#Emperor's Observations

[staticsqueaks]

Hosin dusts off the dash of his neural cruiser, admiring the flicker of life behind her buttons. He runs his fingers over the ignition and feels the ship react to his touch while Fleetwood Mac soothes his ears. Today was hard, but there was hope coming. Hard days were not a reason to give up. He turned around, tapping his foot to the smooth beat on the walkway as he admired the spacious command bridge of his once mighty ship, trying to figure out how to decorate it for his short departure. He snapped, letting the ship come to life as he sang, stringing up banners and glittering decor alike. Thirty minutes to go. Would that be enough time to fireproof the place?

[vaguely-concerned]

sometimes I think of all the on-the-surface warm, well-meaning but deeply ineffectual advice and attention john gives harrow through harrow the ninth (make some soup and get some sleep! get a hobby! don't be so hard on yourself! self care harrow! as long as I need take no actual responsibility in this relationship whatsoever I would have loved to be your dad!) set up against the stark truth that with his other hand he has been staging her attempted horrific murder again and again and again like a living nightmare on the logic that it will 'put her down or fix her'. and then I find that I wish there is a hell. a special hell where twitch streamers turned necromantic death emperors go

[erio51]

𝕐𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕀𝕕𝕖𝕒𝕝 ℙ𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕟𝕖𝕣'𝕤 𝕋𝕣𝕒𝕚𝕥𝕤

(𝔸𝕝𝕝 𝔸𝕣𝕔𝕒𝕟𝕒)

𝘐𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘹 𝘋𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘺 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵, 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘯𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘹 𝘋𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘵🤍

𝙄𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙞𝙜𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙣𝙪𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧, 𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙘𝙠 𝙢𝙮 𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙤𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙩☺️

𝟙 (𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕄𝕒𝕘𝕚𝕔𝕚𝕒𝕟):

✶Resourceful ✶Moves fast ✶Talented ✶Adventurer ✶Gemini/Virgo/Mercury placements or qualities

𝟚 (𝕋𝕙𝕖 ℍ𝕚𝕘𝕙 ℙ𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕤𝕤):

✶Diplomat ✶In touch with nature ✶Deep ✶Private ✶Cancer/Moon placements or qualities

𝟛 (𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔼𝕞𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕤):

✶Luxurious ✶Abundant ✶Beautiful ✶Nurturing ✶Taurus/Venus placements or qualities

𝟜 (𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔼𝕞𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕠𝕣):

✶Leader ✶Provider ✶Protective ✶Authoritative ✶Aries/Mars placements or qualities

𝟝 (𝕋𝕙𝕖 ℍ𝕖𝕚𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕥):

✶Traditional ✶Mentor ✶Committed ✶Reliable ✶Taurus/Venus placements or qualities

𝟞 (𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕤):

✶Sociable ✶Romantic ✶Takes care of appearance ✶Perceptive ✶Gemini/Mercury placements or qualities

𝟟 (𝕋𝕙𝕖 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕚𝕠𝕥):

✶Strong ✶Driven ✶Likes to travel ✶Has a lot of willpower ✶Cancer/Moon placements or qualities

𝟠 (𝕊𝕥𝕣𝕖𝕟𝕘𝕥𝕙):

✶Independent ✶Knowledgeable ✶Compassionate ✶Courageous ✶Leo/Sun placements or qualities

𝟡 (𝕋𝕙𝕖 ℍ𝕖𝕣𝕞𝕚𝕥):

✶Self-sufficient ✶Empathetic ✶Wise ✶Spiritual ✶Virgo/Mercury/Saturn placements or qualities

𝟙𝟘 (𝕎𝕙𝕖𝕖𝕝 𝕠𝕗 𝔽𝕠𝕣𝕥𝕦𝕟𝕖):

✶Lucky ✶Easy-going ✶Cheerful ✶Educated ✶Taurus/Leo/Scorpio/Aquarius/Sagittarius/Jupiter placements or qualities

𝟙𝟙 (𝕁𝕦𝕤𝕥𝕚𝕔𝕖):

✶Balanced ✶Active ✶Honest ✶Strong moral compass ✶Libra/Venus placements or qualities

𝟙𝟚 (𝕋𝕙𝕖 ℍ𝕒𝕟𝕘𝕖𝕕 𝕄𝕒𝕟):

✶Unconditionally loving ✶Selfless ✶Calm ✶Sincere ✶Pisces/Neptune placements or qualities

𝟙𝟛 (𝔻𝕖𝕒𝕥𝕙):

✶Mysterious ✶Transformative ✶Focused ✶Sensual ✶Scorpio/Pluto placements or qualities

𝟙𝟜 (𝕋𝕖𝕞𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖):

✶Mature ✶Intellectual ✶Easily adapts ✶Patient ✶Sagittarius/Jupiter placements or qualities

𝟙𝟝 (𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔻𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕝):

