#it's a bad choice and coming from someone with her power and resources it's a choice that causes immense harm

[shinobicyrus]

What I take from this is that JK Rowling actually has the discipline to stop posting transphobic shit for an extended period of time. Unlike her potential co-defendant Musk, who seems physically incapable of not posting on twitter for a goddamn second, JK Rowling is able to just stop entirely. This tells us two things:

JK Rowling has enough self-restraint to stop posting if there is a personal, financial, and/or legal reason to do so.

Years of people, including long time former fans, begging her to stop posting dangerous and bigoted lies about trans people that has eroded their rights and tangibly made their lives more dangerous across the world wasn't enough to get to her stop.

it really took a whole ass lawsuit for her to shut her fucking mouth

[isagrimorie]

People give Janeway guff about not giving Kazon replicators and transporters. Still, it's proven repeatedly that giving one Kazon faction an advantage over the other would be mixing it up in an internal war that would LITERALLY shift the balance of power.

Klingons at least know the technology they have engineers, even as it's becoming a dying breed over Warriors.

TLDR in Alliance Chakotay and Tuvok convinces Janeway that making an alliance with a Kazon faction is the way to go.

And so she does finally concede on this little experiment but with a lot of reservations going in: That once they leave the infighting will go on, and might actually have been worse.

Tuvok naively thinks it might help and bring about a Federation.

B'Elanna then pushes forward Harry's sarcastic comment about forming an alliance with Seska and then at the first sign of this, Chakotay balks.

And then Janeway says something that I feel is her guiding principle in dealing with hard decisions:

Janeway: "You can't have it both ways Commander. If you want to get in the mud with the Kazon you can't start complaining that you might get dirty."

Again, this is what I love about Janeway -- she gets flack for it but when Janeway makes a decision no one else wants to make it.

As I've mentioned in another post in tags: #right or wrong#i admire how janeway is always the one#who goes#the buck stops with me#she makes the hard choices on voyager#especially during debates#when the staff just goes around and around in circles#like in memorial where she starts just in the background#listening to the senior staff debate#from how janeway started in episode 2 of season 1#where she's presented with the horrific#sophie's choice of neelix dying because he has no lungs#and then subjecting another person to the same fate#to the (now boring debate about tuvix)#to this moment#to the moment on the memorial episode#she will take on that burden#and she will always stare at the hardest choice unflinchingly#because someone has to#as the 12th doctor once said#sometimes all your choices are bad ones#but you still have to choose#

In this episode, she allowed herself to be persuaded but she's not sold on it. But she's letting her crew run with it -- okay so we do this, but if we do this, we commit to it. And yet, at the first uncomfortable decisions... there's already balking. This was Janeway testing the waters if any other person on her senior staff could carry water about making the hard choices.

So far the ones who have stepped up were B'Elanna, Tom, and Neelix.

Anyway, I wish there was more fallout on the whole Kazon vs Trabe conflict because that was actually interesting.

But also Voyager had a Doctor Who problem -- if they meddle in the affairs of a spatial politik, they don't know the repercussions of their actions and just look at Living Witness and the reputation Voyager gained simply by doing a bit of a trade deal.

Voyager can help when they can, see: helping Brenari refugees escape the Devore. (Counterpoint).

But they can't and shouldn't really interfere with internal politics. They're not like DS9 where they can stay in one place and fix things permanently. They're just passing through.

This is also why I think she wasn't really considering Tuvok and Chakotay's thing during the Void episode where they raid another ship's resources. (Also, because after Ransom and Equinox, she knows what faltering in the Federation principles can do).

Crucially, she's also known both Chakotay and Tuvok enough that while she loves them -- Janeway knows neither men have the stomach for their proposals.

The Alliance episode was one example of that already.

Janeway, though, if she is pushed to make that commitment and there was absolutely NO way they can prevent raiding others-- Janeway would have committed to that action 110%. This is why I feel Janeway would actually come to a similar conclusion as Sisko in In the Pale Moonlight.

Especially, if she gets daily reports of Starfleet casualties. I have a feeling, there would be less kicking and screaming when Garak finally does his reveal.

Janeway has rules for a reason. She is fastidious about it. For a reason. Because once she commits to an action, it will take both hell and high water to take her off that course.

/edited

[neuroticbookworm]

Love in the Big City Part 2: Go Yeong and Umma

I was chased around, threatened, bullied and emotionally manipulated for months to write this piece, so @lurkingshan, this one's for you. *please release my family*

When I was reading the book, in Part 1, I remember being frustrated with Young as a narrator because of how standoffish he seemed with his descriptions of the people in his life (except Jaehee – Mi Ae in the show). I wanted to understand the emotional distance I felt in his words. And I got my answer in Part 2, where the relationship with his Umma was laid bare for us to see. The structure of this section was so smart, for it established the roots of his behavior in his childhood with Umma, and linked it to how it shaped the relationship he currently had with Hyung. Seeing it come to life on screen in the episodes this week was a treat to watch.

It becomes evident that Go Yeong’s relationship with his Umma is complicated as soon as we see them interact on screen. She is steadfastly religious, someone who believes that miracles can cure things that humans sometimes deem incurable, like cancer. We could easily infer from what we’ve seen of Go Yeong so far that she would not approve of his life.

Before I get into how her opinions and actions affect and influence Go Yeong, I wanna fully break down some of the objective facts we know about her:

She divorced her husband after he stepped out of their marriage and didn’t even have the courage to tell her about his infidelity

She is a single mother

She is an entrepreneur (in fact, we see her working from her bed in the hospital in multiple scenes)

She is religious and believes in the power of God

She is proud of her son

She loves her son

The last two points come with the biggest asterisks, because if she loves and feels pride for her son, how could she make him feel so alone? And now I shall try to explore this woman’s psyche to the best of my abilities, with a little bit of help from my personal experiences and therapy sessions I’ve paid money for over the years.

When we try to picture a homophobic parent, the image that our brain usually conjures up is often one-dimensional. (Note: This is NOT AN EXCUSE. I’m not trying to justify her actions. I am simply trying to understand why she did the things she did, by placing the context of the events of her life around them.) It is easier to process our emotions re: bad parents who hurt their children when we view their actions as simple. “They could’ve chosen not to do it and yet they did, so I hate them” is the conclusion that is the easiest to arrive at. That doesn’t make it untrue, but oftentimes, it is not the whole truth. Life is rarely, if ever, that simple, and our parents can truly love us while also rejecting fundamental parts of who we are, and never reconcile the two.

We see in the show the circumstances under which Yeom Eun Suk (Umma) finds out about her husband’s affair. She and little Go Yeong observe him from the sidelines, hidden, and see him smile like he had never done in all the time he had spent with them. We see Eun Suk feeling crushed by the implication that whatever love and happiness she thought she had had in her life with her husband was all potentially a farce. The fact that she chose to separate from him implies a couple of things: 1. She had strength and resourcefulness to provide for her son as a single mother in a restrictive patriarchal society like South Korea, and 2. She understood that staying in the unhappy marriage would only make her bitter and would affect her son more negatively than him growing up with a single parent.

She was brave enough to make those choices, and yet was still bound by her sense of propriety molded by society, and her faith. I’ve had a dynamic relationship with faith throughout my life, but I understood pretty quickly that questioning one’s faith is a particularly painful experience. Faith is supposed to be the solace one could turn to during trying times. When one is forced by circumstance to question their faith, it leaves them unmoored on the inside and further isolated on the outside. Eun Suk was already isolated to a certain degree by her divorce and her single motherhood. From what we learned in the book, there’s a history of cancer diagnoses in her family, so I would posit that she had been in Go Yeong’s shoes before, caring for her terminally ill parents in the past. Which is additional trauma from caregiving in her young adulthood that would’ve shaped her life. So I understand Eun Suk not questioning her faith when it was shaken.

She rebuilt her life and community by pursuing her faith—attending church, making friends who shared those values, and idolizing the Christian heteronormative lifestyle even after it failed her. She followed the rules dictated by her faith and community with utmost devotion, including building an entire business around heteronormative romance, in part because she had already transgressed by breaking up her own family and needed to prove she was not bucking that ideal or rejecting the church’s teachings with her choices. We see her take care of her appearance over and over when she is in the hospital after her first diagnosis and surgery, and it is yet another sign of her conformity and dedication to presenting a certain picture of her life. I understand why she would see her teenage son kissing a boy as a blemish on “a life deemed beautiful by God” and panic. I understand why she would think a psychiatric facility would help her son, and that it was her duty to try. (Note: once again, I am not justifying her actions, I am trying to understand them. Conversion therapy is deplorable and my heart goes out to everyone who has been subjected to it, including Go Yeong.) Eun Suk’s faith saved her by giving her purpose and community after her husband’s betrayal, but it also told her that her son, in his queerness, is fundamentally flawed. And like most people in this world, she chose not to rethink her entire life, and instead chose to believe that it is her duty to save her son from homosexuality and guide him to righteousness via the same path that saved her own life, ultimately traumatizing him. Hello, intergenerational trauma, my old friend!

@lurkingshan has already discussed the kdrama-fication of Part 2, with the increased intensity of Go Yeong’s romance with Hyung/Yeong Su. Expanding on that, I think the show’s depiction of Go Yeong’s relationship with his Umma rounded out the sharp edges of Young’s cynical tone from the book. We see her enjoy spending time with him. We see her joke around with him. We see her read her child with uncanny precision that mothers seem to have when she asked him “Why are you sulking like a child?”, when he was, in fact, sulking like a child. We see her observe and deduce that her son is probably seeing someone, and that someone is likely a man. Which then leads to her asking “Must I meet them?” when Go Yeong suggests a meeting with Yeong Su in the park. She runs from direct confrontation of her son’s sexuality, and yet diligently copies Bible verses, hoping for a miracle.

Eun Suk sees her son’s queerness as her own failure, and Go Yeong, in turn, sees his righteous anger towards his Umma, as his. She is so proud of him that she saves newspaper clippings of his achievements, but she is also ashamed that she couldn’t “save” him. She loves him within the confines of her faith. It’s not enough for Go Yeong, but it’s the best she can do; their relationship remains at an impossible impasse.

Yeong Su’s presence in this section is interesting because in addition to his primary role of serving as the broody, tortured creative who swept Go Yeong up in a whirlwind romance, he also serves as a parallel to Umma’s traits. When Yeong Su exclaims that “someone like [Go Yeong] couldn’t even imagine [his struggles]”, it rang eerily close to Umma telling her son “Don’t try too hard. Everyone must go sometimes”. The expression of disdain is the same, but in Yeong Su it reads hollow, as a pretentious assumption, while with Umma it registers as tired disappointment that Go Yeong would’ve surely felt as heavy as a boulder.

After finishing the book, I found myself going back to a particular paragraph:

...[I] was old enough to know that my mother did not exist solely to hinder my existence but was a person in her own right who had fought hard making her way through life. She just happened to be unlucky. In other words, the fact that our relationship had been so terrible was as natural as cancer or fungus or the rotation of our planet or sunspots. I knew this, but the feeling that she was the source of all my problems kept nagging at me. I kicked myself for thinking this about a dying person, someone who was only skin and bones at this point, but the thought refused to leave my mind.

