#and the various emotions your customized character was able to show

[cinlat]

Now that I’ve finished the Diablo 4 storyline, I wanted to offer some of my favorite non spoiler reactions/screenshots from the playthrough. I love everything about the way my girl Fynta looks.

[demento-mori]

Alright! Now that ive finished Act 3 ive put together some of my general thoughts and feelings from this section of the game.

First off, I absolutely love how much the dialogue, descriptions, flavour text and so on changes and evolves throughout the loops. There are so many little details and plot threads, such as Siffrin repeatedly hitting their hip against that one corner, and getting increasingly frustrated each time, or learning that the dying plant is Mirabelle's and being able to compliment it in the next loop. It makes the characters and the world seem so organic and alive, and provides a sense of progression as you are able to learn more and more about the world around you. Even though the game gives you the option to loop directly to certain floors and areas, I find that I prefer to go through the house the 'legit' way each time, simply because I'm so eager to see whats changed.

Siffrin's psychological decline has been devastating to watch play out, especially since you, the player, are right there alongside them. You're also hoping that each new dialogue unlocked, and each change in the loop means that you've found the right solution to end the loops, and everytime you're disappointed and feel like your efforts were all for nothing. This especially hit home in regards to the party/family members. The first time you do each of their friendship quests its so heartwarming and emotional, you feel so happy that you've been able to get to know them better and become closer with them. But then, in each subsequent loop the impact of those quests lessen, and its easy to begin seeing them as just another hurdle you have to overcome in order to progress. It mirrors how Siffrin gradually stops seeing them as autonomous beings and rather as actors in a play, who he is "manipulating" to get his own happy ending.

The changes in the game's artwork that show Siffrin looking more worn down and tired is equally devastating. Its a small but very effective detail that drives in how the loops are wearing down on them. It almost feels like the game itself is becoming more and more corrupted as the loops wear on.

The worldbuilding is on another level. Like, you can tell that so much thought and care has been put into the world. The countries and their different customs, the religions and their practices and mythology. The language, the fashion, the magic system, the history. One thing that really stand out to me is how Vaugarde is clearly a very wonderful place, but its far from a utopia and there are still societal issues and injustices. For example, rather than taking the route of "there is absolutely no prejudice, all races genders and sexualities are equal", the game shows that gender and romantic/sexual attraction are all widely accepted and seen as fluid due to the change belief, but conversely aromanticism and asexuality are not as common or accepted as they clash with the religions practices. This makes the world seem much more fleshed out and believable, as it provides clear and convincing justifications for why the society is the way it is. And all of this isnt even getting into the more spoilery worldbuilding elements, such as colours and the island north of vaugarde, or even simplier stuff like the other countries and their cultural differences, or the various different vaugardian towns and their unique customs.

I feel like Isat is the only video game Ive ever seen that utilises the time loop concept to its full potential, let alone accomplising that in a way that still translates to a well-made and engaging gameplay loop(ha). Both the gameplay and the story make full use of the time loop gimmick in order to craft a compelling narrative, to explore the characters, their backstories and development, and the psychological effects of the situation upon them to their maximum potential, and to ensure that the gameplay loop never becomes stale and is able to consistently keep the player invested with new things to explore each loop. Its truly a masterpiece of game development.

[earlgarden-archived]

Jumin Han x Elegant! reader part 2!

Outline: Jumin with a elegant wife

Characters: Jumin Han

Warnings: Only for female readers. Might be a bit ooc

Sorry if this was a bit short.

Wedding

Yup we're gonna completely skip the proposal and go straight to the wedding. (Because I'm a bit lazy)

The wedding was... Big. And very expensive. Jumin wanted to make this the most memorable day in your life, so he went all out with the wedding. He insisted on paying for your wedding dress, but since he was already paying for everything, you decided to pay it yourself. Of course, you being the elegant queen you are, you wanted a gorgeous, elegant dress. And after a long day, you couldn't really find the perfect dress. So, Jumin suggested to get a custom made wedding dress. And once again offered to hire one, but again, you declined (because you are too kind) After all, being elegant is not just about the looks. You were able to work with the designer to design the PERFECT dress. And oh my god, the look on Jumin was priceless. He had to quickly fix his composure though. He invited all the RFA members for you to meet, and even offered for you to join RFA (its up to you if you accept or not).

RFA members opinions

After becoming wife and husband, a lot of the RFA members have noticed that he's changed a bit. He came into the chatrooms more, often talking about you, and he would be a little more considerate of others, thanks to your influence. He also shares a lot of photos of you in the chatrooms, slightly bragging about how lucky he was to have you.

Zen was SO shocked about the sudden consideration Jumin now has for him. Before, he would constantly tease Zen with Elizabeth the 3rd, but now, he doesn't do it as often. But he is also a bit jealous of Jumin. He kinda thought that he would be the first RFA member to date, or even marry someone. So when Jumin shared the news of their marriage, he was a little jealous and said that he didn't really deserve you. (As shown in Jumin's official after story). But he's come to accept it now.

Jaehee is relieved that you influenced him to be more nicer to people. Now, she has time for breaks and can finally rest. Now that you're there, you're the one to look after Elizabeth the 3rd, leaving Jaehee cat-free! Unfortunately, you are also sometimes busy, so she's still forced to take care of her. But at least it's less often. (Unless you're also busy like Jumin, then she would not be happy).

Yoosung thinks youre super kind, like Rika. He really envies how you are confident in who you are, and how you know you're valuable. He sometimes has a hard time with that, since he always thinks he's the least interesting person in RFA. As well, he notices how you have polite manners, a little bit similar to Jumin. You can also handle conversations really well, almost nothing catches you off guard, you hide most of your emotions behind a graceful smile. He knows why Jumin fell for you.

You and V got along quite well. You both have nice conversations with eachother, talking about various different topics, from Jumin's childhood, to V's photographs etc. And when Jumin asked if you could join RFA, he said he didn't mind, you seemed like a pretty secretive person, so he felt like he could trust you with information. Of course, he and Seven both have to do a background check first before you join. But overall, he thinks that inviting you should be alright.

707 thought you were a chill person, you slightly giggled at his jokes and you seemed like you enjoyed his company (which made Jumin a tiny bit jealous). V asked him to do a background check on you, and he was slightly relieved when he found that you had a safe background. Since he kinda wanted you to join.

When you're a ballerina as a hobby

When he found out you were a ballerina, he made an entire ballet practice room just for you. This is so you don't need to walk that far to practice, and it was more efficient this way. As well, whenever you had a show, he would ALWAYS come. No matter what, he would somehow find time in his busy schedule to come to your show. Several times, meetings were delayed to make time for your show. You always said that he didn't need to come any time, but he insisted on coming. Plus, you were pretty happy that he was so supportive.

One time, you were starring in Swan Lake, and he was stoked. He even invited the RFA members to come. (Believe it or not, he invited Zen, since he knew Zen would probably enjoy this). Everyone was mesmerized. You were just so... BEAUTIFUL. Even Yoosung enjoyed it, which Jumin was slightly surprised about.

[demifiendrsa]

Street Fighter 6 - A.K.I. Teaser Trailer

Japanese version

Street Fighter 6 DLC character A.K.I. will launch in Fall 2023.

A.K.I. is a maniacal poison aficionado who cannot wait to sink her nails into her opponents.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Collaboration Trailer

The collaboration with Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will launch on August 8, 2023.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles collaboration includes gear, emotes, Titles, stamps, in-game device wallpapers, camera frames in Photo Mode, and the ability to turn your World Tour and Battle Hub custom avatar into one of the turtles.

Screenshots

Latest details

Starting on August 8, 2023, Street Fighter 6 players will be able to style their custom avatars with new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles gear and emotes, apply fun new Titles, send Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles stamps to the chat, customize their in-game mobile wallpaper and camera frames, and even turn their World Tour and Battle Hub custom avatar into their favorite Turtle! High Three!

Evo also marked the captivating debut of the mysterious A.K.I., soon to be the 20th playable Street Fighter 6 character, with her first in-game cinematic footage from the single-player World Tour mode as a surprise stinger for the crowd. A.K.I. will be released in Fall 2023 and we’ll have much more to share about her at a later date.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles collaboration is the second branded partnership within Street Fighter 6 since its release in June 2023, following a collaboration with Onitsuka Tiger at launch. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles collaboration invites players to show off their Turtle fandom in various fun ways, while also decking out the in-game social center—Battle Hub—-with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles banners, signage, and trailers. The heroes in a half shell are also starring in their latest movie, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, in theaters now from Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon Movies, and Point Grey Productions, and produced by Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, and James Weaver.

Street Fighter 6 is the latest game in the storied Street Fighter franchise, representing the next evolution of the series with an all-new single player World Tour mode, a community-focused Battle Hub mode, and the culmination of core gameplay modes present via Fighting Ground. The game has already sold more than two million units worldwide.

[best-underrated-anime]

Best Underrated Anime Group C Round 2: #C1 vs #C2

#C1: Friendship over nostalgia for the past, and moving forward

#C2: High social anxiety girl has to befriend her whole class

Details and poll under the cut!

#C1: After the Rain (Koi wa Ameagari no You ni)

Summary:

Akira Tachibana, a reserved high school student and former track runner, has not been able to race the same as she used to since she experienced a severe foot injury. And although she is regarded as attractive by her classmates, she is not interested in the boys around school.

While working part-time at the Garden Cafe, Akira begins to develop feelings for the manager—a 45-year-old man named Masami Kondou—despite the large age gap. Kondou shows genuine concern and kindness toward the customers of his restaurant, which, while viewed by others as soft or weak, draws Akira to him. Spending time together at the restaurant, they grow closer, which only strengthens her feelings. Weighed down by these uncertain emotions, Akira finally resolves to confess, but what will be the result?

