#samurai street fair

[missneko-otaku]

I can't remember if Ranmaru has ever appeared in some mini short stories in slbp, like in Samurai Street Fair events? I feel like he hasn't? I think Kansuke, Kojirou and even the weird Hojo kid had a short story..

I remember when I first encounter him in Nobunaga's route, he stuck into my memory the most bc of his unique hairstyle XD Also, if I remember correctly, I love how he was kinda there always for MC reminding her or supporting her or even comforting her a little whenever sometimes moody Nobunaga is hard to understand or hard to reach.

He is very loyal to Nobunaga yes, but I like how he is there for MC as well, especially when Nobunaga is out on war and MC is left in the castle worrying about her lover. Guess, I wanna read a story about him and know him more XD

Well, just random thoughts that I wanna let out. Pls don't mind me lol

[unoislazy]

Masterlist

Oldest to newest

(The only things out of order are the Headcanons which can all be found at the same spot, specifically for BES)

If I did it correctly you should be able to click the underlined places and they’ll send you right to the story!

Special Information

Request Information

Y'all will never believe what I forgot to add

RDR 2

How To Aim

Arthur Morgan x Reader

One Part

Th actual fic that started it all

————————————————————

HTTYD

Question? What Question?

Hiccup x Reader

Part 1

Word Count: 1.2k

Summary: Hiccup accidentally lets it slip that his father is expecting him to ask someone a question. Who could that someone be… and what’s the question?

Part 2

Word Count: 1.1k

Summary: You and Hiccup go out to figure out where that smokes coming from. You decide to return back to Berk to tell Stoick what you saw. However, Stoick had other plans in mind.

Somethings Off About That Boy

Hiccup x Reader

Part 1

Word Count: 1k

Summary: Hiccup has always been weird but lately he’s been acting… weirder than usual. What could he be hiding? Maybe you should try to find out on your own. Who knows, maybe he’s just going to the woods to make weird outfits.

Hiccup Haddock Headcanons

Word Count:459

Hiccup x reader headcanons : just general ones, no specific focus.

What Can Never Be

Hiccup Haddock x Reader

One Part

Word Count: 2.3k

Summary: You and Hiccup fight together during the battle against Drago Bludvist, what could go wrong?

Warning: a bit of angst

Trapped With You

Hiccup x Reader

One Part

Word Count: 3.4K

Warnings: if you’re prone to second hand embarrassment this one’s gonna be a doozy

A Dragon Trappers Fate

Eret son of Eret x Reader

Part 1

Word Count: 1.5k

Summary: You’re forced to tag along on the quest to find Hiccup after he went off, determined to find Drago. While you there you happen to stumble across a certain dragon trapper. You feel… weird when you look at him. Why?

Part 2

Word Count: 1.7k Words

Summary: you thought you’d only have to see Eret once and never again, that way that weird feeling you got when you looked at him would disappear. Well, turns out you need him again so you an find out where Drago Bludvist is located. No one better to interrogate than a dragon trapper.

Just Talk To Me!

Hiccup x Reader

One Part

Word Count: 2.8k

Summary: You and Eret have gotten pretty close due to your constant fighting practice. Of course, a certain chief isn’t too happy about it but he has a bit of trouble trying to tell you this.

The Outsider

Hiccup Haddock x Reader

(Shocker I Know)

Part 1

Word Count: 2.2k

Summary: You wound up on the shores of Berk after something… had happened to you. Thankfully someone had found you and reported your presence to the Chief.

————————————————————

Blue Eye Samurai

Spar With Me

Mizu x Reader

Part one

Word Count: 2.7k

Part Two

Word Count: 2.1k

Summary: Not much sparring actually happens this time. But you still somehow wind up in an embarrassing position.

Disclaimers: light language, has not been proofread, shorter and way more embarrassing than the last chapter

Part Three

Word Count: 3.2k

Summary: after dealing with a situation in town, Mizu helps you calm down a bit.

Disclaimer; a small bit of violence

Healing Takes Time

Injured! Mizu x Reader

One Part

Word Count: 4.9k

Summary: you’re just a simple healer minding your business, avoiding a fight that had broken out along your street when suddenly an extremely wounded strange man ends up at your door.

Disclaimers; very soft angst, nothing too bad.

Part Two

Jealousy Looks Good On You

Mizu x Jealous!Reader

One Part

Word Count: 3.6k

Summary: You and Mizu have been close friends for quite some time. You truly enjoyed each others company, that was until Taigen showed up.

Disclaimers; light language, has not been proofread, I am currently delirious from packing and moving all day but I had to write this out to feed the starved mizu lovers. A fair amount may not make sense at this point in time. My apologies ❤️

'Til The Caged Bird Sings

Mizu x Mixed! Fem! Reader

Part One

Part Two

Word Count: 3.9k

Content Warning: Contains violence and mentions of SA

Part Three

Cw: A bit bloody, mentions of SA

Headcannons

Mizu Dating Headcanons

Mizu Fluff Headcanons

Jealous Mizu Headcanons

BES Characters and pets

BES College Au

NSFW Mizu Headcanons

Fucking Brat

Mizu X reader

Part One

Disclaimer: light cursing obvious

Heated but no NSFW

Your Touch

Mizu x Reader

One Part

I lied, here's

Part Two

Fem! Reader

a bit heated, but doesn't go all the way

I Am No Coward

Mizu x Fem! Reader

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Art

Mizu Drawings 1

Mizu Drawings 2

Mizu Drawings 3

Mizu Drawings 4

Mizu Drawings 5

Mizu Doodle (w/ Progress picture)

Mizu Drawings 6

Mizu Drawings 7

Mizu Drawings 8

Mizu Drawings 9

————————————————————

ARCANE

Promises

Vi x Reader

Part One

Childhood Friends to Lovers

Part Two

Childhood Friends to Lovers...

Part Three

Childhood Friends to...?

Part Four

Friends?

Changes

Vi X Reader

Vi needs a hug

School Time Crush

Vi x Fem!reader

Vi is a dork

For Me?

Vi x Piltover! Reader

You did this for me?

[notbecauseofvictories]

The full list is quite long, so I didn't want to clutter up the last post with it---still, it is impressive to see them all laid out together. So without further ado!

THE 50 MOVIES AND 50ISH BOOKS I WATCHED/READ IN 2024

MOVIES

The Count of Monte Cristo (2024) Emilia Pérez (2024) Wicked (2024) American Psycho (2000) Heavy Trip (2018) La Planète sauvage / Fantastic Planet (1973) The Slipper and the Rose (1973) Bottoms (2023) I Saw the TV Glow (2024) *We’re All Going to the World’s Fair (2021) Oddity (2024) Maxxxine (2024) *The Substance (2024) *The Wicker Man (1973) Housebound (2014) Problemista (2023) Showing Up (2023) *Arsenic and Old Lace (1944) It Comes at Night (2017) The Boy and the Heron (2023) Abigail (2024) Seven Samurai (1954) The Iron Claw (2023) Talk to Me (2023) Bodies Bodies Bodies (2023) Rashomon (1950) *M (1931) Lord of Misrule (2023) The Tale of Princess Kaguya (2013) *Crimes of the Future (2022) Sanctuary (2022) After Yang (2022) **The Florida Project (2017) Pig (2021) The Favourite (2018) Poor Things (2023) Infinity Pool (2023) The Feast (2021) Office Space (1999) *Corsage (2022) Robots (2023) The Deer King (2021) Madame de… (1953) Orphée (1950) Master Gardener (2022) *Something in the Dirt (2022) Black Orpheus (1959) Priscilla (2023) How to Blow Up a Pipeline (2022) *The Lure (2015) To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995)

BOOKS

The Shambling Guide to New York City, Ghost Train to New Orleans, Mur Lafferty What Feasts At Night, T. Kingfisher *Bad Girls, Camila Sosa Villada Don't Fear the Reaper, Stephen Graham Jones *Vintner's Luck, Elizabeth Knox The Barrow Will Send What it May, Margaret Killjoy You Know How the Story Goes, Thomas Olde Heuvelt Bloodchild, Wild Seed, Octavia E. Butler The Angel of Indian Lake, Stephen Graham Jones The Default World, Naomi Kanakia Fantasyland, Mike Bockoven Something is Killing the Children, issues 1-15 The Night Eaters Book 1, Book 2, Marjorie Liu This Wretched Valley, Jenny Kiefer These Deathless Bones, Cassandra Khaw *Dead Inside, Chandler Morrison Mental Diplopia, Julianna Baggott A Human Stain, Kelly Robson The Shape of My Name, Nino Cipri Daughter of Necessity, Marie Brennan The Mist, Stephen King A Skinful of Shadows, Frances Hardinge The Chalk Man, C. J. Tudor *The Rehearsal, Eleanor Catton Come Closer, Sara Gran The Underwater Welder, Jeff Lemire Blink, Christopher Sebela Pulling the Wings Off Angels, KJ Parker Thirteen Ways to Kill Lulabelle Rock, Maud Woolf An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good, Helene Tursten Thornhedge, T. Kingfisher HEX, Thomas Olde Heuvelt Midnight Rooms, Donyae Coles Aglaeca, Mohnfisch Dr. Limos Plays God, Stevie Barot Home by the Rotting Sea, Otava Heikkila Last Crane, Narsid Sacred Bodies, Ver No Trouble at All, Various Authors (short story collection) *Wylding Hall, Elizabeth Hand Glass House, Paul Jessup Agony's Lodestone, Laura Keating * Big Swiss, Jen Beagin House of Rot, Danger Slater Dreadful, Rebecca Rozakis *Diavola, Jennifer Thorne Lute, Jennifer Thorne Regrettably, I Am About To Cause Trouble, Amie McNee The Rules Upheld by No One, Amie McNee The Sacrifice, Rin Chupeco The Bog Wife, Kay Chronister The Unmothers, Leslie J. Anderson *The Eyes Are the Best Part, Monika Kim Paying for It, Chester Brown Snow, Ronald Malfi Midnight on Beacon Street, Emily Ruth Verona Haunt Sweet Home, Sarah Pinsker The Doll-Master, Joyce Carol Oates The Third Person, Emma Grove The Werewolf at Dusk, David Small It's Lonely At The Centre Of The Earth, Zoe Thorogood Mom's Cancer, Brian Fies Mary Astor's Purple Diary, Edward Sorel Impossible People, Julia Wertz Roaming, Jillian Tamaki

[lalunanymph]

Riding on the nanami brainrot!!!! dawn as a bewitched!au enthusiast, it had me thinking about retired army general!nanami and a geisha!reader 🫶 what if after leaving the gojo clan, he settled down and became reader’s patron and they lived happily ever after 🥰

- 🍎

i couldnt get this idea out of my mind and had to write something for it grrr thank you sm apple nonnie ily and your beautiful brain

tw for love making and suggestive themes

The ex-general of the great Gojo clan should be a man who was intimidated by many.

