#player; the young tamer

[qafi]

Yamaguchi Tadashi & Baby Elephant Syndrome

Baby Elephant Syndrome is a term that coined a phenomenon among animal-tamers in circuses. It is where a baby elephant is tied to a strong rope or chain at a young age and is unable to break free of the constraint. When the elephant matures, the elephant has grown strong enough to uproot trees and surely break the rope, but the elephant has been conditioned to accept this constraint. (1) Thus, the circus members are able to control a creature much stronger than them.

This concept can be further used to explain human psychology. As children, we often grow up being powerless and therefor accept our inability to change the things around us. So, when we become adults, we still think of ourselves as powerless and don’t even try.

No one better exemplifies Baby Elephant Syndrome to me than Yamaguchi. He grew up bullied by older, stronger kids, and clung to Tsukishima for safety. In high school Yamaguchi became incredibly tall and moderately athletic, and yet he still behaves like a nervous bullied child. He follows and obsesses over Tsukishima despite being about the same as him, and apologizes profusely. When he’s without his Tsukki-safety-blanket he acts nervous, shy, scared, overly-polite and often expresses internalized doubt and self-hatred.

It seems like Yamaguchi has no idea how big he is, literally.

It makes a lot of sense that his character arc culminates in him realizing his own potential and becoming an offensive player, and at the same time standing up to the person who he admires (Tsukki) by being more assertive. It’s like the elephant realizing the little chain can’t hold them down anymore.

[catt-nuevenor]

Changes to the Main Character - Myrk Mire

Brace yourselves kids, this is going to be a fair amount to go through. While I don't think I'm giving away any big story spoilers, do treat reading more with some caution if you want to experience the story completely blind. And do also bear in mind that none of these changes are implemented yet and won't be for some time. If you like the story as is, by all means go and enjoy it. I'll be uploading a new demo, not replacing the old one, when it's ready.

All that out the way, let's talk choice fiction MC's and their difficulties in fixed narrative cannon.

Let's get this out the way first and foremost. You will still be able to customise your Main Character and their offspring in all the ways you can currently. I'm not removing any of that choice from you. You'll also be able to pick who your Main Character becomes attached to. However, this is where things will need to change a bit.

Previously our romantic options were all single and ready to mingle and remained so until the player directed their Main Character into a relationship with them. Open season, so to speak. What will now (future demo) take place is the Main Character will begin early to favour one of the eight relationship (romantic or platonic) options, and as said relationship grows, the remaining seven will begin their own journeys with other characters.

Which other characters? Well, here's where the real fun begins.

---

Old narrative:

A lone wanderer, with their offspring/dependent, stumbles into Aldmirham in pursuit of work and lodging for the winter.

New narrative:

A small group of wanderers, with their offspring/dependents, stumble into Aldmirham in pursuit of work and lodging for the winter.

---

Our RO's aren't the only ones gaining 'siblings'.

There'll be five adult characters trundling their way into Aldmirham in the hafest of 822 DT, and the beginning of the story will take place at the very start of winter, through to blostma (spring).

The Main Character will be one of these five adults, and their dependent will be one of the three children with them.

Some of you may have noticed a slight mathematical flaw in this. I have eight relationship options and five new folks. Well, you don't need to form romantic relationships to live a happy and fulfilling life, and neither do the RO's.

Let's get a run-down on our travelling group, shall we?

Ænidym Bécencnol (NB) - An old friend of Marrin/Marryn/Marren and Sumara (previously Zephora), they joined shortly after the events that led to the MC first travelling with the group (what ever those events may be), in the town of Þeófcrecca on the western shore of Crawshire. They're a carpenter by trade, apprenticing with a shipwright in the town. They're supportive, grounded, and often the voice of reason when their companions need a reminder of common sense.

Ehwan Bécencnol (M) - Ænidym's young cousin, orphaned after his mother drowned in an accident out at sea while fishing. He's quiet, distrustful of strangers, and has a deep and abiding fear of deep water. He's a year or so older than the MC's child and is obsessively protective of them.

Azgoá Ménastaþs (F) - Orignally from the realm of Þinda, she took apprenticeship with the iron smiths of Crawburh before meeting up with the others, and deciding to travel east with them, hoping to learn from the smithing guilds in the rest of the realm. Others often think she has a funny accent, and she delights in teaching the children foul comebacks in her native tongue.

Ielfetu Wischam (M) - A basket weaver by trade, Ielfetu joined the group with his daughter, Basjá, after Basjá's mother became violent towards them both. He's good at what he does, but struggles to see that, relying on his new friends and confidants to pick him up and set him on his feet. Originally from the smaller, tamer marshes of Wýscanwisc, he's comfortable in the Mire, and hopes the group will stay after the winter is through.

Basjá Wischam (F) - Ielfetu's daughter, she's the youngest of the group's children, though only by a few months. Tall for her age, and bold, she's often chosen as the leader among the children, though her overconfidence often leads them all into trouble. She's anxious about her father, often feeling like she has to protect him from those who might bully him or push him around, this well-meaning support rarely ends well.

Aranor Halshlinc (M) - The newest member of the group, he first joined them when he was still legally a child, seeking to escape a bad situation he'd found himself in, with muddy legal ramifications. He's spent every day since this incident trying to make it up to them, taking on far more dog's body work than he should, often exhausting himself. He has a good heart, but a limited appreciation for long term consequences, and his past is never far behind him.

Main Character (?) -

Main Character's Child (?) -

Now, I'm not telling you who ends up connecting with who, that'd be spoilers.

