#chris does 3d

[genshingorlsrevengeance]

(H:SR) Acheron texting you that she's lost

This is the third stupidest setup for a joke I've ever made on this blog.

Saying that Acheron got lost easily was quite possibly the biggest understatement of the century.

She tries to find her own way, she really does, but her fading memory and fantastic ability to lose her way makes getting stuck in the middle of the most random places easy.

And so, it's not common for her to text you if you can come find her.

Tonight was no exception. You two were supposed to get dinner, but she hadn't texted back in at least an hour. You knew better than to get worried, but there was still small part of you that sat restlessly. What if she got hurt?

As if she heard your thoughts, you felt your phone vibrate, the heart steadying itself when you saw it was your girlfriend texting you.

But...

A small sigh escaped your lips, but you knew better than to get angry. It's not like she did this on purpose.

Immediately you responded, typing away and praying that she wasn't hurt, but you knew little actually could.

Still, it never hurt to ask.

Well that checks out.

A little smile formed on your lips despite her current predicament. Not only was it not serious, but she wanted to make sure you two could have an enjoyable date on the town.

Thoughtful, as always. Before you could ask what specifically was wrong, you saw her texting back already.

...Huh? Where the heck was she?! Sure the restaurants in Penacony were exotic, but in the neon-lights of that crazy city, how could something so desolate be in business?

Not to mention if your food didn't stand out, then you'd sink for sure!

Shaking your head, you texted Acheron back.

Immediately, your heartrate began to spike. Did something happen?

(Y/N) "C-Calm down! Acheron is strong, she can handle herself!"

You rationalized. Her phone probably just ran out of battery, or something came up. Hopefully she could borrow someone else's phone to call you.

Before you could rise up from the couch, your phone vibrated again with a text from Acheron.

...

HUH?!

Meanwhile...

Acheron sighed as the banging on the doors intensified behind her.

She had walked into the office to have a quiet moment to continue texting you, but this was getting ridiculous.

A deep exhale left her nose as she lowered her phone, the steel door rattling with a violent clang.

BANG BANG BANG!

(Acheron) "I wish I had gotten lost at that peach restaurant instead..."

Acheron ignored the commotion behind her, focusing on texting you the final message before she decided to deal with it personally.

It wouldn't take long, really but damn was it annoying.

Plus, this planet would be better without that annoyingly catching tune the mascots were blasting a few minutes earlier before they became aggressive.

Whether that was because Acheron was disgusted by the food, or they got offended by her lack of interest, she couldn't say.

...

BONUS:

a/n: By the way, that Acheron image isn't photoshopped, only the window is. I had to download the entire map to throw Acheron in there for that picture.

As to what possessed me to make this...I don't even know anymore.

[tooblindtizzy]

chris mclean from fortnite

[nijuukoo]

EchoLocation campaign poster and character select icons based on Chapter 369 of Blind Man's Bluff

For @ladyred-ms ♥

[horsebf]

dude my music taste is so old i didn't get ANY artist messages

[loveandleases]

Hello Lea,

It's me again. 😇 Can I humbly request Ardent's mafia version of the last question? 😌

The 3d model is coming along. I'm currently at his hair. Stylised curls are something, let me tell you. It's still going to be a lot of work, though. I don't want to rush it.

Much love, Lee

Hi Lee! Ya sure can.

I can't imagine how hard it is to form them and retain their separation. I wish you luck though and hope you stay hydrated and well fed! (under the cut because this got quite long.)

(not my normal song choice but it was playing when i wrote this and it suits them.)

Out of everyone in your circle, Ardent Pine was the last you’d expected to know you so well. The last one you’d have thought to date. But here you are. And now he knows you as much as you know yourself. Your likes, your dislikes. Favorite color, favorite food. The way your lip curls, ever so slightly, when you’re about to be a brat. Something he pretends to hate but loves.

That’s why you’re unsurprised when he notices the shift in your mood. His hand cups your chin, lips so close yet so far as your gaze drifts past him. The smile that graced your face had vanished, replaced by a deep frown.

He doesn’t have to look to know what changed your mood, but he does anyway. His deep eyes, full of adoration and something hungrier, harden when they settle on Chris and Jade.

You know he’s going to grumble about this later, your smile was meant for him and snuffed out like the flame of a candle.

He pushes the sleeves of his maroon shirt up. You know it’s a power move, always has been. His forearms are thick, and tattoos blanket his golden skin but never cover the scars.

He tells everyone they came from a fight with some unruly member, something dangerous and impressive. Most people believe him because it fits the myth of Ardent Pine—the fearsome head of the house, the man who commands respect wherever he goes. But you know better.

Those lines etched into his skin came from none other than Cupid. A Balinese cat. His favorite gal, he likes to say. She took a liking to you the moment you set foot in his apartment, though Ardent insists it’s just because you feed her too many treats. But you know he’s just jealous, she took such a shine to you so quickly.

Of course, no one else knows the truth.

Chris notices the movement, shoulders stiffening as they sit across from Ardent.

“Don’t look at them.”  Ardent growls, his voice deep and rough leaving no room for compromise. It’s not a suggestion, it’s a warning.

Chris hesitates, their gaze flickering between the two of you. A silent plea. Hoping you’ll get your boyfriend in check. Ardent doesn’t miss the way you tense under Chris’ stare. Your lips pressed even tighter. His hand shifts, finding the curve of your waist and resting there.

