#this game has given so much enrichment to my life

[nullcanary]

"Now all my other gods are dead. Hallelujah, to the apocalypse in my head!"

[mayflowers515]

Smiling Critters In Gacha Life 2!

Okay, since my special interest is these sillies rn, I wanna show you all how I made them on Gacha Life 2!! (+ Extra info I made for that will fit into an AU for them!)

(Note, the quality isn't the greatest since I made them on an old phone. I basically took pictures of them from my old phone with my new one for them to show up here- I will soon put them at higher quality when I get the chance tho!)

CatNap

"CatNap is a calming presence for the critters and ensures he and his friends always have the right amount of sleep to jumpstart the morning's play! End of the day, there's nothing CatNap enjoys more than watching his friends sleep soundly."

Additional traits: He doesn’t really talk too much, and he is shown to be sleeping often throughout the day. He’s more active at night, making sure everyone has sweet dreams. He may occasionally wake up by his own will to give advice to his friends when they're in a pinch, then he goes straight back to sleep. He appears very calm outwardly, but in reality, he is constantly worried deep down about a dark secret of his…

DogDay

"This is DogDay, the sunny, strong, and determined leader of our critters! Each trusts him to find the bright side in any situation, and to have a friendly word of encouragement should they feel down. He'll always keep his friends going, no matter what."

Additional traits: Because of his status as leader of his group, DogDay can sometimes end up being TOO selfless. He worries about anyone ever needing a loyal friend, so he will always try to be there for everyone. No matter the occasion. DogDay also has a rather playful side to him when he's playing with his friends, especially when it involves his favorite games like Fetch and any ball game.

Bobby BearHug

"A kind, caring soul, Bobby BearHug shows compassion for everyone, and for everything. People and places and things, large or small, are all receivers of her love. Each is enriched by this attention and affection, and in turn, so is she."

Additional traits: She has a big fear of being left alone (Shown canonically). She is VERY empathetic. She usually feels the emotions that others feel, but she sometimes lets emotions get in the way of making certain choices. She is usually the least likely to fight with any of her friends, since she'd rather keep the peace and love everyone and everything. Bobby can also be very clingy, especially around her friends.

CraftyCorn

"A conscious observer of both color and creativity in the world. CraftyCorn understands the importance of art, and sharing it with others. Crayons, pencils, paint, or words on the page, CraftyCorn can see beauty in anything imagined given shape."

Additional traits: Crafty gets embarrassed rather easily and is a little shy at times (shown canonically). She often makes huge messes of her clothes, so her clothes often never stay clean for the whole day. Even so, she can act like a big sister figure for her friends. It's also worth mentioning that she has a very good singing voice. Almost like that of a fairytale princess…

(She DID manage to keep her clothes clean for this picture though, so that's nice for her =v=)

KickinChicken

"This is KickinChicken, the cool kid of the crew, and he maintains that sense of cool through anything, even in the most tense of situations. Knock him down, and he'll pick himself up, brush himself off, and ask: "What's next?""

Additional traits: Kickin can be a bit of a daredevil with a tendency to underestimate the severity of situations. He may accidentally come off as insensitive when he attempts to comfort others. He can also occasionally get too image-focused for his own good. However, he is still a steadfast friend that will try his best for his pals.

Hoppy Hopscotch

"Unafraid to hop where others might sit, Hoppy is the friend everyone needs to maintain their energy and enthusiasm. While sometimes loud or impatient, she'll always hop besides her friends, even if it means slowing up once in a while to keep their pace."

Additional traits: Hoppy is a very loyal friend. She will often side with the underdog in certain situations, especially if they're treated wrongfully. Like Kickin, she is a daredevil, and she can get very stubborn when it comes to her goals. Hoppy barely, if ever, loses her energy, but when she does, she often gets hit HARD.

Bubba Bubbaphant

"Bubba Bubbaphant is the brains of the critters. Bright and attentive, he keeps his friends steady and always steers them to make smart choices, that way they all might grow up to be bright and brilliant, each in their own right."

Additional traits: He often acts as the father of the group. Like CatNap, he is very calm. However, due to wanting to stay level-headed and logical at all times, it leaves a tendency for him to bottle up his feelings, which can come out at very large amounts when reaching his breaking point. He occasionally may shove aside others' ideas if they aren't efficient depending on the situation.

PickyPiggy

"What's more important than play and learning? PickyPiggy knows the answer. A playful body and keen mind are fueled by what's put into them, which is why she encourages her friends to eat a well-balanced diet. Secretly, PB&J's are her favorite food."

Additional traits: Picky is very easygoing and cheerful. She can be quite the social butterfly at times, especially when it comes to anything involving food. However, she often overworks herself for her friends. She likes being there to help them with any health-related matters and food. She can also get very health-conscious when stressed.

(She looks so pink here- Saturation really hit her hard lol)

This is what I have for these guys so far! I plan to discuss more AU stuff for them in the future, but for right now, this is what I'll post for them. I will at least say that nobody gets hurt in this AU version I was planning (at least not in terms of the canon PP3 events...)

"S-M-I-L-E Everyday!"

[morrigan-sims]

🦉Positivity owl reporting for duty! This was sent by a friend who wants you to smile as much as your posts make them smile. Please list five things that make you unique, four things you are super passionate about and why, OR three of your favorite memories. Feel free to send the owl to those who you feel deserve to smile🦉

Augh, thank you anon! This is super sweet to log onto after a night of no sleep and in the middle of working on one of two huge assignments due this week.

I'm going to do 4 things I'm passionate about, I think.

[Putting this under the cut because it got really really long.]

D&D I love the collaborative storytelling of it all. That my little guy and your little guy and a few other people's little guys are all working together to write a story, and it's just happening. I am eternally grateful that I started playing d&d my freshman year of college, and even though it's only been in my life for just over 2 years, I literally cannot imagine where I would be now without it. This game is not just my special interest but also my lifeline, and it means the world to me. I could yammer on about any of my campaigns for hours on end, and I have a near-encyclopedic knowledge of rules and spells. (The latter of which is very funny given that I've never played a full caster.) I also love homebrewing things, and I've undergone some pretty intense homebrew projects for the DM of my Sunday game (including stat blocks and maps for three sailing ships, plus rules for ship combat). I also have vague ideas for campaigns of my own that I would love to DM someday.

My OCs Be they for d&d or for any of my other writing projects (RTQ/ATQH I miss you...), I could talk for hours about my original characters. I have so much to say about all of them, and I know more than I would ever need to know, and more than anyone would ever care to ask. Character creation is one of my favorite things to do, and it comes to me more easily than writing a complete story, so I have countless characters who exist in a vacuum with no world or story to support them. But I still love them anyways. I will gladly ramble about my characters anytime, so feel free to send me an ask if you're ever curious about anyone I post.

