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forsakenoathkeeper · 3 years ago

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I Am Alive (chapter 30/?)

Chapter 30: Where the Skies End

Deviant!Connor[RK800] x (fem!)Reader Rated M(18+) for canon-typical violence and gore, medical procedures, and graphic sexual content

Chapters: 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 • 11 • 12 • 13 • 14 • 15 • 16 • 17 • 18 • 19 • 20 • 21 • 22 • 23 • 24 • 25 • 26 • 27 • 28 • 29 • 30 • more coming soon

[ You can also read on AO3 ]

Unsurprisingly, and much to your frustration, Connor had finished the move without you. There might not have been much left to move at that point; but, it was your stuff at a house that you rented, and not Connor's responsibility in the slightest.

But, there was no telling the android that, and you knew that he would have been well equipped with plenty of reasons as to why he could handle the rest of the move alone: you needed rest, he didn't require sleep, etc, etc.

When you stepped off the elevator into the android's - and now your - apartment, Connor had a look on his face, as if you had come home for the first time in years. You had only spent a week at Hank's place, and only a day and some odd hours at the hospital prior to that, and Connor had been nearly inseparable from you the entire time; yet, it felt like ages since you had been here.

It was only then that the weight of your near death experience became apparent. Before, your life, or the loss of it, wouldn't have impacted anyone else. It was just you in that little house, trying to make a living, picking up the pieces of a war and watching humanity change astronomically.

Now, there was a life that would be changed if you were gone. You let yourself imagine how Connor would cope, what would become of him, and struggled to keep the sorrow to yourself.

Perhaps, for the first time in your life, you knew what it was like to be needed.

Your wound healed remarkably in the weeks that followed. The scar left behind was star shaped and your skin was darkened around the sunken surface. But, you didn't find yourself hating it as much as you thought you would.

It wasn't something you looked at with pain or regret, but rather something prideful. Maybe there was something masochistic about it, not that you found yourself bothered by that realization.

Your coworkers thought it looked 'pretty cool' and declared that it made you 'quite the badass'. Now, you could wear the badge of 'I've been shot', with a bizarre story to tell. You didn't care if people thought it was strange, letting yourself get shot for an android.

Connor was much more than 'just' an android. He was the man you loved, who carried an astronomical burden you could barely understand. Sure, you could judge the weight, the pressure; but, you, an ordinary human, couldn't possibly understand what he felt as the target of a revolution that would change humanity forever.

The thoughts became clearer as you and Connor stepped into Haven for the last time, and you took in the emptiness, the quiet, and the cold.

"One moment," Connor advised you, stepping away and into the open space in the center of the room.

RK800, like all androids, had no true sense of temperature. Connor couldn't feel cold the way humans did. His artificial skin wasn't going to prickle with goosebumps and his muscles wouldn't shiver from the discomfort.

His HUD could report the weather if he enabled it and he had various feedback modules to inform him of how the temperature would affect a human, with the rightful assumption one would be in his presence.

Yet, despite this very well known limitation of his being, Connor couldn't explain how he managed to feel so cold as he stood there in the very abandoned Haven.

He was aware that warmth could be metaphorical, symbolic of belonging and comfort. His sense of cold was both literal and figurative in this sense. Without any machines running, all the lights turned off, Haven had become very cold. The halls, once busy with androids, were now empty, and the building was silent if not for the creaking walls.

-until someone walked through the distant corridor, their quiet footsteps rattling in Connor's acute hearing module.

There was an apology on the tip of Connor's tongue when he caught the sight of Markus. However, the RK200's stare wasn't cold or untrusting. There was something undeniably regretful on his face, conveying sympathy to the fellow android.

Markus' mismatched eyes caught the sight of you over Connor's shoulder, and spared a sad expression.

The two androids had agreed to meet here, for the last time in circumstances like this, hopefully. Once the final bill was passed, and androids would be proper citizens, there would be no need for this.

However, Connor had yet to obtain a definitive lead on Reaves' accomplices. This, at the very least, could provide some security for the androids that came before him.

"I know you didn't want me to," Markus began. "But, I will tell them it's from you. They should know."

"It's... your choice," Connor replied quietly, hoping to mask the uncertainty in his tone.

The two androids took each other's wrists, pushing the fabric of their jackets out of the way to touch skin to skin. Connor knew that Markus trusted him. He took the file without even bothering to scan it first. Only once it was already saved on his local system did he bother to analyze it.

The detective android had worked on that during your recovery week, while he laid beside you in low power mode. He reviewed the log files on his internal firewall over a thousand times, and crafted additional security protocols, specifically designed around write protection. Factory defaults, if he could help it, would be near impossible.

Markus could share this new code with other androids. If Connor failed to stop it in time, at the very least, their memory modules would be protected from brute force attacks, cyberlife certified or otherwise.

As their hands parted, Connor seemed to understand why he felt so cold. He had grown accustomed to how your skin felt - how human skin felt. Even when you weren't acutely aware of it, you were always warm.

"You're one of us," Markus declared, his hand dropping to his side. "We couldn't have done this without you. Your sacrifices need to be known."

"Sacrifices," Connor parroted quietly, doubtful.

He thought about Reaves' disbelief, at how he prioritized saving your life over securing the future of his kind. He could have killed you, carried on the mission, secured all of the chips and brought the android protestors to absolute surrender.

But, he didn't.

Before you, what had he gambled, if not his own life? A life that, by the very words of his creators, didn't exist, was meaningless, just programs executed in succession. He had questioned the very existence of his own life, but so had every android before him.

Still, the determined look on Markus' face didn't falter.

"Until we meet again," he offered, nodding at his fellow android. His eyes landed on yours before he turned away, and you offered him a sad, small wave.

As Connor passed, he took his hand in yours and guided you out of the building with careful steps. It was unnecessary to bring you here, but he understood the importance of goodbyes, and didn't want you to believe your efforts here had been in vain.

You expected to be driven home after that; however, as you climbed into the car, Connor asked, "would it be alright if we went to the park for some fresh air?"

"-'course," you replied softly, shifting your gaze from the android's face to look out the window.

Connor was uncharacteristically quiet during the drive, his hands gripping the steering wheel in a death lock. You didn't pay much mind to it, figuring he was stressed after everything that had happened. You had been the one on death's door; yet, Connor was the one seemingly always on the edge of a nervous breakdown.

It was worrying; but, you knew he needed to work through it in his own way.

At the park, Connor had hoped you would head straight for the bridge, to a place you had cherished so much. If his research was accurate, this needed to be done at a special place. As he followed you slowly up the curve, feet tapping against the boards, a wave of doubt washed over him.

You looked stunning, standing upright for the first time in weeks, with pep in your step, the sun soaking up your hair. Could he really have this? Could he even think himself allowed for such a thing? Could an android truly understand the needs of a human?

"You alright?" you called out to him, pausing before you reached the apex of the bridge.

It snapped him out of his stupor, and Connor replied softly, "I'm fine."

You continued and he followed, counting the steps despite how unnecessary it was. The android knew he had never been this scared in his life. This type of sensation was really, really unpleasant. His processors were giving him ridiculous warnings that didn't pertain at all to the situation.

He shut off the alerts and met you at the top of the bridge. His hand slid over the railing, analyzed the material as a strong timber, coated with a lacquer color called 'cedar brown', manufactured by-

Connor quickly closed the analyzed results, realizing how pointless that was. He was distracting himself, busying his processor with his manufactured purpose to avoid something he was definitely not made for.

At the top of the bridge, you turned to the man standing beside you, just in time to see him deactivate his human skin. His gaze met yours, and you smiled at the sight of RK800, as he was made, without the imitation of human-likeness.

For a moment, he stood there and let the heat of the sunlight catch on his sensor processors. The human tone of his factory issued skin flickered back on briefly before shutting back off, as Connor mentally questioned if he should do it like this.

The sudden nervous expression on his face, and his flickering pallet, had you concerned. In the sunlight, you could catch the subtle flaws in the design of his optics: the faint glimmer of a camera lens hidden beneath the almost perfect human appearance.

"Are you sure you're okay?" you asked, suddenly reaching for him. Your hand fell into the curve of his elbow.

"There's-" Connor began, stopping himself when a jogger passed the bridge. He was silent until they were gone.

"There's something important I need to ask you," Connor explained, his voice quiet and hoarse. "I'm sorry for not being more forthcoming. I was afraid."

Despite the obvious implications of what that question was, your head swarmed with the worst possibilities. The detective android, who had stormed a building of armed men to rescue you, who never hesitated to take a bullet for anyone, was afraid of something?

"Connor," you murmured, his name falling from your lips without purpose. The concern, however, was heavy in your tone.

"Before I ask, you need to know that you can refuse. There is no obligation, despite what we have been through. I won't hold any negative feelings towards you. From my research, this is premature, and I apologize for that," Connor babbled.

"What?" you blurted. "Connor, what are you - what's wrong?" you insisted, pitch rising as you started to panic.

"Nothing is wrong," he replied sharply.

He stepped back, just enough to create a few inches between you. You watched him reach into his coat pocket and pull out a small box. Mind hazy with the aftermath of Reaves' attack, you feared Connor was going to present you with evidence, that the case had taken a dangerous turn, or even inform you with the worst possible news.

But, then, Connor, cupping the small box in his palm, knelt down onto one knee. He looked up at you, brown eyes bright in the sunlight, android skin white as freshly fallen slow, failing to conceal the crease in his brow as worry sank in. The box opened, but you were too focused on his face to bother looking inside.

"Will you marry me?"

You could have laughed, at yourself, really, for thinking he was going to talk to you about Reaves, about factory-resetting computer chips, and the potential downfall of androids.

Instead, you let out a choked gasp. It was pathetically wet and embarrassingly loud. It all came pouring out before you could even think to stop it. Connor's nervous expression melted into panic when you started crying hysterically.

He was shifting to stand up, an apology hot on his tongue. He could feel his processors heating up, threatening to lock up at the sight of your tear-soaked face. It had his internal processes soaring, questioning if he had misinterpreted your relationship, your feelings for him.

You flung yourself into him before he could stand up, knocking the jewelry box right out of his hand. It clattered noisily on the bridge. If Connor was human, he would have followed; but, he was sturdy and, even unprepared, managed to stay upright as you crashed into him. His knees hit the bridge and his hands cautiously cupped your back.

"Yes!" you cried out, pressing your cheek into his coat, some odd centimeters from his thirium pump.

Your arms squeezed at his back, hands clawing into the thick fabric of his coat. Connor was unmoving, stiff where you clung to him. The artificial movements he made to appear more human had ceased, and you briefly feared he had powered down.

"Yes," you declared again, softer this time, squeezing him even tighter.

Finally, his systems relented and he properly relayed to his processor what you had just said. His arms wound around your back and, for the first time in weeks, Connor hugged you tightly, as if he wasn't afraid that he might hurt you. You could feel the tightening of his fingers tugging at your blouse, the thirium pump in perfect beats inside his chassis.

"Yes," you said again.

His cheek fell against your hairline and he closed his eyes. He wanted to dig his fingers past the fabric of your clothes, to feel your skin in a hopeless attempt to interface. Even if he could only reach your body, even if your mind was out of reach, that was good enough.

"Yes," again.

For now, the ring laid forgotten in its case, the jewelry box sitting some odd feet away, flipped on its side.

#rk800 x reader #connor x reader #deviant connor x reader

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nerdythebard · 4 years ago

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#4: Ah Puch, Horrific God of Decay

Welcome back, gods and goddesses!

Today, we take a quick peek into the domain of death with Ah Puch (pronounced either ah-POOCH or ah-puh-ASH), one of many Maya gods of death residing in the cold and dark afterlife called Xibalba. We know very little of Ah Puch (as is the case with a lot of Maya and other Mesoamerican gods), but from several texts we do have, we can learn he was known as "Ruler of the North" and that he was later banished for breaking his promise to the Maya king. But let's see what SMITE tells us about him!

Next time: Here comes the Sun... Is it a dog? Is it black ninja fire? No, it's...

As always, let's see what we need for Ah Puch to sow decay and death around:

Corpses: We need to do all kinds of freaky stuff with corpses of our enemies (including but not limited to: animating them, exploding them, making them heal us).

Decay: Related to the previous one. Area damage from miasma is another technique we need to implement.

High Area Damage: Ah Puch's Ultimate skill is a large AoE that summons the dead to rush the enemies. We need to find a way to empty the crypts en masse.

--- Once again, we're gonna play around a little bit. None of the established races fits Ah Puch... we could've picked Fallen Aasimar for that spark of divinity and a smell of the underworld, but let's follow the previous build's example and turn to the Wizards' Unearthed Arcana playtest material. This time, Gothic Lineages from 2021!

Ah Puch is a Reborn creature. This gives us a double creature - it lets us force a Wisdom saving throw on a target and paralyse them if they fail. Remember, it only works on humanoids; it will not stop animals, monsters, dragons, etc.g speed, 60 feet of Darkvision, and two languages – Common and one of our choosing. We also get to add a +2 and +1 to any of our ability scores. Let's get +2 Wisdom and +1 Intelligence.

There are two key features Reborn creatures get. First is Deathless Nature, which gives us several benefits:

Resistance to poison damage;

Advantage on saving throws and being poisoned;

We don't need to eat, drink, sleep, or breathe;

Magic cannot put us to sleep. Similar to elves, we can finish our long rest in 4 hours instead of 8 by remaining in a motionless state.

We also get Knowledge from the Past, which doesn't necessarily fit Ah Puch's lore, but it's too good to pass on. We get a pool of d6 dice equal to our proficiency bonus. When we make an ability check that uses a skill, we can roll a d6 and add the number to the result. We get all of the dice back when finishing a long rest.

Ah Puch walks the world of the living far and wide, so making him an Outlander seems like a good choice. We get proficiency in Athletics and Survival skills, proficiency with one musical instrument, and we get to learn one more language. We also get the Wanderer feature, which gives us photographic memory when it comes to geographical features and nearby terrain.

ABILITY SCORES

We start with Intelligence and Wisdom for our two best scores. Then follow it with Constitution, because spellcasters need those Hit Points, then Charisma for when we need to scare somebody into the afterlife, and we're gonna finish it with Dexterity and Strength.

CLASS

Level 1 - Druid: Some of you probably can see where this is going. Yes, I am that predictable. OR AM I!?

Ekhm... Our Hit Dice is a d8, we start with Hit Points of 8 + CON mod. We get proficiencies with light armour, medium armour and shields (with a note that druids will not wear armour or use shields made of metal), as well as clubs, daggers, darts, javelins, maces, quarterstaffs, scimitars, sickles, slings, spears and Herbalism kit. Our saving throws are Wisdom and Intelligence and we get to choose two class skills; let's get Insight and Medicine.

At the first level, we learn yet another language – Druidic – which is unreadable for anybody but other druids, unless by means of magic. We also get Spellcasting from the very start. For our two cantrips, Shillelagh transforms our staff (we got one from our Wanderer background) into a magical weapon for 1 minute and lets us use our Wisdom modifier instead of Strength when attacking with it. Poison Spray creates a puff of toxic gas within 10 feet range. The target must make a Constitution saving throw or suffer 1d12 poison damage.

At the first level, we get two 1st-level spell slots and we can have four 1st-level spells prepared:

Charm Person targets a single creature; if it fails a Wisdom saving throw, it is charmed for 1 hour (no concentration needed). A "charmed" creature cannot directly or indirectly attack us, and we get an advantage on any ability checks while interacting with it. Remember, it's not a mindless control, and the creature realizes it was charmed when the spell ends.

Earth Tremor forces targets in 10 feet range to make a Dexterity saving throw, or take 1d6 bludgeoning damage and fall prone from the ground shaking.

Fog Cloud creates a 20-foot-radius sphere of fog centred on a point within 120 feet from us. It lasts for 1 hour (concentration) and is a great way to either obscure our movement or to sneak up to the enemy.

Detect Poison and Disease lasts for 10 minutes (concentration) and shows us any and all poisonous things and diseased creatures within 30 feet from us. It also lets us identify the kind of poison and disease.

Level 2 - Druid: Next level of Druid gives us their signature ability – Wild Shape. This lets us assume the form of an animal and the CR of the animals we can turn into increases at the 4th and 8th level. This doesn't necessarily work for us, who make Ah Puch, but there is another option: Wild Companion from Tasha's Cauldron of Everything lets us burn one usage of our Wild Shape to summon a creature to our side as per the Find Familiar spell.

We get another 1-st level spell: Faerie Fire summons colourful flames in 20-foot-cube that stick to all inanimate objects and creatures that fail their Dexterity saving throw. For 1 minute (concentration) any attacks against creatures and objects affected by the fire get an advantage, and the targets cannot benefit from concealing effects, such as invisibility.

At the second druid level, we get to pick our Druid Circle and for Ah Puch, there is nothing better than the Circle of Spores. Those who find beauty in fungi and moulds are perfect subjects for the Lord of Decay. When we pick this Circle, we learn the Chill Touch cantrip, with more spells coming to us at later levels.

Our first Circle feature is Halo of Spores. We are surrounded by microscopic necrotic spores that are harmless unless we activate them. When a creature moves within 10 feet of us, we can use a reaction to deal 1d4 necrotic damage to it, unless it makes a Constitution saving throw.

We also get the Symbiotic Entity feature, which lets us channel some more magic into our Spores. As an action, we can sacrifice one Wild Shape use to gain 4 Temporary Hit Points for every Druid level. We also get an additional dice roll for our Halo of Spores and if we have a melee weapon, it deals additional 1d6 necrotic damage to any target it hits. Those benefits last for 10 minutes, until we lose all Temporary Hit Points, or until we use Wild Shape again.

Level 3 - Druid: At this stage, we don't get any new class features. It's focused mostly on spells:

From our subclass, we get two spells - Blindness/Deafness, which does exactly what it says if the target fails their Constitution saving throw, and Gentle Repose, which prevents the target from decaying and becoming undead.

We unlock 2nd-spell slots, which means we can get Hold Person - it lets us force a Wisdom saving throw on a target and paralyze them if they fail. Remember, it only works on humanoids; it will not stop animals, monsters, dragons, etc.

Level 4 - Druid: Our Wild Shape improves, we can now assume a form of a 1/2 CR creature (such as a crocodile, a shark, an ape, etc.) without flying speed. We also get our first Ability Score Improvement of the build! Let's raise our Wisdom by 2.

We get two more spells, since raising our Wisdom puts us at 18.

Locate Animals and Plants lets us name a specific kind of plant or animal and notifies us of its position within 5 miles of us.

Healing Spirit summons a small nature spirit to soothe the wounds of an ally who walks into its range.

Level 5 - Druid: We don't get new class features, but we get to unlock 3rd-level spell slots. For this, Revivify brings back to life a creature that died within 1 minute of casting the spell. It consumes a diamond worth at least 300 gold pieces, so remember to hit up a jeweller whenever stopping at a town.

Feign Death lets us touch a willing creature (or ourselves) and put it into a state indistinguishable from death. The target is blinded, incapacitated and its speed is 0. It has resistance to all damage except psychic.

Our subclass gives us two extra spells: Animate Dead lets us bring a pile of bones or a corpse for our temporary service as a skeleton or a zombie for 24 hours. Gaseous Form transforms us (or a willing creature) into smoke. For 1 hour (concentration), we get a flying speed of 10 feet, we have resistance to non-magical damage, and we can slip through openings even 1 inch in diameter.

