#have an experiment with poses and perspective

[aeriona]

!!!CERISE BEASTS!!! They put my girl in the damn Vapourwave Dimension… someone please save her…

[xmoonlitxdreamx]

I wanna do pride fbdo art..... will time allow

[defness]

→ drawing the same pose over and over again and feels cringe

→ realizes that these drawings are simply pre-ref drawings to figure out one's design so I can Draw Them

→ no longer feels cringe

[kjzx]

Drew Olivia so beautifully I wanna cry. Now I gotta draw the other one at least half as beautifully T_T

[wachinyeya]

by Grant Brown, Wed 16 Jul 2025

A unique high school program empowers students to play a vital role in California salmon conservation efforts. 

In an era when most teenagers are glued to their phones, Casa Grande High School students wade through cold creeks to save endangered fish. Their unusual after-school program strengthens California salmon conservation efforts while making waves in the scientific community.

The United Anglers program at Casa Grande High School in Sonoma County represents a new model for California salmon conservation. In 2023, these teenage conservationists tracked 33 salmon in local waterways, providing vital data to federal wildlife officials. Each fish represents a small victory in the ongoing battle to protect Northern California’s aquatic ecosystems.

These are not just casual observations. The students hold an official state permit to catch, tag, and release salmon. They record the location, size, and health condition of each fish—information that strengthens California salmon conservation by filling crucial gaps in scientific knowledge about the Petaluma watershed. This data helps shape conservation policies and wildlife management strategies.

Climate change and urban development pose growing threats to local fish populations. As rivers warm and change course, salmon struggle to find their way back to their breeding grounds. The students’ work helps scientists understand how these changes affect fish migration patterns. Their findings could influence future urban planning and environmental protection measures.

What started as a club for habitat cleanup and tree planting 42 years ago has evolved into a sophisticated conservation program. Today’s students handle complex responsibilities and contribute meaningful data to federal research efforts. Their work exemplifies the potential of youth-led environmental initiatives.

The students’ newest challenge focuses on steelhead trout, a threatened species that is becoming increasingly rare in local waters. After years of preparation, the program received federal permission to rescue and shelter juvenile steelhead from drying rivers—a significant achievement for a high school program. This new permit allows students to remove fish from threatened areas and care for them until conditions improve.

Daily responsibilities keep these young conservationists busy. They feed fish, clean massive tanks, monitor water temperatures, and transport heavy equipment for fieldwork. Many students find an unexpected passion in this hands-on conservation work, and the program often sparks lifelong interest in environmental protection.

The program’s success stems partly from the students’ fearless approach to fieldwork. They scramble up muddy riverbanks and wade through icy waters with enthusiasm. This practical experience prepares them for future environmental science and conservation biology careers.

Dan Hubacker, the science teacher overseeing the program, emphasizes its importance for steelhead trout conservation. He said adult steelhead have not been seen near the school in years. The students’ work could help prevent this species from disappearing from local waterways.

The program also creates strong bonds among participants. Students report finding their place in school through this shared mission. As they care for juvenile fish struggling to survive, these teenagers gain perspective on their journey to adulthood. Many form lasting friendships through their shared commitment to conservation.

Darren Howe, San Francisco Bay branch supervisor of NOAA Fisheries, praises the students’ contributions. Their ongoing data collection helps fill gaps in understanding fish populations, providing vital information for conservation decisions. This collaboration between students and federal agencies sets a promising example for future conservation efforts.

The success of United Anglers demonstrates the untapped potential of engaging young people in scientific research and environmental protection. These students collect valuable data while developing real-world skills in field research, data analysis, and wildlife management.

The program’s impact reaches beyond immediate conservation goals. It shows how environmental education can transform students into active champions of California salmon conservation. As climate change threatens more species, programs like United Anglers become increasingly crucial for protecting vulnerable wildlife.

The United Anglers program shows how young people can contribute to wildlife conservation. From its humble beginnings as a creek cleanup project, it has evolved into a model for hands-on environmental education. Their success has inspired similar initiatives across California, advancing salmon conservation through youth engagement and citizen science.

[olderthannetfic]

https://olderthannetfic.tumblr.com/post/784181809513644032/in-fandom-racism-discussions-in-cases-where-an

Never mind that many, many of Hollywood’s most pernicious problems are in the cinematography, lighting, and editing.

I want to hear how the cinematography, lighting, and editing affect things! Can you explain or link some articles?

--

Sure!

The big thing to understand about film is that there is such a thing as "film grammar", and this is a lot of how we read meaning into film.

Think of it like when comic book ladies get drawn in the broken spine pose so you can see T&A at once and some defensive clown is like "Um, um, the comic said she was the main hero! She can't be objectified meat!" But the dudes are not drawn like that. It doesn't matter what the comic said. It matters what it showed.

We know how to read that art even if we aren't consciously aware of it.

We also know how to read film.

A character looks down. We see a shot of a book on a table. We know the book is what they're looking at. A character walks out of a door. We see them in another room. We know it's just a second later and a room away, not three years later on another continent. We see a soft dissolve and we know we've gone into a flashback. How do we know? Film grammar.

The problem is that because this has not been taught in a verbal and explicit way, we often have trouble articulating why film feels a certain way.

That makes it easy for a film (show, whatever) to undercut a character while pretending that isn't happening. It also makes it easy for somebody with a few one-liners to feel huge, and no, it's not just fans randomly picking for no reason.

--

The classic early concept everyone talks about is the Kuleshov Effect, a.k.a. the experiment that showed how/that montage works. Basically, if you take the same clip of a stoic-looking actor and pair it with three very different things, people will talk about the subtlety of the acting. He looks so sad when looking at the dead baby! So hungry when looking at the soup! etc.

Another important concept is that closeups of faces are where a lot of the film's story is told. It's often not the dialogue that's being spoken but some other character's reaction to that dialogue that matters.

Part of film grammar is that breaking the forth wall feels weird (i.e. looking directly into the camera and making eye contact with the audience), but looking very close to the camera is intimate, while being shown in profile is not. (Being shown from behind is POV-y though and makes us feel like we're with the character.)

Film has POV, or rather "narrative perspective". It's more complicated and more prone to changing than POV in a novel, but it's there. If you cut to a particular character's reaction to show which dialogue mattered or you cut to them having a thought and then end the scene, they're important. If you cut after they decide something or exit, they're "driving the cut" and we're "with" them. In effect, they're the POV character.

Cool, sexy action dudes with a lot of abs are hot. They punch things in wide shots. But for a single perfect tear woobie, we need a closeup. We need interiority.

This is often not granted to the characters of color or the female characters unless they are definitively the lead or are in an ensemble that primarily focuses on nonwhite characters/female characters/etc. Your MCUs and your ensemble cop shows might do a good job with everyone, or they might prioritize a particular white guy while paying lip service to the idea that the whole ensemble matters.

