#esaay

[punishing-eden]

Thoughts on the Latest Archon Quest...

Aka why Neuvillette is the best boy, a stan's Essay...

⚠️MAJOR SPOILERS FOR ARCHON QUESTS AND STORY QUESTS⚠️

>>>TDLR at the end

Tags: Rambling, long post, not really an essay, but just want to say a few things, idk will this make sense, I can't write essays this just a word vomit.

Please note that this is just MY opinion. I am not here to slander, theory craft, or be in an argument. I just want to give my two cents and thoughts about this game and the story.

══════════════════

I have recently got back to Genshin mainly due to Furina. I actually like everything about her, from her colours to her characterisation. The lastest Archon Quest solidifies her as one of my favourite Genshin characters.

Firstly, I want to talk about Fontaine's plotline as a whole, how everything ties up together on the end. Then, why I find Neuvillette such an endearing character through out the arc.

Previously, after going through Sumeru's Archon Quest, which; I find it more enjoyable and better written than Inazuma's arc, I had expressed my concerns regarding the AQ's plotlines in the Hoyo survey.

This concern feels a bit silly to type it out now after the fact, but during that time, at least to me, it felt like a main concern.

The main concern was about the over all theme of AQs: the people vs Archon. I fear that it would be overly used and recycled. That, it might get predictable, and what's the point of me continuing the quest if the story is basically, help people accept the archon, or help the archon accept the people.

In otherwords, if each nation has a unique crisis of their own, I personally would find it more engaging to continue and see.

In general, Fontaine did not disappoint.

Firstly, I want to say, I enjoy watching Tartaglia getting yeeted. Lol.

As for the story, I think the pacing improved, although there are still some areas in the story that I think could be better. For instance the Fotress of Meropide arc, and the Spina arc. But, I think it has improved in terms of linking the events and foreshadowing something bigger for the grand finale at the last act.

Not to mention, the AQ seems to finally address, or acknowledge the anomlies of Teyvat, like the Descenders, Skirk, and a bit about Celestia.

It's not a lot, but enough for me to be satisfy. Because, in the past, these lore bits are just crumbs. And, now it feels like the actual agency/story is moving forward to something.

As for the story itself, I like the concept of the prophecy. For some reason, it reminds me of Noah's Ark with the flooding, punishment, and the flying ship in Meropide.

The prophecy aspect feels unique. Paired it with Furina, the archon who we all perceive as a stereotypical Marie-Antoinette-quese, and dramatic personality, to be incompetent in the time of crisis. I was at the edge of my seat to see how can she solve this problem.

People might say, "Well, the traveller is going to help her, of course!" which brings me to my next point.

For once, the traveller feels powerless. A stark contrast to the usual, "Only the traveller can do this.", or "The traveller is so strong they can bring an end to this.", and I think this makes the stakes higher, more exciting.

Heck, most of the cut scenes show how the casts were the ones who take initiative to solve problems. Like, Clorinde and Wriothesley at Meropide, or Navia saving the traveller when the clockwork meka went haywire.

Overall the story felt like a roller coaster of emotions, packed with tension, mystery, and drama. The last act was just so bittersweet for me.

I love the moments between Focalor and Neuvillette. I think it kind of shows how much connection they both had through out those 400 years.

Also, Focalor is really pretty!!!!??? Like, can this be a skin option?!

In regards to Neuvillette, I am not here to do an expert character analysis, but to kind of just tell you how I interpret Neuvillette's character, and in what aspect did I enjoy him the most in the role of the story.

Do note that I play in the Japanese voice over, so the characterisation and interpretation is different than the English voice over.

What I like the most about Neuvillette might be the fact, how simple his character is. If I were to boil down Neuvillette's core character it would simply be: benevolent.

His character is of a benevolent Hydro Dragon (I don't know can this statement be use to describe to his past self.) Not only to Melsuines, or to other people in general, but I also think it is how he sees the world.

Such as, his relationship with Furina, I actually think he's being very patient with her (Save for the trial, because everyone was desperate at that point). The time when he was ask how he would 'hunt' his 'prey', Neuvillette states he would use the most gentlest way as possible. Visiting Callas's grave after being confronted by Navia. Heck, this guy even goes out of his way to make the small talk just to not let Paimon feel awkward.