“Boss-“ Comes a meek voice behind you. They’re young, early 20’s if you had to guess. A new hire who has earned themselves the nickname of ‘kid’. They shift awkwardly, their gaze falling to the floor as soon as your eyes fall on them.

Ardent raises a hand without sparing a glance. “Not now. We’ve got company.”

“Sorry, sir. It’s just-“

Ardent clicks his tongue, turning to stare. He’s trying to give him a way out, a way to not exert his authority. While it’s expected, Ardent isn’t a fan. Never has been. “Listen, kid. Tell Cupid, we will be there when we’re done. Understood?”

The kid pales, nodding quickly before retreating, clearly eager to escape.

Shit…

It’s like all the air in the room is sucked out. That was the issue with being the head of a house — the one everyone watched, respected or feared. Eyes and ears were always on you. In this world, a name is a dangerous thing. It can be a calling card. The streets made sure of that. Cupid made sure of that.

And her name means something entirely different. It’s enough to silence a room. Because only a select few know that Cupid is a cat and not some assassin who ensures the debts are paid. That big furball is anything but trouble…well unless you’re Ardent. Utensils clatter, and Chris and Jade suck in a breath.

Ardent rolls his eyes, his lips pulling into a grin, but he quickly cools his expression. Turning to look at the two people in front of you. The two you’ve been eyeing. You heard Chris had recently expanded the law firm. Which would be fine if the expansion didn’t encroach into Ardent’s territory without his permission.

And he doesn’t let anyone fuck with what’s his. Well, unless you’re his niece, Cupid, or…his partner. To say you’re his weakness is fitting. But that’s not something to take easy. Not with the life Ardent lives and how dangerous it can be. It comes with perks, but it also comes with its own set of issues.

You’re not normally allowed to see the interworkings of the group, the meetings that take place. Normally kept at arm’s length to stay safe, but this time he requested you join him.

“You’ve got something to say for yourselves?”

Chris clears their throat, eyes sliding your way. But before they can speak, Ardent cuts them off.

“Don’t look at them,” he repeats. His hand tightens on your waist, pulling you closer. The message is clear: you’re his.

Chris exhales sharply, shoulders slump under the weight of Ardent’s command. But Jade? Who had sat here so quietly this entire time, she couldn’t keep her mouth shut.

“We didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Jade.” Chris hisses.

“What? We didn’t! You’re acting like expanding the law firm was some sort of crime.”

“It is when it’s on my territory, and without my permission.” Ardent replies, his voice calm but razor-sharp.

She opens her mouth but Chris silences her, giving her a look that’s half pleading and half bewildered.

Ardent leans forward, his dark gaze never wavering as he takes a long drink of his Scotch. “Both of you. Apologize. Now.”

Jade throws her hair over her shoulder, scoffing at the order. “For what? We didn’t-“

While you notice Chris and Jade stiffening under Ardent’s smirks. It pulls at your gut, the way the scar cuts through. God, it makes him look villainous, and you should probably worry about finding it so attractive. But the way his tongue peeks through his teeth sends a shiver through you.

He turns to you, lifting his hand. You can hear the gasps and feel the tension in the air as it closes in on you. The number of people who expect the worst from him because of how he looks, or who he is, is disgusting. It always has been. Ardent wouldn’t hurt a hair on your head, not without your permission.

He rests his hand on your cheek, with so much tenderness it feels out of place. How many times have people told him how weak you make him, hell he even said the same. But this is deliberate. He wants them to see how he softens around you. How you anchor him and how much he cares for you.

The contrast always catches you off guard. This man—who could send people running in a different direction with just a glance could hold you like you were made of glass. And somehow, you’ve never felt safer.

That’s when it clicks. This isn’t about some expansion, it hasn’t been since you showed up. It’s about what they did to you.

“You’re going to apologize.” His gaze flickers to Chris, a challenge in his eyes. “And if I believe you, maybe you’ll make it out of here in one piece.”

Chris’ face pales, but Jade’s as defiant as ever.

“You can’t be serious-“

“Oh, I wasn’t asking. But make it harder on yourselves, fine by me. “I’m sure Cupid would love to meet you. She’s been hungry for some…new company.”

[kittenscookie]

You have created a whole au battalion (mostly Luke centric) and yet it's not enough.

Animal crossing and pokemon could've fixed Luke like:

Hermes: heya son, wanna a quest?

Luke: *not looking up from his Nintendo 3DS* does it envolve fishing, bug-catching, coziness or maybe trainable creatures?

Hermes: uhhh, no?

Luke: then I. Don't, Wanna.

NINTENDO LUKE AU!!

No...not just Nintendo, GAMER LUKE AU! And fuck it, we make Hermes a good dad here too!

This gets started because at age 10 Luke stole a Gameboy from the store and then managed to get his hands on Pokemon at a garage sale. Luke was so fucking sad when it died and Hermes felt so guilty that he went "...Fuck it, I'm tired of this bullshit—" and sneakily charged it while Luke was sleeping, he also left another game for him. When no one noticed he did it he just kept doing and started leaving games and toys for his other kids as well.

Hermes: *Noticing Chris* ...When the fuck did I have you...!? Alright then, have a DS I guess!

