#religious conflict resolution

[peacetalks]

The underlying religious conflicts

Clarification: You were probably appalled - and rightly so - by my mistake in the wording that made it sound like there was anger towards Islam in the original Bibles, written in earlier centuries. It was a mistake to extend the ancestral disputes to modern Islam, because the religion changed the course of history. I apologize.

توضيح: لقد شعرتم بالذهول على الأرجح - وهذا صحيح - لكن خطئي في الصياغة التي جعلت الأمر يبدو وكأن هناك غضبًا تجاه الإسلام في الأناجيل الأصلية ، المكتوبة في القرون السابقة. . كان من الخطأ أن امتد نزاعات الأجداد إلى الإسلام الحديث ، لأن الدين غيّر مجرى التاريخ. أنا أعتذر.

Thank you to google for the improved help with translations. I work with the program through translating and re-translating so that we learn together to improve the accuracy of writing through the language barriers.

شكرًا لجوجل على المساعدة المحسّنة في الترجمات. أنا أعمل مع البرنامج من خلال الترجمة وإعادة الترجمة حتى نتعلم معًا لتحسين دقة الكتابة من خلال حواجز اللغة.

Most of our media in recent months has been glossing over the underlying religious conflicts in the conflicts perpetuated today.

From the perspective of an avid reader of The Bibles, I offer this:

"God" and "Lord" usually refer to human leaders in these books, but science has left many questions of power and magic in the Bibles wide-open to interpretation and imagination. There is tremendous conflation between the generations of leaders in the Bible.There is much that encourages good behavior, in powerful words, in these books, so I value them highly. There is much that promotes conflict and prejudice too, so they must be read with the grain of salt of any attempt at history. Without the same amount of study time in my life devoted to reading the Quran, I hesitate to make wide-arcing statements about it, but I wonder if the people of Islam have found similar patterns in their literature? In my recent readings, I see much anger in both sets of literature toward one another, and tremendous variation in what "the people of Israel" means at different times in both tomes. The cultural traditions passed down by religion keep us reminded and attached to the depth and meaning of history and life n ways that no other literature does, We need that sorely when political solutions sink into despondency and rhetoric, but we are still reading works charged by the violence and struggles of our ancestors, whose lives and communication systems and tribulations are vastly different from our own. Can we as a society--all the people of Earth--acknowledge that we do not understand our ancestors all that well, that they move us and their stories change us, but that we have determined most people in most other cultures to be good and moral beings who have learned a rather different set of historical trends and tendencies than us? Can we step back and realize that Darwin described important aspects of evolution but sent us down a path of further conflict by emphasizing intense competition and overlooking the fundamentals of cooperation in a social species? Please, please, remember how many of the "facts" we were taught as youths look entirely different with time and reassessment. What stands is that people all over Earth eagerly seek peace and reconciliation.

Thank you, each and every person giving time and patience to a better existence for all.

كانت معظم وسائل الإعلام لدينا في الأشهر الأخيرة تتستر على الصراعات الدينية الكامنة في الصراعات المستمرة اليوم.

من وجهة نظر قارئ نهم للكتاب المقدس ، أقدم ما يلي:

عادة ما يشير مصطلح "الله" و "الرب" إلى القادة البشريين في هذين الكتابين ، لكن العلم ترك العديد من أسئلة القوة والسحر في الكتاب المقدس مفتوحة على مصراعيها للتفسير والخيال. هناك خلط هائل بين أجيال القادة في الكتاب المقدس. هناك الكثير مما يشجع على السلوك الجيد ، بكلمات قوية ، وهذه الكتب ، لذلك أنا أقدرها تقديراً عالياً. هناك الكثير مما يروج للنزاع والتحيز أيضًا ، لذا يجب قراءتها بحذر من أي محاولة للتاريخ. بدون نفس القدر من وقت الدراسة في حياتي المخصص لقراءة القرآن ، أتردد في الإدلاء بتصريحات واسعة حوله ، لكنني أتساءل عما إذا كان أهل الإسلام قد وجدوا أنماطًا مماثلة في أدبهم؟ في قراءاتي الأخيرة ، أرى الكثير من الغضب في كلا المجموعتين من الأدبيات تجاه بعضهما البعض ، وتباينًا هائلاً في ما يعنيه "شعب إسرائيل" وما يعنيه ودلالاته في أوقات مختلفة في كلا المجلدين. إن التقاليد الثقافية التي يورثها الدين تجعلنا نتذكر ونعلق بعمق ومعنى التاريخ والحياة بطرق لا يفعلها أي أدب آخر ، فنحن بحاجة ماسة إلى ذلك عندما تغرق الحلول السياسية في اليأس وا

ما زلنا نقرأ أعمالاً مشحونة بعنف ونضالات أسلافنا ، الذين تختلف حياتهم وأنظمة اتصالاتهم ومحنهم اختلافًا كبيرًا عن حياتنا. هل يمكننا كمجتمع - جميع سكان الأرض - أن نعترف بأننا لا نفهم أسلافنا جيدًا ، وأنهم يحركوننا وتغيرنا قصصهم ، لكننا قررنا أن معظم الناس في معظم الثقافات الأخرى جيدون والكائنات الأخلاقية التي تعلمت مجموعة مختلفة من الاتجاهات والاتجاهات التاريخية عنا؟ هل يمكننا التراجع وإدراك أن داروين وصف جوانب مهمة من التطور ولكنه أرسلنا إلى طريق مزيد من الصراع من خلال التأكيد على المنافسة الشديدة وتجاهل أساسيات التعاون في الأنواع الاجتماعية؟ من فضلك ، من فضلك ، تذكر كم من "الحقائق" التي تعلمناها كأشخاص أصغر سنًا تبدو مختلفة تمامًا بمرور الوقت وإعادة التقييم. ما يقف هو أن الناس في جميع أنحاء الأرض يسعون بشغف إلى السلام والمصالحة.

شكرا لكم ، كل شخص يعطي الوقت والصبر من أجل حياة أفضل للجميع.

--Albert

[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

By: Charles Q. Choi

Published: Mar 7, 2012

Chimpanzees have police, too. Now, researchers are discovering what makes these simian enforcers of the peace step into conflicts, findings that could help shed light on the roots of policing in humans.

Animals handle conflicts within groups in a variety of ways, such as policing, where impartial bystanders intercede when disputes crop up. Policing, which has been seen in chimps, gorillas, orangutans and other primates, differs from other forms of intervention in that such arbiters are neither biased nor aggressive — they are neither supporting allies nor punishing wrongdoers.

Policing is risky, however, since it involves approaching two or more combative squabblers, which may lead to would-be arbiters becoming the targets of aggression themselves. To find out why primate policing evolved despite such risk, scientists took a closer look at pol.

The researchers analyzed one group of chimpanzees in a zoo in Gossau, Switzerland, for nearly 600 hours over two years. This group experienced a great deal of social tumult — zookeepers there introduced three new adult female chimps, upsetting the former order, and a power struggle also led to a new alpha male. The investigators also looked at records of chimp policing behavior at three other zoos.

The scientists monitored ape social interactions, such as aggressive conflicts, friendly grooming and policing behavior. Policing could involve threatening both quarrelers in a conflict, or running between the antagonists to break up the squabble.

The researchers explored a couple of potential explanations for policing. For instance, policing might help high-ranking members of a group control rivals to keep themselves dominant, or to help keep potential mates from leaving the group. However, both explanations would require high-ranking males to be the arbiters — female chimps usually do not fight over rank, and female chimps are the most likely members to leave groups, not males. In contrast, the researchers found that police chimps were of both sexes. [8 Ways Chimps Act Like Us]

The researchers suggest policing helps improve the stability of groups, thus providing the arbiters with a healthy community to live in. Supporting this notion is the fact that arbiters were more willing to intervene impartially if several quarrelers were involved in a dispute, probably because such conflicts are more likely to jeopardize group peace.

"The interest in community concern that is highly developed in us humans and forms the basis for our moral behavior is deeply rooted — it can also be observed in our closest relatives," said researcher Claudia Rudolf von Rohr at the University of Zurich.

The scientists detailed their findings online today (March 7) in the journal PLoS ONE.

--

Abstract

Because conflicts among social group members are inevitable, their management is crucial for group stability. The rarest and most interesting form of conflict management is policing, i.e., impartial interventions by bystanders, which is of considerable interest due to its potentially moral nature. Here, we provide descriptive and quantitative data on policing in captive chimpanzees. First, we report on a high rate of policing in one captive group characterized by recently introduced females and a rank reversal between two males. We explored the influence of various factors on the occurrence of policing. The results show that only the alpha and beta males acted as arbitrators using manifold tactics to control conflicts, and that their interventions strongly depended on conflict complexity. Secondly, we compared the policing patterns in three other captive chimpanzee groups. We found that although rare, policing was more prevalent at times of increased social instability, both high-ranking males and females performed policing, and conflicts of all sex-dyad combinations were policed. These results suggest that the primary function of policing is to increase group stability. It may thus reflect prosocial behaviour based upon “community concern.” However, policing remains a rare behaviour and more data are needed to test the generality of this hypothesis.

