#even finding guidance is difficult and thus not very fun

[foxstens]

animal well is a great game that i'm too stupid for

[cilis-readings]

pac which deity should you reach out to

reminder: these are very general readings. messages can be picked from each pile and apply to you and your current situation. take what resonates, leave what doesn’t :)

just to preface, i work with a few deities regularly and have communicated with several for various reasons. this reading is all in good fun, all of the deities that came through in this pick a card reading were made aware that this was for a collective group of people and they agreed to be included! if you feel called to reach out to any of the deities below, feel free to do so! just be sure you do some research before diving into things — if you need help or don’t know where to start, my messages are always open :)

pile 1

the deity that made their presence known for pile one is the greek goddess selene! she made herself known with the moon card. selene is the greek personification of the moon. she is typically worshipped during the full moon and new moon but she can be called upon whenever you need her energy. she sees everything that goes on in the night and she travels across the sky in her chariot every night, pulling the moon behind her.

she may be helpful in your healing process if you have emotional wounds that still haven’t healed. she can be somewhat cold at times but that’s because people don’t truly understand her and her experiences. she can help you tap into your unconscious and become aware of the tools you need in order to heal. she also brings forth our shadow self, making us face those parts of ourself that we tend to shy away from. her main goal usually lies within the realm of having us let go of the things we truly have no control over. letting go of those things we cling so hard to gives us the freedom to heal and be happy with who we are and what we have.

pile 2

the deity that made their presence known for pile two is the egyptian goddess isis! she chose to make herself known through the temperance card. isis is the goddess of a multitude of things, including but not limited to healing, magic, fertility, and even motherhood. she is a goddess who is fiercely protective over her worshippers and even those who just casually work with her from time to time. she provides a very nurturing environment and makes you feel safe and warm inside.

she can help us hone in on our intuition and help give us the guidance we need to feel comfortable enough to share our intuitive gifts with others. she is also helpful when it comes to making decisions that might be difficult for us to fully comprehend, thus giving us the clarity we need to make the best decision for everyone involved. since she has that motherly spirit about her, she’s also strict when she needs to be. if she catches you procrastinating or losing motivation, she will put you in your place. she allows us to get into the habit of practicing moderation. she is very upfront about not wanting to deal with extreme behaviors or personalities, she wants to promote balance in any way that she can.

pile 3

the final deity that made their presence known is the norse god odin. he chose to make himself known through the magician card. now odin, just like isis and selene, has so many different facets about him but i’m going to try to limit myself for this collective reading. odin is the all father in norse mythology, he is the god of war and death, but also poetry and magic, hence him coming through as the magician!

odin is a great deity to reach out to do just about anything, but my experiences with him have to do with finding my own inner strengths and knowing when to reach out to others. i know that everyone’s experience is going to be different but those are just a few things he helped me with. moving forward, he can help us see what we aren’t seeing, he sees all and isn’t afraid to show us what we need to see. he can also help with learning to trust your own abilities and not having to rely too much on what other people think about. he can help us feel like we are truly capable and competent when it comes to knowing what steps we need to take to get to where we want to go. he also has a more parental aura about him like isis due to him being the all father. his wisdom and skills are very strong aspects of his and they tend to rub off on the people he works with.

if you’d like a more in depth reading i offer paid readings here!! i also have a tip jar if you’re feeling kind,, tips are not expected but they are very appreciated! any feedback is appreciated as well, i hope this reading was helpful to you in one way or another :)

[hereticpriest]

Mercy - Chapter 2: Bitter

Rating: Explicit 18+

MDNI

Relationship: Obi-Wan Kenobi x Reader

To begin with, some warnings about this story: A/B/O Dynamics, Female Alpha, Male Omega, Some chapters may involve messing with the whole 'alphas are always dom and omegas are always sub' because I think nuance exists even in A/B/O dynamics, Fucking with the timeline (this is a blend of Canon, Legends, and original lore), Minimal use of Y/N (Explained in the first chapter), Reader is an alien species of my own creation and thus has a physical description, Familial bonds explored heavily, Clone rights explored heavily, Violence is more graphic than canon-typical however any graphic descriptions will be noted, AFAB reader, Not beta-read so I apologize for any mistakes.

Chapter Warnings: Still lots of exposition. I promise I am getting there - at least there's more Obi-Wan in this one? Abandonment is once again discussed. Nothing explicit yet. If you notice any missing warnings, please let me know!

Read on AO3

Masterlist - Part One - Part Three - Part Four

Chapter 2: Bitter

Walking beside your Master always made you feel so poised and regal. He had long ago taught you how to carry yourself, and you knew you made a good picture of the respectable Jedi by following his example. He compared you often to his previous Padawan, now a Jedi Master with his own apprentice - the Stewjonni boy, Obi-Wan Kenobi. At the difficult age of fourteen, you did your best to master your rebellious teenage instincts, worsened by your presentation. Your Master was always very good about reminding you of the Alpha you wanted to be - not ruled by your instincts and emotions, but eagerly and consciously following the will of the Force.

Master Dooku often encouraged his old Padawan, Master Qui-Gon, to bring his Padawan along so that you both could train together. You were the same age, however Obi-Wan had only been chosen by Qui-Gon the year prior, so you took care to do your best to be supportive as he got used to learning under a Master instead of in classes. Training with him was as fun as it was difficult, and you found yourself constantly learning new things. He primarily used Form IV, Ataru, and you found it fun to practise against someone who used such a voracious form. It was a genuine challenge, especially as Obi-Wan grew under Master Qui-Gon’s guidance.

Master Dooku had a habit of assigning you research tasks in the Archives that seemed like a waste of time until you got to the very end, at which point you would find the answer to a question you’d recently asked your Master, or more detailed information about something you had recently been discussing. On one summer morning, Obi-Wan and Doa’su trailed after you as you made your way into the Archives with your datapad in hand. Bustling past Jacosta Nu, you made your way to the stack listed in your note from your Master, and were surprised to find pad after pad of information regarding previous Jedi. Your master had indicated seven pads and data chips for you to collect and review, and Doa’su hummed as she pulled one of the data chips down from the shelves.

“This data chip contains a holo of Master Aulo Bas, a Consular who spent his life in the Temple on Ilum.” She informed you, plugging it into the display at the end of the stack. A strange, and somehow familiar face appeared before you. A face like yours. Lavender skin unlike your pink, but with similarly pointed ears, a strong frame, and a slender tail tipped with a point. He was Haelan, like you.

“Well, that explains that.” Obi-Wan mused, offering Doa’su another data chip to plug in. Again, another Haelan appeared. This one had powder blue skin, and a tail that ended in a tuft of fur. Master Xyla Wellar, a Jedi Weapon Master who specialised in lightsaber pikes and other weapons with reach. You hummed thoughtfully as you brought up the first of the datapads, skim-reading the contents. It appeared to be from a Master Sav Lasra, who broke up a slave ring in the mid rim in which he found several Haela slaves. According to Master Sav, the Haela were valued as slaves due to the strong natural anaesthetics in their saliva, as well as their proposed natural high pain tolerance. It was a grim account, and you felt your stomach turn as you skimmed the descriptions of the experiences Master Sav had while resettling those ex-slaves back on Haelstruum.

“Did Master Dooku just find the records of all of the Haela Jedi and decide to make you read up on them?” Doa’su asked while skimming another datapad, “This one is about a Healer who acted as a battle medic. Ewwww, he used to use his spit for pain relief in emergency situations. I wonder if he… did he just spit on them? Did he lick them? Groooooss.”

You laughed, collecting the datapads and chips from your friends, “Master Dooku always has a reason for the research he assigns me. I’ll have to read all of it before I figure out what his plan was.”

Obi-Wan nodded sagely, stroking his chin, “Master Qui-Gon does the same thing. I guess he learned it from your Master.”

That drew a laugh from both you and Doa’su, and Obi-Wan soon joined you as you all departed from the Archives before you could get in trouble with Archivist Nu. It took you three days to read through all of the datapads you’d been given, and in the end, you were still a little confused about the purpose of your research project. When you were done, you approached your Master, sitting knee-to-knee with him in the meditation chambers.

“Did you finish your research?” Your Master asked, a smile already pulling at his lips as if he knew the troubles you were having.

“Yes Master.” You replied politely, waiting a few moments before you continued, “I’m not sure what the point of the lesson was, I’m afraid.”

Master Dooku smiled even wider, finally cracking his eyes open to look at you, “I’m proud of you for admitting it, my young apprentice. It isn’t always easy to admit when you are unsure. I assigned you this research project because you were taken from your home very young, and there are not currently any Haela Jedi. Master Sav Lasra passed away when you were but a youngling, and he only had the chance to visit you once, long before you would possibly remember it. Most of the other Padawans have someone of their species to learn from. I wanted you to see those who came before you, and read their personal accounts.”

You nodded. This was the only conclusion you had been able to come up with, though you had been sure there was more to it. It was a simple, but very kind thought, and something you had in fact been thinking about recently. You wanted to know more about the other Haela Jedi.

“And now, for your reward.” Master Dooku said with a playful lilt to his voice, instantly making you perk up, “First, I found a force crystal on a moon in the outer rim on my last mission. I want you to have it.”

You perked up, taking the offered bundle of scarlet silk and carefully unwrapping it as if the crystal might bite you. It shimmered and pulsed in your hands, and you felt the Force swirl around you as if pleased.

“Secondly, Master Sav left you a small box of his belongings. He had intended to give it to you himself, however, he left instructions with the council for them to be given to you when you were old enough. He wanted you to have the chance to be close to your heritage, both as a Haela, and a Haela Jedi.” Master Dooku explained, lifting a simple metal box from behind his back. He handed it over, then gave your forearms a gentle squeeze, as if to reassure you.

Under your Master’s watchful gaze, you carefully opened the box, gasping at the contents within. Several unique lightsaber parts, four tail cuffs of varying sizes with unique engravings, several sketches drawn on flimsi, a flimsi map of Haelstuum’s largest city Vaelastra, and a datapad loaded with several books notated by Master Sav. One book contained instructions for moving meditation with notations from Master Sav about how it helped him learn to meditate when he was too restless, while another described each of the lightsaber forms with notated instructions for altering them to account for and make use of a Haela’s tail. You poured over your new gifts, showing everything to your Master, who crooned with appropriate excitement of each new item.

~

The scent of star fruit filled your nose. You could practically taste it on your tongue. Tea followed, earthy and soothing. Honey, and some sort of floral scent you had a vague memory of that slipped through your fingers every time you tried to remember it. The scent was intoxicating, and you chuffed with pleasure on pure instinct as Obi-Wan pinned you to the training mats. You blinked rapidly, then blew out a harsh breath, your hands shooting up to grab at your friend’s waist.

“Obi-” You turned your head to look away from him, purple blooming across your cheeks, “You should go to your room, my friend.”

Obi-Wan raised a sceptical eyebrow at you, sitting back on his haunches now that you weren’t fighting his hold, “Are you trying to get out of me winning? Because it isn’t going to work.”

You took a shallow breath, glancing at him out of your periphery as understanding began to soften his face. He blinked, then shot to his feet, and you swiftly followed. His legs were shaking, and that sweetness filled the air around him. You quickly told Master Yoda what was happening, and that you were going to walk Obi-Wan back to his room, then get his Master for him. You were surprised he didn’t argue, as it was a bit unorthodox for an Alpha to walk an unmated Omega in their first stirrings of pre-heat to their room, but you were known for your self-control. The trust warmed your heart.

“Lean on me, I’ll help you. I’ll get Master Qui-Gon for you right away.” You promised, offering your arm to your friend and ignoring the ache in your teeth. Obi-Wan swiftly pressed into your side, and you put your arm around him, bracing his weight easily against you to help him back to his room. You commed his Master on your way out of the room, and he promised to be there as soon as possible, worry heavy in his voice. He loved Obi-Wan, you knew. You could feel it whenever you were around them. Even if Obi-Wan had become a rule-follower and Qui-Gon Jinn had never met a rule he didn’t find a way around, they fit in a unique sort of way. 

The walk back to their chambers was fraught with anxiety, and you knew you were out of line for growling at the few Jedi who attempted to talk to you both on the way, but Obi-Wan softened like butter in your arms at the protectiveness and his own fear lessened. Getting Obi-Wan into his bed was easy, but leaving was less so. He kept grabbing your hand, rubbing his wrist against yours and whining for comfort. His cheeks were as pink as your skin, and the puppy-dog eyes he gave you to try and get you to stay were criminal. Thankfully, your will was stronger, and you managed to leave the rooms before his pre-heat became a full-blown heat.

You nearly ran into Master Qui-Gon on your way out, and you froze as he sniffed at you and looked you over as if checking that you hadn’t done anything untoward to his Padawan, before thanking you for taking care of him properly. He didn’t linger long, and you smiled at the way the bitter tang in Obi-Wan’s scent soothed the instant he saw his Master. You could hear them murmuring to each other, and you took solace in the fact that you weren’t leaving Obi-Wan alone, even as your instincts clawed at you to go back in.

You doubled up on your rut blockers that night, and Master Dooku simply raised an eyebrow at you as he watched, a certain understanding in his eyes. You had washed your clothing from that day thoroughly, and taken an extra-long shower before going back to your classes, but you wished you could have kept something. Even just something small, a little hint of Obi-Wan’s scent that felt so right. You didn’t, but the desire nagged at you, so you knew you would have to meditate on it. You were a strong Alpha - you had control of yourself and your instincts. You had proved that with your restraint and gentleness - you would not falter now at the finish line.

~

Numb.

Cold, and empty, you sat outside of the council chambers while they discussed your future. Your Padawan braid tickled your neck, and you contemplated cutting it off before finally settling on the more mature choice of tucking it behind your ear. To the passing viewer, you appeared serenely at rest, however on the inside, you were a tempest. The Force flared and flickered, your pain roaring in your ears. It only grew louder and louder the longer you sat outside of the chambers. The door slammed open behind you, and Master Windu looked down upon you with concern written plainly on his face, jerking you out of your downward spiral. You weren’t used to the stern master being so open with his feelings.

“We can feel you from inside the council chambers, Padawan Mercy.” Master Windu said, holding out his hand to her, “Come inside. We have much to discuss.”

You took his hand and allowed him to help you up despite both of you knowing you didn’t need it. Not physically at least. Looking back at that moment, you could admit that emotionally, you had needed his support. As he led you into the chambers, you pushed your shoulders back and tipped your chin up, walking with poise and sweeping steps the way your Master always taught you. Despite the feeling of betrayal weighing heavy on your heart, your Master had imparted many helpful lessons in the art of concealment, and you would use them to your advantage even while your heart was bleeding.

