#frodo nation rise

[cattoonxd]

"where shall i find rest?"

[ape-apocalypse]

I’m doing my best to avoid reading any reviews before seeing Kingdom, but I did watch Ape Nation’s new video about the first reactions and I’m really happy with what I saw. A lot of praise for the characters and the graphics, and a story that doesn’t rival Caesar’s but fits well with the last trilogy. To discuss the negatives, the primary complaints seem to be poor pacing, muddled themes, and not a great ending.

For the pacing comments, it sounds like the movie has a slow start but a better run second and third act. I’m not too worried about this; it sounds like they give a lot of time to setting up the new world of the apes. I laughed a little about the comment that the movie was too long. If I was told this was a six hour documentary on just the daily lives of the apes 300 years from the last movies, I would still happily go and just carefully plan out my bathroom breaks. So I’m not concerned about a slower start that really delves into the details of the world. In fact, I’m looking forward to it!

For the comment about muddled themes, that could be a lot of things. These comments are too vague, and the potential story elements too vast to really narrow it down. That one we’ll just have to wait-and-see.

And then there is the ending. At first, I didn’t love hearing that a couple people didn’t like the ending. But thinking on it more, I wonder if the ending is a cliffhanger to set up the rest of the trilogy and that is what people are unhappy by. I recall that in Rise, many people hated that ending. You end on the happy note of Cesar and his apes escaping into the forest, but then a mid credit scene sets up the apocalypse and the downfall of humanity. A lot of people seemed to not like that apocalyptic ending blindsiding them after being happy about the apes escape, and were disappointed that such an important element was set up in a mid credits scene. So I’m wondering if people don’t like that this movie may end on some kind of cliffhanger to set up future movies. I’ve long said that, while Wes Ball Has said there are no astronauts in this movie, I still wouldn’t be surprised if a mid/post credit scene was a space shuttle crashing into earth, to set up astronauts coming in the next movie. Could be totally wrong about that, but I could see if something like that happened, or any kind of cliffhanger, people would be upset by it.

I still reflect back to seeing the very first Lord of the Rings movie and having no idea that it was the start of a trilogy because my friends dragged me to see it against my wishes. So I stood up at the end with Sam and Frodo still on their way to Mordor with the ring and shouted “That’s it?! That’s the end?!” So I get people being unhappy with a cliffhanger ending and that is what I’m wondering is going to happen with this movie.

Even with some of the negatives, which I expected, because no movie is perfect, I’m still really happy by these first reactions and I’m excited to see the movie next week. The embargo on more detailed reviews is being lifted on Wednesday, May 8th.

[mountrainiernps]

As Galadriel said about the light of Eärendil’s star when she gave it to Frodo, “It will shine still brighter when night is about you. May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out.”

We may not be hiking into the land of Mordor, but at Mount Rainier we know a little bit about dark.

Our home state of Washington is entirely north of the 45th parallel, so we are closer to the north pole than to the equator. No, we are not Alaska by a long shot. Every day of the winter, the sun does rise above the horizon, grace us with its presence, and then set.  But we do get very short days. On the winter solstice, the towns around our mountain have sunrise at 7:49 a.m. (Pacific) and sunset at 4:22 p.m. (Pacific). This is roughly 8.5 hours of sun.

So when you visit this national park, light and darkness are things to keep in mind. It gets dark very quickly here. And whether you are planning a short stroll in the woods on Westside Road or a snowshoe out to Reflection Lake, it pays to take along some extra light sources in your backpack. A flashlight or headlamp. Preferably both. The cold temperatures can sap the power from your batteries, so maybe even extra batteries.

And what about the flashlight on your cell phone? Well, in case of emergency, would you prefer to use that precious battery power to communicate for help or to see where you’re going? If you have a flashlight and headlamp, then that’s a choice you won’t have to make. Please prepare you backpack before leaving home with some lights and batteries.

Have you ever been caught by the early sunsets and needed a flashlight to finish your hike?

Which do you prefer, headlamp or flashlight?

 What is your favorite light in dark places, when all other lights go out? ~ams

More information on the 10 Essentials can be found on this website https://www.nps.gov/articles/10essentials.htm  Park information on winter safety can be found here https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/winter-safety.htm  For current conditions, these webcams may be helpful https://www.nps.gov/mora/learn/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm

These photographs are from past years. NPS Photo. View from Kautz Creek scenic viewpoint on a December afternoon. Snow covered ground with bare trees around a creek area. Mount Rainier with clouds in background. December, 2022. NPS Photo. View looking from National Park Inn in Longmire up to Mount Rainier with sunset light on clouds. A chair and table in the foreground with a few cars visible on the road to Paradise. January, 2021.

[sunnydaleherald]

The Sunnydale Herald Newsletter, Friday, April 11th

ANDREW: Spike? It's you. It's really you! (hugs Spike, sobbing) My therapist thought I was holding onto false hope, but... I knew you'd come back. (sniffles, releases Spike from the hug to look him in the eyes) You're like... you're like Gandalf the White, resurrected from the pit of the Balrog, more beautiful than ever. (hugs Spike tightly around the neck) Ohh... he's alive, Frodo. (sobbing) He's alive.

~~Damage~~

[Drabbles & Short Fiction]

Get Through (Buffy/Spike, PG-13) by veronyxk84

Big Bad Wolf by Kittenwritings (Angel/Cordelia/Doyle, G)

They Say the Family You Choose is Better by Greensword101 (Tara/Vampire Willow, T)

Packing Up Memories by TheClowniestLivInExistence (Janice/Dawn, G)

Pretty, Pretty Dolly by unendingwanderlust (Darla/Drusilla, E)

Comfort by Descended_from_Hufflepuffs (Cordelia/Doyle, G)

The Coffee Budget by TheClowniestLivInExistence (Fred/Lorne/Wesley, G)

Drusilla by X59 (Drusilla, G)

Those Summer Nights by MollyPollyKinz (Spike & Dawn, T)

conspicuous and relatively abrupt. by tenderjock (Halfrek/Anya, T)

one more time by ripslayer (Buffy/Faith, T)

[Chaptered Fiction]

Potential Friend: Season Two, Chapter 17 by srmcd1 (Buffy/Angel, T)

The Buffy Chronicles: Life After Sunnydale, Chapter 49 by sweetmelodykiss (Buffy/Spike, E)

Lost and Found, Chapter 28 by sixofstakes (Willow/Tara, T)

Kingdoms of Amalur Reckoning: Rise of Faith, Chapter 3 by era30 (Faith, Kingdoms of Amalur crossover, M)

Buffy and the Slayer, Season 1, Chapter 2 by SunnydaleSentinel (Buffy & Dawn, T)

Here Be Monsters, Chapter 2 by girlpire (Angel/Spike, E)

always gray, never simple, Chapter 1 by welcometocaritas (Lilah/Wesley, M)

There for you., Chapter 2 by SidneyPrescottFan (Buffy/Faith, G)

Goodnight Blue Eyes, Goodbye Green, Chapters 1-2 (complete!) by xaeyrnofnbe (Buffy/Spike, Supernatural crossover, G)

Drusilla Black, Chapter 1 by Lou16A03 (Drusilla, Harry Potter crossover, M)

the Scholar, the Spirit, and the Witchqueen, Chapter 9 by perfectlyGoodInk (Willow, T)

The Plan, Chapter 4 by NotYourGrave (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

The Pryce of Tyme, Chapter 3 by Joan963z, Ragini (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Multiplicity, Chapters 13-14 by simmony (Buffy/Spike, R)

Have a Little Faith, Chapter 3 by Melme1325 (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Sojourns in Heaven, Chapter 2 by elements (Buffy/Spike, Adult Only)

Can't Get No Satisfaction, Chapter 1 by Melme1325 (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Seeing Clearly, Chapter 228 by JoeB (Ensemble, multiple crossovers, FR13)

X-Heroes, Chapter 4 by JoshuAB (Xander, multiple crossovers, FR18)

The battle of the rhymes, Chapters 20-21 by JSBirsa (Buffy/Spike, R)

The Zeppo In Time, Chapter 3 by CheekyKitten (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

[Images, Audio & Video]

Artwork: Family Portrait by TheClowniestLivInExistence (Angel, Darla, Drusilla, Spike, Buffy, worksafe)

Artwork: Down, Riley! by MadeInGold (Maggie & Riley, worksafe)

Gifset: BEST OF BTVS: Willow Rosenberg — Season Two by clarkgriffon (worksafe)

Gifset: When did the building fall down? I don't know.... by dramaism (worksafe)

Gifset: Giles and Spike + PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) by whatisyourchildhoodtrauma (worksafe)

Artwork process video: Buffy the vampire slayer fashion illustration by Cara Beatrice Studio

Fanvid: Buffy x Angel | I, Carrion (Icarian) - Hozier by LMN

Fanvid: Sexy Naughty Bitchy Faith btvs amv by Little Guy

Fanvid: Buffy & Spike | you gotten into my bloodstream by SweetAndBitterCherry

Fanvid: Buffy vs Faith - Headstrong by juliaroxs241

Fanvid: Buffy and Angel - National Anthem by juliaroxs241

Fanvid: Buffy Summers - Sanctuary Ending by Juliaroxs241

Fanvid: Buffy Angel Spike Riley - You Oughta Know by juliaroxs241 (vidder uploaded multiple other videos)