==

"mOrALiTy cOmEs FrOm GoD!!1!"

Even chimps know you don't "defund the police."

[pastorjeremynorton]

Conflict Resolution In the Early Church

Uncover how early Christians tackled complex challenges in Acts 15. Discover pivotal strategies for dialogue and compromise in our latest post. Dive deeper into their timeless wisdom. www.LeadBiblically.com #Acts15 #EarlyChurch #ConflictResolution

Three Strategies from Acts 15:1-35: The early Christian church faced numerous challenges as it grew and expanded beyond its Jewish roots. One pivotal moment of conflict and resolution is detailed in Acts 15:1-35, where the Apostles convened to address the contentious issue. “But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, ‘Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of…

[howdoesone]

How does one explore the impact of ethnic and religious divisions on the occurrence of war crimes?

Ethnic and religious divisions have long been recognized as significant factors that can influence the occurrence of war crimes. These divisions often exacerbate tensions, fuel conflicts, and create conditions that facilitate the commission of atrocities during times of war. Understanding the impact of ethnic and religious divisions on war crimes is crucial for comprehending the root causes of…

[libraford]

I have a lot to say about the decision our BOE made about Lifewise, but I'm going to go over the useful information here first and then the shitshow in a later reblog.

Last night, the board of education in my city decided to rescind allowance of Lifewise in our public schools.

Lifewise is a non denominational Christian youth group that operates during school hours, and only during school hours. Their mission is to bring Jesus to public schools, and they are able to do this legally because the education happens off-campus. They typically do this during lunch, recess, or electives. The program is voluntary.

They were allowed in our school system through a former board member, two years ago. The program has come under some scrutiny, which I will cover in a reblog. So the topic of rescinding their decision came up this year.

This was a huge debate. I will get into it later.

But I wanted to state the reasons why our board chose to rescind the decision and end business with LifeWise, so that if they (or others of this type) come to your school system and you don't want them there, you have a model for what has worked in debate.

1. An important aspect of the decision to rescind this particular decision does not restrict religious learning before or after school, or on weekends- and only applies to religious programs during school hours.

2. Unlike accommodations made for Ramadan (an example that was brought up in debate), LifeWise is not a core observance of religion.

3. The social times of school, such as lunch or recess, are just as much part of the learning process as structured class time. Play is imperative for a growing mind, and playing with kids from other religious backgrounds is especially important.

4. While Lifewise supplies their own buses to and from locations, transition times in schools (getting children to and from lunch, recess, bathrooms, electives) are some of the most stressful times for teachers. Adding another, for which only some of the students are part of, is a strain on resources.

5. Entrusting your students to a third party who has not been vetted by the schools is an intense liability. Not just the obvious danger of a dangerous person, but- are the trained in first aid? What do they know about seizures, autism, allergies, diabetes...what are their policies on conflict resolution... there are a lot of variables to think of when you leave your students in someone else's care, even for just an hour.

That's all the notes I have for that meeting. If one of these programs is courting your school board, it's probably a good idea to have these points in mind now, rather than later.

I'll talk about the rest later.

[bouquetface]

DK through the Houses

Darakaraka (DK) Is the planet that has the lowest degree in your vedic natal chart. DK is said to represent your spouse.

Planet, sign + aspects will influence the accuracy. This is going to give surface level insight. It is not a personal read of your placement.

DK in 1st House

You can be controlled by the spouse. This can indicate they are decisive and assertive. They will plan/handle most things that happen in your life. Depending on the planet and its sign placement, you can like or dislike this about the spouse/marriage.

DK in 2nd House

Your money is likely to be managed by the spouse. Spouse may cook or you cook mainly what they desire. Spouse will influence the relationship you have with your family after marriage - bring you closer, separate you or remain neutral. This will depend on the planet (is it benefic or malefic) and the sign (neutral, exalted or detriment).

DK in 3rd House

Your spouse can influence your communication - who you talk with, what you talk about, etc.

Your spouse can take the responsibility of communicating with neighbours. They can befriend neighbours or if reason to talk with neighbours occurs, they will take care of it.

Your spouse will influence you relationship with siblings. This can be negative (conflict occurs) or positive (they become friends). This would depend on the planet (is it benefic or malefic) and the sign (neutral, exalted or detriment).

DK in 4th House

Spouse will take on main (not full) control of the home. Where, which home you buy. How the home is decorated. Fixing the home if something goes wrong. Cutting grass, cleaning gutters, etc.

The spouse will take on responsibility for your happiness. Either they feel obligated to keep you happy or your happiness is heavily affected by spouse's moods. Accuracy will heavily be influenced by planet (is it benefic or malefic) and the sign (neutral, exalted or detriment).

DK in 5th House

Spouse will be very focused on children - raising them or having them. They will influence your education and hobbies as well. EX: Depending on the planet (is it benefic or malefic) and the sign (neutral, exalted or detriment), they may encourage or discourage you if you wanted to get higher education. They may want control of children's education - homeschool, public or private school, religious school, etc.

DK in 6th House

Spouse will take on responsibilities of your enemies and health. Depending on planet (is it benefic or malefic) and the sign (neutral, exalted or detriment), the spouse could encourage your anger or encourage you to resolve issues you have.

EX I have seen irl: Sun DK conjunct Venus in 6th: This person does not speak to their biological parents, spouse encouraged them to talk issues out with them. This person declined but still we see the spouse suggesting resolution.

Spouse could be very routined. They could influence your diet - vegan or non-vegan. If you have pets, they could take on more responsibility of taking care of those pets.

Your marriage is likely to be very even especially is venus or libra influences this placement. I have observed this in so many relationships where the spouse and person split household chores, cooking, dish washing, bills, etc. It is not likely for the couple to divide based on traditional gender roles like man will cut the grass, woman will cook and do dishes. It's more like one will cook, the other will do dishes.

DK in 7th House

Spouse will take on main responsibilities for partnerships in your life. They will involve themselves in any conflict you get into - ex: you are fighting with you sister over something small, they will involve themselves in the conversation.

If you were to get into any legal issues, they will take on responsibility like helping fill paper work, reminding you of court date. However keep in mind, accuracy is dependent on the planet (is it benefic or malefic) and the sign (neutral, exalted or detriment).

DK in 8th House

Your spouse can be heavily involved in their own family matters. They can be very secretive and observant. EX: Someone who pays a lot for good home security.

Accuracy dependent on the planet (is it benefic or malefic) and the sign (neutral, exalted or detriment).

DK in 9th House

The spouse will teach you something. They can educate you on their beliefs, politics or religion or culture. Depending on the planet (is it benefic or malefic) and the sign (neutral, exalted or detriment), the spouse could do this arrogantly or kindly.

You can meet mentor type people through the spouse. Like someone from the spouse's family could help you advance your knowledge on your career, your beliefs, your education, etc.

DK in 10th House

The spouse is a workaholic. Depending on the planet (is it benefic or malefic) and the sign (neutral, exalted or detriment), spouse could positively or negatively influence your career and reputation. EX: Saturn DK in Cap 10th, spouse's discipline and dedication to career inspires you to start doing better.

Spouse could influence your career by somehow deciding where you work, what you do for work, if you can change your career or not. They can involve themselves in your career and work. You could end up working together or meeting at work.

EX: You are a teacher, they will suggest ideas for projects that you take. Or spouse will decide where you work because they decide to move for their career, thus you have to look for a new job in the new location.

DK in 11th House

Your spouse will influence your social circle. They can introduce you to new people. They can intentionally or unintentionally separate you from old friend - ex: you move & meet new people, lose touch with your childhood friends.

Your spouse will influence your desires/goals in life. An example I have seen: person wanted to travel and study abroad for a masters, after marrying their spouse this changed to wanting to raise a family. They had Moon DK in sag 11th House.

Accuracy for yourself will be influenced by the planet (is it benefic or malefic) and the sign (neutral, exalted or detriment). As well as aspects and 7th House.

DK in 12th House

Your spouse can control the money that you spend.

Your spouse can influence your sleeping habits. EX: You can't sleep until spouse is in bed or spouse develops sleep apnea.

Accuracy will be dependent on the planet (is it benefic or malefic) and the sign (neutral, exalted or detriment).