“You see? When you walk like this, you give off the appearance of elegance and control even when you aren’t feeling at your best. My dear apprentice, you are very skilled at hiding your force signature already, and I am very proud. But your face and posture can give you away.” He always said, gently squeezing your shoulders, then helping to fix your posture, “Do you feel it? It’s like armour, Mercy. Everyone has their own form of protection. As a Jedi, our own physicality and knowledge of the Force is like our shield, but you can don additional protection, just like I do. As a Consular, this set of armour will serve you well.”

Master Windu gestured to the seat in the centre of the room for you, then sat on his own beside Master Yoda, whose face was scrunched with what you recognized as sadness. The Masters looked upon you solemnly, and you allowed the gentle brushes of their force signatures against yours, comforting and warm in a way they weren’t meant to be visibly. Your bottom lip wobbled, but you bit the inside of your cheek to hold yourself steady.

“Our apologies, you are owed, young Padawan.” Master Yoda broke the silence, and you swallowed around the lump in your throat, “Think, we did not, about the turmoil you would be feeling. Left you alone, we should not.”

You couldn’t make your mouth open. Your throat felt dry and tight, and you knew if you tried to speak, you would cry. Your eyes stung with it already. So far, you had floated in a river of numbness, frozen to the core, your mind silent as your heart cried. You had woken that morning feeling empty in a way you hadn’t since you were ten. Since your Master had claimed you as his, and braided your hair in front of the Council. Your training bond being cut had woken you, ripped from a gentle slumber to a deep, searing pain in the Force.

Master Dooku was gone. You couldn’t feel him in the Jedi Temple any longer. He had abandoned you.

“We can all feel your pain, young Padawan. You will be supported as you adjust to this new reality. We won’t rush you. However, we wish to reassure you that should you wish to continue your training, you will be assigned a new Master. This is not the end of your journey as a Jedi, so long as you desire to continue.” Master Plo Koon spoke up, and you nodded at him, thanking him for his gentle words. His force signature brushed comfortingly against yours again, and you barely held back a sniffle.

“I-I want to be a Jedi.” You choked out, feeling the soft relief in the room at your declaration, “I promise I will follow the will of the Force, and be the best Padawan to whoever chooses me. I won’t disappoint yo-”

“Know you will, we do. A strong, respectful Padawan, you have always been. Doubts about you, none of us have.” Master Yoda interrupted you gently, stopping your near-panicked promises. You swallowed hard to keep yourself together, and Master Yoda sighed sympathetically. Everyone in the Council was reeling with the loss of Dooku, especially considering the circumstances. Master Dooku had not been killed. He had not been expelled from the Jedi Order for some crime or breach of the Code.

Dooku left. He left the Jedi - left you - and headed to Serenno to take his place in the rulership of the planet. He left you masterless without even having the strength to tell you himself. Devastation did not even begin to cover it.

“Spend time with your fellow Padawans. Centre yourself. When you’re ready, we will assign you a new Master.” Master Mundi assured you, and you bowed low to the Council, sighing with relief when Master Windu dismissed you. Doa’su met you at the door to your room, and you both cringed a little at how empty it felt with all of your old master’s things gone. You curled up on your bed with your closest friend, soon joined by Nanga, Orare and Yaris soon joined you, and you felt better at the bottom of a cuddle puddle with the closest members of your old youngling clan.

It took a week before you felt stable enough to consider a new Master. You didn’t want to fall behind on your training, and you knew there might be doubts if you took too long to recover. You spent the first day with your old clan members, roaming your favourite parts of the Jedi Temple and enjoying the peace while you could. Your second day, Master Qui-Gon invited you to tea to check on you, and you did your best to reassure him that you would be okay. He let Obi-Wan walk you back to your room, and he came in to sit with you for a bit, your head on his shoulder as you talked about anything but your old master. Days three through seven were spent in deep meditation, first in the Room of a Thousand Fountains, and then in the Lake level. With the gentle guidance of the Force at your back, you went through every single kata you knew, embracing moving meditation with open arms. You practiced every lightsaber form until you couldn’t stand any longer, and meditated under the rushing water of the waterfalls.

By the time you had finished your week, you felt reconnected to the Force. You still ached, of course. You were heartbroken. Like many Jedi, you followed the Code. However, like your old Master and his old Padawan before you, you had your own interpretations. So, while the Code forbade attachments, you held the understanding that possessive love was what the Code truly forbade. The inability to accept change, the inability to put the will of the Force over those you loved, was what the Code sought to avoid. You loved your Master. He was the closest thing you’d ever had to a father. But he was gone, and he would not be coming back for you. The Force willed you on different paths, and you would trust in the Force’s guidance.

On the morning of the eighth day, you walked into the council chambers and bowed before the Council. With their kind greetings, you stood proudly before them, your tail coiled around your leg to hide your nerves. You were ready for a new Master, you told them, and would welcome their guidance with a clear mind. Master Plo Koon spoke up, claiming you under his guidance, as the Force willed him to show you the compassion you deserved. He was gentle as he undid your Padawan braid, carefully collecting each bead and coloured band as he went. When he rebraided your hair, he moved your old beads and bands higher in your braid, leaving room for his own. This new part of your braid began with a wooden bead he admitted to carving himself for you with an orange band to represent himself.

You couldn’t have been happier. Your new Master was kind, and understood your skills enough not to hold you back. He took you through a simple demonstration, then began to teach you right away, as if you had always been his. You learned more about his preferred lightsaber form, Form V - Shien. Makashi would always be where you began, and you had a feeling you would return there eventually, but the Force entreated you to learn all you could about Shien and you would do your best to listen.

Master Plo set you up with more classes in the Halls of Healing, encouraging you to improve your natural gift as it would be an asset on the field. Between missions, he would often let you spend your time there, when you weren’t otherwise busy with training. It was with his guidance that you finally began to learn beyond the bare bones basics of piloting. It wasn’t ever going to be something you excelled at the way some Jedi did, but you were certainly better than the average pilot due to the guidance of the Force.

You learned swiftly under Master Plo’s guidance, and you were thrilled to find that while you missed your old Master, you were able to accept that your time together was done and still look back on him fondly. Hurt lingered on the fringes, and you were unsure how you would feel if you ever did see him again, but you held true to his teachings without the bitterness some in the Council had worried you may carry. While you had moved on to using primarily Shien, you still practiced Makashi to keep your skills sharp, and to honour the legacy your old Master had passed on to you. And if sometimes, late at night, you looked back on your fond memories with a bitter taste in your mouth, that was for you and you alone to know.

[broomsick]

Devotional jewelry, using (chunks of) mine as examples!

Even though nobody asked i’m still providing woohoo

Yes, it sometimes gets difficult to keep contact with our spirituality, but there a loads of cool ways to practice devotion daily and in a casual, easy manner. One of my favorites is devotional jewelry, which also alleviates my wallet greatly but we’re not talking about that right now.

What I like to do when buying a spiritual piece of jewelry is to immediately assign it to one of the deities I worship. That way, whenever I need a boost of confidence or if I require help from a specific God, I’ll wear the piece from the very beginning of the day.

A few examples (bc I have more but these are the ones I wear most):

Thórr’s hammer Mjöllnir, which I wear almost daily to invoke His favor and protection. It’s a symbol of strength and thus gives me a lot of confidence. I purify it by placing dripping storm water over it or by placing it on my windowsill during storms whenever I can.

A sword to represent our Lord of war Týr. This pendant initially represented Excalibur, but there were norse runes on it so it immediately caught my eye. Also, I’m sure Týr would appreciate any good weapon no matter its origin lol. I wear this when I need His guidance and wisdom, namely when I need to make sacrifices or important decisions.

A lapis lazuli pendant for Frigg, since the crystal represents mysticism, psychic power and enlightenment. I have worn it when I needed help working a spell, and since it’s very balanced, I did use it as a pendulum multiple times.

Vegvísir, a spiritual compass which I obviously associated with Óðinn. It symbolises finding one’s way when lost in harsh weather, so I do wear it in hopes that it’ll help bring me back when I’ve strayed from my path. More on Vegvísir in this post. 

A snake ring for Loke, which I wear on my ring finger to represent faithfulness so that I can commit myself to Him as often as possible. It represents the trickster’s cunning and deceit, as well as His outstanding ability to get Himself out of every possible bind. 

My rune ring!!! It’s my newest and I love it so much, and I couldn’t possibly try to link it to a specific deity. For now, it simply symbolises the Æsir and the Vanir. Maybe some day I’ll feel its connection to a certain God and at that point it’ll become this God’s devotional ring!

A dragon ring because duh, dragon?? I associate it with Fáfnir, even though he isn’t part of the pantheon. I just love Sigurd so much and by extension, Fáfnir too. Despite not being spiritual per say, the ring does give me a lot of confidence bc I’ve pretty much always been fond of dragons (who isn’t?). I usually pair it with the Ægishjálmur, the source of Fáfnir’s invicibility, which I draw on the inside of my wrist for protection.

I wear this last ring for Skaði to boost my confidence and strength, and I wear it on my thumb to increase willpower and self-reliance. I purify it by dripping snow water on it or leaving it on a windowsill during a snowstorm or while it snows. 

Cool fun fact: I’m proud to say a few of these were actually made by a local, actual blacksmith who’s obsessed with larping and makes gorgeous pieces ^^

CAREFUL THOUGH, always be very vigilant with these sorts of jewels so that that they don’t rust! Depending on their material, they can be a lot more fragile than we think! Therefore, always check the jewel’s compatibility with water if you intend on purifying it with water drops, that way you’ll be sure not to damage the metal! Purifying them through incense smoke, by leaving them to sit on a windowsill under the moonlight/sunlight and by dangling them over a candle’s flame (for a few seconds!) are surefire ways to purify devotional jewelry.

I also think it’s important that I tell you guys: wearing various jewelry for various deities at the same time is NOT disrespectful in any way. You could wear all of your jewelry at once and it wouldn’t make a difference! The core of polytheism is to show faith and respect ALL of one’s deities, wether it be simultaneously or individually! 

If any of you have questions, please feel free to drop them in my ask box or add them in reblogs.

Hail the Æsir, hail the Vanir!

[ruby-whistler]

the difference between static and dynamic characters on the dream smp

Hi, hello, it's Ruby, back with another PSA because this fandom (specifically the people on Twitter) keeps getting worse.

/dsmp /rp

Recently, people started claiming c!Techno was boring because he never had any character development.

Now, this may come as a surprise to some of you, but if you in any capacity decide to study the ins and outs of creative writing, you'd learn that characters don't need to have character development to be compelling, loved by the audience, and have a complex personality.

This is what is called a static character. Not to be confused with flat characters. What's the difference?

Most articles seem to agree on this;

"Static characters should not be confused or mixed up with flat, one-dimensional characters. Though neither changes as the story progresses, if a character remains unchanged, it does not mean that he is one-dimensional like a flat character. A static character can be perfectly interesting, like Sherlock Holmes, who is completely ingenious, eccentric, and sometimes jerky. He never changes, but the audience still loves him. Thus, a static character could be the protagonist too, and a flat character, on the other hand, only plays a side role in the story." - ( link to definition )

Static characters are ones that don't experience any personal growth during the span of the story. They're often used in writing, because they're realistic and can be interesting if well-written. This article provides examples such as the aforementioned Sherlock Holmes, Captain America from The Avengers, and TommyInnit from the Drea- [gunshots]

But in all seriousness, c!Tommy is very easily a static character; a lot of the criticism of his character is about the fact that he doesn't change. He does gain experience and new relationships, he does suffer and becomes more and more traumatized, he does make choices out of impulse or emotion, but none of that is character development - he never overcomes his character flaws, including selfishness, stubbornness, and a lack of compassion or empathy for others. And I do not blame him for it as a person, and I do not consider him a badly-written character, even if he's a little frustrating to watch sometimes.

c!Tommy has two main reasons why he remains a static character.

a) he doesn't live in a constructive environment

It is normal for boys Tommy's age to be low on empathy. It's completely normal for them to be chaotic, immature pricks, because that is part of their growth. All of this would be just fine if c!Tommy was growing up in a highschool; however, he in actuality grew up on a land ruled by politics, wars and conflict.

I do not like using the age excuse, because I do not believe it makes his bad choices any more justified, but it's easy to realize why him being in such a position could stunt his personal growth.

At that age, you need guidance, whether it be from teachers, parents, or whatever other figures you're able to find around you. Usually, it is not difficult to find good people to look up to in today's world, but for c!Tommy, that isn't true.

In the pre-L'Manberg, post-Tommy era, there was moderate peace. Yes, there were conflicts, but none of them were damaging in the long term for anyone involved, and they were chaotic scuffles more than fights of ideals.

Once c!Wilbur came along, c!Tommy latched onto him. We all know how that went.

None of the adults Tommy had looked up to were in any capacity helpful to him growing or becoming a better person. He helped lead a revolution to help Wilbur gain power, he was lead to help Wilbur lead and unfair election, and witnessed the breakdown of the man he trusted shortly after. He was subjected to emotional manipulation by Dream, and then came to the wrong person for help. None of these things are reasons for positive change.

b) it's his major character flaw

Even in the few chances he had at genuine change, at forgiveness, at letting go, all provided by the environment or people around him, he didn't take them. Tommy doesn't like change, he fights it, and that is why he always loses. He doesn't want to change for the better, and he despises himself when he changes for the worse.

He looks for peace in a lack of activity, growth, or development. He searches for happiness in not letting go of the past, but hanging onto it for dear life, terrified that the people around him might change because he doesn't want to. And that is why, as long as he keeps this mindset, he'll never find it.

While other characters, such as Tubbo, Dream, Wilbur or Quackity seek to change the world around them, for the better or the worse, to rewind or to progress, and are willing to change themselves accordingly, Tommy does the opposite, because his biggest fear is people drifting apart and leaving him behind.

Let's get back to the point, then; what makes Technoblade a static character, and a good one at that?

His motivation is simple; he is a lawful character who sticks to his morals through thick and thin, follows a strict inner code, and is loyal to people above all.

On top of that, he is given no reason to change his morals.

No one's arguments against c!Techno have ever made much sense, let's be honest, and ever since he'd entered the server, Techno's been proven right over and over and over again.

He saw Wilbur face the consequences of having power over other people and then losing it, seeing the influence of corruption on the man he worked with. He was forced by the government to kill another person, to kill an ally, to kill an innocent. He was betrayed and used by the Pogtopian revolution, which knowingly kept things from Techno and fought to seize power, rather than destroy it. He was unfairly executed without a trial by corrupt politicians just absolutely demolishing the Geneva convention, holy crap people call Techno a war criminal, just in that one stream New L'Manberg commited so many war crimes-

Point stands that people say one thing and then do the other. Talk of freedom and then force people to do things (and no, forcing people not to force other people to do things doesn't count nor does it make Techno a hypocrite, get a better argument). Techno was never manipulated or swayed to someone's side against his ideals because he's not a man of words; he believes in what he sees, not what people tell him, especially since he's been repeatedly lied to.

