#gets excited for a bit because he has a unique design relative to everything else but then the expac

[spiribia]

wolf charr

[oh-boy-me]

Okay I see your armadillo and I raise you MC convincing Diavolo to go on a field trip to Australia to see all the animals. Whatever happens the emu win.

Hey anon I swear I didn’t mean for this to get so long but I started writing it and then just didn’t stop, thank you for making me think about this.

It took about half a semester of begging for Diavolo to agree to organize a field trip to the Human World.

Scrap that, it took about half a semester of begging for Lucifer to bring up the idea with Diavolo.  Diavolo agreed immediately.  He discussed it further with MC, and they settled on a trip to Australia.  The continent was different from anywhere else in the world due to its geographic isolation.  There was a good chance that it would be a learning experience for even the oldest among them.

In truth, Diavolo just wanted to see a kangaroo.

The group had a moment to rest and plan their trip as they waited for Barbatos to return from Brisbane (Asmo was not going to camp, thank you very much, do you know how dry the air is here?  And the dust?  Lucifer wasn’t complaining about his insistence on a B&B.)

Lucifer went over, for the seventh time that hour, his mental list of every common dangerous animal on the island.  There were so many.  Too many.  The sheer number of creatures that had a “toxic” or “aggressive” warning was enough to give him a migraine.  MC did their best to assure him that as long as they were careful, everything would be fine, but.  “Look at our group, MC,” he broadly gestured around them, “and tell me that they’ll be careful.”

While Lucifer was fretting over his brothers, Satan was the one doing the actual damage control.  No, Mammon, there isn’t gold “right below our feet.”  Beel, there better be nothing more than processed foods in that bag of yours—I read that bringing fruits into the country is illegal.  Levi, you’ll have wifi at the hotel, stop complaining for one minute.

He was probably the most excited about the trip next to Diavolo, but he played it cool.

Asmo and Belphie were being relatively well-behaved, listening to Solomon’s tales of his adolescent years in Sydney.  Satan thought he said he grew up in Damascus.  Mammon was told Vancouver.  Solomon only hummed when questioned.

Just as Lucifer was about to suggest they just go home because hey Diavolo did you know that not only are the snakes here incredibly venomous, but my brothers are also idiots, Barbatos returned, and they got to the items on Diavolo’s agenda.

The only item on the agenda was “see cool animals,” but nobody needed to know that.

Barbatos knew.  He made a backup plan just in case.

Lucky for them, Simeon’s mere presence seemed to calm the animals enough that they didn’t run away when stumbled upon, so they saw a whole bunch.  How does he do it?  At one point they aggroed a rather large spider, and he just smiled at it and it stood down and wandered off.  What sort of godly power is this?

Overhead, some koalas slumber.  Mammon is quickly overwhelmed by how cute they are and wonders if human world stuffed toys could become a whole line.  MC feels phantom pain in their hands when he glances at them with a grin.

MC explains that koalas only eat one type of leaf.  Beel reaches up and shoves a handful in his mouth.  They taste very clean, he declares, but he couldn’t imagine only eating this for every meal.  Solomon adds that eucalyptus leaves are toxic to humans.  Lucifer has his first heart attack of the day.

“Eeek, a scorpion!”  “Asmo you’re a scorpion.”

Asmo isn’t enjoying this very much at all.  His feet hurt from standing, there’s dust all over his designer jeans, and he can feel the sun burning his shoulders.  The animals look nice and all, but he’s more interested in getting Solomon and MC to go clubbing with him that night than in the present moment.

Levi wasn’t paying any attention to the trip, until he heard Simeon say, “oh goodness, hello there little echidna.”  Then he’s the most alert of them all.  “YOU MEAN LIKE KNUCKLES?!”  Oh, there’s a spirit in Mononoke Land based on Koalas!  It’s from the Yorana region which is Gen 7 so it’s not in the app yet, he wouldn’t expect MC to know about that.

Lucifer distracts himself from his constant sense of dread by comparing Luke to the dingoes they stumbled upon.  Luke’s complaints are almost loud enough to nullify Simeon’s calming presence.  He clings to MC, as if they can protect him from Lucifer’s words, and Mammon clings to MC’s other side in protest.

Belphie has so far fallen asleep on seven rocks that snakes were hiding under.  The snakes always go out to investigate him, and Lucifer always adds another heart attack to the list.  Solomon says that one of the snakes was a “common death adder,” and Lucifer was just barely visibly distressed.  Belphegor is now falling asleep on rocks on purpose, because the combination of Solomon’s fake snake names and Lucifer’s minute squirming is too good to pass up on.

Satan somehow simultaneously knows all sorts of information on the wildlife and is fully overtaken with childlike wonder.  Yes, he saw kangaroos and koalas and the like in pictures, but in real life they look so unique and cute and he wants to pet everything, he wants to give them cuddles they are baby!!!

Speaking of kangaroos, Diavolo is aggressively pointing in the direction of what looks like it could be one.  “Look at it!” he exclaims.  “It’s so little and fuzzy!  Lucifer, Barbatos, look, look!  Do you think it has a baby in its pouch?”

“If it does, then we best not disturb it, My Lord.”  Barbatos has steered Diavolo away from about fifty poor animals so far.  It’s far more entertaining than his usual tasks of steering Diavolo away from things in the Devildom, so he’s actually quite satisfied with how the day has gone so far.  If eucalyptus is toxic to humans but not demons, he’s thought of several recipes he could try out already.  If it’s toxic to demons too, well, there are still uses for it.

Solomon eyes the pouched creature and chuckles a bit, which leaves everyone but Diavolo and Levi on edge for the next two hours.

The rest of the day progresses in a similar manner and with no serious issues.  After asserting that everyone is rather tired from the day’s adventure and in no mood to go clubbing, Asmo, they split up into their rooms for the night.

That isn’t to say that Asmo has given up on clubbing, though.  Even if he has to sneak out and go all by himself, he’s in the mood to get a taste of Australian nightlife.  So, after what he assumes is enough time for everyone to fall asleep, he makes his way to the sliding door in the back.

Everyone is awoken by a scream coming from the kitchen.

Mammon sprints over to see why Asmo is screaming, only to scream as well.  Luke screams.  Diavolo screams.  Lucifer has a sixteenth heart attack.  This continues for a while.  “What is THAT?!” Asmo points out the door at the creature with one clawed hand against the glass.

“Oh, it’s a kangaroo,” Solomon says matter-of-factly.  Yes, it turns out that what Diavolo had thought was a kangaroo was actually a wallaby.  Diavolo was thrilled to see a real kangaroo.  It was so much better than he had imagined, and so much better than the wallaby.

“That’s not a kangaroo!” Asmodeus wails.  “It’s got abs and a chiseled jawline!  It looks like it could bench press me; that thing’s some sort of mutated man!”  Beel leads Asmo away and back to bed.  Asmo swears to never go outside ever again and insists on sleeping in Beel and Belphie’s room–at least those are abs that he’s familiar with.

Not one to forget that this was technically a school field trip, Lucifer assigns everyone a simple research project as a reflection after they return to the Devildom.  Belphie is a little horrified to learn that the “common death adder” is in fact a real snake.

Masterlist

[proudgodot]

Gratitude

I was not initially planning to post about this, given that my unfortunate tendency to over-share has caused me quite a bit of grief in the past, but the truth is that I simply couldn’t resist this time. Typically when I am overcome by an uncontrollable desire to post it is because I am desperately in need of attention or validation, so much so that I can’t actually remember a time when I posted because I was genuinely eager to share something. It was always out of some perverse and misplaced sense of obligation, but it finally feels as if that burden is lifted. While I was writing this post, it was because I felt a genuine…. pride over something I had accomplished, something I genuinely wanted to share with the world. When I chose the name of this blog I didn’t earnestly expect that I would ever feel anything other than shame about myself… it seemed more an ideal than an actual plausible prediction. I’m just so relieved my wish came true.

Anyway, I suppose that is quite enough navel-gazing for the time being… I can only imagine my followers have probably had enough of that to last a long and fulfilling lifetime. I reckon it’s time to move on to the actual story.

As most of you well know, following the dramatic events of the Kristahlia drama, I suddenly found myself with the new responsibility of parenthood. There are certainly aspects of my new lifestyle that have been difficult to adjust to… principle of which is that I am supposed to serve as a sort of role model for these developing and damaged boys. I have never been particularly aspirational, in fact you would be hard-pressed to find someone as underperforming as me. Although I was prone to overcompensating for such things, always desperately trying to prove that I was capable of as much as the bare minimum, looking back I see that I grew too comfortable with those low expectations. When it registered that as a caretaker I would suddenly have to perform a sort of excellence, not for the sake of my fragile ego but for the betterment of these children… I was immediately overcome by a painful inadequacy. However, as our first week together progressed, I came to realize that in certain regards all of us were personally inadequate, and it was for that very reason we had taken on this responsibility together. Although I certainly had my short-comings, that wasn’t something unique to me, and over time we all began to coordinate better and help manage each other’s weaknesses. I was somewhat surprised to learn this was not only true of the adults, but the children as well. The dynamic we developed as a family was rather symbiotic… I found that regardless of age we all had something to offer each other.

Regardless, I promised myself that I would do whatever it took to keep my found family as distant as possible from my most severe personal issues. My past was something I felt I had to resolve independently, no matter how tempting it was to once again depend on the people in my life to solve my problems in my stead. That is why when I made the decision to start looking into Anton’s whereabouts, I never spoke a word about it to my housemates.

Facebook made finding his account incredibly easy, distressingly so in fact. I became acutely aware of the possibility that he might have been recommended my account numerous times over the years and had consciously chosen not to send me a friend request, which although completely understandable still hurt immensely to imagine. Perhaps my hopelessly romantic dream to reconnect with the man was unrequited, and would be rejected with extreme prejudice if vocalized. Eventually, however, I managed to muster up the courage to actually inspect his profile. I discovered that after our quarrel six years ago and his subsequent transferral Anton had moved back to his hometown in Ann Arbor to complete his degree in art and design. Since graduating, he had been working as a freelance artist and animator… he often posted about how proud of his projects he was, and it was reassuring to see his enthusiasm had not diminished in the slightest over the years. One detail about his profile that immediately jumped out at me was his relationship status, which was currently set to single. Despite myself, I immediately felt a small flicker of hope ignite within my quickened heart. Upon further investigation, it appeared he’d been involved in several relationships over the years that had ultimately ended in failure, although the circumstances were unclear. I only hoped he hadn’t made a habit of dating unappreciative losers…

I managed to quell my anxiety briefly and force myself to send him a friend request, which almost immediately filled me with a sense of mounting dread. My anticipation wasn’t even allowed much time to simmer, because mere minutes after I sent the message I was notified that it had been accepted. Instinctively, I slammed my laptop shut and jumped out of my seat, forgetting that I was incapable of standing up so quickly without losing all feeling in my legs and face planting into the floor. I instantly regretted not taking Addy’s advice and getting that checked by a doctor, because soon enough the entire family was in my room gathered around my body and asking questions with varying degrees of concern and amusement. Although I had wanted to keep my activity a secret, at that moment I was swept away in the drama, and so I began to mindlessly rant about the situation.

I don’t know what I was expecting, but soon enough there were six pairs of hands all frantically scrambling for control of my keyboard. While I laid incapacitated on the floor, my friends had taken it upon themselves to respond to Anton’s messages, each expressing their own thoughts from my account in randomly alternating orders depending on who had managed to prevail in the wrestling. It seemed that Iara maintained the upper hand most of the fight, although it was admittedly difficult to tell over the frenzy at times considering my limited view from the floor.

Eventually, the chaos subsided and everyone turned to look at me with beaming smiles on their faces, some more devious than others. I immediately began to worry that they had sabotaged me somehow, be it in light-hearted jest or in an earnest act of betrayal, and so I asked them nervously what exactly they had done. For a moment it seemed they were trying to contain their excitement, but it didn’t take long for them to erupted into an uproarious celebration, complete with victorious chants that Anton was coming to meet us in person this evening!

I didn’t know how to react. All at once a tempest of conflicting emotions completely overpowered me… and I mean that quite literally. I knocked out cold, and when I finally woke up I discovered that not only had Kyler been trying to shock me awake by applying Takis to my tongue, but that the situation had not miraculously resolved itself. Although everyone else had mostly settled down, my mind was whirling a mile a minute with all of the things I had to do to prepare. I had a whole bucket list I needed to accomplish before I was comfortable standing in front of Anton again… and as much as I hated to admit it, I couldn’t possibly get everything done myself over such a brief time. To my surprise, I didn’t even have a chance to put my reservations aside before they had already agreed to help me based off of my panicked listing of errands alone. Despite my reluctance to involve my new friends in the more turbulent aspects of personal life, it seemed they were actually eager to get involved themselves… I discovered that my problems were not an inconvenience to them, but rather something they were excited to help me work through.

The first obstacle I had to overcome was also the hardest… that being that I had never properly apologized to Gabriella and Lana for my dishonest and frankly abusive treatment. It wasn’t so much that I didn’t have the words to express my remorse or that I hadn’t processed my guilt, but that Gabriella’s parting words to me specifically informed me not to contact her and I didn’t want to once again disrespect her wishes. However, after some words of encouragement from the family, I managed to write a relatively concise three thousand word email taking responsibility for my past actions and wishing the couple well. As I was writing this post, I actually received a response from the two telling me they appreciated my apology and were glad to see I had grown into a more mature person. Apparently they have just finished settling into their cottage and are now doing better than ever. Lana even expressed an interest in meeting Addy and Iara in particular sometime… I suppose it’s a sapphic thing. I’m just glad that they’re finally living the happy life they deserve without being held back by backwards men.

My email took longer to type then I had expected, and although I certainly can not regret pouring my heart into the message given its importance, it did mean that we had to pick up the pace with the rest of the bucket list. Kyler took this quite literally, speeding at what must have been 100 miles per hour towards the mall despite nearly giving me a heart attack and my insistence that he not set such a bad example for Chris and Klav. We actually ended up getting pulled over, but luckily Iara managed to scare the officer away with her signature scowl. The next few hours were a frantic rush of errands, all focused on helping me actually express myself without the burden of repression. There were moments when it was a struggle, such as when I nearly hyperventilated in Claire’s before they pierced my ears, but ultimately I am immensely satisfied with the results. The most fulfilling moment was finally getting the tips of my hair bleached white to match my new profile picture. Chris actually got his hair dyed alongside me, changing his style from pale blond to black and white to reflect his new kin. It was incredibly rewarding to accomplish this alongside him… I had never been the subject of anything but disappointment from my parents, so it was an incredible feeling to be able to experience that absent parental pride for myself, even if it was with a different perspective.  

By the time Anton was forecasted to arrive, my appearance had been upgraded to better reflect my current sense of self… all that was left was for me to get in the right mindset. Luckily, my family was perfectly eager to act as my own personal “hype beasts,” as Kyler put it. They offered excellent emotional support in the half-hour we sat in the den patiently awaiting his arrival, especially Addy, who really took my mind off things by offering to play me in a game of chess. I lost quite handedly, but for once I don’t have it in me to be a spoilsport. When we heard that fateful knock at the door, they all immediately ran into the nearest closest and shut themselves inside to give us some space, but not before giving me a final set of encouraging thumbs up. I hesitated for a moment, questioning once again whether I was really ready to take such a big step in my life. My hand paused, hovering over the door knob uncertainly… until I heard the faint sounds of Steely Dan’s Come on Eileen coming from inside the closet, accompanied by the muffled sound of Klav’s giggle. Reignited by the familiar sounds of my favorite musicians, I swung the door open with a new and uncharacteristic conviction.

And there he was… I was immediately captivated by just how strong his presence was. My memories hadn’t done him justice… it really was like I was in the presence of an angel. I was comforted by certain familiar aspects of his appearance, such as his golden brown eyes that glistened like stars, his long curly hair with its comforting strawberry aroma, and his signature checkered scarf that he had been consistently wearing for almost decade now… but what really excited me were those new features. Normally I am turned off by change, but I was positively breathless as soon as my eyes wandered to the golden butterfly tattoo on his exposed shoulder. I felt as if I was going to faint for a second time in one day. 

I couldn’t find the words to express the depths of my emotion no matter how hard I searched my impassioned soul... there were no words strong enough. Instead I just cried, and wordlessly he accepted me into his arms… just like he had on that life-changing night all those years ago. I finally told him everything I had so obstinately refused to say during college… that I was gay, that I was in love with him, and that I was sorry. Although I was openly weeping, I don’t think I’ve ever felt more relieved in my life.

Eventually, he managed to pacify me… and so I was able to explain to him the entire story of the Kristahlia drama. It was difficult to explain that I had managed to go from discoursing with these teenage kinnies to adopting them, but he was as understanding as he ever was. He was so excited to meet my family that he even brought his cat Apple all the way from Michigan just to introduce her to them. I don’t think I have ever mentioned this publicly, but when Krissy died I had to take her dog Diogenes in myself, and I was surprised to find that the two animals got along perfectly. It really did feel like the entire house was accepting him... it was as if this was meant to be.

Since Anton had gone to all the trouble of making the ten hour drive to Iowa, he suggested that we might as well all hang out together in Cedar Rapids over the weekend. I suppose it’s a date... I must say that I am looking forward to it, as are the others. I know I didn’t deserve to be accepted by him again just because I spent a few hours shedding tears and profusely apologizing, but for once I don’t feel guilty that I have received something I don’t deserve. I just feel... an overwhelming gratitude for the opportunity.

I am certainly still inexperienced at this whole family business and have accepted that I will inevitably make some mistakes in the future, but I don’t think I’ve done too poorly for a first week, if I do say so myself. I am truly grateful to all the people in my life who have supported me through my journey, who have taught me that it is possible to rely on others without being a parasite and to be relied on without shouldering the entire burden. 

To my partners, my friends, my children, and my love... from the bottom of my heart, thank you. 

[fingerboardrhapsodist]

Okay. As much as I can remember, stuck in one spot. Gonna do the one thing to keep length short. Unsure if that works for every variation of connection, but...y'know.

OKAY. So Hojo goes off to his meeting. Me and Aerith sit and chat for a bit. EVENTUALLY Hojo runs by to his shitty perch to watch whatever chaos is going on elsewhere in his lab, which turns out to be Cloud and the others coming to bail Aerith out. They all seem pretty surprised to see me there too, apparently they thought I'd died in the plate falling. Which was terrible and I am not going to think on it ever again after this if I can help it.

So anyways, Hojo dumps some shit on everybody outside the tank while we're stuck watching from the inside, talking shit about how Aerith definitely chose to come here blah blah or are you saying you own her, Cloud and Zack had some colorful shit to say to him that I shall not repeat here for politeness' sake, they straight up wipe the floor with whatever Hojo tosses their way. Looking good while they do it. Hojo starts some monologue shit at Cloud after Cloud threatens to gut him and Hojo gets blasted by something or another in the middle of it and gets basically yote out the door. So Barret breaks the tank's door open which shorts out something but we didn't exactly realize until a few minutes later. Cloud looked like he was having a bit of head trouble after Hojo started his shit, but he recovered fast enough, so nobody really commented on it.

Some dingdongs in armor show up and get their asses beat quite soundly by literally every other person in the room. I get greeted pretty warmly by Zack and Tifa, which is nice. Cloud kinda looks me over a little like he's doing a damage assessment, but otherwise doesn't do much but nod. Aerith and Zack are excited to see each other. Aerith and Cloud and Tifa are excited to see each other. Barret is glad to get to thank Aerith for getting Marlene to safety and pointedly ignores anything going on in my direction. It's nice to see everybody all together and reasonably happy to have survived all of this bullshit of the last...has it only been three days? REALLY three days??

We get started moving. And then there's this pattering of paws and clacking of claws, that I'm the first to notice because I have amazing hearing apparently. And we meet Red! For like fifteen seconds before he tears ass off to try and find Hojo to wreak more havoc on his nads probably. Pops through some of that fucking bulletproof glass like it's NOTHING. Everyone's kinda startled and reminded that we're in the middle of the weasel bastard's lab, Aerith takes off after Red while Barret's just kinda wondering what the fuck is going on.