[deception-united]

My biggest difficulties are some of these things in my medieval fantasy story: how to start a war? When to introduce the war? Any tips on the ideal length?

Starting a war in a medieval fantasy story can be a difficult process. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Starting a war:

Establish tensions: Build up political, economic, or ideological tensions between nations or factions before the war.

Create a casus belli: Provide a clear reason for the war, such as a territorial dispute, a betrayal, or a religious difference.

Show the buildup: Depict the mobilisation of armies, diplomatic efforts, and the like to create a sense of urgency.

Here are some ideas you may want to consider:

Political tension: Wars often begin due to escalating political tensions. Create a backstory involving conflicting interests between kingdoms or factions, such as disputes over territory, resources, or succession rights.

Economic reasons: Economic struggles, such as famine or trade embargoes, can drive nations to war. Control over vital resources, such as fertile land, water, or trade routes, can be a powerful motivator.

Assassination or kidnapping: A high-profile assassination or kidnapping can serve as a catalyst for war. This act could force one side to retaliate.

Religious/cultural differences: Deep-seated religious or cultural differences can lead to war. One group might feel oppressed or threatened by another, leading to an uprising or a holy war.

Personal vendettas: A personal vendetta between powerful leaders or nobles can escalate into a full-scale war, especially if they rally their followers to support their cause.

When to introduce the war:

Early introduction: Have the war present from the onset of your story it's central to your plot, so the rest of the narrative can focus on the consequences, battles, and the impact on your characters.

Rising action: Having a gradual build-up to the war by developing the political social tensions over the first part of your story allows for deeper character development and more detailed worldbuilding.

Midpoint: Consider starting the war at the midpoint of your story, marking a turning point in the narrative to drastically alter the direction of your characters' journeys.

Climax: Introducing the war as a climatic event is effective if you're focusing your narrative on the events leading up to the war. It can also leave room for sequels.

Ideal length:

Pacing: Balance action, dialogue, and description to maintain a steady pace. Alternate between intense battle scenes and quieter moments to develop characters and explore the impact of the war on their lives.

Relevance: The length of the war should be proportional to its importance in the overall plot. If it's the main focus, it should take up a significant portion of the narrative.

Scope: Consider the scope of the war: a small skirmish or a epic, continent-spanning conflict?

Character arcs: Ensure the war serves the character arcs and story goals—don't include it just for the sake of a plot element. The length of the war should also allow sufficient time for character development. Show how it personally affects your characters and how they grow or change as a result.

Subplots: Use subplots to add depth to the war narrative. Political intrigue, espionage, romantic entanglements, and personal vendettas can enrich the main plot.

Additional tips:

Make it personal: Connect the war to your characters' motivations and emotions. They may have a friend, family member, or significant other participating in the war, or you can make it impact them directly in some way.

Show the consequences: Depict the impact of war on civilians, soldiers, and the environment.

Research: Draw inspiration from historical wars and medieval history to add depth and authenticity.

Resolution: Plan for a satisfying resolution to the war. Consider the aftermath and how the world and your characters are changed by the conflict. This will provide a sense of closure to your readers.

Remember, the key is to make the war serve the story and characters, not the other way around. Thanks for asking! Hope this helped ❤

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[aventurineswife]

hear me out: sunday x reader, but when Sunday was Bronze Melodia and reader is someone who Gopher (and by extension, Sunday bc y’know grooming.) considers a sinner. Sunday finds himself falling for reader, but kinda mentally battling between love and what he was taught. aka religious trauma sunday ig (bonus points if he argues w gophers nasty ahh)

u can decide what to do with the rest :D just a lil concept i wanted to throw out

"Take me to church, I'll worship like a dog at the shrine of your lies."

Summary: You are deemed as a "sinner" by the Oak Family, led by Gopher Wood, and is frequently summoned to the Dreamscape. Sunday, once a revered figure as Bronze Melodia, is tasked with guiding lost souls, but he begins to question the teachings he’s spent his life upholding. As he finds himself drawn to you, his inner battle between duty and newfound emotions intensifies. Torn between his role and the love he’s beginning to feel, Sunday faces a difficult choice—one that challenges the very core of his existence within the Oak Family.

Tags: Sunday x Reader, Religious Trauma, Forbidden Love, Angst, Slow Burn, Emotional Struggle, Conflicted Feelings.

Warnings: Religious themes (exploration of indoctrination and guilt), Emotional conflict (internal struggles, self-doubt, and identity crisis), Mentorship/Manipulation, Angst (heavy emotional tension and heartache), Mild violence(?).

In the Dreamscape, Sunday is Bronze Melodia—a revered figure among Penacony's people, tasked with guiding lost souls under the Oak Family's watchful eye. You've become his frequent visitor, someone Gopher Wood has labeled a “sinner,” a title that weighs heavily on your shoulders and darkens your interactions in the Dreamscape. Gopher’s sermons have painted you as a threat to the Order, yet there's something about you that draws Sunday closer, unsettling the foundations of everything he’s been taught.

It begins in quiet moments: Sunday, reserved yet diligent, listens as you confide your thoughts and fears. You sense his inner conflict in the way his hands tremble ever so slightly as they rest on the pages of his book, the way his gaze occasionally softens before hardening again. He's polite, distant as Bronze Melodia, yet there’s an undeniable pull between you—one that frightens and fascinates him.

One evening, when the weight of Gopher’s teachings grows too heavy, Sunday finds himself seeking solace in your presence. As you speak, he’s caught between his role and the truth that he feels stirring within. You challenge the ideals he's held all his life, quietly unraveling the bindings of his loyalty to Gopher’s ideals. But still, he’s torn. He’s been raised to believe you’re dangerous, yet your gentleness speaks louder than Gopher’s condemnations.

Sunday can’t help but wrestle with his emotions in moments of solitude, replaying your words and Gopher's warnings over and over. The idea that love and care could exist outside of the Order’s defined “purity” haunts him, conflicting with the strict doctrines he’s internalized. Finally, unable to stay silent, he confronts Gopher.

In a tense exchange, Sunday questions Gopher's labeling of you as a “sinner,” a term that has started to feel hollow in the face of what he feels for you. Gopher's response is calm but chilling, reminding Sunday of his place, of the Order that has made him who he is. Yet Sunday doesn’t back down entirely, holding onto the fragments of his love for you. In the end, Gopher leaves him with a choice—one that could seal his fate within the Oak Family or cast him out as an exile.

Sunday returns to you, conflicted but resolute. He confides in you, sharing the depth of his battle against the values ingrained in him. Your presence becomes a grounding force, something that feels like hope amidst his turmoil. While he’s not ready to completely turn away from the Dreamscape and the Oak Family, he begins to imagine a world where he can both honor his beliefs and explore the connection that has grown between you.

(Art credit to @oversaltedcat on Twitter/X)

[arabellaego]

kwisatz haderach (dune) | max verstappen 

pairing: duke atreides!max verstappen x princess!reader 

warnings: mention of religious conflicts, secondary character death, violence

based on the Dune books and movies.

summary: Max Atreides, after seizing the throne through a holy war, confronts Princess Y/N Corrino, offering her marriage in exchange for sparing her father's life. Despite their complex past, Max is driven by visions of their destined future where Y/N torn between duty and emotion accepts as she grapples with the loss of her family's power.

a/n: This is the first time I've posted here! hope you like it. Pls note English is not my native language but I tried my best. I´ve been obsessed with Dune movies and I just pictured Max as Paul Atreides. Maybe I´ll make more parts but enjoy!

glossary at the end

Max Atreides was certain of one thing after initiating a holy war in his name. There was only one way to solidify his claim to the throne after the execution of his house by indirect government orders. He had to marry Princess Y/N of House Corrino, the only daughter of the emperor who had ruled until that fateful day.

“If you are to advance your claims, Duke Atreides, I must insist that you first extend the courtesy of allowing my family to defend themselves with fairness and honor,” the princess said with calm and decorum that characterized her, despite her entire family being trapped on the planet Arrakis. 

In her desperation to find a solution that would preserve both her dignity and lineage, she proposed a traditional duel to death to decide her fate.

“My reign shall not be one of tyranny, Princess Y/N. Thus, I deem your request justified in the name of the noble dynasty you represent” the last survivor of the famed House Atreides replied. His firm and resolute tone did little to calm the nerves the princess felt within, though she was grateful that the facial adornments of royal etiquette partially concealed her face. “Furthermore, there remains a blood debt owed to House Harkonnen for the murder of my father.”

In recent months, the princess had heard of Max Atreides and the rebellion he bore on his shoulders. His name was not unfamiliar to her; in the past, House Atreides had been one of the closest allies to House Corrino due to their influence and wealth. Plans were discussed, alliances were forged, and a possible marriage between the two heirs was quietly hinted at within the shadows of the court. However, the rising popularity of Duke Jos Atreides among the empire's most powerful houses led the emperor to reconsider giving his only daughter’s hand in marriage.

