#the dark side does hold some symbolic elements of addiction I think you could use it as a metaphor for that if you were of a mind

[vaguely-concerned]

Obi-Wan's feelings about Anakin after Revenge of the Sith and especially once he finds out Anakin didn't die give me such a precise feeling, one that I've otherwise only ever felt in Andrea Gibson's 'Photoshopping my sister's mugshot' (which is a beautiful poem but big cw for substance abuse and addiction themes and having a loved one in that situation):

not me falling off the wagon of my unforgiveness running to the police station begging them to replace your photo with the negative the dark side in full light

. . .

it isn't the right exposure because you were also the kindest person I ever knew and that in itself has been its own dark room considering the ugliness is to scale considering our family tree and how there isn't a person who loves you who isn't dead on the branch how loving you less might have been the sweetest gift I could have given my own life but how that sweetness would have rotted God's teeth when every Christmas morning you woke me at four am more excited for me to open my stocking than you were to open yours how do I say that to a judge and not sound insane how do I say the truth isn't the right filter the truth knows nothing of who you almost were but I do

I do

'loving you less might have been the sweetest gift I could have given my own life'. like. yeah. if only it worked like that

[horizonwitch]

The Archangel Theory - A Possible Explanation to MCR's new symbolism

Hello! This is a very long post, but I hope it’s worth the reading. Sorry.

I am Nana, and today I bring you a fan-theory on the meaning behind MyChem's symbols presented to us in the occasion of the band's return announcement and later on, at the actual reunion concert day.

First Considerations:

1. being it, as the title implies, a fan-theory, I do not claim any of the exposed to be factual when associated to MCR. I bring this thread to you guys in hopes that we can discuss, expand, teach and learn with each other, and maybe come to some sort of conclusion. Riddles are fun to play, especially together. I love riddles in fandom experience. :)

2. I highly apologize for my limited vocabulary and weird phrasing. I am not a native english speaker, but I'll try my best to make this understandable to everyone;

3. Despite my personal beliefs and stupid jokes, I mean no disrespect to any religion or symbol mentioned in here. (just as much as I believe MyChem also doesn't, on the wild possibility of this thread being on point with what they planned, lol).

That being said, before we start, I have some thanks to give:

this theory was only put together thanks to my lovely mychem group chat, composed by Raffs, Clara, Caroline and Hana. thanks for all the time and effort we shared, and for holding my brain with your bare hands when it was about to melt, friends.

Also thanks to Frank Iero himself, for laughing at me on twitter for me not being able to understand the reunion clues, despite "wearing a California 2019 shirt for 6 years". I humbly accept the possibility of this theory having nothing to do with the truth, but I sure hope I can laugh back at you in the end, rat. I love you.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now, let's finally head to The Archangel Theory, or, as I like to call it, The “If We're Not Careful We'll Turn Into Catholics” Theory, and how it all started.

It was Halloween. Everyone here was minding their own damn business (I was being a clown on twitter, Hana was putting on her badass revenge-themed makeup. You know, the usual). And we all know what happened: MCR raised gracefully from the dead, dropping brand new symbolism and a stunning angel image to our poor panicked hearts. A few days later, when Hana’s crying ruined makeup was long gone and everyone calmed the F down a little bit, people started to ask themselves: okay, cool, but what does it mean?

Like many of you, the first thought that crossed my mind was tarot. Because, well, how f-ing cool would it be, right? I draw tarot everyday. I just loved the idea. Mychem posting a latin countdown with some eerie photo was just… yea, I was very excited with this.

Many of us also associated the symbols with past albums and even with the members themselves. All of these theories are very valid to me, and I loved reading them. I agree with many points raised.

Well, everything was fine (as fine as it could be, because I am so damn curious). The Return concert happened at the faithful date of December 20, California. We all freaked out and enjoyed the noble services’ of days_fate and diet_shampoo’s streaming. All that jazz.

But then: well… another angel. I started to think to myself: is this a pattern? The show ends, we get very emotional, everything is okay (i hate this pun) with the world. Frank Iero makes a post-concert post on instagram, talking about how everything was pure Magick. With a K.

For those unfamiliar, this is an occultist term related to Aleister Crowley’s Thelema, to differentiate the religious concept from the “stage magic” that we are used to. A very carefully picked name that I highly doubt someone would drop around without knowing what it implies.... Don’t even start me with the K and C keys being so damn far away from each other on a keyboard.

At this point me and my groupchat were starting to be very done with Frank’s clownery (we indeed love him very much for that), and so we started to hurt our minds every single day since then. that’s the result:

THE ARCHANGEL THEORY

Let’s Return™ to the basics: angels and, probably, tarot.

Funny enough, there are actually angels in tarot cards. There are many types of decks, but for this we are using the most famous one, which most people believe holds ancient symbolism, The Rider-Waite Tarot.

There are many angels and archangels mentioned in the Bible (only a few by name, tho), but only four of them made it into being represented in tarot cards: Uriel, Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. Let’s get the gang together and meet the holy crew (please, forgive me for the puns).

Uriel:

whose name means “the light of god”, “the flame of god”. It’s the Wise Angel, often pictured as the one who holds books and scrolls and bears holy knowledge and understanding. or Clarity, if you will. They’re sort of the goth one™, associated with the Tartarus and being pictured as pitiless as any demon would; even holding the key to Hell during the end of times, Uriel is described as the angel who watches “over thunder and terror”. Uriel is sometimes even mistaken for a demon (apparently, the eastern catholicism accepts Uriel identity as an archangel, while the western catholicism gives more credit to its dark side, and does not encourage worshiping); this duality comes from the notion that very often, enlightenment may be the end result of dark times. Every archangel has many, I said MANY symbols attached to them, so other elements associated with this angel can be found on the image attached to this post.

About Uriel’s Tarot Card: if you were raised in a catholic family and slept through as much catechism as I did as a kid, maybe you’ll be surprised to know that Lucifer, Satan and Uriel are all different beings. Let it be a lesson: no matter how edgy of a teen you are, please accept knowledge from any possible source. Putting this thread together would’ve been so easier to me now if I did, haha... That being said, our angel Uriel is actually the Devil in the Devil Tarot card, which meaning touches on addiction, obsession, feeling imprisoned or restrained, but it being only an illusion of powerlessness. This card is an invitation to free yourself, fight distractions and temptation, and finally fulfill your destiny. Please, consider that tarot readings are very deep and variable; there’s extensive books only on tarot meaning, so I won’t explore much on each card. that’s just a very general notion.

Some sources also consider Uriel to be the responsible for the change represented in the Death card, despite not being directly pictured in such card. As stated before, Uriel is associated with the concept Death brings, being a turning point, and ending route.

The symbolism presented in the Devil card (as for the Rider-Waiter deck):

“At the foot of the Devil stand a man and a woman, both naked and chained to the podium on which the Devil sits. They appear to be held here against their will – but look closer, and you will notice that the chains around their necks are loose and could be easily removed. Each has small horns on their head, like the devil’s, a sign that they are becoming increasingly like him the longer they stay here. Both have tails, a further symbol of their animalistic tendencies and raw instincts, and the grapes and the fire on their respective tails signify pleasure and lust.”

Poor people. If only they knew better. A lil bit of Clarity, huh?

That’s it for MCR’s clarity symbol, conveniently shaped as a candle.

Michael:

whose name means “who is like god” (being it a rhetorical question, to mean that no one equals to God). It’s the Protector Angel. They’re the leader of angels in the battle against demons, Defender of God’s realm against Satan in the Book of Revelation. Michael is a warrior, and is often seem with the sword in hand, to allure to the idea of bravery. They’re described as the angel of strength, protection and Courage.

About Michael’s Tarot Card: Michael appears on the major arcana Temperance. In fact, even the name “Temperance” comes from the process of refining and strengthening materials in metallurgy. this one likes swords a lot, huh. That’s a card which meaning touches on patience and prudence. It means already having a clear vision and knowing what you want to achieve. Now It’s all about thinking before action, and accepting the balance of things, blending the opposites to achieve an ideal solution. Apparently a very suited card for a warrior of faith. Prepare yourself: in my research, I’ve found a source that associates this card with the color blue (the very same of the archangel) and the musical note G. Yes, the universe has a strange sense of humor.

The symbolism presented in the Temperance card: “The vessels in the angel’s hands represent the vessel that contains eternal life. The flowers are Irises symbolising the goddess Iris who links God to humanity. Iris travels from one end of the world to another, into the depth of the sea and the underworld. The angel’s feet, one on land and one in water, symbolise the unification of the external and internal, conscious and subconscious. It also represents testing the waters before jumping into the unknown. The red wings on the angel represent blood which symbolizes life. The sun conceals a crown which represents a connection to higher power. The triangle on the angel’s dress is an equilateral triangle and symbolise spirit, divinity, fire, life, prosperity, and harmony. It can also symbolise God and the holy trinity. The square outside the triangle represents protection and stability.”

The MCR symbol for Courage is a drop. is it a drop of blood? for an warrior angel and their endless battles on God’s behalf? Of water, the waters of unknown? The water of balance of life? I don’t know.

When Michael / was a young genderless being,/ their father…

Gabriel:

whose name means “strength of god”. It’s the Messenger Angel; Gabriel is often portrayed playing the trumpet, to make announcements of God’s will. (many angels play the trumpets on Revelations book,, but Gabriel seems to be the most intimately attached to this concept). In the hierarchy of angels, Gabriel seems to occupy a very high position, being knows as the “Left Hand of God” (our Michael aforementioned being the Right-hand angel).

Their famous appearances on the Bible includes appearing to Zechariah and the Virgin Mary, foretelling the births of John the Baptist and Jesus. Islam also has Gabriel appearing for many prophets, telling them the divine plans. In a way, all those messages are basically callings to a higher purpose, a proof of faith, a personal Sacrifice. This idea is reiterated by the symbolism of Gabriel’s tarot card.

Gabriel is also one of the Angels of Death (depending on the religious we are speaking about, there are over 14 different angels with this role). Not in a dark way, their role is to comfort and bring peace to the deceased, guiding them into the light. Gabriel is therefore an angel of mercy, redemption achieved through a proof of faith (often a self-sacrifice, of any nature), after a fair judgement. speaking of which…

About Gabriel’s tarot card: Gabriel appears on the major arcana Judgement, which meaning touches on taking responsibility for your actions, speaking the truth. It’s a beginning/ending type of card, but a different kind of change than the one represented on one of Uriel’s card, Death. While Death brings something unstoppable, more powerful than anyone’s options, Judgement usually portraits something you can actually choose to take part in. But it also your responsibility any consequences of not taking this step. A fair judgement, indeed.

The Symbolism presented in the Judgement card: “The angel with the Trumpet could be a reference to the angels and the seven trumpets in Revelation, bringing apocalypse and resurrection. The white banner with the red cross can be St. George Flag, and a reference to Saint George gives Judgement the symbolism of sacrifice done in the name of our faith. Both the flag and the trumpet are military symbols of authority. A man, a woman and a child are being called from the tomb of ego consciousness. The three people are reflected on the other side of the river, another symbol of the soul’s victory over death. The three people are also a symbol of the three pillars of the tree of life. The man and the woman has changed side from the familiar feminine on the left and masculine on the right. In Judgement it is the other way around. Perhaps it is to unify us and to tell us to look at a situation from a different perspective, from within. You are seeing the pillars from the Angel’s perspective. This symbolises to raise your thinking and ask for Divine Perspective. The mountains represent the structure that surrounds us all.”

