#but it is not a blind unquestioning loyalty

[sassypantsjaxon]

You ever read a fic where Luffy starts thinking about how Zoro is so loyal and would never leave him and you just have to stop and ugh

Because Zoro has on many occasions reminded Luffy that leaving is an option

[pollyanna-nana]

Like a cat clipping its own claws

I was talking with a friend recently about how Thistle continues to wear his silly little jester outfits all the way into the present day even as the mad mage, and while I agree to an extent that he just likes the aesthetic I also think it might be something he feels like he has to do, because otherwise…

Thistle’s very dubious acquirement as a child was specifically so Freinag could have the aesthetics of an elven court member without the danger his advisors worried an adult would present. From his very first moments in the court, it was clear that making him a simple jester was because they feared what would happen if he was allowed to gain too much power (and independence…) And the thing is, I think Thistle knows that.

In the end, Delgal ends up asking Thistle to learn magic and become the court mage anyways after his father’s death. There’s no way there weren’t a lot of opinions about that from other people, especially his advisors, seeing as that was exactly what was feared could turn an amusing commodity into a dangerous threat. The fact that he was so secretive, too, about his investigations into the ruins I think might hint that he was aware of the optics of such a stunt.

But Thistle isn’t stupid. From his reaction here to the way the villagers look at him I’m sure he knows— whether from overhearing, being told directly, or simply picking up on the vibe— that they think he’s dangerous and scary simply for being an elf.

So, why keep the silly outfits, especially when he doesn’t seem to have any qualms with the villagers finding him scary now? Maybe he does just like wearing them. Or maybe… it’s a remnant of a desire the demon ate away a long time ago. Who is to say…

[zanguntsu]

go has an aspect of death idk what it would be but im voting devotion/fealty bc loyalty is what killed him in that timeline

[sunsleptos]

Fooled and Fattened

Harley's unquestioning loyalty lands her in trouble time and time again, and yet she's too blind to see it. Now, maybe, with such an unavoidable result from that very same loyalty, she'll grow to be a bit more skeptical rather than JUST grow.

[t-allyitup]

core traits

edd:

dark trait is manipulation (hear me out) i really do think one of edd's biggest dark area traits is that he ultimately wants everyone to get along to the point of destruction, i did post about this a bit ago in relation to my fic but i feel like this desire would lead him to bending his morals and sacrificing his own sanity/peace for everyone to get along. i feel like he could easily go down the road of either 1. manipulating, blackmailing, etc etc people into staying on good terms/keeping the peace or 2. letting himself get walked all over or used or something in order to keep tension at a stasis point

as for light traits definitely his humanism, he genuinely cares about his friends and people on the cul de sac and in multiple episodes despite his participation (and sometimes masterminding) the scams he tends to prioritize safety and comfort initially, even if the sentiment is lost during the actual scam

grey traits in my opinion would be his unquestioning loyalty/blindness to failure in authority figures (his parents mainly, this isn't necessarily a bad thing it can just become very stressful and dangerous) and obsessive/compulsive nature (can be a good thing when he's concerned about safety, can be a bad thing when it drives him to be controlling (containing vs restraining))

ed:

ed's dark trait is spitefulness. hear me out! again! ed rarely shows negative emotion outside of sadness, but when he does get angry or upset, he tends to get that way as a reaction to the behavior of others. he went back and forth with double d calling him "stinky hat" when double d wanted to take his cheese, and when he got that rock in his shoe he tried to annihilate eddy because eddy was fed up and insulting him. ed reacts out of spite, not always, but it's a pretty clear trait.