By the time this occurred, Y/N and Max were already aware of each other’s existence. In their free time, they conversed in the company of the princess’s court and the guardians of the young heir, who would tell them stories of Max’s father’s exploits as a diplomatic ruler. It was a sorrowful day when young Max stopped frequenting the gardens of Kaitain.

She never questioned her father’s reasons, as her upbringing dictated. Yet, Max Atreides remained a fond memory from her childhood. What, if anything, was left of that Atreides she once knew?

Max Atreides, covered in blood after a fierce battle against Lewis Harkonnen—who had been chosen as the emperor's champion to contest the throne—limped towards the royal entourage, where the emperor and his court watched the brutal confrontation. The triumphant shouts of the Fremen celebrating their leader’s victory echoed through the air, heightening Princess Y/N's alarm.

Noticing that the new emperor showed no intention of lowering the weapons he had used just moments ago to take his cousin’s life, the princess, driven by an involuntary force, spoke again:

“The blood debt has been paid. Spare my father’s life, and I will willingly become your wife.”

The relationship between Y/N and her father had always been cold and distant. She was not the long-desired male heir he had hoped to continue the Corrino dynasty, which had cast doubt on the succession in the eyes of the entire empire. Some houses saw this as a unique opportunity to place their last name in the line of succession, but the princess had not concerned herself with this—until today. “The throne is yours.”

Deep within, she silently thanked the universe for Max Atreides’s victory.

Without uttering a word, his heavy breath and gaze so piercing it compelled those present to look away, Max extended his hand towards the emperor, displaying the ring bearing the emblem of his house on his ring finger. All were stunned by this gesture; even the Bene Gesserit, always observant and calculating, could do nothing but watch and ensure the well-being of the imperial princess.

When no response came, Max struck the ground with his foot, creating a thunderous sound that shook the chamber and forced the former emperor to react. He took Max’s hand and slowly placed a soft kiss on the Atreides family ring, thus accepting his defeat and the end of his dynasty. He knelt, followed by everyone in the room—except Y/N.

This did not go unnoticed by the new emperor, who returned her gaze with an unreadable expression aimed at his future empress consort.

(…)

After the army was dispatched to quell those who refused to acknowledge the new ruler and the witnesses to the ascension of a new name to the throne of the known universe had been dealt with, Max Atreides could no longer delay his inevitable reunion with Princess Y/N.

In an adjacent room to the grand hall where the events had unfolded, the princess was trying to calm the royal entourage that remained by her side. She revealed her ability to suppress her emotions, handling the critical situation with calm, while her ladies-in-waiting helped her remove the dozen adornments she was wearing.

“Your Highness, the emperor wishes to speak with you alone,” one of Max’s commanders announced, bursting into the room.

“Of course,” Y/N replied with a touch of sarcasm, though she maintained her courtesy. She could not afford to risk innocent lives over a display of insolence.

With a steady stride, the princess made her way to where the new monarch awaited her, trying to focus her mind and devise a diplomatic strategy that might prevent further outbursts from Max.

“Her Imperial Highness, Princess Y/N Corrino,” announced the guard as she arrived. She entered the room and, with a firm stance, faced Max, keeping a respectful distance.

"In the name of my house, do not question the loyalty of my people, and I urge you to show mercy. I will not dishonor the agreement we made; I only ask that..." Before she could finish her plea, the strong hands of Emperor Atreides seized the princess's waist. She was overwhelmed with surprise, for of all the possible outcomes, this was the least expected.

“The vision of you guiding me into the future has haunted me day and night since I stopped returning to the garden,” Max said, scrutinizing each of her features before continuing. "Princess Y/N, I don’t expect you to understand. Perhaps you can forgive me one day."

Maybe it was the fact that the man who was now holding her as the empire’s most precious treasure had coldly murdered armies and stripped her family of their right to the throne in an instant; the natural response was a loss of confidence in herself.

Max observed cautiously, awaiting his now betrothed’s next move. Many futures lay before them—traumatic deaths, the failure of his cause, and a possible alternative to achieving everything he ever wanted. He could force the princess to submit to him, but that was not what Max desired.

The determination in Y/N’s eyes did not falter. She understood that the emperor was not showing weakness, but strength—a strength that had shaped destiny and now stretched out before them, an inevitable line in time.

“I hope for a peaceful coexistence with you, Your Majesty,” her voice was low but charged with an intensity that Max could comprehend. She could not expect less from a fellow heir like herself. “The torment required to reach this point—I am not innocent. Every pain, every death, the inability to act, makes me complicit.”

Y/N felt the weight of her words, the gravity of what she had revealed. He knew that her family had orchestrated the downfall of his. Though Y/N had no voice or vote in that conspiracy, she felt guilty as if she had perpetuated it with her own hands.

Duke Atreides released her, turning his gaze toward the window offering a desert landscape of the planet. He took a moment before continuing the conversation.

“There’s no need for you to express regret to me, Princess.”

“I only wish to be honest. You mentioned forgiveness first.”

“I wasn’t apologizing for the past.”

She knew that Max’s eyes could see far beyond what anyone could imagine. If the little information the Reverend Mother had shared with her was true, his visions were not mere dreams but premonitions of destiny. The teachings of the Bene Gesserit and her mother made her understand that Max might be the culmination of an entire species' evolution.

And though her conscience resisted accepting that her life no longer belonged solely to her, reality dragged her toward the realization that their fates were irrevocably intertwined. She could only cling to a fragile trust in her future husband.

“Kwisatz Haderach.”

Silence filled the room as they looked at each other, knowing they stood on the brink of monumental change. Max gazed at her intently, his intense blue eyes shining with a mixture of compassion.

“You are the Kwisatz Haderach.”

Slowly, she brought a hand to his face, gently touching Max's jaw, as if to ensure that what she saw was real.

The dilemma in Y/N’s heart was evident. The Max Atreides who had once wandered into her garden no longer existed.

Finally, Y/N nodded, a small sign of acceptance, but enough for Max to feel that the future he had seen was taking hold of everything. With a tenderness that contrasted with the intensity of his previous words, Max drew her close, enveloping her in his arms as if he were protecting her.

“This ends with us,” Y/N murmured, her voice firm and resolute, finding in Max the strength she needed to face the destiny that awaited them.

The destiny he had chosen.

Glossary

Bene Gesserit: A secretive and influential sisterhood with advanced mental and physical abilities, trained in espionage, politics, and manipulation. They play a crucial role in the power dynamics of the universe.

Reverend Mother: A high-ranking member of the Bene Gesserit, who has undergone intense training and a dangerous ritual involving the "Water of Life," giving her enhanced mental and physical powers, and access to ancestral memories.

Kwisatz Haderach: A prophesied superbeing with extraordinary mental abilities, able to bridge space and time. The Bene Gesserit have long sought to create this being through selective breeding.

Kaitain: The planet Kaitain was the capital of the Corrino Empire.

Arrakis: A desert planet also known as Dune, the only source of the valuable substance "spice" (melange), which is essential for space travel and extends life. Control of Arrakis is central to the power struggles in the universe.

Fremen: The native people of Arrakis, known for their survival skills in the harsh desert environment. They are fierce warriors with a deep spiritual connection to their planet and its resources.