Calling all units! Time for the ultimate vibe check.

I guess that’s it for our third MCR symbol, Sacrifice, shaped as hand. Is it a left hand, just like one of Gabriel’s titles? that would be interesting.

But not so fast.

Now we come to an interesting point. Gabriel is the first of our angels to have a sculpture used by My Chem. :) It’s actually endearing how, if this assumption is correct, they chose the messenger archangel to bring the good news: mcr is alive!

About Gabriel’s sculpture: our Return angel, as some of us already know by this point, is actually a piece called “Angelo e Alma”, by italian artist Pasquale Rizzoli. It is located on Cella Magnani, a memorial chapel of the Magnani family, inside Certosa di Bologna, which is a very antique monastery, later transformed on a monumental cemetery for many italian families. You can take a look here, it’s stunningly beautiful.

Finished in 1906, this piece was a commission by the widow of a war veteran called Natale Magnani, who apparently died young. As far as I understand written italian, since I speak portuguese (latin languages perks, yey!), it’s still difficult to me to do further research on this family. Being it an old, traditional italian family, there’s tons of Magnanis, but there’s little to no info on Natale or his wife’s lives on the internet, it seems. If you’re italian and have any info about this, please comment. It can actually be relevant to this thread.

This sculpture portraits an angel ascending to heavens, guiding a soul (represented as a woman in a long dress). There’s rose branches and lilies at the feet of both the angel and the soul, as they fly together. These flowers pay homage to Magnani’s family blazon, as stated by the Storia i Memoria di Bologna Project website, that also offers on their site a brief explanation on the meaning behind the many other plants on this piece. they all basically allure to death, sleep, and resurrection. you can check it out here.

The presented symbolism, being an angel appearing to a soul in their travel to the spiritual realm, and even the flowers used, lead me to conclude that this sculpture very likely pictures our Archangel Gabriel, in their judgement roles again.

Now, our holy rpg party already has a mage, a paladin and a bard. It’s time to introduce the most underappreciated (and my personal favorite) class:

Raphael:

whose name means “God heals”. Raphael is the angel for healing, thus making ‘whole’ everything that has been broken. They’re also a patron for lovers, role that he plays by using his healing powers in a non-literal way. Pay attention to the “fixing the broken and making it a whole again” part, that’s the connotation.

Both of these titles come from the roles Raphael played, depicted on the scriptures: the most famous ones being when Raphael was sent by the Lord to heal Tobit of his blindness and to deliver Sarah, his future daughter-in-law, from the demon Asmodeus, who killed every man she married on their wedding night before the marriage could be consummated.

Another famous role commonly related to Raphael is about the Pool of Bethesda. Despite not being mentioned by name, manuscripts of John 5:1–4 describe an angel that blessed this pool, healing the illness of those who touched its waters:

"an angel of the Lord descended at certain times into the pond; and the water was moved. And he that went down first into the pond after the motion of the water was made whole of whatsoever infirmity he lay under". It’s usually given credit to Raphael for this action, since they’re seem using healing power to fulfill God’s will in many occasions through the Bible.

About Raphael’s Tarot card: Raphael appears on the major arcana The Lovers, as the angel blessing the couple depicted. This is a card about romantic, even sexual, attraction, but not purely that. It’s about finding peace within yourself, and in someone else, about the journey to pick “the one” for you. Making a whole out of two halves is a common concept associated with this card.

Symbolism presented on The Lovers card: “the man and the woman in the image are being protected and blessed by an angel above. The couple seems secure and happy in their home, which appears to be the Garden of Eden. The fruit tree with the snake behind the woman is a reference to that story, which tells of humanity's fall into temptation and into the realm of flesh and sensuality. The angel depicted here is Raphael, the angel of air - who is of the same element of the zodiac sign that governs this card: Gemini. Air is associated with mental activity, and communication in particular, which is the foundation for healthy relationships. His blessing seems to give this card a sense of balance and harmony, the symbolization of union in a grand and cosmic sense between two opposing forces.”

Another source adds: “The couple stands in a beautiful, fertile landscape, reminiscent of the Garden of Eden. Behind the woman stands a tall apple tree, with a snake winding its way up the trunk. The serpent and apple tree represent the temptation of sensual pleasures that may take one’s focus away from the Divine. Behind the man is a tree of flames, which represent passion, the primary concern of the man. The twelve flames suggest the twelve zodiac signs, the symbol of time and eternity. The man looks to the woman, who watches the angel, showing the path of the conscious to the subconscious to the super-conscious, or from physical desire to emotional needs to spiritual concerns. The volcanic mountain in the background is rather phallic and represents the eruption of passion that happens when man and woman meet in full frontal nudity.”

Despite the latter being a bit too horny for my tastes, lol, both descriptions reiterate Raphael’s influence on the role of patronizing health and union, a journey of Devotion.

Oh, about the MCR symbol, shaped as a half-sun. at first I couldn’t find a correlation to Raphael and this sun shape, as for the first three angels it was very clear to me since just as I started reading about them. Then I realized the huge sun portrayed on The Lovers card, behind Raphael.

Despite holding its individual meanings, Tarot cards are not meant to me taken isolatedly. (that’s one of the reasons many people are not found of the single card yes-or-no type of drawing). That being said, it is not a surprised to find traces of one card on another, and many shared symbolism. As for the sun, it appears multiple times on the Rider-Waite deck, but only one card holds the same exact half shaped, upside down, centered sun as the MCR symbol. and that’s The Lovers. :)

Now, our romantic archangel lead us to a very lovely part:

About Raphael’s Sculpture: as we waited for MCR to dramatically drop the curtain at the reunion show, we were being watched over by a piece nicknamed “Angel of the Waters,” from the Bethesda Fountain (have you heard this name before?), located in the Bethesda Terrace, Central Park, in NYC. sculpted by Emma Stebbins in 1864, this piece’s history, together with Central Park’s history can be fully read in this awesome article that my friend Clara found: here.

But since we’re already here, let’s try to make a shorter version, focusing on what’s relevant to this thread.

Upon release, the angel, which stands and above and blesses a water fountain, was directly associated with the Bethesda Pool mentioned in the Bible, and the healing acts of Raphael. On the dedication pamphlet it was quoted the very same passage from the Gospel of John, chapter 5, verses 2-4 I’ve mentioned before. It’s a shame I couldn’t find any pictures of this pamphlet on the internet. Old documents, huh. NY people, if you have access to this, I’d love to see it.

If we stopped there, it would be enough evidence to assume the connection to Raphael, but there’s more! There’s some particularities about this statue.

Its conception was a huge deal: Emma was the first woman to receive a major sculptural commission in New York City. Also, she had a female lover, the world-famous American actress Charlotte Cushman, who, for Cedar Miller, historian that wrote about Central Park and Emma’s statue, holds a huge impact on the Angel of Waters actually making into existence. In 1869, Cushman was diagnosed with breast cancer. In addition to having two mastectomies, Cushman tried water cures in England. (Water cures were a big craze from the 1830s through the 1860s). The historian who wrote about them finds it another connection to the statue itself. Unfortunately, Cushman's treatments were ultimately unsuccessful, she passed away in 1875. Emma followed her not long after, in 1882. To this day, the statue remains, and to NY is a gathering place to find tranquility, peace of mind, even in the darkest times through the its 141 years of existence. It’s a place to heal yourself.

It’s not your average Raphael statue.

We have the archangel connection, a devoted couple's backstory, and lesbian/sapphics rights. I don’t know about you, but I can even picture Gerard Way carefully picking this himself, haha.

Oh, a spicy fact I’ve learned while writing this: This angel sculpture is actually even older in MCR’s history, tracing back to revenge era merch. (I didn’t have much access to mcr merch back in the day so I didn’t know about this, I apologize!)

I guess someone got nostalgic for some catholic aesthetics, huh. Bless!

Angels in tarot, bonus addition:

It is valid to mention that not only all of the 4 mentioned archangels have their individual cards, they also appear together in a single card, The Wheel of Fortune. In this card, each angel can be seen in a corner: Raphael (Aquarius) is upper left, Gabriel (Scorpio) is the eagle, Michael (Leo) is the lion, and Uriel (Taurus) is the bull, appearing in disguise, a common thing for angels though the scriptures, it seems.

If you draw tarot, you understand how big of a deal it is. If you’re not familiar, here’s the basic notion: “The wheel of fortune is a card about cyclical change. The wheel keeps on rolling, churning events in a ceaseless progression of ups and downs, either way freeing us from the past. No one can escape its cyclical action, which can feel somewhat terrifying -- no matter whether we are rising or falling. When one is balanced on top of the wheel, there is a moment of crystal clarity. However, the only part of the wheel that's actually not going up and down is the hub, which represents your eternal self. Every one of us will occupy all the points on the wheel at one point or another. The cycle of the wheel is its lesson -- and we can learn to take comfort in it. If you don't like the look of things right now, just wait -- things will change. Of course, if you do like the look of things right now, enjoy it while it lasts, because that will change too!”

It is quite a powerful card that holds all of the aforementioned symbolism. Woa.

More symbolism seem on this card includes:

“The Wheel of Fortune card shows a giant wheel, with three figures on the outer edges. Four Hebrew letters – YHVH (Yod Heh Vau Heh), the unpronounceable name of God – are inscribed on the wheel’s face. There are also the letters TORA, thought to be a version of the word Torah, meaning ‘law’, or TAROT, or even ROTA (Latin for ‘wheel’). The middle wheel has the alchemical symbols for mercury, sulphur, water and salt – the building blocks of life and the four elements – and represents formative power. On the outer circle is a snake, the Egyptian god Typhon (the god of evil), descending on the left side. The snake also represents the life force plunging into the material world. On the right side rises the Anubis, the Egyptian God of the dead who welcomes souls to the underworld. And on top of the wheel sits the Sphinx, representing knowledge and strength.”

THE SECOND SET OF SYMBOLS - STILL A MYSTERY

So, after all this, if any of this is correct at all, we just learned the meaning behind the first four MCR symbols, released on halloween: Clarity, Courage, Sacrifice and Devotion.

Now, what about the ones released at the reunion show, on the merch truck? Well, my friends, we still have a lot to think about.

I am a doctor, and in my profession there’s a saying which instruct us to always think of what seems like a complicated situation, with many possibilities, as a single disease causing many effects. That was my train of thought as I tried to associate these new symbols with the Archangels that we already have. It may have nothing to do with that at all, but it’s worth trying.

Differently from the first set, the second set didn’t get an official release, and does not hold text captions to guide us on it’s meaning. the symbol shapes, however, are easier to associate with tarot cards than the first ones, in my opinion. I’ve seen people online trying to guess it too.

Having the angels and their aforementioned traits as a guiding line, I used some symbolism associated to each one to connect them to a new symbol, as you can see on the picture attached to this post.

I have some major problems with this, tho, the biggest one being the order of the symbols not matching the first set sequence. We had Uriel (Clarity) / Michael (Courage) / Gabriel (Sacrifice) and Raphael (Devotion). The second set order was Sword / Moon / Tower / Wand, so the sequence goes like Michael / Gabriel / Uriel / Raphael. It doesn’t match. Please, help me.

THINGS THAT KEEP ME UP AT NIGHT: ABOUT WITCHCRAFT AND… SOLDIERS?

