#no actually i just wanted to write a murder poem cause its fun

[courfee]

Yes, I killed him. 

#poetry #poem #words #drowning #murder #but like in an aesthetic way #no actually i just wanted to write a murder poem cause its fun #anyway i havent poested poetry on here in forever #and this one was nice to write so why not #and like its not a personal one #because contrary to popular believe i have not murdered anyone yet #my poetry #i need to write more murder poems honestly #that poetry reading in edinburgh really inspired me #vik shirley was so right #sometimes you just gotta write some unhinged marcabre shit #and i havent even managed that yet cause im still holding onto making it sound pretty #just gotta commit cold blooded fucked up poetry murder

[rokutouxei]

a solitary walk

genshin impact | G | 2478 | [ ao3 ]  side hu tao/xiao | hu tao birthday fic!

every year, hu tao lives her life the way she believes it ought to be lived—loud and outright. even if reincarnation was real, and that one day we might die and then return to the earth once again, we will only ever be living this very life once. only once in these special circumstances, with these people, in this environment. it’s not because she fears death—no, it’s exactly because she knows death will come to her in the end that she lives like this.

lives treating the stone lions like they were actual cats.

lives climbing up the treacherous cliffs of huaguang stone forest to write poetry.

lives spooking others, walking late at night along wuwang hill.

hu tao knows death like the back of her hand, which is why life means so much to her. why she lives so much of it.

there is only one year a day when the anxiety is stronger than usual. when hu tao feels like living through these ideals is simply not enough. when she begins to doubt her place among the living, when no funeral pyre of inner demons can clear her head. on this day, on her birthday, it’s the long journey taking her from liyue harbor to the solitary mountains of liyue that truly takes out the storm in her heart, heavy and pounding.

when she can be between the pages of herself, among the voices of people she hopes love her.

  -

   “going out today, director hu?”

zhongli is, as he usually is at this hour, promptly sitting in the study of the wangsheng funeral parlor, likely just having finished some morning lecture to the undertakers. hu tao hums, whizzing around him as she peers at what book he’s holding. a history on rex lapis.

“no business today, maybe we need to rework our advertising strategy,” she says, straightening her back. “with you here, i get free time to take a walk and think of better marketing tricks.”

“please don’t use me as an excuse to skip work.”

“aiya, what do you think of me? that’s not what i’m doing,” she pouts. then, she points at the book in his hands. “what were you reading?”

“the undertakers were interested in something i said about the themes of death in liyue’s history, and i was merely reviewing my history,” zhongli answers, strangely more somber than usual. “it is mortal to fear death, but it is to go beyond what it means to be mortal to try to comprehend death as greater than something to be afraid of. as with rex lapis, who surely has witnessed a great many losses in his long lifespan.”

“what do you think the divine feel about death, zhongli?” hu tao asks, hands behind her back, looking up at the mysterious man who always seem to know more than he let on. “do you think it still means anything to them, when they live across so much time and space?”

“i think, director hu,” zhongli says, “that every death can still leave its mark. the archons were mortal once, after all. to not fear death does not mean to not honor its rightful weight.”

“hmmm,” hu tao nods, deep in thought. “you may be right.” then, a clock down the hall begins to toll, and she is shaken out of her reverie. “aiya, what time is it! i have to go, thank you for entertaining my question. i’ll see you tomorrow!”

hu tao is just about out of the door when he speaks again.

“director hu?”

she blinks. “yes, mister zhongli?”

he gives a smile that feels like it bears too much memory. “happy birthday.”

hu tao only beams at him, and then hops out of the door.

   -

   hu tao still remembers the disdainful stares of some of the older, more conservative people of liyue once the kids caught up to her little “hilichurl song.” something about little children chanting about death and murder in such a joyful manner did not sit right with several of the elders. this reflected poorly on hu tao, but—

did it matter?

the kids were—are—having fun, the song is catchy and she wouldn’t be conceited to say that everyone in liyue knows it at this point…

she remembers the little boy who had run up to her, who had returned fresh from a funeral rite up in wangsheng, holding her still-ashen hand saying, “you’re the big sis with the hilichurl song! teach me! teach it to me big sis!”

she remembers being that young.

she doesn’t quite feel like being this old.

the least she can do is immortalize its transcience; she’d write all the poems on death for the living if she had to.

   -

   she encounters xingqiu, who has obviously just come from his daily perusal of wanwen bookhouse, two books under his arm and another clasped between his fingers. she comes up right up before him and goes—

“xingqiu!”

he doesn’t even flinch, long used to hu tao’s little antics. he finishes reading the paragraph he is on before putting the book down, smiling at her.

“well, what is my liege doing this fine day?”

“oh, i’m off to take an adventurous little walk! what are you up to today, young master?”

the honorifics turned pet names were special little sparkles in their conversation. it had become so normal between them they no longer think about it, but the others who overhear are a little more curious.

“to put a little spice into the lives of a young exorcist and an aspiring cook, would you like to join me?”

were it any other day, hu tao would have said yes. there was nothing quite like getting off work early and messing around with chongyun and xiangling, mixing up the ingredients, activating excess yang energy. but today was not that kind of day, so she shakes her head and gives a little smile at her friend instead.

“not today, unfortunately. but soon, for sure!”

xingqiu nods. but before he leaves, he pulls out a bookmark of pressed silk flowers from behind his back, and hands it to her.

“taken fresh from the wilderness.”

“you mean yujing terrace?”

“where i got it is of no matter—” xingqiu says, stifling a laugh, “but instead what message it brings. may you find good company on this special day of yours, my liege.”

hu tao smiles, the kind that reaches her eyes, the one that so few people see, and then pushes xingqiu lightly down the road toward wanmin.

“go cause trouble!”

  �� -

  the first half of the journey is a lot less tricky. at a certain hour every day, without fail, there are wagons that begin their trip from liyue to mondstadt. hu tao usually hitches a ride on one of these all the way to wangshu inn, where she stops for lunch.

wangshu inn has become such a common culprit to their little meetings that no one gets surprised to see her anymore, smiling and waving at everyone all the way upstairs to the top floor. (sometimes she even passes by the kitchen for some almond tofu, but, ah, yanxiao doesn’t really want her using the kitchen, if for the sake of the food she makes.)

today, when she gets there, she finds aether and paimon sitting at the tables at the very bottom, waiting for their meals to be served.

“hu taaaaooooo!” paimon calls and waves, to which she waves in response, hopping up the stairs to get to them.

“if it isn’t the mighty traveler and paimon! my offer for a discount coupon for accidents is still available, if you’ve changed your mind!”

aether ignores the joke entirely—wisely—and asks, “not staying at the parlor today?”

“aiya, does that seem like such a strange occurence? is it wrong for the director of a funeral parlor to catch a break?”

“...from offering discount coupons for parlors?” paimon turns to aether. “and why so far out here of all places?”

the traveler knows. “we haven’t seen him today.”

“do not fret! the ever omniscient hu tao knows exactly where he will be,” she teases. “can i join you for lunch?”

"wait!" paimon whines. "who's he?"

hu tao orders nothing festive, just some plain snapdragon salad and some fish, but verr goldet hand-delivers a little assorted tray of desserts anyway—red bean soup, mango pudding, custard—all on a celebratory looking plate. she whispers to hu tao: “from the young gentleman.”

and aether’s eyes go wide as plates in realization, but before he can say anything, hu tao hushes him with a finger, not wanting paimon to make a big deal out of it. the traveler only chuckles, paimon neck-deep into a bowl of noodles, and mouths happy birthday while facing the director.

once lunch is over, they talk a little until their stomachs settle with the food, but then they are on each other’s ways. aether and paimon, headed up to mingyun to clear out a camp of hilichurls that have been causing trouble, as commissioned by the guild. hu tao, to qingyun peak, where the clouds can brush over her cheeks.

“are you gonna walk all the way there?”

“oh, it’ll take me just a few hours. i’ll get on any patrolling millelith carts if there are any. i’ll be fine. thank you, traveler!”

“take care, hu tao!” aether calls out. “and send my regards!”

   -

   “i knew i would find you here,” hu tao says, as she lands ever so gracefully on one of huaguang stone forest’s highest peaks. xiao sits there, cross-legged, with his eyes closed. the exhaustion from the journey sinks into her bones as soon as she sees him, as if knowing she will find rest in him—perhaps the same way the sun has sunk dark blue into the horizon.

“i’m here because i knew you’d be here,” he retorts. not even turning to face her. hu tao sinks wordlessly next to him, her hand on his lap.

she loves the way they fit together like this, two puzzle pieces magnetized to each other.

“thank you for the desserts.”

he places his hand over hers and squeezes.

xiao has never been the type for comforting words. the best he can offer is his understanding silence, the kind that makes hu tao know he can comprehend what is going on in her little, mortal mind--even when she herself is not sure where exactly her thoughts are taking her.

“i wanted to bring you almond tofu, but it would have melted on the way here.”

“you don’t need to worry about me.”

you know i’ll worry about you anyway.

worry about yourself.

i already do, why else do you think i’m here but for rescue?

here in huaguang, the breeze silences everything in her mind that speaks, so that all that remains is this: just her, just xiao, just liyue’s star-dotted night sky.

just good company.

no dead, no ghosts, no demons. just them.

they stay there until time seems like it stops existing.

the thing about xiao and hu tao’s relationship is that somehow they always find each other perfectly as one needs the other. it has always been like that from the beginning. from the very first time hu tao had gotten herself lost around mt. aocang, cornered by a family of geovishaps hell-bent on getting her for disturbing their nap; to when hu tao had found xiao slumped against a tree, bloodied with his mask on his face and near unable to breathe, her presence and stupid humor like exorcising the demons clinging onto him;

they find each other always, as if sensing death on the other, and they come to the rescue.

without even needing to call out each other’s names.

hu tao, leaning against him like deadweight, turns her hand around so they can interlock their fingers together. xiao does so wordlessly, and hu tao memorizes the warmth of him against her skin.

keeps it in the back of her mind for when he isn’t around.

they speak without speaking, passing each other the same old questions like they always do.

what if i die today?

you’re not dying today, hu tao.

what if i die tomorrow?

you’re not dying tomorrow, xiao.

who will take care of you when i am gone?

who will remember huaguang like these, starry nights with our hands clasped together?

who will i come to when i’m in need of aid, when i need someone who sees death as i do?

don’t go, it’s too early to do so.

hu tao only voices out one of many, many thoughts passed between their intertwined hands, when she says, “when death finally comes for me, thousands and thousands of years before yours, adeptus xiao…”

xiao hums.

“remember me?”

he scoffs just the littlest bit and hu tao knows he means always. “rest,” he says, as xiao turns and presses a kiss on the side of her face, tucking a pair of qingxin flowers with braided stalks behind her ear. one he’d made before she’d arrived, prepared to find her in this state.

“for sweet dreams,” he promises.

    -

  while in his arms hu tao dreams of her grandfather.

she is watching her young, 13 year old self host her grandfather’s funeral, incredibly young and small and out of place in the grandeur. her yéyé liked grandeur, and it was hu tao’s mission that day to make sure that everything about his grand goodbye went the way it was planned.

it was hard.

she was calm, and composed, and so unlike the hu tao the rest of liyue knew that day. she was solemn during the entire ceremony, not a twinge of a smile or a frown on her face, just calm and detached like it wasn’t her grandfather she was preparing to set off. like his hat wasn’t sitting on her desk at home drenched in her tears.

the present, older hu tao looks on to spot the little signs of breaking left unnoticed by everyone else, like the little ticks at the corner of her mouth, her hypercontrolled breathing, the way she squeezes the staff she’s inherited specifically for this day, under her grandfather’s request.

and while the younger hu tao does not catch him, the older hu tao spots her grandfather among the trees, standing there with his hat still on, in his usual garb, the kind that reminds her of chanting poetry in the afternoon and—

—he smiles.

at younger hu tao, then, eventually, at her, older, smarter, more mature hu tao, as if saying:

thank you.

you’ve done so well.

before he disappears into a fog of light.

hu tao does not feel the need to follow.

   -

   hu tao wakes up in her room in wangsheng funeral parlor smiling, feeling the clouds still on her face, qingxin still in her hair.

#huxiao #hu tao #hu tao genshin impact #hu tao genshin #genshin impact #genshin #xiaotao

[moon-in-daylight]

Odi et amo / Dhawan!Master x reader

Summary: You already knew The Master wasn’t the easiest person to put up with when you started travelling with him, but sometimes his temper makes you wonder why you even try 

Words: 2383

Note: I was going through my old Latin notes and when I found this poem I felt the need of writing this idea. My history geek side was strong while writing this, so I apologize for that. 😬

Traveling with The Master could be a little too much sometimes.

Not that you didn’t enjoy it, or that you weren’t grateful for the chance you were given to explore both time and space. You would always be grateful for everything he had done for you. For showing you the stars, and for taking you to places not even books could properly describe.

It was the most amazing experience you could have ever imagined, but sometimes his reckless behavior made things incredibly hard for you.

That time he had taken you to one of the time periods that had always aroused your curiosity, the final decades of the Roman Republic. He didn’t usually consulted you on when or where to go, he would simply set the controls on some random alien planet and let hell break lose wherever he went, but maybe hearing you talk about history with such passion as you did, had gotten him to take you there. Not that he would admit he had took you there on purpose. According to what he said when his TARDIS landed in the middle of the Forum, his ship had just casually landed there, in a completely random way.

You didn’t care what he said, though. You were simply ecstatic to be in the middle of the golden century of the Roman culture, it didn’t matter if it had been due a typo with the coordinates or whatever other excuse he tried to come up with. Only thinking about all the legendary pieces of art that were being written in the century you were visiting amazed you: Virgil’s Aeneid, Ovid’s Metamorphoses, and, of course, all of Cicero’s speeches.

For all of your student life you had heard about the myths, the battles, and everything related with the years prior the Roman Empire. But you could have never imagined you would be able to see how astonishing Rome had been in its golden century with your very own eyes.

It was simply unbelievable to think about all those historians trying to study every word written about Rome in libraries and museums when you got the chance to actually stand there. To witness the last years of one of the most important periods in western history. A period that was soon to be over, maybe even sooner than you had expected.

It had only been a few hours since the TARDIS had landed, but, as usual, it hadn’t taken long for The Master to start messing around with important historical events.

You should have probably expected it, it was always like that with The Master. He was reckless, chaotic, and he didn’t care who he killed or what he destroyed. You shouldn’t have been surprised when he used his tissue compression eliminator on one the most important historical figures of all time.

You barely had time to realize what had happened before the entirety of the Roman army started to chase you.

“You, me. TARDIS. Now!” You rushed The Master angrily. He rolled his eyes as he teleported you both back to his ship, making you disappear in front of a bunch of confused Roman soldiers. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done?!” You asked in frustration at him. He ignored you, walking towards the console.

“He was going to die soon anyway.” The Master uninterested voice said, not paying attention to you.

“Julius Caesar wasn’t supposed to die until 44 B.C!” You reprimanded him.

The Master kept ignoring you as he moved things around the console, causing you to get angrier. Why did he had to be like that? Was it so much to ask that he didn’t kill anyone for just once? All you wanted was to spend a few hours there, maybe meet some of the authors you had read about all your life and even get the chance to talk to them. But thanks to his volatile temper all you had achieved was to become a public enemy to the Roman Republic.

“You just erased the last 10 years of his life and it may have changed the whole course of history!” Thinking about the impact of his actions, you added.

“So?” He turned to you, as if nothing happened. “He was a moron.”

“That’s not the point!” You cut him off, frustrated by how little he cared. “You can’t go around killing whoever you want!”

The Master looked at you in a threatening way, his deadly cold stare making you look away for a moment. It wasn’t the first time the two of you got into an argument like this one and you knew that he wasn’t amused by your impertinence. You had seen him destroy planets and civilizations in the blink of an eye, tear apart galaxies in a matter of hours. You knew upsetting him wasn’t the smart thing to do, but sometimes he could be so infuriating that you just couldn’t help yourself from rebelling to him.

Closing his eyes and taking a deep breathe in an attempt to calm down his temper he walked towards you. You looked at him in awe, swallowing the lump in your throat as you did your best to hold his gaze.

“I think you’re forgetting who you’re travelling with.” He harshly said, his eyes piercing right throw you. “You’re my pet, you don’t get to tell me what to do. If you don’t like it, leave.”

You held his stare for a few more seconds before finally giving up and leaving the TARDIS. It was completely impossible to reason with him, and you weren’t sure why you even tried anymore. It always had to be his chaotic, destructive way. You loved him, but he truly was infuriating.

Sometimes you just wished he could be a bit more relaxed, more empathic. But that wasn’t the way he was. He would never be.