[bestworstcase]

is there anything about rwby that you would have done differently as a writer? i.e. introducing certain ideas of characters earlier, complete wholesale changes, etc.

in terms of major narrative choices, adam attempts to assassinate sienna as in canon but her personal guard remains loyal, there’s a scuffle, and she’s able to escape wounded but alive, showing up at haven to pincer adam’s forces with the faction of the white fang that refuses to go along with his coup.

the albains are loyal to sienna but still weird and disliked – not for sinister foreshadowing but because sometimes people are just sort of weird and off-putting, and that’s a fun trait to give a couple of good guys who show the fuck up to defend an ally who’s hitherto been a bit distrustful and cool toward them when the violent splinter group tries to assassinate him; narratively the albains being like this while aligning themselves firmly with sienna also provides an opportunity to cast the belladonna’s alliance with and support of sienna into sharper focus and perhaps allows for blake to bounce off and talk to some guys in the “yes direct action and tactical violence, no whatever the fuck adam’s doing” camp to refine her understanding of the white fang and make it clearer how adam corrupted what sienna does and believes.

and the arc resolution is sienna reclaiming leadership of the white fang and preparing to clean house while ghira and ilia plan a second, separate but allied organization focused on advocacy with the overall point being that expecting one group to do and be everything is part of the problem.

i talk about this more here. the white fang arc really isn’t as bad as its frequently maligned but suffers from a lack of clarity in how it’s intended message is delivered; the point of sienna surviving and having genuine allies to represent her side in menagerie is to address that lack of clarity by articulating her philosophy and underscoring that the belladonnas support her and ally themselves with her because the objection isn’t “violence in bad” but rather “indiscriminate violence that materially harms the cause and violent infighting are bad.”

aside from that, i wouldn’t change anything significant presuming that i had to work under the same conditions as the actual writers (<- if they hadn’t lost those two episodes in v9, 9.10 wouldn’t feel so rushed and we’d have got that animatic as a full episode; if there hadn’t been budget issues in v5 mistral wouldn’t feel so empty; etc it’s very easy to fix problems like this in hypotheticals where you imagine you have infinite time and money, but in the real world if this were my story and i faced these sort of logistical challenges it would be to the detriment of the narrative in the same ways and i have no interest in pretending otherwise).

all that said

if i were the one writing this story and either i had more money or it was, like, a series of novels (<- which is what i’d be writing, realistically) – the religious layer of the story would be a lot more overt, not just in terms of the religious conflict with regard to the brothers but i would flesh out 1-2 other religions too. blake’s arc would feature wrestling with complicated feelings about god-of-animals-worship. ruby and yang would’ve been raised monotheistic light-worshippers; weiss would be a lapsed orthodox brother-cultist (in my head this is comparable to, say, the chasm between evangelical protestants and a lapsed catholic). oscar would be stolidly practicing some other religion that has nothing to do with the brothers, to ozma’s consternation, because that’s funny. salem would be still a polytheist but pointedly not worshipping Those Two, because that’s also funny.

<- this is not to “”fix“” anything i just think it’s important as a writer to be self-indulgent. and i like fantasy religions. bfrgscbk

[khaire-traveler]

Avoiding Trauma Reenactment in Pagan & Polytheist Communities

***Mentions of emotional abuse***

Something I've noticed is that there's a lot of trauma within the pagan and polytheist communities. Many trauma survivors - religious or otherwise - seem to come to these religions, maybe seeking comfort or maybe not.

Unfortunately, when there is a lot of trauma within a community, there tend to be cycles of it as well. People traumatize other people because, to put it simply, hurt people hurt people. I've experienced this first-hand and done it, obviously unintentionally, myself. So here's my advice on how to avoid traumatizing the shit out of one another.

Go to therapy or counseling if you're able. If you're not able, I suggest at least looking up ways to cope with trauma (CPTSD or PTSD may be specifically helpful for some people) and identifying your personal triggers. For example, some people might be triggered by not getting an immediate response to their messages, especially if emotionally charged, and may react based on the burst of emotion that triggered trauma can cause.

Recognize whether or not you're reenacting your own trauma in unrelated situations. This happens A LOT with abuse survivors specifically. There is a tendency to reenact one's traumatic experiences which can even come in assuming the worst of a situation or staying around people who remind you of (or treat you like) past abusers. Do you find yourself reenacting past trauma with others? Do you find yourself engaging with self-fulfilling prophecies?

When you feel yourself reacting with extreme emotion to a situation, try to pause yourself for a moment and ask yourself why you're feeling such a strong reaction. This is a skill that's easier said than done, and it takes some practice, but overtime, it becomes easier and easier. I've found it to be very helpful in identifying when my trauma is causing me to react a certain way to something vs. my genuine reaction.

Remind yourself that constructive criticism is not a personal attack on you. It's healthy to receive constructive criticism from others, especially friends who may be addressing issues within your friendships. Remember that when you receive criticism, it doesn't automatically mean that someone is trying to tear you down.

You are not responsible for how others react to you. This is a very helpful reminder for survivors of emotional abuse especially, since there's a tendency to self-blame. This is a reminder that takes a lot of practice, but when someone sends you cruel and hateful words, remember that 1. you don't have to listen to them, and 2. you are not responsible for the way someone else feels about or reacts to you. Simply put, we cannot control the emotions of others, as scary as that can be, and it's best to keep reminding that to ourselves.

If someone makes you uncomfortable, you are allowed to block them. You don't need permission from anyone to block this person. It's best to keep away from people who remind you of past abusers specifically to avoid potential reenactment.

Try to assume the best of people. Most people are not out to get you; most people are trying to passively enjoy internet time just the same as you. Of course, this doesn't mean harmful and hateful people don't exist, but it's best to not make yourself riddled with anxiety over that potentiality.

Practice healthy conflict resolution skills. This is something I recommend doing with a therapist or only after extensive research. The best type of conflict resolution, in my experience, is relating your emotions calmly and maturely. Try not to go flying off the handle or reacting with repeated apologies. Take a moment to ground yourself before addressing the conflict because even though it feels extremely pressing and urgent, it can likely wait for you to ground yourself first.

Don't go looking for a fight. Don't start arguments where it's not necessary, and don't go after people's personal character just to prove your point. These situations can end horribly for all parties involved. Should go without saying, but this includes not harassing people for their "wrong" opinions. It's an opinion, not a fact; please ground yourself if it truly upsets you that much.

Try not to say things with the intention of hurting someone. This is unwise for several reasons. It can lead to long-term regret later on, you can end up traumatizing someone with your words, and you may find that you were projecting your own feelings onto someone else. All sorts of consequences can come from this, so I encourage you to think before you speak. If you're extremely upset, wait to respond, and take time to cool off first.

This is all the advice I can think of off the top of my head. I hope it helps someone! Take care, everyone. 🧡

[ahsoka-in-a-hood]

Would you consider studying things like mindfulness, conflict resolution, and religious texts just to write better fanfic about your favorite jedi getting fucked in the ass? Better question, would you consider studying mindfulness, conflict resolution, and religious texts just so that you can have better daydreams about your favorite jedi getting fucked in the ass? Would you contemplate learning the history of passive resistance just so you can better imagine obi wan kenobi secretly selling his body to support Satine during their year on the run? Would you

[tamamita]

Maybe this is a stupid thing to express, I've just seen so much Isr*eli violence today and I feel like maybe you can help me understand. All I've heard from people talking about the situation in Palestine is that it's "very complex" and requires a lot of research into the history of the place to get a "better understanding" of it. But like. Why can't they work to solve the conflict without butchering people? Why is the international community allowing Israel to keep doing what they're doing? I guess the answer is their American alliance, but is there no one willing to step up and actually do anything about this? What can I do about this? I've raised money, I've boycotted, I've signed petitions, it feels so hopeless, is it all for nothing?

Politically, americans need a stronghold in the middle east and use Israel as a puppet state. If there was an armed conflict between Israel and the Arab state, the US would be the first to intervene on the side of Israel, thus keeping the other states from intervening. The U.S keeps vetoing any resolution the UN presents on anything relating to the illegal occupation of Palestine, effectively making the UN one of the most useless peacekeepers in the world. So Israel makes a valuable ally in the geopolitical game. With the Trump administration, several deals and political changes undermined a lot for the Palestinian struggle for liberation not to mention the large support for the Christian right. Furthermore, negotiations become challenging when the Israeli Regime keeps allowing Zionist settlers to colonize Palestinian lands and evict Palestinians from their homes, and with every UN resolution that is presented to prevent these actions, the Americans keep vetoing them away. As a result, Palestinians have no choice but to retaliate, and when they do, they become demonized by Western media. When a Palestinian Christian journalist was shot in the head, the US and Israeli government did nothing, showing that Israel is an apartheid state that will surpress Palestinian voices and continue its oppression of the Palestinian people. The international community (sans the US) does condemn Israel, but there is little they can do with the Veto system in place. However, US influence of the MENA region has decreased significantly over the past few years.

Religiously, there is the ever-growing Evangelical movement in the U.S that adheres to the idea that Jewish people should be allowed to return to Israel so that they can hasten the return of Jesus, who will convert them enmass (144.000 to be precise). This is also referred to as Christian Zionism and is a very popular doctrine among the Evangelical sector. The Christian right is extremely vocal in its support for Israel in the hopes that Israel will become fully Jewish (this means they won't take any other Christian life into account). This idea is rooted in the Book of Revelation where the idea of a Jewish nation will signify the end times, and only can the apocalypse take place once the Holy Land becomes exclusively Jewish. Israel becomes a large tourist attraction for Evangelical Christians as a result and there are even Evangelicals disguised as Jewish people (such as Messianic Jews) that go around and lure Jewish people in the hopes of converting them.

In short, Fuck Zionism and the settler colonial state in general, and the Evangelical Christian Church is an evil death cult that advocates genocide in order to bring about the apocalypse.

