#urban arcana

[mooreaux]

Top four are discarded concepts and the bottom is the final design of my new dnd character, Gloria Wilde! It took forever to get her to look how I wanted but we finally got there lol.

[variantofnick]

Hank Harper. Monster hunter. Character art for a PC in a 5E D20 Modern Urban Arcane game.

[torpublishinggroup]

“A powerful fantasy with sharp teeth." —Marie Lu, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Skyhunter

Honesty was the best misdirection of all. It often pleased him to wield it like one of his little friends, gleaming blades and bone handles distracting the prey before biting to drink deep, remaining pristine no matter how much gore was splashed.

“Grab your popcorn and settle in for a scintillating ride!” —Jacqueline Carey

THE DEAD GOD’S HEART duology is American Gods vs. Baba Yaga in a contemporary fantasy from #1 New York Times bestseller Lilith Saintcrow.

Order Book 1, Spring’s Arcana, and Book 2, The Salt-Black Tree, now!

[bekah-reading]

44/50

2/5

A modern, urban fantasy retelling of Baba Yaga? Yes. A love interest that’s like Dean Winchester? Yes, please.

That’s what I signed up for in this duology. I really liked the summary and the marketing and I was really looking forward to it. I was hoping so much to get a bit of Supernatural vibes because of the covers and the fact that the LI is inspired by Dean. It ended up being a flop.

The writing was fine. The idea was great, but I feel like this author just bit off more than they could chew. This was definitely a project for a more experienced writer. Don’t read it if you want a Dean Winchester- I didn’t find those vibes here at all. Will not continue to the second/last book.

[givreencres]

Welcome in Spot13 at Paris.

A open air museum !!

Follow me here !

[wornoutspines]

The Necromancer's War by Sheena Jolie | Book Review

I read #TheNecromancersWar by Sheena Jolie. Non-stop action, palpable emotions, and characters that come alive right off the pages. A solid addition to #TheBeaconHillSorcerer series, despite a title that suggests a bigger war. #BookReview #pnr #Fantasy

Releasing June 6, 2024 SJ Himes writing as Sheena Jolie brings the newest adventure in The Beacon Hill Sorcerer series… Angel Salvatore has been through one supernatural war, and it nearly took everything from him. Over a decade later, the High Council of Sorcery is coming for Angel and all he holds dear–his found family and friends, and the city he calls home. The rising potential of an…

[windvexer]

Theme and Action: a tarot method for brainstorming plots, setting, and characters

I find a lot of story brainstorming spreads to be clunky and rigid, so I did a little experimenting and came up with a method I like a lot. I haven't done a ton of testing yet but I thought I'd share what I have.

Basically, it's a two card draw from a deck split into majors and minors. Each draw always has one major card (theme) and one minor card (action).

When you have a question, like:

What are some ideas for the next scene?

Why would that character behave that way?

What's the defining characteristic of this vampire clan?

What do the people in this society fear most?

Why is this scene dragging?

What does this character need to feel more real?

You would draw one major card and one minor card!

Themes and Action; what it's about vs how it manifests

We could call these cards a bunch of different things depending on exactly how the question is framed, but Themes and Action are good enough.

Basically, the major arcana card gives subtext or context, and the minor arcana card provides specific incidents. Like this!:

"In my vampire setting, what is the most important thing in vampire culture?"

Theme: Death

Action: 10/Pentacles

Interpretation: (Theme) The most important thing in vampire culture is the process of dying and the equalizer of death itself. (Action) This has resulted in cultural rituals where death is treated as a sacred adoption or initiation into a new family/estate.

(I really drew this test spread and it really was death lol)

We can swap out the Action card to see a different outcome:

Theme: Death

Action: 5/Swords

Interpretation: (Theme) the most important thing in vampire culture is the process of dying and the equalizer of death itself. (Action) the horror of death and loss has never been overcome in this society, and it must be dealt with as an individual - because vampires process the pain of their own deaths by taking it out on each other.

Here's a different example. In an urban fantasy book where a witch solves ghost mysteries, pacing is dragging and we need our next scene to be exciting. But despite a foot chase after a suspected ghost poacher, the scene doesn't feel fast paced or exciting. The question is, "how do we spice this up?"

Theme: Hermit

Action: King of Cups

Interpretation: (Theme) instead of a crowded street, the character will be isolated and without normal support. (Action) she'll be trapped in a closed space with the story's main villain, who most closely connects with the King of Cups

Another swap, this time switching out the theme card:

Theme: Empress

Action: King of Cups

Interpretation: (Theme) the scene feels boring because it's action without development. Show the main character's personal development and give her a 'level up' moment. (Action) have the ghost poacher lead her to a premature showdown with the main villain, whom she faces bravely for the first time.

This is already long so I'm not going to go on and on with examples but so far I've found this method to be pretty versatile.

Try interpreting Theme and Action as literally as you can within the context of the story!

If you're writing a story about a flower princess who sleeps on a dewdrop in the mystical Gnarlwood Forest, the Sun card will mean one thing.

If you're writing a story about vampires, the Sun card probably means something very different.

Major arcanas can be literary themes, like the moon representing deceit within society, but they can also be literal; in a werewolf story, the Moon card might represent the celestial body that controls the lives of certain people.

The most important thing for me is to avoid interpreting the cards in a general self-help sense.

The cheerful villagers of prosperous Splitsky Castle are waiting for you to invent a festival so a mysterious stranger can come to town and get the plot going.

The question is, "what kind of festival gives me the right setup to pull off the plot point I want?"

The theme card is the Magician, so ideas for the festival could be:

A festival honoring magic users (if they exist in your setting)

A festival honoring the resourcefulness of the villagers

A festival of stage magic and trickery

The action card is the 6/Cups.

Probably, the festival is not about healing your inner child with Jungian shadow work. More contextual ideas might include:

A festival where children are chosen to be trained in magic

A festival celebrating teaching the next generation important skills

A festival meant to delight and entertain children with stage magic

Developing related factions or foils

Draw a major arcana card to identify a certain Theme, maybe along the lines of:

What do they hold to be sacred?

What do they not care about, or hate?

What is their most cherished virtue?

What is the defining feature of leadership?

When they sing about home, what is in their songs?

This theme will be the same for both entities.

Draw different minor arcana cards to show how each entity expresses that theme.

Conversely, work in the opposite direction: keep the minor arcana card for both entities, and swap out the theme card.

Finding Action cards when you know the Theme

Holding the deck so that it's facing you, thumb through the cards until you find the major arcana card that describes your theme. The most recent minor arcana card that was on top of it, even if separated by other majors, is the action card.

Reversals

I tend to read both cards as upright and reversed, and just apply whatever meanings are most relevant. In my experiments using reversals ended up being too finicky and specific, and limited my creativity.

Complex Concepts and Plots

For a complex reading, like plotting an entire novel or building an entire character, I have found more utility in doing many pair readings rather than doing one large spread with many pairs.

My tests so far have suggested that the most creative freedom is found in asking specific questions, like "what is this character's driving motivation," and "what is her quirky hobby," and "what makes her put up with her annoying best friend," rather than trying to build a giant spread that includes all of these things at once.

As a caveat, in plot spreads, I will sometimes put pairs down without returning them to the deck, and then connect Theme/Action pairs with single action cards to suggest events that connect the dots.

[morphic-mythos]

ARCANA OBSCURA: a personal occult library

Disclaimer: this post is a perpetual WIP, serving as an archive of all the books I've read on topics of non-Hellenic paganism, witchcraft, occultism, etc. I read widely because I enjoy expanding my perspective.

This is by no means a list of recommendations (in fact, there are some titles on this list I wouldn't recommend), but feel free to treat it that way if you're looking for suggestions!

