#larian let me hold him challenge

[riviclouds]

part time hellrider full time cutie

[bg3-game-analysis]

Game Story and Narrative Design 📝

What is Baldur’s Gate 3 about? What kind of story is it trying to tell?

I would argue that the game is attempting to send a message of belonging and also overcoming hardships. Throughout the entirety of the game, the player is surrounded by companions who are all struggling in their own ways. One of your jobs is to help them get closure and essentially end those parts of their stories so they can begin fresh. You become close friends with your party and begin to really cherish them.

The overarching story of the game is of a similar vain. The whole reason the player begins the journey they end up on is because they want an annoying mind flayer tadpole out of their head. A very reasonable request if you ask me. You bond with your companions because they too have annoying little tadpoles in their heads. You learn to overcome the challenges that you and your friends have to face due to the little annoyance and literally grow stronger from it all as you level up.

The design features that support the story

A very prominent design feature of BG3 is absolutely its use of a discovery narrative structure with a little hint of pre-established narrative structure. The discovery narrative relies on the player’s exploration of the world to find out story information (Picucci 107). There are so many random little tidbits of information I never would have learned about the world of Baldur’s Gate 3 if I hadn’t decided to explore as I was running around completing quests. You can learn about past inhabitants of the Goblin camp and explore secret areas in the Emerald Grove just to name a couple examples. The pre-established narrative comes into play with some of the cut-scene usage towards the beginning of the game and when transitioning between acts. They don’t occur too often so that the player loses interest, but actually provides information that you wouldn’t be able to find elsewhere. It also just provides a cinematic break for dramatic moments.

The game also uses event triggers and dialogue trees to create a more active experience for the player. The event triggers within BG3 often trigger fights or moments of dialogue. It can also trigger traps if you’re not careful (sometimes even Astarion doesn’t notice them and then it results in him dying from an explosion sooooo be careful, trust me you do not want to go back a save). Dialogue trees also create a more active experience because they give the player more options to decide how they would like to speak.

Can I understand what’s going on all the time?

All of the plots and the narrative I can say I do understand. The game can get a little stressful and overwhelming depending on which act you’re in, but otherwise it’s not as confusing as it may seem. Newer players might struggle to grasp at the mechanics at first if they have never experienced Dungeons & Dragons, but as far as the plot goes, I think it’s pretty easy to follow.

The influence interactivity has on the structure of the story

Because the game is so focused on keeping the players immersed and interactive, there had to be less structure when it came to the story. There really is no cut and dry way the game ends. There are multiple endings all stemming from how your player interacts with the world. Baldur’s Gate 3 really lets the players have control over the narrative more-so than the developers at Larian do. If you want to be a bad person? Go for it, no one’s stopping you. Do you want to ignore the main quest for as long as possible? Sure, go for it. Wanna kiss the Emperor? Only some of the NPCs will judge you, but no one’s holding you back from following your heart.

(Image Source)

Works Cited

Domsch, Sebastian. Storyplaying. de Gruyter, 2013.

Picucci, Marcello, A. When Video Games Tell Stories: A Model of Video Game Narrative Architectures. Vol. 3, 2014.

[blackjackkent]

A note entitled "Orders from B" on a dead ghoul here indicates that they were ordered to "search the library", which means we're probably on the right track, so that's good. Also found a book which describes the intended process of the Sharran Gauntlet, and it's uh...worrisome.

The fact that Hector is, explicitly, a follower of Selune both headcanonically and in game mechanics makes that last sentence extremely concerning. (If Larian actually accounted for this as a possibility and made Drama around it I will be quite pleased. :D )

For right now, though, on to the next trial down the hall.

This door has a plaque in front of it which states, ominously, "Her Most Hallowed Mercy." Stepping inside gives us the name of the test: "Self-Same Trial."

There is, of course, another bowl of blood by which Shadowheart can activate it. So let's get to it!

Interestingly, I was able to get some approval from Shadowheart by accidentally clicking on the bowl with Hector first, and then stepping aside to allow her to take over when she asked. After putting the blood in the bowl, she announces: "The Dark Lady teaches us that we are our own worst enemy, much of the time. Her embrace will elude us until we shed that which holds us back."

Not sure what that implies. Once again ungrouping Shadowheart and letting her go through on her own...

JK maybe not!

Mirrored enemy versions of the whole party is here (although Hector is just labeled "Human" and does not look like himself, and everyone is missing the dyes on their armor).

So I guess we won't make Shadowheart fight the whole party by herself.

RPGs love to do this thing of making you fight yourself, and you know what, I eat it up every single fucking time. :P It is always tasty.