That is the first thing a good static character needs; a strong motivation. Through everything that's happened, I'd say without a doubt that Technoblade has the strongest motivation out of everyone, which is to emancipate people from the tyranny of their rulers - not just sing about it and then establish a dictatorship - but to in fact do it, no matter the cost.

He's a very Paragon-type character, which is a common type of static; his moral code is too strong to allow emotional change.

Another thing a static character needs is personality. And Techno - if you watch his streams, not just others' perspectives - has a lot of that. From his bond with Phil and Ranboo to fondness of animals to sense of humour, the character is entertaining to watch and follow. You know what to expect of him, you know he won't betray, and that despite the flaws he has he will not let personal issues hold him back. He wins because he trains, and he puts hours into pulling crazy stunts, and he's persistent - it's satisfying for the people watching his perspective to see his efforts pay off.

His interactions with others are characterized by an attempt at kindness, no matter how many times he might fail at separating his personal life from the ideals he's pursuing.

And that is compelling! To draw parallels to Tommy again, the kid has so much personality that other characters could borrow from him and he'd still be fun to watch!

Neither Tommy nor Techno are flat characters, and I think that is the mistake a lot of people make when misinterpreting both the characters; Tommy and Techno are amazing examples of great static characters in fiction, and I'd like to applaud cc!Tommy and cc!Techno for being brilliant writers.

[shijiujun]

ZZH + GJ x ELLE TW | Interview (28 April 2021)

Translations for the separate online interview the both of them did with ELLE Taiwan:

Talking to SHL GJ and ZZH | "Life can be simple as long as we do our best in the things we love" - 18 liners fulfilling their dreams

What do ZZH and GJ think of each other?

(1) With ZZH

Since the start of SHL, ZZH's role was set so that he only had three years left to live, hinting at the possible tragic ending early! Invested fans cried a lot & left ‘warning’ messages for the scriptwriter & director: "Even if it's unrealistic you better let him live!"

And when he was free during work the day before, ZZH accepted the online interview and was asked about his ZZS role and he, who usually dotes on his fans, said, "Thanks everyone for affirming/recognizing my acting skills, don't cry!"

ZZH's portrayal/acting was received very well by fans and his dynamic acting skills were revealed in many different directions because of SHL. He was praised to have nine faces, which means that aside from being well-rounded in his portrayal of happiness, anger, sadness, delight and other emotions, ZZH managed to interpret (his role) in a well-rounded way, with just a gaze and how calm he was from head to toe.

Taking on this role in SHL, ZZH says that his heart aches quite a bit for ZZS: "Towards his role, I can't say that I can give him any strength, but what I can do, is quietly feel and understand him."

Talking about his partner Gong Jun, ZZH attributed the success of the show and the efforts put into it to the team, and also praised GJ for being really professional, and fans look forward to be able to see the both of them work tgt in the future.

With a face that's gentle, handsome and has no bad angles, ZZH is most pleased with his defined nose. You may not know this, but in actuality, ZZH is not gentle/quiet at all! He likes to exercise and gym usually, through training, he fills his thoughts with positive energy.

Speaking about his Weibo UN "Crazy ZZH", we can't help but ask, is he a person who goes crazy (I guess, have a lot of fun, party like mad) without limits in private? ZZH says: "I chose this username to reflect a way to live - if I don't go to the extremes I will never accomplish anything.”

"I just feel that the things I'm passionate about I should do my best in them, for example, the craziest might have been when I was in university, I rode my bike solo all the way to Tibet!" He finished the journey step by step and because of this determination, it's reflected in his attitude towards filming & how meticulous he is. A lot of scenes that required fighting, ZZH communicated repeatedly with his teacher while learning and while he injured himself a bit, he said: "We must be responsible towards our roles, this is how an actor should be.”

"Thanks to everyone for recognizing/affirming me (as an actor), we'll continue walking the road together!” 

ZZH who is currently filming for a movie, promises that he'll definitely meet his TWnese fans in the future if given the chance. May 11 is ZZH's birthday and when asked about how he plans to spend his day, he casually says that it's in the planning, and as for birthday wishes, he said without hesitation, "I definitely hope everyone is healthy, and happy everyday!"

(2) With GJ

After SHL was broadcasted everyone fell for it completely, especially for GJ's role WKX. He managed to rank first in terms of entertainment tv influence. While he was free during work, GJ interviewed online and talked about the scene where his hair went white.

GJ: "My heart aches truly for WKX, I know a lot of fans cried because of him, thank you all for liking this show but I still hope everyone spends everyday happily!" 

He says he was once an 18-line actor & only started becoming popular on his 12th show, & thus he always cautions himself to head towards his dream with his feet on the ground, step by step. This special attitude is also reflected in the way he works; no matter the fighting or more dangerous scenes, GJ always does his best: "I don't know how many shows I've filmed! For fighting-related ones, I am thankful to the wushu laoshi and all the staff's guidance/protection, and once again under their training I safely completed this show, showing everyone the best shots!"

Aside from good acting skills, his styling was well-liked by fans especially when he wore that red outfit, he was endlessly charismatic "My fave is also the red outfit, and this outfit is also my most expensive one, hah!"

The rain scene left the greatest impression on him: "SHL is show with the most lines out of all that I've filmed so far; because a lot of WKX's lines are poetry, memorizing them really challenges comprehension and memory power, the toughest one was the rain scene, I have to adjust the emotions of the crying scene while in the rain and there're endless huge lines I have to recite, it definitely is challenging." 

 Those who follow him know that GJ is a simple person in private and in the interview he mentions: The happy thing about work is being able to earn money! Very few artistes can so blatantly say they wanna earn money, and as an employee who is passionate about earning money and finds joy in that, aside from buying a house so his family's quality of living increases, what does he wanna buy?

"I wanna buy a car! I really like cars a lot!" 

 In contrast to his cold, princely image, GJ's straightforward and blunt character has captured the hearts of his fans, especially when he sings in front of everyone unabashedly, taking on the title of "perfect (lack of) pitch", it is very adorable that he is willing to expose his weakness. But altho his singing skills are lacking, there's one skill that GJ has! And that's cooking! Because of the family rules set by his grandpa, the ppl in the kitchen in the Gong family are all the men.

GJ says: "It's true! The women in our family don't have to cook, it's all the men doing it. My grandpa, my dad, are all like that!" 

Basically it's no challenge for GJ to come up with a table of dishes. His signature dish is fish and when asked if his future other half really doesn't have to cook, that it can all be left to him, GJ says warmly, "Of course~" 

 And as a chef, GJ's build is on the taller side, "I really like to eat but I will control my diet. I gym often and try to eat less oily stuff. When I was in uni I was pretty fat, baby fat, but I lost that weight." 

 When asked which part of him he likes the most he says, "Hands! But I like em all! Because my parents gave them to me!" 

 During the interview it is not difficult to feel the deep relationship he has with his fam, especially when we chat about his grandpa. Aside from thanking his fam for the support, GJ is most thankful to his grandpa who has given him positive energy and encouragement until now, the person who he respects the most.

SHL did very well, in private who takes care of each other more btw GJ and ZZH? 

Both of their answers are the same: "In reality we take care of each other, because we're really good friends and in the production group we naturally take care of each other.”

Their chemistry and friendship extends to beyond the show and fans have also made plenty of creative CP works to share, we also anticipate their next work together! 

[astrowithkaro]

Hey there beautiful human🦋first of all just wanted to thank you for all the hard work and and effort you put in these amazing posts✨ I found your tumblr recently and kinda stalked the hell out of it😅So I just wanted to ask you if you can do birthday language for 26th October?🕊Thankyousomuch💌

Language Of Birthdays: October 26 - Scorpio

[You can find the rest of the series here; or check out my masterlist]

The Day Of Organizational Cohesion

Those born on October 26 have a talent for reforming, reorganizing and running all sorts of organizations, whether clubs, athletic teams, church groups, businesses or even larger political units. Usually filling a leadership role or at the very least an important advisory position, those born on this day have a knack for welding together a smoothly operating unit. Although quite capable of acting on their own, they really shine when engaged in projects with colleagues and co-workers. Usually October 26 people find a way to put their personal mark on any such endeavor, while still placing the good of the group before all else. They are not, however, fond of sacrificing their private goals or desires and may therefore seek situations where their own personal success is intimately entwined with the fortune of the group.

October 26 people know what power is, and how it works in society. Good with money, they often seek to better their financial position through a symbiotic relationship with their organization. If in an executive position, they generally display a wise investment and savings strategy. Rarely will they do anything to endanger the long-term prospects of their group and if a great sacrifice is required of them they are prepared to go that far if they believe enough in the cause.

Very intense individuals, October 26 people can impress others as fearless. They can on occasion be reckless as well, but usually their emotions and actions are highly controlled and directed. Some born on this day even elevate self-control to a godlike position, and become rather unsympathetic, perhaps hardened, to public displays of emotion or weakness. In fact, it is much better for their sake if they go in the other direction: an invulnerable stance will ultimately prove a hindrance and should be gradually phased out. Experience should teach October 26 people that true respect has to be won and cannot be forced from others. Unfortunately fear, at times, can be demanded, and less highly developed October 26 people may not acknowledge the fact that the fear they elicit is not respect.

October 26 people are planners, but also doers. Those in a position of authority do not hesitate to clean house or reorganize a unit from top to bottom, even if they arouse great antagonism. They are able to show quite pragmatically that their methods work toward efficiency. It may be more difficult for them to illustrate the benefits in human terms. Children who have October 26 people as parents will rarely be in the dark about what is expected of them. October 26 children, on the other hand, will expect strong leadership from their parents and may come to resent any vacillation or uncertainty in the guidance they receive.

Responsibility is an important theme in the lives of October 26 people, and they generally adhere to their own firmly established principles. They must beware, however, of succumbing to power urges and thus losing touch with their moral center.

Strengths:

Group conscious

Financially astute

Organized

Weaknesses:

Dour

Repressive

Rigid

Advice

Those born on October 26 must be careful of abusing their digestive systems, either through overindulgence in rich foods or an overly rigid and spartan attitude toward eating. They should seek both moderation and variety in their diet, making sure they eat sufficient grains, lightly cooked fresh vegetables, and other sources of strong fiber to aid digestion and elimination. At least a gallon of water should be consumed each day, and the ingestion of coffee kept to a minimum. Energy excess can be directed to vigorous physical exercise, and aggressive impulses worked out in team sports or the martial arts.

Find the middle ground between dissipation and ascenticism

Don’t expect too much of others of yourself

Keep a clear vision of who you wish to be and don’t stay far from that image

Fun fact: Hillary Clinton was born on this day. Also thank you so much for being nice and appreciative you have no idea how much it means to me, especially when I’m completely new to the platform <3 ily 🥺

[coffee-fueled-weeb-witch]

Write Your Witchcraft (#37)

All of the questions

1-4 answered  |  5-8 answered  |  9-12 answered  |  13-16 answered  |  17-20 answered  |  21-24 answered  |  25-28 answered  |  29-32 answered  |  33-36 answered 

37. Who do I honor (ex: deities, ancestors, myself, etc), and how do I, or would I like to, honor them?

At the moment I work with Athena, Hermes, Hades, Persephone, Apollo, Artemis, and recently also started working a bit with Ares and Hephaestus.  I’ve also had a little bit of experience, though not much, with Hestia and Dionysus thanks to one of my best and closest friends working with them.  Now, since there’s quite a few of them, I’ll start with what I do for all of them and then I’ll go into more specific things for each one.

In general I have a playlist for each of the gods I work with and then there’s two others- a playlist for Hades and Persephone together and one for Hermes, Apollo, and Dionysus together (If you guys are interested I could make a post with links to said playlists).  I’m also in a small coven on discord, consisting of me and my friends, and there I have a channel for each of them that I use as virtual alters.  Another thing I do is sit and work out a sigil for each individual god that I can use if I feel I am struggling to connect to them or to help dedicate something to them.  Now I’ll get into the individual things- which I tend to work most with Athena, Hermes, Hades, and Persephone, so I’ll probably be listing a bit more for them than the others right now.

Athena

I am always studying and trying to learn about a variety of new things and often dedicate my research and reading time to her.

When in stressful situations with conflicts brewing I try to remain calm and keep a level head, sometimes asking for her help with this as I try to think things through rationally and work on a solution.

Whenever my friends need help understanding something or finding information I do my best to teach and guide them, sharing whatever wisdom and knowledge of my own that I can and helping them find more because Athena encourages me to do so and like her I too enjoy sharing my knowledge.

I have a nice little amethyst gemstone that I dedicated to her and I always have it close by.

I do my best to protect others and have become fairly skilled in protection magick, and when I feel a situation calls for it I will ask for Athena’s protection or for her to help me be able to protect those I care for or am trying to help.

I have a small, white owl statue on my nightstand that used to belong to my grandmother.  Because of Athena’s connection to owls, I put it there for her- though it’s so old and fragile it’s literally slowly crumbling into a powdery dust, so I’ll need to replace it sometime sadly.

I also like to dedicate my crafting and jewelry making time to Athena.

Hermes

Since he is connected to Wednesdays and has a lot to do with languages, every Wednesday I spend at least an hour working on my Japanese and I often ask him to help me understand things I struggle with or remember certain things.  After I will usually watch anime that involves something he is associated with in some way or I think he may like himself.

I usually offer him some of morning coffee and thank him for helping me out with various things and even just being there.

When I’m getting over stressed and know I need to lighten up I take a step back and try to have more fun and remind myself that I don’t need to be serious all the time, that like Hermes I can just have fun.

On really low energy days for me I tend to binge watch vine and meme compilations on youtube and dedicate that to him.

Hermes encourages me to not be so embarrassed and afraid of being laughed at,  so I’ve been letting myself become more... well, myself.  If someone wants to call me cringey for being weird or chaotic, then they can.  I’m having fun and being myself and my boi Hermes is right there cheering me on, so fuck anyone who doesn’t like it!!  In other words, he helps me a lot with being less afraid to be myself and being comfortable acting like a deranged little crackhead goblin and just enjoying myself- so for him I like to just love myself and let go of worrying about what others think of me.

Hades

I love spending time researching death practices and beliefs over the years and in different cultures, so I dedicate that time to Hades.  I also put a lot of time into learning as much as I can about spirit work and death witchcraft which I’ve been getting more interested in since working with him.