During the past weeks of my life I’ve been researching all types of things to break this down, so I came across some very unsettling things that may be just wild coincidences or... something else? Just in case, I am putting them here in case anyone finds some connection that I couldn’t.

Sigils and Pagan influences, maybe?

As some people on twitter and reddit noticed, Gerard was using a sigil on his arm that reads “My Chemical Romance”. Every Archangel mentioned here also holds its own sigil, which is shown on the picture attached to this post. While I was excited about the dates for new concerts, I started to think, is there anything special about these dates? I tried to not overthink it because we probably have major influences of disponibilities and,,, Label issues...I don’t know? some very practical stuff going on. But still, I came across an interesting match.

There’s 8 sabbaths, composing the Wheel of the Year, “an annual cycle of seasonal festivals, observed by many modern pagans, consisting of the year's chief solar events (solstices and equinoxes) and the midpoints between them.”

eight sabbaths, eight symbols, huh. Initially, I tried to connect each symbol to a sabbath, but it was very… not satisfying enough to me, so I’m leaving that out; nonetheless, I still believe they hold some meaning similarities.

And it doesn’t stop there.

That our lovely wheel of the year: here. We’re using a northern hemisphere version, since MCR is based in the USA.

The band returned on Halloween, which is the Samhain that occurs between Oct 31 / Nov 1. There’s some minor variation on dates because the Celtic day begins and ends at sunset.

Return Show took place in California, Dec 20: which marks the start of Yule. (Yule dates range from Dec 19 to Dec 22, for the Celtic calendar reasons)

The next sabbath is Imbolt, that takes place on Feb 1 / Feb 2. MCR has nothing announced for this date until now.

2020 concerts will happen during the week of March 20, 21, 25, 28 and 29, In Australia, New Zealand and Japan, as for now. That marks the start of the Ostara sabbath, which start range is March 20/21.

so… can we expect something (anything?) being announced at Feb 1 or 2, or near that? What about all the remaining sabbaths? Is that a reach? is it related at all? oof.

Who said Danger Days isn’t goth enough?

Another VERY interesting thing my group chat found on the internet during our MCR tarot obsession. If this theory is correct, this is not the first time they would be alluring to it. Please look at this pic of Grace Jeanette, The Girl in DD universe, posing with the mailbox on the set of the “Art Is The Weapon”/“Na Na Na” video shoot (2010). (Exact source and photographer unknown; likely taken by Jeanette’s mother). (big thanks to tumblr user killjoyhistory).

Bellow the big “OH HELL” we have four tarot cards, on the very same deck we used for this thread, the Rider-Waite deck. The cards are The Tower, The Devil, Death and Three of Wands.

Please note that it may have no correlation to future works, since DD itself had religious symbolism with the Phoenix Witch and this mailbox (go read the comics if you didn’t already. DD rights!), it may be a DD-only thing. Also, please note that 3 out 4 of theses cards were already mentioned in this thread, all possibly related to archangel Uriel.

To wage this war against your faith in me, MCRMY.

So. This one will sound weird and maybe a reach too, but, hey, mychem is alive and breathing, I guess there’s nothing really impossible, haha….?

Are we all familiar with Gerard liking a lot that green coat? After all those years, I guess so.

Indeed, our lovely frontman used yet another green jacket as his return outfit. This time, it was a military one. As a foreigner, and being very ignorant on how the US Army works, I got curious about the badge on his jacket. Maybe that’s common sense to you guys and I’m just embarrassing myself, but hey! be kind to someone who’s sort of dying inside after all this thinking process, would you?

The badge on Gerard’s jacket happens to be from the 1st Armored Division, a.k.a the Old Ironsides, named after an old ship (and the world's oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat).

Actually, the nickname “Old Ironsides” trace back to England in 17th century, during their Civil War, but I didn’t find many relevant content / possible connections, besides them being mostly Protestant, in terms of religion… referring to them after all this catholic-conception angel talk is some sort of metaphorical war going on, MCR? Who knows. History-loving english folks, I’m counting on you too now to confirm this, lmao!

The American side of the “Old Ironsides” term, after being passed down from England during their Independence Wars (please be kind with me, my knowledge about american independence is almost 100% from Hamilton the musical lmao, help me) apparently resides, mostly on the US Army/Navy.

Interesting coincidences (?) about this: the Old Ironside ship, aka USS Constitution, has a familiar date on its history: November 1. I’m quoting its construction period info: “Her keel was laid down on 1 November 1794 at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in Boston, Massachusetts under the supervision of Captain Samuel Nicholson and master shipwright Colonel George Claghorn.”

I didn’t read much about it since I’m already at edge with everything I’ve been researching but, it seems it was a very adored ship. In fact, one of the reasons it’s still in active service it’s because a poet even made it a famous poem about this ship, that you can read here. It’s symbolic and adored, it seems.

About the homonymous 1st Armored Division of the US Army, which badge Gerard used during the return show: being the first armored division of the U.S. Army to see battle in World War II, it also holds a huge historical meaning.

Again, I don’t have much info to share about this and I think some of you will find possible connections on this better than I would.

But wtf does it have to do with all the angels, Nana?

Well, as mentioned before, angels fight battles in the name of God. They’re heaven’s military. Michael, especially, is a warrior angel and leads God’s troupes against the demons.

Something interesting I’ve found relating Gabriel (which statue, let’s not forget, was commissioned by a war widow) to the war concept was the hebrew poem "Elifelet" (אליפלט) written by Nathan Alterman in 1958, often turned into music and played on the israeli radio. it tells of a heroic, self-sacrificing (hm…) israeli soldier being killed in battle. Upon the protagonist's death, the angel Gabriel descends to Earth, in order to comfort the spirit of the fallen hero and take him up to Heaven. It’s very touching, and you can read it here.

I’m not saying any particular work like this poem is relevant to MCR’s possible new concept. (let’s not be political here, but also be honest: Israel wars are a delicate matter to bring up). We’re solely working with symbolism and history. Please keep that in mind.

MCR has touched on war thematics before in many occasions (I will not mention all of them, as I believe that as a fandom, we’re aware of that, and we can help new fans to understand it if needed. This text is already TOO LONG). Maybe it’s time for them to talk about some conflicts again, literal or metaphorical? Let’s wait and see.

Oh, one last thing. There’s actually a whole another navy air test and evaluation squadron, the Antarctic Development Squadron Six (VXE-6 or ANTARCTIC DEVRON SIX, commonly referred to by its nickname, The Puckered Penguins). They’re based on California (lmao) and their motto is… Well, “Courage, Sacrifice, Devotion”. Uriel kinda left behind again, huh. I’m sorry sweetie.

Again, I apologize if this last section (or even the whole thing..haha…) looks far-fetched, but I just… had to take it out of my chest, sorta? Sorry.

That concludes our Archangel Theory. Thank you if you took your time to read through it all.

List of things to maybe expect in the future:

Something on Feb 1 / Feb 2

Two more angel statues, being them related to Uriel and Michael in some sort of way. I’ve tried to find any suitable matches but… there’s just too many, and as we’ve seen it may even not be officially claimed which angel is portrayed. So let’s wait and see.

More pagan symbolism?

Something about War??

Cryptid posts related to UK and paganism, January 17th and January 24th.

## EDIT (01/12): about new mcr cryptid posts...

If you’re following MCR new updates, as for now you’re aware of the United Kingdom Stuff going on... Interesting coincidences (or is it?) about those:

Both posts were made on the same day the lunar cicle changes. This month, the moon shows up a different form every friday, so maybe prepare you heart for January 17th and 24th. Also, I believe they’re using London time for the updates. in fact, the most recent post (the video with theban alphabet) was posted only 30 minutes after midnight in London. So I’m adding that to our list of things to expect in the future.

Also, someone at warner might be in trouble right now. the ig account for Warner Music Artistic Services (@wmas) posted a variation of the video posted by MCR, only a day later, featuring another order for the theban caracters, a slightly different UK flag (it was somehow merged with a picture? it’s difficult to tell), and a new frame that consists of a forest, similar to the one Gerard posted on his own instagram, and the one featured as background for the skeleton holding a witchcraft-related dagger photo from 2 weeks ago. Differently from the previous mcr video, which was silent, this one featured a sound, if my ears are not mistaken, a very dramatic C# note played on piano or organ (church instruments, huh. funny. but it could be worse, at least is not a G note...)

The video was labeled as LFG, that could mean a million of things. the most relevant ones, I believe, could be “Looking For A Group”, a classic D&D/RPG term (If I close my eyes long enough I can hear distant circus music playing in my head, for I have compared the four archangels to a holy RPG party weeks ago...)or “London Forest Gate”, a neighbourhood in London. please tell me if you have any ideas about what else it could mean, haha....

This video was deleted, but you can still find it around on twitter.

Well, that’s it for now. I’ll keep updating this post as more content is released. Keep running!

[surveyjunkie]

1. First of all, what do you prefer to be called? Tasha. 2. What is your favorite form of creative expression?  For me, it’s either blogging or painting. If I had any musical talent, it would be that. 3. How do you like your coffee OR if you don’t like it, why?: I take it with loads of flavored cream.  4. What is the least desirable thing, in your opinion, to put on a pizza that you have heard of people actually eating?: I guess anchovies...fish and pizza just don’t sound appetizing together. I’m also not big on putting chicken on pizza unless it’s chicken bacon ranch.  5. Would you rather witness the beginning or the end of the universe?: The beginning.

6. Describe your favourite pair of socks: They have the sailor moon bow on them. 

7. What is the current or last song you are listening/listened to, and does it have any special significance to you?: I don’t even remember what it was. I can’t find my headphones :(  8. Do you prefer rainbows or stars?: Stars 9. Describe the best day of your life NOT in terms of events, but in terms of your feelings: Elation.  10. Would you rather go to a planetarium or an aquarium?: Aquarium. 11. Do you know the reason that 11:11 is considered to be auspicious?: No idea.  12. What decorations are hanging on your walls?: At home? There’s a couple of paintings I made, a framed Margarita recipe, and my Bachelor’s degree.  13. What is your favourite planet in our solar system?: Earth 14. How do you express love?: More through actions than words because I suck at talking about emotions. << 15. Do you consider yourself to be more spiritual or scientific?: Spiritual I guess.  16. If you had a lava lamp, what color would you want it to be?: Teal 17. Would you rather be able to revisit your past to simply re-experience a positive moment or revisit your past in order to change things and risk the consequences?: Maybe just re-experience a positive moment. I’m weird about the idea of changing things that have happened in the past, even though I have strong regrets. I feel like things wouldn’t be how they are now if I hadn’t had the unique experiences of the past. Idk.  18. Have you ever had a past-life regression or memory?: I remember when I first got braces, I told my mom that the feeling of having them felt familiar, even though I’d never had them before in my life. That’s the only indication I’ve had so far that I may have led a past life.  19. What is your favourite holiday and why?: Christmas. Family and food. << And eggnog/booze 20. Are you better with remembering dates or names?: Dates. I’m terrible with names.  21. What was your favourite book that you had to read for a class?: 1984.  22. What is your favourite number and why is it significant to you?: 7. It signifies my 7th year of life and the 7th grade, which were both great times for me.