--

A lot of us were taught to analyze writing in school and/or we've just spent way more time doing that on our own. It is therefore tempting to look at a script and make too much of it. But the staging is incredibly important. Lindsay Ellis has a video about Transformers where she shows a scene where the girl is saying plot important stuff that makes it clear her character is interesting... while leaning over the engine and being ogled by the camera. Nobody remembers the dialogue. They remember her butt.

Characters can be standing behind others in group shots. Characters can be only in group shots.

If the script tells you that all five of your ensemble are important and they all have equal lines, but only White Guy McScenestealer gets a closeup, then he is the main character, and he is the only one who matters.

Specifically, he is the one whose feelings matter.

The reason it's all of cinematography, lighting, and editing is that the editor is the one actually putting those closeups in or juxtaposing the characters in a way that highlights them... but for them to do that, the correct shot needs to exist. That shot also needs to look good enough.

Not only do a lot of racist, sexist crews fail to get adequate coverage, but many of them were also taught by people who never had to light dark skin and thus they also do not know how to light it or shoot it. This doesn't apply to all POC, obviously, but it's the kind of thing that can fuck up a shoot with good intentions. If the dark-skinned black lead's closeups are lit like shit and their facial expressions are the least visible out of everyone's in the group shots, the audience won't be able to feel their emotions or connect with them. The editor might leave out a lot of their coverage simply because it looks less professional even if they'd originally wanted to highlight that character.

The director probably has final say on the cut in an indie film, producers for TV or a lot of big budget stuff, but you know what I mean: someone made this choice at the cutting stage, and it might be going against what the script was trying to do.

Prioritizing the character of color needs to happen during all phases of the filmmaking or they're going to get shafted. Ditto filming women like leads and not pointing the camera at their butts all the time, etc. etc. (Substitute whatever minority. I'm sure you'll find the same pattern with non-Han characters in Chinese media.)

It's not that hard. Leverage managed to light for the pastiest, most light-reflecting blown-out shot nightmare and someone with pretty dark skin. The key thing to understand is that lighting well for this scenario takes a little more time than lighting two people with the same skin tone, and time is money.

Other types of choice may not take more time, but they do require a director or cinematographer who's really on top of things to go "No, don't do the stereotypical shot. That's telling the wrong story."

The camera tells us what to think, and what it is usually saying is "Sidekick", "Love interest", "Person number three who is here to infodump and whose feelings do not matter".

I made a couple of little video essays to try to explain this stuff more clearly. They both use The Losers, one to show how POV/objectification works and the other to show how dialogue and even minutes on screen are much less important than how a character is presented.

Aisha is the Object; Clay is the Subject

Carlos "Cougar" Alvarez: Human Exclamation Point

--

In my experience, fandom actually does not elevate five-second randos all that often. Fandom likes the character who cried in a closeup.

Who that character is is neither random nor equitable.

[hawthornsword]

My mother has just informed me that she recently had to explain to her bookclub what fanfiction is because they'd never heard of it, which she was able to do only because she knows I write it. Then she told me some of the questions posed in book club where basically "What do you think happened to X character after the book ended?" Which essentially led into them informally brainstorming fix it fics. Which is in fact what my mom called it. I'm so happy for them, lol.

I also recently nervously explained what fanfiction is to my father in law, a notoriously crotchedy critical conservative, and fully expected to be scoffed at. (This is the kind of man who goes on angry rant about anime being trash when he sees you wearing a Zelda tshirt because the only example of anime he's ever seen was Speedracer in the 60s and never updated his perspective). He seemed pleasantly intrigued by the idea of fanfic, which blew my mind. My husband suspects its because he's been in a band since he was a teenager and so fanfic is just the writing version of covering another band's song, so it wasn't that weird to him.

Still, these experiences have been incredibly weird for me. Pleasant, but weird.

[utopianparadoxist]

June Egbert, The Tao of Pranksterism, and Maid Roleplay

So we've got our first glimpse of June Egbert, shining like a star on the horizon, as of the latest upd8!

With the Warhammer of Zillyhoo at her side and the general harlequin energy of her silhouette, many are drawing comparisons to Trickster Mode, or to Nannasprite. Both of these, notably, are heavily linked to Jane.

And I'm interested in June's relationship to Jane's legacy as her ancestor, because this feels similar to ideas of classpect roleplay I've described for years. so I want to talk about it here and speculate a bit about what kind of worldview change a roleplay reading suggests might accompany June's gender transformation.

A quick bit of background for those who don't know what Class roleplay is-- It's basically the idea that a player of any class might end up roleplaying as a different class, to various degrees of success or failure, and that in Homestuck characters do so in particular when they are actively striving to live up to the legacy left by their Ancestors.

Vriska is the clearest example to argue. Early in her arc with Tavros she is actively trying to fit both him and herself into narrative roles left behind in Mindfang's journal, and in the process strives to make Tavros stronger much as Kanaya does for Eridan by giving him the wand, or Aranea herself later does to Jake.

The way she conceptualizes the endeavor emphasizes the verb "MAKE", a close synonym to the most commonly accepted Maid/Sylph verb, "Create". She kisses Tavros while wearing a fairy dress-the word Sylph originally referring to a kind of fairy. And of course she gets the dress from Kanaya, a Sylph herself.

And of course, her attempt to woo Tavros in this way is a disastrous failure. Later, when she tries to make Tavros kill her instead of kiss her--again evoking Mindfang and the Summoner's relationships--she again fails soundly, Tavros rejecting her mind suggestions and leaving her to bleed slowly to death by herself.

The reason Vriska is failing in these situations is at least partly that she is obsessively trying to be Mindfang instead of honestly coming to grip with who she really is as her own person. The way the narratives you build up in your head about who you WANT to be like distort your own self of self and lead to self-sabotage and toxic relationships is a running theme in Homestuck, and Roleplay mechanics helpfully signpost this on a mechanical Sburb Class level.

Later Aranea makes the exact same mistake as Vriska in emulating Mindfang, but fails at least partly because, as Vriska lays out, she just doesn't have enough experience doing "ruthless pirate shit"--in other words, behaving like a Thief.

But the Marquise herself poses an interesting possibility, because she seems to succeed at performing both the roles of the Thief and the Sylph. And Vriska attributes this to the fact that the Marquise is an adult, who learned to perform a role that didn't initially come naturally to her through a slow accumulation of experience.

In this way, Vriska suggests a way out of hard Classpect determinism. It *is* possible to act outside of your native Class, even to successfully incorporate the strengths and abilities of a different class entirely, but this is part of a nuanced and complicated process of personal growth and a gaining of increased complexity of perspective, experience and ability as you grow through life.

Now lets bring this focus to John. John and Jane's mutual ancestorism is explicitly tied to their shared interest in jokes and pranks. Dirk likens this to Zen, or the Tao, meaning it reflects something about their fundamental relationship to the world and approach to dealing with it and its challenges.

John invokes this connection again as he carries out the retcon, the absolute height of his impact on the plot and narrative in og Homestuck, with the retcon being literally just being a series of pranks. They're also a series of pranks he has a lot of fun with!

Even while everyone is dead and everything is completely cosmically screwed, John is able to enjoy himself as he carries on and keeps striving to Make a better future. He indulges the Zen of pranksterism in this moment, using it as a way to cope with and transcend the horrors of Paradox Space.

