#I don't generally think of myself as a leader or a take charge kind of person

[girlscience]

and then they were all like "wooowww Lee, so adult. making decisions and calling people." YEAH CAUSE YOU APPARENTLY ARE FUCKING INCAPABLE

#I am willing to make some concessions for people or friends who have anxiety and don't want to like step on toes #but on day 5 of a trip....... you should be over that #and if 4 of you are middle aged adults who have known each other for over 20 years you should be over that #I am not saying you need every second planned out but it shouldn't be this hard to Make A Plan #or Stick To A Plan #like come on guys. we can do this #idk. I have noticed I do this more and more frequently #not just with family but friends as well #I don't generally think of myself as a leader or a take charge kind of person #but some one has to at some point so I guess it'll be me #not necessarily in a mad or shitty way all the time #sometimes I know someone can't do something and if I step up I can actually help them or reduce anxiety or whatever #idk maybe I don't do it as much as I feel like but I do know I do it more than I used to #and sometimes it gets annoying (like when I'm doing it for my fucking parents)

[greatwyrmgold]

Undersiders Cluster Trigger

Other Wormblr posts about how worried they are about wanting to make an Undersiders cluster trigger a thing made me start thinking about it.

I'm going to give myself a couple definitions and scope limitations.

Today, I'm only going to think about the mass trigger event which gives them powers, not what their powers might be. The massive power grid can come later.

Each Undersider needs to have a trigger event which roughly corresponds to the vibes of their canon trigger event. If the vibes don't match, the powers shouldn't either.

For this exercise, the Undersiders' backstories are fluid, and can be rewritten or intertwined as necessary to make everyone's worst days happen at the same time and place.

Original Undersiders, Taylor, and Aisha—not because I don't like Parian or other recruits/henchpeople, but because Parian's power seems like it would be trickier to weave into the mess.

Trigger Vibes

Let's start by reviewing the vibes of each Undersider's canon trigger event, loosely in order of recruitment.

Lisa/Sarah comes first, and her trigger vibes are the simplest—partly because she has such a generic Thinker power. She triggered from finding her brother's body and convincing herself that she could have prevented his suicide if she wasn't such an idiot; however, none of the details are really reflected in the nuances of her power.

Lisa trigger vibes: Tragedy that she thought she could have prevented, if she had paid attention.

Rachel's trigger vibes are complicated, because her power is extremely specific. The point of attack has to be a threat to her dog. As is so often the case, though, the trigger background is as important as the actual event.

A drowning mongrel is a crisis for Rachel because she has become isolated from humanity. At best, the people around her, the people who should have been taking care of her, completely failed in their duties, leaving her to survive or suffer on her own. At worst, they actively made her suffer; sometimes this was motivated by a sense of "tough love," sometimes it was plain cruelty, but the difference is immaterial.

Rachel triggered because her only companion, her only source of emotional support, was murdered in front of her. That companion just happened to be a dog.

Rachel trigger vibes: Isolated from the people around her by neglect, abuse, or both; find a dog who makes life bearable; see someone try to kill that dog (possibly to hurt/"teach a lesson to" Rachel).

Brian lied about his trigger event. (Well, his first one; a hypothetical second trigger event can come later.) As per Word of God, it wasn't just about finding out that his mom's abusive boyfriend was abusing his sister and then stoically beating him up; it was about returning to a toxic environment, one which he had been hurt by, seeing his sister victimized the same way.

Anyways, we have clear Word of God about Brian's trigger vibes. "[T]o see the house and be brought back to his weakest, darkest moment, the man's eyes on him...Environment and malign attention and the desire to protect his sister all factored into his power being what it was."

Brian trigger vibes: Being forced back into a toxic social environment, confronted with his abuser again.

We know basically nothing about whatever event gave Alec/Jean-Paul powers. However, we have two directions from which to speculate. Alec has a Master power, but with a bit of the "fucking with people" angle that borderline Master/Stranger triggers have. So his powers probably triggered from hostile social isolation, perhaps a bit more intentional than Taylor or Rachel's.

Second...he grew up in Heartbreaker's sex cult. Well, it's not really a cult per se; that implies some kind of pretense for why everyone should obey and f*k the leader. Anyways, that's a bit of a hostile social environment, where everyone's day could be ruined by one person pissing off the mercurial dictator in charge of everything, where improving your position means pleasing that dictator, and often hurting others to do it.

So, Alec's trigger event probably stems from some kind of abusive neglect inflicted on him by one or more. of his half-siblings or...um...step-(dad's side chick)s?

Alec trigger vibes: Not clear, but definitely not good.

We all know Taylor.

Taylor trigger vibes: Isolation, bullying, and self-loathing

Finally, Aisha. What we know about Aisha's trigger event comes from Scion's interlude, and it's more focused on showing how detached Scion is from humanity than explaining the headspace Aisha was in. The point was that Scion could barely understand that headspace to begin with. The female was more distressed than the male, and hence makes a more appropriate host; nothing else matters.

And it's not surprising that Wildbow hasn't gone into more detail. He tries to avoid directly depicting sexual violence in his stories, and the threat of rape is clearly the immediate threat behind her distress. It's not clear that there was another layer—like, she had been abused a bunch by mom's boyfriend and thought of the rest of the city as a safe space to escape to, but now it's not safe—but that's just a wild guess based on other details of Aisha's characterization and backstory.

Aisha trigger vibes: Unclear, but unwanted attention is part of it

Alright, now to tie everything together.

Setting the Stage

So, we have six sets of trigger vibes. There's one common thread running through all of them except Lisa's: Abuse. Taylor was abused by her ex-friend, fake friend, and other bullies; Brian and Aisha were abused by the boyfriend; Rachel was abused by her foster parents; Alec was abused by Heartbreaker and the Heartbroken.

So wherever this cluster trigger takes place, it has to be somewhere rife with abuse, somewhere that several children can plausibly be suffer acute abuse at the same time and place. Luckily, one of the Undersiders has a trigger event in such a location, a place with lots of kids around, conditioned and rewarded for their cruelty.

High school. Heartbreaker's compound.

Not that Heartbreaker is a good fit for the cluster trigger. Putting aside the bit where basically all the kids around had powers at least loosely tied to his, Heartbreaker wouldn't let Brian escape and casually return, nor would he care if Rachel had a dog. (Unless it barked loud enough, but he is a very different kind of shit parent from Rachel's last foster mom.)

So we need some new high-control group lead by parahumans, who foster the same kind of fear and cycles of abuse as Heartbreaker, through relatively mundane patterns of abuse and control instead of superpowers. If anyone wants to write a Clustersiders fanfic, I'd suggest researching (or at least watching a couple informative YouTube videos about) cults and the like.

The path of least resistance would be a culty parahuman-lead village built around and through a portal or two. You know, like the one Goddess's cluster triggered near, over the course of a few days. Half a dozen acts of extreme abuse in separate households could then end up tangled into one cluster through dimensional nonsense.

But the path of least resistance is, in this case, the path of least interest. Can one act of abuse—or at least a few connected acts of abuse—traumatize half a dozen kids at once?

Putting It Together

Let's start with the outlier. Lisa's trigger event is not directly tied to any kind of abuse. There are a few ways that we could tie her into the trigger, but I think the most interesting puts her on the side of the abuser.

Lisa gets recruited by one of the parahuman bosses to help deal with some problem children. Being more focused on her own needs and appeasing the boss (but I repeat myself), she agrees. Lisa closes doors/blocks an exit that other kids could use to avoid being dealt with, not spending a moment's thought on why the boss wanted her to do that. And holy crap on a cracker, turns out the boss wanted to hurt the kids. And Lisa helped. She's complicit.

This probably isn't the first time, either. She's such a helpful little gopher, one who remained ignorant of the consequences of her own actions—partly because the bosses like it that way, but partly because she didn't want to think about them.

This is her fault.

I feel like Brian could end up in a similar role. He's largely desensitized to the violence, like he is in canon. As long as he and his sister are okay, everyone else is expendable. He doesn't want to hurt them, but he's willing. Even if it means helping a monster who abused him and his parents.

The boss brings him along for more routine disciplinary action. He's done this often enough before—Brian is one of his main enforcers, after all. But his loyalty is divided, and this issue is a good way to solve that issue. Forcing Brian to punish Aisha means he either needs to put "the needs of the community" above family, or disobeys the boss—giving him an excuse to beat that disloyalty out of him.

Rachel's bit is important; her dog is the reason Aisha and the others are being punished. Nobody in the community (aside from the bosses) is allowed to own pets, and Rachel broke that taboo. She's an orphan, allowed to live in her mother's house and eat the community's food, but otherwise neglected until she's old enough to be useful. So when she found a stray puppy, she let him sleep in the house and eat her scraps.

When the bosses find out about this violation, they assume she must have had assistance from the other children. Maybe they picked kids who were disfavored but hadn't technically done anything wrong yet; maybe they picked kids who were less cold to Rachel than most; maybe they're even right, and one of the kids was coincidentally helping Rachel find food or clean up the messes.

I'm not sure there's much I need to write about the specific circumstances of the other three kids in this "community". They're Aisha, Alec, and Taylor, with backgrounds that are similar to their canon ones, shitty home/social lives and all. I'd need more if I was writing an actual fic, but I have no plans to do so.

So I'll just move onto...

The Trigger Event

Lisa fetches Aisha, Brian fetches Alec, goon #3 fetches Taylor. All three are brought to Rachel's house, where the boss is waiting. Goon and Lisa stand at the front and back doors, and Brian follows the boss inside.

The boss explains what the three girls and Alec did wrong. Keeping a dog was against the rules, and all of them helped Rachel keep the dog. Each of them will need to be punished.

The boss tells Brian to stuff Taylor in the closet, where Rachel had been stashing soiled newspapers and poop bags after people started to get suspicious. While he moves a dresser in front of the door, the boss starts strangling the dog. Then, he tells Brian to think of an appropriate punishment for Aisha, with an insinuation of the kind of punishment he would assign her if Brian didn't.

The boss made mortal threats to the siblings—forcing Brian to hurt his sister, or forcing Aisha to do something I'd rather not describe. Rachel watches as her only companion gets the life choked out of it. Alec is in the corner, terrified about what the boss has in store for him. Taylor is in a filthy closet full of flies and other vermin. And Lisa realizes she's complicit in all of it.

Everyone present (except the dog and goon #3) collapses and experiences psychadelic hallucinations for a few seconds. Then things descend into chaos.

#parahumans #trigger events #undersiders

[laurasbailey]

if i may add re: one of the women pulling something like that, i always find that such a funny argument in any fandom because, you know. we do #Live In A Society. so them being women Is actually a pretty crucial difference lmao and yes i might very well have liked it if it had been one of them because of it?

(prefacing the rest of this by asking everyone to bear with me and read this in good faith, i’m talking about a character and not trying to say or imply anything about any players)

which kind of tangentially ties into my biggest beef with ashton (and i understand that this is probably harsh and unfair), but between the acting like they always know better than everyone else, the arrogance and massive ego, the martyr/hero complex combo, the dismissiveness of others' feelings, the anger issues and propensity to violent outbursts etc, this is a character that acts and speaks in ways that are virtually indistinguishable from your average misogynist. i don’t think that this is intentional or even conscious (and definitely not malicious) on tal’s part, I think it’s more likely an unfortunate confluence of circumstances with this particular story (ie the campaign being heavily focused on women, so they’re in a position within the story where they're the natural point one would turn to with disagreements and stuff); but it’s like, no amount of dissecting motivations changes the objective fact of how they behave. and to me that makes for a character who’s about as interesting as idk, an asshole coworker. obviously this is all very subjective, and i know a lot of people find him compelling and write very good analysis, and love and light to them, but i personally cannot get past this and bring myself to give a shit you know.

absolutely get where you're coming from, and it's super interesting because as someone who doesn't see a lot of fandom opinion anymore, i wonder how many people also see this? or do most people just adore ashton and this is the minority opinion?

i usually find taliesin to be very self aware about the flaws of his characters, but i think you're right, without context it could very well come across as misogynistic due to the circumstances of the campaign being very female-centric. personally i think he's just being an asshole and by process of elimination, the women end up in the firing line because they're in the spotlight story-wise and are, let's be real, the leaders of the group. fcg is typically agreeable, nobody butts heads with orym, and chetney generally sits back during any verbal conflict. ashton just seems to have a general lack of respect for everyone and just uses the 'i don't know how to show it' excuse.

i think ashton wants to be a leader (whether they know it or not) but right now they just don't have the qualities to be one. in many situations they're like 'i don't like this', 'we shouldn't do this', but offers no alternatives. and sometimes he'll try to take charge in situations where he should really be taking a backseat (i.e. when they were trying to resurrect laudna) and he'll speak way out of turn on things he knows nothing about (again, that time he said he knows loneliness in a way laudna doesn't ??? lmao). it's like he has a compulsive need to always share his opinion and somehow prove he's suffering more than you, and nobody likes that guy at the party.

it's obvious taliesin is playing a lot of these flaws as a character who was raised by, well, no one, which makes sense! but there's been so little character development for 70+ episodes and very little effort made on ashton's part (up until now where he's supposedly going to change) that i just don't have an interest in it. it just bothers me now because characters i do really love will be caught up in the consequences.

