatsoever).

With those characteristics I believe he’d have the perfect undying passion to go look for his missing adopted child despite the horrifying creatures he would encounter. I have no doubt Keito would be scared out of his mind but knowing his child is missing with inhuman monsters lurking around is a reason enough to put up a good front and face them.

His impulses and impatience might get him into trouble and perhaps nearly killed, but for me he’ll be the hero for his child. Through his journey within Silent Hill he will meet certain people and he would seek help in finding his child and also try to understand what goes on in the disturbing town.

I strongly believe that despite the town’s horrific story and the things he had seen, plus his own fears, he would absolutely put his child first. For them he would fight the monsters and the cult, anything to find safety for his child, and to get the hell out of Silent Hill.

Nakajima Yuto: Tate Langdon from American Horror Story: Murder House (2010) 

Drama Synopsis: It centers on the Harmon family: Dr. Ben Harmon, Vivien and their daughter Violet, who move from Boston to Los Angeles after Vivien has a miscarriage and Ben has an affair. They move into a restored mansion, unaware that the house is haunted by the ghosts of its former residents and their victims.

Tate Langdon: Tate Langdon is the son of Constance Langdon and brother of Adelaide, Beauregard, and another unnamed sibling. He is a sociopathic teenage ghost who resides in the Murder House, and becomes romantically involved with Violet Harmon. He first appears in the pilot episode as one of Ben’s new patients. During a session, Tate describes an ongoing dream in which he commits a mass shooting at his high school. It is revealed in “Halloween (Part 2)” that Tate was allegedly responsible for a school shooting that took the lives of fifteen of his classmates.

Now this is a rather odd pick considering I initially intended in placing Yamada as Tate, but I wanted to try something different with Yuto so I went with American Horror Story.

(Note: Firstly, I won’t lie, I feel a bit iffy adding Tate to this list considering the actual school shootings that have happened, but keep in mind Tate is a mere character and I do not approve any of his behavior nor do I think Tate or Yuto are really or anything alike, this is all for fun and not to be taken seriously.)

A few of Yuto’s traits are being warm-hearted, generous and passionate and a negative few are being ignored and facing difficult realities much like Tate.

I can very easily see Yuto getting involved with the new girl, and after years of loneliness that relationship might get clingy from Yuto’s side. However, as twisted as he could be he wouldn’t miss a chance in reminding his loved one how much he loves them. When Yuto loves, he loves genuinely and hard. He is sincere and would show his feelings with much ease and clarity.

But within the house Yuto’s warm-hearted self would also obligate him to do good for others and help those in need, no matter how gruesome the task, he’d do anything to please others just for the sake of bringing them happiness even if it’s just for a moment. He would pretty much take the initiative in resolving the problems of others.

He would see to it to grant others wishes, even if murdering was involved.

Tate Langdon wasn’t a family guy, except for his younger sister Adelaide. In Yuto’s case, family isn’t the first thing he thinks about when waking up or going to sleep, he is independent and would spend most of his time not only in the murder house in which he died in but more so with his lover.

With his arrogance and stubbornness he would very easily ignore and detach himself from his promiscuous mother. He could appreciate the fact that his mother was seeking help for his disturbing dreams/past but truth be told he much preferred and enjoyed spending time with his psychiatrist’s daughter.

Because just for once, he could feel genuine happiness and mental stability. For him, love was a much greater thing than accepting the fact that he was after all, the ghost of a murderer.

[wazafam]

Every sign in the zodiac has a dark side. Although most people spend a lifetime trying to improve or hide it, it is also fun to watch villains embracing their worst flaws and often stealing the scene. The villains are an essential part of Barbie movies, and it is easy to assume which signs of the zodiac they are based on their behavior.

RELATED:  10 Best Movies About Fictional Characters Coming To Life

The antagonists in Barbie movies tend to be over the top, which highlights some of their traits. Each villain has different goals, motivations, and a specific way of dealing with situations. Which Barbie villain would you be based on your zodiac sign?

12 The Mouse King - Aries

People born under the sign of Aries are impulsive and like the feeling of being in control. They change their mind quickly and might struggle to keep their promises.

The Mouse King, the main villain in Barbie in the Nutcracker, is a typical Aries character. He is vengeful and enjoys controlling people in the kingdom. He starts the movie as the royal adviser of the king. When the king dies, the Mouse is responsible for keeping the magic scepter until the prince is old enough to become a king. However, the Mouse felt very comfortable with the new position and decided to become the new king, himself.

11 Agent Dubanr: Taurus

People born under the Taurus sign love to work and enjoy the best money can afford. They tend to have a classic fashion style and they never give up when they want something.

When the public sees Agent Dunbar in Barbie: Spy Squad, he seems to have all the qualities of a person born under the sign of Taurus. The agent is always wearing an impeccable suit, and he is also responsible and takes his job seriously. However, agent Dunbar also has other Taurus traits, such as being greedy and stubborn. His main goal is to take over the spy agency and control the world.

10 Crystal: Gemini

Gemini are outgoing, communicative and they love being around people, especially if they are the center of attention. However, those born under this sign can also be toxic and spread rumors about people only to deny it when confronted.

RELATED: The Walking Dead: Which Villain Are You, Based On Your Zodiac Sign?