light trait is his acceptance of others and openness to experience, which combine with each other well. he has a broad emotional pool and is seen "communicating" (acting responsively) to plank in a few episodes. he is validating of his friend's choices and participates in their scams/activities

grey area is his response to change. he clearly harbors some kind of difficulties with this, just various comments throughout the show and some inferences shows that he seems uncomfortable with it (cheese episode again but he would not let go of that mf)

eddy:

dark traits with eddy is a where do i even start situation. he shows lots of the qualities of machiavellianism, egoism, self interest, and spitefullness. i think in my opinion his trait is self interest. i think eddy does feel bad about what he does to the other cul de sac kids but self interest is his obsessive desire and he has a massive preoccupation with his need to fit in/feel seen so self interest is the one.

light trait is, as you probably guessed, his charisma. it is one of his most magnetic qualities and occasionally the only redeeming quality about him in general. he is compelling and direct in his approaches, genuine or not, and he channels his charisma effectively even if he uses it for evil sometimes

grey area would have to be his seeming emotional detachment from things. could lean to psychopathy, could lean to a trauma-informed response to his situations in the past. either way it creates a lower level of empathy but a higher level of protection for himself so maybe it's a grey area trait

[nightfall-1409]

like its ok to wish that hunter did more to get crosshair out but i will say PLEASE stop saying that rescuing the literal helpless child from the child murdering fascists was somehow wrong of Hunter.

also like. can we stop undermining the very clear and obvious way that crosshair liked the power that he was given in the empire, especially over others, he was radicalized. he convinced himself that the war crimes were justified in the name of power. that is a far bigger problem and something that is going to haunt him far longer and requires a lot more to undo and forgive (and some people will never and should never do that, and others can't bc they are Dead)

to say it was all the effects of the chips, at this point in the series, its just not true. the events of aftermath specifically are 100% the chip. Everything after that is up for debate. We don't know when it was taken out, but at some point it was, and crosshair's pov is that it doesn't matter when, bc he likes where he's at. Had he not been abandoned by the empire on Kamino for so long, I doubt he would have ever changed, had Cody not deserted after confronting him about what it was the clones were doing, I doubt he would have ever changed. Had he not been forced to see Mayday's struggle and fight to bring him home and still after everything they both gave after everything suffered mayday died not in battle but because someone couldn't be bothered to even try to help him, I don't think he would have changed. I don't think Hunter could talk him out of it, and maybe he didn't try hard enough, or really, at all. Crosshair's version of loyalty, though, is blind, unquestioning, a soldiers loyalty. Obeying what they were doing, things that Hunter couldn't obey, and would have made him a monster to do.

But I can't imagine the disgust I would be forced to contend with if like, my family member came forward like "oh yes we're built to be soldiers, that doesn't mean preserving or protecting innocents, It means power and killing those who get in my way. its my purpose in life and i think you're stupid for not getting over the moral objections" like what do you even say to that. Hunter at that point had SEEN what the empire was doing. They both had, their home planet, (and head canons aside, all clones did in fact, in canon, see it as their home.) orbitally bombarded to secure power. How do you talk someone out of that, if fundamentally what your disagreement is on the value of life. You don't. Hence Hunter's demands in S3E5 to know what changed. What finally made Crosshair realize what he believed, about power and his purpose, was wrong.

Crosshair didn't want out. Crosshair was upset they didn't stay. He saw their purpose as being with the Empire. They escaped and ran and deserted. If they weren't with him, in the Empire, then they should die, like the Jedi, and Crosshair did absolutely believe that.

So this is all to say that. they are not equally responsible for what happened to their squad. Crosshair didn't have a choice at first— but once he did keep running right over that line. And a lot of us hoped that he was lying about the chip, that he wasn't entirely responsible for all that he did. But he was. That's clear at this point.

Even the whole chip matter— it's prolly really hard for Hunter to separate it. logically, he knows it was partially the chip at this point. But at that point in the story he watched someone he was incredibly close to nearly kill them all and at the time he had no idea why. If Hunter'd not grabbed Omega by the leg and tripped her she would be shot dead. If omega hadn't surprised Crosshair by shooting his gun out of his hand he would have killed Hunter. He shot wrecker, to use him as bait against the rest of them? Like, again, we all knew about the chip, but I can understand the emotional toll of such a thing bc he DIDNT at the time. The betrayal in that moment? How do you let it go?

