#zander the magnificent

[thenerdyplaybook]

Campaign 3 Episode 11 - Echoes of Bahamut

Temporarily known as the Grimm Alliance, Mexis, Zander, Raennora, Hellga, and Féhr’na head into the dormant Volcano of Mount Kilaed to potentially find a serial killer known the Laughing Man or a treasure chest to solve Hellga’s deity issues. 

[rockislandadultreads]

Read-Alike Friday: Jesmyn Ward

Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward

Let Us Descend is a reimagining of American slavery, as beautifully rendered as it is heart-wrenching. Searching, harrowing, replete with transcendent love, the novel is a journey from the rice fields of the Carolinas to the slave markets of New Orleans and into the fearsome heart of a Louisiana sugar plantation.

Annis, sold south by the white enslaver who fathered her, is the reader’s guide through this hellscape. As she struggles through the miles-long march, Annis turns inward, seeking comfort from memories of her mother and stories of her African warrior grandmother.  Throughout, she opens herself to a world beyond this world, one teeming with spirits: of earth and water, of myth and history; spirits who nurture and give, and those who manipulate and take. While Ward leads readers through the descent, this, her fourth novel, is ultimately a story of rebirth and reclamation.

Yonder by Jabari Asim

They call themselves the Stolen. Their owners call them captives. They are taught their captors’ tongues and their beliefs but they have a language and rituals all their own.

In a world that would be allegorical if it weren’t saturated in harsh truths, Cato and William meet at Placid Hall, a plantation in an unspecified part of the American South. Subject to the whims of their tyrannical and eccentric captor, Cannonball Greene, they never know what harm may befall them: inhumane physical toil in the plantation’s quarry by day, a beating by night, or the sale of a loved one at any moment. It’s that cruel practice—the wanton destruction of love, the belief that Black people aren’t even capable of loving—that hurts the most.

It hurts the reserved and stubborn William, who finds himself falling for Margaret, a small but mighty woman with self-possession beyond her years. And it hurts Cato, whose first love, Iris, was sold off with no forewarning. He now finds solace in his hearty band of friends, including William, who is like a brother; Margaret; Little Zander; and Milton, a gifted artist. There is also Pandora, with thick braids and long limbs, whose beauty calls to him.

Their relationships begin to fray when a visiting minister with a mysterious past starts to fill their heads with ideas about independence. He tells them that with freedom comes the right to choose the small things—when to dine, when to begin and end work—as well as the big things, such as whom and how to love. Do they follow the preacher and pursue the unknown? Confined in a landscape marked by deceit and uncertainty, who can they trust?

Conjure Women by Afia Atakora

Conjure Women is a sweeping story that brings the world of the South before and after the Civil War vividly to life. Spanning eras and generations, it tells of the lives of three unforgettable women: Miss May Belle, a wise healing woman; her precocious and observant daughter Rue, who is reluctant to follow in her mother's footsteps as a midwife; and their master's daughter Varina. The secrets and bonds among these women and their community come to a head at the beginning of a war and at the birth of an accursed child, who sets the townspeople alight with fear and a spreading superstition that threatens their newly won, tenuous freedom.

Magnificently written, brilliantly researched, richly imagined, Conjure Women moves back and forth in time to tell the haunting story of Rue, Varina, and May Belle, their passions and friendships, and the lengths they will go to save themselves and those they love.

The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Young Hiram Walker was born into bondage. When his mother was sold away, Hiram was robbed of all memory of her—but was gifted with a mysterious power. Years later, when Hiram almost drowns in a river, that same power saves his life. This brush with death births an urgency in Hiram and a daring scheme: to escape from the only home he’s ever known.

So begins an unexpected journey that takes Hiram from the corrupt grandeur of Virginia’s proud plantations to desperate guerrilla cells in the wilderness, from the coffin of the Deep South to dangerously idealistic movements in the North. Even as he’s enlisted in the underground war between slavers and the enslaved, Hiram’s resolve to rescue the family he left behind endures.

This is the dramatic story of an atrocity inflicted on generations of women, men, and children—the violent and capricious separation of families—and the war they waged to simply make lives with the people they loved.

[red-weiland]

Scott Weiland’s Solo Debut Expanded For 25th Anniversary

’12 Bar Blues’ will re-appear in two different versions this spring

Written By Jonathan Cohen | March 31, 2023 - 10:29 am

Late Stone Temple Pilots frontman Scott Weiland‘s 1998 solo debut, 12 Bar Blues, will be reissued in expanded form this spring by Rhino in celebration of its 25th anniversary.

First up on April 22 (Record Store Day) is a double-vinyl, newly remastered set marking the first edition of 12 Bar Blues in this format. The limited run of 7,500 copies includes three previously unreleased tracks: an acoustic take on the album’s “Barbarella” and two session outtakes, “Lazy Divey” and “Chateau Mars.” The latter two were considered for inclusion on 12 Bar Blues until very late in the process, and even appeared on promo versions sent to the press by Atlantic Records, but were ultimately cut.

A digital edition of the album follows on May 12, with five additional unreleased tracks. One of them, a demo of “Barbarella,” is out today (March 31) in tandem with a new 4K version of the song’s original music video. The others comprise three unheard Daniel Lanois remixes and a demo of “Desperation #5.”

12 Bar Blues originally appeared while Stone Temple Pilots was on a hiatus following its 1996 album Tiny Music … Songs From the Vatican Gift Shop. It was co-produced by Weiland with Blair Lamb and features guest appearances by Sheryl Crow, pianist Brad Mehldau, and a trio of musicians dubbed the Magnificent Bastards: Victor Indrizzo, Zander Schloss, and Jeff Nolan.

