#and historically those ideas have varied a great deal

[kingofterrors]

I unironically love this.

Here’s the deal. We’re not great at dealing with dead people. Not right now. Back in medieval times the usual practice was to bury people temporarily and then exhume the bones, sometimes just the skull, and store them in an ossuary. That way you have a place to visit your ancestors, but all the buriable ground isn’t getting used up. It’s getting reused again and again and again.

But then we started wanting to keep that ground for one person. First rich people, who bought tombs and expensive memorials and monuments, but then basically everyone. The ground wasn’t reusable. It got used up. There was a major health crisis in the 19th century when because there was nowhere to bury bodies they were just getting stacked up in church crypts and becoming major sources of disease. The Victorians’ response? To build a lot of big cemeteries just outside population centres, and to start encouraging people towards cremation.

Cremation didn’t take off until the first world war though, for a variety of reasons, but the war made it a necessity as so many people were dying so fast, and often you didn’t have much of a person to bury. People became less worried about needing a full body to have access to the resurrection (ask me about this - I can and will bore you to tears on this topic) because it became so obvious that a bunch of people just didn’t have one.

Fine. But all of that is kinda temporary. Those big brand new cemeteries? Got filled up. Even burials of cremated remains are using up burial space because just like full burials, they take up ground - just a little less of it. We’re out of ground again.

My church has an open churchyard, but it’s one of the few, and we’re going to be full once we’ve planted 3 more people, tops. And then what? We don’t know. No bugger wants to provide land for burials. Housing developers don’t want them - they worry that they’re offputting, and nobody would want to live next to a cemetery. Large estates don’t want to give away land for burials. Town Councils currently don’t have the authority to just designate an area for burials and make everyone else deal with it. We’re out of ground. I genuinely don’t know what we’re going to do, apart from tell everyone they gotta get cremated because we ain’t got no room for them.

Putting a bunch of people in a large purpose-built structure? Not a bad plan! Especially if it’s bones only, because then you can fit more people in there. There’s a hell of a lot of people and not much place to put them. There’s no end to dying, believe me, and this is a problem you can’t ignore forever.

Necropolis? Sure! I’ll take one!

[notthesomefather]

Reading runes: tips for beginners

Hi folks! When beginners start investigating rune-reading, they typically see two things: posts reiterating that runes had no historical basis in divination and posts dictating what each rune always means.

While the former is true, it doesn't negate the power of letting the divine speak to you through channels you understand--whether you use playing cards, tarot, runes, or other signs to interpret these messages. And while runes each carry their own meaning(s), these meanings are not fixed but context-sensitive.

Step One: Sitting with the runes

Before you do too much research, I'd advise you to simply sit with the runes and listen to how they feel. Hold one in your hand, visualize one in your mind, chant one's name aloud, or some combination of those techniques. Let images, sounds, smells, and ideas come to you without analysis or critique. This is an initial "getting to know you" meditation meant to be repeated many times throughout your journey, and I'd advise revisiting these meditations even after you feel acquainted with the runes.

Step Two: Researching the runes

Research into historical and linguistic concepts behind the runes may be beneficial. I'd also recommend contemporary research--see how folks use the runes in their practice, whether in divination, creation of bind runes, or other implementations. Know that each individual will have their own relationship with runes, but keep an eye open for inspiration.

Step Three: Questioning the runes

Once you understand how you interpret the runes, it's time to take them for a spin. I advise against very detailed "yes or no" questions and suggest broader, more open-ended questions. Example: instead of "Should I take this job?" ask, "What are qualities in a job that would make me happy?" then see if the offered job reflects those values. Instead of "Does Tyr like it when I offer him a beer?" ask, "What are attributes Tyr values in a devotee?"

Step Four: Throwing the runes

As part of your research phase, I'd suggest looking up different rune spreads to see if any resonate with you. What I do is more random and case-by-case: without looking, I dig my hand into the runes and concentrate on my question. I do this until a rune pops into my hand (or out of the bag) or feels unusually heavy. I'll pull runes without looking until the remaining runes in the bag feel neutral (nothing trying to pop out)--this results in typically 3-5 runes but it varies. I typically don't organize the runes or pull with any spread in mind, but rather leave them where they fall (from the bag or my palm).

Step Five: Interpreting the runes

Sit back, take deep breaths, and remember to view the spread as a whole. Each rune is in communication with the others.

I interpret the runes' placement to indicate their relationships with one another. For example, if I throw a Berkano, Perthro, and Elhaz, but the Perthro and Elhaz are on top of each other, I'll analyze them as a pair. So I would analyze Berkano on its own, the relationship between Perthro and Elhaz, and then the larger relationship between all three. Yes, it is 100% okay to refer back to notes you've taken!

In my experience, the most important thing to remember is: reading the runes requires a great deal of self-honesty and inner reflection, bravery to hear tough answers, and humility to let the runes answer questions we didn't know we were asking.

[scarlet--wiccan]

Semi related to the "Mayomoff" thing, but I really dislike sometimes how cb twt tries to distance Billy from Wanda. I get it's a way to overcompensate because MCU stans usually have the misconception that Billy and Tommy were raised by Wanda, but the insistence feels icky. By the way these people write about these characters, it would make you believe that Wanda tried to steal baby Billy from Rebecca's arms (anti roma tropes are still super present even in "leftie" fandom spaces).

This has been a thing for years, and I've definitely noticed an uptick recently, from both sides, in response to Billy's imminent arrival in the M C U. I think a lot of comic fans, in particular, have a hard time accepting that characters can be more than one thing, or have more than one important storyline or relationship. Whether or not you find it interesting, Billy's relationship with Wanda is a major part of his story, and both characters care about each other a great deal. If you think you can have one without the other, you've lost the plot.

But if I'm being honest, I do think that racism is a part of the problem. People undervalue Wanda's relationship with her sons because they don't understand the significance and nuances of Romani heritage and identity. They undervalue how meaningful a story about family separation and reunion can be, because they have no investment in our history or generational trauma. I think a lot of folks are not willing to hold the space for those perspectives or learn from Roma voices. When we talk about representation and authenticity, a lot people think they need to understand the interiority of Romani culture, but I think these experiences and historical perspectives are much more important.

On top of that, a lot of people seem to think that acknowledging Wanda as Billy's mother or labeling him as a person of Roma heritage somehow erases other aspects of his identity. In some cases, this is well-intentioned-- Jewish identity can be just as nuanced and specific, and needs to be respected-- but a lot people clearly just feel threatened by the idea that he might not be white. And that's a real shame, because in my mind, Billy's Romani heritage only adds to the richness of the character. Mixed families with varied identities exist, and there several real-world experiences you can map Billy's identity onto without invalidating his Jewishness.

-----

Homophobia and gender anxiety are also important factors. I've been following this character for nearly two decades, and I find that Billy's depiction, and how fans respond to him, often reflect shifting attitudes about "positive" gay representation-- specifically, where femininity, diverse gender expression, and gay cultural semiotics fit into that narrative. [x] [x] The character has always been legible as a certain type of gay guy, and over the years, more writers and artists have taken license to explore that aspect of Billy's style and personality. All told, it's pretty subtle, and since most of those writers are gay/bi men, I usually find it quite authentic, but certain fans-- particularly the Young Avengers fanbase-- always respond negatively to any degree of femininity or androgyny.

Billy's proximity to Wanda-- as a legacy character based on a female hero, and as a man who identifies positively as a "witch," when that word is used with explicitly feminine connotations elsewhere in the Marvel canon-- evokes a lot of those same responses. Again, I think this is a perfectly authentic and frankly very common relationship for gay men to have with femininity. But characters like that are rarely represented as powerful, admirable, or desirable, and Billy is all of those things. To me, that is positive representation, and anyone who can't see that has an internalized bias they need to work on.

On the flip side-- homophobia and transphobia are on the rise in America, and I really think the pendulum has swung back around in terms of how comfortable people are expressing those views in public. I've been more plugged into the M C U fandom lately because of Agatha, and I've seen a lot of folks just saying mean, homophobic things about the actor and character. I don't want to defend Locke, because of the whitewashing, but that sort of hate okay is not okay.

[phoenixyfriend]

Ko-Fi prompt from Anonymous Supporter:

For the Econ Topic, an analysis on a society that has magic and fantasy races would be nice. Or maybe how a guild of Thieves or Assassins would work in either real life, fantasy or sci-fi setting.

The former is far too varied and complicated a topic to fit into 500 words, but I can definitely make the latter work... by explaining what the fuck a guild is.

These days, the words guild and union are used more or less interchangeably, and they do admittedly have some overlap in modern capitalist society. In the historic Europe that many of these settings are inspired by, the word guild had a more specific meaning.

Let's unpack some of what the economic structure is in these settings.

Large, overarching companies engaging in multinational work are rare in those historic settings. You have some trading/merchant organizations (e.g. the Dutch East India Company) that fit that bill, work that couldn't be performed without a large, existing structure to back it (e.g. mining), and domestic agricultural lordship (you know, feudalism).

For the rest of the economy, though, you have small businesses. Technology isn't at such a point that something bigger can be done. Factories aren't a thing until the industrial revolution, but we do have division of labor, so there are people who specialize in baking, or weaving, or shoemaking, or pottery.

Many of these professions require years of training, from apprenticeship to journeyperson to mastery. Trade secrets are a big deal, you marry off your daughter to your apprentice to secure the line and prevent competition, and you try not to give up those secrets because if you do, what's to keep your lord and other rich folk from taking advantage of you, and paying you less than your worth?

That's where the guild comes in.

No matter how good you are at keeping secrets, the competition does exist. You cannot be the only baker, dressmaker, shoemaker, bricklayer, carpenter in town, unless your town is very small indeed.

Price competition isn't a great idea when profit margins are already low, and you are a small business that doesn't have the diversification or coffers to take the hit for a few weeks. If your lord tries to force you to sell low, you can't just refuse him! He's the one that pays whoever uses the swords!

