#and their creative usages of their abilities

[thousandyearphantombunker]

i watched the movie Akelarre and it's this great period piece story about a group of basque girls accused of witchcraft when the men of their home are away and inorder to postpone their execution they bid time by tempting him with the witches sabbath- what I love about it is their is no supernatural element. None of these girls are actually powerful witches- they are normal teenagers who lie to and fuck around with horrible sexist men with guile and you see how stupid the logic of their inquisitor is.

I've talked about the oppressed mage trope before and why while I don't think it's a bad trope that needs to retire- its certainly very lazy and not a very good mirror to real world oppression at all and their are more believable and compelling ways to depict power as a curse or generate conflict. aang as the avatar is expected to reject a massive part of his cultural identity (his pacifism) and has to let go of his worldly attachments (katara), he has to be the one to save the world cause no one else can and him being rejected by his peers when he wanted to play and being excluded makes sense and he is oppressed for reasons outside of his powers. Steven universe has to struggle with his powers a lot, he almost ages himself to death and ages himself rapidly in reverse, and he projects his anxieties and subconscious thoughts onto technology beyond accident (that sounds like a fucking nightmare) heck RWBY while deeply a flawed show, shows why being a maiden would suck- Amber seems to have been isolated from the rest of the world for her protection (to keep her away from other more powerful magic users that would use her) and Fria an older woman with Alzheimer's or some other form of dementia is isolated as well stuck in her hospital room only allowed Winter's company to ensure that Winter would be the last person in her mind so that the maiden powers would be given to her both woman saddled with incredible responsibility, ice kings's powers came at the cost of Simon's sanity. And it's so much interesting than the shit x men and owl house pulls- love both but whenever they try and make real world parallels to gay rights or civil rights it kind of falls flat.

Whenever I've heard people complain about the issues with this trope it's always from the racial or gay perspective so I wanna try a different lens- disability. discrimination against disabled people often uses the idea that people with mental illnesses are dangerous or have an 'unfair' advantage.

People with BPD and ASPD are often kicked out of therapy and helpful services because of how demonized these disorders people with psychotic disorders are often ignored by police and gaslit on top of having a disorder that can make their grip on reality tenuous- they aren't seen as trustworthy, People with learning disabilities are denied opportunities and scholarships if they mention it and boy oh boy if your special Ed in any capacity say goodbye to AP classes and say hello to being more restricted in what your allowed to do compared to your able classmates, physically disabled people are accused of being fakers and 'too sensitive' and the world isn't all that accommodating (I've seen way too many videos of ramps that aren't useful to wheelchair users at all) and too many people who freak out over disabled people getting accommodations/help of any kind- kids getting extra timr on tests, more bathroom breaks, financial assistance, interpreters etc- to many people they see these as unfair advantages

I remember a boy in my class broke both of his legs at one point and people called it unfair he got to use the elevator and that the rest of us couldn't- i knew another boy who had a concussion who was allowed to opt out of computer class and do math instead and he got crap cause 'he was basically skipping class. My sister had to take highschool all over again because she was a special needs student (dyslexia and ADHD) and the diploma she earned was considered 'invalid' and when she got so sick she passed a lot and needed to recover from a traumatic emergency surgery she got yelled at and got in trouble for using her temporary extra accomodations- i was told growing up that i didn't belong in normal classes because I needed double time to complete tests, that if I couldn't do it in the normal amount of time that meant I didn't know what I was doing and that I was too stupid to be in the second grade and needed to be kept in kindergarten and that went on for years- I'd be told to stop reading the books I bought to school because I was too dumb to read them basically and every tiny mistake I made was used to forcibly push me to be put in special ed (i barely made mistakes btw- so no i didn't beed to be put in sped- I read at super high level as a kid) my classmates would fuck up just as much as I did- no one would bat an eye, i would catch onto patterns faster than my classmates, id point out details they never seemed to see but because of my shit memory and misunderstanding what the teacher was saying meaning that I needed some extra time to complete a test meant I was r34@!d3d and obviously because i needed that extra time i again was told i didn't know what i was doing, my other sister with dyscalcula was forced to take a test without accomodations they knew she needed to prove she was disabled again despite having an iep that was given to them because reasons i guess also she has a personality disorder that she doesn't want fully specified to avoid the problems that could come from a bpd or aspd diagnosis- I remember at one point being told i was basically a cheater for needing extra time, that my autism symptoms was just being bratty (and the way autism symptoms where described made people with asd sound like godawful immature people) and again that if i 'didn't know what i was doing' I didn't belong- the thing about this is these excuses people used to justify this shit are used in fiction towards a group of people that actually are super dangerous and actually have an unfair advantage- they get oppressed using the same excuses but in their case this shit is true.

Disabled people are oppressed because they get disadvantage and that disadvantage is used to justify oppressing them- even your part of an oppressed racial or sexual minority you can still walk and have a normal brain capacity- being black or gay doesn't effect your ability to walk or read or feel emotions it effects your treatment, the way people judge you- but being disabled does in fact effect your ability- it effects your empathy, your physical strength, your intelligence negatively so that already makes life harder than able people then people see that you are unable in someway and use that to make life even harder cause we equate ability with worth and what treatment a person 'deserves'. It's because of shit like that, that I know people with powers wouldn't be oppressed- they'd be beloved, any fear toward them would be justified if their power level reached a certain point and in general they wouldn't be oppressed because oppression flows from power not to it.

With antisemitism Islamophobia and racism and lgbt-phobic rhetoric they have to make up excuses too- they make shit up like 'black men are rapists, Jews are always genocidal hoard all the wealth and are secretly running the universe and are at fault for everything baf and are pedos, Muslims are terrorist and gay people will corrupt our children into being sex toys' none of which is true! Also again disabled people's accomodations (extra time, breaks, getting a bit of extra focus, getting to use an elevator or ramp cause their on a fucking wheelchair) aren't unfair advantages that are negatively impacting able people (me getting to take a short break from class does not take away from your experiences or cause you problems Deborah)

It's funny in the real people are oppressed because they don't have power or even have disadvantages and they have problems like incontinence or being unable to get out of bed and in fiction they are oppressed because they have too much power and are super cool. I love x men Scott Summers has been my favorite x men since i was like 8 but the x men makes zero sense, they would not be oppressed, REAL advantages are never used to justify oppressing people- REAL advantages are used to oppress people (I emphasized REAL for a reason as someone who has accomodations they are not an actual advantage over my neurotypical classmates). Jewish people, gay and trans people don't have special powers so you can throw them in jail easy, people with Crohn's and learning disabilities and cerebral palsy have disadvantages/struggles which are used to justify oppression meanwhile people in fiction are oppressed for their advantages and lack of struggle. The girls in Akelarre have no powers, they only narrowly escape their execution via trolling the guy abusing them into thinking he can see the witches sabbath if he lets them live until the time the men come back, and that's how you do write irl oppression, fma also knew what it was doing with the Ishvalans- no special powers just normal people with a different appearance. Let's not retire the oppressed mage trope there is a place for it but let's be aware that the excuses used to justify it mimic irl ableist excuses and that because of that it can lead to uncomfortable implications if your not careful

it feels like that trope in fanfic where someone is a straight up god mod sue and none of the conflict feels believable because of them having such extreme power that the conflict should be a corpse,.so the writer just makes shit up. I Love stories with this trope (I actually like the god mod sue fanfics and I'm willing to ignore bullshit conflict so long as the drama that ensues is juicy enough) and I'm not offended by it (again x man fan) but again I would love to see people come up with better conflict than nonsensical fantasy racism allegory that doesn't work as an actual race allegory when you apply logic to it. It's overdone and I wanna see people get creative.

Tldr the oppressed mage trope makes no logical sense (how the fuck do you oppress magneto?) and irl peoples disadvantages are used the excuse to oppress them and when the excuse is that the oppressed party has power that power is made up/ its fake/greatly exaggerated.

Also the last time I linked this article the link didn't work so here I go again:

[girlbob-boypants]

Realizing that the Wildfire Druid is meant to use its spirit as a movable spell focus was such a "oh no duh" realization for me but it also made me like it a lot more

[flonkertainment]

I contend that your drinking eye has never opened

Wohoo! The pickerwheel strikes again and this time it's Poppy's turn! So what made me choose the card of the Empress for our beloved feathered neighbor? Well, The Empress embodies sensuality and nurturing as well as creativity, but she can also hint at insecurity and disharmony. Poppy seems like one of the most caring neighbors, always happy to provide with her baked goods as well as her creative abilities such as crocheting. As much as she has this nurturing soul, her personality is also flawed by traits such as insecurity and especially her inability to not worry about the littlest things, even though she mostly does that out of fear for her mutuals, such as offering Frank a third pair of oven mitts. Her scepter is her baking spoon. I had a lot of fun with this one especially since I don't usually draw Poppy, not because I don't like her, but because I have so many ideas that include other neighbors. But it was very refreshing to not draw a kind of human looking face and body, especiallyy the wings were very interesting, I found it quite fascinating to imply that she has some sort of hand? I just needed her to be able to hold the spoon properly xD Also, I'm sorry for posting less often, Flonkie's got lots in his life going on right now!

