cupcakegalaxia

[cupcakegalaxia]

Power Signalling

Kneeling. (It’s not popular for no reason.) Ordered to kneel as punishment or as a show of deference. Shoved physically to the ground by hands on their shoulders, maybe a kick to the back of the knee. Picking themself up off the ground but only getting as far as hands and knees. Crawling because they haven’t got the strength to stand any more. Dropping to their knees from exhaustion, or despair.

Personal space. Casually invading it. Uninvited touch - from the deeply creepy to something as simple as a firm hand on the shoulder. Standing too close - especially if taller or otherwise physically stronger. Conversely, hurrying to get out of someone’s way.

Eye contact. Staring someone down. Who is first to look away? Averting eyes for one’s social superiors. Insisting that someone maintain eye contact while you’re talking to them. Insisting that someone never look you in the eye. Trying to de-escalate by avoiding eye contact. Singling someone out just by looking at them. Too frightened or ashamed to look someone in the eye.

More generally, attention. The room falls quiet when they walk in. Who cuts in, and who gets talked over. Ignoring those who are beneath your attention. The excited attention given to the object of respect and idolisation. The careful, wary focus given to a potential threat. Deliberately attending to something else to appear less threatening. Deliberately burying oneself in something else to avoid attracting unwanted attention.

Codified status behaviours. Bowing to one’s superiors. Bonus points if there are differentiated kinds of bowing for different status differentials. Soldiers coming to attention when a superior officer comes in. Saluting. Who greets whom first? Serving food in a particular order. Standing up when a respected person enters the room.

Non-verbal threats. Just resting a hand on a weapon, or perhaps even just near a weapon. Cracking knuckles or rolling shoulders. Clenched fists. The little come-get-some-then lift of the chin. Stepping from a conversational stance into one that’s balanced for fight or flight. Pointing a weapon at someone. Casually brushing aside a weapon.

Conversely, de-escalation and surrender. Open hands, spread in front of them. Hands above head. (Raised slowly, transitioning from the simple woah-calm-down gesture to full on surrender as the situation gets tenser.) Going still. Slow, careful movements being sure to keep hands where they can be seen. Laying down weapons. Hands on head. Getting down on the floor. Deliberately making oneself vulnerable to prove non-hostile (or non-resisting) intent.

Alternately, deliberately showing “vulnerability” to demonstrate how little of a threat you consider the other person. The slouch of villainy. Casually putting weapons away or turning one’s back, confident that they won’t do anything. Open posture, casual, relaxed in the face of apparent danger.

Signs of fear. Flinching. Trembling. Closed, defensive posture. Tension. Backing away. Fidgeting. Lip-biting. Arms hugged close to chest. Or refusing to lower defences. Checking for escape routes. Trying to insist that they don’t come any closer.

Offers of or requests for help. Extending a hand to help someone up off the ground. Reaching out a hand in a silent plea. Do they have to ask for help? Are they willing to accept it? Do they get a choice? Who has plenty and who has to rely on the other’s goodwill? Picking someone up off the ground. Carrying them. (Dropping them?) Adjusting someone’s clothes. Withholding aid.

#Writing

[cupcakegalaxia]

So sick of having a darkened intellect, weakened will, and disordered passions.

[cupcakegalaxia]

Don’t tell your daughter that when a boy is mean or rude to her it’s because he has a crush on her. Don’t teach her that abuse is a sign of love.

#this

[cupcakegalaxia]

HE REPENTED FOR HIS PAST CRIMES AGAINST THE CHURCH AND GUIDED MANY COMMUNITIES TO STAY TRUE TO THE TEACHINGS OF THE LORD IS WHAT HE DID. HE IS A SAINT, AND IN THIS HOUSE PAUL IS TO BE RESPECTED. END OF STORY

[cupcakegalaxia]

A mouth-watering fuck-ton of hand angle references.

By Shadowcross on DA.