This was quite a challenging fight, which I suppose reflects well on our party's build. One interesting thing was that Gale's Hold Person didn't work at all, as none of these enemies were considered humanoid. Mostly Hector and Karlach just beat everyone up as usual, though let's just say everyone was really regretting that Gale had Fireball equipped by the end of the fight. Enemy Karlach was also incredibly difficult to hit between her AC and her raging. The enemies also had the ability to turn invisible and ALSO silenced Gale, who was in a very bad state by the end of everything.

----

"Well," Hector groans, slapping at a charred bit of his tunic to put out the remaining lit embers. "That was awful."

"The dark lady...teaches us..." Shadowheart mumbles to herself. She is bleeding heavily from her nose and a cut across one eyebrow and looks rather shaken. "We are...our own worst enemy..."

"Yeah, no kidding," Karlach snorts. "I guess I should be glad Shar thinks I'm that powerful." She reaches over to grab Gale's hand and pull him up to his feet. "All right?"

"I've been better," Gale says sardonically. "I was already perfectly aware that me blowing myself up was somewhere in my future but I didn't expect it to be taken in quite that direction."

Hector chuckles hoarsely, without humor. "We should make camp before we progress any further through this place." A slight pause. "Shadowheart, did you get your...ah...gem?"

"Hm?" Shadowheart shakes herself from her reverie, glances past him at the umbral gem on its pedestal. "Ah...right. I'll get it now." A long pause, and then she adds, in a low mutter, "Thank you."

Hector lets out a heavy sigh. "Not to worry," he says with an attempt at good humor that falls a little bit flat. "We've all been through worse for each other by now..." A slight pause. "Though not much."

[crypticcaveart]

You'd think that I'd have better things to spend my time on than writing but here we are. Also curse you Larian for creating something I feel so passionately about I broke my nay-sayer attitude and wrote fanfic. How dare you. Anyway my durge is a male twink so that's what u get. Durge spoilers btw

“I don’t need any of this. The only family I know are those who fight by my side.”

“You were made to conquer. To devour. You reject my blood, and so I will reclaim it. I will make another who is worthy.”

Everyone looked on in fear, as Scleritas Fel, possessed by Bhaal, raised his arm, lifting Tav into the air and drawing all of the blood from his body in a red mist, and dropping his lifeless body to the floor with a sickening thud. Scleritas’s body wrenched in odd positions, and was ruined from the inside-out before Bhaal left the chamber altogether. The party slowly walked toward Tav’s body, as if it might lash out at them as a mindless machine of death. Astarion knelt down to feel for a pulse, and found none. Karlach sank to her knees, and lifted the limp body up to her chest, cradling his heavy head in her arms. 

Tears running down her cheeks, Karlach’s voice cracked, “It wasn’t supposed to be this way, Soldier.” She pressed her face to the top of Tav’s head, planting a gentle kiss on his forehead, and held him closer, hoping that any bit of hope from her heart could bring him back.

Jaheira, hand on Minsc’s shoulder, says quietly, “He denied his birthright power to protect others… and it cost us all so dearly. But I am so proud of him.”

From behind, Withers apparated into the chamber. “Thou hast defied Bhaal, thy liege and father, and doing so hast earned a place among champions and heroes.”

The chamber was quiet, save for his voice.

“But, alas, thy courage was in opposition to the divine cosmology that bound thee to the Lord of Murder. Thou art now faithless - godless - and doomed to wander the fugue plane for all of eternity.”

Karlach ignored his presence, as if he were not even there. So focused on her love, now passed, she didn’t even hear the next few things he said.

Withers continued, “I will not permit that, though all the powers of life and death dictate that it should be so. I, too, still hold some power, and I invest a portion of it in thee, who have challenged the gods, and now liveth to tell of it. Thy fight is not over, and it is thy fight, for one who can look upon Bhaal and oppose him can survive any crisis.”

Quietly, as though to not disturb the group further, “Death will not claim thee whilst I endure.”

Karlach was saying her own piece to Tav now, having completely ignored Withers.

His entire body felt so heavy. The static feeling of blood not moving as it should was pinpricking every nerve in his body, and it was dark. His eyelids felt so unimaginably heavy, no part of him would listen to his commands to move. Brain fog was very slowly giving way, and the only sense from the outside world was sound, and he could feel something wrapped around him tightly.

Close to him he could hear sniffling, and the cracking familiar voice of Karlach. Gently, she stroked his cheek and said, “I’m the one who is dying… you were supposed to live on. We were supposed to have more time, more dates, more kisses and nights together in each other's arms. You were going to stay with me when I went, and then live on for both of us. I…”

Her sobs overcame her. Her face was now pressed into his hair, tears flowing down her face. He heard all of these words, and tears formed on his face, too. His first breath returned to his chest, and he coughed his exhale, enough to pull Karlach back to the present. He slowly opened his eyes, mind still a little muddled, a minor headache forming in the back of his head. He had just enough energy to raise one of his shaking hands up to Karlach’s face, which was now wide-eyed and staring down at him, in disbelief.

