#one has to resort to brute force methods

[iridescentis]

i have purchased 12 pack energy drink it arrives tomorrow we about to WRITE WRITE

[goldenstring6123]

Lnds: Fighting with them

Warning: ANGST NO COMFORT! Arguing, fighting & toxic responses to a fight. Self insert. Reader may or may not be the MC

Author's note: Here's my take on getting into fights with your LNDS boyfriend— realistic responses edition! some of you may not like this, be warned.

Fighting with Zayne:

He is a professional, and his method is simply de-escalation. Dealing with so many types of patients, he knows how to handle things from children fighting to burly men wanting to pack a punch. He talks out of conflict or stalls them long enough until security gets to where he is; this happens inside and outside the hospital. During this incident, though he appears cool-headed, he is also aggravated. A keen observer would notice the ghostly frown on his face and his mildly defensive stance.

With you, he's more lenient. More gentle and more understanding. Utilizing a more empathic approach to your conflict. He never raises his voice or shows an ounce of hostility. Zayne would most definitely be more comforting. He is quick to apologize by verbal words or sweet actions.

When push comes to shove and you somehow manage to get on his nerves, which happens once in a blue moon, he'll either:

Scenario 1: He'll stop talking or looking at you for hours. He'll try to calm himself down and stare off into the distance, recalling whatever got him on his nerves. He'll try to find a solution or workaround and meet you halfway. Of course, he'll demand an apology from you if he rightfully deserves it, and if not, he's more than willing to give you an apology instead.

Scenario 2: He'll ask you to leave his house to cool off both of your heads. He'll bury himself in his workload, turning off his phone. When you confront him, he won't speak first, asking if you need something from him. He won't apologize or meet you halfway with his words; in fact, he won't be gentle with them; he'll convey his feelings and messages to you more frankly to the point that it is harsh. His words are somewhat calculated, as if he had already planned what to say, but that would mean he won't let you slip a word in.

By then, the anger within you has already been extinguished. At the end of any scenario, Zayne is the last to apologize for being angry. Still, he states his anger has a reason and that he cares for you and his well-being.

Fighting with Xavier:

When you manage to annoy him, he pouts, still acting cutesy on purpose. He does this more often than anyone could imagine because, in this way, he can demand consolation in the form of baking pastries/desserts or kisses.

When things get hot between the two of you, he'll ignore you for a short amount of time, refraining from entering the same room as you because you know neither of you would give in to the argument, So it was better for you to both calm your minds down, even just for 5 minutes.

When all things go in the wrong direction, Xavier's the type to fuss, complain, and just generally become verbal. He never swears and raises his voice per se but heavily pushes the side of the argument onto you, whether you were wrong or right. Sometimes, he fails to understand your side of the conflict, and sometimes, he flat-out ignores it and acts all childish, turning a deaf ear.

He's capable of not talking to you for days, and he makes it more apparent that he's avoiding you by requesting to switch partners. And when this happens, most of the time, it's you who makes the move to apologize. But on bad topics, it doesn't end there. He still insists on his side of the fight. All while speaking and arguing, he tries to get close to you in an attempt to hold your hand, but you always push him away. You

One time, he got too close to you to make you understand, pressing you against the wall and holding your hand a bit too tightly, and out of sheer anger and fear, you resorted to brute force, slapping him across the face. This took him back to reality and, with it, took his anger as well, exchanging it for grief. Only then did he realize that he messed up in more ways than he could think.

Fighting with Rafayel:

Rafael is the hardest to deal with when angered. He's sensitive and quick to be influenced by emotions. Though people call him a "drama queen," Rafayel becomes a real pain in the neck when people get on his nerves. If he doesn't get what he wants, he'll make sure that the other party loses more than him, and he does that thanks to his network and his money. This seldom happens as He doesn't work with anyone in broad daylight. He locks himself in the studio; only Thomas usually talks to him.

At most, he gets into conflicts with cats.

It's a different thing when he makes shady transactions, though. When he's made into a fool, those people are dealt with by his hired men. Assassinations, theft, blackmail, whatever makes the other party beg on their knees.

With you, though, it's a whole other story.

Conflicts with Rafael are, unfortunately, toxic; He's easy to provoke and quick to retort. It's a gamble when you're with him. On some better days, you can get away with a conflict through an apology and dinner, or better yet, he concedes, and you can have your way.

It doesn't take a genius to know that this will escalate into a shouting match on bad days. Banters, insults, and harsh words are thrown at each other without pause, and it only stops when either of you walks out. It was a mindless conflict led by sheer anger, plus his pettiness and your annoyance. He makes himself look like the victim and points out your flaws more and how you failed to be understanding; conflicts with him end up with tears and devoid of an apology. Neither of you ever even remembered what you were fighting back.

When he has no strength to fight with you, he goes silent. He locks his home and only contacts you for a short period. He vents his anger on his paintings, to which Thomas immediately tells him to take a break and apologize to you. He doesn't, and it's not until a week later that he contacts you again.

Fighting with Sylus:

He's patient but, at the same time, impatient.

When something is amiss, or someone fails to do their task, rather than bother to be angry or inconvenienced, he'd eliminate the cause of that problem. It saves him from emotional exhaustion.

When in conflict with other people, you best place your bet on him being the aggrevator. He's more of the person to start conflicts than be on the receiving end. If there is one thing to know about him when he starts one, he finishes it, leading the other party on their knees, running away or six feet under.

Sylus is a big man who holds himself to his ego, so people tend to be weary when approaching him. Burly, prideful men are eager to fight him, and they somehow get a taste of their own medicine, praying they end up alive after this fight.

With you, however, it's a different story. Conflicts between you and Sylus are primarily caused by too much bickering and you taking his words to heart. Sometimes, he lets his tongue slip too much in amusement. A quick cold shoulder treatment and you blocking his chat is the way for him to show a gram of remorse. Despite being terrifying, he's pretty good at consoling and apologizing.

But when you start to get on his nerves, you're in a tight situation. He doesn't treat you like a partner; he treats you like some sort of business partner, spewing harsh facts with a tinge of insult. He doesn't let you slip a word in; if you manage to, he'll always have something to say again. He raises his voice slightly, asks rhetorical questions, and makes you look foolish. All the while, he looks like he still has his composure. He acts as if he's not your lover, creating a clear boundary between your relationship, and more often than you'd like to admit, this, too, got on your nerves. He never makes a move on you, neither does he curse or do anything terrible. He just sits there all arrogant, as if he always has the upper hand with your emotions.

But there was one particular fight where you're the one who's fuming red with pure, dry anger. You scream at Sylus, reprimanding and scornful, sometimes lunging a few soft items his way, which he catches, yet he never does anything. He stays in his place, but he is undeniably infuriated as well, only this time, he's silent. He lets you go off, not responding to your rhetorical questions and all the words you hurl his way, and when you are finally done speaking, he tells you to leave, grabbing you by your arm and throwing you out of his house.

He hasn't contacted you for a month, and you have been forbidden from going anywhere near the N109 zone. You thought it was the end of whatever you guys had. You sent your break-up message, and to your surprise, he's seen it yet— there was never a response.

That night, you wake up in his bed and in his grasp.

Author footnotes: I know this isn't the romantic type of lnds post but once in a while I want to make their relationships realistic, like, try to apply how people in real life would act.Layout by me, using canva premium | Do not repost | Dividers by cafekitsune MASTER LIST | Buy me a thread?

[okkanai]

> ALL ABOUT ' THE FINAL ORDER ' . . .

adrian’s organization isn’t just another crime family — it’s a meticulously designed empire, built from the shadows with strategy & control at its core. rather than relying on brute force, adrian’s syndicate operates through influence, manipulation, & an intricate web of alliances. it’s less of a traditional mafia & more of a machine — one that moves unseen but dictates the pulse of the underworld.

the final order is feared not for its brutality, but for its precision. enemies don’t just disappear ; they are systematically erased — financially ruined, socially dismantled, or left with no choice but to serve. those who try to betray the syndicate often find that their downfall was planned months in advance. the syndicate’s core principle is simple : " control is power. " violence is a last resort, & chaos is the enemy. everything must be orchestrated.

RECRUITMENT METHODS . . .

the final order does not accept volunteers. potential recruits are scouted, observed, & tested long before they are even approached. before being allowed into the syndicate, recruits are put through customized trials based on their background, skills, & psychological profile. these trials are not just about combat — they test intelligence, adaptability, loyalty, & the ability to operate in absolute secrecy. failure is not tolerated. a final act of loyalty is required — something irreversible that binds them permanently to the syndicate. this could be a sacrifice, an execution, or an action that ensures they can never return to their old life.

all new recruits go through a period where their identity is stripped from them. no names, no pasts, no connections. during this phase, they are given assignments that require them to act without question, proving they can exist as nothing but a tool of the organization before earning their place. once accepted, members are not given titles or flashy ranks. they are ghosts, moving through the world with power but without recognition. only a handful ever get to meet who runs the final order, & even fewer live long enough to betray it.

HIERARCHY & ROLES WITHIN . . .

unlike traditional crime families with clear ranks, the final order functions as a decentralized yet structured entity. members are assigned roles based on skill, trust, & adaptability rather than status. there are no titles that can be traced back to adrian ; instead, roles operate like cogs in a machine, ensuring efficiency without visibility.

orders come from the top & move downward. no one knows the full structure of the final order except adrian. each member only knows their immediate superior & their own tasks, ensuring that even if someone is compromised, they cannot reveal more than a fragment of the whole. betrayal is nearly impossible. every step is calculated, every move anticipated. to turn against the final order is to fight against something that has already planned your demise.