So this is our crew of travelling misfits, here's to the shenanigans when they meet our resident band of misfits in Aldmirham! The town won't know what's hit it.

Why do this? Well, it means when the story of Myrk Mire touches the fixed narrative story, I have more points to weave connections with, more people to mention or name-drop, and tbh more people to hide the MC behind without having to strongly define who they are. I'm not going to be able to keep the MC ambiguous forever, but I hope I can create a strong enough sense of community within the story that readers still feeling comfortable when the MC of Myrk Mire does make their eventual appearance because the family around them remains the same.

Anywho, let me know what you think about our new travelling companions, and feel free to ask questions about them. Spoiler limiting, I'll answer as best I can.

[scarletthedeadhand]

So, i have an idea for my player character in doodle world,Pupsicle, seeing as she’s an ice demon, and apparently there was a version of her in Zavier’s timeline.

What if she’s actually a literal demon, that took the body of a young doodle tamer when said tamer was a baby in this timeline. Would explain how her mother had birthed a demon.

And in zavier’s timeline, the body snatch never happened, so the child was just a weak mortal human.

[peaches-and-pity-points]

Tangled AU

I've never liked the isekai angle of Twisted wonderland much. I've deqveloped an alternative way of looking at things to suit my fancy.

Per the name; the player is in a tangled situation. The sole heir to a kingdom, stolen away in the dead of night as a baby and raised by the man (because twst) who took them. Maybe he was in love with the queen, spurned by her rejection and took the only child she'd ever have as penance. Maybe its closer to form and the queen took a plant he needed to keep himself young and alive indefinitely, and the child simply being around had that same effect. Something no one would notice if they weren't looking for it.

Your father home schooled you; taught you everything you know. He restricted your interactions with the outside world and any online activity. But he knew best. He loved you after all, he just wanted to keep you safe. He told you your mother died giving birth to you, that's why he's so protective. You grew up in a cottage, far away from society. The world was dangerous, he warned. You shouldn't trust anyone but him, especially other men! Anyone else might want to hurt you or steal you away.

Magic existed in fairy tails and nothing more, that's what he told you as you did all the cooking and all the chores. Then, one day, you woke up in a coffin to a cat weasel trying to strip you.

The place you come from? These people have never heard of it. Are you sure its real? Of course! Your father wouldn't have lied to you about that. You must have come from another world. You don't have any magic inherent to you, but my! You're a beast-master/tamer! Fear not, this fruity headmage will probably look for a way to send you home! Maybe! After all, the mirror said there's no where you belong!

And its right. You were stolen away from your actual family as an infant. You don't belong there anymore. You don't know them, and they don't know you're even alive. Your father kidnapped you as a baby for his own selfish purposes. You don't belong there. Its not a home or a place of love. Its a prison.

Thus the game's events unfold. Perhaps there's an epilouge of sorts, where you're seen on TV by your birth parents and your "father". You look so much like the queen, there's no doubt you're their child. The headmage is in for such a surprise when this royal couple appear in his office, demanding to see the prefect. They must be mistaken! The prefect isn't even from this world! But, ah... Their child was kidnapped as a baby, weren't they? W- Well, they don't even have magic? What's this? The queen too, is a beast-master/tamer? Oh, w- well... Oh. They-- They know the prefect's blood type, of any and all birth marks and that they may or may not be a girl (depending on the player)? That's disconcerning! Time to meet with them!

I can't imagine it goes smoothly... "You're our kid, actually and the man who raised you is really a monster and kidnapped you as a baby." Yikes. Tough break, prefect. You don't leave with them like they want you to, but they give you space to process this shit. Sharing this development with your friends is mostly fruitless. They offer you support and comfort, but there's not much they can really do for you.

A few nights later, and as Grim is getting snuggly in bed with his hench-human, they suddenly get up. They don't respond to anything he says and they nearly run him over when he gets in front of them! Then, they even go outside barefoot/in just their socks and sleep clothes! Really, its a good thing the school grounds are crawling with your stalkers-- Er, I mean, your friends! One of them catches you on your apparent way to the gates, and carry your ass back to their dorm for safe keeping.

When you wake up, you're wrapped snuggly in bed with Grim. Its just that its a housewarden's bed. After explaining to you what happened, everyone is wracking their brains on who would want to potentially kidnap you. Its strange. You don't remember anything out of the ordinary happening before going to bed. Just that... Well, you could have sworn you'd heard the lullaby your dad used to sing to you as a kid as you fell asleep. But that couldn't be related... Right?

[acquired-stardust]

Gaming Spotlight #11: Digimon Rumble Arena (2001)

Hello this is Larsa here with another spotlight feature on a game you may have missed from the Playstation era. Stand up to the fight!

Before we get to our featured title let's review some history shall we? Super Smash Bros 64 came out in the year 1999 developed by HAL Laboratory, INC. This revolutionary game was inspired by the dream match concept of SNK Corporation's own popular "King of Fighters" series where a bunch of a existing characters are thrown together to duke it out. Many in the industry took notice as the success of the new Nintendo crossover fighting game which created many fans of a whole new genre, platform fighting games.