But thats all fine! its interesting its character development and its the story they were determined to tell. But like. we can be honest.

Now if someone thinks that im wrong i'd love to know what exactly hunter needs to be sorry about, and why he's equally responsible that doesn't like either downplay the war crimes and murder and doesn't throw Omega like directly into harms way and under the bus.

[bvckbiter]

smartwatermagic posting at an ungodly hour to say that alabaster is a volatile combination of both percy and annabeth’s fatal flaws. despite the paltry length of his story, he demonstrates just how dangerous unflinching, unquestioning personal loyalty is and how hubris, while fueling his drive to live and take vengeance and get better at his craft, only feeds into this blind faith—to his own detriment and that of everyone else who orbits him. and he not only suffers to a severe degree, he suffers in a way specifically painful for someone with those fatal flaws: the people he fights for all killed; his influence stripped and demonized.

“like my mirror years ago”: alabaster is a reflection of percy and annabeth’s worst impulses unacted on. alabaster is the (inadvertent, unintentional) scapegoat towards which the consequences of percy and annabeth’s actions have been redirected: percy gifting the olympians the benefit of the doubt, annabeth shouldering luke’s sins then his salvation

[hermitpixels424]

"The irony is that it was their blind obedience and unquestioning loyalty that walked them down into that pit, entirely unresisting.

The price of obedience."

[scoobydoodean]

Hey there, I have SPN Thought Worms i thought you might appreciate: You know how there’s debate wether (in the biblical story) Abraham “failed” God’s test, if it was a blind loyalty test or to see if he’d put his moral and love over unquestioned orders? In the same vein, do you think Dean truly ‘failed’ Death’s test with the ring and carrying out his duties for the day? Like maybe Death actually wanted Dean to be unable to do it bc it proved he had limits or smth? Or did he just get Sam’s soul back despite the apparent failure because he has a massive soft spot for Dean? (relatable tbh). Hope I made myself clear lol, the concept is jumbled-up in my mind, and have a great day!

This is a really interesting question! I also have a feeling I'll have a lot better of an answer when I get to 6.11 on this rewatch and have the entire season fresh on my mind. That said, Death actually says in the end that the goal was for Dean to learn something.

DEATH Today, you got a hard look behind the curtain. Wrecking the natural order's not quite such fun when you have to mop up the mess, is it? This is hard for you, Dean. You throw away your life because you've come to assume that it'll bounce right back into your lap. But the human soul is not a rubber ball. It's vulnerable, impermanent, but stronger than you know. And more valuable than you can imagine. So... I think you've learned something today. (x)

I'd really like to watch through season 6 again to solidify this one for myself, but I have a feeling that this isn't about teaching Dean a personal moral lesson at all. I don't think Death is at all concerned with the fact that the nurse died because the little girl didn't from a moral perspective—he wouldn't have ever given Dean his ring if he was. That isn't why he said "good" when Dean said he would have acted differently if he could go back. We can guess it also isn't just a simple lesson about "bringing each other back" being bad and "letting go", because that'd be pretty hypocritical given Death is going to help Dean anyway with no one forcing his hand (and he tells us Dean has use). It isn't a moral issue Death's addressing. It's a lesson he's giving on the structure of the universe. It's about balance. As Death says cryptically later in the scene:

I think what Death wanted to get across to Dean is that souls must pass on, and their energy must be allotted to the appropriate areas in time and space. If one person doesn't die, passing their soul on as energy, another person must die so that a certain balance and energy level is maintained in the universe. Death plans to help Dean from the beginning, because "Right now, you're digging at something. The intrepid Detective. I want you to keep digging, Dean."