Aaaaanyways, my usual disclaimer: I am not experienced with the usage of tarot cards, so please don't expect me to know more than their basic meaning. Also, if you think that I should've chosen a different card for Poppy, don't come at me, I just picked what I thought fit best!

[ganondoodle]

(totk rewritten)

finally, all the arm and spirit abilities- for the first half of the game (rauru) and for the second half with the shiekah arm replacing links arms instead and the spirit abilities gained through ganondorf

(please excuse my handwriting and sometimes repeated info on the first two, i lost motivation/patience at the end and couldnt get myself to basically redo it all from scratch just to make it a bit more cleaner)

note, the camera rune is unconnected to the arm, its the shiekah stone copy link has (zelda carries the one from botw, a copy was attempted to be made for link but it lacks all runes except the camera, the map and its teleportation, and journal/archive)

note for the heal effects of some spirit abilities- im also reworking the healing system, making it more like the older games, so healing isnt as easy and much more restricted, thus making those effects of spirit abilities more valuable ( lil potion icon on the d pad will act a little bit like in skyward sword, opens your limited selection of healing items and if chosen link switches to holding it and letting you consume it with -a- while walking around in real time- to avoid more pausing and mass healing on regular items while in menu)

additional note, the automatic recharging of the magic meter depending on the environment gives you a reliable but less abusable way of using abilities and allows for even more creative dungeon/challenge design by using it effectively- it works by absorbing magic from its surroundings, so if its an area with little magic it recharges slower, if its a very spiritual or healthy place it will recharge faster, it can be used to make things more challenging and also as subtle storytelling (example, theres a graveyard with the magic energy around being off the charts, even if there are no spirits to see, it could hint at the people buried not having died peacefully, no matter what their gravestone says...)

the usage of magic and how much the different abilities cost also allows for a much more dynamic fighting style for players to choose and try out, balancing them all out with their cost instead of a fixed timer, and the recharging beign affected by the environment perhaps forcing players that favor high cost magic abilities to use the lower cost ones for example, or not being able to charge one up bc the enemy is too fast and doesnt give you enough time to charge it

about half of the small overworld dungeons (not shrines) are also locked/inaccessible for the first half and new quests appear as the second half commences- together with the additional changes raurus return brings with it (sonau buildings, enemies being mostly cosntructs that he summoned etc) and whole set of new abilities giving you a fresh new way to play while (hopefully) not making you feel too restricted for the first half

... making these detailed concepts took me longer than id like to admit q-q

[astrodescent]

URANUS THROUGH THE SIGNS AND WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE AND STAND OUT

uranus in your astrological chart represents the planet of innovation, rebellion, and originality. its influence can make you stand out and be unique by encouraging unconventional thinking, a desire for change, and a willingness to break free from societal norms, allowing your individuality to shine brightly.

aries / 1H: your original identity, your boldness, your actions, quick decision making, your rebellious nature, your innovation

taurus / 2H: unconventional finances, your resourcefulness, eco-conscious values, self reliance, your sensuality, your practicality

gemini / 3H: your wit, your intelligence and communication skills, your ability to age like fine wine, networking skills, unconventional communication methods

cancer / 4H: unique family situation/history, unconventional living situations, your strong emotion intelligence, your ties to your family and friends, unconventional approach to security

leo / 5H: your creativity, your dramatic flare, self expression, your desire to stand out and be seen, your approach to love and romance, unconventional parenting style

virgo / 6H: unique approach to health and wellness, your advocacy and commitment to your work, unconventional job opportunities, your pets

libra / 7H: your relationships and romantic style, your desire for fairness and balance, unconventional advocacy, your marriage, approach to cooperating with others

scorpio / 8H: your intense energy, your approach to death and transformation, unique understanding of life and the occult, deep emotional intensity

sagittarius / 9H: your love for adventure and philosophy, your wisdom, unconventional morals and ethics, your visions for the future, your truth seeking tendencies

capricorn / 10H: unique career path or ambitions, your style of leadership, desire to challenge institutional approaches, ability to influence others

aquarius / 11H: natural ability to stand out, your innovations and creativity, unique friendships or associations, unique view of technology and usage

pisces / 12H: your connection to spirit and the metaphysical, your ability to daydream, unconventional emotional intelligence, desire to transcend the physical, your visions

© spirit-of-phantom 2023

[icyg4l]

Pick-An-Icon: How can you show up for your ancestors during Black History Month?

(Left-to-Right: Pile 1, Pile 2, Pile 3)

In honor of Black History Month, I wanted to start a Pick-A-Card series dedicated to Black Americans. I want to highlight icons in our community while simultaneously offering advice for any Black Americans who seek guidance about how to honor their heritage. If you're a Black American and you're reading this, this is for YOU! With the usage of the special Hoodoo Tarot deck, I will present you with ways to honor your ancestors. If you read this and enjoy and/or resonate with the reading, I encourage you to book with me! Thank you in advance!

Pile 1: Cards Used - Eight of Knives, Railroad Bill, Three of Baskets, Nine of Baskets, Two of Baskets, Nine of Knives, Gullah Jack and John Horse.

Affirmation: It is easy for me to take control of my narrative.

If you chose the image of Chaka Khan, then you resonate with her feisty, raw energy. This pile is for the creatives who are unsure of their talents. Your ancestors want you to know that there is more than one way to skin a cat. Introduce original ideas to the forefront. One way you can honor them is by not allowing time to limit your abilities. You put in so much work only to feel limited by a man-made construct. It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, you will always have time! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I channeled this old interview of Prince saying how he doesn't celebrate birthdays because it keeps him younger. Take on that carefree mindset of not applying the norm to your life. Your time is now! Another way that you can honor your ancestors is by setting up an altar. I get the sense that this pile is very secretive with their spiritual practices. Adorn your altar with foods, drinks, jewelry and other belongings of this loved one. They will appreciate it dearly. If you've lost someone recently, my condolences. But definitely keep in touch with them. I get the feeling that this is a young man, like an older cousin or brother. Keep the memories of you two alive so that he can peacefully cross over into the afterlife. Lastly, being a class act is a great way to honor your ancestors. Refusing to sit back and allow injustices to happen will make your ancestors proud. You have a voice! Use it! Organizing protests, sit-ins, even crowdfunding will make your ancestors proud. Combatting the capitalistic nature of society by collaborating with those in your community will hep you get in touch with your ancestral roots. You're naturally a giver, I can tell.

Pile 2: Cards Used - Nine of Knives, Two of Coins, Five of Sticks, Strength, Daughter of Knives, Aunt Caroline, Ten of Sticks, Six of Knives, The Garden and Seven of Coins.

Affirmation: I deserve to move through life with ease.

Hello, Pile 2. Off rip, I get the feeling that this is my pile of overachievers. I also believe that this is the pile that people who identify as LGBTQIA+. You resonate with the energy of Lauryn Hill's mysterious, intellectual nature. Why do you feel the need to carry so many burdens, Pile 2? One way to honor your ancestors is to lighten your load. They see that you struggle so much because of the amount of responsibilities that you carry. They had to go through similar things and they do want to witness their struggles in your lifetime. Ask for help, please. If you do not ask for help, then you will implode and we want to avoid that as much as possible, yes? You do not have to be the strongest in the room. Who are you trying to prove yourself to? It would be best that this pile talks to a mental health professional to receive guidance and proper medical treatment. Another way that you can honor your ancestors is by blowing off steam. Let your emotions flow. Slam the doors. Scream in pillows. Remove the mask and don't allow your emotions to consume you. You are allowed to be angry, my love. You have a lot to be angry about. Finally, the last way that you can honor your ancestors is to explore. You put in so much work, it's only right you get rewarded for it. Book that spa day. Go get a mani-pedi. Take the weekend off and go into hiding, you deserve it. Go somewhere you haven't been before. Your ancestors want you to relax and wind down.

Pile 3: Cards Used - Ten of Coins, Father Simms, Mother of Knives, Four of Coins, Dr. Grant, Six of Sticks, Six of Baskets, Six of Knives, Nine of Knives, Miss Robinson and Five of Coins.

Affirmation: I am doing perfectly fine in the present moment.

Alright Pile 3. You choose the image of Donna Summer, which means you resonate with her sultry, bold personality. This pile already has a close relationship with their family/ancestors, specifically the maternal side. To honor your ancestors, you must keep it this way. Learn about the traditions of your maternal side. Preserve recipes, photos and jewelry of your maternal side. And most importantly, gatekeep these things! You don’t have to share everything with everyone! Some people who choose this pile will have ties to Houston, Texas or currently live there. If you’re thinking about moving there, you should! It will help you mature. Another way that you can honor your ancestors is to receive compliments of comparison to a family member of yours well. You may not like it, but it shows your ancestors that you have respect for their features and/or personality. If you look like Aunt Linda or Uncle Jermaine, then that’s absolutely fine! Don’t deny it! Embrace it! Lastly, don’t let money consume you! I channeled the scene at the end of Players Club where Diamond visits Ebony at her new job in the shoe store. Diamond tells Ebony to “make that money, girl but don’t let it make you.” You don’t have to keep up with the latest fashion trends. You don’t have to have a job in tech or have a “lazy” desk job. It is perfectly fine to work at McDonald’s or work in retail. You’re making an honest living and that’s all that matters. Accept things as they are. Your ancestors made something out of nothing, and so can you. They are proud of you! Keep going.

