#complexity of defining intelligence

[in-sightjournal]

Ask A Genius 1080: Kurzweil's Millions are Sagan's Billions

Scott Douglas Jacobsen: Ray Kurzweil and The Guardian. The article’s title is “AI Scientist Ray Kurzweil: We Are Going to Expand Intelligence a Millionfold by 2045.”    Intelligence will be a million-fold more by 2045. Kurzweil is consistent with his predictions regarding what he makes and sticks to. What are your thoughts on this prediction of a million-fold expansion of intelligence?  Rick…

[theaawalker]

Steps to Write a Cunning Femme Fatale

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1. Establish Her Persona

Define Her Allure: Craft her as enigmatic, charming, and intelligent. She should draw people in with her charisma and mystique.

Give Her Depth: Avoid clichés by giving her a unique backstory, motivations, or vulnerabilities that shape her actions.

Choose Her Strengths: Highlight skills like manipulation, resourcefulness, or combat abilities that give her an edge.

2. Shape Her Role in the Plot

Decide Her Purpose: Determine if she’s an ally, antagonist, or morally gray character, and how her actions drive the story.

Design Power Dynamics: Show how she wields control or influence over other characters, often exploiting weaknesses.

Weave Intrigue: Keep her intentions ambiguous to maintain tension and mystery.

3. Build Her Relationships

Contrast With Others: Develop relationships that show how she contrasts with or complements other characters (e.g., a vulnerable hero or a rival villain).

Show Complexity: Explore the layers in her interactions, such as her ability to mix truth with deception.

Reveal Gradually: Unfold her true nature over time, leaving both characters and the audience guessing.

4. Create a Striking Appearance

Use Symbolism: Incorporate elements of her look that reflect her personality, like bold colors, sleek outfits, or unique accessories.

Convey Confidence: Show her self-assuredness in the way she moves, speaks, and holds herself.

Highlight Ambiguity: Blend qualities that make her both alluring and dangerous (e.g., a soft smile hiding sharp intent).

5. Show Her in Action

Establish Power Plays: Showcase her intelligence and cunning through strategic actions, manipulations, or daring risks.

Create High Stakes: Put her in situations where she must outwit others or face consequences.

Balance Strength and Vulnerability: Let her excel in some areas while occasionally exposing a flaw or fear to humanize her.

6. Develop a Satisfying Arc

Choose Her Outcome: Decide if she triumphs, meets her downfall, or remains ambiguous at the story’s end.

Reflect Growth or Decline: Show how her actions shape her destiny—whether she evolves, succumbs, or holds her ground.

Tie Back to Themes: Ensure her arc aligns with the overarching themes of the story, like betrayal, love, or revenge.

Examples of Femme Fatales in Stories

1. Film Examples

Phyllis Dietrichson (Double Indemnity): Uses charm and manipulation to pull others into her schemes, embodying the classic femme fatale archetype.

Mal Cobb (Inception): A tragic yet dangerous figure, her motivations blur the lines between reality and illusion.

Nikita (La Femme Nikita): Balances vulnerability and lethal skill, creating a layered and compelling character.

2. Literature Examples

Catherine Tramell (Basic Instinct): A brilliant, enigmatic writer whose intelligence and seduction make her a master manipulator.

Milady de Winter (The Three Musketeers): A cunning and ruthless antagonist, she uses her wits and charm to outmaneuver the heroes.

Amy Dunne (Gone Girl): Subverts the idea of victimhood with her calculated and chilling actions, redefining the femme fatale for modern audiences.

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thank you, i am farkle :)

[luna-azzurra]

Eye Color to Define Your OC

Blue Eyes 💙 Blue eyes often evoke a sense of calmness and tranquility, like the peaceful surface of a still lake. Characters with blue eyes might be seen as trustworthy, reflecting an inner serenity that makes others feel at ease around them. There’s something introspective about blue eyes, suggesting that these characters are thoughtful and reflective, often contemplating the deeper meanings in life. They might be dreamers, or people who carry a quiet strength, drawing others in with their gentle and soothing gaze.

Green Eyes 💚 Green eyes are often linked to mystery and a touch of mischief. There’s an intriguing quality to them, almost like they hold secrets or are constantly plotting something fun and unexpected. Characters with green eyes can be seen as creative and curious, always looking for new adventures or ways to express themselves. There’s a vitality in green eyes, a sense of life and vibrancy that suggests a character who is full of energy and imagination. They might be the ones who are always up to something, keeping others guessing with their enigmatic gaze.

Brown Eyes 🤎 Brown eyes are often perceived as warm and reliable, embodying a sense of earthiness and approachability. Characters with brown eyes can be the dependable ones, the friends who are always there when you need them, providing a stable and comforting presence. There’s a grounded quality to brown eyes, making these characters seem down-to-earth and relatable. They often exude warmth and kindness, making others feel welcome and understood. With their steady gaze, brown-eyed characters might be seen as the anchors in their communities, the ones who keep everything together with their unwavering support.

Hazel Eyes 🟤🟢 Hazel eyes are a captivating blend of brown, green, and sometimes gold, reflecting a sense of adaptability and versatility. Characters with hazel eyes might be seen as complex and multifaceted, with personalities that can shift and change depending on the situation. They are often intriguing and dynamic, drawing people in with their ever-changing aura. There’s depth in hazel eyes, suggesting a character who is always evolving, never quite fitting into one category. These characters might surprise you with their hidden talents or unexpected insights, making them endlessly fascinating.

Gray Eyes ⚪ Gray eyes often carry an air of wisdom and intelligence, like a stormy sky full of untold stories. Characters with gray eyes can be perceived as thoughtful and calm, often observing more than they speak. There’s a mysterious quality to gray eyes, suggesting depth and a quiet intensity. These characters might be the thinkers and philosophers, the ones who are always pondering the mysteries of life and seeing things from different perspectives. Their gaze can be penetrating, making others feel like they’re looking right into their soul, uncovering secrets that no one else can see.

Amber Eyes 🟠 Amber eyes radiate warmth and intensity, often associated with strength and passion. Characters with amber eyes might have a fiery spirit, with a magnetic presence that draws others toward them. There’s something fierce and determined about amber eyes, suggesting a character who is not afraid to go after what they want. They might be bold and courageous, standing out from the crowd with their distinctive gaze. These characters could be leaders or warriors, driven by their convictions and unafraid to face challenges head-on.

Violet Eyes 💜 Violet eyes are rare and ethereal, creating a sense of otherworldliness and mystique. Characters with violet eyes might be seen as enchanting or magical, with a spiritual quality that sets them apart. There’s a softness to violet eyes, almost like they belong to someone who exists between worlds. These characters might be the dreamers or the visionaries, with a connection to the mystical or the unknown. Their gaze can be captivating and otherworldly, leaving others wondering about the secrets they hold and the magic they might possess.

Black Eyes ⚫ Black eyes are intense and powerful, often conveying a sense of mystery and depth. Characters with black eyes can have a gaze that is both captivating and intimidating, making others feel like they are being drawn into a deep, dark abyss. There’s an allure to black eyes, a sense of danger or intrigue that keeps people guessing. These characters might be seen as mysterious or enigmatic, with an intensity that makes them unforgettable. They could be the ones who hold their cards close to their chest, revealing little but knowing much, their black eyes a window into a soul that is both deep and complex.

[phantomrose96]

The conversation around AI is going to get away from us quickly because people lack the language to distinguish types of AI--and it's not their fault. Companies love to slap "AI" on anything they believe can pass for something "intelligent" a computer program is doing. And this muddies the waters when people want to talk about AI when the exact same word covers a wide umbrella and they themselves don't know how to qualify the distinctions within.

I'm a software engineer and not a data scientist, so I'm not exactly at the level of domain expert. But I work with data scientists, and I have at least rudimentary college-level knowledge of machine learning and linear algebra from my CS degree. So I want to give some quick guidance.

What is AI? And what is not AI?

So what's the difference between just a computer program, and an "AI" program? Computers can do a lot of smart things, and companies love the idea of calling anything that seems smart enough "AI", but industry-wise the question of "how smart" a program is has nothing to do with whether it is AI.

A regular, non-AI computer program is procedural, and rigidly defined. I could "program" traffic light behavior that essentially goes { if(light === green) { go(); } else { stop();} }. I've told it in simple and rigid terms what condition to check, and how to behave based on that check. (A better program would have a lot more to check for, like signs and road conditions and pedestrians in the street, and those things will still need to be spelled out.)

An AI traffic light behavior is generated by machine-learning, which simplistically is a huge cranking machine of linear algebra which you feed training data into and it "learns" from. By "learning" I mean it's developing a complex and opaque model of parameters to fit the training data (but not over-fit). In this case the training data probably includes thousands of videos of car behavior at traffic intersections. Through parameter tweaking and model adjustment, data scientists will turn this crank over and over adjusting it to create something which, in very opaque terms, has developed a model that will guess the right behavioral output for any future scenario.

A well-trained model would be fed a green light and know to go, and a red light and know to stop, and 'green but there's a kid in the road' and know to stop. A very very well-trained model can probably do this better than my program above, because it has the capacity to be more adaptive than my rigidly-defined thing if the rigidly-defined program is missing some considerations. But if the AI model makes a wrong choice, it is significantly harder to trace down why exactly it did that.

Because again, the reason it's making this decision may be very opaque. It's like engineering a very specific plinko machine which gets tweaked to be very good at taking a road input and giving the right output. But like if that plinko machine contained millions of pegs and none of them necessarily correlated to anything to do with the road. There's possibly no "if green, go, else stop" to look for. (Maybe there is, for traffic light specifically as that is intentionally very simplistic. But a model trained to recognize written numbers for example likely contains no parameters at all that you could map to ideas a human has like "look for a rigid line in the number". The parameters may be all, to humans, meaningless.)

So, that's basics. Here are some categories of things which get called AI:

"AI" which is just genuinely not AI

There's plenty of software that follows a normal, procedural program defined rigidly, with no linear algebra model training, that companies would love to brand as "AI" because it sounds cool.

Something like motion detection/tracking might be sold as artificially intelligent. But under the covers that can be done as simply as "if some range of pixels changes color by a certain amount, flag as motion"

2. AI which IS genuinely AI, but is not the kind of AI everyone is talking about right now

"AI", by which I mean machine learning using linear algebra, is very good at being fed a lot of training data, and then coming up with an ability to go and categorize real information.

The AI technology that looks at cells and determines whether they're cancer or not, that is using this technology. OCR (Optical Character Recognition) is the technology that can take an image of hand-written text and transcribe it. Again, it's using linear algebra, so yes it's AI.

Many other such examples exist, and have been around for quite a good number of years. They share the genre of technology, which is machine learning models, but these are not the Large Language Model Generative AI that is all over the media. Criticizing these would be like criticizing airplanes when you're actually mad at military drones. It's the same "makes fly in the air" technology but their impact is very different.

3. The AI we ARE talking about. "Chat-gpt" type of Generative AI which uses LLMs ("Large Language Models")

If there was one word I wish people would know in all this, it's LLM (Large Language Model). This describes the KIND of machine learning model that Chat-GPT/midjourney/stablediffusion are fueled by. They're so extremely powerfully trained on human language that they can take an input of conversational language and create a predictive output that is human coherent. (I am less certain what additional technology fuels art-creation, specifically, but considering the AI art generation has risen hand-in-hand with the advent of powerful LLM, I'm at least confident in saying it is still corely LLM).

This technology isn't exactly brand new (predictive text has been using it, but more like the mostly innocent and much less successful older sibling of some celebrity, who no one really thinks about.) But the scale and power of LLM-based AI technology is what is new with Chat-GPT.

This is the generative AI, and even better, the large language model generative AI.

(Data scientists, feel free to add on or correct anything.)

[pearlprincess02]

your name in lights: rising sign

fama (408)

the rising sign in a fama persona chart represents your external fame mask—shaping your public image, first impressions, visibility, and the energetic aura you project that defines how you’re recognized, remembered, and magnetized by the spotlight.

aries rising

with aries rising in the fama persona chart, your fame aura is bold, fearless, and unapologetically direct. you come across as someone who takes initiative and leaves a strong, immediate impression—like a trailblazer who’s unafraid to be first. there’s a raw magnetism to your public image that draws attention through confidence, courage, and even a little chaos. people recognize you as someone who thrives in the spotlight by charging forward, not waiting to be discovered. your fame energy is fast, fiery, and fiercely independent—commanding visibility wherever you go.

aries rising at degrees: 0° - pioneering, bold, raw magnetism, trailblazer energy, fearless visibility, impulsive, reckless, unrefined, fame-chaser, too reactive / 6° - sharp, assertive charm, quick-witted, influential leader energy, argumentative, overly calculating, impatient with nuance, scattered image / 13° - determined, mentally strong, magnetic through intelligence and conviction, stubborn, combative, controversial presence, intimidating fame aura / 15° -majestic charisma, iconic presence, commanding fame, magnetic authority, egotistical, fame-hungry, dominant to the point of alienation / 17° - assertive, high-energy, magnetic in conflict or debate, bold individuality, fame through controversy, combative public image, impatient with fame cycles / 21° - vision-driven, bold yet thoughtful, innovative fame path, energetic leader, overidealistic, scattered focus, burns out under pressure / 24° - purposeful fame, passionate visibility, heroic/cause-driven reputation, self-righteous, martyr complex, clashes with authority/systems / 29° - intense fame impact, karmic leader energy, powerful first impressions, fame burnout, extreme reputation shifts, identity crisis in public eye

taurus rising

with taurus rising in the fama persona chart, your fame presence is calm, grounded, and effortlessly magnetic. you’re perceived as someone with a stable, luxurious, and sensual allure that draws people in slowly but surely. there’s an earthy elegance to your public image—reliable, composed, and visually captivating. fame often finds you through beauty, art, voice, or consistency, and you’re remembered for your poise and timeless charm. your spotlight energy doesn’t scream—it glows, inviting recognition through grace and quiet strength.

taurus rising at degrees: 2° - gentle charm, alluring presence, subtle sensuality, calming fame aura, passive, too understated, easily overlooked, fame through others’ influence / 5° - creative, visually appealing, draws fame through beauty & art & voice, vain, fame obsessed with aesthetics, resistant to change/growth / 9° - quiet power, graceful authority, reliable presence, magnetic stillness, stubborn, emotionally unavailable, hard to read, fame feels distant/cold / 14° - strong values, stable image, practical fame path, admired consistency, too rigid, overly cautious, fame stagnation, stuck in comfort zones / 18°- rich aesthetic, sensual & sophisticated, effortlessly glamorous image, materialistic, overly curated, fame tied to superficial markers / 25° - enduring appeal, loyal public image, grounded fame with long-term impact, fame through resistance to change, slow to evolve, overly fixed persona / 27° - unshakable public presence, emotionally & energetically composed, hard to access, emotionally guarded, fame built on walls not bridges /

gemini rising

with gemini rising in the fama persona chart, your fame persona is witty, curious, and endlessly engaging. you’re seen as someone who captivates through communication—whether it’s your voice, words, or sharp mental energy. there’s a playful, fast-moving charm to your public image that keeps people intrigued and wanting more. you’re recognized for your adaptability, humor, and cleverness, often becoming known for your thoughts, storytelling, or social presence. fame flows to you through connection, conversation, and the ability to spark minds in every room you enter.