Follow after Aerith with zero hesitation, get that weird tingly feeling of materia magic healing and I STILL have no fucking clue who cast it because nobody will own up to doing it. It was somebody behind me. Apparently my leg that I broke that Aerith healed up as much as she could was causing a bit of a limp and that was Noted. Anyways, we get up to where Red's trying to give Hojo some nice facial decorations with his claws, Red doesn't get to Hojo in time for it and then turns to look at us because we got him backed into a fucking corner now like some fucking geniuses we are.

Basically everyone else worries we're gonna have to fight the poor bastard, but Aerith just walks up and pats him on the head like she's telling him he's a good boy and Red just goes from 'fuck Hojo and fuck you too if you're in a 30 foot radius around me or him right now' to zen as fuck. Hackles go down, ears relax, shakes stress and anger out of his bones and fur like he's shaking water off him, kinda finds a comfortable way to hold himself for a bit...and Barret goes 'what the hell is that,' like, to everyone else. And Red just goes 'FASCINATING QUESTION' which just. Fucking floors Barret I swear. Little discussion is had, we get his Hojo designation, he dodges questions about another name...

Cloud has some trouble for a bit there. Kind of looked like flash migraines or something? Basically kinda just...passes out. Like one second he's shuffling and everyone's kinda hesitating like 'should we go offer help orrr' and then he's tipping over and everybody scrambles after him like 'SHIT SHIT FUCK' trying to keep him from clonking his head on something. I'm the first one there, because fuck you I'm Sheikah, Zack is second because fuck you he's SOLDIER, Aerith directs us someplace relatively safe for a bit for Cloud to recover. Set him down and get him comfortable there.

Until he was up again, nobody really said anything, just sorta sat there contemplating life choices and wondering if you can die from migraines. A bit of chatter happens when he wakes up, about if Cloud was okay or if he should keep resting, but then we get on the topic of Aerith because Cloud changes subjects with the stealth and smoothness of a handful of gravel to the face. Uh yeah no I'm good no really I'm fine hey Aerith uhhhhh you gotta talk to us some here what aren't you telling us.

Some questions about what she...is, gets asked, and answered to the best of her ability. Entire conversation gets derailed by Barret deciding he's going to start some shit, which everybody has been trying to prevent the entire way up the building. Also apparently we're near the top floor of the massive stupid fucking building. Wondered if I could gravity walk my entire way down the side of the fucker or if I would run out of magic halfway and fucking die by falling the rest.

Basically everybody talks Barret down from the shit and then whatever yote Hojo earlier showed up again apparently. Everyone was talking about them, and they were apparently bothering Aerith, but I could not see shit besides the fact that it looked like there was a breeze from shit circling around her like a tornado and it was whipping her hair and clothes around a little bit.

Barret asked questions and was accidentally rude. Red showed he has an amazing sense of humor while explaining what the fuck was happening in a way that made zero sense to me and I may have to ask for clarification later. The things on the wall flipped on like a slate, and Wedge was in the thing like a video talking to us. Could apparently see and hear and respond to us like in person, though. Was really cool and something I am going to have to weasel out of Purah if I can when I get back home. If I get back.

Anyhow, Wedge apparently had everyone else worried, which made me kind of think maybe he got caught in the plate falling and survived like I did. Which is great odds, by the way, I like Wedge. Guy's a sweetheart. Dude ranks high on the 'people I would kill and/or die for' list. Anyhow, apparently he's in the building, and got there just in time to almost warn us about the building suddenly shaking which very nearly made me shit my pants in fear by the way.

So like...we're talking to him, there's a guy with an absolutely excellent beard and mustache talking, and I am at that unique intersection of exhausted, hungry, amped up on adrenaline, and shocked by the shit I've seen in the last 24 hours that all I hear is the noise of my ears ringing. I could not tell you what he sounded like or give a hint on what he said. I was a thousand paces away in another world staring at the grass or some shit.

Everyone seems ready to head out, so I go ahead and just follow suit because honestly, I have no idea what's been planned or what's going on. I am just...I'm so out of it. We go down and around and everywhere in between to get out, apparently, I don't even fucking know, and while everybody is trying to move something, I hear this weird soft pattering that's just uneven and out of place enough that my brain registers it. So I move my head around about the same time as Zack and Cloud do, because fuck you I am Sheikah and they are SOLDIER, and there's these monster things that are kind of people shaped but wow shit they are fucked up that just crawl out of the woodwork like a nest of mice unearthed because you picked up the board their burrow is placed under.

Beat the shit out of them, went in the tank elevator behind Hojo's close monitoring station. Around this thing. Pretty uneventful. Then good view of the thing in the middle, and just...I know that the thing is important, but absolutely none of what is said registers beyond a few fragments. Cloud starts having problems again, there is just. I get that there was someone there. I know that the others responded somehow, and Cloud was responding in a worrying way. But a lot of that is just...it's like a watercolor painting that hasn't been cured and you just upended a cup of water over it. Everything is blurry, hard for me to parse or find clear detail, but also unevenly so. I can remember some bits of colors, and that they're important. Sounds were...mostly distorted? I have no fucking clue what happened, but the last clear thing I remember for a while is movement, a lot of loud at once, and then just...falling. And then things go dark REAL fast.

No idea how long it took me to wake up, but realized I was laying on the floor and got up all confused for a bit and then realized the place we were earlier is like, several floors up from where I am. I think, anyways, a little hard to figure when there are no actual floors at reasonable height just a bunch of shit on the walls. Can hear combat all over the fucking place, it sounds like everybody got scattered all over the joint and everyone is beating the shit out of SOMETHING.

First person I run into is Tifa. Second is Aerith. Find the others all dealing with a bunch of asshole experiment things and while the girls rain junk down on them, I nail a few with arrows. Almost meet up with em, but there's some fuckshit in the way. Some talking shit happens with another of those two way video things. Hojo starts some shit and we end up having to jump through hoops and murder shit and work some other shit and most of it is boring repeating of 'flipped a switch bigger than we are, fought a thing, got stuck, had to have somebody else go do the thing so find another of those two way video stations and explain we're stuck so it's on you now, wait, repeat.'

I got to help out some with getting across wide gaps, which was cool. Red got dropped onto our level at one point, so we had to go help him. Ran around a lot, killed monsters and monsters and monsters and monsters a lot, flipped switches a lot. More running, more monsters, more switches. The Drum is a lot less interesting than mine is. Thunder Drum could kick that thing's ass anyday.

Apparently Red NEARLY got Hojo's head off his shoulders during all of that. I wish so, so badly that it had. I got new scars after all the shit in the place. Nice long slice down my back, few scratch scars on my right hip, multiple bite marks basically everywhere except vital spots, basically. SOMEHOW managed to keep teeth away from super important areas. I have nO idea how.

There is a lot more to unpack but I don't want to unpack right now so I will file that way for the next breakdown I have because I am a useless piece of shit that is dead weight except when I am awesome or whatever the fuck my brain likes to dunk me into when my emotions take a nosedive. Point I will make is, shit was fucked, and though I may eventually go 'lol fun' at a part or two, I think it will take a long, long time before I can do so. Honestly, anyways. Dishonestly I will do the moment I finish this thing and hit post. Don't you judge me.

Big monster! Beat it up. SO MANY FUCKING MONSTERS. I know I keep saying it and it is probably annoying but holy SHIT. WHY do you NEED SO MANY FUCKING MONSTERS, SIR? The supply was NEVER ENDING. Just when I thought we were going to have enough monster corpses to fill up the whole fucking joint with them, we ran across one BIG fucker at the end. Who I think was actually mostly mechanical instead of some horrible flesh sculpture. Then everybody got reunited after Aerith nearly crushed Cloud, Zack and Barret with a big round door. Lots of cheerfulness after that, I said, sarcastically, to indicate the opposite in fact: things were kinda awkward for two seconds and then there was two seconds of okay lol cool and then back to business we went to get the fuck out of Hojo's Happy Nightmare Land.

We finally. FINALLY got to the top. Back to where The Thing In The Tank I Should Know Words About But Don't was. And the tank was popped and the thinger is gone. Lots of mess spattered about. Everyone is weirded the FUCK out and cautious. Get out the door. And shit is just...dead fucking silent for a while. Only thing we hear besides our own heartbeats and panicked breathing is our fucking footsteps, okay?

Go through some doors and kind of up some stairs, and I start hearing something. Faint as fuck to start. Then as everyone else starts to register it, I realize what it is. Somebody yelling for help. Brain kicked into helper mode at that point, but, uh...well. I kind of couldn't really brain well enough to figure out how to help this guy I didn't know up from hanging over what amounts to a two minute free fall. Every option that popped into my head was dismissed because I could see outcomes where I slipped, he slipped, something bad happen very bad do not. Barret just reaches down and grabs this dude to yank his ass up and starts on the most fucking amazing, badass words I have ever heard from somebody who was not my brother. My brother has had lifetimes to come up with this shit and hold on to it for a rainy day. But the line Barret said just slapped me and called me a bitch. It bought me fucking dinner before how fucked my brain got by it, I was SO fucking tickled, okay.

So we get this guy who is apparently the one guy I initially said I would gut for wrecking shit, and we get him AWAY from death. We follow him on his jittery dash into the building again. And the dude just sort of flips a switch somewhere to go from terrified old man who is generally harmless to 'I am going to make your life suck more in the next two seconds than it has the rest of the time you have been or will be alive, mostly because you will not be alive in the next few seconds' type of fuckery looking asshole. Points some shit at Barret, talks some shit, basically calls him a fucking idiot for not just chucking his ass off the top of the building. Which I'm starting to agree with at this point because old man what the fuck is wrong with you.

And then just....I don't remember. So much here. I remember that the old man bitch was just....suddenly dead, and Barret got dropped, and then I just sort of woke up on the floor later. Everyone was more tired, Barret looked pretty bad but was still around, we made our way out the door again and one of those metal things was gonna land and it just fucking...it almost hit me, I swear to fuck. It exploded.

Then on comes this other fucking metal flying thing. Out steps somebody whose name was probably said but my memory is still kinda fuzzy and I did not have a lot of time to parse anything. All I got was after a bit, it's time for everyone to run, we get a distance away and I register kind of off in the distance somehow that Cloud and Zack aren't there. And then Tifa just fucking vanishes after my brain makes that connection. So it's like...where the fuck are half of us. I promised I would keep some folks among the living, I am going to catch hands if I let some shit happen to them now.

And of course, before I can do much on that track, the ground under me starts moving because wait shit we were in an elevator, we are suddenly getting shot at, and I have to somehow focus enough to murder some shit and not die and maybe keep these others from dying too. And then falling. And then more oh shit oh fuck the shooting is back.

And then the funniest exchange I have ever had a part in. I don't know why I can remember this so well but it fucking tickles me, okay. This fucking bitch standing there like he's important starts with his superior 'lol who are these losers' shit. Barret, all serious, says he's from AVALANCHE, then around the time Aerith pipes up literally a quarter second later my brain goes 'time to be a bastard man' and it's already working on what mine will be, but Aerith goes 'local florist!' and I can tell Red is powering the FUCK up to just floor me so I get my 'mute asshole with magic' shit in while I still can, RIGHT before he opens his mouth to go 'LAB RAT DOG' and I CAN NOT even take this shit seriously with like thirty weapons pointed at us I just fucking start wheezing so hard it sounds like a pelican choking on a coconut.

I don't have time to recompose myself before Tifa pops in with the truck, Cloud and Zack absolutely blow me away with their motorcycles, and I get shoved into the back of the truck next to Barret and Red before they take off because I am so out of it anymore I just can't do some of this shit on my own anymore.

I get a little break at the start when we take off out of the place and finally get on the high road and can clear my head enough to actually start processing shit like a normal people again. Can finally see what the fuck is circling the building, whatever they are called, and just...I don't know what they are, the words for them, any of that. I just know those are the things that abducted Hojo and did the weird 'something invisible hit me and I fell down' shit before.

So like...there's a lot of other motorcycles with dillweeds on them so Barret and I snipe a few when we can safely do so. It's pretty rare because Cloud and Zack are all over the place on their motorcycles, but we do get a few great shots in, including mine where my arrow hit right in front of this guy on the seat and would have hit him if it was like half an inch further and he fucking pissed himself and crashed.

And then that big.....robot fucker. Who I couldn't reliably hit without endangering Cloud or Zack or the rest of us because of the chance of rebounding scrap or arrow fragments, much less a miss. Got to thunder it once we got to the end of the line, though. Lightning spell to the eyes always seems to work with tech.

I...remember there being something after this and before the next part. But it's just...a lot of it is a blur, or missing like someone tore pages out of a book I haven't read before but left a few little scraps here and there, fragments with a name and a snippet of information that I can't quite piece into a whole picture. I remember that afterwards it started to feel like the inside of my skull was scraped and raw, the backs of my eyes aching and so, so bad. And then we were just...back by the truck and motorcycles. It was like I had a big sheet of heavy cloth hung over me that muffled everything and blocked it out, and then suddenly it got yanked back and everything was too bright, too intense, and then it slowly just backed down to tolerable. To where I could see again, hear again. Things made sense again.

And then...it was time to go down. Start moving forward. Cloud and Tifa refused to break the truck or motorcycle by driving it off the high road, but Zack just went 'haha watch this' and jumped it down and I swear everyone else had a mini heart attack but it made it down okay. I have no fucking clue how. I can't replicate it. I don't want to try.

And then...we walked. Until it got to a point it was safe to stop, they felt. And then I got the pot down and food started, and I just...I thought I was going to close my eyes for a second, and then I woke up to Tifa saying she wasn't sure how to do what was needed for the food because it's not her setup and whatnot, so I showed her, and then dozed off again, and woke up again and just...food. And then more sleep. And now I'm here, writing all of this out for you to read, while I struggle to keep everything in generally the correct order and figure out how the fuck to handle the things that I can't explain or name happening.

And I am exhausted. We have a few hours before it's time to get moving again, and I am not on watch, so I am going to crash for a bit longer. I will respond later if anybody has questions or whatever.

[krislammsidbtjournal]

Creative-Problem Interviews

INTERVIEW 1

About Jay Josue.  Jay Josue is Sr. Art Director in Los Angeles and currently works at Arcana Academy, an Ad Agency located in Venice. Jay is also a freelance concept and title designer. His selected work can be seen in The Current War (2019), Citizen (2016), Me and Earl and The Dying Girl (2015).

How do you generate ideas? (How, when, and where are you inspired? What inspires you?)

Jay is a big believer in completely submerging yourself in the world of your project. For example, when Jay was working on The Current War (2019), he engulfed himself in learning everything about the Industrial Age. He gained every bit of knowledge about the electricity titans that were Thomas Edison, George Westinghouse, and Nikola Tesla. Although Jay’s role in the project was more aligned with typography, he stressed that you need to dive into the world and sit with it. “Find an entry-level way to enter the world in any way, shape, or form. From there, you will begin to see the narrative pulled from the styles, history, and aesthetics of your research”.

When asked what inspires him, Jay answered, “Everything. Everywhere. Anytime.” Jay finds beauty in everything and draws on the emotional presence of his surroundings. He stresses that we often find ourselves strenuously seeking inspiration versus letting our subconscious do the work – it is why our greatest ideas come from the shower. An example of this is when Jay looks at a building, he not only sees the building holistically, but he draws his attention to the inner workings of the multiple layers that make up the building.  

What obstacles do you face in coming up with a new idea, and how do you overcome them?

Due to the fast-paced nature of his work, Jay often finds himself challenged with what he calls “Trend Traps.” There is a time and place where a project can take the likings of the newest design trends. However, Jay always strives to come up with something more meaningful in his work.

When asked about overcoming challenges, Jay answered, “As cliché, as it sounds, thinking outside the box helps me combat trend traps.” He encourages always looking at the problem from different angles and allowing yourself to zoom out of the logical problem and think more emotionally. Jay concludes, “By giving yourself a broad perspective in problem-solving and sitting in the world, you will produce more meaningful work.”

What process(es) do you use to solve problems? 


Identify the task at hand.

Be comfortable with the information and sit with it.  

Research and place yourself within that world.

Begin ideating through sketching, mood boards, scanning books, etc.

Start experimenting through mock-ups and prototypes.

Distill your best ideas and see what works (perhaps ideas 1 and 3 can be the immediate solution).

Execute and continue polishing your final piece.

Finally, deploy.

Jay shared that his process is akin to a fine-artist discipline. Sometimes, the process can hinder his creativity, so he seeks the delicate balance of building parameters broad enough where he can still play without limitations.

INTERVIEW 2

About Blake Hill-Saya.  Blake Hill-Saya is a published author and is the founder of Tenacity Communications, a verbal branding agency in Los Angeles. Blake is also a professional opera singer and licensed physical therapist. Blake brings a unique perspective in her writing with her multifaceted career background.  

How do you generate ideas? (How, when, and where are you inspired? What inspires you?)

As a verbal coach, Blake is inspired largely by the conversations she has with her clients. One of her foundational questions is, "Tell me about a time with your job where everything just went incredible and tell me how you were feeling." Blake explains that such questions do not often get posed on clients when attempting to find their brand. What she finds from that question is an interesting language where the brand's true essence comes out.

Blake's original work is inspired by the entire literary landscape and the panoramic view it offers. She habitually reads all day and spends her time listening to podcasts about writing, seeking inspiration by writing down new phrases she has not tried out before or looking to see where she could insert herself into the story. Essentially, Blake enjoys and is inspired by the journey in which it took the author to get to where they are and finds a way to find her journey.  

What obstacles do you face in coming up with a new idea, and how do you overcome them?

When it comes to obstacles, "writer's block is a real thing," and for Blake, it manifests when she is either overwhelmed or burnt out. For Blake, it means it is time to get active. She goes on what she calls "writers walk," where she puts on an audiobook of some of her favorite authors or writers. "I like to restore my faith in good writing and feeling like I have a companionship." She can also be found with a notepad on these walks to help with her writer's block. Blake has also adapted the advice by the late author Ray Bradbury which is to read two short stories and one poem.

As a musician, Blake has found that one way to combat being overwhelmed is with a few minor mental tricks which can be applied to any problem. When she needs to learn a new music piece, she breaks them out into portions and gets to rehearsing. Similarly, she finds herself repeating to herself, "just write X number of pages" to get the juices flowing with writing. "You have to find a system that works for you and stick to that system."

What process(es) do you use to solve problems?

Listen and sit with your client. Do it gracefully and inquisitively. Make them feel cared for. Often with businesses, you can get bogged down with business jargon, but as a consultant, you're able to harness the power of listening.

Build a structure but remember to remain flexible. For example, come to a meeting with prepared questions, but don't structure yourself so much that you can still react at the moment. You want your client the walk away to feel like they've been seen and heard.

Always follow up with a thank you email and a personal touch to know that "Hey! I see and hear you, and I'm on your side!"

INTERVIEW 3

About Jourel Baello. Jourel Baello is a Site Merchandiser at MeUndies where he oversees the digital storefront of MeUndies.com, CA-based underwear, and loungewear company. Jourel brings a broad perspective on fast fashion with his unique career journey from traditional brick and mortar retail to eCommerce. Before MeUndies, Jourel worked at Guitar Center as their eCommerce Specialist and spent seven years at Cotton On climbing the corporate ladder from Sales Associate in-store to eCommerce Merchandise Analyst at their LA headquarters.  

How do you generate ideas? (How, when, and where are you inspired? What inspires you?)

MeUndies is a key player in the subscription-based business model, so in order to stay ahead, Jourel looks to the industry for emerging trends to elevate their customer experience. He reviews the competitive landscape and finds opportunities other brands may have that MeUndies could bring to the table.

What inspires Jourel is that eCommerce is still relatively in its infancy compared to the larger scope of retail. “Being at the forefront of what eCommerce can become excites me as an early pioneer in the space.” Jourel is also inspired by the ever-changing playing field eCommerce brings. He concludes, “There is no wrong answer, just lots of testing and different ways to approach problems. Finding the piece of the puzzle that no one else can provide is such a fun challenge.”  


