#the tyrant's champion

[incorrect-primarchs-quotes]

Lmao😭

[autumnoakes]

man... rhoam's "redemption" in aoc really sucked, huh?

like botw SHOWED us, several times, how much pressure rhoam put on zelda to unlock her powers, despite her telling him, several times, that it wasn't working. he got angry and banned her from doing not only something she saw as useful, but something that she was clearly very interested in and passionate about because she "wasn't dedicating enough time to her prayers." yes, his diary expresses regret for it, but at the end of the day, if zelda saw that it wouldn't mean much to her. the actions rhoam took, and the way zelda grew up under so much pressure that she nearly died as a child in one of the springs (this is in urbosa's diary, iirc) mean so much more than his regrets and his intentions. it took him nearly 10 years to realize that he fucked up, and by that point it was too late. the calamity had returned, and rhoam had lost any chance he had at making things right with zelda.

meanwhile, in aoc, all that's there is some half-hearted scene in the temple of time that's supposed to make everything better? yes, aoc had a very different and arguably better outcome than the calamity that led to botw, but the damage was still done by rhoam. it's still the same hurts and abuse and trauma that he put his daughter through all because of the prophesized calamity.

[dailycharacteroption]

Class Feature Friday: Tyrant Cause (Pathfinder Second Edition Champion Cause)

(art by johnsonting on DeviantArt)

One of the great things we’ve seen with 2nd edition is the reorganizing of the old paladin class into the champion, a warrior whose beliefs define them and are granted divine power to see them enacted into the world.

We’ve seen the three goodly options so far, but today we’re looking at the first of the three evil options! (No word on when if ever we’ll get neutral options, though it doesn’t look likely since they’re doing away with alignment in the upcoming Remaster, but never say never.)

In any case, the tyrant, epitomes of “might is right”, powerful divine warriors that believe that the world is ruled by the strong, and the weak must step in line with the will of their betters or be punished severely.

As you might expect from a lawful evil version of the champion class, tyrants are devoted to the ideals of power and hierarchies. The idea of authority being derived from the consent of the people is absurd to them. Authority is seized by those with the strength to do so, for the betterment of all, and by “all”, they mean themselves as their betterment is the reward of rule, and those beneath them should be grateful for what scraps they are given. After all, it’s their own fault for not proving their worth and rising through the ranks (but not so fast or high as to threaten the tyrant’s power, of course).

Of course, not all of these champions can truly be absolute rulers, and many serve powerful masters while seeking ways to grow their own authority, and possibly supplanting their masters.

The tyrant first appeared in 1st edition as an archetype for the antipaladin, as a way for fans of the evil class to be lawful evil servants of cruel order rather than divinely empowered vagabonds and vicious destroyers. Make no mistake though, neither that 1st edition version nor the modern champion tyrant are known for showing mercy unless is suits their plans to do so.

Indeed, as we will see, these warriors rule with an iron fist, and one way or another, they seek to bow all to their will.

Like all champions, tyrants have a divinely blessed reflex in combat. However, evil champions typically have one geared towards those that dare to strike them instead of bringing harm to others nearby, and this is true of tyrants. In their case, these profane warriors demand that the offending attacker prostrate themselves before the tyrant for daring to attack them, lest they be punished. The foe can refuse, but their dark power punishes them with pain and suffering for daring to disobey their better.

Their smite improves this punishing harm with continuous agony afterwards as well.

The exalted form also causes nearby foes to also be compelled to drop as well, but the punishment for refusing is not as severe as the primary target.

Naturally, there is a single feat tied to this cause: Iron Repercussions, which causes the damage of their punishment to become persistent.

Other feats that may be useful to them include Conceited Mindset, Lightslayer Oath, Aura of Despair, Cruelty, Sacral Lord, Corrupted Shield, Smite Good, Greater Cruelty, Sense Good, Litany of Self-Interest, Pale Horse, Divine Reflexes, Litany of Depravity, Sacral Monarch, Fiendish Form, Fiendish Mount, and Sacred Defender. Of course, your build may differ depending on exactly what you’re going for.

This is a fun cause to take if you’re wanting to play an evil character, especially with a reaction which lets you force foes to either take a not-insignificant amount of damage or put themselves in a compromised state, which is fun. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that as of the time of writing, there is only one feat tied directly to this cause, and it specifically and immediately makes one of the abilities you gain by level up obsolete as incredibly low level. What’s more, since their reaction does not buff the damage that their own strikes do, it leaves them unable to make use of several feats associated with the tenets of evil. With that in mind, I would focus on a build that seeks to hamper and strike down foes, applying constant pressure.

