#this has some very interesting interviews in
Explore tagged Tumblr posts
len-yx · 11 hours ago
Text
Mydei’s glaring queer coding (fixed)
(By the same person who did the twitter thread :))
First things first. Please be normal if I get something wrong. I have put so much effort into research (I am so dedicated to doing that stupid thread justice) and would like to be spoken too as if I’m an actual person who got something wrong and not like some evil being sent to intentionally spreading misinformation. I know people are much more forgiving on here than they are on twitter but my anxiety was fuck all after that original thread and I’m pretty nervous putting myself in that same situation but am desperate to not have that thread be “The Mydei queer-coding thread” that people use as reference when talking about Mydei’s queer coding. That’s all. Apologies for rambling. Onwards we go!
Tumblr media
Amphoreus draws heavily from Ancient Greek (and Roman) influences. Greek (and Roman) armies were known for the fact same-sex relationships were viewed pretty uniquely. It was common and even encouraged for soldiers to form intimate relationships. I do want to mention (though not very relevant to Mydei’s queer coding) that despite this, Greece was not that queer normative (mostly). Yes, gay sex was typical, but it was still considered shameful to be penetrated and the most accepted form of two men in a relationship was pederasty. Which was a relationship between an adult male (usually of higher class), and a young boy in his teens. Really the higher class were the only ones that didn’t have to be concerned about judgment and their specific role in a relationship. I suppose Mydei is upper class anyway. So. This was all just something I thought was worth mentioning.
All of Mydei’s Kremnoan companions had references to Greek history tied to Alexander the Great (it’s actually very interesting I advise seeking out the meanings of their names yourself (and it’s further evidence that Mydei’s ties to Alexander the Great is far from coincidences and unreasonable stretches)). Hephaestion specifically is a reference to Alexander the Great’s closest friend and potential lover of the same name. Both the real Hephaestion and the one from HSR die of illness rather than in battle, how both were expected to die, leaving Alexander/Mydei to mourn alone. Hephaestion’s (HSR) death has extra attention drawn to it by not only being the last to die of the companions but also both Mydei and Hephaestion emphasising their close friendship. Calling one another things such as “dear friend”, “most trusted companion” etc. And with a real life comparison for this death it only emphasises how big of a deal Hephaestion’s death is meant to be for Mydei.
Funnily enough Alexander the Great’s mother, Olympias, actually claimed to be a descendant of Achilles who Mydei also has multiple references to.
There are many versions of how Achilles gained his immortal body, one being that as a baby his mother dipped him in the river Styx, holding onto him by his ankle. Similarly, Mydei’s immortal body was made known/gained (I don’t believe it’s clear?) after being thrown into the sea of souls also as a baby with a matching ”Achilles heel” in the form of his tenth thoracic vertebra.
The exact intent of Achille’s and Patroclus' relationship is very very debated. And Homer isn’t responding to my emails for an interview. But I do want to remind everyone that this isn’t about “was Achilles and Alexander in relationships with their best friends” (though neither of the two’s queerness is actually up for debate, they both had multiple romantic endeavours with men) but about how some of the reasons historians believe why the two were queer are used in Mydei’s character and why I believe this was intentionally done by hoyoverse. Achilles and Patroclus have been a symbol of close male relationships since the myth was realised, Alexander the Great even comparing his relationship with Hephaestion to the two. I’ve seen a few people saying that Phainon has some looser similarities to Patroclus however I have not yet read The Iliad (I just don’t have the time I’m very sorry) so I can’t speak on how intentional these similarities seem.
However, Mydei and Phainon do parallel another duo very deeply, Mydei’s own parents, Queen Gorgo and King Eurypon. Mydei and Phainon’s first meeting was a duel lasting ten days and nights that ended in a draw, the same as with Eurypon and Gorgo’s infamous first meeting at the Kremnos festival. Except instead of a close companionship forming after their draw, Eurypon promptly proposed to Gorgo. During 3.0 when Phainon challenges Mydei to a competition to see who can kill more titankin, he uses the phrasing “Just you and me. Let’s recreate the original Kremnos Festival.” On top of that, in 3.1 while retrieving Phainon from the trial we run into ”Chartonus” (quotations because it’s within the trial) Mydei tries to ask “Chartonus” where Phainon is and “Chartonus” has an angry rant before throwing Queen Gorgo’s signet ring at him. The ring isn’t brought up again until Mydei and Phainon’s goodbye. Mydei waits until the last moment to question if Phainon was the one who told Chartonus about his mother’s ring. Phainon’s response is just “who knows” but it’s pretty clear that the audience is at least meant to believe Phainon was the one who told Chartonus about it. There is one other thing that may tie Phainon and Mydei’s relationship to Eurypon and Gorgo. However it’s pretty much theory crafting and even leaks so I’ll just leave it at that.
It’s become almost a pattern in HSR to have deeply queer coded duo’s be compared to animals, specifically a predator animal and a prey animal (e.g. Acheron and Blackswan.) During the scene in the baths the bath sprite compares Mydei to a lion and Phainon to an oryx before describing the dynamic between the animals. Cut to a black screen with the two moaning due to the hot steam and the bath sprite continues describing the lion hunting the oryx in detail reminiscent of the “Rondo Across Countless Kalpas” animated short of Acheron (a variant of a lesbian character) and Blackswan (a woman who’s relationship with other female characters are placed on a higher pedestal) doing the tango. The bath scene is very much a mix of a joke and fanservice but in the context of a rather genuinely queer coded relationship I am treating it as a more genuine innuendo. Just before deciding on the bath competition we get to see Mydei’s internal dialogue and him struggling to figure out how to comfort Phainon after failing the demigod trial, intentionally creating a more intimate atmosphere. Phainon uses rather suggestive language when proposing the competition such as “Maybe we both need to relieve some stress” deliberately creating a charged atmosphere.
In the end Mydei’s character is deeply intertwined with historical narratives of male bonds, grief, and devotion that have been read through a queer lens for centruies. Whether through his parallels to Achilles and Alexander the Great, his profound connection with Phainon or Hoyoverse’s own storytelling patterns, the intent behind his characterization feels undeniably deliberate.
47 notes · View notes
pressplay-if · 10 hours ago
Note
hi there.
i just finished the demo and i really liked it. especially the style/format of the IF. the whole thing with the timejumps and interview, really interesting.
i have a few questions:
1.) during the interlude-chapter ("triggerwarning-chapter") there is an option for MC to say, that "they started drinking again once they became of age and quit smoking completely". does this mean MC wont do drugs like smoking weed or simply no cigarettes? im asking, because if i remember correctly, relatively in the beginning there is a choice, where its implied that MC takes drugs to relaxe.
==> same with alcohol: if i chose an option, where Mc drinks alcohol in earlier chapters, will this bereflected in the interlude-chapter?
2.) during the story, will MC be in a relationship with an RO? and will it be explored? also, if i understood it right, the band broke up at some point. would this mean, the (potential) relationship between MC & RO would break too?
3.) will romance/flirt options be marked? this question leads to the next point:
4.) during the whole demo, the relationship stats for the RO´s never changed. is this a bug? do you have to code it in? or does the choices so far have no influence on them?
==> same with the MC´s mind stats; besides the job choice in the beginning, i didnt noticed any changes with these stats as well.
i assume, that at the time you answer this, you already finished your exams. anyways, good luck with them.
and thank you for your answers.
hey there! First off, thanks for the compliment and well-wishes; for now I am indeed off the hook, but I've still got some tests coming up in April... That does not spark joy. Buuut for now, I do have a little break.
1.) the smoking in this case only refers to cigarettes, not weed etc. As for the second part, I'm actually not quite sure, but those paths were really tricky to script and I might have gotten confused along the way... I'll review them when I find the time and leisure.
2.) MC will have the opportunity to enter several relationships, some as soon as the start of Chapter 4. As for how they'll work out and what exactly will happen, you'll simply have to wait and see. There are certain things in the MC's future that are unavoidable, and will impact the ROs' trust in them immensely.
3.) I've received that question multiple times now, but I have to say, I really don't wanna do that. I just really don't like it for some reason. But don't worry, you won't be thrown into any relationship without explicitly stating your interest in an RO.
4.) the RO stats change very slowly actually! I figured it'd be weird if they did, and hear me out: Lin is at the point where they idolize MC, no matter what. As for the band, MC has been friends with Angel and Stevie for longer than we as readers have accompanied them, so it'd be weird if they suddenly skyrocketed at just one or two nice/mean interactions. Zima's resentment sits very deep, and since we haven't interacted much with them in the presence so far (but you will actually be able to reconcile with them in the upcoming chapter, which will significantly impact the stat.) In general, in the third chapter, changes like that are more frequent, but still pretty small, except for certain ones. That'll change over time.
Same goes for the mental stats, though they're more there to reflect the MC's development. All in all, stats mostly function representatively for most of this game. It's more of a book imo than stat-focused.
43 notes · View notes
leclercsredhelmet · 20 hours ago
Text
New in the Paddock: Italian Nights ✧ Franco Colapinto
Tumblr media
A/N: Hi again! It’s been a while but I was taking time off to write and do other things but I’m back with the second part of New in the Paddock! I hope that you guys enjoy this one!!!
“This was the very first page, not where the story line ends”
Franco’s Point of View
Getting a shot at a Formula One seat still had me on a high. Walking through the paddock knowing my name was in a garage thrilled me. But something else happened today and it was quite unexpected. Countless people interviewed me but the one that struck me the most was a reporter from DAZN. She looked around my age and the entire time she was interviewing me I was praying not to make a total fool of myself. Later during the day I bumped into her and spilled her food so I offered to buy her the same order and invited her to the Williams motorhome.
Talking with her over lunch made me realize we have so many things in common and I would like to get to know her better which was why we ended up exchanging numbers. What was left of the day went by pretty quickly because it was spent doing media and looking at race data. Back in my hotel room I set my bag down and decided to relax and start getting in the headspace for tomorrow. Part of me wanted to ask Y/N for her room number and go over to ask if she would be interested in walking around the hotel but I decided to call her instead. What was intended to be a short phone call went on for hours and it was already half past midnight when we decided to hang up and get some rest.
Reader’s Point of View
Compared to yesterday the paddock had a lot more people. After scanning my pass I walk with my coworkers towards the media room. Unfortunately, I haven’t crossed paths with Franco yet and wasn’t sure we would because a busy day awaits us both. Chaos is evident in the media room, everyone’s busy with work and multiple conversations are happening at the same time. Stray papers are sprawled over the tables and a lot of people are furiously typing away on their laptops, myself included.
Sometimes my coworkers and I exchange words but we’re focused on all the tasks ahead. After publishing my piece I sit back and take my glasses off, letting out a sigh I rub my temples. Next to me, Melissa chuckles “Tough day huh,” she says and I chuckle, “Tell me about it, my brain could use a break,” I tell her. Smiling she stands up and nods, “Come on let’s take a walk and clear our heads before practice starts,” she says.We bring some coffee to our coworkers and sit down to watch the practice sessions. Grabbing the pen, I take notes on the session and cheer whenever my favorites do well. Practice has ended but since we’re finishing up work before heading back to the hotel, we won’t leave the media room until later in the night. By the time I’m in my hotel room I’m too tired to reply to any texts and it’s quite late so I instead head straight for the bathroom and fall asleep shortly after my shower.
Skip to Sunday
The race has already ended and I’m in the paddock interviewing Charles Leclerc, as I’m finishing the interview I spot Franco talking to some reporters, our eyes meet and he discreetly smiles. Heat starts to spread across my cheeks and I pay attention to Charles. Nodding and smiling I thank him and wrap up the interview.
“You were great, and hopefully this is the first interview of many!” Charles kindly says. “Thank you, hopefully, you’re right Charles! Once again congrats on the win, it was amazing!” I tell him. Charles smiles and bids me goodbye, waving at him I chat with the cameraman as I help him pack up. We’re about to head to the media room but he nudges my elbow and I see Franco approaching us. “I got it, don’t worry. Thanks for helping me pack Y/N” he says. “No problem, I’ll catch up with you later!” I say and he nods.
“Vos ha estado ocupada hoy al parecer” (You seemed busy today) Franco says and I laugh, “Lo mismo va para ti, hiciste una carrera muy buena,” I tell him. (The same goes for you, you did great racing today)
Franco chuckles and runs a hand through his messy and sweaty hair. Involuntarily my eyes follow his movements and I feel a blush creep on my cheeks. Franco seems to take note of this and smiles.
“Cuando te vas para Baku?” (When are you going to Baku?) I ask breaking the silence. Mañana a las cuatro de la mañana y vos?” he replies. (Tomorrow at four am and you?) “Yo igual,” I reply. “Quizás nos crucemos en el aeropuerto,” Franco says with a smile. (Maybe we’ll cross paths at the airport)
I chuckle, “Puede ser,”(Maybe) I reply. “Bueno no te tomo más tiempo, de seguro estás muy cansado, me debo ir ya.”I reply and turn to leave but Franco stops me by gently grabbing my elbow. (Well, I won’t take up any more of your time. I’m sure you’re quite tired so I should go.) “Espera, quizás es de locos pero estamos en el mismo hotel y nuestros vuelos salen a la misma hora” Franco starts to say and pauses before looking at me and nervously laughing. (Wait, maybe it’s crazy but we’re in the same hotel and our flights leave at the same time)
I look at him and he continues, “¿Y/N aceptas salir conmigo esta noche?” he asks somewhat shyly and I look at him before smiling and nodding. (Y/N do you want to go out with me tonight?) “Es tu día de suerte Franco!” (It’s your lucky day Franco!) I happily reply. Franco grins, “Estaré en tu puerta a las 7:40,” he says and I smile. (I’ll be in front of your door at 7:40) “Y el código de vestimenta?” I ask and he grins, “Semi-formal per favore,” he says with a wink and I laugh. (And the dress code? Semi-formal, please) “Es una cita entrances, nos vemos luego Franco,” I say and he grins. (It’s a date then, I’ll see you soon Franco) “Chau, Y/N,” he says before getting one last look at me and walking away. (Bye Y/N)
Smiling I head towards the media room and on my way I see my coworkers exiting so I walk with them towards the exit and to the van that waits for us. Settling into my seat I throw my head back and sigh. Melissa chuckles and I give her a small smile, “You did great on the interview you’re a natural,” she says and I smile. “Gracias, Melissa,” I reply, she smiles at me and continues scrolling on her phone. There’s a comfortable silence and I send a few texts to my mom and answer some of the texts my friends have sent me. Just as I’m about to say something Christine breaks the silence. “Y/N you’re absolutely blowing up on social media,” she says and I let out a weak chuckle. “ I just started seeing everything on Twitter,” I reply. “You and Franco might just be the talk of the town,” she says and I chuckle.
“Don’t know what for, I was just doing my job and he was also doing his but hey if it gets people to read my articles then I won’t complain,” I say and everyone laughs. My eyes land on a tweet and I smile a little as I see the picture of Franco blushing and covering his face when someone else asks him about me. Shortly we arrive at the hotel and I quickly say my goodbyes to everyone and go up to my room to get ready. I grab my shampoo bottle as a microphone and sing along to Cariño by The Marías.
I continue to get ready and check the time to make sure I’m on track. Just as planned I have twenty minutes to spare, which is enough for me to get changed and apply the last touches of makeup. Finishing my eyeliner I close the cap and fix my hair before leaving the bathroom. Changing into the black satin dress laid out on the bed and slipping on my black kitten heels I check my bag.
A series of two quick knocks are heard and I check my reflection in the mirror and open the door. Franco is leaning sideways on the doorframe with his hands in his pockets. Looking at me up and down he smiles and I blush but quickly regain my composure. “Llegaste justo a tiempo,” I say smiling and he laughs. (You arrived just in time)
“Soy muy puntual, te vez hermosa,” he says. (I’m very punctual, you look beautiful) “Gracias, no te vez para nada mal tampoco,” I say grabbing my bag and closing the door behind me. (Thank you, you don’t look too bad either) “Yo me pongo lindo de vez en cuando,” he says and I laugh. (I clean up nicely once in a while)
“This night is sparkling don’t you let it go”
We walk side by side and Franco lets me through the elevator first, once the doors close he stands facing me and winks a little. A faint blush starts to creep on my cheeks and I tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear. Feeling his eyes on me I turn to face him, “Se puede saber a dónde vamos o es un secreto?” I ask and he laughs. (Can I know where we’re going, or is it a secret?) “Es un secreto, hermosa” he says and I smile. (It’s a secret, beautiful) “La noche es prometedora entonces,” I reply and he chuckles before he launches into his usual talkative state. (The night is promising, then)
The entire car ride is full of laughter and singing along to the music, the jokes are of course provided by Franco and the singing is a joint effort. We arrive at a restaurant and after being led to the table I take a look around. It’s a small and cozy restaurant, our table is outside on a balcony. String lights hang from the ceiling enveloping the space in a warm glow. The only table occupied here is ours and I like that it gives us privacy.
“Es un lugar re lindo no?” Franco comments and I smile. (It’s a beautiful place right?) “Lo es, sabes escoger bien,” I tell him. (It is, you know how to pick well) “No es tan bonito como vos pero es lo suficiente para no opacar tu belleza,” he cheekily says and I blush. (It’s not as pretty as you, but it’s enough to not dull your beauty) Chuckling I take a sip from my water. “Estás fuerte con los cumplidos Fran,” I tell him and he blushes a little. (You’re coming off strong with the compliments, Fran) “Vos merece cumplidos así con lo encantadora que sos,” he says. Before I can reply the waiter appears to take our orders. (You deserve compliments like this with how stunning you are)
Once he leaves Franco and I keep talking as the night rolls on and the food comes by. My cheeks are flushed because of the wine and Franco’s flirty comments. Once he pays we decide to take a stroll around the town and I stop to look at the moon which hangs beautifully in the night sky with stars peppering around. “Dios la luna es tan hermosa,” I comment while I take a picture. (God the moon is so beautiful) Franco is standing next to me and I feel his gaze on me, the hairs on my neck stand up and the breeze makes the scent of his cologne invade my nostrils. He smells so good, “Lo es, está tan jodidamente radiante” he says, I turn a little and his gaze is set on me and not on the moon. (It is, it’s so fucking stunning)
Franco’s arms are on my waist and he pulls me towards him, my feet are directly in front of his and our faces are inches apart. His eyes scan my face before locking onto mine, my insides feel like liquid and my hands land on his shoulders. Moonlight shines down on us and he starts to lean in. Meeting him halfway our lips touch, the initial touch is tentative and enough for me to taste the wine on his soft lips.
Franco pulls me closer and our chests touch as he deepens the kiss, my hands travel up his neck and my fingertips brush his neck. It feels like a thousand fires are raging all over my body, his hands are squeezing my waist tighter and I tug on his hair a little as the kiss gets deeper. Franco pulls apart a little and our chests are heaving up and down but his lips linger close to mine. “No sabes cuanto tiempo me estuve aguantando las ganas de hacer eso,” he rasps. (You have no idea how much time I spent holding back from doing this) “Si a esto le llamas aguantarte no se que diablos es no aguantarte” I say and he laughs. (If this is what you call holding back, I don’t know what the hell is not holding back)
Before he can reply I pull him by his shirt again, the kiss is more intense this time and his hands gingerly travel up my arms to my neck, his palm cups my face and he deepens the kiss.
