#squad six first name culture

[recurring-polynya]

The Zanpakutou Rebellion Arc is always, like 30% longer than I remember it being. Anyway, we're at the part where Yamamoto has slowly started owning up to knowing what's up, and hilariously, he will only refer to Kouga by his given name.

The (real) Doylist reason for doing this is because the arc is trying slow-roll the reveal that Kouga is Byakuya's uncle. tbh, the Watsonian interpretation isn't all that different--Old Man Yams is also trying to avoid spreading the Kuchiki name around, if he can help it. (Because he feels a microscopic amount of guilt about this? Because he and Ginrei are bros? Because the Kuchiki can and will make his life miserable? Who knows!) It's also possible/probable that the Kuchiki disowned Kouga, but it's hard for me to imagine Yamamoto giving a rat's ass about that.

None of this is important, but because the Blorboist explanation (the one supported by your maximum brain rot) is that this is further evidence that Squad Six operates on a first-name basis, and Byakuya wasn't even the one that started it.

[noneedtoamputate]

Band of Brothers Olympics AU - Chapter One

I don't have a great title for this yet. I was thinking about The Vault in Our Stars, a pun on another Shakespeare quote to go along with Band of Brothers. If you have any ideas, please let me know.

This came out of my Olympic obesession, and I've tried to include a lot of details that came out of the Paris games in the fic.

I can't thank @mercurygray enough for helping me flesh out this story and providing some much-needed details. She deserves co-author credit on this chapter, but any mistakes or sections that don't work are on me. And thanks to @shoshiwrites for beta-reading and telling me it was a fun read. That's exactly what I am going for with this fic.

Hope you all enjoy!

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Five days before Opening Ceremony

Four of the five members of the United States men’s gymnastics team lounged in the larger of the two bedrooms in their Olympic Village suite after their designated practice time. Harry Welsh texted his girlfriend, Kitty Grogan, a member of the U.S. women’s gymnastics team and America’s current sweetheart. High bar specialist George Luz balanced a plate of French baked goods on his lap. Team himbo Floyd Talbert read the newest issue of Field and Stream. Carwood Lipton, the youngest member of the squad, sat on the floor doing a v-stretch. 

“My mattress here is worse than the one in my dorm room,” Carwood lamented, grabbing his foot and reaching his head to his knee.

“Yes, but it’s environmentally friendly,” Harry pointed out without looking up from typing. “You can save the world or save your back, but not both.”

“Fuck, this pain au chocolat is good,” George said, his mouth full and his pronunciation terrible.

“You don’t say the last letter of the word,” Tab explained, hardly looking up from his magazine. 

“Whatever.” George considered the pastry again. “I think I’m going to record a review and put it on TikTok.”

“You know French?” Carwood asked Tab. It wasn’t impossible, but Carwood didn’t take Tab as the … cultured type. He knew Dick and Harry pretty well - he was a few years behing them at Penn State, after all - but he was still getting to know George and Tab. Both men liked to joke, although their senses of humor worked in different ways - in strong contrast to Dick, who didn’t really go for jokes when it came to his team and his sport. 

“Kinda. I’ve been doing twenty minutes of Duolingo a day for the past two months. I’m up to Level Six,” Tab explained proudly.

Harry laughed and shook his head. “And here I was thinking the only French Tab knew was mènage à trois.”

“I resent that you think that low of me, Harry - and that’s an important phrase,” Talbert defended, finally looking up from his reading. “Speaking of, any chance Kitty introduces us to her teammates?”

Harry put his phone down. “Kitty’s already told them all about you. And if that didn’t scare them off, she threatened  that if they so much as shook your hand, she’d send their names to the doping agency and they’d have to take extra urine tests.” 

“Shit, I wouldn’t cross Kitty. She scares the hell out of me.” George admitted, brushing crumbs off his chin. 

“If only the American public knew about the real Kitty Grogan,” Carwood agreed. Harry’s girlfriend had worked hard for the America’s Sweetheart nickname, but George was right. Her tiny frame and blond curls hid a ruthless sense of humor, a deceptively strong arm, and a very, very strong protective urge for the other women on her team. (Necessary equipment, she would have said.)

“Well, there’s lots of other women in the Olympic Village,” Tab said, unbothered and unashamed. “And I’ll need some more condoms, too, since someone -” he glared at George - “wouldn’t share.”

“Christ, will you let it go? Harry asked for mine first. And everyone got five to start with. If you need more than that, walk your lazy ass downstairs to the clinic. They have more there for the taking.”

The suite door opened, and team captain Dick Winters walked into the room.

“Hey, have you had any of these, Dick?” George asked, gesturing to the remnant of croissant on the table. “They’re really good.”

Dick looked at the pastry like George had just suggested he eat something toxic, and gave a brief shake of his head.“I just got through talking with Coach Taylor, and he was really happy with the way practice went this morning.”

“Well, that’s why I came to France. To make Coach Taylor happy.” Harry rolled his eyes. He wasn’t on the best of terms with the national team coach, and he wasn’t afraid of letting everyone know it. 

“Hey, Tab, you should ask Dick!” George suggested. 

“Ask me what?” Dick looked over Tab’s way.

“Can I have the condoms that came in your welcome pack? George already gave his to Harry.” Tab still sounded put out.

Dick looked even more offended about this than he had about the chocolate croissant. “No!” 

“Why? Did you use them already?” Tab sat up and looked at Dick, interested in his answer.

“No!” Dick shouted again, even louder this time. “And nobody is no going to need the condoms, because nobody on this team is going to have sex until we’re done with the competition.”

“What?” Tab asked incredulously. “There are 5,000 women here. And 5,000 men, if that’s your thing. Ten thousand people, all of us at the peak of our physical well being. And you want us to refrain from doing anything that requires a condom for a week?”

Dick sighed, more than a little agitated he had to explain this to his teammates. “We have a chance to do something really special here. I know it's a long shot, but we could medal. It would be huge for men’s gymnastics back home. We owe it to ourselves and our sport to do our best, and that means focusing. Abstaining for a week isn’t going to kill anybody.”

Harry shook his head. “Look Dick, I understand what you’re saying, but you know how superstitious I am, and I always sleep with Kitty before a big meet. She does this thing where … ”

“STOP!” interrupted Dick, eyes closed in pain. “Nobody is interested in what you were about to say.”

“I am,” Tab answered honestly, and George laughed.

“Look, I didn’t come up here to talk about condoms,” Dick said, desperately wanting to change the subject. “I’ve been thinking we should skip the opening ceremonies.”

The rest of the team stared at him.

Dick sighed before starting again. “I know we’ve all been looking forward to it, but it’s only two days before our qualification round, and we’ll be on our feet and it will throw off our sleep schedule.”

“C’mon, Dick. It’s one night,” George said.

“I know it’s not a big deal for you, being in just one event,” Dick said, sounding judgmental. 

George sat up straighter. “Yeah, I only won the silver medal at last year’s world championships for the high bar. I have no idea how I even got picked for the Olympic team, because that’s not a big deal.”

The three other teammates turned their heads back and forth, following the heated exchange.

Dick grimaced. “That didn’t come out the right way, George. I’m sorry. But you have to see my point. You get it, don’t you, Carwood?”

Everyone looked at Carwood. 

Carwood looked up to Dick, both as a gymnast and a person, so he was slow to voice his dissent. Truthfully, he’d been looking forward to the ceremony quite a bit, and the idea of not going for something like a sleep schedule sounded … well, lame.  “I want to do well, too, Dick, but there are so many things about the games that we don’t want to miss out on. The opening ceremonies, meeting new people …”

“Mènage à trois,” Harry added with a huge grin, and Tab threw the magazine his way. 

“You know what, forget it,” Dick said, clearly agitated. “Let’s just treat this like one big frat party and forget about representing our country and bringing home a medal.” He walked out of the room.

“Aw, Dick, come on!” he heard Harry call out to him, but he didn’t respond. He’d shared his feelings with his team, and they’d shared theirs. 

How was a captain supposed to lead when his team didn’t want to be led?

-

Dick decided to take his frustration out in the weight room, and then he got a massage. Back in the locker room, he checked his phone and saw Harry had messaged him.

Harry: Hey, you okay? We’re going to grab dinner, but I understand if you need to cool off.

Harry: I don’t think that conversation went the way anyone wanted it to.

Harry: They’re all good guys and they care a lot, but we all need a little fun, too.

Harry: You don’t have to be perfect, Dick. You’re already a good leader.

Harry: You know I love you, man. Kitty says she loves you, too (but not like she loves me).

Dick smiled briefly at the words on the screen. Harry was more than just a long time teammate. He’d been his freshman year roommate, one of the first friends he’d made at Penn State, and the guy on the team who understood him the best. They had shared wins and losses and ups and downs. Dick was even there the first time Harry laid eyes on Kitty, and she quickly became one of Dick’s people, too.

Thanks. Dick texted back. Grabbing dinner with Lew. Appreciate the invite, though. I’ll catch you before lights out.

He would need to apologize to them all later - he could see that now. Sometimes he forgot that other people saw the world a little differently than he did. But that was part of being a leader, too. 

It’s good to have people who care about you, he thought.

-

An hour later, Dick took the Metro and walked a few blocks to meet team sponsor Lew Nixon at a bistro. A second-generation tech titan, Lew and his sister, Blanche, needed a way for their father’s software company to save face after Stan’s headline-making fourth divorce. Blanche suggested adopting two Olympic teams that needed financial support and didn’t mind the backing of NixWorks, despite the reputation of its founder. 

So Lew met with men’s gymnastics, promising free housing for its national team members, as well as covering travel expenses and extensive social media coverage. Blanche did the same with the women’s rugby team, and both teams were happy to accept. 

Nix hated athletics - his idea of weight training was 12 ounce curls - and Dick had nothing in common with the San Francisco tech bro. But in spite of their differences - or maybe because of them - the two had become close friends during the past year. Dick appreciated having someone he could talk to outside of the gymnastics bubble he placed himself in leading up to the games. 

Dick spotted Lew sitting at a table for two on the outdoor patio, looking at his phone, a glass of red wine already in front him. 

“Dick!” Lew said, greeting him a little too loudly. Dick thought the glass of wine may not have been Lew’s first of the evening. 

“Have you seen the new dating app we created for the Olympians?” Lew turned his phone around so Dick could see it.

“Yeah. Light My Fire. Great name,” Dick said.

“I know, right?” Lew missed the sarcasm from Dick. “You know, because the torch and everything.”

“I get it,” said Dick.

“And my dad is a huge Jim Morrison fan. Once I told him the idea and the name, he had the programmers start working on it right away.” The waiter came over to go over the specials and take Dick’s drink order. Lew translated and answered back in perfect French.

“Dick, it wouldn’t kill you to try some new things while you’re here,” Lew said, considering his friend over the candle in the middle of the table.

“I don’t like sparkling water. I just want tap. And what’s wrong with ranch dressing?”

Lew tried to hold in his smile.“They call it still water here, Dick. And nothing is wrong with ranch dressing ... if you’re in State College, Pennsylvania. But you happen to be in the culinary capital of the world, and I’m going to let you in on a little secret,” Lew said conspiratorially, leaning a bit closer to Dick across the table. “Champagne vinaigrette won’t get you drunk.”

Dick rolled his eyes. 

Over the meal - Lew had steak frites, rare, and another glass of what Dick learned was Bordeaux, while Dick stuck to water, still, and a grilled chicken salad - Dick shared what had conspired earlier in the day. Dick would have never guessed it when they first met, but Lew was a good listener, always taking in facts and asking pertinent questions. 

Lew took a long sip of wine before sharing his conclusion.

“Listen, I know you don’t have beaches in Pennsylvania, but I’m sure you’ve held sand too tightly before,” Lew said. “I don’t think I need to tell you it usually doesn’t work.”

Dick couldn’t help but laugh. Lew was right.

“I’ve seen all five of you work hard, make sacrifices. You’re all ready for this. Give them a little space, a little freedom. This thing only happens every four years - enjoy it a little!” 

Dick nodded.

When he got back to the room, the team was half-watching an action movie dubbed in English on the television while Kitty was recording George eating another one of those chocolate pastries. Several sets of eyes swung to him and the door as he came in, just as quickly going back to the movie.

He looked down at his feet for a moment. “I owe you all an apology. I came on a little strong earlier, and I’m sorry. I’ve … got a lot on my mind at the moment.” The group continued to watch the movie, but George’s frown had softened a little.

“Here’s the deal,” Dick said in such a way that everyone turned around and stared at him intently. “We’re going to work like hell for the next two days. Then we’ll go to the opening ceremonies. And then we’ll kick some ass.”

His teammates look stunned. They never heard him swear once before, let alone twice in one speech. 

“Fuck yeah,” George answered back, smiling.

“Fuck yeah,” Harry and Tab said at the same time.

Carwood took his time. He didn’t swear much, either. “Fuck yeah,” he finally said, and Harry patted him on the back.

As Kitty recorded the moment on George’s phone for posterity, she knew this group was something special. 

[hastalavistabyebye]

Reckoning Squad

@the-starry-seas @five-oh-thirst and @divine-valley you were interested by them so here have at it !

So I have this idea of a particular squad known as the Reckonings or Reckoning Squad. The oldest is barely a Shiny and the youngest is a tubie. All of them are dead and are stories told by the clones. They are horror stories but not for the Vode, they're for the natborns. They're tales of everything the clones suffered because of natborns.

And the clones share easily that terrifying aspect of the Reckonings (where they keep their comforting side closely to themselves with the rest of their culture), so most natborns know only those maybe real stories about the clones.

As of now there is six of them.

(cutting here to not attack you with a long ass post)

Madness

She's also the one for disabled vode, mentally illed vode. He laugh at the wrong times, startle at the smallest things, get lost somewhere far away in his own mind sometimes. (But I'll come back on this aspect later)

He's black like the isolation rooms. He's a trooper that gone mad, that lost who he was. They're both the Vode that got reconditioned and the ones stuck for too long in isolation, the medics that broke under their duties and their failures. She looks like a fully grown trooper in their blacks, but is faceless.