- inner circle : the unseen strategists who shape the future of the underworld.

the last shadow — adrian moreau himself, the final authority. he is known by many, but very few have actually seen him in person. he orchestrates the game from the shadows, ensuring every move serves the grand design.

the curators — a small, hand - selected group of advisors who act as adrian’s voice in the field. each advisor specializes in a domain, whether that be finance, technology, politics, or war. their word is law.

the black sigil — the enforcer of adrian’s will. when the final order needs to make a statement, the black sigil delivers it ; publicly or privately, depending on the message. often feared more than death itself.

- operational heads : the hands that carry out adrian’s will.

silencers — assassins trained in precision eliminations. their work leaves no trace, no loose ends, no ripples in the system.

infiltrators — specialists in deception, infiltration, & psychological warfare. they assume identities, manipulate targets, & dismantle organizations from the inside.

spectors — the head of intelligence. oversees surveillance, cyber operations, & information warfare. every secret passes through them before it reaches adrian.

- field operatives : the eyes, ears, & hands of the final order.

wraiths — sleeper agents embedded in corporations, governments, law enforcement, & rival syndicates. they do not act until activated.

echoes — information brokers who gather intel from the streets, the web, & the world. they don’t ask questions, only deliver results.

phantoms — masters of disguise & deception. they assume multiple identities, making them nearly impossible to track.

- support & logistics : the foundation that ensures the machine never stops running.

the ledger — the financial masterminds running money laundering, shell companies, & economic warfare.

the artificer — specialists in high - tech weaponry, surveillance tools, & cybernetics. if it can be hacked, built, or turned into a weapon, they control it.

the undertaker — responsible for cleanup & disposal. no bodies, no evidence, no problems.

- initiates & disposable assets : those who serve in the shadows, earning their place or dying in the process.

lurkers — initiates stripped of identity, given missions without explanation. if they survive long enough, they may earn a role.

expendables — criminals, mercenaries, or outsiders used for one - time operations. they do not know who they work for. if they become a problem, they disappear.

OPERATIONS . . .

unlike traditional organizations with a central headquarters, the final order operates as a web of interconnected yet independent cells. each cell functions with autonomy but adheres to the overarching strategy dictated from the shadows. members know only their direct contacts & tasks — never the full picture. if one part is compromised, the rest remains unaffected. adrian moreau is the sole architect of the organization, with only his curators aware of broader objectives. even they receive information on a need - to - know basis.

the final order does not claim territory in the traditional sense ; it controls people, institutions, & systems. it weaves itself into existing structures — corporations, governments, law enforcement, & rival syndicates — making itself indispensable before silently taking control from within. its presence is felt but never seen. there are no flashy displays of power, only inevitable outcomes orchestrated long before anyone realizes they were being manipulated.

instead of waging wars with rival syndicates, the final order infiltrates them, identifying key players to eliminate, convert, or control. it provides services to high - profile clients — politicians, CEOs, military officials — offering protection, secrets, & solutions in exchange for long - term influence. rather than wiping out competitors, the final order absorbs them over time, leaving only remnants of their existence under its control.

the final order is not just another crime syndicate — it is an evolution of organized crime. a system designed to be untouchable, inevitable, & eternal. it does not fight for power ; it simply takes it without ever being seen.

BUSINESS & INFLUENCE . . .

high - end contract work — the syndicate provides strategic assassinations, corporate espionage, and discrete ' problem - solving ' for those who can afford it.

financial manipulation — a network of shell companies, offshore accounts, & stock market plays ensure money constantly flows into the syndicate.

arms & tech trade — unlike tradiotional arms dealers, the final order traffics in experimental weaponry, high - tech surveillance, & cyber warfare tools.

favors & leverage — rather than focusing on drugs or human trafficking, adrian’s syndicate deals in power — gathering blackmail, securing secrets, & making people indebted to them.

RIVALS & ALLIES . . .

the final order exists in a delicate balance between power & opposition. some fear it, others depend on it, & many wish to destroy it. adrian moreau does not seek to be known or recognized, only to control the game from the shadows. every ally is a potential betrayer, & every rival an opportunity to be dismantled from within. in the end, control is power, & adrian ensures that no one else wields it better than him.

- rivals : those who seek to challenge or destroy the syndicate.

old crime families — the mafias, cartels, yakuza, & triads that once ruled the criminal world find themselves sidelined & undermined by the final order’s new way of operating. where they rely on brutality, tradition, & visible hierarchy, adrian’s syndicate operates invisibly, removing power structures without being seen. many resent adrian’s influence but are hesitant to strike openly — those who have tried disappeared before they could act. ( notable enemy : silvio vasari . . . the head of the vasari mafia, firmly believes adrian is an anomaly that must be removed before he corrupts the underworld beyond recognition. he hates how the final order erodes the traditional power of crime families — & believes adrian’s methods make crime ' soulless. ' he has attempted multiple alliances to take down the final order, but none have succeeded. )

corporate elites — billionaires who fear the syndicate. while some profit from adrian’s manipulations of the financial world, others recognize that his unseen influence is a threat to their dominance. the final order controls money laundering, shell corporations, & black - market investments — allowing adrian to crash economies, bankrupt rivals, & dictate global finance. some elites seek to ally with Adrian, while others fund intelligence operations, mercenary forces, or political campaigns to dismantle his empire. ( notable enemy : elias thorne. . . . a billionaire strategist who wants total control over global finance & sees adrian as the only true competitor. unlike crime lords who underestimate adrian, thorne respects him but believes he must be contained or destroyed. he has hired mercenary forces, intelligence agencies, & even attempted assassinations — none have succeeded. )

government agencies — while many officials are on adrian’s payroll, others work relentlessly to expose & dismantle the final order. the difficulty ? no one can prove the organization exists. governments fear the syndicate because it can topple regimes, manipulate elections, & neutralize threats before they even form. some agencies want to use adrian’s influence for their own gain, while others view his empire as a ticking time bomb that must be stopped. ( notable enemy : director nathan caldwell . . . a relentless intelligence officer obsessed with bringing down the final order. unlike others, he doesn’t care about proving adrian’s existence — he only cares about destroying his empire. caldwell has orchestrated multiple operations against the syndicate, but every attempt has failed before it even began. )

- allies : those who benefit the syndicate.

corrupt officials — while some in government oppose adrian, others recognize the value of his control. adrian ensures that those who serve his interests rise to power, while those who oppose him fade into irrelevance — or disappear entirely. some officials are bought, some are blackmailed, & others simply understand that aligning with the final order ensures survival. ( notable ally : senator malcolm graves . . . a high - ranking politician with aspirations for global influence. he has protected the final order in exchange for assassinations, financial backing, & influence over elections. he knows adrian is the most powerful man in the shadows — but does not fully trust him. )

other crime organizations — while many crime syndicates oppose the final order, others see the benefit in working alongside adrian. some seek protection, others offer services that complement adrian’s operations. they know that betraying the final order is a death sentence, so they tread carefully. ( notable ally : victor st. clair . . . a man who values secrecy & autonomy above all else, victor respects adrian’s vision, but remains wary of being too entangled in the final order’s machinations. they share a symbiotic relationship — adrian provides strategic protection & high - level resources, while the hollow circle grants him access to classified information, digital sabotage, & political leverage. unlike traditional crime syndicates, the hollow circle operates in the shadows of the digital world, making them the perfect counterpart to adrian’s methodical empire. )

the veiled court — a hidden network of intelligence operatives, ex - spies, & political puppeteers who secretly guide global events. while they do not control adrian, they acknowledge that his influence is too powerful to be ignored. an uneasy alliance exists — the final order occasionally serves their interests, but neither fully trusts the other. ( notable ally / rival : lady geneviève duvall . . . a former MI6 spymaster, now one of the most powerful political manipulators in the world. she works with adrian when their goals align but is constantly assessing whether he is more valuable as an ally or a corpse. )

[tanooki-hut]

Kirby: Meta Knight and the Monster of the Magic Stone - Chapter ☆7: Meta Knight and Lucia’s Deal

Captain Vul shouted excitedly.

"Finally, finally, we’ve caught up! There it is, Lucia’s pirate ship! What on earth is going on? Why is she relaxing here instead of going to defeat King Flotzo? Is she scared?"

Axe Knight said.

"Is something wrong with the ship? Has it broken down and is being repaired?"

Trident Knight said.

"There doesn’t appear to be any problems…"

"There’s no one on deck. Is she resting in the cabin?"

Axe Knight said.

"Anyway, let’s try to talk to them. I’ll try to call them carefully so they don’t escape."

"…Hmmm."

Axe Knight brought out a small communication device and switched it on.

After a moment, a girl’s voice was heard amidst the buzzing noise.

"Who’s there? Do you want something from me?"

"Um, hello, is this Captain Lucia?"

Axe Knight called out, and a voice that didn’t sound like a girl’s came out with a gasp.

"Is that voice, perhaps, Mr. Axe Knight!?"

The Meta-Knights were relieved and whispered to each other.

"It’s the voice of Waddle Dee."

"Oh. So Lucia rescued him after all."

"Good for you!"

Meta Knight said, taking the communicator from Axe Knight.

"This is Meta Knight. We are sailing close to your ship."

"What!? Meta Knight!? Damn, I was wrong! I can’t believe he caught up with me!"

"Captain Lucia, there’s something I would like to ask you."

"There’s nothing to talk to you about! See you later!"

Meta Knight said quickly before the communicator was cut off.

"There must be a Waddle Dee on your ship."

"What…?"

"Waddle Dee’s master, King Dedede, is worried about his subordinates whereabouts. Please release him and return Waddle Dee to safety immediately."

"Great King, you were thinking about me…!?"

Adventure Waddle Dee choked up, as if he was moved.

Meta Knight continued.

"So you were rescued by Captain Lucia, Waddle Dee. Please come aboard our ship. We will take you to King Dedede."

"Um... well..."

Adventure Waddle Dee hesitated, looking confused.

Meta Knight wondered. The other Meta-Knights listened in surprise as well.

He must have been anxious about being held captive by a pirate. It's strange that Waddle Dee would hesitate to return to the King.

Lucia said.