#ask #anonymous #i think the whole 'contradictory for the sake of being contradictory' 'punk' aspect of his design #is so ingrained that it has bled into every aspect of the character lmao #which is funny because i remember avantika once described beau that way #but beau had a maturity and self-awareness from the get-go that ashton just doesn't

[oneatlatime]

The Winter Solstice Part 1: The Spirit World

I'll be watching this two part episode as two separate episodes.

Starting strong with some stunning pastoral views.

I like how Appa's shadow undulates over the clouds.

Is Aang passively airbending at all times when they're on Appa? Otherwise how do they hear each other? Unless it's a windless day and they're flying at walking pace there's no way they would be able to have a conversation.

Can you imagine the freedom of being able to throw yourself into the air with no consequences? Imagine how being able to ignore gravity since (presumably) a very young age would shape your worldview. Aang must look at the world in a fundamentally different way.

Blow dried Momo.

Could Katara stop babying Aang for five minutes?

The perspective is so funky in this shot that Appa looks Momo sized.

Did Gyatso say that Roku specifically would help Aang? He said that someone in that special room would guide him, but the only living creature in there was Momo.

Emotional support Momo. Maybe the help Gyatso spoke of actually was Momo.

Every time Iroh appears I become increasingly convinced that the creators of this show are fans of The Big Lebowski.

I love Iroh weaponizing teenage awkwardness to get himself five more minutes in the tub. I think I can also now declare myself officially used to Zuko's voice. I no longer find it muppety.

This is the environmentalism after school special.

The way this guy talks about flying Bison and airbender tattoos, is he actually old enough to have known airbenders?

Katara blindly trusts this guy because... he's old?

Pretty.

"It is the greatest honour of a lifetime to be in your presence." "Nice to meet you too." Yep, those greetings are definitely in proportion to each other.

I love the lighting in this scene. Everything has this golden glow.

The winter solstice sounds a bit like Halloween. The walls between worlds thin to almost nothing and things can cross over which shouldn't.

Aang's eyes are brown in this episode.

I love this attitude. Optimistic, upbeat. "I have to try, don't I?" is so true.

Is it just me, or is Sokka's ponytail weird this episode?

I think this is the Bumi guard voice guy again.

This episode appears to be taking place in a part of the Earth Kingdom that hasn't been taken over by the Fire Nation (unlike last episode). So for Zuko & crew, this is enemy territory. Iroh, who is a general with a fancy title, the brother of the leader of the fire nation (so I guess the next in line to the throne?), and so recognisable to the enemy that they can identify him without a single piece of insignia or even clothing denoting his country of origin, thought it would be a good idea idea to have a solo, unguarded spa day here? I bet the fire nation is happy the other brother is the one in charge.

More pretty.

Sokka racking up some major Big Brother points this episode. Aang may be the Avatar, which makes this kind of stuff his responsibility, but he's also 12 and clueless. He shouldn't have to face this alone.

This village must be close to the Avatar world's equator because that sun set ridiculously quickly.

You know, if I turned around and saw that thing following me, my first impulse would be to scream and run away, not introduce myself. This is why I'm not the Avatar.

If that's their water tower gone, this village is done for with or without the Avatar's help.

This spirit is throwing a proper tantrum. I love the way it moves too fast to see. I did not see Sokka getting kidnapped coming. I actually had to rewind and watch it again because it happened so fast that I did not see it at all the first time through.

I think the fire nation solider here is the Bumi guard voice too.

This is an insane shoulder to waist ratio. Also nice to see Zuko figure it out so quickly. This show has given me the impression so far that he's kind of stupid, but I guess not.

It's a panda! Black and White spirit, plus the environmentalism stuff from earlier, I really should have put that together sooner.

"I Failed." yeah you kind of did. So pick yourself up and try again.

Bird horses? Also those earth soldier helmets are probably really effective, but they look so stupid.

Proof that Katara is used to relying on Sokka to do all of her thinking and planning like I said last episode. If Sokka was the one left behind and Katara the one missing, he would not be so passive.

"All I have to do is figure out what I have to do. But once I do that, no problem." Even the most impossible tasks can be broken down into manageable steps. I love Aang's attitude.

It's so painfully in character that what gets Katara out of her funk is looking after someone else.

Where's Momo in all this?

In the spirit world, the avatar is just some guy? Can't bend. So what makes him uniquely qualified to be the guy who deals with spirits?

Dragons can talk with their whiskers. I'm sure I've seen that somewhere before.

Iroh can see stuff in the spirit world? Maybe it's an old people thing?

How stupid are these earthbender guards? Nice call back to the water heating trick. This show is really good at set up and payoff like that.

This dragon is very fluent at talking in pictures. Also the sky in the accelerated days and nights animation is actual live action footage of sky, right?

Earthbenders can skate on their bare feet. That's beyond cool. Imagine having an inborn ability to sock slide at will. I'd never walk anywhere again. Only slide.

Comforting Appa really did get her out of her funk and inspire action. Neat.

Aang and Zuko's stories do intersect this episode after all. Also I had no idea the two parties were this close to each other. Zuko showing this episode that in addition to deductive reasoning, he also has long-distance tracking skills.

I want to visit this village just to see the sunsets in person.

Iroh was right, they were clearly outmatched. These guys are just the worst. They're on a dirt floor in a dirt cave with the advantage of numbers and actual pants, and they still lose. Did Iroh even firebend?

I take back what I said earlier about Iroh being stupid for going off alone in enemy territory. If this is the calibre of soldiers he knew he would possibly run into, then he was perfectly safe all along. Although the last minute rescue from Zuko was a nice touch. Did anyone really believe that he would choose chasing the Avatar over his uncle? I didn't.

I like the creepy spirit whispering at the gate.

Did Katara yelling to Aang attract the spirit's attention to that main building? Because it seemed to be ignoring it before.

Chekov's acorn!

When Aang went to the spirit world, his body stayed behind on the statue's head. But when Sokka went his whole self was stuck there? Also that bathroom joke is payback for all the denied potty breaks.

Sokka's practicality and bluntness is just so perfect this episode. A nice counter balance to the spirity stuff. Just spent 24 hours in the Spirit world? That's nice. Can we have supplies?

Momo's back in these final scenes, but where was he the rest of the episode?

How does Aang know the island is in the fire nation? From the temple architecture?

Final Thoughts

I really like this episode! There is so much that is good: -beautiful visuals (so many sunsets!) -interesting sound design (that whispering was neat, and the single wind chime in the last spirit attack was so eerie) -so many well-executed set ups and payoffs (acorn, firebending heating stuff, how the spirit does relate to the burnt forest from the beginning) -So much good dialogue, from Zuko especially ("Now would you please put on some clothes?!?" / *sniffs* "Yeah, that's Uncle Iroh.") -relationship stuff (Sokka being big brother, Katara being lost without him until someone else needs her to be strong, Aang's relationship to his responsibilities both internally within himself and externally with how the village sees him and what it expects of him, the exasperated teenager and secretly amused parent dynamic between Zuko and Iroh switching flawlessly into a fighting team, then flawlessly back) -Everyone feels in character (optimistic sweetheart Aang, practical protective Sokka, caring Katara, super chill yet super skilled Iroh, Zuko just so fed up with everything) -The humour was downplayed this episode but the few jokes that were there were genuinely funny. Sokka getting hit with the acorn in particular. I'm thinking that there must have been a rule in the writing room that it's not a proper Avatar episode unless Sokka gets to be the butt of the joke at least once. -Zuko and Iroh finally getting fleshed out a bit. I feel like this is the first episode where Zuko hasn't come off as an asshole. -Worldbuilding (this is the first time the avatar's done his job as per the job description) -How it's supposed to be the first half of a two part episode but it doesn't feel like set up at all. It's a self-contained story with actual stakes, a conclusion that matters, lessons learned all around, and ALSO set up for next episode.

Once I had gotten a good look at firebending in the Southern Air Temple episode I started wondering how the fire nation hadn't completely decimated all their enemies. After I saw Bumi's bending skills I understood how the earth kingdom had resisted the fire nation for a century, but Bumi really was the exception to the rule, wasn't he? If these earth kingdom soldiers are typical of the earth kingdom army, I'm going to have to switch back to my original opinion and wonder why the fire nation didn't win the war 85 years ago. Because these guys are bad. They are surrounded by their element. Their prisoner is standing on their element. Just make the ground grab his feet! He'll be a sitting duck and they'll be able to do whatever they want to him. Better yet, just bury him completely. Or make handcuffs out of rock instead of metal. That being said, the soldiers' stupidity set up a really cool fight scene. How did Zuko not break his foot with that kick?

Everything is woven together so well in this episode. Almost nothing feels contrived - you can't tell me that Zuko didn't wait behind a bush somewhere so he could time his rescue of Iroh to have maximum drama. But otherwise this episode feels organic - like we were actually watching a couple of days in the life of these people.

I really liked this one.

#atla #avatar: the last airbender #the spirit world #avatar the last airbender

[aita-blorbos]

AITA for trusting a... colleague(?) to take care of himself?

Hi. So, to clear the air upfront, yes, I am involved in organized crime. As such I will be omitting any detailed information about myself. All you might need to know is that I'm not a child, so don't hold back your judgement on that account.

Specifically, I am the "right hand man" (gender irrelevant) of the leader of a... highly infamous organization. You may know me by my alias, [REDACTED]. If you've heard of me, you know how serious this organization is-- if you haven't, then, well... I suppose the easiest way to put it is that the leader of this organization, whom I will abbreviate as "R", is well known as a serial murderer. He has his reasons, which I will not reveal here, lest the presses find this post. No one really knows how old R is, but the rumors say he's been the head of this group for several decades. I personally have not been here that long, but I believe it.

Well, if you've figured out what organization this is and you read the news with any frequency, you'll know that there has been a decline in these murders for the past several months. This is entirely true, despite the conspiracy theories and nonsense online about him switching targets or locations. And I know this, because R went missing a few months ago.

Now, for obvious reasons, R is an extremely secretive person. When he started showing up lethargic, asking me to take care of more, and eventually asking me to take over for him as head, I kind of just trusted that he knew what he was doing. Then he stopped showing up one day and I kind of just assumed he'd gotten old and tired and that was that. I've been in charge of the gang since, and despite my experience with shootouts/shatterings/fumeouts, I'm not really comfortable taking on R's murder duties, so that would be why that's tapered off. I was pretty fine with most of this really. It's a lot of work but I don't have much else to do-- this place is my home.

But... Last week, when I met with some... generic scumbag-type of guy, they... Uh, well, they, they had R's mask on display. On their wall. As if it was some kind of sick deer head or something. I, uh, asked about it, and they said they'd killed him and taken it as a trophy. And I have no reason to believe that's true, but it is kind of weird that he didn't check up on us at all in the past few months, and he definitely has a lot of enemies, and he was definitely looking kind of frail in those last few weeks that he was with us, so maybe if his guard was down...........

Or maybe I'm overthinking it all?? But now I kind of feel like an ass for not checking up on him or... I dunno. Doing something. It's not really my business, is it?? I mean, wouldn't I be even more of an asshole to have stalked him or asked for a way to contact him? Wouldn't that just put him in more danger?

...Would I be an asshole if I did that now...? Checked up on him? To figure out if he's even really dead...? The thing is, I really can't picture him giving this dickhead his mask voluntarily. R was a very prideful person right to the end, and this guy is like.... absolute scum. Personally, I think R's murders were justified, but this guy is just.... the worst to deal with, and actively ruining people's lives for very little reason.

And, I mean, yeah, there's probably plenty of people that see this as justice. R robbed plenty of people of their family members and I get that. It's not an easy topic, and most people might even think I would have been the asshole if I had saved him. But if he's really dead, and if I had just thought to reach out sooner... isn't that something I should've done? Am I the asshole for.... basically leaving my colleague to die?