gemini rising at degrees: 3° - quick-witted, articulate, captivating voice/writing, youthful vibe, superficial, gossipy, scattered image, fame built on fleeting trends / 6° - magnetic communicator, clever & adaptable, socially agile, inconsistent, manipulative with words, fame through chaos/distraction / 7° - multifaceted persona, intriguing duality, quick-thinking & relatable, two-faced, fame identity crisis, public confusion/contradiction / 13° - intelligent disruptor, trailblazer with ideas, witty & bold fame presence, contrarian, easily misunderstood, fame through controversy/rebellion / 15° - charismatic speaker, commanding attention, admired for intellect & charm, manipulative fame mask, overly performative, relies on image over depth / 22° - versatile, widely appealing, able to shift for many roles in the spotlight, fame feels unstable, loses authenticity, too easily influenced by trends / 24° - bold ideas, fast recognition, natural for media/digital fame, burnout from overexposure, may overshare/lose boundaries in public

cancer rising

with cancer rising in the fama persona chart, your fame aura is emotional, nurturing, and deeply relatable. you’re seen as someone with a soft yet powerful presence that evokes comfort, care, and authenticity. the public connects with you on a heart level, often recognizing you for your vulnerability, emotional depth, or protective nature. your fame energy is magnetic in a quiet, soulful way—like someone who feels familiar, safe, and profoundly human. you’re remembered not just for what you do, but for how you make people feel in the spotlight.

cancer rising at degrees: 3° - emotionally magnetic, nurturing fame energy, soft yet strong aura, overly sensitive, fame vulnerability, easily overwhelmed by attention / 7° - deeply relatable, comforting image, nostalgic/timeless appeal, mood-dependent fame, fame rooted in trauma, difficulty with boundaries / 14° - quiet power, heart-led recognition, healing & maternal presence, hides behind image, emotionally unavailable, fame through others’ stories / 15° - iconic emotional presence, ethereal/dreamlike fame aura, beloved by many, overidealized, projected upon, struggles with fame’s emotional weight / 20° - loyal image, admired for strength in vulnerability, fame through care/activism, clings to past identity, resistant to public evolution, fame feels too guarded / 23° - intuitive fame magnet, deeply resonant energy, public sees your soul, fame built on emotional labor, fame tied to emotional highs & lows / 28° - embodiment of a cultural/emotional symbol, unforgettable presence, fame feels scripted, stuck in a persona, easily exploited emotionally

leo rising

with leo rising in the fama persona chart, your fame presence is radiant, bold, and impossible to ignore. you naturally take center stage, exuding confidence, charisma, and a warm, commanding aura that captures attention with ease. the public sees you as a star in your own right—dramatic, expressive, and proud of who you are. you’re recognized and remembered for your flair, creativity, and the way you light up any room you walk into. fame gravitates toward you because you don’t just enter the spotlight—you own it.

leo rising at degrees: 5° - charismatic, lighthearted, entertaining aura, naturally adored, overperforms, fame feels shallow, seeks constant validation / 10° - strong presence, self-assured fame energy, admired leadership, arrogant, domineering image, struggles with humility in the spotlight / 15° -magnetic royalty, unforgettable presence, destined for recognition, entitled, ego-driven fame, public sees only the mask; not the person / 17° - bold fame aura, commands attention with courage & fire, aggressive image, fame through scandal/drama, easily provoked / 19° - expressive, soulful magnetism, fame through art & music & heart, emotionally performative, can appear inauthentic /overly dramatic / 24° - strategic fame, admired for resilience & long-term shine, fame feels calculated, image-controlled, may resist vulnerability / 29° - karmic fame energy, unforgettable impact, destined to leave a mark, fame crisis, fear of fading, identity tied too tightly to recognition

virgo rising

with virgo rising in the fama persona chart, your fame aura is refined, intelligent, and subtly captivating. you’re seen as someone who’s detail-oriented, thoughtful, and effortlessly polished in how you present yourself. the public recognizes you for your precision, humility, and quiet mastery—fame often comes through your skills, service, or ability to improve what you touch. there’s a clean, crisp energy to your presence that speaks of reliability and quiet strength. you’re remembered not for loudness, but for the calm, competent brilliance you radiate in the spotlight.

virgo rising at degrees: 6° - refined image, intellectual magnetism, detail-oriented charm, overcritical, overly curated fame, appears emotionally distant / 7° - sharp, insightful reputation, known for intelligence & precision, fame through nitpicking, self-doubt projected outward, hard to connect with / 11° - down-to-earth beauty, practical yet enchanting public presence, fame feels muted, undervalued/taken for granted, too modest to shine / 14° - subtle magnetism, nurturing intellect, admired for service/truth, overburdened fame, seen as a fixer not a star, invisible behind others’ success / 16° - strategic image builder, admired for dedication & excellence, perfectionist under pressure, image burnout, controlling reputation / 23° - mysteriously intellectual, intuitive genius, admired for unique voice, fame through being misunderstood, seen as distant/“too complex” / 25° - revered for craft, humble excellence, public devotion to purpose, overlooked, behind-the-scenes fame, loses self in service to others /

libra rising

with libra rising in the fama persona chart, your fame aura is charming, elegant, and naturally magnetic. you’re seen as someone who exudes grace, balance, and beauty, capturing the public’s attention with your refined presence and social grace. the spotlight gravitates toward you for your sense of harmony, diplomacy, and ability to make others feel seen and valued. fame comes through your relationships, partnerships, and the way you bring people together. you’re remembered for your likability, fairness, and the effortless, captivating allure you project in any public setting.

libra rising at degrees: 3° - naturally likable, elegant aura, diplomatic fame magnet, people-pleasing, lacks boundaries, fame feels too curated / 7° - reflective beauty, effortlessly stylish, admired for balance, fame built on others’ projections, struggles with authentic identity / 14° - aesthetic mastery, fame through art & grace & refined voice, overly image-focused, indecisive public persona, avoids depth / 17° - charisma with purpose, known for fairness, poised in the spotlight, fame tied to controversy over ethics, may come off self-righteous / 21° - balanced boldness, timeless presence with edge, admired for charm with backbone, passive-aggressive image, rebels in secret, inconsistent fame tone / 24° - alluring & enchanting, sophisticated fame aura, natural style icon, fame can feel untouchable, overly detached/overly idealized / 26° - gifted networker, admired for tact & visibility in public circles, calculated charm, fame tied to alliances, risks being seen as inauthentic

scorpio rising

with scorpio rising in the fama persona chart, your fame aura is intense, mysterious, and deeply magnetic. you’re seen as someone with a powerful, transformative presence that intrigues and captivates from the shadows. the public recognizes you for your emotional depth, resilience, and the aura of secrecy or taboo that surrounds your image. fame finds you through themes of rebirth, truth-telling, or raw authenticity—and often comes with a sense of being both admired and feared. you’re remembered for the unforgettable, hypnotic pull you carry in the spotlight, even when you’re silent.

scorpio rising at degrees: 4° - mysterious allure, emotionally powerful presence, commanding attention without effort, hard to read, intimidating reputation, fame through secrecy/scandal / 9° - intensely private yet captivating, draws fascination, strong emotional armor, fame feels guarded, misunderstood motives, attracts obsession/projection / 13° - transformative icon, raw & real energy, fame through reinvention/taboo-breaking, polarizing public image, fame through crisis, may self-sabotage in the spotlight / 19° - fame through resilience, mystic charisma, depth that captivates the public, fame through pain/loss, emotionally intense image that can repel as much as attract / 20° - bold, unapologetic image, fearless in the spotlight, commands awe, fame tied to controversy, perceived as threatening/controlling / 26° - mesmerizing fame aura, deep-eyed charisma, iconic for intensity, fame stalked by rumors, obsessive fans, projected fantasies & fear / 29° - legendary fame arc, fame through death-rebirth cycles, unforgettable legacy, fame tied to endings, identity crises in public, karmic spotlight lessons

sagittarius rising

with sagittarius rising in the fama persona chart, your fame aura is expansive, bold, and full of infectious energy. you’re seen as someone adventurous, outspoken, and spirited—someone who brings a sense of freedom and wisdom to the spotlight. the public is drawn to your optimism, humor, and big-picture mindset, often recognizing you for your truth-telling, storytelling, or global appeal. fame comes through your ability to inspire and explore, making you a symbol of growth and bold authenticity. you’re remembered for your fearless presence and the way your light reaches far beyond the room.

sagittarius rising at degrees: 1° - free-spirited charm, instantly magnetic, bold & inspiring presence, fame tied to reckless abandon, perceived as flighty/irresponsible, hard to pin down / 6° - radiant positivity, charismatic, a beacon of hope & expansive energy, fame feels superficial, overly optimistic /out of touch, avoids depth in favor of fun / 12° - deep wisdom, admired for intellectual insights & expansive vision, public image feels detached/distant, too focused on theory & not enough on action / 15° - inspiring public presence, magnetized by truth & authenticity, fearless in the spotlight, fame tied to bluntness, perceived as tactless/brutally honest, alienating at times / 18° - larger-than-life aura, fame through travel & adventure & seeking the unknown, fame feels scattered/directionless, can be perceived as a “chasing” persona with no grounding / 24° - unmistakable wisdom, deeply respected for knowledge & perspective, naturally magnetic, fame built on opinions rather than experience, could be seen as out of touch/preachy / 28° - legendary energy, fame tied to a global presence, unafraid of transformation, fame tied to restlessness, karmic lessons in the spotlight, often misunderstood/overexposed

capricorn rising

with capricorn rising in the fama persona chart, your fame aura is poised, authoritative, and built to last. you’re seen as someone serious, ambitious, and highly capable—someone the public respects and looks up to. fame comes through your work ethic, achievements, and the quiet power you carry in every room. there’s a sense of maturity and structure to your public image, making you appear timeless, reliable, and destined for long-term recognition. you’re remembered for your strength, discipline, and the way you command the spotlight with calm confidence.

capricorn rising at degrees: 4° - steady, reliable presence, earns respect through hard work, grounded in success, fame feels too reserved, perceived as rigid/overly serious, struggles with vulnerability / 8° - magnetic authority, fame through discipline & control, respected for quiet power, hard to read, fame may seem calculated, can appear cold/distant / 14° - visionary yet practical, commands attention through purpose-driven actions, long-term fame potential, fame feels too pragmatic, may be seen as lacking spontaneity/creativity, detached from emotions / 18° - strong public presence, admired for resilience & commitment, seen as a figure of authority, fame tied to work rather than creativity, image feels emotionally inaccessible, can be perceived as self-serving / 21° - extremely reliable & authoritative, public sees you as a figure of wisdom & stability, fame feels restrictive, hard to break free from serious/conservative image, appears too traditional / 23° - driven, ambitious aura, fame earned through persistence & tangible success, fame feels like an endless climb, overly focused on achievement & status, may come off as materialistic / 27° - legendary fame potential, achieves through grit, embodies public authority, fame tied to heavy responsibility/burdens, karmic lessons in the spotlight, can be seen as too serious

aquarius rising

with aquarius rising in the fama persona chart, your fame aura is unique, electric, and unmistakably different. you’re seen as someone ahead of your time—original, rebellious, and socially conscious—which makes your presence in the spotlight feel refreshing and unpredictable. the public recognizes you for your individuality, innovation, and ability to challenge norms while still remaining relatable. fame often finds you through your ideas, causes, or unconventional style, and you’re remembered for breaking molds. you magnetize attention by being unapologetically yourself, standing out without even trying.

aquarius rising at degrees: 4° - detached brilliance, effortlessly original, admired for individuality, distant/aloof public image, fame feels impersonal/emotionally cold / 7° - magnetic eccentricity, stands out effortlessly, admired for being ahead of the curve, fame tied to rebellion for rebellion’s sake, can seem unstable/unpredictable / 10° - progressive, inspiring presence, fame through forward-thinking ideas/tech-savvy innovation, public may not relate, seen as too “out there”, struggles with being grounded/accessible / 15° - fame through unique contributions to collective change, admired for purpose & intellect, fame feels impersonal, may struggle with individuality vs. group identity, emotionally removed / 17° - charismatic in a nontraditional way, draws attention through originality & energy, fame can feel chaotic/fragmented, public image may shift too quickly to be stable / 22° - natural influencer, known for reshaping ideas of community, fame through visionary leadership, seen as manipulative/too idealistic, may lose individuality trying to serve the collective / 24° - intriguing & mysterious, fame through spiritual/universal appeal, admired for higher-minded charm, fame feels detached from reality, misunderstood, may attract cult-like projection

pisces rising

with pisces rising in the fama persona chart, your fame aura is dreamy, ethereal, and emotionally resonant. you’re seen as someone elusive yet enchanting—someone who captivates the public through imagination, compassion, or a sense of mystery. fame finds you through your ability to tap into collective emotions, artistry, or spiritual depth, often making you feel like a symbol more than just a person. there’s a soft, fluid glow to your public image that shifts and mesmerizes. you’re remembered for the way you blur boundaries and leave a lasting, almost otherworldly impression in the spotlight.

pisces rising at degrees: 5° - ethereal charm, enchanting aura, fame through fantasy & art & emotional depth, fame feels vague/ill-defined, can be seen as flaky/lost in illusion / 6° - soft-spoken power, reflects what others need to see, universally likable presence, fame based on projections, identity easily lost in public perception, struggles with self-definition / 14° - seen as spiritually gifted/artistic, draws attention through compassion & subtle influence, fame veiled in mystery, may be misunderstood/taken advantage of, boundaries blur / 17° - fame through emotional expression, dreamy persona that leaves a lasting impression, public image can feel overly sentimental & inconsistent & overly idealized / 21° - fame through soulful depth, creative magnetism, emotional honesty, fame tied to sorrow/escapism, emotionally overwhelming to others, misunderstood intent / 25° - magnetic, mystical aura, fame through transcendence/artistry that touches souls, fame may feel unreachable/too abstract, easily mythologized/distorted / 26° - profound mystique, fame through emotional healing, channeling/spiritual service, fame laced with delusion, martyr complex, attracts illusion & fantasy & victim narratives

planets & astroids & aspects

sun in 1st house

with the sun in the 1st house of your fama chart, your core identity is front and center in your public image. you naturally radiate confidence, charisma, and leadership when under the spotlight���making you someone who’s easily recognized and remembered. there’s a strong sense of self tied to how you’re perceived by the masses, and your fame often reflects your personal power or individuality. you don’t just step into the light—you are the light. this placement suggests a fame aura that’s bold, commanding, and centered around being unapologetically you.

sun - rising aspect: conjunct - your identity & fame mask are one—what people see is what they get, amplifying your presence. trine - you shine naturally in public; there’s a smooth, effortless charm in how you’re seen & received. sextile - fame flows easily when you take initiative; your presence opens doors subtly but effectively. square - you may struggle between who you are & how you’re perceived; public image can feel at odds with your true self. opposite - you often attract fame through relationships/contrast, but it may feel like others project their light onto you.