Alternatively: The main girl works at a diner and misses being able to run. Main guy is the boss at the diner and misses writing.

Propaganda:

It feels like a lot of folks didn’t give this a fair chance because they thought it would be an age gap romance, when it really is more about friendship between the MCs. Don’t be turned off by the opening. It’s cute, but all from MG’s POV. The art is pretty, and Aimer’s “Ref: rain” is one of my favourite songs now, besides it being a beautiful ending theme. Depending on how old you are, you might relate more with one MC over the other.

Trigger Warnings: One-sided age gap. Depending on your views, MC’s friendship with her boss could be uncomfortable

#C2: Hitori Bocchi’s ○○ Lifestyle (HitoriBocchi no MaruMaru Seikatsu)

Summary:

Many of us know what it is like to transition to a new school with few to no friends in a new environment, going through the arduous process of getting to know people again. Bocchi Hitori knows this struggle all too well, having just graduated from elementary school and thrown into middle school. Unfortunately, she suffers from extreme social anxiety: she faints when overwhelmed, vomits when nervous, and draws up ridiculously convoluted plans to avoid social contact. It does not help that her only friend from elementary school, Kai Yawara, will not be attending the same middle school as Bocchi. However, wanting to help her, Kai severs ties with Bocchi and promises to reconcile with her when she befriends all of her classmates in her new middle school class.

Even though Bocchi has no faith in herself, she is determined to be friends with Kai again. Summoning all of her courage, Bocchi takes on the daunting challenge of making friends with her entire class, starting with the delinquent-looking girl sitting in front of her…

Propaganda:

This is a fun and lighthearted show. Watch it if you need something cute to chill out! The art is cute and colorful, the music lively, and the animation fine enough.

As it's adapted from a four-panel gag manga, the story is simple and focuses on the various characters. They all have pun-based names related to their main personality trait, so they're easy to remember if you know some basic Japanese (Hitori Bocchi means all alone, for example). The girls are all adorable and fun in their own quirky ways, and I loved seeing the heroine doing her utmost best to overcome her fears -and other challenges- to befriend them in the hope of fulfilling her promise. That's the power of the Do-Your-Best Fairy! They all care for each other (despite some teasing) and help Bocchi with her monumental task, never pulling her down for her struggles but gently pushing her in the back when needed.

But most importantly, Hitori Bocchi is a very relatable character. As someone suffering the same trouble, I related a lot with Bocchi, from her silliest worries to her escalating panic and weird schemes in an attempt to prevent anything wrong. Anxiety is faithfully represented, mixed with the right amount of laughing to how far Bocchi can get to avoid fearful situations in her very cute ways. It feels good to see a character like me in a such positive light! The struggles are real and acknowledged, and it’s really moving to see our heroine overcome them little by little in a very humanizing way.

This series has become one of my comfort materials, and I come back to it when I need hope and inspiration in everyday social interactions! If you need one last thing to be convinced, listen to that most adorable and silly song that will give you the Power of Motivation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGoGwlNmZUQ 

Trigger Warnings: None.

When reblogging and adding your own propaganda, please tag me @best-underrated-anime so that I’ll be sure to see it.

If you want to criticize one of the shows above to give the one you’re rooting for an advantage, then do so constructively. I do not tolerate groundless hate or slander on this blog. If I catch you doing such a thing in the notes, be it in the tags or reblogs, I will block you.

Know one of the shows above and not satisfied with how they’re presented in this tournament? Just fill up this form, where you can submit revisions for taglines, propaganda, trigger warnings, and/or video.

[gaytwirights]

So like. Thoughts on the yyh live action (spoilers but like. That's obvious)

Tbh. The pacing was kinda rushed and I didn't like the wigs. But aside from that, it was a very enjoyable experience

Would I recommend it to someone who hasn't seen the original? Lmao absolutely not. I feel like this was an adaptation made for the people who were already fans. Certain characters (one of whom was simultaneously my bisexual awakening and my transgender awakening) were less focused on, which would make their impactful moments less,,,, impactful for a new viewer

I feel the biggest issue is that there are so few episodes that they couldn't get a whole series' worth of familiarity with the characters. Kurama's and hiei's big powerups happened in season two, and that's what made those moments so cool. By that point, we were already familiar with the characters (and thousands of filipino youth, myself included, had become bisexual because of dennis), so we got excited when these characters we already loved got cool powerups

All that said, the way they chose to compress the story was very cool. I really don't have much to say, aside from that. It was just really fun to watch all these familiar elements get put together in a new and exciting way. Even as someone who's been a fan since I was young, I was still caught off-guard by the changes and still found myself on the edge of my seat

And on that topic, the emotional moments really hit hard, and are really good at showing the depth of the characters, even within 5 episodes. When yusuke bad to fight his schoolmate, he was trying to get the demon insects out of him until the very end. When kuwabara finally broke the rock, it was because he wanted to be able to defend the people he cares about. The way yusuke and kurama had that common theme of dying and leaving their mothers to grieve (and it never gets brought up again!!! But we appreciate it nevertheless 😌). Parallel of yusuke and toguro had me tearing up tbh

And let me just say, I SCREAMED when hiei showed yukina his necklace. I've been waiting for this moment since I was GRADE THREE GODDAMNIT

And also, as much as I hated the wigs, I really liked what they did with yusuke's and kurama's costumes. The change to yusuke's costume was small -- they really just had him wear his uniform top open, rather than closed -- but it gave him a more 'casual' appearance. He really did look the part of a highschool delinquent, someone who doesn't care about rules or customs (like wearing your uniform properly). And as for kurama's costume, I loved that they used a fabric with a flower brocade for (what seems to be) his designated outfit for demon business. They really went for the flower motif, and I 100% support. However I would have appreciated if they spent a little bit more of the costuming budget on getting my boy a good wig

I also liked what they did with keiko's character. In the original she was just kinda a love interest, which. I mean. Fuck me for expecting a personality from a woman in a 90s anime. But here, there's some rough edges to her that made me think, right, she's yusuke's childhood friend

Another thing I liked is how they did the fight scenes. Here's the thing, a good chunk of the cast are teenagers. And they have to face off against various yokai. Yokai who happen to be much stronger than them. Even considering their shooty slashy boom boom magic, they have to really strategize how they're gonna attack. I really love how they had the characters really make use of their surroundings. Vehicles!! Metal doors!! It was so cool!!

Finally. Effects pretty 💛 there were some gay moments which I super appreciated 💛 but they should've brought a child in to play koenma

[satoshi-mochida]

Street Fighter 6 DLC character A.K.I. and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles collaboration announced

Gematsu Source

Capcom has announced Street Fighter 6 downloadable content character A.K.I. and a collaboration with Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. A.K.I. is due out this fall, but the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles collaboration will launch on August 8.

A.K.I. is a maniacal poison aficionado who cannot wait to sink her nails into her opponents.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles collaboration includes gear, emotes, Titles, stamps, in-game device wallpapers, camera frames in Photo Mode, and the ability to turn your World Tour and Battle Hub custom avatar into one of the turtles.

Get the details below.

Starting on August 8, 2023, Street Fighter 6 players will be able to style their custom avatars with new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles gear and emotes, apply fun new Titles, send Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles stamps to the chat, customize their in-game mobile wallpaper and camera frames, and even turn their World Tour and Battle Hub custom avatar into their favorite Turtle! High Three!

Evo also marked the captivating debut of the mysterious A.K.I., soon to be the 20th playable Street Fighter 6 character, with her first in-game cinematic footage from the single-player World Tour mode as a surprise stinger for the crowd. A.K.I. will be released in Fall 2023 and we’ll have much more to share about her at a later date.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles collaboration is the second branded partnership within Street Fighter 6 since its release in June 2023, following a collaboration with Onitsuka Tiger at launch. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles collaboration invites players to show off their Turtle fandom in various fun ways, while also decking out the in-game social center—Battle Hub—-with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles banners, signage, and trailers. The heroes in a half shell are also starring in their latest movie, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, in theaters now from Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon Movies, and Point Grey Productions, and produced by Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, and James Weaver.

Street Fighter 6 is the latest game in the storied Street Fighter franchise, representing the next evolution of the series with an all-new single player World Tour mode, a community-focused Battle Hub mode, and the culmination of core gameplay modes present via Fighting Ground. The game has already sold more than two million units worldwide.

Street Fighter 6 is available now for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series, and PC via Steam.

Watch a new set of trailers below. View a new set of screenshots at the gallery.

