#I wish her all the best in her toddler endeavours

[pushing500]

I love the phrasing of "she can escape from her crib", like Dire Wolf has been trapped in an inhumane prison and has finally managed to dig out so she can wobble away on chubby toddler legs to mingle with all the wild animals near the house.

Vasso and Laursen are setting off to explore an ancient complex together in search of relics from their ideology.

These two are so frickin' cute, I can't deal with it. Y'all are supposed to be hacking ancient terminals, but this is obviously the more pressing matter.

It's only minor toxic buildup, he'll be fiiiiine...

Oh, hell yes, I'd fight hundreds of gorillas for the chance to have another t'au colonist!! For the Greater Good!

Get rekt gorillas

She's so cute dammit, I almost don't want to arrest her for conversion. Still, we can't have nonbelievers in this colony, so away to jail she goes! Hopefully she is easily swayed, I love her already and want her to stay.

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[dropbear-sims]

Welcome to Mt. Cavaro! Pt. 1

This mountain plateau was once nothing but a small seasonal hunting town. Over the last 50 years however, developers took notice of the potential of this location and now, it is a bustling upcoming town. Families and sims have moved in droves to start business opportunities or to take advantage of those who are. Some however, are just enjoying the quiet scenic views and good people.

Simply explaining and showing the Community lots in each of my districts. Business, Entertainment & Residential. I will be showing the Families in Detail in Pt. 2

The Business District

Businesses:

Flast Luxury Dealership | The dealership for those who want to impress their neighbours. Fancy, reliable and with the Flast signature of quality. The Luxury Dealership is for those who only want the very best automotives.

'New You' Salon & Spa | The luxurious Salon & Spa on the edge of Byrn Street. Need a haircut? A new makeup look? A massage? Maybe you just want to spend some time relaxing in the sauna, It's here at the 'New You' Salon & Spa

Gemstone Gallery Jewellery | Need a gift for a lover? Want to buy yourself something nice? Gemstone Gallery has a wide selection of the top-quality jewellery, with options to fit any budget.

Great Times Party Supplies | Everything you need for your next big bash of a party! Weddings, birthdays or when the parents are out for the weekend!

Polar Caps Creamery | In need of a tasty cold treat on a hot day? Or a cold treat on a cold day? (We wont judge). Come down to Polar Caps to get a delicious gourmet icecream! Or serve yourself to a nice, overly processed soft serve!

Mt. Cavaro Real Estate | The main (and only) spot to purchase your new home in the lovely Mt. Cavaro. Owned by Mr. Rodney Flast, its where many suspect the majority of his fortune originated.

Mountain Rescue Pet Centre | A sanctuary for all pets in need of a loving home and Sims who need supplies for their furry friends! Opened and funded solely by Velma Aster.

Hobby Land | Muhammad and Siti Saad love their creative endeavours, and thought they should share that with the rest of Mt. Cavaro. There's a large variety of hobby items ready for purchase!

Health Plus Pharmacy | Dr. Sato's very own pharmacy that has everything you need for your ailments.

Flast Furniture | This massive warehouse holds every new and in-style piece of furniture you could ever want. Come take a stroll through our kitchen and bathroom sets, you'll leave wishing it was your home! Have a chat with our friendly staff and discuss possible home renovations.

Cavaro Family Grocery | A new development built by Ahan and Navya Bhatt, a massive gamble that paid off- its now the 'One Stop Shop' for all things your household needs regularly!… to the dismay of the local monopoly, Rodney Flast.

Speedway Motors | Ahan and Navya Bhatt's first dip into the world of business owning, buying an old rundown shed and turning it into a Car Dealership! It only has cheaper locomotives but they still run fine!… most of the time.

Spark Electronics | Need a Phone? Computer? Speaker? Spark Electronics has everything a Sim in need of a good electronic item!

'The Look' Clothing Superstore | The most popular department store for clothing in Mt. Cavaro! So popular it's run all of the small indie boutiques and rival brands out of town. I guess having great prices and a wide selection does that!

Reel N' Sons Fish Market | For the past 20 years the Reel family have been catching and selling their fresh fish here every Sunday.

Cavaro Natural Arrangements | A small shutdown florist that has been recently revamped by Velma Aster, her once buried love for plants and flowers reignited.

Bub N' Co Children's Superstore | The absolute hub for all essential baby, toddler and children's items. Everything you could need is right here!

Misc:

Community Lots that aren't a business inside the business district:

Cavaro Community Centre | The newly renovated community centre is now open! The once old and dingy town library is stocked with new books, a new computer lab has been opened and with government funding, the employment office has been revamped. All with a new cafeteria on the second floor!

Fit & Fast | Fit & Fast is the best spot to get your workout on! There's a wide variety of machines and amenities.

Cavaro Garden & Parklands | This quaint little park has a community garden run by the local gardening association, if you ever want to grab some delicious fresh veggies and fruit it's all completely free! Too the side theres also a quaint wedding area, the perfect setting to say 'I do'.

The Entertainment District

Activities:

The Colosseum Casino | Feeling lucky? The Colleseum Casino is for both the casual evening and the (habitual) high rollers, try a game of cards, or perhaps the slots?

Cavaro Performance Lounge | Think you've got the guts to go on stage? This cozy lounge is for anyone who wants to watch or be a local talent! No need to bring your own equipment, the lounge is already stocked with all instruments and microphones!

Valley Fine Dining | The Valley is newly revamped! Don't worry however, we still keep our 5 star rating for quality, cuisine and service! The dining spot for sims with cash to spare! I downloaded this lot from:

I changed quite a bit about this lot to make it fit the vibe and aesthetic of my hood, but this is a great remodel!

Cavaro National Museum | Have a love for history? Want a day out activity? The National Museum is full of historic relics from the past. Current open exhibits: Ancient Sculptures & Fossils

Cavaro National Gallery | An Extension of the National Museum, this location has Art Pieces from all over the globe, featuring some of the best and upcoming artists of the past 5 years!

Bowling Time! | Who doesn't love a game of bowling? This colourful alley is great for a night out or afterschool activity! Competitions each Sunday!

Boxing Roo | Go the Roos! Go the Roos! Want to have a drink, watch the game and show your sporting pride? Boxing Roo is a cozy little bar for all sport lovers!

Cavaro Community Pool | For all those hot summer days or practicing for that big competition coming up. Free entry on weekends and toddler swimming lessons available all week.

In Motion Dance Studio | Dance lessons on wednesday and thursday from 5pm. Recruitments for the dance troop on Saturday 10am. The best spot to practice or perfect your next routine.

Game On! Internet Cafe | Internet being shoddy? Want to group up with some friends, drink some coffee, eat snacks and play your favourite games? This is the place! PC's loaded with SSX3, The Sims: Bustin Out, FIFA 08 and Spore!

