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keresnotceres · 2 years ago

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TF 141: Civilian Lover

[sfw] cw(s): mentions of death/abduction.

sorry for leaving u guys hungry for like two weeks i have no excuse

Likely knew you before he was in the military, perhaps you were someone he went to school with or the two of you were coworkers at a part-time job. Otherwise, how you two managed to get close during his months away on deployment is a mystery.

Ghost keeps his life outside of work private, but you more so. He refused to tell anyone he had a partner until Price accidentally squeezed it out of him during a casual drink.

He worries about you more than you worry about him. He knows what he does, he knows there’s always the chance he won’t make it back to you. He’s only told you that he’s military, not that he goes on near suicide missions.

It likely takes him until a near-death experience, in which he truly thinks he’s not going to make it back to you, that he lets you know a bit more about his job. It’s not much, but he tells you who he works with and why his leaves aren’t as long as other military personnel may be.

Likes having dates at home. He doesn’t want to show you off in public in fear that being seen with him will get you killed or kidnapped to be used as leverage by an enemy. He likes watching movies he can relax during, such as shitty rom-coms, so that he can just admire you instead of having to pay attention to the movie.

Also loves cooking with you regardless of your skill level when it comes to cooking. It’s the level of intimacy that comes with trusting each other enough to be comfortable in the kitchen together that makes him melt a bit.

If you fell first, he absolutely fell harder. Is just absolutely smitten with you. Loves to dote on you and treat you like the most special person to ever exist. Will absolutely give you princess (or other equivalent) treatment just because he can.

Has like five pictures of you in his wallet and like five more hidden in his tactical gear. There’s no theme to them either, they’re just a collection of his favorite photos of you. There’s probably just so many in his room too.

Could probably be convinced to teach you how to handle a pistol. He likes the idea of showing off his own weaponry prowess and wants you to know how to protect yourself if it comes down to it.

Apprehensive to tell you what he does for work besides the military aspect. He’ll tell you he’s a sergeant in a Special Operations unit but you can’t get much else out of him. Has nightmares that he can’t explain to you due to the secrecy of his work and it makes him feel guilty.

At first he didn’t expect you to give him the same love he gave you due to the nature of his job, being away for so long and only being home for a few months (at best) at a time. He realized eventually that you live him despite the fact he’s gone for long periods of time and it made him all the more smitten with you.

Always makes a point to catch up with you when on leave. Likes to hear the gossip you’ve curated over the months, what new things happened at your own job: who quit, who got hired. The possibilities are endless. Sometimes he even comes in swinging with gossip of his own; a few recruits have had their names dragged through the mud.

Probably moved into the relationship very fast, didn’t even think about how his job could put a wedge between you two early on. Didn’t expect you to stay with him after his first deployment was over, but was so happy when you stayed.

Plans dates for you two to go on whenever he has downtime on base. He likes being cheesy about them, too. Always has flowers, always has a stupid one-liner at the ready, and always pays. He will not be convinced to let you pay.

Can and will gush about you to his friends and the other that members of the Task Force. Price is most willing to hear him talk about you and sometimes offers advice if Soap feels stuck, but Gaz is usually the easiest to talk to about relationships.

Please god let him take you shopping. It doesn’t matter if it’s clothes, shoes, or even grocery shopping. Let him take you. He is going to have the time of his life. Will compare prices like a grandmother — and will coupon like one too. Do not underestimate his shopping abilities.

Occasionally brings home trinkets for you that he found on missions. Be it a nice rock, a cool looking bullet casing, or a dead man’s knife; you better believe he is bringing it home for you to indulge in the crow instinct. Once brought you a cool ring he found in the dirt — it cost quite the pretty penny.

Writes you letters when deployed :( Literally writes pages upon pages of letters just so you can have more than just his clothes in the closet and pictures of him. He’ll talk about anything and everything he can do that you can know that he’s not dead and is waiting to come home to you.

You probably thought he was a father the first time you saw him, and that led you to believe he was married. But he is not either of those things until you’re ready!

Has thought about having a family, but doesn’t want to make you feel like you need to have a family to make him happy. He really just needs you to be happy and fulfilled.

Whenever he comes home, he makes a big show of it. Will spend three days just attached to you because he’s missed you too much to even think about letting you go. You will not convince him to leave you alone, he just wants to love you :(

Speaking of, when Price comes home from deployment he is immediately by your side doing domestic things. Yes, he does the cooking and yes he does the cleaning!! Takes care of you while he can and always makes sure you take care of yourself when he can’t.

Has definitely made comments about you to the boys, and has definitely gotten a lot of questions back. Whether it be Soap basically taunting him for information about you or Ghost asking how you’re doing, you’ve become quite the topic amongst the 141 (and you don’t even know it).

Has tried to tell you what he does for work but can’t bring himself to explain that he puts his life on the line for his job and that he could never come home one day. You understand the military can be dangerous, but you don’t know how dangerous his military career is. If you found out without him telling you, he’d definitely feel extremely guilty no matter your response.

#cod headcanons #cod mw2 #gaz x reader #john mactavish x reader #john price x reader #kyle garrick x reader #simon riley x reader #soap x reader #price x reader #ghost x reader #ghost mw2 #soap mw2 #gaz mw2 #price mw2 #cod x reader #mw2 x reader

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hystixia · 7 months ago

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-> WRITING COMMISSIONS <-

-> if you’re interested in supporting me in any way please read below for details and prices. reblogs are appreciated and any type of help or support are appreciated as well.

i never thought i’d have to do this but my living situation has gotten increasingly worse and i am facing being potentially homeless sooner rather than later. i don’t have a job due to no sort of transportation and any money i had originally saved up has been pocketed by my parents and i am unable to get back nor am i even allowed to touch the money i did rightfully earn. so i am reaching out in this way to make some sort of money to get by and survive at this point. any type of help is greatly appreciated and i thank you for even reading this at all. it means a lot :,)

-> PAYMENT METHODS <-

my cashapp is $hystixia

my paypal is @hystixia

cashapp & paypal are the only ways of sending payment at the moment. these are the only options for commissioning for now.

-> COMMISSION DETAILS <-

commissions will always be open. there are no slots or deadlines to meet to get a commission. feel free to get one whenever and if u want to!! if you’re interested in commissioning please read the details below and dm me!! dms are always open for any questions during the process as well so don’t be scared to ask abt anything to do with your commission! :)

will do: nsfw, sfw, dark content, long fics/oneshots, chapters ( for more info check below ) + potentially more. can be discussed in dms!!

$10 for 1k words, $20 for 2k words, etc. every thousand words is $10 basically. if it goes over the commissioned amount (example: you pay for 2k but it’s nearly 3k by the end of it) you will not be charged extra.

if you would like to see chapters for rampage come out sooner you can also send tips ranging from $5 or more to help out in small ways and also get more chapters way quicker!

payment is sent after discussing details and specifics + a rough short draft/snippet is shown to confirm that you’re satisfied with what you will receive in full. commissions may take anytime between a day to a couple weeks. like i mentioned before i’m struggling terribly right now and so its even harder to find time to write but i promise i will get any and all commissions out as as i possibly am able to!!

your commission will be posted on my tumblr & ao3 & quotev once finished. i own all rights to my works and do not allow nor consent to my works — commissioned or not — being reposted on any platform, copied, stolen or any other form of plagiarism. ur identity will remain anonymous when ur commission is published unless you want your identity to be public (example: “this was commissioned by hystixia!”)

if you commission anything that falls under suggestive content, nsfw or dark content you will have to send photo proof of your age via id. you can block out all information besides your birthdate. that’s all that i need to see to verify that you are a legal adult. if you cannot provide proof of being an adult then i will refuse to accept your commission.

once payment has been made and i have started working on your commission, there will be no refunds allowed. so please be positive you want to commission something and you’re happy with the draft i offer before paying.

i’m sure i’m probably missing some things as i’ve never had to do this and i’m sure this is terribly formatted and set up so i do apologize for the sloppy format :,) i do however appreciate all of you for all the support you’ve given me thus far and i am sorry for coming to u all in such a way. i never thought i’d be in this position but here we are. if you’ve read this far i thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking time to read through all of this. any type of help is appreciated whether its thru commissions, tips, reblogs or anything of the sort. i appreciate every single one of you for all you’ve given me :,) you truly have no idea the impact u’ve all left on my life since i first started writing fics on tumblr. i hope u all have a wonderful day/night wherever you are <3

#writing commissions #commissions open #emergency commissions #creepypasta x reader #jeff the killer x reader #i hate to put this in tags but.. exposure helps a lot :’)#jtk x reader #jeff the killer smut #creepypasta smut #my commissions

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doubleddenden · 1 year ago

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The topic of Palworld is pretty charged, but often times I see people be shamed for liking it because the CEO tweeted stuff about NFTs and the company using AI art in a separate game. Acting as if that's the most damning thing ever for a gaming company in an industry filled with similar people.

Make no mistake, I dislike both AI art and nfts, but do you realize how many gaming companies have involvement with that?

To begin with, Pokémon used AI art in a promotional piece for Pokémon Go in September, and nobody gave a shit because uwu Pikachu. The Pokémon Company also put a job listing some months back seeking an expert in NFTs. That's not quite damning evidence, but if I were a betting man, no "NFT expert" will willingly say "yeah nfts suck are bad for the environment, man, I'll take my paycheck and fuck off now." There's also a strong argument to be made that Pokémon has stolen ideas from fakemon artists (Finizen and Palafin, Scovillain, Dipplin, etc) and other franchises (kaiju movies, Dragon Quest, Megaman, final fantasy, western cartoons and food mascots, etc), a dubious legal statement that claims they own all fan art from the remixes and fakemon made on youtube to the pikachu your kid drew at breakfast; they have yet to apologize for the state of Scarlet and Violet while charging full price to millions of paying customers for a clearly unfinished and barely functioning game (which i did enjoy, but you can't tell me it was finished baking when it struggles not to shit itself just to run), and a bunch of other things people shit on Palworld for, but A. It's Pokémon so people don't care and think it's fine, and B. That's not the point of this post.

You know who else does NFTs and AI art? (Yes I heard Muscle Man from Regular Show in my head just now, too, moving along)

Square Enix sold several of their IPs for NFTs and claims to have used AI art "a minimum amount" in Foam Stars, yet I see nobody yelling for boycotts of Final Fantasy 14, 16, Kingdom Hearts, Dragon Quest, Life is Strange, etc etc etc.

Sony has invested in both, they want to implement AI into gaming, and has a patent for nfts to be used in games and consoles, yet there's no movement to throw out your playstations.

Bandai Namco- you know, that company with a hand in pretty much most anime games on the market and popular games such as the Dark Souls games? They have a game called RYU that's essentially a virtual pet game that uses the blockchain, and its AI driven, among other projects. Yet there's no outcry to stop playing the many, MANY games they brand with. This also includes quite a few Nintendo games (btw they just partnered together to form a special studio quite recently) like Smash Wii U/3ds and New Pokémon Snap. Nobody gives a shit though.

Android, Microsoft, Google, Apple- I don't even need to explain those, they have whole teams dedicated to both. Even popular VPN companies accept crypto.