•••

Mercury: *Sneezes*

Luke is still the best fighter in camp half blood, still teaches—

The Art Of The Blade~

But firmly refuses to have anything to do with quests and all that. Basically if it doesn't involve taking care of the kids he's like "Fuck that, there are fruit trees to shake, demons to slaughter. I've got better shit I could be doing with my time instead of being involved in your godly bullshit". Hermes spoils the shit out of him because of...well May...

New Rome Invasion happens here too—I cannot conceive of a world where Camp Jupiter is not his breaking point. Except everyone underestimates the damage he's gonna cause because "He's a gamer! He barely goes on quests, the fuck is he gonna do!?"

Percy: ...

Grover: ...

Annabeth: ...

Thalia: ...

Chiron: ...

Hermes: ...

Dionysus: ... *Takes a sip of Coke* Alright! Don't say you weren't warned!

Yeah, he doesn't have kids and Hermes was absent the first 10 years of his life, the damage is somehow on equal standing with Modern Epic Au—and remember M.E Luke had a fuckton of godly contraband on his side during that.

Bonus:

M.E Hermes to Gamer Au Hermes:

[atsadi-shenanigans]

FSBE 15 - Somebody Call Chris Hansen

You almost commit violence.

On AO3.

Y’all hit the food and drink. Take a bite of hot stew filled with peppery fish and what you think might be turnips and your eyes roll into the back of your skull. Then you head outside onto a wraparound deck to find water barrels so you can wash mugs and plates and all. Decide to check out this other cleric in the morning, after y’all get some rest.

The rooms is upstairs, off an inner balcony. But it’s as y’all find the stairs that a nasty scent crawls up your nostrils to curdle in your sinuses.

Sulfur. And cherries, for some godforsaken reason.

“Oh no,” Gale says.

You feel Astarion stiffen next to you. But when you look over at him, it ain’t disdain or that cool, guarded look he wears when he’s nervous. It’s…attentive. Alert. But not in a “was that a firecracker or something else fired off out in the parking lot” kinda way, and more like you catching a whiff of good coffee at a distance.

Y’all turn the corner, and there’s a sonuvabitch sitting there.

Raphael the devil sits across what looks a lot like a 3D chessboard. Opposite him is one of the tiefling kids, with a ponytail and an eye patch. It’s the one who bailed y’all out with Jaheira.

“No matter where the knight goes, I’m gonna lose it!” the kid says.

“Then make the sacrifice useful,” Raphael says.

You never actually seen that old catching a predator TV show, but you know the memes, and this right here…

It’s also, weirdly enough, directed at you’uns.

Holy fuck, you hate this fucking guy.

“Look who it is,” the kid says upon noticing y’all. “For once, I save your butts out there, didn’t I? We’re square now, chief.”

 She looks over y’all. Gaze lingers on Wyll the longest. “Say, you don’t play lanceboard do you? It’s my first game.”

“I can’t say I’m well-versed in it,” Wyll says. “Much to the dismay of my father.”

As Gale leans in with a frown. “Oh, he’s laid a fine trap for you, Mol. But it looks to me like his Cyric could be dethroned.”

Ain’t make no sense to you. You’re more a checkers type. Or solitaire. But the man shuffles closer and the kid makes her move. To your surprise, that fuckface in a human suit seems more amused than offended at the intrusion.

And when the kid whoops him, he says, “I was right to make you the offer I did.”

Like a proud papa to his scheming daughter.

You see right through it. The way she beams. The easy grace that devil accepts his loss with. He’s fucking baiting her. Hyping her up to lure her in. Where the fuck is Chris Hansen?

You look to the girl, but she only chews on her lip and hums.

The devil turns to y’all as she leaves. Calls her a blushing apple, and you ain’t never fantasized about punching a man in the dick before this moment. It’s fucking vivid.

Vivid enough you’re apparently broadcasting it, because Lae’zel makes a thoughtful sound while Karlach outright snarls.

“I’m down for it,” she says. “Fuck this fucking creep.”

The devil only gives her an oily smile. Prattles on about choices and shit. Fucker really just loves the sound of his own voice, huh. You’re ready to up and leave, except…Astarion stares at him. Not with wariness but with…

“Now,” Raphael says. And looks Astarion square in the face. “I sense there’s something you want to ask me.”

You don’t mean to whip around. But you do. And the elf ducks away from your gaze to clear his throat.

“I do. I have a…proposal for you,” Astarion says.

“Fangs?” Karlach says.

Shadowheart gives you a questioning glance. But he done caught you with your drawers around your ankles. The fuck does he need from fuckface? He seemed leery before. Said people like that don’t play games unless they know they can win. And considering the last bet he made turned him into a vampire…

“A proposal?” the fuckface says, lighting up like he just got asked out to an all you can eat buffet. You ain’t never punched somebody in the face before, neither. Not with a bare hand. You’d probably break some fingers, but it’d be worth it to wipe that sleaze off his fucking face. “If you hope to taste my blood, little vampling, think again. It burns hotter than wyvern whiskey.”

“This is serious business, devil.” Astarion’s voice has an edge to it, but it’s more than annoyance. The pitch is tight, upset he’s trying to hide, and almost succeeding at if his body weren’t quite a traitor. It stabs you right between the ribs.

“Astarion,” you say. Y’all can leave. Y’all can fight that fuckface. But Astarion don’t even look at you. Just lifts his shoulders and straightens himself.

“My old—well. A long time ago, someone carved something into my back,” he says. “I’d rather like to know what it says.”