Level 6 - Druid: We get another subclass feature. Fungal Infestation lets us infest a Small or Medium corpse with our necrotic spores and animate it. The animated creature comes back to life with 1 Hit Point and obeys us for 1 hour after which it crumbles away and dies again. We can use this feature a number of times equal to our Wisdom modifier and we regain the uses when finishing a long rest.

We get another spell - Barkskin turns our skin into rigid, rough, and tree-like. For the duration (1 hour, concentration), our AC cannot be lower than 16.

Level 7 - Wizard

Come on, be honest, who saw that coming? :D

Time to play with some magic bois! Picking the first level in Wizard gives us 4 + our CON modifier of Hit Points, no extra proficiencies, but we do get Arcane Recovery, which lets us regain some spell slots the combined level of which is equal to half of our Wizard level (rounded up) and they cannot be 6th level or higher. For now, it will let us recover 1st-level slots, but we'll make it useful later.

We also get three more cantrips from the Wizard (yes, they stack when you multiclass!):

Fire Bolt hurls a mote of fire, which deals 1d10 fire damage on a successful hit.

Ray of Frost deals 1d8 cold damage on a successful hit and reduces the target's speed by 10 feet.

Toll the Dead forces a Wisdom saving throw on one target and deals 1d8 necrotic damage on a failed save. If the target misses any Hit Points, they instead receive 1d12 necrotic damage.

1st level Wizards get to pick six 1st-level spells at the very beginning. I'm not gonna describe all of them because it would take forever, so let me just list the ones we should get:

Ray of Sickness

Tasha's Caustic Brew

False Life

Cause Fear

Feather Fall

Mage Armour

Level 8 - Wizard: At this level, we get to pick our Arcane Tradition and to nobody's surprise we pick School of Necromancy. We get Necromancy Savant, which halves the cost and time of writing spells in our spellbook, and we double down on death magic with Grim Harvest - whenever we kill a target with a spell of 1st level or higher, we regain Hit Points equal to 2x that spell's level (or 3x if it's a Necromancy type spell).

Every time we gain a Wizard level, we can learn two new spells. For this one, let's get Shield for some extra AC in a clutch, and Witch Bolt.

Level 9 - Wizard: Since we get access to Wizard's 2nd-level spells here, let's pick Ray of Enfeeblement which lowers the target's damage dealing by half, and Spider Climb for some better mobility.

Level 10 - Wizard: For our halfway point, we get our next Ability Score Improvement. Let's bump up Constitution for better Hit Points and put the second point in Intelligence.

We get another cantrip, so let's get Infestation, to conjure some nasty creepy crawlies on those who fail their Constitution saving throw.

We also get two more 2nd-level spells: See Invisibility lets us detect all invisible creatures within our field of view for 1 hour (no concentration required). Phantasmal Force is a personalized illusion, which creates a creature, object or another phenomenon, perceivable only by a target that fails their Intelligence saving throw. Flavour it as threatening the target with being dragged to Hell, or their hands shrivelling up and decaying, etc.

Level 11 - Wizard: No new class features, but we do get 3rd-level spell slots unlocked. For this one, we can get Bestow Curse - which affects a target who fails their Wisdom saving throw. The curse produces several effects:

We pick one ability score. For 1 minute (concentration), the target has a disadvantage on all checks and saving throws using that ability;

Their attack rolls against us gain disadvantage;

At the start of each turn they have to make a Wisdom saving throw, or completely lose their turn doing nothing;

While the target is cursed, our attacks against them deal extra 1d8 necrotic damage

For our second spell, Spirit Shroud uses a bonus action to summon a horde of ghosts circling around us for 1 minute (concentration). Until the spell ends, every attack we make within 10 feet of us deals extra 1d8 radiant, cold, or necrotic damage (our choice). Additionally, any creature hit by this extra damage cannot heal until the start of our next turn AND any creature that starts its turn within 10 feet of us has its speed reduced by 10, until the start of our next turn.

Level 12 - Wizard: At this level, we get the subclass upgrade - Undead Thralls. Normally, it would give us the Animate Dead spell for free, but we already know that one because of our Druid subclass spells; therefore, I would just give that spell the upgrade mentioned here. When we cast Animate Dead henceforth:

We can target one additional pile of bones, or a corpse, for two thralls to control at the same time;

Our thralls' Hit Points are increased by our Wizard level;

The thralls can add our proficiency bonus to their weapon attacks

We also get two more spells: Summon Shadowspawn calls forth a shadowy wraith in an unoccupied space within 90 feet from us. We get to choose between three types of shadows (Fury, Despair, and Fear). To further enhance our Army of the Dead, Summon Undead works in a similar way, except it summons an Undead Spirit, also with three types (Ghostly, Putrid, or Skeletal). Both spells come from Tasha's Cauldron of Everything.

Level 13 - Wizard: No class features, but we do unlock 4th-level spells here, so let's add two of those: Blight causes a wave of necromantic energy to strike one target; they have to make a Constitution saving throw or take 8d8 necrotic damage (half damage on a successful save). If we target a plant creature or a magical plant, it takes maximum damage. If we target a regular non-magical plant, it withers automatically.

Sickening Radiance creates a 30-foot-radius sphere of necrotic energy within 120 feet of us. When a creature enters the sphere starts its turn there, it must make a Concentration saving throw or take 4d10 points of necrotic damage, suffer one level of exhaustion (i.e. disadvantage on ability check) AND glow like the fresh rivers of Chernobyl, which also prevents them from becoming invisible, for 10 minutes (concentration).

Level 14 - Wizard: We get another ASI at this level. Let's go for Intelligence and Constitution for some better casting ability and HP.

For our spells, Banishment forces a creature to disappear from the Plane of Existence it currently resides in, provided it fails a Charisma saving throw. If the creature is native to the Plane we're banishing it from (e.g. a bugbear in the Material Plane), it is transported to a pocket dimension for the spell's duration (1 minute, concentration) and reappears in the space it left. If the creature is not native to the Plane we're banishing it from (e.g. a fire elemental in the Material Plane), it returns to its home plane and doesn't return, provided we manage to hold the spell without breaking the concentration for 1 minute.

Phantasmal Killer is similar in mechanics to Phantasmal Force, except here if the target fails its Wisdom saving throw, it is frightened for the duration (1 minute, concentration) and it must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw every turn or take 4d10 psychic damage.

Level 15 - Wizard: No new class features, just spells. We unlock 5th-level spell slots, which gives us a few new delicious death-themed magicks:

Danse Macabre lets us animated up to five corpses to raise as either a skeleton or a zombie. They obey our command for 1 hour (concentration) and as a bonus action, we can issue a command that all five of them will execute.

Negative Energy Flood sends out lashes of necrotic energy at a single target. It must make a Constitution saving throw or suffer 5d12 necrotic damage (half damage on a successful save). If the creature is killed with that spell, it comes back as a zombie albeit not under our control. If we target an undead creature with this spell, it gets half of 5d12 Temporary Hit Points.

Level 16 - Wizard: This level gives us our second-to-last subclass feature - Inured to Undeath. We now gain resistance to necrotic damage and our maximum Hit Points cannot be reduced.

We get our final cantrip - Mind Sliver, which forces an Intelligence saving throw on one target. On an unsuccessful save, the target suffers 1d6 psychic damage (3d6 in our case, because of lv. 16) and must subtract 1d4 on its next saving throw made before the start of our next turn.

For this level's spells, we take Enervation, which deals 4d8 necrotic damage on an unsuccessful save, and it lets us trigger 4d8 necrotic damage every turn for the spell's duration (1 minute, concentration). It takes an action to activate the automatic damage, and the spell ends if the target leaves its range (60 feet) or is behind a full cover.

Hold Monster is the same as Hold Person but can be used to paralyse beasts, monstrosities, aberrations, etc. It cannot be used against the undead, but we've got those under control.

Level 17 - Wizard: Once again, no new class features, but we do unlock 6th-level spell slots. For this, let's take Create Undead which does exactly what it says on the packaging; up to three corpses become ghouls under our control for 24 hours. We can extend the control over them indefinitely if we continue to re-cast the spell before the current 24 hours end.

Magic Jar is the closest thing D&D players have to become a lich and let's be honest - Ah Puch is the closest SMITE players have to a lich. The spell rips our soul from our body and stores it in a pre-prepared container for as long as we desire. We cannot do anything while we're stored inside a container, except attempting to possess a humanoid body within 100 feet of us. We can jump bodies as many times as we desire but if we decide to jump back to our own body and we're 100 feet or further away from it, we die.

Level 18 - Wizard: For our last ASI, we'll max our Intelligence to 20.

For this level's spells, we'll grab Contingency, which acts as a sort of failsafe program; we can pick a 5th-level or lower spell and select conditions for its activation (e.g. "cast water breathing as soon as the head is submerged in water or similar liquid").

Soul Cage allows us to use a reaction to snatch the recently deceased humanoid's soul and store it in a tiny silver cage. It is another "lich" spell, as it allows us to utilize the captured soul in several ways: we can regain Hit Points, ask a question, etc.

Level 19 - Wizard: Here is where we receive our 7th-level spell slots. However, there isn't that many 7th-level spells we need. Instead, let's pick two more 6th-level spells:

Disintegrate is a concentrated ray of green energy that strikes one target within 60 feet from us. If the target is a living creature, they must make a Dexterity saving throw, or take 10d6+40 points of necrotic damage. If the target is reduced to 0 HP with this spell, it turns to dust immediately and can be only brought back via True Resurrection or Wish spells. The spell can be also used to destroy inanimate objects and magic constructs, such as barriers.

Guards and Wards is a powerful protection spell that transforms our resting place into a secured fortress (after all, we're the Death God of Xibalba, we need to have our own stronghold). We create a ward that protects an area up to 2.500 square feet of floor space, up to 20 feet tall. Within the protected area, all corridors are filled with dense fog, all doors and windows are sealed and locked, and all stairs are covered in sticky webs. The protection lasts for 24 hours (no concentration), but if the spell is cast on the same area every day for a year, it becomes permanent.

Level 20 - Wizard: For our capstone, we get another subclass feature. With Command Undead we can now bind all undead to our control, even those created by other wizards. As an action, we can choose one undead within 60 feet of us; it has to fail a Charisma saving throw against our Spell Save DC, or be friendly towards us and obey our commands until we use the feature again.

For our final two spells, let's move to 7th-level:

Finger of Death causes a blast of necromantic energy to pierce a single target. The target must make a Constitution saving throw or take 7d8+30 necrotic damage (half damage on a successful save). A humanoid killed by this spell rises back as a zombie permanently under our control.

Power Word: Pain targets every creature within 60 feet of us. If they have 100 Hit Points or less, they feel immense pain throughout their bodies. While affected, the creature's speed cannot be higher than 10, it has a disadvantage on all rolls (skill checks, attacks, saving throws) except Constitution, and it prevents any spellcasting unless the target succeeds on a Consitution saving throw. At the end of its turn, a creature can make a Constitution saving throw to shake off the spell's effect.

---

Now, let's see what we got from making the Death God of Decay.

First off, we've got cantrips for days, 20 Intelligence and 18 Wisdom, various types of corpses on our beck and call, and enough death-related spells to put a few liches to shame.

Unfortunately, we barely scratch the surface of 100 Hit Points, and we gotta manage two casting classes with two casting abilities. Our Charisma score is also not that good, so those saving throws might be difficult for us.

Anywho, I hope you guys enjoyed it, and I'll see you next time!

Edit: WOW, that took way longer than I expected. I'm really sorry, I guess this was a difficult build and I worked pretty slowly on it. I'll do better from now on!

- Nerdy out!

#ah puch #maya #xibalba #druid #circle of spores #wizard #necromancy #dnd #d&d 5th edition #character building

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chicago-geniza · 3 years ago

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well i intended to go for a nice evening walk, ended up having a panic attack, ordering a couple of cocktails at the bougie bar, joining a jam session with a bunch of old hippies on the logan green (one of them gave me a handpainted wooden medallion which seems to be carved out of tree bark, strung on a length of yarn???), met a crustpunk train-hopping dude in town for the month (& his dog, in a leather-studded harness) who's lived in 45/50 states & a 44 yr old guy everyone called "the wizard" wearing a tattered, patch-covered robe who shares most of my parents' conspiracy theories & considers himself a latter-day prophet, he bought us sorbet & ice cream, wound up hanging out with them & staying up all night at their indescribably eclectic, cluttered, blood-spattered (!!!) apartment, belonging to 44 yr old guy's art curator father & decorated accordingly, smoking m*th & listening to music & talking (or rather listening to them rant/rave/recount stories from their incredibly wild lives), i gave them advice on applying for unemployment & medicaid & how to appear compliant enough w/ carceral psychiatric intervention so they won't section you without actually submitting to forced medication or institutionalization, especially if they assign you a case worker & do regular "wellness checks." also how to pass off certain aspects of behavioral dysregulation as executive dysfunction, get them to pay for an adhd evaluation, get an adderall IR scrip, sell the 30 mg pills (cite body weight, high doses of other psych meds as reason for higher dose; look sincere; play to systemic biases toward cis white men, unfortunately), & use the cash to buy m*th, if they'd prefer to keep doing that. you can also pass positive psychotic symptoms--agitation etc.--off as severe anxiety, especially if you have a history of trauma, & they will give you benzodiazepines. it is in their best interest to keep you docile, i.e. tranquilized, particularly if your past convictions & involuntary institutionalizations revolve around a pattern of aggressive behavior, & that's On The Record/there's a paper trail. (e.g. one dude got arrested trying to keep cars away from an injured bird on the road, some genre of raptor i think (???) by threatening them with a shopping cart, not hitting them, but like, running at them as if to collide then feinting at the last minute so they'd swerve out of the way. not the safest or most effective maneuver, lotta reckless endangerment, but the motivation was admirable. probably put the fear of god into some drivers, though. he doesn't seem to have, like, impulse control.) it's a lot easier & you have fewer run-ins with the cops if you game the system & appear cooperative. they gave me this coat, which "just showed up in their apartment one day," like i did. 44 yr old guy walked me back to apartment, stole a street sign & tore down a real estate sign en route, lori lightfoot did indeed take down the pride flag in front of her house on july 1st & replace it with an appropriately patriotic american flag, i walked past the idling plainclothes cop car & another marked police vehicle with their Mayoral Guarding Detail inside at like 4.30 am smoking a menthol cigarette (not inhaling), high on m*th, draped in a neon anime jacket, in the company of a visibly insane, unshaven & unshorn middle-aged man in a technicolor patchwork trenchcoat, holding a lit cigarette in one hand & an upside-down traffic cone in the other, which he was using as an ad hoc amplifier for a noise track playing on my phone. he was also carrying the stolen real estate banner &, inexplicably, a stack of mail. i gave him my old backup phone (no SIM card & doesn't hold a charge long, ancient, but still works), since neither he nor the other dude have phones (cops took them), also one hybrid edible for each of them, as a thanks for the m*th & the kindness. their hearts are in the right place but they have some fucked-up beliefs about "reverse racism" being real, while also saying in the same breath that you can tell our country is irredeemable by the way it continues to

treat black people. we were discussing medical weed for seizures on medicaid & 44 yr old guy mentioned one of his close friends, a black epileptic woman, whose seizures were frequent & severe enough they prevented her from working. then he added, in apparent bemusement, they she hadn't spoken to him in some time, & he wondered why. a little while later he relayed their last conversation & i was like "my dude, i can say with 100% certainty she is not talking to you because you said some *appallingly*, jaw-droppingly racist shit & did not even realize it was racist." then i, comma, a white person, explained to this man that he literally thought of their exchange as, like, an abstract argument over insignificant ideas, a theoretical exercise, & therefore considered it simply a smug gotcha to "counter" hotep theories about egyptian origin by claiming that "if that's true, american slavery & the oppression of black people in america are divine retribution for the enslavement of the jews in ancient egypt, an eye for an eye & a deserved punishment." like, first of all, what the actual fuck, if i were that woman i would also never speak to you again, second of all there's the collapse of historical time & mythical time, history & exegesis, an assumption that rests on spurious claims of biblical literalism (zionist colonization logic, btw! him: what's exegesis? what's zionism? me: never mind, not the point. exegesis is the interpretation of religious texts in a religious CONtext, in this case what you would likely call the hebrew bible.)--but most importantly it is 100% irrelevant to this discussion whether or not black americans are Actually Factually descendended from ancient egypt! you just told this woman to her face that the ancestry she claims, of which she's proud, is the reason & justification for SLAVERY & BLACK SUFFERING--not only that, but that if it WERE true, than black people would DESRVE to suffer, by DIVINE DECREE. you are trying to force her to abdicate her claim on this heritage by putting her in a position where she'd be forced to concede complicity in her people's historical & present-day persecution, oppression, & essentially the existence of structural racism. & using The Figural Jew as a rhetorical cudgel to bludgeon her into this corner. what a despicable thing to say. like, he hadn't considered it from her perspective at all, & once he groked why the comment itself was, like, unforgivable (idk, maybe she's more forgiving; she has a virtue-name), i started socratic-method-ing him through why it was particularly unforgivable for *him* to say to *her*--the individual is not responsible for the systems from they benefit, but they are imbricated in them, they are implicated when they actively perpetuate & uphold them, even with speech acts. & finally gave the same "there is no such thing as reverse racism because racism is not an individual act, it is an institutional, systemic phenomenon, & it is an ideology, one which individual acts can bear out or be in accordance with, & to which individuals can subscribe (this bearing it out in their behavior, in their institutional roles, in their interpersonal interactions--here i gave & solicited examples of each) or be subject (also gave & solicited examples). m*th makes me very good at Explaining clearly & he was surprisingly receptive--like, it was astonishing that it had not occurred to him??? but it hadn't, the same way it hadn't occurred to my mother, & she interpreted it as "reverse racist" when their next-door neighbor called her the "white devil" for disputing their property line, & i had to be like "ok but if you called in a random third party to mediate in lily-white [city], oregon, where white supremacists openly drive down the street in pickup trucks with swastika armbands, whose side do you think they would take, statistically speaking, in your property dispute. that's why racism is systemic & institutional, & your rude neighbor calling you a name over a disagreement does not constitute 'reverse racism,' because 'reverse racism' by definition cannot