In a tired, pained voice Tav responded to Karlach’s laments, “I’m not going to let you die. We will have our fifty more years together. I love y-”

Before he could finish what he was saying Karlach had already pressed her lips to his.

“Don’t ever scare me like that again.”

[annelotteverweij]

A Useful Analysis Of Quick Systems In Iso Xp Probiotic Protein

Discovering The Answers To Choosing Issues For Grass Fed Organic Whey Canada

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For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.foodingredientsfirst.com/news/european-survey-reveals-increased-demand-and-promising-growth-for-whey-protein.html

Tips For Building A Fit Future For You And Your Family!

You don't need to spend countless hours at the gym to get fit. This article will cover a few ways that will help you get fit at home or at the gym. For those who are new to fitness, a few sessions assisted by a personal trainer could help get you started. A good trainer can help you identify your problem areas, figure out your goals and suggest a workout regimen that suits your needs. Working out in a gym when you haven't done so before can be scary, so let someone know knows his way around a gym guide you. This will help you get on the right track. Lifting weights is the most common way people use to try to achieve their fitness goals. There are actually only six exercises you need to employ to work all of the major muscle groups in your body. They include regular and handstand push-ups, bridges, squats, leg raises and pull ups. Stay conscious of your posture when walking. Stand upright and draw your shoulders back and down. A good position for your elbows is at approximately 90 degrees. Put your front foot opposite of your arms. Let your eel hit the round and then roll your entire foot in each step. Start a diary that contains your fitness efforts from the day. Keep tabs on every type of workout; make sure you list every exercise, no matter how small. Purchase a pedometer and record your steps into your diary as well. This helps you track progress. When bicycling, aim for your pace to be around 80-110 rpm. This will allow you to ride faster and farther, and with less knee strain and fatigue. If Whey Protein you count the times your leg on the right lifts up every ten seconds and times it by six you can set a pace. This rpm is ideal, and you should aim for it. It can be tough to stay motivated when dieting. It's important to see progress to keep yourself going. Hang on to some of your snug-fitting clothes and try them on occasionally instead of constantly weighing yourself on the scale. Wear these everyday you diet to see how much change you are experiencing. Try doing dips. Dips are an amazing exercise that targets your chest, triceps, and shoulders. There are a lot of ways this is possible. You could try dipping between two benches. You may also want to try combining the dips with weights. A great fitness tip to help you build up your calf muscles, is to start doing donkey calf raises. As you might expect from the name, the donkey calf raise is specifically designed to focus on your calves. You must have a buddy willing to rest on your back so that you are free to lift your calves upward. Getting healthy and in shape can present many challenges, but it also offers enjoyable times too. Use these tips to round out your fitness plan. Make fitness as much of a daily to-do as showering and laundry. The more often you exercise, the greater the progress toward your fitness goals.

Some Growing Options For Picking Out Core Details In Canada

Bankruptcy Court. However, he said he respected Watsa, likening him to a Canadian Warren Buffett. Larian said he had a conversation Sunday with Toys R Us bankruptcy advisors and will now focus on the U.S. stores. He added that he submitted a $6-million down payment in support of his Canadian bid but expects to get the money back once the Fairfax deal closes. ​​"I think they were genuinely serious about wanting to help me save what I can," Larian said of his conversation with the advisors. "I am optimistic." Toys R Us is in the process of liquidating its 735 U.S. and Puerto Rican stores and rejected as inadequate a $675-million bid for 274 of the stores submitted April 13 by Larian and his group of investors. Larian said he and his team will spend the next week re-assessing the value of the stores, as well as unspecified Toys R Us intellectual property he is seeking. The stores are holding liquidation sales, which he argues is progressively devaluing what is left of the chain. The retailer is a key sales channel for toy makers, with Larian estimating it accounts for up to one-fifth of his company's sales. MGA also makes Little Tikes toys and the hit L.O.L. Surprise!