[trappedinafantasy37]

ACT 3 was one hell of a ride and I have finally completed the Shadowheart origin run! Now it is time to finalized this story. If you have missed the previous updates, check out Act 1 and Act 2.

WARNING: this gets pretty long. Again, it's a story. Some things are gonna be a little bit out of character and involve my own headcanons as I try to fill in the gaps of what isn't directly said in the game.

THE CITY AWAITS

After a long walk from the Shadowlands with Isobel and Dame Aylin, Shadowheart and Minthara finally made it to the city of Baldur's Gate! Shadow can feel that she is on the precipice of many conflicts and so many things are about to be resolved. Unfortunately, she can also feel that many of those resolutions may require violence. She has only recently turned from Shar and still doesn't really know what it means to be a Selunite. Sure, she's taken some guidance from Isobel and Aylin, but their journey with Selune is not the same as hers. They were not brainwashed to hate Selune and all that is good with the world, they did not have their minds wiped over and over so that they can be molded and shaped into the perfect hate machine, and they were not actively tortured by their goddess every time they had dirty and naughty thoughts like empathy and compassion.

Breaking decades of religious indoctrination and countering everything that you have ever known is a difficult and arduous process and not one that is done over night. It isn't easy and it takes an incredible amount of effort. But, no matter how hard she tries, there are some thoughts in Shadow's head that pop up on their own, even if she no longer wants to have those thoughts. Every action she takes from here forward is a deliberate and conscious effort that she makes to not be the same person that she used to be. Unfortunately, Shar and Mother Superior have left deep and lasting scars within her, things that she will never be able to rid herself of. Even though she has turned a new leaf, made an internal vow to do better and be better, she will always have blood on her hands.

It has only been a few weeks of Shadow putting in this effort within herself and Minthara can see the changes. Minthara may not care too much for Shadow having a bleeding heart and wanting to do the "right thing" all of a sudden, but she can appreciate that Shadow is no longer pretending to be something she isn't.

And for a moment, Minthara herself begins to reflect on her own upbringing and the things she has been indoctrinated with. She starts to deconstruct her relationship with the gods and the influence that they should have in their lives, her place in society and where she feels she truly belongs, the importance of trust, and the desire for power. Minthara starts her own process of challenging all the things she's ever known, but unlike Shadow, she is not a blank slate. She does remember everything she's been through these past 200+ years and undoing all that experience isn't going to be so easy for her. Like Shadow, there are just some things even she cannot undo. And there are many things that she would prefer to hang on to.

The process of breaking their own indoctrination is a slow start for both of them. Even though they both recognize the toxicity of their upbringings and the marks it has left on them, neither of them is afraid or ashamed to leverage their teachings in a way that benefits them both. They are also not afraid to continue with their morally dubious actions if it means getting them closer to their goals. So, the two elves travel all around Baldur's Gate doing good while being evil. Some of the shenaninanigans they have been up to:

Settled a squabble between a rich guy and some squatters (they both "died under mysterious circumstances")

Went to the circus and got jumped scared by Orin.

Accidentally stumbled upon a murder mystery that turned into a much deeper conspiracy

Found some gnomes and got a bomb

Started a fight at the checkpoint in which those very gnomes came and saved them

Met Gortash. It would appear that shoddy inaugurations and spilling his evil bad guy plan in front of the entire city constitutes as amongst that minutia of death cult office politics that he's so busy with.

Saved Counsellor Florrick

Continued on their investigation into Bhaal and visited the murder tribunal, killed a sacrifice to get some wicked gear, and then killed Sarevok anyway cause, why not, they were already there.

Beat up a wizard and let Dame Aylin break his back so she can break her oath

Got involved with the Thieves Guild and the Stone Lord

Did a dirty deed for Ethel, but made a crucial ally

Blew up a foundry of slaves

TEAM MOMMY ISSUES

While on this journey of self healing and self reflection, Shadow has spent the entire time just trying to forget the cause of all her worries. But the ever-present wound on her hand that exists just to torment her serves as a reminder that she cannot forget, and she shouldn't. No, Shadow is tired of forgetting. She knows her parents are in the city somewhere and she needs to save them! She can still have the life that has been denied to her. And so, she returns to the House of Grief.

Everyone at the House has been expecting her, but they are not too pleased with her arrival. They are very well aware of her turning her back on Shar and retribution is upon her. Shadow has been through so much on her long journey and has grown incredibly power. But sitting on this bench across from her mother, she is reduced to nothing more than a scared child who knows she has disappointed her mother.

Minthara stands against the wall and watches this entire interaction unfold and for just a brief moment, she sees a reflection of herself within the half-elf. She too has learned plenty of hard lessons at the hands of her mother and she holds plenty of those lessons close to her heart. But there were some days in which she did not see any lesson in the scars her mother left on her, and it felt like nothing but torment for torments sake.

Traveling through the cloister, Shadow is reminded of all the things that she had to do. She learned how to be a good liar and how to pretend to be someone else. She also learned how to torture when it was necessary, how to force information out of people and make them embrace the pain. She does not recall the days in which she learned these lessons, but she has all the skills.

Confronting her mother and the cloister isn't an easy task, but it has to be done. Obviously, Mother Superior wants Shadow to hand over the Prism and she may be "forgiven". But Shadow has learned the hard way that Shar does not forgive and her mother is full of it. Standing on her own two feet, she defies the Mother Superior and the entire cloister turns against her. She does not want to kill anyone here, but she does not feel any sorrow for people that she does not remember. Fighting them all is incredibly difficult as there is twenty of them, and only two of the elves. But with the power granted to her by Selune, Shadow and Minthara are able to burn away the darkness.

Once in her life, Minthara admired Viconia for her rebellion against authority. But she was so naive back then. As she furthered into her career as a paladin of Lolth, she realized just how much of a coward Viconia was. If the former Priestess of Lolth was still in the Underdark while she was, it would have been Minthara's duty to hunt her down and kill her in Lolth's name. Right now, all she sees is a coward who has done nothing but wipe Shadow's mind, torment her and give her lessons in which she can't remember, and rob Shadow of the ability to form her own identity. Minthara takes it upon herself to end Viconia, not in Lolth's name, but Shadowheart's.

But, of course, things are not that easy. Nothing is ever easy. There is an even darker secret hidden in the cloister. The pain that Shadow has felt since the day she started her mission, is the curse that connects her to her parents. And Shar reminds Shadow that there is no escaping her, at least not without making a great sacrifice. There is great meaning to be found in pain, and Shar decides to leave Shadow with what she would prefer to find meaning with.

Her parents want her to let them go. They have seen their daughter once more, she is alive and healthy, in Selune's embrace, and has someone who adores her more than the world itself. Shadow does not want to let them go, she did not come all this way to let them go. If Shar is to damn them all, then they can get through it together. But the Hallowleafs do not want their daughter to suffer needlessly, and neither does Minthara.

To the drow, killing ones parents is an important rite of passage. A perfect method to usurp their place in society, and gain power and status. If Shadow had made a different choice with the Nightsong and not angered Shar, perhaps that would be true. But the option presented to the half-elf is eternal suffering, or freedom from Shar's poison. And Minthara does not want to watch Shadow suffer for the rest of their lives together, not when there is a real possibility for Shadow to be free.

Minthara encourages Shadow to kill her parents. Not because she wishes to see them dead, but because their death means that Shadow will be free to live as herself and without unnecessary suffering. Taking the advice of both her parents and her love, Shadow uses the power of Selune and sets them free. Their souls are no longer bound to the Lady of Loss and they return to Selune's embrace where they were meant to be. Shadow will never know who she was before the cloister, she will never know who Jenevelle Hallowleaf was or who she could have been. And she will have to live with the guilt of having tortured them, and the grief of having to kill them.

BLOODY VENGEANCE

Every night since meeting her at that circus, Minthara's mind has been swirling with the paranoia and terror that Orin was always close by. Walking down the streets of the city, her eyes would watch every single person around, trying to determine which of them was an impostor who is only there to trick her or hurt her or worse.

Walking down into the sewers, inching closer and closer to Orin, Minthara is filled with incredible doubts on whether or not she will survive the ordeal. This is the woman who "indoctrinated" her into the Cult of the Absolute, filling her mind with what are clearly lies. To make it worse, the shroud has been lifted and the memories she once believed to be pleasant dreams were nothing but nightmares in which she was robbed of all choice in the matter.

But right now, she has a choice. She has Shadow, someone she cares for deeply. Someone who has never hurt her, or lie to her, and made a promise to protect her, even from Orin. This time, she knows that what she feels for her cleric is real and nothing is compelling her to feel the way she does. Under normal circumstances, she would feel incredible pressure and terror at admitting this level of vulnerability. Especially when admitting love and affection has always awarded her with a new scar. Or worse, a dead lover. But it is either now or never and she tells Shadow that if they are to survive this fight with Orin, she wishes to remain by her side for the rest of their lives, because the bond they share is unbreakable one.