For truly, his countenance, stoic mien, and even the shock of fair hair on his head (so unnaturally light and a contrast to every common passerby on the street) would’ve marked him as a man who would not be into foolhardy pursuits.

But, in your months of living under his roof, you had come to find that General Nanami Kento was indeed an incredibly kind man.

“What are you doing?” 

Kento had awoken from his slumber, padding into the kitchen to find you standing by the stove, hair still in a disarray. A light scruff shadowed his chin, and his face was pinched with fatigue.

In answer, you tightened your silk sash, a teasing grin pulling on your face. “About to surprise you, of course.” 

The general is not a man to be trifled with. Hence, when he tilted his head to the side, unsure of what your coy entendre was supposed to mean, you were slightly terrified of his rejection.

What would he say to your next plan? Would he ridicule you and find it foolish? 

“Surprise?” His rough, low voice involuntarily sent shivers down your spine. “What kind of surprise?” 

The general does not like to be blindsided. Your answer was meek, almost like a girl who was about to be berated by her superior.

“I wanted to… I wanted to dance for you, Kento-san.” 

Now, his attention was piqued. Nanami’s back went ramrod straight, those dark eyes widening infinitesimally. “Dance for me? Why ever for?” 

He did not sound disappointed or peeved. Instead, you detected a note of curiosity in his genuine question—the first stirrings of a man who had never been indulged in such finery.

You had to hide a smirk behind your fall of hair. Only General Nanami—a man who brought an infamous geisha under his wing—would be taken aback by her natural want to charm and appease him. 

Your smile was partly patient, partly abashed. “Because,” you started, and walked over to him slowly. Nanami did not cringe back or let himself be bowed over by your sudden proximity; keeping his reactions fastened to his chest. “I want to do it.” 

His throat bobbed with a hard swallow. You could see the ripping flow of emotions erupting across his handsome features; a thread of desire overshadowed by his strict samurai stolidity.

“You do not have to do this.” His voice was soft, cottoned with gentleness. Giving you a route of escape should your mortification catch up with common sense. 

You shook your head. “Please, Nanami-san. Let me do this for you. I wanted to show you some lessons I remembered.” 

It had been a considerable amount of time since you last put on a Natsu wa Hotaru for men. Your nerves were getting the best of you, but you strapped on your armour of gratitude towards this man who had housed, fed and clothed you with little to no expectation of any returning sentiments. Why General Nanami had chosen you—perhaps you may never know. But, you had learned to never question providence whenever it fell into your lap like a sleepy, curling kitten. 

Kento was in no obligation to give into your whims, but he eased himself into a cross-legged position onto the tatami floors, the split in front of his striped blue yukata showing off a web of whitened scars. 

You didn’t have any music to accompany you, but Mama-san always did say you had a beautiful humming voice. 

Graciously picking up the uchiwa fan—one of the only items you had taken from your old life in the okiya into your new one as part of his household—you held it above your head, warming up with a low hum. 

Your arm arched overhead, easing in front of your body with a slowed, graceful swoop. You recounted the steps perforated deep into your subconscious from Mama-san’s rigid lessons—spinning on your heel, lifting your head and eyes to the sun to give thanks for the summer. All the while, your voice never broke or petered off, rich and warm like the rays streaming through the paper thin shoji windows. 

Nanami did not move nor you suspected, breathed. He was hewed of stone, fists clenched atop of his lap. The only sign of movement were his eyes, steadily following every motion of your body. Men would often compliment how you moved like water—Mizu no Megami—they called you. 

The water goddess.

There was a fluidity to your motions which would put rainfall to shame, and Nanami was starting to believe why his comrades used to say geishas were the spirits of grace put right onto this earth. 

From the arch of your back, to the curve of your arms in midair, spinning the fan in your lithe fingers like you were one with its fluttering disposition, made him firmly believe you were an otherworldly being. 

And your voice… it never faltered. A sweet, rich octave which brought goosebumps to his skin.

All too soon, your performance ended. You were bright-eyed and warm in your cheeks, waiting for him to thaw, frozen in your ending position of knees bent, arms curved close to your waist. 

Instead of applauding, like rowdy men were wont to do, Nanami slowly got to his feet. 

He approached you, careful not to scare you with too quick of a movement, and soft as down, his large, scarred palms cupped your face. 

You were petrified, not with fear, but with baited desire. He stroked your cheeks, rough pads of his thumbs soothing on your far softer skin, and there was a look you knew all too well on his dear face. They reminded you of watching your onee-sans stagger back into the okiya, drunk and whispering that they would kill you if you told Mama-san of their evening whereabouts. Not much of where they had been, but who they were with.

Older men. Soldiers. Politicians.

Everyone of them wore a secret, satisfied smile like they were sated from a huge meal after starving for decades. Now, years later when you were free from the constrictions of tight obis and etiquette, you could see desire plainly in the open air—finally free to indulge in it.

His lips touched yours in the softest of caresses, and you didn’t fight him off when he swept you into the seam of his embrace. Your body fell against his—like two pieces of Go flushed together, slotting perfectly in each other’s spaces, finding a clear path towards a release of intensity which brimmed and brimmed; eventually bubbling over.

Nanami removed your obi, pulling down your simple, sakura-patterned sobe panels, revealing the tender rise of your shoulders to his touch. He kissed a pathway down your neck, marking his territory right on your collarbones; bold enough to touch his tongue to your pulse point.

Your soft gasp thrilled through the morning air, drops of unfettered desire clinging between both of your bodies like a film of sweat. 

“Tell me to stop,” Kento’s gruff voice breached through the fog in your mind, drawing you down into deeper depths of rapture. “Tell me to stop whenever you want me to.” 

“I do not,” you replied back, heavy in breath and intention when you softly rested your palms on his scarred chest. Without a lingering second for him to chart your intentions and misconstrue them, you unwound his own yukata sash, feeling more of his rough, pale skin under your wandering touch. “I want you, Kento. I want you, it burns.” 

That was enough for Nanami to discard years of training to tame his emotions. The beast within was roaring to claim you, his blood singing like it would whenever he was about to rush into a battlefield. But, this time, it wasn’t severed limbs or broken bones awaiting him, but the terrains of your body drawing him to unleash his brute desire. 

Nanami was brash when he lifted you up, your feet dangling in midair, only to be swept into the crevice of his arms. He brought you to the bedroom with barely any effort exerted, not a droplet of sweat rolling down his sharp cheekbones and sunken temples. 

Gently this time, he laid you on the futon, covering your entire body with his bigger build. You had never noticed how starkly a man towered over you, until you were in this position to look up at him. Wonder stained your sighs, those wide eyes gleaming with a girl-like innocence charming as it tugged on his soul. 

Kento felt a warmth unlike any other he had ever encountered in his arduous life; like a thousand bees were swarming in his chest, warming up the cavities of his austere ribcage housing his equally stony heart. 

His large hands swept down your shoulders, parting your kimono further apart, until the panels were splayed around your naked body. Those dark eyes appraised the crease in between your thighs, memorising them like it was his next terrain to conquer. 

Nanami was never a man who gave into the screamings of flesh, but in this instance, he felt like his veins were sparked with gunpowder—igniting from the base of his spine to the tips of his toes. 

“You are beautiful.”

That lavish praise tumbled freely from his parted mouth, burying itself underneath your blooming affections. 

However, his next words sent you reeling, like a bare branch tumbling in a storm, when he uttered: 

“I want to ruin you.”

His lips descended back onto yours, kissing with an ardour that would’ve frightened a more modest woman. Modesty—thankfully—was not part of your script, and you returned his kiss with an equal zeal that many men would find loose and unbecoming. 

From the ends of your hair to the crest of your toes, your body pulsed with an unbridled heat for him. You were soaked in between your thighs. 

Such simple kisses were making you unravel, unlike a tapestry whose loose thread had the power to undo the striking masterpiece. You were crumbling for Kento, relenting to his relentless passion. 

The taste of sleep and his skin was strong with every curl of his tongue on yours. Something hard and foreign was poking your thigh, and Kento’s strong hips undulated, his mind losing control of his body.

“Fuck,” he swore lowly, eyeing the lines between both of your bodies with a gleam in those dark, unfathomable eyes. 

You cupped his face to yours, admiring every instance of those beautiful features with their scars and faint wrinkles. A part of you wondered—as he shoved his yukata off to one side of the room—if your children would have his blonde hair. 

Nanami’s cock was imposing and resting on your thigh. His kisses were unhurried now, and they were traversing lower and lower down your body. He nipped your collarbones. Kissed your jaw and scraped his teeth on your pulse point. That same mouth roamed in between your breasts, finding the peaks of your stiff nipples and sucking on them tenderly, mouthing on them like he was attempting to extract some deeper essence from your willing body. 

Your breathing hitched when he dared to roam lower—right towards the apex of your body where your lust was undeniable. 

Kento gently parted your thighs, resting deeper in between the promised crease. His mouth touched your pelvis first, sending what felt like hot flashes up your spine. And the moment you felt his mouth on your tender parts, you were sure you moaned loud enough to wake up the old teamaker next door. 