When I find someone or see a friend who is struggling and seriously considering death to be their solution I try my best to help them.  I’ve personally lost someone to suicide and it’s something I don’t want anyone else to experience.  I’ve also had a few interaction with the spirit of the one who passed and spent a lot of time helping him work through the emotions he had and get to a point where he was more at peace and not hating himself for what he had done.  Since then I’ve also come to learn and understand that it genuinely saddens Hades and Persephone both to see how many young people end up cutting their own lives so short, so for me doing what I can to help those people is so important for so many reasons.

As I said I lost someone I loved dearly, so at times when that starts to weight on me or when my own depression’s getting to be a little hard to deal with I often turn to Hades for comfort and help in getting through it.  He is very much like a father figure to me, which I no longer have anything to do with my real dad, so it helps a lot to be able to turn to him for help and guidance when I’m struggling.

I like to leave him little offerings when I can and so far have found that he really enjoys the dark chocolate I give him.

I always make sure to thank him for helping me and also for watching over the souls of those who passed.  It makes him really happy and he appreciates it so much.

Persephone

A lot of the things I do for Hades I also do for Persephone, so I won’t repeat all of them again.

For years I’ve struggled with dealing with toxic people who had me convinced I could only be one thing, that I was the reserved and quiet friend, I was always mature, I didn’t goof off as much, I loved darker things and horror and thus could only love those things and behave in a certain way, but Persephone has been helping me understand that this is not true and I can express my softer, more goofy and childish nature.  I can be dark and spooky, but I can also be soft and sweet.  She is both a Goddess of Spring and Queen of the Underworld- if she can be these two opposite things, then so can I.  So similar to Hermes, I like to practice self-love and acceptance for Persephone.

I also like to give her small offerings when I can, which she seemed to really enjoy the marshmallow peep I gave her!  

This is one I also do for both Hades and Persephone, and because I know how difficult it can be- when I know someone who is grieving the loss of a loved one, I try my best to offer them comfort and just be there for them.

Apollo

I like to dedicate the time I spend drawing to him and when I’m experiencing a lot of artists block I’ll ask him to please help me overcome it or help me find some form of inspiration.

When I start to feel a bit sick I’ll often ask him for a little extra help in feeling better, alongside Artemis.

When my insomnia’s so bad that I’ve ended up staying awake all night I like to take a moment to just sit and listen to music while watching the sunrise.  Likewise, in the evenings when the sun is sinking and the light comes in the window I love to just close my eyes and relax as I let it wash over me and thank Apollo for the brightness and warmth, and for being there.

I often scream-sing along with songs that remind me of him.

I also remember reading that Apollo watches over the decomposing bodies of those who died and graveyards, so I like to thank him for that.

Artemis

I’ve always been a night owl and have always had a love for the moon and stars, so when I can I like to just sit and listen to music and the sounds of the night while looking at the dark sky as I think over the day and will sometimes just talk to Artemis and tell her how things are going and stuff like that.

Like I said before I sometimes ask her and Apollo for help if I’m starting to feel sick.

I actually found a really nice set on imvu for Artemis, so my friend helped me get the outfit for her.

Ares

I haven’t been working with Ares for very long yet, so so far there isn’t nearly as much for me to share.  So far, aside from making a playlist, sigil, and virtual altar for him, I’ve been trying to stand up for myself more and he has definitely been helping me to do this.  I may write a post actually talking about my most recent and strongest experience working with him.

I’ve also always tried my best to stand up for others (honestly better at it than I am standing up for myself), so now I also consider this another thing I can do for Ares and that I feel he greatly approves of.  

Hephaestus

Like Ares I haven’t been working with Hephaestus for very long, so I again don’t have much a whole lot to list yet.  Still, one thing I’ve been sort of dedicating to him is the time I’m spending learning how to wire wrap gemstones.  It’s not exactly the same as being a blacksmith, but still sort of involves working with metal and crafting and he’s enjoyed me sharing my progress with him and how hard I’m working to learn this new skill despite my disability making it a bit difficult for me.

I’ve also been trying to love myself more for Hephaestus when it comes to my disability.  I’ve grown up constantly being made to feel like an inconvenience, a burden, and a waste of time, but help from my friends, my boyfriend, and recently Hephaestus, I’ve gradually been working to overcome the negative thoughts and beliefs that were carved into me.

Well, that’s all I can think of typing for this one- I’ve normally been doing this write your witchcraft thing four questions at a time, but since it took me so long to fully answer this one question I decided to just do this one.  

[new-endings]

The Nice and Accurate Guide to Courting

Was I supposed to go to church and find out myself that it’s World Marriage Day? yes again i know it’s a catholic thing but these two are V MARRIED and deserve to celebrate. 

Anyways here’s a thing I posted on ao3

Summary: As Hell’s bastard prince, Crowley is expected to wed an Archangel of Heaven’s kingdom to bring peace between the two warring nations.

It really is too bad he only has eyes for his sweet, bastard of a Guide, the Principality Aziraphale, who is dead-set on making sure the engagement happens.

For the sake of their kingdoms, Aziraphale leads him through the long, arduous road of winning an Archangel’s favor and affections. However, Crowley would much rather use that romantic guidance to win him over instead.

-as Dictated By Anathema Device, Written in Full Detail By Newton Pulsifer

Step 1: Select the Target (of your Affections)

And thus sayeth the Lord of Heaven:

The wars are pointless. Might as well make a ceasefire. Hey, here’s an idea: bring your most expendable pawn to join in unholy matrimony with one of my elitist wankers to bolster this war-ruined economy.

Or rather, that’s how Crowley perceived the whole ordeal to have gone.

Perhaps a tad cruder than the grand scrolls with its elegant scripts, wriggly signatures and glorious crests and coat-of-arms adorning the designated treaty between their two kingdoms would lead others to believe. But in the end, that hardly mattered to Crowley.

Because spectacle and ceremony aside, Hell really did send their more expendable (but still Royal-Enough-to-Count) pawn to join in unholy matrimony with one of Heaven’s damned Divines. With the Archangels—anointed by the Queen herself as miniature de facto rulers of Heaven’s domains. Sneering, snobbish, stuffy and insufferable and this scheme—

Suicidal. This entire trip, the entire ordeal, and the very notion that the precariously perched balance of peace laid within Crowley, Bastard Prince of Hell’s, begrudging hands— is utterly stupid.

Crowley scowled as he eyed the Garden’s flora. The wisteria withered under his gaze, petal quivering in the face of the sour aura exuded from the sulking Prince. But could they really blame him? Flowers know nothing of having one’s whole life centered around the illegitimacy of one’s birth—constantly reminded of their position as the withered, rotting branch the imperial tree, and then all of a sudden being Granted this fine opportunity to bring honor and peace to his damned Kingdom with the underlying threat of You better not fuck this up looming over their heads—

He heard commotion from beyond the castle gates and the ominous barking of hellhounds beneath. He let a grin snake across his lips. Ah. So the search begins.

He knew galivanting off to make some trouble would earn him a proper reprimand now that they were actually trying to make nice with the Birds, but who did they have to blame it on but themselves? After all, Crowley spent many-a-year crafting his extensive history as a terrorizing nuisance, an intolerable annoyance, an antagonizing—

“Oh, dear…”

Angel?

Crowley peeked behind the archways, catching sight of cloud-puff hair and nervous, wringing hands.

Attached to, unsurprisingly, an Angel, looking down at the ensuing mad scatter below.

There was a curious pull; something that Crowley didn’t bother to question as he inched forward and leaned against the cool stone of the curtain wall. “That one went down like a lead balloon, eh?”

Rather than flinch, the Angel let out an absentminded laugh. “Yes, rather.” He paused, the realization that there was another presence dawning on him. He turned. “Err. Sorry, what was it that you were saying?”

Looking back at it, Crowley would have sworn up and down his breath caught at the sight of cherubic cheeks, sea-storm eyes, and worried-bitten lips. But in reality, the single word Pretty passed through his brain at such an alarming speed that Crowley barely had the attention-span to catch it as the Pretty Angel looked to him expectantly to answer.

Crowley stepped forth from the cool shade of the trees and joined the curious Angel at his perch. “I said that one went down like a lead balloon.”  

“Oh. I suppose you’re right.” His eyes flickered down and he brought his hands together. There that nervous habit was again.

Crowley cleared his throat, eyes overlooking the bailey to the dots of villages over the horizon. “I think it was a bit of an overreaction, to be honest.”

The Angel beside him shrugged, an uneasiness in his voice. “He’s a Prince.”

Ah. So that’s what this Angel was concerned about. He tried to keep the mirth from his voice. “And shouldn’t his footmen have been keeping a better eye on him because of that?” Hats off to Hastur and Ligur for being the best of the worst—Crowley knew he did well in selecting them. “It’s of no consequence to you, Angel.”

“What—of course it does!” Crowley raised a brow as the angel began to fluster all over again. “Oh, dear…He’s supposed to be my charge! I was to be his Guide in our Kingdom!” Panic started to creep into his voice all over again. “I haven’t even met him yet and now—he’s gone!”

It took perhaps a second or two to register what exactly this Angel was saying. Charge? This lovely fool of an Angel—was to be his Guide?

Huh. Maybe Crowley’s luck was taking a turn for the better after all.

“Where could he be? This is terrible—he must feel so lost right now! And alone!” Crowley gave a fascinated smile and was just his luck that the Angel missed it as he cast his eyes to the skies above for guidance, and then earthward for commiseration as the hellhounds sniffed fruitlessly for a trail that Crowley was more than adept at throwing off.

A plan drowsily wormed its way to Crowley’s thoughts. Perhaps he could have a bit of fun here as well. “Hang on there, Angel. I’m sure your charge isn’t too far off.”

The Angel did a double-take at the mysterious figure shrouded in dark robes—perchance comprehending for the first time that he was not conversing with another Bird.  “Did you know the Prince? I ah, assumed you arrived with him,” he asked imploringly. “Perhaps he was merely hungry and wanted a nibble. Or—or he spoke of wanting to visit someplace in the Kingdom?”

That startled a laugh out of Crowley. He lowered his hood, fiery red hair and amber eyes unveiled to the Angel. “You could say that. But no, he didn’t seem to be very interested in…sightseeing, as it were.” He gave a knowing grin. “Perhaps he slithered off just to be a pest.”

“If he were trying to get lost on purpose, that just makes the situation even more difficult and dangerous!” The Angel was frowning again and—did he really not  realize that Crowley was the person he was looking for?

This’ll be even more fun. “There, there.” He gave a friendly pat to the Angel’s shoulder. “I’m sure it’ll be all right. Say, I’ll even help find him for you.” He bit back a chuckle.

But ah… “Oh! You would?” How the Angel lit up like the morning sky at that.

I’d gift you an entire continent if you keep looking at me with those eyes. Crowley shook that thought from his head. “Of course.” He hummed, giving a sly smile. “For a price.”

The Angel blinked once. Then twice. “Oh.” Then, with certainty: “Name it. If it’s mine to give, it’s yours.”

Crowley leaned in closer, tilting his head to catch more of this Angel’s guarded face. Ah, not so soft and vulnerable now… “Oh, Angel. You ought to be careful making deals with Demons.”

The Angel sent him a dry look. “I’m in no mood for your theatrics, err...” He gave a questioning glance.

Without even thinking: “J.” After one second of thinking: J?![

“Jay?” The Angel echoed.

Crowley shook his head; no going back on that one. “No, just J.”

“What does…”

“It’s just a J. Really,” he muttered tersely.

“Okay…J.” The Angel looked more unsure of pronouncing the Demon’s name than the terms of their agreement. “And yes. I’m sure. No price is too great for peace.”

Ah. One of those then. Crowley could understand the noble efforts and the valiant naivete that peace could be kept between their people all through the binding of blood-ties, but he fancied himself more of a realist. Still… “Very well.” He’ll lend a hand regardless for the sweet and foolish Angel before him. “Your name, then.” It’s not like he has a choice in the matter.  

The Angel sputtered. “My—my what?”

Crowley eyed him with confusion and impatience. “Give me your name.”

“What—just because you were saddled with just a J doesn’t quite mean—”

“No, you twat.” He rolled his eyes at the offended gasp from his companion. “I meant I’d like to know your name. That’s all. Unless you’d prefer me to call you Angel all the time. Or Bird.”

The Angel at least had the manners to look embarrassed. “Aziraphale,” he stated, holding out his hand in introduction. “That’s my name.”

Lovely. “Eh. Too long. I’ll stick with Angel instead.” It’s still miles better than Just a J but even Crowley’s subconscious refuses to acknowledge that. Taking the Angel’s hand and leading him away to the grounds below, he said over his shoulder: “Well, let’s be off. He’s obviously not here, right?”

“R-right!”

.

.

It was surprisingly hard work, finding yourself.

Or rather, pretending to find the person that you already are while at the same time avoiding the hellhounds and whatever green Hellions of his Legion still haven’t learned their lesson about not-even-bothering-to-try-and-find-Prince-Crowley-when-he’s-escaped.

That, on top of navigating through a caste town with an Angel (also guilelessly looking for him) at his side.

There were one-too many close calls with a hellhound or two picking up his scent where he had to (regrettably) drag Aziraphale away from bakeries and patisseries towards the iron-sharp stench of the butcher’s just to throw them off. Some distance away, he could hear a soldier wrestling the dogs away from the meats, cursing colorfully with strained effort. It was a good thing his companion did little but eye him suspiciously whenever Crowley did so, but he shrugged it off whenever the Demon began (unwisely) interrogating the man possessing a meat-cleaver on the whereabouts of the Prince of Hell.

By the third hour of his escape, his disappearance was abuzz in all manner of conversation. So much so that it suddenly became quite easy to hide in plain sight. After all, they were expecting the Prince to hide amongst the shadows, fearful of daylight and capture, not be meandering off with a strange Angel he met by the Gardens and cross-examining people of his own location.  

“Are you quite certain that the Prince wouldn’t be err… peckish at this hour?”

It’s barely noon Crowley thought, and no, he wouldn’t be. He wasn’t too fond of mealtime; not when a hot plate of food also meant the whole ordeal of sitting through Beelzebub’s barking orders or the rousing topics of current politics hovering like flies. “I don’t believe so—”

A shadow of disappointment flashed through Aziraphale’s face before a new spark of inspiration brightened it. “Ah, but!” He took Crowley by the arm, leading him to another direction. “You’re a newcomer after all— please, let me interest you in this quaint eatery and show you what delicacies our kingdom has to offer—”

Right…and it had nothing at all to do with the Angel’s whimpering stomach. Crowley chortled. “I thought you wanted to find your charge.” The moment he said that, Crowley regretted it as Aziraphale dropped his hand and the enthusiasm in his step dropped dead.

“Err…right.” He glanced up at his companion sheepishly. Fuck, Crowley mourned. “I mean you’re right, of course.” I made him sad.