Franco, Franco, Franco, Franco, Franco, Franco, Franco. His name reverberates in my brain like a chant. We pull apart and rest our foreheads together, he drops his hands from my neck and laces them with mine. The actions send a feeling of warmness over me and I laugh a little. “Valió la pena esperar,” he says and I look up at him and laugh. (It was worth the wait)
“Definitivamente,” I reply. (Definitely,) Franco kisses my forehead and I momentarily close my eyes.
“I’m wonderstruck blushing all the way home”
We start to walk and he swings my arms a little which makes me laugh. “Bueno y ahora que somos?” he asks and I throw my head back to laugh. (What are we now?) “Mi instinto dice que yo te gusto y tú me gustas así que no debemos ignorar esta química,” I say and he laughs. (My instinct says you like me and I like you so this chemistry shouldn’t be ignored)
“Pienso que entonces esta química debe ser puesta a prueba repetidamente,” he replies and I blush. (I think that this chemistry should be repeatedly put to the test then) Leaning up I press a peck to his lips and his cheeks flush. “Tomare eso como un sí, hermosa,” he relpies. (I’ll take that as a yes, beautiful) “Serías tremendo idiota si haces lo contrario,” I reply. (You’d be an idiot if you take it as the opposite)
Our hands sit intertwined in the center console as he drives one-handed and steals glances at me. “Eyes on the road mister,” I say and he laughs. “Please I’m a great driver, I can look at you and drive,” he says. Laughing I shake my head, “Oh I know, but I’d rather we both arrive in one piece,” I say and he chuckles. “Alright fine, I’ll just look at you some more later,” he says and I shake my head unable to hide the grin on my face.
“Safe and sound,” he says once he parks the car, chuckling I unbuckle my seatbelt and lean over to kiss him quickly. Before he can kiss me back I’m out the door and he protests which makes me laugh. “Se supone que me dejaras besarte de nuevo y abrirte la puerta tontita,” he says standing in front of me. Giggling I look up at him and he grabs my cheeks to plant a kiss on my lips. Pulling apart I pinch his cheek and he laughs before wrapping an arm around me. (You were supposed to let me kiss you again and open the door for you, dummy)
Arriving at my door we stop and he leans down to press the most gentle of kisses on my lips, my thumbs brush his neck and he breathes in my scent. “Hasta mañana hermosa,” he says and turns to leave. (Until tomorrow, beautiful). “Espera, quédate. (Wait, stay) Podemos pasar la noche viendo una película o algo. Solo sí quieres,” I quickly add.(We can spend the night watching a movie, only if you want) Franco smiles, “Claro que quiero, buscaré mis cosas y vuelvo,” he says smiling. (Of course I want to, I’ll get my things and come back) Grinning I open the door and disappear into the room. Quickly I strip off my dress and remove my jewelry and makeup before showering and changing into a t-shirt and some pajama pants.
Packing up my stray belongings I set my luggage aside and once there’s a knock on my door I swing it open and pull Franco inside. He laughs and kisses my cheek. Setting his luggage next to mine he puts his arm around me and walks toward the bed. Sliding in next to me his arms are around my shoulders once again and we scroll through the options until we land on a movie which happens to be How To Lose A Guy in Ten Days and watch it while talking in hushed tones.
The credits roll in and we turn the television off to brush our teeth and crawl back in bed. Setting my alarm I turn around to be faced with Franco who had been doing the same. Leaning down he presses a kiss to my forehead and one to my lips which makes me giggle. “Buenas noches, hermosa, que tengas dulces sueños” he says. (Good night beautiful, have sweet dreams) Nuzzling my head on his chest I look up at him and kiss his jaw. “Buenas noches, Fran. Dulces sueños” I reply. (Good night, Fran. Sweet dreams)
Closing my eyes I feel Franco’s arms wrap around me and I let sleep take control of my body, my last thought before sleeping is just how enchanted I was to meet him.
20 notes · View notes
elle-p · 8 months ago
Text
Dengeki Playstation Vol.359 Persona 3 parts pictures and transcription.
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
影時間を巡る少年たちの群像劇
前作までの世界観を踏襲しつつも、まったく新しい物語が展開するシリーズ最新作。プレイヤーは、ペルソナという力を使える主人公となって、1日と1日の狭間にある “影時間” で、そこに巣食うシャドウと戦うことになる。学校や街の人との関係がペルソナに影響を与える「コミュ」や、爽快感バツグンの戦闘など、個性的かつ魅力的なシステムが満載。
GOOD メインストーリーはもちろん、「コミュ」や会話など、それぞれのシナリオが練り込まれていて楽しい。「コミュ」を育てることでペルソナも育つので、レベル上げの作業を必要とせず、サクサク進めることができる。弱点を突いた敵に追撃できるなど、爽快感だけでなく戦略性も高い戦闘システムは秀逸。
BAD 似たようなダンジョンが続くため、新鮮味は薄い。戦闘時の仲間の思考に不満を感じることも。
現代が舞���の人気RPG。合体を奥深くする「コミュニティ」をはじめ、弱点を突くことで���闘が有利になる「プレス攻撃」を搭載。
コミックのように効果音が文字として出たり、ポリゴンキャラが細かいしぐさを見せてくれたりと、フィールド上での演出が凝ってマス。さらに、重要なシーンでは各キャラのカットインも入って、世界観&ストーリーにぐいぐい引き込まれましたよ。戦闘はオート攻撃やチャンス時にたたみかける「総攻撃」のコマンドもあって、テンポよく進められて◎。戦闘フィールドの探索も、仲間が勝手にアイテムなどを探し回ってくれる「散開」などの指示が出せて、サクサク進められたダス。難易度も最初に選べるし、これまでシリーズ作品をプレイしたことがない人もスンナリ楽しめるのでは?
90
学園生活とダンジョン探索をいっぺんに楽しめる作品です。昼間は人間関係を築き、夜はひたすら冒険。一見昼夜の出来事は切り離されているようですが、昼間の行動がペルソナの強さに影響するなど、ちゃんと連動しているのがポイントだったりします。ダンジョンでは、どんどん探索するのも途中でひくのも自由。敵の弱点をつきながら効率よく戦うと、ごほうびとしてペルソナやアイテムがもらえるので、いわゆるザコ戦でもついつい真剣に。まったり遊びたいときにも、アニメーションのスキップつきの通常攻撃が便利。お気楽プレイが可能なイージーモードもオススメですよ。
90
「ペルソナ」「学園」というキーワードは残しつつも、完全に一新された世界観が新鮮です。昼間の学生生活で楽しめる「コミュ」の話がメインストーリー以上に気になったり、弱点を突き続けることでどんどん有利になる夜の戦闘が楽しかったりと、新しいシステムが作品全体をとおしてかみあってるのは見事。のんびりとした「学生」部分に、なんだかノスタルジーを感じずにはいられません。中盤あたりからダンジョン探索が単調に感じられたり、お約束の1発死でヘコんだりしますけど、そんな細かいことを忘れてしまうほどのめり込みました。夏休みじっくり遊ぶのに最適な1本。
95
ペルソナ育成にも関係するコミュの存在がおもしろい。限られた時間をやりくりしてコミュを開拓&育てるところは恋愛SLGのノリだし。戦闘システムはシンプルだが戦略性もある。仲間のペルソナが固定されているだけに、弱点をつかれるとザコ戦でも苦労するけどね (先制攻撃が決まればなんとかなりますが)。ボス戦前にはワープポイントがあるので「帰還してセーブし、すぐボスのフロアに戻る」ことができる点も親切。依頼という小目的があるのも○。ただ、仲間の装備手順が煩雑 (ダンジョン内で個別に話しかける必要がある) など、不親切に感じた部分も少なからずあった。
80
PERSONA NON GRATA
ペルソナ ノン グラータ
死を想え⋯!
MEMENTO MORI
次ページより
ペルソナ ノン グラータ
“歓迎されざる者”
シャドウを追い詰める生と死の12ページ攻略!!
『ペルソナ3』の真実に迫る橋野桂氏 (プロデューサー) × 副島成記氏 (アートディレクター) ロングインタビュー
Cogito, ergo sum
一我思う故に我あり一
橋野桂氏 × 副島成記氏
ロングインタビュー
『ペルソナ』ファン、RPGファンから多くの期待を集め、ついに発売の日を迎えた『ペルソナ3』。発売直後となる今回は、プロデューサー橋野氏と、キャラクターデザインの副島氏両名へのインタビューを敢行。『ペルソナ3』に散りばめられたさまざまなキーワードを紐解いていく。さらに、攻略情報となる基礎知識や、ゲーム内の5月までに判明するデータも掲載。インタビュー&攻略の2本柱で、本作の魅力に鋭く切り込む12Pをお届けしよう!
プロデューサー
橋野 桂 氏
本作のプロデューサーディレクターとして、システム、ストーリーなどを総括。スタッフの本作に対する熱い想いを見事にまとめあげた。
アートディレクター
副島 成記 氏
メインからコミュまで、ほぼすべてのキャラクターをデザイン。本作が持つマンガ調の演出にマッチした、魅力的な登場人物を誕生させた。
右で紹介している『ぺルソナ3』の生みの親、橋野氏と副島氏両名のロングインタビュー。ここでお届けする本作の成り立ちや世界観の内容に続き、次のベージからも「コミュ」「戦闘」「ペルソナ」「キャラクター」と、『ペルソナ3』の大きな軸となる要素を攻略情報とともに伝えていく。ゲームをプレイしただけでは決してわからない、さま ざまなヒミツがここで明らかになる!
■『ペルソナ』に触れたことがない人に遊んで欲しい1本
『ペルソナ』シリーズの前作にあたる『ペルソナ2罰』から6年という期間がありましたが、なぜ今、このタイミングで『3』を出されたのでしょう?
橋野桂 (以下橋野、敬称略) : 以前から作りたいとは思っていたんです。ただ、『真・女神転生Ⅲ』の直後から、さまざまなタイトルがほぼ同時に動き出して、私たちの時間が空いたことがきっかけですかね。それと、これまでどちらかというとコアなユーザー向けのタイトルが続いたので、これまで関連シリーズで遊んだことのないユーザーさんにも、手にとってもらえる可能性のあるタイトルを出したかったという理由もあります。
新しいユーザーを意識して、キャラクターデザインも副島さんにされたのでしょうか?
橋野 : 表面的にイメージをガラッと変えたいという意識はありました。ただ、それ以上に副島の絵の持つ雰囲気が、このゲームでメッセージを送りたい対象の世代にマッチするという理由のほうが強かったですね。
実際、そのような話を聞いてどう思われましたか?
副島成記 (以下副島、敬称略) : これまでのシリーズでもキャラクターデザイン (※1) もしていましたけど、正直なところを言うと相当なプレッシャーでしたね。ただ、好き勝手にやると変わりすぎるかなと思ったので、変わりすぎないギリギリのところで調整しました (笑)。
完全なアニメーションムービーもシリーズではめずらしい演出だと思うのですが。
副島 : 最初からアニメでいこうというわけではなかったんですよ。『ペルソナ』シリーズは、ほかの『女神転生』シリーズほどクールではなく、少年少女の熱いストーリーだと思うんです。そうなると、キャラクターの表情は一番見せないといけない要素になるんですね。で、何かしらのムービーが必要になったときに、手描きの絵がいいねと。
今までのシリーズに比べて、システム面で大幅な変更が見られますね。
橋野 : システムを変える変えない、ということの前に、「ペルソナ」というものはなんなのかということを考えました。それは実際に心理学で社会に適応するための能力であったり、学園を舞台にしているだけに、若者ならではの葛藤を描いたりといった、根底の部分を考えていったんです。そこをキチンと描かなければ、「ペルソナ」がただの超能力になってしまう気がしたんですね。だから、システムは気にせず、まずはテーマをしっかりと練って、そこにシステムを乗せていくという形になりました。高校生活は3年間で限られていて、だからこそ輝くのであって、卒業に意味が出てくると思うんです。まずそれを描きたかったんですね。じつは最初、ゲームの期間は3年だったんですよ (笑)。
副島 : 『ペルソナ』という以上、学園という舞台ははずせないって話し合っていたんですけど、スタッフから3年はありえない、せめて3カ月だって (笑)。
■作品にこめられた「死」というテーマ
橋野 : 今の社会、とくに若者など “生きがい” が足りていないようなことを耳にしますよね。ジュブナイルとして若者にメッセージを送るとしたら、「死」を見つめ直すことで、今生きている「生」をも見つめ直す、生きがいというのは、死にがいと同義なのかなと思ったんですね。そう考えたとき、ゲームならではの “生きがい” の体験を提供できるんじゃないかなと⋯⋯。ここはあまり詳しくは言えないのですが⋯⋯。
副島 : 今もニートの問題とか、無気力な現状がこの先もずっと続くと思っている人もいるじゃないですか。それを望んでいる部分もあったりして。そういう人たちに死を意識させられればという思いはありましたね。その生きることの区切りをゲームに組み込みたいということから、1年365日に区切られたシステムを作りました。
橋野 : そういうリアルさは追及したつもりです。例えば、街にゴミのオブジェを置いてみたり、人の話し方なんかにもこだわりましたね。このゲームでそれぞれに何かを感じてもらい、少しでも何かよい変化へのきっかけになってくれたとしたら、作った意味があるかなって思います。
■新しい『ペルソナ』ワールドを彩る設定
橋野 : 設定面でいえば、影時間は「死」というテーマを象徴する形で作られた設定ですね。それに、主人公たちがみんなに見える世界で活躍するのではなく、隠された世界で活躍するという組織としてのカッコよさもあるかなってことで作りました。
副島 : 元ネタとしては、人間の脳内時計では25時間あるらしいってところからきているんです。なんで25時間あるんだろうっていう部分を創作的に解釈して、誕生した部分もありますね。
橋野 : あとは月齢もそうですね。最近のメガテンシリーズは月があるだけってことが多かったので、しっかりシステムに組み込みたい。そこから、月をストーリーの流れにのせたスケジュー��が完成しました。あともう1つは、タロットの月が持つ「迷い」という意味の象徴として演出的に使ってますね。
ロボットや犬など、主要キャラを学生だけでそろえなかった意図というのは?
橋野 : 単純に、犬を連れて歩きたい⋯⋯という願望がありました (笑)。最初は韓流キャラもいたんですけど、増えすぎてさすがにカットしましたね (笑)。
副島 : 韓流キャラは設定もイラストも完成していたんですよ。サブキャラになることもなく、消えていったキャラですね。
橋野 : 逆にアイギスは最初から登場することが決まっていたキャラですね。というのも、ロボットだけに精神を持たないので、その部分を主人公の感情的な面と対比させたいというのがあったんです。また、本作のテーマである死への恐れがない存在として、欠かせない登場人物だったんですよ。
副島 : コンセプトよりも先に設定があったような気���しますね。なので、ストーリーやテンションもわからない段階で描き始めることになってしまって、描きにくかった記憶があります。
橋野 : はじめ、アイギスがヘリオスって機械を呼び出して、月面着陸するってイベントもあったんですけど、さすがにSFすぎるってことでカットしました。リアリティという面で悩んだんですけど、2009年には完成してないかなぁって (笑)。最初、副島は女の子ロボットというのに抵抗があったみたいなんですけど、アイギスこそがヒロインだからって説得して、なんとか。その反動で、機械むき出しのデザインになったの?
副島 : 別に反抗してそういうデザインにしたわけじゃないですよ (笑)。ただ、ハイテクな感じよりはノスタルジックなメカにしたかったんですね。まあ、半分は趣味なんですけど (笑)。
今回、ぺルソナ使いは召喚器 (※2) を使うことで、ぺルソナを召喚できますけど、アイギスやコロ丸は⋯⋯?
橋野 : アイギスは内蔵型のペルソナ召喚器なんです。コロ丸は、首輪の部分にコロ丸用の召喚器が付いています。
副島 : コロ丸はどうやって発動させているんでしょうね。首輪が絞まるとか?(笑)
橋野 : どうなんでしょうね (笑)。もともとは、覚悟を決めさせるロシアンルーレットからきているのですが。あれは自殺しているわけではないので (笑)。
作中、さまざまなところで前作のキャラらしき人物 (※3) が出てきますが、はっきりと登場させなかったのには理由があるのでしょうか?
橋野 : あまり意味がないので、はっきりとは登場させていませんね。ただ、まったく関係ないというよりも、同じシリーズとして世界のつながりを確認するうえで、彼らは彼らで大人になって生きているという設定を盛り込みたかったのです。
前作までは、スタッフのかたもゲームキャラとして登場していましたね。
橋野 : 今回は、内輪ウケになったら恐いなと思って意図的にさけました。ただ、「時価ネットたなか」は、シナリオ書いてる田中ですけど (笑)。ちなみにあの歌 (※4) の作詞は僕で、作曲がサウンドの目黒氏ですね。最初、西城秀樹の声質でって言われたんですけど (笑)。
歌といえば、今回のBGMの多くがボーカル入りですよね。
橋野 : だいぶハッチャけてますよね (笑)。今回は好きにやってくれていいって言いました。ただ、好きにやっていいぶん、テーマ的な言葉だけを与えて作曲してもらいましたね。そのテーマさえ入っているなら、今までシリーズのしがらみでできなかったこともやっていいっよって感じで作らせたら、好きなジャンルでできて楽しかったみたいです。ただ、ボーカルはバージョンが上がるたびに追加されてきて (笑)。最初ボーカルが入ってないからOKを出したのに、マスターアップの直前でボーカル入れてきたりしましたからね (※5)。
最後に、今このゲームを遊んでいるユーザー、またはこれからプレイするユーザーにひとことお願いします。
副島 : 絵に関していえば、グラフィカルな部分では挑戦的なことをやっていると思うので、最近のゲームにはない感覚で楽しんでもらえると思います。インターフェイスとか、ハッチャけたBGMとかも含め、そのあたりを注目してもらえるとうれしいですね。
橋野 : ある種、ワンパターンな型にハマったRPGに飽きた人にプレイしてほしいという想いはありますね。普通のRPGだったら1週間という流れの中で平日はカットしたと思うんです。いわゆる土日の大きなイベントが続くタイプですね。でも『ペルソナ3』は、平日の何気ない学園生活までキチッと描いている。だからこそ、土日のイベント的な部分がより楽しみになると思うんです。実験的な部分もあるとは思うんですけど、夏休みって長いなぁ (笑) とか、変にリアルな1年間を楽しんでもらえればと思います。
『ペルソナ』新章のすべてを語る⋯
PICK UP WORDS
用語解説
※1 【キャラクターデザイ ン】 副島氏は、今回以外にも過去の『女神転生』作品の多くに携わっている。前作にあたる『ペルソナ2罰』では、「トレビア~ン」という口癖が特徴の「ギャルソン副島」としてゲームに登場していた。
※2 【召喚器】 主人公たちが、ペルソナを召喚するために使う銃型のアイテム。じつは、撃つときのポーズはキャラごとに異なるこだわりよう。
※3 【シリーズキャラ】 本作の拠点となる寮のロビー。そこで見ることが可能なTVには、ファンならニヤリとできるキャラが数多く登場する。しかも、TVの内容はほぼ毎日変化するのだ。
※4 【時価ネットたなか】 ゲーム中に利用できる通販ショップ。前作までは、シナリオの里見氏をモデルにした「サトミタダシ」があり、店内に流れる脱力感あふれる歌が話題になった。
※5 【BGM】 シリーズ最高峰のセンスをほこるサントラが7月19日に発売!ゲーム内のすべての楽曲が収録されている。
※6 【女の子のコミュ (P.208)】 女の子のコミュのみ、一定以上仲よくなった段階で、ほかの女の子に話しかけると怒ってしまう。編集部内では「王道恋愛シミュレーションシステム」として、女の子コミュは非常に丁寧に扱われている。
※7 【セリフ (P.200)】 メインキャストのみならず人気声優がそろった本作。じつはスタッフに声優に詳しい人がおらず、近所のレンタル店で大量のアニメをレンタル。そのアニメを見ながら、キャラに合った声優をチョイスしていった。
Crescit enim cum mamplitudine rerum vis inqenii
一無垢なる者の力は課される命題��大きさにより成長する一
一日の流れとタウンマップから暴く
コミュニティ
本作を大きく特徴づけている「コミュニティ(以下、コミュ)」。戦闘にも大きな影響を与える交流のシステムを、1日の流れにあわせて戻ってくる。
1日は大きく分けて、昼間のコミュと夜の戦闘という流れで進行していく。次ページのカレンダーの情報を参考に、キャラ、コミュを計画的に育成しよう。
一日の流れ
A.M.8:00
●登校
●午前
A.M.12:00
●昼休み
●午後
学校の授業では学力、魅力アップのチャンス。授業内容は定期試験にも出る。
P.M.3:00
●放課後
放課後は自由に行動が可能。校内、学園外でステータス、コミュを育てよう。
P.M.9:00
●夜
A.M.2:00
●深夜 (タルタロス)
戦闘はこの時間でしか発生しないが、戦闘せずに次の日に進むことも可能だ。
次の日へ
STATUS
主人公のステータスはコミュの発生に大きく影響
下で紹介している主人公だけのステータスは、主人公の「人」としての能力。つまり戦闘に直接影響する能力ではない。ただし、コミュの発生がこのステータスに依存していることがあるので、ぺルソナ育成のためにも欠かせない要素となる。ステータスは、主に街の各施設で上げることが可能だ。左のマップに上昇するステータスも掲載しているので参考にしてほしい。
▲ステータスは、ポイントをためることで次の段階へと成長する。
ACADEMIC
学力
成長一覧
もう少し
できなくはない
そこそこ良い
なかなか優秀
かなりの秀才
天才
学力はコミュ以外に定期試験の結果にも影響する。また街の施設以外に、夜の勉強でも上昇。
CHARM
魅力
成長一覧
これといって
磨けば光る
そこそこある
光っている
オーラが出ている
カリスマ
コミュの発生に影響。夜の自由行動が可能になれば、「シャガール辰巳店」でも上げら���る。
COURAGE
勇気
成長一覧
今ひとつ
ないこともない
ここぞでは違う
頼りがいがある
胆が据わっている
コミュの発生に影響。夜の自由行動が可能になれば、「カラオケマンドラゴラ」でも上げられる。
COMMU
会話を重ねてコミュをランクアップ!