Vidlet: do i wanna know? [spike] by Aurora Edits

Music video: Buffy the Vampire Slayer theme - Nerf Herder Cover by Vincent Dron

Music: Buffy the Vampire Slayer Theme (on ukulele) by Steven Watson

Video: The Masters lair(Buffy the Vampire Slayer) final part [The Sims 4] by Drusilverine

[Reviews & Recaps]

Video: TOP 5 DES MEILLEURS ÉPISODES DE BUFFY ! by Don Mickael

Video: The Harvest | Season 1 Episode 2 Review | Does Buffy Hold Up? by BuffyBot

Video: Regarder BUFFY CONTRE LES VAMPIRES en 2025 : une bonne idée ? by Ali'N Ripley

Video: Witch | Season 1 Episode 3 Review | Buffy The Vampire Slayer by BuffyBot

Podcast video: Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 4 Episode 6 - Wild at Heart by Sh*t 90s Shows Taught Me

Podcast video: Buffy's Angels: Peace Out by The Franchise: A Film Podcast

Podcast video: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Season Five, Episode Two: Real Me by Slayed! The Buffyverse Revisited Podcast

Podcast video: Buffy's Angels: Empty Places by The Franchise: A Film Podcast

Podcast video: I Watched Buffy The Vampire Slayer Season 5 by Brandy Talks TV & Movies

Podcast video: S5E06: Family by One Girl in All the World

Podcast: Special 63 - Buffy The Vampire Slayer S1E9 The Puppet Show (ChuckyVision Crossover) by Film Stories

Podcast: Season 5, Episode 8 - Buffy The Vampire Slayer [movie] by You Run Podcast

Podcast: Buffy talks episode 7 [Halloween, Lie To Me and The Dark Age] feat. WHENLOGICDIES by Beware the Moon Podcast

Podcast: 141 Get It Done S7 E15 by RuggedAngel Productions

Podcast: 373 Buffy - The Vampire Slayer (1992) by Devils & Demons - Der Horrorfilm-Podcast

Podcast: Once More, With Spoilers: 1.12 Prophecy Girl | A Buffy the Vampire Slayer Podcast by Buffering: A Rewatch Adventure

[Recs and Search]

Fic rec: My, she was yar... by fortes775 (Buffy/Spike, R) recced by Priceless

Fic search: Does anyone have a link to that spuffy fic where the nerd trio tries to kill Buffy by trapping her inside a horror movie, but... by lierdumoa

[Fandom Discussions]

every time I put on witch I can’t help but find the line “they have cheerleading coaches?” so ridiculous by camellcat

There is no “mantis girl” who Xander “dates” by coraniaid

Buffy saving Willow with a speech at the end [of S6] would have fit better than Xander by roseraintears

there was no narrative need to push [Willow] into a random relationship in season 7 by femmedefandom

Where did the fanon idea that Buffy can’t cook come from? by femmedefandom

willow’s “Buffy, be happy. We got you out, we really did it”. will grate at me forever by youhavethesun

Given that everything, everyone or deity ages [what age could The Master have been?] by ILLYRIAN

Episode battle: The Gift vs Chosen - as series finales AND as episodes continued by multiple posters

Angel and Spike Double Standards continued by multiple posters

Watchers - how were they ‘chosen’? continued by multiple posters

Was Liam really a bad person? by foreseethefuture

What would happen if these two [Liam and William] met? by CakeOLantern

When/if did Willown *actually* surpass Giles? by Ill_Assumption_4414

Do protection spells ever work? by Tsole96

This scene [in Amends]! And then the snow 😭 by debsidaye

I really wish Faith had a series by Easy-Distribution223

Anyone else think that Kate was going to be a bigger character than she was? by Taras_Willowverse

Giles and Jenny or Giles and Joyce? by Taras_Willowverse

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992) by stupidhrfmichael

Someone said in a post that SMG was wearing a wig in season 5 — is that really true? by SparklingStars82

Any dark humour Buffyverse jokes? by Taras_Willowverse

is there a full list of the music videos from MTV Presents: Videos That Don't Suck? by cherrybitchxoxo

What's something you wish a character never said? by PristineSituation498

Hells Bells 😔 by Glad_Educator_3231

Which season's hairstyle did you like the most? by tvcriticgirlxo

Just curious—how many of you watched Buffy when it first aired in the 90's? by ScatterbrainedSorcer

Was Buffy unfair/harsh towards Faith in Season 7? by sadhungryandvirgin

Video: The Evolution Of Willow Rosenberg-From Shy Geek To Powerful Witch by proffesor bay fate

Video: Is Spike a hater??? by Miss Dae

Video: Sarah Elliott - Why I Love Buffy - Even Though She's Not Black by British Fantasy Society

Video: Complexities of a Simple Character [Harmony] by Pensive Whiskers

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Join the editor team :)

[thefeastandthefast]

Finally done with this garbage.

*insert “IT’S DONE” Frodo gif here*

Of course it remains hot garbage all the way to the end. I’ll be honest, I skimmed through the last two episodes posted on YouTube because I just needed it to be over so I could reclaim brain space. So forgive me if I miss anything. 

WARNING, SUPER LONG RANT UNDER CUT.

Of course there’s no satisfactory closure for any of the relationships that were built in the first quarter of the show. Maoze and Danshu never get a final scene together. I didn’t expect there to be one, since her character development had long ossified into Song Dynasty Stepford Wife. Maoze, too, remains completely devoted to the emperor to the end. I’m actually surprised that I wasn't more upset about the lack of resolution for my Straw Hat babies. But then again, I lost interest in what they’d do with drama!Danshu twenty episodes ago. 

He’er seems to have forgiven the emperor for all the suffering he put her and her daughter through. The last thing she says is that she has finally succeeded in accompanying her 6th Prince for an entire long lifetime. Doesn’t matter that she was ready to kill herself to defend Huirou just a couple episodes ago. What is character development?

Huirou’s trauma is so great that she has permanently broken with reality and regressed back into her childhood memories. He’er is relieved of this, because it means Huirou can live in her head in a happier time. 

And before we’re shown all that, we get a scene where shitstain emperor gets to explain once more to Huirou why she’s at fault for everyone’s misery and why the stability of the empire is in danger because of her willfulness. She agrees to part from Huaiji forever, for the greater good. This is filmed and presented to us as a touching father-daughter heart to heart and not as the implicitly threatening psychological abuse that it is. Throughout the conversation, he defends Sima Guang as a true patriot who just cares about the people and their needs, though that asshole has been the megaphone of Neo-Confucian hyperconservatism this whole time, shouting for Huaiji’s head and for Huirou to be punished and thrown back into her torture chamber marriage. Yet another entry in the list of shitty powerful men who are absolved of the pain and suffering they cause without remorse, as long as they’ve got a platform and big mouths to spew enough words out to convince themselves and other powerful men of their moral superiority.

And the last we see of Huaiji, is him making an obeisance to the emperor’s memory. I’d wondered why the show added in the storyline of Huaiji’s brother, when Huaiji barely had any scenes or lines to express the pain of losing his family and future or his feelings about finding his roots again. There was only one scene, as far as I can remember. The purpose of writing Huaiji’s family backstory wasn’t to give more dimension to Huaiji’s character. No, It was actually to make the emperor more sympathetic and so that he could heroically be the instrument for the brothers’ eventual reunion in the end. 

So Zhao Zhen gets to die beloved by all the women he destroyed and lauded by all who once questioned and criticized him. He gets to die in Danshu’s arms as she sobs “take me with you”. The last words on the screen are ones that celebrate his legacy as a benevolent ruler, taken from the Yuan Dynasty-era History of Song.

Let’s be honest, this drama is Chinese history used as political propaganda the entire way through. Because there are splashes of period-accurate detail (like the “three white makeup” and all the Song literati cameos), it gives the entire drama an air of legitimacy and lures you into thinking that they took their research seriously. But really the period detail is just a nice, glossy coat obscuring the insidious bones of this revisionist monstrosity. And the last two episodes really peel away that coat to reveal the machinery underneath. 

If I’m generous, I’ll say that the accuracy of some characterizations in this drama is highly suspect, but I suppose still debatable. Writing an Empress Cao who steadfastly and quietly loved Zhao Zhen despite his historically well-documented, decades-long suspicion of her... like, FINE, even if I think it’s illogical, sexist, bad writing, one can argue it’s fair game for creative license, given the inherently uncertain task of knowing the true feelings and motivations of people living a thousand years ago. 

But then you have something like the fallout of Huirou’s marriage, Zhao Zhen’s role in that sad business, and Li Wei’s later actions, which just completely and merrily skips away from actual historical fact and leaves the most telling details of her tragic end untold. Because to depict the actual events would make Zhao Zhen and Li Wei indefensible. 

Given that China is currently in the midst of an extremely concerning rise in Han nationalism, where Chinese traditional culture (everything from philosophy to art to clothing to music) is being co-opted and reframed to entrench narratives of Han superiority, it’s a problem when this Song Dynasty alternate history is presented as truth. It used to be that anything to do with Chinese traditional culture was suspect and would be in danger of destruction, especially during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). But now this destruction is a little bit more subtle. Instead of just straight-up smashing Song Dynasty tombs, just dismantle and reconfigurate them piece by piece to create a little shrine for the current ruling party. To tell this story about the struggles of governance from the perspective of the head of the ruling elite during one of the wealthiest times of imperial Chinese history- I just don't believe that was a decision made purely for creative license.  