He's also, on a mechanical level, roleplaying a Maid.

The Maid class, like the Sylph, is associated with healing and improbable ressurection. Aradia is able to transcend her own death and act in the world as a ghost even before she God Tiers through the use of her Time-coded ghost powers. Kanaya is lethally shot and revives inexplicably as an immortal Rainbow Drinker, the only character to be immortal without even being God Tier.

This is more true of Jane than anyone, who's Maid of Life powers allow her to Make Life for herself in such a way that even after being beheaded in what should inarguably be a Just death, Jane can overpower the conditional immortality of God Tiers completely and just walk and talk around as a decapitated body and her severed head. She is Making Life for her own benefit, and quite definitely no one elses.

Jane's other major power is to offer people free resurrections, like she does in Collide. And what does John's retcon accomplish? Give Vriska a free resurrection, effectively taking a more circuitous path to achieving the same end result that comes to a Maid naturally. It's for Vriska's benefit for sure though. John is still natively a passive Heir class, and this moment represents a blurring of the lines between the roles of Heir and Maid, a moment where John's impact is not narrowly defined by just one Sburb assigned Class but is shaped complexly by his unique context and nature as John Egbert.

That said, after the Retcon, something really interesting happens.

John stops pranking.

For the rest of Homestuck and through the Epilogues, we basically never see John indulging pranksterism again. At the same time, he eschews using his Retcon powers almost entirely, seeming almost scared of the responsibility and level of power they represent unless he's directly told to use them, like Rose does in Meat. This coincides with his prolonged period of aimless, directionless depression.

Who does this parallel?

Jane, who has similarly given up "frivolous" or "childish" concerns like pranksterism and jokes in favor of deeply serious matters like Pursuing The Presidency and Representing The Gods As Respectable People To Earth C. And like John, Jane is all the more miserable for it. What that might mean for either of her iteration's arcs is a topic for another day though, this ain't about her.

While his desire to kill Dirk is honestly misguided and ridiculous, this update's shift in John's psychology does point to a kind of positive progress in his psychology that takes him closer to the ideal of June he's glimpsed in his own future. He's Making Breath--direction, purpose, momentum-- for his own benefit, nobody else's.

Which is important to do, because right now all the work John needs to do is internal. The thing about John sometimes evoking his Maid heritage is that so far he hasn't been doing it consciously or consistently. He barely knows anything about who he is or what he wants, and so he's not in a position to be good to or try to help anybody.

It's a step closer to embracing Maid as an alternate/complementary identity, along with the gendered implications that the female-specific (so far) class implies.

A fully formed June Egbert will likely take this even further, realizing the potential of and fully embracing the possibility of Making Breath herself, for her own benefit, Breath in this case being simple fun. Frivolity. Jokes. Pranks! Detachment from the pain and suffering from the world by enjoying the fun that comes with existing, even in the midst of the chaos.

She will likely be a June who fully recognizes the reality that Life is a Game to be played and enjoyed--which is why the Game of Life board from Problem Sleuth shows up in the vision of June that John experiences while witnessing the Light of Vriska's ascension.

Hence the association with Nannasprite and the design's evocation of Harlequins. Harlequins and clowns are performers on the stage, and a June who recognizes that all of life is a stage would be in a position to be a playful and self-aware performer herself--even moreso if she becomes June by going through Helltier or ascending to Ultimate herself, thereby gaining the same metatextual knowledge Dirk, Al and Vriska possess.

And if such an ascension brings her back in touch with the power of Retcon, an Ultimate/Helltier June Egbert unafraid to use her power for whatever she wants would be the ultimate wildcard. She could issue free revives to all the dead trolls. She could bring back her Dad and Rose's Mom and Dirk's Alpha Bro.

Those are just random Maidy examples tied to resurrection I'm coming up with off the top of my head that could make her happy and/or severely emotionally fuck with Rosebot and Dirk, but really, she could and likely will do way more imaginative and interesting shit than that. She'd certainly prove a lethal danger to Dirk, which could likely put her in conflict with Rosebot, Vriska, Davebot, Jake and Roxy, none of whom seem likely to want to see Dirk dead.

She's a complete chaos element! And she's already here.

I can't wait to see what pranks she's gonna play.

[delusionalwritingsofagay]

heyy love your writing sm!! wondering if u could do mikaelsons having a powerful witch as a boyfriend headcannons

The mikaelson having a powerful witch as a boyfriend

Klaus

Klaus, for all his bravado, is secretly fascinated by Y/N's power. He's seen it first-hand and deeply respects its potential (and the potential threat it poses if directed at him). It's a grudging respect, of course, laced with a possessive desire to keep that power close.

He'd never admit it, but Klaus finds immense comfort in Y/N’s abilities. The knowledge that Y/N could protect him and their family from threats he might not even see coming is a silent relief. He sees Y/N as his equal, someone who compliments and adds to his already considerable power.

Arguments are explosive, theatrical displays of magical fireworks and roared threats. Klaus, of course, always tries to have the last word. But Y/N, with a flick of his wrist and a muttered spell, often silences him in creative and humiliating ways (temporarily, of course).

Klaus is incredibly protective of Y/N, but not in a way that stifles him. He recognizes Y/N is a powerful witch, not a damsel. His protectiveness manifests in subtle manipulations, ensuring Y/N always has the upper hand, even when he thinks he doesn't.

Klaus uses Y/N as his sounding board for his plans, not because he needs advice, but because he enjoys the way Y/N's mind works. He loves hearing Y/N dissect his strategies and offer alternative perspectives, even if he doesn't always take them.

He paints Y/N. These paintings are kept private, locked away where only Klaus can see them.

Cuddling? Only when he's feeling particularly vulnerable or when Y/N initiates it. He'd never admit he enjoys it, but he always leans in a little closer..

Y/N’s magic during sex is raw and untamed, mirroring their emotions. It manifests as flickering flames that send shivers down Klaus’s spine.

Elijah

Elijah is endlessly fascinated by Y/N's magic

Elijah is incredibly protective of Y/N, knowing the dangers witches face.

Dinner dates often involve Elijah meticulously selecting a vintage wine, The conversations are always elegant and stimulating.

Elijah is surprisingly playful with Y/N, often indulging in small, affectionate gestures like tucking a stray hair behind his ear or leaving a single red rose on Y/N's pillow. These small gifts of love never went unnoticed by Y/N.

Elijah is a traditionalist when it comes to courting. Expect handwritten letters, thoughtful gifts that show he truly sees Y/N, and a slow burn that builds genuine intimacy. The anticipation is part of the pleasure.

Sex with Elijah is an experience in controlled passion. He’s attentive to Y/N’s desires, always prioritizing pleasure. Think slow, deliberate movements, heated whispers, and the feeling of being utterly cherished.

Y/N's magic subtly enhances their intimate moments. Sometimes, the air crackles with barely contained energy, a silent hum of power that intensifies the connection between them. Other times, it's a gentle warmth that spreads through their bodies, heightening sensitivity.