DLC Character A.K.I. Teaser Trailer 

English

Japanese

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Collaboration Trailer 

English

Japanese

[chorusfm]

Coheed and Cambria Announce New Album

Coheed and Cambria will release The Father of Make Believe on March 13th. Today they’ve shared the single “Searching for Tomorrow” and pre-orders are now up. Coheed and Cambria announces their forthcoming album The Father of Make Believe due March 13th, 2025 via Virgin Music Group. The new full-length marks the 10th studio album from the New York band and continues the narrative of The Amory Wars / Vaxis universe, following their 2022 album Vaxis Act II: A Window of the Waking Mind, which garnered critical success and the band’s first Top 10 radio single of their career with “Shoulders.” Alongside the album’s announcement, Coheed and Cambria shares the new single “Searching for Tomorrow,” which arrives alongside an Anthony Scheppard-directed and animated video. The Father of Make Believe will also include the recently-released single “Blind Side Sonny,” arguably Coheed and Cambria’s most aggressive track to date that was complemented by a Max Moore-directed video that unveiled a new villain in The Amory Wars realm.  Speaking about “Searching for Tomorrow” and The Father of Make Believe, bandleader, vocalist and lead guitarist Caludio Sanchez shares, "This song is a reminder that always looking for something better in your life robs you of being able to appreciate the good things you already have.  With every album I try to ‘outdo’ the one before, or at least make something that sounds different and evolved in some way.  I think that initial struggle added to the feeling of having a kind of musical midlife crisis…this constant internal battle of searching for creative release and growth…the being unsure if it’s the right path. This one took more effort in the beginning, but in the end I think the digging was worth it for the subsequent surge.” Additionally, the Vaxis Act III: The Father of Make Believe limited edition box set is available for pre-order today and features the CD and digital download along with various exclusives, including Blind Side Sonny's fully wearable and functional helmet and neuro-dynamic display goggles, Vaxis Act III: The Father of Make Believe hardcover illustrated novella coffee table book, neuro-dynamic display goggles app for display customization, 11.5” x 35” Vaxis III: The Father of Make Believe bedroom poster and a signed Death Certificate of Siv Trafinder. Box set is available for pre-order HERE. One way to look at The Father of Make Believe is Coheed and Cambria establishing a desire to move forward while honoring a remarkable history. Another: a series of questions, emotions, and thoughts at war with each other — “a war within myself,” as Sanchez puts it. The Father of Make Believe fits into the band’s sonic oeuvre with wailing guitars, drums that crack like fireworks, and Sanchez’s aching, powerful voice centering us through moments both placid and pinwheeling. Where the set forges new ground is in how Sanchez embraces the role of main character. He’s often used epic songcraft to mask the stories he wanted to tell: reflections on an addicted father, memories of his beloved grandfather, fears about raising a child in a cruel world, anxieties around losing the love of his life. This time around, he’s writing more directly about his life and, especially, his career. Sanchez is the Father of Make Believe, gazing down upon this world he's wrought. Next year, Coheed and Cambria will join Tool, Primus, Mastodon, Eagles of Death Metal and more for the Tool in the Sand festival in the Dominican Republic in March ahead of 2000 Trees with Kneecap, Taking Back Sunday, Alexisonfire, and more in the United Kingdom in July. Next November, Coheed will embark on their S.S. Neverender 2025 cruise with Thursday, L.S. Dunes, The Dear Hunter, Hail The Sun, Meet Me At The Altar and more. Tickets available HERE. Earlier this year, Coheed and Cambria traversed North America with Incubus, which saw the band play legendary venues across the country, including sold out shows at Madison Square Garden in New York City and Allstate Arena in… https://chorus.fm/news/coheed-and-cambria-announce-new-album-3/

[jose-jeulandsg]

Why Choose Jose Jeuland for Portrait Photography in Singapore?

Portrait photography is an art that captures one's personality and emotions. It is necessary to have a deep understanding of human emotion and expression as well as the ability to apply technical skills. This is where Jose Jeuland excels, with every portrait revealing each person’s unique character.

Jose Jeuland’s way of taking pictures has its distinct features such as paying attention even to the smallest details, creating a comfortable environment for his subjects. He believes that the connection between a photographer and his or her subject is what makes a great portrait. A connection will always be established between the artist and their subject through which genuine facial expressions will be captured by any able artist.

Each of his portraits combines spontaneous and staged scenes, which tell different parts of the story about people they portray in them. Every time there are corporate visuals, family shots or creative images on display, these pictures will always stand out for their clarity, composition and emotional intelligence.

Technical Expertise

Apart from being an artist Jose Jeuland possesses excellent technical knowledge in portraiture hence making him better than fellow photographers in this field. Thus he knows all about using natural lightings alongside artificial ones to improve upon features of his subjects. Consequently, this ensures that every picture taken looks like an original painting due to Jose’s mastery over color theory plus post-production methods including compositions.

Jose Jeuland: Versatility in Styles and Settings

Jose Jeuland’s photographs can be distinguished by their versatility among other things. He works as easily in studio settings as he does outdoors. It gives him flexibility to satisfy various needs of customers who might want something more formal like business shots or alternatively prefer casual family pictures while still others desire interesting artistic representations instead.

Highlighting Beauty within Singapore

Living here has given Jose Jeuland many diverse locales where he can take captivating portraits including; Marina Bay Sands Gardens by The Bay Little India Chinatown; each place offers multitude opportunities for amazing portraits. This creates a perspective that goes beyond just the person in focus to include the beauty of Singapore in its entirety.

Notable Projects and Collaborations

This portfolio, of his work, is just one of the many ways that show how skilled and versatile Jose Jeuland is. He has worked with a number of clients such as corporate bigwigs, high-end brands, and international media outlets. In prestigious places like Fullerton Hotel this talent has been showcased through exhibitions.

One of the projects he has done is the “Longevity Okinawa” series which captures the old people from Okinawa Japan known for their long life spans. This series showcases not only his technical skills but also his ability to tell captivating stories in pictures.

Workshops and Mentorship

Jose Jeuland moreover believes in sharing his photography knowledge with others and this passion drives him to conduct workshops as well as holding one-on-one mentorship sessions aimed at assisting aspiring photographers in developing their skills. His workshops are renowned for being all-inclusive and practical ranging from technological knowhow to creative vision.

Why Choose Jose Jeuland for Portrait Photography in Singapore?

Selecting a portrait photographer is an important decision because you trust them with capturing some of your most important memories and moments. Here are several reasons why Jose Jeuland should be your go-to person when seeking portrait photographers in Singapore:

Artistic Vision: The difference between art pieces and photographs can be seen in these portraits shot by Jose Jeuland; they do more than capture faces; they tell stories.

Technical Expertise: Jose Jeuland’s years on end working with various photographic techniques ensure that each portrait produced is superior quality.

Versatility: Regardless if it is a professional headshot, family group picture or artistic photo with a twist, anything can be executed brilliantly by Jose Jeuland.

Personalized Experience: Understanding client needs helps him come up with personalized approaches to making photo-shoots comfortable experiences.

Professionalism: Starting from scratch, Jose Jeuland’s professionalism and dedication are well-known amongst his clientele.

Conclusion

Portrait photography is a fine balance of technical expertise, artistic vision and human connection. Jose Jeuland has all these attributes and more, making him one of the most sought after portrait photographers in Singapore. In addition to his technical brilliance and creative approach, he captures the very essence of his subjects. As a result, his portraits are not just pictures but they are time frozen tales. Whether you want an individual photo or headshot, a family picture or every other kind of portrait you feel like capturing Jose Jeuland’s portfolio will deliver beyond your expectations giving you memories that can be captured only through them and also last forever.

[sneakysmediacorner]

WOW i had no idea there were SO MANY dune books. the audiobook folder i downloaded only contains the first 6 books that i understand had been fully written by the original author... i don't know if i'm up to the challenge of even those first six, but i'll give book 2 a chance now that i've finished book 1. some thoughts below:

first of all, i have to make a note of how the phrase "tried to swallow in a dry throat" showed up two or three times more after my last post, lmao. i'm genuinely wondering if herbert intentionally reused it so much or if he thought it wouldn't be so noticeable.

i find it interesting how much of the novel concerns itself with emotion, supressing emotion and mastering over your instinctual/emotional impulses in order to take the "logical" course of action. the test which opens the book defines humanity as the ability to accept short-term suffering for the sake of long-term benefit, and specifically the ability to withstand pain, to master your body's instinctual reactions... and this ability is the most prominent trait of both paul and jessica, who both come across as emotionally repressed to the extreme - or maybe it would be more accurate to say they are able to repress or release their emotions at will, putting their grief off for a more convenient time. i suppose this mastery of mind over body gels with the way baron harkonnen's flesh is consistently emphasised. when alia meets him she comments on his body being growing so much it is unable to bear its own weight any longer, which in this framework would be - well, not really a mastery of body over the mind, but rather a perversion of the body's function? it goes without saying of course that this usage of fatness as shorthand for self-destructive lack of self-control is extremely fatphobic and harmful

but i suppose my biggest frustration while listening was that no theme really carried through the entirety of the narrative. this "mind vs body" dualism certainly rears its head a lot when it comes to various characters, but it's not really expanded or elaborated on enough to make any concrete statement or observation. The same can be said for the way herbert stresses the importance of envinvironment - the concept of "desert power" is obviously a crucial plotpoint, and there IS a very compelling statement being made about how underestimating groups who live in extremely difficult conditions on the basis that "they cannot have achieved anything noteworthy in these circumstances" is a foolish thing to do. the point is very well made when non-fremen groups are routinely overwhelmed by fremen technology, stategy and battle prowess, but again - this isn't really developed in the book past that initial subversion of expectations.

the treatment of fremen is a mixed bag for me in general. on one hand, they give off an air moral purity or at least nobility, with their ironclad codes of honour and the claim that rape supposedly isn't a thing in their society?? (i'm not sure how much the reader is intended to take this at face value and how much it's just supposed to be stilgar making a vague statement to ease jessica's mind). but on the other hand, they're shown to be violent and proud beyond reason, and it takes paul's rousing speech to make them give up on an ancient custom that would be incredibly pointless and self-injurious in the given situation. i wonder if this was meant to show the fremen in a balanced way, as a society with its own faults and benefits, but to me at least, it lacks depth and just comes across as two different stereotypes at once*. i think i would have been more convinced if we got to know any individual fremen more extensively and got a feel for how they think, why they act the way they do. none of the fremen characters really get much of an internal life - if i remember correctly, the most we get is a brief look into chani's POV.