Crystal, the villain in Barbie: Princess Charm School, seems to embrace all those traits. At first, she looks like a gentle fairy who would never hurt anyone, but it doesn't take long until the public finds out the truth. Crystal doesn't hold back to have what she wants, even if it involves lying and cheating on other people.

9 Queen Ariana: Cancer

People born under the sign of Cancer are sensitive and will always put family first, which are often excellent traits. However, this sign can also be manipulative, pushy, and dramatic. Queen Ariana, the antagonist in The Island Princess, is a good example.

Queen Ariana always uses her family to conquering what she wants. In the movie, she wants her daughter to marry Prince Antonio. When a girl named Ro falls in love with the prince and is about to ruin her plans, the public see her most cruel and manipulative side.

8 Poppy Reardon: Leo

People born under the sign of Taurus love being the center of attention. They always want to be under the spotlight, and they love to show off everything they achieve in life. Poppy Reardon, the main villain in Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures, has all those traits.

Poppy doesn't hold back to kick out her neighbors since she feels they steal her spotlight. Leos tend to care a lot about appearances and what people think about them, so it is not a surprise when Poppy manipulates a reporter to be the cover of a magazine as the Family of the Year. However, their relationship is far away from perfect and she often bullies her son.

7 Tammy: Virgo

People born under the sign of Virgo are the most perfectionist in the zodiac. They are extremely organized and will always do things well done. Of course, they will always stand out among the crowd thanks to their hard work. Virgos are often among the best students in the class and will collect prizes along the way. It is impossible to ignore the hard work of people born under the sign of Virgo.

Tammy, a villain in Barbie: Dreamhouse Adventures, embraces all those features. She does everything well done and is always the best in everything until Barbie shows up. That is when the public finds out that she can't stand the feeling of being in second place and tries to put Barbie down.

6 Baron Von Ravendale: Libra

People born under the sign of Libra are known for being fair and great advisors. They are also ambitious, and they often believe they deserve to be in the highest positions, which is not a problem as long as they play fair.

Baron Von Ravendale, the antagonist in Barbie in Princess Power, is an example of that. He starts the movie as the wisest advisor of the kingdom. As most people born under the sign of Libra, he is seen as faithful and reliable. However, his secret ambition of ruling the kingdom makes him have evil plans to achieve his goals.

5 Gothel: Scorpio

People born under the sign of Scorpio are mysterious, seductive and they don't forgive easily. Gothel. The antagonist in Barbie as Rapunzel embraces all those traits. The villain kidnaps Rapunzel when she was a baby and locks her in a tower. Gothel is full of secrets, and Rapunzel discovers many things about the woman who raised her.

RELATED:  Power Rangers: 4 Heroes Fans Hated (& 6 Villains They Loved)

In the final moments, Gothel reveals she was Rapunzel's father's former lover. Scorpio people are the most vindictive in the zodiac, but Gothel took it to the next level and dedicated her whole existence to her evil schemes.

4 Princess Malucia: Sagittarius

Sagittarius is often extravagant, has a great sense of humor, and doesn't take things seriously. Princess Malucia, the antagonist in Barbie and the Secret Door, seems to have many characteristics of Sagittarius.

Princess Malucia has a unique sense of style, and her outfits never go unnoticed. She takes over the kingdom and steals the power of other creatures, but she seems to have a lot of fun while doing it. Like most people who are born under the Sagittarius sign, she is exaggerated and wants everything she does to be epic.

3 Preminger: Capricorn

Preminger is the antagonist in Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper, and the villain has many characteristics of Capricorn. People born under the Capricorn sign are ambitious and rational; they often enjoy money, and they always have a plan to achieve their goals in life.

Although those are great qualities, they can become harmful when there are no limits. Preminger is an example of that. The villain wanted to rule the kingdom by marrying a royal. Preminger does everything to achieve his goals, including planning to steal the kingdom's gold supply. He always has an evil plan to achieve his goals.

2 Snow Queen: Aquarius

The Snow Queen, the antagonist in  Barbie in the Pink Shoes, aims to have more power and rule the ballet world. It is difficult to know what the villain is thinking, but she always has a plan due to her quiet personality. The queen doesn't show much affection for anyone and also shows some arrogance.

This character can represent some of the worst traits of Aquarius. People born under this sign struggle to show affection, and, despite their quiet looks, they are always planning something. They are not sociable people and can look arrogant because of that.

1 Odile: Pieces

Odile is a secondary villain in Barbie of Swan Lake and teamed up with her father to turn Odette (Barbie) into a swan. Odile has a complex relationship with her father, and they don't get along all the time. She is also shallow and becomes moody when things are not exactly as she wants.

Odile has many treats of Pieces, such as her relationship with her father. The young villain also struggles to accept reality in many moments. People born under this sign can underestimate their rivals, like Odile did with Odette.

NEXT:  The Swan Princess: Each Character Ranked By Likability.

Which Barbie Villain Are You, According To Your Zodiac? from https://ift.tt/33ZOfRG

[kalinara]

As I said in my last post, one of my biggest complaints about fandom discussion about Rip Hunter is how it always resorts to easily debunked accusations rather than an honest and interesting discussion about the man’s ACTUAL flaws.

