#also just. The theme of perceived inseparability

[an-urgent-appeal]

monitoring by deco*27 could be a soldierspy song if you just give me 12 hours and 5 cans of monster to explain

[andy-wm]

Moving out, Moving in

Mission accomplished by sleight of hand?

This is just a collection of thoughts so it's probably full of holes, but it seems to me that Jimin and Jungkook always have a plan in motion.

I guess it's not surprising since they live and work in a fast paced environment in which most of their waking hours are scheduled to the max. It's not just the day to day that's planned down to the wire, their albums and tours are planned years ahead of time and coordinated with military precision.

Their lives run on plans and schedules

Random anecdote: Someone I was friendly with a couple of years ago worked on the BTS Samsung ads as a translator. She described how she was expected to be awake and ready to take calls and edit copy at literally any time of the day or night. Hybe does not sleep. There are staff all over the world, working around the clock. Time is money.

We've all heard these stories, right? So we can imagine the project/event management going on there. The place must run like a Swiss watch.

When you live like that it becomes your normal, so i have no doubt ALL the members are used to planning out their lives.

Also, when you have hardly any free time you use it carefully. If you want to do anything you have to plan and schedule it.

I'm not suggesting they project manage all these things on their own. What's the point of having an endless well of money if you can't hire people to help you make life happen the way you want it to. But I am saying they would know that if they don't plan it, it aint gonna happen.

So, back to Jikook and their plans.

Solo albums

Despite how different their solo album were in terms of musical styles and themes, their promotional materials were astonishingly similar. From colour palettes to photo styling to identical outfits they were far too similar for it to be a coincidence. In fact, if those albums had been people walking down a street they would have been couple dressing without a doubt.

Are You Sure

The travel adventures they squeezed in between deadlines and performances must have been carefully orchestrated too.

Home sweet home

And let's not forget Jungkook finding time to design, plan, and execute the building of the Itaewon house in between everything else.

They plan down to the fine details. And they also play the long game. It's how they're used to operating.

Keep that in mind as i move onto the next thought. This is the interesting bit...

Military service.

It's a reality for every able bodied man in Korea. For a group like BTS it's another thing that would have been carefully considered. Enlistment timing, yes, and every other variable they could choose: locations, divisions, roles etc.

They would have been thinking about their options for MS from the time they were eligible to enlist. Jungkook would have been acutely aware that his tattoos would prevent him from doing anything in security. But that didn't prevent him from inking up his whole arm.

So, we can assume other plans or priorities for MS existed even then.

And those plans included a major decision:

Companion enlistment.

They would have thought carefully about this, having heard all the horror stories of how it can go wrong.

Besides that, despite being dismissed as no biggie by most of the fandom it is extremely rare for idols to enlist as companions.

I did the research. There might be one other occurrence of this. Enlisting at the same time does happen (still rare) but as companions... almost never.

It meant their enlistment was even more newsworthy. They must have known it would highlight their closeness. Was that a conscious choice too?

Maybe.

Everyone, not just jikookers, knows they're inseparable now. It's proof for those who needed it that their relationship is genuine and not fan service.

If they were concerned about how their relationship was perceived i guess thats a bonus. But they coukd have just been more visible in Seoul.

So I'm still asking myself... why?

Why take the chance? Why risk the relationship? So many couples just have to deal with the MS separation, it's simply a fact of life. All the other members had to go through it alone. Jimin and Jungkook could have done it too. They spent months barely seeing each other when they were on solo schedules.

And I'm absolutely not denying they most likely wanted to be together if at all possible. But besides that, what could be gained? Its a long game, remember... so what could be their ultimate goal here?

Where will this lead?

What comes next for them?

Logically the biggest thing for any of the members one they've completed their MS, is their adult life. On a personal level it's the next step.

Nobody is naive enough to think these guys are still going to play boyfriend to the fandom. Not when Hobi our sunshine, who wouldn't even show his armpit on camera, describes the Sweet Dreams lyrics as BEST HOT SEX and then adds 'am I right?' with a smirk because he knows ARMY are all adults too (or that's the part of the fandom he's choosing to engage with).

There's going to be an expectation - or for some ARMYs a resigned acceptance - that the members will actively date, maybe settle down and have a long term partner or a family. But it's only acceptable for those who are going to date or marry a woman. It'd have to be an unknown and discreet or better yet totally secret lover if they're with any other gender.

Which brings us back to Jikook

So what might adult life look like for our lovebirds?

<<content warning: unbridled speculation>>

As a person who believes they're in a long term intimate relationship with plans for a future together, i think they'd want to share a home.

Could they share a home & future?

Imagine the absolute pandemonium that would ensue if Jimin and Jungkook suddenly paired up and set up house together. It would be wild. Possibly the most scandalous thing to ever happen to kpop. The press would roast them, carve them up, and serve the to the nation for dinner. Every conservative right wing mouthpiece would have an opinion on their morality. It would be hideous.

Unless....

Unless they didn't need to suddenly pair up because they were already living together!

Like maybe... as companion enlisted soldiers. And not just any ordinary soldiers but cream of the crop, highly commended, much adored soldiers. Soldiers who have done their nation proud together.

By enlisting together they've already bridged the possibly fatal social chasm they needed to navigate (aka rampant homophobia) if they wanted to move in together.

They ALREADY live together

They've done the hard bit.

It would be no big deal, really to continue to do so. All they'll be doing is relocating to the house in Itaewon.

And my goodness what serendipitous timing... the build was completed while they were snuggled up in their barracks so there's no awkward in between stage. They can just slide right in to their cosy new home and nobody can really say a thing.

What a cunning plan

Now before anyone yells at me of course i have no idea what their plans are. Zero. Nobody does except their trusted circle. This is entirely fabricated. But ya know what?

It's also entirely possible.

💜🏠💛

[cacoetheswriting]

pearl: october 1985

pairing: eddie munson x fem!reader word count: 2.3k summary: rebuilding your friendship with eddie was easy. trying to remain just friends is hard, but how do you tell him that?

content warnings: best friends to lovers, slow burn, mutual pining, suggestive & mature themes, adult language, use of pet names, idiots in love, emotional hurt / comfort, self-doubt / insecurities, reader has nightmares - if i missed anything, pls let me know!

pearl masterlist

“Anything you need, you just call me, okay?” You say to the young girl, “No matter the time of day, no matter where you are or if you think you’ll be interrupting me, just call.”

“Thanks.” Eleven mutters and does her best to offer you a smile.

“You and I, we gotta stick together, El.” You pull her in for a short lived hug. “Only we know what this feels like and we gotta support each other.”

“I’ll call you. I promise,” she assures before walking over to say goodbye to her friends.

By the time the Byers’ house is empty, boxes and bags packed into the car, everyone is crying. There’s some more hugs and you watch them drive off, holding onto Nancy. Once the car is out of sight, Steve asks you both to come over, hang out with him and Robin for a bit. It’s a request you politely decline. Going through a rollercoaster of emotions this afternoon, there was only one place you truly wanted to be.

Things between Eddie and you were pretty much back to normal. Ever since the incident at Starcourt Mall, you two were inseparable. Everywhere you went, there the metalhead followed — as if he was afraid something would happen if you were apart.

Eddie only ever left you alone to sleep, but even then it was only a couple of nights a week. Convincing him to stay with you wasn’t hard, convincing him to share a bed with you was even easier, and having Eddie by your side most nights helped you not only fall asleep but also stay asleep.

The horrible dreams you had earlier this year of the Demodogs, as described to you by the kids, were nothing compared to the nightmares you had been having ever since the events from the start of July. Witnessing the horrors of the Upside Down first hand… no one could have prepared you for that. And now, almost every single night, you woke up panting or actually screaming.

The first time you had a nightmare around Eddie, you borderline gave him a heart attack. The poor boy jumped out of bed, ready to tackle whatever intruder he perceived had broken into your bedroom. What he found instead was you, sitting hunched over in your bed with tears streaming down your face.

To this day, you hadn't told the metalhead what actually happened the night of the 4th of July. You decided along with the rest of the group that it was better he didn’t know the truth. Not only was this your way of protecting him, you figured even if you did try to explain, Eddie probably wouldn’t believe you. 

So you lied and said you’d been having nightmares ever since your dad died and he was kind enough not to press on the matter further.

Life with Eddie was easy, it always had been. Aside from your persistent nightmares, you quickly slipped back into your best friend dynamic and the remainder of the summer was uneventful. Only your feelings for him grew stronger. Past the platonic mark you were hovering over when you left for college; when you first kissed him.

You didn’t know how to tell him or if you should say anything in the first place. After all, you just got your friendship back to what it used to be and you sure as hell weren’t going to be the one to jeopardise that. He had the letters. He read them. There was nothing more to it.

But Eddie Munson never made anything easy for you. With his lingering touches, heartwarming stares. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think he still loved you too.

And you say “still” because, even though the metalhead never admitted it out loud, you’re ninety-nine percent sure he once did — if the kiss you shared was any indication, however contrived it may have been, under the circumstances. 

“Say your goodbyes?” Eddie asks when you appear in his room. He’s sitting on his bed, legs spread out in front of him and a copy of Lord of the Rings in his hands. He sets the book to the side when you plop next to him, head instantly attaching itself to his shoulder like a magnet.

“Yeah,” you exhale, “I hate goodbyes.”

“Me too,” he mutters as he intertwines his fingers with yours. “But this time it’s for the best, you know? The girl needs to get away for a while. Honestly, I didn’t even know Hopper had a kid and then for him to just die in that fire, leaving her all alone—”

Eddie bites his tongue and glances down at you. “Let’s talk about something else,” he offers and you meet his gaze.

“Like what?”