Film House Cinema | Watch the biggest current blockbusters on the big screen! Help yourself to the concessions (for a horribly expensive price) and relax in the comfy new recliner seats!

8-bit Arcade | Nerd sims unite! The best spot to play games until your curfew, all new arcade and pinball machines have been installed, all machines set to 1 simoleon!

District Basketball Court | The best spot to shoot some hoops and vs your friends.

The Hare's Foot | I wouldn't exactly call the Hare's Foot the fanciest (or cleanest) Bar in town. Happy hour is 8pm! Also… make sure to wipe down the photobooth seats before sitting.

Lil' Putter Minigolf | Wanna Impress 'The Boss'? Wanna 'impress' your friends? 6 Holes included each with their own theme and decor!

The Drip - Retro Beanclub | Are you an absolute coffee snob? An alternative music snob? Well The Drip is for 'real fans', no normies allowed! Now selling our own Beans!

Svensson Homestyle Bistro | Opened by Lars Svensson, this bistro is for all those casual nights out with the family or a modest meal with the one you love. Featuring homely recipes you'll remember without having ever tasted! 'Homestyle' is in the name!

The Rhythm - Disco Skating | The Rhytm is the best spot for a nice family activity, or a cute date idea. Listen to the 70's disco and skate away! New Skaters welcome aswell, classes each tuesday!

The Pink Flamingo | The Pink Flamingo is the hottest spot in Mt. Cavaro, new music, good drinks and open pretty much 24/7. If you want to dance and drink the night (or day) away, the pink flamingo is your spot.

Sky High Park | A VERY normal park… for very unsuspicious bubble blowing- Nothing else, juuuust "bubble blowing".

School of Art Creative Studio | Want to practice your creative skills with a bunch of like-minded sims? The SOA Creative Studio is the spot to be, there are pottery, music and painting classes!

Lasting Connections Courthouse | If the weather isn't on your side, or you just want an indoor wedding: the Lasting Connections Courthouse will be your first choice. Stocked with everything you need to throw an awesome wedding party.

Misc:

Community lots that aren't entertainment/activities in the Entertainment District:

Empty Lot | Simply an Empty lot I have no idea what to fill with, will put in something when I get an idea.

The Residential District

Cavaro Residential Sports Oval | Soccer games each Friday at 5pm! Ages 6+ teams available!

Lil' Ones Family Playground | Simply a small playground for children.

Misc Lots

(Lots that are not in any district)

Mt. Cavaro Fishing Club | The Mt. Cavaro Fishing Club has been around since this place was simply a small hunting town. There's also a cozy little campsite if you want to spend the night outdoors! Or a cabin if you do not.

'The Tip' | Simply the garbage tip for all of Cavaro. No trespassing!.. Unless you're good at tresspassing. (Who knows, there might be some good stuff to scavenge).

(I dont know why the ground is pink, it is normal grass lol)

Cavaro Memorial Cemetary | A place to remember the Sims of the past. You may not want to visit after dark, there have been rumors of people seeing the sims who should've been long gone. I downloaded this lot from:

I changed a few things, such as swapping out the trees and adding more pavement.

Apologies for not taking Screenshots of the exterior/Interior of each lot, I didn't want to bog down this post TO much (Even though I believe its already pretty beefy. I simply wanted to share what community lots are in my hood. I will be playing this town rotationally and posting what happens, if that interests you I'd love for you to follow this blog and join me on this journey :)

[anewnewcrest]

New Newcrest News - Summer 2, Part 1

Abilene Johnson here! What a season this was, full of highs, with shocking lows, yet we are here to praise the Watcher through all of them!

Obituaries

We’re so sad to hear that our dear friend Sharon Graham has gone home to be with the Watcher while giving birth to her fourth child. She leaves behind her husband Mark Graham and her children Baker, Chelsea, Riker and baby Sharon. Please pray for her and her family.

New Congregants

We’re excited to welcome another family who loves to love the Watcher in our neighborhood! Michael and Martha Matthews are such a lovely couple, and so well-matched, and so... fertile.

Engagements & Weddings

It was a joyful day indeed when my dear step-daughter Madison Johnson married my husband’s disciple Connor Culver and became Madison Culver! We wish all the best to the young couple and hope that the Watcher will bless them with a little one soon!

Babies

While we grieve for our dear friend Sharon Graham, it’s important to remember how many precious babies have joined our congregation in this season, and how the Watcher continues to touch all of our lives. She herself left behind her little baby Sharon Graham, named after her and now in the excellent care of her husband, Mark Graham. 

The newly arrived Matthews family has welcomed four - FOUR - new babies this season. That must be some kind of record! They had twins Mason and Mitchell, and then another set of twins, Melanie and Melissa! How extraordinary!

The Payne family has expanded too, with Jacob and Alyssa adding baby Bennett (#4) and Cordelia (#5) to their family. Congratulations!

The Watcher is so good! My husband David and I have welcomed our first child, our daughter, Abigail Johnson in this season, and we couldn’t be any happier, except by having a boy now!

Maxwell Sawyer and his wife have welcomed their fourth child, a daughter named Margaret Sawyer! How lovely to see such a good family providing an example on how one should raise their children!

Jobs & Promotions

My dear stepdaughter Madison Culver has started a Social Media Ministry to spread advice to newlyweds everywhere! I’m so proud of her!

Maxwell Sawyer now uses his new position as a Freelance Article Writer to spread the Word of the Watcher! Congratulations!

Mark Graham has been promoted to Warrant Officer due to his moving to Strangerville! While we wish the circumstances were better, we wish all the best to him!

Birthdays

Little Mason and Mitchell Matthews are now rambunctious little toddlers, and keeping their parents on their toes! Congratulations to them!

The first native Newcrestian in the Payne family, Jason Payne, is now a child, while his brother Bennett and his sister Joanna are toddlers now. Happy birthday!

Time flies, and my stepdaughters Savannah and Caroline Johnson are teens now! They have taken over so many duties from Madison after she grew up and got married, and I’m especially grateful because I am so busy with baby Abby!

Maxwell Sawyer has celebrated his birthday and is an adult now, and his children are growing up fast, too. Little Randall is a toddler, and their eldest daughter Anne a child and a little mama’s helper now. Congratulations!

Even though it is a sad season for them, we want to make the Graham boys’ birthdays special! Baker is a teen now, full of energy and ambition, while his brother Riker is a child now! We wish them all the best in their endeavours!

Other News

While we of course understand how Mark Graham and his family would wish for a fresh start in Strangerville after the loss of their wive and mother, we’re nevertheless grieved to see them leave our little church community. Please continue to include them in your prayers.

We congratulate Maxwell Sawyer on finishing his book on Michelle Johnson’s life and sacrifice for the Watcher!

Prayer Requests

Having friends is a wonderful thing, but it’s even better when they’re not all up in your business. Please pray for this lady who has no idea when to stop talking.