When Y/N’s magic flares, Elijah finds it incredibly arousing. The raw, untamed power is a stark contrast to his own carefully cultivated composure.

Arguments with Elijah are rare, but when they happen, they are intense. He's a master of words, and he knows how to cut deep. However, he always strives for resolution, never letting anger fester. Apologies are sincere, often accompanied by a heartfelt promise to do better.

Elijah finds immense peace in watching Y/N practice magic. The focused concentration on Y/N's face, the subtle shifts in the air, it soothes something deep within him, a welcome contrast to the chaos of his life.

He collects antique spell books and ingredients as gifts for Y/N

Kol

He steals Y/N's spell books. Not to use them properly, of course. Just to dramatically flip through them while lounging around, occasionally mispronouncing incantations and earning exasperated sighs and fond eye rolls.

Kol definitely encourages Y/N to use his magic for petty revenge.

If Y/N is feeling drained after a particularly taxing spell, Kol is surprisingly gentle.

He loves gifting Y/N rare and unusual ingredients for his spells.

He fiercely protects Y/N from any and all supernatural threats. While Y/N can certainly handle himself, Kol takes a possessive pride in being his protector. Woe betide anyone who tries to harm him.

Kol has a whole collection of nicknames for Y/N, ranging from the affectionate (like "my spellbinder") to the teasing ("my little warlock") depending on his mood.

He's not above using his vampire speed to steal kisses when Y/N is engrossed in his spell work. It always earns a flustered but fond response.

Sex with Kol is a volatile mix of passion, possessiveness, and exploration. He loves to push boundaries, test limits, and leave Y/N breathless and begging for more. It’s a power play that they both revel in.

He's secretly pleased when Y/N uses his magic to defend him

[darkroom-fanzine]

[And the curtain opens...!]

[Image Description: a black and white banner gif showing Siffrin from In Stars And Time as he wanders through the third floor of the House. He is posed in the center of the image, faced to his left (viewer's right) as if moving in that direction. Behind him are four trailing repetitions of his image, each one losing opacity as they get further away, with a final fifth one having its values inverted, appearing instead as Mal Du Pays. Floating around them are six polaroid photographs, the first covering up the right half of Siffrin's face, showing instead a values inversion of it within its borders, their expression blank. Beyond that in order from closest to Siffrin to farthest away, the polaroids show Mirabelle, Isabeau, Odile, Bonnie, and one that is indistinguishable, all members of the party with their faces distorted out, while the last one is distorted beyond a potential for recognition. On the other side of Siffrin, to his left, is a flash-like burst evocative of a camera flash or a star (much like Loop's head), partially hidden over by Siffrin's shadow. Around the brick walls in the background and partially growing over the bottom left of the foreground can be seen the King's hair, and in the bottom right is text reading: "Darkroom | an ISAT Fanzine". The entire thing has been animated to look as if the lines around Siffrin, their shadows, and all the distortions over the polaroids are boiling, while light shines off from around the flash/star. End ID.]

[Hello, stardust~! How can I help you on this wonderful new loop?]

Welcome, everyone! This is the blog for the upcoming project, "Darkroom: an ISAT Fanzine". We are excited to finally announce our beginnings, and hope you will stick around to see what it is we have to offer!

Firstly, let us introduce ourselves. The mod team for this fanzine comprises of myself (@actingwithportals), as well as @voidedtea, @publiccmenace, @astrangeavenue, @sundimus, and @plasticteabag. Between the six of us, we have experience as leads, co-leads, moderators, and contributors on four individual fanzine projects, and are all excited to begin work on something new!

Now, let's get to the fun part, shall we?

[Darkroom: Negative Space, Long Exposure, Afterimage.]

The theming for this fanzine centers around the idea of distortions, how they obscure what we see and perceive, and how they can bring to light an entirely new perspective hidden behind the more easily comprehensible. In Stars And Time shows us throughout Siffrin's loops how the order of a carefully curated script can bring about a chaotic mental state, and how the chaotic breaking down of these self-imposed walls can bring about the order of accepting vulnerability.

Change is often destruction, and in the midst of that destruction can be found something beautiful, something to live for. This is the idea we hope to present through this fanzine.

[Fanzine Content.]

The Darkroom Fanzine will be a multi-media culmination of fanworks created by fans, for fans, and available for free download on Itch.io. Creations can vary anywhere from art, to writing, to music, to essays, to crafts, to whatever you can think of that you would like to see included in this project!

The only restrictions we will be enforcing is content that lies outside of the existing rating for the game, meaning no 18+ subject material.

However new you are to your Craft—whether it be writing, art, edits, collages, or anything beyond—your skills are welcomed here. From beginners to professionals, all are encouraged to apply! Once we hit an internally agreed upper limit of participants, we will lock the sign-up form should that limit be reached before the end date of the sign-ups occurs.

[Interest Checks.]

To kick this off, we are opening an interest check form to gauge interest for this project. The form will remain open from January 23rd through February 22nd, upon which the following day (February 23rd) the sign-up form will go live.

[Curtain Call.]

Thank you all for taking the time to read this far, and if you have any further questions/inquiries/concerns about this project, our askbox is open! Relatedly, you can also shoot us an email at darkroom.fanzine@gmail.com.

INTEREST CHECK FORM HERE.

[See you under the Favor Tree soon, stardust~ ✨]

[daybrightsims]

Alright, they've lived in my brain too long; Time to air out my thoughts about the polyamory in BG3

To give a little context: I am currently ethically non-monogamous with my primary partner of almost 7 years. I am not a monolith of thought when it comes to polyamory/ENM/open relationships. These are my own personal thoughts and feelings. I've also completed the game with Astarion and Halsin romanced. Spoilers ahead, read at your own risk.

TL;DR - I don't share the current opinion of whether or not Astarion is okay with Tav pursuing Halsin and the discourse around his agency and choices in the relationship are bumming me out and frustrating me.

I am getting increasingly frustrated about the conversation about Astarion being polyamorous/okay with Tav being with Halsin in the game, primarily because I think a lot of the "think pieces" are coming from 1) monogamous people who have only ever been monogamous, 2) monogamous people who have been burned/cheated on/forced into polyamory by a partner (I feel for ya'll, that wasn't okay), 3) people who are very VERY protective of Astarion, and 4) people who are blatantly uncomfortable with polyamory. My goal is not to invalidate anyone's experiences, but to share an alternate perspective.

I do think that Astarion is not only okay, but happy with Tav dating Halsin. I glean this from how he responds to being poly with ANY OTHER companion. If you ask him to share with literally anyone else, he will say no and give his reason.

Gale: He doesn’t want to be in a love triangle (which with Gale, it would be).

Lae’zel: He’s uncomfortable and Lae’zel would kill him (also true).

Wyll: He knows Wyll is old fashioned and monogamous.

Karlach: He knows Karlach’s feelings for you are strong and he doesn’t want to stand in the way of that (he even says he’d be cool with an arrangement but knows Karlach will need all of your affection based on what she’s been through).

