#activating combat mode

[amazingabellini]

𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗔 𝗜𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗔 𝗘𝗦𝗧

[willemdafriendlyfriend]

[despair-tea]

this was just an observation my friend made a while ago but it got me thinkin' a little bit. Personally, I got over my aversion to sports by fencing in college. Coz it turns out I didn't hate sports. In fact, I think training and learning the rules and pushing myself to improve is super fun! That's the same stuff I like about video games. And despite being a life-long poindexter, all that physical activity felt GOOD, and it was nice to connect with folks.

What I hated about sports as a kiddo was the shame. I hated people acting like I ought to know this or that (despite being a know-nothing child). I hated being excluded and looked down upon for not being good. I despised the way the adults around me treated kids wrt sports. Also I couldn't see and had asthma and neither of these problems got treated until I was on my way out of high school (getting my first inhaler was one of the main reasons I was able to fence at all, in fact).

combat sports are great to me because they're all about that individual journey. I didn't have to worry about letting a team down who might yell at me later for my performance. It's just me and my own heart and my love for the game - THAT'S sports.

[muntadhir]

discussion in the giangio discord had me thinking about Romeo Possession :^) the romeo konami code

UETools_SoftSummonPossess /Game/Blueprints/CharacterBP/NPC/BP_PuppetKingP3.BP_PuppetKingP3_C

[amber-gimlet]

actually the worst is still holding strong opinions about Limbus company game design even while trying to wash my hands of it.

[fairesky]

i wuv me a kainey wainey squat a lot daddy puppy

[pocketramblr]

Upon seeing the post about second as iida my first thought was and third can be uraraka then I noticed you had the same idea in the tags

Great minds think alike I just think that's what she deserves,,,trio holders to the original trio babeyyy

[thydungeongal]

I've talked a lot about the specific types expectations that post-TSR D&D encodes in its players and I do think it's funny how some of the stuff I talk about sometimes seems to feel, like, huge and revelatory to people.

"What do you mean not all RPGs assume the player characters to be an adventuring party that goes on adventures together? What are they even supposed to do if there's no adventure?" Assume that D&D is like an Avengers film, about a group of heroes assembling and going up against adversity to save the day. A lot of games are soap operas, where the players create the central characters, pro and ant agonist alike, and then they're thrown into a powderkeg together.

"If there is no challenge rating or similar mechanic, how is the GM supposed to know if a given combat encounter is something the player characters can overcome?" A lot of games don't have combat encoded into the game as an activity that characters are expected to partake in just to demonstrate their strength. In fact, if combat does happen in lots of games it's usually as a last resort and something that requires an active player choice for it to happen. You won't get ambushed by bandits who are willing to fight to the death for no discernible reason just so your characters can demonstrate their strength and get one of their daily intake of five combat encounters a day (or whatever number games assume these days idk).

"Wait, there are modes of play besides combat that can have deep and granular rules? How can such a thing even work?" It can and it rules.

[t4tstarrailing]

boothill body headcanons

originally the intention was to put this in my general headcanons list once i released those... however, i realized that they'd take up a good 3/4ths of the list, so i'm making a separate post for them.

no content warnings needed, but there are very minor mentions of doing repairs on him. no mentions of reader's gender, all gender neutral.

contains 18+ content. banners by @/cafekitsune.

his body really is state of the art, one of the kind, designed specifically for him. and because of that, he wants to make sure that anyone that touches or offers to do repairs for him understands how his body works. he's prone to doing his own repairs, even if it's a considerably awkward position for him. or he'll put off repairs until he manages to get back to someone who

he can go about a week tops of low energy work before he truly needs to recharge, about 3-4 days if he's doing high intensity hunting or other forms of work. thankfully for him, he has a "low energy mode" similar to how people sleep that helps him conserve energy. while he doesn't recharge in this mode, it does allow his energy reserves to not deplete as quickly.

when/if his charge starts running out, he'll seem more tired and quiet than usual. he'll complain about his joints aching, being slow. his beacon will make him slur words instead of censor them if he tries to cuss. eventually he'll realize what's going on and go plug himself in to charge.

anytime he starts cussing too fast or hard, his beacon eventually won't be able to keep up. so, instead of censoring with compliments, he'll get censored with little beeps and chirps.

he has the ability to change what sounds his body makes. he can make it a heartbeat, his fans whirring, a mechanical purr noise. he likes tinkering with modifications and seeing what he can manage to make his body do without any assistance. just tell him what you'd like to hear from him, and he'll see if he can manage it.

despite his body being state of the art, he unfortunately does still run the risk of overheating. to combat this, he has various coolant reserves around his body and fans that activate once he reaches a certain internal temperature. the coolant is similar to sweat in humans, gleaming on his body, and his ventilation causes him to expand a little bit. think of a short-horned lizard puffing its neck out in defense but, in this situation, it's so boothill can cool himself down.

... it is a bit intimidating, however, especially once the steam starts rolling down his body and he starts snorting it out. he has had bounties piss themselves seeing him in this specific state.

he also can get embarrassed. but he doesn't blush because he no longer has blood. his motors and fans, however, do start whirring faster and louder. and he has to physically keep his vents from raising to avoid further embarrassment.

he's got a couple of lubricant reserves stored around his body that he can easily access. if he finds himself getting stiff, he'll just shoot a bit of lubricant into the joint to get himself nimble again. these lubricants aren't body safe, specifically designed for mechanical engineering.