Reading Reading has been my number one source of comfort and escapism for as long as I can remember. I taught myself to read when I was 3, without my parents even being aware of it until I started reading roadsigns at random. I have over 270 books in my bedroom, and that number is ever-growing, since books are one of my most frequent impulse purchases. (In fact I have another 6-10 books waiting for me when I get back to my dad's house this weekend...) I'm always looking for more recommendations or people to yell about books with, so if you're an avid reader, don't be afraid to send me a message!!

My Friends I spent a lot of time lonely as a kid, and I didn't really start making friends until I came to tumblr and discord. All of my closest friends I've met through one or both of those platforms. I absolutely adore all of them, and I'm so lucky to have found these amazing people. I will do my best to always shower them with the love they deserve. I'm generally a very chatty and outgoing person (sometimes to an extreme degree that ends up scaring off potential friends), and when I say that I'm okay with people messaging me out of the blue, I 100% mean it.

Animals I mean, I'm a zoology student, so I don't think this one is surprising in the slightest. I have essentially zero empathy for humans, but I've always felt more for animals. Not only are all 4 of my cats (2 at my dad's, 2 at my mom's) the loves of my life who I would kill and die for, I also want to work with animals for the rest of my life. Particularly my interest is in animal behavior, and I want to do enrichment work in a zoo setting. I am a nearly endless repository of animal facts, and my biology of mammals class that I'm taking this semester is only adding to that.

(BONUS) Video Games I've been a big fan of video games since middle school, but it wasn't until about my freshman year of college that I started really cementing my taste in games. I had been playing a lot of life sims, but none of them managed to hold my interest for very long. The first turn-based/RPG game I really played with Wildermyth. Eventually I starting playing Divinity: Original Sin 2, after having owned it for almost a year, and I was in love. From there I moved on to Slay the Spire, Baldur's Gate 3, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, to name a few. (Other games I've enjoyed in the recent past include Roots of Yggdrasil, Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew, and Rogue Waters.) I have a very deep love of turn-based combat, story-based RPGs, and rogue-likes or rogue-lites, so anything that has some or all of those elements is going to be an immediate love from me. (Turn-based combat is almost a must for me, though. Despite greatly enjoying the story of Dragon Age: Origins, the god-awful combat has prevented me from making any progress beyond Morrigan's recruitment.)

[distant--shadow]

I don’t know how to reconcile my love for Imodna and my fear that they’re going to not be end game… which is causing me a fear of purchasing artworks. Do you have any advice?

I’m afraid I’ll do it, hang it, love it and be completely heartbroken and want/need to take it down. OR, they do end up together, I don’t buy the art and then the art won’t be available that long down the line. I have stress and fear..

Sorry if this is dumb

hey there! first off, it ain't dumb. I know I freak out a little bit at the reality of when this campaign will be over, and I was the same with c2, jester was my character of all time and I had been watching live since the first episode aired, it's a lot of time to spend with a character/characters and real understandable to feel that way. it's always bittersweet, but life moves on

and I guess that's it, you have to enjoy what you enjoy whilst you have it. this is a show that's a lot like life, in that your favourite character could easily die one week without much rhyme or reason, no scripted foreshadowed build up. so give yourself to enjoying that thing whilst its here, share that enjoyment with others, and know that in the future there won't be an empty void - there will be something else.

speaking from the point of view of an artist, yeah, of course I think any of us would really appreciate the support, it's rough times, and once again, i can say from experience it's real nice to have that artwork there to see whilst you care about it. enriched environment and all that. and it's hard to say who's enthusiasm will stay, whether the couple is still together in canon or not, or once the show is over. I'm not someone who dabbles in more than one fandom at a time and this is the most I've committed myself to one, personally, but also personally, I'm a slutty aromantic so like whilst I do really care for imodna as a ship and all of that, it's kinda always been Imogen first for me. a whole lot of us were invested in them as a couple before it happened, I'm sure a lot of us would have been invested in it regardless, and we can still love what we were given either way. I love the story of it, I think for me the bump in the road makes it even more interesting, and something we haven't really been given by a CR romance during the campaign before (maybe we had in c1 idk I didn't watch it)

also, getting personal again, I'm also old enough to be of a generation where there wasn't a lot of queer rep. there was a lot of settling for subtle glances and heavy subtext. what we've had already has been so good, I really enjoy it, I love that we're already passed a time of like, well we don't have a lot of queer rep so everything we do has to be all lawful good alligned flowers and smiles and basically rebranded heteronormative fairytale romance but with coming-out grief, it's so far from beauyasha baybeeeee endgame and honestly for me that's perfect. these two have always had great charisma acting together and I love the layers and complexities we get from these two particular characters working out being in a romantic relationship with the burdens they carry, those years they had together before the campaign started and all of that ground we can play with, how they saved eachother...

have fun, try not to stress about being legitimised by others, enjoy your corners of fandom and fic and art and meta and interactions and your own conclusions and attractions and relations. take all the joy you can from the little things in life. make them as big as you want them to be.

[saibugslegacy]

10, 11, and 20 for the OC ask game for all of them!

(I'm loving these so much, this is my enrichment)

Ambrose Varyn

10. Does your OC like to spend time alone or with others more?

Ambrose is not a fan of big crowds or large groups, but otherwise he doesn't really care either way. He's perfectly happy alone but he's also happy to hang out with like, a couple friends

11. What time does your OC usually go to sleep?

It's completely inconsistent. He basically just goes until he actually gets the chance to sleep or he passes out. Sometimes he gets to go to bed at 9, sometimes he doesn't make it till like 5 am. It's also pretty common to find him asleep in random parts of the castle, especially in the Room of Requirement. One time no one had any idea where he was until Natty found him curled up fast asleep behind the one eyed witch statue

20. Who is your OC's role model?

Professor Fig. Very obvious answer but a very true one. He didn't have anyone to look up to his whole life until he met Fig. Fig actually took care of him and taught him things and was the closest thing Ambrose ever had to an actual parent. Even after his death Fig inspired Ambrose every single day.

Percival Valley

10. Does your OC like to spend time alone or with others more?

Percival prefers a large group of friends to just one or two, but he also really needs his alone time or lives are threatened. With a large group of people he can blend in and out of the attention when he wants.