Death, as a person who can't ultimately involve himself without also disrupting balance, is ultimately hinting at Dean as best he knows how that he wants him to stop Crowley and Cas from sucking a bunch of souls out of Purgatory, creating absolute chaos. But he can't say that, so instead, he gives Dean a lesson. He tells Dean that human souls are extremely valuable, and that they need to go to the places the universe wants them to go and stay there. If they don't—if they are moved on a large scale—something terrible will happen. Death has to expect Dean to extrapolate all of this information, which is not an easy expectation to fulfill.

So I guess to summarize: I don't think Dean failed Death's test, because actually using the ring and experiencing what happened when Dean tried to change things was more of a lesson than a test. The test was how Dean reflected on the lesson after and evaluated his behavior. He passed when he said he'd behave differently if he could go back. Death wanted Dean to understand the idea of balance in the universe depending on where souls go, and how important it is not to disrupt their flow or move them around. Changing things makes bad things happen. When there's just one soul, the impact is small (something Death is willing to let Dean toy with by offering his ring for the day). But what if someone disrupted the flow of many many souls at once?

[altairz]

Day 4 - Talal

was a slaver and a member of the Levantine Templars. He was one of nine men killed by the Assassin Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad on his quest for redemption, upon the order of Al Mualim, the Mentor of the Levantine Assassins during the Third Crusade. He was located in the rich district of Jerusalem where he had based his slave trading business..

A former member of the Saracen army, Talal returned to the holy city of Jerusalem, where he established a bandit gang made up of men whose loyalty to him was unquestioned. Operating out of an old warehouse, they soon became known for kidnapping men, women and children of all social stations and shipping them off to distant lands to be sold as slaves, many of them sent to Garnier de Naplouse in Acre for his experiments. Although the city guard was well aware of Talal's actions, they turned a blind eye in return for regular bribes from the bandits.

[mmani-e]

Here's a DR Demix question that I have regarding the Monokuma Kubs & the Warriors of Hope since I haven't heard anything about them in this AU. Do they by any chance swap with each other like the Li'l Ultimates become Usowa babies (Or whatever baby bunnies are called.) & the Kubs are now human kids working under Taka?

Hi, and thanks for the ask!

You've hit it right on the head! The Li'l ultimates in this au swap with the Monokubs in DrV3, with the Monokubs getting their own swanky humanized forms (design still TBA for now) with each color Monokub swapping with the equivalent, or similar, colored WoH member.

Rather than a group of poorly-taught kids, these "Enforcers of Despair" are a group of university burn-outs, cruel outcasted losers who find an erroneous purpose and freedom by serving as Kiyotaka's successors in his absence, continuing his will and serving his perverted view of law, peace, and justice. Together, they are in charge of the conquering one of the last shreds of resistance against Taka's new world order: an isolated mountain haven called Jabberwock Village.

They have a particularly strong hatred for children and the meek, with special orders to completely stamp out the childlike glee in all children. Replacing it with unquestioning obedience to authority and rigidity.

In the order they appear:

Hantaro (Monotaro) is the first. A naive and forgetful dullard, but dedicated and unshakably loyal. Hantaro is completely invested in the cause in earnest, for reasons that he may have trouble remembering, but believes in nonetheless.

Seinsouke (Monosuke) is the second. A selfish and rude brute, whose shrewdness is only matched by his greed. Seinosuke is not a believer in the cause for any real ideological reason. He simply sees it as a means to amass more and more wealth.

Stephanie (Monophanie) is the third. Airheaded and unassuming, but carries a manipulative streak that belies a deeper intelligence. Stephanie is another believer of the cause, one who willfully blinds herself into seeing only the good in Taka's reign and seeks to preserve it.

Touma (Monokid) is the fourth. Cruel, untamed, and of an unmatched physicality that makes him the perfect enforcer. Touma sees the world as his playground, and Taka's system has enabled him to live in it without stupid limiting rules and limitations, bullying and terrorizing all he sees fit.