“No, no, I, ah.” He glanced down, finding the Angel’s hand and pulling him along. “Let’s go in, shall we?” He dragged the other to a bustling building, a savory aroma wafting through the air. “Maybe we’ll find some clues as to where he’s been from the gossip.”

Aziraphale blossomed radiantly at that. “Quite right, dear!”

Crowley’s heart sputtered in his chest at the unexpected endearment. “L-lead on, Angel.”

.

He didn’t mean to spend the next two hours there. And in Aziraphale’s defense, they did a thorough sweep of the area and listened in on conversation for any hints to the whereabouts of the missing Prince, but that all dissolved into a fine pile of goo to be thrown in a bucket and kicked out to gutters as Crowley got them a table, Aziraphale placed an order for the both of them, and a plate of oysters were set before them. Crowley couldn’t help it if Aziraphale lit up like a sky-full of evening stars.

He looked positively besotted. “Oh, you must try them, J. I insist!”

And so Crowley did. He liked them well enough.

But not nearly as much as he liked watching the look of sheer completion on Aziraphale’s face. Silvery lashes fluttering close, the shape of his lips as he closed his mouth around the tasty morsels, the breathless sighs—

Crowley shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He was ever-fortunate that years of casting a mask of indifference on his face during mealtimes prepared him for this.

Then: a plate of something sweet, decadent, and sugary was placed between them. “We mustn’t forget about dessert!” Aziraphale happily intoned.

Satan preserve us. Crowley watched on, pupils dilating ever-so-slightly as Aziraphale lapped up the cream.

.

.

It was sundown and Aziraphale was doomed.

NO—not just Aziraphale.

His country, their entire nation, the KINGDOMS OF HEAVEN AND HELL—

The two footmen in charge of the Prince in the first place actually had the gall to look bored. In just a few minutes, the Prince would need to be announced before his intended suitors and if the Prince doesn’t appear through those ridiculously ornate doors to the grand ballroom—

Political tensions would skyrocket to an all-time high. There would be distrust between the efforts of peace between the two nations. Uncertainty and suspicion would overrun the entire efforts to stop conflict and they’ll be back at each other’s throats all over again, ravaging war after fruitless war, sacrificing resources, land, citizens for the sake of the elite’s gain—

“Calm down, Angel,” J’s voice rattled off in his head. “It’ll work out in the end. Just. Breathe.”

Just breathe. Just. Breathe.

Breathing did bollocks. Where was that wine…

A sizeable crowd had gathered now, consisting of high-ranking commanders and officials: the Seraphs, Cherubs, even some Dominions. Their gazes briefly flitted past the Demons, snorting in amusement as their eyes flickered over to where Aziraphale stood by the threshold. The Principality tried not to squirm under their calculating stares.

He ought to have faith—that’s right. He ought to have faith that all will go according to the plan—well. Whatever plan She had in store.

Her Majesty the Queen may not have been completely clear in her instructions as she bequeathed him the responsibility of guiding Crowley, Prince of Hell, through their culture and kingdom in order to dutifully bind his life to that of the Divines—nevermind that it doesn’t make a tick of sense that Crowley needs to woo one of them in the first place if the goal is to simply establish peace by the sharing of bloodlines and all that — but he’s an Angel.

And Angels were made to obey even if the ineffable plan was quite…in-affable.

The doors opened and a Demon’s lazy drawl commenced. Aziraphale’s pulse quickened.

“May I present to you—”

Oh—

“His Royal Highness, son of King Lucifer of the Kingdom of Hell—”

—Fuck.

“Prince Anthony J Crowley.”

A beat of silence. Aziraphale felt the blood drain from his face.

But then: “Just Crowley is fine.”

If it was possible to choke on absolutely nothing, Aziraphale would have been granted a very strange and rather rude epitaph if he happened to croak at this very moment. Well, one could suppose he did choke on the incredulity of the scene before him:

Of J sauntering through the doors with regal indifference, too-cool-to-be-bothered demeanor in his dark royal garb, nonchalant and nonplussed as if he didn’t just give Aziraphale a heart attack at the lightning-strike realization that he had just spent the entire afternoon looking for the damned Prince—only for said Prince to lead him around town square on a wild goose chase.

Aziraphale couldn’t move—couldn’t breathe. He was humiliated—for sure—but he hadn’t planned on doing anything about it within the vicinity of the eyes of Heaven’s elites—

That was, until J—Prince Crowley—caught his gaze and sent him a smarmy grin.

.

Aziraphale was rightfully pissed. And Crowley found it adorable.

He had planned to apologize, he really did! He not only thoroughly enjoyed the company of his Guide, but it seemed that Aziraphale—unlike most of the dead-eyed stares within the room—actually gave a shit. About peace—about him! And that wasn’t something Crowley was about to let go. He decided it would be best to let the Angel simmer down a little and then confront him when most of the heat had dissipated with some fine wine and dancing—

But alas. That flustered face was too sweet a temptation to ignore. So after making his proper appearance to the Archangels (bow, proclaim your title, Pleased to make your acquaintance, I look forward to working together in the name of peace between our two kingdoms, yaddayaddayadda) and there he goes back again to the red-faced, scowling little Bird.

And had Aziraphale not been blustering with ill-contained frustration at him, he might have even noticed the eyes on them as Crowley approached. The Prince gave a sweeping bow—“To a Principality?” someone murmured among the masses— and took Aziraphale’s hand with all the blithe charm he could muster. “Pleased to formally make your acquaintance.”

All fallen on deaf ears and eyes blinded by rage. “YOU!” Aziraphale hissed out.

If it wouldn’t make tensions between them even worse, Crowley would have thrown his head back in a laugh. Instead, he settled for pleased-as-punch smile that the Angel, had he inhaled more liquid courage into his system, might have put description to reality. “Let’s walk and talk, shall we?”

And so, the gallant prince goes, sweeping his Guide off his feet into a dance as the celebration began and a swell of music drifted through the air.

But alas, Aziraphale doesn’t even seem to realize that he’s dancing with the Prince right now—he was merely content to hissing in his ear. “J!”

“Or dance, as it stands, err, sways,” Crowley corrected as he took the lead. “And like I said, you can call me Crowley, Angel.” Forward. “And see? I told you everything would be all right!” Side.

Closed. “I SPENT HOURS LOOKING FOR YOU! And—you were the Prince all along?!”

A pull, back and forth. “Guilty,” Crowley replied, though his tone implied he was anything but. The Angel was pouting again. “Oh don’t look so cross at me. We had a good time, right?”

Back. Aziraphale sputtered. “I SAW MY LIFE FLASH BEFORE MY EYES WHEN THEY ANNOUNCED YOU!” Side.

Closed. Crowley huffed, clearly and infuriatingly amused. “Did that include the time you met a mysterious, handsome fellow who, out of the goodness of his heart, decided to aid you in looking for your charge today?”

Back. “No,” He seethed tartly. “It included the time I met an irritation of a Royal who decided to play me for a sucker.”

Forward. “Tsk, don’t think of it like that. Think of it as—getting to know each other,” Crowley offered. Aziraphale eyed him darkly. Side. “Without the pomp and regality of it all,” he continued. “After all, I certainly enjoyed my time with you.” Closed.

Back. “Hmph.” But Crowley could already see the steam running out. The tense and terse replies relaxed to a tranquil banter. “Well—It appears that I’ll need to keep closer eye on you. In case you decide to cause anyone else grief.” There was still a glower in those stormy eyes, but there was also a hint of a resenting smile on those wine-pinked lips.

Forward. Crowley gave him a wicked grin. “Oh, Angel. You don’t have to worry about that. I’ll be sure to save all my mischief just for you—”

Side. “You—!”

Closed. “—if it means we get to have more days like today.”

And he’ll be sure to make it up to him later.  It wouldn’t do not to be in good graces with his Guide after all—it certainly would make his stay far less fun. And from their outing that day, it became very apparent that his Guide has a penchant for good food and wine…

The first song ended with a bustle of cheer from the crowd and Aziraphale froze, the realization hitting him square in the face that he just spent the first dance with the Prince. It sent Aziraphale reeling, thoughts coming to a halt between the immovable object of two choices keeping him frozen in place: to crawl away from the crowd and into his bed for a solid week or to walk away with some semblance of dignity far, far away from the Prince.

But alas; it appeared that Crowley just so happened to be an unstoppable force to pull him away from his (safer) two options. “You’re not bad!” Crowley laughed, taking his hand again as the music started up and before any of the Birds could swoop down and interrupt their fun.

He gave a fanciful twirl to the startled Angel, holding him tight to make sure the other didn’t stumble in his steps. The song possessed a faster tempo this time; he hoped the Angel could keep up.

Given enough time and patience to allow the Angel to concede that This is my life now, he, in fact, could.

--------------------------------------------

Meet-cute? Check.

A prince in disguise? Check.

Aziraphale dancing something other than the gavotte—wait, what? Also check.

More to come, I think.

Thank you for reading!

[palmerasenfuego]

currently reading

Patricia Highsmith stories

I returned the book I was reading these stories from to the library and will probably seek more out online, because I love Highsmith’s writing and narrative sensibility. No one is sympathetic in a Highsmith story, and if they aren’t personally culpable, then they’re pathetic and pitiful. One hilarious story is about a day in the life of two pigeons who roost together but hate each other. Highsmith has an extremely grim view of people, which I don’t share, but she also has a ‘wicked’ sense of humor, which I think is an overused description for someone’s sense of humor, unless it’s applied to Highsmith, or maybe Otessa Moshfegh, whose book of stories Homesick for Another World I have checked out from the library, but have not yet started.

Alice Knott, Blake Butler

~1/3 of the way into this novel and I’m really enjoying it as a big fuck you to plot-obsessed fiction. Which is to say I find myself when reading it often wondering okay but what’s the story? even though by Butler’s standards the story is fairly straightforward. Seems like it might be a good gateway drug to ease people into Butler’s more ‘difficult’ work. I’ve also been sort of idly scrolling Butler’s now defunct blog for guidance on ‘how’ to blog. 

Kabbalah for Beginners, Rav Michael Laitman

As a goy I have very little context and absolutely no Hebrew knowledge to help me understand Kabbalah, which I’m interested in for myriad reasons, most presently for Kabbalah’s and mysticism’s relationship to language and authority. Here’s Gershom Scholem on Moses and the Ten Commandments, from On the Kabbalah and Its Symbolism

This conception of Moses as interpreter of the divine voice for the people was developed much more radically by Maimonides, whose ideas Rabbi Mendel of Rymanov carried to their ultimate conclusion. In Rabbi Mendel's view not even the first two Commandments were revealed directly to the whole people of Israel. All that Israel heard was the aleph with which in the Hebrew text the first Commandment begins, the aleph of the word anokhi, 'I.' This strikes me as a highly remarkable statement, providing much food for thought. For in Hebrew the consonant aleph represents nothing more than the position taken by the larynx when a word begins with a vowel. Thus the aleph may be said to denote the source of all articulate sound, and indeed the Kabbalists always regarded it as the spiritual root of all other letters, encompassing in its essence the whole alphabet and hence all other elements of human discourse. To hear the aleph is to hear next to nothing; it is the preparation for all audible language, but in itself conveys no determinate, specific meaning. Thus, with his daring statement that the actual revelation to Israel consisted only of the aleph, Rabbi Mendel transformed the revelation on Mount Sinai into a mystical revelation, pregnant with infinite meaning, but without specific meaning. In order to become a foundation of religious authority, it had to be translated into human language, and that is what Moses did. In this light every statement on which authority is grounded would become a human interpretation, however valid and exalted, of something that transcends it.

Kabbalah for Beginners isn’t about the linguistic aspects of Kabbalah at all, but having read it I better understand what the Tree of Life and the sephirot are, though only marginally.

Akira, Katsuhiro Otomo

Akira is probably the most fun I’ve had reading comics, which I don’t usually do, but I was interested in manga artwork as drawing inspiration. I read the first volume and have the second volume here, but I think I’ll come back to it later when I want to have ‘fun’ reading something.

Shiver, Junji Ito

This is the first manga I read where the book orientation is the opposite of Western books, reading right to left. The stories themselves are a little clunky sometimes, some of which is probably due to translation, but Ito’s artwork is chilling and beautiful and hypnotic. I half intend to write more about Ito when I read more of his work, but right now I don’t feel like I have enough to say about these.

Industrial Society and Its Future, Ted Kaczynski

It is true that “anyone who has a little money can have something printed, or can distribute it on the Internet or in some such way, but what he has to say will be swamped by the vast volume of material put out by the media, hence it will have no practical effect. To make an impression on society with words is therefore almost impossible for most individuals and small groups.” 

But unlike Kaczynski, I refuse to resort to murder in growing my audience.

[theharellan]

@felandaristhorns​ asked: This might be more meta than headcanon (and you may have already said something about it), but I'd love your thoughts on the parallels between Solas killing the mages who tortured and corrupted Wisdom versus Cole sparing and forgiving (with Solas's guidance and encouragement) the templar who imprisoned and forgot the real Cole.

Hm! I think I’ve spoken about it before, although potentially only in private? I remember talking to Joly once about how it, but it was mostly about how I think comparing the two like it’s apples to apples is weird, especially because the post in particular was one sentence and equivocated what I think are two different crimes. I’m going to do my best to put them into context about the ways I think they’re hard to compare before I compare them just to make myself feel better.

Oh, and before I start, these are just my interpretations of the quests and mostly applicable to how I write these characters here and on my multimuse in Cole’s case.

The Templar who killed the human Cole did so out of negligence and cruelty, Cole was (in the fucked up system of Thedas) the Templar’s responsibility and he failed him. The mages who kill Wisdom do so out of ignorance, mostly, having been educated by that same system which taught them that Wisdom wasn’t a person and thus fine to enslave and pervert. These are both bad things, and some action deserves to be taken in either case,* but they aren’t the same crimes.

Not only this, but they serve different narrative purposes. I see the mages as a foils Solas and the situation he’s in, they did something drastic to protect themselves and a lot of them ended up dying as a result. Also, they fail to recognise the personhood in Wisdom just as Solas fails to recognise the personhood in the world he woke up to. Let them die or stop him, his path isn’t divergent like Cole’s, he’s grateful for your help even if he disapproves of you letting them go. Meanwhile, the Templar in Cole’s is more a springboard for how he’s going to develop from here on out. He represents Cole’s investment in the identity he forged for himself, but there aren’t many traits he and the Templar share as there are with Solas and the mages.

So, we have two different situations featuring characters who serve different narrative functions for our companions. Now that I’ve made it clear that they’re different I can try to talk about the similarities.