コミュは相手に話しかけて会話を重ねることで最大10ランクまでアップする。ただし、好感度が一定値までたまらないとランクは上がらない。話しかけるだけでも好感度は上がるが、会話中の選択肢でさらに稼げるので、最適な選択肢を選べば成長の度合いは大きく変化する。また、部活動なら「戦車」というように、対象となる人物ごとにペルソナとリンクした属性がある���とも覚えておこう。
▲レベルに応じて作成可能なペルソナの名��、スキルの閲覧も可能。
休日は学校が休みの日であります
学校が休みの日は昼間から自由に行動できる。休日だけのコミュや施設もあるので、有効に活用したいところ。街などへも移動できるが、学校および学校関係者のコミュは発生しない。ただし、休日に会う誘いを受ければ、学校関係者の好感度を稼ぐことも可能だ。
休日だけのコミュ
▶ほかに比べ会話のチャンスは少ない。
アイテム通販「時価ネットたなか」
◀ここでしか入手できない装備品、アイテムも購入可能。性能に比べ価格も安めだ。
長鳴神社
!commu 神社の女の子
会える日 : 日曜以外 (昼)
ぺルソナ属性 : 刑死者
おさいせん
毎日 (1日1回)
上昇ステータス : 学力
おさいせんの金額によって学力アップの確率が変化。できるだけ千円を選択!
おみくじ
ランダムの結果によって資金、体調が変化。
結果 大吉 中吉 小吉 凶 大凶
金額 1万円 千円 五百円 一千円 一五千円
体調 絶好調⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯疲労
巌戸台駅
ワイルダックバーガー
利用可能日 : 木曜以外 (昼)
上昇パラメータ : 勇気
!commu 古書 本の虫
利用可能日 : 日曜以外 (昼)
ペルソナ属性 : 法王
和食屋 わかつ
利用可能日 : 火曜以外 (昼)
上昇パラメータ : 学力
鍋島ラーメン はがくれ
利用可能日 : 土曜以外 (昼)
上昇パラメータ : 魅力
学生寮
カウンター
利用可能日 : 毎日
セーブポイント
!commu ネットゲーム
利用可能日 : 日 (昼)
ペルソナ属性 : 隱者
4月29日より発生可能なコミュ。休日にしか会話を進めることができない。そのほか休日に机を調べると、勉強して学力をアップさせることもできる。
SHOP 時価ネットたなか
利用可能日 : 日 (昼)
日曜日にしか利用できない通販ショップ。商品は次週中に届く。テレビは居間ではなく、主人公の部屋にあるものを見ること。以下は序盤手に入るリスト。
5月3日 ¥2980
斬撃見切りの書+樹液ゼリー×1
5月10日 ¥2980
ギガパワーバンド+ダイエットフード×1
5月17日 ¥5980
十徳刀+ダイエットフード×2
5月24日 ¥5980
多機能エプロン+ダイエットフード×2
5月31日 ¥3980
超健康サンダル+ダイエットフード×1
ポートアイランド駅
スクリーンショット
利用可能日 : 毎日 (昼)
上昇ステータス : 魅力、勇気
SHOP ラフレシ屋
利用可能日 : 毎日 (昼)
商品 : 花
◀花屋で購入できるアイテムは、女性キャラへの贈り物に使える。
月高館学園
!commu クラスメート
会える日 : 火、木、金
ペルソナ属性 : 魔術師
!commu 運動部
会える日 : 月、水~金
ペルソナ属性 : 戰車
SHOP 購買部
利用可能日 : 日曜以外
商品 : 消費アイテム
!commu 生徒会
会える日 : 月、水、金
ペルソナ属性 : 皇帝
保健室
利用可能日 : 休日以外
上昇パラメータ : 勇気 (疲労、風時のみ)
図書室
利用可能日 : 休日以外
上昇パラメータ : 学力
保健室ではパラメータはアップするが体調を回復させることはできない。購買部では回復アイテムとブックカバーを販売。ブックカバーはプレゼントに使用できる。
ポロニアンモール
SHOP 青ひげファーマシー
利用可能日 : 毎日 (昼、夜)
商品 : 消費アイテム
SHOP 辰巳東交番
利用可能日 : 毎日 (昼)
商品 : 武器、防具
SHOP ビー・ブルー・ヴィー
利用可能日 : 毎日 (昼)
商品 : アクセサリー
シャガール辰巳店
利用可能日 : 毎日 (昼、夜)
上昇ステータス : 魅力
ベルベットルーム
利用可能日 : 毎日 (昼、夜)
ぺルソナ合体
タルタロス以外でも使用可能。ここでの行動で時間が進むことはない。
カラオケ マンドラゴラ
利用可能日 : 金・土以外 (夜)
上昇ステータス : 勇気
ペスカレイド
利用可能日 : 毎日 (夜)
占い
ゲームセンター ゲームパニック
利用可能日 : 毎日 (昼、夜)
クレーンゲーム(店外)
特売日を活用であります
・青ひげファーマシー : 土曜日
・辰巳東交番 : 月曜日
・ビー・ブルー・ヴィー : 日曜日
TOWN's MAP
全施設&コミュキャラの場所がわかる港区完全マップ
本作の舞台、港区のマップを紹介。場所や上昇するステータス、コミュなど、利用可能な各施設の情報を詳しく掲載していく。
まずは各施設を移動してゲームシステムに慣れよう
主人公が入寮するのは始業式前日の深夜 (影時間)。ここで謎の少年との初対面となる。9日にはオープニングイベントとして、臆病のマーヤ×2との戦闘が発生。戦闘時にはすでに主人公のペルソナが使えるので、弱点を突いて倒してしまおう。戦闘後は主人公が倒れてしまうため、カレンダーのようにしばらく空白期間となる。実際にタルタロスに入るのは順平が入寮した翌日から。最初の探索はチュートリアルのようになっており、美鶴が探索の基本を教えてくれるのでしっかり聞いておくこと。この日を境にして自由にタルタロス探索が可能で、放課後や夜の行動、交番での武器・防具の購入もできるようになる。青ひげファーマシ一は夜も利用可能なので、タルタロスに行く前に準備を整えるといいだろう。
LONG INTERVIEW
ロングインタビュー
ただのサブストーリーではなくクリアするための力に直結させたい
「コミュ」というシステムはどのようにして生まれたのでしょうか?
橋野 : コミュは、『ペルソナ3』の原案からあったシステムなんです。そこで、僕たちのなかでのテーマがあって、ただメインストーリーのほかにサブストーリーがあるっていうものではなく、コミュというシステムがクリアするための力に直結できるように��考えて制作していました。そこから、コミュを育てればペルソナが強くなり、ペルソナが強ければクリアもラクになるという形になりましたね。
副島 : 最初はコミュのストーリ―も、すごくあっさりしたものだったんですよ。でも、テストプレイでメインよりコミュのストーリーが気になるという感想が多くて、凝らないとまずいかなってことになりましたね (笑)。
「コミュ」のストーリーはなにかもとになっているものがあるのでしょうか?
橋野 : 部活動のコミュなんかは、スタッフの実体験をもとにしているものもありますね。マネージャーを希望する女子は、ほかの女子から嫌われる傾向にあるらしく、ああいった感じのストーリーになっていたり (笑)。じつはこれにもテーマがあって、できるだけありがちにしてほしいと。でもそこに、何かをあきらめる出来事、そしてそこを乗り越えて覚悟を得るという結果にしてほしいと注文しましたね。あとは、「太陽」なら最後に光を見つけるとか、「悪魔」なら誘惑があるなど、ペルソナのアルカナごとにそったストーリーになるようまとめています。
コミュのキャラと仲が悪くなるシステムも当初からあったものですか?
橋野 : そうですね。実際に、仲よくしている人がいて、ある流行とか流れで違うグループの人とずっと一緒にいることってありますよね。そのあと、仲よかった人との関係がギクシャクするってことあるじゃないですか。そういう関係みたいなものをシステムで再現したかったんですよ。僕自身の体験がよくないだけかもしれませんが (笑)。ほかの人とずっといるのに、その人がずっと時間が止まったように待たれても、それはリアルさに欠けるかなという考えもありましたね。ただ、女の子のコミユ (※6) は、あれを作ったスタッフがすごい凝っていろいろな仕組みを入れたもので、僕が想定した以上に複雑になっていますけど。あと女性コミュは、それ以外にも悩みましたね。ランクが最大まで達したときのイベントの到達点がどうしたらいいのか、と。最終的には、まぁうまくまとまったかなぁ (笑)。あと、最初女性キャラはすべてアルカナの「恋愛」だったんですよ。「恋愛1」「恋愛2」って感じで。でも、同じものを育てるくらいなら、ほかのアルカナを育てるだろうなと思いまして、まだ完成していなかったショップのコミュをカットして、ほかのアルカナに振り直したりとか、最後までこの部分についてはいじってましたね。
ちなみに、お2人のお気に入りのコミュなどありますか?
副島 : 僕は、「魔術師」のコミュの友近ですね。話はありえないけど、不思議とリアルな友人なんですよね (笑)。
橋野 : 僕は無達和尚ですね。あんな和尚も世の中にはいるのかなぁって (笑)。
Bellum se ipsum
一争いは自身を無に帰す一
タルタロスの激戦を乗り切る
戦闘知識
主人公たちの深夜の顔「シャドウ討伐隊」。ここでは、戦闘システムや敵データなど、タルタロスでの激戦を切り抜けるための基礎知識を伝授していこう。
▲「月をバックにそびえる塔」というラフスケッチからタルタロスは生まれた。
MEDIALAND
ゲームショップ・メディアランドの予約特典テレカ絵柄。特別課外活動部部長の美鶴と、凛とした主人公の組み合わせが特徴的な一枚。
全員が前線で戦うわけではない、チームとしての仲間意識
LONG INTERVIEW
ロングインタビュー
月に向かって落ちていく塔それがタルタロス
タルタロスをなぜ塔にしたのでしょうか?
副島 : タルタロスは本来「奈落」といった意味なのですが、1つには登ったほうが達成感があるという理由があります。
橋野 : 個人的には、地下迷宮を降りていくほうが好きなんですけど、今回は絵を優先させた結果塔になったんです。あとは、学園を舞台にしているので、学校をからませたいという理由もありましたね。いくら影時間とはいえ、学校が変化して地下迷宮というのもピンとこなかったので (笑)。そんな、塔にするかどうかも決まっていない段階で、副島から月にそびえる塔というラフスケッチを見せてもらって、これだって感じで進んでいきましたね。
副島 : 一応、自分のなかの設定がありまして、あのタルタロスは地面から月に向かって落ちていっているということになって います。なぜ、そういう設定かは、ゲームを進めてもらえればわかると思います。
■一方的に押し込める、ある意味リアルなバトルシステム
本作では、これまでとまた違った戦闘システムが採用されていますが?
橋野 : 当初、リアルタイムにしたいという案もありましたが、ダンジョン探索はリアルタイムでもいいけど、戦闘は今までつちかってきた得意のシステムを継承したいということで、今の仕様が生まれてきたんです。ただ、プレスシステムもある意味リアルさは盛り込んでいまして、普通ケンカで殴ったとしたら、相手から反撃されるまえに、股ったほうが追撃できるものじゃないかなって。それが、バーティ全員なら全員で押し込んでポコボコにできると (笑)。
さらに今は「作戦」というものがありますが?
橋野 : 今回の戦闘では仲間は自律した存在として描いているんです。でも、だからといって主人公が何も発言できないのはおかしいという考えから、作戦である程度の指示を出せるようにしました。ただ、この魔法を使えというところまで指示できてしまうと、仲間が完全にキャラになってしまうので、そのあたりは自律を尊重するよう注意しましたね。ただ、仲よくなればいろいろ言えるようにもなるだろうってことで、ストーリーが進むと作戦も増えるようにしています。
もう1つ「情報支援」という特殊なシステムを搭載したのはなぜでしょう?
橋野 : 刑事ものとかの映画を見ると、前線で戦う人がいて、後方で支援する人がいて、それでチームが成り立っている。全員が剣を持って突っ込んで、主人公が装備を着替えさせてというよりは、自然な関係、リアルな仲間を意識させ��ために、後方でサポートするというキャラが必要だろうと。これは、情報支援以外のキャラが自律しているという点にも意識させてはいますね。
通信時に小さな画面が出てきますが、あれはどういったものでしょうか?
橋野 : みんな通信機は持っているのですが、それは機械的なもので、風花の通信は非常にファンタジックな設定のものですね。みんな、風花という情報支援キャラをとおして、さまざまな情報を得る。そこで支援キャラの大切さを意識してもらえればいいんですけどね。
Search
探索
タルタロス探索をスムーズに進めるための基礎知識を解説
タルタロスでは、敵との戦闘以外にも「探索」という要素が大きなカギを握る。そのシステムを詳しく解説していこう。
▲段差を利用してアタックをかければ、安全に先制攻撃できる。
シンボ ルの意味を頭にたたき込め!
本作はエンカウント式ではなく、敵のシンボルに触れることで戦闘が開始される。シンボルは、敵の種類によって異なるものが用意されているので、まずその違いを頭に入れておこう。また、タルタロスには敵以外にもさまざまなシンボルが存在する。そのすべてをここで紹介しよう。ちなみに、1度タルタロス内部に入ると、エントランスに戻らない限り、下の階へ戻ることができない。ターミナルに関係しているこの基本ルールも忘れないように。
“死神”はダメであります
タルタロスで最強の敵ともいえる死神。序盤で手を出すのは自殺行為なので、出現したらすぐに逃げること。同じ階層で戦い続けていると出現しやすいので、あまり長く同じ階層でウロウロしないようにすること。
▲戦闘後のカード選択でドクロマークを選ぶと出現することも。
■タルタロスの移動
相互通行
エントランスから直接移動できるターミナル。
一方通行
エントランスへの一方通行となるターミナル。
1Fエントランス
セーブポイント
タルタロス唯一のセーブポイント。塔内部ではセーブできないので、探索前、帰還時など、マメにセーブをするように心がけよう。
ベルベットルーム
ペルソナの合体や工リザベスの依頼を受けることができる部屋。依頼は1度に3つしか受けることができないので、達成したらすぐにエリザベスに報告するクセをつけておこう。
宝箱の種類
宝箱には見た目の異なる2種類のシンボルが存在。階層が上がるごとに中身は豪華になっていく。取り逃さないように!
通常の宝箱。装備品や回復薬などの消費アイテム、お金が入っている。
レアアイテムの宝箱。この箱からしか入手できない装備品もある。
敵の種類
敵のシンボルは全部で5種類。この違いは、主に依頼達成のために覚えておきたいところ。
通常の敵シンボル。敵の数によって大きさが変わるが色に変化はない。
通常に比べ強力なタイプの敵はこのシンボルになるが、動きは同じ。
いわゆるレア敵。見つかると猛スピードで逃げ、すぐに消滅してしまう。
レベル差があるため動揺している敵。見つかると逃げ出してしまう。
死神タイプの敵。超絶的な戦闘能力を有する。出現したら逃げあるのみ。
背後から狙い先制攻撃を目指せ
本作では、敵に気づかれずに「アタック」することで先制をとることができる。先制をとれば、行動が一巡するまで敵は動けないため、かなり有利に戦闘を進められる。ここでは、主人公が装備している武器によって異なる、アタックの特徴を解説していこう。
◀▼当然ながら、敵からアタックを受ければ、敵の先制攻撃になる。
武器の特性
片手剣 リーチ : ★★ スピード : ★★
リーチ、スピードともに平均点だが、最もバンスがよく扱いやすい。空振りしてしまったときのスキは大きいものの、リーチさえ覚えてしまえば安定性は高い。敵が向かってきたときのことも考えて、武器を出す速さも把握しておこう。
拳 リーチ : ★ スピード : ★★★
拳の特徴は、武器を出すスピードの速さ。そのスピードは全武器のなかでも最速でスキは小さい。ただし、リーチは一番短く、敵にかなり近づく必要がある。レベルが高い敵ほど反応が早いので、高レベルの敵がいるエリアでは不利になる。
両手剣 リーチ : ★★ スピード : ★
武器を出すスピードという点では、ほかの武器に劣る両手剣。しかし、そのリーチの長さはスピードの遅さを補って余りある魅力といえる。敵の背後にさえ回ることができれば、高い確率で先制攻撃のチャンスを得ることが可能だ。
弓 リーチ : ★★★ スピード : ★
リーチの長さでいえば、全武器中最長を誇る弓。敵の視界外からアタックすることも可能なのは大きなポイントだ。ただし、矢の軌道が見えなかったり、アタック後の硬直時間が長かったりと、正確に敵を狙うにはかなりの慣れが必要。
レア敵はこの武器がオススメであります!