✶Keen ✶Clairvoyant ✶Ambitious ✶Charming ✶Capricorn/Saturn placements or qualities

𝟙𝟞 (𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕋𝕠𝕨𝕖𝕣):

✶Fearless ✶Ground-breaking ✶Attractive ✶Spontaneous ✶Scorpio/Aries/Mars placements or qualities

𝟙𝟟 (𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕣):

✶Gifted ✶Creative ✶Stands out ✶Supportive ✶Aquarius/Uranus placements or qualities

𝟙𝟠 (𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕄𝕠𝕠𝕟):

✶Imaginative ✶Intuitive ✶Introverted ✶Artistic ✶Pisces/Neptune placements or qualities

𝟙𝟡 (𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕊𝕦𝕟):

✶Generous ✶Optimistic ✶Energetic ✶Charismatic ✶Leo/Sun placements or qualities

𝟚𝟘 (𝕁𝕦𝕕𝕘𝕖𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥):

✶Mediators ✶Family oriented ✶Healing ✶Assertive ✶Libra/Scorpio/Pluto placements or qualities

𝟚𝟙 (𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕎𝕠𝕣𝕝𝕕):

✶Harmonious ✶Fair ✶Full of life experience ✶Charitable ✶Leo/Taurus/Aquarius/Scorpio/Capricorn/Saturn placements or qualities

𝟚𝟚 (𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔽𝕠𝕠𝕝):

✶Childlike-wonder ✶Values freedom ✶Innocent ✶Explorer ✶Aquarius/Uranus placements or qualities

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘸𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘥𝘢𝘺/𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵! 𝘙𝘦𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥🤍

[hanakihan]

hmmmmm you know how usually ‘villainess seeking revenge’ stories are go chaotic mid way through because it all becomes a mess

actually how do you think such case scenario would’ve gone if jinchul was a protagonist? I mean he’s definitely the type of not doing evil as long as someone doesn’t do any evil to him or his loved ones so

will he take any form or revenge or retribution for those who wronged him or will simply continue to live (that if he’s survives ofc)

like for example he was a noble with relatively high status in imperial court but then he fell out of grace (thanks to certain people) and either up ended in jail waiting his death sentence or being thrown into lowest possible social rank

what he will do in this case? like in legit two scenario cases:

- he’s climbing his way out with his own wits

- he’s having benevolence of someone who helps him to start

I’m just curious because jinchul is a type of a rational thinking and wits but he’s also not actively seeking revenge or anything of sorts and not attacking until someone attacks him or close to him so how classy ‘villainess seeks revenge’ story will play out with him

[mybrothercainmybrotherabel]

Just had to re-write a big portion of what I had planned because I realized that Philip has already robbed Caleb's grave and started making Grimwalkers before Elsewhere and Elsewhen. The good news is, I'm gonna get to have a lot of fun with the Titan and Caleb watching Luz and Lilith.

Other observations: the way those ribs are sticking out of what looks like a still bloody corpse, yikes.

I can also assume he has been numbering his grimwalker attempts. I can only assume they have not been going well, since that hand is reaching up like the failed attempt we saw in FTF. Interesting he is all the way up to four and presumably still has not succeeded since he does not have a grimwalker with him and still has to recruit mercenaries to help him out. I wonder if the Collector gave him the information he needed to make the grimwalkers stable.

He already has the Belos cloak, we know he starts proselytizing while he is still Philip, so I wonder if he starts cooking up the idea for Belos before or after he decides to make grimwalkers.

Last note, this is the first time (and possibly only time) we see a knife with Belos/Philip's things that is not the Caleb Killing Knife, which is strange because we almost exclusively see the Caleb Killing Knife with his belongings.

[siebrendeparadox]

couple of victory poses as I ease the queue into the emperor phase...

[airbenderedacted]

This meme is The Rival EXACTLY...

[leomonae]

Larian really did pass up a golden opportunity by never having the Emperor offer any unsolicited advice/commentary on more... private moments from the player's chosen romance, though.

I apologise if I have distressed you with my proposition. Given your open-mindedness in regard to the druid's non-humanoid form, it did not occur to me that you might find my own form so displeasing.

[unsealed-box]

drops this here without any need for further explanation...

[kiraastro]

Case Study: 7th Lord in the 11th House

[Former empress of Japan] Empress Michiko's 7H lord mars in 11H in the sign of magha is superrrr interesting considering she met her husband (7H) Akihito who was the crown prince at the time (magha) at a tennis court (mars); a place Akihito would frequent to socialize and meet many people (11H). She even won in a match against him.

7H indicates close relationships, partnerships, marriage.

11H indicates social circles and connections, friend groups, or even a mass of people.

Mars can indicate sports, physicality, strength, blood, dominating energy, etc.