The first similarity that comes to mind is actually between Solas and Cole if you take the alternate route, where Cole doesn’t forgive. He keeps the anger, lets it change him, he’s more relatable but a little less happy. If you let the mages go, Solas doesn’t forgive them, he keeps that fury. You can feel that anger going into Tevinter Nights, where his fury about how spirits are being treated in Thedas characterises his appearances. Solas has had a body for a while, so it’s not like this anger has changed his nature, more that I think he knows better than he lets on that he gets the pain Cole is going through by letting this stick to him. Encouraging Cole to forgive is a way to keep Cole from going through what he’s gone through. It’s also I think a result of the Veil and its nature, were the world different I think Solas would have preferred a middle ground, as was possible before the creation of the Veil.

I also think there’s something to be said about vengeance not being a healthy path for them. As I said, Solas doesn’t have a divergent path and reacts with gratitude regardless of if you let him go through with it, but I do think that letting him kill the mages imparts a bad lesson for him. Especially if you buy into my “the mages are Solas” interpretation. For the moment it has no repercussions on Solas’ story, but it still may, and personally I think the Inquisitor who showed mercy to mages who did something terrible to protect people they loved would have a better bearing on Solas’ future (assuming you want him in a better place at the end of DA4) than letting them die. For Cole, we aren’t allowed to pursue that path because his story is divergent, and it would be more dialogue to write, more lines to read, more scenes to code, etc. There are hints that it was planned, but likely had to be cut from the development process for the reasons listed above. I do think that if such an option was pursued, it would’ve been bad for Cole.

I guess the final and most compelling parallel I can think of is how Solas and Cole deal with their own grief versus others’. Cole shows compassion to Solas, who has the death of an empire (or rather, its people) sitting on his shoulders, shows compassion to Blackwall, who had ordered the deaths of civilians and allowed the deaths of children. Wanting someone who committed a crime dead isn’t out of the unusual for Cole (he does approve of execution an equal number of times as Solas does. Fun fact.), but oftentimes when dealing with the pain of people whom many would consider monstrous Cole tries to help them move on from their trauma. Not so for the Templar, who may not have lived if Cole had acted alone that day.

Solas is a fair bit colder than Cole, he’s had to make hard decisions in a way similar to the Inquisitor, and people have died as a result. Yet when dealing with Blackwall he ultimately chooses to accept that he’s changed and, if Blackwall is romanced, Solas is glad he’s found some peace with someone who can love the true him. He’s the only member of the initial party who tries to reason with the mage supremacists that broke from the rebellion, and he, too, finds compassion for people who are considered monstrous-- sometimes literally. His compassion is harder than Cole’s, but undeniably there.

Yet when faced with their own trauma and grief, they both turn to rage. Solas is self-admittedly hotheaded and I think well-aware that it’s not good to indulge that side of himself, and while he doesn’t have enough in him to control himself when it comes to the loss of one of his oldest friends (at least not without outside help), he has enough of a grip during Cole’s quest to advocate a softer resolution for his friend. I wish Cole could’ve played a role in Solas’ personal quest as Solas did for Cole to neatly tie up this package, but alas. I could see Cole stopping Solas, I imagine at that point more of him was bleeding through and he was a good deal louder than usual from Cole’s perspective, but that’s getting into speculation.

In short, I think they’re difficult quests to draw parallels between because they serve very different purposes for Solas and Cole, and the crimes featured in them are different morally. Some similarities can be found in questions the quests raise about vengeance and the fact that Solas may be advocating from the perspective of someone who had to go through what Cole is about to go through. Ultimately though I think the most compelling parallel is the way these characters express their grief and how they help their friends’ handle their grief.

* By this I mean I think the mages deserve education and protection, their crime was a result of desperation and I think they deserve compassion. The Templar I think deserved prison or some kind of judgment, although ultimately I choose forgive because I prefer it for Cole’s development and he comes before everything else.

[jacscorner]

Moemon-Type Chart

Just thought this would be a fun way to look at Moemon/Pokemon. Please note that these aren’t iron-clad rules. It’s just that these are all stereotypes built up since many Moemon tend to share these traits, and thus are put into these categories.

Bimbo - Normal: Disregarded by most Trainers, Bimbo-Types are incredibly loving and loyal, acting more like pets than combatant. They’re naturally more inclined towards love instead of war-however, they’re not to be underestimated. What they lack in style and grace, they make up for in being a ‘Jill-Of-All-Trades’, able to tip their tools into the pools of almost every other Type. Be wary, however, as Bimbo-Types tend to go into a raving heat cycles; each one is different and when they’re going through it, you’d best be able to handle them.

Punk - Poison: Rude, crude, and often with some kind of attitude, Punk-Types are notorious for being territorial. A Trainer with multiple Punk-Types should be careful, as they might fight amongst themselves for superiority-unless you’re into that. It’s commonly believed that their sour disposition holds a softer, gentler side-this is not a fact, some of them are, indeed, just bitches. Culling a Punk-Type from her bad habits is close to impossible, but some trainers have managed to make it happen before.

Smart - Psychic: While Psychic Powers doesn’t necessarily make on smart, Smart-Type Moemon tend to have a greater leaning towards gathering information. They have a reputation for being incredibly powerful, to the point where there was a point in time in Kanto History where Smart-Types with their psychic abilities were heavily sought after. They can be pretty hard to train, however; a Trainer that isn’t capable of reeling in a Smart-Type’s natural curiosity or their superiority complex might find themselves on the other end of the social leash. Recently, it’s been studied that Humans born around a community of Smart-Types have shown to exhibit Psychic Powers...

Milf - Grass: Milf-Types aren’t all moms from the get-go, but when they reach maturity, they tend to have a very voluptuous body type, gaining their name for just how fast they mature. It helps that no matter how many kids they may or may not have, they have very strong maternal instincts, making them great with kids and often used as nannies when not in combat. They’re often generous and loving to a fault, but a Trainer that can capture their hearts can find themselves with a very loyal Moemon. It’s often recommended that new Trainers start with a Milf-Type, as their more mild temperament makes them much easier to get along with.

Round - Ground: There’s a lot of debate about how to apply this ‘type’, as Generally, Round-Types tend to be towards a certain...body-type. They’re naturally built more towards a broader build, some of them having bigger butts or boobs, some of them having some noticeable chub. It’s unwise to be insensitive about this to your Moemon, as they may start a good rampage if you push their buttons. They may be quick to forgive you, given their softer personality, but everyone has a breaking point-as does your spine.

Frigid - Ice: Frigid-Types tend to have a a very ‘cold’ personality; they’re stand-offish, and more often then not will push you away even after being captured. Frigid-Types play a long game of ‘hard to get’, and only the most dedicated Trainers will be able to see their heart under all that ice. They’re stereotyped as ‘Kuuderes’ and ‘Tsunderes’, and while that isn’t entirely true, it takes time for them to warm up to their trainers. Be sure to keep your Frigid-Types plenty cool, as they tend to overheat pretty quickly. 

Sassy - Fire: Temperamental, proud, and more than a little bratty, that is the Sassy-Type. They’re incredibly stubborn, and love to tease and get a rise out of their Trainers. Members of this type tend to love combat and will seek out battle no matter what shape it takes, be it a Pokemon battle to wanting to fight you over what you guys eat for dinner. Plenty of new Trainers are put through the ringer when they pick the Sassy-Type Starter and find themselves with a girl that’s too hot to handle. 

Dumb - Rock: Intelligence is something hard to measure, but Dumb-Types certainly earn their name. It’s a mean title to give a type, but there is a kernel of truth to it; these types tend not to be concerned with knowledge, relying only on brute force and their naturally tough exterior. They may be a little slow, and perhaps somewhat forgetful, but Dumb-Types make up for their lack of brain power with their heavy heads. Keep in mind, however, that while they have a 1 in INT, long-lived Dumb-Types tend to have a 20 in WIS.

Bully - Dragon: If you hear the distinct ‘oh ho ho ho’ of a Bully-Type, they’ve already deemed you as their prey. Bully-Types get their names because of their inherit superiority complex, partially due to their rarity and partially due to how powerful they are. Trainers won’t have the luxury of giving any less than their best when dealing with them, as with even the slightest inch, they’ll try to dominate any situation. Bully-Types only respect those who are stronger than them, so Trainers will need to display their strength in order to keep them loyal.

Beach - Water: Surf, sand, and sand-witches, that’s the eternal motto of Beach-Types, called so since a majority of them hang around beaches or wear beachwear as though it’s normal clothes. While not vain, many Beach-Types tend to take a lot of stock in their physical appearance. They want to look good and be appreciated for looking good, so Trainers are recommended to compliment them plenty so they feel secure. They make for very charming partners for New Trainers, but more easy going than Sassy-Types, but aren’t as smothering as Milf-Types.

Drone - Bug: “The strength of the hive is the Bug, the strength of the Bug is the Hive”. Drone-Types are eternal followers, soldiers dedicated to a single cause-well, actually, they’re mostly made up of really shy, timid Moemon who form large colonies for safety. Drones are known for electing a ‘Queen’, or leaning on a Trainer, for leadership and guidance, and while some Moemon are more up to the task than others, it’s not uncommon for particularly meek Drones to seek out other, stronger Moemons to follow. Lately, there’s been an upswing in popularity in Drone-Type Moemon.

Goth - Dark: No, you cannot attract Goth-Types with Christian Death or 45 Grave, that will only upset them. Goth-Types are mostly loners, with few noticeable species working in tight, close-knit communities. Goth-Types are tough nuts to crack; it doesn’t help that Humans have persecuted them in the past and, even today, often treat Goth-Types as devils instead of sentient humanoids, no different from...well, Humans. They tend to come off as nasty, but they’re really just shy and often scared, so recruiting one can be difficult for the impatient.

Muscle - Fighting: Muscle-Types are pretty straight forward, with the members of the type pursuing the art of combat. Some are martial artists, some study the blade, and some just love to fight, to the point Trainers commonly refer to them as ‘fightsexual’. It’s not completely unheard of, as it’s common for Muscle-Types to seek out Trainers who will often train them and train with them. Trainers who can’t handle rigorous activity don’t make the best parnters for Muscle-Type, as they can get anxious if their Trainer isn’t striving for strength with them.

Spooky - Ghost: Have you ever seen a girl wonder through a graveyard? You might’ve encountered a Spooky-Type if you have. These Moemon absorb an odd energy called ‘ectoplasm’, which gives the properties of ‘ghosts’: they can turn invisible and intangible, many are capable of minor levitation, and the results tend to leave them sickly and pale, even if they’re perfectly healthy. Spooky-Types are known for being rather mischievous: some being no more than mild pranksters, some maliciously violent, so be careful and always carry a flashlight and a vacuum cleaner.

Toy - Steel: Toy-Type Moemon are an odd bunch; their bodies tend to be made up of some kind of inorganic matter, be it having titanium bones, iron skin, or steel teeth. Toy-Types are also notorious for having a very dry personality, if not coming off as disinterested, they can be rather strict and stern. Despite the playful name, Toy-Types are very rigid and unflinching, with many types not fully grasping common emotions naturally, either needing to learn them or learning to mimic them. They’re not cold and unfeeling, it’s just that they’re not naturally capable of expressing them.

Glam - Flying: Most scratch their heads at this choice in naming, but Glam-Types truly live up to their name. Glam-Types are incredibly graceful, these winged Moemon being able to soar with pristine elegance. Many Glam-Types work tirelessly on their appearances once they hit maturity, wanting to stand out as much as possible in the hopes of attracting a mate-and more often then not, they’re looking for a Human-Trainer or otherwise. For a Glam-Type, having a Human for a mate is a status symbol, and Glam-Types are all about making themselves appear to be more important than others and showing off.

Ditz - Electric: Not quite Dumb, but not quite Bimbo; Ditz-Types are often perceived as being eternally curious and full of energy. While I stress these Types are more like STEREOtypes, Ditz-Types have been shown to have severe lapses in judgement, with some being as foolish as to use their Electrical Powers on Round-Types, who are immune to them. Scientists believes that the access electricity going to their brains short circuits them, leaving them to be rather forgetful and easy prey for other Moemon to take advantage of until they reach maturity. Despite this, however, most Ditz-Types are rather upbeat, with many of them even showing traits of creative problem solving.

Cute - Fairy: A new type discovered, with their name still being developed, but Cute-Types really are just that: cute. They tend to have an aura of desirability, some of them even weaponizing this unassuming trait to lure in prey and showing a much more ‘combative’ personality lying underneath. Their sweet disposition is even enough to dissuade even Bully-Types from working their usual tactics on them-though it might help that their Draconic Ancestry gives them a fatal weakness to the distinct energy that Cute-Types radiate. Scientists are still trying to properly understand what this energy is, as we’re not totally sure what it is, how it affects them, or even why many types retroactively became or gained the ability once the type was discovered...

---

I mean, by this logic, my Bulbasaur is a Milf/Punk-Type. Which, I mean, I’m cool with that. Might even draw that at some point...

[preciseprose]

Dipper v. Emotional Conflict

After re-watching every episode of Gravity Falls, listening to every commentary track available, and reading “Lost Legends”, I’ve come to the following conclusion about Dipper Pines:

His greatest weakness is his inability to resolve internal emotional conflicts on his own.

I see a lot of my younger self in Dipper. We’re both nerdy dorks who are confident—often to a fault—in our ability to think, plan, or argue our way out of conflicts. Logical reasoning comes naturally to us; emotional sensitivity does not. We shine the brightest when tasked with solving problems devoid of emotional complications because we have a hard time understanding them. So when cornered by emotional conflicts that are difficult to resolve or that are unfamiliar, our confidence nosedives. 

Dipper’s response to unfamiliar or difficult emotional conflicts depends on both the circumstances in which the conflict arises and whether the source of the conflict is external or internal. In “Dipper v. Manliness”, Dipper’s self-confidence is challenged externally after he’s publicly emasculated by failing a strength test and privately emasculated after Mabel and Stanley make fun of his love of BABBA, a stereotypically feminine pop group.

This conflict does not require immediate resolution, so Dipper does not immediately face it. Instead he wanders into the woods, eventually finding guidance in the form of the Manotaurs, a clan of hypermasculine half-man half-taurs.

The manotaurs are of course nothing like noodle-armed Dipper. They’re about as intelligent as the rocks they crush with their horns; disparage BABBA for its femininity; and characterize the Multibear, a multi-headed bear who loves BABBA, as their enemy merely because he refuses to conform with their toxic masculinity. Unsure about what it means to be a man and lacking the self-confidence to support his past perception of manliness, Dipper tries to fit in with the manotaurs even though doing so requires him to reject the effeminate parts of himself. This rejection of himself creates internal emotional conflict that reveals itself when Dipper, tasked by the Manotaurs to murder the Multibear in order to prove his manliness, discovers he has more in common with the Multibear than the Manotaurs.