“Kento,” you gasped, disregarding all of your etiquette training to succumb to the lust like you were no better than the harlots walking down cobblestone pavements at night. “Oh! Oh…” 

His tongue was working you into a frenzy, and those thick fingers ran through the seam of your sticky heat, parting your folds to get to the heart of your desire. One thick, calloused finger rubbed firm circles on your sensitive nub, eliciting a tremble in your thighs you had only experienced when standing for too long on a hot day. 

“Kento,” you gasped out, almost purring his name like a wanton whore. “Oh—I-I’m—” you broke off, unable to speak past the pleasure knotting underneath your sternum, making you stutter and choke. Your eyes watered, tears dripping down your cheeks; smeared by loving kisses from the man above you who watched your fall with pure rapture. 

How your brows knitted together, how your mouth fell open, a scream rebounding across the room…

“Shit,” Kento cursed, unable to help himself from driving his hips deeper and deeper into your body. “Shit, shit, shit—I’m—”

His stuttered moan was heralded by a well of warmth filling you up. The ecstasy of belonging to Kento; of feeling him melt into your walls, was the sweetest sin unlike any other. You lived for his flushed cheeks, his feral snarl, his handsome face contorting like it was in pain…

He slumped atop of you, pushing you further into the futon until your chest was smothered from the full weight of him. But, deprivation of air was not your main concern, not when Kento was kissing down your forehead, cheeks and jaw like you were a precious jewel he had just found out was real. 

Your giggle was a sweet sublime balm for his soul, and he smiled like the first warm rays of a summer morning. 

A tenderness unlike any other rooted itself in your soul, and for the first time, you figured out why men would go to war for love; why women sacrificed parts of their souls and bodies for a mere sliver of hope that their love would bloom eternally. 

Your eyes were open, and your heart welcomed every drop of his presence. 

Kento brushed the back of his knuckles down your cheek, expression softening when you began to grin.

“I did not hurt you?” 

Soft as down, you pressed his knuckles to your lips, kissing them softly. “No.”

The stoic samurai tried his best to hide how pathetically his heart raced at your tiny gesture, but his growing smile told the full truth, slowly coming to light like the indentations of a secret message upon paper being shaded in with charcoal. 

“We should be getting up for breakfast.” Ever the worrier, Kento was concerned about your lack of nutrition; if you were already starving and he had overtaxed you. 

But, your returning grin was part deific and part exasperation for the older man before you; filled with a gentleness your scarred and scared heart had never felt in her lifetime.

“We should,” you hummed in agreement. Neither of you made a move to leave each other’s embrace, and the morning sun continued speckling dancing shadows of waving sakura branches against the shoji windows.

©️ LALUNANYMPH

[gear-project]

Annon-Guy: I know you're not too keen of the Capcom Vs. Series, but I hope you can humor or etertain the question here.

If there was a Arc System Works Vs. Capcom Game, which 10 Guilty Gear characters and 10 BlazBlue characters would you choose for the Arc System Works Side?

Years ago, I discussed the idea of an ARC versus SNK roster (which largely consisted of Last Blade and Samurai Shodown characters by the way)...

But I think it's a different story when talking about Capcom.

I would largely argue that Capcom's roster would determine which characters to choose from.

I don't think it's fair to strictly use Street Fighter characters in this instance, since most GG characters could easily wipe the floor with SF's roster on a good day (even Bridget, believe it or not!)

I'd argue that if Capcom wanted to bring their very best to bear against ARC System Works... they'd have to go all out:

And by "go all out", I mean Warzard, I mean Plasma Sword (Star Gladiator), I mean Cyberbots, I mean Darkstalkers... characters that aren't human to begin with! Even Power Stone, Tech Romancer, Monster Hunter, Dragon's Dogma, and Biohazard would be good choices.

That's exactly how strong the cast of Guilty Gear and BlazBlue potentially are combined!

Narrowing each side's roster down to 10 is a little heavy handed, especially in regards to BlazBlue which has a very rich cast of characters.

Still, if I ABSOLUTELY had NO CHOICE but to narrow it down (11 Characters each to match Capcom's 22):

GG Side: Sol, Ky, Ramlethal, Happy Chaos, Goldlewis, Bedman, Asuka, A.B.A., Raven, I-No, Bridget

BB Side: Ragna, Jin, Noel, Arakune, Alpha 01 Apocalypse, Sechs, Juusan (Another Nu-13), Another Dark Mai, White Justice (Another Tsubaki), Kokonoe, Another Dark Kagura

Capcom Side: 22 Characters to Match the other side

Valgas (Power Stone) Jack (Power Stone) Hayato Kanzaki (Star Gladiator) Vector (Star Gladiator) Leo (Warzard/Red Earth) Blade (Warzard/Red Earth) Reverto (Monster Hunter Stories) Avinia (Monster Hunter Stories) Ethan Winters (Resident Evil Village) Alcina Dimitrescu (Resident Evil Village) Strider Hien (Strider 2) Strider Hiryu (Strider) Kage (Street Fighter 5) Oro (Street Fighter 5) JP (Street Fighter 6) Luke (Street Fighter 5/6) Gill (Street Fighter 5) Seth (Street Fighter 5) Jin Saotome (Cyberbots) Devilotte de Deathsatan IX (Cyberbots) Pyron (Darkstalkers) Huitzil (Darkstalkers)

THAT'S MY TAKE, AND I'M STICKING TO IT!

[shadowron]

Troll Bodyguard: A Better Troll Archetype for Shadowrun (1st Edition)

Art by @skullchicken

In my experience, Trolls are like Deckers: everybody basically makes the same one.

Trolls are the only metatype that get modifiers to all of their attributes, and the only one to get a -2 penalty (to both Charisma and Intelligence). This naturally cuts out several runner roles: 

deckers and riggers (quickness/intelligence/reaction based), 

magicians (willpower/charisma based), and 

rockers (charisma).

Rockers! They make the most useless archetype suck even more

Sorry Bambi

Which isn’t fair! 

For 1st edition, they are the only metatype worth playing!

Trolls get +5 Body and one level of natural dermal armor, so really +6 Body: the most fragile troll is more rugged than the buffest human. Between that, the +4 Strength and +1 Reach - trolls are made for melee combat. 

So what kind of troll character builds do we see in 1st edition?

Core rulebook: None. No dwarf either.

Street Samurai Catalog: Troll Street Samurai

Who, famously carrying an Ares MP Light Machine Gun and Panther Assault Cannon, is ranged combat primarily, with only an Armed Combat of 3. Want to make a real samurai?

Give them one of these:

For those who didn’t bother to click through and read my razor sharp take on the Troll Sam - give them a pole arm (like the actual historical samurai weapon shown above), (Strength)S3 damage with +2 Reach, so against non-trolls with non-reach weapons they’re at Target Number 2. With Armed Combat 6 they’re getting 5 successes on average, staging up the damage to Deadly.

For an unarmored target, this will mostly likely remain fatal. An “average” troll will have a Strength of 7; rolling a Body 6 will only get 1 success on average. Sorry! Need 3 to stage it down to Serious.

But hey - this is why you wear armor! Need at least an Armor Jacket (Impact 3) to survive a troll pole stabbing, and Full Heavy Armor (Impact 6) to have a chance to stab it back.

Pictured: Troll Pole

Sprawl Sites: Former Troll Bounty Hunter

Not sure if this is an improvement over the Troll Street Samurai -- too much reliance on ranged combat.

Also from Sprawl Sites is the Troll Bouncer contact:

While this would actually be a great background for a character -- after all, how many adventures include a club or bar? But I think we can do better. We will do better. 

Let’s make a better troll shadowrunner.

Troll Bodyguard

Following in the tradition of the Decker & Elven Decker, Merc & Ork Mercenary & Dwarf Mercenary, we’re going to make this the metatype counterpoint to the Bodyguard:

Gotta have the Tres Chic clothing...

The human Bodyguard archetype has Attributes at Priority 4 (30 points), Tech at Priority 3 (400,000 ¥), Skills at Priority 2 (24 points), with Race (human) and Magic (none) taking up the rear. Looking at the table:

Always look at the table.

The Troll Bodyguard will have Race at Priority 4, and can still have the same Tech Priority as the human Bodyguard; we can just take the exam same set of equipment and cyber. Take Attributes at Priority 2 (20 points, a ten point drop) and Skills as Priority 1 (20 points, a four point drop). 

Here’s were we blatantly abuse the rules.

Trolls get -2 to both Charisma and Intelligence, but ability modifiers are assigned after attribute points are assigned, with a minimum of 1 and maximum of 6. Other than Essence, which can take on real number values, all other attributes must be positive integers. So if you assign 3 points to Charisma, it drops to 1. If you assign 2 points to Charisma, it still drops to 1, since that’s the lowest it can go. So unless you’re going to assign 4 points (to get a 2), you may as well only assign 1. 

Yes, this erases the attribute penalty, but you are ending up with a 1 for an attribute, so it’s not so bad.

Attributes

Body: 9 (12) Quickness: 3 Strengh: 8 Charisma: 1 Intelligence: 1 Willpower: 5 Essence: 0.2 Reaction: 2 (6)

Since we’re just porting over the Bodyguard’s stuff, we have factored in Wired Reflexes 2 (compensating for the low Reaction) and Dermal Plating 3 to factor in, on top of the natural troll dermal armor of 1, giving us a body of 12. 

Plus Partial Heavy Armor. 

And Skillsofts! 9 of them, to be precise, which will compensate for the loss of skill points. 