Other reading masterlists:

DIVINA OBSCURA: a personal Hellenic library

TRIVIA OBSCURA: books to honor Hekate

CULTURAL HISTORIES

A History of Magic, Witchcraft, and the Occult, D.K. Publishing

On Monsters: An Unnatural History of Our Worst Fears, Stephen T. Asma

Grimoires: A History of Magic Books, Owen Davies

Darkness: A Cultural History, Nina Edwards

The Spectral Arctic: A History of Ghosts and Dreams in Polar Exploration, Shane McCorristine

The Witch, Ronald Hutton

The Ruin of All Witches: Life and Death in the New World, Malcom Gaskill

WITCHCRAFT

Psychic Witch, Mat Auryn

Urban Magick, Diana Rajchel

Of Blood and Bones: Working with Shadow Magick and the Dark Moon, Kate Freuler

Year of the Witch: Connecting with Nature's Seasons through Intuitive Magick, Temperance Alden

Rebel Witch, Kelly-Ann Maddox

Weave the Liminal: Living Modern Traditional Witchcraft, Laura Tempest Zakroff

MUSINGS & MEDITATIONS

Becoming Dangerous, Katie West

Waking the Witch: Reflections on Women, Magic, and Power, Pam Grossman

Waking Up to the Dark, Clark Strand

Meditations, Marcus Aurelius

DREAMS & SYMBOLISM

The Forgotten Language, Erich Fromm

[thecreaturecodex]

Skelm, Soul

Image © Paizo Publishing, accessed at Archives of Nethys here

[Hey! A new monster! I am feeling a bit more rested and rejuvenated after my long hiatus. I'm still only planning on releasing one or two new monsters a week, but I feel much more motivated to write now, and think I've worked out why my block has been what it is.

The soul skelm is the last and most powerful of the skelms in PF2e's Bestiary 3, and I like that it has a similar ability to the weakest, the street skelm. I wonder if all four of them had a "X Strike" ability at some point in development. I added some more spell-like abilities to play into their "bullying the dead" flavor text.]

Skelm, Soul CR 10 LE Outsider (native) This humanoid male has translucent gray skin and a rack of antlers. His face is contorted into an expression of mock agony and terror.

Soul skelms are among the most powerful of skelm-kind, and are some sort of occult parallel to night hags. Unlike the more metaphysical connection between night hags and mortal hags, soul skelms are a further transformation, and can form from any kind of skelm. A soul skelm is one that has completely abandoned its original personality and mortality for pure hatred and ambition. Soul skelms are especially feared because their cruelty does not stop when their victims die. A soul skelm continues to bully the souls of their victims, calling them from the grave to interrogate them as to the weaknesses of their friends and loved ones, and using them to invigorate their withered flesh. Soul skelms do not have a natural lifespan; they only die through violence or misfortune, and many of their souls immediately go on to reincarnate as rakshasas, asuras or oni.

Soul skelms enjoy using the undead as tools, and often collect a region’s undead under their banner, using bribes, threats and magic if the first two fail. Soul skelms are even more isolationist and paranoid of their fellow skelms as other varieties are, and rarely associate with them except as part of a plan to get their lesser killed. Soul skelms delight in breaking apart group unity and cohesive tactics, using illusions to separate each of their victims into a solipsistic reverie before picking them off one by one. They prefer spiked chains, whips, or other ostentatious, showy weapons.

Soul Skelm CR 10 XP 9,600 LE Medium outsider (native) Init +3; Senses darkvision 60 ft., Perception +17

Defense AC 24, touch 14, flat-footed 20 (+3 Dex, +1 dodge, +10 natural) hp 126 (12d10+60) Fort +9, Ref +11, Will +13; -2 vs. emotion effects DR 10/cold iron; Immune death effects, possession

Offense Speed 30 ft. Melee +1 spiked chain +19/+14/+9 (2d4+10/19-20), gore +13 (2d6+3 plus trip) or slam +18 (1d4+6), gore +13 (2d6+6 plus trip) Special Attacks bully the departed (7/day), isolating strike Spell Like Abilities CL 10th, concentration +17 (+21 casting defensively) At will—dimension door, ghost whip, invisibility, silence (DC 19) 3/day—call spirit (DC 22), command undead (DC 19), inflict critical wounds (DC 21) 1/day—entrap spirit (DC 22), greater oeneiric horror (DC 21), mind probe (DC 21), plane shift (self only, Material and Astral Planes only)

Statistics Str 23, Dex 17, Con 20, Int 16, Wis 20, Cha 25 Base Atk +12; CMB +18 (+20 disarm, trip); CMD 32 (34 vs. disarm, trip) Feats Alertness, Combat Casting, Combat Expertise, Dodge, Exotic Weapon Proficiency (spiked chain) (B), Improved Critical (spiked chain) (B), Improved Disarm, Improved Trip Skills Bluff +17, Climb +16, Disguise +17, Intimidate +21, Knowledge (arcana, local, nobility, religion) +10, Perception +17, Sense Motive +17, Spellcraft +13, Stealth +13 SQ change shape (Medium male humanoid, alter self), conspicuous combatant, ghostly grasp, skelm traits

Ecology Environment any land or urban Organization solitary Treasure standard (+1 spiked chain, other treasure)

Special Abilities Bully the Departed (Su) As a move action, a soul skelm can call upon the souls of his victims to invigorate himself. Until the end of his next turn, he gains regeneration 15 (force, good), and deals an extra 1d6 points of damage with all his melee attacks. During this time, his melee attacks count as evil for the purposes of overcoming damage reduction and regeneration. A soul skelm can use this ability a number of times a day equal to his Charisma modifier. Conspicuous Combatant (Ex) A soul skelm gains Exotic Weapon Proficiency and Improved Critical for one exotic weapon of his choice. Ghostly Grasp (Su) A soul skelm’s natural weapons, and any manufactured weapons he wields, are treated as being ghost touch weapons for the purposes of interacting with incorporeal creatures. Isolating Strike (Su) As a standard action, a soul skelm can exert himself to make a single powerful attack. When he does, he adds an additional damage die of the same type to the attack, and the creature struck must succeed a DC 23 Will save. If they fail, they are invisible, inaudible and otherwise completely imperceptible to their allies for the next 4 rounds, and their allies are likewise invisible, inaudible and completely imperceptible to them. Regardless of whether it succeeds or fails, that creature is immune to that soul skelm’s isolating strike for the next 24 hours. The save DC is Charisma based, and this is an illusion effect. After making this attack, the street skelm is treated as being flat footed until the beginning of its next turn. Skelm Traits (Ex) All skelms gain a +4 racial bonus to Intimidate checks, but a -2 penalty to all saving throws against emotion effects.

[katsona-the-katsequel]

Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad Activity Report

Part 4

6/27 (Sat) - Reporter: Akihiko Sanada

It seems like I've worried everyone. I'm grateful, but there's no need to worry. As a senior, I can't show any shame. Well, that's enough about that topic.

More than that, it seems that the number of Apathy Syndrome cases is increasing again. This time there were many cases where apparently a pair of a man and a woman became Lost at the same time. Maybe it has something to do with the characteristics of the next large Shadow...

Well, it's best not to jump to conclusions.

We'll find out when the next full moon comes. Oh, and I heard a rumor at school that's bothering me. Apparently, something called a "revenge request website" is becoming a hot topic.

It's the sort of urban legend that says that if you post something on the site, someone will take revenge for you...

Sorry, I can't really explain why this story is bothering me. I think it would be more persuasive if someone with a keen sense like Takeba explained it. If I find out anything else, I'll let you know.

6/28 (Sun) - Reporter: Junpei Iori

Hello, I'm Junpei.

The two seniors are out again today, so we'll be taking a break from fighting in Tartarus.

Yukari-chan's sharp intuition, you know... Well, it certainly seems like there are times when it seems like she has some weird intuition. The moment I started talking about Yuka-tan, someone asked me from behind, "Junpei, did you say something?"

I wish I could have the keen intuition to sense Yukari's approach, like Lucia from Fuuka.

Whenever I say something strange in a report, it always comes back the next day...Maybe this is also a woman's intuition?

Hmm, Yuka-tan is truly formidable...

6/29 (Mon) - Reporter: Yukari Takeba

Well, this is Takeba.

Well... there's a full moon in just a week. I won't be able to do it every day, but I've been gaining strength in Tartarus and I feel like I've made progress. But, as expected, the lack of information beforehand is a problem. All we know is that it's a full moon, and we can't decide on a strategy. If anyone knows anything, please let me know as much as you can. This was Takeba.