It’s a perfectly valid stance not to care how history is interpreted as long as it’s good entertainment. I’m certainly not one to let historical inaccuracy keep me from enjoying my period films and TV shows (to a degree, lol). But I also find my experience of historical fiction more illuminating and enjoyable when I try to parse out what’s supported by evidence and what isn’t. So I can try to understand the reasons behind a writer’s decisions for excluding stuff that’s supported and including stuff that isn’t. Because how and what elements of the past are used in popular fiction matter, and they shape our attitudes on so much more than just entertainment.  

So, to end my last long-ass rant about this horrible drama that’s eaten up so much of my time and energy, I’m gonna pour one out for the historical figures who got short shrifted: 

For the historical Empress Cao, who made it through Renzong’s reign without losing her throne, even though Renzong tried and failed several times to depose her. Who promoted highly Zhang Maoze soon after Renzong’s death despite the protests of Sima Guang and didn’t go down without a fight when they wanted her to retire as regent.   

For the historical Consort Miao, who plotted with Consort Yu to try to bring down Li Wei and begged Renzong to execute Li Wei with poisoned wine, all to get her daughter out of the marriage.

For the historical Princess Fukang, who was finally allowed a divorce in early 1062, after attempting suicide multiple times. Who was then forced by Renzong to remarry Li Wei less than a year later. Who died at the age of 33 in a household with people who hated and abused her. The extent of that abuse was discovered by her nephew Emperor Shenzong after she died when he showed up for the funeral. He wept in front of his ministers describing the treatment she had received from Li Wei for the last seven years of her life: she had not been given adequate food, clothing, or medical care. Her body and bedding was infested with lice and she had burn scars on her face from trying to light her own coals. I think it’s important to acknowledge just how much this benevolent father of hers failed her after everything, even after she probably thought she had escaped, even if the show won’t.   

[m00nk1ld]

interview questions tag.

rules: answer questions and tag 20 blogs you are contractually obligated to know better!

tagged by: @baebae-goodnight and @kpopfanfictrash hoes

tagging: @underthejoon @yoonia  @lamourche @interludeshadow @quitetheidiot @kittae @hobidreams 

name/nickname: bee

pronouns: she/her

star sign: leo sun gemini moon and rising

height: 5′5″

time currently:  3:38pm on a friday

when is your birthday: august

favorite band/groups: i’ve been converting ppl into rina sawayama stans left and right lately 

favorite solo artist: Zayn’s album dropped today so him right now

song stuck in your head:  Rina Sawayama XS

last movie you watched: uh i think Sing? there are two ppl under age 10 with me right now

last show you binged: i literally do not watch television. MAYBE sister sister?

when you created your (main) blog: this is my second iteration but my OG blog was made in 2014?

last thing you googled: XS to copy the link above so y’all listen to it

other blogs: @m00nk1ldrecs which is popping off more than my main rn and idk why

why i chose my url: k makes the ch sound in other languages so, moonchild from Joon & Tae and Joon’s moonchild

how many people are you following: 406, i should probably purge some

how many followers do you have: enough

average hours of sleep: 6-7

lucky number: 3

instruments: I’ve played piano, saxophone, guitar and bass

dream job: own my own coffee shop/skincare shop

dream trip: all the BIG art cities around the world

favorite food: chicken

nationality:  i fucking hate it here

favorite song: Zayn Vibez/Twice Cry for Me

top three fictional universes you’d like to live in: Wakanda. LOTR Middle-earth preferably as a hobbit with no worries because Frodo stresses me tf out, Zélie specifically in Orïsha 

[kuweiyulbo]

i was tagged by @aredhels, thanks babe <3<3

rules: name 10 favourite characters from 10 different things and then tag 10 people

daenerys targaryen (asoiaf)

harry potter (hp)

jane mckeene (dread nation)

adelina amouteru (tye)

patroclus (tsoa)

frodo baggins (lotr)

dunyasha lazareva (soc)

elizabeth bennet (p&p)

jude duarte (tfota)

darrow of lykos/darrow au andromedus (red rising)

i’m tagging @sabetha @missorgana @ladyeowyn @nazyalensky @starkovalina @marebarrow @ravencycle @dustfinger @sterngalaxys @ryhmaresh

[greyjoytheon]

i was tagged by @edgarallan, thank you! <3

rules: answer 20 questions, then tag 20 bloggers you want to get to know better

NAME: marisa

NICKNAMES: mari, ris, risa

ZODIAC SIGN: sagittarius

HEIGHT: 171 cm / 5′7″

LANGUAGES SPOKEN: danish, english

NATIONALITY: danish

FAVORITE SEASON: spring

FAVORITE FLOWER: tulips maybe?

FAVORITE SCENT: vanilla

FAVORITE COLOR: black

FAVORITE ANIMAL: pandas and dogs

FAVORITE FICTIONAL CHARACTER(s): daenerys targaryen, sansa stark, frodo baggins, éowyn, clara oswald, patsy mount, demelza carne are the ones that comes to mind rn, but honestly a million more

COFFEE, TEA, OR HOT CHOCOLATE: hot chocolate

AVERAGE SLEEP HOURS: ideally? 9 hours

DOG OR CAT PERSON: dog, but the older i get the more i like cats too

NUMBER OF BLANKETS YOU SLEEP WITH: one giant double duvet

DREAM TRIP: another trip to either athens + other greek locations or rome

BLOG ESTABLISHED: uhh, this one’s existed since the summer of 2018, i think? but i’ve been on tumblr since november 2011

FOLLOWERS: 240

RANDOM FACT: did you guys know that cleopatra lived closer to billie eilish’s rise to fame than she did the building of the great pyramids of giza?

tagging: @aredhels @leejordan @longbottomneville @ladyeowyn @missorgana @softbensolo @wesper 

[divine-veil-vb]

Never ending survey

RULES: Repost, do not reblog. Tag 10 blogs!

Tagged by: @lareine-kira and @paleshadeofrose

Tagging: @hangedemperor , @istolin , @maximiloix , @trahja-tia , @eorzeasfrozenknight , @charm-in-spades , @thorcatte , @haila-wetyios , @a-sharlayan-abroad

---

BASICS.

FULL NAME: Varg Blacksoul, formerly Timur Oronir NICKNAME: Varg-Varg (given by Lareine), Stiffy and Grumpy (given by Silke) AGE:  54 BIRTHDAY:  9th sun of the 1st astral moon ETHNIC GROUP: Xaela Au Ra NATIONALITY: Othard, Ishgard LANGUAGE/S: Common, xaelic, ishgardian SEXUAL ORIENTATION: Demisexual ROMANTIC ORIENTATION: Biromantic RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Single and not looking for company. HOME TOWN / AREA:  Dawn Throne, Azim Steppe CURRENT HOME:  Pillars, Ishgard PROFESSION: Paladin, medic/healer at Ishgard’s service.

PHYSICAL.

HAIR: Long and silvery grey. EYES: Black with white limbal rings, small irises. FACE: Angular features, long nose, high cheekbones. LIPS: Narrow, often cracked, slightly darker than his usual skin color. COMPLEXION: Grayish purple BLEMISHES: Dark circles SCARS: Lots of scars which he keeps hidden at all times. Two thick, long ones are visible and almost go across his right eye. TATTOOS: No tattoos. HEIGHT:  210cm WEIGHT: Slightly underweight BUILD: Slender but masculine, somewhat toned. FEATURES: Black markings around eyes, and naturally thick, black claws. ALLERGIES: None USUAL HAIR STYLE: At work or formal meetings it’s combed back either completely or with some locks on his temples left loose. In more casual situations he mostly just lets it be. USUAL FACE LOOK: Calm, focused, narrowed eyes. USUAL CLOTHING:  Full, dignified heavy armor or parts of it combined with a long coat, formal robes, jodhpurs, vests, blouses and high-heeled boots.

PSYCHOLOGY.

FEAR/S: Imprisonment, being held or tied down, physical pain, betrayal. ASPIRATION/S: To be successful, self-sufficient and powerful until the end, to bring as many as possible wrongdoers to justice, to find an heir, and catch people still on the loose who managed to escape his revenge long ago.

POSITIVE TRAITS: He keeps his word, doesn’t leave things unfinished, is a good motivator for slackers, aims for high-quality results in everything, is reasonable and logical.

NEGATIVE TRAITS: Insensible towards most of people, logic always comes before his own or other people’s feelings, very straightforward, capable of cruelty if necessary.

TEMPERAMENT: Calm SOUL TYPE/S: Thinker ANIMALS: Gray wolf

VICE HABIT/S: Smoking. He hates it, but it’s the least harmful thing that calms his nerves down, and he’s addicted. He tries to limit it though, and use it only in worst occasions, since he doesn’t want the side effects affecting his health or work. If things get especially grim, he also has full stashes of potent liquor and intravenous sedatives.

FAITH: Science usually comes first, but he’s also spiritual in some way. It’s one of those topics he doesn’t discuss with anyone. Some of his duties include working as a cleric, so it may have something to do with Halone. Or then it doesn’t, and it’s just another job.

GHOSTS?: Has seen them with his own eyes so can’t deny their existence. AFTERLIFE?: He hopes it exists, for reasons. REINCARNATION?: It’s a possibility.