Despite how simple his characterisation is, it is also complex in a sense. In his SQ, we get to see how Neuvillette has his own concerns and issues settling in Fontaine. And, it is not soley his benevolence that is causing him the issue, rather, it was the circumstances that happened in the past, and how he interpreted the whole situtation and it's aftermath. I think the SQ did a good job in showing how complex he can get, if given the right conflict and situtation. *cough cough* we will not talk about a certain SQ *cough*

I think the narration for his SQ did a good job in focusing on Neuvillette as a character, and the emotional side of him. I might be a little empathetic, with the cut scene and the information we learned, I was able to connect with Neuvillette emotionally by how well the cut scene wrapped up the story. I felt the melancholy and bittersweetness.

Whereas for Wriothesley's SQ, just to compare, it was interesting to say the least. But, I couldn't connect with him in an emotional level as I did with Neuvillette. And, I think if the Devs could just show a bit more vulnerability of Wriothesley's character (his past is the most interesting part about him.) it would be a better connection with the character, instead of info dumping about his past in the most anti-climatic way.

I actually really enjoy Neuvillette's and Furina's relationship. As I said before, I find Neuvillette being extremely patient with Furina with her antics, despite he sometimes make comments on how she handle things, I still think he holds Furina close (Not in shipping way), after all it was her that gave him a place in Fontaine.

The part where Neuvillette finally meets Focalor, and knowing what was being set in stone; Neuvillette will regain all his original powers to end the crisis, and Focalor getting guillotined to get rid of the heaven principle's influence on Fontaine (I think Focalor is the only one, by far, was able to actually spite Celestia). That scene, I find, moving, and it really shook me, especially when Neuvillette made this expression:

He might not be the most expressive character, but...gosh that expression conveys so much of his emotions.

My interpretations is: I don't think Neuvillette wanted Focalor to sacrifice herself, and felt there could be another way. There are so many things he wanted to say to her, and to even ask her.

But alas, he never got a chance to before Focalor was guillotined.

The more I write about this particular scene, the more questions and new possible interpretation comes to mind:

Why did Neuvillette feel upset when Focalor executed herself? If, essentially, she's a different "person" to Furina. Could this mean, regardless of Focalor and Furina, he still sees them both as one entity?

Who, or what, is he grieving (I interpret him as griefing in the admist of powering up) for? Was he grieving because he felt sympathy for what Furina and Focalor had to do?

To be honest, I don't know, so I can't conclude an opinion. Maybe when he got a second act to his SQ, it could provide more insight for me to have an opinion.

But for now, I believe everything Neuvillette does comes from a good place in his heart even if it doesn't seem like it at the beginning. He could have got his power up and simply reclaim Fontaine and not care about the people, like Apep, but he didn't and chose to fillful Focalor's wishes. Even so, he still worries about Furina's well being after the fact.

After all that has been said of my impression of Neuvillette, I find his benevolence, and his lack of conventional human expression very endearing. I also enjoy how we began to gradually see him become more expressive. I enjoyed his relationship with Furina because they are kinda like a set, in my opinion, like a dynamic duo type of characters.

That being said, I hope the devs can continue with their good work, and I am excited to see what the Teyvat journey ahead would be like.

>>>

TLDR: Teyvat's Fontaine arc is nicely written. It has showcase improvements in regards of the overall story telling of the Archon Quests, such as pacing, flow, and themes. Although, there were a few parts of the story that I feel could have been done better.

It's nice that the story also finally addressed the anomalies of the Teyvat world (as they play a much bigger part), thus giving more information to the lore, and help to bring agency back to the main story.

In my opinion, Neuvillette is a greatly written character, and I enjoy his character throughout the Archon Quests. In my character study/writing perspective, Neuvillette's characteration, I find, is very interesting, and I couldn't wait to see more of his character in the future.

Thank you for reading of you made it this far!

[samrandom]

Propaganda and subtle bias

My latest free essay on #Israel #eurovision and #bias is up!