Rip is a complicated guy.  He has a lot of flaws.  That’s part of what makes him interesting.  Unfortunately, since I generally end up finding myself motivated to defend the guy from baseless accusations, I never really get around to talking about what I think his flaws actually are.

So this is my list of what I, as a biased Rip fan, see as Rip Hunter’s primary flaws.  (This is by no means exclusive, by the way.)

1.  Rip Hunter is single-focused.  This can be a strength and a flaw.  But the fact of the matter is that when Rip has a goal in mind, he tends to ignore other people that can be helped, other good that can be done and thoughtlessly puts himself and other people at considerable, and sometimes unnecessary, risk.

2.  Rip Hunter is secretive and dishonest.  Rip is a funny guy when it comes to honesty.  He seems to be a pretty terrible liar, and any time he does overtly lie to the team, it comes out within the same episode.  But that doesn’t generally stop him from trying.  Even at times when the lie is less useful than the truth.  (For example, the crew probably would have been more inclined to help rather than less, if he’d openly admitted that his own family had died at Savage’s hands.)

Rip is far better, however, at lying by omission.  The man keeps a LOT of secrets and a good many of those secrets directly impact the team and their safety.  The team had the right to know about the spear of destiny, or at least that it was likely to make the mission they’d signed on for more dangerous.  Sara had the right to know about Laurel’s death long before she actually found out.

3.  Related to #2: Rip does not trust his team.  I think he wants to trust them, and certainly, he wouldn’t have recruited them for either mission if he didn’t trust them on some level.  But the fact of the matter is that most of Rip’s suffering in season two was absolutely unnecessary and brought about, primarily, because Rip never chose to share his burden with the team.

If the team had known about the spear, or at least that Rip was protecting part of an artifact from people who’d stop at nothing to get it, then it’s possible they could have helped him.  He might not have had to lobotomize himself.  He might not have fallen into Eobard’s hands.  And it might not have been so catastrophic that the only person who had any idea of where the spear pieces were ended up under Eobard’s control.

4.  Rip makes unilateral decisions for the team.  This connects to 2 and 3 of course.  Possibly, it’s all the same flaw in the end.  Rip does most of what he does with noble intentions, but the fact of the matter is that he generally doesn’t consult them first.  ESPECIALLY when he gets it in his head to try to protect them.

Rip freaks out after Snart’s death and abandons the team in 2016, with no discussion and no closure or choice.

Rip decides to fly the last meteor piece into the sun, risking his own life in the process (and possibly stranding the team in 2033, though I doubt he was thinking about that), again without consulting the team.

Rip scatters the team to protect them from the nuclear blast, again, without consultation.  It’s very likely that, had they known what was at stake, most of the team would have wanted to stay on board.

Similarly, Rip decides to lobotomize himself without even Gideon’s input (going so far as to shut her down temporarily so she can’t stop him.)

Rip means well, in each of these situations, but the fact of the matter is that he owes them the right to make these decisions for themselves.  They deserve to know what he’s prioritizing and why, what dangers he’s expecting, and to have a say in their own fate.

5.  Rip is somewhat judgmental.  Especially early on in season one.  He had a clear idea of who (he thought) the team was, and why he was recruiting them.  There were certain characters that he was pretty quick to get along with: Sara, Martin, Jax, Kendra, even Ray to some extent.  And then of course there was Snart and Rory.  One of the quieter themes of the first half of season one involved Rip having to re-evaluate his initial thoughts on each team member, as he realized that Martin was more idealistic and rebellious than expected, that Sara and Kendra had their uncontrollable berserker qualities, that Leonard Snart actually did care about (some) people on the team, and so on and so forth.  And of course, this ended up coming to a head with Mick Rory.

6.  Rip is hot-tempered and emotional which gets in the way of his good sense.  A LOT.  I maintain that the Marooned confrontation was provoked, and NOT by Rip, but that still doesn’t excuse his harsh reaction.  Or the stupidity of having it out while being prisoners on an enemy-controlled ship!

I always get amused when I see Rip characterized as cold in fanfics, because I think the show gives us a character who is the exact opposite.  And that’s where he tends to fuck up.  Rip burns hot.  He’s impulsive.  He has a temper.  And we’ve seen him, more than once, disrupt his OWN plans because of guilt or altruism or anger.  

He had a grand total of ONE workable plan against Savage, which he tossed out the window to get Carter’s body back.  He knew that he was going to be leaving the team very soon, but had to explode into a temperamental lecture about everything they’d done wrong.  He couldn’t follow through with killing Savage, the one time that it was actually fool-proof because his conscience got in the way.  And so on and so forth.

Hell, even his capture by the Legion kind of fits this, because it’s pretty clear that whatever his post-Time Drive lobotomy plans ACTUALLY were, they didn’t involve Phil Gasmer stupidly jumping out into an ambush, getting captured, getting his tooth extracted, and then having his backup mind drive re-written.

Honestly, I doubt that Rip Hunter has ever made a cold, clear-headed, unclouded-by-emotion decision in his life.  And if he had, he fucked it up about three minutes later in a fit of pique.

7. Rip is stubborn and arrogant.

This is a pretty consistent character trait.  Rip is a Time Master and knows he’s a Time Master, and as mentioned, wasn’t particularly inclined to consult with the group.  Often times, he’s right.  He does generally have a superior knowledge base than most of the rest of the team.  But then we have situations like River of Time, where Rip’s insistence that he had piloted the Waverider for thirteen years and knew what she could do, exploded pretty royally in their faces.   