反応が敏感で素早いレア敵は、とらえにくい敵。ただし、背後から接近すれば、そう簡単には気づかれない。そこで真後ろから近づき、アタックの出も早めでリーチもある片手剣でアタックするのがオススメ。真後ろから少しズレるだけでも気づかれるので注意。
◀敵の視界外から弓で狙う手もあるが、難易度は高め。
中間試験終了後はついに真田がパーティに加入
連休があるため、コミュのランクやステータスアップに最適。ただし、中間試験前にはゆかりがタルタロスに行かないと言い出すので、学生生活にばかり気を取られず、たまに探索もしておくこと。試験前にタルタロスに行く場合、主人公と順平の2人パーティになるのでできれば避けておきたい。試験期間は試験シーンのみで1日が進み、最終日には真田がパーティ
Battle
戦闘
敵の弱点を突き無傷で進むためのバトルテク���ックを紹介!!
シンボル、アタックをマスターできれば、いよいよ戦闘へ!弱点を突くことで一気にたたみ込めるシステムから敵データまで、この情報で戦闘を極めろ!
▲動揺状態の敵なら、クリティカルも出やすい。
1moreからボコスカまでの完全チャート
本作の戦闘では、敵の弱点やクリティカルを突くことで敵がダウンし、もう1度行動できる「1moreプレス」が発生する。これを使うことで、敵に行動する機会を与えることなく勝利できるので、積極的に狙っていきたい。さらに、出現している敵すべてをダウンさせれば味方全員による総攻撃「ボコスカプレス」が発生。左ではその特徴を解説!
■BATTLE CHART
▲ダウンさせたうえにもう1度行動できるのは大きい。
支援キャラの情報をもとに敵の弱点を突くことは、本作の戦闘では必須ともいえる。弱点を突けば敵は行動不能なダウン状態に。ダウンは敵の行動順がくると回復されるが、それ以外の行動はできない。
弱点を突く!
全体攻撃をはずすと「1more」はなし!
「1more」は、弱点攻擊を当てることで発生する。ただし、弱点の全体攻撃であっても1体でも攻撃をはずすと発生しない。
▲魔法攻撃であっても回避されることはある。
ダウン状態の敵への攻撃は必中となる。ただし、ダウン状態の敵を攻撃すると、それが弱点攻撃であってもダウンが回復されてしまう。確実にトドメを刺せるとき以外は、ほかの敵を攻撃するように。
Down!
通常攻撃でもダウンのチャンスあり!
ダウンは基本的に弱点への攻撃だが、例外として通常攻撃のクリティカルでも発生させることが可能だ。弱点攻撃がない場合に狙え。
▲攻撃に属性はなく、どの敵へもダメージを与える。
出現しているすべての敵をダウンさせれば、全員攻撃である「ボコスカプレス」が発生。これは、行動順に関係なく行える攻撃なうえ、必ず当たるという特典つき。参加する人数でダメージが変化する。
ボコスカ!!
「ポコスカ」の攻撃力は?
非常に強力な攻撃だが、ダウンしている仲間は攻撃に参加できない。また、主人公がダウンしていると、この攻撃自体が行えない。
JIN
ジン
タカヤにつき添う関西弁の男性。 ストレガの情報収集や分析役として暗躍する。
TAKAYA
タカヤ
ネット上のサイトで、復讐代行を請け負う謎の集団「ストレガ」のリーダー。
作戦を使いこなし、より有利に戦いを進めろ!
「作戦」は、自律して行動する仲間をある程度制御するためのシステム。下に5月までに使える作戦の一覧を掲載するので、それぞれの特徴をつかんでほしい。作戦は主人公の行動順でしか変更できないので、ときには意図どおりにいかないこともある。そこで、通常攻撃のオート戦闘となる△ボタンの「ラッシュ」を使い仲間をコントロールしよう。
▲無駄にHPやSPを消費���そうなときは、とっさに△ボタンを押して通常攻撃に。
「システム」も活用するです!
▶システムのコンフィグから変更が可能だ。
戦闘開始時の作戦は「自由に戦え」になっている。多用する作戦が別のものなら、システムで作戦を変更することも可能だ。もっと も、弱点を突いた攻撃、通常攻撃、回復、補助とバランスよく行う「自由に戦え」は、優秀な作戦としてオススメできる。初期状態はこの作戦のままで、敵の種類にあわせてコマメに変更したほうが安定して戦えるだろう。
■5月までに習得可能な作戦一覧
戦闘時 探索時
作戦名 内容
自由に戦え 弱点がわかっていれば弱点攻撃を、仲間のHPが減っていれば回復をと、バランスよく行動する作戦。
回復、補助に徹しろ 少しでもHPが減っていれば、回復行動を優先して行う。全員のHPが全快で、ステータス異常もなければ攻撃を行う。
SPを温存しろ SPを消費するスキルを使わなくさせる作戦。ただし、HPを消費するスキルの使用を抑えることはできない。
ターゲットを指示 攻撃するターゲットを指定できる。ターゲットの固定以外は「自由に戦え」と同じ思考で行動する。
待機しろ 攻撃、回復などを一切行わせない作戦。主人公でトドメを刺したい場合やアナライズを優先させたい場合などに使おう。
散会しろ 仲間をバラバラに行動させて、宝箱の回収や上の階層への階段を探させるといった行動をとらせることができる。
敵討伐を優先しろ 仲間をバラバラに行動させて、個別に敵と戦わせることができる。個別に行動すれば1人当たりの入手経験値も上昇。
作戦を得ることが、勝利への近道!
5月までは美鶴が務めることになる情報支援キャラ。これは一緒に行動する戦闘キャラとは別に存在するもので、タルタロスの状況を解説したり、敵の情報を解析したりするのが主な仕事となる。なかでも重要なのが敵の弱点などがわかる「アナライズ」。新しい敵に出会ったら、まずはアナライズを行おう。
▲アナライズはL1ボタンでショートカットできる。
▲仲間がはぐれたら、「救援要請」で呼び戻そう。
弱点がわかっていても調べるであります
▲仲間は支援の情報をもとに行動している。
戦闘を重ねると、敵の種類や偶然で、アナライズする前に弱点がわかることもある。しかし、そこでアナライズをしないと、仲間には弱点が伝わらないままになってしまう。調べる前に弱点がわかったとしても、アナライズは必ず行おう。
CHIDORI
チドリ
その行動、目的などが謎に包まれた集団ストレガの紅一点。その能力とは一体⋯⋯!?
■タルタロス25階までの敵データ
タルタロス25Fまでに出現するボス以外の敵を、階層順、レベル順に羅列。ただし、赤いシンボルと金色のシンボルのレア敵は、各階層の最後に色分けして表示している。敵の名前が赤色のものは赤いシンボルの敵、オレンジのものは金色のシンボルの敵を表す。
カードはどれを狙うのがオススメ?
最後の敵を倒したときの攻撃に主人公がからんで��ると発生する「シャッフルタイム」では、カードの中から1枚を引ける。このカードからは、お金や武器、ペルソナなど得られるものは多い。なかでも経験値がアップする「ワンド」は効率よく探索を進めるためにも、優先して狙いたいカードだ。また、武器よりもお金を選んだほうがお得。
[オラクルカード一覧]
ぺルソナ
合体の素材としてはもちろん、そのまま戦闘にも使える。主人公よりレベルが高いと入手不可。
カップ
HPが回復するカード。主人公のHPの減り具合によって、主人公のみか仲間全員かで対象が変化。
ワンド
その戦闘で入手した経験値が割り増しされる力ード。数字しだいで倍以上になることもある。
ソード
武器の装備品を入手できる。数字が大きいほど効果の高い武器になるが、店売りと同じもののみ。
コイン
お金を入手できるカード。金額はランダムだが、 数字が大きいほど高額になっていく。
ブランク
ダブルアップ時に出現されるカード。このカードを選ぶと、すでに得たカードが失われてしまう。
Animae dimidium meae
一魂の半身一
自らの分身⋯
ペルソナを極める!
戦闘において主人公たちの大きな力となるペルソナ。序盤で使える仲間たちの特徴、スキルなどぺルソナに関する情報を解説。もう1人の自分を極めるコツがここにある!
MESSE SANOH
ゲームショップ・メッセサンオーの予約特典テレカ絵柄。これはシャドウか?ペルソナなのか?主人公はいったい何に魅入られているのだろうか?シナリオにからむ重要な存在と主人公が対面している激レアな絵だ。
ペルソナの力が主人公の力になる
本作では、主人公の戦闘における能力はペルソナのステータスに依存している。レベルアップで上昇するのはHP、SPのみなので覚えておいてほしい。また、特定の組み合わせのペルソナを持ち合わせることで「ミックスレイド」という特殊スキルを覚える。序盤で覚えることができる組み合わせを掲載するので、有効活用してほしい。
▲主人公の能力は純粋にペルソナに依存。より強いペルソナが必須に!
序盤で使えるミックスレイド
カデンツァ
オルフェウス+アプサラス
効果 : 味方全員のHPが50%回復+味方全員の回避率上昇
ジャックブラザーズ
ジャックフロスト+ジャックランタン
効果 : 敵全体を中確率でダウンさせる (ダメージはなし)
ジャスティス!
エンジェル+アークエンジェル
効果 : 敵全体に光属性で現在HPの50%ダメージ
▲消費SPは大きめなものの、効果は絶大。とくに「カデンツァ」はボス戦で役立つ。
インセンスカードでさらにパワーアップです
キングやクイーンの名前がついたアイテム「インセンスカード」を使えば、ぺルソナのステータスを増強させることができる。お気に入りや有効なスキルを覚えたぺルソナができれば、レベルにかかわらずこれで一��級に強化することも可能だ。また、この強化した能力は合体しても引き継がれる。
▲▶低レベルのピクシーでも、強化することで高ステータスのぺルソナに!
仲間の特徴も覚えるべし
前ページでも述べたように、本作では仲間が自律して行動する。それだけに、仲間の持つスキル、弱点、行動のクセを把握することは重要といえるだろう。そこで、ここでは序盤で一緒に行動する3人の仲間の特徴を掲載。これを参考に、仲間が持つ戦闘のパターンをつかんでおこう。
▼仲間のスキルを把握することで、指示する作戦もより効果的なものを選択できるようになる。
あなたが弱点を補うであります
連れ歩ける仲間は主人公を除いて3人。次のスキルページでも説明しているように、基本的な属性攻撃だけでも4種類あり、仲間だけでは補完できない。そこで、ぺルソナを自由に付け替えられる主人公に、仲間が持っていないスキルを埋める役割をさせる。属性を幅広くカバーし、どんな弱点も突けるようにしよう。
▶スキル継承を使い1体で複数の属性を覚えさせたい。
TAKEBA YUKARI
岳羽ゆかり
スリップなしの貫通攻撃
ゆかりが使う弓は、命中率こそ多少劣るものの、はずしてもスリップすることがない。SPが少なければ通常攻撃させるのも手だ。
イオ
パーティの生命線
風属性の魔法と回復系スキルを使いこなすイオ。攻撃よりも回復担当としての役割を主眼においた戦い方をさせていきたい。
■耐性 風
■弱点 雷
■序盤に覚えるスキル ディア パトラ ガル
◀ボスや強敵なら回復に徹しよう。
IORI JUNPEI
伊織順平
攻撃力は大きいけれど⋯⋯
順平が使う両手剣は攻撃力が大きいぶん、命中力に不安が残る武器。ぺルソナが育って速度が育つまでは、スキル中心で戦おう。
ヘルメス
回復のサポートは必須
ヘルメスは直接攻撃を好むタイプのペルソナ。物理攻撃のスキルはHPを消費するため、ゆかりやここせよう。明彦などの回復でフォローしよう。
■耐性 火
■弱点 風
■序盤に覚えるスキル スラッシュ アギ リパトラ スクカジャ
◀攻撃力という長所を伸ばしたい。
SANADA AKΙΗΙΚΟ
真田明彦
高いコンボ率に期待
拳の武器は高い命中率とコンボ発生率が強み。攻撃力は低めなものの、コンボが出やすいため総攻撃力でほかの武器との差は少ない。
ポリデュークス
攻守に優れたバランス型
物理攻擊、魔法攻撃、回復にサポートとバランスよくスキルを覚える。主人公とあわせて、ほかの2人を補助する形で活躍させよう。
■耐性 雷
■弱点 氷
■序盤に覚えるスキル ソニックパンチ ディア ジオ
◀自由に戦わせるのがオススメ。
巷で噂の!
エリザベスセクシーふわふわスキル講座
みなさん、タルタロス探索のほうは順調でございましょうか?今回は、私が特別に探索には欠かせないスキルをご教授させていただこうと思います。
1時限目攻撃方法の活用を覚えましょう
まずみなさんに覚えていただきたいのは攻撃魔法の属性。敵の多くは、この6属性のうちどれかを弱点として持っていますので、名前と属性の関係をしっかり頭にたたき込んでもらえると助かります。また、魔法は強化→最強と進化するにつれ、その攻撃力も上がっていきます。ただ、弱点を突くことが重要ですので、威力の高さよりも複数の属性を所持することを優先させたほうがよろしいでしょう。
基本形 強化形 最強形
アギ(火炎) アギラオ アギダイン
ブフ(氷結) ブフーラ ブフダイン
ガル(疾風) ガルーラ ガルダイン
ジオ(電撃) ジオンガ ジオダイン
ハマ(光) ハマオン
ムド(闇) ムドオン
全体には「マハ」をつけましょう
▼序盤は敵が1種類なので全体が有効。
上の魔法名の頭にマハをつけると、範囲が全体に変わります。どちらがいいかは一長一短といったところですが、基本的に3体以上に攻撃するなら、マハ〜のほうが消費SPの面でお得でございます。敵の数で使い分けましょう。
CHECK
その他のスキル
~カジャ
味方の能力アップはこの系統です
味方の各ステータスを上げるのが、カジャ系の魔法です。武器の命中率が低めなので、スクカジャが重宝しそうですね。また、デカジャはカジャ系の効果を消滅させる効果がございます。
▲有効な攻撃手段がないときにお使いください。
~ンダ
敵の能力ダウンはこちらになります
カジャ系とは逆に、敵のステータスを下げるのがこちらのンダ系の魔法です。回避率の高い敵にスクンダを、攻撃力の大きい敵にタルンダをというように活用すれば攻守に渡って役立つでしょう。
▲敵の突出した能力を抑えるときに使いましょう。
オート
使用の必要がない自動発動スキルです
こちらは、わざわざ使用せずとも自動で発動するという特殊な系統でございます。たとえば、タルカジャオートなら、タルカジャの効果がある状態で戦闘が開始されるというものです。
▲オートで発動するので、SP消費もありません。
LONG INTERVIEW
ロングインタビュー
個人と他者との距離感、つながりをぺルソナのシステムに反映
今回主人公以外のペルソナが固定なのは?
橋野 : 今回は主人公の力が世界を変えるという話で、タロットが象徴する愚者、つまりゼロの状態から出発して主人公が成長していくという軸を最初に引いたんですね。そこで、主人公は特別扱いしたかったのが理由の1つです。あとは、夜一緒に仲間と戦うなら、昼間はそれぞれがバラバラに行動するという仕組みを作りたかったんですね。バーティのありかた、仲間の自律をゲームシステムで表現したかったわけです。そうしたとき、装備からぺルソナからすべて主人公が面倒を見るのは違うんじゃないかなって思��たんですね。もちろん、仲間のペルソナを付け替えたいって人もいるとは思いますけど、思い切って主人公だけにしました。
今回『女神転生』でも初となる4~6身合体を入れようと思った理由は?
橋野 : 今までと違うようで、じつは組み合わせの決められた合体という仕組みで、複雑なものにはしたくなかったんですよ。それと、『ぺルソナ』もそうですけど、『DDS』など合体から離れている部分があって、自分のなかでフラストレーションがたまっていたんですね。そういうこともあって、今回は合体もちゃんとやってますってことをユーザーさんに伝えたいと思い、4~6体の合体を入れたんです。ただ合体を増やすだけでなく、そこにコミュによるボーナス経験値が加算されることで、いわゆる経験値稼ぎが不必要になって、テンポもよくなるかなという狙いもありましたね。といっても、スキルの継承などを深くやり込んでいこうって考え出す人には、いくらでもやり込める要素は用意されていると思います。『Ⅲ』で好評だった、「悪魔 (ペルソナ) 全書」もきちんと用意してありますからね。
今回ぺルソナは何体くらいいるのですか?
橋野 : 『真・女神転生Ⅲ』のときより多くしたかったのですが、3Dのモデルで悪魔を作ると、じつは1体あたりにかかる時間も費用も相当なものに⋯⋯。今回はシャドウとペルソナも別個に作っているので、さらに大変で。そこは今までの財産を生かしながら、今回150体近いペルソナを用意できましたね。逆にそれくらいの数を用意しなければ、今作の合体システムが充分楽しめないだろうなと思いました。
Amor caecus
一愛は盲目一
愛すべき『ペルソナ3』の登場人物たち⋯より世界に浸るための
キャラクター特集
さまざまなドラマを魅せ、プレイヤーをひきつけるキャラクターたち。そんなキャラクターたちを盛り上げる「電撃コミュ」が本格始動!さらに今回は、『ペルソナ3』スタッフお気に入りのコミュや幻のコミュなど、本格始動にふさわしい豪華な内容でお送りしていく。
こんなコミュに反応が!
電撃コミュニティ
DENGEKI COMMU
「電撃コミュ」から拡がる『ペルソナ3』の輪!早くもメッセージを紹介!
キャラクターの魅力満載の本作。その魅力を多くの人に伝えるためのオリジナルコミュニティ、それが「電撃コミュ」だ!ソフトも発売され、好きなキャラや、コミュを発生させたいキャラなど、キャラに対する愛情があふれているころだろう。左に紹介しているように、そんな想いを募らせたファンから早くも多くのメッセージが到着!さらに、スタッフイチオシのコミュなど、今回だけの特別企画満載で『ペルソナ3』の深い世界観に迫っていく!
美鶴先輩が白ブラウスでハイヒールなコミュ
・お嬢様で生徒会長でハイヒールってとこにビンビンきてます。早くプレイしたい!(埼玉県・セーブさん)・美鶴は絶対パーティからはずしません、いえはずせません (���庫県・ヤマオカさん)
▲クールビューティなお嬢様に、主に男性諸君の理性が陥落中。
風花かわいいよ風花コミュ
・戦闘キャラじゃないってとこですでにメロメロです (香川県・ドンさん)・おどおどしてるトコが守ってあげたい。ちょっとドジっ娘なナビがあったら萌えです!(山形県・ふにさん)・能登さん大 好き (京都府・城さん)
▲弱そうなところが母性本能をくすぐったのか大反響。
電撃コミュの基本ルール
●自分が気になるキャラのコミュがあれば、迷うことなく参加せよ!
●気になるコミュがないのなら、迷うことなくコミュを立ち上げろ!
●キャラへの愛、熱い想いさえ伝われば、どんなコメントでもOK!
●『ペルソナ3』に関することやネタなら、どんなものでもOK!
ココに注目
開発スタッフ▶イチオシ妄想コミュ
ここでは、今回の企画のために『ペルソナ3』開発スタッフから送っていただいたイチオシ (個人的好み) の妄想コミュを紹介。コミュキャラ以外に秘められたスタッフの熱い想いを見よ!