moon in 1st house

with the moon in the 1st house of your fama chart, your public image is infused with emotion, intuition, and softness—even if you don’t intend it. people feel something when they see you; your fame aura carries a nurturing, emotionally resonant vibe that draws others in. you’re remembered not just for what you do, but for how you make people feel. this placement often brings a sensitive, ever-shifting recognition—your fame can rise and fall like tides, but it always leaves an emotional imprint on the collective. there’s a magnetic familiarity about you, like the public already knows your soul.

moon - rising aspect: conjunct - your feelings are your fame—your emotional state shows up in your public face, making you highly relatable. trine - you project empathy & warmth effortlessly; people feel safe & drawn to your presence in the spotlight. sextile - emotional intelligence boosts your visibility—your fame feels comforting yet quietly influential. square - you may feel exposed/misunderstood by the public, as your inner world clashes with your outer image. opposite - others may emotionally project onto you, or you may become famous through intimate partnerships/emotional contrasts.

mercury in 1st house

with mercury in the 1st house of your fama chart, your fame is filtered through your words, intellect, and curiosity. you’re known for how you think, speak, and express ideas—your public image may center around being witty, articulate, clever, or mentally agile. whether through writing, speaking, or even your online presence, your voice is your spotlight. there’s a youthful, quicksilver charm to how you’re perceived, and people often recognize you for your mind before anything else. fame comes from being heard and understood.

mercury - rising aspect: conjunct - your communication style defines your public image—quick, talkative, & always switched on. trine - you come across as naturally articulate & relatable; your words flow easily & draw attention. sextile - a subtle yet effective speaker—your intellect enhances your visibility without overpowering. square - miscommunication/mixed signals may affect how you’re perceived; fame may feel mentally exhausting. opposite - you’re often seen through the lens of your relationships/audience, balancing self-expression with others’ perception.

venus in 1st house

with venus in the 1st house of your fama chart, you’re seen as magnetic, charming, and aesthetically appealing—your beauty, style, or social grace often becomes part of your public identity. you may gain fame through art, love, fashion, or simply being adored. there’s an effortless likability to you that draws admiration and softens the spotlight.

venus - rising aspect: conjunct - your beauty & charm are instantly noticed—you radiate appeal & fame often follows. trine - you’re perceived as effortlessly elegant; grace flows into your public image. sextile - subtle beauty & charisma support your fame journey with ease. square - people may project desirability onto you, but you may feel unseen beneath the aesthetic. opposite - you shine through partnerships/contrast; fame often involves themes of love/appearance.

mars in 1st house

mars here brings a bold, fiery energy to your public persona. you’re seen as dynamic, assertive, maybe even a little intimidating—people remember your drive. fame might come through competition, passion, or courage. you take the lead in how you’re perceived, commanding the spotlight with raw energy.

mars - rising aspect: conjunct -your assertive nature defines how others see you—you’re fierce & unforgettable trine - you move through fame with magnetic confidence & smooth power. sextile - quiet boldness; your ambition supports how you’re seen without being too much. square - fame can come through conflict/controversy; your intensity may polarize. opposite - public perception may focus on competition, conflict, or passionate partnerships.

jupiter in 1st house

jupiter expands everything it touches—so when it’s in your 1st house of fame, your image is big, warm, and influential. you’re seen as generous, wise, and inspiring. people may project success, optimism, or luck onto you. fame often follows your ability to uplift others or speak on something meaningful.

jupiter - rising aspect: conjunct - you’re larger-than-life in the public eye—bold, lucky, & magnetic. trine - you exude wisdom & positivity that naturally attracts attention. sextile - your good vibes support public favor, even in subtle ways. square -you may be seen as over-the-top, or struggle with fame inflation. opposite -recognition may come through mentorship or being a “mirror” for others’ beliefs.

saturn in 1st house

saturn here creates a structured, serious, & sometimes intimidating fame aura. you’re seen as wise, mature, or authoritative—even if you’re young. fame may be slow-building but long-lasting, earned through discipline or overcoming obstacles. you may be known for your strength, resilience, or stoicism.

saturn - rising aspect: conjunct - you project power & authority—fame through endurance & responsibility. trine - you carry a quiet dignity that commands respect & long-term admiration. sextile - fame builds through strategy & reliability. square - public image may feel restrictive, harsh, or burdened by high expectations. opposite - you’re often perceived through contrast with authority or as someone who challenges the rules.

uranus in 1st house

uranus brings electrifying originality to your fame mask. you’re seen as a disruptor, a trendsetter, or someone unpredictable. fame may arrive suddenly, or in connection to rebellion, tech, or innovation. your public image is never boring—expect shock value, weirdness, or genius-level uniqueness.

uranus - rising aspect: conjunct - you stand out instantly—people either love or don’t get your uniqueness. trine - your authenticity & innovation flow smoothly into your fame path. sextile - subtle originality draws attention without overwhelming. square - fame can come through chaos, controversy, or sudden change. opposite - public sees you as a revolutionary or outsider; partnerships may trigger fame shifts.

neptune in 1st house

with neptune here, your fame is ethereal, mysterious, and often idealized. people see what they want to see—there’s a glamor or illusion to your public image. fame may come through creativity, film, spirituality, or fantasy. you’re a dreamscape others project onto, for better or worse.

neptune - rising aspect: conjunct - you have an elusive magnetism; fame may feel surreal or confusing. trine - your dreamlike energy enchants the public with effortless mystique. sextile - subtle enchantment draws fans without overpowering your core self. square - fame may distort your identity; you’re seen through a fog of illusion or fantasy. opposite - others project dreams, fears, or delusions onto you—fame comes through reflection.

pluto in 1st house

pluto in the 1st brings intense, transformative energy to your fame mask. you’re seen as powerful, mysterious, or even intimidating. your public image may evolve dramatically over time, & you may be famous for your ability to survive, transform, or provoke. fame is deep, magnetic, and sometimes shadowy.

pluto - rising aspect: conjunct - you radiate intensity & dominance—people feel your power instantly. trine - your transformation & depth are admired & respected. sextile - quiet intensity supports your ability to influence & be remembered. square - fame may involve power struggles, obsessions, or public rebirths. opposite - you attract intense projection from others; fame can be both empowering & heavy.

fama in 1st house

when fama itself is in the 1st house of its persona chart, you embody fame—it’s woven into how people perceive and recognize you. your name, face, or presence naturally attracts attention, whether you seek it or not. you become a direct channel of the fame current, often remembered long after you’re gone. fame is not just possible—it’s personal.

fama - rising aspect: conjunct - you & fame are one—your presence becomes iconic/widely referenced. trine - recognition flows effortlessly; you’re known in a graceful, magnetic way. sextile - fame supports you subtly but consistently; it aligns with your aura. square - fame can feel heavy/misaligned, creating tension in how you’re seen. opposite - you’re recognized in relation to others/through contrast & projection.

chiron in 1st house

chiron here makes you wounded and healing in the public eye. people may connect with your fame through your vulnerability, your story, or your ability to rise after pain. you’re known for your scars and your wisdom. your image may carry a bittersweet power—fame can hurt, but it also heals.

chiron - rising aspect: conjunct - your pain is public, but so is your healing—fame through personal transformation. trine - your gentle strength inspires admiration & trust. sextile - you quietly radiate healing energy that shapes how you’re perceived. square - fame may trigger old wounds/feel exploitative. opposite - you’re often seen as a mirror for collective suffering/resilience.

north node in 1st house

with the north node here, your fame is tied to your destiny. you’re meant to step into visibility and fully embody your individuality. recognition is karmically aligned—you’re seen when you’re most true to yourself. the public image is part of your soul’s evolution, often unfolding in surprising or fated ways.

north node - rising aspect: conjunct - you’re literally born to be seen—your fame is soul-level important. trine - destiny supports your visibility with grace. sextile - subtle nudges push you toward fame when you’re ready. square - you may resist/fear fame, even if it’s meant for you. opposite - destiny is activated through partnerships/audience mirroring.

lilith in 1st house

lilith here gives your public image a wild, unapologetic, and untamed energy. you’re seen as taboo, mysterious, rebellious, or deeply seductive. fame can feel controversial, but your magnetism is undeniable. you may embody the femme fatale, dark muse, or misunderstood icon archetype.

lilith - rising aspect: conjunct - your raw truth shocks/seduces—fame through rebellion/taboo. trine - you wear your shadow with ease; people are drawn to your mystery. sextile - subtle power & defiance enhance your presence. square - you may be demonized/misunderstood in the spotlight. opposite - you’re seen through projections of collective shame/empowerment.

ceres in 1st house

ceres brings a nurturing, earthy, and motherly fame energy. you’re seen as caring, healing, or nourishing—someone who provides for others. your image is often associated with support, natural wisdom, food, health, or fertility. you’re recognized for how you give life, not just how you live yours.

ceres - rising aspect: conjunct - you’re a caregiver in the public eye—fame through nurturing presence. trine - your warmth & care elevate your public image naturally. sextile - gentle nourishment enhances your likability & fame. square - you may feel drained/over-responsible for others’ needs. opposite - you attract fame by nurturing/healing others in mirrored ways.

eros in 1st house

eros infuses your fame with desire, attraction, and erotic magnetism. you’re seen as sensual, passionate, or deeply magnetic. whether you lean into it or not, people are drawn to your energy in a powerful, sometimes overwhelming way. you become a fantasy, a fixation, or a symbol of pleasure and passion.

eros - rising aspect: conjunct - you exude erotic intensity—fame through seduction, art, or physicality. trine - your sensuality flows naturally into the public eye. sextile - a quiet allure supports your recognition. square - you may feel oversexualized/objectified. opposite - fame may reflect intense desire/longing from others.

juno in 1st house:

juno brings commitment, loyalty, and relationship themes into your fame aura. you’re seen as a partner, a muse, or someone deeply devoted. your fame may grow through partnerships, contracts, or themes of justice and union. the public sees you as reliable, bond-worthy, or tied to another force.

juno - rising aspect: conjunct - you’re famous for your loyalty or public relationships—people admire your devotion. trine - partnership enhances your fame & balance supports your image. sextile - commitment energies subtly boost your recognition. square - you may struggle with being seen as tied down /defined by others. opposite - you’re perceived through your other half—fame through coupling/contrast.

all observations are done by me !!! @pearlprincess02

main masterlist

[imastoryteller]

How to Craft a Compelling Morally Grey Character: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Define the Character’s Core Traits

Identify Strengths and Virtues: List positive traits that make the character likable or admirable. These could include bravery, intelligence, loyalty, or compassion.

Identify Flaws and Vices: List negative traits that add complexity and realism. These could include arrogance, selfishness, impatience, or a propensity for violence.

Step 2: Establish Motivations and Backstory

Create a Detailed Backstory: Develop a background that explains why the character has their particular mix of virtues and flaws. Consider their upbringing, significant life events, and personal experiences.

Determine Core Motivations: Identify what drives the character. Is it revenge, love, ambition, survival, or something else? Motivations should be realistic and relatable.

Step 3: Develop Moral Ambiguity

Set Up Moral Dilemmas: Place your character in situations where they must make difficult choices with no clear right or wrong answer. These dilemmas should challenge their morals and reveal their complexity.

Showcase Contradictions: Allow the character to make decisions that might seem contradictory. For example, they might commit a crime to protect someone they love, revealing both a moral and an immoral side.

Step 4: Create Dynamic Relationships

Construct Meaningful Relationships: Develop relationships with other characters that highlight different aspects of your morally grey character. These relationships can help explore their multifaceted personality.

Use Relationships to Drive Conflict: Relationships can be a source of moral conflict and development. Conflicts with friends, family, or rivals can push your character to reveal their grey areas.

Step 5: Show Consequences and Growth

Illustrate the Impact of Actions: Show the real-world consequences of the character’s morally ambiguous decisions. This adds realism and stakes to the story.

Allow for Character Growth: Let your character evolve. They might become more virtuous or more corrupt over time. This evolution keeps the character dynamic and interesting.

Step 6: Balance Sympathetic and Unsympathetic Traits

Make Them Relatable: Ensure the character has traits or experiences that the audience can relate to or sympathize with, even if they do questionable things.

Maintain Complexity: Avoid making the character too sympathetic or too unsympathetic. The balance between good and bad traits should make the audience feel conflicted about the character.

Step 7: Use Subtlety and Nuance

Avoid Clear Labels: Do not overtly label the character as good or evil. Allow their actions and motivations to speak for themselves.

Employ Subtlety: Use nuanced behavior and dialogue to reveal the character’s moral complexity. Avoid heavy-handed exposition.

Step 8: Test and Refine

Seek Feedback: Share your character with others and seek feedback on their complexity and believability. Adjust based on constructive criticism.

Refine Motivations and Actions: Continuously refine the character’s motivations and actions to ensure they remain compelling and consistent throughout the story.

Example: Crafting a Morally Grey Character

Core Traits:

Strengths: Intelligent, determined, loyal.

Flaws: Arrogant, manipulative, vengeful.

Backstory:

Grew up in a tough neighborhood, witnessing crime and corruption.

Lost a loved one to a gang, fueling a desire for revenge.

Motivations:

Driven by a need to protect their remaining family and seek revenge.

Moral Dilemmas:

Joins a criminal organization to infiltrate it and bring it down from within.

Struggles with the ethical implications of committing crimes for a greater good.

Relationships:

Has a strained relationship with a sibling who disapproves of their methods.

Forms a complicated friendship with a morally upright police officer.

Consequences and Growth:

Faces the legal and emotional consequences of their actions.

Gradually questions their own morality and seeks redemption.

Balance:

Helps the community but uses unethical means.

Shows moments of kindness and ruthlessness.

Subtlety:

Reveals their inner conflict through small actions and dialogue.

Avoids overt explanations of their morality, letting the audience interpret.

By following these steps, you can create a compelling morally grey character that adds depth and intrigue to your story.

---

+ If you find my content valuable, consider Support This Blog on Patreon!

[comicaurora]

Do you think the main characters (in aurora)’s fatal flaws can be summed up in one word? If so, what are they?

Yes, but most of my answers only register as flaws if you squint. I think characters are most interesting if their admirable qualities are also what gets them in trouble, and anything becomes a flaw in the right circumstances.

Kendal is selfless. He barely registers himself as a person, so his acts of compassion frequently come at a severe personal cost. He has a massive blind spot for how much it hurts others when he hurts himself. He is kind and lacking in ego, but he has zero ability to advocate for himself. He defines himself by what he can do for others, and is only barely beginning to understand that he can do things for himself.

Alinua is paralyzed. She wants to heal and she does not want to hurt, and she's wrestling with a massive, terrifying power and responsibility that allows her to do both. She spent so long terrified of hurting anyone that she overthinks her actions unless she's running on pure adrenaline and impulsiveness can take over for her.

Erin is independent. He's quicker than everyone around him, and he has no patience for anyone who he sees as slowing him down. He is tremendously powerful and very intelligent, but he has absolutely no ability to work in a team, because that means trusting others to execute his ideas flawlessly, and from his angle, nobody can do that reliably except for him. It's not a logical conclusion, but he can always find a reason for why his plans were foiled by other people messing them up. Erin would love to be helped and rescued. He just knows nobody can, and nobody will.