exist." now this dude wants to like, read books, so i gotta get him some entry-level Intro To Racism primers??? how did i end up here, but better me than his black epileptic (ex-)friend, i guess??? jesus christ. both of these guys have the most chaotic, reactionary politics in a potpourri with these deep commitments to abolition & mutual aid & a kind of proto-anarchist consciousness, none of which would be called by those names, but all of which is borne out in practice & in the politics of everyday life. they remind me a LOT of my parents. i'm loath to imagine how they'd internalize my stepdad's rambling, street-preacher-style libertarian lectures. probably go out & buy guns & invest in gold on the stock market & double down on the conviction that free speech is being curtailed & individual rights are in jeopardy because you can no longer unleash a barrage of harassment against some guy on the street because you think he looked at you funny. these claustrophobic convictions, like the space to express oneself is getting smaller & smaller every day, *other people* are taking it away from you, suffocating you on all sides with their offense demanding your silence, they are *making* the walls close in--when in fact it's more like a holodeck. you're a member of the Hegemonic Group, afforded the privilege of the default, so you don't question the vast verdant expanse that is your domain--ah, Free Speech, the sun never sets on the empire of ~uncensored expression, you can say whatever you want whenever you want without facing consequences because you control all the organs that mete out consequences & you have also determined that those groups who might be adversely affected by your words--emotionally OR materially--are not, well...of consequence. but of course the vast verdant domain is an illusion, photons & forcefields, held together by the all-encompassing TOTALITY of the dominant group's hegemony, power, etc. once that power begins to redistribute throughout the system--however unevenly, however incrementally, however slowly--as even the smallest pieces are appropriated by those deemed inconsequential, who have endured years of systemic, material, institutional violence that allowed the dominant group to become dominant & retain its dominant position--once those 'inconsequential' groups speak up & say "actually, these words bear an indelible imprint of the violence enacted upon us, these words are the legacy of that violence, these words are a tacit endorsement of the ideology behind that violence, which classifies us as subhuman, & even if *you* can't hear those echoes, the words broadcast on two historical frequencies, so now that we're able to broadcast on a frequency *you* can hear, we request you find other language, & consider the implications of the words you've been using for years." well--once The Subaltern Speaks, the dominant group loses its 'innocence,' & becomes aware the vast verdant expanse of language is an illusion of infinite space, aware of the four holodeck walls pressing in behind the simulacrum of the horizon, & suddenly "what one can say without negative consequences"--largely social, sometimes, rarely, if social media goes viral, professional--feels much more claustrophobic. so they get angry. & some of them are just bigots, obviously, but some of them--like my parents, &, even, this weirdly well-intentioned m*thhead who said one of the most shockingly racist things i've heard in my life & *honestly didn't understand why it was racist*, is really riled up about free speech & individual rights, hates the government, hates "FANG" (facebook amazon netflix google) & has a bunch of dystopian conspiracy theories about data harvesting & personal information that only miss the mark in that they get too nefariously biopolitical (billionaires want to put microchips in everybody for surveillance to monitor our movements & sell us more stuff; they don't need to, they already use our phone location & browsing habits to generate the algorithm & sell the information to ad companies lol, it's digital& cast a

single illuminati figure in the role of comic book villain, controlling the operation behind the scenes like an evil puppetmaster (classic conspiracy fare; again, we gotta take that energy, that suspicion, the understanding that they are being taken advantage of & tricked, the idea that power & capital & resources are concentrated among a very small number of people, however it's not an individual wealthy villain with a desire for world domination who wants to turn Free Americans into microchipped drones, it's a *class* of people--or rather several classes, but *who those people are as individuals does not matter*. if you guillotined bill gates, another billionaire would take his place. bill gates qua bill gates is not the problem. it is classes of people who control the means of production & own property & profit enormously from exploiting the labor of a desperate, rapidly increasing underclass, i.e. from the system as it is. therefore it is in their interest to maintain the status quo, because it serves them. 'the rich get richer, the poor get poorer.' the middle class gradually ceases to exist. if you want to compound it by race, consider the GI bill as an example - you learn about it as the leg up that enabled thousands of WWII vets to buy houses, enabling them to enter the middle class. hundreds of thousands of third-gen middle class white americans still reap the structural, socioeconomic benefits of their grandparents' initial upward mobility, including,, very tangibly, those selfsame houses, which can be inherited & then rented out as a second property if the children or grandchildren accrue enough money to buy their own properties. but only about 100 black vets got approved for homeownership loans, despite the staggering numbers of black soldiers who enlisted & applied through the GI bill. anyway! the impulses are there, & they're only being funneled into conspiracy thinking because that makes intuitive sense on a narrative level. these guys have a high school education; so does my stepdad. their reading habits are...eclectic, sporadic, pretty much dictated by occasional recommendations & like, little free libraries around the neighborhood. it's both interesting & frustrating to see like - hey, here are these people, we agree on a lot of things, they're earnest & open & want to learn & would give their neighbor the shirt off their backs as a matter of principle. they'd give a *stranger* the shirt off their backs; they'd share whatever they had. even what chores there are in their collective--they live with two other guys--(dumpster diving, walking the dog, tidying up the apartment) are allocated by ability & inclination. they made advance plans to look after the dog & their roommate with War PTSD on the 4th of july if the fireworks upset them, jokingly called the dog an emotional support animal. you give them the tools, the reading, talk to them like normal people with a stake in society--like, imagine a society that would have a stake in people like you instead of criminalizing you & consigning you to the margins! that's already *political imagination* because anyone who occupies a marginalized position will have their existence politicized, whether they want this or not, so better to become a self-aware, self-reflexive political subject, no?--talk *with* them because tbh i am them, i'm just better at situational masking & also i am very very afraid of cops so i only damage property in groups during planned political actions (not spontaneously, because i feel a flash of rage at my neighborhood gentrifying, & simply do not have a superego, so i tear down the real estate sign for the fancy new apartment complex in a fit of pique, because in this house we believe that spontaneity can & should be developed into class consciousness, again, the seeds of which are there in the initial trigger for the spontaneous reaction, i.e. anger at gentrification. not opposed to a little direct action, but they're just gonna put up a new sign tomorrow, it doesn't advance your agenda or hinder the gentrifiers' progress. now, if

you sabotaged the construction site for the new apartment buildings & painted a few potent symbols + graffiti'd a pithy, written statement expressing your opposition to gentrification generally & these apartments specifically? in a prominent place, large font, eye level, visible & legible from oh, a block away? maybe as a member of a collective, your neighbors, perhaps? & you could sign it "[neighborhood] or [block] residents" to pack more of a punch, the power of a crowd speaking in unison to say "not OUR home, you predatory developers"? that's no longer spontaneous, impulsive, affective violence, & it's also no longer an individual--acting alone leaves you vulnerable. again--i didn't just *intuit* that he tore the sign down because he was mad about gentrification, i asked, in a genuinely curious tone, not at all accusatory, no hint of reprimand or censure, just...interested, "why did you do that?" & he was like "it made me fucking mad." & i was like "what about it made you mad? the apartments? how come?" & he thought about it for a minute & explained. i'm not sure *he* necessarily made the conscious connection until prompted. idk, i know people talk a lot about the fact that breitbart & drudge report are free while NYT & "all the news fit to print" is paywalled, & q-pilled covid hoax sites are free while "reputable" pandemic coverage & public health guidelines & explanations of mRNA vaccines for a lay audience are paywalled & that's true but also We Live In A Society & if you talk to the wingnuts who AREN'T that way because of any far-right ideology, a lot of them are just...autodidacts without much formal education but a lot of raw intelligence that leads to analyzing The Big Picture & trying to deduce a pattern, find a framework that explains why the world is the way it is, profoundly frustrated, deeply aware of American society's, universalized & figured as the world's, exceptional unfairness & cruelty, & *that can be redirected* with reading, discussion, prompting critical thought, introducing community connections, & perhaps most importantly for this genre of person, getting them to see patterns at work in terms of systems & structures rather than individuals, letting go of American individualism's explanatory power & belief in its liberatory potential (see: the sort of ad hoc libertarianism that goes hand-in-glove with much conspiracy thinking, both stemming from 1) mistrusting the government, & 2) ultimate freedom of the individual as the most sacred value, therefore it is what all enemies want to take away), outlining positive, actionable goals rather than just ambient suspicion & anger at authority, & figuring out how those goals can be accomplished more effectively by an organized collective (but this will ultimately benefit the individual). If the world isn't run by a shadowy cabal, if you begin to understand the structures responsible & how they manifest even on the scale of your block (e.g.!!! predatory developers buying up properties during a pandemic, tearing down affordable housing to build expensive condos on the lot, or giving old buildings a "spit and polish" so they can double the rent, pricing all the current residents out, not to mention all the little local businesses, almost all mexican & run by the mexican families who live here, that give our block its culture & will get pushed out by boutique coffee shops & the like, catering to a more affluent & almost certainly whiter clientele)--you can, in fact, change the world, something both of them repeatedly referred to as their purpose on earth. it may not be as a maverick figure, one against an army, but strength in numbers is an aphorism for a reason.

anyway! thse guys were also really weird about jews, in the philosemitic way conspiracy theorists of a certain stripe often are. the itinerant vagabond guy gave me one of his drawings; it's really lovely. i'm going to give them "are prisons obsolete?" & "the wretched of the earth" & some david graeber. 44 yr old guy has this idea that society is atomized & people aren't connected to each other & have lost the willingness or the ability to communicate with each other, also that the overreach of authority has driven some people to violence, & that makes the world feel unsafe to everyone else. he feels guilty because he is acutely aware that language, when wielded adroitly & intentionally, always has the capacity to manipulate; he is afraid of succumbing to the temptation, because he senses the coercive power of language within himself. the other guy was mostly quiet but said 44 yr old guy is one of the best friends he's ever had. he thinks animals are able to sense emotions and to heal, & he thinks they can mediate between people who have become too isolated, who have forgotten humans' innate ability to forge connections, approach others as social creatures seeking to bond instead of mistrustful, apprehensive, rejecting overtures of friendship because they expect subterfuge, or propriety has evolved to deem such overtures inappropriate outside of strictly delineated, artificially orchestrated contexts. deviation from the norm is not permitted. & back again to policing. they have an idea called "the omega family," omega for the end, a group of like-minded people who come together, who encounter each other serendipitously (predicted through auspicious auguries & recognized on sight through a constellation of signs & wonders, because of course we are all psychotic here, it was nice to just be psychotic & discuss these things like they were normal lol), & serve as catalysts to each other's "personal truth." anyway this is why i don't go out when i'm crazy, i always end up in situations like this, see also: the last time i did m*th, in a pizza hut bathroom in tallinn with an art student from glascow named muhammad ali (he went by ali), the son of white muslim converts--we thought it was c*ke but it got lost in translation & that's how i figured out i had adhd. later i got [redacted] by a filmmaker from kazan & he gave me his business card afterward for some reason, which was extremely funny. thankfully these dudes were better behaved. one of them even gave a speech about how men shouldn't rape people??? & also how our society shouldn't construct women as universal victims because in doing so it makes victimhood almost compulsory & shoehorns women into a victim role as part & parcel of womanhood? i was like yes my dude you are almost there, read the essay "abject feminism." (i did not tell them i was trans bc i wasn't sure how that would shake down, to be honest; couldn't get a read on it. did tell them i was gay & they respected it, though one did say he dated a lesbian once, & i explained that many men feel compelled to interject with an anecdote relating an exception to the rule or insist that they will he the exception to the rule, & it's really just bad manners, not even getting into the bad politics. he took it on the chin & talked about how the girl in question came home to find her partner dead of an overdose & his wife had just died of MS, so their relationship was more about grief & comfort than sexual attraction. i was like that's really, really sad, & it's wonderful that you were able to be there for each other at a time of such staggering loss, & i am a person who totally understands what you mean to communicate, but if a lesbian tells you they're a lesbian & you reply that you once dated a lesbian & they get offended & instead of responding with contrition or correction you elaborate on the tragic backstory of the relationship as though that explains the circumstances in which a self-proclaimed lesbian would date a cis man, other lesbians *will* deck you, or at the very least not take you, an unwashed white guy in

his 40s who isn't neurotypical & sits way too close for social convention in a way that could easily be construed as a come-on, in good faith.) tl;dr made some new friends, did some good drügs (i much prefer smoking m*th to snorting it, basically like purer, more potent adderall, & as such will not be doing it again for a LONG time, because i enjoy it FAR too much; slices through the brain fog & the chronic fatigue & the joint/bone pain, makes me able to pay attention, follow the thread of a conversation, actually be *interested* & want to ask *questions* & expand, build, encourage my interlocutor to elaborate, place more kal-toh pieces until the conversation shimmers into a three-dimensional shape, instead of being listless & exhausted & disengaged & *bored* all the time, so obviously i would get addicted immediately if given the opportunity, & i've known this forever lol)--now going to hydrate, refill pill case, write some emails, & meet C at the beach! not how i expected to reboot my brain, but it works! also putting them on limited facebook view because i try to keep some groups of people in my life quarantined from each other & that includes 1) my relatives & my academic ~colleagues (ne'er the twain shall meet), 2) my exes & my family, 3) my relatives, colleagues, & uh. a couple of lovely, but extremely psychotic dudes with very long criminal records i met while doing hard drugs

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questionsonislam · 4 years ago

Note

What are the verses about the protection of life? Why is life (soul) important? What is the reason for the value of protecting one’s life?

Islam, which gives the right to live to all human beings without discrimination, does not only take measures to prevent the violations against this right but also renders it a duty of the community to ensure minimum life conditions and basic needs with the system of mutual assistance and solidarity.

Man –whether a believer or not- is Allah’s slave and a nice entrusted being. Therefore, he has honor and he deserves respect. It is the basic understanding of Islam not to discriminate among people in terms of being humans and to regard them as beings having equal rights, duties and values.

Value of Man

Man has a special, honorable place among created beings. What makes man honorable among other beings must be the divine spirit Allah breathed into him while creating him. The following is stated in the Quran regarding the issue:

الذي احسن كل شيئ خلقه و بدا خلق الانسنان من طين * ثم جعل نسله من سلالة من ماء مهين*

ثم سويه و نفخ فيه من روحهه

“He Who has made everything which He has created most good: He began the creation of man with (nothing more than) clay, And made his progeny from a quintessence of the nature of a fluid despised: But He fashioned him in due proportion, and breathed into him something of His spirit...” (as-Sajda, 32/7-9)

Thanks to this spirit man has in him, he is superior to angels and he is the vicegerent of Allah on earth. That man is the vicegerent of Allah is stated as follows in the Quran:

اذ قال ربك للملائكة اني جاعل في الارض خليفة و

“Behold, thy Lord said to the angels: ‘I will create a vicegerent on earth.’...” (al-Baqara, 2/30)

Allah granted man honor and value by making him the vicegerent on earth. With this property, man will obey the decrees of the holy books sent down through prophets and the natural laws in the universe; and he will apply them; he will benefit from the endless boons of the Creator, worship and thank Him. This is the purpose of the creation of man.To sum up, the duty of man as the vicegerent is to act in accordance with Allah’s will and to be happy. Allah Almighty wants this; He sent prophets and holy books for this purpose.

Allah Almighty, who is the creator of the realms, created everything in the best form. (see as-Sajda, 32/7) Allah, who is the best creator, (see al-Muminun, 23/14) created the first man in the best form and all human beings in the best form and perfectly. Allah states the following for man in the Quran:

لقد خلقنا الانسان في احسن تقويم

“We have indeed created man in the best of molds.” (at-Tin, 95/4).

Indeed, man is the most beautiful creature. The phrase “ahsani taqwim” (the best mold) mentioned in the verse includes all kinds of material and spiritual beauties. The straightness of his height, the uniqueness of his posture, having mind, intellect and thought, having the ability to speak and write, having the ability of art, the property of being able to discriminate between the beautiful and the ugly, the good and the bad, etc. are some of those beauties.

According to the Islamic belief, man is equipped with perfect mental, bodily, ethical and spiritual abilities and faculties. He is born in a clean form with the ability to elevate materially and spiritually. Man, who is created with these abilities, can ascend to climaxes. He has such an honor. Hz. Ali uttered the following nice poem for man:

"You have the cure in you but you are not aware

You have the problem in you but you cannot see

You think you are something small

But the biggest realm is wrapped in you."

Sheikh Ghalib, the great poet, expresses Islam’s understanding of man as follows:

"Look at your personality in a nice way; you are the essence of the realm,

You are man, who is the pupil of the eye of the beings."

Erzurumlu İbrahim Hakkı states the following in his work called Marifetnâme:

“Human body is the small realm and human spirit is the big realm. The like of everything created in the realm exists in human body. Human body and spirit is a sample of the whole realm.”

Thus, he emphasized the value of man.

Allah states the value He gave man as follows in verse 70 of the chapter of al-Isra:

و لقد كرمنا بني ادم و حملناهم في البر و البحر و رزقناهم من الطيبات و فضلناهم على كثيرممن خلقنا تفضيلا

“We have honored the sons of Adam; provided them with transport on land and sea; given them for sustenance things good and pure; and conferred on them special favors, above a great part of our creation.”

Importance Given to Human Life

Great importance is given to security of life, in other words, right to live, in Islam and it is stated that human life is untouchable.

In Islam, “protection of life” has the most important place among the basic values called “religious necessities”. Furthermore, it is possible to say that these five basic principles, which are listed as the protection of the religion, life, mind, lineage and property, are related to the protection of life directly or indirectly.

In some cases, the protection of life comes before the protection of religion, which is in the first place, in the list of those values. As a matter of fact, the practices like the permission of committing some forbidden deeds to save human life, and the obligation of committing those forbidden deeds in some cases emphasize the importance given to human life.

Precautions in order to Protect Human life

The religion of Islam puts the right to live, which is the most natural right of man, under the guarantee of law and imposes some material and spiritual sanctions in order to ensure full respect to the right to live. We can list them as follows:

Material Sanctions

When man’s being sent to the world is narrated, the opposition of angels stating that man will cause mischief and shed blood on earth is mentioned. (see al-Baqara, 2/30)

Indeed, after a while, the first shedding of blood occurred due to the hatred and jealousy between Hz. Adam’s two sons. The incident is narrated with similar expressions in the Old Testament too. (see Genesis, 4/1-8; al-Maida, 5/27-31)

It is stated in the Quran that killing a person is a serious crime like killing all people and that to save a person’s life is a lofty and valuable act like saving all people:

انه من قتل نفسا بغير نفس او فساد في الارض فكانما قتل الناس جميعا و من احياها فكانما احيا الناس جميعا

“...If any one slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people...” (al-Maida, 5/32)

In the religion of Islam, retaliation (qisas) is essential related to the crimes of killing and wounding people.

There are many verses and hadiths regarding the issue. As a matter of fact, The following is stated in the Quran:

يا ايها الذين امنوا كتب عليكم القصاص في القتلى الحر بالحر والعبد بالعبد والانثى بالانثى فمن عفي له من اخيه شيئ فااباع بالمعروف و اداء اليه باحسان ذالك تخفيف من ربكم و رحمة فمن اعتدى بعد ذلك فله عذاب اليم

“O ye who believe! The law of equality is prescribed to you in cases of murder: the free for the free, the slave for the slave, the woman for the woman. But if any remission is made by the brother of the slain, then grant any reasonable demand, and compensate him with handsome gratitude, this is a concession and a Mercy from your Lord. After this whoever exceeds the limits shall be in grave penalty.” (al-Baqara, 2/178)

و لا تقتلوا النفس التي حرم الله الا بالحق و من قتل مظلوما فقد جعلنا لوليه سلطانا فلا يسرف في القتل انه كان منصورا

“Nor take life - which Allah has made sacred - except for just cause. And if anyone is slain wrongfully, we have given his heir authority (to demand qisas or to forgive): but let him not exceed bounds in the matter of taking life; for he is helped (by the Law).” (al-Isra, 17/33)

Many words and practices of the Prophet (pbuh) are regarded as evidence that punishment by retaliation is legitimate. The Messenger of Allah stated the following regarding the issue:

و من قتل عمدا فهو قود

“... The penalty for a person who kills deliberately is qisas (retaliation). “

The imposition of punitive sanctions against the unjust attacks at the security of the lives of people, in other words, rights of living of the people are arrangements made in accordance with the importance given to the safety of people.

In addition, the principle of punishing a murderer by the state, and after an objective and fair trial, not by the relatives of the person who was murdered is adopted.

All this is an expression of the importance given to the protection human life from a different viewpoint.

Even during the state of war, the right of killing the enemy is very limited in Islam; the killing of those who do not actually participate in the war like women, children, clerics and elderly men is forbidden; and the right of living of the prisoners of war is protected.

It is clear that the cases of actual state of war, execution of the sentence and legitimate defense are excluded from this prohibition.

Spiritual Sanctions

Along with worldly sanctions like qisas and diyah (blood money), there are also some spiritual (otherworldly) sanctions for killing a person in the religion of Islam.