To make it all worse, Orin did not even speak to her, didn't even address her, pretended like she wasn't even there! She had held Minthara down in a cocoon of flesh, cutting her and torturing her for days. And she doesn't even get the honor of an acknowledgement? This iblith's mind games never end and she wants to further the torment by focusing on Shadow, making it clear that if Minthara doesn't act quickly and with decisiveness, her precious cleric will be turned into a sacrifice before Bhaal. And what then? What is Minthara going to do then? She will have lost her only reason for fighting and she will succumb to her fears and become susceptible to Orin's knives once more. She cannot let that happen. Not again. She's had enough of Orin's games.

And of course, the fight with Orin wasn't easy, it was never going to be easy. All of Minthara's greatest fears are culminated into one: the Slayer. In another life, Minthara would admire this type of power. No, she would revel in it! She would open her arms wide and embrace the incredible and exquisite creature that it is! Hells, she would have willingly embraced Orin if she had been given the choice.

Too bad this isn't that life and Orin, the Slayer, is nothing but another monstrosity that needs to be exterminated. Minthara cannot and does not care about how removed a crazed Bhaalspawn will be of great benefit to the living world. She does not care that Orin needs to die so that they may nab her Netherstone and get one step closer to the Absolute. No, Minthara wants to kill Orin solely out of vengeance. To right the wrongs that Orin had brought upon her. She is well past the point of mercy.

Even though Minthara herself personally delivered the killing blow and watched the Bhaalspawn dissolve into a puddle of viscera, she still has difficulty believing Orin is dead. But right now, she can't focus on that. Shadow does her best to try to comfort her through all this, but greater problems need to be addressed. Shadow has spent too much of her life repressing how she feels and running away from her true emotions and pretending she doesn't feel what she does. She is not oblivious to the fact that Minthara has an annoying habit of doing the same exact thing, and Shadow understands exactly why.

Later at camp, when they are both in a safe and secure place, Shadow asks Minthara to open up, tell her how she feels about Orin's death. Of course Minthara is glad Orin is dead, but she is not as satisfied as she thought she would be. There was never going to be a smite that would have been powerful enough to remove the scars that had been left on her. Shadow can sympathize. As much as she does not wish to see her paladin in pain, she knows that this is something Minthara will carry with her for the rest of her life. But in time, she will overcome it.

A NEW BEGINNING

With all the Netherstones gathered, it is now time to face the elder brain and deal with the Absolute. The two of them fight valiantly and fearlessly through the city and up to High Hall. With a Mind Flayer on their side, and a few powerful allies, the elves push through the burning city and all the nightmares conjured by the elder brain. This is a fight, not just for their lives, but the world. With the brain just about ready to break, it pleads for mercy, offering itself as a tool to be used and abused just so that it may live.

Of course Minthara still wants to take control of it. Her and Shadow can stand side by side as gods and make the world a perfect place. They will be equal to the others and gods like Shar and Lolth can never touch them again. And if they tried, then the two elves will have a much easier time fighting back.

But this isn't what Shadow wants. She understands Minthara's reasoning. The drow says it's all for the power, the control, the glory! But deep down, it's nothing but fear. The fear of being abandoned, the fear of being betrayed, the fear of her devotion being thrown back in her face and being punished with death. Shadow has felt it all herself. But becoming the problem will never be a viable solution. Shadow stood before Shar, defied her, and paid the price. She knows it is possible to fight back and live. And she is not going to allow Minthara to fall into a death spiral because she is too scared to walk a different path.

What could have been their crowning achievement crashes down into the ocean as Shadow asks the Emperor to destroy the brain. Minthara stands on the pier, watching as it drowns in the ocean. All that power, all that potential, wasted. But she is free. There is no longer a tadpole in her head, threatening to turn her into a mind flayer or a thrall. The Absolute cannot break her and Lolth cannot touch her. The decision may not have been hers to make, but she will appreciate the freedom of it all. It's not as if the Absolute was the only path to world domination, just the fastest and most convenient.

The two elves take a moment to catch their breaths and get some rest after saving the world. Being a savior is... new for Minthara. It's weird and something she never thought she would be considered. The people adore her and thank her in the streets every day. Perfect! They are priming themselves up to be easily manipulated later! The drow will be sure to leverage this affection.

The city is saved thanks to Shadow's singular decision. Of course she was worried about the fate of the world. She understands more than most to have your strings pulled by a domineering god, and she did not want to subjugate others to that same torment and anguish. She does not know if she will ever fully embrace Selune yet, but she will appreciate the fact that Selune has given her the ability to forge her own path. And Shadow will give the same to others, as well as Minthara.

Minthara doesn't miss a beat, nor does she lose her breath. She has accepted the loss of the Absolute and immediately moves on to scheming about how to take over the city from the shadows. All Shadow can do is roll her eyes and laugh. Her ambition, although sometimes self destructive, is just one of the many reasons Shadow fell in love with her.

The two of them have been awarded a lifetime together and Minthara wants to spend every single second of it with Shadow. She may want to rule the city, but she wants more to do whatever her cleric wants to do. Baldur's Gate, although her home, is nothing but a fragment of a memory Shadow will never get back. She wants to know more about Selune, find out what would have driven her parents to worship the moon goddess, and maybe find some meaning in the new divinity she channels. She wants to see the world and find a new purpose and find out who she wants to be now that she has the freedom to.

Of all the gods, Selune is probably the only one Minthara has no quarrel with. She wants Shadow to be free, and Selune will give that to her. Selune is the one who won't kill or abandon or torture her followers for every tiny mistake. She will allow Shadow to make the choices she wants, and won't punish her for them. Unlike Lolth, unlike Shar, unlike Bhaal, unlike the Absolute, Selune won't force her followers to be who they don't want to be, or do what they don't want to do. All she will do is guide them through the dark whenever they feel lost.

And so, without protest, Minthara marches alongside Shadowheart out of Baldur's Gate as they continue on their new journey of self-discovery.

Thank you very much for reading all of this, I know it was a lot. And I want to give a most special thanks to those who have followed me through all of this. I'm actually kind of sad that this run came to an end. But, it's not entirely over as I got a whole fic to write about it now and I'm kinda excited about it!

< Act 2 |

[why-am-i-not-fictional]

Things to script - nature or status of realities

This is something I recently started inputting into my DRs to make them better and safe. I got much help from ChatGPT too to categorize all these things. I wanted to share it with you guys too :) feel free to use anything for your scripts. Happy Shifting!!!

All of the below discriminations does not exist in any of my DRs

Misogyny

Racism

Homophobia

Transphobia

Classism

Ableism

Ageism

Xenophobia

Islamophobia

Anti-Semitism

Colorism

Nationalism

Casteism

Environmental injustice

Sexism

Sizeism

Religious discrimination

Ethnic discrimination

Discrimination based on immigration status

Discrimination based on language

Discrimination based on nationality

Discrimination based on indigenous status

Discrimination based on political beliefs

Discrimination based on marital status

Discrimination based on parental status

Discrimination based on veteran status

Discrimination based on HIV/AIDS status

Discrimination based on neurodiversity

Discrimination based on mental health status

Discrimination based on physical appearance

Discrimination based on cultural practices

Discrimination based on regional or geographical origin

Discrimination based on caste or social status

Discrimination based on educational background

Discrimination based on housing status

Discrimination based on criminal record

Discrimination based on economic status

Discrimination based on access to healthcare

Discrimination based on access to education

Discrimination based on access to employment opportunities

All of the below issues have been solved many years ago and they do not exist in the times of any of my DRs