If only you and all the other trained professionals in your industry could hold together and tell him, "Yeah, that's as low as the price can go. You are paying for the bare minimum of materials and labor with that. So sorry, can't go lower without taking an actual loss, and everyone else will tell you the same thing."

Joining a guild was often the only way to perform that craft or service in a given city. This prevented untrained, untested individuals from trying to peddle something that wasn't up to standard, but also acted as a form of gatekeeping that could prevent the market from becoming oversaturated with competition. The formation of a guild was often related to, or even reliant on, approval from local government or a monarch.

Guilds did absolutely have negative impacts, by the way, often through market manipulation and rent-seeking behaviors. They stifled innovation, gatekept skills, and were capable of price-gouging and price-fixing beyond the basic "this is how we keep from getting screwed over by the rich guys." While the guilds themselves were arguably intended to ensure minimum standards and protect against wealthy clientele, they were just as prone to stagnation and greed as any organization.

The guild differs from the unions in that the guild is for trained professionals that, by and large, own their business to some degree. The unions, meanwhile, are for laborers who work for someone else, and formalized labor unions only began in the mid-18th century, while trade guilds, or something like them, date back over four thousand years.

Remember how I said that factories as we know them, and that whole Big International Company format, didn't really start being a thing until the Industrial Revolution? You know how the Industrial Revolution started in the mid-18th century?

We now see the connection.

So, what does a guild of thieves or assassins mean, at its core?

Well, they have to be doing this professionally. Someone who's just killing for the fun of it isn't a professional assassin, being paid by other people for it, just like how the baker's guild isn't going to care overly much for the farmer's wife making her own bread for dinner. Thievery is a bit less obvious in terms of 'what counts as professional.' Does the person who picks pockets to pay their rent qualify as professional? Or just the ones who steal on behalf of someone else? What about burglars?

So part of what you'd need to untangle is what qualifies as professional for the thieves themselves.

Then, given that these are generally illegal acts in the first place, what purpose does the guild serve? Is the guild supported by the crown as a form of control over theft and assassination in the first place, like privateering? Does the guild institute rules on who can be stolen from, whether or not it's within guild rules to kill individuals of certain ages or genders or classes? What punishments does the guild implement on those who violate those rules?

If the crown allows the assassin's guild so long as members of the royal family are not targeted, is there a rule that any client who requests the assassination of a monarch must be reported, or killed on the spot? What government fees does the guild have to pay in order to exist? If they exist as an underground, unofficial group that is not affiliated with the government, how do they deal with the government? How do they hide? Do they dictate pricing? Do they pay off cops to stay under the radar? How do they advertise their services without getting found out?

For the thieves guild, it's even more wiggly. Who qualifies as a professional? Is it the pickpockets, the cat burglars, the people who climb into dragon's caves to locate ancient treasure and get out unseen? Is there a minimum yearly income threshold? How is that calculated? What about membership fees? Is membership singular, or can it be done as a couple, a team, a family? Are there groups that are off limits? Maybe there are two thieves guilds, one for those who can be Hired By Adventurers, acknowledged by the crown, and a second for those who work in the seedy underground away from official oversight.

There really is no one way for this to play out, and will probably vary from town to town or planet to planet in-story, but hopefully I've given you the framework to build up the various guilds you need for your story!

(Prompt me on ko-fi!)

[rainyinautumn]

So Secret Life is happening. And it's great. And it has potential to be a LONG series compared to other life installments.

Let me explain.

Historically, the biggest killers in the life series are fall damage, PvP, and TNT (if you're wondering how I know this, this is how). Let's look at how each of those makes you dead.

Fall damage gets people in one of two ways: either taking a fatal bit of damage after being almost killed by something else (ex. Tango's final death in Limited Life), or falling a massive distance that wipes all ten hearts in one go (ex. Grian's final death in Limited Life). Neither of these are particularly viable at killing someone in Secret Life, at least not for a while, given all the players have triple the amount of hearts as usual. As for big falls, a lethal fall for someone with a full 30 hearts would have to be roughly 63+ blocks (fall damage is half a heart for every block after the third, with some small discrepancies for tick timings). That's a LONG fall. I'm talking you could jump off the top of the Crastle from 3rd Life and survive just fine. Granted, people won't be on 30 hearts forever, so that number will gradually whittle down, but what's typically a big killer is going to be more of an inconvenience for people with higher hearts.

PvP is the only top cause of death that's based on consistent and deliberate lowering of health, and without the boogeyman, it's not even a factor until someone goes red. Grian has implied, however, that reds will get different (and likely more violent) secrets, so I expect that once one person goes red, things will go downhill for everyone else rather quickly. I'm curious to see how PvP will work for people with high hearts but no regeneration. It'll probably take longer—an unenchanted Netherite axe in the right hands can deal a full 30 hearts worth of damage in just 4 seconds, but against unenchanted diamond armor would take around a full 20 seconds, assuming the person (for some reason) didn't fight back at all. And keep in mind players are allowed to enchant to their heart's content this season. The goal of most confrontations is likely going to be just to put a big dent in another player's health and in the hopes that that endangers them enough to be killed by more natural causes, rather than putting in the effort to wipe them out completely. Reds will likely prefer seeking out players with lower health in order to complete their secrets, but they may have to break the mold if they can't find an ideal target. Additionally, I wouldn't be surprised if some red secrets are something along the lines of "deal [x] amount of damage to a player" instead of just "kill someone."

On to TNT. The idea when setting off an explosion is always to do the maximum amount of damage possible. Explosions are based on power (how hard a thing explodes (4 in the case of TNT and 6 for end crystals)) and impact (how hard the exploding thing hits you). Impact is based on exposure (how close you are to the exploding thing), which varies wildly every time, so it's hard to say exactly how much TNT it would take to kill someone with 30 hearts in one go. My best guess, based on TNT-related deaths we've seen, is probably sixish point-blank explosions (probably best reached with six stacked TNT minecarts). Personally, I would love to find out exactly how much TNT you would need, and I'm sure Secret Life will help me out here. In short, you need a LOT of TNT to kill someone, but iron and TNT can be earned from secret rewards, so it may not be all that hard to get. And players should invest in a piece of blast protection armor (just one, though, more than one doesn't do enough good to be worth it).

And, on top of all this, players can get hearts back. Not without some trials and tribulation, but they have three pretty substantial lives. Sure, people will have bad days (like Martyn) from natural hazards like caving and being exposed at night, but both those things become much easier to avoid after session one or two.

TL;DR—it's harder to lose a life in Secret Life. As long as people are careful and try to hang on to their green/yellow lives, it could easily be the longest life series installment yet.

[blackcrowing]

'Right Relationship' in the Modern World

To really discuss the idea of 'Right Relationship', a concept that is commonly held in most pagan cultures, we need to understand the function it filled in the cultures it was created in.

Among the Irish centric polytheistic circles I'm in, I have most often seen the concept of 'right relationship' referred to as cóir, correctness, correct form (of); proper (legal) arrangement (for); procedure, device, means (of doing someth.) but in my opinion might be more correctly referred to as cert, justice, fair dealing.

While both words have legal uses as well as non-legal uses I find that that the non-legal uses of cert more appropriately fit the idea than the non-legal uses for cóir. This is an important distinction for me because while 'right relationship' is important and has a strong level of social compulsion, it is, NOT inherently one of legal binding.

Historically, there was not a specific concept of 'right relation' there were several multi-faceted, overlapping, concepts that worked together to make a complex social network of proper relations and conduct that were all 'over seen' and intricately locked into the Other. We have the form of 'right relation' that is held specifically to a king, fír flathemon, as well as the supernatural and 'right relationship' role of the satirist in keeping those in power in check through their rhetoric and would risk their own health and abilities if they misused their role.

Commoners also had powerful tools offered to them inside the structure of 'right relation' via fasting, troscud. I think it is through this facet that I can best illustrate how the deep integration of 'right relation' relied on all of society and the backing of the Other to be effective.

With troscud those of lesser social status had the ability to force a higher social status person to redress a wrong doing. Essentially what would happen was if a lower status person was wronged in some way and the person of higher status would not redress the issue through normal legal or social means then the wronged person (or person of their family, should the wronged party not be able to do so themselves) would sit in front of the high status persons home and fast, for as long as it would take, to force a redress.

Seems simple enough, however if you think of society today... this would almost certainly not work... even if one fasted onto death it would hardly be a blip on the radar of someone of great means, like say Bezos or the like. It was effective in Irish society in this historical period because their integrated 'right relationship' society forced the social and supernatural leverage to apply adequate pressure. Social media and the court of public opinion does offer a type of modern analog but with significantly less cohesion and a significantly higher chance of failure.

So while the concept of 'right action' is intrinsically important to the fabric and functionality of Irish Paganism (and I would argue nearly all Iron age pagan traditions, though details vary) it has little or even no place inside modern society. Unless prehaps you wish to adhere to ridged social standards which those around you will neither know about nor participate in. You may choose to never, under any circumstances harm or quarrel with a guest of your household but that same guest might have no qualms about punching you at their cookout the next weekend.

I am of the option that while the principal of 'right relationship' remains admirable and nessicary to a functional society, our current society does not operate under the same social restrictions and customs of the past and those customs serve little use (in specific capacities) in the here and now.

The only reciprocal relationship of this kind that can be guarenteed in any capacity is that with the gods, otherwise a blanket concept of 'right relationship' from a pagan/historical perspective is null.

TL:DR The ethics of history are merely morals of today.

[cinerins]

IAT – Clones

Going over the general points, mostly drawn from Legends. Note that the mind control chips don't exist in this setting, as it was.

Overall Model

Production

Training

Conditioning

Decommissions

Desertion

Overall Model

Jango Fett was recruited as the prime clone template and advisor for the Kaminoans sometime around 34 BBY. Drawing on his experiences as a supercommando and former leader of the True Mandalorian mercenary company, he helped organize the military structure, training regimen and production plan for the future army.