11. What time does your OC usually go to sleep?

It's usually pretty late because he tends to lose track of time with whatever he's doing, but it's usually somewhere between 11pm and 2 am

20. Who is your OC's role model?

Percival's role model is also Fig but in a different sense from Ambrose. Percival's favorite thing about Fig was how curious he was and how clever he was. Percival loves learning and especially magic theory, and Fig ignited those things in him.

Idris Valley

10. Does your OC like to spend time alone or with others more?

Idris absolutely despises being alone. They are with someone or in a communal space literally all the time. Being on their own is one of their worst nightmares. They wouldn't ever need to be tortured for information, look them in a room by themself for three hours and they will do anything you want

11. What time does your OC usually go to sleep?

Has a surprisingly consistent sleep schedule, not out of discipline, they just always get tired in the early evening so they're always in bed by 10 pm, 11 at the latest

20. Who is your OC's role model?

They will take this to their GRAVE, and will in fact argue if you say it, but Idris' role model is actually Percival. Percival really stepped up when their parents died and Idris seriously admires him for it. They think Percival is the smartest, wisest, strongest person in the world and Idris just hopes that can be like that one day

Odysseus Carrow

10. Does your OC like to spend time alone or with others more?

Odysseus hates pretty much everyone and too many people will seriously overstimulate him, so he spends 95% of his time alone. Maybe he'll spend time with one or two people at a time but that's it.

11. What time does your OC usually go to sleep?

Odysseus has not slept since he was like seven. Really he just only gets maybe 3-4 hours of sleep a night. He's constantly exhausted, constantly tired, but he's also constantly pushing himself. He only sleeps the bare minimum to stay alive and not pass out in the middle of class

20. Who is your OC's role model?

He has admitted this only once in his life, but his role model is Ominis. He doesn't understand how Ominis has the strength to not just rebel against his family but to even have different opinions from them. Odysseus has spent his entire life being molded by his family and he's given up resisting it and just let it happen. But Ominis is still vocally against his family. And despite being against his family he is still strong enough to endure them and go through with his arranged marriage to Odysseus just to help him and try to protect them. Odysseus wishes he was that strong.

[kipskiptrip]

when you get this, you have to answer with 5 things you like about yourself, publicly. then, send this ask to 10 of your followers (non-negotiable, positivity is cool) < 3 <3

Awwww, omg aww that's so sweetest omg omg

Uhmm five thing I like about myself? Ok

I'm a surviiivaaaahh 🎸🎵🎸🎵 No but I went through a lot in terms of medically and other stuff and while it's not a conversation I like talking abt casually the fact that I went thru that and I'm (mainly) normal like honestly I think that's really respectable. Even with my disabilities I still find ways to manage symptoms and find the positive in the darkness (even though I'm proud of being disabled it does fucking suck so the fact I'm not moping around and wallowing is a plus in my eyes)

As much as I have problems w my self appearance (transgender night terror) I still generally like how I look. I like my sense of style, and wish to express it more, but nevertheless I think I'm rocking the vibe. I may post more photos on here as well but for now, taking little selfies in the mirror is a form of self-love! I grew a lot with my relationship with my health and body, so to see the fruits of my love? God, it's beautiful and I still got a lot of ways to go! Exciting, yaaaay!

I like how intelligent I could be, idk I don't like seeming conceited but I consider myself an intellectual and I like analyzing the world. My no.1 wish aside from like World Peace and stuff is to know Everything. All the secrets of the universe, every personal detail, every possibility and impossibility and how to achieve them. My quest for knowledge is never satiated and I love to create new ideas and stories and such, and I often talk analytical biz with my greatest friends. Media literacy and comprehension and the ability to think and create beyond what is given to me my beloved. <3

I get a little silly w it! Honestly I'll never forget this tarot card reading I got saying to keep my childlike wonder alive and even if I've grown more mature, I think I still keep it in the small things, and I'll always try to keep that magic alive. I've been getting into forms of spirituality as well which I feel may help, not only in the religious aspect but also divination and ghosthunting! I like to be able to enrich myself in the beauty of the world, and just as much as I love knowledge, I love life as well. I want to be poetic and beautiful just like every life around me.

I like my different hobbies and skills that make up my personality! I looooove to contribute to my community with creating art like music, drawing, and writing. I love the fact that I can use my culture and my experiences to define who I am and express that in the things that I like, it helps to give back to the world that made me. To be able to play my trumpet or perform a little theatric is something that helps to showcase that energy and appreciation I host. Learning guitar keeps me up with my cultural background and my family history, even from far away. Drawing and writing stories keep me in tune with my origins, and teach me humble beginnings make good progress. Every part of what I like has meaning, and to have the chance to give it that meaning? Wow. Just wow. Like. Oh my God!

Aaand that's 5! I'll send out this message to others, but this time off of anon ;) Thank you for having me participate in this game!

[foxofninetales]

a headcanon you weren't sure about at first but have come to like!

something you see in fics a lot and love

you hope more people will come to appreciate ___ (a ship, a trope, an episode, etc)

the ship that always makes you smile

the character that always makes you smile

a tiny detail in canon that you want more people to appreciate

how has fandom positively impacted your life?

Oooh, lots of juicy asks, thank you so much!

1: Trans Xiao Hua! It's not so much that I "wasn't sure about it" as that I filed it with a lot of other headcanons under "yay people are having fun but it doesn't really affect me". ...and then I actually met him, this bitchy, beautiful, better-than-you man who built everything about himself and wrestled his world into his own control and now I literally sometimes forget that it isn't canon. (It's canon to meeeeeeeee...)

2: It's a tiny thing, but I really love how writers 'borrow' a lot of each others' pet OCs! Everything from carp to chickens, out here living their best lives from fic to fic - so fun.

3: Already answered this once but THAT WON'T STOP ME so... I'm gonna cheat a little and say that I wish more people would try @thelaithlyworm's podfics! They're some of the best-read, best-produced podfics out there and we are SO LUCKY to have our tiny fandom enriched by them, and they deserve so, so much more love. She reads a wide variety of ships and gen and characters (including her own lovely fics), so there's a little something for everyone!

4: Okay, look, it specified ship that always makes me smile, and if there's one ship that's guaranteed to do that, it's KanSang. What an absolutely delightful catpuppy ship.

5: I almost feel like it's cheating after this to say Kan Jian (but he does, he does, my best boyyyyy!!!) so... I'm actually going to say Geya from the Mystery of the Abyss movie! What a delightful, awful, clever little ragamuffin.

6: THERE IS A BAT. HANGING. FROM LIU SANG'S HEARING WHISTLE. Because he is the weirdest little nerd and he thinks he's so cool that he hung a BAT from his WHISTLE because he's THAT EXTRA.