We’ve discussed this repeatedly on the blog, but an important thing to remember with evil characters is that they can absolutely work together with goodly characters as long as it suits their interest to do so. Tyrants in particular, with their interest in leading and control, will likely plan around having to work with their goodly “allies” until the time comes when they become to strong or well-connected to stop.

Resembling kites rather than ravens, the tengu of Alkaar Pass are said to be descendants of asuras, and like their ancestors, peddle false enlightenment that leads to power, but not wisdom. Fiercest among them is their leader, the faultspawn Sugoda, who rules with an iron talon.

Not every tyrant champion is a product of advanced civilization. Indeed, in the Eternal Lands, the leader of the Skullshatter tribe is every bit the avatar of tyranny and fiendish power as any other profane warrior, and his Warhammer shatters bones just as easily as the cranium of his pachycephalosaur mount.

Though he understands none of it, Svak the Breaker finds himself in control of a massive fortress full of ancient technology and magic from a forgotten era. However, he has done so at the behest of his master, whom he despises. Rebelling now would go against his beliefs, but soon, he plans to turn on his master and assume direct command of all of their forces, but first he needs someone who understands the wonders that surround him.

[malwarechips]

im trying to fight lost kin rn and im taking more damage to the damn infected balloons they spawn than i am to kin themself

[expvrgction]

(no other thoughts, only beej getting pulled into quake-related shenanigans)

[eldragon-x]

holy shit I might finish the game very soon

[localtopegg]

Playing through Hollow Knight when I have the to force myself to take a break from income hunting. Forgot how frustrating and eventually understimulating Essence farming is. Specifically Failed Champion's fight. Can't believe I used to be good at this game.

[namegab]

[kellterntempest]

Actually I think Eggman and bowser would beat the shit out of William afton

[stripedcuriosity]

Tag dump part 2

[voidsentprinces]

Reminder: A Realm Reborn wasn't particularly about us. It was about the Eorzean Factions, it was about the Scions of the Seventh Dawn and their interactions with and thwarting Gaius and the XIVth Legion. We were just a useful champion slowly growing to fame but not truly a Warrior of Light until literally the prelude to the Castrum raiding mission.

The Parting of Glass wasn't about us either. It was, once again, about the world. And how it had begun changing after Gaius's fall and the brief period of peace away from Garlemald's Shadow. About Alphinaud beginning his arc of growth with hubris and the creation the Crystal Braves and what it might of looked like IF the Scion's good nature was lent to anyone and everyone. And thus opening itself up to the very corruption Minfilia feared to move away from the Waking Sands and to the Rising Stones in the first place.

Heavensward isn't about us. It is about Alphinaud's continue growth, learning of Ishgard's past and history. Hubris, arrogance and narrow viewing lead Alphinaud to steps of the Foundation, it has lead Estinien astray and made Ysayle believe she is a messiah incarnate. And through the journey, each of them grow as they learn the terrible truth about the Dragonsong War. Estinien in particular has his eyes opened and no longer simply seeks revenge on Nidhogg but to get to the bottom of it all. So no other shepherd's son has to live as he has. Ysayle learns she is a shade and a faux Shiva not truly Hraesvelgr's beloved or even in the same category as her. She learns swallow such delusions and embrace what Saint Shiva stood for in its entirety. Which means leaning to lay the road for peace between Ishgard and the Dragons and opening a path to this by sacrificing herself for those she loved so dearly. Alphinaud learns from all of this and more and is humbled by the duty of a knight, the fervor of a dragoon, the sacrifice of a saint, and the courage of his companions and of Sharlayan's arrogance from Master Matoya. To put others before himself and allow others to support him when he falls.

The Far Edge of Fate isn't about us. It was about how Ishgard carries on after Thordan and the Heavens Ward are shown to be the monsters they are. How the remnants of the church, the knights of Ishgard, and the civilian population react to the realization with rejection. How facing off against Nidhogg possessing Estinien, the Warriors of Darkness, and the machinations of Ilberd force Eorzea and Ishgard to look inward and know truly where they should go from there. To ignore the easier road and take the higher path no matter the strife and hardship it provides them. Because when they reach the otherside they would be better for it. Finding that courage, after five years of procrastinating and hemming and hawing, the Eorzean Alliance finally begin to mobilize to free Ala Mhigo from Garlemald and perhaps take on the Empire itself.

Stormblood isn't about us. It is about Doma and Ala Mhigo fighting for the survival of their people and cultures. Facing the parts of their society that were spurned and used as tools of hatred against their principles. That provided the necessary cracks required for Garlemald to break them down and oppress them in the first place. And how reforging under those values and those long histories of violence can make a new path and come to terms to over throw the tyrants who fed on their weakened states and make a strong unity still.