6/30 (Tue) - Reporter: Mitsuru Kirijo

This is Kirijo.

The day has already changed, and it's already July 1st. There's only one week until the full moon. I'm glad to see that everyone is preparing.

Takeba-san...Your opinion is valid, but I don't have any more information about the shadows right now.

I'm really sorry. I'll try my best to find out as much as I can in the future.

For now, I'll just state the characteristics of the next large Shadow that is currently known. If we go in order, the Arcana is Hierophant, the Pope. As far as I can deduce from the enemies that belong to this Arcana among the normal ahadows that appear in Tartarus, there is a high possibility that they will be good at magic attacks, especially geo-type attacks. If this is of any help, please use it to prepare for battle.

...I'm really sorry.

I'm taking care of you because I'm powerless. But, I'll ask you again. I'm counting on you guys.

7/1 (Wed) - Reporter: Junpei Iori

Hi, Junpei here. Oh man, I'm so fed up with you, Kirijo-senpai. It's okay, you don't have to take it so seriously. Lack of information is fine! Your opponent won't lack any! Besides, we've been on a winning streak lately, so isn't that just a good handicap?

As long as you always stay relaxed and enjoy the tension, it's all okay! ...or so I heard.

Oh, no, listen to that instead! Junpei's Belive It Or Don't Continued! Well, it was the middle of the night last night, and I heard some voices. There's a room next to mine, one of which is empty and the other one is occupied, and from there... I heard some kind of mumbling... I heard some kind of voice. It really freaked me out. So, I mustered up all my courage and put my ear to the wall. And then...

It was just the leader talking in his sleep. Anyway, I'm not getting enough sleep today. Wow.

7/2 (Thu) - Reporter: Fuuka Yamagishi

Good evening, this is Yamagishi. Ummm... Junpei-kun? I have a message for you from Yukari-chan, so... please don't get mad, okay?

... aren't you stupid?

One more thing... I mean, aren't you stupid? I-I did tell her. Phew, I'm not cut out for this sort of thing...

And from me, to Kirijo-senpai. Ummm, I can't really explain it well, but I think I'm probably fighting for myself. Please don't take it all on yourself.

That sounds a bit... arrogant. Sorry. I'll talk to you again after I've gathered my thoughts.

7/3 (Fri) - Reporter: Shuji Ikutsuki

It's Ikutsuki. ...Well, it's been a while since I've heard everyone's voices, and somehow there's a subtle discord. Well, even though we know the cycle of the large Shadows, there are still at least eight left, so I understand that you're feeling anxious about a lot of things.

However, in times of crisis like this, I want all the members to come together as one and face the difficulties. Isn't that what it means to be human? Right?

I'm not saying that if you believe, your wishes will come true, but it's your beliefs that give you strength when it really counts. I want you to think again about the meaning of your fighting. Because it's your beliefs... Oh, I'll stop here for today. It was a good talk.

7/4 (Sat) - Reporter: Akihiko Sanada

Ikutsuki-san...

I don't mind if you like puns. But if you're going to say it, then say it, and if you're not going to say it, then don't. It bothers me if you get stopped midway.

But what's the point of fighting...?

In my case, I don't have any grudge against shadows themselves. I simply hunt them down because they are a threat to people's peace.

I just don't like doing nothing when there's someone I could be helping in front of me. That's why I wanted power. If this power isn't enough, I'll keep improving myself until I get the power I need.

7/5 (Sun) - Reporter: Yukari Takeba

Hi, this is Takeba.

If I think back, maybe I said something weird? Hmm, if I take it that far, I might feel a little responsible.

For now, let's do as Sanada-senpai said and prepare for the next Shadow! Even I know that this is the most important thing. Anyway, we have no choice but to do it.

Actually, yesterday morning, I bumped into the leader on my way to school and we talked for a bit. He's usually a bit unsociable, but when I asked him, he answered me. Then I felt a little better. I realized that it's important to communicate your thoughts and receive them.

Anyway, the full moon tomorrow is the fifth large Shadow battle. The enemy Arcana is the Hierophant. Let's do our best!

7/6 (Mon) - Reporter: Mitsuru Kirijo

This is Kirijo.

Tomorrow is finally the full moon. It seems that many people, including me, are sensitive, but please concentrate and defeat the shadows.

...Yes. I don't know if it will help ease your tension, but let me share a little trivia.

It's about how we call the moon. The "full moon" during which large Shadows appear is an astronomical name that is determined based on the ecliptic coordinates of the celestial body. A full moon occurs when the difference in ecliptic longitude with the sun is 180 degrees. And the name "15th night" that you often hear is based on the date of the lunar calendar. In this case, even if the moon is not a perfect circle, the moon on the 15th is called the 15th night. And when it comes to the "age of the moon," it is calculated based on how many days have passed since the moment of the new moon.

According to this, tomorrow will be a full moon, the moon will be 14.8 days old, and the 15th night. On the 8th of last month, the moon was full, the moon was 15.1 days old, and the 16th night. How about that? It's pretty interesting, isn't it?

7/7 (Tue) - Reporter: Fuuka Yamagishi

Good evening, this is Yamagishi.

Today was my first time... well, to be precise I took part in a battle in June, but this battle was the first time I was able to join everyone from the start of the operation.

What can I say... in many ways, it was a valuable experience...

Today's location was on Shirakawa Street, east of Iwatodai... Ah, that's right. To borrow the words of the Chairman, it was an amusement hotel... Ugh, that's not a good place to report. It was a love hotel... Anyway, I sensed the presence of a large Shadow there. I asked everyone to head there. However, it seems that the enemy had a plan this time, and after defeating the first Hierophant type, we made the blunder of allowing the Lovers Arcana Shadow to attack us mentally... In the end, everyone was safe thanks to the leader's efforts, and Sanada-senpai said, "In the end, we figured out the enemy's position, so that was good," but if we think about what might have happened... we can't be at ease just because everything turned out okay. Also, I didn't really understand the details of the enemy's mental attack... but it seems that Yukari-chan and Kirijo-senpai were a little mentally damaged, so I'm worried. I've said this many times before, but don't try to handle everything on your own, feel free to consult me ​​about anything.

By the way... when the mission was over, Yukari-chan and Kirijo-senpai smelled nice of shampoo. Is that related to anything?

7/8 (Wed) - Reporter: Akihiko Sanada

Yamagishi, there are some things you really don't want people to know. Leave them alone.

Well, Yamagishi made that kind of report yesterday, but I think she got the best possible results. She was completely caught in a trap set by the enemy Shadow, but managed to escape it brilliantly.

Well, it's great that you have the determination to reflect on the problems and make improvements. I'll keep it up for the next operation. And Leader. You probably don't come to the strategy room often, and I don't know if you've heard this report, but you did a great job this time too. Get some rest.

...I know I'm saying this right after I've given you words of appreciation, but the final exams are less than a week away. You may not be properly prepared for the fight against the shadows, but please do your best. Good luck, Junpei!

7/9 (Thu) - Reporter: Junpei Iori

Hey, it's Junpei.

Ah, that's right. Final exams start next Tuesday, don't you think?

Well, I know studying is useless, so I'll just do my best... See you then...

7/10 (Fri) - Reporter: Mitsuru Kirijo

It's Kirijo... What's wrong, Iori?... I heard from Akihiko that you've been holed up in your room since returning to the dorms today. If you're not feeling well, there's a good hospital run by Kirijo. I'll introduce you to it, so go there early. I'm sure you've had a lot going on. I won't pry into your affairs, so don't keep your worries to yourself. Above all, there are only four days left until the final exam. I'm sure you have a lot to think about, but what we should be focusing on right now is the final exam material, not shadow fighting. I think I told you this before, but I'm thinking of a little reward for the top performers. Everyone, do your best and don't forget your duties as a student.

7/11 (Sat) - Reporter: Fuuka Yamagishi

Good evening, this is Yamagishi.

Today was a real cacophony... Actually, Yukari had asked me to look into the accident from 10 years ago, and I had a premonition that something like today would happen.

