#the apotheosis was upon them op

[noobsomeexagerjunk]

in comparison to op and most others this has unpopular opinions??? maybe??? eh it's my ranking + explanation

1. The Haunted Mansion

i am very biased to Connor and Schlatt's characters so them being developed in this episode immediately makes this a top favorite

like we are immediately greeted with one of the few bg characters of our narrative turning out to be, as Karl claimed "a person with no friends", but yet demonstrates the most basic decency of friendship and team player spirit throughout the episode

this was also the point in which the Inbetween became explicitly untrustworthy, like something about Karl's frustration at the end of the Tale makes this one stand out so well amongst other Tales and makes him question why exactly he was travelling in the first place

2. The Masquerade

the first time Karl travels as himself! the cast list here was impeccable and has such good chemistry

i really like the Egg arc developments this episode gave, as well as the comedy in this one and is one of the more memorable tales eps

3. The Wild West

Karl's first victory! A tale in which without his interference, could've devastated a town

this is the episode that encourages Karl to travel more and reinforces his character's desires to feel important and significant

the citizens were such riots and so were the bandits!

4. The Village That Went Mad

i would have rated this higher if Karl had a physical presence here, but this was episode 2, but the lore that tied to this thing is why this is above Mizu

it's something about the hilarity and wacko shenanigans of the villagers, of the intimacies and feelings within their lives being punctuated with murderers on the prowl for blood

i think i grew attached to this more thanks to Ponk and Foolish for adding further context of the episode's events, one in a way Karl's supposed recorded tale narration could not, like the magical stranger who gifts Jack and Bob statues that are the implied cause for their bloodlust, or how Helga was so heavily sought after by most men in town

5. The Lost City of Mizu

i think the impact of this ep diminished overtime but its probability still lingers enough for me to appreciate this ep

this is where the time traveling becomes confirmed, how seeing through the eyes of a fisherman and waking up to a destroyed home just haunts and reckons

it's the way the narrative we cherish gets twisted overtime, of people with small to big legacies, to rooms little explored and the rooms (according to the ccs) that weren't explored at all

it's the exploration of what people can do with the history they are given, truthful or not, how simple souls of the past are objects we of the future force through apotheosis

6. The Pit

idk why i wasn't endeared to this episode as most??? i love the cast list and a good lot of the duels but idk maybe it's the plot of this one being mostly focused in the inbetween section, or rather the revelation of the Other Side

perhaps it's the creeping tension from some of the players, particularly Ran, or how Karl had to obey the whims of a fickle emperor who makes people fight for his entertainment if not out of some archaic yet futuristic pursuit of strength in combat

and then when the Inbetween snaps at Karl's disobedience, of the mystery he and us are left with upon greeted with the black castle hosting a white tulip

7. The Beach Episode

this was a really good ep but like, there was not much other than treasure finding

how this was a proper tale isn't exactly explained either lmao

8. The Town That Never Was

this was made before the tales thing all started and this one was the rockiest

while I like the intended value of the ep, looking back even then it could have been executed better

I mean, this was made back when El Rapids and Dry Waters were spontaneously made

Just for fun: Ranking the Tales-Episodes from Best to Worst.

1 - The Wild West 2 - The Village That Went Mad 3 - The Pit 4 - The Lost City of Mizu 5 - The Haunted Mansion 6 - The Masquerade 7 - The Beach Episode 8 - The Town That Never Was

Reblog with your Rankings! I’m interested how the spread is.

[garrus-vakkarian]

A Really Long List of Recommended Music

I have been asked in the past to recommend Video Game OSTs, Movie OSTs, et cetera so I decided to make a huge masterpost of the songs I listen to when trying to study/relax/et cetera.

About This List:

It contains exactly 193 songs of varying background/styles. The vast majority of them are from video games and are thusly classical/orchestral. A few of them contain lyrics, some are 8-bit, some are a bit more techno. My goal was to provide a wide variety of songs that many may not know about.