What obstacles do you face in coming up with a new idea, and how do you overcome them?

The biggest challenge Jourel faces is centered around bandwidth with the Developers and Engineers. MeUndies, like any eComm retailer, runs 24/7, 365 days of the year, which is great when collecting feedback on how to make the user experience better, but difficult when all of those changes become overlapping projects. Additionally, more pressure is added around seasonal promotions such as Black Friday where a set of new ideas are introduced. Jourel overcomes these challenges with transparent communication with his team. He reviews the project pipeline and identifies areas where things can be moved around. Then, with the blessings from his senior management, he optimizes new deadlines and manages deliverables. “I constantly revisit our roadmap because of how fast things are changing.” Jourel expresses that it is imperative to see the view of each project and its relation to how it may impact other projects.

What process(es) do you use to solve problems?

Ideating – What is the problem at hand? Are we able to come up with a hypothesis? What questions can we ask?

Cross Functional Discussions – Align with outside departments to ensure goals they have in mind are being addressed.

Internal Team Discussion – Discuss with the internal team about research and findings. Discussing what next steps are if it’s needed to go back to ideating phase.

Test. Test. Test. – Aggressively testing to see what options work and narrowing down solutions.

Analyzing Results – Reviewing test results and make implementation decision. At this stage, it can become iterative which helps drive clarity.

[comicteaparty]

May 16th-May 22nd, 2020 Creator Babble Archive

The archive for the Creator Babble chat that occurred from May 16th, 2020 to May 22nd, 2020.  The chat focused on the following question:

What are you trying to show or tell with your story that you find to be underrepresented?

Eightfish (Puppeteer)

-Mind control/mind reading where both people are okay with it. I like themes of trust -"Superpowers" without secret identities. Because researchers aren't always evil goddamnit! -Portraying people who hurt others not as card-carrying megalomaniac villains but as pitiful and broken people. I haven't gotten to this part of my story yet but I hope I can do it well when I do. -Queer characters but they never say that they are or talk about it in any way. Yes I know I'm probably the only one who wants this

Also, maybe the idea that you don't need to "do anything" with your life for it to be worthwhile? But I'm not sure that I believe this myself

Deo101 [Millennium]

Mostly I'm trying to write about love, and I hardly think that's underrepresented! But, I'm also trying to show a bit of my own personal disabled experience, and I find that the kinds of things I've experienced are hardly represented at all. so, I think I'm trying to show a sort of hope and positivity for things that I think are usually pitied and viewed negatively, which I wish were done more.

chalcara [Nyx+Nyssa]

I just wanted a good ol' classic Eddings-style fantasy romp, but with characters that would usually be cast in the "evil" role, without going the "misunderstood" route.

Plus I wanted to write about shitty family (born, found and married) and that you do NOT have to forgive them in the slightest to move on and better your life.

Cronaj (Whispers of the Past)

Hmm... One of the main things I want to express with Whispers of the Past is that after past traumas, you may not be the same, but eventually, you can be okay again—even if your "okay" of now, is very different than your "okay" of the past. Normalcy isn't a constant. It shifts with time and becomes something new. A new stasis. A new peace. A new normal. I don't know if I've ever seen another story show this in this way. Another underrepresented theme in WotP is that of the hero choosing mundanity over the amazing. When the quest is over, and all is said and done, and the big baddie has been vanquished, the hero doesn't become ruler, or claim bountiful riches, or sail across the sea to find new lands. No, the hero returns to a world that is familiar and unremarkable. The hero would rather just be an average person.

shadowhood (SunnyxRain)

-Fanfiction. I’m very surprised there hasn’t been a webcomic talking about what it’s like to create fanfiction! But overall the culture involved around it and being a creator. -The relationship and hardships of having a stepparent/being one. Particularly stepdad/stepdaughter relationships -Anger as a reaction to trauma. I see a lot of trauma portrayed as mostly sad, but I want a story where the heroes feel anger, where it’s seen as both a motivator and a detriment -The hardships of dating as someone who’s both touch aversive and on the grey spectrum. Not everyone would be as wonderful or understanding, but it’s important to be around people who are and will stand by you.(edited)

eliushi [a winged tale]

This is why I gravitate towards all these stories made by independent creators I think. So many personal and poignant messages. I’m with you there on the queer characters Eightfish. I want a society where it’s fine to be what you wish and respected to be who you want to be. I think having more positive ways of showing how we can reach that sort of openness can be helpful. In AWT I further explore: - characters in STEM fields and approaches to research design - informed consent and what that means - how to live even when things are falling apart around you, when things are falling apart within you - navigating through crushes, confessions and friendships!

Wow the beginning sounds like the objectives at a science lecture and you won’t be wrong thinking so

Joichi [Hybrid Dolls]

For my Hybrid Dolls comic, there are several things I want to explore: - Psychological trauma and the effects or damage it can give, without proper treatment. -Writing queer characters without them needing a self discovery episode. But I know some identities are better to be upfront? But in the story, they simply live normal or exciting lives - Narcissism in a relative that one doesn't have to forgive. Being treated as invisible or judged by age, birthright. - Other Concepts of love explored. Attraction that isn't conventional romance. - Friendship bonds between girls, and my own take on an eccentric quirky girl lead. - Being unapologetically feminine, girls who doesn't need to feel like being 'one of the guys' I'm aiming for more character variety in historical fiction, instead of yet another story of a girl 'defying gender norms' by raised as a boy/disguises trope in other similar comics. So the women in my story, use their wits and charm.(edited)

DanitheCarutor

I complain about this all the time, so I'm just going to do a quick overview since I'm sure everyone is sick of it. - Abusers can be smart, popular, generous, charismatic and subtle. I'm kind of sick of them always being portrayed as really obvious, and sometimes really stupid, while there are people like that it's not very practical for them all to be like that. - General mental health stuff. More open representation of it, that it may be something you'll live with for the rest of your life and how that's okay. - Trauma, how it can change you, make you lose sight of the person you were and make you lose interest in things you used to enjoy. (this is coupled with mental health) - Non-romantic relationships with a queer cast. While this is showing up more in fantastical indie works, not very common in slice-of-life type of comics. I can only imagine this is because readers would find it boring or too mundane (can't tell you all how many people tell me my comic is boring. Lol), but being a person totally sick of romance in everything I wanted to do something focusing on family, friendship and the relationships we have with ourselves. - You don't always heal completely. I've already mentioned this, but I want to put a focus on how someone who's been through a lot of shit doesn't alway heal completely, and that's okay. I see in a lot of media where people just overcome their issues, and they live happily ever after with everything all perfect, I want something along the lines of "we still got a long way to go, but we're doing better and we're happier than before". - Not having labels for everything. This sounds like hipster trash, but I don't see the point in putting labels for every character. Like, I put labels for them, mostly during Pride, but it feels pointless in the comic. Apollo is happy to say he's a gay man, but with Julian they're not interested in categorising themselves, all they want is to be comfortable and I don't see nothing wrong with that.(edited)

LadyLazuli (Phantomarine)

For me, it’s the importance of communication and empathy, and the dangers of its absence. And it’s something I’ve had to think about a lot recently, being more active on social media Everyone’s got their reasons/methods for cutting people off, but I’ve never been a huge fan of a point-blank communication cut unless it’s absolutely warranted. And I’m not a fan of instant demonization when someone messes up or does something I don’t agree with. People are people. We’re all different and we all mess up and we all can change. Keeping lines of communication open is essential for allowing that change, or else we all get locked into little echo chambers where anyone outside is automatically The Worst.™ In a world where everything has gone to hell - and may go further yet - how can things heal when no one is even listening to each other? Where the other side is automatically at fault no matter what? It’s something I grew up struggling to understand (maybe because I grew up outside Washington DC, lol), and really affects me to this day. And if you do end up protecting yourself with silence, how can you still allow other perspectives to be gleaned? I don’t quite have the perfect formula for it. But unless someone is genuinely trying to cause harm, I try to at least attempt to understand where they might coming from - whether I accept it or not. Otherwise it’s so easy to see a lot of people as monsters. It’s a complicated topic for sure, especially nowadays. But yeah. Something like that

Miranda

Hmm that’s an excellent question. Well, a big thing is the varying effects of trauma and ways to handle it. Mainly how burying the past and ignoring traumatic events can affect someone. Also that villains can be people we relate to that just take an extreme way of reaching a goal that most people can understand And how shared experiences can bring people closer (not a unique one) I also want to portray queer characters that are not solely defined by their queerness and don’t have to announce it to everyone.

Tuyetnhi (Only In Your Dreams!)

- Having some talks about the implications of asking what you wish for and the potential consequences that comes with it. - Having more unappologic Vietnamese things happening in the comic. Giving representation to some common things that most Vietnamese Americans (or Asian Americans) can face in terms of relationships, roles, etc. Also since er i'm also directly affected by this, how does the Mixed-Asian Identity plays about it too.(edited)

hmmm I think another thing is that I want to bring up that men who express themselves in a more feminine form is valid and there's no shame that comes with it (positive masculinity hell yaaaa). Also same about expressing characters who are also queer but aren't defined about it either. it's just what they are along with their other interests and goals.(edited)

sierrabravo (Hans Vogel is Dead)

wow, this is a great question! I'm trying to be better about interacting here so I'll give it a shot. My comic is a historical fantasy set somewhat in Interwar Europe/WWII Europe and partially in a fantasy world based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tales. -War stories/histories that aren't about the actual experience of combat: most memoirs and diaries of soldiers I read doing research are about the day-to-day activities, meals, sleeping habits, and random thoughts instead of fight descriptions. It really bothers me when people zero in on in-depth battle maps and obsess over what kind of rifle was used by whom when, when I think it's much more interesting and important to look at the mindset of who was fighting, why they were fighting, and what emotional effect it had on everyone involved (including civilians!) -Asexuality, especially asexuality in history, bc it tends to "disappear" in the historical record as people who may have been ace before that label was widely used tend to not self-identify as it. I'm ace, people in the past were ace, it's a history I'd like to talk about more! -gryphons, they're cool monsters and I think they should be used much more than they are haha

eliushi [a winged tale]

I agree sierrabravo. I find it’s the personal, down to earth, close perspective accounts in historical records that resonate the most with me. Gryphons are also awesome!

snuffysam (Super Galaxy Knights)

I feel like there's two separate answers for Super Galaxy Knights Deluxe R (http://sgkdr.webcomic.ws/comics/) The first is what SGKDR represents compared to other webcomics. To me, a major thing I wanted to show with Super Galaxy Knights was a new style of creating webcomics. Animation is underrepresented as a storytelling style, sure, but the main thing I thought was underrepresented in the webcomic space was a "seasonal" method of storytelling. Like, most webcomics I see are either "each page is its own thing" or "it's one big long story, with chapters mostly there to split up different scenes/locations". I very rarely see webcomics build to a major climax in the story, then a resolution, then introduce a brand new conflict. The second is what SGKDR represents compared to other action series (specifically shonen manga/anime, as that's what SGKDR riffs off of the most). I can only think of one shonen story with a female lead, I can't think of any with an explicitly LGBTQ+ protagonist (i only know of one implied one), romance is usually handled very poorly (characters usually get paired with the protagonist due to being female and in the same room, with very little actual relationship building), there aren't many varieties of character motivations besides "pursuit of power/status" of some kind, power scaling usually gets way out of whack, and I... I dunno, I love those kinds of stories, but it just gets tiring after a while. So, I wrote my own that had all the things I wanted in it.

Cronaj (Whispers of the Past)

@sierrabravo (Hans Vogel is Dead) I totally agree with the difficulty and importance of talking about ace representation in a historical setting! It's extremely difficult to talk about when asexuality was so unknown at the time. I'm eager to see how you handle it!

eliushi [a winged tale]

@snuffysam (Super Galaxy Knights) can you speak about

I very rarely see webcomics build to a major climax in the story, then a resolution, then introduce a brand new conflict.

I find slice of life/ some really long mangas with continuous streams of antagonists/web novel like formats use this too but unsure if that’s what you were referring to?

I am also looking forward to more ace representation in the webcomic world

snuffysam (Super Galaxy Knights)

Yeah that format is the sort of thing I was talking about. It's out there, but I don't see it very often.

eliushi [a winged tale]

Ah gotcha! Thanks! I recall some slice of life high school ones I’ve read years ago that have that sort of narrative structure (which feels like the story can continue forever).

Erin Ptah (BICP | Leif & Thorn)

There's a recurring trope in SF/F where the robot/AI/golem learns that it wants to have free will and make its own decisions. Or there's a biological species that are assumed to be "natural servants", and inevitably you get to the reveal that they're not actually any different from humans in terms of wanting self-determination and independence. If you think of this as a metaphor for relationships between different groups of humans, then yeah, that's the obvious outcome! But one of the great things about SFF is that you can write things that aren't just "direct metaphors for real-world issues, with spaceships and dragons thrown in for flavor." So in But I'm A Cat Person, I wanted to write something about, what if there's a group of beings who really aren't going to develop free will or self-determination? What's the reasonable, ethical way to deal with that? ...also: there's a ton of nonbinary characters in webcomics these days, but at least I can say BICP did it before it was cool.(edited)

Erin Ptah (BICP | Leif & Thorn)

Leif & Thorn, meanwhile, has a regular old "character forced into servitude, who definitely has independent thoughts and desires that are being controlled" situation. And there's no "Master has given Dobby a sock" loophole they can exploit for a quick fix, so they have to keep up a long-term process of double-talk and rule-bending, to communicate Leif's actual feelings without getting him in trouble. The "realistic language barriers with no convenient universal-translator to get around them" situation -- which, in this comic, is one of the biggest Underrepresented Things I wanted to explore -- makes it that much harder...

Capitania do Azar

I gotta commend you on that, @Erin Ptah (BICP | Leif & Thorn) because you're out there serving my bilingual needs

kayotics

Ingress Adventuring Company is all about the hero after they've finished saving the world, which I think is pretty underrepresented. It's not a quiet contemplative story, since there's still a lot of fun questing stuff going on, but I'm trying to make it clear that this all takes place after the main character has done his big saving the world quest and is still trying to figure out his place after supposedly settling down.

Eightfish (Puppeteer)

I love that Kay

Toivo feels like he has so much history behind him

sssfrs (JOE IS DEAD)

I'm trying to represent orthodox/religious jews because I almost never see my community represented in media. There are orthodox Jewish characters that will be appearing in Joe is dead. In future comics I want to try to plan the story more around including more religious Jewish characters because there still aren't that many in my current project

Also mental illnesses, like trauma and intellectual disability I want to represent my own experiences with it

There isn't as much of a distinct lack of that in media but it's good to have in stories(edited)

Also androgynous lesbians

Nutty (Court of Roses)

With Court of Roses, I'm trying to tell a fantasy story that's for older audiences but proving that Mature Fantasy doesn't have to be ultra gritty. People have each other to depend on, the world isn't bleak, and not every noble is greedy, peasant is starving, etc. I know a lot of fantasy likes to take from realistic Medieval Europe, but the freeing part about making my own world is that it doesn't HAVE to be like that. Their religion is different, more accepting, and again, people are more focused on looking out for each other and having a good time.

Mature themes are still present, such as murder, banditry/pillaging, alcohol, traumatic experiences, etc. but my goal isn't to present them in a darker fashion.(edited)

keii’ii (Heart of Keol)

I wanted to make something influenced by my culture (Korean) without heavily drawing from the mythology. Mythology is just one facet of a culture, yet a lot of people who haven't read it expect HoK to be all about Korean mythology just because it wears a metaphorical hanbok. No. It reflects the traditional aesthetics, but more importantly, the cultural values and the unspoken rules of the society, regardless of whether I agree with them or not. Related to that is body language. I don't want my non-American characters using American body language, such as shrugging, or American ways of using eye contact, etc. I want to show them using (mostly) Korean gestures, sitting, standing and walking like Koreans. I always feel like there's a huge missed opportunity when friggin' aliens use American body language in sci-fi! I understand why people do that -- it makes the work more clear/accessible to English-speaking audience. But in HoK I'm taking the other path. It's a challenge for sure, but I would not have it any other way.

On a more thematic level, I really wanted to explore deeply hurtful experiences that happen in genuinely caring relationships. It's not about good guys vs bad guys, it's not about a nice person being hurt by someone who just doesn't care. Those stories certainly are valid, just not what I wanted to do with HoK. This story is about people who love each other, but don't always know how to communicate their love or needs.

Joichi [Hybrid Dolls]

I am also looking forward to more ace representation in the webcomic world

@eliushi [a winged tale] I agree, the ace rep is a challenge I would like to take on, I'm also curious how it will work in historical times? Even tho I'm ace,I'm still learning new innovative things(edited)

eliushi [a winged tale]

It’ll be important to dig deeper and research into what things were like if you want to capture the authenticity of the period you’re writing in! I’m sure there are personal accounts or documentation of these lived experiences.

Capitania do Azar

I see all these beautiful answers and I almost struggle to find something other than those to say I guess for O Sarilho https://www.sarilho.net/en/ I wanted to write a weird love letter to where I live and how I see my country (tho I'm glad I got other places I love in it too). To my knowledge, we don't get much like that, or at least that's not from a city perspective which is not what I'm trying to go for, at all. There's a lot of tiny cultural things that I want to touch that may be invisible for people who are not from here, but I'm glad that I'm including them for those three readers in the back. Linked to this, in a way, is the fact that I get really tired of those white/gray Sci-fi stories where everything is super clean and super white and technology is absolutely overwhelming and organised. I want Sci-fis in the woods too. And finally, there's something about the way violence is portrayed a lot of times that almost makes you feel like human life just is that cheap. I really don't want to go that road, I'm doing my best to tell a story about war in which death still leaves a toll and violence affects everyone involved

TL;DR I WANTED TO PAINT MY HOUSE

Cronaj (Whispers of the Past)

And finally, there's something about the way violence is portrayed a lot of times that almost makes you feel like human life just is that cheap. I really don't want to go that road, I'm doing my best to tell a story about war in which death still leaves a toll and violence affects everyone involved

@Capitania do Azar This is so beautiful (and tragic). This is something I also hope to express in my work. Super underrepresented message surprisingly.

eliushi [a winged tale]

I enjoy exploring sci-fi beyond the current conventions and absolutely love your setting shizamura!(edited)

Capitania do Azar

Thank u I really love Sci-fi but I don't appreciate that it has become associated with a very specific aesthetic because tbh I find it very limiting

DanitheCarutor

@Capitania do Azar That is actually really refreshing! Horror and action are so packed with glamorized death and violence, you can get really desensitized. The only stories I've ever seen that take those things seriously are war movies based on real life events, like Saving Private Ryan, (which my grandpa, a Korean War vet, said was the most accurate portrayal of what war was like.) and even then you get flicks that totally glamorize the whole thing. I really admire you wanting to put that sense of gravity onto the violence and death in your work, also I love when creators want to tackle war in all it's "too close to home", upsetting realism.

Capitania do Azar

I really love Saving Private Ryan, it is a very nice portrayal with a great message: nobody wants to be here

DanitheCarutor

Yes! I love Saving Private Ryan too, it was nice seeing a movie that didn't make war look like some fantastical bs.

[videobun-gameblog]

Rambling about Sekiro (spoilers below read me):

- Evolution of "i'm scared to block, i like Souls rolling" to "okay i'll block and sort of deflect but only basic attacks i know" to "okay I don't even need to dash except for perilous attacks!"  to "okay now i can actually flip between defense and offense on the fly and this is SUPER fun!!"

- Basically, I've never in my life played a game where offense and defense mesh so well together, where blocking is FUN and viable, and seeing your attacks get deflected is actually GOOD and not just infuriating, because you're making progress in the fight.

- People've said Dark Souls is a little like a hard, combat focused Zelda but really, THIS is what that's like, and I'm in love. From did it.