ゲームプランナー・田坂氏
保健の江戸川先生とのコミュ
現実にはありえないインパクトありまくりな魔術の授業が魅力的です。独特のセリフ回しで語る先生自身もお気に入り。オススメは授業のときより怪しさに磨きのかかった保健室での先生です。
ゲームブランナー・田坂氏
喫茶店「シャガール」のウェイトレスコミュ
喫茶店「シャガール」で働いているウェイトレスの女の子。まるでメイドのようなキュートな服装にひかれ、ついついそれを目的に喫茶店に通ってしまう自分がそこにいるのです。
ゲームプランナー・田坂氏
柿の木を見ている女子生徒のコミュ
月光館学園の渡り廊下で、柿の木を見ている女の子。ひたすら柿の実が生るのを待っている姿は、どこか哀愁がただよっていて渡り廊下の風景を引き立たせているような感じがします。
ゲームプランナー兼広報・宇田氏
教室で街案内をしてくれる男子コミュ
教室で街案内をしてくれる男子。ずーっと黒板のほうを向いている暗さが、学生時代の自分とかぶり非常にお友だちになりたい感じです。きっと、何かに思い悩んでいるんですよ。えぇ。
ゲームプランナー・後藤氏
メモリーカードのコミュ
正確には『ペルソナ3』の開発ラインには属していないボクですが、ある時期に元デバッカーの経験を買われ、メモリーカード関連のデバック作業を行いました。休日、人もまばらな開発室でただひたすらにセーブデータを作成し、上書きし、消去し、メモリーカードを本体から抜き差しする。現時点でボクの中の『ペルソナ3』は、タルタロスのエントランスと寮のロビーです。ああ、麗しのメモリーカード。ボクの友だちはキミだけだよ⋯⋯。
そのほかに��⋯
⋯こんなコミュを募集中!
右で紹介している以外にも、「電撃コミュ」ではさまざまなキャラのコミュを募集中!ちょっとでも賛同できる内容があれば、『ぺルソナ3』の輪を拡げるためにも下のあて先までコメントをぜひ送ってほしい。もちろん、キミの愛がつまったオリジナルコミュも大歓迎だ!
コミュ名: 順平のセリフが気になるッ!
シャドウ討伐隊のムードメーカー順平くん。最近、テレッテッテー、○○はレベルアップ!と思ったビルドアッパーな出来事を募集しますっ!
コミュ名: ペルソナ犬・コロマル
家の愛犬、どうやらなんかついてるっぽいと心配な飼い主さん。ここで飼い犬の真相を暴露してみませんか?いや、もう、猫でも鳥でも、いいよ?
番 外 編 ボツになった幻のコミュ!?
スタッフイチオシのコミュに加え、開発初期には存在したものの、さまざまな事情でお蔵入りとなった幻のコミュを大公開!
黒澤巡査のコミュ
購入金額に応じてランクアップ⋯ってアコギですよね?
コロマルとのコミュ
話さないけど、餌をあげたり散歩したり、意外と楽しい!?
電撃コミュのあて先
住所、氏名、年齢、そして参加したコミュ名、もしくは自分で立ち上げたいコミュ名とコメントを明記して、「[email protected]」まで、どしどしメールを送っちゃおう!
Sofmap
ゲームショップ・sofmapさん予約特典テレカ絵柄。物思いにふけるアイギス⋯⋯。彼女はいったい何を思うのだろうか?
P3 REPLAY
コミュニティ最大ランクへの必勝法を探せ!
ペルソナの主人公は学生、しかも今回は学校生活を体験できる!ということで友人たちとよい関係を築きつつ、ステータスをALL MAXにすることを目標にゲームを進めてみたいと思います。ということで、前情報ナシに4月を進めてみました。
ボーっと進めるとあっという間に日は過ぎますが、行けるところ、やれることは意外に多い。そこで効率よく1日を過ごすため、1週間のスケジュールを決めることに。これで5月末までにはステータスもランクアップしつつ、コミュの2つくらい最大ランクにできそうという手ごたえを受けました。いや余裕かな?時間余るかもしれない。
よし、もう1回最初からやりなおそう!⋯⋯その前にこのデータを使って5月末までのカレンダーを確認しながら具体的な1週間のローテーションを解説していきましょう。
1.【コミュは平日に集中する】
神社でさい銭を入れると学力が上がるのなら毎日通うほうがいいと予想し「神社~コミュ~カラオケ (金土は喫茶店)」という平日休日共通の基本行動を立てる (しかし直後にやってきたのはGW⋯⋯4連休)。
2.【上げるコミュは固定する】
一点集中した���うがコミュの上がりがいいんじゃないかと予想し散々悩んだ結果、4月末までに手に入るコミュから「クラスメイト」と「古本屋」を選び出し固定することにしました。
そして日は流れて試験前週間。いつものように友近と帰ろうと思ったら⋯⋯あれ、席にいない。校内をうろうろしていたら玄関で立ちつくしている友近を見つけ声をかけると⋯⋯。
「試験前だから帰って勉強する」とのこと。⋯⋯え?友近寄り道なし?へぇ~スケジュールによって行動が変わるんだ~。それじゃ古本屋行こうっと。 それによって集中的にランクが上がる老夫婦のコミュ。2つを同時進行してると、こういうときに便利です。同じ学校の生徒じゃこうはいかなかったですね。
そして中間試験開始⋯⋯って試験中は何も行動できないの!?
ちょっと待って、このままだとコミュの2つくらい最大ランクどころか1つもムリだよ!
ビックリよりガッカリが先にきた試験期間が終わると、さっそく成績発表が⋯⋯掲示板に貼り出されましたので見に行くと、「わりと上位だった」。
⋯⋯わりと上位。うーん、もう少し学力上げてたら1位とれたのかな。気になるなぁ⋯⋯。
思った以上に散々な結果だったので、こうなったらローテーションの変更はせずに、狙うコミュも変えないで作戦の練り直しだけしてリトライ決行!その作戦がどういう結果をもたらすのか、次回をお楽しみに!
Long Interview
ロングインタビュー
キャラクターの性格はそれぞれ題名がつけられるくらいプロファイリングしました
各キャラクターの性格などは、どのようにして決められたのでしょうか?
橋野 : 最初、スタッフにいろいろ設定を出してもらったんですけど、どうにも型にハマったものばかりで⋯⋯。パターンみたいなものも必要な部分はあると思いますが、それだと中身が薄くなってしまう気がしたんです。それで、設定の担当者と心理学の本を見たりしながら性格づ けをしたのですが、決まってみたら結構型にハマったキャラクターで、世の中のキャラクターものはよくできてるなぁと思いました (笑)。
副島 : プロファイリングはしましたね。最終的には、社員だったり知り合いだったりがイメージモデルになったりしているんですけど。それだけに、いろいろ設定もありましたが、カットされました。最初は順平がビッグスクーターに乗っているって設定もあったんですよ (笑)。
女性のメインキャラ4人中3人がショートカットなのにはなにか理由が?
副島 : とくに意識はしてないのですが、昔からショートカット好きと言われていたので (笑)。女性キャラといえば、ゆかりは最初すごく嫌味な性格だったんですよ。
橋野 : 順平とゆかりは、今でこそ主人公の代弁者という役づけがされていますけど、初期のころは暗いわねたむわで、今の素直な感じは見当たりませんでした。美鶴に通信で敵を倒してこいって言われたあと「なんなのよ⋯」とか (笑)。あと、美鶴はベタベタの生徒会長ですけど、真田も最初は情けない男だったんですよ。ただ、初期のゆかりと真田は当初の設定がスタッフに大不評で⋯⋯。やっぱり女性のファンの方にも楽しんでほしいので、真田には真田なりの戦う理由をつけて、修正していきましたね。
副島 : 逆に風花は最初からもめることなく、静かなキャラとして作られていきましたね。RPGだと、みんな戦えてソロになっても全然戦える人ばかりじゃないですか。だけど、直接戦えないけど情報解析で助けてくれるというキャラがいることで、仲間としての連帯感が生まれるかなって ことで風花が作られたんです。
橋野 : 最初は、風花だけ危険がないよねってことで、風花が殺されかけるみたいなイベントもあったんです。ただ、時間やボリュームの問題で泣く泣くカットしました。その名残といえるイベントがあるので、プレイしていてそういうシーンがあったら、ニヤリとできると思いますよ。そのぶんというわけではありませんが、風花のセリフ(※7)は全キャラ中で一番多くなりました。セリフのパターンもかなりあるので、あたりも楽しんでもらえればと思います。
ゆかりと真田は当初スタッフに大不評なキャラでした
32 notes · View notes
noirve · 8 months ago
Text
for some reason every youtube reactor who hasn't read the book and watches iwtv s2 just immediately says they don't like armand but they love love love lestat which is like. to each their own but they don't even know armand at that point and lestat was awful and abusive to louis and claudia during almost all of s1 like.... what is this thing that makes them all weak for the white villain but instantly dislike the brown villain when it's not even clear yet what he's done??? i don't understand oh wait
37 notes · View notes
theseus8349 · 2 days ago
Text
I need more dutch iwtv moots (who listen to dutch music) so ppl understand how my brain works when I say Niet Trouwen by Fred Goverde is so devils minion coded
9 notes · View notes
yesyourstalker · 9 months ago
Text
Makeup artist:.......... Are you nervous?
Baja: a little bit.... This isn't like in front of a studio audience right
Makeup artist: No sweetie, it's just a one-on-one interview.
Baja: that's good. Who are we interviewing?
Makeup artist: You're going to have to ask the show-runner, Mickey.
Mickey: let's go. Let's go. Let's go what takes so long putting powder on a face. He has perfect skin anyway. We had to get him to the dressing room. We start filming in a couple minutes
Makeup artist: I'm finished. Just need to map down some scales and he's...... All done. You're free to go sweetie
Baja: thank you
Mickey: So you must be then host of the show. Sorry I wasn't able to meet you sooner. I was on vacation. Oshi told me you're a really good candidate for this show. You seem to be competent you know your way around music....*sip* ..... Coffee?
Baja: I don't really drink that much coffee. I like tea though
Mickey: Green tea! *Snap*. .*snap*
Assistant: your green tea
Baja: thank you
Mickey: Well I know one thing for sure. She was right about the pretty face. Now as you get dressed head to the studio so we start filming promotional material Ramon should be there with you. After your interview which will count as the pilot
Tammy: Mickey listen I really think you should reconsider about not casting me for the show
Mickey: No....*sip*
Tammy: but I really think you should I mean I can at least be co-host. I'm great to be around! Tell him, baba
Baja: it's Baja
Mickey: No, we need to bring up the sea slug viewership
Tammy: I can be the second co-host
Mickey:....*sigh*...... Tammy listen to me. You didn't get the job all right. You just don't fit the criteria we need for this show and this channel. But hey you have other opportunities for other networks alright. You're pretty, you're bubbly and you have a nice rack. You can get a job anywhere with those qualities around here.... You're just not going to find it at this station
Tammy: but-
Mickey: goooooood byyyyyyyyyyyyyeeee Tammy!!
Security guard: Right this way ma'am
Tammy: Mickey!!! I'll have your fucking job!!
Mickey: we'll see you next week Tammy we're filming the season finale
Baja: she seemed pretty upset
Mickey: eh she'll get over it ... She's been in a couple of shows here and there on the network. She plays Kate the baby sitter on 'dock and dingy' ......*sip* ..... She'll be fine. Here Is your dressing room your clothes should be folded
Baja: alright... and I just head to set after
Mickey: yep your's and Ramon's chairs will be the brown arm chairs. The musician or celebrity will be sitting on the loveseat and will perform on the stage behind you
Baja: they're going to perform?
Mickey: yeah.. yeah they're starting their Solo career
_______________________________________________
Ramon: hey... You look good. They spruced up your wardrobe too
Baja: yeah. I wonder if we're able to take this home with us
Ramon: probably. I think it'd be easier just to keep in our dressing rooms for now. Keep our work clothes separate from our regular clothes. Feels like bad energy to mix them together.
Baja: how so?
Ramon: I mean this nice brand name stuff fancy designs, colors and a hefty price on it. It's nice but it isn't really me. It's what the studio and the producers want me to be and I rather keep that at work when. I go home I wear my regular off-brand jeans, my 8-year-old sweater and a pair of kicks with a hole in it. That's me. That's who I am. A regular person, I'm not above anyone and I don't want to feel like I am. Get what I'm saying
Baja: yeah... I get it. You don't want the job to change you
Ramon: exactly
Mickey: All right! Hitch you got the shot?
Hitch: Yeah I got it. We can use this for commercials
Baja: you were filming?
Mickey: Yeah yeah no worries. We just wanted to film you guys interacting. We didn't tell you cuz we wanted to look natural.
Hitch: we didn't have any mics on so we couldn't hear what you were saying so don't worry about it. I'm the director by the way names Hitch. Nice to meet you..
Baja: hello
Ramon: hey
Mickey: alright so we're going to start filming the show in 30 minutes. Kikura is their dressing room.
Ramon: Kikura from C-side?
Mickey: yeah
Kikura: sorry I'm late.. I tend to procrastinate when I'm getting ready for these types of things...... Not a good excuse but... yeah
Mick: Well that's perfectly fine. We'll be filming in a couple minutes this is Ramon and this is Baja. They're going to be the ones interviewing you
Kikura: hey
Hitch: while we wait for that, let's do some more advertisements
______________________________________________
Assistant: alright..... Advertisement 2 take one...[clap]
Baja: Hi my name is baja and I'm the new host of the inklab's new show 'music at midnight'.... Me and my new co-host Ramon
Ramon: sup
Baja: we're going to be interviewing musicians from all walks of life
Ramon: and different genres.
Baja: We're going to have nice conversations getting to know them, telling us some really cool stories.
Ramon: a show airs Thursdays at 11:30 p.m. can't wait to see you there!
Hitch: CUT!.... Great! We're going to do some more editing and maybe some reshoots on that but here is your intro You're going to do this during every episode you introduce yourself. You tell them what show they're watching and then you tell the current news what's going on in the music world..... You're also going to have to do that when you start writing articles for the blog, but we'll get to that later. ... Here's the monologue script. If you want to go off script feel free... Go over it, memorize We'll film in 15...... Oshi! Good to see you..*mwah mwah* how are you baby
Oshi: Hitch! Hope everything is going well I just wanted to check in on everyone
Hitch: yes... You're going to start filming soon so have a seat....(Pat...Pat)
Oshi: alright..... I'm getting a call.....*ugh*..............[inhale].....[exhale]...... Hi Shimi! How are you doing dear?... Are you having fun on the farm? I saw some pictures warabie posted on squidder. You look cute riding the tracker hehhe....... Well you only have one week left honey..... yes I've enjoyed my break..... The church? If that works for you honey I guess it gives you a purpose.........*sigh*...(Eye roll)....acting is also your purpose I know...how's warabie is he having fun?......well tell him to try to enjoy himself..............yes ...... alright good bye hun.............
_______________________________________________
Shimi: hm.....
Merv: Shimi it's your turn to take the manatees out to graze, take your son with you. Noiji start up the tractor I need you to harvest the octoberries, ikkan pack up squidmelons and head into town. Koi would you help me harvest some of the squid lemons
Koi-koi: I'd love to
Merv: Cirrina sweetheart you said you're going into the city for a school project?
Cirrina: Yeah just for 2 hours. When I get back I'll feed the krill and clean out their coop
Merv: All right, be safe
Shimi: warabie help me load up the manatees
Warabie: yeah..... What were you calling Mom about?
Shimi: It's none of your concern she didn't let me talk anyway............
Warabie:... All right, the manatees are in (bump...bump).....
Shimi: alright...................
Warabie:............so what's mom up to at home?
Shimi: she's working on project O.E.T network
Warabie: that's nice she's been working on that for years
Shimi: *humpf*.... We've been working on for years.... Typical of her to go behind my back and do things without my permission or opinion
Warabie:...... Oooookkkaaay...........hm.................hey mahi
_______________________________________________
Mahi: hey dude
Warabie: what's going on at home?
Mahi: nothing much. Baja got a new job...... stop!........ Yeah, he's going to be on TV now. That's pretty neat
Warabie: tv?!
Mahi: some talk show.... Midnight music...... Music at midnight something.....neta stop spawn camping!
Neta: I'm not spawn camping
Warabie: he got the job!? How did he get the job?!
Mahi: I don't know, I really haven't had time to talk to him. He's been in and out of the apartment for like days now..... cod damn it!.... Let me leave the base at least...... fuck!
Neta:hehehehehehehe... I'm sorry .hehehe
Mahi: sorry... Neta's being an asshole...uhhhhh...Baja honestly hasn't been here and when he is here he's just there to get dressed and then leave.
Warabie:*sigh*....... good for him... Guess he's going to be the new breadwinner
Mahi: hey so when are you coming home?
Warabie: end of the week I should be home
Mahi: great apartments too quiet and-Neta!
Neta: what?! What am I doing wrong? I'm just playing the game. It's not my fault you always end up in my range of sight. Get good at the game
Mahi:*huff*... Can you come home faster? I miss you
Warabie: aww I miss you too mahi.. I honestly want to go home too. This place sucks ......I'm tired of scooping Manatee shit and hauling crates of squidmatoes
Neta: ask him the question
Mahi: *ugh*........are you able to bring home fresh produce and milk
Warabie: I....... I'm going to have to ask ikkan's dad that
Shimi: we're here unload the manatees
Warabie: I got to go.... text you later..........
Mahi: bye..... I'm not playing with you anymore! I'm done with this game....
Neta: One more round. I want to get a gold badge on this weapon I'm two games away. You can be on my team this time
_______________________________________________
Cirrina: .......this must be the address..........(Knock knock)
Bayou: Cirrina! You showed up!
Cirrina: yeah....hehehe sorry if I'm a little early ...
Bayou: no worries. Come in, come in you can use your shoes on the shelf right here. So what do you want to know about krillarney?
Cirrina: I'm just you know the origins and the history of krillarney...... You lived on the surface for most of your life, right? Is that true for most octolings here?
Bayou: yeah... Most of us here spent their whole lives on the surface though there are some who moved here who previously lived underground
Cirrina: Interesting......so... And did your family move here?
Bayou:...... I think you might get more information from my nan.... Nana!!....... You remember my Nana. from church?
Nana: yes!? Bayou? What is it love?.....oh... Dear the little girl from church. Nice to see you again sweetie
Cirrina: hello..
Bayou: Nan do you mind if she asks you a few questions?
Nana: I have no problems sweetie
Cirrina: It's just a couple questions .. . I'm doing a five-page essay on octarian history in other countries
Nana: wasn't that nice? Well what do you want to know dear?
Cirrina: uhhhh .... When did you move here
Nana: oh I have no idea sweetie It's been years...... The war started when I was around......10 of 11 years old. I lived with my two sisters in a small village My mother was a School teacher and my father passed away years ago.
Cirrina: *writing*
Nana at the time my village was not affected by the high tides but it was targeted with conflict over land and resources. Next thing you know, I was being drafted for the war along with my two sisters. They just turned 13. They never held a weapon before. My mother couldn't even imagine them going to war, it was only after the first bomb we decided to leave. We had to leave quickly so we weren't able to bring a lot. All we had to pack was whatever we could fit in our backpacks. I packed two dresses, pair of pants, three shirts and one skirt. I also packed my Adva doll she's the only toy I played with for years.