I'm just saying an awful lot of you guys that scream and shit bloody murder about Palworld's company being involved with that shit are either the biggest "It's okay when my favs do it" type of hypocrites, or you're sorely ignorant to just how evil and greedy most corporations are. You'll be hard pressed to find a game company with popular AND fun games that DOESN'T have some interest in either, let alone movie and show studios. That's the awful reality we live in.

You have 2 options

1. You basically stop doing anything involving most modern tech, including throwing out your pc and smart phone. You could probably live a comfortable life with tech circa 2010, but you have to be aware that any thing you buy may go towards a cause you don't like.

2. You accept that people can enjoy a product while not necessarily agreeing with the CEO of said product. Most CEOs tend to be jackasses anyway, that's kind of the shared trait they all have. You can also discourage companies from using them while understanding it is everywhere.

Palworld at the end of the day is just a toy, that's it. From the looks of it, it's not even actually hurting anyone, and it seems like the company at least treats their employees pretty decently- at least according to a few things I've seen here and there that seems rather progressive for a Japanese studio (with room for doubt obviously, it's a company after all and as we've established, they're all evil). At the least its not like when people supported Hogwarts Legacy and directly put money into JKR's wallet so she can openly hurt more Trans women. In fact, the only people seemingly hurt in all of this Palworld drama are obsessed Pokémon stans that can't accept a parody, or the Pokémon Company themselves, who rightly deserve some punching up tbh.

You can just say you dislike the game, that's fine, I totally get that. Even though I personally think The Pokémon Company deserves a few nut shots after the way they've treated fans these last few years with the state of their games (and you know, stealing ideas from fans without credit), I can see why someone would be turned away from a parody that's literally meant to be Pokémon with guns. I can totally understand all of that, personally I'd prefer if the game was MORE like Pokémon with turn based combat.

But if you're going to defend Pokémon because you think its perfectly innocent because of Wooloo or something like that, just be sure you're aware you're defending the World's Richest Franchise and their own attempts at AI and NFTs while calling out an indie company (a real one thats learning as they go, not the fake "We're totally indie" franchise that hasn't been indie since gen 3) for having a ceo that also seems interested in the same stuff. And remember, you don't become number 1 without hurting people somehow (we could dig up receipts about certain partners Pokémon has teamed up with, such as Tencent with Unite, but I'd rather not right now.)

Just saying. I don't think you're an irredeemable person for still liking Pikachu, cuz I do too believe it or not. I've been a life long fan and still have fun with the games despite the clear scummy business practices towards their paying customers. Just maybe extend that courtesy to the millions of players just trying to have fun in this awful, putrid, shithole planet that just keeps getting worse and worse with each passing day.

Plus... you know, think about it. Do you think Pokémon would ever get around to making a gunless Palworld? Probably not. Do you think Palworld would exist if The Pokémon Company and Nintendo were the slightest bit chill about Pokémon fan projects like SEGA is with Sonic? Also probably not. From what I've read, the devs just wanted to make a fun game that happens to mostly be ARK with Pokémon adjacent monsters. That's not really a bad thing, all things considered, and it seems like the worst they've done is reference official Pokémon when making their own models.

Palworld being successful is actually beneficial to Pokémon fans, as well. It'll never really truly compete, but it has outsold Legends Arceus in terms of units sold (not as much financially because Palworld was only $30 plus a sale recently, but still impressive), and it is enough that Game Freak is aware of its existence. Let Palworld light a fire under their ass, and maybe GF will actually finish their next game before releasing it for full price (and no, we're not bringing up the tired imaginary ball and chain game devs, game freak owns 1/3rd lf the franchise and can easily take methods to get more dev time, they just haven't because money). Just saying, at least the Paldevs were honest enough to sell it in early access for half the price.

#palworld

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atlaswav · 1 year ago

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METAMORPHOSIS ☾

INFO: 2246 words, kafka x gn! reader SYNOPSIS: The threads of fate were never to be interpreted by the senses of mortals, and you pay the price. An extravagant cage, or a slave to destiny? You play your part like the puppet you learned to be, with Kafka serving as your lesson to maintain the realm between art and the artist. You, the Frankenstein's monster of fate's mistakes, and Kafka, the one who sees everlasting beauty in you. WARNINGS: uh nothing really except angst ig and REALLY FUCKING DENSE PROSE good luck reading allat bc i'm not reading what I wrote again LMFAO. this is gonna flop bc it's too complicated rip AUTHOR'S NOTE: NOT PROOFREAD BC ITS CURRENTLY 3:30AM AND IM DELIRIOUS. This was intended to be a weird character study but it turned self indulgent REAL quick i hate it sofuckingmuch YIPEEE!!! likes and reblogs are appreciated i'll give u a fat sloppy kiss.

Art governs the world, as Kafka says.

The world is governed by its artists. Formed by the hands of sculptors, decorated with grandeur by its musicians and dancers, yet art runs far deeper than these meticulous displays. Art is present in all. It allows life to be breathed into the mundane, allows men to understand their souls – the contours of their being, the purity and refinement of their essence. It allows for the soul to become honed as sharp and pedantic as one’s craft, etching the outline of an artist’s life.

Art allows man to discover and become familiar with themselves, and hence becomes a vehicle for all those yearning for greatness to have their wishes fulfilled. Thus, art is mistaken as a noble practice, each misshapen line of a paintbrush burdened with the virtue it cannot promise. Yet art may not be as noble as what meets the eye, with its breath shaping each whisper of life. As there is an art to all, there can only be balance. Shrouded with the curse of mortality and death, the act of stealing life becomes an art as well. Dark and taboo, but an art nonetheless.

Killing becomes an art, each spray of blood the artist’s signature, each cut, bruise and scar carrying the same reverberations as the splash of paint on a blank canvas. It could never be replicated, even if the artist’s eye was the most honed at their craft. Done right, killing could be beautiful, and death could be revered. It was a mantra for all she did – Kafka, the absurd devotee to all that was beautiful, perpetually in pursuit of beauty and purpose.

Beauty, she thought, was the hierophant of art in itself. Though this may present a causality dilemma in all art mirroring beauty and beauty ever present in art, she believed that beauty would reign triumphant. To her, it was a sanctimonious practice that would rule out of presence alone, but instead of interpreting the beauty of the world, she craved to find beauty for herself. Selfish to no end, but what were humans if not selfish?

Many thought she was mad. That her self imposed quest was futile, and she’d return tasting bitter disappointment sickly on her tongue. Her self imposed quest was woven into her being, the thread that perpetuated her fate and directed her to Elio. The thread that gloriously pulled her towards you.

Were you art, or the artist? Were you the creator, or the created? The all knowing maker or the grotesquely beautiful creation? She couldn’t tell. It was trivial. Did it matter? No, it didn’t. You were beautiful to her – the embodiment of all she believed to ring virtuous and true. Causality dilemma as you may be, you remained unshaken by the wiles of fate.

“How did Elio get you?” were her first words to you.

Composed of fragments of dreams and broken flesh, you appeared in front of her. Stricken by a plight of existence, but beautiful, still. A Frankenstein's monster of beauty and decay. “He didn’t.”

“What do you mean?”

“I came to him.”

Curiosity flashed in those eyes of honeyed wine. “What reason would someone like you have to enslave yourself to fate?”

In turn, you smiled at her. “Fate will tell, will it not?”

Fate strung its threads across your body in a pattern of knots so ravishingly complex. Your fate, ambiguous to all but Elio, it seemed, wrapped around you in the most tragic and delightful way, she couldn’t resist tangling herself with you; tracing her gloved hands along your bindings, losing herself in the rumination of possibility. The rumination that she once would’ve scoffed at for being so wishful.

You didn’t know what you did to her.

“Is it time already?” she rose from her position, glancing down at the unconscious man beside you, oblivious to your presence. Blade was barely conscious, drifting in and out of the hypnotic state Kafka had induced on him.

“Looks like it. Elio’s never wrong.” you reply.

“Are you nervous?”

“Why would I be? Did Elio mention anything about danger?”

Her laugh is musical. “The trailblazer hasn’t met you yet.”

“I’m excited to make their acquaintance, then, if they’re as interesting as you suggest.”

Kafka smiled, slipping through the doorway of the makeshift abode with a fleeting glance. Fleeting glances, furtive touches, whispered words. That’s what the thin bond stringing you together consisted of. Neither of you let the other linger for too long, so help the stain that you’d inevitably leave. You were the substance she wanted to get blissfully drunk on, yet you were far too beautiful to squander on such menial things. In turn, she was the overture that haunted your dreams, yet disappeared once the score came into view.

Some things were best left at a distance, the careful and prudent restriction promising preservation.

With a laugh to none but yourself, you followed her from a distance just beyond arm’s reach. You realised you would follow her to whatever end she led you to. You’d let her lead you to desolation, because you trusted she’d restore what she called your ‘beauty’ once again. You trusted her cunning eye – the eye of the artist – to watch you become derelict, and to salvage what could be saved from the shards of your remains.

The trailblazer had the same eyes that Kafka had – willful and shrewd – yet determination sat at the forefront instead of the tinge of deadly curiosity Kafka held.

“Who are you?” the trailblazer questioned, eyes flickering between the two of you. Two questions spent, one left.

“I used to be a knight of beauty.” a faint glimmer in her eye as she smiles towards you. “We worshipped Idrila, the Aeon of Beauty. We vowed to guard their beauty with the sword, but one day they suddenly disappeared.”

The trailblazer appeared to be conflicted, gaze darting back and forth between the two of you. “And you?”

“I am the interpreter of the cosmos.” Kafka’s amusement is undeniable. Her lie doesn’t escape you as you weave a web with the string she provided. Playing her game as intended. “The stars ordain their prophecy, and I interpret them into coherent events that mortals are able to comprehend.”

The trailblazer says nothing. The best lies are moulded from dregs of the truth, as she’d taught you.

“What’s your last question?” Kafka asks.

“What are you two?”

Very few times you’ve seen Kafka taken by surprise. The woman blinks.

“Kafka is an artist.” you respond in her stead as she scoffs at your answer.

“Then you are the wanderer above the sea of fog.”

Full of riddles, always. She could never give anyone a straight answer. Why would she? She was the artist, forever touched by the calamitous effect of your being.

“That doesn’t answer my question.” The trailblazer frowns.

Kafka laughs in delight. If you could store the sound in your heart, surviving from its pure, unbridled mirth, you would. “Everything leads to the answer eventually. There’s only the illusion of being lost.”

“Quit being cryptic.”

“The future is a labyrinth. Divergences are merely inducements. There is only one true path. You only have to know how to look.” A smile plays across her lips as she gestures towards you. “And I have my looking glass.”

—

If beauty was present in all art, you failed to find the art in deceit. Morally, its falsehoods nurtured the true nature of humankind, yet the guilt that followed in tandem with this practice ate away at the disposition like rotting flesh in the maw of a rabid beast.

Elio had revealed his plans to you – your script to act out – and you’d shied away in cowardice. Or could it be seen as self preservation? Where was the line between cowardice and preservation? Surely, you walked across it with fear of teetering to one side. There’d been no deceit on your part until this very moment, the illusion of what you’d had finally facing the denouement.