[tohwitchesduels]

REQUEST BATTLES OF WITCHES DUELS - Battle 31: Matt Tholomule vs Gus Porter

Disclaimer: This is not a popularity contest or which character you prefer, in this tournament, you decide who is stronger/better/smarter/etc. opponent.

information for both opponents under the cut to those who don't know what they can do in their battle:

Matt Tholomule:

Mattholomule specializes mainly in construction and illusion magic.

Matt is known to be quite underestimated by those around him, but he does possess the skill, even if gloats to be able to bite more than he can chew. Matt is however pretty smart when it comes to the usage of his powers, even if he doesn't use them too offensively. He can however be pretty hopeless at times, being taken out easily if his opponents prove to be more formidable than him. He does lack drive and fighting spirit if he does not have confidence in his abilities.

Matt originally was looking forward to battling Gus in the semi-finals or maybe even during the second round, but life ultimately got other plans making it Matt almost impossible to meet Gus within the tournament in an official match-up so it ended up being a request battle which did not do well for his ego. To gain some confidence and compensate for the humiliation he felt over losing constantly he started to act extra cocky and once again put Gus down and his skill just to feel good about himself, even if he's not sincere in the slightest.

Matt does not possess any known palisman, nor showcased any on the screen. Because of this anyone fighting him would also not be allowed to wield a palisman

Size alteration - Matt is capable of altering the size of any of his body parts. This displayed first during Covention with his head.

Construction Tool - Matt is capable of creating tools made out of earthen materials as displayed TTLGR when he created a key/blade to cut Gus free. This ability during battle can manifest as Matt is capable of creating any kind of tool or weapon to help him during the battle.

Geokinesis - Implied in TTLGR that Matt can telekinetically move earthen materials as displayed when he helped clean the graveyard by moving the broken parts of the statues placing them back and making them stick together. During the battle, Matt would be capable of throwing rubble at his opponents.

Rock Wall - as displayed in LR, Matt is capable of creating walls to block attacks. The walls are thin so can be broken through enough force, but Matt displayed pretty great reflexes with those walls and they are still fairly durable.

Rock Dummy - as displayed in FTF, Matt is capable of creating a rock dummy of himself to appear wherever he feels like it.

Camouflage - Displayed in its full glory in FTF where Matt made Amity completely disappear. During the battle, Matt can turn himself invisible temporarily and other people as well (battle royale-exclusive)

Cloak - I'm allowing this ability because with Gus's clones running around amok, it would certainly become effective here. Matt can take the form of anyone that can be used to confuse his opponents. He doesn't however gain their abilities.

Smokescreen - Matt is capable of releasing a smokescreen that can disorient his opponents.

Link to more of Matt's capabilities here

Gus Porter:

Gus Porter is a prodigy when it comes to illusion magic. Prodigious enough to skip a few grades and even defeat the coven head of illusions with his sheer raw power. Gus displays insane potential and a big imagination when it comes to his magic. Now his powers are still limited by his own imagination and creativity meaning his illusions for the most part can be used mostly for deception and distraction, but during this tournament, Gus finally revised his own skill to find even offensive capabilities of his powers. While Gus did display the willingness to study other tracks, he ultimately never did due to his reassurance in being a master illusionist how easy it comes to him, and how much he can do with illusions alone.

One must know how intelligent Gus is during his battles. He can easily fool and toy with his opponents thanks to his illusions and Gus is also not afraid to either mock or straight-up torture his enemies during his battle just to get the results he needs, and has more than enough raw power to pull his schemes to their fullest. It's worth noting that when Gus feels extreme emotions, his magic only gets amplified, however, the side effects could be that Gus actually loses control over his own powers and gets to be the victim of them too, though thankfully to the magical amplifier from Graye, the risk of that is lesser.

Gus was originally looking forward to facing off against Matt in the official battle of this tournament as they had very ongoing frenemy situationship with one another but figured that Matt most likely wouldn't last that long, which certainly didn't do well for his self-esteem (something something toxic Yaoi something something the first write of this was better but it's gone because fuckin Tumblr 🤬🤬🤬 something something). Gus did not take it well however Matt becoming extra cocky and putting him down when Gus was certainly doing better in the tournament than Matt did as while Matt kept on losing to everyone within the losers bracket, Gus won almost all of his matches except for one, and even that one loss was 1. To his friend who he's proud of. 2. An honorable loss and well put-up fight 3. Said loss didn't completely close doors to advancing further in the tournament for him, unlike Matt's case which made it downright impossible for them to meet officially. Therefore Gus decided to not hold back in the slightest and put Matt right in his place.

During this battle, Palismen are not allowed.

One of the artifacts I allow Gus to have independently regarding whether or not his opponent also has any supportive gear is the looking glass earring he got after he defeated Adrian. The magical amplifier allows Gus to further concentrate his raw power into specific abilities he has a hard time pulling on his own and even enhancing them in the process, growing more powerful.

Light Spell - as proven in UW, Gus is capable of utilising light spells. Gus can use it to either illuminate the terrain or blind his opponents with it. He can produce multiple blinding orbs at once with his power and will usually use it in tandem with absolute darkness to make the light orbs all the more effective. He can also create quite large orbs of light.

Illusion Perception - Gus can see through the illusions of others. He can however be taken by surprise.

Illusion Cancel - Gus is capable of completely canceling the illusions of other people with no real effort.

Telekinesis - Gus displayed the capacity to move multiple objects with his mind. Usually, the objects are rather small and it appears Gus can't use telekinesis on a person, but he can utilise this ability offensively to throw projectiles at his opponent or to potentially deflect incoming attacks if they're little projectiles too.

Glamour - Unlike other examples of battle-royal glamour, Gus can use his glamour in 1v1 scenarios thanks to his ability to create clones and entities of any kind. This means Gus can easily disguise himself among the crowd as he can create a crowd himself. Gus is capable of taking the form of anyone he desires or merely amplifying the form he already has (like putting on additional clothes or features like devil's legs).

Mini Clones - Gus is capable of creating mini clones of himself (usually up to 3) that can be used to nag his opponents as seen in TTLGR.

Illusion Clones - Gus is capable of creating huge numbers of clones. The clones can take either the shape of himself or even other people. The clones usually don't display the capacity of the people they were cloned from but can develop a personality of their own. They still remain obedient to Gus and can be used as a great distraction, This ability also allows Gus to use his Glamour ability. The close will disappear upon impact.

Strength Enhancement - Gus is capable of enhancing the strength of his illusions, himself, or even others and the magic of others as proven in the First Day when Gus created buff arms for Willow's plant monster. The enhancement is still illusionary in nature.

Camouflage - as proven throughout the series, Gus can disguise himself and remove himself from the sight of his opponents. He can also do it to large chunks of areas or other people. As seen in KT he can also make his disappearance cover in flying birds. He could also potentially create bushes to camouflage as shown in Hooty's Moving Hassle.

Illusion Teleport - whether it's camouflage hiding his movement or true teleport, Gus can reappear wherever he pleases with a puff of smoke. The range of it doesn't seem big though. It was demonstrated during Covention.

Light Construct - Gus is capable of creating constructs of poor light. Usually unlike the illusions, they don't necessarily look like real objects but energy taken shape of objects, but can be used as effectively by creating tools Gus needs during the battle.

Illusion Construct - a stronger version of light construct, Gus is capable of creating constructs that seem like real objects. Gus showcased it throughout the series.

Illusion Beast - a stronger version of his illusion clones, where Gus is capable of creating living beings that are illusions. Said beings can take any form, be it mirror and gender-inverted versions of their opponents, or completely unrelated beings. Usually, however, the said beings don't necessarily have the true power of their own and are nothing but a mirage, though Gus potentially could create the illusion of damage they cause thanks to his strength-enhancing ability.

Absolute Darkness - Gus is capable of covering the entire battlefield in absolute darkness that can camouflage him and disorient his opponents. The darkness can be dispelled with enough force, though it's usually more durable than most of Gus's illusions. Gus can utilise this ability to hide his true intentions and sneak attack.

Illusion Terrain - Gus is capable of changing the terrain with his illusion magic however he pleases, taking the shape of anything from Gus's memory. Be it his room, the carnival, the graveyard, whatever. Said technique can be used to confuse and disorient his opponents. Gus is also capable of making the terrain switch from one imaginary to another. Sometimes the terrain can actually perfectly match the terrain that is beneath the illusion. It is also very difficult to cancel.

Illusion-Shifting Terrain - amplified version of the previous attack, in this case, the terrain is constantly shifting and moving, completely covering the battlefield that can disorient and confuse the opponent. Also, so many details at once constantly changing could give people some serious headaches with sensory overload.

Magic Cancel - not real magic cancel but with the help of Illusion Terrain, Gus is capable of making people believe their magic circles have no effect.