Shadowheart: He would be cool IF Shadowheart had more experience and ya’ll were together longer. But he knows Shadowheart is fragile in her current state.

Minthara: He REALLY doesn’t like this idea and will dump you immediately.

I did also see that ***SPOILER*** they updated or are updating some of the spawn Astarion language to have issues with your affair with Mizora should you pursue it, and it requires a persuasion/deception role to keep you two together.

Up to this point in your relationship with Astarion, he has become more comfortable voicing his opinions and concerns with you. He is learning to value his autonomy and his non-physical relationships. He will tell you when he doesn’t want to do something. In fact, he’ll break up with you over pushing his boundaries. He is fine with you pursuing the Drow twins and fine with you sleeping with Haarlep, even comforts you when Haarlep uses your form. So when he says he is okay with you pursuing Halsin, he means it. Yes, he voices his insecurity with you that you may be pursuing Halsin because you and he haven’t had sex in a while. But he acknowledges that Halsin has experience in this arrangement and doesn’t pose a threat to your relationship. Plus, if you kiss Halsin in front of him, he’ll say “don’t mind me, I’m just enjoying the show.”

To me, the idea that this is the ONE thing that Astarion doesn't have agency over in an arc of showing he can speak up for himself is you sleeping with Halsin is an idea that takes more agency from Astarion. He is a grown man. A 240 YEAR OLD man. That trauma he's endured does not mean he needs to be babied or coddled because he can't make his own choices. I think that's an unfair assumption to put on him that Halsin and Tav being together is the ONLY thing he can't enforce his boundaries on.

If he didn't want you to be with Halsin, he would say no like every other monogamous character in the game.

If you want a good example of someone saying yes just because they want to keep you, look at Karlach. You can tell she is HEARTBROKEN when you ask her, but she says “I don’t want to lose you”. That is not an enthusiastic participant in a polyamorous relationship. Astarion says “yeah, go for it! Just give me some reassurance”. Polyamory is not immune to insecurity. I've asked for reassurance in my own relationships and so has my primary partner. That’s not unenthusiastic. That’s realistic as shit. If you ask him about the relationship after you finish his questline, he doesn’t need reassurance because you’re having sex again. That’s also super realistic.

Am I sensitive to this as someone who practices ENM? Almost certainly. It's hard to see a lifestyle I live be villainized and claimed to be "forced" onto characters. I was actually really excited that I could pursue both Astarion and Halsin, and that Halsin places so much importance on consent and not misleading your partner. And it sucks SOO much to see one of my favorite characters be reduced to "oh, he's only doing it because he's afraid to lose Tav." It makes me almost feel bad for liking the interactions between them and enjoying to option. Do I think people mean to make me or other poly people feel bad? No.

But it does.

Headcanons are headcanons. I get it. People are absolutely allowed to interpret the poly aspect of BG3 how they want to. People are allowed to feel uncomfy with how it's portrayed and not pursue it. But it still bums a queer ENM Astarion and Halsin lover out.

Now excuse me whilst I live out my Astarion x Halsin x Tav polycule fantasies in the form of fanfiction.

[simonsacryptid]

When Grian won, he didn't know what to expect. In all honesty, the only thoughts he was having was about how he had betrayed his loved one. He didn't even register that his feet left the ground until he landed on a cold marble floor, covered by red sand stained with his betrayal. It took him even longer to sit up and see anything through his tears. His surroundings were cold, colder than the dessert at night. And then he saw it. The glass panes made a picture infront of him—a picture of him—staring back with cold, sad eyes.

And then he woke up. Hermitcraft season 8; a fresh new start.

And there was Scar. Oh, oh Scar. He didn't remember a thing. Why would he, when the watchers were involved? Why would anyone have to suffer the guilt of the game��wandering a palace built as a reminder of what he had done every night instead of dreaming—but the winner of the experiment he created?

He couldn't bare sharing the truth.

---

It wasn't even a year before Grian was pulled into another game. Maybe this time he wouldn't have to suffer. Maybe this time he could make the betrayals hurt less.

But no, no. He doesn't get anything happy does he? At least he was no longer alone in the castle. He watched as the new window formed in front of his eyes, stars shining in the void behind it. Of course the pose of Scott payed homage to the fact that he kept his promises until the end. Of course it did.

He watched as Scott came to the same realizations he did, went through the same stages of grief. The two didn't get along at first, either. Scott slowly regained memories of 3rd Life from the library with everyone's perspectives on what happened.

The Sun and the Star refused to acknowledge their differences.

---

For the games following, the Watchers gave Grian breaks from the castle. Being one of them in the Games meant that he could provide insight on their new twists; what would and wouldn't work. How did they repay him, of course? By forcing him to team with the one person he still felt guilt over.

He was actually quite amused at how Pearl had won. It was quite fun, actually, watching her and Scott bicker for what felt like eons until she regained her memories of Last Life and his loyalty there. There was still tension, sure, but they stopped fighting over time.

As for Grian, seeing Pearl during the day on Hermitcraft was awkward, especially since she now knew the guilt he carried. And then Grian tried tampering with the Watchers and they brought him to Scott and just—ugh. It was all very awkward.

Still, he would test their new experiments every so often during his "slumber". He could tell they were getting blood thirsty.

---

This time Grian had to wait for the others, because of course, like always, he was the first one out. The same way Jimmy and Joel had gone, too. He was starting to think it was a curse at this point.

First it was Pearl who came back, unsure of what was going to happen and no clue on who was going to win.

Then Scott came back. Just in time for the new window to appear.

It was Martyn—except his picture was different. It lacked the focus on his eyes that the others had. In fact, he was covering his eyes.

Grian knew immidietly what this meant.

---

At this point, Grian felt as if the new games were based on the winners beforehand. They couldn't control Martyn like they'd wanted to, as he was a listener, so they were going to do it a different way. (Martyn still found a way to defy this.. but thats a different story.)

Pearl was the last one back this time, excitedly waiting for the new winner. She was second to last, after all, they must be coming soon.

They had all gathered around where the new window was to be, eventually having grown fond of eachother and bonding over their shared pain. Sure, there was tension. It was impossible to take back the past, but they could accept it.

Then the window started to form. Odd. The winner hadn't shown up yet. Slowly, features started to form. A cloak. A hat blocking the face of the player. Poppies and lilacs scattered across their outfit. Sunflowers.

Grian's heart dropped.

---

Grian was absent from the castle more often after that. He said that it was because the Watchers had big plans for the news couple of games, but that was only half the truth. He stayed up most nights, being himself in work and projects, avoiding Scar. He didn't know if he could face him, or what would happen if the Earth suddenly decided that planting sunflowers wasn't enough for him and he didn't want to be lonely anymore. Because where else would Scar be going during his slumber? Not the castle, yet. Not like the other winners who had ended their own seasons. He just didn't know how to cope with the thought that any of these days Scar could appear and learn about all of the awful things Grian did to him.

Cleo helped, sometimes. Because her won was only from a spin off, she wasn't always at the castle. She still suffered from the other seasons, but only had happy memories from Real Life. She was only around once or twice a week unlike the other winners who were there every time they slept.