He licks his lips, pondering the question for a moment. You can’t help but to avert your gaze to where his tongue pressed against his pretty mouth. A certain warm feeling settles in your core as you wonder what it would be like to kiss him.

“How about I read to you?”

You raise an eyebrow, but the metalhead doesn’t wait for your protest — not like he would’ve gotten one anyway. He reaches for the novel he previously set aside and opens to the desired page. He clears his throat while you settle your head back on his shoulder, patiently waiting for him to start.

“Beautiful she is, sir! Lovely! Sometimes like a great tree in flower, sometimes like a white daffadowndilly, small and slender like.” Eddie enunciates, the tone of his voice completely intoxicating.

“Hard as di’monds, soft as moonlight. Warm as sunlight, cold as frost in the stars. Proud and far-off as a snow-mountain, and as merry as any lass I ever saw with daisies in her hair in springtime…”

Every word that spills from his lips is like honey and you’re completely hooked.

“It strikes me that folk takes their peril with them into Lorien, and finds it there because they’ve brought it. But perhaps you could call her perilous, because she’s so strong in herself.”

Eddie pauses. You can sense him shift in his position ever so slightly to look at you, so you look up to meet his doe eyes, a smile creeping up on your features.

“Why did you stop? Keep going.”

He licks his lips although doesn’t say what’s on his mind. Instead, he continues with the book like you ask. “You, you could dash yourself to pieces on her, like a ship on a rock; or drownd yourself, like a hobbit in a river.”

And as he reads, you start to zone out. You can feel yourself drift away. The soothing sound of his voice is putting you to sleep, but just as your eyes are about to close, you hear something.

“But neither rock nor river would be to blame—”

You press your index finger to Eddie’s mouth, getting him to stop. He’s clearly puzzled, quickly taking it in his hand, moving it to the side, only so slightly since the sensation of your skin against his lips makes his heart skip a beat. But he doesn’t dwell on the feeling, afraid to ruin things when they’ve just gotten good, instead shooting you a quizzical look.

“Thought you wanted me to keep going, princess.”

You ignore him. “Can you hear that?”

Eddie’s silent for a split second. Then he says, “Oh, that’s just Wayne. He must have the radio on.”

“Yeah, obviously. I’m talking about the song that’s playing.”

The two of you shift your attention to the door separating Eddie’s bedroom from the remainder of the trailer, though still holding onto one another in some way. The physical touch making up for time lost, you tell yourself, but the reason is clearly much different.

Now that you’re both completely quiet, the unmistakable voice of Janis Joplin seeps in through the small crack. ‘From the Kentucky coal mine to the California sun. There Bobby shared the secrets of my soul.’

You look back at each other almost in an instant and Eddie chuckles, your own giggle follows shortly after. Lighthearted and pure. The situation isn’t necessarily funny, but in this moment, you are both so happy to simply be around each other, the laughter engulfs you whole. And as you’re laughing, you’re inclining even closer to one another.

Then the laughter dies down.

Eddie’s cupping your cheek while your fingers wrap around his wrist, holding him in place. His nose slides down the side of yours and his lips are inches away as they part. Yet it’s not until his hot breath sends a shiver down your spine that you realise what’s about to happen, and more importantly, how much you want it. You’re practically aching with anticipation.

Eddie’s got this look in his eyes, dark and needy. His pupils dilate the longer he stares and it makes you think he wants you too, desperately. You inhale softly, mind racing ‘cause this is a line that you only crossed once back in November and ever since then, you’ve been dancing around the topic, unspoken, untouched. Crossing it again had many possible outcomes — all equally terrifying and exhilarating.

His gaze drops to your lips and your heart flutters in your chest.

“Can I kiss you?”

It’s a whisper, but you hear it as loud as screaming. The question rattles through every fibre of your being and you nod, once, twice. Slow and steady, as you open your mouth to give him a verbal answer.

But before you get a chance, there’s a knock on Eddie’s bedroom door and he drops his hand from your face instantly before pulling away. He clears his throat and suddenly you’re hyper-aware of your surroundings ‘cause he slides off the bed completely avoiding eye contact, completely avoiding the question he’s just asked.

“Yeah?” Eddie calls out, getting up on his feet.

Wayne bops his head in, not fully opening the door. He glances between the two of you, a knowing smirk circling his moustache-covered lips, before his eyes settle on his nephew.

“Headin’ out for a little while. Need anythin’?”

Eddie says no, answering for the two of you. Wayne nods his head and following a swift goodbye, telling you both to be good, he disappears just as fast as he made his appearance. Door closing with a gentle thud.

An awkward silence settles in the air once you are alone with the metalhead again. 

Eddie scratches the back of his neck, gaze settling on the hem of your skirt, where the material ends and your bare leg starts. He swallows his breath, Adam’s apple bobbing. You watch your best friend attentively, afraid of being the first one that speaks. Afraid of asking what’s on his mind, if he wants to continue what you both started before you were unexpectedly interrupted.

That’s not to say the metalhead also wasn’t spinning out, ‘cause he most definitely was. His quiet demeanour was specifically to cover up the fact that he didn’t know what to say now that the moment was gone. 'Cause it was gone... right?

Can I kiss you?, his earlier question rattles inside his brain. Eddie thinks you would’ve said yes, after all, you were nodding. But if he asked again now, would you still want to do it? Would you let him kiss you?

Jesus, why was he so bad at this.

“Uhm,” he sighs, leaning against the edge of his desk. “I-I… Fuck, princess, I-I don’t want to do anything to ruin what we just got back.”

He finally looks up to meet your gaze. “I really, really don’t.”

“I don’t either, Eds.” You say to him and hope he can detect the honesty in your voice, knees now pressed to your chest, arms wrapped tightly around them. “We lost a lot of time.”

“That we did,” he agrees.

“I feel guilty about it.”

“Me too.”

He stares at you, brown-eyes full of sorrow. Your heart aches at the sad, puppy-dog face he’s sporting. All you want is to reach for him, but you’re frozen in place. Glued to the bed, holding your own limbs. And it’s moments like these that make you want to take back everything that’s happened this last year. The kiss, the fight, the months of not speaking. Take back the things that have now become topics you haven’t really talked about. Topics that you both brushed over, then brushed under the carpet.

You know it’s bad to hold shit in, but avoidance has been a third-party in your friendship with Eddie pretty much from day one.

“So, what do you wanna do, princess?” Eddie asks, hopeful.

“We can just take it day by day, I guess. I mean, I know how I feel about you,” you answer honestly, “I also know that it’s a scary world out there and I’d rather have you as just a friend than nothing at all.”

A smile breaks through the brunette’s features. He stumbles forward, settling back on the bed next to you with a small bounce. He reaches for your hand, forcing his fingers between your knuckles and squeezing gently. You tilt your head and he matches your movements, pretty eyes meeting yours.

“I know how I feel about you too, princess.”

pearl masterlist

& tagging some cool people that expressed interest in this lil series: @cactusangie , @spenciesprincess , @capitanostella , @ashlynnkennedy , @ms1oftheboys

[dead-girl-prolific]

Masky/Tim Wright Oneshot(Fluffruary)Pt 1

A/N:

as you can see i'm very very VERY late on writing these oneshots, but i have everything organized now so it shouldn't be too bad lol. Here's the playlist!~

TW: discussion of eating troubles, themes of depression and abandonment issues, one mention of alcohol and cigarettes. mentions of murder(?)

Prompt: finding you wearing his clothes.

Tim’s been gone for seven days. He had been on a solo mission; he told you it would only take ten days. You were starting to miss him badly. In fact, after the fifth day, you started wearing his flannels as a form of comfort. They smelled like him: cigarettes, pine, blood, and whiskey. You were so homesick for the man that you stayed in his room for hours upon hours a day. You only came out to eat dinner. It was almost a ritual and sort of mandatory for the residents of the mansion to eat dinner together.

You made your way down the long, dark halls of the mansion’s second floor and shuffled down the stairs. You hadn’t thought to throw on a hoodie to cover up the fact that you were wearing his flannel. It wasn’t like everyone didn't know the two of you were dating; you just didn’t want to be perceived as weak for missing him so much. You missed his touch, his love, his kisses, his hugs, his reassuring gestures, all of it.

When you enter the foyer, you walk straight into the dining room.

There were two dining tables because of the number of residences; most of the creeps weren’t eating dinner or didn't eat normal food.

In the dining room, you see Jeff eating dinner and Smile sleeping under his feet. Next to Jeff was Toby; the two of them were bickering back and forth about something, probably stupid.

On the other side of Jeff was his brother, and the two of them didn’t talk to each other.

Next to Toby was Nina. Nina and Toby had their pinky fingers intertwined; those two were inseparable; they were best friends for life.

At the head of the table was Hoodie; next to Hoodie was Tim’s seat, which was empty. You sat next to the empty seat. Your sweat was protecting you from the cold wood of your seat.

On the other side of you was Kate’s seat. You didn’t really feel like eating, so you just sat there, twiddling your thumbs, till Hoodie spoke up through bites of his food.

“Are you not eating?” Hoodie asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Don’t feel like it," you said, as your stomach let out an audible grumble.

"Well, you may not feel like it, but Tim would chew my ass out if you starved to death.” Hoodie stated that as he stood up and walked to the kitchen, he came back a few minutes later with a plate of food.

He placed the plate of food in front of you and sat back down. You looked at the plate of food and back at him and mumbled a ‘thank you’.

As you began eating, the very few creeps who were eating dinner walked in and headed for the kitchen and made their plates.

As the tables started to fill up, you were growing more and more upset. You wanted to have more friends, but you just didn’t know how to go about that. But you weren’t shy; in fact, you were the opposite. The only person to treat you as an equal was Tim, and you were very flattered by it.

