#doubles as perspective practice cause GOD i need to get more interesting with that shit

[degenerateshinji]

so silly this chapter hahahahhaha

[nightblink]

Blink Reads Oathbringer - Chapters 39-41

Chapter Thirty-Nine – Notes

Shallan does not want to be relegated to a scribal position.

I thought she'd have a greater surge of emotion on seeing Kaladin again, this time knowing that he was the one who killed her brother. She's very good at repressing things, but still. That was very quick for her.

Kaladinhas a talent for wrapping all that information up into a neat summary.

“like he had to be strict with himself to contain his passion.” No, Shallan, that description fits Dalinar. Kaladin has passion, but it's quieter than you're thinking, and isn't the cause of his solemnity. When his passion surges, he doesn't bother restraining it. That's Kaladin for you.

Kaladin and Jasnah are coming at this from blindingly different points of view – Jasnah removed and looking at the big picture, Kaladin at ground zero and emotionally invested in their 'enemies' as people. Theirs is not a clash that is going to be resolved easily.

Oooo, shit, I'm not surprised that Kaladin gave that retort, but that is generally not the kind of thing a soldier generally says to a superior. It is, however, a good thing to say, especially to Dalinar, who's had so many wars under his belt that he needs a new perspective to point things out sometimes.

Jasnah, it may seem hopeless, but remember the definition of stupidity.

I already worried about Kholinar. The fact that it's a “dark spot” to the Stormfather? Even more worry.

It hits even harder for Renarin, who probably knows his home like the back of his hands, knows the people who likely died in that assault…

Dalinar is right, but a part of me is pumping my fist in glee at the thought of an Adolin-Kaladin Strike Pair

(Did I not say before that I am a sucker for Battle Couples)

That's. Jasnah, did you not hear Dalinar when he explained that there was less than a year between Desolations before Aharietiam? Even if you send the Heralds back, that won't buy you any time! The fact that most of them are mad now only means that they'll cave more quickly!

Kaladin, I thought you were better than to call a woman “Woman”. Really. Seriously. Did you just do that.

She proposes the sacrifice of the one for the good of the many, but consider my previous argument as to how that particular solution is flawed.

Thank you, Dalinar.

Pffffft, and Shallan's getting distracting by all this talk of strategy. Unsurprising.

Shallan you had one job

...did you just backtalk to Jasnah?

Jasnah is hitting on a lot of very good points, and as expected, Shallan is retreating into herself. Hiding behind Veil as if Veil were an entirely separate person, though…

Honestly, I think Shallan would benefit with some further guidance and authority - outside help in general. Without knowing the problems at hand, though, Jasnah probably isn't going to be able to provide that if Shallan simply slips behind another personality and shoves the blame for her other escapades/mental diversions.

“Was she perhaps simply not interested?” If my suspicions/headcanons of aro Jasnah are correct? Then yeah.

Wait wait wait, Helaran was an acolyte of the Skybreakers?

Chapter Forty – Questions, Peeks, and Inferences

Uli Da? That must be another of the Shattered Shards. (Upon checking, Ambition. Makes sense that that one would be labeled a problem from the start.)

Two groups foresaw the return of the Desolations? The Sons of Honor had to be one, as they were apparently actively trying to make it happen, but what was the other…? Ohh, must be the Skybreakers who were trying to prevent it.

Goddamn it Gavilar.

[winces] Yeaaah, Nale has taken 'the ends justify the means' to heart with a vengeance.

Shallan's mother knew the Skybreakers? Or at least one of those who was applying to be in their order? Is that why she tried to kill Shallan all those years ago, when he was only a child?

“the only member of Amaram's army to have bonded a spren was long since eliminated.” And probably by the Skybreakers in an earlier strike, or simply engineered it so that a battle would take them out and make it look 'natural'

“There are lies in this letter.” And likely omitted truths as well. An organization like the Ghostbloods isn't going to give away anything more than they absolutely have to.

He's got you, Shallan. Mraize knows that you can't resist a good secret.

Even if Shallan has a bed at this point, I still imagine she likes to nest in as many covers as she can accumulate

It's good that she's getting to know her men, though this is certainly a novel way to do it – and probably the only real way to do it, since she is their employer.