Cirrina: *writing*
Nana: My mother was good friends with a man who moved to our village before the war happened. He was a nice inkling man Mr. Doal he offered to help us leave. His son got drafted and passed away early in the midst of combat. He told us about a developing sovereign country called krillarney that was currently taking in anyone and everyone across the world who wanted to get away from the war
Cirrina: *write*..... So how did you get to krillarney
Nana: we were informed that there were fairies and ships offering to help people leave. We set our trip in the middle of the night and met up with Mr. Dole and other people who wanted to leave as well. The walk was 3 hours straight. No brakes, no rest until we made it to the coast and we got onto a ship. It was a squid beak ship if I remember, The S. S. Escargot. We sailed for a week to krillarney making several stops picking others in similar situations.
Cirrina: was it just inkfish who were escaping?
Nana: oh no there were so many people from so many walks of life on the ship. Urchins, fish, cephalopods, Crustaceans. So many were affected by this war. I remember seeing some still wearing their military uniforms. It was their only chance to leave and they took it
Cirrina: when you got to krillarney what was it like? Was different from how it is today.
Nana: Well I can tell you one thing we didn't have these malls, outlets or a nice studio apartment like I have now hehehe. .... When I first got here My mother could only afford a nice small house with two bedrooms. Our neighbor was young octoling and his wife was a bass. They were enlisted in the military for years. When the war started they were completely against it. They were planning on having kids at the time they couldn't do that if they were at war. Unfortunately they weren't able to have kids but they watched me and my sister so many times that they kind of saw us as their kids hehehe
Cirrina: *writing*...... Do you ever think about your old village? What happened to it?
Nana:............. Well....um..... Like I said at the time the high tides didn't affect my home but.............. Soon enough it was............. Everything was wiped out and everyone......... From what I know now....... The water levels have subsided and it is inhabitable but............ I just never went back. Everything I know about that place is gone. My home my toys.....some of my old friends
Cirrina:.... I'm sorry.......
Nana: it's alright love
Cirrina: ....... I think I asked enough questions
Nana: are you sure? I could tell you more
Cirrina: oh that's ok really.... I have enough to write my paper. I have to get home to do my chores
Bayou: alright..... Do you want me to walk you to the fairy dock?
Cirrina: (blush).... well........ok...
Bayou: great..... I'll be right back Nana
Nana: Come back safe
Cirrina:..........................
Bayou:...........................
Cirrina:..................
Bayou:..............you know we have tons of historical sites here if you ever want to check them out..... Add some photos for extra credit
Cirrina: that would be nice but I really need to get home
Bayou: we don't have to do it today.
Cirrina: I leave at the end of the week
Bayou: Well you can plan something for this week maybe Tomorrow maybe?....
Cirrina: I can see.... Yeah I think tomorrow would be good yeah..
Bayou: All right so why don't we meet up here again at 2:00 and I can take you to the lighthouse, The bridge of new beginnings and I can even take you to the museum
Cirrina: Great! It's a date! I mean....uh... No! It's not a date..... it's a day out....an outing yeah it's it's it's an outing we're going out......for the day! We're going out for the day
Bayou:..heheheheheh... Here's my number....... I'll text you tomorrow. See ya Cirrina!
Cirrina: bye..hehehehehe........*sigh*..........
_______________________________________________
Assistant director: 'music at midnight'.... Introduction take three!.....(CLAP)
Hitch:go!
Baja: welcome, welcome! Welcome my name is Baja! And this is my co-host Ramon
Ramon: hey!
Baja: I'm very excited to say that this is the first episode of our very new show called 'music at midnight'. What is music at midnight? Well as the names in the title says we're going to be talking about music and it's going to be airing during midnight.
Roman: yep so while we sit here and talk and do interviews. You're going to be sitting on your couch or in your bed and your nice warm jammies.....
Baja: I wish we could wear pajamas
Ramon: Right? We should ask the exacts for a pajama day
Baja: hahahaha...(CLAP)..... All right, let's get started.... Today's music news....... But before we do that, who's who's with us today
Ramon: today we have Kikura sitting in our guest seat
Kikura: hey everyone
Baja: so we Kikura here today and there the guitarist for the band c-side and she's a part of another group riot act.....now Kikura is it true that riot act actually came before the band C-side?
Kikura: uh....oh my cod.......uh wow..... Yeah actually that is true. It did come before C-side... Technically yes but at the time it was not called riot act.... It was actually called 'no boys allowed' uhhehe.... We were in high school that was our original band.... We were in an all-girls school. We were just a couple of weird kids just screwing around... We were all in theater together and we used to hang out under the bleachers and I don't remember who mentioned it but one of us said "wouldn't be funny if we started a band and we had no idea how to play the instruments"....and heh That's how it really started
Baja: it started out as a bit?
Kikura: Yeah it started out as a bit. We started to borrow instruments from The music room and we started to play, used to write music together like we had our own group chat and everything ... It started to get serious during second year of school. It started out as a joke and then just kind of started to really get into it and we really just stopped seeing it as a joke and started seeing it as more of a hobby and soon after we started to book gigs, shows and sets in people's basements. It just kind of took off after that.
Ramon: so what made you join C-side?
Kikura: so C-side started after I met Beika it was a small underground club. He recognized me from my band and he was really excited to see me! He told me that he was a bass player and his old roommate was a drummer and they needed a guitar player. He had a couple songs that he's written and he wanted my opinion on it. He wanted to see if I was able to do a demo track for him.
Baja: *nods*
Kikura: a couple weeks of talking I went to the studio and I met Uotora... He's such a sweetheart oh my cod.... We did rewrites and we wrote some more music. We did some test tracks and 5 hours later I was officially a part of the band...
Baja: what was your first concert like.... You played in sesame hall as the opener for wet floor
Kikura: I was surprisingly calm during the whole show. Really thought I was going to panic and freeze up because this is the first actual concert like a concert concert like it wasn't just a group of people hehehe in a backyard. I remember the crowd wasn't that enthusiastic when we came up but after playing 'click bate' people really just started to really get into it and we just formed a fan base after that.
Ramon: are you still a part of that band? After you released your new album with riot act
Kikura: oh yeah definitely. I'm still a part of the band I'm not going anywhere. This ain't that kind of band. Do we treat each other with respect...hehehe...hm... But no this is just a side project. We all just started talking again and it's just a passion project we're just doing really
Baja: and speaking of passion projects, let's get to the news....Nami one of the members of beloved yet controversial bands front roe has enough that branching off and starting a solo career. Today on Inkstagram she announced that she's working on a new album and writing her own songs she even took a selfie of herself in the studio showing in the recording booth.
Ramon: I think nami's very underrated in the band. It's good to see she's getting out there
Kikura: I'm so happy that she is. I only met her two times. It was during the black square music festival and the seashore awards she is so nice, she's so kind and so pretty. We were talking and I brought up keeping my music in a notebook and she did the same thing too. She has several notebooks of music that she really wants to make but it doesn't really fit the sound of 'squid squad'..... Well I guess it's front roe now but she's kept those book for years... I truly hope she's putting those to good use
Baja: You know this actually isn't her first solo work. She worked on a soundtrack for 'high-rise falling 4'. It was a video game for the gamer boy x system.
Kikura: really?
Raman: Yeah I know that she composed background music for the menu and she also made The third boss Battle song. Man If they ever make the movie of high-rise falling
Baja: they are never going to make that movie.... It's always in production hell for years now
Kikura: I've only played the second and third game in that series, but I heard the movie is going to be starting off with The fifth installment and going backwards which doesn't make any sense
Hitch: what is high-rise falling? I don't know what that is. What are they talking about?
Oshi: It's just a game that these kids play. The audience will know what they're talking about
Ramon: they should bring her back for the movie. It would be really cool if she remixed her original tracks. I love that for him. I'm happy that she's making music. I'm really excited..... What else we have for the news
Baja: SashiMori are no longer doing fall tours or winter tours like they used to
Raman: oh?
Baja: So one of the members, Paul. He's no longer able to travel because he has school so they're going to have to do summer tours
Ramon: that makes sense.... I remember their last tour was during fall during spook fest. Everyone dressed up in costumes and during their last set, people were giving out candy.... Folks was handed a bucket before they got into the arena. it was good candy too like people were getting full size candy bars..... What type of candy do you like? I like gum.... You could never go wrong with gum..... Good flavor, good texture... And you can blow bubbles with it. What about you?
Baja: I enjoy chocolate... I love a good piece of chocolate..... Especially if it has a filling in it like marshmallow or something.....Kikura?
Kikura: I would say I'm a hard candy type of person.... I enjoy jawbreakers
Baja: really
Kikura: Yes, it lasts longer than most candies and..... Besides lollipops It is the only candy that is socially acceptable to take out of your mouth
Hitch: do we have any chocolate sponsors?
Oshi: no but I can get with the marketing team and see what we can do
[one hour of banter later]
Baja: Well folks that's our show! Thank you for being here for our first ever episode. The riot act album will be released on the 22 so make sure you check your local stores for it....now enjoy one of their debut songs 'No planned survivors'
[riot act performing in the back ground]
Mickey: what are the viewerships right now?
Assistant: Right now the viewerships are sitting at 89.4 million...and online..... only 20k views... But that number might rise in the next week
Mickey: [inhale].....[exhale]...... What do you estimate the viewership for ink lab plus?
Assistant: Well..... Judging from the viewership on TV and the viewership on the app we might be able to gain..................... 100 million first episode maybe even more...
Executive: I don't understand it! they talked about video games and then candy, went on a tangent about handbags and backpacks. How is this popular?! This is supposed to be about music and celebrities.
Oshi: Kids today aren't really all that interested in celebrities showing off their fancy cars, expensive clothes and lifestyle. They're bored at that and so are the newer artists. They just want to know who they are as a person....if knowing about their favorite candy and opinions on games keeps them engaged and interested in their music and our show I see no problem with it
Mickey: hmmmm.....
Hitch: I think we might need a meeting for this. I have an idea
Oshi: what's the idea
Hitch: we haven't had that much traction on the app for a while. instead of making a recorded video the next time we film we do a live stream and have the audience involved with the conversation
Mickey: I like that. Keeps the audience engaged and keeps the viewerships high. it saves money on editing
Hitch:......... These kids are going to make us a lot of money
_______________________________________________
Neta had 12 kills in one match and 6 of them were mahi
lmao fish was fighting for their life @fish-at-fish-fish-resort
#Micky is also a shark#specifically a silky shark#Hitch is a Pickhandle barracuda#most who work in this type business are sharks and other predatory aquatic Life like barracudas piranhas and Bill fish#something something Hollywood something something it being a very cutthroat brutal and also predatory#Neta being an asshole maining a charger refusing to let anyone leave the base#squid break Splatoon ships are just old cargo ships#wow i wrote a lot I honestly should of broke it up into parts but what ever#I'm not shore if any of nana's back story contradicts any of the Canon Splatoon lore i honestly should of checked#i honestly wrote all that because I forgot about Cirrina's actual punishment and she needed to write something to help her grade#so she can go to her concert instead of summer school like she wanted#Cirrina going on her first date. yay! well I'm sorry not date outing it's just an outing not going out! just outing#i like writing realistic dialogue especially mundane conversations Idk if they interview came off as boring or not#i personally enjoy when interviews with celebrities are in a podcast format where they just talk about whatever and nothing really exciting#Baja has a very particular audience#autistics who also have an interest in music people you want to know more about their favorite musician#people who put on the show in the background so they can get their work or chores done#simps#me planting the first seed of a soon to be messy and very public divorce 👏🏾😈#mahi and neta playing Splatoon but it's not like the Splatoon we play its more like over watch or cod idk maybe team fortress 🤷🏾#Kikura is a lesbian and I think they should convince Nami to leave front row and be in riot act#they should also kiss and stuff#I know there's probably a little bit of spelling errors in this#especially in the#but it's 4:30 and this has been in my drafts for a week. I don't know longer than 2 days. I'll fix it later#ok I'm back I did some small edits#neta
3 notes · View notes
the-jam-to-the-unicorn · 2 years ago
Text
Little snippet from Olena's recent BBC interview ❤️💔
7 notes · View notes
gensokyogarden · 2 years ago
Text
I found this Twitter thread discussing Reimu and Autistic traits quite interesting. As someone both with Autism and in the process of getting my master's degree in clinical psych, I both found it relatable and think the OP made a lot of good points in their analysis (though I will note that you can't really diagnosis a fictional character but it's all for fun). So I thought I'd share it.
#beyond the border ~ ooc#They mention later that some folks on Reddit accused them of cherry picking information but in my opinion with how Reimu has been depicted#Across over a dozen games and a dozen manga where ZUN ... tends to be (intentionally according to interviews) inconsistent with how he#Depicts Reimu you kind of have to look at specific instances if you want to assign Reimu much of any character at all#And really the stuff they highlight (such as Reimu seeming to have AP issues) are WAY more consistent than most other traits for Reimu#As someone with Autism I picked up on a lot of those littler traits as I iconned the different mangas but since that's been over a drawn#Out time it never really clicked all together until I saw it laid out in this thread#I'd notice things and be like 'wow that really feels like an Autistic life experience to me' but then just kinda move on but seeing it all#I would say it definitely fits (of course my interpretation of Reimu always has been Autistic but most of my muses kinda are because I am)#Honestly what I found most interesting was them pointing out Reimu's insistence on keeping her upper arms/shoulders uncovered in every#Outfit which is a feeling I can deeply relate to#I highly favor shorts even in inappropriate weather because I strongly dislike stuff touching my lower legs#Also the point about how much Reimu loves reading is something I had not caught before but it's honestly quite interesting#Though it makes me think. With how much interest she's shown in detective mysteries in FS and WaHH I'm shocked they didn't have her be more#Involved in the opening mystery of FDS. You'd think she would have been all over there. She and Satori could have even slightly bonded over#Having detective interests (and the fact that Satori is IMO probably the strongest Autistic coded character in the series)#Though honestly when you consider the idea that Reimu could be Autistic it makes sense why she seemingly uncharacteristically cries so much#At the thought of her shrine being threatened. Being very defensive of special places and getting more upset than would be warranted over#One being threatened is a very common trait and I find that quite interesting to think about
8 notes · View notes
addelaidesupreme · 1 year ago
Text
I'm watching a video essay about a game ive been interested in playing. The creator of the video, who has crossdressed multiple times, makes a "women arent funny" joke, and i suddenly realize ive never witnessed him acknowledge a woman in an uplifting way before.
I'm on a dating app for lgbt+ people. I've stated multiple times on my profile that i would rather lose an arm than recieve nudes without consent. I will be sent five dick pics for every 2 people i talk to that night.
I'm talking with my dad, who informs me he's been trying his best to learn about trans issues. He says the same things steven crowder brings up when trying to ridicule trans people. I gently but firmly correct my father and get told that ive been fed propaganda.
I'm on instagram, under the comments of a post ridiculing someone for being a misogynyst. Someone's left a comment saying "it must be hard being a woman on the internet" and i respond "it is." I will have every aspect of my appearance scrutinized as a reminder that no matter how well i pass, it will never be enough for someone with bad intentions.
I'm back on that dating app for lgbt+ people. I'm messaged by an attractive looking person, but i can see their partner prominently displayed in all but their main photo, oftentimes striking what im sure they thought was a very intimidating pose. Their bio says "looking for a third for our anniversary." I know that even if I did feel up to it, the gruff partner wouldnt approve of me because i don't pass.
I'm at a job interview for a clothing store. I tell the gracefully-dressed woman interviewing me that ever since i began my transition, i've discovered an interest in fashion, and that this job would allow me to dip my toes into the industry in a safe way. I'm told that i've reduced womanhood to a stereotype, and i can tell by her tone that i lost any chance at the job the minute she realized i was trans.
I'm at the same hospital i got facial feminization surgery in, trying to figure out what's wrong with my bowels. When the person behind the desk gives me a wristband with my patient info on it, i notice a single, lonely, letter M. I ask a nurse in private why it would say that despite me having changed it nearly a year prior. They say they have no clue, and bring in paperwork for me to fill out and have it re-changed again.
I'm living with my mom at the time. I'm new to transitioning, and decide to try my hand at voice training. It feels a bit off, but otherwise im feeling neutral toward the whole thing. I try speaking in this new voice to my mom and she laughs. Now, when people ask if i intend to voice train, i find speaking at all difficult for minutes after.
I didnt have some sort of grand message to convey by this. I just had a thought and then that thought spiralled into whatever the hell this became. Some, okay most, might call it complaining; they are right to do so.
18K notes · View notes
etapereine · 1 year ago
Text
read this piece on oscar onley and the list of very young riders i’m adopting just keeps growing doesn’t it
i mean look at him -
Tumblr media
1 note · View note
britneyshakespeare · 1 year ago
Text
really? trying to keep a good girl down? smh what would brian protheroe say if he were here
#im in my making-text-posts-no-one-will-regard-about-brian-protheroe era#text post#brian protheroe#you can't keep a good girl down is THAT bouncy showtune. as far as im concerned#the amount of songs he has that he wrote for stage works i find to be fascinating#he said in that interview he did this year that he wrote pinball for a character in a play and then someone showed a demo#of it to some record ppl and that's how he got signed to chrysalis.#i just find that fascinating!#i found everything he said about his time at chrysalis so interesting. those three albums. his love of the art#and working with others but his complete indifference to the business side of things.#the indifference he had when he was like yeah they fired me bc i wasn't all that successful and i didn't make what they wanted to sell me a#like it was just the most nonchalant thing in the world to him!#no but i can see why he sticks to acting then. i really can.#bc pinball came out when he was 30. & he wasn't a huge actor by any means but he'd been a working actor for years#i cant help but think if he had had some commercial break in music when he was like 22 or something#it probably would've been worse for him. like just as a person.#or i mean he would've been more persuadable to conform to other ppl's demands.#(I ASSUME JUST BASED ON THE IMPRESSIONABLE NATURE OF YOUNG PPL it's not a personal assumption of brian)#and it probably would've been harder to walk away from. he had already failed in the music industry once so to speak#in the early 60s when he was a folk musician. but he never got very far to start with.#or rather by 'failed' i mean walked away from bc i cant really say he was 'in the industry' if he simply played music#i wont define that era in his life for him.#but he had been roughing it acting and bouncing around london for several years and was like 'oh ok ill make a few albums'#'oh ok. i wont make any more albums....... here at least (lololol)'#'yeah no thats ok i know some theater ppl. ill just go do some shakespeare if you dont mind'#i literally cannot get over the extent to which he has lived *my* best life. queen#this is the ideal level of artistic success i would ever want to achieve too. i wouldnt want anybody googling me ever >:(#except one weird kid who hears about me from one thing once and idly checks out my other work.#in another universe brian protheroe is the weird kid and i'm the mostly-forgotten mid-hit-wonder from the bbc television shakespeare
0 notes
Text
Somewhere beneath those roofs, the Sons of the Harpy were gathered, plotting ways to kill her and all those who loved her and put her children back in chains. Somewhere down there a hungry child was crying for milk. Somewhere an old woman lay dying. Somewhere a man and a maid embraced, and fumbled at each other's clothes with eager hands. But up here there was only the sheen of moonlight on pyramids and pits, with no hint what lay beneath. Up here there was only her, alone. She was the blood of the dragon. She could kill the Sons of the Harpy, and the sons of the sons, and the sons of the sons of the sons. But a dragon could not feed a hungry child nor help a dying woman's pain. And who would ever dare to love a dragon? —ADWD, Daenerys II
Tumblr media
Interviewer: One could argue that more can be learned about everyday politics from your novels than from the newspaper.