It took me a long time to reach the acceptance Sang Young Park has put in words here. The fact that my trauma is an unfortunate byproduct of the life my parents had lived, and was not premeditated or fuelled by hate, was a hard and unfair pill to swallow. I want to grab Go Yeong and tell him that it is okay if he can’t ever forgive his Umma. Time will wash over his hurt and let him love her, even without the apology he deserves from his Umma. And I hope that, one day, he can learn to love the people in his life differently than the love he received from his mother.

[thenightfolknetwork]

Hi there, I know this is going to come across as a little unconventional but I am a superhero or rather I am part of a group of costumed good samaritans based in LA who happen to be born with various special abilities. You see we’re all what could I suppose be classified as mutants and we grew up watching a lot of hero cartoons as kids so when we discovered that we had superpowers we all thought it might be fun to become a real life superhero team. We’re actually pretty good at it and we fight other supernatural threats pretty often, but that’s not why I’m asking. You see, I’m in need of some advice. 

You see there is a member of our group who I strongly believe to be gay and I think she’s a bit too scared to come out to the rest of us. Now normally this would be fine and we would be more than happy to give her time to adjust and come out on her own terms except she’s been doing something a bit odd to dance around this issue. 

There’s this one recurring villain we face who is a bit of a mad scientist and I strongly suspect that she is actually my teammate’s girlfriend. Every time she shows up her scheme’s always revolve around either kidnapping my teammate as a power source or “brainwashing” her into loyalty. For context my teammate possesses electrical powers.

Now let me be clear I do not believe my teammate has ever actually been unwittingly kidnapped or brainwashed in any capacity. She is a very bad actress and her “zombie voice” leaves much to be desired. Also pretty much all of the power sapping devices appeared to have internal generators so I seriously doubt they were actually doing anything. 

I’m honestly at a serious loss for what to do here. There are five of us on the team and I’ve done my best to make it a nice and safe environment for vigilantes like ourselves and I want to give her time to do this on her own but it’s just really difficult. I can’t have her constantly dragging the team to go fake save her from what is clearly just her secret girlfriend in a lab coat and mask. There could be people in danger out there that we’re ignoring and I just don’t know what to do. I’m not very strong, my only power is regeneration, and I’m not social enough to confront her about it well. 

Is there anything I could say to do this gently or anything I could do to make my teammates feel like it’s safe to kiss her girlfriend without putting on a fake headset and talking like a robot? 

Please, I’m at a genuine loss. I’m supposed to be the leader but I don’t know what to do. 

There's no secret solution here, reader. I'm afraid you need to sit down with your teammate and have the very conversation you've been avoiding.

These encounters are, as you have rightly identified, taking time and resources away from your team that might otherwise be used in defending people against serious threats. Even if that weren't the case, it is completely unacceptable for her to treat you and your other teammates as mere props in her romantic escapades.

I understand your hesitance, given your teammate's reticence to discuss her sexuality. But there are plenty of people out there who prefer not to discuss their sex life with friends and co-workers who manage to do so without these kinds of shenanigans!

I recommend you ask this teammate to speak with you privately, and bring the topic up as clearly and simply as you can. Tell her that you have noticed a pattern in your encounters with this person, and while you have no intention of prying into her personal life, as this group's leader you cannot allow this behaviour to continue.

By all means, take your time and prepare in whatever way feels best for you. You could write your points out beforehand and bring them in with you, or practice in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend (not one of your other teammates, naturally, but someone unrelated to the wider group).

I respect that you don't feel social enough to handle this confrontation but frankly, you don't have a choice. You are the leader of this group for a reason – presumably because the others trust your judgement and value your efforts to make your team a safe and welcoming space. Don't let that trust prove to be misplaced.

[For more creaturely advice, check out Monstrous Agonies on your podcast platform of choice, or visit monstrousproductions.org for more info]

[bitdemonic]

†𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐄 𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝟑 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒.

⚠︎ Might include spoilers! Don't read if you haven't watched the finale.

↓

𝐕𝐈

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓'𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑 ⟶ 7 OF CUPS ↺

𖡨 Mind fucks and corruption. Seeing the truth in personal relationships and being made to accept the reality of their true nature; mental corruption or overload. Depressive episodes or mania high/lows, going through hell for one person [“that wouldn’t do the same”]. Loss of optimism—grasping that things are never going to be the same (broken). Small wins that liven the future, moments that celebrate her pride (like winning a fight). Getting caught in the middle; forced to choose between two significant people, ultimately having a decision made for her. Bloodshed, multiple fights, potential character death. Inevitable transformation that changes her for the “worst”, despite being the best.

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐌 ⟶ PAGE OF SWORDS

𖡨 Put in a position of leadership, taking a stand for “what’s right”, following her dad’s footsteps. Hero arc, showing up as a beacon for others; in “uniform” [enforcer]. Fighting with weapons that’re unique and almost foreign. Updated appearance vibes, new look(s) that reflect her perspective (POV). Quits underestimating her capabilities and strengths from being shown [put in a position] where they were used—realizes how important she actually is. Being lied to and having to adapt to those changes. Enabling destructive behavioral tendencies, not knowing where she stands with someone, being confused about internal emotions.

𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐑 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐄𝐍𝐃 ⟶ 10 OF SWORDS

𖡨 Outcome ends in desperation, indifferent to earlier season(s) Vi. Character rapture or an undoing of who she once was, even more tormented than before [wounded]. Identity “loss”; grieving death or failure of someone, losing sight of her(self). Heavy turmoil, doesn’t get a happy ending. Paying the price for abusing the “upper hand”—power at a hefty price. Unsatisfied with choices made under scrutinized pressure; forced into something she didn’t want. Character death x2.

𝐉𝐈𝐍𝐗

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓'𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑 ⟶ 8 OF PENTACLES

𖡨 Leaping at the opportunity to be in charge, inevitably leading and guarding a community. "Hero"; defending and protecting others, making the choice of if they're worth saving (or "fighting for"). Joint forces, scavenging for supplies and using resourcefulness for collective health (support). Using science to restore/recreate something important. Potential name change—reestablishing its meaning. Constant disappointment, always being let down; chooses to believe in herself rather than anyone else ("trust her words"). Development alongside a gradual change; claiming the rights to a throne and having her own empire (i.e. home, HQ). Ghosting (going into hiding) and becoming a "telltale" myth; lives through people's bad decisions and trickster energy ("thrives" in spirit).

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐌 ⟶ 10 OF SWORDS

𖡨 Losing hope from significant loss, feeling hopeless and taking it out on the world. Turns a new leaf after trauma, otherwise "change" is numbing (semi-heartless, but can differentiate her rage from her miseries). Old Jinx is gone, replaced with someone more detached; "shameful" and unleashes havoc if it hurts too much. Making things worse, destroying or disregarding help and opportunities that're better; needs no one even if she needs "one person". A shell made up of multiple personalities (i.e. condition worsening, reaching max insanity). Coping mechanism is mass destruction, hurting others just so they can suffer the same pain as she does. "Untreatable" wounds, severely hurt on the inside hence her "death" (internally).

𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐑 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐄𝐍𝐃 ⟶ DEATH ↺

𖡨 Outcome ends in a nature of critical condition; almost dying but coming "back to life" (raised from the dead). Made up of some sort of substance; keeps her alive, but in the sense of not being fully human (think shimmer injection, but she's almost zombified from the dosage). Uncovered a new, hidden form; different parts and specialties, similar to Vander and how he morphed into Warwick. Character disappearance: not necessarily death but gives off the illusion that she's gone and can't (won't) come back. Lived through, seen as an emblem worth admiration and worship. Tyranny and superiority; the face of the undercity (i.e. her city), an oracle for lost souls that seek vengeance.

𝐂𝐀𝐈𝐓𝐋𝐘𝐍

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓'𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑 ⟶ KING OF SWORDS

𖡨 Leader position. Vibes and presence of a dictator, someone who runs a "tight ship" and isn't known for being nice (or forgiving). Equipped with high level skill that could takedown an entire army; makes big decisions for very large forces. Owning up to mistakes but never backing/stepping down from a challenge—no clean slate. Blunt and domineering, won't hesitate to move or "play" chess pieces; calm and calculative (i.e. coldhearted). Guarded [like stone]; logic before love is her gameplan/way of thinking. Gaining and assembling her own ["task"] force and wielding their power upon others when necessary.

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐌 ⟶ 7 OF SWORDS ↺

𖡨 Caught in the middle of multiple lies or half-truths [after coming up with them "on the spot"]; backlash and "backhands" headed her direction. Undercover work to infiltrate or takedown a "spy", a source that needs to be terminated ("killed"). Ruining someone's plans after getting in the way—outcome ruined due to her own ignorance (arrogant opinions). Worried for her safety, foiling other workers or peoples intel for that reason alone. Facing the music for damage she has/had caused; kidnapped, beat up, or life being threatened to shut her up (or "sit her down"). Thievery, playing dirty, fending for herself with no remorse; a bitch ["that doesn't mind the insult"]. Unapologetically vengeful, conniving, and confrontational—definitely remorseless.

𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐑 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐄𝐍𝐃 ⟶ 10 OF WANDS ↺

𖡨 Outcome ends in an authoritative manner; in the same seat or position as her mother, but opposite ends (spectrum). Panick attacks or nightmares revolving her loneliness, her only company being those that work for her. Bearing the world's responsibilities with no help ("no one"); remorse regarding the aftermath of some kind of war. Respected, worshipped, and praised for being crude or cutthroat; admired for the wrong reasons. "In the wrong light." No contact with people from past, indifferent to society's nature (being sociable). Insensitive or non-empathetic while also feeling trapped and misunderstood; "intolerable". Wearing a different mask for the "same" face and not being the same (i.e. a stranger).

𝐄𝐊𝐊𝐎

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓'𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑 ⟶ WHEEL OF FORTUNE

𖡨 Evolution. Rising above the odds of misfortune and telling (sharing) the story; brace self for the future of something revolutionary. Gaining access to a lifetime of supplies—shelter from renewed power sources [Hextech]. Substantial amounts of growth, being propelled to new heights above his "old" self/wounds; boy savior but being revered and praised for doing so. Spinning the wheel of fate, luck in destiny, premonition related to childhood or death. Using time, saving the day [world]. Developing newfound ideas for an unfamiliar, yet sanctified home (environment).

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐌 ⟶ THE LOVERS ↺

𖡨 Sacrifice; missed or lost outcome that's out of his control (out of his hands). Dropped the ball, not able to rescue all the people and things he cares for, foiled plans ("mission"). Attempting to rescue someone highly valued, important and cherished; going in blind, using his time ability to alter the past [flashbacks]. Gets lost or stuck, trapped in a space where he's unable to move, "breathe", or feel. Vegetated. Difference in age or growth, reverting back to kid Ekko. Reuniting with an old friend, "living" in or embracing harmony; friendship and union. Seeing and dealing with a mirage; optical illusion.

𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐑 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐄𝐍𝐃 ⟶ KNIGHT OF CUPS ↺

𖡨 Outcome ends in a road to recovery, or a journey of self-discovery on the inside. Something that's larger than just him. A part of the astral and spiritual plane, being in more than one place/one place at the same time he is not. Made of magic, inheriting specialties. In another realm, world, or time; descending whenever he pleases [or can]. Potential character death. Descendant of strenuous beings, taking after their legacy and reflecting it as his own. "Tale as old as time", transforming/transcending into a teller of wisdom. Young heir to a possible throne—not of his world.

𝐉𝐀𝐘𝐂𝐄

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓'𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑 ⟶ KING OF WANDS

𖡨 Being headstrong and determinate, driven by relentless force. Facing opposition and war towards his behavior(s), refusing to backdown on his abrasion. Standing alone ("tall"). Using his heart over logic; passions turning him cold or indifferent. Waging war(s), directing armies, calling shots. "God complex", uber big ego [no discernment between his right and what's wrong]. Armor—weapons first, questions later (never). Trailblazer energy, being a pioneer for "change"; threats or violence for motive. Cockiness under the guise of confidence; an asshole ["in the right direction"].

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐌 ⟶ KING OF PENTACLES

𖡨 Rebuilding his materials. Using alt. strength (e.g. his attitude) to reinvent/revise a longterm creation; untouchable, calculated, conceited actions towards his goals. Opposition from another intellectual, someone that's just as wealthy in knowledge and material resources. "Defending" Hextech, but inevitably using it to devise something corrupt. Motivation by greed. Finding a [sole] partner that agrees with his stance; strategizing together or urging his perspective (POV). Generating individual wealth and receiving it "tenfold" (amass) after a mutual exchange/agreement.

𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐑 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐄𝐍𝐃 ⟶ 7 OF SWORDS

𖡨 Outcome ends with his assets beginning to disintegrate, or "fall". Everything he built crumbles, forces him to think back on the things he once did (or "done"). Turning a new leaf; shame and guilt about the past, asking if things were worth it (worth the destruction/damage). Individualistic ending. Proving that he's changed—wanting redemption. Fall from grace; at the bottom (i.e. has to live life without his earnings). "Ground zero." Needing to redeem his legacy/namesake for a second chance. Proof of wasted potential from being focused on the wrong things. Work for loyalty, dependability, and second chances; earning his spot again.

𝐌𝐄𝐋

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓'𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑 ⟶ 9 OF CUPS

𖡨 Wellbeing is cared for, finding contentment in the life she's lived. Freedom is "granted" and celebrated afterwards; controlling the outcome of a/her situations. Appreciation times ten; finding comfort ("joy") in the depth of her "trauma", spreading the news about her revelation. Taking nothing for granted and owning up to her mistakes—"renewal", reciprocity, and redemption. Finding a community or shelter of women (supporters, allies) that worship her truth. Embarking on a collective journey, healing from everyone's tender energy. Pregnancy (either birth of a child with special gifts or with the plan to "expand"). Feeling like everything's complete "internally". Butterfly spreading its wings.

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐌 ⟶ QUEEN OF CUPS ↺

𖡨 Inflow of sudden emotions, everything seems to drown underwater (i.e. depression with "raging hormones"), feels defeated from past decisions or event choices. Experiencing great/"tremendous" loss. Heartbroken; marital issues or big, explosive breakups). Death, scandal, and silence from a partner/with a partner/to a partner. Uncontrollable anger when least expected ["or wanted"]. Special capabilities pertaining to head. Grieving a mother figure (mentor), definitely distraught; witnessing their death or health decline. Name forsaken, forfeit title privileges.

𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐑 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐄𝐍𝐃 ⟶ THE SUN

𖡨 Outcome ends in peace and utter bliss, dedicated to living her sense of purpose. Pregnant; second or third trimester; "glowing" from being aligned (journey). Turning into a shaman, or a guru. Older appearance [change], dressing to reflect special messages like wearing all yellow. Best ending because her sentiment revolves around flourishing after pain. Uniting with a lover, someone old but not familiar; special just like Mel (capabilities). "Destined" to come together. Balance—"heading in the right direction". Key to life is gratitude and Mel is devoted to her fulfilment.

𝐖𝐈𝐅𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐊𝐀

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓'𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑 ⟶ ACE OF CUPS

𖡨 Imagination, dreams coming true, finding hope in the memories of an old lover or friend [partnership]. Birth of an opportunity, new beginning that she can't (won't) ignore. Leaving the past behind, switching directions/beliefs. "Changing her mind and opinion." Restraints broken, being unbound, accepting her emotions and letting them lead. Independence and leaning into it, faith in an old path (past). Transformation ("chrysalis"). Letting other people in for resurrection; sanctuary with familial others (e.g. close relationships). Someone getting between her connection or devotion to a loved one. Unlocking her heart and emotional vulnerability.

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐌 ⟶ THE TOWER ↺

𖡨 Overturn of initial character impression (audience, judgement). Experiencing a traumatic situation, near death or face to face with it, dodging a major bullet. Feeling torn, "a rock and a hard place." Having to make a huge decision or one that could change everything ["as she knows it"]. Using her durability or strength (e.g. bionic arm) to make a sacrifice for another person; savior complex energy. Story told from her perspective (POV); character significance. Struggles in parental connection (dad), insight on their dynamic/"feud"/battle. Giving herself grace, allowing herself gratification. Baring skin (nudity) to reflect her self-reflection; transparent with her wounds/scars. Openness, becoming one with self, a better version of earlier seasons Sevika (growth).

𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐑 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐄𝐍𝐃 ⟶ 9 OF PENTACLES ↺

𖡨 Outcome ends in Sevika's redemption and character upheaval. Owning up to her mistakes from the past, stepping into a new sense of self (light). Physical representation of her inner strength, power, and resilience (e.g. carrying a spear). Potential character injury, being fixed ("put back together") by someone with great force and power; restored by a metaphysical union (or being). Victories are short lived but definite; humanity feels that impact. End of a tumultuous cycle, she moves on for herself and oversees a community at the same time. Adopts the role of a matriarch; responsibilities of an older guardian.

𝐕𝐈𝐊𝐓𝐎𝐑

𝐖𝐇𝐀����'𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑 ⟶ THE LOVERS ↺

𖡨 Blockage or separation between his ideal world and connections. Ripped from a vessel, put on the spot, reprimanded for his moral based choices and decisions. Someone's chess piece, being a pawn or "bait", no say so in future events (actions). Losing a partner [for the second time] and not wanting to move forward without them. Defeat. Hard work ultimately being for nothing; things going backward, spiraling out of ["his"] control. Rift in friendship and interpersonal connections—an opportunity to overthrow them that he takes. Declining strength, health jumping up down, up down and having no synopsis (otherwise attainable cure).

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐌 ⟶ 4 OF WANDS

𖡨 Solace, joyful reunion, overall aura of completion from those around him. In hospice or getting aid for health recovery; stimulants that stabilize his energy, body, and mental health ("psyche"). Short term travels, seeking "refuge", getting assistance from something universal/spiritual. Regaining higher knowledge or wisdom surrounding sub/inner conscious. Transportation or moving around with fluidity, going back and forth to aid the collective [once more]. Appearance change; looking healthier overtime. Third eye vibes, having more of an understanding when it comes to both worlds and realms. Disagreement regarding the future of a town/city's council [or "chairman"]. Woman or lover/friend being in the middle of his beliefs or decisions.

𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐑 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐄𝐍𝐃 ⟶ THE HIEROPHANT ↺

𖡨 Outcome ends with a new foundation being laid, grounding not just himself but what also surrounds him. A part of a committee/group/council that has otherworldly presence, uses their abilities to comfort (coddle) society; granting every wish, giving out what people want or need for the sake of sanctuary. Taking the backseat as far as giving himself rest, letting other beings handle issues ("be in control"). Recuperative, safe, and protected—he's not alone anymore, probably won't feel left out or taken advantage of.

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐔𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐏𝐈𝐋𝐓𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑 ⟶ 7 OF PENTACLES

𖡨 Progressive. It'll be the same, but with further reinforcements and structure. Leniency towards guarded/imprisoned citizens, adaptable rules, additional resources [that further the city]. Overran or "ambushed" at first, but in the end everything will return to its initial opening (i.e. how it was throughout S1). Traditional structure with exceptions related to equipment and residents; newer faces, machinery (protection), and committee.

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐔𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐙𝐀𝐔𝐍 ⟶ 4 OF WANDS

𖡨 Concealed. Still underground, even darker environment/conditions. Residents never returning, either leaving by force or for something suitable ("better"). Undetectable vibes, no one knows what's going on or where to go. Groups of tightknit and "loyal" people; not a lot of individuals. Feels abandoned but not left alone. Stressful surroundings because it is undone ("came undone").

© BITDEMONIC 2024

[blonkk]

man it’s so annoying to see people act like the trump win is such a huge mystery, why are so many WOMEN and PEOPLE OF COLOUR voting for this guy???? as if those demographics automatically owe democrats/liberals/what have you anything at all

the economy is in the gutter. the working class has been stretched to their absolute limits. things like immigration and asylum seekers coming through has become a problem, has put a strain on peoples lives. women’s rights to speak freely and have access to private spaces is actively being taken from them. children are being abused and pawned by the pharmaceutical and medical industry.

these are things the dems don’t recognize as problems or won’t acknowledge the severity of them in the interest of being politically correct. this type of apathy pushes people away, eventually pushes them to another side of the political spectrum. and then anyone who dares to sway is labeled a bigot, racist, sexist, fascist, everything in the book. the democratic side is, at its centre, not the inclusive party dedicated to improving the lives of americans; it upholds the status quo, and kisses the butts of powerful lobbies (juuuuust the like republicans).

and the people who voted third party have the nerve to label these people as bad. and the nerve to label kamala voters as supportive of genocide. like at least they voted for something; your super special performative nonmaction did fuckall. palestine will be no better off.

if millions of women and poc and whoever else voted for the caricature of the evil right winger it’s for a reason. don’t act all shocked then tell women theyre “transphobes” and “bigots” when they want to call themselves women and protect children. don’t tell poc theyre racist when they question why so many more flood in and strain resources, and also impact crime rates (not petty; see rape, sex trafficking, dv etc).

left wingers are so disingenuous and untrustworthy, just like far right wingers, but they can’t see it. they too cover the truth, and exaggerate to push their own agenda. they too ignore people who speak against them or challenge them.

it’s so fucking frustrating. at the root, the country is scared, people are just trying to do what’s best for them as americans. it’s depressingz personally i don’t see anything radical about a brown female president, being brown and female myself — that’s just normal to me. i don’t judge her by those things. i don’t think because she’s a woman, she’ll magically be the best choice for us, or for brown people. all i see is a political acumen and background, competency, dedication and a true desire to try her best for people. i don’t agree with her on nearly everything at all. i do believe she and her party do have responsibility for maligning these female and poc voters. but again, i don’t think that because she’s the democratic rep, and happens to be brown and female, that she automatically will get these votes.

you’re not supposed to agree 100% with you’re chosen candidate. that is literally not even possible. you’re not supposed to define yourself as solely democratic or republican; it’s normal for you to change and reassess priorities, and same with each other party.

i do think there was hesitation in electing a woman, even though she was the sitting vp for a term and nothing crashed and burned. people are dumb if they considered this a reason not to vote her in imo

digression as always lol. anywayyyssss DONT act like women and poc owe you shit. DONT ignore them and then get all googoo eyed slack mouthed when they go for someone who does hear some of their complaints, while, yes, seemingly not caring for others. this shit is clearly important if trump got those votes by acknowledging those concerns and harris’s lack of acknowledgement didn’t.