The realization that killing the Multibear would be akin to killing himself is enough of a shock that Dipper realizes he doesn’t need to be traditionally masculine in order to be a man. His self-confidence somewhat restored, Dipper is able to tell the overwhelmingly masculine manotaurs their way of life is flawed without fear. He resolves his external conflict by rejecting its very existence. Yet when Dipper meets up with Mabel and Stan a few hours later, it is clear Dipper has failed to resolve his internal conflict on his own.

There is no objective reason Dipper shouldn’t have shed his internal conflict after telling off the Manotaurs. His internal conflict stemmed from his independent decision to act like someone he was not, not from public embarrassment or from being bullied by Stan and Mabel. All that’s required of Dipper is from him to take the inferential step that standing up for himself was, in fact, manly. That Dipper immediately discusses his distaste for the Manotaurs with Stan and Mabel upon meeting with them shows he’s on the verge of making the realization for himself. Nevertheless, Dipper’s internal conflict is only resolved after Stan and Mabel assure him his rejection of the Manataurs was manly.

But of course he can’t come to the realization himself, he’s only twelve! Not even the most emotionally sensitive 12-year-old boy should be able to figure out the intricacies of manhood after a single shot at it. Dipper’s lack of self-awareness shows he has room to grow. And grow he does; physically and mentally.

Dipper and Mabel’s summer in Gravity Falls occurs during the sunrise of their transition from childhood to adulthood. During the course of the show their bodies are changing (although only Dipper’s is discussed) and they’re experiencing romantic attraction for the first time. Mabel joyfully throws herself into these new feelings of attraction without restraint and absent any expectations because she isn’t looking for anything serious. She’s not interested in grown-up stuff; she just wants to hold hands and kiss cute boys without consequence while she can. Dipper, however, views his attraction to Wendy, a girl three years his senior, as an opportunity to finally leave childhood behind and move on to glorious adulthood. He puts enormous pressure on himself to establish a serious romantic relationship because, whether or not he realizes it, he views such a relationship as a stepping stone to maturity.

Dipper knows he lacks what is necessary to charm Wendy, but his desire to grow up blinds him from realizing he cannot gain what isn't there by pretending to be someone he is not,

by executing an elaborate plan, 

or by sabotaging Wendy’s existing romantic relationship.

Dipper’s immaturity blinds him to what Mabel understands intuitively: 12-year-old’s can’t sustain serious romantic relationships because 12-year-olds haven’t lived long enough to gain the emotional maturity, experience, and patience such relationships require. His inability to figure this out frustrates his goal of growing up as fast as possible and results in massive internal emotional conflict over how he should present himself to potential romantic partners. It is this self-imposed internal conflict that causes Dipper’s self-confidence to implode whenever he’s first meets or is alone with a person he classifies as a potential romantic partner. This is why Dipper is awkward around Wendy and, before he dehumanizes them per Stan’s instructions, the girls he meets during “Roadside Attraction”, but is never awkward around Pacifica—even when she’s hugging him.

This view is confirmed by Dipper’s behavior following his discussion with Wendy in “Into the Bunker”. After their battle with the Shapeshifter, Wendy confronts Dipper about his feelings for her. She tells him the she’s flattered he likes her, but that she’s too old for him. And to stop Dipper’s thoughts from spiraling out of control, she reassures him that she loves spending time with him and that things between them don’t have to be awkward. After this point Dipper is no longer awkward around Wendy, but not because he resolved his inner emotional conflict.

Unlike the conflict in “Dipper v. Manliness”, which existed for maybe a few days, Dipper’s conflict over how to present himself to potential partners has stewed within him for weeks. One short conversation is not enough help for him to move past it. If it was, Dipper wouldn’t still have a crush on Wendy 15 episodes later.

Accordingly, the reason Dipper is no longer awkward around Wendy is not because he understands he cannot date her eventually, but rather because she expressly told him she will never return his feelings for her. The change in Dipper’s mind was not that he shouldn’t pursue a serious romantic relationship at his age, it was that Wendy is not a potential romantic partner.

It’s not until after Weirdmagedon that Dipper finally moves past this inner conflict; and even then, he does so indirectly. Alex Hirsch provides an excellent explanation of how this comes to pass in the commentary track for “Scary-oke”:

“Dipper wants to grow up too fast. That’s his flaw as a character. And it builds to a choice that he has the chance to skip over childhood and then he comes to appreciate childhood. And when he returns at the end of this summer, he’s not in such a rush. He’s not in such a rush to date Wendy and to be a government agent, and all of this stuff.”

At the end of the show, Dipper still doesn’t grasp that he will never date Wendy—and thus his awkwardness around girls he likes will continue to manifest itself—but at least he’s no longer putting so much pressure on himself to find a girlfriend.

To close, I’d like to discuss why Dipper doesn’t view Pacifica as a potential romantic partner, and what I believe the implications of that view would have been had the show continued past season two. Once again Alex Hirsh’s commentary, this time from “The Golf War”, speaks with more clarity than I can provide: 

“[The writing staff] loved that [Pacifica] brought out . . . pure instant sass and rage from Dipper. He’s so protective of his sister that he becomes way more assertive around Pacifica because he has no ambiguity in his mind about how he feels about her; he can’t stand her. And his normal social fear melts away when there is someone he hates that much.” 

This confirms my theory on why Dipper isn’t awkward around Pacifica.

More interesting, however, is Matt Chapman’s (writer and voice actor for Gravity Falls) commentary on Dipper and Pacifica’s relationship. During the commentary track for “Northwest Mansion Mystery”, Chapman states:

“What’s so exciting about this pairing, Dipper and Pacifica, is that Dipper is normally very . . . he doesn’t have a lot of confidence. Yet around Pacifica he has tons of confidence.” 

Based on her actions in “Northwest Mansion Mystery” and “Face It”, Pacifica is clearly attracted to Dipper. She admires his confidence around her, appreciates his willingness to not judge her despite her family’s past actions, and is genuinely touched by his ability to look past the protective facade she maintains and see her for who she truly is.

I don’t think I’m overreaching by stating that Dipper would eventually figure out Pacifica has feelings for him had the show continued. How he would respond to that discovery is subject to more speculation. Personally, I believe Dipper would have a hard time coming to terms with the knowledge that Pacifica’s has feelings for him. I think he'd drive himself nuts trying to resolve his older feelings of distrust and dislike for her, with new feelings of attraction to her, and the knowledge that she’s attracted to him. And while I have many more thoughts on this subject, this analysis is already long enough so I’m going to cut it off here.

Dipper is an extremely well-written character. He’s an excellent reminder that childhood can only be experienced once, and shouldn’t be rushed. He also serves to remind those just starting puberty to remember that emotional sensitivity plays just as much of a role in relationships as does rational discussion. Overall, he’s one of my favorite characters of all time and I’m glad he’s in one of my favorite shows of all time.

[modestokidzdental-blog]

Why does your kid need a Pediatric Dentist?

Kids are the most difficult and yet easy to take care of. Many parents are often confused about the right age to see a children dentist. What is the right time when as a parent you should take their child to a pediatric dentist?

Till what age should you consult a children dentist? Should you wait until your child has all his teeth and gums in place? Are you supposed to not take a child for a dental treatment until real problems show up? What is the expert opinion about it? Read on to get the answers to these questions.

We can consider the opinion of two dental care bodies in the United States. These two dental schools are ‘The American Dental Association’ and te ‘American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’. They recommend the right age when a child should first visit a dentist. As per their expert advice, it should be when the first tooth erupts in the mouth. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that a child should visit a dentist from a very young age. This age should not be later than the age one to two.Parents should go for pediatric dentist to treat children teeth.

In fact, pediatric dentist advice that the parents should take their children to a general dentistry from 6 months to 1 year after the first tooth erupts. This means that it is important to consult a toddler dentist when the primary teeth start growth. This would be around 6 months of age.

Pedantic Dentistry is one of the main wings of dentistry that pertains to kids. The governing body for this dentistry is the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). They can help you to find an affordable general dentistry for kids. Parents should encourage the kids for dental visit. Moreover, doctors must encourage the other family member to visit to dentist for their regular checkups. Most of the children dentist have fun loving and friendly environment. As the staff are full of energy and creates fun activities. As parents, you can choose a toddler dentist whose office is conveniently located. You can consult a pediatric dentist for wisdom teeth or gum disease issues until the child gets to the age of 18. The dentist specializes in the care of young teeth from small steps to emergency room.

A child’s teeth go through a lot of changes. Such changes continue even in the high school years. Therefore, we endorse a pediatric dentist over a normal dentist. You can consult a regular dentist after your child turns 18 years of age Special care needs to be taken of the child in these initial years. Moreover, dentist should make sure that they offer a friendly environment. Thus kids does not need their parents in treatment rooms. Proper care in these years makes sure that the child will have healthy teeth all his life.

The children have a bad decisive power. This is because they cannot take decisions on their own, where need of a family to participate in guidance arises. We have listed below a few important precautions that parents can take about their children. These guiding pointers will help you to ensure that your child’s teeth are up to the mark.

The points are as follows 1. Make sure that your child stops sucking fingers, thumbs or any object as soon as possible, They can be helpful in oral health care. 2. Find a good toothbrush that suits the teeth of your child. Also, ensure that the bristles are soft to avoid gum bleeding to avoid gum disease. 3. Since most of the toothpaste has fluoride it is advisable to use a small amount of toothpaste. It is better that the parent takes the brush in his hand and applies a pea size toothpaste and not give it to the child. 4. Make sure that your child than brushes in the morning, gargles his teeth after meals with water and brushes again in the night. This will do a world of good to the teeth health. 5. Also make sure that your toddler does not eat a lot of sweets, chocolates or food that contains starch in it.

We hope that the above discussion helps you to understand your child’s teeth situation better. However, parents must participate by asking the question related to their children’s teeth. We accept feedback, comments, and suggestions.

[trainthetopdogway]

Houston We Have a Problem—What to do when you know something is wrong, but you don’t have the skills to fix it

by Betsy Scapicchio and Linda Brennan

You’ve trained your dog and done your homework.  The dog knows the exercise and then suddenly, you have a problem.  What to do?

When does a mistake become a problem?  Although we structure our training to minimize mistakes, they can and will happen.  It we catch the mistake right away, we can usually prevent it from turning into a problem.  A problem occurs when a mistake becomes a repeating pattern of behavior.  For example, a dog moves forward on the signal exercise.  If this happens once and we correct the behavior (see our previous blog on Corrections) by explaining to the dog that forward motion is not correct and then prevent the dog from repeating the mistake, we can avoid a problem.  However, if we allow the dog to continue to move forward in the signal exercise and repeat that behavior, we now have a problem. 

Thus the first key to avoiding problems is to learn to handle mistakes so that they don’t turn into problems.  Trainers are often temped to ignore small mistakes, hoping that they will improve on their own.  They don’t.  When training, keep your criteria in mind and ensure that your dog is continually performing the exercise in the way that you want.  Pay attention to details.  As experienced trainers, we can often anticipate what errors could occur and be ready to prevent or correct them if they do.  Knowing ahead of time how you will handle possible mistakes will help ensure that they don’t turn into problems.  Before training your dog, ask yourself if you are clear on your criteria and what you will do to handle any deviations. Remember that every time your dog repeats the wrong behavior you are inadvertently training the dog to do it wrong.  As we always say, if you allow your dog to repeatedly do something wrong, then finally get it right once and quit, you have trained the dog to do it wrong because repetition is more important than ending on a single success.

Small mistakes turn into big problems.  Even if your goal is to qualify and not to earn a 200, you still need to prevent small mistakes from happening.  Remember that small errors in training become big errors in the ring.  It can be easy to gloss over all of those minor errors in training, but then be surprised when problems show up in the ring.  Those little errors you ignored in training, can turn into an NQ.  We often hear that a particular mistake “only happens in the ring.”  However, what shows up in the ring is usually just an exaggeration of those pesky little mistakes you ignored in your training.  For example, in training, l the dog takes several steps forward and then slowly sits on the go out.  Then in the ring, the handler is surprised to have a problem with the dog not sitting on the go out.  We aren’t.  We know that a slow, delayed or inaccurate response in training often becomes no response at all in the ring.  But trainers often overlook these poor responses in training and utter the four most deadly words in competition obedience “but he did it.”  We know that HOW he did it is more important for future success.

Solid foundation training is the best way to prevent mistakes and problems from occurring later.  Often trainers are in such a hurry to get to the fun and flashy stuff that they neglect the basics.  The longer we work with dogs, the more we understand how important a solid foundation is for future success and how long it takes to do that properly.  Take your time and don’t rush your dog through the basics.  Skills like attention, heeling, recalls, fronts, finishes, and positions are used at every level of competition.  Mistakes often occur because we thought our dog knew something that he didn’t.  So we need to go back and revisit that piece of his foundation training.  If we continue to ignore a gap in the dog’s foundation, we risk creating a serious problem later. When mistakes and problems do occur, always go back to your roots.  Ask yourself, how did I teach my dog to do that?  If you go back through the teaching steps, you can often identity exactly where the issue occurs.  Spend a little time reviewing that step and then build back to the completed exercise.  Trainers are sometimes reluctant to go backward in their training but that can be the quickest way to move forward in the end!  For example, the dog is not doing a good drop on the drop on recall.  If you go back through the steps of teaching the exercise, you might realize that although you taught the dog how to do a down from a stationary position, you never really taught the dog how to do a down in motion and at speed.  By returning to the teaching steps and clarifying that behavior for the dog, you can fix the problem by filling in that gap in your dog’s education.  No amount of correcting the dog is going to help if the dog doesn’t understand how to perform the behavior correctly!  

Many problems occur because the handler allowed the dog to practice making mistakes in training that could easily have been prevented if the handler focused on keeping the dog right. When challenging our dogs with proofing and distraction work, our goal is to prevent mistakes rather than correct them.  This strengthens the dog’s understand instead of undermining his confidence.  (See our previous blog “Do Dogs Have to Be Wrong to Be Right.”).  For example, when first adding distractions to the scent articles, we use a tie-down mat so that the dog cannot make a mistake.  That way the dog can be successful and we can use the distractions to build his confidence.  This strategy applies for small mistakes as well.  For example, in command discrimination, we use a chute, stick or block to keep the dog’s feet from moving forward as he executes the changes of position.  We often find that trainers are reluctant to keep using aids to maintain the dog’s accuracy because they are afraid the the dog won’t be able to perform without them in the ring.  However, we find that in many cases this is the best way to ensure successful repetition of the correct behavior. (See our previous blog “Just CHUTE the Dog.”)  Why allow the dog to make mistakes in training that may turn into problems later.