Much of the initial gestation period was spent in preparation for training and equipping hundreds of thousand young troopers. Several instructors and additional advisors were hired for it, ranging from skilled mercenaries to former soldiers. As it was a top secret project, most went in with only a vague idea of what awaited them and the promise of large amounts of money once the contract ran out—however, there was no turning back after taking the deal.

By the end of their training, the clones would've been "improved" versions of Jango's peak physical condition in his early twenties and at only half the time. All of them would've been genetically modified to be stronger, more resilient, more attentive, more obedient and loyal to fault. Combined with rigorous training and indoctrination since "birth", they make a much more favorable army to conscripts in terms of quality, but at a greater cost.

The average clone wasn't trained to be Mandalorian, yet some aspects of their ideas and conduct bled through—even the armor was based on Mandalorian designs. Jango had a strong hatred for the Jedi and Republic; while the clones were made to be loyal and obedient to a fault, it was done with the intent of the Jedi's downfall. Historically, Mandalorians made considerable adversaries for Force-users, so it only makes sense to train these soldiers in ways capable of countering such abilities.

But there was more to it, on a personal level—Jango had a certain obsession with building a legacy for his late mentor, Jaster Mereel, one he believed he could no longer fulfill. Instead, he saw the clones as both a means for vindication and a way to further that legacy, deliberately so through his son, Boba.

Jango may have been a complicated man and while his attitude said otherwise, he evidently cared enough for the clones to fight the Kaminoans over them and help smuggle some of those at risk off-planet. The troopers generally have a great respect for the man, they take pride in sharing parts of his genetic code and battle prowess.

Production

Clones spend the first two years in a growth tank (a.k.a. grow tubes, hence the nickname "tubies" for babies) and are decanted when they are developmentally a little over the age of three—ideal for quickly mastering motor and language skills.

While there are 500,000 available chambers, the batches were set up incrementally as 1,000 units to allow for observation and changes in the early stages. Unlike regular clone troopers (CTs), whose regimen mainly consisted of computerized flash training and standardized drills, command clones (CCs) were additionally trained by hired instructors to oversee units and lead military operations.

In the first two years, roughly one-fifth of the chambers were reserved for experimental commando units. Despite initial protests, Jango and his military advisors recommended a branch of specialized, independent clones better suited for complex high-stakes missions.

In the end, only a little over 10,000 of these recon commandos were viable, with varying results. Mandalorian veterans—the Cuy'val Dar—were called in to personally train about a 100 commandos each and shape them into elite soldiers. Because of that, these clones would adopt the culture and even language to a certain degree, starkly setting them apart from the others.

As clone commando Darman described the way regular troopers viewed the RCs: "They don't train like us and they don't fight like us. They don't even talk like us."

Jango himself took to training the Alpha group, which were designed to be physically superior with largely unaltered minds. They would later make up the original Advanced Recon Commandos, who would go on to train both command-class and otherwise promising clones to become ARC troopers after completing their base training.

Beyond the RCs, only some of the command clones trained by a handful of Mandalorian mercenaries picked up on pieces of Mando'a and some practices. More would later trickle down the ranks of those chosen for the ARC program, though it's comparably little.

The "Nulls" were the prototype variant of modified commandos, preceeding the Alphas. Six out of twelve survived the growth cycle, but turned out too independent for the Kaminoans' liking and were scheduled to be terminated. They were saved by one stubborn Kal Skirata, whom Jango called on Walon Vau's suggestion. Skirata promised to raise them into effective black ops agents and then immediately adopted them as his sons.

By 22 BBY, the eldest clones would've been around the age of 24 (developmentally), while the rest would've been 18-20 for the first battle of Geonosis.

Since the Kaminoans aren't equipped to raise infants and Jango insisted on continuing his work as a bounty hunter, Boba was decanted half a year after the first batch, at almost two years old. He would've been about 11 when Jango died.

Training

All of them undergo basic training and drills from the moment they're decanted; they quickly build up mental and physical skills relevant to military operations. The cadets are assigned specialized training programs based on their performance and purpose, focusing on infantry, scouting, piloting, or similar.

The average clone trooper never really leaves the same halls they're brought in until deployment. Things look a little different for command clones and even more so the commandos.

To ensure the secrecy of the project, no clone was to leave the planet and majority of the training consisted of pure simulations. The trainers, on the other hand, saw to make as much use of the facilities as they could manage. They established several sites that emulated different environments, as well as regular platform training sessions in harsh weather conditions.

Commandos were subjected to the more extreme measures, a particularly memorable example being the "Sickener" – narrow trenches covered in rotting animal guts, which they were required to crawl through. Or the "Killing House" with its urban layout, full of death traps waiting around every corner. All of it served to prepare for and desensitize them to anything they would have to face in the war.

Once the Jedi took over, additional training facilities were installled on Kamino's moons, allowing troopers to experience different biomes in person. It was seen as essential for them to grow familiar with aspects of nature not covered by simulations, from differences in undergrowth to the hazard of sand particles jamming blasters.

Homeworld Security also set up their own training facilities on Coruscant within the first months of the war. A number of cadets were transferred after their base training to become proper shock troopers used to an urban setting and civilian contact.

Conditioning

The very genetic structure of every clone was altered to make them more loyal and susceptible to following orders without question. The extent to which this is applied in reality can vary a little, depending on the individual and their experiences gained in the war.

Their brains are better adapted to absorb information through the process of "flash training", also known as "flash learning"— a faster and more efficient method to accumulate knowledge and skills through holographic flashes. A newly decanted clone would be able to learn Basic within mere weeks.

Commandos also received flash instructions early into their basic training, but the process would later be fully replaced by direct, in-person teaching from their Mandalorian instructors. This, in turn, helped to build greater bonds and synergy within future squads.

The Contingency Orders, also referred to as the Executive Orders or General Orders, were 150 commands that clones were to execute on authority of either the Supreme Commander (Chancellor) or Republic Security Council. The orders were imprinted through flash training and no one outside of authorized GAR personnel—with the exceptions of Jango Fett, Count Dooku and a few key scientists—knew of them.

How does it guarantee the success of Order 66? As much as any of the other orders, which include arresting the Supreme Commander or the destruction of entire worlds if they switched sides. The clones were, quite literally, designed to be loyal to the Republic and do what they're told. They're at war and traitors can crop up even among their own, so if they're ordered to kill the Jedi because they (allegedly) betrayed the Republic and have thus become a major threat, they'll do it. Not all of them might like it and some may even question it or refuse to follow through, if they believe it to be wrong based on what they've learned, but the number would be relatively low. Even if an entire battalion decided to stand with their Jedi, they would all become targets across the rest of the army and galaxy at large. A steady stream of propaganda would make sure of it.

Unbeknownst to anyone else, Jango was able to sneak in his own set of special orders among the ARCs as a type of fail-safe, such as destroying the cloning facilities and killing young clones if they were to fall into enemy hands.

There's a certain scaling in the average level of "independence" displayed among different variants of clones, based on how much their minds were altered both genetically and through training—from least to most:

CT -> CC -> RC -> Alpha -> Null -> Boba (no change)

Decommissions

Decommissioning in itself primarily refers to removing clones from the active/viable roster, during which they would be placed under evaluation to determine how to best proceed. They will then be scheduled for one of three possible outcomes:

Reconditioning -> Clones undergo an invasive process that removes any of their experiences and individuality gained over time, leaving only the imprinted knowledge and skills of their base training. The method is comparable to a system reboot or memory wipe in droids.

Observation -> Clones are put in stasis or observation rooms to be studied and used as a reference point in correcting "mistakes" among future batches. Clones deemed too dangerous yet invaluable are also frozen as a potential backup.

Termination -> Clones are euthanized when they are deemed entirely unfit for duty; too "defective" or "unsalvagable" after a mission. Republic medcenters supposedly administer latheniol to clones in critical condition instead of treating them.

Kaminoans pride themselves on the quality of their work and don't take kindly to any aberrations or faults in their product. Even before Jedi intervention, there was pushback from Jango and some of the instructors against the extremely high standards. Skirata in particular was known to threaten Kaminoan scientists over their treatment and decisions regarding the clones.

They were gradually convinced to allow for a certain amount of leniency in physiology, appearance and behavior. Though they weren't too happy about it, they would eventually come to agree with some of the decisions, as long as they weren't detrimental to the overall result.

Desertion

Clones going AWOL are considered serious security risks and tracked down by Republic Intelligence to be retained. If a clone has officially deserted, they are subsequently executed once found, as they no longer serve a purpose for the Republic and are too dangerous to be left alive.

The topic rarely ever comes up among troopers; the majority doesn't even imagine a life beyond what they have, much less going against the Republic in any way. However, it becomes an increasing issue the longer the war goes on, particularly among higher ranking clones and the commandos.

A handful of them technically already deserted before the war even started—smuggled out of Kamino by Jango, the only one allowed to leave for the duration of the contract. They were taken to Skirata's stronghold on Mandalore, Kyrimorut, which would not only become a major safe haven for any clone who wished to leave the GAR, but also an opportunity to become Mandalorian proper and make a life for themselves.

Kyrimorut also serves as an HQ for the Nulls and their recruits, whom—together with a number of former Cuy'val Dar—are working to undo their accelerated aging and save as many brothers as they can.

-> general collection of thoughts and overview for the setting are collected in this post (continually updated)

[digitaldetoxworld]

Commuting Made Easy: Understanding Delhi Metro Timings

However, Delhi Metro Timings vary by line and station, so it's always a good idea to check the official Delhi Metro website or app for the most accurate and up-to-date information before traveling.

The Delhi Metro, a crucial component of the National Capital Region's transportation infrastructure, stands as a testament to India's speedy urbanization and technological advancement. Since its inception in 2002, the metro has transformed the manner in which residents navigate the bustling streets of Delhi, assuaging site visitors' congestion and supplying a reliable means of transportation for millions. This article explores the records, development, effect, and future of the Delhi Metro.