You so desperately wanted to continue living this beautiful farce with Kafka, but there were other plains written in the stars.

“Kafka?”

“I’m here.”

“Tell me a lie.”

“A lie?”

You frowned, gazing up at the stars. The infinite, perpetually changing stars that voiced their teachings to you with whispers unheard to ears but your own. If it was in Elio’s script, you’d play your part, no matter the height of the fall. Such was your deal with Elio – your shackles in exchange for an extravagant cage. “Yes.”

“Why would I do that?” she asks, leaning against the railing of the balcony. Another city, another task to fulfil via Elio’s requests. Did they ever end? It was a foolish question to ponder.

“Your lies are pretty. I could get blissfully drunk on them.” your eyes reflect the cosmos in them, and as Kafka leans in closer, you shut your eyes.

“What do you mean?”

You laugh, palm outstretched in front of you as if to gather the galaxy in your fist and force the fate of the world out of its grasp. “You lie so often that it’s the only constant I can find, anymore.”

She pauses. She’s sure you can feel her body tense beside you. “...Don’t tell me.”

“Lie to me, Kafka.” you close your eyes, leaning against her shoulder as the stars gaze down at you. She remains still.

“I can’t. Did Elio put you up to this?”

“Why not?” Your avoidance of her question only makes her even more wary.

“I’ll feel guilty.” she pouts, her light tone an attempt to alleviate the atmosphere, but you turn to face her completely.

“Kafka, I’m in love with you.”

Silence hung rigid in the air as the stars sang their lonely hymn, their finale of Orpheus and Eurydice. Kafka, the picture of stoicism – the unmoving sword in the stone – was torn. Her facade of cold, amused indifference had shattered, leaving a demeanour that betrayed her emotions, now written clear across her face. You turned away.

Two stars, born of the same nebula, yet suffering far different fates from one another. Your star burnt far too brightly, while hers shone with cold light that you relished in. Your star would soon wink out, your death a destruction unbeknownst and insignificant to many, yet cataclysmic for one.

Deceit was necessary, or so Elio had told you, for Kafka’s resolve to steel. For her to become the character he needed to execute his script.

So, you supposed, as there was an art in Kafka’s beautiful lies, there was beauty in deceit. A beauty of sacrifice to set Kafka’s beauty etched into time, while you burned away in the depths of history.

The wanderer above the sea of fog, and the artist that could only appraise its beauty. The two realms far too separate for the artist to reach out and stop the hand that tore the canvas with a blunt knife.

“Was that a lie?” Kafka asks, voice distant as the look in her eyes.

“I couldn’t lie to you.” the words spill out like a wound torn open. Rehearsed, and performed like the slave to destiny you became. It repulsed you. You wanted to rip your tongue out.

“You can’t do this.”

“I’m sorry.”

“You can’t do this.” she meets your eyes. Pleading, almost. The Kafka you know never pleads – but the thread between you is stretched taut, and the three fates lie in wait.

“Tell me a lie, please.” you step closer. She steps back, expression carefully blank. “Tell me you hate me. Tell me you despise the air I breathe. Tell me that the beauty that you see in me is unfading.”

“Stop.” her gloved hands rest on your shoulders. Delicate, as if you’re a statue that she sculpted herself.

“Kafka, please.”

“Enough.” She releases her hold, turning away from you. “Goodnight.”

The art must be separated from the artist, or so Elio had claimed. You were the grotesque creation, and she was the artist with unbridled curiosity. Your mere touch was poisonous to her, Elio claimed – he claimed many things, and you wanted to scream at him, to tear the tapestry of destiny apart with your bare hands, but he gave you a choice.

Though a life as destiny’s slave was demanding, life as an orchestrator of the most beautiful catastrophe sounded far more enticing – morbidly so.

Kafka was the artist in perpetual pursuit of all things beautiful, and you could think of no entity more beautiful than the tragic story of your own satirical tragedy.

Elio handed you the options, and you tugged at the thread lined with gold, cajoled with fables of love and artistry. The world fell silent around you as you stepped into the role of the artist, commanding the orchestra with a baton of bones. Cold, unfeeling. Such should be the shape of your soul, as your art demanded.

Art aids mankind in discovering the contours of their soul. Yours just so happened to be the missing star in the sky. A tale of destruction unknown to any other except the star burning blindingly bright beside you, mourning.

You, the monster of art, pressed too close to the artist, and now you were marked with lacerations none could erase. Kafka’s sword found its mark through your heart, and blood sprayed onto the floor in a flourish of red. The artist’s signature.

“I can’t lie to you anymore.”

And so the star burned brighter.

written by @atlaswav , published 17th of January 2024

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vantaesfairie · 2 years ago

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𝔭𝔦𝔠𝔨 𝔞 𝔠𝔞𝔯𝔡 : 𝔞𝔟𝔬𝔲𝔱 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔨𝔞𝔯𝔪𝔞 𝔬𝔫 𝔶𝔬𝔲𝔯 𝔡𝔢𝔰𝔦𝔯𝔢𝔡 𝔭𝔢𝔯𝔰𝔬𝔫

atlty’s tarot readings - dm for paid readings and prices!

for the easily butthurt people i’m not specifying or demonising any mental health disorder here. FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT ONLY.

choose a picture below:

pile 1: dancing girls around a bonfire

the main message i got was that ‘if they are working hard towards something, it will backfire or fail’. definitely their goals, even if they achieve them, will bring some sort of backlash to them. perhaps a hotheaded fight (could be verbal, physical...) too. and something about erect*ons possibly not working too (censorship bc of tumblr). their outspoken or blunt nature can cause them to amplify the negative effects of the karma on them. it feels very workplace, so they will get karma at work or in school if so. their passions and endeavours will not come to fruition the way that they may think it will. they will grow stubbornness and pessimism, and possibly overwork themselves in a bad way with no achievement at the end. expect something coming or going rapidly. either they will get out of a situation that they were barely in to begin with or they throw yourself into a situation head first without thinking things through. they rapidly advance making snap decisions which puts them at a disadvantage.

pile 2: candelabra girl dancing

yalls main message is ‘justice will be served’. something in their balance (could be work life, emotional balance) will turn off and cause an imbalance which will affect them. they will be attached to material physical things like appearance, s*x, etc that makes them forget and dismiss about the real things that make up a person, which is their relationships and opportunities that appear. they will start to have some silent self-image issues but not tell that to the world. they could face weight or health problems. they could start to be financially dependent on something / someone else. if they have wronged someone, they will definitely pay the consequences. the truth will come out. their main challenges are just materialism and financial difficulties ahead. if there is a legal battle, i’m feeling that they will lose it.

pile 3: lantern girls searching in water

your message is ‘they will lose everything’. (i’m not sure if this is everything everything, or just everything in the sense of what they find most precious in the world). their emotional maturity will decline, they won’t be able to open themselves to be friendly and to let people to get to know them. they will get triggered by the little things (in a bad way, unempathetic way). perhaps a creative block too if they are an artist in any way. they will be very deceptive, but people will realize their schemes. if they have cheated, this will come to light and bite them in the butt. if they were once this higher up who bird-fed those below them, the roles will be reversed. it feels to me like they will drop from the peak of what they thought they had to absolute nothingness, or a position that they feel is degrading. they may also start to cope with alcohol or some sort of binge. they’ll lose their cool, and get demoted.

im in a very petty mood right now if u couldnt tell from my tone BUT DONT SHOOT THE MESSENGER. TAROT READINGS ARE FOR FUN. I DID NOT CURSE NOBODY HERE AND IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY AB ME DEMONIZING PEOPLE shut your ass up

thank you for coming to my blog! please consider a paid reading or custom sigil. check out my masterlist for all my works. reblogs help!

#tarot #witchblr #witchcraft #tarotblr #deck #intutitive #intuition #pac #pick a pile #pick a card #astrology #divination #crystals #games #services #commissions open #cards #artist

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bardic-tales · 23 days ago

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In this post, I am going to explore and explain the rules behind the magic of the Mortal Realm (Prime Universe) in Fantasy Worlds Collide. Like all of the Realms of Existence (the Abyssal, Celestial, and Mortal Realms), it has its own unique system of magic that governs how spells work and what limits exist in this realm. I will try to break down how magic is structured and the key principles that dictate its use.

It should be able to seamlessly exist along side Final Fantasy 7’s magic system, which I will be exploring with Bianca in Blood & Stardust, as well as the other two novels.

What things can magic not do? What are the limits to magical power? How do magic users try to get around these limits?

In the Mortal Realm, magic cannot alter fundamental human experiences like free will, true love, or mortality. No spell or blessing can override a person’s intrinsic choices or their eventual death, as these are governed by divine laws. Additionally, magic is incapable of creating something from nothing; every action requires energy, materials, or spiritual resources. For instance, a Cleric may heal physical wounds, but they cannot reverse death or bring back a soul once it has moved on to the Celestial Realm. Similarly, Prophets can foresee possible futures, but they cannot definitively prevent prophesied events from occurring, as these are often bound by cosmic order.

Magic’s limits also extend to its dependence on celestial favor. Without divine intervention or permission, even the most devout Clerics and Knights cannot wield their abilities effectively. Humans have tried to circumvent these limitations by forming pacts with celestial beings or undergoing extensive rituals to enhance their spiritual reserves. However, such attempts often come at a high cost, like losing part of their humanity or incurring divine wrath. The Military Order of Divvik enforces strict discipline to ensure no member steps beyond acceptable bounds, as unchecked ambition can lead to corruption or catastrophic failure.

What is the price magic users must pay in order to be magic users — years of study, permanent celibacy, using up bits of their life or memory with each spell, etc.? Does anyone ever try to get around the price of magic?

The price of magic for humans in the Mortal Realm is steep and multifaceted. For Knights and Clerics, the cost includes years of grueling physical and spiritual training, beginning in early childhood and lasting well into their early adulthood. This training often isolates them from ordinary human experiences, like forming families or pursuing personal ambitions. Clerics face additional burdens, as their healing and crafting rituals deplete their spiritual reserves, leaving them physically exhausted and vulnerable. Prophets, on the other hand, endure an even harsher toll; their connection to the divine often shortens their lifespan and erodes their sanity, making their gift as much a curse as it is a blessing.

Despite these costs, some individuals try to bypass the natural limitations of their abilities. Rogue magic users occasionally attempt to siphon power from forbidden sources, such as demonic entities or dark artifacts. While this might grant them a temporary surge in power, the consequences are dire, often resulting in possession, madness, or eternal damnation. The Military Order of Divvik vigilantly monitors for such transgressions, knowing that even a single rogue user could tip the balance of the Mortal Realm into chaos.

Is there a difference between miracles and magic? If so, how are they distinguished?