Wait. Wait, wait, wait.

The fuck? That’s…you ain’t…

You seen his bare chest, once. He wasn’t wearing a shirt in that clearing. But that ended quick and dirty, and for all you been fooling around lately, y’all have kept dressed. Even if he does deliberately unlace the front of his shirt lower than it needs to be when he’s around you.

You ain’t never touched his back. Barely touched the man’s shoulder or his neck, and only then when he set your hands on him himself.

This time, he does glance to you. Just a flash, expression unreadable.

But the devil is a cunt who catches that. Catches whatever’s on your face, too, before you can button that down.

Mock surprise twists up his own face, the malice twinkling in his eyes. That fucking sonuvabitch. He presses a hand to his cheek. “You haven’t told them? And you’ve kept your clothes on this whole time? How unlike you.”

Fucking clicks his tongue. You’re gonna commit a murder. Gonna crab up a water pitcher and crack him in his smug ass face with it—

The devil lifts his hand. Says, “Don’t be shy.”

Snaps his fingers.

Astarion armor and all his gear shimmers. Flickers. Melts away like morning fog. Leaving him with nothing but his pale skin as you whip around to look the other way.

Not before you see it, though. Long, thick lines of scar tissue. A huge, slashing circle covering most of his back. And worse, the way his eyes widen. Not like when you told him you liked his voice. No, this is fear. Old fear. One he shoves under a huff and what has to be a false, sassy head toss.

“Godsdamnit,” he says.

Does not shy away. His hands twitch, before falling back to his sides. But he just…stands there, bared to the room.

Resigned to it.

You met confident people, before. Hell, this one met you with no shirt when he invited you to a hookup. But you known people who would not flinch being naked in a room of strangers or friends. By on their choice (or high as a kite). And stripping themselves. Most people have bad dreams about this kinda thing. Most people’d at least flinch.

Not him. Not him. He just stands there.

Your pack hits the floor and you tear into it.

“What the fuck, you sick freak?” you snarl.

The devil regards you. Gives a condescending smile (you wanna rip his lips all jagged and nasty from his face). “Don’t pout, little human. This peach went bruised and rotten long before you came along.”

“Give the word and I’ll rip his head off,” Karlach says. Her chest is see-through, ribs a dark outline against the fire raging inside her.

“And deprive your vampling of the answers he seeks? A shame.”

“No,” Astarion says.

Where the fuck is it, why can you find everything but what you’re looking for.

“No, it’s fine,” Astarion says. “I am world-endingly beautiful. It’d be more of a crime not to show it off. So, devil, what say you?”

There! Hands brush soft cloth. You rip the blanket out in a spray of cutlery and tin plates and potion bottles. They thunk all over the floor but you’re already up and turning, keeping your gaze to the ceiling as you hold out your only blanket.

“I,” Astarion says. You bring your gaze down, careful not to look lower than his face. He kinda blinks at you.

Something in you twinges. Something nasty.

It’s his compliment surprise. Only worse. Very much worse.

So you drape the blanket over his shoulders. Only once it touches him does he move to take it and wrap it around himself. Cover himself back up.

You make sure you stand in front of him, between him and the devil. Who watches this all with a kind of glee.

“Such devotion,” the walking corpse who don’t quite know it says. “Hopefully not misplaced.”

“If you don’t get to some kinda motherfucking point—” you start.

“Yes, yes. Those marks are one of great importance to your master, little Astarion. I can give you all the gory details. But of course, you’ll have to do something for me, first.”

Fucking devil bargain. Fucking humiliating Astarion. Making him defend his own humiliation because he can, because he got what Astarion wants. You seen petty cruelty. You been on the end of it plenty.

That fucker is going to die. One way or another, he’s fucking dead.

The devil taps his lips. Says, “Let me think on it and I’ll get back to you.”

“What?” Astarion says. “Get back to me? When?”

“Don’t worry. I’m motivated to help you.”

The fuckface folds himself into a stupid bow and poofs away in a puff of stench cloud. You don’t even try to hide your gag.

“Did he take your armor?” you say to Astarion.

He clutches the blanket stiffly. “I. I’m not sure.”

You nod. Search his face while trying not to be obvious about it, but he’s back to avoiding looking at you. Avoiding looking at everybody. “I’m sure we all got spare gear of that fuckface turns out to be a thief.”

“Let me know if you need anything,” Gale says. “For now, I could use a very stiff drink.”

“Agreed,” Wyll says. “I’ll see what they have. Astarion, you prefer wine, yes?”

“Only if it’s a good vintage.”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

Karlach glares at the spot the fuckface still stinks up. Takes a deep breath, and blows it out slow as her shoulder vents blast furnace-hot air. “We’re definitely going to kill that fucker, yeah?”

You look at her. She gives a small nod.

“Would y’all mind bunking up with the boys tonight?” you say.

This is finally what draws Astarion’s attention fully to you. With a frown that he shoves down lightning quick. Replaces it with a sly smile. “Oh, a room all to ourselves, my sweet?”

It turns your guts into cold, writhing snakes.

“It would be inefficient to split the part so unequally,” Lae’zel says. “Astarion has an adequate physique. He should not—”

“If we must,” Shadowheart says with a hearty eye roll. All the while clamping a hand onto Lae’zel’s shoulder. “The last thing I want to see is the two of you making disgusting moon eyes at each other while drunk.”