Skills

Armed Combat: 6 Firearms: 4 Negotiation: 4 Unarmed Combat: 6

Cyberware

Air Filtration: 5 Dermal Plating: 3 Skillwires: 3 Smartgun Link Wired Reflexes: 2

Gear

Skillsofts:

Bike: 3

Car: 3

Computer: 3

Electronics: 3

Etiquette (Corporate): 3

Etiquette (Street): 3

Etiquette (Tribal): 3

Etiquette (Military): 3

Projectile Weapons: 3

Colt Manhunter (Smartgun Link, Firepower Ammo, Reactive Trigger, Extended Clip) Ammunition (Heavy Pistol, 50 rounds, Explosive) Armor Clothing Tres Chic Clothing Partial Heavy Armor High Lifestyle (2 months prepaid)

Contacts: Choose 2 from

Bodyguard Gang Boss Ork Mercenary Mr. Johnson

[kaccvcate]

Nice mjölner necklace :3

Thank you! It was a gift from my first boyfriend in high school, he got it for me on a date to the renaissance fair. We both dressed up and everything, it was so romantic (I was some sorta medieval street urchin and he was a samurai.)

[shiratamako]

Dull Blade, Keen Edge Chapter 1: Convergence Ilberd/WoL, Haurchefant/WoL

“I still don’t understand why I was required to accompany you,”

After their liaison with the Flame General Raubahn, Shira spoke little between the two men, observing what seemed to be a spirited and hearty reunion between two old friends. Her being there was entirely inconsequential to their affairs, a silent observer to their shared history. Ilberd stepped out from the shadows of the Hall of Flames into the wider streets of Ul’dah. The figure of Raubahn was out of sight, his scarred and rough-hewn face giving only a sliver of a smile bade the two of them farewell after he departed with Roaille, the rose-haired Elezen woman who was his second-in-command.

Shira followed after Ilberd, her smaller strides keeping pace with his effortless footfalls. The blue of Ilberd’s Crystal Braves uniform dazzled in a lurid hue under the strength of the desert sun, in stark comparison to the silhouette of Shira’s black nameless togi, the vestures of a budding samurai. The two of them as a pair drew great contrasts of sheer opposites: his white hair, swarthy skin and imposing figure — her dark hair, fair complexion and diminutive height. Even though she had to crane her neck to look at him, she firmly insisted that she was quite tall for an Au Ra.

Ilberd spoke warmly to Shira, gazing down at her. “We should be glad for such an expeditious outcome, Scion. As I stated before, I wished for you to remain on hand to see that things go smoothly.”

“Did you expect an attack?” she said.

He paused for a moment, casting a hint of reverence on her. “Not with your presence, at least.”

She turned her face away, cheeks warm. She was certain there was some shame in only being there as some deterrent or token. Yet the reasoning was different. Even though Minfilia and others in the realm acknowledged her aptitude with a blade, Shira was never concerned with the accolades of combat. The compliments felt different coming from Ilberd: much too formal to be considered awe, too impartial to be considered praise. The only thing they could be considered was fact. In the end, it was hard to come to terms with the reality of ever-increasing renown. Shira bit the inside of her lower lip. She resolved to find more secluded fishing holes in the future to elude any further tales of heroics.

To Ilberd, she appeared as though she were pouting. Sensing her disappointment through her taciturn sulking, Ilberd laughed heartily. In his deference to her mood, he bared a disarming smile.

“Come now. We can stop for a brief meal at the Quicksand before returning to the Rising Stones.”

It was a welcome promise, making her lift her gaze to meet the smile on his face, however subtle it was. He had already strung her along to the steps of the Adventurer’s Guild. Shira was so used to following that she scarcely registered where they were going, though that was also on the account of how she wandered Eorzea. The opportunity for some food at least put more vivacity in her step. She entered without protest, no other words spoken. They had time to spare before reporting back to Revenant’s Toll. 

The dimly lit surroundings of the Quicksand’s cavernous hall were a welcome reprieve from the harsh light on the streets outside. Already, she felt her dark hair and clothing warm with heat. Sitting across from his immense figure, the table seemed so much smaller than she remembered. Shira stole glances at Ilberd as she perused the menu. Every so often, their eyes met. His dull green eyes would gaze into her, entranced by the faint glow of her limbal rings, a lighter blue that surrounded her irises. When their passing gazes stopped to reflect on each other, he would always smile with gentle, broad lips in silence. She still did not know what to make of him. He was friendly enough, polite and formal in his address to her. He insisted on paying for the meal, even though she had more gil than she knew what to do with. 

The question she asked was abrupt. “You’re not interested in me, are you?”

“Romantically? Seven Hells, Shira. You’re at least twenty summers younger than me.” Ilberd cast her a firm gaze.

“ Twenty? Just how old are you?”

“I just turned forty-four — the same age as the Flame General. Did you think me younger?” a deep chuckle played on his grizzled, yet smooth voice, his arms folded over his chest as though flattered by her naivety. At this, Shira turned away at his self-assured confidence. She felt her cheeks suffused with colour with the shame of finding him admirable. 

“I’m not the best at guessing ages,” she muttered in defeat. She thought he was at best, thirty. Raubahn looked wearier and more scarred than Ilberd did, whose complexion still had traces of a youthful lustre. He merely smiled, amused at her unworldliness. 

He dropped the ruse of playful teasing. “In any case, what gave you the impression of romantic interest?”

“It’s been a while since I’ve had a date, so to speak. Or rather, I just… had my first date.” she hesitated, her eyes furtive. She wasn’t sure if she should tell Ilberd. ”The last time was with Haurchefant.”

“Haurchefant Greystone, of House Fortemps? Did he do anything untoward?” His tone was concerned.

“Not quite. Aside from some strange dining habits, he was pleasant.”

Shira idly twirled a fork with her fingers, examining it for a seal or a maker’s mark before deciding that was probably crude. She set it back down. After witnessing the etiquette regarding the communal salt rock, Shira had to decline to partake in the Ishgardian custom. Haurchefant did tell of his interest to court her if she so chose. Her heart was not swayed by the prospect of romance, and they both agreed to remain as friends.

Ilberd spoke firmly, in caution to the Scion. It was plain to see that she had not been tempered in matters of love. Recognising her awkward and unworldly attitude, his words carried the weight of well-intentioned advice.

“I’d best stay on your guard around him. I heard accounts of his character that he’s an eccentric who is no doubt leering at your body. His friendly mannerisms likely hide some hidden intent to gain your favour, so that he has a chance to lie with you.”

“Haurchefant would?” she frowned. “I can scarcely believe that.”

“Commander Leveilleur told me he was taken aback at the uncouth implications of Haurchefant providing you with a warm bed .”

Shira was silent. She tried to search her memory for such a mention if his construed hospitality was instead some thinly veiled innuendo she failed to catch. A warm bed, and a warmer welcome — it was indeed something Haurchefant might offer when they parted, as part of his eager hospitality. Or was it a warm hearth? Amid these accusations, finding Haurchefant’s words felt impenetrably murky. 

For Ilberd, he felt glad in his heart to see Shira’s ambivalence. He knew at once: that the innocence of the Warrior of Light would be her downfall. 

“It’s plain to see why he’d be enamoured with you.” He offered this with the same objective impartiality as he did when he spoke of her accolades. “You are a formidable combatant and strikingly beautiful. Any man would be lucky to win your favour.”

“That’s quite enough,” Shira shook her head disapprovingly, unable to bear such a truth from Ilberd. “You said you had no such feelings for me.”

A smile flickered on his face. “Have faith, Shira. I would never dare lay a finger on you. That I can guarantee.”

═══════════════

They descended into silence after that, retreating into their inner worlds. Ilberd had done naught to further her discomfort after he initially made her uneasy, carrying himself with dignity afterwards. Still, Shira was uncertain how to carry his warning about Haurchefant. That ambivalence was all that Ilberd needed. For the rest of the time spent together, he was a pleasant conversationalist and exceedingly polite.

After a meal of spiced meats, a small partaking of liquor and refreshing mulled tea, and conversations about homelands of the Azim Steppe and Ala Mhigo, they departed the Quicksand after Ilberd settled the sum with a naturalness that bordered on parental affection. Their small tryst in Ul’dah seemed to improve Shira’s opinion of him slightly, though being from differing generations, she still found it difficult to relate to him. 

They could no longer keep Alphinaud in wait at Revenant’s Toll, departing Ul’dah to reach North Thanalan, then to Mor Dhona. A carriage had to be arranged.

“You paid for the meal. I’ve got this,”

He conceded, giving a cockeyed smile. “Very well.”

Shira paid the sum in gil, adamant that she paid the fee for the transportation. She would have had no trouble getting on normally, though she stumbled on the last step. The liquor was stronger than she thought, her head abuzz. She scarcely realized that she hooked her hand around the crook of Ilberd’s arm. It was only until they sat down, she withdrew her hand from him awkwardly. She spoke nothing to him, watching the scenery and horizons change. Her eyelids grew heavy as she desired rest. 

As soon as they had set foot on the cobblestone ground of Revenant’s toll, she roused from her sleep. She found herself resting against Ilberd’s arm. Looking up to him, he cast an inscrutable glance at her. She sat up straight, unaware she was resting on him. 

“Sorry. I must have been more tired than I expected,”

He merely gave a thin smile. “Then it’s fortunate that you were able to get some rest. No doubt, more work awaits us at the Rising Stones.”

The carriage rolled to a stop. Ilberd was the first to step down, followed by a reluctant Shira.

“Let us not tarry. We should report to Alphinaud post-haste,” Ilberd had already started walking towards Seventh Heaven, expecting Shira to follow. 

Even back at the Rising Stones, she contemplated his words, watching the ripples of the gloom in its suffused violet hues. Without a choice, she followed him inside, watching his back as he strode in tall towards the sanctum.

“Strikingly beautiful,” she mouthed the words silently to herself, scarcely believing he told her that. It should not have had such an impact on her as it did. The image of his well-structured face, the scar that grazed his temples and his invariant, deep eyes seemed to dwell for far too long, unable to empty her mind of their peculiar convening in that one, quick moment. She carried that unspoken desire, wishing the answers turned out differently had she not been dispirited about their differences in ages. 

[gaymer-hag-stan]

PS4 / PS5 Era Fighting Games Ranked By How Many Female Fighters Are Playable

If you're like me, and I know I am, you always pick the cunty bitchy girlies in fighting games over the gross sweaty guys so I decided to make a tier ranking of all the (decent) modern fighting games that actually matters!