Miracles and magic are fundamentally different in origin and purpose within the Mortal Realm. Magic, as wielded by Clerics and Knights, relies on disciplined training and the invocation of divine blessings to perform specific tasks. It operates within the laws of the universe, often requiring tangible components like holy artifacts or sacred chants. Miracles, however, are spontaneous acts of divine intervention, unbound by human effort or understanding. They occur when celestial beings directly intervene in the Mortal Realm to achieve a specific purpose, often altering reality in ways that magic cannot replicate. For example, a Cleric might heal a wounded Knight through ritual, poultices, salves, and prayer, channeling divine energy into the process. In contrast, a miracle might manifest as a sudden and complete restoration of the Knight’s health without any intermediary action. The distinction lies in intent and source; magic reflects humanity’s disciplined partnership with the divine, while miracles are rare gifts bestowed by celestial beings to affirm faith or fulfill a greater plan. Prophets often serve as witnesses to these events, further distinguishing them from the structured nature of magical practices.

Where does magic power come from: the gods, the “mana” of the world, the personal willpower of the magic user? Is magic an exhaustible resource? If a magic user must feed his spells with his own willpower, life-force, or sanity, what long-term effects will this have on the health and/or stability of the magic user? Do different races/species have different sources for their magic, or does everybody use the same one?

Magic in the Mortal Realm is drawn directly from the celestial planes, serving as a conduit between mortals and divine forces. This energy is granted sparingly and with purpose, ensuring that it cannot be squandered or misused. Unlike innate talents in other races, human magic is entirely dependent on this celestial connection, making it a finite and exhaustible resource. Knights and Clerics must regularly renew their spiritual strength through prayer, meditation, and adherence to divine will, while Prophets rely on their visions to replenish their link to the divine.

The toll of channeling celestial energy varies depending on the individual and their role. Knights, who rely on blessings imbued into their weapons, experience physical strain and require periods of rest. Clerics, on the other hand, deplete their life force and spiritual reserves with each act of healing or crafting. Over time, this leads to premature aging, physical frailty, and, in extreme cases, death. Prophets suffer the most profound effects, as their visions and connections to the dead gradually erode their sanity and physical health. Despite these costs, humanity’s reliance on celestial energy remains unwavering, as it is their primary defense against the demonic threats that plague the Mortal Realm.

How does a magic user tap his/her magic power? Does becoming a magic user require some rite of passage (investing one’s power in an object, being chosen by the gods, constructing or being given a permanent link to the source of power) or does it just happen naturally, as a gradual result of much study or as a part of growing up?

In the Mortal Realm, humans do not possess innate magical power in the same way as celestials or infernals. Instead, their abilities come from divine intervention or celestial blessings. The process of gaining access to these powers is not a natural evolution or result of personal study; rather, it is a rite of passage tied to their faith and service. Members of organizations such as the Military Order of Divvik undergo rigorous training and spiritual preparation to awaken and channel divine magic. Knights and Clerics, for example, are granted their abilities after proving their loyalty, discipline, and readiness to serve as protectors of humanity. This often involves sacred ceremonies where blessings are conferred, weapons are consecrated, or spiritual links to celestial beings are established.

For Prophets, the awakening of power is less structured and often more traumatic. Their gifts manifest as divine callings, typically marked by visions, signs, or inexplicable phenomena that draw the attention of the celestials. Unlike Knights and Clerics, Prophets do not undergo training to acquire their abilities; they are chosen by celestial beings based on destiny or divine will. This connection is deeply personal and comes with heavy burdens, including physical strain and a shortened lifespan.

What do you need to do to cast a spell — design an elaborate ritual, recite poetry, mix the right ingredients in a pot? Are there things like a staff, a wand, a familiar, a crystal ball, that are necessary to have before casting spells? If so, where and how do new wizards get these things? Do they make them, buy them from craftsmen, inherit them from their teachers, or order them from Wizardry Supplies, Inc.?

Spellcasting in the Mortal Realm is not a spontaneous or simple act for humans. For Knights and Clerics, rituals and preparation are essential. Clerics must gather and consecrate specific materials, such as herbs, oils, and sacred symbols, to create holy items or perform healing magic. They rely on prayer and meditation to channel divine energy, which must be directed with precision to avoid failure or harm. Knights, on the other hand, imbue their consecrated weapons with celestial blessings through rituals that often involve anointing the blade with holy water, inscribing sigils, or invoking divine names.

Prophets do not cast spells in the traditional sense. Instead, their abilities manifest through moments of divine inspiration, such as receiving visions or sensing hidden truths. These occurrences are spontaneous and beyond their conscious control, often leaving them physically drained or mentally fragmented. The tools required for their roles—such as relics to enhance clarity or protective talismans—are usually bestowed upon them by celestial beings or crafted by Clerics within the Order.

Is there a numerical limit to the number of wizards in the world? What is it? Why?

Yes, there is a strict limit to the number of human magic users in the Mortal Realm, dictated by divine will and the strain such abilities place on mortal forms. The celestials only grant power to individuals they deem essential for maintaining balance and protecting humanity from infernal threats. Organizations like the Military Order of Divvik carefully regulate the recruitment and induction of new members to ensure that the number of active Knights, Clerics, and Prophets remains sustainable. Prophets are especially rare, with no more than a handful existing at any given time due to the immense spiritual energy required to sustain their connection to the Celestial Realm.

This scarcity is further compounded by the physical and spiritual toll of wielding magic. Many human magic users, particularly Prophets, face shortened lifespans or are consumed by their duties before they can train successors. The celestials also intervene to prevent the misuse of power, ensuring that only those truly worthy are chosen. This selective process maintains the delicate balance between the divine and mortal realms, preventing widespread corruption or chaos.

Can two or more wizards combine their power to cast a stronger spell, or is magic done only by individuals? What makes one wizard more powerful than another — knowledge of more spells, ability to handle greater levels of power, having a more powerful god as patron, etc.?

Collaboration among magic users is possible but rare, requiring precise coordination and mutual trust. Clerics and Knights can combine their abilities during rituals or combat, with Clerics enhancing the potency of Knights’ weapons or creating barriers to protect their allies. However, Prophets typically operate alone, as their abilities are more suited to guiding and advising rather than direct intervention. The power of combined magic is significant but comes with risks, as even a slight misalignment in intent or execution can lead to disastrous consequences.

The strength of an individual magic user depends on several factors. For Knights, their combat prowess, discipline, and connection to consecrated artifacts determine their effectiveness. Clerics rely on their mastery of rituals, spiritual reserves, and ability to interpret divine will. Prophets draw strength from their connection to celestial beings and their ability to endure the mental and physical strain of their gifts. Ultimately, the depth of a magic user’s faith, their dedication to their divine mission, and the favor of celestial beings are what set the most powerful individuals apart.

Does practicing magic have any detrimental effect on the magic user (such as becoming addictive, fomenting insanity, or shortening life-span)? If so, is there any way to prevent these effects? Are the effects inevitable to all magic users, or do they affect only those with some sort of predisposition? Do they progress at the same rate in everyone? Are they universal in all species, or are some races (dwarves, elves, whoever) immune to these detrimental effects?

For humans, the use of magic is inherently dangerous and carries significant physical and spiritual risks. Magic, as channeled through divine or celestial sources, strains the mortal body and soul, which were not designed to handle such power. Over time, repeated use of magic depletes the user’s life force, accelerates aging, and can lead to debilitating conditions like chronic fatigue, muscle degeneration, and even organ failure. The mental toll is equally severe, with users often experiencing fragmented memories, paranoia, and eventual madness due to prolonged exposure to divine or otherworldly energies. These effects are universal among humans, regardless of their innate predisposition, as the mortal form is fundamentally incompatible with sustained magical use.

The progression of these effects varies based on the intensity and frequency of magic use. A Prophet who receives frequent visions is likely to deteriorate more quickly than a Cleric who uses healing spells sparingly. While some rituals, meditative practices, and holy artifacts can temporarily mitigate the strain, the effects cannot be completely prevented. Furthermore, the dangers of corruption by demonic forces add another layer of risk, with any misstep potentially leading to possession or irreversible madness. Unlike other races, humans lack the inherent resilience to magical backlash, making their reliance on celestial beings both a source of strength and a vulnerability.

How much is known about the laws of nature, physics, and magic? How much of what is commonly known is wrong (e.g., Aristotle’s ideas about human anatomy, which were wrong but accepted for centuries)?

In the Mortal Realm, humanity’s understanding of nature and physics is relatively advanced but often compartmentalized from their knowledge of magic. While early scientific achievements, such as those inspired by Aristotle and medieval scholastics, laid the groundwork for natural philosophy, much of what is "known" about magic remains shrouded in superstition, myth, and divine mystery. The Templar Knights and their orders possess some of the most accurate insights into the mechanics of magic due to their celestial affiliations. These insights are guarded closely, however, and the general populace often relies on fragmented or incorrect teachings passed down through oral tradition.

Common misunderstandings abound. Many believe that divine magic operates on faith alone, when, in reality, it requires a precise balance of spiritual focus and celestial alignment. The connection between magic and physics is poorly understood, with most humans failing to grasp that magical phenomena often obey complex, unseen rules similar to physical laws. Even within the ranks of the Templar Knights, debates persist about the exact nature of celestial blessings and whether they represent an extension of divine will or manipulation of an ethereal force that transcends mortal comprehension. As a result, magic remains a mixture of science, faith, and enigma, fostering both reverence and fear among those who encounter it.

What general varieties of magic are practiced (e.g., herbal potions, ritual magic, alchemical magic, demonology, necromancy, etc.)? Do any work better than others, or does only one variety actually work?

Among humans, magic is strictly categorized into divine arts, as mortals cannot access the elemental or infernal forms practiced by other beings. The three primary varieties include healing magic, used by Clerics to mend wounds and cure ailments; combat wards, employed by Knights to create barriers and holy sigils during battle; and prophetic magic, manifested through visions and truth discernment by Prophets. These practices are all derived from celestial intervention, meaning they are powered by divine blessings rather than innate talent or personal will.

Each variety of magic serves a specific purpose within human society and the Templar Knights. Healing magic is critical for maintaining the physical well-being of combatants, while combat wards provide tactical advantages on the battlefield. Prophetic magic, though rare, is the most influential, as it shapes the Order’s strategies and forewarns of demonic threats. None of these forms of magic are inherently superior, as their effectiveness depends on the practitioner’s skill, the clarity of their connection to the divine, and the context in which they are used. Rituals, holy artifacts, and strict adherence to celestial laws enhance their efficacy, while misuse or overreliance can lead to catastrophic consequences.

Are certain kinds of magic practiced solely or chiefly by one sex or the other? By one race or another? Is this because of inborn ability, natural preferences, or legislation?

In human society, the division of magical practices by sex is not dictated by biological ability but by cultural and organizational norms within the Templar Knights. Historically, male members have dominated martial roles, including the use of combat wards and blessed weaponry, as Knights are often selected for their physical prowess. Female members, on the other hand, are more frequently assigned to the roles of Clerics, emphasizing healing magic and spiritual support. This division stems from societal perceptions of gender roles rather than any intrinsic limitation, reflecting broader medieval traditions of valorizing male combatants while relegating women to caregiving positions.