Rage

Rage is grey like the Kamino sea during days of storm. He has blood on his knuckles, knives that seems to simply slip in his fists, cold eyes and a snarl that promise blood. He looks like a fully grown Alpha, his rage all consuming and too big to be contained in a small room, looming over you and touching the ceiling. He's the living weapon the clones were made into, but he only fights for his people.

His presence is said to make one's breathing harder. But if the person he attached himself to is a clone, then it's the difficulty of breathing caused by a heavy, reassuring blanket, not the weight of anger that the natborns could feel.

Despair

They are a little particular because the stories have many versions of them, gives them many names. They can be Despair or Panic. Rarely but it happens they can be called Terror. Despair and Panic can be as one person or different clones. They are bright blue like the pills the clones have to take when they can't stop crying and look like a developmentally 10 years old cadet. They have tear-track scars and their eyes are always open. They keep an eye on every clone who's breaking down, takes the burden of every grief and fear that seems to eat them out, and hold their hand until they calm down. Despair is the reminder of just how far natborns pushed the Vode.

Hunger

She's a small thing, barely old enough to be a cadet, and wear the brown of the mush they call food. She's the pain and emptiness that grow and grow and grow until it takes over your mind. She's the troopers that loose appetite must it be because of alimentation disorders, grief or fear. She's the officers and medics too focused to take a break and the troopers stuck in the trenches for too long.

But most importantly she's the clones' hunger for contact, affection and life. The natborns see her often but not those last facets of her. Those are kept for the Vode only.

And the last two :

Words

Words is a tubie and wear their yellow. He's the "twin" of Hunger. He looks like the youngest but really is the first that appeared. He's a surprise for the natborns, he doesn't seems to fit in. And yet he's the one that always end up to haunt them the most. He's the embodiment of every language, every word stolen from the Vode. Mando'a, yes, but also every expression and vocabulary never taught to the clones that cut them from the rest of the Galaxy, from a "normal" natborn life and from peace. He's the reminder of why the clones don't really know how to say "no, I refuse", don't know what a nice snack is or had to scratch the word "sister" with their teeth and sheer stubbornness. He reminds the natborns that they have stollen the clones "sentience" too by refusing them this word.

And he's also the keeper of the troopers names. He knows all of them. He appeared just for that, when young cadets started whispering their secrets and thoughts to one another. And when they started naming themselves, he was the one keeping those names safe. He has all those names tattooed on his skin. Some of them form a Tā Moko on his chin, as a blatant show of what was stolen from the Vode. It refers all at the same time to mando'a and the culture they were refused, their sentience and individuality and to the fact they are one family, one people.

Grief

Grief looks like the oldest but was the last story to appear. It's white as the incinerators, silent and rarely talked about, its name only murmured. It is the loss of the people, the loss of occasions. It is full of the ghosts of everything and everyone that disappeared. It is too young and too old. It is the never uttered shout of the Vode. The natborns very often forget to fear Grief, too scared by Rage and Madness. But just like Words, it's the one that will plague them the longest.

There's also a lot of expressions regarding the Reckonings. "He's with Madness" to say a clone has been reconditioned. "Don't paint yourself in white" is an expression often said to commanders who had a plan go awry, regardless of the real casualties, when they feel guilty or like they missed an opportunity. It doesn't sound like euphemisms for natborns sometimes, but the comforting layer of the Reckonings is for the clones alone.

There's also Vode-intern tales about Grief that say that the white of the armor is the white of Grief protecting them and keeping loss at bay, especially from Shinies.

And the Squad also help the Vode accept some things that would be considered defects by all the ableism they are fed. If a trooper has a panic attack and can't stop crying, even if the trigger was something inconsequential ? Well, it's because they're possessed by Despair and a cadet crying is normal and okay. A trooper suffers from brain damage like Gregor ? Madness is stucking with them and she suffers from isolation, sometimes in isolation you mumble to yourself or laugh for nothing, all the clones know that. Even if the trooper's problem isn't isolation at all, it's still Madness, so it's understandable.

But those later aspects, that comfort, are for Vode only. Natborns only know the horror of those Ghosts stories (who might or might not be real, legends always have a part of reality after all. The clones absolutely tell them as if they're real though).

~~

Some of those ideas are @thivell's so thank you very much love <3

[stargazer-sims]

Takashi Abbottsford for @jonquilyst Total Drama Sims 2!

Name: Takashi Abbottsford Pronouns: he/him Gender Identity: cis male Sexuality: bisexual Aspiration: Extreme Sports Enthusiast Traits: Nosy, Dance Machine

__________

Takashi: Hey, world! How's it going? My name is Takashi Abbottsford, and I'm from Willow Creek. I'm sixteen years old, my birthday is August 13th, I'm a student at Willow Creek High, and I like pizza and energy drinks. Actually, my dads always say I probably don't need energy drinks, but hey... we can always use an extra boost, right?

Let's see... Other stuff about me... I love sports! I like snowboarding, rock climbing, soccer and swimming the best, and every time we visit my Papa's family in Mt. Komorebi, I always spend as much time as I can on the mountain. Shredding is life! Yeah!

Um, okay... My favourite colours are green and blue, and my favourite season is winter. I like video games and I like to cook. I also like dancing, like a lot, and I like rocking out to my favourite bands. I can play the piano too, although not as well as my brother Forest, which is a bummer because he won a medal at the youth music festival last year and I kinda messed up during a trio performance with two of my sisters, and of course Forest made fun of me about it. Siblings... ugh!

Yeah, so while we're on the subject of siblings, I should probably tell you about mine, and my two dads as well. My family falls squarely into the category of 'wild facts you could never make up', no joke.

We're a stupidly large family, just so you know. I'm the youngest of six siblings, and all six of us are science babies. My oldest siblings are Camellia and Forest, and they're twins. Next is Matsu, and then there's the triplets; Midori, Willow and me. Oh, and if you're wondering about why some of us have English-sounding names and some of us have Japanese names, it's because our Dad, Fox Abbottsford, is a Canadian and our Papa, Takahiro Suzuki, is Japanese. They met in Japan when Dad was there on a working holiday visa, and they have this absolutely crazy love story, but that's a tale for another time. The reason for our mixed bag of names is because they wanted us to have names that reflected both their cultures, so here we are.

Oh, and fun fact. Me, Matsu and Midori don't have middle names, which is part of Japanese naming tradition. Forest, Camellia and Willow do have middle names, and I don't know if I should be envious of that or grateful that I only had to learn how to spell two names instead of three when I was in first grade and we were all practising how to write them.

Right. Why did I sign up to be on Total Drama?

Hooo man... where do I even start with that? When you're one of six, 'total drama' is a way of life! I figured I'd be pretty good at it, because I'm used to chaos. I mean, 'chaos' should be our family motto or something.

Actually, let me tell you the real reason I signed up, besides the ongoing total drama in our household.

When you're one of six, there's this never-ending competition for attention, and this constant need to distinguish yourself from your brothers and sisters. Don't get me wrong. I love all my brothers and sisters, especially my older brother Matsu, but it's hard to be the youngest and the most unremarkable. I don't just have one shadow to live in. I have five.

For example, my absolute nerd of a brother Forest is like, this insanely gifted artist, just like Dad. Forest already has his illustrations in a children's book and he's only 18. Also, despite being Nerd Number One, he somehow managed to land the most popular girl at school as his girlfriend. Also, Forest's girlfriend Caroline is hot and she's a star athlete. Everybody's always talking about how great they are together. Like, how's a guy supposed to level up to that?

My other siblings all have their thing, too. My sister Camellia is good at acting, and Matsu is amazing at sports and the captain of the cheer squad. Midori and Willow are identical, which always gets them noticed just because, but also Midori is already planning her career as an aesthetician, and Willow is super-smart like Forest and wants to become an engineer.

As for me, I'm not sure what I want to do yet. I'm okay at most things, but not awesome like my siblings, and I don't have my future figured out like some of them do. I'm thinking maybe I'd like to be a police officer and work in something science-y like forensics, 'cause I really love science. Or I might like to be a journalist, 'cause I'm good at finding out stuff that people don't necessarily want me to know.

My dads keep telling me that being nosy isn't really a good thing, but I prefer to think of it as inquisitiveness. Anyway, I'd use my powers for good, so I think it's okay.

Everyone says I talk too much, so I should probably wrap this up so I don't annoy people too much. Kinda insecure about that, to be honest, but like... I can't help myself. Sometimes I feel awkward 'cause I don't know if I'm talking too much or not and I'm worried about what people might think. Like, 'Oh no, not that guy again. He can never shut up', or whatever.

Okay, that's it, I promise! I'm super pumped about this show, and I can't wait to meet everyone! Bring on the adventure and bring on the drama! Your boy Takashi is READY FOR IT! Woo!

[imgibbon]

A "Brief" History of Shade, the Changing Man & Woman

In the beginning, ie 1978, there was Ditko, and he gave us Shade, the Changing Man, and it was good.

Rac Shade was a Bond-type agent of an advanced society on a world called Meta - not an alien planet, but the Earth-analog of another layer of reality, and journeying between them meant crossing "The Zero Zone" and trying not to run afoul of its Area of Madness.

Shade had been framed for treason and the crippling of his fellow agent and fiancé Mellu Loran's parents, high-ranking government officials. Escaping from prison and heading to Earth and making use of a bit of contraband experimental technology that was being held at his hideout for Earth operations prior to his frame-up, the "M-Vest", he tracks down escaped Metan criminals while also seeking to find the one who framed him, who has been hiding out on Earth by integrating into its mafia underworld.

The M-Vest allowed Shade a range of powers. With it he could manipulate gravity, employ enhanced strength, fire off energy blasts, and gave him an odd force-field that mitigated harm, but was also sensitive to the psyche of those around Shade, contorting to look like a weird image of their fears, as well as reflecting Shade's unconscious thoughts. He was a "changing man" as, to others, he was a constantly mutable and unnerving entity.

Across the 8 published issues (we got issue #9 later, and Ditko purportedly had up through issue #15 plotted out), Shade convinces his superiors of his innocence, returns to Meta, makes up with Mellu, and starts to make his way back to earth to deal with the criminal mastermind behind his framing infiltrating and taking over the Earth observation outpost that Shade's organization had been working out of.

And then the series was cancelled on short notice due to DC being in financially dire straits at the time.

A decade later, in 1988, Shade was rescued from the void of the Zero Zone by The Suicide Squad, joining their ranks in return for helping him liberate his org's outpost as if it were the next issue and he hadn't been absent from pages for a decade since we last visited that plotline. The mastermind is killed during the scuffle, and with him any chances of Shade being able to go home and formally clear his name. Waller and co offer to help him out while he figures out another way home in the meantime.

He ran with the Squad for a good twenty issues, taking part in the giant Janus Directive crossover, and even journeying to Apokolips and fighting the New Gods with them. During that arc, he is talked into making a bad call that betrays the team, though he helps them get out of the resulting mess. In the end, when everyone is zapped home by Darkseid's eyebeams, while the rest of the Squad is blipped to Earth, Shade is finally returned to Meta.

Six months later, mid 1990, Peter Milligan's first issue of the new Shade, the Changing Man hit news stands. And it was... different.

Milligan expanded on Shade's backstory, revealing that Shade had been an aspiring poet prior to being recruited into the agency that trained it out of him, and delving more into Metan culture, while also using Shade as a vehicle for exploring the weirdness of being in a familiar yet alien society he felt as a British man newly moved to America.

After returning to Meta and before he'd had time to reunite with Mellu, Shade's superiors had tasked him with going back to Earth to pick up an assignment that another agent had been on but failed at: figuring out where the Madness in America was stemming from, and stop it from leaking out into the Area of Madness and influencing Meta. Shade had to journey deep into the Area of Madness to get a bead on it, and ended up on Earth by possessing the body of a freshly executed serial killer, unknowingly leaving his original body an empty lifeless husk floating in the void.

He started travelling the States with Kathy George, whose parents were the serial killer's final victims, and the two eventually are joined by Lenny Shapiro, and sarcastic and witty woman in her own right. The three end up in what would today be called a polyamorous trouple, and eventually confront the living embodiment madness of America, which had infected the other agent, driven him insane, and transformed him into what manifested to others as the giant twisted skeleton of Uncle Sam known as The American Scream.

Shade's M-Vest has grown in power, and possibly is just a part of him now, vastly increasing his abilities to raw reality-warping levels. He can more or less just do whatever the story needs him to do now, basically.

Once the Scream had been dealt with, Shade died. Not that that really slowed him down at all. He wasn't even really aware that it had happened. His at this point powerful madness-riddled psyche was keeping him around as a ghost of sorts, and Kathy & Lenny found a recent corpse to posses, as someone had just driven their car into the lake near where they were staying.

They only discovered after the fact that it was a woman.

After a brief detour where Shade transitioned back into being a man (transmasc baybeeeee), he went back to Meta, finally reconnecting with Mellu after what was now some years, only to learn that the agency had told her that he was dead, and she'd met and wed someone else. She has a mental breakdown, asking in tears why he hadn't come home sooner. Taking this in, Shade returned to Kathy and Lenny, to let them know that he was dying again, said his goodbyes, and allowed himself to be killed by the same FBI/Meta duel operative who'd done him in before.

This is where the Vertigo imprint spun up. The next issue, under the Vertigo banner, picks up after a bit of a timeskip, where Kathy and Lenny are informed by the ghost of Kathy's dead ex that angels in heaven have plans for Shade, and they're sending him back, having prepared for him a body to use in the form of a adult man who's been basically braindead since birth and kept in a medical institution. But the angels have kept a bit of Shade's soul so they can exert some power over him, and it's made him a bit less hinged than he used to be.

Shade, Kathy, and Lenny, per the angels' direction, set up shop as managers of a hotel, helping the weird visitors who come to stay there. During their time there, Shade manages to get Kathy pregnant, and Lenny reunites with the daughter Lily that she had in her teens before running away from home.