Magha can be symbolized by a throne which indicates royalty, authority, and kingship. It also is the sign responsible for ancestors and continuing on the traditions/rituals of your ancestors (royal families are definitely adamant about continuing their traditions).

☆ミ

References:

Rahasya Vedic Astrology, "Magha Nakshatra", https://www.rahasyavedicastrology.com/magha-nakshatra/

Kyodo News, 60 years in photos: Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2019/04/865274413410-in-photos-japanese-emperor-akihito-empress-michiko-60-years-of-marriage.html

Indastro, "Importance of Mars in Vedic Astrology", https://www.indastro.com/astrology-articles/mars-planet

Vinay Bajrangi, "Role of 7th House in Astrology", https://www.vinaybajrangi.com/astrology-houses/seventh-house.php#:~:text=Of%20all%20the%2012%20houses,perspective%20for%20the%20seventh%20house.

Vinay Bajrangi, "Role of 11th House", https://www.vinaybajrangi.com/astrology-houses/eleventh-house.php

[deadpanwalking]

not calling you out for being pretentious but can you ELI5 what the fuck a metaphysical harmonic oscillator is

In retrospect, perhaps an overly-ambitious metaphor. Help me reverse engineer it into something less pretentious. Here was my line of thinking when I said it: I wanted to talk a little about the notion of a clockwork universe in Pale Fire but know exactly one thing about clocks off the cuff, which is that winding up a clock stores energy in the springs inside the clock by tightening them, and that this energy makes the springs, uh, spring back and forth at regular intervals (that's what makes them, said my 8th grade science teacher, harmonic oscillators—playground swings work that way too), and then the springs moves the gears, and the gears move the hands of the clock until the stored energy runs out.

I meant to convey that the characters of Pale Fire are like those gears, in that they are also being moved through their lives by unseen forces within a carefully-designed mechanism (the narrative). My logic in choosing that specific expression was that, since harmonic oscillation is already an established term, I'd just slap “metaphysical” at the front of it and go to lunch, instead of launching into a clunky explanation of how clocks work, the way I am doing right now. What should I have said? Is it pretentious on account of how nobody winds their clocks anymore?

[staticsqueaks]

Everything is coming together perfectly.

[sunshinesmebdy]

The Emperor and the Stars: Decoding Caligula’s Rise and Fall Through Astrology

Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, better known as Caligula, remains a captivating and controversial figure in history. His reign as Roman emperor was marked by both remarkable achievements and brutal excesses, leading to his assassination in 41 AD. While attributing complex historical events solely to astrological placements would be an oversimplification, exploring Caligula’s birth chart offers fascinating insights into the potential energies that may have shaped his story.

The Seeds of Success: Virgo Sun & Mercury

Caligula’s Sun sign in Virgo indicates a natural aptitude for meticulousness, organization, and service. He was known for his efficiency in administration, implementing reforms in the tax system and public works. The Virgo influence, combined with Mercury (planet of communication) also in Virgo, suggests his sharp intellect and attention to detail. These qualities likely shone during his early reign, as he tackled administrative challenges and established himself as a competent ruler.

However, the Virgoan focus on order and perfectionism could also manifest as excessive criticism and a tendency to micromanage. This could have strained relationships with advisors and officials, leading to frustration and resentment. Additionally, the Virgoan desire for structure and control could have fueled his later attempts to centralize power and exert absolute authority, ultimately contributing to his isolation and paranoia.

Emotional Depths and Attachments: Moon & Venus in Cancer

The Cancerian placements of both the Moon (emotions) and Venus (love, relationships) reveal a strong need for security and emotional connection. Caligula experienced significant childhood trauma, including the exile and death of his parents. The Cancerian Moon suggests an intense sensitivity to these experiences, which could have manifested as a deep longing for security and control in his adult life. He may have surrounded himself with individuals perceived as loyal, but this need for control could have also fostered a climate of suspicion and fear.

These placements also highlight his potential for forming deep attachments, as evident in his close relationship with his sister Drusilla. The loss likely triggered unresolved childhood wounds, potentially fueling his descent into paranoia and cruelty. Additionally, the Cancerian influence on Venus, governing love and relationships, might have manifested in possessive or manipulative behaviors, further isolating him from potential allies and advisors.

The Leo Influence: Mars in Leo

Mars, the planet of action and assertion, resides in Leo in Caligula’s chart. This placement points to ambition, leadership potential, and a desire for recognition. It aligns with his rise to power and initial attempts to be a popular and effective ruler. He may have possessed a natural charisma and used his Leo influence to energize the public during his early reign.

However, the Leo influence, when unchecked, can manifest as an overinflated ego, a need for dominance, and a tendency towards theatricality. As Caligula’s reign progressed, these negative expressions of Leo energy might have come to the forefront. His initial ambition could have morphed into excessive pride and a relentless pursuit of power, leading to increasingly erratic and tyrannical behavior. His desire for recognition could have become a desperate need for constant praise and adulation, ultimately driving him further away from genuine connection and support.