#language #art

[cupcakegalaxia]

There's a huge difference between redemption and humanization. I feel like a lot of "redemption arcs" aren't actually redemption at all, they're just attempts to humanize the villain so that they seem multi-faceted, but people read them as "redemption arcs" and think that that is meant to justify all the evil they've done before and negate whatever made them a villain in the first place. I think true "redemption arcs" are actually kind of rare because true redemption would take making the villain acknowledge their crimes, reevaluate their actions, actively choose to do better, and then proceed to make amends and become a better person, and that would this take more time than most stories are allowed to give their characters.

I've also seen people argue that a character has to be poised for redemption from the jump for it to work because once a character does something "too bad", they can't be redeemed. I completely disagree because redemption isn't justification or forgiveness, so no matter how horrible a character's actions, they could choose to become better, but because a lot of people (including writers) think redemption means "erasing the character's flaws and making it so they did nothing wrong ever", a lot of attempted "redemption arcs" just end up erasing a character's entire history or justifying every evil thing they've ever done. And yeah, in these cases, the only way to make a character go from a villain to a perfect cinnamon roll with no flaws *is* to have been planning it from the beginning and make sure they never do anything that can't be explained away later.

TLDR: real redemption arcs require a lot of self-awareness, patience, and growth, which are things that are rarely actually allocated to villains, and that's why real redemption arcs almost never get executed. The reason people think redemption arcs are overdone is because there are so many attempts to either humanize a villain that get misconstrued as redemption or attempts to blatantly erase who a character was in the name of "redemption", which is really just poor character development.

#redemption arc

[cupcakegalaxia]

inclusion this, diversity that… why don’t you include yourself in the one holy catholic and apostolic Church through Baptism and experience the diverse gifts of life in Christ

[cupcakegalaxia]

LDS, JWs, WMSCG, etc are categorically not Christian groups and shouldn't be called such. They either neglect essential Christian beliefs or warp them to the point that they functionally preach a different Jesus.

That doesn't mean God can't save individuals in those groups despite the confusion and false teachings they perpetuate, but I honestly think it is less loving to let people believe they are secure in those groups as if the doctrines they're being taught aren't dangerous.

We're called to spread the gospel and righteously judge for a reason. That should be done in love, with wise timing, and with care for the truth rather than simply proving ourselves right, but judging righteously is in fact a good thing, and it is what we are called to do in these cases.

#this

[cupcakegalaxia]

if they don't affirm the Nicene Creed, they are not Christians. if they claim to be Christians but they don't affirm the Nicene Creed, they are 9 times out of 10 a cult.

[cupcakegalaxia]

occasional posts from users

#pardon me #this is slander #slander I say #if anything tumblr is more popular because it doesn't have the stupid algorithm shoved up out butts

[cupcakegalaxia]

i watched one (1) video on how to draw hands that changed my life forever. like. i can suddenly draw hands again

these were all drawn without reference btw. i can just. Understand Hands now (for the most part, im sure theres definitely inaccuracies). im a little baffled

#save

[cupcakegalaxia]

Random Character Profiles

Prodigal slacker. An exceptional intellect, capable of solving complex problems with ease, but absolutely no drive or motivation to apply their abilities towards any practical endeavors. Others are often frustrated by the wasted talent, but they couldn't care less. If their ideas are so great, someone else can come up with them. They're just here to laze around and have fun.

Loveable annoyance. A mind that dances on the border of sanity, and a perpetual source of simultaneous amusement and irritation. They delight in making puns and bad jokes at the expense of others' patience. Undeniably loveable nonetheless.

Reluctant recluse. They present a facade of rugged independence, portraying themselves as one who thrives on solitude and despises the company of others. They project an air of indifference towards others, often dismissing any attempts at connection or sympathy with a sharp retort or a cold shoulder. But beneath this tough exterior lies a soft spot reserved for the select few who have managed to breach their defenses—though they're reluctant to show it, going to great lengths to conceal the affection they view as weakness. Their stubborn refusal to accept help or acknowledge their own struggles stems from a fiercely guarded sense of pride, manifested in their vehement denial of any signs of weakness or vulnerability, even when they're visibly on the brink of death.