There was also Hoodie, but he treated you more like Tim’s pet, like feeding you while he was gone because you couldn’t take care of yourself.

But you could take care of yourself. You just forgot to eat; that's all. You were too busy to feed yourself, but you could do everything else correctly.

You kept thinking back to how you spent your free time in Tim’s room, laying on his bed and digging through his closet. You were looking for his favorite clothes because they’d smell the most like him.

A/N:

thank you for reading stay tuned for part two, sorry for the late update i have been super busy and sick...lol

[suitsnsours]

angel dust and jumping and wings -- some thoughts

i think i saw somewhere that angel is a jumping spider (which i know is true) while henroin and arackniss are tarantulas(?)

and rn i'm thinking a lot about the significance of not only angel being a different type of spider to them, but also being specifically a jumping spider (other than jumping spiders being cute as hell)

like, alone. is that a nod toward his hypersexuality/impulsiveness? is it a nod toward how he made a massive jump from his old life to his new one? is it a nod toward his hypervigilance (jumpiness)? is it a nod toward his yo-yo'ing drug problem (getting literally and figuratively high)? is it a juxtaposing nod toward his relationship with valentino? like, valentino keeps angel "grounded" thus removing a significant part of his being?

additionally, if angel being a jumping spider specifically is thematically relevant, i'm almost curious if val hates angel's feet so much because they signify his freedom...?

like if val makes angel wear those massive fucking boots, which hide not just his feet but most of his legs, it would make most sense that he would do this because he found them threatening in some way, and not because he found them genuinely disgusting (it does not make sense to me that the porn overlord can't stomach feet, basically the most common fetish of all time. though maybe there’s just some intentional irony there).

not to mention that jumping spiders jump specifically to escape/hunt. val could be covering up angel's perceived most dangerous parts to protect himself and the slipping control he has over angel and what remains of their relationship. plus, jumping in heels, especially from the heights angel is able to achieve? ow.

something-something about valentino also being actively draped in his wings as a coat, wearing his freedom/ability to fly proudly to the point where it is inseparable from his status, and using it as a tool to suppress (the scene with the fire in episode 4)

as an aside, is it canon that husk hates using his wings? bc if it is there's definitely a lot of room for exploring their conjoined narratives in relation to angel's non-jumping (self-imposed or externally enforced) and husk's distaste toward flight. emphasizes the theme of rock bottom for the both of them.

also it's interesting that arackniss and henroin are a large spider species while angel is a tiny one. definitely reads to me as a nod toward the oppression angel lived under while alive

i am also thinking about how angel fights largely by staying stationary and shooting. the absolute opposite to jumping spiders as predators. with the one time he actually uses his jump that we see in-series (and pilot) is when protecting frank from an exorcist but i could talk about that brief scene specifically for a very very long time so i won't start on that lmao

[omegaphilosophia]

The Philosophy of the Skin

The philosophy of the skin examines the role of the skin as a boundary, both physically and metaphorically, and its significance in human experience, identity, and interpersonal relationships. Skin, as the body’s largest organ, plays a fundamental role in how we perceive the world through touch, how we differentiate between self and other, and how we present ourselves socially. In philosophical discourse, the skin represents the interface between the individual and the external world, highlighting themes of vulnerability, intimacy, identity, and embodiment.

Key Themes in the Philosophy of the Skin:

Skin as a Boundary:

The skin acts as a physical boundary between the internal and external worlds, defining the limits of the body. It marks the division between self and other, playing a significant role in questions of identity and individuality.

Philosophers of embodiment like Maurice Merleau-Ponty explore how the skin is more than just a barrier; it is also a point of contact through which we experience the world. The skin mediates our sensory experiences, particularly through touch, grounding us in the physical environment and facilitating connection with others.

Touch and Sensory Perception:

Skin is the primary organ for touch, one of the most intimate senses. Philosophically, touch is often seen as a more immediate and embodied form of perception than sight or hearing, engaging us directly with objects and people.

Haptic perception—the way we understand the world through touch—raises philosophical questions about how we experience physical objects and other human beings. For instance, while vision can create a distance between the observer and the observed, touch collapses that distance, offering a more direct form of interaction.

The Skin and Vulnerability:

The skin's role in protecting the body highlights its vulnerability. The skin can be wounded, scarred, or marked, making it a symbol of human fragility. Philosophers like Emmanuel Levinas have explored the ethical significance of this vulnerability, particularly in relation to our interactions with others.

Levinas argued that vulnerability, especially as it is revealed through the skin, creates an ethical demand for care and responsibility toward others. The skin’s exposure symbolizes the openness of human beings to harm but also to intimacy and ethical connection.

The Skin and Identity:

Skin is central to how individuals are identified and categorized socially. Skin color has been a focal point of philosophical discussions about race, racism, and identity. Frantz Fanon, in works like Black Skin, White Masks, explored how skin color shapes experiences of alienation, power, and oppression in colonial and postcolonial contexts.

Skin also functions as a canvas for self-expression, through tattoos, piercings, scars, and other modifications, making it an important site for exploring questions of personal identity and social belonging.

The Skin and Embodiment:

The skin is central to philosophical discussions on embodiment, which considers the body as lived experience rather than as an object. Phenomenologists such as Merleau-Ponty argue that our sense of self is inseparable from our embodied experience, of which skin is a crucial element.

Our skin is constantly in contact with the environment, making it essential for experiencing the world in a bodily way. This lived experience of the body—feeling warmth, cold, pleasure, pain—demonstrates how we are constantly engaged with the world through our skin, which both protects us and connects us to the environment.

Skin and Aesthetics:

The skin has long been associated with beauty and aesthetics. In many cultures, the smoothness, color, and texture of skin are central to standards of beauty, prompting reflection on how aesthetic judgments are influenced by bodily appearances.

The artificial modification of skin—such as cosmetics, plastic surgery, and body art—raises philosophical questions about the authenticity of appearance and the extent to which the skin serves as a medium for aesthetic expression.

Skin as a Metaphor:

In addition to its physical properties, skin serves as a powerful metaphor in philosophy and literature. To "be thick-skinned" or "thin-skinned" refers to one's emotional resilience or sensitivity, linking the physical properties of skin to psychological traits.

The metaphor of "wearing a mask" or "shedding skin" is often used to describe changes in identity or emotional states, suggesting that the skin is not just a boundary but a dynamic interface that can reflect and shape one’s psychological and social self.

Skin and Intimacy:

The skin is crucial for human intimacy. The act of touching—whether a handshake, an embrace, or a caress—is a deeply symbolic gesture that expresses trust, affection, or solidarity. Touch is one of the most immediate ways of creating a connection with others.

The philosophy of touch emphasizes how the skin facilitates communication without words, enabling a form of non-verbal interaction that is powerful in both personal relationships and ethical encounters.

Ethics of Care and Skin:

Skin care, both in a literal and metaphorical sense, is related to the ethics of care. Taking care of one’s skin, or the skin of others, embodies broader principles of responsibility, nurturing, and maintaining well-being. In health care, for example, caring for someone’s skin can symbolize larger commitments to their dignity and comfort.

The Skin and Technology:

The development of technologies that interact with the skin—such as wearable devices, prosthetics, or virtual reality haptics—raises philosophical questions about the boundary between the organic and the artificial. How do these technologies reshape our understanding of skin as a human organ?

As the skin becomes more integrated with technology, its role as an interface between the self and the world becomes more complex, inviting discussions about cyborg philosophy and the future of human embodiment.

The philosophy of the skin touches on fundamental questions about identity, vulnerability, sensory perception, and human relationships. Skin, as a sensory organ and boundary, plays a pivotal role in how we experience and interpret the world. Through its capacity to feel, protect, and express, the skin is a rich site for philosophical inquiry, connecting the physical body to broader existential, ethical, and social concerns.

[thetavolution]

LAMIA

Full name: Lamia Ambler Name meaning:  Lamia: gluttonous; Ambler: to ride an ambling horse Pronouns: She/Her  Race: Human Age: 34 Orientation: Pansexual Romance: Astarion or Wyll Class: Rogue Bard Subclass: Thief / College of Lore Origin: Criminal  Theme song:  Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money) - Pet Shop Boys / Devil's Worst Nightmare - FJØRA / Little Big Boy - Madds Buckley

Personality Lamia's a con artist and thief. She considers herself as more intelligent than most people. She’s smug and her ego is often her downfall. She likes to be perceived as tough as nails and cocky, but she’s a lot more sensitive than she lets on. It doesn’t take much to hurt her feelings. She can be callous toward strangers and acquaintances. She assumes people are cruel until proven otherwise, so why go out of your way to help anyone?

Due to her ability to shape shift into any humanoid, Lamia is able to blend into any crowd. She has the skills and brains to take care of herself. It’s just that her bloated sense of self-importance always lands her in hot water. She tends to take the form of a Half-Drow, most likely due to growing up around Paloma. 

History Lamia was raised in an orphanage with no memory of her birth parents. One of the priestesses at the orphanage, the Holy House of Nym, found Lamia when she was a baby. It’s unclear if Lamia’s parents died or abandoned her on purpose. There was only one clue to her identity: a blanket she was wrapped in that had “Lamia” embroidered on it. She would adopt the surname Ambler from one of the priestesses at Nym. Although she was a changeling, the priestesses didn’t hesitate to bring her into their fold.

The other children didn’t trust her since she was a changeling, except for Paloma, a Drow who was a few years older than her. The two became inseparable and Paloma would help her find some acceptance at Nym. The orphanage rarely had enough money and struggled to take care of the children, especially as poverty, disease, and violence would send more and more orphans to their door.

Most of the children who aged out of the orphanage would go on to take jobs in town, often as tradespeople. Lamia couldn’t see that life for herself. Instead, she taught herself how to steal and lie her way out of anything.