"Digimon Rumble Arena" or "Digimon Tamers: Battle Evolution" as it is known as in Japan would become one of the first early platform fighting games following in the giant shadow of "Super Smash Bros 64" to stand out as a game worth playing. Right away a fighting game based on one of the most popular anime series of the late 90s and early 00s just seems like a perfect pairing. By the time this game was released Digimon had firmly became a massively popular series already having a theatrical movie release worldwide and currently airing its very popular third season titled "Digimon Tamers". Right away the opening would blow the minds of any young Digimon fans at the time because it was essentially a Digimon dream match title starring the Digimon and tamers of the first three seasons slugging it out for digital supremacy.

Is Guilmon really stronger than Agumon? How about Gatomon versus Renamon? Or how about a mega level battle of Beelzemon versus Omnimon? These were and still are important questions worth asking for any Digimon fan. And these sorts of playground questions are why this game was created.

The gameplay features two opposing Digimon battling it out on one of the several different stages in a 2D plane. These stages are typically filled with unique stage hazards and ring out zones with randomly spawning items in the form cards which have a myriad of effects on the battle. These cards mirror the "Digi-Modify" or "Card Slash!" mechanics from the Digimon Tamers series . The roster is filled with Digimon supported by their appropriate tamers from the show with the same familiar voices for each character featuring over 20 playable Digimon. Unlike "Super Smash Bros" this game features a more traditional health bar system and draining your opponent's life bar to zero means victory. Each Digimon has two special moves and a myriad of normal attack strings you would expect in a fighting game. Right away in a way one would expect from this beloved franchise, Rookie level Digimon are capable of transforming into a stronger even more capable form in the middle of battle through Digivolution. Digivolving improves your stats and gives you a completely new different move-set than before meaning you as a player are often switching dynamically between different gameplay experiences. There are few things that feel better than securing a comeback victory with your favorite mascot Digimon because of a well timed Digivolution. Oh and wiping the floor with your opponent using Wargreymon's mighty signature technique, Terra Force.

The main modes of the game are arcade mode and versus modes. In the Arcade Mode you take your selected Digimon through an arcade style ladder of bouts plus a few mini-games along the way with the goal of unlocking more characters. That is until you reach the new big bad of the game at the top of the ladder. Reapermon (Also known originally as Gokumon or ゴクモン) is a very difficult opponent to overcome and even now he still manages to give me trouble. I and along with anybody else who has ever played this game know of the horrors of his most powerful technique "Burning Cyclone". He is a cheap old school style boss who will test your skill at the game as one would expect from an older fighting game eating your quarters though in this case you thankfully probably own the game and you have as long as necessary to defeat him. Thankfully if you are struggling you can use some in-game cheat codes to fast unlock some Mega level Digimon along with other goodies to help even the odds. As far as versus modes go you can battle a friend locally or even play the mini-games against them. I spent many sessions having tons of fun fighting friends in this game. For an early platform fighting game the controls and mechanics are quite responsive which makes for amusing competitive bouts.

The graphics and soundtrack of the game of the game are very impressive for the platform. The Japanese version of the game features many arrangements of songs from the anime series. However the game does have one big problem: the framerate slowdown is a persistent problem throughout the experience with this game. Unfortunately they are the game's immediate faults but the game has so much excellent fanservice content and a surprisingly responsive solid fighting game underneath that it is easy to forgive the shortcoming. This game is still pretty awesome and loaded with nostalgia for me having grown up with Digimon. This title gets my recommendation for any fans of Digimon to experience especially the Japanese version of the soundtrack if you are ever in need of a quick nostalgia-fueled adrenaline rush.

A gem hidden among the stones, Digimon Rumble Arena is unquestionably stardust.

– Larsa

[haveyouseenthis-childhoodshow]

Have you seen this childhood show: This is Emily Yeung. (2006), Canada (English)

Commentary/Context/Memories: No user commentary.

[Mod A: It is a shame this one did not last as long as the Daniel Cook one. It was basically the same concept, just a different kid (Emily Yueng, six year old) with her unique perspective and set in different locations (Alberta and Quebec as well as Toronto) and careers (such as snake tamers and skiing which didn’t get covered in the original). Emily Yueng was also on a couple episodes of Daniel Cook (which felt like an avengers assemble moment haha). Like Daniel Cook, This is Emily Yueng was released to eighty-eight countries and dubbed in fourteen languages! I didn’t watch as much of this one as Daniel Cook (bc I would’ve stopped watching him in 2005ish) but I do remember that she got to meet Hayley Wickenheiser (THE iconic Canadian women’s hockey player!). There was another spin-off to these shows called This is Scarlett and Isaiah. (2013)

[the photo of all four hosts meeting up is crazy bc I’ve never seen Emily Yeung or Daniel Cook when they were older!]

[queenaeducan]

I'm really curious about 4 for the DA4 ask game!

What does your worldstate look like going into DAV?

I have what I call my Trash Fire world state, where I make (mostly) the opposite decisions of my main file.

It starts with Kieren Cousland. It's been a decade since I've played him (literally before DA:I come out, b/c I was amused when I learned what Morrigan named her son) so I don't remember all his decisions. I know he was a bit power hungry, mostly affable with his companions.

He does the good option at Redcliffe (saves Isolde and Connor) iirc, and saves the mages. He does kill the Dalish clan, and I can't remember what happens at the Alienage. I find it very difficult to justify evil decisions in DA:O b/c they sometimes go a little over the line. He crowns Harrowmont b/c he doesn't understand dwarf politics. The most important thing about him is that he romances Morrigan and marries Queen Anora. The former doesn't even seem bothered by the fact. He doesn't participate in Awakening. Loghain lives, Alistair is exiled.