But as Kathy comes to term and approaches the time to give birth, she is brutally assaulted. She dies, though they manage to save the baby. Shade, however, is not in his right mind, and rejects the child, walking out of the hospital to wander, while Lenny leaves with her daughter.

This, purportedly, was where Milligan intended to end the series. But for whatever reason it didn't, so it kept going, and the status quo was obviously massively different than what it used to be.

After another not-too-lengthy timeskip Shade decides to kill himself, not seeing the point in continuing, though the literal devil sends him back to posses yet another body. Shade, in an attempt to find meaning, sets up shop in a dimensionally transcendental crack in the pavement in NYC, spends some time existing as the floor in a dance studio, and finally goes to check up on his son, George. Who, it turns out, is aging extremely rapidly, due to not being fully human.

Reunitings with Lenny are had, George ages to death over the course of six months, his soul merges with Lenny's daughter Lily, Shade picks up a few more strays in the form of Angela and Sinita, the latter of which he starts a new relationship with, before everything goes tits up again and he decides the solution is to build a time machine so he can fix all of his (and his friends') problems. He prevents Kathy's parents from being murdered, prevents his younger self from joining the agency, helps Lenny out in her youth, etc.

The series ends with Shade and his now-daughter Lily visiting this new revised timeline's version of Kathy to see if they can strike up a relationship with her.

Things apparently didn't go well.

The next time we see Shade outside of cameos is a story arc in Milligan's run on John Constantine, Hellblazer, in 2010. Constantine summons Shade to help with some Madness-related issues he and his fiancé Epiphany are experiencing, and Shade, unable to get together with the new Kathy and Lily nowhere in sight, becomes obsessed with turning Constantine's bride-to-be into an idealized version of Kathy. It doesn't work, and Constantine is able to properly wed Epiphany, but Shade is shown to be crazy and depressed and have basically the powers of a god. In the middle of all of that we also met back up with Lenny, who has cleaned herself up and is now a school teacher, go figure.

The very next year, DC would cancel the Vertigo line, and everything else, and reboot their universe with the Flashpoint event. During it, in a miniseries from Milligan, Shade is forcibly taken back to Meta, where they reveal that A) the vest has grown to be a part of him, and can no longer be removed in a way that matters, and, B) because of this he is, to an extent, immune to all these reality rewrites. Or at least less affected by them. Shade is put in charge of a team, the Secret Seven, but the madness overtakes him (with a bit of help from some double agents for an enemy faction) and he winds up back in the Area of Madness

Afterwards, in the New 52, we see him trying to forcibly manifest a new Kathy with his godlike powers, but apparently not godlike enough, as she just melts when he's not around. He's interrupted by Madame Xanadu, putting together a team, the Justice League Dark, largely comprised of many of the members of the Secret Seven, and tasks Shade in a leading role to help her save the world from some threats she has foreseen.

Milligan wrote this series for the first 8 issues, and when he left, so did Shade (as well as Milligan's other OCs he'd brought to the table), but it served as a nice little coda to his era of The Changing Man that had begun some twenty odd years earlier.

It would then be another half-decade or so before we'd see hide or hair of Shade again. In late 2016, DC started up the Young Animal line, a young adult-aimed successor to the Vertigo imprint, with many of the same faces headlining its titles. And among them was Shade.

Sort of.

The new Shade, the Changing Girl, from writer Cecil Castellucci, starred young adult bird alien Loma Shade, who was raised on Meta and had adopted Rac's last name after becoming enamored with his poetry and counter-culture views while he was acting as a guest lecture at her university before disappearing form Metan society again.

Loma steals what is purportedly Rac's vest, which has been sitting in a museum, and uses it to transfer her consciousness to Earth, wanting to follow in Rac's footsteps, taking over the body of a comatose high school girl named Megan. And leaving her now empty bird alien body behind on Meta for her boyfriend to deal with, oops.

Living as "Megan", she learns about our culture, experiences dysphoria being in a body she doesn't identify with, and explores sexuality, hormones, and learns how to be a better person than she used to be (and than Megan used to be as well). Meanwhile back on Meta, we learn that Mellu, now getting up there in years, is the head of the agency that used to employ her and Shade, and becomes obsessed when learning that someone has stolen Rac's vest and managed to use it, thinking she'll finally be able to reunite with Shade again after all these years.

Eventually, Loma runs away from home, learns never to meet her heroes, has to deal with Megan wanting her body back, and Mellu wanting Rac's coat back. Her original body dies without her soul in it, and Megan's body dies in the process of Megan trying to get back in it. Shade ends up possessing the body of her favorite black & white sitcom star, Honey Rich, who happened to look a lot like Megan in her younger years, and returns it to youthfulness to attend Megan's funeral.

Mellu also gets the coat back and uses it to reunite with Shade, who had left behind the vest for Mellu and was waiting for her in the Area of Madness where time has no meaning.

It was at this point that Loma got caught up in a really bizarre crossover event that involved all the titles in the Young Animal line called Milk Wars, which was largely Doom Patrol focused, but saw Loma splitting in five, each color-coded and embodying one of her emotions Inside Out style, and serving as Wonder Woman's personal helpers in a world overtaken by a weird 1920s aesthetic organization called Retcon. It was very weird lol.

The series then returned with under the new branding Shade, the Changing Woman. We are subjected to a five year timeskip, during which Loma has grown and slipped into old habits, sleeping around with men and women, indulging in food, drugs, and other things to fill the void in her heart. Her friends have all graduated, gone on to higher education, and gotten jobs in their fields. And she still doesn't really know what her place in the world is. So she's been couch-surfing with Rac in the Area of Madness while she figures out what to do with her life.

And in the midst of all that, the giant interdimensional crayfish that destroyed her birth planet, causing her to be a refuge child on Meta in the first place, begin to attack the Earth.

By the end of the final issue in late 2018, Loma and Rac had become one person, Kathy, Lenny, and Lily had put in an appearance, Mellu got some closure, Megan had come back in a male body and tried to hijack Loma's again, Loma's old boyfriend had become a green lantern, and Loma ended up possessing the body of her dying black non-binary friend River.

And that's where the series ended.

And we haven't seen Shade, in any iteration, since then.

[radicalshadow]

Screw it, time to gab about my Pokemon TTRPG

The System

OKAY so first off, the system is City of Mist. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s a ruleslight 2d6 system that’s roleplay heavy. Character abilities (called Power Tags) are created based on who they are as a character! Needless to say, it’s extremely fun. Power tags add +1 bonuses if they can apply to a situation, and you have to tell the GM why they’d apply.

It’s not a Pokemon system by any means, but my GM modified the rules the tiniest bit to make it fit! Stuff like moves and Pokemon abilities are power tags, and she just uses City of Mist’s battle system.

WITH THAT OUT OF THE WAY, our world’s background under the cut…

The Backstory

Five years ago, there was a massive and sudden surge in crime throughout the world. Team Plasma was trying to take over Unova again. Team Flare attempted to fire the Ultimate Weapon. Lusamine was being a horrible mother. Team Galactic summoned Dialga and Palkia to recreate the world.

All of these conspiracies were stopped in time, let it be by promising young trainers, or in the case of Galactic, Sinnoh’s Champion (who cleared out every Galactic location + Spear Pillar in the span of six hours). All, that is, save for one: Team Magma.

Five years ago, Team Magma successfully awakened Groudon.

Five years ago, Hoenn was destroyed.

The calamity struck hard, with earthquakes and harsh weather and the eruption of Mount Chimney. Some people managed to get out safely. Some haven’t been accounted for since.

Despite being seven hours away by plane, Sinnoh happily took in most of Hoenn’s refugees. Leaders even began to share Gyms! Everything seemed to be stabilizing.

This brings us to the present day.

There are still plenty of unanswered questions about Hoenn, especially considering many important people are still unaccounted for. So, Professor Rowan set out to assemble a team to explore the region aboard a research vessel known as the RARAT. Without further ado, introducing:

The Ruby Expedition Squad

Recreo Shirona, of Snowpoint City. Raised by his Sneasel and an expert in Hisuian culture, he’s just as much of an archeology nerd as his cousin Cynthia. He even has several Hisuian Pokemon!

Unknown to the party, he’s also an officer of the International Police with the code name ‘Scholar’. It seems that Professor Rowan gave him some other missions…

Harper Lochstone, of Dewford Town. One of the refugees from Hoenn who’s trained directly under Cynthia as her protege these past five years. She’s been travelling with her Espeon Ruby for years. Only, Ruby isn’t really an Espeon; she’s a Latias.

Returning to Hoenn is deeply personal to her. Not only is it her homeland, but her father stayed behind during the calamity to help with the evacuations. She’s on the lookout for him.

“Emma Sky”, of Snowpoint City. A psychological researcher of both people and Pokemon. She has one Pokemon herself, who she’s only revealed to Harper: a Type: Null.

Her true name is Vivian Silene, aka Commander Mercury. The former Scientific Director of Team Galactic and Cyrus’ protege, she’s currently at the top of Interpol’s wanted list due to her extensive crimes against humanity. Not only is Hoenn a good way to escape the law, but it may also be the opportunity for her to remove the new weakness in her heart…

Those are our PCs, but City of Mist allows us the option to add important NPCs to the party! The Ruby Expedition Squad has two:

Maudie Lochstone, Harper's stepmother. She's the pilot(?) of our research vessel. Of course, she's also searching for Harper's father, considering that's Maudie's husband.

Cyrus Constancy, the spectral former leader of Team Galactic. Five years ago, he was murdered by Giratina at Spear Pillar. Four years ago, he started haunting Vivian and has been by her side ever since.

This is our party so far! We're only four sessions in (including Session 0) so far, but we've had a lot of really good moments! As a bonus, too, I've been writing session recaps as journal entries by Vivian--she's my character, and a little messed up psychologically due to her past as a terrorist.

I may post them here, along with the occasional reblogged session highlight (if Vivian wouldn't know/phrase it in the way that it occurred). So, be aware of all of that!

[maddymoreau]

Dead Space Live-Blog

Chapter: Four Five and Six

Dead Space 1 Complete Live Blog: Click Here

Part 1: Click Here Part 2+3: Click Here

My theory was correct Daina is a Unitologist:

Tiedemann's crew while trying to kill Isaac killed Daina. Rest in piss you were extremely predictable.

From what I understand in the first game it turns out Isaac DID destroy the Red Marker. Isaac was later found by Tiedemann who works with the EarthGov. They took Isaac to the Sprawl where they secretly experimented on him and other patients.

The reason they experimented on them was because they can use the self-replicating signal inside Isaac’s brain as a blueprint to create more Markers.

The EarthGov wants to kill Isaac, since they’re afraid he’s going to destroy their new Marker.

Meanwhile the Church of Unitology wants Isaac so they can use him to create their own Markers.

I'll be honest I'm still confused about everything:

WE'RE TEAMING UP WITH NOLAN 🎉🎉🎉!!!!!!

Unlike Isaac, Nolan has been regaining some of his memory back and knows how to destroy the Marker!!

The Marker is making Nolan hallucinate his dead child the same way Isaac hallucinates Nicole. Except Nolan hasn’t realized it’s not real.

Nolan is also hallucinating two other people. His dead wife and an individual Nolan refers to as HE.

He made them go into a dark machine (unsure if that's the Marker or something else).

Here's my theory on who HE is:

Option 1: He is Nolan. The Marker is extremely cruel to those it's making hallucinate. If he can't remember the fact he killed his wife and child. It makes sense he'd see this tormentor as someone else.

Option 2: He is the head researcher who experimented on them.

Option 3: He is Isaac. I don't know how this would work, but I just think it'd be an interesting twist!

We teamed up with a woman named Ellie!!

I LOVE THIS SQUAD!!!!!

Nolan's little "No 😞" KILLED ME!!!

Nolan 🤝 Me: Being afraid of the dark.

Also I liked this moment between Ellie and Nolan:

ALSO I HATE THE PACKS THEY'RE SUCH A DUMB NEW ENEMY!!!! THEY'RE NOT FUN TO KILL OR SCARY!!! THEY'RE JUST A HUGE PAIN!!!!!!!

I went over all the text logs:

After the events of the first game the amount of planet cracking done was reduced. Planetcracker docks, ships services, mining supplies and tool vendors have continued to experience loss in profit. Just on the Sprawl/Titan Station unemployment grew 9.5%.

Titan Station/The Sprawl continued to make small profit (cash) from the EarthGov's scientific research and operations facilities.

Human Needs and Services Organization have been spared the brunt of the planetcracking collapse by the pick-up in traffic with Government Sector.

The CEC, Concordance Extraction Corporation, the largest solar mining and extraction company (which owned the Ishimaru) while suffering loss in profit was able to somewhat bounce back through their facility in the R&D department of the Government.

CEC's layoffs have continued and have negatively affected recruitment for the Church of Unitology.

Unitologists on the ship were aware the "rebirth" was going to happen on the Sprawl.

EarthGov has tried interfering with the Unitologsits by making Anti-Unitology campagains. Along with reducing the hours Churchs can operate, fire marshal restrictions on the size of revival events and requiring permits to distribute literature.

We also learn how scary the church is when it comes to recruiting new members:

Ranking this information from High to Low:

Desire to socially belong: Unassertiveness: Gullibility: Tolerance for ambiguity: Cultural disillusionment: Idealism: Susceptibility to trance-like states: Self-confidence: A desire for spiritual meaning: Awareness of group influence on individuals:

People were showing symptoms on the Sprawl. We know this through children hallucinating, but these were mistaken for imaginary friends.

Basically there's this big battle for power between the EarthGov and Unitologists, but they both SUCK!!!!

EarthGov took advantage of the planet cracking industry suffering to swoop in and build research facilities (to create their own Marker).

[nameofallteams]

666 Amusing Team Names For All Different Games (Categorized)

Coming up with a funny, catchy team name can add an extra layer of fun to any game or competition. Whether you're playing sports, video games, trivia, or just about any other group activity, a humorous team name can set the tone for a good time and even intimidate your opponents with its wit. To help you find the perfect name, we’ve compiled a massive list of 666 amusing team names, categorized by different types of games.