You walked through Rome’s crowded streets without looking back, focused only on the anger that you were feeling. In times like these, you seriously considered the possibility of just leaving his TARDIS and going back home. You didn’t want to, but his temper was too much to bear at times. There was no need or use on killing randomly whenever he felt like it, so why couldn’t he control himself? At times like this you couldn’t help but second guess why you put up with him, why you stayed by his side in despite of all the evil things he did.

You still needed him though. He had shown you the most amazing things, taken you to places in the universe you could have never imagined could exist. And you also needed him if you wanted to go back home. Retracing your steps, you found that his TARDIS was now gone. Honestly, you weren’t surprised.

Now you were stuck in the 1st century BC. Not exactly the adventure you were looking forward to.

Resigned, you walked away from the place where the time machine had been just a few moments ago and wandered again through the metropolis. You didn’t know how long you were going to be there, or if you would ever be able to go back home again. You thought you might as well get to know the place a bit, always being careful not to bump into one of the soldiers that had seen you with The Master before, of course. The last thing you needed right now was some soldier recognizing you as one of Caesar’s murderers.

Trying to be discrete, you decided to get inside the first library you found in hopes you could hide yourself there.

You were so upset that you barely could enjoy all the knowledge that surrounded you. Normally, you would have rushed through all the shelves, picking up as many books as you could and reading as much as you could from them, The Master following you close behind as he watched you with an amused expression. But The Master wasn’t there, and you didn’t feel like doing anything other than sitting in a corner and watch the hours go by.

Just a few moments ago, you would have punched the Time Lord in the face if you had seen him, and now all you could do was think of how much you would like him to be there with you. Not only because you were trapped there without him, but because things got too quiet when he was not around. You didn’t usually admitted, but his chaotic self wasn’t always that bad. Sometimes it was fun to just watch him as he got the both of you into the most absolutely twisted situations. Now that he wasn’t there, you only wished he came back.

Getting yourself lost in those thoughts, you eyed a papyrus placed in front of you. And letting curiosity take over you, you started to read it. Soon, you recognized some of the verses written in front of you. You had read those before. They were poems written by Catullus, addressed to his lover Lesbia. They had been written only a few years before the day you had landed in.  

Doing your best to understand the poems, to translate them, you looked for a specific one. It had been some time since you had last studied Latin, but you still remembered the basics. Enough to understand most of the words.

Carefully looking through the verses, you found the one you were looking for:

Odi et amo. Quare id faciam, fortasse requiris.

Nescio, sed fieri sentio et excrucior.

It took you a bit of effort to remember those old verses, but there was a reason why those words had popped inside your head. You roughly translated the verses:

I hate and I love. You may wonder why I do so.

I don’t know, but I feel it that way and I am tormented.

You looked at the words written in front of you, immediately thinking of The Master.

It was almost as if those verses were talking about the two of you. You hated him at times. You hated his stubbornness, his annoying arrogance. But you had been with him long enough to know that there was so much more to him than that.

He was also one of the most important people in your life. Despite his bad temper, besides his irrational anger. You couldn’t imagine what your life would be without him. Without travelling the stars with him, without being around him as his companion. You loved him and you knew that the feeling was mutual, even though he would never admit it out loud.

It was probably irrational, but that’s how you felt. And you knew deep down that you wouldn’t change it for the world. You wanted him, even though you didn’t always agree with him and even though you got mad at him sometimes.

You probably were out of your mind to feel that way for The Master. But then again, maybe he wasn’t the only psychopath travelling inside that TARDIS.

Well, he was now, you supposed, since you were stuck in Ancient Rome.

You felt a tear running down your cheek when you thought about the possibility of never seeing him again. You couldn’t blame anyone but yourself, tough, you had been the one to voluntarily leave his TARDIS.

Looking up when you saw a silhouette, you quickly recognized him by the color of his coat. The Master couldn’t be any more surprised when you quickly got up and hugged him. He had to admit that that gesture of yours caught him a bit out of guard.

“I thought you had left forever.” You told him, your head buried in the crook of his neck. He slowly put his arms around you, not knowing well how to react. Showing affection wasn’t something he dealt well with, it was easier to just argue with you.

“I’ve been looking for you everywhere.” He admitted, letting his pride aside for barely a second.

He wasn’t going to admit it, but when he hadn’t found you in the first minutes after coming back for you, he had started to get worried sick that something had happened to you. He wouldn’t have forgiven himself if that had been the case, but he wasn’t planning on telling you any of it.

The both of you were too proud to form a proper apology, but this was the closest you would get to it. It was enough for you, and you hoped it would be for him too.

“Don’t ever run off like that again.” The Master said, letting go of you as he put back that front of his again. It was surprising to see how even him had that soft spot too.

Silently, he guided you back to the TARDIS. For the whole way back, you were still consumed by your thoughts, your mind remembering that poem every time you looked in his direction. You felt something strong for him, and you knew he felt it back. If it had been any other person, he would have never came back.

Once in the TARDIS, he walked back to the console, carefully looking at you from the corner of his eye so you wouldn’t notice. Since you hadn’t said a word in several minutes, he supposed you were still mad at him.

“I know this isn’t how you had pictured this adventure, but I-“ He started, but you quickly cut him off. You knew how hard it was for him to say those words.

“It’s okay.” You said, placing yourself beside him in the console. “Maybe I overreacted too. You were right about Caesar being a moron after all.” You laughed.

The Master turned to you with an amused gesture on his face. It wasn’t every day that either of you apologized to the other.

“You can keep him, if that's any consolation.” He searched for the miniaturized version of the Roman general in his pocket, offering it to you.

“I can’t believe you kept him.” You took him into your hands, analyzing it closely. You couldn’t help the smile from forming in your face. “You’re the absolute worst, I hate you!”

“No, you do not.” The Master smirked at you as he pulled a lever of his ship, taking you to your next adventure.

#Dhawan!Master x reader #Dhawan!Master x you #Dhawan!Master one shot #Dhawan!Master imagine #Dhawan Master x you #Dhawan Master x reader #Dhawan Master one shot #Doctor Who #Doctor Who fanfic #Master x reader #Master x you #Master one shot #Doctor who one shot #Dhawan Master imagine #Dhawan Master fanfic #Dhawan!Master fanfic

[oddlyunadventurous]

BOOK REPORT 2020

I’ve always been a sparse reader but 2018 and 19 had me accelerate my reading habits to the point that I think I’ve read the most books this year that I ever had. I suppose I’ll count them all here, just to make sure!! I said something or other about the Moomin books at the end of last year’s Inkt*b*r so, this being the month of traditions, let’s make a new one by tallying up my literary “yays” and “nays” at the end of the season.

Video game text boxes don’t count, online publication articles don’t count, psych/aesthetic papers and 1000 page biosemiotic textbooks don’t count, but they have sure pursued me in my sleep during the year as well. This list is really mostly for my benefit (and no I won’t get a Goodreads account tyvm), so under the cut you’ll find a list of titles in roughly the order I read them, along with short notes. I’ve done longer reviews of these books elsewhere and I need not bore you with them here. 

K. Stanislavski - An Actor Prepares (1936) I started reading this book in 2012, then dropped it because I couldn’t understand it at the time. Kostya attends acting school and gets lessons from The Director. He learns to sleep like his cat.

K. Stanislavski - Building a Character (1949) Supposed to have been published along the first one in a single volume. Kostya continues his lessons. A lot of thoughts on walking, gaits, eloquent speech, phrasing, etc. Both these books are wonderful looks into the author’s artistic life. It’s very heartfelt and down to earth, considering it’s quasi-fiction made to edutain. Very inspiring.

M. Polanyi - The Tacit Dimension (1966)  A book on the origin of knowledge, the integrated performance of skills, the emergence of life and other phenomena in the universe, marginal control between levels of reality, the moral death of the communist regime caused by the unbridled lucidity of the Enlightenment, the responsibilities of science, and thoughts about open societies of the future. This is one of the two shortest books I’ve read in the list, it covers all of this under 130 pages and manages to do it well.

B. Rainov - Eros and Thanatos (1971) A communist propaganda book attacking western mass media and escapist culture. It gets no points for being correct, as the author mostly swiped the truths from french philosophers. Very variable in its intellectual prowess, almost as if it picks its arguments in order to push an agenda. Informative but also infuriating. Also expectedly homophobic.

J. Hoffmeyer - Signs of Meaning in the Universe (1997) A somewhat pop-sciency book about biosemiotics. Forgettable but also humbly written and explicative.

A. Noë - Varieties of Presence (2012) An unimpressive book about sensory perception. Noë’s theory on sensorimotor action is worth considering but the book is poorly edited and mostly spent arguing with peers.

E. Fudge - Quick Cattle & Dying Wishes (2018) A look into a registry of last wills and testaments from the period 1630 - 1650 in Essex. The book is about early modern people’s relationship to their animals and what they meant to them in life, as well as in death. Fudge’s argumentation is sharp and her style is modern. Being a scholarly book it is really overwhelming with the footnotes sometimes, but otherwise satisfying. One gets beautiful glimpses of family relationships, thoughts and feelings that people now dead for 400 years once held.

G. Márquez - One Hundred Years of Solitude (1967) The Buendia family get all their sons killed. The Banana Company sucks. People love each other. A lot happens, generally. It is a hundred years, after all. The upper class sucks.

K. Polanyi - The Great Transformation (1944) The Industrial Revolution sucked. England sucks. It reduced all its workers to subhuman wretches. Every single decision made after the empiricists made labour and land fictional commodities has been a band-aid to the essential contradiction that the market economy wants to annihilate its human host. Laissez-faire sucks. It caused WW1. Fuck everything. Fun book.

R. Coyne - Peirce of Architects (2019) Talks about architecture and the ideas of logician/father of pragmatism Charles Sanders Peirce (1839-1914). Informative about both. Brisk and not very in-depth, but to its benefit rather than its detriment.

R. Williams - Culture and Society (1958) A survey of the 18th and 19th century England, and the emergence of the concept of “culture” as defence against the horrors that the Industrial Revolution inflicted upon society. Consists of some two dozen outlines of contributors to the romanticist tradition, from Adam Smith, through Ruskin, to Orwell, their beliefs, contributions and literary works. Very eloquent and interesting.

E. Fudge -  Brutal Reasoning (2006) A fantastic book about much: early modern views of the difference between a human and an animal, the Christian discourse of reason, the logical fallacies that lead to its implosion, the advantageous use of dehumanisation by imperialists in other to genocide natives, Montague and Shakespeare, and the ethical hell of animal murder that led Descartes to deem animals as machines so as to allow his buddies to perform live vivisections on dogs without feeling guilty about it (this is the real reason, don’t let anybody tell you otherwise). There is even space for an entire chapter about an intelligent horse who could tell a virgin from a whore and learned Latin at Oxford. This is my favorite book I read this year, so it gets an extra long review.

R. Williams - The Long Revolution (1961) A sequel to Culture and Society that’s worse. The start and end are brilliant but the middle sags. It contains some historical reviews of English cultural elements, like the newspaper industry, the Standard English vernacular and the realist novel of the 19th century, but honestly if the book was just about about the creative state (intro) and Marxism (outro) it would’ve been fine, if not better.

P. Klee - The Thinking Eye (1956 & 1964) Bauhaus boy in 1920s Germany! Love you Klee, xoxo. You really have to read his thoughts to understand his work imho. You can appreciate it just fine on the surface level, but his completely eccentric (though very self-consistently logical and sharp) views on art creation open a new outlook into his primitive approach.

F D.K. Ching - Architecture: Form, Space & Order (1979)  A staple book for architecture students. Or so I hear. Steeped in gestalt psychology. Very good, though not necessarily stuff I don’t know already. Very nice looking pencil illustrations, Ching looks to be an accomplished technical draughtsman.

H. Wölfflin - Principles of Art History (1915) A strong contender for second place in the tier list. The book examines the transition between Classical to Baroque in Italy and Germany (and all the Germany clones, like the Netherlands). It is a systematic, precise aesthetic treatise that reveals much by conceptualizing and grouping characteristic art features in which the two styles differ, then explaining their bearing on their decorative content as well as the outlook on life that they embody. Lovely.

M. Porter -  Windows of the Soul: The Art of Physiognomy in European Culture 1470-1780 (2005) A historiographical treatise about early modern views on physiognomy. The book deals mainly with the extant literature on the subject and tries to gleam what it could mean for the customs at the time - palmistry reading, occultism, persecution of the “gypsies” and the Christian scientific project of attaining meaning. Macro- and microcosms, as above so below, hermeticism, that sort of stuff. It’s an interesting read but it’s too long, the quality of writing varies greatly from chapter to chapter, and it is far too expensive. Wouldn’t recommend it.

S. C.Figueiredo -  Inventing Comics: A New Translation of Rodolphe Töpffer's Reflections on Graphic Storytelling, Media Rhetorics, & Aesthetic Practice (2017) This is the shortest book I read, mainly translating Töpffer’s 1845 "Essay on Physiognomy" along with giving his biography and some other paraphernalia. It’s not worth the price for the content contained within, but  Töpffer is the father of the modern comic book, so I thought I’d learn what his philosophy was. On that front, at least, very interesting! If only I knew French I’d save myself the trouble and read the original, which is now public domain.

D. Bayles - Art & Fear (1985) A useless self-help book. Not entirely bullshit but completely banal from all angles. Shouldn’t even be on this list but I did read it, so...

I. Allende - The House of the Spirits (1982) A child rapist gets a redemption arc. Well, kind of. All women are queens. Men are awful. The poor are wretches and it’s their fault. Oh no, the communists are going to take our land! Pinochet’s concentration camps sucked. Overall a better magical realism book than 100 Years of Solitude, to be honest. Very well written characters.

R. Arnheim -To the Rescue of Art: Twenty-Six Essays (1992) What it says on the tin. Wide range of subjects, from art appreciation, to schizophrenic and autistic child art, to gestalt psychology, to philosophy of science, to Picasso’s Guernica and the fate of abstract art, to reflections on the 20th century and the writer’s life in pre-nazi Germany and America. I love Arnheim, I’ve read many of his books and I’m glad I picked this one up.

R. Arnheim - Film as Art (1957) A book about cinematography, one of his earliest, actually, mostly a personal translation from an original German book he published in 1933. Somewhat outdated, but foundational. Not as informative to me but I don’t regret reading it.

G. E. Lessing - Laocoon; or, On the Limits of Painting and Poetry (1766) A book by a greekaboo about a fucking dumb poem and a statue of a naked dad and his two sons getting fucked by snakes. It’s misogynistic and authoritarian in several places, and altogether awfully full of itself. 100 pages of interesting observations stretched over 400 pages of boring Greco-Roman literary discourse.

L. Tolstoy - Childhood, Boyhood, Youth (1852, 1854, 1856) One story serialized in a magazine then later collated in three separate books. Aristocrat boy grows up in pre-revolution Russia. A very, very relatable coming-of-age story. Tolstoy is a lovely writer.

F. Dostoevsky - Poor Folk (1846) An epistolary novel consisting of letters between literally Dobby from Harry Potter and his maybe-niece, whom he wants to fuck. Starts bad, gets better by the end. A bit rough and tumble for Dostoevsky’s first, so I forgive him for wasting my time a little bit. A decent character study of the middle/lower classes, at least.

L. Tolstoy - Family Happiness (1859) An amazing romance novel for the skill employed in writing it. It is very short yet delivers so much emotion. Rather simple narrative at its core, but executed with such bravado one cannot help but be impressed.

F. Dostoevsky - The Double (1846) In which the Author starts swinging. A pathetic, neurodivergent old man gets used and abused by the people around him and nobody cares. Satirical and biting, better than his first.

A. Lindgren - Pippi Longstocking (1945) I last read this when I was 6 years old so I thought I’d refresh my memory. I remember disliking the book then and I can see why. Pippi’s kind of an asshole. Still very enjoyable to read. I know it’s meant for a younger audience’s reading level yet I cannot help comparing it with Tove Jansson’s books and how much better the prose in there is. Sorry.

***

I think that about rounds them up! That’s about 30 books, give or take. For next year I’m hoping to:

Finish Tolstoy’s and Dostoevsky’s bibliographies

Read more econ and marxist writing (low personal priority but i have to, in THIS economy *rolls eyes*)

Finish the Tintin and Moomin comics, as well as Jhonen Vasquez’s collection of edgy humor

Read more about botany and biology in general

Get started on Faulkner’s and William Golding’s bibliographies

Read more children’s books

Search for more Latin American fiction from the Boom

Read more psych/aesthetics/pedagogy literature, which seems to have become my main area of interest

Thanks for sticking till the end of the list, hope you’ve learned something and maybe you’ll pick one of these up if it took your interest. I don’t have to be a philistine just because I’m drawing video game fanart! Bye now!

#books #book report #reading #2020 #blogging #i'm busy reading i'll go back to drawing in a bit #not art

[echo-inthevoid]

Season 2 q&a and overall reaction

Jonny stealing everyone's names XD 

Is martin going to be ok!? I also need to know! 