Then there's Theresa Hawke. She's a warrior with the Templar specialisation, and fittingly, pro-Templar. Bethany becomes a Circle mage. She aids the Chantry against the qunari. She rivalmances Anders, which I honestly wholeheartedly recommend. It was toxic as hell, but very interesting. She convinces him to work against the mages in the finale and becomes Viscountess. I thought it was implied Anders kills himself if you do that, but in DA:I she still spoke like they were together. Which is why I killed her at Adamant.

My Inquisitor is Ruth Trevelyan. She is young, the fourthborn child of her father and was training to be a Templar when she became Herald. Ruth is ambitious in her own right, but a little... tamer than Kieren. Her choices are mostly informed by the privileged life she grew up in, not that I think that justifies them, it's just how I approached her roleplay. She allies with the Templars, recruits the Wardens, and forces the Game's finest players into a truce. She is sure in the belief that she was chosen, and ignores any evidence to the contrary.

She romances Cullen. She hates Solas so much. She also never gets Blackwall's personal quest, nor Cole's. She's very close to Vivienne, however, and makes her Divine. When the time comes, she doesn't disband the Inquisition, vowing to kill Solas and trusting Vivienne as the Inquisition's overseer.

Honourable Mentions:

Gay Worldstate: Gimli Brosca (Zevran romance, Alistair-Anora joint rule), Leland Hawke (red-toned, pro-mage, but angry about it). Would probably end with a playthrough of Thora's estranged brother, Tetrak, in a Dorian romance. I know he'd conscript the Templars and kill the Chargers (RIP) but that's about it.

Mages Having a Hard Time: Bronagh Surana (Morrigan romance, left Redcliffe for dead b/c she is 18 years old and not prepared for this), Unnamed F!Hawke (Sebastian romance, she's a mage but deeply uncomfortable with it, albeit apparently not uncomfortable enough to surrender to a Circle. I'm doing Bronagh's pt rn so this girl will come after that).

[wernher-von-brawny]

Winter 2023 Faves

So, this was a season.

Nothing wrinkled my brain �� No Bocci or Do It Yourself!! – but these were enjoyable company with my morning muffin. No ranking this time, but here’s my top four:

Tondemo Skill de Isekai Hourou Meshi

(Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill) AKA A Boy and His Dog: The Isekai

An isekai’d salaryman whose superpower is an Amazon account – I kinda think this is what The Shield Hero should have been.

I’m a sucker for great animal sidekicks, and Veldora, I mean Fenrir the super-wolf is absolutely adorable, no matter how obnoxious. And who can forget rat boy, I mean baby slime? If you’re gonna Rimiru, then female child soldier/swiss army knife is an another adorable merchandising opportunity.

And extra points for the cooking tips, but all your wyvern stew and orc-burgers made my chicken nuggets and buttered noodles feel even more like peasant food.

They handled the repeating gags well, and all the characters from goddesses to butchers are well written. But Ash Ketchum (or whatever he’s called in this show) needs to grow a damn pair.

Kyuuketsuki Sugu Shinu 2nd Season

(The Vampire Dies in No Time 2nd Season) AKA Stupid, Stupid Vampire

In a stronger season, this would have been a Returning Champion, but in Winter 2023, being such a solid player bumped it into the leaderboard.

Always amusing and queer and weird and I like everybody in it. I think it had already found its groove in season 1, but the S2 opening titles were WAY better. Like, I would sometimes actually watch them instead of skipping.

It always left me smiling, and I hope we get a season 3.

Rougo ni Sonaete Isekai de 8-manmai no Kinka wo Tamemasu

(Saving 80,000 Gold in Another World for My Retirement) AKA Isekai Lesbian Capitalist

More like Little Orphan Anime, am I right? 😃 Or maybe The Legend of Tanya The Merchant.

I sometimes got too busy to keep up with all the shows, but this one kept me coming back week after week.

On the one hand, I can see where they painted over what'sername from Bookworm, but on the other, I don’t care.

I was amused by how the world would bend implausibly to conform to our Mary Sue’s ambitions. The king just shows up unannounced at a restaurant to foil the machinations of an evil merchant? Sure, babe. I think I saw that same thing in an old episode of Three’s Company.

IDK if we’ll see more of her, but she’s my imaginary friend, and I’m glad she her dukedom got.

Benriya Saitou-san, Isekai ni Iku

(Handyman Saitou in Another World) AKA I Had To Die and Be Reincarnated In Another World To Finally Get Some Fucking Appreciation

I was surprised by how quickly I fell for this. I think I needed something to take the place of Picking Up Girls In Dungeons, and this satisfied. Plus, dick jokes!

I also liked how it would mix it up between short four panel gags and longer arcs. Fave found family show of the season.

The rest of my watch list:

Isekai Will Never Die:

Isekai Nonbiri Nouka (Farming life in another world) AKA What If Superman Was A Farmer?: Harem Isekai AKA Indolence Is Sin: Part 2

Isekai Ojisan (Isekai Uncle) AKA I’m You But Better, You Fucking Neet

Kami-tachi ni Hirowareta Otoko 2nd Season (By the Grace of the Gods 2nd Season) AKA Isekai Slime Tamer AKA Indolence Is Sin: Part 1

Shin Shinka no Mi: Shiranai Uchi ni Kachigumi Jinsei (The Fruit of Evolution: Before I Knew It, My Life Had It Made 2nd Season) AKA My Kawaii Gorilla Wife: The Isekai

Tensei Oujo to Tensai Reijou no Mahou Kakumei (The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady) AKA Isekai Lesbian Princess and Her Harem

Wholesome and Adorable:

Itai no wa Iya nano de Bougyoryoku ni Kyokufuri Shitai to Omoimasu 2nd Season (I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, so I’ll Max Out My Defense 2nd Season) AKA VR Is Life

Sugar Apple Fairy Tale AKA A Girl and Her Hot Elf Tsundere AKA Medieval Fruits Baskets

Tomo-chan wa Onnanoko! (Tomo Chan is a Girl!) AKA My Dude, Just Make Your Fucking Move Already!!!