7: I've been in fandom for longer than some of my mutuals have been alive, and it has given me friends, a playground for creation, new experiences I would never have had, and a whole world of different cultures and opinions that I would likely never have been so positively exposed to. DMBJ in particular came along just as my last fandom friend group's slow fracture to new interests and new real life situations was finally clinched by the pandemic, and I've been so grateful to all the lovely people that I've met here and love how much the internationality of this fandom has expanded my world view.

(The game is here is anyone else wants to play!)

[sage-nebula]

I love technology so, so, so much, and I think it's so, so, so important.

I think that, in the age of the climate crisis and of Tech Bros™ being Like That, there can sometimes be this thought that technology is a bad thing. That our desire to keep innovating is destroying the planet, destroying humanity, destroying life. And to some degree I can understand that. Vehicles that run on oil add to the pollution in the air. Factories, too, add to pollution. As much as clean energy sources are readily available, governments and corporations all around the world refuse to use those energy sources because big oil lobbyists don't want to lose out on their revenue. It can be easy to think technology is the problem.

But I really don't see it that way. I can't see it that way, because I look at all we can accomplish with technology—and all that we have accomplished with it—and I think it's just amazing.

I've made lifelong friends thanks to the internet. Thanks to computers that allowed me to connect with people all around the world, I've made friends who have helped me through some truly dark periods in my life. I was able to use email to get in touch with my father so that he could help me escape my abusive biological mother.

Technological innovation has made it possible for so many lives to be saved through modern medicine. Pacemakers can keep people's hearts beating regularly. Ventilators can breathe for them. On a less drastic scale, other medical devices can greatly improve someone's quality of life, whether it's through prosthetics or other mobility aids, including electric scooters and wheelchairs.

Screen readers help vision-impaired people browse the internet. Cochlear implants and other hearing aids help hard of hearing or Deaf people interact with the speaking world around them, too.

Cars and airplanes can help people reach family members or friends so, so many miles away from them. If you have family in another country and you need to get to them quickly because of an emergency, you can do so.

Of course, nothing is perfect. Technology is expensive. We live in a capitalist hellscape, so even when there are medical innovations that could save someone's life, they can't always afford it. (At least in the States; other countries have the grace of standardized health care.) And again, there is a huge problem with vehicles and factories that continue to use energy sources that cause pollution. These are problems that we need to find a way to tackle head on, though it's extremely difficult when you're just one person facing an entire industry that lobbies the government.

But technology itself is not to blame here. Technology enriches and saves lives. And I imagine it will only continue to do so. Yeah, there are definitely things being developed that aren't so great. Robot dogs used by police are one of them. Facial recognition software and virtual assistants that record your every word to harvest your data and turn you into a product are another. But I think of a world where technology can make it even easier for us to be brought together—where life can be made easier for those who need it to be. If we could get to a stage where things were automated so that we could live our lives for the purpose of thriving rather than just surviving, if we could find a way to advance medical science so that those of us who have lungs that were ruined by parents smoking cigarettes around us in enclosed spaces for years and years could be given a way to breathe more easily . . .

I live my whole life surrounded by tech. I've worked in tech support for going on fourteen years, I'm constantly on my computer or phone or playing video games when at home. So obviously, I'm biased. But I just think that scientific and technological innovation has done so many insanely wonderful things, and will continue to do even more. The problem is not with machines or technology, but rather with the fuel sources used to run them—and, more to the point, the industries and governments that refuse to make the switch to clean energy even when the option is right there, ready to go whenever.

[sam-keeper]

Part 2 of my series on fantasy classics is live on my Patreon!

Here's a free preview, about how every generation rediscovers WH Hodgson's The Night Land and goes "oh man, this is *almost perfect*, I bet if I just rewrote it a liiiittle bit it'd be GREAT"

Because I spend a lot of time alone and have spent a lot of my life alienated and isolated, I tend to think of archive diving and recovering the past in terms of individual enrichment. I almost forget sometimes that there might be an audience for this stuff, that anyone could possibly care. Sometimes though I connect another person to some aspect of their own relationships and history. Making some connection with a friend, and her family and history, and the history of this game that influenced so many of us, and so on, that's valuable insofar as our relationships with other people are valuable.

And sometimes it can be individually enriching in unexpected ways. Like, in reading over these articles again I made a very funny discovery: everyone has the same reaction I had to The Night Land, William Hope Hodgson's post-Eldritch Apocalypse epic. Specifically, a host of writers and editors down the ages have looked at this book and thought, "oh man this is [sucks teeth] this is almost so good, if I could just... tweak it a little bit...".

In fact, a lot of the article on The Night Land is devoted to a rather crabbish defense of Hodgson's weirder writing choices, choices leading to sentences like, "And some shall read and say this was not, and some shall dispute with them; but to them all I say naught, save "Read!" And having read that which I set down, then shall one and all have looked towards Eternity with me -- aye, unto its very portals. And so to my telling." Chewy stuff. Stuff that apparently even HP Lovecraft found a bit much, which seems to exasperate Rateliff to no end given Lovecraft's "own bizarre idiosyncratic vocabulary (including "eldritch," "squamous," and "rugose," to name only a few, occasionally with New England rural dialect and 18th century orthography thrown in)".

Moreover both Lovecraft and of all people CS Lewis criticize the story for its central narrative: a love story. The Night Land is the story of a couple of lovers (maybe from the Tudor era, Rateliff speculates), separated tragically by death, but granted the possibility of reunion in the protagonist's vision of a distant future. In that future, the sun has been snuffed and the land teams with all manner of horrors. It is, Rateliff succinctly suggests, a vision of the future only hinted at in Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos, one where the Elder Gods plunge the world into nightmare. The last remnants of humanity huddle in two great pyramid redoubts. Our protagonist is reincarnated into one pyramid... and his lover is reincarnated into the other. When the other pyramid is breached by the horrors of the night, he has to brave the dark and its terrors to reach her.

I think this hook is electrifyingly brilliant. CS Lewis dismisses it as a "sentimental and irrelevant erotic interest". Well, can't please 'em all. Or any of them in fact. Everyone seems to have some complaint about the Night Land, and apparently editor and writer Lin Carter even published a version that cuts about a tenth of the book--mostly, romantic elements. Hodgson himself put together an excerpted novella--The Story of X--that purported to be fragments discovered of a lost longer narrative, a sort of Night Land The Abridged Series. And then there's all the people since who've written their own versions of The Night Land or short stories set in The Night Land. Heck, when I was part of the large scale fan project The Magic Expanded Multiverse, one of the other writers on the project created an entire dying world based on The Night Land. People are just drawn to this book like, well, abhumans to the last redoubt of humanity, I guess.