[deadbeatbirdmom]

What do you think of winter

The season? It's more difficult for my tribe. Resources can be harder to come by, especially if merchants don't travel. If there's snow on the ground, my tribe have to be careful to avoid leaving tracks back to the camp. That goes for other seasons too, but it's most obvious in snow.

If you mean the Winter Maiden who seems to have been named for her 'destiny' then I suppose she could be worse. She still has a stick up her ass, but Qrow tells me it used to be much longer.

She's a skilled fighter, I'll give her that much. I could take her if I had to, but I'm aware that Salem would love it if Spring and Winter fought. For the time being I need to work with Winter.

Theoretically we could make short work of Cinder together. The problem is actually spending enough time together to learn how to fight as a team without friendly fire. We're both very busy, and we get on each other's nerves. It's a fact of life that Schnees and Branwens can't get along.

I wonder if she knows I intended to ransom her sister. It might explain why there's some hostility on her side, but it might just be her general disapproval of the Branwen tribe and my leadership of it.

That and/or she doesn't like that I'm taller than her. No, I don't include her heels in her height, and I'd still be a little taller even if I did.

Someone should tell her white is a terrible choice for clothing, and she could do with dyeing her hair too. White shows blood and dirt like nothing else. Not that Summer ever listened to me either when it came to her cloak, and Winter's about as likely to take my advice.

Winter the Winter Maiden...

Why wasn't Summer the Summer Maiden? Was I supposed to change one of my names to fit with being Spring Maiden? That's what Cinder did, and it's pretentious. I wonder if Winter always had that first name...

What does the human behind this sideblog think of Winter?

I think Winter is an interesting character, and I like her a lot. She's a reminder of what Weiss could have turned out like if she'd been forced to turn to the Atlesian military to escape Jacques, but Winter has also come a long way from the blindly loyal perfect weapon Ironwood tried to forge her into, thanks in large part to Penny's friendship, but also to Winter's attachment to Weiss as well.

I have a very bad feeling that Penny's last gift to Winter might end up dooming her. Passing on the Winter Maiden mantle to Winter saved her life when Ironwood was about to kill her, but I fear Winter is living on borrowed time. Maidens in general don't have the best record in terms of life expectancy. Fria was an outlier and shouldn't be counted, she's Maidens Georg.

I guess Raven's been Spring Maiden for a fair few years by now, as she presumably acquired those powers before she hit 30, and she's uhhh 40 something now? How old is Raven? Anyway this question is about Winter, not Raven. Shoo, deadbeat birdmom. Although Raven is likely on borrowed time just like Winter. If they both survive the completion of RWBY I'll be amazed, and relieved.

[nellasbookplanet]

Jester and Fjord both have little to no interest in or knowledge of politics or current events, I feel like they'd be better at general life advice and like, How To Stay Alive and How To Balance Adventuring With Family/Business/Other Goal advice

Caleb would give solid advice and probably has a lot of contacts to share because of his connections in the academy and cobalt soul, but I also feel like he'd either be very busy fighting corruption, doing research, and grading papers, or he'd be retired, in which case Let Him Rest

Caducues is so isolated from the general goings on of Exandria and generally doesn't know or doesn't care about all that, he would be so bad at this job. Would probably give pretty good spiritual advice and general life advice, though

Beau and Yasha strike me as having the same vibe of Allura and Kima in c2: Beau has so many connections (access to cobalt soul archives and teleportation circles!) and so much knowledge and general problem solving abilities to share, and meanwhile Yasha would be there like "I don’t know about all this but I could come with you and help fight your big bad or lend you this neat sword"

Essek would be a solid choice largely because he's already been an adventurer mentor of sorts to the nein, he knows the ropes and he has a lot of knowledge on both the political and the arcane to share, but he’s also a hunted man and would probably be hard to get ahold of and no longer have access to connections (other than the nein and the nein's future descendants) and resources to share

Veth, like Essek, is already a mentor of sorts! She runs a baby adventurer summer camp! She, like Fjord and Jester, has so much advice to give on how to balance family life with adventuring! She has a decent grasp of current events even if she doesn’t care all that much, and her closeness to Caleb probably gives her access to a lot of empire connections

Kingsley would be less of an Allura and more of a Gentleman, I suspect. He has Molly’s deep caring but Lucien's saviness and hunger for power. As the Plank King he would have access to information and items and connections gallore, and as someone who was himself brought into this world by adventurers he'd probably be happy to help future parties, even if he would be a dick about it. Also it would be very funny.

[kc-the-writer]

Seeing as a wise person told me a limit is a non-existent entity....

BRADY, ma dear boy. I heard you are giving someone very dear to me a lot of trouble. Here is a stack of cards for you:

The Empress The Emperor The Lovers The Hanged Man The Tower The Hierophant in Reverse The Chariot in Reverse Judgment in Reverse The World in Reverse (and if said person dear to me isn't completely swamped now... can I have a wild card question of choice for Kathleen, Liam and Rey each? Pretty please?)

Here we go... mystic Brady has a lot to say about his cards...

The Empress: Who has been a positive female figure in your character’s life? His housekeeper and her book club. He was born into a pretty bad situation between his mother’s health and his father’s legal troubles and was taken in by Sidonia Van der Snyte to be spoiled by Mae Bancroft, Aurelia Lupino, and {Redacted}.

The Emperor: Who has been a positive male figure in your character’s life? Hahahahhaha. What? Maybe a tour guide at the Met. Fitzgerald & Van Gogh.  Near the end of his life, he would credit Bob Dylan & Jack Kerouac as people he admires. He took after his amazing grandfather, but Brad died a few years before Brady was born (which is what caused the disaster in the line of succession in Fear Thy Nature)

The Lovers: Which of your character’s relationships has been the most positive? (Romantic or otherwise) So far, that is the one with his daughter, Eliza Quinn. Her mother was a close second, but for reasons still unknown, she is away at the time of his story in book 4.

The Hanged Man: When has your character needed to step back and look at things from a different perspective? Brady regularly looks at things from every perspective but the most rational. By the end of his book, he is forced to look at things in black and white (his least favorite way of thinking) and figure out if he’s afraid, ashamed, or apathetic when it comes to his legacy as the next link in The Pendleton Tradition. 

The Tower: When has your character lost an ideal or relationship? His relationship with Eliza Quinn’s mother is still unclear to me, but they had conflicting priorities at one point. At the start of the book, she is away, working for The Pendleton Apothecary as a chemist. Brady says he doesn’t approve, but he’s also grateful she’s ‘holding his place’ on the board while he plays with his paintbrush and raises their daughter away from the chaos. 

The Hierophant in Reverse: When has your character’s personal beliefs been challenged? Brady will come to understand the power of what his family business means to people when their polio research helps his neighbor’s not-so-secret lover. 

The Chariot in Reverse: When has your character’s pride or arrogance been their downfall? He is a Pendleton; whether he likes it or not, his pride is a problem in every sentence of his book.

Judgment in Reverse: When has your character found it difficult to forgive themselves? He may realize that his “freedom” comes at a major cost to Eliza Quinn and deal with the consequences that come with trying to keep her from her birthright as a ‘real’ Pendleton. 

The World in Reverse: What is your character holding back? There is so much grief and depression in this moody boy. He is isolated and broody, and he wants to express himself but can’t find the way. The poor little rich boy is furious he wasn’t born a starving artist. Until he sees firsthand what that looks like for people who don’t have millions in the bank. 

Kathleen: The Star: When has your character been most hopeful? The Pendleton Apothecary released an experimental polio treatment in the same year the New York Yankees won the World Series. I am afraid to ask her to choose. 

Liam: The Magician: How does your character unleash their creativity or resourcefulness? He moved on from small-time swindling, playing the shell game & blackjack with a stacked deck on street corners, to hustling the college boys in high-stakes chess matches in the park. 

Rey: The Hermit: Write about a time your character did some soul searching. What did they find? I’ll let you know when Rey stops soul-searching, but don't count on it. You know how that goes.

[artpenumbra]

TWST Dorms my FFXIV OCs would be in:

Don't mind me, spur of the moment thoughts that sat in my brain. While I have a lot of OCs, FFXIV is my other game I play so these guys have more going for them info wise. These headcanons are with de-aging(and gender swapping) my FFXIV OCs to high school level.

~~

Svanielle/Svan: Pomefiore comes to mind because she'd rock the uniform BUT with her interest in Botany and fashion and (by my friends) seen as a very pretty character she'd fit right in. Vil will probably get on her for maintaining long hair though. Another possibility is Diasomnia because of her connection with the fae and being an elf. For non-FFXIV people, the elezen race is basically elves. Out of the four OCs I have she has the most magic power so this dorm wouldn't be a bad match. Though if her dragon-phobia carried over she'd avoid Malleus out of fear. But I feel like she and Lilia would be best pals for being mischievous older people types. As a male, he would be "Svanael Corvus" and like the FFXIV version, he has a smol fairy friend and a lot of crow friends he talks to.

~~

Sho: My first thought is Ignihyde for the sole fact that this dorm focuses on magic research and implementing it into technology. Above all else they are also very introverted. FFXIV!Sho is basically this, due to unfortunate events his magic skills have diminished significantly but he's taken up finding ways to infuse his mana with various machinery and weapons to get by. It's just that in the TWST verse he would NOT be trying to craft weapons and gunblades, or maybe he does and his classmates need to tell him to STOP. Scarabia, Octavnielle, and Heartslabyul are possible dorms he could match in due to respectively representing both of his other traits of being efficient, resourceful, and a stickler for rules, but I think they may be too social for his personality. Sho is male already, but his TWST name would be just "Sho Mystgrave." He's someone who is quiet but you should fear him. Naturally best friends with Svan.

~~

Lunasera: Scarabia, hands down. Simply because Kalim in there and they'd be the best of friends can't change my mind. But Lun is very witty and artistically inclined. Her FFXIV verse is a traveling musician and artist so I feel she would know her way around social situations as a performer, but she's also sharp-minded and has high survivability skills as someone from a nomadic upbringing. With those factors in mind this is the best dorm for her. As a joke though? Octavinelle would be a hilarious match as she'd be a good entertainer for the Mostro Lounge business with her neverending charisma, but I can see her driving Azul up the wall because she's free minded. Basically a very watered down, not so dangerous Floyd. Her male name would be "Gerel Nightsong," Gerel is Mongolian for Light, which ties into the FFXIV Xaela Au Ra nomenclature, and Nightsong is an existing surname she has in FFXIV, but fun fact: "Lunasera Nightsong" is her stage name. Weird I figured out her male name first.