Tsundere Akuyaku Reijou Liselotte to Jikkyou no Endou-kun to Kaisetsu no (Endo and Kobayashi Live! The Latest on Tsundere Villainess Lieselotte) AKA My Dude, She’s Sitting Right Next To You, Make Your Fucking Move Already!!!

Edgelords Assemble!:

Hyouken no Majutsushi ga Sekai wo Suberu (The Iceblade Sorcerer Shall Rule the World) AKA Dorm Room Workout Bros: No Homo

Kage no Jitsuryokusha ni Naritakute! (The Eminence in Shadow) AKA Isekai Edgelord: Utlimate

Ningen Fushin no Boukensha-tachi ga Sekai wo Sukuu you desu (Adventurers Who Don’t Believe in Humanity Will Save The World) AKA The Emo Quartet and Their Talking Sword

Returning Champions:

Several second seasons, but nothing that qualifies as a “Returning Champion”. Picking Up Girls In Dungeons or Hero Academia might have been included, but for the fact I’ve lost interest in them and stopped watching.

Pour One Out For Interspecies Reviewers:

Oniichan wa Oshimai! (Onimai: I’m Now Your Sister!) AKA Eromanga Sensei 2nd Season - This was animated with so much love – of boobies!!! (hehehe) But seriously, mad love to all my eroanime senseis out there. Your commitment to never half-assing the job of making beautifully drawn sex farces is greatly appreciated. You are doing God’s work.

And one for my “Definitely Eventually Watch” list:

Lupin Zero AKA Lupin: Year One

[legendheroes]

Ok we know that OG Taichi and Daisuke actually do in the epilogue, so I’m deciding for myself what the others might do as adults.

※ I have my own reasons to ignore any recent Tamers material (2018 & 2021), so i prefer to not go into details.

Takato → Does freelance design/art, you can say he likes to embrace his passionate hobby and go beyond. Possibly works for the Digimon franchise in-universe.

Takuya → As said before, moved to Italy to play professional soccer. He’s also teaching young players how to play it. Might play in Japan’s national team in World Cups.

Masaru → Went on a route like his dad and is a researcher, exploring the Digital World and helping the digimon with his expertise. He has no ties to any government or deity.

Taiki → Oblivious into this question when asked, but he kinda likes to help everyone so he keeps doing it, except he tries to not exaggerate (if he does, Akari calls him out, as his wife).

(LXW AU) Tagiru → Just decided to keep working on digimon cases around the world, to the point he’s now the current active legend hero and passing the story of his predecessor and other world’s heroes to children and digimon.

Haru → Becomes a researcher involved in studying technology, hopes one day being able to bring Yuujin back.

reboot!Taichi → He just likes to go with the flow and becomes part of the summer camp staff. Likes to explore the environment and teach others the basics, and most importantly, to tell the young generation about his adventure in the Digital World.

Hiro → Becomes an inventor like his dad, and uses his skills in order to help human and digimon communities in their daily lives. Still Gammamon’s best and big bro.

[theloniousbach]

BUT LOOK WHO’S IN THE BAND

CHRIS BECK with Ben Solomon, Caelan Cardello*, and Jayla Chee, SMALLS JAZZ CLUB, 9 pm set

CORY WEED with James Dando, Steve Davis*, Atley King, Miki Yamanaka*, Tyrone Allen*, and Kush Abadey*, SMALLS JAZZ CLUB, 7:30 pm set

I’ve seen CHRIS BECK as a sideman, maybe even with Cyrus Chestnut, but not often, if at all, at Smalls. Certainly he has not been a leader. But, as he asserted, drummers can lead, compose, read music, etc. He was solid, particularly his tunes. But I was there for Caelan Cardello who was very strong indeed. The presence of Steve Davis and the stellar younger rhythm section of Miki Yamanaka, Tyrone Allen, and Kush Abadey was why I wanted to see the CORY WEED/James Dando set.

Not to knock his drumming which was solid and tasty, it was his leadership, including his tunes, that stood out. He did keep the drummer on a short leash and had him serve the music and he gave others ample solo space. The covers were a bright Freddie Hubbard tune, Happy Time, to open and John Hick’s After the Morning with a nice figure shared between Jayla Chee’s bass and Cardello’s left hand. It was on this tune and Beck’s My Inner Circle which followed where Cardello really shone with lyrical driving solos, including a Herbie Hancock/Butterfly quote. On both he started gently before opening things up while keeping that probing expansiveness. He was back to himself after following Sarah Hanahan into power territory. Ben Solomon has a pleasant tone and approach to his solos; Chee was solid but too understated except on the Impressions closer where she could step out.