Cleo took care of them all like a mother, especially Grian as she could see he was in pain for the longest and beared the most guilt.

The castle started to feel more like a home with her around. A depressingly comforting home.

---

Grian screamed in anger when he made it back to the castle the most recent time. He knew all of the twists; he literally put them together himself. He was so close to that win, too. Maybe he could make up for all of his guilt if he wasn't so bad at the game.

He tapped his foot agressively as the new window came in and the new winner arrived. Even in his angered state, though, he could tell that Joel had a different atmosphere around him than the rest of them did.

For starters, his window was smiling. A genuine smile, one of pride. Joel carried himself taller than the rest of them, too. He didn't feel guilty for anything; didn't have any betrayals he needed to repent for. Sure, he grieved his wife and team mate, but he could return to them easily by just.. waking up.

He won by playing Mr. Nice Guy.

Joel didn't exactly fit in with the other winners in that way. They were all different in the castle than they were during the day, too. More depressed, and drowsey. They just had darker atmospheres. Joel? Joel shone like a comet in the night sky. He was quick and witty, and frankly, he was just overall happy to be there.

Grian had no idea what this meant for the future of the games, but he knew it couldn't be good for them.

———

Notes:

This au is like really not fleshed out except for the drawings that i have (and will post soon if there's any interest in this au), but I've been hyperfixating on this idea ever since Joel won so...

Also I have no idea what I'm gonna do with Martyn at this point bc on one hand, having him just not show up is fun bc listeners, but also I think the watchers took him at the end of Lim!Life? I dunno, I watched his POV ages ago

Anyways I'm not a writer so if there is any interest in this either I'll post some rambles and hcs as i think of them or idk maybe someone wants to write this with me and I'll provide drawings xjsjdhjs

[ctrldivinev]

Unexposed

Pairing: Jiyong x Reader (y/n)

Summary: You get the opportunity to be the lead photographer for G-Dragon’s next editorial shoot. What you thought would be a typical day at your job, blossoms into something more. 

A/N: this is my first fic ever. i have been cooking this one for a few weeks since the vogue photoshoot. so hopefully i did jiyong justice :')

Warnings: sorry it’s gonna be a SLOOOOWWWW BURNNNNNN. also probs horribly planned photoshoot logistics. also probs weird writing. also mostly awkward yet fluffy flirty behavior. anyways.

— 

You’re not necessarily new to working with celebrities. In fact, many A-Listers seek out your work since you’ve been deemed as the best editorial photographer in Seoul, something you worked very hard towards since you decided to pursue a creative path after working a dead end desk job that made you question your own worth and sanity. You always had photography to lean back on, as a way to escape from the stressors in your life. It was your way of seeing a new perspective of the world around you, and helped you bring the visions you had in your head to life. It was scary to take the leap into this new world, as you were unsure if it was a good idea to turn your hobby into a career. But once you did, you felt free and like you were your authentic self, finally. Expressing your creativity with your camera was what brought you the most peace and joy, and you felt honored to have the career you have now, where you can capture and share your creativity with others. 

You were grateful you got to work with so many talented individuals in the industry, but when your boss told you you’d be the lead photographer for G-Dragon’s (yes, THE G-Dragon) next editorial photoshoot, you felt a wave of shock and uneasiness move through your body. You hadn’t worked with him before, never even met him, so why the hell were you feeling like this all of a sudden? A part of you knows he’s just another celebrity, but then there’s the other part that also realizes HE IS the celebrity everyone aspires to be. His creativity, fashion, and music has shaped the music industry into what it is today, and it’s no doubt that his presence can be felt everywhere. 

You snapped yourself out of all your thoughts, concluding that these feelings was just your imposter syndrome creeping in. 

— 

You had stayed up late the past few nights prepping for this shoot. Lots of mood boards filled with themes, colors, outfits, and poses that you had in mind plastered all over your desktop. You had hopped on a few calls with his team to brainstorm ideas. This was a big moment for him and his team it seemed like, since this was his first editorial appearance that coincided with his comeback after 7 years. After much back and forth, you and his team decided that the theme of the shoot would be Transformation, something you had pitched to them from a place of experience of going through your own version of it. You weren’t sure if it was the delusions in your head, but you had an inkling that G-Dragon had also gone on a similar path to you as well, so it felt fitting to have this be the theme to celebrate his appearance. Kind of like a phoenix rising from the ashes. 

’Maybe that’s why I feel nervous…’ you think to yourself as you start your commute to the shoot location for the day, a random warehouse. You wanted to get there early to scope out the area, and mentally prepare for the long day ahead. It was gonna be hectic with all the outfit and set changes, so you thought it was a smart move to settle in early at the warehouse so you can clear your mind so you can confidently work your magic behind the camera. 

You walk into the building with all your camera gear, thinking that you were the only person here.  But as you look around, you notice a tall and slender figure from a distance, hanging out in what looks to be the dressing room. You walk towards the room, praying that it’s not some serial killer plotting to lure you in then kill you. What a tragic way to go out honestly.. I might need to stop listening to True Crime podcasts before bed. As you walk towards the room, you notice the sun peeking in from the windows above, shining down on this unfamiliar figure. It was almost like a scene in a movie, where the character walks towards the golden ticket. The warehouse was still pretty empty, so the only noise you could hear was the slight wind blowing against the window. Shaking your nerves away, you quietly enter the room and start making your way towards the mysterious person. 

‘Hi! I didn’t think anyone else would be here this earl— oh shit’ you realized who was standing in front of you. ‘Oh gosh, hi.’ Ah shit, why were you blushing all of a sudden… 

‘Oh hey, I didn’t think you’d be the first one here.’ He says. ‘Y/n right?’ You nod your head. Here you were, standing in front of G-Dragon himself. He was holding a cup of coffee in one hand, while also holding one of the mood boards you made in the other, studying pretty intently before you had walked in.  You had thought you’d be more of a nervous wreck interacting with him, but you felt more at ease than ever. Calm even. 

‘I’m excited for this shoot today, y/n. I’ve always admired your work. Even looking at these mood boards, I can tell how much thought and care you put into your photography.’ He says before taking a sip of his coffee. You smile and bow your head a bit, hoping he didn’t see how flushed your cheeks were getting. 

‘That’s very kind, thank you. It’s truly an honor to get to work with you today, GD’ 

‘You can just call me Jiyong. No need to be proper with me,’. Jiyong. Suddenly you felt your heart rate pick up a bit, while also questioning why, out of anyone, he’d allow someone like you to call him by his first name. 

You shook your thoughts away, as you remembered he was still standing in front of you. ’Jiyong, thank you. I appreciate the kind words, truly.’ Not wanting to interrupt your setup time, he lets you get to preparing for the day. 

The room stays silent for a bit as you try to get all your equipment ready before everyone else arrives. Jiyong is sitting at the end of the table, still studying the mood boards you had made for today. He’d glance up at you once in awhile, observing what you were doing. Every time he did, his heart would beat a little faster. Strange feeling, huh. Before he could shake the feelings off, he notices the camera in your hand, peaking his interest even more. 