I have included the composers, but not where the song is featured, simply because: a) the video linked will include it’s source  b) I didn’t want to make the list any more ridiculously long than it is. 

Please let me know if any of the links are broken!!!

The YouTube Playlist

Dedicated to: @pathfindersara <3 <3

Adagio for Strings, Op. 11 - Samuel Barber The Adventure Begins - Christopher Héral Alas, The Dragon Shall Break - Brad Derrick Alexius - Trevor Morris All of My Birds - Jessica Curry Almost Home - Thomas Newman "American" Suite in A Major, Op. 98b, B 190: II. Allegro - Antonín Dvorák "American" Suite in A Major, Op. 98b, B 190: Moderato -  Antonín Dvorák "American" Suite in A Major, Op. 98b, B 190: V. Allegro -  Antonín Dvorák Apotheosis - Austin Wintory Aragami - Two Feathers The Arc - Dynamedion Atonement - Austin Wintory Aurora - Jeremy Soule Aurora - Jessica Curry Aztec Theme - Roland Rizzo

Baba Yetu - Christopher Tin Balaenoptera Musculus - Austin Wintory Ballad of the Goddess -  Hajime Wakai & Takeshi Hama Balmorra - Multiple Composers Barrow Hills - Tilman Sillescu Betus Blues - Danny Baranowsky Bicameral Mind - Ramin Djawadi Bóg Się Rodzi - Geoff Knorr Bohemian Street Jam - Jerry Martin Born Unto Trouble - Bill Elm & Woody Jackson Bowerstone - Russel Shaw Brazil Medieval Theme - Geoff Knorr The British Empire - Brian Tyler Bundle of Joy - Michael Giacchino A Bunny Can Go Savage - Michael Giacchino Business Office - Jarred-Emerson Johnson

Can O’ Salt - Danny Baranowsky Caranx Ignobilis - Austin Wintory Carnival of the Animals, Finale -  Camille Saint-Saëns Carnival Overture - Antonín Dvorák Carry Me Back to Her Arms - Jessica Curry Chapter 6 Menus - Danny Baranowsky Time’s Scar -  Yasunori Mitsuda The Citadel - Richard Jacques & Jack Wall City of Jerusalem - Jesper Kyd City of Rome - Jesper Kyd Civil (Explore) - Ben Prunty Colette Shows Him Le Ropes - Michael Giacchino Comrades in Arms - Brad Derrick Corprate Ruins - Inon Zur Czech Suite, Op. 39- V Finale -  Antonín Dvorák

The Dalish - Inon Zur The Dalish Encampment - Inon Zur Dancers on a String - Garry Schyman The Dark World - Arata Iiyoshi Darla Filth Offramp - Thomas Newman <- one of my favorite songs ever Dead End Alley - Bill Elm & Woody Jackson Delphinus Delphis - Austin Wintory Detroit City Ambient - Michael McCann Devil N’ Bass - Danny Baranowsky Dragon Age Inquisition Theme - Trevor Morris

An Early Harvest - Jessica Curry Edge & Flight - Solar Fields Elizabeth - Garry Schyman Elves at the Mercy of Men - Inon Zur Enchanted Forest Pursuit - Christopher Héral Everybody Wants to Rule the World - Tears and Fears, arranged by Scott Bradlee   Evil Reawakened - Russel Brower & Glen Stafford Exit Music (For a Film) - Ramin Djawadi Ezio’s Family - Jesper Kyd

Factory (Vivid Transparency) - Various Fast Track to Browntown - Danny Baranowsky Fearful Odds - Anthony Gonzalez & Joseph Trapenese Finding the Pattern - Jessica Curry Firebird Suite (1919 Version) - Igor Stravinsky <- song makes me cry First Day - Thomas Newman The First Hunter - Ryan Amon, Tsukasa Saitoh, Michael Wandmacher, Yuka Kitamura, Cris Velasco, Nobuyoshi Suzuki For Ever - Jessica Curry Forest Funk - Danny Baranowsky Forgotten Vale - Jeremy Soule From the Wreckage - Sam Hulick