Sister figure. Sharp-witted and quick-tongued; will shame, embarrass, and ruthlessly tease. Their sarcasm is as much a display of fondness as it is merciless. Fiercely affectionate, extremely caring, unwaveringly loyal. Will put themself in danger for those they love, and will not hesitate to hurt anyone who offends or hurts those they care for; but mess up, and their sternness could make a warrior sob.

Impressively patient. Reserved, caring, mature, typically polite and tolerant to an extreme extent. May lash out occasionally. Possessive of a quiet strength, tending to observe situations with a thoughtful demeanor. Their reserved nature can be mistaken for aloofness despite their deep well of empathy and care for those around them. They navigate social interactions with a polite grace; however, beneath this composed exterior lies a potential for volatility on the rare occasions when they are pushed to their limit. Often the peacekeeper in friend groups.

People hater. Seems perpetually done with everything and everyone. Specialises in dry remarks and diminishing enthusiasm. General mood killer. However, their outward projection of disdain and superiority is really a mask of their own feelings of inadequacy.

Feel free to add on any other character descriptions you like! Happy writing ❤

#writing tips

[cupcakegalaxia]

20 Essential Positive Traits to Make Your Characters Empathetic to Readers

Empathy: The character demonstrates an understanding of others' feelings and shows compassion.

Courage: The character faces fears or challenges bravely, inspiring admiration.

Determination: The character persists in achieving their goals despite obstacles, earning respect.

Kindness: The character is compassionate and considerate towards others, evoking warmth.

Humor: The character has a sense of humor, making them endearing and relatable.

Honesty: The character is truthful, creating trust and a sense of reliability.

Vulnerability: The character shows vulnerability, making them more human and relatable.

Curiosity: The character is curious and open-minded, inviting readers to explore with them.

Resilience: The character bounces back from setbacks, inspiring hope and admiration.

Generosity: The character is generous, creating a sense of goodwill.

Loyalty: The character is loyal to their values or to others, inspiring trust and admiration.

Optimism: The character maintains a positive outlook, even in difficult situations, inspiring hope.

Creativity: The character is imaginative and innovative, sparking curiosity and admiration.

Wisdom: The character demonstrates wisdom beyond their years, earning respect and admiration.

Integrity: The character acts according to a strong moral code, earning respect and trust.

Empowerment: The character empowers others, creating a sense of inspiration and admiration.

Altruism: The character acts selflessly for the greater good, inspiring admiration and empathy.

Resourcefulness: The character is resourceful in solving problems, earning respect and admiration.

Independence: The character is independent, inspiring admiration and respect.

Passion: The character is passionate about their goals, inspiring admiration and motivation.

#writing advice #writing tips

[cupcakegalaxia]

You know, the Bible says a lot about humility and accepting humble circumstances and not getting caught up in the material ambitions of the flesh, but it doesn't actually say that contextualizing and viewing your life, especially your spiritual life, in an exciting, adventurous, narrative manner is bad and I really want to push back against that view

[cupcakegalaxia]

Does irritate me that in season 1 of fantasy high Helio is clearly culturally a stand in for the Christian God and the question he's apparently unable to answer is "why do bad things happen to good people," a question which. In fact. The Bible begins by clearly answering. Like that's not a tricky theological question lads that is very much Known and Explained.

#the free will and predestination debate is very fascinating #mostly because I see free will not as libertarian free will but rather limited free will #God is more free than His Creatures but we can make choices that are still ours to bear #within our nature of course #thats why I see being a Christian being more free than unbelievers because our free will is no longer bound to sin and more sin #So when Christ said we would be free indeed; He really meant it!

[cupcakegalaxia]

Gonna put out one of my beliefs that will certainly be unwelcome on this webbed site (the christian tumblerinas excepting).

Christ is King and our society moving away from Christianity is why everyone is so unhappy and why everything feels so futile. If we, as a society, returned to Christ, everyone would enjoy their lives more, we'd have less suicide, less human sex trafficking, less drugs overdoses.

#we need true biblical christianity! not this NAR or WOF crap #Christianity

[cupcakegalaxia]

I was expecting anything but not Bard

#Im a cleric! #Bard was pretty close second