Poverty

Economic inequality

Environmental degradation

Climate change

Pollution

Deforestation

Political instability

Armed conflicts

Civil wars

Humanitarian crises

Global health challenges

Infectious diseases

Pandemics

Inadequate healthcare systems

Lack of access to essential medicines

Educational disparities

Limited access to quality education

Illiteracy

Child labor

Child marriage

Gender inequality

Women's rights violations

Child labor

Human trafficking

Forced labor

Modern slavery

Corruption

Lack of transparency

Ineffective governance

Authoritarian regimes

Suppression of free speech

Violations of human rights

Arbitrary detention

Torture

Persecution

Indigenous rights violations

Land grabs

Cultural appropriation

Technological and digital divides

Ethical dilemmas in technology

Privacy concerns

Data breaches

Cybersecurity threats

Food insecurity

Malnutrition

Water scarcity

Access to clean water

Sanitation issues

Homelessness

Housing affordability

Urbanization challenges

Aging population

Elder abuse

Mental health stigma

Lack of access to mental health services

Substance abuse

Addiction

Disability rights violations

Accessibility barriers

Stigmatization of disabilities

LGBTQ+ rights violations

Discrimination based on sexual orientation

Discrimination based on gender identity

Family rejection

Reproductive rights violations

Access to reproductive healthcare

Maternal mortality

Child mortality

Access to clean energy

Energy poverty

Fossil fuel dependence

Renewable energy transition challenges

Wildlife conservation

Endangered species protection

Animal rights violations

All the DRs I shift to are abundant of the following things 

Compassion

Empathy

Cooperation

Collaboration

Sustainability

Environmental stewardship

Peacebuilding

Conflict resolution

Dialogue

Reconciliation

Education

Knowledge-sharing

Critical thinking

Cultural diversity

Cultural respect

Inclusivity

Equality

Justice

Ethical leadership

Integrity

Accountability

Service to others

Health promotion

Well-being

Healthcare access

Mental health support

Social support systems

Innovation

Creativity

Social justice

Fairness

Equity

Human rights

Freedom of expression

Freedom of assembly

Democratic governance

Rule of law

Transparency

Accountability mechanisms

Community empowerment

Grassroots activism

Civic engagement

Volunteerism

Philanthropy

Sustainable development

Responsible consumption

Renewable energy adoption

Conservation

Biodiversity protection

Animal welfare

Gender equality

Women's empowerment

LGBTQ+ rights

Disability rights

Indigenous rights

Racial equity

Anti-discrimination policies

Social welfare programs

Poverty alleviation

Economic empowerment

Access to education

Access to clean water

Sanitation infrastructure

Housing rights

Food security

Global cooperation

International aid and development

Humanitarian assistance

Conflict prevention

Diplomacy

Multilateralism

Solidarity

Tolerance

Forgiveness

Resilience

All of the DRs I shift into are currently successfully overcoming the following challenges as they rise

Sustaining Progress: Maintaining the momentum of positive change and preventing regression into previous discriminatory attitudes and practices.

Ensuring Equity: Addressing lingering disparities and ensuring that the benefits of progress are equitably distributed across all communities.

Adapting to Changing Circumstances: Remaining flexible and responsive to evolving societal needs, dynamics, and challenges over time.

Balancing Interests: Navigating competing interests, values, and priorities among diverse stakeholders in society.

Preventing Backlash: Mitigating potential backlash from individuals or groups who may resist or oppose efforts to eliminate discrimination and promote positive change.

Addressing Unforeseen Consequences: Anticipating and addressing unintended consequences or side effects of interventions aimed at addressing societal issues.

Managing Complexity: Dealing with the complexity of interconnected social, economic, political, and environmental systems, which may require interdisciplinary approaches and collaboration.

Maintaining Engagement: Sustaining public engagement, participation, and support for ongoing efforts to promote equality, justice, and well-being.

Ensuring Accountability: Holding individuals, institutions, and governments accountable for upholding principles of fairness, transparency, and ethical conduct.

Resisting Entrenched Power Structures: Challenging and dismantling entrenched power structures, systems of privilege, and institutionalized forms of discrimination.

Addressing Global Challenges: Collaborating internationally to address global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and conflict, which require coordinated action across borders.

Cultural Sensitivity: Respecting and accommodating diverse cultural norms, values, and perspectives while promoting universal principles of human rights and equality.

Managing Resources: Efficiently allocating resources and managing competing demands to sustain progress and address ongoing needs in society.

Promoting Inclusivity: Ensuring that marginalized or vulnerable groups are included in decision-making processes and benefit from positive changes in society.

Building Trust: Fostering trust, cooperation, and solidarity among individuals, communities, and institutions to sustain positive social transformation.

Addressing New Challenges: Remaining vigilant and adaptive to emerging challenges and threats to equality, justice, and well-being in an ever-changing world.

[raddagher]

Arcane is over (😭) and I have some criticisms so here are my lists of who Won and who Lost in no particular order

LOST SEASON 2

1. Isha

Literally wasn't even mentioned after she died, like wtf was that

We couldn't have a memorial or anything? Come on

Her sacrifice was ultimately meaningless because Warwick got brought back anyway

2. Sevika

Didn't get a single line through all of Act 3

Where is my wife

At least she didn't die?

3. The entire Undercity, to be honest

Where did the independence thread go

Giving Sevika a council seat wasn't enough

I don't like that so many of them had to fight in Enforcer uniforms, that felt wrong

That was the MAIN CONFLICT for most of the show. It felt so weird to gloss over it at the end

4. Vander/Warwick

Gonna be real I wasn't super crazy about most of his presence here, I don't feel like it actually contributed much to anyone's development, except MAYBE Viktor's

We would not have lost anything if they didn't have the flashback scene with their mom

Super didn't like Jinx's ending as it pertained to him

5. Jinx

Hey I super don't like that every character who had a moment of suicide ideation or attempt ended up dead or "dead"

I don't like the way she "died" it didn't feel earned

I don't feel like the ending she got aligned well with her character at all. She spiraled and then just. stayed at the bottom of the spiral :(

They put a TON of family stuff in act 1 and 2 that didn't get resolution in 3

I think they kinda did my girl dirty I'm sorry

6. Loris

Clearly would have had more of a role if they didn't have to cut him for time

NEITHER WON NOR LOST SEASON 2

1. Vi

I want to say she won because she got to bang her cop girlfriend in a prison cell and the sex scene was good as hell but

She also was just taking massive L's the whole time

Like it never felt like she ever had any real wins other than that and that bummed me out

Didn't get enough time to be a dumbfuck with Jayce :(

Caitlyn

Didn't get enough proper resolution for her wonderful fascist arc

She felt a little dropped in Act 3 as well

Glad she got that Vussy tho, good for her

And I did like the vs Ambessa fight, that was also good

I honestly feel like Viktor and Jayce's romance was written better than her and Vi's, and as a gay woman who is constantly watching mlm relationships get so much more attention, it rubs me the wrong way

WON SEASON 2

1. Viktor (OBVIOUSLY)

The fucked up robot army. The religious imagery. The body horror. His robot alien design is scary as fuck. Absolutely incredible work

Got to be taller and stronger than Jayce hooray

They're canon. That was the gayest shit I've ever seen in my life

I do wish they had spent more time overall fleshing out more of the disability commentary, I feel like it was a little lacking in the end

Nevertheless BEAUTIFUL and HORRIFYING and TRAGIC

2. Jayce

See above

Yeah he also got to be a big hero and got to be resolved really well

Did NOT see his death coming that was crazy

They Magnus 200'd his ass, damn

He chose Viktor over everything I'm emo

They made a heart when they touched their foreheads together fuck OFF

3. Heimerdinger

Literally just living his best life

Love that he didn't tell Ekko he can't die, he just let the poor boy think he got fuckin atomized, king shit, that's hilarious

I would have stayed in that universe too tbh

4. Ambessa

The single tear over Kino. Her love for her children at direct odds with her need for control. Her arc was explored so well

Died a warrior's death at the hands of her brilliant daughter, I know that's how she would have wanted to go

Also was very hot in every scene. Good for her (and good for me)

She just got a lot of love from the writers and I'm very happy to see that effort put into an older Black woman character

5. Mel

Speaking of gorgeous Black women

I was so worried she was going to get dropped but her ending was SO good

Her glow up with the gold is fantastic, she looks amazing in the white hood

Love that they gave her abilities that would inherently change her priorities AND gave her the throne of Noxus, I have high hopes that she'll be prominent in another show in the future

They made her such a powerful badass but still let her be merciful and forgiving. Absolutely amazing. She is the wolf

6. Ekko (?)

On the fence about him

LOVED the au scene. Perfect

And I loved that our boy savior got to be the one that set off the bomb that stopped Viktor

But he was kind of dropped otherwise? Like what happened with his tree?

Generally wish he had more development and screentime in this season

But I'm happy he was so pivotal to the climax

AND I'm happy he got to kiss Powder. He and Jinx would never have worked out

7. Maddie

Haha I never liked you. Get fucked you horrible little bootlicker. Typical cop

8. Singed

How come YOU get everything you want?

Fuck you.

Basically all my criticisms boil down to it feeling rushed overall. It's clear that they intended to have more time, and that breaks my heart. We all know Netflix's reputation for cancelling stuff out of the blue, and I've heard that maybe certain parties were unhappy with the depictions of gay romance and realistic social revolution. Whatever the reasons, I wish they had a third season, because I think they could have solved every problem I have with it. Regardless, it's an incredible work of art and very likely one of if not THE best animated series ever made.