Gao Shan Liu Shui - Geoff Knorr Geralt of Rivia -  Marcin Przybyłowicz Germany Theme (Industrial Era) - Geoff Knorr The Glasshouse with the Butterfly - Tomas Dvorak Global Union Anthem - Dynamedion Greed - Danny Baranowsky Guardians of the Past - Trevor Morris

Helium-3 - Dynamedion Hengsha Daylight - Michael McCann The High Seas - Brian Tyler Home - Michael McCann Hungarian Dance No. 1 - Johannes Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 2 - Johannes Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 4 in F Sharp-Minor - Johannes Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 5 - Johannes Brahms   Hungarian Dance No. 16 - Johannes Brahms

I Was Born for This - Austin Wintory Icarus - Michael McCann Illusive Suite - Jack Wall The Imperial Legion - Brad Derrick In Case of Trouble - Darren Korb Introduction - Solar Fields

Jacknife - Solar Fields The Jedi Steps and Finale - John Williams

Kaer Morhen -  Marcin Przybyłowicz Khi Tasira - John Praesano King’s Row - Derek Duke Klayman’s Theme - Terry Scott Taylor

Land of the Sun - Tilman Sillescu The Last Mariner - Inon Zur The Last of Us - Gustavo Santaolalla Light of Nibel - Gareth Corker &  Aeralie Brighton Losing Control - Michael Giacchino Lutece - Garry Schyman

Main Theme - Andrew Hale Main Title & Theme - Ramin Djawadi Mall Rat - Jerry Martin Manny & Meche - Peter McConnell March of the Resistance - John Williams Medieval Theme - Christopher Héral Memories - John Paesano Metallic Monks - Mark Morgan Minstrel’s Lament - Jeremy Soule Moving Ground -  Christopher Héral Myliobatis Aquila - Austin Wintory

Naru Embracing the Light -  Gareth Corker & Rachel Mellis New Beginning Part 1 - Andrew Hale New Beginning Part 3 - Andrew Hale New Eden - Solar Fields New Tristram - Russell Brower & Laurence Juber Nilin the Memory Hunter - Oliver Deriviere Norway Theme (Atomic Era) - Rolland Rizzo & Phil Boucher Numbani - Derek Duke

Of the People, for the People - Inon Zur Opened Way - Kou Otani Opening Credits - Michael McCannn Ori, Lost in the Storm - Gareth Corker &  Aeralie Brighton Orlais Theme - Trevor Morris L'Oscurita dell'Ignot -  Yoko Shimomura, Ishimoto Takeharu,Tsuyoshi Sekito Osteoglossum Bicirrhosum - Austin Wintory

The Path of Shadows - Twin Feathers Pines of Rome - Ottorino Respighi The Planets: Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity - Gustav Holst The Planets: Uranus, the Magician - Gustav Holst

Reaper Chase Suite - Clint Mansell Reconstructing Science - Mike Morasky Reunited - Geoff Knorr Road Most Traveled - Jeremy Soule The Road of Trials - Austin Wintory Russia Theme (Medieval Era) - Geoff Knorr

Sacrificial - Danny Baranowski Sanctuary - Utada Hikaru Sea Theme - Paul Romero Secret of the Forest -  Yasunori Mitsuda &  Nobuo Uematsu Secrets of the Louvre - Inon Zur The Secret of Monkey Island - Michael Land (Orchestral Version) Selassie’s National Theme - Geoff Knorr Senya, the Enforcer - Multiple Composers Seriola Lalandi - Austin Wintory Set Sail, Coming Home - Darren Korb Seven Hunters - Dam Mantle Mix - Hidden Orchestra Shaded Woods - Twin Feather Shoshone Sun Dance Songs - Geoff Knorr Silver For Monsters - Percival Schuttenbach Snake Eater - Cynthia Harrell Some Place We Call Home - Piotr Musial Sovngarde - Jeremy Soule Special Order - Michael Giacchino Spike in a Rail - Darren Korb Spikeroog - Mikolai Stroinski Still Alive - Lisa Miskovsky Streets of Venice - Peter McConnell Sweetwater - Ramin Djawadi