No Boys Allowed - No games in this tier because our world is imperfect

Almost... - Skullgirls gets pretty close to nailing things but they went and added TWO whole MEN and ruined things!

Let's Just Meet In the Middle - Melty Blood, Dead or Alive 5 and Cross Tag Battle feature a pretty healthy amount of female characters with Granblue, Central Fiction, Under Night, Persona 4 Arena and Chronophantasma following cloaw behind.

This Is Practically a Sausagefest - To be fair, the situation in SoulCalibur VI, Street Fighter 6, KOFXV, Samurai Shodown, KOFXIV and Guilty Gear Xrd is salvageable, but the situation gets progressively worse from SFV onwards. MK11 only has 12 girls, Strive has 8, Tekken 7 has 16... In a cast of 50 and so on...

...Boys Are Gross! - By far the worst offender though is Dragon Ball FighterZ where only FIVE female characters are playable, and one is just a different version of Android 21!

In all seriousness though, I'm just joking here, all of these games are great so if you haven't already go pick any of them and play!

Although more female fighters is obviously always a good choice. Tell me who is your favourite!

[basedkikuenjoyer]

Akazaya Reputations

This is one of those things I wish had been spelled out a little more, it could be a really cool SBS question down the line so fingers crossed. The idea is simple; each member of the gang was legendary in Wano. What for? A lot of little bits suggest how people saw the samurai, so think of this as an attempt to fill in the gaps. A rough idea of how the average person in the country saw their future heroes pre-Kaido. The stories people told waiting for the return of the Kozuki.

Kin’emon: This man’s freakish luck knows no bounds. Remember his bungle looking like a masterstroke of brilliance before the Raid? Yeah...no one in the gang was really surprised by this. To the general public though, this makes the goof look like a genius. Bet he’s always been pretty popular and well, I was shocked to learn it but he wasn’t lying about being popular with women back home.

Denjiro: He’s one that depends on who you ask. Merchants in Bakura? Hated him, dude was the one doing the shopping and he had to be merciless when it came to haggling. See him as someone scoundrels had more respect for but average citizens thought was a little sketchy. Attracted a lot of strange rumors, many encouraged by Denji himself.

Izo: More a trivia piece before too long. Ringo and Kuri remembered him a little better but people either knew he never came back, have some crazy story about how he died, or forgot him. If people did remember him, it’s either as Kiku’s big brother who faded away early or older folk who remember the Hanayanagi Dance School scandal.

Kiku: Well, we know she had a reputation for beauty and people recognize the mask over her. Like...I can buy the idea if an average person on the street saw Kawamatsu and Raizo strolling along with a fair-faced samurai they’d guess who it was, but if she ditched the mask and went into town wearing a pretty kimono could blend in. Well, as well as someone 9ft tall can. Bakura though, it was an open secret and the people who saw her grow up there just let it go. Last one of the group you’d want to find you if your crime was against innocent women or especially children, but otherwise likely one of the more forgotten members being so young.

Kanjuro: Everyone thought this jerk was a weirdo before and nothing you can say will change my mind. Or really, people probably did think of him as a bit of an oddball or clown. Imagine his doodles were popular though, that’s such a fun power to see in action. Given his ulterior motives he probably wouldn’t want to stand out.

Raizo: Old face was a meme to begin with apparently. Poor guy. He was pretty well known as a ninja though so I’m sure people respected his skills far and wide. Definitely one of the group people would think of as a respectable retainer to follow Oden. But like, with a humorous underside. Probably the victim of “The Franky Effect” for the people of Wano. Men wish they had his ninja skillz. Women can’t see past his...well, I don’t know if I can explain it to someone outside that sphere. Desperation isn’t sexy, learn more ninpo with flowers.

Ashura: I think the big guy is the one that’s the best representation of the group as a whole. People remember he had a career as a bandit, but that he reformed his ways as Oden came into his own. Obviously probably had a lot of respect for his strength. I see him being a huge deal to the people of Kuri though. Almost like a big, flashy measuring stick. If he can be that civilized, I can be better too. I could see there being a Kabuki comedy about the bandit learning to be cultured. 

Neko/Inu: Treated as a matched set because I feel like people would too. They’d definitely have a rep as something standout. A sight to see if nothing else. Imagine Inu’s character would appeal to the more sober high society set and Neko has a bit of a reputation as a goofball the masses love. Part of the problem is that they were young enough you wouldn’t expect them to be the strongest, so they’d likely just be a spectacle for being Minks.

Kawamatsu: One of the most interesting ones! Did he earn the title of Yokozuna? Who says Sumo matches in Bakura Town were a new thing? A retainer competing in his spare time, especially as a youth, wouldn’t be strange at all. Now, a Kappa would be but then again that’s something more Wano than the Minks. His lore is more friendly so it’s less of a barrier if that makes sense. I could see Kawamatsu being rather famous as an athlete on the side.  

[lyinar]

For fairness, FFG's Genesys ruleset is a generified version of what they came up with for their Star Wars game. I've run both, and the weird dice system makes for some amazingly cinematic combats because you can fail but still get some benefit out of it and succeed while something still goes wrong. I've found that how it works clicks on about your third roll with it.

As an example of the cinematic combat, the Genesys game I ran was in a mashup setting that started as Shadowrun and had stuff like the Dresden Files and The Secret World and Assassin's Creed folded into it. In the fight that was the culmination of the PC Shadowrunners' op to take out a combination soy plantation and blood magic research station run by Aztechnology, a guard shot at the party's Street Samurai, and failed badly enough to give a free shot to his target. The Street Samurai managed to hit but also rolled a disadvantage that dropped them prone. So, the end result was that the Street Samurai, who was using rollerblades built into their cyberlegs to quickly cross the compound, hit a rock and fell as the guard fired, causing them to miss, and flawlessly head-shotted the guy with one of their pistols on the way down.

If your players are fans of The Witcher (and are okay with far more crunch than any version of D&D), one of the more interesting byproducts of R. Talsorian and CD Projekt Red working together on Cyberpunk 2077 was a Witcher RPG heavily based around The Witcher 3 and using modified Cyberpunk rules.

If they're fans of Avatar The Last Airbender and/or Legend of Korra, there's an EXTREMELY well-made AvataRPG that's very much built to be a cinematic collaborative-storytelling style game where your characters' big moments of awesome come from finding balance between their conflicting ideals.

Star Trek Adventures is mechanically built to support the fact that your characters are crew members of a ship who work together, and has fast-creation rules for Supporting Characters so the person who plays the ship's Counselor can control a Redshirt on an away mission that they know isn't going to need someone with their main character's skillset.

Age of Sigmar Soulbound is set in Warhammer Age of Sigmar and is all about playing excessively badass characters regularly doing the impossible in a grimdark setting, and the personal costs of being a beacon of hope in such a universe. Or you could play a group using the Champions of Death rulebook and effectively run black ops for the God of Necromancy (or against him, because he REALLY deserves it). Or for the Ultimate Murderhobo Experience, you could play using the Champions of Destruction rulebook and be a merry band of Orruks and Ogors and Troggoths and Grots wreaking mayhem wherever they go. No matter what you play, basically all the player Archetypes have actual extremely high-quality models from Games Workshop.

Speaking of Warhammer, there are now three different rulesets for Warhammer 40k RPGs. The old FFG system had entire games focusing on different game styles, Wrath and Glory is very much an action-focused game, and Imperium Maledictum is focused on lower-level operatives working for a patron within the Imperium of Man.

And, of course, there's also the upcoming Daggerheart, made by the people behind Critical Role, which very much leans into an improv-heavy collaborative storytelling style.

D&D has its place, and is actually a well-made game for what it does, but it's far from all that's out there.

Not an original observation but it's legitimately insane how common of a story "I don't want to run d&d 5e anymore but I'm stuck running it because it's the only thing my group will let me GM for them" is. It's fucking everywhere in any non-D&D focused ttrpg space.

Like. I think "the person who does like 90% of the work to make the game actually happen gets to pick what game we play" should be the bare minimum of courtesy towards a GM.

[jadeatyonsei]

#1 blog post

Hi everyone! Welcome to my brand-new blog. My name is Jade and I am currently doing my semester abroad at Yonsei University in South Korea. In my first post I wanted to tell you more about what kind of person I am and what I’m looking forward to in the future.

First things first, let me give you a quick backstory about who I am and what got me here. I was born in the south of Poland in a tiny countryside. I lived there up until I finished high school and moved to Austria to attend university there, where I am part of an English-taught program “Business and Economics” at the Vienna University of Economics and Business. I am currently in my 3rd and final year of university and after my adventure in Korea I will be left with writing my bachelor thesis. For my master’s degree I would love to switch fields and learn more about Computer Science, AI or related topics and move to a new country to do that. Studying abroad has been my dream ever since I can remember. I first heard of Yonsei when I was about 15 years old, and never in my life did I expect to end up being an exchange student here. I studied hard all of my teenage years to get into an international university, making sure to take part in school contests and get the best grades possible. I am really happy that every day I get to fulfill my dream and I hope I can get the most out of this experience.

Now that you know a bit about me let me tell you about some things I love. As a kid I was always told that I’m good with languages – I suppose that’s what sparked my interest in them in the first place. Apart from speaking English and Polish, I also know German and a fair bit of Korean. Once I feel confident with my command of those, I want to return to learning Spanish and Ukrainian, since I’d like to be able to speak six languages. Other than that, I love learning about other cultures – either through travelling, watching travel vlogs on Youtube, cultural exchange with other foreigners or trying out new cuisines. I also experience cultures by reading books, which is another thing I love. Given enough time, I would read pretty much any book – I read nonfiction, fantasy, contemporary romance novels and comic books alike. Right now, I’m finishing “The Poppy War” trilogy by R. F. Kuang and I absolutely love it! I am also a big fan of taking walks – ideally, I would take an hourly walk every day in a different part of the city. In this regard living in Seoul is perfect for me, since I can explore new streets and parks all the time and build my stamina by walking up all of the city’s hills. Nowadays you will often catch me at the Han riverside, on Ansan or in the various parks. I also love watching movies and series, either with my friends or by myself. In another life I would love to attend film school to learn about the intricacies of filmmaking, but I try to compensate with watching behind-the-scenes content and informational videos with directors and other professionals. Among my favorite movies are “The Grand Budapest Hotel��, “Talented Mr. Ripley” or “Little Women”, while my favorite series are “Blue Eye Samurai”, “Arcane” and “Interview with the Vampire”.