POLITICAL ALIGNMENT: Generally neutral, but on demand would choose the side of underdogs: ignoble, the poor and the sick, minors etc. Wouldn’t show his alignment publicly if it was a threat to himself. Would also pretend to be supporting the oppressor, only trying to sabotage their work at every opportunity. Even I’m not sure would he actually die for anyone else or some common cause. He has fled once to save his own hide and he could do it again. Knows main points of what’s going on and where around the world for the sake of common knowledge, but is only interested in topics that concern himself. Has been a target for racists since arriving to Ishgard as a teenager, so he despises them from the bottom of his heart.

EDUCATION LEVEL: Learned

FAMILY.

FATHER : Not relevant MOTHER :  Not relevant SIBLINGS : None that he knows of EXTENDED FAMILY: Iris Ymir (patient and protege) and Arsene Dreadeois (butler)

NAME MEANING/S:

Timur is a Turkic and Mongolic name which literally means iron. In Indonesian, timur translates to east and symbolizes hope by the rising sun.

All members of the Oronir tribe believe themselves to be direct descendants of Azim, the tribe's god of the sun.

Varg is wolf in swedish. Varg was also originally a nickname given by his friends at the Steppe. It was the only thing he kept after starting his new life in Ishgard and severing his ties with his homeland.

Blacksoul was given by his comrades in the army for being so ruthless towards enemies - both the ones on the battlefield and the ones captured.

HISTORICAL CONNECTION?: None

FAVORITES.

BOOK:  Science, mythology, swordplay, alchemy, etc. Everything that has something to do with his work or hobbies. DEITY: Halone seems to share most of his values. HOLIDAY: Doesn’t celebrate any. MONTH: September and October. There isn’t many little things in life he gets pleasure from, but fall colors is one of them. SEASON: Fall and winter. PLACE: His estate, cathedrals, libraries and forges. WEATHER: Thick fog, rain and sunshine at the same time. SOUND/S: Fire, rain and musical instruments when someone who actually knows what they’re doing plays them. SCENT/S: Herbs, iron, parchment. TASTE/S:  Whisky, tea, whatever Arsene makes. FEEL/S:  Clean clothes, heat radiating from a fireplace. ANIMAL/S:  Doesn’t like animals except for his chocobo, Mori. NUMBER: Doesn’t care about numbers. COLORS: White, black, blood red, gold, silver.

EXTRA.

TALENTS: Accuracy of a chirurgeon, skillful with swords, managing to define a goal fast in any kind of surprising situation and being very patient and stubborn at achieving it.  BAD AT: Admitting he has weaknesses, comforting people, having fun, small talk, relaxing. HOBBIES: Reading, studying, weapon maintenance, alchemy. TROPES: Antihero, tragic hero and mad scientist. Definitely could also be a villain. Depends on whom you ask.

QUOTES:

“Since you seem to be so worried of my… customers, perhaps I should take you along the next time I interrogate them. You would see with your own eyes what kind of delicate, exquisite and misunderstood individuals they are, when they spit on you, mock their victims and brag about the amount of people they have raped or murdered.”

“Today it happens. Make sure she is out of here before I return tonight. I am no longer even sure which one of them is the worse one.”

“It was a mere procedure. If procedures were considered intimate, I would be close friends with half of Ishgard by now.”

“Do tell me... If you work as much as you claim, how come you are always broke when we meet?”

“Very well. Play something for me. Let us see are you a man of your word.”

MUN QUESTIONS.

Q1 :  If you could write your character your way in their own movie, what would it be called, what style would it be filmed in, and what would it be about?          

A1 :  He’s been busy sticking his spoon into so many soups during his life that you could probably make a trilogy of his fooleries feats. The first part would tell about his early life in Azim Steppe and how he was forced to leave from there, the second part about how he found his soulmate and adapted to his new life in Ishgard, and how it all eventually ended up into a shitstorm, and the third one would be the current storyline. No clue about the name, though. The Soulforge would be perfect but too bad it’s taken.

Q2 :  What would their soundtrack/score sound like?          

A2 : Bloodborne, Dark Souls and Amnesia the Dark Descent OSTs are absolutely the closest ones you could get to Varg. Orchestral, choir, bowed string instruments, both epic and monstrous. Even if there were more peaceful pieces here and there, while listening to them you’d still have that same feeling of dread you used to have while playing the original Resident Evil and Silent Hill games and finding a safe room: you just barely escaped death but can’t stay in the safe haven forever.

Q3 : Why did you start writing this character?          

A3 : He’s quite different compared to my Forsaken shadow priestess in WoW, whom I used to RP for... two or three years? Long story short: I wanted something else for a change. I also used to have an old Forsaken death knight, who was a lot more similar to Varg, but he was more evil. He existed pretty much only for occasions when someone needed a true villain for some plot. He was funny however and I always thought it was a pity I didn’t get chances to RP him more often.

Q4 : What first attracted you to this character?          

A4 : He’s a mixture of four different OCs of mine, with a bit of his original spice ofc. One of them came into being in, uh, somewhat obscure conditions. Kept seeing him in my dreams when I was a kid, and he became one of my imaginary friends I used to have back then. And not just one of the many, but the closest one. Also generally in entertainment I couldn’t care less about Lukes and Frodos. Villains, tragic heroes and the like are my thing. They’re usually the most multilayered and interesting characters.

Q5 : Describe the biggest thing you dislike about your muse.

A5 : Perfectionism. I’m similar and it sometimes drives me nuts to watch him neglecting himself while trying to achieve perfection. If I could physically talk to him I would go and slap him and be like “EAT. SLEEP. YES THE THING IS GOOD ENOUGH ALREADY. LEAVE IT.”

Q6 :  What do you have in common with your muse?          

A6 :  Well, already kind of answered this one, but wait, there’s more: insomnia, nightmares, PTSD, misanthropy and cynicism come to mind first. And booze. How could I almost forget booze? I believe I know what misery is so I’m good at RPing miserable characters and make them look as authentic as possible. *lols like Alcyone from Magic Knight Rayearth* We both also have a strong sense of justice and nonexistent sympathy for those who use others as stepping stones. Aye I know, sounds a lot like a self-insert character, but it’s not like that. It’s more like... before meeting him/the OCs he’s based on, I used to be quite a scentless and tasteless kid. Similarities and peer support attract. And I’ve also learned from him.

It’s also a lot like me and Lareine. We became friends because we had 95% of the same interests and problems but perhaps that’s why we get along so well and understand each other.

Q7 :  How does  your muse feel about  you?          

A7 :  He would probably hate and like me at the same time. Or couldn’t decide. We both like peace and quiet, doing our job well is fundamental and our basic values are pretty much the same. We would get along well if we worked in the same place. However, unlike him, I have some horrid procrastination seasons, crippling self-esteem issues, tend to put other people’s needs and opinions above my own and keep stressing about things for 7 billion souls instead of just myself. I’m suspicious of pretty much everything else except Lareine and our plushie crow Agatha, except that Agatha creeps me out sometimes as well when she takes out a knife and sits next to my bed at night, staring at me, can’t watch Hachiko without bawling my eyes out during the entire movie, love puppies and kittens and danger noodles and I’m addicted to video games. Very likely he’d kick me out as well.

Q8 :  What characters does your muse have interesting interactions with?        

A8 : Varg would never admit it to himself, but I think he gets best along with people who are a bit silly in some way, and who get on his nerves by being too carefree and doing stupid things. Lareine and Iris, when they’re behaving. Arsene, who’s kind at everyone. Currently Shaura is my favorite. Varg himself is so uptight people like them help breaking his gray routines. Also a bonus: he doesn’t see them as a threat, so that’s probably the closest he’s able to get to relaxing among other people.

Q9 :  What gives you inspiration to write your muse?        

A9 : I’m a fan of my own characters. It doesn’t feel like I would’ve created them. I saw them with my third eye or something and I’ve just written for others to read what I’ve seen. I don’t plan RPs beforehand. I just let the hound loose and let him do whatever he wants. So far I haven’t got tired of my characters’ antics and could just write more. The only obstacles are limited hours per day, necessary evils like eating and sleeping, procrastination, trying to sort out my life, and the damn FFXIV. SOMEONE PLEASE TAKE IT OUT OF MY HANDS.

Q10 : How long did this take you to complete?          

A10 : Ehh, maybe 4-5 hours.

[dusk--fortnite-blog]

adventure middle earth on your own

Many holidaymakers come to New Zealand for this reason alone, but there are also some who just pass by on their way and are not really a Tolkien fan. Besides Hobbiton and Tongariro National Park there are of course other places that are perfect for the locations of the Hobbit Trilogy. If you want to explore them, a visit to Queenstown is a must. New Zealand's Southern Lakes region, with its huge snow-capped peaks and rising valleys and gigantic waterfalls, is considered the epitome of Middle-earth. For example, a highland farm in the Paradise area near Queenstown has been converted into Beorn's house.

Homestay near Punakaiki

Read more about campervan hire New Zealand here.

I will tell you how you can experience New Zealand's countless highlights according to your wishes and ideas and which accommodation is particularly suited to your personal travel style.this he had to travel a difficult journey, often closer to death than to life.

{>li>"The trilogy focused on New Zealand and its fantastic landscape for film lovers around the world.