That said, exceptions do exist, particularly among Prophets, where gender plays no role in the manifestation of abilities. Prophetic magic is granted by celestial beings based on spiritual resonance rather than physical characteristics. Furthermore, within certain sects of the Templar Knights, particularly the Knights of Saint Rose, women have risen to prominence in both martial and spiritual capacities, challenging traditional norms. These evolving dynamics suggest that while historical prejudices have shaped the distribution of magical roles, there is no inherent barrier preventing either sex from mastering any particular type of magic, provided they have the divine favor and training required.

In modern Templar society, the distinction between knights and clerics is not based on gender, but rather on the outcome of the final trial that each candidate must undergo. Both men and women are equally capable of becoming knights or clerics, depending on their ability to pass the trial, which tests their spiritual and magical strength. Those who succeed are inducted as knights, specializing in martial combat and offensive magic, while those who fail become clerics, focusing on healing and defensive magic. This system ensures that the distribution of roles is meritocratic, allowing individuals of any sex to pursue their chosen path based on skill and capability rather than cultural expectations. Consequently, the modern Templar order promotes a more inclusive and flexible approach to magic, with both sexes equally represented in both martial and clerical capacities, reflecting a shift away from traditional gender norms.

Does a magic user’s magical ability or power change over time — e.g., growing stronger or weaker during puberty, or with increasing age? Can a magic user “use up” all of his/her magic, thus ceasing to be a magic user? If this happens, what does the ex-magic user do — die, retire, take up teaching, go into a second career, start a freelance consulting business?

For humans connected to divine orders such as the Military Order of Divvik or the Knights of Saint Rose, magical ability does not naturally increase or decrease over time as a result of age or biological changes like puberty. Instead, their powers are directly tied to their connection with celestial beings. Training and devotion to their divine mission refine their ability to channel these powers, making them appear stronger as they gain experience. However, as they age, the strain of wielding celestial magic often begins to manifest in physical and mental wear, creating a natural limitation to their abilities. Unlike celestial beings, humans cannot sustain prolonged magical use without suffering repercussions, which becomes more evident as they grow older or face extensive combat.

Though humans cannot "use up" their magic in the traditional sense, overextension of their spiritual energy can lead to a permanent loss of their connection to the divine. When this happens, they often retire from active service, transitioning to roles like archivists, advisors, or spiritual mentors within the Order. For some, losing their magical abilities is emotionally devastating, as their sense of purpose is tied to their divine mission. Others might find fulfillment in roles that require less strain but still contribute to their organization’s goals.

Can the ability to do magic be lost? If so, how — overdoing it, “burning out,” brain damage due to fever or a blow, etc.?

The ability to channel celestial magic can indeed be lost under certain circumstances. Overexertion, failing divine tests, or succumbing to demonic corruption are common causes of this loss. Prolonged or reckless use of their spiritual reserves can cause burnout, severing their connection to celestial forces. Physical trauma, such as brain injuries or near-death experiences, can also disrupt this connection. In rare cases, human magic users who betray their divine mission may be stripped of their powers as a punishment from celestial beings, marking them as fallen.

Those who lose their magical abilities often face significant challenges. The loss is not merely physical; it is a spiritual and emotional wound that leaves many feeling adrift. Depending on their resilience, former magic users might devote themselves to scholarly pursuits, helping to preserve divine knowledge for future generations, or they may live out their days in quiet seclusion, haunted by their former glory. In some cases, the loss of magic can lead to despair, and without strong support systems, such individuals may succumb to bitterness or self-destructive tendencies.

Can the ability to work magic be taken away? If so, how and by whom?

Celestial beings wield the authority to revoke a human's ability to channel divine magic. This often occurs as a form of punishment for moral failings, betrayal of sacred oaths, or the deliberate misuse of their gifts. In such cases, the severing of their connection is immediate and absolute, leaving the individual vulnerable and powerless. Additionally, certain demonic curses or artifacts designed to corrupt divine magic can forcibly strip away a person’s abilities, although these methods are far more dangerous and often irreversible without celestial intervention.

The circumstances under which magic is taken away often have profound consequences for the individual. In organizations like the Military Order of Divvik, those who lose their abilities may be expelled or reassigned to less prestigious roles. The social stigma attached to such losses can be severe, especially if the individual is perceived as having failed in their divine mission. For those stripped of power as punishment, their lives often become a cautionary tale to others within the Order, serving as a reminder of the importance of humility, discipline, and unwavering faith.

#fantasy worlds collide #fwc: ff #bardic tales #bardic-tales #wb: magic and magicians #wb: rules of magic

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inventors-fair · 6 months ago

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The Best of the Rest: The Runners Up!

Our runners up this week are @bergdg, @horsecrash, and @izzet-always-r-versus-u!

@bergdg — The Lady of Crows

We've seen quite a few blink-focused creatures in this vein, but few are quite so specific as asking for permanents to specifically enter from exile. Restrictions breed creativity, though, and an army of Storm Crows is a good reward for going to the trouble. I am kind of curious about specifically using a Storm Crow token rather than just a Bird. It could be something as simple as just really wanting to name it "The Lady of Crows," but it's got me imagining any number of in-universe reasons, and I admit I'm quite fascinated. There's a point of awkwardness hanging off of this, though. The second ability being mandatory on a card that creates tokens means it's entirely possible you'll be forced to obliterate a poor, innocent Storm Crow, which just feels bad. A nontoken rider could be warranted here.

@horsecrash — The Kessig Stomper

That is a lot of ramp, immediately, and it's even untapped! That would normally have me concerned, but it's evidently been accounted for. Principally, ramp is always going to be less generally valuable the more expensive is. This card is also extremely specific to morph/disguise, an archetype that's extremely mana hungry and still very much appreciates a glut of lands in the midgame, which props up its opportunity cost in more general strategies quite a lot. And of course, restricting it to being flipped up means that, unlike something like Primeval Titan, it's much harder to cheat the cost. Plus, the name just tickles me. A beast big enough to be referred to as a "Stomper," and yet it's apparently stealthy enough to melt into the dense Kessig forest.

@izzet-always-r-versus-u — The Hand of Death

It may be in the same vein (heh), but Sanguine Bond this is not. Outright converting life gain into burn rather than simply accompanying it is a harsh price to pay for being cheaper and stapled onto an efficient body, for sure. However, the cheaper cost allows it to better tap into what Sanguine Bond was trying to do when it's not causing infinite comboes: life gain is almost universally more efficient than burn, because it's less valuable. Flip that, and suddenly you've got some extremely efficient burn spells for as long as this can remain on board. And that is more of a concern, being attached to a creature rather than an enchantment. Top that off with the fact that it's also a punisher card if anyone else gets any funny ideas about gaining life, and this is a scary strong card. It is a bit awkward that in a multiplayer game, any one opponent gaining life makes everyone die. That could feel pretty bad, and maybe asks for it to be changed to "target opponent."

That's about it. As alluded to a few weeks ago, I can't reasonably hold myself to a writing a full slate of commentary anymore, so I want to try an alternative.

For the rest of the day, I'll be on our Discord server (HERE for those of you not on it) taking requests for individual commentary. So, if your submission wasn't on here, but you'd really like to hear my opinion on it, hop on in!

See you there! —@spooky-bard

#mtg #magic the gathering #custom magic card #inventor's fair #commentary #runners up #the contest

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mitsurichan3s-art-corner · 11 months ago

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Mitsurichan3 commissions information & Terms of Services

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(please subject it as COMMISSION REQUEST - details).

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Payment is done in US dollars, through paypal or Ko-fi. I am flexible in terms of payment, with 100% of the commission amount paid upfront, 50% upfront-50% once completed, or discuss multiple payment plans on a case by case basis. I am unable to provide refunds at this current time, so please keep this in mind.

General information:

Thank you so much for taking time to read through my TOS and commission information. I am Diana, aged 25, and am currently unemployed. I am open to answer questions, discuss details and talk about pricing so feel free to reach out!

I am opening commissions in order to pay my monthly bills

Please do not ask for updates every few hours, I also have a personal life and things pop up last minute.

Later this fall I will be going back to university, so commissions will stay open to help pay the costs of graduate school as well.

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I can accept requests if you don’t have the adequate visual reference of your/the character that you want me to draw. Do your best to communicate effectively and I will meet you halfway. I will ask a lot of questions to better understand your request.

Picrew/ Character creator images (for ocs) are accepted, as long as you have another actual reference to pair it with: i.e. using the picrew to outline an outfit you want, or a change in hair/eye color. I will accept a Picrew/Character creator image if it's exactly what you want.

Thank you so much for reading! And thank you for considering me for a commission!

#artists on tumblr #signal boost #ask me for commissions!#commissions open #commissions #please help a sis out #reblogs are very much appreciated

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ari-the-arotistic · 9 months ago

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I AM FINALLY DOING COMMISSIONS FOR MY WRITING!

I've been wanting to do this for a while now, and I've just recently gotten into a place in my life where I can actually do it, so it starts now!

I will have 3 slots for commissions open at any given time. I might add more slots in the future if I think I can handle it, but for now I'm only doing 3 to avoid over working myself

For pricing, it will start at 20 USD for 1,000 words(+2 USD for every 100 words, so 1,100 = 22$, 1,500 = 30$, 2,000 = 40$ etc.) I will write no less then 1,000 words because life is expensive, and I need money for bills and groceries -w- To avoid overworking myself, I also won't write more than 10,000 words(for reference, the average novel is approximately 75,000 words). You can request a certain number of words for a set price, or you can let me write however many words is necessary for the prompt I've been given, and find out the end price once the product is finished.

How you will receive your commission can be discussed in DM's(please bear in mind that I'm a bit technology inept, and that I can't afford certain writing programs, so options for receiving commissions may be limited - I'm willing to at least experiment with certain programs if necessary :>)

I will write just about anything, but NSFW mustt be thoroughly discussed beforehand, and I might not accept NSFW commissions if I'm not comfortable with the prompt, or if you're bellow the age of 18. I'm also predominantly a queer writer, so some prompts for Straight romance/NSFW may not be accepted depending on how comfortable I am writing it

For payment, I currently have Chime( $Ari-the-Arotistic ), Cash App( https://cash.app/$AriKishibe ), and Venmo( https://venmo.com/u/Ari_Kishibe ). I may branch out to other places like Kofi or Patreon in the future, but for now, these are where I will be accepting payments. To avoid complications, I will not be accepting early payments. When the commission is finished, I will let you know so that you can pay, and then receive the commission right after. I will try my best to have each commission done within 2 weeks, but life gets busy sometimes, and I might not always finish a commission within that time. I will notify you if something comes up that will delay your commission.

DO NOT SELL OR PUBLISH MY WORK UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES!! If I find out that my work is being sold or published without my permission, even if credit is being given, I am fully prepared to take legal action. While you may be paying for the commission, it is still my intellectual property, and I do not want any commission work to be sold or published under any circumstances.

Thank you for reading through my commission rules! Don't be afraid to DM me or send me an ask if you have any questions! Ciao!