Maybe because I was looking at it from a third-person perspective, I feel like I understand both Kirijo-senpai's feelings of not being able to tell the truth, and Yukari's feelings of blaming her. And as for my own feelings...I told Kirijo-senpai directly, I'm happy that I'm needed. I don't have a reason to fight, but I do have a reason for wanting to be here. Isn't that the same for everyone? Is that not okay?...It'll be okay, right?

7/12 (Sun) - Reporter: Fuuka Yamagishi

Good evening, this is Yamagishi.

I'm a little proud that I've been talking for two days in a row, as if I've got all this equipment all to myself.

Today, everyone seems to be studying in their rooms. Sanada-senpai was out all day, but he came back after dark and it seems like he's also holed up in his room.

When will everyone be able to hear my voice? Maybe not until after the exams are over?

I've thought about it a lot, but I don't think anyone is to blame... We are all just doing our best to do what we can, but it's sad to see them separated like this.

Each person has something that only they can do. There are times and places when their power is needed. This is the case now, when there are so many people suffering from Apathy Syndrome, and in the case of SEES, and in the case of Personas.

Isn’t that what power is?

...I believe that everyone will understand without me having to say it. For now, let's do our best to study for the exam.

I have some research to do, so I'll just mess around with my device for a bit before getting back to studying. Well, good night...

7/13 (Mon) - Reporter: Yukari Takeba

Well, it's Takeba. Oh, exams start tomorrow. I thought I'd take a break and write up my activities for the first time in a while.

Ha. Seriously, after hearing that message from Fuuka, I can't not say anything at all, Fuuka is surprisingly cunning.

First of all, I'd like to say something about how everyone has been quick to avoid touching the sore spot and has not come to ask, yet have a strong aura of wanting to know what's going on.

I talked to the leader a bit about it, but I apologized to Kirijo-senpai for what happened the other day. Sorry for saying too much. There are still some parts I'm not entirely convinced of, but then there are people close to me who are suffering from Apathy Syndrome, and if I fight the shadows, I might be able to cure that, so I can't just sit back and watch. Yeah. That's right.

Oh, and thank you Chairman for your suggestion to go to Yakushima. I'm looking forward to it. Well, if you don't tell me a pun as a thank you, I'll be sure to not give you a cold shoulder just this once.

And then... oh, that's right. That idiot Junpei Iori is always complaining about swimsuits. He should be the only one without Yakushima, so I hope he gets a part-time job at the swimsuit section of a department store. This was Takeba.

7/14 (Tue) - Reporter: Akihiko Sanada

Today is the first day of the final exams. Thanks to the Chairman's timely suggestion, the atmosphere in the dorm seems to have improved a little. Of course, there is still that tense atmosphere that is unique to exam periods, but this tension is not unpleasant.

To be honest, it's painful to see a child being lured in by sweets to get in a good mood, but that's just how it is. I guess that's actually what we made such a fuss about.

Come to think of it, this was the first time we'd had such a big fight since the current second-year students moved into the dorms... I hope this is a rite of passage, and if we can get through it, we'll be able to build a new relationship.

Also, apart from the Mitsuru incident, Junpei seems to have been annoyed for some reason, but are you okay?

Well, I'm sure you're overwhelmed with your exams right now, so I hope you can calm down. ...I'm probably not the one to say this here, Junpei. I don't know what happened during the exams, but I think you should stop yelling things like "Kabara! Kabara! Yakushima!" on the main streets.

7/15 (Wed) - Reporter: Junpei Iori

Sanada-san, don't you know the expression "samurai compassion"? Well, I don't want to say it.

Well, the problem with the insurance in Edogawa was so confusing that I exploded with anger on the way home from school. As for my case, I can see the answer in my mind, so it's okay. Thank you.

7/16 (Thu) - Reporter: Fuuka Yamagishi

Good evening, this is Yamagishi.

Today was the third day of the exam. I was surprised to see that the history question that the teacher said "will be on the exam" during class actually came up. The teachers at Gekkoukan are surprisingly kind, aren't they?

The correct answer is that the reason the foreigners on the Black Ships were afraid of topknots was because they thought they would be attacked by guns.

This time, we had a fight with a large Shadow just before the exam, so Yukari, Junpei, and the leader didn't seem to be very prepared, and the second-years are struggling. But when they think about the ocean waiting for them after the exams, they feel a little better. Yakushima, huh... I bet the water is beautiful.

7/17 (Fri) - Reporter: Yukari Takeba

Uh, I'm Takeba. I just heard yesterday's report, and I thought the answer to that question was... a projectile, is that correct? Seriously? Wow, I should have listened to the lecture properly!

I chose the second one, "they thought it was a black fish cake." Because in the past, Westerners hated fish! Ugh, I failed!

Ugh, to be honest, I'm not that confident about today's physics lesson. I worked hard to memorize the formulas and laws, but I was wondering who discovered the principle behind contact lenses, which is a bit of trivia! I chose Da Vinci for now, but... God!

7/18 (Sat) - Reporter: Mitsuru Kirijo

This is Kirijo.

Finally, the final exams, which seemed long but were short, are over. I'll never forget the look of relief on everyone's faces when we returned to the dorms.

The day after tomorrow, our trip to Yakushima starts again, so I really wanted to go to Tartarus today, but I guess I wasn't in the mood for it. Well, I'll take my time to get ready.

Now, it's been a while since I last reported on the activities, but according to the Chairman, a boy named Ken Amada will be moving into the dorms during the summer vacation. He seems to have the potential for it, but... Apart from what Takeba pointed out the other day, it is not permitted to involve a boy from the elementary school in a fight. His Persona ability has not been confirmed, and even if he does have the ability and is willing to fight, it will be a while before he actually joins SEES.

Oh, and because of that, while Amada is in the dorms, no talk of shadows is allowed in front of him. Please be careful.

7/19 (Sun) - Reporter: Junpei Iori

Hiya! The southern islands are calling me! This is Junpei Iori!

Goodbye to the tense atmosphere we've had for a while! And hello to the new tropical sea breeze! Welcome to YAKUSHIMA!

Hello, is this Okinawa?

Wow, I've already finished preparing for my trip, and all that's left is to wait for the day to dawn! I know we're leaving early in the morning, but I can't sleep even at this time. Am I a child?

I just wandered around the dorms, and of course everyone was fast asleep. If the door was unlocked, I thought I'd sneakily check everyone's belongings, but as expected, the security was strong. Hmm, what a shame.

Even if I could check everyone's belongings, it wouldn't be much fun to look inside Sanada-san's or the leader's bags. Of course it's swimsuits!

Ah, I wonder what kind of swimsuits everyone is wearing.

Based on my image, first of all, Yukari-chan is wearing a swimsuit for competitive swimming or something sporty-looking? However, she doesn't seem all that excited this time, so I guess we can't expect anything sexy or anything like that. Well, I'm not expecting much.

7/22 (Wed) - Reporter: Akihiko Sanada

Fuuka... Hmm, that's difficult. A quiet girl like that can unexpectedly wear a shocking swimsuit. By the way, with a flat body type, a bikini might actually make her look more stylish, so let's hope a little. Kirijo-senpai! Of course it's a bikini! It can't be anything else! The color is black! Oh, and a queen-style one-piece with a plunging chest and back... wow, I can't decide!

7/20 (Mon) - Reporter: Mitsuru Kirijo

Ah, ah. ...Is it recording?

Okay. ...It's Kirijo.

Starting tonight, I'll be living on Yakushima. I probably won't be doing anything as part of the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad, but I brought some spare backup equipment just in case. I'll also record it as usual. Where should I start... Too many things happened at once today. I'm a bit confused too.

Yes, I was able to meet Father for the first time in a long time. I was relieved to see that he looks as healthy as ever. Everyone in SEES seemed surprised by Father's eyepatch, but that was Father's way of making amends. When dealing with bigwigs in the political and financial world, if he looks like that, he will be looked down upon as a "man who puts up a false front." He could have just gotten a prosthetic eye, but Father still doesn't take off the eyepatch so that he won't forget the accident.

By the way, Iori and the others were surprised by the maids too, but are they really that rare? Recently, Iori and the others have been featured on TV and in magazines, so I thought it was completely commonplace...