[ further correspondence may be addressed to @spark-ocblog . thanks for reading! ]

#aita #am i the asshole #unreality

[silver-wield]

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Review Chapter 8

Okay, this collection of posts will be filled with spoilers, including clips and screenshots, so if you don't wanna see things, then don't look. Some of the things I'm gonna highlight will include references to Remake and other sources to link with the overarching plot. This is a straight path playthrough with no sidequests or extra content.

Time to hit the Saucer!

The second we arrive, the girls are pulled into a short dance sequence against Andrea. After that we're introduced to Dio.

As usual, Cloud's pretty face gets him unwanted attention. Dio wants to duel. It's not a hard match, and yet I hate it so much. Cloud's proud of himself for kicking some virtual ass, and specifically looks for Tifa as he celebrates to see if she's watching. She is. He's happy.

After that the group splits after a diplomatic vote with the girls and Red going to have fun. Cloud would've gone with but when Tifa asked he had a vision of Sephiroth and she suggested he get some rest instead. He and Barret head to the ghost hotel.

We get our introduction to Cait Sith and his predictions, which kind freak Cloud out. Makes me wonder if he's superstitious.

Cloud has a nap and we get another interlude with Zack. At one point he strokes Aerith's hair and then goes downstairs to talk to Elmyra and Marlene. He then goes looking for Biggs to cheer up Marlene.

Back with the main crew and you get to take a wander around the park with whoever you have the highest affinity with. Obviously I went with Tifa and it was cute watching her and Cloud hold hands 😍

Cait Sith interrupts to let them know about a shooting. Cloud and Tifa defend Barret and state he couldn't be responsible. They volunteer to find the real culprit and Dio slaps a cuff on Cloud to stop them running away. This accessory becomes important later.

Cloud's blindsided by goons and everyone wakes up the following morning. Gus, the leader of the dust bowl, is willing to hand over the gunman if Cloud wins a chocobo race. It takes some sidequests to get Piko racing fit, but then it's off with Esther to the races!

Meanwhile, we see Elena in the desert complaining and reminding us she's only 18 🤣

Cloud wins his race. It really wasn't hard, and I say that as someone who hates chocobo racing. The others are let out of their prison cell to watch Cloud win and celebrate 🥳

After that it's an annoying trek through the desert following a frigging condor until we find Barret. Shocker, he's not the gunman who killed the people at the arena.

I'm not gonna spoil this part, but it's amazing and emotional and made me cry 😭

The combat with Barret was pretty fun and the transitions between stages were awesome!

Elena has her not vanilla ice cream, and we have to deal with a whiny Palmer in a massive mech. And this comes right off the back of a highly emotional scene. I needed a minute to get myself together 😭

After the battles are over, Dio appears and that bracelet becomes relevant. We get the buggy, Dio gives us a distraction and Barret takes charge clearing the road.

I sucked at this. I tried. I really did. This goes towards Barret's affinity for his date too, so do your best!

After we escape, it's a fast paced drive across the desert until Yuffie's motion sickness forces us to stop and get our bearings.

We have a quick stop in to find Reeve all cheerful as he doctors the wanted poster for the golden trio. Why would this make him happy? Why would he be happy in general? Well, he's teamed up with Cloud and co and finally feels like he's doing something instead of banging his head against his desk every time he tries to make Shinra do some good.

We also stop in at Rufus office for another meeting between him and Glenn, who we can see now is some apparition of Sephiroth's that'll trying to start a war. Why? Because war means death and those souls who died angry can be corrupted and used to fight the white whispers in the lifestream.

And it's back to Zack, so I'm assuming Cloud took another nap since we return to the crew the next day. He's off looking for Biggs like he promised Marlene, and we see them find each other. The interesting convo between them will be next interlude.

Barret's arc remains one of my favourites. It's everything I wanted from Rebirth and it's at this point I started getting excited to play the game. Before that I was kinda meh about it, but this chapter onwards everything is fantastic until we hit that long ass boring cut scene at the start of chapter 14.

#FF7Rebirth spoilers

[petrichorvoices]

🍎 👠 💥

🍎: what are y'alls favourite foods?

Jon's favourite food is butter chicken and hel was elated when we learned how to cook it. judging by the chanting last thanksgiving i think at least one person here would say its favourite is nalysnyky, something we grew up eating and literally just learned how to spell. i {Cecil} like bacon cheeseburger mac & cheese, cause it's fun. we're all pretty inclined towards sushi, and three cheese pizza pops were our samefood for a good long while

👠: how difficult is it for y'all to agree on one cohesive outfit?

not very tbh. we have a collective fashion sense that we're still refining but generally agree on. this fashion sense is very much influenced by us three hosts {myself {Cecil}, Mim, and Kevin}, and we've been building it for years. it features a LOT of patterned button-ups and aloha shirts from Mim, a lot of layering and "weird" accessories from Kevin, and a lot of jewelry and clashing colours from myself. stuff like black sweatpants comes from previous hosts. the black lipstick comes from me but i got it from my predecessor, so, maybe it's his fault

i know the Mechs are trying to add more steampunk and pirate-y themed clothing to our wardrobe, which the rest of us are on board for. we're planning to go as Jonny for Halloween, one of the reasons for that being that it gives us an excuse to get more of that sort of stuff for our wardrobe. we went to Value Village and let Jonny go hog wild. he got like four belts

i think a big part of this is that while we're individuals, yes, we're also simultaneously a collective, and that can't be ignored/discounted. when it comes down to it, we're a cohesive unit with a collective name, pronouns, orientation, interests, etc, even if that collective identity isn't very cohesive to others

💥: how much in-system fighting is there?

most of our fighting, at least among us fronters, comes as a result of what to buy, or to a lesser extent what to spend our time doing. as a way of working through this since there's so many of us, and because we work better when there's an internal hierarchy, we have a couple fronters who are the de-facto leaders and responsible ones in these sorts of situations

those would be.. Mim, Ashes, and Cogs i think? don't get me wrong, Kevin and i still have some sway as hosts, and Jonny as the leader of the Mechanisms cluster, but when it comes down to being responsible, those three typically take charge. every time we enter a store, Ashes appoints Cogs to be in charge of ensuring that we don't purchase anything unnecessary, as ze tends to have a pretty good grip on the body and doesn't really get swayed by our pleading. ze's suspectible to the pleading of the Ices, though, which is why Mim and Ashes back hir up. Cogs usually takes charge when we need an authoritative voice to tell us what to do, especially when it comes to switching tasks, and Mim typically takes charge when we need a softer voice to get us to take care of ourself

we.. don't really know how Ashes got to be in charge. Mim and Cogs both have authority positions as it's been here for ages and both have extensive experience fronting. plus, Mim is one of our hosts. Ashes, though, just kind of decided that they're in charge, and they're good enough at it that we let them do it. they do have to deal with Gunpowder asking to buy edibles every time we see a cannabis place, or Jon's requests that we go wandering downtown, or-

#ask #polymechs #ask games #long post #rambled more than i intended to but eh. we like talking about ourselfves #Cecil's tag

[funkymbtifiction]

Hi! I wanted to ask if these things are common for ISTP 513 so/sp because sometimes when reading descriptions of my type(s), some things do not fit me at all, and I'm wondering if I made a mistake somewhere when typing myself!

1. I am not a fan of routine in my day to day life, but the only exception is coming to school/university (I call it "social routine"). I noticed that the more I skip my studies, the more "doing repressed" I become and it's harder for me to start working on my assignments. While I really do prefer working alone in a comfort of my own home, I think I get weirdly motivated when I visit the lectures (and talking to my classmates really is optional) and then work at home, rather than just working at home and withdrawing into myself even more. I came to realize that the more I withdraw into myself, the less productive, motivated and happy I become. I think I need to carefully balance my social life and alone time, so I won't get too exhausted from people but also won't turn my rest into self-isolation. I feel like even just seeing other people and not interacting with them is helping, but don't really see anything like this being discussed by other fives. 

2. While I do prefer to do projects alone, when I have to do a group project, I usually end up being "the leader" of the group with an exception where someone REALLY wants to be in charge (usually never, but I will step down if someone wants to be "the boss" instead of me). I actually quite like that because I *know* that I can easily analyze and break down the assignment, give my groupmates tasks and insure that the work will be good enough (or at least, up to my standarts). I don't think I am a very good leader (in a sense of being kind, reassuring etc.) nor am I good with people, but what I am is highly efficient and precise; I can't stand when someone tries to assign the tasks but gives vague descriptions or can't explain themselves or what they expect - I just want to say that they clearly have no idea what they should do, and they should really step aside and let me do their job properly, if they fail to do so themselves. When I was reading about triads (withdrawn vs assertive), I think that I am usually quicker to jump into action than your usual withdrawn stance description. 

While I do recognize that I withdraw into myself, I am more prone to take action and to be in charge than most descriptions of a 5 (and withdrawn stance in general?), which makes me question if I really am a 5 core. Could it all  be explained by the fact that I am a social 5? Sometimes I think that maybe I nailed my tritype but got my core enneagram wrong. 

Thank you for reading this! :) I hope you have a great day. 

You have all three competency fixes, focused on being exact, knowing what you are doing, and getting things done efficiently, so that would certainly lend you more of an assertive air than 5s with 9 fixes, by comparison. And yes, I would say some of it relates to being a social dominant -- social 5s are the most "people-y" 5s; they want to engage with others (within reason), share their knowledge, and be good at what they do. Have you considered 3 second in your tritype? It would make a difference to have 5 next to an assertive center.

#question #enneagram

[crienosaur]

hello! it's matchup time~

i'm feng, i'm a demiboy, and i'm home of sexual!

my top kins are kaeya and albedo, and my twst kins are leona, jade, and floyd

i'm generally pretty reserved, but i'm not averse to confrontation or social interaction

i'm a person who is smart but also stupid at the same time

i'm generally pretty confident

and i'm a creative person- i am constantly doing something, probably a new project, or learning something new

but i can drop something as fast as i can pick it up

my mood changes quickly, and though i'm pretty good at dealing with myself- i just can't make myself do things i find boring

my friends describe me as a leader, a generally well rounded person- reliable, charismatic, and mature

people who are not my friends will describe me as reserved and quiet- they will often assume i am introverted or shy, but i just don't like to interact with people i don't find interesting

i'm also kind of,, mischievous? idk, i enjoy messing with people

i'm funny [or at least i'd like to think so] with people i feel comfortable around, i'm constantly cracking jokes

my sense of humor is either sarcasm/teasing, or shock humor (not like, controversial topics like- jokes you wouldn't expect to hear)

one of my favorite hobbies is saying weirder and weirder things to get reactions out of people

i have c-ptsd, which comes with a buy-one-get-seven-free slew of mental conditions (most notably: depression, mild anxiety, and anger issues)

[i'm pretty good at self counseling, but sometimes it gets the better of me]

i enjoy art, writing, taekwondo, and researching my niche interests

i also love listening to music

and i have an interest in the ocean (in general,) chinese mythology, visual kei, anime, manga, psychology, fashion, and whatever niche interest i have that week

in a relationship, i'll usually match my partner's energy

i'm fine with a more laid-back or a more serious one

i'm a,,, dominant? person

not in a sexual sense, but in most relationships i have i take charge

though i'm alright if my partner has the reins, i'd prefer if they were as involved as i am

sorry this is so long, but i hope this gave you sufficient ammo for a matchup! you don't have to use everything

have a nice day! <3

Jade Leech

I think this is another situation where similar people are in a relationship. It may be a constant battle for dominance but that’s ok. To others, you two look like close friends. But I think Jade is very affectionate or intimate in private. You both like to watch people I think. And then you act in accordance with what you’ve learned. This means you can either piss people off or make them very happy. Something tells me you’d be able to pick up on his mannerisms or whatever really easily and that’s important to him. Even if he doesn’t voice it often, he sometimes feels misunderstood. He’ll be by your side like all the time- if he’s not with Floyd he’s probably with you. Just finds your company comforting even if you’re not talking to each other. Pls pet he hair, even if he’s too tall lol. You don’t even have to tell him about your issues… he already knows. And he’s done extensive research on them and studied YOU- so he’ll be able to support you decently. AND- he can take care of anyone who DOESN’T treat you fairly. He’ll “educate” them real quick. He might also take interest in fashion actually. If you dress in a style that is more intricate he just finds it so interesting (unfortunately for poor Floyd). Maybe he’ll dress up all spiffy with you. We all know he’d slay any look.