‘Oh, you shoot film too?’ He walks towards you, pointing at your most prized possession in your hand — your medium format film camera you inherited from your aunt. The person and item that really fueled your passion for photography. 

‘Oh yeah, I love shooting on film. I’d say I prefer it over digital’ you say shyly. You hold it up proudly to show him, ’I was thinking we could grab a couple of shots on this ancient thing. We don’t have to use these shots for the magazine obviously, but I think it would be fun to play around with it today.’ 

‘I hope you remember to develop them though. Because this is such a brilliant idea.’ He exclaims, as he starts ruffling with his pink hair. ‘I knew I picked the right photographer for this. I had a feeling that this was meant to be in some way.’ 

You froze at his statement. Meant to be? you repeated the last part over and over. You were unsure of how to even reply. Did he really mean it, or was he just being nice and charming? Or both? 

‘Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to develop them. You just won’t know when,’ you jokingly say. Aish, was that the best you could do? 

Fidgeting a little bit, he tries to come up with a witty response to your lighthearted joke, but his thoughts are interrupted due to the sounds of hurried footsteps and slamming doors. Shoot day has begun. Without thinking, you take a quick photo of him lost in his thoughts, “Let’s have some fun today, yea?”  

— 

The photoshoot was smooth-sailing, with barely any hiccups besides maybe a few makeup and wardrobe errors. Despite those minuscule moments, everyone was chirpy and impressed at how you were working. The way you commanded the space, the way Jiyong followed your lead during the shoot had everyone in awe. 

‘Y/N really is amazing at their craft.. maybe a God even’ ‘I’ve never seen someone work so hard until seeing Y/N today. Phenomenal work honestly’ his team would murmur in the background. 

‘Alright, that’s a wrap for today!’ you yell as you take the last shot of Jiyong, who was sitting on a swing in front of an orange background, wearing a very clean and sparkly Chanel ensemble. Only he would be able to pull this off. You walk over to him, give him a little tap on his shoulder, and show him the photos you had taken for the past few hours. When he leans in a little closer to look at the photos, you could feel heat rush to your cheeks. He’s not even touching you in any way, but the way you feel like you could melt as he smiles and shows admiration for your vision. There was something so special about this moment, and this feeling that you had around him was just … 

‘These are great, y/n! But…what about the film photos? You have to get a better shot of me than that candid shot you got this morning’ his tone had a slight playfulness, but mostly seriousness. How could you forget about that candid you took this morning on your favorite camera in the world… that Jiyong was also interested in. 

‘But you lost in thought is soooo on brand for you though.’ You joke as you lightly nudge his shoulder a little bit. He chuckled, getting a little shy at your comment. Is Kwon Jiyong getting shy around me? ‘How about we do some personality shots on the film camera? You’ve been in G-Dragon mode all day today. I’d like to capture some moments of you being you, Jiyong.’ You suggest breaking the tension between the both of you, although you’re starting to very much enjoy whatever was happening during this moment. 

Shocked, he looks at you with such deep sincerity and smiles, ’No one’s ever suggested that before. I’m down for that.’ He stands up and gives you a quick side hug, something you both didn’t expect and leaves you both a little flustered, but there’s a part of you that wishes he would do that again. ‘Aish I’m sorry I didn’t know what came over me.’ 

‘Don’t be. It didn’t bother me at all.’ You reassured, as you leaned in closer to him, beaming a warm smile. ‘Let’s let everyone know that we’re gonna take some film photos, yea?’ 

‘How about…we let them focus on cleaning up? I’d like it to just be the both of us only, if that’s ok’ 

‘What about the outfits? Make up?’ 

‘You said you wanted to capture Jiyong, not G-Dragon. I don’t always need to be dressed up’ he exclaims, as he starts making the way to the rack of clothes, pulling out his favorite knit sweater and a pair of jeans. ‘Now this is a Jiyong outfit. Plus a beanie because it’s cold right now. This can be my outfit for this part of the shoot yea?’ 

It hit you in the moment that this was indeed, Kwon Jiyong. The fact that he felt so comfortable showing this side of him — this softer, more gentler side of him that he rarely gets to show in the public eye, made you feel warm and fuzzy. Your curiosity was getting the best of you, as you’re now eager to understand him more. But you were also hesitant to do so, as you also felt unsure why he felt so comfortable with you all of a sudden. 

‘Y/n? Everything good?’ 

‘Jiyong, I have to ask.. Why do you want it to be us two only? Don’t you need your team to help you with anything too?’ 

‘I just… feel like I want to spend time with you away from everyone. There’s something pulling me towards you, as weird as that sounds.’ Your eyes widen before breaking out into a small smile. ‘You have a presence that I’m curious about, Y/N.’ 

As much as you wanted to drop everything you were doing and run away with him (or maybe you wanted to run away in general because this was a lot for you to process), you were reminded that you were still working, on set, and that if your manager found out about this interaction that he’d probably talk your ear off about unprofessional this all was. You reminded yourself of this and refocused your energy on getting back to the task at hand. 

‘Okay that’s very sweet of you, but logistics wise – how should I send these photos to you? Should I deliver these to your team?’ you were trying to be as professional as possible after Jiyong basically confessed he was intrigued by you. This was your way of avoiding your emotions that could explode at any moment. This man is making my job hard today, but I’m kinda up for this challenge. 

‘Well… you could share it with me when I take you out to dinner? How does that sound?’ you look at him with wide eyes.  The nerve of this man honestly. There was no way you could keep this professional anymore. Not when Jiyong was smirking at you, anxiously waiting for your response to his offer. 

You blink once, maybe twice, and you feel heat rush to your cheeks before responding to him. ‘Kwon Jiyong, are you asking me out on a date… while on set?’ 

‘Yea, there’s no problem with that. I’m G-Dragon after all’ he winks at you before taking your camera out of your hand. ’Now smile!’ He runs away with the camera, taking random pictures of himself, the set, and of you. 

‘YA! That thing is expensive and PRECIOUS!!!!’ you say as you run after him.

Professionalism wasn’t really in the picture anymore, because you knew that this was the beginning of a new chapter for you both. A special chapter – one that you never really expected, one that you definitely didn’t want to get out of. You knew this chapter that you were stepping into with Jiyong, was going to be a transformative one to say the least. But hey, some of the best photos you’ve captured come from special moments like these, anyways. 

— 

hope y'all enjoyed!! ♡

i might write an epilogue for this... maybe

[o0o0thorn0o0o]

A couple of proper winter-themed pieces to wrap up what I drew before March. Perhaps I’ll get something traditional between now and April—it’s looking pretty unlikely, but who knows. ‘Til then, no more digital stuff.

Inspired, as you can see, by my birthday posts for them last year (well, for Orihime and Ichigo… just ignore the date for Zangetsu’s, pfft). They’re just really good outfits, eheh. I want to draw them (+ others) more; I really should).