Adamu (Monodam) is the final of the enforcers. Patient, unfeeling, brilliant. Adamu has no loyalty to the cause. Not anymore. Not after Taka's death exposed it for what it really is: a weak, imperfect vision of the future that will inevitably end in a fall. A vision that he will perfect and replace.

As for their V3 equivalents, the bunnies will be known as the something-chowa, still nothing concrete on these, but their names are: Masachowa, Nagichowa, Monachowa, Jatachowa, and Kotochowa. They're a bunch of rebellious kids that Usowa wants to whip into shape.

That's all from me now. More in-depth stuff will come out in a dedicated Demix 1/2 post I wanna make this coming August after art fight!

[machinespirited]

// ive been thinking of the horror (and beauty) of the Skitarii

// theyre human. Thats kind of a major facet of the Imperium of Man and the Machine Cult. Everything is made by human hands through sacrifice of human blood and human flesh.

// and then you have the Skitarii.

// Human, but stripped of all humanity in a way even the space marines are not. Human, but flesh and bone have been replaced by wire and steel. Human, but the will has been subjugated and the mind indoctrinated into unthinking, unquestioning loyalty and obedience.

// it's terrifying

// it's beautiful

// there is no "when does something stop being human?" question. Everything is, by definition, human.

// but the personhood of the individual has been all but erased and replaced by blind faith in the body of a human machine that will not stop until the mission is done.

// it's terrible and fascist and horrifying

// and it's so incredibly fucking sexy in spite of all that.

[kumoriyami-xiuzhen]

Hakuoki Drama CD - Hijikata Biyori Track 32 Eng translation

I'mma back! Well, not really. This was scheduled to get posted... and I'm going to assume that I'm too tired right now to check tumblr.

oh well!

enjoy!

Hakuoki Hijikata Biyori Track 32: Confrontation

Translation by KumoriYami

Toudou: The weather's really nice today.

Hijikata: Oh, if it isn't Heisuke.

Toudou: Ah, Hijikata-san.

Hijikata: What are you doing in a place like this? Have you wounds recovered?

Toudou: Didn't I say that those injuries weren't a big deal? But you all kept me at headquarters and didn't let me do anything. Everyone was making a huge fuss about about nothing. Because I have so much free time now so I thought I would go read. I'm heading over to the book rental store to borrow some books now.

Hijikata: Heisuke reading? Ha, that really doesn't suit you.

Toudou: That's terrible, what do you mean by that. Speaking of which, I'm definitely studying harder than Hijikata-san now.

Hijikata: Haha, is that so. Where's the rental book store? Toudou: Ah, it's right around here. Hijikata-san, if you have time, why don't you come too?

Hijikata: Yes. It seems I don't know thta you knew of a good rental bookstore. Lead the way.

Toudou: Ah, leave it to me.

(arriving at the rental book store)

Hijikata: This is the place?

Toudou: Nn, the proprietor here is a nice guy. Uncle! I'm here to return the book I borrowed the other day!

Hijikata: There are no other customers saide from us. It doesn't look like this place is popular. Is this rental bookstore really that good?

Toudou: That's why it's good. You can focus on finding the book you want to read.

Hijikata: I see.

Toudou: Now then, wht should I borrow today. Oh, this looks pretty good.

Hijikata: Hm? What, isn't this "Otogi-zōshi" ?

Toudou: What, is that bad/isn't that good?

Hijikata: I won't say it's bad, but shouldn't you read something bit more useful? For example… how about this one?

Toudou: Ah?

Toudou: Huh? Which one? Hijikata-san, you'd actually read something so old-fashioned? How are you so popular at Shimabara when you're reading books like this?

Hijikata: Hey, Heisuke! What do you mean by old-fashioned! Reading the classics is more educational than anything else. You should read books like this.

Toudou: Ah, if you say so, I'll read it.