Falst is loyal. Falst is also unbelievably lonely and, like Erin, has cultivated extreme self-reliance in the face of neglect. Falst loves being part of a team, but has absolutely no ability to trust that he is safe in it. He hasn't been wanted anywhere in a very long time. He's too proud to say that, and he's very angry at the part of himself that is hurt by that, which makes him very volatile in very specific contexts where that part of him is exposed to the air.

Dainix is insightful. He reads people too clearly, but has very little understanding of how much it's okay to plainly say about what other people are thinking and feeling. Where he's from, thanks to the magical influence of Fire, the seat of emotion, everyone can to a certain extent feel the vibes and temperature of the room and everyone is mostly on the same page about it. He is utterly unprepared for people like Falst who become extremely defensive at any insight that prods a sensitive spot, and he's pretty much hopeless at performing any deceit more complex than a half-truth.

Tess is free. She's the ideal of wanderlust, and living her truth is good for her, but it makes her fundamentally unreliable for everyone around her. She cannot be comfortable in stability, and she is ultimately following a selfish goal of pure self-determination that makes it impossible for her to stay anywhere long. She is disconnected from her surroundings and the people who love her. She doesn't like thinking of her loved ones as tethers holding her down, but if she stays anywhere too long, that's what they become.

[zvaigzdelasas]

Do you have an analysis on Sinwar being the new politburo chief? Very unexpected choice.

Have a couple thoughts:

Dissolving more of the barrier between Hamas as a political organization & as an insurgent organization

Spitting in Israel's face who was hoping that a decapitation strike would leave hamas with a leader lacking broader political legitimacy in the organization or create divisions/deepen divisions between civilian governance & militant organization

Lessens the leverage Qatar has over Hamas as they were providing Haniyeh with refuge

Since Sinwar is (presumably) in Gaza, his presence will likely be used to justify decreasingly discriminate attacks even moreso than it was before

Likely much more uncompromising (not to imply Haniyeh was) in negotiations

Israel and the US will have to directly negotiate with someone they despise

Dropsite News describes sinwar as such:

Despite the sinister portrayals, Sinwar’s writings and media interviews indicate he is a complex thinker with clearly defined political objectives who believes in armed struggle as a means to an end. He gives the impression of a well-educated political militant, not a cult leader on a mass suicide crusade. “It's not this black image of Sinwar as a man with two horns living in the tunnels,” said Hamad, the Hamas official who worked directly with Sinwar for three years. “But in the time of war, he's very strong. This man is very strong. If he wants to fight, he fights seriously.”

In 1988, just months after Hamas was founded, Sinwar was arrested by Israeli forces and sentenced to four life sentences on charges he had personally murdered alleged Palestinian collaborators. During his 22 years in an Israeli prison, he became fluent in Hebrew and studied the history of the Israeli state, its political culture, and its intelligence and military apparatus. He translated by hand the memoirs of several former heads of the Israeli intelligence agency Shin Bet. “When I entered [prison], it was 1988, the Cold War was still going on. And here [in Palestine], the Intifada. To spread the latest news, we printed fliers. I came out, and I found the internet,” Sinwar told an Italian journalist in 2018. “But to be honest, I never came out—I have only changed prisons. And despite it all, the old one was much better than this one. I had water, electricity. I had so many books. Gaza is much tougher.”[...]

Sinwar, unlike leaders of Al Qaeda or ISIS, has regularly invoked international law and UN resolutions, exhibiting a nuanced understanding of the history of negotiations with Israel mediated by the U.S. and other nations. “Let's be clear: having an armed resistance is our right, under international law. But we don't only have rockets. We have been using a variety of means of resistance,” he said in the 2018 interview. “We make the headlines only with blood. And not only here. No blood, no news. But the problem is not our resistance, it is their occupation. With no occupation, we wouldn't have rockets. We wouldn't have stones, Molotov cocktails, nothing. We would all have a normal life."

Throughout 2018 and 2019, Sinwar endorsed the large-scale nonviolent protests along the walls and fences of Gaza known as the Great March of Return. “We believe that if we have a way to potentially resolve the conflict without destruction, we’re O.K. with that,” Sinwar said at a rare news conference in 2018. “We would prefer to earn our rights by soft and peaceful means. But we understand that if we are not given those rights, we are entitled to earn them by resistance.”[...]

After the end of Israel’s 11-day bombing campaign against Gaza, Sinwar spoke to VICE News and sought to frame the Palestinian struggle in a U.S. context, using recent cases of lethal police violence against African Americans. “The same type of racism that killed George Floyd is being used by [Israel] against the Palestinians in Jerusalem, the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, and in the West Bank. And by the burning of our children. And against the Gaza Strip through siege, murder, and starvation.”

And additionally (echoing the words of Hagari)

Support among Palestinians for Hamas and its Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar, according to the recent poll, “remains very high” and has increased during the past three months. At the same time, while two-thirds of Palestinians polled in the occupied territories believe that Hamas will “win the war,” only 48 percent of those in Gaza agreed.

Hamas has insisted the war cannot destroy its movement and will remain part of the tapestry of Palestinian factions governing its besieged and occupied territories. “What matters is that you finally realize that Hamas is here. That it exists. That there is no future without Hamas, there is no possible deal whatsoever, because we are part and parcel of this society, even if we lose the next elections,” Sinwar warned in 2018. “But we are a piece of Palestine. More than that, we are a piece of the history of the entire Arab world, which includes Islamists as well as seculars, nationalists, leftists.”

Daniel Hagari has also echoed this last bit [TimesOfIsrael is Israeli Private Media]

“Hamas is an idea, Hamas is a party. It’s rooted in the hearts of the people — anyone who thinks we can eliminate Hamas is wrong,” he continued.

Rumors are that Netanyahu is trying to figure out necromancy in order to bring Haniyeh back

Also check out this interview conducted by Vice

[fratttymatty]

Jock'd

(All characters are 18+)

Cameron Hayes was a high school senior with two things that defined him: his love for biology and his passion for nerdy hobbies. He’d always been the type of kid who spent his afternoons reading biology textbooks, obsessing over cellular processes, and analyzing ecosystems. At 18, he was already planning to study biology at a prestigious university, and his life revolved around his love for science. But that was before one fateful night.

It all started when Cameron sat down to finish his biology homework, which was supposed to be a simple review of basic human physiology. As usual, he’d spent hours studying the material the day before, and now it was just a matter of getting the homework done before bed. His room, decorated with posters of scientific breakthroughs and his collection of rare fossils, felt like his sanctuary.

On his desk lay his open notebook, the textbook, and his phone, all with the soft hum of a lamp glowing beside him. He breezed through the first few questions—simple stuff. His mind, sharp as ever, was in its element. But then came the last question. It looked innocent enough:

"What's one form of exercise?"

Cameron didn't hesitate. He wrote down the first thing that came to mind: "Sports."

It was supposed to be a harmless answer. After all, sports were a form of exercise, right?

But the moment he finished writing, something strange happened. His head buzzed, his vision blurred, and an icy chill ran down his spine. He blinked hard, thinking maybe he was just overtired, but something was different. He felt... strange. His body seemed to tingle, like every cell was reconfiguring. He swore he heard faint laughter echoing in the air, distant, but unmistakably mocking.

Before he could even process it, his room began to warp. The walls seemed to contract, the posters of atoms and molecules turning into athletic ones, with images of football players, basketball courts, and weightlifters replacing his beloved scientific displays. A strange heat spread through his body, like he was suddenly in the middle of a workout.

His body itself was changing. His arms grew thicker, more muscular, his once slender frame becoming broader and stronger. His clothes seemed to shrink as his muscles swelled, his jeans tightening around his quads and his shirt clinging to his newly developed pecs. His hair, once a soft brown that barely fell past his ears, now grew short and spiky, and his face changed too—more defined, sharper, with a hint of arrogance.

He stumbled in front of his mirror, his heart racing in confusion. The boy looking back at him wasn’t Cameron Hayes. The reflection was of someone else—tall, strong, and undeniably attractive. His face had lost its nerdy softness, replaced by a chiseled jawline and a confident smirk that Cameron had never worn before. And most bewildering of all: the name that he now saw written on the mirror was no longer "Cameron."

It was "Kyle."

A surge of memories flooded his mind—new ones that didn’t belong to him. He remembered his high school’s football team, the parties, the beer, the girls that surrounded him, and the constant urge to be the center of attention. His brain, once filled with complex scientific concepts, now held only simple things like winning games, lifting weights, and picking up chicks. He felt... dumb.

Cameron—no, Kyle—gazed in horror at his transformation. The old him, the geeky, intelligent Cameron, felt like a distant memory, lost in the haze of his new identity. His brain just didn’t care about science or biology anymore. What mattered now was sports, looking good, and impressing people.

As he stood there, confused yet strangely satisfied by his new reflection, his phone buzzed. It was a message from one of the jocks, no doubt someone who’d gotten a laugh out of this transformation. He read it:

"Bro, you look SO ready for the football game tomorrow. Don’t worry, we’ll show you how to throw a perfect spiral."

The words didn’t even faze him. Kyle just grinned, his mind only focused on the idea of tomorrow’s game. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d cared about homework. Hell, he didn’t even want to know anything about biology anymore. All he wanted was to hang out with his jock friends, hit the gym, and be the life of the party.

As he grabbed a basketball from his new collection of sporty gear, Kyle felt a surge of energy course through him. His muscles flexed, his chest puffed out proudly, and his confidence was sky-high.

He didn’t need to worry about anything anymore—no homework, no classes, no biology notes. His new life was all about being the king of the school, playing sports, and dating hot girls. And he loved it.

When Kyle walked into school the next day, every head turned. His former friends—quiet, bookish kids—now seemed like distant strangers. They watched in awe and confusion as Kyle swaggered down the hallway, laughing with his fellow jocks and getting high-fives from everyone he passed. He didn’t even remember his old friends' names, nor did he care. They weren’t part of his new world.

The old Cameron was gone, replaced by Kyle the jock, and that was just fine with him. There was no turning back now.

By the time Kyle walked through the halls of his high school the next day, he felt completely at home in his new skin. The sensation of power, of confidence, was intoxicating. Every step he took, he felt more sure of himself, more right in this new role. The people he passed seemed to admire him, their eyes following him as he swaggered down the hallway.

As he approached his first class, he bumped into Madison, the most popular girl in school. With her long blonde hair, perfect smile, and reputation for dating only the top athletes, Madison was everything Cameron had once admired from a distance. Now, she was smiling at him, and her eyes had a sparkle that made Kyle feel like he was on top of the world.

"Hey, Kyle," Madison said, her voice low and flirtatious. "I saw you at the gym yesterday. You’re looking even bigger than last week."

Kyle grinned, puffing out his chest a little. "Yeah, just trying to stay ahead of the game, you know? Got to keep the muscles strong if I want to keep winning."

Madison giggled, her hand brushing his arm as if she was already claiming him. "I like a guy who works hard," she said, clearly impressed by his new look—and more so by his jock swagger.

Kyle’s new brain buzzed with excitement, and he leaned in a little, his voice oozing confidence as he responded, "Well, I don’t just work hard, babe, I dominate."

It felt so natural. Too natural.

Madison laughed again, this time a little more flirtatiously, and Kyle felt the old Cameron—deep down, in the quiet corners of his mind—shudder. But he didn’t care. He was Kyle now.

The bell rang, and as they made their way to class, Madison slid her arm through his, leaning in close to him as they walked. Kyle smiled smugly, enjoying the attention, enjoying the way people looked at them with envy.

Later that afternoon, Kyle met up with his jock buddies in the cafeteria, his tray piled high with a ridiculous amount of food. They were already at their usual table, laughing and tossing around their footballs. Kyle was one of the guys now, and it felt like he was finally where he belonged.

"Yo, Kyle!" Tom, the quarterback, shouted when Kyle walked up, slapping him on the back. "Madison was totally checking you out, man. You’ve got her hooked. She was practically drooling over you."

Kyle chuckled, running a hand through his freshly spiked hair. "Yeah, she’s been eyeing me for a while. What can I say? I’m irresistible."

His friends all laughed in agreement, nodding enthusiastically.

"Dude, you’ve got everything," another guy, Mike, added. "The muscles, the looks, the girls. Seriously, it’s like you were born to be a jock."

Kyle threw his head back, laughing, and for a moment, he actually felt like he was on top of the world. "Hell yeah, man. That’s because I don’t waste time on stupid stuff. I’ve got priorities, you know?"

The guys nodded in agreement, each of them trying to one-up each other with stories of parties, girls, and who’d bench-pressed the most at the gym.

Kyle’s new personality had already become a perfect fit for this crowd. He found himself throwing out one-liners about how much he hated studying, mocking anyone who wasn’t in sports, and bragging about how he could easily pick up a girl just by showing off his abs.

The old Cameron—the one who loved discussing the complexities of plant biology and how to identify different species of insects—seemed like a memory from a distant life. Now, he was the guy cracking jokes about how much homework he’d skipped or how much he could drink without puking.

And as the conversation shifted to tonight’s football game, Kyle grinned even wider. This was it. The peak of high school glory.

"After we crush these guys on the field, we’re gonna hit up Joey’s party," Kyle said with a smirk. "You know, get some drinks, talk to some babes. Maybe even let them take a selfie with me."

The guys laughed and cheered, high-fiving each other. They didn’t even seem to care that the game wasn’t for a few hours. They were all already living for the after-party, and that was enough.

And then, as if on cue, Madison showed up, leaning in from behind and slipping her arm around his waist. "Hey, Kyle," she purred, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Ready for tonight? You can show me how many push-ups you can do with me on top of you."

The table erupted in hoots and laughs, and Kyle felt an unfamiliar sense of pride flood him. Madison was his. She was smiling at him, wanting him, and all of his jock friends were jealous.

"Yeah," Kyle replied coolly, "I think tonight’s gonna be a good night."

And just like that, he realized: he didn’t care anymore. The old Cameron, the one who loved biology and was obsessed with books, was a distant, pointless memory. What mattered now was sports, muscles, parties, and making everyone around him know that he was the king of this school.

As Madison kissed him on the cheek, her fingers tracing his abs, Kyle couldn’t help but smirk. This was the life. And there was no going back. Not that he wanted to.

[elysiansparadise]

Mars in the Composite Chart

🤎Mars in Aries🤎

In this relationship you are very attracted to each other, the sexual tension and desire are visible to both you and everyone else. There’s something exciting in their relationship, perhaps it is the teasing that occurs or how you seem to be a challenge to the other. You’re both people with strong temperaments, you know what you want and go after it regardless of the opinions of others. You encourage each other and are proud of each other's achievements. The goal of this couple is to create a space in which the other feels loved and respected in their entirety. Sex is hot, passionate, it leaves you tired and very satisfied. It is the moment in which you fully enjoy each other, it’s usually somewhat noisy and can feel like an intense and once-in-a-lifetime experience regardless of whether it is the first time or not. When there are arguments, both are very clear with what they think and feel, they can say things very frankly, which can sometimes hurt.