- The upgrade system is neat and I appreciate it for rewarding exploration but also allowing you to challenge yourself by refusing to use them. Also it just works out really well for speedrun balancing and I can’t wait to see the evolution of speedruns in this game because there’s a good balance between wanting more power, posture, and HP and wanting to go as fast as possible.

SPOILERS UNDER CUT, DON’T DO IT UNLESS YOU ARE ALREADY AT /END/ GAME OR DO NOT EVER INTEND TO BUY SEKIRO

   ---!!!SPOILER ZONE (I'm serious do not read if you intend to play or are still playing)!!!---

 (long space for people who might see this on the blog first as opposed to via the dashboard)

- I absolutely adore the weird scientific/medicinal/supernatural macabre shit in this game. The red lump item gave me chills picking it up the first time. Same thing with seeing the first undying monk thing, I couldn't even burn it (but then I finally did it with THAT ITEM... more below)

- haha hand in a jar! haha that guy that flies at you... haha, monkey :) haha ninja dog...... hell even the headless... I love From's mix of disturbing humor (or just flat out being funny despite the bleak setting). Their version of mimics in Souls sum this up best but there's plenty of things here too that are just flat out hilarious and I love it.

- Oh Christ, speaking of, I did the Doctor questline and oh god it gave me some of that Bloodborne dread.

- "IS THAT A FUCKING DARK SOULS?" also lmao when he falls

- "IS THAT THE FUCKING CHAOS BLADE!??" oooh fuck oh fuck *pushes up glasses* remember the cut content with Shiva in Dark Souls???

- Sekiro/Wolf having the "defy your father, break the code" moment was SO good and I love that whole archetype. Simple but I just... <3 Oh god and When Owl is basically just like "that's my boy" when you kill him... I... u_u

- giving Lord Kuro rice was SO cute and just furthered my love for Wolf because this child is teaching him part of how to be himself and to also enjoy things (basically chill the fuck out you freaking murder machine, you are more than that) through compassion, friendship, and a reminder of his own childhood and I don't really get emotional over stuff like this often but awww..! ;_;

- The sake dialogue moments are so good. A very simple concept but I love the nature of sharing part of one's past through a friendly offering, it felt like a really good balance between clear concise mechanics (sake) fitting neatly with narrative elements. It's basically just a dialogue item but it didn't FEEL that way. I felt genuine excitement upon finding new drinks knowing I'd get a chance to share it.

- OH MY GOD ENFEEBLED IS SUCH A GOOD ASS STATUS EFFECT??? THE ANIMATIONS!!! He just hobbles around like a dude who just suddenly became an old man (’cuz that’s literally what it is) with his sword as a cane??? I LOVE FROMSOFT! That shit is so wonderfully expressive but also fits perfectly with that style of horror humor (and I lied before. Mimics are beaten by THIS status effect. New number one spot for my fave moment like this in a From game)

- Oh also speaking of animation, those fucking boss kills!!! *deep inhale* BROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- While not my favorite boss mechanically, SPECIFICALLY that kill animation on the Giant Ape... DUDE HOLY FUUUCK! and then the fake out!?!?!? AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!! SO good!

- Lady Butterfly was a fun main boss and O'Rin of the Water was a fun mini boss. Plenty of others were fantastic but those stood out. Like, two of my friends so far have expressed the same feelings on Butterfly! Good Fight!

- I even liked the gimmick fights! They did it! Gimmick fights that are actually well designed! They're more about exploring mechanics outside of pure combat without punishing you super fucking hard at a random point just because they can. (Bed of Chaos, Micolash) Strangely a little bit of a breather, which is fitting because it’s a perfect counter balance to the stress of finding yourself in a unique situation. They actually give you time to analyze, think, and breathe it all in!

- I'm currently stuck on an end game "secret"/optional boss with some classic From Lore Implications *ok hand* and it's brutal af. I am excited to learn how to master this.

 --- SLIGHT CRITICISM (basically the “i love it so much i can’t help but see small flaws but I’d still give it a 10/10 anyway” part) ---

- I like that even when they repeat mid bosses they usually put them in a new arena to change things up. I think a FEW were a little overdone though and could have benefited from maybe... I dunno, a couple new ones in their place or at LEAST alternate movesets to change things up a bit more than just location BUT the combat is engaging enough that I don't mind, I just found it a LITTLE weird how despite the rest of the polish there was a tad bit of copy-paste (but far FAR less egregious than DS1)

- Idk how replayable this game is gonna be but I can definitely see myself finishing NG+ and doing two more playthroughs for all endings. It's replayable more in the Metroid or Legend of Zelda sense and less in the Dark Souls character build sense. "I wanna try a new route first and beat bosses more effectively this time. I wanna be as stealthy as possible this run" etc. and not "I wanna make an int build" (less a critique and more an observation on how it differs from Souls replayability)

- Dragonrot is like, the only actual flaw in this game imo. It doesn't have enough depth. I was thinking it would have more end game narrative significance but it's just something tied to the sort of useless unseen aid mechanic which fails to really incentivize risky play. If anything it just encourages you to grind before bosses to cap the current exp bar and save/store/spend sen by spending 10 minutes fucking around elsewhere until you're ready so that you have nothing to lose. I feel like it should have done some world state changes and something more intense, like ACTUALLY having npcs die and having a healthier world state and an unhealthier world state where some enemies get weaker or stronger based on which extreme your world is on etc. etc. basically ANYTHING more than it is now. But this is super minor relative to how good everything else is. It just felt underwhelming considering all it was hyped up to be. It’s one of those things I just ignore as if it wasn’t there and it’s just as good because it has little effect on the parts that I DO like the game for.

 ---FINAL NOTE---

- To end on a positive note though, Sekiro managed to be a game that iterated on the Souls formula by defying part of what it became (dodge heavy, block averse play, slow, parrying primarily for one-shotting) yet still providing the same feelings of starting one of those games fresh. Part of what makes it FEEL Souls-y is precisely what separates it from those games, and it's all too good to really put into words at the moment. Like sure it's got Estus, bonfires, and a kick-your-ass "you're going to get stuck and frustrated and that's how it is" attitude and it's got a similar enough control scheme, but beyond that, there's just so much more combat and movement depth that it's a whole new beast, and I love it so much.

[alishbakhanus]

19 things every bride and groom forget when planning their wedding

The farm is already reserved, the photographer hired and the floral decoration chosen. The dress is ready, after several tests and some touch-ups. The menu has already been confirmed and the invitations have been sent. The wedding list is going from strength to strength and there cannot be a better destination than the one you have chosen for your honeymoon.

1. Bridal bouquet and rings

The big day has arrived. You have slept a little badly because of your nerves and they are already knocking on your door: hairdresser, makeup artist and photographer. They leave you radiant and you start to put on your beautiful wedding dress, you take pictures with your mother and your sisters, even with that friend who has come to calm your nerves in the last moments. You’re all set to go on your way to the ceremony!

2. Thanks to the guests

One of the things that brides often forget is to thank their friends and family for attending the wedding and for entering a gift on their wedding list. A wedding is your big day but do not forget that it is still a commitment for the guests and a large outlay of money. It is a very elegant gesture to thank each of them, either in person on the wedding day or after it, by email or WhatsApp, according to protocol professionals. You can even choose to send a postcard to each of the homes of your honeymoon guests, it will be a nice gesture!

3. The wedding is up to you

Many grooms want the time to get married and, when it arrives and the long months of planning the wedding begin, they forget that they are the protagonists and those who must take care of all the aspects related to the big day.

You entrust certain tasks to your friends or your closest relatives and “we do it together” becomes your star phrase. Its okay for your mother, sister, mother-in-law and friend to help you with the preparations, but don’t delegate the entire wedding organization to them, don’t forget that the wedding is your thing!

4. Emergency kit for the bride

Each bride must be ready for any unforeseen event on her wedding day, you must be able to face any emergency, alone or with the help of the mother, sisters, friends or witnesses. Do not forget that it is a day of many nerves and very little time to solve unforeseen events, therefore, for what may happen, leave a relaxing herbal tea to calm anxiety in the last moments, a lip gloss for an always perfect smile, a handkerchief for the more than certain tears, plasters for possible scratches from new shoes, a nail file, some spare stockings and a small sewing kit.

Nothing can surprise you anymore! You have all the remedies for possible problems that may arise during the big day. Now nothing can go wrong.

5. A guest kit

Yes, in September wedding you have already prepared but … what about the guests? When planning your wedding it is essential that you take your time to take care of your guests. These are small things that will not take you long and that they will appreciate if a setback occurs.

For example, prepare for them in the services an emergency kit with wipes, bandages, needle and thread, makeup to touch up, hand cream, stain remover and anything else that can help them in the event of a small incident. Between one toast and another, you know…

6. Rehearse your best photographic profile

Don’t forget to rehearse your best face. We all have a profile and a smile ready for the ‘photo moment’. When you do your dress, hairstyle and makeup tests, take the opportunity to take some pictures. Ask your photographer for advice on this topic.

A camera will be what you see the most on the big day and, although it is true that photographs should be natural and spontaneous, it will not hurt to try your favorite pose. For this, the most advisable thing is to do a pre-wedding session, you can face the camera together for the first time and lose your fear. “We always recommend the pre-wedding report, and fortunately, more and more couples realize that it is absolutely necessary,” says the team, wedding photographers based in Ciudad Real. “It is very important that, from minute one, there is chemistry between the two parties: boyfriends and photographers,” they explain. “The connection from us and from them it is much more special if there is a pre-wedding, “they say. Do not hesitate to put the advice of professionals into practice!

7. Indications for restoration

The sweet tables, the catering, the food truck, the recipe and all the surprises with which you will delight your guests at the wedding are exquisite, but be careful! Maybe not everyone likes exotic dishes or cupcakes, some of them may even be allergic or intolerant to some element.

Do not forget to write a specific meeting with the caterer you have hired to discuss these issues in your wedding planning agenda. The catering should guide you on the best for your wedding, what to offer according to the type of guests and their tastes, the season in which the wedding is held and even the place. And offer all this, without neglecting quality, both in the dishes and in the kitchens.

The use of the best technologies and the flexibility of its team are hallmarks of Quality Catering. Your customers will be able to choose from endless possibilities to get the most suitable menu for each type of celebration. They are based on a concept of services that goes far beyond the traditional one, and that they themselves have called “Anywhere Restaurant “, reaching levels of quality that are very difficult to achieve.

8. Donating to the church

In general, the parents are in charge of it, but sometimes the excitement and the nerves that everything goes well causes this to be forgotten. They take care that the bride arrives after the groom, that everything is correct in the ceremony, that they receive the guests, etc. And they forget to make a small donation to the church.

Therefore, the best way to prevent this from happening is for the donation to be made a few days before the wedding celebration or to entrust this task to a friend that you know will not have to be actively involved with the preparations.

9. The dress code

One aspect that is often overlooked for the future marriage is the clothing of guests, family and friends. It is not that you should impose a true dress code, but it would be appropriate to give at least a couple of guidelines in both colors and styles, especially so that they look in harmony with the celebration itself. A good option would be to check the trends in party dresses for guests or how to dress at a day or night wedding .

Another aspect that is overlooked is the clothes that the bride and groom will wear during the preparation in the morning before the wedding. You have to keep in mind that you must wear something comfortable while you are combing and putting on makeup and that it does not pose a problem when removing it to put on the wedding dress.

10. Plan B

Design a plan B, that is, an alternative option. Even if your wedding is in summer or in a place where the sun always rises, like Seville, the weather can always surprise you. If you have thought about holding an outdoor celebration, it would not hurt to consider the option of preparing a covered venue in case the rain appears.

Nothing can spoil the big day! You have to be proactive in an event as important as this! It makes sense to choose a location that lends itself to magical outdoor celebrations and enchanting indoor weddings, if the weather calls for it. Even in the Andalusian capital you have to be far-sighted, therefore, a wonderful place like Real Club Golf has lounges and gardens that blend modernity and warmth in a unique setting. Its jewel is the Room, which occupies an area of 439 square meters, and its capacity varies between 500 people if it is a cocktail, 400 if it is a banquet and 100 if the distribution is school type. There ACS Catering serves, and both teams are merged into one for the best results. Of them, it is worth highlighting the closeness and trust with the couple. “The personal treatment with the client, the transparencies in what was agreed, the range of possibilities to personalize your wedding”, is what defines them as the best option, they clarify.

11. The texts to read at the ceremony

It may not have crossed your mind, but that’s what we’re here for. Don’t forget to personalize the texts that will be read at your ceremony! The wedding is a good time to display feelings and emotions , the best moment for everyone to know what you think and say those things that we keep to ourselves many times. Prepare a text and propose to a family member or friend to read it at your ceremony.

Many are the cases in which the couple have forgotten this and have proposed it to someone at the last moment. For everything to turn out great, the ideal would be that whoever was going to read had a short text prepared in advance and could even customize it to their liking. This way, the ceremony will be more emotional and the guests will always remember it with great affection.

12. Traditions

How could you not think of this? Traditions are very important at a wedding: don’t forget to bring something new, something old, something borrowed, and something blue. Consult with your mother and your friends about the option that they can leave you something that at the same time means a lot to you. It will be great if at that moment you are wearing a little bit of all of them that are such an important part of your life!

For the groom, the tradition is that if he marries during the day, he dresses in a morning coat, and if he does it at night, with a suit or tuxedo. They can advise you on protocol, colors and accessories, the most prestigious multi-brand luxury fashion store for men and women. And its success comes from the fact that it is one of the few tailoring workshops that still work 100% by hand. “Mainly, what the bride and groom seek is to show the best version of themselves. They want to look good with a suit that is contemporary and elegant, but breathes fresh air. In addition, the suit must fit with the concept and type of wedding they have in mind”.

Its experts recommend starting with the suit three months in advance, although they indicate that if “you are looking for something very specific, working earlier helps to find it and define it well.” At this point, they distinguish between the industrial measure and a suit cut and sewn by a tailor: “In the case of ordering the suit from the tailor, the groom, advised by our assistants, will be able to choose all the details he wishes since the tailor will to make for him a unique garment adjusted to his body”.

13. Rest

Yes, although it seems very obvious, no girlfriend does. The stress caused by the wedding days before is so intense that it will not allow you to stop for a single second. Do not be overwhelmed, for this you have been planning this great day for months. It is advisable to rest and spend a day relaxing in a spa, it is the best way to release tension and calm anxiety. Do it!

14. Consider key days and peak times

If, for example, you are getting married on a Friday in the city at 8:00 p.m., it is essential that you notify your guests of the possible traffic jam that they are going to catch. These are crucial hours and days that can make you late for your wedding! Keep this in mind if you do not want to leave the groom standing for more than an hour at the altar.

15. Distribute petals

Even if you want everything to be pink at your wedding and the only thing that falls on you when leaving the church are petals, do not despair! You are not going to get it. Rice, although it is a tradition that many of us want to erase from the map, it is not so easy to get it out of the minds of the guests. For this reason and to make it, above all, a lesser evil, you can distribute petals instead of rice bags. You will be right!

16. Anticipate the presence of unwanted guests

And we are not referring to that neighbor who always looks at you over her shoulder and that of course you have not invited to your wedding and we hope she does not show up, but to those guests that you cannot control.

August, seven in the afternoon, sunshine, farm with pool, floral decoration, delicious snacks and … mosquitoes, wasps, bees and a host of bugs that can ruin that look that you have been planning for so many months with which you look beautiful. Make sure there are citronella candles, insecticidal air fresheners and, just in case, you get bitten by whatever bites you… wear After Bite!

17. Pay attention to bathrooms

Make sure that the bathrooms are clean before and during the celebration, if necessary hire a cleaning service that takes care of the sinks at all times and restocks the kit that you have prepared for the guests. It would give a very bad image if not everything was in order, the guests will come to this space on several occasions to touch up and review their makeup and they could dirty their dress. The same can happen to you with your wedding dress, make sure you are not going to stain yourself in any way!

18. After the party

Another important point is the collection of objects and gifts after the party. You will be so busy that you will forget anything! Have someone collect all the gifts when the party is over and bring them to your home. Don’t allow a single worry on your wedding night.

19. Smile

A wedding is a day full of true love and, although worries and nerves want to overshadow your smile, don’t allow it! It has to be a day to enjoy to the fullest with those you love the most. Don’t forget to smile and be happy!

Now that you are aware of the 20 things you probably would have overlooked before reading this article, don’t forget to check out the mistakes 9 out of 10 girlfriends make and the 23 times you’ll need your best friend on the big day.

Courtesy: best event planner in Lahore

[judgeanon]

So I finished For Honor’s SP campaign...

... and I’m trying to figure out why I enjoyed it so much, so if you’d like to read me rambling about a five hour campaign attached to a big fat MP game that I haven’t even touched, click on that jump.

My first time with For Honor was a few months ago, during the first free weekend thing. I was lured in by the promise of Jennifer Hale as an armored lady knight slicing through fools, and brother, I was not disappointed. But because I thought the free weekend only included saturday and sunday, I only got to play 2/3rds of the SP, with the game cutting me off literally after the first Samurai mission.

Luckily for me, my savegame was not erased, and when I tried it again now, on its second free weekend, I got to start right where I left off. And got my ass kicked hard because I’d totally forgotten how to play it. But a few replays after I got back in the groove and breezed through to the end. And when I was done, I realized something: I was having a shitton of fun.

I’m going to get the gameplay bit of this game done with relatively quickly because it’s not what I want to talk about, but it definitely deserves to be mentioned. This game is the most believable depiction of “Getting Stuck In” I’ve played yet. And I’ve tried Dynasty Warriors. There’s something incredibly thrilling about the meaty thuds and animations that come with every landed blow, especially when you’re plowing through regular soldiers. The duels are also tons of fun, with a great balance of snap reflexes and strategic thinking. And when you’re not overcrowded with distractions, it’s pretty cool how organic the game flows from mass of jobbers to slightly tougher guys to It’s Go Time dudes. There’s a very cinematic flow to it, like a scene in an epic movie where two name actors are walking towards each other, slaughtering random folks on the way to their own personal duel. Feels good man.

Stripped to its bones, the SP campaign definitely feels like an intro to the three factions and a half-hearted tutorial/practice mode for MP. The story is simple and straightforward. The characterization is broad like a battleaxe. But there’s something about the whole campaign in general that I still managed to find profoundly appealing, and it boils down to two elements: character recognition and a really good fucking villain.

You start the campaign as the aforementioned lady knight voiced by Jennifer Hale, who is introduced as a member of a weakened order turned mercenary. The first mission concludes with you duelling an opposing faction’s champion during a siege, and the leader of that faction is so impressed, he offers you a job. By the start of the second mission you are being sent all alone to turn the tide of an entire siege (which is where my favorite bit of comedy takes place). And through the rest of the campaign, your knight remains an important figure, even in levels where you don’t play as them, culminating in a big fat boss fight full of small, very personal moments of character agency that keep it from feeling like a chore given to you by your master.

This is where character recognition starts showing up. There’s a tangible jump from “random mercenary” to “one-knight army”, and it makes all the sense in the world when you consider that’s what the game’s gameplay is all about. You’re literally winning entire battles on your lonesome, so why wouldn’t the game’s characters recognize it? In a lot of action and RPG games, your character’s bodycount and feats rarely seem to be noted in-universe. They’re either already expected of you or go completely unnoticed, and your character remains a tool that removes obstacles to the plot as other cast members have all the agency and relevance.

The other Ubisoft game I just finished recently, Ghost Recon: Wildlands, was a massive example of this. Literally every other character in that game feels more important and gets more development than your PC. And to be fair, your character in that game is an editable cypher, but that doesn’t stop other games like Fallout from giving you some measure of importance.

Anyway, back to For Honor. This pattern of character recognition/agency continues in the Viking part of the campaign, where you play as a Raider who comes down from the mountains to punish a bunch of greedy warlords and help unite the beleaguered tribes. That is already a massive improvement over most campaigns, where your character’s motivation is just whatever their boss orders them to do, but it’s enhanced further by the way nearly every other viking immediately recognizes your Raider. It’s never explained why, but there’s a strong feeling of this giant nameless fuck being someone in this world, someone that people recognize in sight, to the point where the second mission boss literally screams “I KNOW IT’S YOU!” as you release some captives. Even when you actually rescue a Jarl, your Raider remains the unquestionable leader of the warband all the way through as they raid the Samurai territories.