(coughing)

Hijikata: Hey, is there someone else? Sorry, I thought that there was no one else here…

Kazama: You guys can't even decide what books to read? How foolish.

Hijikata: Ah! That voice... is Kazama?

Kazama: You force your values ​​on others, and speak as if you know everything. It seems you don't even know the basic common sense of reading.

Hijikata: Huh?

Kazma: A book is something you have to choose and decide the value of for for yourself. Are you not able to understand that?

Hijikata: If you don't have a standard to determining value, you can't decide what is good, and whaa is bad. The values ​​that you decide on yourself are the ones that you can impose on others. That's why it's important to listen to other people's opinions on values.

Kazama: And that standard is the classics… is it? How pathetic.

Hijikata: What did you say?

Kazama: Your unquestioning belief in old things lasting for a long time is exactly how you all live your lives, clinging to the dying shogunate, though I don't mind praising you for your blind loyalty.

Toudou: Hey, you've been eavesdropping on us from the start and then spouting nonsense here? In the first place, if you want to decide on what books to read, then the method for making those decisions will vary from person to person, right? Isn't it fine to listen to other people's values and then mke your own decision?

Kazama: Ha, I've heerad that often. But even that opinion is not yours.

Toudou: Then what are you saying! Wouldn't it be better if you had someone teach you how to say things?

Kazama: There's no need for that. I was just teaching you how to speak in a way that's appropriate for you.

Toudou: Stop it!

Hijikata: Heisuke! Don't fall for his provocation. If you want to pay him back, use your katana. The next time we meet.

(Hijikata and Heisuke leave)

Kazama: This is why country aand cowardly samurai are such a pain [not sure what to put here. the JP here is 田舎の犬侍 apparently. the cn version just says 'country samurai']. Proprietor, I'll be borrowing this.

---end---

notes: 『御伽草子』 or "Otogi-zōshi" are "a group of about 350 Japanese prose narratives written primarily in the Muromachi period (1392–1573)."

source: wikipedia

[lewiscarrolatemybrain]

Something something Wen Ning/Wen Zhuliu parallels something something blind unquestioning obedience to someone who is not your family and the ways that loyalty requires you to fully cast off your family (Sect/Clan in WN’s case) in order to fulfill it something something there is blood on your hands and when you try to wash it off the only basin available is filled with more blood you were a good man once maybe you think, you wanted to be, anyway, you tried to be, and now you’re not sure what you are what you are is a Wen Dog and there is someone holding your leash and that’s freeing at first, comforting, to put your life and your autonomy in the hands of someone who has shown you kindness, but someday you will look back at the man you used to be and wonder what he would think of you now. Would he be ashamed? Should you be ashamed? Something something where is the line between love and obsession.

I don’t have the time or brain space to do a whole essay right now but like you get it. The themes.

[hermeticphoenix]

Pitfalls in Spirituality and How to Overcome Them

Spiritual communities and practices offer opportunities for growth, connection, and self-discovery. However, they are not immune to pitfalls and challenges. Recognizing and addressing these issues is essential for fostering healthy and transformative spiritual experiences. So let's explore the ten common pitfalls in spiritual communities/practices and how to address them.

1. Dogma and Rigidity

One of the most significant pitfalls in spiritual communities is the tendency towards dogma and rigidity. When beliefs become fixed and unquestionable, it can hinder individual growth and discourage open-minded exploration. To counteract this, cultivate an attitude of curiosity and openness to new ideas. Embrace diversity of thought and engage in respectful dialogue with those who hold differing beliefs.

2. Ego Inflation

Spiritual practices aimed at personal growth can sometimes lead to ego inflation, where individuals develop a sense of superiority or self-righteousness. To address this, cultivate humility and self-awareness. Recognize that spiritual growth is a lifelong journey, and no one has all the answers. Practice empathy and compassion towards others, recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every individual.