“It's like she can't decide who she is, you know?” ohhhh, if only you'd take a look at your own advice…

I really like that we're getting a game and explanation. One more piece of worldbuilding, sure, but an important one to know considering that the Vorins aren't fond of dicing. Guessing games are probably common, though I feel like the lighteyes prefer games with a more strategical bent.

….Shallan did you get Pattern to spy on the pieces for you.

Trying to double-cross Mraize is a very, very dangerous proposition. However, it could likely be a rewarding one. You're definitely going to try it. You want those secrets too much not to try.

Oooo, I almost forgot that Shallan/Veil didn't know about your history with the bridge crews, Gaz. Though of all people, I wouldn't have guessed that you wanted to fly.

ISHNAH, HI. WELCOME TO CLUB VEIL.

You really want to get into the Ghostbloods if you're willing to spy on a (supposed) member, who at the very least you saw stab a knife through her own hand and Nat20 an Intimidation check.

That's actually quite the intelligent tactic, and with any luck you'll end up with a good many useful pawns that you can use to further your endeavours both with and against the Ghostboods, as well as building your own skills. Even better, you might draw Ishnah to your own side rather than the Ghostbloods'. But if she does go to the Ghostbloods and passes on intimate information on you…. That could back you into a tight corner.

Chapter Forty-One – On the Ground Looking Up

“You turned your back on divinity.” That sounds remarkably chromatic-dragon of you.

“If Rayse becomes an issue, he will be dealt with.” WHAT DO YOU THINK THE BLOODY ENTIRE ROSHARAN SYSTEM WAS ALL ALONG, YOU OVERGROWN LIZARD, ODIUM'S GOAL ALL ALONG? NO. THIS IS A SPEED BUMP, UNLESS SOMEHOW THE ROSHARANS CAN PULL OFF A FUCKING MIRACLE. THIS IS THE DISTRACTION THAT KEEPS ODIUM FROM WRECKING THE REST OF THE COSMERE, INCLUDING YOU, YOU SYPHILLITIC CROCODILE.

“And so will you.” Counterspell. Fuck off.

TEFT

FINALLY. WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN.

In… alleyways. Dirty ones, without a care for yourself. ...okay then.

“a night on the moss”? Ten rubies says that that's a drug metaphor. Teft. Is that what you mean by 'need'? From this, I suspect so.

...you're being followed by an Honorspren, aren't you.

Yeaaaah, 'mossing' is definitely drugs

Ohhhhh, you felt the wrongness too? Indication of proto-Truthwatcher or -Lightweaver, perhaps, since Shallan and Renarin were the only two to 'sense the wrongness', though I don't think either of those Orders would suit you.

Oh no, oh Teft, what Oaths have you spoken, despite looking for escape...

Your own coat, Teft

He has a support system right there waiting for him, but he'd not ever think to reach for it. With him so practiced at dissembling, they wouldn't know to reach for him, either. But it's what he needs most desperately in the end, even if he doesn't realize it.

[bdamantherapper]

BDaMan’s Show Log (6/23/2017-6/24/2017)