Here is the double-vinyl track list for 12 Bar Blues:

Side One

1. “Desperation #5”

2. “Barbarella”

3. “About Nothing”

4. “Where’s the Man”

Side Two

1. “Divider”

2. “Cool Kids”

3. “The Date”

4. “Son”

Side Three

1. “Jimmy Was a Stimulator”

2. “Lady, Your Roof Brings Me Down”

3. “Mockingbird Girl”

4. “Opposite Octave Reaction”

Side Four

1. “Barbarella” – Acoustic Version *

2. “Lazy Divey” *

3. “Chateau Mars” *

Here is the digital track list for 12 Bar Blues:

1. “Desperation #5”

2. “Barbarella”

3. “About Nothing”

4. “Where’s the Man”

5. “Divider”

6. “Cool Kids”

7. “The Date”

8. “Son”

9. “Jimmy Was a Stimulator”

10. “Lady, Your Roof Brings Me Down”

11. “Mockingbird Girl”

12. “Opposite Octave Reaction”

13. “Barbarella” – Acoustic Version *

14. “Lazy Divey” *

15. “Chateau Mars” *

16. “Barbarella” – Daniel Lanois Mix *

17. “Cool Kiss” – Daniel Lanois Mix *

18. “Lady, Your Roof Brings Me Down” – Daniel Lanois Mix *

19. “Barbarella” – Demo Version *

20. “Desperation #5” – Demo Version *

* previously unreleased

[quoteoftheweekblog]

24/6/24 - TAYLOR SWIFT AND JACK ANTONOFF

'Did you hear my covert narcissism I disguise as altruism Like some kind of congressman?' (Swift and Antonoff, 2022).

REFERENCE

Swift, T. and Antonoff, J.M. (2022) in AZLyrics 'Anti-hero'. Available at: https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/taylorswift/antihero.html Accessed 23 June 2024).

*****

…

🚌 HUGE thank you to everyone who joined us to welcome the Battle Bus to Basingstoke & headed straight out in the sun to knock doors and speak to voters (Zander, 2024).

REFERENCE

ZANDER. (2024) WHATSAPP MESSAGE TO BASINGSTOKE LABOUR CAMPAIGN WHATSAPP GROUP, 23 JUNE 17.04.

*****

NOT ME

STILL RECOVERING FROM SEEING THE TAYLOR SWIFT ERAS TOUR CONCERT AT WEMBLEY STADIUM ON FRIDAY

…

WITH

…

*****

GENERAL ELECTION 2024

TOO BUSY CHECKING OUT TAYLOR

…

TO BE ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL WEEK 5

I HAD PLANNED

…

RED

…

FOR THE RED ERA ... CARDIGAN ... LABOUR

BUT

WENT FOR YELLOW

…

FOR MY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

*****

WELL DONE TO CHIEF TAYLOR ADVISOR SAM FOR GOING TO EACH OF WEMBLEY’S 3 PERFORMANCES

WITH FULL CELEBRITY ATTENDANCE

…

WILLIAM AND GEORGE AND CHARLOTTE

ON FRIDAY

…

KRISHNAN AND EMILY

ON SATURDAY

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by OK! Magazine UK (@ok_mag)

...

PAUL ON SUNDAY

...

AND FOR ON THE FINAL NIGHT GETTING THIS CLOSE TO

…

TAYLOR THE MAGNIFICENT

…

HAIL TAYLOR

*****

VOTE LABOUR

FOR EVERYTHING

…

A PLEASURE LUKE

*****

…

…

TO MY SON FOR GIVING ME HIS TICKET

...

AND FOR FEEDING ME WHEN I GOT HOME

...

AND THANKS AGAIN

XXXX

& TO MY DAUGHTER FOR THE PAUL MCCARTNEY INSTAGRAM

AND THANKS AGAIN

XXXX

&

TO MY FRIEND IN NORTH LONDON FOR OFFERING TO PUT ME UP

AND THANKS AGAIN

XXXX

&

TO MY FRIEND IN SOUTH LONDON FOR BEING SORRY THAT SHE COULDN’T OFFER TO PUT ME UP

AND THANKS AGAIN

XXXX

&

TO MY FRIEND IN EAST LONDON FOR THE WILLIAM AND GEORGE AND CHARLOTTE NEWS STORY (AND FOR BEING SO EXCITED FOR ME)

XXXX

&

TO MY FRIEND NEAR WINCHESTER FOR OFFERING TO TREAT ME TO A B&B

XXXX

&

TO SAM AND TULA FOR MAKING SURE I GOT IN

...

WHICH WAS GOOD BECAUSE IT COULD HAVE BEEN

…

HARD WORK

…

BUT WASN’T

…

AND THANKS AGAIN

XXXX

FOR MY HUSBAND

WHO WOULD HAVE LOVED ALL OF THIS

…

XXXX

TAYLOR SWIFT

*****

QUOTE OF THE WEEK 2011 - 2024

…

12 EPIC YEARS

*****

FROM THE ARCHIVE

…

2/11/20

*****

[spookyboywhump]

I've come to give your oc's tattoos.

Wren: A multicolor water animal sleeve tattoo that somehow makes his brand disappear with the magnificence of the art

Zander: A sunflower covered dagger on the inside of his forearm

Cain: Barbed wire circle around calligraphic word puppy with blood dripping from the spikes of the wire on his inner thigh

Vanessa: Bleeding, broken, and missing feathers angel wings on her back

Nicolas: Big dick on his forehead with the word idiot in it

Okay but I love these

Like Wren and Zander's are so perfect for them,,,, maybe even close to some plans i had for them,,,, :3c

I'm also a big fan of Cain's, i love a good thigh scar or tattoo on a pet whumpee, especially one like him.

Vanessa's is prettier than she deserves-

And Nicholas' is JUST RIGHT

[borealis-strange]

Chapter 10: A Winter's Tale

Summary:

-Roger, thank you very much ... for everything - Brian said once he had finished telling everything about his family.

-No problem. You know that I will always be there for you -

-Can I ask you one last thing? -

-What? -

-Can you sing something? -

Tag-list:  @whitequeen-ofwillowgreen​ @likesomekindofcheese

December was beginning and the end of the year parties were approaching. The queen believed that the best thing for the boys to take a break to be with their family but wanted them to be in the castle for the end of the year celebration.

The queen went to the dining room that morning but when she entered she did not expect the presence of one of her students.

Roger was sitting and smoking quietly as he raised his feet to the table.

The queen was outraged at this and went straight to sit across from him to scold him again.

Everyone were supposed to have left the castle the day before, everyone except Roger.

-Good morning, Mr. Taylor - The queen said to get his attention. He just turned to see her and took out a puff of smoke without saying anything - You know that you are not allowed to smoke inside the castle and do not put your feet up on the table - She said sternly.