I want to share with you some dreams and aspirations of mine. I am currently in the process of exploring my fashion style, and I love seeing others express themselves with clothes. In the future I would love to attend a professional fashion show – the brand doesn’t matter to me as long as I can enjoy the atmosphere and gather inspiration. In Seoul, I want to check out smaller Korean brands and expand my jewelry collection with unique pieces. My longstanding dream is travelling all around the world. This is the first time I’m travelling outside of Europe, and I hope that I can continue doing it in the future. While I’m here I want to visit other Asian countries, but I want to continue learning about the world all throughout my life. When it comes to my career goals, I dream of running my own business and being financially independent. I hope the rest of this year inspires me to create something great and allows me to improve the skills that will be necessary to achieve that.

This is precisely why I decided to take the course “Research Methods in Cognitive Science: Human-Computer Interaction in the Post-LLM Era”. At my university I specialize in Data Science, and I wanted to get more practical knowledge when it comes to developing models and apps and understanding the user’s perspective. I am also taking the course “Introduction to Computer Graphics” and I hope that the two will complement each other well. I am looking forward to learning how to create a satisfying experience for users, how to understand them better to know what their needs and wants are. Digital media strategy is a field which requires staying on top of the current trends and developments, and I’m excited to learn about them in class and get inspired to conduct individual research and delve deeper into topics especially relevant for my future education. If I decide to open my own business, I would like to learn what I should pay special attention to and how to approach this process from a strategic standpoint.

That’s it from me today! I am looking forward to connecting with like-minded people while I’m here in Seoul and making memories for my entire life. If you want to follow me on this journey, make sure to check this blog often!

Until the next time,

Jade.

[vitani-carnis]

Finally it's time to talk about...

Jill Sprouse...

Or rather, Vitani's teenage years and early adulthood before they went to Atlanta. This is an extra long post since it covers 9 jam-packed years. Honestly I should write out some detailed memories and junk too... MASSIVE TW for character death (not described but Jill is basically the wife that got fridged in some superhero/action story fr. But obviously not V's wife, just their caregiver whom V worshiped basically) and A SUPER DUPER BIG ONE for attempted sui stuff. V is very sad here and only stops for the dumbest reason (but not really, I'll explain it later). Also it's implied that V has seen the XBD that Jill was in firsthand (only for a little bit to get info on a guy who they gotta kill), so that's unpleasant. I really tormented this baby with this arc and made them relive it with Evie.

Jillian Sprouse was a nineteen-year-old doll that V met when they were crying on their stoop over their family straight up dropping them. Jill, who already had her problems (not that V ever knew), took them in. There was little chance Vitani would've survived long without her either, they were exceptionally easy prey as a homeless "girl"; Jill wasn't sure she could turn them away, despite everything telling her to do so.

Within six months, Jill was their legal guardian (I imagine it'd be way too easy to adopt a kid in this universe, laissez-faire capitalism and all that, probably just really expensive.) She couldn't find a trace of this kid's parents anywhere, and it didn't help that it took a good month before they gave her a last name to do so. Vitani told her, "I don't have a last name anymore. They aren't my family."

Every time it made Jill give a groaning sigh. This was going to be *way* harder than she thought.

And oh boy, it was. For Jill, at least. V had never felt so loved and understood and taken care of. It was exactly how they imagined it would feel, but even better. As for Jill's time? It was exactly how she imagined having a little sibling and a child, rolled into one. V was annoying, weirdly obsessed with a terrorist (seriously, did they ever take that Samurai jacket off?), and generally just vaguely off-putting.

It took Jill almost a year to start liking V. Despite how off they were and how having them around chewed through her wallet, they weren't... that bad...

She'd realized, that V was probably one of the better kids to get stuck with. They stayed clean, got good grades in everything but math, and didn't ask for much. They even stopped constantly talking about some sixty-year-old band so much. Even if she had to take more life-draining shifts at the dollhouse, it was almost worth it.

To V, it wasn't. They hated the fact that Jill was a doll. Not because she hated dolls either not anymore, at least (they weren't *all* like her mom). They didn't like it because Jill didn't like it, but when they mentioned getting a new job, all she did was shake her head and say, "I'm a little too in deep, don't worry though, it's adult stuff."

Jill was only five years older than V, how did she even know what 'adult stuff' was? They were fifteen! Practically an adult already...

If they knew anything about adults (and V liked to think they did), the problem was money. That was always the problem, at least for their parents. They just needed to make money... somehow...

V started by hacking various machines around town. It started with small stuff, mostly old arcade machines that no one would care about to learn how things worked, they spent months trying to figure out bigger things; vending machines, newer gen arcades, electronic pachinko machines. Things hopefully no one would kill them over. Miraculously, they never got caught either (of course it helped when you threw rocks at the cameras). It wasn't much, but it was something.

At sixteen, V learned how to box. They thought it'd be more lucrative to start street fighting with the other non-chromed kids in Heywood. Quickly, they realized that most kids did not fight fair, and often in their first fights they froze. For a moment, every single opponent reminded them of their parents. After ten fights of getting their ass beat and losing whatever cash they had been scrounging for months, they finally won.

They didn't remember how it happened, just that one moment, they were getting a jab to the face and the next they were on top of their opponent and squeezing the life out of them... It almost reminded them of their brother. That was the moment they let go. The fight had been won, V took the money home, a grim look on their face so no one would steal it... Then they cried.

Most nights, both V and Jill came home crying. Both were bruised, both mildly disgusted. V would try to have some meal plated for her and a bath ready. They had a plan, a dream even; to get the hell out of Night City and never look back.

In a few months, the sound of bombs was the only thing you could hear in Night City.

Luckily for V and Jill, most of them dropped in Pacifica, near where the NUSA were taking land for themself. Either way, it was business as usual for the proles of the city. All V did was listen back on some old albums about how shitty war was, to remind themself that joining was not an option, even if the pay was good. Oh, that and more fighting, everyone watching always keeping an ear and eye on the sky.

It was over quickly; if you can call a year of war 'quick'. To everyone who lost something or someone, it felt like an eternity of hearing that whistle of bombs, and the sirens letting people know about them. They'd lost a part of Pacifica to some douche named Kurt Hansen and got fucked by letting Arasaka resume business as usual. Things would only go downhill from here. All the more reason to delta in V's opinion.

Yet there was never enough money, always more fights to barely win, always more "I can't V, you know we can't just up and leave..."

It was always questions without answers with Jill. They guessed it didn't matter. She had her reasons. It didn't mean she didn't do her best. After all, Jill was perfect. Perfectly beautiful, perfectly just, always right... It would just be a little longer, a little more money. In the meantime, they could sit in the park, watch movies, whatever. It never mattered where they were to V, so long as they were together.

That meant following Jill to her job, to the store, to hang out with her more Mox-aligned friends. V was certain it drove her crazy but... there was something on the horizon, they could feel it. Something would happen and Jill would leave...

It took about two whole years for V to be proven right.

At twenty-two, almost twenty-three, V didn't follow Jill for one night. That was all it took. She was gone for a week when one of her friends stopped by, in tears. All that registered was...

Jill. Dead. XBD

There was no way this was happening. V could not be alone, again... This wasn't real.

They found out for themself that it was.

V felt like a snake's fang; lethal and hollow, they spent a day stewing in the misery before making a call.

Wakako, that old vulture, V knew her fairly well, at least as well as most others did. Some old fixer they'd bumped into on Jig Jig street and stopped by to win it big at Pachinko ever since (not that V spent much on it, of course). They almost every enny they had and practically begged her for some help. All she had to do was find him, V swore they'd do the rest.

Truthfully, they knew whoever that guy in that accursed BD wasn't the real root of evil. He was a pawn, maybe paid a fraction of what that BD made on the black market. They weren't sure if she'd even find him, all V really saw was that he had a tattoo.

For weeks they rotted in the apartment. Rent was almost due, and they weren't sure they could get rid of anything to pay it. With the very last of their savings, they had bought a gun. Killing that *monster* would be the last thing they ever did.

Really, they never should've doubted Wakako, she was one of the best for a reason. She found him, found out when he'd be alone... It was all V needed to do, then everything would be over.

It was about four in the morning, early November, and the moon was full. That was what they remembered. He didn't have a face to V, didn't have a voice even as he screamed. They had bought the gun but... No. He didn't deserve anything quick. It was too easy, too merciful. They just used the cheap pistol to empty a few shots into each leg, just so that he couldn't escape. There was a pipe, like some miracle, just lying there and they couldn't help but smile and-

It took ten minutes in total. V couldn't stop smiling the whole time and they wondered if that was how death should feel. To have their heart beat so fast, on the verge of some frenzy. It was almost like a regular fight, just better. The problem was solved.

No.

No. No.

No.

V was a monster for this, not even just killing him, but for liking it. Ten minutes of hearing a guy gurgle and choke on his own blood and they had enjoyed every second.

Jill would've hated them for this...

The walk back home was surprisingly short. Crawling back into the darkened apartment they contemplated the inevitable. They had one bullet left. That was all it would take.

V's hands shook. Despite knowing that this was all they could possibly do now, the idea of there being nothing still scared them. Maybe they could delay it by adding a Columbarium marker for them both beforehand, but they weren't even sure what they'd put. No words that they could think of could ever really say everything they needed to. Nothing they said would ever be perfect...

Like in most times of need, a certain someone was always there for them. It felt so... stupid. Unbelievably cheesy, even; but when the Morro rock station started playing Never Fade Away, they just couldn't do it. The muzzle had been pressed to their temple, they had been so ready and...