"Okay. Take this guy on your ship, take him to him."

"Lucia…"

Adventure Waddle Dee seemed a little lonely.

Meta Knight said.

"Thank you, Captain Lucia. There is one more thing I would like to ask of you."

"What is it?"

"I would like you and Waddle Dee to move to this ship. After I defeat King Flotzo, I will escort you to Pietro's island."

Suddenly, Lucia yelled in a voice so loud it seemed like the speaker would break.

"What the?! You bastard, don’t mess with me!"

Meta Knight continued calmly.

"King Flotzo is my prey. Give up, Captain Lucia."

"Shut up! You outsider, stop meddling!"

"If you absolutely refuse to listen, we will have to resort to forceful measures."

The Meta-Knights quickly got into position to carry out their “brute force tactics.”

Lucia continued to shout out angrily.

"A forceful method? Heh, that’s funny! Picking a fight with the great Pirate Captain Lucia, that’s pretty impressive. Well then! If you can do it, then go ahead and try it!"

"Lu-Lucia! No, no! Don’t make Meta Knight angry!"

Adventure Waddle Dee was desperately trying to calm Lucia down.

However, Lucia continued, in even higher spirits.

"Just so you know, we have a super high performance deluxe cannon and ultra dangerous fire weapon! Ha ha ha, we could take down your ship in no time."

Meta Knight raised one hand.

Cannonballs were fired, and pillars of smoke erupted al around Lucia’s pirate ship.

The ship was about to tip over, and Lucia and Adventure Waddle Dee screamed.

"Aaaaahh!"

"Aaaaahh!"

Meta Knight said calmly.

"That was just a warning shot, but if you don’t listen, I’ll hit you next time. I’m sorry, but your ship will be blown to pieces."

"Wha-wha-what…!"

Lucia is at a loss for words.

Meta Knight continued.

"Of course, you and Waddle Dee will be thrown into the sea, but I promise I will rescue you. However, if you become violent, I will have to deprive you of food for a while."

I don’t get this part, either.

"Wh-what did you say, you...!"

"It's to defeat King Flotzo. I hope you understand."

"How dare you even understand that, you idiot!"

Lucia's voice began to tear up.

"You won’t listen? In that case, I have no choice…"

Meta Knight was about to say.

The desperate voice of Adventure Waddle Dee came.

"Wait, Meta Knight! Don’t shoot! Lucia and I will board your ship!"

"What the?! Adventurer, you bastard!"

"Let's do as we're told, Lucia! If Meta Knight says he's going to do it, he'll definitely do it! Your pirate ship will be subdued!"

"No! Absolutely not! I won't give in to Meta Knight's threats!"

"Lucia!"

There was a thumping sound, as if Lucia was acting violently.

In between, Adventure Waddle Dee could be heard whispering something to Lucia, but he couldn't make out what they were saying.

After a short while, Lucia said in a dejected voice.

"I get it. I give up, Meta Knight. I'll obediently move to your ship."

"Thank you for your understanding, Captain Lucia. I’ll prepare the gangplank, so please come on deck."

"…Yes."

Communication was cut off.

Trident Knight said worriedly.

"They’ve quietly retreated. Maybe they’re up to something."

Captain Vul laughed.

"What could Lucia and Waddle Dee possibly be planning? They’re just newbies."

"That’s true. Anyways, let’s prepare the gangplank."

The Meta-Knights brought out long boards.

Meanwhile, two people appeared on the deck of Lucia’s ship.

Lucia is dejected and has her head down. She looks completely defeated.

Adventure Waddle Dee looked nervous.

Captain Vul yelled into the megaphone.

"Lucia’s pirate ship will be deserted, but we will retrieve it later and deliver it to Lord Pietro’s island. Don’t worry."

Lucia nodded as if she understood.

A long plank was placed between the two boats.

Adventure Waddle Dee stepped forward first.

Captain Vul said.

"Looking down makes you dizzy. Look forward and walk slowly."

"Yes."

Adventure Waddle Dee jumped onto the plank, stretched his arms out to balance himself, and walked towards the 'Sunset Harmony.'

The water was calm and there was no wind. The board was wide, so if he could just calmly cross, there would be no problem… or so it should’ve been.

But.

When he reached the middle of the plank, Adventure Waddle Dee suddenly lost his balance.

"Waaah! I suddenly feel dizzy!"

He shook his arms and wobbled his legs.

Captain Vul and the Meta-Knights yelled.

"Waddle Dee!?"

"Stand strong! Calm down!"

"Ahhh! I’m falling!"

Adventure Waddle Dee fell headfirst into the sea.

Meta Knight spreads his cape, jumps up, and dives toward Adventure Waddle Dee.

At the same time, he shouted at his subordinates.

"I’ll rescue Waddle Dee. You guys, Lady Lucia…!"

However, it was too late.

The moment Captain Vul saw Meta Knight unfold his cape, he quickly threw off his jacket and jumped into the sea.

"Lord Meta Knight! I’ll accompany you wherever you go!"

Enticed by Captain Vul’s bravery, the Meta-Knights all rushed into the sea!

"I’ll join you too!"

"I’m good at swimming!"

Everyone jumped in, shouting together.

Meta Knight quickly picked up Adventure Waddle Dee and jumped into the air.

He looked down at his subordinates while floating above them and shouted in frustration.

"What are you all doing?! Stay at your posts!"

Captain Vul answered with a splash.

"I'm so sorry... Argh! My leg cramped up! I'm going to drown!"

"Whoa, don't hang on, Captain Vul!"

"Don't pull me, dude!"

Everyone is gathered together and struggling.

Meta Knight lowered Waddle Dee to the deck and threw life rings to his subordinates.

After all the chaos, by the time everyone finally returned to the ship, Lucia and her ship had already escaped.

Introduction

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter

[graphic-design-4]

"Welcome to the Show" This section sets the stage by explaining how psyops operate as frameworks for shaping reality, drawing parallels to the illusionary nature of performance art. It details how governments, media, and corporations craft carefully constructed narratives that manipulate public perception without resorting to brute force or overt control. These narratives are woven into every aspect of society—from advertising to news reporting to political speeches—creating a consensus that feels organic, even though it's deliberately constructed to guide thought in a specific direction. The section lays the groundwork for understanding the hidden mechanisms at play in everyday life and how psyops are used to subtly influence public opinion and maintain control.

"The Setup: Fear as a Tool" Fear is one of the most powerful psychological tools in any operation, and this section delves into how it functions as the foundation of successful psyops. By putting individuals and communities into survival mode, emotions take over, pushing logic aside and making people more susceptible to manipulation. Fear—whether it’s the fear of terrorism, economic collapse, or social unrest—triggers a primal response that makes people more likely to accept drastic measures, from restrictions on personal freedom to increased surveillance. The section illustrates how psyops leverage fear to force decisions that may otherwise be seen as unreasonable or oppressive, ensuring compliance through a subconscious sense of danger.

"The Distraction: Controlled Opposition" This section explores how even dissent is managed and manipulated to maintain the status quo. Opposition is allowed to exist but only within pre-approved boundaries that ensure it does not threaten the larger power structures. The apparent existence of an alternative voice, often portrayed as radical or rebellious, serves only to reinforce the legitimacy of the dominant narrative. By controlling both sides of the argument, those in power ensure that no real challenge ever arises. The section explains how controlled opposition often strengthens the power of the system, creating the illusion of a balanced debate, while in reality, both sides are merely playing roles in a game designed to protect the same interests.

"The Language Game" Language is more than just a method of communication—it's a tool for control. In this section, the zine explores how psychological operations weaponize language to manipulate perception. Words are redefined, sanitized, and stripped of their original meanings to serve specific agendas. Terms like "censorship" become "content moderation," "war" becomes "peacekeeping," and "surveillance" transforms into "national security." By altering the meanings of these words, psyops subtly shift public perception and make what would normally be considered intrusive or oppressive feel acceptable or even necessary. This section includes real-world examples of how language is twisted in political discourse and media coverage to conceal hidden agendas and shape public opinion.

"The Final Trick" Here, the zine delves into one of the most insidious aspects of psyops: creating doubt about the very existence of truth. By flooding the public sphere with conflicting narratives—ranging from conspiracy theories to misinformation—those in power create an environment where certainty is impossible. When every piece of information is contested and every truth has multiple contradictory versions, people begin to question their ability to discern what’s real. This section explains how this overwhelming confusion leads to exhaustion and information fatigue, causing the public to disengage from critical thinking altogether. In this state of doubt, power becomes almost unchallengeable, as those in control no longer need to convince the public of a single truth—they only need to make truth itself feel unknowable.

"The Consequences of a Trick" In these pages, the zine highlights specific examples of how psychological operations manifest in real-world policies and their impact on marginalized groups. These examples include the crackdown on pro-Palestinian activists, the erosion of rights for LGBTQ+ individuals, the increasing difficulty for marginalized groups to seek asylum, and the proposed control over Gaza. Each example illustrates the direct consequences of psyops at work, showing how fear and manipulation create divisions in society and reinforce oppressive systems. The section also emphasizes how these policies contribute to the larger psyop strategy: making truth unclear, sowing confusion, and generating apathy. The final pages conclude by reiterating that the true power of psychological operations lies not in enforcing a singular truth, but in creating an environment of doubt and fatigue where people stop questioning and simply accept the reality presented to them.

[peteinoz]

Peter Drew: The King of Search Engine Marketing

Peter Drew's name is synonymous with mastery in the ever-evolving domain of search engine marketing. Often dubbed the King of SEO, Peter Drew has relentlessly pursued excellence in helping businesses achieve coveted search engine rankings. With a career spanning over two decades, Drew's footprint is evident in revolutionary innovations and effective SEO solutions. Since 1995, his dedication to developing pioneering SEO tools solidifies his reputation as a preeminent expert. This article will explore why Pete is the King of Search Engine Marketing, unveiling his contributions, solutions offered, and impact on the industry.