He said no;-; 

ok ya, no one's gonna be ok. 

Ya, he must do sooo much research. 

Ya, except for "fatigue" lol.

Eyyy the mechanisms!! 

What's the red string brigade? Ok, I guess a group of fans theorizing about stuff. 

Oh ok so someone else did martins poetry. Ooh, there's more martin poetry out there! *grabby hands*

Ok ya, Alex clarifying that Jon isn't stupid he just makes poor decisions. Probably if he'd paused and thought about it (like I did lol, I had to go do some stuff in the middle of that ep and thought about it a whole bunch lol) instead of immediately going out and buying an axe and further isolating himself and panicking immediately he probably would have figured it out. This is why it's bad to panic in a crisis guys. 

Eyyy! Jonny's parents voiced Gertrude and Leitner! That's so cool. 

XD Jonny grumbling about having to work with his parents. 

Hmm, I hadn't really thought of Gertrude being like a mother figure in the story? She just seems very cut-throat I guess from what Leitner said. Idk so far I've been very suspicious of her. Especially since that one statement where her photo burned a whole bunch of people or something. She just seems very shady... 

Alex chortling over Jonny's pain. XD

Side note, Every time there's a q&a I just can't stop noticing Jonny's voice going in and out of archivist range? Like most of the time I'm just listening along and then he'll say a sentence a bit grumblier and my brains immediately like "ARCHIVIST! That's THE ARCHIVIST!!" 

Martin would be the last one alive in Friday the 13th! It's official! 

(Is it bad that this gives me hope)

Jon likes Nonfiction, documentaries, and probably collects something just a little bit weird. *writes down for use in potential fics* 

also while im at it I remember jon saying he dislikes coffee at one point,  and so many people have him liking coffee in their fics! This has been your daily reminder of that fact because ever since then it keeps bugging me lol. (But also do whatever u want.)

Alex's spluttering sounds so much like Martin.

Yes!! I want to hear jon sing!! Yes! Musical Episode When!!?

Ah yes yes yes! All the characters are so unique!!? How does he do it!! 

Ya, it being in audio format sometimes makes it hard to understand what's happening in the live-action bits. (Live-action is the wrong word but u know what I mean.)

Oh ok ya, how he mentioned he got a pipe was quite clever I didn't realize that that's why he mentioned it at all. 

Ooh, there's a manga where there's something similar to Michael? I'll have to look that up later...

XD Alex and Jonny arguing about apples. 

Ok, so all the statements we're hearing ARE for reals. I kinda assumed but good to have it confirmed.

They used to hang out together!!? Work function curry nights!! ;-; 

Ya Ya! Who made the leitners!?

"You are assuming a book needs to be written" ...ok then. (but it has to have been created somehow??? Did they just spring fully formed from the powers? why? And why take the form of books?)

Alex's mischievous laugh about whether jon has friends *trembles in fear*

Yes!! Micheal is so good! I'm so happy they love him too! Yesyes! His laugh! 

Ah Yes!! Mary kaey was so creepy! 

XD yes yes yes fatigue was written on zero sleep, I knew it! 

Akskdjdkd I love them so much. Also, I've looked up Michaels voice actor luke booys and he does some other horrory type sketches n stuff and I kiiinda want to do a little animatic with some of those but it's Michael like annoying some poor soul lost in his halls... I think that'd be fun. I wonder if anyone's done that yet? If so someone send me the links I neeeed iiitt :3

Season 2 summary:

Uuuuu ya so this season was really good. I kinda listened to it in bursts of about ten episodes every couple weeks and then have been saving up the reactions to post later so these are usually going up about a week or so after I actually listened to the episode just FYI. 

I also do have a lot of spoilers cause I can't keep myself away from fanfic and people don't always tag for spoilers and I kiiinda wana know what's coming beforehand anyway? Idk it's hard man I get very stressed about what might happen and then also listening to too much at a time is too spooky for my poor little heart so I gotta read the less spooky fanfic to fulfill the hyperfixation you see. (If anyone has fanfic with spoilers only up to season 2 that'd be great btw) 

Anyway, I try not to take spoiler type stuff into account unless I'm just so sure of it I can't really not acknowledge that I know about it. 

Also, can I just talk about Michael for a minute?? Cause he's such a unique character? And I guess maybe there are other characters like him but I haven't ever seen one -tho to be fair tma is only like the third horror thing I've ever really got into (the other two are the SCP Foundation in its various forms and Little Nightmares. Hence why I keep making reference to SCP it's really the only thing I know similar to this.) But he's such a cool concept!!? Like someTHING that still has a personality? He's so not human? Like I get what he says but also I don't really? Idk im pretty sure he's an avatar right? Right?? Idk if that means he was a person at some point? But all this to say that he is probably the most inhuman character I've come across so far and I'm trying to figure out what it is about him that's so "other" to me? Like... I don't really know what Micheal's deal is? he seems to want to be sort of a neutral mischief-maker but also it seems like he keeps getting invested. But also I just love the way he talks about himself. Like he's a monster that has a personality and is fully intelligent but isn't just evil but isn't neutral either and certainly isn't benevolent. Like he's so complex and just,,,, the idea of a "thing" that's got a personality?? I love it? Kind of like dryads or spirits of things? Like the idea that after a long time things gain personality just by existing? Not that that's what Michael is necessarily? but that same sort of concept applies to him I think. Like the way he IS the maze and wants to help but wants to just watch but wants to kill them all. He's just so interestinggggggg. (And another vision of what jon could become?)

 also "es Mentiras" is a beautiful name 💕

So are him and not-Sasha avatars? Not-Sasha also seems completely inhuman and I was under the impression that avatars were (or used to be) human? Or are they like personifications of their power? Do all the powers have personifications of themselves. not-Sasha seems even less human than Michael? Like she seems to just really genuinely enjoy causing fear? Tho I guess we didn't really get to hear a lot of her. She just seemed kinda gleefully angry most of the time we heard from her. Was she... Human once!???

Anyway. Also, can I just talk about leitners line about jon belonging to the eye!!? Just..*chefs kiss* hnnnngg I need more jon grappling with that. I just need more everyone dealing with the fallout post all of the finallies ok? I still need more of jon angsting over his worms scars and stuff and now I also need jon freaking out about belonging to a fear god power thing. 

Also Martin! Is Martin ok? He sure did a lot of yelling which he doesn't usually? Look I love him and he actually thinks before he acts (unlike SOME people *looks at jon*) and he writes poetry and it is pretty good poetry ok!! And he cares about everyone and just wants a happy ending and aaaaa😭

Petition to get some statements from Martin's pov tho? I mean that's not gonna happen cause Jon's the archivist but I want more martin pov!! Maybe we can get some of his poem tapes??? Pls????? 

I feel so bad for Tim. It sounds like he's kinda fallen into despair.

Also Elias!!? Is showing his spooky side!!? He can control cameras and beat a man to death with a pipe!!? This is his "place of powerr"!!? I am afeared!!? At least jon knows he shouldn't trust him now. Oh jeez, I wonder if jon will listen back to the tape and know what happened. Thhhatsss rough. Oh dear, I hope he doesn't feel guilty cause Leitner did keep trying to hurry him and now everyone thinks it was him. Even martin thinks he did it? Wich like I kinda want to hear more of his thoughts on that? How much does he believe that jon did it? Tim certainly seems pretty certain but he's a bit biased and cynical right now so. 

And they were in the maze for DAYS? 

Now I need martin recovering from being stuck with Tim in Michaels maze for days being angry and worried and hungry etc... Dksjdksa knowing jon could be dying RIGHT NOW and there's nothing he can do. Please someone give me the fic links if this exists!! I've already written like 5 drabbles based entirely on spoilers/other fics (which I'll probably post (w/ links to their inspirations) once I'm caught up and can make sure I'm not just completely demolishing cannon lol. 

Leitner didn't even scream or yell or anything when he was murdered. Literally the chillest dude ever. F

Overall super great, Elias is terrifying, let's dive into the next season!!! I've got 2 seasons to finish in like, less than 2 or so weeks(?) if I wana be caught up by season 5 hhhh,,,

Better get started I guess. 

#tma #tma lb #tma liveblog #liveblogging #tma season 2 #season 2 #season 2 q&a #season 2 finale #the magnus archives

[therewas-a-girl]

Shipwrecks, Of the Wretched, de profundis ALL OF THE QUESTIONS

the 

you think i will be intimidated by this BUT CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!!!! *cracks knuckles*

Shipwrecks

1. What inspired you to write the fic this way?

this fic is written mostly traditionally tbh - its cronologically told, in third person and mostly from one pov which is (and will be) feclicity. however, i have changed my mind about a lot of things since i started the fic - for one, i want to incorporate the whole ‘unreliable narrator’ thing a lot more. i want to use flashbacks more carefully: playing with timelines in how cetain present time events triger past moemories that illuminate the REASON behind present time choices. things like that. 

the real inspiration for the fic itself was another fic i read -  I've Never Truly Loved (Until You Put Your Arms Around Me) by theirhappystory. And the fact that i read that fic ... while i was on a boat... while there was a storm. a small one BUT STILL. 

2: What scene did you first put down?

Whatever Walks Here, Walks Alone - aka oliver looking at felicity in the lair. by itself this scene could fit anywhere from the begining of season 1, to anywhere in season 2. i didnt really write it with a timeline in mind. it was mroe like me pondering the characters. 

3: What's your favorite line of narration?

i had a LOT of fun - unexpected fun - writing Diggle’s pov in teh whole situation. you see, when i started the story the first thing i wanted to figure out was where do i want the characters to end up in relation to each other - so that i could start the story with them being in the diametrically opposite  spot! but then i realized that i also want contrast within the trio - and where oliver and felicity move towards each other at a glacial pace, john and felicty have a much more easy time understanding where the other stands. like... they vibe. and it had a lot o fun planing out that vibe - and all teh ways it pisses off oliver, in the begining. 

4: What's your favorite line of dialogue?

To answer this i would have to go back and re-read a lot of what i wrote and plan to write, but there is a line that STAYS with me and its one felicity says. 

so - in the show, the trio do eventually find out that the Gambit was sabotaged and did not just sink. Now - in Shipwrecks - this would have  a major devastating effect on felicity, who was in the gambit with oliver and sara. And she is the one that has the hunch that moira was involved (i think this happens in canon too?) - and she pushes oliver about it. Bc ofc she thinks of moira as just another person. Worse even - a person who hurt her. At this point she is MANIC about it and it freaks oliver out. Like, take the natural defensiveness he has against the idea and add a fear that felicity might genuinely kill his mother, and you get him being very agressively AGAINST felicity following moira anywhere. and when felicity understands that oliver has no intention of pursuing a what she sees as a genuine lead about the event that practically ruined them as people, she just, shuts down, makes a disgusted face, thinks of all the ritch fuckers she’s known and framed and used and how they close ranks when their reputation or personal interest is touched and just, blurts it out.  

 ‘you fucking people.’ 

5: What part was hardest to write?

all of it lmao. like WRITING IT. 

6: What makes this fic special or different from all your other fics?

The fact that i planned it out and it has like, different installments and a whole journey, which is one of losing oneself, understanding that ones self has been lost, seeing vengence for that loss (aka giving in/facing the anger it causes), seeking freedom, going against ones impulses to build better ones, building relationships, mantaining them, finding ones self through small acts of kindness towards ones self, rebuilding ones personality

basically i wrote a journey about getting out of depression and grief, before i realized that THAT was what i was actually writing about. 

7: Where did the title come from?

The title of the series is pretty straightforward: they were shipwrecked and now theyre coming back. 'above the vaulted sky’ is a line from a I am, by John Claire.  

I am—yet what I am none cares or knows;My friends forsake me like a memory lost:I am the self-consumer of my woes—They rise and vanish in oblivious host,Like shadows in love’s frenzied stifled throesAnd yet I am, and live—like vapours tossedInto the nothingness of scorn and noise,Into the living sea of waking dreams,Where there is neither sense of life or joys,But the vast shipwreck of my life’s esteems;Even the dearest that I loved the bestAre strange—nay, rather, stranger than the rest.I long for scenes where man hath never trodA place where woman never smiled or weptThere to abide with my Creator, God,And sleep as I in childhood sweetly slept,Untroubling and untroubled where I lieThe grass below—above the vaulted sky.

It’s a rather sad one actually, but i read it as a poem about hope. About the dream of hope, anyway. And this need to be away - from what is known because at this point what is known is horrible and the only happiness the imagination can come up with, is to be as far from it as possible and alone. and that is very much where felicity starts out with. With her hope not being about peace, but an isolation in stillness because that is the only good place she can imagine. 

8: Did any real people or events inspire any part of it?

It did. I’ve been depressed and strugling with horrendous issues of self worth and anxiety since i was about 14. And i never knew. It literally took me turning 28 to realize what the fuck was wrong. And its depressing (lol) because its just so much fucking time that i wasted, you know. And i remember - like, when i was deep in my depression - i used to think all the time ‘I must have been a real life person once. Like, an actual person, with a personality, and likes and dislikes and feelings - but i dont remember her. I dont know who that girl even is, i woudlnt regognise her at all.’ It felt like some part of me had died. Like there was literal murder involved. Cause so little of me survived. 

but it turns out, i have been this way - just less intensely (and in some cases a lot MORE intensely) since i hit puberty. i didnt die - i just got worse and did not deal with it at all.  

9: Were there any alternate versions of this fic?

not really. not yet, anyway. 

10: Why did you choose this pairing for this particular story?

im actually not sure that i do want oliver-felicity for this sotry. the dynamic between felicity and tommy is also very veyr interesting. and i dont really know where i will take them. especially in the first and second story, their connection is intense. but this is also part of teh slowburn - oliver and felicity, however it happens, its gonna be slow. 

11: What do you like best about this fic?

how personal it is to me, and my experience. and the fact that, if i write it well, i might actually be sayin something. 

12: What do you like least about this fic?

THE FACT THAT I HAVENT WRITTEN IT YET T_T

13: What music did you listen to, if any, to get in the mood for writing this story? Or if you didn't listen to anything, what do you think readers should listen to to accompany us while reading?

PHEW I have whole playlists i built as i was ordering this whole series. with songs that fit the mood, the direction of the storytelling and all. 

14: Is there anything you wanted readers to learn from reading this fic?

I genuinely want people to see this as a story about healing.

15: What did you learn from writing this fic?

i havent written all of it yet - but i did learn something very interesting about myself. that i have been putting my trauma into narratives to deal with it looong since i knew that was a thing, or i was even aware that i was doing it. 

and on that depressing note, i will end this post and start a new one for the other stories lmao 

#personal #shipwrecks tag #deathandindignitybedamned

[sepiadice]

Tales of Genius Ch. 2: Follow the Light

(9/16/18)

And so, for possibly the first time ever, I got a session two in a campaign! New high score! Woo-hoo!

Also, got to redo an adventure I ran for the old High School crew. Updated it slightly, added a puzzle, changed the final encounter, added a pair of magic items.

Don’t think I have any sort of RPG Life updates. Working on various other projects off and on. Started watching a new Netflix original series that redoubles a plot point later in this campaign.

Added a fourth party member. Which I think I’m going to lock down on. The games I’ve been involved with always had a problem of having a large number of players, so I think I want to try for the classic four-person ensemble.

Hope they’re having fun. Doubt plagues me, but they’re not whining to me, so it’s probably fine? It’s still clear I need to continue practicing GMing, and I’ve noticed I’ve been stuttering and having difficulty pronouncing words. That will all need to be improved before we move on to the podcast phase.

Now, for the second part of Tales of Genius![1]

CAST

Eli Roberts: (Played by Lyons) Child of Clio. Doctor, travelling to write a medical text akin to Gray’s Anatomy. He’s an Intellect! Olivia Grayson: (Played by Maddie) Child of Thalia. Apprentice to Eli. Believes her Squirrel-raccoon companion is her boyfriend reincarnated. Fromthe: (Played by Jose) Child of Calliope. Military veteran and current mercenary. Also has some mercantile ambitions.

Jean De Ferrero: (Played by Anthony) Child of Terpsichore. Travelling con artist.

Quick exposition:

So, that whole “Child of…” thing is part of my world’s lore. About nineteen hundred years ago, nine sisters travelled the world and founded nine schools of philosophy and nine separate cultures that populate the world. The only solid marker for the tribes is eye color. White/Light grey for Clio. Yellow for Thalia. Orange for Calliope. Green for Terpsichore. Others for the other tribes as they’re introduced.

The sisters are named after the Greek Muses.

And, so, onto our tale.