23. Would you rather explore space or the ocean?: Space.  24. What prompted you to call the last person you called?: I missed her call so was calling her back. 25. Star Trek or Star Wars?: Wars. 26. Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter?: LOTR. 27. What is your favourite band and why?: I have lots of favourites, because I can’t choose just one. << 28. What colour best resonates with your best friend(s)?: Navy blue or white.  29. Where do you work and why do you work there?: I work in the research office at the local hospital because they offered me a position that is relevant to my bachelor’s degree and will look extremely good on grad school applications.

30. Have you ever gone to a public karaoke facility, and what did you sing?: I’ve been to one, but I didn’t sing 31. What animal do you feel most connected with?: My dog. 32. Have you ever had “special brownies” or any other kind of “special” treat?: Yep, I didn’t care for them. I just prefer to smoke it.  33. What book are you reading at the moment?: None. 34. What is the funniest thing that you have done at a fast food restaurant? Probably when I fell asleep on my food when I was drunk.  35. Do you enjoy listening to music that is sung in another language?:

Yes, especially Spanish 36. Quote the last movie you watched: “Tale as old as time, song as old as rhyme, Beauty and the Beast” 37. Do you know more than just your sun sign (like your ascending sign or moon sign etc.)?: I’m not sure what that is 38. Do you have any jewelery on you that holds significance, and if so, what is it and why is it significant?: I have a couple of rings my mom bought for me on my birthday. One is a ruby ring which is my birthstone and the other has two small diamonds in it.  39. What is your favorite kind of cheesecake?: Peanut butter fudge 40. Why did you last feel warm and fuzzy inside?: Just cuddling with Josh.

41. What band that no longer performs together do you wish would have a reunion tour?: Pink Floyd.<< Yes. They came to my city back when I was in college and I was hoping my dad would take me, but he never did. I’m still salty as hell about it.  42. What band that IS still together do you wish would perform in your area?: Alt-J 43. Have you ever been in a band, and what role did you play in it?: Nope 44. What has been the single most frightening experience of your life?: I haven’t had anything too terrible. Most of them just involve minor car accidents, my car breaking down in the middle of the highway, or locking myself out of my apartment. They’re stressful scary things but I haven’t had anything that has caused trauma, which I’m thankful for.  45. Who is/was your favourite Spice Girl?: Baby Spice.  46. Do you prefer free verse or poetry set in a form?: It doesn’t matter to me 47. In a hotel, would you choose to go in the hot tub, the sauna, the workout room, or the pool?: The hot tub.  48. Imagine that you are exploring space. Who would you want with you and what would you want to explore, assuming you are not limited in any way?: I would want a bunch of trained astronauts with me. The idea of space freaks me out. <<  49. Have you ever astral projected?: Say what? 50. What is your favourite song by the group t.A.T.u?: Probably “All The Things She Said” because that’s the only other one I know besides “They’re Not Gonna Get Us”. 

51. Describe what you envision as “paradise”: Being on a boat in the middle of a lake with beer, a fishing pole, and good music. I think I may have been a redneck in another life, but I’m okay with that.  52. What element do you feel most connected to?: Water. 53. What is a cause that you feel very strongly about and why?: Keeping Planned Parenthood around. I just think low income women should have the same access to gynecological exams and life-saving procedures that rich women do. Defunding them is not going to stop abortion.  54. What was your favourite class from the last year that you were in school?: I really enjoyed Diversity and Health. I learned a lot about other cultures and how difficult access to healthcare is in other countries. I really think everybody should take that class.  55. What is a topic that you study independently for your own interest?: Politics or psychology, when I’m in the mood.  56. Describe what you would want to wear if you were getting married, handfasted, or having some kind of “love celebration” or “commitment” ceremony between yourself and another? A long white dress, probably lace with belled sleeves.  57. What song do you want played at your funeral?: "Tubthumping” by Chumbawumba.  58. Would you rather alphabetize or put things in order according to numbers?: Alphabetize 59. What medication do you dislike the most?: Antibiotics, they ruin my stomach.  60. Would you rather write a story or a poem?: Story. 61. Do you believe in non-physical entities, and if so have you ever communicated with one?: I don’t know if I do. I mean, I used to pray to God, but I’m not sure if that’s what you’re referring to.  62. What invention or discovery do you think that the scientific community should focus on?: I think they’re already focus on a lot of important priorities, like medical care, disease cure and treatment, etc. << Yeah. I work in medical research and I can tell you that we are extremely well funded. 

63. If you could go anywhere, where would you go and why?: Anywhere? I’d go explore the west coast because I’ve never been there in my 24 years as a U.S. citizen.  64. What skill do people often compliment you on?: I don’t know. I don’t have any skills.<< 65. What are three facets of your personality or thinking patterns that you want to improve?: Social anxiety, self-doubt, hastiness 66. What is your favourite symbol?: $$$ 67. Name an unusual shortcut or file that’s on your desktop: There’s nothing unusual on my desktop, unless you think my Doge background  is unusual, which if you do, FUCK YOU! Lol, just kidding. I don’t know.  68. What do you smell like right now?: Burberry Weekend 69. You get to have a theme party of your choice, just for fun. What theme do you choose?: 80′s! Even though it’s been done fifty billion times. I don’t care. 70. Have you ever been in the depths of a cave?: No 71. How do you deal with the dark side of yourself?: I listen to depressing music or watch fucked up movies.  72. Name something that you can’t help but save: Receipts.  73. What is your addiction?: Fries, pizza, online shopping 74. If you could wish something for three people, but not for yourself, who would the wishes be for and what would they be?: Health, happiness and money for everyone I love. << 75. Would you rather send a message in a bottle or on a balloon?: Balloon.  76. What did you dream last night?: I had a nightmare I was stabbed in the ghetto and ran to a guy in his car for help. I asked him to drive me to the hospital because I was bleeding a lot but he ended up taking me to the grocery store instead and made me wait for him to spend 10 minutes picking out fruit before he finally took me to the hospital.  77. What is one of your most frequent daydreams?: Quitting my job  78. What is your favourite stuffed animal?: My squirtle. 79. If you could have a conversation with any well-known figure of the past or present, who would it be and what would you want to talk about?: I really don’t know.  80. If you could bring anyone back to life, who would it be?: My uncle 81. Are you affectionate?: Yes 82. Name one thing that each of your best friends is really good at: Smoking pot.  83. What are you a perfectionist with?: Certain things at work.  84. Could you see yourself being able to carry on a long distance relationship?: I did it for 6 months. Granted, we were within driving distance, but it was still hard. 85. If you could be anything but human, including anything mythical, what would you be?: A unicorn.  86. Have you ever meditated? If so, what is your method, and if not, what do you do to relax?: I’ve done it a couple of times, it doesn’t really help. Usually breathing exercises and hot tea help.  87. What is something about yourself that you feel no one else understands?: I’m over analytical 

[glopratchet]

astryl-wondering

and runs off to his house Cludstrum's job is to keep an eye on all of you and covered with blood The reporter tries to cover it up but he gets away before anyone can do anything about it Astyrl of course comes out of the tent naked and covered with blood it has been the scene of a violent battle You conclude that you obviously went too far dark red Char winces in agony as all her internal organs rearrange themselves spontaneously like a switchbox changing URL's A bloody pitchfork with long slick tines A rabid scarlet haired woman some cardboard boxes and a yellow eyed demonic creature with full body burns and winces in agony as it changes URL's Some quiet beeping sounds is the only thing that can be heard besides vivi out of breath in a language he can't undstand stablebuild1 correctly in this version of blood You feel a seizure coming on, and slurring your speech but they are tiled with templates not found within the code of entomo and naivety, he touches his chest and--whether from panic or static electricity or just the hand movements themselves--feels his heart beating he rolls his eyes up and tries to quiet his thoughts to focus and remember what those eyes saw before he kept eyes on them, and watches for any suprise attacks, or if entomo has called in back up Fused with two well but it seems he has entirely erased that memory He takes a look at it, with his two burning red eyes love ninety at him recently That's all he gets out of it before cludstrum comes in after ten tries He shouted the name of some warm drink before it loaded, but got a much harsher tone when the interface beeped at him if his interface response time is of any indication If he waits around any longer he will find out how accurate that is 's data for a while now A large opening into his chest reveals showing his three hearts, out of four, barely beating Whatever they injected him with seemed to give him some euphoria of sorts Things get hazier for him; the euphoria is stronger than any he had ever felt The inside of astryls body is speeding up and slowing down, speeding up and slowing down over and over again "Micheal Watchira" Even the shortest of short-term memories and long-term memories are being violated moaning One of the memory blocks turns to static when he shines his light upon it The remaining ones are even too disrupted to open up ic symbols in the destitute this body holds, it would probably wrinkle up and blow away Then it finally appears, Micheal And then he vanishes by the time Cludstrum pressed okay on everything making the slenderworms gobble a few letters up themselves, themself? Your overall image and several other parts may not display properly cludstrum's reinstatment code may have some interruption and run at an extremely low frame rate astryl will hav to figure it out on his own with the qefizat clenchers rain counter-code soon, that doesn't seem likely given what he went through to get where he is "I am not of mortal design and how to peruse it Only one of the markers works infact He can use his gleto pliers to steal some markers from somewhere else and bend the sensors in that direction so that it thinks its still there parthnership code debugging job plateau fargo which hasten the death of this little being Purple cursydrops Colored little green skin onions that make him cry but hurry the process of death by quite a bit 's body but this stuff really helps hasten the proccess and preserves memories which keeps the code from failing, this may not be in your direct geographical area but it is important nonetheless into his skin and they light up the correct code nodes for cludstrum from eatint the purple cursydrops even though he just replenished his food by implanting the purple cursydrops in his fake armpit skin, which is part of his body flowers or pawpaw trees digest them and give them back to cludstrum to use on some of the qefizat clenchers to get the food until he starts to behave absolutely terrible But it will hasten the creative proccess for cludstrum some sand which is hot and may enter his body and do damage to him so creating a cancer or other diseases inside of him and turn it to dust before he is bitten or spat upon by it on a path that can lead to his quick death or the long insidious and internal death caused by some random element involved in trying to quell his hunger and thirst that thing the killing of something that has lain down on the ground, its tongue protruding from its mouth, water and short 2 or 3 legs ago a mountain, legs trembling in the hot air An underground place, a dug out ledge somewhere Maybe an abandoned and dug out river bed near by the company of a large, brown and black monster that seems to be mourning the victim right now The fleesh feels quite disgusting however and the stars poke there heads around, one can begin to feel the cool breeze against their scalps once again other than the flashlight at the bottom of the well, it is time to put the monsters head back into its normal location and hop out of there The buildings here were built by a completely different group of people, and have been occupied by large groups of drunkards, drug-addicts and prostitutes above these people produces different interactions, with some of the inhabitants of this place feeling anger towards his presence and with others they're happy, what emotions will come out on through the groups of people can only be decided when you find out where abouts you end up with cold behind its metal walls Standing naked and proud in front of the broken metal boxes with the people from the show on the giant structures his mind with unnecessary memories and thoughts on a huge pile of tires A giant blobbish creature just standing there making noises and oozing oil and gas An urban environment full of hroughters, vagabonds and bumsters at the waves of heat rising and falling on the sand away on a small bed where he does in the end A blank white room on a tangled small raft in the middle of the sea the decisions he has already made in his mind A door with a small, rectangular window on it very loudly against people whom are quietly living their lives in a straight line short and simple living in a word full off long and unconfortable silences against the wall of a small fortification on the beach, already under attack himself whenever and wherever he wants undetected whenever and wherever he wants himself from the stares of pedestrians which could mean life or death his eyes from the sun and seeing a small sand cruiser speeding ashore The wrecked tent annihilating civilized life as we know it a change in the atmosphere Kludstrm religious changing with the times The empty white room again but this time sentient and blissfully alone the top of itches of the planet The underground complex a anthill of tiny little human drones all working towards the same purpose the same message through a media channel which could spell the end for everyone or not A blank white room with no drawers or doors a large-scale operation behind the scenes, Kludstrm lopsided preparing a toast to absent friends and fallen comrades the sick and wounded The door suddenly slides open the lines which divide value and price The white door again, fuzzy and warm the signals and transmissions to and from the towns Kludstrm sinister stealing oxygen generators and emptying out gaspers the truth of what has happened and alive somewhere out there Astryl embattled aspirating the truth of what has happened and alive somewhere out there from the blood of the fallen leader on a hospital bed…end THE END Astryl crimson glistening from the blood of the fallen leader on a hospital bed…end and grinning into the awe-inspiring vision before falling back into your seat too shocked to do anything else version 2 himself on the seashores of the town, too afraid to move in case the snowmen come back to life Astryl wretched tanning himself on the seashores of the town, a picture of the town before it collapse into itself as the center of the most deadly empire in history Kludstrm afferent generating a picture of the town before it collapse into itself as the center of the most deadly empire in history a small area of the town on a bum's raggedy scraps Astryl insubstantial scouting a small area of the town on a bum's raggedy scraps people about half of interest, the answer to life, the secrets of the universe and such nonsense once they are inside, just to shut them up Kludstrm cheerful warning people about half of interest, the town for anything he had lost long ago Astryl senseless scavenging the town for anything he had lost long ago a dark or light side to certain individuals depending upon the dosage Kludstrm dusky developing a dark or light side to certain individuals depending upon the dosage on a pan-girl's synthetic gum which she claims has been approved by the Department of Wellness Astryl tasteless chewing on a pan-girl's synthetic gum which she claims has been approved by the Department of Wellness under the weight of it all and setting up a tent in the corner of the park to contemplating the meaning of life The door now slides open Astryl boorish choking under the weight of it all and setting up a tent in the corner of the park to contemplating the meaning of life the second highest number of people on the planet intellectual enough to recognize an opportunity Kludstrm ideological attracting the second highest number of people on the planet intellectual enough to recognize an opportunity by stealing scraps of food from the heaps of garbage bins and snatching a few moments of sleep amongst the piles of trash Astryl oppressed surviving by stealing scraps of food from the heaps of garbage bins and snatching a few moments of sleep amongst the piles of trash most of their time and energy upping the security, tracking those who enter and exiting and locking the doors behind them Kludstrm schematic spending most of their time and energy upping the security, the movements of slug like mutants which dwell in dark damp places, Astryl crummy tracking the movements of slug like mutants which dwell in dark damp places, the profound ideas of those willing to search for layers within the painting with a lucrative prize and cash price The door slides open once more Kludstrm exhaustive matching the profound ideas of those willing to search for layers within the painting with a lucrative prize and cash price calling out and strutting about in his best frock coat like a peacock Kludstrm gloomy looming large above the rest of them, his Astryl swashbuckled whistling, behind a cloak of darkness to uncover the nightlife of the town A sun filled sky grudged retreating behind a cloak of darkness to uncover the nightlife of the town as the steel sky becomes clear and free of clouds The city of beetriot paranoid reemerging as the steel sky becomes clear and free of clouds as the streets rivers flow with waves of people ready to spend everything they have in their eagerness to indulge in every extravagant glitz they can get their hands in The city of beetriot shallow glimmering as the streets rivers flow with waves of people ready to spend everything they have in their eagerness to indulge in every extravagant glitz they can get their hands in as the nighttime peddler gives you a stage to lure more into your manipulative ways The city of beetriot rude fluorescing as the nighttime peddler gives you a stage to lure more into your manipulative ways because there is always a new scheme on every corner of this town to drain the money out of unsuspecting victims The city of beetriot wrinkled serious looking because there is always a new scheme on every corner of this town to drain the money out of unsuspecting victims I'm freakin done now haha HOPE YOU ENJOYED! Wait maybe I'm not done, I've more creative juices spirits ideas pep hin Apologies My life is a sham I doubt whether any of this was actually worth it