The Watcher wants us to have children, but He also wants us to love them, and care for them. Please pray for this lady who has her hands full with too many arrows already, and the youngest are not even children yet.

My son is young and blinded by his feelings, and does not yet know that that girl is not the One the Watcher has for him. Please pray for him to find his way.

While preaching about the Watcher’s wishes is important, some people just need to shut up and mind their own business. And not write stupid, insensitive books.

[starr-fall-knight-rise]

Humans Are Space Orcs, “Black Hole.”

I was walking, I tended to do that when I had to think, and today was a thinking kind of day. I’m not exactly a thinking kind of guy if I am being honest. Most of the time the inside of my head is a wasteland of song lyrics, movie clips, and microwave noises, but right now I had to try and figure some things out.

First and foremost I had been thinking about the spiderlings  a lot lately. It hurt e all over to think the things I was thinking now, but it had to be done. 

The spiderlings, when it came right down to it, were just kids like toddlers. They were still learning how to interact with people, they were still growing up, and admittedly, I wasn’t doing a very good job at parenting. First and foremost, however, was the fact that they shouldn’t even be on the ship in the first place. Children weren’t allowed on UNSC ships unless there was  rescue mission going on, or they were being transported for some reason.

No one else on the ship would be allowed to take their kids with them, so why should I. It sort of wasn’t fair if you thought on it for a little bit.

Number two, it wasn’t exactly fair to the spiderlings either. They needed some sort of education if they wanted to live in this universe as it was, and right now I didn’t have time to sit them down and teach them anything. I honestly couldn’t really do anything for them at all know that I thought about it. I was horrible at discipline and even worse at teaching them  the things they should know.

They needed a preschool or something where they could learn how to read and write, though I had no real idea where to do that.

I had been thinking about this a lot lately based on some of the things I had come to realize while I was gone on leave, the number one being that I took too much on my shoulders. N o one here except for me was expected to father and run a ship at the same time.

If anything I was doing the spiderlings a disservice by keeping them here.

It hurt me to say all of that because the aggressive controlling part of me doesn’t want to admit that I can’t do all of it all by myself.

But I can’t.

However, I do know someone who potentially could if she was going to do what she said she was going to do.

A part of my, however, didn’t want to contact Eris.

We hardly knew each other and to ask for favors would be a bit much. Arguably the adaptids were older than she was, meaning that choosing her to help me in this endeavour wasn’t fair to her either, but who else was I going to get to take care of them.

One thing is for sure, they needed a lot of things that I just couldn’t provide, and that meant I was going to ave to let go.

Made me sick to my stomach but there you had it.

I admired it.

I Can’t do it.

I turned the corner onto the bridge my mind made up. I would have to Call Eris when we were out of warp and see if she would take another couple of hybrids.

I made myself feel a little better by promising I would call and visit as often as I could, though it hurt me to think how the spiderlings might respond to me just up and leaving them.

I tried to remind myself that I wasn’t up and leaving them, I was doing what any other father in the UNSC would have to do and that was find them a place to stay and learn and grow and all of those other things, but a part of me still felt horrible.

To take my mind off of that decision, I turned my head towards  one of the bridge crew members, “Grab a tablet and follow me.”

They did as told, bot up and followed.

It honestly still surprises me when people follow my orders. Like I expect to have to explain or justify my reasoning to them, but instead they sort of just get up and walk over like that was supposed to be how it worked.

I  wasn’t totally convinced.

I motioned them to follow and together we walked down the hall.

I took my first stop in the medical bay where  Krill and Katie working quietly to deep clean the med bay while there were no patients to work on.

Krill looked up and his antennae buzzed slightly when he saw me. A frown crossed his face as he looked me over, expecting some sort of injury. I have him a smile and almost winked but then remembered that when you have one eye winking just looks like blinking.

Katie straightened up, “Good morning Commander.” She said with a wide smile.”

That would always surprise me to, when your friends call you by a title.

“Morning Doctor.” I responded in kind walking over with my assistant at my heels.

Krill seemed to relax, “how may we help you this morning, commander.”

I took a seat on the edge of one of the beds and bounced my foot up and down a bit as i thought, “I was just thinking about the ship and how it’s run.”

They looked at each other.

I held up a hand, “Don’t worry it’s nothing like that. I just realized the other day that I don’t really know how things work on my own ship despite trying to control everything all the time, so I am going to go around to all of the departments get and idea of how they work, and what they do, and how they might need my help if anything.” I motioned back towards my assistant, “Lt. McKinnon is going to take notes for me, and then later on I am going to meet with the Jedi council, and we are going to decide how best to delegate and meet the needs of the ship more effectively.”

Katie raised an eyebrow, “The Jedi council?”

“Yeah, that’s what I am calling it, and you can’t make me decide otherwise.”

She rolled her eyes but smiled and I smiled back.

If they thought my idea was dumb, they at least humored me.

As far as my involvement, there really was none, though I had to make sure that everyone was up to date on their medical evals and vaccinations, which was probably a job I could delegate to someone else, or at least give Katie and Krill the power to do, so I would have to look into that later.

I stood from there and together me and my assistant moved to the other departments before slowly coming around to the rec hall where I knew I might find a particular grou pf of people.

Cannon was there as I expected he would be playing pool with a group of other Drev.

Cannon was a good shot while the others were a couple seconds away from poking each other in the eye with the cues, but they were laughing and talking rapid fire in drev, fast eough that I was having trouble understanding just exactly what they were saying.

Cannon leaned over the table and took a shot sending one of the balls into a corner pocket with a satisfying clatter.

The other Drev groaned and he raised his fist in triumph.

I approached once Cannon won the game, and the big guy saw me coming  raising the pool cue in greeting like he might raise a spear. The other Drev did the same 

“Zhad tsak Hajee lasan jirhaat.”

I raised my hand and returned the greeting.

May your spear be sharp or something similar.

I kept the conversation mostly in Drev for the sake of the clan, “Cannon how are you this morning?”

He lifted his head to me, “Won seven duels and tested some of Chalan’s new weapons.” 

I smiled, “Ben busy than I see.”

“I always try to keep it that way.”

Cannon was the defacto clan leader. Technically it was either sunny or I, but Sunny wasn’t reall the clan leading type and I had everything else to run so that gave Cannon most command over the Drev, which is why I was here.

“Just coming in to make sure you guys have everything you need and see if there is anything that you guys need done. Cannon obviouly you are on the jedi council, so you’ll figure this out later, but I want to make sure eveyrthing is running smoothly. Is there anything your clan needs to discuss.”

Cannon tapped his fingers agaisnt his carapace beore pulling me aside by the arm.

“Tatazan is…. Pregnant so, what should I do about that?”

A ton of bricks for Commander Adam Vir.