All the religious shit aside, she looks at you. Doesn’t nod, but don’t need to.

“Come on,” you say to Astarion. “I heard they got some kinda bathing situation somewhere in here. I ain’t never seen how y’all do that that ain’t wading into a river.”

[ranfordgallus]

I may have missed something buy why does Khriz look so fucked up in Krattastrophe ? Or is that something to be revealed later ? Also, where is Marvtin ???

Khriz from krattastrophe and khriz in general are 2 diff people (or....robots in that matter),

OG khriz is an android ....or cyberhuman idfk how do you call a sentient robot person that is made by zach (obv) and he looks normal because zach uses a scanning of chris's overall face and shape and printed his face with an advance 3D printer you'd prolly see in a science-fiction movie- oh wait nvm....because wild kratts is a science-fiction show about animals said by the irl kratt brothers so...LMAO idk what im saying

Krattastrophe khriz is made as a prototype, a test, and his face is fucked up because in this AU there isnt any advance 3D printer and zach tries to create chris's face from scratch, but since zach isnt very....skilled at creating realistic faces he looks like if chris was from the uncanny valley...COUGH

I dont know know to explain it ....blinks

Also marvtin isnt in krattastrophe, atleast not yet i think

[edgrara]

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐃 𝐎𝐅 𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐂 𝐃𝐎𝐄𝐒 𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐌𝐄𝐑 𝐃𝐄𝐅𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐍?

feat - Raiden, Kung Lao, Johnny Cage, Kenshi Takahashi

No warnings, sfw, fluff

*DISCLAIMER - this is my opinion of what i think they listen so im sorry if its not to your liking*

𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍

He doesn’t really listen to a lot of genres but definitely listen to Chinese instrumental music due to his culture growing up

Would listen to jazz artists such as Michael Buble and Frank Sinatara 

His favourite songs would be ‘Fly me to the moon’ and ‘Sway’

Maybe listens to a bit of the trending songs like ‘Standing next to you’ and ‘3D’

Doesn’t like Rock a lot as he finds it loud and overwhelming to listen

𝐊𝐔𝐍𝐆 𝐋𝐀𝐎

Same w raiden, he would listen to Chinese instrumental music 

He listens to mostly Pop, maybe Justin Bieber and The Weekend?

Listens to K-pop sometimes like ‘Love shot’ and ‘Bang Bang Bang’

Would be singing ‘What do you mean’ the WHOLE day to the point where Raiden gets irritated and fed up w him

He would sit for hours listening to music

Johnny probably introduced him to Pop music 

𝐉𝐎𝐇𝐍𝐍𝐘 𝐂𝐀𝐆𝐄

Has white man music taste

Listens to Pitbull, Justin Bieber and Chris Brown

favourite song of course, its ‘International Love’

He secretly listens to Nicki Minaj and tries to rap the lyrics

His go to karaoke song is ‘Last Friday Night’ and ‘California Girls’

Has a great ton of playlist for each mood

𝐊𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐇𝐈 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐀𝐇𝐀𝐒𝐇𝐈

Doesn’t really have a favourite song 

He does listens to j-pop a little bit like Fuji Kaze

He would go on strolls while listening to music

Has dad music taste

Prefers to listens to bands than solo artists 

Has a ‘The Beatles’ t-shirt 

reblogs, likes and shares are appreciated!

@edgrara ‘23

[genshingorlsrevengeance]

(H:SR) PRETTY LADY...

I got ahold of Aglaea's model and MY GOD SHE'S GORGEOUS

Nothing intelligent to say, very pretty lady...and she's also joining the ranks probably once I get to the new planet.

[easternmind]

The weird and wonderful history of Kowloon as a digital interactive space - Part II

This article is the continuation of a previous post.

Any comprehensive history of 20th century Hong Kong is not complete without a chapter entirely dedicated to the architectural and urban planning puzzle that was Kowloon Walled City. Quite unlike any other slum in Asia or elsewhere in the world, the extreme conditions under which its inhabitants lived captured the attention of various international journalists and photographers whose reports of this accidental labyrinth, in turn, inspired some of the most remarkable artistic explorations of our time. In this regard, video games did not remain impervious to the powerfully stimulative imagery, as much a reference today as it was when its hardened concrete walls still stood tall.

Kowloon's Gate Suzaku VR - Jetman - 2017

Kowloon's Gate made a most unexpected comeback twenty years after the original episode via the crowdfunded VR project Suzaku developed by Jetman, a studio founded by and composed almost exclusively of ex-SME/Zeque staff. While it is not the remaster many had hoped for, essentially consisting of a walking simulation through some redesigned locations from the original, it does a commendable job in faithfully replicating its instantly recognizable, light-starved alleyways in competent high-definition. It is also the only VR-compatible entry from this list, granting it a degree of uniqueness over its counterparts.

Stranglehold - Midway/Tiger Hill Productions - 2007

Stranglehold is the result of a collaboration with Hong Kong movie director John Woo, developed as a direct sequel to his heroic bloodshed classic Hard Boiled, featuring Chow Yun-fat in the role of detective 'Tequilla' Yuen in his unending confrontations with organized crime. One of the game's most unforgettable levels, Slums of Kowloon, takes place during a particularly rainy day, seemingly in those last days when the zone had been emptied of residents and demolition work was well underway. The visual representation of the quarter is suitably evocative, its buildings in complete state of disrepair, the remnants of local businesses or places of prayer still discernible from under the piles of steel and cement rubble.