Sensory Confusion - as proven in TTLGR, Gus managed to somewhat successfully convince Bria that her hands were missing.

Traumatic Re-memory - Gus is capable of using his magic to get inside the heads of his opponents to make them re-live their worst memories. Gus can use this ability to learn the weaknesses of his opponents or render them completely useless as they are stuck in their own heads. The only person that is known to be able to resist this ability is Hunter as in some cases could stick for a long time depending on how strong-willed Gus's opponents are. This is Gus's most painful attack.

Trauma Bubble - a technique of traumatic re-memory. Rather than focusing his magic to invade the mind of someone, Gus creates a bubble of pure magical energy that anyone who touches it would begin to re-live their worst memories. The side effect of this shield is that Gus could also potentially be stuck inside the bubble for some time before managing to dispel it.

Mind Illusion - a variation of traumatic re-memory that isn't necessarily harmful but is the ultimate culmination of Gus's illusionary prowess by making his opponents be stuck in the maze of illusion that is solely inside their heads. Demonstrated by Hunter who was completely disoriented by Gus's illusion not being capable of seeing where Gus truly is and wandering from place to place that did not even exist. The illusions could be Gus's memories, his opponents' memories, or just illusionary images.

Link to more of Gus's capabilities here

Return to Masterpost

[berry-s0da]

AI “art”

Yesterday I argued with an idiot that thought giving directives to an AI makes you as much of an artist as someone that is actually capable of creating art. It’s extremely worrying that our youth is so incapable of understanding this topic, too self absorbed on their own rigid conception of reality and utterly detached from the real world and the importance of the people you share it with, of consequences, of tangibility. They don’t know how to define art, such a core concept for our species, they are unaware that it’s an exclusively human practice a machine cannot produce by itself or for them.

Some of Oxford Language Learner's Dictionary definitions if you want tangible sources for something that has existed for longer than any piece of technology;

Definition of an Artist: a person who creates works of art, especially paintings or drawings.

3 definitions of Art:

1) the use of the imagination to express ideas or feelings, particularly in painting, drawing or sculpture.

2) the skill of creating objects such as paintings and drawings, especially when you study it.

3) an ability or a skill that you can develop with training and practice.

(defining a piece through words could turn into literature, writing is an outlet for creativity and imagination too, the problem is that they want to claim a graphic piece they had no part on as their creation…which makes no sense for obvious reasons. This might blow your mind but you actually have to be involved in the making of a piece in order for it to be an artist. Writing a brief description of what you want the AI to make for you is not a form of creation, it’s a directive for a machine to do what you can’t)

If you don’t have mental resources, talent, skills, capacity of handling different tools, mediums and techniques then you are not an artist (and that’s okay), but you could be if you tried. Writing a prompt is not making art, everyone with enough mental capacity can come up with a concept for a piece, people that commission artists do that and that doesn’t automatically make them artists.

An AI won’t do shit the way you request it even if you say it does. An AI makes an interpretation of the request but asides from mild guidance, you have absolutely nothing to do with the process or the final “piece” (Frankenstein monster of already existing pieces, taken with or without consent).

An AI without regulation isn’t a new medium or something comparable to the fucking Industrial Revolutionjust, specially considering it isn’t a new, easier way to do the same task (like with an art software). It’s but a shameless way of reusing or straight up stealing pieces produced by the same artists you deem to be now useless and outdated. What you call the future is nothing but plagiarism, the usage of things that already existed in a much higher quality, a wonky replica that is only valued because it’s free for your cheap ass.

“Good artists have nothing to worry about, only shitty artists will disappear” im sorry you have to find out this way but every good artist had to be shit first. We reached a point where we are unaware of periods of time any artist needs in order to grow and develop. This logic is baffling because if only good artists are worth of being respected and having stable jobs then we’ll eventually run out of artists, which is not only silly but impossible. This is but an excuse to avoid the obvious issue that represents stepping over people and making it seem as a fair, natural process.

Finally, If you wanna draw, learn to draw first, nobody stops you but yourself. If you wanna paint learn to paint, if you wanna sculpt, learn to sculpt, if you wanna be an artist then get your ass to work. Not everything is laid out for you in life, you actually have to put work into something, as shocking as it sounds. There are people that draw masterpieces holding pencils on their mouths, you have no excuse other than self pity for being useless, being jealous of those that can actually make things and, ultimately, the unreserved, unapologetic disinterest in those affected by this monster y’all wanna have fun with.

[totaleclipse573]

AT LAST MY OCS

I'm just going to put these guys in one big post, with the basics of what I've redone for them so far. Things might change? But only really minor details if so. So if you're interested...here they are kjsdbfkjsd don't mind my novice ability to draw human(oid) characters

WARNING because this will get long

Full Name: Willow Sage

Species: Half human, half elven (?? the elven part of this universe may change to something else? Not sure yet, but I do want to keep it for reasons. So probably not lmao)

Age: 16

Traits: Anxious, loyal, determined, yet doubtful, holds a strong sense of justice, tends to try and hold in emotions

Likes: Collecting, pizza, rain, fantasy, hot chocolate 

Dislikes: The dark, needles, liars, hot weather, large crowds 

Powers: Psychokinesis (although unstable)

Fears: Total darkness, being unable to control her powers, needles

Other stuff:

Studied in a laboratory setting as a young child, though she can't really remember it anymore.

One product of a big experiment involving creating a perfect weapon, with multiple targets and powers studied. Willow was #7, and the first "successful" result, psychokinesis.

Once the original base of this group was found, Willow was able to be rescued, unfortunately as the only one before the opposing group was forced out.

One of the opposing group members, Daemon Sage, offered to be the caretaker for the rescued child. He would have to flee to the human realm, for safety reasons, and raise her.

Ended up back in the elven realm because APPARENTLY, she’s still alive. She can’t be alive. There can’t be evidence just running around, especially not in the human realm of all places. And they found out. (The story itself is still mostly a wip/rewrite from a loooong time ago, so things may change slightly)

Large crowds flare up anxiety

Medical stuff is the WORST. Willow isn’t really sure where that fear came from or why it stuck around, it just…creeps her out.

Willow “I don’t need sleep I need answers” Sage

Tends to put others ahead of herself, in just about every way possible. That gets dangerous later.

Not as long living as a full blooded elf would be, but does have a significantly extended lifespan, compared to a human

She/Her

Full Name: Alora Brookes

Species: Elven

Age: 17

Traits: Organized, worrisome, strong minded, deeply caring, yet tempermental, analytical, bookish

Likes: Reading, collecting, things going her way, the ocean, repetition 

Dislikes: Lightning, breaking the rules, recklessness, danger

Powers : Hydrokinesis

Fears: Lightning

Other stuff:

The only sane one here tbh

Born and raised in a place where pretty much everyone had some kind of power or ability relating to water

Because of that, Alora is very confident with her abilities, although still cautious about them when used. After all, she was taught by the best and most skilled! No room for failure

Bag holds first aid equipment, and bottles of water, as she gets easily dehydrated after intense power usage

100% has the largest book collection known to man

She/Her

Full Name: Charlie Wren

Species: Bird boy??

Age: 16

Traits : Optimistic, uplifting, impulsive, creative, somewhat naive, adventurous

Likes: Acrobatics, creatures, adventure, the sun, human items 

Dislikes: Spiders, responsibility, winter, being alone, deception 

Powers: None

Fears: Spiders

Other stuff:

Part of a species/clan born with bird-like features

Has always to explore and travel to all the other realms out there. Unfortunately he's got to do this while also experiencing The Horrors

Always tries to look for the bright side of things, even in dire situations

Keeps a pet "dog" around, named Sparks

Elliptical wings

He/Him

Full Name: Aiden Brinley

Species: Elven

Age: 15

Traits : Impulsive, unpredictable, sassy, free-spirited, somewhat reckless, resilient

Likes: Fire, hot weather, cats, hot chocolate, pancakes, stealing 

Dislikes: Water, cold weather, being told what to do, boredom 

Powers: Pyrokinesis

Fears: Water/the ocean

Other stuff:

Claims he ran away from home, and just likes setting things on fire for fun. He never really says much about who he is, where he's from, he prefers to "live in the moment!!"

He can't swim : (

For sure being looked for by people by this point but he enjoys a good chase!

Has a heart of gold he only lets show around ones he trusts

Hair can burst into flames when any kind of strong emotion is experienced

He/Him

Full Name: Griffin (13)

Species: Elven

Age: 15

Traits : Distrustful, reclusive, resourceful, extremely loyal (once trust is gained), persistent 

Likes : Being useful, rain/thunder storms, stars, repetition

Dislikes: Deception, loud noises, the dark, needles, unpredictably, AIDEN

Powers: Electrokinesis

Fears: Betraying Vulto/letting him down, total darkness, needles

Other stuff:

One product of a big experiment involving creating a perfect weapon, with multiple targets and powers studied, and later illegal technological enhancement. Griffin was #13, and the second successful result, electrokinesis. Though, he is considered the only truly successful experiment.

Sees the leader of this group, Vulto, as a father figure of sorts. It doesn't help, the act that's put up.