*The following events take place between Friday, June 23rd and Saturday, June 24th.* Friday 12:01am - As Show Day has finally approached, it's time to start logging the events and work my way towards getting in that zone for tonight's show. 12:15am - As I usually do each day around this time, I decide to check my "On This Day" on Facebook. Found a lot of stuff relating to the "Here's The Man" release in 2013, along with a bunch of show stuff from past years. The most interesting part I discovered was that Facebook reminded it that it had been four years since B.Allen and I became Facebook friends. For anyone who knows my history real well, you'd know that obviously I've known B.Allen and Jabri way longer than 4 years. I'm assuming there was a short time period in 2013 (for whatever reason) that B.Allen and I weren't Facebook friends. All of that aside, I'm reminded that as the end of June approaches, it marks the 16 year mark that I've known B.Allen and Jabri. (Short version of the normal version of the story: Met them in late June 2001 at my Grandma's place, their mom married my dad in 2004) I'm reminded that the people you meet in life can be minor or major, depending on how the natural flow of life goes. If you would've told me a year prior in June 2000 that I'd be pursuing music heavily with someone who not only has the same name as me (with a different spelling), but someone that would be a big brother to me - I would've been so confused, to a point where I don't believe it. 12:38am (cont. from 12:15am): Since 2014, I've done full 30-45 minute performances (also known as sets) with B.Allen and prior to that, full performances with variations of the New Life crew, one exception being June 2009 at The Beat Coffeehouse. Tonight's performance marks the first full solo performance of mine since the 2009 one. B.Allen and I had a mutual understanding days ago that he wouldn't be able to perform with me for this show. I'm not taking it as hard as I once would have, it's hard to go from that transition of having someone with you on stage all these years back to solo performances. As they say, though: "The show must go on." 1:05am - Only in my house can I watch my mom watch "Orange Is The New Black" while I watch "The Bernie Mac Show". The way our house is set up, I get the best of both worlds. 3:05am - Night #2 of looking at TV Tropes of various shows. TV Tropes are officially as interesting as samples in music. 4:35am - Still not completely tired yet. Thank goodness for Melatonin and "Hey Arnold!" It'll take its course soon enough... 9:54am - With the help of some foolproof alarms, I managed to wake up when I needed to. With how long today's gonna be, I didn't wanna waste any time. 10:01am - Can't go wrong with The Price Is Right! Now just gotta decide if I'm having breakfast or lunch today. 11:22am - After a fair amount of promoting the show, I've decided on having lunch. Can't let the hustle of promoting delay the day. 12:17pm - Now that lunch is done, it's time to get some practicing in. 12:41pm - I really hate how any form of text communication can be misconstrued. I often can read through it, but sometimes, there are people who just come off so passive aggressive. Put some respeck on your texts to me. 1:24pm - Time to get some practice in! 2:12pm - My solo practice is cut a bit short, as I had to call Tony back (imagine Frank Gallagher, but a bit shorter and slightly more sane) to check in with him and see how he's doing. Convos with him always remind me to never take myself too seriously and to never take any disrespect. 3:02pm - Gotta get ready for the final practice with the Gazda band, prior to the show. Here comes the long part of my day. 3:43pm - Cos lets me know that he'll be here to pick me up shortly. I feel like it took us a long time to not only do music together, but a long time for us to do shows together. It's something we've talked about since we worked together at Walgreens. To put it in perspective, it's about 5-6 years in the making. 3:58pm - We've arrived at Dave's place to get the final show practice in before the show. I also finally get to meet KJ and Blair, two very talented musicians who will be involved with tonight's set. 4:56pm - Practice is sounding awesome with everyone here! Can't wait to see everyone's reactions to the set. 5:43pm - Practice is complete! Time to pack up shop and make the travel to Nomad. Shout-out to Blair for the ride. 5:53pm - Had a chance to listen to my recordings from the practice before we left. It was dope hearing just how well my songs meshed with the Gazda stuff. Shoutout to Dave for hooking that up. 6:07pm - For the first time since November 2015, I have arrived at Nomad! A tad earlier than I expected, but oh well. 6:36pm - A nap might've been a smart idea. I'm tired as a mug. I shouldn't have trusted the alarm tones of "Morning's Here" from Friends, a Jadakiss laugh compilation, a Kanye noises compilation and a compilation of Big Sean saying "Oh god!" It got me up, but I'm not sure if I'm gonna be staying up haha. Godspeed. 6:54pm - Ran into the homie, Kama here at Nomad World Pub. Hopefully gonna link with him on some shows and music. 7:05pm - My all-time favorite James Brown song, "The Payback" is on right now.  