I blinked blindsides by that afformentioned rockslide, “I uh…. Hmm that is complicated.”

I turned to look at the floor. I suppose it should ahve occured to me that when we took on an entire Drev clan that we were also taking on mated pares. Now the UNSC guidelines about being in relationships didn’t cover the Drev considering that their battle partners were always thir significant other so hiring a Drev would be impossible if the rule was followed.

But I had failed to recognize the ‘mated’ part of a mated pair.

“Well shit.” I muttered 

“This isn’t exactly ideal.”

Cannon nodded, “I think it might be best if the child is raised off the ship on Anin.”

“I tend to agree with you there.” I leaned in a bit, “I have been thinking about the same things for the spiderlings.”

He nodded knowingly.

“A ship is no place to grow up.”

I agreed no matter how much child me would have disagreed.

“We can discuss that in meeting tonight, though as clan leader you have the most say in this.”

He nodded his large head, “Where is my sister?” He wondered looking around for where she might be.

“I sent her off to play with making new weapons.”

“Sent her off?” Cannon chuckled in amusement

“Yeah, I think she worries about leaving me on my own, like I am going to set something on fire or something.”

“Have you set anything on fire/” He wondered wryly.

I smirked, “No but I’ve been thinking.”

“For you, that is actually worse than setting things on fire.”

The two of us laughed and I patted him on the arm as I returned him to the pool table and a second round of him kicking everyone’s ass.

Cannon was a good clan leader and had thrown himself into the work wholeheartedly. They respected him, and he got along with them. Not a day went by that you didn’t see him leading the Drev in some new sort of activity to broaden their horizons. I sortof wished Sunny would join them more often.  I think it would be good for her to speak her own language and have friends er own species, but I get why she tended to distance herself.

These Drev were from the same clan that mistreated her entire life, and memories lie that were difficult to forgive at times. Still, they had to be better than me, and I worried about her.

Sure spending her time being beautiful and nobley aloof all the time gave her an heir of…. Hmmm how shall I say…. Excitement and intrigue, but still…. I wanted her to be happy.

And as much as the greedy part of me wanted my friend all to myself I recognized that probably wasn’t a good thing.

I’d talk to her later about it I decided.

“Commander Vir to the  bridge, commander Vir to the bridge.”

I motioned my note taker to follow, and we hurried back to the bridge taking our seats. The captain’s chair was familiar at this point, but I still couldn’t shake off that tiny moment of thrill as I sat down.

“Report.”

“Warp ends in five minutes, commander.”

My heart pounded nervously in my chest. This was it, this was the big moment scientists had been waiting for forever. A real live real time picture of a black hole. Now it was important to keep away from the edge or risk time dilation, spegetiffication, and instant death. 

The kid in me was about to pee himself in excitement, but the Commander in me was intent on not letting everyone die.

I picked up the com on the rest of the ship inviting them to prepare for warp exit, and then told them to get their asses up to the observation deck to see something awesome.

When I put the mic down I was back in commander mode ordering the crew to ready themselves for this moment.

My eyes were fixed straight ahead.

This was going to be insane.

If we came out of this wrong, we could be caught in the event horizon and be…. 

Goners.

“Exiting warp in ten.”

I prepared to take manual control of the ship breath held trying not to imagine what would happen if we appeared at the edge of the event horizon sailing on a dust cloud of light as we plunged towards our death, a black pit of nothingness.

“One”

The warp drie disengaged, and we jolted violently as the air warped around us.

I slammed back in my seat taking immediate control of the ship waiting for any warning bells to go off signaling extreme  gravity,

I took a relieved sigh when there was none and lifted my head to the viewing window.

‘“Ho-ly shit.” I muttered 

The rest of the crew gasped.

It was…. Well it was wow.

IIf you guys have ever seen interstellar, I would go so far as to say that was pretty accurate.

From this distance the thing didn’t look so big, but the very marrow of my bones knew what it meant. The massive disk of light and dust that surrounded it slowly spiraling inward towards a pit of nothingness.

The halo ring of light that surrounded it glowed upward as unbelievable gravity refracted the back of the black hole towards the front.

It was like a dark eye in the middle of space staring outward at us unblinkingly as it lurked in the darkness...

This 

Was the center

Of the Milky Way. 

[trash-king13]

shinsou, kirishima, bakugou and todoroki becoming kids (like 5 or 6 year old) again and the reaction of their s/o?

I am a huge sucker for the deaging trope! Though I only accept 3 characters at a time so I decided to take out Kirishima sadly. I hope you enjoy.

Order Up!Hitoshi Shinsou

🍆The two of you were just walking to a nearby cafe when a villain attack occurred, and of course the villain had a quirk that turned people into children. So here you were trying to coax your now five year old boyfriend from his hiding space under a nearby car.

🍆“Its ok honey I wont hurt you I swear.” he was not budging, and instead opted to curl up and start crying into his knees - this was going badly fast. Though thankfully Aizawa happened to be the hero on duty today, and he was somewhat willing to help you coax the tiny Eraserhead fanboy out of hiding.

🍆“Bye bye Eraserhead!” the now cheery toddler was waving at his hero from his spot in your arms, and oh my god he was too cute! Even Aizawa had gotten a few pics of him on his phone before sending you two on your way. Though his words were still echoing in your head as the reality of what just happened just sunk in. You were responsible for a five year old Hitoshi for a whole day. You were terrified.

🍆Thankfully Hitoshi was not a hard kid to take care of. He was quiet, and preferred to color over any loud activities. Though he had a habit of going into a panic attack after each little mistake, and you would be lying if you said it didn’t kill you to see him like that. Who would ever do something so horrible to such a sweet child after all? If you ever found the person responsible they would have hell to pay.

🍆He finally got more comfortable with you once the day began coming to a close, and he even openly sang a little song about you while in the bath (though he couldn’t seem to pronounce your name right for the life of him). Though once it was time for bed it was practically impossible to get Hitoshi to sleep alone in the guest room. He just wouldn’t settle down as choked out several “please let me sleep with you!” between his sobs. So what else were you supposed to do except let him sleep with you?

🍆When morning had come around you had completely forgotten the events from yesterday. So when you rolled over by habit you were surprised to feel another occupant in your bed, and even more surprised to learn that it was a now teenage Hitoshi. He chuckled and then lightly poked your forehead “morning sleepy head, or maybe I should calling you number one babysitter.” oh god he knew. You expected him to tease you more, but he only got up from his spot to grab your phone from the bedside table. “Better tell Aizawa sensei he better delete those pictures.”

With a side of!Katsuki Bakugou

🌶Bakugou pisses everyone off, it’s pretty much a given by this point. You have known him throughout his whole life and that aspect of him has never changed, but as you stared at the crying child with all too familiar blonde hair you wished your childhood friend could just stop being a dick. Especially to people with deaging quirks! It had taken you a good hour to get the sobbing child to cooperate, and you were only able to do it by bribing him with ice cream. You were definitely not cut out for babysitting.