... he does, however, have body safe lube stored in his throat that he can easily access by a button on his neck. it makes sex much easier for him.

speaking of sex! he doesn't have a dick. or a hole. instead, he has a grind pad. it's a relatively smooth bulge that looks similar to a large tdick but it's defined and there's some small ridges up and down it. the specific spot is highly sensitive for him, able to orgasm from stimulation (frotting because his favorite) with it, and able to make it vibrate as he wants.

that being said, he does have options. there are a few usb ports on his side that allows him to connect custom sex toys that let him feel whatever you do to them. dildos, holes, you name it, he can probably find it. there's also bluetooth that gives him the option of connecting sex toys to him, but he's a bit hesitant with that option specifically since he's had some... interesting experiences with them.

yes, because he has multiple usb ports, he can technically fuck himself if you plug in a dildo and a hole toy at the same time. yes, he has tried this before. yes, he does do it every once in a blue moon. but because of how exhausting and draining it is for him, it's something that he rarely offers up.

there a certain parts of his body that are sensitive, and they tend to match the erogenous zones for normal human bodies. his inner thighs are especially sensitive, especially closer to his crotch area. so sensitive that it's possible he can cum just from being overstimulated by touch in this area, including from repairs. in general, when he has repairs that need to be made in this area, he does his best to avoid having anyone else help make them.

speaking of repairs, following his repair sessions, that specific spot that he needed to repair can be overly sensitive. most of the time he'll cover it with a bandage to avoid rubbing it against anything. but if he's feel a bit ornery, he may just ask you to "help me recover from my repairs". of course he isn't gonna push it if you say no, but he most definitely will ask if he's feeling a bit playful.

some cyborgs will use a USB port to upload a virus into their system that puts them into overdrive, similar to an incredibly strong aphrodisiac. they tend to last for a couple of hours. yes, he has used them. yes, he frequently uses them when he wants to have a marathon sex session. yes, they have caused him to short circuit and almost shutdown before.

[auspicioustidings]

Retired active combatant turned HR reader who has just about had it with the 141s schenighans and is about to go into Captain mode if they don't stfu and start filing their fucking paperwork like I stg Riley if I get one more complaint from the recruits about you intimidating them I am going to give you a full ass disciplinary DO NOT TEST ME!

Yeah so anyway Soap is chewing through glass when he sees a photo of them in their old gear, Price is trying to figure out how to coax them back to active duty because holy fuck what a record, Ghost is speedrunning getting a disciplinary (and constantly laughing and asking reader if he's going to get punished for being such a bad boy) and Gaz has somehow managed to fuck up asking them out for drinks about 5 times now.

[justabrunettewhowrites-stuff]

'Angel'

Clarisse La Rue x Blind!Fem!Reader hc's

A/N:Requested by one of my friends and I absolutely LOVE the idea. If anyone made this before,credits to them.But anyways-let's start 💞

I feel like Clarisse would be all protective, guiding you through camp with this intense but sweet determination. "Watch out, coming through!" she'd say,and deff push others out of the way.

AHAHSHDH, she deff calls you 'angel','pretty girl' or some other cheesy name.

Clarisse, being a daughter of Ares, LOVES sparring and training, so she'd be so patient, helping you hone your combat skills. "Come on,pretty girl, show me what you got!" But she'd obviously still let you win because she doesn't want you to feel inferior.

Okay so I feel like she would surprise you with little tactile gifts,like a leather bracelet with engraved coordinates of memorable places in camp. "Feel it, angel,that's where we first met."

When someone underestimates you,Clarisse gets all protective and fierce. "You seriously think she can't handle herself?Just watch."

JSKDJD, imagine Clarisse guiding you through a crowd,subtly intimidating anyone who comes too close."Back off!She's with me."

She's not the most vocal about feelings, but she shows her love through actions, like always making sure you have a comfortable seat at the campfire. "Here, angel, sit next to me."

I feel like she would teach you the camp layout, describing everything vividly so you can navigate confidently-and easily. "Remember, pretty girl,the Armory is to your left, and the Arena is just ahead."

Clarisse LOVES when you ask questions about the camp scenery. "What does the sunset look like?" she'd describe it in vivid detail, making you feel the moment.

She's not one for cheesy romance, but I feel like Clarisse secretly enjoys stargazing with you, describing constellations in her own tough-girl way. "That's the Ares constellation, obviously."

Honestly she probably would surprise you with practical gifts too, like a custom-made dagger with a grip designed for your comfort. "Thought you might need your own weapon,pretty girl."

Clarisse would be fiercely loyal,always making sure you feel included in camp activities. "We're doing Capture the Flag tonight,angel.You're on my team."

I feel like she would have a soft spot for animals, especially guide dogs. "Even the hellhounds know better than to mess with angel's dog."

Clarisse might not say "I love you" outright, but she shows it in the little things, like brushing her girlfriend's hair gently. "You know,pretty girl, you've got the softest hair."

I feel like she would constantly reassure you that you're just as strong and capable as anyone else "Blindness ain't a setback,it's just a different way of navigating through the world."

I know Clarisse would be fiercely protective. No monster would dare mess with you, or they'd have to deal with the wrath of a daughter of Ares.

And during capture the flag,she'd go full on rage mode protecting you.That girl would go one woman army on the other campers.

A/N:That's all! Also good morning because I just woke up 🫶

[fandomfluffandfuck]

My favorite (and least favorite) thought is the idea that the first thing that the Avengers notice new about Steve when he finally, finally gets Bucky back is that they can sneak up on him.

With a building full of superheroes with various levels of stealth training and differing tolerances for practical jokes, it happens pretty regularly that accidentally or purposefully, someone gets snuck up on. Everyone else hears a gasp or shriek, swearing, then laughter or apologies, and they know exactly what happened.

Before, though, Steve wouldn't flinch. He might blink a few times, but really, he never seems surprised. No matter how out of the blue the scare is. It's like he expects it. They start joking about Cap's spidey sense or super-steel nerves.

But... now, sneak up on him, and he'll JUMP.

No one says it out loud, but when Natasha accidentally gets Steve good enough during a "family dinner" with her silent footsteps and sudden presence over his shoulder that he drops his plate (with food on it, goddamnit), they all share a look. Mostly, it's fucking funny, such a huge, muscle-bound guy shrieking and jumping a few inches into the air, but... throughout the dinner, then later into the following days when Thor is able to do it, too, raising his voice suddenly booming from behind Steve when he was supposed to be off-world, announcing himself, it dawns on them that it isn't so funny.

It's almost like before, Steve was constantly in fight or flight mode. Always aware and checking his surroundings, hackles raised, as if he never left active combat. Everything was an active threat.

But, now, with Bucky back... Steve eases off. Those hackles go down. And he jumps! He ruins a wall once, throwing a kettle bell in the gym through it when his grip strength loosens mid-jump. It should be funny, it still is, sometimes, scaring mighty Captain America... but it's mostly not. It's not because they can't believe that he was never relaxed and not on edge before. Without Bucky. But Bucky here and Steve's home, too, now. Bucky is home.