Resident Evil 6 - Capcom - 2012

For all its shortcomings, Resident Evil 6 partly succeeds in taking the first two episodes' concept of parallel storylines and realizing it to a much fuller extent. Its choice of different characters translates into entirely different campaigns, locations and playing styles. The very first scene in Chris/Piers' campaign occurs in the fictional Chinese city of Lanshiang, modelled after real-life Hong Kong. The mayhem in the main streets forces the player to take a detour into a location named Poisawan, which bears a striking resemblance to the Kowloon district. Though an unofficial representation, it is among the most skilled replications of the scenery we find in the vast photographic repository of the area. The degree of minutiae with which the district's haphazard electric installation is replicated, alone, suffices to demonstrate a true commitment to authenticity.

Paranormal HK - Ghostpie Studio - 2020

Few would dispute that Kowloon is, itself, naturally conducive to sentiments of dread and anxiety. Paranormal HK is a 2020 made in China production reviving the defunct neighbourhood in a gripping, blood-curdling contemporary ghost story. The player is the cameraman of a paranormal-themed TV show exploring the zone during the evening of the Zhongyuan festival, a scheme suspiciously akin to that of Akira Ueda's 2004 game, Michigan: Report From Hell. As a result of the thorough research work performed by its creators, as well as the impeccable usage of contemporary 3D graphics techniques to achieve accurate lighting conditions, players may momentarily experience the feeling of walking into a photo of the actual city as it existed in the mid eighties.

Sifu - Sloclap - 2022

Notwithstanding of its renaissance during the 128-Bit era, the beat 'em up genre is commonly associated with the arcade games of the late 80s and 90s, the period of time when it flourished and, arguably, reached its zenith. The simplicity of controls and ease of access sufficed to attract players to the arcade cabinet, while the frequently extreme levels of difficulty of advanced levels ensured a steady flow of cash for arcade room owners and game development companies alike. Nevertheless, the genre has but perished and, in many aspects, recent years have indeed elevated it to unforeseeable degrees of complexity. Sifu, by Sloclap, synthesizes the elation of digital hand to hand combat simulation with the real-life complexity of mastering a martial art.

As is the case of previous entries in this list, Sifu makes no admitted reference to Kowloon or Hong Kong. However, the designers left little to the imagination in what pertains to their inspirations when taking on the task of constructing the game's environments. Another notable coincidence stems from the fact that this production was made possibly with the support from a celebrated independent game funding group going by the name Kowloon Nights.

Stray - BlueTwelve Studio - 2022

Stray is one of the most revered independent video games in recent memory, and justifiably so. The long development process yielded many benefits, judging from the consistency and attention to detail that engrossed many an avid player. That the main character is singularly charming feline may have played an equally crucial role. The creators have made no effort to conceal the fact that the notorious Hong Kong district was a pivotal influence to the design of its nameless city. The first indication can be spotted in the game's earliest footage, in which a black cat traverses a street where a particularly conspicuous sign boasted the initials HK. Stray is less concerned with presenting a precise replica of Kowloon than it is about summoning the very essence of its atmosphere. Moreover, in an exquisitely poignant way, its ending lends an entirely new meaning to the term walled city. In the future, robots may well take the place of humans. Invariably, the Walled City is no more. Slitterhead - Bokeh Game Studio - Work in Progress

An sequence of unconscionable mistakes from the part of Sony Computer Entertainment's management galvanized Keiichiro Toyama to part ways with Japan Studio, as it once was, and establish his own game production label. Their debut title, Slitterhead, is described as a grotesque survival horror experience, a genre within which the author moves with matchless ease. Among the few certainties regarding this project is the fact that it will take place prominently - if not exclusively - within the Kowloon City province. A wide variety of aspects included in the preview footage leave the viewer optimistic as to this being one of the most accomplished portrayals of the district ever seen in a video game. Subtle yet telling signs already demonstrate the creator's in-depth knowledge of the quarter's architecture and history. Take, for instance, the suggestive image of the airplane flying mere meters above the top of the buildings. Although the growth of Kowloon was for the most part ungoverned, buildings did not rise above a certain height, even as inhabitants claimed for increased availability of space. This is due to the fact that airplanes landing at the nearby airport would be required to make their descent at relatively low altitude, performing a tight curve as they soared just above the enclave, thus preventing construction from expanding upwards. Another scene shows a child playing on the rooftops of the buildings, which once again is consistent with the documented habits of residents who, starved for sunlight and open space elsewhere within the city limits, had little alternative than to take the stairs all the way to the top.

Warehouse Kawasaki Arcade

I would be remiss not to make some form of allusion to Warehouse Kawasaki, an arcade built to replicate the Walled City with unthinkable detail. Though its ultimate purpose was for visitors to engage in digital entertainment, the venue was scrupulously put together. Point in fact, many of the objects used in the construction of the five floor amusement centre were imported directly from Hong Kong. Like so many other Japanese arcades, it closed its doors in 2019.