[joeys-piano]

Heya, happy STS! How do you spot, create, or develop sexual/romantic chemistry between your characters?

Wassup, Nico!

Well, being a fanfic writer and asexual, I guess my approach to it might be a little different from general writing convention. So I'll break it down with brief overviews, and you can hear my thoughts about it.

Spotting sexual/romantic chemistry between characters

Being in the fandom space can help sharpen your radar for these kinds of things. There are tropes you can identify that seem to correlate with chemistry: enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, rivalry (two-pronged or one-sided), partnership of convenience, etc, etc. And those are generally good places where you can find chemistry between characters, because they can bring out the character driveness of whoever you're writing for. Each trope has its "plot points" of how that relationship can develop, and you can use those as sign posts to show that chemistry is changing, intensifying, what have you. And so forth.

But I think it's very important to keep in mind that tropes, on their own, aren't the reason why there's chemistry between characters. They're more like catalyst points where something could happen, and it's up to the writer's abilities and their approach to this that teases out why certain pairings grip the audience harder than other ones, even though those two pairings might be following the same tropes and whatnot.

For me, I like to look beyond the tropes involved to see how the characters involved influence each other. That's where I think chemistry comes from - whether sexual or otherwise. It's seeing these characters, knowing they have a life of their own, and in those moments where they intersect how do they push and pull each other from the kind of people they want to be. It's that push and pull, the give and take, the betterment or detriment, that molds the chemistry between for those involved. And I think what elevates that chemistry is when those pushes and pulls oscillate between each other, like the characters are two giant planets neither dominating nor submitting but they keep circling, again and again, and it's like this tipsy dance before they eventually pull out, but keeping come back again.

That's how I would spot a real genuine, a real good chemistry between characters. It's something organic, it doesn't feel like it just happened to happen.

Creating sexual/romantic chemistry between characters

Despite being a fanfic writer, I'm not the best person to turn to for this. While it's true that I can spot chemistry, that doesn't mean I know how to take the things I like and try to spin it in my own writing. That's a very different skill from observation, and one you have to practice like any other muscle.

It's why I prefer writing for established relationships and not developing ones. Haha!

But in those moments where I'm in a mood to challenge myself, this is my approach to creating that charged chemistry. As I mentioned earlier, I have a preference towards the continuous push-and-pull between characters. So I use that as my basic setup: I'll have two characters whose worlds wouldn't necessarily collide under typical circumstances, until something caused a push. Perhaps they share an interest in one or a few things, they think the other person might be good for them as a friend or at least somebody they don't mind hanging out with, until something else causes a pull.

A conflict, perhaps. They differ somewhere. I'll give an example.

I have a project in the vault where an ex-Christian mortician is unfortunately on the radar for a seemingly fanatic religious spiritual leader at their small town church. They met one night while the mortician is doing laundry at 3 a.m. He first meets the spiritual leader when they walked in, carrying blood stained clothes, looking shifty, and the mortician isn't entirely sure if they're supernatural or just a serial killer. So there's this what-if tension going on (not really chemistry, but just horror vibes), and the mortician is keeping to his own shit but clearly feels a hard, piercing stare on him as he's waiting for the wash machine to give fucking spit out his clothes so he can leave.

And we got the spiritual leader, staring away and being a horror weirdo, slapping the bloody clothes into a washing machine. And the mortician's watching because he might need to be a witness for some testimony, so he's gotta pay attention a little bit. And he's clearly not doing well at hiding it because the spiritual leader calls him out, and the mortician tells him an easier way he could clean those bloody clothes. Because these are things you just learn as part of being a mortician, and the dude is mortified that he might be giving a serial killer advice on how to clean up his act once the words come out of his mouth.

And then the spiritual leader - he just laughs. He says thank you, and strikes up a little conversation on how he wouldn't expect someone like the mortician to know that kind of stuff. Because at this point, they haven't shared anything about who they are, they just see what the other looks like and make judgment from there. But not who the other really is, yet. So mortician, laughing gruffly, weasels little tidbits of information because he still knows shit about the spiritual leader. And he's fairly competent that serial killers can be charming, so being vigilant is good for him. So they start talking, they talk about how funny it is that they're probably the only two people in town still up and doing laundry at this hour. And that leads to talk about work, and how their work hours are during graveyard shift. So they have something in common.

They talk about how they don't often do laundry at this time, but when you get the chance it's kind of nice. This opens to the mortician sharing a bit that he's a mortician. And then the spiritual leader shares that he's a support group leader for a nigh group at the local church. And that's when the mortician eats his own boot - metaphorically. Because he's not religious. But he has a good idea of what support group leaders for church night groups are like, and that's arguably than a serial killer in his opinion. But at the same time, despite him trying to gauge what kind of person this spiritual leader guy is, he doesn't seem too overly suspicious. Other than the bloody clothes he's washing for god knows what. And even too, the guy seems like a good conversational partner. So the mortician has a dilemma.

He kind of like this stranger's company, but he doesn't quite know what sort of crazy he's about to get into. So the mortician jokes out loud that he thought the other guy was a killer or something, and the spiritual leader's eyes widen and he quickly explains that he has a brother, they had an incident, and he's helping to wash their things and was going to go to the general store to help them through something. And now the mortician feels like shit about that, thinking that a religious person who's taking of their trans sibling can't be the worst person out there, so he feels mortified that he thought of serial killer first. And if this spiritual leader seems cool around people like him, the mortician, he could almost let down a little of his guard around this guy.

So they continue talking. They talk a little about what the spiritual leader does and what he does in this support group he leads. It leads to a conversation that the mortician doesn't go to church anymore, because he feels safe enough to admit to this seemingly cool guy in their small town at the night. And he felt safe, until the spiritual leader pulls out a pamphlet and suggests that the mortician comes along to one of the group sessions. And though it's not a pushy suggestion, the mortician's walls immediately shoot up. Because they're not interested. Okay, they can kind of understand the statement is coming from a seemingly good place, but the mortician is not going. And that's when the spiritual leader's facade starts to slip, and the mortician kind of pinches himself for thinking he found the one cool person he could hangout with in this small town.

And that's pretty much their first interaction. There are small, but considerable pushes and pulls from both characters as they glean from each other, and now they both have an interest and a conflict that will continue to push and pull them with every interaction they have and knowing that their schedules line up too well for this to not be their only encounter with each other in town. And that's what setups the chemistry. And that chemistry deepens as they bring out the worst and the best, the hurt and the comfort, and ping pong around each other because it's tempting to fight someone who you can view as sort of your own equal and trying to get the other person to bend to see your perspective of things when you're forced to bend to theirs.

So yeah. That's an example of my approach to creating chemistry. And if I continue this vault project, I'll tackle how that chemistry warps and changes over time. And yeah.

Developing sexual/romantic chemistry between characters

Again, I'm not the best person to ask for this because I'm asexual. So the things that interest me might not necessarily interest others. And that's a given. But again, if I'm following the same guideline I've been illustrating, the push and pull orbital thingy, I'll use the characters' share interests and what differs them from each other to ferment the chemistry I'm developing.

It's very important for me to that the characters have their own lives that they live, outside of each other. Having that, I think, is crucial because it makes the romantic/sexual nudges, gestures, and vibe you're bringing in as a writer stand out even more and you'll be able to portray it in a way that meshes with the chemistry that the characters have.

I love the concept of shared experiences, where characters share bits of what makes them different about their own life and letting the other character get a slice of that. I think that's a really fun, organic way of getting romantic/sexual vibes or content across. Because, in my mind, I think being in a relationship is when you can share bits of your own world with someone and getting to share what you enjoy with them. So, I like playing with that a lot.

#Joey Speaks #storyteller saturday #writeblr #writing community

[defdaily]

‪[TRANSLATION] Arena Homme+ Magazine April 2021 Issue featuring JAY B

Translated by defdaily.

JAY B is free and starting again from scratch. That is what JAY B has in mind. GOT7’s leader announced that he would be leaving JYPE as the group stays together. JAY B is preparing to debut as a solo musician while planning to also release mixtapes and hold exhibitions as Def. We had a chat with JAY B, who has gained more freedom and strength, at the swimming pool about courage, depression, literature and aspirations.

Did you come here alone?

Yes. I took a taxi here. I was the type to go around freely even when I was in JYPE but catching the taxi to work this time around felt new.

All GOT7 members decided to leave JYP but stay together as a group. As a leader, you needed to make a decision, right?

Although we ended up leaving JYPE, we wanted to continue as GOT7. We all agreed to leave [JYPE] and try it between ourselves.The product made from me taking responsibility/taking charge was the single 'Encore’ that was released not too long ago. I was involved in the whole process with a new record label. I was happy to see a good response [to the single]. It was lacking in some areas but I was just very proud that we were able to show a different step. Since we showed through this single that “we did not disband”, what’s next is more important. When we left JYPE, Director Jung Wook mentioned "Your role as a leader starts now." I'm realizing it now.

”I wanted to learn everything about the process of releasing an album and how difficult it is. I wanted to start again from scratch.”

Your role as a leader actually starts now.

I used to find the role of a leader burdensome at times but now I feel a greater sense of responsibility. While supporting each person’s journey, I thought I needed to be the one to step up once we got back together. We also talk regularly in our group chat. Not long ago, Jackson went to China. When Mark went to the USA, I could see him off but when Jackson was leaving, we couldn’t be together because of a schedule. So I told him to have a safe flight, apologised for not being able to see him off and thanked him too. He replied saying he’ll take care and be back.

What motivated you to leave the large agency you've been working with for a long time?

The thought came to mind suddenly as we were promoting as GOT7. Am I taking all these benefits I get for granted? When a schedule is released I just do it, and when they ask me to confirm things I do, but what kind of long process has it gone through before it came to me? Who sends a request and how is it processed? Why am I only waiting until it reaches me and simply watching it unfold? I wanted to be directly involved in that process. I wanted to learn everything about the process of releasing an album and how difficult it is. I want to be humble and start from the bottom again.

Didn't you need the courage?

Of course I did. I was also afraid. My position has risen to all the way up here, but when it comes to my actual knowledge, I think I'm only down there. I was afraid that the difference would feel too big once I left the company. But I think I would have been more afraid if I stayed at JYPE. Since that difference would have grown bigger and bigger. My real self is here, so I should face it head-on a little faster. That's what I thought.

As JAY B or as Def. who releases mixtapes and holds exhibitions, you must have had the desire to do something new.

I want to do research and build it up step by step without haste. JAY B will show hip hop and RnB music that appeals to the general public and Def. will do activities that Def. wants to do. It could be mixtapes or exhibitions, or other different kinds of fictions. Def. is the nickname I used as a bboy before I became a trainee. It’s like air floating about freely. It could be house or soul or acoustic or even modern rock. In a way, you can say that Def. is close to my “main self” but since I debuted as JAY B, I’ll also show a devoted side of myself through JAY B. I want to be a person who can do both what he has to do and what he wants to do freely.

Listening to your mixtapes, and hearing that you like the styles of D’Angelo and Ray Charles, you seem to be attached to the Southern US rhythm and blues and soul music.

I do like them a lot. I like the entire hip-hop culture that originated from there. That culture also includes DJing, graffiti and even bboying. Since I started as a bboy, I would look up older videos to watch, study the culture and also look into what each dance move symbolizes, with my bboying crew and that's how I became fascinated. What captivated me the most was their obstinacy. I felt respect towards the conviction and obstinacy they carried with their culture.

Is that mood still incorporated in your music and dance?

Yes. For example, I don’t think choreography is dance. I think dancing is when music plays and you like the rhythm and start humming and bobbing your head and moving your body. I think dancing is a free act you do out of enjoyment.

What was the reason you joined an idol group after starting out as a bboy?

I gained an interest in music too, not just dancing. When I was young, I listened to D’Angelo’s music and wanted to become a singer like him. But I was rebellious when I first joined JYPE. Haha. I was even suspended for a month once as a trainee. I definitely said hello but they said I didn’t so they said "If you're going to be stubborn, then go home" and me with my young heart replied “Then I shall head home.” and left. Then I met up with my bboying crew after a long time, and in just a few months it turned into a different world. The crew members were above me and I was worried because I could feel myself far away by myself. Should I go back to bboying? Should I continue as a trainee? In the end, I wanted to do my very best in whatever I chose so I decided to focus on becoming a singer. Since I wanted to do music, it was a choice I made with no regrets.

You started as a dancer and ended up as a main vocalist. What was music to you back then?