🤎Mars in Taurus🤎

You both can feel really comfortable with each other, physical contact is very important for both of you and you can be constantly in it. Hugs, caresses and kisses are abundant and very constant. This couple always encourages each other to get the things they want, if one of the parties does not feel enough confidence, the other will sweetly tell them all the positive points they have and will make them see that they are really capable of achieving what they set out to do. Both have the goal of a long-term relationship that is stable and comfortable for both of them. Sex can be slow, accompanied by caresses in the right places, a trail of kisses across the back and constant attentions. Romantic sex that makes you feel like you found the right person, the feeling of pleasure in every sense and wanting the moment to last a lifetime. When arguments arise, both can be very patient with the other and listen carefully, if there are many tense aspects there may be passive-aggressive comments.

🤎Mars in Gemini🤎

Both awaken each other's curiosity quickly, the charm that captured you in the other is that duality that both have, you see yourselves reflected in the other. The intelligence, cunning and way of thinking of the other fascinates you because of how complex you perceive it. The main goal of both in the relationship is to learn a lot from and with each other and let each other know that you can talk about anything with the other. You love to learn from each other, especially in the sexual field, you are experimental, you like a lot to talk about sex and express those things you want to do to the other or with the other. You are very open with the subject. You hate the boring type of sex, so you will always come up with things to spice things up with. Neither has a defined role, both can be switches and enjoy their partner in many different ways. You can have fun arguing/debating, but if the situation becomes serious, you will say everything you feel you have to say and listen to the other.

🤎Mars in Cancer🤎

You two may feel that the other awakened a protective, loving and attentive instinct in the other, even a bit emotional. This couple may feel a strong emotional connection and a desire to become closer. You both want to know what the other needs to give you absolutely everything, you love that the other is satisfied. You love satisfying the physical and emotional needs of your partner and the emotional connection is so strong that it makes sex something comforting and wonderful. Physical contact is crucial, you can be hugging or together most of the time. Something happens with you and it is that the love you feel for each other can easily motivate you to do things or achieve personal goals, love becomes your main driving force. When there are arguments, this couple can be incredible at listening to the other and looking for solutions and ways to comfort the other. If it makes lots of tense aspects, one of you [or both] may keep what you feel thinking that you don’t want to cause problems.

🤎Mars in Leo🤎

The passion is very strong between you, the fascination you feel for each other is as obvious as the fun you have together. You love to make each other feel desired and admired and you are only capable of feeling weak with each other. Nervousness that makes your legs weak, product of the deep stare and charming smile of the other. Sex is a show, exciting from start to finish, a dangerously addictive mix of fire and romance. This couple aims to have a long-lasting relationship in which they continue to fuel that spark. You awaken each other's joy almost immediately and can feel a boost of energy from being together. When arguments arise, you will want to make it very clear what is bothering you and what you would like to do about it. You say what you need easily. If Mars is making lots of tense aspects, the fact that both are very dominant can prolong the discussions, and if you don’t put your ego aside, it’s likely to expand the issue. 

🤎Mars in Virgo🤎

Both parties are very helpful to each other, you seek to help each other when things go wrong or difficult and may want to help the other de-stress in very effective ways. Slow massages, exclusive attention for each other and a desire to please every fantasy you learned the other had. You are very dedicated to the relationship and put a lot of attention into improving its quality to make it a place of tranquility and peace for the other. This couple seeks to have a beautiful relationship with the other, whom they consider the right partner. It is possible that both of them thought a lot before making a move with the other. They motivate each other to be the best versions of themselves, they will bring out the best in each other. If arguments arise, they may need a moment alone and then come back calm and probably with some solution. In case Mars is making tense aspects, they may argue over small things.

🤎Mars in Libra🤎

Both want the relationship to be harmonious and romantic. They have the ability to find a common ground, since for them equality is crucial in the relationship. You two are sensual, flirtatious and seductive with each other, they know how to excite the other and capture all their attention. Masters of flirty speech, you will enjoy making each other nervous and making sex not only a pleasurable experience, but also a beautiful and truly sexy one. They may think about marriage or formalize the relationship from the beginning of the relationship. When conflicts arise, both can be assertive and patient with the other, however, when this Mars makes very tense aspects there may be a tendency to avoid conflicts or keep opinions or feelings to themselves for fear of making the relationship imperfect. They seek to constantly reaffirm to their partner how important they are in their life and how much they value their presence, their efforts, and the love they give back.

🤎Mars in Scorpio🤎

You may feel strangely fascinated by each other, there will be something that will make you look at each other more than once the first time you meet. The attraction is undeniable, as is the sexual compatibility, which is quite high. Being with each other sexually will make you feel lost in them and found by them at the same time, you will feel seen, desired but at the same time you will feel so vulnerable only that this time you will feel good after having been. This couple seeks to connect deeply with the other and know each other's core. They motivate the other on a subconscious level, they can feel more powerful and capable after having entered this relationship. The relationship has a very strong emotional charge and can transform them quite a bit. In the event that discussions arise, the ideal is for them to be transparent and not hide anything from the other, as they will know how to identify lies or omitted information.

🤎Mars in Sagittarius🤎

The moment they become a couple, both can have a more hopeful vision of the future, they feel more happy and motivated. They both hope to be able to grow together and experience the good and joyful side of love. High sex drive, they make sex fun while at the same time feeling that it takes on a deeper meaning. Will love the idea of ​​teaching each other new things in the sexual field and will be very receptive to them. This couple is very open about the differences that may exist between them, they love the idea of ​​knowing all the things that are going through each other's heads. They love to experience things together and can have experiences they never thought they would ever experience. They help each other see things in a different way and dare to feel and try new things. In discussions, both will have their point of view very clear and will try to understand their partner's, they will not want it to escalate and they won’t take the difficulties that arise very seriously.

🤎Mars in Capricorn🤎

At the beginning of the relationship, both tried to maintain control of the desire they felt when their eyes met. You pretend to have a lot under control but when you two are alone, the only word there is, is lack of control. You get lost with the other and feel an intensity that they did not think the other had. One of you is likely to be more composed and dominant. There’s a huge amount of compromise in this relationship, even in the early stages. The goal of this couple is to be together in the long term, being with each other makes them think about the future. This couple stands out for their ambition, both parties are independent and feel good about themselves, but they love the idea of ​​seeing the other by their side in the future. When there are arguments, you try to keep a cool head and be as assertive as possible. If there are many tense aspects you may do the silent treatment.

🤎Mars in Aquarius🤎

You feel really good with each other, with the trust to bring out that freaky side. You show your true selves and both feel a lot of freedom in the relationship. Sex is a unique and incredible experience, the atmosphere is so open that both act uninhibitedly with each other, you lose coyness and do what you want with each other in bed. You are open to trying things together, fulfilling each other's fantasies. As far as goals are concerned, you think about things to do together in the future and ways to be happy with each other. This couple has the distinction of being best friends and a couple at the same time. You are motivated to make your aspirations and desires a reality when the other is around. When differences arise, you do not let it weaken the relationship and are able to understand your partner's point, share your own, and be open to whatever solution they both come to. It is likely that one of you is more carefree and goes more with the flow.

🤎Mars in Pisces🤎

There was something on a subconscious level that attracted them intensely to the other, it is classic that both thought that the other had "that something" that attracted them like a magnet. This couple dislikes arguing, so they will always listen to what the other says, validating what they feel and opening their heart. However, if this Mars makes many tense aspects, this couple may escape from the discussions. You both support each other unconditionally and love talking about their dreams with each other, as they always feel supported and listened to. The goal of this couple is to be a safe space for each other in which they are treated with affection after a difficult day. Sex can be a magical experience, in which pleasure is shared and equally important, both desire each other from tenderness and romance. You may feel something unique on a sexual level and you may feel very full spiritually and emotionally. You twoo feel “in your own bubble” at times.

🖤Mars in 1st house🖤

The physical attraction is immediate, they will draw a lot of attention from the other and they will make a first step quickly. They motivate others to have a better self-concept and to work on themselves. This relationship is very dynamic and helps you a lot with self-discovery, since you can see behaviors of yourselves in others. There are many similarities in both goals and temperaments, which will make them understand each other quickly. With this relationship they can learn to reaffirm themselves, set boundaries and love each other more. There is a lot of sexual chemistry between them and they may feel more energized and/or motivated with each other.

🖤Mars in 2nd house🖤

Physical contact is of utmost importance for both of you, you may want to be close constantly. They can give many gifts to each other spontaneously and have details regardless of whether something is celebrated or not. You may be surprised at how quickly you felt like you wanted to become intimate with each other. There is a lot of sensuality and they focus a lot on making their partner feel pleasure. This couple is motivated to create stability and security for both of them. They can help each other boost their self-esteem, as they will actively value all the good things they perceive about their partner.

🖤Mars in 3rd house🖤

They both help each other give focus and make their ideas a reality. They activate each other's minds and challenge them intellectually, they find themselves fascinating and amazed by each other's minds and interests. They are very experimental in sex and want to know everything about their partner in this sense. They may find fun in debates or in realizing they have different ideas. You two help each other to be clear in mind about what they really want and are passionate about. There may be lots of flirting, compliments and verbal affirmation.

🖤Mars in 4th house🖤

Their emotional world will be moved by the other, they will feel a spark inside them in the presence of the other and a desire will be born to protect and have the other by their side. They bring out the protective and emotional side of the other, they motivate the other to express their emotions and show their most sensitive side. They seek to emotionally fill their partner in sex and make them feel as much love as you feel. They solve problems privately and will never speak ill of their partner to others. They may want to settle down from the early stages of the relationship.

🖤Mars in 5th house🖤

Fun is guaranteed, their relationship is full of various and interesting activities, a playful and pleasant atmosphere in which they feel happy. They may compete for fun, jokes abound, and affection is expressed effusively. They get excited at the simple idea of ​​seeing or being near that person. It is likely that you share hobbies and motivate each other to follow what your heart tells you. They can feel bursts of energy when they are with each other. When they go on dates, they would like the idea of ​​conquering the other as if it were the first time. They will look for activities to do together to make each other happy. Sex is very important to you, and you may need it constantly. May exist this chase and be chased dynamic.

🖤Mars in 6th house🖤

The work and effort put into the relationship is equitable, they are fair with each other and always help each other to not feel so much stress. They add spice and excitement to each other's lives, they do many things together that push them out of the routine they may find themselves in. Strong sense of duty as a couple and the commitment with which they see the relationship is high. It is crucial for both of you to maintain and create many pleasant experiences, as you will avoid falling into monotony. Sex should be constant for this couple and can even be a comforting solution for a tense or difficult day.

🖤Mars in 7th house🖤

Both of you may feel like you have found the person you want to be with long-term or marry in the case of some, others may feel like you are even jumping at such a statement. In this relationship they feel like one and seek to continue growing and improving as a couple. When problems arise, they quickly propose solutions, they know they can really speak and be heard by their partner. In sexual terms, one may be more active or dominant than the other. Even so, both will prioritize the love and pleasure of the other.

🖤Mars in 8th house🖤

You two are enchanted by each other on such deep levels that it is difficult to express, the sex is intense, you have never felt anything even remotely close to this. Both parties give their all in the relationship, they give their body, their soul and their heart to the other. They feel that they can fully enjoy sex when it comes to each other, they want to feel close, be with each other and merge on all levels. They make their partner discover sides and things about themselves that they didn't feel they knew. Sex is very important to this couple, but it's more than just sex, it's the connection that makes it feel so necessary.

🖤Mars in 9th house🖤

They will have a more positive vision of life and what they can expect from it. Having each other will make you grow a lot as people. You will be motivated to express yourself, your beliefs and thoughts more authentically. They will help the other person have more confidence in being themselves and accepting their differences with pride. This couple will seek to have interesting and new experiences together, they can travel a lot or try things they always wanted to try. 

🖤Mars in 10th house🖤

They can feel that they can both do great things together, they feel capable and confident that they can make their goals a reality. This relationship will give you a sense of stability and a desire for both of you to grow in every way. They are a powerful couple, many people can admire them for their capabilities and this unstoppable team that they appear to be. There is a lot of magnetism and sexual attraction between you and people are able to notice it, perhaps before you noticed it. They are motivated to take risks and dare to go after what they truly want.

🖤Mars in 11th house🖤

They always surprise each other by the ideas they have and the spontaneity of their actions. They dream big and take each other's dreams as their own to support them. They will seek to become close to people that the other considers friends and may have quite a few acquaintances after entering the relationship. Both motivate each other to grow together on all levels and give each other the necessary space. This couple may have started with a friendship. In sex they are open-minded and share their most personal fantasies and desires without any inhibition. They will take the other's opinion into consideration.

🖤Mars in 12th house🖤

You may feel nervous around the other, even a little shy, but once you get to know each other better, you can see that the other is much more similar to you than you initially thought. Sex can be a very emotionally intense experience and you may feel a connection that is difficult to explain. There will be something that attracts you to each other, a feeling of wanting to be close from the beginning is likely. When differences arise, it is crucial that this couple be open with what they feel to avoid misunderstandings.

[autisticrosewilson]

It's not that I hate fanon or that I think fanon is inherently less intelligent or morally wrong, but a LOT of fanon is based in racism, misogyny, and classism that I feel like a lot of you accept without question.

WHY is Duke (Daredevil, son of a god, has never once allowed himself to be defined by anyone's actions but his own) relegated to a background role, only characterized by reacting to the whims of other bats?

Why is Babs - Birds of Prey leader and backbone of the hero society, tells Bruce to fuck off and die 4 times a day and is constantly ruining her relationships by being biased and unhinged - Gotham bound, the mature responsible mom of the group who never argues with Bruce and never gets in trouble?

Why is Dick, both a tactical genius and master manipulator, a himbo only appreciated for his sex appeal? Especially when he is both Romani (group of people demonized and condemned as hypersexual by their nature alone) and an SA victim.

WHY is Damian "feral" and "uncivilized" despite being raised as a literal prince? Half of you treat him like a sociopath with no hope of redemption for an unfunny three second joke and the other half of you go full throttle into Bruce's white savior bullshit so that Damian can be "redeemed". Y'know when you're not villainizing Talia and acting like Dick is his other parent, actually.

WHY is Stephanie - extremely intelligent detective who can't stand Bruce and has a living mother she loves - lumped in as another member of the Batfam, a blonde ditz who only cares about prank wars and emotionally supporting Tim?

WHY is Cass - intelligent, a grown adult, suicidal perfectionist - emotionally intelligent, primarily existing to support the characters around her, immediately accepting of everyone she meets regardless of her own morals?

Why is Bruce the golden standard? Enough so that though everyone in the fandom could agree that he's an emotionally unstable wreck, being considered "the most like him" is seen as a compliment and not the HIGHEST insult? Everyone would agree if I said that Bruce purposely self sabotages his relationship half the time and the other half he simply does things without caring about the emotional impact it will have on people because he has to be the smartest in the room, but if I said that makes him a shit partner and emotionally abusive parent the fandom would bend over backwards to argue with me.