Funny Team Names for Sports

Sports often bring out the competitive spirit, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with it. Here are some amusing names perfect for sports teams: Soccer - Goal Diggers - Net Six and Chill - Real Men of Genius - The Kickballers - No Pain, No Gain - Footie McFootface - Full-Time Hooligans - Not Fast, Just Furious - The Ball Busters - Misfits United Basketball - Dunkin’ Donuts - Basket Brawlers - Hoops We Did It Again - Net Profits - Air Balls - Hoop There It Is - Alley-Oops - Bricklayers - Layup Artists - The Rim Jobs Football - The Fumblers - Gridiron Goons - Blitzkrieg - Touchdown Turnips - Fourth and Long Shots - The Pigskin Pirates - Fumblelaya - End Zone Enforcers - Punt Intended - Sacked and Loaded Baseball/Softball - Base Invaders - Bat Attitude - Pitch Please - No Hit Sherlocks - The Homerun Hitters - Foul Balls - The Dugout Dummies - Pop Flies - Diamond Divas - The Sandlot Heroes Hockey - Puck Off - Ice Ice Baby - The Frozen Few - Pucking Awesome - Stick Magnets - The Zamboni Drivers - Ice Pack - Blades of Glory - Hat Trick Heroes - The Penalty Boxers

Funny Team Names for Video Games

Video game teams often thrive on creativity and humor. Here are some amusing names for gaming clans, squads, or guilds: First-Person Shooters (FPS) - Headshot Hustlers - Campers Anonymous - Noob Tube - Frag Dolls - Sniper Elite - Killjoys - The Spawn Campers - Flashbang Friends - The Respawn Rangers - Team Deathmachos MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) - Gank Squad - Minion Mayhem - Penta Killers - Creeps and Crits - Lane Pushers - Tower Huggers - The Aces Wild - Raging Riftwalkers - Jungle Junkies - Minions and Chill Battle Royale - Drop Zone Dummies - Victory Royale Rejects - Circle Shrinkers - Loot Lovers - Last Team Standing - The Zone Runners - PUBGlic Enemies - Battle Bus Brawlers - Loot Llamas - Drop and Roll Role-Playing Games (RPG) - The Questioneers - XP Farmers - Critical Miss - Potion Vendors - Dungeon Delvers - The Respawn Rivals - The Level Up Squad - Health Potion Hoarders - The Dragon Slayers - Mana Burners Sports Games - The Button Mashers - Rage Quitters United - The Joystick Juggernauts - Penalty Shots - No Controllers - Pixelated Athletes - Thumb Wrestlers - Glitch Goals - Extra Lives - Score Screen Savers

Funny Team Names for Trivia and Quiz Games

Trivia nights are meant to be fun and challenging. Here are some hilarious team names to add to the experience: General Trivia - Quiztopher Walken - The Quizzard of Oz - Smarty Pints - Quiz In My Pants - The Know-It-Alls - Trivial Pursuers - The Brainy Bunch - Risky Quizness - Let’s Get Quizzical - The Einsteins Pop Culture Trivia - The Pop Tarts - Quizzin’ Tarantinos - The Factinators - The Trivia Newton-Johns - The Masterminds - Culture Vultures - The Sitcom Scholars - Triviaholics - Movie Buffs - Quizzy McGuire History Trivia - The History Buffs - The Past Masters - Quiztorical Figures - Historical High Fives - The Time Travelers - The Quiztorians - Revolutionary Minds - History Heroes - Time Lords - The Ancient Scholars Science and Math Trivia - The Mathletes - Quiztastic Beakers - The Hypotenuse Crew - E=MC Hammered - The Pythagorean Theorems - The Atomic Thinkers - The Newtonians - The Brainiacs - Scientific Methodists - The Number Crunchers

Funny Team Names for Work and Office Games

Bring some humor into the workplace with these funny names for team-building games or office competitions: Office Trivia - Cubicle Comedians - The Spreadsheet Savants - The Office Jokers - PowerPoint Rangers - The Ctrl+Alt+Defeats - The Email Eccentrics - The Keyboard Warriors - The Busy Bees - The Lunch Break Legends - The Meeting Makers Office Olympics - The Desk Jockeys - Stapler Ninjas - The Paper Pushers - Fax Machine Failures - The Photocopy Cats - The Conference Room Conquerors - The Water Cooler Crew - The Overachievers - The Break Room Bandits - The Office MVPs Team Building Games - The Collaboration Nation - The Brainstorm Brigade - The Idea Factory - The Task Masters - The Productivity Pros - The Team Players - The Synergy Squad - The Workflow Wizards - The Deadline Demolishers - The Efficiency Experts Workplace Fantasy Leagues - The PowerPoint Pundits - The Meeting Maniacs - The Water Cooler Whisperers - The Email Exorcists - The Lunch Break Lions - The Spreadsheet Spartans - The Budget Busters - The Workflow Warriors - The Strategy Superstars - The Inbox Infiltrators

Funny Team Names for Board Games

Board games can be intense, but a funny team name can keep things light-hearted and fun: Classic Board Games - The Game of Phones - Monopoly Moguls - Scrabble Scramblers - The Risky Business - The Trouble Makers - Sorry Not Sorry - The Board Game Brawlers - Connect Four Champs - The Clue Crew - The Jenga Jesters Strategy Games - The Strategizers - The Catan Clan - The Risk Takers - The Checkmate Chumps - The Game of Throners - Chess Club Rejects - The War Room Wizards - The Think Tank - The Master Planners - The King’s Gambit Party Games - The Cards Against Humanity - The Charades Champs - Pictionary Pros - The Cranium Crew - The Jackbox Juggernauts - The Party Poppers - The Balderdash Bashers - The Game Night Geniuses - The Social Gamers - The Party Animals Trivia Board Games - Trivial Troupers - The Trivia Titans - The Fact Finders - The Pursuit Squad - The Quiz Masters - The Brain Game Bandits - The Knowledge Knights - The Fact Fanatics - The Quiz Wiz - The Trivia Troopers

Funny Team Names for Card Games

Card games often require wit and strategy, so why not pair that with a witty team name? Poker - The Poker Faces - The Bluff Brigade - All In, No Out - The Card Sharks - The River Rats - The Poker Jokers - Royal Flush Friends 228 - Royal Flush Friends - The Straight Flushers - Pocket RocketsThe Check Raisers - The Full House Friends - The Blind Bets - The High Rollers - The River Kings - The Poker Night Pros - The Chip Stackers Uno - Reverse Uno Champions - The Wild Draw Fours - Uno Mas! - The Card Reversers - Skip Squad - The Uno Bandits - The Draw Two Crew - Color Match Masters - The Uno Sharks - The Wild Card Wizards Bridge - The Bridge Builders - The Trump Titans - The Suit Specialists - The Bidding Experts - The Slam Dunkers - The Double Dealers - The Bridge Bandits - The Rubber Winners - The Trick Takers - The Grand Slam Gang Spades - The Spade Invaders - The Trump Troupers - The Nil Seekers - The Suit Seekers - The Ace of Spades - The Trick Masters - The Bidding Brains - The Sandbaggers - The Trump Team - The Spade Specialists Rummy - The Gin Joints - The Rummy Rascals - The Card Counter Crew - The Meld Masters - The Rummy Royals - The Sequence Schemers - The Gin and Tonics - The Deck Dealers - The Card Combiners - The Set Collectors Hearts - The Heartbreakers - The Queen of Spades - The Tricksters - The Broken Hearts Club - The Shoot the Moon Squad - The Heart Hunters - The Suit Collectors - The Point Dodgers - The Flush Finders - The Bleeding Hearts Go Fish - The Fishing Fanatics - The Card Catchers - The Pair Pickers - The Go Fish Gurus - The Deck Divers - The Pair Up Squad - The Fish Finders - The Go Fish Pros - The Tackle Box - The Fishing Friends

Funny Team Names for Fantasy Sports

Fantasy sports teams are all about strategy, but a funny name can keep things light-hearted and enjoyable: Fantasy Football - The Gridiron Gurus - The Pigskin Prophets - The Sunday Funday Squad - The Hail Mary Heroes - The End Zone Erasers - The Touchdown Tornadoes - The Fantasy Phenom - The Bye Week Brawlers - The Draft Dodgers - The Football Fanatics Fantasy Basketball - The Court Kings - The Dunkin’ Dynamos - The Rebound Rascals - The Hoop Dreams - The Slam Dunk Squad - The Alley-Oop Artists - The Triple Double Trouble - The Fantasy Ballers - The Fast Breakers - The Basket Cases Fantasy Baseball - The Homerun Hitters - The RBI Rulers - The Grand Slam Gang - The Diamond Dynamos - The Fantasy Fielders - The Strike Zone Superstars - The Base Stealers - The Pitching Aces - The Line Drive Legends - The Dugout Dreamers Fantasy Hockey - The Ice Kings - The Puck Punishers - The Hat Trick Heroes - The Frozen Fantasists - The Fantasy Forwards - The Power Play Posse - The Puck Handlers - The Blue Line Bandits - The Stick Savvy - The Fantasy Ice Men

Funny Team Names for Drinking Games

Drinking games are all about having a good time, and these names add to the fun: Beer Pong - The Pong Pros - The Brew Crew - The Bounce Masters - The Cup Stackers - The Sudsy Slingers - The Drunken Dunkers - The Beer Bouncers - The Last Call Legends - The Buzzed Ballers - The Keg Stand Kings Flip Cup - The Cup Flippers - The Flip Cup Champs - The Suds Slingers - The Tipsy Topplers - The Rapid Flippers - The Cup Crushers - The Flip Squad - The Party Flippers - The Drunken Dominators - The Flip Fellas Kings (King’s Cup) - The Royal Drinkers - The Card Commanders - The King’s Court - The Rule Makers - The Cup Commanders - The Card Slingers - The Throne Takers - The Drunken Royals - The King’s Men - The Drink Dictators Quarters - The Quartermasters - The Coin Tossers - The Sudsy Slingers - The Drink Dippers - The Coin Commanders - The Flip and Sip Squad - The Quarter Crushers - The Shot Glass Slingers - The Coin Crew - The Beer Bouncers Power Hour - The Hour of Power - The Shot Clockers - The Sip Masters - The Drink Drafters - The Sudsy Sippers - The Power Pints - The Hour Heroes - The Drinkathon - The Sip Squad - The Hour Crushers

Funny Team Names for Party Games

Party games are meant to be fun and social, so here are some hilarious names to keep the mood light: Charades - The Mime Masters - The Silent But Deadly - The Gestural Geniuses - The Act Out Squad - The Charade Crusaders - The Silent Performers - The Gesture Gaggers - The Expressive Entertainers - The Charade Champions - The Silent Sillies Pictionary - The Doodle Dandies - The Sketchy Squad - The Drawing Divas - The Pictionary Pros - The Scribble Squad - The Artistic Aces - The Quick Draws - The Doodle Dashers - The Marker Masters - The Sketchy Characters Taboo - The Forbidden Words - The Verbal Vipers - The Wordy Warriors - The Unspoken Truths - The Taboo Titans - The Language Limiters - The Speechless Squad - The Word Watchers - The Verbal Ninjas - The Unspeakables Catch Phrase - The Quick Thinkers - The Phrase Fanatics - The Word Whizzes - The Catchphrase Crushers - The Fast Talkers - The Rapid Responders - The Slogan Slingers - The Phrase Finders - The Catchword Crew - The Verbal Velocity Trivia (Party Version) - The Brainstormers - The Knowledge Knockouts - The Trivia Titans - The Mind Masters - The Fact Fanatics - The Quizzical Queries - The Thought Provokers - The Trivia Tornadoes - The Brainy Bunch - The Mind Melders

Funny Team Names for Miscellaneous Games

These names can work for a variety of games that don’t fit neatly into other categories but still require a clever and humorous team name: Cornhole - The Cornholio Crew - The Bag Toss Bosses - The Hole in One - The Corn Stars - The Sack Slingers - The Baggin’ Bunch - The Holey Rollers - The Toss Up Squad - The Bag Masters - The Corny Crew Dodgeball - The Ball Dodgers - The Rubber Bandits - The Dodge Fathers - The Ball Busters - The Dodge Dynamos - The Rubber Wranglers - The Ball Avoiders - The Last Ones Standing - The Dodge Demons - The Fast Reflexes Bowling - The Pin Pals - The Gutter Gang - The Split Happens - The Alley Oops - The Turkey Club - The Strike Force - The Pin Crushers - The Rolling Stones - The Bowling Brawlers - The Gutter Gals/Guys Mini-Golf - The Putt Putters - The Hole in Fun - The Green Machines - The Par-Tee Time - The Mini Masters - The Swinging Squad - The Swinging Squad - The Putt-Putt Pros - The Tee Party - The Hole-in-Wonders - The Fairway Friends - The Puttery Geniuses - The Birdie Brigade - The Par-Tee Animals - The Greenskeepers - The Mini Golfers Laser Tag - The Laser Lads/Lasses - The Beam Team - The Photon Fighters - The Light Brigade - The Laser Legends - The Tag Masters - The Infrared Invaders - The Stealth Strikers - The Beam Dream Team - The Laser Assassins Paintball - The Paintball Punishers - The Splatter Squad - The Color Commandos - The Camouflage Kings - The Paint Warriors - The Splat Pack - The Marker Masters - The Tactical Painters - The Paintball Pirates - The Color Crushers Escape Room - The Puzzle Masters - The Clue Crew - The Lock Breakers - The Code Crackers - The Room Raiders - The Escape Artists - The Key Seekers - The Brain Teasers - The Mystery Solvers - The Door Dodgers Board Game Night - The Dice Rollers - The Game Geeks - The Strategy Seekers - The Board Room - The Rolling Stones - The Game Gurus - The Board Game Bandits - The Monopoly Moguls - The Tabletop Titans - The Dicey Decisions Arcade Games - The Joystick Jugglers - The Pixelated Pros - The Coin Operated Crew - The High Score Heroes - The Game Over Gang - The Button Bashers - The Retro Revivalists - The Token Takers - The Quarter Kings - The Arcade Avengers