this is a complaint i have with most of the characters though, even paul and jessica, whose inner lives are explored the most. those two are simply so logic-driven that their choices reveal very little about who they are as individual people. paul especially is an odd main character. so much of his person seems to be meant as a look into how a long-foretold messiah would function on the personal level, but he is so focused on his goals that, really, he isn't much more than the messiah mask. the pretty huge timeskip in the middle of the narrative doesn't help - he falls in love, has a child and rises to fame and power off-screen, when those experiences, had they been shown on paper instead of told in retrospect, could have been a much-needed glimpse into the emotional, human side of him. his love for chani feels particularly unconvincing, given that it seems to be founded entirely in visions of the future where they are together.

one more thing about the emotionless, perfect beni gesserit logic that drives paul and jessica - it's that well-known writer's dilemma having to convince your audience that a character is very, very, very very smart. this intelligence (in all the smart characters, not just paul and jessica) often manifests itself in a character picking up on the subtle implications of another's speech. i'm not just talking about the intonation and inflection of voice - here, herbert has an easy time because it's very easy to just write that someone's voice betrayed hesitation only to the finely trained ear - but of characters picking up on each others' phrasing, omission, the inclusion or lack of titles, formalities and so on. this is a bit more tricky - the readers are given the same information as the characters, so we the readers are able to directly judge the accuracy of the characters' judgements. i do think herbert does a good job of writing these subtle dialogues and actually including these hints of meaning, but i can't say it was totally convincing a hundred percent of the time. there were definitely conversations where i ended up thinking jessica or paul or whoever was making a huge reach in reading into the way something was phrased.

i'm very intrigued by the scene herbert chooses to end book one with - that of jessica affirming her and chani's importance despite their official titles as concubines. this was always a prominent part of jessica's character, but it didn't feature much outside of her private thoughts - but the choice to end on it implies that it's an important theme. i have to say though, i can't really see how it would connect to the story at large. but i am intrigued.

i also love the writing by princess irulon beginnning every chapter. a few chapters in and you realise that this woman must have written dozens of books at least - it feels like she must have written a book about muad'dib for every stage of education! it serves to build up the anticipation with regards to paul's growing legend of course, but it also makes you curious about this princess who doesn't show up until well towards the end of the book - only to find out that this prolific outpouring of writing stems from her being privately abandoned by paul. another big point in favour of the final scene.

all in all, i think the worldbuilding of arrakis and the way it's slowly revealed - the worm riders, the fremen plan to change their planet and the social customs resulting from water scarcity - is dune's strongest suit, though the epic political conflict is also pretty interesting. i'm compelled in principle by the story of paul the muad'dib, by his rise to power and by the tension between his identity as an individual and his ever-expanding legend, but this plot thread doesn't really deliver on its own premise.

*this isn't even getting into the loaded way herbert uses arabic or vaguely arabic or arabic-adjacent phrases and aesthetics. the use of "jihad" rings as particularly problematic in light of how american and world politics developed decades after herbert's death

[ankitaacadereality]

Expert 3D Animation Services and Company

In the current age of technology, 3D animation is now a crucial component of many different businesses, including marketing, education, gaming, and entertainment. The ability to produce vivid, captivating, and eye-catching animations has expanded the possibilities for communication and narrative. You've come to the correct place if you're looking for experienced 3D animation services and a firm that can turn your creative visions into reality. This article will explore the field of 3D animation and discuss how important it is to identify the proper specialists and what they can do to improve the projects.

The Power of 3D Animation

It's important to recognize the value and potential of 3D animation before delving into the offerings and proficiency of a 3D animation firm.

Visual Appeal: 3D animation is known for its striking visual appeal. It enables the creation of highly detailed and realistic graphics, making it a great solution for a variety of media, such as films, video games, and ads.

Immersive Storytelling: Text and traditional 2D animation are unable to match the lifelike quality of 3D animation. By drawing viewers into a three-dimensional experience, it helps them develop a greater connection with the characters and settings.

Versatility: 3D animation gives countless opportunities for producing engaging animated films, architectural visualizations, and product demonstrations. It's an adaptable tool that can be used for a variety of purposes.

Expert 3D Animation Services: What to Look For

Now that the significance of 3D animation has been proven, let's review the essential components that distinguish an animation studio as a leader in their sector.

Talented and Experienced Team: The heart of any expert 3D animation company is its team of skilled designers, animators, and technical experts. Choose an organization whose staff members have a broad spectrum of expertise in various animation styles and methods.

Cutting-edge technology: It's important to stay current with animation technology developments. To produce top-notch results, a knowledgeable organization should have access to state-of-the-art gear and software.

Portfolio: The company's proficiency can be seen by a robust collection of prior projects. To determine their skill level and whether their aesthetic fits with your vision, look through some of their previous work.

Customization: Since every project is different, a skilled 3D animation business should be able to adjust its offerings to meet your particular requirements. To make your ideas a reality, they ought to be amenable to collaboration and customization.

Communication: Effective communication is of the utmost importance in any collaborative effort. Throughout the animation process, a trustworthy business should keep lines of communication open to ensure that your ideas and opinions are included effortlessly.

Services Offered by Expert 3D Animation Companies

Now that you are aware of the qualities to seek in a professional 3D animation firm let's explore the variety of services they usually provide:

Character Animation: Skilled 3D animation firms are adept at producing believable figures with expressive gestures and emotions that connect with viewers. This is important for movies, video games, and ads.

Product Visualization: If you work in the manufacturing or e-commerce sectors, you can use 3D animation to show off your goods from all sides. This helps with marketing by enabling prospective clients to examine your products thoroughly.

Architectural Visualization: 3D animation is a very useful tool in the real estate and architecture fields for producing virtual walkthroughs and rendering architectural designs. It aids in the comprehension and appreciation of architectural concepts by investors and clients.

Educational animation: Skilled 3D animation services can help educational institutions and e-learning platforms produce interesting and educational content. Animations that are visually appealing and engaging can simplify complex subjects.

Benefits of Choosing Expert 3D Animation Services

By opting for the services of a reputable 3D animation company, you can enjoy numerous benefits:

High-quality Output: Skilled firms are renowned for their meticulous attention to detail and dedication to producing animations that are up to par with industry standards.

Cost-effectiveness: Although professional services can be expensive, the benefits outweigh the costs. In the long term, you'll save money and effort by eliminating the need for pricey changes.

On-time Delivery: You may fulfill your project deadlines by having your animations delivered on time, thanks to expert project management.

Enhanced Creativity: Skilled 3D animators have the know-how to take your imaginative ideas and turn them into animations that surpass your expectations in terms of beauty.

Competitive Edge: Having excellent 3D animations can offer your projects a competitive edge and make you stand out from the competition in a world where visual content is king.

Conclusion

In the age of electronic media, 3D animation has grown from a niche technology to a mainstream tool with numerous uses. Whether you work in marketing, education, entertainment, or any other field, using professional 3D animation services can help you realize the full potential of your project.

Remember to give top priority to skilled staff, cutting-edge equipment, a solid portfolio, transparent communication, project management, and the capacity to customize services to your particular requirements while looking for the best 3D animation company. Selecting professional 3D animation services will result in superior production, economical savings, prompt delivery, increased creativity, and a competitive advantage. 

[syifablog2]

About the essay poetry “Grues of Grandma Ibrahim” by Denny Ja’s 46th chosen work

Greetings dear readers,    Welcome back to our article this time which will discuss the 46th selected essay poetry titled “Gathering Cucu Ibrahim”. This essay poem is one of the latest works from Indonesian famous writers, Denny JA, who has inspired many readers with his previous work.    In this essay poem, Denny JA brings us on the way to inspire the heart and mind through the story of friendship involving grandson Ibrahim. This story raises the values of life, the determination of faith, and the importance of maintaining good relations with the family.    In each chapter, Denny JA with his expertise in compiling an interesting storyline. He presented the life journey of Ibrahim’s grandchildren full of me and faced various challenges. Denny Ja carefully compiled a strong character and captivating the reader, thus making us connect with the story he told.    One of the attractions of this essay poem is the language used. The language used by Denny Ja is very beautiful and flowing, making the reader feel carried away in the atmosphere presented. The use of this rich and elegant language makes the experience of reading this essay poem even more alluring.    More than just a friendly story, this essay poem also shows a deep moral message. Denny Ja is shrewd in a life message that can provide inspiration and motivation to the reader. He emphasizes the importance of mutual respect, forgiving, and maintaining good relations with family, and appreciating the value of strong brotherhood.    In addition, this essay poem also introduces readers to local culture and wisdom. Denny Ja smartly described the lives of people, traditions, and customs that became the background of this story. This gives new insights to readers about the richness of Indonesian culture, while increasing a sense of pride in the legacy of our ancestors.    Denny Ja’s work is also beautifully illustrated by Indonesia’s famous illustrator. Every illustration visually is able to describe the atmosphere and emotions in each chapter. This illustration provides an additional dimension to the story, making the reader more connected to the journey of Cucu Ibrahim.    Essay poetry “Gathering of Grandma Ibrahim” also emphasizes the uniqueness in the presentation of the story. Denny Ja uses a flowing style of storytelling, combines prose and poetry, and plays the rhythm of words. This style makes the reader more amazed and impressed with the author’s expertise in reviving every word listed in this essay poem.    In the conclusion, the essay poetry “Grues of Ibrahim Grandson” Denny Ja 46’s chosen work is a work that raises the theme of friendship and the values of in -depth life. Denny Ja with his expertise in writing succeeded in presenting a story that moved the heart and mind of the reader. This essay poem not only offers entertainment, but also provides valuable inspiration and moral messages.    If you are looking for an essay poem that arouses, inspires, and enriching knowledge about local culture, then “Grues of Cucu Ibrahim” is the right choice. Immediately get this essay poem and enjoy adventure through this meaningful story.    Thank you for reading this article. Hopefully this information is useful for you and further enrich your knowledge and interest in reading.