Which is all intensely funny to me because a few years back I did the same exact thing. I started reading The Night Land and the further in I got, the more convinced I became that if you could just, if you could just make it so every single paragraph didn't start with "And", so every verb wasn't constructed like "I not to have slept" and "the hour did be full come", so that it read a bit more like his other novels like the brilliant Boats of the Glenn Carrig... it could just be so good!

I did not last long on my epic quest to rewrite The Night Land. Most of that was because I was crashing out of Toronto with a chronic pain condition and a boatload of trauma, but I also just couldn't quite make the project work in my own head. Eventually I found myself coming back around to Rateliff's position: the archaic writing is there because that's how Hodgson wanted to tell the story; to strip it out is to simply produce a new work, and you might as well just... do that, and take or leave The Night Land as is.

Apparently, though, the temptation will always be there for each new generation of writers to rewrite The Night Land.

Read More On Patreon

[halfax-a]

Lin and tumblr

The past year has changed how i use this website quite a lot, and i have feelings about it.  Here, i’m writing a mini essay to help me make my mind up what to do about it all.

The first big painful truth i have to face is: i don’t like my dashboard anymore. I find it increasingly hard to sit and just scroll through and pay attention. I know that a few years ago it used to be better balanced - divided into fandom content, meme content and music content. 

This year, more than ever, saw the absolutely bonkers avalanche of fandom content, which cannibalised both music and meme side of things. I experienced genuine mass hysteria with the flood of people, and i don’t regret that or hate that, but all of it ended up feeling more like witnessing a group of friends having an absolutely insane party - through the front window of their hourse, having your nose pressed to the glass. 

Why it felt so much like that, can be anointed to how i chose to interact with tumblr - 2022 was the year i fully turned to blog-crawling. It ended up impacting me a lot - in ways you can see (7 fandom posts in a row reblogged from one blog), and in ways you can’t (all those hours reading and internalising and the r word). Waking up every day, obsessively searching up 5 to 12 different blogs and spending up to 3 hours just reading updates (combined with my brief stint on twitter in the summer) fucked me up quite well, i think. 

Well. Actually. This is not new behaviour for me. Obsessive checking of tumblr blogs, forum threads and twitter accounts dates back well into 2016. But this is the first time it has fucked with my enjoyment of this site, and i am at a loss what to do.

I feel trapped. My brain does not think it can go without tumblr, because twitter, instagram, even the mighty youtube have surrendered to this blue hellsite, and let it reign the supreme doom scroll hole of my life. 

At the same time, i recognise that i am not really truly having a good time on here(or at least as much as i used to). The more time i spend on specific blogs, the less i am on my dash, which means the less opportunities i have to make connections with my remaining mutuals, and to make new ones.

I feel trapped and i feel isolated. A few years ago i used to know at least 5 blogs that were guaranteed to appear in my notes at any given time. There were more tag games, more casual @/ing and more interaction. Nowadays i feel quite alone. Yes, i did bring this onto myself with 1. aforementioned blog crawling and 2. jumping into excessive fandom posting. I’m just afraid that getting out of there is not as easy as it used to be. 

I’ve seen a lot of people move on, or drift out of my circles over the years, which makes reconnecting with old acquintances/old topics of interest difficult or downright impossible. And as i get on in age (in my old age of 22), i get increasingly nervous seeing 16,15, 14-year-old on here, and interacting with their blogs.

I am also a bit at a loss for how to curate my dash to regain that optimal meme/fandom/music equilibrium. Meme culture has changed a dizzying amount since 2018, and i know i have been left behind. With music and fandom cannibalising and engulfing each other (in that shiver-inducing mass of conciousness known as “mcr fandom”), i am left to try and find some “general” content. But from where??????

All of these things combined has made me feel like i might have to ditch tumblr soon. Either i put in massive amounts of energy, overhaul my dash and find out what i enjoy (while being concious of how to keep the parts of fandom that are truly enriching for me, when the mass hysteria inevitably starts again), or i log off, block, and try to keep my doomscrolling urges fed on fanfiction and youtube shorts.

With my unfortunate mental state, i sure know which seems easier

Now. Why am i still here at this very moment then?

It’s because of drafts! 

See, in my mind, it is possible to Finish Tumblr. During my years here, i have amassed a significant amount of drafts - gifsets, link masterlists, audio, video and photos, and each of them serves a purpose - to remind me to Consume that thing. The day i listen to the final album, final song, the day i watch the final tv show, movie, the day i let that final draft go; that’s when i can say i have Completed Tumblr, and can log off with a light heart. 

So, i haven’t acknowledged it, but i actually have a concrete goal in mind here, and as long as i work on that, i’ll be shackled to this blue hellsite

[qipsir]

something about BBC Sherlock

lately I've been using hbomberguy's video essays as background noise because I've seen most of them over and over again, but there is something I would like to add to/say about his epsiode on BBC's Sherlock (linked to video)

The first time I watched Sherlock, I was in awe. Not because I thought it was good writing, but because for the first time in my life, I had an accurate representation of how my mind/brain operated, how my emotions functioned, and my perception of the world.

Every other adaptation was never quite Speedy enough, never quite so much brain chatter and boredom and chasing puzzles to counteract the mundeanity of day to day life. I knew that it likely wasn't intentional, but it was really really nice.

And then I found out Cucumbitch is ableist and that the show, as a Sherlock story, is really really fluffing bad. The ableism hurt more than finding out about the plot, despite it being comical given Crumblebrunch's typecasting, but I digress.

The video essay pointed out that Moriarty was written as a "nutcase" who'd just do whatever he wanted because he could. Literally putting himself 6 feet under for the sake of seeing what Sherlock would do (I'm not marking that as spoiler this show's been out for ages and the fanbase collectively hates it). And the first time I watched the video, I found myself connecting with Moriarty more than Sherlock. The clawing pain of boredom is obvious enough with Sherlock, yes, but with Moriarty? Literally just doing whatever he wants and getting upset because the one person he thought he could play with turns out to have fallen for the red herring? I see myself in that far more than words can describe.

I understand very well that a lot of who I am and how my mind functions has to do with growing up in an abusive household with evidence so non-tangible that my [donor]'s only real defense was "I have never once hit you" which meant mind games and manipulation were a constant. And I remember how proud I was when I finally beat him one day, but by then I had already grown accustomed to it being a challenge. By then, it was enrichment. Riddles were good but not creative enough, not abundant enough with adequate details.