A Requiem of Heroes wasn't about us, it was about the world facing down the barrel of war with Garlemald. And uncovering its origins, its founding father was an Ascian. How Varis is forced to face down the lie as Elidibus wears the skin of his son and the great grandfather he and other Garleans were taught was a walking god in all but name was a sham and a daemon bent on causing more pain and suffering than mankind ever deserved. How the effigies of hate and pain choose to use their fervor to help their people instead of turning against them once more. How every person can change and be given a second chance. How that second chance is what that person requires or if they are pushed the wrong direction, can caused tragedy to unfold. And lastly, it is about our companions, slowly. One by one. Being dragged to the unknown. The story slowly taking away the players on the stage until finally...

Shadowbringers was about us. It was about how we were instrumental to the world so much that it lost nearly all hope in another timeline. How a group of your fondest friends began and how your comrade's furthest decendents acting on the hope of your legend and stories. To provide a plan of action and lead to happier world. How even when everything seems lost and gone and your purpose seems to turned everything around you into twisted monstrosities. That you can bring the night and wait in comfort for a dawn to bring better days. And the tenacity of your aid providing a world on the brink, the love, the compassion, the understanding, the strength, and the will to stand up to a flood of destruction and spit fate in the eye. Even it costs them everything, they keep fighting until they can see a brighter tomorrow.

Death unto Dawn was about what the tomorrow brings. How it could be another fight but to find what is WORTH fighting for. The memories of those you fight and lived amongst, old studies and things of the past being made to provide the answer to the future, making right wrongs even against those you had wronged unfairly, and to gather together and keep each other safe. You are not alone out here. There are those who will help you along to a brighter future.

Endwalker was about you and yours. About how everyone reacts to an uncertain future in different manners. How some would make ready to flee at the approaching storm, while others would fight, and others might even push you further to the edge. But even when all is lost, call upon the memory of happier times to light the way with hearts aligned shining brilliantly against despair and finding your place amongst those memories.

Growing Light was about us teaching another to hear, feel, and think and experience the world seemingly gone. That everything needn't be give or take. It can be a charitable, warmer place if we make it. It can be kinder and even in the face of unrelenting and undying destruction. Hope will spit out a tooth and stand up once more.

I say all of this because, I've seen people mad that Dawntrail is leaning hard about being about Wuk Lamat and others. To which I say so what if Dawntrail is about Wuk Lamat and Koana? So what if its not about us? We've had four story lines about us. Now we must impart what we've learned to the future as they face similar and sometimes overwhelming odds. To stand tall against the onslaught and make their own choices, their own way to bring a smile to all they hold dear. How family needn't be blood related, they can just be a group who sit down at the table at the end of the day. And speak, laugh, cry, and love. Unto this trail to dawn we shall light way for the future of our world and everything this new dawn brings is worth it.

[radiance1]

Apparently, Shazam was friends with a dragon.

No one, not even the core members, knew of this. But that fact was prominently displayed when they were fighting off an invasion.

One lead by the apparent Ghost King, who was known for his strength and tyranny, who declared war on humanity after having been summoned by cultists. His ghostly army being fought off for days on end, being lead by a general known as the Fright Knight, before he himself, decided to grace the battlefield with his presence.

Superman, Wonder Woman, Shazam, Zatanna. Every heavy hitter they could spare was fighting against the Ghost King, the Fright Knight being fought against by Batman, Green Lantern, Constantine with the Flash keeping mostly to fending off the giant army along with various other heroes.

It was a tough fight, fighting tooth and nail to not give an inch of ground.

Until, from a portal came a large eastern dragon with glowing green eyes, glowing white scales and mane that looked Majestic as it did deadly. The heroes weren't optimistic enough to think it was help, not for them, but rather for the invading force.

Of course, such they were surprised when instead of fighting any of them, the being instead rammed its body straight into the Ghost King, knocking him back and releasing Shazam from his grip, and all the way from across the battlefield did he stare at the Fright Knight, and glared.

The Fright Knight stood down.

The Ghost King got up and shrugged off the attack, running a hand through his hair as he stared as the dragon was hovering around Shazam rather protectively and, with a simple raise of his hand, the entire army ceased their attack.

The dragon seemed to shift, long body shortening as he transformed into a more humanish form, tail and horns still present, with a crown floating above his head, he crossed his arms and stared down the Ghost King who, for his credit, simply stared back.

The stare went on for a while, the air seemingly more awkward rather than tense. Then, the draconic humanoid grabbed onto the nearby Shazam, various heroes tensing, before placing the man in front of him, putting his chin down on his head, and then starts yelling at the King for waging war on humanity just because he made a human friend.

The Ghost King, who just a few minutes ago was waging war on humanity, seemed more of a tired father, rather than the mad tyrant raging on the battlefield. He just stayed silent, taking all of the yelling as if this was the usual before, as the (apparent) prince was catching his breath, he stated his reasoning rather calmly.