DATE: Late Winter 1911

PLACE: THE TINES (Mountain border of Astree and Hervar)

We open back up on North Fort. Food supplies are running even lower, especially since a good chunk of it has been poisoned. The mayor has decided to send those clever adventurers to try and find an alternate path out of town,[2] plus this nice Jean fellow who speaks highly of his own conquests.[3]

After some brainstorming while I was busy making curry,[4] the mayor mentioned the town crypts, which are a small network of caves some distance from town. There’s an iron door there which no one has explored past, because there’s a bunch of warning symbols on it, so better just stick the dead in there until claimed. But, well, it’s something?

The party heads to the crypt, as I couldn’t be bothered to force any scene work in the town. Would’ve been nice to establish the mixed critters of the setting, but I’m bad at following even my own notes, and I didn’t really have any cause to delay them.

In the crypts, they discovered a small band of Saber-toothed foxes.

Olivia tried to befriend the foxes using the cheese from the rations North Fort gave her, but the foxes weren’t satisfied, and unhappy with the intrusion. So combat despite Olivia’s protests!

I still am far from getting a handle of combat narrative, but after a few rounds, they’ve killed two foxes and scared off three.[5]

Then Olivia used a magic spell to cave in the entrance. Which… I should probably take a moment to taunt the party over.

And now I have. What nerds.

The party moved towards the iron door. It’s magic proof,[6] locked, and barred. So the group needs to figure out how to get in.

Unbarring it was easy enough, but it’s still locked.

But, hey, the party has a new Scoundrel Character! Maybe he can pick the lock!

The dice say no. This is dire, as the back up plan I had is sitting in North Fort,[7] and that’s not an available path anymore.

Okay, okay. Let’s reason this out. Is the door there to keep people out, or something in? Both, but which is important?

Which is to say: this door opens out, so the door hinges are on our players’ side! Which the fair doctor thinks up, then teases the con artist for not coming up with.

Said scoundrel (Jean) uses skullduggery to get the pins out. (Because it’s heavy iron, hasn’t been moved in a while, and would require finesse. Probably some heat to remove frost). I then have them do another check to get the door open since the lock is still engaged and needs to be worked out of the wall. Which they do.

Momentary inside baseball thing that might ruin the magic: I didn’t have a firm solution. I just placed the door down and waited until I heard a solution I liked. I recommend fellow GMs do this, but also try and prepare an alternate solution if the party can’t get past it for some reason. (See footnote 7 for my release valve).

On to the next room! A massive cavern, with many tunnels shooting off, and crystalline protrusions here and there. Then there’s a wooden lean-to slash shack near the door.

In side is a desk with a chess game mid-progress, and notebook tracking the game next to it, a glass jar of mythril dust, and a mummified corpse sitting in a chair[8] holding a bullseye lantern.

Eli Roberts examines the board, makes a move, notates it in the notebook(!), pockets the mythril dust, then investigates the mummy.

(A spent story point later also says he took the notebook.)

Eli fails to find anything notable on the corpse, so he turns to figure out what path to take.

Olivia, who we are learning this session has no regard for her fellow humans, uses her magic to puppeteer the mummy.

This jostles a rolled up scrap of paper out of its beard.

Time for the puzzle! Also pop quiz for my world building lore, because screw you, at least learn the muses you picked for your character’s heritage![9]

I wrote a poem (not a great poem, because I lack rhythm) that referenced the Muses in a certain order.

Now, this puzzle needs workshopping, because once the party figured out to use the mummy’s lantern[10] to shoot a beam of light into a large crystal to refract it into colored beams, and that they needed to follow the beam that corresponded with each Muse’s assigned eye colors in the order listed on the poem, there wasn’t much else to do until the final twist.

I probably could’ve done something with the crystals. Finding them, getting them in position,[11] just some complexity for the successive rooms.

Needs workshopping. But we also had a time limit, so maybe simple wasn’t bad for this rendition.

Now, this refracted light thing was an expansion on a moment that wowed the last time I did my North Fort session, which I mimicked halfway down the mine: the first obvious crystal sent the light bouncing all over the chamber, hitting other crystals, and illuminating the entire chamber, revealing a mural![12]

The mural told the mine’s story: they were mining it normally, then thought ‘hey, let’s try magic!’. Magic resonated with the mythril they were mining, heating the cave and waking up a giant snake that started gobbling people up. They got some adventurers in to deal with the snake and stopped using magic.

What I wish I added was the snake’s giant skull in this room. Instead, I had it in another room, looming over the exit tunnels. Oops.[13]

So that’s neat.

The party continued the prescribed solution and moved on, seeing the ribs of the snake were repurposed into support beams.

Another element I failed to convey is that the mining shafts were actually expanded from the snake’s tunnels throughout the mountain.

Anyways, the final room was the cool twist. Because the final mentioned Muse is Urania. Who I assigned black/dark grey eyes.

Black light’s not a thing. What could be the…

They killed their light. Eventually, mythril dust started to glow, a thick vein going down the final correct tunnel. (The poem also mentioned Urania using the stars in her line. This fit with the mythril dust but also her role as the Muse of Astronomy.)[14]

And they exit into another large chamber like the one at the top. Including wood office shack and an iron door. Inside the shack is another mummy, chessboard, and a notebook with matching move notations to the one earlier.

Including the move Eli noted and wrote down.[15] Huh.

Eli’s player spent a Genesys Story Point to say he nabbed the first notebook earlier so he wouldn’t have to hike back up.[16]

For those curious, there’s another poem on this end for going the other way. The colors don’t even have to be the same since they’d be approaching the crystals from a different angle, so the first step doesn’t have to be Urania![17]

Anyways, the spent story point ruined how I’d hoped to bring in the boss fight, so instead a Masked Snake slithers in.

Smaller than the one slain long ago, but still pretty big. Also way too young to listen to reason.

Again, three party members work to kill it as Olivia uses nonlethal magic. The snake iced the floor, making footing difficult.

I allowed the fight to drag on a while because, despite putting in my session plans to come back to make stats and having more than a month to, I never did.

Really should sit down and just make a series of notecards for easy, normal, and hard enemies. Get too distracted with narrative.

Anyways, combat rages, half the party gets upset with Olivia’s efforts not to kill the snake, when a mysterious figure in fancy robes and snake skull mask arrives and pulls a gun.

Olivia promptly magically murders this man without a word. Then steals his mask. And returns to nonlethal spells against the snake.

After realizing the snake can’t fit through the door, Eli and Jean attempt to flee, but Olivia refuses to leave, instead standing on the human corpse she created to avoid the disadvantage of the ice floors.

Eli goes in and finishes off the snake.

Grumpy after the encounter, they exit the caves, which leads out to a point on the path below the avalanche. There’s a way to connect North Fort and Soldier’s Rest.

They go to Soldier’s Rest (named such because it’s where the military men went to rest when not on duty at the mountain fort). Turn in a letter of introduction to Soldier’s Rest’s mayor, and step outside.

Where they encounter a Jackalope. They’re giant creatures ridden by the mail carriers of His Majesty’s Courier service![19]  The courier has a letter for Eli Roberts: The Queen and Heir Apparent are ill with a mysterious disease, and Dr. Roberts comes highly recommended by his peers to help.

Whether this is because his peers genuinely believe he can do it, or because not healing the royal family could have dire consequences and they’d rather gamble Eli’s career over their own is a question I intend to play with.

End session two.

Admittedly, it was a railroading session that hinged on two combats that I didn’t prepare properly and a puzzle that need a few more facets, but I set some Campaign Plot up and actually got players to the table, so I say sufficient success! Always a learning experience! And Anthony seemed to prefer the system vastly over GURPS, so I think it’s good.

Just need to cement running combat and the Advantage and Disadvantage system. It’s a new thing that takes getting used to. Plus the question of what to do when you get a nothing roll.

Also need to get firmer control over what magic can and cannot do. And also that GM trumps rulebook everytime.

I have an outline for the next session. Just need to add some meat and work in elements the players enjoy. Maybe try and have it be less of an Eli Roberts focused story.[20]

Until next time, may the dice make things interesting!

[1] Pompous sounding name? Perhaps! But it’s a grab from the Tales JRPG series, and a TED Talk I saw once. [2] Had the party asked, the Mayor was avoiding asking South Fort for help because that crosses a border and could cause a lot of diplomatic tensions. The party didn’t ask, so I’m noting it here for my own gratification. [3] Because we needed to fit a new party member in some how. [4] Which I forgot to put potatoes and apples in. I’m disappointed in myself. [5] Unless it was the other way around. There was confusion! [6] Iron is magic proof in the setting! Because I’m taking inspiration from my vague knowledge of fair folk mythology. [7] Her name is Debra. I didn’t have the exact details (improv!), but if needed, she’d have the key for the door for… reasons? [8] I keep trying a Douglas Addams thing where I save the most glaringly obvious and distressing fact for last. It’s never worked because I keep getting interrupted or the players overlook I mentioned a monster. Might be a sign to stop, but why would I? [9] I casually left a prose-y cheat sheet on the table before we started. So it’s open notes. [10] Always provide the required tools if you can’t be sure the party has the needed supplies. [11] My much coveted block puzzle! I’ll figure it out someday! [12] In the pathfinder version, it instead revealed a sleeping dragon. I should’ve worked in a similar element on top of what I put in the chamber. [13] Maybe if I ask nicely, my players will pretend this is what I did. [14] Why do the muses include two with dominion over Astronomy and History? Who knows! They just do! [15] I was hoping someone would mess with one of the notebooks for this exact reveal. They played right into my hands. [16] I’ll leave it to the players to retcon why they stole the first notebook. [17] Maybe Urania should’ve been the mural room. You light the crystal for the story, then have to darken it to move on.[18] [18] Take three on this dungeon’s going to be epic! [19] A pay off when, long, long ago, when I was very young looking through a borrowed copy of GURPS 3rd Edition, I saw a picture of cowboys riding giant rabbits with saddlebags reading ‘Bunny Express’. Finally did it. [20] He took the reigns on the session one mystery, and the letter plot hook only works with him. I’ll try to do hooks working off the other three before returning to him, if at all.

#SepiaDieGMs #Genesys #tales of genius

[vsionvry]

To My Sisters: Photographer Liv Latricia Habel On Her Resilient Self-Portrait Series ‘Diasporan Daughters’

Danish American photographer Liv Latricia Habel is the creator of the reflective visual diary ‘Diasporan Daughters’. It’s a moving series of self-portraits that explore her take on what it means to be a mixed Black woman, and what it is to be seen as a mixed Black woman in Denmark. Raised in Germany by her mum and currently living in Copenhagen, Liv’s series comments on her personal experiences of being one of the few brown faces in her community growing up. She also dives into her connections with America and her different relationships with religion. This interesting combination of personal lived experiences informs not only the style of her photographs but also the meanings behind them. Liv explores societal expectations, her personal views, representation and resilience through her images. I got the pleasure to sit down with her (over Zoom) and talk all things self-love, fighting spirit, sisterhood, alter egos, and the craziness that is code-switching.

RC: Hey Liv. how are you doing?

LH: I’m doing good, I’ve just moved to a new apartment.

RC: That sounds fun; you get to decorate a new space. Do you do all that feng shui stuff?

LH: I don’t really know anything about that [laughs]

RC: Neither do I! You just put what feels right wherever.

LH: Right, exactly. How are you?

RC: I’m doing good too, tired but good! I’m happy I got to hop on this call with you though, it’s a cool change of pace.

RC: So do you study film or photography or something else creative?

LH: Yeah, I study at Copenhagen Film and Photography School. It's a one year compact course and it’s ending this December. I also studied Visual Communications a few years ago.

RC: Ooh, that’s a good combo, they work together well.

LH: Right now I’m using my skills, but it's not really what I want to work with.

RC: What do you want to work with?

LH: Photography!

RC: [laughs] I like that.

LH: I like working with photography, but it’s not my main income.

RC: Sometimes you need a plan B to help your plan A.

LH: Yeah.

RC: So is the book Diasporan Daughters a project for school or a personal project?

LH: This is a personal project, my evaluation project for school is about young female and Black artists, which I’ve been photographing.

RC: That’s super relevant nowadays, it’s also nice to do a little showcasing because all this talent is there, but not a lot of people know about it.

LH: Yeah, exactly.

RC: I was wondering what made you come up with this project?

LH: [laughs] Okay the interview is starting!

I came up with it because of my own story. My mum is Danish and my dad’s Black American. I grew up in Germany with my mum who’s white and with my white family. My school and community were totally white, so I spent my childhood and adolescent life learning to look like everyone else. I couldn’t mirror myself in anyone around me, neither in my family nor my friends till I was 19 and moved to Copenhagen and found my own community and friends.

RC: Oh wow!

LH: I was 20 when I had my first Black friend and started having contact with my family in the US, so it wasn’t that many years ago. I think of it as being a chameleon sometimes since I have so many identities that frame who I am today. I guess everyone has different identities and we can code-switch when we talk and adapt. Which is just superhuman! But for me, as a mixed Black woman, it's even crazier because of the way I grew up: I have so many identities. There are the ones that I’ve been living with, but also the identities society has given to me – which are a reflection of structural racism too. So you know, when I’m walking down the street in a specific neighborhood in Copenhagen, where there’s a lot of sex workers, and I’ve dressed up, and look good: men directly ask me how much I am.

RC: Really?!

LH: Or if it’s another situation where I might be confused for someone else, only because of my skin color.

RC: I definitely felt that through the book because there were a lot of photographs of you in different settings.

LH: Some of the portraits, I can definitely see myself in, I mean one of them is my alter ego.

RC: Ah which one is that one?!

LH: The one where I’m sitting with the pink bandana.

RC: Boss lady?!

LH: Yeah, its me when I’m the best me [laughs]

RC: That’s really cool, cause it's not only different identities you’re exploring but different versions of yourself as well.

LH: Exactly. It's different versions of myself, that’s what I mean by identities actually. Some of the images aren’t me, but what society thinks of me. Like my expereinces of being mistaken as a sex worker or cleaning lady. They’re stigmatized stereotypes of a Black woman in white society.

“There are the ones that I’ve been living with, but also the identities society has given to me..”

RC: I like that! It’s an ongoing story, you can add more as you go. 

RC: Why did you decide to title your series Diasporan Daughters?

LH: Hmm, being part of the Black diaspora means everything in terms of my looks to me and society. It is also such a big part of who I am, and the title refers to all the women and girls who are part of the Black diaspora. That obviously includes the African diaspora, but for me, being part of the Black diaspora means more since my African roots are pretty far away [laughs].

RC: It felt like a love letter where you said ‘I’m writing this for me, but also for you’. That’s a sweet idea I think.

LH: It is! In the beginning of the book it says “For my Sisters”.

LH: Each one of us is unique with our individual experiences, but we have a lot  in common. Especially when you’re living in the diaspora. I guess it's a different experience to be a Ghanian woman living in Accra for example, where you were born and grew up surrounded by a lot of other Black women. I imagine that experience differs to mine:  living as a Black woman in a white dominated society. So the book is mainly for my sisters in the diaspora.

RC: I also saw one of your images was of you standing beside the Queen Mary statue in Copenhagen. She’s a very powerful woman, why did you feel it was important to take that photo?

LH: I wanted to add this archetype of a fighting personality. And for me, this picture has connections to the Black Panther movement. At the same time, this image also connects to the Black Lives Matter movement that has been expanding worldwide in 2020 after Breonna Taylor and George Floyd's murder. For me, the only public symbol fighting the Black struggle that exists here in Denmark, is the Queen Mary statue. She means so much because she led the labour riots of former slaves and plantation workers in the then Danish colonised West Indies. So, it’s all connected for me: fighting for your liberty as a Black person since slavery till today. 

RC: She’s also powerful because of the scale. The statue is a lot bigger than many others in Copenhagen, so when you get there, you have to look up. I was almost thinking, is this really here? It is one of the only public images of a Black woman – there should be more!

LH: Definitely. For me, this image is not the strongest stylistically in the book, but its content definitely says a lot more than a lot of the other pictures because it has so much more depth.

RC: You’ve spoken about people of color’s experiences, not only in Denmark, but around the world too. There was one photo where you were wearing a red scarf, I was wondering if that had anything to do with the Burqa Ban in Denmark, or if there was any connection with that?

LH: That’s a good question. No, it doesn’t actually. My dad’s family is Muslim, so I got the whole outfit from my aunt. I grew up pretty nonreligious; I only went to church on Christmas, and I had a Confirmation because of the presents and because everyone else in my class had one – so that’s been my relationship with religion. Being in Philly and celebrating Eid made me experience a different religion that’s part of me. I’ll probably never get into Islam because I disagree with parts that I think can be problematic, as a lot of other religions around the world can be. As a Black woman wearing a sign of God means so much, because if you’re walking around in the streets as a brown or Black woman wearing a hijab, you’re looked at way more than if you’re not wearing a scarf. I’ve only worn a hijab once for Eid with my family, but when I’m wearing a scarf just for a bad hair day, I can get looked at differently.