~~

Nami: So Nami is a weird one. While I know her personality she's still in a stage where I don't know what exactly I would like to do for her. She exists in two different verses but I haven't been able to use her properly. Though from the top of my head, she's the most physically adept out of the four with Luna being second. So that in mind I think it would be funny for her to be in Savanaclaw, because while she's petite she can and will suplex someone three times her size and not break a sweat. She's also canonically mute so she will express herself with her actions above all else. Octavinelle is a possible choice, I can see her working as security, because every shrewd business man needs an extra bodyguard and being mute would be a bonus. In FFXIV, she's a viera which are bunny people so she's already a beastman in that regard. As a male, her name is probably either Kai, Mirai, or Kaien. Nami means "ocean wave" so I want to keep her ocean themed name going, and due to my sentimentality in the FFXIV verse, she will be related to Sho so she'll share his TWST!surname.

[chibivesicle]

Trigun Stampede - Episode 10 - Humanity - or - Am I now watching Blade Runner?

Episode ten dropped this morning and here in my small two bedroom apartment there was indeed the wailing and gnashing of teeth as I watched the episode unfold.  I had unrealistic expectations for Stampede is the mantra I need to keep repeating to myself as I watch it.

Also, I still have some unanswered asks - I’ll try to get to them when I can but they aren’t a quick reply so I need to have the time and brain power to think about them.

The episode starts off with Vash and Wolfwood riding on their ostriches in the desert heading to July.  Wolfwood screams randomly while Vash listens to a timely news update - on an earbud!  His earring doesn’t even act like a phone receiver device anymore - I mean with all this sci fi tech could you had at least kept his ability to use the earring to hear someone’s voice?!?!?

Anyhoo, this then leads to the OP.  The action then shifts to inside the area where Meryl and Roberto are, now with lights allowing for us to see the room full of red plants.

Zazie the Beast asks them who can make use of the planet - Humans, plants or the worms?  Of course Zazie states that the worms are the planet which, okay you also think quite highly of yourselves worms.  That’s it worm domination is settled if it weren’t for the fact you need to use people to apparently destroy them?  But this is Studio Orange’s animation demo, no budget for writers.

Conrad approaches and is easily able to convince Meryl and a reluctant Roberto to join him.  Roberto utters death flag number one asking Meryl if there is a bargain sale on her life.  You mean your life Roberto, eh?

It is obvious they have no choice but to go with Conrad, they know he is their only link to Knives’ motives for the red plants and his approach to humanity.

We get Vash and Wolfwood in a sort of street in July which is 100% cyberpunk and Blade Runner inspired.  It gives me immediate vibes of Ghost in the Shell (the manga) and Cowboy Bebop and Outlaw Star.  We are in a very Sinocentric city compared to the vaguely American early 20th century vibes of Jeneora Rock.  Honestly Studio Orange, if you wanted to do cyberpunk, why don’t you just do that instead of trying to jam it into Trigun?  Or maybe do a reboot on Bubblegum Crisis and Bubblegum Crash if you want to work with an older IP.

We also learn from Wolfwood that July is wealthy and successful due to having a monopoly on water producing plants which has made them powerful.  Water is canonically a scarce resource in the manga but there was some on the planet but there was enough that people were able to successfully do some agriculture.  And wash their clothes based on all of the laundry lines between buildings in the cities.

Lots of red Chinese lanterns, maybe we are in the Ghost King’s city but the seal script is too easy to read.  Joking aside, the very desert vibe of the July MP and our previous bad guy of episode one just happens to be on patrol for funsies.  And looks so weird in the Chinese centric area.

However, this metropolis still has no people - with all of that urban density we should see the streets packed with civilians but nah, they aren’t out and about.  Additionally, are we now to interpret that the nameless July MP captain is possibly ethnically Chinese? 

Why am I even pondering this?  I know based on the lazy writing that the entire point of having the MP captain walk by is so that he can interact with Vash to prove some sort of superficial character development point.  In this case, it is for one of the other MPs to point out that his family died at Jeneora Rock and shoots Vash.

Wow, just amazing storytelling skills there!  I couldn’t see this coming at all.  I knew that this was going to force the reveal of Vash’s scarred body.  Which compared to previous versions is pretty good looking.

The ‘98 anime and the manga really worked to show the level of detail and the ugly/gross factor which was played for comic relief in both where Meryl and Milly walk in on Vash coming out of the shower with a towel around his neck and he blushes in embarrassment.

As Vash sits down across from them he with a scarred hand pops open a can of Kuroneko beer and explains he both doesn’t like people to see his scars but that he can’t run away from his past.

Studio Orange really did a disservice to the viewers by cleaning up Vash’s torso making it look clean and more sterile.  The original shows the nubbiness and the fact that Vash could hypothetically heal his scars per the manga but what is the point of doing it out of vanity when it would simply accelerate his aging and hair turning black?

The action turns back to Conrad who is explaining that Luida’s geoplant goals are too slow and passive and that he’s using humanity itself to survive.  I really miss that ‘Little Arcadia’ arc now . . .

We know exactly where this is going.  It is the classic, ‘It is okay to sacrifice other people because they were gonna die anyways.’ villain trope.  Yeah, just show them your high tech experimental lab.  By the way, that is the worst sterile lab technique I have ever seen - are you sure you are following proper lab protocols?

The blood stains make for a horribly cliche dramatic effect which made me laugh.  Conrad tells them that Knives is the perfect life form.  This is clearly a huge departure from the original manga, since he was never this actively involved in things in this sort of way.  I’d say that Conrad didn’t have a strong characterization in Trigun Maximum but he wasn’t a mad scientist drinking the Knives Kool-Aid.  He held his own trump cards against Knives who forced him to work for him.  In Stampede, it appears that he decided to go all into the cult of Knives as opposed to doing stuff at knife point.

We get the explanation that Conrad sees Knives as the ultimate life form and he’s trying to make more of them.  With the help of cloned cells from Knives of course.  For example a child we can all recognize, Elendira in the tank.

But she is translated with an ‘its’ power level being fairly weak.  Meryl stares into the tank with a sadness.

The fact that she is in the tank seems to imply that she still needs to hook into the system and isn’t a true independent like Vash or Knives.  The entire situation is the monologuing of a man who has completely lost it and sees all of his actions as justified with the Knives Kool-Aid.

Meryl feels pity for Elendira who is not pleased to hear this.  This puts her immediately into beserker mode and she creates a nail to blow open the tank.

What have you done with my QUEEN Studio Orange?  She’s now an unhinged 25+ year old plant-human hybrid child who doesn’t age as quickly as Vash or Knives?  I’m not even going to address the issues with this ‘update’ to Elendira’s character in the main summary.

This causes Roberto to grab Meryl and run, again while Conrad stands there and Roberto makes death flag number two.  He mentions worker’s comp to Meryl since she keeps getting them into risky situations.

Roberto and Meryl get chased to a large room full of red plants and oddly placed elevators in the middle.  This doesn’t make any sort of structural or design sense but, hey all of the timing in this entire story doesn’t make any sense.  Roberto is clear to Meryl that they are the bait that is to lure Vash in and they end up stuck between the elevator and Elendira.

Elendira gets more unhinged monologue time of her own about humans and their superficial judgements of others.  Everything is okay though as Roberto knows that Vash will pop out of the elevator when the doors open, so he pulls Meryl off to the side as a rain of nails comes after them.

Sure enough, Wolfwood bursts out and Vash hangs back to help them safely enter the elevator.

This gives time for Wolfwood to square off with an even angrier Elendira.

We see a quick glance of Roberto running oddly back and then a closer look at him holding his side as they enter the elevator.  We know that he’s been hit, though Meryl doesn’t know it yet.

Wolfwood destroys all of the nails and one broken nail cuts her as she falls in overly dramatic fashion.  Again, what have you done to my QUEEN Studio Orange?

Wolfwood being the jerk that he is in this version gives her crap and Vash timidly tries to care about her injury.

This only invites a scathing retort to Vash who is scum in her eyes compared to Knives.  For plot reasons, Wolfwood goes back to the elevator and makes Vash go with him, since it is his job to deliver Vash to Knives.

After this we get Roberto’s lame and predictable death scene with Meryl.  It is the follow up to ‘sempai noticed me’ to the ‘sempai died to protect me’ this now allows for Meryl’s character to have ‘growth’. 

She gets called by her full name and he gives her his Derringer.

I’ve said this many times before, but Studio Orange has done an amazing job with the animation of Meryl’s facial expressions since episode one.  Other characters seem awkward and fall flat but she’s been a highlight.  Her facial expressions - not her actual character which is a shallow imitation of her previous self.  But I can at least take the time and really appreciate how well they animated her.

While she considers Roberto’s request to accept his derringer, Wolfwood narrates to Vash his philosophy that to survive on this planet you have to hurt and kill others to protect others.  It is clear that Meryl is going to take some sort of action as she wipes away her tears with a look of resolve.

Before she pushes a button on the elevator, likely one that goes up.  Either she is going to help Vash - which would be a bit silly alone - or if her wits hold up, she’s looking for Wolfwood instead.

I really hope she goes for Wolfwood to help Vash.

After Wolfwood finishes his explanation to Vash, they part ways in a dark corridor.  I guess he was clear which way Vash needed to go to meet Knives?  This then sets up our reunion of Vash and Knives in July, which should kick off a July incident where Vash causes the city to go boom.

Knives is at his fancy piano and explains that the statue over him, is actually a plant from ‘back then’.  I’m unsure if he means back 150 years ago or from when he witnessed the final run of plants.  I want to say from 150 years ago personally - my gut says so.

Knives starts gaslighting Vash immediately.  Stating that Vash’s actions are based out of guilt from helping Knives get access to the computer to crash and destroy many of the ships.  If you are a peak villain you need to make sure your underlings have black and white morals, so Vash is just guilty.  Nothing else.

No one would argue that Vash doesn’t feel guilty for his actions and it does underlie many of his actions and intentions.  However, this does not make it mutually exclusive from the fact that he can love humans.  It is a huge theme of the manga how Vash is able to process his guilt, come to terms with it, face it and overcome and accept it which make him such a powerful character.  That does not matter here though.

The action bounces back to Wolfwood who apparently has a completed contract for his services within the Eye of Michael.  If you zoom in you can see that there is the added special note at the end stating that if Wolfwood completes the terms, the orphanage will not be used in future experiments.

Though the wording is that it is removed from a pilgrimage route which is a bizarre term to code for a location to take children for experiments from.  Wolfwood questions what the meaning of the paper is crumpling it in anger.  I mean, he could argue that Legato tried to destroy the orphanage anyways so can you even expect it to be upheld?  That would require more depth and we don’t have time for that so Wolfwood leaves angry.