Anyway, at Iori's insistence, we headed to the beach as soon as we arrived. Hehe, Iori, I heard your report yesterday. Sorry about the bikini, but the color didn't live up to your expectations. It's true that there are always a lot of black clothes in the dorm, but that's because of my love of motorcycles. There are a lot of leather products, so naturally there's a lot of black. It's not that I particularly like black. Well, you'll have to make do with that swimsuit for the duration of this trip.

I guess there's no way I won't mention this. Father is amazing after all. It seems he knew everything I was doing. The truth about the experiment ten years ago that I didn't know, or rather, that I had avoided because I was afraid of finding out the truth. In fact, I had asked Yamagishi to try to break into Kirijo's mainframe, and he knew about that too.

Father...told me everything. Everything that happened ten years ago. And about the unexpected connection between Takeba and Kirijo...

I had no idea why Takeba was so passionate about the truth. Yukari's father, Eiichiro Takeba. He was the chief researcher at the time.

I'm sure she believed him... If the situation was reversed, I would do the same. I would believe in Father's innocence and seek out the truth. But what if that were to be betrayed...

No, there's no point in talking hypothetically. Only Takeba knows what's in Takeba's heart. I'm sure she wouldn't want me to sympathize with her so easily.

Takeba, believe me...I really didn't know about your father. ...What should I do? I don't have the words to say...

7/21 (Tue) - Reporter: Yukari Takeba

Hehe, I found the equipment.

Uh, it's Takeba.

...This has sound, right?

Geez, Kirijo-senpai, you're here to relax, so isn't it no good bringing something like this.

Uh (cough). I seem to be overthinking it, but I'm fine.

I mean, sorry about yesterday.

I didn't say it, but after talking with the leader who came to call me, I've made up my mind, too, yes!

Anyway, I still think I'll continue to believe. In that video, Dad himself said it was his fault, but if that's the only document left from back then, there's no way to prove that it's true, right?

So, I'll try to struggle a bit.

Also, either way, the situation won't change that we need to defeat the Shadows. I'll continue to fight as usual.

...I'm so embarrassed. I wonder if I should delete this report.

Oh, by the way, changing the subject, that Aigis girl? Robot? Isn't she amazing! I never imagined a robot that can summon Personas. This time she really is a "fighting force" in the literal sense. But why is she a girl? A girl who is a weapon seems a little cute, doesn't she?

Ah, is that voice Junpei? Seriously, there's no need to go out of your way to call him. That guy swims around all day, so why does he have so much energy? I guess I'll just have to go along with it. This was Takeba.

When did Mitsuru bring all this equipment? Well, I guess I'll use it too.

Well, tomorrow is finally the day we return to Iwatodai. Today, the last day, I think we were able to really relax.

For Takeba, she had to face the harsh reality and it wasn't really a vacation... But it seems like she's getting over it well. That's right... I won't say anything unnecessary. When we get back, let's get along as friends again. Once again, nice to meet you.

However, after all that, the biggest surprise was Aigis. As far as I know, that robot exceeds the most advanced technology today. And to think that it was made 10 years ago... Anyway, she's a new member of our team. Let's hope she does well.

Now it's time to settle the pick-up contest... Ah, no. That's not it. Forget it.

7/23 (Thu) - Reporter: Fuuka Yamagishi

This is Yamagishi now.

Welcome home everyone.

This is my first time living in a dormitory, but it already feels like home. Having a place to go back to, a place you want to return to... I'm a little happy.

Everyone is tired today, so we took a break from conquering Tartarus. I was tired too, but talking to Aigis kept me awake... and I ended up staying up late.

Aigis is really amazing. I'm a little good with machines, but I can't believe that this technology has not been known until now.

They say cutting-edge technology is created on the battlefield, but I can't help but think how difficult the battle against shadows was 10 years ago.

Ah, but Aigis herself seems more like a girl with a bit of a natural air about her than a weapon. How did you incorporate a mind into a robot? Mr. Ikutsuki also said that the core part is a black box and that he cannot touch it.

It's also strange that Aigis seems to know the leader. It means that he's having trouble recognizing someone who looks similar to him...

It's no good to take your friends' privacy so seriously, right? First of all, you have to think about how everyone and Aigis can get along.

Oh, that's right. Aigis's way of speaking is interesting, isn't it? It's not exactly military-like, but it's more like an honorific that she learned by mistake. When we swam together in Yakushima, she pointed at my swimsuit and said,

"I am concerned about the armor of that underwater weapon, but is it correct to understand that the emphasis is on maneuverability? If possible, I would like to try modifying it for underwater combat." This is the first time I've seen a robot that wants to wear a swimsuit.

Aigis, it's nice to meet you.

7/24 (Fri) - Reporter: Junpei Iori

Hi, Junpei here. What's up? You brought this report machine to Yakushima? That's fishy, ​​Kirijo-senpai! If I'd known, I could have brought you Junpei Iori's swimsuit watching hour.

Well... well, I can't run away, so I'll tell you... today is the day of the test results.

7/25 (Sat) - Reporter: Yukari Takeba

Uh, this is Takeba.

As of today, we have a new member...or rather, he's not in SEES, he just lives in the same dorm, but a new member has arrived. As the Chairman said before, Amada-kun is moving into the dorm.

...I'm a little, no, I'm really worried, but I hope that Amada-kun won't get caught up in a fight or something like that.

The Chairman seems to be pretty matter-of-fact about it, and seems to be like, "If you can fight, let's have you participate."

I feel like I understand my senior a little bit, so I believe that she has no intention of involving Amada-kun. But even so, you still say "at this point," right? Oh, no, I'm not complaining, I know that you're in a position where you have to say that, and that's what you're saying because you yourself are thinking about it. As the head of SEES, you have to think about all the possibilities.

Yes, it’s just a possibility.

So, for now, please take this as my personal opinion as Yukari Takeba. I am against letting Amada fight. Unless Amada himself has a very good reason to fight, I am against it.

Please remember that.

7/26 (Sun) - Reporter: Junpei Iori

Hello, it's Junpei!

Hehehe, having a great summer!

But I'm always like this. I have an innocent heart that is happy to take a day off!

That's the image I want as a healthy high school boy! So, summer vacation starts today. Ah, the long and painful midterms, the long and painful final exams, the occasional but painful quizzes, the painful first semester, Wow! Well, anyway, summer vacation starts today. Let's have fun starting tomorrow!

…Huh. Well, I know it's stupid to make a fuss by myself, even if I say so myself.

However, I just couldn't help but make a fuss today...

Ai-chan did a simulation of what would happen if the number of Lost continued to increase, in other words, if we don't do our jobs properly... but the results were worse than I expected, and I'm feeling depressed.

It feels like a huge responsibility.

7/27 (Mon) - Reporter: Yukari Takeba

Uh, this is Takeba.

What's up, Junpei? You've given it some thought. Yes, that's right, it's a big responsibility. Well, keep that in mind and work hard. Just don't do stupid things.

8/3 (Mon) - Reporter: Yukari Takeba

Come to think of it, I didn't see the leader today, but he's doing intensive training for the sports club. He'll do his best, too. Maybe I should go to the archery club's voluntary training too...

7/28 (Tue) - Reporter: Aigis

Hello, this is Aigis.

I completely understand the system for this activity report. Mitsuru-san, there is no need to look at me with such a worried expression. Even though I look like this, I am good with machines. ...Would you be surprised if I was weak with machines? I don't know why you have such an impression, but in any case, it will be fine. I am completely safe.

However...though I understand the system, but what should I talk about?

Among the various things that happened that day, is there anything that you want to tell everyone or that you feel you need to teach them...?

Well, the one thing that I think needs to be reported in the sense that it is different from usual is the physiological changes that occurred in Sanada-san when he confronted Amada-san.

The pulse rate becomes unstable, there are changes in the secretion of adrenaline and other brain substances, and the parasympathetic nervous system seems to be somewhat inhibited...huh?

Even if you know that, is it better not to say anything?

Is that...consideration...?

Because the boundary conditions are unclear, I cannot reach a complete understanding, but I will try.