Roger continued to smoke and, looking her straight in the eyes in a challenging way, and took more smoke out of his mouth.

The queen sighed and understood that Roger was a lost case. As much as he scolded him no matter how much she yelled he never understood, or at least he just ignored her. Even the times she was good to him and tried to teach him things, he always grumbled and did things wrong, and her patience ran out in the end. Roger had great potential in magic but was not very patient and did not like to follow the rules. In a way it reminded her of Zander.

-And what are you doing here? - She asked already given up to ask him to stop smoking. The only thing she wanted was that the smell didn't get too much permeated on the mat and curtains - Didn’t I give you a little vacation to be with your family? You always complain that I never let you go out. And now I give you the opportunity to get rid of me, here you are, like every day -

Roger did not respond immediately, he just settled back in the chair and lit another cigarette.

-I have nowhere to go - It was the only thing he said. The queen looked at him strangely.

The queen had always thought he was a brat where his parents gave him everything he asked for but apparently she was wrong.

-And your parents? - She dared to ask

Roger shrugged without caring much.

-I have not seen them in years and I plan to keep it that way - He said as he extinguished his half-finished cigarette and got up from his seat to leave the dining room without saying anything else.

-------

Roger slept peacefully in his room despite all the noise outside. The queen had organized a party for the celebration of the Rising Sun and therefore there was live music and a lot of people talking loudly and laughing. The queen had invited him but he refused, he did not want to be at a party where he did not belong.

The sound of the phone woke him up and he looked at his watch on the nightstand. 3:00 am. The party was still at that time and more importantly someone was calling him. He picked up the phone awkwardly without getting out of bed.

-Who is this? - Roger spoke trying to sound as awake as possible, which was impossible.

-Roger, it's me - Brian's voice sounded on the other end of the line. Roger was still processing the information and Brian spoke again - I was calling you because… I had a nightmare -

That was not uncommon since Roger knew him he had always had nightmares that kept him awake for hours. And he always did his best to reassure him, sometimes he had even slept in the same bed to make Brian feel more secure.

-Do you want to tell me what happened? - Roger asked a little more awake.

-Yes ... - It was heard that he was about to cry. Although Roger assumed that he had already done it - I was in the other house ... and she was screaming ... - His voice trembled and a lump in his throat prevented him from speaking - and then ... then ... - Brian forces himself to say what had happened but the words did not flow.

-Hey Brian, you don't need to tell me - Roger said reassuring his friend - Take a deep breath and remember that she is no longer here, she can no longer hurt you -

Brian's breathing sounded on the other end of the line.

-What happens if she find me? I'm at my parents' house and she lives near here, remember?-

Roger never went to Brian's parents' house but he did remember that her house was a couple of blocks away. Brian's fear was perfectly understandable.

-Then I will have to go there to protect you -

-I wish you were here… -

-Yes ... me too ... - Roger said with a light sigh.

For a few seconds neither of them said anything. Roger just listened to Brian's sobs.

-Why don't you tell me something else? - Roger said for Brian to clear his mind a bit - Something you have done in the last days -

-Well ... I've been with my family ... I've played the guitar ... I've read a lot -

-And have you had a good time with your family? -

-Yes, pretty good. My grandmother loves to give me cookies and that kind of candy - He laughed a little when he remembered that.

They spent at least an hour talking on the phone. Rather Brian talked and Roger just listened carefully. No matter how tired he was, he couldn't sleep, he had to be for Brian at all times.

Brian talked about his family and everything he had done in recent days, he even momentarily forgot why he had called his friend in the early morning.

-Roger, thank you very much ... for everything - Brian said once he had finished telling everything about his family.

-No problem. You know that I will always be there for you -

-Can I ask you one last thing? -

-What? -

-Can you sing something? -

Roger sighed and mentally went over songs he knew until he finally found the right one. It was called “A winter’s tale” a fairly popular song in Rhye. His mother always sang it to him as a child that's why he remembered her so well.

He began to sing a sweet and calm melody:

“It's winter-fall Read skies are gleaming, oh Seagulls are flying' over Swans are floating' by Smoking chimney-tops Am I dreaming Am I dreaming?

The nights draw in There's a silky moon up in the sky, yeah Children are fantasizing Grown-ups are standin' by What a super feeling Am I dreaming Am I dreaming?

So quiet and peaceful Tranquil and blissful There's a kind of magic in the air What a truly magnificent view A breathtaking scene With the dreams of the world In the palm of your hand

A cozy fireside chat A little this, a little that Sound of merry laughter skippin' by Gentle rain beatin' on my face What an extraordinary place! And the dream of the child Is the hope of the, hope of the man

It's all so beautiful Like a landscape painting in the sky, yeah Mountains are zoomin' higher, uh Little girls scream an' cry My world is spinnin' and spinnin' and spinnin' It's unbelievable Sends me reeling Am I dreaming Am I dreaming?”

Roger finished singing and heard Brian's light breathing on the other end of the line. He was already asleep. Roger smiled to himself and hung up the phone.

Roger never cared to be awakened in the middle of the night, in order to help his friend be calm, he was happy.

[dis--parity]

[munday meme] 🍓🥝🥒🥜 :>

Munday Meme // Still Accepting!

🍓 - What’s your sweetest rp experience so far?

Ooooh, you’re really making me choose... I’ve had quite a lot of them recently, to be honest, but if we’re talking about a full thread... it would absolutely involve Alex’s canon interactions with Nancy/Nova of @closeknithearts and the way we established their bond over time, but the best of those has to be at the most crucial point(s) when Alex was figuring out their identity and Nancy was so open and helpful and supportive,,, it was a lovely time!

🥝 - If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Hm! I’ve always wanted to go to Denmark honestly! Either that or Germany seem like pretty nice places to live when I get the means to live there, so those are my real priorities - assuming America keeps going down the drain and leaving me to find a better place to elope to with my partners.

🥒 - Are you thinking about reviving old muses? Who?