Which results in the weirdest line from Conrad - that makes no sense in the context of Stampede.

He asks a man, holding his cross if he were able to lay it down?  Now, we decide to try to pull up a theme that needed to be explained from the beginning for Wolfwood but we didn’t have time for that earlier - toss it in here! Wolfwood then asks the question he was asked and leaves.  Conrad sighs and looks at a photo of him and Tessla!  On his freakkin’ desk.  This man is clearly off the deep end.

I saw this and thought, okay we are going to get our Tessla flashback. Good.  And then I get a flashback where Conrad is happy to see that Knives is alive and that he survived.  This means that he’d been aware of Vash and Nai via Rem before the crash.  However, he had no idea that the twins had survived and Knives threatens to give away his old identity.

We then see a bright blue eye on Knives’ hand and Conrad recognizes it and asks for forgiveness. 

I’m going to squint really hard and conclude that Vash and Nai found out about Tessla on the ship, found her remaining body parts and then Nai absorbed her parts into himself and that is her eye now looking at Conrad.  Creeeeepy!  Knives not only can absorb living plants into himself, he can also take dead parts?

However, with Conrad collapsing before him, asking for forgiveness does this mean that Conrad continued to experiment on Knives as well???? 

The action returns to Knives and Vash.  Knives activates a hidden trap door - because his is peak villain and Vash tries to stop falling with his tiny thread arm ability.  Knives declares that he is remaking his sick brother, tying into Conrad’s previous statement about sacrificing one of the twins.  Though he didn’t say which twin.

Vash then falls into a pool of water which likely isn’t just water but sci fi water something or other.

With that the episode ends.

My initial reaction was “Aaarrrrrggggghhhh, so much lazy writing and what on earth are they even thinking?!?!”

I will watch this season to the end, but there is no way I’m watching this any further if they leave it open ended with a time skip or whatever.  All of this feels like Studio Orange wanted to do a cyberpunk series or some sort of homage to that type of series and they got the IP to that odd under performing manga and anime, Trigun.  They never even stopped to ponder why it didn’t do well in Japan or why it was wildly popular in the States or how the original characters were well received in the original works.  It is almost like they figured, “Hey we have this obscure IP, it is fine to skim a bit off and then create our own dystopian cyberpunk series.”

No one can touch Cowboy Bebop, that series is too special for a remake (in the animated form, not the live action) so it will stand alone.  It is also an episodic series that no one can attack. Even though so many anime fans nowadays are aghast at episodic series when there are true merits to episodic storytelling.

I guess Outlaw Star was too 90s in a different way with the obvious alien cat girl, samurai chick and generic East Asian/Chinese vibes?  If they wanted cyberpunk they should have gotten the IP to Bubblegum Crisis and remade that.

Character comments:

Bill Conrad - Oh boy, did they really change him from the manga.  He was a member of the crew and knew Rem and found out she was hiding Knives and Vash.  He allowed her to continue to hide them.  Unlike Rem, he survived the crash and had set up a nice life for himself before being found by Knives and forced to work with him.

We all know that Bill Conrad is simply Patrick Stewart in manga form and that he was forced to do Knives bidding.  However, he still managed to deceive him and only revealed to Knives that when his hair began to turn black that he too was aging and would die.

Knives asks Elendira to confirm if Vash’s hair is also changing colors . . .

Before he kills Conrad on the spot.  He is no longer useful to Knives since he can no longer continue to use his power in an unlimited fashion. 

Did Knives think he could have unlimited power or did Conrad lead him to believe that in the hopes he could control or fight back?  Potentially both?

The main point is that Conrad was a part of the group who were involved in the Tessla experiments, however, we never know exactly to what extent, but that he is knowledgeable enough that he’s been working for Knives until his death.

This then leads into Tessla.

Tessla - Was the first independent plant that the crew learned about.  We know that Conrad and Rem were both there when the horrible experiments were performed on her which resulted in her death.  They then saved all of her remaining body parts in tanks for reference.  The entire thing is wrong on every possible level and knowledge of this event forever shaped how Vash and Knives moved forward in their lives.

It doesn’t take Knives long to undercover the files and they are curious to learn more - leading them to what remained of her body! 

However, Stampede hasn’t given us enough information to go on at the moment so we don’t know how they found out about this. 

Elendira the Crimsonnail - Has fallen victim to trans erasure apparently.  The 13th of the Gung-ho Guns, she was a force to be reckoned with wearing her pillbox hats, vintage suits and her suitcase full of nails.  I know that the translation isn’t the best where she’s referred to as a transvestite, but our language has been shifting rapidly over the past ten years and if this were translated now, she’d simply be referred to as a trans woman.

Apparently, Stampede doesn’t like to have too many adult women and this resulted in the shift of Elendira to a perma-child, which is just weird if she is a plant human hybrid. 

Roberto and Meryl - got their predicted death scene.  Are any of us surprised?  No.  Roberto did not contribute to the plot, nor did he do much of anything so of course he got his ‘moment’ to hand off a single gun to Meryl.  They were not the same as Meryl and Milly from the original as both were actively engaged in events and the fact that the two of them were always having interesting and dynamic conversations.  Wolfwood - completed a legally binding contract.  This doesn’t even make sense to me since - did he really have a choice in the matter?  No. Why bother to draft a contract and who the hell is even going to enforce it?  The NMP?  And he’s not dead yet!  Plus, the contract didn’t even follow its own note about the orphanage making it a sort of breach of contract by the writer . . . Vash - Passively walked right into Knives’ trap.  Wow, shocking.  Now, he’s going to get some sort of sci fi torture in the water pool to activate his gate/angel arm something .  . July then go boom? Knives - Wow, yeah.  Now he’s working with Conrad, he apparently absorbed Tessla’s eyeball into his arm before finding Conrad and he wants to remake his weak and sick brother.  He keeps the remains of dying plants as statues around him to remind himself to not make mistakes and he’s been hanging out in July and no one knows.  But based on his encounter with Conrad, the translation makes it sound like Knives may have been experimented on as well . . .

Zazie - The worms think very highly of themselves, however, they need to learn how to persuade others.  Speaking like you are the better species is not going to win over Meryl and Roberto to hear you out.  That’s why you lost to Conrad and Knives.  Honestly, no character in Stampede knows how to make a good persuasive argument to convince others to follow their cause or goals.

Wow, this meta has spiraled out of control and I really need to wrap it up.

1.) The writing continues to use so many ‘perfect’ timing instances.  I can’t take it anymore.  The entire elevator setup had me groaning aloud on my couch.  The scene where Vash is shot - is solely there to show his scars.  There were so many other ways to convey this point, like when he was on the uncrashed ship maybe?  Yet, Studio Orange lives for the most literal way to demonstrate things and it is well worn out its welcome for me as a viewer. 2.) The empty cities.  We’ve been shown the metropolis of the planet and it apparently isn’t December.  Where are the people in those massive buildings?  Wolfwood mentions they can buy as much munitions as possible but where does their food and drink come from?  I miss all of the normalcy of the original anime and manga.  Where are the cafes, the city squares, the children in the streets?

3.) The sci fi cyberpunk tone.  Baffles me.  Studio Orange had a creative vision which was not even remotely aligned with the source material.  The shift to a Sinocentric July also baffles me.  Let’s slap up some red lanterns everywhere and Chinese-ish decor elements to set the tone for July.  Is this some sort of hidden political message from the team at Studio Orange?  Is the water monopoly a fill in for something else in current events?  The original was much more Western US in the vibe but with international elements mixed in.  The characters are diverse and we still have that reflected in the population, for example Meryl and Milly hitched a ride with a woman who was clearly black. There were other characters who were definitely black in the manga. Yet, have I seen a single black character even in the background in Stampede?  No.  It was bad enough that they made Wolfwood white but apparently no one of any darker skin toned ethnic group made it onto those Project Seeds ships. 4.) Lack of diversity.  Thus, the lack of diversity of Stampede is killing me.  The entire main cast has light skin tones.  A subset of humanity is supposed to be stuck on the planet and that has not been reflected at all.  Wolfwood in the background appears to be foodie, as he rates the following dishes; curry, ramen and finds an incredible bowl of udon.  Clearly, there is cultural diversity and it had carried over to the desert planet.  The lack of diversity then extends to what was the complete change in Zazie and Elendira as well.  Zazie was a sort of non-binary character able to shift from host to host, implying that the gender construct was meaningless in their choices.  Elendira was a powerful trans woman, with excellent fashion taste.  Wolfwood didn’t even know what she looked like but was more than aware of her reputation.  Legato was canonically gay, but he hasn’t done enough yet to determine if that will be maintained as well.  My point is, what happened to all the queer characters? With that I shall wrap up.  My snark was strong with this episode and excuse my puns throughout the meta.

[thedragonchilde]

G Gundam meta notes, eps 30-34:

"Beautiful Fighter! Dangerous Allenby"

-you could tell Domon just about anything when he's basking in the afterglow of a good fight and it'll take him a good hot second to register

-what the hell kind of backstory does Allenby have that she was adopted by the military as a child?? (And why am I now suspicious of the circumstances under which her folks died…?)

-okay this gets into the good good "communicating with your fists" stuff, and I do love a good "I know you're in there" fight

-I love that Argo consistently believes in Domon

-oh, this is going hard on the parallels, and yet it feels more tell than show? Like we're told they're the same, but they don't feel the same - maybe just because Allenby is startlingly cheerful! Like, she has such innocent joy and awe for the littlest things, which tells us some terrible things about her life but also some wild things about her emotional resilience

"Dazzling Power of the Clown! Get Mad, Gundam Maxter"

-Bunny trying to seduce Domon is incredible

-"let's be good boys"

-i still watch this one while cringing; for something so absurd it gets so damn raw

-why did the gals ask Domon to go after Chibodee?

-”...but I bet I bored you with that silly story” that is some incredible deflection!! At the drop off a hat he's able to cut off sadness - laugh it off, even. Oh honey, it's not silly!

-and yet it seems he almost wanted to find that space to vent, just… to someone who wasn't close enough to judge

-who wants to bet he had to teach her the song, and that therefore he can sing? 

-an interesting tidbit carried over from the Japanese is that Chibodee gets this growl to his voice when he's hyped up

-we finally get a good butt shot and it's now? Damn, can't enjoy it like this

-the dub's decision to go with that choice of lullaby was so goddamn masterful!! In crapsack Neo-America, if you're stuck on Earth, literally all you have is patriotism and the land itself - like, you may have taken all the resources with you and practically left us to rot, but we have our pride, and we have the spacious skies, amber waves,,, What accidentally great worldbuilding

-TEAM NEO AMERICA FOUND FAMILY FOREVER

"Dangerous Trap! Neros Gundam Strikes Back"

-I have to laugh at Chibodee in the American flag trunks; quite a switch from the Speedo in Neo Mexico. Perhaps he wasn't meant to be seen in that skimpy thing and didn't wanna take the chance again?