Historical Background

As the city grew, so did the need for an efficient public transport system. In 1995, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) was established, marking the start of a large urban development project. The first line, spanning 8.7 kilometers from Shahdara to Tis Hazari, was inaugurated in December 2002. This initial segment laid the foundation for what could come to be an intensive network of metro lines.

Expansion and Growth

Since its launch, the Delhi Metro has multiplied exponentially. As of 2023, the community covers over 390 kilometers, connecting more than 290 stations across more than one strain. The gadget's increase may be attributed to strategic planning, authorities' guide, and public calls for. New strains had been constructed to reach numerous components of the city, consisting of the outskirts, ensuring accessibility for citizens in both urban and suburban areas.

Each new line has delivered its progressive features and improvements. The creation of the Airport Express Line in 2010 extensively improved connectivity to Indira Gandhi International Airport, permitting vacationers a swift and comfortable transit alternative. Moreover, the implementation of modern technologies along with Automatic Train Control Systems and RFID-based total ticketing has in addition streamlined operations.

Impact on Urban Life

The impact of the Delhi Metro on the city's everyday lifestyles is profound. Before its advent, Delhi's streets had been notorious for visitor jams and pollution. The metro has no longer eased congestion however has also contributed to a great discount in vehicular emissions. Studies estimate that the metro gadget allows to get rid of hundreds of tons of carbon dioxide annually, promoting a purifier in urban surroundings.

Additionally, the metro has revolutionized commuting habits. With a dependable frequency of trains and minimal ready instances, many citizens have shifted from private cars to public transport. This transition now not handiest saves charges for people but also fosters an extra communal technique to city living. The metro's affordability and efficiency have made it a favored desire for day-by-day commuters, students, and tourists alike.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

Stations are designed to deal with passengers with disabilities, with ramps, lifts, and tactile pathways in location. Moreover, the creation of women-best coaches during height hours has more advantageous protection and comfort for girl commuters, reflecting a sensitive approach to city transport in a numerous society.

The metro additionally affords an array of offerings catering to numerous passenger desires. The integration of digital ticketing and cellular apps has made the journey simpler, permitting customers to devise their trips in advance. Moreover, the supply of kiosks and data desks guarantees that tourists acquire vital help

Economic Contributions

The monetary implications of the Delhi Metro are sizeable. By improving connectivity, it has spurred a boom in areas adjacent to its stations. Real property costs in those regions have visible an extensive rise, leading to elevated investments and development opportunities. Shopping complexes, workplace areas, and residential buildings have sprung up close to metro stations, creating a vibrant urban surroundings.

Furthermore, the metro device has generated employment opportunities, now not simply inside DMRC but also in sectors consisting of creation, renovation, and service. It performs a crucial position in assisting the livelihoods of hundreds, thereby contributing to the neighborhood economic system.

Challenges Faced

Rapid urbanization and population increase have caused accelerated ridership, every now and then overwhelming the gadget at some point of height hours. Ensuring protection and performance amidst such excessive demand requires steady monitoring and strategic making of plans.

Maintenance and growth of the existing infrastructure present any other hurdle. Aging lines and stations necessitate everyday protection to ensure safety and reliability. Additionally, the economic sustainability of the metro gadget is a challenge, as operational costs hold to an upward push.

The Future of the Delhi Metro

Looking in advance, the Delhi Metro is poised for similar growth and innovation. Plans are underway for new strains that will join underserved areas of the town, to make an extra complete and inclusive network. The integration of the metro with different modes of delivery, along with buses and regional rail offerings, is also a priority to create a continuing travel experience.

Sustainability will play an important position in the metro's destiny. The DMRC has committed to incorporating renewable energy resources, along with sun power, into its operations. This not only aligns with worldwide efforts to combat climate alternate but additionally complements the metro's energy performance.

[agentnatesewell]

hi!! sorry for bothering you but can we know your thoughts about n's sibling, milton?? personally I FEEL like milton was like the favourite child? or at least special in some way to n's parents because n said "[milton] was everything i wasn't" or something along the lines?

Hello friend! You are not a bother at all! Thank you for the question - I love talking about N, so this is fantastic.

Great timing because I’ve been talking with my friend about the Sewell family today. I’ve been thinking a lot about this very topic (well, about N and sweet Milton).

So! Not an expert by any means on Aristocratic British Society of the Stuart Era/Georgian Era cusp, so my thoughts are extrapolated from Jane Austen (Northanger Abbey, P&P, and Persuasion) and my recent foray into Historical Romance novels (the Bridgerton series, Wallflowers series, plus a few others). Those have generally ranged Regency and later. Plus, the whole TWC verse. All mashed together.

(This is a bit long plus discussing spoilers so putting under a cut!)

I’ll get to Milton but I want to talk about N’s role and my interpretation on that line ("Milton was everything I wasn't. I admired him for that a great deal”). N being first born, being next in line for the title that Papa Sewell held, likely had a lot of pressures - to marry well, continue on the line, be head of household - and with that, I assume there was a marriage mart of sort, and well, had to be part of a desirable match. (I think that’s why the rejected the idea of being perfect in b2. That and the part of their past that haunts them)

So, really, my thought on Milton being everything they weren’t makes me wonder - was Milton more free? Was able to more himself, be true to who he was? They could choose their path (and were happy with joining the Navy - a common path for the children that came after the first).

N’s personality that we see now isn’t much different than they were then. And they seemed rather lovely, as did Milton by how N reveres them. A close and happy set of siblings.

As for favorite, definitely get where you’re coming from! But I do think that the siblings were both loved by their parents (who weren’t a love match and especially with them both helping each other when marrying), and that one wasn’t favored over the other, necessarily. But that they both has different sets of circumstances (Lord Nathaniel Sewell / Lady Natalie Sewell to be - and their title would depend on what Papa Sewell’s title was vs . Captain Milton Sewell. Don’t quote me on this, I just wanted to type their names out) … N taking on their households, Milton needing to find their path. And with that, I imagine their relationships with their parents may have varied but still both loved.

I just need to know so much more! I want to know everything about the Sewell family.

Thanks so much for the ask! This was fun!

[lilflowerpot]

I just wanna say I just read little blade and on chapter 4 I could 100% imagine the look Lotor had on his face when he called Keith magnificent! You described it so absolutely amazingly that I swr I could see the fanart before it was made!! I also wanna ask a question that came from that chapter as well. Looking at the way you describe galra history, I'm very curious on your thought process🤔 you describe it as if you did research on a real culture and I wanted to know how much of it was actually made up and if you were inspired by anything? Once more I love little blade and the side series of the characters reacting to the two! Please do keep up the good work 😁

🥰🥰🥰 ahhhh thank you my darling!!

As for my process behind developing the galra history & culture, the majority of my initial ideas and concepts (though especially those I introduce in LB's earliest chapters) are largely plucked from my own imagination as a result of me sitting down with myself and playing around with what canon gave us for the purposes of further expanding upon it. Broadly speaking, I suppose was inspired by the Roman Empire because vld's creators clearly were (something I've spoken about in great detail previously) so I couldn't have ignored that overt core influence even if I'd wanted to; if I were to trace my thought processes back, however, I'd have to say that a great deal of them have in some distant way stemmed from my phenotype theory, as the diverse physiology of the galra indicated a historic diversity of environment, which in turn impacted how the cultures of their various ancestors should logically have developed (environment dictates weather, resources, potential threats, etc.) because a nomandic desert culture is obviously going to stand distinctly apart from a stationary jungle one.

So,,,, I suppose a lot of it was just logical progression regarding which behaviours/beliefs/traditions made sense in the context?

Most of my heavy research came later and was prompted by questions I received on here, as people would—and still do!—ask after such interesting particulars that I find myself continually challenged to consider all manner of niche topics in significant depth. If a concept is directly inspired by something from the real world, I tend to link it in the relevant post, but there are some things I've created that are almost entirely pulled out of my own head (my post on religion is a prime example of this) so it varies greatly!

[vasco-portable-translators]