Since the priestesses were stretched so thin caring for children, it was easy for Lamia to slip into a life of crime. She scammed and robbed her way to a comfortable lifestyle, including robbing a renowned wealthy family.

The robbery would land her in prison for at least 10 years and she has missed a LOT in those ten years. While in prison, she befriended a beefed up Dragonborn named Allie. Allie would become the brawn to Lamia’s brains. They planned a prison break together. She would reunite with her sister, Paloma, but both of them with a tadpole in tow.

DARK URGE VERSION: She would succumb to the Urge after leaving the orphanage. She lost control of herself after killing one of the Priestesses at the orphanage. At that point, her trajectory follows the one in the game, but she avoids Paloma like the plague. Even when caving into the Dark Urge, she refuses to hurt Paloma. It was the first time she genuinely disappointed Sceleritas Fel.

Likes: Her found family, the thrill of stealing, money, jewelry, con artistry, fighting, traveling, reading, naps, hot weather, being stealthy, knives, and her friends

Dislikes: Being poor, jail, being alone, taxes, waking up early, feeling stupid, and rejection

Fears: She’s scared of being abandoned by everyone she loves. She’s afraid that people all secretly hate her and look down on her. She’s convinced everyone thinks she’s an idiot and she reacts accordingly.

She was often mocked as a child for being a changeling and belittled. It’s made her defensive and afraid everyone is just waiting to turn on her. She’s also afraid everyone is right and that she’s irredeemable. 

Quirks: Lamia’s biggest “quirk” is being able to change her appearance at will. She can mimic anyone’s appearance and voice. She’s good at mimicking behavior, but not perfect.

She often takes the form of some kind of elf, either a drow or wood elf, to fit in. She likes taking the form of a drow, despite how people perceive them, because of Paloma.

Mental Health: Lamia struggles with abandonment issues. She grew up in an orphanage and she’d eventually age out of the system while watching others get adopted. Being a changeling left her unwanted by most couples. She started acting out.

She’s terrified everyone is right and that she’s genuinely a horrible person. She constantly beats herself up and her self-esteem is a lot lower than she lets on. All of her bravado is an act to cover up her insecurities.

Favorite Foods: Apples, Cakes, Sweet Apple Tart with a Caramel Drizzle, and Beef Stew with Sourdough

Favorite Drinks: Arabellan Dry and Calimport Blend Tea

Favorite Flower: Irises

Height:  5’4” / 162.56 cm  

Skin: Bluish-Gray

Hair:  White

Eyes:  Light Blue (Almost White)

Color Scheme:  She usually wears browns and blacks, but she’s also associated with white and blues. 

Fashion Sense: Normally, she wears anything that helps her blend into her surroundings. Her goal is typically to avoid being spotted. When she’s dressing up, however, she tends to go for extremely fashionable and expensive outfits, even if she has to steal it.

Family: 

Unknown Parents - She has no idea who or where they are. I have started a Dark Urge run with her so, uh, well. We know who daddy was.

Paloma Silkflower — Paloma is Lamia’s adopted older sister. They were raised in the orphanage together. 

Orianna, Lucan, and Meriele Silkflower — They're Lamia's niblings and Paloma's children. Lamia adores them.

Template!

[fin26bbgaib]

Puzzle Games - Superliminal

Superliminal, developed by Pillow Castle Games, is a mind-bending first-person puzzle game that revolves around forced perspective and optical illusions. Players navigate dreamlike environments where perception and reality are fluid, challenging them to think outside the box to solve puzzles and progress. The game explores themes of perspective, creativity, and self-discovery within the context of a surreal dream therapy session.

At its heart, Superliminal is a puzzle game where the player manipulates objects and environments to solve challenges based on perspective. Core mechanics include resizing objects by changing their perceived distance, altering perspectives to connect visual elements, and using spatial awareness to navigate impossible spaces. Perspective Manipulation Use visual tricks to alter object size and interact with the environment in unexpected ways. Exploration Navigate abstract and surreal dreamscapes, uncovering clues and progressing through the narrative. Problem-Solving Engage in creative thinking to overcome increasingly complex puzzles that defy logic.

The gameplay evokes a sense of wonder and curiosity, forcing players to rethink how they perceive space, size, and reality. The mechanics encourage out-of-the-box thinking and offer a gratifying sense of accomplishment when puzzles are solved. The surreal nature of the game also cultivates a dreamlike, immersive experience that keeps players intrigued.

The game’s visual design is heavily influenced by surrealism and dream logic Clean, Minimalistic Aesthetic The environments often start with sterile, simple designs reminiscent of clinical spaces but morph into bizarre and surreal dreamscapes. Optical Illusions Visual tricks like floating objects, Escher-like geometry, and warped spaces are key elements that serve both gameplay and theme. Shifts in Tone Bright and cheerful visuals are juxtaposed with darker, more unsettling moments, reflecting the game’s exploration of uncertainty and introspection.

The visuals are inseparable from the gameplay mechanics. Optical illusions and forced perspective aren’t just aesthetic choices—they’re the foundation of every puzzle. The seamless integration of visual trickery into gameplay reinforces the idea that perception is key to problem-solving. The game’s visual themes align with its narrative exploration of dreams and therapy. The sterile environments suggest a clinical, controlled setting, while the gradual descent into surrealism mirrors the unravelling of conventional logic and the player’s journey into their subconscious. This dynamic supports the narrative of self-discovery and embracing new perspectives.

[josnashak69]

Some problems with keyboard and mouse style virtual content on PC

There are still some problems in the actual application process of virtual reality (simulation) content:

1) Interface UI issues

In an era of extremely rich visuals, users have become accustomed to a variety of content with beautiful visual experiences.

With a good visual UI and a design style that fits the theme, users can perceive the friendliness of the product at HE Tuber first glance - although it is only an evaluation brought about by the experience at the visual perception level, that is, the "primacy effect" in psychology "——Through "first impression", the first input information has an impact on the subsequent cognition of the object.

“The interface is too ugly and affects my mood”

“The button is so small that I can’t click it even after 5 minutes. The button is so big, it feels like the style from 10 years ago.”

"Everyone in red or green has doubts about life."

"The pop-up windows have covered the test bench, and you can't see any reaction?"

“The loading page is really unflattering”

…

2) Scene model problem

Virtual reality simulation training content is inseparable from setting up scenes and building models. The scale and size of scenes and models are indeed affected by rendering and other aspects. There is no way to do this for the time being, but carefully laid out scenes and carefully processed models have the greatest impact on the experience. It's important.

The construction of " scenes " depends on the characteristics of the subject, such as laboratories, factories, outdoor geographical environments, battlefields under fire, space, or inside cells, etc. If possible, try to design the scene and the objects in the scene around the theme. Make the textures and textures more detailed. Make necessary optimizations while enriching the details to the greatest extent. Balance the conflict between the visual experience and loading and rendering. .

" Model " refers to the models of all "surface objects", "characters", etc. on the scene. "Geographical objects" generally refers to everything that needs to be laid out around the theme, such as experimental instruments, bridges, buildings, etc. The character model, as an avatar (agent, avatar) or NPC, replaces a real person in the virtual environment, or as an interactive NPC (or even a "guide"). The quality of its image and body behavior also directly affects the user's experience. Experience.

Fortunately, there is now a platform specifically optimized for models in China - the Laozi Cloud Platform - which focuses on 3D model optimization and format conversion to create lightweight and highly realistic scene models.

"These character models are like zombies. Are we learning skills from zombies?"

"Look, the way he walks...oh...it makes me laugh to death."

"Is it the sequelae of cerebral infarction? My hands and feet are so unlucky?"

"Sing~ Where is the newspaper? Where is the newspaper? The newspaper is in that corner... I have been looking for it for a long time."

…

Just imagine, in a training and learning experience process, attention is focused on these aspects, which indeed brings a lot of "fun", but the energy may be diverted by the "fun" and unable to focus on the content.

3) Interactive feedback issues

The system is inseparable from the user's interaction with its content and "interacts" with the user through feedback.

In virtual reality simulation content, in addition to UI interaction and feedback, it is more about the interaction between users and scene objects (equipment, characters, facilities, tools, etc.).

Friendly interaction and feedback determine the quality of the product.

"I..., I clicked this button for 30 minutes and it didn't respond."

"The interface prompts you to observe. Observe? Observe? Observe what? Why is there no response?"

"Why does this zombie keep talking repeatedly? What's the next step? The next step...".

"Where is the close button? After 3 minutes..."..close at this x below" is so obvious!

"That faucet can't be turned off after it's turned on. It almost breaks the mouse."

"The caregiver overlapped with the medicine box and couldn't reach the box."

"When the time came, there was still no response. I...actually died because of this."

"I have experienced snowy mountains and treated the wounded...Does the stretcher have a grudge against the wounded? Why can't I go up? You should save me first."

"One time I went back to the workbench to pick up something. I told the master that I couldn't move it. The master said to see if it was stuck on the chair under my feet."

…

Obviously, these are more bug-level problems and can be avoided. Any product that has interaction must have feedback, but it is necessary to explore what kind of interaction and feedback will be better.

4) Process design issues

As mentioned in my previous article, an XR project needs to consider aspects such as scene space (environment), elements, situations, focus, interaction, feedback, immersion and comfort.

It is crucial to design a series of scenarios around the theme (including level design, functional module design, rhythm design, event design, operation process design, etc.).

For experimental simulation projects, just design according to the operating process.

However, for virtual reality simulation content with storylines such as party building and history, the scenario and process design need to be worked hard.

"It took me 4 hours to learn something that can normally be done in one hour."

"You can't go back, you can only do it again. It took nearly an hour to go through the process again and again..."

"I forgot how to operate it, and I don't dare to go back for fear of doing it in vain."