Then board a helicopter and experience a 40-minute scenic flight over Kepler Mire, where Frodo and Sam walked through the Dead Swamps. Explore the wild beauty ofTongariro National Park. During a short guided tour you will climb to the summit and enjoy the breathtaking 360 degree panorama. You will see photos of the creation of Edora, which are only accessible for this tour. You will also see the Misty Mountains and the area that was the backdrop for the "Helms Ridge". Your way takes you right into the middle of Rohan and Mount Sunday, where once the city of Edoras, the seat of government of King Theoden, was built. The hike up the mountain takes about 30 minutes and offers you a fantastic 360° panorama of the valley and the Southern Alps. True to the style of the pre-industrial Tolkien saga, you will ride on horseback over the wildly rugged mountain ridges at nearby Farewell Spit. A herd of sheep only looks up tired when the riders wind their way through them on their way to the summit. The cliff is not only the backdrop of the ride, but also the "Hobbit".

[him-e]

Do you think that there is any hope that these leaks are D&D's own work, rather than plot points that GRRM told them? People are praying for the books, but the broadstrokes are supposed to be the same, so we might end up at the same point in the books i.e. jon killing mad queen daenerys. This is all so messy.

uuuuhhhhhhhh

i don’t know

I’m starting to think the Others’ threat will be dealt with significantly earlier than we thought just as it was in the show, and that we’re going to have a scouring of the shire-ish final part after that, which is probably what we’re about to watch in these last 4 episodes

I have no idea how George is going to write it but I sure hope he does a better job at a) integrating the political and the magical arc; b) keeping the stakes high; c) avoiding nihilism and cheap “unexpectedly tragic” plot twists; and that this last part of the narrative supposedly dealing with “human” evil again (a la saruman) isn’t done in a way that invalidates the cosmic threat and the importance and absolute necessity for humanity to rise above its worst traits, be the best version of itself and unite against a common threat

Like the reason the scouring of the shire worked, while this doesn’t, is that Saruman was connected to Sauron’s cosmic evil, he was literally his minion, so Frodo & co. doing a last effort to free the Shire from his influence remains thematically relevant to the main thesis of LOTR even though the big bad is technically defeated. The scouring of the shire is about dealing with the last lingering tendrils of an evil whose toxicity still permeates the land even after his defeat, and learning how that evil affected even lands that weren’t the theatre of epic battles. It’s bringing the fight against evil on a smaller and more domestic scale, but it’s still virtually the same fight; it’s just that the spotlight is gone and grandiose poems won’t be written about this last part but it feels authentic.

whereas GoT is basically wrapping up the cosmic evil plot and going back to the political which has always remained a completely separate thing, and the people who heroically endured the former are apparently going to die for the latter. And this is where I hope George’s version will be different—because book!Euron is PROBABLY going to be involved with Cersei too, but he’s the bridge between cosmic and human evil, he’s our Saruman, he thinks of himself as a god, and this makes me think that he’ll hop on the Others’ bandwagon until it’s convenient, only to reclaim the title of God Of Death for himself and himself only when they are defeated. And this will keep the stakes high and the narrative thematically tight.

re: Mad Queen Dany, I don’t put it past GRRM tbh. I mean no doubt, if it happens in the books, it will be framed as a tragic ending (and we’ve always envisioned a tragic ending for Dany---we just assumed it would be a heroic, sacrificial gesture to save humanity), but tbh there’s no way to spin this an acceptable endgame for her, ESPECIALLY if it involves Jon killing her.

I’m very upset right now but I remember that just one hour before season 8 started George was on national American television saying that the Show’s ending was gonna be the same as his ending for the main characters so I can’t only blame DnD for this.I blame for the terrible execution but they have all been saying for years that they are gonna do George’s ending.And I think George really doesn’t know what the word bittersweet means.

yeah, make no mistake, I’m worried about the books too. I’m not and have never been one of those “the show is shitty, thank god we have the books” fans and I’m not going to ignore what this can potentially mean for the book saga’s direction. Sure, George will write it better and it’s a fact, but a shitty writing choice remains shitty, whether it’s treated as a bullet point or nuanced. So if GRRM goes the Mad Queen Dany route too, I won’t mince my words.

[facepalming-since-chernobyl]

Troll watches 4x01

A big bad rock is ready to fuck the city! But!

Let’s move to Russia... Wait.... Kazan...something. Not like they speak Russian, look like stereotypical Russians and whatever. Similarities are a coincidence...

There is no Eastern European stereotypes without babushka and a bottle of vodka, because we ALL are here alcoholics :)

I kind of feel Kara interrupted something...

But wait... did Kara’s steal babushka’s BOTTLE OF VODKA???

Where were we? Right, our hero came back to National City

Meanwhile in DEO, Alex rocks her new hair.

Then our fave guy came and played his role aka comic relief, you know, In Winn’s place

In CAtCo, James doesn’t know what he is talking about...

and we stop and think for a second:

And then suddenly

Hakuna matata?

But whatever, let’s remind people who the best friends are!

Suddenly Lena’s true nature was visable on her forehead

A cherry

Then we met J’onn’s new friends, who argue about literature. Tolkien’s fan aka Frodo was not amused when other cosplayers didn’t want to show their true faces.

Meanwhile

Then hardcore fans arrived to make friends

After gathering The Ring... I mean, horns, they had a meanigful conversation

Kara wanted to join, but they were mean.

Wahtever. Mean Tolkien fans threw a bomb at her and Frodo.

J’onn arrived

But nothing happened, becasue Kara was late for work.

She met Nia Nal and made a perfect first impression

Some shit happened aaaaand

The bad guy arrived with typical problems of the masked guys in the first world:

His minions are the best in the world

Alex uses her amazing communication skills to motivate her subordinates

Meanwhile Nia talks about writing an article about fashion that can change kids lives!...

I mean, kids’ lives in America

I feel bad.........

Kara visits an old friend to gather some data

Supercorp is like always rising

Meanwhile J’onn talks to a new friend (not a Tolkien fan)

and has a deep and meaningfull convo with Kara

Who is... patting her own ego.

And then we have another important Luthor’s interaction and Lena playing Lilian like a violin, or Lilian playing Lena.... who cares.

Another convo with J’onn and:

Meanwhile President is in danger, that’s why she meets with other aliens in some wood cabin, not in a well protected place, because screw logic. Fanatic Tolkien fans arrive!

Next day, next challenges!

At the DEO Brainy looks hot. Not.

J’onn and Kara talk AGAIN.

Then SG writers decided to be racists again.

And we moved to Russia, that of course it’s not Russia, but it is.

Conclusion:

[nightqueendany]

Daenerys As Antagonist

Alright, time to go to school children. Get your notebooks out and pencils ready. We’re gonna talk about what an ANTAGONIST is, how it’s used in literature and film/television, and whether or not it’s accurate to refer to Daenerys as one.

The definition of Antagonist as a literary device from Literarydevices.net:

In literature, an antagonist is a character, or a group of characters, which stands in opposition to the protagonist, which is the main character. The term “antagonist” comes from the Greek word antagonistēs, which means “opponent,” “competitor,” or “rival.” It is common to refer to an antagonist as a villain (the bad guy), against whom a hero (the good guy) fights in order to save himself or others.  In some cases, an antagonist may exist within the protagonist that causes an inner conflict or a moral conflict inside his mind. ...Generally, an antagonist appears as a foil to the main character, embodying qualities that are in contrast with the qualities of the main character.

Also from LD.net, they give us the purpose or function of an antagonist and say this:

Conflict is a basic element of any plot. The presence of an antagonist alongside a protagonist is vital for the typical formula of a plot. The antagonist opposes the protagonist in his endeavors, and thus the conflict ensues. The protagonist struggles against the antagonist, taking the plot to a climax. Later, the conflict is resolved with the defeat of the antagonist; or, as in tragedies, with the downfall of the protagonist.

Britannica.com defines an antagonist as the following:

Antagonist, in literature, the principal opponent or foil of the main character, who is referred to as the protagonist, in a drama or narrative. The word is from the Greek antagnistḗs, “opponent or rival.”

Both the Britannica definition and the Literary Devices.net definition mention the word’s etymology, the Greek equivalent, and that the direct translation is “rival or opponent.”

TVTropes.org gives us this:

The Antagonist is the opposite number to The Protagonist. This is because antagonist exists for the purpose of opposing the efforts of the Protagonist. They don't have to be a Villain, or even morally objectionable in any sense (though they often are); they merely have to oppose the Protagonist. For example; if the Protagonist is evil then the Antagonist is the one standing between them and their goals. The Antagonist usually provides the conflict and thus the story. Because of this, the Antagonist is about as Omnipresent as the Protagonist, though there are stories that have No Antagonist. The Antagonist is usually the Big Bad, or at least an Arc Villain.

I find this definition particularly interesting because it says the Antagonist doesn’t need to be a villain, they just need to oppose the Protagonist.

In summary, the ANTAGONIST opposes, stands against, fights, or competes against the PROTAGONIST and makes it difficult for the Protagonist to reach her goals. The Antagonist may or may not be a villain and usually embodies characteristics that stand in contrast to the Protagonist.