Why is Tim "the best Robin" when Dick Grayson invented the mantle, it is impossible for someone to embody the spirit of Robin better than him because he made it and he created what being Robin means. Maybe Tim is the best in Bruce's eyes, but what Robin means and who has the right to give it over was a significant thing they argued about. Tim the high school drop out, and yet also somehow the smartest? Tim "the most like Bruce" except no he's not, that's Cass. Poor neglected, abused, victimized little Timmy (the rich boy at the elite boarding school with loving albeit busy parents and almost every instance of him being victimized by another character has either been racist bullshit - The Al Ghuls and Rose Wilson- or a complete 180 for the character that made no sense when examined through the lens of prior characterization - Jason for instance.)

Almost every fanon trope that gets passed around like gospel seems to deliberately push POC characters and women into the background and strip them of interesting complex traits and stories, usually for the purpose of fitting them all into bite sized incorrect quote character types and uncomplicated narrative roles that are not only completely divergent from canon, but primarily exist to prop up the two rich white boys.

Also the insistence that Bruce, a 20 year old at the time, should actually be excused for how much he mentally and emotionally fucked Dick up because really they're more like siblings! While deciding that Dick at the same age was actually the perfect candidate to be Damian's new parent/guardian...have you lost the fucking plot you don't even make sense to yourselves.

Okay I lied at the beginning, I do hate fanon. You guys are so uncritical about the media you consume it is BEYOND just letting people enjoy things and have fun. I guess it's one thing if you KNOW this stuff isn't canon and UNDERSTAND why these tropes are problematic and you engage with it as such, it's fine read and write what you want, but just spreading the same nonsense around and parading it around as "better than canon" (version of the character so bland and boring you've somehow made the old white men at DC look like geniuses in the art of representation) is just infuriating.

[prettypinkguns]

HOARFROST. ‖ poly!141 x reader

[wolf shifter au]

✎ cw: Wolf Pack, Wolf Instincts, Werewolves Turn Into Actual Wolves, Pack Hierarchy, Pack Bonding, Werewolf Courting, Mating Cycles/In Heat, Mating Bites, Mating Bond, Scent Kink, Scent Marking, Marking, No Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Polyamorous Task Force 141, Military Inaccuracies, Military Backstory, Mild Hurt/Comfort, Possessive Behavior, Protectiveness, Knotting, Eventual Smut

AO3

Named in a will of estranged grandparents that you never met, you bequeathed a generous inheritance and a property out in Alaska; in a small town called Coalition. With city life slowly whittling away at you, you decided to take time off of work, flying out to Alaska. Partly to prepare the property to be sold before winter and to enjoy the wilderness in the meantime. There you meet four mysterious ‘bachelors’ of the town who not only took interest in you, but you in them. But you soon realize something wasn’t quite right about those men or the pack of wolves, with their strangely intelligent eyes, that frequented the woods surrounding your property. Curious, you're determined to get to the bottom of it. But as the saying famously went… curiosity kills the cat.

[1]

Sometimes, you wished life was simple. 

Where the world was nothing but a simple place with simple people who lived nothing but simple lives. Where there were no complexities, no complications, no corruption nor any suffering. A symbiosis, a balance. Between individualism and culture, nature and civilization, necessities and consumerism. Yet, life was anything but simple. And to long for such simplicity was nothing but wishful thinking. 

Like many, you felt crushed by the hustle and bustle of modern life. From which everything was autonomous, automatic. Where an individual’s entire life revolved around their jobs and whose personhood was defined by market value. To capitalism, a person was nothing but a commodity to be exploited and to maximize profits. Passion was snuffed out like a flame or squeezed and squeezed until it was nothing but rind. In which pastimes and hobbies were too much effort to keep; a common sacrifice. Just another stepping stone on a long career path, just another rung on the corporate ladder. Now only an emptiness remained from the smothering of both soul and spirit. Until you were nothing but a husk, an empty shell of a person. 

But such was life. And who were you to want simplicity?

But unlike you and a majority of the population, there were outliers. Others that weren't partaken with conformity or willing to settle for such a thing known as ‘normality’. Mostly nut jobs, based on personal assumptions. Or even religious cultists and doomsday preppers. Or people too consumed with conspiracy theories and antigovernmental beliefs. The black sheep of the family. But among it all, you didn’t know where your grandparents aligned. Didn’t know if they were a little bit of the above or none at all. They were never heavily involved in your childhood or your teenage years. You had no memories of them. Only knew what was whispered between the adults. Questions brushed off when you got too curious for your own good. Denial when you happened to remember something small and stray. A fleeting memory, that was like sand grains in your palm. Rendered as nothing but a child’s wild imaginations or vivid dreams.

Or even the feign of ignorance when you found a Purple Heart behind a delve of old photographs. All collecting dust in an old shoebox when you were helping your parents go through old boxes for a spontaneous spring cleaning. You remembered your parents’ faces when you showed them the shoebox. Purple Heart in your palm, black-and-white photographs rifled through by your curiosity. They had a look of complete fear; wide-eyed, color drained from their faces and frozen in place. Before the shoebox was yanked from your hands and you were sent away to your room, excused from helping out. 

That was the last time you saw the shoebox. 

You remembered one time when you tried to sneak into their bedroom to find it, but to no avail. But that fear on your parents’ faces was unforgettable. As were the old monochrome photographs of blurry faces, of strangers. Just like the weight of the Purple Heart in your hand and the stain of grime and dust on your fingertips. Sometimes you wondered about the significance of it. Wondered why your parents acted the way they did that day. They never did answer your questions about it, told you they didn't know what you were talking about when you would bring it up.

And soon, just like many things in your life, it became nothing but an odd occurrence in your past. Something you tossed around your head before shrugging your shoulders and worrying about other things. But one thing stood out to you, one thing was certain as time passed. Those strangers in the photographs weren’t just some random faces in a crowd. They were your grandparents. Those unspoken, estranged family members scratched out in the familial records. And even more interesting, they were former military. 

Now, you were sitting in your break room. Mentally exhausted, physically tired. Ready to go home and snuggle underneath your bed covers, scrolling through your phone until bedtime. It had been a long and draining work week. More than you had thought possible. But it wasn’t unusual. The holidays were coming up which only meant more strenuous work and more tedious responsibilities -– but such was life was it not? Luckily, you were the only person in the break room. Able to take a breather and actually enjoy your break by yourself. Your social battery was completely depleted, and you were in no mood to socialize, let alone tolerate another presence in the same vicinity as you. 

Quietly brewing in your own thoughts, you thumbed against a piece of paper in your hand. One that had been just another envelope lost in your endless pile of mail on your side table: bills, notices, magazines, and flyers. You had stumbled upon it a few days ago when finally getting the motivation to sort through the accumulating pile. Inscription of a legal notice was across the front that made your heart drop into your chest, fingers shaking as you carefully tore the seal to fish out what was inside. A will, and all assets and inheritance named to you. From your supposed grandparents. The call that followed was interesting… for lack of a better word. You were the sole inheritor, no one else in your family was named. But none of your family had contested it. Not even your parents. Upon their death, your grandparents’ bodies were already taken care of; cremated and buried in a private graveyard in their hometown.   

You had taken note of the information given to you and made arrangements for your appointment with an attorney in regards to the probate. You had gone early yesterday morning, all legalities and protocols were explained to you. And in the following afternoon, with a few signatures, all assets and inheritance were now legally yours. Namely, and more intriguingly, a property out in Alaska was now under your name. Now, you eyed the document again. Still in disbelief. It all felt too good to be true. As if any second, you would wake up from a dream to a snoozed alarm and indentations on your skin from your sheets. Your eyes went to your blaring watch, realizing that your break was over. You folded the document, tucking it away in your pocket. Letting out a deep sigh, you forced yourself on your feet. It was going to be a long day…

Back at home, you collapsed on your couch. Bag, keys, and all. Too tired to walk to your bedroom. Too tired to even think. But underneath it all, there was relief as well. Not only from finally being at home after such a long and grueling day. But also from your time-off being approved. Which was surprising given such a short notice and the upcoming holiday season. You remembered the nervousness. The shock you felt when you got that approval email. Things were going too well for your liking. But there was no time to question it or mull over it. You supposed ‘urgent family emergency’ had been sufficient enough. Which was accurate, but you knew it would serve partly as much needed time away from life.

You didn’t know how long you stayed there lounging on your couch. But eventually, like you had in the break room, you forced yourself up on your feet to get ready for bed. You had another long work week ahead of you. All you needed to do was to tough it out and get through it. Then it was packing up and heading to Alaska to see that estate for yourself. Do some upkeep and maintenance if necessary, take time-off as you did so, and then simply sell it — land and all. Then it would be a piece of cake from there. A straightforward plan; a solid course of action. 

Now all you needed to do was book that flight.

------------------------------------------------

From above, the town of Fairbanks was a spectacle among all the wilderness. And, after hours of flying, it was also a sight for sore eyes. Fairbanks was much more than what you expected for a city out in the Alaskan frontier. With high-rise buildings, arching bridges, highways, downtown areas, residentials and beautiful wilderness just beyond. A beautiful city just waiting to be explored and experienced. But it was not your destination nor was there any time to tour it. You had another flight to catch immediately after yours landed. The property that was left to you was out further, in the outskirts of Fairbanks. In a small town; more rural, more remote. Driving there was feasible. The main highway went near enough to the small town, but it did not go thoroughly. Renting out a car and driving there was an option, but not something you wanted to do after such a long flight. The next best option you found was to take another plane there. And luckily, the town had an airstrip.  

With all your luggage behind you, you went to find the right terminal gate and the pilot that would take you there. The terminal was surprisingly busy. But expected given the upcoming season and it being in such a huge city. Though it wasn’t the worst, not too overcrowded or hectic, as it wasn’t a hindrance to walk around. You eventually found the terminal gate on the other side of the terminal, opposite to where your plane landed. The sitting area for the terminal gate was completely empty, save for a couple workers behind a tall desk. The sight of it made you double check that you were in the right area. But soon after checking, you sat down and waited for the boarding call. Which didn’t take long to be announced. 

You walked forward with your luggage. Confused when the workers didn’t take it to be packed away onto the plane. Instead you were escorted onto the tarmac and towards a noticeably small conventional aircraft ahead of you. There was a person near the wing of the plane in the distance. Rendered into a blurred figure in the sun, no matter how hard you squinted to make out any noticeable features. But as you grew nearer, the clearer the figure became; as did the plane. A man stood against an old Beechcraft. Wiping along the wing tips so affectionately that it made you feel that you were stumbling into a private moment. But as you approached, his head lifted up and the man’s focus waned. Attention now on you. 

His face immediately lit up.

The man gave both of the workers a nod and a grin. Immediately, your ears perked up at the rhythmic lilt of a Russian accent as the man introduced himself as Nikolai. He took your luggage from the workers and you, stacking it away into the underside compartment of the Beechcraft. You couldn’t help but notice how casually the man was dressed for a pilot. Clad in jeans, a plain T-shirt, a brown leather jacket and boots. Finger length raven hair was slicked back neatly, curling naturally at the bottom of his neck  and emphasized his widow’s peak. A Cuban gold link chain hung around his neck. Apprehension prickled down your spine, suddenly unsure. More so as the workers left you alone with your supposed pilot. You eyed the man as he stacked another one of your suitcases inside the belly of the aircraft. 

“So you’re a pilot… sir ?” You asked. Trying to sound polite, conversationalist even, only for the skepticism to peek through and waver your voice. But if your pilot was bothered by it, you couldn’t tell. He only gave you a warm smile.

“Call me Nik, please.” He said, stuffing your duffel bag away. “And yes. Your pilot to be exact.” 

 “Well… Nik . How long have you been a pilot for?” 

“Nearly two decades.” With your luggage and bags all put away safely, Nikolai shut the underside compartment closed with an audible click. “But don’t worry. You’re in good hands.” He patted the side of the plane. “Katyushka and I will get you there safely.” 

You blinked at him. “ Katyushka.. ?”

The edges of Nikolai’s lips twitched as his smile widened. Obviously finding your butchering of the Russian word funny.

“Yes.” He leaned against the Beechcraft. “Well, to me. But to strangers, it’s Ekaterina .” The drawl of his accent made it sound so sensuous that you couldn’t help but shift your weight on your heels. “Built her from the ground up years ago. She’ll take you where you need to go, no problem.” He affirmed that notion with a gentle patting on the metal body again.

“Ok.” You nodded, your concerns not diminished in the slightest.

“It’ll be smooth sailing, I promise.” Nik opened the passenger side door. Offering his hand out to you as you reluctantly stepped forward and into the aircraft. Then took his seat in the pilot seat afterwards. 

Curious, your eyes wandered around the flight deck. At the various knobs, levers, buttons, and dials. Blinking displays and flashing lights that grabbed your attention, wondering what they all were for. Nikolai grabbed the aviator headset from its perch, placing it on top of his head. Then looked towards you, gaze meeting your inquisitive one as he tapped against the earmuff. 

“Headset – put it on.”

You nodded, looking around near your seat aimlessly before a hand darted in your vision, grabbing the other headset next to the side of your seat. Though Nik’s smile remained, you grabbed them sheepishly. Putting them on then fastened your seatbelt. Nikolai flicked a few switches and pressed more buttons before the Beechcraft sounded to life. The engine revved as the propeller began to spin faster and faster. Until the twisted nose blade was but a blur. 

“She purrs like a dream.” The static voice of Nik surprised you as it hummed through the intercom. “Hope you’re not afraid of heights or get motion sick. Ran out of emesis bags months ago.”

You swallowed, putting on a neutral expression. “I’ll be fine. Already came this far, didn’t I?” 

You didn’t know if you were trying to convince him or yourself but either way Nikolai moved the plane down an unoccupied part of the airstrip. Away from the other larger commercial planes, one of which you had arrived on. He stopped just at the end of the tarmac where it ended at the tree line. Slowly and steadily, the Beechcraft went along the airstrip before Nikolai increased the throttle, making the Beechcraft pick up more speed. Until the wheels hovered above and the aircraft soared. The worst part of the plane ride came and went. The Beechcraft cruised at a comfortable altitude. But your nails were dug into the leather of your seat still and you released the lungful of air you repressed. The Russian man found it amusing it seemed by the way his grin only widened. Which made you force yourself to ease your grip on the seat and relax. 

There was a silence between you both, more comfortable than awkward which you appreciated after such a long day of traveling. You settled back into your seat, arms across your chest as you leaned to your right. Stared out of your passenger window to the sight beyond. All you saw was a clear blue sky and the tufts of clouds floating on by, whipped around by wind. Before you knew it, you were starting to get drowsy. Your aviation headset blocked out the sound of the plane and the propeller, only emitting white noise from an open radio line. You decided to lay down your head for a while, letting your eyelids flutter close as you snuggled against the side of the plane’s interior and into the leather seat. But soon just resting your head turned into you dozing off the rest of the way there.

A sudden turbulence made you bolt you awake, panicked as your stomach dropped. Hands gripped around the armrests as the plane shook as it began to descend. Your wide eyes darted to your left, catching the Russian pilot’s apologetic smile.

“Sorry,” Nik said over the headset, “Didn’t mean to scare you awake.”