For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-toysrus-usa-20180422-story.html

Vitamins And Minerals: Essential To Your Health

Take a moment to consider how you're feeling right now. Do you have the energy you remember once having? Do you wake up easily? Do you feel strong and in shape? If you aren't feeling like you are in top form, vitamins and minerals may help. Continue reading to learn all that you can. Vitamins are essential in helping you get the most from your exercise plan. Your body needs appropriate nutrition to both recover from workouts but also fire up the metabolism you need to shed pounds and build lean tissue. Make your diet more healthier and balanced by getting the proper amount of minerals and vitamins each day. It is recommended that you eat at least five servings of vegetables and fruit daily. If you do not manage to meet this target, then make sure you are taking a vitamin supplement to make up the shortfall. Your bones need calcium to stay strong. You need to have lots of vitamin D to absorb calcium, though. Sunlight, certain foods, and vitamin D supplements can help with absorption. These all improve your body's ability to absorb calcium. Any supplement that has fat needs to be taken when you eat, so plan to take it around the time you eat. Vitamins K, A and E are among those vitamins that need to be taken with food. Absorption is more effective if the food has a certain amount of fat. Often people feel mysterious aches and pains and don't know what to do about it. Before you worry too much, try adding vitamins to your diet. You can help your muscles by ensuring you have enough fish oil and vitamin E in your diet. Vitamin B2 is an important part of your daily diet, and you can get this essential vitamin by eating bananas, dairy products, popcorn, green beans and more. A lower red blood cell count, scaly skin, and cracks on the lips can signal a deficiency of vitamin B2. Patients who get enough riboflavin may face a decreased risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome, cancer, anemia, and cataracts. Refrain from consuming prenatal vitamins when you pass menopause. Sometimes, women will take these vitamins to help make their nails and hair grow longer. While this is safe in general, they often have more iron than a post menopausal woman needs. Vitamin C is in many citrus fruits and other vegetables and fruits. Vitamins and minerals taken in supplemental form are perfect to eliminate any deficiency you may have. Vitamin C helps people prevent skin infections, gum disease, ulcers, colds and more. There have also been studies done that show vitamin C has assisted patients with ADHD, Alzheimer's, and dementia. Fruits and veggies are very high in vitamins and minerals. Choose fresh produce over canned to get the most out of it. Add a multivitamin to your diet and you'll be good to go! With the economy as it is, many people are looking to quick, cheap and fast food to get them by, and missing out on valuable nutrients in the process. Take vitamins regularly to ensure you are able to keep your immune system going and covert fat into energy. Always be skeptical about where you get information regarding minerals and vitamin supplements. Many advertisements are specifically geared towards selling you a product, not towards your health. For this reason, you need to inform yourself on how best to supplement your diet with vitamins and minerals. If you have doubts, schedule a talk with your doctor before choosing to take supplements. Use what you have learned here to improve your life. Understanding how vitamins and minerals affect your health can help you make better choices. Begin now so you can improve your health as soon as possible.

[blackjackkent]

3, 6, 21, 18, 25 for Karlach uwu

uwu!

(Character ask game)

3. Least favorite canon thing about this character?

The fact that she doesn't get an option for an unequivocal happy ending. :P

(TBH I love her Avernus ending and I think it's badass and in the fic I write she will absolutely end up getting a happy ending after battling things out with Zariel. And I'm not entirely mad that Larian only went with bittersweet at best; her story is stronger for it. But deep down I just want her to have the option to be happy and safe. <3 )

6. What's something you have in common with this character?

I like to think that I share a certain relentless optimism with Karlach even when things are crappy, and a desire to see the best in people no matter what. I'm not always as good at this as Karlach is - and given my on-and-off depressive struggles, it's hard to say how I would hold up against the truly horrendous shit Karlach has had to deal with, which goes way beyond my personal experience - but for the most part it is something that I try to cultivate in myself, at least. I always want to see the good in the world even if it's not making itself super obvious all the time.

21. If you're a fic writer and have written for this character, what's your favorite thing to do when you're writing for this character? What's something you don't like?

Karlach has such a breadth of tone which makes her a lot of fun to play with; she works equally well in comedic moments and super serious ones, and she's equally earnest and sincere in both. (I think Sky-High turned out as a good example of how she can kind of carry both simultaneously without seeming out of character.) So I would say that I like playing up that breadth and giving her moments to be humorous even in pretty serious situations, and vice versa.

As for what I don't like... idk, man. Hard to think of anything. I guess I could say that I struggle with writing her in any worldstate outside of Hector's because her relationship with him was so fundamental to that worldstate. XD But even then, doing anything else just becomes an interesting challenge.

18. How about a relationship they have in canon with another character that you admire?

I was gonna say her relationship with Jaheira but tbh a lot of that is my own headcanon as much as what is reflected in canon per se. I do love their canon interactions, though.

I think her best relationship purely based on canon is with Wyll. She calls him her best friend at one point! And the fact that they get along is representative of some of the best traits of both characters - they're good people, and the fact that they started out at odds doesn't change the good they ultimately see in each other.

25. What was your first impression of this character? How about now?

Then> Really hope I like her. None of the other companions so far have really clicked for a romance for Hector. Oh... oh, she's hot. O.O Wait, she is not talking like an evil devil. She seems nice! ...Oh, I like her. 👀

Now> I would give body parts for her to be real and let me hug her. Fantastic character and fully representative of the best parts of who I want to be as well.