"Griffin" was a name he chose himself, being referred to as just "13" by everyone else he knew.

Weak mental barriers. Due to reasons.

When angered, Griffin can become extremely aggressive

He/Him

Full Name: Azalea Gaia

Species: Uhhh plant girl

Age: 15

Traits : Soft-spoken, gentle, caring, calm, fierce (when angered, a rare occurrence)

Likes : Gardening, crafting, quiet, creatures, drawing

Dislikes: Fire, seeing people cry, danger, heights, unpredictability

Powers : Botanokinesis, healing

Fears: Being unable to control her powers

Other stuff:

The goddess of this realm wanted a child to care for as her own, and so Azalea was created. Because of this she's considered a princess (kind of?)

Childhood best friends with Darius, until they were forced to part due to…kingdom disputes

Gardening is both a fun hobby, and a way to practice her abilities. She isn't all that good with them yet, but she's trying!! Pay no mind to the fact that this type of plant isn't supposed to exist its a. New species??

Anger = spiky plants

She/Her

Full Name: Prince Darius Yule Thornheart

Species: Elven

Age: 15

Traits : Cold towards complete strangers, but kind hearted and friendly once trust is gained, curious, handy

Likes : Snowflakes, inventing, routine, flowers, warm blankets

Dislikes: Being unable to help, loud noises, rough textures, tight spaces

Powers : Cryokinesis

Fears: Tight spaces 

Other stuff:

Prince of (insert kingdom name I still need to figure out) 

Childhood best friends with Azalea, until they were forced to part due to…kingdom disputes

Please for the love of god just call them Darius 😭

He CAN see through his glasses yes

Has a stutter

Likes inventing things but it isn't very "royal" of them and keeps getting discouraged. Eye roll.

He/They

Full Name: Aster

Species: ??? Alien

Age: Ageless (physically and mentally 17)

Traits : Curious, excitable, friendly, yet a little shy at times, caring

Likes : Earth, flowers, stars, photography, meeting new people, trying new things

Dislikes: Destruction, hot weather, loneliness, chaos, peanut butter sandwich

Powers : Can summon constellations and give them form

Fears: Eternal solitude 

Other stuff:

A curious little galaxy guardian born of…space stuff. Last of their kind, though

Took a liking to earth specifically and wanted to explore, so they came down. Now they don’t want to go back up…it’s far too lonely up there. But now, he has friends!! :D

Immortal :(

Doesn't have to eat but the first food they tried was a simple peanut butter sandwich. He uh. He is now questioning earth food tastes

CAMERAS ARE SO COOL

Gardens with Azalea

They/he

[sensualnoiree]

astro notes: daily transits 6/3

Monday, 6/3, Mercury's ingress into Gemini signifies a significant shift in the collective energy, as Mercury, the planet of communication, intellect, and travel, moves into one of its home signs. This transit emphasizes the qualities of curiosity, adaptability, and quick thinking, enhancing our ability to communicate, learn, and connect with others effectively.

Mercury in Gemini Mercury is the ruling planet of Gemini, which means it is particularly strong and influential when it transits this sign. Gemini, an air sign, is associated with communication, information exchange, and intellectual pursuits. It is characterized by versatility, social interaction, and a love for learning and exploring various ideas.

Key Themes of Mercury in Gemini

Enhanced Communication With Mercury in Gemini, the collective focus shifts to communication in all its forms. This period is marked by an increase in conversations, debates, and the sharing of ideas. People may feel more inclined to reach out, connect with others, and engage in social activities. Communication becomes faster, more fluid, and more dynamic, making it an excellent time for networking, negotiations, and collaborations.

Intellectual Curiosity Gemini is known for its insatiable curiosity and desire for knowledge. During this transit, there is a heightened interest in learning and exploring new topics. People may feel drawn to studying new subjects, reading, writing, and engaging in intellectual discussions. This is a favorable time for academic pursuits, attending workshops or lectures, and expanding one’s knowledge base.

Adaptability and Flexibility One of Gemini’s key strengths is its adaptability. With Mercury in Gemini, there is a greater capacity to adapt to changing circumstances and think on one’s feet. This transit encourages flexibility in thinking and problem-solving, allowing for innovative solutions and creative approaches to challenges. It is a time to embrace change and be open to new possibilities.

Multitasking and Versatility Mercury in Gemini enhances the ability to multitask and handle multiple projects simultaneously. This period is characterized by a fast-paced environment where quick thinking and versatility are advantageous. People may find themselves juggling various tasks and responsibilities, thriving in dynamic and stimulating settings.

Collective Implications

Increased Social Interaction The ingress of Mercury into Gemini is likely to boost social interactions and connectivity. People may feel more sociable and willing to engage with others, both in person and online. This is an excellent time for social gatherings, networking events, and community activities that foster connections and the exchange of ideas.

Flourishing Communication Technologies Given Gemini’s association with communication, this transit may see advancements and increased usage of communication technologies. There could be a surge in social media activity, the launch of new communication platforms, or improvements in existing technologies. Innovations that facilitate easier and faster communication are likely to thrive.

Spread of Information Mercury in Gemini supports the rapid spread of information. News, ideas, and trends can disseminate quickly during this period. It is important to stay informed and critically evaluate the information being consumed, as the speed of communication can sometimes lead to the spread of misinformation or superficial knowledge.

Emphasis on Education and Learning This transit places a strong emphasis on education and learning. Schools, universities, and educational programs may experience increased activity and interest. People are encouraged to pursue their intellectual passions, enroll in courses, and take advantage of opportunities for personal and professional development.

Working with This Energy To make the most of Mercury’s transit through Gemini, consider the following approaches:

Engage in Active Communication: Reach out to friends, family, colleagues, and new acquaintances. Engage in conversations, share your ideas, and be open to listening to others. This is a time to strengthen your social networks and build new connections.

Pursue Learning Opportunities: Take advantage of the heightened intellectual curiosity to explore new subjects and expand your knowledge. Enroll in courses, attend seminars, or engage in self-study to satisfy your thirst for learning.

Stay Adaptable and Flexible: Embrace change and be open to new experiences. Use this time to experiment with different approaches and solutions, and be willing to pivot as needed.

Utilize Technology: Leverage communication technologies to stay connected and informed. Explore new platforms, tools, and apps that can enhance your ability to communicate and share information.

Prioritize Multitasking Wisely: While the ability to multitask is enhanced, be mindful of spreading yourself too thin. Prioritize your tasks and manage your time effectively to avoid burnout.

follow for more astro insights like this and support me over on yt @quenysefields or instagram sensualnoiree

[qqtxt]

[🐯] feed you my love

✿ pairing: beomgyu x reader / idol!txt / non.idol!you / fluff / 3,141 words / reader calls beomgyu ‘beomie’ / reader is already established to join the members occasionally (aka txt adopted the reader lol) / beomgyu being shameless with pda / mentions of food and eating / usage of curse words in a friendly banter ✿ in which one of beomgyu’s cutest habits is feeding you whatever he has (and the boys try to get in on it, only to get ignored) ✿ honestly, i saw this tiktok at the part where beomgyu tries to feed yeonjun the cotton candy and my mind spiralled because it just feels like a love language to me so... enjoy! [masterlist 🌸] / @kflixnet​ 🥤

beomgyu has absolutely no shame in eating whatever he wants to eat. he takes care of his figure (to his best ability) and there are times where your mind gets confused with either how small he looks or how big he actually is. you hadn’t quite noticed it before but the longer you were with him, the more he seems to... want to feed you whatever he has in his hands. doesn’t matter, absolutely could not give zero shit on what he’s holding. french fries? he’s already holding one to your lips. chips? say no more. a cookie? he takes a bite and makes sure you take one too. his burger? already considering you to have a second bite right after him.

it might sound odd but one of beomgyu’s love languages was feeding you... and of course, the boys teases him at every chance they can get when it happens in front of them. (they lowkey think it’s the most adorable thing ever, considering how chaotic beomgyu can get but is so delicate when he’s with you)

don’t get it twisted, though. while it is a sweet gesture, there are moments and instances where he’s... creative with his advancements. there’s too many to the point you can’t keep track of which is your favorite (or most memorable).

maybe it’s that one time when he’s made an omelet without burning the kitchen and he instantly looks at you to give it a taste. it’s morning and it was one of the many times you’ve spent the night and by some force of nature, had woken up with beomgyu to make breakfast for everyone. kai was around, making sandwiches with taehyun, while you and beomgyu were in charge of frying up eggs, sausages and ham.

just as beomgyu manages to whip up a batch of omelet, he takes a bite for himself and is very, very satisfied with himself. he quickly scoops a piece on a spoon and hovers it by your cheek, using his hip to nudge at you as you’re panning the sausages.

“gyu, i’m busy, i’ll–”you can’t finish your words when beomgyu gently pushes the spoon into your mouth to make you eat the omelet. you almost kick the life out of him but when you taste what he’s made, honestly, not bad. for a second you were doubtful because you’ve... you’ve seen how he tries to cook with or without the cameras and let’s just say, all of them, all of them (maybe excluding yeonjun) have a long way to go. humble beginnings.