7/29 (Wed) - Reporter: Fuuka Yamagishi

Good evening, this is Yamagishi.

I'm a little tired today. Ah, but how can I put it, it's a pleasant tiredness?

Anyway, I'll give you a quick report on what happened tonight. A while after entering the Dark Hour, my Lucia picked up a Shadow's signal near Naganari Shrine. It was an irregular Shadow that appeared in places other than Tartarus, as I had heard. I asked Sanada-senpai to rush to the scene, and then we all rushed over to support him... Whew. I'm still excited. To my surprise, Koro-chan was there, and he activated his Persona ability and defeated the Shadow!

Koro-chan always guarded his master's place. That alone was impressive, but I never imagined he was a Persona User...

Oh, to continue. Koro-chan was pretty badly injured, but he's currently in the veterinary hospital, apparently resting. I was surprised to see so much blood, but I guess Kirijo-senpai's first aid was good. Anyway, Koro-chan is safe. ...That's a relief.

Oh, and there was one more thing that surprised me. Aigis can understand dog language! You said that it's a means of communication other than words...like gestures? Isn't that right? I'd like to ask her more about that next time.

7/30 (Thu) - Reporter: Akihiko Sanada

Yes, the full moon is coming up soon, but is everyone prepared? We only have one week left to prepare. We don't have much time, so let's get pumped. Is that okay?

By the way, Aigis said the day before yesterday...do you think I look different in front of Amada? Yes...maybe.

Junpei says that I'm more mature and cocky than him, and Amada himself doesn't seem to want to be treated like a child, but I think that I couldn't be more childlike.

His gaze is so straight and so pure that it hurts...I wonder if I'm qualified to return his gaze head-on.

Everyone is pure when they're children. But when it comes to our age, I somehow feel that we can't get by on pureness alone. But I'm not ready to live a cunning life either. I guess that half-heartedness makes him feel inferior to innocent children... Well, I would never say that I want to become an adult who is used to the dirty things that most people see. But... Aigis has a keen eye. Your consideration for human relationships may be greater than that of our leader or Junpei. Aigis, are you really a robot? There must be a small person inside you... right? That's even more frightening to imagine.

7/31 (Fri) - Reporter: Mitsuru Kirijo

It's Kirijo.

I've been busy with chores for a while, but I think this is the first time I've reported since Yakushima. Hehe... I'm being lazy, which is unbecoming of a club president.

I'm late in replying, but I understand Takeba's opinion about Amada. To be honest, I'm also against letting a child like that take part in the battle.

I myself have been on the front lines of the battle against shadows since I was a child. I just can't imagine that that contributed to my healthy development. I know I'm boasting, but I'd like to be praised for not becoming too distorted.

Now, as for the report, there's nothing in particular...Oh, that's right. The vet contacted me regularly and said that Koromaru is progressing well. It seems Yamagishi and the leader were worried about him. I'll just report it here.

It's almost time for the full moon. Everyone, make sure you're prepared.

8/1 (Sat) - Reporter: Junpei Iori

Hey, it's Junpei!

Only 5 more days until the full moon! I'm really fired up this time! I was watching Koromaru and I was moping around until the other day, which is pathetic. I can't lose, can I?

By the way, Leader, the actual game is tomorrow, right? I can't go to cheer you on, but do your best!

8/2 (Sun) - Reporter: Fuuka Yamagishi

Good evening, this is Yamagishi.

I have some good news for you today. The leader won a top prize in the National High School Myoo Cup, a tournament for sports clubs!

Even though it was summer vacation, it was worth it to train hard every day. Congratulations.

...That said, the person in question was still like, "I don't really care." Ah, but recently I've started to understand the subtle changes in his expression. Today he looked really happy.

I'm embarrassed to say this so formally, but I feel like the leader always helps me, from the first time he rescued me from Tartarus to when I fell into an enemy trap during last month's operation. It might be strange considering we're the same age, but I think the closest feeling we have is one of "respect."

I'd like to do my best to be of some help to him in the future. Junpei said he won't lose to Koro-chan, but I have to make sure I don't lose to everyone else either.

For now, I'm doing image training for the next battle. What to do if the enemy loses their presence, how to lead them if I detect multiple enemies at the same time, etc. If you have any opinions, please feel free to tell me.

Well, this is Takeba. Anyway, congratulations on winning, leader! You did a great job. The Myo-o Cup is a pretty high level, isn't it? If you keep going like this, I think you can make it to the national tournament. Will you be popular in the second semester? Ah, aside from that, I'd rather report something like this: "I happened to see this kind of person'' on TV, but I did see a strange person.

8/4 (Tue) - Reporter: Junpei Iori

He was at a takoyaki shop in Saitodai Shopping Arcade, stuffing takoyaki into his mouth with incredible force. He had an athletic look, and I'd say he could be considered good-looking, but his face as he devoured it... It's what's inside that counts. This was Takeba.

Hi...Junpei...it's hot.

It has been really hot since the afternoon, but the night was a tropical one just as expected! I wasn't expecting anything like that. I wish it would go against our expectations and snow!

Ugh, the heat is making my brain overheat, seriously.

<-PREVIOUS ● NEXT->

[fatehbaz]

hello! While we're on the topic of Chicago, do you know about Leonard Dubkin? His writing can be hard to find because it is out of print, but he wrote nature columns about approaching the bugs and weeds accessible in city life the same way you would traditional naturalist landscapes and! It is sometimes neat! Especially for the time period before the turn toward huge public parks projects

Yes, actually, I've heard of Dubkin in two different settings: University course discussions of the history of environmental studies and geographic thought. And also in discussion of Great Lakes "bioregionalism".

Kinda some entangled stuff here that you've brought to mind for me, having to do with how Chicago relates to environmental thinking. Chicago as site of contemporary urban naturalism and community gardening. Chicago as site of "Midwestern gothic". Great Lakes and Great Plains as sites of Indigenous pedagogies. Chicago as site of Progressive era reformism. Chicago as site of influential (imperialist) geographic thinking.

---

(1) You've reminded me of "Muskrat theories, tobacco in the streets, and living Chicago as Indigenous Land" (Bang, Curley, Kessel, Marin, Suzukovich, and Strack, Environmental Education Research, 2014). They discuss: "Chicago is a wetland that becomes part prairie and part oak savannah. It's hard to see with the layers of colonial fill, but actually it's hiding in plain sight [...]. [There is] recognition of how the filling of wetlands factored greatly into the [...] establishing of Chicago as a national transportation hub and why some forest reserves or parks [...] were [situated as they are now] [...]. As teachers [the authors are educators], we began to track and weave into our thinking [...] the waves of ecological restructuring that has occurred in Chicago; from the filling of wetlands, to the rengineering of the direction of the Chicago river, the mass destruction of prairie lands [...]."

---

(2) It's been my impression that, in the past 15-ish or so years, a lot of writing about "urban/community gardening" and the reclamation of space has been coming out of Detroit, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Chicago, etc. Reclaiming of apparently-decrepit urban space after abandonment by institutions, "making a home" even in the face of ruination, etc. Post-industrial decay and the (condescending?) stereotyping of the Rust Belt, and Detroit especially. Much of these efforts led with deliberate intent and passion foremost by Black gardeners. (Milwaukee has some of the most extreme Black-white residential segregation of any major US city. Treatment of Black communities and use of redlining is notorious in Minneapolis, Detroit/Flint, St. Louis, etc.)

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(3) I think this decay/abandonment theme might dovetail with what seems (anecdotally to me, at least) to be a sort of popular ascendancy of a regional gothic or Midwest gothic kinda thing among wider audiences even outside of the region. Corn fields at edge of town, chainlink fences and crooked oak branches, shuttered Rust Belt factory, Night in the Woods aesthetic-y stuff, Over the Garden Wall-adjacent stuff, etc. Like the celebration of a perpetual Halloween. Really plays on the landscapes, haunted history, attempted concealment of violence, and institutional abandonment of the Great Lakes region. And then there is the advent of more Great Lakes/Rust Belt bioregional identity stuff, which Belt Magazine has been writing about for years now. I'm thinking also of some recently published stuff like "Deep Map Country: Proposing a Dinnseanchas Cycle of the Northern Plains" and Grasslands Grown: Creating Place on the U.S. Northern Plains and Canadian Prairies. As wells as some non-academic general-audience titles (like Rust Belt Arcana: Tarot and Natural History in the Exurban Wilds, etc.).