Funny Team Names for Casual and Social Games

These names are perfect for any type of casual or social games, whether it’s at a party, a family gathering, or just a fun day with friends: Charades - The Mime Masters - The Silent But Deadly - The Gesture Gurus - The Act It Out All-Stars - The Wordless Wonders - The Mimicry Masters - The Charade Crusaders - The Gesture Giants - The Silent Sillies - The Mime Time Team Catch Phrase - The Rapid Responders - The Quick Wits - The Word Whizzes - The Phrase Finders - The Verbal Velocity - The Fast Talkers - The Slogan Slingers - The Speedy Speakers - The Phrase Fanatics - The Quick Thinkers Family Game Night - The Game Night Gurus - The Family Fun Bunch - The Board Game Buddies - The Dice Rollers - The Tabletop Tribe - The Family Fun-tastics - The Playing Pals - The Game Night Gang - The Family Favorites - The Bonding Buddies Outdoor Games - The Lawn Legends - The Backyard Ballers - The Sun Chasers - The Outdoor Outlaws - The Nature Navigators - The Picnic Pros - The Field Day Fanatics - The Fresh Air Friends - The Lawn Game Legends - The Sunshine Squad Trivia Nights - The Quiz Kids - The Smarty Pants - The Know-It-Alls - The Brainy Bunch - The Trivia Titans - The Quiz Masters - The Fact Finders - The Knowledge Knockouts - The Brainstormers - The Trivia Troop Game Show Teams - The Buzzers - The Wheel Spinners - The Game Show Gurus - The Contestant Crew - The Final Answer - The Game Show Goons - The Prize Pickers - The Lucky Guessers - The Fast Money Fanatics - The Game Night Gladiators Card Games - The Deck Commanders - The Shuffle Squad - The Card Sharks - The Ace of Spades - The Wild Cards - The Deck of Darlings - The Poker Faces - The Royal Flush - The Jokers Wild - The Card Counters

Funny Team Names for Miscellaneous Activities

If your game or activity doesn’t fit into a traditional category, these names might be the perfect fit: Scavenger Hunts - The Treasure Trackers - The Clue Chasers - The Hunt Hustlers - The Finders Keepers - The Search Party - The Scavenger Squad - The Hidden Gems - The Mystery Hunters - The Treasure Seekers - The Clue Crew Karaoke - The Sing Stars - The Mic Masters - The Pitch Perfects - The Vocal Virtuosos - The Karaoke Kings/Queens - The Sound Squad - The Mic Drop - The Tune Titans - The Melody Makers - The Vocal Chords Dance Competitions - The Rhythm Rebels - The Dance Dynamos - The Groove Gang - The Beat Breakers - The Step Up Squad - The Dancing Divas/Dudes - The Hip-Hop Hustlers - The Boogie Bandits - The Funky Bunch - The Move Makers Puzzle Competitions - The Puzzle Pros - The Piece Masters - The Brain Busters - The Jigsaw Junkies - The Puzzle People - The Piece Patrol - The Mind Melders - The Puzzle Wizards - The Piece Keepers - The Puzzle Pirates Cooking Competitions - The Spice Squad - The Flavor Fanatics - The Culinary Kings/Queens - The Kitchen Crusaders - The Heat Seekers - The Cooking Commandos - The Taste Testers - The Recipe Rulers - The Gourmet Gang - The Foodie Friends Photography Competitions - The Shutter Squad - The Snapshot Sultans - The Photo Finish - The Frame Fanatics - The Lens Legends - The Picture Perfects - The Capture Crew - The Shutterbugs - The Flash Focus - The Click Clique DIY Crafting Competitions - The Crafty Crew - The Glue Guns - The Creative Crafters - The DIY Divas/Dudes - The Craft Commanders

Conclusion

Choosing a funny and clever team name can enhance the enjoyment of any game, whether it’s competitive or just for fun. With these 666 amusing team names, you have a wide range of options to suit any game or activity. Whether you’re playing sports, video games, trivia, or enjoying a casual game night with friends, the right team name can make your experience even more memorable. So, gather your teammates, pick a name, and get ready to have a blast! Read the full article

[tourporlaindiaseo]

Dallas Stars

Based in Dallas, Texas, the Dallas Stars are a professional ice hockey team. They play in the National Hockey League's (NHL) Central Division of the Western Conference. The Stars have made a name for themselves in the NHL thanks to their fervent fan base and spirit of competition.

Past Events and Accomplishments: Establishment: Originally named the Minnesota North Stars, the team was created in 1967 and moved to Dallas in 1993. The team's relocation opened up a new chapter, and they soon established themselves as essential members of the Dallas sports scene.

Stanley Cup Win: The Stars' first Stanley Cup victory in the 1998–1999 season was the apex of their achievements. With goalie Ed Belfour, MVP Joe Nieuwendyk, and captain Derian Hatcher leading the way, the Stars won the championship in an exciting six-game series against the Buffalo Sabres.

Regular Contenders: The Stars have consistently competed strongly against some of the top clubs in the league and made multiple appearances in the playoffs. They have developed a reputation as a strong opponent due to their consistent performance.

Important Players: Mike Modano Modano spent most of his playing career with the Stars and is regarded as the best player in franchise history. He is the NHL's all-time top scorer among players of American descent and played a key role in the team's Stanley Cup triumph.

Jamie Benn Benn has been a vital component of the Stars' recent success, leading the squad as captain since 2013. Benn, who is renowned for his tough play and scoring prowess, was named the league's top scorer in 2014–2015 and was awarded the Art Ross Trophy.

Miro Heiskanen: Heiskanen is a rising star in the NHL who has emerged as one of the best defensemen in the conference. He is an essential player for the future of the Stars because of his superb skating, vision, and defensive ability.

Home Arena: American Airlines Center: Situated in Dallas' Victory Park district, the American Airlines Center serves as the home arena for the Stars. The arena offers fans a cutting-edge setting in which to take in thrilling hockey play and other activities all year long. Competitions: Intense Rivals: The Stars have a number of noteworthy rivalries, namely those with the Nashville Predators, Colorado Avalanche, and St. Louis Blues. Fans are captivated by the heated competition and exciting games that these matches frequently offer. Community Involvement: Dallas Stars Foundation: The team supports numerous philanthropic causes and youth activities as part of its active involvement in the community. The Dallas-Fort Worth region benefits from the foundation's initiatives, which are centered on wellness, health, and education. Latest Achievement: Playoff Runs: The Stars have made deep playoff runs in the past few years, culminating in a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals during the 2019–2020 season, further solidifying their legacy. Their effort showed the team's resiliency and potential even though they were unable to win the championship. In conclusion, the Dallas Stars in the NHL have a great past and a promising future. They remain a formidable force in the league, combining youthful, exciting potential with the experience of seasoned veterans. They are a well-liked and esteemed franchise because of their dedication to greatness on the ice and their involvement in the community off the ice.

The Dallas Stars provide an entertaining and thrilling hockey experience that epitomizes the spirit of community and competitiveness, whether you're a seasoned fan or just getting started.

ALSO READ-

Investigate the Golden Triangle: Tour By Tour Por la India Enterprise The Golden Triangle Tour, provided by Tour Por la India Company, will take you on an amazing tour of some of the most famous locations in India. This well planned tour takes you to the energetic cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, highlighting each place's remarkable architecture, rich cultural legacy, and historical significance.

The Tour Por la India Company: Why Choose It? Experienced Guides: Take advantage of the skills and knowledge of knowledgeable guides who guarantee an enjoyable trip and offer perceptive comments.

Comfortable Transportation: Enjoy a hassle-free, pleasurable trip with contemporary, air-conditioned cars.

Customized Itineraries: You can design a tour that meets your needs and interests, letting you take your time discovering the main sights of the Golden Triangle.

The Golden Triangle Tour's highlights include: Day 1: Delhi, the vibrant capital; Historic Landmarks: Start your adventure in India's crowded metropolis, Delhi. Discover historical sites including the striking Qutub Minar, the imposing Red Fort, and the famous India Gate.

Cultural Immersion: Take in Delhi's rich history and culture by visiting its vibrant bazaars, historic temples, and busy marketplaces. Take in the vibrant ambiance of the city while shopping for gifts and sampling delectable street cuisine.

Day 2: Agra, the Taj Mahal's home The Taj Mahal Visit: See the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, when you visit the enchanted city of Agra. Find all about the architectural significance and its intriguing history.

Agra Fort: Discover this additional UNESCO World Heritage Site, the famous Agra Fort. Explore its exquisite gardens, courtyards, and palaces. From the ramparts of the fort, take in sweeping vistas of the Taj Mahal.

Day 3: The Pink City of Jaipur Explore Amber Fort, the vibrant city of Jaipur, popularly referred to as the "Pink City." See the magnificent Amber Fort, renowned for its exquisite carvings, breathtaking architecture, and expansive vistas of the hillsides around it.

Discover the elaborate City Palace and be amazed by the Hawa Mahal's (Palace of Winds) exquisite designs. Explore Jaipur's lively markets and rich cultural legacy.

Day 4: Go back to Delhi Last-Minute Explorations: Use your last day to explore new hidden treasures in Delhi or to return to some of your favorite places. Before you depart, enjoy some shopping, dining, or just lounging around. Available Tour Packages 1. Standard Golden Triangle Tour: All-encompassing Exploration: A comprehensive tour that covers the main sights in Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur and offers a well-balanced blend of historical, cultural, and architectural experiences. 2. Luxury Golden Triangle trip Enhanced Comfort: For a more luxurious travel experience, take advantage of the Golden Triangle trip with opulent lodging, exclusive transportation, and individualized services. 3. Adventure Golden Triangle Tour Exciting Activities: Incorporate thrilling excursions like hot air balloon rides, elephant rides, and guided treks with the cultural exploration of the Golden Triangle. In summary Travelers may discover the rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur with the Golden Triangle Tour from Tour Por la India Company. Whether you're looking for an exciting getaway, a luxurious retreat, or a cultural tour, our packages are made to ensure that you have an unforgettable time visiting some of India's most well-known locations.

With Tour Por la India Company, you may start an amazing adventure by scheduling your Golden Triangle tour right now.

[ahz-associates]

University of South Wales for Studying in the UK 2024!

Summary

The University of South Wales (USW) is one of the biggest and most varied institutions in Wales, with over 30,000 students enrolled. Those who visit its campuses in and around Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, may anticipate a warm welcome. Students at the University of South Wales can select from a variety of graduate and undergraduate programs at its three campuses in Cardiff, Pontypridd, and Newport.

Prominent assets comprise an internationally recognized film school, an award-winning sports park frequented by the likes of Cardiff City Football Club and the British Lions Rugby Squad, and a unique business clinic where students provide solutions to clients facing real-world business issues. Ninety-five percent of USW graduates find employment or pursue additional education within six months of graduation. The school maintains more than a hundred relationships with businesses and professional organizations to assist students in gaining the knowledge and experience necessary to succeed in the workforce.

The real world is impacted by studies conducted at USW. Leading the way in Europe in developing sustainable energy solutions, the school is collaborating with big names in the auto sector to develop the next wave of low-carbon power infrastructure. Approximately 20% of applicants are accepted to the University of South Wales, and 95% of graduates are employed full-time or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.

Past Events

The University of South Wales (USW) is a cutting-edge, industry-focused university that seeks to broaden students' perspectives and equip them for the careers of their choice. This multicampus university was established in South Wales, United Kingdom. It maintains campuses in four different locations: Cardiff, Newport, Dubai, and Pontypridd. Notably, South Wales is a cheap, healthful city with lots of student fun alternatives.

Founded in 2013, the University of South Wales was originally known as Glamorgan University. The origins of this public university can be discovered in the creation of the Newport Institute in 1841. Around 30,000 students, including 3,500 foreign students from over 120 countries, enjoy studying in the UK at the University of South Wales (USW), so you can expect a warm welcome to their campuses in and around Cardiff, the capital city of Wales.

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs at its three campuses in Cardiff, Pontypridd, and Newport. Outstanding amenities include an award-winning Sports Park used by the British Lions Rugby Squad and the Cardiff City Football Club, a world-renowned film school, and a unique business clinic where students provide business solutions to clients giving them genuine job experience.

Places and Accomplishments

The Times University Guide 2023 ranks it 103rd.

The Guardian University Guide 2023 ranks 53rd.

According to the findings of the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), the University of South Wales (USW) has conducted a great deal of top-notch research.

With 81% of USW's research impact rated as world-leading or globally good (4* / 3*), the institution has risen from eighth place in Wales to fourth place in terms of impact in just four years.

Courses University of South Wales Offers

Foundation

Undergraduate

Postgraduate

Research

Student assistance

International students receive first-rate support and direction from the time of enrollment until graduation. A team of immigration and international student advisors at the institution may offer guidance on a variety of subjects, including immigration, cultural differences, and day-to-day living in the UK. Additionally, all kids have access to a play center at USW Pontypridd, a health facility, and a chaplaincy that offers an open and supportive service to all students. In addition, students can become members of the Disability Program, which provides personalized support programs, and the Student Money Advisory Team.

counsel Zones for help with personal or academic matters, a Wellness Program with free counsel, and student advisers who can answer problems even before a student starts university are all available on each campus. The university maintains libraries on each of its campuses, each with a unique set of materials and amenities. Pupils have access to computers, Wi-Fi, books, periodicals, and a number of internet resources. The university also offers tutorials through research skills tutors.

Life as a student

USW is located in a superb region of the UK, offering vibrant towns, picturesque countryside, and stunning coastlines. Students enrolled in a creative course will be housed at USW Cardiff, a contemporary capital city. Pupils will take pleasure in the vibrant live music and art scene, fantastic nightlife, shopping, historical sites, and live sports. Cardiff is one of the UK's leading hubs for media creation, thus opportunities for creative students are virtually endless.