3. Spiritual Bypassing

Spiritual bypassing occurs when individuals use spiritual beliefs or practices to avoid dealing with underlying psychological issues or real-world problems. To avoid this pitfall, prioritize inner healing and self-awareness. Be willing to confront difficult emotions and experiences with honesty and courage. Seek support from qualified professionals or mentors who can provide guidance and assistance on your healing journey.

4. Exploitation and Manipulation

Unfortunately, some spiritual leaders, influencers, or communities may exploit their followers for personal gain or power. To protect yourself from exploitation, maintain healthy boundaries and exercise discernment. Trust your intuition and pay attention to any red flags or inconsistencies in the behavior of spiritual leaders or communities. Seek out sources of guidance and support that prioritize integrity, transparency, and accountability.

5. Lack of Critical Thinking

Blind faith or adherence to spiritual teachings without critical examination can lead to susceptibility to manipulation or misinformation. To cultivate discernment and critical thinking skills, engage in independent research and exploration. Question assumptions and beliefs, seeking evidence and logical reasoning to support your understanding. Remember that spiritual growth involves ongoing inquiry and self-reflection.

6. Cult-like Dynamics

In extreme cases, spiritual communities can exhibit cult-like dynamics, where individuals are subjected to undue influence or control. To protect yourself from cult-like dynamics, maintain autonomy and independence of thought. Be wary of groups or leaders that demand unquestioning loyalty or obedience. Seek out communities that encourage free expression, individuality, and mutual respect.

7. Judgment and Exclusivity

Some spiritual communities may foster a judgmental or exclusive attitude towards those who don't adhere to their beliefs or practices. To counteract this, cultivate compassion and acceptance towards others. Embrace diversity and celebrate the unique contributions of individuals from all walks of life. Practice active listening and empathy, seeking to understand the perspectives and experiences of others without judgment.

8. Unbalanced Focus on Positivity

While positivity can be beneficial, an unbalanced focus on positivity can lead to the denial or suppression of difficult emotions or experiences. To cultivate emotional resilience and authenticity, embrace the full spectrum of human emotions. Allow yourself to feel and express sadness, anger, fear, and other challenging emotions without judgment. Practice self-compassion and self-care, prioritizing your mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

9. Lack of Accountability

Spiritual leaders or communities may lack mechanisms for accountability or ethical oversight, leading to abuses of power or misconduct. To advocate for accountability and transparency, speak up against injustices or abuses when you witness them. Support initiatives and organizations that prioritize integrity and ethical leadership. Encourage open dialogue and constructive feedback within spiritual communities, fostering a culture of accountability and responsibility.

10. Cultural Appropriation

Borrowing or adopting spiritual practices from marginalized cultures without proper understanding or respect can be harmful and disrespectful. To honor cultural diversity and promote cultural sensitivity, educate yourself about the origins and significance of spiritual practices. Seek permission and guidance from cultural elders or practitioners when engaging with traditions outside of your own cultural heritage. Practice humility, recognizing that spiritual wisdom is found in all cultures and traditions.

When we recognize and address these challenges with wisdom and resilience, we empower ourselves to overcome obstacles, deepen our understanding, and cultivate genuine transformation. Remember, it's not the absence of challenges that defines our spiritual journey, but rather our ability to rise above them with compassion and determination. With each step forward, may we continue to illuminate the path for ourselves and others, forging ahead on the quest for truth, authenticity, and spiritual fulfillment.

[justiceforc3po]

SW:TOR OC: Vada Z'Elion

Colonel Vada Z'Elion - Republic Trooper (Mercenary) - Class Story Compliant, Outlander

Species: Human (Cyborg)

Age: 27 at the end of class story.