🌶“I want to ride on your shoulders!” he was sweetly trotting beside you as you decided to deliver him to his family, and he was doing fine opting to just excitedly babble to you. Though you learned to not let the cute looks fool you, Bakugou was still a demon no matter what side. “No” cue a tantrum so explosive it would put teen Bakugou to shame, definitely not meant to be a babysitter.

🌶You now had him riding on your shoulders, Bakugou messing with your hair as he talked on about god knows what. He then tapped your head “hey oldie! You look like my friend!” oh, you should of been expecting this. “Oh really? You two close?” you decided to just ignore the old part of his comment. He hummed in satisfaction before continuing “yeah were the best team!” he scrunched up his face in discomfort “though they are also friends with Deku so I need to grow up fast so I can marry them before he can!” wait, what!? You could feel your face heat up as he continued singing about what your wedding was going to be like.

🌶“No! I want you to stay!” you dropped him off to his parents like you said you would, but now the little monster was clinging to your leg refusing to let you leave. Mitsuki could only sigh at her snot dripping kid. “How about you just stay the night, I can even call your parents and explain the situation if you’d like?” Not like you had a choice.

🌶You and tiny Bakugou were now drawing in the living room, and it was pretty relaxing until he shoved a drawing of what looked to be two people in your face. He only got angry at your confused expression. “It’s the wedding! Like I was telling you about!” oh god was he really still stuck on this? You know what screw it you’re recording this as blackmail! “That’s me and them when you do the kissy thing that adults do. These are our super powerful kids! Their quirks will be so powerful that the whole world will die!” actually this may just be the best day ever.

🌶When morning came you found a certain someone glaring at you in the kitchen. He only had to say three words for you to get the point “you tell noone.”

And for dessert! Shoto Todoroki

🍧You were suppose to be pursuing a villain, but a certain someone decided to run ahead therefore ending up in this situation. The moment you saw a pair of confused heterochromatic eyes looking around you knew you were in for a wild ride.

🍧“Alright let’s get you back to your parents little guy.” you tried reaching down to pick him up but he dodged. “no! I don’t want to go home to daddy he hits me!” he looked so terrified that it made your stomach churn. You were going to kill Endeavour!

🍧You had decided to bring Shoto back with you instead, and he seemed pretty content exploring your domain. Letting out a small gasp when he found something particularly interesting. He was too damn cute for your soul! “Hey Shoto! What would you like for dinner?” he looked at you with a very thoughtful expression before answering “Soba, b-but not the hot kind.” you laughed, but at least it was something you could make.

🍧How can a singular child be so cute at everything he does? He was making a complete mess while eating, but he still looked like a precious angel. You were shook. “Here lets clean your face.” the little boy smiled as you wiped off all the excess soba from his chubby cheeks “when I grow up all big and strong can I marry you?” oh no. “uh we will see.” his eyes were literally sparkling as he continuously mumbled “im gonna get married!”

🍧The two of you then winded down with a story, but Shoto fell asleep before the story even ended. You didn’t have the heart to move him so you thought it was fine to let him sleep in your bed tonight. “Good night Shoto, sweet dreams.” He looked so peaceful, and you wished to see him like that more.

🍧The next morning you were awoken by what sounded like cooking, and that’s when you remembered last night. You rushed to the kitchen to find Shoto wearing a pair of your sweatpants, and cooking some eggs. The moment he spotted you he gave the warmest smile you had ever seen him give, and motioned for you to sit. “I wanted to thank you for taking care of me yesterday so I made you eggs. I can’t promise that they’re any good though. I should probably learn if I’m going to marry you like I said.”

[darkmindsotome]

Just Another Day

A short for my darling little OC in the IkeVamp world. 

Warnings: Strong Language

Darkmindsotome Masterlist

---

The dining table was practically groaning under the weight of the many dishes painstakingly and skillfully prepared by Sebastian. Breakfast had become something of an event it seemed after the arrival of the 21st-century woman. 

le Comte had decided to take a trip into Paris proper claiming it to be a shopping trip but it was undoubtedly something to do with Dazai who was still yet to return home after his excursions the night before. 

A peaceful atmosphere passed through the room like a warm summer breeze as they all enjoyed the bounty before them. Rich amber nectar filled her fine china cup and just as she was about to take a sip...

“Newt! There you are.”

“How many times do I have to tell you to stop calling me that insufferable name?” Isacc hissed.

“You don’t like it?” Arthur tilted his head a little to the left looking a little like his dog. 

“Of course I don’t like it. If I liked it why would I be telling you to stop?”

“I thought it might be one of those you say no when you really mean yes situations.” Arthur shrugged and slipped casually into his seat next to Isaac at the table. 

“What is that supposed to mean?” Against his better judgement and showing all signed of scientific curiosity, Isaac engaged Arthur in conversation.

“Well, now That is a tale to tell. Shall I start at the beginning or just jump right in with the description of the fine female it pertains to?” Arthur animatedly moved closer to Issac talking like a jolly Uncle about to recant a story to a child at Christmas.The description of what the story may be had Isaac blushing before becoming very interested in the thread count of his napkin.

“Arthur you are at the dining table. If you wish to talk about such things do it after. And don’t tease Issac so much first thing in the morning.” Aerion’s level tone cut straight down the table and met its mark. Arthur leaned forward and picked up a toasted crumpet, putting it on his plate and scooping up a piece of butter.  

“Do you have to be so loud?” An exasperated Mozart asked looking up from some sheet music.

“Wolfie!”

“I am not a dog.”

A short cough followed by the sharp clink of teacup hitting its saucer with accuracy brought Arthur’s blue eyes in line with a set of piercing blue eyes from Aerion. If it was possible to freeze with a glare she could probably have it mastered. He felt a little jolt run down his spine as he took in her pointed look that reminded him very much of a strict governess who had finally had enough of disobedient children in the nursery. His smile didn’t fade, it grew.

"By Jove, I do believe I’ve managed to upset the Lady of the manor.” His teasing took on even more of a broguish tone as he grinned at her.

“I am indeed a Lady Arthur but this is not my Manor if it was you would have been tossed out with the dogs until you learnt some restraint.” Her eyes didn’t waver.

“I do so love a strong woman. You do realise you are much younger than me?" Arthur impishly chuckled. 

"Really? Given your current display, I was under the impression I was conversing with a toddler." Aerion’s reply was so flat and fast it took him off guard, but only for a second.

"I can show you I'm all man if you prefer?" He practically purred the line. A couple of suppressed groans leaked from the guests in the room. Aerion rolled her eyes and sighed.

"Don’t embarrass yourself. I take that back." 

"Oh? Succumbed to my charms already have you?" Arthur took a delighted bite out of his crumpet taking great care to make a show of licking the melted butter from his lips.