A Tale of Sim Cities - Chris Tilton Team Building - Michael Giacchino Temptation Part 2 (Burglary) - Andrew Hale Terminal March - Darren Korb This World - Ramin Djawadi Three Banners: Fanfare - Brad Derrick Through the Valley - Jeremy Soule The Time Has Come -  Peter McConnell & Daniel Teper To Glory - Two Steps from Hell A Trail of Hope - John Paesano Trespasser: Dark Solas Theme - Trevor Morris

Uncharted Worlds - Sam Hulick Under an Ancient Sun - Jeremy Soule Undiscovered - John Paesano Upon the Expanse - Geoff Knorr

Volskaya Industries - Derek Duke

Wake Up, Ciri - Mikolai Stroinksi Wall Rat - Michael Giacchino We Will Not Be Forgotten - Austin Wintory Welcome to Bright Falls - Petri Alanko The Western Approach - Trevor Morris Will the Circle Be Unbroken (Choral) -  Marc Lacuesta Whispers of Oxenfurt (Instrumental) - Mikolai Stroinski Window Washer’s Dream - Robi Kauker The Wonderful Star’s Walk Is Wonderful - Yuri Misumi Woodlands - Jarred-Emerson Johnson Wow - Thomas Newman

[azoriumarchives]

apotheosis.

         “There's no need to worry.”

   Like a knife through butter, his voice drives out the nothingness that once filled Makoto's vision. Though for a moment, he has trouble registering what's going on. Is he dead? Was the voice his guide to Heaven? It would make sense, shockingly. Nyx's unstoppable advance was still fresh in his mind despite his disorientation. He remembers it all—her power, his helplessness... But to be killed just like that despite everything he and the others had gone through? It kind of stings. ( And that's putting it lightly. )

   He can leave all his worries in the past, though. If this really is the afterlife, then suffering should be a thing of the past. With that mindset, he exhales, slowly taking in the appearance of the paradise many have fantasized about. The light is certainly radiant. Almost blinding, even. But it manages to illuminate the velvet that surrounds him rather well. It’s peaceful looking. Maybe this really is paradise.

   …Wait. Velvet?

         “—Ow!” If that voice didn’t snap him out of his thoughts, the sudden thump against his head certainly did. It felt like a book. In fact, it was a book. And its owner seemed rather pleased with herself. Oh, yes. Elizabeth’s smirk barely hid her mischievous intent.

   Golden eyes hovered over him with a look that complimented her playful air, “You seemed like you were daydreaming. I thought I would wake you up.”

         “Yeah… Thanks for that.” Sarcasm at its finest. Makoto’s specialty.

   Even Igor couldn’t help but chuckle at the spectacle.

         “There’s no need to worry.” When Makoto looks his way, the tall man continues. “This isn’t the afterlife, you know… You’re still alive.”

         “I got that part.” He shoots a perturbed glance over at the attendant staring at him innocently. Normally, he’d be inclined to believe that they were both dead too. But the pain inflicted upon him a moment ago is an unmistakable sign that they’re alive. He’s alive. “But why am I… you know, here? Just a minute ago, I was—”

         “Ah, yes. Quite the ruckus is going on outside, isn’t it?” The understatement of the year. Even Igor knows that. “You’ve done well to hold on this long.”

         “But, I—”

   The second he rises from his seat, he trips on his words. How could he not? The memories of his defeat just won’t go away. Now he’s left wondering if there’s even a way to stop the Fall. And whether there is or not, is he even strong enough to carry it out? That uncertainty gives way to doubt. And doubt brings forth dejection. His face is a clear sign of just how hopeless the battle now seems.