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(4) I do also wonder if the apparent rise in popularity recently of Robin Wall Kimmerer's work has contributed to a rise in "ecological citizenship" dialogue and Great Lakes/Great Plains bioregional thinking. But I think it would behoove us to note that Kimmerer is not the only Indigenous thinker discussing ecological citizenship in this region.

I'm thinking of Grace Dillon's writing on Indigenous sciences, Indigenous futurisms, storytelling/narrative, dealing with ecological cataclysm, more-than-human agency, etc (big institutions are "still thinking about knowledge as mere accumulation"). Just as Kimmerer talks about "plant beings", Dillon also talks about "multispecies entanglements" and agency.

Also thinking of Kyle Whyte (Potawatomi, from this region), who's written for years about Indigenous science fiction and Indigenous pedagogies of knowledge, especially situated in the Great Lakes.

Also Leanne Betasamosake Simpson's writing (Mississauga Nishnaabeg, from this region) on Indigenous resurgence and creating constellations of co-resistance. Both Whyte and Simspon write about persistence in the aftermath of apocalypse, which I think works well when considered in relation to Black community gardens and the wider Great Lakes/Rust Belt discourses of building lives in the aftermath of post-industrial decay/abandonment.

Also scholar Zoe Todd as well (Red River Metis, from the northern Plains). Aside from famously criticizing academia's superficial and fashionable appropriation of these Indigenous pedagogies and concepts, Todd also has written a lot about more-than-human agency (especially fish!), ecological citizenship, and a sort of place-based identity (especially in the northern Great Plains).

Considering the appropriation of Indigenous knowledge also brings to mind Katherine McKittrick's writing on "Black methodologies" and pedagogies/knowledge production (universities undermine and appropriate Black knowledge; Black knowledge is "interdisciplinary"; prioritizing multiple ways of knowing; "wonder is study" and "curiosity is attentive") and Fred Moten's writing on the fugitive relationship to academia. Also brings to mind Glissant's writing on opacity.

---

(5) Regarding Chicago as a center of (white) conceptions of environmental space and geographic thought: You mention Dubkin's writing on a sort of urban naturalism in Chicago. And I know that Madison (Wisconsin) and its university have a similar reputation as being an early center of environmental studies among white/national institutions. Meanwhile, seems Chicago might've acted at times as a focal point of this "progressive" modernity kinda thing that celebrates reforms and "innovations" in industrial livability or whatever (much of which still depended on and/or endorsed colonization, extraction, labor abuse, imposed standards of "productivity", etc.). Thinking of Progressive era through New Deal (1890s-1940s, as Chicago had achieved a pinnacle of wealth after establishment of railroads and then industrialization, electricity, monoculture crops, Rust Belt processing/manufacturing, etc.). For example, I recently posted about the work of Oenone Kubie, who studied "urban discipline" and the white anxiety and racial segregation driving children's reformatories in Chicago during the Progressive era. (Kubie argues that eformers were concerned with poverty, truancy, and "delinquency" in tandem with Black migration, which led to "interventions". Chicago hosted the "first municipal playground system" and by 1915 "the city of Chicago ran sixty-six recreation centres. [...] From Chicago, the idea spread around the country. By 1921, almost 200 cities employed a total of over eleven thousand men and women as year-round playground workers.") The case that Martinez was making in the essay we've been discussing (about Chicago's influential role 1880-1910 as a center of policing, surveillance, and the conceptualizing of US imperial frontiers in the Philippines, influenced by Chicago's fear of Black migration) relates to how Chicago has been considered a center of the refining of geographic thought in late nineteenth century, as white Americans crafted ideas of national space (westward expansion into the frontier radiating out from Chicago along railroads; Chicago being hub of industrial agriculture of the prairies/plains as an economic frontier). Kinda brings to mind how scholar Mashid Mayar has recently written about "the cartographic pedagogies of empire" and the teaching of geography to children in the United States in the 1890s ("home geography" school classes, "dissected map" puzzle games, children's magazines that attach "adventure" to ideas of botanical/ethnographic expeditions), giving white children an idea of the planet as an extension of their nation/home at the same time that the US was understanding itself as an empire with dominion in Cuba, Central America, Hawai'i/South Pacific, Philippines, etc.

---

For anyone interested in environmental crisis and multispecies ecologies in prairies, Great Plains, "Midwest", Great Lakes, you might like Grace Dillon, Zoe Todd, Kyle Whyte, and Leanne Betasamosake Simpson.

Lots to consider. Sorry for excessive length here. Thank you for saying hi.

[m-for-musings]

BG3 meets VTM

So I'm a weirdo and I decided to glue together two of my hyper fixations: Vampire — The Masquerade and Baldur's Gate 3.

I've been playing VTM for 15 years now, and also acting as a Storyteller (GM) to it, but I'm prone to mistakes so if a vampire clan does not fit a character please let me know, let's jump into this weird, totally unhinged, theory together.

P.S.: I know that theoretically any clan can Embrace any individual, this is just a little joke with clan stereotypes and a silly way to imagine who would be Embraced into which clan and why. ALSO low-res clan symbol pics because I'm on my phone.

BG3 characters, but as Vampire Clans

(in alphabetical order)

Astarion: the whole Szarr clan would be a Hecata lineage. Rich, powerful, and full of sassy little bitches that turns into abusive sires that employs weird (and sometimes incestuous) "family" dynamics while also being obcessed with necromancy.

Gale: prodigy wizard doomed with a hunger for knowledge and driven by the promise of unravel the mysteries of the occult, while also being a "yes-ma'am"? Tremere it is.

Halsin: a shape-shifter who sometimes struggles with his bestial side and feels awkward in urban environments, just like a classic Gangrel.

Jaheira: she pretends otherwise, but it is clear that she has a network of spies under her command, and a deep knowledge of her home city's dirtiest little secrets and hideouts. Even her personal life is shrouded by secrecy, secured against (most) prying eyes. She comes and goes in a blink, sometimes disappearing without leaving a trace. A true Nosferatu elder.

Karlach: good old Brujah, with the head as hot as the heart, passionate and strong-willed (and stubbornly resolute) to fight for her goals and ideals.

Lae'zel: nothing screams more "Banu-Haqim" than a fierce and straightforward gith with a strong sense of purpose and justice, a thirst for retribution and loyalty to the elders that she seems worthy.

Minsc: threading a fine line between bold and oblivious, the embodiment of "The Fool" tarot Major Arcana. Completely unpredictable and impulsive, torn between the unhinged and the wise, finding sense where others see pure unbridled chaos, he would become a Malkavian.

Minthara: she has enough poise and status to be a classic high-borne Ventrue, being able to proudly recite her sire's lineage all the way up to the very first of them. Born to rule, with a commanding presence and unwavering will. BUT!!! She is also vicious, ruthless and ambitious enough to get the attention of the clan Lasombra, and their shadow-bending powers also fit the Underdark pretty well, so I'm torn between those two clans for her, although strongly prone to Lasombra.

Shadowheart: either by following Shar's principles or by completely defying the goddess, The Ministry is fit for her, be it for good or for evil, to tempt or to liberate, to expose secrets or hide it, to manipulate or to seek the truth, to be part of a cult or a leader to a sect. She can't fully abandon the spiritual aspect of life, be it for fullfil her desires or to serve her goddess.

Wyll: the Prince of the Gate is the last romantic. He has an innate sensibility, grace, charm, beauty and an unbridled appreciation for arts and love-tale's romance that can be found among the most classy Toreador.