The Downfall: Unbalanced Energies?

While his placements offered potential for both effective leadership and deep emotional connection, an imbalance or negative expression of these energies could have contributed to Caligula’s downfall. The Virgo Sun and Mercury might have become overly critical or micromanaging, while the Cancerian Moon and Venus could have manifested as clinging behavior or emotional manipulation. The Leo Mars, initially fueling ambition, might have morphed into excessive pride, paranoia, and a thirst for power, ultimately leading to his demise.

Conclusion: A Tapestry of Influences

It’s crucial to remember that astrology is not deterministic. Caligula’s life was undoubtedly shaped by numerous factors beyond his birth chart, including historical context, personal experiences, and the choices he made. However, exploring his astrological placements offers a potential lens through which we can understand the underlying energies that may have influenced his personality, strengths, and ultimately, his tragic flaws.

[h4zardousch3micals]

I just had an epiphany

so do y'all remember that thing where old-timey human stumbled into a world of monsters and magic and slowly over time became one of them by consuming things from their realm (possibly artificially extending their lifespan) until they're barely recognisable as human and then one day new humans show up they insist they've always been a part of this world even if they probably weren't

[vampyrcain]

mfers who genuinely like ascended astarion have either never been in a toxic relationship

or maybe they just romanticize toxic relationships

probably both

[abybweisse]

1/ I have come up with a strange theory, I hope you'll listen to it, which is that the real mastermind behind the aurora Society is not Ryan Stocker nor the Undertaker, but Viscount Druitt (and other character I think one of them is John brown) , because he is the only person who has great influence among the nobles and seems accustomed to organizing this type of event (such as the human traffic pary that he held in his manor in Jack the Ripper arc )

Is the Viscount of Druitt the mastermind of the Aurora Society?

I highly doubt it. I have to assume the leader used to be Stoker, and perhaps Druitt is a high-ranking member, but he has never struck me as mastermind material. I honestly don't know whether the society is run by real Ciel and Undertaker now or if it's still a separate entity. But Druitt doesn't seem to think too clearly about what he's getting himself into, so I see him as more like a very important chessman for real Ciel.

That said, I do suspect he's got something to do with the advanced technology that's being used for the blood transfusions and what appears to be hemodialysis. He does have a medical license, after all, even though he has no practice. Undertaker might be keeping him alive just to use him for his medical knowledge.

But I wouldn't say he's the only person involved with Sphere Music Hall or the Aurora Society with an interest in Grecian attire. (In fact, the reference Druitt makes is to the infamous Roman emperor, Nero, not a Greek ruler.)

There are two other people to look at here: Blavat Sky and Nina Hopkins.

Nina even praises Blavat for his "innovative and daring" suggestions about clothes...

...and she says how her favorite pieces are the Grecian robes.

Druitt's desire to rule society in some new era is manga canon, as he talks about it while on the Campania.

I will admit that he seems committed to the idea of incorporating the Aurora Society into his vision of rule.

Even the Akuma6 side chapter shows him as someone who will go to great lengths for power. In that scenario he basically wants all the "main character energy". But I still don't think he's ever actually controlled the Aurora Society.

Stoker had higher ideals, but his ambitions made him highly susceptible to the promises he thought Undertaker was making. Similarly, Druitt's cravings for power and a lavish lifestyle make him an easy target for Undertaker.

I don't see the Aurora Society as too much of a direct threat to the queen. More like both the Aurora Society and the queen (and her servants, like John Brown) are serious threats to our earl.

And John Brown is possibly the shadiest of all, mostly because I don't believe he's human. Not a reaper, either. More like an angel or demon. Whatever he is, he appears to have a contract with the queen. I believe the hand puppet of Prince Albert is part of the contract... and that he's ultimately controlling her. Whenever the puppet shows up, her entire mood changes and she becomes more open to John Brown's suggestions... presented to her through the puppet. It's like she really does think her husband has returned to her from the grave every time she sees the puppet. I'm almost surprised our earl hasn't noticed how similar that situation looks to the sort of offer Sebastian made when they were forming their own contract. Our earl saw through the deceitful offer to make him happy in the false belief his brother had returned from the dead. Can you imagine what the series would be like if, whenever our earl needed guidance or comforting, Sebastian whipped out a puppet that looked like a mirror image of his young master?

Anyway, I expect our earl and Sebastian to have a major confrontation with the queen and her servants. And, of course, for our earl and Sebastian to have some final confrontation with Undertaker, real Ciel, and whichever other star lords that can still assist by then. I expect reapers to make appearances at one or both of those fights....

Druitt? He might finally be killed during all this... but perhaps he survives... yet again.