Check more: Dissecting the contents of the essay poem “Silahturahmi grandson Ibrahim” by Denny Ja’s selected work

[vipwees]

Unveiling the Magic of Movie and TV-Inspired Fashion with Vipwees

Uniqueness is the key to the fashion business. Wearing a t-shirt featuring a well-known image from a movie or TV show is a fun and easy way to express your fandom. Vipwees, a popular online clothing store in the UK, carries a wide variety of TV and movie t-shirts. Let's check out why people consider us the best. 

The Rise of Movie T-shirts 

Moviegoers and pop culture enthusiasts alike have always needed a solid stock of movie-related T-shirts. T-shirts featuring your favourite movie poster, character, or quote are a fantastic way to broadcast your enthusiasm to the world. This is why Vipwees has spent so much time and effort developing its extensive collection of movie t-shirt in UK.

Vipwees welcomes moviegoers of various tastes, from those who enjoy rewatching ancient masterpieces like "Casablanca" to the most devoted Marvel fans. These unique and high-quality Movie t-shirts pay tribute to some of cinema's finest works. The designs are all works that capture the essence of the film and are guaranteed to generate a buzz.

Wearing a film t-shirt is a great way to make connections with other people who share your passion. One of the many draws of movie t-shirts is their versatility. Wear them on a date, on a group movie outing, or to an event celebrating cinema. These tees are a stylish way to show off your favourite movies and your sense of fashion all at once.

Vipwees is the best when it comes to designing fashionable and comfortable movie-themed t-shirts. The makers put a lot of thought into designing iconic pieces of art and popular movie characters to incorporate in each one. It is done by us so that our movie t-shirts become a unique way for our customers to express themselves.

T-Shirts from Around the Television

We can't imagine our lives without television, and a TV t-shirt has had a major impact on the fashion world. Famous TV actors, and lines of dialogue are honoured on these tees. The influence of television on UK people has not gone unnoticed, and we have responded by stocking their shelves with TV merch for viewers of all ages.

From long-running favourites like "Friends" and "Breaking Bad" to buzzworthy newcomers like "Stranger Things" and "The Crown," Vipwees has you covered. We design TV-themed shirts that fans can wear with pride and that remind them of simpler times and strengthen their emotional bond to their favourite show.

What Sets Vipwees Apart?

Unique Designs: Vipwees is renowned for its one-of-a-kind designs. Our team of artists works hard to produce one-of-a-kind t-shirt patterns that can't be found anywhere else. Every single one of these designs is made with a lot of love and care. 

Quality Materials: We use high-quality materials because we think that form should never follow function. Our TV and movie t-shirts are comfortable to wear because they are made from high-quality, breathable fabrics that last.

Size Options: T-shirts from Vipwees are available in a wide variety of sizes to accommodate customers of varying heights and weights. Everyone should be able to brag about watching their favourite show or film.

Affordable Prices: Fashionable items can be purchased without breaking the bank. Vipwees, your fun fashion partner, is dedicated to providing t-shirts inspired by films and television shows at affordable costs.

Sustainable Practices: Vipwees is dedicated to sustainability and social justice. We source our materials ethically and using carbon-neutral printing procedures. Also, we take care of the environment at every stage. 

Tips for Choosing the Right T-Shirt from Your Favourite Film or TV Show

It could be entertaining to browse the many options of movie or TV t-shirt available at Vipwees and pick out the perfect movie or TV-themed tee. If you stick to these steps, you'll eventually find the ideal t-shirt.

Pick Your Favourite Fandom! First, decide whether you want a movie t-shirt or a TV show t-shirt. Then, consider some of your most cherished works of cinematic art. It will naturally limit your options.

Finding things that appeal to your sense of aesthetics is essential. What about portraits of well-known persons, renowned quotes, or minimalist paintings? We offer a wide variety of cosmetic options.

Think about your body type when choosing a size and style. Vipwees provides helpful size charts for your convenience. You can easily check out these size charts to know the best fit for you. 

Consider where and when you'll be wearing the t-shirt. Some fashions work better than others for intimate at-home dates. Also, there will be a different option for a movie night with your family. Hence, choose wisely!

Conclusion

Besides being a fantastic place to shop for TV and movie t-shirts online, Vipwees is also a portal to your favourite movie and TV series. Movie and TV-themed tees allow you to show off your unique sense of style. Vipwees is the go-to location for people in the UK to find unique, high-quality, and affordably priced merchandise.

You can choose any t-shirt based on your favourite films and television shows. Whether you're a fan of classic rock or the latest EDM, Vipwees has you covered. One of our selling points is the fact that we are committed to conducting business in an ethical and environmentally responsible manner. 

Vipwees is the web store to visit if you want to show off your sense of style and your passion for films and TV shows. Browse our amazing collection today to maximise your wardrobe potential. Get excited offers on our amazing tees and have fun wearing your favourite characters on your comfy t-shirts. 

Original Source : https://vipwees.co.uk/blogs/tv-film-t-shirt/unveiling-the-magic-of-movie-and-tv-inspired-fashion-with-vipwees

[ontheoddoccasioniwritestuff]

Mystery Writer (Spencer Reid x Reader)

Summary: Spencer finds books at a second hand bookstore that are annotated and he falls the person writing the notes. 

AN: This was part of a fic swap on @imagining-in-the-margins​ server! This is for the marvellous @definitelynotkatesblog​ <3 I really hope you like it! I had to delete the original post because it didn't show up in the tags. This will be staying up regardless of that now.

Masterlist

Your name: submit What is this?

“If you need anything, just let me know!”

Spencer pressed his lips together at the person behind the till before heading deeper into the rows of second-hand books. Familiar titles, old and new, printed on spines in various states of pristine/decay, they tempted him to select and bring them home with him. The clear sections between biographies and fiction guided him deeper into the forest, deeper into finding his way out. He was hoping to adopt one such book for a day off, when he could revisit it with a fresh eye. It would be like seeing an old friend again, remembering why they were friends in the first place with a hint of that initial read through from years ago, and perhaps he would learn something new in the process.

A dull ache in his chest at the sight of The Sign of Four by Arthur Conan Doyle. But he had long since recovered from that heartbreak and he would be able to read this story without feeling that again.

Still. It had been several years since he read this book.

His nervous fingers plucked it off the shelf and the pages fell open for him. A flattened gum wrapper parted the pages like the Red Sea. Spencer lifted it out tentatively. Its creases were ironed in from its role as a temporary bookmark, an impression of scribbled black ink flattened after it was made.

Spencer’s eyes scanned over the page in search of what this gum wrapper might have been guarding.

“Women are never to be entirely trusted – not the best of them.”

In the margins was scribbled:

Product of the time, but still a prick, rude smartarse role a bit dull

Spencer found himself exhaling in light laughter. That a lack of empathy was considered “dull” by this person, when it was something he dealt with in his job almost every day. The confidence in this commentary too, this brazen critique of a much beloved fictional character was left for someone else to find.

His gaze found Watson’s opinion of Holmes’ casual sexism: “atrocious sentiment”. It was circled twice in the same black biro.

Spencer dug his thumb against the text block and flicked through the book. A waft of that book smell lifted from the paper, accompanied by the bold notes of the previous owner dotted across the text until he finally landed on the reverse of the front cover. Two letters – initials - were scratched onto it.

It was with bridled exhilaration that Spencer approached the till and held up the book with a half-smile. His hands were quick to place it down on the counter so that the shop assistant could type the price into the till. His mood was apparently palpable because they seemed just as happy as Spencer to hand him back the novel in a brown paper bag – the receipt tucked inside.

 --->--->--->--->--->

 “Love is an emotional thing, and whatever emotional is opposed to what is true, cold reason, which I place above all things. I should never marry myself, lest I bias my judgement.”  

What a lonely existence and also a lie. See: entire relationship w/ Dr. Watson!

Spencer smiled at this comment. Now all the other instances of a double underlining made sense. Each one produced itself in his mind as evidence that Mr Sherlock Holmes did in fact love. Maybe not marry, but it would have been terribly unconventional for him to wed Doctor John Watson. The unknown author seemed to understand this. They never emphasised if this love was platonic or romantic. But the way in which they proved love existed within this character oft portrayed as emotionless, Spencer simply adored. They were a romantic reader, who still enjoyed reading about the cynic

He grew quite aware of his posture in that moment and he straightened his back. A few clicks of complaint emitted as he stretched, his head twisting from side to side. Screwing his eyes open and shut behind his glasses, he revisited your deduction.

On the dot of the “i” in “lie”, there was a sprinkle of graphite around the indent from where a pencil’s lead had snapped from the effort put into topping off this point. A sprinkle of graphite smudged where the pages pressed together.

Spencer moved on to where a sentence in black biro tried to blend in with the printed words. A memory appeared at the front of his mind: when Rossi was bewildered to learn Spencer and Dr. Alex Blake wrote the newspaper crossword in pen.

The pencil markings were like mini brainstorms, something to revisit and make a solid theory with the black biro. But the planning was never rubbed out.