[lululandd]

wrong;

pairing: könig x f!reader

wordcount: 2.5k+

warnings: fluff?

note: ngl i had fun making this and i hope yall get a laugh from this or something (also on AO3)

summary: 

of all the kortac members you’ve worked and hung out with, you try to avoid könig the most. the austrian man comes off as normal and even endearing at first, masking his anxiety with comedy, always being thoughtful of people's needs and personal space. but the more you hung out with him the more you realise he might actually have a woman held hostage in his house. he likes to talk about her, mostly innocuous comments about her new hobbies, but from time to time könig lets out insane comments in such a casual tone that rendered you and other kortac operators speechless.

bunny doesn't like men so when my kitchen was renovated i had to put her in the basement..

—sometimes she misbehaves so much i want to hit her but i can't so i had to leash her.

no one dares to talk about his bunny, you notice everyone skirting around the subject and never asking him directly about her even though he’s actively bringing her up in conversations. you don’t mind being around him during assignments, since he’s usually too busy saving people’s lives and covering his teammates backs to think about his ‘bunny’. but outside of combat? at the base? at karaoke or bars? you avoid him as much as possible.

until you slipped up, of course.

you were tired; unwashed, thinking only of the food in front of you and the long luxurious cold shower you’re going to have right after.

hearing the word ‘sick’ somewhere in your vincinity you immediately went into worry mode and asked follow up questions before your brain could determine who was talking.

horangi lets out a cough next to you, and only then you realise who said the word ‘sick’ and about whom.

the usually boisterous man looked so downtrodden, barely eating his dinner, moving his food around his metal tray. 

“it’s bunny..” he whined, his hood blowing forwards for a moment before settling back in place.

“i’m sorry to hear that.” you offered, curtly. you thought of the least offensive thing you could muster that wouldn’t evoke any other bunny related tidbits. “how long until your assignment’s over?”

“two months.”

“i’m sure she’ll be fine.” you assured him, “hope she feels better soon, könig.”

he rested his chin on his open palm, “she can’t take care of herself, i had a friend stay at my house to take care of her.” 

you glance at horangi, hoping he’d steer the conversation away. he halfheartedly shrugged as he dug into his food, unwilling to help. you dug your own grave, the shrug seems to imply.

“your friend is probably doing their best, you just have to trust them.”

horangi raised his brows and smirked at you. you poked him with one of the corners of your metal tray playfully when you two were done eating. laughing as he bumps your hip with his, saying something in korean before answering, “you have to learn to evade the bunny topic yourself. you did good.”

perhaps this is the nicest, or the only thing anyone has ever dared to say about his captive, because he turned up at your shared bunk that night. stiletto immediately fiddled with her butterfly knife when she saw who was at the door.

“may i talk to you?” his gaze jumped from your eyes to something behind you before looking at you again quickly and looking away again.

stiletto snarked at him from her bed, “you can talk over there with the door open.”

thankful for her caution, you see könig doesn’t seem too bothered by it.

“i’m worried about bunny.” he lowered his voice, bending a little so his head was closer to yours.

“oi! three feet apart!” you hear her yell alongside the soft clitter-clatter of her butterfly knife.

könig straightened up immediately, it’s so funny seeing him obey stiletto without question even though he’s her senior in age and rank.

“your friend is with bunny, no?” you tried reassuring him.

“ja.” he squares up to his full height, making you step back to even be able to look at his face. “she is taking care of bunny but she is no doctor.”

“neither am i.” you shrugged, turning to look at stiletto for reassurance. 

to your relief she grumbled at the colonel, “get to the point, könig.”

the austrian threw a look at your bunkmate before looking back down at you.“i want you to go see her.”

your heart gave a little jolt, and you’re sure your whole body did too.

what.

blinking slowly, you turn your head to give stiletto a wide-eyed stare before looking back at him. “you want me to go see… your girl?” 

his expression shifted, you could see the twinkle in his eyes hearing you’re not outright rejecting his proposal. “ja, ja, i want you to see bunny. you seem like a nice person. i want you to check up on bunny, and maybe stay with her until i come back.”

“stay?” you repeated. “at your house? where bunny is?”

nodding excitedly, he stepped forwards, “ja, exactly. i’ll pay your tickets.”

you want to look back and make faces at your roommate but out of respect you just look as confused as you could and tell him you would give him an answer tomorrow.

as soon as the door closed and könig’s footsteps can no longer be heard, stiletto hissed from her bed, “ma che cazzo, he is crazy.”

plopping down next to her, “i feel sorry, though.”

she slapped your upper arm, “his crazy is catching. what the fuck?”

“i mean, if he wants me to visit then how bad could the situation be, right?” you try to make sense of his actions. “if bad comes to worse i can always call the police.”

stiletto groaned, “the police could be in on it, idiota.”

she’s right.

but,

he’s your co-worker. if you go missing during your planned trip to austria on könig’s dime, there would definitely be an investigation, right? there’s paper trail and receipts and everything.

you voice your thoughts to your roommate and she sighs in defeat.

“your funeral, bunny number two.”

—

you arrived at könig’s little countryside (remote) house, with its dilapidated (creepy) looking roof and peeling windowsill. a gigantic rabbit greeted you in his lush front garden, happily chewing on a celery stalk and hopping away from the iron gate as you approached.

hop? that thing looks like it could gallop. there must be something in the water here that makes everything grow so large. how far is chernobyl from this place, again?

staring at his front door an embarrassingly long time, you took a quick and deep breath before knocking. his front door felt so foreboding you instinctively step back right after.

the woman greeting you with a smile looks a little bit older than you, with a charming smile that would definitely make you feel safe if you’ve never heard of the way könig talks about his girlfriend.

“hi, im here to see……” your eyes dart around your peripherals to make sure there’s no one that could ambush you, “..bunny?”

she gestured at the rabbit in the patch of sunlight behind you.

the world as you know it crumbled before your eyes. the sun shone brighter, the dilapidated windows look fine, and did you call his cabin creepy earlier? you meant cosy.

you blinked slowly. “that’s.. bunny?” you reiterated, turning halfway back at the rabbit while pointing at it.