But before I get into all this as it relates to GOT and Daenerys, I’ll also give you guys the definition of Protagonist:

LitDevices says this:

A protagonist is the central character or leading figure in poetry, narrative, novel or any other story. A protagonist is sometimes called a “hero” by the audience or readers. The word originally came from the Greek language, and in Greek drama it refers to the person who led the chorus. Later on, the word started being used as a term for the first actor in order of performance.

In the Function section on Protagonists: LitDevices also adds this which I think is super interesting:

Some stories weave many characters into an ensemble story, but even in such stories there is often one character that is more important to the story than the rest. For instance, in The Lord of the Rings trilogy there are many characters that have great significance to the story, but Frodo Baggins is the one who stands out, because everyone else’s destiny rests in his hands.

Which gives another layer to what a Protagonist is, or could be: Someone who is responsible for the fate of all the other characters.

Last piece of info I’ll throw at you guys before applying all this to GOT is describing what natural story-arc is:

Even if you have a story told out of order/chronology a là LOST or anything by The Nolan brothers (Westworld, Inception - I’ve got Batman on the brain, to be explained later), you still inevitably have a story that is presented in this arc. The beginning of a movie or story is the exposition phase (even if it’s a flashback or flashforward), middle is rising action, rising action hits the climax, then the rest of the movie/story is falling action and resolution. Any story, any movie, any show, ever, follows this formula.

Exposition: Beginning of the story, introduces characters, setting, other important information the audience needs to know. Possibly sets up the “goal” for the Protagonist.

Rising Action: The series of incidents or events that create suspense, tension, or interest in the narrative and lead to the climax. This is where all the “problems” and “obstacles” come in that prevent the Protagonist from reaching her “goal”.

Climax: The “turning point” of a story, the “crisis” of a story, where the action of a story reaches it’s peak. The ultimate “fight” or “showdown”, when the Protagonist confronts her problems head on.

Falling Action: When the main problem of the story is resolved, begins to lead to closure, gives the audience a feeling of relief, chance to catch their breath again, when the audience gets to see the “fruits” of the protagonist’s labor.

Resolution/Denouement: The essential “end” of the story, where the conflict is explained or clarified, typically is the “epilogue” in stories, answers the “so what?” of the falling action, the outcome. Often can be combined with Climax and Falling Action.

In television, if it is not the series finale, the Resolution/Denouement scene/episode often also contains a *NEW* problem/sows the seeds of future obstacles/conflict that leads the audience into the next episode/season and keeps them interested in continuing watching the series.

Now how does this all relate to Daenerys and Game of Thrones in general?

Let’s take it Point by Point according to Story Arc

Exposition: The exposition of our story is the first episode/season 1 as a whole. We learn all of our key players and we learn of all the major/key conflicts.

Nothing and no one introduced after the Season 1 either a) lives to the end or b) has a major affect on the endgame/is a key character anymore.

Think about it. Season 1 told us everything we need to know that is still 100% relevant to the endgame now seven seasons later:

Our key characters now are: Jon, Dany, Cersei, Jaime, Tyrion, Sansa, Arya, Bran, Sam, and Theon. Every single one of these characters was introduced to us in Season 1. Hell, they were all introduced to us in Episode 1 (save Sam). Everyone else on the show simply functions as a part of one of the above characters. Euron, for example, though he’s a prominent character now, only really functions as a side-kick for Cersei and a personal antagonist against [mainly] Theon - who is not the main protagonist.

We learn about key issues in season 1 that are still relevant: Daenerys’ exile and her family’s history, Jon’s bastardry, Cersei/Jaime’s incest, the conflict between the Lannisters and the Starks. AND, of course, we can’t forget the main one, our very first glimpse into the world of Ice and Fire in both book and show: The White Walkers. All of these elements are still incredibly important going into the final stretch and will most definitely have an affect on the outcome of next season.

We learn of our key locations in Season 1: Winterfell, The Wall, and King’s Landing. I would be incredibly surprised if we spend much time next season outside of these three locations.

All of what we need to know for the endgame was introduced to us back in S1. We even learn how to DEFEAT the army of the dead back in S1 (courtesy of Jon): FIRE. And of course, we’re introduced to our final element of the story, the main piece in play in the whole story (the piece that also contains the element to defeat the main antagonist): the fire breathing dragons.

(I say piece in play because the dragons, though we love them, don’t really serve as characters. They are more tools. And, as we saw at the end of 7x06, we now know that BOTH sides have this tool to use).

Rising Action: In ASOIAF/GOT, of course, there is A LOT of this. All of it relevant to the endgame in it’s own way, but of course, some pieces are more relevant than others:

The Starks vs The Lannisters/Cersei’s Rise to Power: essentially began the War of the Five Kings, put the nation at war for years, greatly depleted the countries resources and of course, fighting men. This most definitely has an affect on the endgame because it necessitates outside forces in order to defeat the army of the dead. If there had never been that war and Robert were still alive and serving as King, then there would be plenty of men to send North to take care of the Walker problem. It would be a terrible war. But the country would have enough men to handle it. Renly alone commanded a force of about 100k.

Trouble at The Wall/Jon’s Rise to Power: throughout the series, we see just how in disrepair the Wall has been in and what the men at the Wall have had to go through. Not only have the Night’s Watch dealt with wildlings attacking, depleting their men, weapons, and other resources, but of course, many Night’s Watchmen were lost to the army of the dead when Jeor Mormont took his host beyond the Wall in Clash/Season 2.

Essos/Daenerys’ Rise to Power: Parallel to the decline of the Seven Kingdoms due to the War of the Five Kings, Daenerys rises to power in Essos, hatching her dragons, gaining her armies, gaining her legions of dedicated followers, and of course, all of this leading to her finally returning to Westeros.

Those three elements or “plot points” (I know they’re more plot lines but this is condensed remember) have been leading us to the climax of our story and the ultimate showdown next season. Every other little dispute, fight, problem, conflict, etc. has been directly tied to one of those three major ones.

So far as Climax and Resolution, we will see those next season.

So with all of those in mind, how does this apply to the definitions of Antagonist and Protagonist in the series?

With a series like GOT, again, it can be difficult to pin down who the “main” characters are or who the “protagonist” is when we’ve got characters like Ned and Robb being killed off in the first few seasons.

But again, going back to Episode 1, it’s relatively straight forward if you pay attention. Our main Antagonist is introduced to us in the first scene of the entire series: The White Walkers. The main conflict connected to that, of course, is first getting people to believe in them, Ned telling Bran the walkers haven’t been seen for thousands of years. It’s something Jon struggles with up until the very last episode of S7 - convincing people of the real threat.

The series is called A Song of Ice and Fire. Right there, we’re given a Pair of Opposites: Ice and Fire. If we were to try to guess characteristics of main characters without any context of the story whatsoever, the natural assumption should be that there will be two and that there would be one male and one female - a pair of opposites....but maybe that’s just me projecting.... 

Watching the first episode also, it’s not difficult to identify one male character and one female character who both stand out from the others: Jon and Dany. Even if people didn’t fully understand it then, those two even in that first episode 1x01, are fundamentally different from everyone else. Out of every single character introduced to us in 1x01, they’re both the ultimate underdogs. We learn right away that Jon is a bastard and therefore looked down on by society. And we learn Daenerys is not only an exiled former princess but she’s also a pawn of Viserys’. Out of everyone in the series from that first episode, they both have the most against them.  

In the 1x01 commentary, Dan and Dave only talk about three characters: Ned - of course, he’s the “main character” of Season/Book 1; but they also talk about Jon...and Dany. That’s it. No one else is mentioned, not even Bran’s fall or Cersei and Jaime’s incest. No other storylines are mentioned. We were told straight from the beginning by the producers who to watch. These two.

The question that arises then, mostly from antis, is: but is the series setting Jon and Dany up to fight against each other? Is Daenerys the “other” antagonist aside from the White Walkers?

To answer this, let’s first establish one thing: I don’t think anyone would argue that Jon is the main male character in the show. He has more screen time than anyone else in the series, he is obviously pegged as the “hero”. So Jon is the main male “Protagonist”. Anyone arguing that? No? Good.

So to figure out who Jon’s “Antagonist” would be, looking at the definitions of antagonist, functions of an antagonist, and the natural arc of the story, we first need to figure out what Jon’s main Goal is. After all, whatever stands in the way of our Protagonist’s “Goal” would be the obstacle or Antagonist.

What is Jon’s goal?

Of course, like with any television series, Jon’s “goal” changes throughout based on what he experiences. In the beginning, he’s looking for a sense of belonging and also recognition/a little bit of glory. He’s grown up a bastard and knows he will never inherit or be able to make a name for himself elsewhere, so he goes to the Wall with Benjen to join the Night’s Watch.

We could say Jon’s “antagonist” in the first few episodes is Lady Catelyn as she’s the constant reminder that Jon is a bastard and Jon even thinks about her long after he left Winterfell.

Jon’s also a little bit in conflict with himself in these early episodes because he is rather arrogant and thinks himself better than his companions at the Wall. This is something Tyrion helps him overcome by giving Jon a different perspective on his own, actually privileged upbringing.

Thanks to Tyrion’s help, Jon soon realizes another goal of his or a purpose of his: to help/protect people. At first it’s on a small scale, sticking up for Sam, helping Pyp and Gren to improve their sword skills, etc.

Jon’s antagonist throughout this storyline is very obviously Alliser Thorne and of course Ser Alliser makes comebacks throughout Jon’s time at the Wall to oppose him at crucial moments.