         “…I tried.” And failed. That’s what’s constantly going through his mind now. “I’m just not strong enough… Not against—”

         “Do you remember what I told you?” interjects Igor, now standing up to meet Makoto’s doubtful gaze and inching closer to the defeated boy. “How the strength of your Social Links will determine your potential?”

   The distance between them is practically nonexistent now. Even Makoto can’t help but look on in surprise. Was he always this tall? Though he has to admit, the unusually steadfast look Igor has does help in reassuring him a little. Enough so that he can look him in the eye without hesitation.

         “Listen.” A hushed tone; most likely spoken due to how close they are to one another. “Can you hear the many voices? Each one’s power is limited… But they all reach out to you… Can you feel them?”

         “Voices…?” Makoto’s tone matches the man in front of him. Although his uncertainty is dwindled, his response assures that it’s still present. “I don’t think so…”

   Placing a hand on his shoulder, Igor nods as if to guide the lost boy. “Close your eyes and listen carefully. Their voices may be faint, but certainly you hear them…”

   Nodding obediently, Makoto shuts his eyes. But the pitch black void he expected is instead a boundless white light. ( It’s bright enough to make him wonder if he even closed his eyes to begin with. ) From out of the light, figures appear. And from those figures, voices call toward him in unison. He knows these people—yes, of course. Classmates, friends, associates… All the people that have stuck by him throughout the year—from the boisterous Maiko to the reluctant Tanaka of all people—reach out to him, just as Igor said they would. Their conjoined words don’t confuse him in the least, either. Somehow—someway, he’s able to understand them. Their words, their thoughts, their emotions, all of them.

         “I’ll always have your back, Makoto.” Kenji. There’s no mistaking his voice. Bubbly as always. “All I can do right now is pray… But, whatever it is, man… I know you can do it.”

         “I know you’re facing a difficult task… But, I truly believe that you can overcome any obstacle.” Hidetoshi always did think highly of him.

         “Something frightful’s going on… but we won’t give up.” That’s Bunkichi for you. Age has done nothing to dull the man’s confidence.

         “That’s right, dear…” And Mitsuko’s gentle voice compliments his outgoing nature so well. It always has. “Makoto-chan wouldn’t want us to lose hope…”

         “Something crazy’s going on here, but I know you’re out there doing all you can, Makoto! So I won’t lose my cool, either. You taught me that.” Kazushi. Always so carefree.

         “Because you gave me hope… I’ll be alright.” Her voice may be timid, but there’s no mistaking Chihiro’s resolve. “So please, hang in there…!”

         “Oh God, this can’t be happening!” It’s a distorted voice. Almost unrecognizable at first. But the manner in which they speak makes their identity clear to him. No one is as hysterical as Maya. “I wish I could talk to him, and calm myself down… I don’t even know what he looks like, but I hope he’s okay… He has to be. I can feel it.”

         “Makoto-kun, I know you’re trying to stay focused… You were there when I needed you. I hope I can do the same.” He can still picture Keisuke beaming at him. That smile was always so reassuring.

         “Hey, Makoto-kun… Can you believe what’s going on? I know you must be doing everything you can, so I will too!” Nonchalant and unflinching. Not many things managed to get under Yuko’s skin.

         “Everyone else is scared, but not me… You showed me how to be tough! I won’t give up!” She may be a child, but Maiko means every word she says. He knows it.

         “Makoto-sama… ‘how are you doing? I ‘ope you are okay… I am ‘ere for you… like you were zere for me!” Bebe’s selflessness is evident in his words.

         “What on earth made me think of you at a time like this…?” Yep. Even now, Tanaka sounds so reluctant. But it’s charming, in a way. Certainly empowering. “Well, I suppose you did teach me a thing or two about loyalty…”

         “You must be fightin’ the good fight right about now…” Mutatsu. Gruff, crotchety, and well-meaning. As if he’d expect anything less from the old coot. “Well, you taught me that runnin’ away never solves nothin’. So I’m here for ya’, kid.”