Please take a look, super proud of this one!!

http://anunusedfrequency.com/2024/05/19/propaganda-and-subtle-bias/

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[notsofriendlyfriendlyreminder]

TW: suicidal thought mention

While I am still fighting with writing a fictional book, I am playing with the idea of an personal/biography/journal/notes-type book. We were putting it together with one of my friends during language class. Every chapter would start the same, with the phrase I want to kill myself, and then it would be followed by a random thought spree. Here is one I would want to use.

I want to kill myself, but not today. The sun is finally shining and my walks home are enjoyable. When I leave the hot bus, and pollen swallows me, and I feel the sun on my skin, I don't want to run home. I stop and watch the flowers that sprouted next to the roud. The white ones, the purple ones, I need to learn their names. Oh dandelion, what have you done that I remember your name? You're strong, alone and in a group, a sea of suns looking at me. And while your strenght doesn't wither, your heart becomes weaker. In few weeks, I'll caress you gently, and you'll fly away. I won't follow you yet. No, not yet. I have to make a painting for my room. Will you be my muse? Do you promise to stand still? Is that too much to ask? The dogs greet me behind the fence. They know me, I walk here everyday. If I stand still they'll stop. I will never scream at you, you protect. The final strech is a steep hill, my legs become lighter, and I wanna run to the sky. It's so blue. It's that where you have gone? Where will I go? When? Oh, not today, my grandma is outside with her friend.

[worm--dealer]

Watching random Pathologic video essays/reviews on YouTube while i draw and knit and stuff is one of my favorite things to do. But I've noticed something that bothers me so much. A lot of them talk about how much they love the game, and then they proceed to actively discourage people from actually playing the game.

Like, I get it to an extent. It definitely does feel a bit like a walking simulator and the gameplay can be a bit wonky, and I definitely get it if it's not for you. But like. If you watched one of these videos and are interested in the story, I highly recommend at least attempting to play it! It does have issues, but I feel like the story and the characters make up for it. And if you get stuck, you can look up a walk-through or something (I definitely looked up where to find the haruspex, bachelor, the sister, and her followers while playing the Changeling route because i had such a hard time finding them lol)

Many of them recommend only playing Pathologic 2 (and don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore that game and it is definitely better than the first game-play wise) but like, if you enjoy the torture simulator that is Pathologic 2 then I feel like you'd probably enjoy Classic as well.

[justalexisfine]

I'm kinda nervous to make this post, but I feel as if this needs to be said:

we don't mind if sex is mentioned in a post or something along those lines. we also don't mind random sex jokes now and then, but there is a limit with us.

we only have a problem with it when it mentions/features us or when someone makes a sexual remark about us when we are a minor. sure, if it's a joke (and if it is a joke, then please say it in tone tags or a small statement after said joke), then we're fine with it (as long as it doesn't go too far).

we are used to sex jokes, so we're unaffected by it (a lot of irls of ours have a sense of humor that includes sex jokes).

and if we like a post that has been deemed suggestive? we're most likely not affected by it and just like the post in itself (and don't feel anything from the suggestive part), or we did it by accident.

we have a sort of blank opinion on things like this, but we do have a line that is drawn in case we need to use it.

so mutuals, if we've liked something that has been deemed suggestive by your terms, then this is probably why. (of course, we won't like things that are filter tagged because... well, they're filter tagged)

also, we don't exactly just... see the appeal in it (sex, i mean)? I mean, we just don't feel anything from suggestive posts if it isn't aimed at anyone in particular.

we, quite literally, do not care about it. we feel a disconnect from it. and that can change, but we've felt a disconnect from it for a while now

we like seeing others express their sense of humor and themselves. it makes us happy.

this isn't aimed and is just like in general

(/gen, lh, not aimed)

[bad-ads]

college admissions make me feel so sas but then i bang out an absolute killer essay in 2 hrs and then i remember that im a god and literally so good

[protect-namine]

liveblogging this, I guess. you know the drill. mute/filter out #liveblogging hol if you don't want to see me blog about this

anyway, three thoughts so far, I guess

holy post-modern literature, batman! we're going meta

by chapter one, the book establishes at least four levels? of narration that I can find (the editors, truant, zampano, and navidson — either the person or the record). cool, cool, no reliable narration whatsoever here, got it

sooooo glad I was obsessed with reading about dionysus myths a few months ago, because now I have some knowledge on ariadne and the labyrinth (not really a dionysus myth, it's just that dionysus fell in love with ariadne later on after theseus left her)

[radioactivelight]

yeah I’m feeling absolutely normal about heartstopper s2

(is absolutely not)

[seven-stars-in-his-palm]

mania, mania have you seen the commission I bought from Steph for my most recent fic???