RC: Yeah, I guess you can pick it up.

LH: Yes exactly, the photo comments on that, and also for the little part of me that’s Muslim too.

RC: That’s really nice, that you recognize these different dimensions and layers to yourself. It’s not just ‘I didn’t grow up with this, so I’m going to ignore it’, I think that’s quite a powerful photo in your collection.

LH: Thank you, there's also just so much stigma connected to being a Muslim woman and wearing a headscarf, niqab or burqa I find, especially here in Denmark, politically, it’s often connected to Islamophobia.

RC: The other thing I wanted to ask about was the types of text you include in your book. You have poetry from Maya Angelou and lyrics from Cardi B’s and Megan Thee Stallion’s song WAP.

LH: I’ve known the poem from Maya Angelou for some years, and I think it’s a very beautiful poem. I actually have to look up when it was written – it was published around 25 years ago. But it expresses how important it is to have self-worth, self-esteem, show who you are, and to be proud of who you are and every bit of yourself. That’s why I chose it, and WAP, I just think it’s a hilarious song, and I think since Lil’ Kim, Missy Elliott and other female pioneers in Hip Hop have been rapping about femininity, being in control of their own sexuality, and about sex in general. WAP is just the biggest 2020 example of how women should express that part of themselves. It’s a very extroverted song, whereas the Phenomenal Women poem is very ‘You have to stand up for yourself, but you don’t have to shout it out’. WAP, on the other hand, is ‘You shout it out!’- [laughs].

RC: I think that’s pretty interesting because they both talk about the strength and resilience of a woman just in very different ways.

LH: I also added an extract from the report of the African American Policy Forum. It is a list of all the African American women who have been killed by police brutality. And that’s a list of 48 women who have been murdered or died in detention because of the color of their skin. This is only the official list you know –

RC: Somethings aren’t documented…

LH: Yeah, exactly! Where have you actually seen the book?

RC: I saw a version of it online! So I did some stalking [laughs].

LH: Ahh okay, well done! I’ve actually changed a bit of the layout of those names from the online version. I’ve put the names of the women who have died in the same year in the same paragraph. Since 2011, there's been so many murders. The rate has been increasing, but I find that we don’t talk about it as much as the Black men being murdered in the US. 

RC: Is that why you felt it was important to showcase it in your book?

LH: Yes, it's definitely a different rate when we talk about the US. In my experience, we talk a lot about men, and how they are targeted more in terms of police brutality. But after George Floyd, there weren’t that many people talking about Breonna Taylor in my circles, which happened three months before. Even my mum’s friend was like ‘Who’s Breonna Taylor?' and I was like ‘Yoo, educate yourself!’ So that’s why I added them. Also, I’m a woman myself!

RC: You gotta work in your own interest –

LH: Exactly! I can't relate to the men, but I can represent us.

RC: It’s a solidarity moment. What do you hope people take away from your book?

LH: So I hope that everyone who sees and reads it can get something positive, meaningful, and forceful out of it, which they can translate into something that drives them. Secondly, when I’m a bigger photographer and if..

no, when the book gets -

RC: Yes! WHEN! You have to manifest!

LH: [laughs] Yes, when the book is out there on bookshelves, I hope I can also be a representative Black face for young mixed Black kids and girls. Now I’m also saying mixed because I’m that myself, but it'd just be good to get more representation out there. My biggest dream as a child was just to see someone who looks like me in this Western world.

RC: Do you think that would have helped you when you were younger in Germany?

LH: For sure! That said, I’m also extremely privileged because I’m light skinned. Knowing that, It’s very much like standing in between two worlds especially when I’ve only grown up with one side. I’m always thinking I’m not white enough or not Black enough and trying to find an in-between. So with the book, I  wanted to acknowledge that you can be as many different parts of yourself as you want to be

RC: You don’t have to choose.

LH: Exactly, you don’t need to choose!

[romanssippycup]

Undeniably Important Chapter 1: A Liquid Beginning

This is my very first Sander’s Sides Fanfiction that I have ever done. I currently have ten chapters and would like to make more, but I lost motivation once Sander’s Sides Appreciation Month took over my life. XD I will post the first 10 chapters and please let me know if you all want me to continue. I still have a lot of ideas for this fanfic. This was inspired by @prplzorua‘s Innerworks, but I wanted to go with a more scientific and dimensional approach on the sides.

There is Prinxiety and Logicality, but that won’t be apparent until future chapters and it is NOT the main focus of the story. There is a strong brotp between Logan and Anxiety though that starts off from the beginning. (Please note this was written before Anxiety’s name reveal.)

The story is not actually about Logan, but more of the situations between the side’s interactions. I tried to keep them all in character as much as I could. There is a lot of science as you will see in future chapters. Also please critique me on my writing from about 2 months ago. I want to see how much I’ve grown!

(Also if you want to read the actual story on wattpad, click this link.)

Also big shout out to @mewsicalmiss as we helped each other on our fanfiction. Go follow them for their awesome content!

Taglist: (Computer’s being stupid will reblog sometime with taglist)

Without further ado let’s get into it:

Words: 2,187

9:03 pm.

Logan decided that the most logical way to finish his busy day was to warm down with his favorite book: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. If he had to count the amount of times he read it, this was probably his 32nd. Or was it his 33rd? No it was definitely his 32nd. He kept a good mental record of everything and he was sure he would have remembered if he did.

The couches in the living room were Logan's optimal place for relaxation. He could have picked any one of the three couches surrounding the tv, but for the night decided on the sofa whose back faced the kitchen. Little did Logan know that if he had chosen a different couch, the events that followed may never have taken place.

Logan was about to get to his favorite part of his book when he heard the fridge door open and close in the kitchen behind him. This stumped him as he knew that both Princy and Morality were either asleep or close to it because Thomas wanted to be in bed early tonight. No...could it be? He turned his head from the couch to spot the darker trait, walking back to his room from the kitchen with a glass of milk in hand; hence why Logan heard the Fridge.

"Hello Anxiety." he stated dryly.

Anxiety didn't even see or hear Logan when he had entered the kitchen or opened the fridge door so hearing his name being called upon from behind him spooked him out quite a bit. So much so that he jumped and spilled his milk.

"Ahh!!" Anxiety jumped and his milk spilled onto the carpet from the side of his glass. He sighed, irritated at the wet spot on the floor. "Dang it Logan! You scared me half to death."

From behind him, Logan stood up quietly, put his book down, and went to the kitchen to grab the paper towels and carpet cleaner.

"My apologies Anxiety, I was uninformed that you were unaware of my presence." He said as he knelt down to clean the carpet. Anxiety stabilized his glass of milk by taking a sip and licking the rest of the spill from his hand and the outside of the glass.

"U-uh its fine I guess..." he rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment. "I thought I was the only one awake. I usually am..."

"Ah. I see..." Logan responded as he finished wiping up the rest of the mess and began to spray the carpet cleaner on the stain. "Tonight Thomas has a lot on his mind and this has caused me to help him plan for tomorrow and a few days in advance. I was just warming my mind down with a book before I go to sleep. Morality and Prince have already agreed to let Thomas go to sleep early tonight. Maybe you should do the same...unless you have some unfinished business to deal with." Logan had finished up cleaning the mess and was now holding the dirty paper towels in his hands.

Anxiety looked down at where the mess used to be and then back at Logic dumbfounded at what he just did.

"Well...I usually just worry...It's my job..." He was slightly uncomfortable with the situation and telling his true reason for staying up so late.

Logan nodded at his answer. "Understandable, the milk should help however. It has been found to do more than just neutralize stomach acid. One of its main functions is to relax the body and help it maintain homeostasis while sleeping." he stated matter of factly expression unchanging.

Anxiety looked at his milk and then took a drink. After swallowing he waited for a minute and then looked at Logan as if to say, "it didn't work."

Logan gave an amused laugh. "Expect it to take effect in about 15 minutes, then you should have no problem falling asleep." he turned back to the kitchen to throw the paper towels away leaving Anxiety to ponder everything that just happened.

"Logan?"

"Yes Anxiety?" Logan threw away the trash and returned the carpet cleaner to its rightful place underneath the sink.

"Thanks for cleaning it up, but why?"

Logan walked back toward him and explained the situation through his eyes. "Simple. I said hello. My greeting frightened you and thus spilled your milk. Your hands were full and if you had tried to clean it up yourself, you would risk spilling more of your milk. I was not doing anything important and spills need to be cleaned up right away, so I decided to clean it up myself."

"But I spilled it. Isn't only 'logical' to let me clean it up?"

"Perhaps, but efficiency is key. It would have taken you much longer to clean it up, because of your current status." Logan motioned to the milk in his hand. "But also, lets not forget the amount of stains you've left behind because you 'forgot' to clean them up." Logan eyed him suspiciously.

Anxiety smirked and looked at the ground guiltly, admitting his previous actions.

"Plus I believe Patton is rubbing off on me and I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not." Logan and Anxiety shared an amused chuckle. "About the milk though, did you know that it would help you relax? Or did you just decide against a carbonated drink tonight?"

Anxiety raised his head slightly. "I knew that whenever Thomas drank milk I felt no need to-ya know- bother him. I thought that maybe...I might sleep peacefully too. For once.."

Logan's expression was still unchanged. "It seems as you have made a correct beverage choice then, have a good night."

As Logan turned back to the couch, a door down the hall opened and hall light was flicked on causing the two aspects to jump back as their eyes got used to the blinding light.

"Did somebody say my name!?" Patton jumped out of his room in his kitty onesie with a teddy bear doing a ta-da pose.

Before the other two aspects had time to groan, another door opened and out walked Roman in a frog onesie.

"Shush Morality! I am trying to get my beauty sleep."

Logan and Anxiety exchanged panicked glances. Crap. They were both up.

Morality jumped for joy. "Yay! We are all awake now! Lets watch a movie."

"What?! No! Its 9:10 pm! Logan and I both agreed Thomas would go to bed early because of all the things he has to to do tomorrow. You even agreed with us Morality." An agitated Princy declared while motioning to Logan.

Anxiety immediatly downed the rest of his milk. He was not going to put up with this tonight.

"I knnnnoooowww." Morality pouted. "But Im wide awake now."

Suddenly, Thomas materialized in the middle of the hallway. "Sorry guys. I just had some caffeine." He sheepishly admitted.

Anxiety groaned. Logan facepalmed. Princy was annoyed. And Morality just stood there vibrating like a chihuahua.

"What!? Thomas! We had just-"

As Princy bickered with Morality and Thomas, Logan carefully whispered to Anxiety. "Anxiety...is there any milk left?" Neither wanted to deal with hyper Morality, especially Logan.

Anxiety didn't take his eyes off of the argument in front of him and slowly nodded. He slinked silently into the kitchen with Logan following close behind. Anxiety silently opened the fridge to not disturb the quarrel in the hallway and grabbed out a somewhat full carton of milk.

"Help yourself." He mumbled after he had poured himself a second glass. "I am not dealing with these idiots tonight."

Logan huffed in amusement as he reached for a glass in the cupboard and began to pour himself a glass of milk. "Milk is not a drug Anxiety, its just a natural relaxant. And don't drink too much. Or you might get a stomach ache."

"Since, when have you started to worry about me? Wow, Morality has rubbed off on you. You gotta dad joke to share too now?" Anxiety pestered Logic waiting to see a reaction.

Its safe to say that Logan was not the least bit amused. "Only if you 'share' that love poem you wrote." Logan shot back.

Before Anxiety could even think about reacting, Thomas, Princey, and Morality walked out of the hallway to the living room loudly bickering over which Disney Movie to watch. It was obvious Princey was immediatly sucked right in to the movie night idea. He turned Logan's way and mouthed the words "I'm sorry." to him.

Logan groaned and downed his glass of milk immediatly. "What were you saying about drinking too much?" Anxiety took another chance to poke fun at him.

Logan shot another glance at Anxiety, but was quickly interrupted by Morality.

"Heya kiddos! We are gonna watch a disney movie. I think Thomas wants to watch Treasure Planet. Oh is that milk?! I guess you can say all the vitamins and minerals it has in it is a real-"

"Don't you dare!" Logan pointed a finger at Patton.

"BONE-us!!"

Anxiety chuckled as Logan fumed.

Morality chuckled too. "And remember kiddos! Don't drink too much milk or it will give you a stomach ache."

Anxiety had to cover his mouth with his hand to keep from laughing out loud. The annoyed facial expression that Logan portrayed was absolutely priceless.

"Oh my god! You HAVE turned into dad! You even said the same thing as him." He mumbled through his hand.

Logan didn't say anything and put the milk back inside the fridge and went to the far left couch. He looked completely defeated. So much so that Anxiety had almost felt sorry, but he really wasn't. This was just too funny.

Not wanting to have to deal with a pouting Morality, Anxiety reluctantly joined in on the movie night and sat in the only seat open which, unfortunately for both of them, was right next to Logan. He normally would slink away to his room, but he wanted to trust what Logan said for once, about the milk being a natural relaxant. If Logic was correct then he would be long gone about 15 minutes into the movie. If it didn't work he would never let Logan live it down that he was wrong. Either way Anxiety won.

Logic didn't even flinch when Anxiety sat down next to him. He had his book in his hands again and had continued reading from where he had left off when Anxiety had spilled his milk.

"Okay! Movies ready to go!" Thomas grabbed the tv remote and turned on the tv to the Main Menu of Treasure Planet. Princey came back with a large bowl of popcorn. Logan reluctantly closed his book and decided to be attentative.

"Okay! I am ready! Let us begin!" Princey sat with Morality on the opposite couch as Anxiety and Logan were sitting while Thomas sat on the couch in front of the TV by himself.

Thomas hit play, the lights in the living room dimmed, and the movie began.

Anxiety was watching but soon found himself failing to keep his eyes open. He yawned once and let himself drift off to sleep. The milk had helped him relax.

Part 2

#sanderssides #sanders sides #logan sanders #logic sanders #thomas sanders #thomassanders #virgil sanders #anxiety sanders #patton sanders #morality sanders #roman sanders #princey sanders #prince sanders #cefsfic

[myanime2go]

Top 25 Best Action Anime of All Time for Action Fans

When I say action, I mean ACTION! Maybe it's human beings need to pursue something greater than ourselves or of being much stronger, action anime offers something that brings us closer to our fantasy with sometimes illogical action sequences, the fate of the world, nation, city, or just the protagonist in the balance. Hello fellow anime fans and lovers to the top 25 best action anime of all time for action fans. Action anime is about conflict, thrilling confrontations, car chases and epic battles. It's heart-pumping action, nail-biting suspense, trigger happy characters and a love to hate or hate to love villain. You asked and we delivered. A list focused on action, explosions, eye-candy visuals, intensity of plot, characters, battles or stunts that should bring you a lot of hype and excitement. So lets get started;

25. Kill la Kill

Episodes 24 + OVA| Aired Fall 2013 | Produced by Trigger

From the creators of Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann comes, Kill la Kill an anime with epic battles, eye-popping art style and astonishing moves. After the murder of her father, Ryuuko Matoi goes on a journey of revenge looking for her dad's murderer. Her only lead the missing half of his invention, the Scissor Blade.Which brings her to the prestigious Honnouji Academy, a high school that's quite unusual. Ruled by the student council president Satsuki Kiryuuin and her elite four, they possess superhuman abilities.But with Senketsu, a rare sentient " Kamui" and her Scissor Blade. She makes a stand against them, hoping to uncover the person behind her father's death. Revenge is the story of the game in Kill la Kill, it starts up with a simple plot but becomes more complex and deeper than it appears with each episode, becoming much more than just an anime filled with fan-service and amazing fight scenes. I have been made a fan of Trigger and I honestly look forward to whatever future creative work they release. https://youtu.be/B98NY8Hfo7I

24. Hunter x Hunter (2011)

Episodes 148 + OVA| Aired Fall 2011 | Produced by Madhouse

Hunter x Hunter is a well animated and thought out anime with plenty of action, with highly anticipated battles. The story begins with 12-year old, Gon Freeces as he embarks on becoming the world's best hunter in order to find his father. Who was a hunter himself and abandoned Gon when he was a kid, with his deceased wife's family.A hunter is a person who takes up dangerous tasks like searching for treasure, law enforcement and many other jobs. We will follow Gon and his three friends- Leorio, Kurapika and Killua. He meets on his arduous journey. Hunter x Hunter is an amazing action anime with a fantastic story, excellent characters with deep having their own goals and desires some simple while others complex. It's one of those rear unicorns in the action genre that those a lot of things well. You will be glad you watched it. https://youtu.be/d6kBeJjTGnY