But yeah, even though it’s almost been two months now, I still can’t get over the fact it snowed in Florida, in my very own county, so I felt it would definitely be a crime if I didn’t post something snow-related (I mean, it’s already a crime for winter-loving me, but more so I mean, haha). And since those outfits very much inspire warmth, seemed like a good matchup. I was thinking initially to draw and color them the same way I did the birthday pieces ‘cause it’s fun and pretty to me, but then I immediately had the thought of coloring them in my palette, so yee.

Alas, it seems this breaks the tradition of me drawing Zangetsu in that one outfit and then expanding upon it (wasn’t even a tradition, only two posts, but let me be wistful, haha).

Also, pretty please ignore the perspective in his piece, eheh. It was the last one I got done, and I was rushing, and I’m not that good with that kinda posing/foreshortening or whatever rn anyway. Looks decent enough, so I’m fine with it 👍

Not much else to say other than the fact I mentioned I had some Bleach sketches done earlier? These weren’t the ones I was referring to; they feel too incomplete to post rn, so, yeah, saving them for another day.

‘Cept this Hime:

Drew her to try and experiment with shading and highlighting (because when am I ever satisfied for long with the way I do it 🫠). I didn’t get very far and just abandoned it, but I did think she came out rather pretty. So have it regardless. Would feel it’d be waste just for it to collect dust.

[mysticstronomy]

DID TIME ALWAYS EXIST??

Blog#519

Saturday, July 5th, 2025,

Welcome back,

In a philosophical sense, we’re taught to doubt and question everything. Even the reality of ourselves and our own experiences are up for debate, as we have to make certain assumptions about how trustworthy our sensors — and our own senses, for that matter — actually are in order to arrive at any satisfactory conclusions. Sure, certain things might appear real, but isn’t it possible that those appearances are deceiving, and that quantities or concepts that we take for granted might be nothing more than very convincing illusions?

From a physical, scientific perspective, however, these sorts of questions take on a different meaning. We’ve learned lots of surprising and counterintuitive lessons from our investigations of time. Time is relative, not absolute. Time always marches forward, not backward, but we still lack an explanation for the arrow of time. Thermodynamically, the Universe has an arrow of time, which “flows” in the same direction as increasing entropy. And when we investigate the Universe on a fundamental level, it turns out that time may not be fundamental at all.

But existence itself? It’s very, very difficult to take that property away from time and to still wind up with a Universe consistent with what we observe. Here’s why.

When it comes to the question of existence, physics is very simple and straightforward about what it considers to be a satisfactory answer.

Can you measure it?

Can you quantify it?

Can you define it in a mathematically self-consistent way?

Is it, itself, an observable quantity, and do other observables depend on it in an inextricable way?

If your answers to these questions are all in the affirmative, there’s no way out of it: you’ve got yourself a quantity that exists.

The reason why is simple: as far as reality goes, “what is real” are those things that themselves are measurable, observable, quantifiable, and not pathological. In layperson’s terms, pathological is what happens when you pose a reasonable question to the Universe and you get inconsistent nonsense back.

There are plenty of questions that do yield pathological behavior, and in those instances, the pathologies indicate to us that we have further work to do. “What happens at a black hole’s central singularity?” “What happens to quantum fluctuations on length scales smaller than the Planck length?” “What happens when a mass travels through the spacetime that is distorted by the presence of that mass itself?” These are all questions that, at present, are as pathological as dividing by zero.

You might think, then, that perhaps time itself is pathological. Sure, we can measure it, quantify it, and even observe both its passing and the consequences of its passing. But shouldn’t it matter that your measurements of “how much time has passed” between the start and end of an event depends entirely on where you are and how you’re moving when you’re making those observations?

Originally published on https://bigthink.com

COMING UP!!

(Wednesday, July 9th, 2025)

"WHAT IS THE UNIVERSE MADE OFF??"

[thighsa]

What kind of porn would Isa make?

SOLO

1. Lewd dance videos:

Isa performs provocative choreography in skimpy outfits, highlighting her assets and enticing viewers with suggestive hip swivels and pelvic thrusts.

2. Softcore photo shoots:

She models lingerie and bikinis, posing seductively to emphasize her voluptuous curves. The focus is on aesthetic appeal rather than hardcore sexuality.

3. Amateur solo scenes:

Isa films herself engaging in intimate activities, such as masturbating or giving herself oral pleasure, often while wearing revealing clothing or nothing at all. These clips aim to capture an authentic, private experience.

Sex (Intercourse)

1. Themed POV Scenes:

In this type of content, Isa takes center stage, guiding viewers through her sexual experiences from a first-person perspective. Each video would have its own unique theme, setting, or narrative, adding variety and storytelling depth to the footage.

- "The Audition": Isa prepares for a hypothetical audition, stripping down and getting intimate with a mysterious client who evaluates her performance.

- "The Fan Encounter": Isa meets a devoted fan who has traveled far to spend time with her. Their encounter evolves into a steamy, consensual hookup.

- "The Secret Affair": Isa engages in a clandestine romance with someone from her inner circle, capturing the thrill and risk of their illicit trysts."

2. Anal Exploration:

For Isa's anal-themed content, she would likely start with gentle, teasing introductions to the concept, gradually escalating to more intense experiences. This could unfold across multiple videos, allowing her to document her personal growth and comfort level with anal play.

- "Anal Awakening": Isa discovers the pleasures of anal stimulation during a massage session, leading her to experiment further with toys and partners.

- "Anal Sex Debut": For Isa's anal sex debut, she would likely choose a scenario that emphasizes intimacy, trust, and mutual pleasure. Given her K-pop background, the production values would be high, with careful attention to lighting, sound, and camerawork.

- "Fantasy Fulfillment": Isa enacts a fantasy scenario where she's a submissive maid servicing her wealthy employer."

- "Toy Play & Teasing": Isa explores different toys, learning to insert them safely into her anus and enjoy the sensations they provide. She may also incorporate teasing and denial elements, building anticipation before finally taking a toy inside."

3. Collaborative Group Scenes:

For a high-concept, boundary-pushing project, Isa works closely with the director, PD, and other company staff members to create an intricate, multi-part series featuring herself and fellow idols engaging in various forms of consensual group sex.

- "Behind the Scenes": The idols find themselves stranded together at a remote location after a cancelled photoshoot. As tensions rise and inhibitions lower, they begin to explore each other physically, creating a web of connections and power dynamics that blur the lines between friendship, lust, and exploitation.

- "Rehearsal Rituals": During an intense rehearsal period for an upcoming concert, the girls discover that their strict regimen leaves little room for personal fulfillment. They start to secretly indulge in each other's bodies as a way to cope with stress and build camaraderie, eventually embracing a shared, ritualistic approach to group sex as a form of catharsis and bonding.

- "Secret Society": Isa and her closest friends in the industry form a secret society dedicated to pushing the boundaries of sexuality and artistic expression. Through a series of elaborate, themed orgies, they explore dark fantasies, test limits, and create provocative content that serves as both a form of rebellion against the industry's constraints and a testament to their unbreakable bond.