The University of South Wales Student Union hosts some excellent on-campus locations where students may enjoy the best live music, club nights, international parties, and all the major athletic events. with more than 65 sports clubs to pick from, covering sports like rugby, golf, basketball, hockey, cricket, and soccer.

One of the most well-known structures on campus, USW Newport is well situated to enjoy city living. The retail development, Friars Walk, is right over the street and teeming with eateries, pubs, and stores. Although USW Pontypridd is surrounded by lush, open areas and has a vibrant student life, it is only 20 minutes by rail from Cardiff for a night out or shopping excursion. The USW Pontypridd Students' Union makes sure there's always enough to do while you're on campus, even if you'll be a train trip away from the city.

Accommodation

At USW Pontypridd, students live in either Glamorgan Court or Mountain Halls, both on campus. Mountain Halls offers normal or premium rooms in addition to studio apartments.

USW Cardiff provides Liberty Bridge and Liberty Gardens, which are located in the city center with one just across from the campus and the other a short stroll away.

The Student Village at USW Newport offers housing for its students. Just a two-minute walk from school, these brand-new residence halls are located in the heart of the city.

Move around

London can be reached by train in two hours from South Wales, and the region is well connected to Cardiff International Airport. USW offers three campuses in South Wales, all of which are near Cardiff, a small, secure city that is home to thousands of students.

Traveling throughout southern Wales is made simple by excellent transport connections. Newport, which is near the Wales/England border, is just ten minutes away by train, while Pontypridd Campus, which is surrounded by breathtaking scenery and historical sites, is just a 20-minute train ride from Cardiff.

Whereabouts

Traveling to and from South Wales is made simple by the region's close proximity to London via train and Cardiff's international airport.

Tens of thousands of students live in Cardiff, a pleasant, rather compact city, which is adjacent to all three of USW's campuses in south Wales.

Discovering the region is a snap because to South Wales's convenient transit infrastructure. Situated near the borders of Wales and England, the Pontypridd Campus is just ten minutes' rail ride from Newport and twenty minutes from Cardiff.

[recurring-polynya]

It has been 14 hours since I found out that, according to Kubo, Byakuya calls Renji by his given name "because Rukia does" and I am obsessed with this information.

This is both the best and worst possible answer to this question. I feel like if you asked Byakuya, this is exactly the reason he would give. However, if Rukia were present, she would lose her damn mind. While I do think Rukia's assertion that Byakuya didn't look at her even once in 40 years is hyperbole, over that time I can imagine Renji's name coming up in conversation once, maybe twice tops.

Like, two weeks before she goes on her fateful mission to the Living World, B's been shortlisting Vice-Captain candidates, and over dinner, real casual:

B: Rukia. You know your friend?

Rukia: My who now?

B: That friend of yours who shouts too much. The boorishly tall one. With the red hair. Is he in Squad Eleven now?

Rukia (wracking her brain frantically for people Byakuya would consider 'her friend'): You mean Renji?

B: Yes, him.

Rukia: What about him?

B: Is he in Squad Eleven? The Sixth Seat?

Rukia: ...maybe? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

The next day, Byakuya's office, Renji shows up for his job interview.

B: You must be Renji.

Renji: uhhhhhhhh sure why not?

[masseffectechoes]

How do you continue the Mass Effect series in the Milky Way when the original trilogy is so antagonistic to anything being canon?

I'm not talking about Mass Effect 3's ending choices, those are just the tip of the iceberg. Mass Effect’s choice-based design means there are millions upon millions of Shepards, with different names and sexes and races and backgrounds well before we get into the colossal number of choices big and small that shape each playthrough. How do you pick just one of those to be canon?

My "sequel" concept both sidesteps the issue of continuity and embraces the spirit of choice to proudly proclaim that they're all canon. Ludmilla Shepard, the Engineer who cured the Genophage but got her whole crew killed, is canon. Hakeem Shepard, the Vanguard who kept Grunt in a pod and never got drunk with Dr. Chakwas, is canon. Even Shepards who didn't date Garrus or Tali are canon. All of them are canon, because all of them take place in an alternate universe, with similar but distinct variants that make each player's experience unique.

Mass Effect Echoes takes place in a universe much like the one the Original Trilogy introduced us to, reshaped by a single seismic difference: when humanity activates Relay 314, it goes unnoticed by turian patrols.

While this change alone assures a very different reality than the one we're used to, everything changes in 2186, when millions of alternate Shepards' timelines converged with the release of a catastrophic burst of energy. Regardless of what each Shepard chose to do with this energy, the effect is so potent and simultaneous that ripple effects are felt in the Echoes reality, resulting in three major events: all relays shut down temporarily, every keeper in the Citadel dies, and the Reapers, who haven't even begun their conquest of the galaxy, are destroyed.

Mass Effect Echoes begins in 2192, six years after the Surge upends galactic politics. Committed to finding the source of this shutdown out of fear the relays may fail again, a team of scientific ships are combing the galaxy for answers and solutions. And while they dodged the ultimate bullet of the Reapers, the denizens of this galaxy must contend with threats old and new as fear dominates the Milky Way.

As a further meta-commentary on this game’s relationship with the Original Trilogy, a major theme of the game is rebelling against expectations established by the classic games. Your squad is full of oddballs and revolutionaries, and your ship’s resident Spectre is David Anderson’s old friend and colleague Saren Arterius, who thanks to a different First Contact War is now chummy as hell with humanity despite his occasional ruthless streak (tamped down due to lack of radicalization, but still present). That said, my goal is creating a realistic alternate timeline, which means characters who were very young before the timeline split will have radically different lives and will likely not be seen beyond maybe a cameo (sorry Garrus!), and any character born after the split will not exist (sorry Tali!); to use Tali as an example, while it’s certainly possible that her parents had a child in this timeline, and even named the child “Tali” if it was a girl, this version would be more like a sibling than the Tali we know, as the odds of getting the exact same kid are statistically impossible (as twins show, not even identical circumstances of conception guarantees the same appearance or personality). The butterfly effect can be cruel.

A final goal is to explore new sides of the Milky Way in a similar way that Mass Effect 2 provided; your crew includes a raloi (an offscreen race whose introduction to the Council was cut short by the war) and we finally get a batarian squadmate to gain perspective about their culture. It’s frankly weird as hell that the Original Trilogy features only a handful of female turians (DLC-only) and zero female batarians, drell, volus, or elcor (unless we count voice lines from Blasto); the dearth of female salarians and krogans at least gets explained on a cultural level. Andromeda does a decent job rectifying this where it could, but for some reason forgets the position of codified societal power that female salarians have over male salarians (somehow one of them is a receptionist?). All of this will be fixed! We’ll see what an actual galactic civilization would look like without the bizarre absence of folks who aren’t adult men, which means we include children as well here and there (we’re gonna see tiny elcor with slow helium voices if it’s the last thing I do).

If this at all sounds like your cup of tea, read on! I've got a full set of squadmates, three games in a trilogy plotted out, and the nitty gritty of gameplay details (new classes! new powers!) all written up. Enjoy!

[dailyrugbytoday]

Charlie Gamble takes the ball to the line for the Waratahs

New Post has been published on https://thedailyrugby.com/charlie-gamble-takes-the-ball-to-the-line-for-the-waratahs/

The Daily Rugby

https://thedailyrugby.com/charlie-gamble-takes-the-ball-to-the-line-for-the-waratahs/

Charlie Gamble takes the ball to the line for the Waratahs

Missing out on a Crusaders call-up was a blessing in disguise for Waratahs flanker Charlie Gamble, who has thrived in the Australian system and now has eyes for the Wallaby jersey, once he becomes eligible in April 2023.

The Christchurch-born and raised 26-year-old has been turning heads for his physical play on both sides of the ball, proving himself as a standout talent within a loaded Warratahs loose-forward pack that includes four Wallabies.

The competition for playing time throughout Super Rugby Live Pacific will be tough for Gamble and so too will be earning a Wallabies call-up in a World Cup year, but a brief call with Australia head coach Dave Rennie confirmed that the Australia convert is well and truly on the team’s radar.

The Waratahs pulled off the upset of the season by taking

Yeah I had a wee cellphone name with him at the give up of the Super Rugby season,” Gamble instructed ESPN. “It became just proper to have a bit of clarity; you type of listen about all this Wallabies stuff from all of your mates and outside humans, so it’s top to have that little bit of reassurance from him.

He just desires me to paintings difficult and be constant, and also you in no way know what could appear.

But for me, it’s simply in the again of my head, I love this vicinity, I love NSW, I love the Waratahs, the purpose we want to do is win a Super Rugby Pacific and I clearly consider we will do that with the squad we have in the interim.

But I can just put my hand up through acting certainly well, pushing the group, and if we get outcomes here we are going to get extra consequences with picks within the Wallabies.

When transferring to Australia, Gamble’s allegiance didn’t shift without delay, however now as he methods his 5th year in New South Wales, the hard-hitting returned-rower says he’s “truly” immersed in Australian rugby.

The first couple of years I turned into nevertheless a chunk of a supporter of lower back home,” Gamble endured. “But I owe the entirety to Australia and to this membership right here, they gave me this possibility and I’ll be for all time thankful for it.

While inside the Crusaders academy in Christchurch, Gamble determined himself mingling with Richie McCaw and Scott Robertson, absorbing the club’s well-known triumphing culture.

Now, having crossed the trench, Gamble’s joined within the Warratahs surroundings with the aid of the likes of Michael Hooper, Kurtley Beale and Nemani Nadolo; a wealth of worldwide revel in to tap into at some stage in the Super Rugby Pacific marketing campaign.

The aspiring World Cup bolter doesn’t need to look a ways to find a breakthrough Wallabies success tale, Warratahs teammate Mark Nawaqanitawase’s shape in the gold jumper noticed him score attempts in three Tests at some point of the Australians’ Northern Tour.

Chiefs Super Rugby Pacific delay for preseason game

by debrambuhl on January 7, 2023 at 5:23 pm

Chiefs train Clayton McMillan is hoping a choice to delay the start to their preseason will assist them in next year’s Super Rugby Pacific opposition, however admits it may all pass spectacularly incorrect. While most groups have a month earlier than Christmas to get most of the people of their squad on top of things,

All Black Nick Evans joins England for 2023 Six Nations Game

by debrambuhl on January 6, 2023 at 4:02 pm

All Black Nick Evans is the latest to join the new England rugby coaching set-up, being drafted in as attack coach for the Six Nations Championship. Harlequins have showed that Nick Evans, the former All Blacks out-1/2, will join Steve Borthwick’s England as an assistant coach ahead of next month’s begin to the 2023 Guinness

United Rugby Championship: Dragons vs Bulls on Friday night at kick-off 7.35pm

by debrambuhl on January 5, 2023 at 3:38 pm

After losing their last three matches in all competitions, the Bulls will be determined to return to winning ways in Friday’s United Rugby Championship (URC) encounter with the Dragons at Rodney Parade on Friday night. Ollie Griffiths will make his first appearance of the season as the Dragons take on final yr’s crushed finalists Vodacom

Joe Marler has been banned for two weeks for comments to Jake Heenan

by debrambuhl on January 4, 2023 at 3:24 pm

Joe Marler has been banned for two weeks with a further four weeks suspended for comments made towards Bristol flanker Jake Heenan. Harlequins and England prop Joe Marler, who accepted a charge of conduct prejudicial to the game, made the remarks during the first half of Tuesday’s Premiership match that reportedly related to Heenan’s mother. The greater 4-week suspension

Harlequins and England prop Joe Marler defeat by Bristol on December 27

by debrambuhl on January 3, 2023 at 5:06 pm

Joe Marler has had a lucky escape and his Six Nations hopes are still alive after his latest brush with controversy saw him banned for an initial period of just two weeks. Harlequins and England prop Marler started a fracas in his team’s defeat by Bristol on December 27 when he insulted the mother of Bears forward

“It just indicates what can manifest,” Gamble stated of Nawaqanitawase. “He had a setback on the begin of the year and wasn’t getting any selection, I don’t suppose he got picked for the primary four or 5 (Waratahs) games.

“So to peer a person like that, who knew his ability, simply paintings tough and dig away, he didn’t drop his head, he took the ones steps after which he turned into in our starting aspect, then he made Australia A after which onto the Wallabies, it become outstanding.”

[recurring-polynya]

I hope you wanted a novel on this, because I have a lot of feelings on this topic. I love this meme!!

So for starters, I avoided writing Bleach fanfic for a long, long time because I am an extremely basic white girl with zero knowledge of anything and it felt very presumptive to write something entirely set in a culture that is not my own. Then, at some point, I read a fanfic where they killed Keigo in the literal first sentence and I said "it's fanfic, you can do what you want, maybe you need to get over this." And the fact of the matter is, I have learned so much through the process of writing, like way, way more than I ever would have through just reading. So if anyone else has the same hangups as me, all I can say is, be respectful, do your best, listen to others, we are all learning and growing all the time.

If any of my answers are inconsistent with my actual writing, it's because I've been learning a lot as I go, but in some cases, I stick to what I've been doing, even if it's wrong, for consistency's sake. I will do this until I can't stand it anymore, at which time I will switch over. Life is too short to go back and edit old fanfic over naming conventions (or eye colors, sorry Orihime).

By what names do you refer to characters in Bleach? (Family? Given? Personal nickname?) Is there rhyme or reason to this?

I have names in my head that I call all of the characters, which I think correspond mostly to how they are primarily addressed in the anime--it's first names for all the human world characters (including the Vizard). Most of the shinigami are by family name, except for Rukia, Renji and Byakuya. Um, and Kaien, for some reason. No, it's because he's a Shiba, because I also think of Ganju and Kuukaku by their given names. Yoruichi is Yoruichi, but Urahara is Urahara. Arrancar and Quincy are first-names (which I have not really thought of before, but I assume are their given names. Who even gave them their names?? Imagine naming a baby "Grimmjow." Imagine it.)

2. If applicable (e.g. you write fic/art with dialogue/RP/have character convos in your head) -- How do you have characters refer to each other (names/titles/honorifics)? Is there rhyme or reason to this?