Expertise and Innovations

The Genesis of SEO Excellence

In 1995, when SEO was in its infancy, Peter Drew foresaw the potential of strategic optimization. Through sheer dedication, he evolved into a professional expert, with landmark innovations like the Brute Force SEO software, which alone amassed over $10 million in sales.

Piloting Change with Innovative Tools

Innovation defines Drew's approach. Not only was Brute Force SEO transformative, but other offerings, such as Entity Ranker and GBP Dominator, have redefined SEO automation. His tools are indispensable to Internet marketers and SEO specialists, cementing his status as the King of SEO Automation. These innovations connect seamlessly to the next phase: critical industry solutions.

Solving Industry Challenges

Empowering SEO Agencies

Peter Drew's tools have enabled over 1,000 individuals to establish SEO agencies. The Brute Force SEO software democratized SEO proficiency, empowering small enterprises to compete with larger corporations seamlessly.

Community Initiatives

Drew's impact extends to community involvement-providing free software to charities over the years showcases his commitment to giving back. His leadership is a beacon, guiding others in the industry toward ethical engagement and success. Transitioning from solutions, the narrative progresses to an examination of Drew's expansive industry influence.

Industry Impact and Recognition

Global Recognition

With a global reach, Peter Drew's influence can be felt from the US to Asia. His groundbreaking seminars in Singapore and Thailand are a testament to his commanding authority in the field. These seminars not only disseminate advanced SEO knowledge but also celebrate Drew's stature as Pete is the King of SEO.

Enduring Influence

Industry accolades aside, Drew's real legacy lies in the thousands of professionals he has mentored, many of whom now steer successful SEO agencies. This ripple effect underscores his moniker as the King of SEO Automation, reshaping the industry landscape. The industry impact transitions smoothly into understanding client success stories as milestones of Drew's journey.

Client Success Stories

Transformative SEO Journeys

Numerous online business owners attribute their growth to Drew's methods. His software ensures visibility without businesses needing to resort to costly ads. Clients laud his tools' ability to seamlessly integrate with social and online marketing strategies.

Lasting Customer Relationships

Drew's loyal customer base speaks volumes of his dedication. Having traveled globally to showcase his offerings, his generous spirit is evident as he supports clients during challenging times with complimentary services. This conclusion synthesizes the overarching narrative, reinforcing Peter Drew's undisputed authority.

Conclusion

Peter Drew's journey from a pioneering SEO enthusiast to a global beacon of search engine marketing is one of relentless innovation and unmatched expertise. His profound impact, underscored by the transformational success stories of countless clients and the countless SEO agencies he inspired, affirms why Pete is the King of Search Engine Marketing. As the King of SEO Automation, Drew's legacy is his ever-evolving suite of tools that empower businesses globally. For those ready to elevate their digital presence, Drew offers invaluable insights and solutions. Reach out to Peter Drew at peteinoz2@gmail.com to begin your SEO transformation. Through decades of expertise and continued innovation, Peter Drew remains the definitive authority in search marketing, ensuring he continues to guide the industry forward. https://medium.com/@peteinoz2/peter-drew-the-king-of-search-engine-marketing-31b44b098f27

[yingren]

"Do you really think that they were a tender flower that you could trample?" (Here you go, East, have a Ruan Mei)

his eyes blink once, then twice, as his mind slowly registers her words. few things in life can resist the will of brute force, and while ren doesn’t particularly enjoy resorting to it, things always seem to lead there anyway. whether it’s part of the script or not, when problems can be solved with clenched fists and sharp blades, he sees little reason to waste time searching for a more honorable approach. one warning is all he offers, one attempt to steer things toward a different path. after that, the matter is in his hands alone, and it will end the only way he knows how. a last resort, of course. otherwise, there would be no hands left to throw, no feet left to trample — if he has anything to say about it.

❝ what can my answer offer that you don’t already know ? ❞

what ruan mei’s voice lacks is neither compassion nor the patronizing tone of someone questioning his methods. instead, it carries an ambiguity that ren finds almost impossible to decipher. flowers nestled among weeds, warmth carried on an unfamiliar breeze, embers flickering beneath layers of ice — everything about her feels like a contradiction. neither good nor bad, but an effortless balance between forces meant to reveal one's true intentions. if he cannot even grasp what she wants how is he supposed to form a response that holds any weight ?  

ruan mei, a member of the genius society, is no less poised than the media claims her to be. yet, her touch, though deceptively appearing gentle in his eyes, is not so easily erased, her research leaving deep imprints in the sand where others’ fade with time. drawn are the undead to the one who studies life itself, an irony ren does not let escape him. his own body, warped and worn from the war against abundance, would make for a fascinating case study, though he doubts there is much to be discovered. unless an audience with yaoshi themselves suddenly becomes an option, whatever anomaly lingers in his very dna is likely no different from the next. research on life, he muses, must be an endless exercise in disappointment.

heavy eyelids flutter shut, then open again — a third time, then a fourth. each blink feels like an action that requires conscious effort, as if his body would simply cease to function without his deliberate command. slow breaths expand his chest, the steady rhythm of a heartbeat filling the silence. no — two heartbeats. he mustn’t forget her presence. turquoise eyes, brown hair. ruan mei. ruan mei. ruan mei. he repeats the name in his mind, willing himself to commit it to memory, at least until the next time their paths cross. something about the moment feels surreal, artificial, as if he is standing on a stage built for an audience that never arrived. his gaze lingers on her — not filled with fury, but softened, tempered by something far less volatile. a genuine curiosity.

❝ is that what happened to you ? ❞ trampled beneath an unfamiliar boot, pressed deep into the earth as the world fractured around them — ren is only guessing now, grasping at fragments, taking a leap off the precipice above those turquoise depths. he waits, patient, to see whether he will crash against the jagged rocks below or be embraced by the water. another blink, and he remembers to breathe. the tightness in his muscles loosens, the weight on his shoulders easing just enough for his head to roll back in a slow stretch. when it settles, tilted at an angle, his gaze finds her once more.

❝ forgive me. you were never the flower, were you, wildfire ? ❞

[flyingparrot225]

Advent of Code - Day 11

Today's challenge was honestly really challenging for me because it forced me to write my code in a specific way that I usually try to avoid, though it has made me want to try to learn more about how to code in that way properly so that's what I'm going to spend the rest of today doing.

I can't really talk about it without spoiling the challenge so I'm going to hide it behind a keep reading link.

WARNING: SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT!!!

So, I started part one with a basic iterative brute force method which worked well but then part 2 wanted to increase the amount of iterations which led to me filling up my ram. I knew I needed to use recursion so I refactored my iterative approach to a recursive one and with the fact that rust can do tail call optimizations it didn't overflow the stack but it was taking too long and wasn't going to finish anytime soon so I knew I needed to add in memoization.

This is the part I've spent the last few hours on. In my defense I avoid recursion as much as possible because I know it can lead to stack overflows if done incorrectly so I always use an iterative approach instead. This has led to me not being all that great at recursive programming. So naturally I messed this up a lot.

Every time I implemented my memoization, it got rid of the tail call optimization leading to a stack overflow. I'll be honest here and say that I turned to google to figure out how to do this properly and apparently if you have a function to calculate the value and a separate function to cache it, even if they call each other it doesn't lead to a stack overflow which as of the time I'm typing this, I don't understand how (as soon as I make this post I'm doing a deep dive on it because it looks cool). But after editing my implementation to match it finished it finished the calculations for part one and two nearly instantly.

While I don't like that I resorted to googling to help me get the answer for part 2, since I knew what I needed to do I can kind of live with it. AoC is really starting to sharpen my skills and show me where I'm lacking which is great since that's what I need to improve!

I hope tomorrow's challenge is just as difficult.

[hiro24106]

Back in the age of sail, how did big ships maneuver around docks or in narrow rivers, congested harbors, etc., with no engines and no tug boats?

The age of sail was a remarkable period in maritime history, a time when the oceans were highways and tall ships were the carriers of dreams and commerce. Without the aid of engines or tugboats, sailors relied on several ingenious Stay Home and Watch Star Wars Movies Ugly Christmas Sweater to navigate their ships. One common technique was to use a combination of minimal sail and the ship’s helm to make small forward progress.

This required a deep understanding of how the ship’s sails could be used to catch even the slightest breeze and how the rudder could steer the ship with precision. In conditions where there was little to no wind, or when precision was paramount, crews would resort to warping. This involved taking the ship’s anchor out a distance, dropping it, and then pulling the ship towards it. It was a laborious process, but it allowed sailors to move their ships with a degree of control that sails alone could not provide.

Another method was kedging, which was similar to warping but involved using a smaller anchor known as a The Rise Of Christmas Star Wars Ugly Christmas Sweater. Sailors would row the kedge out in a boat, drop it, and then use the ship’s capstan to pull themselves towards it. This technique was especially useful for making fine adjustments to the ship’s position or for moving against the wind.

Sailors also made use of the tides and currents to assist in maneuvering. By timing their movements with the ebb and flow of the tides, they could gain additional momentum or achieve a favorable position without having to rely solely on wind power.

In some cases, sheer manpower was the answer. Crews would take to the ship’s boats and row, towing the larger vessel behind them. It was a grueling task, but in the absence of wind, it was often the only way to move a ship. Onshore, teams of The Rise Of The Holidays Star Wars Ugly Christmas Sweater or even crowds of volunteers would haul on ropes to drag ships into or out of berths.

The evolution of sails also played a role in maneuverability. The most effective sails for maneuvering a large warship were those at the bow, which underwent significant changes over time to increase their effectiveness. The farther forward such sails were deployed, the greater the leverage they exerted, allowing ships to turn more quickly, particularly through the wind.