(spinning around at how good it is and how much I want you to see it) (it's okay if not but aaaargghh the angst is real) (help I'm going insane and I want to bite it)

i checked. how the fuck could you do to that to me?

[thesecrethistori-an]

Once again, aware that excellence is a trap but still a victim to a validation kink :|

[sociallyawkwardcat]

love story: do you believe in love at first sight? why/why not

the last time: when is the last time you’ve genuinely laughed?

all too well: what’s your favorite taylor memory?

red: what is your favorite season and why?

thanks sm for the ask!!! <333 💕

love story - i don't believe in love at first sight (i'm just gonna go on a rant ahead so beware)

why not? because as fantastic and wonderous it may be to imagine i think that *love* in its entirety can't be felt on the first sight instead i think there may exist a feeling that you might feel that entirety somewhere in the future. this is probably because to me love is a fiercely deep and complex emotion and being while also being the simplest thing one could ever feel 👍 anyways so yeah i just think love the way i understand it can't be felt on the first sight <3

the last time - depressingly i can't remember but it's probably been a year or so (im totally fine 💀😭👍)

all too well - there are soo many but right now i'm really sentimental about dr. taylor swift's nyu graduation moment <3 the speech and everything are just mwah mwah mwah 💞💖

red - definitely autumn/monsoon or winter <3 monsoon/autumn because i just LOVE thunderstroms, rain (the smell and everything) and falling leaves <33 winter because me, a physical touch entusiast and simp, gets a major reason for snuggles and cuddles and just holding and hugging each other <3 also i can wear layers on layers of clothes without being judged or side-eyed for it lol ❄⛱

[kurthorton-moving]

i got encouraged by one (1) person so me.g gri.ffin blog coming at u soon

[violasgamingpalace]

Fallout, Really good! Rightfully deserves its place as most beloved CRPG among mega-nerds. Which is, honestly, kinda a shame, because the game is so so flawed. But the CRPG genre is such a hard genre to develop that, in fact, yes the 1997 game you can beat in under 15 hours your first playthrough really is a pinnacle of the genre.

Now, part of what is impressive about Fallout is that the games flaws are turned into strengths by clever game design.

The gameplay systems for combat and skill checks aren't particularly dynamic? Sure! But it's a relatively brisk playtime so you aren't going to engage with those systems heavily enough to grow tired of them. Sardonic messages accompany the description of HP damage, which helps to add spice to individual battles.

A lot of the alternative options for quests are pretty finicky, but they're alternatives. Sure, I didn't bother to learn how explosives work, but now I can blow up the scorpion cave when I play next time. By focusing development time elsewhere and keeping the polishing off the table, the most important aspects of the game got finished and work.

Where the game works best, and why I loved it, is its very strong use of theme. That intro movie is famous for a reason, it's very good, and most importantly it MATTERS to the rest of the game. An intro like that could have very easily just been a cool starting point that is totally dropped as other designers worked on everything else.

But instead the themes it brings up are carried through the rest of the game. The war-mongering that led up to the nukes flying are, in fact, one and the same of the Mutant army. So much so, that observation players will realize the FEV that creates mutants is quite literally just another arm of the American war Machine. (One of my favorite illustrations of this is if you ally with the master another movie plays of the assault on Vault 13 that quite clearly mirrors the American assault on Canada we see in the intro)

Here we also see the perfect marriage of the games Theme and Tone. Theme- war never changes. Tone- the idealism of 1950s Americana contrasted with the war machine that created it.

That, finally, is why the game is set in California. It's biggest influence isn't post-apoclyapse genre fiction, but instead American Western films, the quintessential American Story about the necessity of violence, here turned into a parody of why, in fact, the strength and fascist ideologies that pushed these narratives can only end with inevitable fallout.

[tenderloincherub]

W. K. C. Guthrie, A History of Greek Philosophy I The earlier Presocratics and the Pythagoreans