With a sigh, they dropped it, and they were lucky it didn't go off.

The marker made was simple, at the back of the stony cemetery.

A gift to all who knew her. May I never change, and you never fade away.

She might've hated the reference, though, V guessed it was more for themself than her. They'd always been rather selfish. If they ever came back, they would have this as a reminder. To never change. To never forget.

And that's when V fucked off to Atlanta, yes I have many thoughts on how all this relates to SilverV somehow (like how Johnny's first words to V is "kill urself" essentially and how a Samurai song literally made them not do that). I will be giving my thoughts on this junk specifically. I know this was long and probably won't be as seen, but if you read this to the end, omg ty!

Luv ya! Bye!!

[yamahaseo]

Navigating Nepal’s Roads: Stylish Bikes in Nepal in 2024

Explore Nepal’s captivating landscapes and winding roads, where style meets performance and innovation in Yamaha’s 2024 lineup. With a commitment to redefine your ride, Yamaha introduces a collection of bikes that not only conquer terrains but also elevate your journey to new levels of elegance and power. Join us on a journey through the enchanting roads of Nepal, discovering the exquisite lineup designed to offer riders a symphony of style, performance, and innovation.

R15 V4: Racing Blue Symphony

Embrace the exhilaration of the track with the R15 V4, a visual symphony in Racing Blue that echoes Yamaha’s MotoGP excellence. Meticulously designed for speed and performance, it captivates with sharp lines, an aerodynamic fairing, and twin LED headlamps, presenting a futuristic machine on the road. Since its release, the Yamaha R15 has stood out for its sleek design, winning the hearts of motorcycle enthusiasts who appreciate its aesthetic finesse. The lightweight body and nimble handling further elevate its appeal, making it an excellent choice for city commutes and highway adventures. In essence, the R15 V4 is a harmonious blend of style and high performance, redefining the riding experience for those who seek a two-wheeled companion that’s as visually striking as it is thrilling on the road.

MT-15: Elegance in MT-09’s Shadow

The captivating “Master of Torque,” the Yamaha MT-15, an elegant sibling of the MT-09 dynasty that transcends mere street-fighting. With its fierce design and Bi Functional LED headlights reminiscent of a samurai, this dark and stylish street fighter not only signifies a powerful lineage but becomes a visual embodiment of the dark side of Japan and its enigmatic warriors. Navigating Nepal’s streets, the MT-15 dominates with a bold aesthetic, making a distinctive impact as a sleek, powerful, and visually arresting two-wheeled masterpiece that seamlessly blends the mystique of Japan’s dark side with the allure of contemporary style.

R15M: Racing Brilliance Unleashed

Connect with the ultimate racing machine as you ride the R15M. The R15M showcases Yamaha’s dedication to innovation, with the R15M taking the racing quotient to new heights. Its deluxe features, including new graphics, a Yamaha 3D emblem, and a special seat, make it a visual standout. The R15 V4, with its modern backlight design, adds a stylish element to the motorcycle’s aesthetics. Yamaha’s commitment to distinctive features ensures that these bikes not only perform but also look exceptional on the road.

FZS FI V3 Deluxe: Upgraded Style, Unmatched Grace.

The Yamaha FZ-S FI Version 3.0 is a masterpiece in the world of motorcycles, seamlessly blending stunning aesthetics with cutting-edge technology. The introduction of striking new color options, Metallic Grey and Navy Blue, adds a touch of sophistication to this already stylish ride. The revamped backlight design not only enhances the modern appeal but also sets the FZ-S FI V3.0 apart from the crowd. Renowned for its exceptional handling and muscular design, this deluxe version showcases Yamaha’s commitment to Sportiness, Style, and Excitement. Powered by a Fuel Injection 149cc engine, it’s not just about looks – it’s about an exhilarating riding experience. As a proud member of the iconic FZ series, a trailblazer in the Nepalese market since 2008, the FZ-S FI V3.0 continues to redefine standards, ensuring riders have access to a motorcycle that not only looks fantastic but also delivers pure riding joy.

FZS V3 X-Connect: Stylish Roadster Mastery

Indulge in the mastery of responsive roadster performance with the FZS V3 X-Connect, where style takes center stage alongside unyielding performance and optimum mileage. This bike doesn’t just excel on the road; it excels with a distinctive sense of style, boasting sharp lines, a muscular fuel tank, and a responsive LCD instrument cluster that creates a visual symphony of style and functionality. Engineered for unparalleled performance, the FZS V3 X-Connect transcends being just a roadster; it stands as a responsive masterpiece. With advanced Yamaha Blue Core concept and features like ‘Connect-X,’ this bike offers an unmatched performance experience. The stylish design, including sharp lines, a muscular fuel tank, and a responsive LCD instrument cluster, adds to its visual appeal, making it the top choice for riders seeking both style and functionality.

FZ FI V3 BS6 Standard: Style Utility Blend

Since 2008, the FZ series has rightfully earned the title of  “Lord of the Street,” and the FZ FI V3 BS6 Standard proudly carries this legacy forward.  FZ FI V3 BS6 Standard, is a roadster where style effortlessly converges with utility, creating a two-wheeled masterpiece that goes beyond sheer performance and becomes a striking visual statement on the streets. This revolutionary choice seamlessly blends style and functionality, boasting sharp lines and advanced BSVI engine technology. More than a performance powerhouse, its aggressive and stylish design, featuring sharp lines, LED headlights, and a muscular fuel tank, positions it as a visual marvel. Yamaha sets new standards in the fusion of style and functionality with this naked sports bike, making it an irresistible option for those desiring power with a touch of sophistication.

FZS FI V2: Sporty Elegance, Tested Performance

Captivating hearts since 2014, the FZ V2 transcends being a mere bike; it stands as an emblem of sporty elegance on every road. Its design, marked by a minimalistic yet stylish approach, featuring an LED headlight and muscular fuel tank, positions it as the perfect companion for both city commutes and highway adventures. From the sleek LED headlight to the skid free Split Seat, this bike radiates a minimalistic charm that perfectly complements its inherently sporty design. A visual embodiment of the Lord of the Street’s DNA. This affordable fuel-injected excellence isn’t just about conquering roads; it’s about doing so with a style that reflects Yamaha’s legacy. Yamaha’s attention to style doesn’t compromise on performance, making the FZS V2 a top choice for those who seek both power and visual appeal.

FZX: Urban Explorer – Stylish Comfort Redefined

Embark on a journey of adventure and comfortability with the FZX, a neo-retro bike meticulously designed to stand out, featuring a round headlight, exposed frame, and retro-style fuel tank that goes beyond aesthetics, infusing every ride with a unique blend of adventure and comfort, creating a visual expression of individuality on the roads. The FZX, a neo-retro bike designed for the unique, perfectly combines striking retro aesthetics with future-proof technologies. Its round headlight, exposed frame, and retro-style fuel tank make it stand out. The Y-connect app seamlessly blends classic elements with modern features, offering a comfortable and visually distinctive riding experience for both long tours and daily commutes.

 In conclusion, Yamaha’s 2024 lineup isn’t just a collection of bikes; it’s a symphony of style, power, and innovation. Each model in this array offers a unique riding experience, ensuring that every journey through Nepal’s roads becomes an adventure worth remembering. As you navigate the diverse landscapes, let Yamaha be your companion in style and performance, making every ride a statement of elegance on the enchanting roads of Nepal.

[brookston]

Holidays 8.25

Holidays

Apocynum Day (French Republic)

Aromatic Visibility Day

Battle Of Blair Mountain Anniversary Day

Be Kind to Humankind Week begins

English Channel Swim Day

Gene Simmons Day

Great American Duck Day

The Great Moon Hoax Day

Healthy Lifestyle Day

International Day of the Hairstylist

International Redhead Day

Kiss and Make Up Day

Liberation Day (Paris, France)

National Don't Utter a Word Day

National Park Service Founders Day

National Poetry Day (New Zealand)

National Second-Hand Wardrobe Day

Pops Staples Day (Chicago, Illinois)

Private Eye Day

Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day

Second-Hand Wardrobe Day

Soldier's Day (Brazil)

Songun (North Korea)

South Sea Islander Recognition Day (Australia)

Tim Burton Day

Wizard of Oz Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Feast of the Green Corn

Instant Ramen Day (Japan)

National Banana Split Day

National Lamington Day

National Whiskey Sour Day

4th & Last Friday in August

Burning of Zozobra (Old Man Gloom effigy) [Friday before 9.1]

College Colors Day [Friday nearest 9.1]

Daffodil Day (Australia, Southern Hemisphere) [4th Friday]

Forgive Your Foe Friday [Friday of Be Kind to Humankind Week]

Positive Twitter Day [Last Friday]

Sheep Market Fair begins (Denmark) [Last Friday through Sunday]

Tracky Back Day (Australia) [Last Friday]

Wear it Purple Day (Australia) [Last Friday]

Independence Days

Belarus (from USSR, 1991)

Parva Domus Magna Quies (Declared; 1878) [unrecognized]

Uruguay (from Brazil, 1825)

Feast Days

Æbbe of Coldingham (Christian; Saint)

Aredius (Christian; Saint)

Charles-Amédée-Philippe van Loo (Artology)

Conté (Positivist; Saint)

Discovery of the Runes (Norse)

Dorothea Tanning (Artology)

Duke (Price Charming’s Horse; Muppetism)

Ebba (a.k.a. Tabbs; Christian; Saint)

Ganesh Chaturthi (a.k.a. Vinayaka Chaturthi; India)

Genesius of Arles (Christian; Saint)

Genesius of Rome (Christian; Saint)

Ginés de la Jara (a.k.a. Genesius of Cartagena; Christian; Saint)

Gregory of Utrecht (Christian; Saint)

Heliogabalus Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Horus Nativity (Ancient Egypt)

Jacob Maris (Artology)

Joseph Calasanz (Christian; Saint)

Louis IX of France (Christian; Saint)

Ludovicus Baba (Christian; Blessed)

Ludovicus Sasada (Christian; Blessed)

Luis Sotelo (Christian; Blessed)

Menas of Constantinople (Christian; Saint)

Miguel de Carvalho (Christian; Blessed)

Opiconsivia (Roman festival to Ops, goddess of fertility & abundance)

Patricia of Naples (Christian; Saint)

Pedro Vásquez, Blessed (Christian; Saint)

Thomas de Cantilupe (a.k.a. of Hereford; Christian; Saint)

Whiskey Sour Day (Pastafarian)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Butsumetsu (仏滅 Japan) [Unlucky all day.]