-just because Wong doesn't give a shit about targeting the cockpit doesn't mean you should actually do it, Domon

-okay, Marcelot didn't take the loss as well as we thought. Also SERIOUSLY WHY IS HE THAT HUGE 

-ayyy Carlos is the one decent guy in this, and look what happens to him :/

-Michelo and his rainbow firework kick can kiss my ass

-wait, it's the end of the year and Domon is still 20?

-now I have the visual of Wong getting Michelo out of jail for the finals

-Bunny is a bad influence and enables Chibodee's impulsiveness, good job

-although it doesn't look like anyone was wearing their seatbelts

-final destination ass targets!

-okay, knees to the face looked pretty painful

-Domon's insults are charmingly tame in the dub; he uses stuff like 'scumbag' and 'loser' and 'piece of filth' just as venomously as others might wield much stronger language

-Wong wants to eradicate the Shuffle Alliance as a concept, oof

"Emissary of Darkness! Chapman Rises Again"

-”I should've stayed with my father, that way I could've snuck out” damn, Marie-Louise

-George's flying kick is pretty great

-okay so I know the whole "how can you come back from the dead and participate in the finals" seems like serious priority confusion, but I can see a decent reading as, like,,, "not only are you a zombie, but nobody's questioning it???"

-he has a knife!

-Rain and Allenby are scared of rats

-I find it interesting that Allenby is hanging around a lot. Rain doesn't appear to be uncomfortable yet

-George getting set up to protect the audience again, oh shit

-Domon also has a cool flying kick through the window, but I think George's was cooler. Maybe it's the heels

-I wonder how long Chapman was dead before being reanimated

"Stand Up Domon! Raging Tag Team Match"

-it's presumably supposed to be an illustration of Rain's jealousy, but she has a solid point re: letting other countries' reps in the cockpit, and it's interesting that Domon and Allenby are basically "this person isn't bad, therefore I don't understand the rule"

–which reminds me, for as much as they gave us real D/R moments in Guyana, since getting to the finals any reference has seemed like lip service

-with this Schwarz/Rain scene, I need to make a list of potentially shippy “A held B but under circumstances they couldn't enjoy”

-what in the good goddamn does Japan have against South/SE Asia? Like we're not even into recognizable stereotypes, this is just bizarre technicolor racism

-Allenby clinging onto Domon like that seems,,, off

-ah, it's not just lip service, it's also "let's go hard on the D/A parallels to needle Rain, this definitely won't backfire and convince viewers that D/A is more workable than D/R"

-though honestly Domon doesn't seem to act any different with Allenby than he does with his fellow Shuffles–

[childofaura]

Big question I have: who are your top 10 favourite Awakening characters from the First Generation and why?

This one will be fun :D also same disclaimer I always say: these aren’t in any particular order except for number one, because he really is number one.

That’s pretty much how all my lists go, lol.

Priam. This man is perfect and wonderful in so many ways; before I played Awakening, I watched all the confessions of the male characters, saw him, and went “THAT ONE. HE’S THE ONE .” He left me smitten even before I knew anything about him, like him being Ike’s descendent, and I’ve always been drawn more towards the “Avatarsexuals”. The game always tries to play him off as annoying, but he’s just incredibly passionate about gaining strength. He’s actually pretty passionate about everything he does, especially when he confesses that he’s fallen in love with you. His confession portrait has to be one of the most romantic in the game:

Priam is a hulking beast of a warrior but here, he’s kneeling down in front of you, having taken his gloves off so he can hold your hand in his (no one else does this by the way) while he gazes adoringly into your eyes. Combine that with how powerful and handsome he is, he’s my ultimate husband choice in Awakening. The only downside is how far in the game he is before you can recruit him (Chapter 25) but he’s worth it.

2. Aversa. I like a lot of SpotPass characters, and I like Aversa for her extra lore. Most people hate the SpotPass characters for turning the villains “good”, but I think it’s neat that the bad guys help defeat the TRUE villain pulling the strings (and it’s not like bad guys like Validar became good). Aside from that, Aversa is actually a sweetheart who struggles with making friends because she feels like she doesn’t deserve it (in her supports with M!Robin at least). It definitely makes her one of the more interesting female Awakening characters.

3. Vaike. WHEN, IS??? WHEN ARE WE GETTING TEACH??? Here’s hoping he’s not a demote when we get him… he’s a cool dude and his support with Sully is actually pretty touching, they were made for each other.

4. Frederick. I think Frederick (along with Dedue) is actually one of the nicer vassal characters in Fire Emblem, because Jakob can kind of be an asshole sometimes and Hubert is… Hubert. He’s diligent, cares about others, and holds the Shepherds together.

5. Gregor. The dude is SO overlooked as “haha funny Russian man” despite the fact that he’s powerful as fuck and even could have been a Khan of Regna Ferox if he wanted to. And RESOURCEFUL, the fact that he knew how to do Cordelia’s makeup is impressive. Plus I think he’s the best dad for Severa (I actually headcanon that Severa is bilingual in Gregor’s homeland tongue and it comes out when she’s pissed off at something or someone). Great dude and I’m glad he got added to FEH.

6. Gangrel. I said it. He works great as an antagonist and he’s a fun ally with a fascinating backstory (he kind of reminds me of Askeladd from Vinland Saga). It’s actually really sad to me that he dies a horrible death if he doesn’t support with F!Robin, I’d have liked for him to have loved to do SOMETHING.

7. Kellam. NO END. I’VE HEARD NO END TO THE INVISIBILITY JOKES. I GET IT. I will ALWAYS acknowledge my boy. He’s such a sweetheart and I adore his support with Olivia. He better get a prf when he gets added to FEH or I will riot.

8. Panne. She turns into a bunny. I like her.

But also she has a great backstory.

9. Virion. Ok yes he’s silly and goofy and flirts with anything that looks remotely female and walks on two legs. But if you read his Support with F!Robin (definitely one of the most sincere supports of the game in my opinion), he’s actually a very noble and caring guy. Especially during one of the DLCs where he sells an heirloom dagger for an old couple who was sick, and refuses to be acknowledged in any way or form for doing so. He’s got a great heart.

10. Mustafa. Does this count? Probably not but I wanna give him a shoutout anyways. I’m mad that HE wasn’t a SpotPass character, as cool as Walhart was, I would have preferred Mustafa. At least he got added to FEH, I’ll take what I can get.

Special additional shoutouts to Olivia, Sully, Lon’qu, and Yen’fey, they’re also really cool. I do like the other characters (especially Maribelle’s support where she knows how to talk like a sailor) but I’d prioritize these guys on the list.

[demetriandelibinaryboyfriends]

The Tory Prom Parable: A Fix-It Fic in Polls: Part 3

Part 1: link

Part 2: link

And the winner is:

You walk out of the prom dress rental depot wearing this bombshell. Complete with a big scandalous slit in the side, just because you can! You have never felt more absolutely kickass in your entire life, not even when you nearly stabbed Samantha LaRusso to death with a spike bracelet that one time. Or tried to beat the crap out of her with nunchucks. Those are hard to top, but...well, this is a different kind of kickass. You sort of want to murder someone with poison lipstick tonight. How do the femme fatales in movies do it?

Robby is waiting for you in Sensei Silver's nice-ass rental car. God, this man has resources. Whatever the hell he was up to after the war, he made bank. But hey--who are you to complain? It's nice to get a taste of the good life now and again, even if you'd rather not know where all that cold hard cash is coming from.

Sensei Silver wouldn't like. Blackmail you something to do with your mom's dialysis, right? No, of course not. Sensei Kreese is a good guy. Really got you out of a fix. Any friend of his is also a good guy deep down, right?

As you strut over, Robby wolf whistles at you. He's just messing around, but you decide to play along a bit. This whole night is about pretending to be a dumb bougie rich kid who actually cares about shit like prom, so you might as well commit to the bit.

You do a dramatic spin, and show off some different angles:

WORK IT GIRL

Robby jokingly says you're a knockout. You jokingly ask if he brought any condoms. He jokingly says he did. You jokingly wonder how much you're actually joking.

***

Congrats--you have successfully made it to the prom! You park in an illegal spot because fuck the police. You link arms with Robby Keene and walk into the vapid, B.O.-scented high school dance in the power stance of the century. Maybe it's your egotism speaking, but you're pretty sure everyone turns to look at the both of you.

And there are fucking Miguel Diaz and Sam LaRusso, dancing all around the dance floor like they own the place. Having far too good a time. Fucken show offs. Ugh. Almost like they came here to participate in the popular teenage ritual of dressing up, drinking punch, and grooving to pop music! What losers.

But when you walk in and demand everyone else's attention...what choice do they have but to join in?

Oh nice!!! You already pissed them off!!! Well, that was easy. Should be all smooth sailing from here.

You decide to take a gander at the dance floor and get the lay of the land. Kyler, Piper, and some other Cobras came in a group. That's good--you can hit them up if Prince Traitor Boy and Princess LaRusso decide to start anything. Hawk is sulking in the corner with that lame-ass nerd kid he ditched y'all for. Hell yeah! He looks like he's already having a bad time, along with that Demetri loser. Karma for inconveniencing you, one of (if not the) most important people in the Valley. (Or at least you will be after you win the AVT.) Hawk's ex is also here, partying with a gaggle of girls. Good for her, honestly--she could do better than Hawk's backstabbing ass. Bitches with no dojo loyalty get no bitches.

Some generic Top 40s dance hit comes on. Robby offers you his hand, and you take the floor. Time to be the most obnoxious pair at the West Valley High Junior Prom!

And...damn. This kid can groove. He spins you like it's second nature. He waltzes to and fro with almost perfect rhythm. When you follow his lead, you manage to move in perfect sync, despite having practiced dancing maybe twice in your life and also wearing high heels longer than Hawk's d*ck.

You put your leg around him and yank him toward you, showing off your fine specimen of a leg to the dance floor. Damn right, everyone wishes they had legs like yours!

And--oh, shit! Now he's lifting you clean off the floor! This kid is stronger than he looks, damn. And now he's dipping you like he's been practicing dipping women every night for his entire life???

Okay, that was kinda hot.

No, no, bad Tory. This is a fake date meant to prove a point and aggravate Sam LaRusso and Miguel Diaz. You're doing evil petty revenge--the last thing you need to do is catch feelings for your partner in crime.

Remember what happened last time you caught feelings for a boy??? That's right--he got kicked off a balcony!

By...the same dude who is now your prom date, actually.

Huh. Now that is the height of irony.

Speaking of Miguel, though! It's around this time you decide to check up on what him and his snooty girlfriend are doing. Surely still watching your dance routine in aghast horror, disgusted but unable to look away, right?

Wait, where'd they go?

You notice Robby also scanning the room with a furrowed brow, apparently experiencing the same confusion. He looks at you for answers, but all you can do is give him an agitated shrug.

"Let's check the punch table," he says. Right, yeah. They're probably stuffing their faces with free snacks. How lame. People as rich as Moneybags LaRusso should never be allowed free snacks!