23. One Punch Man

Episodes 24 + OVA| Aired Fall 2015 | Produced by Madhouse

One Punch Man is the story of Satima, a hero who is a hero just for fun and the strongest man in his universe that can defeat any opponent with a single punch. Based on Yusuke Murata's manga remake of ONE's original webcomic. Saitama strived and became a superhero after experiencing the thrill of fighting an evil villain. Putting himself on a rigorous training regimen for three years, only to lose all of his hair and accidentally become the strongest human who ever walked the Earth. Now leaving him with a new problem－he doesn’t get to experience the thrill of battle, as any encounter with Saitama ends with one punch. One Punch Man is quite different from other action anime, as rather than watch our protagonist struggle to become stronger, our hero has already reached his goals. The series takes this plot and shows us the emptiness that follows achieving a lifelong goal. Showing us the journey to one's goal is more fulfilling than actually reaching our goal. https://youtu.be/tMblzsXwAKo

22. Terra Fromer

Episodes 26 + OVA| Aired Fall 2014 | Produced by LINDENFILMS

Terra Formars is a show that is short, violent and an action anime that is simple to understand. Terra Formars, an anime about a bunch of genetically modified humans with characteristics of powerful organisms from earth, that get sent to Mars to find a cure to a lethal disease that is believed to have originated from Mars and exterminate a race of hyper-evolved humanoid cockroaches called Terra Formars that stand in their way. Terra Formars is an action sci-fi horror anime that deals with humanity fighting insects much like the film "Starship Troopers". Plot-wise it's not the best cause they try to add so much into it, but for action, it is pretty good. https://youtu.be/KVx9GrpN5lU

21. Katekyo Hitman Reborn! 

Episodes 203 + OVA| Aired Fall 2006 | Produced by Artland

Katekyo Hitman Reborn is definitely a well-made anime for its comedy and action. Katekyo Hitman Reborn deals with the mafia. Tsuna, our protagonist is the next in line to become the 10th boss for the Vongola Family - one of the many and strongest families in the mafia world. Reborn, a hitman, and also a baby travels from Italy to Japan to tutor Tsuna to become a worthy boss for the Vongola Family. From then on, Tsuna's adventures begins. Katekyo Hitman Reborn plot builds up slowly, with the first 20 episodes comedy-heavy. We will watch Tsuna change from being a clumsy weakling, to slowly growing up and become more dependable. It's a show that will definitely keep you at the edge of your seat. https://youtu.be/40pfu7XqWok

20. Darker than Black

Episodes 37 + OVA| Aired Spring 2007 | Produced by Bones

Darker than Black is definitely an anime that takes you on a journey with unique characters and an unusual style of story telling. Darker than Black takes place in a near-future world where two gates appeared, Heaven's Gate and Hell's Gate. The mysterious appearance of these gates brought with them the Contractors. Contractors are people who have entered into a contract with an unknown force in exchange for their humanity and gained a unique power in return. The nature of the contract, however, requires them to give back each time they use their power, which is anything from smoking a cigarette to writing a poem, eating etc. The story for most parts follows the infamous Contractor codenamed Hei. Called "Black Reaper" in the underground world. If you like shows about people with supernatural powers and action, I think you should definitely watch this series. It's a show that doesn't give too much away in the beginning but as the story progresses you can piece the whole plot together. The characters are also brilliantly done especially the contractors that are supposed to be void of human emotions. https://youtu.be/goYEIQT5m8U

19. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure

Episodes 152 + OVA| Aired Fall 2012 | Produced by David Production Jojo's Bizarre Adventure is definitely an anime that takes you on an adventure. It's a series that just keeps getting better and better. Jojo's Bizarre Adventure follows the stories of a different generation of the JoJo family, whose members have unique powers that they use to fight supernatural enemies. I personally like the way the story follows a different member of the Joestar family? It's an anime that lives up to the hype that surrounds it. Though it's an anime that requires a bit of getting used to, it sometimes doesn't take itself seriously but when it does, it keeps you at the edge of your seat. https://youtu.be/EO08vMz73YY

18. Naruto/Naruto: Shippuden

Episodes 720 + OVA| Aired Fall 2002 | Produced by Studio Pierrot

Naruto/Naruto: Shippuden is one of the longest-running and most famous international shounen. That has a special place in most anime enthusiast. The story follows the many adventures and misadventures of Naruto, a knuckle-headed ninja with a loudmouth, and his ninja pals. A problem student, Naruto was never popular or talented, especially as a ninja. This all changes when he discovers the hidden power of the Nine-Tailed Fox sealed within him. Will he achieve his dream of becoming the leader of the Village? And can he protect his friends from the countless evils that threaten to destroy all he has?  Naruto/Naruto: Shippuden is an anime with a lot of characters, and there is definitely one you will feel you can relate to and you will cheer on for as the story progresses. And this feels like where the anime shines the most the ability to make us feel for certain characters. And all the while it takes us on an adrenaline-filled journey. https://youtu.be/j2hiC9BmJlQ

17. Megalo Box

Episodes 13| Aired Spring 2018 | Produced by TMS Entertainment

If you are a Rocky and Ashita no Joe fan, you will love Megalo Box a sports action anime that's violent and entertaining. The series takes place in a futuristic setting, where boxing with mechanical limbs known as Gear to enhance the speed and power of its users, Megalo Box is everything! The biggest companies either specialize in the technology or host the events that use the gear. Junk Dog/Joe an unlicensed citizen earns a living in the slums for a crime syndicate by throwing fights with his partner, a former professional manager. But this all changes when he loses to the Megalo Box champion Yuuri. Due to a lack of money, Junk Dog/Joe is forced to compete without the assistance of any robotic arms has he chases his dreams of challenging the champ at a huge tournament called Megalonia. Megalo Box is a great anime that really asks a big question of how much pain, time and energy one is willing to give and endure while chasing their dreams. And that resonates with me a lot. https://youtu.be/-j8sX95vkfc

16. Deadman Wonderland

Episodes 12 + OVA| Aired Spring 2011 | Produced by Manglobe

Deadman Wonderland was one of those shows that had everyone who saw it wanting more. It was a normal day like any other normal day for Ganta Igarashi and his classmates but everything in Ganta's life is soon turned upside down when his whole class is killed by a mysterious man in red.He is framed for his classmates' deaths and sentenced to death at a prison amusement park Deadman Wonderland - where the convicts perform dangerous stuns for the amusement of their visitors.Now in prison, Ganta lives in fear of the lethal poison collar around his neck that can only be slowed down by winning the deadly prison games. All the while not being able to tell friend from foe.Also since his encounter with the Red Man, he has acquired the branches of sin - a power that allows it's user to use his or her blood to do extraordinary things. Putting his life on the line to survive this brutal place all the while trying to find the Red Man and clear his name. Deadman Wonderland is a well-written engaging anime with plenty of horrifying scenes, deaths and amazing visuals. It's one of those animes that made me take an interest in the manga, wanting to find out the secrets that lie beneath Deadman Wonderland when I finished watching the anime. https://youtu.be/WUTFRxi5RXM

15.Psycho-Pass

Episodes 41| Aired Fall 2012 | Produced by Production I.G

Psycho-pass takes place in a futuristic setting, with interesting characters and weapons. In the future, the government is literally in your head. Monitoring your mental state and your likelihood to commit a crime.When the levels are high, he or she is haunted, captured or eliminated by the police forces. Enforcers armed with Dominators - special weapons that only activate when aimed at suspects with high likelihood to commit crime. Enforcers themselves are latent criminals who are overseen by police inspectors, who can terminate them at any time if they themselves pose a threat to the public. Psycho-Pass is an amazing action anime that shouldn't be missed. And thought-provoking showing how sanity does not always equal morality. https://youtu.be/DgDBzAHg4wU

14. Black Lagoon

Episodes 24 + OVA| Aired Spring 2006 | Produced by Madhouse

Black Lagoon an action anime with a lot of mayhem featuring modern-day pirates, outrageously amazing action scenes and interesting characters. Rokurou Okajima is a businessman living an average life, but this all changes on a business trip to Roanapur, Thailand. Where he is held for ransom by the Black Lagoon. But decides to join the Black Lagoon after his bosses leave him to die than pay his ransom.To survive in the ruthless Roanapur, this former businessman most transform from soft-spoken salaryman to ruthless mercenary. Black Lagoon an amazing anime that can't be mentioned without our trigger-happy Revy, who truly helps bring the series together. It's a story with a lot of ups and downs that tries to tackle themes like existentialism -what are we here for? what's our purpose? and morality - what is really wrong or right? Plus it has gun-wielding nuns, sociopath maids and the awesome Revy. https://youtu.be/d4EbGC7fKnQ

13. Vinland Saga

Episodes 24| Aired Summer 2019 | Produced by Wit Studio

If you ever wondered what watching what an angry Sasuke after he left the hidden Leaf village would be like, I give you Vinland Saga. Thorfinn grew up listening to tales of the legendary place, Vinland. A place said to be warm and fertile all year round, with no fighting. Different from the frozen village in Iceland where he was born, or a place with the need of his current job has a mercenary.War is his only home now after the death of his father at the hands of Askeladd. A man he has sworn vengeance against.Fighting alongside Askeladd in the war against England and the Danes, all to be granted a duel to the death with Askeladd to kill the man who murdered his father.What will he learn on his journey? Vinland Saga is the Berserk Adaptation we deserved. With stunning artwork, consistent and solid animation and characters you will connect with. It's definitely one of the best anime of 2019. https://youtu.be/b7ptrklt1sc

12. Samurai Champloo

Episodes 26| Aired Spring 2004 | Produced by Manglobe

Samurai Champloo is one of the most unconventional, thrilling action anime about samurai. Samurai Champloo follows three unlikely pair Fuu, Jin and Mugen. Brought together by chance but stuck together by choice or blackmail?, out of a debt to pay to Fuu after saving them from being executed.They follow her on a wild adventure to different places in their search for the samurai that smells of sunflowers. It's a series that takes the usual "power of love and friendship" plot most animes takes and throws it out the window. Throwing a trio of mismatch characters together and forming an unlikely team, we will all be sad to see part ways at the end of their journey together. I'm still hoping for a second season. https://youtu.be/MV9sMJau674

11. Tokyo Ghoul

Episodes 48 + OVA| Aired Summer 2014 | Produced by Studio Pierrot

Tokyo Ghoul is an anime I looked forward to watching after reading the plot, that I immediately started reading the manga. The world occupied by two type of people - normal humans and ghouls who look like us but have special abilities and eat normal humans as a source of food.Kaneki Ken after being tricked and almost killed by a ghoul is turned into a hybrid - half-ghoul half-human.Now he must learn to live in both worlds. Trying to fit into the ghoul community, while trying to hide his new identity in the human world. Tokyo Ghoul was quite enjoyable even though I felt there was room for more improvement. It's an anime that's not for everyone either being a swing or a miss. https://youtu.be/vGuQeQsoRgU Honorable Mentions

Bleach

https://youtu.be/SKxGokQWQ3c

BTOOOM!

https://youtu.be/H92d6YZkVO8

Dimension W

https://youtu.be/Mgq7hcFxkXM

Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?

https://youtu.be/bcG5ZkGB-XI

Akame ga Kill!

https://youtu.be/HOB4GZ1S1Wo

Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions

https://youtu.be/c5jgWAZc6wQ

10. Gurren Lagann

Episodes 27| Aired Spring 2007 | Produced by Gainax

Gurren Lagann is a popular action anime that pushed the boundaries of action anime and is an anime that has a special place in everyone's heart that has seen this anime. The story focuses on two young men, Simon and Kamina who are born in a time when humanity has been forced underground by the tyrant King Lordgenome, killing anyone who tries to come to the surface.Digging is the only way they know how to live digging further underground. That is until Simon has an encounter with Yoko a red-haired girl, who rashes down, fighting several enemy Gunmen. Seeing the sky for the first time the two young men are determined to drill their way to the surface, fighting for their right to live under the sun. Gurren Lagann is a classic, vibrant, heroic and outspoken anime. That's absolutely a must-watch. https://youtu.be/rAQylCHv8Cw

9. Mob Psycho 100

Episodes 25 + OVA| Aired Summer 2016 | Produced by Bones

From ONE the creator of One Punch Man comes another fascinating anime Mob Psycho 100. Shigeo "Mob" Kageyama is an awkward but kind eighth-grader who has to keep his emotions in check because he possesses psychic abilities. As long as he keeps a lid on his emotional state all hell won't break loose.Worried about this he meets Arataka Reigen for guidance, believing he is also psychic. Even though Reigen is just a con artist. He is actually dependable and Mob believes in him.Follow the story of Mob and his friend's journey to adulthood. Mob Psycho 100 is definitely a one of a kind series from its unique art style, well-developed characters that are very relatable, to the out of this world actions scenes. It is a true gem, that proves the saying "never judge a book by its cover" or in this case art style. A definite must-watch for an action lovers time. https://youtu.be/mV39saBlBLI

8. Afro Samurai

Episodes 6| Aired Spring 2007 | Produced by Gonzo

Afro Samurai an anime about revenge and katanas, filled with a lot of action right off from the beginning of the story. Afro after witnessing the death of his father in a dual with a man named Justice for the Number One headband. Afro vows revenge against Justice who killed his father for the Number One headband.But there is a catchy on his path to vengeance he has to possess the Number Two headband, if he wishes to fight the new Number One. And even after possessing the Number Two headband, he will have to fight pretty much everyone in the world people to get to the Number One. Because unlike the Number One, the Number Two can be challenged by anyone. Afro Samurai is actually 5 episodes but I made it 6 cause of the movie, which I'm 80% sure you will want to see if you watch the series. https://youtu.be/yB8_cdvEGZM

7. One Piece

Episodes 912+ | Aired Fall 1999 | Produced by Toei Animation

One piece is one of the most popular action anime series from its first air till date and still growing strong. In a world similar to ours, only with magic and unimaginable places. Luffy is on a quest to find the treasure of the former King of Pirates, as well as others who have heard of the legendary treasure.As Luffy travels, he will make friends and create a ragtag crew of members with their own dreams and goals. One Piece is an anime with a lot to offer from supernatural powers, amazing fights scenes, well developed and lovable characters and voyages to new and exciting places. It's definitely an anime that ticks a lot of people boxes on what they want in an action anime. https://youtu.be/-tviZNY6CSw

6. Sword of the Stranger

Episodes 1| Aired September 2007 | Produced by Bones

Sword of the Stranger is a really great movie with a lot of amazing action scenes. Nanashi a nameless ronin, gets caught up in a struggle with swordsmen from the Ming Dynasty China when he agrees to take a boy Kotaro and his dog to a Buddhist temple. The reason behind the Ming swordsmen relentless pursuit unknown. A man haunted by memories of his past, which as made him avoid drawing his sword, will this be too much for him to handle. If you love historical settings that's another reason to give Sword of the Stranger a chance. It won't disappoint with its relatable characters, amazing action sequences, beautiful art style and just the brotherly love that is shown between the two main characters has the story progresses. https://youtu.be/dYGpmgxKpNs

5. Dragon Ball Z

Episodes 291| Aired Spring 1989 | Produced by Toei Animation

Dragon Ball Z is like a fine wine that only seems to get better with the years. Five years have passed since Dragon Ball, Gokuu lives with his loving wife and son. But this soon changes when on a trip with his son, he encounters Raditz - who his Gokuu's long-lost brother.Raditz tells Gokuu where he is truly from and what his purpose was on earth. When he tries to compel Gokuu to fight with him to take over the earth a fight ensues.Raditz warns Gokuu and friends of a new threat that's rapidly approaching Earth. A threat that will plunge Earth into an intergalactic conflict and cause the heavens themselves to shake. A war will be fought has hero and villains race to gather the seven mystical dragon balls. Only the strongest will survive in Dragon Ball Z. Dragon Ball Z is one of the anime series that helped spread the love of anime around the world. It's thrilling, pulse-pounding and delightful to watch. https://youtu.be/E6CYI3Xb1tQ

4. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Episodes 64 + OVA| Aired Spring 2009 | Produced by Bones

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is an anime with an amazing plot, engaging action, lovable characters, comedy, drama and beautiful music. In a world where alchemy is considered a highly skilled job, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood tells the story of two brothers who live every day repaying for their childhood mistake of trying to play god. Forgetting the greatest rule in alchemy "equivalent exchange". In the aftermath of a failed attempt at reviving their dead mother, Edward lost a leg and later an arm to bring his brother back, when Al lost his entire body. Hearing of a mysterious stone named the Philosopher's Stone that can correct the mistake they made. They begin their adventure in search of the stone, to restore what was lost. How far will their journey take them?  A must watch anime series for anime fans alike. https://youtu.be/kKtNiPpJy0A