Experience the Magic of Egypt: Holidays in December

As December approaches, the perennial question of where to spend the holidays resurfaces. While there are many destinations that promise a festive atmosphere or an escape from winter chill, Egypt stands apart as a unique blend of both. This wonderful country attracts many tourists during the peak season for its beautiful nature, archaeological sites and those who wish to spend beach holiday on the Red Sea side. But is it worth it to come to Egypt during winter months? Does it ensure you avoid high season prices? Can you celebrate Christmas while in this country? Are December temperatures nice enough? While we'll try to adress all these questions, let's just say that yes, it is a great idea to visit Egypt not just in summer, but also December or even later, in January. Why? Because spending your holidays in Egypt in December offers an unparalleled experience that combines culture, adventure, and surprisingly pleasant weather. And all of that while avoiding the peak tourist season in North Africa, so you can enjoy lesser crowds and better prices. Though it should be stressed that December might not be the peak season if you're looking for a beach holiday. In this detailed guide, we'll dive into various compelling reasons to visit Egypt in December, and why it might be the best season to do so! And remember, when you are abroad, a voice translator might be a good idea. Not sure if you can understand what the people at the local market are saying? No longer an issue! Just get our universal translator and be sure to understand anyone around the world. In this guide, you'll find: - Why Egypt in December is Magical: Discover why December in Egypt offers a unique blend of moderate temperatures, fewer crowds, and cultural festivities. - Best Destinations for December: Learn about the top places to visit when you decide to travel to Egypt in December, from historical landmarks to beach resorts. - Festivals and Celebrations: Don't miss out on the vibrant local culture. We will cover how Egyptians celebrate holidays in December, giving your trip an added layer of cultural richness. - Practical Travel Tips: From what to wear in Egypt in December to what you should pack, we've got you covered with useful tips for visiting Egypt in December. - Flights and Accommodation: Practical advice for those wondering when to travel to Egypt and how to secure the best deals for their holidays in Egypt in December. By the end of this blog post, you'll have a thorough understanding of what makes Egypt a compelling destination for your December holidays. So, let’s delve deeper into what you can expect from the weather in Egypt in December, the must-visit destinations, and much more. FAQ Can I travel to Egypt at Christmas? Yes, you can travel to Egypt at Christmas to escape winter. Note that there will not be a lot of celebrations for Christmas there though. Is Egypt a good winter holiday? Yes, winter is a perfect time to travel to Egypt. The temperatures aren't high and it's a good time to go sightseeing. What is the coldest month in Egypt? The coldest month in Egypt is January. Does Egypt get snow? No, it never snows in Egypt. What should you see in Egypt? The number one priority should be, of course, to see the Pyramids in Giza. What is the most beautiful part of Egypt? The answers may vary, but generally, beaches on its eastern coast are considered to be some of the most beautiful in the world. Weather in Egypt in December What sets Egypt apart as a December holiday destination? Is Egypt weather pleasant, if you decide to visit in Winter rather than Summer? The answer is multifaceted but starts with the inviting weather in Egypt in December. If you're someone who prefers to avoid the sweltering heat of Egyptian summers, December is your month. With daytime temperatures ranging from 60-75°F, you can freely explore outdoor attractions without breaking a sweat. For those concerned about the cold, rest assured; it is seldom too chilly to venture out. And some of you may still want to take a bath at the Red Sea thanks to the pleasant temperatures! On average, the temperature in Egypt in December hovers around a pleasant 68°F, making it an ideal climate for exploration. Best Destinations When Visiting Egypt in December Choosing to travel to Egypt in December opens a wide array of possibilities for adventure and discovery. Here are some places that are particularly enjoyable during the last month of the year. Cairo The bustling capital city of Egypt offers an eclectic mix of modernity and wonders of Ancient Egypt. When you decide on your Egypt tours in December, Cairo should be at the top of your list. Not only can you explore the Giza Pyramids, Cairo Tower and the Sphinx in comfort, but you can also enjoy seasonal events and festivities that bring the city to life. And all that in cooler temperatures than if you travelled there in high season! The bustling capital city of Egypt offers an eclectic mix of modernity and wonders of Ancient Egypt. When you decide on your Egypt tours in December, Cairo should be at the top of your list. Not only can you explore the Giza Pyramids, Cairo Tower and the Sphinx in comfort, but you can also enjoy seasonal events and festivities that bring the city to life. And all that in cooler temperatures than if you travelled there in high season! Luxor Another must-visit for anyone traveling to Egypt in December is Luxor. Often dubbed the 'world’s greatest open-air museum,' Luxor boasts an array of ancient temples and tombs of old Egyptian civilization, most notably the Valley of the Kings and the majestic Luxor Temple. The mild weather in December adds to the city's allure. Sharm El Sheikh If you're looking for a December getaway that involves sun, sea, and sand, then Sharm El Sheikh is the perfect destination. It’s one of the best places to visit in Egypt in December for water activities like snorkeling and scuba diving. Why Travel to Egypt? Must-See Attractions During December Your holidays in Egypt in December should ideally encompass a variety of experiences, allowing you to get the most out of your journey. Here are some must-see attractions you should consider: The Great Pyramids and Sphinx No visit to Egypt, especially Cairo, is complete without seeing the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Visiting Egypt in December offers a unique advantage: the weather is mild, and the crowds are thinner, making your exploration more pleasant and intimate. Luxor Temple When you're in Luxor during your December trip, the Luxor Temple is a must-see. It's one of the things to do in Egypt in December that you wouldn't want to miss. The structure looks particularly stunning under the evening lights, and the cooler December temperature makes the visit all the more comfortable. Nile River Cruises If you're in Egypt during December, taking a Nile River ruise is almost obligatory. The weather in Egypt in December is well-suited for this kind of activity. Nile cruises in December offer not just a break from the hustle and bustle but also provide a vantage point to appreciate ancient Egyptian civilization and natural beauty. Ras Mohammed National Park If you're an underwater enthusiast, you can't afford to miss Ras Mohammed National Park, especially when you visit Egypt in winter. Located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, this marine reserve is a sanctuary for an array of exotic marine life and coral reefs. The weather in Egypt in December is ideal for diving and snorkeling, making it a perfect time to visit this natural wonder. Ras Mohammad is not just a haven for divers but also for nature lovers. Its unique ecosystems harbor rare bird species and desert foxes, which can be spotted during guided safaris. Given the favorable weather conditions, December becomes an excellent month for underwater and land-based exploration here. Abu Simbel Temple If your travel to Egypt in December includes a venture to the southern region, the Abu Simbel Temple is a must-visit. These colossal rock temples, commissioned by Pharaoh Ramses II, offer an awe-inspiring experience. The weather in Egypt in December is conducive for exploring this architectural marvel, which comes alive during the early morning sunrise. Abu Simbel is also included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an essential addition to any Egyptian ancient world. Karnak Temple When visiting Egypt in December, don't miss the Karnak Temple in Luxor. This sprawling complex, dedicated to the god Amun-Ra, offers an extraordinary peek into ancient Egyptian spirituality. The milder weather in Egypt in December makes for an ideal setting to explore its labyrinth of chapels, obelisks, and colossal statues. It's an unmissable stop on any Egypt holiday itinerary, offering a magical experience especially enhanced by December's pleasant temperatures. Festivals and Celebrations in December One of the most compelling reasons to travel to Egypt in December is the opportunity to partake in various festivals and celebrations. If you are spending your holidays in Egypt in December, you're in luck. Christmas in Cairo Although Egypt is predominantly Muslim, Coptic Christmas is celebrated in certain areas, particularly in Cairo where the Coptic Christian community is concentrated. The experience offers an entirely different cultural flavor to your December in Egypt. New Year's Eve in Egypt New Year's Eve in Egypt is another occasion that merits a mention. The festivities are not as elaborate as some western countries, but the spirit is just as high, especially in tourist-heavy regions like Cairo and Sharm El Sheikh. So, you if you wish to spend one-in-a-lifetime Christmas, you may want to visit Egypt! Travel Tips for December Visiting Egypt in December is a dream, but some practical considerations can make your trip smoother. For those who wonder what to wear in Egypt in December, layering is your best bet. The days can be warm, but temperatures often drop in the evening. The average temperature in Egypt in December is moderate, but evenings can get cool. What to Pack Knowing what to pack for Egypt in December can make your trip more enjoyable. Essentials include lightweight clothes for daytime and a few warmer layers for the evening. Also, don't forget to pack sunscreen, hats, and comfortable walking shoes. Important Holidays While December in Egypt is full of energy and festivities, it's essential to note that the Christmas and New Year’s holidays might affect the opening hours of some tourist sites and shops. So, when planning when to travel to Egypt and your itinerary, it's good to keep this in mind. Planning Your Trip: Flights and Accommodation Once you decide to travel to Egypt in December, securing your flights and accommodations should be your next step. The demand is high during the holiday season, so booking early is advisable. Is it good to visit Egypt in December? Absolutely, but that also means flights and hotels fill up quickly. Practical Information For those traveling internationally, ensure you're updated on visa requirements for entering Egypt. Check the latest travel advisories and health guidelines, especially related to COVID-19, if applicable. Also, be sure that the language barrier is not an issue. With Vasco portable translator, you can understand even 108 languages around the world. Vasco device doesn't just equip you with a speech translator. Not sure if you can understand a menu in local arabic alphabet? No problem! Vasco gives you an access to photo translator feature. Simply take a picture of the text and understand everything around you. This is crucial when considering when to travel to Egypt. Conclusion So, is Egypt cold in December? Not at all. Is Egypt good to visit in December? Absolutely, yes! From exploring marvels of Ancient Egyptians in pleasant weather to enjoying festive celebrations, Egypt offers a holiday experience unlike any other. So, when considering where to spend your holidays in December, Egypt should unquestionably be at the top of your list. In a nutshell If you're pondering where to spend your holidays in December, look no further than Egypt. This comprehensive guide has explored why Egypt in December is a magical experience, offering the perfect blend of mild weather, fewer crowds, and rich cultural festivities. We've delved into must-visit destinations like Cairo, Luxor, and Sharm El Sheikh, emphasizing attractions such as the Pyramids, Luxor Temple, Ras Mohammad National Park, Abu Simbel, and Karnak Temple. Tips on what to wear, what to pack, and how to enjoy local festivals have also been covered. Whether you're an adventurer, a history buff, or someone simply looking to relax, Egypt offers something for everyone, making it an ideal destination for a December holiday. What is the weather like in Egypt in December, and how does it affect the travel experience? The weather in Egypt in December is generally mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from 60-75°F. This makes it an ideal time for outdoor exploration, as the climate is neither too hot nor too cold. Tourist spots are also less crowded during this month, enhancing the overall travel experience. Read the full article

[star-anise]

Putting the Great Corset Debate in context

TW: Body image, diet culture, calorie counts, fatphobia, coercive beauty standards

Gold star to @ryuutchi for guessing the gist of this post!

Historical costumers today are very big on defending corsets. Like a lot of other re-enactors, I know firsthand that corsets can be comfortable, practical garments that can be worn all day, every day, for years, through all kinds of strenuous activity.

Karolina Zebrowska has documented how much anti-corset sentiment was a product of misogyny; Bernadette Banner has talked about growing up in a medical brace more restrictive than a corset; I’ve used corsetry techniques to make garments to deal with my own chronic pain, and make chest binding less uncomfortable.

And yet. There’s an undeniable wealth of evidence that many women in days of old hated corsets. So how the heck do we reconcile these things?

Let’s talk about diets.

A diet is, in its simplest form, what you eat during your day. Or it’s a plan for what you’ll eat during your day. Diets can be hugely varied. The ideal diet for a performance athlete is often around 5000-7000 calories a day, which is the same amount of food that two to five ordinary people will eat in the same period of time. Some diets are very gentle and flexible, encouraging intuitive eating and listening to your own hunger cues much more than any chart. Victorian diets actually promised to fatten women, relieving their consumers from the hideous fate of skinniness.