But then Jon’s goal/purpose becomes helping/protecting the world of men at large once the two bodies of the former Night’s Watchmen are brought back to Castle Black and attack Commander Mormont.

In that first season, we see, on a small stage, Jon facing off against his main opponent: the dead. Jon is the first of our main characters to face off against the dead so I absolutely believe it was foreshadowing of the final showdown in Season 8 - it will be Jon against the dead (as opposed to Robb or Ned or Bran). Pretty incredible actually to look back and know we were told the ending of the show wayyyy back then, huh?

Jon being our first main character to encounter the dead, he is also the one who discovers the primary way to defeat the dead: FIRE.

(Interestingly, the scene DIRECTLY following this one between Mormont, Jon, and the wight, is a Dany scene, the character in the series who is most closely connected to fire). But I digress...

Again, as the series progresses, Jon’s GOAL, again, gets a little muddied. He discovers what Craster is doing with his baby boys and realizes Mormont knows and isn’t doing anything about it, he’s taken captive by the wildlings and asked by Qhorin Halfhand to spy on them, he’s tasked with defending the Wall from Mance’s attack...Jon’s got a number of “small scale” goals he’s got to accomplish and get through and obstacles/small scale antagonists he’s got to get through/go up against throughout the show.

But they all connect to, and they all go back to, the primary one: defeat the Night King, save the world. (having a flashback, save the cheerleader, save the world (anyone, anyone?). Now if only Jon had a cheerleader...)

So again, as we get closer and closer to the close of the series, we realize what Jon’s ultimate goal as the Protagonist is: DEFEAT THE NIGHT KING.

Now, the question becomes: Does Daenerys present obstacles to Jon’s goal of defeating the Night King? OR Does Daenerys actively work against Jon’s goal of defeating the Night King? OR Does Daenerys present a threat to Jon’s people?

OR even: Is Daenerys working with the Night King?

Because those are really the only reasons Daenerys would be considered an Antagonist in the series. She would have to be working against Jon’ and his goal(s). It would have nothing to do with what happened in Meereen or even against the Lannisters because the slavers of Slaver’s Bay and Cersei/Jaime/Randyll Tarly are not the Protagonists.

So lets take this one question at a time:

Does Daenerys present obstacles to Jon’s goal of defeating the Night King?

YES. For all of about twenty minutes of screen time. Daenerys refuses to accept Jon’s word as truth about the Night King and then doesn’t meet with him again for a few days (at most a week), leaving Jon twiddling his thumbs on her island when he needs to be planning on how best to protect his people.

THEN Jon asks Daenerys for Dragonglass - the weapon which will help his people in their fight against the Night King...and Daenerys GIVES it to him. Rather than present Jon with another obstacle, not only does Daenerys REMOVE an obstacle for Jon, she gives him ASSISTANCE or an AID in achieving his goal.

Does Daenerys actively work against Jon’s goal of defeating the Night King?

No. While her war with Cersei does prevent Daenerys from further ASSISTING Jon, it does not stop Jon from going to fight the Night King.

Seeking AID and not getting it and having someone actively work against the hero’s efforts are TWO COMPLETELY DIFFERENT THINGS.You cannot equate the two in order to reason that Daenerys is an Antagonist to Jon. That’s not the way story/rising action/conflict works.

Does Daenerys present a threat to Jon’s people?

YES. For all of about an episode and a half. When Jon receives Tyrion’s scroll he now knows there’s a new queen in town with an army and dragons that could POTENTIALLY pose a threat to his people. And at this point, Jon doesn’t know what Daenerys’ intentions with him are. So up until Daenerys gives Jon the dragonglass, she could be perceived as a threat. That’s 100% fair.

BUT again, when Daenerys goes from “I don’t believe you about the army of the dead” to “I will give you weapons to help you defeat the army of the dead” her character moves from “Potential Antagonist” to “Passive ALLY”. I don’t say “potential ally” because there’s nothing potential about it. Dany’s not just thinking about helping Jon, she actually is. She’s not fighting alongside him yet, but she’s helping. That’s an ally.

Is Daenerys working with the Night King?

HAH! Oh gods. Uh...No. Let’s see:

Went to save Jon - the hero - FROM the Night King

Lost a dragon AT THE HANDS OF the Night King

Pledged to Jon - the hero - to fight with him AGAINST the Night King.

I’d say it’s safe to say at this point, Daenerys is just as opposed to the Night King as Jon is.

Which, according to our definitions of Antagonists and Protagonists, if Daenerys is in opposition to the Antagonist and defeating the Antagonist is now her main goal, that makes Daenerys, A PROTAGONIST and a HERO.

Now, I’ve seen some people argue, well, Daenerys will help Jon defeat the Night King but then she will threaten his people/go mad/try to kill someone in his family, and that will make her the “ultimate” antagonist.

However:

All of that is SPECULATION. It hasn’t happened yet. And unless it does happen, it means Daenerys isn’t an antagonist in the story.

After defeating the Night King, Daenerys’ resources will be severely dwindled - her army will be smaller, her dragons may die. If she is without the resources to threaten Jon, it doesn’t make her the “Ultimate” Antagonist. It makes her a weak threat if she so chose to then attack Jon - which is what the entire argument rests on: IF SHE ATTACKED JON.

I honestly don’t know why this is so difficult for people to understand. According to logic and literature, Daenerys is NOT an Antagonist and there are no signs that she would “become” one in the future. Her plight is Jon’s plight now. If anyone believed Daenerys was on some kind of a “villain” arc or “anti-hero” arc or “antagonist” arc with her story, then that ended the moment Daenerys gave the dragonglass to Jon and it was even more solidified when she pledged to fight alongside him in the Great War ...and then actually left for the North in order to do so.

I’ve seen some people bring up the Two-Face Argument (this is why I had Nolan and Batman on the brain earlier): You either die the hero, or you live long enough to see yourself turn into the villain.

But if we are to apply this logic to all heroes, it would mean Jon too MUST die in the Great War OR ELSE he will turn into the villain of the story.

However, the example of Two-Face is highly specific. Think about what happened in the story: Harvey Dent’s girlfriend, love of his life, was murdered. And, due to some weird reasoning on Dent’s part, he believes this to be Batman’s fault. So, of course, he wants revenge against the man he believes is the reason his girlfriend is dead.

Jon’s “girlfriend” is Daenerys. Daenerys’ “boyfriend” is Jon. If either of them die, it will likely be at the hands of the Night King. So the person they would want revenge against...would be the Night King...the main antagonist anyway.

But Batman examples aside, I’ve already talked at length about why Daenerys wouldn’t go mad next season after the Great War is over.

If Jon dies - she’ll move on. She’s lost a husband she loved before.

If she has a miscarriage or her baby dies - she’ll move on. She lost her son before.

If Drogon and/or Viserion die - she’ll move on. She lost a dragon before.

If she’s captured and tortured - she’ll move on. She’s been held prisoner and beaten/raped before.

If she’s betrayed - she’ll move on. She’s had people lie to her, join her enemy’s side before.

There is nothing that could happen to Daenerys next season that would make her turn mad at the end of it all. She’s already been through everything imaginable. She’s learned to cope. Yes, she has become a harder person. She’s become more ruthless. That is absolutely true. But ruthlessness does not equal madness. Tywin Lannister was one of the most ruthless characters in the series and yet he’s seen as one of the most cunning characters in the series as well, no madness accusations thrown at him ever.

It’s time to face facts: Daenerys is the other half of the Protagonist in A Song of Ice and Fire/Game of Thrones and she is a Hero. She and Jon will work together to defeat the Night King. She will not betray him. She will Jon. She will not challenge Jon. She will not fight against Jon. Whether they both live through the end of the story, who knows? But she is NOT an Antagonist.

[astradelta-undomiel]

20 questions

tagged by @bad3rmal . thank youuu!! 🌹

rules: answer 20 questions, then tag 20 bloggers that you want to get to know better.

name: Delia

nicknames: Leliel (i picked just one of them lol)

height: 168 cm

orientation: straight

nationality: italian yoo

favourite fruit: strawberries (even though i eat them like once every two centuries because they are not easy to find ugh) and berries in general

favourite season: winter, since i love cosy jumpers, bad and cold weather, Christmas (!!!) and everything else that comes with that season

favourite flower: camellia, orchid and roses are my top three but, damn man, every flower is a blessing! besides, i can't name them all, but i wish i could

favourite scent: the smell of the sea and the smell of forests, because they both remind me of places and people that i love the most

favourite colour: emerald green, mustard, liliac and azure

favourite animal: tigers and wolves are fascinating af, hedgehogs, squirrels, foxes, dolphins and, man, how am i supposed to pick just one

coffee, tea or hot chocolate: tea

average sleep hours: 4, plus i wake up almost every hour thanks to insomnia, my dear old friend

dog or cat person: cat person. as much as i love dogs, i feel more at ease with cats

favourite fictional characters: L Lawliet and Naomi Misora from DN, Frodo Baggins from LOTR annnnnd Harry Potter

number of blankets you sleep with: one, currently. two if it's too cold

dream trip: outer space, boyyy

blog created: uhm... idk???? april 2018 i believe

number of followers: 120

random facts: alrighty then

- i write songs and poems on a daily basis,

- i love cooking,

- i am a foreign languages student (english, russian and i am going to start studying spanish in a few weeks)

- i'm all about hiking

- oh and i am afraid of the dark (like, a lot. my anxiety kicks in and i panic)

- it's dawn, i am listening to music and i was drawing, the sun is about to rise, crows are cowing while birds are singing and it's truly beautiful

i'll tag a few peeps, but @ whoever stumbles on this post: feel free to do it and say that i tagged you haha

anyway @rmglawliet @milanoermal @hai-preso-il-cuore-di-striscio @lawliet-imagines @light-no @thebitchsabinabielecka @h34rtz @tenrose-johnlock-and-fandoms @pregnantlawliet @lucidiromaa

[thedesperatehousehusband]

The Super Bowel

So I had committed to blogging at least once a month and here it is February 8th and this is my first post of year. But, y’all, 2021 has been like a shot out of a cannon. Motherfuckers, January was SOMETHING.ELSE. But I’m not here to talk about that. I’m going to talk about the big deal of February.