I'm containing my hype haha. Mitch (one of Dave's roommates) is spinning the classics right now! 7:09pm - The OG is turnt about "The Payback" right now. 7:43pm - Only in my lifetime can I just witnessed a "Happy Vagina" be drawn. Somewhat doubles as an happy avocado haha. KJ's artistry at work! All for the love of Planned Parenthood, y'all. 7:48pm - Just found out about 7 minutes ago about all the set times. I go on with Gazda at 10:45. 7:59pm - Aw, shit! "Flashlight" is playing!! For those who don't know, that is my favorite song of all time. 8:23pm - These fries are tasty as hell, though!! Shouts out to Sarah for sharing her fries. Chronicles of a Broke Rapper. 8:33pm - First time in the Green Room since the first Culchr Showcase from November 2015. So many memories plus thoughts racing through my mind. 8:47pm - Before I left the Green Room, I saw an old Culchr sticker we put down there. It felt so symbolic to see that, despite not quite feeling the Culchr surroundings love today. No Alex or B.Allen with me for this one. However, I hear "Juicy Fruit" by Mtume and it makes me feel better. Most specifically, the sampled vocals that Biggie interpolated for "Juicy". 8:59pm - Just heard the sample for "Looking At The Front Door" by Main Source. I believe Cos is DJing at the moment, not sure. On another note, it's dope that it's still pure daylight at 9pm. 9:16pm - Had to grab the portable charger quick. As I came back up and outside, I ran into the big homie, Carnage. Last time I saw him was at our Club Underground performance in November 2015. It's gonna be interesting taking the stage after his band performs. That's a mighty name to follow when it comes to the lyrics. 9:28pm - Cricket and Bernard are the emcees of the night. They seem like naturals at it. This is gonna be an interesting ass night. 9:31pm - Wild Age is up. This is the band that Blair is also in. They have a good 90s type rock sound. 9:51pm - Well then...looks like we're after Wild Age. Time to speed up the flip of the switch! 10:03pm - Apparently, we aren't next lol. Cos told me that Everything's Been Taken wanted to trade, but then retracted said trade after realizing they were already in the spot they needed to be in, set wise. Total tactical error. On a side, "We're on the move...nothing can stop us now! FEET DON'T FAIL ME NOW!" 10:31pm - Everything's Been Taken (Carnage, Laura Lou and Soul Beautiful) are up. I expect nothing less than dopeness here. They don't call Carnage the "Show Stealer" for nothing! If you add Carnage to an eclectic of musicians, there's minimal room for error. I'd like to also add that on the local scene, Carnage has been a driving force of inspiration for how my style has morphed. Ever since him and Desdamona came to my Poetry class in Senior year, I've been finding ways to carry that growl in my vocals while having some fun with it. That's about 7 years of me taking notes, sure ain't stopping now. 11pm - Got my drink tickets from Cos finally. Time to drink this Surly Hell. Still blown away by Carnage's performance of "MN Mean". Goddamn!! 11:15pm - Everything's Been Taken is on their final song, meaning that Gazda and myself are next! Now, it's time to flip that switch very soon. 11:21pm - Had to give Carnage props on the dope set. Told him how he's been an inspiration since 2010 and he told me how I was doing good to represent for the big men by having energy on stage. Man...my jitters are kicking in fast! 11:50pm - In the words of Sting, "It's SHOWTIME!" Saturday 12:21am - Wow! That turned out doper than I ever imagined!! Got some good props from a good chunk of people, especially Carnage himself. Even the OG from Louisiana gave me props. He was shocked as hell that I went the whole time prior to the show without saying anything about performing tonight. I still gotta work on the whole not losing the voice thing, but I pulled it off decently enough with some "change in mid-stream" mannerisms. 12:35pm - Shoutout to Sarah and Shane for letting me get a slice of their pizza. Hedgies Pizza, that's a major key! Shout-out to KJ as well for her very, very talented vocals. Shout-out to Dave for doing his thing on the bongos, as well as Blair for the keyboard and guitar - so dope! And of course, shout-out to Cos for getting it all together and having me involved. I have a feeling this is the start of a great musical relationship. 12:53am - Big shout-out to Blair for the ride home. Saved a young brotha some time. Wish I could've stayed to see Ayvah, but my body was telling me to get home for sleep. 1:10am - "Back to my palace, cause I suffer Morning Madness!" 1:45am - I'm about to slay these hot dogs and get ready for the decompress portion of the night. 2:52am - Catching up on Beat Shazam with my mom. At least this keeps me hype about music. 4:20am - As I watch "Malcolm & Eddie", I reflect on the day as a whole. Very, very few negative moments and a whole lot of positive moments (even some unexpected positive moments). A truly glorious day. I never understand how I manage to have so much energy after this much time has passed. One of many of my life's mysteries. Until the next show log, this is BDaMan - closing it out!