And yet. And yet. For many people, especially women, “diet” is an enormously loaded word. It’s practically synonymous with restricting your food intake until you’re a little bit crazy, constantly criticizing the way you look, and tying your weight with your worthiness as a person.

That’s not how I generally experience diets, since I was never forced to diet, and never seriously dieted myself. But if I said, “Diets for women aren’t restrictive or oppressive!” I’d be quite frankly wrong, given how often they are--how much women face incredible pressure to be thin, how often girls are forced to diet during their childhoods and adolescences, how much fat women are penalized in completely unrelated areas, like salary and career progression, for their weight.

Diets don’t have to be restrictive or oppressive. But in our day, it is hard to untangle the concept from how coercive diets can be. For many people, “dieting” feels inextricable from being controlled.

Corsets fundamentally served the same function as dieting does now. It alters the body’s shape to appear more socially pleasing. It does so by different methods, but in the era when it was widespread, it carried a similar psychological weight.

This is how Laura Ingalls Wilder describes her experiences with corsets: Of being forced to wear them by her mother, being nagged  by her mother to tighten her laces, having to listen to stories of how her mother, as a young bride, had a waist her husband could span with his hands--an ideal painful and impractical to reach under most circumstances, and a positive hindrance for a girl like Laura, who had to do heavy farm labour in that corset. In the Victorian era, uncorseted women were seen as everything from lazy and sloppy to sexually loose and morally inferior.

Modern movie actresses face the same pressure to look absolutely perfect. A lot of actresses complain about the corsets in their costumes for good reasons: Those corsets are made with only the sketchiest reference to the actress’s real measurements, engineered hugely for aesthetic effect, and worn for a very abrupt span of time without the lead-up of getting used to the corset (and letting the corset get used to you). I have no doubt that being shoved into a corset that changes your shape dramatically and being told, “Go on, get out there and act,” is an uncomfortable experience!

These days, historical re-enactors don’t face as much social pressure or censure for failing to corset tightly enough. A lot of us are wearing costumes in an increasing atmosphere of fat acceptance and health at every size. Those of us who make our own costumes can experience historical costume as the one area in our lives where our clothes are made purely to our own measure--we have all the control that’s denied us by mass-produced modern clothing sizes.

Here’s my contention: It’s not the corset, or the lack of corset, the diet, or lack of diet, that makes corsets or diets awful, painful, harmful, or oppressive. It is the social pressure to push your body past the point of discomfort or pain to achieve certain a social idea. Corsets are so liberating for historical re-enactors specifically because we get the profound freedom of deciding everything about what we wear and how we want to look.

If you have the complete freedom, if you want to wear a corset, to choose the corset that’s right for you, or even more, to have it made for you, corsets are amazing garments. Just like figuring out which foods are right for you, eating them, and feeling good because of it can be a great experience.

It’s achieving that freedom that’s the hard part.

[marxandmore]

Well... Historicism is already an approach to history which stresses that there are certain laws in history that can be discovered. However, currently the field of history is bitterly divided between those who see it as a humanity, versus those who see it as a social science. The former stresses that there are no abstract laws in history, and that everything needs to be examined on a case by case basis. The latter stresses overarching patterns, laws, formulas, etc, that can be applied to history. Unfortunately for now, the humanities aspect is more stressed where I study, thankfully they still let me treat it as if it were a social science. The correct word to use for what you are thinking about is historiography. That is to say: the history of history, and the debates about history. There are several historiographical schools of thought which all stress different factors in trying to explain history or certain historical events. It is about the narrative in a sense. Among these schools are also schools like the Marxist school and the Dependency school, which are more relevant to our interests. Now are these schools very represented in modern-day historiography? That depends. In popular history, that is to say history books for the larger public, museums, movies, etc, this is not so much the case. Most popular history heavily emphasizes Great Men History, the idea that a few "great" men, and in some instances women, are responsible for the larger course of history. When it comes to academic historical writing, there are in fact a good amount of authors that follow the Marxist school and/or the Dependency school and schools of thought adjacent to it. The quality of the work varies depending on the author. I study in Europe, and they did briefly cover the idea of economic classes and class struggle, and how some scholars apply this to history. They did also name Marx. But they have not bothered to teach us anything beyond that. The philosophical idea of materialism itself was never properly explained, only that some scholars stress economic factors and class struggle when looking at history. In some instances, when mostly dealing with historical events that are at least a few hundred years old, the Marxist school is even the orthodox school. That means that it is the school that most historians currently adhere to. However this is rare, and cases like that are few and far between. Unfortunately the closer one gets to the modern day, the more Marxism, socialism, communism, etc are demonized. One lecture the other week put Stalin on par with Hitler, and equated communism with fascism. So do be aware of that. TLDR: They do teach historical materialism in a limited and incomplete fasion, they do name Marx. Unfortunately the ideas are only relevant within a limited subset of academic history. It is almost completely absent from popular history. Revolutionary regards, MarxAndMore

Who is MarxAndMore

Greetings Tumblr comrades! My name is MarxAndMore! I am a university student, specializing in history, with a firm dedication to Marxism. I am starting this blog to share some of my knowledge and ideas on various Marxist, and broader societal and economic topics. I will be posting long form content in the form of essays, book summaries with annotation, book reviews, as well as inspirational quotes! I will also be crossposting my long form content in English and Dutch to a side blog for easy access.

Please follow me, and if you have any suggestions for books that I should cover, or specific topics for essays that I should write, please do not hesistate to send me a message.

Long live the revolution! Long live Marxism!

[samwisethewitch]

Working with Spirits

In my last post, I talked about different types of spirits that witches may work with. Today, we’re going to discuss how to approach spirits and establish a working relationship.

Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and every spirit is different. I encourage you to do your own research beyond this post, especially if you plan to work with powerful entities like deities, angels, or fairies.

Remember the Four R’s

It’s important to keep these things in mind when working with spirits:

Respect. The spirits are powerful, and you need to have a healthy respect for that power when working with them. It’s also important to respect them as individual, autonomous beings.

I’m not saying that every interaction you have with the spirits needs to be a full blown ritual with incense and chanting. (In fact, some spirits don’t care for those types of rituals.) But every interaction you have with them should be conducted with an air of respect and reverence.

What this mostly boils down to is good manners. Being polite will get you better results — and it will also keep you from being on the receiving end of spirit mischief. Proper etiquette depends on the type of spirit you’re working with, which is one reason it’s important to do your research. In general, it’s polite to make an offering, use respectful language, and thank the spirits before you leave (unless you’re dealing with fairies — some traditions say you should never thank the fae).

Respecting spirits also means respecting their desires — even if that means respecting their wish not to work with you. Not every spirit you reach out to will want to form a relationship with you, just like not every person you meet in your life will want to be your friend. When a spirit turns you down, respect their decision, politely bid them farewell, and move on.

Reciprocity. The goal of spirit work is to establish a mutually-beneficial partnership — not for one partner to serve the other. On one hand, this means that you can’t just command spirits to do your bidding without giving anything in return. On the other hand, it also means that you won’t be worshiping/honoring them without receiving some kind of boon.

This is why it’s important to make offerings to the spirits you work with. These offerings “feed” the spirits by giving them power, and a good offering will likely make a spirit more willing to work with you. Offerings are not payment for favors from spirits (it’s not quite that simple), but they are a sign that you intent to practice reciprocity in your relationship.

In general, it’s important to make an offering when you first introduce yourself to a spirit and again before you ask them for anything. But you shouldn’t only make offerings when you’re about to ask for something! How would you feel if you had a friend who only did nice things for you when they were about to ask for a favor? You’d probably start avoiding them, right? You might even get angry. To avoid this kind of dynamic in your spirit work, make regular offerings to the spirits you work with. If you’re especially close with a spirit, you may want to offer to them every day.

Relationship. The spirits are not vending machines where you put offerings in and blessings fall out. They are living, sentient beings with feelings, and deserve to be treated as such. Your relationship with the spirits you choose to work with is just that: a relationship. And like any relationship, it requires time, energy, and emotional labor.

If that sounds like more effort than you want to make, there are plenty of ways to do magic without ever working with spirits. You don’t need to do spirit work to be a witch. It may not be your thing, and that’s okay!

But if you choose to work with spirits, it’s important to remember that you are working with them as an equal partner — you’re not their boss, and they are not obligated to like you, help you, or even tolerate you. Relationships with spirits are built over time, through mutual respect and trust.

You wouldn’t drive up to your friend’s house, throw a fast-food burger at them, and then demand a special favor. Likewise, you shouldn’t just dump an offering on your altar and demand something of the spirits. Take the time to sit down with them. Talk to them. Get to know them. Put some thought into your offerings, instead of just offering the same thing every time. Spirit work is, at its core, about building an authentic relationship with the spirits we choose to include in our practice. Enjoy it.

Research. When it comes to spirits, it’s important to know exactly who (and what) you’re dealing with. As previously mentioned, the etiquette for dealing with fairies is very different from other land spirits. Different deities have different standards for their worshipers, which vary from one pantheon to the next. The way you interact with your ancestors will probably be shaped by their personalities, cultures, and values. All this is to say it’s important to know who you’re reaching out to, preferably before you reach out to them.

With deities, this is easy. Most witches who choose to work with deities will feel drawn to a certain pantheon, or even a specific god or goddess. There’s a lot of information out there about most historical pantheons, so researching them is easy. The same goes for angels, saints, demons, and even fairies.

It can be a little more difficult to do your research when you’re dealing with land spirits, spirits of place, or other less well-known figures. In these cases, it’s best to take three steps: 1.) figure out what type of spirit you’re dealing with (land spirit, animal spirit, ancestor, etc.), 2.) find out what this type of spirit is like generally, and 3.) find out how that applies to your specific spirit.