         “I’ll take on any challenge that comes my way, without complaining about it… You taught me that, Makoto. I bet you’re fighting right now too, huh…?” There’s a competitive tone in Mamoru’s voice. Concealed behind his concern, but it’s there. And it serves as a means of motivation.

         “You saved me, Makoto. I was so blind before…” Nozomi sounds as thankful now as he did when he made his resolution. “I’m sure you’ve got things under control, right? You always do.”

         “I know—”

   That voice—the last one he expected to hear—startles him enough that he almost opens his eyes. But his tone is so gentle… As if all the anguish he once bore was never there to begin with. It isn’t the first time he sounds at peace, but Akinari’s words still impact him greatly.

         “I know I’m not the only one who’s suffered… You’ve endured a lot, too… But you can’t just give up… You taught me that.”

         “Can you hear them?” Igor’s voice echoes through the light, setting itself apart from the others. “These are the voices of hope that wish to help you… Separately, they are weak. But together, they will bring about a great change in you. Now is the time to draw on the true strength of the bonds you have forged!”

   As if they can hear Igor’s excited voice, everyone before Makoto nods collectively. And in an instant, they vanish. The surrounding light becomes brighter as a result, shining brilliantly without even the slightest sign of ceasing. If it wasn’t blinding before, it is now. So much so that Makoto opens his eyes at last.

   Only to be greeted by that same light, cloaking a mysterious card in its radiance, now placed firmly in his hands.

         “What—?”

   Both Makoto and Igor’s faces are similar; painted with surprise upon seeing the card that floats above the boy’s hands. But while Makoto is stunned to the point of silence, Igor is absolutely enthused.

         “I never dreamed of seeing that card with my own eyes… This is indeed a surprise!”

         “What is it?” Makoto never takes his eyes off of it, even as he’s questioning the man.

         “Behold!” Igor throws his hands in the air. Since when did he have a flair for the dramatic? “The last power you and I shall unveil… It is the power to bring about a new beginning, or the ultimate end. It may be possible now, with this newfound power… You may be able to defeat the one who cannot be defeated!”

         “—Seriously!?” With widened eyes, Makoto’s gaze becomes much more intense. His astonishment is impossible to conceal now. “What kind of power is this…?”

         “What you have in your hands is the power of the Universe…”

         “The… Universe?”

   Igor nods, “Nothing is outside the realm of possibility for you now.”

   With a snap of his fingers, the card fades. And with it, so do Makoto’s doubts. He can’t explain how, but the fear and uncertainty that gripped him just a few moments ago are gone. Even his face is completely relaxed now.

         “We will soon reach your destination.” Elizabeth chimes in after being silent for so long with eyes fixated on the wall behind Igor. Makoto had almost forgotten that this place was an elevator.

   Chuckling, Igor continues, clearly amused at the sudden turn of events. “It seems that, in addition to Death, fate has also dealt you the wild card. You must accept your destiny.” Makoto nods and he sits, placing both hands under his chin like normal. “Our contract has been fulfilled… I have completed my role as well. You were truly a remarkable guest… Makoto Yuki.”

   Suddenly, the sound of metal scraping against metal reaches a crescendo. As does the ticking of the clock that looms above all three of them. If he hadn’t remembered that the Velvet Room took on the appearance of an elevator, Makoto definitely would have done so at this point. As Elizabeth said, his destination is finally within reach. It’s no secret that he had no idea what it was when they first mentioned it to him. But now?

   Now he understands.

   His eyes are fixed forward when the elevator finally stops. He doesn’t even flinch when light peeks through the opening doors. A confrontation with the divine and the end of a long-fought conflict—all that and more await him out there now, and he welcomes them without hesitation.

   And so, Makoto takes that first step out of the Velvet Room. Toward the Fall. Toward Nyx.

   Toward Destiny.