"A toddler not only has the good sense to stop whilst they are ahead they would also have better pick up lines." She shot back her retort seemingly unaffected by his open display of sensuality.

Sebastian was doing a fine job standing by the wall off to the side attempting to take mental notes whilst shooting Aerion a small warning look to watch her own manners. A look that whilst she acknowledged was in no way going to prevent her from continuing this little test of wills with Arthur. Her tea was growing cold and whilst she could still drink cold Earl Grey she had always found it better when hot. 

Leonardo had stopped in his journey to his room and couldn’t avoid his curiosity in watching yet another push and shove argument between these two. Truth be told he had something of a little wager with le Comte. His old friend had reluctantly agreed to take part even if it was as he put it “in poor taste”. Leo was struggling to hold back a chuckle as he observed the room.

Theo was largely unconcerned and muttered something about talking snacks as he poured so much syrup onto his pancakes that they threatened to swim off his plate. Vincent had a look on concern on his face watching his little brother.

Isaac was squirming in his seat a little too close to Arthur and the annoyed look he was drawing to himself. Mozart had a scowl etched into his face that could give the best marble bust sculpture a migraine to replicate. Totally unimpressed with the levels of noise, counting the minutes until he could return to his music room and cloister himself away with his melodies.

Arthur didn’t break eye contact. He had at least learnt not to do that much after the last time when Aerion flicked him in the forehead with her finger and stormed off. Something in him was enjoying this a lot more than his daily teasing of Newt and Wolfie. It had been a long time since he had such a worthy opponent. At least one that wasn’t Leo who would quib back but lacked the display of reactions he wanted to make it a satisfying endeavour. 

He had met many females in his long life but no one spoke to him in such a manner and this was... thrilling. It was up there with the rush he felt having sent Holmes tumbling down into the Reichenbach Falls. The tension was broken by the unencumbered laughter from Napoleon.

There was little doubt to her first impression of this man. Yes, he was a novelist and one that she was certainly more than familiar with through his writing but he was an incurable flirt that bordered on the extreme. 

"You are very lucky, “little boy”, that this is 19th century Paris and not 21st century England because I could slap you with so many sexual harassment lawsuits it would make your head spin and keep you tied up in red tape for the rest of your long life."

"Oh! I had no idea you were into such delights. You really are a very interesting woman."

Yes, there was no doubt about it the man was hopeless...

---

[kittymaverick]

Tyranny Tarot Card Motifs: Major Arcana

So some folks in the Discord asked about Tarot Cards and who would be what. I’ve some knowledge in tarots, so I’ll post what I think are good symbolic equivalents with explanations below. There might be some spoilers so read at your own risk. Edit: Made to finish some entries that were missing (?) and a few place with weird wording.

The Fool: Young Fatebinder This one’s pretty simple. The fool is a blank slate, ready to begin it’s journey. The Young Fatebinder at the very start of the game is therefore the perfect example of the fool.

The Magician: Lantry At first it might look like this is because sage = mage, it’s actually a bit more than that. Lantry isn’t actually necessary a good representation of a Magician is like, perhaps minus his versatility, breadth of knowledge, chronicler and jack of all trades tendencies. Rather, he’s more of a WITNESS to the Fatebinder’s actions, all of which can be classified under the Magician card.

The High Priestess: Verse This one surprised me, because it was a coincidence post elimination, but Verse, murderous and ruthless as she may be, exhibited an incredible amount of insight, especially in a fight. It’s part of how her ability to learn any skill comes from, without her really knowing exactly what is going on.

The Empress: Amelia This is from a bit later in the game unfortunately, plus some say Eb would be a good candidate, which I agree, except emphasis on the would part. (See the Hanged man below for why.) That leaves the very protective mother of the unexpected baby as the perfect, almost literal (it runs in the family even! Look below!) representation of the nurturing and protective nature of the Empress.

The Emperor: Graven Ashe Graven Ashe is the stereotypical representation of the Emperor from the get go: in command, laying down the rules, protective and paternal. There couldn’t be a better candidate for this.

The Hierophant: Tunon I know, I know. WTF is Tunon doing HERE instead of Justice. I’ll explain part of it here. Tunon, though he is the Archon of Justice, is one who IMPLEMENTS Kyros’ Law upon the newly conquered Tiersmen. He is the one who introduces them into Kyros’ empire and the society at large, and helps them conform to it. Not only that, he HAS an organization under him that helps him implement those rules. Though he may look like a representation of Justice, he role in Tyranny lore is in fact the very definition of what a Hierophant is.

The Lovers: The alliance? This one really threw me for a loop, because there wasn’t any significant relationships that is obviously romantic, nor do we know of any couple in game where both parties are alive, nor in a healthy relationship. Death Knell and Fifth Eye was suggested at one point, which I thought of for a while, then rejected because that’s more “carnal catharsis”, as Lantry would put it. So instead, we’ll have to settle for the next best representation of forming relationships that can be found in the game: forming an alliance on the rebel path. There IS an option though that may be considered, even though it’s not romantic (lovers in tarot doesn’t automatically mean romance, though it heavily leans toward it). It’s not in the game itself, nor does it actually pass the “both parties are alive” test, technically. But if anyone has read the short story “The Epistolary of Song and Stone”, you would know that Cairn and Sirin had the most innocent, pure, and healthy friendship on the face of Terratus going on. Next time you kill Cairn, think about what you just did and feel guilty.

The Chariot: Barik Chariot and Strength are actually two very commonly confused cards even in general Tarot culture, because Chariot represent Strength, while Strength represent...while...itself. XD However, there is indeed a different. Chariot is about using the strength one possess to work towards a goal. It’s about gaining control and steering you to where you want to be despite obstacles. It’s about bringing an order to the chaos around you. All these are very well represented by our resident stuck-in-his-armour Disfavoured, Barik.

Strength: Sirin I didn’t pick this just because it’s a tiny girl opening a lion’s mouth in the picture, I swear! The card Strength itself is different from Chariot in that control itself is the goal. In Sirin’s case, she’s still a budding archon learning to use and expand her powers over the course of the game. Her power itself is a form of mind control. Of course, we know she gets stronger at the end of the game should you guide her, but does she become someone who use that power for good, or someone who use that power for evil? The dual nature of nearly all tarot card is actually also part of the consideration of which symbol represent what.

The Hermit: Kills-in-Shadows With this one, I did take some artistic liberties in why Kills is the Hermit. Killsy’s motivation in game was to survive by being in the shadow of the strongest person in the Tiers, which is very far flung from the typical Hermit, representing introspection and solitude. However, on closer examination, you can see a resemblance, as the hermit isn’t just about looking into one self, it’s also about hiding yourself away. Killsy’s powers and intention is very much that, and who could blame her, given that she’s the sole survivor of the Shadowhunter’s clan?