Yes, actually! I’ve been trying to decide with a poll that ended in a draw whether to make a sideblog to this blog with NPCs, including;

Aubrey Cloutier, Alex’s half-brother and resident drunk bastard

Chris Menendez, trans man werewolf & streamer

Souji Omugi, half-American half-Japanese patiessier

Kerata Kendrick, shy lesbian farm girl

Or, establish a new blog with a new set of muses, the roster of which being:

Sayuri Kimura, disowned daughter of an affluent family who abandoned a life of privilege in the search for independence and fulfilment of hedonistic pleasures

Liam Raynes, an ex-CIA agent turned street soldier who can't help but be haunted by what he saw during a particularly bad case, but tries to fish the pain away

Zander Trout, the hypersexual hypeman who’s as good at remembering anything about eir past as ey are at keeping it in eir pants

🥜 - What’s the nuttiest thread you’ve ever had?

Funny you should ask that, so far my nuttiest thread on tumblr’s probably been with you, Leech! The current thread with candid has been rapidly approaching the off-the-rails point, cand just has these horribly magnificent chaotic energy and I love the way they just say these reality-shattering things like they’re no big deal at all. You’re the perfect person to write a chaos god and i love every sentence I write of yours omg

[trashbinbackyard]

General, wedding, children (if applicable), cooking, chores and misc for jiro n max + moe n hoe

First jiro and max and then moe and hoe. I couldnt copy and paste the text kakxkdkdk so bear with me on this

- They will last as long as max is alive, Jiro went on to become a god and has visitation right and one cant just forget the other kicked huge dragon ass to save you

- Till death do they apart. They’re solid, with both working and actively keeping the flame alive

- for jiro it was kinda love at first sight, oh this handsome captain of a big city wyrm hunt And i get to work for him, Score. Max had to be warmed up tho bc of the arisen antics and the fact that Jiro’s a packade deal and you get Zander too

- It took a lot of warming up. Both thought the other was attractive from day one tho. Bunch of snark veiled flirts and the first date was set

- probably after Jiro killed the griffin and came back victorious (with westley alive hell ye). Kinda bloodied and just happy that’s over with. Max was worried and happy to see arisen come back in one piece

- Joe probably did the Most. Romantic walk, escort Mae back to her place, say goodbye and goodnight and kissu

- Jiro, look he had the right ready too might as well use it

- Joe, with the most cheesy possible proposal. Mae was swept off her feet

- Zander is of course the best man. Max probably had a fellow captain

- Yumi for maid of honor, Morri for Joe’s best man

- there was little planning involved honestly, i’d think weddings in cassardis are pretty straightforward, go to the chapel, get back on the beach and feast on some fish and the wedding night in pablo’s inn

- Mae, Joe would refer to it as womans job but he would help out if Mae asked. All decicions they made together bc it would be rude to go solo

- Probably Max, about things like is he welcome in cassardis, is he selfish for hogging the arisen all to himself like that, but he need not worry, people in cassardis are welcoming and after being kidnapped by a dragon he’s allowed to hog the arisen

- I mean their wedding was kinda on the small side already so i dont think either one stressed that much

- three, planned two but got third one free

- No adoption, they thought one baby was a lot but then got twins.. two of them screaming. Tho Buddy can be considered an adopted furry child

- Mae mostly. But Joe did his share too, thats what being a parent means

- Mae, she didnt grow up in Australia with its magnificent wildlife so for a long time the kids weren’t allowed outside without supervision.

- Both, though the kids dont take Joe as seriously bc he used to do stunts himself. Though the only one stunting would be sam anyway

- Both, Joe’s lunches are special though bc he draws things for his kids

- Neither is loved more or less but each kid has the parent they gravitate the most to, though Damien feels bit estranged from Joe but nothing a little therapy wont fix

- Mae, those are her babies!

- Joe, but the kids wont get in trouble they’re good kids

- Max, he’d be more used to some fancy gran soren soaps and oils and Jiro is more of a in and out in five minutes guy

- Mae, enjoy some shampoo, conditioner, hair oil, body was, shave and then just stand there and have few free of children minutes. Joe’s 3 in one shampoo, conditioner and body wash is staring back at her

- both mae and joe are responsibledog owners but i’d think joe goes out on jogs more

- just chill and enjoy some quiet life post-dragon. After Jiro becomes the seneschal max would take up his armor again and be a guard or something and wait for the husbands return

- Married, have kids, take care of kids, love each other, have fun

- Jiro, all that running around and climbing cyclops gets to ya

- Neither really? Mae is up and making breakfast and Joe probably on a morning jog

[midsvmmars]

 CHARACTER NAME MASTERLISTS

under the cut are name ideas for your characters (with meaning) if you're struggling to find one that fits! there is a mixture of generic and odd names, but overall underused in the rpc! they will be seperated into female, male, and unisex!! i hope this helps, and if you need anymore name ideas don’t be afraid to send me a message for some more! i might make a part two if i find or remember more names that weren’t here!!

female:

joanna/johanna/joanne - gift from god

roxanne - dawn of the day

claudia - lame

suzanne - lily

nancy - grace

audrey - noble and strong

calliope - beautiful voice

paulette - small and humble

kiana - ancient

lorelai - to watch a cliff/ambush cliff

effy - well spoken

renata - born again

darby - free from envy

darcy - dark

greta - pearl

mellie - brave strength

veena - musical

brandy - flaming torch

shannon - wise river

sionna - possessor of wisdom

daisy - day’s eye

lara - famous, protection, and cheerful

margot - pearl

lynette - bird

alice - noble

edie - prosperous in war

rosemary - dew of the sea, bitter rose

nicolette - people of victory

lana - harmony

siobhan - the lord is gracious

helen - bright, shining light

helena - bright, shining light

yelena - shining one

natalia - birthday of the lord

enya - fire

anya - grace

samantha - told by god

felicity - good fortune

ramona - wise protector

matilda - battle mighty

bronwyn - white breast

laura - bay laural

blanche - white

cassandra - prophetess

bonnie - beautiful, cheerful

nadia - hope

colette - people of victory

alyssa - noble

sabrina - river severn

beverly - dweller near the beaver stream

heather - a flowering evergreen plant

elodie - foreign riches

melody - song

posy/posey - a bunch of flowers

zelda - dark battle

libby - pledged to god

luna - moon

adina - slender, delicate

rhiannon - divine queen

dolores - lady of sorrows

dorothy - gift of god

agatha - good woman

hannah - grace

cher - beloved

alicia - noble

mina - protector

vanessa - literary invention, butterfly

marcella - warlike

marisa - of the sea

nora - light

janine - god is gracious

valentina - strength, health

valencia - brave, strong

ada - noble

jasmine - flower

magdalena - of magdala

gwendolyn - white ring

sophie/sophia/sofia - wisdom

letitia - joy, gladness

nicole - people of victory

naomi - pleasantness

hilda - battle woman

katerina - pure

audra - noble strength

wendy - friend

viola - violet

tilly - battle mighty

bernadette - brave as a bear

birdie - bird

mara - bitter

imogen - maiden

eloise - healthy, wide

amaya - night rain

amara - grace, bitter

mya/maya - water

diana - divine

anastasia - resurrection

genevieve - woman of the race

angelica - angelic

celine - heavenly

chrissa - follower of christ

myrtle - a flowering shrub

odessa - wrathful

beatrice/beatrix - she who brings happiness

winifred - blessed peacemaking

marnie - rejoice

velma - resolute protection

eleanor - light

elizabeth - pledged to god

ophelia/ofelia - help

gemma - precious stone

greta - pearl

christine - anointed

daphne - laurel or bay tree

juliette - youthful

amber - jewel

dinah - god will judge

danika - morning star

esther - star

marisol - mary of sun or solitude

mariella - bitter or wished for child

mariel - bitter

muriel - of the bright sea

phoebe - radiant, shining one

winona - firstborn daughter

olivia - olive tree

jessica - rich

yvonne - yew wood

camila - young ceremonial attendant 

marcia - warlike

carrie/kerry - free man

victoria - victory

chloe - blooming, fertility

sabine - woman of the people

veronica - she who brings victory, true image

rachel - beautiful in form and countenance

wilhelmina - resolute protection

odeya - i will thank god

tabitha - gazelle

lacy - belonging to lace

willow - willow tree

charisma - charismatic

sarah - princess

sally - princess

cordelia - heart, daughter of the sea

jade - stone of the side

violet - purple

isadora - gift of isis

barbara - foreign woman

moxie - know how

brittany - from briton

dionne - divine

sonia/sonya - wisdom

sibyl - seer, oracle

mallory - unfortunate

male:

warren - park keeper

fitzgerald - son of gerald

fitzwilliam - son of william

tiago - saint james

gideon - hewer

clinton/clint - hilltop town

diego - supplanter

simon - the listener

charles - free man

zachary - the lord has remembered 

edward - wealthy guardian

trevor - from the large village

gregory - vigilant, a watchman

gerald - ruler with the spear

holden - hollow valley

richard - dominant ruler

ronan - little seal

roman - of rome

frank - free man

peter - rock

stanley - near the stony clearing

sebastian - revered

fletcher - arrow maker

steve - garland, crown

jimmy - supplanter

dewey - beloved

james - supplanter

michael - who is like god?

garfield - triangle field

ethan - strong, firm

clive - lives near a cliff

owen - young warrior

jackson - son of jack

christopher - bearer of christ

ernest - serious or resolute

jeffrey - pledge of peace

dean - church official

leonard - brave lion

romeo - pilgrim to rome

duncan - dark warrior

trent - the flooder

malcom - malevolent, devotee of saint columba

roy - red haired

ross - upland, peninsula 

bernard - strong, brave as a bear

jared -  he descends

enrique - estate ruler

axel - father of peace

zayn/zane - god is gracious

xavier - new house or bright

zander - defending men

vincent - conquering

duke - nobility

bo/beau - handsome

william - resolute protection

finn/finnegan - fair

clyde - river

hunter - one who hunts

benjamin - benevolent, son of the right hand

garrett - spear strength

hugo - mind, intellect

oscar - god spear, deer lover, champion warrior

dante - enduring

enzo - estate ruler

mateo - gift of god

wyatt - brave in war

seth - appointed, placed

jay - jaybird

carlos - freeman

logan - small hollow

ace - one, unity

henry - estate ruler

eric/erik - eternal ruler

timothy - honoring god

kent - edge

frederick - peaceful ruler

nicholas - people of victory

anthony - priceless one

asher - fortunate, blessed

dimitri - follower of demeter

sean/shawn - god is gracious

gabriel/gabe - god is my strength

timothy - honoring god

colin - pup

jameson - son of james

conrad - brave counsel

alexander/xander - defending men

harvey - battle worthy

oliver - olive tree

lance - servant

rupert - bright fame

johnathan - gift of jehovah

robert - bright fame

dustin brave warrior, thor’s stone

alberto - noble, bright

nolan - champion

marcus - warlike

elias - yahweh is god

fernald - from the fern slope

klaus - people of victory

jaques - supplanter

bertrand - magnificent crow

atticus - from attica

cole - swarthy, coal black

darian - kingly or possess well

andrew - strong and manly

joshua - the lord is my salvation

joss - the merry one

albert - noble, bright

felix - happy, fortunate

andre - man

maxwell - great stream

maximillian - greatest

willard - resolutely brave

raphael - god has healed

marius - god of war

scott - from scotland

kane - warrior

homer - security, pledge

caleb - devotion to god

alfred/alfie - wise counselor

randy - shield wolf

conner/connor - lover of hounds

unisex:

ashley - lives in the ash tree grove/meadow of ash tree’s

jordan - flowing down

rowan - little redhead

aspen - quiver in the lightest breeze

sutton - from the southern homestead

dylan - child of the sea

shaw - lives by the thicket

cody/kody - helpful, pillow

dakota/decota - friendly one

riley - courageous

reese - ardent, fiery

kendall - valley of the river kent

peyton/payton - fighting mans estate

taylor - tailor

blake - fair haired, dark

arden - valley of the eagle

rory - red king

mica/micah - who is like the lord

wren - spear

spencer - keeper of provisions

maddox - fortunate

lennox - elm grove

casper/kasper - treasurer

quinn - wisdom

casey - brave in battle

andy/andi - strong

drew - strong

jamie - supplanter

cameron - crooked nose

kolbey/colby/etc - from a coal town

regan - little king

aaron/erin - enlightened

max - greatest

gale/gail - my father rejoices

ty/tai - great extreme

kit - pure

morgan - sea born

renee - reborn

joey - jehovah increases

sloane - raider

andrea - strong

brooke - small stream

rooney - descendant of the champion

jackie - supplanter

shelby - estate on the ledge

harper - harp player

allison - noble

sandy - defending men

gal - wave

eman - belief, faith

miles - soldier, merciful

dashiell/dash - unknown

cooper - barrel maker

dale - valley

howard - high guardian or brave heart 

tyler - maker of tiles

mason/maysenne - stoneworker

rudy - famous wolf

ryan - little king

dorian - child of the sea

shane - gift from god

drew - descendant of the druid

[thenerdyplaybook]

Campaign 3 Episode 10 - Echoes of Bahamut

While investigating the murders in the northern village, the party discovers a pocket dimension beneath the house and discover the cradle of Kokobial. 