Off to the punch table you go! But alas, no sign of your least favorite couple of all time. You and Robby begin a thorough search and inspection of the prom venue, leaving no hallway unchecked, no storage closet unopened, and no tablecloth unlifted.

People really gotta learn it's useless to hide from you. LaRusso sure tried at the arcade, and how did that turn out for her?

Maybe if you can get that Demetri kid alone, you could totally team up with Robby and break his arm again. He'd just be the Broken Arm Kid forever and no one would ever hire him! Bonus points if you do it in front of Hawk like "hey, remember when you did this that one time? Good times, right?"

How those two boys swept all that shit under the rug is beyond you. If someone broke your arm, you'd probably just kill them as soon as you got better. Eh, you avoided juvie once--you can do it again.

"What are you smiling about?" Robby asks. A little teasing, but genuinely curious.

It suddenly occurs to you that fantasizing about re-breaking a kid's arm is probably...not a great look. Whoops.

Like Robby is down for evil prom revenge and all, but he might draw the line somewhere. Who knows.

"Oh, I'm just reveling in the fact we scared them into a corner somewhere," you tell Robby.

But you double-check and triple-check and quadruple-check every last corner, and...no sign of Cheater Diaz and Princess LaRusso.

It appears they bounced!!! Unfortunately, since this is a fix-it fic, other characters besides you will also be acting in-character and not like they were replaced by cheap imitation doppelgangers who behave completely fucking differently. Which means, of course, that when Sam and Miguel see the people who attempted murder on them twice and paralyzed and nearly killed them, respectively, they're going to want to haul ass out of there as quickly as possible. Since, you know, a panic response would realistically take over and overpower any desire Sam and Miguel have to "show you up."

Uh oh. You definitely forgot to account for the fact that your targets could just fucking leave. And now you're at a dumb high school dance with no one to harass. This is awkward.

But what can I say? Did you really think they were going to just stand around and glare at you all night, without even moving to the other side of the dance floor to try and avoid you? That wouldn't make any sense.

Well...if you want to know where they went, exactly, Hawk and Demetri might know. Except the one problem with asking them is that they both fucking hate you. And Robby. So that's not going to work.

You could try asking Hawk's ex, it's just be uh. Really fucking awkward, because Moon is friends with Sam and probably remembers the whole spike-bracelet-and-nunchucks ordeal. So it's doubtful she'll want to help you out either. But you've got a better chance with her than with Hawk and Demetri, that's for sure.

[bobateaboo]

wrote a lil thing of backstory for my boy Cleaver, Stalker (who isn't called by name but is there) is by me and Nightterror is by @andizoidart !!

Funny thing; when any experience with other monsters is life threatening, it means it takes a while to notice when everyone else stops being there.

Cleaver had been in hiding for… how long…? A long time, only coming out to check his traps before hiding back away in his old house. The windows boarded, the door covered with more locks than he’d bothered counting for some time. He only left when it had been months of empty snares and bear traps, once he’d boiled the leather of his brothers old boots for something to eat, once he’d gotten desperate enough  to peel the bark of the trees and raid the old sentry stations for cigarettes for anything that even vaguely counted as edible.

To say he’d been on guard when he crept into waterfall was an understatement. He knew who lived here, she had a name, the one who broke his skull… he was afraid of seeing her again. He couldn’t quite remember the others who lived there, just the songs he would hear them sing  in the caverns before everyone started to starve, but seeing them would be bad as well. It was too quiet, too quiet, his footsteps echoed against the stone walls…

But were never joined by another pair of feet.

He found ------’s old house on the first day. Worked up the courage to venture in on the fifth. It was empty.

The leather from her old, worn couch lasted him 4 days.

It took seventeen days to ensure that every resource waterfall had was truly gone. It was mostly a pity search, now that he thought about it; if there was anything left, then the monsters would still be here. Where the shallows had once been full of reeds, they were plucked barren; the underground was a closed environment, no gaps in the stone for sunlight to slip through. Once they had been picked, they had been picked. Nothing regrew here.

He did find graves, though. The monsters had been careful to spread the dust too thin, so that no desperate soul could deface their loved ones by eating it. One could wonder how long it was before they regretted that choice. Cleaver didn’t bother guessing.

There were the last monsters, though, who didn’t have anyone else left to bury them. Monster dust is near impossible to get down, but makes a type of paste when mixed with water. And the one thing this place wasn’t short of was water.

It wasn't good. But it was food

Hotland yielded similar results. He found the labs with dust strewn across the large control board and onto the floor, like someone had died while slumped against it, leaning on it for support. He picked up the glasses in the dust pile. He hadn’t seen well since his injury.

They didn't fit him.

The robot - he had a name, didn’t he? - had lost power long ago, when the core first failed. The desks were strewn with smaller generators and batteries that had been hooked to him in an attempt to support him on reduced power, but they had all run out by now.

The capital was just as depressing. The king’s dust was in a pile on the dried flowers of his garden, his crown gleaming on top of it. Cleaver picked it up and put it on. The edge slipped into the crack on his head. He spent the next hour carefully removing it.

He didn’t bother going back to snowdin once he’d gotten to the other end of the underground. Why bother? The beds were comfier here. 

And sure, his brother's grave was back at home. But what was the point of visiting if he’d forgotten his name so long ago…?

Cleaver had been considering cutting off his own fingers for food when it happened.

He was sitting on the floor, in the dead flowers, leaning against the king’s throne while he picked dully at his phalanges, wondering if there was even enough magic left in them to do anything, when a shadow passed over him.

Cleaver wasn’t a small monster. He hadn’t been since his injury had thrown his magic regulation out the window. This monster would easily only come up to just below his shoulder.

But he was terrifying.

He was dripping with oozing black, strange, tentacle-like limbs sprouting fron his back. His hands were in his pockets, a relaxed stance to contrast the imposing figure; Through the sea of sludge, a teal eyelight glowed, staring directly down at Cleaver.

Cleaver didn’t move just looking dully up at the figure. You didn’t spend this long in isolation without starting to see things, of course, he was used to them at this point. Sure, this one was new; usually if he saw people, they were people he’d seen before. Had he seen this man before? He didn’t look familiar, but maybe he’d forgotten…

There was a second figure behind the mass of tar- a skeleton, like Cleaver, with empty, dark eye sockets and a red shape in front of his chest. He was starting to realize that the first one was a skeleton as well, just… Goopier. And meaner-looking. With his cracked skull and hulking frame, did Cleaver look that mean by now? He hadn’t seen his reflection in so long.

“Get Up.”

He didn’t. Why would he? He was tired, too tired to cater to his own fantasies. He tilted his head as he studied the goop-monster and the second skeleton, who looked mildly amused more than anything else. He idly kicked a pebble, which bounced off of Cleaver’s knee. It took him more than a few seconds to realize the significance of that.

He had felt the pebble. So that had to be real. So if this hallucination had kicked the pebble, and moved something that was real, then….

Cleaver lunged at the skeleton, mouth gaping open to reveal a maw full of sharp, crooked teeth, hands outstretched and intent to grab him. The monster drew a knife, but it didn’t matter. Cleaver never met his mark.

A tentacle seized around his waist, lifting him up before slamming him back down to the castle floors, knocking the wind out of him.

Here’s a fun fact most don’t know until it’s relevant to them; when your bones don’t get the nutrition they need, they start to get fragile, brittle. Your body simply doesn’t have enough calcium, protein, or calories to keep things up to standard. 

So Cleaver was painfully aware of his poor, brittle condition as he felt two of his ribs snap under his own weight. He let out a breathless cry of pain, curling around his middle as he lay on the floor, clutching his chest. He was vaguely aware that he was shaking as a voice sighed, and a pair of dark shoes came into view, standing in front of him.

“I assume you’re now  taking this a bit more seriously.” It wasn’t a question. It didn’t need to be. Cleaver nodded anyway. “Wonderful. I have a proposal.”

Cleaver’s vision went blurry as the dark thing knelt in front of him, the stark blue of his eye filling his senses. Behind him, he was vaguely aware of the skeleton he’d attacked, looking amused, but not surprised, by the goings-on of the dark thing.

“If you work for me, I can remove you from this place. You will be fed and given a place to stay, but that position depends on your ability to follow orders.” The thing clanced down at Cleaver’s sorry state, wrinkling his nasal bridge slightly. “Once given some recovery time, of course.”

There was a part of Cleaver’s brain that screamed that this could be a trap. A way to lure him into a sense of security so this monster could kill him. But a larger, drowsy part of his mind was oh so aware that if this skeleton wanted him dead, he wouldn’t need any tricks. He wouldn’t need much of anything at all, really.

And that sluggish, drowsy part of his brain that had been latched on ever since it heard the word fed shakily reached out, and shook the dark thing’s hand.

“Good.” Dark Thing seemed pleased, so that was either a good sign or a very, very bad one. “Do note that you will be expected to fight on my behalf. Frequently.”

Fighting in order not to starve

When had his life been anything different?

[bloominghands]

—- *Certain people on the dash got me in my feelings about Robin and her relationship with food. (*// TWs in tags)

HONESTLY THOUGH. Even when Robin was living on Ohara she never got enough to eat. From going days at a time without food because her aunt and uncle forgot or she was being punished to barely being able to eat a slice of bread without being hounded about being a burden. I imagine people in town not only hated her because of her powers and how odd she was, but also because she would sometimes be caught stealing food out of the trash.

Unfortunately, however, what she learned while trying to survive on Ohara would only be put to use again and again after she was forced to live her life on the run. After a while she lost count of how many times she’d almost died from starvation or dehydration, or how many times she had to dig through trash cans or dumpsters in alley ways and behind shops before sleeping behind them after scarfing down whatever edible thing she could find.

And she was working for other criminals it was hardly any better. Always the odd one out no matter where she was and one more mouth to feed, she was rarely given any rations more than what would just keep her alive — after all, if she was weak from hunger then she’d be easier to manipulate or overpower. This of course, lead to her tendency to hide food when on someone’s ship. From pulling back baseboards to smuggle an apple to carving out a false bottom of a barrel to hide stashes of rice or grains.

Always ready to flee at a moments notice, never knowing when her meals would stop or where they would come from next. She had no choice but to stockpile what she could in the event she had to run. It’s a subconscious habit she still carries to this day even on the Sunny. (Though thanks to Sanji’s gentle insistence that she will never go hungry again, it’s no where near as bad as what it was when she first joined them. Perhaps a small snack hidden here and there when she’s not thinking about it.)

TL;DR; Over all, Robin’s relationship with food is complicated. On one hand, her life style gave her a strong stomach and taught her how to be resourceful, how to hunt her own food and make traps - how to survive. But it also gave her crippling anxiety about when she might go hungry next, or when she may be eating too much - never wanting to be a burden to those who have been so kind as to actually feed her, even subconsciously.

*Bonus: She never really developed many likes and dislikes because she never had the luxury to, and will eat almost anything you put in front of her. Except for gum. It’s absolutely disgusting to her and also gives the illusion of eating something while still having an empty stomach.