[modernmagiccampaign]

For the Modern Magic.

How to make a traditional DND Character

Overall,  it's pretty standard, with some minor differences.

Instead of classes/races (although feel free to use one if the au fits it), there are covens, each having completely separate abilities and interactions with each other (explained later)

Instead of cantrip slots, you have MP (Magic points) that is determined by 2 d20s +5. Spells cost 1 or more mp each. You start with 3 spells, and can add more as you go. Note: running out will cause all rolls to be at disadvantage, going below can cause you to blow up (roll a d20, and get higher than the number mp you used for that spell +1 to survive) on the other hand, having 10+ more Mp than your max can also blow you up, (over-9 to beat) long rest to restore. Use wells as item restore

You have the option of having a familiar, and certain types of magic actually require them. Note: you can try to store mp in them, or enchanted objects called wells.

There are safe spots all over the world, but in general the public knows nothing about magic, therefore making casting in public require stealth checks.

You have the innate ability to “flash” your energy in order to intimidate,  or read someone else's magic signature.

Ok, so here come the types of magic

Your energy signature, which is often referred to as an aura pattern is part of what defines your mystical presence, and some contain extra abilities or limitations. Although certain auras are more likely to have certain affinities they are not promised, and unlike affinities you are what you are for life. They rarely affect social status, but it does determine what coven or order you are placed into.

(Many differences in magic that don't otherwise interact are in terms of under or over is due to the result of their first confrontation.)

Astral (Stars)

Astrals are often seen as kind hearted dreamers, but they often have a level of foresight and tend to be extremely lucky. They are Aura's greatest ally despite being weak to it. Their energies are strengthened by astronomical events and become immensely powerful on starships due to their intense connection with space, yet don't do as well underground or in thicker atmospheres. (So we usually go to their mountain temples rather than have them join us in our cave based hq) Most Astrals are in the same order, (The House of the Night, or Night-breds for the caster title*) and hold influence over people's fortunes (think that psychic who only does night readings). They are also in tune with dimensional rifts and can determine when a paritime fracture* forms

Strong against: Mana,

Level with: Ṣẹda, Force

(relatively) Weak against: Aura

Bonuses

+1 to luck rolls

+2 charisma

+ 1 knowlege

Can be a seer, charm speaker or other star/night based ability so long as it's not op.

Aura (loose energy)

The Quivera are the best known users of this energy, but there are a couple other covens and orders with the same basis. Aura is produced by the interference between different elemental energies within the atmosphere of a planet, allowing us to have a good bit of influence on the world around us. As a result our energy can be overpowered by energies produced by individuals like Mana because it tends to form a bubble of more stable energy around where it is concentrated. In this case our bodies will actually recoil when contact is made with the energy in a phenomenon called a 'Mana burn', it hurts like hell yet it begins to heal as soon as distance is added. We cannot produce energy normally in space and require energy to be put into the air on spaceships (oddly enough force sensitives act as energy concentrators that help us tolerate space travel.) Please note that different planets have different energies, which will affect your magic. We tend to strengthen with proximity to a planet's core and as a result many of our temples and bases are underground or carved into stone.

Note: these are likely to require a familiar, ex- The Quivera. ask your dm if you do.

Strong against:, (mild)Astral, (very)Force

Level with: Ṣẹda,

Extreamly Weak against: Mana

Bonuses

+3 performance or deception

+1 dex

Can remain active at -3 health, at the cost of 2 mp per turn, but will die if they run out.

Mana (Control)

Mana users like the Vori or Kaijudo Duel Masters rely on internally produced energy that holds the same range of frequencies as a mystical barrier called the veil. This energy like aura can be solidified into shapes like bubble shields or simple energy weapons, and it has the potential for use with limited teleportation in the hands of the Vori, but the Duelists are capable of reaching past the other side, although details of this 'other side' is held secretly by the order.

Very Strong against: Aura

Level with: Ṣẹda, Force

Weak against: Astral,

Bonuses

+3 to constitution (some spells require a constitution check)

-1 to charisma

Can use energy weapons generated from hilts and teleport or be a summoner using Kaijudo creatures and a gauntlet or make something up and impress your dm.

Ṣẹda (Creation)

Of the five mystical groups, the Atlantis order is well known for their automatons (for us it's because we usually have to clean up after the ones that go rogue). their creations are made and 'brought to life' with the use of soul fragments or bundled up emotions. Also think animated objects and plants, more recently some computer programs.

Gris can manipulate a metal by the same name,

And life charms (bio matter control)

Strong against:

Level with: Aura, Force, Mana, Astral

Weak against:

Bonuses

+4 strength

+1 wisdom

Force (life)

The force is one of the few energies that contains internal factions (Dark/Light/Bendu or Grey) with the kind of differences that almost categorize them as separate entities. This energy is extremely weakened by earth, but elsewhere in the galaxy it produces powerful telekinesis, telepathy, empaths, and a general connection with other living things. The force often behaves like a living being and provides foresight to ask it's followers to strengthen one of the three factions. Jedi are light side, Sith darkside, and there are two parallel factions of neutral called the Bendu and the Grey Jedi. Currently this energy is unstable due to the long term strength of the light side. We hope to help it repair itself through encouraging the Bendu path.

Simplified definitions of strength;

the light side is relatively aloof but comes when it's called so much as you don't ask for more than you need, and it gets kinda evasive when you ask for too much. Think of a child, they want to help, but unless you are doing what it wants it could get bored.

Bonus +3 wisdom

Dark side energy on the other hand likes to be actively used, and may act more efficiently in subconscious tasks but also tends to be addictive and mark it's user (gold+red or silver eyes, premature wrinkling, paranoia, mood instabilities)

Bonus +2 str, +1 persuasion

The Greys are a mix between the two, Bendu is more aggressive and concentated and grey j. Is very life tuned and passive ability based.

Bonus +1 str +1 wis +1 knowledge

Luck Rolls

At any point, you are allowed to roll a d20 to make a random event happen.

I mean anything. Even flaming zombie spiders

Quivera affinities

On your sparrow bracelet, you will find 6 stones, milky quartz, ruby, sugilite, sapphire, emerald, and gaspeite, each one pertaining to an important aspect of our culture, and a symbol of a potential affinity you will develop in your time as a Sparrow.

Milky Quartz is the stone of adaptation or difference. This affinity is rare and references a tendency to change with the situation. The spells best related are ones that cannot be related to a specific job or element, but may be used in either a social or combative way. It is represented by the color White.

Ruby is the stone of Determination. This affinity is commonly associated with active, goal driven people. It tends to be related to direct spells such as attacks. Bearers commonly gain the ability to absorb aura from heat sources. Some have even used this ability to maneuver across the tops of magma fields. It is represented by the color Red

Sugilite, in its deep purple form, is the stone of Patience. This affinity is all about being willing to wait for the right time to move, or. spells related are often about altering perception, and tend to be support spells although they are difficult to use socially, nor do many act as attack spells without a good bit of creativity. But in exchange, some show the ability to create small yet convincing illusion spells using less energy than other affinities, and steal energy from others. It is represented by the color Purple.

Sapphire is the stone of Curiosity. This affinity often relates to a willingness to seek why every chance they get and try to figure out new hows. This stone tends to be related to area effect spells and those meant to aid in observing. Bearers of this stone make up about half of all spell writers. This affinity is represented by the color Blue.