Commission Slot 1: Open

Commission Slot 2: Open

Commission Slot 3: Open

#my writing #writeblr #writing commissions

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saintmeghanmarkle · 9 months ago

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Harrys statement defending Meghan Markle has been deleted from Royal Website. Apparently it had made the King furious. HAHA by u/RoohsMama

Harry’s statement defending Meghan Markle has been deleted from Royal Website. Apparently it had made the King “furious.” HAHA Link: https://ift.tt/H5sLPnW https://archive.ph/jGwQYHarry’s statement in November 3016 condemning the press has been deleted from the Royal Family website. The URL no longer worked as early as December last year (not that I noticed). In Spare Harry had claimed that the statement made his father and brother “furious”, because allegedly it made them look as if they weren’t protecting their own wives. Originally the statement said, "The past week has seen a line crossed. His girlfriend, Meghan Markle, has been subject to a wave of abuse and harassment."Some of this has been very public—the smear on the front page of a national newspaper; the racial undertones of comment pieces; and the outright sexism and racism of social media trolls and web article comments.“Some of it has been hidden from the public—the nightly legal battles to keep defamatory stories out of papers; her mother having to struggle past photographers in order to get to her front door; the attempts of reporters and photographers to gain illegal entry to her home and the calls to police that followed; the substantial bribes offered by papers to her ex-boyfriend; the bombardment of nearly every friend, co-worker, and loved one in her life."Prince Harry is worried about Ms. Markle's safety and is deeply disappointed that he has not been able to protect her."It is not right that a few months into a relationship with him that Ms. Markle should be subjected to such a storm."He knows commentators will say this is 'the price she has to pay' and that 'this is all part of the game.' He strongly disagrees. This is not a game—it is her life and his."Personally I’m glad this somewhat dramatic statement has been removed. post link: https://ift.tt/3BVzXfU author: RoohsMama submitted: May 24, 2024 at 06:29PM via SaintMeghanMarkle on Reddit disclaimer: all views + opinions expressed by the author of this post, as well as any comments and reblogs, are solely the author's own; they do not necessarily reflect the views of the administrator of this Tumblr blog. For entertainment only.

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tothepointofinsanity · 8 months ago

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Hiii

I don't mean to like give unsolicited advice, but if you're having frequent nightmares I actually have experience with that. I tend to have nightmares in clumps- either I don't have dreams at all or I have nightmares daily, which can be really frustrating sometimes but you learn how to deal with it.

Heres what I found works for avoiding the big scare:

-Avoiding Spicy Food. Idk why but eating spicy food seems to make your brain more active at night whiiiich just leads to sum scary shenanigans

-Hot Milk. If your lactose intolerant or just don't like milk, tea works fine too, but something about Milk itself is very soothing especially mixed with honey. Knocks me right out.

-Meditation. Ik everyone says this one but lowkey i think it really does help. A troubled mind does lead to troubled dreams, and often times u get end to end nightmares if your dealing w stress or anxiety yk. Meditation rlly grounds a person and gets their brain used to being still again, altho there are lots of ways to achieve this even if u don't like meditating ygm

With all that said, I really really hope that ur nightmares come to an end soon ik it rlly sucks :/ WISHING U WELLLLL

Oh, hello sailor. ^_^ I’m flabbergasted that no one told me that the cultural diet and way of life that I’ve been living for the past…..entire life has apparently been contributing to the burden of my nightmares. Unfortunately I cannot part with spice as it would spiritually destroy me. I love being able to flex my spice tolerance and here I am paying the price of my hubris./lh

I actually do like drinking milk at night but I realised I only drink the refrigerated ones. Warm milk tastes strange. It seems like I’m doing everything within my power to do the opposite of what you recommended unintentionally. I do like to drink tea…as for meditation, I do believe it has its merits and I’m not so quick as to dismiss it considering a lot of my previous teachers have actually advised the same of me. Some even recommending yoga. Which only goes to show I may have Problems if the advice I keep getting is more or less the same. Meeting up with people actually effectively lessens my nightmares for whatever reason, which is why you’ll catch me mumbling about gallery dates any other alternate day. Anyways. I’ve observed my nightmares are only whenever I’m at home and never occur when I’m sleeping at the dormitory. Wonder if there’s anything up with that.

Nevertheless, I truly appreciate your concern and support. I think the truth is that I am actually just a troubled person with a troubled past and future and predisposed to having an ape brain that runs simulations on the most repulsive possibilities. Very common vein of possibilities in on itself. Person experiences bad things, their brain makes them remember it in different monstrous forms. Maybe I should really look into being medicated to calm my brain. Please take care as well…^^

#ASKS 💌

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sovonight · 1 year ago

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hi sovo ;u; I hope it's okay if I ask you a shop question! So um, I'm lower on money than I've ever been and I'm too burnt out to do commissions for ppl due to personal stuff, but I feel like... if I made one charm or one sticker for a particularly huge fandom/movie that's out right now, and if I put it up as preorder and sold at least 20 keychains then I'd be able to pay my bills this month. but I've never sold physical merch before and I'm a little nervous to try it haha :'D

Would you recommend I try making an Etsy since it seems to have a large enough audience, or do you think I should try making my own website/shop? I'm definitely not ready to consistently sell things as a steady job yet, I thought I'd try literally just one single keychain or one sticker sheet (I already learned how to make those, thankfully) in order to pay my rent this month bc I've only got about a hundred dollars to my name sdflkfssdf;; and if it goes well then maybe I can try it again.

I'm also not quite sure how to price things? if I made a 3.5 inch acrylic charm with the little star shaped keychains like from Vograce, do people normally price those at $15 when they sell them? should I also account for shipping? I've also umm never shipped merch before and I'm so worried about somehow messing it up sldfjsf like I don't know what kind of envelopes I have to get or if I should even use my own address bc I'm so nervous about my personal info being out there, but I don't know if it's worth paying for a PO box if I'm so low on money already. if you have any tips on anything whatsoever, I would appreciate any feedback if you're not busy. But if you don't want to answer please don't worry about it ;u; anyway thank you so much for reading this I really appreciate you! ❤

no prob! here are my thoughts:

pros/cons of etsy:

apparently if you're new to selling on etsy, there's a probationary period where etsy withholds your profits for 3 months. i don't know anything about it personally since it started in 2020, but it seems that funds are only released when your shipped orders are scanned at the post office. i think i also remember hearing about other cases where payments aren't released at all for 3 months--and etsy customer service has a reputation of being difficult to get a hold of if you have a problem as a seller, so if etsy made a mistake with your shop, it may take even more months to resolve. since you have preorders in mind, i would hold off on etsy unless you can pay out of pocket.

etsy can drive traffic towards your listing for you (if you choose the right keywords--it's more difficult to be discovered just randomly if you don't).

they have high fees (for a $15 charm they'd take $1.88 in fees, which is 12.5%).

people may be cautious to buy from a shop that has no reviews yet, but many customers are protected by etsy's purchase protection and can be refunded at no cost to you if their order gets lost in the mail (provided that you ship with a tracking number and meet other criteria).

etsy will strongly recommend that you offer free shipping; ignore them. i don't think i've ever bought fanmerch with free shipping in my life, and their advice isn't geared towards sellers like us.

preorders don't work very well with etsy's system--iirc you're not supposed to do them (even though people still do, of course) but the main reason i remember is that the max processing time etsy lets you set per product (as in, the time between the customer purchasing the listing and you shipping it out) is 6 weeks. that means that the time you allow for customers to place their preorders, the time it takes for you to order and receive the merch, and the time it takes for you to ship out orders, all need to add up a max of 6 weeks, which was personally a difficult timeline for me to meet when making keychains. ofc, it's possible to extend the processing time, but going over the processing time may make it possible for customers to leave reviews/open cases early before you're even ready to ship out their orders, which could affect the reputation of your shop.

pros/cons of not etsy:

if you're not going with etsy, i've heard people recommend bigcartel, since it doesn't require a subscription like shopify or other places do. bigcartel's free plan is limited, but it should work for what you're looking for. another alternative might be ko-fi--i've heard that ko-fi shops aren't ideal for shipping out a large amount of orders, but since you're targeting just 20 i think it should be manageable.

ofc, you'll have to drive all your traffic yourself, so consider if you have enough of a following in your target fandom, or how you should go about getting your post noticed by your target fandom.

unlike etsy, shipping isn't auto-calculated, so i'd probably set a flat rate (in the US i'd expect $5). flat rates might make calculating your taxes just a little bit more complicated; in california at least, you have to pay taxes on the difference between the shipping you charge your customers and the shipping you actually pay to the post office, so iirc you either refund the extra shipping to the customer or hand it all over in taxes.

pricing:

yes, the standard price for ~3" acrylic keychains is $15, though i've also seen people go up to $16 or $17, especially on etsy where the fees are high.

shipping should be a separate cost, either auto-calculated for you (if you're on etsy/shopify) or a flat rate that you set based on shipping rates for your country, so in the end a customer might pay $15 + $5 = $20 in total.

unless most of your prospective customers are international, i'd recommend against shipping internationally to avoid dealing with customs forms, especially since you already have a lot of info to take in.

you can ship everything in a regular bubble mailer, though if you're just shipping stickers not keychains, a flat envelope should work fine. when shipping packages, you'll need to know the weight of each package, but you can just go by an estimate. a 3" acrylic keychain weighs about 1 oz (it weighs less than that, but they don't accept decimals) so i just multiply based on how many keychains are in an order. for usps at least, shipping is the same rate up until 10 oz iirc, so you don't need to weigh it super accurately. you could also always just go into the post office and have them weigh and label everything for you.

po box:

if regular PO box rates in your area are too high, you can also consider using a virtual po box; they go for about $10 per month at their most basic plans. if you're not expecting to get any mail redirected back to you, you should be able to just buy a month's subscription when you're ready to ship things out.

words of caution:

you probably already know this, but large fandoms can often be oversaturated by merch, so just choosing a large fandom might not be enough to guarantee a sale--you might have to stand out by, say, choosing a character who's in demand but doesn't have much fanmerch, having a funny meme concept, or having such a unique/attractive style that people can't help but want your fanmerch in particular. if you haven't already, i'd recommend looking around the market and seeing what's out there and decide why a buyer should choose your merch over anyone else's. though honestly, depending on your fandom, it could also not be this serious and not warrant much research--it all depends!

even if the preorder process works out and you get the funds to place the order, the manufacturer could always mess up on your order, which could lead to delays in your fulfillment and at worst, more expenses if you need to pay to get them remade. if it's easier to get sticker sheets made (like if you make them yourself/locally instead of ordering from overseas) they might be a safer choice of merch to make. ofc, i don't generally see sticker sheets up for preorder so you'd probably have to order them out of pocket and hope they sell, and you'll probably have to sell more of them than you would of keychains to get the same amount of profit. i don't know the whole situation, so i can't say anything definite about the risks/rewards between choosing to sell keychains and choosing to sell stickers.

#sovo answers #hope this helps!

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frmartinshomiliesandreflections · 11 months ago

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10th March >> Fr. Martin's Homilies / Reflections on Today's Mass Readings (Inc. John 3:14-21) for the Fourth Sunday of Lent, Year B: ‘The light has come into the world’.

Fourth Sunday of Lent, Year B

Gospel (Except USA) John 3:14-21 God sent his Son so that through him the world might be saved.