It would appear that CORY WEED was the front for what was probably a James Dando gig. Dando, like Weed and vibraphonist Atley King too, is from Canada. They played his tunes, he took most of the first solos on clarinet and bass clarinet, and yet he was not listed as a member of the band on the website or YouTube. It was a septet with six identified musicians. Curious. But the tunes were smart appealing puzzles for the band to work through. Steve Davis was lowkey and very much a team player, but he could have blown the Canadians out of the water. They were fine players able to serve Dando’s clever straightahead tunes. Davis too is tasty and straightahead, but he could have roared and might have enjoyed the young zippy rhythm section. They didn’t pull their punches one bit but they were each tamer than I’ve generally seen them. Dando’s tunes gave them more than enough to chew on, so they weren’t slumming and they couldn’t mail it in. And, similarly, Wood, King, and Dando played very well. Further, having vibes and both clarinets gave the tunes an interesting flavor

The relentless shuffle of musicians creates just these kind of illuminating juxtapositions. I’m glad I’m a regular of this scene.

[holyfunnyhistoryherring]

[Image 1: tweet by Ramy Abdul @RamAbdu "Tamer Mahmoud Hassani Al-Umssi, aged one year and one month, was killed by Israel with a gunshot to the head during its incursion into northern Gaza." Plus an attached photo of a laughing young boy in striped t-shirt and dark blue shorts, being held up in the air, sitting on someone's hand. The boy is so young, he doesn't even have milk teeth yet.

A reply by Rob @robrousseau "There's an entire multi billion dollar media machine working day and night to convince that if you think this is evil & reprehensible, you are a bad person"

Image 2: another reply, this time by Lamis Deek @Lamis_Deek "'gunshot to the head'" in quotation marks.

Image 3: another tweet by Ramy Abdul @RamAbdu "9-year-old Myar Nidal Hamida and 6-year-old Bilal Nidal Hamida were cold-bloodedly killed by Israel while seeking shelter in their mother's bed. # Gaza Genocide" with a photo of a girl in a pink unicorn shirt with an even younger boy, both smiling at the camera.

Image 4: another tweet by Ramy Abdul @RamAbdu "8-year-old Omar Hasan Halaseh was killed by Israel along with his mother, sister Marah, sister Besan, and 7 other family members. He dreamed of becoming a famous soccer player." A photo of a curly-haired boy in a soccer uniform, giving a thumbs up to the camera. The background is blurred but it's still obviously other children playing soccer behind him.

Image 5: another tweet by Ramy Abdul @RamAbdu "Alaa Ahmed Abu Khousa, 3 years old, was killed by Israel along with her sister while they were playing together. # Gaza Genocide". A photo of a little girl in a pastel dress in the middle of talking and counting on her fingers.

/End description.]

[appsworldforever]

Bulu Monster 

Exploring the World of Creature Capture and Adventure

In the realm of mobile gaming, where creativity and strategy intertwine, Bulu Monster emerges as a captivating title that combines elements of creature collection, exploration, and RPG adventure. Developed by Sigma Game Limited, Bulu Monster Apk invites players into a vibrant world inhabited by colorful creatures known as "Bulus."

Since its inception, the game has garnered a dedicated following of players eager to embark on quests, capture monsters, and engage in thrilling battles. Let's delve into what makes Bulu Monster a unique and compelling experience in the mobile gaming landscape.

Embarking on a Monster-Collecting Journey

Bulu Monster introduces players to the island of Bulu, where they assume the role of a young monster trainer tasked with capturing and training Bulus. The game's storyline unfolds through quests and interactions with characters who guide players on their journey to become a skilled Monster Tamer. As players explore various regions of the island, they encounter wild Bulus with unique abilities and characteristics, adding depth and diversity to their monster collection.

Key Features That Define Bulu Monster

1. Creature Collection and Training:

Central to Bulu Monster's gameplay is the collection and training of a diverse array of creatures. Players embark on expeditions across different environments, from lush forests to icy mountains, to encounter and capture Bulus. Each monster boasts its own set of skills and attributes, which players can develop through training and evolution to create formidable teams for battles.

2. Strategic Turn-Based Battles:

Battles in Bulu Monster are conducted in a turn-based format, where players strategically deploy their teams of monsters against AI opponents or other players in PvP mode. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each monster type, as well as mastering tactical maneuvers and special abilities, is essential for achieving victory in challenging battles.

3. Quests and Exploration:

The game offers a richly detailed world for players to explore, complete with towns, dungeons, and hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Quests and side missions propel the storyline forward while providing opportunities to earn rewards, uncover secrets, and encounter powerful adversaries.

4. Multiplayer and Social Interaction:

Bulu Monster encourages social interaction through its multiplayer features, allowing players to engage in cooperative gameplay and competitive battles with friends and other trainers worldwide. Joining guilds, participating in tournaments, and trading monsters foster a sense of community among players, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

The Artistry and Atmosphere of Bulu Monster

Beyond its gameplay mechanics, Bulu Monster captivates players with its charming visuals and immersive atmosphere. The game's colorful and meticulously designed environments, coupled with animated battle sequences and expressive character designs, bring the world of Bulu to life. Vibrant sound effects and a captivating soundtrack further enhance the sense of adventure and discovery as players traverse the island and engage in epic monster battles.

Bulu Monster: A Blend of Adventure and Strategy

Bulu Monster strikes a balance between adventure and strategy, appealing to players who enjoy collecting, training, and battling creatures in a fantasy setting. The game's progressive difficulty curve, coupled with frequent updates and events, ensures that players are continually challenged and rewarded as they progress through the game.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bulu Monster stands out as a compelling addition to the mobile gaming genre, offering an engaging mix of creature collection, strategic gameplay, and immersive storytelling. Whether you're captivated by the thrill of capturing rare monsters, mastering tactical battles, or exploring a richly detailed world, Bulu Monster invites players of all ages to embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery and adventure in the fantastical realm of Bulu.