[tarysande]

Interpretation Class: Elgar - Cello Concerto in E minor Op. 85

“Give everything you have and watch the ripples.”

If you are an artist of any kind, I cannot recommend this video (or this man, Benjamin Zander) highly enough. I watched this last night, and I bawled. My husband cried (and I have seen him cry less than a score of times in as many years!!).  This man, this beautiful, wonderful, insightful, thoughtful, positive, passionate man is an absolute gift. The way he talks about music so perfectly echoes the way I think about the role any art plays, and the relevance of that art to humanity. The way he encourages and inspires this student is just magnificent. It’s such a perfect example of how I long to encourage and inspire people. He just ... makes the world a better place.

[red-weiland]

Shooting the "Mockingbird Girl" video with Scott Weiland and Zander Schloss in '95. That's my 1966 Telecaster. I believe it now belongs to Keith Richards.

Of all the guitars I've ever owned, I miss that Tele the most. I was an idiot to let it go.

Photos by Alison Dyer

— Jeff Nolan (via Instagram)

[deargoditsmeceline]

~#21: A Filmic Offering; The WHOLE TRUTH~

Dear, Dear Void:

I have completed the film.

It is not what I expected it to be. It is not what I was promised. I had hoped that my collaboration with Jü Fine Brandy and their branding agents, Bland.ly, would allow me to focus solely on the subtly fraught beauty in the connection of Nature and Industry.

I have been thwarted. They enticed me into a contract with words of acceptance and praise, or shared vision, of “meeting each other where we are” and “authenticity” and yet when I arrived, as I am, with my unique vision, they responded not with welcome and thanks but with irritation and entitled exasperation at my requestsI refused to obey their duplicitous requests for me to play the part of The Excessively Chill Yet Oh So Productive Urbanite, and I have been released from my contract. The footage from that fatal shoot day was sent to me with the original sound, and fully marred with cruel comments from the two-faced “creative team.” Thus, the pure MAGNUM OPUS I have dreamed of creating is no more.

I have taken the cold ashes of my vision and created MAGNUM OPUS: Resergere Ex Cineribus. Void, I present it to you now; I believe it speaks for itself.

For the Intrepid, for the Thorough, for the Seekers among us, I include a full accounting of facts below:*

*In my humbled state I recommend that you review the full footage with a mind informed by this meaningful context. A FULL ACCOUNTING

           Invocation:

O Void: I bow to thy abbreviated attention span and place the filmic link above all lengthy communication. However, I request that those of you who feel the pull of details seek satisfaction in the WHOLE TRUTH. Follow, if you dare, an accounting of Hopes, raised and dashed as effortlessly as the blooming and crushing of a single rose.

I.         An Initiation:

This ill-fated odyssey began with an e-missive from Bland.ly, a “full service blanding agency” undertaking a reimagining of Jü (formerly Jungmann’s) Fine Brandy. If you recall my blog post from the day, I was thrilled by their offer of support for my personal artistic vision, and I excitedly replied.

Within days, I was offered a contract - framed as a collaboration - on behalf of Ju Fine Brandy. I felt a deep and immediate feeling of true community from their words. Their founder, Ty, was full of praise for the works of artists, for the link between artistic purpose and social visionary, and I was lifted on the recognition of myself as one of those selected few!!!!

II.       The Meeting:

We meet in person, and signed our agreement. Although it was filled with legalese, I understood that I would receive a sizable portion of Lucre, and the support of the Bland.ly team for photoshoots, potential blog interviews and the production of a short film. It was here that I met Ty Ramsy, and here that we together conceived of our initial idea of the film as a production of my MAGNUM OPUS, exclusively focused on my artistry.

Friends, I cannot emphasize how support from one’s community can lift a burden from a visionary’s shoulders. I did not realize until that meeting that I had been using my own creative resources to maintain my belief in my vision, while thinking myself and my belief in my purpose untapped. But as soon as I signed that contract, meet with Ty, received those sweet words of support on a printed page-- O the lift! The levity!!! I did not think that it was possible. Filled with new inspiration and liberated from an internal battle with futility, I rushed to my studio (still the bare boards of my small bed-chamber) to create visionings for my MAGNUM OPUS.

III.        Capitalist Trimmings / The Photoshoot:

The initial photoshoot was to be as closely scheduled as possible, as they wished to launch our collaboration right away. I said that this was not enough time for me to develop a fully fleshed out concept, and I offered to bring the beginnings of my MAGNUM OPUS imaginings from the Joe’s Pub edition or from any of my earlier vision-work. They told me, in short, not to fret, as it was being handled by the production team. I assumed that, as a highly competent seeming operation, that they would execute on the ideas we discussed in our meeting.

I arrived at the appointed location of the photoshoot, which was situated amongst the most louche and banal of spray-painted pictures, and handed a paint splattered jumpsuit and Reaganesque jeans. I thought we had a shared understanding of the fragile beauty of plants struggling to root in urban settings, yet instead I was met with capitalist trimmings and seeming disdain.

I swallowed my confusion and rage, and also their disgusting brandy, which they wanted to me to pose with, worship, and imbibe, despite my repeated protests that I do NOT drink, as it deeply unsettles my lucid dreaming practice. I finished the day filled with pride for my ability to carry on through strife, but also anger and confusion. How had they so missed the mark on our vision?