I can emphasize with that moment of Moriarty's frustration so well that I have genuinely considered writing a story that was a spin on Moriarty and it's just some kid being so bored they decided to challenge Sherlock for fun. And I was literally either going to call it Moriarty or Bored. The only reason I haven't is because a while ago now, I started tailspinning in burnout and the one thing that survived 20 years of hell finally gave out. And I don't know if I'll ever have it in me to sit down and write a story ever again.

Point of this, I dunno, slap everyone involved with that show for making it a clusterfuck when it could've been a really interesting depiction of neurodivergence melding with intuition or something?

[partyglimpse2]

5 Best Speech on Father’s birthday

It’s truly a joy to gather here today to celebrate my dad, a man whose love and dedication have touched each of us in profound ways. As I think about what makes this day so special, I’m reminded of the countless ways you’ve enriched our lives with your presence.

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1. Good [morning/afternoon/evening], everyone,

Today, we’re here to celebrate someone incredibly special—my dad. I’m so grateful for this opportunity to share a few words about the remarkable man we all know and love.

Dad, it’s hard to put into words just how much you mean to me and everyone gathered here. From my earliest memories to this very moment, you’ve been a constant source of strength, wisdom, and unwavering support. Your guidance has shaped who I am today, and your love has been a steady anchor in my life.

One of the things I admire most about you is your ability to face challenges with such resilience and grace. You’ve shown me that true strength isn’t just about overcoming obstacles, but about facing them with courage and a positive attitude. Whether it was tackling a difficult project at work or dealing with life’s ups and downs, you’ve always approached everything with a sense of purpose and determination.

Your sense of humor has also been a gift to all of us. You have an incredible way of making us laugh, even in the toughest times. Your laughter has a way of lifting spirits and turning any ordinary moment into something special. It’s one of the many ways you make life brighter for those around you.

But beyond all of your incredible qualities, what stands out the most is the love and dedication you show to our family. You’ve always put us first, and your sacrifices and hard work haven’t gone unnoticed. You’ve taught us the true meaning of family, and for that, I’m endlessly grateful.

Today, as we celebrate you, I want you to know how much you are appreciated and loved. You’ve been a role model, a mentor, and, most importantly, a friend. As you have given to all of us, I pray this year brings you as much love and happiness.

So let’s raise our glasses and toast to a man who has touched our lives in countless ways. Happy birthday, Dad! May your day be filled with all the love and joy you’ve so generously given to others.

Cheers!

2. Good [morning/afternoon/evening], everyone,

Thank you all for being here today to celebrate an extraordinary man—my dad. It’s a special day, and I’m honored to share a few thoughts about someone who has made such a significant impact on my life and on everyone here.

Dad, as I stand here, I’m flooded with so many memories that highlight just how incredible you are. From my childhood days of playing catch in the backyard to late-night talks about dreams and challenges, you’ve always been there. Your patience, wisdom, and unwavering support have guided me through every step of my journey.

One thing I’ll never forget is the way you used to cheer me on during school events or sports games. No matter how big or small the accomplishment, you were always my loudest cheerleader. Your enthusiasm and encouragement gave me the confidence to believe in myself, and for that, I am deeply grateful.

Must Read And Wish 80 Best Funny Birthday Wishes for Dad

I’ve learned the importance of perseverance and hard effort from you. I remember those long days when you’d come home from work, yet still find time to help me with my homework or work on projects together. You’ve shown me that dedication isn’t just about putting in the hours, but about caring deeply and doing things with passion and purpose.

And it’s not just the big moments that stand out. It’s the everyday gestures of kindness and love that have left a lasting impression. Whether it was your thoughtful advice or those simple, reassuring words when I needed them most, you’ve always known how to make me feel valued and understood. Your ability to make ordinary days feel special is truly a gift.

Your sense of humor has also been a beacon of light in our lives. I remember how your jokes and funny stories could instantly lift our spirits. Even in challenging times, you have this amazing ability to make us laugh and remind us that joy can be found even in the smallest moments. It’s a rare and wonderful quality that makes every day brighter.

As we celebrate your birthday today, I want to take a moment to acknowledge how much you mean to each of us. Your love and sacrifice have been the foundation of our family’s happiness. You’ve taught us about resilience, kindness, and the importance of staying true to oneself.

So here’s to you, Dad—the man who has given so much of himself to us. May this year be filled with all the joy, laughter, and love that you so richly deserve. We are all so lucky to have you in our lives, and I hope this day is just the beginning of a year full of wonderful moments and cherished memories.

Let’s raise our glasses and toast to an incredible man. Happy birthday, Dad! Here’s to many more years of happiness, health, and cherished times together.

Cheers!

Speech on Father’s birthday

3. Good [morning/afternoon/evening], everyone,

Today is a wonderful occasion as we come together to celebrate a truly remarkable man—my dad. As I reflect on the years we’ve shared, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the wisdom, love, and guidance you’ve bestowed upon us.

Dad, you have been the guiding light in our lives, and your wisdom has been a treasure. I often think back to the times when I faced difficult decisions or challenges, and your advice was always the beacon that led me through. Your insights have not only helped me navigate life’s complexities but have also taught me the value of thoughtful reflection and patience.

One of the things I admire most about you is your ability to remain calm under pressure. Your steady demeanor and thoughtful approach have been a source of comfort and strength for all of us. I remember a time when we faced a particularly tough situation, and your reassuring words and wise counsel helped us all stay grounded and focused. It’s moments like those that remind me just how fortunate I am to have you as a father.

You’ve also been a constant source of inspiration, showing us the importance of living with integrity and purpose. Your dedication to your work, your family, and your values is a testament to the kind of person you are. You’ve demonstrated through your actions what it means to live a life of meaning and commitment.

Today, as we celebrate you, I want to express my deepest appreciation for everything you’ve done for us. Your sacrifices, your guidance, and your unwavering love have shaped who we are and made our lives infinitely richer.

Here’s to you, Dad—the man who has been a mentor, a role model, and a friend. I hope that this birthday serves as a reflection of all the happiness and love you have given us. To many more years of good health, joy, and treasured memories!

Happy birthday!

4. Good [morning/afternoon/evening], everyone,

It’s truly a joy to gather here today to celebrate my dad, a man whose love and dedication have touched each of us in profound ways. As I think about what makes this day so special, I’m reminded of the countless ways you’ve enriched our lives with your presence.