The last character you play as, the Orochi, has a similar pattern of in-universe fame: they are the Emperor’s Champion, the greatest swordfighter in the Samurai army, but they were imprisioned after “speaking out of turn”. The game’s backstory even suggests that, had the Orochi not been imprisoned, the raid at the end of the Viking missions would’ve failed.  And throughout the campaign, that fame proves very well-founded, especially since it’s the Orochi who gets to fight the final boss.

There’s an interesting pattern of evolving fame that runs through the three main playable characters in this game: the Warden carries a certain amount of fame due to their position as member of an order, but personally is an unknown who is “discovered” by another. The Raider has no position, but is extremely personally known (and hated) by nearly everyone they know. And the Orochi has both, having a position but also being personally known, yet remains an outsider due to their imprisonment. So all three characters are outsiders to a certain degree who turn the course of their factions, yet each one’s individual situations are different enough to make them interesting. Though they are simple, their sense of in-universe recognition and few moments of strong personal agency (with aid of some pretty good VA performances) help keep them compelling and endearing.

Of course, all this wouldn’t count for much if you were only fighting faceless mooks, and while each campaign has its own boss, with their own unique designs and techniques, they’re all just one-fight wonders. Except for the big one: Apollyon.

Look, I’m not gonna front: I fucking love Apollyon. She dominates pretty much every scene she’s in, either by slaughtering dozens of dudes with some really impressive coreography, or through a seriously inspired performance by VA Catherine Kidd. Sure, her lines are pretty generic and her motivations are like baby’s first Metal Gear Solid, but she sells it like an absolute champ. It’s a shame that her backstory is hidden away in collectables and a special edition booklet, but her constant presence and direct or indirect involvement with everything happening in the game’s campaign makes up for it by giving you a clear villain to fight.

And the kicker? You actually do get to fight her.

Full disclaimer and spoilers: my excitement over being able to actually fight her stems from the massive sense of frustration I got from finishing Wildlands and realizing that the massive, heavily-tatooed drug emperor with the silenced auto shotgun that you see in nearly every single cutscene in that game and who has a gigantic mausoleum built for his grave that you drive towards in the final mission is not, in fact, fight-able. You never even aim at him.

But Apollyon is different. After spending the whole game either helping with, reacting to or fighting against her actions, you actually do get your duel with her. It’s no Platinum Games’ final boss (altough you do get to fight her through three stages that end top of a castle tower in the middle of a siege with rocks being chucked by catapults at your battle arena, so it’s like 20% of a Platinum boss fight) but it’s still a huge pleasure to actually get to cross swords with her. So even though the game ends in a very open way, it doesn’t rob you of your sense of completion by denying you a climactic encounter with the awesome bad guy that has ruled the entire game’s narrative.

Overall, I have to say I’m mildly impressed. I’m not sure how much of all this is by design and how much is the restriction of an SP campaign in a mostly MP game, and I’m not sure I’d buy the game just to replay it over and over again, but I have to give props to the team for taking something that a lot of MP games consider optional and turning in something surprisingly endearing and enjoyable.

And if nothing else, we’ll always have my screenshot folder...

[andrewuttaro]

Why USL is the future of American Soccer

Following domestic professional soccer in the United States can be really difficult at times. Beyond the streams, mechanics, and rules of the sport itself the politics and power dynamics of the leagues and supporters can leave one being yelled at on social media for reasons they don’t understand. To be honest it took me about two years after I started watching the domestic club game to fully understand why American Soccer twitter is angrier than normal twitter. There is no quick way to bring you up to speed so I’m going to see if I can do it in a paragraph before explaining why I think the family of leagues known as United Soccer League (USL) is the future of the Men’s Pro game here in America.

In most countries around the world each national federation oversees a system of Promotion/Relegation between the different levels of their domestic club leagues. The US Soccer Federation (USSF) works very closely with Major League Soccer (MLS) to keep that league solvent and therefore doesn’t care to implement Pro/Rel here and provide its owners with a “undue risk to their investment”. That is, on a nuts-and-bolts level, what makes the domestic game here so contentious. There are several other issues related to what one might call “Open Soccer” that orbit this central point. Additionally outside of MLS with its Top-Flight designation (Division 1) it is generally viewed as though the entire domestic club system here is built in a counter-competitive way to benefit those who buy into MLS and nobody else. From a financial standpoint that’s a tough point to argue with given the lifecycle of non-MLS Soccer clubs in this country. So that’s why American Soccer twitter is a mess other than just when the Men’s National Team sucks.

USL is often heaped in with MLS’ business model by the wide array of groups I’ll use the shorthand “rebels” for here. Rebels see the franchise model MLS (and every other topflight professional sports league in North America uses but don’t mention that to them) uses as a damper on American Soccer at best and a latent capitalist drain on the sport at worst. The problem with that belief is that USL’s leadership has, for almost a decade now, professed a much greater interest in the Open Model than MLS has ever dared. Jake Edwards, the USL President, a former English footballer in his own right, speaks favorably about the myriad ways he wants to open up competitive pro soccer in America at any opportunity. In addition to calling Pro/Rel a mid-term goal for his leagues, he has spoken of his determination for an inter-league trophy, helped build up an academy system for USL independent teams long before MLS was preparing to pull their support, and has even spoken to FIFA and the USSF about getting a CONCACAF Champions League spot for USLC. He’s done just about everything a lower division league President can do to “open soccer” apart from abolish expansion fees, market territories, and talk smack to the Federation.

So why are this nation’s soccer rebels married to the nascent National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) as the only acceptable pro soccer option for their pure view of the game? Yes, I understand the difference between a club and a franchise though most fans of sports the world round will not find it to be a meaningful distinction for their own entertainment. Forgive my bluntness. My soccer life has been a real roller coaster the last four years. My hometown Rochester Rhinos went on hiatus in 2017 and have only looked likely to return recently. The seasons without them have blended together in a mesh of insistence on amateur teams, revulsion from MLS, insistence on USL, acceptance of MLS, and finally just exhaustion with this crazy niche community of sports fans. And before you go there, rebels; no, I don’t blame my team’s troubles solely on “the MLS business model”. The sport sucks in this country not just because there is a way for some people to make money off it.

So here’s a fair shake for the rebels: the appeal of true sporting independence is enticing. When you watch the game oversees there is a charm to the idea little fourth tier Wycombe United could fight there way up the pyramid by pure sporting merit. Market forces poison the sport there too, just in less destructive ways for a variety of reasons. I also greatly respect the idea independence allows clubs to craft a product that is truly unique and exciting for local fans. When every other team in MLS is called something FC and exists 300 miles away from you there is something really cool about a local team with your colors and your own kids on it. The “economic justice” argument rebels often make about solidarity payments and the like are all too compelling and financially at least, the deck really is stacked against more locally-minded clubs.

All that said, independence for the sake of independence and “fighting the good fight” as if you’re on a religious crusade is not a good look and actually hurts your argument in the end. When we’re regularly dealing with issues bigger than soccer along the lines of Black Lives Matter and a profoundly sexist Federation that still refuses to pay the women fairly, it’s a little trite for one to speak of Pro/Rel as an inherent good that must be fought for at all costs. The struggles of the NWSL and the dominance of the Women’s National Team is still an afterthought in this country and you’re telling me I have to protest the franchise system like its British Rule of India? You’re losing the forest for the trees at that point.

USLC recently enticed NISA’s most appealing, community-focused brand in Oakland Roots SC to join the USL ecosystem. The move spawned rebel think pieces and twitter threads the world over. When Oakland made the NISA Fall Final versus Detroit anyone who was anyone on the Rebel Front felt the need to cheer for Detroit because traitors! After the collapse of the new NASL in 2017, USL poached numerous formerly independent minded teams from the rubble and though rebels will tell you NISA doing that with the amateur ranks is not poaching its really a moot point. We’re talking about the difference between the league controlling you’re IP and you telling them what to do with it and you owning your IP and telling yourself what to do with it. Some rebel arguments just rapidly descend into splitting hairs so finely that it seems more like a popularity contest than a really substantive fight. If most US Soccer rebels really wanted to have the substantive discussion that needs to happen they’d be a lot more open to the USL ecosystem than they seem to be. But no, it’s just easier to hiss at the Oakland Roots.

Though the title of this article may lead you to believe I’m a USL fanboy, I too really just want a compelling, local product to cheer for that won’t fold in three years. USL including USL-L1 and USLC (and perhaps sooner than you think a USL topflight league as well) is the future of American Soccer whether we like to admit it or not. USL is altogether organized and operated in a way that not only spurns the cold protectionism of the MLS but gives local brands a way to survive for the long term. Though a team like Indy Eleven started its life in NASL 2.0, it hasn’t exactly been altered unrecognizably by its participation in Indy Eleven. And don’t think its suffered for having come from a more independent minded league: the Eleven have been rather competitive big shots in USLC since they arrived. The way forward here isn’t unyielding factions, its accepting compromise.

MLS has abandoned USL. We’re on the brink of MLS pulling all its reserve (two) sides and other support from the USL ecosystem. I sincerely believe this partnership was the only thing holding Jake Edwards and USL back from being truly revolutionary. Once the ink is wet on “MLS Next” and USL has nothing but “independent” clubs within it, they will begin into all of the aforementioned Open Soccer reforms. They may even think about allowing for a semi-franchise option to allow greater autonomy for clubs with a fan ownership model (Looking at you Chattanooga FC & Detroit) as far as it can fit within the Pro League Standards. It would be a shame if a club that has built its brand around being defiant against anybody who disagrees with their purest opinion in Detroit City FC is sitting outside a three rung pro/rel pyramid in a couple years  with their arms crossed just because they have to license some intellectual property to a couple Englishmen in Tampa. And if that bit about the Pro League Standards (PLS) comes across as a massive oversight of this article then I have news for you: your problem is with the US Soccer Federation, not USL. Everyone has a problem with the Federation and if everyone came together on their issues the voices for change would be a whole lot stronger. Instead we’re wasting time painting four letter curses on banners in front of MLS, how about you swallow your pride long enough to create a real coalition.

I realize there is no scenario here where nobody’s feelings are hurt but I really think there is no reason USL cannot be the rallying point for all soccer lovers in this country who realize Major League Soccer has lost their way. There is a very good probability that within the next five years USL could have a topflight league with a two to three rung pro/rel pyramid beneath it with a very liberated form of open soccer in place. USL could fulfill all the American Soccer Rebel’s naughtiest fantasies before the end of this decade save for a few minor roster rules and licensing agreements. The thought of it excites me, especially if my own Rochester Rhinos find their way back into full existence in the USL ecosystem at some point in the next couple years. Once you know everything that USL hopes to do in the near future with MLS pulling its support there really is no reason to not be excited about what they could do to build a far more enticing form of Pro Soccer in this country. USL is the future of domestic club soccer in American.

And for the record, I think Oakland Roots knew this. I think its why they weren’t as standoffish with the USL as their more thick-skulled NISA brothers and sisters. But I digress, God forbid we work together to create the future we want for the Pro game in this country. Working together doesn’t seem to be the theme of any part of American Life at the moment, eh?

Thanks for Reading.

[comicteaparty]

July 29th-August 4th, 2019 CTP Archive

The archive for the Comic Tea Party week long chat that occurred from July 29th, 2019 to August 4th, 2019.  The chat focused on Millennium by Deo.

Featured Comment:

Chat:

RebelVampire

COMIC TEA PARTY- WEEK LONG BOOK CLUB START!

Hello and welcome everyone to Comic Tea Party’s Week Long Book Club~! This week we’ll be focusing on Millennium by Deo~! (http://millennium.thecomicseries.com/)

You are free to read and comment about the comic all week at your own pace, so stop on by whenever it suits your schedule! Remember, though, that while we allow constructive criticism, our focus is to have fun and appreciate the comic. Below you will find four questions to get you started on the discussion. However, a new question will be posted and pinned everyday (between 12:01AM and 6AM PDT), so keep checking back for more! You have until August 4th to tell us all your wonderful thoughts! With that established, let’s get going on the reading and the chatting!

QUESTION 1. What has been your favorite scene in the comic so far? What specifically did you like about it?

QUESTION 2. Do you believe Keith and Aaron will get their acts together as Luzio wants, or are they doomed to be thieves forever? What is your reasoning regardless? Also, how do you think the two became so downtrodden in the first place?

Nutty (Court of Roses)

1) I'll admit, my favorite scene is Luzio comforting Sage after the terrible nightmare he had. It's a small scene, but parts like that really hit me hard.(edited)

2) "Doomed" assumes that being thieves is bad by default. ;P In all seriousness, while klepto habits die hard, the two seem good-hearted, so I feel confident that whether they clean up their act or remain thieves, they'll have good intentions behind it. I think, based off bits of their story we can glean from conversations ( http://millennium.thecomicseries.com/comics/107/ http://millennium.thecomicseries.com/comics/113/ ), their state may have to do with them both avoiding their families to be together, or running off altogether. At least Aaron's dad keeps in contact, so that's something.(edited)

snuffysam

All the scenes of Luzio and Sage interacting are so pure . I agree, Nutty, this scene was my favorite (http://millennium.thecomicseries.com/comics/104/). I also love the scene of the gang fighting in the colosseum (http://millennium.thecomicseries.com/comics/44). A strong action scene is always a plus in my book!

I suppose it's nice that Aaron's dad keeps in touch, but i'm not sure that counts for much when your calls are attempts to arrest your son lol.

RebelVampire

QUESTION 3. At the moment, who is your favorite character? What about that character earns them this favor?

QUESTION 4. What do you think was going on in Luzio’s life when he met Keith and Aaron? How do you think the two of them helped Luzio? What other theories or questions do you have regarding Luzio’s personal life story?

RebelVampire

1) My favorite scene in the comic so far is probably when Luzio realizes Sage isn't with them and basically busts through a wall. Not only was it really comical, but it was excellent character development for Luzio both showing his power level and the depths of his ability to care for someone. But also it was badass. 2) No. Keith and Aaron gonna be thieves forever. Maybe thieves with real jobs, but still probably thieves. I don't see either them as the type to suddenly be like, "Oh yeah we should follow societies rules." I don't think they have enough respect for society for that. Which I leads me to how it happened. I get the impression that they're the type of got really down on their luck, society didn't help them, so ya know, if society wont help damn society. Or something like that.

RebelVampire

QUESTION 5. What has been your favorite illustration in the comic so far? What specifically about it do you like?

QUESTION 6. What do you think was the end goal for the experiments done on Sage? Besides plant powers and health issues, what other consequences do you think there are? Do you think Sage will grow past them (and if so, how)? Also, will Sage remain with Luzio?

RebelVampire

@snuffysam I don't see the problem. What's a few threats about calling the police between father and son? XDXDXD

3) Probably maybe Luzio is my favorite? That's a hard call cause this is the sort of comic where I'd really like more content before I can diehard settle on anybody. At the moment though, I like that Luzio has this cute blend of being strict and being the type of person who wants to let all the strays in the house. It makes for a cute and interesting dynamic. 4) Luzio strikes me as the type who left, did some stuff, and then it suddenly dawned on him he didnt really know what he wanted to do with himself anymore. Thus he was filled with wanderlust, maybe poor and stuck in emotional turmoil. If this is the case, then Keith and Aaron are at least good for being cheerful, and what better ways to cheer someone up. I am excited to find more about Luzio's home, cause compared to the others I get the impression he was relatively more privelaged. So I'm eager to see if that's the case or if Luzio is just good at hiding everything.

RebelVampire

QUESTION 7. Which characters do you enjoy seeing interact the most? What about their dynamic interests you?

QUESTION 8. Do you believe Luzio giving so many people second chances is a good or a bad thing? How do you think it will overall help or hurt Sage? What do you think the story can teach us about life and the nature of second chances?

RebelVampire

5) My favorite illustration is probably all the ones rom the nightmare sequence. http://millennium.thecomicseries.com/comics/102/ I love the vague angles and the dramatic change in color. It's a fantastic way to really drive the horror in while at the same time capturing the dream like quality nightmares can still have. 6) Given what we see happening on Kessiah's planet and with the new location, I imagine plant growth is pretty important. So important that just leaving plant's to their own devices means bad things. So the end goal of the experiments on Sage were to create plant experts who could vastly increase the speed at which colonization happens and prevent famines by being able to watch for crops. As far as consequences for Sage, there's definitely mental trauma there. Although maybe he has more than just sway over plants. Like he'll wake up one day and discover he can photosynthesis. I don't think what happened to Sage is something you grow out of though. He'll learn to manage it emotionally at some point, but it'll be a permanent scar upon his soul. Sage better remain with Luzio. I'll be mad otherwise. O_O

RebelVampire

QUESTION 9. What sorts of art or story details have you noticed in the way the comic is crafted that you think deserves attention?

QUESTION 10. After escaping John, why do you think Stitch remained with Keith and Aaron? Further, why do you think she didn’t want to tell Luzio the reason? How might her blossoming relationship with Kessiah affect her relations with the others?

RebelVampire

7) Ummm....ummm! It's a tie between Luzio and Sage and then Keith and Aaron. I like Luzio and Sage's relationship for how different then are. Luzio has the stren work thing going on whereas Sage is kind of a soft, doofy dude. So it's really beautiful to see them still manage to keep along with each other and, as I've said several time before, demonstrate the depth of their care for each other. Keith and Aaron I liked though because they do have these similar goofy attitudes. They're like a great dynamic duo and when they're together, they bring the barrel of laughs. That being said, I also like the serious moments that sneak in too, showing it's not all fun and games either. But mostly they just bring so much energy to the story and I love it. 8) I mean...I believe in second chances, but it's gotta bite Luzio in the butt one day. Cause just imagine if he invites the wrong person in and they do something to Sage. Like a mole from John or something. That being said, I also can't say its a bad thing, cause distrusting too much is also how you wind up never getting along with anyone. Overall, so far, I feel like the story shows us that a healthy distrust is good. You don't want to give everyone the keys to the city on day 1, because they might fleece you.

9) The scars. There are so many scars, so many different types, and I love it. Particularly, though, I love the shading on Stitch's scars. It's that right blend of simple and detailed that makes it look very groteque and painful. It's the sort of scar I can look at, wince, and not wanna know how that happened cause it looks like it hurt like hell. 10) Honestly, I get the impression Stitch felt a) indebted to them and b) had nowhere else to go. Cause no matter where Stitch goes, there is probably a risk of John showing up or something. As for why she didn't want to tell Luzio, maybe its a vulnerability thing. Like Stitch just didn't want to admit needing companionship cause its a sign of weakness or something like that. I can't imagine Stitch is gonna be happy when Kessiah is ready to blow the joint, and I think that will be a negative mood that with affect everyone.

RebelVampire

QUESTION 11. What do you think are this particular comic’s strengths? What do you think makes this comic unique? Please elaborate.

QUESTION 12. Do you believe John is more of an entity for good or more of an entity for evil? What do you think John’s ultimate end goals are, especially given the increasing deaths going on? Also, why do you think John abandoned Sage and the lab Sage was in?

snuffysam

My favorite character is easily Stitch. I love the way she starts out shy and standoffish, but grows into being more confident and part of the crew's family. She also has my favorite design of the cast. With that said, all the character designs in this comic are great - in fact, I think it's Millennium's strongest aspect. The way different elements work together with colors to make a cohesive design. Like, you could show me any of these characters in any outfit and with any artist's artstyle and I'd still probably be able to recognize them.

It would be a wild twist if John turns out to actually be a good guy the whole time. I suppose it's possible that he's going about a noble goal in a corrupted way? For Sage, perhaps he was created as an experiment to see if humans can... survive on sunlight, maybe? Whatever he was really going for was probably a failure, given that he abandoned the lab.