3. Attack on Titan

Episodes 59 + OVA| Aired Spring 2013 | Produced by Wit Studio

Attack On Titan is an extremely action-packed story with cliff-hangers, amazing characters and interesting battle equipment. In a world terrorized by giant man-eating humanoids known as titans, mankind hides behind large walls in constant fear. The only way they have to fight back against the Titans is the military. Eren Yeager, who witnessed the death of his family and friends as a child, is determined to fight back in the only way he can, by joining the military.But there is a lot of things going on inside and outside the wall. Showing that maybe titans are not the biggest threat to humanity. It's one of the best anime series of its year. With amazing visuals and soundtracks. https://youtu.be/KKzmOh4SuBc

2. Berserk

Episodes 49| Aired Fall 1997 | Produced by OLM / Millepensee, GEMBA

The story centres on Guts, a lone mercenary and Griffiths, a leader of the mercenary band -Band of the Hawk. You think Sasuke and Naruto rivalry was something, Griffith and Guts take it to a whole new level.   Guts is a wandering mercenary who from his birth as had it rough - found under a hanged corpse, his adopted mother dies from the plague and his adoptive father tried to kill him, which forces Guts to kill him, scaring Guts even more.He meets Griffith as he wonders as a mercenary. He is forced to join his band of mercenaries, and as time goes he finds a home there, even becoming best friends with Griffith. But he later decides to leave after hearing Griffith saying he doesn’t consider anyone a real friend that follows someones dream and doesn’t have their own, so he goes in search of his own dreams. He joins the team again when Griffith has been captured and after a tough fight they rescue him, but Griffiths is a shadow of his former self, his body is completely broken. This is where the supernatural world is really explored now and by sacrificing the band of the hawk, he is revived better than ever.And the story of vengeance begins It's a series that is based on realism, at least when we look at human nature. Showing the good and evil, we humans are capable of and how society as become and so much more. https://youtu.be/_M1suLCbz-w

1. My Hero Academia

Episodes 88 + OVA| Aired Spring 2016 | Produced by Bones

My Hero Academia has been praised as one of the newest big three of its time. The story follows Izuku Midoriya, a boy born “Quirkless” meaning he as no powers, on this earth people with quirks (used for people with powers), is the norm. So Izuku is bullied for standing out (being quirkless), even through all this, he still dreams of being a superhero. And on one particular day, he meets the world's greatest Hero All Might, who passes on his quirk “One For All” to Izuku. Enrolling him into U.A. High School, a school that is known to cultivate the most promising next generation of superheroes and hero support teams. And like the intro says his story begins to tell us how he became the world’s greatest hero. It's a superhero genre that has been done right, very realistic with lovable and relatable characters. Showing how hard work and skill go hand-in-hand to being good at something. https://youtu.be/-jBRnSVaGmI So that's all amazing guys and gals, hope you loved my recommendations if you have an anime you think deserves to be on this list, hit me up in the comment section below I would love to hear from you. And check out all our other amazing content or our MyAnime2go merch store for anime, manga and gaming treats and gifts. Till next time have an action-filled adrenaline-pumping day.......

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#Action #Adventure #AfroSamurai #AkamegaKill! #AttackonTitan #Berserk #BlackLagoon #Bleach #BTOOOM! #Comedy #DarkerthanBlack #DeadmanWonderland #DimensionW #DragonBallZ #Drama #Fantasy #FullmetalAlchemist:Brotherhood #Grimgar:AshesandIllusions #GurrenLagann #Historical #Horror #HunterxHunter #IsItWrongtoTrytoPickUpGirlsinaDungeon? #JoJo'sBizarreAdventure #KatekyōHitmanReborn! #KILLlaKILL #Magic #MartialArts #Mecha/Robot #MegaloBox

[le-koko-butter-blog]

BBC Sherlock Tinhatting Masterpost

I can’t believe I’m John Watson-ing this shit--that or Andersoning it. The reason I will stick to the former is because of all the emotional damage The Final Problem has done to me but mostly to the LGBT+ audience of the show. Regardless of whether there is a 4th episode or not, they hurt many people deeply. Some of you other fans who are curiously strolling through the sherlock tag or even the johnlock tag are baffled by the depth in which this episode upset people. Many of you are suggesting that people are overreacting. Although I plan to address this later, at the moment, I would like to say, please try to have a little empathy before resorting to condescension. Try to see WHY in the first place it mattered to them instead of assuming that in no way whatsoever can a tv show possibly mean that much. With that being said, I’m going to make a list of all the evidence suggesting some sort of trick—or rather plan. I can’t believe I’m about to kick my own goddamn balls and go through with this. Believe me, I’m generally rather rational.

 Something comforting about the number 3. First off, when this line was said, it was hilarious. I honestly believed for a second that Sherlock shoved a recording device up his bootyhole. John’s disappointment only added to this. It made more logical sense than the off chance that John would leave his cane. At any rate, many were theorizing what this line means. Naturally, it caused people to think that there was possibly a 4th Holmes. Even then, many thought this suggested a 4th episode. The reason why this line is important is not only the amount of screen time it was given, but the cadence in which it was delivered. No one who was actively sitting there missed this. In place of this line, Sherlock could easily have said something more pertinent to the point of the episode, Sherlock’s aim to get John back in action (not my words. Lame explanation really for it was actually about). In prior episodes such as TAB, John is always neglected as a player by the villains. His importance is never considered. Sherlock could have said instead: “Oh but Mr. Smith, you’re forgetting the one thing that really matters, the true feature of interest, the irreplaceable Dr. Watson.” Maybe that’s a bit too cheesy and something better would do but something along those lines would make more sense in regards to the cane and would add scaffolding to the theme of John’s importance.·         

Plot holes. Alright. Much has been written about the hilarity of the plot holes. There are so many, so big and so frequent the entire Spanish Armada could have sailed through them unscathed which is certainly more than what can be said of Moffat’s and Gattiss’ reputation after TFP. The plot holes are so glaring that it defies logic that not one single person  on set could not have mentioned this. It’s almost as if they were deliberate. 1 or 2 is an accident. 5 is just a regular ol’ network tv show on FOX. But 80? I’m not even being hyperbolic. There might actually be at least 80 plot holes. I’m going to point out the chain one because it would need a special set up. Now as I write this I’ve only ever seen TFP once, mostly because I can’t bring my brain to consume it so soon afterwards in fear of cerebral hemorrhaging. From what I recall, we are given a close up of John’s chained foot. First off, this would suggest that at one point, the well was drained and a chain somehow installed…but never mind that. To film it, the camera would have to be dangerously close to the water if not somewhat submerged. This probably happened in another room, set up to look like the well and if that’s the case, more work would be involved. The amount of work only to have the rope thrown down there makes no sense. Even a goddamn idiot would have remembered that. It would have taken effort. It would have been hard. At least harder than not doing it. I mean as the audience, we’re not expecting a 45 year old Dr. Watson to scale the curved walls of a slick well. Maybe the Chinese ninja guy from the blind banker but still.·         

Parody of itself. After the episode I was hurt. I was angry. And I was lashing out. I stepped back and listened to myself. Everything I was saying was exactly the things the prior episodes of Sherlock could be accused of by those, to say it not so politely, more boring viewers. Remember the Bond critic, the one Gattiss wrote a poem to rebuff? To give an example, there was too much improbable action: the stealing of the fishing boat, the taking over of the asylum, the transplanting from one location to another in an unreasonable time frame, the surviving the blast. Sherlock is too athletic, too badass. Certainly, Sherlock in the previous episodes can be accused of this. Sherlock can win in a sword fight like in the one in TBB as well as do calculus in his head? Please. But as fans, we understood that this was part of the fun. Sherlock Holmes has always been a super hero, he might even have been the first ever. His level of intellect is his super power. It’s mere existence is unlikely. But that is storytelling. If we wanted reality, we would watch Forensic Files (I love that show btw but all the more reason to contrast it). In addition, the disguises were downright stupid. Funny. But stupid. Mycroft looked like an evil child eating fisherman and Sherlock, dainty, dandy little Sherlock with the Renaissance curls hulked down a corridor doing an impressive impression of Frankenstein’s monster all the while mimicking an awful Scottish (?) accent. The only time we are given an actual disguise (my memory may be off) on the part of Sherlock was the French waiter. But when they did that in TEH, it was cute and playful. This was random, weird, and confusing. But then again, I can only imagine how someone who is inclined to be defensive of their own intellect and willing to dislike Sherlock because of it, would lap up that scene and mock the show for it despite it’s charm and humor.·         

The Reichenbach Fall. I’ve alluded to this in another post and in some of the evidence for the above points and in no way am I the originator of this idea. But The Reichenbach Fall is perfect allusion to what Gattiss and Moffat are doing to their show. The sincere fans are terribly hurt. But the critics. Don’t think for a moment the critics are enjoying themselves. For years some viewers of the show must have resented BBC Sherlock because of it’s almost condescending cleverness. It presents it’s hero and it’s plot as being so much smarter than everyone else. In TRF Sherlock warns John about this. I may be wrong but he says this outside of the reporter’s house when met with Moriarty’s actor disguise. People want Sherlock to be a fake. They don’t want to think that someone can be so much smarter than them. They are more than willing to believe in his downfall. Now, if I am right about this and the aluminum isn’t fucking with my brain as this horned hat sits on my head, this stunt would take massive guts. Hell, it might even make television history. (how can they possibly pull this off?) I have seen in many posts people commenting on the interviews Mofftiss and the other showrunners have done. One of them says that it’s almost as if they never knew them. Hell, maybe they are dicks. But it’s like character assassination nevertheless, especially after that disgusting one about Molly. No one can be that thick. Well, unless you’re Donald Trump. How is this consistent with the same people who wrote that beautiful speech Sherlock gave at John’s wedding? How? Now, I’m not sure where we, the tinhatters stand as either John Watson or Anderson (What the fuck is his first name?) We’re standing at the proverbial grave site of this amazing show, asking it the most ludicrous question. Please don’t be dead. Just don’t. Don’t be like this. Come back, give us more. Fix this. We’re sitting there chugging coffee and devouring a 2 pound bag sour patch kids on 4 hours of sleep writing mad theories on the internet, tweeked out and heartbroken. Maybe the healthy thing would to go out and marry an assassin who we thought all along was a cat loving nurse. Maybe there are some Lestrades out there. The blessed normal ones who are just hurt. But to my defense, the theories presented in The Empty Hearse, especially in it’s first sequence is tame by comparison to anything that happened in The Final Problem. I’m not being dramatic when I say that. Those who liked the episode, please just for a moment think about what you are told to believe to have happened in TFP and ask even in the Sherlock universe, is this possible?·         

Literary allusions. I cannot be credited with any of these. But they certainly are not random. Musgrave , Oscar Wilde and the Importance of Being Ernest, and Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Final Problem . These aren’t random. They are deliberate.·      

The Projector, the Clue at the Beginning of Season 4 and the Nature of the Detective Story. Link. Alright. Now, I’m not particularly a fan of detective fiction. I do like some. When I was younger, I was much like Hermione Granger and I liked to solve the puzzles myself, thinking how I am oh so clever. I was insufferable but to on to the point; the set up of a detective story is generally that a mystery must be solved (murder usually), am I wrong? A good detective writer does not only create tension and drama and stakes (if you want, you can credit TFP with having these things. I think that’s awfully generous of you if you do though). A good detective writer leaves enough clues for the reader/viewer to be able to solve the puzzle on their own if they are really clever. If they are not but still get a tickle out of it, they would have much the same reaction as the guy with the Japanese tattoo in T6T. Oh its so simple when you put it that way! Oh of course! Now BBC Sherlock isn’t perfect. They aren’t Agatha Christie or anything but it’s never too far off. I’m sure some of you were able to solve the cases on your own or at least see how it’s possible when you rewatch. Some things that they fail to give us closeups of aren’t fair. But I’ll get off it. What I am trying to say is. TFP was NOT A DETECTIVE STORY. It was a thriller/horror? There was no possible way we could have solved any of it. Not at all. Now some of you may point to the song. In my defense, which is an easy one I might add, is that for one, we are not allowed to actually hear the song in its entirety and even if we were, the gravestones ARE NOT A VIABLE OPTION. I repeat. THEY ARE NOT A VIABLE OPTION. Why Ms. Koko Butter? Because the gravestones are noted to be strange. There was something wrong about them to begin with. It was this weirdness which supposedly alerts Sherlock. But why should they be weird? TFP says that the dates aren’t historically possible (which can be said about the events of the episode). The gravestones exist before the murder of Redbeard. Now why on earth would a historically inaccurate graveyard exist anyway? Are we to assume that the Holmes are just freaks and be done with it? Sorry, not buying that. Especially since so many of Sherlock’s deductions in prior episodes are supported by the probability of human behavior consistent along the lines of what is considered a normal sequence of action. Now, the other option is that the little girl put them there herself. I’m sorry. Even if she were one of those creepy baby geniuses in Twilight, she could not physically have done it without alerting her parents. Certainly Mycroft who is older and smarter than Sherlock would have known about this. Are you to tell me that he wouldn’t act on it? Loyalty to Eurus does not matter since he betrays her. Are you telling me that through some line of reasoning, he wouldn’t do the thing that is the most obvious thing in the world to anyone which is check the well. And if he did, he wouldn’t be decent enough to remove the poor child’s remains and give them to his family? Alright, I’m digressing. What I am saying is, this song, like all the other puzzles presented to Sherlock in TFP are more along the lines of SAW than a detective story. But we know that Sherlock the show, is in some ways, still a detective show that has actual cases the viewers can solve. In this line of reasoning with my tin hat on, I present TFP as evidence. Many great detective stories start immediately with a HUGE clue. In the episode dealing with Magnussen he LITERALLY says what his vaults really are. Within a few minutes in, surrounded by the heads of the British government, he says to them that he has a good memory. BAM. There it is. The clue. The vaults are his mind palace. Kinda lame but I’m cool. Still love it. We’re still golden. Season 4 starts off with the doctoring of footage. It’s weird too because Sherlock is prancing around, high on life. Why? WHY?! This is unlike him even if we think we consider that he is happy to be back in England (if I didn’t know any better I would think John had just kissed him and all that oxytocin was pumping him with a natural high and making him sing out like character in musical I’m glad to be alive~). The link above shows the projector clue. But if this really is a detective story, then this is the first and most important moment in solving the case. Doctored footage. Now, this isn’t new. Many of you have suggested this. But along the lines of genre, this is crucial. TFP plays with genre as well. It’s starts with a movie. It’s horror at first littered with a bunch of typical horror movie tropes, bleeding eyes and killer clowns. Then it’s some shitey action flick, a comedy, and then a buddy cop? A fucking buddy cop. The even have a name for it. The Baker Street Boys. Good god. The buddy cop is a genre popular in the 80s just like that awful freeze frame at the end. But then again, isn’t that what everyone already thinks about BBC Sherlock? All of those horrible things. A buddy cup with too much action and pseudo intellectual characters?·        

I know who you really are. Ok, now crucify me with sentiment. I’ve never been above it. But the whole reason I got on this tinhatting business wasn’t even that it logically made sense. The world is a disappointing cesspool at times (i.e.Trump, i.e. callousness to refugees). I’ve lost a lot of hope as I’ve gotten older. It’s easier to just be like FUCK YOU MOFFTISS. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve done that and I’ll continue to do that. But what sparked this whole thing was a gifset of the hug in TLD. Now, what the fuck? How can the same people who made that, make TFP? It doesn’t make sense. It reminds me of this story I heard once about this young man who faked finding old Shakespeare letters and eventually a play just to impress his dad. I’m not saying BBC Sherlock is Shakespeare but what I’m getting at was the kid was discovered because this supposed play of his was nothing like actual Shakespeare. It was too shitty. People believed it at first because the paper quality was true to the time but the actual work itself was so far off from what we knew to be his style, that it was literally impossible. Of course, Mofftiss wrote that monstrosity but it is no way approached in the same way as the previous episodes were. It was meant to be different. It is glaringly different. There is no way TFP exists alongside in reality with Watson’s and Sherlock’s beautifully crafted and heartbreaking performance. Think about it. Every line means something. It does. If you provoke me on this, I will write a 20 page fucking play by play of each goddamn line and each blocking choice. I WILL. Don’t threaten me.·         