Rip’s trust in the Time Masters overall is a pretty good example of this.  It was somewhat understandable in White Knights, even though he ignored Mick’s realization that Druce had set up an obvious trap.  By River of Time, there was no reason to expect that they’d be dealt with fairly.

His handling of Sara’s issues in Star City highlighted this arrogance too.  He was dead set in the way that he was looking at the issue and refused to consider her side.  He was, at least, smart enough, and cared enough, to wait for her longer than he promised.  But it was a good thing that Martin talked sense into him when he did.

8. Rip is ridiculously self-destructive.

I don’t really think I have to elaborate on this one.  Do I?  Just watch like ANY episode of the show that features Rip.  Yeesh.

9.  Rip is A SOCIAL TRAINWRECK.

I mean, really, does this need an explanation?  The man is pretty much incapable of anything resembling a normal social interaction with anyone!  I think the closest thing we’ve seen to a casual conversation with anyone who wasn’t Gideon was with Doctor Mid-Nite right before he killed him!

His general social interactions with people he actually LIKES seems to be: make unilateral decision, apologize, get punched in the face, apologize again, move on.

Honestly, I think the only character who’s ever gotten anything personal about the guy that didn’t directly have to do with whatever disaster was directly at hand was Jax, when Rip revealed his candy preferences.  

There are some implications, I think, that he was pretty friendly with Mid-Nite and Commander Steel in the JSA.  At least there are implications that he actually did discuss some personal matters such as his family and his concern about the Time Masters.  But they were still pretty formal with each other.

Presumably, he managed some kind of positive social interaction with Miranda and Jonah.  But then, Miranda was from the same fucked up society and thus likely had the same frame of reference.  And Jonah...well, he was pretty quick to forgive Rip in the end, which probably implies he’s used to Rip being fucking weird.  Also, remember how he came back to the ship after being rescued in Outlaw Country and only once inside did he go “where’s Rip?”  Like he actually expected the guy to be hiding in his office AGAIN.  

And to round it out to an even 10.  Rip is a TERRIBLE LEADER.

Bluntly speaking, he is.  He was from the pilot onward.  He’s known from day one that he cannot control any of these people.  He’s never been willing to take any steps necessary to control any of these people.  He doesn’t even try to manage tempers, or rein in idealism.  He doesn’t try to forge emotional connections with the crew, or maybe clear the air with the people that he clashes with the most BEFORE things explode horribly.

He seems to do well enough in field missions or pitched battles, when he’s right there, they’re all in the thick of it, and there’s a very clear objective.  But as soon as it gets to a more general mission, when people go off on their own, he’s sunk.

So, there you go.  Ten flaws.  I could probably expand that list farther pretty easily.  Rip’s actual flaws are part of what makes him such an interesting character, which is why it gets so frustrating when people are lazy critics, and resort to blatant misrepresentations instead.

[lavellenchanted]

Which Hogwarts House would you sort the following Jane Austen characters into?! Catherine Morland, Henry Tilney, Emma Woodhouse, George Knightley, Jane Fairfax, Elinor Dashwood, Edward Ferrars, Marianne Dashwood, Colonel Brandon, Elizabeth Bennet, Fitzwilliam Darcy, Anne Elliot, Frederick Wentworth, Jane Bennet and Charles Bingley? And how would you rank all the Austen novels from your personal favorite to least favorite?! I love reading your thoughts :)

Ooooh, okay, this is hard. Sorting’s one of those things that, with a few exceptions, I tend to find difficult to be certain with because there are so many different ways of interpreting characters that there’s generally a lot of overlap between Houses. But I would lead towards:

Catherine Morland - Ravenclaw. She’s curious and inquisitive, and has a very active and creative imagination that tends to run away with her. She also values being informed and knowing things, and hates being viewed as ignorant. I think she has a strong ‘Puff streak as well, she’s a loyal and fair person, but the way she views the world through the lens of a storyteller tips her over to Ravenclaw for me.

Henry Tilney - Ravenclaw. He’s a difficult one because it’s so hard to tell when he’s being serious and when he’s being sarcastic and ironic, but he’s keen on intellectual pursuits, reading both history books and novels, and tries to help educate Catherine about the world and guide her through it. I think where she’s the more bright-eyed, optimistic dreamer kind of ‘Claw, Tilney’s the slightly more jaded, scholarly kind.

Emma Woodhouse - Slytherin. I find Emma easier than others, I think she’s very firmly Slytherin. She values the traditions of nobility, is very loyal to a close circle of friends, and she’s cunning and resourceful in the pursuit of what she wants. And her biggest flaw is her arrogance and belief in her own rightness, which I think is also a very Slytherin flaw. 

George Knightley - Hufflepuff. Knightley’s the model of good and moral behaviour in Emma, and his primary concern is treating other people kindly and fairly. He’s kind to Miss Bates and Mr Woodhouse, and he’s most upset with Emma when in her attempts to be clever she forgets to care about other people and ends up hurting them. But despite that he’s unfailingly loyal to Emma.