RebelVampire

QUESTION 13. What are you most looking forward to in the comic? Also, do you have any final thoughts to share overall?

QUESTION 14. Ultimately, do you think Kessiah will get the help she needs for her planet? If so, do you think she’ll go back, or will her bond with Luzio’s crew sway her to stay? Even if her planet gets help, can the planet actually be saved?

RebelVampire

11) I have to second @snuffysam on this one. The character designs I think are the strongest asset. Not just visually speaking, but also in terms of their personalities as well. They all have their own interesting role to place in the story, and see how each individually triumphs or fails is really interesting. Of course, though, the visual designs are all super amazing as well, with lots of beautiful details in them. 12) I don't think John is really either. He strikes me more as an "ends justify the means ethics be damned" sort of scientist. So he's going to drag and progree society even if that means he has to murder half hte universe. As for John's end goals, I assume part of it is out a good willed intention to bring more prosperty. I think some of it is just progress for progress' sake. And I think this latter is a lot of the reason that might have to do with why so many ppl are dying more. Progress comes with certain sacrifices at some point. As for abandoning Sage, tbh, I don't think John meant to. I think John had to flee, intended to come back for Sage, but then was under the impression that nope, everyone was lost. Or something like that.

13) I'm looking forward to Kessiah getted help for her planet, ironically. I think her intentions coming out is really gonna drive some drama and ill feelings that we'll get to enjoy. 14) I kind of feel like this is a yes and a no. Like maybe Kessiah will get the help, but the help will be too late. Or something like that. I think Kessiah will want to stay with Luzio's crew though. Not to say it'll be an easy decision but I think bonds + new experiences + bad things happening on the planet will drive her to want more. or at the very least, to punch john in the face like everyone else wants to do.

LunarDolphin

Joined a bit late but I'll answer what I can cause I really do love this comic 3) Stitch (But I recently found it it may be because she has a few similarities to one of my characters, also her character building with sage is so good) 5) Favorite illustration is page 3 of chapter 6, that whole space transition had me audibly gasp it was so pretty

LunarDolphin

That sent early but.... 7) Luzio and Sage of course, Luzio and Kessiah also have a great dynamic, Sage and Stitch's growing friendship is adorable and I love that they're opening up to each other, and Stitch and Kessiah crushing on each other gives me life 13) Luzio telling Sage "I wont leave you, okay?" after the nightmare with John is going to come back to bite them, I can feel it, something is going to happen between the two of them and John. And it's not "'"confirmed""" he's alive but I really hope he appears in the comic.

RebelVampire

COMIC TEA PARTY- WEEK LONG BOOK CLUB END!

Thank you everyone so much for reading and chatting about Millennium this week! Please also give a special thank you to Deo for volunteering the comic and creating it! If you liked Millennium, make sure to continue to support it via some of the links below!

Read and Comment: http://millennium.thecomicseries.com/

Deo’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/deo101

Deo’s Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/deoart

Deo’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/deo_101

[wesleybates]

WHY IMAGES ARE IMPORTANT WHEN YOU BUY BLOG ARTICLES

Content marketing is a highly effective way to establish brand authority, improve search engine optimization, engage potential customers and convert sales. However, not all articles are equal. While the quality of the custom writing is important, of course, so are the images (or lack thereof) in the article. When you buy blog articles, make sure you are also getting high-quality images.

If you have ever visited a really well-made blog, chances are that it included at least some blog images. This isn’t just to make it look nice. The images can play a central role in how effective a blog post is. By extension, images also affect how impactful the content marketing strategy is. Understanding why this is the case will help you to make better choices for how to use images in your blog content.

5 Reasons Why You Should Be Using Blog Images

Many people think of blogs as being primarily about the written word. This is arguably true; however, images certainly play a close-second role. They can enhance each blog article and add a new dimension to your blogging strategy.

Many people do not realize how broad the impact of images is. They do a lot more than just make articles “look right.” The following are five reasons why you should be using images in your blog posts:

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There is a lot to be said for the visual appeal of blog images. Ultimately, when you buy blog articles, you want them to be enjoyable and engaging for readers. Having a visual element can help you achieve that.

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Furthermore, blog articles with images are more likely to be read. An interesting thumbnail can help make the difference between a potential reader opening an article or moving on.

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Images are a lot more than just pretty things in your content, however. They can also be powerful communication tools.

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As mentioned above, breaking up text-heavy posts with images will make them look nicer. However, it achieves more than just aesthetics. It also makes the page significantly easier to read.

This is especially important if your blog post is about a relatively light topic. People are going to have a hard time understanding your summer salad recipe if it is presented as an academic paper. Of course, even very technical content written for expert audiences can benefit from some figures and images.

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Social media sharing can significantly increase the effectiveness of content marketing. It is a chance to get your content in front of the eyes of people who may not be actively searching for it. In other words, social sharing increases your reach.

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That means that if you have an image included in your post, you will see that significant bump in engagement reported by Twitter and others. In turn, you will see a greater click-through rate.

4 Tips on Using Images in Blogs

The above five benefits give plenty of reasons to use images when you buy blog articles. However, they are only relevant if you use images well. Using poorly selected and applied images is no more helpful than having no image at all.

Below are four tips on how best to use your blog images to enhance your articles. Select the technique or combination of techniques that you want to use based on your strategic goals for your blog.

1) Organize the Article

Make your images a key organizational element of your article. If you have a long-form blog post, consider placing images between major sections to help divide up the writing. As mentioned above, this can help make the text less intimidating and easier to understand.

If you have a list article, try placing an image under each list item. This adds a greater sense of organization and makes it easier for readers to scan the list and look for the most relevant content.

2) Fuel Your SEO

Blog images can be great for search engine optimization. Of course, as is always the case with SEO, it is all about the details. Here are some techniques to get the best results:

Select the right images (learn how to do this below).

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Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words. If you have a highly visual article topic, you should include images that will help to explain what you mean. For example, a travel blog would certainly underperform without some photos of the relevant destination(s).

Infographics and screenshots can be very helpful for explaining the text visually. Furthermore, charts and figures can add a lot to technical blog articles.

Try reading through your custom writing content and think about which sections could be represented visually. Alternatively, have someone else read your blog and note any place that he or she thinks would be clearer with a visual aid.

4) Entice With a Thumbnail

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4 Best Practices for Selecting Blog Images

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1) Only Use Relevant Images

When you buy blog articles, you likely have specific topics in mind. You wouldn’t accept writing that doesn’t support those topics. Similarly, you should always expect and use images that are highly relevant to the topic at hand.

For example, a travel blog article will be more effective if the images are from the destination(s) mentioned in the article. Some topics don’t lend themselves as well to specific images. An article about project management, for example, is more challenging to represent in an image. Nonetheless, the more relevant and specific you can be, the better.

Although blog images can add a lot to the piece, an irrelevant image can be confusing and distracting. It could actually do more harm than good.

2) Use High-Quality Images

Always choose images that will look great on your blog. These are some guidelines for maximizing quality:

Always start with a high-resolution image. Stretched pictures that don’t have enough pixels will turn off readers.

Choose well-composed, professional images. This can require a bit of an eye for design, but you know it when you see it.

Using an image editing tool, adjust your image to be the exact pixel size that you need. This will allow it to upload and download faster and it will look better.

Compress your images if the file size is too large.

Use a content distribution network to help ensure that your images are easy to download.

3) Make Sure You Have the Rights

This may sound like a no-brainer, but you may be surprised by how many blog owners get this wrong. Make sure that you have the right to be using the images in your blogs.

If you are using stock images, it may make sense to spend the money to buy them from a reputable, well-known provider. If you are considering a free or inexpensive image, make sure you fully understand the licensing terms before you use the image. Should you find an image on a website that doesn’t describe the license, you probably cannot legally use that image.

The same concern applies to hiring someone to take original images. Make sure you fully understand what you are buying, who owns the image rights and how you can use the photos or illustrations.

4) Carefully Evaluate Stock vs. Original Images

Consider whether you want to use stock images or original photos and graphics in your blog posts. Both options have significant advantages.

The greatest benefit of using stock images is that they are readily available. When you buy blog articles, you can publish them immediately with some stock photos. There is no need to commission a designer or photographer. Additionally, they are usually less expensive than having something original made.

Conversely, original images are unique, by their nature. In some cases, having something that is super-relevant and not available anywhere else online can be worth the extra effort necessary to use an original image.

Carefully consider both options to determine which is right for your needs. The answer may vary from one blog article to the next.

It’s Time To Buy Blog Articles With Images

Blogging can help your business reach a larger audience and engage people with your brand. Having the right custom writing and blog images can help to make your content marketing even more effective. Web Designers in Arvada, CO can help you take your blogs to the next level. 

[acehotel]

Interview: Justin Strauss with Todd Terje

Oslo, Norway

Norwegian DJ, songwriter and brains behind Olsen Records, Todd Terje came to early dance floor fame with his orgiastic disco edits. For this episode of the Just/Talk series, Ace friend, legendary DJ and music producer Justin Strauss talked to Todd about early musical influences, the surprising turn in designing men’s underwear and why he can’t stop buying “non-playing” music.

Justin Strauss: This is my third trip to Oslo, and I’ve always been fascinated by how small this city is, and yet, there’s such a big music scene that has had an influence over dance music culture the last ten years or so. There’s you, (Hans-Peter) Lindstrøm, Prins Thomas, the Sunkissed Collective and a lot of other people doing great things in this relatively small city. Was there a time you felt that something was happening? 

Todd Terje: I don’t really have a good answer for that. I mean that’s the most typical question journalists ask, because they think there’s some kind of link. I don’t think there is, to be honest. You’re probably aware of that movie Northern Disco Light or something like that.

JS: I haven’t seen it. Have you? 

TT: No, but I hear it’s supposed to be good. That’s covering the Norwegian scene back to Belle Canto in the 80s, Röyksopp, Biosphere and Strangefruit, who had this early radio station that I was inspired by — but where did he come from? Where did Prins Thomas come from? They were in the same city. I think the answer is that inspiration came from the UK. We’ve been looking over to the UK for so long. We heard about the Idjut Boys. Now Dan is my neighbor. Dan Tyler from Idjut Boys is my neighbor, so he’s not so mythical anymore.

If anything, I would say that it comes from and inspired by UK dance styles and the ability to mix up genres like they do over there. I guess specifically who we looked at was Idjut Boys, Ashley Beedle and DJ Harvey — all the original UK “nu disco” guys.

I think that’s at least what inspired me, and of course Strangefruit here in Norway. If you ask me where his inspiration comes from, I have no idea.

JS: Were you a DJ before you started making your own music, or were you in bands? How did it start for you? Any early inspirations?

TT: My first inspiration was a Strangefruit CD from 1996. I can see if I actually have it — it’s rare now.

This shows the eclecticism that I was inspired by. It has Nuyorican Soul, Street Corner Symphony and Persuasion, which are the Harvey project, all in the same track, because he mixes all them together at the same time.

Gino Soccio “Dancer,” which for me sounded like the future at that time because I didn’t know that was a disco track.

JS: Really?

TT: Yeah, I was 16 or something. No, I was 15. 

JS: It still sounds amazing. 

TT: Yes, now it sounds retro, but with a futuristic vibe. Back then when I heard it, I was like, “Wow! Shit! This sounds incredible… Now this is music!” You know, because it sounded so different from everything else. 

JS: What were you listening to growing up, were you listening to non-dance music? Were there any bands that you were into, or did you start hearing dance music and light bulb went off in your head? 

TT: Yeah, this came from my sister. She’s three years older than me, so she was clubbing a lot earlier than me. I came from a tiny, tiny place where nothing really happens. There was no inspiration there to be found for me, except the radio station, the Strangefruit thing; but I hadn’t really discovered it yet. At the time, I was doing various things. I started playing piano when I was seven. I played the trombone when I was six. 

JS: You had music lessons at school? 

TT: Yes, and then I played the piano in a choir, actually, like a gospel choir. A lot of people do that when you come from nowhere. It seems to be a very good way to entertain people. I learned a lot of chords and voicing. I think I was 13 then. At the same time (I think I was 13), I started working with computers. I have been fond of computers since I was ten or something. Then I started programming a little bit. 

JS: Did you have your own computer back then?

TT: My mother had that. I just borrowed it. There was a program called, or program type, called a “tracker,” which is just a four-track matrix with a timeline running down. You could just have four tracks on at the same time, so if you wanted to have a kick drum, then you couldn’t have a snare drum with the track. You would have to have track number two as a snare drum. When I think about it now, it’s a bit like what Beatles did, recording and bouncing things down.

I learned very quickly to organize sounds in a mathematical manner, which is what music is all about. It’s all in sixteenths, and it’s all divided by or multiplied by two, or four, or whatever integer. 

JS: Were you DJing at the same time as this was happening?

TT: That came later. I didn’t start DJing until I was maybe 18, 19, or something. Maybe 17, actually. I think that was my first gig. We had a friend at the school ball when I was 15, I think. I played a track that I made. Actually, I sampled one of the drums from a track on the Strangefruit CD. 

JS: When did you become aware of the New York dance music scene? 

TT: Because of Larry Levan’s CD that Strut Records put out. Before then… Obviously, I knew about the big house names in New York like Masters At Work, but I didn’t probably know about Dance Mania or all the stuff that you need to know. I’d seen, of course, the funky house, Latin house music that was coming out at the time, on Strictly Rhythm Records.

It wasn’t until I bought that Larry Levan CD that I properly got into both disco and the New York house.  I just started digging in, putting the connections together.

JS: Because you seem very knowledgeable and sort of obsessive about a lot of that era and the music from that time. Seem to really resonate with what you do and what you’ve done. 

TT: Definitely. 

JS: Had you been to New York, or to the States at all at that point?

TT: Not at that point. I didn’t go to New York until the first gig I played with Emanuel Harris from Supreme Records, which was at the club Apt.

JS: That was a great place. So many great people played there over the years. It had a special vibe that is really missed in New York right now. 

TT: Yeah, I know. I didn’t really get it at the time. I came back later when Dixon played. 

JS: What were your first impressions of New York? Was it what you imagined it to be?

TT: I was, of course, very impressed. In the beginning, I was impressed by everything. Everything was exciting. I went record shopping for the most part. I had read Last Night A DJ Saved My Life and all those books.  I’d also learned a lot of information from Bill Brewster’s DJhistory.com, a message board from the UK. I got a lot of information in a very short time. I knew that most of that stuff, of course, was gone by the time I got there. So nothing came as a total surprise when I came to New York really.

JS: Speaking of the Internet, you became quite well known for doing edits. You put them up to share with people and they exploded. You gained a great reputation all over the world. Every DJ I knew or heard had one or more of your edits in their sets. Where you just making them for yourself to play in your DJ sets, or was there a plan in mind? 

TT: I feel I was lucky to be able to exploit the edits when it wasn’t uncool to do so.  Back then, I did that mainly to have something unique to play as a DJ, because I did play a lot of disco originals. That was the stuff that I was most inspired by, as I said, because of the Larry Levan compilations and the Disco Spectrum compilation on BBE Records. That was the kind of disco that I really liked, but of course it was difficult to mix it. It was difficult to bridge the gap between house and disco in a good enough way, so I started just editing. 

JS: You were also finding tracks that weren’t thought of as club records and making them club-friendly as well. Like the track by Double, “Woman of the World.” 

TT: That was sort of inspired by the Sarcastic mix by DJ Harvey. That’s probably one of those tracks that don’t really fit in a full-on dance music sense.

I wasn’t too experienced as a DJ back then, so I couldn’t fully exploit that music and play it in my DJ sets. It was inspiring for me to try to pick songs that didn’t have a massive 909 kick drum it. The Balearic thing, that was big for me to be able to pick songs that weren’t made for dance floors and just force it into being a dance floor track. Even if it wasn’t edited — most of the tracks that I played in my sets weren’t edited, of course. The tracks were just songs that I found that I thought were great. I just realized if you play it loud and with some kind of, I don’t know, aura and in a convincing way, you can get away with anything, I think; but that was just inspiring for me to just try to find stuff that wasn’t regular house music. 

JS: Some of them were released on vinyl by Supreme Records label, like the Chic “I Want Your Love” which was a massive hit here in New York. 

TT: Yes, and also with the DJ History guys, which I was usually booked very often with, because most were traveling and playing every weekend at that point. Traveling every weekend. For instance, I went to the Garden Festival in Croatia and I heard it at all the parties. 

JS: It was one of those records that got played at so many different kinds of clubs.

TT: Now it sounds like it’s bigger than it was. 

JS: No, it was pretty big. There were certain tracks that you would go and hear in whatever club you were in, and that was one of them. Are you still doing edits for yourself? 

TT: I’ve stopped DJing, so I don’t have that incentive to make edits, but it’s starting to itch a little bit.

JS: Do you miss DJing? And why did you stop? 

TT: I don’t miss big-room DJing, I don’t. I don’t even miss little room DJing. I don’t miss any kind of setting where you’re expected to play continuous dance music for two hours, like peak hour or two hours, and then you’re supposed to play this. None of that stuff inspires me anymore.

As soon as I stopped DJing, and I left all my big-room dance floor tunes and put them in the basement, I just started listening to albums again. I realized I actually did love music because I was afraid that I didn’t and had fallen out of love with listening to music. Now I’m consuming much more music than I did as a DJ. Of course, it’s a very different type, and now it’s coming back again, because when I started DJing during the DJ History times, I wanted to be a different kind of DJ; I wanted to be that guy who could play Arthur Russell in front of 10,000 people and make that work. Obviously, that’s not going to work… 

JS: I think you can. 

TT: Yes, but I didn’t want to do remixes of it. I didn’t want to change it in any way. You can’t play “Let’s Go Swimming” and automatically make that work. It has worked, of course. I have played it, and I’ve heard Prins Thomas play it, and it can work.

When you play a curveball like that, it’s a very rare moment in a DJ set. I would just like a DJ set to be 95 percent those tracks instead of being 1 percentage of those tracks. Instead of being the climax of a set, the whole DJ set should be just interesting music from start to finish. 

JS: I think if you have confidence in yourself as a DJ, you can play anything and make it work. 

TT: It’s not like I hate that sort of music. 

JS: That’s good to hear. 

TT: I just hate playing it myself. I mean when I go out someplace and hear Gerd Janson or Prins Thomas play it, I love it. I love listening to them play it. I would rather be dead than play that stuff myself.  But I love going out and feeling the energy from it, but it’s like I can’t say it with my own voice. I can’t enjoy it if it comes from me. 

JS: I know that one of your passions is vintage keyboards and audio gear.

TT: Yeah, very true. 

JS: Was that just part of the organic process when you started making music?

TT: No, when I started it was all “in the box.” I didn’t have anything. For instance, “Eurodans,” which was my first solo hit, well not hit, but it was a door opener for me. That was just Cubase and the internal synthesizers, like VST that came with the program. We had a default setting, and I moved the track. Some beats from the Change “A Lovers Holiday” track, some hi-hats from the DJ Harvey remix of Billy Paul’s “East,” which was an unlikely source for a hi-hat sample, and some sound effects by Idjut Boys and that was the whole track. Five or so sounds mashed into Cubase. It’s perfectly doable to make interesting music with just stock sounds and stolen sounds.

Then later when I started hearing about more professional people having fancy pre-amps or fancy microphones, fancy this and fancy everything, I started to slowly get small pieces of gear. Like first a proper sound card and a slightly fancy mic. My first synth that I bought was the ARP Odyssey, and that was fairly recently. That was maybe five years ago. From that moment on, I started buying just loads of gear. 

JS: Did you find the gear was inspiring you to make music? 

TT: It was actually this one, the ARP 2600, that inspired the “Inspector Norse.” By then, I’d learned a lot more. When I first had the ARP Odyssey, I didn’t really understand much. When I got the ARP 2600, I just learned subtracted synthesis in the same day, or the same week, or something like that, a very short timeframe. After that, I started buying synthesizers on a large scale. 

JS: You have quite a lot of outboard equipment in your studio here. 