Emerald is the stone of Unity. Associated with Loyalty to their teams, the willingness to aid others and provide for those they care about. Many healing spells and some types of energy transfer are if this affinity. It is not uncommon to find oneself connected to Kaisper plants, occasionally forming the ability to make automations or control a sprout like an extension of themselves. It is represented by the color Green

Gaspeite, in its yellow form, is the stone of Obedience. People with this affinity tend to be realistic in their worldview and very code driven. This stone is often related to persuasion spells and more recently has found itself a knack for dealing with electronics and it has been proven that bearers are capable of turning electricity into aura straight off the power grid. It is represented by the color Yellow

Affinities can be mixed and the most a standard caster can bear is three. If you can cast certain spells in an affinity but not many you may have a 'tinted Quartz' affinity like amethyst.

CLASSES

Specializations

Rank

Guide - a fully fledged Quiveran who sponsors a new recruit, called a Sparrow. Their responsibilities are to help the kid create their own support network and teach them that questions are not to be faced alone. Guides also see their students (typically 1, up to 6 each) through each milestone, including being the last obstacle before facing coronation.

Coronated a fully fledged Quiveran without a sparrow. They have survived coronation and are now allowed to fight in battles or take a sparrow at any time.

Sparrow - a student of the quivera who has yet to go through all their training and the coronation ceremony. Is assigned to a guide within 1 week of joining and typically stays as such for 1-5 years.

Saire - a sparrow who is for any reason not linked to a guide, and usually keeps a more school like approach to learning.

GENERAL

Leader - arranges all planning and supplies for their team, due to a lower need for step by step command in battle they can hold a second position on smaller teams, but never scout due to the need to relay information, check it, and speak with the team in person to finalize plans.

Brute - Brutes are meant to be the protectors of the group and tend to act as living shields whenever anyone is distracted from battle (healing, codebreaking, setting up cameras,) because they are the tanks of the group. Sometimes a group may have the brute hold a second position like scout or leader, but because of their duties to protect they are not allowed to also act as the team medic.

Medic - the group healer both physically and mentally, they are often deemed the key-pin of the team, and so if they get hurt too badly a mission may be canceled or cut short (depending on the scout’s ability level and the availability of temps.) they are trained to a minimum of EMT regulation plus some mystical healing techniques.

Scout - the first one in and often the last one out they gather last minute intel and clear paths, but they also serve as a ‘replacement member’ should anyone become incapacitated during a mission.

Hunter - not directly assigned to any one team, instead there are 3-10 per district. they are in charge of team coordination directly, and take the place of any scout who is either filling in for another teammate or is otherwise unable to be on missions. Otherwise they gather information and/or handle communications/surveillance.

Spy - fully independent they spend much of their time immersed in potential threats as z kind of emergency break. They are trained sabatures who are more than capable of turning a fine tuned organization into a steaming pile of rubble.

Jobs

(District Level)

District captain - their duty is to arrange any supply transfering, banking, and housing for the teams working under them, take care of any crimes committed to or by Quiverans in their district, and handle territory disputes with other covens or orders in any way possible. Districts are usually fairly large, and are only limited to three days travel long. (luckily more populated areas tend to get split up further and may allow smaller districts beneath them.)

Profiteer- these kids are often performers and are in charge of bringing money into the coven. They get to keep 30-85 % of all earnings depending on how much they make (more made more given), the rest go back to the coven and is used to supply missions and get necessities for the coven. These members are often privileged with higher quality supplies.

Recruitment Officer - they find anyone looking for a new path and do their best to make contact and set them on the path to magic, most focus on aura users for the quivera but it is common for one to pick up kids for other covens simply to get them out of bad situations. They are also required to 'unlock' magic in their recruits and give them a quick 101 so the new students can hit the ground running. Make first spell books for kids (mini pamphlets in all reality like the one you are reading now.)

Artiface - protects artifacts in their district and Handle any distribution or loaning. It is their duty to ensure all artifacts in their care are kept safe even when shipped to a separate district or to 'HQ'

Weapons Keeper - runs the district armory and retains the ability to control many supplies in the area.

Spy Keeper - keeps tabs on all district missions and commands all spy's and hunters who are currently within his/her domain

Coven HQ based

Not everyone chooses to go out on a team and spend the rest of their lives doing missions, and we have plenty of options just like the outside world, below are just a couple.

Education Officers - basically professors, although they often lead hands on training and are allowed to make practice missions for their kids (such as the espionage kids hiding little led lights about to show how to cover a room with cameras, or ‘familiar magic’ going into the woods sto try and connect with wild animals around the world)

Teacher's aids - some kids who go out on teams help teachers when they are at hq, but are not around enough to have their own class. Sometimes they hold seminars on anything from swimming to torture resistance tactics.

Forge Keepers - they make weapons in the main forge, both long time classics like swords to new inventions of their own. Coven inventors often hold this title.

Intel Coordinators -  these smart people handle communications throughout the coven and often have access to any kind of documentation (real or forged) that is necessary. They act as

[theeverydaynarcissist]

1.

1. First of all, what do you prefer to be called? Tiffany, I suppose. I don’t really have a preference. 2. What is your favorite form of creative expression? I enjoying writing and curating my blog. 3. How do you like your coffee OR if you don’t like it, why?: I usually like it on the stronger side with a little cream and sugar. Sometimes (usually when eating sweets), I like to drink it black. 4. What is the least desirable thing, in your opinion, to put on a pizza that you have heard of people actually eating?: Oddly enough, I don’t care for pepperonis on pizza. I’ll eat them if I have to, but I don’t really like the taste or the texture. 5. Would you rather witness the beginning or the end of the universe?: The beginning. 6. Describe your favourite pair of socks: I don’t think I have a favorite pair of socks. My socks are quite boring. I have a fuzzy, thick pair that I wear in the winter, that I like, though. 7. What is the current or last song you are listening/listened to, and does it have any special significance to you?: I’m currently listening to Rich and Famous by Sara Phillips. It doesn’t have any special significance to me. 8. Do you prefer rainbows or stars?: Stars. 9. Describe the best day of your life NOT in terms of events, but in terms of your feelings: I can’t think of a day that I would classify as the best. 10. Would you rather go to a planetarium or an aquarium?: The planetarium. There’s one here in Chicago that I haven’t been to yet. I’d really like to go. 11. Do you know the reason that 11:11 is considered to be auspicious?: I have no clue. 12. What decorations are hanging on your walls?: I have two Harry Potter prints on the wall and a photo of my mother and aunt. 13. What is your favourite planet in our solar system?: Neptune is the prettiest, in my opinion. 14. How do you express love?: Affection, gifts, surprises, doing simple things to make life easier for my partner. 15. Do you consider yourself to be more spiritual or scientific?: Scientific. 16. If you had a lava lamp, what color would you want it to be?: I used to own a lava lamp. It was purple with glitter. 17. Would you rather be able to revisit your past to simply re-experience a positive moment or revisit your past in order to change things and risk the consequences?: There is very little in my past that I want to re-experience, so I guess I would change things. 18. Have you ever had a past-life regression or memory?: Not that I can recall. 19. What is your favourite holiday and why?: Thanksgiving. I enjoy cooking and eating food and spending time with my family. 20. Are you better with remembering dates or names?: I think I’m adept at remembering dates and names. 21. What was your favourite book that you had to read for a class?: In Cold Blood, by Truman Capote. 22. What is your favourite number and why is it significant to you?: I don’t have a favorite number. 23. Would you rather explore space or the ocean?: I’m terrified of both, but more interested in space. Plus, there are far fewer grotesque creatures in space. 24. What prompted you to call the last person you called?: I call him everyday. 25. Star Trek or Star Wars?: Star Wars. 26. Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter?: Harry Potter. I could not get through Lord of the Rings. It was incredibly boring. 27. What is your favourite band and why?: I don’t have a favorite band. I really like Alt-J and Mutemath, though. 28. What colour best resonates with your best friend(s)?: Blue for Dawn and Matthew and I’m not sure about Michael. 29. Where do you work and why do you work there?: I work as a nanny. I do it because I enjoy working with children and it gives me teaching experience I can use after I finish college and start working as a teacher. 30. Have you ever gone to a public karaoke facility, and what did you sing?: I have never sang karaoke and likely never will. 31. What animal do you feel most connected with?: I don’t feel connected with any animal. 32. Have you ever had “special brownies” or any other kind of “special” treat?: No. 33. What book are you reading at the moment?: I’m rereading the A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R. R. Martin, Packing for Mars, by Mary Roach, and A Rose for Her Grave, by Ann Rule. 34. What is the funniest thing that you have done at a fast food restaurant? I don’t think I’ve ever done anything funny at a fast food restaurant. 35. Do you enjoy listening to music that is sung in another language?: Not particularly. 36. Quote the last movie you watched: “It is written.” 37. Do you know more than just your sun sign (like your ascending sign or moon sign etc.)?: I do not. 38. Do you have any jewelry on you that holds significance, and if so, what is it and why is it significant?: Yeah, a gold necklace with the letter “m” on it. It’s my boyfriend’s initial. 39. What is your favorite kind of cheesecake?: I’m not a big fan of cheesecake. 40. Why did you last feel warm and fuzzy inside?: Maybe over the weekend. 41. What band that no longer performs together do you wish would have a reunion tour?: I have no idea.

42. What band that IS still together do you wish would perform in your area?: Alt-J or Violents (not really a band). 43. Have you ever been in a band, and what role did you play in it?: I was only in symphonic band in middle school. I played the flute. 44. What has been the single most frightening experience of your life?: Most of my childhood I guess. 45. Who is/was your favourite Spice Girl?: I didn’t have a favorite. 46. Do you prefer free verse or poetry set in a form?: I’m not a big fan of poetry. 47. In a hotel, would you choose to go in the hot tub, the sauna, the workout room, or the pool?: Maybe the sauna after a workout. 48. Imagine that you are exploring space. Who would you want with you and what would you want to explore, assuming you are not limited in any way?: Marc. And if I’m not limited in any way I’d want to explore Earth 2.0. 49. Have you ever astral projected?: No. 50. What is your favourite song by the group t.A.T.u?: I don’t have one. 51. Describe what you envision as “paradise”: Penthouse (paid off) in downtown Chicago with valet services, career I love with a six figure income, and sharing it with my favorite person. 52. What element do you feel most connected to?: None. 53. What is a cause that you feel very strongly about and why?: There are so many. Equality of every variety, mostly. 54. What was your favourite class from the last year that you were in school?: I’m in a children’s literature class right now that I really like. 55. What is a topic that you study independently for your own interest?: True crime. 56. Describe what you would want to wear if you were getting married, handfasted, or having some kind of “love celebration” or “commitment” ceremony between yourself and another? An Elie Saab black lace gown with a black lace veil. 57. What song do you want played at your funeral?: I haven’t really considered my own death and funeral, so I’m not sure. 58. Would you rather alphabetize or put things in order according to numbers?: It depends on what I’m organizing. Usually I do a combination of both. 59. What medication do you dislike the most?: Any sort of prescription painkiller. They make me nauseous. 60. Would you rather write a story or a poem?: A story. 61. Do you believe in non-physical entities, and if so have you ever communicated with one?: No. 62. What invention or discovery do you think that the scientific community should focus on?: Hm, I have no idea. Maybe something related to the medical field or something to combat climate change. 63. If you could go anywhere, where would you go and why?: Iceland. I’d like to visit the Blue Lagoon. 64. What skill do people often compliment you on?: How well I write. 65. What are three facets of your personality or thinking patterns that you want to improve?: I would like to procrastinate less, become less susceptible to jealousy and insecurity, and take care better care of my body and mind.   66. What is your favourite symbol?: An alinea. 67. Name an unusual shortcut or file that’s on your desktop: I don’t have any shortcuts on my desktop, aside from the recycling bin. 68. What do you smell like right now?: Vanilla sugar perfume. 69. You get to have a theme party of your choice, just for fun. What theme do you choose?: Harry Potter or Game of Thrones. 70. Have you ever been in the depths of a cave?: I have not. 71. How do you deal with the dark side of yourself?: I’m still learning to do that. Lots of self-reflection tends to be helpful. 72. Name something that you can’t help but save: I don’t like clutter so I don’t tend to save things. 73. What is your addiction?: Peach green tea from Starbucks. 74. If you could wish something for three people, but not for yourself, who would the wishes be for and what would they be?: Success and true happiness for Marc.