“ja, bunny is rabbit in english? yes?” she sounded a little impatient, “are you a vet? she is all better now.” its clear from her tone and the hard stare she gave you that she’s offended of könig’s distrust in her ability to take care of his pet rabbit.

putting your hand up, “no, i’m his friend.” you stared back at the rabbit again for a little longer, making sure its actually a rabbit and not a woman in a realistic rabbit suit. you’ve seen the $15000 collie suit that went viral a few years back, “so…. könig’s girlfriend doesn't live here?”

crossing her arms, it was her turn to blink slowly. “girlfriend? i’ve only seen him bring men home.”

as much as you wanted to laugh out loud at the second big misunderstanding this poor man has in his life, it makes complete sense why she would think that way. “i see.” was all you could muster.

“come in, then.” she offered.

taking note of where the basement is as she points at things while giving you a tour, you opened the door to be immediately greeted by a well lit space, with a little rabbit enclosure at the back, a waist high fence separating the space from the rest of the basement. it had one of those hamster wheels although a much larger size, a pet bed, and neat stack of hay just outside the fence gate. you took careful steps further down in the basement, and you do see a little clasp and a leash hanging off the wall by the pet bed.

the first thing you after your brain process the whole information is run back outside and update the group chat.

stiletto had to personally call you fifteen minutes later because you weren’t active in the group chat. 

könig came home to bunny sitting on what looked like a little trampoline with an umbrella on top of it, munching on some hay with pieces of flowers and fruits strewn about. seeing him, bunny hopped off her little perch. his little fluff of happiness is coming with her ears all perked up to flop on her side by his feet. here are little bows on both her ears and as he crouched down könig could feel all his stress melt away from the sight. picking bunny up, he walked in to find your bags packed and ready by the front door, your socks neatly placed inside each of your shoes.

bunny wiggled as könig roamed his house to look for you, presumably wanting to go back to her feast of hay and flowers and fruits that you set up for her. but when he opened the front door and set her down, she instead hopped further into the home, towards the basement door.

“there’s no man around for you to fear, häschen.” he coos, before looking at the direction bunny is heading.

first thing he saw was you had gathered more hay; könig notes its the expensive one he only gets when he receives his yearly bonus, the old pet bed looks cleaned, and there’s a new even bigger one by the wheel. he spots you in the corner fastening the leash hook.

“you want beer?” he offered in lieu of a greeting. you could hear the smile in his voice.

bunny punched the gate, signalling that she wants to go in the enclosure to possibly use the wheel or be with you. he unlatched the gate and watched with fascination as she hopped over to you, standing on her hind legs to see what you’re doing.

“oh hey könig, i’m just about done.” you pointed at the little sand pit next to the stairs, “careful of the sand pit.”

you heard him shuffle around behind you. the man is lazy and drags his feet when he’s not in combat. “you built this for bunny?” he sounded surprised, the sound of sand being played with grabbed your attention so you opted to stop fiddling with the hook and come see what he’s doing. 

bunny followed you as you walked towards him, “yeah, we pitched in for a lot of the stuff. there’s a card upstairs.” 

the tall man was grabbing some sand visibly stiffened at your reply. könig turned his head slowly towards you, “we?” the casualness dropped off his posture at that moment. “card?”

hearing the scepticism in his voice, you nodded and pointed at the door to usher him upstairs.

he stayed, looks down at the sand as if it was the most interesting thing in the world for him. bunny filled the long pause with her little clucks and chatters as you absentmindedly pet her. “i thought you guys didn’t like bunny..” he said weakly, returning to playing with the sand, slower this time.

oh no.

looking at it from his perspective, you saw how shitty you all must’ve looked. he had mentioned how sick his pet was and no one asked a single question nor seemed to care.

at this point bunny has sensed his distress and made her way towards him to cuddle. she’s really good at that, sensing peoples moods and coming over to offer comfort.

you think you will just rip the bandage off, or maybe at this point it’s more like giving him a surprise brazilian wax. “könig we thought bunny was your girlfriend. and you chain her up in the basement and everything.”

“WAS? WAS MEINST DU???” he turned your head to you so fast you could see little beads of sweat coming off his hair.

you think he’s yelling WHAT DO YOU MEAN??? so you continued on, swallowing thickly. “none of us were ever sure if you were talking about an animal or a person and we just…. yeah…” the look of horror in könig’s eyes was reflected in his overall disposition which prompted bunny to snuggle into his chest deeper. “i’m sorry könig…”

as you can see his world unravelling before him, you decided this would be the perfect time to leave him and his little rabbit alone.

a text in the big group chat popped up later that night.

[aeth-eris]

5th House Placements & Video Games

Aries in the 5th House: "DOOM (2016)": This high-octane first-person shooter is perfect for Aries' love of action and excitement. With intense combat, fast-paced gameplay, and adrenaline-pumping music, it's a thrilling experience from start to finish. Aries will enjoy the rush of battling demons and conquering challenging levels.

"Monster Hunter: World": Aries' competitive spirit will thrive in this action-packed game where players hunt giant monsters in epic battles. With its dynamic combat system, vast open world, and cooperative multiplayer mode, Aries can unleash their warrior instincts and strive to become the ultimate monster hunter.

"Bayonetta": Aries will appreciate the fast-paced action and stylish combat of this hack-and-slash game. Playing as the powerful witch Bayonetta, players unleash devastating attacks and engage in epic boss battles. With its flashy moves and over-the-top action, it's sure to satisfy Aries' craving for excitement and challenge.

"Warframe": Aries will thrive in this fast-paced co-op shooter where players control powerful space ninjas called Warframes. With its fluid movement system, intense combat, and endless customization options, it's a game that offers plenty of action and excitement. Aries can team up with friends to tackle challenging missions and unleash their inner warriors in epic battles.

Taurus in the 5th House: "Animal Crossing: New Horizons": Taurus will appreciate the leisurely pace and relaxing gameplay of this life simulation game. With its charming visuals, tranquil island setting, and focus on customization and creativity, it's the perfect escape for Taurus to unwind and express their artistic side. They can design their dream island, cultivate a garden, and build relationships with adorable animal villagers at their own pace.