THE SUPER BOWL. Or in this instance the Super Bowel (Movement).

The game was a turd. There’s nothing left to say about it. Tom Brady is such a douche nozzle. I cannot deal with him and his mouth kissing monkey business. I was so hoping Patrick Mahomes could pull it off. Because I love Patrick Mahomes. As well as Travis Kelce. He is delish.

Let’s talk pre-game musical stuff. H.E.R did a good job. Subdued until she tore it up on her guitar. I really like her (aka H.E.R.) Now I don’t want to call anyone’s baby ugly but that national anthem was not good. Eric Church and Jasmine Sullivan really lost their way. They lost the melody pretty early on and never got it back. And, let’s be real, it’s a really recognizable melody.

Shifting gears to the halftime show, oof. I give credit to the Weeknd for singing live. We can say that much. He sang live. Unfortunately he did not sing live well or good or even mediocre. Ooooof. I really like the Weeknd and think his songs are great but he is very clearly incredibly enhanced and autotuned. I said very quickly that JLo had nothing to worry about if she was concerned. Her show remains the best in years. And I will NEVER, EVER understand the controversy surrounding that show. People are lunatics.

OK. Let’s talk advertisements. One caveat. We quit watching the game in the 4th quarter because it was so awful so we missed some commercials. My gut tells me that there weren’t amazing spots at the 2:00 minute warning but if I omit your favorite that’s why. Here we go:

·       Old, the new M. Night Shyamalan movie. This looks quite interesting. And it will be available ONLY IN THEATERS so mask up, fuckers.

·       M&Ms. There was Dan Levy, there was mention of “Karen”, there was mansplaining. It was clever and I appreciated it for the cleverness. Who doesn’t like M&Ms?

·       Paramount+ Streaming. Snooki, Christine Baranski, Bryce DeChambeau, some level of animated programming, that judge from All Rise, Cedric the Entertainer, Star Trek: Discovery. Jesus. H. Christ. They crammed it all in there and then some. They promoted this shit FIVE times. They’re going to make this service happen or someone will be killed.

·       The Falcon & the Winter Soldier on Disney+. I’m here for it. I’m into it. Bring it on.

·       Doordash. Combing Sesame Street and Daveed Diggs is a wonderful idea. In my opinion, this was the best spot of the Super Bowl. An appropriate nod to the situation that most restaurants are facing with relevant tie ins to their actual business.

·       The Equalizer. Here comes the Queen. This got four promos. If this fails, someone will lose their job at CBS.

·       Doritos 3D. With Matthew McConaughey in 2D. It was pretty fun for about 10 seconds but it lasted much longer than that. Then it got weird. #flatmatthew. C’mon, part of looking at Matthew is seeing him in 3D.

·       GM Engines? I don’t know what it was truly for? Carbon neutral cars? Engines? That’s the sad thing. The good thing it was really funny. Will Ferrell. You just can’t go wrong. Then you throw in Kenan Thompson and Awkwafina and you basically have gold. But I still don’t know what the hell the spot was for.

·       Pringles and astronauts. I didn’t get it.

·       Bud Light. Legends and then also Post Malone. Silly.

·       Chipotle. For Real. So stupid and heavy handed. No one needs that kind of message from fast casual burritos.

·       Clarice. CBS wants this to happen but not as much as they want The Equalizer to happen. Who is the actress impersonating Jodie Foster?

·       Mountain Dew with John Cena. I don’t know what the flavor was. I don’t what the spot was about. I don’t care. Mountain Dew is diabetes in a bottle.

·       Which plays nicely into Dexcom. Now that’s how you use a celebrity. Nick Jonas is a Type 1 diabetic. He’s credible. He’s appropriately aspirational. Smart.

·       Indeed. This had something to do with jobs. Getting a job? Job postings? I don’t know. It was too much and I hated it.

·       State Farm. Oooh. This was funny. “Stand ins don’t talk”. That’s what Jake said to Drake. Paul Rudd as Patrick Mahomes? Yes, please. More of this. I love that Drake was even willing to do this. I suppose he got a million bucks. That’ll do it.

·       Bud Light Seltzer Lemonade. Lemon of the year. Making lemons with lemonade. Or lemonade seltzer. How can there be that many hard seltzers?

·       Scot’s Lawn Care. It was bad.

·       Skechers with Tony Romo. Enough said. Tony Romo, while looking real good, is just kind of grating.

·       WeatherTech. My goodness. This was intense. It was a Benetton ad for all-weather car mats. We get it. Diversity.

·       Rocket Mortgage. This was very close to my favorite. Both executions were very funny. You don’t want to be “pretty sure” about your mortgage. Tracy Morgan was the right person for this. It wasn’t smarmy at all. It could have been. It was just the right tone and the other actors were very funny.

·       Oatly. Wow, no cow. Wow, hot mess.

·       Toyota with Jessica Long. Now THAT’S how you do an Olympic spot. Love, love, love.

·       eTrade. You are NOT the best around despite the throwback soundtrack. Terrible.

·       Hellmann’s with Amy Schumer. This was very clever. Use up the stuff in your fridge by sprucing it up with mayo.

·       TurboTax. So awful.

·       Mercari. What is this? I still don’t know and I even Googled it. I’m unclear. I think it’s an online market of some kind. But for what? Angel dust? Pastries? Tires? It could be anything.

·       Tide. It’s dirtier than it looks but also with Jason Alexander. That tween doesn’t know who Jason Alexander is, does he? I dunno. It was fine.

·       Dr. Squatch. What the fuck is this brand or product?

·       Vroom.com. Why?

·       Jimmy John’s. Does Jimmy John’s have Super Bowl money and enough to pay for Brad Garrett? I guess they think they do.

·       T Mobile with Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani and Adam Levine. This was likely a little meta and you have to understand the history to think it’s funny but I enjoyed it. There was also a LOT of mention of 5G or similar during this particular Super Bowl.

·       Because the next spot was AT&T Fiber with Frodo and a bunch of LOTR superfans. Meh.

·       Fiverr. What in the ever loving fuck?

·       Coming 2 America. Yaaaas. I’m here for this movie.

·       Cheeto’s with Shaggy, Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher. We get it. Cheeto’s make your fingers orange. I’m over it.

·       Squarespace. Working 5 to 9. I don’t get it. Were you working 9 to 5 and then a side hustle from 5 to 9. Areyou working 5:00 AM to 9:0 PM?

·       Cadillac Lyriq. I wanted to like this but it just got so stupid.

·       Anheuser-Busch. This was overwrought.

·       Jeep. But THIS was really overwrought. I’m in the minority on this one. I think lots of people were very moved by this. I thought it was too much and, dammit, if I’m going to watch Bruce for 60 seconds, he had best to sing.

·       Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer. I can’t with all these fucking seltzers.

·       Klarna. What in the ever loving fuck is this product or service? I still don’t know.

·       Bass Pro Shop/Cabela’s. Calm down.

·       Robinhood. What is this company? What do they sell? Terrible.

·       Alexa as Michael B. Jordan. The joke ran out of steam. This would be better as a :30 as opposed to a :60.

·       Guaranteed Rate Mortgage. Believe you will or some shit? Whatever.

Hey, at least there was a Super Bowl. That’s the win. May Tom Brady get quinoa stuck in his colon and be unable to poop it out next year. That’s my fervent hope.

[garudabluffs]

Chris Hedges: The Great Delusion

The real lesson we should learn from the rise of a demagogue such as Trump and a pandemic that our for-profit health care industry proved unable to contain is that we are losing control as a nation and as a species.

“Cable celebrities such as Rachel Maddow will hyperventilate night after night about Russia while ignoring the corruption of the Biden administration.  The only reason Russia is not blamed for rigging the election in 2020, as opposed to 2016, by the Democratic Party is because Trump was defeated.” 

“We cannot use the word hope if we refuse to face the truth. All hope rooted in self-delusion is fantasy.”

December 21, 2020 READ MORE https://scheerpost.com/2020/12/21/chris-hedges-the-great-delusion/

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“This is all about the working class. Today’s announcement of a $600 payoff translates to about $6 per day over ten months.  That’s what the US government thinks of its most vulnerable.”

“Hell is empty and all of the devils are here” William Shakespeare

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“As Tom Bombadil says to Frodo, ‘Who are you, alone, yourself and nameless?’ ” - a quote from Lord of the Rings