It was a challenge. Trainees are divided into singing and dancing. I joined as a dancer but what I wanted to do was become a singer and not just do dance. But since I was put into the dancing division, I worked even harder with singing to break that prejudice. I often felt defeated. I still feel defeated with singing. Haha. But music is about endless research. Now it’s more about research than studying.

You grew up as an only child to your parents who did farming?

I was an ordinary kid. I enjoyed Haruki’s Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage and thought the “colourless” kid was just like me. I was a calm kid who helped his parents with their farm work. I don’t know if it’s because I don’t have any older siblings but they said I used to talk to myself a lot. My mother said there was a way she would know if I was home or not. If I was home, she would hear me talk to myself and be like “Oh really?” “Yes really” haha.

It’s extraordinary to read Haruki at that age.

There was an older friend that I knew and he was really cool. He looked really cool reading on the bus with his legs crossed. He said “Hey, Read a book and build up some knowledge.” As I was trying to be cool like him, I gained a favourite author and started reading more since I enjoyed it.

What kind of books do you like?

When I was a teenager I often read Kafka On The Shore. It felt like Kafka was just like me, and so while reading it, I even cried. The style of Murakami Radio was also interesting. The ending phrase “But I like that more…” was very witty. I’m collecting books from secondhand bookstores from authors who won the Young Author awards. I like Lee Jang-wook's short story Byeon Hee-bong. The main character knows the actor Byun Hee-bong, but the world doesn't know him. He would ask "Don't you know Byun Hee-bong from the movie The Host?" But no one knows. I like stories that don’t intend to be funny but they end up making me giggle.

What do you read these days?

I try to read poetry. I purchased and read the first volume that appeared on Moonji’s Poetry Collection, but it has too many Hanja characters. Haha. I started with Munhwak’s Poetry Collection. I have volumes 1 to 85. I also read poet Park Joon's collection of poems and poet Lee Eun-gyu's Affectionate Name. I even underlined and wrote things down.

Among the idols and musicians I’ve met, I think you are the most extensive reader.

We went on tours often and we would have a lot of time in my hotel room. When I went out I took pictures and when I stayed in my hotel room I read books. When I go on an overseas tour, I pack around 30 books in my suitcase. Then I bring back the books that left an impression on me, and those that didn’t sometimes I dispose of them there. These days, I look for independent publications too. I often look for independent publishing bookstores in Nakseongdae or Haebangchon. There are many books that contain honest stories that are not refined, and the power of those sentences is great.

How does reading influence your work?

The poetic expressions with poetic license help when writing lyrics. You read a new sentence and think “What is this expressing?” You receive inspiration from that image being expressed in a new way. I think of lyrics as poetry too. There are times I write how I feel honestly, but when I want to include a certain meaning I’d want to write the lyrics like poetry.

In your photo exhibition <ALONE> last year, you took pictures of objects and signs in the middle of the road.

Wouldn't it feel very lonely if you think about it from an object’s point of view? The camera captures just an instance but the object will stay there. I think each person has an insatiable loneliness. I like the artist Seonglib’s works, and I feel loneliness in his drawings. I don't know why I keep talking about loneliness, I guess I’m familiar with loneliness.

Seems like you take more pictures of objects and landscapes than people.

I don’t really like taking pictures of people. You can clearly see a person’s emotions in their eyes. I prefer hiding things rather than revealing them too much. I prefer objects, backgrounds, and natural objects rather than subjects that openly express 'It's me!'. Tranquil things, I like when you go past something and go “that’s how it was.” I try my best since my job requires being presented to people but that’s also how I am.

Who do you like as a movie director?

I like Woody Allen’s directing. My favourite is Match Point. It's a love story that goes beyond taboos, and it's electrifying. The face of the actor who secretly asks the reunited lover to give him her number remains in my memory for a long time. How could he direct such a real-looking, raw look in their eyes? When I was a theater and film major, I used to take directing classes rather than acting. If I were to direct a film, I would like to shoot an eccentric witty romantic comedy like Love Fiction directed by Jeon Gye-soo.

Are you self-conscious as an artist?

I’m interested in a variety of genres, and interact with crews often, but I think goofing off just because they are an artist is an arrogant attitude. Everyone is their own artist, no matter what they do, right? I'm not trying to be pretentious, I just think there's a difference in expression, and people who work in the office are also doing their own art. That’s why I’m a little shy about the title “artist.” Is there a need to be puffed up with pride because I’m an artist? I’m just a person.

While filming for “What's in my bag” and revealed your medications for depression and panic disorder. When did you face your depression?

I didn’t know I had depression. I thought I was being weak for a short while and let it pass. But on an occasion I got examined and found out I had depression. They asked how I lived by without going to the psychiatrist. I said I just thought I was the type to feel blue. Haha. I’m the type that doesn’t show [what is wrong] but they said I was in a state where I needed treatment. After going to counselling and taking medications, I’m much better now.

“I just wanted to talk about it. It may not show, but depression is both a common and dangerous illness.”

I think you’re cool for having the courage to talk about this.

I got diagnosed and looked at the people around me. There are friends who are ashamed of it and try to hide it, and there are friends who talk about it as if it’s insignificant. I just wanted to talk about it. It may not show, but it’s both a common and dangerous illness. A mental illness is an illness too. Among my fans, or those who read this interview, if there is someone who feels depressed, don’t be ashamed of it and I hope you receive treatment and overcome it. It’s not an embarrassing thing and it doesn’t need to be hidden. And I was filming content where I show what’s inside my bag; I can’t lie. I wish everyone would be healthy.

Are you bad at lying?

Yes. If I have to tell a lie, I think it’s just better to not say anything. Since I’m the type that’s honest and straightforward, I also don’t like beating around the bush.

Can you share a way one can take a step forward towards recovering from depression?

Look at the world in a broad view. Know that there are many places you haven’t been to yet and there are many things you haven’t felt yet. It's also good to take a walk and go off your usual route and take a path you've never been on. Small adventures can also be of great help. Just by leaving the house you’re already halfway there. I think there are more ways you can refresh yourself outside rather than inside. Also, I thought I was an honest person but after being diagnosed with depression, I thought I should be more honest with myself and more faithful to myself. At times like this, think of yourself before others.

What do you believe in?

I just believe in god. I don’t have a religion. I don’t know what kind of existence god is but I do believe that there is a god. When I’m thankful or am having a hard time, I pray. “Thank you.” “Please let me get through this wisely.”

What is the greatest motivation that moves you?

As long as I’m alive, I want to continue doing work that will leave a message. I believe that there is no next life. I think I should live this time diligently to the fullest. To have no regrets.

Translated by defdaily.

#jaebeom #def. #lim jaebeom #jay b #GOT7 jb #interviewtrans #jb trans #jb interview #defdaily:trans

[pub-lius]

ACTUALLY Hardcore Facts About Alexander Hamilton

Alright, take two.

I've already typed this entire thing out once, so this is likely going to be a lot more lazy than anything else I will ever post, so :).

Sources: Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow; John Laurens and the American Revolution by Gregory D. Massy; The Federalist by Alexander Hamilton; George Washington's Indispensible Men by Authur S. Lefkowitz; Lafayette by Harlow Giles Unger; Who Was Alexander Hamilton? by Pam Pollack and Meg Belviso

Hamilton wished for a war when he was like a baby. So if you know Hamilton, you know that one line where Hamilton says "As a kid of the Carribean, I wished for a war, I knew that I was poor, I knew it was the only way to rISE UP-" in Right Hand Man. Well, that line is based off of a letter Hamilton sent to his childhood bestie, Edward Stevens: "...Ned, my ambition is [so] prevalent that I... would willingly risk my life, tho' not my character, to exalt my station... I'm no philosopher, you see, and may be jus[t]ly said to build castles in the air... I shall conclude by saying I wish there was a war. Alex. Hamilton." Okay, dude, calm down, you're like two years old. I think he was actually like 14-16, but for dramatic purposes we'll say he was an actual infant (do I sound like Chernow?). But I hate how much this letter foreshadows. It's like he jinxed himself, its almost embarrassing.

Hamilton ran a business at 14. Now if you've ever been fourteen and you were like "i think i feel like running a business" literally shut up no one asked. I think this is impressive. When Hamilton was at least 14, the guys the owned Beekman and Cruger (it had a different name by this time but this one sounds cooler) just dipped and left Hamilton in charge. This was actually a pretty good decision, since Hamilton managed it well. There was also this one time where Hamilton told a whole captain of a ship who didn't perform up to standard, "Reflect continually on the unfortunate voyage you have just made and endeavor to make up for the considerable loss therefrom accruing to your owners." This man was so arrogant I wish I had his confidence. Yeah that was cool ig, but if I met teenage-Hamilton, I'd literally hate him.

Hamilton saved the president of his college. Ever the dramatic, Hamilton had a thing for suppressing mobs (though he was pretty much never successful). There was this one time at King's College where a mob formed to "talk" with the president of the university, Dr. Myles Cooper (by "talk" i mean make him into a tory bird). And, according to Who Was Alexander Hamilton? (this book gives me so much joy), "Alexander vowed to protect him [aww]... He stood up to the crowd, telling them that violence would only hurt their cause. He couldn't stop the crowd, but he delayed them long enough for Dr. Myles Cooper to escape in his nightgown," (Pollack and Belviso 27-29). This is a really sweet description of it, but Hamilton was probably calling the mob a bunch of insults and stuff, judging by how he later handled riots. Also, Cooper thought Hamilton was rallying the mob, so he was a complete jerk to Hamilton, but rightfully. Everyone, bully Hamilton. He's short and dead like an idiot.

Hamilton was really cool on the battlefield, don't @ me. Now, despite being a clumsy little gremlin and an absolute dork, Hamilton was a pretty good leader, and I guess veterans deserve to be recognized for their victories or whatever. At the battle of Princeton, one of my favorites, Hamilton had very big, cool guns, and did some cool stuff. "Returning to the final phase of the battle of Princeton, British infantry took refuge inside Nassau Hall, the building that housed the College of New Jersey. American artillery commanded by Capt. Alexander Hamilton [ya boy] was brought to bear on the college building... Washington was on the scene and noticed this young artillery officer who skillfully commanded his gun battery. The general would soon invite Hamilton to become one of his aides-de-camp," (Lefkowitz 92). Wow so cool moving on to Yorktown.

When the Americans were building their fortifications, two British fortifications were in the way. So rude. Consequently, Washington sent The Gay Trio, Lafayette, Laurens, and Hamilton, to uh, silence them. Hamilton pulled off a successful sneak attack, and won the battle swiftly, leading to the American victory in the battle of Yorktown, and therefore the war. "...Colonel Hamilton['s] well known talents and gallantry were on this occasion most conspicuous and serviceable. Our obligations to him, to Colonel Gimat [stan], to Colonel Laurens, and to each and all the officers are above expression..." -Major General Marquis de Lafayette. Lafayette is so nice I would marry him if he was alive and single and legal and not old as hell. Like omg he gave credit to everyone but himself that's so nice I'm such a simp for Lafayette. Anyway, Hamilton was cool too ig.

Hamilton caused the evacuation of Philadelphia like an iDIOT. So, after Brandywine (British victory), Washington sent Hamilton on a foraging mission in Vally Forge to get flour, horseshoes, and tomahawks (not quite as exciting as Yorktown). Well, our clumsy ginger rat got caught, and wrote to the president of Congress, John Hancock, "If Congress have not yet left Philadelphia, they ought to do it immediately without fail, for the enemy have the means of throwing a party [party rockers in the house tonight] this night into the city. I have just now crossed the valley-ford [Valley Forge], in doing which a party of the enemy came down & fired upon us."

Surprise, this turned out not to be the entire goddamn British army, it was just a few scouts sooo... let's just say Philadelphia wasn't happy. "Our Removal from Philad. Was owning to information that General Howe was crossing Schuylkill [River]... However tho' this Intelligence was from one of the General's family (Alexander Hamilton) it was not well founded & we wish we had not left Philad.," -James Duane. Yeeeaaahhh, that's awkward. Not the best way to get your name known in the capital, I must say.

Hamilton was possibly bisexual, and this is hardcore because I say so. Now, I'll add more quotes to this later, but basically heres my interpretation of the historical evidence and whatnot. Basically, Hamilton was a really closed off, cynical guy, since like everyone he ever loved died or left him pretty much, and he wasn't really the type to make and keep close friends; "...how little dependence is to be placed on treaties, which have no other sanction than the obligations of good faith, and which oppose general considerations of peace and justice to the impulse of any immediate interest or passion," (Federalist 64); It is a known fact in human nature, that its affections are commonly weak in proportion to the distance or diffusiveness of the object," (Federalist 73). Um, Mr. Hamilton? You're projecting your trauma on the government again.