[blastoisemonster]

Shaman King Chou Senjiryakketsu: Funbari Version

I'm back from the Novegro Comics Festival, May edition! It's the first time we work at that location in spring and it was kinda odd to see it all sunny and warm instead of the usual foggy cold we get in winter. Anyway, I also scored a bunch of games and chitchatted with the fellow booth owners to the point that now I'm known by one of the retrogame sellers as "that Game Boy girl". Nothing to say here, best con ever whooooo <3

Today's game is based on Shaman King, a late 90s manga by Hiroyuki Takei that later got adapted in anime form and arrived on italian TVs as well, in 2005. By that time I was completely out of the loop for what it concerns animation and instead focused on other interests, so I can't say I know the series; however, I do remember the bit of hype it had while the episodes lasted, with merchandise going strong as always; also, as always, all this merchandise was cheap and easy to produce, so as you can imagine we never got around to experience the games dedicated to the series. Yay, it's yet another japanese exclusive of a videogame whose subject matter would have been enough to justify successfull production in Italy. But nope!

The story revolves around Yoh Asakura, a young descendant of a family of spirit tamers measuring himself against other shamans in a tournament that sees the winner getting invested with the title of Shaman King. It gets complicated, of course, but for the most part it's what you'd expect from a fighting shonen.

The Game Boy Color has the honour of hosting the first gaming chapters of the series: Chou Senjiryakketsu, getting published by King Records in 2001 in two versions, Funbari shown above and Meramera, which of course now I'll have to get as soon as possible since I like to complete series. Yes, apparently Shaman King wanted to pull off a Pokèmon Red and Blue move! Unfortunately I'm not a fan of the gameplay which turned out to be a card-based turn strategy, but oh the graphics are spectacular! Character dialogues and cutscenes are shown with so much impressive detail that they might have been directly lifted from either the original manga or the anime studies. Even the colour palette are impressive, and we're still talking about an 8-bit console!

Funbari and Meramera have very little differences between them, but the most striking change is the playable characters, with Funbari version allowing the players to take control of Kaita, Mitsuru and Maria. Wait, where's Yoh?

[starwarsultimateseriesproject]

star wars the star blooded outcast

star wars the star blooded outcast, the set in the pre galactic civil wars, the four younger main heroes from the different planets can join the rebel rebellion, that the group were stand against the galactic empire to free the planet from them, they will test the combat skill as the heroes, art style: pogiformers & pokemon & yugioh & transformers art style, rated: the teen rated.

name: karave. race: normal human. based: kai jent & clark jent & stave roter from pogiformers. personality: he is a good & fighting & fearless soldier.

name: asedhan. race: animal human. based: ash ketchum & red ketchum & ethan gold from pokemon. personality: he is a animal lover & rider & tamer.

name: yuemutork. race: meta human. based: yugi muto & dark yugi muto & pharaoh atem yami yugi muto from yugioh. personality: he is a mastermind & game changer & player.

name: spistegan. race: robot human. bases: spike witwicky & buster witwicky & jan minakaze from transformers. personality: he is a robot helper & builder & cooker.

Star Wars: The Star-Blooded Outcast

In the era preceding the Galactic Civil Wars, "Star Wars: The Star-Blooded Outcast" follows the adventures of four young heroes from different planets who join the Rebel Rebellion in their fight against the oppressive Galactic Empire. Each possessing unique skills and backgrounds, they come together to test their combat prowess and fight for freedom.

Art Style: Drawing inspiration from "Pogiformers," "Pokemon," "Yu-Gi-Oh," and "Transformers," the series combines elements of these beloved franchises into a visually stunning and dynamic art style.

Rating: With a rating of Teen, the series explores themes of courage, friendship, and rebellion in the face of tyranny.

Meet the heroes:

Karave: A courageous and fearless soldier, Karave draws inspiration from Kai Jent, Clark Jent, and Stave Roter. With his unwavering determination, he leads the charge against the Empire.

Asedhan: An animal lover and skilled rider, Asedhan's connection to creatures is reminiscent of Ash Ketchum, Red Ketchum, and Ethan Gold. He uses his bond with animals to outmaneuver and outwit the enemy.

Yuemutork: A mastermind and strategist, Yuemutork takes cues from Yugi Muto, Dark Yugi Muto, and Pharaoh Atem Yami Yugi Muto. His cunning and intellect are invaluable assets to the Rebel cause.

Spistegan: A helpful robot builder and inventor, Spistegan's abilities are akin to Spike Witwicky, Buster Witwicky, and Jan Minakaze. With his mechanical expertise, he provides crucial support to the team both on and off the battlefield.

Join Karave, Asedhan, Yuemutork, and Spistegan as they embark on their journey to defy the Galactic Empire and carve out their place in the stars.

[aduelbetweenkingdomsafreshstart]

ADBK: Beautiful Beast Trainer

Epithet: The Fiend Bounty Hunter

Voice Actor: Jennifer Hale

Tribe: The Kindred

Biography: It all started as most experiences with Zorc's men do, with slaughter and great tragedy. In this case, a young, blue-haired elf saw her family be slaughtered by Barox and Metal Guardian during a raid on Murderwood. The Fiends called it revenge for the execution of their ally, Kamionwizard, but just about every major player in the Duelscape didn't buy it for a second.