The first challenge when a problem does occur is to correctly identify what the problem is.  Often, it is not the piece that you think it is, but rather what is occurring prior to or after that piece.  For example, in the signal exercise, if the dog has a problem with not doing the down, it often the dog’s attention and motivation in the stand that is causing the problem.  If the dog has a good understanding of the down, then correcting the down will not solve the problem.  In fact, by correcting the wrong problem, trainers can create more stress and compound it.  In this example, the cause was the previous behavior, but it could be something afterward.  In this scenario, a dog does not want to take the jumps in directed jumping, perhaps because he is sore or injured, and then starts to refuse to do the go out.  Working on the go out will not fix the problem, because the dog is refusing so that he won’t be asked to do the jumps.  When a problem occurs in an exercise, evaluate each step separately to see where the dog is struggling. That is another benefit of breaking the exercises down into small steps when teaching.  Consider that the “problem” could be the step before or after where you are seeing the result.

When looking for the source of a problem or mistake, don’t forget to consider motivation.  Is it a lack to motivation rather than a technical skill that is causing the problem?  Particularly when the dog is already trained, handlers sometimes forget that they need to maintain the dog’s motivation as well.  When teaching, we are careful to build in motivation, since learning can be stressful.  Later, we pair proofing and with motivation, so that the dog enjoys the challenges.  A more motivated dog is more likely to be successful and a successful, confident dog is easier to motivate.  For example, a dog with a slow retrieve is more likely to be distracted and make mistakes, including a slow pickup, failure to retrieve, slow return or poor front and finish.  By motivating the retrieve, we can speed up the dog’s retrieve and lessen the chance that any of those mistakes occur.  The problem is not that the dog doesn’t know how to retrieve, but rather that the dog isn’t motivated to perform the behavior.  We can’t afford to be lazy trainers and use the excuse that the dog just doesn’t like to do it.

Sometimes the best course of action is to seek help.  Knowing how to prevent and correct problems is difficult and requires experience.  You may need guidance from someone whose own experience competing and training their own dogs and their students dogs as demonstrated consistently in the ring gives them the necessary tools.  Before deciding whose advice to take, ask yourself whether it makes sense in the context of how your dog was trained.  There are many good ways to train but jumping from one system to another will just confuse your dog.  Also remember that it’s likely that your problem developed over time and it won’t be fixed instantly.  When you decide on a course of action to take, follow through before deciding that it won’t work.  It is very confusing and frustrating for your dog if you are constantly changing techniques.  

Mistakes and problems are an inevitable part of training and competing with our dogs.  Our strategy for preventing them and how we handle them when they occur will determine how successful we are.  

[technato]

Carnegie Mellon is Saving Old Software from Oblivion

A prototype archiving system called Olive lets vintage code run on today’s computers

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Illustration: Nicholas Little

In early 2010, Harvard economists Carmen Reinhart and Kenneth Rogoff published an analysis of economic data from many countries and concluded that when debt levels exceed 90 percent of gross national product, a nation’s economic growth is threatened. With debt that high, expect growth to become negative, they argued.

This analysis was done shortly after the 2008 recession, so it had enormous relevance to policymakers, many of whom were promoting high levels of debt spending in the interest of stimulating their nations’ economies. At the same time, conservative politicians, such as Olli Rehn, then an EU commissioner, and U.S. congressman Paul Ryan, used Reinhart and Rogoff’s findings to argue for fiscal austerity.

Three years later, Thomas Herndon, a graduate student at the University of Massachusetts, discovered an error in the Excel spreadsheet that Reinhart and Rogoff had used to make their calculations. The significance of the blunder was enormous: When the analysis was done properly, Herndon showed, debt levels in excess of 90 percent were associated with average growth of positive 2.2 percent, not the negative 0.1 percent that Reinhart and Rogoff had found.

Herndon could easily test the Harvard economists’ conclusions because the software that they had used to calculate their results—Microsoft Excel—was readily available. But what about much older findings for which the software originally used is hard to come by?

You might think that the solution—preserving the relevant software for future researchers to use—should be no big deal. After all, software is nothing more than a bunch of files, and those files are easy enough to store on a hard drive or on tape in digital format. For some software at least, the all-important source code could even be duplicated on paper, avoiding the possibility that whatever digital medium it’s written to could become obsolete.

Saving old programs in this way is done routinely, even for decades-old software. You can find online, for example, a full program listing for the Apollo Guidance Computer—code that took astronauts to the moon during the 1960s. It was transcribed from a paper copy and uploaded to GitHub in 2016.

While perusing such vintage source code might delight hard-core programmers, most people aren’t interested in such things. What they want to do is use the software. But keeping software in ready-to-run form over long periods of time is enormously difficult, because to be able to run most old code, you need both an old computer and an old operating system.

You might have faced this challenge yourself, perhaps while trying to play a computer game from your youth. But being unable to run an old program can have much more serious repercussions, particularly for scientific and technical research.

Along with economists, many other researchers, including physicists, chemists, biologists, and engineers, routinely use software to slice and dice their data and visualize the results of their analyses. They simulate phenomena with computer models that are written in a variety of programming languages and that use a wide range of supporting software libraries and reference data sets. Such investigations and the software on which they are based are central to the discovery and reporting of new research results.

Imagine that you’re an investigator and want to check calculations done by another researcher 25 years ago. Would the relevant software still be around? The company that made it may have disappeared. Even if a contemporary version of the software exists, will it still accept the format of the original data? Will the calculations be identical in every respect—for example, in the handling of rounding errors—to those obtained using a computer of a generation ago? Probably not.

Researchers’ growing dependence on computers and the difficulty they encounter when attempting to run old software are hampering their ability to check published results. The problem of obsolescent software is thus eroding the very premise of reproducibility—which is, after all, the bedrock of science.

The issue also affects matters that could be subject to litigation. Suppose, for example, that an engineer’s calculations show that a building design is robust, but the roof of that building nevertheless collapses. Did the engineer make a mistake, or was the software used for the calculations faulty? It would be hard to know years later if the software could no longer be run.

That’s why my colleagues and I at Carnegie Mellon University, in Pittsburgh, have been developing ways to archive programs in forms that can be run easily today and into the future. My fellow computer scientists Benjamin Gilbert and Jan Harkes did most of the required coding. But the collaboration has also involved software archivist Daniel Ryan and librarians Gloriana St. Clair, Erika Linke, and Keith Webster, who naturally have a keen interest in properly preserving this slice of modern culture.

Bringing Back Yesterday’s Software

The Olive system has been used to create 17 different virtual machines that run a variety of old software, some serious, some just for fun. Here are several views from those archived applications

1/8

NCSA Mosaic 1.0, a pioneering Web browser for the Macintosh from 1993.

2/8

Chaste (Cancer, Heart and Soft Tissue Environment) 3.1 for Linux from 2013.

<img src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/image/MzEzMTUzMg.jpeg&quot; data-original="/image/MzEzMTUzMg.jpeg" id="618441086_2" alt="The Oregon Trail 1.1, a game for the Macintosh from 1990.”> 3/8

The Oregon Trail 1.1, a game for the Macintosh from 1990.

<img src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/image/MzEzMTUzNQ.jpeg&quot; data-original="/image/MzEzMTUzNQ.jpeg" id="618441086_3" alt="Wanderer, a game for MS-DOS from 1988.”> 4/8

Wanderer, a game for MS-DOS from 1988.

<img src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/image/MzEzMTU1MA.jpeg&quot; data-original="/image/MzEzMTU1MA.jpeg" id="618441086_4" alt="Mystery House, a game for the Apple II from 1982.”> 5/8

Mystery House, a game for the Apple II from 1982.

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The Great American History Machine, an educational interactive atlas for Windows 3.1 from 1991.

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Microsoft Office 4.3 for Windows 3.1 from 1994.

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ChemCollective, educational chemistry software for Linux from 2013.

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Because this project is more one of archival preservation than mainstream computer science, we garnered financial support for it not from the usual government funding agencies for computer science but from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and the Institute for Museum and Library Services. With that support, we showed how to reconstitute long-gone computing environments and make them available online so that any computer user can, in essence, go back in time with just a click of the mouse.

We created a system called Olive—an acronym for Open Library of Images for Virtualized Execution. Olive delivers over the Internet an experience that in every way matches what you would have obtained by running an application, operating system, and computer from the past. So once you install Olive, you can interact with some very old software as if it were brand new. Think if it as a Wayback Machine for executable content.

To understand how Olive can bring old computing environments back to life, you have to dig through quite a few layers of software abstraction. At the very bottom is the common base of much of today’s computer technology: a standard desktop or laptop endowed with one or more x86 microprocessors. On that computer, we run the Linux operating system, which forms the second layer in Olive’s stack of technology.

Sitting immediately above the operating system is software written in my lab called VMNetX, for Virtual Machine Network Execution. A virtual machine is a computing environment that mimics one kind of computer using software running on a different kind of computer. VMNetX is special in that it allows virtual machines to be stored on a central server and then executed on demand by a remote system. The advantage of this arrangement is that your computer doesn’t need to download the virtual machine’s entire disk and memory state from the server before running that virtual machine. Instead, the information stored on disk and in memory is retrieved in chunks as needed by the next layer up: the virtual-machine monitor (also called a hypervisor), which can keep several virtual machines going at once.

Each one of those virtual machines runs a hardware emulator, which is the next layer in the Olive stack. That emulator presents the illusion of being a now-obsolete computer—for example, an old Macintosh Quadra with its 1990s-era Motorola 68040 CPU. (The emulation layer can be omitted if the archived software you want to explore runs on an x86-based computer.)

The next layer up is the old operating system needed for the archived software to work. That operating system has access to a virtual disk, which mimics actual disk storage, providing what looks like the usual file system to still-higher components in this great layer cake of software abstraction.

Above the old operating system is the archived program itself. This may represent the very top of the heap, or there could be an additional layer, consisting of data that must be fed to the archived application to get it to do what you want.

The upper layers of Olive are specific to particular archived applications and are stored on a central server. The lower layers are installed on the user’s own computer in the form of the Olive client software package. When you launch an archived application, the Olive client fetches parts of the relevant upper layers as needed from the central server.

Illustration: Nicholas Little

Layers of Abstraction: Olive requires many layers of software abstraction to create a suitable virtual machine. That virtual machine then runs the old operating system and application.

That’s what you’ll find under the hood. But what can Olive do? Today, Olive consists of 17 different virtual machines that can run a variety of operating systems and applications. The choice of what to include in that set was driven by a mix of curiosity, availability, and personal interests. For example, one member of our team fondly remembered playing The Oregon Trail when he was in school in the early 1990s. That led us to acquire an old Mac version of the game and to get it running again through Olive. Once word of that accomplishment got out, many people started approaching us to see if we could resurrect their favorite software from the past.

The oldest application we’ve revived is Mystery House, a graphics-enabled game from the early 1980s for the Apple II computer. Another program is NCSA Mosaic, which people of a certain age might remember as the browser that introduced them to the wonders of the World Wide Web.

Olive provides a version of Mosaic that was written in 1993 for Apple’s Macintosh System 7.5 operating system. That operating system runs on an emulation of the Motorola 68040 CPU, which in turn is created by software running on an actual x86-based computer that runs Linux. In spite of all this virtualization, performance is pretty good, because modern computers are so much faster than the original Apple hardware.

Pointing Olive’s reconstituted Mosaic browser at today’s Web is instructive: Because Mosaic predates Web technologies such as JavaScript, HTTP 1.1, Cascading Style Sheets, and HTML 5, it is unable to render most sites. But you can have some fun tracking down websites composed so long ago that they still look just fine.

What else can Olive do? Maybe you’re wondering what tools businesses were using shortly after Intel introduced the Pentium processor. Olive can help with that, too. Just fire up Microsoft Office 4.3 from 1994 (which thankfully predates the annoying automated office assistant “Clippy”).

Perhaps you just want to spend a nostalgic evening playing Doom for DOS—or trying to understand what made such first-person shooter games so popular in the early 1990s. Or maybe you need to redo your 1997 taxes and can’t find the disk for that year’s version of TurboTax in your attic. Have no fear: Olive has you covered.

On the more serious side, Olive includes Chaste 3.1. The name of this software is short for Cancer, Heart and Soft Tissue Environment. It’s a simulation package developed at the University of Oxford for computationally demanding problems in biology and physiology. Version 3.1 of Chaste was tied to a research paper published in March 2013. Within two years of publication, though, the source code for Chaste 3.1 no longer compiled on new Linux releases. That’s emblematic of the challenge to scientific reproducibility Olive was designed to address.

Illustration: Nicholas Little

To keep Chaste 3.1 working, Olive provides a Linux environment that’s frozen in time. Olive’s re-creation of Chaste also contains the example data that was published with the 2013 paper. Running the data through Chaste produces visualizations of certain muscle functions. Future physiology researchers who wish to explore those visualizations or make modifications to the published software will be able to use Olive to edit the code on the virtual machine and then run it.

For now, though, Olive is available only to a limited group of users. Because of software-licensing restrictions, Olive’s collection of vintage software is currently accessible only to people who have been collaborating on the project. The relevant companies will need to give permissions to present Olive’s re-creations to broader audiences.

We are not alone in our quest to keep old software alive. For example, the Internet Archive is preserving thousands of old programs using an emulation of MS-DOS that runs in the user’s browser. And a project being mounted at Yale, called EaaSI (Emulation as a Service Infrastructure), hopes to make available thousands of emulated software environments from the past. The scholars and librarians involved with the Software Preservation Network have been coordinating this and similar efforts. They are also working to address the copyright issues that arise when old software is kept running in this way.

Olive has come a long way, but it is still far from being a fully developed system. In addition to the problem of restrictive software licensing, various technical roadblocks remain.

One challenge is how to import new data to be processed by an old application. Right now, such data has to be entered manually, which is both laborious and error prone. Doing so also limits the amount of data that can be analyzed. Even if we were to add a mechanism to import data, the amount that could be saved would be limited to the size of the virtual machine’s virtual disk. That may not seem like a problem, but you have to remember that the file systems on older computers sometimes had what now seem like quaint limits on the amount of data they could store.

Another hurdle is how to emulate graphics processing units (GPUs). For a long while now, the scientific community has been leveraging the parallel-processing power of GPUs to speed up many sorts of calculations. To archive executable versions of software that takes advantage of GPUs, Olive would need to re-create virtual versions of those chips, a thorny task. That’s because GPU interfaces—what gets input to them and what they output—are not standardized.

Clearly there’s quite a bit of work to do before we can declare that we have solved the problem of archiving executable content. But Olive represents a good start at creating the kinds of systems that will be required to ensure that software from the past can live on to be explored, tested, and used long into the future.

This article appears in the October 2018 print issue as “Saving Software From Oblivion.”

About the Author

Mahadev Satyanarayanan is a professor of computer science at Carnegie Mellon University, in Pittsburgh.

Carnegie Mellon is Saving Old Software from Oblivion syndicated from https://jiohowweb.blogspot.com