"No staging functionality...".

"After finishing the previous steps and learning them, I have to start them again every time, either because I am afraid that I will forget or because I think I have enough time."

…

5) Experience issues

All of the above can affect the experience.

It is discussed separately here because its importance to XR virtual reality products exceeds that of previous two-dimensional software systems. XR virtual reality products take the "people-oriented" interactive experience to a new level.

"User flow", "user habits" and "user feeling (dizziness)" are issues that have to be faced head-on. Among them, caring about "user flow" is an aspect that is often considered in script design such as game plot design and film and television story rhythm design. These will be highlighted below.

"It's not interesting. If you don't play anymore, you still have to do it if you can't play. Where are the assessment points?"

“There is nothing to see, the story is mediocre”

"Confused, who am I and where have I been?"

“The NPC’s speech sounds like it’s from a script, and the machine dubbing is so boring.”

…

6) Other questions

Whether it is game design, XR virtual reality (simulation) or game content design, there are many aspects that need to be considered. Regarding the reward and punishment mechanism and statistical mechanism in the game, the "test and evaluation" function also exists in the simulation training content.

There are currently no unified standards for how to "evaluate" (evaluation mechanism), what aspects of evaluation (evaluation content), etc., and qualitative and quantitative evaluation mechanisms coexist.

Whether it is operation procedures, quantitative scoring of exercise responses, or artificial qualitative evaluation, it is a difficult thing to concretely and standardize. You can just make a decision based on the actual situation.

From experience, regardless of whether it is qualitative or quantitative, the principle of "balance" should be followed - it can be evaluated, but the evaluation mechanism cannot be set contrary to the facts. Evaluation still needs to be continuously explored.

Using computer algorithms combined with good evaluation mechanisms (models) to automate intelligent evaluation is obviously not suitable for the characteristics of virtual simulation projects at this stage. "Combine virtuality and reality, use reality as the mainstay, and virtuality as a supplement."

[ephemerallibrary]

TWST OC Profile: Heloise

info below the cut~

Technical Information

Name: Heloise Levasseur

Japanese: エロイーズ・ルバスール

Voice Claim: TBD

Character Theme: lasah × sasakure.UK / taixu

Biographical Information

Gender: Female

Pronouns: She/her

Sexuality: Bi (male leaning)

Relationship Status: Has a (cat)boyfriend

Age: 19

Birthday: January 26th 

Starsign: Aquarius

Height: 183 cm (6')

Eye Color: Orange

Hair Color: Light blonde

Homeland: ???

Family: Father, Mother, older brother, younger brother

Professional Status

Occupation: College Student

School Year: Sophmore (Original World), Freshman (RSA)

Clubs: Archery Club

Best Subjects: Animal Linguistics, Astrology, Flight

Worst Subjects: Potionology, Ancient Magic

Fun Facts

Dominant Hand: Right

Favorite Food: Potato Au Gratin

Least Favorite Food: Coffee

Dislikes: Public speaking,

Hobbies: Archery, writing music (can sing and play piano, harp, and some guitar), cooking, handicrafts, fantasy novels, mmorpgs, anime

Talent: Sight reading

Appearance

Heloise is a tall and slim girl with short, flaxen hair. She has a generous smattering of freckles across her face as well as on most of her body. She's long been self conscious of her height, particularly her long, lanky limbs which she considers ungraceful.

She favors clothing that's comfortable and easy to move around in. She's comfortable wearing both pants and skirts.

Personality

Heloise is a shy but kind-hearted girl. Having grown up with highly critical parents, she's often wary of making bad impressions so tends to behave in an agreeable and polite manner. Often anxious, she usually defers to others around her and declines to speak her mind. The exception is her strong belief in standing up for the weak, she won't stand for bullying or injustice, even if she might later regret getting involved.

Signature Spell

Her signature spell is "The Echo" (超える力). When cast, it allows her to perceive other's movements slightly ahead of time, making it easier to dodge attacks and strike. (She sees the big orange aoe circles on the ground and simply moves out of them lol)

It seems to also be able to grant brief glimpses of a person, place, or item's past, but she has little to no control over when this happens.

Background

Wokin on it

Notable Relationships

Mirabelle Hourlinet [(Former) Best Friend]: The two of them met in elementary school and became inseparable. Mirabelle has the more assertive personality so Heloise would often rely on her encouragement to help her speak up for herself. Due to their falling out in their senior year of high school, they haven't spoken in almost a year and she misses her dearly. She's unaware of Mirabelle's fate and the fact that she also found her way to Twisted Wonderland.

Oscar Citrinitas [Boyfriend]: He pretty much swept her off her feet the moment they met. She admires his passion, bravery, and cheerful, outgoing nature. The two of them can often be seen together between classes. She's really shy about pda but loves holding his hand when they walk together!!

Neige LeBlanche [Friend]: They met when he overheard her singing and complimented her. The two chatted away about their favorite music and became fast friends. Of course, someone eventually informed her that he's a mega celebrity and she was worried she might be too anxious to hang out with him anymore. Fortunately, Neige is so laid back that she still feels like she can be comfortable and casual around him.

Trivia

She likes to play songs from her world on the piano for her classmates. Chenya says she should have just said she wrote them but she's too modest to lie like that.

Neige really wanted her involved with SDC/VDC, she helped arrange the song for his performance. He wants to write original songs together too but Heloise is a bit worried that they won't be to the standards his fans expect.

She used to be really into cosplay and would hand make her own costumes.

She loves reptiles, particularly snakes

[flickeringart]

The Transpersonal Planets - the confusion that surrounds them

People tend to look to the luminaries (Sun & Moon) and inner planets (Mercury, Venus and Mars) and in order to summarize their personality. People also look to their Ascendant/Rising sign in order to understand their persona, commonly described as the “mask” or “energetic filter” that we express through. Most people can wrap their heads around the concepts of the self (Sun), the temperament (Moon), the communicative function (Mercury), the love-nature (Venus) and the aggressive instinct (Mars).

However.

The social planets (Jupiter and Saturn) and the transpersonal planets (Uranus, Neptune and Pluto) tend to be a little bit more difficult. They seem to exist outside of individual control but the personal planets are not really more “in our hands” than the outer ones.

The outer planets are, admittedly, more complex as they represent social and universal forces. This being the case, many people tend to confidently proclaim that they are of little relevance to the individual, that they are above and beyond anything that can be comprehended, that they have nothing to do with individuality and the personal will. This is not true. The social-transpersonal planets are obviously of great relevance to the individual because they are part of life – furthermore, they are part of our experiences as forces within our natal charts – they are not separate from us. We can intuitively understand and recognize these planetary principals in our lives – just like we can with our personal planets.

I’d like to emphasize the point that all of the planets, as energies, belong to us because they dictate our experiences. They are not abstract concepts open for interpretation. They are what they are – not because of intellectual definition but because of their distinct energy signatures that can only be perceived and known through the intuition. The intuition automatically picks up on the signature of a certain planet (archetypal energy) in a way in which the intellect can't.

In my post about Satanism, I linked the archetypal energy of Pluto with the philosophy of Satanism. It’s obvious to me that Satanism is an attempt to affirm the hidden, the dark, the primitive and everything that has traditionally been associated with “evil” as a legitimate and necessary force of existence. In Satanism, Pluto is affirmed and recognized – not as force that corrupts and violates people’s so called "goodness", but as a force that is part of existence – inseparable from us - serving a purpose. In Satanism, this force is accepted as part of life and part of human beings - not as an external "devil" that makes people act in a way that is condemnable. Some people didn’t like the association I made between Pluto and Satan. Some pointed out that “Pluto has nothing to do with Satan”. I, however, don’t see why it is necessary to make a distinction. Yes, strictly speaking Pluto is associated with the Roman god of the underworld and not Satan. However, symbolic characters of myth are not supposed to be taken literally. Satan is the figure that seduces humans into sin, into the forbidden, into the taboo and the things that are “off limits”. Pluto is a similar agent – he forces and compels individuals to destructive actions that could be labeled “cruel” and “evil”, “immoral” and “horrendous”. The dark adversary shows up in many guises in religion, myth and culture. All of these are more or less the same; each varying slightly from the other but in many cases, the essence and the theme are the same. It’s not useful to try to separate different dark and powerful universal forces - they are supposed to add to each other. The images help to perfect our knowledge of the specific energy that is Pluto.

If I should correlate Mars with a Viking, no one would think that it was strange. I could write a post named “Releasing your inner Viking – an attempt to embrace Mars” and people would understand where I was coming from. I doubt that anyone would comment; “Mars has nothing to do with the Vikings”. It’s true that Mars, the god of war in Roman mythology isn’t a Viking, but he certainly represents the fighting spirit and warrior energy. It’s not far-fetched or difficult to associate the principle of Mars with the Viking spirit. The key to navigating astrology is to look for and recognize the spirit– we have to understand the martial spirit in order to fully know this archetypal principle. I feel like this is basic common sense to people who are drawn to astrology, but apparently not so much as it relates to the outer planets. Pluto in particular seems to be a planet that people are very passionate about – some claim to know him very well, he has “nothing to do with the individual”, he is not “Satan”, I’ve been told. “He has nothing to do with the devil from the Bible”. I would say that it’s important to remember that Pluto and Satan are images and characters of something that we didn’t create – we have experienced this ”something” - it’s real, in so far as experience itself can be considered real. The same can be said of all the planets. Neptune is a certain experience to us and Uranus is a certain experience. They aren’t fixed key words thrown around for fun, they are part of our psyche otherwise we wouldn’t be dealing with them or see them in the world around us.