Allegiances: Galactic Republic, Republic Military (Havoc Squad)

Planet: Coruscant Stronghold

Alignment: Light-Side

Romance: Lana Beniko, Elara Dorne, Ava Jaxo, others (polyamorous lesbian)

Connections: Aric Jorgan (XO, strong platonic), Jean Larranis (Adoptive Father), Neqian Zur (Acquaintance), Sazari Ashago (Past Friendship), Theron Shan (Strong Platonic), Senya Tirall (Strong Platonic), Arcann Tirall (Strong Platonic)

Biography

Born in 10 BTC, Vada Z'Elion has always been closely intertwined with Republic Military. As the daughter of a soldier serving on a base far removed from the front lines of the war, she spent a large part of her childhood there, with her father being a local civillian working with the base. She grew up in relative peace, and admired her mother, wanting to follow her footsteps one day. This did not last- the base was eventually attacked in an Imperial effort to disrupt Republic supply lines. Though it was defended successfully, it was nearly destroyed - and left Vada orphaned overnight in the wake of the battle. Seven years old at the time, she was put into the care of Jean Larranis, a friend of her mother's and teacher at the school the base had established. The both of them grew close very fast, being the only family either of them had left. The death of her parents did nothing to stifle Vada's ambitions to become a soldier. Jean, being an ex-pilot with a very jaded view on the military, tried his very best to keep her away from this path, though he realised that in the end, it was not his decision to make. This led to Vada joining a school preparing aspiring future soldiers for the military academy when she turned 13. She thrived there, adapting to the environment quickly. It was on a trip with this school that Vada's career almost came to an abrupt halt - a covert imperial sabotage operation meant to destroy the base the school was visiting left her caught in an explosion. She survived narrowly, suffering extensive hearing loss and blinding her left eye as well as earning her a distinctive burn scar across her left side and face. Shortly after making her inital recovery though, she was approached by recruiters for the military academy - they had taken notice of her case and offered her restorative cybernetics - in case she still wanted to sign up. Vada took the offer immediately - driving a wedge between her and Jean, who was furious with the proposal and its conditions, unwilling to see further harm be done to his loved ones in the name of the Republic war effort. And so, she departed without his approval, the two having barely spoken since. She became a model soldier, eager to prove herself and serve, overtaking her peers fast. Not unpopular but quiet and distanced, she didn't build many close relationships in her time there. After graduating, she served for two years on several different minor operations, eventually being recruited to Havoc Squad at the age of 24. Quickly confronted with the messiness of real spec ops work, Vada now has to adapt to her new leadership role and reevaluate her own relationship to the military - and its values.

Personality

Traits: Calm, Considerate, Practical, Reserved, Protective

Values: Honesty, Kindness, Mutual Respect, Following the Law, Professionalism

Opposed to: Unneccessary/Excessive Violence, Discrimination, Abuse of Power, Secrecy, Unquestioning Loyalty

Miscellaneous

She is very calm and collected usually, having been taught to not raise her voice at others and control her anger well. Tanno Vik, however, has tested these boundaries beyond the breaking point before. Once.

Starting off her time in Havoc Squad following all orders without question, she grew stronger in her conviction to protect lives above all else over time, even going directly against Garza's orders on Taris, destroying the bioweapons she was supposed to secure for Republic Military.

With the start of the war, but especially after the events on A-77, Vada started learning about various philosophies in her off-time, growing particularly interested in Jedi teachings. She values the code as a good guideline for anyone with large amounts of power or responsibility, including herself.

She heavily dislikes talking about her feelings, often not feeling justified in her struggles and not wanting to burden others with her own issues, especially those working under her command - this has led to some strain in her relationship to her squad members.

On a more lighthearted note, she is a bit of a flirt and has had her fair share of flings. Of course, she would never flirt while on duty, though Seargent Jaxo has very nearly made her break that rule before.

She has absolutely horrrible taste in food, opting to eat plain rations, protein shakes and protein bars only unless someone (C2-N2) stops her.

She was a big fan of Jace Malcolm as a teen - especially after gaining her own scars. Though she is a bit embarassed about her idolisation of him now, she still owns a poster of him she has hidden away in a box of memorabilia.