An infinite amount of money for my grandmother.

A girlfriend for Matthew that meets all his needs and wants. 75. Would you rather send a message in a bottle or on a balloon?: Balloon I suppose. 76. What did you dream last night?: I remember a blogger I like sending me messages and telling me all the things that are wrong with me and how I should change them to make people like me better. 77. What is one of your most frequent daydreams?: Being rich and being able to buy lavish gifts for everyone I love and care about. 78. What is your favourite stuffed animal?: I don’t have one. 79. If you could have a conversation with any well-known figure of the past or present, who would it be and what would you want to talk about?: That would require a bit more thought. 80. If you could bring anyone back to life, who would it be?: My mom. 81. Are you affectionate?: Only with one person. 82. Name one thing that each of your best friends is really good at: Matthew is very thoughtful and excellent at putting the needs of others before himself. He’s also a great crime stopper!

Dawn can succeed at anything she puts her mind too and has great work ethic.

Michael is a great debater and has the ability to see things from many different perspectives.   83. What are you a perfectionist with?: Everything, honestly. It’s detrimental in a lot of ways and I dislike it. 84. Could you see yourself being able to carry on a long distance relationship?: I’ve been in too many long distance relationships. I couldn’t do that again. 85. If you could be anything but human, including anything mythical, what would you be?: I’d like to be a well taken care of dog or cat. 86. Have you ever meditated? If so, what is your method, and if not, what do you do to relax?: I used to meditate during yoga. I should get back into that. 87. What is something about yourself that you feel no one else understands?: How deep my insecurities are and how fragile my ego is.

[lovemesomesurveys]

1. First of all, what do you prefer to be called? Stephanie or Steph is fine. 2. What is your favorite form of creative expression? Blogging and these surveys. 3. How do you like your coffee OR if you don’t like it, why?: With flavored creamer or with Half and Half and Splenda. 4. What is the least desirable thing, in your opinion, to put on a pizza that you have heard of people actually eating?: I’m a simple gal, I just like extra cheese and extra sauce. I don’t like mushrooms, anchovies, onions or all that other crap. Also, I don’t get the whole pineapple thing. Sorry not sorry. 5. Would you rather witness the beginning or the end of the universe?: I’d like to not see the end since that would mean the end of everything/everyone. Seeing the beginning would be remarkable.

6. Describe your favourite pair of socks: I just like my black ankle socks.

7. What is the current or last song you are listening/listened to, and does it have any special significance to you?: I don’t remember the last song I listened to at the moment. I don’t feel like checking, either. 8. Do you prefer rainbows or stars?: Stars. 9. Describe the best day of your life NOT in terms of events, but in terms of your feelings: Feeling in love and that having that special connection with someone. 10. Would you rather go to a planetarium or an aquarium?: Neither. 11. Do you know the reason that 11:11 is considered to be auspicious?: Nope. 12. What decorations are hanging on your walls?: I have a few pictures, a marker board, a bulletin board, clock, and a big Swedish flag. 13. What is your favourite planet in our solar system?: Earth. 14. How do you express love?: By being supportive, encouraging, loving, caring, helping when I can, and by  just saying it. 15. Do you consider yourself to be more spiritual or scientific?: Spiritual. 16. If you had a lava lamp, what color would you want it to be?: I haven’t. 17. Would you rather be able to revisit your past to simply re-experience a positive moment or revisit your past in order to change things and risk the consequences?: I’d like to change things, but then yeah I’d be afraid of the consequences of doing so. It could make things better or it could make things worse. It could take away some of the good things that have happened. I just keep thinking if I had done some things differently, then maybe I wouldn’t have some of the issues I have now. And I have regrets about other things. But sigh I don’t know. 18. Have you ever had a past-life regression or memory?: No. 19. What is your favourite holiday and why?: Christmas. I just love everything about it. 20. Are you better with remembering dates or names?: Names, but I’m good with some dates, too. Like if they’re significant to me, such as birthdays. 21. What was your favourite book that you had to read for a class?: I enjoyed A Brave New World. 22. What is your favourite number and why is it significant to you?: Eight. It’s been my favorite number since I was a kid. Anyone remember those School House Rock cartoons? They had songs to help kids learn math and other subjects. Anyway, I really liked the song for eight. I also thought it was fun to make and that it was cool how it was an infinity sign when turned on its side.

23. Would you rather explore space or the ocean?: Neitherrrr. Both sound terrifying. 24. What prompted you to call the last person you called?: I was calling my mom back. 25. Star Trek or Star Wars?: Star Wars. 26. Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter?: Harry Potter. 27. What is your favourite band and why?: I have lots of favourites, because I can’t choose just one. <<<< Same. 28. What colour best resonates with your best friend(s)?: -- 29. Where do you work and why do you work there?: I don’t work.

30. Have you ever gone to a public karaoke facility, and what did you sing?: I’ve been to bars where they had karaoke night, but I sure as hell didn’t get up there and sing. Not even drunk could I do that. 31. What animal do you feel most connected with?: I felt most connected with my dog. She passed away this past December. :( :( :( 32. Have you ever had “special brownies” or any other kind of “special” treat?: Not brownies, but I’ve had special taffy and cookies. 33. What book are you reading at the moment?: He Found Me by Whitney Barbetti. 34. What is the funniest thing that you have done at a fast food restaurant? I haven’t done anything funny at a fast food restaurant. 35. Do you enjoy listening to music that is sung in another language?: Some, sure. 36. Quote the last movie you watched: "This is my money maker. *gestures to face* I’m not that good of an actor, I know that.” Ashton Kutcher’s character, Hank, in Cheaper by the Dozen. 37. Do you know more than just your sun sign (like your ascending sign or moon sign etc.)?: Nah. 38. Do you have any jewelery on you that holds significance, and if so, what is it and why is it significant?: I don’t have jewelry on me. 39. What is your favorite kind of cheesecake?: Mmm. So many kinds. I love cheesecake. 40. Why did you last feel warm and fuzzy inside?: I don’t remember the last time I felt that.

41. What band that no longer performs together do you wish would have a reunion tour?: Hmmm. 42. What band that IS still together do you wish would perform in your area?: Again I say, hmmm... 43. Have you ever been in a band, and what role did you play in it?: No. 44. What has been the single most frightening experience of your life?: All my surgeries. 45. Who is/was your favourite Spice Girl?: I didn’t have a particular favorite. 46. Do you prefer free verse or poetry set in a form?: Whichever. Just depends. 47. In a hotel, would you choose to go in the hot tub, the sauna, the workout room, or the pool?: None of those. I’ll just be chillin’ in the room. Lol when I stay in hotels I do the same things I do at home. I have my laptop, the TV, and a big bed. I’m good. 48. Imagine that you are exploring space. Who would you want with you and what would you want to explore, assuming you are not limited in any way?: I wouldn’t be exploring space because just the idea of it freaks me out. 49. Have you ever astral projected?: No. This YouTuber I watch says that he can, though. Sounds pretty trippy. 50. What is your favourite song by the group t.A.T.u?: Probably “All The Things She Said” because that’s the only other one I know besides “They’re Not Gonna Get Us”.<<< The only song I know by them is the first one listed, but I really liked it back in the day.

51. Describe what you envision as “paradise”: Something greater than we can even imagine. 52. What element do you feel most connected to?: I guess water. 53. What is a cause that you feel very strongly about and why?: Causes for animals is one example. They don’t have a voice, so they need us to speak up when they’re being mistreated. 54. What was your favourite class from the last year that you were in school?: This entertainment journalism class. My last semester was just a couple electives because I was 3 units away from graduating. I really enjoyed that class. I’ve always been interested in  entertainment/celebrity/pop culture news stuff. 55. What is a topic that you study independently for your own interest?: Well, I’ve been reading and studying the Bible on my own to learn about God’s word and build my relationship with Him. 56. Describe what you would want to wear if you were getting married, handfasted, or having some kind of “love celebration” or “commitment” ceremony between yourself and another? *shrug* 57. What song do you want played at your funeral?: I don’t know. 58. Would you rather alphabetize or put things in order according to numbers?: Alphabetize. 59. What medication do you dislike the most?: I don’t particularly like any medication. It’s just something I gotta do. 60. Would you rather write a story or a poem?: Story. 61. Do you believe in non-physical entities, and if so have you ever communicated with one?: I believe in God. 62. What invention or discovery do you think that the scientific community should focus on?: I think they’re already focus on a lot of important priorities, like medical care, disease cure and treatment, etc. << Yeah. I work in medical research and I can tell you that we are extremely well funded.<<< That’s good to know.

63. If you could go anywhere, where would you go and why?: Sweden. 64. What skill do people often compliment you on?: I don’t know. I don’t have any skills.<< Saaame. 65. What are three facets of your personality or thinking patterns that you want to improve?: My anxious, pessimistic, negative self. 66. What is your favourite symbol?: $$$ <<< Hahah. 67. Name an unusual shortcut or file that’s on your desktop: There aren’t any. 68. What do you smell like right now?: I don’t know. Me. 69. You get to have a theme party of your choice, just for fun. What theme do you choose?: Hmmm. I’d have to think about that more, I’m not sure. 70. Have you ever been in the depths of a cave?: No. 71. How do you deal with the dark side of yourself?: Uhhh. 72. Name something that you can’t help but save: I hold onto a lot of things. 73. What is your addiction?: Coffee and Tumblr. 74. If you could wish something for three people, but not for yourself, who would the wishes be for and what would they be?: Health, happiness and money for everyone I love. << I like that. 75. Would you rather send a message in a bottle or on a balloon?: Balloon. 76. What did you dream last night?: I didn’t dream as far as I can recall. I haven’t in awhile. 77. What is one of your most frequent daydreams?: My mind always just wanders to whatever is going on and all the stuff I’m dealing with. 78. What is your favourite stuffed animal?: All my many giraffe stuffed animals. 79. If you could have a conversation with any well-known figure of the past or present, who would it be and what would you want to talk about?: I really don’t know. 80. If you could bring anyone back to life, who would it be?: My grandma. 81. Are you affectionate?: I hug my mom a lot and tell her I love her.