Little quotes were circled. This mystery critic spent half the book roasting the characters and the other half leaving little exclamation marks and circles around phrases and words when they couldn’t think of something to say. Spencer found it sweet, picturing the thrilling unfolding of events for the reader to revisit.

His heart ached in bittersweet memory as he recalled the contents of Dr Alex Blake’s book The Route of Linguistics. It was necessary pain to create a profile of who this mystery critic was. Yes, he was profiling out of work hours. His evenings were now spent trying to picture the voice behind the notes. The sarcasm, the witty blows to the character’s and author’s ego. He almost wished that he couldn’t read so fast because he finished the book, even with its additional notations, all too quickly. But there was one bonus.

Spencer traced the pad of his fingertip over the exclamation marks describing Mary Morstan. What else might a detractor of the great Sherlock Holmes read?

--->--->--->--->---> 

He had returned to the bookshop in favour of adopting another. Yet he could not find one that satisfied his unknown criteria. It was not until he found himself checking the front pages of the fifth book he had selected, that he realised he was looking for a pair of initials.

Sighing, he placed My Dear Bessie, with its empty front page, back on the shelf. The chances of finding another book containing this mystery critic were so minute. He could probably calculate them if he wanted to dedicate himself to such a disheartening statistic. He’d rather not spend his lunch break doing that, as much as he loved statistics. This once, they did not assure his safety and he remained unsupported by the fact that he could not find any other Arthur Conan Doyle books.

His desperation became most apparent when he thought that perhaps fate should just decide for him. If anything, he would come away with a random book to read through in about ten minutes on a flight back home.

He peeked around the corner of the shelves. The shop assistant at the till was busy writing something down, not paying any mind to the shop’s only customer.

“A random shot had no better odds than just picking books off one by one” is what he told himself as he closed his eyes and placed his fingers on the end of the shelf, just over the first book’s spine. In an “S” pattern, his arm moved up and down, over the books and shelves and gaps between units. His feet stepped forwards into the space he knew was clear.

Spencer stopped and opened his eyes, his finger shifting just an inch out of the way of his new book’s title.

Circe. Madeline Miller.

He tapped the top and the book fell forwards, where he caught it. Its shining dust jacket was serving its purpose, a few tears along the edges from where it had protected the hardcover. He checked the front page. A map of Aiaia in orange and brown filled it to the corners. On the next page, his heart stuttered at the sight of two initials in the same handwriting and the same biro. There was also a scribble - invisible to start with then a ball of black.

The first page with the story’s text held a scribble just above its opening line:

the power of the name

“When I was born, the name for what I was did not exist.”

He could see that the first was in a blunt pencil, but the addition was a sharpened point carving into the paper. A secondary thought that was provided after completing the novel, they had added it. Spencer lifted it to his face, his eyes crossing to keep the stipple in focus. The scent of the paper and the graphite reached him easily; the note must have been made just before Circe was gifted to him. How lucky he was to find such a treasure.

The shop assistant was cutting out a new sign for “BUY ONE GET ONE HALF PRICE!”. By the time Spencer made it to them, the sign was placed upon the pile besides him. The shop assistant smoothed out a crease on the dust jacket, ineffectively but Spencer admitted the gesture. He was glad that someone who loved books as much as him got to work in a place like this.

--->--->--->--->--->

Spencer’s mind, definitely for worse, echoed the words off the tabloids around his head the split second he made eye contact with the headlines. He paced the shelves to somewhere a little quieter. When he found the chocolate aisle, he pretended to peruse. Ever half a minute or so, his gaze drifted up to the till area where the shop owner was on a phone call and clearly not paying attention to him.

It was not long before Spencer grew bored of looking at KitKats, and he pulled out One Thousand And One Nights. The book’s pages fell again to page 57. This shop’s receipt stood above them, still holding its place from the previous owner. It felt wrong to part the two.

No new people had entered this corner shop for 8 minutes. He’d even given the time at the receipt’s end a fifteen-minute margin either side. Given that this mystery critic took a break from work at the same time on the same day of the week – and that they worked during the day – he should have seen them. Maybe he had, and they were that man in the baggy hoodie who stunk of weed. Probably not. Hopefully not. Not that Spencer was judging him for his… recreational activities. He just wanted the mystery critic to be someone he could realistically spend time with.

Just then, Spencer’s phone trilled annoyingly loud. He received a glare from the shop manager and Spencer sent an awkward apologetic expression his way before answering JJ quickly.

“Spencer, we’ve got a case. We need you here ASAP.”

His response was immediate. “Ok, be there in ten.” Hanging up, Spencer dithered on the spot then grabbed a packet of Cheetos. He’d been there for nearly twenty minutes; he had to get something.

“Three dollars,” the manager said before returning to his call. But not before he rolled his eyes at Spencer. Spencer dropped the bills onto the counter and dashed out before he could be offered a receipt.

--->--->--->--->---> 

  An outlier in the usual length of case work had passed by in five long days. Spencer hardly ever regretted the time he put into this job. Every unsub caught was lives saved. But the absence of his mystery commentator had been niggling at the back of his busy mind and he was glad to finally reunite with them on this long flight back.

From his satchel, he recovered the copy of One Thousand And One Nights and began rereading the notes to ground himself in the story. His focus lingered on the page as if he were reading it at the average 250 words per minute. It allowed him to block out the humming of the engine.

Spencer did not take his eyes off the page as he pulled open his desk drawer and popped a piece of overpriced gum into his mouth. Half-hearted reminders bounced in his head, from when he tried smoking and chewing gum to ease his cravings. The fruit flavour was very clearly artificial and it faded within six minutes. Why his mystery critic would pick such a pathetic packet of gum to chew, he didn’t know. But hopefully the fact of its flavour disappearing fast would mean they get through the packet quicker and buy another soon. Even if today, and the days before, spent in that shop did not lean in favour of that hypothesis.

--->--->--->--->--->

The Five People You Meet In Heaven was in the Recently Donated pile. It was near the top, slid towards the edge of the container after being placed wonkily on a copy of some sports autobiography.

Within the pages was more than Spencer could have ever hoped for. Entire paragraphs were circled, quotes underlined. A squashed mini post-it note tabbed the page and a whole paragraph was scrawled on it, about Tala. An arrow pointing to the underside, Spencer lifted the flap and saw more to read, like an interactive pop-up book that he’d gotten Henry for his second birthday. Spencer closed his eyes quick and snapped the book shut. He wanted to save it for when he was sitting comfortably, not while he was rushing back to work in time for JJ to get to her lunch break on time.

The shop assistant had just clipped the lid back onto a green highlighter when Spencer drew up to their counter. With careful fingers, he placed the book upon it. There was a twitch of the assistant’s mouth; their eyes brightened. They looked like they wanted to say something, but something else held them back from making the first move. Spencer recognised it from his school days.

“It’s a good read.” He spoke after they had typed the price into the till.

“I know,” The assistant replied instantly, a relieved smile on their lips, “What part are you on?”

“I’ve already read it, but I wanted to revisit the passage at the diner.”

“Ahh, that’s a good bit. One of my favourites.”

Spencer’s eyebrows furrowed a fraction of an inch. His gaze dropped to the nametag on the left side of their chest. Y/N, their name’s first initial. It couldn’t be.

“What did you think about the final person, Tala?”

“Oh,” The shop assistant clutched at their heart, “I was an emotional wreck before and it hit me hard just as the rest did. So bittersweet to hear her forgiveness. It took me a few times to finish reading the end, but it was all worth it.”

He couldn’t be this lucky, to get this many books from the same person and to have them standing in front of him. Spencer didn’t believe in luck.

As he reached across for his new book, he turned over the cover, “Was this yours?”

Twisting their head around to read the publication details, the assistant – Y/N - smiled sheepishly at the initials. “Yes, and I’m glad to see it go to a new home.”

Apparently luck believed in him.

“But,” Spencer felt his brows knit automatically as he looked between the book and their previous owner, “You love it. I-I’ve seen your notes.”

A hand clapped over Y/N’s mouth, “Oh God, you must have. I mean, it wasn’t the intention initially, but I thought they might be a little entertaining for anyone who picks it up to leave them in there.”

“Oh, they were! I’d love to read more of your thoughts. Hear, hear them, if you wouldn’t mind.”

Y/N checked the door to the shop, still shut, and back to Spencer. They dropped their elbows onto the countertop with their chin in their palms. “What did you wanna know?”

From his bag, Spencer procured his – their – copy of The Sign of Four and flicked through the pages. So many places to choose, but he wanted to open with what had introduced him to Y/N’s analysis.

The pair put their heads together, leaning on the counter. Spencer could smell the chewing gum on their breath. Y/N never cut him off, and he never wanted to cut them off. There were little pauses at the end of each of their turns to speak before the other picked up where they had left off. Their voices leapt from secretive whispers to passionate orations of their favourite passages, rebounding evidence and analysis off each other like a bouncy ball. Spencer finally had a voice to put to the sarcasm, the one his mind had conjured long forgotten in the wake of Y/N’s enthusiasm.

The shop’s door swung open. Spencer leapt to attention as an older woman swept in, past the two of them towards the non-fiction section. Y/N adjusted their name tag, their back straight too. The clock behind the till announced that it was now twenty minutes after the end of Spencer’s lunch break.

Running on the rush of his hobby meeting a potential friend, Spencer asked, “Can I get your number? So we can talk more, maybe swap some more books, when you’re not working?”

His luck was still by his side as Y/N wrote out their number on his receipt, written in their infamous black biro.

--->--->--->--->---> 

  Spencer leapt over to the door of his apartment, took a deep breath, and unlocked it. Stood behind where it had been was Y/N and they too were still wearing the uniform from work. Their nametag was still on their polo shirt, the same spot that Spencer wore his FBI tag.