Navigating through the age of sail required a blend of brute force, delicate finesse, and an almost symbiotic relationship with the natural elements. It was a time when the mastery of sailing was not just a job but an art Mandalorian Christmas Sweater , one that has left us with stories of skill and daring that continue to captivate us to this day.

[paramythas]

𝐎𝐇, 𝐒𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐙𝐄𝐒, 𝐒𝐔𝐃𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐏, 𝐀𝐒 the pallor slips across his face. Whatever that was, it's not something that's supposed to happen. Or not something that's supposed to be... obvious? Known? Whichever it is, he's rattled to see it exposed to the air, even if he gathers himself back up with a speed that's impressive. If this guy had ever been in Vale or Mistral, she thinks the criminals there would've had a much harder time than they did. But he's staring her down, sharp as a knife not a moment later, and despite herself, she finds herself a little impressed.

It's been a long time since she had to deal with anyone that used anything other than brute force. Even if she was good at it, even if she enjoyed it, she did miss this kind of thing too. Though he does continue to threaten her which, really, she might lean into... in just about any other situation.

Not this one though. Not right now.

Right now she needs time. Enough time to get a good idea of who this guy is, how he works, and what in that she can use against him. Or for herself. Though if in the process she can get just a little more information on this place and the people who think they run it... well, that can't hurt either. Especially if she plans to keep stealing in order to make ends meet.

(And she does intend to do just that, regardless of how this goes.)

Besides, if she's honest with herself- and she always is- she's more than a little curious now. Her Semblance duplicates people down to their ability. Not only had she not been prepared for what had lain beneath the veneer of his normalcy, but it had begun to drain her to keep it up as soon as it began to show itself. Before doing that again (and oh, she is going to, for sure) she needs to understand just what the hell is wrong with this guy.

"Didn't anyone ever teach you that violence doesn't solve everything?" Only most things, in Neo's opinion, and usually meted out at her leisure. However, given what just happened with her copy of him, she has to be careful. Biting off more than she can chew isn't smart in a situation like this. Better to play along with his intimidation tactics and act as though she's willing to give in. There is, however, one problem with her current tactic, and it's this:

As of this moment, she has no idea what she can offer him- besides her own services. And after what happened the last time she did that? It's definitely low on her list of viable options.

For now, she reaches into her jacket for her scroll, typing something onto the screen as she dismisses the shade of Cinder. Funny as it may have been at first, she's getting tired of hearing her voice. So she resorts back to a tried and true (if loathsome) method- typing things out and then holding out the slender, futuristic bit of technology out for him to read. Across the screen in bright white against softly-glowing blue, her words flicker on the screen.

If we're taking business, I'd rather not do it in the middle of the street. So- your place, I'm guessing? Since you don't look like the type who'd wander into just anywhere. And before you ask: no, I don't talk.

Blinking once she knows he's finished reading, she flicks her eyes over her shoulder, gesturing with her wrist. That gesture at least, is very clear.

If we're good, then lead the way.

When her illusion first breaks into her real appearance -- or at least what Chuuya is assuming might be as such, based on the reports -- he can't help but think of someone else. Someone he doesn't particularly like. The looks aren't an exact match, but the way she carries herself, alongside the split-colored hair and mismatched eyes, too much does she bring to mind a certain troublesome brat with an equally troublesome Ability.

He can only hope the similarities end there, but if he was ever actually that lucky, then his name wouldn't be Chuuya Nakahara.

When she stops in front of him, he's ready for just about anything. An attempt to attack him, or to get around him, or to turn around and flee, would have brought no surprise at all, and he would have immediately answered in kind to show her just how quickly a human body can break through a brick wall when struck by a kick that defies the natural laws of gravity.

If there was any one thing that could completely catch him off guard, however, it was that.

Its technically not the first time he's been faced with himself, and if it was only a reflection of his appearance, it wouldn't be so startling.

No. Its the way that his image twists with the underlying threat of inhuman that has him turn just the tiniest bit pale for a moment ; his jaw setting tight enough to feel his molars grind ; bile creeping across his tongue ; the hairs on the back of his neck prickling.

And clearly, he's not the only one startled.

There were quite a few people who would incorrectly label Chuuya an idiot, but his racing thoughts are that of anything but. An explosion of thoughts and questions and speculations swirl in his mind all at once.

What had started as a retrieval job dealing with a petty thief was quickly turning into something else. What Chuuya had thought was a simple illusory Ability was so much more than just that, because making an illusion of his outward appearance was one thing, but creating whatever that was was impossible if it had been nothing more than a petty trick of visual replication, and there is no way in Hell she knows a single thing about Arahabaki to pull off such a feat on purpose. Even if he had suspected her of knowing, her own genuine shock and words confirm for him that she had somehow stumbled into that secret completely blind.

Even as his mind came to what was the most feasible conclusion, he refused to explore further into the idea of exactly what her Ability must be, liking it not at all, at the same time knowing full well that the stolen jewels are no longer the biggest issue here. Someone like this walking the streets freely was highly probable to cause massive problems seven ways to sunday.

To say nothing for the fact his Boss would be absolutely giddy to have such an Ability under the Port Mafia's arsenal, before they could possibly become a deadly adversary instead. And he knows first-hand just how persistent Mori can be about dragging people into the organization when they have a powerful Ability such as this one.

Really, in the grand scheme of things, the jewels have become borderline inconsequential, barely an afterthought. There are always more black market jewels to launder. Money can always be made up somewhere, and if it can't be earned, it can be forged.

But this was one in a million, more priceless than any sapphire stone, and much more of a priority to acquire.

All of these thoughts come together in no more than a split second, more a single flash of lightning-quick intuition than deliberate calculation, and his expression hardens again so quickly that his moment of being caught off-guard could almost seem imagined, if not for how much more warily guarded pale blue eyes had become and how his shoulders squared a little more underneath his draping coat.

"And what do you propose, exactly?" Even as he asks, he's taking careful notice of all sorts of details.

The voice from this... thing she conjured instead of she herself speaking the words. The appearance of someone Chuuya's never met, but an educated guess tells him that this mouth-piece is modeled off of a real person this woman has run across before, the same as the illusion she created of him. The fact that she so openly taunts him as if he's no big deal, which tells him that she has no idea who he is or his reputation or his Ability. Otherwise, he thinks she'd be much less confident about her odds, but he's perfectly willing to keep his capabilities under wraps until he learns more of exactly what he's dealing with first.

Playing into conversation is as good a stalling tactic as any to buy him more time to observe and think.

"If you actually think you're in a position to negotiate, then you must think you have something valuable enough that I'd actually just let you walk off with what belongs to us. I'll bite -- for a moment, but you'd better be sure its worth my time, or you're going to find out I do more than just try."

[marveloustimestwo]

Hi! May I ask for Yan! Wanda Maximoff and Yan! Doctor Strange having the same s/o, greetings ^^

Hello! Thank you for the request, dear!

Warnings: Yandere themes, talk of Stephen and Wanda fighting, takes place in a situation where Reader has been kidnapped

It would take a very uneasy alliance for them to ever share a darling.

Both of them are very powerful beings, and when it comes to you, they're also unstable.

What pushes them into sharing you in the first place is the very real threat of them killing each other before either of them can slip away with you for good.

Stephen, while powerful and resourceful in his own right, knows it's only a matter of time before Wanda loses her patience and actually kills him.

But as I mentioned, he's resourceful. When he knows he can't kill Wanda with brute strength, Stephen will resort to hiding you away in several different places while he figures out other methods of containing or killing Wanda.

And all Wanda really wants is you. She needs you. Her own sanity depends on you being safe and with her.

Yes, she hates Strange for the fact that he keeps taking you away from her, and she'd be happy to kill him for it, but she does know that Stephen wouldn't hurt you.

It would take a while of fighting for them to come to an agreement. Both Stephen and Wanda are tired. Both recognize the risks if they were to continue, so they start to talk.

And therein lies your doom.

If they had continued to fight, at least you knew that you would get only one of them in the end.

Wanda would be oh so smothering, but at least she wouldn't hurt you in any way. Rather, you would only have to fear for the lives of others if they ever tried to take you away.

And Stephen, whose coldness is often also your saving grace. While the isolation can be lonely, and he might take things away as a punishment, he wouldn't force overwhelming amounts of love onto you.

Unfortunately for you, though, now that they've come to an agreement, you get the best of both worlds!

It's a rocky relationship, especially in the beginning.

If you're more of a defiant darling, Stephen and Wanda often argued on how to punish you for fighting or trying to run.

Wanda hates the idea of isolating you, which is Stephen's go-to, and she also doesn't like the idea of taking away your bed in extreme circumstances.

And Stephen isn't as delusional as Wanda. He's not going to blame others for you acting out. While he might make them disappear for trying to take you away, he'll still want to deal with the problem at its source.

How they dealt with your fighting was one of the bigger things they clashed on. As time goes on, though, they came to an agreement.

While Stephen won't isolate you anymore, things you use for entertainment will be taken away.

Wanda is free to be her usual overbearing and loving self, and you won't have anything to distract yourself from it.

A TV? Disabled until further notice. You don't need to see what's on there anyway.

Books are out of reach. Stephen has a way of making them seem to disappear, despite how many of them reside in your isolated home.

Absolutely no phone, either. There are too many ways for you to request help, and they can't have that while you're acting so ill-mannered.

Eventually, these two can work really well together. They'll never be much more than tentative friends, though, united in the common goal of keeping you safe and loved.

And so long as you behave, things can be a paradise for you.

[jaeminscoffee]

Pairing- Huang Renjun x F!y/n

Warning(s)- Yandere themes, emotionally manipulative!Renjun, mind break, y/n poses symptoms of Stockholm syndrome, temper tantrums, undertones (not mentioned) isolation and emotional deprivation as 'punishments', overall messed up. not proof-read.

Type; wc; drabble; 1.19k

It was your fault. It's all your fault that it came to this. 

Or so said that small voice in your head as you watch the man you thought you knew oh so well pick and throw anything that came into his line of sight. 