"Stardew Valley": Taurus will enjoy the slow-paced and immersive farming simulation of Stardew Valley. With its peaceful rural setting, engaging gameplay mechanics, and emphasis on relaxation and self-expression, it's a game that appeals to Taurus' love of comfort and stability. Taurus can build and customize their farm, cultivate crops, raise animals, and explore the charming town of Stardew Valley at their leisure.

"My Time at Portia": Taurus will delight in this charming sandbox RPG set in a vibrant post-apocalyptic world. With its laid-back atmosphere, creative freedom, and emphasis on crafting, building, and exploration, it's a game that appeals to Taurus' love of leisurely activities and creative expression. Taurus can build and customize their workshop, cultivate relationships with colorful characters, and uncover the mysteries of Portia at their own pace.

"The Sims 4": Taurus will appreciate the leisurely pace and creative freedom of this life simulation game. With its endless customization options, immersive storytelling tools, and focus on building and managing virtual lives, it's a game that appeals to Taurus' love of comfort and luxury. Taurus can create and customize their Sims, design their dream homes, and explore the vibrant neighborhoods of The Sims 4 at their own pace.

Gemini in the 5th House:

"The Witness": Gemini's love of mental challenges will be thoroughly engaged in this puzzle-adventure game. Set on a mysterious island filled with intricate puzzles, players must explore and solve a variety of mind-bending challenges. With its emphasis on critical thinking, pattern recognition, and exploration, it's a perfect fit for Gemini's curious and analytical mind.

"Portal 2": Gemini will enjoy the clever puzzles and witty humor of this first-person puzzle-platform game. Players must navigate through a series of test chambers using a portal gun to create portals and solve spatial puzzles. With its innovative gameplay mechanics and engaging narrative, it's sure to captivate Gemini's intellect and keep them entertained for hours.

"The Talos Principle": This philosophical puzzle game offers a blend of challenging puzzles and thought-provoking storytelling. Players assume the role of an android exploring a mysterious world filled with advanced technology and philosophical ruminations. With its deep themes of consciousness, identity, and existence, it's a game that will appeal to Gemini's love of intellectual stimulation and philosophical inquiry.

"Baba is You": Gemini will appreciate the unique and innovative gameplay mechanics of this puzzle game. Players manipulate the rules of the game by rearranging blocks of text to solve a variety of puzzles. With its creative approach to puzzle-solving and open-ended gameplay, it's a game that encourages experimentation and lateral thinking, perfect for Gemini's versatile and adaptable mind.

Cancer in the 5th House:

"Journey": Cancer will resonate with the emotional depth and introspective journey offered by this artistic adventure game. Players traverse a vast desert landscape, exploring ruins and encountering other players along the way. With its evocative visuals, stirring soundtrack, and themes of connection and transformation, it's a game that will touch Cancer's sensitive soul and inspire reflection on the deeper meanings of life and relationships.

"To the Moon": Cancer will appreciate the heartfelt storytelling and emotional depth of this indie RPG. Players control two doctors who fulfill the dying wishes of their clients by traveling through their memories to artificially fulfill their life goals. With its poignant narrative, memorable characters, and themes of love, loss, and regret, it's a game that will tug at Cancer's heartstrings and leave a lasting impression.

"Ori and the Blind Forest": Cancer will be drawn to the touching story and enchanting visuals of this atmospheric platformer game. Players control Ori, a guardian spirit, as they embark on a journey to save the forest from darkness. With its emotional narrative, breathtaking art style, and themes of friendship, sacrifice, and redemption, it's a game that will resonate deeply with Cancer's nurturing and empathetic nature.

"Child of Light": Cancer will appreciate the fairy-tale charm and emotional depth of this beautiful RPG. Players control Aurora, a young princess, as she embarks on a quest to restore light to the kingdom of Lemuria. With its poetic storytelling, watercolor visuals, and themes of courage, friendship, and self-discovery, it's a game that will capture Cancer's imagination and transport them to a world of magic and wonder.

Leo in the 5th House:

"The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild": Leo will be captivated by the grand adventure and epic scale of this action-adventure game. Set in a vast open world filled with exploration, discovery, and adventure, players embark on a quest to defeat the evil Calamity Ganon and save the kingdom of Hyrule. With its stunning visuals, immersive gameplay, and sense of epic heroism, it's a game that will ignite Leo's sense of adventure and leave them feeling like a true hero.

"Assassin's Creed Odyssey": Leo will revel in the epic scale and dramatic storytelling of this action RPG set in ancient Greece. Players take on the role of a mercenary exploring a vast open world, engaging in epic battles, and shaping their own destiny. With its breathtaking landscapes, epic quests, and larger-than-life characters, it's a game that will satisfy Leo's thirst for adventure, drama, and glory.

"God of War (2018)": Leo will appreciate the epic battles and emotional depth of this action-adventure game. Set in the world of Norse mythology, players control Kratos, a warrior seeking redemption while battling gods, monsters, and his own inner demons. With its cinematic storytelling, visceral combat, and themes of fatherhood, sacrifice, and redemption, it's a game that will appeal to Leo's sense of drama, heroism, and epic storytelling.

"Shadow of the Colossus": Leo will be drawn to the epic scale and emotional resonance of this action-adventure game. Players control Wander, a young warrior, as he embarks on a quest to defeat giant colossi and save a mysterious maiden. With its breathtaking landscapes, atmospheric soundtrack, and sense of epic adventure, it's a game that will evoke Leo's sense of grandeur and leave them feeling like a legendary hero.

Virgo in the 5th House:

"Civilization VI": Virgo will appreciate the strategic depth and meticulous planning required in this turn-based strategy game. Players build and manage their own civilization from the ground up, leading them through history, from ancient times to the modern era. With its complex mechanics, deep strategy, and emphasis on resource management and diplomacy, it's a game that will engage Virgo's analytical mind and love of order and efficiency.

"XCOM 2": Virgo will thrive in the tactical challenges and strategic decision-making of this turn-based tactics game. Players command a squad of soldiers fighting against an alien invasion, engaging in intense battles and managing resources to save humanity from extinction. With its deep customization options, challenging missions, and emphasis on planning and tactics, it's a game that will satisfy Virgo's desire for precision and strategic thinking.