I usually write in close third party perspective, and go with how I think the POV character would address the other characters, which is not always the same out loud as it is in interior monologue. Obviously, this also depends on circumstance, too-- in a casual setting, Renji calls Rukia "Rukia," but if he's at a formal Kuchiki thing, he call her "Lady Rukia" and if he's referring to her in a non-casual work setting (such as referring to her in conversation with his subordinates) he calls her Lieutenant Kuchiki. There are also characters who exist in sort of a marginal space (namely the lieutenants), where it depends on who else is around and what the tenor of the conversation is. If *just* the Nerd Squad is getting drinks together, it's given names, but if the Squad 11 guys are there, too, it goes to family names, like it's somehow less intimate, idk.

I had been writing for a while before I found out that Byakuya canonically addresses Renji by his given name constantly, so Byakuya always calls him "Abarai" in my fanfic. If I were starting over again, I would do it the canon way (and believe me, I think about sockpuppeting myself and making a new fanfic identity at least once a month to escape all my Mistakes, but I don't b/c I'm pretty sure my writing is too recognizable to pull it off). Renji will occasionally think of Byakuya as "Byakuya" or refer to him as thus in conversation with Rukia (although he's more likely to say "your brother" or "the captain"). I've had him call Byakuya "Byakuya" to his face, like, twice, and once it was the day Ichika was born, and only because Byakuya had called him "Renji" first, that's the level of emotional weight it carries. Squad Six name culture is inscrutable and I like to keep it that way. People will just start talking about "Kuchiki" you just have to infer the rest from context. People from outside of Squad Six definitely cannot follow a conversation between two Squad Sixers. Rukia just barely can, in the way that Renji can follow Byakuya's fastest attacks, but only by squinting a lot and really working at it.

I almost never use honorifics because I feel weird and fake doing it. Every so often, I will be writing something, though, and it just feels necessary. I cannot explain this, but every time I write Hinamori, she just wants to use the honorifics. This happens with Orihime sometimes, as well.

I have Rukia mostly call Byakuya "Brother." I think I would prefer to use "Nii-sama", but that doesn't fit with anything else I do, so I sigh and deal with it. She will occasionally called him "Byakuya" but I usually have some reason behind it, although it would take ten pages to write out which situations this would encompass. I mostly have him call her "Rukia" but I will occasionally have him call her "Sister," usually when he's feeling particularly Brotherly.

I do occasionally have characters call each other nicknames, but I try not to be obnoxious about it. Since I don't use honorifics, I just have Momo call Hitsugaya "Shirou," which I think is close enough to canon. I'm not sure if people actually call Yumichika "Yumi" in canon, but I will occasionally have characters call him that, mostly Ikkaku and Renji. I think Renji is a nickname giver, tbh. He regularly calls Rukia "Ru," in my stories, but he's also been known to use "Mo" or "Zuru" or "Shuu" for his other friends as well. For some reason, this is not all a placeholder for using the more familiar honorifics, it's more like he's just too lazy to use someone's entire name, and he's Renji, so he gets away with it. Also, at this point, I don't know who canonically calls Chad "Chad" and who calls him "Sado," because the various translations use "Chad" a lot more than they should, and it messed me up, so I have everyone call him "Chad" on the grounds that Ichigo's speech patterns are contagious. This is another one of those things I would probably do differently if I could start over again.

I do tend to use Mr., Ms., etc in the places where -san would be used. I follow the European/British conventions for titles, where Byakuya is Lord Kuchiki because he's the head guy. Hisana (if applicable) is Lady Kuchiki, but Rukia is Lady Rukia, because she's the younger sister, not the Lady of the Kuchiki. At home, their personal servants call them by Lord or Lady Firstname, though. I am still trying to figure out how they address their servants, which is pretty important to the fanfic I am working on now. I am pretty sure I started doing this because most American movies that portray fancy people in other cultures just make them vaguely British. I regret this decision a lot but I'm kind of stuck with it at this point.

Why WHY does Viz use three different words to translate fukutaichou, which is one word? W H Y. A normal person would have picked one and stuck with it, but ha ha ha, not me, because I like words and I like the way words sound and I like being able to mix it up. I want to emphasize that what follows is based entirely on my brain vibes and not on any sort of facts. "Lieutenant" is a rank. "Vice-Captain" (hyphenated) and "Assistant Captain" (not hyphenated) are job titles. Not that there are any unattached lieutenants, but in my heart, there could be. All of these are capitalized when used as part of an address ("Lieutenant Abarai") and not generally ("the lieutenant"). "Assistant Captain" is more than "Vice-Captain." It's not really proper to call someone just "Vice-Captain" without their name after, but I have characters do this on purpose to imply casualness/familiarity (most, it's my OC, Choei who does this, but it's to mirror the fact that Renji and Rangiku refer to their captains as just "Captain"). How do I reconcile this with the fact that there is just one word for captain? I am sad about it. I wish there were three words for captain, too. * The hyphenation is not a thing I made up. Vice is generally hyphenated, except in the case of vice president. "Vice-captain" as a term is primarily used in sports, which makes it even funnier to me.

3. What proper nouns or speciality vocabulary (zanpakutou, etc.) do you use in Japanese vs. in translation? Do you use both interchangeably?

My primary term for any shinigami-related stuff will be the Japanese term, but I will use the English translation as a synonym when I want to keep my writing varied. "Zanpakutou" is a special case, because "sword" or "blade" are sometimes appropriate synonyms, and sometimes not. It's not even so clear-cut as to say that when I mean the spirits, I don't say sword, because they are always sort of a sword, even when they are being a nue or whatever. Once again, I go by vibes. I do not respect the Zanpakutou Rebellion Arc, so I decide what pronouns I think various zanpakutou go by. (Sode no Shirayuki is a "she", Zabimaru is a plural "they" and I haven't written a whole lot of Senbonzakura, but I think they are drifting towards a he/she/they in my mind) I will use "it" sometimes if I am referring to the physical sword, but I otherwise use the swords' proper pronouns, altho I have been moving towards using the proper ones at all times. I think "it" is fine if you don't know anything about another person's zanpakutou, but it's a sign of respect and closeness if you do know. I could probably write another entire post around the etiquette of interacting with other peoples' zanpakutou.

I used to use the English names for attack names, but I have switched over to using the Japanese names, I think that's better.

Rukongai district names stay in Japanese. (Is this even a thing outside of the Renruki sub-fandom? I feel like I see Inuzuri as Hanging Dog a fair amount, but no others. Maybe it's just because Hanging Dog is such a poetic and picturesque name)

I will also use Japanese words for specifically Japanese things. I write a lot about food, and I will generally try to use the proper name for the food, primarily, but I will use English synonyms or descriptions for it, both because, as I say, I like to vary my word choices, but also, I don't want to make my reader google stuff and I do not want to be a person who does footnotes. So, like, I'll say they're eating oden, and later refer to it as "the stew." Other things that go in this category includes clothing and architecture/furnishings (like engawa or shoji).

I cannot explain this, but I like to use some of the more esoteric English translations for things in the manner of "this is the old fashioned/more formal way of saying something." Like, I sometimes have Rukon people say "the demon arts" instead of "kidou" because it's mysterious and inscrutable to them. (I said I cannot explain this, but I think it's a function of my internal echolalia, where I just like the way phrases feel, bouncing around my brain, and a lot of these more elaborate translations have some real Autistic Fizz to them. Court of Pure Souls! House of Godly Gears! DOOM. BLAST.)

4. Do any of these answers differ depending on whether you’re speaking/writing casually vs. ‘formally’ in your fic/art/RP/meta/etc.?

Yes, at least the given name vs. family name thing. As I said above, I take great care in my writing to have the forms of address meet the character and circumstances. For Tumblr posts that I actually took some time to write, I generally just try to have things match, which is to say, I try to either refer to everyone by their given name or by their family name. Sometimes this is immensely painful. I am absolutely not consistent between Tumblr posts. If I'm tweeting about characters or talking about them in chat/verbal conversation, I'm just wilding, I might call someone anything.

5. Any misc. pedantic thoughts not covered by Questions 1-4?

I feel like at some other point, there was a question of "how do you hear the characters in your head?" I am first and foremost, a dialogue-driven writer, so I absolutely hear the characters saying their lines "in voice" in my head. The problem is, I watch exclusively subs, so these voices exist as some weird mashup of what their voices feel like to me, but in English.

In my fanfic, I (try to) spell out squad numbers, i.e. Squad Six, not Squad 6.

B3 mentioned Rukongai naming conventions, and I wanted to add that I assume most souls can't identify most districts by name. Seireitei people know the innermost few, and there are some districts that are famous (or infamous) for particular things. If you're from the Rukon, you know your own and the ones nearby. I think in the Gotei, it's more common just to refer to them by number, and that you would usually only use the name if you (or the person you're talking to) had a personal connection to the place, and knowing/using the name of the place your friends are from is another sign of familiarity and closeness. Or, for example, I once had Hisana know, by name, which district Kira's family had their estate, and he got a little embarrassed about it, because, based on the difference in their status, that's not a thing she should have bothered to know.

This was such a fun topic! Thanks for suggesting it. I don't know if anyone cares about my ramblings on this stuff, but I sure had fun writing this.

Worst Bleach Meme Ever

Not to be pedantic (except yes, I will happily own this pedantry 100%) but something I am really interested in/curious about is like, what are your Bleach AP SC Style Guides? Like, whether it’s a matter of subconscious taste or intentional consistency (or lack thereof):

By what names do you refer to characters in Bleach? (Family? Given? Personal nickname?) Is there rhyme or reason to this?

If applicable (e.g. you write fic/art with dialogue/RP/have character convos in your head) – How do you have characters refer to each other (names/titles/honorifics)? Is there rhyme or reason to this?

What proper nouns or speciality vocabulary (zanpakutou, etc.) do you use in Japanese vs. in translation? Do you use both interchangeably?

Do any of these answers differ depending on whether you’re speaking/writing casually vs. ‘formally’ in your fic/art/RP/meta/etc.?

Any misc. pedantic thoughts not covered by Questions 1-4? 

Feel free to answer/skip whichever questions you like! It’s a meme, do whatever you want lol

[interact-if]

And the next person for Religious Heritage Month,

Mako, author of The Shadowwalkers

The Shadowwalkers takes places in the Oath of the Landwalker universe, on the fringe of the action set in the main book series. Enschka is a large continent, surrounded on all sides by seas, oceans and mountain ranges that keep it away from the rest of the world. Home to six very distinct races, Enschka has been the theatre to a thousand-year war between the traditional and ritual-heavy Ahn’né people of the Dreaming Woods, and the Islander warrior culture of the J’kaï. Each of the remaining four races had to take sides in this sprawling conflict that affects the entire continent.

The people of Enschka wield a power that has many names, but is commonly referred to as The Particles. Each race is able to use and master it in their own ways, and they’ve built their strengths around the Particles. The Ahn’né call it irha, ‘the centre’, and those who become skilled in its use, irhamek, or masters of irha. Fighting in such a long-lasting war has made most of Enschka’s people into warriors and soldiers, and the  Ahn’né   youth is no exception.

You are an Ahn’né soldier, on your graduation day in the Military Academy of Ahn-Seriel, the capital city of the Dreaming Woods. Born in one of three ethnic groups, you belong to House Haravel, and during your time at the Academy, you showed such incredible skill that you gained the Queen’s Notice, a rare and incredibly high praise. That recognition won you something else, however: a space in the secret Ashto’ïreq Guild, the Guild of the Shadowwalkers.

Now a graduate of the Military Academy of Ahn-Seriel, and a secret member of the Ashto’ïreq, you are sent to the front on the Coast to fight against the J’kaï for the very first time in your life. You will survive, whatever the cost, and help your unit with the unique abilities of your Guild.

Meet your unit, build your squad, train and improve your skills, but remember to take some time to get to know the people you’re fighting alongside of. And if you happen to uncover a conspiracy that seems to span the entire continent of Enschka and run deeper than the secrets of your own Guild, well...

You’re the one in control here. Let’s see what choices you make.

• Read more about The Shadowwalkers here.

• Mako’s Ko-fi and Patreon.

[INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT UNDER THE CUT]

Q1) Tell us about your project(s)!

My game is called The Shadowwalkers, it's a high-fantasy interactive fiction set in the world of The Oath of the Landwalker, which is a multimedia series I've been working on for over eight years. The main part of that project is a book series, which is nearly complete, and The Shadowwalkers happens in the same timeframe as the books. You play as an actual secondary character, though with a lot more options for customisation, as you're taken through a world where war and found families are core themes you'll have to deal with.

Q2)  Why did you choose to write interactive fiction? What drew you to the format?

Like I mentioned, this is all part of a bigger project for me, one that means the world and that I've poured so much time and love into over the years. When I read my first interactive fiction a while back, I was completely taken aback by the format, having never encountered it before. I enjoyed it, but never thought about it twice. Then I read what is probably my favourite IF to date, a Tale of Crowns. I fell in love with the genre. I had been looking for a while now for a way to write more for my secondary characters, and instead of the novella I was planning, I went all in on this. The interactivity, the choices, the ability to build an experience rather than simply a narrative, was too good to pass up on. The Shadowwalkers was born.

Q3) How have your identity and beliefs influenced your work?

Oh Gods, heavily. The original book series in this universe is choke-full of references and hommages to my faith, from deity names to holidays and customs. So of course, since the IF happens in the same universe, those influences came with. In my religion, there is an enormous focus on nature and the trees in particular. The alphabet and language I invented for this series were inspired by the actual alphabet we use. I incorporated prayers and dedications, and many characters share beliefs and customs of my community. There is truly no way to experience The Oath of the Landwalker world and not have my religion mixed in.

Q4) What aspects would you like to be more explored or represented in media regarding your religion?

Well, I mean it's obvious that any representation would be nice, since we have close to none at present. What scares me, and honestly offends me a bit, is how often we're confused for Wicca, or even paganism in general. The first in particular is so offensive to me, because of how much the founders of Wicca actually stole from my people and my community. So I'd love if my religion and community could be represented with a bit more research, and not say we don't exist anymore and are a dead religion, or worse just paint us as backwards savages, or witches, or “trend-chasers” looking for the next cool thing when our families and communities have been in this religion and with these beliefs for thousands of years.