Wheel of Fortune: Ascension Hall Runic Hall Edit: Somehow I missed writing the explanation for this one! The wheel of fortune is the representation cycles, luck and turnings points of life. Think of the dharmachakra, if you will. In Tyranny, I think the runic halls, especially Ascension Hall Runic Hall, is a good symbolic equivalent given that it is the location where the Fatebinder took their first step towards becoming the what they will be.

Justice: Tunon’s gavel, his mask, and the Scales of Mercy Okay, back to the topic of why Tunon =/= justice. Tunon himself pointed out that Kyros’ Law doesn’t ACTUALLY serve justice in principle as much as it should. By extension, he, the instrument that her laws are delivered though, therefore cannot be justice ITSELF even if Kyros is adamant of making him the very symbol of it. In fact, the endeavour itself is impossible. He knows Justice a notion that you reach for, not something you can truly embody. That being said, the gavel, mask and scales, however are symbols that can represent what is it he technically wants be serving.

The Hanged Man: Eb Other than being the only one with enough rope to tie herself to a post, Eb has sacrificed everything to the war with Kyros. Family, the School of Tides, Country, home, she’s pretty much lost all of it. At the same time, she’s forced to contend with the new life of living under the Overlord’s rule. This is the embodiment of the Hanged Man: Sacrifices and change in perspective. Of course, being incredibly stubborn, Eb isn’t quite ready to hand everything over yet, which is often represented when the Hanged Man is upside down.

Death: Kyros Death represent change, it represent endings, beginnings, and transition. While Kyros, faceless like our representations of Death IRL, never shows up in the game, she’s the driving force of introducing change to the Tiers, all be it through her armies and Archons.

Temperance: Matani Sybil The reason why I associate Temperance with Sybil is mostly because of the water motif. Whether she embodies the virtue is a matter of debate, though I think giving rude gestures across a river is rather reserved in comparison to other actions. XD

The Devil: Bleden Mark Ah, the Devil. The Temptation, materialism, addiction and surprise surprise, bondage. Mark doesn’t seem much of a threat on other paths until he stabs you at the end of the game, but on anarchy he plays the role of the Devil down to the “is he serving you, or are you serving him” bit. Also, the Binding of Shadows? It’s like he can’t wait to put something on you that says “THIS ONE’S MINE”.

The Tower: The Mountain Spire The Tower is the one frigging card in the Major Arcanas where the meaning does not change no matter which way you turn it, other than perhaps your reluctance towards what is to happen. It’s destruction, it’s upheaval, an explosive conflict. So what better object can we find than the Spire from which we rain destruction and upheaval upon as the game’s representation of the Tower?

The Star: Tarkis Arri The Star is the thing that brings hope to someone (you know, because you wish upon it), or inspires you to do something. It’s about what makes you start something new, or in this case, a rebellion. Arri, being the leader of the rebels, is therefore a good fit for the card.

The Moon: The Voices of Nerat Moon is the symbol of illusions and lunacy. Nerat is all about trickery, secrets and being off his rocker. These two were made for each other like Ashe was made for the Emperor.

The Sun: Florian Pelox, or should it be Travost? Or maybe ELDIAN? We might just have to go with Vittles here... @elegiacescapist, you might be right. Okay, with this one, I just wanted to throw someone from the first act in. My justification was “you know if he wasn’t so hostile Florian is pretty much a cheery and boisterous guy”. And if you don’t think about it too hard, it fits! Actually, you know what? He’s kinda a bravado-fill war jockey. Florian’s brother, Travost, seems chill though, and I think they have the same game model so we don’t have to change anything. The alternative of Eldian is really weird because usually, the Sun is represented by a boy toddler (a bit of a reference to Apollo) and associated with youth. However, Eldian does exhibit some of the traits of the Sun, especially in the positivity and warmth. Plus you know, he lives under the Sunset Spire... Though in honestly, Elegia’s suggestion of Vittles is a pretty good fit that you can’t argue too much against. Soooooo until further notice, I think we’ll go with the poor forced into conscription boy.

Judgement: Edict (of Execution, though all fits) Speaks for itself.

The World: The Tiers Speaks for itself.

[workreveal-blog]

Female gamers: can they game?

New Post has been published on https://workreveal.biz/female-gamers-can-they-game/

Female gamers: can they game?

They say Female gamers game better than male gamers. My earliest childhood memory is pointing and crying at a kitchen cupboard that presumably contained apple sauce. In my next most initial reminiscence, within the identical condo, my start father is gambling Mountain King at the Atari 2600 There have been different video games in our circle of relatives library: Berzerk, Asteroids, Haunted House, Adventure. But Mountain King, released in 1983, became mystical. It is also frequently stated, 30 years on, because the toughest sport for the Atari gadget.

game

as the “Intrepid Explorer” my father could deftly manoeuvre up the mountainside, accumulating gems and hunting the elusive Flame Spirit, which seems onscreen as a dancing shadow. (As soon as the Flame Spirit is captured, it encircles the Intrepid Explorer’s head like a flickering, ghostly wreath.)

Then my father would assignment down the treacherous peaks closer to the Throne Room, that is guarded via the ominous Skull Spirit. He would kneel at the Cranium, provide the Flame, be granted safe passage into the Throne Room where the crown rests. As quickly because the queen became settled on my father’s head, the music – a violent However strangely lively rendition of inside the Hall of the Mountain King – would play. My dad might clamber returned up the mountain, in a ballet of arcing leaps. (There’s also a tremendous inexperienced spider that trawls alongside the mountain’s base, that is ever a lot greater scary to a toddler than grey bats are. In spite of the Atari 2600’s constrained sound competencies, the spider made this lousy skritching sound as he approached.)

From time to time my father made it to the top of the mountain But regularly he didn’t. This turned into after I’d usually pay attention him swear a little bit.

In lots of methods, Mountain King was my first bedtime story. And like any toddler with a favourite bedtime story, I wanted my father to inform it to me time and again. Best, my dad advised it to me with small, dexterous bends of the 2600’s joystick, with a cartridge and a tv set. He was in his late 20s then.

Besides, I assume this is how I fell in love with video games.

A year after my father’s death, my adoptive mother and father gave me a laptop, a Packard Bell 486-33. Of route, I in no way asked for a laptop – I wanted a Splendid Nintendo or, God helps me, a few type of Sega aspect – However my old dad and mum had decided that video games corrupt young minds and that PC video games are so much more highbrow. (For anything cause, recreation Boys have been high.)

I was pleased, though, and using Christmas 1993, I used to be on the line for the primary time. My piano instructor – an older neighbour with a brilliant-red dye job and a penchant for floral muumuus – taught me the way to navigate file directories in MS-DOS. Soon my piano classes had was me, an obstinate eleven-year antique, traumatic that my neighbour educates me ever-more tricky DOS commands.