George: I did indeed intend to make politics one of the main themes of these novels. I hope to make my readers reflect on political issues. For example, when Daenerys Targaryen conquers a city of slave traders and tries to rule it, she realizes that good intentions alone do not make a government program. There is a series of very difficult decisions to make and, no matter what you do, people will hate you.
Interviewer: Even if one has three dragons.
George: Exactly. The dragons are metaphors.
Interviewer: Virtually the nuclear weapons of your world.
George: The most terrible weapon! However, they don't put you in a position to abolish poverty, make everyone love you, or lead a happy life. You can very well use them to burn things down, to destroy your enemies, cities, and entire cultures, but that doesn't solve the problem of good governance.
- George R.R. Martin, The Father Of Fire And Ice
#one of the better things about asoiaf is that dany magically hatches dragons and it's amazing and wonderful and triumphant --#but then she learns that still doesn't solve anything. she and her people and her dragons might have died in the desert if not for luck#she can use her dragons to conquer cities but they can't help her make them thrive under her rule#dragons can solve a war by being the ultimate weapon but they can't solve the problems of a peace#especially in re stopping the problems that would lead to war again - in fact they are one of those very problems#grrm is so interested in asking the question of what makes a good ruler. and he doesn't provide easy answers because there aren't any#unlike some i do not believe dany's “vision quest” at the end of adwd means she has decided to embrace war and only war from now on#but the difficulties and frustrations of trying to be a good ruler who helps everyone and is fair to everyone - this hard thankless job#when the whole time the easy-but-cruel way is sitting in her basement... well. she might decide to be a dragon for a little while#something will break her out of that. don't know what yet but something. and she won't be alone as jon will be no-more-mr.-nice-guy-ing too#but the theme of “ruling is hard” that was so important in affc/adwd may fall by the wayside for a time. mind you war is hard too...#asoiaf#asoiaf meta#grrm interviews#daenerys targaryen#dragons#asoiaf themes#“what does it mean‚ he ruled wisely?”#asoiaf art#enrique corominas#queue and me we're in this together now
366 notes · View notes
downbad4sylus · 2 months ago
Text
“Come to drug my girlfriend again?”
part 2
synopsis: Sylus hates Caleb, Caleb hates Sylus. That’s it, that’s the fic.
content: sylus x afab!reader; use of Y/N; established relationship; caleb cameo; caleb acts like caleb; mentions of being drugged; general angst; mostly proofread
word count: ~3.4k
a/n: i’m a sylus girlie through and through but caleb intrigues the absolute shit out of me. including his perspective in this was very interesting and i hope i did his character justice. also, i feel that based on what sylus said in his main story, he knows that caleb is/has been alive and what he’s been up to, and caleb being involved with ever and knowing MC’s whereabouts in the N109 zone, know who sylus is. this fic operates under that assumption
The only person you’d told about your mission to Skyhaven was Sylus. And now, having returned from the harrowing journey—after being reunited with your childhood best friend Caleb, who you thought was dead—Sylus was the only person you wanted to see.
Your boyfriend had been keeping tabs on you the best he could while you were gone, using his contacts in Skyhaven to relay information. But he had to be careful not to tip off anyone from the Farspace Fleet lest it ruin your cover, or worse, get you hurt. The second you texted him you were coming home, however, he stopped everything he was doing, hopped on his bike, and sped straight for your apartment.
Sylus was there when you walked through the door, hauling you into his arms and hugging you so tightly you could hardly breathe. It didn’t phase you anymore to find him in your apartment, knowing he had no problem coming and going as he pleased.
“Miss me?” you teased, whispering in his ear.
He huffed. “Not in the least,” he said, hugging you tighter.
“Sy, I love you, but I can’t breathe.”
Finally his gripped loosened enough that you could breathe normally again. You pushed back, hands on his shoulders, and just admired his face after not having seen it for quite some time.
“Enjoying the view?” Sylus asked.
You smiled. “I always do.” You placed a chaste kiss on his lips. “I did miss you though.”
He smiled that soft smile reserved only for you, and you melted at the sight. “I missed you too.”
“I have a lot to tell you, but I’d like to change first if you don’t mind,” you said. “Wait for me on the couch?”
“Of course, take your time, I’m not going anywhere.”
Reluctantly, Sylus lowered you to the ground.
You quickly changed into more comfortable clothes and joined Sylus on the couch, where he pulled you into his lap, the need to hold you far too strong for him to ignore.
“So,” he began, fingers brushing along your back, “where do you want to start?”
You sucked in a deep breath, the words weighing heavily on your tongue, as if saying them aloud will finally make the truth sink in. “Um, I don’t know how else to say this so, it turns out Caleb is alive. Has been this whole time.”
Sylus’s expression remained neutral. “You saw him while you were up there?”
You nodded. “He’s the Farspace Fleet’s Colonel, and he’s…not the same as I remember him.”
Sylus brushed a strand of hair out of your face, his fingers grazing your cheek. “Tell me.”
You launched into your story, detailing everything that happened, from investigating the bombing site undercover to the first interview with Caleb, the switch in personality from Colonel to best friend, to staying with him in his home, visiting Mia in the hospital and running into Zayne, finding Kevi and the Aether Core in his possession.
Talking about the night you were supposed to retrieve Kevi and bring him to Zayne, you got a bit choked up. Having to voice what happened, what you had been in denial about but knew you needed to admit, was perhaps the most difficult of all.
“I wasn’t feeling well that day,” you said, “and before I ‘went to bed,’ Caleb gave me some medicine to help.” You averted your gaze. “All of a sudden, I was so exhausted I couldn’t keep my eyes open, and I ended up falling asleep before I even realized it.”
Sylus tensed beneath you, the unspoken pieces slowly clicking into place.
“Sy…I think Caleb… I think he may have drugged me.”
The betrayal was still raw, maybe more painful now that you’d said it aloud for the first time since it happened.
Abruptly, Sylus removed you from his lap, placing you gently onto the couch before rising and heading straight for the door.
Confused, and perhaps a little desperate, you grabbed his arm, stopping him in his tracks. “Sylus, where are you going?”
Without turning to you he said with such lethal calm a shiver went down your spine, “I’m going to visit Skyhaven and have a chat with the Colonel.”
You snapped to your feet, wrapping both your arms around Sylus’s. “Sy, please, you can’t.”
He looked at you, fury blazing like an inferno in his red eyes. “He drugged you, Y/N,” he snarled. “That cannot go unpunished.”
While you greatly appreciated Sylus’s well-placed protectiveness, your feelings were still a jumbled mess when it came to Caleb. But you knew one thing, you didn’t want him to get hurt, and you certainly didn’t want Sylus to be the one hurting him.
You shook your head, voicing your thoughts aloud. “I don’t want you to hurt him. I know what he did was wrong, and please believe when I say I’m furious about it too, but he’s important to me, Sy. I thought he was dead and I just got him back, we both need to be a little more forgiving than usual, for my sake.”
Sylus was conflicted. The instinct to protect was near overwhelming, but truly the last thing he ever wanted to do was upset you. And killing hurting your beloved childhood best friend would do far more than just upset you.
So he tamped down his instincts and relaxed in your grip. “Fine.”
You breathed a sigh of a relief. “Thank you.”
“But if I have the displeasure of meeting him, I will be saying something,” Sylus said, leaving no room for negotiation.
“Okay, I can live with that,” you agreed. You pulled him back down onto the couch. “I have more to tell you, will you sit and listen this time?”
He shot you a withering look. “Yes, sweetie.”
So you finished your story, telling him about the strange man named Viper, how you found Caleb with the oddly-behaving Kevi and “the Professor,” and your departure that felt like you’d left with more unfinished business than when you’d first arrived.
Sylus kept his word and sat, giving you his full attention despite the fact that his anger still simmered in his veins. He certainly shared your sentiment regarding unfinished business, this was not the first or last time he was going to hear about Caleb. He just hoped he wouldn’t have to kill the Colonel should he cross that line with you, something he was wisely keeping to himself.
It’d be two weeks since you’d returned from Skyhaven. You’d spent a fair amount of it with Sylus, trying to make up for the time spent apart.
Caleb was always in the back of your mind, though, and the two of you had shared brief conversations over text during that time. You were still wrapping your head around the fact that Caleb was back in your life, albeit in a much different role than he’d once had.
You were eternally grateful to have Sylus by your side, he was the solid ground you so desperately needed to stand on right now, and he was more than happy to be that for you.
He was with you currently, the two of you settling in for a night-in at your apartment. You’d ordered take-out and were patiently waiting for the food to be delivered so you could start the movie you’d carefully chosen.
Lounging on the couch with your head in Sylus’s lap, you scrolled mindlessly through your phone, flipping it to show him silly posts every now and then. The sense of comfort that overwhelmed you, having such an innocuous night with your boyfriend, was a welcome reprieve to the constant anxiety plaguing you these past two weeks.
The sound of your doorbell cut through the tranquil atmosphere.
You and Sylus locked eyes, the same look of confusion on both of your faces. It wasn’t like the delivery person hadn’t shown up at your door before, but it was certainly unusual considering your instructions said to leave the food in the lobby.
Sylus lightly patted the top of your head. “I’ll get it.”
You lifted your upper body enough for Sylus to slide out from under you and promptly lay back down to resume your scrolling.
You listened as Sylus walked to, and opened your door, then felt rather than heard the pregnant pause before your boyfriend spoke.
“Well, if it isn’t the Colonel of the Farspace Fleet. Come to drug my girlfriend again?”
A myriad of emotions flickered in Caleb’s eyes. Surprise. Recognition. Fury. Regret. Guilt. But Caleb was well versed in handling difficult situations, and had no problem slipping on a mask of charisma, while inside he was positively seething.
You bolted for the door.
“Y/N didn’t mention having a boyfriend when she was in Skyhaven,” Caleb said cheerfully.
You skidded to a halt behind Sylus, panic icing your veins seeing your childhood best friend unexpectedly at your door, holding your bag of take-out in one hand, having a death-glare competition with your boyfriend.
“I didn’t exactly have the time to mention it, Caleb,” you said, trying to cut through the thick tension in the air. “You didn’t tell me you were stopping by, or that you stole our dinner.”
Caleb shrugged. “I was in the area, figured I’d drop in and see what you were up to.” His gaze flicked to Sylus before returning to you. “If you wanted pork ribs you know you could’ve just asked me, right pip-squeak?”
Sylus went rigid at the pet name.
You held back a groan, instead politely asking, “Why don’t you come in so I can properly introduce you?”
Sylus hated that you said that.
Caleb loved that you did.
“Sure, wouldn’t want your dinner to get cold standin’ out in the hall all night,” Caleb said.
You pulled Sylus away from the door to allow Caleb entry. Having the two men, both broad and tall, taking up the entryway made this situation all the more suffocating.
You swiped the take-out from Caleb’s hand, grabbed Sylus’s, and dragged him with you to the kitchen with Caleb following close behind.
Placing the bag on the counter, you whirled to face your childhood best friend, far more nervous than you should’ve been to introduce your boyfriend for the first time. Neither of you had had significant others to introduce before, in fact you pretended to be Caleb’s girlfriend in college so the girls would leave him alone. But since Caleb was gone, you could no longer interfere with each other’s love lives…
You cleared your throat. “Caleb, this is Skye, my boyfriend. Skye, this is Caleb, my best friend from childhood.”
Caleb’s eyes darkened in a way that was still unfamiliar to you but not foreign, and a wolfish grin spread over his lips. “Y/N,” he drawled, his voice dropping, “you know you can’t lie to me.”
You froze, Sylus’s fingers tightening around yours. “What are you talking about?”
Caleb looked languidly at Sylus. “You know as well as I do his name isn’t Skye.” The dark look vanished from his eyes as they settled on you, instead reflecting a deep concern. “Can we go talk, pip?”
“Absolutely not,” Sylus snarled. “She isn’t going anywhere with you.”
You gave Caleb your back to face Sylus who was glaring menacingly at the Colonel. You reached up and cupped his cheek. “Sy.” His gaze snapped to yours, softening slightly. “I’m going to go talk to him.”
He would never deny you anything, nor tell you what you could or couldn’t do. You were your own person, who could make your own choices, even if he emphatically disagreed. He knew you could handle yourself, but this supposed childhood best friend had already drugged you once, and Sylus did not want to find out what else he was willing to do.
Sylus’s brow buckled. “Sweetie, please. I don’t trust him.”
Caleb scoffed.
You shot him a glare over your shoulder.
“I know you don’t,” you said to Sylus, stroking his cheek, “but I need you to trust me.”
He did, wholeheartedly.
With a resigned sigh, Sylus dipped his head, brushing his lips along your temple before whispering in your ear, “I’ll be watching, just call for me if you need help.”
You turned your head and kissed his cheek. “I will, I promise.”
Squeezing his hand and flashing him your most reassuring smile, your attention shifted to Caleb, who stood there looking as murderous as Sylus had when he’d opened your apartment door.
“Caleb,” you snapped, breaking him out of his trance. “Let’s go.”
You and Caleb didn’t go far, opting to sit off to the side on the steps leading into your apartment complex. Perched on the branch of a nearby tree was Mephisto, his ruby red eyes trained intently on you as Sylus watched from inside.
“Okay,” you said, “what did you want to talk about?”
Caleb angled his body toward you, grabbing your hands as if they were the most delicate things in the world. “Y/N, what are you thinking?” he asked, that same concern from earlier bleeding into his voice. “You know who he is, don’t you?”
“Of course I do,” you said.
His gaze hardened slightly. “You know and yet you’re still with him? The leader of Onychinus? Do you have any idea the things he’s done, the things he’s capable of?”
You snatched your hands away from him, your temper flaring. What right did he have to question you like this? He didn’t get to come back into your life after almost a year of thinking he was gone forever and just tell you what to do.
“I am well aware of what Sylus has done and what he is capable of,” you nearly growled. “But I know who he is at his core and in his heart. That is what’s important to me, that is the man I fell in love with.”
Love. You were in love with this guy?
Caleb’s face fell and a wave of guilt crashed over you.
You took his right hand in yours, saying much softer, “Just because someone does bad things doesn’t mean they’re a bad person. You of all people should understand that.”
“I was just trying to protect you,” Caleb whispered, the pain in his voice clear as he stared at your hands. “All I want is to make sure you’re safe.”
“I know Caleb,” you murmured, trying to catch his gaze. “I’m safe with Sylus.”
Caleb shook his head, like he couldn’t believe what he was hearing, because he couldn’t believe it. He was the only one who could protect you and keep you safe. He was the only one you were supposed to love. How could he let another man—the leader of Onychinus, no less—come into your life and take you from him? He knew he was gone for a year but he was back now, who else did you need but him?
But Caleb also knew that eliminating this new threat in the form of your current boyfriend wouldn’t be as easy as he wanted it to. You clearly cared for this guy—loved him even—so he’d have to continue playing the long game lest he ruin any chance he had left to be with you.
You sucked in a deep breath, then blew it out slowly. “Look Caleb, I want you in my life, you’re my best friend, but we need to have some boundaries, okay?”
“Boundaries?” Caleb echoed, his brows pinching. “Since when have we ever had boundaries?”
“Since now,” you responded firmly. “You can’t just show up at my door without saying anything. I’m happy to have you over, but we have to plan it first.”
He nodded, a spark igniting in his eyes. He could do that. If it made you happy, then he would do it for you. “Okay, easy, done. Anythin’ else you got for me?”
You couldn’t help the small smile lifting the corners of your lips. It was so much easier with him when he acted like his old self. You missed this Caleb.
“I need you to get along with Sylus, for my sake,” you said, squeezing his hand. “Put aside whatever pissing contest I know you two already have because I don’t want my best friend and my boyfriend hating each other’s guts.”
Caleb’s expression didn’t falter despite the rage he felt boiling in his blood. “That goes both ways ya know,” he said with a rather disarming grin. “You’ll have to talk to your boyfriend about that too.”
It physically hurt Caleb to call Sylus that cursed word, but he had an award-worthy performance to put on if he ever hoped to replace the Onychinus leader as the only thing he’d ever wanted to be to you.
You rolled your eyes. “Please don’t start.”
He laughed, and though it sounded genuine, it was far more forced than he led on. “Okay, okay,” he conceded. “That it?”
“You sound like you want me to give you more boundaries.”
“You can give me whatever you want, pip-squeak.” Preferably your undying devotion, but he’d work on that.
“Caleb,” you admonished but he merely grinned wider in response. With a sigh, you let go of his hand and pushed yourself to your feet. “I’m glad we had this talk.”
He rose as well, towering over you. “Me too,” he murmured. “I’m happy you want me to be in your life again.”
“I never wanted you to leave it,” you told him earnestly. “And as much as I hate to say this, you better go. My dinner is probably cold by now and I need to go talk to Sylus, alone.”
“Didn’t mean to interrupt dinner,” Caleb quipped. “Seriously though, next time you want pork ribs, just call me, okay?”
You laughed. “All right, all right.” You started pushing him down the steps. “Now go, go. Text me when you’re home so I know you’re safe.”
Caleb’s chest tightened. Despite everything, you still wanted him safe, you still cared about him. He would cling to this like a lifeline.
“Text me when you get upstairs so I know you’re safe,” he shot back, meaning to be playful but coming across more hostile than anything.
You frowned. “I told you already, I’m safe with Sylus.”
He smiled to ease the tension and was relieved when it worked. “Just humor me, ‘kay?”
“Whatever.” You gave him one last shove. “Don’t be a stranger, Caleb.”
“I won’t, pip-squeak, I promise.”
And he had every intention of keeping that promise and then some.
Sylus flung open the door before you could even reach for the handle, checking you over with a careful precision, making sure not a hair was out of place.
You patted his shoulders. “I’m okay, Sy, we just talked.”
“I don’t like the way he speaks to you,” Sylus grumbled, not stopping his thorough inspection. “It’s like he thinks you’re his possession or something.”
“You say all the time that I belong to you,” you teased.
He cut you a fierce glare. “That’s different, I don’t treat you as though you’re an object for me to claim. You’re a person, Y/N.”
Maybe you were naive, but you didn’t think Caleb thought of you in such a way. You weren’t going to argue about it though. Your date night had been ruined enough, adding a fight into the mix would only further sour your mood and his.
“No, you don’t treat me like that,” you said, knowing he was looking for your reassurance, and you were more than happy to give it because it was the truth.
Sylus visibly relaxed. “You look exhausted.”
“I am exhausted.” You pouted. “I just wanted to spend a quiet night in with you.”
He smoothed your hair as he tucked you close to his chest. “The night’s still young, we have plenty of time to do just that.”
“Our dinner is cold.”
“We can heat it up.”
You wrapped your arms around his waist and peered up at him. “Nothing’s going to change between us just because Caleb’s back. We can talk more about it tomorrow, but I need you to know that.”
He nodded. “I know, sweetie, I wasn’t worried.”
No, Sylus was not worried about you, he was however, incredibly suspicious of what Caleb had in store.
But that was a tomorrow problem, tonight he would give you the date you wanted with no more mention of your childhood best friend.
You nuzzled your face into his chest. “I love you, Sy.”
Sylus kissed the top of your head. “I love you, Y/N.” He drew back, bracing his hands on your hips. “Shall we go warm our dinner?”
You smiled. “Yes please.”
As you trailed behind your boyfriend to the kitchen, you quickly pulled out your phone, firing off a text to Caleb letting him know you were safe.
Still outside your apartment complex, Caleb stared at the notification on his own phone. He kissed the necklace clutched tightly in his hand as a sense of victory washed over him.