Also, despite working with him for like twenty years, Hamilton really never got close to Washington, like at all. He even said to Laurens, "I have no friendship for him and have professed none," in regards to Washington, which is kind of mean. But he ALSO told Laurens:

"Cold in my professions, warm in my friendships, I wish, my dear Laurens, it m[ight] be in my power by action rather than words [to] convince you that I love you. I shall only tell you that till you bade us adieu, I hardly knew the value you had taught my heart to set upon you. Indeed, my friend, it was not well done. You know the opinion I entertain of mankind and how much it is my desire to preserve myself free from particular attachments and to keep my happiness independent of the caprice of others. You s[hould] not have taken advantage of my sensibility to ste[al] into my affections without my consent."

*mocking Hamilton* its YOUR fault that i love you and it was RUDE that you FORCED me to love you how DARE you you SUCK i love you uwu.

Also, at the top of that letter, someone mysterious (probably Hamilton's son) wrote, "I must not publish the whole of this," and Massey still thinks Hamilton was straight.

But yeah, that's about it. I had originally written more at the beginning, but I unfortunately lost the original draft, so I'll just settle for this. I hope you enjoyed, though, and maybe learned something or found a quote you needed or something. I did more research than I wanted to in one sitting for this, so appreciate it or I'll cry. Thanks love you <3

#alexander hamilton #hamilton #hamilton the musical #hamilton the movie #lin manuel miranda #ron chernow #aaron burr #weird history #george washington #amrev #amrev history #american history #american colonies #american revolution #the american revolution #the american war of independence #colonial america #stupid clumsy ginger gremlin #dorkface loser baby man #stupid litte idiot i hate him #he had his moments tho #this post hurt me financially #need a national bank now ig :/

[cowboymantis]

Let's talk about Kazuto Arase

Yakuza / Yakuza Kiwami , Yakuza 3 side content spoilers. Later on Yakuza LaD too, but I'll give a warning before that especially since a lot of people haven't played that yet.

So I have a lot of thoughts about Yakuza on my mind and just want to scream into the void about it somewhere to write 'em all down somewhere! I'm starting with... Arase.

Yeah, I know, a mostly very hated character (personality and battle-wise) that has so little screen time on top of it all too, is the first thing I'll be talking about.

Hear me out, I actually really love this character and only really started to appreciate him after I went for the Yakuza 3 platinum trophy... I've replayed this game so many times, I didn't mind it when I played through it first but seeing all the hate it has gotten, I went to replay it just in case and with that replayed it again and again because I just somehow loved it so much-

And you know, one part of Yakuza 3, also completion related so there was no way I could've missed it, were the Hitman missions. In general, after playing through all the main games I started to come back to a lot of characters I didn't like or minded the first time playing that are now some of my favourites (other examples are Tamashiro or Lau Ka Long, hell even Katsuragi)!

To come back to Arase, let's start with, well, the start: Yakuza / Yakuza Kiwami.

Introduced already in the very first Yakuza game, Arase is just there for a brief moment in the game, yet has a heavy impact on the game's story and Kiryu. It starts with Arase's oath brother Shinji being shot by Arases subordinate, Mochizuki, at least it looks like it. Shinji came here to rescue Reina, whose corpse then gets dragged on the roof of the Dragon Palace by Arase, Sergeant of the Nishikiyama Family. Now that's a pretty... heavy and sadistic first image for a character introduction, and honestly, his strong personality like that seemed also to be the reason he wasn't exactly loved by other members of the Family.

His battle theme in the first Yakuza game is called "Turning Point" which also puts more emphasis on how important this scene is, Kiryu breaking down, his scream when he sees Reina's body... It's really a turning point in the story.

In Kiwami, his new theme "Virtical Point" is also used as the intro song (or at least, the intro song "Vertical Point" is similar and shortened). Which also once again shows the importance of this piece.

Of course, he's not the most important character in the story, but it's still interesting to see how much there is around him other than his rather short appearance.

Then, his fighting style. Yeah, most hate this too and also the fact that starting from there, other bosses also sometimes use his moveset or a similar one. Like, take Jiro or Jo Amon or Andre Richardson... Basically just the usual dual wielding guns while being an athlete on crack - layout. It is actually not that bad, it's even less bad when you've got the right equipment but I have to admit I didn't really have that much good equipment when I first played all the games and basically just rushed through them because I just couldn't stop!

Arase's goal here of course was also to beat Kiryu but well, just like every other character ever, he couldn't do it and got beat instead.

And that's the end of that... The end of his part in the story and also the end of his part in the Nishikiyama Family, because he got disowned right after his failure.

Which is so... hmm... It makes me think. Many others have tried to take Kiryu down, too. And I mean, Arase was normally a very successful assassin, right? Yet this one failed attempt, at which everyone else too failed, got him disowned? Seems to me like they didn't like him and gave him an impossible task to have a reason to throw him out, huh?

And with that wonderful transition, let's get into his appearance in Yakuza 3.

You get introduced to the concept of the Honest Living Association, in short the HLA pretty much after Kashiwagis death. An association, founded by Kashiwagi to help Yakuza / former Yakuza who weren't meant for this life or just wanted out but just couldn't do in it on their own. For some, all they knew was the criminal life, so having a thing like this is especially helpful. Although, I'm kinda sad this was never a thing anymore after Yakuza 3. The whole concept of it was very cool.

Kiryu gets asked by Ibuki to help the HLA because there is an organisation of hitmen, also known as The Reapers (or The Avengers on PS3) whose goal was a different one than the HLA's, it was to kill Yakuza. The Reapers consisted of former criminals, mainly Yakuza, who were wronged by their superiours and expelled, disowned, you name it. Basically what happened to Arase.

Apprehending those hitmen is a totally optional part of the game and I have to admit, I didn't finish it my first time playing. Which is such a shame because it goes by so fast too when you play it after finishing the game! And the individual stories are all so interesting too, I've really enjoyed this side content and also replayed those missions already. You don't really expect someone like Arase to be behind all of it when it turns out to be him who is the founder and the leader of it all. I was already taken aback by Shinzaki being the lieutenant, or part of it at all. I often stopped by to listen to his guitar playing and talked to him, often asking myself is there's anything else up with him.

And once this one hitman contract came in and guitar playing was mentioned, I was just thinking "It can't be him...?", god, this whole side storyline just was so good. And here people come and say Yakuza 3 was a bad game.

The whole build-up to then reveal Arase was just so cool, honestly. It made me start to look more into his character after this confrontation. The fight was really cool too, just having to fight Shinzaki so many times wasn't really necessary, but Arase seems to like to fight alongside others, so fair enough.

And his theme "End Point" is also just so good. It's more similar to Turning Point than Virtical Point was. The name is also again fitting, since this is the end for The Reapers and Arases power.

It is made clear here that Arase has a strong hatred against the Yakuza and especially holds a strong grudge against Kiryu. He sees Kiryu as the reason he got wronged and had to leave the Yakuza behind, while also seeming to be very aware of the fact that the others there probably didn't like him at all.

He's so angry at him, he holds this whole speech and talks about revenge while Kiryu tries to talk some sense into him, eventually Ibuki also joins and tries to reason with Arase too. Telling him how that's what Kashiwagi wanted, even for Arase to find a new, honest life.

Arase is too strongly lead on by his grudges, so even though it seems like he might be thinking about turning his life around, he decided to not let them help him. Then he goes on about how he will definetly return to take revenge on Kiryu... Well. That's the end of that.

It becomes clear that Arases stubborn way of thinking is kind of childish. Not taking responsibility for any of his actions, thinking that his vile personality and actions are in fact the reason he got disowned. Failing to beat Kiryu was just the final puzzle piece to have a solid reason to throw him out. He's clearly unstable, doesn't think twice before shooting someone, he could turn on anyone and wouldn't be sorry for it. Just, he doesn't seem to really think about what he does.

I guess he probably thinks he's strong enough, he doesn't need to be careful. Also fitting for that is his fighting style in Dead Souls, how when he gets low on HP, he pretty much fends for himself, disregarding orders and just charging head first with full strength.

His Dead Souls appearance is also interesting. Okay, we all know, this game isn't canon, it's a spin-off and just doesn't fit in to the story. But it is interesting how he teams up with Kiryu for a bit and then leaves again. The game itself takes place after the events of Yakuza 4, meaning at this point RGG did remember that hey, they have a rival that swore to beat Kiryu one day. But after that... radio silence.

Really, this is such a shame. Just alone from his short appearances I can talk so much about Arase because he really is an interesting character with so much more potential! The only thing that's good about it is that he didn't die, making him technically one of the longest surviving characters in Yakuza which really is a great achievement.

Okay, we don't exactly know that he's still alive, but assuming due to there not being a mention of him being dead, he's probably alive. He might be, might not. Schrödinger's Arase.

One other thing I thought about is Jo Amon. I mean, his outfit and fight style is also similar to Arase, but that's not what I'm mainly thinking about. So the name Amon is for the greatest assassins, right? And they have a strong hatred against Kiryu at the beginning too.

So, putting those things together, Arase being a former assassin in the Nishikiyama Family, then the leader of a dangerous hitman organisation... Then, to fight Jo Amon in Yakuza 3 you also need to do all the hitman missions other than the substories and the IF7 fights. And to start the search for Amon, you also need to go to Ibuki again, where you got all the other hitman missions.

Yeah, it's a bit far fetched, but ... not too far fetched to think that maybe Arase and at least Jo Amon could know each other. I'd say, they could team up in a future game but. Well... Yeah.

Now some more things I thought about, I'll put a warning here though.

Yakuza LaD spoilers ahead!

Soooo, in this game we've gotten a couple of characters "back" ... Some more real than others... Thinking about Joon Gi's body double.

But one character that survived is Kashiwagi! Now the bartender of a bar named Survive. What a fitting name. After surviving such a heavy attack and believed dead by, well, everyone, it was the best approach to keep a low profile, start a new life. Also, he doesn't seem to be fit for any fighting after the incident.

So Kashiwagi is still there. And, now I just thought about, what if there was a possible redemption arc for Arase? Kiryu is believed dead now too, alone the fact that it seems that Kiryu never met Kashiwagi while being in the same area is kinda sad. I like to imagine they met each other...

I think it could go either way, Arase somehow got information on Kiryu being in Ijincho. He is a professional after all. Plus, by now Kiryu is also, well, not really working with... but. You know, not fighting with the Amon Clan anymore, even having Shin Amon to help determine Ichibans strength with the (True) Final Millennium Tower.

And, now, maybe there can be some other comnecting inside the Amon Clan and some info got out to Arase, ah, hell, I don't know, it's all so far fetched but I just like to have those possible headcanons of Arase somehow coming back!

Another possibility could also be Arase thinking Kiryu has died, just per chance being in the area and just going to the Survive bar? He'd probably be way more open about the thought of redemption and with Kashiwagi probably being pretty good at talking former Yakuza into that, given how the whole HLA was his doing.

Just... Thinking about possible things.

Yakuza LaD spoilers end here!

Well. That's that.

At the end of the day, the chances of Arase returning are pretty much 0, other characters you never thought of reappearing sometimes appear in one way or another, so it can be possible, but probably won't.

But one thing is clear, looking more into this character made me really appreciate him more. I guess that's the fact with a lot of characters, not just in Yakuza, but in general.

The characters in Yakuza are just so well written and even though it has some very weird and silly plot points and plot twists, I just love this game so much and looking more into it and replaying it is just so much fun.

I even started to like the minigames in Yakuza 3, even though I got very hopeless at the last pool opponent and the goddamn Mahjong completion, ugh. But at the end of the day it's all just really fun once you get the hang of it. It hasn't aged too well when you play it after the other Yakuza games, but replaying it on all the difficulties and then casually, then trying to beat it as fast as I can just made me love the game more and more every time.

So, uh... I don't know if it's a blessing or curse for me to often really like the characters that either everyone hates or have almost to screen time. Because well... there's such a lack of content and appreciation but hey that's what I'm writing this for!

I hope maybe someone starts to appreciate Arase more after this - if anyone even reads further after learning that I love this character. :D' I swear I tried to write it with as little bias as possible. I do know he's a morally very very grey character but after all, it's a video game character. (...There's no way I'll ever like characters like Yoneda...Ogita...Or Kume though... ugh)

Well anyway, with that, I go!