TT: Now I have, yeah, but that’s sort of like when you make money in music, that’s where the money goes, there. You read magazines when you’re in the airport and like, “Oh, I need that. That’s going to help me get creative.” No, it’s not. It’s just going to empty your bank account.

JS: Do you find that, when you get a new synth, there’s a burst of creativity that comes along with it? 

TT: No, but all stuff will get me inspired — but not all stuff inspires me for a long time. I don’t get rid of stuff because I know that if I just sit down with any kind of gear, at some point I will force myself to use it and something always comes out in a session. If I sit down one hour with something, more or less, something always comes out of it. 

JS: When you finished the “Inspector Norse” track, did you think that it would have the effect it did on your career? 

TT: Not at all. When I made “Inspector Norse,” the rough sketch was made with the Jupiter IV and Lexicon delay. I had listened to Loui$’ “Pink Footpath” You know that track? It’s an Italo track from 1985. The B-side mix is very stripped down, very moody, and very sad in a way; but it’s got this energy.

I was just trying to recreate that, but of course it didn’t take long before I ditched that idea and started playing something else and I made a rough sketch. I had just the gotten the ARP 2600, so I just thought, “Okay. Why not just use that to recreate everything I played?” Because it was just four melodies and a bass line. That’s easy to do with that. 

JS: Were you still using samples, or is that just totally original? 

TT: I was using samples before that, but when I did “Inspector Norse” I decided to do everything with the ARP 2600, so everything comes from that, even the claps. It’s more like a dogma that I decided after I’d figured out how the music should be. Then it’s just a matter of, “Okay, I’ve locked down the bass and the chords and how it’s going to be. Now I just need to spice it up with all the sounds that I can find,” so all the ring modulation, and all the sound effects just…you just play around. 

JS: When the record blew up, was that a big surprise to you? 

TT: It blew up gradually, so of course I saw it coming. I remember the first U.S. tour that I did after I made it. That was before it came out. It came out in 2012. I think I toured in May 2011. I remember every time I played it in Atlanta, in Boston and all those places that I played… 

I just started testing it, and Gerd Janson — who I often times send music to — he would give me thumbs up almost daily, like, “this is the best track.” I started thinking it could do well, but I thought it was just going to be big with the DJs. I never aimed any higher than that. It’s great if the DJs like it, of course, but I never expected to be a mainstream artist, which I’m still not.             

JS: Did it crossover to the pop charts? 

TT: No, not the charts, but it crossed over to the extent that promoters in festivals would start to pay attention, and that was a new thing for me, of course. 

JS: You did a video for it that was pretty popular.

TT: Yeah, that helped a lot, I think. That was not my work, though. That was purely the genius of Kristoffer Borgli, the guy who made it. He just had this idea. I was really skeptical at first, because he didn’t sell the pitch in a very convincing way. It’s not really about anything. It’s just about a guy who has this Internet avatar called “Inspector Norse,” who makes drugs at home and lives in a suburb, being slightly disappointed in life. That was his pitch. Like, “Yeah? Are you sure?” He said he was sure and I said “Okay, well, whatever you think.”

JS: You weren’t directly involved with that? 

TT: No, not at all. 

JS: You run your own record label now, Olsen Records. You have full control over everything: the artwork, packaging, mixes… 

TT: Nowadays, yeah. 

JS: Yeah, everything’s got a very strong identity now. 

TT: Yeah, the visual images, of course, are by Bendik because he helps out a lot on that end. 

JS: Yeah, I think it’s super important. For me… I’m still… When I go into a record store, it’s just so nice, especially nowadays when you’re spending $15 to $20 on a 12-inch, that you have something that’s really attractive to go along with the actual music. 

TT: Yes. 

JS: After you have a huge hit like that, did you feel any pressure to follow it up with the next one? Was there the feeling of: there’s this expectation now and everyone’s looking to see what you’ll do next? 

TT: I felt that in the beginning. I don’t feel so much about that now. Obviously, I know that if I would’ve gotten another “Inspector Norse” that would have, of course, keep me floating in a better way than if I’m making an album with just the rest of the album material because “Inspector Norse” was quite different from the rest of the other tracks. I think it’s obvious that I’m going to make music that’s not just for the dance floor from now on because there were some tracks on the album that were pretty different. A lot of DJs will think that some of the music is difficult as well, but that’s the stuff that inspires me.

JS: Do you think about DJs when you’re making a track, or think about a dance floor anymore? 

TT: No. I’ve gotten worse at that because I stopped DJing. I guess earlier, it could be a good thing that I was also DJing because then I could test out tracks and see if I got the reaction that I wanted to have. As I said, I don’t really make music for DJs anymore. I used to before when I just did 12-inches, ‘cause that’s just the nature of the 12-inch is to have DJs play it. With the albums, it was very nice to not have to think about how it’s going to be used and just be free and make my album. Then again, if I just do interesting music without thinking about the dance floor, if I do that for a long while, I will want to get back to making just simple house again as well. I can’t really lose one or the other. I have to do both for the rest of my life, I guess. And just hope I don’t lose too many fans on the way because they will get… they do get confused, especially if it’s “Alfonso Muskeunder,” a track on the album which is in a 7/8 time signature. 

JS: Have you played it out? 

TT: Not as a DJ, though. I’ve played it out with a band, which makes much more sense. You see people move in a very surprising way to that song. 

JS: In what way did your life change after the success of “Inspector Norse” and the It’s Album Time LP?

TT: It changed things economically, I have to say. Maybe not that song alone, though, but the album did. The album made it much easier to go for festivals rather than clubs and, combined with me wanting to play fewer clubs, it was a good match. 

JS: You played Coachella. Did you feel like that was a turning point for you? 

TT: I think the biggest turning point for me was the Oya festival in Oslo in 2014. That was the first time we showed the whole band, and that was when everything just rocketed. Then Coachella came a few months after that. Actually, the following year, so the time after that, maybe.

JS: You had Bryan Ferry come out to play with you.

TT: He was also there in Oslo in August 2014. We did “Johnny & Mary,” the track we made together.

JS: Is this new album that you’re working on, is it going to be the band album? Or is it a solo album? 

TT: No. It’s a solo album, but it’s going to be featuring various artists along the way, including the band. 

JS: Is there a full band album that will be made at some point? 

TT: Hopefully, but I think that depends on how my studio situation is going. Right now, you can’t really record a band in here, so I’ve been looking for a new studio for ages, it seems. I still haven’t found the right place, really, but of course would like to.  We’re pregnant with our next baby, so that of course means that I have to make some music quickly, solo. As soon as I get the right place, I think things are going to go pretty fast with a band project album. 

JS: The Olsen Records label has kind of led into Olsen branching out into some other areas like clothes, or underwear and socks. I’ve been seeing them in the shops around town here in Oslo. How did that come about?

TT: It’s not like I’m going to do this now for now. It’s more like a side project. 

JS: Did someone approach you, or you just came up with the idea for it?

TT: It’s a collaboration with Eskimo Records in Belgium. Their clothes brand is called Original Eskimo and they have been making briefs, which I’ve been buying myself the last five years, and I just liked them a lot. Then I saw that they had stopped doing those briefs. I asked them… I knew that we had some mutual friends, so I just asked, “What’s happening with that old model?”

“Oh, we discontinued it.”

“What?”

Then I just had the idea to ask if I could collaborate. We both put our names on it and branded it as a collaboration. The graphics are designed by Bendik, but the shape is their classic brief. It’s just a side thing just for fun. I think it turned out really good. It looks really professional I think.

JS: It is only underwear, socks and T-shirts so far? 

TT: Yeah. Everything feels like it’s left-hand work, though, because I’m doing music. That’s what I do, and the merchandise was just like, “Yeah, whatever.” It just needs to be fun. Design-wise, I know we can always make something that is funny, but quality-wise, of course it requires a lot of attention if you want it to be really good. The socks, they were okay, but the underwear…it was really good so I was happy about that. T-shirts, of course, is just off-the-shelf stuff, so that’s easy.

JS: Any other new projects other than music?

TT: Yes, I just made 20 of these.

JS: Record weights? 

TT: Yeah, they were quite expensive to make, so we’re not going to continue with this line we did with Mastersounds. I think they are a bit too light. It needs to be heavier for the DJ’s.  We are going to make ones more inspired by the Audio-Technica ones. That’s going to take some time. We’re just calculating density. We know the density of steel and aluminum. We just need to find out what’s the best shape versus weight — harder than I thought.

JS: What do you think about the situation with vinyl when it comes to DJing these days?

TT: I don’t care, as you would imagine. Of course, it’s good for sales that more people are buying it, but that’s not DJs, DJs aren’t responsible for the sales. That’s regular people. DJ’s are playing less vinyl.

I don’t know many DJs who play vinyl. The only DJs who play vinyl now are people who probably got into it recently and wanted to be hip, because working DJs, they realize that clubs are in a terrible condition. Needles do not work. Feedback is not dealt with. When CDJ 2000s came out, they of course made our life shitloads easier. I don’t think many DJ’s are going to go back to that. The people who play vinyl now are people who are doing it at home because it still sucks to play vinyl in clubs unless it’s really, really well done. That’s rare, as you know.

JS: I still bring a bag with me pretty much wherever I go and I try and play it, and there are some clubs that really care and do it right, but yes those are rare. But you’ll still be making vinyl with Olsen Records?

TT: That’s mainly because of my love for vinyl.

JS: Do you still go record shopping?

TT: More now than ever. I don’t buy the same stuff that I did earlier. I used to just buy 12-inches that I could play, and now I almost exclusively buy non-playable music, which is the stuff that inspires me.

[dulwichdiverter]

Read all about it

Alastair Kenward tells us about the colourful career path that led him to open his buzzing bookshop Rye Books on Upland Road

By Katie Allen; Photos by Lima Charlie

A charming photobook of cheerful women perching on branches would make an unlikely Amazon bestseller – which might be why Women in Trees, edited by German photography collector Jochen Raiss, has been one of Rye Books’ recent, heartwarming hits.

“It is a great thing to be able to introduce people to books they might not think of. You’re not getting fed an algorithm, it’s a random choice,” says owner Alastair Kenward, who cites Alistair Gibbs’ photos of esoteric Peckham signage as another popular buy.

Bitten by Witch Fever, about  the Victorians’ toxic love of arsenic-dyed wallpaper – as well as the spoof Ladybird books which you probably received in your Christmas stocking – have also been sought-after by customers.

“Rye Books doesn’t have a top 50,” says Alastair. “We’re probably very different to the rest of the country. We stock a little bit of everything. It’s the more unique books that we tend to gravitate towards. We try to be very diverse.”

Based on Upland Road and perfectly placed for wanderers from Peckham Rye Park to East Dulwich – as well as bibliophiles venturing up from North Cross Road market – Rye Books recently celebrated its fifth birthday as one of the area’s best-loved bookshops. They marked the occasion with a party that included mulled cider and performances from local folkies The Relatives and the Nunhead Folk Circle.

Alastair opened the shop in 2011 just in time for Christmas. He and his wife Hatty had moved to Nunhead in 2009 and immediately began looking for a good site for the shop. He remembers: “Of all the empty shops, this one had the most soul. Even the mice had soul.”

The site was formerly a run-down old junk shop, where previous star stock included a rather covetable-sounding mint-green 1960s Pakistani washing machine. But it was situated on a street that had once been lively with shops including a haberdashery, a toy shop and a baker.

“We were like, ‘Let’s save this one,’” Alastair says. He admits that the route between Nunhead and East Dulwich was “a risk in terms of footfall, but we thought, ‘Let’s take that risk,’ and luckily it worked out.”

Alastair has worked in bookselling for 12 years, which has included stints as a partner at Clapham Books and Herne Hill Books. But running a bookshop is the culmination of a colourful career path that has seen him work – in no particular order – as a teacher, in a pub, in a tropical fish warehouse and briefly at Sainsbury’s.

He also worked for the RSPCA, where he remembers helping a cormorant escape from the toilets of a primary school and rescuing a family from a monitor lizard which had grown too big and was dominating their bedroom. “They were opening the door and throwing food in – they were terrified of it!”

He also spent three years as a gravedigger at Morden Cemetery. “All those jobs – they help to push you towards a passion,” he says. “You tend to gravitate towards what thrills you.”

Alastair’s love of books comes across strongly the moment you step through the door of Rye Books, which is cosy yet packed with shelves and tables displaying the sort of intriguingly chosen titles that ask to be picked up for a gander.

The tempting selection of stock almost guarantees that anyone dashing in for a birthday card or a gift will probably leave with something for themselves too.

Their most recent catalogue handpicked a variety of titles, including Artemis Cooper’s biography of Elizabeth Jane Howard, Carol Ann Duffy and Gillian Clarke’s poetry collection The Map and the Clock and the rather less highbrow Pornburger, for lovers of the ultimate fast food.

A recent unusual favourite has been London in Fragments: A Mudlark’s Treasures by Ted Sandling. London and locally themed titles always do well, Alastair reveals, but this book particularly excited him because of its sideways look at the city.

Sandling recently came in to host a popular event at the shop, revealing secrets about the items he had found while digging around in the mud of the Thames. They included an original RAF button, which contained a compass in case a marooned pilot needed to find his way back home.

Why did Alastair want to open a bookshop? “We wanted to raise books up, to make them something special again,” he says. “The internet has devalued many things, like vinyl, journalism and books. It has changed them for everyone, it devalues things for everyone.

“The internet can be a hollow experience: you order something online and you get it. There is a general trend towards wanting experience – a chance to meet authors, a nice place to buy a book. We want to inspire thinking and creativity and books are a perfect way to do that.”

The shop is known for working with community groups and schools as well as running a packed series of events. In the past year they’ve had Bridget Hargreave discussing her book about postnatal depression Fine (Not Fine) with Dr Helena Belgrave.

They’ve also welcomed Hester Vaizey, author of Born in the GDR, and Jon Magidsohn discussing his memoir Immortal Highway, about going on the road with his baby son after the death of his wife.

There’s also a programme of one-off events and regular classes for children, such as author readings, story time and baby bop. Local parents will know the diverse spread of children’s books too, from classics to contemporary favourites like Jon Klassen to more unusual picture and pop-up books. “There’s so much out there that lies undiscovered and that should be celebrated. We want to showcase books that don’t normally get seen,” says Alastair.

He cites bookshop favourite Coralie Bickford-Smith, whose award-winning illustrated book The Fox and the Star took over the bookshop window as a beautiful paper forest.

Of course few modern bookshops exist without selling an array of other products. Rye Books stocks wrapping paper and cards, some illustrated by local talent, book-related knick-knacks and tea, coffee from local social enterprise Old Spike Roastery, and cakes.

“Another passion of mine is eating,” admits Alastair, who for the past two years has also been selling colourful little Prakti stoves from the shop. Designed to help women in the developing world – because they funnel smoke out of a dwelling – and to run economically, they are ideal for campers and those who like to feast outdoors. “I love being outside and cooking – it’s a marriage of that.”

Speaking of keeping cosy, one of Alastair’s plans for 2017 is to install a wood burner in the shop. His second plan will please dog lovers, especially those who were fond of Kenward family dog Bert, who has sadly passed away.

The family recently acquired George, a six-week-old Lab-cross puppy. “If he’s anything like Bert, he’ll enjoy chewing all the stock,” Alastair laughs. “I’ve missed having a bookshop dog.”

He’s planning to continue hosting events for his customers, although nothing is in the diary as yet. “At the beginning of the year I have no idea what we are going to have,” he says. “The thrill of it is that people organically come along. It always amazes me – we get to the end of the year and somehow we’ve done it.”

He is positive about the future of the bookselling industry, which has been rocked by the closures of bookshops large and small due to the threat of Amazon and online shopping as well as rising rents and the lure of e-books.

“More bookshops have opened than in previous years, that’s an encouraging sign,” he says. “People have seen a balance in favour of printed books and sales are coming back. People don’t want to look at screens all the time, and books are a comfort.”

He points to the popularity of titles such as Elena Ferrante’s blockbuster Neapolitan series, which is essentially about the friendship between two women over the years. “There is a trend towards escapist books because of the horrible place we’re in [politically].

“A book is a place for people to lose themselves – they will serve an even greater role in helping people get though the times we are living in. That’s what I have always loved about books – they can transport you and enrich your life.

“There’s nothing wrong with books that give you a hug – you don’t always have to read literary books. Whatever you are feeling, there will be a book to fit it. In the shop, we’ve listened as hard as we can to the people coming in here. They have shaped how it looks and what we sell.”

He discusses Rye Books’ mixed clientele, which includes parents and children in particular during the week and “everyone else” at the weekend. Then there are the customers who buy from the bookshop’s striped van, which turns up everywhere from North Cross Road market on Saturdays to book fairs across London.  

With almost stage-managed timing, while we are chatting a woman passing knocks on the door and pokes her head in to thank Alastair for a recent event she enjoyed. Other passersby wave and smile.

“The best thing about running the shop is the friends we have made,” Alastair says. “The community, the sense of trust. I’m pleased we’ve managed to do five years – we couldn’t have done it without all the people who live around here and for that we’re grateful.

“No day is ever the same, and that’s down to the people really. That’s why we keep on doing it – every day is different because of the customers. We’ve had a good year and we hope to have another one.”

[meroniasecretexchange-blog]

Author: http://forbiddensoul562.tumblr.com/

Gift for: @fragileradius​

Prompt: Getting drunk together for the first time [after/while (your choice)] having life hardships. “Everything in this world sucks except for you.”

Author’s Notes: I sort of stretched the requests of these prompts a bit much. So, fragileradius, if this doesn’t meet your expectations or you’re disappointed or what not, PLEASE let me know and I’ll give it a second go. 

Another note, this is a bit longer than I had anticipated, so… I guess I apologize for having to put it all here rather than publishing it on ff.net or elsewhere.

The thing about Mello was that no matter how hard he tried, he was never quite as unpredictable as he believes himself to be. No matter how many times he tried to show up unannounced to the SPK building… Near always seemed to know when to leave the doors unlocked. It was as though Near could smell the ash and burning cinders pulled in by the winds of his approach.

Yet this time wasn’t quite the same. This time Mello finally found a way to surprise him.

He entered the command room with an air that in itself said he owned the place, the dull thud of his boots against the smooth tile the only greeting he offered. Still Near’s heartbeat picked up speed in his chest. Mello was exciting. Mello was a hurricane. Destructive and terrifying to everyone in its path except to those like Near who purposefully placed themselves in his way as a means of charting his path. He was deadly, but predictable.

He was silent for a long minute, as though if left alone Near would merely forget his existence. As though it was ever quite so simple. Yet Near found himself daring to ponder, “If tomorrow the world was going to end and this was the last night we had together… What would you say?”

“Have a drink with me.”

Perhaps Near was not as unpredictable as he’d once thought himself. For the response was sent his way without the slightest pause for consideration, as though Mello had constructed it well before his entrance to the building.

Finally, the younger genius turned to him, gazing upon the form of one he’d known his entire life, feeling as though in some way he was seeing Mello for the first time. As though he was gazing not upon the opposing figure of their lifelong competition, but rather the humanity Near had always known Mello harbored within him. It felt like Mello was entrusting him with something beyond even Near’s comprehension. Near’s look shifted just a bit, “What’s going on?”

“The world’s ending.”

“Mello.” Gray eyes shoot him a look that pleads for him to be serious; that he can’t get to the bottom of whatever is troubling him, whatever brought him here, if the question is alluded. Though he knows he should hardly expect anything else.

“Have a drink with me.”

For a moment Near considered turning away from him, continuing with the card tower he’d only just begun to construct around himself until Mello inevitably grew bored and left. But on the other hand, even he had to admit… when had he not given Mello his full attention should he merely ask for it?

Near relents. He stands upon limbs that ache and protest at the sudden movement after being stagnant for longer than he cared to remember. Each creak of his joints sounded to him like the comments Mello had once thrown at him, that if he continued treating his body the way he did that it would eventually catch up with him. Eventually… Near was always waiting for that ‘eventually.’