Q5) What are you most excited about sharing related to your project?

Honestly, all the worldbuilding work I've done over the years is paying off, the people who played the alpha of my demo all said the worldbuilding was their favourite part, so if I manage to release the demo this year, I'm so excited to share this with you. Hopefully I can also teach a little about this religion and this community that matters so much to me and share it with the incredible IF community.

Q6) A tiny bit unrelated, what's your favorite religious event?

Oh man, definitely Beltane. Though Candlelights is a close second. We actually celebrated Lugus' Feast a couple of days ago so I baked some bread and went out to harvest wheat and it was such a good time. But Beltane, oh my. It's probably our biggest celebration with the Three Nights of Samonios and the Summer Solstice. Before the pandemic, it was all ribbons and flowers and we celebrated the loving unions in our community, so handfastings and Bonding ceremonies and stuff. People going out into the night to make Beltane babies, dancing around the pole to wrap your ribbon around, cooking, so much cooking, singing, praying, it's so much fun.

Q7) Any thoughts or advice you'd like to give to fellow authors or readers?

You have so much to tell as an author that you never want to “kill your baby” as they say. I'd be a little less brutal. Learn how to trim. How to edit. Before leaving the house, always take one thing off. This is the best advice I could have received to mae these eight years into something shorter, with a finished story at the end.

Readers, diversify. You don't realise how deep you've gotten into your comfort zone before you learn that there's an IF author out there who's a Gaulish Polytheist. Who's Kurdish. Who writes about Polynesian gods, about polyamory, asexuality, myths and monsters you've never heard of, stories you've never been told. Look out for more, always. Learn to love what's different, it'll make you a better person, and you'll get so much more stuff to read.

[shamelesslypoetic]

On Translation and Dubbing: an Attack On Titan manifesto by a freshman languages major and a passionate, auditory person with zero credentials

Inspired by my third rewatch in anticipation of the new season, and my growing curiosity concerning the differences between the sub and dub versions. This post isn't for people who assume dubs are all trash compared to subs, but a good-faith analysis. You can prefer the sub, and still stick around to read.

Naturally, as an absolute sucker, I start with something Levi/Eren focused, but if anyone wishes to read more of my ramblings, I will share my thoughts on other aspects; such as Yuki Kaji's phenomenal emotional range, a comparison between his role and Bryce Papenbrook (I consider Eren his best work) the infamous roar vs screech when Eren is a titan, etc

This hypothesis examines Captain Levi across a few episodes, and specifically a handful of my favorite rivaereri moments in late season 1.

One base rule I have learned at university so far is that a good translation isn't a literal one, but one that takes the intended meaning and completely rewrites the text while retaining the original meaning from the source language (SL) as much as possible within the linguistic, social and cultural, confines of the target language (TL). Grammar especially can make this task tricky in many instances, as you can sometimes find in sub translations that sentences may feel clunky or awkwardly worded. There is so much to consider when examining both a sub and a dub's job. A dub places more importance on its task because it needs to retain fluidity in the spoken language as opposed to simply delivering the meaning. It restates, and makes emotion more pronounced, which it must.

So without further ado, here are a few from the endless list. 

Episode 18

Okay so I'm sure we're all familiar with the moment that happens just before Levi puts his back to Eren and protects him from his squad, when they were doing the experiments and Eren couldn't transform.

As Levi approaches the well before Hanji does, the dub says "Eren! Enough! We're done for today!" while the sub version is "the experiments are on hold."

Let's break it down. 

At face value a simple command such as "enough, we're done for today" doesn't look all that different from "the experiment is on hold" except it does and the tone says so much. First he calls Eren's name. When he does, it feels like he is reaching out for him. Secondly, "enough", it's such a small word, six letters, and yet it feels so important. When I first watched the sub version, I couldn't believe it was only "the experiment is on hold". The fact that the dub cast and crew went out of their way to make Levi sound concerned instead of just stating an impersonal fact. It shows how he cares more clearly. I know it's a small difference and many people who only enjoy the sub ship ereri, but for me it stood out. He says "enough," because he knows on instinct this would weigh on Eren, and he doesn't want him to unnecessarily exert himself and hurt, because he knows Eren is the type to keep going till he collapses, he just knows. Even in the early days, he understood him really well. Then, you end with the beautiful "we're done for today" because it's like something inside him won't stand to have Eren keep going. Sub Levi's words being "The experiment is on hold" was like we'll keep going, so what if he's tired, if we can fix it we'll go on, it's worth the risk. Dub Levi is almost irrefutably "that is enough. You will now rest because you are a kid first and foremost, not a weapon to be used at my disposal and I will not treat you like one". He wants Eren to rest. The whole remainder of the day. Sub Levi didn't even specify. 

The dub makes it all the more impactful when we see the confused shock on his face as his eyes fall on the blood and Eren's torn up hands and that look in Eren’s eyes, who is not wincing in pain, but looking up at them disappointed in himself. Levi must think, god fucking damn can you believe this boy?

Maybe I'm reading too much into it. I welcome any refute to this by the way; I love hearing other people's thoughts. 

Closely followed by the first instance, the next scene shows Levi asking whether the bite marks on Eren's hands have healed (personal headcanon, but could it be that his grumpy attitude was not only bred from anxiety about the mission but also anxiety for Eren's health and well being? Isn't the fact that he asked him about his healing first rather than anything else indicative? Don't  we sometimes lash out in anger when worried? Just a thought.) 

When Eren says no, Levi ends their conversation in two ways. 

Sub: "This is an order. Do something about it."

Dub: "Pull it together. And yes, that is an order."

The "order" part in the second half feels like an afterthought, merely an incentive for Eren to get better. 

Then, while he is standing between his squad and Eren, "My instincts tell me so" vs the dub's urgent, earnest, overlapping "a gut feeling". (Emotional translation: I trust him, ya fucks, that's why, now get away from my boyfriend.) 

"How do you feel?" vs the dub's "So are you feeling okay or what?"

Let us take a look at a slightly earlier scene when they were talking about how to restrain Eren if he goes rogue before they went ahead with the well experiment. 

Sub Levi, about Eren's limbs: "They'll grow back like a lizard, right? Disgusting." You can find actual repulsion in the words. The dub is more mellow: "Matter of fact they'll probably grow back lizard style. Creepy little bastard." It's amused, it's light, it's like a term of endearment. Like he accepts what Eren is and thinks it's something to poke fun at, not something to be revolted by. "Style" even implies a quirky flair. 

Honestly the little gestures to make Eren feel more accepted are so sweet, especially coming from a bitter old man. Levi knows no one else would offer Eren this sort of acceptance. They are too scared. And the fact that Levi understood Eren so well after such a short time together speaks volumes. Many believe a good relationship is built on acceptance and comfort and understanding. I feel like Levi offers all that. That they both understand and accept and relate to each other in many ways, but that would make up an essay on its own. 

Another moment from the same episode. "I doubt they felt nothing when they drew their blades on you" vs the dub's "Whatever that might have looked like out there today, I can promise you that every single one of them was conflicted."

The first one feels more impersonal only saying what needs to be said and trusting Eren to gather the rest for himself, and that is a really valid interpretation but the second one, oh my goodness. When does Levi ever promise someone something if it's not a life and death situation? When is he ever gentle? With Eren. Only with Eren. He's so earnest. There's almost a vulnerability.  He didn't need to say I promise, but he chose to. He wants Eren to feel safe and assured. He wants to be someone Eren can trust without fear. He wants to give him this one thing because he knows Eren is going through so much. The weight those two little words hold "I promise". Levi does not make promises lightly.  Seriously, has Levi ever promised anything when it was not when someone was dying, or someone's dying wish? 

Yeah, exactly. When it comes to Eren.

Generally dub Levi's voice is more expressive, and I didn't notice before now, but as an auditory learner (and I know this is nerdy bear with me) who never read the whole manga (I should) and wants to see as many instances of her ship as possible, it really did have an impact. Even when it's just Levi with no reference to Eren. Levi is already so poker-faced and guarded, he hardly shows any emotion. Which does not mean he does not feel, but that he chooses to hide what goes on in his brain. The fact that his voice would show some of that emotion is a relief. 

I can't believe sub elitists go "it doesn't sound like Levi". What sounds like Levi, I ask? A cold, robotic deadbeat? Because that's not what he is. Some of us are slow on the uptake and need to hear the clarification rather than being told or trying to analyze for ourselves, and some of us see more in him than the bloody fidget spinner.

I know I'm being a bit presumptuous but bear with me. The dub gives him nuance. Like I said, Levi is already outwardly emotionless enough, we need this bit of insight. I know others prefer the sub, which is valid, and it follows from his general personality that he would guard his tone, but I don't think it would be that easy. We can police our expressions, our posture, our general attitude. We can try to level our voices and words, but eventually they will warp into what we're really feeling and betray us. Even if the words don't. 

Episode 18

Sub: "Eren! Hurry! Decide!"

Dub: "Eren, come on, make up your damn mind!"

The second one, just from the words, feels a lot more urgent and personal, doesn't it?

Now I don't mean that sub Levi/the Japanese VA is bad. That would be a blatant, ignorant lie. I think it is all up to interpretation of the voice actor on how to characterize Levi and I think they both do a good job.

I don't know Japanese so maybe I'm entirely off my mark, but I feel like even the text we get in sub is probably not entirely accurate. Especially with languages like Japanese where specific words can hold so much extra context and nuance just by how they're spoken, that even just writing it as subtitles probably removes a lot of that to make it make sense in English. A problem known as lack of equivalence at word level clearly states that languages do not describe universal concepts.

Each language comes with its own history and set of experiences. Everyone's experience of the world is different. Language describes life as experienced from different perspectives by different people. Not all languages contain a word-for-word correspondence. One word may be translated into two or more words or even a sentence in one language, and one word has many meanings in both languages.

Aka, shortfalls in the sub are less anything to do with the VA (for japanese speakers he is probably phenomenal), and more just the nature of sub translations making it kind of stiff. Which is why I think restating the words is worth the effort, even if it sacrifices some of the original meaning. The feelings and connotations delivered will change from language to language. So, simply to make the reader truly appreciate what is being said in a way they can understand and more importantly feel written in their native tongue, not as something morphed into their native tongue. It is a worthy interpretation. An artwork in its own right. Pardon my translator ass this is literally my major and language holds so much; emotion and meaning and intent and the words we choose and how we choose to phrase them really make a difference. 

Sub Levi perhaps stays truer to the character. Additionally, I'm viewing through a very narrow lens since I haven't watched many of the sub episodes. But his tone rarely changes. And for Levi we really need nuance, we need inflection and tone and we need specific phrases. He is hard to understand. This reframing and voice work make him easier to grasp. I want to emphasize again that I love both versions. I could ramble on about this forever. I could also say a lot about Yuki Kaji, Eren's VA, who is a fucking masterpiece all on his own. The emotional range, guys. Top notch.

But this is about Levi and the ereri gold mine. So let's get back on track. 

Episode 19:

Sub Levi: "Here we are, after everything we said at the trial. If we go back empty-handed, who knows what'll happen to Eren and us?" 

Dub Levi: "That whole song and dance in the courtroom and this is what we've got to show for it. We scurry back now with our tail between our legs, Eren's right back in chains or worse."

This is probably me being very nitpicky, but notice how the emphasis is on Eren. The first one was everything they "said" at the trial, which is more generalized. I would assume "song and dance" refers specifically to Levi beating Eren up since it is an idiom that, in other words, means an exaggerated theatricality. Or at least that is what I gathered when I first heard it. And again at the end of the sentence he calls attention to what will happen to Eren, like he is actually worried about him, and mentions nothing of anyone else. There is no "us", his focus seems to be directed solely towards Eren. 

I gathered two things from this quote. One, Levi is still torn up about what he had to do to Eren at the trial, even if he won't show it to Eren himself. With that, antis can choke on their abusive Levi theory. Two, he is worried about Eren's fate. He doesn't want him to get trapped, or hurt. There is a specificness that is not there in the sub "right back in chains" vs "what will happen". It's a minor rephrase, but I personally think it is worth noting that Levi feels disdain for how Eren was treated. Moreover, the sub could be just interpreted as what will happen to the weapon of Eren and whether the scouts will they still have custody of him. The dub leaves no room for that as it puts all the focus on Eren and what punishment he may receive. 

Episode 21:

Sub: "This voice. Don't tell me..." and Dub: "That roaring. This isn't good."

Okay I think I like the sub better here actually. Because of the usage of the more humanized "voice", immediately knowing it's Eren, they both implied that, but the second half of the sub accentuates Levi's denial of the terrible occurrence he doesn't want to believe has taken place.  

Another instance in episode 21: 

In the sub, Levi asked Mikasa if Eren died, specifically asked. In the dub, he said it was unlikely that Eren survived. The former is more optimistic, and has more faith that Eren is alive, as if he wants to believe it. The dub version implies he has already resigned himself to the worst. 

We also have episode 22:

"He's alive. Filthy though." vs the dub's "He's alright. Disgusting, but alright." Notice how the emphasis and what Levi ends with is reaffirming Eren's well being, almost as if he is trying to reassure himself after thinking the boy was certainly dead. 

Oh also, this isn't official but, we are all familiar with Matthew Mercer's (Levi English VA) "confession" to Eren, right? That's a treasure and a half on its own.

To conclude I would just like to inform you that the word "enough" is what kick-started this absolute spiral. Ironic, isn't it?

Anyway, as an English speaker this is the only perspective I can offer. If Japanese speakers refute everything I've said, I wouldn't be able to lift a finger in argument except to talk about the language I know. 

In the end, it's all a matter of subjective taste and everyone is valid, but I hope I may have inspired you to reconsider the aot/snk dub if only the tiniest bit :) 

I hope you enjoyed this essay. Let me know what you thought, and thank you so, so much for reading!