IV.         The Attempted Reconciliation:

  I immediately attempted to address my issues via email. They responded, telling me that they were happy I brought it up and they were able to address some of my issues, but not all of them. I knew the shoot was mere days away, and that it was up to me to ensure that we were all able to participate in bringing this beautiful vision to light. So I went about handling the rest myself.

V.          The Film Shoot:

The morning of the shoot, I arrived READY TO WORK — I sourced my own flowers, I created and fit custom garb, I found a kind soul willing to lend me their vehicle— all in service of the vision, my Vision, the Vision Jü said they were so eager to support. Jü said they expected my best and void, I delivered. The verve and inspiration, the connectivity, that I brought to that performance was exceptional, even from my own perspective, when I am so often critical of my own offerings.  I left exhausted, drained from carrying the emotional burden of the whole team, but feeling elated. Finally, my MAGNUM OPUS was born.

VI.         The Firing:

Much to my surprise and insult, they fired me immediately, without care for my feelings and with no hope of conversation or resolution.

VII. The Demand

In my devastation, I demanded my footage. It was not safe in their hands, and they had made it profoundly clear that they saw little use in my creative labor. I, however, felt compelled to search the ashes for my dream, the elusive, magnificent film I knew we recorded that day.

VIII.        The Things They Said:

I was sent the footage in its entirety. I rejoiced!! A victory, surely, I thought.

ALAS NO. Some nitwit, likely the sycophant assistant, Zander, had sent footage with the beta audio included, perhaps as an oversight, perhaps as a sick blague. Whatever the reason, I stood, assessing my personal performance of my masterpiece coupled with the inexact, though admittedly accomplished camerawork, haunted the whole time by the indelible laughter of those who had pledged support as I birthed this exhausting and crucial work into the world.

In that moment, the edges of my vision momentarily darkened. I swayed as the world spun around me but recovered myself-- I fell not into a faint! I slapped myself back into the field of war. MAGNUM OPUS, despite my hopes of the support needed for my pure vision, would be marred by the scorn of those meant to be producing it, those purportedly to be in support. MAGNUM OPUS, a product of the world’s fear and cowardice, hidden behind scorn and irony once again. As with my previous attempt this year (MAGNUM OPUS: The Prelude) this film title would require a colon and sub-clause to document the forces that held it down.

IX.         MAGNUM OPUS: Resurgere Ex Cineribus:

I could have excluded the beta audio. I could have left their voices out entirely, and created a sound score more fitting to my original vision, yes.

Perhaps you will ask why I felt compelled to leave in the perspective of The Haters, as you, the void, the Internet, so often call them. I certainly answer to no one but myself.

I will say this: my MAGNUM OPUS was meant as an atonement for what we take from nature. It is an attempt to beg for our return to the peace of nature to that we may reclaim our souls from the jaws of productivity, and, even in the thriving hub of industry, to give ourselves the permission to feel ourselves growing, thriving in the Void.

To cut the voices that demand conformity is to erase them. The deep brutality of the forces within us that demand our expressions to look the same, feel the same, to be the same must be revealed and examined. I confess myself crushed under their weight. And I have chosen to use them to make the core of my MAGNUM OPUS: Resergere Ex Cineribus. A film of resilience and humility.

[duskbringerbrotherhood]

Home and Hearth (Part Two.)

(( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKLfvt6CZCY ))

Quel’danas was ripe with havoc and hate. The smoke and blood fueled bitterness in the air. All from the confrontation between the Legion and the Shattered Sun. The outer walls of the once magnificent fortress were little more than rubble and terrible shades of what they once were. A wash with blood and soot, bile and remnants of magic. The battle still waged ever onward for victory for either side was still out of reach.

Off, out among the town, where the struggles from the forces was no longer sat Tyrthalion. Still a heap of bloodied armour and tears, the mutated corpse of his wife laying forever lifeless in his arms. Despite his pleads and cries, prayers and screams, she did not return. She never would.

Sathranell, broke through the Arcane and stumbled through. Catching his balance on the rubble to catch his breath. Seeing his brother knelt in the grass. But the sought relief did not last. A stray bombardment from the ships off the coast rained explosive munitions down on the cityscape. The mage acted quickly, with a flurry of his hands a portal opened beneath Tyrthalion and removed him from the oncoming explosion. Depositing him in the ruined house next to his brother.

All at once Tyrthalion fell, and then returned as his body met the remaining stonework floor of the house. He panicked as his hands grasped, his vision flicked and desperately searched for his wife’s corpse. It was gone. His emotions erputed within him as tears continued to streak down his dirt and blood smeared expression. He was at his feet in an instant and leaping to end whoever had removed her from his grasp again. Within seconds his brother was taken down, pinned and held in a choke against the blood soaked earth.

“How dare you! How dare you take her from me!” Tyrthalion threated, slamming the man into the ground.

Sathranell collected himself, pried Tyrthalion off and kicked, forcefully removing his brother from him. 

“I saved you! What the in the Light has come over you!” he barked back, catching his breath as he came to his feet.

Tyrthalion flailed and kicked, a mess unable to gain a footing as he stumbled back and hit the stone floor once more. His thoughts came through, it was his brother and with a glance of the burning glass over where he once knelt, he was correct. That cannon would have killed him.

“Huh!?! What? That’s it? The mighty Spellbreaker is gonna take a few wounds and quit? What about them?!” Sathranell spat in anger. Jutting an accusation finger at his brother and then at the city as he asked.

“Sarianna... Cynthia... dead. They’re dead! DEAD!... She.. died in my arms... there.” Tyrthalion replied in misery pointing to the small crater Sathranell had saved him from.

With that, he understood why his brother suddenly threatened to kill him. They were family to him, he was teaching Cynthia minor incantations last they met. Sarianna cooked dinner whenever he stopped by and she was always so quick to smile. 

But now, they were gone. He quelled the swell in his chest and stepped over to his brother, grabbed his arm and hurled him up to his feet. Steadied themselves and looked him in the eye.

“Look. I know, you’re in pain. Pain that I could never comprehend. But they are losing in there. Alright? They need their captain. The Shattered Sun are breaking through the outer city of the Sunwell. But they’ve only reached the Terrace. You need to fight, brother.” Sathranell explained in a weighted tone.