To further drive home my point – it’s possible for everyone to associate and pick up on the energy of Venus in a flower, Mars in a sword, the Moon in the ebb and flow, Neptune in a certain feeling of impersonal grief or joy, Uranus in the electric impulses and twitches, Pluto in the existential fear of annihilation, rape and loss of control. These particular examples are very specific to the planets they belong to and to the domain that they fall under. We know these things because we have personally felt and seen them. The outer planets are not lost to us. They are involved with us. We know them.

[117threconcorps]

Hello, everyone!

We’re the 117th Recon Corps, finally getting on the holonet. We don’t have a lot free time but definitely glad to be here.

Don’t hesitate to ask us questions ‘bout life, our jobs, the vode here and the General! We’ll be answering as soon as someone is available!

Below you’ll find a bit of information about the vode and the General. Knowing the rest, more’ll probable join in later.

Meet Lynn, or General Pallana, depending on who she’s talking to! The daughter of two archaeologists, is it really surprising that she’s probably the most curios human in the entire Galaxy? Try asking her anything about history or to show off any of her rare Force techniques and you’ll hear a long story, as well as get tea, candy, even cookies if she has those. Lynn’s boisterous, cheerful and quick-witted, never being shy about her emotions nor trying to contain them like most other Jedi. If you look a bit deeper, though, you’ll discover that the General has her own secrets and rumors about certain… Relationships with a certain commander are the least of her worries.

Speaking of commanders, meet Commander Zan! Being a quiet, isolated, perceived as emotionless man, it’s hard to imagine that Zan is one of the most caring people in the entire battalion. He knows the perfect words and actions to comfort a grieving brother, he never relaxes until everyone has gotten to safety. Just like the General, Zan is a person of many secrets, most of them being painful enough to affect his behavior at all times. Very few people, however, are aware of this and despite allowing the men under his command to get away with a lot more than he probably should, Zan is not intending to open up easily anytime soon.

Right under Zan there’s Captain Epoch. Unlike Zan, who keeps at a safe distance from everyone and enters the picture only if someone’s having a breakdown, Epoch is ALWAYS there. He knows everything about everyone, always where he needs to be and, overall, is considered to be quite easy-going. That couldn’t be an assumption that’s more wrong, because, in actuality, he’s the one to push the rules and see to it that they’re obeyed. His memory is amazing (which is how he got his name, because of a rumor that he memorized an epoch of Galactic history as a cadet. Not true, but the name stuck.) and he’s one of the few to actually know Zan really well and support him when the need arrives.

Next, there are the ARC triplets with sword-themed names: Quill, Edge and Clay. The absolutely inseparable trio from the same batch, that are also quite close to the commanding officers. While Quill and Edge are more serious when it comes to their characters, Clay is a lot more easy-going, getting his brothers into a light mood in no time, as well as pessimistic people like Zan too. They’re also capable of playing musical instruments (mostly to play space shanties, the instruments were a gift from Lynn to them) and these kinds of mini-concerts may have become somewhat of a stress-relief tradition in the battalion.

Sentinel is one of the senior medics in the battalion and, perhaps, holds the title of the calmest person in the entire GAR. There is absolutely nothing you can do to faze him even slightly and he’ll tell you that so, so many have tried! Especially, his rowdy sharpshooter batch mate Oneshot. Sure, he gets the job done and can even lead a squad, but at any other time? Pure chaos and pranks wherever you go. Don’t try beginning a conversation with Zan or Epoch with the word «Oneshot». They will not be happy.

And last, but not least, there’re the newer vode, Motley and Dodger. Motley is somewhat older, enough to become Oneshot’s main partner in crime and the go-to person for any gossips and tattoos, if you require them! Dodger, as, perhaps, most shinies, is a bit shy, but he’s got the right spirit! And certainly the right spirit about avoiding blaster bolts and being tossed down with the Force, which Lynn appreciates more than anything. Who else would tell the commander and captain that it’s actually fun, after all!

For now this’ll be the main cast, but with time more will certainly join! I hope you’re interested and any asks are appreciated!

[linxuelian]

Let’s take a look at the XiYao fandom // Under the Magnifying Glass

As I’ve had a bit of extra time lately, I’ve put together a few small (and admittedly rather sweeping!) observations about the Xiyao fandom. I hope you’ll have fun and take it with a pinch of salt, if you identify with any of it!

XiYao: Calm like tea... on the surface

As a ship, XiYao features two very calm and controlled characters, namely Lan Xichen and Jin Guangyao. Both are heads on the political frontline of the cultivation world, one born to it, and the other ascended to it.

On the surface, they invoke a very calm and refined image as a pair. If one’s been exploring the ship, they’d probably catch on to plenty of scenes depicting poetry, the arts, playing the guqin and drinking tea, sometimes sweets. Both are quite fanciful and artistic in their own way: Lan Xichen is a well-read painter in his free time, while Jin Guangyao is an amiable host of banquets, parties and the like.

This isn’t the case as one delves deeper, however. Jin Guangyao lies, murders and plots, while Lan Xichen, although he has admitted knowing about it to an extent, closes an eye to it, opting to make excuses for ‘A-Yao’, until it’s too late to turn back. Their drama unfolds only when Lan Xichen realizes the true extent of, well, just about everything. This is when it bubbles and boils over.

Cinderella Gone Wrong

XiYao, on the surface, appears to be a textbook Cinderella story. Jin Guangyao, born from humble roots and downtrodden to a great extent, is sometimes perceived as a sort of “Cinderella”, where he ascends out of his pitfalls in life into one of glory and power. He does not get there without help, of course; he rises in status when Nie Mingjue (the ‘fairy godmother’) lifts him out of it, and eventually uses Lan Xichen’s  (the prince charming’s) affections to his own gain, to an extent.

In the novel, Meng Yao (Jin Guangyao before he is bestowed a courtesy name) picks up and looks after Lan Xichen, protecting him from enemies. They later meet again in Hejian, after Meng Yao joins Nie MIngjue’s faction. In the web series, Meng Yao meets Lan Xichen in the Cloud Recesses, where Lan Xichen is seen to be extremely interested in pursuing a friendship with a humble servant.

Unfortunately, over the course of the series and novel, external circumstances color Jin Guangyao’s life, where he opts to foster deep hatred and envy, and a desire for his ambitious father’s favor, discarding the Cinderella path as a whole. This adds a twist for fans’ explorations, as they were widely left open for interpretation.

Parallels with GuanYin

Jin Guangyao is often depicted with parallel imagery of the Goddess of Mercy, GuanYin. In the novel, he erects a GuanYin temple for his mother, and is described to look like her, which the other cultivators unwittingly shame him for, after death.

In the extra chapter, Villainous Friends, Jin Guangyao is described to have a merciful look [like GuanYin] as he conducts evil, destroying an entire clan.

It is also notable that his overall downfall had been caused by the little mercies he had extended, such as sparing Sisi and marrying his sister, Qin Su, to spare her from suffering. Watchtowers created by Jin Guangyao to protect innocent villagers caused Nie Mingjue’s body parts to be discovered, ultimately leading to the uncovering of his past deeds. Gifting a spiritual dog, Fairy, to his nephew as a young boy resulted in cultivators led into the temple, exposing him further.

All these lie in both resemblance and stark contrast to Lan Xichen, who is arguably the most merciful character in the series.

The Fans

In general, the fans of the ship appear to be calm, generally enjoying discourse when they can afford it. As they tend to be of the older segment in the series’ or novel’s fandom, they tend to be the slightly more controlled types, who may enjoy intrigues and explorations. Like the two characters, they tend to lean on the artistic side as well.

This is explained further by ship dynamics that influence like-types of fans. Lan Xichen is calm and otherworldly, therefore fans who favor him and relate to him are themselves calm and may prefer dreamlike states, while Jin Guangyao, outwardly refined, attracts fans who are likewise fond of refined manners, those who enjoy discourse and parties. Coupled together, both fan types are predominantly calm by nature, and display a taste for romanticism.

In terms of self-projection aspects, there is a higher likelihood of fans who identify better with Jin Guangyao, either by physical appearance (Jin Guangyao is the shortest of the cast and often described to be ‘small’) or by personality (elegant, subservient, gentle and amiable). The physical contrasts between Jin Guangyao and Lan Xichen are generally perceived as attractive.

Fans may privately harbor attraction towards Lan Xichen archetypes, mainly the gentle, protective types. Refer to [Lan Sizhui] for further examples of the trope.

Recurrent themes in fiction

XiYao, as a ship, thrives on recurrent themes in fiction, although certain external variables may greatly influence this. Listed below are a few perceived to be underlying materials explored more widely in general by its fans.

Soulmates

A very popular theme recurrent in XiYao is the theme of soulmates, which transcends time and place. Whether in reincarnation stories, or redemption stories, the idea that the two are soulmates are largely implied, with the two being whole halves or otherwise inseparable by nature.

While the theme of soulmates is not canonically discussed for the pair, it is regularly disputed in fandom that the only person Jin Guangyao had ever cared for who was currently alive was Lan Xichen, as he has been shown to have admitted it himself, placing his friend’s life above that of his own wife’s, sister’s and family’s.

This theme is applied across most stories featuring other themes.

A Path to Redemption

‘Redemption’ post-canon or canon-divergent pieces are commonly used in the fandom for this pairing. Jin Guangyao, having suffered many misgivings and acted with malice and vengeance in return, is given a chance in these pieces to redeem himself, and settle old scores.

There is a focus on Jin Guangyao regaining his older sworn brother’s graces after his lies are exposed. In the original series, Lan Xichen goes into seclusion and regrets his actions of both trusting and fatally wounding his sworn brother.

Most exploratory works in XiYao would heavily center around this incident before going beyond it, drawing it out in further detail. Others might magnify his earlier deeds such as his fatal falling out with Nie Mingjue, or his days serving the Wen Sect, where many atrocities were carried out in behalf of Wen Ruohan.