Jane Fairfax - Hufflepuff. Jane’s another hard one because there’s so little real attention directed to her and it’s only very late in the novel that she starts to open up, but I would suggest Hufflepuff primarily because of her loyalty to Frank, keeping the engagement secret, even when doing so would appear to harm her prospects. Given how many accomplishments she has, I’d also think she’s very hardworking.

Elinor Dashwood - Hufflepuff. Elinor is driven by her sense of duty and loyalty - to her family, working hard to take care of all the practicalities that rest of them tend to forget, and to Edward, when she keeps the secret of his engagement to Lucy Steele. 

Edward Ferrars - Hufflepuff. Edward’s also driven by a strong sense of obligation and duty, to the point of his own detriment - he tries to follow his mother’s wishes, and won’t break his word to Lucy. I think part of the reason he feels a bit lost at the beginning of the novel as well is because he wants a purpose, something to work for. 

Marianne Dashwood - Gryffindor. She’s headstrong and passionate, and values people who are bold and wilful. She goes charging into everything headfirst, but without any guile or cunning driving her, just her own impulsiveness and idealism.

Colonel Brandon - Gryffindor. The key traits that he demonstrates for me are honour and chivalry, and he’s very intent on trying to set things right and do the right thing. He also has a passionate and headstrong nature as he comes to reveal, but he’s just learnt to keep his temper in check.

Elizabeth Bennet - Ravenclaw. I go back and forth a lot with Lizzy, but what always strikes me is that I think she prides herself on being intelligent and witty and understanding people, and she suffers her biggest crisis when she realises she’s misjudged Darcy and Wickham and, by extension, doesn’t really know herself - she hates realising that she let her pride lead her to be wilfully partial and close-minded.

Fitzwilliam Darcy - Slytherin. Darcy’s another one I struggle with, but overall I think he leans more towards Slytherin. He has a strong sense of tradition and status, as he very inelegantly expresses to Lizzy when he proposes. He’s dedicated to the people he cares about, and is very cunning and ruthless in his determination to look out for them and help them, and to achieve what he wants.

Anne Elliot - Hufflepuff. Anne is loyal to an absolute fault - her arc in the book is learning to overcome her instinct to self-sacrifice and put the desires of the people she cares about over her own. She’s loyal, patient, level-headed and hardworking.

Frederick Wentworth - Gryffindor. Wentworth’s definitely a brave, chivalrous characters. He judges Anne very harshly for what he perceives to be a kind of cowardice in breaking their engagement and not following her heart, and he is himself very headstrong and is guided by principles and what he believes to be the right thing.

Jane Bennet - Hufflepuff. Jane is the archetypal sweet-tempered, gentle kind of Hufflepuff. She wants to be fair and not to judge anyone harshly, is kind and forgiving, but also speaks her mind, is loyal and dedicated and has a strong sense of right and wrong. 

Charles Bingley - Gryffindor. I’ve seen a lot of people sort him into Hufflepuff, but to me his easy-going, friendly nature strike me as far more Gryff. He’s very open and cheerful, a little bit flighty and uncertain of himself, but with a strong moral compass and generous nature. 

As for my the novels, I love them all but I think I’d go:

Persuasion

Pride and Prejudice

Northanger Abbey

Emma

Sense and Sensibility

Mansfield Park

It’s not meant to be critical of any of them, it’s just personal taste in terms of how much I enjoy the stories, the characters and the dynamics that are showcased, so if I only had my Austen books and was re-reading them all again it would probably be in that order. 

[therewas-a-girl]

What do u like about Wildqueen?

Anon i love that u asked me this question (i cant sleep so this is great).

Rene is ex military; he was dishonorably discharged for doing sth morally questionable because of something he believed he had to get done. He regrets that deeply (though im not sure he regrets what he did as much as the results of it), as seen in the episode after he was tortured, and he is haunted by his failures , which he sees as a sort of chain that make up his life.

now, thea knows how that feels. She would be able to relate to the discipline, to the dedication that might be ingrained into someone from a military background. and also to bending of general morals to get shit done and/or compromising herself and her integrity for something. (Because she did go with Merlyn, compromising herself cause she wanted to be stronger) I don’t think she would hold what he did against him, or judge him; nor would he hold it against her that she did sth very daring to get control of her life again.

Both Rene and Thea tried doing good with what they were left with, after their failures/tragedies/disappointments. Here is where Rene and Thea might have interesting discussions though, because the WHY of this varies for them. Thea’s morality is much more fluid than Rene’s, I feel. Rene seems to have the whole ‘this is right and this is wrong’ thing going on, while Thea seems more of a ‘this is right for now cause it gets the job done or works for me’ kinda girl. (she has limits obviously) She is not really a joiner or a by-the-system kind, while Rene was military. [what could have possibly prompted a man with such contempt for anyone telling him what to do, to join the military? maybe he was running away from something  - his family situation  - and saw the military as his only escape?] I don’t think he really like being within a structure that tells u what to do, though he could have made friends and found a family of his own there. After his discharge and what prompted it, its also just as probably that he is very disappointed/disillusioned by it. (Personally i doubt that he likes being part of a hierarchy because he has serious authority issues which thea shares and in both cases it stems from parental abuse). Anyway i just know that when it comes to why they do the stuff they do, or why he does and she stopped, those two could have some interesting conversations.