“not bad, right?” his eyes are sparkling at you that you can’t resist leaning over, pecking his cheek, “tastes great!”

he looks at you in a daze, as if you’ve put him in a trance until–”yah! quickly take it off the fire! it’s gonna burn!” taehyun yells from the other side of the kitchen, making beomgyu panic as he screams and hurriedly moves his pan away from the heat. you chuckle at the whole debacle, focused on the sausages you were handling, noticing how kai’s full on laughing when beomgyu’s–”arghhh! it’s okay, it’s okay! they’re still fine!”

“that’s what you get for flirting.”

“alright, bring that ass here,” beomgyu fetches the spatula, maneuvering himself around you to–”come here, huening!”

or that time when you tagged along to join the boys to make dalgona candy, and he’s very proud with the way his heart shaped one turned out. almost instantly, he holds it up to your lips, waiting for you to take the first bite. you spare him a glance, in the midst of pouring yours onto the metal plate that you wave him off, “n-not now, beomie...”

beomgyu makes a sound crossed between a whine and a yell, which seemingly sounds aggressive and adorable at the same time. at the sound, the boys glance over to see how beomgyu’s persistent to get you to try his candy. a soft round of laughters erupt when you gently nudge him away, focusing on making sure–”i wanna make mine look pretty first...”

he opens his mouth, and with a deep intake of air, you can already predict the way he’s about to yell at the top his lungs in distaste, wanting nothing more than for you to try his creation. the rest of the mentally prepare (taehyun and soobin’s already closing their ears) for the onslaught, but yeonjun’s attempting to pacify him with: "i’ll try it,” yeonjun leans over, bumping shoulders with beomgyu as he opens his mouth, “ah.” yeonjun widens his eyes, using a hand to point at his opened mouth willing to accept the candy.

yeonjun gives up in less than ten seconds when beomgyu only turn to look at him with a disinterested look; flat brows, narrowed eyes, not even a smile on the face. the older one clears his throat with a fine, not invited to the party, don’t need to tell me twice, you little shit and looks away to continue making his own candy.

when yeonjun’s out of his hair, beomgyu turns to you again, holding the candy to your lips with a frown. you finally spare him the attention when you’re done with creating your candy, allowing it to harden in the meantime. you turn the cheek to see that his brows are tightly knitted together, wrinkles on his forehead based on how hard he’s frowning that it looks permanent. 

“augh, okay, okay,” you relent, opening your mouth to take a bite and the sweetness kisses your tongue as it melts. it makes you smile, and you use a thumb to pick at the crumb at the side of your lip, and you kiss your thumb to get the crumb off. then you press that thumb to beomgyu’s cheek, “yummy! and sweet. good job, beomie!”

when you turn back to check how your candy turned out, beomgyu’s already back to his usual self. he breaks a piece and hovers it by yeonjun’s mouth, to which the latter rolls his eyes at... until beomgyu scoffs and uses his knee to nudge yeonjun’s thigh that he gives in and takes a bite, making beomgyu all smiles again.

maybe the time when he opened a packet of sweets during movie night, and you hadn’t realised he held one up for you to eat as you were engrossed in the movie. he had his head laying on your lap, cheek pressed to your thigh as his eyes gaze up to the television. one of your hands were stroking his head, playing with the strands of his hair, while the other rests on his neck, feeling the gentle taps of his pulse against your finger tips. movie night had been one of the things the boys got around to do once in a while and it was horror night, the best kind.

yeonjun’s clutching onto soobin like a lifeline, who’s holding on to taehyun holding onto kai. the bunch sat on the sofa as you and beomgyu sat on the floor in front of them, unfazed just like kai was. there were screams and shouts, a commotion when the ghost pops out onto frame, scaring the main character and it’s havoc with the way kai’s laughing louder than their mixed screams.

in the midst of this, beomgyu’s holding his arm up to your lips and makes a whine. for a split second, the boys think he’s afraid, but they glance down to see that he’s just trying to feed you a piece of skittles.

“i thought we were watching a horror movie, not a romance movie.” soobin comments, using his knee to nudge beomgyu’s arm conveniently in front of him. taehyun snorts, finding the diversion to be working as he focuses on you two than the movie. you glance over your shoulder to match the sound of the voice, only to now notice beomgyu’s hand placement.

you look down to him as he lowers his hand a little, pouting when you don’t accept his candy offering.

“don’t really feel like eating candy, beomie.”

“i’ll eat it.” soobin offers, already leaning down to swoop the candy from beomgyu’s hand but the latter dodges soobin’s advances. “augh, so mean.” soobin huffs, resorting to leaning back into the sofa as he looks at the movie, but somehow finds himself drawn to see how beomgyu acts to get you to give in (even though they all have seen this probably a million times, it never seems to faze them).

“just one piece. just one,” beomgyu coaxes you, hand persistently rising up to your lips. all you have to do is open your mouth. your lips are tightly shut as you look down on him again, lightly tapping his forehead but he doesn’t budge. instead, he feigns a strain on his arm and–”ah... it hurts holding my hand up for so long...”

you let out a soft tsk before opening your mouth, allowing him to pop the candy into your mouth with a smug grin. then, he gladly feeds himself a piece, before taking out another and holding it up higher over the sofa for soobin to enjoy some of the candy as well.

you remember fondly how he tried to make you try some of his ramen, when the two of you went on a short but heart-fulfilling convenience store date. it was late, but beomgyu showed up at your door with a hand extended out to you to go on a date with me? and you couldn’t possibly say no when you’ve missed him just as much.

that’s how you two ended up at a convenient store nearby, clad in hoodies, tired smiles but giddily holding hands as you made your way there. he decided to make his “signature” cup ramen, adding other ingredients to it while you opted for something simple... by that, you mean just grabbing a cup noodle and adding water, done.

after a couple of minutes, you to curdle by the last two seats on the bar in the corner, facing the window. there’s barely anyone outside, a couple of passersby, mostly those closing up their food truck business for the night. in the silence, you two are mixing up your noodles and just as you twist some noodles with your chopsticks, you turn to see that beomgyu has done the same, already ready to feed you when you were about to feed yourself.

“ah... what about me?” he half-whines, pouting when he sees that you weren’t going to offer him a bite. 

“i gotta cross-check, make sure it’s not poisoned, you know?” 

“but–i... augh, you’re so mean to me.” he huffs, lowering his chopsticks back into his cup. he has a small frown, muttering to himself–how cute–but you know there’s no malice in his tone. you snicker, holding up your chopstick to him, “open up, pretty boy.”

he perks a brow, not turning his head but his eyes are on you, “really?”

“one... two–”you can’t get to three because he quickly leans over and slurps the noodles from your offering hand, smiling happily and chewing on the noodles. he doesn’t know why or how, but when you feed him something, it always, always tastes better.

“ugh, so good.” he groans, nodding in agreement with himself. you chuckle, shaking your head, “i didn’t even add anything. it’s just the noodles as it is.”

“it’s because you fed me,” he swallows his mouthful, “can’t you feed me vegetables? maybe it’ll taste nicer.”

you scoff a laugh, using your chopsticks to grab yourself a mouthful, “or maybe you can learn how to cook it properly than eating it without any seasoning.”

you’re about to eat your own serving but the clearing of his throat is what gets you to stop. when you glance at him, his brows are furrowed as he holds up his chopsticks to your direction, twisted with noodles, glued with cheese and a chunk of kimchi. 

“i haven’t eaten mine yet,”

he doesn’t even respond, only blinking at you and using his eyes to point at his chopsticks for your taking. you let out a sigh and shift closer, opening your mouth and he gently makes sure the chopsticks go in without the noodles smudging your lips. it’s not as great as he thought when you end up with red sauce by the corner of your lips, but with the way you light up in enjoyment makes him so giddy, it’s like he’s gotten off a rollercoaster seeing you smile like that; doing a small sway back and forth as you chew on your food quietly, happily–together.

the two of you begin to dig into your own portions, but every now and then steal mouthfuls from each other’s cup. in the midst of eating and chatting, beomgyu freezes when you tell him hold on, and you grab onto a napkin to reach over to his cheek. you brush the corner of his lips with an amused smile. he swears to you he isn’t blushing, it’s just the spice from his ramen that you relent with a sure, okay... even though he knows you don’t believe him by a long shot (not that you have to, you were totally right, he’s whipped for you).

a tough contender would be when he’s doing a live-broadcast in one of the rooms, but he still tries to sneakily feed you some food that’s out of frame from the camera. you hadn’t realised he was on a live until after you’ve entered the room and you narrow your eyes at him talking to the phone on the tripod. you try to leave quietly but he speaks up about it, playing off that you’re one of his friends who came in. you make faces at him, mouthing the words of i’ll come back later! but he refuses to let you leave as he somehow manages to make you stay by his side, inches away from being in frame.

he’s eating a couple of desserts and he sneakily tears the wrapper while he talks about their upcoming concert. he’s able to multitask, reading the comments coming in and slyly reach to the side for you to take a bite without tearing his gaze from the phone. it’s a red bean bun, easy to share, but your hand tries to gently push it away to avoid any suspicion. however, the longer you do that, the longer he doesn’t pull his hands back so you quickly lean forward to take a bite.