In recent years, a rather similar initiative was taken by the Chinese in their attempts to build unique mall spaces. The 文和友 malls in mainland China, found in Changsha, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, attempt to reproduce the walled city aesthetic. Local residents inform me that these are increasingly lacking in foot traffic, for which reason the majority of their stores are closed. Other digital replicas of Kowloon

A number of other videogames set in or deriving inspiration from Kowloon could not be featured in this article. A frequently cited reference in this context is the action/adventure game Fear Effect, one which I emphatically dispute. No doubt remains as to it being located in a futuristic version of Hong Kong, yet I could discern no parallels with the walled city, save for those scattered second-hand visual motifs that were no doubt imported from sci-fi classics such as Blade Runner or Ghost in the Shell.

The Utelek Complex stage of Deus Ex: Makind Divided presents a similar situation, where the overall atmosphere of the futuristic favela bears some resemblance to Kowloon, without meeting the specificity quota that would warrant a more comprehensive exploration.

The 2004 Shout! original Kowloon High-School Chronicle for the PS2 is a unique case, in that it borrows the city's name despite taking place in a massive, Tokyo underground dungeon that is later revealed to be a maze-like Egyptian pyramid. The odd choice of title remains unclear. Shadowrun: Hong Kong game (screenshot above) contains a very direct mention of Kowloon as the place in which an entire episode comes to pass. Another project still in development, Kowloon's Curse (screenshot below), is following the lead of many popular independent horror games in recent memory by using a visual design and structure that elicits memories of the late Playstation/early Dreamcast era. A short prequel episode was made available earlier this year, for free.

Additionally, I refrained from mentioning the Kowloon maps in Call of Duty: Black Ops or Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, as I perceive both games to be insufficiently relevant to merit study or contemplation.

A space that refuses to be forgotten

(China rooftop stage from The King of Fighters 2003)

It would be a gross overstatement to claim that Kowloon is a recurring location or level design motif in videogames. The relationship between digital games and the real life ghetto has been one of sporadic references. What makes the subject so engrossing pertains to the quality of the relationship, particularly that of a small cadre from among the titles featured in this article. Kowloon's Gate was one of the most relevant game creations of the 32-Bit era, a game deserving of reverence and cult following inside and outside Japan. Likewise, Shenmue II is the second instalment of a truly ground-breaking and highly advertised series whose production costs alone were unmatched until quite recently.

Moreover, this is an affair that is far from concluded. The unexpectedly high number of allusions to Kowloon in videogames released or revealed just last yet demonstrates that its aesthetic is still very much present in the minds and hearts of artists and designers working in the field. The walled city lives on as a digital demarcation that is certain to resurface time and again in years to come.

[buddieisgoingcanon25]

https://www.instagram.com/p/DDQI6krRe7r/?igsh=MW1iZjA3aG1hdDV2MQ%3D%3D 😂😂😂 this is them when they are canon cause this is so Eddie just asking him to cook for Chris and they are already together and Buck pulling out those moves he will be like ohh 🤯 like I don’t think they will be scare of pda but is Eddie he will be just surprised that Buck does that in front of their son

Yes this IS totally them 1000%!

[ruufie]

It looks bad.

It looks bad, it looks bad, it looks BAD. Like I cannot stress this enough. And before anyone comes at me with "Oh, Chris Sanders' style doesn't translate to 3D animation--

YES. IT. DOES.

Note: Do not try to argue with me about the How to Train Your Dragon remake that's coming out. Chris didn't work on that one, either.

It doesn't look like a movie. It looks like a poorly lit AI generated "this is what Disney looks liek irl! 🤪" slop that some 13 year old generated at 2am slurping down a Mr. Beast slurpie or some shit.

I am so tired. So tiiiiired of Disney remakes. I am tired of the stale, repetitive, gray scale garbage that takes every last living piece of soul from the originals and stamps it down to fit an easily fungible mold so that CEO's can pay for their 13th yacht along side profit from the $500/day Disneyland tickets.

Do you know what kills me though? Is that I am not in the minority. This isn't a hot take. We're all tired of the garbage. In and outside of the Industry, we're sick and goddamn tired of the remakes, the reboots, the endless sequels, the 4th, 5th, 6th phases of some movie franchise that started twenty goddamn years ago. But they just keep making money hand over fist. So of course they're going to keep making them. (not all of them--Mulan was a huge flop but The Lion King grossed 1.6 BILLION. With a B)

Please support small cinema. Please go out and see smaller movies. Please enjoy small, weird, indie films. Shit that no one is talking about. Shit that you find interesting. Please search out what you can and support it if possible.

And look, I know--I know times are fucking hard. Trust me, I get it. I'm functionally unemployed and was offered a job that at 40hrs a week wouldn't even cover all my bills. There isn't a lot of wiggle room financially for a lot of us to go out to movies. Also the pandemic has thrashed the experience for a lot of people, granted. But you don't have to just spend money. Make posts! Make art! Talk about the obscure foreign film you spotted on Netflix! Find joy in art, I am begging you!

[mizgnomer]

Hi, two questions about your excellent "Josh the Werewolf" story post: 1) where does the name "Josh" come from? and 2) What's the source of those 'behind the scenes' GIFs? I don't recognize them from the DWC entry for that episode. Thanks!

Hello Anon!

The [ Josh the Werewolf ] story is a great one. I'm glad you enjoyed my post about it!