You were groggy, still rubbing the sleep away from your eyes. Not lucid enough to consciously hide the scowl on your face. You relaxed a little, arms across your chest as you peered through your window. You weren’t surrounded by an endless sky anymore, having decreased in altitude. Below you was the Alaskan frontier in all its glory — alpine mountains, wide lakes and winding rivers, overgrown grasslands, open fields and thick woodlands.

You couldn’t help but admire the beautiful view, disregarding all that second guessing that occupied your headspace since your first flight. For that moment, all worry and regret was gone, and you felt at peace. Enjoyed all the scenery for a while, but it wasn't long before you were near your destination. From above, the small town of Coalition was a strange sight in the surrounding frontier. A smidge of civilization in all that untamed and untapped Alaskan wilderness. 

"Hold on."

The fuzzy words of your pilot came through the aviation headset that you both wore. 

On cue, Nikolai eased the Beechcraft lower and the cabin of it shook as it began to descend downwards, making you clutch against the armrests. Your pilot aimed towards the landing strip on the outskirts of the town where its fetal airport, paling in comparison to a commercial terminal, settled in a manmade open field. When the plane's wheels safely kissed the ground, you let out a rush of air. Relaxing into your seat as Nikolai slowed the acceleration until the aircraft began to lose its speed and rolled off into a slow and easy cruise.

He drove it towards an overarching steel hangar, coming to a stop just at the threshold. When the engines were cut off, you were quick to pull your aviation headset off and hop out. Stretching away the ache in your limbs and breathing in deeply for once as crisp air filled your chest for once rather than city smog. You took in the sight of the trees in the distance. Already their canopies were just beginning to lose their green pigmentation, right on the cusp of turning into shimmering gold and auburn. 

Fall was imminent. Thereafter, winter. Ideally, the land you inherited would be sold before then with a bit of luck on your side. But for now, you would enjoy your time off in such beautiful surroundings. 

“See. Told you it would be smooth sailing.” Nik smiled with a lean against the right wing of the plane.

“What about when you scared me awake? What was smooth about that?” You asked.

But he only shrugged. “Can’t tame the wind.”

Nikolai began to pull your luggage out of the holding compartment – one by one. Quicker he was retrieving it out than he was when trying to stack them inside like Tetris pieces. When you grabbed all your luggage, you and Nik exchanged your farewells before sauntering off and tended to the plane. His ‘ Katyushka’ , whatever that meant. But it was only when you grabbed all your luggage, struggling to carry it all as you walked, when you realized how far the town was from the airstrip. And how you didn’t have a designated ride there. You stood there for a moment, contemplating on what to do next. With such a small town, you doubted there were any taxis or any sort of paid ride shares. It seemed your predicament wasn’t as internal as it seemed when Nikolai soon approached you, concern etched on his smiling face.

“Are you waiting for someone?” 

“Not really.” You said, trying to sound unbothered. “I was just going to walk.”

“All the way to town?!” Nikolai eyed all your bags. 

You couldn’t help but feel bashful, feeling a need to dissuade and not draw attention to yourself and your little predicament. “Yeah. I need to stretch my legs anyway after the back-to-back flights.”

“It’s a two mile walk into town.”

You nodded, nonchalant about it. But internally you were screaming. “That’s not too bad.”

By the look on his face he doubted your words. “Do you have anyone you can call to pick you up?”

“No.”

He was quiet for a long moment. Before saying, “Wait here.”

You watched as Nikolai jogged towards the hanger then went around the side of it. Less than a minute later, a loud engine roared to life. Revving in the distance before a vintage four door sedan appeared from behind the hangar. And around the landing strip, following a gravel road along the perimeter. The car stopped at a junction just off the runway, where the gravel merged into a dirt road and then stopped in front of you. Nikolai emerged from the driver’s side, trunk already popped open as he went for your bags.

“It’s ok, Nik, really. I don’t mind walking. It’s not that far.”

But he only shook his head at you. “It’s no problem to me.”

“But the road leads straight to the town, right? I think I can manage it fine.” 

“With all these bags? You won’t make it there by sunset.” Nik said right as he stuffed one of your duffle bags into his trunk. Ignoring your pointed stare. “Besides, we got some wolf sightings recently. Not good to let you wander about.” 

You widened your eyes at him. Your skin began to prickle. “Wolves? Aren’t they usually too scared to be so close to people?”

“Usually, yes. But this pack’s the bold type. They like to sometimes wander the outskirts of town, too close for people’s liking. But for the most part, they mainly stick to the forest.” Nik huffed as he picked up one of your heaviest suitcase. “Which is why I don’t want to let you walk all the way to town. If you get lost in the trees and end up as their dinner, I don’t want to have that on my conscience.”

You let out a sigh, an almost laugh that made you ease up. You watched him a moment before deciding to help Nikolai put away your luggage in his car. Despite his insistence for you to let him do it. 

“Is it a big pack?" You asked, putting your bag into his backseat. Mostly for conversation but also to feed your curiosity. 

Nikolai loaded the last suitcase and closed the trunk with a loud click. Then shook his head. “It's only a few of them.”

You hummed in interest. Went around the car and opened the passenger side door. You settled yourself in the leather seat, putting on your seatbelt before the car went driving down the road. A silence settled between you and Nikolai once more, much like the one during the flight here. You occupied yourself by leaning on the car door armrest, looking out the window to the surrounding trees. But as the road turned uneven and rough, the car rattled over holes and bumps. What was a nice cruise down turned to slow and steady driving as Nik carefully tried not to scratch the paint or get his car stuck or scraped. And the lowered suspension from the added weight of  all your luggage didn’t help the effort of getting over potholes and elevated ground. 

You sat back in your seat, arms across your chest. But nonetheless grateful for not walking, experiencing just how bad the desolate road had become. Soon Nikolai was on a paved road again, leading into civilization. The town of Coalition was about what you expected for a small, rural town in the middle of nowhere. Small facilities here and there, the necessities needed to sustain and maintain a population. You noted some of them as the car drove by: a small general store, a local grocery store, a doctor’s clinic, a post office, a community center and a gas station. And all in a centralized area. 

You guided Nikolai towards where the property was, having written the directions just in case. Nikolai knew the roads by heart and nodded along, already knowing where to go. The property was on the outskirts of the town, more situated within the forest. But it wasn’t uncommon, there were other properties that did the same. It was late afternoon, by the time the vintage sedan rolled up to the property, following an off road dirt roadway leading between a dense thicket. Soon you saw a cabin, unassuming in the shadow of the pines and evergreens and all by its lonesome in a clearing in the forest. It stood on a few acres of sundered land – your land – that endured against the fickleness of nature. Slowly and steadily, the forest encroached – brush, young tree saplings and briar that creeped into the clearing and towards the cabin. 

Nik stopped just short of the gravel driveway where a tree had fallen and blocked the path. Roots uprooted, sticking out of the end of the trunk. It was a young tree, properly too weak to hold its canopy during the winter. The hole where it grew from was already covered up. And the tree was already cut up and sectioned in logs by a chainsaw, its branches rotting in a heap thrown aside towards the forest. You wondered if your grandfather had done it. The thought sat like a stone in your mind, it made you recoil. Trying to imagine the grandparents you never met, never saw. But still gave you this property after their passing. One that you looked up at now with curiosity and… fear, comprehension? 

Too many questions, too many thoughts. You dismissed it all away.

You expected Nikolai to stop right then and there and park. But he only drove around the logs, crushing the vegetation underneath as he went. The sedan stopped in front of the cabin. He left the car on but in park as he hopped out, wasting no time in unloading all your luggage with your help despite his disapproving frown. It was easier taking it all out than it was loading it, and before you knew it all your luggage and bags were on the front porch. And with a wave and smile from Nikolai, and sincere gratitude from you, you watched as the sedan drove away until it disappeared between the trees. 

With a heavy sigh, you turned and faced the door to the cabin. The house key felt heavier in your pocket. Overcome with a sudden hesitation that prevented you from moving. As if you were a vampire needing permission to enter a home. You took a big step back, sitting on one of the wooden chairs out on the patio. Next to dead perennials and other potted plants grouped along the railing where you assumed the early morning sun concentrated. You took in the fresh air. The smell of the forest and soil that felt cleansing for your lungs, accustomed to the fumes of pollution. After a few minutes you stood back up. Facing the door once more, you placed your hands upon the wood. Feeling the cool, smooth surface. You grabbed the key, turning the lock and with a squeak, you opened the cabin door and went inside. 

You stared into darkness. Only a rectangular strip of light extended into the cabin from behind you. Enough for you to distinguish the shadowed shapes of furniture and decorations. Your footsteps echoed against the wood flooring, reverberating through the dark as you grabbled around for a light switch. 

“Let there be light.” You mumbled to yourself and flicked on a light switch. 

Immediately the house flooded with warm lighting. You walked further in, hit with the layered smell of dust and must. The cabin was a bit smaller than it looked from the outside. With a small yet open kitchen that led directly to a living room. A singular hall divided both, leading to the back of the cabin where a bedroom and bathroom were. You took a second to wander and take in the inside. It was what you expected a grandparents’ house to be like. Rustic and vintage. With old furnishings, knickknacks, and décor. 

Various art pieces, landscape paintings and nature photographs hung on the walls. 

A cross-stitch sampler of the wild Alaskan landscape full of grazing deer and songbirds in the treetops was next to the front door, right above a small table where a wilted plant sat. Plush couches overstuffed with not matching throw pillows huddled around a wood-stove in the living room. A large bookshelf stuffed full of old books and films lined along the wall, away from the wood-stove, and next to an antique grandfather clock. Ticking away, louder than your footsteps as you went to the window. Pulled the drapery and opened the window to air out the house and get rid of the stench. Dust motes danced in the sun streams, floating and falling slowly like fall leaves.

Everything felt lived-in and loved. How peculiar.

You made quick work in bringing in all your luggage and bags. Collapsing on one of the couches and into the pile of pillows, some tumbling onto the floor from your impact. But soon the smell of dust from the cushions invaded your nose and you quickly got up, making a mental note to deodorize the couches. You grabbed your suitcases and bags, taking them down the hall past the other bathroom and a closet to where the master bedroom was at its end.

The floor creaked as you stepped foot inside. Sunlight filtered through the drapery as you pulled it aside and right onto the handcrafted quilted duvet of a queen sized bed in the center. It was a decently sized room with a small connecting bathroom. Compared to the rest of the house, it was decorated minimally. With only a bed, an armoire, and a lamp. A small vanity desk near the window. Some novelties here and there. You lifted the window latch and opened the bedroom window to get rid of the stuffiness in the bedroom and continue to air out the house. You rummaged around the room, finding clean sheets, pillowcases and blankets in a plastic tub underneath the bedframe. 

They were still fresh and smelt of detergent, better than the duvet and pillowcases that have been sitting in a stuffy room for who knows how long. You quickly changed the bedsheets, pillowcases and duvets. Throwing the stripped contents aside on an end-of-the-bed bench to be cleaned later. You brought all your luggage inside, the entirety of it cluttered a majority of the space. Only giving you one way to get on and off the bed and a path to the bathroom. You cleaned up as much as you could, a shallow cleaning: sweeping and wiping away the gathering dust; taking up the rest of the late afternoon that turned into early evening.  

Now, the only thing left was something to eat. You walked into the kitchen, looking around. The fridge was filled with expired and molding food. And nothing appetizing. You looked into the pantry cabinet, seeing a lot of canned foods and sealed, labelled mason jars. One of the labels reading ‘chamomile’ caught your eye. You grabbed it, looking inside to see the dried flowers of chamomile. Deciding that tea and that bag of chips in your handbag from your flight to Alaska would be your dinner. You found an old kettle and searched through the kitchen cabinets stacked with mismatched dishes, old tea cups, novelty mugs, and glassware. You grabbed one of the mugs, noticing it was hand-painted with a howling wolf. After a few tries, you managed to light the propane stove, filled the kettle with water and began to boil it. You filled a tea ball you found in one of the drawers with the tea, letting it seep once the kettle whistled and you filled up your mug with boiling water. 

You enjoyed what you could of your…dinner. Deciding to peruse the bookshelf for something interesting to read as you began to settle. But soon, you felt your entire day weigh down on you; the entirety of your day filled with travel. You closed the living room window, noticing the waning gibbous moon between the sliver of clouds. You pulled the curtain closed and went to the bathroom for a much needed shower. When you finally collapsed onto the bed and sunk into the quilt, you tried to get some rest. Only to toss and turn for hours, not being able to get comfortable. Soon there came a recognizable sound. Between the doldrum came a cry, the howls of wolves in the distance. It was a night’s call, a symphony. Haunting, beautiful. You couldn’t help but tilt your head, trying to hear it better. Memorized by the harmony. 

You snuggled underneath the covers, listening to the howling until it lulled you to sleep.

﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍

🡨 [0] | [2] 🡪 ﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍﹍

[psychhound]

spiritkeep is an upcoming multiplayer campaign-length ttrpg that helps players heal from trauma through play

spiritkeep is a community restoration game where the player characters comprise a special taskforce who undertake missions such as diplomacy, intelligence gathering, rescuing potential allies, seeking boons from powerful spirits, stopping ecological damage, and more in order to heal their dying town ... whether they're trying to be helpful, running from legal consequences, seeking stability, or grasping at belonging, this group of lost souls are on this journey together. there is no giving up until this place can be a home

players collaboratively craft a region and a town together in a world full of nature, diverse peoples, and spirits. then, the game master guides them on journeys into the world designed to help players heal from complex trauma during long-term play

a sunfolk knight and naturefolk/wisp shepherd by @paladinbaby

player characters in spiritkeep are based on storybook tropes. their archetype and paragon define the role they fit into in the story. are you a knight or a shepherd? a revolutionary or a ghost? a damsel or a trickster? your choice out of 18 total options gives you abilities called keywords that shape how you interact with the mechanics and the world around you

more about playbooks

sneak peek at the lonesome and the minder

though almost everyone in spiritkeep is human, humans in this world are diverse and often magical. you probably come from one of several lineages that has been bound to the magic of the world by the many kinds of spirits that live around you. sunfolk burn bright, but have to be careful not to hurt others. animalfolk have been blessed - or cursed - with the traits of predators and prey. you may even come from a mixed lineage, meaning there are many hundreds of possible combinations to start your character with

more about lineages

sneak peek at dreamfolk, wisps, and mixed lineages

in spiritkeep, players work collaboratively to flesh out the world and its local cultures and societies as well as the town they're trying to restore. but in this game, the world is always animist, full of nature, and full of many kinds of spirits. you may seek help from the great spirit of the mountain ... or the meek house spirit who lives in your fireplace. a human-like spirit may accompany you to aid you on a journey ... or you may struggle past the nightmare of a violent spirit beyond your comprehension

through it all, you must take care of your own personal spirit, through which you can unlock memories, heal from harm, gain advancements and boons, and even change your role in the story

more about worldbuilding

a dreamfolk wayfarer by @astrophysician

players interact with the mechanics through a full set of dice, rolled in pairs. choosing which dice to roll indicates the level of effort your PC is putting into their action. larger dice are a limited resource gained through rolling the smaller ones, meaning you have to pace yourself and learn from failure in order to have a better chance to succeed later. however, consistently putting all your effort into actions can lead to burnout, which leads to conditions, which leads to breakdowns ... potentially harming yourself or the mission

your stats indicate various strategies you can take to overcome a challenge rather than concrete skills, and are also added in pairs. they represent how you think, how you embody yourself in the world, and what you value. there are no good or bad stats to have, only different strategies helpful in different contexts. will you roll Gentle + Tactful to sway the nervous princess to your side? will you need to roll Grounded + Hardy to safely weather the sudden storm?

more about mechanics

game masters are supported in spiritkeep with varying levels of NPC creation, lists of prompts, roll tables for missions and complications, and a great amount of advice. GMs will have a lot of agency over the story without pre-defining the narrative or character arcs, guided by the players' collaborative worldbuilding as well as prompts and questions built into the PC's playbooks

the game is designed based on scholarship from therapeutically applied ttrpg, trauma, play therapy, and disability experts. the creator, Luka Brave (that's me!), has a masters degree in writing studies and psychology with a focus in game studies, and a work history in neurodivergent-focused social work, disability advocacy, and community service. spiritkeep is the subject of my thesis

an animalfolk alchemist by @bbonbonss

if you want to support the project, you can help fundraise by buying my games (currently very on sale!):

fundraiser for art and promo materials

fundraiser for therapeutic gm training

and if you like my work, you can follow along with me:

here on tumblr

on my itch

on my website

on my bluesky

questions, feedback, or offers of collaboration or sponsorship can be sent to psychhoundgames (at) gmail (dot) com

[eeriepromis]

Hogwarts House Sorting: LaDs Edition (and why Caleb isn't who you think he is)

Remember: Hogwarts houses aren’t restrictive boxes. Each person, real or fictional, carries traits from all houses. What determines sorting is not only personality but core values and priorities. This analysis takes into account that nice Slytherins and gentle Gryffindors exist, breaking stereotypes to portray a nuanced, realistic perspective. Let me know your thoughts and your own house headcanons!