1K notes · View notes
notmeowse · 4 months ago
Text
That AMA marks the end of Dragon Age.
In my opinion.
I'll start by saying that I have played all 3 of the previous games repeatedly, I've loved the series for 15 years, more than half my life. These games inspired me to become a writer and they've shaped a lot of my tastes and interests in shows and writing -- to say they were formative is kind of an understatement. Don't want to go on and on about how much I loved them, that's not the point here.
I didn't care for Veilguard for pretty much all of the reasons people have already discussed at length on Reddit and Tumblr. The writing is comprehensively bad, the romances are easily the worst Bioware has written by pure virtue of having the most cookie-cutter pacing and shallow characterization I've seen across their games, the lore has been shafted in every direction, and the nuanced storytelling and roleplay I came to expect from the series has been taken out back and shot in the head.
All, apparently, in the name of a "clean slate". It seems to me that, rather than familiarizing himself with the existing lore of the game he took the creative reins on, Epler clearly had a vision for Dragon Age (or perhaps a different IP entirely) in his head that he decided to transplant into the game (and possibly Trick? But they've said so little beyond defending their work that I can hardly theorize what direction they were coming from). That being a sanitized, wildly self-contradicting, morally absolute shitshow focused on distancing itself from the previous games as much as possible. Now, I know it's unrealistic to blame one person entirely, and I don't blame him entirely. Corinne was there. Trick was there.
But if it wasn't already evident from the numerous interviews Epler's given on the game as well as his participation in the Q&A's (while the actual lead writer of the game has been completely absent in not just the marketing, but in most fan-related interaction pre and post-launch outside of BSKY), this AMA seems to have confirmed, more than anything else, that Epler doesn't understand the game nor does he understand its audience. Neither does Corinne Busche, who despite being Game Director for only the last two years of development, has been answering lore questions a) like she has any fucking clue and b) like she thinks Dragon Age is a cozy-gamer IP, meant to appeal to people that want uplifting stories with uncontroversial characters, morally upright heroes, and unquestionably evil villains.
So as of today's AMA, I think I've finally had enough. We're just outright retconning the lore in Reddit AMA's now, I guess. Among other things. I'll provide a few examples, just so we're all on the same page.
This was part of Epler's response to why Solas didn't have his cult following in the game (insert "We Kind of Forgot" meme here):
Solas' experience leading the rebellion against the Evanuris turned him against the idea of being a leader. You see it in the memories - the entire experience of being in charge ate at him and, ultimately, convinced him he needed to do this on his own. And his own motivations were very different from the motivations of those who wanted to follow him - he had no real regard for their lives or their goals. So at some point between Trespasser and DATV, he severed that connection with his 'followers' and went back to being a lone wolf.
The fact that this (the not caring bit) directly contradicts the writing in the actual game is absolutely INSANE to me, moreso than the lack of Solas's spy network (which he apparently carried with him for 10 years only to conveniently drop right before the ritual? Because he clearly had them research Rook?). But in regards to the not caring -- here's a line from Solas's memory of killing Mythal in Veilguard, which. I'll get to Mythal in a minute:
Why should I not tear down the Veil, and bring back immortality to all the elven people? They deserve it!
Which is it? Does Solas care about the people he's saving (the venn diagram of people he's saving vs. the people following him is surely a circle, i.e. elves) or not? Does he even care about the spirits trapped behind the Veil anymore or is it just convenient to abandon them and have him only care about elves, now? What happened to saving The People? What happened to him not identifying as an elf in his conversations with a Dalish Inquisitor? And what the absolute fuck happened to him wanting to bring back the magical marvels (that the ancient elves did in fact achieve) that were greater than anything we see in Thedas today? Here's what Epler has to say about elven magic, now:
I do agree that the elves have had their place in the sun at this point. [...] The thing about the Evanuris is that, ultimately, they were able to take a very specific type of magic and shape it into doing what they wanted. But even their understanding of magic was only skin deep [...] Even the magic that Tevinter wields, the magic of the Southern mages, is different from what the Evanuris used. The magic of the Evanuris is powerful but it's sterile, and it's constrained. So while the Evanuris have made magic work in a way that's more predictable and understandable, it's not the only kind of magic out there, and even then, I'd say they understood it at a very surface level. People were confidently describing how the natural world worked back in the 16th century. Very few of them were right.
First of all, Tevinter has been stated in previous games to have clumsily adapted ancient elven magic for their own, but they did adapt it. To the point where even Solas is surprised that Corypheus achieved effective immortality -- by binding himself to a dragon the same way the Evanuris did. So, cool, more contradicting the lore here. "They understood it at a very surface level" you mean when all of the magic of the Fade wasn't locked behind the Veil? You mean when magic flowed freely through the world? What do you mean, Surface Fucking Level? The entire point of the Dalish elf culture is what they lost; this wasn't the ancient elves thinking the sun revolved around the earth, the Veil was their fucking Library of Alexandria burning. Oh my god. I still cannot believe he said this.
And how have the elves had their day in the sun? I'm sorry, was Arlathan not given to... the Veil Jumpers? Instead of the Dalish? What happened to all the Dalish clans in the south, who had no infrastructure when the world was apparently blighted to hell? I guess they're just gone now! They've had their day! The story of the Dalish and the Evanuris is over (also confirmed in this AMA), and it apparently ends with the final snuff of the candle that is their culture. Congratulations, Chantry, you've won! Only took two genocides and a double blight, but we're done with the Dalish now! We get your mind-numbingly superficial factions instead!
What happened to Mythal, by the way? What happened to "She was betrayed as I was betrayed, as the world was betrayed! Mythal clawed and crawled her way through the ages to me, and I will see her avenged!" What happened to the reckoning that will shake the very heavens? John's answer to this:
People grow and change over time. Mythal's essence - and in particular, the fragment of her spirit that Morrigan carries, that she got from Flemeth - is not the same Mythal who he knew millennia ago. Centuries of living in this world and being around the kinds of people Flemeth found herself around - the Hero of Ferelden, Hawke, the Inquisitor - changed her views, and made her realize her own culpability in turning Solas into the kind of person he is now.
Oh, right, okay. So she was pissed for like a thousand years, got her big speech about the impending "reckoning" out 10 years ago, and then she just chilled out because the last 3 heroes were neat people. What a fucking joke. And yes, here is the confirmation that the Evanuris story is over --
The story of the Evanuris is done - the gods are dead (or imprisoned) and Thedas is in a state of flux and uncertainty. I imagine that whatever happens next is going to be a surprise to everyone, including the people of Thedas."
So I guess Mythal's reckoning is never coming. One of the most fascinating characters in the series, shrouded in mystery for those first 3 games, PROMISING US a blaze of glory, only to fizzle out in this one. Again, and I can't emphasize this enough, for Epler's clean fucking slate. And we've not just tied up her story, but also the Veil and the Blight:
When Solas bound himself (or, depending on your ending, was forcibly bound) to the Veil, it severed the connection that the Blight had to the waking world. The reality is that the Veil has been leaking ever since the Magisters first entered the Black City, and the dreams of the Titans gave it its terrible and awesome power. Now that the Veil is fully repaired, the Blight lacks that motive force, and being so close to the epicenter of that change has stripped the Blight in Minrathous of its vitality. It's calcified now - dead - and Bellara/Neve no longer suffer its effects. If they'd been anywhere else, further from that epicenter, it would've likely been different and they still would be looking for a cure.
So the Veil is permanently fixed now because our half-dead Dread Wolf bound himself to it (a decision I still don't understand) and that somehow fixed every single hole ever poked in it. Fully repaired. No more holes, no more "Veil is thin here" because tons of people died in the same spot, nope, we're washing our hands and leaving it (and the spirits) behind us because we've wrapped up both the series-long Veil storyline and the blight storyline in a big red bow.
And Epler tells us Solas not only bound himself to the Veil but fixed it entirely in one fell swoop, no ritual required, just a little slice to the hand. Again, all in the name of a clean slate, so any future installments or media centered around Thedas can turn away from this story.
Then there's this. What we can expect from future installments, I freaking guess. The aforementioned roleplay getting taken out back and shot:
Q: "What lead you to the decision to step away from active conversations with the companions as in previous Bioware games, where you can initiate them at any moment and ask exhaustive questions?"
John: "For us, because of tech limitations, it became a choice between exhaustive investigate conversations, or letting the companions move more freely around the Lighthouse. With the kind of experience we were going for, one where seeing the team grow around you is paramount, we felt that seeing them interact in common spaces (and in each other's rooms) made more sense."
Literally confirmed that they chose companions moving freely about the cabin over ... interacting with them outside the handful of cutscenes we got. Who in their right mind would think this was a good call in a Dragon Age game? A series that quite literally prides itself on complex character interactions and storytelling? So they could... sit in different places? Are you kidding me?
They don't see an issue with the game's reception. They don't have any interest in addressing or responding to criticism. They're either happy with their choices or EA's got a gun pointed at their heads, I'm honestly not sure anymore. I used to believe the latter was true, but looking at both Epler's and Busche's responses today, I'm inclined to believe the former.
So I think that's it for the series. Not that I thought it was going to get another game after this, but on the absolute off chance it did, what would be the point? The best stories were ruined. Anything left they have to tell is going to read a lot like Veilguard -- superficial, morally absolute, flagrantly disrespectful to the lore, and delivered in a very poorly written package.
1K notes · View notes
mostlysignssomeportents · 2 months ago
Text
MLMs are the mirror-world version of community organizing
Tumblr media
If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:
https://pluralistic.net/2025/02/05/power-of-positive-thinking/#the-socialism-of-fools
Tumblr media
In her unmissable 2023 book Doppelganger, Naomi Klein paints a picture of a "mirror world" of right wing and conspiratorial beliefs that are warped, false reflections of real crises:
https://pluralistic.net/2023/09/05/not-that-naomi/#if-the-naomi-be-klein-youre-doing-just-fine
For example, Qanon's obsession with "child trafficking" is a mirror-world version of the real crises of child poverty, child labor, border family separations and kids in cages. Anti-vax is the mirror-world version of the true story of the Sacklers and their fellow opioid barons making billions on Oxy and fent, with the collusion of corrupt FDA officials and a pliant bankruptcy court system. Xenophobic panic about "immigrants stealing jobs" is the mirror world version of the well-documented fact that big business shipped jobs to low-waged territories abroad, weakening US labor and smashing US unions. Cryptocurrency talk about "decentralization" is the mirror-world version of the decay of every industry (including tech) into a monopoly or a cartel.
Klein is at pains to point out that other political thinkers have described this phenomenon. Back in the 19th century, leftists called antisemitism "the socialism of fools." Socialism – the idea that working people are preyed upon by capital – is reflected in the warped mirror as "working people are preyed upon by international Jewish bankers."
The mirror world is a critical concept, because it shows that far right and conspiratorial beliefs are often uneasy neighbors with real, serious political movements. The swivel-eyed loons have a point, in other words:
https://locusmag.com/2023/05/commentary-cory-doctorow-the-swivel-eyed-loons-have-a-point/
Once you understand the mirror world, you start to realize that many right wing conspiracists could have been directed into productive movements, if only they'd understood that their problems were with systems, not sinister individuals (this is why Trump has ordered a purge of any federally funded research that contains the word "systemic"):
https://mamot.fr/@[email protected]/113943287435897828
This also explains why the "tropes" of right wing conspiratorialism sometimes echo left wing, radical thought. I once had a (genuinely unhinged) dialog with a self-described German "progressive" who told me that criticizing the finance industry as parasitic on the real economy was "structurally antisemitic." Nonsense like this is why Klein's "mirror world" is so important: unless you understand the mirror world, you can end up believing that "progressive" just means "defending anything the right hates."
Historian Erik Baker is the author of a new book, Make Your Own Job: How the Entrepreneurial Work Ethic Exhausted America, which has some very interesting things to say about the mirror world:
https://www.hup.harvard.edu/books/9780674293601
In a recent edition of the always-excellent Know Your Enemy podcast, the hosts interviewed Baker about the book, and the conversation turned to the subject of pyramid schemes, the "multilevel marketing systems" that are woven into so many religious, right-wing movements:
https://www.dissentmagazine.org/blog/know-your-enemy-the-entrepreneurial-ethic/
MLMs have it all: prosperity gospel ("God rewards virtue with wealth"), atomization ("you are an entrepreneur and everyone in your life is your potential customer"), and rabid anti-Communism ("solidarity is a trick to make you poorer").
The rise of the far right can't be separated from the history of MLMs. The modern MLM starts with Amway, a cultlike national scam that was founded by Jay Van Andel and Richard DeVos (father-in-law of Betsy DeVos).
Rank-and-file members of the Amway cult lived in dire poverty, convinced that their financial predicament was their own fault for not faithfully following the "sure-fire" Amway method for building a business. Andrea Pitzer's gripping memoir of growing up in an Amway household offers a glimpse of the human cost of the cult:
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/01/amway-america/681479/?gift=j9r7avb6p-KY8zdjhsiSZxYkntna5M_rYEv4707Zqqs
Amway – and MLMs like it – don't just bleed out their members by convincing them to buy mountains of useless crap they're supposed to sell to their families, while enriching the people at the top of the pyramid who sell it to them. The "toxic positivity" of multi-level marketing cults forces members deep into debt to pay for seminars and retreats where they are supposed to learn how to repair the personal defects that keep them from being "successful entrepreneurs." The topline of the cult isn't just getting rich selling stuff – they're making bank by selling false hope, literally, in Hilton ballrooms and convention centers across the country, where hearing an MLM scammer berate you for being a "bad entrepreneur" costs thousands of dollars.
Amway destroyed so many lives that Richard Nixon's FTC decided to investigate it. The investigation wasn't going well for Amway, which was facing an existential crisis that they were rescued from by Nixon's resignation. You see, Nixon's successor, Gerald Ford, was the former Congressman of Amway co-founder Jay Van Andel, who was also the head of the US Chamber of Commerce, the most powerful business lobbyist in America.
At Ford's direction, the FTC exonerated Amway of all wrongdoing. But it's even worse than that: Ford's FTC actually crafted a rule that differentiated legal pyramid schemes from illegal ones, based on Amway's destructive business practices. Under this new rule, any pyramid scheme that had the same structure as Amway was presumptively legal. Every MLM operating in America today is built on the Amway model, taking advantage of the FTC's Amway rule to operate in the open, without fear of legal repercussions.
MLMs prey on the poor and desperate: women, people of color, people in dying small towns and decaying rustbelt cities. It's not just that these people are desperate – it's that they only survive through networks of mutual aid. Poor women rely on other poor women to help with child care, marginalized people rely on one another for help with home maintenance, small loans, a place to crash after an eviction, or a place to park the RV you're living out of.
In other words, people who lack monetary capital must rely on social capital for survival. That's why MLMs target these people: an MLM is a system for destructively transforming social capital into monetary capital. MLMs exhort their members to mine their social relationships for "leads" and "customers" and to use the language of social solidarity ("women helping women") to wheedle, guilt, and arm-twist people from your mutual aid network into buying things they don't need and can't afford.
But it's worse, because what MLMs really sell is MLMs. The real purpose of an MLM sales call is to convince the "customer" to become an MLM salesperson, who owes you a share of every sale they make and is incentivized to buy stock they don't need (from you) in order to make quotas. And of course, their real job is to sign up other salespeople to work under them, and so on.
An MLM isn't just a pathogen, in other words – it's a contagion. When someone in your social support network gets the MLM disease, they don't just burn all their social ties with you and the people you rely on – they convince more people in your social group to do the same.
Which brings me back to the mirror world, and Erik Baker's conversation with the Know Your Enemy podcast. Baker starts to talk about who gets big into Amway: "people who already effectively lead by the force of their charisma and personality many other people in their lives. Right? Because you're able to sell to those people, and you're able to recruit those people. What are we talking about? Well, they're effectively recruiting organizers, people who have a natural capacity for organizing and then sending them out in the world to organize on behalf of Christian capitalism."
Listening to this, I was thunderstruck: MLM recruiters are the mirror world version of union organizers. In her memoir of growing up in Amway, Andrea Pitzer talks about how her mom would approach strangers and try to lead them through a kind of structured discussion:
Everywhere we went—the mall, state parks, grocery stores—she’d ask people whether they could use a little more money each month. “I’d love to set up a time to talk to you about an exciting business opportunity.” The words should have seemed suspect. Yet people almost always gave her their number. Her confidence and professionalism were reassuring, and her enthusiasm was electric, even, at first, to me. “What would you do with $1 million?” she’d ask, spinning me around the kitchen.
This kind of person, having this kind of dialog, is exactly how union organizers work. In A Collective Bargain, Jane McAlevey's classic book on labor organizing, she describes how she would seek out the charismatic, outgoing workers in a job-site, the natural leaders, and recruit them to help bring the other workers onboard:
https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/23/a-collective-bargain/
Organizer training focuses on how to have a "structured organizing conversation," which McAlevey described in a 2019 Jacobin article:
“If you had a magic wand and could change three things about life in America [or her town or city or school], what would you change?” The rest of your conversation needs to be anchored to her answers to that question.
https://jacobin.com/2019/11/thanksgiving-organizing-activism-friends-family-conversation-presidential-election
The MLM conversation and the union conversation have eerily similar structures, but the former is designed to commodify and destroy solidarity, and the latter is designed to reinforce and mobilize solidarity. Seen in this light, an MLM is a mirror world union, one that converts solidarity into misery and powerlessness instead of joy and strength.
The MLM movement doesn't just make men like Rich De Vos and Jay Van Andel into billionaires. MLM bosses are heavy funders of the right, a blank check for the Heritage Foundation. Trump is the MLM president, a grifter who grew up on the gospel of Norman Vincent Peale – a key figure in MLM cult dynamics – who tells his followers that wealth is a sign of virtue. Trump boasts about all the people he's ripped off, boasting about how getting away with cheating "makes me smart":
https://pluralistic.net/2024/12/04/its-not-a-lie/#its-a-premature-truth
The corollary is that being cheated means you're stupid. Caveat emptor, the motto of the cryptocurrency industry ("not your wallet, not your coins") that spent hundreds of millions to get Trump elected.
Tech has its own mirror world. The people who used tech to find fellow weirdos and make delightful and wonderful things are mirrored by the people who used tech to find fellow weirdos and call for fascism, ethnic cleansing, and concentration camps.
In Picks and Shovels, my next novel (Feb 17), I introduce readers to a fictitious 1980s religious computer sales cult called Fidelity Computing, run by an orthodox rabbi, a Catholic priest and a Mormon rabbi:
https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250865908/picksandshovels
Fidelity is a faith scam, a pyramid scheme that is parasitic upon the bonds of faith and fellowship. Martin Hench, the hero of the story – a hard-fighting high tech forensic accountant – goes to work for a competing business, Computing Freedom, run by three Fidelity ex-employees who have left their faiths and their employers to pursue a vision of computers that is about liberation, rather than control.
The women of Computing Freedom – a queer orthodox woman who's been kicked out of her family, a Mormon woman who's renounced the LDS over its opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment, and a nun who's left her order to throw in with the Liberation Theology movement – are all charismatic, energetic, inspirational organizers.
Because of course they are – that's why they were so good at selling computers for the Reverend Sirs who sit at the top of Fidelity Computing's pyramid scheme.
Hearing Baker's interview and reading Pitzer's memoir last week made it all click together for me. Not just that MLMs destroy social bonds, but that within every person who gets sucked into an MLM, there's a community organizer who could be building the bonds that MLMs destroy.
1K notes · View notes