Tyrthalion gathered his thoughts as best he could. Pouring over the faces and images in his mind, going over the soldiers, brothers and sisters in arms that he knew would be there. His soldiers. His Spellbreakers. He wiped his face which did little,but peeled his hair back as he focused a focus Sathranell had not seen in many years.

“Sword... where’s my...” he said softly as he panned his gaze and found it, reached down as his body ached and moaned against him. But returned to his feet and wiped the blade with his glove.

“Get out of here, Sath. Get to the homestead. Use your portals. Get everything out. If I’m captured.... If I’m captured I may be killed. Take everything we have. I want it out of ‘their’ hands. Now go. Go!” Tyrthalion commanded. Stepping passed his brother and making for the Terrace. 

(( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hp5wSk8tp_Q ))

Tyrthalion broke into a jog, breaking for the backlines of the Shattered Sun as he’d no intention of cutting through the bulk. Even if he wanted to. A stray scout was drinking from his canteen as Tyr sprinted upon him. He was unable to turn in time as the Spellbreakers sword firmly pierced his back and threw them from their horse.

Straddling the steed, he rounded the back lines and galloped up the hills to the gates of the Terrace with haste. Upon reaching the base, the Shattered Sun lines were primed and ready to enter again his kinsmen. With a kick, the horse sprinted, coming up quickly on the rear flank.

He snatched the spear of one soldier, drove it through two men and the horse plowed through the rest, stamping several under hoof and breaking the line. Two men were quick to react and speared the steed in turn as it screamed and stumbled. Tyrthalion leapt and rolled, coming to his feet as he stepped passed the gates and into the Terrace. Dodging the retaliation for his attack.

His steps slowed as he swept his gaze around the Terrace. He was too late, the force he had met were reinforcements. Not the assault. Sin’dorei bodies laid about the corpses of Shattered Sun warriors. He recognized some, ones he’d met though his time among them. Rushing to the railings edge he looked down, the two forces had faced off. He had time.

Breaking for the halls he ran as much as he could whilst cutting the corners, a small group had been left behind in the grand hall, they almost didn’t. But they heard the thundering foot steps. The first turned to face the noise, but not quickly enough as Tyr hurled his sword up and nearly guillotined the man in half before withdrawing the blade and removing his head in a spin.

The others collected themselves, the more skilled charging in an effort to stop him. But they were poorly trained and off guard from his surprise. He impaled the first in his sword and hurled him back, withdrew his blade and swung cutting the second in two before he could land a strike.

With the gained momentum, his sword armed up and beheaded the third. The remaining three broke, dropping their weapons and running for the gate. Tyrthalion continued until he saw a familar suit of armour soaked in blood and laid about the floor. It was one of his, K’rinth the youngest he had trained. The mans head was gone, but he knew the sigil on their tabard and cursed under his breath. It looked like he had crawled a distance before his head was removed. In the direction of a small courtyard. 

“Ronae!” Tyrthalion yelled down the hallway leading to the courtyard. If his Spellbreakers were in here, this was a kill room for sure, the blood soaked stone told volumes of that.

Two flanked from the end of the hall, shields up and weapons at the ready. He taught them well. They lowered when they recognized him.

“Captain? We thought you were dead...” one spoke in disbelief. Given the female tone, he knew that was Serindi. His Lieutenant, which made the other behind the shield Zander. Then in time the third appeared from behind a pillar, tall burly elf using his pole axe as a walking stick, that was Bronx.

“No... not yet at least. How... how’re the rest of you? I saw K’rinth.” he asked stepping forward to the soldiers.

“Bronx took a spear to his leg. He can barely walk. Zander and I mostly have small cuts and bashes. Nothing major. We feld here and took up positions. Been killing them as they come.” Serindi explained gesturing to the two men.

“That’s good at least. If you can fight we might come out of this.” Tyrthalion replied looking between the three of them, his armour looked no worse then theirs. Occasional bursts of crimson and cold shown through the caked gore and muck.

“I’m glad you’re alive. We’ll have much to speak of when we get out of this but in the mean time savour your breath. More are coming of that I’m certain. I killed the patrol group on my way in. The weak slipped away.” Tyrthalion explained as he pointed back to the grand hall.

The three have an affirmative nod and each went through their personal motions. Serindi and Zander took up positions flanking the door way, Bronx and Tyrthalion slipped back behind the pillars. Perpared for what was to come. Or so they thought...

[battletrain]

Zander, the Magnificent Magician

[fa-cat]

Japan 28-21 Scotland: Gregor Townsend's side out of Rugby World Cup

Scotland crashed out of the Rugby World Cup at the pool stage for only the second time after being beaten by an irrepressible Japan in Yokohama.

Gregor Townsend's side needed four more points than their hosts but, despite leading through Finn Russell's try and mounting a comeback, they fell short.

Kotaro Matsushima, Keita Inagaki and Kenki Fukuoka all crossed before half-time before the latter blasted over again to secure Japan's first ever quarter-final - against South Africa in Tokyo on Sunday.

Scotland, forced to go for broke in a febrile contest that had been in doubt until around 03:00 BST because of the effects of Typhoon Hagibis, scored through WP Nel and Zander Fagerson after the break.

But that second-half rally was not enough to prevent a first defeat at the hands of Japan in eight Tests.

The result also means Ireland finish runners-up in Pool A and will face New Zealand in the last eight in Tokyo on Saturday.

'Japan were relentless and magnificent' After an horrendous Saturday that brought death and destruction, it was a minor miracle that the game went ahead in the first place, a roaring tribute to the people responsible for clean-up after Hagibis battered this area 24 hours earlier.

There was a moment's silence for the stricken in a stadium that heaved with emotion and power. The home national anthem was haunting and ominous, a moment of foreboding for the Scots. The visitors, needing a winning margin of eight, had hoped that the sense of occasion might get to the hosts, that the pressure would grind them down as they pushed for a quarter-final against the Springboks next weekend.

So much for that tin-pot theory. In their minutes of total dominance, before the Scots came roaring back, Japan were a blizzard of invention and pace. Their accuracy while going like the clappers was astounding. Any mistakes Scotland made were eaten whole. It was relentless. Absolutely relentless. And magnificent.