“Can I get you a drink?” He asked the second they made a step inside his abode.

“Tea would be great. Milk and one sugar please.”

And while he was in the kitchen, Y/N rushed over to the bookshelves, their eyes wide to take in Spencer’s collection. “Oh wow! You weren’t joking!” Their finger indicated to a hard cover copy of Mean Time by Carol Ann Duffy, “That’s one of mine. Well, yours now.”

Plucking it from the shelf, they opened it up. Spencer had written his initials beside theirs.

Spencer stuck his head out in the partition, “Ours. If we’re going to be sharing.” Y/N stood on tiptoes, teeming with delight, their hands cradling the book with all the care Spencer could hope for in a fellow reader. Joint custody of their books and their passion? What a dream.

“I just have to write a little more about the epilogue, and I’ll be with you,” Y/N took their place on his couch. A pencil began scribbling away their thoughts onto the last few pages. Their knees were their desk.

Spencer finished brewing and placed the mug in front of Y/N, who mumbled a quick thank you to him. He joined them in writing his final notes. It slowed him down a considerable amount, but he was glad to take things at a casual pace, especially considering the way that Y/N almost broke their pencil as they scrawled out their thoughts for Spencer to hear later.

“Have you thought about the next one you’d like to try?” Spencer asked tentatively. He wasn’t so sure if Y/N would want to be interrupted.

Luckily for him, Y/N paused their stream of consciousness to look back at his books, “Hmm. So much to choose from.”

Stood up, their book left in Spencer’s care. They took a deep breath, closed their eyes and used their forefinger to draw a zigzag over the spines. Spencer felt that he was almost sick with joy.

Y/N stilled their wandering hand and opened their eyes, already drawing out the selected novel, “This one.”

“And what have you chosen for me next time?”

Y/N handed over The Butterfly Lion from their bag, “Ok, I can’t wait any longer, what do you think?”

They sat back on the couch. Their legs now hung over the arm of the couch, elbows either side and face cupped in their palms. The book rested in their lap. Shifting so that he faced them completely, Spencer returned to the first page and his analysis began.

[fbfh]

here’s to always finding each other

pairing: percy x gn child of calliope reader

wc: 1.6k

warnings: percy kisses reader following a prior agreement that they don’t remember but it’s 100% consentual, you work retail, a hell yeah, memory loss, I think that’s it

summary: You didn’t really expect to have to spend your entire eight hour shift organizing shoe wax any more than you expected your fictional crush from middle school to be real and your boyfriend. Only one of those happened (and the shoe wax was still very disorganized when you left).

song rec: this lofi mix, boba manifesto - chris flemming (mostly as a joke but it slaps)

a/n: i am wOrKiNg oN tHiNgS!!!!!! It’s going well!!! expect some fun surprises soon!!!!!!!!!

Crouched down on the ground, rearranging an end cap of shoe wax in the men’s department wasn’t really what you thought being a grownup would be like as a kid. You can’t complain too much, the pay is pretty good and working conditions are decent - as much as they can be in retail. You stand up to check your progress (and stretch your legs) and notice that guy is still there. He’s been hovering around the athletic shirts and pants for a while, and he keeps checking his phone and looking around. You’re sure he’s probably just waiting for someone, but you’re considering asking if you can help him find anything. 

He has a vaguely familiar energy, and your stomach drops for a moment, hoping you don’t know him from school or something. God, that would be a nightmare. That’s happened to you once or twice, bumping into someone you went to school with, and it’s always as bad as you expect. 

‘You know what,’ you think, trying to see if you can fit the last few containers of wax on the shelf without making them topple over, ‘he’s probably fine. If he needs help he’ll ask for it.’ 

You go back to scanning and adjusting the prices of the clearance shoe polish - the company had changed their packaging recently, so it’s out with the old and in with the identical - but you still can’t shake the feeling of familiarity. 

He turns around, holding up an orange shirt that says ‘go for it’ in a ridiculous font, and you get a glimpse of his face. 

You crouch back down so he won’t catch you staring, and the realization dawns on you. He looks a lot like Percy Jackson from the books you read in middle school. Or was it high school? Everything between 6th grade and high school graduation is kind of blurry and confusing in your memory. Man, you should really re-read those, you heard there was a TV series in the works and you want to remember all the details for when it comes out. You’re a little surprised at how nervous that revelation makes you, like the feeling when you’re a kid going to a theme park and you can see the roller coasters as you pull into the parking lot. Weird. Anyway, it’s not the first time you’ve seen a customer who looks like a character from something. One time you saw someone who you swore looked just like Pidge from the Voltron reboot that came out a few years ago, and a coworker saw a girl who looked like an anime character she loves… Raka something? Her name sounded like gravity, but that wasn’t it. You shrug, making a mental note to ask her about it later. 

You stand up once again to take one final look before you move onto the next end cap, and see that the guy is standing next to you. You look up at him, and all those weird feelings of excitement and something close to anticipation amplify, as you get a closer look at him. He really, really looks like Percy Jackson. Like if the Viria art was a real person. 

“Uh… hi, can I help you find anything today?” You ask, snapping out of your daze and into your customer service voice. He takes a second before answering, and you’re a little unnerved by the way he’s looking at you; warm and intimately, like he’s known you for years. 

“No,” he replies, a dreamy tone to his voice, “I’ve got everything I need.” You’re pleasantly surprised and a little freaked out that he even has the accent. Seriously, if he’s not already, this guy should really get into cosplay. Also, is he flirting with you? He seems to realize what he just said, and backtracks slightly. 

“Actually, um, I was wondering if you could help me out with something over here,” he says, and you agree, in your signature chipper tone. He guides you to a table covered in various sweatpants behind a mirror. 

He glances around again, and you have to ask. 

“You know, if you’re having trouble finding someone we can-”

“Walkie customer service to have my group meet me at the front desk.” He finishes seamlessly. 

“It’s not my first time at the rodeo,” he chuckles, and you get the feeling there’s more meaning behind what he’s saying, like an inside joke you’re not a part of. 

“Oh… yeah.” you say, and he can sense your surprise, “How did you…” you trail off, and he can sense the silent question in your voice. He lets out a breathy chuckle, cheeks flushed pink.

“Like this.” 

He catches your face in his hands, and presses his lips to yours. Your eyes widen in shock, mostly at the fact that you don’t feel threatened by his presence at all. You’re shocked at how comfortable you feel around him, how you feel in your bones that you’ve known him for years when the logical side of your brain is telling you that you first saw him ten minutes ago. He pulls away, searching your eyes for… something. 

“Uh…” you glance away, brow slightly furrowed, then back up at him, “what the fuck?” 

His expression softens, and he says gently, “Give it a minute.” 

You’re about to ask him to give what a minute, when a barrage of memories, feelings, people you don’t think you’ve ever met but seemed to be best friends with knocks you off your feet. You try to take in a breath, but the air in the room seems to have taken a temporary vacation from your lungs. 

You look up at him, eyes flared in understanding and shock. He mutters something in confirmation. Someone yells nearby, and you both look over to an adolescent boy asking his mom why he can’t wear neon basketball shorts to school. Percy looks back over at you.

“Is there somewhere a little more-” the mom starts arguing back and forth with her son at a louder volume, and he continues, “private… where we could talk?”

“Uh, yeah, I’ll… I’ll get somewhere.”

A few minutes later, you’re sitting across from each other on two step stools in one of the stock rooms. You’re still surprised at how easily you had lied to your boss that your long distance boyfriend showed up a few weeks early after over a year of not being able to see each other, and you needed a moment to catch up. She had agreed readily, asking that you tell her when you’re ready to get back to your tasks. 

“I’m sorry about that,” he starts, snapping you out of your train of thought, and you look up at him, “I never would have kissed you without asking, but you made me promise last time that the next time you lose your memories I would get them back to you as fast as I can.” 

“Uh, it’s okay, I feel like I remember talking about that.” Your memories are still fuzzy, but coming back sporadically.

“It can take a few days for them to come back fully.” He adds. 

The most surreal part of this is you remember vividly what happened in the books - because you lived through it. You hold back a giddy laugh bubbling up.

“So…” you begin, and he looks at you, his gaze warm, “it’s all real?” you breathe the words, almost afraid of an answer. 

“Yeah,” he chuckles, looking away briefly, overwhelmed that you’re with him once again.

“The short version is, since your godly parent is Calliope, you sometimes get sent to other worlds. You kind of have to hop scotch from one place to another, like getting a goldfish used to a new bowl of water. The mist - or sometimes,” he glances up, pointedly and irritable, “other factors - usually take away a lot of your memories. They say it’s to make the transition easier, but who knows. Anyway, there are these waypoints, kind of like a time loop that you hang out in until you’re either ready to leave or one of us finds you first.”

“So this…” you motion around to the rows of cardboard boxes filled with plastic cups and paper towels. He nods and you let out a laugh of relief that you really won’t have to work here long term. 

“As soon as you’re ready we should probably head out to camp. It’s gonna be a bit of a drive.” 

“Wait, it’s all like… here? Like in this world?”

“Yeah,” he smiles again, once more sending butterflies through your chest. 

You let out a disbelieving, excited laugh.

“Alright. Yeah, okay. Let’s do it.” 

Before you can get up, he takes your hand in his. He watches his fingers skim back and forth for a minute before looking up at you. 

“You know that I’ll always find you, right?” there’s an overwhelming torrent of emotions he’s somehow managing to convey through his eyes. 