he starts to smile even if it’s not at you directly and you hit his knee under the table. chuckling, he takes a bite while responding to one of the comments that says you’re handsome! “ah, thank you! i always know moa will appreciate my good looks. feel like some people around me need to appreciate that.”

he tries not to make a sound when you kick him again.

maybe... maybe it was right now in the present as you two sit side by side, along with the rest of the boys circling the coffee table in their dorm, enjoying a meal peacefully. the kind of peaceful that consisted of soft murmurs of chatter and occasional pitches of excitement on the new shows about to come out, movies ya’ll planned to watch together, new television series that everyone pitched for turns on whose suggestion to take up next. 

in the midst of talking and listening, beomgyu scoops a spoonful of his kimchi fried rice, making sure to get a piece of egg and he turns to his side to watch as you slowly chew your food while agreeing with taehyun that yes, we have to watch wednesday next! as your mouth opens to start arguing with soobin who wants to watch gudetama, the nudge from beomgyu against your thigh halts you momentarily.

turning to him with slightly gaped lips, he motions for his spoon towards your mouth and beomgyu lives to see the reaction. how your eyes are initially sparking with fiery to attack, that dissolves into adoration when you lock gazes with him. how willing your mouth opens, giddily shifting forward to make sure he doesn’t spill not a single grain of rice, almost as if he can hear your well-known food is food! nothing should go to waste.

soobin can’t even be mad at the sight when he’s aware you were about to one-up him in the conversation, now witnessing how excited beomgyu gets whenever he gets to feed you. 

“is it tasty?” beomgyu asks, softly, even though everyone can hear him.

with your mouth full, you can’t respond with words so you nod with a garbled up hum of mhm! and put a thumbs up. beomgyu shakes his head with a augh, so fucking cute, using his freehand to ruffle your hair and continue eating. yeonjun swallows his ramen, nudging soobin by the elbow when he knows the latter was watching as well, “because of that, i’m on your side to watch gudetama.”

you ignore the conversation, proceeding to twist some of your pasta so you can return beomgyu the favour. it’s like he’s anticipating it, beckoning for you to i want some of the chicken, too. although you retort with look at you, taking advantage of my kindness, beomgyu grins when you’re cutting the best part; charred and drenched in the sauce to poke it with your twisted pasta. you carefully turn to beomgyu who leans forward, opening wide to make sure nothing spills.

then, it’s a brief moment of the two of you smiling at each other, chewing and enjoying the food in bliss as if none of the guys are there. even though the guys constantly tease or pretend to vomit, they secretly approve of it with knowing gazes.

the moment is short-lived when kai bumps shoulders with you, reminding you that the show wednesday is superior and–”ah, right,” you swallow your food and now look to soobin with narrowed eyes, “back to you and your egg show, we’re watching wednesday. my vote’s with kai,”

“hell yeah!” kai high-fives you, to which soobin groans, “you guys suck! gudetama is a better bet! it’s so cute!”

“i agree with soobs!” yeonjun pitches, and kai whines, “ugh, old people and their tendencies.” 

“the fuck did you say?!”

“oh, here we go again.” taehyun groans, throwing his head back as the onslaught begins.

beomgyu now watches as you and kai debate with soobin and yeonjun on what to watch next. taehyun is a silent spectator shaking his head at both parties. what beomgyu truly enjoys from this is how you don’t miss the way he wants to continuously feed you and how you take pauses to feed him in return. it’s almost as if it’s second nature for you to reciprocate his love language and that... that made his heart full; and it wasn’t because of the food.

[the-amazingly-massive-rpg]

Quick question to the cast. If you could change your class at will like in final fantasy. what would be your second most used class besides your main classes?

As far as in-world canon goes, you technically can change your class, or even dual class.

But, you lose all stat gains from the class you were before, so more or less get reset to level 1 (for dual classes, DND rules- experience points are divided between the two classes/you level up much slower) While some people do this really early on upon entering the world, most people don’t think about it until it’d be really hard to do so.

However, assuming they could do so with no downsides…

Pomni is fine with her class as a knight, but if she had to choose she’d pick wizard. She feels that she’d be able to make good use of magic with her smaller stature and be creative with spell usage and their side effects.

Ragatha…would probably dualclass as a paladin if she could. She just wants to keep the party safe from death generally, and whether that’s by healing or defending doesn’t matter. But since Kinger is a paladin already, she never considered switching.

Jax would be a bard if he didn’t like Rogue class so much. He already has fit some spells into his action abilities as it stands. (Mind you, most of those aren’t necessarily…legal for him to use)

Kinger actually switched classes rather recently before joining the party, having been a Knight before becoming a Paladin. He’s still a slightly lower level than most of the party, but he’s typically in the fray of most fights- so he’ll catch up pretty soon.

Gangle would be a sorcerer if she wasn’t a wizard. Wizards are cool, and given how long she’s kept her role she doesn’t want to give up her spells. But sorcerers are just so much more…anime, you know? (Mind you, there are enough sorcerers in SUM to count on one hand. The artifites don’t take to people often.)

Zooble was incredibly peeved that gunslinger wasn’t an option to class into, so they went with the second-highest DPS class as barbarian. There are automatons in SUM, and they’ve tried switching heads with some of them. Unfortunately, they’re imbued with the spirit of the artifites who made them, and have an equal ego. Zooble’s still looking for a gun of some sort to live out their dreams, though.

Caine technically doesn’t have the option to switch class. He’ll pull spells from other classes time to time, along with other ‘magic tricks’ the party doesn’t quite understand. But if he had to make a second choice for what he’d be, Wizard is the closest to what he knows.

[songbird-at-the-fireside-chat]

Browsing the World Wide Web

Browsing the World Wide Web

One of my favorite passions is creating/finding ways to navigate the web that are healthy, authentic, and fun! Here are some resources I use to guide my internet usage. Some language has been slightly adapted for tone and accessibility. For more in-depth reading, follow the links! (taken with permission from https://yair.garden/browsing). Shared Ideals

MelonKing has an excellent list of shared ideals which I try to keep in mind as I browse the web. It's a great starting point!

Creativity is First: We see the ability to design, decorate, and graffiti digital spaces as essential and powerful.

The Internet is Fun: We want the Web to be a playground that's free to explore and enjoy.

Corporations are Boring: We are tired of the monetization, data abuse, and endless breaches of trust in corporate culture.

The Web is Friendly: We believe the Web should be friendly and supportive; caring is a radical act.

Right to Repair: We value the freedom to make, break, and repair our stuff - tinkering is a form of debate and protest.

One World Wide Web: We want free open knowledge and global connectivity, without paywalls, bubbles, or borders.

Chaotic Effort: We believe that value comes from the time and effort put into projects they love for no reason other than love.

No to Web3: In many (but not all) situations, cryptocurrencies, NFTs, unfairly trained AIs, and buzzword tech are unwelcome and uncool.

Manifesto for a New Web

The YesterWeb is an organization seeking to progressively transform internet culture and beyond. After two years, they created three core commitments and three social behavior guidelines to benefit everyone.

A commitment to social responsibility and partisanship.

A commitment to collective well-being and personal growth.

A commitment to rehumanizing social relations and reversing social alienation.

50 additional manifestos can be found here Social Etiquette

Engage in good faith.

Engage in constructive conflict.

Be mindful of participating in a shared, public space.

Why say no to Web 3.0?

One of the shared ideas of our community of web surfers is to push back against "Web 3.0". Here's why:

It's driven by predatory marketing tactics.

It requires complex technological and financial knowledge to fully understand.

It is actively harming the environment.

It caters to early adopters and whales.

It profits off artificial scarcity.

Investors are banking on Web3, and they really don't want to be wrong.

Personalized Web Surfing Guide

Make your web surfing personal and adventurous, away from corporate influences. Here's a simple guide for a unique browsing experience.

Configure your browser

Remove Ads and Clean up Privacy:

Ublock Origin for removing ads

ClearURLs for removing tracking elements from URLs

SponsorBlock for skipping sponsorships on YouTube

Make it a Safer Space:

ShinigamiEyes for highlighting transphobic/anti-LGBTQ sites

TriggerRemover for removing trigger-inducing content from pages

Clean up UI for Beauty and Minimalism:

CleanerReads for a muted Goodreads experience

Minimal; for a minimal and less attention-grabbing internet

Bonuses for a Cool Experience:

Library Extension: Check book availability at local libraries

Translate Web Pages: Translate pages in real-time

Return YouTube Dislike: Bring back the YouTube dislike feature

How to Browse and Surf the Web

Explore Beyond Corporate Sites: While the internet is vast, the majority of users only see a small fraction dominated by large corporate sites. These sites often prioritize shock value and extreme content, overshadowing the richness of the wider web. Explore alternative avenues to discover the internet's diversity.

Search Engines: Avoid corporate search engines like Google. Instead, consider using alternatives like Kagi, which focuses on privacy and doesn't sell your data. While it costs around $10/month, Kagi offers a diverse mix of web content, making it a worthwhile investment for varied search results. Other niche or non-commercial search engines can also provide unique content. While they may not be sustainable for daily use, they're great for discovering new sites. Find them here.