Not to mention that they both would totally relate to each other when it comes to the fuckton of trauma they have been through. Just once i would like to see someone react humanly - as in, the way I do, not the way arrow characters react to fucked up shit that happens to that - to what Thea has been through. I mean, can u imagine? Rene would lose his shit if he knew that

‘yeah i was stabbed through the heart with a sword and almost died and then took a dip into a magic hottub and then got super bloodthirty and THEN ALMOST DIED AGAIN FROM THAT SAME WOUND". ‘u were stabbed.’'Yeah’'Through the chest’'Yup’'By an actual sword? ’*a beat* 'what kind of fucktard psycho uses a sword? ’'oh u would be so surprised. Actually thats bad. With the kind of record the team has, u need to learn to handle one.’'A sword? o_O R u shittting me??’'I shit u not’'Wait wait wait. You took a dip into this pit and now youre like… alive. ’'Yeah’'…dude… thats way weirder than im prepared to handle.’'I KNOW RIGHT!!! ’

(Idk what that up there is, ignore it. Itbsounds more like me talking to thea 😂)

Rene is instinctively protective of those that he percives as needing protection. He went against olivers orders to help a little girl who was in danger in the II ep; because he probably didnt even think about what the Green Arrow would say or do to him. But he also treated Evelyn as an equal and never babied her. (Cause arrow forgot she was a kid but anyway). Thea would most definitely apriciate that and also find it highly refreshing after olivers constant worrying about her and malcolm taking away her agency at every point.

Not to mention that Rene is exactly the kind of dude to find Thea’s ability to kick his ass with one hand behind her back incandescently hot. U gotta respect a guy who respects and is turned on by female power.

He fights hard for what he wants - he is determined and Thea would respect that cause so is she.

Also notice how he always kept his flirting very casual, never pushy never putting anything on her, mostly fun. Cause thats a good point in his favour and would be in Thea’s books too. And how she dismisses him but in a kinda half amused half annoyed way. Its rather hilarious. And i love that despite her shooting him down he never gets bitter about it. Those two times he just kept on smiling. I bet their flirting would be so agressively playful.

He is very observant (as far as I’ve noticed he is the only one that brings in the evidence for felicity) and im thinking he is very good at noticing when ppl change patterns of behavior. he didnt realize what the change meant in Evelyn, in terms of emotions, but he was able to pinpoint exactly /when/ it had happened: after they learned oliver was a the Hood. —> Thea is super smart emotionally and has this amazing radar about when ppl’s *feelings* shift. Oliver and moira never fooled her with their 'were gonna pretend for theas sake’ shtick. She didnt know why but she knew sth is up. That’s great material there. Id be willing to explore that. The good and the bad. The way they might pick up on each other’s moods, tendencies. Good and bad days. The different ways they would notice stuff about each other: Rene by noticing when she does things differently, when she deviates from her routine. Thea noticing when he is angry or happy or annoyed about something, learning how to associate his expressions with his feelings. The two of them baffling each other on how they notice these little things that the other wouldn’t think to notice about anyone, or that they didn’t think anyone noticed about them.

It’s fun to think about.

Rene is exeptionally straightforward and honest. Thea would love that about him. Both would speak their mind frankly to each other since neither is more sensitive than the other.

Rene seems to concentrate on things he does well - mostly physical stuff, stuff with his hands (i noticed this in the crosover. While the nerds were doing their own thing rene was calmly sitting down doing his own thing, handling his weapons i think). He’s probably a kinetic learner, like Oliver. And is very comfortable around ppl who do well with their own things, which Rene might have no idea how to do. I just mean that he is comfortable in his own skin and isnt threatened by other people's power or inteligence. (That moment when Felicity delegated to him and Rory to do that analysis thing, and Rene was totally chill admitting he had no idea what felicity had been talking about and that he Rory and Curtis were the smart ones). And this brings me back to Thea being absolutely charmed by this kind of quality because Rene can manage to be sure in himself without being arrogant.

Also circles back to him loving that he can actually learn stuff from her, fighting-wise. And that would really boost Thea’s selfconfidence because i can just see Rene being flirty about it at first and then surprising her by taking her very seriously and truly wanting to learn.  And in turn she would be a good teacher because though not always the most sensitive, Thea is patient. She would love it that he is sure in himself that he would think nothing of asking her to teach him. And that he respects her and her skill to want to learn from her. Something that nobody has asked her before. And in turn, she would notice that he is an amazing team player and that she can actually play off of him when it comes to having a laugh or teasing the other team members cause theyre both sich little shits. (im also thinking that Rene’s specialty in the field would be recon - because he is so good that noticing when the environment changes, and keep track of patters and routes and stuff like that)

Rene was physically abused by his father. Thea was psycologically abused by hers. They would be able to regognise each others hurts and false-steps naturally and it would add another layer of understanding to their relationship but also a kind of tenderness and protectiveness for each other. I feel like neither of them is much of a cudler in the traditional sense of the word but they would be able to understand each others need for affection and the occasional fear of it. I mean - their scars are symetrical in some way so they would understand each others impulses a lot better than most have before them.

Despite his history tho, rene loves kids and seems hopeful about having kids (abused children will tell u that growing up into that kind of person takes strength and most certaily, goodness), which tells me that there is a lot of hope inside that man. Thea seems to be struggling to grasp onto some kind of hope, for a normal life, a normal self, something to give her meaning. They could help each other find that hope within themselves. Rene could have a positive thing or two to share with thea even, since she is more of a stark realist while rene seems to be more positive.