[dailydemonspotlight]

Yomotsu-Shikome - Day 133

Race: Femme Arcana: Hermit Alignment: Neutral-Chaos October 24th, 2024

The story of Izanami and Izanagi is one of the most famous stories in Japanese mythology, and for good reason- it has many ties to other popular stories in mythology, with a similar structure to Orpheus and Eurydice's tale, another incredibly popular myth, and it's also a great and easy to digest insight into the overall themes of Japanese mythology; those of death, rebirth, and life. However, while most are familiar with the general concepts of the myth, there are many figures from throughout with more 'minor' roles (though I use the term minor loosely) who get less of a spotlight compared to the main couple of the story. Among these figures residing in Yomi, the Land of the Dead, is today's Demon of the Day, and a character who serves as a major antagonistic force in the original story: Yomotsu-Shikome.

Now, Yomotsu-Shikome only appears near the end of the tale, so I'll give a very basic rundown: Izanami, goddess of Creation and wife to Izanagi, god of Creation, ends up dying by sacrificing her life to birth the god of flames, Kagutsuchi. I wonder where I've heard that name before. Hm. After her death by literally going down in flame, the now grief-stricken Izanagi pursues her into Yomi-no-Kuni, the land of the dead in Japanese myth, where he meets with her again at long last after sacrificing different aspects of himself to enter. After meeting with her, he discovers that, shock, she did a Persephone, and had eaten the food of the underworld, binding her forever to it! Izanagi pleads with the gods overall, and eventually comes to a decision- he'd be able to return with her as long as he didn't look back at her new state. Unfortunately, curiosity killed the kami, and he ends up looking back at her on the way up out of Yomi-no-Kuni, breaking the deal and her trust.

And this is where our actual Demon comes into focus! Due to Izanami's already present level of power, she had quite a bit of control over the beings who resided in the realm of the dead, and she sent Yomotsu-Shikome to pursue Izanagi- a female form of an Oni who was well known for being hideous. It's somewhat contested if she sent one Shikome or eight, but one thing is for sure, and that's that she ended up working alongside them. Important to note is that she didn't create them, as it appears that Yomotsu-Shikome as a whole were actually an entirely separate race of demons similar to the Oni but in an explicitly more feminine form. They're described among the ranks of other Yokai as well, though I'm not sure if they're said to be in the same general 'Urban Legend' area as other Yokai, as most references to the Shikome are based around this legend.

Still, as the female inhabitants of the land of the dead, the Shikome are deadly and powerful demons who aren't afraid to pursue their prey, as shown by the fact that they readily chase after Izanagi and actually scare him- in fact, they scare him enough that he ends up throwing down grapes to distract them, which ends up working, somehow, at least for a moment. After the hags are down devouring, though, they get right back to the pursuit and gain on him quickly, causing him to break the teeth off of his comb and scatter them, with them turning into bamboo shoots that also distract the demons long enough for him to barely escape Yomi, trapping it beneath a boulder and likely taking an hour or so catching his breath.

Physically, the Shikome are described as ugly looking women with large patches of hair across their body- they have long, black, and scraggly hair, sagging breasts, and their faces are apparently contorted in wide smiles. However, in an attempt to cover this up, they end up putting on heavy amounts of makeup. Granted, this description is taken from Yokai.com, so it might not be accurate, but most other descriptions of these hags simply describe them as ghastly, with sunken features and wild, black hair. This all ties into the design in SMT, in which both designs for the demon have a heavy focus on gaunt features and black hair.

And yes, there are two- the more popular appearance for the Shikome is actually this one, appearing in Nocturne, I just prefer the Strange Journey one to it, as it's more accurate. I really like both designs, don't get me wrong, I just think the SJ one does more with the concept and is more faithful. This isn't to say the Nocturne one isn't fantastic, though, as it's unique, memorable, and almost reminds me of ●●|●●●●●|●●|● from the SCP foundation, in a way. Both designs are fantastic in their own rights, and I love both of them almost equally on top of just enjoying the demon overall.

[torpublishinggroup]

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[void-ink-studios]

I am relieved that I am still able to reach the audience I had since my retraction from the public eye. As my relationship with the Crown has tempered over these past few months since I made my controversial statements, I feel comfortable to publish once again. I've had some time, both with friends and alone, to travel and study even more species of these incredible beasts, as well as reexamine some species that I might have misunderstood in my younger days. Knowledge is a gift, and understanding a treasure. So, from my journal to your newspapers, I donate my gift to you all.

Welcome back to Smaugust y'all

1. Nourish

2. Curious

3. Jewel

4. Divided

5. Shadow

6. Glutton

7. Volcanic

8. Urban

9. Venomous

10. Armored

11. Treasure

12. Fluffy

13. Alien

14. Tar

15. Defeat

16. Ocean

17. Luminescent

18. Smog

19. Agile

20. Tundra

21. Humanoid

22. Fungus

23. Blood

24. Thunder

25. Hypnotize

26. Forgotten

27. Talisman

28. Prototype

29. Arcana

30. Cosmic

31. Portal

[iguanasplit]

WIP: list of P5 AUs

Crown the Pawn: Your ol classic Roleswap Shuake AU but Akechi remembers. goro has to use loki via bluetooth on joker to trigger call of chaos, make him go pyschotic so it maybe unlocks his memory back so they can do shit right. joker isnt very happy with the role he has to play.

Heart of Depth / The Mightiest of Seas (Pirates AU): Ren was a captain at some point and Goro was a pawn for shidos fleet. (its complicated)

Superconduct (Pacific RIM AU): Ren an ex-pilot works on makeshifts jeagers with futaba. Akechi practices solo piloting patrolling and ravaging illegal and unregistered units made outside the corps in the outer suburban areas. The smugglers call him the Black Mask.Akechi finds them scavanging metal components in a discarded unregistered Jaeger(Arsene) in the outer urban areas and he tears Arsene apart. Ren was a perfect Pilot, the best scores, but after something. he starts failing every test. Upon his brief imprisonment and his return his compatibility tests keep failing, he leaves one of the PTs on a comma

Noragami AU: Lowly God Akira, Akechi is Shidos Shinki. working with Nao

Side Hustle (Hades AU): Zag-Akechi, Demigod Prince of thieves Joker.with Nao

Passerine/? (HadesxPJO AU:) child of zeus (unclaimed) akechi praetor, amnesiac hermes child joker, goros very mad about this. with Nao

Arcane AU: Firelight leader (here called the phantoms), Joker, and Enforcer Akechi.

Hunger Games AU: pawn of the revolution joker. games victor goro works both as celebrity and agent for in the games. after winning Joker realizes he is being used by the revolution so he makes his own group to cause mayhem, and Goro double crosses everyone

Arcana Shuffle AU: NG+ only adults remember, joker isnt fated anymore but like remants of weird power and fate clung to him so instead of waking arsene he wakes the fucking reaper, goro's mother is alive, he has a real life and friends and so makoto is the trickster and haru is the other side of the coin. akechis role here starts when jokers unstable state threatens to break the timeline preventing the main events from happening. Goro awakens Robin and arsene.

HermitFaith AU: NG+ where Akechi and Ren remember, but they awaken memories as soon as the game starts, in the arcana swapped roles of Hermit for Akechi and Faith for Ren. They have to navigate the timeline supervising for the main events to ocur and reach the end of the timeline. Goro has a Palace that happens to look like the Engine room, lol

The Forge (Fantasy AU): Altoi crown prophecy, the cursed throne prince akechi decides he wont be doing and fated prophecy prince duty so he becomes a mage in the Norden lands. Joker is a blacksmith apprentice who is actually a pretty good mage himself, hes from Yongen the Fortress, mining town that legally belongs to Altair. Shido is waging war refusing to doom the kingdom because akechi doesnt want to die for the prophecy lol.(im using an old worldbuilding i really love but i never actually put to action). joker is some sort of ex mage from the velvet ring but his soul-bond died and to everyone in the ring you are supposed to have died with your soul-bond. so he isnt well seen in the Velvet Ring anymore. Lavenza Adopts him as blacksmith for custom catalysts. but like mages are pretencious , and full of shit and joker dislikes them

Steampunk/dieselpunk AU (Berserker cyborg Joker AU):

Lesbian SHUAKE aus:

Hockey Lesbians AU: they are angry lesbians playing hockey, originally by ned and swervey

The Night the world ended we- (Post-Apocaliptic AU): Mementos collapsed and they are left to beat yadly on a fistfight.