What Could Have Been

Many works for the ship also explore a “What If” scenario, branching out to Jin Guangyao escaping death at the temple, or if he had had no hand in the murders or events surrounding them.

Some stories rewrite the ending, or the middle parts, or offer an alternate universe with the same characters, only without the canonical events. There have been disputes among some fans that removing the ending scene at the temple would [sic] “remove any drama between the two”, causing an amount of dissension. Despite that, canon divergences remain popular within the ship fandom.

Reincarnation

With the events painting Jin Guangyao dead, reincarnation tropes are very popular in the fandom, be it in the modern-day era or during the same dynasty. Jin Guangyao is often either depicted as reborn shortly other the events, or summoned back after the ending, or in a modern day world where he meets Lan Xichen again.

A noteworthy number of works written with this theme in mind depicts either, or both, characters to have memories of the past, invoking other themes of forgiveness, insecurities and redemption. In some cases, none of the characters retain their memories of the past, although they eventually end up together again.

Mutual Pining

With Jin Guangyao being a married man, any prospects of Jin Guangyao ending up with Lan Xichen are crushed in canon. This allows works exploring themes of pining to be manufactured, often written in the form of character perspectives.

As Jin Guangyao is unwillingly married to his own sister, this opens up for possibilities that he might be more open to feelings for his sworn brother. This theme is often explored in conjunction with the theme of soulmates, where their feelings as a person ideally suited to the other remain unexpressed despite their desires.

When coupled with the redemption theme, it is sometimes used as a vehicle for the former attaining Lan Xichen’s forgiveness.

Marriage

One of the ongoing in-jokes in fandom are that Lan Sect men are insufferable romantics, cold on the outside and passionate on the inside. As such, works depicting marriage and weddings are quite popular among fans of the ship.

This is in reflection of Lan Xichen fans, as an insufferable romantic would often be encouraged by other insufferable romantics like himself.

The Lan Forehead Ribbon

Both like and unlike the trope in WangXian, the sacred forehead ribbon in XiYao is often used symbolically as an eternal bond. It also functions as a binding object, although notably less regularly used as such than in WangXian works.

In general, XiYao fans aren’t the kinky sort until Nie Mingjue is thrown into the picture in a PWP piece.

Modern Day AUs tend to focus on the actors

As the novel was largely popularized by a web TV series, a large number of modern-day alternate universe (modern day AU) pieces are more focused on the actors’ images in general. Characters might vary from the original nature of the novel and TV series, adopting more of the actors’ attributes while still maintaining the characters’ names and birth histories.

This theme is widely used in concurrence with themes of reincarnation or rebirth, where the soul of the character is reborn in a modern-day era and loses much of their original personalities from their past lives.

Ending Notes

All in all, the XiYao fandom is easy to slip into if you have a taste for deep discourse or angst. Since a large amount of its fans favor interactions of the characters made post-canon referencing those made in canon, the fandom thrives on post-canon what-if discussions, as well as possibilities of events beyond the original title.

In size, the ship fandom remains small in number. If you’re a new contributor (writer or artist) looking to be a content contributor in the large series’ fandom, XiYao might be a good place to start if looking for a smaller community to engage with, if you share a similar taste.

Again, I hope that these personal observations will be taken with a pinch of salt. They’re by no means facts - but a very great biased meta for it. 😉 It’s been a fun pairing fandom to engage in, from personal experience. I highly recommend it to others.

[ravel-puzzlewell]

Ari: 5, 18,26,33,35,42,48,49,50,53,55

49. What are some themes tied to your character’s story?

“No wonder we cannot appreciate the really central Kafka joke: that the horrific struggle to establish a human self results in a self whose humanity is inseparable from the horrific struggle. That our endless and impossible journey toward home is in fact our home.”

— David Foster Wallace, Consider the Lobster and other essays

Ari’s central theme is this precise struggle to establish a self, but under a pressure of being perceived in a world that enforces a bunch of roles and identities on her. Being a half-drow girl in a small-minded village and having a cold, judgmental father, she knew from a very young age that there are acceptable and not acceptable selves, and if you show the world the wrong thing, you will be punished. And not just show the wrong self, but if you perform the right self in an unsatisfactory manner, you will not be accepted either. Like, she was a small orphan girl being bullied, but parents never took her side, because she was a grey-skinned drow child of this weird elf loner and she didn’t dress or look or behave like little girls, because she didn’t have a female role model and Daeghun just dressed her practically and didn’t bother giving her “feminine” cloth. So she watched other girls like a zoologist studying an animal behavior and adopted the patterns like “Oh hey guys, check out what a Hyper-real Idealistic Femininity I’ve got there, I think I deserve some acceptance and validation for that, huh?” Of course this realization that it’s not enough for her be something, people will only treat her like that thing if she performs what they expect from it lead to her building up a lot of resentment. And she never got a chance to figure her true self out as the pressures and expectations were being piled on her, up to saving Neverwinter. So Ari felt like a collection of masks hiding an empty center, where she doesn’t even have a self, just resentful rage and a bunch of shadows. She only got to figuring herself out in MotB, bc MotB was not about saving a kingdom, but about saving herself, and to save herself she needed to first define it.

33. How have they changed over time?

in original NWN2 Ari doesn’t really change, just grows better and better at performing what everyone around expects from her and becoming more and more bitter and angry because of that under a ethereal sweetness that she coaxed over herself. in MotB she’s finally forced to confront herself and realize that she’s not actually a despicable monster incapable of love and good things that she believed she was her entire life. She also came in terms with her masks, and being able to find her “self” and so to distinguish what part is a role and what part is she, Ari is now much more in control of the performance instead of compulsory mirroring the expectations. If before the world was theater and she was the actress, now she is also directing the play. She… well, not calmed down, she’s still very Extra™, but she’s lost the self-loathing self-destructive violent edge.

48. What was their lowest point? What was their highest point?

Lowest point is def the end of act 1 start of act 2 of MotB when Ari thought she can’t control the hunger and also because all she could feel inside is raging darkness and she couldn’t tell apart where is she and where the soul-eater, so she was completely unraveling at the seams. The highest probably when she went back to Neverwinter and saw that people of the Crossroad Keep are still aggressively loyal to her, and Kana is keeping off Nasher from annexing the Keep with lawful bureaucratic nonsense like Penelope waiting for Odysseus to return.  

53. Expectations vs Reality: what did you expect and what did you get with this character?

I didn’t expect anything when I just started nwn2, I usually see what narratives and themes the game offers me and form a character I think would be the most interesting to explore them with. If we talk about defying the expectations, it’s probably that I expected her story to be over at the end of nwn2. I was  disappointed with the ending, but on some level I saw it as fitting - Ari didn’t have the character development as much as self-destructive spiral throughout the game, and she died after her biggest victory, she always wanted, but never could live for herself, ceasing to exist as Neverwinter didn’t need her anymore, a heartbreaker who was only loved for what’s projected onto her, a shadow disappearing when the masks covering it are smashed by rocks. And then Mask of the Betrayer happened, and gave me not just a story custom-tailored to the themes and development of Ari, but also with love interest having parallel thematic arc of performing vs true selves. Even the flaws of OC NWN2 were post factum justified, like characters being one dimensional because that’s how Ari saw them vs layered, complex characters in MotB bc she learned to let people have their own agency and not just as objects that she needed to manipulate in order to save. It was truly a poetic cinema moment. At the end of nwn2 I thought Ari would be a sad character from a mediocre game that never gave her space to grow, and she ended up as my absolute fav OC in motb.

50. What are some motifs associated with your character?

Masks, shadows, Fae glamour, flowing shimmering silks, mirages, lightning, sky, esp in transitional stages between night and day times, twilight or the blue hour before the dawn, labyrinths made out of lilac hedges with a monster in the center.

Her general vibe is this post: “She had the confidence of a well organized library and the haunted grace of a moonlit cemetery.”

5. Height and Body type 

Ari is tiny, like, not comically so, but pretty distinctly even for a half-drow. Half-elves are on average human-sized and shaped, and half-drows are normally just a bit smaller, but Ari’s mom was a half Moon elf herself, so Ari is actually just a quarter human. So if normally half-elves look more like humans with some elvish characteristics, Ari looks like a watered down elf. Still lithe and bony, with sharply defined features and elongated limbs, but the aggressive angularity is smoothed down. It’s most obvious when she’s standing next to pureblood elves like Sand or Daeghun, who are pretty much made up only out of triangles and straight lines, and Ari has some ovals and curves.

18. Have any special keepsakes?

Not really for herself, Ari is not sentimental at all. Her familiar tho collects shiny and interesting things like all magpies, and Ari has a designated pocket on her bag to carry it.

26. Guilty Pleasure

Interesting question for Ari. by the end of nwn2 original campaign she would technically classify as like high functioning alcoholic with also occasional drug abuse. But that’s just coping mechanisms, not pleasure. Having a breakdown and fucking several succubi in your Keep’s basement is also I feel like shouldn’t count as guilty pleasure, it’s just Ari’s equivalent of crying in the bathroom for 10 minutes, then fixing your make up and going out to get shit done. It’s “I can have a little drug-infused orgy, as a treat.” So for guilty pleasures… probably just junk food.

The ask meme

[juliaxnicole]

loving friends, losing friends

Right now, it’s a distant memory. I was young in eleventh grade, with my best friend at my side. We were together basically everyday. It was simple, it was easy. I knew everything about him- and he knew everything about me. It was the perfect example of a friendship. We were the friends that everyone pointed to when people said that you couldn’t be a guy and a girl and be platonically friends (because we were). And in a small conservative town, this seemed almost impossible. It seemed that everyone wanted there to be strings attached when it came to us being friends. That the time that we went to Dairy Queen with just each other for lunch was more than that. The time that he slept over at my house on the couch was actually us sleeping in the same bed, doing more than what we actually did. But it wasn’t and it was never anything more. We knew too much about each other to actually gain feelings, but we knew so much about each other that it was impossible to not be in each other’s lives. Until we weren’t in each other’s lives anymore.  