He leads them down a few floors, to a rarely used living space designed not only for himself but for those that worked for him. “I know Rester keeps some kind of alcohol here,” Near says to fill the silence while he rummages through the cupboards. “Conventional social culture seems to suggest that he would use it to ‘put up’ with the ‘outlandish’ requests I make of him.” Whatever that meant.

Mello sighed a bit too dramatically and finally pushed the younger out of the way to see for himself what the selection available was. He eventually pulled out a short, rounded bottle consisting of a deep amber liquid. “At least you hire people with good tastes.”

They sit across from one another at a nearby table, one shot glass shared between them. Mello takes the first shot, throwing it back like it was nothing. For a moment Near considers asking about that… about his history with alcohol. But what good would it do? What would be the end goal? And beyond that, was that a story he necessarily wanted to be told? Were those times that he really wanted to know? Was that a side of Mello he wanted to become familiar with?

The shot glass was filled, then slid across the table to him. Near eyed it like he’d been handed a loaded gun. “Why are we doing this?” Near asked quietly, looking away from his own ominously looming fate back to azure eyes that pierced the darkness surrounding them.

“You’re the one who said-”

“No.” Near interrupted. “Really. Why are we doing this?” The question was left intentionally vague, allowing Mello read anything he chose into it. Why the two of them? What event brought this on? Why drinking? Why did he seek inebriation? Why did Mello keep showing up here?

“Who else?”

“Literally anybody.”

“Maybe I just like you.” Mello leaned forward on the table, his gaze never breaking from Near, yet his lithe form shifted its weight towards him as though at any second he would snap. Near had never felt quite so much like prey. But that too was strangely exhilarating, to be chased rather than the one chasing for a change.

“Even I need a drink to be able to start unpacking the meaning behind that comment.” Near retorted, picking up the shot glass and, not wanting to be outdone by his self-proclaimed rival, placing it to his lips and tipping it back to let the liquid slip down his throat.

The liquor was strong, burning his nose and his throat on the way down. But it warmed his center and he couldn’t help feeling how strangely appropriate this all felt. Still he found himself coughing, his stomach retching at the compounding of the awful scent and taste together on his senses.

Mello’s lips pulled back as he chuckled, the sudden lightheartedness seeming enough to light the room, or perhaps just Near’s world. What exactly was going on here, what was going through Mello’s mind, and why was he seeking any of this from him? The answers, much like everything with Mello, felt just beyond his grasp. Yet that didn’t mean Near wasn’t beyond searching for them. After all, finding answers and causes was what a detective was supposed to do.

The two continued in relative silence, each slide of the shot glass from one to the other acting as an unspoken dare to the other, to match what they’d done and build upon it. Of course, neither wanted to lose. Being the best, in all manners, was sewed into their veins.

Mello ultimately broke the silence, his normally bright and fierce eyes dulled a bit by the ingestion of alcohol. “Do you ever feel like… we’ve been cheated out of a real life?”

“Cheated?” Near asked, his head lolling a bit to the side as confusion overtook his expression.

“Yeah. Cheated. We’ve spent our entire lives fighting over a title. A title which has done nothing but lead anyone who dares chase it to utter ruin.”

“I don’t think we-”

“Really?” Mello interrupted incredulously, leaning forward on the table a bit, the gold tresses of his blonde hair losing its usual haloing effect around his face. “Do you really think either of us would be like this if we hadn’t been forced into that life?”

Near was quiet, because truthfully, he couldn’t say for certain as he’d never given it much thought. Coming out on top he’d assumed had given him a unique privilege that let him escape any sort of ‘ruin’ Mello spoke of. But thinking more on it now, Mello had a point…

But the blonde spoke before he could voice that. “I have hated you for as long as I’ve known you because of the culture bred by that place. If we both hadn’t been fighting for that…” His lips pulled together into a thin line, looking away from him before continuing. “You’ll never hear me say this when I’m sober, but if it hadn’t been for that fucking place, that competition… I probably would have liked you. Hell, I do like you.” He threw back another shot of the amber liquor, then slid it over to Near.

Near regarded the empty shot glass, wondering if his fingers would cooperate enough at this point to properly pour himself another shot. But at the same time, stopping at that point felt as though he would be putting a premature stop to the secrets Mello was daring to place out into the open. Still, his words broke from between his lips before he could stop himself, “It’s funny you say that because I absolutely cannot stand you.”

“What?” Mello’s entire disposition shifted in that moment, looking as though he wanted to get up, but the alcohol in his system kept him rooted in place and at the mercy of Near’s words. “You can’t… Why the hell didn’t you just fucking tell me that, then?!”

A smirk crossed Near’s lips, glancing up to Mello with what he could only hope was a mischievous look, “Well, it wouldn’t be any fun if I didn’t lead you on a little bit.”

Mello’s look narrowed on him, the silence persisting another moment before, “You know what, forget I said anything. I can’t fucking stand you. You are the worst kind of person.”

“That’s quite the insult coming from someone who worked so closely with the Mafia, dear Mello.”

Another silence passed over them, one which Near this time didn’t care to try and read, instead becoming aware of a new dizziness forming in his head. He felt himself sway back and forth, overcome in that moment by a sort of wonderment in his body’s inability to catch himself, or hold himself straight.

Through the fog he heard Mello say, “Why do you call me that?”

Near looked up to see the way Mello’s eyes watched him carefully, questioningly, his entire attention placed upon him and whatever his response would be to that question. And what was Near to say? How could he word it when he himself had never quite had the words for it? He swallowed, looking down to the table so he didn’t have to meet Mello’s stare. His words tumbled from his lips, “Because I like… I wanted you to…”

“Near?” His tone was different this time, Near noted. Concerned, rather than inquisitive.

The younger pushed himself to sit back in his seat, “I need to go. I need…” His hands shifted flat against the wood table to push himself up, “I don’t feel right.” He stood, but his legs felt numb, or perhaps he’d merely misjudged how much his head was spinning as the next thing he knew he felt himself falling to the floor.

The world swirled around him, somewhere in the distance he heard his name spoken followed shortly after by Mello appearing in front of his field of vision. “Hey, are you alright?” A warm hand was pressed to his cheek. “Near?”

He nodded, but his eyes closed, “Fine.” He said simply, the warmth of Mello’s hand seeming to transfer to his own form as he realized what had happened and immediately grew embarrassed for letting it happen in the first place. Why, he wasn’t sure. After all, Mello had been the one to instigate these actions. Therefore, this was clearly Mello’s fault. Yes, that seemed justifiable enough.

“Come on, let me help.” His tone was lower, almost begrudging, yet with a tinge of humor that made Near smile. For as much as Mello clearly disliked having his evening disrupted by this, obviously he was at least slightly humored by seeing Near out of his usual context.

“I’m fine.” Near protested as he was pulled up from the floor just enough for Mello to pick him up into his arms. He shifted, “Don’t. I’ll walk.”

“You idiot, would you just shut up, you’re light as a fucking feather. Besides, you’d just end up on the damn floor again anyway.”

Mello carried him into the bedroom, depositing him carefully onto the side of the bed. Only then did he lean forward a bit, looking him over seriously, “Are you going to be sick? Tell me now, otherwise I’ll just let you fucking drown in it later.”

A small smile creased Near’s features at Mello’s crude consideration, daring to reach out and push back the fine strands of Mello’s hair behind his ear he replied, “You wouldn’t. But no, I’ll be fine. I told you I was fine before.”

“Yeah, of course you are. Lay down before you fall again.”

Near complied, laying back and letting his eyes close, feeling the way the world spun around him. He felt the way his stomach churned at the motion and he considered redacting his previous statement.

He felt the bed beside him shift, and looked over momentarily to find Mello lying beside him. Mello shot him a look, “Shut up, I don’t want to hear it.”

So Near said nothing about it, instead turning to lay on his side facing him, his eyes closed to keep from potentially meeting that intense gaze. “I don’t dislike you, you know.” Near heard himself say.

Mello scoffed, “Convenient to say now.”

“And what I was saying before…” Near continued, “About using the phrase ‘dear Mello.’” He paused, again considering over his words as though they themselves were puzzle pieces that he couldn’t entirely figure out how to place in their right spot. “I needed a way to get your attention… a way for you to actually notice me.”

Mello was quiet again, and for a second Near considered maybe he hadn’t said any of that aloud. Perhaps he’d merely said it to himself. He was just about to repeat himself when he heard, “You’re such an idiot.”

“So you keep telling me.”

The space was silent between them again, and Near was content enough to lay beside his supposed rival, inhaling the musky scent of Mello mixed with the liquor they had shared while his entire world spun around him. He had just about drifted off into a dreamless sleep when he felt a pair of lips press a quick kiss to his forehead.

[foxmanlyman]

Top 10 Games I Will Forever Adore

Ever since I was a little kid, I gamed. From small little flash games on Neopets to popular MMOs, to mobile games and old CD Roms, I believe that games will always be a part of my life. However, just like the changing of seasons, games come and go. However, no matter how long it will be, I will never forget these following games. 

No spoilers, and also this list won’t go in-depth really. It’s more of a personal journey if nothing else.

10 - Legend Of Zelda: Windwaker

Windwaker was an amazing game back in the days of the Gamecube era. It was released in 2002 December 13th in Japan originally and I was only around 4 years old at the time. My Uncle began to show me games that he was excited to see, so when it came out in late March in 2003, he bought it ASAP.  

At first, I wasn’t interested in the game and shrugged it off, but my Uncle insisted that I at least watch him play. And so, I did and became almost mesmerized by the cel-shaded graphics, the toony characters, and the whole environment of the game. 

I could never get into the original games because I never saw the point of following a  character who can't kill chickens and was just a dungeon crawler (to me at the time), but this game was an excellent introduction into what the Zelda games were about - Adventure, fighting, sometimes stealth, and action! I partially blame this game for my obsession with adventure games now. 

Still to this day, I have my save and the game, and go back on it from time to time just to enjoy the game as it were. I haven't gotten the HD remake still, but I might once my disc starts to nope out on me.

9 - Ar:PieL

Releasing around 2015, this game was a dungeon crawler with a quirk: The characters resembled real-life animals, and it had very nice character models that looked very interesting.  

If it wasn't for the game below this one, I probably wouldn't of bat an eye at it, but I'm glad I did. The powers each character had felt fluid in battle, and whether it be a difficult boss or just mobs, there was always fast-paced combat and also unique enemies to look at. Each NPC felt very unique with characteristics of animals or other things (like the nurse which looked to be similar to a marionette). 

I know, I keep saying that everything looks unique, but it really does. It has a fairy tale vibe to it, it's bright and colorful and chooses to have their darker moments when it does. It's one of those games that makes me want to learn Korean just to read what is going on in the story.

Currently, the game is only out for Korea and Japan, but I hope it does come to NA one day or other places because it's a nice gem in dungeon crawling games. 

8 - Rusty Hearts

Before I even poked Dungeon Fighters Online, I looked at Rusty Hearts that came out in 2011 due to the style of the game. Honestly, I don’t remember much from the game except the dark environment and fun fighting, grinding room through room and eagerly waiting to see the next step in the story. 

Unfortunately, it closed down 2014, but some people are bringing it back potentially soon. I can't wait until it comes back to feel the nostalgia and the game that began my love for dungeon crawling games in the first place, because for such a long time I just didn't like them and never gave them much a chance. 

7 - Momodora Series

Created by r_rdein , The Momodora series in most cases begins in a similar scenario: things are going down and a sacrificial maiden must come to the rescue and save the day in a nutshell. Before it was more pixel-ly, but in the newest game, the graphics are a huge step up. 

Combat is simple, but you need to know when to dodge and when to strike or it could cost your life in the game. Each game has something a bit different, but as you play through each one, you can see the quality of games going up relatively well. The difficulty and world-building in the newer game were a nice sight to see, and the earlier games were very difficult but fun and left me a sense of accomplishment with every victory. 

Each story was very fun to go through, and I hope there will be more added in the Momodora series, or maybe even a remake of the older ones in the style of Reverie Under The Moonlight. The game’s story and the premise was so simple, but at the same time said so much.

6 - Animal Crossing Series

Oh boy, this takes me back. When this came out in 2001, my Uncle got this and said we could live in a town together when I grow up. Fast forward to 2004, where my Uncle was preparing this town and basically getting a bunch of Bells, almost everything in the town was spic and span. After realizing how much I was getting into adventure games and cartoony games like Windwaker in 2003, he decided it was time to show me this bad boy.

At first, I'm going to be honest. I didn't see the point of the game. It was boring, just planting flowers, working for Nook, and designing your house and clothes and whatnot. However, I kept playing it because my Uncle said it was a relaxing game. When I was upset, I went on and calmed myself down, and suddenly I started getting invested into the characters and environment. When people moved out, I got sad and promised to write them, and I grinded to get weeds out of the town. When the new additions came after, and my Uncle and I played the next one on the DS, it was so cool to catch butterflies and fish and just have a relaxing session from the usual violence or fighting. 

But then it would be the last Animal Crossing game I would play with my Uncle. I still go to the original game still and fix the town like my Uncle fixed it back then, and in the DS game I fix both towns. My 3DS game was stolen (along with the 3DS), so I need to get that game again, but this game will always be bittersweet and make me happy to be living a simple and happy life... Until Resetti yells at me for forgetting to save. 

5 - Harvest Moon + Story of Seasons/Stardew Valley

As I got into more life-based games, Harvest Moon came to the rescue and allowed me to make my own farm and eventually raise a family. The town was filled with a lot of memorable people - specifically the goddess and also the mayors in the games. Each day was tasking and balancing everyday work and social life felt almost as hard as real life!

The sprites were so adorable, and I loved when they helped out on the farm, but as the later editions of the Harvest Moon franchise came out, the towns began to feel...Emptier... The NPCs a little less memorable. This is where Story of Seasons and Stardew Valley came along, and brought what I remembered and loved about Harvest Moon. In Stardew Valley, it felt a tad more depressing, but both games were a breath of fresh air with their own quirks to stand out and also be fun.

I hope Harvest Moon brings back the feelings that I felt before, because I still like to play the games - whether they be 3D or Pixellated.

4 - Silent Hill 1-3 (3 Specifically)

Showing up in 2003 was a beautiful game I wasn't allowed to play until I was 8 years old. Everyone will tell you most likely about Silent Hill 2 being the best game in the Franchise. I agree, the second one was amazing, but my personal preference favors the third game specifically because of how it connects Silent Hill 1 to their game. As I said up there, I won't spoil, but the imagery and the whole feeling is genuinely frightening and scary, and emits a true sense of danger and paranoia with it's soundtrack, monsters, and even grim cutscenes. The endings are very nicely made along with bosses in the game. 

Silent Hill 2 was a great game as well, but the issue with it was that I didn't see an outright connection with the first game. Where the first game told a narrative that was finding your daughter (I'll leave it at that), the second felt more like a question of morality while having self-discovery. Maybe it's just me, but how Silent Hill 3 tied in to the first game is almost seamless after you play through and realize what's truly going on.

 The graphics to this day look great, and will forever inspire the horror enthusiast inside of me. As for the HD remake of the game... Er... I don't like to talk about that. It didn't exist guys, mmmkay? 

3 - Nier Automata

Woah, a 2017 game on this list? Why so recent?

The Nier series and mixed two of my favorite things: hack-and-slash combat and bullet hell elements. In the newest game, NieR: Automata, it just improves upon that and with the many things I can't give away because everything I want to say spoils a lot of it. It feels like a true steam/cyberpunk game and I don't feel awkward going through hacking games and hack-and-slash combat. The world is small, but is also dynamic and changes so much.

You grow a connection to the world it built, and it questions morality and duty and a lot more regarding humanity, individuality, fear, companionship... Oh, so much I want to tell you about this game but can't. Many will get turned off by the bullet hell mechanics, as well as the style and the appearance of the characters. If you give this game a try though, it's such a trip and I can't wait for the DLC that’s coming out soon~

Why I put this game instead of the original Nier here is solely due to how many questions it put on my morality and humanity, and I felt so much of a connection to this one more than the previous game.

2 - Phantasy Star Online 2 (And other Phantasy Star Games)

Here’s to a game that will never come out in NA! With SEA's server closing down and NA's continuously being delayed, it's more than likely this will never come out officially for us. However, the JP game is there and a tweaker to give us the ability to play and understand most of the game is almost like a breath of fresh air. 

The game originally game out in 2012, and what got me so immersed in it was how beautiful the game looked to me. A lot would argue that the game looks outdated compared to games that came out now, especially with hands not having bones or animations really, but you can make a truly different and special character and switch your class at anytime. You aren't bound at all to a class, and there are so many emotes and powers to use. Each weapon is a different playstyle, and you can achieve weapons you can use even if the class isn't your main.

Add to the fact the game is literally an alternate reality and more things story-wise I can't go into right now, it's like a dream game for me. Bosses are immense and tough, and just recently they released level 80 to get to, and the way to uncap yourself from the level before is rather challenging.

In the other games, like PSP, I enjoyed the lore and going to other planets, acting like a galactic pirate CAST (a robot). You can design your room, listen to music, and there's so many collabs and fashion to douse yourself in, now a battle arena, challenge miles, and just a lot to sink your teeth in for a F2P game.

Runner Ups: 

Black Desert Online- 

A beautiful but heavily grindy game. The combat is probably the best thing about this game, but a lot of things that has happened still leaves me slightly cautious about the publishers/devs. 

 ArcheAge-

Very original and a great class system, and you could make your own music and sail. My favorite was the ocean creatures lurking in the depths of the sea and surpising you! Similar to BDO, the publishers and devs made me cautious about the game and their business practices left me saddened. 

 Dark Cloud 2-

A forgotten gem to many, but got me so interested into time travel and effects from past-to-future events. The story and characters were so different at the time too, and was a trip for me. 

Touhou-

What got me originally into bullet hell games. The characters are enjoyable to see, the graphics don’t kill my eyes as they spray bullets into my face, and the best girl was in that game: Cirno!  

and Amazing Island-

It’s super mario party mixed with pokemon and you could make a lot of variations in the monster creation. I appreciated the game a lot and hope it pops up as a PC port similar to Jet Set Radio.

1 - Mabinogi

 What? How is a game from 2008 in first place you ask?

The year was probably one of the worst years for me in my entire life, but still I was drawn to this game. It was early 2009, and I came across this weird game called "Mabinogi." I had no idea what it was about, but someone from Talesrunner suggested it to me. Just at the character creation I felt excited and began my story for my character: An adventurer to save Erinn from all the evil-do-ers. Bear with me, I was a kid at the time. It began with a small roleplaying adventure, but suddenly grew into more than that. Almost like a second life.

As the years continued on, they added so much to the game like guns, ninja gear, a battle bard, things that wouldn't fit anywhere but fit in this game, and you weren't limited to a class. You could learn and do almost anything, and customization kept getting better as well. A large heap of my friends came from this game, and I could never find something to fill the gap that Mabinogi leaves in me every time I try to quit. It keeps bringing me back because of how different the game felt. The story went from cute to intense to weird to a... Shakespeare play? (Yes, that was a thing) There was just so much packed into this game.

 When Mabi 2, or Vindictus was announced, I was hoping a revamped version of Mabinogi. Instead, we got... Well, what you know of Vindictus: dungeon crawling fighting game.... A good game, but not at all like the Mabinogi I know and love. 

At the moment, a game named Peria Chronicles looks to be the game that might be similar to Mabinogi in some ways, but I'm not truly sure. I genuinely hope that a game like Mabinogi, or a revamp of the game with new-gen graphics shows up and brings the same amazement that Mabinogi brought to both the child and adult me, and I will forever love this game, as it has me in such a tight grasp. 

Well, that was my list for my top 10 games I will forever adore.  Thanks for reading!  This was genuinely so hard to make, because there's so many games I wanted to include into this list (like Portal, for example, or even Nights). However, these games mostly made it to the list because it made a deep personal connection and helped shape me or make me question myself, and I'm happy to be playing these games. I hope that more beautiful games come out, and that there will be more games that will influence and shape me even more. 

Do you guys have any games that imprinted on you so much?