Fortunate Day (Pagan) [34 of 53]

Premieres

And Justice For All, by Metallica (Album; 1988)

Beerfest (Film; 2006)

Bertie the Brain (Video Game; 1950)

Born to Run, by Bruce Springsteen (Album; 1975)

Boston, by Boston (Album; 1976)

Bring It On (Film; 2000)

Carrotblanca (WB LT Cartoon; 1995)

Cheese Chasers (WB MM Cartoon; 1951)

Desperado (Film; 1995)

Electric Ladyland Studio (Recording Studio; 1970)

Graceland, by Paul Simon (Album; 1986)

Invasion of the Bunny Snatchers (WB TV Cartoon; 1992)

Leap!, a.k.a. Ballerina (Animated Film; 2017)

Madame Bovary (Film; 1949)

Miracle on 34th Street, by Valentine Davies (Novel; 1947)

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, by Lauryn Hill (Album; 1998)

My So-Called Life (TV Series; 1994)

Raw! Raw! Rooster! (WB LT Cartoon; 1956)

Samurai!, by Saburo Sakai (Autobiography; 1957)

The Tale of Despereaux, by Kate DiCamillo (Children’s Book; 2003)

The Thief and the Cobbler (Animated Film; 1995)

The Wizard of Oz (Film; 1939)

Wrecking Ball, by Miley Cyrus (Song; 2013)

Today’s Name Days

Elvira, Josef, Ludwig, Patricia (Austria)

Grgur, Josip, Ljudevit (Croatia)

Radim (Czech Republic)

Ludvig (Denmark)

Tauno, Tunne (Estonia)

Loviisa (Finland)

Louis (France)

Ebba, Elvira, Ludwig (Germany)

Bartholomeos, Titos (Greece)

Lajos, Patrícia (Hungary)

Ludovico, Luigi (Italy)

Ivonna, Ludis, Ludvigs (Latvia)

Liucija, Liudas, Liudvikas, Mangailas, Mangailė (Lithuania)

Louise, Lovise, Ludvig (Norway)

Gaudencjusz, Gaudenty, Grzegorz, Ludwik, Luiza, Michał, Sieciesław (Poland)

Ľudovít (Slovakia)

Ginés, José, Luis, Patricia (Spain)

Louise, Lovisa (Sweden)

Dorcas, Lanard, Lennie, Lenny, Leonard, Leonardo, Tabatha, Tabitha (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 237 of 2024; 128 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 5 of week 34 of 2023

Celtic Tree Calendar: Coll (Hazel) [Day 18 of 28]

Chinese: Month 7 (Geng-Shen), Day 10 (Yi-Mao)

Chinese Year of the: Rabbit 4721 (until February 10, 2024)

Hebrew: 8 Elul 5783

Islamic: 8 Safar 1445

J Cal: 27 Hasa; Sixday [27 of 30]

Julian: 12 August 2023

Moon: 63%: Waxing Gibbous

Positivist: 13 Gutenberg (9th Month) [Conté]

Runic Half Month: As (Gods) [Day 13 of 15]

Season: Summer (Day 65 of 94)

Zodiac: Virgo (Day 4 of 32)

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 8.25

Holidays

Apocynum Day (French Republic)

Aromatic Visibility Day

Battle Of Blair Mountain Anniversary Day

Be Kind to Humankind Week begins

English Channel Swim Day

Gene Simmons Day

Great American Duck Day

The Great Moon Hoax Day

Healthy Lifestyle Day

International Day of the Hairstylist

International Redhead Day

Kiss and Make Up Day

Liberation Day (Paris, France)

National Don't Utter a Word Day

National Park Service Founders Day

National Poetry Day (New Zealand)

National Second-Hand Wardrobe Day

Pops Staples Day (Chicago, Illinois)

Private Eye Day

Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day

Second-Hand Wardrobe Day

Soldier's Day (Brazil)

Songun (North Korea)

South Sea Islander Recognition Day (Australia)

Tim Burton Day

Wizard of Oz Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Feast of the Green Corn

Instant Ramen Day (Japan)

National Banana Split Day

National Lamington Day

National Whiskey Sour Day

4th & Last Friday in August

Burning of Zozobra (Old Man Gloom effigy) [Friday before 9.1]

College Colors Day [Friday nearest 9.1]

Daffodil Day (Australia, Southern Hemisphere) [4th Friday]

Forgive Your Foe Friday [Friday of Be Kind to Humankind Week]

Positive Twitter Day [Last Friday]

Sheep Market Fair begins (Denmark) [Last Friday through Sunday]

Tracky Back Day (Australia) [Last Friday]

Wear it Purple Day (Australia) [Last Friday]

Independence Days

Belarus (from USSR, 1991)

Parva Domus Magna Quies (Declared; 1878) [unrecognized]

Uruguay (from Brazil, 1825)

Feast Days

Æbbe of Coldingham (Christian; Saint)

Aredius (Christian; Saint)

Charles-Amédée-Philippe van Loo (Artology)

Conté (Positivist; Saint)

Discovery of the Runes (Norse)

Dorothea Tanning (Artology)

Duke (Price Charming’s Horse; Muppetism)

Ebba (a.k.a. Tabbs; Christian; Saint)

Ganesh Chaturthi (a.k.a. Vinayaka Chaturthi; India)

Genesius of Arles (Christian; Saint)

Genesius of Rome (Christian; Saint)

Ginés de la Jara (a.k.a. Genesius of Cartagena; Christian; Saint)

Gregory of Utrecht (Christian; Saint)

Heliogabalus Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Horus Nativity (Ancient Egypt)

Jacob Maris (Artology)

Joseph Calasanz (Christian; Saint)

Louis IX of France (Christian; Saint)

Ludovicus Baba (Christian; Blessed)

Ludovicus Sasada (Christian; Blessed)

Luis Sotelo (Christian; Blessed)

Menas of Constantinople (Christian; Saint)

Miguel de Carvalho (Christian; Blessed)

Opiconsivia (Roman festival to Ops, goddess of fertility & abundance)

Patricia of Naples (Christian; Saint)

Pedro Vásquez, Blessed (Christian; Saint)

Thomas de Cantilupe (a.k.a. of Hereford; Christian; Saint)

Whiskey Sour Day (Pastafarian)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Butsumetsu (仏滅 Japan) [Unlucky all day.]

Fortunate Day (Pagan) [34 of 53]

Premieres

And Justice For All, by Metallica (Album; 1988)

Beerfest (Film; 2006)

Bertie the Brain (Video Game; 1950)

Born to Run, by Bruce Springsteen (Album; 1975)

Boston, by Boston (Album; 1976)

Bring It On (Film; 2000)

Carrotblanca (WB LT Cartoon; 1995)

Cheese Chasers (WB MM Cartoon; 1951)

Desperado (Film; 1995)

Electric Ladyland Studio (Recording Studio; 1970)

Graceland, by Paul Simon (Album; 1986)

Invasion of the Bunny Snatchers (WB TV Cartoon; 1992)

Leap!, a.k.a. Ballerina (Animated Film; 2017)

Madame Bovary (Film; 1949)

Miracle on 34th Street, by Valentine Davies (Novel; 1947)

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, by Lauryn Hill (Album; 1998)

My So-Called Life (TV Series; 1994)

Raw! Raw! Rooster! (WB LT Cartoon; 1956)

Samurai!, by Saburo Sakai (Autobiography; 1957)

The Tale of Despereaux, by Kate DiCamillo (Children’s Book; 2003)

The Thief and the Cobbler (Animated Film; 1995)

The Wizard of Oz (Film; 1939)

Wrecking Ball, by Miley Cyrus (Song; 2013)

Today’s Name Days

Elvira, Josef, Ludwig, Patricia (Austria)

Grgur, Josip, Ljudevit (Croatia)

Radim (Czech Republic)

Ludvig (Denmark)

Tauno, Tunne (Estonia)

Loviisa (Finland)

Louis (France)

Ebba, Elvira, Ludwig (Germany)

Bartholomeos, Titos (Greece)

Lajos, Patrícia (Hungary)

Ludovico, Luigi (Italy)

Ivonna, Ludis, Ludvigs (Latvia)

Liucija, Liudas, Liudvikas, Mangailas, Mangailė (Lithuania)

Louise, Lovise, Ludvig (Norway)

Gaudencjusz, Gaudenty, Grzegorz, Ludwik, Luiza, Michał, Sieciesław (Poland)

Ľudovít (Slovakia)

Ginés, José, Luis, Patricia (Spain)

Louise, Lovisa (Sweden)

Dorcas, Lanard, Lennie, Lenny, Leonard, Leonardo, Tabatha, Tabitha (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 237 of 2024; 128 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 5 of week 34 of 2023

Celtic Tree Calendar: Coll (Hazel) [Day 18 of 28]

Chinese: Month 7 (Geng-Shen), Day 10 (Yi-Mao)

Chinese Year of the: Rabbit 4721 (until February 10, 2024)

Hebrew: 8 Elul 5783

Islamic: 8 Safar 1445

J Cal: 27 Hasa; Sixday [27 of 30]

Julian: 12 August 2023

Moon: 63%: Waxing Gibbous

Positivist: 13 Gutenberg (9th Month) [Conté]

Runic Half Month: As (Gods) [Day 13 of 15]

Season: Summer (Day 65 of 94)

Zodiac: Virgo (Day 4 of 32)