Back on to our young Warrior's fate, she swore to make Barox pay for this loss of family and friends. She began to study how to control Fiends through her mother's books on Demon Taming, creating a special bladed whip that can control any Fiend or Zombie monster with one touch. In just a few years, she had gained her handle today, though those who she liberated from Zorc's control knew her as simply Tori of Murderwood.

Eventually, word of her exploits reached the ears of The Kindred, and they sent Kanan the Swordmistress, Dark Magician Girl and Queen's Knight to investigate.

After a skirmish with Barox and Beast of Talwar, Tori decided to join The Kindred as chief Fiend Tamer. And although she's distrusting of those such as Summoned Skull and Feral Imp, she found an unexpected friend in the adorably big-eyed Kuriboh.

[woozysloth]

TAMERS CARD GAME AU 4 - JENRYA

Jen doesn't really play the card game at the 'professional' or even semi-pro level anymore - which is weird, because last year (before he suddenly dropped out) he was on track to make the championship, if not win it.

Jenrya will say a few things, politely, to those who ask:

He wouldn't have won anyway, Ruki would have crushed him. Probably true.

He hasn't really kept up with the game, and would probably do badly. Both lies.

He doesn't want to compete this year. Mostly true.

He's not really a competitive person, after all.

That last one is...complicated. Jen is a competitive person, actually, beneath his very calm façade. Or at least he was. He doesn't want to be, not any more.

Last year, storming the local competitions, Jenrya was not exactly the friendliest looking face to have on the opposite of the field. He had a pretty ruthless streak in the games, and that weirdly emotive partner...well. It was practically inevitable that some kid, maybe a bit too young to be playing, was going to get upset.

Which might make a guy like Jen, ultimately a very nice boy at heart, feel guilty. And also that kid might have had an older sibling, who reacted badly to their bad reaction. And if that older kid were to come at Jen, who is perhaps even better at kenpō than at games, outside of the card game?

It's best to leave the fighting to the Digimon. But since fighting with Digimon led to...what it did, Jen swore off putting his cards and strategies on big scary holographic stages, or whatever actually goes on with that game.

But, Jen has played with his little sister. The actual game as well as talking to his cards with her. And he gets an awful lot more from these conversations than your average game of pretend. Then when Shuichon goes off to chase Culumon and they end up bumping into some kid with goggles and a weird obsession with his Digimon OC, it seems natural enough to help the guy out with his frankly appalling metagame.

Terriermon especially seems to enjoy watching Shuichon beat the kid at the game over and over. And Takato's actually really nice, if a bit of an oddball. So what's the harm?

As Jen inevitably falls back into direct competition, he finds himself struggling with his guilt about the way last year went down and his newly complicated feelings about what his dad seems weirdly keen to assure him are just bits of data attached to some foil. There's something strange at the heart of this game, isn't there?

Jen's only field Digimon, presently, are Terriermon and Lopmon - though he's willing to concede that Lopmon is more his sister's monster outside tournaments. They're small and smart, 'just like him', and they're great team players like he wants to be. They do well in most types of competitions, having particular advantages in armor and 'Xros Rules' competitions. (Jenrya, along with Ruki, is one of the few who 'gets' DigiXros matches.)

But his main advantage is that he's cool, calm and collected. It would take a lot to get him to freak out over a card game, even when he has such a fraught history with it. It's unlikely that things will ever get that intense again. And more intensity would be impossible. It's just a game.

It's just a game.

TERRIERMON & LOPMON

A matching pair, though personality wise their AI seem to have diverged in pretty different directions. Terriermon is, to put it bluntly, a wiseacre brat with a mean streak behind his cheery demeanour and unfairly cute face. Lopmon is quiet and reserved, and it seems strange that she gets along better with the younger sister than the more similar Jenrya.

(I tend to mix original and dub terms anyway, but I've basically made Lopmon 'she' because the pronouns are easier to keep track of that way)

But they work well together, coming into games with some pre-packaged combination attacks, but somehow their more frequent 'socialisation' compared to other field monsters seems to give them even more advantages than just that- even if it's just in 'small' ways, like Terriermon taunting their opponents into making stupid mistakes.

For all that Terriermon takes the lead, he tends to be 'subordinate' in their DigiXros forms, except when his Child level combines with one of Lopmon's Adult levels to form the adorable martial artist 'Terruiemon' - a Turuiemon with Terriermon's palette and penchant for spinning around.

In comparison, Lopmon's evolutions exert more control in these matches, such as Andiramon gaining spinning axe machine guns, or Wendigomon getting some pretty sweet cybernetic additions from Rapidmon.

It's more often Lopmon that Jen evolves in any type of match as well, at least at first. It's not like Terriermon's evolutions aren't just as viable, if not more depending on the situation.

Could this all be a sign that Jenrya has a strained relationship with a chip inside a thin card designed for a children's game?

Nah. That's ridiculous.

So why does it bother Jenrya so much?

That's the problem with being such an oddly philosophical tween - he never seems to run out of things to feel guilty and anxious about.

Maybe he really does need to take it easy. Playing a few friendly matches with some other kids might be just what he needs.

AN UNKNOWN RIVAL?

One of the more colourful characters in this year's tournament scene wears a truly wild costume to conceal his identity. There's a cape! He calls himself the 'next Digimon King' or 'Card Kaiser' or 'Emperor of Games' or something like that. He seems disdainful of pretty much everyone and everything, so it's hard to tell, but Jen could swear it seems like this kid has it out for him in particular.