"J-Jun.. Calm down" you cautiously approach him, voice as shaky as your form when he pays no mind to your silent pleas. "He needs help, this isn't healthy, you don't want this?' How're they supposed to know your wants, huh?! Did they dedicate themselves to reading you well like I did? Did they devote themselves to you?! Are they the ones having a future with you?!" goes a row of well arranged books on the shelf as he continues ignoring your existence. 

Renjun is a sweet guy, a really sweet one for that matter. Never once has he taken the initiative to hurt you. Never once has he ever tried replacing you. Never once has he made you feel worthless. 

If anything, he makes you feel like the only woman in the world with the way he looks at you. The way he talks to you. The way he does everything he can in his power to keep you happy. 

Then why're you two such an imperfect couple? 

'You're yet to come around the fact that we're destined to be together, Y/n. You'll see what I mean as the time passes', "Oh aren't you a little oblivious? Baby, we're meant to be. Doesn't mean there isn't a mountain of things we have to work on.' 'Quit being stubborn, would you? You brought this upon yourself! All I ever did was tell you what's right because you can't seem to be able to do anything right!' He'd say with that loveable smile of his. The same soft one he'd coaxed you with into falling in love with him. 

Ah.. That's right, you're the problem here. 

"Renjun, th-they don't mean anything-you know that! They're just trying to look out for m-" 

"Look out for you? Why? Am I hurting you? Do I make you do things against your will? If anything, Y/n! You're killing me. You're chipping away at my sanity bit by bit! Don't you see??" The exasperated tone Renjun speaks in kills you, your knees feeling weak as it fails to hold your form upright. 

"I-i'm sorry, Jun.. I didn't.. I didn't know.." you zone out while speaking. 

You're hurting him. He's right, you are hurting him. 

Renjun is a sweet guy, a really sweet one for that matter. He always puts your needs and interests before his. Took you to places you'd say you'd always wanted to go to. Got you gifts almost every other day. Stayed at home when you'd seem even a little out of it. Yet, he never asked for anything in return. 

All he ever wanted was for you to love him as much as he did. 

Of course you're hurting him. 

"That's the thing, Y/n.. You never know anything. Do you know how much it hurt me when you actually took their words into consideration? You don't know anything, yet. Just, just hold on until it all makes sense will you? Please, you're killing me.." the last bit came off as a whisper as he kneels down in front of you. Hurt evident on his face as a lone tear escapes from the corner of his eyes. 

In a way, Renjun knows the way he's going about dealing with you is wrong. He doesn't want to use brute force trying to get you to come through, he really doesn't. He's been trying to coax you with words and actions solely. He wants you to feel his love for you, and he's pretty sure he's doing a good enough job with that. But with how slow the things have been processing, he may as well resort to force. 

You're easy to break. Easy to coax, easy to fool. Renjun noticed so. He knows how easy it is for people to play with you. To play with what belongs to him. Which is why he'd sworn that no matter what, he'd protect you and lead you down the right path. Because obviously, a gullible little girl like you wouldn't know what's good for her. 

You stay quiet as he shifts to situate himself right in front of you, shaky arms coming up to cradle your face gently, urging you to look at him, "They don't want you to be happy. Don't you see, doll? They're trying to take away what's keeping you happy. I make you happy, don't i?" his eyes widen comically as he awaits an answer. 

"You do," you reply meekly. 

He makes you really happy for that matter, excluding episodes that take place as such the one right one, he's done nothing to make you unhappy. Even right now, all of this wouldn't have happened if you'd ignored your 'friends' and never tried voicing it out to him. Because it doesn't make sense. Whatever they'd said doesn't make sense.

He isn't hurting you. You're hurting him. 

"Then why would you listen to them? Baby they're trying to take advantage of you. They're trying to keep you all to themselves. They don't want you to be happy. They don't want me to be happy. They don't want us to be happy." you choke back a sob. That makes sense. They're trying to tear the two of you apart. They're trying to get you to make a mistake. They're trying to take Renjun away from you. Of course this makes sense. 

They don't want you to be happy. But Renjun does. 

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, Jun" you shake, guilt overtaking all of your senses as you mutter apologies after apologies, saying how it was never your intention to hurt him, saying how you'd make sure to never contact those 'friends' again, saying how you'd stay beside him no matter what others say as he rubs his hands around your shoulder in a calming manner. 

"I know you didn't mean to hurt me, doll. But you did, didn't you? Will you make up for it, for me?" 

You nod your head vigorously, albeit knowing what "making up" entails.

You don't want to stay away from him. But this was an effective method of showing you his worth. Showing you that he's your life line. That he's the one keeping you sane. 

That he makes you happy but you managed to hurt the one source of happiness you have. 

"When 3 weeks pass, I'll take you to your favorite cafe, hm? I'll feed you all your favorite foods! Buy you a lot of clothes, okay? But I'll need you to behave for me. For just 3 weeks." he coos into your ears. 

As you find comfort in his embrace, ignorant to the slight smile playing in his expression as he once again had you playing his games, you let out a sigh, one of relief or defeat, you're not really sure. 

But the one thing that you are truly positive about is;

'Ah.. I am the bad guy here. Renjun truly is a really sweet guy'

[thedovahcat]

Gorillas Who Did Very Well

Been a while since I last updated everyone on what’s been going on. Been studying my little butt off in preparation for the college math/english placement exams (just to see where they’ll place you in the oncoming semester).

Thankfully due to me having a normal college level English class back when I first did college back in 2012, I was exempt from that portion of the assessment. The one I was not, however, was math, as we may as well have guessed. Math’s never been my strong suite throughout my life, so naturally I was pretty nervous about it the night before, especially considering now that I’m planning on majoring in a very math heavy area like computer science.

So that was today, went in at 10AM and took the test. I’m happy to say a  good portion of it I recognized, some problems though were real doozies that I didn’t really understand too in-depth. Thanks to all the studying though I was able to feel my way through a majority of them. My only complaint is that it was one of those kinds of tests on the computer where, once you submit your answer? That’s it,  dun deal no changing it.

Got stuck on a few problems here and there that took me upwards of 20 min of trying to brute force an answer. I am starting to see why this method of thinking is useful to programming of all things.

By about halfway I started feeling really bad that I didn’t understand as much as I felt I should for whatever reason, and I resorted to guessing on at least a few answers because I didn’t want to take any more time than I already had. So I wrapped up, finished the 20 questions and was relieved to see the computer did not flag me in that I got enough WRONG that there needed to be more follow-up. Machine spit out my score and I met with the advisor right after.

Nice lady, she had nothing but praise and ended up telling me that I got the highest possible score on the test and that that was something that didn’t happen very often there! And she’d been working there some years, yada yada yada. So naturally I was very surprised, and in disbelief! Either I guessed all those times correctly or I knew enough to make an educated guess... Who knows!

So ya girl over here dun passed with flying colors. I’m going straight into the College Algebra Pre-Cal track and hopefully by the time I transfer to the big boy college I’ll be a lot smarter than I am now. Things are lookin’ up! I’m not talented in all areas of academics though I had to really really study for this one. I hope I’ll be able to keep up my grades in the future to the point where I’ll be able to qualify for some decent grants and scholarships and such. Helps when I’m a minority, a girl, and applying to a STEM field no doubt. But for now, for a community college, I can easily pay for myself with no aid if it comes down to it. My savings will be eaten but... It’s worth it. I really reallllyyy want a degree and I feel bad it took me this long to get my act together. Back at 18 years old I wasn’t motivated or ready for this level of dedication but, coming upon 29 in March this year? I think I’ve had time.

I’m just a late bloomer, with everything. But that’s ok, better late than never.

So there’s that aspect of things. I’m still trying to fish around and save as much money as I can on the side so I can pursue the archery hobby I mentioned here and there before. It’s very expensive, understandably. But I really want to use that as a step stool to get into a sport I’ve been very, very interested in for a long time (like since single-digit ages). Hunting.

Not trophy hunting though, like meat hunting and for wildlife control and land protection purposes. Learning all about that stuff has been very fascinating, and I’m excited I’m now living in an area that’s a lot more open about that kind of thing (not to mention much easier and more convenient access.) There’s a lil’ bit of opposition from some family members, but there’s also support from others. I’m kind of starting to hit that point in my life where I’m realizing I don’t need permission to try things I want to try. That’s a very large hurdle for me to overcome, considering my sheltered life, and this combined with my amazing score today for the college thing? I feel like I’ll be able to do anything in no time. I really hope I succeed in my endeavors.

For now, gotta keep up the studies and gotta keep trying for commissions! I’ve been weight lifting on the side as well to try and de-noodle-fy my arms in preparation for learning a recurve bow, and I’ve managed to lose some decent weight from that I think (it’s changed my eating habits too) as well! So I’m very pleased. The most difficult part of all of this is going to be keeping consistency. I’m taking a break today from my usual cuz man, I deserve it, but tomorrow! Back to the rigamaroll!!

Only thing really to worry about now is Tato’s dental appointment next week. Poor thing, Riley already went through it and got some teeth pulled, though his teeth weren’t classified as too terrible (the molars he got yanked had cracks in them). Tato’s have generally been classified as worse so I’m a little worried... but We’ll see how that goes next Tuesday.

Thanks everyone for reblogging my sketch commission post too all the damn time, I really appreciate it and I know it may come off as annoying, but hopefully not! I’m just trying everything I know to do, it’s a hit or miss like anything else but yeah.

So until next time!

[starry-skies-116]

GregEvan Character Analysis (Smaller Part): Relationship Dynamics Reborn

Part 8- Forgotten Love:

A more simpler explanation is that by the time the main events of Security Breach rolls around, Gregory is deluding himself into believing he has moved on from his past while also simultaneously letting a fanatical, unrealistic desire to recreate bygone memories and his lost family get to him slowly, tearing him apart from the inside. 