#ryu ga gotoku #yakuza #yakuza 1 #yakuza kiwami #yakuza 3 #yakuza lad #kazuto arase #yakuza arase #rgg #yakuza dead souls

[paint-lady]

hey, if you don't mind, i want your advice: i'm going to be running a chronicle set in chicago (i am using the chicago by night 5e book) for players who are new to vampire for the most part in a few days and i can't For The Life of Me to come up with an interesting chronicle hook (yeah i have read the hooks in the book). any ideas/suggestions/general advice?

Hiya! I could talk your ears off on how I write my chronicles- so hopefully I have taken all my processes and reduced it down to a lovely World of Darkness jam. 

Here are two good hooks I just came up with- feel free to use them! The third is what I got for my first chronicle, and I just think its a narrative that works very well for new players.

>Option 1: Guilty Until Proven Innocent ”Chicago is a series of paradoxes and transitions, of ever changing paradigms and whimsy,” (CbN 47). Have your coterie be newbies to the city. Ask why they have come to Chicago. Power? A new start? Perhaps this is a political arrangement between the clan of one city with another. Whatever their reason, they have arrived right when a Primogen vanishes- and guess who is first on the suspect list? The fresh faces on the streets >:) The coterie, having barely settled, has to suddenly prove their innocence. And finding evidence lets them uncover something much more sinister....

This one is ideal for new players as it sets everyone on an equal footing. Even if they create a character that has been a vampire for 50+ years and has amassed several dots of influence, herd, status- whatever, they are still new to the city. And being new means you have to start all over again. (This may be frustrating to a player that invested all those points at character creation- but it is on you as the ST to make sure they have opportunities to use those dots and on them as a player to think cleverly.)

Starting the tale off with defending their innocence is actually a very engaging questline. It effectively sets the stage for the political powerhouses. It lets new players know there are rules- and those in power are watching. It also sets the consequences for failure. Understand that the Camarilla probably isnt going to outright kill the coterie if they fail- always make the punishment just harsh and grueling enough to make final death feel like a mercy. Failure isn’t the end of the story.

For new players- I would be lenient with the time it takes for them to find evidence. But within reason. Think like your Prince and Seneschal. Do you really want this coterie running around for a full week, unsupervised, making more messes? No. You don’t. (You might wanna send an npc with them to watch and keep em out of trouble. Your npc is also able to vouch for them.)

This story lends itself to be a Camarilla Chronicle very easily. You can go Anarch, but an Anarch leader suddenly vanishing and blaming the newbies is much more quickly going to end with blood spilled. Thank your local sweeper.

> Option 2: Containment Breach Blacksite 24 (Loresheet on page 264) was temporarily occupied by Operation Firstlight. It has now been transformed into a medical research facility. While most kindred of Chicago know of Blacksite 24, they have zero clue what happens inside other than bad news for them- the less they know the safer they are. The chronicle opens with a car crash. The captured soon-to-be coterie was in transit to this feared medical facility. The crash did kill the driver and the agent in charge of transporting them. The crash did not fully break their restraints, but it did enough damage that first responders are freaking out. They are all at hunger 3. The chronicle is a hunt. The coterie should have some knowledge of what had happened to them and how lucky they are to have escaped. Operatives are already on their way to recapture them. They must hide in this city- and do their best to survive and stay out of sight.

The point of this story is to invoke dread. I highly recommend one player either being a thin-blood (or an npc) with the Daydrinker merit, or a player to have a ghoul. If they decide to not have a daywatch, they increase their chance of being found.

This story also sets up a feeling of desperation. They would be willing to take shelter from anyone- anyone. Eventually the other kindred will catch on that these guys are on the run from something. Any sane kindred would toss them out to protect themselves. A compassionate kindred who takes them in will suffer the final death as a compassionate fool- or join them in captivity. 

This story lends itself to be an Anarch Chronicle much more easily. This is the time the Camarilla will likely be a bit more paranoid and bloody. While they might not outright kill the coterie- they will send them somewhere that is a death trap. They wont dirty their hands with this. After all, you do not want any evidence to fall into the hands of the SI if you hired the hit.

This story is ideal for newbies without background merits. No allies, no influence, no herd. Let them take more mythic merits such as bloodhound and unbondable (Consider finding some from V20 too! There are some really awesome supernatural merits!). These powers would certainly be more fascinating for a medical team to study- not how many instagram followers they have. This kind of story also lets your players feel more powerful- but out of the loop. It lends itself to them forging alliances and getting caught in one-sided favors a lot more quickly. 

The challenging aspect of this story is that is starts with a masquerade breach. New players may not know how to handle such a blatant breach and thats okay. I would let the crash slide- and the Camarilla in the background handles it. Breaches after the crash need to be handled with proper consequences. 

> Option 3: New Blood This is what my storyteller did to me and my first time players (and its also very close to the plot of CoNY). We were shovelheads. Embraced to make a huge mess for the Camarilla and die quick deaths. We were all thin-bloods. The last thing the pcs remember is the sweet rush of ecstasy washing over them, before clawing out of the earth and driven mad by an insatiable hunger. The thrill of the hunt, and the sweet, warm blood on their tongue, nothing was going to be better. All three will awake next to each other, surrounded by the corpses they drank dry in their frenzy. What a way to play the name game! The players have three nights were they figure out their new condition or coverup their tracks (if they think to do it). They contend with their hunger and hatred of sunlight, wrestle with accidentally drinking their family member dry. After three nights, the Scourge comes knocking. Rather than outright killed, they are dragged to Elysium. For some reason, they are adopted by an upstanding member of the Camarilla- or the Prince orders a political rival care for them (hoping they fail). The players are the errand childer of this kindred, and slowly they figure out what they have been gathering through all these errands....

This one lets the characters all have the moments where they discover their disciplines and powers- and bestial tendencies. It naturally flows to allow players to slowly discover the rules and mechanics as well. All players must play fledglings for this tale. 

This story is much more a personal tale than a political one. Eventually politics makes its way in...but it does not have to be a focus. 

This story has less of a hook and more of a “Figure it Out” survival mode until the errands begin. The story is how the character’s react to their condition. It very quickly lends itself to a narrative of finding your own path in the night, rather than mindlessly obeying.

So here are a few questions that I ask myself when crafting a chronicle story:

1. What kind of story do you want to tell? Not asking for a plot hook, I’m asking for a general concept. Is it a tale of good triumphing over evil? (Not necessarily a wrong answer, but if you wanna play good guys...vampire is not the best game for that). Is this a chase? Is this a race against time? 

2. How do you want your story to make your players feel? Do you want to tell a story that invokes as much dread as possible in your players? Do you want them to feel ultra powerful? Vampire is both a power fantasy and a dread inducing game- it can do both. 

3. If you don’t know what kind of story you want to tell, switch gears to worldbuilding. CbN has so many NPCs with the rumors already written for you. Its your setting, perhaps switch two rumors around with prominent NPCs. Decide which ones are true in your setting- Maybe Primogen Annabell did kill her predecessor. Perhaps the Lasombra are attempting to infiltrate the Camarilla as everyone fears- but no one is able to prove it or stop it. Deciding what is true, false, and undetermined usually blossoms into hooks and stories worth investigating.

4. What is a historical event of the city that the Vampires would have endured/ scars would have remained? For example, in my chronicle set in Richmond, the tale of the Richmond Vampire is true. Depending on who you ask, it is the Camarilla’s best or sloppiest cover up. Have the chronicle coincide with the events and the coterie live through them. No one said this must take place in 2021- you can do 2015, 2008, -hell go back the 1990s. Its actually super fun if you set your chronicle in the 90s and your Malkavian is using phrases from 2020.

5. One of my things I do when writing scenes and moments is play Dread by myself. Dread is a role playing game played with jenga. There are no dice rolls, if you want to attempt something, you have to pull pieces from the tower. If the tower falls, you die. If there is a moment where I really really really dont want to pull from the tower, though the reward for succeeding is so so sweet- I keep the moment. If its really easy to shrug and go eh, I can live without performing that action- go back and rewrite it. If you have no incentive to pull from the tower, why would they?

6. Examine your player’s desires and ambitions- and do not neglect them in your chronicle. The plot wont magically allow all of them to achieve their ambitions. However, provide opportunities for them through the plot. Its on them to strive for what their character wants- its on you to make them struggle but have the path to get there. For example, if a player wants to become a Baron, provide a political opening. Perhaps then by announcing their power, they have made a bigger name for themselves and it has become harder to hide. Perhaps by doing this, the kindred they owe a favor is suddenly much more vocal about it. 

Here are some suggestions for handling new players:

> You are going to have to handhold them through some things. New players to vtm won’t be able to see the cascading political web and how the consequences of their actions will ripple into waves. I like to use Wits+Insight and call it Common Sense. Common Sense was a merit in V20- and damn is it WONDERFUL. All they need is just 1 success (they can take half) to have you explain how whatever plan they just thought of is actually a TERRIBLE idea. 

> Do your RPG consent list. Know what is safe to discuss and what is off the table. I highly recommend utilizing something my Storyteller used for my first chronicle, and subsequently I use for all my ttrpgs now: Invoking the Veil. The metaphor is that you are slowly lessening the intensity of a scene- as if raising the opacity or looking through layers of fabric. Eventually, there is too much fabric and you can no longer see the scene. If something is too intense, the ST or the player may announce they are invoking the veil. Reduce the scene by lowering music, speaking in third person, or avoiding heavy descriptors. You can reduce it further to just dice rolls. Role play stops, and the consequences of the scene are solely dictated by the dice. Or fade to black. If a player is repeatedly fading to black on something- ask to talk to them about it. Clearly something is too intense and they are not having as much fun as they can. Debriefing after a session is also a good idea. Do something silly! Share and check all the memes in the discord chat. Its important to make sure you and your players know that at the end of the night- its all just a game.

> I find the sabbat and new players don’t tend to mix well. You may absolutely still use the sabbat in your chronicle! But the dogma and philosophical ideals of the sabbat can be offputting and downright upsetting to a first time player. You may absolutely build to it- that’s what I did to my players. And in the moment of the truth, they chose to cling to humanity. 

> The taking half mechanic is your friend! V5 says players may announce how many dice they are rolling- and if the dividend is greater than the DC- they auto succeed. This streamlines play. Of course, you as the Storyteller may say this is a roll they are not allowed to take half on. Usually these are contested rolls (combat).

> The three turns and out rule keeps combat intense but not too lengthy. It actually streamlines encounters super super well. 

> My ST used a phrase, “The quickest way to kill Cthulhu is to give it a healthbar.” If Methuselahs and Elders are involved in your game- avoid giving them stat blocks. This cultivates a conflict that new players must find a way to overcome without brute force combat. It makes them think critically and defy these super old antagonists through narrative means. This also gets the notion out of your and their heads, “if they die, its over.” Its never that easy. Never. 

#steph answers questions #thanks for asking! #vtm #vampire the masquerade #vamp tag #storyteller vibes #ghostravens

[kali-writes-meta]

Have Qrow and Ironwood Ever Liked Each Other?

And was Ironwood always so -- misguided? Let's look back and see.

RWBY 202

Ironwood: (cordially) Ozpin!

Ozpin stands at attention.

Ozpin: Hello, General.

Ironwood: Please, drop the formalities. (Both approach and shake hands as Glynda also approaches.) It's been too long. And Glynda! It has certainly been too long since we last met.

Glynda: Oh, James! (Gives a personable wave and then drops all pleasantries.) I'll be outside. (She walks away.)

Ironwood: Well, she hasn't changed a bit.

(Notice that both Glynda and Ozpin express subtle disapproval.)

RWBY 303

Ironwood: If you were one of my men, I would have you shot!

Qrow: If I was one of your men, I'd shoot myself.

**********

Ironwood: You've been out of contact for weeks! You can't just go dark like that in the field!

Qrow: I'm not one of your special operatives, Jimmy!

Winter: General.

Qrow: Whatever. You sent me to get intel on our enemy, and I'm telling you, our enemy is here.

Ironwood: (leans against Ozpin's desk) We know.

Qrow: Oh! Oh, you know! Well, thank goodness I'm out there risking my life to keep you all informed!

Ironwood: (exhales) Qrow-

Qrow: Communication's a two-way street, pal. You see this? (pulls out his Scroll and points to it) That's the SEND button.

*******

Qrow: Despite what the world thinks, we're not just teachers, or Generals, or Headmasters. The people in this room, The leaders of the other two academies, we're the ones that keep the world safe from the evils no one even knows about! (getting up in Ironwood's face) It's why we meet behind closed doors, why we work in the shadows. So you tell me, James, when you brought your army to Vale, did you think you were being discreet, or did you just not give a damn!?