Jesus said to Nicodemus:

‘The Son of Man must be lifted up as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him. Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost but may have eternal life. For God sent his Son into the world not to condemn the world, but so that through him the world might be saved. No one who believes in him will be condemned; but whoever refuses to believe is condemned already, because he has refused to believe in the name of God’s only Son. On these grounds is sentence pronounced: that though the light has come into the world men have shown they prefer darkness to the light because their deeds were evil. And indeed, everybody who does wrong hates the light and avoids it, for fear his actions should be exposed; but the man who lives by the truth comes out into the light, so that it may be plainly seen that what he does is done in God.’

Gospel (USA) John 3:14–21 God sent his Son so that the world might be saved through him.

Jesus said to Nicodemus: “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.

Homilies (6)

(i) Fourth Sunday of Lent

All of the great religions have a symbol that identifies it. The symbol of Judaism is the six pointed Star of David. The symbol of Islam is the crescent moon and star. The symbol of Hinduism is made up of three letters A, U and M. The symbol of Christianity is the cross. The cross speaks of crucifixion, a terrible form of death that the Roman Empire reserved for slaves and those considered a threat to public order. It is how Jesus was put to death.

When we look upon Jesus crucified, we can see what human beings are capable of doing to one another; we confront the sin that put Jesus on the cross. Jesus lifted up on the cross exposes the evil tendencies that resides in all of our hearts. Yet, when we as Christians look upon the cross, we see more than just the darkness of human nature. We also see the brightness of God’s nature. We see the love of God shining through the crucified Jesus. In the gospel reading, Jesus speaks of himself as the Son of Man who must be lifted up. Jesus had to be lifted up on the cross; it was the price he had to pay for remaining faithful to his mission of revealing God’s love for the world. As Jesus says elsewhere in this gospel of John, ‘No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends’. Jesus’ death on the cross revealed his greater love for us, a love that was faithful to us, even when it meant his death. The love that shone through Jesus as he hung from the cross was the love of God. On the cross Jesus was showing the world that God is love. In the words of today’s gospel reading, ‘God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son’. Jesus’ whole life, and especially his death, was a powerful expression of God’s love for the world and for each one of us personally. Saint Paul could say, and we can all say, ‘I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me’. Jesus was God’s greatest gift of love to the world and to each one of us personally.

Today’s gospel reading goes on to say that ‘God sent his Son into the world not to condemn the world’. There was and is much to condemn in the world. The crucifixion of Jesus, the continued slaughter of the innocents, is a witness to the power of sin in the world. Yet, Jesus did not come among us just to condemn what was wrong in us. God sent his Son into the world to reveal a love that was more powerful than sin or evil, so that we could all be raised up by this love. God sent his Son into the world to release a power of love that would enable us to become the people God desires us to be, what the second reading refers to as ‘God’s work of art, created in Christ Jesus to live the good life’. If we allow ourselves to be touched by God’s love given to us in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, we will begin to live fully human lives and we will enter into eternal life.

Saint Paul in the second reading stresses that God’s love present in Jesus is freely given to us. It does not have to be earned; it is not a reward for what we have done. As Paul says, ‘it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith�� not by anything you have done’. No matter who we are or what has happened to us in life, God is for us, God’s love is over us to recreate us, to lift us up from our sin, so that we can live loving lives that reflect God’s love for the world. God’s love poured out through his Son is a gift to be received rather than a reward to be earned. Receiving this gift can be a gradual process in our lives. When Jesus went to wash Peter’s feet, Peter said, ‘You shall never wash my feet’. Peter struggled to receive Jesus’ gift of his self-emptying love. There is something of Peter in all of us. Yet, Jesus would not take no for an answer, saying to Peter, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no share with me’. Peter had many flaws; he would soon deny Jesus publicly. Yet, Jesus insisted on washing Peter’s feet.

God’s love for us present in Jesus is unconditional, because God is love. One of the greatest challenges of faith is to allow God to be God, to allow God present in Jesus, our risen Lord, to bring me to experience his love for me in a very personal way. The light of God’s love never ceases to shine, but sometimes, in the words of the gospel reading, we can avoid this light. Our calling is to keep coming into God’s loving light. That will sometimes mean turning from whatever pockets of darkness are to be found in our lives. They need not come between us and the love of God because as Paul says in one of his letters, ‘nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord’.

And/Or

(ii) Fourth Sunday of Lent

A painting hung for many years on the wall of a dinning room in the Jesuit house on Lesson Street. No one paid much attention to it until one day someone with a keen eye spotted it and realized that this could be something of great value. He had it further investigated by art experts, and it turned out that this painting was the work of no less a person than the great Italian artist Caravaggio. The painting of the arrest of Jesus in the garden now hangs in the National Art Gallery, and it is one of the Gallery’s great treasures. All those years it hung in the dining room of Lesson Street it was no less a treasure, but its worth, its value, went unrecognized. It hung there waiting to be discovered, waiting for someone to recognize its true worth, its true value as a work of art.

In the second reading this morning, Paul states that ‘we are God’s work of art, created in Christ Jesus to live the good life’. Like the painting in Lesson Street, we can go unnoticed as a work of art, especially to ourselves. We don’t tend to think of ourselves as a work of art. Yet, as Paul reminds us in our second reading, God sees us as works of art. Like the person who spotted the painting in Lesson Street, God knows our true worth, our true value. As God said through the prophet Isaiah, ‘You are precious in my sight, and I love you’. We are as works of art to him, of great worth and value, precious in his sight.

We can probably think of people in our own lives that are as works of art to us. These are people we value greatly, people we treasure, whose worth to us is beyond price. Today is Mother’s day, and most of us think of our mothers in that way, whether they are still living or are with the Lord. When someone is a treasure to us, we don’t count the cost in their regard. We will do anything we can for them. We will travel long distances to see them; we will stay up half the night to be with them if they are ill; we will defend and protect them with all our passion when necessary. We keep faith in them; we are faithful to them, even when that makes great demands on us. How we relate to those we value and treasure is not determined so much by how they relate to us. Even if they do something that annoys us, we tend to make all kinds of allowances for them. We say something like, ‘that’s just the way he is, she is’. Their worth in our eyes, their value to us, is rooted in something deeper than what they do or fail to do. We value them, simply, for who they are.

Our experience of how we relate to those we value, and of how people who value us relate to us, gives us a glimpse of how the Lord relates to us. God loves us in a way that does not count the cost. The gospel reading today expresses that truth very simply: ‘God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son’. God sent us his Son out of love for us and that sending became a giving when his Son was put to death on a cross. Here was a love that did not count the cost, a sending that became a giving when that was called for. As Paul says in the second reading, ‘God loved us so much that he was generous with his mercy’. We are of such value in God’s eyes that God did not spare his own Son, but gave him up to benefit us all. It is not surprising that the cross has become the dominant symbol of Christianity. This is not because we glorify suffering in any way, but because we recognise that the cross is a powerful sign of how much God values us, how precious we are in God’s sight, the extent to which God is prepared to go to express love for us.

Our love for those we value is bestowed on them for who they are more than for what they do. The same is true of God’s love for us in Christ. It is pure gift. As Paul says in the second reading, ‘it is not based on anything you have done’. Some of us find it difficult to really believe that. We find ourselves asking, ‘how I done enough?’ Yet, when it comes to someone in our lives whom we know truly loves us, we would rarely ask that question of them. Why should we ask it of God, when even the greatest of human love is only gives us a glimpse of God’s love? God loves us for who we are, people made in his image, and, therefore, works of art.

What is asked of us in relation to God is that we receive God’s love, or in the words of the gospel reading today, that we come into the light. The light of God’s love falls upon us, but we can hide from it. Children fear the darkness very often. But as adults we often fear the light, because we suspect that the light will expose us in some way. Yet, the light of God is not a harsh light, the kind of light that is trained on a suspect in an interrogation room. It is a strong, yet warm, light that brings healing and generates new life. It is an empowering light that enables us to ‘live the good life’, as Paul says in the second reading. We pray that, as the hours of day light increase in these days, the life-giving light of God’s love would renew us and fill us with a desire to serve him.

And/Or

(iii) Fourth Sunday of Lent

Children are often afraid of the dark, as the parents here in the church will know. A dim light is sometimes left on while children sleep, so that if they wake up it is not in pitch darkness. Many of us as adults find total darkness disconcerting too. Those of us who live in cities never really experience total darkness. It is different out in the country away from villages, towns and cities. I remember going on a holiday as a young person to the Arran Islands and being struck by just how dark it was at night. There was very little in the way of artificial light to dispel the darkness. The experience of near total darkness after night fell was disconcerting.

Although most of us would claim to prefer light to darkness, in today’s gospel reading Jesus declares that some people ‘have shown they prefer darkness to the light because their deeds were evil’. Most crime is committed during the hours of darkness. Those who are intent on doing wrong are drawn to darkness because it provides them with cover. As today’s gospel states: ‘Everyone who does wrong hates the light and avoids it, for fear his actions should be exposed’. One of the many security measures that have become popular in recent years is an array of bright lights that come on at night whenever anyone steps into an area that is out of bounds. Light is considered, with good reason, to be a deterrent to the person who is intent on committing crime. Indeed, there is a sense in which we all fear too much light just as we do too much darkness. Many of us prefer to stay in the background, in the shadows; we don’t like the spotlight being shone on us. We all have secrets that we would wish to remain in darkness, away from the bright lights that human curiosity and inquiry might like to shine on them. There are aspects of our lives that we would prefer to remain in darkness because we are not sure how people might respond to us if a bright light were to be shone on them. We only bring our deepest selves out into the light in the presence of those we really trust.

The gospel of John frequently refers to Jesus as light. On one occasion, Jesus says of himself: ‘I am the light of the world’. In today’s gospel reading, Jesus says with reference to himself: ‘Light has come into the world’. The gospel reading also declares that the light that has come into the world in the person of Jesus is the light of God’s love. In one of the most memorable statements of the New Testament, the gospel reading declares, ‘God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him… may have eternal life’. The light of Jesus is not the probing light of the grand inquisitor that seeks out failure and transgression with a view to condemnation. Indeed, the gospel reading states that God ‘sent his Son into the world not to condemn the world’. The light of Jesus, rather, is the inviting light of God’s love, calling out to us to come and to allow ourselves to be bathed in this light, and promising those who do so that they will share in God’s own life, both here and now and also beyond death.

At the beginning of today’s gospel reading, Jesus speaks of himself as the Son of Man who must be lifted up. It was on the cross that Jesus was lifted up, and it was above all at that moment that the light of God’s love shone most brightly. It is a paradox that those who attempted to extinguish God’s light shining in Jesus only succeeded in making that light of love shine all the more brightly. God’s gift of his Son to us was not in any way thwarted by the rejection of his Son. God’s giving continued as Jesus was lifted up to die, and God’s giving found further expression when God raised his Son from the dead and gave him to us as risen Lord. Here indeed is a light that darkness cannot overcome, a love that human sin cannot extinguish. This is the core of the gospel. This is why the fourth Sunday of Lent is known as Guadete Sunday, Rejoice Sunday.