"Factorio": Virgo will enjoy the intricate logistics and problem-solving challenges of this sandbox simulation game. Players build and manage automated factories on an alien planet, harvesting resources, researching new technologies, and designing efficient production lines. With its emphasis on optimization, efficiency, and problem-solving, it's a game that will appeal to Virgo's analytical mind and love of practical solutions.

"Cities: Skylines": Virgo will enjoy the meticulous city-building and management challenges of this simulation game. Players design and build their own cities, managing infrastructure, services, and resources to create a thriving metropolis. With its complex city management mechanics, detailed planning tools, and emphasis on efficiency and optimization, it's a game that will appeal to Virgo's love of order and precision in creating and managing complex systems.

Libra in the 5th House:

"Mario Kart 8 Deluxe": Libra will appreciate the friendly competition and social interaction of this multiplayer racing game. Players compete against each other in colorful and whimsical courses, using power-ups and weapons to gain an edge and reach the finish line first. With its accessible gameplay, vibrant visuals, and emphasis on fun and friendly rivalry, it's a game that will bring joy and laughter to social gatherings and gaming sessions.

"Jackbox Party Pack": Libra will enjoy the diverse selection of party games and interactive experiences in this multiplayer party game collection. Players participate in a variety of trivia, drawing, and word games using their smartphones as controllers. With its easy-to-learn gameplay, humor, and social interaction, it's a game that will entertain and engage players of all ages and skill levels at social gatherings and parties.

"Super Smash Bros. Ultimate": Libra will appreciate the fun and competitive spirit of this multiplayer fighting game. Players control iconic characters from Nintendo's roster, battling against each other in fast-paced and chaotic matches. With its colorful visuals, diverse roster of characters, and accessible gameplay, it's a game that will inspire friendly competition and create memorable moments of excitement and camaraderie.

"Among Us": Libra will enjoy the social deduction and teamwork of this multiplayer party game. Players work together to complete tasks on a spaceship while trying to identify and vote out the impostors among them. With its emphasis on communication, strategy, and deduction, it's a game that will foster cooperation and interaction among players, leading to engaging and memorable gaming experiences.

Scorpio in the 5th House: "Silent Hill 2": Scorpio will appreciate the psychological horror and atmospheric storytelling of this classic survival horror game. Players assume the role of James Sunderland as he explores the eerie town of Silent Hill in search of his deceased wife. With its haunting atmosphere, complex narrative, and themes of guilt, grief, and existential horror, it's a game that will resonate deeply with Scorpio's fascination with the darker aspects of human nature.

"Resident Evil 2 (2019)": Scorpio will appreciate the intense survival horror and adrenaline-pumping action of this remake of the classic survival horror game. Players navigate the zombie-infested streets of Raccoon City as Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield, uncovering the dark secrets of the Umbrella Corporation. With its immersive atmosphere, tense gameplay, and heart-pounding encounters, it's a game that will satisfy Scorpio's thirst for suspense and thrills.

"Dead Space": Scorpio will be drawn to the atmospheric horror and visceral scares of this sci-fi survival horror game. Players assume the role of engineer Isaac Clarke as he battles grotesque alien creatures aboard a derelict spaceship. With its chilling atmosphere, innovative gameplay mechanics, and psychological tension, it's a game that will tap into Scorpio's fascination with the macabre and the unknown.

"Bloodborne": Scorpio will enjoy the dark and gothic atmosphere of this challenging action RPG. Set in the cursed city of Yharnam, players must navigate treacherous streets, battle grotesque monsters, and uncover the city's dark secrets. With its punishing difficulty, intricate level design, and rich lore, it's a game that will appeal to Scorpio's love of mystery, exploration, and intense gameplay.

Sagittarius in the 5th House: "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt": Sagittarius will appreciate the expansive open world and epic storytelling of this action RPG. Players control Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter, as he embarks on a quest to find his adopted daughter and save the world from impending doom. With its vast and immersive world, engaging narrative, and richly detailed characters, it's a game that will ignite Sagittarius' sense of adventure and curiosity.

"Red Dead Redemption 2": Sagittarius will be drawn to the vast open world and immersive storytelling of this Western-themed action-adventure game. Set in the American frontier in the late 1800s, players control Arthur Morgan, a member of the Van der Linde gang, as he navigates the changing landscape of the Wild West. With its stunning visuals, compelling characters, and epic scope, it's a game that will captivate Sagittarius' imagination and sense of adventure.

"No Man's Sky": Sagittarius will be fascinated by the infinite possibilities and boundless exploration of this procedurally generated universe exploration game. Players explore a vast and diverse universe, discovering planets, creatures, and civilizations as they journey through the cosmos. With its expansive scope, open-ended gameplay, and sense of wonder and discovery, it's a game that will appeal to Sagittarius' adventurous spirit and love of exploration.

"Horizon Zero Dawn": Sagittarius will appreciate the epic scope and immersive world of this action RPG set in a post-apocalyptic future. Players control Aloy, a skilled hunter, as she explores a lush and vibrant world inhabited by robotic creatures. With its stunning visuals, dynamic combat, and epic quests, it's a game that will ignite Sagittarius' sense of adventure and leave them feeling like a fearless explorer discovering the wonders of a new world.

Capricorn in the 5th House: "Factorio": Capricorn will appreciate the strategic depth and meticulous planning required in this sandbox simulation game. Players build and manage automated factories on an alien planet, harvesting resources, researching new technologies, and designing efficient production lines. With its emphasis on optimization, efficiency, and problem-solving, it's a game that will engage Capricorn's analytical mind and love of practical solutions.

"Sid Meier's Civilization VI": Capricorn will appreciate the strategic depth and long-term planning required in this turn-based strategy game. Players build and manage their own civilization from the dawn of time to the space age, expanding their empire, conducting diplomacy, and competing with other civilizations for dominance. With its complex mechanics, deep strategy, and emphasis on resource management and diplomacy, it's a game that will engage Capricorn's strategic thinking and desire for success and achievement.