--

We first became really good friends in ninth grade, but we had been in each other’s circles since grade four. It was hard to be friends then though, because boys had cooties and if you went swimming together that meant you were dating. And I definitely wasn’t pretty enough for anyone to date. Our first introduction to each other in grade four was awkward and painful in the most youthful way imaginable. We were both new students in school, coming from varying distances to a new town with new people. For me, however, it was my fourth school in three years, or my third school in two years (something like that). It was still as intimidating as ever, and I didn’t really know how to make friends. This stemmed from the knowledge that as soon as I would make a friend, I would have to move away again. So I tried not to. But our introduction to each other was in one of the most unnatural situations because we were both new students. The school guidance counsellor had set up a ‘new students’ lunch hour, where they had ordered pizza and booked a classroom specifically for the new students from all grades to meet each other and hopefully make friends. I was unsuccessful, because the other girl who was in my grade that was also a new student decided that I was not “cool” and therefore deserved to be bullied. This meant that all of my peers were also convinced that I was uncool and didn’t talk to me. The only ones who did were also outcasts. He was also deemed uncool, so to the outcasts we went. But even this group of 9 year old outcasts had a hierarchy, and he was on top of it, while I was on the very bottom.

Not that he wasn’t cool, per se, it was just that his interests were much more aligned with the perceived weirdos in grade four. He knew who he liked and he hung out with them, even though he had the full capacity to hang out with whoever he wanted. This seemed to be a common theme for him. It was just so easy for him to be around people and make conversation. He was a people person, which is everyone’s favourite type of person. Elementary school was an adventure for both of us, albeit separate from each other.

The hierarchical divide further solidified itself in highschool. I remember the cool kids staying the cool kids, and I was never part of that club. He didn’t want to be in it. So here we were, in the same place again, but now the time was right. It wasn’t awkward anymore to be friends. It was kind of okay, because how else do you get into a relationship right? What ended up happening was that we were one big friend group. We were somewhat of a squad, three girls and three guys, yet none of us were really dating. Just really, really good friends. We would non-stop text each other, and would always be hanging out. It was wonderful. I never had to worry about who I would sit with at lunch, because I knew that everyday, we would eat in Mr. Miller’s classroom as soon as the bell rang. We would always take the second row desks, and we would have a designated seat that wasn’t really a designated seat. He would sit two to my left. He would always ask the weirdest questions. We would always, as a group, discuss the answers. Sometimes, most times, I already knew, but I’d discuss anyway.

Then, just as the natural progression of things happens, the group drifted apart. One of us transferred schools, and immediately, it was over. There was a collision between me and one of the guys. It was awful because at one point we were the closest in the group. But it was at this point in time that I got closer to my first ever real best friend.

--

We became inseparable. We did extracurriculars together, we volunteered together, we did homework together, we had lunch together. Our weekends were always booked because we knew that it was going to be a movie night - obviously with each other. Everyone thought we were dating. I completely understand why. But what I appreciate the most was this; it was because of you that I found out what I wanted in a friendship. I truly loved you, but not more than a friend. And it was wonderful because you loved me the same.

I loved you because I knew that I could go to you for anything.

I loved you because you knew when someone made me angry, and you knew exactly what to say.

I loved you because of your naivety.

I loved you because you were always optimistic.

I loved you because you made everyone feel like your friend.

I loved you because you were always kind.

I loved you because you had my back.

It was this platonic, yet so very real, love that allowed me to flourish in high school. I found a niche, and someone who would help me (that wasn’t my family). Slowly, my parents took you in as well. Slowly, you turned into my brother.

But then very quickly, we fell apart.

You stopped talking to me. You didn’t even look at me.

And it was then that I experienced my first heartbreak.

At the time, all I felt was anger. I could not understand how anyone could possibly be dropped so quickly. Quite literally in a heartbeat, we turned to nothing.

I’ve always wondered why this happened, what I could’ve possibly done.

I never got an answer.

But what I’ll never forget is how it felt.

It was the loneliest I had ever been. I swirled into a new level of depression, where I was numb. I couldn’t even tell myself that I felt anything - there was no anger, no sadness. Nothing. Even worse, there was no feeling of happiness either. I couldn’t get out of this rut of a small town. I couldn’t get out of this rut that was my own mind.

How painful it is to have to become a recluse.

[ill-be-istj-if-no-one-else-is]

Dom Ni (and inferior Se)

I’m going to use the rough format from my enneagram post because I think that’s helpful here.

Also, a lot of the arguments I see in typing in favor of dom Ni also hinge on a corresponding typing of low Se...and typically display a very poor understanding of low Se. As a result, since the two are inseparable, this is going to be just as much about Se as Ni.

What is Ni? While we’re at it, what is Se?

Ni is an intuitive, introverted perceiving function. This means the following:

-it is based on abstract concepts. Ni is about the overarching theme.

-it is internal, subjective and convergent. It’s about summarizing everything conceptually into one big end picture, typically based on the person’s past understanding of and experience with thematic patterns.

-it is a method of processing information.

Se is a sensing, extroverted perceiving function. This means:

-it is based on sensory, concrete information. Se is about what exists in reality at this time.

-it is external, objective, and divergent. It’s about using the information currently at hand to inform decisions about how to proceed from there, without bias

-it is a method of processing information.

What dom Ni/inf Se typically looks like: Dom Ni and inferior Se result in someone who is all about the big picture, and often not very good at the smaller picture. Dom Ni is highly subjective and personal, in addition to being conceptual and theoretical. As a result, the dom Ni user takes a long time to process things and synthesize them into a vision before acting, and are one of the slowest types to take action, both because of their information processing method and because as an intuitive, they are less invested than sensors in acting in the real world. Ni users are always trying to figure out what everything truly means. This has the potential to provide great insight, but often at the expense of actually doing anything in the meantime. Additionally, Ni users often come up with elaborate, thematic big-picture visions for the future (for, not of - this is an important factor) but struggle to incorporate conflicts with these themes.

Inferior Se shows up in that dom Ni users are typically intrigued by but not particularly comfortable with the physical, concrete world. It’s random, not thematically organized at all, and spontaneous. While they do engage with it, they often do so in controlled, safe environments, and often ones that link physical things to the abstract (eg: the arts, individual sports that have rules or specific positioning like martial arts or yoga), or ones that provide a meditative aspect (again, martial arts, yoga, and additionally running, swimming, or hiking). Note that these are typically hobbies, not full-time jobs.

Dom Ni users are typically not very observant of details in the physical world because of inferior Se. As with all high intuition/low sensing pairs, there is a risk of reading in between the lines but not actually reading the lines themselves.

What healthy dom Ni/inf Se isn’t: a healthy Ni dom is still typically cautious and likes things to be planned out and predictable, in line with their conceptual understanding. However, they do acknowledge and respect the realities of the situation, even if that isn’t their preference - failure to incorporate new hard evidence would be a sign of low health in anyone, but it’s a hallmark of an Ni-dom with Se desperately in need of development.

‘Normal’ inferior Se can manifest as lack of observation, inattention to detail, and some discomfort with reality, but again, healthy but weak inferior Se at least acknowledges that the situation is constrained by reality. Delusion is by definition unhealthy. This low level of observation sometimes comes out as clumsiness (in the sense of walking into things because they don’t notice them) but more normally it’s just not noticing the specifics of the physical world that aren’t necessary for normal life (ie, they can cross the street just fine, but they don’t notice little changes in their environment the way a sensor would). Ni doms are not good with uncertainty or unpredictability as they prefer having considerable time to process information before acting on it.

Both Ni and Se can get focused on a particular “true” outcome, vs. the Si/Ne axis which tends to usually assume multiple possible outcomes.

What isn’t necessarily dom Ni or inferior Se: like or dislike of luxury/decadence/particular standards of beauty; inattention to detail in general (high Ne is equally likely to do this), liking to plan (high Si is equally likely to do this), clumsiness (can be but by no means always), creativity in general, having goals (those are things any normal person possesses). Additionally, most people can get annoyed by some degree of interruption/disruption of plans, depending on the specific nature. It’s true that high Ni (and high Si) types are more regimented in their schedules, but if you cancel plans on an Ne or Se-dom who was looking forward to them they’ll be just as annoyed.

Since this was prompted by a couple of questions I do want to address those specifically:

Ni-doms are slow to act. Seizing the moment is typically associated with higher sensing (especially higher Se).

The weird pro-introvert cult aside, there is some logic in calling Ni-doms the most introverted of the introverts. Both the combination of introversion and intuition leads them to often favor the mental world over the physical. If someone seems extroverted (not just middle-of-the-road, but outright extroverted), they are almost certainly not an Ni-dom.

Ni doms are often more likely to go into relatively stable careers. They can be very high achieving but I would expect to see them more in business/tech/academia/some aspects of healthcare and for lack of a better way to put it, creative white collar jobs (I know an INTJ in publishing, for example). The exception would be entrepreneurship, but even that is something where I’d expect to see an extrovert or perceiver heavily involved in the early stages of the startup as a partner, advisor, or similar. Obviously this is all tendencies and not absolutes - there will be occasional exceptions, as there are for any type.

Finally, discomfort with the physical world doesn’t mean discomfort with any specific aspect. It’s general and all-encompassing, and without any specific agenda. It’s not, for example, about things that you might call shallow (and the concept of shallowness is itself so subjective and loaded that it’s a terrible thing to type off in the first place)