He is so fucking upbeat about things he actually enjoys. Like the christmass sock that evelyn gave him. Remember that smile? How eager he was and how he tore into that gift - that was precious and so pure, in the real sense of the word, not the tumblr one. I think even after all hes seen rene - and i think this is his best character trait - still has that boyish wonder intact. What makes him an idealist no matter how hard he protects himself with that jaded attitude. Hes not jaded - hes pragmatic and has issues.

And thea, oh my god, she needs someone who can really just have fun with her again. Someone who would delight in having a good time, who would love to laugh with her. Who would teach her how to see the wonderous and the joyous in the world again because i think she is having such a hard time this year. (Im very suspitious of the extreme change she has made from last year to this year and how stubborly she clings to this new status quo. Not that she shouldnt want to get away from the violence - that is an a+ reasoning for her. But her stubborness to keep away feels like fear. And i want to know what she isafraid of and why. Why she doubts herself) Im not at all convinced she is doing as well as she fronts and even if she is, she seems so serious all the time. She used to love parties - not the drug and alcohol kind but the 'together with my family and friends’ kind and rene dies too. They would have the most outrageous christmass ever. Thea would totally spoil him with all these eccentric gifts that are rpobably super inner jokes between them and rene would have a blast decorating the tree with her.

The fights would probably be very explosive cause theyre both hotheaded ppl and where thea can admit she was wrong, rene would need a little more work but im willing to bet that it wouldnt be so hard in the face of someone he loves and considers equal to himself (it was harder for him to apologise to oliver cause its a power thing and a dick measuring thing and a pride thing - elements that would be a non issue cause there would be no such disparities with thea)

Theyre also both very physical ppl and very expressive ppl so im guessing sex would be such fun for them and theyd love to try new things and just go for whatever they want.

Look i could go on. But these are all the surface level stuff i could think of. Im sure there is more. For the most part, what got me into thinking i could rly like the idea of them is the fact that around her, rene is a total goofball (i just love how sincere he is in his admiration without once seeming creepy) - i like seeing him like that and i would love to see thea laugh more. I just think they could be good to each otherband that there is a story there.

[ms-m-astrologer]

Flying off the Handle

The 2017 Cardinal Sign Mess

A refresher, first, on the “Cardinal T-Square/Grand Cross.” The t-square portion is comprised of outer planets Jupiter/Libra opposite Uranus-Eris/Aries, all square Pluto/Capricorn.

Astrologer Bil Tierney, in his excellent book Dynamics of Aspect Analysis, wrote extensively about different aspect patterns. “The opposition involved (in a t-square),” he said, “suggests the need to develop greater objectivity and considerate awareness of the rights and needs of others.” This is fairly easily discernible in our current Jupiter/Libra opposite Uranus-Eris/Aries situation: Jupiter here can represent an out-of-touch elite, while Uranus and Eris are the angry hordes.

Tierney continues, “The apex planet that squares this opposition can intensify such matters and often indicates the nature of frustrations, blockages, habitual insecurities, and defensive reactions originating within the individual himself that instigates such relationship awareness.” We have an apex Pluto/Capricorn to contend with. According to Tierney, “In a Cardinal T-Square, apex Pluto indicates an individual who is an intensely self-driven individualist, but often a loner who doesn’t integrate with others easily…. This person can have a chip-on-the-shoulder attitude that makes cooperation with others almost impossible at times. His natural take-over inclinations make it psychologically difficult for him to willingly share power, or relinquish it to another without at least feeling an acute sense of resentment or even open contempt.”

And doesn’t that perfectly describe the powers that be, in the US anyway.

T-squares in Cardinal signs, Tierney tells us, are “normally the most invigorating and extroverted of them all…. Life for those with this invigorating configuration may seem like one circumstantial crisis after another.” (No kidding.) We have these experiences because we’re supposed to learn “greater self-discipline, inner timing, outer patience, and a general sense of thoroughness and organization.” He cautions, “It is especially important if Mars, Jupiter, or Uranus is involved in this T-Square … that the individual learns as early in his life as possible to observe restraint and see the value of respecting his personal limitations.”

Since late January, Vesta retrograde in Cancer has joined in on the fun, turning the t-square into a grand cross. Vesta being a Lady Asteroid, and therefore slightly more “personal” in expression than those outer planets, I’ve noticed that as 2017 unfolds, stress levels have indeed gotten more “personal” for everyone. “Because of emotional hypersensitivity, alienation can occur through withdrawal in order to gain protection from the real or imagined harshness of others,” explains Demetra George (in Asteroid Goddesses). All we want to do is hide beneath our bed covers.

Tierney describes Cardinal grand crosses as having an “energetic, vigorous, on-the-go nature” which stir us “into taking quick but sometimes poorly planned action.” Furthermore, “the two oppositions denote (that) others will present him with the challenge of learning to be more self-controlled, reliable, and conscientious.”