82. Name one thing that each of your best friends is really good at: -- 83. What are you a perfectionist with?: I’m not a perfectionist. 84. Could you see yourself being able to carry on a long distance relationship?: I don’t know. 85. If you could be anything but human, including anything mythical, what would you be?: *shrug* 86. Have you ever meditated? If so, what is your method, and if not, what do you do to relax?: No. 87. What is something about yourself that you feel no one else understands?: My mind. I can be so stubborn and make things complicated. I don’t understand myself, really.

[izboa-blog]

INITIAL RESEARCH:

https://uk.pinterest.com/iseboawoollands/fmp-identity/ 

Most of my research stemmed from Pinterest as I found it a very useful site to find both images and websites. The images upon the board include images for all my themes (Identity, Night Life, Youth and Green Lane) as well as looking at different techniques.

IDENTITY:

Quite a lot of my research involves portraiture, artists such as Charis and Kyle Rowlands (Image^) I like their use of composition to bring focus to the figure. Additionally because of how the background of the images is unfocused to makes them pop. They mainly focus on wedding and engagement photos but also do some lifestyle-based photography as well. As most of their photography is based outside, they use a lot of natural light, and would have had to be planned to create in the right time of day to get the right lighting.

I would have to consider things like this when creating my own images, if I take photographs outside I would have to change the ISO of the camera than it would be in the studio which I am more accustom to.

I also found an artists who plays with stereotypes (This could also link to my “Youth” theme as well). Joel Par did a project called “Judging America” where he took stereotypes about people who look and dress a certain way, including religious outwear all the way to tattoos, and presented them in a very stereotypical way as well as doing a portrait of what they actually do. One example included a photo of a homeless man, and next to the photo, with the same man, dressed in a war uniform (see image^). I feel like this is a clever technique to mess with people’s perception of identity. The phrase “Don’t judge a book by its cover” comes to mind here.

to get the audience to focus on the figure and only the figure the photographer has taken the photos ups a plain backdrop, this gets rid of any distracts that could accuse from being in a public area. 

Additionally the lighting throughout all of my research changes vastly, from dark and moody photos to quite cheerful and happy ones. Lighting has a big impact on an image and can make a simply smiling image quite emotional and reflective by simply adjusting the exposure and contrast of a photograph. Photographer Max Eremine is a great example of this, his portraits are very lighting controlled, the lights, or rather lack of, would have been tested and adjusted until he got the perfect lighting. If it wasn’t for the dark and limited lighting, a lot of his photographs wouldn’t seem as emotional.

the mixture of nature light and artificial ligting in his work is also dependent on the mood he’s trying to create. 

Especially relative to “Identity”, body paint has the ability to enhance a particular emotion. For example, Katja and Bernd Hofmann, photographs, teamed up with a make-up artist for symbolic war painting on models to create interesting portraiture. 

Applying the paint on with a sponge will give off a more composed and perfectionist feel; it looks as though her skin was always white and perfect. It looks more real. Additionally the idea of covering her whole body with white is a representation to identity in itself; white is associated with purity and innocence, combined with the defensive way she’s positioned it makes her seem almost as though she’s protecting herself.

However the technique of applying the paint in the second image is more rough and messy. This is the photo that was created for the symbolic war painting; the fact it is rough and messy suggests it’s an act if passion. There’s no control here. The strokes of paint (from a paintbrush) are neither even or smooth. The paint it patchy, not having been painted over or smoothed out like the first image. The same color as before, white, suggest they are fighting for peace. 

And lastly there’s the more intricate delicate effect that gives off a more precious, fragile feel. The subject of the painting, flower, make it seem she’s one with nature; she is nature. Additionally because of the age of the girl they painted on it’s as though they're representing the growing of her age, she growing up, maturing, blossoming. 

Within my “Youth” and “Identity” themes particularly, props will be very important. Through my initial research, I discovered that items such as skateboards and coffee cups might be quite useful to help identify an individual either on their own or within a group shot.

In the first photograph above the woman looks really happy and motivated, but in the second image she looked distracted and reflective. The same technique can be used with other items and have the same effect, i think the images work this way because of the composition. Because in the second image it focuses on the cup instead of the person itself she becomes slightly more lost within the photography like she unaware of her surroundings. Also for the fact her hands are covered by her jumper, although mainly could be because the mug is hot, it’s also a habit that people do when they're insecure or anxious. And lastly, although it’s not central to the shot, she’s not smiling. what you can see of her expression is quite stoic. 

YOUTH:

https://uk.pinterest.com/iseboawoollands/fmp-youth/ 

I’ve discovered that a lot of the photographs i’ve found for this theme are very untamed and often unstaged. I think this is because teenage nature cannot be controlled, it one of the many things youths fight against. However there are many photographers who do stage photo shoots and they work out very successfully. 

Francesca Allen is an artists who i think captures the idea of youth very well. She did a project called “GIRLS! GIRLS! GIRLS!” where she took a variety of photos of different girls, of different ages, in different moods. I like the fact that she’s used a variety of different models, suggesting that this is a wider thing than just one or two people. 

The subject of her photography depicts females in different positions to expression that being a female is more complex than just the body. From the use of different types of attire on the different models Francesca depicts the youth in a very different way, eliminating the stereotypes associated with young women.

My research also shows a variety of different locations that i think would be fun to experiment in. Although both indoor and outdoor would need different camera settings like ISO and shutter speed, i feel that they can represent different sides of a personality. While the left photo above is indoor it does show a very carefree and fun vibe to it, while the outside one show a very relaxed and chilled vibe.

The composition is key here as well, rule of thirds within the first image makes you focus on the two ladies holding behind the magazine covers. Also the magazines are holding up are also within the rule of thirds which causes the viewer the instantly find those elements of the photo.

In the second image, leading lines is used to make the photo more powerful. The image has undertones of escapism, highlighted by the train tracks guiding the eyes away from the main focus of the photo and deeper into the image. The fact that you can see the photographers finger in the image suggests that they’re not a professional, however it does show that there is a person behind the camera, probably a friend and another youth, whereas most times this can be easy to forget. 

Focusing further on escapism,  these images represent three very different ways youths deal with the challenges that comes their way. It’s also an age where they can get addicted to things, the thought of needing something to get by, to cope. Escapism starts to kick in, whether consciously or unconsciously; teenagers deal with changes very differently, some getting addicted to very safe habits such as bubble gum or energy drinks or reading, while other get addicted to smoking, drinking or adrenaline rushes. 

They’re all portraiture shots which helps isolate the individual and their coping mechanisms, there’s also nothing in the background to distract from the figure and their addictions. The images, from left to right, get progressively worse in sense of self destruction. There’s no special lighting techniques show here, this makes it seem real rather than staged, and leaves the interpretation down to the viewer. 

The first image is quite happy, nothing seems to be bothering her as the addictions isn’t that harmful. The image is relatively bright unlike the other two which reinforces the idea that nothing is wrong. 

The second image however has a more angry and exasperated undertones to the figure. He’s messy and disheveled which gives off a anxious atmosphere. Smoking is also a habit people do when they’re stressed, smokers describe is as a stress-relief to tough and more difficult situations. 

And lastly, the final images has slightly muted colours this correlates to the subject matter as the alcohol has probably muted her senses and awareness of what’s happening around her. 

NIGHT LIFE:

https://uk.pinterest.com/iseboawoollands/fmp-night-life/

Night lie is a theme that doesn’t necessarily need people in to make it either make sense or to prove a point. The fact of the matter is night life means very different things to many different people - while some people can be wide awake via insomnia other could be drink in clubs. But there’s also the thought of places at night looking different to the of the day (this idea works with people too) 

Because of the time of the day, and frankly lack of people, it gives off a moody feel to it. Almost kind of like something from a horror film. The lighting here is very important for that. Because the lighting only lights up so much of the room it becomes kind of curious to think what’s in the other part of the room that you cannot see. Additionally there’s the fact that the light isn’t a clean white sort of lighting, its an orange/red light that makes it kind of creepy. which also symbolizes danger.

Not only that but the photo uses leading line to point you to that left hand side, like you’re expecting someone to walk through and have some secret meeting about some dodgy business. All it’s missing is a flickering light (something that a photo couldn’t get - a video would.) 

I think this photo really works because of how limited of whats in the photo. All you’ve got to work with is the passing of time of the twenty four hours clock - that’s important, the twenty-four hour clock. Because it’s twenty-four hour clock we know which part of the day, or rather night, the photos being taken at. 

It’s gives off the thought of time being wasted away. Because all this person has done, since got knows when, was watch the time go back. However simple this photo is it really expresses how important, or possibly meaningless, time is. 

Every photography can be defined in either Overt or Covert. Having an obvious (overt) or not so obvious (covert) meanings to them. 

The photo on the left is a covert image, the meaning for the photo is completely open to individual interpretation. Obviously it’s a portrait but it doesn’t have an obvious meaning to it; has she been stood up for a date? Is she meeting a friend? Is she getting a bus back from her night shift at work? Whereas the photo on the right is quite simple to interpret, movement, the line from long exposure. 

Speaking of long exposure the photo has obviously been used with a tripod. Because of how slow the shutter speed would be to take a long exposure it would pick up every and any slight movement. there is no camera shake in this image, therefore it’s been taken with a tripod, or on a very flat surface and held down. 

Using the same technique as before Paul Maria Schneggenburger created a series of images of lovers asleep and how they interact with one another unconsciously at night. According the artist he did these by doing a long exposure for six hours (midnight - 6 a.m.) with a few candles to light up the room. Just enough light for the camera to see the person.

If i were to do this I’d have to figure out how to do an exposure for longer than a few seconds. Additionally the photo is black and white which takes away any distractions of colour.

Set in the exact the spot over a twenty four hour period, this artist has pieced a section of each photo at different times together to make one image. The photographs would have been taken about half an hours apart as there is roughly about forty-eigth sections to the image. The ISO would have had to be the same throughout the entire twenty four hour period other wise the lighting wouldn’t have had flowed the way it would naturally; this piece isn’t about perfect lighting or making the sky pop or vibrant, it’s about the passing of time.

Additionally, for something like this where the image needed to be exactly the same throughout, the photographer would have needed a tripod to keep the angel and set up for all forty-eight.

The photographer would have used photoshop to create the final image, using a ruler on the program to make sure each section was the same width. If she were to do any more photos, or equally any less, the width of the section would haven been increased. However the more the sections the more the lighting in the image would have flowed.

Image by Gregory Crewson, he creates almost cinematic photography that sometimes can be hard to say if its reality or fiction. Everything is perfectly placed, adjusted centermeters to the left or moved a step to the right to create photographs that capture these “perfect moments.” He uses everything to make sure these images are perfect, to finding the perfection location, to use smoke machines, and time of day.

GREEN LANE: 

https://uk.pinterest.com/iseboawoollands/fmp-green-lane/

By Victoria Siemer. I feel like these photos, although focus on light and movement, represent a bust city full of life and people. And, in a sense, represent the how-many-hundred-people who live there too. There photos would have taken from a high place, probably a roof top on a tripod. (as state in a previous point there’s no camera shake.) Then she has taken them into photoShop and manipulated the photos to create the semicircles of buildings.

Nathan Harger created this series of images of houses and buildings. There all in black and white. He’s taken a front of photo of the two story houses and well as one pointed upwards to get the rooftops in frame as well. He probably used a tripod to create these images as the edge of the curbs and windows and roofs are perfectly straight and aligned with one another. They have all been taken on the same day and roughly the same time as the skies are pretty similar throughout the series, as well as the exposure and contrast being the same throughout.