Ironwood: Discreet wasn't working. I'm here because this is what was necessary.

Qrow: You're here because Ozpin wanted you here! He made you a part of this inner circle and opened your eyes to the real fight that's in front of us!

Ironwood: And I am grateful.

Qrow: Oh, well, you've got a real funny way of showing it.

Ironwood: The people of Vale needed someone to protect them; someone who would act. When they look to the sky and see my fleet, they feel safe, and our enemies will feel our strength.

Qrow: (starts laughing) You... You think they're scared of your little ships? I've been out there and I've seen the things she's made, and let me tell you - they are fear.

********

RWBY 305

Qrow: You know, he's making you look like a fool.

Ozpin: His heart is in the right place. He's just... misguided.

Qrow: Sometimes, I'm not even sure he has a heart. 

RWBY 311

Ironwood: This area's secure! We need to-

Suddenly, Qrow's expression changes into what appears to be anger. He transforms his sword into a scythe and charges toward Ironwood.

Ironwood: Qrow! This isn't my doing!

Qrow continues charging, despite Ironwood's words. The general flips his gun in his hand and gets into a battle stance, preparing for the perceived attack. However, Qrow leaps past Ironwood, who turns around just in time to see a large Griffon lunging at him. With one swing of Qrow's scythe, the Griffon is sliced in two. Upon landing, Qrow turns around to address Ironwood.

Qrow: (Scoffs) You idiot. I know you didn't do this.

RWBY 702

Ironwood: Qrow.

Qrow stops and turns around, and Ironwood descends the stairs and approaches him.

Ironwood: I meant it when I said it was good to see you again.

Qrow: (awkwardly) Uh, yeah, you too.

Ironwood steps forward and hugs Qrow, who looks confused at first but then hugs back with a smile and an eye roll.

(Note that this is the UNUSUAL behavior for Ironwood, not the normal.)

RWBY 704

Qrow: Big day for you, huh, kiddo?

He walks over and sits next to Ruby.

Ruby: It's… definitely a lot to take in.

Qrow: Which part? The finally getting to Atlas part, getting your license part, or the not quite disclosing everything to Ironwood part? Or… all of the above?

Ruby: (soft laugh) All of the above. I'm trying to do what I think is best, but I really can't tell if what's best is what's right, or if I'm no different from Oz.

Qrow: Ruby, Oz only trusted himself with the whole truth. You're trusting others, but you're making sure they prove themselves first.

RWBY 707

Ironwood: We have to stop Salem. Nothing matters more.

Oscar: Some things matter more, I think.

Ironwood stops walking.

Oscar: Keeping our humanity. It's what makes us different from her.

Ironwood resumes walking and stops in front of the elevator's control panel. He taps the screen.

Ironwood: Sometimes I worry that's her greatest advantage. Without humanity, does she still feel fear? Does she ever hesitate?

RWBY 713

Ironwood: You still think I'm afraid?

Oscar: We all are. It's what we do in our fear that reveals--

Ironwood: That's easy for you to say!

RWBY 801

Ironwood: I’m going to do everything I can to defend this kingdom.

Camilla: What in God’s name do you think you’re doing, James?!

Ironwood: No matter the cost.

This is not the story of a friendship. These are co-workers with no more than the minimal level of trust between them to do their jobs. Harriet describes them best.

Harriet: (raising an eyebrow) Friends?

Elm: (laughs) This isn't the schoolyard, kid.

Yang: But, I mean, when you go through so much with someone, it kind of changes things, doesn't it?

Harriet: We get along well enough, sure. I count on them to keep me alive. They do the same. But that's the job. We don't confuse the two.

It's worth remembering that Qrow is a spy. His life depends on his ability to accurately assess people, and both he and Glynda had reservations about Ironwood from the beginning.

This is also not the story of a nice guy who one day started acting strangely. It's the story of a man who has been making bad decisions since Day 1, whose bad decisions are catching up with him, and who is responding by doubling down on his bad decisions. That's a definite contrast with Qrow, who made bad decisions since Day 1, whose bad decisions caught up with him, and who responded by changing his ways. One of these men is moving forward, and the other is tearing his morality apart in his efforts to be seen as immovable.

#rwby #qrow branwen #james ironwood #rwby glynda #ozpin #harriet bree

[crossdressingdeath]

I know you'll probably disagree with me, but i rlly hate the Cloud recessess ending. It's just....

Those elders killed wwx. The Lans were 100% ready to murder both at Qiongqi path but also at the siege. They see him as the guy who corrupted their precious jade. They all preach righteousness, but the whole madam Lan thing is iffy at best and i do not believe that everyone there fully believes the rules. Hell, i have a special bone to pick with the " do not gossip" rule, seeing as gossip had been the main info route for women in patriarchal societies.

I just don't think that after wwx killed Lans in the siege they'd be all that willing to forgive him and take him in w open arms. The juniors and kids love him, yes, but people who saw the war....

Not to mention the whole " do not speak to WWX " rule. I've seen ppl say it's a joke but it's On The Wall. It's supposed to be followed. Even if it was intended as a joke - which i don't believe - it's very cruel for someone w rejection and trust issues.

I also hate it from a very personal perspective. I see Wwx as ND, and, as an ND myself, all those rules terrify me. From the no running and the proper posture ones, i can pretty well imagine they forbid stimming. The Lan curfew would fuck anyone with insomnia and there's smth deeply ucked up abt the " do not grieve in excess". I get that they're supossed to be a paragon of the best things at all time, and that LJY is very UnLan like, but for someone w anxiety who CAN'T follow those rules, it would be a nightmare.

...Some points:

First, the Lan elders did not kill WWX, nor did they attack him unfairly. They weren’t looking at him as the man who corrupted LWJ, either, or at least that wasn’t their primary concern (I will never forgive CQL for suggesting they were or it was); they were looking at him as a traitor to the sects who was raising an army to destroy them. Remember, that is the information the Lans had. Every source they had except for LWJ (who the people he would have gone to would have known was biased and who presumably everyone knew had recently been in close contact with WWX where he could have been manipulated or enchanted in some way), sources which included multiple sect leaders (one of whom was WWX’s brother) and LXC’s dear friend, swore up and down that WWX was a major threat, and let’s face it, WWX didn’t do much to dissuade people from thinking that! Acting like the Lans were maliciously targeting WWX is doing them something of a disservice, I’d say. They acted based on the knowledge they had available; note how the Lans are the first to offer WWX their help once they’re given reason to believe he may not be a villain! And even aside from that, saying they killed WWX (and not JGS and JGY’s manipulation or JC’s army) feels a bit like scapegoating, honestly. Of the four sects, the Lans are quite possibly the least responsible for WWX’s death. If it would hurt him to live with or around anyone who held any responsibility for his death his only option would be to live as a hermit, which would be far worse for him. And yeah, the Lans aren’t perfectly righteous all the time and some morally dubious things have been done by Lan sect members; they’re human, after all! Some of them will only be as moral as their sect leader demands they be! That doesn’t mean the sect as a whole is bad, especially with LXC, LQR and LWJ in charge. Certainly I’d say they’re still better than the other sects, all things considered. One ambiguous situation that may or may not have involved some members of the previous generation doing some fucked up shit doesn’t mean WWX would for sure be mistreated! 

As for gossip... there’s a difference between sharing information and gossiping. There’s no evidence that the Lan women are blocked from... y’know, freely communicating and sharing information between themselves. We have no reason to believe they are reliant on gossip. Also they presumably go out night hunting just like the men? Men and women are kept separate in the Cloud Recesses, but I get the sense that that’s more like... school stuff than anything else. The women aren’t exactly locked up, they can be cultivators! The society is still sexist, but that doesn’t mean they’re kept from going out and doing things. And I need to make this clear: there is a fair chance that the rule against gossip saved LWJ’s life, because it kept word of him defending WWX from the sects from spreading to people who would not be willing to let bygones be bygones. Gossip sucks! It hurts people! A lot of this story (and more to the point the suffering of the characters within the story) happens because of gossip! The Lans banning gossip is pretty clearly supposed to be a good thing, I’d say.

And yeah, maybe after WWX killed a bunch of their sect the Lans wouldn’t accept him with open arms as if nothing ever happened! And that’s fair! I can’t imagine where WWX could go where that wouldn’t be the case, unless he and LWJ chose to abandon the cultivation world forever. But you know what else the Lans won’t do? Try to execute him. Or from what we see in the extras even dwell on the past that much. No, the Lans aren’t going to immediately forgive WWX and bring him into the fold without a moment’s hesitation, but you know what? They accept his marriage to LWJ! They let him supervise the juniors on night hunts! They consider him part of their sect! Honestly, that is all WWX can really ask and far more than he’d get from any other sect. There are consequences for what WWX did, even though he wasn’t the villain or necessarily trying to hurt anyone, and frankly people not being entirely comfortable with his presence is very much reasonable.

The “do not speak to WWX” rule may not be a joke, but it’s also pretty clearly not a serious rule. No one takes it seriously. The juniors (the only people WWX really talks to anyway aside from LXC and LWJ) only pay it the minimum lip service of talking to him off the path. WWX himself sure as hell doesn’t care! He clearly finds it pretty damn funny. And I don’t think a guy who has never liked him once again proving he does not like him (in a way that is clearly temporary given how later LQR invites WWX to the Lan family banquet with... reasonable amounts of grace, thereby implicitly accepting him as LWJ’s husband and therefore his own family by marriage) counts as a rejection or a breach of WWX’s trust? Like, LQR has literally always hated WWX. He isn’t preventing WWX and LWJ from spending time together or shutting WWX out of the Cloud Recesses or even making a concentrated effort to keep people from talking to him; he’s venting his frustrations, but if he really intended to block WWX from taking part in life in the Cloud Recesses he would’ve done a hell of a lot more than just make a rule who no one WWX likes follows anyway. It’s a temper tantrum, that’s all, and clearly that’s what WWX takes it as. I mean, if nothing else you can’t ban people from talking to the sect heir’s spouse indefinitely. That’s just not sustainable.

As for the rules... banning people from running in the Cloud Recesses and demanding proper posture during lessons doesn’t suggest to me that they wouldn’t allow stimming? ‘No running’ at least is a common rule... most places. It’s distracting, and can be dangerous. And the rule about sitting properly doesn’t mean “Don’t move at all ever”; it means... well, “sit properly”. Don’t slouch or sprawl across the floor. I see no reason why that wouldn’t preclude means of stimming that wouldn’t be disruptive (and given this is in a classroom environment “not disruptive” is kind of important). I mean, those rules certainly don’t suggest that they’re any worse than other sects, and given this is the sect that has magic music for calming people’s minds if any sect would give allowances for neurodivergence it would be this one. Also I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a song to put people to sleep, or medication that can help; this is a world with magic, after all, and if there’s a song that can put spirits to rest there are probably songs for human medicine and care. And of course there’s an element of conflicting needs; maybe the rules would screw you over, but frankly firmly enforced rules keeping people from running around or sprawling out of their seats would’ve been a godsend for me in school, given how much trouble I had focusing with people making noise around me. At the end of the day, is it guaranteed that the Lans would make allowances for people with needs that conflict with the Lan rules? No. But I’d argue it’s more likely that they would than any other sect. This is ahistorical fantasy ancient China, too; you can only expect so much in the mental health department. Still, a sect that literally invented magic music for calming the mind actually seems like the best choice for people with anxiety and such. There’s a reason why there are multiple fics that essentially set the Lans up as mental health experts in the setting!

Basically, a lot of your arguments seem to be issues that WWX would have in any sect. Unless he wanted to give up on the support of a sect altogether, they’re all things that he would have to work through or come to terms with. And of course... the most important point is that WWX is happy in the Lan sect. The extras make that clear. He has a home, duties that he enjoys performing, the love of his family and the support of his sect. He’s happy. I just... I do not understand why people keep feeling the need to try to make it angsty when the novel makes it clear that he genuinely enjoys his life in Gusu, and more than that that if he ever decided he didn’t enjoy it he could leave at any time. You have to remember that: if WWX wanted to leave... he would. He and LWJ would just go, and only come back occasionally so that LWJ could visit his home. Hell, LWJ would insist on leaving for WWX’s sake. So like... the Lan sect wouldn’t suit everyone, but WWX is quite content there and doesn’t want to leave. He’s happy and free to come and go as he wishes; there really isn’t anything to be concerned about there.

#mdzs #wei wuxian #anon #asks