It is stated in the Quran that killing people without a legal reason will bring about Allah’s wrath and curse and hence a very severe spiritual responsibility:

و من يقتل مؤمنا متعمدا فجزاؤه جهنم خالدا فيها و غضب الله عليه و لعنه و اعد له عذابا عظيما

“If a man kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell, to abide therein (For ever): And the wrath and the curse of Allah are upon him, and a dreadful penalty is prepared for him.” (an-Nisa, 4/93)

The Prophet (pbuh) addressed all Muslims as follows in the Farewell Sermon:

فان دماءكم و اموالكم و اعراضكم عليكم حرام كحرمة يومكم هذا في بلدكم هذا في شهركم هذا...

“Just as this day, this month and this city is sacred, so too are your lives, property and honor sacred; they are protected from all kinds of violation; that is, they are under the responsibility of the community and the guarantee of law…”

Thus, he stated that man’s right to live was untouchable.

He stated the following in another hadith:

اجتنبواالسبع الموبقات ..... و قتل النفس التي حرم الله الا بالحق....

“Avoid seven destructive things…. One of them is to kill a person that Allah renders haram except for justified cases….”

The Property of the Right to Live According to Islam

The religion of Islam regards the life of every person, no matter what his belief, color, race and social status is, as an untouchable value and tries to prevent all kinds of attacks on and dangers to human life in the most effective way.

Therefore, Islam does not give people the right to commit suicide, which means to end one’s own life, and regards it among major sins; it states that such a person will be punished severely in the hereafter just because of committing suicide no matter what his belief and deeds are.

To sum up:

Man, who is equipped with perfect mental, bodily, ethical and spiritual faculties and abilities, is born in a clean state and suitable for all kinds of material and spiritual elevations.

In our religion, great importance is given to man’s security of life, in other words, the right to live, and it is stated that human life is untouchable. Some material and spiritual sanctions have been imposed in order to ensure full respect to the right to live.

As a result of the principle of “the protection of life”, which is one of the basic purposes of the religion of Islam, it is strictly forbidden for a person both to kill another person unjustly and to commit suicide.

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jedi-order-apologist · 5 years ago

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I’m ... so confused by the force, like light side vs dark side. Is it like each side has powers the other side can’t access? What if you were force-sensitive and decided to be neither jedi nor sith, would you have access to both sides of the force? In rise of skywalker when rey heals the giant worm snake thing, and when she heals kylos stab wound, and when kylo quite literally brings her back from the dead, isn’t that a dark side power? (1/?)

And who decides whether or not you’re a jedi or sith? With the jedi I know you have to join the Order but what if you were simply a force user who only drew from the light side? Kylo was evil as fuck but he wasn’t a sith, is that because he just decided he didn’t want to be one? And also why did he act like a completely different person once he turned good? It’s not like he was possessed by a ghost of the dark side or anything, his intentions just changed from bad to good (2/?)

And how does he even “turn” good? Like we see that he’s remorseful after talking to Han but does the force just go “oh he seems sad, I guess he can have access to the light side then”? The same goes for Anakin’s redemption, he’s evil for half his life and suddenly has a change of heart and dies like 30 seconds later and who decides it’s good enough for him to come back to the light side? Oh god the more I type the more confused I get (3/4)

But I am so sorry for bombarding you like this & of course you don’t have to answer all these questions or even this ask at all, I just wanted to get it out, and if there’s supplementary material like comics or video games or tv shows that explain it further then I am extra sorry for rambling at you instead of looking for answers in them LOL (4/4)

Outside of game mechanics, there aren’t really “light side” and “dark side” powers. It’s about the mindset that you approach and use the Force with, not static qualities or powersets. The dark side is about selfishness and other associated ills - cruelty, suffering, fear, greed, etc, but more specifically, not about those things themselves but rather about letting those things drive your actions. I see falling to the dark side as something rooted in defeatism, where one gives up resisting the temptation to give into those things - the Sith take it a step further and don’t just give up resisting temptation, but actively seek those things to make everything worse. The “light side” (though it’s not actually referred to as such in the first six films) is about being committed to resisting those darker impulses and temptations - sometimes you slip up but you only fall when you give up and stop striving to be good/selfless as much as you can. People are not “light” or “dark”, but rather, they resist the dark or else they give into it. The language that the characters use when talking about the fallen is not “they are dark” but “they were seduced by it, consumed by it”. It’s a philosophical concept present within everyone that they have to contend with, not an attribute or even truly an alignment.

Or, to borrow my explanation from the last time I complained about the concept of grey Jedi:

Think of it as though you’re in a river with a powerful current, and there’s a high cliff and a waterfall downstream. You can’t get out of the river (because the river is the Force, and it’s everywhere. I suppose you can cut yourself off from the Force, and that’d be kind of like getting out of the river, but it’s not something most people do). You can swim against the current or you can swim with it, but if you don’t swim at all, you’ll still be swept downstream and over the waterfall (i.e. falling to the darkside). Staying in place isn’t grey, because you’ll still have to be swimming against the current to achieve that, and for the Jedi at least, it’s about staying away from the waterfall downstream, not reaching some defined place upstream. Even if you don’t advance, you haven’t been swept downstream and over the waterfall. Even if you slip back a little, as long as you keep swimming, you still haven’t been swept downstream. Only when you give up will you get swept away and fall down the waterfall. If it doesn’t kill you, it’s going to be hell to get back up it, if you can even convince yourself that you want to. It might be freezing and miserable at the foot of the waterfall, and as long as you were swimming up top the water was warm, but what’s the point in climbing back up if you think you’re just going to get swept back down again? Maybe if you dive deeper into the lake at the foot of the waterfall, as cold and miserable as it is, you’ll find something to make being down here worthwhile? You won’t, of course. At best you’ll just get used to the cold.

So there isn’t a sustainable middle ground between “light” and “dark”, because there isn’t a way to be suspended in the middle of the waterfall. And there definitely isn’t a way to be both at the top in the river and at the bottom in the lake at the same time. The ones who are “redeemed” are the ones who managed to pull themselves out of that destructive, defeatist mindset and climb back up the cliff - it’s not simply a matter of flipping a switch, and had they lived, they would’ve had to have kept doing the work of swimming against the current just like everyone else, and probably would’ve had a lot more difficulty with it than those who had never fallen over the waterfall in the first place.

But you definitely can be a Force-user who isn’t a Jedi or a Sith. You’ll still be subject to the way that the Force works, so you’re either giving into the dark side or resisting it, but the Jedi are a unique culture with their own traditions, values, beliefs, way of teaching, expectations etc, etc, as well as (at least during the prequels) a defined role that is granted specific jurisdiction under the authority of the Republic government. It’s definitely possible to still believe in resisting temptation to evil and not be in that role, and not follow those traditions or consider yourself part of that culture or organization. And the Sith differ from other darksiders in that they believe in actively seeking and embracing this selfishness - basically, they don’t just give up swimming against the current, they start swimming with it and dive right off the waterfall. They seek power, and power alone, for power’s sake. The dark side does have a way of sliding everyone in its grasp towards that in the end, because power promises an easy way out - very tempting to those stuck in a defeatist mindset - but for the Sith it’s not just a consequence, but the goal itself.

#discussion #on the force #on the dark side #on the sith #on jedi as a culture #Anonymous

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yalungfarres · 4 years ago

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EXPRESSIONS IN THE TIME OF COVID-19

“Gahi’g ulo” (Stubborn!), “Gikapuy nako aning kahimtang nato” (I’m tired of this situation), “Kalami na ilaag,” ug “Ga-hasol-hasol raning COVID”

Complaints and disappointments constitute the daily life of most people in this time of pandemic. This pandemic cripples our normal way of life and has certainly tested our patience. Indeed, this COVID-19 pandemic is making all of us tremble in fear, exposing our vulnerability, and on top of it, testing our faith in humanity and in God. But undoubtedly, too, if we bother to listen and look into things that are not so obvious yet are also happening, it also makes us realize a lot of things from a vantage point of view. It tells a lot about us and a lot around us. How about you, are you one of those who still clings on to positivity? Or one of those who has already fallen prey to exasperation and frustration?

Now, instead of just merely echoing complaints and making noise out of disappointments, I would like to give another look at the expressions mentioned above and make a juxtaposition citing few common biblical instances. From here, I’ll endeavor to draw lines to help us weigh in on helpful and practical insights as we face this pandemic and brace ourselves for the “new normal.”

“Tigas ng ulo”

“Tigas ng ulo” is a common expression that many have carelessly thrown without even analyzing the situation the people they are criticizing are in. Many of these people literally cannot afford to stay at home, for they live “isang kahig, isang tuka,” and, therefore, “kung walang kahig, walang tuka.” Ironically, many of those who use the term are the same people who can’t help but drive to expensive coffee and milk tea shops which remain open. We try to put ourselves in the shoes of the poor: imagine living in a small room with no air-conditions or electric fans in the heat of the summer while brooding over where to get the next meal or payment for our rent and debts after all the government assistance shall have run out. Social inequality is so vast that we cannot just simply dismiss the situation of those living below the margins.

We go back to when Jesus lived his earthly life. The apostles whom He chose were people coming from different backgrounds, and most likely were hard headed themselves. There was Peter who at first refused to cast his fishing net even at the order of Jesus. There was also Thomas who was naturally skeptical and stubborn. Nevertheless, these were the same people he told to “go to the world and spread the good news of salvation.” Did Jesus confront them in anger? Or in demeaning manner? He didn’t say, “ANG TIGAS NG ULO NYO!” But instead Jesus accepted and understood them. The only difference between us and Jesus is that he did not leave his work just that; He enlightened them and taught them ways. He did not say to Thomas, “I pity you for your lack of faith,” but rather, “Come, touch my wound that you may believe.”

We should also do the same as Jesus did. Instead of always ranting and putting the blame on others, why not help those in need? Instead of telling them “ang tigas ng ulo nyo,” why not try to understand their situation first, then try to enlighten them on what to do? Most of them are also confused trying to fight a battle defenseless, something that we always tend to overlook. We cannot blame them, it’s the lives of their children and theirs that are at stake. Yes, it is true there are a lot of hardheaded people; but the thought of solving it through rants and skewed judgments would only usher in hatred not solution. These stubborn people are the same people who hope. Instead of dragging them down, why not let our hearts be open and help realign the ways for their hopes? Yes, being hardheaded during this time of crisis is not commendable… and so is having a heart of stone for others.

“Gikapoy na ko ani atong kahimtang. Kalami naman lang gyud ilaag. Hasula na aning COVID -19!”

Tired, powerless, stressed, delightfully frustrated, and the likes are the feelings we often associate with our COVID19 situation. Is it really just that or the fear of the uncertain? We go out for our grocery, fall in long queues, and observe 1-meter distance and other measures, then a question enters our thought, “How long will I keep doing this?” We are comfortably seated at home then one of our family members innocently asks, “can we go to the beach, if not then shopping would do.” Our normal way of life has been affected. Apart from the uncertainty our life holds, we are all dealing with another yet more troubling uncertainty and we have nothing to tell ourselves except “Hasula na!” or “Kakapoy na ba!” Yes, it’s true we are tired of this COVID19 situation, especially with the extension of the enhanced community quarantine. I also would admit “gikapuy nako aning kahimtang nato.” But I realize, instead of spending time thinking of what’s not even there, we think of things real and get involved in them as we supposedly should. This is the time time to be with our family, to learn new things, to reflect, and to pray. As I was watching my family doing some household chores together, I realized that this pandemic has fostered values we have not seen and experienced for a while. While at home, we can also learn new things like engaging in workouts, listening to (or playing) music, or better yet reading books or Ebooks for us to exercise our mind and widen our knowledge and understanding of things. It would, however, all the more be better if we spend time for prayer and meditation. With rising toll of confirmed cases and deaths, fake news and misinformation mistaken for truth, hoarding and other selfish activities unmasking people’s identity, prayer is a necessity. Yes, it’s true. “Gihasol ta aning COVID-19” but if we come to think of it, apart from the unpleasant and discomforting things which our eyes are glued to, things start falling back to places: the recovery and healing of nature; the perking up of interdependence among man and his fellow human beings; the celebration of life over disheartening excessive emphasis on economy; and faith in our own humanity. Billionaires sharing a part of their fortune, small and big companies reaching out to their workers, and other private individuals helping out through cash aids and food packs, all these are becoming a narrative of a living humanity.

Biblically speaking, our experience is never new. The Old Testament Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness before finally reaching the promised land. Noah and his family kept floating for 40 days and 40 nights. I could just imagine how seemingly hopeless those 40 years were for the Israelites and if they surrendered, everything they started would have just gone into waste. As for Noah, getting stuck inside the Ark for 40 days is one thing and not knowing where they will be led is another. In the New Testament, Jesus was fasting and praying for 40 days, and at the night before he was betrayed and arrested, he was patient and praying constantly. Then there is the Cross, a knowledge he brought with him for more than 30 years. The Cross that Jesus carried to Calvary reminds us that Jesus is with us, journeying with us in our suffering and seeming hopeless situation. What the biblical instances show us is that we can always make our way through suffering and that our situation is a matter of making it meaningful. But how can we make our frustrations, stresses, anxieties, etc. meaningful? It depends on how you define meaningful but as for me, I do it by cooperating with the authority, spending quality time with my family, extending little extras I have to others, keeping myself busy with real things, and most especially, by praying for the welfare of everyone affected by the pandemic, the front liners, those infected, and the poor who are the most affected due to lack of financial means. Admittedly, not everything is under control and not everything is negotiable by any material wealth. There is always what we call “fallen short” but the good thing is, there is somebody who can make up for all the shortcomings. Unless we spend time for prayer, there will never be enough. Having said this, why not, instead of saying “gahasol-hasol ning covid oy! Lami na baya kaau ilaag,” and instead of thinking of going on vacation, why not say “after covid-19 I want to go to church to praise and thank God for giving me another life?” I assure you, it does make a huge difference.

I would like to end this reflection with a simple prayer.

Lord, guide all of us in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, protect us from its infection. To those who are infected and battling for their lives, help them and touch them with your healing hands. Help also the poor that they may find what they need and guide them in everything they do. Lord, give us grace and guide us all, especially our families, friends, and those front liners as they fight to curb the spread of this pandemic.

Beloved Mother, help us realize that we are all one great family. Unite us in fraternity and solidarity so that we can only think of helping one other. Lastly, make us strong in faith, persevering in service, and constant in prayer. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, guide us always. Amen.

(Published on May 22, 2020 - Bag-ong Lungsoranon - The Official Newsletter of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu, Philippines)

#catholic #catholicfaith #covid #covid19 #faith

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wanderingdragoon · 4 years ago

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Answering These Myself~!

Ask a question, any question! Because I have nothing better to do than to answer your questions. … No, really. I don’t. D:

1: What does their bedroom look like?

Aric’s room tends to be pretty sparse, not because of being clean, but simply because he likes to travel lightly. His few items are more or less strewn in a pile, his lance nearby.

2: Do they have any daily rituals?

Aric tends to wrap his lance daily, unwrapping it late at night before bed, to check for damage. He leaves the binding for the morning, so he can check for any damage or change in the material.

3: Do they exercise, and if so, what do they do? How often?

He’s pretty lazy, but he does prefer to walk on his own, so he’s constantly keeping fit with his wandering between the city states of Eorzea.

4: What would they do if they needed to make dinner but the kitchen was busy?

Aric would either complain loudly that he’s hungry, whining until he was fed or was allowed to make himself a meal. That, or he’d try to come back later if he knew the person wouldn’t budge or feed him.

5: Cleanliness habits (personal, workspace, etc.)

While he doesn’t own many things, he can still be pretty disorganized and messy with what he does carry on him. Removing his tabard prior to sleeping or bathing tends to be a trail of discarded articles of clothing leading to the bed or bath.

6: Eating habits and sample daily menu

Aric will eat literally anything, and it can get him into trouble. He’ll sample nearly any form of cuisine, and if he’s out in the fields and he becomes hungry, he’ll either hunt, fish or even try to eat a fiend or two. This can cause trouble for his party members, as he will generally offer them some of whatever he’s just caught.

7: Favorite way to waste time and feelings surrounding wasting time

Aric is a procrastinator, he has next to no motivation to actually do much of anything and enjoys to take things easy. Whether watching the skies, taking a nap, eating or merely walking around, he’ll actively avoid doing much of anything productive. The Scions often wonder and worry about how much actual work he could get done if he put the amount of energy into doing his work that he does into avoiding his responsibilities and assignments.

8: Favorite indulgence and feelings surrounding indulging

Aric loves to simply relax, watch the skies, the clouds and the coming and going of people within the settlements he drifts through. To him, merely taking time out of the day to rest and relax is the point for his freedom and seeks to do so whenever possible.

9: Makeup?

The scar over his left eye is false, drawn on with waterproof makeup. He tends to wash it away each time he bathes and recreates it nearly perfectly each time. He’ll swap sides, add new ones and even fake facial hair as needed to further his disguises.

10: Neuroses? Do they recognize them as such?

He used to have a fear of the skies, like most Ishgardian children. For the first few years on the run, he had issues with maladaptive coping and responses to stressful situations, but he has gotten better. He can still panic when he’s exposed to situations like when he was afraid he’d die for nothing, akin to his childhood in Dragoon training back in Ishgard.

11: Intellectual pursuits?

Aric is pretty lazy when it comes to many things, and while he is literate and formally schooled, he has no desire to grow that knowledge much. He however picks up tacit information of trade routes, trouble spots and other street wise experiences during his travels.

12: Favorite book genre?

If he can avoid reading, he will. If he can select a photo book of the sky, he will.

13: Sexual Orientation? And, regardless of own orientation, thoughts on sexual orientation in general?

Mostly heterosexual, but he has a few men in his life whom he does share romantic feelings for. Overall, whatever someone chooses to do, so long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else, is celebrated by him.

14: Physical abnormalities? (Both visible and not, including injuries/disabilities, long-term illnesses, food-intolerances, etc.)

Aric’s false scar on his face is part of his disguise, as is the eyepatch he wears. He has some burn scars and stab wounds from encounters with the Dravians during his time growing up in Ishgard.

15: Biggest and smallest short term goal?

To stay a step ahead of his family’s hunters looking for him to bring him back to the Holy See for his crimes against Ishgard

16: Biggest and smallest long term goal?

To keep wandering the land, seeing the world for how it truly is, far from the war in Ishgard.

17: Preferred mode of dress and rituals surrounding dress

Aric regularly wears a red tabard over a mail hauberk, white jodhpurs tucked into high boots and long gloves over his mail sleeves. He prefers something light and easy to move in, but armored enough to keep him safe.

18: Favorite beverage?

Aric prefers to stay away from anything alcoholic, but he enjoys juices made from fruits or vegetables, anything sweet.

19: What do they think about before falling asleep at night?

Often, if it’s about the information he’s learned of the day. Ideally, he feels safe enough to sleep without worrying over being caught by the Inquisitors.

20: Childhood illnesses? Any interesting stories behind them?

Aric suffered from agoraphobia and casadastraphobia, fear of open spaces and being taken into the sky, learned from his family and elder brothers during his time preparing to fight in the Dragonsong War. His eldest brother used to condition his younger siblings by diving upon them at random intervals, and then leaping back into the sky to simulate an attack by dragons to see how they’d react.

21: Turn-ons? Turn-offs?

Aric dislikes domineering, controlling or manipulative behavior when it’s in earnest. He doesn’t mind the occasional bratty or spoiled antics, but a genuine desire to control and own him or his choices makes him instantly defensive and resistant. He enjoys when others respect his desire to self determine, and respects those who choose for themselves and follow their own paths. Kindness and warmth, respect and understanding are attributes he enjoys.