Johnlock. Ahhhh the elephant in the fucking room. If you’re still reading this. I’m sorry. I’m a caffeinated ranter. Forgive me. Now, this isn’t about shipping. I hate that word and I hate the culture associated with it. I have never and will never ship something that is not textually supported. A romantic implication was obvious in the very first episode. Here is my example:  Hudson, Donovan, the waiter and probably some other people ALL ASSUME THAT JOHN IS HIS BOYFRIEND. Why? Just because the fucker is with him? What? Would you think that? This only makes sense if everyone already assumes Sherlock is gay. Even at the dinner scene, which is so intimate and romantically awkward I can hardly watch it, Sherlock denies an interest in women but does not deny an interest in men. The way that was written, performed, and filmed are all indicators of a relationship. I remember watching it the first time years ago and turning to my dad and us smiling at one another like OMFG HOW ADORBZ. (It goes without saying my dad wasn’t a homophobe). It was made that way to plant the idea in our head. Because why? That’s what tv/movie romances do. If this isn’t plain to you, please rewatch. Now why is Johnlock so important? First off, the story is about their relationship. Don’t agree? Then what is the major arc? The humanizing of Sherlock Holmes. Who humanizes Sherlock? John Watson. Can you be sure of that? Yes, because the show begins with their meeting. So obviously, their meeting is the initiator. Why does it have to be romantic? Because it’s written that way. I don’t have enough energy to go through this but if you are still incredulous, I can send you links from people who have already written it down. Now, stories have to complete their arc. This is why they often become predictable after awhile. We call them tropes or archetypes. But stories do not mimic reality, they bring out the perceived truth of the human condition. It’s the license in poetry, the climax in a narrative, the soliloquy in the play. If they do not, we feel it on a deep instinctual level, the way we can sense that the math is off in the musical progression of notes. It is the difference between hearing a symphony and hearing noise. It’s inherent. TFP is jarring. Jarring because it does not complete the arc of its textual themes, for example, the romantic entanglement line, highlighted by the plot hole of the missing letter and the overdue confession on the tarmac. We’re waiting for it the way we all know in that crappy romcom that they’ll miss their plane, run back in the rain, and say in so many contrived words, YOU COMPLETE ME. And we love it. Don’t lie. You love it. We should have gotten it but we didn’t. That is the heart of the queerbait. Because we were baited by these notes, the themes in the story and instead of a a crescendo, we are left with a cacophony of car horns. The advertisements leave no room for doubt. Sherlock is in love? With Who? Who else would it be? Honestly? Motherfucker was dead on the slab and LITERALLY RESTARTED HIS HEART FOR JOHN WATSON. That’s not even reading into it. It literally happened. Just like that. Irene was mentioned. Mycroft was mentioned. Molly was the eventual TFP the trick. Only John’s name invokes such a reaction. Friendship does not do this. Please leave me alone with that argument but I seriously doubt that is even scientifically possible. Oxytocin which is produced during sex and childbirth creates insane fucking bonds. Mothers are known to defy logic in their will to protect their baby. Sex produces a similar effect. Correct me if I’m wrong but Sherlock’s actions suggest that he is IN LOVE (romantically and sexually) with John. Any other interpretations borders on madness or serious nonchalance.·         

TFP cheap production. Where did all the money go? My fingers hurt. I can’t type anymore. But really. Where did all the money go? It was so cheap. It was like the same room painted in different colors. 

Now this is longer than I intended. I’m adding more links to other posts. Please add if you have more evidence. Before I sat down, I had a lot. I feel like I have forgotten to include some. I may add more later. Now, I am prepared to accept the result that Mofftiss just sucks major balls and if they do, they deserve all the accusations of queer baiting and ought to be ridiculed for their smugness. But my brain keeps telling me otherwise.       

Let me know if the links are weird or confusing or if there are any errors. I usually just reblog things on this blue hell of a site.

LINK

LINK 2

LINK 3

Onward once more into the breach my friends....something fucky this way comes.

#bbc sherlock #tjlc #johnlock #tinhatting to the max #tinhatting sherlock #sherlock #john watson #sherlock holmes #the final problem #steven moffat #mark gattiss #mofftiss

[olaluwe]

Whetting your appetite!

If you're here, I want to believe you find the post's title kind of engaging.

It’s probable too that you're indeed hoping one day to be a writer like the title rhetorically posed.

Whichever way, I can assure you that you're in the right place and at the right time too.

To make myself clear, I want to state categorically that I design this tutorial primarily for the next generation of writers in mind.

And the reason is simple; I see myself yet as a trying writer and could be mentoring everybody else but the big-uns.

I couldn't be even dreaming.

You know what; there are far too many iconic writers out there to whose faces I couldn't lift the lantern of my writing adventurism.

And I’m not being modest here at all, far from it.

As aspiring writer, I want you to congratulate yourself first of all for stopping by.

The thing is you need to focus on what matters and leaving out what doesn't.

And what matters, to start with?

Soldiers can brag they're courageous types because they lay down their lives in the defence of territorial integrity and for continuous existence of their countries and the likes.

That kind of make a lot of sense; you'd agree.

Let’s face it, troops are not the only one who died or get killed in the line of service; writers do too.

But then it's all by choice granted conscription is not on the card,

We all choose what to become in life and the cart is simply brimming with endless choices.

Let assume you're familiar with what being a soldier entails- the rigorous training, the clean and crispy uniforms, the shining jackboot, the colourful parades, the wars and the likes.

Fantastic, what a panoply of noble stuff!

You know what, I've been close to these guys and in my candid opinion they are a bunch of idlers who arrogate too much to themselves.

And I’m honestly not hating on them.

But they think they have a calling that's by far superior to others.

And to this unnecessary professional aggrandizement, I always disagree.

And the few who’ve actually met me in person can testify how robust my arguments were on this topic.

Most time all they could mutter in defence was if I think it’s that easy to be a soldier why I didn’t try it.  My answer as always is I don’t need to try anything to be sure it’s tough or not.

Career, I repeat, is mostly a function of choice.

Besides I’ve tried enlisting with near success.

“But nearly like you know don’t ever kill a bird.” Hope that fits the narratives and isn’t too diversionary? 

Needlessly, they sometimes resort to taking out their frustrations on the harmless civil folks out there. Faced with desperate lack of preferred options, I've encountered many too who are simply in there for the glam and the pay.

They pray all day for peace to reign supported by well-meaning people from the polity and religious institutions.

Ring the bell of war, and they run into hiding.

And traditionally they cover four major domains namely-land, air, water and space.

But we writers are nobler breeds of professionals with kinder souls too. And we're no less courageous to any. History can testify to that.

While the weapons of their warfare are guns and grenades; battle tanks and gun boats and frigates; the weapons of our warfare is nothing but the innocuous pen and paper or sometime the computer.

And our battle cry is simply 'everybody deserves to know'.

Isn't that more sublime to taste?

Yes it is!

According to Novelist Stephen King, if you ever write anything of note, of value then is prepared for hate e-mails. And that is because writing polarizes.

From history and experience too deaths threatening calls are not out of the picture.

In the time past and now, writers have faced and are still facing criminal censorship in various countries of the world.

For instance, the death of Mr Dele Giwa, a co-founder of Newswatch magazine in Lagos who was killed via a parcel bomb in 1985 comes to mind.

Not forgetting also Mr Dimgba Igwe and Mr Mike Awoyinfa both of Concord Newspaper Lagos who were killed covering the Liberian civil war.

Nor of Maltese anti corruption journalist, Mrs Daphone Curiana who was murdered 2017.

Finally mention also must be made of the substantive fatwa placed on British-India writer, Salmon Rushdie, by Islamic extremists after publishing his book: ‘Satanic Verses’.

He’s currently on exile in the UK. In functions, we're on a mission says Jon morrow of smart blogger to change the world for the better.

And getting paid for this wouldn't be a bad idea altogether.

The pay, however, might not be enough to buy us luxury homes, cars and other existential comforts like we would've loved but we most time take solace in the fact that we love what we do.

In case you don't know, ours is the fifth domain of warfare which is 'information' with equal companions like education and entertainment.

Even military institutions world over know the importance of this long ago and have resorted to adding it to their operational cart too.

But I doubt they understand it the way writers do.

Isn't propaganda all they do and calling it war information?

I might be wrong in few instances.

It is not uncommon to hear outright lies from battle fronts; a case of information censorship here and there.

But our own concern is the 'defence of the truth' at all time. In addition, we make this civilization tick from ages to ages.

We keep track of knowhow, events and teach it to all.

And what doesn't matter, to end it all? I say nothing and I repeat nothing!

To the writers who know his onions, everything matters because the people deserve to know it all.

And as a writer it is your primary duty to ensure this. No more no less.

As a take home, folks, the writer’s job are definitely not an easy one but I can assure you its quite fulfilling if you fall in love with it enough.

And that I hope you'd do from today on.

Mastering the language of your medium

Either in its written or spoken form, language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols with which a social group cooperate through sharing a schemata of ideas and impressions from ages to ages.

So it is the first media of communication to be mastered,

I couldn't just place my fingers to it, but I know a bewildering number of languages are spoken the world over.

From Mandarin which is the most spoken language in the world, to say Izon language of a minority Riverine tribe in the Niger delta creek of southern Nigeria.

As an aspiring writer then I know you're either a native speaker of one or more/ or a received speaker of one or more as well.

By extension too, you must have been groomed by the educational system of your country to a varied level of sophistication.

Be that as it may, I presumed you're sufficiently mastered it as a user of one or more assemblage of these global community of languages.

But to gain worldwide audience, a writer must necessary writes in any of the major languages like Mandarin, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish etcetera etcetera and hoping your works get translated into more as the cultural and educational values it carries become common knowledge to influential personalities, academic institutions and governments from around the world.

It's on record for instance that, Nigeria's Chinua Achebe's monster hit novel 'Things Fall Apart' has been translated into many international languages which definitely accounted for its global success.

Of course that's the dream of an average writer. But only a few will get there. It's not a curse.

All it takes is, however, hard work and some elements of luck.

To do this, books play very important role.

I'm a received speaker of the English language, and I've been exposed to quite a number of them all my life.

Now, do I've recommended textbook on English language in mind?Frankly speaking I don’t.

As a matter of fact, quite a number of writers (speaking specifically about writing for the web) have written at length on this same topic with express biases or preferences for some books.

'Elements of Style' is a name in this respect as given by writers in charge's Bamidele Onibalusi.

As far as I'm concern, there are tons and tons of textbooks on English Language in bookstores both online and offline waiting to be picked up for the right prices.

Go get yourself one, and you're well on your way to success as a writer.

Choosing a mentor

Why mentors?

Agreed, God's the only source of inexhaustible inspiration.

So connect to him or her today.

But Mentors are prime example of people we all wish to be like some day.

Mentor provides us with inspirational and practical pathway by their own success stories through direct and indirect frameworks of reference or benchmark in the otherwise crowded and confusing world of aspirations and dreams.

And they exist either in close or distance proximity.

They're both living and dead. Whichever way, there's always one or more for everyone.

And in this industry, they come aplenty.

If I start to name names now, I'm not sure we wouldn’t leave here in a lifetime.

At this juncture, I think it rests solely on you to know who does it best for you granted you must have met a sizable number in your academic journey.

It is possible too perhaps while you're reading for the fun of it.

Think back now and you'd be amazed about who strikes you the most for the mentoring roles.

For me before I let you go, it is Wole Soyinka, Nigeria literary juggernaut.

Believe me; it has nothing to do with sentimental stuff like lineage or some racial or nationalist suasion.

I love him for he represents the ambassadorial best Africa nay Nigeria can get to advance the cause of its cultural heritage consistently under attack by the imperialist west.

For his voice is unique, and his identity super peculiar.

And to whom I dedicated a poem titled: 'Doyen of Letters'

He's, finally, as it happens a winner of Nobel Prize for literature in 1986.

Creating engaging content.

Writing essentially is all about content creation textually speaking.

But it doesn't stop there.

The content must be engaging, riveting so to say driving us ultimately towards studied steps based on the writer's position supported by facts and not myths.

The question remains how then do writers go about creating content that's engaging?

To be factual, engaging content starts with creating engaging title or headline if you like.

Engaging headline we're told in journalism school is like a beautiful gateway into a palatial building.

On the other hand, a headline that's not as engaging is an immediate put off any day.

No matter how well decorated is a house's interior nobody will take a chance to look in if it has a twisted gate.

So, the more attractive the headline is the more the likelihood of readers clicking through in other to interact with the content proper which must be equally engaging.

Or else the visitation might not be a memorable one for the visitor.  And you may not have a second chance. Now don't worry unnecessarily about that.

Writers like other professionals do have their bad days in the office.

And it doesn't always call for needless self flagellation. That's why not all novels, dramas, poetry even by the same author achieve the same level of success.

Not all articles as well by the same writer would go viral online; though he may wish it so.

Be motivated, however, as a writer to do your best under the constraints changing time and season throw at you.

But for any content to come close to being engaging, which has at its heart the core of communication’s tripod of information, education and entertainment; it must equally meet all these five principles of composition namely:

#1) PURPOSE: For every composition to be engaging it must get good response from the reader.

It must be purpose driven.

To be moderately successful then as a writer you must adapt your words to your readers.

Granted that people have attitudes and beliefs which they drawn from experiences both of the past and the present.

It is only proper for a writer who wishes to explain a new idea to connect it with what’s already known.

And if he’s to convince at all, he must start from known or agreeable beliefs.

#2) CONCRETENESS:

Concreteness in write-up is brought about when the writer says to the reader: ‘Here is an example,’ or ‘let me illustrate with an anecdote’.

Believe me, what is concrete or specific in all situations holds attention as much as it frees us from needless dialectical tussle.

#3) EMPHASES:

Another word for emphasis is repetition.

If a writer repeats a word or an idea he calls attention to it.

And isn’t just for the fun of it because it has long ago been an accepted standard that for learning to take place emphasis is key.

Doing so automatically leads to meaningful engagement and action from the reader.

#4) UNITY:

The writer who wishes to convince or explain old or new ideas must hold the rein properly lest he wanders aimlessly away from the focus of his assignment.

The piece he’s to post must be seen to function like a unit despite having so many parts in terms of thought-groups.

#5) COHERENCE;

Writers ordinarily are advocates.

They argue for or against a proposition.

They argue also for the relative merit of a choice over another based on the hard fact of life that the human person is always confronted by problem of choice.

For this, the ability to think straight and to dependable solution is required which coherence is all about.

Creating a style.

Why style?

Style gives identity to the one acting in a professional environment.

It makes identification an easy task. Any professional who's got style is automatically branded.

What then is style?

Style can be defined as a consistent flair discernible in the human operation or execution of a task.

It could also be define as uniqueness of approach to things by a particular person.

Style for writers emerges from the rubble of conscious experimental writing activities.

While it is not always easy to come up with, trying on the other hand to imitate other iconic writers is equally counterproductive.

So it is highly recommended that you write the way most suitable to you; and overtime a style might just emerged from such background.

Finally, equally important in style creation are your level of education and how widely read you’re.

Editing your composition.

For many reasons, believe me, there's no such writer anywhere whose work cannot be edited.

Why editing?

Editing is the last of all writing tools.

Defined, it is the refinery of all writing activity.

It helps filter the unwanted from the wanted.

After the creation of your content, to make it more epic by bringing all its inherent values into sharp focus it must be edited.

Why then do we edit?

We edit for the following reasons:

#1 For grammatical correctness:

Language as an arbitrary vocal symbol through which a social group cooperate follows a set of rules called grammar that writers must necessarily obey or else it thought trains breaks down.

So editors try as much as possible to see if a given content conform in entirety with these rules.

So where the rules are violated corrections are made.

#2 For space:

Where the constraints are the space like in the field of print journalism editing becomes very important.

The task of the editor therefore is to make sure contents are trimmed to size in other to fit into allotted space or spaces.

#3 For fonts and style:

Writing is all about fonts and style:

Editors try also to see which font is best for the chosen medium and their stylistic arrangement.

For instance, the font that will be applied to newsprint will be different to the one that will be applied to a billboard which is something  passersby see from the distance.

#4 For narrative unity:

Content is also edited to be sure story ideas follow consistent pattern.

Every part of a story must be seen to help advance the course of the story itself.

No part must be contradictory. Every part must function as one unit.

#5 To eliminate excess words:

Like student of landscape painting who begins by covering too much ground; often too, writers do commit the sin of verbosity.

That's using too many words to convey an experience when ordinarily fewer words would do.

So, these flabby or wordy excess in content is sometimes the focus of editing.

And as he or she puts the editing jigsaw to it, content becomes trimmer and sharper in mind of reader.

Publishing your content.

Now we have come to the last but very crucial stage in the life of a writer.

Publishing is the Icing on the cake of content creation.

Publishing involves making your work available to the public who pays to get it.

And there are basically two ways to go. It either you publish your works in paperback or as e-books.

It has been said that's no matter how epic your content is until promoted it is useless.

Or not worth more than the paper on which it is printed.

But publishing your work online and promoting it through the right channels is essential if it is to reach greater audience and have the right impact.

I've read severally writers calling it the queen of content creation.

But publishing has never been easier or liberalized than now.

These days we now have both free and paid platform to advance the course of your career as a writer.

While some resource people insist that to have a good start to writing career online, platform A, B, C must be the choice forgetting the fact that money plays important role in career pursuit especially writing online.

Starting from any of free platform may after all not be a bad idea.

At least it helps to sharpen your writing claw preparatory for the big moments.

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