Dad, your love for our family is unparalleled. From the little things—like preparing breakfast on lazy Sunday mornings—to the big gestures—like supporting us through life’s major milestones—you’ve always put your heart into everything you do for us. Your dedication is a beautiful reminder of what it means to be a loving and devoted parent.

I often think about the family traditions you’ve created and nurtured. Whether it’s our annual vacations, holiday gatherings, or even simple family dinners, these moments have become cherished memories because of your effort and enthusiasm. You’ve made it a priority to bring us together, and those shared experiences have strengthened our bond in ways words can’t fully capture.

The value of family is among the most important lessons you have ever imparted to me. Your actions have shown me that family isn’t just about being related by blood but about the love and care we give each other. Your selflessness and generosity have set a standard for all of us, and I strive to live by the example you’ve set.

Today, as we celebrate your birthday, I want to acknowledge how much you are loved and appreciated. Your kindness, your strength, and your unwavering support have made our lives richer and more meaningful.

So let’s raise our glasses and toast to the incredible man who has given us so much. Happy birthday, Dad! May your day be filled with the same love and joy you bring into our lives every day.

Cheers to you!

5. Good [morning/afternoon/evening], everyone,

Today, we celebrate a man who means more to us than words can express—my dad. It’s a day dedicated to honoring someone who has been a pillar of strength, a source of endless inspiration, and, above all, a loving father.

Dad, looking back on my life, I see so many moments where your influence has been a guiding force. Your ability to lead by example has taught me the true meaning of character and integrity. You have shown us that being strong doesn’t just mean facing adversity head-on but doing so with compassion and grace.

One of the things I cherish most is the way you’ve always been present. Whether it was a school event, a personal challenge, or just a regular day, you’ve always made time to be there for us. Your presence, whether in celebration or in times of difficulty, has been a constant reminder of your unwavering love and support.

I remember when I faced a tough decision and didn’t know which path to take. Your advice was simple yet profound: “Trust yourself and know that whatever you choose, you have the strength to make it work.” Those words have stayed with me and continue to guide me in moments of uncertainty. You’ve taught me that confidence and self-belief are key to overcoming life’s hurdles.

And let’s not forget the countless fun times we’ve shared. Your sense of adventure and willingness to embrace life’s joys, big or small, has made every experience more memorable. Whether it was a spontaneous road trip or a simple family game night, your enthusiasm has made those moments unforgettable.

Today is not just about celebrating another year of your life but about recognizing the incredible impact you’ve had on all of us. Your kindness, wisdom, and love have shaped our lives in ways that words can barely capture.

So here’s to you, Dad—an extraordinary man who has given so much to his family and continues to inspire us every day. I hope you have the pleasure, joy, and laughter you so wonderfully deserve on this special day.

Let’s raise our glasses to a truly remarkable father. Happy birthday, Dad! I hope we can always and today celebrate you.

Cheers!

[burningnerdsaladtaco]

🌍 How Globalization Has Shaped My Life 🌏

Globalization has truly been a game-changer in my life. It's not just a buzzword; it’s the reality we live in. 🌐

Cultural Exposure: Thanks to globalization, I’ve been able to experience cultures far beyond my own. From watching Korean dramas to savoring Italian cuisine right here at home, my worldview has expanded so much. It’s also influenced my hobbies and interests, like learning new languages and exploring different music genres. 🎶

Product Choices: My purchasing habits have also been affected. I now have access to products from all over the world—whether it’s technology from Japan, fashion from France, or skincare from Korea. This exposure has given me a broader sense of what’s out there and the quality I should expect. 🛍️

Interactions: On a personal level, globalization has impacted the way I interact with people. It’s easier to connect with others from different backgrounds, both online and in real life. This has enriched my understanding and appreciation of diversity. 🌍

Globalization has not just influenced my choices; it has shaped who I am today. I’m curious to know—how has it impacted your life? Let’s talk about it! 💬

#Globalization #CulturalDiversity #LifeChoices #WorldCitizen

[buckhastwohands]

List 5 things that make you happy, then put this in the askbox for the last 10 people who liked or reblogged something from you! Get to know your mutuals and followers✨ (no pressure tho!)

my wife!!! I am ridiculously sappy and love her so much. We've been married close to 3 years and still in the honeymoon era of affection (not that everything is always sunshine and roses obviously; especially with external life stuff and etc). Being with her gives me such JOY

the BLT sandwich from my fave local cafe. it is SO amazingly good, and I also get such happiness from this place (I call it "my cafe" for short lol), especially because it's in reasonable walking distance. I found it last year when I wasn't working and trying to spend more of my time meaningfully by exploring my area of the city, and going for long walks and getting lunch at my cafe became such a good routine for me. It's been harder to find time to go there more recently and when I do it's more to go instead of staying there, but it's always a bright spot when I can swing by.

Star Trek Deep Space Nine! I have had many fandoms I've absolutely loved and the ADHD hyperfixation on what's the most intense at any given time ebbs and flows, but I will always come back to DS9 - not only because it is a big part of how my wife and I fell in love, but that is definitely a factor lmao. It is just endlessly rewatchable, a masterpiece of television in pioneering serialized storytelling in a totally episodic genre, and has some of the best character development I've ever seen. Also I will forever be so gay for Kira Nerys, holy shit.

Puzzles!!! It's my biggest screenless hobby and I don't care that puzzles are seen as boring or whatever, lmao. Classic jigsaw puzzles are excellent obviously, but I also love funky shaped pieces where they're not all like this 🧩, and instead have squiggly shapes or thing to put together. It's a whole added challenge, and I have a growing collection of fancy wooden puzzles my wife has gotten me for birthday or anniversary presents. I need to clear off the living room table so I can set up another puzzle, maybe redo one of my faves or something, tbh.

Mobile games. Do I need more screenless hobbies and all? Yes, definitely would be enriching. Do I also get happy with silly little mobile games, even if I sometimes spend a little too much time playing them? Absolutely. Yay for being happy, and enjoying how it makes me happy!

[creek-cryptid-deluxe]

Not done a life update in a bit. Sorry man. I doubt anyone actually reads this nonsense but eh.

First & foremost, ya girl obtained a button maker & is making buttons of FUCKING EVERYTHING. I love it. Other WIP include hand painting doodles on my headboard with micro brushes & craft paint. It's a good thing to do when bedridden. I beat BOTW & TOTK, then beat both of the first 2 Southpark Games, & bought a bundle of 50 Sega Genesis games that I mess around with when I get tired of puzzling over Shadows Over Loathing.