22: Given a blank piece of paper, a pencil, and nothing to do, what would happen?

He’d probably fold up the paper into the shape of a bird and toss it to watch it fly. The pencil would be possibly tossed at one of his party members or pocketed for later use.

23: How organized are they? How does this organization/disorganization manifest in their everyday life?

Aric is rather laid back, disliking the obligation for order and rigidity he was raised to abide to in Ishgard. He tends to arrive late, if he shows at all, with a lazy, unbelievable excuse. If he has a mess, he’ll shrug and make a half joking comment about it, then ignore it.

24: Is there one subject of study that they excel at? Or do they even care about intellectual pursuits at all?

Aric is formally trained as a Dragoon and Lancer for the Dragonsong War, and learned the necessities and tenents of this position, along with the teachings of the Holy See. Most of his information he currently uses he gathered during his travels, such as learning of trade routes, changes in weather, predicting how a group of people will react, for example if a bar brawl will break out and how to calm the situation, exacerbate it for his needs or escape without a sound. One skill he prides himself on is the prediction of weather based on his knowledge of the skies.

25: How do they see themselves 5 years from today?

He honestly sees himself either continuing wandering Eorzea, looking for odd jobs to feed him for the day, or helping out passerbys with any random event they may need.

26: Do they have any plans for the future? Any contingency plans if things don’t workout?

Aric just wants to be left to his own devices, permitted to go where he chooses, when he chooses, with little restricting his travels. He’ll go where the wind takes him.

27: What is their biggest regret?

His biggest regrets come from his time in Ishgard/Coerthas. He regrets how he and his friends were put in the line against the Dravanian Hordes to fight and die, without knowing much of the world beyond the Dragonsong War and what the Holy See decided for him. He regrets taking so long for choosing to run away and that he couldn’t bring any of his training legion with him prior to their deaths.

28: Who do they see as their best friend? Their worst enemy?

Rotatu Neotatu, the Lalafell Scholar he met in his travels is quite easily his closest of friends and confidant. There are few he trusts more than the Lalafell Scholar.

His worst enemy has to be the Holy See of Ishgard, the nobles and the Inquisitors sent after him during his escape from his homeland.

29: Reaction to sudden extrapersonal disaster (eg The house is on fire! What do they do?)

Depending on circumstances, he may not even get involved. If the situation doesn’t involve him or threaten him, he’ll opt to simply not get involved and walk away. However, he does not have much patience or forgiveness for those who oppress the freedoms of others, such as slavers or those who abuse their authority. He may get involved, but hide his actions behind ‘accidental’ interference.

30: Reaction to sudden intrapersonal disaster (eg close family member suddenly dies)

Aric has been pretty desensitized by his experiences in Ishgard, and tends to smile through troubles and emotional trauma. He has learned to put on an act and avoid such emotional responses, at least overtly and in public. He tends to feel remorse if it was his fault, but he tries to be optimistic.

31: Most prized possession?

When he fled the Holy See, he stole his family’s magical relics; a signet ring befitting his position of noble descent, however tangential, which can unlock the true power of the item he stole, the family heirloom lance. He is very protective of the item, and is rather dedicated to its upkeep.

32: Thoughts on material possessions in general?

Aric travels lightly, never with too much to his name outside of the clothing on his back, a small amount of gil, and his family heirlooms. He tends to donate or sell whatever he finds along the way to secure funds for lodging, repairs or food.

33: Concept of home and family?

Aric had a very strained relationship with his family prior to his desertion, their religious fervor and fanatical devotion to their roles as Dragoons in service to Ishgard, to kill the Horde or die in glorious combat left him feeling resentful of his role in their lives as just another expendable soldier. While he is certain family and home are important, he never truly had either, so he feels as if he doesn’t need either.

34: Thoughts on privacy? (Are they a private person, or are they prone to ‘TMI’?)

Aric is deceptively private. While extroverted, candid and readily engaging with even strangers, nothing he ever offers or speaks of are wholly genuine of his true self. He offers stories, grandiose and mundane, anecdotes and more, but it always seems to be just a story or an act. With a smile and a wave, he dismisses many attempts to genuinely bond with others, instead managing to turn the tables, spin the conversation or distract the curious away without ever doing so overtly.

35: What activities do they enjoy, but consider to be a waste of time?

He enjoys helping others with their troubles, but politely and optimistically chastises them for worrying about such small things, instead telling them to relax and enjoy life as a whole.

36: What makes them feel guilty?

He has turned and abandoned more than his fair share of people when he feels the Inquisition are near. He knows they trusted him, or expected him to be there for a while longer, but he slips away and focuses on running from his pursuers.

37: Are they more analytical or more emotional in their decision-making?

Aric is a mixture of the pair. While he avoids cold, hard logic, he tends to cite following the heart, but understanding that emotions do cloud the mind. He strives to argue that there needs to be a balance, otherwise any decision is doomed to be a disaster.

38: What recharges them when they’re feeling drained?

Sitting down and gazing at the skies above tend to make him feel relaxed, rejuvenated and raise his spirits.

39: Would you say that they have a superiority-complex? Inferiority-complex? Neither?

Aric may act slightly arrogant, but it’s a facade he puts on to avoid scrutiny from others and to relax his mind and that of his group. He tends to feel a bit inadequate at times, questioning his place and role with groups such as the Scions of the Seventh Dawn or the Grand Companies. He doesn’t understand why any of the more higher ranked members of these groups even bother with someone like him, leading to doubts over whether or not he is capable of doing much to help anyone.

40: How misanthropic are they?

After running from Ishgard, he was rather despondent and cynical from the loss of his training legion, his betrayal of his family and the Holy See. He distrusted nearly everyone he came into contact with for sometime until he learned how to move past it. He’s grown and healed, but he dislikes the powerful elite, who often tramples over the rights and freedoms of the normal citizens. He prefers to stick to wandering the trade routes over the hustle and bustle of the large cities.

41: Hobbies?

People watching, cloud watching, sky watching, singing and whistling to himself.

42: How far did they get in formal education? What are their views on formal education vs self-education?

As a former member of the nobility, Aric was privileged in his upbringing, having access to a formal education. As it was geared towards the desires and needs of the theocracy of the Holy See, his role in the Dragonsong War, he found that it had little application usage in other areas of Eorzea, and quickly began to learn all he could to survive in the world now as a wanderer.

43: Religion?

Aric is an apostate of the Ishgard Orthodox Church, the Holy See of Ishgard and has been dubbed a heretic by the Inquisition, despite not joining the Dravanian Horde. He has no desire to correct their declarations and maintains a large amount of disdain for the Church and the Holy See’s trappings and teachings.

44: Superstitions or views on the occult?

While he knows of the superstitions of the Holy See, among some other cultures, Aric sees such things are pretty much nonsense. However, he does hold grave respects for the weapons of the fallen, and often tries to bring them to rest with the fallen or to their families.

45: Do they express their thoughts through words or deeds?

Aric is a mixture of both, opting to elaborate and exaggerate with grandiose tales and retellings of anecdotes, or pledges, while also being quite confident in his abilities, however, he tends to play off these actions as accidental or unintentional.

46: If they were to fall in love, who (or what) is their ideal?

Despite his lack of commitment, Aric is relatively monogamous, and he’d prefer some loyalty to be returned in kind. Idealistically, it will be involving someone who he can be both aspects of his self with, someone he can trust to protect him, choose to be with over other bonds, as he will be giving equally of himself. Love is a partnership, one of mutual respect, trust and vision, and he’ll look for a partner who can understand him, and one he can understand in kind.

47: How do they express love?

Aric is very vocal and prominent, he’ll lavish praise, grandiose and mundane, upon his lover. He’ll go out of his way to find trinkets and gifts for them, and fabricate a tale concerning how he fought a horde of rabid behemoths at the market for such a prize. No task is too dangerous, no journey too far to bring glory and riches to his love, even if it’s all an elaborate story or outright lie on how he acquired the gift.

Beyond his childish antics, he is a trusting lover. He tends to put their needs beyond anything else, even his personal freedoms and safety, so a moment of betrayal, whether purposeful or due to conflicting loyalties is taken heavily.

48: If this person were to get into a fist fight, what is their fighting style like?

Outside of normal combat, a lot of his actions are made to look accidental or unintentional to hide his trained skill as a knight of Ishgard. In hand to hand combat, he would stay smiling, a joke on his lips, and use his foot to trip up his opponent, or ‘accidentally’ strike them with his limbs while trying to run away or while pretending to fall.

49: Is this person afraid of dying? Why or why not?

Aric has a fear of death, but more so, his fear is over dying for a pointless cause because an authority dictated that he do so. He ran away from Ishgard because not wishing to die a pointless death in an unending war, due to the Archbishop and his family’s orders. When exposed to the Scions of the Seventh Dawn and the political troubles of the Grand Companies and Eorzea’s cities, he has similar fears and concerns over how readily he is thrown into conflict by those in power.

#FFXIV RP #FFXIV OC Headcanons #Personal HCs about my OC #Feel free to ask more about him!

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dawnwriterimagines · 5 years ago

Text

Three Heroes: Various!BNHA x Reader (Part 2)

This is a Todoroki x Bakugo x Reader x Midoriya fanfic, inspired by the My Hero Academia Movie: Two Heroes, the storyline will be adjusted due to the readers presence. The reader is All Might's Daughter. Read on and I hope you enjoy!

Warning(s): Blood, Violence, Fluff, Poly!Relationship, Mature content, etc.

Walking with the boys, you found yourself slowing down and checking your phone, the time flickering as you found yourself staring at the time. Your eye's widened at the time, hardly noticing as Izuku, Shouto, and Katsuki stopping in front of you, confused at your delay. "Shit. It's late," you gasped, stuffing your phone back into the pocket of your thigh high boots.

"What's going on?" Izuku asked, walking closer in slight worry.

Katsuki crosses his arms, having taken off his gauntlets, "Hm, What're you slowing us down for?" Although you knew he meant it in good nature.

You look up at him and glance between the other two, before smiling quickly, "Oh, it's nothing," you waved it off that it wasn't serious. "I told Dad that I'd meet him before the party. And I haven't seen Uncle David yet, either," you perked up before looking at Izuku once more, "Oh, wait you met him haven't you, Zuku? Uncle David, I mean. Dad and him have been friends forever!"

Izuku nodded, his fists in the air, "Yeah! He's amazing, I never knew you knew David Shield!"

You laughed, "I knew you'd like to meet him." You smiled, before it faded slightly, "But, now I've gotta run. You guys will be at the Expo Reception tonight, right?" You questioned.

"Only because you're going. Although I'd rather not listen to a bunch of old guys I don't even know give a boring speech," Bakugo admitted, frowning with a light blush in his cheeks as he leaned his head back, his hands behind his head.

Izuku nodded.

Shouto nodded, "Yeah. Will you be meeting up with us?"

You brought a finger up to your chin, thoughtfully. "I have to be there with Dad for the reception, I'm supposed to be going with him. But, after that, I can always come up so we can go as a group, you guys are supposed to be my dates after all." You smiled at the last part.

"You damn right we are!" Katsuki boasted, "And don't you forget it, I don't wanna have to get you my self!"

Shouto sighed while Izuku flinched at the loud voice, "Do you have to be so loud?" The ice and fire user asked in slight annoyance.

"You wanna go Icyhot?!"

"I only asked a question, no need to get violent." Shouto closed his eyes bored, crossing his arm's as small explosions noisily left Katsuki's palms.

You sweatdropped. "Don't go at each other's throats while I'm gone, please," You looked at Katsuki accusingly, "Bakugo." He stiffened as you used his last name, huffing as he looks away.

"Whatever," he scoffs.

You rolled your eye's with a giggle, walking up to him, "Just meet me at the central tower, 6:30," you finished, pecking Katsuki on his lips, which calmed him slightly as he made eye contact with you.

"Sharp," you said, turning to the others.

Shouto was the next closest, he leaned down before you could tiptoe, kissing you gently, "We'll be there," he says, smiling as you pull away.

Going over to Izuku, you pulled at his costume collar, "You brought formal wear, right? I forgot to mention it before the flight," you rubbed the back of your neck guiltily. Izuku nodded quickly, smiling brightly.

"No, it's fine, I did. All might told me beforehand. Don't worry," he said and you sighed in relief, happy that your father remembered and reminded him.

"Great. I'll see you there." You brought your lips onto his, eyes closing and Izuku couldn't help himself from swooning like always.

Pulling away, you walked backwards, smiling at them all. "Well, see you guys there," you turned, searching for the research center that David would be. You urged your power to spread to your feet, "Love you!" You called, before bursting into the air, turning in mid air to wave before adding another boost and soaring with a giant leap towards the lead researchers facility. Izuku waved, yelling back over the winds that picked up, Shouto raising a hand with a soft smile, Katsuki watched as you went, hiding his own smirk.

Once you landed, you found yourself in front of the facility, running into it, greeting the receptionist as your name flickered over the doorway. She nodded towards you, recognizing you as All Might's Daughter with a gapping wave, "R-right this way, ms." She directed you down the hall. You smiled at her, nodding in understanding.

"Thank you," you said before running off towards the door.

You opened it, your name flashing over the door as well, although once you were inside, the door closing behind you, you could see he shocked looks of both David and your father. However, your father was in his weakened state, skinny and his bruised battle wound out to the world. Your eye's drifting down to the wound, your heart clenching sadly, your smile fading entirely.

Toshinori stared at his daughter, having almost bulked up once more, until seeing that you were the one who entered. He glanced down at his side, understanding the look on your usually vibrant face, "(y/n)...I, um," he sighed before shaking his head, "Don't worry about this, ok?" He tried to ease you, although he knew it didn't work.

You forced a smile, "It's ok, dad. Are you in any pain? Did you take your meds?" You questioned him, stepping forwards, taking his costume in your hand as you passed it by. You had developed a medication that would ease his pain, prolonging the time he could stay as All Might, now he had at least a few more hours a day.

You could still remember how you had felt during the fight between your father and All for One, it was horrifying, you couldn't do anything to help, being so young. And then you had heard how serious his wounds had been, and no matter how many surgeries or extensive operations, they couldn't do anything about his fading abilities due to his crippling body. That's why you had gone into U.A. to fight beside your father when the time came, you knew of the origin of One for All, how he was fated to go against All for One with each passing of his power torch. You knew Izuku would be next to face this burden, and you would fight beside him when the time came, and with your life you'd protect the heir of One for All even if it cost your life.

You pulled out a small case from your pocket, opening it while putting the costume in the crook of your arm, "Here," you offered him the small pill. It was small but powerful enough to make the effects apparent.

Toshinori smiled softly at his daughter, ruffling your hair with his right hand before taking the pill in his left, "What would I do without you?" He praised you.

"Probably forget, as usual," you laughed, leaning into your father's touch, before giving him the case to fit in the palm of his hand.

While you two laughed together, you heard someone clear their throat, you stopped and turned before smiling widely, "Uncle David!" You leaped up and gasped fondly at your Dad's closest friend.

The red headed man grinned at the sight of you, standing from his seat to envelope you in a hug, "(y/n), my, my, how you've grown! You've gotten so big!" He spun you around, making you laugh brightly.

"It's been forever, Uncle David. I'm so happy to see you!" You hugged him tightly, before pulling away with a grin. "I saw Melissa! She's so nice! I can't believe that's the girl that made my costume, you must be proud!" You boasted.

David nodded, beaming down at you. "Yes, I am, very much. But, I'm just as proud of you. I heard about the hero support you've developed and your powers have grown so much, I saw the sports festival, you were amazing!"

You blushed, "Thanks. I'm just trying to expand my horizon, ya know," you said, giggling.

David chuckled at you before nodding, "Well I can't say how much it means to me to see you, it's been too long, munch," he rubbed the top of your head before caressing the side of your face.

"Same here."

Later, your father bulks up, turning into the proud hero, All Might, he groan's slightly before hiding it as he waves his goodbye to his friend. "Alright then, we'll see you later...Looking forward to partying with you!" His voice becoming deeper as he turns into All Might.

"Same," David says, hugging you close before you go after your father as he opens the door. However, he frown's before calling out to you, making both you and All Might pause, "Hold on, (y/n), can I talk to you? It's about your blasters..." he lies, smiling nervously.

Your eye's widened before you look back at your father, "Can you wait for me at the hotel?"

He smiles at you, "Of course, daughter! I'll see you later, my friend!" He waves his goodbye as he goes out the door and leaves you to close it.

Once you enter, closing the door, your smile fades, "I know what you're gonna say...it's bad, isn't it?" You looked away, your hand over your heart, resting over the jewel connected to your costume. You had once took a hard hit from a villain, straight to the chest, it nearly killed you, having splintered your ribs and damaged the flow of your quirk which derived from your heart. Your quirk allowed you to absorb the energy around you, it flowed directly to your heart and filled you with life energy, so technically your body was just a vessel, this allowed you to materialize from one place to another, being two places at one time. You also could convert the energy to cosmic energy, creating blasts that enveloped your hands and legs to release powerful boosts. However, after that battle, you weren't able to have your power flow correctly, which resulted in your power bursting from your body from all angles, you couldn't control the direction and it always hurt to try.

"His power is depleting faster than I've ever seen! What's happened to him?" David asked you, worried for his friend, worried for the symbol of peace. "I'm worried for him. The symbol of peace...he's..." His fists balled up, he looked down in anger and sadness.

You looked up at him, remembering that he still didn't know about your father transferring One for All to Izuku. "The stress of his hero work, it's always had an effect on him. But, after that battle...his power has never been the same. And I can't stop it..." although you lied about the reason, you still felt tears well up knowing there really had been no way you could've helped your father's deterioration even before Izuku showed up into your lives. You had always felt as if you were responsible, if you had been stronger, you could've fought by his side. But, your father's still strong and now, you were strong enough to help without being a burden. "I know you're worried, Uncle Dave," you said to him, your uncle perked up, "But, a new age of heroes will rise...and father will never step down, not for anything. My family, we strive to protect the world, even if times are hard, we always find a way to preserve. So don't fret! For he is still, and forevermore, here!" You gave him a thumbs up, and despite the pain you've always felt, gave him the biggest smile you ever could.

David felt tears coming to his eye's, looking at his niece in a new light, that smile on your face, that confidence despite the pain in your eye's...he could see All Might in your light and he could see a new symbol of heroism rising with you. He nodded, giving giving a watery smile, "Of course, you're right!" He nods, almost feeling foolish for doubting the strongest hero in the world.

You nodded before feeling your phone buzz, a message, you took it from your thigh pocket and opened it, seeing a text from Iida. He had sent it in a group text to meet up at the location of the reception at 6:30. There was also a text from your father, tell telling you to meet him at the hotel to get ready for the party tonight. You put your phone back into your pocket before walking over to David, "I've gotta run, Uncle, see go at the party?" You hugged him once more. He embraced you wife just as much vigor if not more.

"Thank you, (y/n), you're becoming such a beautiful young woman," he said, smiling as he held you tighter and you beamed.

You waved him goodbye as you left out the door.

●

"Ready, darling?"

You turned, your hair flipping over your shoulder to give a better view of your face. You luckily had a hidden pouch around your thigh, high enough to not be seen fromcthe slits of your dress. You pocket your phone in the pouch, pulling the ruby brooch from Izuku off the counter as you smile at your father, walking over to him.

You pout at his costume before glancing down at your red dress, the V-neck dipping low enough to show off some cleavage and the tight red dress had two slits on both sides to show off your long legs. Your booted heels went up to your ankles and we're short enough for you to feel comfortable. "Why can you where your costume?" You asked him, alittle upset as you crossed your arm's.