He´s still extremely lonely, stressed and tired beyond what can be taken for a child, his life becoming a constant and growing death threat looming and stalking closer via everything that wishes to inflict harm upon him- hence his obstinate, brash, self-domineering and headstrong exterior, with the terse and apprehensive manner to his words despite his kind, youthful and demure appearance.

Gregory still hasn’t gotten over his losses and the tragedy of his first death, temporarily pushing it to the back of his mind and refusing to acknowledge it to avoid incurring strong feelings of inner wrath, shame and sorrow. He’s willing to eliminate any obstacle for the sake of serving, nurturing and cultivating his dream as if its something to take care of- something that he NEEDS, under ANY circumstance, to bring to life- a twisted parallel he shares with William Afton, his father, both of them being enslaved to their goals albeit for very different reasons.

His false hope for the future is rotting, flickering out and dying, and yet he rekindles a used match half-burnt to ash repeatedly by convincing himself that everything will be alright if he stays the course (highlighting yet another twisted parallel, this time between him and Vanessa).

Gregory loves- adores and idolizes his family, missing them to the point where trying to recreate them becomes an unhealthy obsession born from his grief tormenting him, grief that he was incapable of processing and accepting on his own. He’s ironically idealistic, in a way- believing that transient life should be treasured and protected whilst it lasts, and being devastated at the prospect of premature loss since he’s experienced it firsthand.

He also believes that love and inner strength conquers all, and absolves him of whatever crime he commits in the name of his family, since he genuinely possesses good intentions behind everything he does. His love, longing and adoration for the past life he led, for his family and his friends back when he was alive, becomes not only a nostalgic trip, but also it becomes his unhealthy obsession and hyperfixation that gnaws at him from the inside out every day and leeches away his energy, forcing him to walk the murkier, darker side of himself.

In fact, Gregory deems it his only reason for existing at all. To reclaim what he lost so he can lead the proper life he was promised when he was young, naive and still alive.

And as a result, he has no qualms resorting to extreme measures to get what he wants, using brute force and cruel, underhanded tactics to swiftly and promptly crush obstacles and potential threats that may prevent or hinder his progress. 

There is no mercy for those who try to hurt him or those he cares about- no forgiveness whatsoever, as they are often brutally dealt with (Chica being smashed in the garbage compactor, Roxanne being run over with a Go-Kart, Monty plummeting to his own destruction off the catwalks). He is often overconfident in using these methods, believing strongly that his enemies have no shred of hope or chance against the punishment he sees fit to mete out to those ¨foolish and arrogant enough¨ to stand in his way.

Gregory has no one in the beginning to help him cope, to help him accept and move on from the death of his past life and the separation of him from his siblings, resulting in an unhealthy need for companionship, for love and a sense of unfulfilled dependency resulting in him being secretly and severely touch-starved and suffering extreme empty-nest syndrome. There was no one to anchor him, to dissuade him from driving himself back into the abyss that was his demise so long ago…

Until Freddy rolls around.

When Freddy and Gregory initially meet, their relationship starts off a bit awkward. Freddy does have most of his memories as Michael just drifting around in his head, and often keeps it as a secret from the other Glamrock members. 

We have to keep in mind that Michael is already an almost-fleshed out character by the time the events of Security Breach roll around, having already undergone most of his personal journey by the time the end of Pizzeria Simulator rolls around, which is why he so readily accepts his fate and lets his physical body die in that burning pizzeria. Unlike Gregory, who claims himself to be detached from such concerns, Freddy does miss his siblings, seeking to protect any kid from danger and show kindness to them- it is in his programming, of course, but it´s also partially influenced by his evolving nature as Michael when he was alive.

With Gregory, though, of course, he feels… a special connection with him, as if something sparks within him upon meeting him- it must’ve caused the malfunction on stage earlier when he felt a foreign entity in his chest cavity during the performance. As if his physical traits upon first glimpse of the young boy remind him of his younger brother- the dearest brother that he failed so long ago. Gregory, of course, feels the same way, being slightly reminded of an older brother figure- his older brother, Michael, before everything fell apart. and everything he’s ever known and loved melted into nothingness right before his eyes along with his past name.

However, Freddy soon begins to grow suspicious of the boy’s nature. His pulse, blood pressure and heartbeat seem all too perfect, too simulated to correspond to every situation accordingly for a kid in a stressful situation with animatronics on all sides trying to rip him to pieces. Of course, his emotions were real, and his appearance was perfect- too perfect, too real, and way too similar to his younger brother.

The gentle, unique and dark eyes reflecting glistening starlight in its wake, the wavy and tousled chestnut brown hair that took on a faint shimmer in its highlights, and the pale complexion adorned intricately with an apricot and peach blush that perfectly complimented his youthful, demure features.

Everything, from the petite, lithe and short body structure down to the button nose, high cheekbones and full cheeks, and plump lips, slightly roseate in tint.

The animatronic bear shakes his head- he’s seeing too much of Evan in this random kid.

However, even in disgrace, even when all hope seems lost- Gregory does not shame himself. He remains fixated on the light at the end of the tunnel- his goal, his dream, not once wavering or faltering, never giving up fighting for his survival: a quality Freddy undeniably admires, persistence. The brunette struggles a bit to show basic manners and accept help, but he is obstinate, self-willed and domineering, not to mention undeniably intelligent and creative: not to mention his surprising knowledge of technology and computers. This boy is a bright young man with a bright future ahead of him! At least, Freddy once remarked of such things to him and the boy’s face fell into an expression of despondence. “Yeah,” was all he responded with following a heavy sigh.

How odd.

As per the protocol programmed in him, whenever the boy seems distressed, Freddy tries to provide him with encouraging physical stimuli such as shoulder rubs or head pats. Kids would usually giggle and laugh as a response, but Gregory merely awkwardly reciprocated such sentiments by rubbing and patting the large metal paw back. Hm- perhaps he felt it was an obligatory duty to provide comfort?

Freddy´s facial features droop a bit- was his performance in providing an emotional outlet for kids less than exemplary at the moment? Oh, well- it might have been because he was on emergency power.

Meanwhile, Gregory, by this point, is NOT OKAY. He´s neglecting his needs again, keeping secrets to himself, suffering in silence while longing for companionship, intimacy and love with no such secrecy, and no such conflict. Ever since his epiphany, he is prone to irrational and wantonly violent thought processes- he is a walking contradiction of himself, desiring trust and yet not trusting anyone. Freddy seems to, albeit slowly, mitigate the severe, deep effects that trauma has on Gregory via his companionship. Instead of pouring further salt on the wound, he begins to treat it.

At first, Gregory seems terse and apprehensive, reluctant and mistrusting of Freddy due to his circumstances. However, as evidenced by the game, he begins to open up more- Freddy becomes less bookish, adhering to protocol and robotic, whereas the boy becomes kinder, more carefree, and more trusting and empathetic, whilst still retaining his strong, unfaltering dedication towards those he loves.

In addition, the two contrast each other well- Gregory provides hope and comfort for Freddy due to his ironically idealistic nature and his unbreakable, unshakeable spirit and willpower, whereas Freddy does possess this same belief, yet it is a bit more mellow. Freddy is much more pragmatic and straightforward, despite his sweet and entertaining nature in his programming, grounding Gregory to reality and providing him genuine, solid and true reassurance via actual hope that he can believe in.

The two serve as the ¨light at the end of the tunnel¨ for each other respectively, in a way. They give each other hope and a new reason to exist by reminding each other of someone they once loved- and as a result, their affections for each other deepen and evolve into something more intimate, familial and strong over time.

I’ve already pointed out how Gregory is unfalteringly loyal and dedicated to those he trusts and loves, and is also willing to do anything for them due to his nigh-unhealthy obsession with recreating his friends, family and his past life. His goals are strongly fueled by a steadily growing fear of loss motivated by the threats all around him, as well as a sense of justice and a desire to right all the wrongs. Reviving the happiness, humanity and dignity that has been brutally ripped from him via accomplishing his pre-set series of goals seems to be his only objective at this point, of which he absolutely deems imperative that he gets done. The thought of destroying and hurting others to get what he wants is something he frequently entertains, and their pain and suffering is something he can’t really give less of a shit about, to be frank.

However, once Freddy opposes the idea, suddenly Gregory feels anxious and guilty when destroying and decommissioning Chica, Roxanne and Montgomery- not because he’s suddenly aware of their pain, but because he’s aware of Freddy’s pain and how much he cares for his friends.

And this is where even more of his uglier qualities come into play- he sees his older brother in Freddy, a true parental figure- his family in Freddy. And because of how much the android boy has grown to truly care for and deeply love the animatronic bear, he begins to grow jealous- protective and secretively possessive, almost. He’s jealous that Freddy cares more for his friends than, what he perceives as, his own younger brother, though Freddy remains unaware of Gregory’s true identity until much, MUCH later. Most of the time, he merely lets his raging fury within be dampened and restrained by the quiet rain of tears inside, longing to feel the phantom sensation of a large metal paw holding his hand whenever he’s alone, apart from Freddy. 

With his darkest, overshadowing fears not yet put to rest, Gregory begins to grow alarmingly clingy, immoral and headstrong in an attempt to seize his destiny and bring his dream to life. His most fanatical, paranoid, dishonest, ruthless and obsessive traits come out at this point, and though they are not conventionally expressed like in other obsessive characters, they’re still there.

I also feel the need to point out Gregory’s positive traits: He’s very strong, figuring out most of his identity, his purpose and who he’s meant to be in the form of fleshed out goals. He’s obstinate, self-reliant and possesses a will of steel and an unbendable, unbreakable spirit that cannot be shaken in any way, shape or form. Though he’s been eroded at by constant torment and trauma, he still retains his ability to show an impressive and heartwarming degree of comfort, empathy, compassion and kindness to those he loves and deems as family. Even in disgrace and crushing loneliness, even in humiliation, he is no coward, and through his myriad of expressiveness and emotion he remains unflappable and unfaltering- he never, ever gives up on what he believes in, never stops fighting against impossible odds to bring his goals to fruition, to protect and care for those he loves, trusts and cares about. He succeeds in bringing new meaning to the phrase “love conquers all”, and utterly brings shame to those who call idealism “hilariously outdated and mediocre”. 