“It doesn’t matter where you go, or how long you’re gone, or if we even remember each other. I will always find you.” His hand comes up to your cheek for the second time today, and your head tilts into his embrace automatically. You somehow trust him more than anyone or anything else right now. You nod gently.

“I do.”

He glances away again, cheeks flushing red, and he sighs, kissing your forehead. 

You get up and head towards the exit together, and he wraps his arm around your shoulder.

“How about we get some bubble tea once we’re in the city?”

“Oh hell yeah!” 

You don’t remember the last time you had bubble tea, but it sounds really, really good right now. 

[therewithall]

Roswell, New Mexico custom Magic: The Gathering cards

For RNM D&D Weekend Warriors, I branched out to another tabletop format and made a handful of custom Magic: The Gathering cards based on the core cast of Roswell, NM. Here’s the break-down of how I chose each character’s color(s) and abilities as well as highlight some of the neat ways they interact. None of the cards have been playtested so there is still room for them to be further developed and balanced. For anyone who isn’t very familiar with Magic: The Gathering, every card fits into various types that can be played for the cost printed in the top right-hand corner. There are 5 colors of Mana- White, Blue, Black, Red, Green- I’ll be using the letters W, U (blue), B (black), R, and G to represent the mana colors in my discussion. Each card can also have different traits and abilities, and a set of numbers that represents how strong its attack and defense are (represented as attack/defense). There’s a lot of amazingly nerdy discussion of Magic Lore that delves into how the Mana colors relate to personality traits and behaviors of the characters on the cards-- more on that here- but just know that I’ll be discussing some of those qualities as I go into why I chose the attributes for each card/character.So here we go!

Max Evans, Smalltown Hero        2WR Legendary Creature – Human Alien Vigilance, Haste (This creature doesn’t tap to attack and may attack or use tap abilities the turn it enters the battlefield.) T, Sacrifice a nonland permanent: Another target creature gains indestructible until end of turn. Max is a deputy with the sheriff’s department and a natural leader who has kept his powers and identity a secret for years. 3/1

Max is kind hearted and wants to protect his community and friends. On the other hand, he’s impulsive and will make rash decisions without thinking about the consequences of his actions. These two beliefs place him firmly in red/white for Magic colors; a combination that often plays small aggressive creatures and engages in frequent combat. I gave Max vigilance to represent him being a defender as well as an aggressor in a lot of circumstances. His ability to sacrifice something to protect someone else exemplifies his ability to both heal and destroy. Lastly he has haste and a fragile body (1 toughness) making a game with Max play out with an early attack followed by him protecting someone else and only getting in when the coast is clear.

Michael Guerin, Tech Genius      1WU Legendary Creature – Human Alien Artificer When Michael Guerin, Tech Genius enters the battlefield, search your library and/or graveyard for a noncreature artifact or enchantment card and exile it with a research counter on it. If you searched your library this way, shuffle. X, T: Create a token that’s a copy of a card exiled with a research counter. X is that card’s mana value. 2/3

Michael cares about the team differently than Max does. He is often tinkering with things in order to heal or protect others if possible and is a genius when it comes to inventions involving alien technology. His intelligence and need for knowing more fits in blue (alongside a few other science oriented characters). Whereas Max is a straightforward attacker, I chose an ability that is much more complex to understand for Michael. He makes copies of trinkets after taking the time to examine them which lends itself to more combo and control oriented play patterns instead of just blindly turning stuff sideways. I didn’t capture Michael’s temper, but I didn’t want all aliens to be red. Maybe I’ll make another version some time that incorporates different facets of their personalities.

Isobel Evans, Influencer                UBR Legendary Creature – Human Alien Your opponents play with the top card of their library revealed. 3R, T: Gain control of target creature an opponent controls until end of turn. Untap that creature. It gains haste until end of turn. 6BB, T: You control target player’s next turn. Activate only once. 1/4

Isobel has fewer words than Michael, but oh my is she complex as well. If Max leans toward aggro and Michael is combo, Isobel is the control card of the siblings. Isobel is often guided by her emotions, but channels that into careful thought in how to execute a plan and always looks out for herself and her people. Her abilities represent her powers spread across the three colors: Blue – Reading your opponent’s mind, Red – Controlling someone’s impulses for a short period, Black – Forcing your opponent’s actions, once.

Liz Ortecho, Savvy Scientist          1UB Legendary Creature – Human Rebel Liz Ortecho, Savvy Scientist can’t be blocked as long as defending player controls an artifact. Whenever Liz Ortecho deals combat damage to a player, gain control of target artifact that player controls with mana value less than or equal to the damage dealt. 2/1

Liz is smart, cunning, and will protect her own. Her science background lends itself to Blue, but this card plays up some of her devious nature of stealing hospital equipment, doing illegal research, and general sneaking around, so there’s Black in her mana cost as well. She often draws on the abilities of those around her, which means that her connections make her stronger. Amusingly, she’s unblockable against some of our other characters including her own dad!

Alex Manes, Tech Specialist            1WUB Whenever you draw a card, target creature you control gains deathtouch (Any amount of damage it deals to a creature is enough to destroy it.), lifelink (Damage dealt by that creature also causes you to gain that much life.), or vigilance (Attacking doesn’t cause it to tap.) until end of turn. Whenever Alex Manes, Tech Specialist deals combat damage to a player, create a clue token. (It’s an artifact with “2, Sacrifice this artifact: Draw a card.”) Kyle: “What’s the worst thing we could find?“ Alex: “Literal skeletons.” 2/3

Alex also sneaks around, but I wanted to play up his investigation skills a little more. Instead of just drawing a card when he does damage, he makes a clue “token”. That clue token represents information (drawing a card) that can be held onto or acted on later. He’s a character who’s able to do plenty of damage in his own right, but his big advantage is being able to help other characters do their jobs and get combat abilities they wouldn’t otherwise have. He protects his friends.

Maria DeLuca, Entrepreneur       2RG Legendary Creature – Human Alien Haste (This creature may attack and use tap abilities the turn it enters the battlefield.) Each other creature you control enters the battlefield with an additional +1/+1 counter on it. “Maria DeLuca is her own savior.” 3/2

Maria cares about her friends and her business. Her ability helps everyone and represents your other creatures being able to stop in for a drink at the bar. She gets haste to show how hard she works and has aggressive stats so she can get her hands dirty in a fight. Like Michael, I could see another version playing into her psychic powers.

Dr. Kyle Valenti                 1WW Legendary Creature – Human Lifelink (Damage dealt by that creature also causes you to gain that much life.) When Dr. Kyle Valenti enters the battlefield, put a +1/+1 counter on each other creature you control. "In a hospital it doesn't matter what someone did before they came through the doors." 2/2

Kyle is a healer and instead of showing that with damage prevention, I chose a simpler buff to the whole team. Now you’re less worried about losing fights!

Rosa Ortecho, Troubled Artist                     1BR Legendary Creature – Human Alien At the beginning of your upkeep, choose one — • Draw a card and lose 2 life. • Exile the top card of your library. Until end of turn, you may play that card. Red is armor. 3/2

Rosa was a fun one to design. She is black red which is a color combo notoriously bad at impulse control. She has aggressive stats and an ability that makes the controller make a hard choice every turn. Do I take the guaranteed draw at the cost of a couple life or do I risk not being able to cast whatever I exile? Among other things, this represents her struggle with addiction-- taking the most directly expedient option comes with some harm to her life totals- but it’s the damage you know. The second option requires you to risk the unknown, but be able to participate in the fight without automatically being harmed-- it requires you to trust your deck and your support network...but be prepared for potential setbacks.

Arturo Ortecho                 GG Legendary Creature – Human Defender (This creature can’t attack.) Whenever a nontoken creature enters the battlefield under your control, create a Food token. (It’s an artifact with “{2}, {T}, Sacrifice this artifact: You gain 3 life.”) G, T, Sacrifice a Food: Target creature gets +2/+2 until end of turn. “I already have my miracle.” 2/4

Arturo cares about his community as do many of our characters, but if there’s any color that cares about bringing everyone in for dinner, it’s green. He delivers food whenever a new creature enters and can use them as buffs instead of just life gain! His kindness and compassion sustain everyone.

Deputy Jenna Cameron                 1RR Legendary Creature – Human First Strike (This creature deals combat damage before creatures without first strike.) Whenever Jenna blocks or becomes blocked by a creature, she deals 1 damage to that creature. “Who you callin’ a girl?” 2/3

In case you can’t tell, a lot of our characters act on impulse and emotion, which is a Red trait. Cam is tough (A 3/4 is needed to best her in combat!) and efficiently deals with enemies. The faster-than-first strike damage represents her sharp shooting skill. And because of her skills, anyone going up against her is going to feel it right away.

Sergeant Jesse Manes                   2BB Legendary Creature – Human Soldier Menace (This creature must be blocked by two or more creatures.) When Sergeant Jesse Manes enters the battlefield or attacks, exile the top card of each opponent’s library face down. You may cast noncreature cards exiled this way and you may spend mana as though it were mana of any type to cast that spell. Jesse's inhumane methods leave only pain in his wake. 3/2

Jesse is a character who has his own twisted view of how his actions will better society. His card here plays up how he tends to believe the ends justify any means-- for him, at least. He steals information and uses it against those he took it from, to represent his involvement in Project Shepherd and the threat he represents not just to the safety and security of the aliens, but to anyone helping them. I chose to exclude creatures in order to make the ability a little more efficient and make it feel more like controlling the chess board and less like mind control (Which a Noah card would someday probably do).

Whew! I hope you enjoyed reading these as much as I enjoyed making them!