The symbol of peace laughed proudly, "I am a pro hero after all, my dear. Do not worry, you look wonderful as usual!" He grin's widely before offering his arm to you, "Shall we?"

You glance down at his muscular arm before smiling and nodding, taking your father's arm. "Let's go have some fun tonight, ok?" You were happy that your father could finally relax for what seemed like forever.

All might nodded before lifting your hand in his, kissing the back of your hand gently, "Of course, darling. Let us go," he grinned, opening the door to the tower.

You looked around, seeing that Iida was the only one in the lobby, although he couldn't see you as you were in the elevator as he entered the lobby. You glanced down at you palm, still holding the brooch, you quickly pinned it at the end of your V-neck, where you'd usually have your costumes jewel, over your heart. "I see that young midoriya has given you his gift!" Your father said.

You look up at him, smiling, "Yes! It's beautiful!"

"Just like you, my darling," you beamed up at your father as he complimented you.

The elevator opened and you both stepped out, entering a hallway, there was a large doorway, opened to welcome the guests. You passed by a few pro's, they paused and gasped and a they found themselves looking and at All Might and his daughter, striding down to the room.

You both found Uncle David quickly, he smiled seeing the both of you, having grabbed a drink. He walked over, "Glad to see you both could make it!"

You, Dad, and David talk briefly before your eyes flicker to the time, the clock at the side strokes 6:30 and you glance at the doorway. You had promised you'd meet your boyfriends for the reception, "Hey Dad, you don't mind if I step out? I promised the boys I'd come up with them when they came." You asked him.

Your father nodded, "of course, darling," he answered.

You smiled at him before walking towards the door, David watched you before glancing at All Might, "Boys?" He smirked, "I didn't think you'd be ok with your daughter dating if ever. So, who's the lucky boy, huh?"

"Young Midoriya, Todoroki, and Bakugo!" All might stated proudly, although he lightly grimaced as he was still wary of you dating.

David raised a brow, gaping. "Did you say three? Wha--wow! Haha, I guess (y/n) is more popular with the boys then you'd have liked huh?" He laughed at his friends obvious reluctance of your dating life.

"It seems so."

David laughed, getting the hero a drink.

You made it to the elevator just as you heard the audience begin to clap, cheering for the number one hero to give a speech. You wouldn't want to leave Dad, being his number one supporter, instead you closed your eye's as the elevator opened and you felt a piece of your own energy splitting from you before you were literally split in two. You opened your eyes to see yourself staring back at you, your energized clone walked back to the room to watch the speech and you entered the elevator.

You could hear and feel anything your clone could so you listened as your father commented on you being two places at once and you giggled to yourself. You could hear him saying that David owed him for this speech before he went up to speak. You focused as the numbers rose to the lobby, you found it opening as your name flickers s cross the screen above you.

You step out, a smile growing on your face as you see your peers and two boyfriends standing there, all of them turning towards you as the elevator opens. "Guys! You're here!" You gasped, happily.

Immediately seeing you, Kaminari and Mineta had almost instant nosebleeds, "Such beauty, an angel! We're so blessed!" They exclaim nearly falling over as they oogle you shamelessly. "I think I've actually died, I can't take this beauty!"

Jirou sticks her earphone jacks into their ears, nearly knocking them out with the sudden loud noise, "at least try and be respectful!" She frown's before looking up at you, "wow, (y/n), you look so great!" You giggle in thanks, blushing before ochaco comes beside you as well as Momo, "Gosh, (y/n), you look hot!" Your face is even redder. Melissa took your arm, "Your dress is so cute, I love it!'' You shyly muttered a thank you. "When did you get those?" Momo pointed down at your chest teasingly, your face was beet red by then.

"Yoayarozu!" You cried, crossing your arm's.

"You look perfect, (y/n)!" You turned at the voice, blushing still, you smiled seeing Izuku in his red tux, similar to your father's although it was red. He was blushing heavily, unable to keep his eye's off of you, he didn't believe in falling in love all over again until now. You were so beautiful, he was was so lucky!

You moved your loose hair to the side, "Thanks Zuku. Your tux, I love it, red looks good on you," you said, walking over to him to place a chaste kiss on his cheek.

"Oh, well, thanks!" He chuckled, trying to keep his composure.

"You look stunning, (y/n). As always," you felt a hand around your waist, you turned with your ears burning. You grinned seeing Shouto in a white suit, a red tie around his neck.

"Shouto! Oh, thanks! Your suit is great, I'm glad you chose this, I love it!" You didn't know how much he loved you. You were so ravishing, he just wanted to press you up against the wall and take your lips right there. Your beauty always seemed to stun him, no matter what you were wearing, but you just looked so unbelievable in this dress.

You kissed him tenderly before turning towards Izuku, who smiled at you, his eyes trying to stay at your face. "Zuku, where's Katsuki?"

Iida was the one to answer you, "He and Kirishima haven't answered their phones. Knowing those two they're blowing off the party," he frowned.

You chuckled softly, "They probably just left their phones. I'm sure they're here somewhere."

Suddenly, your eye's went wide, freezing up as you heard heard a sudden loud noise, but it wasn't from around you, it was with your clone. It was saying something a bit a bomb report. You frowned and everyone instantly noticed, Izuku places places a hand on your back, "Love, what's going on? What's wrong?" Shouto rubs your arm, trying to take you back to this side, "(y/n)?"

You turned towards him, "I-I'm not sure. But...somethings wrong." As if on cue, the windows began to shut and metal barriers quickly began to cover each one, sealing off the building from the world outside. You all gaped in shock, confused at the sudden emergency precautions. You stepped away from Shouto before looking around as the doors locked down as well, the elevators shutting down and locking everyone out.

You pressed your hand to your temple, connecting yourself with your clone, your eyes clouding over as you began to see through your clones eyes. Your eye's going wide as you find yourself at gunpoint, at your father's side, he links eyes with you as he notices your change in expression. "Dad, what's going on?" You asked, you could feel the stares of your classmates as you seemed to be talking to noone, but you knew they were aware of your ability.

"We're being attacked, quickly go!" He warned you, before suddenly the villains around the area, quickly made their moves.

Here were a dozen or so with masks on, their hands held guns and pointed at all the civilians, "Do it!" The seemingly lead member said into his comm.

You paled before quickly beginning to demateralize your clone, not before you heard the holes in the ground opening to let out a glowing rope of restraints, immediately wrapping around you, tightly. You yelped, before growling angrily around the lead villain came up the stairs as you and your father tried to break free, he shot his gun. You both flinched, looking up in fear, you were relieved he hadn't shot anyone. "Don't move! If you take so much as a step, I'll kill everyone in this room!" He pointed his gun at me, making me glare at him. "Starting with her," he dared. That made your father go still.

"Villain," he shouted, before he was kicked down.

You gasped, before you felt him grab your by your restraints, smirking at you, licking his lips behind his mask. "I know you. Little might, all grown now," you glared at him before hissing at him until he shoved you backwards, pushing you to the ground.

However, the moment you made contact, your clone shattered and you heard him scream, "no!" Before your vision came back and you were in Shouto's arm's, Izuku and him looking down at you worried. You hadn't even heard them calling out to you over the crisis in the reception room.

You gasped before you sat up, you realized your body was still bound, the restraints had come to your real body. You looked down at them in surprise before you looked at your friends, "There's trouble at the party, Dad's down there. We need to get down there, try to find out what's going on." You flexed against against the restraints, pulling against them, the bonds breaking as you sat up, having been too far from their connection.

You rubbed your wrists as Shouto helped you up, before suddenly you felt a sharp pain in your arm and Izuku and and the others gasped. "(Y/n), you're hurt!" He exclaimed worriedly, you looked down and your arm was bleeding, it was a deep scrape. You then remembered the guy who was waving that gun around, threatening to shoot you, he must've shot you once you had begun to disappear. Frowning, you looked at Izuku as he ripe his suit and tore off a piece before wrapping in around your arm.

"Thanks. Now, Melissa, how do we get to the reception without using the elevator?" The girl perked up, looking up from the blood dripping from your fingers. She pointed over over to the emergency staircase, "There!"

#midoriya x reader #deku midoriya #bnha midoriya #bakugo x reader #mha bakugou #katsuki bakugou #todoroki x reader #todoroki shoto x reader #mha todoroki #tododekubaku #bnha x reader

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echoeternally · 5 years ago

Note

Echo, I have a writing question. Do you still feel “in control” of your stories? I mean there’s no way you had chapter forty-freakin’-six planned when you posted chapter one, right? There must have been some stuff you made up as you went along, right? How do you do that without feeling like your story is drifting aimlessly or that you’ve lost control of it?

Honestly, both of my strongest ongoing stories started out as aimless spitballs to the wall, and somehow they stuck on not only in concept, but in grabbing attention from readers. I actually created and established control after expanding on them both.

ENY was originally a one-shot for Bowser pining over Mario in a “eat this, I can reshape canon on all your brains” kind of way. One person was like, “hey, how would Mario respond?” I shrugged, gave that a shot for a write-up, and then readers wanted more. So, I was like, “ha, how about I turn this into a story?” And then by Chapter 5, I realized, “oh. oh this is a story, huh? ok, let’s really go for this then.”

From there, I created structure for it, because I asked myself, “Well, what’s going to happen from here? Do Bowser and Mario just get together and church bells just ring out? Or should we play this how could actually unfold?” Guess which thought won out.

(Probably going to be long, so let’s add a cut here.)

After I had a good amount of story arc planned out, probably after I had Luigi and Peach join forces, I started planning out the rest of the fanfic from there. Peach and Luigi were going to reclaim the territories that Bowser conquered, while Bowser and Mario would clash over their romance and work out a relationship and happy ending between them and Mario’s friends. The seven kingdoms getting reclaimed was simple, since it was just following how the games usually go. Mario and Bowser have enough material to go at one another for ages.

Originally, I was going to keep it isolated to just these four and those immediately involved with their affairs (Toads, Koopalings, Yoshi, Junior, etc.) for all that happened. But, I thought of characters that people would want to see included, Daisy being the number one option to hit my mind, and wound up tying them to Peach’s adventure. And my Paper Mario stuffed brain was like, “Ooh, what if Bowser had companions like Mario usually gets?” Hence the original clods that journeyed with him to Star Hill by the late 20s to mid 30s chapters.

Star Hill was always going to be a location that they’d visit, though that got expanded upon as I continued writing. I was like, “Hey, what if people were living out there? How is it that no one really ever builds a fortress here, why don’t these locations appear outside of RPGs?” So, I added that in, and I’ve gotten used to checking in on Mario canon for things.

I especially love using old school material, because it’s stuff that most people probably never touch. Prior to her return, I had literally requested the creation of the Pauline tag on the Mario archive for fanfiction.net, which hadn’t existed prior to 2014. So, adding her, elements from old RPGs, and some bits of Mario history along the way, with some shout-outs to other Nintendo games as well, just worked out.

Tone was something that I was originally concerned with keeping as a very Mario-like story, trying to keep the characters as in-character as I could while putting them in a very unlikely situation. As I continued, I figured it wasn’t going to work out like the usual Mario stuff, so I gradually introduced some darker elements as I went forward: played up the fact that Bowser and Peach are at war, killed a snowman, made a bunch of flirts across the board, toyed with betrayal & conspiracies as plot devices, gave Mario horrific/gruesome nightmares, Peach is a bit unhinged, and Bowser having family drama in the past and present, etc.

The more that I’ve worked on it, the more control I feel that I’ve gained. I feel like, if I had the time to keep the everything in my life at bay and could write without interruption, I’d probably have finished this story by 60 to 75 chapters and would’ve worked on a 10 to 20 chapter sequel, given my pace for it back in 2015. However, I probably would’ve missed out on small stuff, such as Pauline’s comeback being addressed before the 40th chapter and her establishment as mayor, so maybe it’s good that I’ve slogged down.

There are still so many ideas that I’m waiting to get to, and now it’s stuff that I’ve had planned for years. I’m tired of sitting on them, but I also can’t wait to finally build up to them and have them finally happen.

Ha, this turned out a lot longer than I meant it to be, my apologies. I was originally going to talk about my Pokemon fanfic too, but I’ll save that for another post, if you or anyone else is interested. But yeah, that’s some ENY dev process for everybody.

Thank you for asking!

#askecho #orasforlife #eternally never yours #mario fanfic #bowsario #development process #echoeternal #story building #thanks for asking

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ranier-layarte · 5 years ago

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LONG Character Survey: Ranier Leveilleur

BASICS.

FULL NAME: Ranier Kyran Layarte Leveilleur

NICKNAME: Ran, Raven

AGE: 21-25 (depending on expac)

BIRTHDAY: 1st Sun of the 2nd astral moon

ETHNIC GROUP: Au ra (Xaela)

NATIONALITY: Eorzean – From Ul'dah

LANGUAGE(S): Eorzean,

SEXUAL ORIENTATION: No

ROMANTIC ORIENTATION: Isn't this the same as the above?

RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Married

CLASS: Weapon Master

• Proficient in almost all martial weapons.

• Tends to carry multiple weapons at all times.

• Prefers Axes out of all the bladed weaponry

HOMETOWN / AREA: Ul'dah

CURRENT HOMETOWN/ AREA: Shirogane Mansion

PROFESSION(S): WoL, Scion, Machinist, Businessman, Crafter

PHYSICAL: Extremely fit, exercises daily. Muscular build

HAIR: Black/Dark Blue

EYES: Crimson

NOSE: Average, straight, roman-esque

FACE: Straight essentially a greek nose. (At least if I had to try and describe it)

LIPS: A bit on the thinner side, very lightly pink.

COMPLEXION: A mix of Fair and Medium?

BLEMISHES: None

SCARS: Scar on left thigh from stab wound, Scar on left midsection, and upper right thigh.

TATTOOS: WoL tattoo on the palm of his right hand. (Working on giving him another)

HEIGHT: 7'4

WEIGHT: 330 LBS/ 150kg

BUILD: Tall, Muscular, Fit,

FEATURES: None

ALLERGIES: None, at least not yet.

USUAL HAIRSTYLE: Long hair parted in the middle framing the face. Pulled into a ponytail and held with a silver bead big enough for the tail.

USUAL FACE LOOK: Around 40% expressionless, 30% Scowling, 20% Reflective, 10% happy.

USUAL CLOTHING: Higher end clothing generally a mix of casual with formal preferring long pants and a short sleeved shirt. Boots of some kind and armor of some kind at all times. Either under or over the clothes having a preference for the bulkier armors.

PSYCHOLOGY.

FEAR(S): Dying and thereby becoming unable to prevent future deaths and incidents. A fear of the unknown. (Which is part of why he tries to prepare for so many things)

ASPIRATION(S): Being able to amass enough wealth to live comfortably and to continue making the lives of the less fortunate easier. Helping create a better society for all.

POSITIVE TRAITS: Empathetic, Compassionate, Humanitarian, Perseverance, Fairness, Courageous, Loving, Self discipline, Reliable, Thoughtful, Patient

NEGATIVE TRAITS: Bossy, Jealous, Secretive, Grumpy, Harsh, Aloof, Stubborn, Cruel (Only to enemies but that doesn't really matter to people does it?) Arrogant (In some things though less now)

ZODIAC: Pisces

TEMPERAMENT: Mix of choleric and melancholic.

SOUL TYPE(S): King, Warrior, Server (In that order)

ANIMALS: Raven, Bear

VICE HABIT(S): Training, Fixing machines, Drinking, Rubbing Chin,

FAITH: The Twelve (Loosely)

GHOSTS?: I mean if you've seen them you can't deny them.

AFTERLIFE?: With everything we see there has to be right?

REINCARNATION?: Yes, it's clear there is.

ALIENS?: Yes.

POLITICAL ALIGNMENT: Leftist

ECONOMIC PREFERENCE: Prosperous, everyone has what they need. Along with the means to go beyond that if they are willing and able.

SOCIO POLITICAL POSITION: I think there’s enough to go on.

EDUCATION LEVEL: Higher end of the spectrum, attended sharlayan schooling for a few years of his life. (Around three) Was home taught and by other teachers. Extensive knowledge in numerous subjects such as Machinery, Technology, Gunsmithing, Gemology, Business. Holding the equivalent of a mixture of Graduate or Masters in the subjects.

FAMILY.

FATHER: Kyran Layarte

MOTHER: Sahar Layarte

SIBLINGS: Kyari Layarte

EXTENDED FAMILY:

NAME MEANING(S): Ranier (Rainier with out the first I Meaning Wise army apparently)Kyran (Beam of Light) Sahar (Early morning or Dawn) Kyari (???)

HISTORICAL CONNECTION?: My families connection to history? My connection? My father was one of the survivors of the hotgo tribe also. Does fighting in the Calamity among all the other events count?

FAVORITES.

BOOK: Whatever has his current interest, it can very.

MOVIE PLAY: Does this mean Movie or Play?

5 SONGS:

• “Shock me” Baroness

• “Up In The Air” Thirty Seconds To Mars

• “Rise” League of Legends, Glitch Mob, The Word Alive

• “Unbreakable” Of Mice and Men

• “Drown” Bring Me The Horizon

DEITY: Halone

HOLIDAY: Valentione's day

MONTH: March

SEASON: Fall

PLACE: Beside his wife or workshop.

WEATHER: Light rain

SOUND: The turning of pages, the sound of rain, metal moving against each other.

SCENT(S): Smoke, Metal, Old books, and sweat

TASTE(S): Dulcet, Spicy,

FEEL(S): Rocks, Silk, Smooth metals,

ANIMAL(S): This was listed before.

NUMBER: 1? I don't know.

COLORS: Black, Blue, Red, Gold, Silver

EXTRA.

TALENTS: Metalworking, Singing, Sewing, Gem Cutting, Technology, Smithing, Machinery, Dexterous.

BAD AT: Getting rest even now, Not over exerting himself, Not overthinking potential scenarios that may never happen. Dealing with almost all animals, Even now sometimes talking about what bothers him too well, but he’s gotten much better over the years/expansions.

TURN ONS: Caring, Helpful, Courageous, Educated, Aggressive. Listening, Reliable,

TURN OFFS: Selfishness, Boastful, Belligerent, Cruelty, Intolerant, Racism, Weak willed, Careless,

HOBBIES: Creating new things be it machines, armor, clothes, weapons, tools, etc. Working on the same as before. Reading, Exercising, Cooking. Shopping.

TROPES: Pragmatic Hero, Bad ass boast, Big Fancy House, Chekhov's Gun, Determinator, Don't You Dare Pity Me, Genius Bruiser, Heroic Build, It's All My Fault, No Challenge Equals No Satisfaction, Super toughness, Friend to All Children, The Chosen One, The Ace, Ain't Too Proud To Beg, Always Save The Girl, Berserk Button, Death glare, Excuse me while I multi task, Game face, Hypocrite, Lady and Knight, Not So Stoic, Not So Invincible After all, Red Eyes, Take Warning, Stern Teacher, Undying Loyalty, The Power of Love

AESTHETIC TAGS: Workshops, Tools, Kitchens, Weaponry, Guns, Armor, Fine Clothes, Rain, Feathers, Azure Skies, Romance.

VOICE CLAIM(S): Keith Silverstein, (Speaking voice) John Rzeznik (Singing) John Baizley (Singing)

FC INFO.

MAIN FC(S): Free company? Azure Talons.

ALT FC(S): What?

OLDER FC(S): What?

YOUNGER FC(S): What?