Yesterday I dismembered a swing set that was sketchy in its structural integrity & am using scrap to make a cat tree that the cats can use to come & go from my bathroom window. (Don't worry, I'm not a moron. We made it so they can't get out of our yard the same way we did for the chickens.) I replaced our sliding glass door because it was gonna Final Destination someone & statistically I was most at risk. So I ripped it all out & replaced it will new framing, french doors, drywall, siding, and a dog door.

The Man is still running for mayor. We will see how that shakes out. He has low key given me license to decorate/renovate however I see fit because I have good taste, talent, skill, and as he put it "the one who is legit trapped here the most & thus should have it decorated to enrich your enclosure, babygirl". That man is absurd... but not wrong.

Beyond that, there's not much. The Spawn is in her first apartment with a girlfriend from work, so I get calls about storage solutions, plants, and asking to raid my fridge. Oh and the one call in which 3 girls in the background were gushing because the gist of the call was "Mom everyone wants a fruit hammock like you made for me".

The 3 Bonus Kids are OK. The eldest starts h.s. next semester & is trying out for football & has really turned things around for the most part. The middle starts m.s. next year & is behaving like a middle school girl, but is also very sweet. The youngest is still on her "oh I'm just a little baby who can't use her words & wants her dada" bullshit despite her mother's second child approaching a year of existence. I basically just pretend I don't understand or hear her until she uses actual words & I don't do tantrums. You wanna scream because you didn't get your way? Cool, but you're gonna do it in your room. The older 2 have realized that I will absolutely pay them CASH if they do chores, so I made an alacart style list of chores, the definition of said chore, and the payment for it if done correctly and they know that I will happily supervise & help them learn. I think it helps that I have really framed it as chores and stuff are meant to give them the independence of having money while teaching them necessary skills for adulting (cleaning, cooking, budgeting). Plus, you are a member of the household community & thus should contribute in whatever way you can. Example: the youngest is 6, but helps me change laundry over (saving my back), puts her laundry away, likes to clean mirrors or magic eraser the walls.

Oh yeah and I'm at a point where the unrelenting agony & exhaustion have made me enraged, as happens when spring hits after a long winter sometimes. Hence the murder of the swing set & my upcoming relocation & repair of the chicken fence.

[clothyume]

A Premature Burial Episode 6

A Premature Burial 

Episode 6

Season: Winter

Characters: Mika, Shu

(A few minutes later. Itsuki family villa guest room.) 

Shu: First, I’m going to start by telling you what you’re probably curious about… It was a lie that my grandfather had died. 

Mika: I-It was just a lie? That’s a relief…♪

Shu: There’s no relief about it. I’d like my grandfather to refrain from celebrating a little, because he’s so old it would be no surprise if he were to die peacefully. 

Mika: It seems kinda fun to have such a playful grandfather. 

Shu: Other people may think that… In reality it causes problems every time he stages his own death and summons all of his relatives.

Each time, we’re presented with unreasonable demands. 

Mika: K-Kinda like princess Kaguya, huh.

Shu: It’s nothing as charming as that… 

Shu: Though, our unreasonable demand this time is much better. Last time, he asked us upon a deserted island and we had to go on a treasure hunt while solving mysteries. 

Mika: No, but that really does sound like fun. 

Shu: Every time, I get to play games that old people have come up with, and I have a good time. It’s a vulgar expression, but I’m tired of being manipulated by stupid old people. 

Mika: (Ahaha. The fact that yer usin’ that strange broken expression means that Oshisan is real relieved.)

Shu: What’s that face for?  

In any case— It’s just a game held on my grandfather’s whim, but because it’s a game, there will be a “prize” involved. 

Each time, the prize winner is given a part of the inheritance that my grandfather, who was a good businessman, has earned and saved through hard work. 

That’s a considerable amount of money, and to my relatives who are struggling with life’s hardships, it seems they’re grateful for the event. 

As a first year, when Valkyrie was just Nito and I, I used the funds I earned from that to carry out our activities. 

No, if it wasn’t for that I would’ve soon become bankrupt. 

Mika: That’s ‘cause Oshisan is a reckless spender… I see, I was wonderin’ what ya were doin’ before ya started makin’ money doin’ part time jobs at school. 

Shu: Rather, you could say that my money sense was a little off because I was getting a large amount of initial capital. 

I suppose I assumed I would have money no matter how much I used it. 

Mika: Nnah~ I thought it was just because Oshisan is the young master of a rich family. 

Shu: That too. In any case— I’m aiming to win this time, no matter how much money is at stake, it’s not a problem. 

Even though the rewards from “SS” have enriched our pockets, our stages are becoming more and more lavish every year. Regardless of how much money we have, it’s not enough. 

If you try to ignore ES’s wishes and get away with it… You’ll be told that you have to provide all the necessary funds yourself. 

Mika: All ya gotta do is listen to what ES says. I don’t think it’ll solve everythin’ but— That’s what Valkyrie’s all about. 

Shu: That’s right. Well, the main issue at hand is that, in order to gain victory in my grandfather’s game this time around, I want to ask for your support. 

Mika: Of course ya would, I’ll do anythin’ for Oshisan. 

I wonder if I can be useful… Didn’t Nazuna-nii help ya win last time? 

Compared t’ Nazuna-nii, I’m thick-skulled and dumb. 

Shu: It seems you’re overestimating Nito. Of course, that boy was my masterpiece at the time, both cute and precious. 

Even compared to him then, I don’t think you’re inferior at all by any means. 

No— Dolls and humans are not something that should be compared in the first place. 

Even if we gather the best of human science, we still cannot create the perfect human being. And no matter how good a doll is, it’s still no match for a human. But that’s just a generalisation. 

And you have become human, have you not? Have some self confidence, Kagehira.  

Mika: Okay… Sorry I said somethin’ so spineless, Oshisan. 

I’ll do my best. I’ll work hard in my own way. 

Shu: Good boy. And naturally, I already have a good chance of winning, which is why I’m shamelessly involving you in this talk of family matters. 

This time, what my grandfather is proposing and hosting should be called a “funeral contest”.

Mika: Nnah…? What’s that? A word ya don’t know? 

Shu: I know there is a culture of performing a funeral for someone while they are still living. 

The idea is to complete the funeral, inheritance, and other matters that will be necessary after you die— before you actually die. 

It seems like my grandfather would like to have a funeral like that while he is still alive. 

If you die, of course you will never be able to move again. The funeral will be conducted by the bereaved family. 

I think it’s a positive attitude, because it will save a lot of hassle. 

And such, even though it can’t be praised honestly… 

My grandfather must be feeling weak as he faces death, as he says this will be his final play. 

That’s why I’m told to do my best, without cutting corners.