Xavier – Primary: Gryffindor | Secondary: Slytherin

Though Xavier outwardly appears gentle and calm, his behavior aligns with core Gryffindor traits: courage, impulsivity, and rebelliousness against injustice. He's not merely courageous out of circumstance; he actively seeks out risks. His creation of the flashy alter-ego "Lumiere" showcases his bravery - and perhaps recklessness - perfectly embodying Gryffindor's inclination toward flashy acts of heroism. His decision to rebel against his royal lineage in Philos, openly defying his father the king who sacrificed innocent lives, further emphasizes his alignment with Gryffindor values - specifically, moral courage. Xavier willingly sacrifices personal safety and stability to fight for what's right and travels back in time, reflecting true Gryffindor spirit. Reasoning for secondary Slytherin: He is sneaky and a little manipulative at times and fully knows what effect his innocent looks have - and uses that to his advantage. You notice this especially during Fluffy Trap. Somehow he is always a few steps ahead of MC and tricks her!

Positive: Courageous, protective, strong moral compass, heroic.

Negative: Reckless, impulsive, stubborn, often acts without foresight.

Zayne – Primary: Ravenclaw | Secondary: Hufflepuff

Zayne's core value truly lies in his relentless pursuit of knowledge and understanding. Importantly, intelligence alone doesn't warrant a Ravenclaw placement - it's the priority given to knowledge and wisdom that defines them. Zayne consistently demonstrates that acquiring knowledge - medical or metaphysical - isn't merely practical for him; it's essential to who he is and what he wants to accomplish (saving MC's life). As the Foreseer and Master of Fate, Zayne’s life revolves around carefully acquired knowledge to make decisions of enormous consequence. His choices are rarely guided by impulse or emotion alone, but always supported by intellectual clarity. His calm, methodical approach underscores his Ravenclaw essence. Reasoning for secondary Hufflepuff: Beneath his logical, stoic exterior, Zayne consistently demonstrates deep-rooted loyalty, compassion, and genuine care. His medical profession and the tireless effort he invests to protect and heal highlight his sincere dedication to the well-being of others. His actions are not driven by glory or recognition, but by quiet, steadfast commitment and genuine empathy.

Positive: Wise, analytical, thoughtful, innovative, responsible.

Negative: Detached emotionally, overly analytical, may appear cold or indifferent.

Rafayel – Primary: Slytherin | Secondary: Ravenclaw

Rafayel strongly aligns with the house of Slytherin through his complex motivations, secrecy, and charm. His playful exterior masks carefully concealed ambitions and plans. His network within the N109 zone and hidden dealings demonstrate his adeptness at navigating complex social dynamics - classic Slytherin traits of cunning and adaptability. His artistic temperament and charisma further illustrate how Slytherins can embody traits often associated with other houses, like creativity and charm, while still prioritizing ambition, resourcefulness, and strategy as their core values. Rafayel exemplifies that Slytherins can have good hearts but choose to show vulnerability selectively, preserving an enigmatic persona. He keeps his cards very close and even MC gets to see them very rarely. Reasoning for secondary Ravenclaw: He’s deeply artistic, driven by a curiosity for truth, meaning, and beauty. These qualities align well with Ravenclaw’s love for learning, creativity, and understanding deeper meanings. His exploration of art as a means to expose societal corruption and his intellectual depth behind each masterpiece clearly display Ravenclaw traits.

Positive: Charismatic, strategic, resourceful, artistic, adaptable.

Negative: Secretive, occasionally manipulative, holds grudges, guarded emotionally.

Sylus – Primary: Slytherin | Secondary: Hufflepuff

Sylus is the epitome of modern, multifaceted Slytherins. Ambition and cunning don’t inherently equate to villainy; Sylus demonstrates Slytherin's core traits positively and negatively. He is deeply ambitious and maintains strategic long-term thinking, always planning steps ahead. His network of connections, meticulous strategies, and hidden plans further highlight his resourcefulness and adaptability - key Slytherin virtues. Yet Sylus also showcases a softer, family-oriented side, demonstrating that Slytherins deeply value loyalty and closeness, particularly within tight-knit circles. He’s fiercely protective of those he genuinely cares for, and despite his outward harshness, this selective loyalty underscores a balanced, nuanced Slytherin personality. Reasoning for secondary Hufflepuff: I can't really tell you why - it's just a feeling. I don't have a lot of his cards, but I did watch some of them on YT. You can tell me in the comments what you think. (this applies to the other LIs too)

Positive: Ambitious, resourceful, strategic, family-oriented, selectively loyal.

Negative: Manipulative, secretive, mistrustful, sometimes morally ambiguous.

Caleb – Primary: Hufflepuff | Secondary: Ravenclaw

Caleb embodies the genuine warmth and humble spirit often overlooked when discussing Hufflepuffs. While traditionally bravery is a Gryffindor trait, Caleb’s bravery is more circumstantial than inherent; life forced him into courageous roles rather than him seeking them out. His core identity is rooted deeply in kindness, gentleness, loyalty, and humility - all quintessential Hufflepuff values. Caleb’s universal kindness, even to those he's not romantically interested in, emphasizes his innate empathy and respect for others. He's beloved by peers not because he's overtly charismatic, but because he's genuinely thoughtful and attentive. He cooks and enjoys food - not for validation or prestige - but for the simple joy of it and to see his loved ones enjoy it, deeply resonating with Hufflepuff’s comfort-oriented nature. His protective behavior towards the MC arises not from a desire to be a hero, but from trauma-induced loyalty and deep-seated love. This fierce loyalty, shaped by childhood trauma, is the hallmark of a Hufflepuff pushed beyond comfort into challenging circumstances. It’s precisely this loyalty and quiet strength that makes Caleb a true Hufflepuff, not Gryffindor. (He is basically Cedric Diggory - just more alive ... barely.) Reasoning for secondary Ravenclaw: He shows great intellectual capacity, strategic thinking, and analytical clarity. He adapts to complicated situations (this is an understatement) using intellect, precision, and careful planning. Caleb attempts to find logical ways to cope and protect even in traumatic circumstances. His genuine curiosity, analytical problem-solving, and sharp observational skills reflect Ravenclaw characteristics beneath his Hufflepuff core.

Positive: Loyal, empathetic, humble, compassionate, steadfast., kind.

Negative: Overly self-sacrificing, can be obsessive, passive-aggressive under stress.

Read about why he isn't a Slytherin further below.

MC – Primary: Gryffindor | Secondary: ???

MC’s Gryffindor traits are unmistakable. At her core, bravery, competition, and the desire for truth and justice guide her actions. She doesn't simply endure challenges; she actively seeks them out, recklessly engaging in dangerous missions and confrontations. Her grief-induced impulsivity and rebelliousness also fit Gryffindor perfectly, as she channels loss and trauma into daring missions without a thorough plan. However, this recklessness is balanced by genuine bravery and a powerful drive to protect and avenge those she loves. Her pursuit of justice - even when dangerous or irrational - is a defining characteristic, making her a Gryffindor through and through.

Positive: Courageous, determined, loyal, passionate about justice.

Negative: Impulsive, stubborn, reckless, tends to leap before looking.

But Caleb is definitely a Slytherin you say?

It makes sense why people would place Caleb into Slytherin based on his Colonel arc. But personally, I see Caleb's "cunning" and manipulation not as inherent character values, but as coping mechanisms shaped by trauma and survival instinct. It's important to distinguish between a person's true core values and the traits they've been forced to develop under extreme circumstances. Caleb’s story is one of deep emotional trauma - losing loved ones, being subjected to invasive experiments, and being manipulated into a position he never truly wanted. He didn’t choose cunning or ambition willingly; rather, those became survival tools in response to severe situations he faced. (it's more like his Ravenclaw side coming to the forefront to help him survive) In his youth, Caleb was naturally kind, humble, and nurturing - classic Hufflepuff traits. He didn't seek power, nor did he find joy in manipulation or secrecy. The Colonel storyline showcases a deeply hurt and scarred person fighting for the little control left in his life, driven primarily by loyalty and protectiveness toward MC. His methods might resemble those traditionally associated with Slytherin, but his motivations remain firmly rooted in loyalty, compassion, and the desire for a peaceful, simple life. Additionally, Hufflepuffs aren't devoid of complexity - they can exhibit cunning, resourcefulness, and determination when their loved ones are threatened. These traits aren't exclusive to Slytherins; what differentiates the houses is the underlying core value. For Caleb, cunning isn't an inherent value; it's a tragic necessity. At his core, he's guided by warmth, empathy, and loyalty - the values of a true Hufflepuff pushed into a darker, harsher reality. So, while Caleb absolutely shows "cunning" and resourcefulness, these traits alone don't define him. They're reactions, not values. At heart, Caleb is still that caring, emotionally intelligent Hufflepuff trying desperately to protect the person he loves most, even if he must walk a morally gray path to do so. Caleb is such a deeply nuanced character. He isn’t embracing cunning because it aligns with his heart - he’s forced into it by circumstances beyond his control. Caleb is essentially walking a tightrope, pretending to be the cold, calculating Colonel that EVER expects him to be (the perfect weapon), precisely because that's the only way he can maintain some small degree of freedom and protect himself (and MC) from their control. The Toring Chip isn't just a physical implant - it's symbolic of the trauma and manipulation he's endured (and is still enduring). Caleb's actions and outward persona reflect not his true nature, but his desperate fight to keep that nature intact beneath the surface. His core Hufflepuff kindness and empathy never disappear; they're hidden behind the mask he must wear to survive. It's a heartbreaking struggle between his authentic self and the identity EVER wants to impose upon him. That’s precisely why calling Caleb a cunning Slytherin overlooks the heart of his character - he isn't ambitious or manipulative by choice, nor does he derive satisfaction or pride from it. He's a victim of cunning, not its master.

[keferon]

This is such a complex and nuanced topic that I can’t stop thinking now about artificial intelligence, personhood, and what it means to be alive. Because golem!Prowl actually seems to exist somewhere in the intersection of those ideas.

Certainly Prowl does not have a soul. And yet, where other golems depicted in mimic au seem to operate primarily as rule-based entities given a set of predefined orders that define their function, Prowl is able to go a step further — learning and defining his own rules based on observation and experience. Arguably, Prowl is even more advanced in this regard than real-world AI agents we might interact with such as ChatGPT (which still requires humans to tell it: when to update it’s knowledge, what data to use, and what that data means) currently are. Because Prowl formulates knowledge not just from a distillation and concentration of the most prominent and commonly accepted ideas that have come before.

He shows this when he rejects all the views that society accepts — resulting in the formulation of the idea that Primus must be wrong. And in a lot of ways, Prowl’s learning that gets him to ultimately reach that conclusion seems a lot more closely related to how we learn. He learns from observing the actions of those around him, from listening to what the people closest to him say and from experiencing things for himself. And this also shows in the beginnings of his interaction with Jazz. Prowl may know things like friendship as abstract concepts, but he only can truly come to define what they mean because he is experiencing them.

In some ways then, what seems to make Prowl much more advanced in his intelligence is that the conclusions he ultimately draws — the way he updates his understanding of the world to fit the framework he’s been given — is something he does independently. And this is what sets him apart.

So is he a person? Given his lack of soul or spark perhaps not. But then again, what truly defines humanity, for lack of a better word? Because perhaps there is not a clear and distinct line to tell when mimicry and close approximation crosses over to become the real thing.

But given the way that Prowl learns and interacts with the world around him, it does not seem too far-fetched to say that he is alive. And further, that he seems a fairly unique form of life within this continuity. Therefore, is he not his own individual? In much the same way that the others this society deems beasts and monsters because of their unique abilities are also individuals.

It’s just really interesting to think about.

(But I will stop myself there, because I did not initially think this would get as long as it did and I feel like I’ve already written an entire thesis in an ask at this point!)

DAMN That’s a really really interesting essay you got here👁

If we take an artificially created algorithm based on seek a goal -> complete the goal but then give it learning capability of a real person. At what point it’s gonna just become one? And if it gains the ability to have emotions. Could they be considered “real” if it’s processing them in it’s own way completely unknown to us?

I love making stories that force me to question the entire life hahdkj

[sk-touchthesun]

A few days late, but Dead Boy Detectives character appreciation week, day 3: Crystal Palace Surname-Von Hoverkraft

🔮Everyone's favorite psychic! From the very beginning of the show Crystal stands out with her determination, moral compass, and her will to help those in need. Therefore, it comes as a surprise to the viewer when we learn about Crystal's past and the things she did before losing her memories.

To me, it seems that the most important theme with Crystal is that your past doesn't need to define you. Whatever happened to you, whatever you did, you can always strive to take matters into your own hands and choose better in future. She also possesses a great deal of emotional intelligence and, unlike the boys, knows how to discuss feelings. It's largely thanks to her that Charles and Edwin start to be more open with each other.

Crystal's complexities are perfectly portrayed by the talented Kassius Nelson who brilliantly captures the nuances of her character. From exceptionally kind to strong-willed, from scared to bold, Kassius makes Crystal just as complex as any real person with her outstanding performance.

–

🎨I'm not hundred percent satisfied with this, but oh well. And it's still character appreciation week, so I'm not that late... Right? Right? I was originally planning to draw at least the core four, but I doubt I'll manage Niko by tomorrow. I will draw her at some point, but will most likely post very very late. Apologies for that, real life's been a lot lately.