GENDERBENT FC(S): What the fuck?

MUN QUESTIONS.

Q1: IF YOU COULD WRITE YOUR CHARACTER YOUR WAY IN THEIR OWN MOVIE, WHAT WOULD IT BE CALLED, WHAT STYLE WOULD IT BE FILMED IN, AND WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?:

• I genuinely don’t know. Something with the grandeur of lord of the rings maybe? But with the ability to add comedy and romance in the proper way. I'm all for serious movies but I enjoy the ability to add a well executed joke or sweet moment. It also would probably not just be a single film. Taking the general events and using my fics as material would probably be fine.

I’d have to think about it a lot more than I will right now

As for the name, well, I don't really have many options. But, probably something with Final Fantasy XIV as the main title. Give it a JRPG title I suppose as a sub title. Sort of like Warriors Dissonance or Uncovered Stories.

Q2: WHAT WOULD THEIR SOUNDTRACK / SCORE SOUND LIKE?:

• Ambient, switching to full of energy, able to convey emotion. Again mentioning LOTR, the score by Howard shore is really great and able to accompany many scenes in such a fantastic manner. As for the other bits perhaps the addition of artist tracks such as from favorite bands and those songs that have meaning to him. Like the ones listed above.

Q3: WHY DID YOU START WRITING THIS CHARACTER?:

• As a way to work on and show that, a character doesn't just have to be overly reliant on tropes and cliches. That those are good as part of them but not as defining traits of them. Along with breaking some of those. Like how all protagonists always have dead parents, what's up with that? I enjoy seeing characters that try to break their molds and be more than that.

Q4: WHAT FIRST ATTRACTED YOU TO THIS CHARACTER?:

• My general thing in any game where you can create your own character has always been. To make who you'd want to be in this universe. I did that and then worked on it and reworked things until I got what I have now. So also, yes, he was a self insert.

Q5: DESCRIBE THE BIGGEST THING YOU DISLIKE ABOUT YOUR MUSE:

• Hard one I suppose but. I'd say how he is capable of doing so much. Even though I work with it as it is a key part of him, it's still hard to make him feel right, feel human when he's got these clear incredible strengths. He's very proficient at so many things some would maybe say he's a mary sue type of character. I make an effort to work on how he became that way to offset it. So it's a lot of extra work than if I had him being a more archetypal hero of his type. I may dislike this the most but I also like it. Love hate relationship you know?

Q6: WHAT DO YOU HAVE IN COMMON WITH YOUR MUSE?:

• A good part of our attitudes and personality though on his end they are greater generally. Along with our want to be as best as we can at certain things.

Q7: HOW DOES YOUR MUSE FEEL ABOUT YOU?:

• Honestly, and in my current state. He would probably be very upset with me and to just know me or the hand I have in his creation and self.

Q8: WHAT CHARACTERS DOES YOUR MUSE HAVE INTERESTING INTERACTIONS WITH?

• Alisaie Leveilleur – She is the main one being his main love interest, girlfriend, and wife later. Though overall he sees her as an equal and a partner, which is part of the reason their relationship grows as much as it does. Along with giving someone who he can trust in and rely on, and vice versa.

• Finn Hogveart - Who harasses Ranier often enough especially with his pet and regarding moogles.

• Alphinaud Leveilleur - and him sometimes get along strangely due to Ranier's relationship with his sister. For a long time he tried to spy on Ranier and make sure he was good for his sister even though he knew he was a good person.

• Cid Garlond - Ranier sees him as a mentor of sorts, along with someone that he can bounce ideas off of and work with on projects leading to a solid relationship between the two. The two sometimes bicker regarding their work but it's always just them being passionate for the projects.

• Gerolt Blackthorn – Similar to cid in some ways. Ranier looks up to Gerolt and his ability to continue making such amazing creations. Wanting to learn more regarding the processes means Ranier visits him when possible, bringing some drinks for him when he does. Almost having a relationship like bros. Ranier also sometimes has gone to try and sway Rowena on his behalf to lower his debt.

There are more but I don’t want to make this too much longer.

Q9: WHAT GIVES YOU INSPIRATION TO WRITE YOUR MUSE?

• I do not control the write, also Alisaie.

Q10: HOW LONG DID THIS TAKE YOU TO COMPLETE?:

Uhhhh maybe an hour all together. Over the course of three hours.

==========

Tagged by: @amandafullmetal @lyllyan-weiss

Tagging: @heyafinney @anikisbox and anyone who wants to do it that sees this.

#Ranier Leveilleur #Ranier Layarte #I did the best I could with it with the time i put into it.#I'm not the best at these either Hopefully someone finds new things or interesting #things from it

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markoftheasphodel · 6 years ago

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Thoughts on the Jagen Club (FEH-centric)

So I drafted this last year, when I started playing with “Depression Meals” and then “This Could Be Us,” then sat on it for about a year. The rundown on Gharnefs compiled by @airlock inspired me to finish this up and get it out because it ain’t doing me any good sitting in my drafts, is it? This basically just served as my initial round of impressions on how FE Heroes was treating my beloved class of “veteran horsey-type knights” aka Jagens and why the Heroes representation inspired me to write crack ‘fic and less cracky explorations of the gang.

So, here goes...

Jagen: Good Grandpa

Jagen rocks. No, seriously, I love this guy and I love what Heroes did with him visually and character-wise (unit-wise... well, none of these are top-tier units and we will leave it at that). See, one gets the feeling Jagen's had a really good life up to at least late middle age. He came from a small but prosperous kingdom where life was good, he served a worthy king, and basically he's got joie de vivre animating him even in his obvious old age.

(This is one reason I kind of view Jagen as the actual ideal knight in FE. If you're a young knight and you end up like him, good on you. You end up like some of these others, my condolences. Kids like Roderick and Silas should take note.)

He's not that complex-- just a good-hearted old warhorse stomping around to prove he can keep up with the colts. My favorite line is probably the one he uses for a bad level-up, though-- a bracing shot of self-contempt: “I have dishonored my rank and my country.”

Gunther: Bad Grandpa

He looks like Axe Jagen. Past middle age, thinks himself as a parent-figure to his liege Corrin, offers to chat over tea. But unlike Jagen, his kingdom's a mess, his life is shot through with tragedy (the scar on his face is, as usual, representative of more than skin damage), and Gunther lets it all hang out during one of his specials quotes: “I will have my revenge!” That and the line “My armor has known...so much blood” hints that there’s more to this guy than tea parties. So what’s the deal with Gunther? Uh... depends on which route(s) of Fates you played. Heroes doesn’t really pick a “side” as far as Gunther goes so IDK look up Revelation on a wiki I guess. It’s wild.

But the way he presents himself is quite engaging! Would have tea with, etc.

Titania: Team Mom

Confident and chatty Titania is the resident ray of sunshine among veteran horsey-riders. She’s happy to take up menial tasks because they gotta be done, but she’s definitely working for a cause on a level beyond “money talks” or even abstract honor. She’s into training, but for the stated reason that practice and being on top of one’s game keeps one alive, and Titania is very, very invested in everyone staying alive. Training isn’t a quirk so much as it is part of her overall practical and constructive approach to life and duty... though there are a couple of hints that Titania’s beginning to feel her age (she’s like, 30!).

And then we get her Valentine’s alt, Warm Knight Titania, who keeps the practical “money can’t buy happiness” approach to life but is very obviously all wrapped up in the feelings for her Commander that went unspoken during his lifetime... and the prospect of a second chance thanks to all these alternate timelines colliding.

Overall just as Jagen IMO represents a damn good representation of an ideal knight at the end of the road, Titania-- despite or perhaps because she quit being an actual knight-- is a beautiful integration of Duty and Training and Covert Romantic Feelings and Familial Affection without coming down too hard on any one element.

Frederick: Wacky Uncle

As a 3DS-era character there's not much surprising about Frederick for anyone who's played Awakening. Endearingly voiced by Kyle Hebert, Freddy adores his lord Chrom and hates disorder and bear meat. He’s got an alt, summoned from a beach vacation, who is obsessively cleaning up seashells and confessions to “sinning” by which he apparently means taking a break.

I admit to holding a subversive view of Frederick in that his zeal to be a great knight is undermined by all of his tics and quirks and that's part of why he and everyone else ended up dead in the original timeline-- and Heroes doesn't change my mind on that point. His fixation on clearing the garden weeds and rising early to pick up pebbles sound less like doing the menial tasks that somebody’s gotta do and more like make-work that Frederick does because something compels him to. Still, Frederick's rocking so much joie de vivre of his own that it's impossible to not like the guy. The man likes what he does, what can I say?

Still should’ve had “Pick a god and pray” in his arsenal of voiced lines somewhere.

Finn: Hot Mess #1

When Finn-- the only member of this crew whose home games never came out worldwide-- hit FEH I remember one Redditor snarking that they didn’t understand why other fans were so excited about another Frederick-style “lapdog” character. Finn indeed presents as the latest model number of “stoic and dutiful knight” on the surface... and then the trauma, debilitating melancholy, and lack of self-preservation leaks out line by line (and given two of these tell-tale lines are at 1* rarity, it’s meant to be obvious).

His identity is all wrapped up not just in some conception of being a knight but in his lance (a gift from his late lord Quan, of course)-- an object, a tool. He's at least two decades younger than Jagen (and Gunter), but whereas the old guys are determined to prove they've got life in them yet, Finn's past caring if he survives the next battle. Unlike Titania, he’s not fondly reminiscing about the happy little moments raising his adolescent liege Leif or his “daughter”/ ward Nanna. He’s not interested in pulling weeds or doing the laundry-- he’s anxious to know the layout of the castle in case it gets torched... when he’s not obsessively repairing that lance, that is. He’s got zero quotes on the value of training compared to least three indicating he's fine with ending up dead. So yeah, Finn’s basically Antimatter Titania. Meanwhile he’s voiced to sound about twenty years older than he looks, which seems to be deliberate for both NoJ and NoA.

Finn’s more like a cautionary tale to the Rodericks and Silases of the world-- sure, you can be this guy, but who’d want to be? He sure looks pretty in his attack art though...

Seth: Hot Mess #2

Ooh, boy. Seth has what's arguably the greatest storyline scene FEH has afforded a supporting character in all of Book I... possibly in all the mainline Heroes chapters. It evokes his rebuke to Ephraim in Eph's version of Ruled By Madness and it's awesome. But the Seth we get in Heroes is a very... intriguing... look at what's underneath the shiny surface of the Silver Knight. There’s some Training stuff, a sense the man has Opinions but is struggling to stay in his place, a reference to the wound he got from Valter and an admission he’s not fun to be around. And then it gets a bit weird.

“Do not trouble yourself over my well- being. I would play the pawn gladly, would it bring us victory.“

He isn't just unattached to his own survival the way Finn is, Seth is actively advising the Summoner to keep enough distance to make it easier for them to send Seth to die. Repeatedly. Maybe the pain of his half-healed wound is driving him mad, maybe he's afraid unspoken feelings for Eirika will turn him to the dark side, but Seth is kinda messed up. And whereas honestly every iffy thing about Finn was already there in the Jugdral games and their side materials, Seth’s FEH presentation came as a shock to me and I’ve seen it flat-out called “Out of Character” elsewhere. The hint of a playful side from his support chain with Natasha, for instance, is nowhere to be found here. It’s odd and kind of compelling and yet not terribly likable, in my opinion. Frederick needs to chill and Finn needs a hug (and probably some anti-depressants), but Seth... I dunno. He needs friends, maybe? Cormag when.

“I answer destiny's call!” is a damn good line, though.

Bonus Clive and Mathilda (The Lovebirds):

The Legendary Knight and her Idealistic boyfriend are not technically Jagens (that’s Mycen, subverting the archetype almost as soon as it was established), but they’re veteran cavalier/paladin types in their late 20s, likely of an age with Seth and Frederick at least and not many years younger than Titania and Finn. So, how do they measure up personality-wise?

Clive and Mathilda have the advantage that their Heroes incarnations hit at virtually the same time their FE15 selves did, so there's not as much revelatory about them. Same VAs (Grant George is fantastic), consistent designs, consistent personalities. Clive struggles a bit with his dilemmas from FE15 and has a hilarious line where he’s taking care of his own horse because the Order of Heroes apparently has no staff (for the record, he says he enjoys caring for the horse). Mathilda meanwhile has a couple of quotes about her love for Clive and quite a bit about her concerns regarding Clive’s sister Clair. They’re not very extreme personalities-- even Titania, well-rounded as she is, comes across as more extreme than Clive & Mathilda thanks to her open zeal for life. I’m not quite sure how they’d come across to someone who hadn’t played FE15, as the nature of Clive’s doubts in particular are merely hinted at here.

They’re good supporting characters but there’s a reason my Jagen-club stories don’t use them as focal points.

Not available: Mycen, Arran, Oifey, Marcus... after two damn years.

#fire emblem meta #all sorts of emblems #the jagen club #fire emblem ficcing #text post #long post

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sorrytobreakyourheart · 6 years ago

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Micmacs: weapon manufacturing criticism in a comedy

So in On Why Pre-Afghanistan Tony Stark Isn’t a Bad Person ( while not a hero ) I talked about the movie Mimacs à tire-larigot as a counterpoint to all my positive arguments to defend Tony as a weapon manufacturer, and I figured that

(A) most of you probably don’t know that movie since it’s french ( like me) ( and I’m writing this in English, which is probably not helping but eitherway )

(B) I should probably expand on why exactly liking Micmacs and agreeing to a lot of it doesn’t negate my feelings on Tony’s ethics

+ there’s a lot about that movie that stands on its own, without me throwing Tony at it. It’s, first of all, a comedy, though, so of course there isn’t a long and winded commentary of weapon manufacturing thrown in the middle by a character.

The parts that directly relates to Tony or the MCU in general will be in italics.

( I’m not, obviously, going to tell you absolutely everything about it, but mostly the part about weapon manufacturing and how it ties in with Tony’s past )

First of all, the story ( and, because I can’t control myself, the arguments in the middle ):

The Incidents

Bazil ( Danny Boon ) is a child in 1979 when his father ( a soldier ) is killed by a landmine as the man is working on removing landmines from the maroccan part of the Sahara. His mother receives his father’s things, and he learns that La Vigilante de L’Armement was the landmine’s manufacturer.

30 years later, Bazil is shot in the head by a stray bullet from a car/moto chase between two criminals, and survives, but the bullet is still inside his brain because removing it has 9/10 odds of leaving him a vegetable. That also means he spends a lot of the rest of the movie suffering from that bullet, with the risk of dying without warning at any moment. Later, he’s given the bulletcase his replacement at work found on the road: it’s from Les Arsenaux d’Aubervilliers.

Now, I would be the first to say that yes, his life was fucked up by those two weapons, but the manufacturers are not necessarily the ( only ) ones responsible for that. Assuming those two enterprises followed the rules, you can say that the first guilty party in his father’s death is the government/military that started the war/decided to use landmines, and that the criminals in the shooting could have stolen those weapons ( or gotten it from a stolen shipment ) from the military, making it the criminals’ fault.

Both are true, regardless of the manufacturers’ own guilt.

The Aftermath

On top of having lost his father and risking death by inconvenient bullet everyday of his life, Bazil lost his job ( logical, someone had to do the work while he was recuperating ) and now lives on the street, scrapping by as he goes.

After a few months, he’s taken in a by a group/family of other lost people. They live in a cavern of recycling materials ( and by recycling trash ). There’s Tambouille ( Mama Chow in English ) who’s the group’s mom. Placard ( Slammer ), who did 25 years and is possibly a former crook from what we see. Remmington, an African ethnograph who somehow ended up poor in Paris like the rest of them and uses an overwhelming amount of french language clichés. La Môme Caoutchouc ( Elastic Girl ), a contorsionist. Petit Pierre ( Tiny Pete ), an old man who doesn’t really speak but makes incredible automatons. Fracasse ( Buster ), a former human cannonball with the injuries that goes with the job. Calculette ( Calculator ), a girl whose ability to tell anything and anyone’s measurements is basically a superpower.

The Revenge

One day, as Bazil is collecting things thrown away to use again, he ends up right in between the buildings of Les Arsenaux d’Aubervilliers and of La Vigilante de l’Armement. He recognizes the logos, and tries to get to talk with the CEO of Les Arsenaux ( bullet ) for compensation, but get thrown out. Then he cross the street, and hears a speech by the CEO of La Vigilante about how making weapons is awesome ( I’m admittedly symplifying here ).

Frankly, at that point Nicolas Thibault de Fenouillet ( old-style CEO, Les Arsenaux ) and François Marconi ( modern-style CEO, La Vigilante ) don’t seem that different from Tony. They live in luxury, make weapons for their country and possibly its allies, their public persona is not necessarily likeable, but you can always chalk it up to the fact that yes, it’s a public persona ( they aren’t engineer, though, just the CEO ).

Except. Tony might have refused to see Bazil, if he had come to him for a bullet made by SI, but he wouldn’t have made the kind of joke de Fenouillet did ( “He says he has one of our bullet in his brain, sir”/”well that makes something for him to remember us by” ). On top of that, when Bazil was thrown out by security, they took their time to mock him and his head wound, to be cruel. That’s not a behavior Tony would have tolerated from his employees, supposing de Fenouillet knew about it.

Except, I made an argument in my previous post about the Ares Award and Tony’s absence, him not necessarily wanting an award for being a weapon manufacturer, and that directly relates to Marconi’s speech. Marconi, him, is there, and makes the praise of his business, and jokes about Rimbaud having been a poet only to become a weapon dealer, and himself planning to do it the other way. He does it unprompted. He shows the ego we keep hearing about in Tony, when Tony wasn’t even there for his own award ceremony, when Tony only said that the weapon industry was necessary when Christine Everhart basically asked him if she was ashamed.

Anyway, Bazil is angry. He wants revenge, which, okay.

He starts spying on both CEOs, making a plan to take them both down. And as it turns out, Marconi is ( oh, surprise! ) contacted by an African ex-dictator who wants to start up shit again because he likes being a dictator better than being an ex-dictator. Marconi spends about two seconds and a half saying he only sells to legitimate clients, before being told how much he’s going make, and then, his ethics go right through the window.

Which, you know. Tony never agreed to do. Not even when the Ten Rings kidnapped him and tortured him.

There’s a confrontation with the rest of the gang, and eventually everyone in on the plan ( which, you know, is about making les “Marchants de la Mort” pay; you know where I’m going here ).

The plan, in fact, consist of a lot of shennanigans that probably wouldn’t work in real life, but the gang is just that good, and it’s a movie. They start by incapacitating the dictator’s men, and Remington pretends to be them to offer de Fenouillet the same deal, so that both CEOs think the other one undermined him when the deal doesn’t happen. Then they get in, wreck Marconi’s cars, steal de Fenouillet’s rather disturbing collection of famous people’s body parts, steal a shipment of bombs, etc.

From there the CEOs are the one escalating. Marconi put pressure on a cleaning lady to sabotage de Fenouillet’s testing unit, which causes a massive explosion at the plant of Les Arsenaux, and there are no casualties but only by chance. De Fenouillet sends a tactical team to kidnap/murder Marconi.

It’s all interrupted when the dictator’s men get back in the story and play Russian Roulette with Marconi ( before the tactical team gets there ), Bazil gets caught because he was worrying about Elastic Girl ( who was looking for blackmail, and is currently hinidng in the fridge ), and the CEOs finally realize what’s going on ( kinda ).