He just wanted to test and accurately gauge the strength of the Champion of Magic, stating that only the strongest would have the right to stand alongside his son.

The Prince immediately called bullshit.

And the Ghost King agreed, he really did just want to wage war, though he wished it would have lasted longer, the mortal warriors (and Demi-goddess) proved themselves to be quite the challenging foes.

A few minutes later, the Ghost King was leaving, calling off the war and sending his soldiers back to the zone. Before the king himself left, however, he directed a thumbs up at all those who fought him in direct combat, then left, the Fright Knight and Batman were in a stare off, both silent and instead seemed to be having a conversation with their eyes than words.

Then they grunted at each other, nodded, and the fright Knight left.

In the League room, the Ghost Prince was apologizing for the behavior of his father, more prominently to Shazam the most.

[eeldritchblast]

It's so interesting and well written how the arguably better/good-aligned story paths for most of the main characters are the result of you challenging them.

Lae'zel believes that Vlaakith is her one and only path to greatness, and wants to become Vlaakith's champion. Through challenging this, the player can encourage her to confront the truth that Vlaakith is a tyrant and Lae'zel can be her own champion in leading her people to freedom.

Shadowheart believes that Shar is her one and only source of love and honour, and wants to become a Dark Justiciar. Through challenging this, the player can help her reunite with her past self, memories, and family, encouraging her to seek light instead of darkness.

Astarion believes that, after two centuries of torture from a powerful abuser, the only chance he has at safety is for him to become more powerful himself - ascending in the ritual. Through challenging this, the player can break down Astarion's notions of what power means, and encourage him to accept help from others.

Gale first believes that he needs to blow himself up because forgiveness from Mystra is more important than his life. Then he believes that he needs to become a god in his own right to spite her. Through challenging this, the player can encourage Gale to believe he is a perfectly good person all on his own, and doesn't need either Mystra's favouritism or rivalry to validate that.

[expvrgction]

...B.J seems to be in deep thought about the God Key. When this strange artifact was brought to Caleb, he was told that this was a portable engine that can open rifts to various locations, whatever that means. That walking enigma (though in a good way) of a man seems to know things that he doesn't. Perhaps he is more than he lets in on B.J? It may seem selfish, but he would like answers for whenever Caleb shows up again. Nobody has heard from him since Engel was killed, though he did say that he must go home and attend to more important things. He didn't get to ask where.

Out of curiosity, he tried to figure out a way to operate this key some time after after Set passed away, which led to accidental spatial travel... And more. He saw a world where World War II was won by the Allied armies, and that his life returned to normal much earlier. Met Anya under different circumstances, added to the family with a pair of twin daughters...

But the next he put the engine to the test, he found himself in places unfamiliar, people seemingly displaced from their respective worlds and times, and knowledge of things far more disturbing. He never told the others that he occasionally got involved in what appeared to be gladiatorial battles, and had more than just once lost his life.

...Only to be revived each time. It's as if whomever, or whatever runs what he can only call an arena would demand that he display his feats and mettle. Still messed up, though.

This has to stop sometime or he risks losing his shit more than he already had. But for now, he at least has new friends, new foes and... Someone who feels all too familiar, even if they haven't met in their lifetimes.

[bassdaily]

...I have some thoughts.

BONUS mega extended version behind the cut:

Of course this one extends well beyond "must protect this abused delinquent robot child".

It's interesting that aside from outliers Darrell and Sage, both ends of the spectrum are populated by murder bots. (With overconfident dumbasses in the middle.) There are some redundancies, seeing how Forte.exe, Namagem, and Raychel are all secretly the exact same character. It feels like Neo Metal and Baby should be behind Chucky 2.0 and M3gan given scale but I placed them ahead on account of sheer sadism. I kept running up against "Mean" Robot Kid versus the much broader "Villainous" Robot Kid because there were a handful, like Sage, that aren't mean per se.

At a certain point it became clear this should be a cross graph instead of just a line, but I couldn't settle on what the x & y axes should be. Was this measuring "just cause" vs "evil for the sake of evil", or how potentially dangerous they are if/when they go off, if they're a sometimes accidental hero vs dedicated villain, whether they're charming or creepy, if they had some agency in their actions or never had a choice? Anyway I spent entirely too much time on this.

Love having a type of child I'll adopt whenever i see one

[deceasedminecraftblocks]

My dealer: Yo this is some straight gas 🔥🔥 this strain is called Parkour Civilization 😝🔥you'll be zonked out of your mind‼️

Me: yeah right man, I don't feel anything

Me five minutes later: The parkour champion is a tyrant

My Buddy Evbo: The system is built to keep us from ever rising higher than where we're born *vine boom sound effect*