When we are going through a difficult experience and darkness seems to envelope us, it can be tempting to think that we will never see the light again. This is the mood that is captured in today’s responsorial psalm: ‘By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat and wept’. Today’s readings assure us that there is a light that shines in the darkness and that the darkness will not overcome, a light that heals and restores, in the words of today’s second reading, a light that brings us to life with Christ and raises us up with him. It shines in a special way whenever we celebrate the Eucharist. As we gather around the table of the word and the table of the Eucharist, the light of God’s love revealed in the death and resurrection of Jesus shines upon whatever darkness we may be struggling with in our lives.

And/Or

(iv) Fourth Sunday of Lent

We have become very aware in recent weeks of how much longer the days are getting. We are half way through the month of March and already it is bright up until after six o’clock. We have even brighter days to look forward to, especially as the clock goes forward next weekend. The brighter evenings brings everybody out. With the increase in light, there is also an increase in growth. The first blossoms of spring have already come out. Nature is coming to life after a time of hibernation.

The gospel reading this morning is in keeping with what is happening in nature. It declares that ‘light has come into the world’. The light there is a reference to the light of God that has come into the world through Jesus. Both the second reading and the gospel reading make clear that the light of God is the light of love. The second reading declares that God loved us with so much love that he was generous with his mercy; it speaks of God’s goodness towards us in Christ, the infiniteness richness of God’s grace in Christ. The gospel reading declares that God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son. In the light that Jesus brings from God we find mercy, compassion, great love, kindness, infinite grace. Sometimes we don’t like too much light. There is a certain kind of light that can expose us mercilessly, like the light of the interrogator’s lamp. However, Jesus brings a light that need hold no fear for us; it is a divine light that lifts us up, just as the Son of Man was lifted up, in the words of the gospel reading. Here is a light that assures us of our worth and that helps us to see the goodness that is within us and the good that we are capable of doing. It is a light that, in the words of the second reading, allows us to recognize that ‘we are God’s work of art, created in Christ Jesus to live a good life’. It is the light of a love that shines upon us regardless of what we have done or failed to do. As the first reading reminds us, God’s grace, God’s love, comes to us not on the basis of anything we have done. It is not something we earn by our efforts; it comes to us as a pure gift. When God gave his Son to the world, did not ask whether the world was worthy of his Son or whether the world was ready for his Son. Even when the world crucified God’s Son, God did not take back his Son from the world. Rather, God continued to give his Son to the world, raising him from the dead and sending him back into the world through the Holy Spirit, through the church. Here is a light that shines in the darkness and that the darkness cannot overcome, in the words of the gospel of John.

We all long for that kind of light, a light that is strong and enduring, a light that can be found at the heart of darkness and that is more resilient than darkness. We have all experienced darkness in one shape or form. It may be the darkness of sickness, or of the death of a loved one or the darkness of failure; we may struggle from time to time with the darkness of depression, with those dark demons that tell us that we are worthless and that life is not worth living. Something of that darkness of spirit finds expression in today’s responsorial psalm. It was composed from the darkness of exile in Babylon. ‘By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat and wept, remembering Zion’. We may have known our own experiences of exile in its various forms, times when we felt cut off from what gives meaning and purpose to our lives. The readings this morning assure us that in all those forms of darkness, a light shines - the light of God’s enduring love that is constantly at work in our lives so that we may have life and have it to the full. In the words of the gospel reading again, ‘God gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him... may have eternal life’.

Even though this wonderful light has come into the world and wants to shine upon us all, we can be reluctant to step into that light, and allow it to shine upon us. In the words of the gospel reading, ‘though the light has come into the world, people have shown that they prefer darkness to the light’. This is the mysterious capacity of human freedom to reject the light, to turn away from a faultless love and a boundless mercy. Yet, our coming to the light is often a gradual process; it can happen slowly, at our own pace. The Lord is always prepared to wait on us; he waits for our free response. We are not used to a love that is as generous, as merciful, as rich in grace and goodness as God’s love; it takes us time to receive it, to believe in it, to embrace it. Receiving God’s love and then living out of that gift is the calling and task of a life time.

And/Or

(v) Fourth Sunday of Lent

My father loved fresh air. The bull wall was one of his favourite places. Like many men of his generation, he was a smoker and, sometimes, his breathing became a struggle. He loved to get out in the open where there was a good wind blowing that could fill his lungs. My mother was much less keen on fresh air, especially of the windy variety. It tended to leave her hair in what she considered a mess. After having experienced an abundance of fresh air at my father’s prompting, she was often heard to say, ‘I’m like the wreck of the Hesperus’. As children we were mystified as to what the ‘wreck of the Hesperus’ was. It was only many years later I discovered it was the name of a rather tragic poem about a shipwreck in a storm by the American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, published in 1842. However, as children, we knew that when our mother came out with this expression it meant that she didn’t like the look of herself. In those moments, Saint Paul’s statement at the end of today’s second reading wouldn’t have cut much ice with her, ‘We are God’s work of art’.

Perhaps, we all find it difficult to really believe that we are God’s work of art. We admire the workmanship of great artists, like Michelangelo, Raphael, Caravaggio, and we recognize their creations as works of art. Many of these great artists were people of faith who were very aware that their ability to create works of art was a gift from God. They understood that God was the supreme artist, and they sensed that they were sharing in God’s creative power. Every new born child is God’s work of art, because they are an image and reflection of God, the supreme artist. In that sense, we are each God’s work of art. Just as a work of art can deteriorate over time and need cleaning and restoration, so, as we go through life, we do not always give full expression to our inner identity as God’s work of art. In that second reading, Saint Paul says that ‘we are God’s work of art, created in Christ Jesus to live the good life’. We don’t always live the good life that does justice to God’s work of art that we are.

Yet, what we do or fail to do does not fundamentally undermine who we are as people made in the image and likeness of the great Artist. Indeed, not only have we been created as human beings in the image of God, but that identity has been enhanced through God’s sending of his Son into the world and our communion with God’s Son through baptism and faith. Jesus was the perfect image and likeness of God. He was God’s greatest work of art. The closer we come to Jesus, the more he lives in and through us, the more we will grow into our true identity as God’s image and likeness, God’s work of art. We could imagine Jesus as the great restorer of God’s work of art, humanity. As Saint Paul says in that second reading, ‘when we were dead through our sins, he (God) brought us to life with Christ’. Through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, God recreates us in his image and likeness, restores our identity as his work of art. Having created us out of love, God recreated us, restored us, out of love. That is the core message of today’s readings. The gospel reading declares that ‘God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son’. God’s renewing love embraces the world, all of humanity who have been made in his image and likeness, and, indeed, all of creation. Paul in the second reading states that God’s ‘goodness towards us in Christ Jesus’ shows ‘how infinitely rich he is in grace’. Paul goes on to remind us that God’s loving initiative towards us through his Son is pure gift; it is not a response to anything we have done, as if we had to build up credit with God first.

We are all aware of the good we have failed to do and the wrong we have done. As a result, we can be prone to condemning ourselves, and others can look in judgement upon us. Yet, God is not primarily in the business of condemning. In the words of the gospel reading, ‘God sent his Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but so that through him, the world might be saved’, might have life and have it to the full. The eyes of love always see goodness and beauty in the beloved even though he or she may leave a lot to be desired. Those we love deeply remain works of art to us, even though our shared journey may have had many ups and downs. God’s love for us, revealed in his Son, is infinitely greater than any human love. God continues to see us as his works of art, even though our lives may be tainted by sin. He continually gives us the gift of his Son and of the Holy Spirit so that can grow into that work of art more fully. All God of asks of us is that we keep opening our hearts to that gift of his Son, that we keep coming out into the light, in the words of today’s gospel reading.

And/Or

(vi) Fourth Sunday of Lent

A painting hung for many years on a dinning room wall in the Jesuit house on Lesson Street. No one paid much attention to it until one day someone with a keen eye realized that this could be something of great value. It was further investigated by art experts, and it turned out that this painting was the work of the great Italian artist Caravaggio. The painting of the arrest of Jesus is now hangs one of the National Gallery’s great treasures. All those years it hung in the dining room of Lesson Street it was no less a treasure, but its value went unrecognized. It hung there waiting to be discovered, waiting for someone to recognize its true value as a work of art.

According to the particular translation of the letter to the Ephesians we read from this evening, we are all ‘God’s work of art, created in Christ Jesus to live the good life’. We don’t tend to think of ourselves as works of art. Yet, like the person who spotted the painting in Lesson Street, God knows our true worth, our true value. We are works of art to God; we are of great worth and value in God’s sight.

We can all think of people in our own lives whom we value greatly, whose worth to us is beyond price, because to us they are works of art. Today is Mother’s day, and most of us think of our mothers in that way, whether they are still living or are with the Lord. When someone is a treasure to us, we don’t count the cost in their regard. We will do anything we can for them. We will travel long distances to see them; we will stay up half the night to be with them if they are ill; we will protect them with all our passion when necessary. How we relate to those we value and treasure is not determined so much by how they relate to us. Even if they do something that annoys us, we tend to make all kinds of allowances for them. We say something like, ‘that’s just the way he/she is’. Their worth in our eyes is rooted in something deeper than what they do or fail to do. We value them, simply, for who they are.

Our experience of how we relate to those we value, and of how people who value us relate to us, gives us a glimpse of how God relates to us. God loves us in a way that does not count the cost. The gospel reading today expresses that truth very simply: ‘God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son’. God sent his Son out of love for us and that sending became a giving when his Son was put to death on a cross. Here was a love that did not count the cost, a sending that became a costly giving when that was called for. As Paul says in the second reading, ‘God loved us so much that he was generous with his mercy’. We are of such value in God’s eyes that God did not spare his own Son, but gave him up to benefit us all. It is not surprising that the cross has become the dominant symbol of Christianity. This is not because we glorify suffering in any way, but because we recognise that the cross is a powerful sign of how much God values us, how precious we are in God’s sight; it shows the extent to which God is prepared to go to express love for us.

Our love for those we value is bestowed on them for who they are more than for what they do. The same is true of God’s love for us in Christ. As Paul says in the second reading, ‘it is not based on anything you have done’. Some of us find it difficult to really believe that. We find ourselves asking, ‘how I done enough?’ Yet, when it comes to someone in our lives whom we know truly loves us, we would never think of asking them, ‘Have I done enough?’ Why should we ask such a question of God, when even the greatest of human love is only gives us a glimpse of God’s love? God loves us for who we are, people made in the image of God’s Son, and, to that extent, works of art.

What God asks of us is that we receive God’s love revealed and made present in Christ, or, in the words of the gospel reading today, that we come into the light. The light of God’s love falls upon us, but we can hide from it. Children fear the darkness very often. But as adults we often fear the light, because we suspect that the light will expose us in some way. Yet, the light of God is not a harsh light, the kind of light that is trained on a suspect in an interrogation room. It is a strong, yet warm, light that brings healing and generates new life. It is an empowering light that enables us to ‘live the good life’, as Paul says in the second reading, ‘to do good works’. As the hours of day light are increasing in these days, we pray that the life-giving light of God’s love would renew us and fill us with a new desire to serve him.

Fr. Martin Hogan.

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