Your first question made me realize that David never actually mentions Josh's name in the gifset. Josh was the name of the actor/stunt-performer who was wearing the tight bodysuit. He gets mentioned my name a fair bit in the original(?) Doctor Who Confidential episode as they talk about how they did the werewolf. The 2nd part of your question made me go on a bit of a hunt. I originally posted that gifset in 2018, and in the years since then I don't 100% remember which videos I used, however the BBC Three logo on the gifs led me to believe it must have been Confidential episodes, because they all have the logo. I went back and watched a bit of my copy so can confirm the Josh stuff is in there. However, when I looked online to see if there was an easy link I could include, I found a version of the Confidential episode on youtube [ here ] - but it is missing most of the section where 3D supervisor Chris Petts talks about Josh and how they used him in those scenes as a werewolf stand-in! It's missing roughly 3-4 minutes from the full runtime (so it's also not the "cutdown"/15-20 minute version that was released on some DVDs either). How interesting - but annoying! Poor Josh!

I hope that helps, and I'm glad you like the werewolf post. Cheers!

[nellandvoidnull]

Resident Evil Weapons Lore: The Albert-01

One of Resident Evil's reoccurring weapons is the Albert-01, designed by the titular Albert Wesker to effectively eliminate bioweapons. Its item inspection in Village when obtained from the Trauma Pack reads, "Powerful customized handgun which uses anti-bioweapon technology left by Albert Wesker."

The weapon is actually a customized Samurai Edge, the weapon used by S.T.A.R.S. members before the Raccoon City, created by Robert Kendo. Albert's customized model uses RAMRODS (anti B.O.W. rounds). The weapon is, ironically, given to Ethan Winters by Chris Redfield, Albert Wesker's killer, in order to defeat a mutated Eveline.

A Samurai Edge customized for Albert Wesker appears as a DLC weapon in the RE2 remake (Although it doesn't use the RAMRODS that the Albert-01 does), while the Albert-01 model appears in RE7 and as part of the Trauma Pack in RE8. In one 3D model, we can see that the weapon is engraved with S.T.A.R.S..

Sources include the Resident Evil Fandom Wiki, Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil Biohazard, and Resident Evil Village. Please note that some of the Fandom articles referenced in this post are unsourced.

[cathy-gabby]

Thank you, Bro!

Being Seokjin’s fan made me realize that one person’s happiness (who is not related to me and who does not even know I exist in this world) is so important to me. I want him to be successful, yes. I want him to have more song lines and screen time, to be respected by his peers and members, to be supported and loved by the people around him. Yes, yes, and yes.

So seeing him last night (thru fan cams) in Coldplay’s Seoul concert made me burst with too much pride and happiness for him. Finally, he gets the poetic justice he deserves for My Universe. The Astronaut is now laced with happy memories. And the Seoul audience gets to witness firsthand the love, support and respect Chris Martin and Coldplay have for him.

I was not so into BTS yet when MU was released but I knew about the collective dismay of Seokjin-biased army for the 3-second line given to him. But last night, he had the vocal lines and the stage all to himself while being steered by Chris from one side to the other so more fans could see him up close. He ate. And he ate good!

Personally, this MU version is how MU should sound. I would have wanted them to release a single for this but Jin and Chris are not like that. This stage version is enough for them. Jin was so happy rocking the song on stage and Chris looked like a proud brother, brimming with joy at the happiness of his younger brother because of the gift he gave. Yes, this stage is Coldplay’s gift to Seokjin, just like how TA was their gift for him who in turn gave it to his fans as a farewell gift.

God knows I ugly cried when Jin sang The Astronaut in Argentina. Even when Chris was still introducing him, the tears already started falling. During the chorus part, I was already bawling. For most, if not all Seokjinnies, TA means heartbreak, longing, and sadness. Even before last night, I would always feel emotional whenever I would listen to it. Although Jin’s version of it after ME (Festa TA, Happy Stage TA) is already tinged with fondness for a past that is long gone, last night’s The Astronaut, with only Chris’s piano and Jin’s ethereal voice, was the happiest version for me. Chris’s fondness for Seokjin was obvious to everyone and he did not even pretend to hide it. Coldplay’s frontman was whipped for him at the get-go. The affectionate gazes, the tender hugs, the fond kisses – safe to say, Chris’s intrusive thoughts came over him last night – many are wondering what the 6 other members think, especially the youngest one. LOL!

Seriously, though, since his military discharge, Seokjin is even surer and more confident of himself. He has tried everything - from the Olympics to fashion shows, from alcohol business to rock music. When a member was harshly ostracized for drinking while driving a motorbike, Seokjin launched his alcohol business. In a world where nonsensical lyrics and visual performances are a priority, he chooses to become a rockstar. He seems not to care what people expect of him; he simply does what makes him happy.

His Happy era and his performance last night are a preview of what will still come for Echo and Run Jin Ep Tour. The leather jackets and smoky eye shadows are now out. Will he finally remove his shirt and show his abs? With Jin, anything is a possibility but for sure, he will still remain a Victorian man. The youngest member will go AWOL in a heartbeat if Jin shows more than his powerful forehead and milky legs. <Seven gunshots in 3D>

Whatever makes Jin happy, though, I am all for it. Looking at all the fancams and photos of last night, everyone could see that Jin is happier when performing. And with his idol on that stage, he is happiest. I honestly believe that Seokjin almost always gets whatever he desires - through hard work, sheer luck, Divine providence – because he is innately a GOOD person. My only wish is that he will have a life-long partner who will love him and treat him like the "princess" that he is. Like how Chris Martin and Coldplay love him. If not more.

Thank you, Chris, for loving Seokjin. Thank you, Jin, for being happy. Your happiness is our happiness.