For example: you want to connect with your local land spirits. You do some research to find out how land spirits have been treated in various cultures — you find out that they’re typically benevolent, are closely tied to the natural landscape, and were often given food offerings. Then, you do some research into your local plants and animals — what form might a nature spirit take in your local environment? Would it be a huge moose with snow-covered antlers, or a magnolia tree in full bloom? Is there any local folklore in your area that could be describing a land spirit? Once you have answers to these questions, you’ll have a much better idea of how to approach the spirits and start up a relationship.

Initiating a Relationship with a Spirit

Begin by identifying who this spirit is. For example, let’s say you choose to reach out to a specific ancestor spirit — maybe a deceased grandparent. Make sure you’re familiar with the etiquette for interacting with this type of spirit so you don’t accidentally do something disrespectful. (If your Grandma hated cussing, try not to drop any f-bombs while communing with her.)

Create a special space to communicate with the spirit. This can be as simple as lighting a candle or as elaborate as setting up a special altar. If you’re reaching out to a grandparent, you might set up a small ritual space with a photo of them, any of their belongings that you have access to, and some things that they enjoyed while they were alive. These items may make the connection easier, but you don’t need them to communicate. What matters is that you’ve taken the time to create a special space for this moment. (Like all ritual spaces, it should be clean and tidy, and it’s a good idea to do an energetic cleanse beforehand.)

Make an offering. Make sure your offering is appropriate for the spirit you’re connecting to. Offerings should be made with an air of reverence — don’t just toss a bag of Doritos on your altar and expect it to be well-received.

Introduce yourself. Speak out loud. State your intention and who you are hoping to connect with.

Wait and listen. You may feel a presence or receive some kind of sign — or you may not. Just because you didn’t get a sign doesn’t mean that your offering wasn’t noticed or that you’re being ignored. You may also receive a sign several hours, days, or weeks after you first reach out. Be patient.

Say your farewells. Express your gratitude for the spirit’s presence, and let them know that you are ending your little ritual. It’s up to you whether to invite them to stick around or politely tell them to leave, but if you’re going to give a spirit permission to linger in your home you better be 1000% sure you know who they are and what their intentions with you are.

Moving Forward

As you work with this spirit, it is important to establish clear boundaries for the relationship. Be clear about what you want to accomplish by working with them, and make sure you understand what they expect from you in return.

You might want to establish a time limit: for example, maybe you’re choosing to work closely with the goddess Brigid from Imbolc to Samhain, at which point you can choose to continue the relationship or to take a step back. Or, you may choose to work with a spirit on a specific task — for example, working with the goddess Aphrodite to get back on your feet and rebuild your self esteem after a breakup. Once this task is accomplished, you may choose to form a more long-term relationship or to take a step back.

Forming a permanent or long-term working relationship with a spirit is a very big, very serious commitment, and should not be taken lightly. This goes double for anything involving a ritual commitment, such as dedication to a deity. When you make these commitments, you are choosing to make a spirit and their energy a permanent part of your life. This decision requires some very serious introspection and consideration, and should not be made impulsively.

Resources:

Southern Cunning: Folkloric Witchcraft in the American South by Aaron Oberon

A Practical Heathen’s Guide to Asatru by Patricia M. Lafayllve

Where the Hawthorn Grows and The Morrigan: Meeting the Great Queens by Morgan Daimler

Wicca for Beginners by Thea Sabin

Azrael Loves Chocolate, Michael’s A Jock: An Insider’s Guide to What Your Angels Are Really Like and The Angel Code by Chantel Lysette

New World Witchery podcast (several episodes, including “Episode 164 — Irish Folklore and Magic,” “Episode 161 — Practicing Safe Hex,” and “Episode 152 — Honoring Ancestors”)

[audreydoeskaren]

Dear Audrey, love reading your articles on the development of the Cheongsam. Some of the ‘technical terms’ went over my head (trim, beading, darts, collar/shoulder seams, piping etc) and I thought a glossary with definitions might help. Maybe a photo showing what exactly they look like and where they are located on the dress? It’s just a suggestion but I think it would help clarify all the great work you have done with each article :)

Hi, that's a great idea actually, thanks for suggesting it! My apologies for assuming that the people reading are also hobby sewists... For most of these you could look up the more detailed definitions online, I’ll just explain some common sewing terminology and how they are applied to historical Chinese clothing. I don’t know how much the average reader knows about sewing so let’s start with the basics.

Glossary of generic sewing terminology

Seams

The seam is the line along which two pieces of fabric are stitched together. It could be recognized on the outside of a garment as a bulging line or where the patterns don’t match up. Depending on the construction method, seams will be placed at different places. For Chinese historical clothing, they were usually present at the sides/underarms, center front, collar and sleeve extension.

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The stitching line is the seam.

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30s cheongsam. You can see the line at her left side which is the side/underarm seam.

Seam allowance

After two pieces of fabric are stitched together, there will be two thin rows of fabric left over on the inside that wouldn’t be seen (unless it’s a Hong Kong seam). This extra bit is the seam allowance. The width of the seam allowance could vary greatly depending on the purpose, but in Western historical clothing it was usually 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch; I actually have no idea how big the standard seam allowance was in China, maybe there was no standard and everybody just did what they liked. If you were planning to make the garment bigger in the future, you could use a big seam allowance so that there is some extra fabric.

The turquoise part is the seam allowance.

Raw edge

Any edge of a piece of fabric that is not bound or finished in any way is a raw edge, including the edges of seam allowances. It’s good practice to finish the raw edges so the fabric doesn’t fray and make the garment fall apart.

Fraying

Fabric that are loosely woven could have threads unravel at raw edges, which, if left unfinished, will slowly wear the fabric away. Some fabrics don’t fray, like jersey and wool, but these were European and weren’t available in China before the 18th century.

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Right and wrong side

The side of the fabric where the pattern is more visible is the right side, whereas the side that needs to be hidden is the wrong. With plain fabrics this isn’t a big deal since both sides look the same, but for printed fabrics or fabrics with woven patterns like 妆花 zhuanghua and 缂丝 kesi it’s important to note because only the right side has the pattern, the wrong side is just a bunch of incomprehensible lines. Ok some woven fabrics have patterns on both sides but they’re rare and expensive. I’ll make a glossary post for fabrics some time in the future. Most seams are made by stitching the fabric pieces with the right sides facing each other, so that when the seam is opened, the seam allowances would be inside and not visible.

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Selvage

The edges of a fabric at the left and right. Spelled selvedge in British English.

Warp and weft

The warp thread of a fabric goes up and down and is parallel to the selvage, the weft thread left and right and perpendicular.

Grain

The grain of a fabric refers to the directions of the threads. When a piece is cut perpendicular or parallel to the selvage it’s on a straight grain, when diagonal it’s on bias. Pieces cut on the straight grain are stable and stiff, those cut on bias are more stretchy and tend to wiggle about. Most Chinese clothing pieces were cut on the straight grain, but the bias grain played an important role in the shaping of cheongsam.

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Stitch

A stitch is a method in which the thread is worked through the fabric to connect, secure or decorate it. For some reason it’s very difficult to find information on what stitches were used on historical Chinese clothing... I think the most common stitches for Chinese historical clothing are the running stitch, running basting stitch and backstitch, all done by hand of course. 

Topstitch

Any stitch that is visible on the outside of the garment.

Running stitch

A running stitch is made by simply running the needle and thread up and down across the line of stitching, used to hold seams that don’t get a lot of stress. It’s relatively weak so it’s not good to use it on seams that require strength.

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Basting stitch

Basically a running stitch but wider. It’s used to hold seams together temporarily since it’s fast to do and easy to pull out.

Backstitch

A backstitch is made by running the thread backward every time a forward running stitch is made. It’s very strong when done tightly by hand so it was the most common stitch used for seams that experience a lot of wear and tear. Backstitches didn’t have to be extremely strong before the republican era because Chinese clothes then were looser and didn’t require a lot of strength in the seams, but since tight fitting clothes became a thing in the 1910s, compact backstitches would be required for the side, underarm and collar seams so they won’t burst open.

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1930s form fitting cheongsam. For the seam at the side, which you can see from the mismatched pattern, a strong backstitch needs to be used if done by hand, otherwise the side would burst open. It could also be done by machine.

Machine stitch

As the name suggests, a stitch made by a sewing machine. Sewing machines were patented around the 1840s and began to be used in China in the 1870s, commonly made by Singer. China started producing its own sewing machines in the 1920s. Machine stitches look like running backstitches but are different to hand stitches in that they use two different threads that lock into each other as they move forward.

Slipstitch

Only slightly visible on the outside, a slipstitch is mostly used for hemming and finishes. Made at where the hem is folded up by only picking up a couple threads on the outer fabric and then running through the folded layer.

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Raw edge finishes

I mentioned before that raw edges need to be finished to prevent fraying; there are many different ways to do this.

French seam

A classic seam finish in historical Chinese sewing. It’s not actually from France just called that in English lmao. This seam is kind of special and difficult to pull off because it requires you to stitch the fabrics wrong sides together first with a small seam allowance and then flipping it over and stitching them together again right sides together with a bigger seam allowance, encasing the smaller first seam allowance in the bigger second one. I used this for my 1930s cheongsam project which will be posted as soon as my pankou arrives.

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Binding

Using separate strips of fabric that are thin, long and usually cut on the bias (bias binding tape) to encase the raw edge. Could be completely functional or decorative like in 1930s cheongsam or 1890s ao. On cheongsam and ao it’s usually used around the outside edges i.e. along the slit, hem, placket and neck, at the sleeve hem, at the collar.

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1930s cheongsam worn by Ruan Lingyu, finished with two rows of decorative bias tape.

Hemming

By folding up the edge of the fabric twice and securing it to the main body with a slipstitch. Often used for robe, sleeve or skirt hems for unlined garments.

Construction systems

平裁 pingcai or flat tailoring

The historical method of cutting and making garments used in China and neighboring countries from the beginning of time to the 1950s. It involves cutting the front and back of the garment as one piece on fold twice (once at the shoulder once at the center front/back), resulting in a giant fabric piece that looks like a cross shape. Pingcai clothes could be hung flat in a T shape.