Webrings: Webrings are collections of websites united by a common theme or topic. They offer a unique way to explore sites created by real people, spanning a wide range of interests. Here are some of my favorite webrings:

Hotline Webring

Retro Webring

Low Tech Webring

Geek Webring

Soft Heart Clinic Mental Health Circle ...and here are some list of webring databases to explore!

Curated List of 64 Webrings

Neocities Webrings

Curated List of Active Webrings

Comprehensive List of 210 Webrings

Cliques/Fanlistings Web Cliques/Cliques are groups which you can join usually if you fulfill a certain task such as choosing an animal or listing your astrological sign. Fanlistings do the same for fans of various topics! You can then be linked on the clique's/fan group's site for further website discovery! Here are some web clique directories:

Project Clique

Cliqued

Fanlistings Network

5. Link Directories

Many sites have smaller link directories of buttons where you can find sites that they are "mutuals" (both creators follow each other) and "friends/neighbors" — sites they follow. It's a great way to build community. There are also larger link directories of sites which someone finds cool, and it's a great way to intentionally explore the web. Here are some of my favorites:

SadGrl Links

Melonland Surf Club

Neocities Sites

Onio.Cafe

Though there are many more! 6. Random Site Generators

Finally, there are random site generators which allow you to randomly stumble upon websites. While not very practical, they are a lot of fun and offer a unique way to discover new corners of the web.

A list can be found here

What now?

The next question you have is probably how can you become an active member/contribute in this world of the underground web? I unfortunately don't have the energy to write a guide right now but it will come soon! In broad strokes, consider making a site on Neocities. If you do make a site, remember to include a robots.txt file to get AI and bots out of there and don't forget to rate your site so we can know who it's for. If you'd like to transition off social media I recommend an RSS Reader such as the one at 32bit.cafe or on Fraidycat (guide on this to come soon as well!). For your twitter-fix you can always post a status at Status Cafe and your mood at imood. There is a whole world out there full of passionate and friendly people who are ready to reclaim the web. Excited to see you there!

[galeythecutest]

Hello This Is my JJBA part 4 oc Kazuki Yamato And Her stand [Sweet emotion]

Lore Below:

Kazuki Yamato was always an introspective soul, often lost in the melodies of her favorite songs as she wandered the streets of Nagoya. Growing up in a modest household with her single mother, Kazuki found refuge in music and art, using these outlets to express emotions that were sometimes too complex for words. Her childhood was marked by moments of both joy and sorrow; while she thrived on creativity, the weight of their financial struggles loomed large over them. The solace she found through rhythm and rhyme became an essential part of her identity until one fateful day changed everything.

While exploring a hidden corner of an abandoned amusement park rumored to be haunted, Kazuki stumbled upon an unassuming arrow glimmering softly beneath layers of dirt and debris—a Stand Arrow. In that momentary lapse when curiosity overwhelmed caution, she reached for it. A surge coursed through her body as the arrow embedded itself in her left shoulder, awakening newfound abilities tied not just to herself but something much grander: her Stand emerged from within like a vivid dream materializing into reality. Dubbed “Sweet Emotion,” this spirit had power rooted deeply in manipulating emotional states—transforming despair into hope or overwhelming happiness into crippling sadness around those it targeted.

As Kazuki learned to harness Sweet Emotion's abilities amid conflicts fueled by rival Stand users eager to claim supremacy over each other’s destinies, she began realizing how interconnected feelings were among people far beyond mere desires for war or territory—it ultimately brought unity or destruction alike within any community they touched across Nagoya’s vibrant districts. Driven now not only by personal resolve but also compassion towards those sharing similar pain alongside yearning for connection instead-of estrangement amplified through ability usage; thus forged anew purpose led Kazuki onto paths unforeseen while providing empathy where once existed none: creating deep bonds between friends bound together against adversity—and all because fate urged strong melody reachable via voices wafting sweetly along....

Name: Sweet emotion

Ability: Enhanced Energy Desc: The user's energy levels are extraordinarily high, making them far more energetic, active and lively than average members of their species. Condition: Elbow Limit: May constantly leak out. Range: 13m

Power: B Speed: C Range: D Durability: E Precision: D Potential: D

Japanese Va: Miyuki Sawashiro

English Va: Bryn Apprill

[yvetteheiser]

Yvette Heiser - Elevate Your Photos: Capture Elegance and Viral Attention

In the age of social media and digital storytelling, the impact of captivating photography cannot be underestimated. Whether you are a professional photographer, an aspiring influencer, or a business owner aiming to boost your brand's online presence, the ability to capture elegance and attract viral attention through your photos is a valuable skill. Yvette Heiser discusses this in Yvette Heiser - How to Go Viral with Your Photography? approaches to enhance your photographs, simultaneously maximizing their capacity to attract widespread attention, thereby amplifying your online presence and influence.

The Power of Visual Storytelling

Photography serves as a powerful tool for visual storytelling, allowing you to convey emotions, messages, and narratives through captivating images. By mastering the art of visual storytelling, you can effectively elevate your photos and engage your audience on a deeper level.

Crafting Compelling Narratives

Emotional Impact: Infuse your photos with emotions that resonate with your audience. Whether it's joy, inspiration, or nostalgia, emotional resonance can make your images more memorable and shareable.

Consistent Brand Narrative: Ensure that your photos align with your brand's narrative and values. Each image should contribute to a cohesive story that reinforces your brand identity and messaging.

Authenticity and Relatability

Genuine Moments: Candid and spontaneous shots often capture authentic moments that resonate with viewers. Embrace authenticity in your photography to establish a genuine connection with your audience.

Personalized Visuals: Tailor your photography to reflect your unique personality or brand identity. Incorporate elements that convey your individuality and create a relatable experience for your audience.

Strategies for Viral Attention

In the digital realm, the viral potential of photography can significantly amplify your reach and influence. Yvette Heiser’s-Capturing Elegance: A Glimpse Through Heiser’s Lens emphasizes this, showcasing how strategic approaches can enhance the likelihood of your photos gaining viral attention and widespread sharing.

Engaging Visual Content

Interactive Elements: Incorporate visually engaging and interactive elements in your photos to captivate viewers' attention. Creative compositions and thought-provoking visuals can encourage sharing and engagement.

Story-Driven Imagery: Craft visuals that tell a compelling story or evoke curiosity. A narrative-driven approach can pique the interest of viewers and prompt them to share your content.

Social Media Optimization

Maximize Your Hashtag Potential: Harness relevant and popular hashtags to broaden the exposure of your photos across social media platforms. Thoughtful and strategic hashtag usage can enhance the visibility and accessibility of your content.

Craft engaging and shareable captions that perfectly complement your photos, prompting your audience to actively interact with your content and distribute it within their social circles.

Emotional Resonance

Evoke Emotions: Aim to create visually impactful images that evoke strong emotions in your audience. Emotionally resonant photos are more likely to be shared and leave a lasting impression.

Conclusion

Elevating your photos to capture elegance while also attracting viral attention is a multifaceted endeavor that blends the art of visual storytelling with strategic approaches to maximize reach and engagement. By mastering the art of crafting compelling narratives through photography and implementing tactics to enhance the potential for virality, you can significantly elevate your online presence and influence. Embrace the power of visual storytelling, infuse your photos with authenticity and relatability, and capitalize on the strategies to optimize your content for social sharing. Through these efforts, you can elevate your photos to new heights, captivating your audience and expanding your digital footprint.

[proudfreakmetarusonikku]

honestly like I think going after people who use AI for hobbyist fun reasons is kind of missing the forest for the trees. while obviously there’s environmental issues and the inherent ethical issues (and I’m not even talking the content scraping by itself here, i also like don’t really give a shit if someone’s using my art for hobbyist fun as long as they’re not passing it off as their own it's obviously not great but if no one’s making money or anything off it and they’re not pretending they made it it’s relatively harmless- i'm talking about stuff like it’s ability to generate inappropriate content of actual irl kids) those again are like, mostly not coming from people using character.ai, which isn’t to say there’s no issues with the site (i heard it added voice shit and that’s a fucking nightmare this is not a defence of them) but going after chatbots isn’t really efficient when the issue is mass commercial scale usage of ai (which is the main environmental impact) which is extremely dangerous even outside of that bc ai is literally a pattern recognition machine and doesn’t know shit it cannot have initiative which means it does stuff like creative jobs really badly (bc it can generate a pretty image but that’s the least important part of stuff like advertising, which has tons of psychology behind it the ai cannot grasp) and the second it's giving any sort of advice or help it’s downright dangerous, from ai therapists encouraging eating disorders to ai plant guides encouraging eating extremely deadly mushrooms, bc it’s not sentient let alone sapient and can’t know shit. and also the child exploitation. like kids using character.ai are like the least of our problems and not actively being malicious give them actual support to find a better option and save your anger for people actually putting others in danger deliberately bc directing it at children is not going to actually help with any of the serious problems machine learning being used like it’s the next coming of Christ cause.