Freddy acting as an emotional anchor and parental figure to Gregory is ultimately what brings out the worst of himself, but it also brings out more of the best of himself- and, despite all his immoral actions committed throughout the game in the name of his family and dream, it is all aspects of himself that triumphs post-game and helps him to find his destiny and sense of worth and self- to cope, accept and find happiness and inner peace upon being reunited with his family. 

Freddy’s presence stabilizes Gregory’s emotional turmoil, and eventually revives and reawakens something Gregory had more or less lost- genuine care and trust for individuals other than his friends and family, and a true willingness to accept and fully embrace change with everything he is. His enduring love for his older brother, reborn in a new form, broke down the armor and dulled the agonizing sting of trauma left on him by his past.

In the end, it is Freddy’s/Michael’s love that more or less saves his younger brother and fully rounds his development, putting his fears to rest for good, helping him to accept, forgive and embrace all of himself so he can put the past behind him along with the rest of his family and start a new life.

Truly like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon to soar into the night- the transformation that all humans can undergo is beautiful. In a way, the moment Gregory can let go of his trauma and find several new reasons to live, to embrace and be his true, full self in the moment and be at peace with the rest of his family and live his best life is a touching moment.

It is the moment he’s finally set free.

[volot]

was going over a conversation i had where i touched upon some of the intricacies of volo’s relationship with violence, and while this post exists, i feel like it’s still worth jotting these down and sharing them here.

so in this post, i brought some of his complicated, messy feelings about violence to light; to summarize, i’d basically detailed how he isn’t inherently violent as a person and dislikes it when it is ‘senseless’ or ‘unjust’, but he has no qualms with it when he views it as righteous / just from his own perspective. and i still stand by that wholeheartedly. i’d mentioned there is a threshold for when he believes a situation calls for it, which i’ll get to later.

this is, sneakily enough, a callback i’d made to giratina. giratina is referred to as a raging being, both in the eng and jpn scripts, which i also associate with volo, who is angry with the world and his situation. but what it is also referred to in the guidebook as is having a ‘gentle temperament.’ from what i’ve been told and read, this means that giratina won’t strike unless it feels threatened / is provoked enough to strike first. it isn’t naturally inclined to it without reason: it has no objections towards doing so, but it is not recklessly destructive just because it can be. there is purpose towards its violence.

...which is what i think is the case for volo, too. he says outright that he’s “not above using force” -- and that’s true! he isn’t at all. he’s not above it, he’s not going to hesitate when he deems it the utmost necessity, there is no problem in sinking to that level. because his ambition, and because of the dehumanization of others - particularly those who stand in his way or have served in some way to earn his ire - doesn’t seem it a problem, only a means to the end; ruthlessness manifests in the want and the will to do anything to reach his goals.

but that also doesn’t mean he’s going to brute force his way through everything. he’s not going to resort to it just because. like i said above and in that post, he isn’t violent without a reason: whether it’s an actual one, or some delusional one he’s made up in his head from how he perceives the situation at hand, because they are a threat to him, because it is his divine justice to do so, because you have wronged him in some way, whatever reason he’s applied to it. 

to put it plainly, it’s just not his go-to. it’s not his preferred method of dealing with things. volo is a very methodical and calculated character -- in this post ( tw: mentions of stalking ), i talked about how every time he shows up, he always has an alibi, there is always reason to doubt the idea that he’s purposefully following you around, he does a lot of things to make you toss away all suspicions you might have about his character, including coming to your aid in your most desperate hour. he prefers to manipulate slowly over time to get what he wants -- sure, he can be a little pushy sometimes, but not in a way that is too much: he makes it come off as harmless, giddy and excited badgering, spouting please and almost begging you to indulge him; like he’s trying to wear you down, being endearing almost, gives you reason to cast aside your hesitance. he knows brutality and force won’t get him anywhere unless it is the only option that will viably work, and in that case, he isn’t above going to those means. but people work with you so much better if you are amiable, humble, friendly, charming, etc which is what he presents himself to be. 

there were many instances during the story where he had the protagonist completely isolated and in his trust. if he hated them so, if he believed them an obstruction to his plan, then couldn’t he just gotten rid of them earlier on? saved himself the trouble? well... yes and no. yes, he could have -- but no, he wasn’t going to, because he knew they had use to him. he talks about how he’d hate to lose you, how being buddy-buddy with you is a good investment for him in the long-run: and he states that very forthright too, all while sweetening up the words to make them seem completely harmless. he means it.

so it’s only at the temple, at the end of it all, the moment where he believes he is about to meet arceus and everything is falling to place and you’ve run your course of use that he finally, finally resorts to it: and even then, he was still using the threat and idea of force to manipulate in the beginning, rather than immediately jumping to it when he could have. this is again another avenue of his calculation: he’s saying these things to goad you on ( he knows this must be hurting you, freaking you out - you thought you guys were friends, he’s using this shock as an advantage point ), because he doesn’t want you to just give him the plates - the battle atop mt. coronet is purposeful, it serves as a bid to arceus, he’s showing arceus that he’s the chosen, that it’s him, and he’ll beat you and prove he is righteous and the chosen one. he’ll savor the absolute thrill of knowing he could beat you down, you who stole his dream from him and quelled the power of the nobles, as an ultimate show of strength, willpower, and devotion. the ultimate testament that he was right. 

so of course when you’ve wiped out his team, when he believes you have arceus’s blessing, he jumps right to it; he doesn’t demand a round 2, he outright tells giratina to strike you down and not your pokemon, and i’m sure the only reason why it became a battle outside of you know, game mechanics and the protagonist having to win in a video game is because you still had pokemon alive to defend and ward off giratina’s attack. 

tl;dr: if he’s ever violent towards a muse on this blog... there is definitely a reason for why he’s resorting to that in the first place.

[monstersdownthepath]

Monster Spotlight: Caulborn

CR 7

Neutral Medium Outsider

Bestiary 3, pg. 48 (picture from the Occult Bestiary, pg. 12)

Unnatural creatures born from profound or confusing thoughts in the Astral Plane, Caulborn are creatures of pure curiosity. Despite their downright horrifying, savage appearance, they are a race of scholars and archivists obsessed with collecting knowledge. The acquisition of facts seems to be their only major goal in life, the majority of their bodies devoted to excessive brain matter to retain all they know, but rather than using the information for anything in particular, they learn all they can because they are literally sustained by gathering new information. They do not need physical food or drink, but a Caulborn that goes too long without learning anything new will begin to wither and starve.

Unfortunately for the multiverse, this means the speed at which they gather information is more important than how they do so, and as such Caulborn aren’t exactly applying the scientific method or performing thorough investigations. Their Cooperative Scrying allows three or more of them at once to scry on a location--through planar barriers if need be--to seek out populated areas to settle near, establishing new colonies across the cosmos in search of other lifeforms to parisitize. They have 60ft of Thoughtsense, a form of psychic radar that alerts them to the presence of any living, conscious creature within the area, and once one of them knows you’re there, the whole colony does. Caulborn share a Hive Mind with one another, able to telepathically communicate and share the senses of each other Caulborn within 300ft. Once a sapient creature with brains bursting with delicious information has been sensed, the Caulborn shamble over and capture their victim’s senses with their magic, using brute force (a Claw-Claw-Bite that deals 1d6+3 and 2d6+3 damage, respective) only as a last resort, lest the victim perish.

Highly adapted to pulling information from the heads of other beings, Caulborn have several 3/day spells to make this process as swift and relatively painless as possible. They have Charm Monster, Hold Monster, AND Daze Monster all available to them, each a different tool these cerebral scholars use to collect what they need. Hold Monster and Charm Monster are especially powerful in this regard, both able to restrain an unwilling subject in different ways, but Charm Monster becomes frightening if combined with the Caulborn’s 1/day Plane Shift, which otherwise can only be used on willing subjects. While creatures kidnapped in such a way are typically returned alive (if only to be recaptured and fed on again later), whether or not they’re returned whole is a completely different matter.

Their frighteningly complex jaws are a formidable weapon, but are actually completely useless for feeding, the Caulborn lacking a stomach or even an esophagus, so Caulborn actually consume thoughts with their freakishly elongated pointer and middle fingers. Each of them nearly a foot long on their own, a single touch establishes a psychic connection between the subject and the Caulborn and allows for memories to be transferred in one direction. This method of feeding is harmful to the victim in question, dealing 1d4 Intelligence and Wisdom damage as their memories and even sensory information is siphoned away, but if the Caulborn is allowed a deeper feeding, it can rummage through the victim’s thoughts to dredge up, erase, or even alter their memories (as Modify Memory). The longer this contact is allowed, the more a Caulborn can affect, and the more stat damage the victim takes. However, this feeding connection is so tenuous that it can only ever affect a creature that is willing, helpless, or fascinated by another effect (such as the 3/day Hypnotic Pattern the scholars possess). In addition to using this method to feed from victims, the ability to alter and remove memories makes it very easy for the colonies to hide their activities from snooping parties, draining or even rewriting entire days if need be to mask their presence. 

While not exactly peaceful, and in fact more than willing to engage in whatever dark acts they require to feed their endless hunger for information, Caulborn are very easy to talk down from violence by offering them the information they seek, able to establish mutually beneficial relationships with the civilizations they would otherwise prey upon. While they only really apply their collected information to further their own goal of survival, other creatures can benefit from the Caulborn’s +14 in every Knowledge skill check to better their own lives... even if they have to donate a little brain juice now and then. It’ll grow back, it’s fine.

You can read more about them here.