"Banished": Capricorn will be drawn to the challenging city-building and resource management gameplay of this strategy simulation game. Players control a group of exiled travelers as they establish and manage a medieval settlement, building houses, farms, and other essential structures to survive and thrive. With its emphasis on strategic planning, resource allocation, and survival in harsh environments, it's a game that will appeal to Capricorn's practicality and determination to overcome challenges.

"Farming Simulator 19": Capricorn will appreciate the realistic farming simulation and strategic decision-making of this simulation game. Players manage their own farm, planting crops, raising livestock, and expanding their operations to become successful agricultural entrepreneurs. With its emphasis on planning, organization, and financial management, it's a game that will appeal to Capricorn's work ethic and desire for tangible accomplishments and success.

Aquarius in 5th House: "Minecraft": Aquarius will appreciate the creative freedom and open-ended exploration of this sandbox game. Players can build and explore endlessly in procedurally generated worlds, crafting their own adventures and creations using a variety of blocks and materials. With its emphasis on creativity, collaboration, and community, it's a game that will appeal to Aquarius' innovative spirit and love of experimentation.

"Terraria": Aquarius will enjoy the expansive world and creative possibilities of this sandbox adventure game. Players explore a procedurally generated world filled with monsters, treasures, and resources, as they build and customize their own unique environments and structures. With its emphasis on exploration, crafting, and cooperation, it's a game that will ignite Aquarius' imagination and sense of adventure.

"Sims 4": Aquarius will enjoy the sandbox gameplay and creative possibilities of this life simulation game. Players create and control virtual people, called Sims, as they build and customize their homes, careers, and relationships. With its emphasis on creativity, customization, and storytelling, it's a game that will appeal to Aquarius' love of freedom and self-expression.

"Spore": Aquarius will be drawn to the unique and innovative gameplay of this simulation game. Players guide the evolution of a species from a single-celled organism to a space-faring civilization, shaping their own unique creatures, cultures, and worlds. With its emphasis on creativity, exploration, and procedural generation, it's a game that will appeal to Aquarius' love of innovation and experimentation.

Pisces in the 5th House:

"Gris": Pisces will appreciate the stunning visuals and emotional journey of this artistic platformer game. Players guide the protagonist, Gris, through a world of sorrow and loss as she seeks to regain her lost voice. With its evocative imagery, haunting soundtrack, and themes of grief, healing, and self-expression, it's a game that will resonate deeply with Pisces' sensitive and empathetic nature.

"Abzû": Pisces will be drawn to the serene beauty and meditative experience of this underwater adventure game. Players explore a vibrant ocean teeming with life, uncovering ancient ruins and mystical secrets along the way. With its breathtaking visuals, immersive soundtrack, and emphasis on exploration and contemplation, it's a game that will soothe Pisces' soul and transport them to a world of wonder and tranquility.

"Firewatch": Pisces will appreciate the introspective storytelling and emotional depth of this narrative-driven adventure game. Players assume the role of a fire lookout in the Wyoming wilderness, navigating personal and professional challenges while uncovering a mystery that unfolds in the isolated wilderness. With its richly detailed environments, complex characters, and themes of solitude, connection, and self-discovery, it's a game that will resonate deeply with Pisces' introspective nature and desire for meaningful experiences.

"Celeste": Pisces will be captivated by the emotional journey and challenging gameplay of this indie platformer game. Players control Madeline, a young woman struggling with inner demons, as she climbs a treacherous mountain in search of self-discovery and personal growth. With its heartfelt storytelling, tight controls, and themes of perseverance, acceptance, and self-compassion, it's a game that will inspire Pisces to overcome obstacles and embrace their own journey of self-discovery and healing.

[kataraslove]

how do you feel about people saying Katara post the show was just a “house wife” and a “baby maker”? I personally think it’s super stupid and fucked up…while I do understand the criticisms for the comics ESPECIALLY the promise. TLOK criticisms for her character are pretty damn dumb to me…honestly the only thing I can get is the critical for her not being at Jinoras ceremony.

something that the original show does really well is present the dichotomy of katara; she's hot-headed, stubborn, determined, argumentative, protective, a fighter and a warrior. at the same time, however, she's presented as compassionate, kind, caring, nurturing, a healer. atla does an incredible job to avoid caging katara into one facet, unlike other media that tend to restrict their female characters who present feminine personalities into the group's resident healer/mother teresa figure. fighting and healing are core tenets of her identity. she uses both of these aspects of her identity to win the war, to save the lives of her friends and family, and most importantly, connect to and honour her decimated culture.

i don't think tlok makes an attempt to capture the fighter aspect of her identify, hence where the argument that "she was reduced to a healer" comes from. yes, she's incredibly old. yes, she deserves to rest after a lifetime of fighting. however, you could make the argument that toph and zuko are still in active combat mode during their old years. it's an all or nothing scenario; either everyone in the remaining gaang deserves a fight scene or no one gets one. so i can see where that criticism stems from. however, much of the criticism also stems from the fandom's refusal to correlate power with healing; to see how being a healer is an honour in it's own right, especially in the atla world where it's the equivalent to being a doctor (and katara would be the most renowned doctor there is).

katara does not deserve a shoe-horned fight scene where she's going to be tossed down in the snow five seconds later (like zuko) or where she's going to complain about her back problems (like toph). i can go on and on about how toph’s depiction in tlok is another form of sexist writing, but i think this post highlights it perfectly well and captures everything that i wanted to say.

if it were up to me to write tlok katara, i would:

have spent more time exploring her role in the white lotus. how much input did she have on korra’s training during the south, because i doubt caging her up until she’s 17 and delaying her spiritual journey is something that katara necessarily would have agreed with. i imagine that she would have (should have, at least) a lot of sway in the decisions surrounding korra as a world leader and legendary hero [per avatar legends]. if not that, even as korra’s waterbending master, the companion and spouse of the previous avatar, and the mother of the only airbending master in the world, would be enough to earn her decision-making title.

actually have her take part in the council of elders, especially during the civil war in book 2. no bryan konientzko, a tumblr post explaining that you can see her on the council of elders while your show is airing isn’t enough. we should have gotten katara’s perspective on the independence war currently happening with her tribe. particularly, it would have been an excellent opportunity showcasing her leadership abilities that we saw in imprisoned and the painted lady, encouraging her tribe to fight for their justice and independence.