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Sewing pattern for a Ming Dynasty men’s robe.

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Pingcai kimono hung flat.

立裁 licai, 3D tailoring or Western tailoring

Western clothing construction techniques varied throughout eras but the general idea was that you could use shaped pattern pieces sewn together to create very 3D silhouettes. Sometimes they were so form fitting that they created artificial silhouettes out of the wearer’s body, which was the case with corsetry. Western pattern pieces usually look very funky with a lot of indentations and weird shapes. 

Construction features

Armhole/armscye

In pingcai, there is no armhole, the upper half of the sleeves are connected to the bodice; in the West this would be called a dolman sleeve. In licai, the bodice and sleeves are separate, so sleeves have to be “inserted” to a hole created by the front and back pieces. Methods and styles of sleeve insertion were different for each era.

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Generic Victorian/Edwardian bodice sewing pattern. The curve labelled 7 on the front and 5 on the back will become the armhole after sewing, and the sleeve has to be stitched to around that hole. That seam is the armhole seam.

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Modern hybrid cheongsam/aodai contraption. You can obviously see the seam at the shoulder, indicated by a line and stark contrast in light. The sleeves are very neat and angular when the arms are down because that’s the angle at which the sleeves were inserted, but when the arms are raised they begin to pucker. Most modern cheongsam have these sleeves despite having no historical precedent before the 1970s...

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1940s cheongsam with a dolman sleeve (no sleeve insertion or armhole seam). It looks rounded and smooth, with puckering under the armpits. When the arms are raised there will be no creases because the fabric was cut in this T shape.

Cap sleeve

A non-insertion sleeve that is very short, only covering the shoulders.

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1950s cheongsam. The two on the left are cap sleeved and the right one is sleeveless.

Darts

An important technique for shaping in Western tailoring is the dart. On sewing patterns they look like sharp, well, darts, and are made by pinching the fabric and stitching along this dart shape. This will make the fabric three dimensional. Darts on bodices are usually added at the waist and under the armpits to accommodate the protrusion of breasts, as well as at the hips for skirts. On a finished garment, a dart will appear like a seam but ends abruptly.

The two sharp dagger shapes on the front piece are the darts.

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How to sew a dart.

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1960s cheongsam sewing pattern. There are darts at the waist, back and under the armpits. By reducing fabric at these strategic places, the waist will become smaller and the chest area more protruding.

Pleating

Universal sewing technique. Done by folding a part of the fabric and stitching the top of it to the fabric underneath, creating a fitted part that then flares out. There are many different types of pleats but the most common ones used in China were knife pleat and box pleat. Commonly used for skirts in China.

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Qing Dynasty mamian skirt with knife pleats.

Gathering

Not really a thing in China before the 1920s. Done by running two rows of loose basting stitches through the top of a fabric and then pulling one side of the threads against the fabric, causing the fabric to bunch together. The gathers are then secured by a topstitch. Similar purpose to pleating as it creates a fitted top and a flared bottom, but has a more bulging, messy appearance compared to pleats which are ironed and neat. Also used to make skirts for aoqun ensembles.

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Late 20s evening skirt with a gathered waist.

Embellishments

Piping

A strip of fabric containing a round cord sandwiched in between a seam. Commonly used as decoration at raw edges of ao or cheongsam sandwiched between the outer fabric and lining. It could also be topstitched to the surface of a fabric as decoration, such as in 17th century changshan collars. In Europe it was commonly used on military uniforms and upholstery.

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A piece of piping.

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40s cheongsam finished with thin piping.

Trimmings/trim

Any kind of prefabricated flat ornamental strips that could be sewn to the edges of a garment. Common examples are lace, fringe and floral embroidery.

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Lace trims.

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30s cheongsam with geometric trim.

Embroidery

A method of ornamentation which runs colored threads through the fabric with needles to form patterns. Used throughout Chinese history but became very prevalent on clothing in the 18th/19th century.

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Embroidery in progress

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Mid 19th century robe with embroidery.

Beading

A method of ornamentation in which beads (small, three dimensional stone formed objects with a hole through which threads could be run) are strewn and sewn onto fabrics. Common beads include rhinestones, pearls, sequins and glass beads. In China, beading wasn’t commonly used until the late 1920s, even then it was reserved for eveningwear and quite rare.

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Beaded 1920s Western evening dress.

That’s all I could think of for now. I’ll probably add to this in the future :3

[mdemontespan1667]

Over the last couple of weeks I’ve seen a marked increase in hate directed at my fellow writers of DARK fics by cowardly Anons. While each and every writer has undoubtedly held their own against the stupidity aimed at them, I have reached the point where I can no longer just Like and Reblog. So settle in and buckle up. This may be a long and bumpy ride.

1) First and foremost, YOU, AND ONLY YOU, ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MEDIA YOU CHOOSE TO CONSUME. It is not your place to decide A) What someone else writes and B) What someone else reads. I follow hundreds of Blogs on the site. The vast majority contain consensual sex, fluff, angsty etc. In other words not DARK content. Non-DARK content is incredibly easy to find. Even though DARK fics are becoming more popular they are still out numbered at least 100 to 1. You either have to be specifically looking for the DARK tag or following someone who consistently posts DARK fics to find them. So if DARK fics offend you unfollow the writer or filter out the DARK tag. If a DARK fic does somehow make its way onto your feed, be a damn adult and scroll past it. No one is standing behind you holding your eyes open making you read.

2) DARK fics are just another extension of “rape fantasy” which is a well documented (both scholarly and unscholarly) phenomenon. Rape fantasy “fics” have been found in print since at least the 1600’s. They were extremely popular during the Victorian period. In fact I’d be willing to bet that your mother, grandmother or great grandmother (depending on your age) read romance novels that, at the very least, contained dubious consent sexual situations. Do a quick search of the best selling romance books of the 70’s and 80’s. Most of them contained non-consent sexual situations. Today’s DARK fic is nothing new.

3) Rape fantasies/DARK fics have ABSOLUTLEY NOTHING TO DO WITH ACTUAL RAPE. It does not in any way, shape or form mean a person wants to be violently sexually assaulted. Nor does it mean they want any other person to be violently sexually assaulted. It’s a fantasy. Make believe.

4) DARK fics aren’t written because the writer is “sick,” “disgusting,” “perverted,” etc etc etc. That’s it. That’s all.

5) DARK fics/Rape fantasies have always been a way for women to take control of their bodies. Historically (and even currently) women have had their sexuality suppressed. “Good” girls weren’t supposed to actually enjoy sex. Sex with their husband has been referred to as the “woman’s curse,” “wifely duty,” etc etc. Women who enjoy sex, actively pursue sex, have more than one sexual partner, or experiment with sex are referred to as sluts, whores, wanton, nymphomaniacs, unnatural, witches, the list goes on and on. Out of sexual repression and frustration the “rape fantasy” was born. Rape fantasies allow women to enjoy sex without the guilt. Most DARK fics include the woman orgasming, usually multiple times, which in and of itself is unusual in the real world. (Hell, women fake orgasms so they don’t hurt their partners feelings or are too shy to ask for what they need in bed). Rape fantasies give women the freedom to experience sexual acts they may have been told were “gross” ie receiving oral sex or “taboo” ie anal sex or multiple partners. DARK fics work the same way. In the enlightened age of 2021 women’s bodies are STILL being regulated. We are still being called sluts and whores for actively pursuing sexual satisfaction. DARK fics give us the opportunity to explore our sexual desires and needs in a guilt free environment. You have an earth shattering orgasm from having your pussy eaten until you cry? No shame because you didn’t have a choice. Get off from having your face fucked? No shame because you didn’t have a choice. See how this works? Rape fantasies/DARK fics are an escapist way to enjoy sex. To wallow in pleasure that you have no choice but to enjoy.

5) Some DARK fics pull in aspects of BDSM or rather subsets of BDSM. The BDSM community is a large and varied one. There are hundreds of kinks. One of the subsets includes Edge play which involves kinks such as pain, knife, fear, degradation, blood etc. DARK fics can also include some form of a Dominate/submissive dynamic. Again, it’s a subset of D/s relationships that delve into “consensual” non-consensual sex acts. Play or scenes revolve around the submissive being taken against their will, “forced” to engage and enjoy the sexual acts being performed. As with rape fantasies/DARK fics it allows the submissive to enjoy sex, in a safe environment, without the guilt. This is probably TMI but as a submissive myself Edge play allows me to fully experience my sexuality by allowing me to give control over to someone else. DARK fics serve the same purpose. (True BDSM ALWAYS involves willing partners and healthy power dynamics.)

6) People deal with trauma in a million different ways. DARK fics are a way for people to work through their feelings. NEITHER YOU NOR ANYONE ELSE GETS TO DICTATE HOW SOMEONE DEALS WITH THEIR TRAUMA. I will not expand on this because I have no idea how others deal with trauma and I will not make presumptions as to why they choose the methods they do.

7) It is perfectly normal to become sexually aroused or think a DARK fic “is hot.” It all goes back to allowing oneself to enjoy sex without the guilt. Having numerous partners at the same time, anal sex or female receiving oral sex are common themes in DARK fics. In the real world women who participate in multiple partner sex or anal sex are still, unfairly, seen as “dirty” or “slutty,” or “freaky.” However, men who engage in the same acts with women are not. DARK fics allow women the freedom they are denied.

8) Despite the reasons I have listed above, no one needs a reason or your permission, to write, read, and enjoy a DARK fic.

I apologize if I rambled on. But this subject pisses me off. It is neither mine nor any other writer's job to cater to what you deem acceptable.

(This post focuses on the cis female/male dynamic of DARK fics. “Female” could be replaced with gay, lesbian, trans, bi, asexual, pansexual, gender fluid or any other individual/gender who has been denied access to enjoy their own sexuality. I do understand that there are many other factors that affect those not considered cis female or male but, due to my own lacking, I don’t know enough to properly and respectfully address those factors. I apologize for this.)