Bazil almost gets killed, but the gang as a Plan B, and ends up kidnapping de Fenouillet and Marconi instead, staging a flight and arrival in the desert, putting a grenade ( not armed ) in de Fenouillet’s mouth, who’s sitting on Marconi’s shoulders, who’s standing on a landmine ( not armed either ), while they are all disguised as arab women with picture of their dead/injured children.

Before long the two are confessing to a lot of things, starting with all the people who are not legitimate clients they sold things to ( IRA, ISIS, you name it ). They are being recorded, of course, and when the gang stops acting and reveals who they are, they also download the video on ( old, old ) YouTube. Les Arsenaux and La Vigilante are about to close, de Fenouillet and Marconi are ridiculed, about to be tried, and lost all their support.

Bazil is happy with his new family.

The End.

Non-Violence

Bazil & Co’s plan never involved violence. They aren’t looking to kill either CEOs, and the employees are not treated like acceptable casualties just because they work for the two assholes. In fact, the only people who die here are not part of the plan, are killed by de Fenouillet’s men, are the dictator’s men. The most violent thing they did was release bees on workers to steal the bombs, and send a car with goons in it in a billboard

Unlike, say, Wanda and Pietro’s plan, who just didn’t give a damn about what happened to anyone ( the Avengers themselves, but also all the people who would get caught up in whatever they’d pushed Tony into doing ) as long as they got to kill Tony, to make Tony suffer, until they realized it had gone too far and (A) they were going to die too, (B) maybe seven billions people was a bit too high a casualty count even for them.

The only thing you can blame the gang for is the explosion at the factory ( if there had been casualties ), in that they instigated the rivalry, but, in the end, that’s on Marconi, much more than on the gang, because he’s the one who decided to do that ( and by pressuring an imigrant couple to do his dirty work, no less ).

Tony wouldn’t have deliberately endangered people like that. If he was like that, he’d have dropped a missile on Gulmira to get rid of the Ten Rings, without care for the civilians casualties, instead of getting there in person and targetting only the terrorists.

A Plan that wouldn’t have worked if they hadn’t deserved it

Despite the fact that Bazil wants revenge, his whole plan only works if de Fenouillet and Marconi are, in fact, assholes. Marconi didn’t have to accept the dictator’s deal, but he did. De Fenouillet didn’t have to accept the dictator’s deal, but he did. When they thought the other one had started trashing their stuff, they didn’t have to escalate. Marconi didn’t have to take his employee’s visa so that his wife would be forced to sabotage Les Arsenaux. De Fenouillet didn’t have to try and murder Marconi.

If they hadn’t sold weapons to ISIS/etc, they wouldn’t have had anything to confess at the end. They’d probably have been ridiculed, but it couldn’t have done any grave damage to their lives. In fact, the gang would have probably been labelled as the villains for having harrassed/kidnapped/threatened ( since they didn’t know the landmine and the grenade weren’t armed ) people who were doing their job within the law.

At every turn, the CEOs had a choice, and at every turn, they disappointed. Which is why the plan worked.

Tony refused to sell/make weapons for terrorists, which is what pushed Obadiah to get rid of him. Tony demands a lot of his employees, but he doesn’t force them to do anything, they can leave if they want, if they think he’s wrong.

And if Tony, somehow, had still ended up in the same situation, threatened with death to admit to having done things illegal... He wouldn’t have had anything to admit, because he didn’t do it.

Reality vs. Fiction

That’s the big difference between Tony Stark and de Fenouillet and Marconi. He’s not a bad person for being a weapon manufacturer, because he did it following the rules, but they aren’t, because they didn’t.

Being a weapon manufacturer, again, isn’t a bad thing per se, even if it isn’t a good thing either. As long as there isn’t world peace, and the absolute assurance that this peace will go undisturbed, we need soldiers, we need weapons, and therefore we need weapon manufacturers ( but I already made my argument about it in my last post ).

Now, I wouldn’t be surprised to hear that most, or maybe even, all, of the real-world weapon manufacturers are not good people who always follow the rules. But in case you hadn’t noticed, Tony Stark is the ideal ( or as close as ) of what a weapon manufacturer should be ( still not good per se, still not bad per se ), because he lives in a fictional world.

If you can believe in a soldier who never obeys orders he thinks are wrong and yet never gets disciplined because of it, if you can believe in a guy who turns into a giant green rage monster, if you can believe that six people can stop an alien invasion, and then you tell me you can’t picture a honest weapon manufacturer in that same world, well.

What we don’t need are weapon manufacturers like de Fenouillet and Marconi. What we need are people who are willing to make them fall, but not by using violence first either, not when it’s not needed, not when you can do it differently.

( though, the Plan almost went South at one point, which is why, sometimes, you also need an assurance, like, say, a way not to get killed by the weapon manufacturer who has, *gasp*, weapons! )

#french movie #Micmacs #micmacs à tire-larigot #pro tony stark #MCU #criticism of weapon manufacturing

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kitsune-translates · 6 years ago

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SCI 谜案集 [English Translation] Case 1: Number Killer

Number Killer 07 Martyr

The following questioning went well enough. According to Wu Hao, he is working for their ‘God’ and everything he has done is because of God’s instructions.

Bai Yutang is baffled and couldn’t help to give Zhan Zhao a look, ‘Are you sure he is sane?’

Zhan Zhao frowns and ask Wu Hao, ‘Who else works for the ‘God’ you just mentioned?’

‘Erm...Reverends, Angels… and many God’s children like me.’ Wu Hao is giving a yearning look.

Bai Yutang couldn’t hold back his laughter, ‘You mean you work for Jesus?’

‘No!’ Wu Hao shakes his head, ‘I don’t believe in Jesus.’

Zhan Zhao considers for a moment and asks again, ‘It seems like you have a very strict hierarchy. How does it work exactly?’

Wu Hao hesitates for a second, ‘God gives the order, Reverends are in charge of reward and punishment, Angels take care of communications and God’s children carry out the missions.’

‘And the mission they gave you, is to run people over with car?’ Bai Yutang couldn’t help himself but ask.

Wu Hao nods.

‘I need the other members, including your God’s name.’ Bai Yutang takes out his pen and paper and gets ready to record down the details.

‘We have no names, only numbers.’

‘Numbers?’ Zhan Zhao and Bai Yutang exchanges a look. Bai Yutang stands up, walks behind Wu Hao, and turns Wu Hao’s ear over. He shakes his head at Zhan Zhao -- no numbers behind Wu Hao’s ears.

‘How do you receive the instructions?’ Zhan Zhao continues to ask.

‘The Angels will seek me out and leave me with the missions and related details.’

‘And where are these information details?’ Bai Yutang asks.

‘They are to be destroyed after reading…’

‘But someone like you, you would keep them as souvenirs?’ Zhan Zhao notices Wu Hao’s hesitation.

Wu Hao sighs in dejection, ‘I...I hid them in the bookshelf at home.’

‘Last question, what’s your number?’ Zhan Zhao asks.

‘...114…’

When the two of them are done with the questioning and leaves the prison, the sky has already turned dark.

Bai Yutang dials Bao Zheng’s number and talks him through the case. Bao Zheng issues a search warrant immediately and sends Wang Chao with a team to search Wu Hao’s place. All paper materials are to be brought back to S.C.I. on Bai Yutang’s request.

‘Cat, dinner?’ Bai Yutang asks as he shuts the car door.

‘Hm…’ Zhan Zhao seems distracted.

‘Hey!’ Bai Yutang waves his hand in front of Zhan Zhao, ‘Earth to Zhan Zhao! What are you thinking about?’

Zhan Zhao frowns, ‘That Wu Hao’s behaviour is somewhat like religious dependency. This case may be more complicated than we think.’

‘In my opinion, he is completely insane and that group is probably just a nuthouse.’ Bai Yutang starts his car, ‘What do you want to eat?’

‘Erm… I want curry.’ Zhan Zhao then emphasizes, ‘made by you.’

‘...your stomach is not upset anymore?’ Bai Yutang gives Zhan Zhao a startled look, ‘Don’t end up in the hospital right after the meal. Greedy cat!’

‘Then Mac & Cheese (1).’ Zhan Zhao considers, emphasizes again, ‘made by you.’

‘Idiot cat… You are buying the grocery.’ Bai Yutang grumbles.

‘No problem! Chef Bai!’ Zhan Zhao adjusts his seat, now satisfied, and decides to take a nap first.

Bai Yutang and Zhan Zhao both have their own flats, which are the studio apartments assigned by the police bureau. The two of them may be similar at work, being exceptionally competent in their line of work. But they couldn’t be more different in life, Bai Yutang is still insanely capable, while Zhan Zhao is a complete failure. To quote Bai Yutang, Zhan Zhao will run into the wall while walking, hit a tree while driving, blows up the kitchen when cooking and causes fire when cooking rice (2). Hence, other than eating out and food deliveries, Zhan Zhao’s meals are mostly taken care of by Bai Yutang since he can cook like a Michelin Star chef, thanks to his mother’s excellent genes.

The two of them reach the supermarket below the apartment building. While Zhan Zhao is enthusiastically choosing groceries, Bai Yutang’s phone suddenly rings. He picks up and hangs up after 30 seconds. He removes the groceries from Zhan Zhao’s hands and says, ‘No more Mac & Cheese.’

Bai Yutang picks up some bread and drinks, stuffs the sulking Zhan Zhao back into the car and heads straight for the prison.

At the gate of the prison, they run into Gongsun Ce who was just getting out of the car with his toolkit.

The three of them heads into the prison and sees that Wu Hao is lying flat on the ground inside the enclosed special cell. He is already dead and bleeding from his mouth and nose (3). But there is no expression of pain on his face and his hands are crossed at his chest, looking like a devoted prayer.

Gongsun goes in to check the wound, while Bai Yutang and Zhan Zhao questions the prison guards outside for details. Gongsun calls out to them after a minute.

Going into the cell, they see that Gongsun is holding Wu Hao’s head up and turning his left ears over. A clear blue 114 is marked behind his ear.

Translator’s Footnote:

(1) The dish in the original novel is 豆蔻通心粉 which I haven’t got a clue what it is. Literal translation of the dish is Nutmeg Macaroni (?)

(2) This one deserves a special mention because it’s really pretty amazing that someone can cause fire when cooking rice, cause you know, Asians use a rice cooker. Just so everyone understands how outrageous this is.

(3) The author used 七窍 in the original novel which refers to all the outlets of humans, meaning your eyes, nose, mouth, ears, anus etc etc. Anyway I don’t think it’s possible to know that someone has bleeding in all these parts on first sight, plus its creepy, also a pain to translate. So I took liberty with the interpretation.

#sci mianji #SCI 谜案集 #sci谜案集

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deviant-oreo · 6 years ago

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FFXIV RP MASTER LIST.

Master list of all my characters. I’ll probably be reblogging this every now and then or a fresh one with updates depending on my characters journery.

Apologies mobile users.

Kherem Kahkol

Character Background

Hailing from the Azim Steppe, born in the bleak, frigid climate of The Tail mountains - Kherem Kahkol is a monster of a warrior. Deeply entrenched in Xaelan traditions and beliefs. He lives by the way of his people and will die by it. Wearing his heart on his sleeve and unafraid of voicing his unfiltered opinions. Kherem often expresses himself through his forge and his love for battle.

General Information

Age: Late 20’s to early 30’s

Birthday: Unknown

Race: Au Ra, Xaela

Gender: Male

Sexuality: Ask him yourself

Personal Information~

Profession: Blacksmith, Warrior, Beast Tamer

Residence: Azim Steppe, The Dusk Forge

Birthplace: The Tail Mountains

Patron Deity: Nhaama, The Dusk Mother

Physical Appearance~

Hair: Dreadlocks, onyx black with blood orange highlights.

Eyes: Fiery crimson irises with orange limbal rings.

Height: 7’5

Build: A stocky, muscular build. Befitting of such a rabid warrior.

Distinguishing Features/Marks:

Abnormal Scale Growth - Kherem’s scales have grown exceptionally more than the average Au Ra. Purely genetics.

Scarring - Kherem’s a seasoned warrior, part and past of it means narrowly escaping death numerous times, his body is lined with numerous scars of battles past.

Back scars - Kherem being the boisterous and headstrong fiery man he is, crossed the wrong opponent to which he was punished with his back being flayed. Although it’s healed, the wounds caused irreversible damage to which his scales don’t grow on them, leaving the scars exposed.

Additional Information~

Cannibal - With the Steppe being so unforgiving and wild, Kherem doesn’t necessarily have a moral compass when it comes to what he eats. If it can be killed and cooked, he sure will eat it, be it man or beast.

RP Hooks~

Gazar Doorkhi - Despite the unforgiving and brutal nature of Kherem, he’s a Xaela born of the Steppe, he cares about his people - and in for that reason he’s more than welcome to opening his home, Gazar Doorkhi to fellow Xaelans of tradition. Though that’s not to say he’ll accept anyone and everyone..Those who do enter, whether knowingly or unknowingly of the man, go in at their own risk.

Murderer, Pillager, Warrior - Kherem is notorious as he is feared in the steppe. Ruthlessly killing as he sees fit for he believes it’s one of the many natural ways of his people. He could have slaughtered a band of people you knew. Maybe you’re simply out for his head because of who he is. We can work something out.

Blacksmith - Bloodlust aside, Kherem has honed himself into quite the blacksmith, forging weapons and shipping them out in exchange for gil and other materials. He’s also opened it up for warriors alike looking for his rising name in the arms trade. The challenge enough to reach his home deep within the Steppes, enough for him to raise his opinion on whether he’d be willing to.

Important things to note:

Kherem is deeply entrenched in his culture, along with it, isn’t very fond of those who aren’t born of the Steppe. Don’t expect him to act kindly to your presence if you’re not.

Expect conflict. Kherem’s a confrontational man, wearing his heart on his sleeve as much as he speaks it; what comes out however, might not be the kindest of words. Worse case, the brutal cleave of his axe.

Zhaji’a Nejaho

Character Background

The ever illusive Zhaji’a Nejaho, a young and chipper keeper who travels the lands of Eorzea in search for work and fortune. Separated from his tribe from a young age, he’s constantly been teetering on the edge of poverty, often getting himself tied up in criminal activities and working with crime syndicates under the moniker of Twiji.

General Information

Age: 19

Birthday: 24th Sun of the 4th Astral Moon

Race: Miqo’te, Keeper of the Moon

Gender: Male

Sexuality: Pansexual

Personal Information~

Profession:

Honest work- Labourer, courier, assistant..etc. He’s always looking for gil.

Dishonest work - Hired assassin, thief, spy, saboteur..etc. Again, he’s always looking for gil.

Residence: Abandoned buildings, sometimes where he’s working

Birthplace: The Black Shroud

Patron Deity: Oschon, Azeyma

Physical Appearance~

Hair: Long, dirty blonde hair, usually in a single braid and often rather dirty.

Eyes: Aquamarine Blue.

Height:5’6

Build: A rather lean build, fit for someone who does a lot of parkour.

Distinguishing Features/Marks:

Scars - Zhaji has numerous scars all over his body, nothing too significant. Due to his less than ideal lifestyle, he may be agile and swift, but not exempt from being caught and punished.

Additional Information~

??? - Zhaji has a secret; a keen eye if they’re lucky might be able to see the signs. Spend a lot of time with him and he might on a rare occasion slip up. But if he so happens to reveal it willingly. Then it’ll probably be the last secret you’ll ever know. ??? - Zhaji has a secret; a keen eye if they’re lucky might be able to see the signs. Spend a lot of time with him and he might on a rare occasion slip up. But if he so happens to reveal it willingly. Then it’ll probably be the last secret you’ll ever know. ??? - Zhaji has a secret; a keen eye if they’re lucky might be able to see the signs. Spend a lot of time with him and he might on a rare occasion slip up. But if he so happens to reveal it willingly. Then it’ll probably be the last secret you’ll ever know.

RP Hooks~

Employment: Zhaji doesn’t have a secure job, and so he travels the land looking for work wherever he can, if you’ve got a job for him and the reward is incentive enough, he’ll be sure to take it, no matter what it is. He’s a hard worker and will do his best to see the job through.

Twiji and crime - Those in the criminal underworld will know Zhaji under his alias, Twiji. His name is spoken mainly around small time bosses and gangs - but who’s to say it won’t reach the more powerful folk? Twiji is known to do pretty much any job thrown at him if it means gil or a few nights with his belly filled.

Important things to note:

He’s hungry. A lot.

Hyrtsolk Ketenlonwyn

Character Background

Born during the annexing of Doma and raised in a family whose line has been long filled with war veterans, politicians and public officials. Hyrtsolk Ketenlonwyn led a rather strict, yet spoiled upbringing. Astute, high strung and frequently self indulgent. Her parents extended tough love and a reality check for the young woman - forcibly conscripting her into the ranks as an Architectus to work on Baelsar’s Wall. But little was known that she would experience the calamity that was the Battle of Carteneau.

Hyrtsolk now travels the vast lands of Hydaelyn, continuing her journey to becoming a renowned bioengineer…All the while, her homeland and family is calling for her return.

General Information

Age: 25

Birthday: 8th Sun of the 4th Umbral moon

Race: Garlean-Hellsguard

Gender: Female

Sexuality: She’s still discovering herself.

Personal Information~

Profession: Apprentice Bioengineer

Residence: Travelling Tent, anywhere on Hydaelyn.

Birthplace: The Blindfrost Sea

Patron Deity: Come on.

Physical Appearance~

Hair: Naturally, blonde. Currently it has been for a few years dyed blood orange with autumn yellow highlights.

Eyes: Baby Blue

Height: 7’8

Build: A toned, hourglass figure.

Distinguishing Features/Marks:

Birthstone and aetherical ink tattoo - A persian blue birthstone based upon her forehead. The birthstone itself is part of hellsguard culture, and Hyrtsolk displays it with pride.

Aetherical ink tattoo - The shimmering birthstone is adorned with a unique tattoo infused with aetherial ink that helps conduct her aether more efficiently.

Neck scarring - Hyrtsolk has received deep, glaring scars around her neck which presumably look like claw marks.

RP Hooks~

Garlean Citizen - Hyrtsolk grew up frequently travelling between Garlemald and Doma under the empires rule. Perhaps you were a school buddy - or childhood friend. Maybe she bullied you because you were a filthy Peregrinus!(Slaves and/or people of annexed territories.) Or you had a nice Kimono belt and she decided to ‘borrow’ it permanently. Perhaps friend of the family? We can get some of that pre-established relationship going and throw each other ideas!

Baelsar’s Wall - Hyrtsolk spent her late teens conscripted at Baelsar’s Wall as an Architectus before the calamity. Perhaps you were work colleagues? Maybe she trod on you and made your life a misery because you were filthy Peregrinus! Again, hit me up with some of that pre-established relationships, thoughts and ideas and see how we get around it!

Femme Fatale/Gil Digger- A observing person would ask, where does a woman who lives in a tent, find the gil for such lavish items and an expensive? Her secret is to simply get someone rich enough to pay for her. Hyrtsolk has made it an artform seducing rich folk out of their hard earned gil, utilising her natural beauty and silver tongue to acquire a lifestyle unobtainable by normal means with half the effort. Perhaps you were one of her victims? Getting revenge for a friend? Or maybe you were one of her next targets? Let’s get something going~

OOC Contact Information

World: Balmung

Timezone: GMT (I’m from the UK.)

Discord: Drop me a message and I’ll give it to you if you’re interested!

I do discord RP, in-game RP or docs so whatever’s your preference, I don’t mind!

#ffxiv #ffxivrp #Hyrtsolk Ketenlonwyn #Kherem Kahkol #Zhaji'a Nejaho #Master list

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