expand upon her relationships with her children and grandchildren. yes, the legend of korra isn’t about katara or any of the former gaang members. but jinora, tenzin, kya, and bumi are all important characters that should be defined by their respective relationships with katara, much like how they’re defined by their relationships with aang. bryan and mike shy away from featuring former members of the gaang to avoid nostalgia bait, but there comes a point when deliberately avoiding the presence that your original characters play on their successors ends up hindering the success of your show. i think katara should be a critical character in the subplot between her and aang’s children, providing her perspectives on her husband’s parenting and relationships with their children.

have her actually leave the southern water tribe. if toph can leave the swamp to stop kuvira, and zuko can leave the fire nation to stop the red lotus, then why was katara constantly portrayed in the southern water tribe? there was an excellent opportunity to have her attend her granddaughter’s air mastering ceremony. i actually disagree with claims that the writers were avoiding having katara and zuko in the same scene specifically because of zutara; i think they didn’t want any of the former gaang in the same place. hence why we don’t ever have zuko and toph meet, or katara and toph (i know toph mentions katara by name, but i truly believe that that was a throwaway line serving as a substitute to appease the audience’s thirst for old gaang interaction. kind of like a, “here you go!! toph mentions her. now shut the fuck up.”)

give her a statue representing her bravery, courage, and determination. this one’s self-explanatory.

she didn’t need to be present at the bloodbending trial if the focus was for the avatar to take away yakone’s bending (and her being a bloodbender, i mean.. there’s NO WAY for anyone else to suspend yakone if she’s there). but i do believe the show should have mentioned something about katara not being able to there last-minute, due to tensions in the south or whatever, and how they cannot delay yakone’s trial even by one week.

i disagree with criticisms that katara became a “baby-making machine” for the air nomads. there’s no substantial support that katara and aang had children solely to repopulate the air nomads. there’s contrary evidence, in fact:

tenzin was the only airbender. if katara’s purpose was to serve simply as a baby maker, aang would have tried to have more children. from a writing standpoint, i think the narrative would have gone out of its way to portray kataang’s family as only having airbenders, or having more airbenders than non-benders or waterbenders.

we would have seen a lot more children in a relatively short time period. bumi, kya, and tenzin have sporadic age gaps, indicating that their conception wasn’t really at an urgent pace, but something that katara and aang took their time with, due to life events and circumstances.

as for whether the show turned katara into a “baby-maker,” by highlighting her family relations over her career prospects, i disagree. i don’t think we’re shown anything about katara in the legend of korra; i think we’re presented with limited information about her on all aspects. from a family perspective, all we know is that she had three children with aang. the narrative goes one step further to even separate her from the family conflict, such that the cloudbabies do not pull her into their grievances with their father and childhoods. kya and bumi’s overall arcs are about embracing their father’s legacy, while tenzin’s arc is about moving away from his shadow. from a career perspective, we know that katara at some point banned bloodbending, became one of the best waterbenders and the greatest healer in the world, then trained korra. in fact, katara’s relationship that is given the most narrative weight is her relationship with korra. i can understand if people’s criticisms are her being reduced to korra’s mentor and a healer, but i will not be able to understand the baby-maker or housewife claims simply because there is no proof.

if we’re examining tlok katara, i think there are many criticisms to be held, many missed opportunities and abandoned threads, but i do not agree with fandom extremes that she was ever presented as a “baby-making housewife turned healer.” i disagree with claims that tlok emphasized katara’s legacy as only having children (particularly her one airbender child). especially because tlok goes out of its way to separate her role in her children’s life, instead emphasizing her role in korra’s life. narratively, we get more exploration of toph’s storyline with her children than we get with katara.

as for the shitty gene yang comics that mischaracterizes just about every member, even momo and appa, i’ve got much to say on that. i think the only comic worth exploring is north and south, and katara’s portrayal in that. rather, there’s a particular criticism of katara’s portrayal in north and south that i want to rebut.

[fairesky]

I'm so curious to hear your thoughts once you've finished playing, I hope you share some with the dash! Mostly I'm wondering if your thoughts on Zerith have been effected at all, considering the... Aerith stuff. I personally can't say I don't feel a little icky about things now.... but I look forward to your future content no matter what haha, thanks!

hey anon! sorry for the long wait, I finally beat the game last night! when I first got this anon when I was away, I was hesitant about whether this came out a bit passive-aggressive or just genuine curiosity. perhaps it was more the way you have worded it but I did take some time to come up with an answer right below this. so onwards would be spoilers to talk about.

my thoughts about the game: i absolutely adore the game a lot. the way the characters expressed themselves, the emotions through the story, and the obstacles they faced. there were a few things I was confused about mainly towards the last chapter on what was going on and the whole thing felt like an acid trip. I couldn't figure out what was happening and I hope that the next installment would fill in some blanks. like how is rufus able to see the whispers, who the hell is this guy in the black robe who talks to rufus. or is aerith really dead? there's this whole new alternate world, but I do hope that the whole thing connects or we get some answers.

my thoughts on zerith: I was a bit confused on which stuff you were talking about but I saw the parts that you were talking about when I played. at first, I didn't really like how they treated zack in my opinion. like just tossing him aside like was nothing. or like his feelings weren't valid. the whole aerith and cloud interaction was alright, I'm not weighing too heavily about it like aerith deserves happiness no matter what. i think it wasn't the ' like / love ' thing she has for zack, more like she wanted to experience what she couldn't. if that makes sense. cloud and zack do have a bit of similarities like aerith said, and I think she was acting it out as a conduit. in-the-moment type of thing. one of aerith's like line to cloud: I like you, but there's a ton of meaning to like and liking. i still believe she loves zack and likes cloud. even when zack asked marlene if aerith likes cloud, and her saying yes. I felt bad for zack, BUT, he was willing to put his feelings aside for his friend and the girl he likes. overall, I will always ship zerith and cloti. tbh, I don't even like the whole clerith ship because some ppl in the fandom degrade zack's and tifa's characters because of it, such as calling tifa a whore and zack pathetic and useless.

so my thoughts on zerith aren't affected at all. it's still growing strong.