These oppositions (for us, Jupiter to Uranus-Eris, Vesta to Pluto) “warn that cooperation and consideration of others are critical determinants of ultimate success in fulfilling personal objectives. He has to first learn to willingly share himself in the activities of others and cultivate sociability before he can expect to have others assist him with his immediate goals. By learning to harness his tremendous energy reserves and by applying more commonsense in his actions, the individual can avoid the usual pitfalls of this Grand Square (which are impetuousity, reckless moves, bad timing, over-assertion, and head-on conflicts with others. Accident-proneness may also be indicated due to thoughtless impulsiveness … especially if Mars and/or Uranus compose part of the configuration).”

I want to add that the Cardinal signs, by far, are the most manipulative. They want what they want, and if Aries taking direct action doesn’t achieve their goals, they start conniving. Also: astrologer Isabel Hickey, taught that “squares and oppositions in Cardinal signs are faults and unlearned lessons of the previous life.” My own sneaking suspicion is that our 2017 t-square/grand cross shows the consequences of mishandling 2016’s delusional, underhanded, and deceptive Jupiter/Virgo - Saturn/Sagittarius - Neptune/Pisces t-square.

None of those outer planets are particularly known for their speed, and (consequently) we have at least the t-square to cope with through the summer. Vesta retrograde isn’t exactly swift, either, and she’ll “fill in” that t-square’s missing leg through early April. The energy can be described as “hanging over our heads” like the sword of Damocles; we need transits from the faster-moving planets to trigger/activate the action.

Since it’s transits we need, it’s transits we’re about to get. Mars (anger, aggression, impatience) currently struts through Aries, and will begin to make conjunctions, squares, or oppositions to all the players in this mess. Even better, transiting Sun (ego) and transiting Mercury (mouth), travelling through Pisces, will make semisquares and sesquiquadrates to everything. Finally, transiting Moon will get involved on February 22 and 26, and March 1.

Transiting Mars is the most frightening, of course, as its hair-trigger temper and overwhelming rage are emphasized. Moving through its own sign, its natural inclination to fly off the handle at the slightest provocation, real or imagined, is enabled. Steven Forrest (in The Changing Sky) describes a “backfiring” Mars transit: “Frozen by fear, awareness turns to self-destruction or to pointless attacks on targets which are both extraneous and relatively defenseless.” In simpler terms, it bullies.

We can compare an awry Mars with a physician attempting to cure the symptom rather than the disease, too. There’s usually some underlying “thing” which infuriates us, when Mars triggers/is triggered - and that “thing” is too scary for us to face. Take your natal Mars position into consideration “to recognize the true target of our rage or frustrated assertiveness,” in Forrest’s words. “Questions like these guide us through Martial times, but only if we have the courage to ask them. Otherwise, ego either implodes into depression and a sense of ‘being a victim,’ or it explodes into ignorant, arrogant, cowardly destructiveness.”

Compared with Mars, the semisquares and sesquiquads made by the Sun (ego, pride, selfishness) and Mercury (mouthiness) aren’t remotely as frightening or ominous. What they show, I think, are the occasions which would light the very short Martian fuse. They both are transiting Pisces during this time, and the “unskillful” Piscean traits of indecision, vagueness, delusion, indolence, gullibility, and escapism will manifest in our self-expression (Sun) and in the way we think and speak (Mercury).

As astrologers Jessica Murray and Bil Herbst in particular suggest, this crap has been a long time coming, and won’t vanish overnight. We’re in for a lot of hard work. April will be another difficult month, as the faster-moving Sun, Mercury, and Venus zip through the sign, triggering the Cardinal Grand Cross. Late June and early July, and mid-August through early October (when Jupiter enters Scorpio) are also times of particular volatility.

What can we, as individuals, do? We can look at our charts and determine how we can best contribute to solving the problem, and then go DO IT. And not as individuals - we need to ally ourselves with like-minded people and work together.

The following list of nasty aspects looks so daunting that I almost didn’t include it. But, forewarned is forearmed, right? I’ll be addressing them individually as they happen, in the daily forecasts.

Monday, February 20, Sun/Pisces semisquare Mars/Aries Tuesday, February 21, Sun/Pisces semisquare Pluto/Capricorn Wednesday, February 22, Mars/Aries square Pluto/Capricorn Wednesday, February 22, Jupiter Rx/Libra opposite Eris/Aries Thursday, February 23, Sun/Pisces sesquiquad Vesta Rx/Cancer Friday, February 24, Mars/Aries square Vesta Rx/Cancer Saturday, February 25, Sun/Pisces sesquiquad Jupiter Rx/Libra Saturday, February 25, Sun/Pisces semisquare Eris/Aries Sunday, February 26, Mars/Aries conjunct Uranus/Aries Monday, February 27, Mars/Aries opposite Jupiter Rx/Libra Monday, February 27, Mars/Aries conjunct Eris/Aries Monday, February 27, Mercury/Pisces semisquare Pluto/Capricorn Tuesday, February 28, Mercury/Pisces sesquiquad Vesta Rx/Cancer Wednesday, March 1, Mercury/Pisces semisquare Uranus/Aries Wednesday, March 1, Mercury/Pisces sesquiquad Jupiter Rx/Libra Wednesday, March 1, Mercury/Pisces semisquare Eris/Aries Thursday, March 2, Jupiter Rx/Libra opposite Uranus/Aries Friday, March 3, Mercury/Pisces semisquare Mars/Aries