It by no means As soon as struck me as strange that my piano teacher – a politically conservative retired nurse with cats – also became a Pc whiz. I don’t think kids ever absolutely be aware that form of component.

Or perhaps kids do. When I was round 12, my adoptive mother advocated me to inform an own family buddy what I desired to be when I grew up. “I need to jot down PC video games!” I instructed her triumphantly. “I’m going to be a clothier!”

“Well, then,” the lady warned, “you ain’t be capable of having children.”

“I gained,” I promised her in a serious voice. Proper around the time I demanded my dad and mum let me pick out my very own garments – being dressed like Patty McCormack from The Terrible Seed does little good on your social standing – I began choosing out my very own video games, too. I played plenty of Adventure video games during the next five years. Those games had been heavy on textual content and tale-pushed, and they took a long time to complete.

And at the same time as I gained defend it as a favourite sport, I keep in mind loving Myst once I first played it in 1993. Superficially, the sport is about strolling round, getting misplaced and clicking on matters; at its coronary heart, even though, it is very similar to Mountain King. Each is approximately a type of video game agnosticism; about learning an esoteric mechanical vocabulary and, from there, intuiting the way to absolutely play.

My mother and father had a coverage stipulating I wasn’t allowed to have a new computer sport until I’d finished the last one. After months of being stuck in Myst, I sooner or later lied. I don’t forget it because it was my first actual lie. I hated Myst.

Using 1996, most of my girl classmates had stopped gambling video games. I assume some of this had to do with societal pressures, but the rest of it had to do with the Nintendo sixty-four. Even now its controller is nonsense; in 1996 it was outright galling. Where had these types of buttons come from? Why became it shaped like that? Why become there an analogue stick stuck in the middle of it?.

In the meantime, liked franchises inclusive of Mario and Zelda had shifted from dimensions to a few, and not every girl become without problems able to adapt to those new spatial challenges. For the primary time, some us started out to think about console gaming as “boys’ toys”. I did, too, and that I began to regard my personal regular after-faculty laptop gaming as my secret shame.

I suppose 1998 marked one in every of video games’ hugest upheavals. The Sega Dreamcast – which would move on to grow to be a technical failure – supplied thrilling arcade studies (Loopy Taxi) for gamers at home. Journey games had been additionally trying to adapt and failing. Sierra’s King’s Quest franchise, as an example, chose that yr to alienate its in general girl target market with 3-D platforming and hack-and-lessen fight (which was routinely amusing But in the long run did no longer paintings. That attempt, King’s Quest VIII, would be the closing access in the series). The similarly maligned Gabriel Knight three has long past down in history as incorporating the dumbest puzzle of all time.

However that same 12 months, Sierra published a primary-person shooter known as Half-Existence, which instantly became the enterprise’s gold famous for high-quality. The market was flooded with modern thoughts, most of which failed, But Half of-Existence seemed to stick. And the marketplace, in turn, narrowed its cognizance and became greater homogenised in its services. A variety of genres died that 12 months.

In 1998, my very own tastes – which are fortunately flexible, luckily – adapted to this climate shift. The two CD-ROMs I took to college have been 1/2-Existence and American McGee’s Alice. Each day after lunch, my subwoofer boomed in time with the subwoofers up at the 1/3 floor of our residential university, wherein the men lived. Perhaps not coincidentally, my roommate transferred to every other university.

I loved multiplayer video games. Playing video games had continually been any such lonely endeavour; I’d ultimately determined others. I ended being shy about games, started evangelising approximately them.

The idea of gamers as a unified network become new to me – to each person. It felt like When someone abruptly turns up the lighting in a darkened bar, and you understand there are some humans within the same room, all jostling for the area and they all appearance distinct to what you expected (and lots of them, to my excellent remedy, had been ladies). I assume that second must be very jarring or scary for actual humans and Possibly makes them feel even extra alone.

gamer

But I never wanted to move again to the darkness. I by no means once more wanted to experience like a 13-12 months-old lady, hopelessly by myself and disconnected, go-legged in front of a Tv or sitting at a computer, hiding.

In 2005, sparkling out of university, I took on freelance paintings reviewing games for a mag called Digital Gaming Monthly. I welcomed this work specifically to harass my mum. But I additionally took on the process due to the fact I intended there could be 13-12 months-antique ladies like I had been, who would possibly turn via the magazine and experience remedy to see my byline.

It wasn’t easy to work. I remember wondering that EGM has been probable giving me evaluations because a salaried writer couldn’t end them. I often received games Only days before the opinions have been due. Once, I fell asleep in the course of a longwinded Suikoden cutscene (a series where the participant has restrained manipulate). Every of those evaluations paid about £37. And I’m describing the enterprise When pay was at its exceptional.

In 2006, I commenced paintings as 1UP.Com’s community supervisor, an article role that worked with fellow writers, PR, builders, the advertising and marketing department and “person retention” groups. I was not very good at that activity and that i had never purported to be. I in no way labored Well in a group. I often want I could have remembered that approximately myself on my way in.

However the position opened my eyes to positive aspects of online gaming, consisting of harassment, abuse, threats and even stalking, and In many methods, it’s far an sad enjoy that I wish I should undo. After that activity, I spent a yr in therapy.

Weeks in the past, I wrote a 500-phrase opinion piece in the Mum or dad, titled “the way to attack a lady who works in video gaming”. I used my pulpit to sentence abuse, which is rampant in my enterprise. I have lengthy witnessed on line abuse firsthand, and that i trust the mainstream video games industry’s silence tacitly condones it. I don’t care who the goals are or what harassers can also agree with they have performed. it’s miles unacceptable. it is usually unacceptable.

But ultimately saying so was by no means my “dream article”. Once I, elderly 12, advised that female I dreamed of being a laptop video games designer, I used to be not dreaming of ultimately writing an opinion piece denouncing abuse. However acknowledging that violence exists is – sadly – enough to inspire it. Days after the book, I retired from writing approximately games.

female

Then an editor on the Mum or dad requested me if I’d task out of my two-week retirement and give an explanation for why I like video games. It’s smooth to be coaxed out of retirement if you have loved video games for 30 years and written professionally approximately them for nine.

And so I had to take delivery of because I clearly do love games. Oh, my God, I cherish them, all the way down to my material, right down to the crude, essential Lego bricks that made me. I like what they’re, and what they can be. And that I wholeheartedly love everybody else who plays them, all people who would name themselves a “gamer”.

Being a gamer, though, way you essentially must trust in belonging: consider that people of all attitudes, from all walks of Lifestyles, can peaceably coexist. And while I would in no way outline myself completely by using just one pastime or function – whether or not it’s analysing comedian books, gathering toys, playing video games or being female – I do trust that some rare matters in Lifestyles, like loving video games, defy all limitations.